Headed up by a remarkable front man, Sharp Practise mix catchy unforgettable melody with thought provoking lyrics. Since 1999 this Nigel Clothier fronted quartet has been delivering thoughtful, coasting rock with heart, sincerity and pride. Sharp Practise play classic English rock, with more than a nod towards folk and blues. The emphasis on Banging The Rocks is on songs, hook laden and heartfelt. If this is the notoriously difficult third album, the first two must have been a breeze.
Sharp Practise formed in 1999 and has released four albums, Hiya (2000), Radiocity (2005,) Banging The Rocks (2009) and Now You See Us (2010). We have won several awards, including a Kweevak Award in 2006 and a UK New Music Award in 2007.
Sharp Practise biography
Sharp Practise plays melodic rock. We use four approaches to music thatwere applied in the 1970's. Like the great classic rock groups, we want to be a credible act that is capable of having hit singles. From progressive rock we've taken the idea of trying to develop the quality of our playing to a good standard. Like punks we want to make our own opportunities when none already exist. And from the days of the great album bands, we want to use the studio as an additional instrument.
We will release our fifth album, Steal with Pride, in June 2013. We will be touring the UK to launch the new record.
One page biography
Headed up by a remarkable front man, Sharp Practise mix catchy unforgettable melody with thought provoking lyrics. Since 1999 this Nigel Clothier fronted quartet has been delivering thoughtful, coasting rock with heart, sincerity and pride. Sharp Practise play classic English rock, with more than a nod towards folk and blues. Sharp Practise formed in 1999 and has released four albums, Hiya (2000), Radiocity (2005,) Banging The Rocks (2009) and Now You See Us (2010). We have won several awards, including a Kweevak Award in 2006 and a UK New Music Award in 2007.
Now You See Us reviews
Since 1999 this Nigel Clothier fronted quartet has been delivering thoughtful, coasting rock with heart, sincerity and pride. In order to mark their longevity in the music industry they capture their friendly, searching live sound into a bounding 12 twelve track live album. And, what better way to open up proceedings than with the mild blues echo and harrowing string led, 'Bridge Across the Harbour'? It is taken from
their understated 'Radiocity' album of 2005. Clothier slides his vocals out, as he tells of spiritual redemption flitting between a gruelling edge and a sense of relief.
Dave Adair, Comfortcomes.com
Clever word play and gentle, catchy choruses that would be radio friendly also feature. Stand out tracks for me are Eve Got Adam, How Do You Take It and Sound of Rock. I enjoyed listening to this.
MC, Classic Rock Society
In 'Hammerhand' it is the turn of percussionist Michael Elwood to demonstrate some hollow jungle inspired rhythm rousing, adding a bit of spice to the live sound. Spindling acoustic ballad, 'No Thanks' speaks of the regret at the end of a relationship and Clothier, at times, does a stirring James Taylor impersonation. 'How Katie Feels' is swooning, low-key British rock that has ample heart, feeling and a compelling narrative. Sharp Practise, with this exposure of their live pull, has managed to underline their status as a versatile and genuine act.
Dave, Strummer
A fabulously eclectic album showing many aspects to their work.
John, Freeway Press
Recent number, 'I'm Gone', whilst continuing their sultry vein shows that Sharp Practise are not just flighty rockers. Here they project a buzzing, fuzzed up bass element and twining guitars rub against Clothier's lightweight and nimble vocal projection. Benchmark offering 'Eve Got Adam', is a reminder of their brooding tendencies and again allows the bass to take over. Already, these genuine musos begin to create an accessible and thoughtful atmosphere. 'Season Of The Rose', is a trickling acoustic led, gospel folk touching effort that shows up the calming touch and inner delving of this quartet.
Allgigs.co.uk
The production is exceptionally clean, and the musicianship faultless (see quirky drum solo 'Hammerhand' and Nigel Clothier's plaintive vocals). The songs roll along very naturally. "Now You See Us" is full of simple, thoughtful rock tinged faintly with folk and blues. The passion is undeniable; the music is technically clever and accomplished.
Room Thirteen
Banging The Rocks reviews
If this is the notoriously difficult third album, the first two must have been a breeze. Sharp Practise play classic English rock, with more than a nod towards folk and blues. The emphasis on Banging The Rocks is on songs, hook laden and heartfelt. One song in particular sticks out, Girls Don't Look which bemoans the way that female sexuality has started aping that of the blokes, more concerned with numbers rather
than relationship.
Neil King, Fatea Magazine
Headed up by a remarkable front man, Sharp Practise mix catchy unforgettable melody with thought provoking lyrics.
LSRfm.com
Beautifully played, sang and produced it's the ideal travelling companion.
Andy Vaughan, Vaughanmedia
Ten years and still going strong, Sharp Practise have conjured another melodic and simple album that'd easily sit alongside most MOR rock albums of the last decade. It's constantly chipper, catchy, uplifting, conscientious (songs cover the environment, growing up, and even European history) with light touches, wit and summery sounds of a tight and smiling band.
Owen Williams, redhotvelvet.co.uk
I received the Sharp Practise album and I love it.
Phil Matthews, Rhondda Radio
Sharp Practise is a band that could sparkle at the Little River Band end of the harmony led rock market. Banging The Rocks certainly has its moments with some clever word plays and gentle catchy choruses that would stand repeated scrutiny on the radio.
Pete Feenstra, Get Ready to Rock
Nigel Clothier has fronted Sharp Practise for eleven years now, and it shows. The new album is rock with a real heart to it. Sound of Rock is a low-key celebratory track with a witty lyric and some great guitar playing by Simon Foley. Screw the Earth is a bitter look at the environmental issues facing us all. The tune is upbeat and tight to boot. Monsoon Rain is an upbeat, happy tune with some great guitar lines. Clothier's vocal is energized also. It's a terrific album all told.
Anna Maria Stjärnell, Collected Sounds
Overall this is a great album of mixed country and lo-fi rock styles that Sharp Practise excel at. They're not going to blow you away with a wall of guitars and screaming vocals, rather they'll lull you into a sense of pleasure and get your toe tapping along with Nigel Clothier's gentle soothing voice.
Justin, Entertainment Focus
The lyrics are honest and straight and the instruments are beautifully played to create a sound that is distinguished and relaxing.
Amy Lynch, New Reviews
Radiocity reviews
Sharp Practise are a classic rock band but not an over the top screaming yelling rock n' roll monster, this is the sound of a band who like to keep things quiet and wouldn't say no to an acoustic set, but not tonight: tonight they wanna rock. And rock they do. Songs such as "Morgan's Creek" or "Family Of Nations" are actually typical radio material and better than 99% of what the major stations offer...it should not surprise me if the Englishmen are recognised at the "Rock Of Ages" festival.
The songs are very melodic, with strong catchy choruses and impressive vocal work as well as some high quality guitar work, so all together this is a highly recommended. One of the best songs is definitely the catchy uptempo melodic rocker "Choice Not Freedom" which should be an instant hit here in Europe! No fillers included - a great original classic rock record.
Sharp Practise bring ten songs that are both catchy, but also have depth...somewhat of a rarity in today's world. Therefore, 7.5 of 10 Rock Times watches honestly earned.
I very much enjoyed the album - fantastic music indeed! Without cdbaby people like me could hardly discover great bands like yours! Sharp Practise prove themselves to be adept at loud'n'hooky rockers, brash and moving anthems and plaintive guitar pop, like on "No Thanks" - which with its acerbic lyrical stabs (e.g. "I've been in tighter spots than this/ falling out with you is a lifetime study") - is the kind of thing Neil Finn has made his trademark over the years.
Radiocity is a kind of hit collection, all tracks could be singles, and they could be radio and TV hits as well.
"No Thanks" and "How Katie Feels" are the most obvious hits from the record, as both carry catchy enough choruses to grab a spot at the radio airwaves especially here in Denmark - this is exactly the type of music P3 plays all the time.
'No Thanks' and 'Bed Of Rhythm' are two rock gems in which the addition of female backing vocals elevate the choruses to epic proportions... Where this album undeniably does well is serving up big poppy choruses that have already invaded radio playlists the world over.
This kind of music will go far on the radio/charts, no doubt... clean hooks, well-played & full of great energy... This one gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Radiocity is their ten-track epic of travel on various levels. Sharp Practise's lyrics are filled with imagery and their production is crisp and clean. Sharp Practise's music is focused and the band is well rehearsed to take the UK and the world by storm!
Special mention must go to album closer "How Do You Take It" which manages to successfully marry both styles and end the album on a beautiful note. If you like melodic soft rock then this will be an album you shouldn't ignore.
Sharp Practise stand for an interesting mixture of all rock styles, no matter if classic rock, blues or folk. And they stand especially for one thing: insanely catchy melodies! Radiocity is an album with soul and feelings. From the first time onwards, you can sing along to tracks like Morgan`s Creek, Bridge across the Harbour or No Thanks. This is actually a perfect album for dreaming!
There are also a number of qualities in this group, foremost of which is a certain personality and a sense of responsibility. It leads its career with flair and good sense... we have a genuine global group.
One three-quarter hour of good, solid and affecting rock music. Recommendable!
Saw Sharp Practise on their recent tour and was very impressed. Great album that doesn't let you stand still.
Sharp Practise are a cool and inspiring outfit. They are doing the whole rock thing just as they see and feel it. These guys aren't just following trends, they're setting their varied stall out and saying 'hey, we're Sharp Practise, come inside, sit down, relax and enjoy what we do'. Well, I'm really enjoying 'Radiocity'.