Nottingham
"ROOM 1985 know exactly how to craft a phenomenal listening experience from
beginning to end." Bandcampdaries (USA)
What happens when the psychedelic experimentation of Pink Floyd meets eighties nostalgia
and then mixes with modern electronic sounds and techniques? Add in a whisper of post-rock
and metal and ROOM 1985 is the result. This band of three is ready to take your hand, your
soul, your brain and your heart on a journey for all the senses.
Their influences (such as Depeche Mode, Mike Oldfield, The Mars Volta) are evident when
you listen to ROOM 1985 originals and they were born to play the music that inspires them
and ignites inspiration in others.
Formed in 2016, the band was formed by Chris Crysand (guitar/synths) who has toured all
over Europe with a previous electronic project and also with his Italian prog-metal band The
Fifth Season. The bands boast collaborations with prestigious artists ranging from Van der
Graaf Generator, Brandi Winny of Ozric Tentacles and Rofoldo Maltese through to DJ
Antoine Becks, Lel Brothas and Nero.
Chris Said: “I moved to Cheshire to try and form a band with no particular intentions or
sound in mind, although I have always been a fan of synth-wave. I had previously advertised
for a drummer and that’s when I met John (drummer) in a bar in Manchester’s Northern
Quarter and soon the synth-wave idea turned in a “real” rock’n’ roll band with a strong
electronic root. Now, we also incorporate a psychedelic / prog-rock feel.
In April 2018, during the recording sessions of our second album, we met Sam (lead
vocals/bass), who was planned to be a guest vocalist on one of the new songs. Then, for both
sides, it seemed meant to be and so…. then there were three.
Sam Stone, a singer and bass player with several years of experience (formerly of Wet
Desert) was pursuing a career in both performing and music production. His passion for
music spans many genres, including Deep House, Indie Rock, Jazz, Hip/Hop and Soul.
John Hulse (drums/programming) is a versatile drummer, inspired by John Bonham, Nick
Mason and Phil Collins and all the iconic drummers of the 1970's. Having recently
graduating at the BIMM Manchester Music College, John brings his experimental style using
drum machines and electronic pads to create an original and unique sound.
From April 2019 the new singer and multi-instrumentalist of the band is Ophir Ophir.
The band’s self-titled debut album was released in July 2017, preceding a support slot for
German icons Das Ich’s sold out show at The Ruby Lounge in Manchester.
Their second release The Bliss is due for release in August 2018, both via Analogue Trash
Records.
The debut album created a lot of great press and praise.
"THESE GUYS HAVE GOT AN ABSOLUTELY KILLER ALBUM WITH THEIR SELF-
TITLED DEBUT; it’s as inventive & exploratory as music can be, wildly complex yet
incredibly smooth" SleepingbagFactory zine (Canada)
" The self-titled, 10-track album on AnalogueTrash records takes progressive rock elements
and pulses them through expansive, soundscape-shifting electronica for an utterly immersive
journey which unlocks your mind as you listen" Louder Than War (UK)
"ROOM 1985 immersed the crowd in a creative web of psychedelic space-rock fed through
synths and unfurled with some of the most impressive, moving vocals of the evening. The
creative combination of John Hulse and Chris Crysand is one to stand strong" (Live review -
Emily Oldfield LTW)
Room 1985 ©’s tracks
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