They're an eccentric, motley bunch who have more in common with Half Man Half Biscuit and Pulp than they do with their oft-compared ‘influences' The Fall. Art Brut formed in 2003 and played its first gig in May of that year. Much like Bloc Party before them, the gig was an independently promoted show at the Kentish Town Verge, booked before the band was ever really ready to perform. After playing a number of other gigs ‘round London, the band set out to record "Brutlegs". A journalist stumbled upon the recording, sent it to Rough Trade, who, within and hour of receiving it, offered to release "Formed a Band" as a single. Suddenly the band was all over the music press, picking up fans with ease. The band toured the rest of 2004, and released "Bang Bang Rock and Roll" in May 2005 on the Fierce Panda. Now after nearly two years supporting the critically acclaimed record, the band is set to release the follow-up, "It's a Bit Complicated", available June 2007.

It's a Bit Complicated
Downtown Records
6.19.2007

Famously floopy Eddie Argos doesn't exactly fit the front man fold. But then again, if you had to pick, which would you choose? A flashy fashionista with a pension for egotism? Or Argos – a rock and roll kid who clearly couldn't be more thrilled to find himself at the helm of South London band Art Brut. Watch the band's performance at The Bowery Ballroom, and I think you'll find yourself in Argos' corner. Few singers on the rock and roll scene spill their guts quite like honest Eddie Argos…look no further than “Guns of Milan” to hear the singer get very, very personal.

It is refreshing to see a fellow so frank about some of life's little disasters. He rather be jumping into a crowd with his shoes off ("Modern Art") then let a little embarrassment lick his attitude (and, most likely, his libido). Add the rest of the band to the equation, and I think you'll find that Art Brut are “bringing the human element back to music”. -David Pitz

 We don't have photos of this event. Please share yours with us. Email them to us at: photos@baeblemusic.com

www.artbrut.org.uk/