The Official Bob Cuba Web Site

Interviews
November 2004 interview for London's Opposition T Magazine - CLICK HERE!	*Interview By Rob @ Opposition T*
Click on link to read full script:... Beatbreakers interview, The Beatscene on Beat 106 (23rd March 2003)	**Interview by Jim Gellatly**
Click on link to read full script:... Juxta online fanzine (March '03)	**Interview by Steve Rudd**
The Daily Record (August '05)
"Released on their own Fusion Records label those cheeky Ayrshire chappies are back with another four fantastic tunes from their new self-titled album. KT05 is a mish-mash of Nineties Stone Roses thythms and Eighties new wave rock. Think Charlatans and Soup Dragons with Orange Juice savvy and lyrics that are more rapped than sung. Million Eyes is up next and is perhaps their best song yet. Think Elastica guitar squalls and The Cramps rhythmic creep as singer Stuart Stevenson charts a bitter break-up. It's nice to see Arran becoming famous for more than being the home of Jacqui Brambles' parents with track Arran X. It has another rhythm from the nineties byt lyrics like X-Ray Specs. Midlife Crisis Motorbike is more Sixties than Noughties and features a trippy soundscape. Bob Cuba just get better and better and the trio are becoming masters of song writing with great harmonies and Adam Ant style yells."	*Rick Fulton*

Opposition T (August '04) Review of Upstairs at The Garage, London, 17th Aug 2004
Bright punky pop with a heavy dose of melody, a slice of irony, and an elemental trace of danger. Singer and guitarist Stuart is as chirpy as the boy next door, innocently singing too loud with the headphones on. Colin on drums effortlessly throws in 70s harmonies that reanimate memories of dozens of Chinn-Chapman songs (Sweet,Suzi Quatro and erm Smokie). The guitaring covers a hell of a lot of ground, chords that rattle, scream and surf, proclaiming and chiming solos, a massive storm in a honey pot. John is the nuttiest Cuba, he weaves his bass into a funk, then throws in a bounding and controlling Cure melody and some uncharacteristically serious groove. Colin drums on, a rolling affair, a steadying touch, the whip-hand keeping that wagon train a-circlin'. But above all, Bob Cuba have SNAP! CRACKLE! And POP! A brace of familiar love-songs from their Bounce 6-tracker. "Never let you go" (with a gorgeously silly vocal take on the syn-drum - "Boan") gives us the line "There are things that take a while to build up - things that are built to last". And "Prodigal" sweetly proclaims "You have touched me". Also from Bounce, there's light-hearted fist-waving at boy bands that reminds me of That Petrol Emotion in dance mode - "Karaoke Tribe". Then we get spacehopper-free material. "I'll be anything you want me to be" recalls the folksy joy of 80s popsters the Bluebells, whilst the deftly catchy "Remember your soap in the shower" unaccountably has me thinking of a Virgin phone advert featuring Wyclef. Perhaps the finest offering is the 60's Animals threat of "Million Eyes" with the hook "You didn't think of that". That's another fine set they've got me into. "Are we having fun?" demands one of the Cuba's rhetorical hooks; they surely are, it's infectious, and there's no vaccine. Defiantly edgy and catchy guitar pop that enjoys its heritage and looks to its future. You HAVE to feel the beat.
Is This Music (July '04)
"If Swimmer One are entrenched in the synthtastic late 1980s then Bob Cuba are at the other end of that decade, if the DJ set that precedes them is anything to go by - Elvis Costello, Ian Drury and the Skids acting as their warmup. A guitar/bass/drums 3-piece, their suits are less sharp than the Jam but the nusic has slight mid-ish Kinsy overtones. Generally, however, it's new wave - 3 chord thrash with a hook. Opener 'Million Eyes' is rougher than its rougher than its recorded version while 'Never Let You Go' is another nicely harmonised high spot."	*Stuart McHugh*
Opposition T (Feb '04) Review of Goonite Club @ Buffalo Bar, London, Wed 25 Feb 2004
"Punchy Scotpop from this trio. BC deliver an A to Z of indie guitar music from 1978 to the present day, covering ground from The Associates to The Sundays and The Undertones (probably not Vibrators or Xray Spex). Frantic drums, bouncing bass, brightly anthemic vocals with a little semi-sweet harmony, plus guitar that squalls, blisters, jangles and reverbs with the feel of the moment. Lyrically, this is endearingly singalong. "I'll never leave you alone" (so sweet), "Shine a light" (sounds like Shang-a-Lang), and "Remember your soap in the shower" (bathroom-sink drama). The best sounds of the Buzzcocks, the Damned, Josef K, Orange Juice and the Smiths. Simply guitar/ vocal, bass/ backing vocal, drums/ backing vocal. This is a wee bit off-beat, but nevertheless, perky enough melodies to get you pogoing in the shower. The time for BC is surely now. Franz Ferdinand should watch out, Bob Cuba could produce some fierce competition."	OT
The List (Oct 2nd '03) Review of Nice N'Sleazy, Sat 6th Sep
"Only miles away and hours before, Scotland beat the Faroe Islands 3-1. As our national squad excelled for once, tonight begged the question: would Scotland's musical talent match such soaring standards? Bob Cuba provided stark contrast to Moka's bombast with their geeky indie pop. Standout track 'Karaoke Tribe' was an uplifting slice of punk-pop - akin to the playful drum-machine-driven sound of early Bis, while 'Running Outside' surfed the crest of a bubblegum, indie rock wave. If they keep to the bouncy pop tactics, Bob Cuba will surely blossom into fanzine favourites. Post-gig analysis: Moka were good up-front with a lively midfield. Bob Cuba equalised and were solid without being flashy. Tonight, Alan, both music and football were the winners."	*Carolyn Rae*

Million Eyes / Shine a Light single...
Is This Music (July '04)
"Produced by Rico (the Scots solo performer, not the Specials' trombonist), 'Million Eyes' rattles with 70s-influenced giutar pop, or what older readers will know as 'New Wave'. 'Shine a Light' steps back another five years or so with a Bowie-esque swinging sing-along. Best of all this CD single is at cheaper than 1970s prices - it's FREE (see www.bobcuba.com, or pick it up at one of their gigs)"	*Stuart McHugh*

Bounce EP Reviews (for press cuttings click here)
The Metro (July 29th '03)
"'To make music to make people bounce' is how singing guitarist Stuart Stevenson describes the Bob Cuba ethos. If you dig fizzy guitar pop, bounce you will, with or without the space-hopper that adorns the cover of their recent EP, er, Bounce... Bounce has been proclaimed Album of the Week in The Sun and one of the songs was used in Canadian cartoon Girlstuff Boystuff - Bob Cuba are evidently bouncing in all the right places".	*Paul Whitelaw*
Suicidal Trash (July '03)
"Their debut release is the 'Bounce' EP. It opens with 'Never Let You Go', a classic slice of British rock n roll. The track is really catchy and I ended up signing along to it the very first time I heard it. 'Karaoke Tribe' is totally different from the first track on the EP. It opens with a drum machine and has more of a dance feel to it than anything else. The song has been used on a Canadian cartoon called 'Girlstuff Boystuff'. During 'Prodigal' Bob Cuba do acoustic. Another dramatic change in style. Also included on the ep are two live tracks, giving it a raw feel. During 'You're Not' I was reminded of Shed Seven. Maybe it was Stuarts vocals that are to blame for that. On this song they do sound a little like Rick from Shed Seven. But that certainly isn't a bad thing. I like Shed Seven and i like Bob Cuba.".	*Mr Martyn*
Manilla Magazine (June 03)
"A cracking debut EP from this 3-piece from Scotland. The opening track has a distinct British Guitar Rock sound and it's a theme that's returned to throughout. That is apart from the 2nd track Karaoke Tribe which opens with a drum machine sound that hasn't been heard since shoulder pads went out of fashion and that's just the start of the song. A heavy bass kicks in and you would be mistaken for thinking that you were listening to a different band. This song is just an audio attack on your senses, it's strange, it's unerving but it's awesome. And then just as randomly as it started it finishes and we get an acoustic number which is equally as good but totally different. If you are a music fan who appreciates good quality songwriting then Bob Cuba will not disappoint you".	*Chris Johnson*
Evening Times "Times Out"(May 03)
"Although this is their debut release, Glasgow boys Bob Cuba have been gathering a devoted live following over the past year. Lots of potential is on display here from the solid indie rock of Never Let You Go, to the frenzied attack on manufactured music in Karaoke, and the Orange Juice-esque You're Not. Flashes of Teenage Fanclub come through, notably in the vocals and the odd 1-note guitar solo, and the two live tracks suggest the band will be worth catching on the road. Available from Fopp, Missing and Avalanche records in Glasgow".	*Neil Cumming*
The Sun Newspaper "Album of the Week"(May 03)
"No one from this three piece Ayr based band is called Bob or is indeed from Cuba but don't let that get in the way of what is a fantastic debut album. This independently produced CD has a raw, earthy feel to it - from the Doors style keyboards to Oasis-style guitar rock. The album is available from Fopp record stores. A Cuban release is still to be decided"	*Matt Bendoris*
Is This Music?(May 03)
"From our demo page to an album release proper - ok, mini-album - in the space of a few months, Bob Cuba's rise is impressive. Musically, they wisely kick off with 'Never Let You Go' who's swirl of psychedelic keyboard and big choruses ensure that this collection gets off to a good start. 'Karaoke Tribe' is surprisingly a dance number of sorts, though a heavily flanged guitar dismisses any thoughts of daytime Beat 106 airplay. Versatile, they do acoustic on 'Prodigal' and showcase their rocking side with a couple of live tracks. 'You're Not' is another favourite from their demo, choppy guitar and the neat lyric "you're not selfish you're focussed / you're not moody, you're complex""	*Stuart McHugh*
Beatscene Review, Beat 106 (May 03)
"Bob Cuba's debut EP is already a firm favourite with Jim [Gellatly]"	**Review by Beatscene webmaster**

Demo Reviews
OneMusic, BBC Radio 1 website (Jan '03)
Karaoke Tribe & Never Let You Go
"Karaoke Tribe sounds like The Stone Roses playing 5-a-side footie with Primal Scream and Pop Will Eat Itself in goal. Wicked!"	*Review by Northern Kid, Radio 1*
Juxta Fanzine Online (Feb '03)
CD Demo: 1. Never Let You Go, 2. Karaoke Tribe 3. You're Not 4. Karaoke Tribe (club mix)
So what about Bob Cuba, the ambitious Scots rock trio. After receiving Radio 1 airplay on the famed Lamacq show, I got in touch and was easily converted to this band's brand of off-kilter indie-rock. While 'Never Let You Go' is an adequate enough, mid-paced anthem blessed with paranoid guitars and a nifty church organ backing melody, they shine at their brightest on the Alt-Pop genius of 'Karaoke Tribe,' the pacy beat and spiky guitar FX paying lip service to Stuart Stevenson's sarcastic vocal stabs at the pop industry. And the step they take from the previous anthem into this more experimental field is done seamlessly, and I even heard a bit of The Stone Roses in the groove and Stu's versatile voice. That's one thing that Bob Cuba have got going for them: the ability to sound like a whole host of familiar bands - and yet still they hold their own with a hugely original sound. The final track on this demo is an unnecessary remix of 'Karaoke Tribe' complete with the same scaling guitar and John Watt's rumbling bass as in the original, meaning it is a huge time-wasting anticlimax especially when the third track in 'You're Not' is absolutely, resolutely, sanctimoniously brilliant. If you want to experience the sublime magic of Bob Cuba skip straight here, as the beautiful guitar melody - courteously played by Stuart (who's brother Colin is on drums) - perfectly compliments his sympathetic vocals that remind of poetic types Morrissey, Lloyd Cole and Jarvis Cocker. 'You're not arrogant, you're misunderstood' he wistfully promises. Bob Cuba are neither. To the contrary they have the edge and potential to be hugely influential.	*Review by Steve Rudd*

Greater Glasgow Music Magazine (Jan '03)
CD Demo: 1. Never Let You Go, 2. Karaoke Tribe 3. You're Not
"Bob Cuba are not from Cuba. They are from Kilmarnock, which is less exotic. It also happens to be the home of jangly indie wags the Trash Can Sinatras. Where the Trash Cans wrote bittersweet paeans to love and literature however, Bob Cubas Youre Not, the third song on this white label, seems to be about how much hard work the singer’s girlfriend is. It’s a love song of sorts that builds up into a wall of sound, but you can’t imagine much of a future in the relationship. As for Bob Cuba? Well, the other two tracks are by far superior. The most interesting sonically, Karaoke Tribe, also happens to be the most lyrically transparent. Death metal meets New Order in a rhythmic opening, peppered with loopy space sounds. Unfortunately it lapses into circa 1993 drudgery, before caving in three minutes later. The lyrics are an outright attack on karaoke acts like Westlife, Backstreet and a legion of manufactured shite. In order to provide an antidote to bad music, it is probably better manners to make some good music. Work on it boys, eh? Which brings me to the point. This band actually knows how to craft a pop song. The chorus on Never Let You Go can be spotted a mile off. The track, with its swirly organ intro, lovely spacious verses and strong harmonies, is crying out for radio airplay. The superstar refrain is evidence enough, at least, that Bob Cuba have their sights set on the pop cosmos."	*Review by Kenny Hodgart*
Garageband.com
Prodigal
"The singer has something really touching and delicate about his voice - the lyrics really suit his style of singing, and I really enjoyed listening to this. Are you English? You sound it... something to do with that whimsical 'why does it always rain on me' vibe... If you're American, you're doing a great impression of Britpop... Great stuff. I'm crying into my cup of tea..."	*Suzie Wilkins, London*
Karaoke Tribe
"This sounds almost like ween but not as wierd. Hook is ass shakin. Arrangment makes me giggle! Good Job"	Worley, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Gig Reviews
Hope & Anchor 10th Feb 2005
"bob cuba - were a very pLeasant scottish indie 3 piece. tight and jumpy with neat songs. i drank a beer watching these and thought about my girLfriend. Lazy peopLe wouLd say "oh this is just indie", but i dont think you can say that becasue i can't think of a band who remind me of these honestLy. we swapped cd's with them, and maybe the demo i got was quite oLd - weLL whatever, they were better Live and worth seeing."	fideL viLLeneuve from "Formula Bone"
Caledonian Backpackers Sat 4th Feb 2005
"I like Bob Cuba for their cynical 'let's talk to the bank manager and make some money' energy.. but would not necessarily say they were inspired.. unless it was by potential dollar signs."	MGCK Music
Cathouse 30 May 2002
"Good live sound. I like the Blur/Ben Folds Five influence."	David Fraser, Glasgow, Scotland
"You are babe magnets"	Christine Hall, London
Strawberry Fields 17 May 2002
"The sound in the venue could have been better, but Bob Cuba played well and that opener completely caught my attention - pleasantly different to the mundane sound of most indie bands these days. The bass player did have a bit of bother with the amp, but it added to the performace I think - very good entertainment, when is the next one?!"	Mark Beattie, Glasgow, Scotland

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