Rock Regeneration

One of Hampshire’s finest live bands out there today is Mod/Ska/Revivalists The Butterfly Collective. Since forming back in 2011 the five-piece have been entertaining a host of audiences in venues all over the region, as well as appearances at festivals and Scooter rallies. The band started out mostly playing covers by their heroes The Who, The Jam, The Specials and Madness. It was inevitable with such creative talent within the band that their own original songs would follow.

The band have just released a 5 track EP showcasing some of the best tracks that can be found in their live show. It features 3 original tunes written by guitarist Keith Western, as well as a couple of well-chosen covers. The first track “Bitter End” finds the band on fine form with some spot-on vocal delivery from Guy Udders, coupled with some perfectly executed Hammond-style keys with some tight guitars. “Desert Sun” is a great Ska based tune that has been given a makeover. The tune originally appeared on 2Tonic’s “Beneath the Desert Sun” album in 2006. The tune still sounds as fresh and relevant now as it did back then.

“Breakdown” is for me the pick of the bunch, a really well-crafted song where the band show the slightly more soulful side. The five musicians here really all play their parts and bring something quite special to this recording. Next up the fun starts with some well executed Ska with a track written by Rancid’s Tim Armstrong. The band here nail the rhythm and keys with an infectious danceable beat and towards the end throw in some “Wolly Bully” for good measure.

For the last track, the band leave us with the unmistakable “5:15” by The Who. If you have seen these guys live you will already know that they can play virtually any tune by The Who in their sleep. Thankfully they don’t just copy the classic; they put their own stamp on it with Guy nailing the vocals, Damian showing some skilful work on the keys and Keith impressing with his “Townsend” guitar reworking. This EP really is only a sample of what these guys are capable of. If what you read floats your boat then get out of your living room and into a music venue to see The Butterfly Collective, I promise they will give you an unforgettable night of live music.

Line Up
Guy Udders (Lead Vocals & Percussion)
Keith Weston (Guitar & Backing Vocals)
Lee Stapleton, (Bass & Backing Vocals)
Jimi Allen (Drums & Backing Vocals)
Damian Collins (Keys, Guitar & Backing Vocals)

Track Listing
Bitter End
Desert Sun
Breakdown
Into Action/Woolly Bully (Tim Armstrong)
5:15 (The Who)

Link
https://www.facebook.com/thebutterflycollective

Contact
butterflycollectiveband@gmail.com

Words by David Chinery (Chinners)