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Like a clown at a funeral...

Imperial Leisure are a phenomenon: a ten-piece band playing their own particular blend of hip-hop, ska and punk music, complete with drums, bass, guitar live brass section, keyboards, DJ, two MCs and a singer, who have been mates since North London secondary school. Their music is a killer combination of great beats, great tunes and irresistibly memorable lyrics. Influences come from all over the place: as well as a group admiration of great British bands such as The Specials, Madness and The Prodigy, there is a Motown-inspired soulfulness to singer Jels vocals, and a rock sensibility to MC Denis's delivery. The sense of unity and familiarity that comes from 15 years of friendship and hanging out together is very much evident both in the bands sound and in the relationships between members. Based in their own rehearsal/recording studio in Tottenham, they work together and party together, and put equal energy into both things. This energy is what sets the band apart...

1. lozbraz

   Maybe with another 5 members they might be ok, but to me they sound like an ordinary boys tribute band with a name like cheap soap

2. Dj Ashtres

   Imperial leisure know how to throw a partay! They have emerged with an incredibly catchy sound and they always get the crowd involved in the act, whooping it up until you could quite easily believe the crowd ARE part of the band! There's about 60 of 'em as it is (hehe - slight exaggeration) They're quite possibly "the best live band in the northern hemisphere" - and that's not me saying that, although being from north london i've seen em a fair few times over the years - them's the word's of a bunch of gig loving Aussie folk, I also know a 50 year old man who was raving about them after seeing them at the secret garden party and you would have to be a total loser not to have a good time and i'll bet you know all the tunes and can't stop singing them on yer way home. The perfect opening act for V. Jx good luck bwoyees

3. MarkArd

   they are amazingly good, saw them at maker festival and they really got the crowd going, reall electric on stage =] should deffo go to the v festival!

4. hillichamp

   Imperial Leisure are the grass roots genuine article ska groovers! Let's see 'em at V!

5. Cereal

   These guys have to play at V. I saw them at Secret Garden Party last year and they were in a class of their own. I've said it before and I'll say it again, perfect festival music.

6. lowest

   Catchy yes but boring, someone wake me up. How many times have we heard this before? same old same old.

7. jimbobfredjack

   seen these guys live and never felt so much energy from any band let alone an unsigned band. the crowd went wild and they will if they get to V

8. Eggface

   good, but gets a bit boring as the song goes on

9. kimmeh

   i cannot get in a letter out of my head,catchy stuff boys!xxx

10. TheBaker

    They really have to be seen to be truly appreciated, absolutely amazing live! The perfect festival band. Certainly the most high enery and exciting band around at the moment.

11. djstranger

    These guy's got more beans than heinz! Been on a slow burner for a while and they're on fire! Is the V audience ready for 'em?! 10/10

12. claireelaine

    I saw them when they supported Ugly Duckling on tour and they were just so much fun to watch and hear! Never seen anything quite like it, I love it. Other hits like Great British Summer Time and Beast would go down a storm at V!

13. Oki Dog

    Yeeeha! Come on. Hi-energy band is the best bet to open a festival. If judges are sexist and don't pick crazy sexy Mama Shamone...this band has to win! The two will go well together and cause a riot. Best thing that could happen at V I think!

14. Everysecondcounts

    I dont know if i like this.....its weird....

15. steveladder

    Amazing show last night! I'll be back for more very soon.

16. charlieeeev

    Amazing band live!

17. davetv

    Don't like the singer!!!!!

18. jen123

    Havent you guys got a record deal? thought this was for unsigned bands?

19. Garlic Dalek

    The most amazing band live, lots of energy, charisma and a fresh ska-hiphop sound. Imperial Leisure will defineately get the V crowd off to an incredible start and leave the crowds begging for more with their trumpet,trombone and catchy tunes!!! 2008 is the year for Imperial Leisure!!!

20. Garlic Dalek

    The most amazing band live, lots of energy, charisma and a fresh ska-hiphop sound. Imperial Leisure will defineately get the V crowd off to an incredible start and leave the crowds begging for more with their trumpet,trombone and catchy tunes!!! 2008 is the year for Imperial Leisure!!!

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