Syd.31 was formed by Dr Magic from an urge to create an exciting band, something he would love to go watch himself. Bored of paying big bucks to watch formulaic bands, he decided to craft angry anthems, by merging a love of hard-core punk, metal and sickly-sweet Vengboys pop. He blended it all together to put on a hell of a show, giving people something worth seeing, and give a place for the freaks to be united. Recruiting Liam C on drums and Dani Graves running samples and vox, he hit the road and vowed never to look back.
Within a few gigs and due to word of mouth Syd.31 started playing headlining underground gigs, in London and Manchester, all due to the strength of their performances. They were signed with AnalogueTrash, after negotiating with four record labels at the same time, all keen to pick them up. It is worth noting at this point, Syd.31 had not even released a demo or any tracks at all.
The very first words on their debut EP (‘Start a War EP) barked instructions at you to “Dance! Dance! Dance!” designed to inflict maximum impact when playing live. And people did dance – Syd.31 still has a 100% record of people dancing at their gigs. Making strangers move wherever they play is one of their proudest achievements. The EP was recorded mostly in one take, with Dr Magic screaming improvised lyrics, raging at the current political landscape.
Their second EP ‘Drowning In Air’ was released in November 2015 to amazing reviews and excellent critical acclaim. Peek-a-boo Magazine declaring that ‘more punk than this is impossible’ while Louder Than Air magazine declared that ‘This is the real punk of the present’ confirming that Syd.31 were already reaching the peak of punk inheritance.
The EP saw the band working with alternative electronic gods such as JD Tucker (Grendel), Jan L (NOISUF-X) and many other others too. Dr Magic flew to the highlands of Tenerife to record it, where the air was just thin enough to cause him to start blacking out. With no-one else around and armed with just a portable studio, he felt like he was dying alone in an oxygen deprived environment. No other band has recorded music this way and the rawness shows in the final recordings. Dr Magic challenges ANY other band to try and attempt this.
Following support slots with bands like XP8 and Combichrist, God Module, Faderhead, Syd.31 have shown how to deliver and have expanded to a live four piece - consisting of Dr Magic (Vox), Dani Graves (live synths/vox), Charlotte Evil (guitar) and Kara Wolfe (drums). They are now keen to ramp it up and go for broke.
Syd.31 describe themselves as leather clad, pro-Queer, industrial punks, who like to dress up and get messy. They share make-up, argue over camera angles and get cross over game endings. They buy fake blood in bulk and grew up watching far too much Mad Max to be considered healthy. They are also fiercely political.
Currently busy recording their first album (“Last Punks On Earth”) Syd.31 have scheduled a release for late 2016. Before that, they embarked on a headlining UK mini tour to test out their new material with support from some of their favourite bands. A Headlining UK tour before an album is out? Yup – you know it was a sweaty and very exciting hell of a ride.
Dr Magic believes that “if each gig doesn’t feel like an atom-bomb that makes you dance, then I’ve failed you”.
Syd.31 are probably playing a gig near you very soon.