I Am Kloot are a band formed in Manchester, England in 1999 by John Bramwell (guitar/vocals), Peter Jobson (bass) and Andy Hargreaves (drums), notable for their twisted, witty lyrics. Debut album ''Natural History'' was released in the UK in March 2001 on Wall of Sound offshoot We Love You, followed by ''I Am Kloot'' in September 2003 on the Echo label, disputes and issues with the label began to arise towards this albums campaign when Echo said that ''Proof'' would be a single. Artwork had been agreed and a tracklist too, they had even gone so far to produce a video with Christopher Eccleston (who would later star in the new ''Doctor Who'' television series) contributing a powerful scene. But Echo shelved these ideas and ended up issuing the single only as a download to fans annoyance, considering the song was a strong radio friendly tune. Their third LP ''Gods And Monsters'' was released in April 2005, again on the Echo label but issues with the label led to the band parting company and issuing a limited edition single titled ''Maybe I Should'' set for release November 21st '05, following their biggest ever headlining gis in the UK, culminating in a show at the famous London Astoria venue.
Musicians
Band Members
- John Harold Arnold Bramwell: Songwriter, Vocals, Guitars.
- Peter Jobson: Bass, Slide Guitar, Backing vocals, Piano, Organ.
- Andy Hargreaves: Drums, Percussion, Glockenspiel.
Contributing Musicians
- Guy Garvey: Producer, Engineer, Backing vocals, Percussion, Sound effects, Harmonica, Guacamole, Wine glasses.
- Mel Wesson: Programming.
- Tony Gilfellon: Additional guitar.
- Bob Sastry: French Horn.
- Isabelle Dunn: Cello.
- Amanda Drummond: Viola.
- Stella Page, Prabjote Osahn: Violin.
- Robert Marsh: Trumpet.
- "Of the bands Manchester has spawned recently (Doves, Elbow), the warm and spiky Kloot pack the most clout, despite being the smallest. The big-sounding little trio make the everyday epic and the epic human, smuggling chip-shop cheek into songs of dark wit, grainy texture and often startling emotional power. As dark as they can get, too, their live shows are often joyous, communal affairs, goaded on by the dry wit of frontman Johnny Bramwell." Taken from The Independent newspaper in Britain as one of the 50 best arts events of the autumn 2005.
- "Lyrically, the record's great. Explicit and honest and a master of metaphor, Bramwell is, in his own way, as fine a wordsmith as Morrissey or Stuart Murdoch. There are oddly poetic phrases here, shrouded in a multiplicity of possible meanings, that will nag at you forever. "There's blood on your legs", presses Bramwell in 'Twist'. "I love you". The album's pinnacle, 'Because', suggests this lyrical obscurity is essential. Strip the obscure, imagistic couplets from this meditative, rolling-ocean ballad and it'd be nothing. They help form a mystical, rapturous, staggering declaration of love. And a fitting end to an album that, while not flawless, will stir you into a rare, joyous fervour." An extract of a review in the NME for the debut album Natural History. NME went on to rate the album 8/10.
- "The band's move away from their acoustic sound has given extra depth to their songs and an added dimension to their live performance. Live, they've always been about Bramwell's charisma but the new direction now highlights Peter Jobson and Andy Hargreaves' essential contributions. The new album had only been out for three weeks prior to this gig, but such is Bramwell's ability with a tune that they all sounded like old favourites - 3 Feet Tall and Not A Reasonable Man sitting perfectly well alongside 86 TV's and Because. But it wasn't until the second half that the band let rip, belting out an aptly brooding version of Storm Warning, a lovelorn To You, and a heart-stirringly beautiful Proof. I Am Kloot have been on the brink of greatness for a good while now - if they carry on like this it should be assured." Taken from a BBC review of I Am Kloot playing at The Shepherd's Bush Empire, London 2003.
Quote
- ''"It's only in the context of the bleakness and the quite filthy passion at the core of us, that when we present something that naAve and that simple that it really gets its charm and finds its beauty."'' - John Bramwell
