“I saw the Monsters playing a Shooglenifty/Peatbog Fearies style late night show (at Towersey festival) and loved it, about 8 hours later I'm calling for them at a ceilidh and they play beautiful, traditional yet funky Borders dance music to a delighted crowd. They're … monsterous!”
Gordon Potts, (UK ceilidh caller)

The Monster Ceilidh Band are on a crusade to bring a powerfully modern and non-patronising approach to ceilidh music, dance music, which has its feet in the heritage and tradition of the British Isles.

2011 saw the release of their second album ‘Mechanical Monster’ it featured two CDs; one acoustic, the other incorporates electronic beats programming and percussion.

The band’s credentials are excellent. Amy Thatcher is considered to be one of the most talented folk accordionists of recent times. She has many outstanding collaborations to her credit, including those with Sting and Kathryn Tickell. Her powerful delivery is complimented by the fiery and passionate fiddle of Carly Blain from the Borders region of Scotland. The two of them contribute their own very distinctive compositions to the Monsters repertoire.

The unique rhythm style of Kieran Szifris on mandocello blends with the fluid bass guitar of David de la Haye (Jez Lowe’s Bad Pennies). Both share an experimental approach to chord progressions, counter rhythms and harmony.

Joining the foursome on drums, is percussionist and Drum and Bass producer Joseph Truswell (aka the Touch). Joe deftly mixes programming with live drumming, providing the beating heart of the live electronic sound.

The band will be playing shows at festivals across the UK and Europe during 2012.

:monster ceilidh band press page:

:listen to a monster ceilidh band track:

~monster ceilidh band links~