Wicked-Messengers

Wicked-Messengers are a blues/rock band based in Leicester, UK. Starting in late 2008, the band's original lineup featured Nik R in the position of guitarist, but after the drummer failed to show enough commitment to the band, a reshuffle was in order which left Nik R on the drums and the addition of friend of the band Nick P into the guitarist slot. Starting off with a couple of cover songs, the band quickly developed a strong rapport with each other, both musically and socially, and began to discover their own unique style.

The band then moved on to writing their own material, starting often with guitar riffs and chord structures by Nick P, then working the rest of the song around them. And so the first full song was unleashed, and still features in their sets today, 'No God Has a Rifle.' The song outlines the horrific events that have been and still are to some extent happening in Ireland. Not long after this first track was completed, the band steamed forward to write a multitude of songs, with varying styles and lyrical content, from the funk-reggae stylings of 'Won't Stay Down' to the blues driven 'Ballad of Ted Whiskey Pt. 1.'

And the band didn't stop there, their repetoire continues to grow by the weeks, with a constantly evolving style that cannot simply be grouped under one overall genre. With two live dvd's in the making, an EP set for release by early next year and an album by the 3rd quarter, the Messengers are certainly ones to keep your eye on.

"The band played a strong set of pleasing and engaging songs, ably led by Joe's full and characteristic voice and delivered with passion and commitment from the whole band. Attractive vocal lines, stunning stuff from Nick's strings and held up by rich, rolling riffs...creative and progressive, with a blues edge...First Class!"
Review by Trevor Locke, Arts in Leicestershire