Since playing to over 800 people at only their second gig and headlining an Oasis aftershow party at The Roundhouse Camden,The Cartels have gone from strength to strength developing and finely honing their own highly charged brand of heartfelt Rock'n'Soul.
The first half of 2010 saw the band heavily ensconsed in a grinding assault on all they had done before,dispensing with and stripping songs right down to their barest rawest elements. Ol produces tasty bouncy beats,solid fills that propel the band to beat changes in a rich flavoursome manner, encouraging Darren to drop anchor with his own earthy soulful basslines This distinctive groove based drums and bass driven sound affords greater freedom for DT,allowing him more creativity to deliver his haunting melodies and searing riffs as well as his soft vocal harmonies. Scoff is thus equipped with the strongest possible mandate to grace and exude great presence on stage with his own venerable take of northern swagger,subconsciously allowing him to pummel his deepest depths and deliver a shudderingly emotive gritty lead vocal that leaves your stomach churning and aching for more.
By summer 2010 The Cartels were ready to divulge their new barrage of soulful rhythmic outpourings. An on air interview and acoustic set for Raw Talent (BBC Radio Sheffield) was quickly followed up with a triumphant headlining relaunch gig at the Sheffield Boardwalk. With the veritable fanfare of audience approval still ringing in their ears they played several blistering gigs in the lead up to Sheffield's famous and prestigious 3 day Tramlines Festival. They were rewarded with two prime slots,opening the Forum on the Friday Night and playing Soyo second to last on the Sunday night. Both sets were rapturously received,one song from the Soyo gig got played on a BBC Radio Sheffield programme showcasing highlights from the festival. This led to a coveted slot at Weston Party,playing outdoors in a bandstand,a venue which really suited the bands epic sound. On the back of another rousing ovation,The Cartels were chosen to support Detroit Social Club and Sound of Guns at The Plug Sheffield. In coalition with legendary local soundman Alex Warhurst they delivered another piledriver of a set,again to the unanimous approval of all present.
Since then,galvanised by their ever increasing popularity,The Cartels have been busy songwriting again,consumed in a crusade to weave an ever richer tapestry of soulful new material. Having recently completed recording at the prestigious Club 60 studio's in Sheffield,it's anticipated news of a release and live dates will follow early in 2011.
