KingBathmat

KINGBATHMAT (aka John Bassett) was born in Walthamstow, London. He was raised by an ex convent nun and a meter reader, who fed him and looked after him until the age of 16, where he left school with very little else except a degree in truancy. At an early age, KINGBATHMAT’s heart was broken and crushed by a german girl which led him to embark on a mission to throw himself into music. Now some time later… over 100 songs written… many broken up rock bands and relationships left in his wake… he decided to become a solo artist.

2003 saw the release of debut cd «Son of a Nun» which was given rave reviews from all over for its songwriting and production and its own unique style. 2004 see’s the release of the new CD «Crowning Glory», 10 songs that show stunning songwriting coupled with a breathtakingly original, psychedelic style of production that shows the King has reached a higher plateau than ever before.

KINGBATHMAT’s music manages to invoke musical influences from every decade since the Sixties, One minute clutching hands round the table and summoning the spirit of Syd Barrett, the next possessed by Edwyn Collins, KINGBATHMAT is a one man army of musical inspiration whose creativity crosses all genres making him equal parts Badly Drawn Boy and Lemmy, sometimes in the same song.

Source: KingBathmat’s biography

-2012 update from the band website:

KingBathmat are a powered up independent/psychedelic/progressive/alternative rock band, hailing from Hastings in England. Initially started by singer/songwriter John Bassett, the band have now independently released five albums to date Son of a Nun(2003), Crowning Glory (2004), Fantastic Freak Show Carnival(2005), Blue Sea, Black Heart (2008), Gravity Field (2009), and Truth Button (2012). The 3 piece band comprises of John Bassett (bass,vocals), Lee Sulsh (guitar) and Bernie Smirnoff (drums).

The musical style of KingBathmat is difficult to ascertain, pin down or pigeon hole and does not sit comfortably in any particular category of music. Often described in reviews as an amalgamation of numerous bands e.g. «the sound of Pink Floyd wrestling with Kasabian», «Black Sabbath cuddled by extravagant ELO harmonies». It is clear that a bewildering array of influences produce a sound on record that circumnavigates the gamut of genres that reside upon this musical sphere.

http://www.kingbathmat.com/