The Cubans - Reviews and Press

 "THE CUBANS" latest Live 4 track EP Release Sat Around, Scatter, Always Torn and Never Made A Sound, are all great tracks from the band.

BBC WM INTRODUCING - FEB 2010


 Review THECUBANS supporting THE BLUETONES @ The Wulfrun Wolvo

"There was a mixed bag of an audience on the table next to me were two couples, the female partners of which didn't stop talking, except to shake their hair impromptu for sure they were more used to Take That than the acts tonight, Paradoxic, Walk Dont Walk and The Bluetones all played excellent sets, worth following up an other time, but the main focus of the evening was THE CUBANS and they were worth the attention.
 
By the time the dimmed lights rose up signaling the start of their set the density of the room had doubled and the cheers were almost deafening, I could only imagine how intense that must have felt as the boys took their places and started their opener on the stage so coveted to them for so long.
 
There are no bands on the local circuit right now that can match the style of THE CUBANS and their range is purely extensive, "Womens Tennis" goes a long way to describing their style variety take a handful of Ska throw in a traditional rock mix, a pinch of Latino and inject a hint of Indie and you just about have it, new tracks "Always Torn" suggested shades of Floyd and other earlier influences "Wrong Side of Town" is slower paced and looked ace with the blue lighting "All or Nothing" ends with a breath taking crescendo of all four musicians performing at optimum level and raising the audience out of their boots, by now even the sound engineer who had done a stunning job all night and the Take That fan next to me were bopping about more than a little.
"Lost in You" was dedicated to the fans who had stuck by them for the past few years and had audience and band dipping to the Ska influenced beat in all the appropriate places. The Cubans played an outstanding set reminding their home town crowd why people that have seen them once will keep coming back for more, I was amazed how well they filled the stage with no need for gimmicks, comedian style links or anything more than their talents, exceptional music and professional disposition, just as you think you have grasped the feel and tempo of a song they turn it upside down with further displays of their unique and eclectic range such is their talent.
 
Reviewer - Mel Flavell - Ryans Gig Guide
 

RYANS GIG GUIDE - REVIEW "LITTLE CIVIC GIG" 

"Early on it was clear to see why they are called The Cubans. The Latin feel to the music, combined with some harder guitar riffs was a unique sound base which instantly draws you to them. Song titles, such as 'Ron's last Act' and 'Women Tennis' are especially quirky, and apparently the latter is best not questioned! During the 45 minute set, the band treated us to a first live hearing of new track 'Flow' with quick fire vocals and an addictive bass line. Most enjoyable and reflective of range was 'I Don't Want To Know' which had the big boned man in front of me waggling stuff I didn't need to see, and the whole room bouncing happily. There is a cultural feel to their verses, flattered by catchy choruses and an eclectic mix of influences to ensure each track is different. On stage, the band play as a solid unit, with a clear respect for each other's input and space. There was great movement by the band and some of the gutsiest bass playing I've heard in years. They looked comfortable on stage with a performance that reflected their touring experience, whilst showing no arrogance. Many bands brag to love what they do, but few prove it so intensely. This band is not to be missed!

The culinary delights from Mr Sizzle brought my evening to an end, with The Cuban's excellence still ringing in my ears. There were many surprises and I give thanks to whoever it was that recommended The Cubans to me. Breaking news is that they are set to headline at The Wulfrun in March, so there's an opportunity for you, but don't leave it too late as this band have a reputation for selling out wherever they play. I'll be front row with my glow sticks."

©Meriel Flavell


"With their mature melodies shining through the traditional rock and drum beat, The Cubans are a indie group that stand out."
- BBC online

"The Cubans grab attention immediately, and aren't fond of letting it go. The melodic nature of their sound ensures they're not merely typecast as 'indie', with a ska edge adding to a breezy, enjoyable listen.
The vocals fit in with the catchy, easy going vibe the band has, and there is a plucking good quality to their sound. They're the type of band you cannot tire of: even after 5 or 6 listens the songs still sound original and fresh."
 www.myspace.com/demosreviewed

 

"The tunes continued to pour out and the live music lovers continued to pour in. When  Wolverhampton based The Cubans, took to the stage, there was a near full house eagerly awaiting their performance. And The Cubans did not disappoint! Only a handful of original, well arranged and distinctive songs in to their set, and it was easy to understand why this band have had a great deal of interest from within the Music Industry. The BBC has tipped them for big things, as have a number of record labels, venues and promoters. Wide Awake Promotions join the growing list of organisations currently and happily heaping praise upon the 4 lads (and their dedicated Manager John) from Wolverhampton. Although busy with various gigs and festivals over the next few months, The Cubans will be bringing their own enjoyable brand of Indie infected, Rock, along with possibly the prettiest back drop ever to grace our stage."-

Wide Awake Promotions 

 
DEMO,S REVIEWED TOP 50  No - 9. The Cubans- "I Don't Want To Know" The chorus is wonderful, the beats and riffs knit well, and everything that's good about the band come together in this stand out song. It's catchy, innovative and energetic, and is everything I can ask for in a song. I love it! Demo's Reviewed rank "The Cubans" Number 9 in their top 50 songs of 2007
 

Next up, Che's mates, The Cubans. They're a young band from Wolverhampton who seem, in a really short space of time, to have garnered some great press, coverage on BBC local radio. They've certainly got some good tunes and I get the sense that some solid gigging over the next few months will really add to their performance, sound and confidence. Musically there's shades of The Jam, Oasis and (in the shoutier bits) Sham 69 but they're also capable of more introspective material (a little Keane-ish). In fact lead Cuban (that'll be Fidel's brother then), Chris' vocals seem more suited to these tracks. Their last track 'Nice Guys Finish Last' (it says Lust on their website though...s0 maybe it's Lust...) was one of the highlights for me. Some nice keyboard action lifted it head and shoulders above a lot of other indie stuff and, although the mad rock out bit at the end seemed a little tacked on, they really let rip. Listening to that track again (and again) it's a real grower and, for what my opinion is worth (bugger all really) if I were the band I'd look to develop that more quiet/loud and harmony/noise approach even further.
- KAMIKAZE 444 CLUB - GIG REVIEW 

Exciting times for the Wolverhampton based four piece. They've got an upbeat melodic indie-pop direction with touches of The Cribs, The Pigeon Detectives and The Wombats - it is however very much their own sound thanks to some great ideas, a distinct, radio-friendly vocal from Chris, and some strong, well-written material. One of the highlights of the evening, it was a first-rate performance from a band with real potential to go far; it comes as no surprise they are attracting such interest.
-GIG REVIEW - "SURFACE UNSIGNED FESTIVAL