Catching up with Karn8
Amy Danbrowsky • Published 14 Apr 2012 10:30
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With a striking siren at the helm and a unique blues-rock sound, Karn8 have been on a not-so-secret mission to hook gig-goers across Berkshire. The Guide spoke to guitarist Bones Neil, a nickname he landed as, he's "a bit skinny, you see", to find out a bit more about the intriguing grunge-rock trio.
Formed 10 years ago, and having performed under several incarnations since, Bones said: "We're made up of guitar, drums and vocals at the moment. We did have synths and two guitars before but in the end we realised it was much more important to get the right people, rather than people with agendas. It's worked so far and it's led to our sound. As we only have one guitar we have to be clever about how we do it. It's unique to hear live and sets us out from other bands."
Fiery frontwoman Kirst Monica, with her smokey vocals, alluring blonde tresses and edgy appearance, epitomises the band's quirky dynamic. Bones said: "We've dealt with it for so long now. There's a weird reaction to it. The crowd fancy her but are also terrified of her. We like the way it surprises people.
"She challenges a crowd and it's a bit of a punk rock attitude - or
at least what it's supposed to be."
The band's dirty rock-style riffs have paved the way for three EPs: Wicked Boy, Destruction Is The Answer and Everything That You Despise, as well as the new EP, Sick, which was launched at Oakford Social Club in February.
Bones said: "It was mastered in the US. It's all self-funded and we've got the press we've got through our own slog. We're very proud of it, because it is so DIY."
As well as playing Guilfest and gigs across the country, one of Karn8's most memorable moments came from a significant brush with fame at a band's UK debut show.
Bones told us: "We supported Kings Of Leon at The White Horse, in High Wycombe. No one knew who the hell they were and they were really nervous - it was an eye-opener. The thing in this industry is you learn how it works. NME and Kerrang were there - you could smell the money. Someone had invested a lot of money and they obviously had someone pushing them. It was the first gig they played in the UK and they were nice guys but I think they were a bit naive back then," he said.
The crowds are getting bigger and a loyal pack of supporters has emerged, as well as an offer from a producer. Bones said: "You never know with these things but it's an indication of good things to come."
Catch the band at Facebar, Reading, on Friday, April 20. For more information see www.karn8.com
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 14 Apr 12
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