Noahs House Band

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 From within the hull of Noah's Ark; comes a quirky series of two to three minute folkesque tunes unlike anything ever heard before. Using vocal dexterity, honky instruments, household implements and the furthest reaches of imagination the cast of characters regale us with their enchanting tales including a hydrophobic whale and a Duckbill platypus with an identity crisis. Think the Muppets, old fairy tales, Tom waits, David Attenborough, Woody Allen and a badger snuffling around in the long grass… all together in the ark.

The astonishing set of two to three minute ditties were developed as an antidote to the ambling alt rock which had previously escaped from the mind of Philip Palmer in the guise of Grzzly. Phil wrote these new songs using whatever came to hand in his 200 year old cottage, aptly named Noah’s House.

A cacophony of warbles, grunts, snuffles and barks have been squeezed into a little sampling box on old chair legs and are brought to life by Steve (the deckhand) Cubitt’s amazingly skilful percussion playing. Phil’s voice is amassed until it becomes a rabbling choir of creature, accompanied by hoots, cackles, hums, strums and hearty cheers from the rest of the crew.

The immediate childlike charm of these storytelling songs slowly reveals a complex and witty exploration of adult neuroses. If there was a psychiatrist onboard Noah’s Ark then this is how their caseload might have read.

Since the earliest days as a wee sea urchin Steve Cubitt has struck objects with such rhythmic skills that the very waves seem to march to the beat of his drum. He has honed his talent on drums, percussion, guitar and piano and worked with band members from Hawkind and Ozric Tentacles and supported the likes of Bush, Therapy, Soul Fly,Hawkwind and Here and Now. Alongside his award winning performances and extensive European touring Steve spends his time passing on his 27 years of experience onto eager students, both young and old.

Robert Smith cut his musical teeth at the helm of once (mildly) revered local urchins "I Am Jack", as singer/songwriter, guitarist and pianist -- which in the later days saw him alongside his now Captain, Grzzo "Grzzly" Palmer. Heavily leaning on a progressive rock masthead, inluences were drawn from an eclectic range of bands including King Crimson, The Mars Volta, Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart. A high point of this time found the band in support of the 90s mighty Supergrass and Idlewild.

A love of the different and bizarre saw Robert able and willing to ply his confusing trade aboard the Ark at the request of Mr. Grzz. He currently plays a suitcase assortment of instruments ranging from uke, banjo and glockenspeil to tooters, tinklers, shakers and blowers.

Dave Soothill found his way to the starboard side of Noah’s Ark after a 14 year voyage aboard a raft expertly built of many a stringed instrument. He has happily journeyed the continent playing many European festivals and tales of his talent have traveled as far as he has and lead to him joining the crews of Britonica, 6:15, Signed, Sealed & Delivered, Dynamo 5 and The Jon Wigg Project. Dave also lectures in the fine art of Music and is at his happiest when sunk into a deep roots groove with anyone who cares to join him.

Phil Palmer spent his early musical days fiddling in orchestras before voyaging on to an eclectic selection of acts including alt rock sensations Grzzly (oft supported by the mercury music prize nominated Metronomy), Black Mountain College and I am Jack and funk divas Ticklin’ the Pickle. Phil has also composed for and conducted the string and percussion orchestra Phase 3. When not at the helm of Noah’s Ark Phil composes for film, television documentaries and dance and lectures wee tinkers in the art of making music.

Philip Palmer- Banjo, Ukelele, Guitar, Honker, Vocals

Steve Cubitt- Sampler drums of animal noises, voices and other bits n bobs

Dave Soothill- Mandolin, Guitar, Glockenspiel and Vocals

Rob Smith- Ukelele, Guitar, Toy piano, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Tin Whistle, Honker, Shaker, Stomps.

"Armadillo "

"Sloth"