Coseley/Perry Bar punkers Disciples Of Tone not ready for tribute acts yet - unsigned column
They're Old Skool - note the capital 'O' and 'S' to accentuate that fact.
We've only received a hand-written delivery for these Unsigned columns once since they began in 2017 - for Shropshire duo PUKK in September last year. And there is something utterly dedicated in their delivery.
Disciples of Tone, boiled from a concoction of ingredients from Coseley, Perry Barr and Worcester who "just can't imagine our lives without playing original music of some sort", haven't just fired off a semi-serious, brief email hoping to catch your attention among a sea of similar messages.
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The time taken to construct their reply to our request to take part is a nice touch. The attention to detail in explaining their style and musical beliefs, and even the finer details of who sings what on their enclosed self-titled EP, helps give an insight into their mindset to their work.
It shows a seriousness that comes with time spent in the industry, and it sounds like their dedication to playing stands up next to it.
"The band has been going for 15 years and we do it for love," says drummer and vocalist Robert Simmons. "We're not naive enough to think that we're ever going to 'make it', especially as we're all in our late 50s.
"We have all played in local bands for donkeys years and just can't imagine our lives without playing original music of some sort."
Joining Simmons in the three-piece are Richard London on bass and saxophone and guitarist and vocalist Tim Giblin.
And this new EP has continued a busy period for them in which they have been quite prolific on the release front.
"A few months ago we released our first seven-inch single called Politician and Utopian Dreams. We have had some good reviews but no plays on local radio," he adds.
They're not lying. Slap Magazine described the "seven-inch slab of wax" which "arrives with a pedigree having the sleeve designed by none other than The Cravats' singular frontman The Shend" as "great fun" and "dashed off with panache aplenty".
Record Collector added it was "obscure but worth digging out".
And Ryan's Gig Guide also said they were "two tracks of straight-up, no nonsense post-punk genius".
It had taken them 15 years to get their first material out there, and they had hoped for a little more exposure as a result.
And Simmons adds: "We are anxious to raise our profile in order to play more gigs and to sell some of our singles.
"The reason why we chose to do a seven-inch single is because when we started to play our instruments that is what bands did, and our music is very influenced by the punk music from the late 70s.
"If people like Buzzcocks, Wire and The Damned, the chances are they will like what we do."
If music fans reading this are taking an interest in the influences, Simmons revealed there are chances to find it locally and give it a spin.
"The single can be purchased from Vintage & Vinyl, Wolverhampton, S T Records in Dudley, Revolution Records, Walsall and Swordfish in Birmingham - as well as at local gigs."
Their next gig is happening this month and again is to be found in the Black Country.
"The next gig is at Sunday Shenanigans at the groovy Claptrap The Venue in Stourbridge on October 27," Simmons continues. "We are playing a half-hour post from 8pm to 8.30pm and admission is free.
"So to sum up, we believe in original music. And just because we are in our late 50s doesn't mean we ought to consider playing in Dire Straits tribute bands.
"What a dire thought!"
Disciples Of Tone can be found on Facebook @DisciplesOfTone and their releases are available to hear on their Bandcamp page. Keep an eye out on the Claptrap the Venue Facebook page for updates on the October 27 gig.
