COVENTRY Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.

Dept Of Misinformation

I was thrilled to learn Coventry Music Museum’s Poet in Residence AKA Nick ‘The Archbishop’ Knibb was in a band.

I just knew it would be something a little different. I wasn’t wrong, having just received their four-track debut EP entitled ‘Agenda’, I was delighted there were elements harking back to the style of the new wave sound of the 70s (with a modern twist).

I get elements of The Stranglers, The Ruts, The Jags and Eddie and The Hotrods.

I use these fine bands as a compliment and as a written aid to give the reader some idea of what to expect rather than an attempt to pigeonhole such an original sounding unit.

Having a poet in the band it’s inevitable the lyrics are going to be classy and clever, and take it from me, they are.

Dept of Misinformation formed in the summer of 2021 when Coventry poet (Nick Knibb aka The Archbishop) joined forces with a punk band (Tin Fish) and decided to make music together.

Their brand of passionate positive power pop has already started to make ripples on the local music scene and is gaining momentum among local audiences at their live performances.

‘Agenda’ was recorded at Woodbine Street Studios and is now available on all streaming services.

Catch Dept of Misinformation performing live at Battle of the Bands semi-final at SoCa in Acocks Green on April 24.

‘Gotta Run’ can be found on YouTube below.

Courthouse

Absolutely loving the great sound of Rugby band Courthouse.

They are a five-piece pop rock/alternative outfit which combines musical genres in such a creative way that you cannot help but be impressed by.

Loud in London recently dubbed them ‘The best band you’ve never heard of’.

2019 was a big year for the band, having played alongside the likes Razorlight, Scouting For Girls and Toploader in Warwick, selling out their first London headliner at The Raven, Tower Bridge, and headlining O2 academy Islington London!

In 2020, the band performed a live stream in support of The Sunflower Lounge and NHS in Birmingham, a charity event set up by The Birmingham Music Awards.

Since then, Courthouse has gone on to play a number of festivals and events including Carfest, Camper Calling (BBC Introducing Stage), Bikefest and Freedom Festival.

Their new offering ‘Diva’ (from their EP ‘Kill Them With Kindness’), is a perfect example of the band’s musical dexterity – rap and rock combine to create a something very special.

I love this track, and you will too – who could resist the superb vocals and intoxicating instrumentals working together like a charm?

This band really have something going for them and a bright future is on the cards.

Visit courthouseband.co.uk for more.