Irish ska punk band The Upgrades are coming to The Parish in Huddersfield

May 11 2009 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

DUBLIN based punk rock outfit The Upgrades are hoping the luck of the Irish is with them for the release of their latest album.

But, just to make sure, they’re heading out on a promotional tour to support the release, which is called Take A Risk and is out now on Devon-based SYWP Records.

The tour will call at The Parish in Huddersfield on May 16, where the band will perform with Second Chance and More Than Normal.

The Upgrades like to mix modern day rock with reggae rhythms and punchy beats to create their own brand of punk rock.

They’ll freely admit it’s airwave friendly rather than niche, which means they can tap into the mainstream audience rather than just hardcore ska or punk lovers.

Some may call it selling out – but mixing mass appeal with a talent, attitude and style that wins admiration of hardcore music fans is a clever balancing act which can pay off if you get it right.

The Upgrades have spent the past few years raising their profile and winning fans with their catchy choruses and ‘anthemesque’ rock vocals.

They’ve toured with bands from varying genres – armed with a set of covers to help them tap into the different audiences.

However, they are still keen to give fans a taste of their own music and have been out on the festival circuit to give music lovers a taste of The Upgrades live.

In 2006, they opened the international Taste of Chaos tour and shared the stage with acts including Taking Back Sunday, Alexisonfire, Saosin, Anti-Flag and Senses Fail.

In 2008, they played the main stage at Europe’s biggest ska-punk festival Mighty Sounds in Prague and, on returning, played at Ireland’s Electric Picnic.

Other high profile shows include the Staatsforsten Open Air Festival in Germany, support slots with Canadian reggae act Bedouin Soundclash, American group State Radio and ex-Specials ska legend Neville Staple.

The band’s song Nothing was selected to represent Ireland on the United Colours Of Ska Volume 4 compilation, featuring 40 of the best ska bands from around the world, selected by popular German ska label Pork Pie Records.

Despite their live record, the band feel they are just getting started, a fact reflected by this new album actually being their debut

It was recorded with Neal Calderwood at Manor Park studios.

To check some of the songs out or find out more about The Upgrades, visit www.myspace.com/theupgrades

Entry to the Parish gig costs £4. Doors at 7.30pm.