SHAVEN PRIMATES
CHASING THE DRAGON
PRESS KIT
We are a 4-piece dark-wave, art-rock, and proto/post-punk band from Oxford, UK, established in 2017 and driven to redefine the boundaries of our genre. Our music channels raw human emotion — fear, love, and anger — woven into a cathartic sonic journey for our audience.
With grinding, rumbling basslines, wailing guitars, versatile synths shifting from retro to modern, thundering drums, and vocals that croon and scream, our sound is inspired by the Velvet Underground, Kate Bush, Tool, Prodigy, Yes, Clash, Bowie, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, and a relentless passion for the music we love.
Previous Press Kits:
Birds Aren't Real
Child Of Dirt
BACKSTORY
For this EP, we went with a more gritty sound to create something that simply exudes raw energy. The general subject matter is on "desire", as opposed to previous albums "Birds Aren't Real" which covered alternative thinking, and "Child Of Dirt" which covered childhood trauma and addiction. We're not one to pull any punches!
CHASING THE DRAGON (EP)
https://open.spotify.com/album/7zrKIZLjbbnq7xBlIhCX00
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/shavenprimates/chasing-the-dragon
Click SoundCloud links for lyrics. Photos by Jason Warner of Fyrefly Music & Fyrefly Studios.
AIRWAVES
https://soundcloud.com/shavenprimates/airwaves-master
Lately there's been a lot of media coverage over the urge to "win" or "succeed" and seems to be promoted around admonishing those around them who try to, or even at the expense of themselves, when ultimately even if they do, it's just temporary as is everything. This song aims to make it important to also connect with all those around us, as that's the world and life we're limited to, so at least in our view, kindness and generosity still needs to hold its place.
We aimed for a driven, positive, energetic sound with this, and took pride in our 4 part harmonies and that big sound.
BABOOSHKA
https://soundcloud.com/shavenprimates/babooshka-master
As a big fan of Kate Bush, Mark wanted to push for us to do something that pays tribute to her amazing work, and try to bring it out in a modern world while pushing in some cool drum fills, and reversing the genders in support of such a strong feminist track.
I'LL QUIT TOMORROW
https://soundcloud.com/shavenprimates/ill-quit-tomorrow-master
A favourite amongst the band, this sets out to emulate the constraints involved in trying to kick the habit, and that point where the person goes back and forth in waves of using their vice of choice, as amazing as that might feel in the moment, in order to survive and squash down those hard feelings that reality might bring.
More gritty guitar, big sounds, growling vocals, intense drums, deep bass and, of course, much fun to be had.
GALLERY
PRAISE
https://bigtakeover.com/recordings/shaven-primates-chasing-the-dragon-tad-records
There are some artists that I would always prefer artists to steer clear of covering – Bowie, for sure; Zappa, Nina Simone and Kate Bush all spring to mind, for numerous reasons, ranging from tone to technicality, the results generally clutter rather than improve the musical landscape. So when I saw that Oxford post-punkers Shaven Primates had taken on Ms. Bush’s seminal “Babooshka,” I dropped the virtual needle on it with mixed emotions.
However, they manage to transform it into a gritty, groovesome take without losing the original’s delicacy and mystique, dynamic, and poise. The result is a balance between celebration and adventure, both a tribute to the original and an adventurous reimagining.
The other two songs on Chasing The Dragon tell us more about the band. “Airwaves” is an intriguing piece, a blend of gnarly rock and heavenly, almost proggy 4 part harmonies (think 90125 by Yes), and it reminds us that connecting with the people around us is more important than using them as stepping stones for our ambition.
For me, “I’ll Quit Tomorrow” is the stand-out track, wandering almost into musical theatre vibes with its spoken word deliveries, shimmering sonics, dark vocal asides, and anthemic gravitas – a song that is about kicking the habit whilst kicking arse.
If the notion of post-punk music seems nostalgic and backward glancing, then Shaven Primates will be your sort of band, standing on the shoulders of past giants and looking out into the future of what that genre might sound like going forward, and that makes a refreshing change.
https://www.edgarallanpoets.com/chasing-the-dragon-is-shaven-primates-ep-out-now/
The EP reaches its peak with I’ll Quit Tomorrow, a track that feels like a psychedelic fever dream. The song opens with a mysterious arpeggio, almost disorienting in its simplicity, before diving into a restless rhythm that seems to stagger, before snapping into a burst of energy.
The structure of the song is anything but predictable, as the unstable beats and progressive chord shifts keep the listener on their toes. The chorus is an explosion of sound, a moment where everything falls into place, and you can’t help but be swept away by the bold, unconventional choices in the arrangement.
https://roadie-metal.com/shaven-primates-brinda-ao-fa-com-o-seu-novo-ep-chasing-the-dragon/
The first song is called “Airwaves” and, although the band assumes influences from names such as Velvet Underground, Kate Bush, Tool, Prodigy, Yes, The Clash, David Bowie, Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd, the similarity with Whishbone Ash is clear. I got this impression from the vocal lines that insert a common technique between lead and backing vocals. In the same way, even the instrumental takes us back to the style of the Torquay (ENG) gang. This song, which is also on the debut album list, is a beautiful example of classic rock with all the magic of the avant-garde.
https://returnofrock.com/review-shaven-primates-chasing-the-dragon/
In a scene often dominated by repetition, Shaven Primates stand as a beacon of fearless experimentation and emotive depth. Their latest release Chasing The Dragon’ is a testament to their commitment to pushing boundaries while remaining anchored in classic rock influences. Known for tackling weighty themes with nuance, the group once again deliver a striking collection that dives into the complexities of human desire and the pursuit of fulfilment.
With only three tracks, ‘Chasing The Dragon’ is concise yet brimming with intensity and variety. The opening track ‘Airwaves’ sets the tone with its electrifying riffs and bold energy, capturing the raw spirit of rock in its purest form. It’s a track that reminds listeners of the genre’s timeless ability to evoke emotion while driving a powerful rhythm. Their rendition of Kate Bush’s ‘Babooshka’ however, is where the EP takes a sharp turn into the unexpected. Infused with the band’s unique flair, it transforms the iconic hit into a groove-laden masterpiece, blending reverence for the original with their own distinct style.
The EP concludes with ‘I’ll Quit Tomorrow’, a track that exudes an air of introspection and layered instrumentation. Here, Shaven Primates explore the delicate balance between yearning and satisfaction, wrapping up the record on a note that feels both contemplative and resonant.
https://alt77.com/shaven-primates-chasing-the-dragon-review/
You can hear this in the work of most middle-aged songwriters who’ve achieved success and who have been blessed with comfort and health. Even if this is the case with Shaven Primates, they’d have the decency not to let us know it. The band knows that it is conflict, inner and outer, that fuels great rock albums. This is what the band made for the 2025 EP “Chasing the Dragon.”
It’s the EP’s closer, “I’ll Quit Tomorrow”, which is, in fact, the focal point of the whole piece. The theatrical singing represents the voices fighting for control inside the main character’s brain. This powerful performance ends up being the real hook on this ode to gluttony, on this song about never being content or satisfied. In an era defined by overstimulation, “I’ll Quit Tomorrow” should resonate with most of us.
Sonically and thematically, the three songs that form the EP find common ground. The opener, “Airwaves”, builds on the same sense of drama with its doubled vocal tracks and dazzling guitar riffs. The tune really gets going on the easy-on-the-ear melodies of the chorus.
Even more revealing may the band’s choice of covering one of the more unusual pop songs to ever become an international hit, Kate Bush’s “Babooshka.” Shaven Primates match the staginess of the original performance while bringing the band’s unique touch. Still, hitting full rock mode for the song’s famous chorus will prove very pleasing for the band’s supporters and, potentially, could offer the band a breakthrough hit.
Shaven Primates is a confident, competent rock band. That’s precisely why musicians understand the importance of conflict and uncertainty when crafting a great track. Through the originals and the cover found on the “Chasing the Dragon” EP, the band takes one self-assured step forward.
https://www.musicaenpalabrasar.com/rese%C3%B1as/shaven-primates-chasing-the-dragon
https://www.osgarotosdeliverpool.com.br/2025/01/shaven-primates-revela-o-ep-chasing.html
https://www.indieoclock.com.br/2025/01/shaven-primates-traz-ep-de-rock-que-nos.html
https://www.giventorock.com/2025/01/shaven-primates-chasing-dragon.html
https://plasticmag.co.uk/2025/01/new-ep-from-shaven-primates/
https://www.berlinonair.cc/post/772363522576400384/shaven-primates-chasing-the-dragon-indie-rock
https://lacaverna.net/dark-wave-y-art-rock-chasing-the-dragon-el-nuevo-ep-de-shaven-primates/
https://appppc.com/join-shaven-primates-on-chasing-dragons-with-their-new-ep/
https://indiedockmusicblog.co.uk/?p=27830
https://yorkcalling.co.uk/2025/01/13/shaven-primates-pays-tributes-to-alternative-legends-in-new-ep/
https://www.obscuresound.com/2025/01/shaven-primates-chasing-the-dragon-ep/
https://www.mysticsons.com/article/shaven-primates-chasing-dragon