Sikora - Sheffield's best kept secret

Bands eh? - everyone thinks they're good don't they? and all those involved with a band want a plug claiming to be the next big thing. When I was told about Sikora I thought they might be a nice band to review, so I had a listen to their music fully expecting to hear something okay or average that could be recommended as a good night out and one to enjoy, you know the sort of thing, quite a good name in your neighbourhood but not seriously going places! There's a lot of bands out there that to be frank are quite good, but in a highly competitive market place aren't seriously going to make it really big.

The same certainly can't be said about Sikora, this band is a real find, the real thing - and one deserving of major recognition - which it has to be said is already beginning to happen - these guys are rapidly getting attention. But don't just take my word for it -

The BBC has said of Sikora that they are "Destined for great things..."

The Classic Rock Society has said that they "Can be a major force..."

What genre are we talking about in musical terms then? Sikora are a unique and a rather cool 4 piece outfit - others have described the music as 'International' and 'European'.

We'd say it's rather eclectic, blending melodic, edgy indie rock and contrasting pulsating electric beats with more mellow acoustic based performances. This blend of music works and works well - the impact of merging strong melodies with sheer power, enthusiasm and energy combines to bring you something just a little different, you're never quite sure where they might be going next but you sure know you want to be right there with them as they go further into this musical adventure.

Formed 18 months ago in Sheffield Sikora started out doing rare acoustic performances ala Graham and Andrea in the smaller venues in and around Sheffield, rapidly progressing to more high profile gigs.

The combination of raw talent and consistent grind has enabled Sikora to grow quickly because the guys have followed the old fashioned route - combining blood, sweat and tears with work and yet even more work on the music they love, honing and refining it constantly - thus forming the backbone that allowed the natural talent displayed by these guys to mature into the amazing sound that we hear today. And today's sound leaves you wondering how far these guys will go with another 18 months under their belts.

By early 2006 Sikora had moved on from the duo of Graham and Andrea evolving into a four-piece band when Dave White was recruited on bass and David Fong joined them on drums. This change allowed Sikora to add guts and depth to the sounds they were producing and allowed them to move onto another musical dimension. They band have used their time well over the past few months by combining their unique talent for creative writing with live performances and quality time spent in the recording studio. This hard working approach, combined as it is with real talent, attracted Alan Smyth, (who is up for a Grammy for his work with Arctic Monkeys) and this partnership has led to their new six-track CD

Have a listen to Sikora - you won't be disappointed - we think you'll be surprised - and what's more we think it's time that Sheffield didn't have them all to themselves anymore - Sikora have been a well kept secret - but now the secrets out! There's a new video in the pipeline and we'll have it here as soon as!

A bit more about Sikora

Graham New The strong creative driving force that got Sikora going. A talented, thoughtful and sensitive soul who has been writing songs since he was 15.		Andrea Oggiano A hugely talented vocalist who hails from Sardinia. Smoldering good looks, brooding and temperamental, what more could you want?		Dave White Technologically gifted, as well as being a multi instrumentalist with vast musical knowledge, Dave takes responsibility for vocal/rhythm arrangements
David Fong The drummer of the band!		Sikora Visit the Sikora website,for much more information about the band. You can buy the CD on line too.		Sikora Visit the band at My Space for all the latsest news about Sikora. A band on the edge of great things.