killaflaw

Killaflaw is a British group active since 2006, based around Benn Helm on vocals and guitar and Andy Paton on keyboards and trumpet. The band works in a crossover style that is associated with breakbeat and draws listeners from across rock and electronic music scenes.

Recognition and support

In 2008, Killaflaw receives attention from BBC presenter Tom Robinson, Kerrang! DJ Emma Scott and XFM’s Eddy Temple-Morris. Temple-Morris describes the band as a link between Soundgarden and The Prodigy, and continues to support them. Their track “Revolution” wins XFM’s Demo of the Year award for 2008. The band also wins an award with Liverpool’s Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), and Fran Healy of Travis selects them to appear on the EP Play. Stop. Rewind.

Collaborations and live work

Killaflaw gains praise from Liam Howlett of The Prodigy, and works with Shunda K of Yo!Majesty, Losers, and Ed Cosens of Reverend and the Makers. They also perform alongside Chase and Status, The Whip, Japanese Popstars, Losers, Alabama 3 and Phil Hartnoll of Orbital. Their festival appearances include The Secret Garden Party in 2009, which is described as a highlight of the event, and Glastonbury in 2010. In 2010, former Pendulum and Apollo 440 drummer Paul Kodish joins them temporarily for several shows.

Releases

In November 2009, Killaflaw releases “Set Me On Fire” on A Perfect Noise. The track reaches number one in the US DMC Main Chart and House Chart and remains there for several weeks. Utah Saints also provide an exclusive remix of the song. The band completes its debut album Sleaze and Grit, with Dave Pemberton handling mixing and additional production.

Later activity

Killaflaw continues to perform at venues in London, including Club NME Night at Koko in Camden and Club Remix at Proud. Temple-Morris compares the debut album favourably with early records by Prodigy, Oasis and Kasabian, and the band is presented as an act whose audience includes listeners drawn from metal, indie and electronic music.