Random Hand

Random Hand

Random Hand is a ska punk band from Keighley, West Yorkshire, active since 2002. The group has four members: Joe Tilston on bass and vocals, Robin Leitch on vocals and trombone, Mathew Crosher on guitar and vocals, and Joe Dimuantes on percussion and samples. The members come from three other bands that were part of the local Keighley scene before Random Hand forms.

Style and themes

The band’s sound combines ska punk with elements drawn from ska, reggae, punk, metal, hip hop and dub. It is also closely associated with punk through its ethics and lyrical content. Its songs commonly focus on social and political themes, reflecting the setting in which they are written. Random Hand is also known for energetic live performances.

Early years and releases

Random Hand plays its first show on 31 December 2002 at a local house party, then gives its first official gig on Valentine’s Day 2003 at the Vic Hotel in Keighley. It follows with shows across West Yorkshire, including Huddersfield, Leeds and Halifax. In summer 2003 the band records a four-track demo and makes it available as a free download while continuing to develop its live sound.

In late 2004 the band records the On The March EP with producer TimG. The release includes “Tear Down”, “Mr. Bib Wakes Up”, “The Story” and “Morally Blind”, plus two live tracks, and is often treated as the start of the band’s career. Random Hand tours for the first time in January 2004 with Catch-it Kebabs and Zen Baseball Bat, and later mounts a self-booked UK tour to coincide with the EP’s release.

Albums, touring and wider profile

Random Hand continues to tour widely, appearing with acts including The Planet Smashers, Adequate Seven, Sonic Boom Six, Bad Manners, The Beat, Skindred and Babar Luck. Babar Luck also collaborates with the band in the studio on “Save Us In This World” and “One World”, both of which are played live on special occasions. The group is represented by Hidden Talent Booking from 2006.

The debut album Change of Plan is recorded with Peter Miles in Southampton and released on Riot Music in 2007. After that, the band tours with Voodoo Glow Skulls, Grown at Home and The JB Conspiracy, and plays larger events including City Invasion, Rebellion and Leeds Festival. Tracks from the album receive radio play from Mike Davies and Steve Lamacq, leading to a session at Maida Vale Studios for the Radio One Punk Show. Songs from the release also appear on cover CDs for Big Cheese magazine.

In 2008 Random Hand plays its first headline UK tour, performs in the United States with Voodoo Glow Skulls, and appears at City Invasion in Bolton and London, Slam Dunk Fest, Strummercamp, Rebellion Festival, and the Reading and Leeds Festival Lock-Up stage. It also tours with Mike TV. The second album, Inhale/Exhale, is released on Rebel Alliance Records in 2008. In 2011 the band releases its third LP, Seething Is Believing, and marks its 1,000th show.

Hiatus and return

In 2015 Random Hand announces it is ending after a 13-year run, following an extensive farewell tour. The band finishes with a sold-out show at the Camden Underworld and releases its fourth and final album, Hit Reset. After a two-year break, the group announces its return in 2018, with appearances at Mighty Sounds Festival in Prague, OutCider Festival and Manchester Punk Festival.