The Montecristos

The Montecristos

The Montecristos are a London rock ’n’ roll and rockabilly group active from 2012. The band centres on Neal X, who is formerly the guitarist in Sigue Sigue Sputnik and also a long-term sideman to Marc Almond.

The project is built around 1950s-inspired rock ’n’ roll, with a sound that aims to combine the energy and spirit of Little Richard-era performance with a more contemporary presentation. Neal X describes the band’s approach as glam, trashy, classy and sexy rock ’n’ roll, and the group’s image and style reflect that retro showband influence.

Line-up

Alongside Neal X, the band includes Emma Goss on double bass, Gemma B on trumpet, Sophie Freeman on saxophone, Orlando La Rose on baritone saxophone, and Hugh Wilkinson on drums and percussion. The group is presented as a musically skilled, theatrical outfit with a strong visual identity.

Career

The Montecristos make their debut in Andrés Dussan’s film Down Dog in 2014, then begin playing live in the UK and Spain. They also launch a Kickstarter campaign to fund their first album, raising well beyond their target.

Their debut album, Born to Rock 'n' Roll, is released in 2015.