Pocket Billiards

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Bio

Pocket Billiards are a 9-piece band that fuse ska, reggae and dub with punk rock and heavy riffs, creating an energetic and powerful sound. The band originally formed in 2000 and the current line-up is still writing and gigging, they released their self-titled debut album (recorded by Rocky in Start Together Studios) in October 09.

The Billiards are not directly influenced by any one band but draw inspiration from bands such as The Clash, the Specials, Operation Ivy and many, many more. We have been lucky enough to play with many of their idols, including The Beat, Bad Manners, The Selector, The Slackers and Neville Staples (Specials) to name but a few.

After a short break, 2009 saw the re-emergence of the band - playing at the ‘A Little Solidarity’ Festival in the Mandela hall and supporting ASIWYFA at their album launch show. Pocket Billiards are showing no signs of letting up. So get your feet ready to move and prepare yourself for the “no bullshit” sound of Belfast’s Ska-Punkers!

Views & Reviews Online

"...recalling The Clash, The Pogues, Elvis Costello and Ian Dury, with a dash of American punk and country funk to sweeten the mix..."
"...it's as punk as they come, Clashing The Specials and Rage Against The Machine."
William Johnston - BBC Across The Line

"...don't miss this band, surely yet another highlight of the (SAI Festival) weekend.."
The Scene (www.scene.ie)

"Pocket Billiards will get everyone in a party mood"
David Roy - The Irish News

"...they play ultra catchy songs that get stuck in your head ... their popularity never wanes."
Baron - www.leavinghope.co.uk

"...Pocket Billiards cranked it up a notch. The band combines punk, ska, metal and reggae into one wonderful package"
"...The highlight of the set was 'Big Mistake' - a riproaring song that has hit written all over it"
BBC Across The Line

"...Your feet just can't keep still"
Cathedral Quater Festival

"Their sound is huge..."
"...the set thrilled the audience and reckless dancing ensued"
Claire McCallion - NIChart.com

Publications

"A seminal slab of wax... their self titled album is one of the best records of the year"
Hot Press

"...the best in contemporary ska, Pocket Billiards realise the importance of picking out the best bits." 7/10
Rocksound Magazine

"Over the last seven years Pocket Billiards have matured into one of the country’s best acts"
AU Magazine

"One thing you will not get with some of the other bands breaking today is an unrivalled originality - welcome the return of Ska Punk boys and girls..."
The Belfast Beat

"...the long-running Pocket Billiards continue to fly the flag for nine-piece ska thrills"
Andrew Johnston - The News Letter

"...it was a big relief to read about the refreshingly unassuming Pocket Billiards from Northern Ireland who give us no bullshit answers and are for once, the real McCoy"
EVERLONG #7 (Bristol Punk Fanzine)

Support us online

Listen to us on Last FM - www.last.fm/music/Pocket+Billiards
Chat to us on MySpace - www.myspace.com/pocketbilliards
Follow us on Twitter (@pocketbilliards) - www.twitter.com/pocketbilliards