Doomed Confessionary: Steve James (Captain Zero)
Bristol, UK based alternative/stoner rock trio Captain Zero just released their debut album »Disarray In Unison« on March 1st, 2024. Available now on CD and digital!
Captain Zero became a thing in 2021 after a few song ideas dreamt up by dirty fuzz bass batterer Steve James were gently dripped into the earholes of guitar chugging loud voice bringer David Edgar and super cool beat basher Keith Hall. It wasn’t too long before they all got in a darkened room together, turned their amps up to 6.5 and began smelting Steve’s demonic demos into a fistful of filthy rock n roll bangers.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re a shouty arse rock rabble just trying to get our kicks before the whole shithouse goes up in flames.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
We actually had a really productive year (a bunch of shows and getting the album finished) but as we are all “grown ups” (whatever the fuck that means) the main issues are always syncing our time together so we can spend as much time focussing on band related activities.
What can you be most proud of last year?
Oh without a doubt it was getting the album finished. It can be such a laborious process due to time constraints that sometimes you lose momentum but then BOOM it comes together and it’s a glorious feeling.
What was your biggest regret?
We had to cancel a few live dates due to clashes. It’s never something we do unless we absolutely have to and it’s always painful.
What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
As far as our own shows I’d say our fave was the New Year Noisefest at The Exchange in Bristol. Very hot and sweaty and a bunch of other great bands on the same bill. It seemed like the crowd were really up for some high energy rock n roll and we put everything we had into it to deliver.
Photo by @vogonlaundromat
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Im not sure I’d say it’s a surprise per se but just the robustness of local scenes keeping it going and fresh in the face of venues being shut down and generally fucked over by the powers that be. It’s almost as though the government is trying to destroy any kind of culture that’s not a million seller but that just seems to make the resolve of us little guys stronger to fly in the face of that and create our own shit.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’ve been listening to new albums by all the early death metal bands that I’ve always loved. Deicide, Obituary, that kind of thing. They are still churning out amazing records after all this time. My fave thing lately though has been Otoboke Beaver. Fuckin mental punk rock!
Can you say something more about the music scene in Bristol?
It’s constantly changing and evolving and you get such a massive mix of styles. No one sounds like each other and everyone is supportive of each other. There’s a bunch of older established venues that have a history of putting on shows by bands that went on to be massive (like The Louisiana) and a bunch of newer places that are really getting established as having consistently great shows (like The Chelsea).
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
The next 3 are our album release shows at The Chelsea in Bristol on the 8th March, the Royal Oak in Bath on the 20th April and the Civil War night at the Hope And Anchor in London on the 27th April. There will be more to be announced (keep em peeled on Instagram and Facebook for more details).
What are your plans for this year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
To get more gigs booked and continue to go balls out to deliver a good show. Thats the most important thing. Hopefully people will dig the album and come out to see us. Also get some new material together and start working on the next one.
How can people best support your band?
Come to the shows, buy an album, buy a shirt, tell yr friends! Follow us on the socials.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for listening! With any luck we’ll be coming to a town near you soon and we hope you like the album. Keep supporting your local scenes!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well