Rotunda

Birmingham Punk band Rotunda was formed in 1996 and was originally intended to be a 'Power Violence' experimental hardcore band. The line-up of ex-Depth Charge frontman Louis Warren on vocals, Dave Cain on Bass, Steve Wynne-Jones on Drums and Mike 'Pikey' Pike on Guitar soon realised their sound lay in a more melodic hardcore style. They recorded their first Demo in March 1997 at Birmingham's 'Reel to Reel' studio. This session produced a number of songs that became set regulars, including the fan favourite 'Neutron Bomb'. Their live debut followed less than two months later when on May 2nd 1997, they supported the now legendary 'Snuff' to a packed house at Birmingham's Que Club. Following their debut, Rotunda set about building a local following, playing a number of shows around the second city. In November 1998, the 'My Only Weapon' EP was recorded with Gavin Monaghan at Wolverhampton's Magic Garden Studio. After adding a second guitarist in the shape of 20 year old Jason Webb to beef up their sound, Rotunda hit the road to bring their music to the masses. In December 2000, Rotunda recorded their second EP 'The Tribe', which was very well received by fans and newcomers alike. They also contributed a cover of Conflict's 'Punk Innit?' for the 'Barricades and Broken Dreams' tribute compilation. Shortly after this, Matt Pillborough (Sick Puppy) replaced Jason in the band. 2001 turned out to be a great year for Rotunda. Not only did they play a raucous set at the 'Holidays in the sun' punk festival in Morecombe, but while supporting Road Rage at a Radio 1 fringe event at Scruffy Murphys, they impressed Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq so much that he played 'Neutron Bomb' on his next 'Evening Session' show, giving the band national attention. In May 2002, Rotunda made a third trip to 'Magic Garden', recording the ' Out of Time' EP, and later that year, their song 'Punk Rock Casualty' was used in the critically acclaimed short film '420 seconds of love'. Soon after, Louis left the band and set up new project 'The Gloaters', leaving Matt to take over vocal duties for the 2003 EP 'Punk Rock Elite'. Louis returned to the band in 2006, and Rotunda then contributed to the Meltdown Records '3-way Split' release, followed by a gig at the Birmingham landmark that provided their name... The Rotunda. For the next 5 years, Rotunda continued to tour, playing in front of crowds anywhere and everywhere. 2011 saw the long awaited release of their debut full length 'Chalk It Up', which featured 26 songs and showed that even after 15 years, they still had the hunger that brought them to the attention of fans everywhere. In late 2013, Pikey decided he was to leave the band, so in early 2014 Rotunda recruited Guitarist Stew Tyler (Angry Bombs) and set about writing new material. With the addition of Neil Harvey (First Class Tramp) in March, the line-up was set. So, what lies ahead for Rotunda in 2014? Well, quite a lot. Having already been booked to play Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, playing gigs around the country with the likes of Drongos for Europe, English Dogs and Brassick, plus plans to record a new EP, 2014 looks set to be a busy year for the Rotters! Rotunda: Punk Band from Birmingham, UK