Chikinki

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Chikinki: Rupert Browne, Steve Bond, Ed East, Trevor Wensely, Boris Exton

Chikinki are an Electro-pop band from Bristol, England (some band members are currently living in Berlin, Germany). The band formed at Hiatt Baker Hall at the University of Bristol in 1996/7. Originally there were six members: Rupert Henry James Browne (vocals), Ed East (rhythm guitar), Steve Bond (drums), Simon (Boris) Exton (keyboards), Luke Sherwood (lead guitar) and Trevor Wensely (saxophone). They were briefly joined by a 7th member, a bass player, Frank, but the experiment did not last. After gigging regularly around many of Bristols pubs and clubs the band turned professional after the members had completed their degrees, however, Luke decided to leave and the band was reduced to a five piece.

They were signed by Bristol label Sink and Stove Records who released their debut album 'Experiment with Mother' and the 'Like It or Leave It' EP. The band simultaneously joined Island Records and re-recorded and re-released some of this material though ultimately they were dropped and are currently with Kitty-Yo records. This European label has helped them break further into Europe where they were already popular and much of their earlier catalogue has now been re-released on this label.

Contrary to their current style, the band played more funk than anything else early on though gradually moved towards a more popular style and eventually went over to a more electronic / pop sound that they maintain today. After the loss of Luke, Trevor ultimately became a second keyboard/ sequencer player and this leads to the band's unique sound. Since they have no bass player, and Ed has taken over as the lead guitarist, the two keyboards provide a combination of melody and rhythm sections. Furthermore, the band has a strong sense of musical structure (both Trevor and Boris obtained their degrees in Music) and all five members are song writers.

On stage they are dramatic, Rupert especially is prone to leaving the stage and performing from amongst the audience, and all are at their peak when launching into something akin to a group 'solo'.