Once billed as “The band no father wants his daughter to see,” Moxy Ru was a London-based rock band that comprised Brett Howell on lead vocals and guitar, Rob Dyer on guitar and backup vocals, Javier Sánchez on bass and Samuel Rodriguez on drums. The band was formed in February 2012, and took its name from what Brett once misheard as a lady’s name in a noisy pub.

Moxy Ru fused elements of classic rock with a contemporary sensibility. “As individuals we have extremely different musical tastes and influences, but just enough in common to be a band,” says guitarist Rob. The result is a sound that he describes as “hairy and wild eyed” and that vocalist Brett describes as sounding “good loud.” Comparisons to The Rolling Stones, The Who and The Doors are to be expected, though Moxy Ru had an auditory signature of its own. “I don’t think we really sound like anyone else,” says drummer Samuel. “It’s our own sound.”

​As a group of songwriters, the four piece had an undeniable gift for memorable melodies and imaginative lyrics. “We write songs together very easily,” says vocalist Brett. “Some ideas seem to come out of nowhere, and my inspiration for lyrics could be from a conversation, an art exhibition, a night out or some graffiti on a men’s room wall.” The band’s most popular songs included ‘Rebel Gentleman,’ ‘Who Is That Man?’ ‘Spider on the Wall’ and ‘Moxy Ru.’  

Stylistically, the band was characterised by expressive vocals, jagged guitar work, driving bass lines and pounding percussion. “It’s been interesting to hear our influences come together,” says bassist Javier. “At high school I listened to so much heavy metal that my friends called me ‘Javi Metal’. I like heavy metal’s precision. Rob likes a rougher, more chaotic style and is influenced by the New York punk scene. Brett likes glam rock and various pop genres, and Samuel grew up listening to classic rock, reggae and flamenco.”

​The band gigged extensively at London venues that include the O2 in Islington, The Garage at Highbury Corner, The Dublin Castle in Camden and won a reputation as a live act on the make. "For us it's not just about the music: it's about the performance," says drummer Samuel. With this reputation established, the band drew crowds for its antics as much as its music. “Brett is a kind of Mick Jagger on stage,” says bassist Javier. “Audiences enjoy that."

​Unfortunately, and perhaps at their peak, Moxy Ru disbanded in 2014. They released two EPs, ‘Momento Retro’ and ‘At The Rebel Gentlemen’s Club’, which can be heard on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play and other streaming services.

Asymmetry is a Band that describes itself as Prog Rock. It is an expression of varying musical backgrounds. Through these dynamic it allows for music to develop and express something organic and unique from all these influences. From this flows music that has dramatic and tight changes that challenges themselves and the audience.


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