01 The Wheel

02 Shy

03 Pointless Little Things (Acoustic)

04 Ponder (Acoustic)

Heavy Karma are a three piece blues-rock band from Liverpool.

Formed in 2005, following the breakup of their former band, guitarist Paul Dance and drummer Dave Thorbinson decided to refocus and regroup. Following several auditions, the band signed up bass player Mike Copeland.

Impressed with the early dynamic of the band, the original plan to find a new lead singer was abandoned, and Paul took over dual duties of lead singer and guitarist.

Within a month of Mike joining, the band (then under the name ‘Violet’) were ready for action, and performed an impressive debut gig at The Ciadel in St Helens. The band continued to perform across the North West throughout 2005, writing new material between shows, and showcasing new material at almost every show.

In 2006, with their first set of songs fully established, the band headed into APE Studios in Neston, to record their first EP. The EP, “Smoke & Mirrors EP”, featured live favourites ‘Shy’ and ‘The Wheel’, and acoustic versions of ‘Ponder’ and ‘Pointless Little Things’. To date, this is the only official recording the band completed, and can be heard on the Music page.

The band continued to write throughout 2006, and their sound evolved from their original soft blues rock sound to a more gritty / edgy sound. Towards the end of the year, the band had established a large catalogue of songs, and thoughts turned towards recording their debut album.

Despite the success of recording their EP a year earlier, the band decided that they would go in a different direction for album recording, swapping the highly polished feel for a more raw sound that encapsulated their live sound. in 2007, Six tracks were recorded, as a live band, which it was hoped would form the basis of their debut LP. Despite the band being happy with the performance, they were not pleased with the overall captured sound, and the sessions were scrapped.

In 2008, disappointed with the progress made over the previous 18 months, the band decided to call it a day, and each member went in opposite directions. Paul formed another blues rock band, under the moniker ‘Riff Raff’. Dave went on to join ‘Jessicas Ghost’, an indie-folk band, fronted by his wife! Mike went on to form alt-rock band ‘Enemypoets’.

Fast forward five years brings you to start of 2013. A chance meeting outside a Liverpool railway station between Paul and Mike let to discussions. These discussions let to a meet-up between the 2, which involved an acoustic jam over coffee. It was decided it was time to reconvene!

On 22 February 2013, the band got back together as a threesome for the first time in five years. Following a successful jam it was decided that it was criminal that an album was never recorded, and that it must be put right.

That brings you up to date. Heavy Karma are back!