From the dark depths of Bristol’s legendary underground music scene come four hyperactive 
beatniks, one desk commander and a hot tub installation assistant, with a flair for crushing grooves and poignant 
lyricism that ignites on stage in a manic explosion of relentless kinetic energy. 

Although existent in various forms since October 2006, it was not until early 2008 that the 
Ruckus Collective really took off, quickly earning a reputation as one of the city’s most exciting 
new bands. A constantly evolving palette of influences including funk, hip-hop, jazz, and rock 
with a punk attitude has drawn comparisons with the likes of Ozomatli and the Red Hot Chili 
Peppers, but in reality it is impossible to categorise this remorselessly genre-smashing punk 
fusion party sound. In the words of Tony Benjamin “that's the secret of Ruckus' music – they use 
their ingredients carefully, mixing and matching for sound and style to keep their essential 
variety”. 

The recording of “Stop, Drop, Dance!” in June ’08 represented a high point for the five 
members, keen to capture the group’s live potential with a debut album funded by months of 
heavy gigging. The studio experience had ups and downs, but its result is a disc that successfully 
portrays the edgy creativity and incendiary dancefloor power which never fails to raise a ruckus. 
Shaky times were to follow. University commitments caused the removal of several members 
from the country. Despite this enforced hiatus, spirits were kept high – the inevitable reunion 
would be worth waiting for. 

A year on in the fall of 2009, the band regrouped stronger than ever and began storming venues 
all over Bristol like they’d never been away. With a bunch of new material and a ton of stored 
up energy it was once again time to record. Through various side projects much knowledge had 
been gained in the fields of sound engineering and production and a complete DIY approach was 
adopted for the second album. Somewhat appropriate considering the fiscal climate at that 
time. 

Due for release Autumn 2010, “FIST” is looking likely to hit 9 on the Rickta Scale. This is 
vibration therapy as it should be - loud, live and raw. Ruckus Collective bring so much more than 
music to the stage and having already proven themselves of the Bristol circuit, they will now 
begin their first nationwide tour.

Producer, multi-instrumentalist & Appreciator of frequency

Followers of Jack Hay