They're not evil and there's only two of them, but other than not living up to their randomly chosen yet aesthetically pleasing name, Tom Beaufoy and Pat Pardy in no way disappoint. That's if you are in to a distinctly individual sound that defies categorisation as straightforward breaks, and has delivered both cerebral stimulation and dance floor satisfaction with every release so far.
Tom and Pat first combined skills in 1998 and were quickly identified as a quality DJ/Producer duo by Adam Freeland who signed them to his Marine Parade label. Since then, each of their releases has in turn distinguished Evil Nine as innovators who refuse to blend into the scene. For them, the music has to go beyond being merely 'fat'. Deriving their musical flavour from multiple influences - hip-hop, punk, deep house, garage rock, techno and krautrock - they create an original minimalism packed with emotive ability.
Evil Nine's punk rock, DIY attitude is epitomised in their remix of Ils' "Music", a track you might recognise from the Carling advert but which initially stirred up the breaks scene - irritating purists, exciting the open-minded and inciting the masses to mosh and pogo. Other remix success has been had with krautrock band Pet on Gronland, McMillan & Tab, Santos and Free land.
Their third single "Cakehole" is becoming established as a timeless classic and typifies their latest direction - a sonic contrast of uplifting and melancholic, with the back drop of raw dirty sounds and a nod to nostalgia. Its successor "For Lovers Not Fighters" is testament to their ongoing ability to tweak the breaks format, injecting it with a techno mentality and an infectious vocal to produce impressive and well- received results.
Recent collaborations have included work with Aesop Rock (DEFJUX) and Juice Aleem (New Flesh/Shadowless) for their album "You Can Be Special Too" released in Summer 2004. Intended for both club and home listening it reflects Pat and Tom's heavily hip-hop influenced party roots as well as their aim to soulfully resonate with wider appeal.
The album's funky energy and rock guitar content render it perfect for a live band performance, so Evil Nine are in the process of forming one for an upcoming tour. With Tom on decks and Pat on FX former live shows have drawn crowds of up to 2000 in France, Spain, Hungary and their debut U.S. gig in Miami. They have played at respected clubs such as The End, Fabric and Fuse and have had a number of residencies alongside the likes of Bushwacka as well as currently playing at Urban Gorilla in Sheffield with Tayo.
Their love of branching out rather than playing it safe has led to extremes of rejection or adoration from the public and press, but that's the way they like it. Evil Nine aren't afraid of getting up a few noses by attempting something different if it spawns progress and keeps their ever-evolving style fresh. Radio support has entailed sessions on Annie Nightingale's Radio One show, Tayo's show on Kiss FM, Groovetech and an airing on Steve Lamacq's Radio One Live show. Their Steve Bug and DJ T remix of "Monsterbaze" received critical acclaim from the likes of Laurent Garnier whilst Muzik and DJ Magazine have similarly trumpeted its praise.
Even if Tom and Pat are two likeable blokes and not a menacing troupe as their name suggests, as Muzik magazine has observed, when they combine their talents and their shared musical vision as Evil Nine they "rock like the proverbial bastard". Look out for the album and tour in 2004 to sample a taste for yourself.
