| Rodent Emporium | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Origin | Edinburgh, Scotland, UK |
| Genres | Punk rock, Comedy rock, Ska punk |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Labels | Void Avoidance (UK), Raging Storm (US), ZAP Records |
| Website | rodentemporium.bandcamp.com |
Rodent Emporium are a Scottish alternative punk/comedy punk band formed in Edinburgh in 2005. Known for surreal lyrics and energetic live performances, they blend punk, satire, and chaotic stage antics to lampoon everything from sports culture to social norms.[1][2]
History
Rodent Emporium was founded by Stuart Gilmour (vocals) and Graeme Watt (guitar), who began writing satirical songs in 2005. They were joined by drummer Owen Innes in 2006, and bassists Garry Daniel and later Barry Topping.[1] Their debut album, Music Without Fear Of Reprimand, was self-released in 2007 on Gilmour’s own label, Void Avoidance. The album combined fast punk riffs with absurd lyrics and themes including shuttlecock theft, surreal creatures, and Scottish tax burdens.[2]
In 2008, they performed multiple shows at the Cornerstone Festival in Illinois, drawing crowds of several hundred.[3] They returned in 2009 and 2011, gaining attention from US label Raging Storm Records, which later released their album Sports.[4] In 2011, they played Greenbelt Festival in the UK, with reviewers comparing them to Half Man Half Biscuit and Weird Al Yankovic.[5]
Musical style
Rodent Emporium’s music is fast, melodic punk that veers into ska, garage, and country-punk. Their lyrics are humorous, surreal, and satirical, often skewering topics like sport obsession, masculinity, and awkward teenage angst. Their style has drawn comparisons to The Toy Dolls, Five Iron Frenzy, and other genre-blending punk acts.[1]
Live performances
The band is known for theatrical, participatory live shows. At Cornerstone Festival 2009, they performed during Punk Night and invited members of the crowd on stage mid-song.[6] A reviewer at the event described them as “just fun” and “utterly ridiculous in the best way.”[7] In 2011, at Greenbelt Festival, they were praised for their tight musicianship and humour despite being largely unknown to the audience.[8]
They were also scheduled to perform at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh in December 2010, though the gig was cancelled due to snow. The venue’s listing confirms their active presence in the UK live circuit.[9]
Recent projects
In December 2022, the band launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a live album and film titled Dead or Alive You’re Coming With Me. The campaign raised £701 from 21 backers.[10] The resulting album, recorded live in-studio, was released in early 2023 on streaming platforms.[11]
Discography
- Music Without Fear Of Reprimand (2007, Void Avoidance)[2]
- Sports (2009, Raging Storm Records)[1]
- Kigo (2011, ZAP Records; reissued 2018)[12]
- The People vs St Nick: A Christmas Odyssey, Parts 1–6 (2011, Void Avoidance)[13]
- Dead or Alive You’re Coming With Me (Live in Studio) (2023)[14]
External links
References
- Rodent Emporium: The Scottish punk satirists lampooning sports jocks – Rodent Emporium.
- Rodent Emporium – Music Without Fear of Reprimand | the Skinny.
- Cornerstone 2008. 11 July 2010.
- Cornerstone Festival 2011 – Part 2. 16 July 2011.
- Rodent Emporium at Greenbelt 2011 – the Metal Resource – mauce.nl.
- Day 1: Great Shows by Friends | Writings from the Dirt Road. 7 July 2009.
- Cornerstone 2009. 11 July 2010.
- Rodent Emporium at Greenbelt 2011 – the Metal Resource – mauce.nl.
- Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh gig listing
- Kickstarter campaign launch post
- Live album release post
- [ZAP-039] Kigo, by Rodent Emporium.
- Bandcamp discography
- Live in Studio release
