(left to right) Ryan, Paul, Angie, Simon

Biography

The Bêtes Noires are a 4-piece alt rock band based in Belfast. Eclectic and tuneful, but lovers of the volume dial; the band was formed by just over two years ago by Paul McIver, Simon Kelly (sharing vocals, guitar, bass, etc.) and Ryan Simpson (drums and percussion). At the start of 2006 the bands discarded their cheap sampler and recruited Angie McCrisken (keyboards, vocals, percussion) into the fold. The band has so far recorded 4 EPs - all of which have received avid critical reaction - and accolades include a listing in the Teletext Top 10 UK Demos of the Year 2003, airplay from indie legend Steve Lamacq and XFM’s Clare Sturgess and mentions in the NME and The Fly.

2006 has already seen the Betes Noires supporting million selling US act The All-American Rejects and Irish bands The Frank and Walters and Whipping Boy. Over the course of 2005 the band clocked up 16 gigs in London, including a riotous New Years Eve gig in the Windmill in Brixton, as well as supporting Tim Wheeler (Ash) and appearing at the ‘Northern Ireland: Next Generation’ showcase festival at the same venue. Other London haunts where the band has made noise include the Barfly, Pleasure Unit, Rhythm Factory and The Venue in New Cross.

Other live highlights in 2005 included appearances at In The City (Manchester), the TMF Rock Festival (Essex) and BelFEST festival. At home the band have also supported The Wonder Stuff, Art Brut, Kerbdog and Editors at two sold out shows, as well as packing out their own gigs..

Having adopted their name from the French phrase meaning 'pet-hate', the response so far to the group seems to indicate the opposite. Combining a wide variety of rock genres, a desire to innovate, and a genuine passion for music, the Bêtes Noires’ main concern is getting the sound out of their heads and into your ears.