KEZ - Poetry Punks

Kez at Saltbox - Photos Liv McCarthy. 

Jamie Thrasivoulou - vocals, Taylor Barnes - guitar, Jack Wilson - bass, Greg Rawson - drums.

Kez is a dynamic band hailing from Derby, fronted by Jamie Thrasivoulou, who is also known for his collaborations with other artists like Mye_Taai on their track "Blue Tick." Kez has earned a reputation for delivering intense and captivating performances across a variety of venues. One standout gig was at Saltbox, which we covered in our review, Three Bands, One Epic Night: Wizards Can’t Be Lawyers, Kez, and Marvin’s Revenge Light Up Saltbox. The band is known for their provocative lyrics, which Jamie delivers with precision and intensity, often using a megaphone to distort his voice in unique and powerful ways. Between songs, Jamie engages the audience with humour and anecdotes.

The band's sound blends influences from Public Image Limited, The Minutemen, and The Fall, all with a distinctive Kez twist. The basslines, reminiscent of Viagra Boys at their best, lock in perfectly with the drum beats, while the guitars complement Jamie’s vocals. Their latest release, On The Evening of a Funeral, combines spoken word and poetic punk vocals, with catchy, heavy guitar riffs, driving drums, and deep basslines.

I caught up with Kez for a quick chat:

How was Saltbox for you guys?

Jamie: It was a great venue, really enjoyed the day. All the bands were fantastic, and there was a solid crowd too, so it was definitely a memorable gig. I think I’ve been there before but hadn’t seen a band perform there until that night.

So, how did you come up with the name Kez?

Jamie: The name comes from the film Kez, but we noticed there’s already a band named Kes (with an "S"), and we didn’t want people mispronouncing it as "Kess." It’s actually a reference to the book Kestrel for a Knave.

How did Kez get started? What sparked it?

Taylor: Jack (the bassist) and I went to the opening night of Dubrek around two and a half years ago. Jamie was hosting, and it was on BBC Derby. We ended up chatting about the music we liked, and it quickly led to the idea that we should start making music together. We had our first practice about two weeks later, and it all just happened really fast.

What musical influences did you all share when you first met?

Jamie: When we first met, we talked a lot about The Fall and The Stranglers. I also mentioned my interest in dub poetry and dub soundclash. We bonded over our eclectic tastes — everything from dance music to hardcore death metal! We all listen to different styles, but Taylor and Jack are younger, so they introduced me to some newer bands I hadn’t heard of before.

Taylor: We mentioned Yard Act when we first met. Jamie knew of them, but more recently, I’ve introduced him to Fontaines DC, Viagra Boys, and other post-punk bands from the current scene.

I love the megaphone! It’s such a cool touch. How did you come up with that idea?

Jamie: It’s something I’ve used in bands before, but for Kez, it came about from a need to use it live. After recording some spoken word pieces with it, I wanted to capture that feeling of a spoof news report, like it’s being read over a tannoy or something. Mark E. Smith used one with The Fall, so he was an influence too. But I’ve seen bands do it wrong before, so I’ve learned the best way to use it. I muffle my voice before it goes into the megaphone, which adds even more distortion. It becomes almost like another instrument when I use it live, and it also gives us room to improvise and extend songs.

Any standout shows so far?

Taylor: The Saltbox gig definitely stands out. It was the biggest crowd we’ve played to so far.

Yeah, that crowd was huge! You guys seemed so confident onstage!

Jamie: I think everyone feels some nerves, but it's about channeling that energy and using it to fuel the performance. We work hard, always rehearsing and writing new music, so when we hit the stage, it's all about enjoying the moment. Being on the same bill as bands like Marvin’s Revenge — bands who’ve been gigging for a while — it’s a privilege. You just soak it in, knowing you’ve earned your place. The nerves are there, but I don't focus on them; I just use that energy to give it my all.

Any singles coming out soon?

Jamie: Yeah, we’ve definitely got another single coming before the end of the year. We’re just waiting for the mix, and it might be delayed until December, but it’s coming. We’ve got around 40 songs in the pipeline, so we’re in a great position. We work our own way of jamming and bringing ideas together, and there's always more on the way. After the next single, we might release an EP. We like to keep moving and evolving; there’s always new songs to jam out.

Taylor: We recorded the first single at Broadfield Studio in Luton with Tom Michner, who’s worked with Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes. The second single, "Funeral," was recorded with Darren Lawson, who's done work with Spiritualized and Enter Shikari. The third single is a collaboration with some Derby-based guys who usually work in electronica. It's got an electronic vibe, and we’re excited for it, but we still need to figure out how to play it live.

Looking forward to hearing it! Any upcoming gigs in Nottingham?

Taylor: Yeah, we’re playing in Nottingham on the 23rd of November at The Carousel for Sprawl’s launch party. We’ve got other gigs lined up, but we’re still waiting to announce them.

Tell me about the poetry side of things, Jamie. Does it influence Kez?

Jamie: Yeah, I’m still writing poetry. I actually started in 2009 and had my first collection published in 2016, with another in 2019. My third one is coming out in February next year. But I get more satisfaction from teaching poetry now. I lecture at Derby University and also work full-time in prisons teaching creative writing. Poetry is still important to me, but I enjoy Kez more than I enjoy reading poetry at events. It’s a bit too "middle-class" for me, and it doesn't quite fit with the punk vibe.

That’s such a unique job! Does it ever influence your music?

Jamie: Not really! My experiences in prison work haven’t inspired my music, but they have given me a unique perspective. I’m always on the side of the underdog, so that plays into my approach to life and music. I used to do a lot of poetry readings, but now with Kez, I enjoy the live performances more. Poetry is great, but punk is where I feel at home.

Kez continues to evolve with their experimental sound and distinctive live presence. Keep an eye on them as they gear up for more releases and electrifying performances in 2025. The year of Kez, as Jamie puts it, is just beginning.