Howie Reeve & Cod O'Donnell
How to describe the unique acoustic mayhem and comic humanity of Howie Reeve and Cod O’Donnell? How to do justice in mere words to their magical acoustic bass and banjo-driven songs?
“If we are to give us genres - the first thing to say is we both plough our own furrow, but for me I guess some form of post-punk and rough folk would cover it, and for Conor (Cod) he's also rough folk, a bit of a rocker, with an incredible voice. We can both be funny and poignant. Two descriptions of me I like: "that's the one of the most violent yet vulnerable things I've ever seen' and another 'primitive virtuoso'. Conor's a really great musician, and I think we both have that self-taught thing going on. Although we both look at life from our own peculiar angles, the subject matter is essentially real and caring, even though it can superficially appear a bit strange”
Howie Reeve
Glasgow-based HOWIE REEVE, armed with just a bass and his voice, celebrates the beauty and absurdity of life, and embodies the DIY scene’s community spirit. Most recent album ‘Double Rainbow’ is a split vinyl release with Japanese musician Kumio Kurachi, and features collaborations with French saxophonist Cathy Heyden and Andy Kerr (NoMeansNo, Two Pin Din). In his long and varied career, Howie has also worked with Mike Watt (Minutemen, Iggy & The Stooges), GW Sok (The Ex) and many others.
“Unplugged-punk genius Howie Reeve is a linchpin in Glasgow's DIY community - a breathtaking bass player." (Nicola Meighan, The Herald)
"Howie Reeve's approach is essentially one divorced from the traditions of 'making a pop record’ part of a wider tradition of underground troubadours and gleemen, musical ranters and shakers, who hold audiences through their strength of character." (Richard Foster, The Quietus)
"Life affirming...fragile, funny, oozing with empathy and above all fantastic songcraft."
“Howie Reeve is a unique and singular figure in the current British underground... delivering a fragmented and dexterous music that takes in post-punk and avant-folk. Increasingly turning to songwriting, he further engages audiences with cryptic, intimate and unsettling lyrics." – Chris Joynes.
"The DIY gigs in which Howie is involved do feel like acting out on more controllable, microcosmic stage ideals and on how the world should be rather than how it is presented." (Andrew Neal, Louder Than War, 23/02/2015)
Cod O'Donnell
Dropped from a Wormhole over the Dead Holiday Resort of Dunbar, and Now Stumbling Around Edinburgh, Cod O'Donnell's Music Captures the Sound of the Horror at the Back of the Biscuit Cupboard - Strange Backwater Escapades Over Buzzing, Corroded Soundscapes/ Scratchy Oddball Folk Songs.
Cod takes slices of everyday life and puts them in the blender of his unique imagination - often magical, slightly dark, full of wonder and innocence - a big-hearted, bag-headed manchild savant.
He creates folk music powered by original, witty and insightful lyrics and driving clawhammer banjo. His music is accompanied by a nasal yelp which is nothing if not idiosyncratic.
Having released a number of EPs as well as his first album "Onomatopeia & Such", Cod O'Donnell has collaborated and performed with a number of stellar musicians from in and around Scotland's Central Belt. Performances are often filled with surreal anecdotes and unique audience participation. In the past year O'Donnell has played shows with such acclaimed figures as Bob Log III and The Cool Greenhouse.
"O’Donnell has the attributes to become a cult hero nationwide" -Pictish Prism
Both Howie and Cod will release new albums in late autumn 2024.
Howie will have ‘Leaf in Fog’ on vinyl and download
Cod will have ‘Bug Juggernaut’ on cassette and download.
Both make guest appearances on each other’s albums; the only other collaborator on Cod’s is his mum; Howie’s collaborator count is in double figures.
Find out where to obtain them via their respective bandcamps: