And so, out of the inane cavalcade of Balkan Gypsy sound-alikes comes a blow-your-mind original…Minimum pretence and maximum style: Out Of Babel is a sophisticated tour de force.
Lemez Lovas, Songlines
Stomping leads and chilling strings set a sinister tone for the record; its shady upbeat vibe raises an eyebrow to a Latin influence before elbowing its traditional Irish music influence, meaning this is a seductively dangerous and unique listen.
Anna Meacham, Clash Magazine
I can give you a simple truth: The Destroyers could well be the best band you hear this year. Without a doubt, they’re certainly one of the most interesting acts the UK has seen in a long time. Go out and buy this album. You won’t regret it.
Marcus Kernohan, stereokill.net
Rarely does an album come along that can be called unique; not just in its style, instrumentation and lyrics, but with a force that almost defies description. “Out Of Babel” is one. From Paul Murphy’s deep, resonant monotone on the opening “Utopia Bypass”, you know this is not going to be any run-of-the-mill album. And boy, it isn’t.
…grab the album whenever it comes out and see them live the first chance you get.
The Destroyers have a hell of a billing from the compere but more than live up to it-they truly are “insane”, “chaotic” and “absolutely menkle”, but then can a 15-piece polka orchestra led by a short grandad in a fez who talks like a pirate be anything else
Q Magazine - Glastonbury 2009 Review Special
The Destroyers’ sound is so wildly compulsive that the entire crowd quickly succumbed, and the entire room became a blur of motion and sound, the wooden floor creaking in time to the frenzied strings and wailing brass … The Destroyers are touring the country…..and you owe it to the primal, uninhibited part of yourself to experience the frenetic glory of their live show.
‘A 15-piece outfit of exceptional technical quality which plays a rich blend of Balkan folk music, jazz, Celtic and other influences.’
‘The euphoric audience gave the show a huge standing ovation and who could not fail to be lifted by the show? The Destroyers are utterly contemporary and cutting edge and almost frightening in their creativity, but they manage to balance this with being totally accessible and appealing to the masses.’
Night-times
Not to be confused with any other band called the Destroyers, these are the current hot bulgars! Don’t be afraid, check them out and have a good time.
Brilliant gypsy jazz mentalism, certainly one of the finest midlands groups playing today.