Victorian Dad, AKA David Rybka And The Victorian Dad Band, are not so much a band as an experience; a strange trip into a parallel universe of psychedelic indie soul stoner blues folk stew and oddly dressed followers. One of whom is dancing on a table by the first song.

-Cath Aubergine -

 

Perhaps it’s the diversity of their line-up, or the sheer talent of the multi-tasking musicians on board, which makes each song surprisingly different from the last, and yet still very much with a unique identity. Despite all the geographically diverse influences and wide range of musical talents on show here, founding frontman David Rybka’s tight songwriting, and vocals which often recall Echo & The Bunnymen’s Ian McCulloch, bring the sound of England’s northwest onto the world stage in a way quite unlike anyone else.

- Shout Preston -

 

Like a reluctant crooner, “Victorian Dad” kicks out any lingering melancholy and sends it packing along a sophisticated and progressive path.

- The Manc Review -

 

Together, they come out swinging with some wonderfully soulful chaos; taking a heavy helping of folk rock and weaving it through all kinds of psychedelic madness, injecting a dose of blues and ultimately delivering all this elegantly crafted noise with a distinct energy and unashamed enthusiasm.

- LINC online - Wigan Music Reviews -

 

Victorian Dad embrace everything from rustic folk to superbly honed, melodic grunge. Not many bands feature an Accordion and a Mandolin and still come out sounding like Josh Homme proteges mixing it with The Doors... The best thing about the Dad, are that they convey an intelligence and muscular intent without overload and still manage to generate trouser flapping sounds along the way.

- Manchester Music -

 

Bass, drums, saxophone, two guitars, a ukulele and a mandolin ensure that the sound is rich in colour and texture. The rhythms are complex, catchy and imaginative; the songs are authentic, lyrical and cleverly arranged. The delivery is gutsy and theatrical.

- BBC Manchester -

 

...before you can sew leather patches onto the elbow of your tweed jacket, the set erupts into a powerhouse of guitars and Dave Rybka’s amazing vocals that sit somewhere between Jim Morrison and Josh Homme. The songs are just ready to go...

- JA @ Manchester Music -

 

I'm convinced that if Dave Rybka could power his amps on steam, he would. Crazy mad, but hugely original and entertaining rock and roll.

- Hard Rock Cafe / Manchester By Manuel Ecostos -

 

Wigan's Super Group

- Wigan Reporter -

 

The Doors 'My wild love' on more acid!

- London Promoter -

 

With a wailing harmonica, simple drum beats and various guitarists and bass players behind him, Rybka rocks with taut vocals and springing guitars, and whilst a young woman and a bloke in drag strut around ballet style beside him, Over all, a great set and a man we’ll be keen to check out again.

- Haigh Music Festival -

 

...dirty rock & roll...given a newfound lifeblood

- Sandman Magazine -

 

..More proof that Wigan might well be the centre of musical excellence in the North, Victorian Dad come to entertain us with their superb Screaming Tree’s-esque tunes of both wild sonics and true soul

- Manchester Music -