The Utopia Strong | |
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Background information | |
Origin | Glastonbury, England |
Genres | |
Years active | 2018–present |
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Members |
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The Utopia Strong are a British electronic band formed in Glastonbury, England in 2018. The group consists of Steve Davis, Kavus Torabi, and Michael J. York. They released their self-titled debut album in 2019 and their second, International Treasure, in 2022.
The Utopia Strong originated from an experimental improvised session in Glastonbury on the evening of 2 January 2018.[1][2] Steve Davis, a six-time World Snooker Champion, was recognised for his love of progressive rock, soul and jazz-funk. He booked the French progressive rock band Magma to play three sold-out nights at the Bloomsbury Theatre and later became a DJ with the radio show Interesting Alternative on Phoenix FM.[3] At a Magma gig, Davis bonded with Iranian-born musician Kavus Torabi,[4] a storied guitarist with Gong and Cardiacs.[3] Davis and Torabi met Coil's Michael J. York after DJing at the 2017 Glastonbury Festival, and the three decided to form a band.[3]
The Utopia Strong released their self-titled debut album on 13 September 2019 on Rocket Recordings.[5][6] The album features a guest vocal appearance by Mediæval Bæbes' Katharine Blake.[7]
The Utopia Strong's second album International Treasure was released in 2022.[8] The Quietus listed the album at number 25 on their Albums Of The Year So Far Chart 2022.[9] The band appeared on BBC Breakfast on 25 March 2023.[10] They supported Steve Hillage's 2023 UK tour, with Torabi also a member of Hillage's backing band.[11][12]