"Steve Davis allegedly orchestrated a robbery in support of The Utopia Strong, aiding them in the production of their second album, International Treasure, which seems to tap into a different realm according to Davis."
In January 2018, three musicians—Steve Davis, Kavus Torabi, and Michael J York—came together in Glastonbury, England, for a modular synth jam at Michael J York's home. This serendipitous meeting marked the birth of the band, The Utopia Strong.
Their debut album, self-titled, was released in 2019. The band's unique sound, a blend of textural, ambient 'scapes, cosmic energy from additional musical paraphernalia, and elements of jazz and psychedelia, quickly caught the attention of critics and fans alike.
One standout track from the album was "The Islanders," which was described as having an Aphex Twin-like sound by Steve Davis. Another notable track, "Shepherdess," was inspired by Alice Coltrane and features celestial voices, jazzy horns, interstellar gongs, and an undercurrent of skittering drums.
The band's second album, "International Treasure," was launched in 2022. This album, engineered by Rob Kelly, marked a sonic progression from their debut. The album was recorded at Steve Davis' house in Essex, with Michael J York sculpting the raw tracks while Davis and Torabi provided feedback from couches.
The production of "International Treasure" during the 2020 lockdown was partly financed by lateral flow tests through the involvement of a specific individual. Despite the challenging circumstances, the band was able to meet up thanks to friends in high places who provided the necessary tests.
The first track to be completed for the second album was "International Treasure." Another notable track, "Castalia," was initially named "Banana Nest" but was later renamed by Kavus Torabi. "Castalia" was inspired by the LSD experiments of Timothy Leary.
The band members are proud of their latest work and hope that listeners find it a progression from their previous efforts. Despite Steve Davis' six-time world snooker championship title, he has no prior experience in music, adding an unexpected twist to the band's unique sound.
The Utopia Strong's music continues to push boundaries, combining elements of electronic, jazz, and psychedelic music in a way that is both captivating and unique. Their journey is a testament to the power of music and the bonds formed through shared passion and creativity.
