Prosthetic Records is proud to welcome Hong Kong-based rock and blues musician and composer Jason Kui to its roster. Kui is a session and touring guitarist who has worked with many well-known artists throughout Hong Kong and China. As a teenager, he was drawn to the playing of Eddie Van Halen, John Petrucci and Andy Timmons, who all greatly influenced his playing. Kui's debut album, Absence of Words, features diverse sounds - modern metal, hard rock, funk and ballad - while integrating rock lead techniques and compelling melodies throughout. Prosthetic Records will make the album available for the first time outside of Hong Kong on October 13, 2017.
 
Jason Kui says: "Fortunately for me, instrumental music is popular again like in the 80's, and it has no language barriers - an Asian rock or pop singer could never find a large audience in the US or Europe. Prosthetic Records is known for great instrumental artists, like Marty Friedman. Getting signed by Prosthetic is quite unbelievable. It has been my ambition for years to be signed by an American label. I hope this will lead a tour and performing in the US." 
 
Absence of Words was mixed and mastered in New York by Matthew Sim at Germano Studios and Alex Psaroudakis at Sterling Sound and features several other guest musicians, including one of the most in-demand bassists in Hong Kong, Chan Siu Kei, as well as American modern metal drum virtuoso, Anup Sastry. Sastry played on all the tracks on the album and his unique, modern sound and incredible techniques are recognizable in every song. 

Kui started his career as a sideman at the age of 23, and has played countless shows at the Coliseum, Hong Kong's largest venue which seats 12,500. He recently finished a two-year world tour as lead guitarist for Eason Chan, the legendary Hong Kongsinger. The 135-show tour included venues in China, South-east Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA, including Madison Square Garden. The two finale shows were performed at Beijing's Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium to sell-out crowds totalling 100,000 people.
 
www.facebook.com/jasonkui

British blues rockers The Thinking Men are currently having their latest EP, “Queen Of The Ravens”, streamed over at Never Enough Notes ahead of their July 30th release date!
 
When asked recently about the EP title, which is also the name of the lead single, the band said:
 
“We enjoy delving into the darkest recesses of man’s mind, a place that remains hidden from the majority of the world. What you tend to discover is that emotions, such as love, often have many faces, some of which are a lot darker and more sinister than the popular societal conception of love would lead you to believe. So, ‘Queen Of The Ravens’ is about dispelling popular myths concerning love by highlighting its potential to psychologically torture.”
 
The full EP can be streamed here - http://www.neverenoughnotes.co.uk/2016/06/nen-exclusive-the-thinking-men-preview-new-ep-streaming-queen-of-the-ravens-in-full/
 
The Thinking Men were formed by Johnny Raspin (guitar and vocals) and Ronnie Smith (lead guitar). As a duo they began writing and performing together, but were soon joined by Sarah Raspin (keyboards & backing vocals), Matt Rowe (drums & backing vocals) and Duncan Samwell (double bass). Described as “Gritty and seductive bluesy rock” by The Blue Walrus, this exciting Norwich quintet have been working hard cultivating and maturing their sound accumulating in their latest offering. They have carved out a somewhat unique sound, harking back to the swinging 60’s, but with a contemporary, modern feel. Channelling inspiration from the likes of Tom Waits, Nick Cave, The Doors and Jack White the band have seen their popularity grow and have built up a steady following locally, often selling out venues.
 
The Thinking Men have become reputable for their eccentric, unpredictable and theatrical live performances that simply enthral and captivate their audiences with infectious, foot stomping anthems that reverberate throughout the auditorium. A must see live act that doesn’t disappoint, from the first note to the final chord! They began attracting more attention in 2013, picking up Future Radio’s Next Big Thing award.
 
While building their scintillating live reputation, the band have also produced a number of self-releases. Most notably their 2014 EP, “Ululate”. Which was mastered by Joe Laporta of Sterling Sound (The Killers, Foo Fighters & Imagine Dragons). They also continued to get busy on the live circuit; scoring spots on a number of festivals, including The Secret Garden Party, VW Whitenoise, Symmetry & Red Rooster. Elsewhere, the band racked up support slots with Molotov Jukebox (fronted by Game of Thrones actress Natalia Tena), The Weeks, Doors Alive & Kill It Kid. Their most recent home town show in Norwich at the famed Norwich Arts Centre was a sold out affair.
 
All of which has led to their latest release; “Queen Of The Ravens EP”! In support of the new record, the quintet are set to hit the stage again this summer. With a slot at Festival Too, one of Europe's largest free festivals, and a support with The Wonderstuff. It’s an exciting moment for The Thinking Men. Time to come along for the ride!

ALBUM TRACK LISTING

    Alabama Woman Blues
    Can’t Let You Do It
    I Will Be There
    Spiral
    Catch The Blues
    Cypress Grove
    Little Man, You’ve Had a Busy Day
    Stones In My Passway
    I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine
    I’ll Be Alright
    Somebody's Knockin'
    I’ll Be Seeing You