About

State of Play’s front of house triple threat consists of: the contemplative and conscious lyrics of East Londoner, Anthony (A-Mens) Mensah, a show-stopping array of vocal talent, provided by the Edinburgh native Melissa (Missy) McAnulty and finally Ahmar (S.V) Ferguson, delivering a balance of explosive passion with soulful nuances, whilst making conspicuous nods to his Jamaican heritage. These varied vocal styles are delivered with equal measures of flowing rhythmic diction, energy and passion.

The rhythm section is a tight partnership of the Bass brilliance of Will Kerr and the delectable Drums of Ben Spooner. Will’s Bass arrangements effortlessly compliment the evolving sound of the band, interlocking precisely with the uniquely nimble style of Ben’s drums. This duo of grooving versatility seamlessly transcend styles, something which has quickly become a recognisable S.O.P trait.

Alex (Fando) Fernandes, is a prodigiously self-taught guitarist, equally at home with noisy experimentation and precise bluesy chromaticism. Also highly accomplished writer across a range of instruments, he is the distinct creative force behind some of the classic signature tracks. The final addition of Anthony (Oscillo) Kent significantly influenced the bands approach to writing. His love for Soul and Jazz, is evident in his vintage Keys progressions, whilst his Synths and Samplers offer a more modern aesthetic and brings electronic element to their sound. 

Together they map a vast musical territory and are capable of evoking, in the space of just a few bars, the laid back neo-soul swagger of The Roots, the wearied tenderness of Lauryn Hill, or the raw drive of Rage Against the Machine.