For the love of MUSIC….DAY!!

31 May 2016

This huge, nationwide celebration of music spans TV, radio, on-line, and brings us many live performances. Here is just a mere peppering of some of the 300 delightful musical events on offer: There’s Laura Mvula on stage at the Eden Project; Travis is playing up in Glasgow in collaboration with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra; there will be music from 40 bridges across the UK in collaboration with BBC local radio; on 6Music, Stuart Maconie is live from Manchester’s the Lesser Free Trade Hall commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Sex Pistols gig; on Radio 3 there will be live performances by young performers and disabled musicians; there will be a ‘vegetable orchestra’ led by Shaun the Sheep in Bristol and a Songs of Praise Gospel flash-mob performance at Birmingham New Street station; there will be music from hospitals; market places; Duran Duran are playing in Cornwall; church bells will ring out simultaneously across the UK at 7pm, and one of my favourites has to be what CBBC & CBeebies are getting up to: “calling for fans of Danger Mouse to send in recordings of themselves singing the theme tune. Danger Mouse will celebrate BBC Music Day with a unique, crowd sourced, version of the theme tune to open the show on Friday 3 June.” DO IT!!

There is SO much going on, my head is in a tizzy thinking about it all! Can’t wait! Tune in to radio, the telly, and internet or get thee down to one of the many performances. To find out more about what is happening in the Northwest and Yorkshire, check out these links:

Music Day main site
Music Day in the Northwest
Music Day in Yorkshire

FESTIVAL NEWS: Tramlines Festival adds even more DJ talent to its 2016 programme

Frank

31 May 2016

Organisers of Sheffield’s Tramlines Festival, which returns for its eighth instalment from 22 to 24 July, have announced another huge injection of electronic artists for its 2016 bill, with the likes of Cut Chemist, Derrick Carter, Tom Findlay (Groove Armada), Zero 7 (DJ set), DJ Woody, Ghetts, Footsie, Giant Swan, Joe90 (Futureboogie), The Reflex and over 40 of Sheffield’s finest featuring amongst the latest additions.

For the first time, Tramlines will open up the university’s club venues for two consecutive nights on Saturday and Sunday, in response to the huge demand for its clubs shows. Those who’ve attended the UK’s biggest-inner music festival before will know that, once the sun sets, the city’s clubs and warehouses offer up a wide selection of all-things-electronic, all night long.

Leading the DJ talent on this latest announcement are Chicago house legend Derrick Carter, Groove Armada’s Tom Findlay, and the genre-bending Zero 7, all appearing at the University on Saturday night.

For something a bit more lyrical, Ghetts, one of the UK’s most highly-acclaimed rap artists, will perform at the o2 Academy on Saturday night, joining the already-announced garage, grime and drum & bass lineup with My Nu Leng & Dread MC, DJ Hype, Machinedrum & Ragga Twins and Big Narstie.

At Foundry on Sunday night, revellers will be treated to a masterclass in turntablism, from World Champion Scratch DJ Woody and Jurassic 5 co-founder Cut Chemist, who takes to the decks following the full group’s Main Stage live set.

Other key sets across the festival come from Newham Generals’ grime favourite Footsie, known for releasing on Dizzee Rascal’s Dirtee Stank label as well as producing for Big Narstie; Joe90 of the Bristolian dance music collective Futureboogie; The Reflex, who breathes new life into soul and disco staples, with his boxfresh edits praised by Nile Rogers and Craig Charles, and industrial techno duo Giant Swan, whose improv approach makes for a singularly unique live show.

Known across the UK for its forward-thinking club scene, Sheffield is home to some serious DJ talent, with over 40 local artists newly added to Tramlines’ 2016 bill. Joining the lineup at The Night Kitchen are Huddle, famed for their killer parties around Sheffield with the likes of Crazy P and Medlar, both of whom are also playing Tramlines. Joining them is Chip Butty Records’ DJ Cryptic, no stranger to the top of Juno Download charts and Roots, helmed by the much-loved club promoter Akid.

Another stand-out local act are the Hybrid Vigour collective. The electronic brainchild of local experimental band Blood Sport, they have curated the venue’s lineup, and will DJ alongside featured artists including Giant Swan, Guttersnipe, Negative Midas Touch, Steve Davis (DJ) and Mica Levi (DJ).

It’s not just the night-time programme that sees 100,000 music fans turn out to transform Sheffield into a vibrant festival site, with everything from indie to R&B, and electronica to reggae appearing across the sprawling festival site. Over three outdoor stages and 15 indoor venues, the 2016 lineup already includes Dizzee Rascal, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Jurassic 5, Kelis, George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic, The Dandy Warhols, The Mystery Jets, Gaz Coombes, Dawn Penn, Crazy P Soundsystem, Goldie, Craig Charles, Public Service Broadcasting, Field Music, Little Simz, The Enemy, Norman Jay MBE, Toddla T, Young Fathers, My Nu Leng, David Rodigan, Skream and loads more.

Tickets for Tramlines Festival 2016 are on sale and, as ever, remain seriously good value. Night-time tickets and Sunday day-time tickets are now sold-out, but a weekend ticket comes in at the bargain price of £42 plus booking fee, covering all stages from day until night. To stay for the official closing parties on Sunday night, tickets are an added £5, making it one of the most competitively priced festivals around.

Tramlines 2016 Lineup So Far

Dizzee Rascal / Catfish and the Bottlemen / George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic / Jurassic 5 / Kelis

Basement / Big Narstie / Craig Charles / Crazy P Soundsystem / The Crookes / Cut Chemist / The Dandy Warhols / David Rodigan / Dawn Penn / Derrick Carter / DJ Hype & IC3 / DJ Woody / Dub Phizix & DRS / Eliza and the Bear / The Enemy / Everly Pregnant Brothers / Field Music / Footsie / Gaz Coombes / Ghetts / Goldie / Hinds / Inheaven / Jack Dat / Jane Weaver / Kate Jackson / Kiko Bun / Leon Vynehall / Little Comets / Little Simz / Machinedrum & Ragga Twins / Mica Levi (DJ) / Marika Hackman / Medlar / Moon Duo / The Mouse Outfit / Mr Scruff & MC Kwasi / My Nu Leng & Dread MC / Mystery Jets / Norman Jay MBE / Nordic Giants / Novelist / Paranoid London / Public Service Broadcasting / Quantic / Robert Hood Presents Floorplan / Skream / Steve Davis (DJ) / Teleman / Tom Findlay (Groove Armada) / Toddla T Takeover / Young Fathers / Zero 7 (DJ)

Agbeko / Akid / Alatt / Alibi & Skipz / All We Are / Al Zanders / Andy H / Amy Becker / ArcTanGent DJs / Ardyn / Arnivore / Aztec Doll / Banana Hill / Bang Bang Romeo / Beaty Heart / Bernard and Edith / Big Eyes Family Players / The Black Lagoons / Blasher / Blessa / Blood Sport / Bluewave / Boddika / Body Antoinette / Capo Lee / Caroline Francess / Cervo / C Duncan / Chris Welch / Clay / Clipboard (Quality Control) / Coco / Cowtown / CPSmith (Central Processing Unit) / Crisjn / Daniel Whitehouse / Dan Mangan / Da Rico / Deep Space Orchestra / Dego / Denham Audio / Denis Sulta / Dialects / DMK / Don’t Look Now DJs / Dr Cryptic / Drumro[II] / DSL / Ekkah / Emily May / Emma Crowder / Es.Q / exmagician / Fleetmac Wood / Flibb / FOES / Future Wildstyle / FYI Chris / Gett Off / Giant Swan / Ginger Tom / Global Roots Soundsystem / Goat Head / Gold Teeth / Gramercy Park / Guttersnipe / Gwenno / He/aT/ The Herron Brothers / High Hazels / Holly Macve / Holy Esque / Hot Diamond Aces / The Hot Soles / Huddle / Hybrid Vigour DJs / Jasper James / Jayskilatah / Jim Ghedi & Toby Hay /Joe90 (Futureboogie) / Johnny Lloyd / JVC / K.O.G & The Zongo Brigade / King Capisce / Kuenta i Tambu / Last Japan / Laura J Martin / LEVELZ / Leroy / Linnemann / Little Mesters / Living Body / Lloyd SB / Loam / Logan Sama / LOR / Lo Shea / Lusts / Madam X / Marquis Hawkes / Matrixxman / MC Shinobi / Meilyr Jones / Micra.Soft / Miles From Kinshasa / Motional / Mt Wolf / Muad’Dib / Mumdance B2B Pinch / Napoleon IIIrd / NARCS / Neon Waltz / Negative Midas Touch / Nice Like Rice / North Adolescence / Ollie Bradley / Pareidolia / Pedram / Perc / Pixi / Pixx / Plenty Vibes / P Money / Proteus (DJ) / Pure Bathing Culture / Randall / Real Talk / Reflector / The Reflex / Rev. Austin / Revolver 50th Anniversary Performance / Rita Maia / Roseau / Roots / Rukhsana Merrise / Rye Wax / S-Unit / Saif Mode / Sammartino / Scuba / Sekt-87 / Silver Wilson / Simmerdown DJs / Sir Spyro / Skillzy / Sly & the Family Drone / Smorsli / Souljam / Sticky Blood / The Stars Band / Ste Roberts / STI / Stoaty / The SSS / Suited & Booted Dancehall Brotherz / Sundara Karma / Thomas Truax / Throws / Tom Trago / Tom Unlikely / Toucans / Trash / Triple Point / Trojan Explosion / True Fiction / Two Two / Unit 3 / Velocity Brown & the Hot Rods / Wheresnorth? / Yndi Halda / Zed Bias B2B Paleman / Zuzu

www.tramlines.org.uk
www.facebook.com/tramlines
www.twitter.com/tramlines
www.instagram.com/tramlines

Tickets available from:
http://tramlines.gigantic.com/tramlines-sheffield-city-centre-various-venues-2016-07-22-12-00

FESTIVAL NEWS: No more queues at Tramlines 2016

Frank

27 May 2016

Last year, Tramlines relocated the main stage to Ponderosa Park. This large park just outside the city centre allowed Tramlines to increase capacity and bring even bigger acts to Sheffield, in line with the requests of the public. The move was a success with more people than ever before converging in this normally quiet area of Sheffield. As with anything new, there were one or two teething issues, the festival organisers for Tramlines have addressed these for 2016.

All the elements of ticketing and entry have been improved. Firstly there’s more choice when purchasing festival tickets. In addition to buying a ticket for a specific day, you can also buy day or night only tickets so that the early birds and night owls only pay for the areas they want to attend. Tramlines have also added the option to buy a VIP access ticket that includes queue jump at the main stage and Devonshire Green, private bar access and posh toilets.

The e-ticketing system has been improved so that anyone who loses his or her ticket will still get in (e-tickets only). There will also be more wristband exchange points so that you can swap your ticket for a wristband at the most convenient location for you.

Getting into the main stage should be a much faster experience with more security staff on hand at the entry points. Once you’re inside the main stage there will be less queues for food and drink with more festival eats from independent food retailers and bigger and better bars stocking everything from real ales to cocktails. There are also major improvements to the sound system and fairground rides will be moved away from the main stage. Most importantly Tramlines have doubled the number toilets on site!

There’s more music overall at Tramlines 2016 with added day venues and an increase in the capacity of Devonshire Green which opens on Friday night for a Sheffield showcase. There’s even free film screenings at The Showroom for wristband holders.

Once the day is drawing to a close, the main stage opening hours have been extended so that you can finish your drink and grab a bite to eat after the last act finishes without rushing to the exits.

Tramlines 2016 Lineup So Far …

Dizzee Rascal / Catfish and the Bottlemen / George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic / Jurassic 5 / Kelis

Basement / Big Narstie / Craig Charles / Crazy P Soundsystem / The Crookes / The Dandy Warhols / David Rodigan / Dawn Penn / DJ Hype & IC3 / Dub Phizix & DRS / Eliza and the Bear / The Enemy / Everly Pregnant Brothers / Field Music / Gaz Coombes / Goldie / Hinds / Inheaven / Jack Dat / Jane Weaver / Kate Jackson / Kiko Bun / Leon Vynehall / Little Comets / Little Simz / Machinedrum & Ragga Twins / Mica Levi (DJ) / Marika Hackman / Medlar / Moon Duo / The Mouse Outfit / Mr Scruff & MC Kwasi / My Nu Leng & Dread MC / Mystery Jets / Norman Jay MBE / Nordic Giants / Novelist / Paranoid London / Public Service Broadcasting / Quantic / Robert Hood Presents Floorplan / Skream / Steve Davis (DJ) / Teleman / Toddla T Takeover / Young Fathers

Agbeko / All We Are / Andy H / Amy Becker / ArcTanGent DJs / Ardyn / Arnivore / Aztec Doll / Banana Hill / Bang Bang Romeo / Beaty Heart / Bernard and Edith / Big Eyes Family Players / The Black Lagoons / Blessa / Blood Sport / Bluewave / Boddika / Capo Lee / Caroline Francess / Cervo / C Duncan / Clay / Coco / Cowtown / Daniel Whitehouse / Dan Mangan / Da Rico / Deep Space Orchestra / Dego / Denham Audio / Denis Sulta / Dialects / DMK / Ekkah / Emily May / Emma Crowder / Es.Q / exmagician / Fleetmac Wood / FOES / Frazer / Future Wildstyle / FYI Chris / Gett Off / Global Roots Soundsystem / Ginger Tom / Goat Head / Gramercy Park / Gwenno / High Hazels / Holly Macve / Holy Esque / Hot Diamond Aces / The Hot Soles / Jasper James / Jayskilatah / Jim Ghedi & Toby Hay / JVC / K.O.G & The Zongo Brigade / King Capisce / Kuenta i Tambu / Last Japan / Laura J Martin / LEVELZ /

Living Body / Loam / Logan Sama / LOR / Lo Shea / Lusts / Madam X / Marquis Hawkes / Matrixxman / Meilyr Jones / Miles From Kinshasa / Mt Wolf / Mumdance B2B Pinch / Napoleon IIIrd / NARCS / Nice Like Rice / North Adolescence / Pareidolia / Pedram / Perc / Pixx / Plenty Vibes / P Money / Pure Bathing Culture / Randall / Real Talk / Reflector / Rev. Austin / Revolver 50th Anniversary Performance / Rita Maia / Roseau / Rukhsana Merrise / Rye Wax / Saif Mode / Scuba / Silver Wilson / Sir Spyro / Sly & the Family Drone / The SSS / The Stars Band / Souljam / Ste Roberts / Sticky Blood / Suited & Booted Dancehall Brotherz / Sundara Karma / Thomas Truax / Throws / Tom Trago / Toucans / Trash / True Fiction / Unit 3 / Velocity Brown & the Hotrods / Yndi Halda / Zed Bias B2B Paleman / Zuzu

www.tramlines.org.uk
www.facebook.com/tramlines
www.twitter.com/tramlines
www.instagram.com/tramlines

Tickets available from:
http://tramlines.gigantic.com/tramlines-sheffield-city-centre-various-venues-2016-07-22-12-00

SINGLE REVIEW: Jordan Allen – ‘Helter-skelter / White Lines’

Martin Higgins

27 May 2016

After a couple of well received releases as a solo artist, Bolton songsmith Jordan Allen has now returned for his first recording with a full band in tow. The double A side single ‘Helter Skelter / White Lines’ features Allen on vocals and guitar, Danny Quin on lead guitar, Kieran Loughran on bass and Nathan Howard on drums.

‘Helter Skelter’ is a story of unrequited lust, a late night obsession in the dying hours of a night on the town. Allen himself describes it as about “the dark kind of promiscuity that grips you In a drunken haze.” The song rips along with a persistent driving beat and prowling bassline from Howard and Loughran with a scuzzy Strokes-like riff setting a suitably sleazy tone. Allen’s poetic lyrical style and northern twang mean comparisons to the likes of Liam Fray and Alex Turner are inevitable although the high notes he hits remind me more of The Coral’s James Skelly, which is no bad thing. The heavy riffing in the song’s bridge and Danny Quin’s wailing solo towards the end demonstrate that Allen and the lads can rock out when needed to.

‘White Lines’ is another cautionary tale of late night excess as Allen tells us about an acquaintance who has ‘five lines a day and seems fine’ and who possesses the ‘knack of stealing other boy’s girls and showing them a whole new world’. The track has a more laid back feel for the most part. It’s led initially with shuffling drums and brooding bass, the guitars following quietly behind with a simple three chord pattern. Allen’s voice is out in the open on the musically lean verses which is all the better for showcasing his lyrical skills. The chorus amps things up with some satisfyingly chunky power chords and a clamour of drums. The song finishes on a high with another epic guitar solo, not usually to be found on most contemporary indie rock tunes but certainly welcome here.

By all accounts this release is the beginning of a new chapter for Allen and his band with much more new material to come. If this single is any indication of what’s in store then the saga of Jordan Allen will be a story worth following closely.

The single is available to stream or buy on the following platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0BbeFyNhjgs7WTMGYeD6i2
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/helter-skelter-single/id1100301593

Website: www.Jordanallenuk.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jordanallenuk
Twitter: @jordanallenuk

GIG NEWS: Federal Charm tour June/July 2016

Louise Karwowski

26 May 2016

UK shows with Black Star Riders, Joanne Shaw Taylor and UFO and slots on the main stage at the Minehead Giants of Rock, The Rock & Blues Festival in Skegness, and at Hard Rock Hell 9 in Pwllheli sealed a definitive year for the Manchester born ensemble.

The twin guitars of Nick Bowden and Paul Bowe are intricate and polished, with Bowden’s vocals defying conventional range and Bowe’s captivating showmanship. The two guitar prodigies are ably assisted by the rhythm section of bassist L.D Morawski and Danny Rig on drums, making for an exciting act that are already being hailed as the ‘next big thing’ in the new wave of alternative blues rock bands.

2016 is shaping up in a similar manner with Giants Of Rock (again), a Planet Rock sponsored UK tour in March with Australian rockers Tracer, and the second release from ‘Across The Divide’ – ‘Guess What’ – play-listed at Planet Rock for 6 week. ‘Master Plan’ will be released to coincide with the ‘Crossing The Divide’ tour.

Upcoming live dates

June 10 Nice & Sleazy – Glasgow
June 11 Gullivers – Manchester
June 12 Picturedrome – Holmfirth
June 30 Maze – Nottingham
July 1 Leopard – Doncaster
July 2 Live Rooms – Chester
July 7 Louisiana – Bristol
July 8 Clwb Ifor Bach – Cardiff
July 9 Cavern – Exeter
July 13 Adelphi – Hull
July 14 Slade Rooms – Wolverhampton
July 15 Railway – Winchester
July 16 Brewood Festival
July 20 Head Of Steam – Newcastle
July 21 Nambucca – London
July 22 Crauford – Milton Keynes
July 23 Waterfront – Norwich

Tickets: www.federalcharm.com/tickets

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/proktor-wire-sound-com/federal-charm-silhouette-192kb-mp3/s-FjhLe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoXNQFZCNdk&feature=youtu.be
Website: www.federalcharm.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/federalcharm

FESTIVAL NEWS: Beat-Herder Festival announce more acts for 2016 including Todd Terje Live, comedy line-up & two brand new stages revealed

Louise Karwowski

25 May 2016

The jewel in the crown of Northern England’s festival calendar, Beat-Herder, today releases a string of new acts added to its already-stellar line-up. Todd Terje will be playing his infectious Norwegian disco live in his Sunday main stage headline slot, while beat-boxer extraordinaire and production whiz Beardyman will invite a supergroup of world class musicians and freestyle MCs to make a brand new album live, inspired song titles made up by the audience in his Dream Team Sessions.

Acid house and techno veteran A Guy Called Gerald and co-founder of avant-dubstep label Skull Disco, Appleblim are confirmed for Trash Manor. Elsewhere The Fortress, one of the most exhilarating stages at Beat-Herder, is set to pop off courtesy of BBC Radio 1 DJ B.Traits who headlines the Friday. Bristolian DJ/production super duo Stanton Warriors will take their turn to spin their genre-spanning records on Sunday and on Saturday there will be an Off Me Nut Records take over, plus sets from Ed Solo, Paul Taylor and Mark Archer (Altern8). The trance contingent will be represented by pioneers of the scene, Union Jack.

Legends in the drum ‘n’ bass scene, TC feat MC Jakes will headline The Ring on Saturday, joining the festival’s burgeoning all-star cast of D&B favourites including Jauz, Delta Heavy, A Skillz and jungle veteran General Levy.

Also announced today is the comedy line up. Taking over the Maison D’etre stage on Sunday afternoon will be the magnetic Tom Stade (Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow, The John Bishop Show), stand-up storyteller Rob Rouse (8 Out of 10 Cats, Celebrity Juice, Dave’s One Night Stand), former comedy reviewer turned comedienne Fern Brady (8 Out of 10 Cats, Seann Walsh’s Late Night Comedy Spectacular), Keith Carter, Rob Mulholland, Danny Sutcliffe and more.

Never one to rest on their laurels, Beat-Herder has earned a reputation for keeping punters guessing by creating new stages, surprises and secret areas year on year. One of the most inventive festivals when it comes to production and set design, the 2016 edition will boast not one but two new areas. For the first time in its history, Beat-Herder will be teaming up with esteemed psychedelic party crew Sunrise. Now in its 19th year, Sunrise started in Manchester and has grown to be one of the most well-respected psytrance parties today. Expect top production, wild sounds courtesy of the mighty Opus Sound System, UV eye candy and the best psychedelic music ranging from chilled to psybreak and right right through to full on stompers.

Also new for 2016 is The Illustrious Society stage, the “home of the Good, the Glitterati and the Intelligentsia” will be setting up at Beat-Herder. Suits, steam punk or vintage attire are mandatory for entry.

The Perfumed Garden is an enigmatic stage nestled in the Beat-Herder landscape: somewhere to sit and eat delicious food and drink a cool brew while listening to an eclectic selection of music. Headlining Friday is Bobby Bird’s electro/ambient project Higher Intelligence Agency (live), with London/Bahrain five-piece Flamingods headlining Saturday.

Once you’ve had your fill of food and drink, head to the Smoky Tentacles Shisha Lounge for the finest acoustic acts, dubbed out poetry and downbeat sounds, with reggae/hip-hop duo Subculture Sage and gypsy-folk-meets-jungle group Ushti Baba also announced.

New announcements include:

Todd Terje Live
Beardyman’s Dream Team Sessions Ft. MCs Leen And Serocee
A Guy Called Gerald
B.Traits
Stanton Warriors
TC Feat MC Jakes
Ed Solo
Appleblim
Higher Intelligence Agency (LIVE)
Union Jack
Flamingods
Mark Archer (ALTERN8)
Paul Taylor
Subculture Sage

Comedy line up announced:

Tom Stade, Rob Ruse, Fern Brady, Jack Evans

Plus 2 new stages announced for 2016:

Sunrise
The Illustrious Society

Also announced:

Abba Arrival / Tan Dem / Big Bad Sound System / Henge / Jinx In Dub / Jon Sterckx / Mojo Filter / Mrs Cakehead / New Kingston / Paddy Steer / Pete Lawrence / Phatworld / Smiley Maxx / Steve Thorpe / Spongebob Squarewave / Oh My God! It’s The Church / Thorpey / Trikilatops / Ushti Baba / Nipples Of Venus

Perfumed Garden Line-Up Additions

Higher Intelligence Agency / Flamingods / Paddy Steer / Henge / Mrs Cakehead / Jon Sterckx / Trikilatops / Mister Tooley / Shack / Ennio Maccaroni / Waka / Stagger Lee Fisher / Lez Scott / Stee Bowden / Kate Fear / Paul Woodgnome / Liz Collier / Dj Phez

Smoky Tentacles Shisha Lounge Stage Line-Up Additions

Rumjig / Maxi Roots In Cumbia / Tantz / Dj Rorshack / Hot Damn / Head Tentacle / Louise Coady / Lewis Garland / Wenro / Matt Montez / Paper Cranes / Lyons And Lazel / Midnight Zu / Solana / Ushti Baba / New Kingston / Jinx In Dub W/Dub Dadda / Tom Spiral & Escape Roots / Dj Feline / Jon Dawes Pc / Marc Constantine / Shunya / Kalika / Mama Jerk & The Ladyfingers / Binbag Wisdom / Skayaman / Subculture Sage

Information and tickets: http://beatherder.co.uk/

LIVE REVIEW: Dark Matter Promotions Presents – Music for Anti-Heroes, Crazy8 Golden Lion Todmorden, 13th May

Sean Kavanagh

25 May 2016

AM50 — The Maitlands at Crazy8 Todmorden

A great night was had by all who attended this showcasing event for three local bands. It also featured poetry by Meriel Malone. The evening kicked off with Meriel’s verse which was warmly received and appreciated by the friendly crowd before she introduced the first musical performers of the evening, Phillip Quinn and The Residents. This four-piece from Manchester delivered six great indie-themed tracks that were intricately and deftly played. Their pop motif was intelligent and musically varied and went down well with the Todmorden crowd.

Their first track, ‘It’s a bitch to love a hedonist’, reminded me of some of The Flaming Lips output, blended with elements of Crowded House and Squeeze. Their next track, whose title I didn’t catch, again had elements of the songwriting oeuvre of Crowded House with some picky guitar that was reminiscent of Martin Stephenson and the Daintees, for those who can remember that far back. A beautifully captivating guitar solo formed part of the track’s backbone. ‘Aeroplane’, their third track had choppy lead guitar up-front, with lovely fluid basslines behind it, with a slightly darker sound, but still a good, uplifting piece of pop that was enjoyed by all. ‘Intelligence Dirty’, their next track, had more jazzy and funky influences and was a complex passage of sound that held your attention and interest throughout.

Their last two tracks of the night continued the funky theme and harked back to the likes of Orange Juice, and Squeeze, again. There were some dreamy interludes in the penultimate track and the final tune had a great rollicking, rocking chorus that defied you not to get up and dance or join in. My overall impression was of an accomplished and well-rehearsed outfit, that are tight, rhythmic and with inventive, thoughtful songs to back it all up. They were enjoyed by the crowd and enjoyed themselves.

Next band up were the highlight of the evening for me, The Johnnie Squizzercrow Experiment, a four-piece combo. It’s always nice to see a band of varying ages and this group swept the gamut from early twenties through to early fifties from what I could tell. They were fronted by a great young female vocalist, Tamsin, who managed to combine melodic talent with urgent, tremolo-tone, punk-infused lyrics. If you’ve ever heard Polly Styrene and X-Ray Spex, then this was very reminiscent of their output, and in the same league, if you ask me, which is high praise.

They played a first track of hard driven fuzzed-up rock and reverb, that was as strong as some of the output of Siouxsie and The Banshees. Their drummer plays a great blend of insistent power drumming with attack and verve that pushes the tracks along with gusto. Underlying all this punky energy are great bass lines and understated guitar riffs and tropes that blend punk, reggae (à la Clash), indie and dub themes around original, catchy, punk-influenced songs that are noisy but easy to discern. They played a large number of tracks, most of which I didn’t catch the title of, but each was a finely honed song in the punk line, but with lovely variation in style between each one, and defining themes that meant they never became samey or predictable.

The reggae inspired moments reminded me of The Beat, and they gave us an interesting range of accompanying instruments, including a mellodion style keyboard affair played by the lead singer. One song was announced as an anti-fracking song, with the funny and apt chorus line of ‘Go Away; Fuck Off’. It might sound trite on the page, but it certainly delivered on stage. There were more jangly, indie-style interludes as well and some pieces redolent of New York New Wave era punk or post-punk, say Television, or Iggy and The Stooges. Another track reminded me of the genius that is Elvis Costello, done as well as he would do it, which I hope gives you some idea of the impression they made upon me. Above all, despite the many cadences from the past that I could hear in their songs, they were very original, incredibly entertaining, with great songs and that little something extra that is undefined, that just shouted ‘Talent’ to me. If you have never grown out of good punk-inspired music, like me, then check them out. They are all talented players, but more importantly, they know how to blend bass, guitar, rhythm and lead guitar to create something special, interesting, new-sounding and inspiring, based around cracking songs. Good luck to them.

Our last band of the evening were The Maitlands, a five-piece from Manchester with roots from around the north of England. They play a tight blend of indie-northern rock anthems that deliver high energy, but are surprisingly light and refreshing in their outlook. One of their best selling points was that they are a band who obviously like to have fun on stage and enjoy themselves, and that infectiously spread to the appreciative crowd. Their lead singer enjoys his on-stage banter and loves to interact with the crowd and make them laugh, which was achieved with ease. After a, I presume, mock badinage with his drummer, for failing to nod him in at the right moment, he laughingly scolded his fellow musician with the phrase “We’re trying to do a pop show here”. It brought the house down. It’s always nice to find a band and singer that don’t take themselves too seriously, whilst still playing decent, serious music. Airs of Half Man Half Biscuit, and the same spirit, songs of similar stature and an underlying sense that music should be fun, as well as being serious at times.

They chop and change rhythms and themes within and between songs in a very refreshing manner, almost jazz-like, or as The Doors could do on a good day. If you like The Libertines, then you’ll find much to like in their output. There were songs full of shoegazy moodiness as well and some bits of nice racket, subjected to the time and theme-change treatment. One track reminded me of The J. Geils band, despite maintaining its northern moodiness. Their lead singer has a deep rich voice, as well as a good line in comedic quips. Each of their songs was well structured, with variation, chutzpah and catchiness stitched into each song. One was focused around circling loops of squealing, high pitched guitar, and another sounded like Hawkwind playing at being indie-punks. Some songs ended abruptly, tightly, something that’s quite hard to pull off with the correct precision. There were bits of psychobilly romps, anthemic high-energy indie-fests and a final track of broken-down funk with insistent hoarse lyrics, a sort of off-the-wall funk-punk affair. They are original, interesting and highly entertaining, check them out.

It was a great night featuring three great local bands that tells us there is plenty of nascent talent and ability in our environs that deserve our support and interest. Look out for future events in a similar vein from Dark Matter Promotions.

More pictures

Meriel Malone

Phillip Quinn and The Residents

The Johnnie Squizzercrow Experiment

The Maitlands

VIDEO NEWS: John Reed releases video for ‘Moorscape’

Frank

23 May 2016

GIG NEWS: Bruce Molsky at The Civic Barnsley

Frank

23 May 2016

The highlight of the 2015 Underneath The Stars Festival, Bruce Molsky stands today as the premier old-time fiddler in the world and the defining virtuoso of Appalachia’s timeless folk music traditions. Former engineer from the Bronx, he didn’t begin a music career until he was forty. But folded into those strange facts is the secret to his unique genius. Molsky is truly old-time’s master craftsman.

In addition to a prolific solo career, performing on fiddle, guitar, banjo and vocals, Molsky frequently joins genre-busting supergroups, like the Grammy-nominated Fiddlers Four, and Mozaik, with Hungarian Nikola Parov, and Celtic giant Donal Lunny. He was on Nickel Creek’s farewell tour, and performs in a trio with Scottish fiddler Aly Bain and Sweden’s great Ale Moller.

It’s a very personal sense of authenticity that deeply informs his music. Whether performing an ancient reel from Virginia, a Swedish waltz, or a loping cowboy ballad, Molsky presents himself as exactly who he is. Rob Simons, executive director of the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis, says that’s the key to Molsky’s enormous appeal as a live performer: “He’s that unique blend of virtuoso and humble, nice guy that is irresistible to audiences.”

For more information and to book visit www.barnsleycivic.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01226 327000.

FESTIVAL NEWS: Tramlines unveil Friday night’s Sheffield showcase

Frank

23 May 2016

Tramlines has announced that it will open its newly-expanded Devonshire Green stage on Friday night with a crowd-pleasing Sheffield showcase includes The Everly Pregnant Brothers, Velocity Brown and the Hotrods and The Stars Band.

Also announced are the winners of the festival’s apply-to-play scheme, as selected by regional BBC Introducing presenters and local music industry figures. Meanwhile, a specially assembled Sheffield supergroup will come together to perform The Beatles’ legendary ‘Revolver’ LP in full, to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

Long-renowned as firm Sheffield favourites, The Everly Pregnant Brothers were conceived during a drinking session between artist Pete McKee and ukulele player Richard Bailey. Their tongue-in-cheek reworkings of famous tracks are drenched in Sheffield humour and the unmistakable, rootsy sound of ukuleles and beer barrels. With huge local support, their headline set on the Devonshire Green stage is sure to be a festival highlight.

Joining The Everly Pregnant Brothers on Friday night are Velocity Brown and the Hotrods. Something of a Sheffield supergroup, this well-regarded and authentic rockabilly band have played at Glastonbury and Shambala, and have become a crucial fixture of the 50s revival scene.

Completing the bill on Friday night are The Stars Band, a group created at Under The Stars, a music project for people with a range of hidden disabilities. Having played together for six years, they are seriously talented musicians with a lot to say and a lot of attitude. Having excelled at the Peace Gardens stage in previous years, they are now appearing on a main stage for the first time.

Also on Devonshire Green, the Revolver 50th Anniversary Project celebrates 50 years since the release of The Beatles’ seminal seventh album, which is frequently listed as one of the top albums ever made by any band. Sheffield musicians including former members of Screaming Maldini, Hey Sholay, 7 Black Tentacles and current members of Rengade Brass Band have joined forces to create a one-off performance of the full album, exclusively for Tramlines 2016.

There’s also good news for new talent at Tramlines, as the festival announces the successful picks from its Apply To Play scheme. Thousands of acts apply to play at the festival, and this year’s applicants have been whittled down by local music industry partners and BBC Introducing presenters from across the country, with Sheffield artists including Ginger Tom, Bang Bang Romeo, Emma Crowder, King Capisce, Caroline Francess and North Adolescence among those selected from the list. Meanwhile, impressive Barnsley indie-rock outfit Aztec Doll, Manchester afro-beat 11-piece Agbeko and Leeds experimental multi-instrumentalist Juffage will appear across a range of venues and stages including the Main Stage and Devonshire Green. Hotly-tipped Leicestershire outfit Lusts, BBC Introducing Linconshire pick Real Talk, BBC Introducing Nottingham pick Silver Wilson and BBC Introducing York pick The Black Lagoons complete the list, ensuring that, as ever, Tramlines is a great place to discover breaking talent and your new favourite band.

www.tramlines.org.uk
www.facebook.com/tramlines
www.twitter.com/tramlines
www.instagram.com/tramlines

Tickets available from:
http://tramlines.gigantic.com/tramlines-sheffield-city-centre-various-venues-2016-07-22-12-00

Tramlines 2016 Lineup So Far

Dizzee Rascal / Catfish and the Bottlemen / George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic / Jurassic 5 / Kelis

All We Are / Andy H / Amy Becker / ArcTanGent DJs / Ardyn / Arnivore / Banana Hill / Beaty Heart / Bernard and Edith / Big Eyes Family Players / Blessa / Blood Sport / Bluewave / Boddika / Capo Lee / Cervo / C Duncan / Clay / Coco / Cowtown / Daniel Whitehouse / Dan Mangan / Da Rico / Deep Space Orchestra / Dego / Denham Audio / Denis Sulta / Dialects / DMK / Ekkah / Emily May / Es.Q / exmagician / Fleetmac Wood / FOES / Frazer / Future Wildstyle / FYI Chris / Gett Off / Global Roots Soundsystem / Goat Head / Gramercy Park / Gwenno / High Hazels / Holly Macve / Holy Esque / Hot Diamond Aces / The Hot Soles / Jasper James / Jayskilatah / Jim Ghedi & Toby Hay / JVC / K.O.G & The Zongo Brigade / Kuenta i Tambu / Last Japan / Laura J Martin / LEVELZ / Loam / Logan Sama / LOR / Lo Shea / Madam X / Marquis Hawkes / Matrixxman / Meilyr Jones / Miles From Kinshasa / Mt Wolf / Mumdance B2B Pinch / Napoleon IIIrd / NARCS / Nice Like Rice / Pareidolia / Pedram / Perc / Pixx / Plenty Vibes / P Money / Pure Bathing Culture / Randall / Rev. Austin / Rita Maia / Roseau / Rukhsana Merrise / Rye Wax / Saif Mode / Scuba / Sir Spyro / Sly & the Family Drone / The SSS / The Stars Band / Souljam / Ste Roberts / Sticky Blood / Suited & Booted Dancehall Brotherz / Sundara Karma / Thomas Truax / Throws / Tom Trago / Toucans / Trash / True Fiction / Unit 3 / Velocity Brown & the Hotrods / Yndi Halda / Zed Bias B2B Paleman / Zuzu

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