SINGLE REVIEW: Ceiling Demons – ‘Stones’

9 May 2016

There was nothing I disliked about this track, and if Trip-Hop’s your bag it doesn’t disappoint.

Produced by Bristolian, Johnathan Swift, for the Durham based label, Frux Tapes, the track cuts its way through a sinister combination of breakbeats, ominous samples, techno inspired riffs, phat filthy basslines and growling vocals, all of which culminate to produce that characteristic, eerie, sinuous soundscape associated with the inner city. Even its constant refrain, referring to an unknown “we” who “sink like stones”, has one’s mind wandering to the faceless desolation spawned as a consequence of despair fostered by urban decay. In this sense the track does what any good Trip-Hop track is always supposed to do. It unnerves and unsettles and allows the listener, for the briefest of moments, to inhabit another world, an alien sphere, one in which nothing is at first as it might appear.

Exceptional. Well worth checking out.

Ceiling Demons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeilingDemons/

LIVE REVIEW: LUH, The Deaf Institute Manchester, 6th May

Michael Karwowski

9 May 2016

Manchester band Wu Lyf created quite a stir five years ago. No sooner were they firmly established as favourites with audiences and media alike, however, than frontman Ellery Roberts quit the party in dramatic fashion.

Now he’s back as part of a duo with Dutch artist-girlfriend Ebony Hoorn under the name LUH (Lost Under Heaven). A debut album, ‘Spiritual Songs for Lovers to Sing’, was released on the 6th May, the same day LUH chose to launch a European promotional tour at The Deaf Institute.

The CD was produced by Wakefield-born avant-garde musician Bobby Krlic, aka The Haxan Cloak, who recently collaborated with Björk on her celebrated album ‘Vulnicura’. While Wu Lyf was a relatively traditional guitar band, it’s safe to say that LUH’s music is something of a mountain to that molehill. ‘Spiritual Songs’ veers from punk rock to Johann Sebastian Bach, acoustic guitar to electronica, violin solo to African drums. This is music with a mission.

Where the lyrics are concerned, the breadth is just as broad. At one extreme, there’s Lament, a crowd favourite with the largely young audience at The Deaf Institute, which has the singalong chorus: “The powers of old/The powers that be/You fucked up this world/But you won’t fuck with me.”

Politics, in fact, offers a bleak backdrop to both album and gig. The epic ‘$oro’, for instance, provides a dystopian confection on greed that on disc and in live performance is like being force-fed Black Forest gateau until you vow to renounce cake forever.

At the other extreme, we have existential angst, with love the answer, specifically Ellery’s love for Ebony, as he sings to her on ‘Lost Under Heaven’: “I always knew it would end like this/On a sinking ship/The only lovers left/In a world that’s lost all meaning/Your truth got me believing.”

As this is very much the plot of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, I couldn’t help but see the pair as a real-life embodiment of that novel’s lovers, Heathcliff and Catherine. Then again, LUH’s ‘Future Blues’ is so reminiscent of Lou Reed’s ‘Pale Blue Eyes’ that it would be just as easy to equate Ellery with the Velvet Underground frontman and Ebony with Nico, particularly as the former sings in a similarly foreign-accented monotone to her predecessor.

Where this comparison breaks down, though, is in the fact that Ellery Roberts’ voice is like gravel to Lou’s velvet, while his performance is sheer drama compared to Reed’s almost apologetic offering.

This, in fact, was an essential difference between LUH’s album and their gig. For while Ebony perfectly complements Ellery on disc – the contrasting chorus on standout-track Loyalty providing my most memorable moments – her understated singing on stage is rather swamped by her partner’s OTT live performance, despite his best efforts not to rock the love boat.

This was compounded by the fact that the duo were backed on stage by multi-instrumentalist Oliver Cooper and drummer Steven Hermitt, who, along with Ellery Roberts himself on electric guitar, provided a loud, loud show for the packed-out audience. You could actually feel the vibrations.

Putting aside tentative criticisms, however, there’s no doubt that, while, in my view, still an up-and-coming band, LUH is already a force to be reckoned with. If Ebony can persuade her partner to desist from commenting on the apocalyptic significance of his achievements and concentrate solely on his writing, then perhaps we’ll have something that equates to the truism that love conquers all.

FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Slam Dunk Festival 2016

Holly Beattie

9 May 2016

Saturday 28th May at Leeds city centre including: Millennium Square, O2 Academy, Leeds Beckett Uni and outdoor stages. Gates open at 1pm and Bands finish by 11pm

Every year Slam Dunk Festival surprises us a little bit more with the huge bands it manages to bring to the line-up. Not only do bands bridge the north-south divide to present the whole of England with an entertaining day of phenomenal talent but many of our favourite American bands go the distance to make the experience unmissable.

In 2015 we saw Taking Back Sunday, Knuckle Puck and Reel Big Fish come over to share in our love of music alongside UK headline act You Me At Six. The Kerrang! Award for Best Festival went to Slam Dunk in 2014 and 2015, beating renowned festivals; Reading and Leeds, Sonisphere and Download. The line-up continues to please this year as Slam Dunk Festival celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Taking over the main stage to headline this year is Panic! at the Disco. The American pop rock band formed in 2004 and haven’t stopped since. Their new album ‘Death of a Bachelor’ was released January this year and has followed in the path of their many other popular albums, receiving an award nomination for Alternative Press Music Awards Song of the Year with Hallelujah.

Their well-loved album ‘I Write Sins Not Tragedies’ achieved double platinum status in America and speaks wonders for the overall talent of the band. Lead singer Brendon Urie led the band to further victory with Alternative Press Music’s Best Vocalist award in 2014. Matching their talent is their creativity and passion to entertain. MTV Video Music’s award for Video of the Year kick-started a succession of victories for Panic! at the Disco in 2006. They also went on to win TMF’s Best Video International award, MTV Asia’s Style award and just last year took home Rock Sound Readers Poll Video of the Year.

Supporting Panic! will be American pop punk band New Found Glory who’ve been playing together longer than some festival attendees have been alive. Their most recent album ‘Resurrection’ was released in 2014. True to its name New Found Glory were resurrected and jumped back onto the scene with a more 21st century rock sound with the added bonus of those old school pop punk roots intertwined.

Slam Dunk Festival has a reputation of bringing the best bands from the alternative/ rock scene to its stages every year along with a huge variety and this year is no exception. Other headliners on the across the stages are; The King Blues, The Story So Far, Of Mice and Men and Every Time I Die.

The King Blues split in 2012, lead singer Itch said: “We simply feel we have taken things as far as they can go and it would be unfair on you if we were to go through the motions like so many other artists do” regarding their breakup. He then went on to a successful solo venture but fresh from their time apart and all worries of repetitive material dissolved they reformed late last year and are back with that same passion and flare they always had.

The amount of outstanding bands available at this year’s festival is immense. Ten years on and the alternative music scene is still as strong as ever and I predict yet another year of raw, fresh, entertaining talent.

More information: http://slamdunkmusic.com/festival/

FESTIVAL NEWS: Gigantic 2016, Manchester Academy, 28th May

Louise Karwowski

8 May 2016

The line up

2016 Headliners: The Wonder Stuff

As the festival celebrates its own 3rd anniversary, the legendary Stourbridge outfit will be notching up their 30th. The iconic outfit will be holding a raucous reception do at Manchester Academy in celebration of three decades of anthemic indie do-gooding. Speaking about the headline slot, the band’s exuberant frontman Miles Hunt said:

“We are all so very much looking forward to sharing the bill with such an amazing cast of bands. Speaking entirely for myself, I’d pay top dollar to see any one of the bands on this bill. Bring it on, it’s gonna be a killer event!“

Plus: Very special guests: The House of Love

Formed in London in 1986 around the integral song-writing core of singer Guy Chadwick and Terry Bickers, The House of Love’s career and the pair’s relationship burned with a fuse like tenacity, bright and quick. Sparking off each other’s talents, the pair’s tangible and passionate chemistry set them from the pack and debut single ‘Shine On’ immediately left listeners like rabbits in the headlights, a landmark debut and a wealth of unforgettable classic singles followed with ‘Christine’, ‘Never’, ‘Beatles & The Stones’ and the stunning ‘Destroy The Heart’.

After the recent 25 year anniversary provided a perfect opportunity for a glowing re-appraisal of ‘The House of Love’, it seems the record’s place in indie history and its maker’s legacy still remain as relevant as ever. As for 2016, as we invite this seminal act to the Manchester Academy with the classic writing partnership at its core once more, you can prepare to experience something truly unique at next year’s Gigantic Indie All Dayer. Getting psyched for their 2016 special guest slot, The House of Love have said:

“We’re all excited to play at the Gigantic Indie All Dayer Vol. 3 in Manchester. It is always a pleasure coming to this fantastic city where the fans are second to none. Looking forward to some Mancunian banter!”

And the rest

Former Blonde-movement bombshell Tiffany Ann is sure to “Hit The Ground” running when she leads her faithful Welsh entourage The Darling Buds to charge through their adrenalin laced alt-rock.

Ireland’s go-to janglers par excellence The Frank and Walters will be brightening the Manchester skies once again with sunshine soaked repertoire spanning the 25 years – with ‘After All’, ‘This Is Not A Song’, ‘Happy Busmen’ expect nothing else than radiant riffs and chest-swelling sing-a-longs start to finish.

Cud are back for this year’s bill. Staking their place in the proto-Britpop premiership, Leeds four-piece also scored an early fan in John Peel. An unlikely cover of Hot Chocolate’s ‘You Sexy Thing’ soon won over his listeners when it placed at #20 in his iconic festive fifty and spring-boarding a career that would see the band go on to release classic singles including ‘Purple Love Balloon’, ‘Magic’, ‘Rich & Strange’, ‘Neurotica’ and many more.

Heralding their return to Manchester alt-dance saviours Jesus Jones headline the Academy 2 stage with their complete, original and unadulterated line up. With sensational time-tested tracks in the cannon including ‘Real Real Real’, ‘International Bright Young Thing’ and of course the international super smash ‘Right Here, Right Now’. Having snapped the legendary outfit up quick for their first and (so far) only scheduled live show of this new year, don’t miss out on your chance to hear the new tracks performed first, not to mention alongside an abundance of classic tracks too for the Gigantic Indie All Dayer Volume 3.

A band whose name has always pre-empted an anarchic live show – S*M*A*S*H – will be rocking up to ruffle a few feathers at Gigantic 2016. Erupting out of Welwyn Garden City with an unholy punk rock racket in the 90s, messrs Borrie, Salv and Hague gained a notorious reputation with likes of feminist anthem ‘Lady Love Your C*nt’, the raucous ‘Shame’ and the incensed ‘(I Want to) Kill Somebody’. Batten down the hatches, lock up your daughters, cover your children’s ears – but by no means miss the trio as they tear up Manchester Academy.

Bringing their exhilarating full live show down especially for the festival, electronic masterminds Bentley Rhythm Ace lead the support for Jesus Jones with a sampletastic set over at the second stage. The duo comprising Mike Stokes and Richard Marsh bounded out of Birmingham in 1996 with debut single ‘Bentley’s Gonna Sort You Out’, a head-zoning track of tranquillising sample-led electronica that emerged in the midst of 90s Big Beat and has since come to define the genre.

Extend your gaze to the Academy stage and you might just feel your senses slip into kaleidoscopic realm of The Telescopes. With the ability to transport audiences into a world of swirling dream pop spires and psychedelic sonic tapestries with trip-tastic compositions like ‘Kick The Wall’, ‘Celeste’, ‘Flying’.

As we all know, indie isn’t so much a sound but a spirit, a way of thinking, a state of mind. And in 2016, to prove exactly that, Credit To The Nation will be joining the Gigantic ranks to show that attitude can always be ramped up louder than any guitar. The conscious hip-hop group fronted by Matty Hanson (a.k.a. MC Fusion) set out to rock the establishment with a sound that combined razor sharp sampling with rap that dealt with Brit-centric socio-political issues delivered with fierce left wing perspective. Whilst, the band has always been proud of its hip hop roots, some of their finest moments have emerged from their keen ability to hear the unheard in the tracks you’ve always known. Prepare to hear Nirvana, Radiohead and more, sampled and transformed by Hanson and the gang during this unmissable 2016 set.

If you’re at all inclined to the sunshine-pop leanings of Brian Wilson, you’ll get good vibrations from BMX Bandits frontman Duglas T. Stewart. He has drawn great inspiration from his south Glasgow home of Bellshill; distilling the post-industrial melancholy into unadulterated indie perfection. Expect a lavish array of instrumentation from this ever changing line up. The Scottish indie rockers joined Creation Records after releasing the exuberant E102. Beyond a wealth of melodically sentient material, the band have two huge citations in the annals of music history; Kurt Cobain wanted to join them – and – Oasis played the first UK tour dates supporting them.

To describe them as seasoned performers would be somewhat of an understatement. Dub-influenced south London squatters Back To The Planet have played four consecutive Glastonbury Festivals as well as a multitude of inner city events like the Deptford Urban Festival. It goes without saying, no all-dayer line up would be complete without the token anarcho-punk ensemble. Self-releasing to success in the esoteric summer of 1993, the band signed to Parallel Records shortly after and released a flurry of stupendous singles like ‘Daydream’ and ‘Teenage Turtles’. Set apart from the ensuing Brit pop, the group successfully incorporated disparate styles such as ska and reggae into their alchemy.

Giving further reason for you to camp out at the Academy all day for a full marathon of rock’n’roll hedonism, the prospect of a rare appearance from post-grunge noiseniks Bivouac will be more than enough for many. Returning to the Academy to shunt through their first set in 17 years together, expect to hear the very best of their pitch-decimating discography from the Derby trio with tracks from debut LP ‘Tuber and Full Size Boy’ (1995); this reunion is not to be missed.

And last but not by no means least, Jack Adaptor – a self-professed “musical whirlwind of style, intention and lifelong bravado” from the electric mind of Paul Frederick, the former frontman of the much loved garage-rockers The Family Cat. Whilst Paul’s palette may be more diverse under his new moniker, there’ll be no doubting his penchant for killer pop song has never gone amiss through this reincarnation.

More festivities

As in previous years, from stage to stage, set to set there will be top DJs throughout the day whisking you through 10 hours of uninterrupted classic indie bliss set across 3 stages.

Helming the steady flow of great tunes throughout the day, 2016 will see Gigantic MCs, Marc & Jason Jones (Indiecation & Planet X, Liverpool) and Andy Woods (Smile/Unknown Pleasures).

This year will also see for the first time the addition of seminal titles of the silver screen at the fest as it launches its Indie Cinema.

Trusting that indie fans have a taste in beverages as immaculate as their taste in music, no Gigantic Indie All-dayer could ever be complete without the Real Ale and Cider Tent that has made such a splash in former years. Corroborating once again with Robinsons – a brewer and purveyor of some of the finest liquids in the Northwest – the All Day Real Ale & Cider Festival is back for a third instalment. Elsewhere, street food stands will be dotted around the site and selling a wide variety of snacks and meals with the aim of meeting every requirement.

Event Times

Gigantic Indie All Dayer Vol.3…A big, big love…will take place on Bank Holiday Saturday 28th May 2016 at Manchester Academy. Doors will open at 1.30 pm.

Tickets will be priced at £31.90 Advance SBTF.

All ages welcome, under 14s must be accompanied by an adult aged over 18

For more information:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Giganticindiealldayer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MancAcademy

Gigantic Indie All-Dayer – Vol. 3
Saturday 28th May 2016
Manchester Academy, Oxford Road, Manchester
1.30PM – 11.30PM
Tickets £31.90 Advance
Box Office: 0161 832 1111 / www.manchesteracademy.net

Full line-ups

Main Stage

The Wonder Stuff
CUD
The Darling Buds
The Frank And Walters
The House of Love
S*M*A*S*H*
The Annual Gigantic Raffle – get down early and collect your free entry tickets – 3.00pm

Second stage – Doors open at 4.30pm

Jesus Jones
Back To The Planet
Bentley Rhythm Ace
Credit To The Nation

Third stage – Doors open at 4.30pm

Bivouac
BMX Bandits
The Telescopes
Jack Adaptor (The Family Cat)
Special Guest DJs for each stage to be announced soon

GIG PREVIEW: Dark Matter Promotions Presents: An Evening Of Music For Anti Heroes

Louise Karwowski

8 May 2016

Meriel Malone

This sassy neo punk poet is kicking off the party. Headlining venues over the years, rated as ‘one of the top female poets in the UK’, quoted as performing ‘with wit and poison’ in a review of her supporting The Fall at Salford Music Festival 2012, and delivering ‘wicked poetry’ onstage by Salford Online Media.

Meriel Malone on Facebook

Philip Quinn

Philip Quinn and his band will be coming over from Manchester to serve us a cheeky slice of their new forthcoming album. Expect dark pop vocals delivered with a huge voice, stunning guitar, cool cat drumming and a minx of a bassline.

Philip Quinn on Facebook
Past album – Liquid Picture on Soundcloud

The Johnnie Squizzercrow Experiment

“Ok here we go, the heavy grinding, smoky bass grinds its way into your face, cool as fuck with a ciggie hanging from its Jack Daniels soaked lips”.
Enough said….!

Johnnie Squizzercrow Experiment on Bandcamp

The Maitlands

Headlining this evening of musical delights is another Manchester band that has roots in Oldham, Leeds and North Wales. Prepare to be blasted with catchy, guitar-lead, energetic songs delivered with raw and engaging vocals.

The Maitlands on Facebook

FESTIVAL NEWS: Ilkley Jazz Festival 16th-21st August 2016

Frank

8 May 2016

Tina May – Sings Piaf

Multi award winning vocalist, Tina May, brings to life the music and song of France’s most beloved entertainer, national icon and musical legend. A gifted lyricist, consummate vocalist and sparkling entertainer, Tina May’s astonishing vocal ability and hypnotic stage presence has won her worldwide acclaim. See her masterfully capture the magic of Piaf with classics in the Winter Gardens.

QCBA Quartet – Beauty in Quiet Places

QCBA is a hard bop jazz quartet fronted by trumpeter Quentin Collins and tenor saxophonist Brandon Allen. They are joined by Jim Watson on Hammond and Enzo Zirilli on drums. ‘Beauty in quiet places’ consists of original material written by Collins and Allen that provides a fresh take on the hard bop formula, mixing in some Latin flavours with blues, soul, swing and deep grooves along the way. The album also takes you from a samba-infused roller coaster ride all the way to a softer, more reflective side.

Beverley Beirne – Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun

Beverley returns to Ilkley Jazz Festival with her London based band for a pre-release preview of her forthcoming album ‘Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun’. Sometimes jazz, that great American art form that tends to take itself way too seriously, just wants to kick off its shoes and have a good time. And now, it can, thanks to Beverley Beirne singing with an honest and heartfelt, deep-soul sensuality and scatting with abandon in places that would do Ella proud, she swings both lightning fast and seductively slow on clever and stylish re-imaginings of perfectly chosen 80s hits.

Graeme Wilson Quartet

Tenor Saxophonist Graeme Wilson brings Paul Edis (piano) Andy Champion (bass) and Adam Sinclair (drums) from Newcastle to play Idiosyncratic original tunes, with unusual time signatures, from a band of close-knit players with an enthusiasm for folk and rock ballads, free jazz and the dancefloor.

Gary Potter – Solo

Gary Potter is regarded as one of the greatest jazz and country guitarists in the world. His playing is melodic, lyrical and imaginative. He is influenced by players such as Django Reinhardt – Gary featured in the Channel 4 film The Django Legacy – and Charlie Parker, yet his approach to playing jazz guitar, both acoustic and amplified, is sufficiently original to give him an identity that is all his own.

Nicola Farnon

We start the festival, whilst enjoying a meal at Monkmans restaurant, with the multi-talented Nicola both singing and playing bass who is delightfully original, warm and witty in performance. Nicola is supported by pianist Andy Chorleton.

Firebird Quartet

The band consists of Ian Chalk on trumpet, Martin Longhawn on piano, John Marley on bass and Tim Carter on drums. The Firebird play contemporary jazz, funky grooves and their own modern take on standards. The set includes original material as well as music by artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard and Wayne Shorter, at the Craiglands Hotel.

Emma Fisk

It is a great pleasure to have Emma Fisk and James Birkett back at the festival this year. They will be performing work from Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang in the intimate surroundings of Monkmans Resturant with a mix of their showpiece numbers such as Raggin’ the Scale, Black and Blue Bottom and 1920s standards as performed by Joe’s chamber jazz ensembles.

Matt Holborn Quartet

The Matt Holborn Quartet are an exciting young gypsy jazz band based in London. Playing a mix of gypsy swing, jazz standards, bebop and world music, the quartet’s main aim is to keep this style of jazz fresh, new and exciting whilst paying homage to the traditions of the music in the Black Hat.

Also look out for the Late Night Jazz Jam hosted by Beverley Beirne where professionals and amateurs will be letting their hair down!

Full listing

Tuesday 16th August – Nicola Farnon – Monkmans 7.30pm – £TBA inc. meal – Bookings on 01943 817485
Thursday 18th August – Firebird quartet – Craiglands 7.30pm – Free
Friday 19th August – Emma Frisk – Monkmans 6.30pm – £TBA inc. meal – Bookings on 01943 817485
Friday 19th August – Tina May – Winter Gardens 7.45pm – £18 – Bookings on 01943 602 319 or in person at the VIC
Saturday 20th August – Jazz Workshop – Christchurch 11am – Free
Saturday 20th August – Garry Potter – Christchurch 2pm – £5 (or £30 day ticket) Bookings on www.ilkleyjazzfest.blogspot.com
Saturday 20th August – Graeme Wilson 4tet – Christchurch 3.30pm – £5 (or £30)
Saturday 20th August – Beverley Beirne – Christchurch 6pm – £12.50 (or £30)
Saturday 20th August – QCBA 4tet – Christchurch 8pm – £15 (or £30 day ticket)
Saturday 20th August – Late Night Jazz Jam – Black Hat 11pm – Free
Sunday 21st August – QCBA masterclass – Black Hat 10am – Free
Sunday 21st August – Matt Holborn 4tet – Black Hat 12.15pm – Free

Tickets

Tickets are available from:

For Monkmans Events – call 01943 817485
For Tina May – 01943 602 319 or in Person at the Ilkley Visitor Information Centre
For Saturday day tickets here on the ticketing page http://ilkleyjazzfest.blogspot.couk/ or at the Grove Bookshop Ilkley (Music)
Saturday individual performance tickets have not been released at yet, but will be available in July
For Jazz Workshop, Masterclass and Late Night Jam Session please email ilkleyjazz@gmail.com to book a free place

Further information from the festival website
http://ilkleyjazzfest.blogspot.couk/

INTERVIEW: Where Fires Are

Holly Beattie

5 May 2016

After branching out to Leeds and Reading Festival last year alternative rock band Where Fires Are are back in their home town Leeds to perform at Live at Leeds Festival. For over two years they’ve been debuting unique rock music providing us with passionate guitar riffs mixed with atmospheric keyboard melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The band have already attracted the attention of BBC Introducing and are hoping to impress at Live at Leeds ahead of their new single this Autumn.

LSF: You played Reading and Leeds Fest last year, how does playing festivals compare to touring?
Where Fires Are: It’s a very different experience. The festival vibe is special, everyone’s there together and it’s all about the experience. The vibe of festivals makes it really easy to get into the mind-set. Sometimes you’ll turn up to a gig and there will be problems with the set up, you’ve rushed over from a different city and it can be difficult to get into the performance frame of mind but at a festival you’re just there and ready to go.

LSF: How did you meet and what works about you as a band?
WFA: We all met at Leeds College of Music and we came together after we graduated two and a half years ago. As for how the band works, definitely patience. We all understand and accept each other’s flaws but we write together very well and have a lot of fun together. If we ever have an argument it always ends in laughter, we can all take a joke and we always come back together as a band.

LSF: Has playing festivals help you establish a solid fan base?
WFA: I think in Leeds we’re definitely getting there, our local gigs recently have gone really well. Definitely after playing Reading there was an increase in support and coverage on social media. Until then our fan base had mainly been up here in the North but at Reading we got the chance to play to people from all over the country. We’ve had messages from people in the South saying ‘when are you coming back’ ‘can you play here’ which is really amazing. We played Darwen Live Festival in Blackburn which isn’t a very big festival but it’s one of the best we’ve played. We played to over 1000 people and it was just an amazing opportunity and experience.

LSF: What experience do you aim to give the audience when you’re playing?
WFA: We have a lot of material now so it’s getting difficult to choose what to fit into a half hour set but I think the main thing is catering to your audience. For today because we’re outside every song is punchy and hard hitting to show everyone a good time and grab their attention. We have a very ambient and atmospheric side to our stuff that would work for a smaller gig. Our performance has definitely changed over time, we just get in to it. We pull out some strange shapes and moves sometimes but we just want our audience to enjoy it as much as we do.

LSF: What’s your favourite aspect about playing live music?
WFA: The idea that people are enjoying the music we’ve spent so much time putting together and having the opportunity to share our music with people. We spend so many hours rehearsing and making music when we get to play the feeling is just second to none. The escapism and the adrenaline rush you get is amazing and it’s amazing that our fans can share that with us.

LSF: Who will you be seeing at Live at Leeds Festival?
WFA: There’s so much good stuff on we could sit here all day and talk about the amount of great bands. The main one is We Are Scientists, we’ve been listening to their music for 10 years and they just put on a great show.

INTERVIEW: John Joseph Brill

Holly Beattie

4 May 2016

London born John Joseph Brill moved up north a few years ago and brought a refreshingly honest approach to music with him. With nothing but a desire to make music, powerful vocals and his own life experiences Brill has created timeless tunes that could warm the coldest of hearts. After playing Leeds Fringe in 2015 he has returned with the same passion and a complete band to add yet more compelling music to the Live at Leeds Festival Line up.

LSF: Your lyrics reflect experiences a lot of people can relate to, do you base your music on your own life experience?
John Joseph Brill: Almost entirely. Everything is pretty much autobiographical to the point of being lazy.

LSF: Why did you take this approach?
JJB: I used to play in bands and I’ve always written music. I guess I tired of fluffy metaphors and I’ve always liked conversational writers. No matter how abstract or obscure it is, by being completely honest about experiences you make it more relatable. Even if it’s something someone hasn’t experienced they begin to trust in that honesty and trust in you as a storyteller and therefore find you relatable. It’s my favourite way to write by miles.

LSF: You were previously in a rock band, is it more difficult gaining a fan basis with this new personal approach to music?
JJB: Adamantly no, this has been a phenomenal journey so far. Since starting this solo project and just doing what I wanted to do it’s been just a really lovely gentle upward trajectory the whole time, it’s been a lot easier in fact. The first plus point is that we have fans now, we didn’t have those before. When you’re being honest and writing the way you want to people can tell and they buy into that, if you’re faking it people know.

LSF: How do you find playing up here in the north compared to down south?
JJB: I’ve not really noticed too much of a difference. I moved from London to Liverpool a few years ago and at first I was anxious I’d come across as some Southerner barging in on an already established scene but it was incredibly welcoming from the start. I felt very much at home from the moment I moved up. Europe is very different however, audiences are bizarrely respectful, like silent through the whole show. I think talking and socialising is all part of the gig experience in England though, gigs are noisy places and it was always a part of my experience growing up.

LSF: What makes you want to make music?
JJB: An unhealthy amount of ego. The desire to be liked on mass. The fact that I’m not really any good at anything else. Realistically I always wanted to be a song writer, I know myself best when I’m trying to express myself honestly through music. Frankly if I can get away with doing this for a living then I’m get away with some sort of crime because it’s the most fun job in the world. My motivation has always been artistic but it’s also a lot of fun.

LSF: Who’re you excited to be seeing at Live at Leeds?
JJB: There’s an act called Ceramic who’s fantastic, very different to what I do but very very good. I’m really keen to see Ghostpoet, that’ll be good. And I kind of want to see We Are Scientists because I’ve listened to them since I was a teenager. I’ll be wandering around, any excuse to go to a gig.

LIVE REVIEW: Live at Leeds Festival 2016

Holly Beattie

3 May 2016

Live at Leeds Festival was the place to be on Saturday 30th April for any lover of music. Despite being known for its indie/alternative roots this day festival had something to offer for everyone. I joined the many other attendees at the beginning of the day staring in awe at the line up and thinking ‘how am I going to fit everything in?’

After frantically circling all the ‘must see’ bands on the line up sheet I headed on my way amongst the crowds towards the many venues offering live music all day long. As people parted ways and joined separate queues to see their choice of band the buzz was definitely in the air and it was endearing to see the many people that had turned out to support England’s ever growing music scene.

The more well-known bands such as Mystery Jets highlighted how much support there was but also how prepared you have to be for the day. Standing in a huge crowd for a couple of hours to see your favourite band is one thing but rushing from venue to venue and pushing your way to the front can be an exhausting experience for a full 12 hour day. For myself and most of the people there though it’s also an adrenaline filled, enjoyable experience.

Mystery Jets played at the O2 Academy and the never ending queue that everyone was itching to be out of seemed like the a gift sent from the gods upon entering the crowded venue. Whilst seeing the Mystery Jets has always been on my list of ‘must see bands’ I couldn’t help but pine for that first breath of fresh air I would take on leaving the venue. However, when the wind hit me so did the realisation of how much of a good time I was actually having being squashed into a crowd and singing aloud to my heart’s content.

Each experience throughout the day was different. The Briggate Stage placed strategically in the middle of the busiest street in Leeds drew an energised crowd throughout the day. The free, outdoor stage was a great addition to the festival and gave those that didn’t attend a sneak peek into the fun they were missing out on.

The Social and Slate Courtyard highlighted how reaching adulthood doesn’t mean the end to people’s love of music. People gathered here for a day of light-hearted music in a social and welcoming atmosphere where age meant nothing and the search for a good time brought everyone together.

The great aspect of local music festivals is that bands big and small get to showcase their talent and if there’s not a band you really want to see then you have the chance to go on the hunt for your new favourite band. The Faversham hosted bands big and small such as Sundara Karma, a popular growing name in the music scene, to The Bulletproof Bomb, the young indie band just waiting for its break through.

Wherever I went an enthusiastic crowd followed, whether it consisted of 20 people or a thousand the support and warm reception that each band received was immense.

The final set of the day at Brudenell Social Club was Ratboy and after a 12 hour day I was nervous about the turn out. What I learnt upon arrival was the power of music to keep people going and making sure the fun never stops. The room was packed to the brim and there wasn’t a bored face in the venue. If coffee isn’t getting you out of bed in the morning then maybe music will because at Live at Leeds Festival the dancing never stopped and the energy never dimmed.

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Hingley Band and Aziz & Dal, Ruby Lounge Manchester, 21st April

Brigid Callaghan

2 May 2016

The Ruby Lounge is certainly a versatile venue. I’ve been three times now: once to see a play, once for Mrs Boon’s brilliant tea party (such a shame that came to an end!) and tonight to watch another ex-Inspiral Carpets member – Tom Hingley in ‘The Tom Hingley Band’. I’ve not made my mind up about the slightly perplexing, not one thing nor another, got a weird seating area, venue, but once the music kicked in none of that mattered. The purpose of the gig was a live airing of ‘The Tom Hingley Band’s’ charity single ‘Beggar’s Hand’ – a 7” vinyl which was released on Record Store Day, proceeds from which will go to Liverpool community initiative, Hope Fest, and the Manchester-based Lifeshare, both of which support homeless people in both cities. Donations were taken from guest list entries for the cause too; a stellar idea. On announcing ‘Beggar’s Hand’, Tom explained that proceeds were to support the homeless, who, “are all our brothers and sisters….and there by the grace of God go we” A poignant moment as we reflected on the shocking increase in the number of homeless people we are seeing in both Manchester and Liverpool. ‘Beggars Hand’ is a powerful tune with epic rises and falls in guitar and drums. It’s a rock tune, leading Tom and bass guitarist, Ste Pearce to put down some fine ‘guitar-off’ moves.

At first, the crowd seemed a little flat. We had just arrived fresh from the news of the untimely and shocking passing of Prince, so perhaps this had a part to play in our reticence to get cosier with the band, or maybe it was something to do with the age demographic of the crowd, keen not to inflict yet more damage to their hearing after years of clubbing, therefore hanging back from the speakers! Tom urged the crowd not to be shy, but move closer to the stage for the B-side of Beggar’s Hand – ‘Toy’. This was one of my favourite elements of the gig. Lately, I’ve been to gigs of great upcoming bands, but lack of experience means banter with the crowd has been absent, which for me, is such an important element of a live gig. Tom’s an old hat at this and chatted amiably in-between tunes with the crowd.

The other refreshing thing he did was announce the name of the tunes! Again, it seems de rigueur for younger, upcoming bands not to do so. I explained this to my companion who wasn’t initially convinced of my argument that ‘older’ – ahem- more experienced – bands always announce their track names, which of course, Tom did. This being the case, it’s tempting to take you through each and every tune! I’ll resist, but hopefully give a flavoursome smattering of their sound. They are a punky, rocky, bluesy band with attitude (good attitude) and an injection of indie, and wait for it, decipherable lyrics! Hooray!! At last! Anyone reading any of my previous reviews will know indiscernible lyrics is a serious bugbear of mine! And with lyrics such as ”ever seen bottles of piss at the side of the motorway?” and, “how much is too much and how much is not enough?” from the tune ‘White Sheep’ lyrics intrigue, so I can’t understand why bands wouldn’t want us to hear them. The set ended with the slower, more indie vibe of ‘Prodigal Son’ followed by ‘Glory Days’ a tune about being a fan of a band….a great idea for a song.

Aziz and Dal were the next part of the evening’s collective. Wow! These two really blew me away. My words here will in no way convey the affect they had on me and, clearly, the crowd as judged by the whooping and cheering that followed each of their tunes. Aziz and Dal are very different. Aziz on a pinkish electric guitar and Dal – a tabla drums virtuoso. The simplicity of a duo and the uniqueness of the tabla instrument accompanied with a novel, expert way of playing electric guitar is what makes these two stand out from the same old same old.

Describing themselves as an Asian blues duo, their set started with a tune that sounded like a fusion of Indian, Pakistani, Bhangra and electronica all blended into one exquisite mix. Aziz played electric guitar superbly, effortlessly and inventively, plucking the strings with his tongue at one point and removing his guitar lead at another to prang the frets, but far from being gimmicky, it added to their individual style. Dal’s tabla playing was a hypnotising pleasure to the ears and eyes. The music was so mesmerizingly enticing, I found myself almost floating towards the stage in a semi-trance like state. Suddenly, I was very far away from this slightly awkward Mancunian venue, transported to the Himalayan foothills or some similar exotic location far, far away. The first tune ended to be met by rapturous applause – the crowd loved them and in an unconceited way, Aziz and Dal could feel this love and fed off it as the chemistry between band and crowd was tangible. Aziz rarely took his eyes of the crowd resulting in an intoxicating stage presence. The chemistry between the two musicians was clear too, but unspoken – a look and telepathically, one knew what the other needed.

Whilst they retained their exotic edge the second tune brought a nod to the connection with the Stone Roses as the chords of ‘Love Spreads’ could be gently heard under the beat of the tabla drums. Frustratingly, there were serious problems with the sound, which took a long time to resolve, but undeterred and remaining in good spirits Aziz and Dal ploughed on playing creative arrangements of ‘Fool’s Gold’ and Ian Brown’s ‘My Star’ much to the delight of the crowd who were enjoying the massive dollop of Mancness.

In total, there were four bands on – The Blackpool based ‘The Atmospherics’, which I heard good stuff about after the gig and the Inspiral Carpets tribute band – the Kar-pets fronted by The Man Himself – Tom. It was a top night out for a good cause.

1...273274275...308 Page 274 of 308