Up & Coming Bands who perform in London – All images © Chris Dorney.

Posts tagged “lead

29 – ‘The Touch’, ‘Vetoes’, ‘The Recusants’ and ‘Pharaohs From The Grave’

The Touch:

www.myspace.com/thetouchyew

“The Touch initially made a name for themselves with their party inducing Dance-Punk sets around Adelaide in 2008. Since then the band has expanded their sound adding ethereal vocal hooks, multi-layerd washes of synth and intricate guitar interplay whilst loosing none of their energetic delivery. The band has played numerous high profile Australian festivals (Big Day Out, Parklife and One Movement) and supported bands like Phoenix, Ladyhawke, Miami Horror, The Swiss and many more. ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)

Check out The Touch‘s music video for ‘SHOT’:

Vetoes:

www.myspace.com/vetoes

(No biography info available on the artists’ website)

The Recusants:

www.recusants.co.uk

(No biography info available on the artists’ website)

Pharaohs From The Grave:

www.myspace.com/pharaohsfromthegrave

“An alternative punk rock band of London musicians Emily Wolf O, Katharine Kibela, UJ and Par Mahn. Formed in 2009.  Set to release their EP ‘Machines’ in June 2011.”

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28 – ‘Mishima’, ‘Les Aus’, ‘Junkyard Choir’ and ‘Allies’

Mishima:

www.myspace.com/intomishima

(No biography info available on the artist’s website)

Les Aus:

www.lesaus.wordpress.com

(No biography info available on the artist’s website)

Junkyard Choir:

www.junkyardchoir.com

“Junkyard Choir are a London-based alternative rock band formed in 2006, whose original lineup had previously played together under the name “Dirt”. Currently comprising of guitarist and lead singer Mark Woods, bassist Kevin Hiscox and drummer Tom Herbert, the band are known for their unique blend of rock, blues, punk and waltz, having been described as “swampy rock’n’roll” [1], “gypsy punk” [2] and “mariachi-esque polka-rock”.[3] Frontman Mark Woods was, for three years (2003-2006), one of the main vocalists in Do Me Bad Things.”

(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)

Allies:

www.alliesband.com

“Formed by Brothers Andrew and Steve Murphy, and joined by Drummer Alex Ribchester and Bassist Simon Walsh, Allies are a modern Alternative Rock Band combining Big Riffs, intense melodies and classic song writing, to produce powerful and at times “haunting rock” . ”

(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)


27 – ‘Boy Mandeville’, ‘Safari’, ‘Raquels’ and ‘Lion Tops’

Boy Mandeville:

www.myspace.com/boymandeville

(No biography info available on the artist’s website)


Safari:

www.thisissafari.co.uk

(No biography info available on the artist’s website)


Raquels:

www.myspace.com/raquelsofficial

“Raquels are are four piece indie band based in Basildon, Essex. Being from a place so sinonymous with crime, violence and all the spoils of the nouveau riche you can’t help but feel it has had an unquestionable influence on their music. Dark and brooding like the history surrounding the Basildon club from which they take their name with sharp glacial guitar sounds, drum beats faster than a Ford XR2 & a vocal delivery so honest you cannot doubt the twisted tales of everyday life in a typical new town.”

Lion Tops:

www.liontops.co.uk


25 – ‘Club Smith’, ‘Dustland’, ‘Southern’, and ‘Gorgeous George’

Club Smith:

www.clubsmith.co.uk

(No biography info available on the artist’s website)


Dustland:

www.Dustland.co.uk

(No biography info available on the artist’s website)



Southern:

www.myspace.com/thisissouthernmusic

“Hailing from Belfast, Southern are a musical trio consisting of siblings Thom and Lucy Southern and one of the best exports of the past 12 months. Lead vocalist and songwriter Thom Southern got his start busking around Belfast and Dublin for pocket money. At the tender age of 17 he won ‘Belfast Busker of the Year Award’ which gave him a coveted slot in the Belfast Nashville festival. Through the festival he won the ‘Katherine Brick Award’ for ‘Young Songwriter of the Year’. Soon afterwards Thom joined together with his sister Lucy and their childhood friend Jonny Lee.

It was not long afterwards that Southern began to make a big impact on the Belfast and Dublin music scene playing with well-known artists such as John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Steve Harley, Nanci Griffith, John Hannen, Benitta Hill and Iain Archer.”

(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)

Gorgeous George:

www.gorgeousgeorgetheband.tumblr.com

“Gorgeous George play a mixture of balkan folk, eastern european jewish klezmer, and manouche jazz, with cockney voices and lyrics about overtime, saturday afternoon results and everyone wearing the same bloody aftershave. bonjour.

We like eastern europe and south west london and we’re here to unite the two.

We are currently working hard on our debut EP ‘Dangle The Carrot’ for a mid-may release and doing lots and lots of gigs.”

(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)


24 – ‘AmberSuit’ and ‘The K-Shaped Rooms’

AmberSuit:

www.myspace.com/ambersuit

Click here for AmberSuit’s facebook fan page

“We move in amber when all the sounds are just one and the music is everything, forever…

Hailing from the dreamy shores of the algarve, singer Lara and guitarist Luis fled to London in search of new frontiers – further polluting an already potent roster of experience evident throughout their highly characterised songwriting. With the addition of talent from South Korea and London, their fertile writing disposition now had a 4-piece vehicle. The increased diversity and disparate influences of the group soon forged what has become the vivid, unique voice of Ambersuit.

After a short, intense period hammering out their unmistakable, gunpowder-packed shows accross London and the South East, the band dove into the studio to record their first 4 singles as a flagship for the already weighty collection of songs and DIY tracks to their name. Soon to embark on their first UK-tour, Ambersuit are primed to nimbly hoist their cavernous bag of earthy, gut-felt songs beyond their London-area testing-ground, and turn a page in their intrepid memoirs.”

(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)

The K-Shaped Rooms:

www.myspace.com/thekshapedrooms

“The K-Shaped Rooms incorporates elements of rock, soul, funk, hard rock, psychedelic, acoustic and ballads into their music. As self taught musicians, the band co-produces, composes, and continue to push their live element.

Formerly under the solo name ‘Komla’ since March 2009, the live set up includes Komla (Vocals/Lead Guitar) Kelpie (Bass) and Sergio ‘El Niño’ Zambrano(Drums).
As a trio, they form The K-Shaped Rooms & have gigged all over London generating interest from independent labels, PR and management, still searching for the “right” one. ”

(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)



23 – ‘Hey Sholay’, ‘Dirty Goods’, ‘Escapists’ and ‘Bill Davro’

Hey Sholay:

www.myspace.com/heysholay

“It’s raining in Sheffield – manholes splutter up yesterday’s throwaways, spray-spitting black umbrellas convulse in the wind like fevered crows as the streets fill with the commuting hoards, all wincing their way to work through the wind and torrents with their one dry eye on the prize… But above these busy passageways glows a lit window. And through the haze of ever-moving warm colours, the light spells out five moving figures. These five individuals make up the collective Hey Sholay. Having met in varied musical avenues, a Tuesday night cult ceremony, and all being of like-mindedness – they formed to write new folklaws – with the only goals of nurturing creativity and enjoyment. What emerges from this room has a firm nod towards past styles of strumming wire to beating skins – as this common ground is the way they were raised. However, their hands remain tightly cupped, as they peek between knuckles into something so delicate and fluttering in their palms – something new to them and perhaps even the outside world. Now the overwhelming urge to share themselves is setting cracks in the window above the street – the soft murmur of music is creeping through the split glass – and the most acute of hearing are edging a glance towards the flickering lights… But for now – the rain goes on, as does the music. And neither show signs of letting up until they can all afford timeshare somewhere where the paving doesn’t splutter at your ankles…”

(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)



Dirty Goods:

http://www.myspace.com/dirtygoods

“DiRtY GoOdS make dirty, electronica-infused music, with a sound that call upon the vocal styling of Prince, mixed up with the synth-led sounds of Chromeo and MSTRKRFT.

The band consist of Antony James smith&devine, James Alexandros T Woodville & Mikee Gregg formerly of indie-rock outfit ‘Jump The Underground’.

‘The idea was sparked from listening to lots of Chromeo and Prince’ explains Woody and singer Antony-james adds ‘it’s mixed with rock and blues roots as that is generally where I come from’, Mikee also states ‘we all have our individual influences on the band ranging from Prince, Zeppelin, Muddy Waters and Costello to more modern acts such as Chromeo, Daft Punk, Calvin Harris and Justice’.

To date the band have played popular dance nights and venues around the UK including London’s ‘Forgive Me Lord For I Have Synth’, ‘Cargo’s Free Fridays’ and ‘Play It By Ear’.

In their first year they supported the likes of Calvin Harris and The Noisettes, been featured on several TV shows and toured USA playing venues such as The Roxy, L.A. and Fontanas, New York.”

(Quote obtained from the band’s Official website)


Escapists:

www.escapistsmusic.com

Escapists are a four-piece from London, striving to make epic, cinematic music. Think the bombast of Arcade Fire, the Harmonies of Mumford & Sons with the musicality of Death Cab.

(Quote obtained from the band’s Official website)


Bill Davro:

www.billdavro.co.uk

“Following an insurgence of bands readdressing the Brit-pop movement of the 90s, Bill Davro are bringing Alternative Pop back to the underground lexicon. Combining Jazz, Jangle Pop, Garage infused rhythms and melodic guitar hooks, the signature Bill Davro sound reflects what has come before but has been somewhat overlooked in recent years. There sound simultaneously sounding traditional and modern: a fresh and bright (sometimes jagged) explosion of pop phantasmagoria. The shifting moods of singer and lyricist Kieran Gallimore elevate the music in to a dimension of maturity and self-reflexivity (almost Wordsworthian), offering an assortment of emotive lyrics and thought provoking imagery, floating ‘as lonely as a cloud’ atop the ringing guitar lines and driving rhythm. Kieran’s lyrics have been likened to Ian Dury and Morrissey, using regional vernacular to express true to heart emotion lyrically. The band, in their live performance, transform the genteel (and somewhat vulnerable) sound in to an exciting, energetic happening guaranteed to grab you by the waist and move your hips to the swinging groove. Bill Davro have a distinct identity and sense of purpose that sits them quite comfortably (if not slightly aware of the height) on a platform of their own.

Bill Davro are always hard at work writing, recording and spreading their good name like jam on toast. Their latest (self-titled) EP is the band’s recent achievement but by no means is this all they have to show for themselves. The band have been seen in weird and wonderful venues which just goes to show their complete commitment to the music but also remain elusive. Bill Davro, however, also like to show their faces equally as much. Having played the Clothes Show Live at the Birmingham NEC, Kendal Calling music festival, been finalists for AKG Unsigned Heroes in London (to name just a few stints). Bill Davro are quite at home in any town; in front of a crowd or in front of each other. Currently gearing up for a summer of gigs, festivals, and writing and recording for their next EP, Bill Davro will surely be busy this year so catch them in a venue near you….”

(Quote obtained from the band’s Official website)




21 – ‘The Contras’, ‘CourageHaveCourage’, and ‘The Transpersonals’

The Contras:

www.myspace.com/contrasrus

CourageHaveCourage:

www.myspace.com/couragehavecourage

The Transpersonals:

www.myspace.com/thetranspersonals


19 – ‘Arms of Atlas’, ‘LeCarla’ and ‘Eat Off Your Arms’

Arms of Atlas:

www.armsofatlas.co.uk

Arms of Atlas‘s ‘Hour of the Night’ Official Music Video:

LeCarla:

www.lecarla.co.uk

Check out LeCarla‘s Official Music Video for their debut track ‘DILLIGAF’ which was released in May of last year:

Eat Off Your Arms:

www.myspace.com/eatoffyourarms

Check out Eat Off Your Arm‘s video for their song ‘Sit and Grin’:


17 – ‘Tankus The Henge’, ‘Kitty Junkbrother’, and ‘Doyle & The Fourfathers’

Tankus The Henge:

www.tankusthehenge.com

“The world of Tankus the Henge is uplifting and wild, dark and heartfelt.
A five piece powerhouse of a band drawing visual and musical influences from old time Fairgrounds to modern day Circus; The Beatles to Tom Waits and Gogol Bordello to Radiohead, they embody a look and a sound that lies somewhere between their South East London home and the carnival town of New Orleans.

With their charismatic frontman, Jaz Delorean, looking like a lost character from a Terry Gilliam film and the pump and grind of the Tankus the Henge sound generating a groove that makes it impossible to stand still, their live show ebbs and flows like a small boat on a turbulent sea.

Any other band who billed themselves as “the most fantastic band in the world” would rightly quake in their boots at having to live up to such fanfare. Tankus the Henge defy you to contradict them!”

(quote obtained from the band’s official website)


Kitty Junkbrother:

www.myspace.com/kittyjunkbrother

“KittyJunkBrother was made in Camden. Hair is her own. She likes her cat Brian and days in which she is not under any obligation to do anything. Freedom to dine on the stars overhead and sing songs about lovers that fled; that is what a JunkBrother likes. To travel the world with a dime in your shoe, got no time for the system that seems to fuck you.”

(quote obtained from the artist’s myspace page)


Doyle & The Fourfathers:

www.dt4f.get-ctrl.com

“Doyle & The Fourfathers are a Southampton based band who formed in September 2009. The band consists of Lead singer and songwriter William Doyle, Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Ben Clark, Bassist Michael Goozee and Drummer Alex Urch.

Inspired by all great and enduring artists of the last 60 years, the band’s sound is a refreshingly honest coalescence of nostalgia and innovation. Their music presents a diverse sonic palette, yet is always underpinned by assured and evocative songcraft.

The band’s most notable successes of 2010 include performing at the triumphant ‘Save 6 Music’ protest gig at the 229 Club in London and playing a live session for Marc Riley on his BBC 6 Music show, as well as gaining recognition from other DJs on the station. The band have also built up a modest yet passionate fanbase in a short space of time.

Having released their single ‘The Governor of Giving Up’ on October 4th 2010, Doyle & The Fourfathers have finished recording their first full-length album, “Man Made” the release of which will be supported by a UK tour in early 2011.”

(quote obtained from the band’s official website)

Check out ‘Doyle & The Fourfathers’ performing on BBC Radio earlier this year:


15 – ‘Jonny Cola & the A-Grades’, ‘Holy Coves’, ‘Shiva’ and ‘Retraplayer’

Jonny Cola & The A-Grades:

www.jonnycolaandtheagrades.net

Holy Coves:

www.myspace.com/holycoves

Shiva:

www.shiva.org.uk

Retraplayer:

www.myspace.com/retraplayer


14 – ‘The Savage Nomads’, ‘The Method’, ‘Hi-Life Wedding’, and ‘Letters To Fiesta”

The Savage Nomads:

www.myspace.com/thesavagenomads

The Method:

www.myspace.com/methodofficial

Hi-Life Wedding:

www.hi-lifewedding.com

Letters To Fiesta:

www.myspace.com/letterstofiesta


12 – ‘Cairo Son’, ‘The Palace of Justice’, and ‘Hot Monocles’

Cairo Son:

www.cairoson.com

The Palace of Justice:

www.myspace.com/thepalaceofjustice

Hot Monocles:

www.hotmonocles.com


11 – ‘In Like Flynn’, ‘Bwani Junction’, ‘King With No Throne’ and ‘Drafts’

In Like Flynn:

www.myspace.com/inlikeflynntheband

Congratulations to ‘In Like Flynn’ on entering the UK Unsigned Top 40 Chart at No.36 with their track “Johnny Brooker”!  Check it out on their myspace!

Bwani Junction:

www.myspace.com/theband411

King With No Throne:

www.kingwithnothrone.com

Drafts:

www.myspace.com/DraftsUK


03 – ‘Hurricane Season’, and ‘The Twisted Hearts’

Hurricane Season:

http://www.myspace.com/hurricaneseason1992

The Twisted Hearts:

http://www.myspace.com/thetwistedheartsuk


02 – ‘The Pulse’, ‘Dirty Ape’, ‘Parking Offence’ and ‘Baxter Rhodes’

Live at the Workshop, London.

The Pulse:

www.myspace.com/thepulserock

Dirty Ape:

www.myspace.com/dirtyaperock

Parking Offence:

www.myspace.com/parkingoffence

Baxter Rhodes:

www.myspace.com/baxterrhodes


01 – Recent Bands…

The first gig I photographed professionally was in October 2009 and since then I have photographed a variety of bands at a wide range of venues.  Around Camden, Islington, Shoreditch and Kilburn, every venue is different.  Personally, I’m not a believer in using ‘flash’ when doing live music photography.  It can be distracting to the performer(s) and it also has the potential to drown out some of the atmospheric stage lighting.  Sometimes though, when used appropriately and correctly, it can work to the photographer’s advantage.  Some venues are very dark; even on the stage, and I think these places are the best locations for any photographer to practice and test their technical abilities.  After all, I believe that testing conditions determine how good we really are.  A photographer can be in a studio all day long with full control over everything from lighting, backgrounds, props etc and not be tested.  On-location shoots, such as gigs are the ones that are always different and test me…plus they get my adrenaline going too.

Here is a selection of a few Live Music Photos that I’ve taken recently.

AmberSuit:

www.myspace.com/ambersuit

Live @ The Workshop

Live @ The Workshop

Live @ The Workshop

Live @ The Enterprise

Live @ The Enterprise

Live @ The Good Ship

Live @ The Good Ship


DeepSeaGreen:

www.deepseagreen.co.uk

DeepSeaGreen’s latest album can be purchased from itunes here


The Glass Child:

www.myspace.com/charlotteeriksson


The New Outfit:

www.myspace.com/thenewoutfit


Pearl Jammed (Tribute Band to ‘Pearl Jam’):

www.myspace.com/apjtribute




Absolute Bowie

(Tribute Band to ‘David Bowie’):

www.absolutebowie.net