76 – ‘The Book Club’, ‘Alloy Ark’ & ‘Magic Brother’
The Book Club:
www.myspace.com/thebookclubofficial
“The Book Club aren’t what you want, and aren’t really what you need either. In fact, what you need, you never want, and what you want, you never need. But when winter begins to thaw and the electric curtain falls, what you want and what you need come closer than ever before. Their lips almost touch. That’s where The Book Club will meet you. Legs akimbo.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Alloy Ark:
facebook page here
Magic Brother:
“Since 2010 Magic Brother have been calling up the spirits of the ancient masters of music and brewing them into something just a little bit different. Think of a modern day Traffic or prime Jefferson Airplane with a twist. Magic Sam plays guitar with a passion while Rob Delta snakes his own crystalline string lines in there. Brother Joe on thundering bass and Nicky on drums cook up a mean rhythm section, and on top of all that the beautiful and sublime Princess Faye weaves an ethereal magic of her own, singing and playing the flute. A band that could have held their own in the sixties playing music very much for the future.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
71 – Limozine’, ‘The Cherry Bluestorms’ & ‘Zig Zag Birds’
Limozine:
“Limozine are a Rock ‘n’ Roll band from London inspired by The Cramps, The Stooges The Stones and The Ramones. Limozine have released three albums, Car Crash Casino in 2007, Evil Love in 2010, and Full Service in 2012.”
(Info obtained from the band facebook page here)
The Cherry Bluestorms:
“Upon the release of their Stukas Over Disneyland mini-album, punk rock legends The Dickies were about to go on their first U.S. tour since the untimely death of Chuck Wagon. The band asked Glen Laughlin to tour with them on guitar, vocals and keyboards. Following the tour Glen returned to Los Angeles to increasing demand as a session player. He also took the opportunity to begin recording his debut solo album with famed producer Earle Mankey. Unfortunately, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident on the way to the studio and crushed his left hand, apparently ending his career as a musician. As we know, the story didn’t quite end there.
With his hand still in a cast, Glen formed The Skin Trade. Seven months later The Skin Trade played their first show, featuring Glen on lead vocals and two-fingered bass. Glen later rejoined The Dickies as bassist and then as guitarist for several years. He also began to use the many non-standard tunings he developed as a result of his hand injury.
Following The Dickies’ Idjit Savant tour, Glen purchased part of the studio where “Idjit” was recorded. Since then, in addition to The Cherry Bluestorms, Glen has produced The Dickies, movie star Heather Graham and tracks for CSI: Las Vegas. He has also produced indie artists such as Neil Ormandy, Reuben “Big Reub” Vigil and The Reloaders, The Ben Gunn Society, and The Greatcoats. His latest project involves members of Fishbone, Suicidal Tendencies and Ivan Neville.
Having landed a development deal with A&M which led to collaborations with recording world luminaries Chris Lord-Alge and Mike Clink, Deborah Gee placed several songs from her debut solo album “Portal” in TV and films. She was looking for a collaborator for her next venture. After meeting Glen at a coffeehouse and discovering their mutual love for ‘60’s guitar-based melodic rock, the two began working on what was to become The Cherry Bluestorms’ debut album, Transit of Venus. They formed a band and were spotted at their first show by a promoter, whereupon their second show was before a festival crowd in New Hampshire. The band has subsequently entertained crowds and enjoyed critical praise from their hometown Hollywood haunts to Canada and the UK, including The Cavern, famous home of The Beatles.
The Bluestorms gave Transit of Venus a splendid send-off at Hollywood’s Cinespace, where they had a genuine Fillmore lightshow and a live string quartet accompanying a performance of the entire album. TOV was noted as one of the top 100 indie albums of 2007 by IPO’s David Bash. TOV has been critically praised by L.A. Weekly, Glasswerk UK, Powerpopaholic, Not Lame, Absolute Powerpop and others, many singling out the bands’ version of the Beatles’ “Baby, You’re a Rich Man”. “Violent Heart” from TOV and “A True Heart Wears A Thorny Crown” from their upcoming second album were placed in hit Stephen Cannell television shows.
Speaking of second albums, the band is nearly finished recording their sophomore effort, an ambitious concept album called Bad Penny Opera. The album is due out later this year. Meanwhile, Deborah has also begun tracking her second solo album, Geeology, with Glen co-producing.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Zig Zag Birds:
“With one foot in the sun-soaked Sixties, and the other in the do-it-yourself YouTube generation, Zig Zag Birds began as an experiment and quickly got out of hand. British singer-songwriters David Rael and Edward Randell and drummer Will Pickering bring their feelgood pop songs to life with the help of rudimentary recording gear, a video camera and some very talented friends.
A bedroom album that sounds like a 5-star suite, their debut EP features strings, brass, flutes and a small army of backing singers – all held together with Sellotape and cups of tea. And, most importantly, outstanding tunes. They don’t write ’em like this any more: Zig Zag Birds’s infectious melodies and lush vocal harmonies draw on The Beatles and The Beach Boys, the storytelling of Lieber & Stoller and the playfulness of Steely Dan. They are equally at home with straight-up rock ‘n’ roll (Brighter Shade of Blue), with chamber-pop balladry (A Song A Day) and even campy Halloween mischief (Bump In The Night). These are uncynical, fresh, infinitely hummable tunes to put a grin on your face and a spring in your step.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
69 – ‘Japanese Fighting Fish’, ‘Ozonna’ and ‘Monarchy of Roses’
Japanese Fighting Fish:
www.japanesefightingfish.co.uk
Ozonna:
“The man getting his regular short back and sides smiles with intrigue at the figure in the doorway. This Camden hairdresser isn’t used to visits from unfamiliar faces. The bespectacled guest, dressed in a faded denim jacket and rolled shorts, begins to strum a Ukulele, giving his adopted crowd a rendition of his latest song, “I love me”. Even the stubborn buzz of the last few clippers has been silenced within moments. Two minutes later he leaves, followed by looks of affection and bemusement.
African-born electro popper Ozonna may have chosen an unusual way to market himself, but in today’s hyper competitive music industry it pays to be original. Even pop queen Lady Gaga used to have to stand scantily clad on tables in bars, screaming along to Black Sabbath records to get noticed. Visiting some of London’s coiffeurs to play impromptu gigs may not hold the same shock-value, but it’s the perfect place for Ozonna to deliver his message.
And that message is simple; he is trying to empower people through his music. “I want people to feel positive about how they look and feel,” he says. “Playing at the hairdressers, I wanted to tell people that they don’t need to spend lots of money to look beautiful, they are already. It is positive music for the soul.”
Ozonna himself even admits that the message can be seen as clichéd. But it’s the way that message is delivered on his new single, “I love me”, that the London-based artist eliminates any sense of been-here-before. An eclectic mix of influences has inspired the record, which delivers pop hooks underpinned with genuine musical ideology. Think Marina and the Diamonds, Madonna and a hint of Gaga, and you begin to get the idea. But Ozonna’s sound is still wholly individual.
On “I love me”, his unique vocal range is laid bare. It is fragile yet captivating. Combined with the Ukulele and boppy synth the track epitomises what the young musician is all about. It strikes at the core of the vanity of society, why people should ignore the critics and love themselves. It is refreshing to hear a passionate edge to an essentially pop-infused track. This theme is continued in “Perfect day to die”, another creation that reveals a strong sense of musicality in Ozonna’s work, with muted strings and a clean cut piano riff providing a perfect foundation for the heartfelt lyrics. “Stupid self” and “I don’t give a damn” are further rebellious outlets. The latter tinged with the sound of an early Annie Lennox track. ”
(Info obtained from Ozonna’s facebook page here)
Monarchy Of Roses:
“Monarchy Of Roses are a new group who were formed in North London with a range of influences including Soul, 60s beat, Blues. Under guidance of singer/songwriter Craig Ingham and now joined by Bassist Alex Montague. Looking for world domination and exposure! Welcome to The Kingdom Of North London Soul!”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
68 – ‘Turning Plates’ and ‘Howl Griff’
Turning Plates:
“Turning Plates are an award winning group of musicians based in Glasgow. Using theirdiverse classical, jazz and rock backgrounds they create a uniquely alternative style. Founded in 2009 their mixing of synthesizers and effect laden guitars with the more melancholy sounds of clarinet, cello and trombone, combined with the use of unusual time signatures, have led to the band quickly finding a distinct and individual sound. The band sites an eclectic mix of influences from the Smashing Pumpkins to Sigur Ros to Baroque music.
On the back of early successes the band has recently recorded an EP comprising 6 songs at Glasgow’s prestigious Chem19 studios with producer Jamie Savage which is due for release in April 2012. During 2011 the band’s song Tin Man won an award in Playmusic Pickup magazine’s unsigned band competition and finished their first tour taking in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Stirling Falkirk and Ayr over Easter 2011. In addition the band have gigged frequently in Glasgow doing both electric and acoustic shows, supporting several touring bands including Silversun Pickups, Scanners, Slaraffenland and The Neat.”
(Info obtained from the band’s Official Website)
Howl Griff:
“After receiving much press and public acclaim for our debut, Welsh-language record Howl Griff, we unleashed our second album The Hum – this one in English. Along with single releases Bluebirds and Sunrise, the album has garnered heady acclaim.
“Bloody lush – a new band we love,” said Lauren Laverne on her daytime BBC 6music show. She’s not alone in liking what she hears. “Life-affirming,” wrote The Independent. “Gorgeous harmonies and warm ’60s melodies – the result is quite lovely,” added Stuff magazine. “A Welsh Brian Wilson,” claims Clash magazine.
So when the lovely Lauren Laverne asked if we were interested in giving away an MPfree on her show, who were we to argue? Thanks to her and the 6music crew, you can download the Sunrise single for zero pence on our free MP3s page.
We’ve been played widely across BBC 6music, Radio One, Radio Wales, Radio London and noted Californian station KCRW too, which is nice.”
(Info obtained from the band’s Official Website)
63 – ‘Blackfoot Circle’, ‘Code500’ and ‘The Worms’
Blackfoot Circle:
“Blackfoot Circle….. Two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer and a singer. All with the same desire for what they do and for where they want to be.
The band are from Portsmouth, England, where you can hear their songs playing from any open window and where a sell-out Wedgewood Rooms crowd can be heard singing their lyrics on any given Saturday night.
Fresh off the back of winning Hard Rock Cafe’s UK Battle of The Bands competition, where they received glowing reviews from judges James Curran (Absolute Radio), Jemma Downey (Live Nation) and James Walsh (Starsailor), The band’s belief and reputation are growing fast. This and their recent appearance at Bestival being covered by ITV’s Meridian News has created a real buzz in and around their local area.
They now hope to achieve the same following nationally as they have in their home town. Music trends are forever changing and Blackfoot Circle feel that they are the band to be the catalyst for the next shift to make guitar music great again.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Code500:
“Code500 are an Alternative band from Northampton, UK
Several studio recordings early 2010, soon became live sessions, bringing together different musicians, experimenting with a new sound. Since then, Code500 have become well known, playing live at, and hosting various club nights. The band have successfully gigged in and around London and recently performed at the BBC’s Introducing. The band are currently putting final touches to their much anticipated debut EP, set for release in the coming months.
Delivering a massive wall of sound , Code500 are best described as a modern fusion of Rock n Roll, Trip Hop and Dance”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
The Worms:
www.reverbnation.com/thewormery
“The Worms are an English trio of folk and electronic musicians. In 2005 we began playing songs about ornithology and architecture at open mic nights in Reading. Our soul is gothic, our mind is psychedelic, our roots are progressive, our attitude is punk, our tradition is folk, our tools are electronic. Over the last 5 years, we have recorded sessions for WFMU in New York, been broadcast on Resonance FM in London, been broadcast on homegrownradionj.com in New Jersey, been broadcast very regularly on KPOV in Bend, Oregon, played live in session on Resnonance FM in London, produced 4 demo recordings and performed as a solo, duo and trio in Reading and London, UK, and Seoul, South Korea. Our newest demo is called “Strife Cycle”. We soldier on.”
(Info obtained from the band’s Reverbnation website – link above)
61 – ‘Von Bartha’, ‘The Red Bullets’ and ‘Atlantic & Lion’
Von Bartha:
“Von Bartha are what The Shadows would have sounded like if they’d been lobbed into a vat of LSD and had PJ Harvey’s pet banshee on vocals instead of Cliff Richard. A pleasing blend of up-tempo rocky jazzy weirdness, they keep you on your toes by never letting you guess what direction they’ll go next. Strangely, even people who profess not to like bands at all seem to love Von Bartha.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
The Red Bullets:
“The Red Bullets were formed in 2007 by Pete Edwards and brother Mark as an outlet for Pete’s songs, many of them co-written with lyricist and close friend, John Bailey. Their music made an instant impact with audiences not only UK wide, but also with those who immediately took the band’s songs to their hearts during tours of Dubai and the French Alps in 2008 and 2009 respectively.
The Edwards brothers were joined during the early years of the bands ascent by Mark Wheeler on bass and Kyle Hall on guitar, who both left the band in May 2010 which marked the start of a re-birth for the band with a change in approach and, of course, personnel. Lyricist and now bass player John Bailey joined, at first, on a temporary basis, and the band were introduced to former Twang guitarist, Stuart Hartland, by producer Gavin Monaghan. Stuart initially recorded some sessions for the band and has since become, along with John Bailey, an ever-more-present member of the group, stamping his unique characteristics on the bands recent work.
A more recent addition to the band has been Ben Weston, a singer songwriter from Northamptonshire. The Red Bullets’ performance at the British Grand Prix to a 7000+ crowd was the first time the band had performed with 5 members, with Ben on acoustic guitar and adding to Mark’s prominent backing vocals. Ben’s ‘high up the fret board’, almost Ukulele sounding flourishes shimmering on top of Stuart’s unforgettable guitar licks and Pete’s unmissable pounding piano style, won instant favour with the Bullets faithful.
The Red Bullets often go out as a three piece, Pete on lead vocals and piano, John on bass and Mark on drums and backing vocals, something which developed from an experiment during a tour of the West Country in 2010. This has become yet another dimension for the band, in addition to the 4 and 5 piece performances and Pete’s solo performances and intimate shows with a string quartet (these are few and far between and well worth looking out for).
The Red Bullets have a strong, loyal following who are the backbone of the band’s existence, and it is this that allows this energetic, fun and committed band of musicians to continue to grow and evolve.
Check out The Red Bullets’ forthcoming dates to find out what all the fuss is about, you won’t regret it… They’ll have you whistling all the way home!”
(Info obtained from the band’s Official website)
Atlantic & Lion:
60 – ‘Thank Pablo’, ‘Ferris’ and ‘Trash Green’
Thank Pablo:
“Based in South London, Thank Pablo make sun-kissed quintessentially English pop songs that have been dragged through the backstreets of Africa, Spain, France and Jamaica.
It is music to make you smile.
Recently featured on XFM, BBC 6Music and Queens Radio Belfast.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Ferris:
Trash Green:
56 – ‘The Harlots’, ‘Big Num’, and ‘Shag Nasty’
The Harlots:
“An upcoming band based in the heart of London whose members are Sherwin Claridge (Vocals & Guitar), Enrique Moreno (Lead Guitar), Florent Amador (Bass Guitar) & Adam Szabo (Drums). Their success can be attributed to the fact that having only been together for only half a year have already established a highly coveted and personal sound.
Their style is easily recognisable due to their vast range of influences. From classic British Rock ‘n’ Roll such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones all the way to The Libertines’ punk and iconic bands of the 90’s (Oasis & Blur).
Their set list which has arisen as a results of many rehearsals serves as the strongest evidence of The Harlots’ creativity, performance skills and coordination amongst band members. They have a promising year ahead of them in which they are eager to present their passion and song writing capability.
In brief, The Harlots are a band formed by ambitious young musicians who deserve the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Big Num:
“An English take on full-size, brash American stadium rock, Big Num putting a completely wonderful modern alternative, heavy scope onto a soulful and honest vocal that sheers Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones with glints of Bono or Jack White. Classic rock in the vein of Billy Idol dazzlingly sped up to a contemporary model with an eccentric overtone of grinding, stirring guitars and lyrics that demand head-bang brutality. They serve shout-a-long enthralment with an accomplished style and batch of finely and expertly arranged songs which sound well rounded and memorable. This band is an absolutely lustrous and gallant gem in the British rock scene.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Shag Nasty:
“We are the original UK punk rock band SHAG NASTY not to be confused with later pretenders and inferior US imports. We’ve been gigging and making records since 1977… all for your enjoyment. So lock up your Grans because SHAG NASTY are back”.
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
55 – ‘Stone Trigger’, ‘Night Circus’, ‘BlueSun’ and ‘The Rising’
Stone Trigger:
“Stone Trigger are a 5-piece Hard Rock band from Dublin, Ireland, heavily influenced by bands like Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Skid Row and other 80s bands, with their own 21st century twist. Full of hard rockin’ riffs, great hooks and catchy choruses, this is “Good Time Rock N’ Roll” of the highest quality!!! Songs like “Never Say Never” will stay with you until you go to sleep, and then you’ll wake up singing “Maneater”, a bass-driven, rock-singin’ classic in its own right.
Headbangin’, Foot-tappin’, Hand Clappin’, Fist-Waving Hard Rock…
Definitely a band not to miss!!
When you come and see us… you’ll know why!!!”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Night Circus:
Night Circus’ facebook page here
BlueSun:
www.reverbnation.com/bluesunireland
The Rising:
The Rising’s facebook page here
The Rising from Dublin, formerly stillroom..
STILLROOM:
In the last couple of years we’ve toured Sunset Strip in L.A playing such venues as The Roxy, The Whiskey, The Cat Club etc.
Won the Emergenza battle of the bands in Vicar Street and as a result Played festivals in Germany.
Had a song of ours used in a Hollywood movie that aired at the Monaco film festival.
Released an EP that received great airplay from the likes of Nova, phantom and lots of other stations here and the UK. It also received great reviews in Hotpress from Jackie Hayden among others, and one of the songs was chosen by microsoft as a flagship song for one of their music campaigns. We also topped the reverb nation charts and received airplay on some tv stations with one of our videos.
We also toured our EP here and the UK, playing on some great bills and events. Also supporting some big artists.
he Rising pick up where stillroom left off. Kicking off their launch night in October, the guys have exploded onto the scene in rock n roll fashion.
The band shook the foundations of Dublin to a packed out crazy crowd in Fibs Rock bar on Halloween Weekend.
Next up for the band was a great support slot with the super Pat McManus band and an appearance & acoustic set on Radio Nova in November.
From there, The Rising took their live show to London’s capital of Rock- Camden Town !
And December sees the band host a host a major fundraiser for The Irish Heart Foundation in local village Tallaght, with their Xmas show.
With acknowledgement from Radio Nova, Hot Press, The Echo and other domestic media 2012 promises to be an epic year for The Rising, with shows being lined up on both sides of the water an a pending debut album.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
54 – ‘MoCara’, ‘Criminal Brainstorm’ and ‘Derider’
MoCara:
“MoCara are a four-piece alternative/punk/ska band from Leatherhead in Surrey. MoCara’s sound is thick with loud melodic guitars, thundering funk-driven bass lines, intense pummelling drums, ska grooves, big choruses, passionate lyrics and loads more; all of which come together with a shared obsession with creating our own vibe: A vibe that we want to spread as far as possible.
That MoCara sound has taken the band to some of the best venues in London and South East England as well as a minor headline slot at Guilfest. It has also taken the band far in many competitions; most notably to the final of Jar Music Live’s Maldives Breakout Festival at the O2 Academy Islington.
The bands first EP, ‘The Shallow South’, was released in June 2011.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
Criminal Brainstorm:
Derider:
“Bursting through the seams of Brighton, this explosive quintet have been relentlessly hitch-hiking across stages, brushing arms with the likes of Cerebral Ballzy and Abdoujaparov and earning a slot on Ipswich Music Day’s main stage. The band, consisting of fireball figurehead Whitnee Springfield, guitarists Sin and Rayna Vandèl, bass player Chuck Tango and sticksman Nate Marcus are now in the process of writing the material that will become their debut album.”
(Info obtained from the band’s facebook page here)
53 – ‘Anarcord’, ‘Stephen & The Heathens’ and ‘Shacklewell Row’
Anarcord:
“Il y a une limite à toute chose, et il faut toujours la dépasser”.
Stephen & The Heathens:
www.stephenandtheheathens.co.uk
Shacklewell Row:
www.soundcloud.com/shacklewell-row
“Shacklewell Row are an emerging modern rock trio based in east London. Following a run of successful shows in spring 2011, they have been working hard completing their debut album ‘Fields of London’, released on 1st December 2011. The album will be available on iTunes and Bandcamp, and (for those more traditional music lovers) on CD at each live concert.
The boys go way back when, but finally formed the band in summer 2010, setting up home in St Barnabas church on Shacklewell Row, Dalston. They have carved their sound from experimenting with a soulful mix of rock and roots – described as a modern form of blues music. There is poetry in there. Their songs are stark, melodic, bittersweet, and full of honesty & spirit.
The band headed into the studio last winter to record their self-produced debut album ‘Fields of London. Jim & Bobby both write & sing their songs, giving a diverse range of style and substance to the music. The album talks of love and loss, heartbreak and hope. They observe the apathy in this city, the chill of hypocrisy and herald faith in more than man. There is a mature sensibility to this work and fine craftsmanship much lacking in records of our time.
Their engaging live shows see the band improvising & developing their songs, giving an exciting and unpredictable edge to each performance. Their concerts serve not only to promote their record, but as a forum for the songs themselves to evolve beyond the recording. Shacklewell Row are rising and currently booking more concerts for early 2012, with their first UK tour planned for late spring.”
(info obtained from the band’s facebook page)
50 – ‘Hot Panda’, ‘Rotifer’ and ‘Auction For The Promise Club’
Hot Panda:
“Hot Panda are just two boys and two girls from Edmonton trying to do the same thing they’ve always tried to do: play some kind of rock and roll that’ll make people dance and feel happy…Simple stuff!
These kids -Maghan Campbell (drums), Chris Connelly (vocals, guitar), Catherine Hiltz (bass), and Heath Parsons (keys, accordion) – have toured so much in the past few years that their shabby van, $30 motel rooms, and stranger’s floors feel more like home these days than their own beds. Since the release of their first EP (2008’s Whale Headed Girl) and their subsequent signing to Vancouver’s Mint Records, the band has zigged and zagged their raucous live show across North America (ok, minus Mexico, but still…) and Europe on planes, trains, and automobiles until they thought they might die!
They’ve snapped pictures of themselves under the Eiffel Tower, played on a stage once graced by the Beatles in Hamburg, and visited royal palaces in Vienna, all when they went on tour opening for the Von Bondies across Europe in April, 2009! They’ve also had wonderful times playing at festivals like SXSW in Austin, Texas, CMJ Music Marathon in New York, and North of the border at Pop Montreal, Halifax Pop Explosion, Sled Island in Calgary, and NXNE in Toronto. Along the way, they’ve played with lots of other bands they love, like Art Brut, The Raveonettes, Tokyo Police Club, Chad Van Gaalen, Electric 6, Crystal Antlers, and lots more. So, in short, it’s been some kind of adventure!
Yet, as great adventures often go, this one suffered some moments of ugly struggle. November 2009 marked the departure of one of their founding members, shortly before the band was supposed to record their sophomore release. However, despite this sad and unsettling blow, the band kept their heads held high long enough to snag Catherine Hiltz as their new bass player/multi-instrumentalist. Hiltz’s arrival, however, has majorly revitalized the band- it’s a long story, but in short, Hot Panda is having fun again, and they’re damn happy about it!
How Come I’m Dead? (Out on Mint Records October 12, 2010), a follow up to 2009’s acclaimed Volcano…Bloody Volcano!, was written with Hiltz and recorded at Vancouver’s JC/DC studios during the chaos of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It has a playful sense of humour to it, revealing the band’s sense of relief and the return of ridiculous good times since Hiltz’s arrival. Like Volcano, How Come I’m Dead draws inspiration from music’s most random corners- the album has moments of dreamy noise, circus freak dance, heartbreaking country ballads with screeching metal guitar solos, lovely harmonies, psychadelic drones, and straight up pop/rock numbers. There’s even a hip-hop track, which includes a bass scratch solo and enough f-bombs to earn them an adult content warning sticker- which tumbles directly into a grinding techno song!
Watch for Hot Panda in a town near you this fall- joyfully dispensing their new rock and roll tunes as they tour North America starting in September!”
(Quote obtained from the band’s official website)
Rotifer:
Auction For The Promise Club:
www.auctionforthepromiseclub.co.uk
“Recently listed in the Marie Claire UK Playlist alongside Florence and the Machine and I Blame Coco, 2011 is year proving to be a for the unsigned band,Auction for the Promise Club.
Introduced on BBC 6 Music by Tom Robinson and on XFM by John Kennedy as well as regional BBC Radio Show’s across the country, the female-fronted rock band have garnered critical acclaim for their unique sound, which channels shoegaze through giant hooks and huge choruses.
2010 saw Auction for the Promise Club support Paolo Nutini and Martha Wainright at the Eden Sessions and also Reverend and The Makers. The band has racked up performances at some of the country’s most renowned venues, including Liverpool’s Cavern Club, Birmingham’s Gatecrasher and the ICA in London, as well as headlining a closing show at London Fashion Week, Jalouse, Mayfair. ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s official website)
48 – ‘Krossbreed’, ‘Bletchley Park’ and ‘The Insight’
Krossbreed:
“KROSSBREED stands for non-compromising metal. It’s a mixture of 4 different minds and 4 different ideas about metal formed into one hard and heavy unit, in other words a crossbreed of their own creativity.
KROSSBREED was formed in 2003 in Antwerp, Belgium. KROSSBREED has no real boundaries, what leads to a style of metal that is hard to name. But one thing we can agree on is that it’s a band that will take you to every corner of the metal world. Going from fast ripping riffs to catchy mind breaking tempos, KROSSBREED has it all.”
(Biography info obtained from the band’s facebook page)
“
Check out Krossbreed‘s Music video for “Ashes of Tomorrow” – a song from their album “3 Cheers for the Misery”:
Bletchley Park:
www.myspace.com/bletchleyparkband
“Bletchley Park is growing to become a high-aspiring band in the indie scene. Highly influenced by bands Editors, Interpol and Bloc Party amongst others, the female-fronted quintet has produced a distinctive sound that continues to catch the interest of many.”
An indie rock band with a particular sound in mind, one you are to discover.
Bletchley Park first took its novel tunes out of the garage during the Rookie’s Battle of the Bands of June 2009 which brought together (or against each other) twelve bands from contrasting genres. The band made its way through to the finals until it was announced winner of gigs in Copenhagen, Denmark and of a production project with renowned British producer Paul Powell.
The band started off its in-studio experience with David Vella, from Temple Studios Malta, who left a trail of his musicality in five original pieces: ‘Alien’, ‘Dust’, ‘Hold The Trap’, ‘The Last Star’ and ‘Fake Smiles’.
The first single released – ‘Alien’ – was in the Maltese charts for over 12 weeks and hit the number 1 spot on XFM’s Homegrown chart and Bay Radio’s Malta’s Top 10 chart. ‘Alien’ is currently being aired on UK Radio 10 – The Varmint show:www.varmintshow.net
In the mean time, the band was promoting its music through a number of public appearances on TV shows and radio interviews while having press releases published in the printed media.
Bletchley Park’s second single ‘Hold the Trap’ has also made it to the top place in the local charts – Bay Radio’s Malta’s Top 10 & also those of the Malta Music Charts(Smash).
Bletchley Park have been nominated for the Best New Artist Award of the Malta Music Awards 2009 honouring their achievements in just a few months.
The band has myriad plans for the coming years, the nearest being rocking Copenhagen and production of an album with Paul Powell during Summer 2010 in Ibiza.”
(Biography info obtained from the band’s facebook page)
The Insight:
“The insight est un groupe breton, de rennes plus exactement …le style musical est dans la lignée de The Cure, Joy Division, Interpol.
La nouvelle vague bretonne écume à nouveau les terres arides de nos platines. Et Rennes retrouve son statut de scène innovante quelque peu égarée depuis Marquis de Sade. L’intermède des Transmusicales ne faisant qu’importer une fois l’an un savoir faire trop bien caché. The Insight a en revanche choisi la langue de Shakespeare pour convoler en juste noce avec la créativité. Une différence de taille qui pénalise d’entrée toute diffusion radio, trop dépendante des quotas « chanson française ». Oui, côté musique, il ne suffit pas de naître en France pour être français. Et si The Insight chantait en Breton, ils seraient français ? Allez savoir… Côté influences, la bonne pioche serait les cartes Cure et Joe Division à n’en pas douter.”
(Biography info obtained from the band’s facebook page)
46 – ‘Inner Fire’, ‘Conductors’ and ‘Night & Fog’
Inner Fire:
“Inner Fire formed in late 2007, quickly establishing a fearsome reputation for live performance. Their self-produced demo ‘Let the Flames Begin’ showed enough promise to allow the band access to prestigious London stages such as 93 Feet East, The Fly and The Kingston Peel.
After much hard work, Inner Fire are playing Bloodstock Open Air Festival 2011 alongside, WASP, Motorhead, Exodus and more!
Their debut album ‘New Chapter’ is available now worldwide.
2010/11 has seen Inner Fire perform extensively throughout the South East region. Inner Fire came 4th place overall in the 2010 Kent BandQuest/Metal 2 The Masses Final, and reached the Semi-Final of the same competition in Sussex.
Having already recorded their first album, the band is continuing to write new material. They aim to play to bigger and better crowds, returning British metal to the forefront of the scene. ”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Conductors:
“Formed In 2009, And Now Having Regular Plays On BBC Radio 1 Introducing, Art-rocker Radio, And Huw Stephens Radio Cymru Show, Conductors Pave A Golden Path For Their Forthcoming Debut Album ‘Dim Problem’, Which is Released On Death Monkey Records on 25.07.11. Having Already Gained Support Slots With The Heavy, Victorian English Gentleman’s Club And Exit International to name but a few. Conductors Wanna Blow Up Your Fuckin Stereo!”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Night & Fog:
“‘Night & Fog is Simon Brennan and Rob Doyle. A year-and-a-half in the making, their new album, The Stakes Have Never Been So Low, is the sound of endless, vacant afternoons spent idling on grey and silent beaches, of dissolution and a craving for transcendence – or for oblivion. Dripping with a dark and wistful romanticism, these 10 tracks combine the squalid grandeur of Why? and Arab Strap, with the spectral, melodic songcraft of Lali Puna. These are polished pearls stained with horror, like the lullabies of a howling pederast in some blackened city.
Night & Fog was born in Dublin and lives in north London.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
44 – ‘Arkestry’, ‘Boy’ and ‘The MoNacles’
Arkestry:
“We are Arkestry, a psychedelic five piece from London and thereabouts inspired by the likes of Sun Ra, Spacemen 3, Velvet Underground, FlyLo, J Dilla and Deerhunter”
(Quote obtained from the band’s website)
The MoNacles:
www.myspace.com/themonaclesmusic
(No biography info available)
Boy:
“With influences based in Pop sensibilities mixed with the message of Riot Grrl, BOY are an emerging talent causing a stir in the London music scene.
With songs about love and loss and a raw, melodic and hard-hitting sound, BOY place themselves somewhere between the urgency of Arcade Fire and the edge of The Pixies.
Influenced by the androgyny of Bowie, and with an Art House attitude, this music is independent, thought provoking but intensely catchy, still retaining a grip on the mainstream pop they are heavily influenced by.
Planning to release their EP Late 2011, Boy are something exciting, raw and untamed and certainly something not to be missed.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s website)
43 – ‘Paul Bevoir’ and ‘The J-PEGS’
Paul Bevoir:
www.myspace.com/paulbevoirmusic
The J-PEGS:
“Think of all your favorite music from the 60s – be it the intricate harmonies of soft pop Left Banke style, Merseybeat, or the bubblegummy mod sounds of The Monkees, these Londoners have got it all!”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
42 – ‘The Lost Boys’, ‘The Doll Mechanics’ and ‘Sam Batt’
The Lost Boys:
www.myspace.com/officiallostboys
“Witty and catchy Indie Pop from Southampton. If you like your music short, sharp, quirky and yet touching, then hopefully you’ll like ours.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
The Doll Mechanics:
“The band was formed by lead singer/songwriter Lauren James. Drummer Sam Wilmott and Lauren attended music school together and had been playing in various band formations in London over the last year. In February 2011 they welcomed new guitarist Daniel Jones and bass player David Rudin to their new identity… The Doll Mechanics!”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Sam Batt:
“Her songs have an unusual quality of honesty, depth and humour very much belonging to the craft of songwriting and what it takes to move someone, mixing heartfelt story-telling with catchy melodies and clever quirky lyrics that make you smile and stand strong enough alone to carry a solo acoustic performance.
Her voice is emotive and charismatic, sweet seductive tones that can break your heart, make you laugh and turn you on all in the space of 20 seconds.
Live she makes you feel that the songs are written and performed just for you, even in a crowd of thousands. Sam Batt’s unique sound lives in the spaces between Chrissie Hynde, Jamiroquai, Manu Chao and more traditional acoustic flavours of artists like Jack Johnson, Joni Mitchell and Mouse – her voice also has a raw, dynamic quality more akin to Cerys Matthews or Stevie Nicks.”
(Biography info obtained from the artist’s website)
37 – ‘Eliza Jaye and The Tarts’, ‘Codes’, ‘Air Castles’ and ‘The Good Suns’
Eliza Jaye and The Tarts:
www.myspace.com/elizajayeandthetarts
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Codes:
“C O D E S . are an alternative/electronic quartet from Dublin, Ireland. Expansive yet melodic. Powerful yet delicate, their music colours the void between the ambience and longevity of soundtrack music and the energy and immediacy of live music..
Soaring vocal harmonies, dreamy arrangements and a calculated cryptography of electronic beats, piano, glockenspiel and analogue synths permeate their sound.
Codes debut album “Trees Dream In Algebra” which was recorded in Gloucestershire UK & mixed in Auckland, New Zealand with acclaimed producer Greg Haver (Manics, SFA) and mastered in NYC by Greg Calbi (U2,Interpol,Kings of Leon) is out now. It was the winner of Best Album 2009 in Phantom FM Dublin’s annual awards, is featured in hotpress magazine’s top 200 Irish albums of all time and was nominated for The Choice Music Prize 2010.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Air Castles:
“Air Castles is a London based band led by Swedish born singer-songwriter Max Mansson.
Starting off as a home recording project in 2008 by the then 19-year-old Mansson, Air Castles has since recorded an EP and an album together with Magnus Lindberg of Cult of Luna.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
The Good Suns:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
35 – ‘The Kabeedies’, ‘Town’ and ‘Fractures’
The Kabeedies:
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
Town:
“Formed on a love of iconic British bands like the The Clash, The Undertones and The Jam (to name a few), a working class work ethic and no-nonsense approach; South Wales quartet TOWN’s debut offering, the ‘Original Design’ EP, documents the knocks and scrapes of being a youth in modern day Britain.
It’s certainly not all doom and gloom though, lead single ‘Eighteen’, as frontman, Alex Nash explains, “focuses on a prime time in our teenage years, where you’re expected to follow the system and fall into the generic nine-to-five lifestyle, having only 48 hours on the weekend to let off steam. You don’t have to take a journey on that conveyor belt, and can do whatever you want to do, be whoever you want to be.”
It’s attitude like that, that has seen the band begin to make waves up and down the UK with their relatable subject matter, no matter what bill they’re playing on, following shows alongside the likes of The Buzzcocks, The Bluetones, Kids In Glass Houses and One Night Only.
Produced by Romesh Dodangoda (Motorhead, Manic Street Preachers, Lostprophets) at Long Wave Studios and the legendary Rockfield Studios, ‘Original Design’ is both anthemic and ambitious, serving as a perfect introduction to TOWN and should whet the appetite for what will surely be an exciting future for the Newport outfit.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Fractures:
www.soundcloud.com/wearefractures
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
31 – ‘Some Velvet Morning’, ‘Electric Penguins’, ‘Rams Pocket Radio’ and ‘ Age of Giants’
Some Velvet Morning:
“Rock band start a revolution! Amazingly in only 6 weeks Some Velvet Morning raise a staggering £100K album launch budget with new model record label My Major Company UK.
Some Velvet Morning’s lead track on their forthcoming album “How To Start A Revolution” was on the international trailer for ‘Kickass’, the Matthew Vaughn Hollywood blockbuster. Their distorted basslines and pounding beats have woken up audiences around the world offering them a sound to believe in again – “You won’t fool the children of the Revolution.”
Some Velvet Morning like to do things differently. Recording live to tape, rather than computer in their large north London studio, the Fish Factory, the band have built momentum over the last three years with a series of radio friendly gems including BBC and XFM playlisted singles ‘Losing My Mind’ and ‘Propaganda’ from album “Silence Will Kill You.”
‘Losing My Mind’ took the band to the states to record a show (Fearless) for Fox TV, followed by a tour of the East Coast. It wasn’t long before the rest of the world caught on. Some Velvet Morning have taken their sound to the South of France, Russia and most recently Asia, where the band performed for 3000 fans as part of the Heineken Greenspace festival.
Some Velvet Morning’s roof top publicity stunt nearly got them arrested: With a nod to the Beatles, the band shunned council authorities by performing live on the roof of the PRS For Music in London, blasting their cries of the revolution across six blocks around Soho. Oxford Street also hosted another ‘heritage’ gig this year, when Some Velvet Morning supported the legendary Yardbirds at the 100 Club in February. Shows with The Levellers, Reef and at the British Moto Grand Prix at Silverstone followed.
Whilst learning from masters of the UK’s buoyant musical past, Some Velvet Morning continue to break new ground by veering away from the normal pop fodder of teenage crushes and heartbreak, preferring instead subjects such as religious tolerance, western political indoctrination and McCarthyism.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Some Velvet Morning‘s “How To Start A Revolution” featured on the International movie trailer for Kickass:
Electric Penguins:
www.electricpenguins.get-ctrl.com
“Electric Penguins are back to tempt you with their self-recorded and produced long player entitled “II”. The 12 track feast of psychedelic cuts slides dreamily between electronic, folk and ambient soundscapes with acoustic and club elements dispersed throughout the record. Whirly and trippy audio effects, vocoders, moogs, mellotrons, organs, deeply layered strings and naked pianos mash and mix to maximise melody. Amongst the delights featured are the folksy love song to London, “Highgate Hill” and the kraut-club inspired combo-track“Airships/Soundproof 45”.
With live supports to Devo, Annuals, Sebestian Tellier and krautrock legends Roedelius prompting gushing reviews like this…“They led the audience through a delightful soundscape, lit up superbly by angelic vocals and magical lyrics. Splicing together bits of Kraftwerk, Laurie Anderson, Sigur Ros, The Postal Service, Pink Floyd, Alison Moyet and Brian Eno with old English folk ballads the band weave a remarkably rich audio tapestry”(Hot Press)…it’s little wonder the Penguins live rep as a “must see audio visual experience” is rock solid.
In addition to widespread domestic critical acclaim, Nic Harcourt has also supported Electric Penguins on his highly influential Morning Becomes Eclectic programme on L.A’s KCRW Radio and UK trade mag Music Week featured the Penguins as a high point of Irish music scene talent on their recent sampler. Mark Cummins has formerly collaborated with Pink Floyd’s orchestral arranger Edward Shearmur and contributed to endeavours with Massive Attack cohort Gavin Wright. Paul Murphy is a Dublin based producer of various rock bands and composer of multiple tv and film projects.”
(Quote obtained from the artists’ Official Website)
Rams Pocket Radio:
www.myspace.com/ramspocketradio
“RAMS’ POCKET RADIO is Peter McCauley, a drummer, pianist, jack-of-all and songwriter from Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Unfettered personal expression is the impetus of the project, and with the timeless works of the 1950’s product designer, Dieter Rams’, in mind; purity, simplicity and longevity are the first concerns.”
(Quote obtained from the artists’ facebook page)
Age of Giants:
(No biography info available on the artists’ website)
28 – ‘Mishima’, ‘Les Aus’, ‘Junkyard Choir’ and ‘Allies’
Mishima:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Les Aus:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Junkyard Choir:
“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:
“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:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Safari:
(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:
26 – ‘A Genuine Freakshow’, ‘OK’, ‘Alvin Purple’ and ‘Radio 9’
A Genuine Freakshow:
“A Genuine Freakshow. An artful blend of experimentalism and pop sensibility from Reading comprising the traditional rock ‘n’ roll facets of guitars, bass and drums but augmented by the less obvious additions of cello, violin and trumpet. A band that embrace the icy soundscapes of Sigur Ros but remain entranced by the possibilities of the pop song.
The genesis of this multitude is, as you would expect, less than straightforward. A question as to how the band came into being brings forth a plethora of answers and a volley of disagreement. Various members’ recall of history blurs between fact and (assumed) fiction. What can be said for sure is that by 2008 the current line-up was settled and the previous experiments which saw them begin as “too pop to be challenging” and then swing the opposite way until they were “too post-rock to be fun” had been amended and developed to hit the sweet spot that remains their raison d’etre to this point.
Prior to that settled point, the band had already made their mark in the world with the release of a debut EP that all those still in the band from that time (those changes of personnel again) agree was the “too pop” point. In what would become standard AGF fashion, the follow up ‘0.008%’ EP was, naturally, the “too post-rock” response. A musical equilibrium was found with the release of ‘We Are The Undercurrents’ in 2008 and its follow up ‘Holding Hearts’ in the same year. By the end of that year another equilibrium was achieved with the permanent recruitment of the final pieces of the band, drummer Jack Bryant just making it in time to play the band’s autumn dates by fast-tracking the set in a hectic three week period of cramming on his part.
Plaudits followed for this settled unit. ‘Holding Hearts’ made Tom Robinson’s ‘Best Of 2008’, Word magazine’s Mark Ellen fell for the band, leading to their recent appearance on the magazine’s CD for October. Meanwhile, the seven settled into a touring schedule that saw them build a healthy evangelical fanbase leading to a sold out Bush Hall show in February of 2010. In tandem with touring throughout 2009 and 2010, the band entered the studio with producer Jordan Fish to completely re-record the album that had been taking shape throughout these single releases, so unhappy were they with the final version mark one. A brave decision, some would say foolhardy, but one that is vindicated by the now complete debut album, ‘Oftentimes’ that finally ended its gestation on 8th November 2010.
The journey of this firmly bonded septet – despite the notices from media names – has taken place through the old-fashioned world of word-of-mouth and touring. In keeping with that ethic ‘Oftentimes’ comes to you via band-owned Peartree Records, all members making a firm decision to retain their ownership of their music and complete control over their musical destinies. In support of the album A Genuine Freakshow returned to the touring world for an extensive run of dates from September through December 2010 with plenty more to follow in 2011.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s official website)
OK:
“Welcome to the bright and colorful world of OK! …Four Cardiffians with a love of pop, truly terrible jokes and generally jumping around like idiots.
Having been obsessed with depressing music as a teen, singer Joe Paine decided he would dry his tears and form a band that would make people feel good again! Rounding up good friend and bass player Adam Barrah, the two waved their West-Walian hometown farewell and, with wonder in their eyes and love in their hearts, set sail for Cardiff.
After a few months playing acoustic shows and generally getting very drunk, the two quickly be-friended guitarist Oliver Miles. The technical whiz-kid hit it off with the boys and was soon on stage performing with them.
In desperate need of a drummer, the band coincidentally bumped in to ex ‘Inner-city Pirates’ sticksman Dave Powell. With their notoriously weird sense of humour, the four got on like a series of terrible house fires and soon released their debut record ‘Under The Weather But Over The Moon’ at a frantic launch party in Cardiff’s renowned ‘Buffalo Bar’.
It wasn’t long before the band had begun to transform Joe’s old-fashioned ‘Libertinesian’ sing-alongs into faster, tighter and dancier full-band pounders. OK have since played a string of packed-out shows, which have left audience and band members alike in sweaty heaps!”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
Alvin Purple:
(No biography info available on the artist’s website)
Radio 9:
“Radio 9 is a collective (usually 3 live members, not including the laptop) that plays electronic music that isn’t boring. Augmented by real drums, guitar and bass and even some vocals, their energetic, melodic Krautpop kicks arse. varying from subtle, mellifluous atmospherics to harsh postpunk whiteouts, the band frequently improvise live in extended rhythmic bop. previously based in the UK, now Oslo, the band have worked with Paul Epworth (Florence and the Machine, Bloc Party) and Gareth Jones (Depeche Mode, Sons and Daughters). The band have just released an album, ‘Endless Streams of Light’ on Oblong.”
(Quote obtained from the band’s facebook page)
