HAPPY NEW YEAR: SW LONDON TALENT TO TAKE 2015

Ah 2015. It sounds rather futuristic doesn't it? Makes me question where all the flying cars and hoverboards are at. Funny how with all the current technological development and medicinal progression, the only way we've figured to undertake the basic daily ritual of brushing our teeth is by repeatedly shoving a paste smothered plastic stick in and out of our mouths. You'd think the scientists of today would have by now gifted us with something a little less...primitive.

Speaking of gifts how was your Christmas? Whether you celebrate it or not, anyone living in the western world would have noticeably been bombarded with Christmas cheer over the past month or so. I suppose it's quite nice though. Despite all that corporate indulgence there's pretty lights and festive food. The likes of Mariah Carey, Wham! and Bobby Helms get their annual spotlight of being relevant -or at least played in the background of every store. Oh and of course the gift giving.

So what did you get? Go on tell me.

Well no, don't tell me. 

It's not that I don't care it's just that I can't actually hear you. Rhetorical questions are just a literary technique taught in year 10 GCSE to give the reader the illusion of involvement in the piece they're reading. I don't know what you got for Christmas. I don't know if you got anything at all.

But wait. Yes I do. Oh yes, as you dear lucky reader have been gifted by the young talent of South West London, England - pretentious plot twist, much?

As the Nativity story goes, Jesus was gifted with three presents (Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh) but Canadian based blog A Music Blog, Yea?  (AMBY) got to the Fighting Cocks, Kingston, SW London -courtesy of Gavin Watson- and gifted you with six brilliant acts for you to watch this 2015.

So who are they?





Sad Culture are a Lo-Fi indie rock band consisting of Harry Singh-Judd (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Alex Noble (Lead Guitar), Zachary Trevitt (Drums) and Connor Anderson (Bass)

The four piece opened the gig in awkwardly cute style from the vocalist "So Umm Yeah, We're Sad Culture" and off they went with their set playing infectiously bob-along riffs. The band led with this sort of adolescent effortlessness yet alluringly calm vibe as the quartet played upbeat melodic tunes in the most chilled way possible. 

That was until crowd favorite "Rad Culture" came on and stylish Drummer and Bassist Zach and Connor danced away to the catchy tune - The boys get five stars for their thrift store wielding aesthetic. Their set came to an end with a beautifully done dark grungy version of  "All I Want For Christmas" really depicting their distinct sound and wrapping up a swell set.  

Check their soundcloud out here.

Next in line was Litsoma, a Teddington based band consisting of Patrick Forde, Glenn Rawcliffe, Jake Hussey and Jordan Lewis. Their genre was hard to pinpoint at first, as their set ranged from sounding like a band coming out of the 90's Seattle grunge scene to having an influence from B-Town bands like Peace and Superfood. In fact one song sounded so much like Superfood's self titled song Superfood that various members of the crowd where actually singing Superfood lyrics to it.

However, there was something quite favorable about not being able label their sound into "ah this is what they are" it kept me guessing what their next song was to sound like and I loved it. Not forgetting their impeccable stage presence of which they got the whole crowd pumped. Overall they turned out to be simply a very good indie/alternative band with a well developed sound in each song which you could imagine much larger crowds singing along to.

Personal faves are songs Control and Wave which are crowd favs too as they sparked off a stage invasion. Do have a click through their soundcloud.

Consisting of Alex Somerville on Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Harry Hoyle on Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals, Harrison Galliven on Bass and Nicholas Stamper on Drums, Tsar Bomba are indeed something special.

"They've known each other since they where very young" a man told me gripping a camcorder at the front of the stage.  "How do you know the band?" I asked.

"I'm the vocalists father."

"Wait how old are they?" 

"All around seventeen."

Now I added that little factual segment there to emphasize how lyrically and musically well produced this band is considering the fact they are a group of 17 year olds who go school in Epsom.

When you do check out their soundcloud you'll too question how a band that resembles great British indie rock bands like The Vaccines could be at such an early stage of their lives - when listening to their music it sounds like the creation of much older souls. In saying that you could see how the band members had known each other for years as they played comfortably in each others presence, which made the lack of contribution from the audience very disappointing. It is, however, very interesting to see them at the early stages of their musical journey and I'd like to see where 2015 takes them.

  

And finally the ones we'd been waiting for, the big boys, the one and only...

Scoundrel put an untouchable climax to the show. Strenuously taking the stage in their hometown of Kingston, the boys energized the crowd with their meaty riffs from guitarist Keeno and heavy bass lines from Peter Skert. You could see the anticipation in the crowd as they entered; the look of the fangirls in their band shirts, the "oi shutup they're coming on" all put to an end when front man Lloyd Macdonald stood at the front of the stage and directed the audience into circle pits, moshing and parting wall of deaths in his dressing gown and 5 panel cap almost resembling Moses parting the red sea.

Scoundrel get a 10/10 for stage presence, nothing fazed the band. Even when the bassist needed to stop to retune Lloyd without a moment of hesitation pulled up crowd members to rap freestyle with the band whilst they sorted the technical error. And of course the "banta" a clear bond between the members as they interacted with each other and with the crowd.

 "Put your hand up if you wear Thrasher but don't skate."

As if their post hardcore/ thrash infused sound wasn't beefy enough for you songs like 'Blind' have the same political outrage as personal favs Enter Shikari (of which Drummer Harry Parsons repped their band shirt beautifully.) The bands name couldn't represent their sound and style any better.

Scoundrel are definitely one to keep an eye out for and you'll be missing out if you don't seize all their cheap as chips shows while they're still underground.

 Overall the AMBYXMAS show was a perfect show case for some amazing upcoming talents, not forgetting the live DJ sets from Subusco and Stylish Rodent really showing that this 2015 South West London has invaded the music scene.

(photo's courtesy of Questionable Motive Skateboards)

Superfood

Band Blues
(noun) / Ba:nd:blu:z / Definition:

The emotional after effects occurring as a result of attending a really good live performance / festival / gig / concert of a favorable band/performing artist. Symptoms include; feelings of melancholy within seven days of the event, sudden surges of nostalgia when hearing songs of the artist recently seen, uncontrollable urges to Google or YouTube videos of the performance and/or an overall "I wish I could relive that performance again" mentality.

Yes, I did just make up that definition. Well someone had to didn't they? No doubt I'll soon be writing a firm letter to the publishers of the Oxford Dictionary. The people need to know. The poor suffers of what I am currently going through must understand, they are not alone. Every woman, man, cat and fangirl - every gig goer must unite together to support each other in tackling the inevitable after effects of seeing your favorite band live and realizing you are no longer there anymore. Band Blues. Not to be confused with Blues Band. If you could just donate £3 a month...

Okay I'll stop now.

But in all seriousness it's been five days since I ventured round to Camden Town, London to see brummie band 'Superfood' headline as part of NME's 'New Breed Tour' and I still can't listen to a single track off their debut album 'Don't Say That' without mentally reliving that beautiful night. I can't listen to any of their tracks to be honest. You know a band has given a bloody good show when you find yourself regrettably skipping their tunes on your iPod as bobbing along to their music by yourself on the train is incomparable with the live show you've attended and you know it'll just leave a bittersweet taste in your mouth, unsatisfied and craving for more. So before I babble along any further, let me introduce you to what my I seem to be 'hyping' about.

'Superfood' are a Birmingham based indie alternative four-piece who have shared stages with personal faves Peace, Wolf Alice and TOY. Their infectious melodies somewhat resemble a britpop college rock band with a sprinkle of indie twangy riffs from the lead and rhythm guitars.

This band have a lot going for them and it's not just because of the unique vocals from Dom, contagiously bob along beats from drummer Carl, super cool swagga carried by afro baring lead guitarist Ryan, (Who totally didn't wink at me as I made heart shapes to him at the London gig last Tuesday) nor the Talent of insanely gorgeous crowd surfing bassist Emily. I believe it's the overall need for a band like 'Superfood' - that craving for a 90's indiepop revival that has not quite been fed in the current alternative rock scene. Have a listen to the song 'Melting' attached above -of which I obviously did not stand on stage and pour an entire bottle of water over my head at the approval of Dom for at their Camden show.

Speaking of their Camden performance, the band put on quite a show. Despite the unsettling dripping ceiling and stage invasion, the quartet rocked venue Dingwalls, London on 11/11/2014 as part of NME's introducing tour with fellow Scotsband 'Honeyblood' (Featured in part one of my two piece band review trilogy.)

Despite the celebrity appearances in the crowd,
Press were -of course- snapping me enjoying the show.
(Top Right, pink ponytail, arms in the air.)

The 500 capacity venue filled up shoulder to shoulder. Watching in the crowd with me where the likes of singer Chloe Howl, Peace frontman Harrison Koisser and Swim Deep lead singer Austin Williams - now if that doesn't anticipate this band making it big like other B-Town Bands; Swim Deep, Peace and Jaws, I don't know what does. The show -to be frank- was insane and I definitely will be seeing them again. Do have a scroll down and check the awesome foursome out.

Bassist Emily Baker at Dingwalls, Camden 11/11/2014

(Photo creds to Corrine - Talented band photographer, my local uni 'Kingston' photography graduate and all round lovely lass. check her out here. Music Videos courtesy of YouTube)

Remember, Remember the 5th of November

Remember, remember the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot;
I see no reason,
Why the gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot.

Slightly disturbing annual re-creation of Guy Fawkes' execution. Family Fun!

And with that unnecessarily dramatic opening of a poem repetitively recited to me today, I wish all my fellow Brits a Merry Guy Fawkes night. To all who are unaware of this age old British event, Guy Fawkes Night (More commonly known as Bonfire Night) is an annual commemoration celebrating the failed attempted assassination of our past King James I.

Most countries when in the event of an attempted assassination of their ruler tend to -you know- arrest and trial the convicted . But not us Brits. No we don't just stop there, we then go and celebrate the failed attempt year after year - in fact, 409 times today to be precise- and of course it wouldn't be a proper celebration of Mr Guy Fawkes trying to blow up our king without burning a scarecrow-like model in Fawkes' image in a massive bonfire and lots and lots of fireworks.

So as I sit here behind my desk, waiting for my quiet Suburban London neighborhood to turn into a smokey battlefield bombarded with hipsters wielding sparklers -trying to capture slow shutter speed photos of them spelling things out in the dark to post on Instagram- and the never ending thundering of the night long fireworks display, I thought why not share a band with a very relevant title, and a just as rambunctious persona.


**Drinking Game: Take a shot (of caprisun if you're underage) every time I say Pop-Punk**

 Fireworks are a Pop Punk / Alt Rock band from Michigan, U.S.A. The band have been around since 2005 and have that strong 2000's pop punk feel that I've so dearly missed since last year's Vans Warped Tour. The sextet (simply a group of six musicians but I solemnly get to use the term that gave me many frowned upon giggles in year 8 -7th grade- music class) stay true to their name in that they're energetic and boisterous.

The song above is off their new album "Oh, Common Life," released earlier this year, and bares a strong Fall Out Boy resemblance which can be unnerving for some but alright if you just want to listen to some good ol' Pop Punk.

Actually that more or less sums up the band as a whole. An overall good pop punk band, but obviously following all the generic Pop Punk codes and conventions meaning you wont be expecting anything ground breaking from them soon.

There's nothing particularly wrong with being just a pop punk band though as, I quite like the genre. And even if you're not the pop-punk and pizza skate life 4eva type, Fireworks are pretty likeable so do have a listen to some tracks off their old album too (attached above and below) and check them out for yourself.

Halloween Friday: 4 Band Special

Hello Hello Hello and a Happy Halloween to all you festive followers partaking in an age old pagan event secularized for the benefit of corporate organisations. Oh I do love western culture. In saying that I am currently sat here typing away in the dark with a pink mustache, sombrero and poncho waiting for my dear amigo to arrive in pirate attire so we can take on what the night has in store for us.

While I wait -I thought to myself, fondling with my newly glued mustache- why not bless my dear readers with 4 brilliant bands worth listening to this winter.

So here we go, and do please excuse my terrible puns.

1. (Were)Wolf Alice

Wolf Alice are a North London originating -local whoop whoop- four piece alternative rock band.
Considering their debut album only came out last year, they've done bloody well for themselves and the lead singer / guitarist Ellie Rowsell isto die for, have a listen.

2. Royal (I want to suck your)Blood (The puns only get worse)

If this three syllable band title rings absolutely no bells, I'm assuming you either don't live in Britian or you've been living under a rock for the past year or so. Royal Blood are a british duo from Brighton who over the past year have rapidly picked up a lot of popularity in a very short amount of time since their formation -deservingly of course. The band formed in 2013, and in that very summer after their formation Arctic Monkey's drummer Matt Helders wore their band shirt during their set at Glastonbury, drawing mine and the rest of the UK's attention to them. Between then and going on to support the Arctic Monkeys in May 2014, the band played all over the world (including South by Southwest in Texas, Radio 1's Big Weekend, Download and Glastonbury) and were nominated BBC Sound of 2014. So whats all the hype about then? Well that's for you to decide

3. TELE/VISIONS (of dead people)

 

Tele/Visions the enticing solo project of Surf Curse front man Nick. Through Tele/Visions, he shows us a more raw version of himself with extremely intelligent and personal lyricism. Check him and his bandcamp out.

4. Haunted Summer (don't think I need a Halloween pun for this one)

Haunted Summer are an LA based dream pop band, with an extremely alluring vibe - most likely from their use of reverb and the heavenly vocals of Bridgette Moody. Do have a scroll through their bandcamp as there's always a moment where a Haunted Summer song is needed to chill the mood

Three Days, Three Duos Part III

With a mere half hour left of my third and last day, I begin this concluding review of my final femme duo - and what a beautiful ride it's been. If you haven't got a single clue as to what I'm on about, do have a click through part 1 or part 2, 

Otherwise -in short- I've basically been banging on about a bunch of female indie doublets with the hope that more female acts in the alternative music industry can get a bit of cred as they're not as commonly acclaimed as all these all guy indie bands with their skinny jeans and fancy hair cuts and, well, they really should be because they're bloody good.

So let's get to it then, and end this with a bang. Actually more like a light a pat on a tabor drum rather than a bang -these two are a bit more  indie folk opposed to the anarchistic rhythms of yesterdays lo-fi punk duo's Slutever and Girlpool. Don't get me wrong, I'm an avid lover of raging grungy guitars with the gain turned up and the straps lowered to the point the guitars are hanging by their knees. But sometimes there's a time where your ear buds require the soft caressing of some acoustic guitars and the sweet melodic sound of angelic harmonies; and when one requires such soothing music to ease the tension, First Aid Kit will most certainly do the job.

 First Aid Kit are a Swedish folk duo consisting of sisters Johanna and Klara. The two originally gathered online popularity back in 2007 via the finest of musical showcasing platforms; MySpace. Whilst I was planning my 10th birthday and coming to the distressing realization that the toothfairy was in fact a cunning misconception led by my mother, these two were frequently uploading covers and originals online. Of course they soon found themselves signed to a corporate record label and they've been producing enticing tunes ever since.

Recently they've released their new album "Stay Gold" that has a number of enjoyable tracks I find myself playing time and time again when I'm in need of a 'chilled' listening sesh. There's something quite alluring about their country style instrumentation along with their distinctive harmonized vocals that makes this album rather unique. 

Do have a listen to some of their tracks and performances provided below, and have a little stalk over the girls yourself to see if you can acquire a taste for their peculiar style. If not, do have a look over my other duo's here and here if your heart requires something a tad bit more oomfy.

And so I find myself skipping across the finish line of this three day long tripple review dominated by goddesses with guitars, of course thank you for reading and do stay tuned for the fresh batch of talented obscure artists I have in store for you.

Three Days, Three Duo's Part II

Well hello there dear reader and welcome to the second installment in my three piece review on two piece girl bands. My aim has been more or less straight forward and much more thoroughly explained in part one, but with the alternative music scene having a long term history of male domination when there are currently a wide range of brilliant yet painfully underrated female artists out there, it's only fair that I share them with you all so they can get the appreciation they rightfully deserve.

Today I bring to you two Californian ladies with some serious lyrical backbone and compelling harmonic ideas. They go by the name of Girlpool. 

Girlpool identify with the Lo-Fi genre with elements of punk -according to their bandcamp, which you should definitely have a look through if you click here-.

The video above was produced by 'Stumble on Tapes" an indie videozine that showcases the budding talent of LA and funnily enough the people who brought me to Surf Curse (who seems to be popping up in all my reviews these days.) Despite their unplugged set up of an acoustic bass and guitar, their eerie vocals, slight on/off beat change of pace along with the very ingenious lyrics gives the video and band a gritty yet witty feel.

I do, however, somewhat prefer them plugged in as their lyricism are already so prominently good, but when amped up, their instrumental skills are much better shown and their piercing vocals enhanced. I suppose I like that because it makes the songs,well, rather dancable -I'm making up these words up as I go along, bare no notice. Have a listen to these two tracks off their self titled EP.

The girls have just finished their U.S east coast tour with, yes, another badass female duo SLUTEVER, who are ever so slightly more punk but just as audacious. They do deserve a full review, which I may get to one day but for now so you and I aren't bombarded with these musical babes, I'll link you with a few of their songs so you can check them out for yourself. Enjoy.

Three Days, Three Duo's Part 1

(featuring a somewhat lengthy, yet significant, introduction)

 

Since my review of "Deap Valley" I feel my listenership of female duo bands has been long neglected. Hell, there's a lack of an overall female presence in the indie band industry, but that's not what I'm here to talk about -I've spent too many Tuesday break 1's in my secondary school's "feminist society" nibbling on complimentary chocolate bourbons debating on gender inequality-  but if I've learned anything in my transition from, well, being fifteen to being sixteen (not a dramatic transition but I couldn't quite say adulthood can I?) It's that, and I quote metalcore band Bring Me The Horizon's frontman Oli Sykes in a rather angry song, "If you really believe in the words that you preach, get off your screens and on to the streets." 

So this is me getting on to the streets -metaphorically speaking- and actually doing something instead of complaining about it. 

I'm not really getting off my screen though and, um, to be honest I'm not really making any significant change to the acknowledgement of women in the indie/alternative genre.

Just forget I used that quote in the first place. BUT -and more to the point- I will strive to have more female artists featured on this blog. And by more I mean to the point that the amount of female acts are somewhat at level with the amount of male, because that is what gender equality is, isn't it? I won't force it though because, of course, I will judge a band and decide to review them based off their musical talent not what is or isn't dangling between their legs as, again, that's what gender equality truly is about. But I know there's just as many women making beautiful music in the scene as there are men.

Once again I find myself rambling, but even though I may not be noted as one of the ruthless feminists who pushed for more female bands to be recognised (because I'm really not) with me enlightening my dear readers (you) to underground female talent, you will then go on to listen to their music, tell your friends, who will then tell their friends and download their music and next thing you know they're signed to a big record label and forced by management to sexualise their image for sales purposes. Oh I do love playing my role in feminism.

From this rather self explanatory post title, I'm sure you've gathered what I intend to post for the next three days; So without further ado here are the first of three brilliant female duos you should definitely have a listen to.

HONEYBLOOD.

Honeyblood are an energetic pair from none other than Glasgow, Scotland. The girls have the simplistic yet very effective setup of drummer/backing vocals, guitarist/lead vocals that I evidently seem to fall in love with hence the same set up with recently reviewed duo bands Surf Curse and Deap Valley. 

There's something about the pair not only in their song writing and catchy "grunge pop" -their genre according to BBC introducing- riffs but in their delightful personalities that not only makes them so captivating, but in fact very very likable. 

The fact they're about to go on NME's New Breed Tour with Superfood -another B-Town Band I intend on blogging about- and they've got Radio 1's Big Weekend under their belts indicates there's nothing but high hopes for these two. Do check them out in action with these "behind the scenes" / "life on tour" type videos that I've attached, that I normally don't do but I just really like their accents.