Reading Festival 2017 - Friday

Brimming with the a varied selection of musical genres across the site and headline sets from Eminem, Muse and Kasabian, Reading Festival is primed to be the defining festival weekend of the summer and completely sold out a few days ago!

First act of today for us was Hull's LIFE on The Pit stage. Their debit album 'Popular Music' came out in June this year and the title track is a belter live.

The chorus of "totally off my face I listen to popular music" is somewhat of an anthem for the disaffected with Mez's vocals echoing a Mark E Smith attitude and made a fitting start to the weekend. 

Showcased by their raucous onstage presence, LIFE package political comment and pop hook laden punk into a captivating live set.

LIFE

LIFE

LIFE

Continuing our delve into all the punky primal noises Reading has to offer this year, next up were FREAK - the alter ego of Connar Ridd.

It was a great live show with boundless energy, both the EP title track 'I Like To Smile When I’m Sad' and the storming 'Cake' are well worth a listen. 'No Money' was also good to see live, introduced as "for our glorious NHS".

First song 'What Happened' was almost over when the power cut but they guys handled it admirably brushing it off with the quip "f**k the power". 

They're off on a co-headline tour with King Nun next month, so you can check out their energetic garage rock with straight to the point lyrics for yourself!

FREAK

FREAK

Over on the main stage L.A.'s duo Deap Vally were a well polished machine with two snarling and captivating cogs; Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards.

From fuzzy guitars to massive riffs Deap Vally craft a mixed sonic experience from mellower blues right through to full-on punk angst. 

Yet again we were impressed with another 2-piece who can deliver a massive and raucous depth of sound, the snarling rock and blues is reminiscent of The Kills and Lindsey has a level of showmanship to justify that comparison - bounding about and completely owning the Main Stage. 

Back at The Pit IDLES were next up. Earlier this year they released their debut album 'Brutalism' which is outstanding. The last time we caught them live it was a great show so we were looking forward to catching them again today.

We weren't disappointed despite high expectations as their cutting sense of humour again told us tales of woe with impassioned gravelly vocals, and so much energy from the whole band  in a furious assault on our senses.

'1049 Gotho' was also cracking live, a song about depression singer Joe urged the crowd to make sure they speak to someone and get some help if they are affected - IDLES are one of a whole host of bands at the moment using their influence to speak up about important issues which is really great to see.

Highlights of the set were the angrily spitting track 'Mother', the confrontational lyrics were delivered with piercingly fierce vocals and 'Well Done' which is laced with slicing social comment, raw and relevant. Yet again, they delivered an epic adrenaline fuelled and highly entertaining set.

IDLES

IDLES

IDLES

IDLES

It has been amazing to see so many furious punk bands, with each with a sharp sense of humour to them and something poignant to say and all before the sun has even started to set on day one!

Ghost Of The Avalanche - New EP Out This Friday / Interview

Photo: Ania Shrimpton Photography

Ahead of the released this Friday of Ghost Of The Avalanche's fourth EP ‘Obsessive Compulsive Gender Dysphoria’ we caught up with Nick, one half of the bass and drum driven noise-punk duo.

Nick Wiltone and Mel Per-Hour create the kind of maelstrom that straddles punk, hardcore and guttural rock but in amongst the discordance, you’ll find pockets of pop sensibility.

How long have you been going, how did you come together?

Mel and I met whilst playing in other bands on our local music scene. I told him I was looking to do a side project as a duo and he offered his services. We played on and off together for a couple of years but only as and when we had the time. A few years later we both quit our respective bands and decided to start up what would become Ghost Of The Avalanche again. That was around 2014 so we've been playing as GOTA for about 4 years.

Are you pretty collaborative … do you write your songs together and share similar influences?

Yeah, we are very collaborative. I usually bring a rough idea to practice and we play around with it until it becomes a full song. Without Mel's input those songs would sound very different. We both like all different kinds of music but where our influences meet is usually heavy bands who know how to write a hook. 'Dark Pop' as I like to call it.

How about your creative process, what inspires you to create particular songs?

Each song has a different starting point as an idea and we usually build on that. So sometimes it might start with a line of lyrics or a bass riff but ultimately if it's a goer we have to be feeling it when we come together in the practice room. We know pretty quickly if something is going to work or not. A lot of our songs are socio-political in their lyrical content but we don't like to be too obvious about it. We want people to think and listen and take what they want from it. In terms of the music, we try and write songs we want to listen to so generally they are high energy, a bit riffy, and we try to write good hooks as we believe that's what makes a song memorable. We also try and write songs that let us put on a great show whether we're playing in your parents living room or at an open air festival.

So is there a story behind the new EP?

This new EP has been in the making for quite some time. Last year my wife and I had a baby daughter which meant I didn't have loads of spare time to write so we didn't make it into the studio until earlier this year. Whilst that was happening Mel came out as gender-fluid and so we both had a lot going on (and still do) in our personal lives. The EP is a reflection of change and growing up. I've previously struggled with OCD and always thought of it as a negative thing. I used to be quite secretive about it, trying to hide it from my peers much like Mel with his gender fluidity as I didn't want to be judged by others. But now I have a daughter (she's asleep on me as I type this) I want her to be able to grow up not feeling scared of anything and that these kinds of issues are not taboo. Mel and I decided to call the EP 'Obsessive Compulsive Gender Dysphoria' as it's a combination of the things we've both struggled with but we're transforming them into something positive and wearing them on our collective sleeve. It's recognising we have these issues, being ok with that and you never know, hopefully we help others who may be struggling with their own issues by being honest.

If you had to describe each band member in only 3 words, what would they be?

Mel - Funny, energetic, sassy

Me - handsome, suave and debonair

What's next for you this year?

The EP is out on 25th August and then we start our 'Obsessive Compulsive Gender DysTOURia' which is a bunch of shows in the UK then a few in France. We will also hopefully be putting together a couple of videos to go with a couple of tracks off the new EP and then I guess we'll do more shows and start writing some new songs!

You can check them out at www.facebook.com/ghostoftheavalanche and grab merch & music from: www.ghostoftheavalanche.bandcamp.com.

The special edition pre-order comes with limited edition GOTA tote bag featuring EP artwork. 5-track CD (with additional bonus material) complete with special edition artwork is limited to 100 copies worldwide. Pre-order comes with stickers and badges.

Also check them out on their upcoming tour dates:

27th August – Teapfest, Barnstaple

1st September – The Granary, Frome

2nd September – Mothers’ Ruin, Bristol

9th September – Wagon & Horses, Birmingham

7th October – The Royal Oak, Bath

Sextile - Albeit Living

 LA’s SEXTILE's sophmore album 'Albeit Living' is out now, the album title, inspired by a Circle X song, means in-spite of living and sets the tone for a politically charged, introspective album of impassioned observations on our world today. 

Opener 'One Of These' is a dark electro-pop track, the video features camera work & projections by Cloaking and brings together the band’s infamous visceral live show with imagery capturing the vast industrial sound that underpins this striking new record.

‘One of These’ is a tirade on the feelings frontman Brady Keehn experienced during his personal struggle with addiction and escapism, is empowered by these suitably impassioned & urgent visuals. 

'Who Killed Six' has an almost Joy Division-esque driving bassline and clearer vocals, a menacing punk attitude laid over the menacing guitars. 

The album moves on becoming more industrial sounding with 'Ripped', the dark and primitive early industrial feel could be the soundtrack to some grand movie where the machines have evolved, with their own language of disdain while 'Floored' has a more dancey in feel, making you imagine just how imposing that wall of noise would when seen live.

'Mental' is another great driving track that leads you through with a strong rhythm, bass and drums driving the track forward while the sound effects, vocals and guitar add interesting interplay and again a visceral punk feeling. 'Sterilized' has a darker, plodding, atmospheric cleverly textured sound, while 'Das Cat' screams with real sense of movement, continuing the album along on its winding intricate journey to great effect. 

'Situations' starts off with an unfolding electro wall of noise and a drum beat reminiscent of The Fall's 'Totally Wired'. "The song came to me while I was on my way to steal groceries, a period of my life where I struggled financially and that I am not too fond of” explains Brady Keehn. “While on the way, I started thinking about all the other weird situations I had been in through course of my life. I started singing the melody, recorded to it my phone, and there it is, 'Situations'."

Fading in, the next track 'Crisis' builds into a thick texture with stop-start changing layers while 'AVC' exudes pure evil ... more industrial and cleaner in sound and another reminder of the variety on the album.  

There are moments when the album echoes a fuzzier Devo, it sometimes has Joy Division's slower pace and driving bass-lines, with splicings of later Nine Inch Nails and The Horrors which is a testament to the varied interesting and intricate sound all of their own. We were left entertained but with a forboding feeling, the atmospheric walls of sound are all passionately spun into a dark imaginary world where the machines are the new disaffected - set to take over the world - and they aren't happy about what we've done with the place ...

Isle of Wight Festival 2017

Bastille

Bastille were among the most talked about and highly anticipated acts of the festival - they seemed to live up to the hype, putting on a really good live show while engaging their loyal fanbase. We were most impressed with their use of samples which kept the set flowing nicely.

Arcade Fire

Festival headliners Arcade Fire always encompass the true festival spirit with their flamboyant shows and have that wide reaching appeal that works so well at Festivals. The new Arcade Fire album ‘Everything Now’ will be released on July 28 2017 - the title track went down well with it's ABBA-esque summer vibes at the festival, check it out here:

George Ezra

In little more than 18 months George went from virtual unknown to one of the international breakthrough artists of recent times: taking in a top 10 album in 10 countries; three sold out UK tours; nominations for four BRITs, one BBC Music Award and an Ivor Novello. His set at IOW went down really well, check out his latest single 'Don't Matter Now' and the brilliant 'Barcelona' below:

The Kooks

One of those bands that have been around doing their own indie-pop thing for a while now - it's easy to forget just how many songs you actually know of theirs. Having just issued 'The Best Of ... So Far' album they proved how much they clearly enjoy performing and that they can still command a decent festival following.

Rag'n'Bone Man

Last year was incredible for Rory - he was also a hotly anticipated performance at Isle of Wight this year by many festival-goers. The phenomenal success of his single Human around the globe follows years of relentless performing and he has built up an incredible following - his set on the Main Stage was impressively powerful with his soulful, honest voice ringing out across the site.

Razorlight

Reinvigorated and back from hiatus, Razorlight headlined the Thursday at the Isle of Wight Festival this year. Singer Johnny Borrell put on a great performance and it was a fitting start to the weekend.

Hands Off Gretel

Strong and fresh but at the same time nostalgic of 90's Riot Grrrl, we are properly impressed with Hands Off Gretel. Perfectly placed to make a Mary-Jane shaped dent in 2017 Lauren Tate oozes charisma with an attitude drenched Brody-like tone to her vocals that twists into full-on Courtney husky growls. Check out a little taster here in the form of 'One Eyed Girl':

PINS

Manchester's alt-punk dark-pop group PINS played the Hard Rock Stage at this year's Isle of Wight Festival. They amassed a large crowd many of whom were waiting for their headline set. They gave a great performance, really engaging the crowd throughout the set and the single 'All Hail' went down especially well. By the end of the set it seemed anyone left not already familiar with them were inspired to catch up ... check out 'All Hail' below:

RUN D.M.C.

Widely known as one of the most influential acts in the history of hip hop culture RUN D.M.C. put on a great show on the Main Stage on Friday night, performing older songs for their hard-core fans as well as their hits 'It's Like That' and of course 'Walk This Way'.

Lucy Spraggan

We caught up with Lucy backstage ahead of her set, we cahtted about the fest and what's been going on in Lucy's world ...

So how's musical journey been? "it's been good, my latest 2 records were released on my own record label" so that gives you a bit more control? "Yeah my record label is called control records!" How are you finding the Festival? "Lovely, we just got here but I've actually been here as a punter before, so I love it as a vibe it's just like the most bohemian thing out there" Is it your first time performing? "Yeah, and I was just saying I just love this festival and I feel that its a great place to be playing so I appreciate being asked to play." With your songwriting is there a particular message you are trying to put across, is it storytelling about your life? "Some of it's observations about life, I guess some of it can be interpreted as political but I try and keep the message positive ... about what everybody is facing in their lives" What are your main musical influences? "I love Dolly Parton & Don Maclean, Biggy & Tu-Pac any rappers, I like literally all different kinds of music" What plans do you have for the rest of this year? "I'm going on tour through Sep-Oct, I'm writing my 5th album and we've recently been approved as foster carers so we've been doing a lot of respite care so that's quite hard work." Who are you looking forward to seeing at the festival? "I'm really looking forward to Rag'n'Bone Man and just everybody walking around and seeing what's going on!"

Kaiser Chiefs / Ricky Wilson

The Kaiser Chiefs performed on the main stage on Friday and as if that high energy, entertaining performance wasn't enough, singer Ricky Wilson's appearance at the Old Mout Cider Tent on Sunday was another highlight of the festival for us. Ricky turned up for Rock-eoke (Kareoke with a full band) bursting with all the passion and charisma you'd expect for a main stage crowd in a small tent at the back of the festival. Singing both 'I Predict A Riot' and 'Ruby' to the delight of the crowd, Ricky really demonstrated his natural talent for performing, check out a snippet below:

The Coathangers - The Joker, Brighton, May 2017

Review by Keith 'Mr Teeth' Sandys

It was to be a busy night upstairs at The Joker in Brighton, as the Coathangers attracted a sold-out crowd. Their back-story reads in the same vein as legendry punks the Ramones, in that they formed without really knowing how to play. It may have started as an excuse to turn up at parties, but they’ve since grown into a formidable live act.

Initially sounding a mellow contrast to the headliners, support came from Bristol based Springbreak. It transpired they were unfortunately missing a drummer for the evening, although a stand in would have helped give more of an impact. 

The sweeping effects from the lead guitarist did well to fill the gaps, but it was a shame one of the pedals couldn’t be turned off between songs. Not that it mattered to singer/guitarist who remained full of enthusiasm, making Springbreak all worthwhile.

Garage punk rockers the Coathangers opened with 'Johnny' following their little dance-off at the side of the stage. It was then one song after another in quick succession, with the girls rarely stopping for a breather.

Speaking on the 'Parasite EP' Julia explains “the EP takes you on a journey through the band’s existence”, well tonight it’s a life on the road that’s fast and furious.  The majority of lead vocals are shared between guitarist Julia Kugel and drummer Stephanie Luke, while Meredith Franco provides the bass-lines and backing vocals.

This was only a couple of days into their UK tour, with further dates booked across Europe and already the Coathangers are out to party.  Following an extended version of 'Aderall' shots were downed before some fun instrument swapping. 
Stephanie (aka Rusty) added a bit of surf guitar to 'Shut up' while for 'Cheap Cheap' she was on her knees centre stage, with the mic in her hand.

The indie-hooks of 'Squeeky Tiki' ended the set before the ladies were back to their original spots, for a brief encore in 'Hurricane'. It may have been like any other Saturday night downstairs at the Joker, but up above 3 young punks from Atlanta USA made a sweaty room very happy… now, where did I hang my coat?
 

The Coathangers new EP 'Parasite' is due out on June 30th via Suicide Squeeze, and you can catch them on the rest of the tour on the following dates:

May 17 UK London Oslo
May 18 UK Hastings The Printworks
May 19 UK Leicester The Cookie
May 20 UK Leeds Gold Sounds @ Brudenell Social
May 21 UK Sheffield The Harley
May 23 UK Ramsgate Music Hall
May 24 BE Gent PSYCH OVER 9000
May 25 NL Eindhoven Stroomhuisje
May 26 NL Rotterdam Girls Go Boom Night @ Roodkapje
May 27 NL Amsterdam Pacific Park
May 28 NL Utrecht dB's
May 30 DE Hamburg Molotow
May 31 DE Berlin Cassiopeia
Jun 1 DE Munich Orangehouse
Jun 2 DE Cologne MTC
Jun 3 FR Paris Le Batofar
Jun 4 IT Ravenna Beaches Brew Festival
Jun 8 FR Clermont Ferrand Le Barraka
Jun 9 FR Nimes This is not a Love Song
Jun 10 FI Helsinki Sideways Festival

NEW NOISES! May 2017

New York's Adult Mom release 'Soft Spots' their second full length album this month, check out the fantastic 'Full Screen' here for some bitter-sweet indie loveliness:

Next up, Frauds who just got back from touring with Jamie Lenman. The new single 'Smooth' is out now, give it a spin here:

Atlanta flower punk pioneers Black Lips have announced that their first album in three years, 'Satan’s graffiti or God’s art?', which is out now check out single 'Can't Hold On' here:
 

New album Satan's graffiti or God's art? out now on Vice Records.

 
Currently embarking on a US tour in support of their forthcoming album 'You're Welcome', Wavves are back with new track 'No Shade', have a listen below to this final taster of the record ahead of its May 19th release:

WAVVES - You're Welcome out 5/19 on Ghost Ramp Preorder Vinyl / CD / CS at store.ghostramp.com

Diet Cig - 'Swear I'm Good At This'

Diet Cig have released their hugely anticipated debut album 'Swear I'm Good At This'. Check out the infectious first single off the album 'Tummy Ache' here:

On the single, the band say "'Tummy Ache' is all about unpacking the feeling of approaching punk with radical softness, and the struggle when it's not always read as powerful or cool or whatever enough. Its the shout into my pillow when what I'm saying isn't being heard, and a big old I FEEL YA to all the femme folks creating space for themselves in a world that wants to keep us quiet."

The band, who are well-known for their energetic and bombastic live shows, will be touring the world in support of the album including the following UK dates:

     Oct 13    Rough Trade    Nottingham, United Kingdom        
     Oct 14    Lancaster Library    Lancaster, United Kingdom    
     Oct 16    Soup Kitchen    Manchester, United Kingdom       
     Oct 17    Sneaky Pete's    Edinburgh, United Kingdom        
     Oct 18    Broadcast    Glasgow, United Kingdom         
     Oct 19    HEADROW HOUSE    Leeds, United Kingdom
     Oct 23    The Portland Arms    Cambridge, United Kingdom         
     Oct 25    Moth Club    London, United Kingdom        
     Oct 26    THE HOPE & RUIN    Brighton, United Kingdom

Diet Cig is Alex Luciano (guitar and vocals) and Noah Bowman (drums).  The two have been playing music together ever since Luciano interrupted the set of Bowman's other band for a lighter. The New York duo since released the 2015 Over Easy EP that introduced consistent sing-a-long lyrics with thrashing drums and strums that never held back. 

'Swear I'm Good At This' accumulates Diet Cig's tenacity for crafting life-affirming, relatable tales with a gutsy heart at their core. Luciano has the ability to write lyrics that are both vulnerable and badass, perfecting a storm of emotive reflection that creates a vision of a sweaty, pumped-up room screaming these lines in unison. Diet Cig make it okay to be the hot mess that you are.

But there's also a deeper, more powerful fuck-you among the bangers that see Diet Cig grow into an unstoppable and inspiring force. "I'm not being dramatic, I've just fucking had it with the things that you say you think that I should be" spits Luciano on the album's 'Link in Bio;' "I am bigger than the outside shell of my body and if you touch it without asking then you'll be sorry" she yells on 'Maid Of The Mist'. It's the sound of a band doing things on their own terms.

Honeyblood, Estrons, Tear - Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms 4th May 2017

London four-piece TEAR were first support for Honeyblood at The Wedgewood Rooms, having recently released their mini-album VINYL01 on Tim Burgess' O Genesis Recordings label.

'Careless Again' starts out slow and with a jangly guitar kicking in and sparse drums while the vocals ramp up a good few notches as the song progresses. When the bass-line teases in with full drumming and guitar overlaid, we were taken on a journey, winding along grungy paths through ambient lo-fi.

'The Sprawl' again starts out slowly and soon crescendos into a great rolling energy of a song while 'Never Fade Away''s warbling bass-line has a sultry essence as front-woman Camille Benett proclaims, "I dont want to wait ... you've been waiting your whole life ... never fade away".

Best track of the set for us was 'Nothing You Can't Have'. In this song Camille's vocals turn more Jefferson Airplane psyche-laden and really come ringing through for a touch of the trans-Atlantic.

'Begging' is way more garagey and grungey, with Camille's voice deeper and more akin to a PJ Harvey fronted Hole, interspersed with floaty vocal breakdowns the song flows nicely with elements of riotous choral screams. Check out the official video for 'Begging' here:

Renowned for their fiery live shows, Estrons were next up and they certainly did not disappoint.

'I'm Not Your Girl' has a great marching attitude to it which was complimented to great effect with dark and atmospheric lighting, while singer Talisyn Sällström was sultry and fierce, "take it, take it ... I'm not drunk it's how you make me ... make me lose my mind". Check out our live video here:

'Drop' was another high energy song, and 'Make A Man' which starts off slowly really ramped up the pace with its lively beating intensity and teamed well with great melody, delivered with a passion. 'Belfast' flows brilliantly, check out the official video here: 

The new single 'Strobe Lights' which was released last week was the best moment of the set for us.

The driving dynamic guitar and drum interplay was totally energizing and the crowd were really starting to get involved.

With tireless animated energy, Talisyn is a great frontwoman and the rest of the band really clicked together well to produce an awesome and frantically bouncy melodic punky set.

Estrons play The Great Escape this month and we highly recommend checking them out live if you can - we highly recommend it!

Glasgow's Honeyblood released their much anticipated follow-up to 2014's debut album late last year and they are currently touring the new album ‘Babes Never Die’.

Their first single from 'Babes Never Die' - ‘Ready For The Magic’ is a great song that resonates with deep melodic hooks and is even better live; "you got me frantic ... it's electric". Check out the official video here:

Lo-fi gem 'Choker' from their debut album has a no nonsense triumphant sentiment to it "What doesn’t kill you, Just makes you stronger, What doesn’t fill you, Just feeds your hunger. ... ruby red pearlets".

'Sea Hearts' was another great performance and one of their more punk-rock moments, check out a little snippet of the crowd loving it here; "hey, hey! It's just a little heartbreak":

The ballad paced ‘Walking At Midnight’ has a pop melodrama to it and the sheer beauty of Stina's vocals really shines through. Also on 'Gangs' and 'Hey, Stellar' Stina's voice is haunting and  perfectly supported by Cat's backing.

Of course they played the new album's title track 'Babes Never Die' with it's lo-fi garagey charm and 'Killer Bangs' from their debut with its ear-wormly catchy tune. We were left thinking that it always amazes us just how much impact a 2-piece can have with such a full sound. This was an atmospheric set, expertly delivered with dark and sultry undertones, both Cat and Stina have a great live energy and obvious passion for the music making the whole set a pleasure to watch. 

Record Store Day 2017 - IDLES

IDLES recent debut album 'Brutalism' is outstanding so we were pretty stoked when they were announced to play Record Store Day at Southsea' Pie & Vinyl. 

It would be easy to compare them to the likes of Slaves, Sleaford Mods & Bad Breeding but they really have a fresh raw edge all of their own. 

'Heel / Heal' kicked off the set with socially charged lyrics and so much energy from the outset, "I want to move into a Bovis home, and make a list of everything I own" putting consumerism squarely in it's place, "ride into the ever setting sun ... marching to the beat of someone's drum". 

Next up the angrily spitting song 'Mother' bombarded us with politically charged lyrical gems like "the best way to scare a Tory is to read and get rich" keeping the crowd enthralled. Check out our videos below.

IDLES have so many intelligently constructed songs like 'Stendhal Syndrome' with an anti-establishment sentiment highlighting the "hot air" of the art world "did you see that painting what Rothko did? Looks like it was painted by a two year old kid."

'Well Done' was also another highlight of the set, "Why don't you get a job, even Tarquin has a job ... I'd rather cut my nose off to spite my face" the lyrics are delivered with piercingly fierce vocals and so much energy from the whole band.

With a cutting sense of humour to it, this is storytelling with a passion, gravelly vocals and a beautifully bound up in furious atmospheric punk set. Fresh, infectious, confrontational songs laced with slicing social comment and cultural references twisted and made relevant with in a frantic assault on the senses, an epic adrenaline fuelled and highly entertaining experience. 

Magnificent.

Brutal.

Washed Out Fest 2017

Washed Out Fest 2017 was certainly no wash-out! A nice clear day greeted us in Brighton for the first year of this great little festival, held over 5 venues in Brighton 50 bands across the day.

First up (after stopping for the obligatory Grubbs burger) we trekked uphill to the Prince Albert for ticket exchange. A great pub with a real nice atmosphere, they even boast an awesome smoking area with Star Wars murals and a pic of John Peel in their upstairs gig space which was host to a whole range of bands throughout the day including sludgy headliners Birdskulls and psychedelic pop-punks Waco. 

We hurried downhill to The Pavillion Tavern to catch Pompey pizza-punx Misgivings who kicked off our festival to an already surprisingly busy venue for so early in the day. 

Next we headed back uphill (the only downside to the Fest but worth the walk) to the Prince Albert for Brvce Willis, and on to The Green Door Store for Austeros.

Austeros garagey melodic guitars eased us into the best set of the day so far. They couldn't hang around long as they wanted at the Fest and were straight off ... back in the van. Intelligently made songs delivered with feeling made this a really enjoyable performance. The new EP 'I've Got This' is out now. The EP charts the past 6 months for singer / guitarist, Jeremy Pitcher. Relocating to Bristol from Cheltenham (a move that was vital for his mental heath) and navigating the current political climate. Check out a little snippet here:

There were also acoustic acts all day outside the Green Door Store which was a really great idea, keeping the crowds engaged during stage turnarounds and was somewhere you could catch some really good acoustic acts including Portsmouth's Sim Williams (and maybe even a ray of sunshine) check out a clip here:

Sticky Mike's Frog Bar, hosted eight-piece math rock / emo outfit itoldyouiwouldeatyou, as well as headliners Nervus.

Hazy indie punks Gender Roles who have been touring with emo pop-punkers Broadbay and Gun Shy also played Sicky Mike's their new EP ‘The Long Dance’ is due out May 12th, check out a little teaser here:

A short walk just over the road and we caught Modern Rituals with their darker undertones, and Muskets who really ramped up the pace of the day with their energetic performance packing the Festival-goers into to the Prince Albert .

Nottingham based dreamo punks Taco Hell's EP 'Retainer' is out now, they played a great set at the Green Door Store - one of the highlights of the day for us. Check out a little of their set here:

The Latest Music Bar also hosted a good range of acts, including Brighton's own indie-punkers Harker, the dark and brooding Bloody Death.  Drawstring's brought their own brand of edgier indie and headliners His & Hers are well worth a watch for some nice techy noise-punk - their new EP 'Sass-Pool' is out now. 

London based punk rock quintet, Ghouls were over at the Green Door Store, whose new album, 'Run' is out 5th May 2017, check out the single, 'Seasonal Affective' here:

Next headliners Ducking Punches took to the stage at the Green Door Store and did not disappoint, their storytelling songs weave between love and death, friendship and mental illness - their new album 'Fizzy Brain' is out now. 

We caught Never's roaring set back down at the Pav Tav and with Rough Hands and Let It Die rounding off the evening the Pav Tav was flowing full of energy ... everyone was in high spirits and already looking forward to the next one even before the hangovers had properly kicked in! 

NEW NOISES! April 2017

London-based JOHN (timesbytwo) describe themselves as "four arms, four legs, two heads, wood, metal and plastic ... two Johns" - their single 'Cultural Trip' is out now, check it out here and catch them live at Camden Rocks on June 3rd:

Included on Sensible Record Labels: Volume II. Released on Record Store Day 2016. credits released April 16, 2016 Recorded at London School of Sound Producers: AJ Pillette, Frank Pike Engineer: Rupert Keller Assistants: Xenofon Tsantilas, Johnathan Jones Mix Engineer: AJ Pillette ©&℗ JOHN/Till Deaf Do Us Party Records 2016.

The Orielles debut Heavenly Recordings single 'Sugar Tastes Like Salt.' Produced by Marta Salogni. The Orielles are Sidonie B Hand-Halford, Esmé Dee Hand-Halford and Henry Carlyle Wade.

Halifax three-piece The Orielles have released their debut single 'Sugar Tastes Like Salt' on Heavenly Recordings and it's a fantastically retro and atmospheric starting track which blooms into fully funky indie noise, check it out and their UK tour dates below:

     May 26 -The Finsbury, London
     Jul 08 - Night and Day, Manchester
     Jul 22 - Truck Festival, Steventon
     Jul 27 - Port Eliot Festival, Kings Lynn
     Aug 17 - Green Man Festival
     Aug 25 - Sea Change Festival
     Sep 03 - Bingley Music Live, Bradford
     Sep 16 - The Good Life Experience, Hawarden
 

Austeros new EP 'I've Got This' is out now. The EP charts the past 6 months for singer / guitarist, Jeremy Pitcher. Relocating to Bristol from Cheltenham (a move that was vital for his mental heath) and navigating the current political climate. Check out a taste of their intelligently constructed beautifully garagey melodies here in the form of 'Figure Of Speech':

NEW EP OUT NOW. Stream / download here: https://FREAK.lnk.to/ILTSWISepID Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freakalt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freak.alt/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/freakalt Snapchat: freakalt Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TbEwdTCpJqef7DcHvTjzA Music video by FREAK performing I Like To Smile When I'm Sad. (C) 2017 Polydor Records, a division of Universal Music Operations Limited http://vevo.ly/HllOF7

FREAK's EP 'I Like To Smile When I’m Sad' is our last pick for the best new noises this month, check out their video for the title track here, the storming 'Taste' is also well worth checking out. Tour dates for the band are below ... we have a feeling these will give a great live show from the energy they put across in the video!

26/05/2017 Dot To Dot Festival MANCHESTER
27/05/2017 Dot To Dot Festival BRISTOL
28/05/2017 Dot To Dot Festival NOTTINGHAM
27/07/2017  LOWTHER DEER PARK, PENRITH
25/08/2017  READING AND LEEDS FESTIVAL
25/08/2017  LEEDS FESTIVAL    LEEDS, UK

Vagabon

Vagabon, the band project of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Laetitia Tamko, has released the debut album 'Infinite Worlds' via Father/Daughter Records and she is about to start a first ever tour of the UK with the following dates, check out single 'The Embers' below:

May 25 - London, UK @ Electrowerkz (SOLD OUT)
May 26 - Manchester, UK @ Dot to Dot Festival
May 27 - Bristol, UK @ Dot to Dot Festival
May 28 - Nottingham, UK @ Dot to Dot Festival

photo: Ebru Yildiz Square

NEW NOISES! March 2017

This month's select tracks on our radar this month starts off with NOGA EREZ's new single 'Toy' is out now and as well as playing SXSW, Convergence & The Great Escape, her debut album 'Off The Radar' is due for release 2nd June on City Slang. 

The track is bold, fearless and gutsy, a real exploration of the the more dynamic side of electronica.

Atlanta garage punk girl gang The Coathangers new EP 'Parasite' is due out on June 30th via Suicide Squeeze.

They also announced an extensive UK tour in May and shared the track 'Captain’s Dead' from the EP With its sultry verses, triumphant chorus, and a bombastic freak-out of noisy guitar. We can't wait to head out to see them live!

Sharkmuffin is Tarra Thiessen and Natalie Kirch, a duo of Brooklynite sirens bred from the waves of the Jersey shore. Influenced by everyone from Nirvana to The Ronettes. Sharkmuffin adds a unique jagged edge onto ‘60s beach pop meets ‘90s alt sound and are currently mixing their sophomore album Tsuki. They're on tour in the UK this May including a set at The Great Escape (dates below),  check out single 'Space Glow' and previous gem '1097' below:

SHARKMUFFIN May UK tour
5.10    BASSMENT, CHELMSFORD
5.11    THE LADY LUCK BAR, CANTERBURY (tbc)
5.12    The Harp Restrung, Folkestone    
5.13    JOHN PEEL CENTRE, SUFFOLK
5.15    GWDIHW, CARDIFF
5.18    THE GREAT ESCAPE, (STICKY MIKE’S), BRIGHTON
5.19    THE LOCK TAVERN, LONDON
5.20    THE EAGLE, MANCHESTER
5.21    TWENTY TEN, MATLOCK BATH
5.23    THE NEST, BATH
5.34    WHISKERS, NEWQUAY
5.25    THE CAVERN, EXETER (tbc)    
5.27    MELLO FESTIVAL, EVESHAM
5.28    BLANK GENERATION FESTIVAL, LONDON (afternoon performance)
5.28    THE VICTORA, DALSTON, LONDON (evening performance)    
5.31    GREEN DOOR STORE, BRIGHTON

As always you can check our full playlist of recommended NEW NOISES so far this year here!

NEW NOISES! February 2017

This month's select tracks on our radar this month starts off with Meat Wave's 'At The Lake' from their album 'The Incessant' which is out this month, produced by Steve Albini - this very fine noise punk and bouncy as hell - well worth checking out the whole album. 

So our second pick is not so new, but with all the hype about 'Run The Jewels' who have been all over the media with the release of their highly anticipated new album 'RTJ3' last month we couldn't help but give this one another airing. Check out 'Meowpurrdy' from the 'Meow The Jewels' remix album that features Lil Bub, Maceo, and Delonte. Seriously epic work there.

Sylvan Esso have announced their new album 'What Now' which is set for release on April 28th. 'Kick, Jump, Twist' had a new video released just recently, this intricate and expertly constructed track is a wonderful synth-laden earworm which although has been out for a while now sounds just as fresh on each listen. 

IDLES debut album is out next month, check out the angrily spitting track 'Mother' here, as bombard us with politically charged lyrical gems like "the best way to scare a Tory is to read and get rich", just magnificent!

As always you can check our full playlist of recommended NEW NOISES so far this year here!

KATE NASH - Portsmouth 17th February 2017 - LIVE

It's not often enough an artist can make you laugh, fill you with admiration and deliver beautifully honest storytelling through their music all at once, so watching Kate Nash live was always going to be a great experience. 

Support came from Gothic Tropic with their brand of laid back indie. 

Kate Nash started the set with 'Sister' which starting off slow and sultry Kate's vocal ringing out strong as the tempo ramped up and her vocals got more edgy giving that perfect girl gang attitude, "Oh I'm sorry is that too dramatic".

Next up 'Death Proof' had a moody bassey feel with dreamy voiced harmonies and a retro edge, as if L7 did a pop song in the 60's - and that is a really good thing! The contrast between Kate's varied influences all mesh together into Kate's own individual style and clearly shows how she does exactly what she wants - which is the essence of Riot Grrrl to us.

Seconds into 'Mouthwash''s wonderfully simple piano intro the crowd were captivated, the rallying cry call to arms .. we've all been there "singing uh-oh on a Friday night ... and I hope everything's going to be alright" the whole room sang along in unison.

The retro girl-group vibe of 'Do-Wah-Doo' again contrasts the old and new musical styles picking out the best elements of each along with the ever amusing jovial lyrics "Everyone thinks that girl is so fine ... I think she's a bitch", by now the set was in full swing and a perfect time for some surf-rock handclaps.

The chilled start and twangly guitars of 'OMYGOD!' builds into yet another pure pop masterpiece telling tales of acting like you are fine when all is not as it may seem on the surface, "I'm so happy ... oh my god I really really miss you".

'Birds' is a beautifully delicate song, telling of simple pleasures found in the everyday - a tale of falling in love that is honest and touching yet still retains a great sense of humour. 

Before 'Musical Theatre ' a song about mental health Kate stopped the crowd to promote the charity MIND. She had some volunteers that had come forward through Twitter going arlround to raise awareness. It is great to see such an influential artist highlighting such an important charity, saying you're not alone in the hope of reducing the stigma about talking about mental health issues "if you can love yourself it is easier to love others".

Kate dedicated the impassioned angry song 'Dickhead' to Snapchat who it seems had recently used 'Foundations' on a filter without asking permission. She went on to say that "rich f***ing c***s think they can do anything ... that's why we have Trump ... we have to stand up for ourselves". Having not been on a label for 5 years now, Kate thanked the audience for their continued support and said going it alone is hard work but ultimately empowering. 

'Foundations' plinky plonk innocence was chirpy, pure and catchy as hell. The lyrics and engaging attitude again shines through, how can you not love a song that has a line "yeah intelligent input darlin' why don't you just have another beer then".

Kate invited 'Supervet' onto the stage, someone who she had met earlier in the day and she had assisted in a dachshund called Slinky's spinal surgery. Kate is an avid animal lover, 'My Little Alien' is about her dog. 

Honest and sensitive, smart and engaging, jovial and sweary, inspiringly upbeat, Kate's vixen voiced, highly relatable to girl gang set was a really great show.

PAWS/ Frightened Rabbit - Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms Dec 2016

Glasgow 3-piece PAWS have had a busy year touring the release of their album 'No Grace'. Supporting Frightened Rabbit with their indie rock catchy hooks check out our gallery below.  Stand out song of the set was 'Erreur Humaine' about "not dwelling in the past so much", previously hearing the track recorded it did not really pack a punch so much as other songs but live it really transformed into something rousing. PAWS played a great all round set, pretty straightforward musically upbeat while lyrically debating and contemplating life's struggles. 

Scottish indie rockers Frightened Rabbit treated us to an atmospheric beast of a set at a packed out Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth. It did feel like a mid-week date night for a good few of the crowd ... Frightened Rabbit are the kind of band with a broad enough appeal with their style of music lending itself to couples enjoying their set together which is nice to see! Sensitive enough building, poetic songs with a decent edge and entertaining intelligence were the iorder of the night and singer Scott Hutchison's lovely thick Glasgow accent adds a great texture. The Glasgeee contingent were out in full force and there was a brilliant banter atmosphere, at one point there were requests for the song 'Jesus' ... "It's not on the setlist ... you can keep shouting it but your chances of us playing it aer getting slimmer!". Scott was expert at tasking the banter and raising a laugh from it the crowd chanted "I love Scotland!!!" to which they retorted "that doesn't matter to me!". You could tell the band were really enjoying the set too "it really doesn't feel like a Monday" ... "it's Tuesday" came the response, "Well it;'s my concert, if I say it's Monday, then it is". They went on to talk about Radio 2's Ken Bruce saying he's "mildly misogynistic" and the audience were all in on the joke ... they really know their demographic. Altogether a great night we would definitely check them out again.

Shiiine On Weekender 2016

Shiiine On Weekender is a celebration of the Indie & Dance music from the late 80’s, 90’s onwards that fuelled the much revered 90’s popular culture. Headline acts include Echo & The Bunnymen, Shed Seven, Cast, The Wonderstuff, Black Grape, The Bluetones and a rare live set from Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll, as well as pool parties, film screenings, DJ sets and a new bands stage. With a little over 3 weeks before the epic three day weekender kicks off in the great setting of Butlins Minehead we had a chat to James, one of the curators to find out more …

Hey James, Thanks for taking time out to chat to us you must be very busy in the run up to the festival!  How did you and Steve meet, how long have you been working together? We met at a night Jon Brookes (The Charlatans) was dj-ing at in London in April 2012. Sadly, we met up again randomly outside a pub before Jon Boys Memorial gig in October 2013 and have been mates since. We started working on Shiiine On in early 2014 and it’s been non stop since. 

cast

Shiiine On has been going for a couple of years now, how did it come about? It seems to be born from a shared love of music? A drunken conversation and yes a love of shared music. The music we grew up on, if we have grown up, was no longer being catered for live and we decided to do something about it. All my mates remind me that I said for years I’ll get all our bands on a bill one day at Butlins and we did it.  

Do you share the same influences mainly and would you say you listen to a range of genres generally between you? We listen to all sorts as I am sure the bill reflects. We don’t like pigeonholing bands and scenes. A song is either good or shite in our opinion. Music for Music’s sake. We were spoilt for choice between 1988 and 1999. Steve actually had a top 41 hit in his younger days. I wouldn’t buy it personally like.  

What first turned you on to music in a big way? The Jam. Weller was my first musical hero. His tunes have stayed the test of time so I am glad I made the right choice at an early age. My Dad always played records in the house. Not the usual Beatles et al but he loved Country & Western. His hero was Jim Reeves.  

ash

There is a great line-up of acts along with film screenings, pool parties … is there something you are particularly looking forward to? Hopefully, UKE2 covering Arab Strap. Cellar Doors from San Francisco will be amazing. Every band playing will be great or they wouldn’t be playing. The Wonder Stuff where sensational last year and I’m sure they will surpass that this year. If we didn’t buy a band’s records back then, it’s unlikely we will book them now. People buzzing off Deja Vega, Psyence and Echo Raptors last year was a highlight of mine. We ask people to make an effort to go and support the bands they may not have heard off. Oasis didn’t start with the Sally song remember. The Pool Parties have potential mind….. 

Is there anyone in particular that you would say are so influential that if they didn't exist you wouldn't be doing what you are now? Our Parents, Peter Reid and Paul Bracewell. A special mention must go to Steve’s partner, Leanne Jones.  

echo & the bunnymen

Any advice for festival goers? As the festival is set in Butlins there won’t be weather or tent issues to worry about – happy days! Don’t act like a Dickhead. Last year the atmosphere was special and we would like the same again this year. Enjoy yourself is all we ask and if you can, say thanks to the staff at Butlin’s. They do an amazing job to get the show on the road. Finding your chalet after an all-day session is meant to be an issue. Head to the Inn on the Green on Sunday early afternoon and enjoy a sing-a-long with UKE2. Where else will you hear Half Man Half Biscuit performed on a Ukulele?   

Is there a band /artist at the moment really inspiring musically, or that you think will go far this year / would like to see more of?  We were made up to see the Sugarmen getting signed by Warner’s. Great lads and it gives other bands hope that if you are good enough you will be spotted. Quite strange that when I first had a meeting with Steve, we started off in Covent Garden at 1pm and ended up in Leaf in Liverpool watching the Sugarmen at 11pm. We also walked in to the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool when they were putting pen to paper with Seymour Stein. He hasn’t seen Dundee though. We are big fans of Deja Vega and Psyence. They are both on another level live at the moment. Catch them both at Shiiine On. You won’t be disappointed. Sulk’s third album will be a work of genius of that I am sure. Hi Fi Sean’s new album is brilliant.  

sex pissed dolls

How do you see the music scene generally in 2016. Is there anything you would change if you had a chance? Guitar music is dead. There will never be another Liam Gallagher or Ian Brown which is a shame. The element of tribalism has gone. Bands are no longer revered in the same way as your Football Team. We are catering to the masses to whom bands really mattered, people travelled miles around the country midweek to see their bands. Can you imagine this happening now? People’s love affair with their favourite band shouldn’t die. Just because the members get older it doesn’t mean their songs lose their appeal. We have been branded as retro and nostalgic. This is missing the point of what we are doing. 95% of the acts we booked are still actively recording new music. People need to be aware of this. The Inspirals last album was sublime and I doubt many have heard it. I think we have changed something though given the gratitude that has been expressed online towards the event. There is a lot of brilliant music about. The best music will never again chart. Does it matter? You shouldn’t need marketed to about new and old music in this day and age. 

Any surprises to look out for at Shiiine On this year? They wouldn’t be surprises if we told you know would they! Mike Flowers secret gig is the big one and there are rumours of the band who inspired the festival, The Shiiine performing their second ever gig. It’s unlikely but you never know. A Steven Naismith winner in the 90 minute would be a nice surprise for our Scottish pals. 

Check out the full line-up below!

Rockaway Beach Festival 2016 - Review / Galleries

Rockaway Beach Festival took over Butlins Bognor Regis again this weekend for the second year running with an impressive line-up including Suede, The Wedding Present, We Are Scientists, Wire and Killing Joke to name but a few. Having been to last year's we were expecting the same great atmosphere and eclectic line-up and were not disappointed at all!

Butlins is a really great place to host such a diverse alternative boutique festival, the staff are so helpful, warm and friendly and despite this being an adults only break there was such a sense of community it felt like a family with so many people of all ages coming together, all for the love of great music. There really was no need to leave the site with so much going on ... established and new bands, film screenings and Q&A sessions, all set in the luxury of a holiday camp - a sound roof over your head and mud free festival that makes you wonder whether you would slum it outdoors again soon.

With alternative music being played all over the site - not just on stage (even in the Spar) - this was a great touch which really added to the ambience and helped this to be a fully immersive and captivating festival experience, this was Butlins but not as you might expect. 

We kicked off Friday at Centre Stage with the hotly tipped Kagoule. Their sound has a bass-fuelled retro vibe that is refreshing in its purity with a unique rousing sound. This trio of childhood friends gel so well together, the quiet / loud dynamic of 'Gush' and 'Adjust The Way' really pack a punch live and along with newer track 'Magnified' they really teamed the dual vocals and heavier aspect together expertly, dipping into a more twangly intricate sound in places - especially in 'Concrete' with bassist Lucy rocking bags of charisma. These are definitely ones to watch out for, check out 'Magnified' here:

Manchester's electro-pop inspired Girl Friend were up next and were a good testament to the diverse variety of musical styles on offer over the weekend in this smaller more intimate gig-like stage.

We Are Scientists were a massive highlight of the weekend, their crowd interaction and sheer levels of enthusiasm are completely captivating. During 'Textbook' Keith came out into the crowd and Chris explained "he always does that .. he's collected 17 wallets this time". So many great tunes; 'Buckle', 'Chick Lit', 'I Don't Bite', 'The Scene Is Dead' and 'Great Escape' really got the crowd moving. We've seen them live a few times now and each time it is still fresh as they bring so much enthusiasm and passion to their performance and clearly have a great sense of humour. Combining just the right amount of banter to entertain, their sense of humour permeates through the set which adds an extra dimension and wins over any ditherers in the crowd every time. They pointed out their awesome artwork that was showing intermittently on the screens around the venue and requested it be put back up, dedicating the next song to the advertisers that just got cut off. Musically the delivery was spot on, as always. Chris asked us "do you think your soul is going to survive this weekend?" intimating that they would see us through ... "this next song is pretty danceable". Keith had some wise philosophical words for us too "music is like dewey petals .. they're round and dewey .. the upshot is, that music is good". They signed off saying they were off to hang out by the Time Crisis machine if people wanted to hang out ... unfortunately that part had already been closed off - we had already tried to find Time Crisis earlier that evening. A great set from an awesome band that always leave you with a smile on your face - there was your money's worth for the weekend right there on the first night.

Next up on this music packed first day were original indie pioneers The Wedding Present who delivered with gusto their bittersweet honest songs ... the darker guitar driven poetic sound a real treat for the beach-goers. 

Saint Etienne performed Foxbase Alpha in full, many saying it was their highlight with Sarah Cracknell poised with alluring, classy confidence as ever. The pure pop melodies of their 60's soul influenced hits went down a storm, not entirely our bag but good to watch all the same. The great thing about Rockaway this year was the absence of the Skyline stage leaving plenty of time to take in each and every act which is a great way to find yourself surprised with an act you might not normally have made the effort to watch.

Black Honey also had a 60's inspired tone to their beautifully textured and complex indie-pop melodies. Singer Izzy really made the show come alive with her honeyed vocals and captivating stage presence. They'd just jetted back in from the US where they made their debut video 'Hello Today' which came out this week, check it out here: 

Saturday dawned and we kicked off our day with Gang's awesomely sludgey stoner rock on the Centre Stage. They dedicated a song to "anyone with a watch or a phone ... without knowing what time it is you'd all be free, time is a concept man". Their demonic harmonies are sarcastically pertinent especially in 'Dead' which they introduced to us with the most poignant lyrics of the festival so far ... "I don't  want to feel better, I want to better feel". The song was fuelled with haunting chanting harmonies, as if from monks who had been on the Buckfast, a great dirty doom-filled rousing set and a great start to the day.

Bloody Knees were fantastically bassy and grunge-esque with a more modern spin and great breathy break-downs. The guys said they couldn't remember when they were last here, "you're too young" came a voice from the crowd, "nah ... I used to come here as a kid with my parents ... that's a boring story - let's play a song!" 'Daydream was a highlight a really well rounded indie rock song with a lingering melody. You can check out their husky screams here:

Wire really are timeless with their heavy and powerful textures. The simplicity of their classic art rock indie underpinned by dark and gloomy undertones has been highly influential and still retains that sought after punky edge. They played a great set and we enjoyed watching them for the first time as much as they clearly loved performing together.

Next up on Centre Stage were Luna with their dreamy indie-pop Americana. Another great contrasting act that although had a slower pace was still a pleasure to watch.

Some beach-goers had clearly been waiting a while to see Suede, the Brettettes were glued to the barrier. Suede fans are a highly excitable bunch, so much cheering even for the appearance of a drum tech on stage and when Suede started it wasn't long before the whole floor started bouncing as they were shaking their bits to the hits. From the second Brett bounded on stage he owned the whole room, working the stage like a true master, constantly traversing the space and up on the monitors reaching out to the beautiful ones. In the first few songs we had already head 'Trash' & 'Film Star' and the rest of the set did not disappoint.  

On Sunday we started off with TVAM, which is Joe Oxley and a VHS player, he combines visual footage and fills the room with unique electro-pounding noises as if he were his own one-man musical force. A highlight was 'Gas & Air' check it out here:

Man Made asked the audience "how are you enjoying your post-apocalyptic break? We came in through a different entrance when we arrived and couldn't see anyone ... thought something horrible had happened!". Nile Marr (yes that Marr) certainly gave the impression he loved performing in what was yet another great set of the day with their own melodic brand of indie-rock. 

Joanna Gruesome were energetic and full of punk attitude, although they didn’t really interact with the crowd so much as some would have liked, favouring their backs to the audience. 

FEWS brought us more twangly indie noises, their single 'The Zoo' a particular mathletic triumph, check it out here:

Jaz Coleman of Killing Joke gave a great Q&A session after the screening of 'The Death & Resurrection Show' which charted their history since their invocation on 28/2/79 when they started working their magic musically.  On his band mates he described how "the guys have that right side brain capacity to understand wider ideas ... they're an inspiration and they make me laugh my head off". He described how there is great interaction in the band with debating and philosophising, Jaz continued, "there's only one philosophy and that's freedom ... people are being moulded into a hive mind at the moment ... governments of today don’t like the arts as they are a hotbed of dissent". Ever political he told us he was still angry about Iraq and that he thinks Tony Blair should be in prison, "the only way to make effective change is to change ourselves". Jaz sees Killing Joke's legacy as self-education, that everyone can achieve mastery with your "true will", a gift he hopes each and every one of us will discover. When asked if he has a favourite period of Killing Joke, he answered "yes, it lies ahead" we can't argue with that ... their intense performance delivered with menacing expressions and a great deal of air- punching were testament to their ongoing longevity as highly relevant and influential industrial noise rock legends.

Best entrance on-stage of the whole weekend goes to Cat's Eyes who came out to the grandeur of the Twin Peaks theme tune, complete with trombone and choir ladies all in matching black leathers. Cat's Eyes are classically trained multi-instrumentalist Rachel Zeffira and Faris Badwan of The Horrors, and they played a great haunting and moving set, yet fun in its drama. Their song 'Chameleon Queen' has a hint of Pachelbel's Canon set over a Divine Comedy vibe ... their sound is totally unique and they obviously sway each other with various styles and influences. Faris reportedly introduced Rachel to the 60's girl group sound which is particularly relevant on the fabulously retro 'Be Careful Where You Park Your Car' check the track out here:

Great acts, lovely staff, fantastic food, we really can't can't fault it - a great value boutique festival with all the comforts of home and an eclectic line-up with something for a whole spectrum of alternative tastes. Same time next year then?