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The Pocket Gods at St Albans Jombal Party In The Park | (Published: 10:38:25 on 27-08-2008) |
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Sunday 930am and the sound of St Leonard’s bells wake me from my Sandridge slumber and I get all excited thinking about the gig we’re doing that afternoony in the Park….
Several yawns later and the Curtains are opened…my heart sinks: rain, rain and more rain and more grey clouds the whole of Scotland the morning after Hogmanny – crikey it’s gonna be like that Glasto with all the mud
1pm and Hoorah! The Sun comes out to play and the Pocket Gods prayers are answered better get packed up and off.
Gate to the park locked out….our drummer Nigel gets here – this is his last gig as he’s moved to Norwich and has driven down today to honour this gig..we give him his leaving card and a little prezzie – hope to give him a good send off,,
1st band on are Lost without Cause – they’re an ace rockin 3 piece whose Green Day punk pop toons got us all foot tapping on the wet grass…I like this band and they also have fab artwork and there own merchandise stall…
Jo the compare from SAASH tells us that today is also part of the official London 2012 Olympics handover…which is cool but surprising.. have you seen the pocket gods’ waistlines….unless hula hoop eating or lettuce football become official Olympic sports????
The Major of St Albans turns up in complete Regalia I wonder If we’ll get him moshing to “Shark”?…We’d better watch out…as there are lots of young kids around. We’re definitely gonna be doing the PG set and not our usual 18 rated one!
The Sunflies up next..and they certainly grab everyone’s attention with their sci-fi goth rock. The usual bass drums guitar combo is supplemented with a strange goth girl who dances on one leg and sings like a Theremin (old 50’s electronic instrument used in sci-fi and horror films) ….it’s all quite bizarre but strangely compelling.
Just been told by someone that it’s illegal to drink alcohol in the park when there’s kids around….so I’m surreptitiously sipping me can of Fosters looking around for the Black Helicopters to come wooshing down and whisk me away to Guantanamo…
The sun is still out and hey there’s loads of Moms and Dads having a civilised Beer on their picnic blankets…strange thought why have we all got the same design picnic blanket you know that red and blue Tartan one..I swear that there is only 1 design ever made….???
Time to toon up and go up to 7 ½…it’s not quite 11 territory today as the promoters have to be careful not to upset the Verulam Residents who apparently take exception to people having fun in the park….it’s all of ours to share nicely..and I still believe that a legion of lawnmowers and garden power tools are far more anti-social than a little bit of Summer rock n roll… maybe I should be Major… anyway I digress….
Our set goes ok. It sounds weird on stage especially as we’re in a tent. We don’t rate it as one of our best but we seem to go down really well and everyone comes up to us at the end to heap praise on us…..we could have played for 45 minutes but in true rock n roll styley – think Jesus & Mary Chain & The Ramones – we keep to our short 28 mins (25 if Nige has had energy drinks) ….in the words of my pops in law…Job Done!
The Party’s over and we fill in the PRS paperwork and head to the pub with our fans for a Cider and a packet of crisps. Any drummers out there???
Mark Lee |
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Sound & fury -
sound & fury | (Published: 18:22:45 on 25-08-2008) |
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"Sound & Fury" are all about kick arse rock 'n' rollin' good times & not about saving the world or spreading any kind of word, which is obvious from this overpackaged product & the dumb as fuck lyrics. The artwork of wild moshing skull people spitting blood sums up their whole ethos really well. While they try to emulate the sound of "motorhead", they're not really in the same league at all & come across sounding slightly more glam-rock, like maybe racheal stamp or gliteratti but with slightly hollower songs. It's all harmless fun I guess despite the fact there's no message in this psuedo anger. Difficult to tell where it's coming from or who it's directed at, but then maybe that's the whole point. One thing is certain, they know how to make a retro rock 'n' rollin' noise & they surely must tear shit up when they play this stuff live. There are no surprises, stand out tracks or diversions in style anywhere on here, which for me makes this album a bit one dimensional. The single "18" is out on 15th september with the album released on 29th september.
Graham McIsaac |
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Various Artists -
'101 90's Hits' (EMI TV) | (Published: 18:32:53 on 14-08-2008) |
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Released: 11/08/08
You’ve declined the purse draining process of collecting the ‘Now’ series of compilations from day one and you’re looking for a quick fix of 90’s must haves, well look no further. ‘101 90’s Hits’ is the ultimate compilation package, spread over five discs and taking in all the chart topping hit’s the 90’s had to offer it’s a compilation that doesn’t discriminate against genres covering everything from pop and rock to indie and dance with a generous dose of everything in between.
Pop and Rock giants like Robbie Williams, Britney Spears, Westlife, Take That, Blur, George Michael, Toni Braxton, Kylie Minogue and Natalie Imbruglia all make an appearance as well as some of the kind of bands and artists that you might initially brand under the novelty bracket. Publicised for being the kind that produced some of the most annoying lyrics and melodies that were simply impossible to remove from the brain once heard, many bands like Babylon Zoo, Rednex and Mc Hammer may have only made a fleeting visit in the grand scheme of things but will never be forgot.
Save yourself some time and money with this album, it’s all there !
Matt Clutton |
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The Fullertons -
Halfway Out | (Published: 18:14:17 on 12-08-2008) |
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Yes it's another indie-pop rock group prefixing themselves with the ubiquitous ‘The’. But have The Fullertons managed to surpass their fellow similarly named artists? Well, apparently they are Watford’s answer to Supergrass so that’s not a bad start. Debut single ‘Halfway Out’ certainly does echo Oxford’s finest trio but lets not go accusing them of copying now…
This song is definitely their own and sets the bar high for any future releases. With its soaring energy, infectious hooks and a chorus that you’ll be singing along to on the first listen, the single is pure pop-rock perfection. Reminiscent of the likes of Milburn and The Pigeon Detectives it’s fun, upbeat and hard to fault.
‘Halfway Out’ takes you back to a time when this genre was new and exciting. The bouncy tune and memorable lyrics come together in a uniquely emotive manner, creating something that oozes enthusiasm. Think back to the early days of Razorlight and you’re close to realising the hype that this band deserves.
Tracks two and three from the debut single are also equally finely tuned. ‘Find Your Own Way Out’ is an irresistibly catchy number, as is ‘Rule of Thumb’ with it’s vaguely ska sound. It’s hard to judge a band on just three songs but it’s clear that this quartet have a raw passion and talent for producing quality rock music.
Emily Sergent.
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Hamfatter -
What Part Of Hamfatter Do You Not Understand? | (Published: 09:36:44 on 11-08-2008) |
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 “As Seen On TV” shouts the graphic on the front of Hamfatter’s debut album - and indeed, the ex-Cambridge University music graduates are fresh from extracting £75,000 from one of the moneybags on Dragon’s Den. The initial furore over the event appears to have died down but Hamfatter are keen to wring all the extra exposure they can out of it… and why the Hell not?
‘The Girl I Love’, the lead single from their new album ‘What Part Of Hamfatter Do You Not Understand?”, serves as a gentle introduction to their reflective indie pop. Eoin O’Mahony softly sings of resisting sexual temptation to a backdrop of chugging guitars and digitised backing harmonies. It offers very little in the way of effective hooks or variety, seemingly happy to simmer along without ever threatening to boil over.
‘Karma’, by contrast, is a multi-faceted rock out with it’s unaccompanied half-sang, half-spoken introduction leading into fizzing guitars and hammered piano. O’Mahony’s vocal explores a range that flits from simple two-note sneering to glorious lilting highs. With a mighty mid-song dropout, a catchy repeated riff and funky, pummelled bass all contained within the complex song structure there is an endless backdrop of intertwining threads to fascinate.
There is certainly an element of frustration at their inability to lock-down a style that they are both comfortable with and which isn’t formulaic. There’s ’21st Century Sex’ sounding, as it does, like Badly Drawn Boy covering one of Divine Comedy’s scattier songs - the problem here is O’Mahony’s vocal just doesn’t stand up to such comparisons. Then there‘s ‘How Sweet It Is’, seemingly a play on the Marvin Gaye classic. It’s replete with strings and piano (nicely arranged as it happens) but with the vocal disintegrating into a Morrissey-styled whine the whole thing becomes too much and begins to parody itself.
As it stands, Hamfatter appear to need one hefty dose of Ritalin. The unsettled nature of this album improves with repeated plays with a few of the songs sticking out above the rest (’Karma’, ’I Want To Be You’ and, to some extent, ‘Down Tonight‘) but there is far too much that merely mimics for their instant hit of fame to allow them to reap the full benefits. A hamfatter is, apparently, a third-rate minstrel - enough said.
www.myspace.com/hamfatter
John R. Clarke
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Biffy Clyro – Singles 2001 -
2005 | (Published: 22:17:43 on 10-08-2008) |
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For a lot of new Biffy Clyro Fans this album will be a huge (and much appreciated) surprise. These guys didn’t just turn up at the top of their game like a lot of (often rather dull) bands do these days. These guys have been around for much over a decade. Hailing from Scotland, the band was formed in 1995 by a fifteen-year-old Simon Neil and twin brothers Ben and James Johnston. Since then the boys have been on the up and up, acquiring their own unique sound on the way, along with legions of dedicated fans. However for those who are new members to the Biffy Fan Club, this album is a fantastic blow by blow account of everything that makes Biffy Clyro great. Many will not have before realised this hidden depth to Biffy. Now all you have to do is stick it in your CD player and bask in this epic powerpop, post hardcore musical autobiography. It couldn’t be easier really. So now the Biffy boys are enjoying a much deserved spot in the lime light, their older work can now have its fifteen minutes as well. Good. This album deserves its chance to shine. Like many of the older fans I am of the thought school that their older work is better then the newer stuff. So, there it is guys and gals; if you want to know what Biffy Clyro are about in a nutshell, this album is for you. If you want something a bit mellow to chill to, with splashes of energy that’ll suddenly send your heart racing when you least expect it, I suggest you buy this masterpiece. If your aren’t already a convert to the Biffy faith, you will be after this! “Mon the Biffy!”
By: Sam Proffitt
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Deborah Bonham -
'Duchess' (ATCO) | (Published: 20:29:36 on 08-08-2008) |
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Released: 23/06/08
Deborah Bonham sits proudly amongst the UK’s list of top rock royalty. Although she may be some way down the list in line for the throne she props that privileged list up with a incomparable splendour that has stretched some twenty three years. Sister to Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham and aunt to John’s son Jason, who plays for US rock band Foreigner, her genealogical pedigree is up there with the best of them. Taking in to account that Bonham was schooled at an early age by Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant, undeniably one of the finest rock gods our fair shores have produced, it is of little wonder that Bonham grew into the woman she is today, standing tall in the wake of the release of her third album to date.
‘Duchess’ a roller coaster ride of heart ripping ballads and stomping bluesy rock classics is the result of several years of hard work and dedication. Opening with ‘Grace’ a fiery little number showcasing the instrumental talent of former Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley and more particularly the screaming guitar of Peter Bullick, a celebrative, upbeat mood is captured from the word go. As tracks progress the pace slows from the fast paced rock of ’Grace’ to the soulful ’Jack Past 8’, slowing to the heart felt emotive balladry of ’Love You So’’ and ’Hold On’ deemed by Bonham to be a stirring statement of self-reliance and faith. Musical connections here see Jason Bonham making a guest appearance on drums and vocalist Paul Rodgers, currently with legends Queen, stepping up to the plate.
For those listeners who were captured by the sweet melody, catchy chorus and stomping rockability of opener ‘Grace’ now wondering half way through where the party has gone as they listen patiently, well it’s gone for good!. The remainder of this album offers up further tracks of soulful balladry, by no means bad songs, they simply reveal where Bonham’s true musical heart lies. If she is to reach a wider audience in the future however maybe it’s time she applied a rockier side to her work, the side that runs deep within here veins.
www.myspace.com/deborahbonham
Matt Clutton |
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I Hate Kate – Embrace the Curse | (Published: 21:50:32 on 07-08-2008) |
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I Hate Kate… I shoved this particular album into my stereo and braced myself for a self righteous emo “angst, angst, die! Dead!” whine to assault my ears as the band’s name almost guarantees. However, once I’d removed my hands from their clamp down position on the side of my head, un-gritted my teeth and re-opened my eyes, I was rather happily rebuked for my ignorant stereotyping. No only are these guys not Emo, they’re not whiney, they’re not singing about death and they are certainly not bad. In actual fact, they are really rather superb. Almost immediately I was struck by the awesome electric influence that has been rather cunningly laced through nearly every song on the album. It adds an electric shock to the proceeding material that a hell of a lot of the up and coming bands would benefit from subtly plagiarising. Electronica is the way forwards. It turns a song that could be rather generically average into something that will rock your little socks off.
Everything about every song exudes an energy that just screams a desire to be danced to. It is impossible to sit still whilst listening to this power-pop extravaganza. Not only that, the lyrics, whilst simple, are impressively catchy, the bass lines could be danced too in their own right and the brilliantly worked rhythms just add an extra hot shot of adrenaline that many artists can seem to get hold of. Guys and girls of every age will be queuing round the block to sing these incredibly upbeat lyrics back at the live shows once the album hits the shelves. If the live shows are as impressive as the album, then these guys really do deserve the big time.
Justin Mauriello (Former guitarist of Zebrahead) has really carried over some influences with him from his former band, but together with Hayden and Berhorst (bass and guitar), they have managed to concoct a sound that is altogether more sophisticated than Zebrahead ever have been. Mauriello has a voice that is refreshingly no nonsense, which gives an almost Brit-Rock feel to the work. In fact there is a distinct similarity between I Hate Kate and many of the current British bands that regularly top the charts, especially the distinct sound of the Hoosiers. Now that’s never going to work against them, is it?
The whole album is one class act. We’ll be seeing these boys hitting the big time very soon. Bring on the European tour!
Embrace the Curse – Release, 29/09/2008
Sam Proffitt |
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Jazmine Ava -
Sunshine and Shadows | (Published: 23:14:23 on 05-08-2008) |
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Citing her influences as being the likes of Suzanne Vegas and Bob Dylan, this aspiring young artist has certainly set her sights high. As one of many independent singer-songwriters that exist in the music world today it must be a tough call creating something that’s worthy of critical acclaim. Yet Jazmine has produced something quite special with this 10-track debut album. Her unique hybrid of blues, rock and soul with a poppy edge is undeniably pleasing to the ears. From catchy opening number Sunshine to the memorable Rainbows, the album floats along effortlessly. And with tracks such as ‘Ain’t Life a Bitch’ and ‘Man Called Life’ Jazmine more than proves her talent as a songwriter – there is pure lyrical brilliance in both these and the rest of the songs on this record. She has the gift of making songs that are heartfelt without being mushy and mellow without being boring. Her originality and outstanding ability to produce quality acoustic material will hopefully see her gain the long-term success she deserves. The album is available to buy now on her website so be sure to get yourself a copy as this is the perfect soundtrack for a lazy summer’s day.
www.jazmineava.co.uk
Emily Sergent.
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Romford based Lizzie B is a well known voice on local/community airwaves, but does she just have a voice for radio, or a musical talent too? Evidence for the latter is presented in the form of her four track E.P.