EP Review - Ben James Miller / Until We Are Bones

Written by Adam Gallagher

Ben James Miller, has produced a soothing yet meaningful summery EP 'Until We Are Bones', the cleverly titled EP has three songs based around love, before you turn your nose up at it, we highly recommend you give all three a listen.

The EP is opened with the track 'Honeymoons'. With the upbeat rhythm proved by the drums, instantly I knew I could be sat in the back garden, sunbathing like we all do in Middlesbrough every summer and blasting this outloud, it would be very fitting, but as the song goes on you instantly see that it is a upbeat love song where Ben is pouring his heart out and singing about how grateful he is of the things he has in life.

Ben has slowed the pace down on the second song, 'When We Marry'. I normally aren't a big fan of slow songs, but I've listened to this song a few times now and I've already found myself singing along to parts of the song. It is a fantastically well written song, which when played live I can imagine the crowd getting the chance to sing along with Ben.

The final track of the EP, is 'Little Deaths'. Ben has turned up tempo on this to end with a bang. Showcasing what he is capable of producing with the help of his band, Simon Shaw and Andrew Jones.  His vocals are solid not only in this song but throughout all three songs.

Overall, it is a very solid three tracked EP, which anyone can enjoy listening to. Ben and the guys should be very proud of what they have managed to produced.
 

TOTW - Week 12

Written by Jodie Lynn

This week's track of the week lends it's hand to the good ol' Mr Doherty. With the recent addition of a Newcastle date to his upcoming May tour, I've been furiously bashing (for lack of a better word) Peter's discography. If you like him you'll be fond of his work with the Libs and the Shambles, but his solo album has always had a special place in my heart. There's something magical about it and Last of The English Roses, released as a single March 9, 2009 on Parlophone and produced by Stephen Street (The Smiths, Blur, The Courteeners), gives me a tingle in my bones whenever I hear those opening first few seconds. It's definitely, in my eyes, the most beautiful song Peter has ever created - with the exception of You're My Waterloo. It's poetry. It's mystical. It's bloody brilliant. It makes me want to lie in the middle of a field with butterflies fluttering over me. OK I'm getting carried away, but you get the point. 

There's already been a few comments on whether Peter will actually show up to his gigs in May but I have every faith he will. And I pray he plays Last of The English Roses. Have a listen below, hopefully you'll swoon as much as me. It's either that or you'll think I'm mad. And make sure you listen to the French bit at the end, it may be the best bit!

TOTW - Week 11

Written by Anna McMillan

 

My track of the week this week transported me back to the 80s with the synth-pop stylings of The 1975’s – The Sound.

Released in January, the track reflects their new sound as the boys have embraced their pop side,       incorporating it with their old alternate rock styling by adding electric guitar riffs in the background. 

Just as frontman Matty Healy promised, the track is very up-beat and poppy with just a dash of ‘ear candy’.

I feel like since the band decided to add a little pink to their image, they have adopted a sort of edgy, synthetic pop vibe, making you feel like you’ve time travelled to the 80s.


If it’s not the music, it’s the eye shadow that Healy has decided to rock in their past couple of videos. 

Not wanting to break tradition of intellectually long lyrics, I found myself having to do the standard humming along until you find a bit of the song you can finally understand and sing along to thing.

After all, trying to say never mind sing ‘A sycophantic, prophetic, Socratic junkie wannabe’ is hard enough.

The 1975 please write easier lyrics for me to sing! 

TOTW - Week 10

Written by Nathan Douthwaite



For this week’s TOTW I have taken us back to 1994, with a track taken from the 1994 album “Another Thought” by Arthur Russell.


The song I have chosen, called “This is How We Walk on the Moon”, was released after Arthur Russell’s death from AIDs in 1992 (Two years before “Another Thought” was released).


TIHWWOTM is a slow paced, solemn song that can touch even the hardest of heartstrings. Russell’s voice croons softly over his cello and creates an ambience unparalleled to anything that is released in modern day music.


The song has an upbeat pace to it, with elements of Russell’s disco work in earlier years. Yet it still holds an element of sadness, whether it was due to Russell knowing he was dying of AIDs or not, the song has an incredible attractiveness.


 Arthur Russell’s work should never be forgotten, even after 24 years of him passing, this song and this album will resonate within musical history forever.


Russell’s work has even influenced indie giants “Foals” and you can tell that on a lot of their work. 
“This is How We Walk on the Moon” is a song everyone should listen too.
 

Gig Preview - Benjamin Francis Leftwich / Cresent, York / 09.05.2016

Written by Nathan Douthwaite

The long anticipated follow up album by singer songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich is finally set for release and to mark the announcement he has revealed a string of intimate gigs.

These shows see the artist arriving at York’s venue, The Crescent and it’s going to be a good one. 

Leftwich, whose debut album went on to sell 100,000 copies and over 150 million Spotify plays worldwide, also drew in a range of reviews all hyping up its musical value. Now five years on, his follow up titled “After the Rain” is set for release on August 19th.

 

Dirty Hit records, who have had massive success with The 1975 and Wolf Alice, will be releasing his second LP too.

Moving onto The Crescent gig, it will be no surprise if Leftwich plays tracks from “Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm” and his forthcoming album.

With him just releasing “Tilikum” as a new single, it’s clear that the tragic loss of Leftwich’s father and his one true inspiration - can be heard buried deep in the foundations of this song. 

The track is the album’s opener and was written in the living room opposite his father’s old house. The song went on to feed to energy to create “After the Rain.”

Now returning to his home town for a special gig, the future is looking good for this young artist.
Catch Benjamin Francis Leftwich at The York Crescent – May 9th. 

Stockton Calling 2016 : Who To Watch (Part 2)

Written by Katie Cain

If you’re heading down to Stockton Calling in a couple of weeks time, you’re probably wondering who on earth to prioritise out of a whopping 60+ bands and artists.

Well I’ve compiled a list of another 3 incredibly talented recommendations who are guaranteed not to disappoint on the 26th March 2016, that you and your friends should definitely not miss.

Plaza (5pm / Musiclounge stage)

First of all, we definitely recommend checking out new line up additions; Plaza. The Hartlepool band are becoming increasingly popular and are fresh off a 5 date UK tour. With a newly released single, Totem following a 2015 release of 5 original songs, the band are packed with experience and are followed intently to each gig by a well earned bunch of fans. The 4 piece, playing the Musiclounge stage this year, are guaranteed to be incredibly prosperous in the near future so checking them out in such an intimate venue is a must.

Major Matilda (3.45pm / The Sun Inn stage)

I also encouraged you to check out Major Matilda, previously known as Nocturnal Dictionary. The band hail from Whitby and are fresh from releasing their first album with an impressive discography to experiment and display. Playing The Sun Inn stage, the group are simply incredible and never fail to put on an exceptional live show of interest and expertise. The band are no stranger to our North East music scene and are continuously gigging in order to increase their confidence and expertise. A genuine band who are very evidently incredibly talented.

Figmennt (2pm / Musiclounge stage)

Lastly, we recommend Figmennt, the hugely popular and well loved Teesside shoe gaze 4 piece. Also playing the Musiclounge stage on the 26th, the band have already been taking the year, and the North East music scene, by storm with their unique and stylistic gig performances that they’ve displayed across the region. With new recording taking place mid March, the band will be fresh and ready to deliver an exceptional show to really make their mark on Stockton Calling 2016.

Single Review - Coquin Migale / GRINDIE

Written by Nathan Douthwaite

Coquin Migale released their latest single on March 1st. The Newcastle band have gone in heavy on this new song. “GRINDIE” mixes in heavy guitar riffs, with massive drum beats and catchy lyrics, to produce the ultimate rock n’ roll dance track.

The lyrical repetition of “I feel so ashamed” matches the repetition of the guitar riff and creates this effect that you have to sing along too.

The music video, which can be found below, sees the band thrashing their instruments in a dark setting. The only light coming from occasional white illuminations. The close up shots of lead singer and guitarist - Alex Soper add an intimacy to the video, getting you up close and personal with the band.

The reverb and echo used on the vocals adds a spacy effect to the song and makes the vocals sound so distant. It adds a nice contrast between the music and vocals.

The breakdown in the song sounds a little like something you would hear in a Royal Blood track and it helps to build the track up to it’s final stages.

The song ends abruptly after a massive return of the underlying riff that has ran throughout the song.  “GRINDIE” is a three minute guitar fuelled - fast paced delight and a must listen for any fan of rock music. 

Single Review - Esther Turner / Close

Written by Anna McMillan

Halesowen’s very own Esther Turner released her new single ‘Close’ this week and I am yet to get it out of my head.

The indie rock sound of the young singer songwriter creates for a melodic piece.

The track contains strong, prominent vocals expressing the feelings of striving to live the life you want and the lessons you learn along the way. The added keyboard near the end of the track emphasises the serenity of the song.

It is definitely a soulful track which you would find me blasting in the car during drives down country lanes in the summery weather.

With the beautiful vocals from Esther and the repetitive catchy chorus, I can see this track being a huge hit for the young busker from Birmingham.

It’s like Ellie Goulding meets a mix between folk and indie rock.

Single Review - Dalaro / Youth

Written by Sal Wilcox

'Youth' is the latest track from "tequilia and steak" loving Newcastle indie five-piece Dalaro.

The signature hyper active catchiness of the five-piece, has been switched for a more chilled but still very catchy vibe. The track is fuelled by a simple high pitched synth loop, elevated by a blanket of steady percussion, whirring synth textures and a more reserved guitar and bass. The repetitive chorus of "can you give me an ocean" makes the song very upbeat and incredibly easy to sing along to.

The overall sound is more akin to electro-pop than indie, but I'm sure the group have enough edgy t-shirts and denim articles to maintain their indie-rep and fan base.

The song is a solid pop tune and will undoubtedly get crowds dancing and singing along. After seeing the group perform at the 'O2 Academy is 10' gig last October I'm sure the band will continue to excite audiences and perhaps this slight change in sound will assist them in maintaining vitality and variety in their set.

Review - Whirling Dervish / Figmennt, Flowermouth + GURFA / 25.2.2016

Written by Jessica Davies

TSone is known for its cheap drinks and parmos, I certainly wasn’t aware they had live music now? However, Whirling Dervish is an event that bands play on Thursday nights at TSone and I was kinda impressed.

First up was a band called GURFA, a group of young lads who opened with a lively number which caught the audiences attention immediately. Although they lacked confidence at the beginning of the set, they began to relax a bit more towards the end and really gave it their all which showed in their performance. They had a sound similar to bands like peace and a feel of foals, however they added a touch to it to make it their own which I feel makes them appealing to an audience who love this sort of music. At a young age, they still have plenty of time to work on their own sound but they give off good vibes for the future.


Next up was Flowermouth, who were the undeniable triumph of the night. They came out making themselves known by creating lots of noise which the crowd enjoyed. The set had a little something for everyone, and I feel like the whole place left knowing who Flowermouth was. The band performed well giving the audience a great show, and they have a great sound for live music which some modern bands lack. Although this was not the tightest of performances it had a certain special feel that meant it didn’t need to be supremely polished. The set seemed to be over rather fast which suggests I enjoyed it loads and I would definitely go to another gig in the future.


Last up was Figmennt, who have been spreading their sound around the area making themselves known, and its working. The place filled up before their set and they received much appreciation from the supportive audience; The crowd hung on their every note as the ambient noise filled TSone. Already they can boast a loyal fan base and songs that really sound like their own, if things continue the way they are going I expect an even bigger 2016. Set a few minutes aside to give them a listen and they won’t disappoint.

Stockton Calling 2016 : Who To Watch (Part 1)

Written by Adam Gallagher

Redfaces , KU Bar Stage / Time TBC

Another four piece indie, rock and roll band from Sheffield. Some people would say typical and turn their nose up straight away, but that would be very very silly and stupid. I know what you're thinking, Arctic Monkey wannabes. Far from it, they've created their own sound, but if I was to describe it to anyone by using another band, I'd use examples of bands such as the View. After performing at places such as T in The Park in 2015. It only takes a matter of seconds of listening to their music to understand why it would be a big mistake not going to watch them at this year's Stockton Calling.

If you were to mix a country style vocalist with the indie and rock and roll instruments, that is Redfaces. On paper it sounds so weird and I bet you're thinking to yourself, it can't work. I promise you that it does, it' is a fantastic fresh sound.

Alistair James, Room 21 stage / Time TBC

Alistair James is back in the North East!

Some of you may know him as Alistair Sheerin. After spending some quality time in America, Alistair certainly came back home with a bang, performing at such venues as the Townhouse, Middlesbrough in the recently months, armed with a new single, 'Have You Ever Been Low', it's a perfect reason to go and watch him at this year's festival.

This young man will be supported by his full band and we can only begin to imagine the sound they can create after seeing them live at Mixtape. If you are into the soft rock and roll then Alistair is the guy for you! Within his music, you can hear the influenes of Paul Weller, I'd even go as far to say a slight hint of Status Quo.

Coquin Migale, NARC @ The Green Room stage / Time TBC

Alex, Stevie, Jack and Josh, four lads from Newcastle, head to Stockton Calling with guitars, drums and a mic in hand, with the aim to certainly leave their mark on the day.

They are a band that has certainly started 2016 in a very big way. Recently releasing their newest single which is accompanied by a video, 'Grindie'. With the sounds that these guy's produce, it's only a matter of time before they are progressing onto bigger stages.

With their rocky sound and chilling vocals, Coquin Migale are certainly a band we can't wait to go and watch.

TOTW / Week 9

Written by Adam Gallagher

This weeks 'Track of the Week', comes from a band that sadly isn't creating music anymore sadly, Dexters.

Dexters finally said farewell, in what was certainly a short lived music career but it wasn't goodbye, without leaving the fans one last track and step forward 'Nowhere But Home'.

The song is based around how after all the touring and travelling, there certainly isn't anywhere like home. The band certainly did have fantastic memories but through this song, it has given me the impression that they all believe they had taken the band as far as it could have possibly gone.

The track itself has without a doubt left a lasting note on myself. It's so catchy and showcases the talent that was within the band.

Thank you Dexters for the two albums and the ending note that you gave us.

Gig Preview - Fickle Friends / KU Bar, Stockton / 4.3.2016

Written by Adam Gallagher

This Friday sees one of the hottest bands around, Fickle Friends head to one of the best local venue if not the best, KU Bar in Stockton.

After the five piece from Brighton caught the attention of the likes of Zayn Lowe. With their debut single 'SWIM' it was only a matter of time before they found themselves filling venues up and down the country.

Not only have they created a back catalogue of fantastic upbeat, summery feeling songs, they've also created tracks that anyone can listen to no matter what 'genre' they find themselves usually listening to. 'Could Be Wrong', 'For You' and their newest release 'Say No More' are certainly going to get the crowd singing along.

In some venues through out the nation, you get support bands 'just to fill spaces', you never get that at KU. With Middlesbrough's very own disco king's 'Be Quiet, Shout Loud!' opening the evening, skip the pre drinks at home, be smart and head down to KU early to go see a band who always know how to put on a show.

The final support of the evening, comes all the way from sunny Glasgow, Scotland. They go by the name 'Monogram'. They have been developing their sound north of the boarder and we have the pleasure of getting to see how the Scottish duo party and perform.

Overall, it is a very strong line up and I for one am very excited to head down to KU and see what all three bands have to offer.

Adv Tickets - £7 from Sound It Out Records / The Storytellers, Stockton