BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS...#14

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Picture taken from the band's website

It's that time again folks. Time to share the latest podcast via the regular blogcast. I've got lots of top tunes for you from some top quality talent. As mentioned at some point below, this is my current word of the moment - QUALITY! The Sun is out in a clear blue sky this Bank Holiday Monday and I'm struggling to keep my mind from descending into the dark and dank depression that is the awful return to work mindset required after 11 big fat superb stonking days off. The start of this saw me enjoying a wonderful 3 days in the south Oxfordshire countryside at Wood Festival. Time beats me as it always does or else I'd hoped to have had my review of the event up online by now. I've been caught up in a time eddy or a bubble of some sort though. I'm all over it, to use what appears to be one of those dreadful 'management speak' phrases in common use at the moment. Aren't they awful? And yet it is increasingly difficult to not slide down that slippery slope and adopt some such phrases in the day-to-day office culture.

Picture taken from Mark's Facebook page

On the OXJAM Northampton front, I have the main venue I want to host the gig at very interested offering up two provisional dates, so I will be meeting for a coffee to discuss more details and how to proceed with it. Exciting! More news when things are more certain. On the blog front, I've set up my WordPress account so am currently fine-tuning what I want the new blog to look like up on there. I also discovered as I was having a play, that it is possible to import a blog from Blogger. Thus, I hit 'import' but sadly lost all the pictures and media embedded on those posts. It's a learning curve but that only makes sense. I'll be working on it for a while to get it looking just right before launching but I will be adopting a new unique URL that you can store in your memory banks for later - www.bandofbadgerspresents.com I think this is the way forward and cannot wait to unveil it but needless to say the link isn't live just yet. I am so tired of all the technical issues with Blogger. It is most often such a painful experience to complete posts. There won't be much change in content. It will still host the blogcast for my podcasts and there will be the regular multi-music shares, reviews and time permitting some more band/artist profiles. And no, I have not forgotten nor am I neglecting the fabulous The Fireflys. That post, along with a number of others at present, is in the making.

Picture taken from the band's website

Now, without further adieu, let's get on with the show! 

THE PLAYLIST:

1. Gladiator - Wings Of Apollo
2. Spooks - The Scholars
3. Last Of The Hobo Kings - Mary Gauthier
4. Never Letting You Go - Robb Murphy
5. Birdsong - Mark Nichols
6. In The Wreckage - Reichenbach Falls
7. Microlove - Summa
8. I've Been Waiting - Lavers
9. Bad Karma - The Como Brothers Band
10. Hold On To Saturday - Wings Of Apollo

WINGS OF APOLLO

What a way to open up a podcast. What a way to close a podcast. Yes, I was so torn over which Wings of Apollo track I should play from their tremendous self-titled debut album, I could only settle on two. The album is available to download 100% totally FREE (click >>here<<). If you haven't snapped it up already then you best be quick off the mark now. I have my tech guys* busy locating all your IP addresses so I can send round my cat to sort you out.

Gladiator opens up my playlist as it does the album, with a nice big heavy smack of classic rock combined with incredibly smart and nifty contemporary elements. And some impressive guitar riffs that will knock you clean out with their hurricane-strength force. HELL YEAH!! In contrast but with no less punch behind its impact, Hold On To Saturday helps me demonstrate in one podcast, the versatility and range this band manage to showcase via the album. You think that's amazing you need to get on downloading that full FREE album and checking out the other masterpieces therein. No excuses folks, just top quality banging rock masterpieces. Now GO GET! http://www.wingsofapollo.com/

*there are no such guys, just me.

THE SCHOLARS

Picture from The Scholars Facebook page

When stating how Spooks has always been my personal favourite of The Scholars' most recent batch of singles I feel like I'm a broken record. I've shared and bigged up all the other songs too because quite frankly in this alternative indie rock trio we have a top quality band putting out music that cuts right through to your soul and makes that all-important lasting connection. Make sure you grab your FREE download of Spooks below. Then check out the other releases from the band because there are some more ace freebies too.

The huge atmospheric sound these guys produce is simply put, phenomenal! And they master the live performance like true professionals. Following their recent performance at the O2 Academy Oxford as part of a BBC Introducing event, a number of new dates are set to be announced for June & July. The band is also currently mixing a few new tracks so please get 'liking' their Facebook page too keep on top of these updates. Get along to a show if you are nearby and let's keep music live! https://www.facebook.com/thescholarsofficial

MARY GAUTHIER

There is one word I choose that befits Mary Gauthier and that is musical legend. Okay, that is technically two words but as I mention on the podcast itself, I hold her right up there with the likes of Wilco and Bob Dylan. She has the ability to render me just so in awe to be speechless.

I make it no secret how much Last Of The Hobo Kings has been formally enshrined into my top most favourite songs of all time EVER list. The instrumental opening few seconds of this song move me through space and time. When finally settling and opening my eyes, Old Steam Train Maury is standing right there in front of me as this obituary song plays out. His entire personality is relayed with such vividness I do have to check to ensure I'm not hallucinating. If you don't have Live At Blue Rock then there is something very wrong with you.

Just have a listen to closing track Wheel Inside The Wheel above. You'll notice there's also a hidden track therein. This is a wondrous tasty treat in the form of a heavenly version of Mercy Now, complete with gospel choir on backing vocals. Then the video of a performance of Mercy Now at the Frog Pond. You can thank me later but most of all thank Mary by buying her marvelous music. You can read my review of the album, Live At Blue Rock by clicking >>here<<. http://www.marygauthier.com/

ROBB MURPHY

The song featured, Never Letting You Go, is available as a FREE download from Robb's bandcamp page. When musicians of this stature are giving away music you really MUST NOT pass it by. Entice you into buying some more of Robb Murphy's perfect blend of gentle acoustic alternative indie pop. The acoustics are sublime. The songrwriting is first class. 

With a musicianship to rival the greats, you need to stop stalling and get on board. Robb has debut album Take A Stand out and with it smashes through all barriers with something magnificent. Have a sample of the singles from the album below and judge for yourselves. This is accomplished stuff. Little wonder he's been receiving so many amazing reviews and heady praise. You really need to also be having a listen to the three live demos he's got up on his soundcloud page because they are quite something!

Take A Stand is available in a variety of formats all to aid in your purchasing and thus listening pleasure. http://robbmurphy.com

For you iTuners click >>here<<.

For you Amazoners click >>here<<.

Or from Robb's own online shop click >>here<<.

MARK NICHOLS

What a talent Mark Nichols has. He's no one trick pony either, as he's a rather stunning photographer too. Although even if he was a one trick pony on the side of his sensational music, it would be one incredibly impressive and successful trick to have.

Following the release of the stunning and original EP Traveller last year, Mark followed it up with the release of a FREE acoustic track called In The Arms Of Angels. I'm rather excited about the live acoustic EP he is currently working on and it goes without saying I need to catch him live at the first opportunity I can.

I certainly won't miss out because as I've said before when featuring Mark on the blog, this is one talented young singer-songwriting musician who is going to be HUGE! https://www.facebook.com/marknicholsmusic

REICHENBACH FALLS

These guys certainly didn't disappoint when I caught them live at Wood Festival on Saturday 18th May.  They performed superbly although I regret I couldn't hang around to say hi after their set ended for the only reason I had to mozy on over to the other stage so as not to miss Flights Of Helios. It was great to hear a few more songs that will be featuring on the Reichenbach Falls full album, Reports Of Snow. Some videos of some of the songs are already up on t'intertweb, the one for Stay Home, Elizabeth which is below for you to see in all its gorgeous glory.

Stay Home, Elizabeth from Reichenbach Falls on Vimeo.

I can't believe it was so long ago now I reviewed the wonderful EP I'll Never Go Anywhere Without Her Now. That was back on Band of Badgers Presents...#12. Go >>here<< to read that and make sure you buy a copy so you are fully prepared for Reports Of Snow. 

Seeing the videos of some others songs and seeing the band play those and the more familiar tracks from the EP has well and truly whetted my appetite for the LP even more. I am positively ravenous for it. A superb title as well and yes it does remind me of Game Of Thrones but how can it not? Winter Is Coming after all. Please do go and 'like' the Reichenbach Falls Facebook page so you can keep up to date with all the latest news and the live dates that are soon to be going up. https://www.facebook.com/ReichenbachFalls 

SUMMA

I use the phrase a lot but then it tends to happen to me quite a lot, so it is only down to the superb music dancing its way to my ears. Blown away. Yes, that's the one - and Summa blew me to Timbuktu with the song Microlove. It was a FREE download and I just had to share it on the podcast after featuring it and the band on the blog a while back. An alternative indie rock duo from Boulder, Colorado I was quite surprised how amazing they sounded. Not that I was being prejudice or expecting it to be anything bad you understand. It just completely blew me away.

Checking out more music and Jake O'Neal's YouTube page I've uncovered even more phenomenal music that has blown me away yet again. I am indeed having to write this bit of the post while whirling around in a hurricane. I will cover Jake's solo stuff separately in a forthcoming post but with how wonderful the music is I cannot but share it here as well, while I'm on the subject. You can check out and buy his own self-titled EP/single from iTunes by clicking >>here<<.

Picture taken from the band's Facebook page

Not only one incredibly talented young guy, Jake is also a part of funk/reggae/soul group Intuit along with fellow Summa member Max Grossman and a bunch of other really great individuals. I've checked this out too of course and there is some superb stuff. You can check out some of these tunes on Intuit's Reverbnation page >>here<<. You can expect them to feature on the blog at some point in the future as well. Back to Jake for a moment though, please visit his Facebook page and hit that 'like' button. You will want to know as his updates go up and being as busy a bee as he is, Facebook will help you do this. Jake O'Neal on Facebook is >>here<<.

Back to Summa and I really can't wait to hear more from these guys because like I say, Microlove just blew me clean away. I explained how it gets really embedded in my head and I play it endlessly on repeat afterwards. On mind radio, I mean. When it no longer pops up on loop I simply ensure I listen to it again and wham bam, it's there for another long stint. I really could listen to it just endlessly. http://www.summamusic.com/

LAVERS

Picture taken from the band's Facebook page

Third time round on the podcast for this Australian band with a song I featured previously on the blog. I've Been Waiting is available from iTunes >>here<<. Let me here those clicks, folks and get downloading this fabulous music. It was recorded at Sydney's Studios 301 with Simon Todkill (Mark Ronson, Matt Corby, Kanye West). You also need to check out their other records up there, The Street Is A Symphony >>here<< and Endless Corridors >>here<<. These two marvelous EPs are also available via bandcamp >>here<< for those of you who prefer to avoid iTunes.

Brothers Dom and Sebastian work ceaselessly to get Lavers where they want to and should be. With added depth and layers from drummer Matt Barnes and bassist Chris Law, the band have a bright future ahead of them. Gigging extensively last year, they became known for their electrifying live shows, complete with mass sing-alongs and crowd participation.

I'm saving hard (seriously? on my salary? if only I could) to get myself over to Australia soon where I can take in the musical delights of Lavers before moving on to New Zealand to soak up the superb sounds of Julie Lamb. Keep yourselves up to date with all things Lavers because the word is out they have another new single due out soon! www.laversband.com

THE COMO BROTHERS BAND

Taken from their most recent EP Still Waters, Bad Karma is the second outing on the podcast for The Como Brothers Band. And why not? Music this great needs to be shared as often as possible. It is a top track as well! Another couple of brothers who are working endlessly to make a success with their music, Matt and Andrew Como are talent incarnate.

Sell Music online at ReverbNation.com

Quite rightly so, success is heading their way after a very busy and exciting 2012 that has seen their profile bought to the attention of some movers and shakers. How these guys remain unsigned at present is a mystery but such is the way of the music industry these days. Still, there is no disputing they have more than enough talent to carry them on and through to the big time. Amongst a number of other exciting things, the band's music has been placed on MTV's Real World Portland and the instrumental version of their song Your Love has been placed in adverts for Quicksilver. Not only this, but they have music featuring on a soundtrack for indie film Wingman Inc, due out later in the year.

Having been selected to play The Warped Tour at Nassau Coliseum last year, the band are vying for a place on the Vans Warped Tour 2013. You lovely people can help them get there by voting for them in the Ernie Ball Battle Of The Bands >>here<<. Thank you please. Here's to another big year for a great indie band! Oh, and before I finish, if you don't already have the Still Waters EP you should head to iTunes for it >>here<<. http://comobrothersband.com/

MERCIA EVENTS PRESENTS....LIVE HOUSE

It is always with regret when I am unable to get myself to live events when I am asked and welcomed so nicely. I urge ALL of you live music fans who live nearby to Burton-On-Trent to get yourselves to Mercia Events next Live House gig on Thursday 6th June. Even just you music fans who don't usually extend yourselves to the live circuit. You are missing out on something so special. All the bands or artists featured are top quality indie musicians who live for playing their music and sharing it with you, the people. It will make for a cracking night so get along please!

Following on from last month's amazing night featuring the excellent bands The Cheap Thrills and The Indieannas, June's gig sees the tremendous Trouble With Tuesday and vivacious The Velocets take over the evening to entertain with their remarkably accomplished music. Pure quality from both these bands! That seems to be my new word of the moment - quality. Totally justified by such quality I'm hearing and seeing. I'll be taking a closer look at both the bands in future posts.

So, yet another top night of live music ahead. I really need a helicopter! The venue for you lucky folks who will be able to enjoy this is Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton On Trent, DE14 1EB. Tickets are just £5 so there is no excuse not to part with such a small sum for such a superb night as this will be. http://www.merciaevents.com/

NEW CASSETTES

Closer to home and the town where I live for this band. Thanks to Craig Gibson of The Puppet Rebellion for pointing me in the direction of Northampton's very own New Cassettes. Another amazing band from this town I had no idea of until they were suggested to me. Just goes to show how much I need to be looking around here a bit more for some top music.

Their second album Winterhead is now available and have a listen below, it is quite something! You can buy it via iTunes >>here<<. This  is crisp and fresh indie rock I am becoming rather a huge fan of. http://newcassettes.com/



THE MID-SUMMER CLASSIC
It's a while since I first came across this US alternative pop rock band. As usual it is just lack of time and space as to why they haven't featured in a post before now. At least, I don't recall them having done so. If they have it will have been quite some time ago now. Either way, their sensational track Space Queen really needs a share. It is AMAZING! So big and atmospheric. I am seriously loving this tune!

Picture taken from the band's Facebook page

The Mid-Summer Classic are as yet unsigned, which given the quality (yes, that word again) of this music, is just a crime. Their bio on Facebook sums them up really well, 'Energetic songs filled with heart-felt relatable lyrics and catchy choruses'. Space Queen is the first track on their most recent EP Euphoria which contains a further 4 stunning tracks. Buy it from iTunes >>here<<. Euphoria is also available via bandcamp and you can have a listen below. https://www.facebook.com/themidsummerclassic

THE SHALLOWS

WOW! Yes, my extreme WOW for this post comes thanks to The Shallows with Honestly. Honestly, how AWESOME is this tune!? Available as a FREE download too. You know what to do by now. Let me hear those clicks, folks. Seriously, there is so much superb music that is totally FREE these days.

There's also a superb animated video for the song. The band strike me as enigmatic with an air about them that is mysterious but honest.

Also for your enjoyment is the acoustic video of Get Gone, filmed down on The South Bank in the Antarctic March temperatures. This is some fantastic music and tuneage here. More to come from The Shallows soon! http://theshallows.co/ << And as the guys have to point out, it really is just .co.....no .uk or anything after it.

WHITE CLOUDS & GUNFIRE

Another fairly local band, this time from neighbouring Peterborough (okay not exactly neighbouring but it isn't far from Northampton). While researching some local talent a couple of weeks ago my ears bathed me in gratitude for stumbling upon White Clouds & Gunfire. Their distinct alternative punk rock sound is instantly catchy and infectious. Infectious in the kind of way that you want to lick them to ensure you catch what it is they got. Perhaps that is taking the metaphor a little bit far but just listen to the sounds, folks! Then get licking, oh, excuse me, I mean clicking...to find lots more from this awesome band.

Hit 'like' on their Facebook page as they have an important tour announcement coming on 7th June you won't want to miss. There's already lots of live dates up on the page for you to get scribbling in your diaries or setting reminders on your digital devices (I did that last time, right? about does anyone still use pens and paper now?). Their band profile page on facebook is actually one of the smartest I've seen and as you can imagine I've looked at quite a lot over the last year or more.

They are giving away a FREE download of the song Satellite too so make sure you click, click and grab it! Superb tunes from a very tight sounding awesome band here. https://www.facebook.com/wcagf

TIME TO GET BRIEF...

CASTRO

From across The Narrow Sea to beautiful Belfast (where they doth film a great deal of the great Game Of Thrones of course) for the latest song from alternative indie band Castro. The opening guitar to this track does things to me. It is top notch stuff. The song overall is impressive, lyrically, vocally and musically. It leaves me yearning for more from these guys.

Make sure you get to their Facebook page and 'like' so you can keep updated on all things Castro Music. https://www.facebook.com/castrobelfast

PHOENIX FOUNDATION
Just a brief one from this New Zealand band for the moment but I could not go without at least sharing something from them. Thanks to the lovely singer-songwriter Julie Lamb for sending me a link to the band on Facebook. It was for a show they were doing in London a few weeks ago, which as I don't live there or near enough (or more importantly don't get paid enough to get myself there often enough for such things) I was unable to make it.

Totally digging the sound of this band though so will be covering more about them soon. http://www.thephoenixfoundation.co.nz

LEWIS WATSON

I was well and truly put in some kind of trance when mooching through some music videos and finding this one. It was likely a tweet or a someone 'liked' it on Facebook. I think Lewis sounds phenomenal so please check out his stuff for me and give some more support.

You can pre-order his EP Four More Songs (due out 1st July) from iTunes >>here<<. This video is for the song Into The Wild, taken from a previous EP, The Wild which can also be purchased from iTunes >>here<<. http://lewiswatsonmusic.com/

LUCAS GULLIFORD
A stunning demo track from Lucas Gulliford up on his soundcloud page. This was another WOW for me, make no mistake. https://www.facebook.com/lucasgullifordmusic

FIRST THINGS FIRST 

THIS IS WHO WE ARE (DOCUMENTARY)

Get to know US alternative rock band First Things First a whole lot more by watching their full documentary on their YouTube channel First Things First TV >>here<<. The trailer for this is below.

These guys are heading out on their This Is Who We Are tour from June 22nd to July 27th across a nice wide range of States so if you're a US reader of the blog and this superb blend of alternative indie rock is your bag, you HAVE to get along to a show. It is going to be something special as this band aims to leave its mark on America. https://firstthingsfirst.bandpage.com/

GUY VALARINO ON THE WALL

This is kind of 'just in' but Guy Valarino has been on my music radar for a wee while now. Well, not The Wall in The North of Westeros, no - but rather beautiful song City Walls, from a wall. Sublime! Guy is a British singer-songwriter from Gibraltar and brings you a warm sound to render those Mediterranean shores beneath your very feet.

I'm way too late in sharing the info but for any London-bound/based readers, Guy has a gig at the famed Ronnie Scott's Bar on Tuesday 28th May. Please do not miss out! To whet your appetite even further there's a video below he did for Garden Gnome Sessions. http://guyvalarino.com/

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING 

COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

TIM MINCHIN'S STORM:

THE ANIMATED MOVIE

I count myself fortunate to have seen the brilliant Tim Minchin perform live twice now. Sadly, I've not seen him billed at any of the festivals I'm attending this summer but I sincerely hope I get to see him again someday. He is one of the most intelligent singing comedians out there, something proven by this short film he released a few years ago.

Well, I must come to a close. If only so I may get on with the mountainous tasks I still have ahead of me. I hope you enjoyed podcast #14 and found some great new music as a result, from the show itself as well as from this extended blogcast. Still so much more I wanted to include but it was already beginning to grow large so the line must now be drawn. Expect lots more posts in quick succession (he says). Album reviews aplenty are still on their way, apologies as always for my ridiculous delay. I seem to be rhyming, it's always the timing, so let's shut my face and get out of this place. Peace to you all and catch you soon.

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BAND OF BADGERS PRESENTS...MIDWEEK MUSIC MIX #3

I say it again and again but I will say it again and again and then again some more! Soooooooooooo much music!! I am drowning in it but you know what? I like this kind of drowning. I want more of the drowning please, so long may it continue to pour in by the ocean load. Do keep it coming folks.

I recently had a load of new bands start following me on Soundcloud. This is in addition to the many who have done and continue to do so on Twitter. I sincerely wish I could get through you all in better time but there's just too much. Seriously, when I started doing this more so a year ago I thought I was drowning in it then but now it is a phenomenal amount. A staggering amount! There is so much fantastic music out there in the world. Away from the humdrum rubbish from repetitive commercial or public radio stations. So much unsigned stuff that is just completely insane that it isn't signed. Still, I'd say a lot of those are in a better position for themselves than if they were snapped up by some huge record label and then molded into something they are not. It happens and will continue to happen so long as the soulless executives (most who know little about quality music) only see £'s (or $ or whatever your currency) in the acts. With all these unsigned independent bands and artists, I understand there's not a huge amount I can do to assist but for every one music fan who stumbles upon this humble little music blog to see what it's all about, all the acts I feature may gain one more fan. One more person to add to their free download figures, or their YouTube viewing figures. Or even indeed one more person to buy some of the quality music on offer at such reasonable and affordable prices.

I am going through as much as I can given my limited time so hopefully I'll get through most, if not all of it. Eventually. It may take a while so 'bear with'. I'm still waiting for that sponsor to give me a job doing this full time. I won't hold my breath or else I'll be finished quite quickly and won't be able to do even this. Jesse Korby of US rock band Wings of Apollo wrote a perfect piece about making music and the current state of the music industry. You should give it a read >>here<<. Make sure you check out their tunes as well. I will be playing two tracks from their debut album on podcast #14. I had to settle with two and it took me long enough to get it down to just those. HELL YEAH!!!!

Anywho, with my regular famous ramble out of the way let's crack on and actually get some of this fantastic music shared. That is, after all, what it is all about! Like I say, there is so much music and every day more and more gets added to the list. I should be (and am) working on two other posts at the moment I write this. Multitasking, oh yes. I honestly could do with staff but I can't even afford to pay myself. Right! On with the MUSIC.

INTRODUCING...WELCOME PARIAH

Fear not folks! Indie Britpop is NOT dead. Not while we have the likes of Welcome Pariah releasing music. This is an alternative rock band steeped in that early to mid 90's Brit pop sound that I think was responsible for creating this genre that isn't a genre 'indie'. At the time when asked what kind of music they were into I recall many people jumping on the Oasis and Blur bandwagon (to name just two of the biggest at the time) and claiming that it was 'indie music' they were into. Indie meaning this kind of alternative rock and pop which later gathered under the umbrella term Britpop. 

Welcome Pariah are not pop I wouldn't say but they do have everything that goes with sounding like this alternative rock and pop a la Britpop. They are better, in fact. Why? Just listen. The guitar work on Liberty Pill for a start. Not just that, though, it's the whole package. How flawlessly their sound comes together and the results to our ears. It's easy to see why they have already supported bands and musicians like Steve Cradock (Ocean Colour Scene/Paul Weller), The Moons, Mark Morris (The Bluetones), Chris Helme (The Seahorses) and The Dexters.

Londoners and all those music fans visiting at the time need to pencil (or type - does anyone still use pencils these days?) in Friday 26th April because the band are playing the most prestigious rock and roll club night This Feeling at The Macbeth in Shoreditch. This will be the gig to launch their new single Neither Here Nor There, which you can listen to above. Smashing isn't it?! Trounces on and blows out the water all the humdrum, mundane rubbish that is technically 'popular' because you're all told it is so.

After hearing just these two tunes so far I count myself a MASSIVE fan. I feel genuinely rather excited about what is to come from them. Based on the strength of Neither Here Nor There alone, it's understandable the band are gathering so much interest across the board. They have a number of top gigs and established festival slots (see dates below) lined up over the coming months. Not only this but they were recently interviewed and featured in The Huffington Post (read that >>here<<). Reading this gives you a true personal feel about them and it's a good one. They talk of the download culture that erupted at the time the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian broke out on to the scene, claiming they were the last bands who were snapped up by major labels. Similar to Adrian Banks' (The Scholars) comments about the industry. There are so many unsigned indie bands and musicians out their who clearly have a universe-worth of talent to display, yet they cannot get picked up due to the risk factor. And the money factor of course. Also, something humbling about Welcome Pariah is how if they were to be offered any deal, it can only be on their own terms. This is important because true fans will want the band as they are and as they are meant to be. Not ending up like puppets on a string putting out soulless records after their first few big 'real' albums. From what I've learned about them so far I doubt that would ever happen to these guys. They are indie to their core with a sound that is going to propel them on to the music scene in a huge way over the next year or so. The industry has been damaged, yes but with all the great offerings about at the moment, bands like Welcome Pariah are proving there's still so much to give. Indeed, I believe it is bands like this who will be responsible for repairing the damage done to the music industry.

They are currently working on new material to showcase at the live gigs and will be getting their heads down in the studio to record more tracks for a longer release. Bring it on, I say. I need more tunes from this band please and soon. 

UPCOMING GIGS 2013:

25th April - RMA Tavern, Portsmouth

26th April - This Feeling Club Night, The Macbeth, London

27th April - The Essex Arms, Brentwood

10th May - This Feeling Club Night, Cellar, Southampton

11th May - Pulse Festival, Sunnyfields Farm, Hampshire

17th May - Lennons, Supporting Catfish and the Bottlemen, Southampton

24th May - Coburgs, Ryde, Isle of Wight

25th May - The Tap, Sandown, Isle of Wight

8th June - The Adam & Eve, Scooterists For Heroes, Birmingham

14/15th June - March of the Mods Festival, Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough

21st June - The Fiddlers Elbow, Cool Britannia, Camden, London

29th June - The Good Ship, Kilburn, London

19/20/21st July - Tonefest, Dorset

26th July - Gabefest 5, Hampshire

2nd August - Frolic Fest, Kent

GOODBYE STEREO ARE MAKING WAVES

This is one of those just added to my ever-growing list. Like literally just added the very evening I began writing up this post. Thanks to someone on Facebook posting the video. Goodbye Stereo are an alternative rock band who will be releasing their debut album Island, on 24th May. Have a watch of the video for this single Waves which is also available as a FREE download at the band's Soundcloud page >>here<<.

ON THE ROAD WITH SEAN TAYLOR

I fully intended to share more from this amazing singer-songwriter long before now but you know how it is. This is another video I came across a tweet for literally as I was gearing to write this post. I have to do this though or else it could be ages before I get back around to it. As I hadn't featured Sean Taylor in far too long, here it is. You can subscribe to his YouTube channel for more and to keep updated on any new videos that go up. The Road is stunning! It was recorded in London last October and features the talented percussionist James Taylor.

As I mentioned when featuring Sean last time round, I'm fortunate to have seen him play live already. That's the beauty of quality independent festivals and you don't get more independent than the medium-sized Beautiful Days. Tickets for this year are booked and paid for. There was no way I was missing out like I had to last year. There will be more on Beautiful Days in due course as Wood Festival is long before that so on with that feature first. Sean has a number of live dates up on his website so get checking those out and get yourself along if he's playing near you. As well as some April dates including a Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 session on 21st (what a performance that promises to be), he is embarking upon a UK tour in May. In fact, he is kindly stopping by The Castle in Wellingborough (a mere 25 minutes away) so I've just bagged me some tickets to that. Expect a write up shortly after. http://www.seantaylorsongs.com/

In the meantime grab yourself his latest album, Love Against Death, a sampler for which is below:



CURIOSITY KILLED...LETS GO SAFARI

That headline/title says it all really. This is the debut EP from Dorset-based indie-pop group Let's Go Safari. What we have here is a wonderful amalgamation of all that's great about indie pop music. These guys add to what I've shared before in what REAL pop music should be and is about. None of that rubbish played on endless repeat on some radio stations. You know the sort I mean, just nonsensical noise for the most part. Curiosity Killed from Let's Go Safari offers up well constructed pop beats. Tunes that will get inside your head the way pop should, but ones that have substance to them. A dash of alternative rock sounds thrown into the mix make them something much more than general pop. This is fun music and after such a terribly long winter, they make the sun shine even if it isn't out to greet us with its presence. The EP is released on 28th April on Red Dragon Records. http://www.letsgosafari.co.uk/

WILL ROGERS BREAKS HIS BOAT

I get so busy finding new music from everywhere around the globe it is true I have neglected Northampton a little (okay, a lot). This is not in any way intentional of course. Just the sheer amount of it I have sent or that comes my way, it gets impossible to focus on any particular geographical area. In the past I have made a point of supporting the Midlands local talent, particularly Birmingham as that is where my roots are. That is where I am from (minus the dodgy accent I must add - not that there's anything wrong with it - accents are fun).

More recently I've been setting things right by looking into more music from the Northampton area. Thanks first to Lew Bear who I shared a few posts back, and now Will Rogers. Will is a self-taught singer-songwriter, well-known on the local open mic nights circuit for his clever lyrics, guitar rhythms and catchy choruses. He recorded this debut EP, Breaking Boat, last September and you NEED to go buy it from iTunes >>here<<. Just check out the tunes for yourselves and then get clicking the links. Click, click, click and own some top music for just £2.49.

 

It took me long enough to get on to Northampton music but it is me who has been missing out on this. Such local talent needs supporting that's for sure. Expect more from Will on the blog in due course. It goes without saying I have little excuse to miss gigs given they are literally on my doorstep and I''m really looking forward to seeing him live.


What's great about Will is how he brings a host of different styles to the table. He goes from the emotive and sublime of title track Breaking Boat and Forever Dreaming (already instant favourites of mine) to the faster, busier More and Unplanned. He's now added a loop pedal enabling him to build up his live show offerings. The excellent Cracked, above, demonstrates what we can expect from this. https://www.facebook.com/willrogersofficial

BEL X1 GET READY FOR THE CHOP CHOP

Now, I reckon I know a fair bit of music. That's handy, you may think considering I write this here musical blog. And yet I may very well know a fair bit of music spanning a number of genres, but my knowledge is the smallest tip of  the biggest iceberg. How can I have not come across Bell X1 before now I ask myself? Thankfully, I don't answer myself. That would be the time to worry. This 'find', if I can call it thus, comes courtesy of my wonderful contacts at Prescription PR (this time with thanks to James, but I must also give a shout out to Jay again who sent me The Webb Sisters EP, featured below - not forgetting Ellie too who is always sending me some awesome music, most recently Dave McPerson, who will be featuring in a future post). 

When you discover a band has toured the US 11 times, the reflex thought is something along the lines of, 'Wow, 11 years and they've been going back again and again'. But oh no. Bell X1's tour bus must have had several new engines fitted, a new exhaust for each tour and who knows how many tyres. Those 11 times they have achieved in just 4 years! That doesn't even take into account the other locations they've played. Madness! It's like a walk in the park for this Irish band and their alternative ambient sound. I'll be making a point of getting acquainted with previous works (Chop Chop will be their 6th studio album) but these first two songs from this latest record (due out at the end of June) have bowled me over, to say the least. They are angelic, sublime and sensational all rolled into one. Chop Chop has been produced by The National's long time producer Peter Katis and the entire album is a wonderful experiment using textures and minimalism. Starlings Over Brighton Pier! WOW! There's a way to open an album and then there is this stunning song. The build up. The melody. Those lyrics and vocals. It is so gentle but not. Makes no sense I know but listen to it and it's like all the sense in the world is made clear in that moment. This is music at its most beautiful. Likewise, Careful What You Wish For takes aural beauty even further. The same stripped back elements are used but in such a fundamental way there is a profundity inherent in the finished tune.

The video for Starlings moved me quite deeply too. The music fits the flight of the mesmerizing murmuration of starlings so perfectly I'll be hearing it in my head every time I see a flock of birds take flight. It's as if the two are intricately linked on some spiritual level. For the simplicity of these tunes, they are breathtaking and I am left ravenous for the remaining 7 tracks. http://bellx1.com/

THE WEBB SISTERS ARE HEADING HOME

Leonard Cohen refers to Charley and Hattie Webb as "the sublime Webb Sisters". And he should know as the sisters are backing singers to the mighty Canadian music legend. A listen to this, their latest EP (but my first) When Will You Come Home and it becomes instantly apparent why he calls them thus. They have harmonies so beautiful I think sending them to a galaxy far far away a long time ago and all they'd need to do would be to sing and The Force would come into balance. Just like that. No more Empire, no more death and destruction at the hands of the Sith and their dark side cause (even though personally I am a Sith fan, I must confess). Just an opening line and The Webb Sisters would bring peace to the universe.

Even as this EP is released the sisters are in the midst of a very long Leonard Cohen tour. There are 5 magnificent tracks on the record including a few new songs, two stunning versions of Cohen's own Show Me The Place and also a wonderful cover of Elvis classic Always On My Mind. If songs could be diamond encrusted then opening track Missing Person would sparkle as bright as any star in the night sky. It instantly sets the mood and there's no doubt you are in for a real gentle musical treat. Something special from a terrifically talented duo. Then they stun you with that wonderful version of Always On My Mind which I could happily listen to on repeat for years. Years, I tell thee. Head to their online shop >>here<< which has links to the various places you can buy their music. Alternatively head to the ProperMusic website to get a CD from there.

There are no limits to their achievements and abilities with proficiency not only vocally but as accomplished multi-instrumentalists. There is guitar, piano, mandolin and drums as you might expect from such a skilled duo but also harp, to boot. Harp! This to match their divine vocal sound. Drawing from the British and US folk pop traditions, The Webb Sisters have recorded three albums and built up a following on their extensive touring around the globe. They have also performed for royalty, twice for Princess Anne and once for The Queen. (Never thought I'd be writing those two names in a music blog post.) The sisters were also invited to sing on Sting's album If On A Winter's Night and have toured with the likes of Jamie Cullum, Rufus Wainwright (legend), Jason Mraz, James Morrison, Katie Melua and Joe Echo. http://www.thewebbsisters.com/

CHRIS GILLETT SHARES HIS SECRET SIN

I wasn't sure what I should expect from The Scholars guitarist Chris Gillett's solo EP Secret Sin. As part of the band he plays some pretty awesome guitar. This solo project is a completely different approach and sound. It is one that works damn well too. The 6 tracks comprising this collection demonstrate the diverse range of Chris' abilities and talents. Just how he is able to use so many different individual sounds, manipulate them, tweak them here and then a bit more there. All using vocals and acoustic guitar. The guitar comes through wonderfully on opening track Promise and also on my personal favourite Your Eyes Depict All The Time You Wasted On Me.

I love how ambient it is overall but that really comes to the fore with tracks like Paranoia. There's a real menace behind it. The paranoid atmosphere is built up nicely, leaving you looking around you before too long. Then again on Your Eyes, Chris has built up a sense of such depth it feels like if you fall you'll never hit the bottom. The lyrics are incredibly thought-provoking, highly emotive, and at times on the darker side but they are a perfect match to the music. There's an electronic undercurrent throughout, something that comes fully to the surface on Stay and reminds me of some Aphex Twin.  Secret Sin is fantastic and quite accomplished considering it is only a debut. It isn't just moody by default either, it pulls you right in to those moods so you can taste and smell them. This is definitely one you should be checking out and when it's available for just £1 what are you waiting for?? http://chrisgillett.bandcamp.com/

A BACON CAKE? YES PLEASE

It do be time for some bacon! I must apologise to the good Mr Alex Harford of The Cakes because I have been planning to feature this since some time in February. Such is the hectic nature of all the music toppling down on me. I'm still loving it so please keep sending it and just accept my most humble of apologies for any delay in me sharing stuff.

Believe In Bacon is the latest EP from this indie post-punk alternative pop rock band from Newstokastle-Underon-Lentyme. Sounds like a magical fantasy land doesn't it? A land where bacon cakes are a delicacy of the noble lords. The 3-track collection is available from their bandcamp page as a FREE download but if The Cakes get some money they can make a full album and this is something that needs to happen. It could even be a concept album based in this bacon cake filled fantasy world. The noble House of The Cakes (complete with their cakey sigil on their cakey banners) are at war with House Bacon (complete with....well you get the picture). Am I taking it too far? Apologies, but the humour of these guys and their penchant for wordplay is infectious. Their lyrics are lighthearted packing enough humour to render you laughing like you've been on laughing gas. The music is interesting, moody and atmospheric.Overall, this is inspiring, original music

Love this, taken from their bandcamp site: the music is usually lighthearted and fun, but occasionally dark...like The Clash tickling Spandau Ballet and accidentally beheading them. https://www.facebook.com/thecakesband

THE CEDARS 

Described on their Facebook page as the soundtrack to a wild, liquor-fuelled hoe-down is enough to entice people in by the jet load! Bringing the alternative country rock from across the Atlantic and rooting it deep in the UK is not an easy task by any stretch. Okay, not ALL the US bands or artists in the genre are going to be amazing but when people from different lands take up the mantle and make the sound their own, they have to be given the credit. When it is as spot on and awesome as what The Cedars achieve there should be awards flying here, there and everywhere.

Their debut album Little Copper Still was released digitally on  11th March this year. A physical CD release followed on 8th April. So, I'm not too late then with this one although this is not an album review. Not yet anyway. I just wanted to feature them because what I've heard so far fills me with joy. It is snap your fingers, strum the guitar, pick the banjo fuelled beauty, with a bad ass bass and drum beat to boot!

The band also contributed the song Used Cars to their record label's (Clubhouse Records) superb tribute album to mark the 30th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska. There are some live dates up on their website so get checking them out as they get ready to to dazzle folk at a few festivals. My time to be dazzled by them will come at Wood Festival where they will also partake in re-creating the Nebraska tribute gig they participated in with the other Clubhouse Records acts. My apologies for having to keep this brief but there will be more from The Cedars in the future. http://www.thecedarsonline.com/

AND THIS JUST IN....

HAPPY DAGGER MOVE CLOSER

I must agree with Leeds Music Scene when they say Happy Daggers are 'One of the hottest acts on the scene' because it is true! This is the kind of energetic indie rock n soul that will get the most lethargic of listeners up off their backsides to have a little boogey. It is absolutely awesome stuff and I wish it wasn't only a 'thing just in' feature because I'd like to explore them much more. I will do soon enough though so expect more from this terrific band in the near future. Their musical craftmanship is of the highest quality and the production is stunning. I fell instantly for the vocals as well. This has the lot. There has been something missing from the music scene, I think and finally Happy Daggers show up with this superb solution. https://www.facebook.com/happydaggersband

AND FINALLY...

25, 26, 27, 28 JULY 2013
CHERRY HINTON HALL GROUNDS

FULL-LINE UP NOW ANNOUNCED

 

NEW NAMES

Amadou & Mariam (Fri)  The Staves (Sun)  Tommy Emmanuel (Sat)

Thea Gilmore (Sat)  The Rambling Boys of Pleasure (Sat/Sun)  Darrell Scott (Fri)

Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo (Fri)  Jamie Smith’s Mabon (Thurs)

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band (Sun)  Valerie June (Sun)

CLUB TENT SHOWCASES

Ross Couper & Tom Oakes (Fri)  Blair Dunlop (Sat)  Ewan McLennan (Sat)   

Nick Mulvey (Sun)   Emma Sweeney (Sun)

THE DEN (EMERGING TALENT STAGE)

Marika Hackman (Thurs)  Hudson Taylor (Fri)  Common Tongues (Fri)

Blue Rose Code (Sat)  Rae Morris (Sun)

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED NAMES

The Mavericks (Sat)  The Waterboys (Sun)   Bellowhead (Fri) 

KT Tunstall (Sat)  Levellers (Fri)

Liam O’Flynn, Andy Irvine, Paddy Glackin & Dónal Lunny aka LAPD (Fri)  Capercaillie (Sun)  Shelby Lynne (Sat)  BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet (Sat/Sun)  Heritage Blues Orchestra (Sat)  Patty Griffin (Fri)  Lucy Rose (Thurs)  

Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick (Sun)   Mud Morganfield Band (Sun)  

Martin Simpson (Sat/Sun)  Le Vent du Nord  (Sat/Sun) Sam Lee & Friends (Fri)  Breabach (Sat/Sun)  Heidi Talbot (Sat/Sun)  The Chair  (Sat/Sun)  

Mokoomba (Sat)  Willy Mason (Thurs)  The Bombay Royale (Fri) 

Bella Hardy & The Midnight Watch (Sat) Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman (Thurs)

John Hegley (Sun)  Frigg (Fri/Sat)  Larkin Poe (Thurs/Fri) 

Jim Moray’s Silent Ceilidh (Sat)  Brian McNeill (Fri/Sat)   We Banjo 3 (Sat/Sun)  Korrontzi (Fri/Sat) Sketch (Sun) Monster Ceilidh Band (Fri) 

State Of The Union (Sat)  English String Band (Fri)   The Willows (Thurs) 

Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar (Sat/Sun)  Rusty Shackle (Thurs)

The Brass Funkeys (Thurs)  Peter Buckley Hill (Sun)

TIS' THE SEASON

No sooner as our rather late Spring sprung than the 2013 festival season will soon be upon us too. Look out for my Wood Festival post coming up very shortly but in the meantime I MUST share with you the final announcement about Europe's most acclaimed folk festival. I was sincerely wishing, dreaming and even preying that I would be able to make this festival a part of my 2013 mission of coverage for the blog. BUT, sadly due to the regular financial issues it just can't be done. Maybe next year, ay? Anywho, just because I'm unable to attend doesn't stop me featuring news and information about it on here. Who knows, as tis' the season and all that perhaps there will be some miracle and I'll bag that job in music journalism or PR meaning I can go after all. We have to dream.

If I had time I would cry for not being able to make it as there are acts on this smashing line-up I desperately want to see live. Like, headliners Bellowhead, The Waterboys and KT Tunstall for instance, but that merely scratches the surface. What I'd give to see Thea Gilmore, Blair Dunlop and Ewan McLennan. There's the legend that is Patty Griffin, the legend that is becoming Willy Mason; not to mention legends in their own rights given their masterful musicianship and flawless vocals such as Larkin Poe, Lucy Rose and Sam Lee. *whispers and gestures you to come closer* 'Come here, there's more...' The BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winning duo Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman will delight festival goers with their sublime mix of traditional folk songs with their own unique contemporary twists. Expect many a tune from their most recent fabulous album, Hidden People. Those mighty Levellers will headline the Friday night with folk juggenaut Bellowhead. That alone ought to start you jigging and moshing into a momentum that won't cease until Sunday!

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman aren't the only married duo who will be wooing the crowd, either. They will be joined by groundbreaking and world renowned Malian husband and wife Amadou & Mariam with their superb and infectious vocal interplay and captivating blues sound. The heavenly harmonies of the sublime sibling trio The Staves will take the audience to paradise. It's important to point out here how much Cambridge Folk Festival does to promote promising young talent at the event. They have nurtured The Staves over the last few years. From their 2011 debut in The Den through to the Club Tent and Stage 2. Quite rightly, this years sees them billed on the Main Stage on Sunday. Thea Gilmore has been described by MOJO as 'the most coherent, literate and charged British singer-songwriter of her generation...' and Saturday sees her strut her musical finery on the main stage. Prepare to be majorly WOW'd because you're in for a right treat!

Tell some people (mostly people not quite so much into music) you're going to a folk festival and you may get a funny look. Or a stunned silence before being handed some tweed or something. One thing I've always noticed about Cambridge is how it embraces diversity with the genres of music it promotes. On the one hand you have the folk punk rock of The Levellers, balanced out by the more traditional folk but nevertheless rock-infused Bellowhead. While there is this and a range of much more, there will always be many an act for the more traditionalist fans. Look no further than folkists The Rambling Boys of Pleasure, a group boasting some of  the finest musicians on the Irish traditional music scene. A long way from home and passing through on Friday is US singer, writer and guitarist Darrell Scott with his addictive alternative country soaked heavily in and dripping with boisterous blues. From even further afield you'll be treated to the compelling, the stunning, the magnificence of Western Australia's Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo. That will be one not to miss, if you ask me! Take heed please folks.

As mentioned, this festival supports up and coming talent and this year the five acts selected to play prestigious showcases in the Club Tent are, Ross Couper & Tom Oakes; acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Ewan McLennan (who's music has been described as 'a mix of the Tradition, social history and political awareness'); founding member of Mercury Prize nominated Portico Quartet Nick Mulvey; exhilarating fiddle player Emma Sweeney; and last but certainly by no means least will be the 2013 BBC Folk Horizon Award winner Blair Dunlop. (Previous examples include Seth Lakeman, Karine Polwart, Newton Faulkner, Rachel Unthank, Jackie Oates and Jim Moray)

QUICK, EVERYONE INTO THE DEN

Dens were the 'in thing' at one point weren't they? I think they had started going out of fashion (if that even applies in this case?) during my childhood but I remember we had one on some recreation grounds at the back of my Nan's garden. It felt pretty cool to us, anyway. We were about 6 or 7 so judge us not harshly. Anyway, I digress and must not. The Den is the acclaimed fourth stage at the festival. It plays host to some top quality emerging talent across the weekend including: 20-year old folk singer Marika Hackman, who has already been receiving attention from Radio 1; fresh from supporting Jake Bugg on tour will be busking YouTube sensations Hudson Taylor, featuring Irish brothers Harry and Alfie who have blown me clean away with their stunning music; Brighton-based 5-piece indie folk band Common Tongues who continued the theme by blowing me away with such magnificent music - such great stuff. 

LET'S ROUND UP THE ROUND-UP

So let's see then: International headline artists and young emerging talent will be singing and playing their wares across FOUR stages this July. The quality and calibre of acts drawn to perform at Cambridge Folk Festival is a chief reason why year after year it enjoys sell-out success! There's its beautiful and unique parkland location, its superb facilities and family-oriented nature; it really offers something for EVERYONE. From street theatre, music workshops and sessions to open stages, a youth area and even an internet cafe for you to plug yourself in for your online fix. There's a free creche if you parents need a wee break, including a paddling pool and playground. Most importantly of course - well, okay not really MOST importantly but pretty important, in my book anyway - there are REAL ALE bars. 

For online booking please visit: www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk

Phone booking, call: 01223 357 851

Tickets: FULL FESTIVAL: £126; Thursday £20; Friday £45; Saturday £55; Sunday £55. CAMPING: (Full Festival tickets only, per 2-3 berth tent) Cherry Hinton £54, Coldhams Common (second site) £37. Online bookings are subject to a booking fee.

Another HUGE thank you to Jay Taylor at Prescription PR for the Press Release for this festival. Tweet