Friday 15th April.
It was time for OF/B#9. On this occasion relocated over the road at Plugged Inn, instead of the usual Independent which, at the time, was in its final stages of rennovation. First on stage was acoustic singer/songwriter, Amy Holford from Newcastle. Cautiously approaching the mic and, jokingly, commenting that she "obviously wasn't worthy of an introduction" she launched into a selection of her own songs, the first being 'Crush'. Her voice was absolutely breathtaking. Unbelievably powerful. She then went on to sing a few more of her own tunes, explaining how the fourth song was meant to be one thing and then, after breaking up with her boyfriend, how it became another, more angry song. She was really appreciative of the audience and commented that it was great that people were actually listening to her. She sang a song that she had written for her grandfather who had recently died of cancer, and the passion was unmistakeable in her voice. She decided to sing her last song acapella, a cover of 'Wayfaring Stranger', previously recorded by Johnny Cash and Eva Cassidy, whom she said was her inspiration. Performing it gospel style, it was execeptional and well received by the crowd. If you get the chance to hear this girl sing, do so!
Next up was Skylark Song. A very folkie boy/girl duo also from Newcastle. Their first song 'Sirens' featured female vocals whilst the guy played acoustic guitar. Switching duties for the second song, the guy sang with the girl playing violin and providing the harmony. These guys had a very layed back 70's pastoral feel to them, and wouldn't have been out of place in an Irish country pub. Just as I was thinking this, they introduced their cover of 'Scarborough Fair'. As a big fan of Simon and Garfunkel I was a little apprehensive. However, I really enjoyed the male/female harmonies. It was a much more folkie version that could have been played in a medieval courtyard. I loved it and it was very fitting for Old Friends Bookends. They then went on to play a bluesy number called 'River', and then the Eric Clapton version of old standard 'Nobody knows you when you're down and out'. Not my thing at all as I'm not a Clapton fan. Their last song, 'Underneath the Roots' was another bluesy number with a really heavy guitar sound.
Finally the headline band, Hhymn, took to the stage. A five piece Indie/folk band from Nottingham. By the time they played their third track I was really getting into their sound. I found them interesting with the different mix of instruments which, although traditional, were very current sounding. This song had a really haunting guitar sound that gave it depth. The band explained that they were at the back end of their tour and were on the verge of releasing their album (of which I bought the very first one!) The next song 'Wolves' featured a trumpet which brought an element of the mariachi sound you hear in Spaghetti Westerns! It was incredible and the drummer was so entertaining to watch as he semed so lost in the moment. They went on to play 'Kilimanjaro' a free download track that isn't on the album. They then played an upbeat track called 'Girl of Mine'. The final song 'On My Mind', started out with a very 60's Motown beat, which I noticed had the crowd bopping around on the spot. I would definitely recommend the album. It has some cracking tunes and I hope these guys venture up to the North East again, sometime soon.
Tuesday 26 April 2011
Sunday 17 April 2011
Tom Williams and The Boat
Monday 11th April
I had arrived at Plugged Inn at Sunderlands Homeside a little later than intended and found that I had missed the first support, a young singer/songwriter from Gateshead called Megan Ramsey, who was performing for the first time. The next support was also a singer/songwriter, this time from Cramlington called Craig Wasahlo. His voice was very melodic and pleasurable to listen to. By his third track, "Heroes and Villians", Craig gave some background of this song telling the audience that it was an old song written when he was really into comic books. He then played his new track "Black and Grey", which went down really well with the crowd. He finished his set with another song about comics, for which he sort of appologised. His voice reminded me a little of Aled Turner from Kids in Glass Houses. However, any Frank Turner fans should check this guy out as he has a similar style.
It was time for Tom Williams and the Boat and as the Kent six piece took their places on stage I was really excited. I had seen these guys for the first time at Pumphrey's, in Newcastle at the end of 2010, where there was a very intimate gathering (i.e. a handful of people!). I had really liked their stuff and was looking forward to seeing them again, especially as they were promoting their new album "Too Slow". They opened up with one of the tracks from the album, "24". Their second track of the night was their new single, "Concentrate". This track features a violin and I really like the different dimension that this instrument brings. It's this that makes Tom Williams and the Boat stand out from other bands for me.
They then played "90MPH", an upbeat track from the album. They then introduced their next song "Little Bit in Me", as "a new oldie". They continued to play more tracks from the album, some of which are really bluesy numbers. Their last one of the night "Get Older" has a real Texan style edge to it, and features a really heavy drum beat throughout. This time around the guys had lots more room to move around and this really made a difference to the performance, as when I had previously watched them they were all squashed into a tiny area. There was also a good size crowd this time too, as they have gained popularity, partly due I guess to their recent airings on 6 Music.
I would really recommend that you try and catch these guys as they are fantastic, and I can't praise the new album enough. It is brilliant.
I had arrived at Plugged Inn at Sunderlands Homeside a little later than intended and found that I had missed the first support, a young singer/songwriter from Gateshead called Megan Ramsey, who was performing for the first time. The next support was also a singer/songwriter, this time from Cramlington called Craig Wasahlo. His voice was very melodic and pleasurable to listen to. By his third track, "Heroes and Villians", Craig gave some background of this song telling the audience that it was an old song written when he was really into comic books. He then played his new track "Black and Grey", which went down really well with the crowd. He finished his set with another song about comics, for which he sort of appologised. His voice reminded me a little of Aled Turner from Kids in Glass Houses. However, any Frank Turner fans should check this guy out as he has a similar style.
It was time for Tom Williams and the Boat and as the Kent six piece took their places on stage I was really excited. I had seen these guys for the first time at Pumphrey's, in Newcastle at the end of 2010, where there was a very intimate gathering (i.e. a handful of people!). I had really liked their stuff and was looking forward to seeing them again, especially as they were promoting their new album "Too Slow". They opened up with one of the tracks from the album, "24". Their second track of the night was their new single, "Concentrate". This track features a violin and I really like the different dimension that this instrument brings. It's this that makes Tom Williams and the Boat stand out from other bands for me.
They then played "90MPH", an upbeat track from the album. They then introduced their next song "Little Bit in Me", as "a new oldie". They continued to play more tracks from the album, some of which are really bluesy numbers. Their last one of the night "Get Older" has a real Texan style edge to it, and features a really heavy drum beat throughout. This time around the guys had lots more room to move around and this really made a difference to the performance, as when I had previously watched them they were all squashed into a tiny area. There was also a good size crowd this time too, as they have gained popularity, partly due I guess to their recent airings on 6 Music.
I would really recommend that you try and catch these guys as they are fantastic, and I can't praise the new album enough. It is brilliant.
Tuesday 12 April 2011
Detroit Social Club
Friday 8th April
I arrived at Plugged Inn based at the Homeside, in Sunderland, at 8.30pm. I knew Detroit Social Club were not going on until about 10ish, but I wanted to make sure that I had a good spot as I knew that it would be busy. By 9pm there was roughly 30 to 40 people there. The support band, a four piece from Newcastle, came on stage and launched into their first song. Once finished the singer introduced the band - The Matadors along with the title of the next song, "Spanish Beast". Immediately I knew that I was going to like them. They were loud and to me, the singers voice was reminiscent of Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys. The next track that they played was called "Lock and Key". This reminded me of Pigeon Detectives "I Found Out". Another track and band that I like. Finally they finished their set with a track called "Dancing in Shadows". This song had a really catchy military sounding drum beat. They were well recieved and I would definitely recommend that you try to catch them.
By the time DSC was due to come on stage, the place was absolutely heaving. The 10 tickets held back by the venue had been quickly snapped up and the gig was a complete sell out, which is nothing new when they play their native North East. Burn seemed pleased to be playing in Sunderland where he said they hadn't played for about 18 months. (He must have forgotten they played Split Festival, in September last year). They opened with early single, "Rivers and Rainbows" to mass cheering as the crowd surged forwards, towards the stage. The sound was far superior to their last gig at Durham Live Lounge. Singer David Burn's vocals were spot on until the beginning of the second track, "Kiss the Sun", when all of a sudden he couldn't be heard. It turned out that someone had knocked a drink over near the sound engineer's desk and he had to quickly turn everything off briefly,to save the equipment blowing up! David proceeded to have some banter with the crowd about being a Sunderland fan and then, ironically, launched into "Black and White", much to the crowds amusement. He sang this song more as an acoustic version. The lights were turned off and the band could not be seen from where I was standing as it was too dark. The venue definitely needs to look at getting some uplighters for the front of the stage. They continued to play the tracks from their album, "Existence". By 10.45 it was starting to thin out slightly. By now frontman Burn, had ditched his guitar and was doing his now familiar shamanic moves, in which he becomes totally wrapped up in the moment. The second last song of the night was one of my favourites, "Northern Man", to which he totally rocked it out. Once again he had the crowd chanting Sunderland songs and I had to remind myself that I was at a gig and not at a football match. Their final song of the night was new single, "I am Revolution", the first release on their own label, FuckPop Records. A hooky, instantly memorable slice of psych-rock which serves as a perfect taster for the second phase of the newly independent Detroit Social Club.
I arrived at Plugged Inn based at the Homeside, in Sunderland, at 8.30pm. I knew Detroit Social Club were not going on until about 10ish, but I wanted to make sure that I had a good spot as I knew that it would be busy. By 9pm there was roughly 30 to 40 people there. The support band, a four piece from Newcastle, came on stage and launched into their first song. Once finished the singer introduced the band - The Matadors along with the title of the next song, "Spanish Beast". Immediately I knew that I was going to like them. They were loud and to me, the singers voice was reminiscent of Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys. The next track that they played was called "Lock and Key". This reminded me of Pigeon Detectives "I Found Out". Another track and band that I like. Finally they finished their set with a track called "Dancing in Shadows". This song had a really catchy military sounding drum beat. They were well recieved and I would definitely recommend that you try to catch them.
By the time DSC was due to come on stage, the place was absolutely heaving. The 10 tickets held back by the venue had been quickly snapped up and the gig was a complete sell out, which is nothing new when they play their native North East. Burn seemed pleased to be playing in Sunderland where he said they hadn't played for about 18 months. (He must have forgotten they played Split Festival, in September last year). They opened with early single, "Rivers and Rainbows" to mass cheering as the crowd surged forwards, towards the stage. The sound was far superior to their last gig at Durham Live Lounge. Singer David Burn's vocals were spot on until the beginning of the second track, "Kiss the Sun", when all of a sudden he couldn't be heard. It turned out that someone had knocked a drink over near the sound engineer's desk and he had to quickly turn everything off briefly,to save the equipment blowing up! David proceeded to have some banter with the crowd about being a Sunderland fan and then, ironically, launched into "Black and White", much to the crowds amusement. He sang this song more as an acoustic version. The lights were turned off and the band could not be seen from where I was standing as it was too dark. The venue definitely needs to look at getting some uplighters for the front of the stage. They continued to play the tracks from their album, "Existence". By 10.45 it was starting to thin out slightly. By now frontman Burn, had ditched his guitar and was doing his now familiar shamanic moves, in which he becomes totally wrapped up in the moment. The second last song of the night was one of my favourites, "Northern Man", to which he totally rocked it out. Once again he had the crowd chanting Sunderland songs and I had to remind myself that I was at a gig and not at a football match. Their final song of the night was new single, "I am Revolution", the first release on their own label, FuckPop Records. A hooky, instantly memorable slice of psych-rock which serves as a perfect taster for the second phase of the newly independent Detroit Social Club.
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Matt Stalker & Fables Album Launch
Friday 1st April
I arrived at Independent in Sunderland really excited about the evening ahead. Not only was I at a gig that I knew I was going to enjoy, (big fan of the band), I was also at my first album launch. Matt Stalker & Fables had already returned from a tour of New Zealand where they had first launched the album. First on stage was a North East favourite, singer/song writer, Nev Clay. He took his place on stage and picked up his guitar. I couldn't believe that the audience didn't take any notice and most of them continued their conversation. Nev made a comment about feeling free to carry on chatting as it was friday night. This still didn't make people embarassed enough to shut up. I was seething. Nev appeared not to take any notice, just playing his songs and having a bit banter with those of us in the crowd who had the decency to listen. He played the last of his songs and thanked the audience.
Finally the moment had arrived that we were all there to witness. Matt (the vocalist)opened the set with a solo performance that strangely wasn't from the album. It was phenomenal and Matt was overwhelmed at the turnout of around 150 for the launch. He was then followed onstage by the Fables, cellist, Jenny Nendick and drummer Baz Crosby. As it was a special evening the band had been extended to include some amazing guest musicians - on double bass, Joss Elliott, Olivia Cameron and Jonathan Trevor on strings, Ged Robinson on vibrophone and the talented Adam James Cooper on a selection of instruments.
They played the title track "The Man Who Said This Died of Alchemy", followed by pretty much every track from the album, my personal favourite being "Apostrophe, Catastrophe". They also played their version of Radioheads "Let Down", renamed by Matt as "Let Down Gently", as it is a softer, acoustic version of the song. They finished with another favourite of mine, "This is Our Mantra Now", a strong contender for the next single. They left the stage briefly only to return to play a further few tracks. Firstly, Leonard Cohens "Hallelujah", which went down really well with the audience. They finished with Elbows' "A Day Like This", which I absolutely loved as I am not a fan of Elbow, But somehow, the velvety tone of Matts voice, enriched the song for me.
As this was an album launch, I would also like to review the album. Matt told me that this album has been 10 years in the making. All I can say is that it is an absolutely amazing album and should be in everyones' collection. Please take the time to listen to this album. I can promise that you won't be disappointed.
I arrived at Independent in Sunderland really excited about the evening ahead. Not only was I at a gig that I knew I was going to enjoy, (big fan of the band), I was also at my first album launch. Matt Stalker & Fables had already returned from a tour of New Zealand where they had first launched the album. First on stage was a North East favourite, singer/song writer, Nev Clay. He took his place on stage and picked up his guitar. I couldn't believe that the audience didn't take any notice and most of them continued their conversation. Nev made a comment about feeling free to carry on chatting as it was friday night. This still didn't make people embarassed enough to shut up. I was seething. Nev appeared not to take any notice, just playing his songs and having a bit banter with those of us in the crowd who had the decency to listen. He played the last of his songs and thanked the audience.
Finally the moment had arrived that we were all there to witness. Matt (the vocalist)opened the set with a solo performance that strangely wasn't from the album. It was phenomenal and Matt was overwhelmed at the turnout of around 150 for the launch. He was then followed onstage by the Fables, cellist, Jenny Nendick and drummer Baz Crosby. As it was a special evening the band had been extended to include some amazing guest musicians - on double bass, Joss Elliott, Olivia Cameron and Jonathan Trevor on strings, Ged Robinson on vibrophone and the talented Adam James Cooper on a selection of instruments.
They played the title track "The Man Who Said This Died of Alchemy", followed by pretty much every track from the album, my personal favourite being "Apostrophe, Catastrophe". They also played their version of Radioheads "Let Down", renamed by Matt as "Let Down Gently", as it is a softer, acoustic version of the song. They finished with another favourite of mine, "This is Our Mantra Now", a strong contender for the next single. They left the stage briefly only to return to play a further few tracks. Firstly, Leonard Cohens "Hallelujah", which went down really well with the audience. They finished with Elbows' "A Day Like This", which I absolutely loved as I am not a fan of Elbow, But somehow, the velvety tone of Matts voice, enriched the song for me.
As this was an album launch, I would also like to review the album. Matt told me that this album has been 10 years in the making. All I can say is that it is an absolutely amazing album and should be in everyones' collection. Please take the time to listen to this album. I can promise that you won't be disappointed.
Monday 4 April 2011
Glasvegas
Sunday 27th March
This was one that I was really looking forward to. Independent, a club in Sunderland putting on its biggest gig to date. From early on it was busy. There was a real buzz about the place. The support was a singer songwriter from Scotland. I didn't really catch her name and, to be honest, she wasn't grabbing my attention either. Although she had a good voice, every song sounded the same.
The roadies finished up and it was time for the main attraction. Glasvegas ambled onstage to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, which the band used as a backing track to their song 'Stabbed' from their first album, and then launched straight into new track, 'The World is Yours'. A few songs into the set, the heckling started, with someone shouting "Do your f***ing job!". A strange request, as I thought that was what they were doing anyway. It didn't just stop there though, as other members of the crowd started to join in with the taunting. As supporters of the band started to shout abuse at the minority that were spoiling the gig, I feared the band would walk off stage at any moment. But it wasn't the case. Singer James Allan, dressed head to toe in white denim jacket and jeans (and a very 80's vest!) appealed to the mob to let the heckler have his say. After being accused of miming, the frontman joked "Why would we mime out of tune?" Furthermore changing the lyrics during "Polmont on my Mind" to "what do I have to do to prove i'm not miming?" much to the crowds' amusement. From then on the band, which included new female drummer, Jonna, had best part of the audience eating out of their hands.
Apart from two covers, 'Moon River' and the Ronettes' 'Be my Baby',and new songs, 'Euphoria, Take my Hand' and possible future single 'Shine Like Stars', most of the setlist was from their debut, self-titled album. I do have to say that although most of those gathered were enjoying the band, there were times when I wondered why some people had actually paid to come in, as they talked non-stop throughout the whole set. This took all of my self control not to turn around and tell them to shut up or get out! I hope that this is the start of things to come with regards to the music scene in Sunderland, as it would be great to see more of the bigger bands coming to Sunderland and not just Newcastle.
This was one that I was really looking forward to. Independent, a club in Sunderland putting on its biggest gig to date. From early on it was busy. There was a real buzz about the place. The support was a singer songwriter from Scotland. I didn't really catch her name and, to be honest, she wasn't grabbing my attention either. Although she had a good voice, every song sounded the same.
The roadies finished up and it was time for the main attraction. Glasvegas ambled onstage to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, which the band used as a backing track to their song 'Stabbed' from their first album, and then launched straight into new track, 'The World is Yours'. A few songs into the set, the heckling started, with someone shouting "Do your f***ing job!". A strange request, as I thought that was what they were doing anyway. It didn't just stop there though, as other members of the crowd started to join in with the taunting. As supporters of the band started to shout abuse at the minority that were spoiling the gig, I feared the band would walk off stage at any moment. But it wasn't the case. Singer James Allan, dressed head to toe in white denim jacket and jeans (and a very 80's vest!) appealed to the mob to let the heckler have his say. After being accused of miming, the frontman joked "Why would we mime out of tune?" Furthermore changing the lyrics during "Polmont on my Mind" to "what do I have to do to prove i'm not miming?" much to the crowds' amusement. From then on the band, which included new female drummer, Jonna, had best part of the audience eating out of their hands.
Apart from two covers, 'Moon River' and the Ronettes' 'Be my Baby',and new songs, 'Euphoria, Take my Hand' and possible future single 'Shine Like Stars', most of the setlist was from their debut, self-titled album. I do have to say that although most of those gathered were enjoying the band, there were times when I wondered why some people had actually paid to come in, as they talked non-stop throughout the whole set. This took all of my self control not to turn around and tell them to shut up or get out! I hope that this is the start of things to come with regards to the music scene in Sunderland, as it would be great to see more of the bigger bands coming to Sunderland and not just Newcastle.
Sunday 3 April 2011
John Grant
Tuesday 22nd March
"Sea of Bees" was the support for the evening. A singer, songwriter from California with her own unique style. She appeared to be quite over awed by the enormity of the venue, The Sage in Gateshead. She explained between songs where she had gained the inspiration to write them. I have to admit that this kind of music was not really to my taste, and other members of the audience also had the same opinion as several of them returned to the bar after the first song.
It was very apparent that the audience was eager for the main attraction to take the stage and as the lights went down and John Grant walked on, the place erupted. He was accompanied by a grand piano, analogue synths and his new pianist Chris. He opened the show with a new track "You don't have to", which is not on his critically acclaimed album, "Queen of Denmark". After a self confessed life of drug and alcohol abuse, John used the experiences to write the tracks for this, his first solo album, with the help of Texan, indie folk rockers, Midlake.
His between song banter explained how each song had come about. The track Marz, for example, is all about a sweet shop he used to go to as a child and most of the lyrics are taken from the shop's menu, to great effect. He went on to play other tracks from the album such as Chicken Bones, Sigourney Weaver and Outer Space, all of which relate to his life and his struggle of growing up gay in a strict, religous family in smalltown America
The crowd were hanging on every word and cheered enthusiastically, as John's velvety voice resounded around the room, with its perfect acoustics. He finished off the set with a couple of songs from his previous band The Czars; First was Drug and the second, Little Pink House, which was requested by a few members of the audience, admitting he hadn't played that particular track live in a number of years, he performed it admirably. Finally we were treat to the title track of the album "Queen of Denmark", and a much-deserved standing ovation ensued.
I can't wait to hear more from John and to see him tour again, and perhaps he may be able to bring Midlake with him, as he said he would like to.
"Sea of Bees" was the support for the evening. A singer, songwriter from California with her own unique style. She appeared to be quite over awed by the enormity of the venue, The Sage in Gateshead. She explained between songs where she had gained the inspiration to write them. I have to admit that this kind of music was not really to my taste, and other members of the audience also had the same opinion as several of them returned to the bar after the first song.
It was very apparent that the audience was eager for the main attraction to take the stage and as the lights went down and John Grant walked on, the place erupted. He was accompanied by a grand piano, analogue synths and his new pianist Chris. He opened the show with a new track "You don't have to", which is not on his critically acclaimed album, "Queen of Denmark". After a self confessed life of drug and alcohol abuse, John used the experiences to write the tracks for this, his first solo album, with the help of Texan, indie folk rockers, Midlake.
His between song banter explained how each song had come about. The track Marz, for example, is all about a sweet shop he used to go to as a child and most of the lyrics are taken from the shop's menu, to great effect. He went on to play other tracks from the album such as Chicken Bones, Sigourney Weaver and Outer Space, all of which relate to his life and his struggle of growing up gay in a strict, religous family in smalltown America
The crowd were hanging on every word and cheered enthusiastically, as John's velvety voice resounded around the room, with its perfect acoustics. He finished off the set with a couple of songs from his previous band The Czars; First was Drug and the second, Little Pink House, which was requested by a few members of the audience, admitting he hadn't played that particular track live in a number of years, he performed it admirably. Finally we were treat to the title track of the album "Queen of Denmark", and a much-deserved standing ovation ensued.
I can't wait to hear more from John and to see him tour again, and perhaps he may be able to bring Midlake with him, as he said he would like to.
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