Tuesday 26 June 2012

The Chapman Family

Head of Steam was the venue, and I was really looking forward to seeing The Chapman Family. My first visit to this venue and seeing this particular band live. First up was Warning!, three young lads from Gateshead, loud, energetic and exciting and getting the evening off to a great start. Next came Tissue Culture, who I'd caught once before. This 6 piece from Newcastle gave a sound performance with their own brand of 'ShoegazeMathPop'.

Headliners The Chapman Family were touring to promote their new EP, 'Cruel Britania'. This 5 piece from Stockton, all suited and booted in black, like a showbiz mafia, started with the powerfully venomous 'Into the Breach', a new track not from the EP. With the frontman's charismatic, sultry tone and dramatically flailing arm gestures, I was reminded of Smiths frontman, Morrissey. They went on to play most of the new EP and some firm favourites to an appreciative crowd.

The next Chapman Family 'event' was at mima Art Gallery in Middlesbrough, and it was obvious that it was going to be different from the previous week's gig. A collaboration with artist Stella Vine, who had painted the amazing backdrop for tonight's set, a tearful Wonder Woman, seemingly pleading the refrain from new EP track 'No More Tears' on behalf of the modern world's afflicted. Being a (near) hometown gig it was a sell out, and the performance started with frontman Kingsley sat in front of the stage, at a desk draped with red velvet and fairy lights. Casually talking half to the audience/half to the desktop about his addiction to chocolate, whilst pulling mounds of the stuff from a carrier bag  - "Help yourselves, I haven't tainted it in any way", as the Doors' classic 'The End' played at varying speeds in the background.  Then things got weird. The singer picked up a plastic bag, put it over his head and pulled it tight, forming different shapes through his laboured breathing. He repeated the process several times, inbetweem each bag having one more "last ever piece of chocolate". The performance mirroring that in the contraversial video for 'Summer Song'. At first I had found it all quite bizarre, but soon realised this was a powerful piece of performance art. Don't try this at home kids.

I had been blown away by this band a week or so earlier, but it was no comparison to tonight's show as there was a real buzz in the air. As they once again burst into their opening track, 'Into the Breach', the music was gloriously deafening. They went on to play songs such as 'This English Life' from their new EP and older favourites from debut album 'Burn Your Town'. Not always stopping between songs but exploding straight into the next. Kingsley has the kind of deep, velvety voice that makes all of us girls drool, as a good (untainted) chocolate bar does, mesmerising the audience. EP title track, 'Cruel Britannia' was well received, the lyrics a scathing attack on modern broken Britain and its ruling classes. The singer, throughout, wrapping the mic wire around his neck, almost to the point of hanging/choking himself. A cover of Morrissey's 'Every Day is Like Sunday' was dedicated, along with a bouquet (nice touch lads) to Stella, which went down well with the appreciative crowd. An absolutely triumphant music/art mash up that I can honestly say was one of the most fascinating gigs that I've ever attended.

The third and final gig of the North East leg of the tour was at the Studio in Hartlepool. An unassuming old church at first sight, but inside had a very modern feel. First up was a group of young lads, Broke the Stereo. It was obvious that their musical inspiration was Two Door Cinema Club, and the cover they did was an exceptional one, (at least thats what my daughter said). They went on to play a few of their own tunes and got a good reception from the gathered few. Following was another local 5 piece, Palace. As they launched into their first song I was reminded of Edwyn Collins. Although there wasn't anything particularly original or noteworthy about either band I did enjoy their sets.

Next up was Watchers, firm favourites of mine, of whom I never tire of listening to or watching. They opened with 'Train Wreck' and, scanning the room, it was great to see people were really taking notice, several making their way forward. The next song took me by surprise, as singer Liam dropped his guitar and picked up the mic. Now really excited, as I'd never before witnessed this, they burst into new song 'Round n Round', the frontman pacing the stage, part caged lion, part demented ringmaster - "Don't be scared. Pull up a chair" he howled, as those who had moved forward, no doubt, flinched and avoided eye contact. Watchers had just taken things to the next level - something I hadn't thought possible. 'Path of Least Resistance' closed their set and it was obvious they'd made some new fans.

It was now time for tonight's headliner (Chapman Family, in case you hadn't guessed!) I thought the turnout a little disappointing, especially after packed to the rafters mima the week before. I was really looking forward to watching them on a bigger stage, (which had been adorned with red velvet drapes (they do like their red velvet) and hand painted distressed Union flags. Although I really enjoyed the performance, I couldn't help but feel that the band, but specifically Kingsley, appeared somewhat deflated. They still went down a storm with the modest crowd, leaving the stage to rapturous applause and cheers.

I would definitely recommend both the album and the EP, and check out 'Summer Song', a phenomonal tune and video. You can catch these guys in August playing Stockton Weekender and Split Festival (Sunderland) in September. You won't be disappointed.






Monday 25 June 2012

Lone Wolf Promotions June

In June Lone Wolf and Independent Live joined forces. The venue was Independent Little Room, and first up was Cohesion, who I'd seen (and enjoyed). There was only a very small audience, but it didn't stop them from giving a very impressive performance. Next up was Bleachbird. New to me, but it wasn't hard to work out that they had been influenced by bands such as The Strokes, Libertines and a number of classic Mod bands. They did a decent  cover of The Strokes 'New York City Cops', but  the rest of their set was all their own stuff. Next it was the headliners of the night, Towns. These guys are a four piece from Weston Super Mare who, by their own admittance, are influenced by 90's guitar music. As I listened to their swirling guitar assault,  I was reminded of My Bloody Valentine and the like. They played a great set and it was such a shame that there wasn't more people present to enjoy them.

The Last Lone Wolf gig until the autumn, over the road at Plugged Inn, promised to be a great spectacle. The first band up was a last minute replacement for The Famous When Dead, as injury had caused them to pull out. Gateshead 3 piece - Warning! had energy that was second to none. There was quite a nice little crowd and they appeared to be enjoying the antics of the band, as the singer and bass player jumped all over the small stage. The singer is a real showman and reminds me of a young Justin Hawkins, from the Darkness. Although they are quite a heavy band, I was reminded in parts of Red Hot Chili Peppers, as some of their guitar riffs were really funky.

Parastatic were up next. I had seen them once before and had loved how different they were. This time their set was going to be special, as they were incorporating projected visuals into their performance. I just love the krautrock sound of these guys, reminding me how much I loved Kraftwerk, back in the 80's, and 'Magic Fly' by Space, in the 70's. They use limited vocals, but the heady sound created by these talented musicians, is enough to guide you through each cleverly crafted composition. Although their sound isn't totally unique to the North East music scene, they differ from the likes of Warm Digits because they don't use a drum kit. The scintillating scotoma experienced through the clever use of visuals, synths, sequencers and guitars, held a captive audience to the core. To find out more check them out at http://www.parastatic.co.uk/

A good crowd had now gathered just in time to see headliners Watchers. I am no stranger to this 4 piece from Newcastle, as I try to catch them whenever I can. They opened with 'Train Wreck', and immediately I noticed that people were sitting up and paying attention. Most bands have one member who the audience focus on. However, with Watchers, I find myself constantly scanning the stage, unable to focus on just one of them as they are all captivating to watch. They then played my favourite track, (I think, hard to choose), Night and Knife. When I first saw this band I was aware that singer Liam has a stage presence that, for me, just surpasses all other frontmen. With their own unique brand of psych-rock, each song they played was as accomplished as the previous. Towards the end of regular set-closer 'Path of Least Resistance' saw the singer drop his guitar, attack the effects pedals, then leave the stage, only to tear one of the night's promotional posters from the wall, return to the spotlight and promptly force his head through it, crowning himself triumphant. Rightly so, and much to the delight of the crowd. Summer sees the release of their double A sided single, 'Cut the Ribbon / Rebel' but you can catch them at several gigs in the coming weeks. To check out where and when they're playing go to the following link. http://www.thewatchers.co.uk/



Saturday 23 June 2012

Elysium All Dayer

I couldn't believe that a year had passed since the last Elysium All Dayer. Unfortunately I only had the opportunity to pop in for a short while, but I was sure, in that time, I would see a band that would catch my attention. The first act I caught was called Black River. These guys looked every bit the heavy rock band (well maybe not all of them). During their second song 'Deja Vu', the singer moved around, animated and getting right into the swing of things. However, I don't know if it was the mic or not but the vocals weren't particularly clear and I was struggling to hear. This caused me to kind of lose interest. The next song they played, 'Freeway', I really enjoyed as it reminded me of a good old fashioned 70's rock song. All in all, I felt this band was a little one dimensional, and I felt they needed some kind of backing vocal to project more.
For a rock gig, it was kind of different as upstairs there was an acoustic setup, quite unconventional I thought. When I ventured upstairs I was surprised at the amount of people in there (as opposed to the much less occupied space downstairs) as the room was full. There was a young lady by the name of Hannah Neil, setting up. One of the songs she sang was a rendition of Bonnie Tylers 'Heartache'. Although she had a good strong voice I wasn't keen. I thought it was a little karaoke and she didn't appear to know all of the words. Next she sang one of her own songs which was so much better. She had a great, husky tone to her voice which reminded me of Cyndi Lauper. The one thing that bothered me about this room was that there was a lot of talking going on, which I find really annoying, especially as it was an acoustic set.
Back downstairs the next band, No Reason Why, were just starting. As soon as these guys started playing I just knew they were going to be my kind of thing. They had so much energy. Their song, 'Kids With Guns' was a fantastic number. This band was generating a lot of interest, as there was now quite a crowd gathering. It was obvious too that the band were enjoying themselves, as livewire guitarist Stesh Thompson had bounded from the stage and was going wild, in true rock star form. The next song 'Voice of Reason' is available on amazon and, if you like raw rock with a punky edge, I would definitely recomend this band.
Elysium Productions goes to great lengths every year to put on this All Dayer, so if you like great rock music keep your eyes open for next years event. It's really worth attending.

Sunday 17 June 2012

Lone Wolf Promotions May

Independent was the venue for the first of Lone Wolf's May gigs. There was rather a decent crowd as the first band, The Blitz went on stage. Although young, this four piece from Sunderland are working hard to revive the punk scene in the region. A different approach to other local young musicians. As I watched these lads I realised that they had really matured and I felt they now had their own stamp as a band and no longer reminded me of the Green Day cover band that I once thought. By the time they played their final song 'In Revolt', from their new album, 'Like a Hurricane', it was obvious that they had been a hit with the audience too. If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend going to see them.
Next up was a band that I had been really looking forward to seeing, Bison Hunting. I had briefly heard a clip of one of their tunes, which is what had wet my appetite for them in the first place. These guys reminded me of Queens of the Stone Age, dark and heavy, but with a 70's rock vibe. I was really surprised when I clapped eyes on them as, in my head, I had been expecting long haired rockers, which definitely was not the case. One of the songs they played was so like one of my favourite songs 'Ariel', by System of a Down, because of the way they vary the tempo within a single song. Again, another band to check out.
It was now time for the main attraction, Sonner, a band with which I am very familiar. I first saw them about three years ago and just knew I was going to be a fan. They were amongst the first local bands that I got hooked on and, as a consequence, started following the local music scene. When they played 'Black Puma Rise'(a heavy little number), I was watching singer Mick playing guitar and he made a complex deed look effortless. I was really loving the sound of his voice, soulful, husky with deep rock undertones. They went on to play my fave Sonner song, 'Prison Man'. Keep your eyes peeled as they have a new single out later in the year.

The next LW gig had created a buzz on the local music scene. Initially it was promoted without letting on who was playing, and it was only through a clever poster campaign starting with a bar code, and followed by a series of visual clues which led to the line up reveal. First up was Fathoms, a five piece from Newcastle. As I looked around the audience, it was apparant that some of the audience was not prepared for what they were going to see or hear. Singer Natalie Stern was dressed all in black but sporting a white hooded cape, all adding to the theatre of this heavy rock act.  These guys are more hardcore than any other local band that I have seen. One of their songs really reminded me of a song from my youth, 'Radar Love' by Golden Earring. These guys went down a storm with the audience.
It was now time for the headline band. You could feel the excitement in the air as Nately's Whore's Kid Sister took to the stage. Donned in black, with tights as masks on their heads, the crowd were now cheering wildly. This band is mainly made up from members of Newcastle band Grandfather Birds, but their sounds are poles apart. NWKS started playing and as I scanned the room all I could see was the nodding heads of the audience, all in sync with the heavy beat of the twin drums and grinding guitar. It was really quite bizzare and hypnotic. As each song finished the applause and cheers were as deafening as the band themselves. The atmosphere was totally electric and with a DJ set from another Newcastle band, Watchers, the night was a total success.

The final LW gig for May was at Plugged Inn. The first band of the night was another new band to me, Echohead, a four piece from Sunderland. As I listened to them I could pick up bits of rockabilly and surf garage (and that's a good thing). They reminded me of Newcastle band, The Matadors. There was quite a good crowd and the band went down really well, finishing with a tune that was not unlike a funky Chilli Peppers number.
Next up was Streaming Lights, a three piece from Hull. I had first seen them support Wolfgang, a year earlier. I was really excited to see them play again, especially as they had lots of new stuff to showcase. They played a song called 'It's a Mystery', which had a really 60's kind of psychedelic prog sound. It was obvious that the guys were having a great time and it reflected in the mood of the audience. They finished with a song called 'Jump Ship', which was really fitting for the occassion as there was a Royal Navy ship moored and hundreds of sailors out on the town.
Headling this gig, and making their Wearside debut, was Symphonic Pictures. I have followed these guys since their first gig, and just love their sound. Like the previous band it has a real psychedelic/pop edge. Although they usually appear on stage all dressed in white, it was nice to see them just casually dressed. They played a mixture of songs I was familiar with and a couple of new ones. They also played my favourite song, 'Bootstrap Paradox', which they dedicated to me as they don't play it too often, as it isn't as up tempo as their other songs. They also played 'Feathers', which is fast becoming a firm favourite, and looked to appeal to the growing crowd. They finished with 'Backwoods' (a bit of a tradition) which got lots of whoops and cheers from the crowd. With a little luck there's to be an EP release later in the year.
So, all in all another great month of local music courtesy of Lone Wolf Promotions. For further information on up and coming gigs, check out the Lone Wolf web page: www.lonewolfpromo.co.uk

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Lone Wolf Promotions April

Lone Wolf Promotions provided some great gigs in April. First up was a gig at Sunderland's Plugged Inn, and first to take the stage was Mick Rolfe, former frontman of Uncle Monty. I first saw newcastle singer/songwriter Mick, playing at the Cluny, and was immediately a fan.  There was a small crowd gathering and it appeared they were appreciating his music. Mick played his solo version of his old band's song, 'Round and Round', which went down really well, especially with Lone Wolf Alex.

Next up was South Shields band, Hollywood and Vines. This was only the second time that I had seen them play, and I was really enjoying their indie/pop sound, as was the now growing crowd. The band are currently preparing to record their EP and I'm looking forward to hearing it.

It was now time for the headline of the night, The Union Choir, another Shields' ensemble. I have seen this band perform on several occasions (and each time with a varying number of members!) The Union Choir are quite different from most of the bands on the local scene. At first they appear to be a folky kind of group, but once singer Jon Melvin starts to sing, it is quite apparent that they aren't. He very much reminds me of a young Morissey, with his moves and onstage antics. Tonight was no exception. Although a sore throat nearly resulted in them cancelling, the ever-professional frontman downed a few whiskeys (for medicinal purposes, obviously) and extra strong Lockets to dazzle the crowd. 

The last Lone Wolf gig for April was Liars Lie! single launch. As the first band, Cohesion, took to the stage, there was already a good crowd. As they launched into their first song I just knew that I was going to like them. Loud and rocky, just my thing. As they progressed through their set I was reminded of This Ain't Vegas, as the singer sings with a very distinctive North East accent, just like that of Richard Amundsen, of that band, as well as Coal Train.

The next lot up, Spray on Jeans, are a band that I'm no stranger to. As I watched, I was  aware that every time I see them they just keep getting better. They announced that this was to be their last gig as Spray on Jeans. They promptly went on to say they were staying together and taking on a slightly new direction. At this point they then played a new song, much to the delight of the crowd.

It was now time for Liars Lie! to take to the stage. They played a new song which had a funky kind of Red Hot Chili Peppers sound about it. This was the second time that I had seen this band and I was really enjoying their performance. They put some great drum and guitar riffs in their songs, which speed up and slow down, making the tunes really interesting. What really did it for me, was a stint where the drummer stood and played for a while and then sat down and did a Cozy Powell style solo, which was tremendous. They also provided lots of drama by throwing around a pig's heart, (real rock and roll!) considering the singer is a veggie.

All in all I would say that Lone Wolf had a very successful April and I was really looking forward to what was in store for May.