The Wooden Sky

Friday 12 October

I was so excited for this gig. The Wooden Sky had played at one of the first Old Friends Bookends nights a couple of years ago, during a spectacular snowstorm whiteout (not that it phased these Canadians). OF/B was kind of my introduction to the local music scene. Held in Independent, in Sunderland, every month or so the organisers would put on some great local musicians and a headliner from out of the area. Tonight was to see the end of an era as this was to be the last OF/B, as the old place was being demolished and moving to other premises. It was only fitting that The Wooden Sky should be playing for the last time at their 'second home' - Inde.

First to take the stage was singer/songwriter, Joe Banfi accompanied by Annie Rushworth on bass and backing vocals. He played a selection of his own songs and finished with a great track from his 'Iron' EP.

Next up was Matt Stalker and Fables. These guys were probably one of the first local bands that I started to follow. As Matt was one of the OF/B organisers, I thought it really nice that they had the opportunity to play one last time. I was really enjoying singing along to such great songs as Apostrophe Catastrophe and Barnacle to Bow, as were others in the crowd.

The next support, Evening Hymns, I felt would make an impact on the the attentive gathering. This band have been supporting The Wooden Sky on their European tour, and as I had seen them the previous evening at Hartlepool's Studio, I just knew the crowd were in for a treat, especially as The Wooden Sky formed part of the band on some of the songs. Singer/songwriter Jonas Bonnetta marries heartfelt words from life experiences, with beautifully crafted music. Inbetween he borrows the ear of all in the room as he tells tales behind the meanings of his songs. I was totally absorbed into the thrilling music and the harmonies of Jonas and Sylvie just had me rooted to the spot.

The Wooden Sky took to the stage like humble returning heroes. Usually a four piece, it was great to see the addition of violinist, Edwin Huizinga, as he hadn't played with them before in Sunderland. They opened with a track from their new album, Every Child a Daughter, Every Moon a Sun, then went on to play songs from previous albums, If I don't Come Home, You'll Know I'm Gone and When Lost At Sea, of which I definitely recommend you check out. Their unique combo of country tinged indie/folk is a refreshing change from traditional folk or indie music, and they do it so well. They finished with Something Hiding For Us in the Night. After cries of 'more', the band suggested everyone venture downstairs, to the garage, where they would play a couple of acoustic tracks. As everyone filed downstairs, Jonas and Gavin, guitars in hands, Ed with his violin and Andrew and Kip each carrying a drum, followed. They performed an Evening Hymn song followed by one of my favourite songs, Oh My God, which went down a storm with the crowd, who were clapping and singing along. It was a truly magical moment and I could see how thrilled the guys were at this. They went on to play one more song and then left to the sound of rapturous applause and cheering. I can honestly say that it is always an imense pleasure to see them play and the night has to go down as one of my top 5 favourites of the year.

Matadors Gig At The Cluny 2

The first act up was one that I wasn't unfamiliar with, Newcastle five-piece Tissue Culture. Catchy opener 'Bleak Northern Beaches' went down well with the intimate crowd and set the pace for a storming set. These guys play LOUD, almost at odds with the singers unique, understated vocal which hints, ever so slightly, at Interpol's Paul Banks. This was the first time I'd seen them play with the new drummer and the onstage chemistry worked as well as ever, with great onstage presence for such a young band. At one point, and rather unseemingly, their riffing even recalled Thin Lizzy, a big plus for me, and something I wouldn't have associated them with! Finishing with a song called 'Jack', it was fairly evident that they were a deserved hit with those gathered.

Next on stage was Liverpool's Thomas McConnell. Flanked by additional bassist, keyboard player and seemily phantom drummer. Straight away I liked the look, (early Beatlesque). Although very 60's influenced, they were nothing like Beady Eye or such contrived bands (which I just don't get). The singers banter between songs was very Lennon-esque and some of his mannerisms were classic McCartney. I liked his tunes - short, catchy with a real good upbeat feel to them. One of the tracks remined me of the Bob Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues'. Will be keeping an eye out for him playing again.

Headliners, The Matadors, a four piece from Newcastle took to the stage to the strains of Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka and opened with a brooding slow burner reminiscent of House of The Rising Sun. I'm no stranger to this band as I've seen them as support on several occassions, so it was good to see them take the headline slot for a change. There are influences of late 60's, early 70's in their music with almost flamenco-esque guitar bat times, but the band have a very contemporary sound. For me the drums are the foundations on which the rest of the band are built, but it makes their sound really strong. Imagine The Animals meets Arctic Monkeys. Really worth checking out.

Weekend Musical Extravaganza

Friday and, finished work, I was excited for the musical extravaganza of a weekend that lay ahead. First stop was Richmond Live, a small and friendly enough festival in a park on the river. Although I'd specifically travelled to see one of my favourite bands, headliners The Chapman Family I was pleased to catch fellow Tynesiders, Athletes in Paris' earlier set. The five piece (a kind of Little Comets meets Maximo Park meets Friendly Fires) moved energetically about the stage, the singers distinctive North East accent apparent in all songs. These guys are a great festival band and well worth catching live.

Although the clouds had looked threatening all evening, it was only when The Chapman Family took to the stage that the heavens opened. Black-clad singer Kingsley, who had dispensed with the ruffles in favour of a Pop Sex Ltd t-shirt had predicted (and possibly hoped for) as much. This was the first time that I'd seen the band play a big stage and, looking more than comfortable, it was obvious that this is where they belong. Tracks from new EP 'Cruel Britannia', firm favourites from album 'Burn Your Town' and the odd new tune were all delivered masterfully. As some of the young crowd surged forward a select few danced around in the rain, mostly oblivious to the band, but transfixed by a flying glowstick.

Sunday saw a trip to Stockton Weekender. Unable to go on both days, I was determined to get there early and took my place on (not at) the bar, as Goy Boy McIlroy were setting up on the smaller Vela stage. From the off, I knew they were going to be my kind of thing. The frontman-posessed jumped from the stage, scaled speakers and rolled the floor, all the while his amazing vocals unfaltering, bearing an uncanny sonic resemblance to one of my musical heroes, Jim Morrison of The Doors. I noticed quite a crowd that had gathered, some definitely firm followers. Throughout the day, favourites of  mine, Hyde & Beast and Symphonic Pictures impressed as always. As did local lads Weird Shapes. Not so, though, The Milk and Ocean Colour Scene who left me rather cold on a hot summer's day. But headliner's James played to an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd, myself included and ended the weekend on a real high. I must thank Kingsley Chapman for recommending Goy Boy McIlroy to me, as they made the whole Stockton experience one I will not forget. But don't take my word for it, check them out live and thank me later!

Sound of Guns at Kendal Calling

Having previously caught Sound of Guns playing a Warehouse at the small (but perfectly formed) Cult Festival in Newcastle, I couldn't wait to see the Liverpool lads grace a 'proper' festival stage. There was already a good crowd forming in the tent a good 20 minutes before the band were due onstage. The ground seemed excessively muddy - a bit odd (and a bit suspect) as it was inside and hadn't rained. Let's hope it was just beer spillage eh? Usually I would take my place at the front of the stage, but decided to stand at the side on dryer ground. Opening with the first two tracks from new album, 'Angels and Enemies' the now-swollen, and appreciative, crowd chanted the band's name on repeat as the energetic frontman jumped down from the high stage and climbed the barrier, where he was held up by those gathered down the front. He offered out the mic and the crowd sang along with gusto. Once back onstage he picked up his acoustic guitar, launching into 'Backs of Butterflies', my favourite song from the first album.
This was the best crowd I'd ever witnessed at a SoG gig. Surveying the scene, it was obvious that people were really enjoying themselves and well into the performance. After more songs from the new album, older favourite 'Architect' had the faithful in a frenzy, punching the air with fists to the driving, primal beat. For the finale, singer Andy Metcalf (a true showman) scaled the speaker tower, much to the delight of the crowd. Sound of Guns  are very possibly my favourite act. To catch them live is an exciting and exhilarating experience, and the heart and soul of the band is evident in the quality of every performance.

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.

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/

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.