Nobodies Birthday

Nobodies Birthday are a five-piece rock ‘n’ roll outfit from Reading. They consist of Dom (vocals), Ryan (lead guitar), Steve (rhythm guitar), Brendon bass guitar) and Tom (drums).

Having supported The Cribs, Pigeon Detectives and The Sherlocks, they look set to have a big year with a new EP due for release this year.

Clouds

Frontman Dom takes from all the 00s greats. The cuteness of Kyle Falkner (The View), the debauchery of Matt Bowman (Pigeon Detectives) and the adorable yet confrontational style of Tom Meighan all come together here.

'Clouds' greatest asset though, lies within its warmth. The guitar licks and stomping drums can only emanate from true friendship. This is the sound of mates forging memories. Yes, we want all our bands to sell out tours, but, let it never detract from the romance of the bond and the art they can make along the way.

Lemonade Wages

Sometimes, it feels like all is lost with music. Then, a song falls into your lap like 'Lemonade Wages'. It pays great homage to the lyrical romance of 'Sally Cinnamon', the melody of Oasis’ 'I Will Believe' and the swirling genius of 'Columbia'. Suddenly, it's not cold anymore, you can get the girl and political hope isn’t naive.

Camens

Camens are four piece hailing from Stoke-on-Trent. They consist of Scott Powell (vocals), Josh Egan, James Corbishley, and Luke Brightmore.

After supporting the legendary Futureheads and the soon to be huge The Snuts, they are set to follow suit in 2020. Let’s check out what they have been up to:

Handbrake

The lost indie genius of Reading’s Pete & The Pirates and Manchester’s Polytechnic strides into town once more here. This is a thrill, an absolute joyride of indie pleasure. Picture Liam Fray’s early guitar work and the vocal cuteness of Stonroway’s Brian Briggs and, you’ll be the same pleasure land we’re in!

Time Is Precious

The immediacy of Two Door Cinema Club meets the pop sensibilities of The Wombats on this indie-pop anthem. Big expansive riffs and indie dancefloor rhythms are met with self-doubting lyrics full of wit and charm.

Retro Video Club

Retro Video Club are a four piece from Edinburgh consisting of Liam Allison, Sam McGill, Michael Ward, and Kieran Burt.

Championed by Radio X legend John Kennedy and, with a string of UK dates lined up for March, we dive into their work:

Youth

The seaside desolation of The Horrors' 'Primary Colours' is brought to life once more with the nostalgic organs. From there, they hit blast off and never look back.

Front man, Liam Allison, vocally walks a line of anarchy like Billy Idol (Generation X era) and Julian Casablancas. He also has a cuteness and angelic quality that’s set to adhere him to millions.

Night In

Who among us, can honestly say, we don't love the Scottish accent within rock music? Simon Neil, Gerry Cinnamon, Bobby Gillespie, Scott Hutchison. It's a litany of vocals to adore.

With the desperation of Tribes, the gang mentality of Palma Violets and, the pop hooks of Supergrass, RVC have hit upon anthem gold here.

Prospa

Prospa are a two piece producer outfit hailing from Leeds. Harvey Blumler and Gosha Smith have been setting the rave circuit alive this past 12 months and, with their debut London headline show on the horizon (MOT Unit 18, April 3rd), we look at the work that's taken them to this point.

Prayer

'Prayer' combines the heart of early 90s rave and the expansive brilliance of Magnetic Man. Prospa have hit upon the psychedelic beats of that have seen the Chemical Brothers dominate festival scene for 30 years.

Intended

Again, they manage to encompass all that has gone before and refresh it for 2020. Dan Le Sac vs Scroobious Pip’s analogue production filtering through to the cuteness of Chvrches and on this subtle but heartfelt Kolsch affair.

Working Men's Club

The last twelve months have seen Working Men’s Club touring with Fat White Family and signing to Heavenly. In 2020, they are lining up a big tour and a glorious night at London’s iconic 100 Club with The Murder Capital and Odd Morris.

We take a look at two of their best tracks to date:

Teeth

If Pil were teenagers, this is the hook laden solitude they’d be supplying in 2020. A sense that, everything is fucked, infiltrate the apocalyptic landscapes they conjure. This is the sound of the The Fall, Underworld and Egyptian Blue colliding in a moment of punk protest and guitar music heaven.

Bad Blood

The Streets and Depeche Mode riffs with Jonathon Richman via Mad Max vocals. This is the new sound of house parties. The Jamie T solo is uniting but edgy, a spiky piece of alternative music gold.

This feels like the sweet spot of alternative culture. Dangling the toe into the mainstream and landing the big fish time and time again. Whilst, all the while luring the entrenched indie musos away from their chin stroking to join something truly engaging.

Paris Street Rebels

Paris Street Rebels are a Rock'n'Roll band from Ballingry, Fife, Scotland.

Paris Street Rebels have the greatest band bio on Facebook, bar none. Moving and inspiring, they lay out their mission statement to add themselves to the great annals of rock n roll history. Despite those who deem the glory years over, PSR are taking their shot, and if the doubters are true, it only makes their credentials purer.

The band are made up of Kevin Murphy Jnr (vox/guitar), Grant 'G' Malcolm (vox/guitar), Jordan 'Jazz' McLean (bass guitar) and Cameron Gaudin (drums). Lets check out some of their work to date:

Kings of Balado

There is something about spoken word, in the Scottish accent that lends itself a raw and powerful meaning. Ian Rankin’s recent appearance on The Charlatan’s ‘Future Tense’ and Edwin Morgan’s heroic performance on Idlewild’s ‘Scottish Fiction’ spring to mind.

Here, the Fife four piece have created the drama of the Idlewild song alongside the guttural power of Cabbage to create a life long set closer.

I Don’t Wanna Die Young

This is their crowning glory to date. Snarling, brattish and flamboyant, they spew out a combination of Tribes and The Libertines on this rock 'n roll epic.

The dual vocals, sounding like a duet between Tom Clarke (The Enemy) and Johnny Thunders, have the rock 'n' roll desperation of The Libertines at their peak.

Dylan John Thomas

Hailing from Glasgow, Dylan John Thomas looks set to be the one to finally raise the bar of the troubadour.

Having supported Gerry Cinnamon and Liam Gallagher in 2019, 2020 is Thomas’ as soon as he chooses. Let’s dive into his released from last year:

Problems

Lyrically and vocally, Thomas has found himself a space between Jake Bugg and Gerry Cinnamon on this spritely acoustic affair.

At times, it threatens to become a Scouse affair with gentle rumble of The Stands and Shack coming into play. Throw in the sublimes string section and, Thomas is already musically light years ahead of his peers.

Nobody Else

This sun kissed genteel affair will lead you to Donovan via his contemporary Gerry Cinnamon.

The closing solo, finds John Squire in Fairport Convention. Steeped folk heritage, ‘Mersey Paradise’ ripples through the heart and soul of the quaint pop song.  

Stanleys

Stanleys are a Wigan four piece consisting of Tom Concannon (Vocals), Jake Dorsman (Guitar), Harry Ivory (Bass), and Rob Hilton (Drums). They released their debut EP ‘The Sound of the Stanleys’ last year and have returned with new single ‘Better Life’. It’s released on the 15th January.

A Better Life

Despite their young age, Stanleys have a wisdom way beyond their years. The characterisation is as vivid as Tom Clarke’s work on ‘Will Live and Die in These Towns’ but with a more poetic soul.

This tale of what might have been, depicts a life of a man tragically living in the past. Yet, the sweeping guitars of The Courteeners and the pop sensibilities of Orange Juice lend it a glory that the protagonist continually dreams of.

The Martyr

'The Martyr' is what true outsiderdom sounds like! Heartfelt and longing to escape their surroundings, they’ve hit upon a sound that sounds like a young, angst ridden Richard Hawley roaming Sheffield.

Neev

Neev is a Scottish born London based singer-songwriter. She has just released her second single ‘Across the Glass’. Separating the good singer-songwriters from the unfathomably popular ginger one can be tricky.

Neev however, on her latest single displays such an array of promise that, anyone not left warm and fuzzy inside afterwards is a sociopath.

The orchestration, the tempo change ups and the vividly warming imagery of Glasgow, her home city, has the hallmarks of a veteran artist.  

What elevates Neev above this generation of folk artists is, the short, but emotionally charged acoustic solo. Laced with as much power as Billy Bragg’s ‘Must I Paint You Picture’ and ‘St. Swithin’s Day’, it’s a facet few solo artists have.

Unlike Bragg, Neev lacks that vocal distinctiveness, for now. Nevertheless, her ability to arrange heartfelt folk melodies is going to see her ride off into the sunset a victor! 

*Image courtesy of @arkatier

Pondarosa

Manchester five-piece Pondarosa - formed of James Millington (vocals), Lawrence Aspin (lead guitar), Joe Anderson (rhythm guitar), Adam Ghidouche (drums) and George Shillcock (bass).

They are gearing up for a hometown show at Jimmy’s 1st February with The Feens. Let’s check out what they have been up to:

*Image courtesy of Daniel Ferguson

Sooner or Later

Jingle Jangle guitars of DMA’s and Real Estate should always have soft cute vocals right? Think again! Pondarosa have leaped in to the indie dreampop landscape with James Millington’s gruff Lou Reed meets Ian McCulloch vocals. Expect fans to vehemently say “no, NO, give it another listen. It will grow on you”.

Grow on it you does! The initial jarring, develops into a prime cut for Don Lett’s legendary Culture Clash show on 6Music.

Sun kissed and dreamy Lawrence Aspin and Joe Anderson’s guitar playing will leift you out of the January blues.

Crystalline

Sonically, everything feels more cohesive here. Whilst pleasant, that lack of clashing styles causes a slight drop in excitement.

That said, live, this promises to something that keeps on developing until it hits the fever pitch heights of Andy Bell’s guitar playing on ‘Going Nowhere’.

Louis Croft

Louis Croft, is a twenty year old troubadour from Nottingham. Seemingly born listening to the Kinks and The Beatles, he has a classic British pop meets rock ‘n’ roll spirit flowing through his veins.

A star already in the East Midlands, 2020 is set to be his break out year. Be sure to check him out at Nottingham’s Chameleon Arts Cafe March 20th.

(You’ve Been) Looking Lonely

The free spirit of Jake Bugg connects with 60s pop sensibilities to conjure this little gem. With Gerry Cinnamon’s star somewhere north of the universe at the present, Croft’s Ray Davies crafted pop might well be following suit.

See The Sun

Acoustic guitars don’t usually lend themselves to a confrontational style but, here, Croft has find a spikiness to marvel at. Accompanied by military style drums, Croft has produced the bitterness of an horrific break up.

Narrow Margin

Hailing from Manchester, Narrow Margin are Ian Spiller (lead vocals, guitar, Harmonica) Ben Etches (lead guitar, backing vox) Danny Hollinworth (rhythm guitar) Herbie Hursthouse (bass guitar, backing vox) Jake Etches (drums, backing vox).

Supporting Creation23’s The K’s at their sold out Deaf Institute gig 25th January, they look set to win many fans in 2020. Let’s check out their new single ‘Kids Don’t Dance’, released on the 10th January via 42’s Records.

Kids Don’t Dance

The vibrancy of The Buzzcocks pop and the desperation of Carl Barat’s Albion inspired guitars combine on this euphoric social commentary.

Fed up with apathy and angered at the ever growing echo chambers society finds itself in, Narrow Margin hit the reset button. In doing so, they are waking up a new generation to something far more real than they have been served up in recent times. For anyone old enough to remember the 00s and before, this is a reawakening of the Great British tradition; classless, fearless and reckless rock n roll!

The K's

After blowing the doors of the Roundhouse supporting East London heroes The Rifles last October, Earlestown’s The Ks look set for a big year in 2020.

With big This Feeling shows early in the year, festival slots beckon in the summer. Let’s look at some of their bangers to date:

Sarajevo

An adrenaline fuelled joyride that could only come from a true band of brothers. At every turn lies danger and its exciting as fuck. No wonder they sold out Manchester’s Deaf Institute of the back of it.

It’s the ideal vehicle for the partnership of Ryan Breslin and Jamie Boyle to shine. Breslin’s wizardry on the guitar has no bounds. As we’ve seen in the past though, without an Ian Brown anchoring John Squire to the affections of the public it means nothing. Here, Boyle, adds the innocence to the danger of the guitars. It heeds way for everyone to think, that could be us and, that, is the truly special time to watch a band.

Glass Towns

Absolutely no let-up in the thrill seeking here. This is The Jam with Oasis’ sense of escapism. Nick Love’s ‘Goodbye Charlie Bright’ has a new soundtrack as The K’s deal with the pressures of home life and getting the fuck away from it.

The end of the last decade gave birth to lots of great bands. With the exception of Lucas Crowther from The Rifles, there was really no great guitarist of that era. Breslin, has on this song, announced himself as this generation’s finest.

Auroa

The rock n roll glory of Noel’s early guitar work comes roaring to the surface as, frontman Boyle tells tales of working class characters not seen in a generation.

It kicks and screams its way through the swamp to escape and, it’s that struggle that makes this so triumphant. Breslin, inspired the grooves of ‘Columbia’ and the fire of The Courteeners and The Enemy album, delivers a rage of euphoria.

It’s no surprise Alan McGee’s new label Creation 23 picked this one up. Get down to Nambucca Saturday 11th to see them storm This Feeling’s ‘Big In 2020’ night.

Fast Blood

Fast Blood, a four piece (Abigail, David, Kris and Scot) from Newcastle. They released ‘You’ in November 2019 on. It’s taken from their upcoming debut 4 track EP recorded at Blank Studios.

‘You’ is a thrilling joyride of punk from the anthemic locker of Von Bondies and Descendants. The viscous garage rock guitars are a joyously savage assault on the senses. The real star of the show emanates from Abigail’s vocals. Cut her and she will bleed punk, rebel and outsider. Defiance oozes from her at every turn but, it’s the nuances lurking deeper that lift her above the pack. The cuteness of Phil Spector and the wryness of Kate Nash collide raise this anthem territory.

*Image courtesy of www.stevenlandlesphotography.com

If this is where their journey begins, get us a ticket, we’re fully on board!

Magazine Beach

Magazine Beach, hailing from Washington DC, are made up of Angelo Leitner-Wise (Vocals/guitar), Will Plumley (Guitar), Eric Foreman (Bass) and Jesse McComas (drums/vocals).

Their debut EP ‘Sick Day’ came out in December after only being together for six months, here is our track by track review:

Trainwreck

The pop sensibilities of The Beach Boys is given a punk pop shot in the arm from The Ataris and Sum 41. Despite being distinctively American in its heritage, an air of Teenage Fanclub’s melodic rumble lurks.

Teenage love is perfectly executed via the lines ‘you were the days and the nights in between’ and ‘I could cover my walls in your posters’. The hopelessly romantic and, well, hopelessness of the protagonist will bring memories back to those summers yearning for just one glimpse of “the one”.

Big Tobacco

Biff punk pop riffs need big heart. Magazine Beach's dreamer state of mind provide just that. Despite the isolation of a big city, it’s clearly provided a source of hope to escape.

Leitner-Wise and Plumley’s guitars come relentlessly fire at the gold on this track. From the playbook of Southend’s Asylums, they spew out from an almost alien psychedelic planet.

Flakey Dude

This kind of punk, historically, is overlooked for its lyrical content. OK, its not the political polemic of the Pistols or the William Blake-esque poetry of The Verve. However, who among us doesn’t blow off steam in this fashion? It’s a kind of reflection that deserves more credit.

However, musically, it does fall down but the standards set elsewhere on the EP. The Beach Boys influences dissipate and it becomes a bit one paced.

Living Room

With the anger of ‘Flakey Dude’ still in the blood, ‘Living Room’ finds that musical inspiration it deserves. The social fury of ‘Whit Riot’ collides with the deadbeat melodic genius of ‘Burnout’ on this tale of relationship turmoil.

You can buy the EP here https://magazinebeach.bandcamp.com

Margot

South London 5-piece Margot released ‘In Your Palm’ in December and are gearing up for the release of their debut EP ‘Margotzeko’ on February 7th.

Margot is made up of frontman Alex Hannaway, Alby Cleghorn (guitar), Rob Fenner (guitar/keyboards), Michael Webb (bass) and Ben Andrewes (drums). They formed in 2018 and have to date released six self-produced singles.

Let’s dive in:

In Your Palm

Here’s your tonic to December’s excess. An ode to disillusioned teachers is not the first thought that comes to mind for a new band, yet, here we delightfully are. There’s no punk, no vicious polemic, just laid back Hot Chip one a 4am come down vibes.

Twenty Six

With sumptuous Real Estate guitars, let Margot lead us all to the hope of Spring. That is, until, the torment of the lyrics come to fruition. As the guitars gently meander, lyrically, reflections of a youth ebbing away begin to haunt the soul.

Their ability to blend so clashing emotions is sure to carry them far.

LIVE Dates: 7th February 2020 – Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney, London

The Institutes

The Institutes are a four piece from Coventry made up of Reid Currie (Vocals), Andy Hall (Guitar/Vocals), Andy Lowe (Bass) and Kirk Savage (Drums).

Before they release the eagerly anticipated ‘alleyways’ on the impeccable These Bloody Thieves Records imprint, we take a look back their previous tracks (image courtesy of Melli Foris).

Caught in a Dream

Kurt Vile’s dreamy landscapes have been injected with an urgency that can only come from an English city like Coventry. Their dreams are heartfelt and ambitions of escape are what we all long for.

Their sense of being lost but knowing, hoping the promise land is still out there couldn’t come at a better time after the election disaster.

No Fear

The melancholy of Soundtracks Of Our Lives combines with the exuberance of The Rifles and Gazelle on what, could quite easily be a set opener for ten years. They haven’t nailed the it’s “do or die” sensibility here but, they are mightily close.

Lonely Nights

Andy Hall’s guitars are bugged out and fired up on this scintillating rock n roll affair. Akin to 2019 heroes Cellar Doors, the psyche angst is tempered by Reid Currie’s vocals. Adopting the romance of The Rifles’ Joel and the poetic soul of Johnny Marr.

Is this the next great partnership?

Get down to Dublin Castle on 16th Jan to find out. Tickets here

The Illicits

It’s been one hell of a year for Blackburn’s The Illicits. Appearing on Soccer AM without having released a single, signing to Creation23, supporting Liam Gallagher, Primal Scream and having a top 10 vinyl selling single.

Consisting of George Richards (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar) Brad Hayes (Lead Guitar), Joe Mitchell (Bass) and Matt Cottam (Drums), let’s take a look at their recently sold out double A-side.

*Image courtesy of Sonic PR

Left Behind

With the Sex Pistols’ Steve Jones guesting on guitar, the Lancashire outfit have conjured a venomous and decadent slice of rock ‘n’ roll. The guitars are dangerous and muscular before they erupt into life like Twisted Wheel on ‘D.N.A’ and Jones’ classic ‘Holidays in the Sun’.

Born Slippy

The cover song is back in fashion with rock ‘n’ roll bands. The Illicits cover of the Underworld classic might just be the best one yet. The debauchery of the 90s record is there but, through the sumptuous intertwining of New Order’s ‘Ceremony’, they have given it an ecstatic lift.

The Illicits play a homecoming gig at St George’s Hall in Blackburn on 21st December.

The Gulps

Based in London, The Gulps hail from various parts of Europe and the Middle East, they are Harry All (Lead singer), Franco Buffone (Guitar), Charlie Green (Guitar), Simon Mouchard (Bass) and Raoul Khayat (Drums).

At the Kick Out The Jams all dayer at Amersham Arms recently, The Gulps walked on stage, seemingly unknown to regular attendees. They walked off stage heroes. It was fervent proof that one great rock n roll show can change everything. They were chillingly cool but yet, an embracing hug from all the classic rock n roll reference points.

Here's a a track by track look at 'In The Kings House', the EP they released in April this year:

The Kings House

The title track lays bare their love of The Strokes, which reappears throughout. Here, its coupled with the warmth of glam and the immediacy of punk. Their is a shimmering quality to the guitars akin to Will Seargent (Echo & The Bunnymen) but with the aggression of Miles Kane.

My Girl From Liverpool

The charm of The View meets a classic Scouse jangle. That is, until they put the pedal to the floor!

Every minute begins with the archetypal Shack or Cast acoustic melody before they ramp up the drama to the intensity of Burton and Taylor.

Lola Cola

Full on The Strokes 'Is This It', but with style and showmanship that takes them away from their heroes introverted garage rock. You will be hard pressed to hear 00s indie-punk delivered better all year.

Let Me Say I'm The One

The crowning glory of the EP 'Cigarettes and Alcohol', '20th Century Boy' and 'Richard III' influences on display as a badge of honour.

There is an era defying level of confidence to this song. The ambivalence of front man All's vocals, the elation of the handclaps and the welcoming glam rock is enough to make even Jimmy Anderson smile.

Then, the lyric so many believe they can deliver, very few can emerges:

“they will never understand / what its like to be young”

So simple in rhetoric and yet so hard to pull of. The Gulps do! They are the sound of the next generation coming for their turn; they are not asking!

Shambolics

Shambolics, part of the Creation 23 revolution, are a four piece from Dunfermiline. Made up of Lewis McDonald (Vocals/Guitar), Darren Forbes (Vocals/Guitar) Jordan McHatton (Vocals/Bass) and Jake Bain (Vocals/Drums) , they are creating waves with a blend of the La's jangle and straight up rock n roll. They haven't quite hit that magic formula yet but, some things are inevitable.

Here's what they've been up to:

When She Goes Home

Distorting The La's to their Scottish roots, they've created sweet sonic to accompany a tale about carefree spirit. Despite the sumptuous jangle, it's the pitfalls of the protagonist where this songs beauty lies. The hallmarks of Michael Caine as Alfie or Rita Tushingham as Jo (Taste of Honey) permeate the sun kissed sounds to forge a murkier world to delve into.

My Time Is Now

The euphoric glam of Miles Kane's debut combines with the Libs inspired Trampolene. It's the sound of young people making things happen. In age where more and more is being ripped away from them, it's no wonder Shambolics sound so gloriously violent.