Lucigenic - Joy

Manchester supergroup Lucigenic returned recently with their latest single ‘Joy’. It was recorded at Far Heath Studio with Mike Bennett (Fat White Family, The Fall, Ian Brown) producing and Angus Wallace engineering.

Artwork Photo credit : Olivia McCaffrey/Rachael Flaszczak / Dylan (Fried Banana)

In 2021, they released the ’Hope’ and ‘Still Breathing’, reacquainting themselves with many of rock music’s classic moments from the 70s and 80s. A method that takes some courage with so many ready to sneer in the modern world. On ‘Joy’, they double down on this methodology. Does it pay off?

Lucy Davies taps into her Stevie Knicks and Patti Smith power at times but, it’s the little punky Siouxee or Ari flourishes and the Louise Wener whispering refrain that truly captivate. Mark Refoy’s guitars range from the shimmer Marr to the ecstatic Mick Ronson to the pop splendour of Bolan. Meanwhile, drummer Dave Barbarossa has that Mick Fleetwood or Terry "Bandsman" Howarth appeal which, no matter the vocals or solos in play, just make you want to air drum like a child.

It should come as no surprise this trio has this ability. However, it’s the childlike spirit that makes it great. This is the sound of friends laying their teenage record collections bare. From the Banshees to Fleetwood Mac all the way up to the Rob Collins inspired keys, Lucigenic have reimagined their past to produce a melodic rumble that few can match today.

*Banner image courtesy of Sonic PR and Trust A Fox

Berries – Wall of Noise

London trio returned earlier this month with their new single ‘Wall of Noise’. Recorded and mixed by Antony Smith at Big Smith Studio it was released on the iconic Xtra Mile Recordings label.

Image and artwork courtesy of Sonic PR

‘Wall of Noise’ bravely tackles mental health issues. It poignantly portrays the nagging voices and the exhaustive cerebral fog this brings about:

“The wall of noise / Threatens to leak all the things we don't see / Distorted voice /Blink and it's gone but for now it lives on.”

Rather than just serving up platitudes to raise awareness, they have taken aim at us all who do so:

“Conversations inflate / Spread it on sure / But don't leave it here / As it may interfere / Because we wait / Patient irate / Unsociably perfectly placed”

Their pain and fury are set to a gloriously destructive set of Bugeye basslines and Cribs-esque licks and the righteousness of Liines. It continually threatens to explode, the perfect soundtrack to those who are suffering. When it does erupt, the solo takes on the angst of Sleater Kinney, the power of The Breeders with Yeah Yeah Yeah’s “fuck you” attitude.

Their debut album is expected for release this summer. Here are their live dates:

Matt McManamon – Meet Me By The River

Images courtesy of Sonic PR.

Former Dead 60s frontman returns with his new single ‘Meet Me By The River’. Recorded at the Transmission Rooms (Longford, Ireland), it’s taken from the acclaimed debut solo album ‘Scally Folk’.

Fittingly, on this ode to lost venues of Liverpool, McManamon taps into the melodic majesty of Shack’s ‘HMS Fable’ and The La’s at their free-flowing best. So carefree is the spirit here that, you’d be forgiven for sauntering around like the star of an 80s yoghurt commercial.

Often, songs that yearn for yesterday are doused in melancholy. Here, the feather-light acoustic guitars lend a celebratory feel. As such, it elevates his integrity in telling this tale. A personal joy is extracted which is heightened by the enriching solo and folk strings.

With a sense of normality back in the world of music, McManamon’s mini-tour in November is shaping up to be a must-see. The melodic freedom of this single alone is enough to turn a grey working day into something great.

Ian Roland & The Subtown - Double Rainbow

Ian Roland & The Subtown Set are songwriter and guitarist, Ian Roland, joined by Simon Yapp, on violin and Jade Woodhouse, on cello. The Sussex trio released ‘Double Rainbow’ at the end of February. It was recorded at Airtight Studios (Manchester) with producer Nigel Stonier (Thea Gilmore, The Waterboys, Joan Baez) and, with Simon Yapp Subtown Studios, in Brighton.

Image & artwork supplied by Sonic PR

‘Double Rainbow’ is steeped in folk and warming orchestration. At times traditional roots and at others, it spreads it wings to a more pop friendly realm. The latter, can be seen on ‘Searchlight’, ‘Human Too’ and ‘Day Become You’. The first two, whilst pleasant, never really land any real memorable moments. ‘Day Became You’ though, is an instant classic. If The Housemartins had formed in an idyllic forest, this unshackled sauntering pop gem would surely have been the outcome.

Of the more traditional folk moments, ‘Butterfly’ and The Valley’ are the standouts. The former, a quaint tale of park walks in London with Roland’s children and, tree climbing in Lewisham as a child. The gradual build to the climax is delivered with a poise to rouse the spirits in these bleak times. Meanwhile, ‘The Valley’, has the earnest and heart-warming orchestration of Johnny Flynn’s classic ‘Been Listening’.

Title track ‘Double Rainbow’ and ‘Shooting Star’, find a sweet spot between the two styles. ‘Double Rainbow’, vocally, nestles in alongside the charm of Christy Moore whilst, musically, it searches, reaches for something bigger than the sum of its part.

On ‘Shooting Star', Roland finds a sense of romanticism that will renew your faith in humanity. For five minutes, you are transported to a world of rural charm akin to Mackenzie Crook’s reimagining of Worzel Gummage. Roland’s vocals are hushed and delicate, the perfect accompaniment to the frosty yet spritely acoustic guitars.

Roland and co have set their lasers to charm and overall, not disappointed. In a time of health crisis, this is an album of charm to replenish the soul with.