Café Spice – Open Door

Manchester’s Café Spice have returned with their third single ‘Open Door’ on 27th September. They have dates in London (The Old Church, Stoke Newington 30th November) and Manchester (Band on the Wall 10th December), gigs which are sure to sell out.  

‘Open Door’ is a tale of failed romance and moving on but, crucially, its delivered with rare honesty and integrity. The lyrics, from the opening line, come with a striking poignancy:

“My heart is full / My heart is heavy”

Immediately, the scenario of impending break up looms, the pit of your stomach will turn to knots!

Their previous single ‘Bn2’, showcased with aplomb, cliché is not part of their remit. There is not an ounce of triumphant closure on display. Like any aspect of life, there are no full stops. The end is clear, the pain is tangible, but the concept of “what’s next” is as freeing as it is daunting.  

Café Spice have delivered yet another outstanding single. New acts, attempting the complex, in this case trifecta harmonies, often show promise but are not fully formed. Much like First Aid Kit circa ‘The Lions Roar’, they are coming with fully formed pieces of emotive art.

Getrz - Think of the Future

Swindon outfit Getrz self-released their second EP ‘Think of the Future’ at the end of August. To date, they have been a band that has been scintillating on the live circuit but not transferred that prowess to the studio. Might this be their time?

'She Heard I'm A Dreamer' and 'Annie' suggest both yes and no. Both littered with moments to entice you in but fall short of blowing you away. The former, has an infectious chorus and Tom Meighan inspired vocals but, after threatening the killer solo, it doesn’t materialise. ‘Annie’, signs of with Miles Kane in disco mode and is peak Arctic Monkeys playing their best Pearl Jam riffs but, lacks the hook in the chorus.

The title track will divide opinion. Big resounding rock anthems like this always do, especially when they come with a piano reprise. One man's 'Layla' is another's Bill and Ted. However, the ambition, the vision and crucially, the conviction to put this is out is inspirational. This is the stuff of rock giants 4 albums

What makes you question the missing elements is the sparkling ‘How Do You Think I Feel?’ . A true moment of punk rock glory. Their love of grunge is channelled via a punk-pop playfulness. A sonic that might well take them to stardom.

It goes further than this though. We’ve all heard a million punk-pop tales of relationship woe. Big deal! Getrz though, have that top notch British drama feel to their story telling. Gritty, painful, and laying bare the feelings of the common person can relate to.

This is not the moment where GETRZ breakthrough but, they are peeping over your hedges and ready to burst in!

*Image courtesy of Jon Mo Photography

The Velvet Hands – This Feeling

Fresh from supporting 2019’s all-conquering heroes Fontaines D.C. and the omnipresent Liam Gallagher, the Falmouth four-piece are back! Their new single ‘This Feeling’, is released on 27th September via Jam X Recordings.

If previous single 'Don't Be Good To Me' was a solid jab, 'This Feeling' is a massive right hook! The brazen NYC rock n roll of The Strokes collides with the Danish punks Iceage. The results, slice of pure devilment.

Despite the chaos, there are moments of pop majesty. The Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist meets Julian Casablancas back ‘n’ forth vocals recreate the Pete and Carl dynamic for a drunken night out in 2019.

Nevertheless, it’s the intensity that overshadows everything here. Pete Shelly may have left this mortal coil but, his soul lives strong and furious in the The Velvet Hands.  

There some moments of real pop majesty lurking within here. The early Libertines back n forth vocals being the cream of the crop. However, it’s the intensity of it all that overshadows everything. With the spirit and the joy of the Buzzcocks in their hearts, it’s to visualise the assault they put upon their kit in the studio.

Thousand Yard Stare – It Sparks!

When Thousand Yard Stare returned in 2015 at the 100 Club, no one could have foreseen the two fine Eps that followed. Such was their quality, most believed this was then riding off into the sunset on top.

The gigs kept coming though, and now, it’s coming full circle with another 100 Club date on October 3rd. To mark the occasion, they are releasing a new single 'It Sparks' via Stifled Aardvark Records.

Recorded at Raffer Studios in Kent (with Callum Rafftery), it continues in the vein of the Eps. Adopting new directions into their underdog spirit. The pomp and pomposity contained in the orchestral opening melts into House of Love via The Cult's guitars. It's a glorious pop music moment. 26 Seconds of vile Tory austerity disintegrates into menacing rock music.

It’s one thing to attack, it’s another to take people with you. In Stephen Barnes’ vocals, they have an instrument to do just that. They’re the musical equivalent of the Phil Kingston, the climate change protestor who sat upon a DLR train for his 83rd birthday. They carry a depth of love and selflessness you simply have to follow.

Barnes has always carried melody well but, this feels more like a performance. Throughout, he threatens a Johnny Rotten snarling violence but it never fully materialises. It’s pure drama, holing the listener in a state of excitement.

This is a notable point in TYS career. It might not be their best pop single, but it's definitely their most profound. With a new album in the offing, exciting times lay ahead.

Get Cape Wear Cape Fly! - The Unconventionals

After the triumphant return of Sam Duckwork’s moniker Get Cape Wear Cape Fly in 2018, the Southend troubadour is back with a one off single. ‘The Unconventionals’, written, recorded and put out in 24 hours is out now!

Musically, it has all the hallmarks of Get Cape's introspective pop music. The hope and critique of Billy Bragg is once more prevalent. However, sonically, this feels like a leap off moment for Duckworth. Whereas 2018 was reinvention of the hopeful Get Cape sound relevant to 2018, ‘The Unconventionals’ treads pastures[AM1]  new.

This is a single, lyrically embedded in the political mess of today. However, Duckworth’s guitars are less hopeful indie kid and more Wilco via New Orleans ray of sunshine. It’s a seed of proof that there is a way forward, the dross of Brexit will not be forever.

Mark Morriss - Look Up

Mark Morriss releases his 4th solo album ‘Look Up’ on 20th September via Reckless Yes Records. The Bluetones frontman is relentless on the live circuit but, four years since his last album (The Taste of Mark Morris), is the magic still there?

Fortunately for Morriss, the world flipped upside down politically and served his muse well. The Stevie Wonder-inspired ‘All The Wrong People’, hilariously bashes the insane machinations of Trump aka the “big blonde hippopotamus”.

Live favourites ‘Rimini’ and ‘Roll Away’ follow similar paths. The former, written the day of the Brexit result, ended a year-long bout of writer’s block. Full of sci-fi charm, Morriss deals with the shock of the referendum result. His ability to get across the aching feeling of loss in your homeland is remarkable.

‘Roll Away’ though, is another animal. Morriss, returning home from a Bluetones rehearsal, heard Anais Mitchell and Martin Green’s song on the radio. Struck by its message about refugee’s plight, re-recorded with stunning effects. With the Today Programme reporting daily on migrants crossing in dinghy’s, Morriss’ vocal brings home the haunting tragedy of those without.

Unsurprisingly, the record is littered with pop instincts, a hallmark of The Bluetones and his solo career. ‘Holiday of a Lifetime’, written by a campfire with his children, contains an elegant simplicity and beauty reflecting those surroundings. All the while, a nagging sense of a forlorn reality awaiting end feels inevitable.  

The wholesomeness fades on ‘The Beans’. Morriss’ lyrical wit and savagery take aim at a tumultuous relationship. Meanwhile, on opener ‘Adventures’, Morriss twists and turns from country-folk to Roxy Music and Dexys via the sublime Saxophone work. Again, Morriss deals with the Brexit conundrum: examining the isolation it caused so many reasonable-minded folks to endure.

Not only is the magic still prevalent, but it’s also flourishing. ‘Science and Nature’ is, for our money, Morriss’ pinnacle. ‘Look Up’ is full of creative risk-taking which rivals

*Image courtesy of Ben Meadows

Lacuna Bloome - Plastic

Brighton four piece Lacuna Bloome release 'Plastic' on Thursday 19th September, the lead single from their upcoming EP recorded at Audiobeach Studios (Producer Forbes Coleman).

It's easy to be swept along by the majesty of their playing. However, on 'Plastic', they have delivered a stunning indictment of the times. With Blake and peak Ashcroft in their hearts, poetic summation and defiance oozes from their souls. The punk insight of Billy Bragg emanates from the line “What you see is out of plain sight / Drifting everywhere” but, frontman Niall sings, it's with Johnny Marr's heart.

Musically, Ride's pop tinged 'Future Love' collides with the thunder of Stone Roses' 'This Is The One'. The sun kissed psyche guitars loop to sail you away to hazy climates in the early stages before, blood sweat and tears of the closing stages bring you crashing to shore.

Those closing moments, they're more than bombastic rock n roll. As Niall wrenches “yes its changing”, something more than music is happening. This is a gut wrenching clarion call echoing the desperation of Ian Curtis on 'Closer'.

Hope has been sparse of late. Maybe, just maybe Lacuna Bloome are the catalyst for the change they passionately decree. Winter is coming but, it would appear this four piece are drawing their Jon Snow battle lines, get behind them and charge into the night!

*Image courtesy of @shotbybutch

James Dey – Summer

Leeds' James Dey is releasing an EP for each season in 2019. Following on from his superb 'Spring EP', comes the equally fine 'Summer EP'.

Dey has pulled a master stroke on this EP. Focusing on how love and fond memories emerge from the rare but cherished warmer days of the UK, he has taken the personal and made them universal.

The loving nostalgia on 'Him For Her' will take you to the place where you and your loved one are the only care in the world. Dey takes in the insignificance of human without a trace of melancholy and builds layers of love upon the characters. It is only fitting that, Dey adopts an Elliot Smith style for this hand in hand stroll along the beach.

His Smith influences join forces with The Beatles on 'The Nettles Looked Nice Today'. There is a warmth here that showcases a warmth and talent that should be recording in Abbey Road.

'Awake' lifts Dey to the level where those who could fund that project, will find it hard not to do so. The gentile guitars alongside the slow moving traffic takes a dull Uk town on a hazy afternoon and paints it full of colour!

As the world looks back at 'Definitely Maybe', 'The Holy Bible', 'Dummy' and 'Dog Man Star' 25 years on, 'Awake' creates a sound scape worthy of overlaying a montage of those hopeful days. 'Awake', although calming in presence, is the sound of young hearts searching their minds, reaching for identities as yet unfounded on long summer nights.

With two more EPs to come, Dey has set the bar impressively high to match them.

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Argh Kid - Derelict Dreams

Manchester's Argh Kid set 2019 alight with former single 'Neighbours'. Now, spoken word artist Dave Scott is back with a new EP ‘Derelict Dreams’. Recorded at Editors' Justin Lockey's studio, Scott, backed with a band, attempts to build upon his razor sharp wit and social comment.

Whilst Scott's words are the star of the show, his band are serving up something almost as special. ‘Tearaways' combines the languid style Loyle Carner with Get Cape Wear Cape Fly’s warming brass circa ‘Teenage Chronicles…’. It allows Scott to conjure a murky North West landscape sound tracked to Scorsese’s vision in Taxi Driver. Meanwhile, on ‘Reunion’, they pay homage to Membranes legend John Robb via destructive bass playing.

Lyrically, across both these songs, Scott's reputation continues to rise, rapidly. ‘Tearaways’ paints pictures of dimly lit parks, fights, cider, and drug, something teenagers, generation after generation can relate to.

'Reunion', a brutal analysis of an abusive father (“Was it the left or the right when you kicked her goodnight”) is a haunting and righteous reliving of teenage pain.

Then there is 'Beige'. Musically, it again shows of another side, bringing in Celtic folk influences. Scott's lifelong battle against isolation and social attitudes that will move you to tears. Teachers setting a path for impressionable young minds to “other” him is a crushing but, the spirit and, the loving endeavour to search for belonging is heart-warming.

In a time where vultures sit at the head table, Scott shines a light on the only route through this quagmire. The difficult pathway, the one where society and the individual show willing to learn and understand other cultures not “send them home” or bully in articles (“bankrobbers” & “letterboxes”).

To say this is a step up from their previous singles is harsh, 'Frank' and 'Neighbours' are top draw. Nevertheless, a step up this is!

Average Sex: The Victoria, London

London’s Average Sex signed off their first UK tour at East London’s Victoria this past Friday night. Having warmed up for us at our 8th birthday just over 2 weeks ago, we were salivating at the thought of a tour hardened band returning home.

In lead guitarist Sam O’Donovan, they have a king hook maker. Whether it’s The Strokes, Beach Boys, Ramones, or The Charlatans, he can turn his hand to the lot. On ‘U Suck’, he taps into Television and adds the destruction of punk to back mercurial front woman Laetitia Bocquet. Much like Mozza and Marr, he is fuelling the fire of Bocquet for the most part, but, on ‘Dump’ and ‘Ugly Strangers’, his licks step out of the darkness to star.

It is impossible though, to watch Average Sex and not be in awe of Bocquet. Her ability to method act each songs’ narrative is joyous. Whether it’s the hysteria of ‘We’re Done’, the wry venom of ‘Erotomania’ or the raw emotion of ‘My Dead Friend’, she gives the audience something different, almost every verse.

Together, not forgetting their slick rhythm section (Louise Earwaker / Finnigan Kidd / Jamie Graeme), they are band who seem to just get it. It’s not enough to just have great songs, you have to mean it, and Average Sex become their songs on stage. This is integrity will lead them to bigger stages sooner rather than later.

*Image courtesy of The Gig Slut

Mark Morriss – The Beans

The Bluetones frontman is on a roll at the moment. Not only are The Bluetones ‘Singles’ and ‘Science and Nature’ albums in the Vinyl top 10, his killer single ‘All The Wrong People’ has been going great guns (available here). The Hounslow Prince (is it too late to make that stick?) is back with an instant classic in the form ‘The Beans’.

You’d be forgiven for thinking this is a ‘Luxembourg’ era single. Infectious as ‘Never Going Nowhere’ and savvy like ‘Fast Boy’ and ‘I Love The City’ firm proof Morriss still has the magic.

Morriss’ lyrics are so often overlooked but, no one deals with relationships better. This, a seriously troubled one (“who cares / if you throw me down stairs”) is negated with so much humour that, it’s only the XTC via west coast 70s solo that brings home that, this is a personal experience.

‘The Beans’ is released on 23rd August via Reckless Yes Records.

Rats ft Skinnyman – Jack

Musically, there’s an array of indie-punk bands reigniting the mid-00s scene at the moment. Liverpool’s RATS are key to the scene, and have returned with their new single ‘Jack’ and, it might just set them apart from the pack.

Unlike so many of the 00s scene, RATS have a visceral social comment and are willing to creative risks in delivering it. For the most part, ’Jack’ conforms to many indie reference points of the 15 years, and does it expertly. It’s great pop music.

Then, the introduction of Skinnyman changes everything. The return to depression era employment tactics is ruining lives. All the while, the givers of zero hour contracts get tax breaks (FUCK BORIS). Step up Skinnyman! His aggressive climax is the sound of the downtrodden getting nose to nose with their oppressors and demanding change!

 *Image courtesy of @ChrisDriverPhoto

The Black Watch - Magic Johnson

Anglophile and English Professor John Fredrick has returned in his guise of The Black Watch. Their 17th album ‘Magic Johnson’ is out now via Atom Records.

Despite Fredrick’s Virginia roots and being based LA, vocally, he has North East England twang reminiscent of Maximo Park’s Smith. Opener ‘Mad’ and ‘Oh You Little Witch’ have the fragile yet spiky delivery the UK fell in love with on Maximo’s debut ‘A Certain Trigger’.

The album’s true strengths lie in the honesty and integrity of the Fredrick’s lyrics. As he decrees ‘I don’t know what you’re on about, half the time’, loveable heroes from British screens are lit up once more. The romanticism of ‘This Is England’s Woody leaps out of the stereo and, by the time of the solo, will leave you in tears.

‘Get Me Out’, sounds like The Cure on a US road trip with its shimmering and introspective sonic. It’s a great platform for the protagonist to attempt escape and a quest for meaning. ‘Knowing It Won’t Come Again (Has Made It All The Sweeter Than)’ is a bittersweet tale of love and laughter whilst getting older.

The Black Watch emerged out of the C86 scene so, it should come no surprise that ‘Jingle Jangle Loop de Loop’ is a beacon of light. The innocence and the psychedelic sway of their origins still oozes from their soul. There are so many right wing commentators yearning for a yesteryear that never really existed at present. So, to hear nostalgia delivered with love is a thing to be cherished.

The problem with ‘Magic Johnson’ though, is its length. It’s too long. Some trimming of the fat (‘Upsy Daisy’ and ‘Arcane Constraints’) and it would be marching up album of the year lists. Despite this, this a joyful meander downstream and one all should embark upon this summer.

Death Valley Girls - Dream Cleaver

LA's Death Valley Girls, fresh from touring last years album 'Darkness Rains', wasted no time before returning to the studio. They have returned with stand alone single 'Dream Cleaver'. It's out now on Suicide Squeeze Records.

Their archetypal punk and garage remain but, now, they've calmed them and allowed their pop instincts to take them to a peculiar altered state of mind. They've taken the hypnotic spirit of Suicide and given it the immediacy Primal Scream.

When the sax kicks in, its easy to see why Bobby Gillespie was at their Victoria (Dalston) show earlier this year. The hallmarks of their dystopian classic '2013' lurk in the shadows of this anthem.

This tale, is a display of adoration for psychonaut and ethnobotonist Terrence McKenna; the founder of “the spirit molecule” and trans-dimensional travel.

In exploring this subject, they have left Stooges aggression of 'Darkness Rains' behind and moved towards a groove laden, white knuckle psychedelia realm.

Moon Duo - Lost Heads

Portland based Sanae Yamada and Ripley Johnson are back in the guise of Moon Duo. They release their second single 'Lost Heads' from their upcoming album ‘Stars Are The Light’, which is set for release on September 27th via Sacred Bones ahead of Autumn UK tour dates.

They have been prolific in their psyche exploration, but, for their next adventure (the 7th album) its a forage into the roots of disco. 'Lost Heads', in particular has a particularity British feel circa -88-91. Johnson's guitars are still at play, and after a residency in Salford this year, picked up influences from the psyche work of James on 'Bitch' and 'Girl at the End of the World'.
 
The hypnotic elements of Primal Scream's 'Autobahn' loom, but, 'Lost Heads' is far dreamier and acid tinged. It's ethereal qualities are that blissful moment on a night out; the headliner has blown you away and now your floating in space.

When you hear a band, like Moon Duo, famed for a strand of music for so long are ripping up all they know, alarm bells ring. To return with a new style of such quality and integrity, is not only remarkable, its just plain showing off. More please!

Average Sex - Erotomania

London's Average Sex, begin their nationwide tour tonight in Liverpool. To celebrate,they've released their new single 'Erotomania' via Tim Burgess' O Genesis imprint.

Song writing partnership, Sam and Letitia, haven't missed a beat since last years 'To My Dead Friend'. Slightly fuzzy, slightly 60s girl group and most definitely kick ass, can anyone match them for alt-pop right now?

As with their previous singles, its so easy to get lost in their melodies. However, scratch the surface and lyrically, darker avenues open up. They have an innate ability to recreate traumatic and intimate tales with such clarity, it's as though you lived through it with them.

Despite the obvious hurt on display, they continually find ways of making the listener laugh. We defy you not to find the humour in the line “Oh Grace why wont you punch me in the face”.

After two sell out EPs, this tour is sure to be the start of big things for Average Sex.

-Image courtesy of Caffy St Luce

Scandinavia - Premium Economy

London's Scandinavia are back with their fifth album 'Premium Economy'. Despite their veteran status, they remain on the DIY circuit, could this be their breakthrough?

At times, the wisdom of their longevity shines through. Tracks like 'Autumn Coat' and 'Melody Glade' have a warmth to their layers which debut albums rarely possess. The former, a fine nugget of jangle pop to soundtrack a youthful summer. Full of adventure and hope, it conjures images of hope, hope the love of your life discovers you exist in that summer holiday. 'Melody Glade', a reflective lullaby, as though The Wannadies recording in your garage.

Scandinavia have not lost their anarchic instincts. 'New Men' has a spiky math rock charm and 'Warriors of Weekend' is a furious Blink 182 meets Teenage Fanclub punk-jangle rumble. The true moment of punk glory arrives on 'I Don't Believe In Anything'. Rebellion hasn't sounded this fun in ages! Accept nothing, challenge everything!

Then, out of nowhere, comes 'Choose Science'. A quirky wry look at the world of scientists. Smooth funked up Public Service Broadcasting style guitar licks poke fun at science as a vocation. In a world of Brian Cox adoration, it's not suggested once that most scientist suffer under the corporate umbrella like the rest of us earning a wage.

It goes further than this though. Beautifully hailing sense and feeling over data, they raise the notion that this country's focus is awry. We are a nation of sport and creative lovers. We embraced one in 2012 and boy did it pay off. Now its time to embrace the other. It's surely what we excel at!

It may have taken Scandinavia five albums, but it would appear they have found their sweet spot. Pop hook after pop hook invade their punk or jingle jangle tendencies. This is definitely an album to sound track the rest of the summer.

The Crooks - Crystal Eyes

Chesterfield's The Crooks are back with their new single 'Crystal Eyes' today. Melodic, in your face rock n roll has been the mantra so far, what will this provide?

The return back to the studio has seen them slide back into the destructive psyche of mid point Oasis along with, a kick ass punk bassline. The added spikiness steers them away from their polished EP and in the direction of confrontation. Images of battle lines being drawn are unavoidable as front man Jacko snarls “ it's in our veins to live differently”.

Yearning to be heard is one thing, but now, The Crooks are demanding it. The rabid attack of The Enemy's 'Away From Here' combines with Oasis' psyche in what is, an announcement to the world to get behind them as they ride into battle.

Every generation has a set of bands luring the people away from insipid creativity. With the vapid Love Island having just finished, let The Crooks be that band.

Apeman Spaceman: The Amersham Arms, London

When 2 members of cult heroes Dogs (Johnny Cooke & Rikki Mehta) formed Apeman Spaceman in 2014, it felt inevitable the world wouldn’t miss out on their genius twice. The success, and more importantly, their vision wasn’t forthcoming immediately. However, 5 years on, it’s all coming together like Hannibal’s finest plan.

The north London outfit headlined The Amersham Arms this past Saturday with a verve and aggression that was undeniable. They took the emotive destruction of IDLES and razor sharp lyricism of Sleaford Mods and put it through their distorted outer space landscapes.  

Latest single ‘Living in a Teacake’, recalled the early guitars and bass licks of Dogs classic ‘London Bridge’. Here though, they go harder and more punkadelic to reach new dystopian glories.

On ‘Check Me Out’, they again find that past sweet spot and combine it with their twisted future. It’s a spellbinding concoction, and when Cooke’s vocals hit full force, they transcend music. They become a devilish subconscious you cannot switch off.

It may have taken five years, but on this evidence it was more than worth it.

This Friday marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music from 7pm. Click the image for tickets: