Brighton Unsigned Magazine - August - Issue 10

© ISSUE 10 • AUGUST 2012 • FREE

GUY LLOYD’S BLOG

MUSIC REVIEWS VIDEO REVIEW S

LIVE REVIEWS

PRRESENT EES SENT

BRIGHTON BRIGHTON

CKKSS ROOCKS R

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This Month GUY LLOYD’S BLOG

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THE DENIM AS IT IS SWEET JONNY Friday August 17th STICKY MIKE’S FROG BAR #3

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FEATURED ARTIST TOM STANIFORD

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MUSIC VIDEO REVIEWS

LIVE REVIEW PAGE 6

£4 ENTRY OVER 18S ONLY DOORS 7PM www.LOuTPROMOTiONS.cO.uk

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AudioBeach Studios Brighton & Hove’s Lottery Funded, Non-Profit, Professional Recording Studios

£160

GIG REVIEW

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Recording Session

EP REVIEWS PAGE 7

Everyday, 10am-5pm

£175

Recording Session

Monday - Thursday, 6pm-midnight

£60

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Short Session

Monday - Thursday, 6pm - 9pm *Singer-songwriters/Solo artists only

01273 252313 | info@audiobeachstudios.com

audiobeachstudios.com | facebook.com/audiobeachstudios.brighton

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FIND US AT www.facebook.com/BrightonUnsigned FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @BTONUNSIGNED For advertising enquiries please email Alex Clouter at advertising@brightonunsigned.co.uk or call 01903 267770 Editor: Jordan Thomas

Design/Marketing: Steven Probets

Proofreader: Alex Clouter

Email: jordan@ brightonunsigned.co.uk

Email: steven@ brightonunsigned.co.uk

Cover Band Photography: Gemma Fairhead

Writers: Larissa Rowe (LAR) Shaz Simone (SS) Jordan Thomas (JT) Bryan Williamson (BW)

GUY LLOYD’S..

BECK OFF PEARCEY ..BLOG ABOUT STUFF AND NONSENSE I’m reeling a little bit this morning people. I, like the rest of the nation, am waking up to the headline, ‘Stabbed in the Beck’. Yes, the news that Stuart Pearce is leaving David Beckham out of Team GB.

David Beckham should be in the team and he should be captain and the Spice Girls should be the half-time entertainment. We’ve got the Euros and the World Cup. Who really cares about Team GB as it stands at the moment?

Beckham is a draw. He’s box office beautiful.

I’m a straight man but I wouldn’t say no to a rumble with Golden Balls (I wouldn’t touch them though).

David Beckham is a proud Englishman and apart from the odd dodgy haircut and Rebecca Loos, he’s done us proud. This was his last hurrah and Pearce has pissed all over his party.

And that makes the Olympics and all the money that’s being ploughed in to it, even more pointless.

Shame on you Pearce.

‘Yes I’m hot, but I’m also a bit thick’ It’s unbelievable isn’t it? He’s the most recognisable Englishman on the planet. He’s the most beautiful man on the planet. He’s still got the best hair on this here planet. Yet, Pearce went for Micah Richards and Ryan ‘away from home’ Giggs.

He’s missed a trick here, has Pearce. This is the Olympics. It’s Team GB. This is what is viewed in America as ‘soccer’. It’s not real football. It’s just a bit of a kick about. It’s like one of those Celebrity football matches. We don’t need Giggs and Richards. We need Olly Murs and Jonathon Wilkes. Bring back Bobby Charlton and let’s throw in Kevin Keegan. Come on! We’re on the telly! Let’s have a giggle. Let’s be really British about this. Yep we can take the running, jumping, swimming seriously but Olympic football? Does anyone care?

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Catch Guy’s blog at: guylloyd.co.uk Twitter: twitter.com/guy_lloyd

LIVE REVIEW

Larissa Rowe

of Skief Promotions

E.P REVIEWS

Shaz Simone

NEVER BEEN KISSED PROMOTIONS PRESENTS You’ll remember the first time when it comes to Never Been Kissed...

Never Been Kissed Promotions present an impressive line up for their first ever Brighton rock show at the Hope.

sound. Stomping off with ‘I Know Where You Live’: a track that - while it has its quiet moments culminating in a screaming finish - provides the guilty pleasure of a dirtier kind of rock. One fan, Joe, describes them as “Queens of the Stone Age in the gutter” and I’m inclined to agree.

Graces Collide

Ivy King

www.facebook.com/GracesCollideMusic

www.facebook.com/ivykingmusic

The locally much adored Graces Collide kicked off the night with their own brand of catchy classic rock. Playing to a full house they treated fans to a couple of new songs: a catchy, heavier number titled ‘When the World Falls Down’ and a powerful ballad with an attractive off beat quality called ‘Rise’. The finale was a blasting out of heavier classic ‘Help Me Stand’, demonstrating that their passionate live performances and popular tracks are a strong base on which Graces Collide are constantly building.

A buzz around the event regarding special guests was finally satisfied as surprise band Ivy King strutted onto the stage to treat us to a few songs. Pleading for an extension, granted the band one extra song that was well worth it for more of their charismatic vocalist, trendy rock sound and striking drum solos, which couldn’t fail to lure in the crowd.

Emersis www.facebook.com/Emersisband

A roaring start from another up and coming Sussex band, Emersis, demonstrates the fervent, powerful vocals, catchy riffs and fast paced soloing that are the staples of the band’s appeal. Vocalist Stephen Chatfield has an impressive stage presence, rocking out with each band member and climbing down into the crowd to headbang with the fans. The band shows a solid range of tracks, picking up the pace for the finale with zealous drumming, keeping the sound tight and the headbanging crowd going.

Dead Celebs www.facebook.com/TheDeadCelebs

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Introduced to the stage as “mingers”, three-piece Dead Celebs delve the night into a grungier, southern rock

Gunshot Straight www.reverbnation.com/gunshotstraight

Finally the headline act Gunshot Straight took to the stage to round off the evening with summertime classic rock that defied the weather outside. Less brash than much of the support, these three hypnotised the crowd with a soft southern drawl, long and lightning speed solos and a general air of enjoyment. ‘Worlds Apart’ particularly caught my attention with melancholy vocals suddenly launching into a flying beat, drumsticks all a blur fuelled by an impressive guitar solo and attractive bass flourishes.

All in all a brilliant line-up of up and coming rock and metal talent put on by a promoter passionate about local music – just what Brighton is crying out for. Catch the next Never Been Kissed event at the Hope on August 25th!

JIPSY MAGIC

We Can, We Should, We Will Genre: Indie / Funk

We Can, We Should, We Will is the eclectic EP from Brighton five-piece Jipsy Magic. Forget snap, crackle, and pop: this is blues, funk, and rock. Like bubble wrap in musical form, it’s guaranteed to bring you bliss!

From a band that has recently joined the roster at independent record label Overhead Wires, this record is a reflection of things to come: fun, fans and sweet, sweet, sounds.

‘Silky Sals Rhythm and Blues’ is the EP’s bluesy rock ‘n’ roll devil. It’s that mischievous best friend that taunts you to the pub, putting you in an irresistible party mood regardless of your initial grump – it’ll leave you twisting and shouting. Bringing out the funk in Jipsy Magic is ‘Lindus’. With its grooving base line, psychedelic rock tones, and Anthony Kiedis style vocals, it’s a song that gaits with a smooth attitude.

If there’s one track that’s marginally more charming than others it’s the fluorescent ‘Girls in the City’. If this funk rock track doesn’t make you move, get to the doctors because you need oiling! The remainder of this EP introduces a slice of jazz during ‘Heartbreaker’, and plays with a range of tempos… even the slow songs have an addictive character. A superb collection of songs.

www.jipsymagic.com

The Truth, The Trust, The Love Genre: Post Hardcore / Metalcore

Impressive debut EP The Truth, The Trust, The Love belies Samurai’s recent formation. Formed in November 2011, the Brighton-based quartet fuse together huge, melodic choruses with slabs of fierce metal core and bludgeoning post-hardcore, spawning a sound to call their own. It’s a sound that’s rough around the edges, heavy but anthemic, and packs feelings of hope and optimism without compromising aggression. Take the pop-punk melodies of A Day to Remember, the hardcore of Thrice, and the metal core of Parkway Drive, and you’ll get a close idea of what Samurai are about… but still, no cigar.

Opening track ‘Laying Here Waiting For The Lights To Take Me’ begins with a light, classic rock guitar sound before morphing into an opaque, thick metal chug which wrestles three vocal layers. These layers divulge vicious roars, soaring clean vocals and hardcore, gutwrenching screams. ‘All We Need Now Is A Pack of Cards’ is crammed with heart-twisting emotion and beautiful, heavy melodies, painting images of a flutter of flaming butterflies with its reflective lyrics. It closes the EP poignantly, and unlike the previous three tracks, sedates the manic beast. A project started by songwriter Wayne Tomsett, Samurai is a band to adhere to.

www.facebook.com/samuraiband

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Tom Staniford is a regular within Brighton Unsigned, first performing for us back in 2011.

Since then, his music expertise grew rapidly with now exceeding over 100 performances since getting involved with music. With his current EP ‘Lesson Still Young’ being sold worldwide, Tom has ended up as a musician to keep an eye on.

PHOTO: Gemma Fairhead

It was an AMAZING feeling. When I realised we had the most votes in the online competition I quite literally jumped for joy. Seeing a 6’4” skinny man do that must be quite odd anyway... then we played the festival in front of a panel of judges and ended up winning the mainstage slot too, which was something else!... I never win a damn thing - raffles, lucky dips, quizzes, nothing - so this was pretty novel.

Bristol, Birmingham, Kingston and Cardiff. We’re playing Concorde 2 for our Brighton show - the concept of this is continuously blowing my mind. Hope you guys can make it down!

Catch Tom Staniford headlining at the next Brighton Unsigned gig on Friday 24th August!

So tell us about your next EP? The next EP will be five tracks long, three of these are songs we currently play in our live set - the other two I’m still working on. This will be ready for Christmas (I’m telling myself that just as much as I am you)!

How did you get started in doing your solo music?

What inspirations did you have regarding the creation of your “Lesson Still Young” EP?

I’d been writing songs and parts of songs since I was in school. It all really kicked off when I was offered a role performing in an open mic scene in the recently multiaward winning film “City of Dreamers” - I’d been wanting to take the bold step out from under the artists I’d been playing bass with for a long time - and this felt like the once in a lifetime ‘excuse’ to go with it. I knew once I really committed to the move in my head I would have to see it through. Kinda like pulling the pin out of a grenade. Can’t really go back on it!

As much as I’d love to beat around the bush on this one... “Lesson Still Young” was inspired by a pretty brutal relationship breakdown...so erm, yeah...

What did you do before you began your solo music?

For the last four years I’ve been playing bass for a few other solo acts. We toured, played in different countries, did radio, and all sorts. I learnt a phenomenal amount working with these guys and their teams and had some ridiculous experiences with them!

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Anything else coming up in the near future?

www.tomstaniford.com www.twitter.com/tom_staniford www.youtube.com/tomstani www.facebook.com/tomstaniford

Yes indeed - I’m going on my debut UK tour in September, which I’m ruddy ecstatic about! Me and the boys will be hitting up Brighton, London, Preston, Cheltenham,

You’ve recently played your 100th venue, how does that feel? How do other locations compare to Brighton?

It feels good to hit the number - it’s been a little personal goal of mine for a while. I like to make lists and tick stuff.

I’ve performed at some of those venues dozens of time, it excites me playing a new one and adding to the list! It’s lovely playing in Brighton to your close friends and family and to a familiar scene but then there’s also a a great “sh*t yourself” buzz to playing in strange new cities, without a familiar face in sight.

Not to mention that you played at the main stage of Beachbreak Live after winning a competition on 19th June. With still only having released one EP, how was that?!

PHOTO: Nathalie Holman

VIDEO REVIEWS Run Young Lovers – Haven’t You Heard?

Along with this awesomely catchy track, the music video is something quite impressive.

Directed by Daniel Harding, ‘Haven’t You Heard’ shows that sometimes you really do not need some form of storyline or a unique and catchy setting in order to have a good looking video. Filmed in an empty cream room, the band just plays to each other as if rehearsing a session; there is no pretence and the passion just shows. Even the title sequence and the self-credit of Harding in the video just blends well into the video as a whole - it’s an enjoyable watch and of course, a very enjoyable song. - JT Derider – Favourite Mistake Derider’s debut single, ‘Favourite Mistake’ is styled perfectly by the music video, providing a sense of nostalgia from watching KERRANG! Music Channel all those years ago. Directed by David Hoser, the storyline focuses on a man leaving his wife at home to spend an extravagant date with another woman and time in the hotel hereafter… Of course, the man gets caught and both women leave him. The plot does seem a little cliché but it does at least relate to the single and works well together. For a band’s first video, it’s not bad at all.- JT The Beautiful Word – Pop It A rather colourful video, all the band members are performing on their own in different locations, in rather recognizable locations too, to give the locals pointing out knowing what’s where. It shows collaboration that the band members would have. No matter where they are and by this action alone, it is easily respectable. ‘Pop It’ is a catchy and very up-lifting song that listeners just have to jiggle along to and sing along to the singing harmonies. This is a video that can easily go viral and here’s hoping that it does.- JT

Overhead Wires Music present Twisted Frontier 2012 - a 3 day independent music shindig in Brighton celebrating all that is glorious and soulful about the punk DIY ethos. Somewhat rather disillusioned with the red tape bureaucracy and “we’ll book you depending on how many people can you bring” smog prevalent in the current music scene, we decided to start our own fire and put on an event by the people for the people. - Overhead Wires Thursday 5th July Afternoon @ The Mucky Duck Review: Jordan Thomas

Mike Newsham opened the gig in true folky/Americana style that immediately set the mood for the afternoon. It is certainly the right time of the year to be listening to this sort of thing, especially to cheer up from the potential rain to follow (which it did) giving the imagination of driving on a deserted American highway. Mike’s guitar plays are impressive to watch itself, with some riffs so fast, it would’ve been thought that there were two guitars playing rather than a one-man solo. This is a solo artist that is not to be missed, especially for those chilled out afternoons. www.facebook.com/mikenewshammusic Hope Rudd was up next to play, another solo artist to carry on the chilled theme from Newsham but she wasn’t something that was quite expected. With the help of new fangled equipment at her feet, all of a sudden, what she was playing on the guitar was still playing and she was playing a different riff.With the sound of more than one person playing and the sight of one person is something that took a bit of getting used to. However, it was done brilliantly. It turns out that when a riff was played, it was temporarily recorded to harmonize with what was being played currently. Hope wasn’t short of confidence either: coming across as a happy soul, she shares a few jokes and stories behind some of her songs, showing her willingness to involve the audience to be with her. www.myspace.com/lifeinince Derider, the last act of the afternoon are of course, no strangers to Brighton Unsigned. As the featured cover 12 band of March’s issue, Derider is still active with their

metal music in Brighton. But for this afternoon, a more acoustic set was played, by no means it meant it was any less good.. it was perfect for the setting alongside Mike Newsham and Hope Rudd.

Whitnee (front woman) makes no changes to her performance style, just as she would in a normal music venue at a gig night, providing that usual dynamic of the active metal music. www.facebook.com/deridermusic

Thursday 5th July Evening @ The Mucky Duck Review: Shaz Simone

A spine-tingling storyteller, Kate Williams got the first evening of Overhead Wires’ mini festival off to a fine start. Covering the likes of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Chelsea Hotel’, and admitting a shameless penchant for songs of the sadder side, Kate’s performance was unmistakably gripping and affecting. With vocals drenched in a Kate Nash meets Johnny Cash quirk, and music that bathes in Canadian folk roots, it was a well-received set that suitably paved the way for The Long Goodbye. www.soundcloud.com/autumnandthefalls Also singing the blues but drowning sorrow further in Whiskey Americana, guitarist Alfie Bernardi played a raw, honest set. Like David Lynch’s unique cinematic style has been dubbed Lynchian for its real effects on audiences, Alfie’s music should be dubbed Bernardian for its real, unique, and pensive style. Joined midway by guitarist Jake MacKay who mesmerised with lengthy but warmly welcomed guitar solos, the two musicians together are known as The Long

Goodbye, a talented musical force that never fails to emote or impress on stage.

confidence in their live play, giving themselves even more fans by the end of their set.

www.myspace.com/thelonggoodbyepage

www.facebook.com/Watermelonsuk

For thirds, sextet The Galleons took to the stage.

Their performance of The Magic Numbers and Fleetwood Mac infused folk was simply sublime.

Using an array of audience perplexing instruments (such as an Omnichord!?), all six members had an easy confidence.Vocalists Ben Brockett and Beth Chesser mated enchanting harmonies, whilst the audience were encouraged to participate by clapping along. With songs about whales, fear, and other wonders, The Galleons are a charismatic bunch with some tremendous originals up their sleeves. And one better, they clearly perform these songs live with true relish.

Pine Size Hero would’ve been next to play but unfortunately due to an illness of a band member, they had to pull out.

But onwards and upwards and the next to play were The Lanes. This band was in no shortage of confidence with a rather “boppity” bass player, dancing in his own world… a real pleasure to watch. The frontman also soon joined in whilst dancing in the audience area as they continued their songs. However the real star here was the drummer: being given his own lengthy drum solo, it was an amazing feat to hear in awe of the man’s talent. Anyone in Brighton has to check out this catchy indie band, more so to catch them live at any future gigs.

www.facebook.com/thegalleons The finale to this night of folk was lassoed to an end by Jake MacKay as he once more took to the stage. With the entire audience seated by this time, the blues folk guitarist opened with ‘Clouds Come Over’ and ‘A Thousand Ships’. His deep, compelling voice proved that Jake is more than a guitar soloist, filling the room with uncompromising emotion. With support from a full backing band, this was a solid end to an impressive first day. www.youtube.com/jakemackaymusic

Friday 6th July Evening @ Latest Music Bar Review: Jordan Thomas

In to play the first set of the second night of Twisted Frontier, more familiar faces that go by the name of The Watermelons (June’s issue feature of Brighton Unsigned).

As ever, they brought in the crowd to Latest Musicbar and got everyone dancing to the now familiar tracks such as ‘Waiting’ and ‘Dance Strange Together’. Of course, along with a cover of ‘Dakota’

by Stereophonics, the Watermelons has increased more

www.myspace.com/thelanesuk To finish off this night is another regular to Brighton Unsigned, Jipsy Magic (April’s issue). Rocking out with their latest EP, ‘We Can, We Should, We Will’ after their mini-tour in the South West, it finished the night off on a high note (and possibly high intoxication of beer). After The Watermelons and The Lanes, Jipsy Magic kept up the awesome talents that Brighton had to offer and of course, perfectly synching to what Twisted Frontier and Overhead Wires are all about. www.facebook.com/jipsymagic

Saturday 7th July Afternoon @ The Brunswick Review: Shaz Simone

For those of you who haven’t witnessed any live music at The Brunswick, you’re missing out.

Its intimate character is perfect, especially for an afternoon of experimental folk music. Opening the final afternoon of Twisted Frontier was Annika Brown and the Deep. Their experimental, gospel, indie prog-rock is little short of epic; played live, it makes for an almost trippy experience. Songs such as ‘Neptune’ are music’s answer to vortex tunnels, whilst ‘Fire Bird’ has a drawn-out wintry chill. Overall, it was an interesting performance and the added interludes of comedy brightened everyone’s rainy July day. www.facebook.com/ annikabrownandthedeep

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To quote Overhead Wires’ founder Rich Ward, “Rotait are proper top!!!” and their performance was nothing short of this. Having only been in Brighton for just over 9 months, the duo have gathered a solid following and with cracking songs such as ‘Come on Home’ played live with sheer conviction and awe-inspiring energy, there’s no doubt why.

Once again, Jareth and Rosanna served up a sweet treat of cello, guitar, and drums in various combinations and styles, a truly memorable moment from this three-day festival.

Closing the afternoon was cabaret folk quintet Simonne and the Dark Stars. Their dark and theatrical performance brought dreamy clarinet sounds to the airwaves, hypnotic vocals, syncopated drumming and slow bass during songs such as ‘Free’ and the locally inspired ‘Brighton Rock’. The five-some have a wonderfully unique image and they played a seamless set that portrayed them as well rehearsed. As a band that naturally gels a mysterious performance of artistic musical poetry tinkers on the edge of league Amanda Palmer.

Rotait are playing at the Latest Music Bar on the 24th August.

www.facebook.com/S.TheDarkStars

www.facebook.com/rotaitmusic Following the duo was singer songwriter Caitlin Stubbs. Opening piano track ‘Johnny’ was beautifully moving and it came as a surprise to learn that Caitlin wrote this mature, tear jerking song as a young teenager. Lending his guitar and backing vocal finesse mid-set was Frankie Harper from rap-funk band Half Crown.

The duel harmonies were haunting during songs such as ‘Moon’, ‘Blue and I Don’t Know Why’, whilst the Alisha Keys cover ‘Fallin’ was a spot of welcome familiarity… a striking performance. www.facebook.com/officalcaitlinstubbs

Saturday 7th July Evening @ The Green Door Store

COLD PUMAS

Review: Bryan Williamson

The final show, in what can proudly be called an epic three nights of music at the Twisted Frontier Festival, came to a head on Saturday at the Green Door Store- a venue underneath Brighton Station railway arch which made my first visit there a delightfully gritty and visually real experience. First up of the night’s bands was the popular Bat Country, kicking off with a heavy Arctic Monkeys-esque sound, getting the room in full swing. One of their fans got a little carried away knocking a stage monitor off whilst jumping up and down. www.facebook.com/batcountryband Things mellowed out a little for The Stars Down To Earth, an interesting 4-piece sad-happy indie collective which reminded me a little of fellow Sussex band Keane. www.facebook.com/thestarsdowntoearth And finally without sounding clichéd, the best really was saved until last with the fantastic Rough Citizen.

I make no secret of him being my favourite of all of Overhead Wires’ acts. We had a rare treat as this time he had his band with him. He gave a fully electrifying performance utilising a wide degree of instruments from synths, backing tracks, crunchy guitars, drum machines - this man can really do it all. I have seen him perform many times ranging from small intimate solo acoustic gigs to infrequent loud and large band gigs, which on this occasion really stole the show. His uplifting track ‘10,000 Miles’ hinted a desire of longing was my highlight of the evening.

This gig was a mix of his new and old material and he left the packed room feeling uplifted and wanting more.

Unfortunately, it was the last gig with his current band lineup, but I definitely look forward to seeing him in a solo form again soon.

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Anyway, over the couple of years since I heard ‘Jela’ I didn’t forget Cold Pumas. I would occasionally hear whispers of their growing live reputation but never seemed to come across their gigs. I found the odd track online but they have hardly been prolific and I feared they had disappeared. Happily I was wrong.

www.facebook.com/roughcitizen

Supporting Esben and The Witch at The Prince Albert on 24th August.

GIG PREVIEW: ANDY HINTON

I finally managed to see them live this year at the Green Door Store and they certainly lived up to my expectations.

Their metronomic songs merged into one glorious, hypnotic maelstrom of noise. Cyclical clanging guitars, distorted and repeated vocals and above all pounding Motorik drums. It’s Patrick’s drums that drive their sound and it was Patrick that I had my eyes fixed upon for most of the gig. Hitting the drum kit as if his life depended upon it, he was covered in sweat and looked deservedly knackered by the end.Their set seemed all too short as it’s the kind of music that puts you into a kind of head-nodding trance state that you want to go on and on.

The band have released a handful of songs on vinyl through the Faux Discx label. On further inspection Faux Discx is run by guitarist Dan and in the words of the label’s website “occupies a small corner of Dan’s flat”. Tracks including the fantastic ‘Jela’ are also available for download through their Bandcamp site. www.coldpumas.bandcamp.com www.facebook.com/ColdPumas

It must have been two or three years ago when I heard that Cold Pumas were a local band to watch. I found their track ‘Jela’ online and listened to it over and over. When I say listened, that’s not really what happened, ‘Jela’ is a burst of rhythmic energy that pounds into your conscience.

Cold Pumas are a three-piece: brothers Patrick and Oliver Fisher with Dan Reeves. Oliver plays guitar and sings, Dan plays guitar and Patrick plays the drums.

There’s no need for a bass player as the guitars and drums do all the work. They have a sound all of their own. I’m sure that some expert could tell me a few obscure bands that they sound like, but no one that I can think of and that’s what’s refreshing.

GET ALL THE LOCAL AND MOST UPTO DATE GIG LISTINGS BY GOING ONLINE uk www brightonnoise co