Brighton Unsigned - October 2011 - Issue 1

LIVE REVIEWS MYELEMENT

PAPER FACES

THUNK apples and eve

GUY LLOYD:

MUSIC REVIEWS Samsara The Grand Majestic Narrow Minded SOCIAL CLUB Dan Markland © ISSUE 1 • OCT 11 • FREE

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CAT SUIT, CAPE, AIR GUITAR AND MORE MAKE UP THAN ZSA ZSA GABOR

Welcome to Brighton Unsigned brand new first issue! A lot of work and time has been put into kick-starting this magazine with some fantastic support and hopefully it will expand through many issues to follow in the future. Especially as it is a small magazine at the moment as you’d agree. I was pleasantly surprised to find how much talented musicians there are, more than I previously anticipated which goes to show that Brighton is never short of anything. From the hunt of talented musicians, we have found the top bands and singers who deserve their moment to shine.

So have a flick through, hope you’ll love the musicians as much as we do, get logging on YouTube and MySpace for a listen and look out for the second issue!

Not mention the magazine’s Launch Night on 10th October, at The Latest Musicbar! hope to see you there!

Jordan - Editor

PAPERFACES

This Month

MY ELEMENT

THUNK

Apples AND Eve

THE GRAND MAJESTIC

SAMSARA

THE SHEIKHS

NARROW MINDED SOCIAL CLUB

DAN MARKLAND

Editor:

Jordan Thomas

Email: jordan@ brightonunsigned.co.uk

Photographer & Interview:

Donna Clark

Design:

Steven Probets

Writers:

Cindy Cheng (CC) Jessica O’Loughlin (JOL) Lauren Dyson (LD) Zack Reeves (ZR)

Special thanks to Angi and Bill from Latest for helping us develop this magazine © ALL VISUAL DESIGN AND ARTICLE CONTENT IS COPYRIGHTED BY BRIGHTON UNSIGNED MAGAZINE 2011

MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCTION Dire Straits sang about it, the Buggles claimed it would kill the radio star, what are we talking about? Music Videos of course!

Fast forward from the birth of MTV in 1981 and we find ourselves in an exciting era of digital distribution. With sites such as Youtube, Vimeo and Metacafe to name a few it is now possible to put your music out there for the whole world to view and there has never been a time where video content is so relevant to the success of any act. A good video will set you apart from the competition in the battle to get noticed.

Can a music video bring you success? It’s not a sure thing by any stretch of the imagination but it’s all about getting your music out there and it should form part of your social networking strategy.

Ok, so we have established that you need a music video, what next? If you have the skills, equipment and recourses then you’re away, for everyone else it’s time to get the professionals in.

Gavin O’Mally-Richardson

Budget

We catch up with emerging local video producer and director Gavin O’Mally-Richardson of Vision Brothers Productions to find out the low down and in this issue he will cover Budget and The Team.

It all starts here with the bottom line so don’t be offended if you’re asked how much you have to spend on a video says Gavin. ‘With Music Videos you are only limited by budget and creativity. If you haven’t got the budget for a G6 that’s fine but that doesn’t mean you can’t be cleaver with what you do have’. ‘I work with some exciting directors when the budget permits; if it doesn’t then I will produce and direct myself. It’s a real opportunity to see where we can take an idea and it tests my skills as a producer to what I can pull in for the Video’. So it doesn’t all come down to money then? ‘No, not always. Sometimes the creativity takes over and shines through, for instance take the video of Coldplay’s Yellow. It was supposed to be something more of a beach party vibe but due to the poor weather they

couldn’t shoot it. So what you see is some epic - thinking on their feet - and a very memorable video’. So how much does a music video cost? ‘Well the sky is the limit’ says Gavin. ‘Back in 1995 the video to Micheal and Janet Jackon’s Scream cost $7,000,000 to make and still remains the most expensive music video off all time’ but the good news is that production costs have come down and it is unlikely that a music video will ever be made again that costs that much. Gavin says that a starter music video can cost from as little as £600 shot in HD and of broadcast quality. Expect to pay half upfront and get a contract or at least a heads of agreement which should be no problem for any reputable producer or production company.

The Team

Now with a budget in mind you need to find someone to make the magic happen. Gavin gets a lot of his business through personal re c o m m e n d a tions and suggests that this is a good place to start. ‘There is some great talent in Brighton and beyond.

Ask other artists about their experiences and get a short list of potentials to make your music video. Get a meeting with each one and then ask for a treatment’. A treatment is like a pitch document, it will give a brief outline of the directors vision and their creative interpretation of your brief and it should give you a clear idea of what they can offer within the proposed budget. It’s not normal to be charged for putting together the treatment.

This stage is also about establishing a relationship, which Gavin feels is incredibly important. ‘It’s key to have a good working relationship between artist and video producer. Yes there will be times when there is tension but it’s how you get through those situations, how well the shoot goes and how well you look after the customer afterwards which reflects in the finished product’. For example Toby Lockerbie shot the first video for Rizzle Kicks’ ‘Down with the Trumpets’ back in 2010 before they were signed. Now signed and under management, the strength of the working relationship has survived and Tony has remade the video. ‘For me these relationships are key to my success and should In the next issue we catch up with Gavin also be a point worth considto talk about the production aspects of a ering when choosing who to music video and the shoot itself. shoot your video.’

Gavin O’Mally-Richardson www.visbros.co.uk

MyElement

LIVE REVIEWS MyElement are the kind of band you go and see and forget their not already huge, from one listen you can tell this band are going to explode any time soon so look out for the name in the not too distant future. Their music is the kind of chart-friendly, melodic indie power-pop that can but fail to please the masses, imagine the powerful high-octane compositions of 30 Seconds to Mars mixed with the emotive melodies associated with the likes of Snow Patrol or The Fray.

What is refreshing about this band though is the presence of a skilled pianist in the form of Daniel Thomas, providing a fundamental element (excuse the pun) to the bands music. The keyboard seems to be slowly creeping back into Indie rock since its fade out in the 80’s, adding a beauty and sweetness to Indie rock that was previously unachieved and it is a pleasure to see

Genre: Indie/Rock/Pop Location: The Druid’s Arms

www.myspace.com/myelementmusic

it played well. The keyboard is not the only original aspect of the band however, as the group contains not only two, but three guitars. Three guitars played together in harmony without sounding like there is one too many is a hard thing to pull off but MyElement have mastered the skill of three part harmonies, both in guitar as well as vocals. There is an obvious chemistry between the band that explodes in their live performances. Mix powerful piano with pure and sweet vocals, clean guitar playing and smooth drumming and you have the kind of music you could close your eyes and listen to forever. MyElement’s addictive new single “Place for the Mended” is out now and available for download at their website. JOL www.myelementmusic.co.uk

THUNK Genre: Rock/Funk/Soul Location: The Prince Albert www.myspace.com/wearthunk

When you attend a gig you expect not only to be played to, but also to be entertained in some shape or form. If this is what you hope for in live entertainment, then a Thunk gig will definitely deliver. Not only are these boys incredibly talented musicians but their comfortable stage presence screams of experience mixed with natural ability. The charm and charisma of cheeky chappy front man, Ben Draper, warms the crowd from the off with continual banter between band members and audience throughout the show. Lead guitarist, Jonny Brewer gave an impressive guitar solo upon request from the audience, whilst his bassist brother, Jai Brewer, breathed soul into each track with his funky licks. Drummer,

Martin Gregg, grinning from behind his drum kit, banged out beats seemingly effortlessly.

Each tune that was played had its own edge, immediately gripping you with clever lyrics and fresh funky rhythms. The individual talent of each musician in the group is on constant display throughout the gig, meaning there is never a moments boredom. Draper was never idle even between vocals, displaying hip movements and gyrations that would put Antony Kiedis to shame.Then towards the end of the show, just in case we were getting too passive in our participation, the audience were involved in a good old sing-a-long. This is one of those gigs that you leave feeling energized, excited, marching down the road with your mates chatting about what good musicians these guys are.JOL

APPLES AND EVE

Genre: Blues/Jazz/Alternative Location: The Hobgoblin www.myspace.com/applesandeve A humble piece of bunting is stretched across the front of a little gazebo with the lettering ‘Apples and Eve’. They are the first official act to play. The band look stylish in all black and the female vocalist’s trilby and electro acoustic guitar create a vintage image that seems very Brightonesque. They begin with a few country folk sounding strums and drum beats, her voice is as pleasant as Laura Marling and as hypnotising as Beth Gibbons. The saxophonist seems nervous and modest but he has no

reason to be because he is incredibly talented and I love the fact that their drummer is a female, she is a pioneer for female drummers everywhere. It seems that this band suit the chilled out Sunday atmosphere but it is a shame that all eyes aren’t on them. I feel like the people that aren’t paying attention are missing out. Throughout the set I am mesmerized by this hypnotic chill out folk. They’re strong nervejangling vocals , chilled out sax and drum beat is beautiful.The vocalist expresses her dismay at the fact that their bassist could not make it and that this is the last gig with their saxophonist. I would have loved to experience this band with the bass to see what it had to offer but I still believe they are truly a Brightonian treasure. I am excited to see what the future has in store for them. LD

GUY LLOYD.... ONROCK BEING A GOD (It’s Easy Once You Know How)

I need a beer and I want to leave this venue as UK Air Guitar Champion.

The first round was fine. You choose a song and you rock out in front of hundreds of people for 90 seconds. I chose T-Rex’s ‘20th Century Boy’ to go with my outfit (I was very Marc Bolan).

The second round was tougher; you’re put in a cage and judged on ‘technical ability.’ No dancing, no gimmicks, just you and your Air Guitar. You can’t choose a song either. You have to get what you’re given and I was given Bon Jovi’s ‘Dead or Alive.’ I closed my eyes and ‘did a Hendrix’ and played the guitar like a man possessed. And I sailed through.

Ever wondered what it was like being a Rock God? Well, get yourself a cup of tea, make yourself comfortable and read this ‘ere column.

It’s great basically.You should do it. I did it on a Friday at the UK Air Guitar Championships. Doing the radio and telly is great and performing comedy comes close but there’s nothing quite as good as being in a band and having an adoring crowd hanging off your every word. It’s the ultimate natural high. I’ve been in several bands in the nineties and I loved every minute of it. Not so keen on the rehearsing, the moving equipment, the promoting, in fact the music was pretty dire too; but I loved being on stage, I loved the attention and I loved getting the odd girl. Girls love a man on stage and that was my main motivation back in the day.

Twenty years on, I’m a married man and have to say ‘no’ to the endless stream of girls desperate to try my poached eggs in the morning but the dream of being a Rock God lives on. And that’s why I entered the UK Air Guitar Championships; in a cat suit, with a cape on, with more make up than Zsa Zsa Gabor.

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the opportunity due to other less Rock God commitments.That Friday, however, was my time and ‘The Love Rod’ (like my stage name?) strode in to Concorde with one thing on my mind; actually two things.

The Audience were the judges (based on noise) and I had them in the palm of my hand. They were loving the Love Rod, I was through to the Semi-Final and I was so close now, I could smell the silverware. And it smelt good.

Next up, was ‘the duet round’ where you go one on one with another semi-finalist and I was up against the reigning Champion and she was good. She was very good. And she was very pretty. The Love Rod was in trouble. The crowd wanted her and despite playing the Air Guitar with my teeth, there was nothing I could do. She was through to the final and I was on my way home (after I’d packed up my air pedal, leads and amplifier).

I won’t bore you with who won; it’s too painful and I’m still hurting. But I’m going to sew my cat suit up (I split in the crotch area), learn a few new tricks and go back next year and win that trophy. Nothing, I say nothing, can stop me.

Right, got to go, I got Air rehearsals tonight.

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

PAPERFACES Since PaperFaces first got together three years ago, they found themselves changing musically from heavy rock to the PaperFaces recognised melodic rock and acoustic sound - with a hint of saxophone jazz. Learning from past mistakes with rocky relationships in ex-bands, they all evolved together to find their feet in the scene. We caught up with the band members; Marie, Paul and Chris to talk of their experiences and how they become a established name in the Brighton music scene.

Interview: Donna Clark How did you first meet and how did PaperFaces come together?

When was it you met?

Marie: It was about two years ago. I met Paul three years ago just a bit after I first came back. When we got Chris involved it really started to turn into our sound.

Marie: I came back from Thailand looking for a band and I met Paul, I was asking around town for a drummer. They all Paul Moseley: We found our sound and started Paperfaces. pointed at Paul so I went to see him play in a heavy metal band after. He was awesome, ripping his shirt off and whacking the hell out of “We had lots of other names Who came up with the name? the drum kit and I was like yeah that’s the drummer for me. So he joined my but its really difficult finding Marie: Chris actually yeah. rock band, we played covers that kind a band name, it’s the worst Chris: It’s the name of one of my of thing and we started writing mellow job ever, such a headache” favourite Feeder songs.

Marie: We had lots of other names music together and realised we didn’t but its really difficult finding a band name, it’s the worst job like the rock band, so we both split up from the rock band ever, such a headache. and started our own band. We met Chris on Gumtree, nice Paul: Anyone in a band knows that. and romantic.

Marie: We wanted one word really.

Chris: I put an advert up as I’d just left the band I was looking Chris: The difficulty with it is you got to find something for a new one to join, asking for a band that was more melody than mayhem. Yeah then Marie emailed me, we got together that’s not going to make you sound like a bunch of twats but that’s going to stick in people’s minds. had a drink and that was pretty much it.

Marie: Well me and Paul looked at Chris and thought yeah Marie: We think it sounds quite gentle, a friendly kind of name, its not too pretentious so we just went with it. he looks the part, that’s cool. Then he bought us a drink so he was in obviously. He can play bass as well, which is nice.

So I want to ask you about your influences?

difficult.

Paul: There’s so many gigs its like you’re just swamped Chris: I really like James Jameson a Motown bassist. You with it. listen to like any Motown track and it’s pretty much going Marie: Like where do people wanna go? to be James Jameson playing it. Who else? Timmy C from Chris: The thing I like most about the Brighton music Rage Against the Machine because he’s got some really scene is its not that clicky. There’s not one person cool riffs and Mike Dirnt from Green Day he got lots of controlling everything. In smaller places like Worthing style like Pavarotti with his twiddly bits, good fun. unless you’re in with the cool guys then you’re not gonna Paul: Ahhhh you know I’m into a lot of bands, into a lot get any gigs anywhere. of heavy bands. I love Tool I love all the old Sepultura rock Marie: Once we get in its really great, like when we’re stuff. getting line ups with other bands and their audiences, Marie: Paul’s favourite is the Dave Matthews Band. they’re all really friendly. Everyone’s in the same boat really Paul: I love the Dave Matthews band, American band, aren’t they? No-ones got any money, everyone wants to very popular over there but so much other stuff. I love play, there’s not enough places to play, well there is but its jam bands you know, I love to see other musicians playing just not together. but that’s so many to name, so many.

Paul: Once you get in with a band and you get friendly Marie: My main influence is Jack White from the White with them then you can do more and more gigs. We did a Stripes. I love his song writing, his quirkiness and the way couple with your mate’s band didn’t we? he sings. Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan Marie: My friend the Junk House, “The thing I like most about all the usual greats and I like some I get him to do supporters and mellow bands as well, Neil Young the Brighton music scene is its stuff and we support him. The I love the melody and the sweet Diamond Thieves not that clicky. There’s not one International guitar but I really like when the are awesome, got in with them lyrics are clever and you can person controlling everything” and they’re such nice guys.They’re understand them. I’m more about in the same boat as us, like we’re guitar, melody and the feel of it than the heavy sound. working hard.

Chris: We did a street party they were having a little How do you find being in the Brighton music while ago didn’t we? Really cool, out in Hove; The Robin scene?

Hood Pub. It was a street party to raise a bit of money for a little boy in a wheel chair.

Chris: (Whistles) Tough Marie: Good times and bad times. We’ve also played to Paul: We’re only just kind of getting a little taste of it. just one person before.

Marie: We’re just coming through the back door.

Chris: Just to our friends and stuff: you’ve heard it all Paul: We’re looking through the window at the back before but thanks for coming! door just kinda going “Heyyyy! it looks like fun in there, can we come in? No? Alright we’ll wait, its fine.”

I think hopefully if this magazine can direct people to unsigned bands then it will give a bit The fact that you’re playing though that does more exposure for those bands that don’t feel mean that you’ve kinda got your foot in. I like they are able to break through. think you’ve got your foot in.

Paul: Yeah, there’s so many out there.

Marie: We got a toe in.

Marie: I think so. I think it’s a great idea.That’s what bands Paul: Marie’s little toe in. like us need isn’t it really? When you’re trying get your Marie: My little toe’s in the door yes! No, I dunno it’s foot in but you’re not big enough to get in hard work the Brighton scene it’s really hard work.There’s the other so many musicians, so many good musicians that it’s kind of like the audiences have heard everything so they don’t really find anything new. They’re always just like “oh yeah it’s more music” and it’s very

magazines so you can try and get in this one.

Chris: There are so many great unsigned bands though… and there’s a lot of crap as well.

So what’s your favourite moment as a band in Brighton?

Marie: Probably that street party?

Chris:Yeah definitely, the street party was really cool. We went up after a duo and I think they were sort of bringing the mood down a little bit. We sort of set off, started chugging away and then everyone came back, started dancing and cheering, great vibe wasn’t it? It was for a good cause as well it felt good to be helping out this kid with cystic fibrosis.

Marie:The woman who ran it did it really well. There was loads of people there we didn’t know. So they were all dancing and that’s always good when people you don’t know are dancing. That’s what makes us feel good, it can’t just be your friends and this time people really were dancing, it was great.

Paul:The reaction from the people in the street it’s great you know.

What is your relationship like together as a band?

Marie: Oh we hate each other.

Paul: I can’t stand these too. Not sure why I’m still here actually, I spend most of my time trying to work out how I’m going to kill ‘em.

Marie: Ohhhh! Can’t believe him.

Paul: Nahhh its like you know all bands are normally friends with each other and we certainly are.

Marie: Well you have to be friends otherwise you won’t be a band any more, you have to.

Chris: Been together for long enough now that you know we’ve been through some stuff together and had some really cool times.

Marie:Yeah and we like to pick on Chris and he takes it.

Chris: That’s all right I can handle it.

Marie: Its because he’s the new one really.

Chris: I’m still the fucking new one yeah?

Marie: He is.

Everyone laughs Chris: Still the baby in the band and you know I love these guys, I love playing with them or hanging out with them.

Marie: We joke around and stuff but you have to be friends in a band. I’ve been in bands where I’ve fallen out with members and it’s been the end of the band.

Paul: Yeah we’ve had some disagreements you know but musically it’s just we’ve learnt to not let it stick you know just get over it, find a way to make it a positive thing and just work through it and then make good music out of it.

Chris: When we sit down to work out a new track or whatever that’s always really nice and collaborative. One of you guys will come in with an idea and we’ll all build on it, turn it into a Paperfaces track.

It’s all about working together.

Chris:We don’t take offence if one of our ideas isn’t right for the song.

Paul: It’s easy to get like “Whaaat?? You don’t like my song?! Arghhh! I hate you!”

Marie: We also have a rule that no-ones allowed to go out with anyone in the band.

Chris: Which is tough because Mosely’s very pretty.

Paul: And I love you too but you know how it is.

Marie: No, we’re not to have relationships in our band ever. It’s also the death of a band. All bands out there don’t go out with the drummer or the guitarist or the bass player.

Chris: Unless you’re Sonic Youth because they’ve done it quite well.

Marie: Have they? And they survived.

Don’t know I don’t think it will work, I think they’re gonna split up one day.

Chris: They’ve been married for like thirty years I think they’ll be alright.

Marie: I dunno, I dunno there’s a bubble in the air.

Paul: Fleetwood Mac. Chris: Abba, Blondie.

Marie: I broke up with two bands. First band I went out with the drummer, second band I went out with the guitarist, third band… well let’s stop there.

So what gigs and opportunities you got coming up?

Marie: We got a couple of paid cover gigs where we’re gonna get some money so we can get a PA and we’re gonna do some song writing for the rest of the year.We’re going to Thailand in November till January gigging, its gonna be awesome.

Marie:We’ve been playing the same material for a couple of years, getting new players in and teaching them the songs so we’re gonna take some time and write some more songs I think.

Paul: Get a good game plan together. Big plans for next summer we’re looking at a lot of time in Europe. We just made some great contacts in Italy as well. Basically we want to start touring next summer and we got plans to get that on the road, you know the whole thing.

Marie:Yeah around Europe, buy a van, get some money.

Paul:We know a few people here and there but we gotta get out there and really work our arses off basically cos it’s the only way you can do it, its what you gotta do.

PaperFaces will be playing at the magazine’s Launch party on 10th October AT THE LATEST MUSIC BAR, KEMPTOWN.

www.myspace.com/paperfacesmusic

MUSIC REVIEWS THE GRAND MAJESTIC Genre: Alternative / Indie / Lyrical

DAN MARKLAND

In recent times synthetic auto tuned ballads seem to have eradicated the commercial success of the traditionally masterful genres of blues, funk and soul. Long journeys spent in the musical company of pioneering talent such as James Brown and Ray Charles has given me a real affiliation and adulation towards these great musical genres. So this being said it is really uplifting to see a truly talented funk outfit hailing from Brighton’s sunny shores. The band, a sort of amalgamation of Jamiroquai and Morcheeba, go by the indicative name “The Grand Majestic” (or TGM for short). Their music combines the excitement of power pop and the enigmatic charisma of funk to create and interestingly fresh sound. TGM have released two EP’s that are available amongst the abundant delights of iTunes. Their first EP released in 2009 is inventively named “The Grand Majestic”, despite my sarcasm this EP is an extremely well produced collection. The charming rhythms and infectious choruses create an extremely affable experience. My particular favourite out of this

short and sweet collection is the track “You Know I Love Ya”. This song utilises outstanding vocals and a brilliant sense of musical timing to establish a song that really highlights the talents and potentially of this gifted entourage. Their second EP “Do It Prove It” which was released earlier this year has a more diversified feel entirely.

This willingness to expand their musical horizons really encapsulates the evolving nature and genuine likeability of this promising outfit. ZR

www.myspace.com/thegrandmajestic

Genre: Alternative / Indie / Lyrical

Current unsigned Indie music to me means pretentious hipsters and a cacophony of samey riffs discordant riffs. Dan Markland has on the other hand found his own unique sub-genre and has gone back to the old-school Brit pop vibe combined with a hint of country. He sounds like Blur and Morrissey combined with a hint of Bob Dylan and Avett Brother’s with his use of harmonica in ‘The Best’. His vocals are certainly melodic and his lyrics

are figurative and poetic, he sings about life and his ambitions.This man is a talented writer and presents to me the personality of a reflective artist and these kinds of people are typically good musicians or writers. Furthermore, the contrast of the two styles of songs ‘Special’ and the other two tracks show his potential due to the diversity of the tracks. ‘Special’ is more bouncy, upbeat and fast whereas the other two are floaty and somewhat melancholic. His intros are catchy and drag you straight into his music.

Conversely, I believe this music could be powerful but even when I turn it to the highest volume it does not sound up to its fullest. It seems like he need s to put more vivacity into his music. On the other hand that could be due to the technical production of the music. It seems that Dan Markland is a talented innovative musician with an intriguing personality that shines through his music. LD

www.myspace.com/danmarkland

MUSIC REVIEWS

SAMSARA Genre: Alternative / Reggae / Ska

This morning I put on my hypothetical Walkin boots, wrapped up warm and trundled through the internet’s vast landscape jumping from one band to another. I found myself stumbling across the talents of Samsara. Samsara is a group of six self proclaimed modern-day wandering minstrels from Brighton. Their music is an interestingly modern take on the reggae-ska sound of the 70’s and 80’s. After the success of their recent “skankathon” at the Secret Garden Party it is no surprise they still have an extremely busy summer ahead of them. This includes a spot at the Boomtown Fair, an up and coming festival brimming with talent and diversity. Samsara will be most notably returning to Brighton’s sunny shores on the 19th of October with a visit to Komedia, to play in support of UK dub frontrunners Zion Train. This prestigious opportunity really highlights the progression and recognition of these rising starlets. They have moved from strength to strength in the past few years following on from the success of their first EP “Full Circle” which was released in 2008. This first album gives a very diverse representation of a genre that is unduly described as all too similar. The rhythmic

flow and infectious choruses give this selection all the attributes to get people moving. Their second and most recent EP entitled “The Great Unravelling” was released in 2009 and really showcases the seemingly constant progression and developing talents of this promising outfit. Some of their songs move rather dramatically away from the style of their previous releases, but in my opinion not to a place which doesn’t suit their sound. Their track “Row Row” is a particularly outstanding example, during which you are taken on a rather evocative journey of self exploration and evaluation. The diverse talents and explorative nature of the band make them make them an extremely interesting prospect. ZR

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MUSIC REVIEWS

THE SHEIKHS Genre: Electro / Garage / Indie

Straight off, lead singer Tommy Doyle’s vocals hooks you in. Line and sinker, you suddenly realise you’ve stayed tuned in for the whole song. And its catchiness is infectious, leaving the melody fixed in your cranium. The Sheikhs’ stuff is easy to jam along to, no pretentiousness, no riddles – just good old-fashioned songs driven by emotions and delivered by a good oldfashioned 70’s rock voice and guitars. ‘Caught in the Rain’ is tuneful, poppy and contains powerful drumming and sixstrings. With his slight frame and glasses, the voice that comes out of Doyle surprises and contradicts his image. A raspy, edgy, able-to-hit-high-notes, delectable voice instead floods out, leaving you in awe for a few seconds. It’s

the band’s first contribution. Instrumentally it may be slightly generic, but nonetheless still good. The break and higher pitch in Mathias’ voice on the first ‘go out’ of the chorus provides a rawness and emotion to the song. Overall, it’s a promising and exciting beginning for this quirky, confident band made up of a bunch of ‘Jack the Lad’s themselves.CC

www.myspace.com/ thenarrowmindedsocialclub

Genre: Indie / Rap / Rock

A band which was possibly named after track 11 of The Rifles ‘No Love Lost’ album. And good associations does it bring, for The Rifles adopt an indie, lad-ish, cheeky manner about them – something that can also be said for Narrow Minded Social Club. Lead singer Jamie Mathias’ rapping style is inspired by the early music career of Plan B (before his more recent successful soul efforts) which is complimented by guitar jangles, creating a sound that resembles a younger The Ruskins. The first song up on the EP is ‘Jack the Lad’ which could easily fit in to one of The King Blues’ albums with Mathias literally spitting out his angst-filled lyrics. The track is impressive, catchy and just makes you wanna crack out a beer. ‘The Slut’ is in your face, bluntly worded and angry. It’s also humorous and represents youthfulness, exemplified by the band members’ laughter kept on it. They clearly had fun writing and performing it and what’s produced is a little tune that will put a smile on your face as well.

Completing the EP is the lovely ‘See The Lights Go Out’ – a much welcomed slower track on

distinctive, and probably the bands best asset.

‘Secret Agent’ is reminiscent of one of Mr.Big’s offerings, and shows off their musical talent; establishing themselves as a band that can really play their instruments. This one’s a song to fistpunch and angrily sing along to.

‘Light My Fuse’ is the ‘ballad’ – or near enough to one because it’s certainly slower in pace but not in anthemic value. It begins deceivingly gentle, then the drum beat kicks in and halfway through there is a brilliant guitar riff followed by an urgent, shout-y bridge before finally the words ‘so will you light my fuse’ are vocalised. Basically, The Sheikhs have the songs and an air of believability and professionalism to them.What’s hard to believe is that this band isn’t signed yet.CC

www.myspace.com/thesheikhs

In Next Months Issue...

• FEATURE COVER BAND: BIRDEATSBABY • INTERVIEW WITH THUNK • GUY LLOYD • PART 2 OF MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCTION • MORE REVIEWS OF BRIGHTON TALENT

We hope you enjoyed our first issue as much as we have making it! Please get in touch with any comments or suggestions to make it even better. We are always listening to our readers and new bands. We also hope to implement a letters page for you to tell us of your experiences in the Brighton unsigned music scene.

Email me: jordan@brightonunsigned.co.uk