FUZZY SUN

SPOTLIGHT

FUZZY SUN

KNOWN FOR THEIR BOISTEROUS energy and effervescent styling, Stockport quartet Fuzzy Sun are ready to set the music world alight with their most ambitious offerings to date. With a penchant for delivering groove-filled melodies, soaring vocal performances and infectious lyricism the band are destined to skyrocket through the indie music scene. Having recently announced the release of their new EP ‘Since The Dog Died’, we had the pleasure of chatting with front man Kyle about the bands new music and heading back out on the road.

WORDS: ALANNAH WILLIAMS

Hey guys! How are you doing? How have the last 18 months been for ‘Fuzzy Sun’?

“Shite. It’s been a tough 18 months. We just lost all momentum and getting back to that same place feels quite difficult as every band is wanting to come back with a bang. Yeah, we had a lot of obstacles over the past 18 months. But I think we have come out the other side stronger with a fresh mentality. One good thing to come was the fact we had so much time to focus on writing and recording new material. I think that came as a blessing in disguise as we really got to sink our teeth into that and we have come out with something we are super proud of.”

“WE REALLY GOT TO SINK

OUR TEETH INTO WRITING THE NEW EP AND COME OUT WITH SOMETHING WE’RE SUPER PROUD OF.”

We’re exceptionally excited about the announcement of your upcoming EP. What can you tell us about it?

“Last Summer we rented out a little cottage in the middle of nowhere on the west coast of Scotland, took all of our stuff up and locked ourselves away for a week to record some new songs, I suppose that’s where the EP started. Once we got back we kept on writing and recording from our rehearsal room and here we are with the finished product. I suppose it’s a bit of a diary of our last year. This EP is also a bit of a step in a new direction for us, the time really let us figure out what it was we wanted to make and with us self-producing it we got to have a full range of creative freedom and have come out with something really strong. I was personally going through a difficult time with my own mental health, as I’m sure a lot of people were, so contextually the EP deals with a lot of these thoughts and feelings

and stylistically I think you can expect a lot more guitars, interesting textures and cinematic features. Along with a healthy dose of electronica, aggression and melancholy. (A mad mix I know). Overall, I’d say it’s our best material yet and we just can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

What’s the story behind the title for the EP, ‘Since The Dog Died’?

“There’re a few different reasons why. Lewis’s beautiful little sausage dog sadly passed away last year, and he came up with the title for a song he was working on at the time, and it was something we all liked as a title. Also, with us feeling like we had pushed into a new direction we felt like we had a bit of a rebirth, so it also relates to that. I think the amount of changes we had behind the scenes also felt fitting, almost like a new beginning in that sense too. It just felt like it was definitely the right title. And when I remembered my dad had made a piece of art work a few years ago, which was literally a mirrored glass balloon dog I was like “it all makes sense”.”

Is there a song you’re particularly excited for fans to hear?

“All of it to be honest we have crafted this EP to work as a whole piece of music as there is a very constant thematic narrative that runs through each song, so it’s supposed to be enjoyed in its entirety, as I think that’s something we have lost as a whole when listening to music. I suppose if I had to pick, and if I may speak on behalf of the band, ‘Köln’ is definitely a favourite of ours.”

Themes often tackled in your music range from mental health and identity. Is this a theme that continues from ‘Fake It’ through to ‘Since The Dog Died’? continues from ‘Fake It’ through to ‘Since The Dog Died’?

“Most definitely, I think the tracks on this EP are probably the most open about that as well. I took a bit of a different approach when writing these songs and felt I needed to be honest about how I was feeling,

“IT ALLOWED US TO BE MORE CREATIVE AS WE HAD TIME TO THROW OURSELVES SOLEY AT IT. ”

and this also came out in the songs. I don’t know whether it was a conscious thing or just the head space I was in when writing the lyrics and it all just fell out. The late great John Martyn once said, ‘When you’re in some ghastly emotional state, to be truthful about it, because if you’re not, you’ll hurt yourself’ and maybe this was running through my subconscious when writing.”

Do you think it’s important for musicians to use their platform to raise awareness about mental health?

I think it’s important that everybody does, whether you are a person sitting in the pub with your mates, a musician or anything. It’s definitely something to raise awareness for as it’s shocking how many people do deal with these feelings. I know a lot of people won’t want to talk, but I think the more people know they can talk about it the better. Just reach out to people. Obviously if people do have a platform then make the most of it, but in a general sense I think it’s something everyone should do.”

Do you think the events of lockdown have influence or veined their way into your music? How did you find lockdown creatively?

“As I said before it definitely allowed us to be more creative as we had the time to throw ourselves solely at it with nothing else getting in the way of it. Which I think definitely had its benefits. I wouldn’t say lockdown influenced its way into the music no. I mean you’re always a product of your environment, so inadvertently their might elements of it as these songs look place in that time period. But I mean when we could get together and stuff was always when restrictions were being lifted (temporarily) and I think we were always thinking about these songs in live settings when we were writing, so maybe it’s the opposite, the words in the back of our heads were, when this is over.”

You’re heading out on tour in December, how does that feel!?

“Amazing! Like a huge breath of fresh air, gigging is the thing we absolutely love to do, where we feel most at home. To have a run of headlines shows up and down the country after all this time away, is mega! We are very much looking forward to stuffing ourselves in a van for 10 days and playing some tunes

new and old to the lovely people who come down and see us.”

What is it you’ve missed most about being on the road?

“All of it. As I alluded to in the last question, just getting in the van, sitting in the van driving around having a laugh, little things like that, I miss a lot. Playing in front of people obviously, I don’t think there is a better feeling than that. Personally, I miss just being in a new place almost every day and getting a flavour of it, just having a mooch about seeing what’s going on.”

Is there a venue you’re particularly eager to play?

“In general, there are bloody loads, I don’t know if it would all fit on! On this December tour, it would probably have to be the Hometown Manchester show at Academy 2, it’s our biggest headline show we have ever done, it’s a great venue, the crowd in Manchester are always electric. I mean I can’t wait to do them all, but it will be a lively way to round off the tour that’s for sure.”

Who are your favourite up-and-coming bands at the moment?

“I mean I’ve only heard one tune, as I’m pretty sure that’s all they have out, but Wet Leg and their first release ‘Chaise Longue’ is an absolute banger, I’m a big fan of that and very much looking forward to hearing some more stuff. We saw a band last weekend called Sterling Press who played a class set. New band called Porij, who I saw a while ago that are doing some really cool stuff. Band called Kawala who we had the pleasure of supporting a few weeks ago in Nottingham, very uplifting and groovy and possibly the nicest people you could meet. Me and George have been working on an EP with a lovely chap called Martin recently, which is really cool, so that will be coming out before then end of the year. I mean there is a hell of a lot of cool stuff happening, there’s just a few off the top of my head.”

To round things up do you have any messages for your fans?

“We Fucking Love You! Also get ready for more new music, and get yourselves down to a show in December, bring all your family and friends and let’s make the end of the year really special.”

HOME GROWN CORNISH SPOTLIGHT

WORDS: KIERAN WEBBER

The Ultra Violets

The Ultra Violets are relatively new on the scene but they’re already making waves in the local scene. Playing Boardmasters and opening for McFly at their sold-out Eden Sessions show has been achieved with only two released singles; ‘Romance’ and ‘Watergate Bay’, both of which are classic indie belters. Their music is guitar music at its finest, driven forward by the drawn-out vocals of front man Perran Nicholls. It’s a young project but it’s filled to the brim with infectious confidence.

Bailey Tomkinson

The St.Ives based Bailey Tomkinson has quickly become a national phenomenon. In a short time span she has hit the top of the iTunes charts and been featured in the national press. This is no doubt due to her sultry 70’s soundscape, velvety corals, and poignant songwriting. It’s a retrospective sound that is wonderfully fresh. It’s hard not to be pulled in by Bailey’s soft, yet subtly powerful vocals. It’s incredibly exciting to watch her grow as an artist and the future is looking bright for this passionate and talented Cornish artist.

The Doinks

Falmouth’s The Doinks have been causing quite the ruckus in the past couple of years, thanks to their high octane and frantic punk sound. Currently the band have a slew of singles and a solid EP under their belt and they’re not showing any signs of slowing down. Their music is short fire bursts of riotous energy with tongue in cheek songwriting that is equal parts observational and comedy scenarios. It’s a fantastic sound that is most enjoyed in a dark, sweaty venue. We urge you to see these guys live.

Roguey Roads

Roguey Roads encapsulates a sound that can only be created in Cornwall, it’s the perfect beach music. It’s a layered, groovy, fun, and warm sound that is delightfully alluring. The two brothers have been crafting their sound since 2017 and have grown exponentially since. The summer of 2021 saw them play extensively around Cornwall, at gigs and festivals,and also saw the release of their debut album ‘Something To Prove’.

EMERGING TALENT

ONES TO WATCH IN 2021

FRESH AND EMERGING ARTSITS ARE IN NO short supply so, the team here at Clunk have decided to share our personal picks of the bands featruing on our playlists that you may not have heard of. Down below check out some of the many musicians making waves across the scene.

WORDS: KIERAN WEBBER & ALANNAH WILLIAMS

WET LEG

The Isle of Wight natives washed up on our shores and quickly took over. They’re arguably one of the most talked about bands at the moment, and for good reason. They’ve so far only released two singles ‘Chaise Longue’ and ‘Wet Dream’, both of which have built up hundreds of thousands of streams. It’s no surprise they’ve become exceptionally popular so quickly. Their ability write ludicrously catchy songs is masterful. It’s a simplistic approach that is delightfully alluring, carrying similarities to Ty Segalland Bjork. Latest single ‘Wet Leg’ being particularly infectious, that chorus will stay in your mind for weeks if not months. They’ve also just come off tour with Inhaler and once they release more music, we’ll likely be seeing them dominate festivals and shows across the country.

OPUS KINK

Opus Kink may just be one of the most exciting bands to emerge in the last decade. Which isn’t a phrase that can be thrown around lightly. The sextet from Brighton combine a fusion of brass, gruff vocals, and frantic guitars and hard-hitting percussion into one ball of chaotic energy. It’s hard not to find yourself flailing around, taken in by their hypnotic and incredibly wild sound. The band first caught our attention with their frantic, spaghetti western single ‘Wild Bill’, since then we’ve been enamored by them. Do yourself a favour and check out Opus Kink and be sure to catch them live when they wash up in your town. You will not be disappointed.

THE LOUNGE SOCIETY

Hailing from West Yorkshire, The Lounge Society have been gripping listeners with their plucky, tonguein-cheek, yet poignant songwriting. They’re a young band that are already proving to be light-years years ahead of their peers. Their debut EP ‘Silk For The Starving’ was an eclectic combination of sounds that dabbled in psychedelic, indie, rock, and post-punk. It was a jagged edged release that was sharp and succinct and had us itching to hear a full LP. They’re band that have captured an energy of a generation, formed out of the mishaps and degradation of this country and its politics. They point a finger at a generation who let the young down and hold them to account, all the while creating delightful infectious jams. It’s hard to ignore a band as talented as theese guys and you’d be a fool to do so.

ROXY GIRLS

The north of England has always been a hit for music and lately and it’s incredibly exciting to watch. One said band that has pricked our ears is Roxy Girls, a band from Sunderland that have a frantic sound that harkens back to artists such as The Futureheads. Although it can be considered to be retrospective it is tuned to the modern ear with their music filled to the brim with jagged guitars, pulsing percussion, and high-octane energy. In classic style for the genre songs never breach the 3-minute mark, it’s quick, sharp, and wonderfully chaotic. Roxy Girls command a sound that is somewhat overwhelming and is ever demanding in its presence, we are yet to experience them live but one can only imagine the fun their live set brings.

MALADY

It’s no surprise the London four-piece has recently signed to Nice Swan Records, the label that has been instrumental in bands such as Sports Team, FUR, Pip Blom, and many more. They’re an incredibly exciting band that fuse indie with dub, post-rave, and IDM, in some ways reminiscent to Bloc Party. It’s an anthemic sound that is retrospective of the 00’s indie era yet remains fresh and ripe for new ears. Their observational songwriting approach is arguably their main strength, bringing a real fly on the wall experience. This is particularly felt in their single ‘London, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down’. The fusion of sounds and heartfelt songwriting makes Malady an incredibly delightful listen. There’s much time for this band to grow and watching them do so is going to be very exciting.

Sea girls

Renowned for their ability to produce infectious popinfused cuts, Sea Girls are on an unstoppable sonic trajectory that is set to see them rise through the indie ranks with an unparalleled prowess. With an impressive back-catalogue of hit after hit, the London four-piece are currently three EP’s and a debut album deep with no signs of slowing down. It’s no surprise the band have garnered fans up and down the country with their own unique brand euphoric rock. Sea Girls are a sure-fire way of ensuring a good time if searching for a live-music outlet.

school disco

The psychedelic/garage rock freakazoids from Brighton are masters of their craft, bringing fuzzed out riffs and far out reverb to audiences across the country. Since forming the band have released three albums, all of which have developed on their sound. Their latest release ‘Heads Still Here’ is a true refinement of their sound, it’s equal parts grounded and far out. School Disco have shown to be a band that are constantly striving for greatness and taking up every opportunity presented to them. It’s therefore hard not to be blown away by their true passion for music. It’s evident on stage and throughout their recorded music that School Disconot only love what they’re doing but also live for what they do. If you’re itching to get out there and head to a gig them we urge you to head to one of their shows.

lime garden

Lime Garden jump through the barriers of genre definition by molding a sound that is energetic yet mellowed out. It’s indie-disco/funk for the nonchalant and it is wonderfully addictive. In the band’s short existence, they have released a number of singles, from the surf rock sounds of ‘Surf N Turf’, through to their latest ‘Clockwork’, each one as impressive as the last. The tongue-in-cheek delivery matched with the infectious hooks and melodies make for a real head bop experience. It’s a groovy riddled experience that has us hanging on for more. We’re desperately awaiting the full LP. Keep an eye on Lime Garden as they’re going to be huge within the year, we’re calling it now.

THANK YOU

On behalf of the entire CLUNK team, I want to thank you the reader for continuing to read and engage with us. When we created this physical publication during the lockdown of last year we had no idea how it would be received. It has always been something we have aspired to do, and with your support we have managed to finally release our first official issue!

I want to thank all the writers, contributors and photographers who have dedicated their time to researching and conducting some exceptional interviews for this zine. Every thought counts. I would also like to say a special thanks to Kieran Webber for his support and dedication to Clunk. None of this would be possible without him.

Finally, I would like to thank all the musicians who are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and have continuously strived to create some epic content over this past year.

Till next time guys.

FELIX BARTLETT

PRint editor