Distorted Magazine May 2009

| ISSUE 29 | ISSN 1754-3746 |

Boston to MEERHOUT warning: CONTAINS LOADS OF BANDS!

EDITOR/Co PUBLISHER_ Cerven Cotter

editor@distortedmagazine.com

ADVERTISING/Co PUBLISHER_ Nikola Cotter nikola@distortedmagazine.com ART/WEB/LAYOUT_ www.pixeldeath.com

SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR_ Steve ‘I’ll get you a job’ Noble steve@distortedmagazine.com CONTRIBUTORS_ John Robb, Rupe Rabble Tim Drunk, Curvball, Fungal Punk/ OMD, LibraSnake, Imelda Michalczyk, and the New Years Fairy....

Contact information_ Distorted Magazine 9 Bridle Close, Surbiton Road, Kingston Upon Thames Surrey, KT1 2JW, UK info@distortedmagazine.com www.distortedmagazine.com Distorted Magazine is published by Distorted Ltd. ISSN 1754-3746 All content is copyright protected © 2006 - 2009.

Distorted is a trademark of Distorted Ltd.

Views expressed in the magazine’s content belong to the contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. The contents are believed to be correct at the time of publishing. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors, ommissions or for changes in the details given, © 2006 - 2009 Distorted Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in a whole or in part of this magazine is strictly forbidden without prior written consent of the publishers.

Time is a luxury

S

orry that you missed our April issue, lack of time and sleep combined with some server issues saw us having to postpone it - that being said, we’ve combined both May’s and Aprils content to bring you one big issue of Distorted this month.

Some of the regulars are missing and you’ll notice there still aren’t any album reviews - the winds of change are starting to blow really hard, growing to gust proportions infact, we’ll let you know what is going on as soon as the dust settles. While you wait, please enjoy this months ‘double bill’. ~ Cerven Cotter

Distorted Editor, & sleep deprived fiend.

ON THE COVER: Street Art, possibly found in Boston.... Š Steve Noble

Features advantage... 12

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR... 16

Mike TV...44

GROEZROCK fest... 48

Distrakted... 64 los fu monkeys... 72 Penny Black Remedy... 84

REGULARS Editor Notes...... 03 Are you going? Mutiny fest... 06 are you going? Mighty Sounds fest... 08 Reviews...... 78

A R E YO U GOING? Mutiny Festival

Bridlington Spa, East Yorkshire 16th May 2009 £30 Adults / £20 under 16’s Whilst many mainstream festivals are closing down in the credit crunch the punk festival scene is booming. Further proof of a strong grass roots sub-culture is provided by the latest addition to the scene calendar.

Mutiny, named after UK punk rock heroes Goldblade’s recent top album, is based in Bridlington, East Yorkshire and looks set to be a big success. Promoted by two newcomers to the scene (Ant Hall and David Fisher) and fired by the DIY spirit of punk rock, it’s very much a fan’s event and looks set to be a big hit with hundreds of tickets being sought even before advertising began. Bands and fans are flying in from all over the world for this celebration of the roots radical.

The one-day event will be held at the twenty million pound, newly re-furbished, Bridlington Spa in East Yorkshire. This is a part of the country that has traditionally been starved of pop culture but with excellent communications and plenty of accommodation; it is the perfect location for an event of this scale.

An all day event (2pm till midnight) with a market place of stalls and a very strong and varied bill that encompasses old school punk, Ska and new generation UK bands…

Stiff Little Fingers Neville Staple (ex Specials) Anti-Nowhere League UK SUBS Goldblade Strawberry Blondes Middle Finger Salute Tickets are £30, which will be for wristbands and re-entry. Further proof of the generational reach of new millennium punk rock is that under 16s are welcome (under adult supervision).

The festival cherishes the memory of Sophie Lancaster the ‘Goth’ girl who was beaten to death by ‘youths’ in a park in Bacup as she tried to stop the 5 youths who were attacking her partner, Rob. The event fully supports The Sophie Lancaster Foundation and S.O.P.H.I.E. campaign S TAMP / O UT / P REJUDICE H ATRED / I NTOLERANCE E VERYWHERE www.myspace.com/inmemoryofsophie

Because every time a kick and punch was aimed at Sophie and Rob it was aimed at the whole punk/Goth/alternative community and Sophie was part of our community.

Sophie’s mother, Sylvia will be at the festival to speak to everyone like she had been doing at recent GoldBlade gigs.

The festival is a celebration of the community of punk rock, a scene that goes far deeper than the music. It celebrates its brilliant timeless music and the ability to unite people from all over the world with exciting bands that genuinely touch people with very little hype.

If you want any more information please check out the festival website www.mutinyfestival.com (myspace) www.myspace.com/ mutinyfestival or email David Fisher via mutinyfestival@hotmail.co.uk or shantipunx@hotmail.co.uk

NOTE: Competition only open to SOUTH AFRICAN’s - no flights included, tickets only | MARCH 2008 | page 07 |

A R E YO U GOING? MIGHY SOUNDS 5

150 bands from all over the world on 7 stages ska, punk, rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, dancehall, hard core, drum’n’bass, jungle and more. date: 17. - 19. July 2009 location: Olší u Tábora (100km South of Prague) Mighty Sounds 2009 will be the 5th year of this alternative festival. And we’re getting bigger than ever. The festival takes place in the meadows around the south Bohemian town of Tabor, 100km south of Prague on the weekend of July 17-19th. This year we’re expecting 15000 visitors.

There will be 4 live stages with over 150 bands from around the world playing Punk, Ska, Rockabilly, rockn’roll and 3 DJ stages playing Hip Hop, Drum’n’Bass, Jungle etc. There will also be theatre groups and performance workshops. The Gambrinus Play Area offers free fun and games and there are free Fussball tables on site.

Unlike UK festivals there is always a wide variety of good food available and you can buy a nice cold, frothy pint of Czech beer for around £1 and chill out in the Shisha Tent.

Of course , it’s all about the music!

Confirmed so far are Buzzcocks

Weekend tickets are UK£20 and are available from the festival website and Ticketpro, Ticketstream and Ticketportal www.mightysounds.cz www.myspace.com/mightysounds

(UK), Backyard Babies (S) The Aggrolites (US), Voodoo Glow Skulls (US), The Peacocks (CH), The Skints (UK), The Hitchers (UK), Prague Ska Conspiracy (Cz), Peter Pan Speedrock (NL) Koffin Kats (US), The Offenders (I)

NOTE: Competition only open to SOUTH AFRICAN’s - no flights included, tickets only | MARCH 2008 | page 07 |

Words by Travelling Skanker. Photos by Gavin Rudolph.

leaving home

After Grown At Home had risen to some prominence with their debut album, progress hit a snag. Band members left and after a reshuffle and a quiet period ensued –Advantage have risen from those ashes with a new name, sound and logo to boot. The guys were kind enough to shed light on the changes and future of the band.

Steve: So, tell us about the transformation to Advantage and the end of Grown At Home?

Bob: I’d say Grown at home has evolved into Advantage. Well GAH as most people knew it, wasn’t really happening at the start of 2008. Half the band had left to do and try other things and the other half were just trying to keep touring and playing shows. So we recruited new members and got back on the road. To our pleasant surprise we were gelling better than ever and writing some of our best material.

fle in 2008 that by the end of the year we were musically different and it didn’t feel right continuing under the same name. It took many a sleepless night thinking about if this was the right idea but we’re in a much more positive and exciting place than we were a year or so ago. Sam: There were only 3 of us in the band that were involved with “Assemble”, the last Grown At Home release, so it made sense to change the name. Plus, it has to be said, the words “Grown At Home” do carry certain connotations with them, something that we don’t have to worry about now!

Steve: When we last spoke to Sam and yourself, there were already signs of change as a reshuffled Grown at Home, so why the name Advantage?

Bob: Well basically we didn’t feel like we were the same band anymore. We had had such a reshuf-

Steve: Tell us about the image/ logo.

Sam: We felt it was important to keep, as much as we can, work inside the band. So myself and Willis came up with the concept, and he went in to a dark room, and came out with the logo you see now. I think it’s great to have a symbol that we can all get be-

advantage

hind! Willis: The arrows represent us moving forward, as well reflecting our influences in Brit Pop and something else, the central part is meant to represent the three A’s in Advantage. Symmetry played an important part in it, which is reflected on stage. Is this too detailed? Oh, And we like it.

Sam: As far as image goes, what you see in the photo is pretty much what we wear normally!

Bob: I did alot of nodding and said things like “I like it!” and “They’re both great” while the whole thing was being done, Steve: Has there been a musical change to accompany everything else?

Cookie: Yes, of course, and it’s for the better, it matches our personalities now which is great.

Playing music that we all really like is so much more enjoyable.

Bob: It is still Brass driven Punk rock music but it’s so much bigger now! We have a new member called Alex on bass duties, he’s awesome.

Alex: Hello.

Willis: Every song that we play now, we’ve all had a hand in writing which makes us feel a lot more unified.

Steve: You have a debut 3 track EP out, tell us about the songs and when this was recorded? Cookie: These recordings signal the change of our direc-

tion, and a real eye opener for how we can write more mature, yet fun songs. To be honest they are the songs that we thought were good enough, but are still reserved in my opinion, in terms of what we are writing now. Willis: It’s just been a progression of our writing. We recorded six tracks in total, late last year, at Tower Studios with our friend Weaver on production. Definitely recommend him and his studio to other bands, we’re heading back in there in a month.

Steve: Will it be tough to shake off the comparison to the previous band do you think?

What problems do you foresee?

Sam: Many bands with a horn section that like to rock out are often immediately considered to be Ska Punk, and this is something that I feel is limiting the people we can play to. The fact is we’re not a Ska Punk band any more, whilst we’ll always be influenced by it, I feel like we’re moving across genres now. The comparison will always be there, but I reckon GAH fans will enjoy what we’re doing now, and we still have a horn section that likes to rock out.

Bob: There’s always going to be certain comparisons between old and new but I think when people hear us they will soon see the differences for themselves.

Steve: And has the band

started playing under the new name already?

Cookie: Yes. We’ve only done two gigs so far as Advantage, and they were awesome, we’d rehearsed the set a lot and spent loads of time in the practice rooms so it was good to be back on the stage. I really wanted have a performance that flowed rather than just have song after song, and I think we achieved that.

Sam: There were still Grown At Home fans at the shows who seemed pretty eager to check out the new band image, which is really encouraging, especially the reactions we got afterwards. One of the shows was with Imperial Leisure and it was great to play to their fans and hopefully get them on board. It was also good to have a CD to sell at shows, which we’ve not had for a while!

Bob: Yeah the first show was really good fun. Everybody so far at the gigs, have been very positive which is always nice.

Steve: What plans do you have in the pipeline?

Sam: Writing, Recording, Gigging.

Not in that order. We’re heading back to the studio in April, and have a bunch of UK shows before that. Still currently finalising the details of our first national tour.

Right now we’re all about showing people that we’re still a band worth talking about, and more importantly, dancing to! Bob: We’re very eager to get back on the road, so lot’s more shows coming soon. Wil-

advantage

lis: More videos of us on YouTube, check out our Twitter account as well. Oh and a new custom merch service, watch out for that!

Steve: Under your previous incarnation you released the EP/Album through your own label Cash for Pigs, any changes on that front moving forward?

Sam: Yes, CFP Records is something that we’re still going to keep moving forward with, currently me and Bob are working with a band called Everything On Red, who are top notch synth driven punk rock, check them out! We’re in the middle of formulating plans for their next release.

Bob: We’re still unsure about who to release our next CD with at the moment, but CFP Records will certainly have a roll to play. But do check out Everything on Red! Steve: Any Final words?

Cookie: No. Sam: Yes. Check out the new EP in Mid-May and buy the one available now, its limited edition! Come to our gigs and pick one up! Thanks for the interview Steve, pleasure as always!

Bob: Yes.

Words & Snaps by Steve Noble

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR Every journey begins with a story, and in this case the story is a journey. I have a passion for music I am fairly confident will be detrimental to both my health (gig- drinking) and bank balance, but when I pick holiday destinations I am often a lost soul if that trip does not include some musical exploration.

Boston, The Dropkick Murphys and the combined party factor of Saint Patricks day was a destination that was probably borne in my mind many years ago.

Whilst I was a more sprightly student still studying wordplay and discovering the magical qualities of radio production & journalism in South Africa. Although my interest in music and punk rock had already been instilled, my journey as a fan of Boston Music and the Dropkick Murphys were initiated on a trip in 2000/1 to see my family

in Holland-on holiday and on break from the oh-so-tedious academic lifestyle. One thing Holland has, amongst others, is a liberal approach to music. In the local library in Rotterdam, I would spend hours getting lost in their record collection, standing like what seemed to be my colossal wood and brick prenecessity MP3 player.

Amongst the number of gems that managed to open my mind up to the punk rock world beyond South Africa’s borders was “Sing Loud sing proud”

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR

and “the Gangs all here”. From there I would go on to discover for myself bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones,The Ducky Boys, Big D (and the Kids Table, more recently The Unseen, Far From Finished, Darkbuster, Street Dogs etc.) So a sense of affiliation to a pre conceived Boston punk scene had taken shape in my mind.

When I decided to finally tie up the long borne dream of visiting Beantown and the Murphy’s on what is now a feature on the punk rock calendar over St Patrick week in Mid March, it was natural for me to see what else was happening in relative proximity on the East coast of the US of A. With a bit of prodding and research I had secured Distorted access to Shamrock Festival in DC, which was to feature several bands we had spoken to around this time last year in our exploration of the Celtic punk scene, bands like Flogging Molly, Charm City Saints, The Pubcrawlers & more recently Flatfoot 56 as well as LA based dirty reggae Aggrolites.

Shamrock Festival

Flogging Molly, The Pubcrawlers, The Aggrolites, Flatfoot 56, Cutthroat Shamrock, Charm City Saints Saturday March 14th

After a day in NYC, which was the easier access route from London, we (my travel partner Fi) and I made the journey on one of the cheaper bus routes to DC, 4 and half hours later on a Saturday afternoon we arrived at the nation’s capital and spent the equivalent of the afore mentioned bus fare on a 10 minute taxi journey! We rushed the check in, or tried to but barring us was the conversational and the glaringly obvious crossdressing transvestite- oversized and decked as a leprechaun who was booking in at reception, welcome to St Pat’s shenanigans in DC. Shamrock Fest is a well established festival and slightly odd on paper. It takes place at the RFK Stadium Festival grounds.

On an overcast and already slightly damp day we made our way past swathes of green clad, largely college students making their way in to the arena. With a few swear words fired us for alleged queue jumping, although we had to, to bypass them and access our passes and be introduced to our home for the day.

The grounds are large expanse with a carnival atmosphere and

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR

scattering of no less than 10 stages and tents hosting DJ’s, bands, acts and festivities. This idea is not an issue, In fact I think it’s great and the commercial aspect of cashing on St Patricks appeal makes perfect sense, hence this being billed as the largest St Pats party in the US. However it did have early misgivings of being a college drinkathon.

And it is an attraction that has wide appeal from college type rock, to Celtic punk, family events, food and carnival rides!

It is spread out over a massive area which we were soon to discover. First up we made our way to the HiBall Events stage, which seemed neatly tucked away in the corner and boasted a more alternative line up, first of all being The Charm City

Saints. The crowds had only recently started entering the festival grounds so sadly the vibe and beer consumption had yet to really start by the time thye played. The band persevered none the less and had the crowd applauding each and every song. The encore was a nice little musical medley whose finale saw the band members slowly departing one at a time.

Cutthroat Shamrock played on the adjoining stage and although we didn’t catch much of them their hillbilly Celtic rock setup with double bass in tow, it was pretty damn good.

Due to some confusion in the original line-up and our poor map reading we discovered another entire expanse to the festival site which actually hosted the main stages and the late

discovery of this area of the festival led to my biggest disappointment as we missed half of Flatfoot 56. Having interviewed them last month across the pond I was really excited to see them play. And they didn’t disappoint.

With a ferocious attack of punk rock n roll, but hardcore melody too, they owned the stage and had a massive response from the growing drinkers in the green crowd. Their merchandise stand was soon engulfed as they ended their set with a fine fine version of ‘Amazing Grace.’ Watch out for their new record later this year.

Some more beers in hand as the temperatures dropped and some equally comforting oversized American food to help generate heat, we walked the site to make our way back to catch The Aggrolites. The odd one out as it were in the line-up, they certainly got the dancing and some singing going, with their dirty reggae and again fantastic medley of a selection of old ska/2 tone and punk songs lifting the shivering crowd.

By now the annoying beer buying format meant that purchases had to be strategically planned as tokens were required from one tent before collecting some watery and not so tasty Budweiser from another point (choice of regular or light- really what’s the difference) when really a shot of rum or whiskey

were in demand.

The size of the crowd had grown and the fact that the neatly lined up row of ambulances had now a few missing members means some were taking in the long day a bit too quickly in their stride. Although I say long if you add in the 6AM wake up and 4 hour journey to the festival, it is itself actually a rather short affair, a 1pm kick off and a 10pm finale?

The last two bands of the day we intended to catch were The Pubcrawlers and headliners Flogging Molly. The crowd by the adjoining main stages bought comforting warmth and had swelled considerably.

With the all conquering use of my photo pass I went up for a closer viewing of The Pubcrawlers. They played a good set, full of energy, joined by some Irish dancers mid-set too to add to the nostalgia of the Irishness of the day.

The crowd though was starting to gear up for The Molly’s and we decided it may be wise to make our way over the main stage to get a better view. Sadly it seemed like most had the same idea. The initial concern I had was that not many eager –squeeze to the front row kidslooked like they had been to a show before. As little lasses and their strung along boyfriends squeezed their way forward, the now bitterly wet and

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR cold anticipation of the bands entrance came to an end resulting in typical Flogging Molly mosh pits and punk circles. That coincided with those same cute couples running way from the pit and mayhem in the front.

Flogging molly, with Dave King carrying a strained voice soon, had the mass hysteria; dancing, singing and screaming along as only a long day of drinking can yield. However problems soon arose as the sound kept cutting out mid song, unawares to the band who danced and battery bunny like - energised away.

Some way into the set the there was a realisation form the stage that all was not well. Dave would ask the baying crowd if they could be heard only for the loud cheer of the returned sound to be cut off with the start of the next song. As these problems

persisted, as did the rain, it was difficult to enjoy the set and the frustration grew not only from the crowd but the band as no encore greeted this festival finale.

House Of Blues

Dropkick Murphys, Black 47, Mark Lind & The Unloved Sunday 15th March 2009

The continuation of the journey the next day, or should I say two journeys, via two separate four hour bus journeys from DC-NYC and then NYC to Boston, saw a frantic introduction to our end destination of Boston. With hasty accommodation check-in followed by a hastier and slightly confusing walk to the HOB (House Of Blues! )On our the arrival at the HOB- a

Some other Boston & Massachusetts bands worth looking up: (Past and present)

The Bruisers The F.U’s Big D and The Kids Table The Unseen The Ashers Have Nots Mighty Mighty Bosstones Confront Death and Taxes DarkBuster Far From Finished Thicker Than thugs The Trouble Showcase Showdown Welsh Boys The Blue Bloods The Scars Or visit: www.bostonpunk.org/news.php

few incorrect queue joining trips later- we were briefed loudly by the security personnel on what the house rules were. We entered the The HOB and were pleasantly surprised by what is a well designed venue, with enough space for audience members to have visibility from most quarters. We positioned ourselves stage Right (Audience Left)which was slightly raised above the central pit and close enough to the stage so that you could see the white of eyes and feel the wetness of spit from the band.

Doors opened by 6pm and the 1st act did a no show (As I was later to discover, Bryan McPherson was ill and couldn’t play that evening).

So as the crowd swelled and the Dropkicks Merch stands were swamped, little house rules[which seem commonplace in the US] like one drink per wristband, resulted in some losing prime location by the banisters if you were attending on your own! Also some heftily priced beverages meant drinking was a premium and a luxury!

As the House DJ kept the crowd entertained Mark Lind and The Unloved took to stage. The front man syn-

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR onymous with a host of Boston acts now leading this quintuplet, with new addition Britney –offering sweeter vocals and eye candy for the male audience in custom made ACDC shirt/frock.

The Unloved play a good set although the reception wasn’t overwhelming it was generous and well received. Covering more well known songs from Marks back catalogue with The Ducky Boys, and energetic guitar performances memorable it was a good tee off to the night.

New York based Black 47, an acquired taste, playing Celtic, rock & rap fused offerings which a little surprisingly really got the crowd going; I wasn’t a huge fan, but they have a grand reputation. I found the music did become a bit monotonous at times however but by en large it’s fun. It’s a hate ‘em or love ‘em band…

As the band draws its conclusion, the mass of largely drinking or are drunk fans were clamouring in anticipation, a large percentage had been at it all day following the city’s annual St Pats parade which I missed due to afore mentioned 8 hours of bussing! The ritualistic chanting of “Let’s GO Murphys” helped build the suspense and excitement.

Then the moment and silence and the dimming of lights accompanied by the introduction of Irish “The Foggy Dew,”

by the Chieftains with Sinead O’Connor on vocals.

The darkened arena was electric as the eerie number preceded the simultaneous lights on and side-swept curtains to reveal a Church like backdrop and Ken Casey’s voice and the accompanying drums of Matt Kelly, and soaring guitars of Tim Jeff and James as the “ALL ROADS LEAD TO BOSTON TOUR 2009” was bought soundly home with AL bars entrance.

They Murphys thrive on that electricity and rose to the occasion as Al Barr struts his Al Barr walk and his Al Barr gruff vocals setting the place alight. With the combination of gritty-shout -singing, Bassist and only original member-Ken Casey, offers his comparatively sweet vocals.

Songs spanning most albums appear on the set list, in addition Liza Graves, front woman for Civet, joined the Murphys for a duet of “The Dirty Glass.”

But in between songs and rescued crowd surfers, dealt with professionally by security I’m happy to report, there are traditional Irish step dancers & at parts a four-piece string section to boot. There are cameos from for Scruffy Wallace’s bagpipes supported a by a team of other Bagpipers, roaring in bagpipe glory- whilst Jeff DaRosa’s offers mandolin and Tim Brennan’s accordion are also bought to the HOB sweaty frenzied ta-

Matt Kelly Q&A

Evans greets us & walking us to the backstage area of the now oddly tame HOB and introduces Matt, who approaches with a firm handshake and a strong Boston accent. We enter a small room, accept a beer off Matt as he takes a water for himself as he never drinks before a show.

We start by discussing the venue itself and how Evan in passing comment explained how tough it is to manage the guest list for events like this week. Matt starts by explaining how The Avalon (former venue of the current HOB site and home to previous Murphys St Patricks shows) was so different with guests and passes.

“Yeah we used to have the whole 2nd floor as a dressing room so we used to have like 250 people back there; a bar and things like that. With this, space is a premi-

um. My wife has a pass, the guys’ wives and girlfriends and like kids have and that’s it- all gone! This is more like a prison compared to The Avalon” ,he chuckles.

I asked Matt if he recalls our previous interview done by email 18 months ago, which he had sent back to his publicist as “The long ass interview”- which we used as the title of the feature. “You know what? That’s good cos sometimes it’s like –“What are your influences” and Egh. I think my answers with that were pretty long too?” I reminded him they were but it was great as they were insightful and in depth. Mat adds” I probably sounded much more intelligent than I am (smiling).”

With the lapse of time since that previous interview which took place after the release of ‘The Meanest of Times’, I asked if he and the guys had started turning their attention to new material? “Yeah, we have been writing . Basically cos’ of the beauty of the internet we been firing stuff back and forth from home and it’s like ‘hey check this out, I got this part, I got this chorus.’ We pass that stuff back and forth and it’s

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR like ‘well that will work’ and ‘that won’t work’, and we come into the practise space, and naturally just hash some shit out. We have one song-it’s no lyrics- it’s all music, but pretty fuckin awesome.

We play it at sound check a lot.

There’s that and like two or three other fleshed out tunes that we have been working for the past 6 months or so. But yeah we gonna start spearheading the writing process coming up, we have a long break coming up.”

I asked about the tour as it has appeared to be nonstop. “Yeah it’s been long, but it hasn’t been one long tour; just lots so close together so it feels like one tour.

This here is being at home but still kind of on tour. (pauses to himself)It’s harder than being on tour. Everybody is pretty beat, you talk to us during the day- and nah!” He says shaking his head as if it’s a no brainer.

At the slightest suggestion of not enjoying the prospect of taking time from his day for the interview – they have played 5 shows in 4 days-I thank Matt his time . Perhaps sensing my concern he apologises and starts off “I

have either been sitting around or just having a coffee so this is kind of refreshing ya know. Try to use my brain a little bit. But yeah we also have been working on songs down in the practise space between tours. You know we are working on this DVD and CD to document the last 3 albums too.”

The seven shows in six days the band are playing on this final leg of their tour in Boston are all being compiled for the DVD/CD combo due later in the year.

I return back to the question of new material as previously he had mentioned the large number of options they had in material when they decided on the final cut with ‘The Meanest of Times’.

Or even if they would re-use some tracks that didn’t make it?

“I don’t know; that last record was the first time where we were like ‘Hold on one second, we have 23 songs!’ When we go to the studio for every other album it’s like ‘Shit-do we have enough songs? Yeah let’s do it!’ Or ‘We got to write a couple more songs!’

Never like; ‘Holy shit where did those come from! Cool let’s do it.’

Yeah so who knows, maybe we

go back and start firing them up again?”

I asked Matt if in hindsight he was unhappy with any the songs they did leave off? “I kind of liked the mood of the whole thing. A couple of styles, all in all a pretty cohesive album-it’s not just a list of songs. You can’t put them all in ya know?Like if we had a list of 50 or 20 of our greatest songs-I’m not saying they were, but 20 songs on a album- that sucks! You don’t want to listen to 20 songs. Like the 2nd last Rose Tattoo albumlike 16-18 songs, and they are all really good but damn that’s a long album. They are one of my favourite bands ever but you can only take so much at one time.”

He reflects for a moment and continues.

“I think the best records are short and to the point. I’m not talking attention span deficits here, but like- just hit them and get out of there. Leave them begging for more and keep them paying attention to the band. Not like ‘well I’m gonna let this soak in for about 2 years ya know? Yeah keep it short and sweet.”

I turned the attention to the shows and the previous night.

They played a song which had recently been released on their Myspace taking a bit of a dig at local Boston celebrities which went down well with the local crowd. He starts smiling at the suggestion of the song; “Well we came up with that and we had to go ‘Phew!’ after the first set of lyrics. There was some real sketchy stuff going in there. Ken (Casey) came up with these verses that were like ‘Whoa, phew” maybe we shouldn’t say that- we can be sued for libel! (I interrupted to ask him if was fun.) “Yeah, exactly ,to write it all down but we had to pull it back a little.”

On the question of Myspace music releases. “Egh I think it’s a cool idea. I heard The Bouncing Souls were doing that; releasing one song per month and that’s pretty cool. It’s weird as we don’t have a problem like; well, our fans are really loyal. They will buy the record even if they have downloaded it illegally, I mean that’s what I always do, if I have the opportunity to get a sneak peak, I think about, download it and then ‘Yup I’m gonna go buy it’.”

I also mention the merch issue as the band has a great selec-

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR tion and we hadn’t been able to walk around the area in Boston without bumping into someone who wasn’t wearing a Dropkicks something.”It’s amazing; our fans are really loyal that way. I think we don’t need to have a gimmick, or maybe that’s the wrong word?

We rather taking that approach where we can release albums and in between a single every now and again.”

I told Matt that after finding out he was the man set aside from the band for our brain-picking that day I was surprised how his name hardly gets mentioned in any online research but he remains a very key person in the band (he nods the whole time and offers a sheepish smile.)“Yeah that’s fine with me. The other guys like Ken can’t walk down the street without a ‘Hey’ (said in a funny voice and arms flapping). I prefer my privacy. The thing is too, like James our guitarist, we are always going to shows and bars and sometimes fans see us around and it’s not a big deal, and it shouldn’t be anyway . (again his fan voice) ‘Like oh my God! That’s Matt Kelly.’ Don’t worry nobody does that for me” he

says again laughing.” If they did I would be like, I dunno? Fuckin curl up and die! I don’t know. It’s like ‘It’s me, fuckin…(pointing at himself and gritting his teeth in frustration). What do you want!”.

I’m aware of that (the non- mention) then, yeah. And I’m kind of in control of that. If I wanted the spotlight it would be (pausing) for the singer or the guitarist? Being behind the drums is fine with. I’m not looking to be in the limelight, I couldn’t care less. I would imagine if I was well known or a well know face for a big band I would hate to take the frigin spotlight away from the band they have come to see. I have seen that happen before at a show, like ‘oh man it’s that guy from that band’.

I remember a show from many years ago where a guy from a big band was at the show and these kids were like’ oh wow!’ instead of ‘Hey man, look at that band on stage -they are fucking awesome!’ So yeah that’s a part of it I suppose?”

With his views on the matter quite clear I ask about his personal experiences of having been starstruck as the Murphys themselves have played with a host of

big bands and recent affiliation to sporting franchises would have exposed him to a range of people? When he last interviewed with us he mentioned Bruce Springsteen coming to a show in NY, and that must feel like a privileged moment? “Yeah that was cool but I think I only have had that star struck moment once, it’s actually stupid thinking about it, I feel like a moron for being starstruck. The guitarist Steve Grimes from the F.U’sthey are probably my favourite hardcore band, an old Boston band. And we were in Texas with the Bosstones-I think in Austin, and Dickie (Of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones with Matt’s accompanying voice impression and gesticulation) “Hey Matt, come here, this is Steve Grimes.” (Matt in his nervous and feminine impression of himself )‘Of the F.U’s?’ I totally crumbled man, I was like ughhhh. (mimicking a child)- That was the one time I was starstruck!”

“I don’t care about famous people really. With Springsteen I was impressed with how nice he was and how genuine and down to earth he is- I think he is highly rated for a reason but I person-

ally don’t listen to him all the time-but he is an amazing musician. My uncle has seen him like 34/35 times! I was more psyched to tell family members I met him.

But yeah he was a genuine cool dude man. We actually saw him here in Boston right after his set; like a 2 and half hour set, and he was as cool as you can be. Very accommodating, had the time to talk to us and yeah; fuckin cool guy.”

I asked him about the break after the St. Pats shows and his other band involvements after reading a article in the local Boston Globe(written by Tripp of The Unseen)”Yeah I’m in a couple of other bands. The one band I have been involved in for about 15 years, not sure if we will be playing, but yeah the other one we will be playing a couple of gigs. We play some different type stuff. Basically playing around with some of my other buddies. (pausing not wanting to reveal too much and smiles)Ya know, playing cowbells and stuff.”

Finally changing the conversation to the St Pats shows themselves and their growing status, Matt is equally modest, but they

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR have been a feature for nearly a decade in Boston now and it must be good coming home to finish at an event like this! “I mean it is physically demanding, but to be able to do this, 9 years in a row now! We have friends from Belgium and Ireland and all over France, England, Japan and I saw some kids from Norway. It kind of makes it all worth it, besides from the personal gratification of playing but to have all these people come over and see us play is definitely a motivating factor. And your whole family comes down Saturday night; I probably had like 30 friends here, so it’s great. Something you definably look forward to. You brace for it though.” And the pressure? “ It’s not pressure, but maybe extra anxiety with family and friends and sometimes guest list gets screwed up, running around, and you aren’t in a routine as much like when you’re on tour. Got’s to eat and stay healthy and keep up the energy and not drink too much and just try to put on the best show possible. I guess there is pressure because of what it has become.” He nearly adds as an afterthought.

And the gigs have become a real show too with the added dancers, bagpipe players, etc. “Haha that is more like making sure we know where everyone has got to be, like this song where are the bagpipers- ok. And this song we got the dancers –ok. I mean with the dancers we have had a couple different school come through.

They come up stand here do the routine and yeah,(And the crowd love it) its great and the little kids give me motivation. From a dance studio to a stage with thousands of people, they have guts doing that.”

St Patricks night is the last night of the tour and their local residence at the HOB- so I ask Mat what his plans post show are.

“Well we will be in the practise space next week, but yeah I will probably get drunk for the 1st time in a long time. I think I will head over to my favourite watering hole with some friends and ring up the jukebox with some Slade -rock out a little.”

Matt leaves us modest and sincere and heads down to the stage area where the guys have started to assemble for final sound check. We make our way

out and watch them play through 15- 20 minutes worth of rock and roll and can see how relaxed they are but equally professional wanting to ensure everything sounds great. There is banter and clear enjoyment at what they do, and maybe the slightest proud accomplsihed smiles etched on all their faces that these are special shows. And with that knowledge, they have only 2 performances of their lives to give, till it all starts counting down to the same place, same dates, 2010.

ble.

The evening is an event, a statement, a thank you to loyal fans. Their rise in popularity and affiliation with Red-Sox-and Bruins sports brands identified with anthems like “Tessie” have caused some backlash and detractors but nothing dents their bubble in this setting. The camaraderie on the evening even more evident during “Forever,” as vocals hit peaks and some crowd surfers hit decks.

As the evening draws near close, the Dropkicks ritualistic invitation of the female fans along to “Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced,” the band concludes with an encore that included a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Badlands.” Not before the male fans are joined on stage during “Skinhead on the Mbta”.

As the fans are removed the grand finale reveals a dropping of a second black set of curtains to reveal the Murphys logo accompanied by night-ending “Shipping off to Boston”. It’s a spectacle, it’s fantastic and it’s

worth travelling half round the globe for.

As soreheads awake to Boston come March 16th, I make my way mid to early afternoon to the HOB, for my slot with the Murphys. Mat Kelly 2nd longest running member of the group and colossal drummer and song contributor for the group- the often mystery shrouded member of the band has taken time to meet with Distorted. A quick drink on the corner of the street at Cask n Flagon and with confirmation from tour manager Evan I make my way down Lansdowne road (perhaps the most fun road in Boston?)

Meet n greet @McGreevy’s The meet n greet at McGreevy’s is hotly anticipated as the band continues to “give back to their fans. It’s pretty mad and busy and the wait is concluded with the arrival of a man dressed in a Guinness suit. The band make their way to the back of the bar

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR

MCGREEVY’S 3RD BASE SALOON; AMERICA'S FIRST SPORTS BAR?

Whilst in Boston over St Patricks week McGreevy’s became my base camp at times. With its affiliation to Dropkicks member Ken Casey, a series of events were planned and hosted at the bar, including Meet and greets with the Dropkicks themselves as well as Flogging Molly the week before and The Pogues the weekend after!

It is very much a traditional sport bar which plays great punk rock n roll, even when the musical events weren’t taking place.

The history of the bar goes something like this: Way back in 1894,“Nuf Ced” McGreevy opened his “3rd Base Saloon” in Boston and, by the turn of the century, it was the place to be for ballplayers, politicians, gamblers, Tin-Pan Alley stars and die-hard fans known as the “Royal Rooters”. “Nuf Ced” was “King of the Rooters” and “3rd Base” was the center of the sporting and political worlds. It was America’s first baseball museum, with every inch of wall space decorated with historic pictures from Nuf Ced’s own collection and memorabilia….. “Nuf Ced” and his Rooters cheered on the Red Sox singing the fight song “Tessie” for their first World Series win in 1903 and continuing the tradition for world titles at Fenway in 1912,’15,’16 and ‘18. Looking back, there’s no doubt “McGreevy’s” was the birthplace of “Red Sox Nation”.

and fans line-up and mingle mostly eager to snap their photos with front man Ken which allows other band members to drift into the drinking mob where only a few die-hards can find the them.

St Patricks day

Dropkick Murphys, Bane, Biblecode Sundays, Bryan McPherson Tuesday March 17th

Not going into full details as I have done for the previous show, on this occasion Bryan McPherson does appear whilst the crowd steadily fill the gaps on the floor. Playing his one man harmonic and acoustic set, which is not only brave and very good, with a baying drinking green monster before him. He receives the applause deserved as his intense and poetic performance seems the perfect cushion for the mayhem to follow. Punk inspired and folksy in nature his music will spread beyond Boston and the East coast for sure. On the rafters member of the Murphys start making appearances which are greeted by the crowd. As the place swells again in anticipation, the Bruins also make a entrance above the stage right side for the week’s conclusive show.

Bible Code Sundays from London play a next, again I’m

slightly surprised at how well its received, I mean no negativities towards the band, as its good mix of some traditional Irish musicianship which goes down really well with crowd as they sing, dance, applaud and cheer along in what has become perhaps the world’s biggest bar/ pub on St Pats night!

Bane, however are the surprise package, sandwiched between headliners and post Irishness the hardcore act seem poorly placed, kind of like that gherkin on any sandwich. But they come out firing on all cylinders and wreak havoc from the word go, in every positive sense of the word! The Massachusetts locals are a hundred mile an hour, raw energy harnessed with craft and flaying legs, arms and mic project from their front man Aaron. Despite some technical issues they came saw and conquered!

Dropkicks- see as March 15thSome variations in set list of course and undoubtedly an amazing show! sidebars for venues and bands in Boston In my remaining days I visit other venues such the Middle East club, , made oh so famous by the Bosstones Throwdown shows and Live album. Next door TT Bears place[ bi mention to Hands Off Love Affair after our arbitrary meeting in the pizza place and being the

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR More recently The Dropkicks affiliation to Red Sox folklore was added to the history when in 2004 they revived “Tessie” Performing inside Fenway and bringing good luck with dramatic wins every time they played, the Dropkicks carried on the “Royal Rooter” tradition as they cheered on the Sox to their first world title since 1918.

In 2008, Dropkick Murphy leader Ken Casey joined forces with film producer and baseball historian Peter Nash to officially re-establish and re-open McGreevy’s 3rd Base Saloon at 911 Boylston St. 88 years after Prohibition, “Nuf Ced” lives on in a replica of his original bar featuring a baseball museum dedicated to Boston’s history.

With its location a few minutes’ walk from Lansdowne Road and a host of great gig venues including HOB, Bills Bar and Cask ‘ Flagon, I would definitely recommend it on your trip. Whether it was the crazy St Patricks week or not, I always found the atmosphere and music to be of great taste.

Today it’s Papelbon, punk-rockers, Boston’s movers and shakers and a legion of Red Sox Rooters, young and old, who call “McGreevy’s 3rd Base” their “ last stop before home”- Nuf Ced.

Mark Lind Q&A

Mark and Britney do their introductions and we start talking in-

formally about background and some of the local history which Mark is pretty clued up on. I turn the focus to his personal musical timeline running through his career and band involvement and at Dirty Water - after mentioning the release of the EP, Mark interrupts “ yeah there was the EP, but we did a year of playing a lot, like we never left New England but we played like 70-80 times in a year, We but for a local band

that’s a lot.”

More recently Mark tries to encapsulate his timeline. “Well we did Ducky Boys from 1997-1999, we didn’t get along with one of the guys in the band, at that time, and I should have learned from watching Ken (Casey), if somebody didn’t or wasn’t working with the Dropkicks they would replace him. But for whatever reason it felt like I shouldn’t do that –like we should just stop?”

So they recorded both initial Ducky Boys albums with this person they didn’t get along with? “Yeah, well the things was I made up all the stuff for better or for worse so in reality we should have axed the guy and kept going.”

Mark started the Ducky Boys after High School, so was still a tender age. “Yeah this was after high school till I was about 22? I should have replaced him and kept going but instead me and my brother decided to put a new name on it and became Sinner and Saints.

We even played stuff I had been writing for Ducky boys. Then Rob had some personal problems so that just stopped working out. And Dirty Water was, well we were

still playing Ducky Boys shows here and there and all the guys from Dirty Water were playing in Ducky Boys but we called it Dirty water who also played Ducky Boys stuff, so finally I was just Fuck this-I’m just going to call it Ducky Boys! So we did that for 2 records. Then we had somebody quit the band (we both stop and acknowledge the good song that just came on on the jukebox and Mark continues )“So I was like well we can keep replacing people or go under my own name?

And also I could play the songs from all the other band’s I was in and that’s where we are at now.”

So the last couple of years Mark had still have been playing some shows as Ducky Boys, but more recently under the guise of Mark Lind and the Unloved. “Well the Unloved only just started recently playing Ducky Boys songs. Like the shows you saw this week, are only the 2nd and 3rd time we have done that. The Ducky Boys still get together and play once in a while but it’s kind of getting to the point where I want to do a new record or I don’t want to do it. It’s something that happened when we were still doing shows before

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR and I was like well if there is no new material it’s not worth doing.

The problem is now I want to do new material with The Unloved.

So yeah I don’t know what’s going to happen with that?”

The Unloved came out last year so I wanted to know where he was in terms of a new album “Um yeah, well when we did that record we had like 50 demos, but we picked 12 songs that ended up on the CD. But then I don’t necessarily want to go back to those old unused ones again cos I kind of feel like that time has passed.

So now I’m trying to work on new stuff. Right now I’ve got about 5 for the new one.”

And the current line-up for the Unloved is?”Its Jay who is the drummer from the Ducky Boys and I’ve played with him forever.

Mike from Death and Taxes ,its Steve Young who also plays in a band called Confront and myself and Britney. Britney hasn’t played with a band before.”

OK so Britney is newest addition? “No actually Steve is. I have known Britney for like 5 years but I didn’t know she could sing. But she gave me a ride to a show

in Maine a few years ago, but it was raining so bad we got stuck in a hotel. And I was playing the acoustic guitar and she started singing and I was like ‘whoa’ so she started joining us on stage and singing a Rolling Stones song. And she could hit the harmonies so were like well let’s have her sing on every song so now she is part of the band since June last year, and then Steve came in February this year.”

In terms of writing material I was interested in finding out if it was shared in the band? “Well last time around I started writing the demo’s at home and I give them the demo’s we were going to do and they would learn them . Then we would get together and there might be some small changes.

Like there is a song on the CD called ‘Dagger’ which has more of a fast beat and when we were practising the songs the guitarist at the time Jeff from the Bruisers was like let’s cut the beat in half like Led Zeppelin or something, so that changed. They all add their own pace, like the bass player plays great bass lines, but if he was really bad at it, I would say let’s try this or that, but it all

works. They just put their own performance into it.”

I asked if they had a current record deal to release the new album on? “No, the last one finished the finished in 2006. So now we are hoping we can find a new deal for the next album.” Not self released?” I have thought about that but I don’t have the resources or time for the promotion on my own so that’s kind of why I always would sign to a label.”

I couldn’t seem to find any evidence Mark had played beyond the US which was a surprise “Yeah that’s something we have looked at all the time but we kind of haven’t cos I don’t fly.” (From a fear of flying?). “ Yeah but I kind of got over that this year cos my work made me fly. There is a label called I Scream, I think they are setup in Belgium ,they put out our records over there and they try and promote it, I might work with them on a worldwide record on the next one. And that’s kind of cool cos its kind of a paid vacation and have everything paid for but it will be a matter of taking time off work.

Will taking time off be a issue?

“Well that depends on how long

we go for? The thing is as well I have always thought of doing a US tour before going over there but I have started wondering things like how much longer am I going to be doing this for? Or at least how much longer will somebody care? So we might end up doing at while we can.”

Do you have preferences for where you would like to play oversees? “Well I would like to maximise attendance-like we got asked to go over as Ducky Boys with Darkbuster and Far From Finished but I didn’t want to do that cos none of us had been over there before so I told them we would go if they could get us on tour to a major festival and play to a lot of people maybe? I think I made some statement to I Scream that I would go if they could get us on a Anti Flag tour?

And then they did that and I had to make something else up, ‘ah no I can’t cos I got to work that week.’ (laughing) but yeah I would like to go if I knew there would be a lot of people coming to the shows.”

After discussing some good and some not so good festivals in Europe, we also mentioned FFF

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR being denied entry to the UK a couple of times, and I didn’t think they had actually played yet in the UK? Britney piped up that it could be cos they smelled so bad? Mark adds “Yeah we share practise space with them and it fucking stinks all the time” I said it would have been good to catch them in Boston as I hadn’t seen them yet but really enjoyed their last album “Yeah their drummer is a fuckin musical genius or something, I think he is responsible for writing most of their songs. They are from upstate NY but moved here about 4-5 years ago and have changed band member a lot and only 2 originally members remain from the move. But yeah now they are based in Boston.”

Mark’s involvement in Boston and the surrounding area has been ongoing for more than a decade, and his name gets attached to a lot of well known bands. I asked how he had seen the local music scene change over the years?

“Well the biggest one was the Bosstones got huge in 1997, I mean they were popular anyway and were kind of detached from things. They used their fans to

help Dropkick Murphy’s get big.

And I think the one thing that negatively impacted on the Boston music scene was in a way, and don’t get me wrong it’s great that the Dropkicks got big cos they always take local Boston bands on tour with them. But the one thing that changed is that there are a lot of young new bands in Boston that think they are going to be the next Dropkick Murphys, not necessarily sound like them but they think they are going to be famous. So sometimes people get egos and attitudes, whereas I didn’t feel there was none of that before. When we first started as Ducky boys and Dropkicks started & bands like The unseen, Thicker than Thugs and The Trouble, Showcase Showdown was another one, all those bands were just friendly with another cos they wanted to be. Like we were all setting up shows and it felt like a big community. And now we see bands that have no crowd, like people will come to see them, but they demand like “we want $500 to play”-Get out of here, what are you talking about!.

That’s the one thing I have seen as the negative. But you got to

take the bad with the good. Cos the good is Ken takes bands out on tour and bands get bigger. But there has been a weird like business-minded change. Well for example I remember the first day some business guy came along and was like I can do this and that for you. And I’m like ‘Well there are 500 people here now, I didn’t see you do anything for us till now, why do we need you?’ So now there are a lot of people going around trying to make quick money off a band.”

Despite that I still feel there is a good grassroots and honest vibe to the scene in Boston I told Mark-like the feeling I get from the Murphys despite their success. “I think the one thing I will say about the Murphys is that despite how big they are, people always relate to them as the underdog, so they can sell 20 thousand tickets, and some people are still like, but they don’t get the respect in the mainstream media, but they are selling more tickets than a band in the mainstream media! But people do identify with them and they are down to earth.

I mean they do have core of peo-

ple that work for them now, but that’s become a necessity, that’s not them pretending to be bigger than they are. They are still very much attached around here and they know what’s going on.”

In term of local venues, I had heard a lot about Avalon and Axis, now where HOB stands. I asked Mark if he thought there are a good variety and number of quality venues in the area?

“Yeah there used to be a place called The Rat and that’s where our band started out (We heard The Bosstones played there too) “And actually Metallica played there when they were young, and bands like the Police and U2 and these huge bands now, and I remember when that went, everyone is ‘like this is the end of Boston music’, and that’s crazy.

If one place closed another one opens. There has been no loss with the Axis and Avalon. Somebody else picks up the slack.”

In terms of current Boston or Massachusetts bands is there anyone worth keeping an eye or ear out for? “The problem is that most people probably know the bands with record deals and not everyone in this day and age

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR wants a record deal. There are Welsh Boys, The Blue Bloods and FFF that all have CD dealsDeath and Taxes. But then there are bands The Scars, Havenots –Not,The Havenots!- I’m pretty sure they will end up on a record label at some point. There are a lot of them around here, even like Bryan McPherson. But with the internet you can be anywhere like Siberia and check their music out.”

Mark’s involvement with bands has been varied but the focus has shifted to The unloved, so I asked how often they got to play?

“Well its changed a little recently.

Jeff who used to play guitar with us before, he couldn’t play a lot, cos he is a family man and the other guys don’t have the same obligations. So since Steve joined we have practised a bit more. But what will happen is I write the set list and give the guys the songs we are going to play, so we won’t have to practise a lot but we are going to start playing more. We have playing like twice a month or something, but from like June we will playing like 6-7 times a month around New England. Maybe not every month, I would like to do it

like every 2 or 3 months and go back to the same places. That’s what we used to do the The Ducky Boys and it worked really well, we gained a lot of popularity and eventually toured and stuff like that. You can get popular by doing the hard work.”

And touring overseas, “Yeah we wouldn’t rule that out, but it would involve some logistics and support for the record label, even like things like T-shirts would have to be setup. We have booking agencies always contacting me to bring us over. These bands make no money, travelling bands, and none of us can give up what we have to do that as it would be unrealistic. I think our drummer as he is independent –self employed-would maybe have more difficulty ongoing but worst case scenario we could get someone to fill in. (pauses) He might not like that!” (Mark and Britney both start laughing).

Do you have a date by when you would like to have the new record out? “By September, but, well what we do is well we can’t tour all the time so I try and make the

records the best they can be and release it when we’re capable. I mean it’s not going to be the next Metallica Black album but I want to make sure it’s really good. So I don’t know till I’m happy with a collection of songs if that’s what we really want or if we need more time to have more stuff, but yeah September would be nice.”

In terms of content his previous material often has a lot of political and social consciousness in his music, is that something you actively think about when writing. “I think as far as words go that depends on where things are at the time. I don’t want to say it sounds all the same as that sounds terrible but musically we have a more defined sound. But lyrically things have changed in the past couple of months or whatever and a lot of the words are like, well have you ever seen that move ‘As good as it gets’, and maybe this is as good as it gets? Like we had one song with Ducky Boys called “The War back home” called ‘The middle children of history’ That really sums up a lot, and that really feels where I’m going right now. This is happy and everything and I feel nice and good but

now what? None of us are like billionaires and movie stars or rock gods we thought were going to be (Britney interjects) “Yet!” and Mark looks and smiles, “it’s never going to happen. I guess that’s lyrically where I’m goinglike what have we got? We had this election with Barrack Obama and all this Hope and Change what does it really mean? What can he possibly change, where are things going in the future?”

Are there similarities in the band musically? “I think everyone in the band is well versed in all types of rock n roll. Anything from the Beatles on is fair game.

Steve might like some hardcore music and Mike is not into that, we all speak the same language I think. We all have the same aspects- If I can be pretentious for a moment (grinning) and compare it to the original Guns and Roses, you know how they had the punk rock guy , the cock rock guy etc that’s kind of us. We all have a role of our own but it works together. Like as far as drums go, you never think Phil Collins will work and then suddenly it’s like ‘wow!’, apply that to punk rock

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR and it kind of sounds cool or the lead guitar player likes really energetic music so that adds its element and bassist more melodic.” I turn to Britney and ask her role- “Robert Plant, that’s how I learned how to sing.”

Despite the doubts and Mark still has lots of highlights to daw on? “In terms of music, yeah its changed my life. Like all the people I know and everyone I’m connected to and their lives that have changed, yeah it’s pretty awesome. I’ve been pretty lucky with it. You meet a lot of nuts along the way cos music attracts a lot of nutty people, but besides all that, like now-talking to people from the other side of the world and this wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for my music. I fell pretty lucky about it. Speak to her about it, she has been involved for coming up to a year now!

Turning to Britney again, asking how special it was to be in the band and on Sunday having supported the Murphys in front of all those people? “ Well it was very surreal for me cos the first time I saw him (pointing at Mark )he was playing in the Ducky Boys

supporting the Murphys. And I was like 16. And I was never so impressed with a support band in all my life. So yeah we became friends and hung out and now I’m in the band. And all of a sudden I’m in and with a guy that I saw opening for the Murphys and now we’re opening for the Murphys.

It’s very surreal and weird.”

Mark adds it’s been a lot of fun having her play with them reminding them not to take it for granted.

Britney adds “I am sometimes like so excited and freaking out and cos I’m girl, I’m like ‘what do I wear’ and ‘does this look ok?’

And they are just like egh..”

Mark adds “Finally just to say, there is a lot owed to people like Ken and I get messages form people all over the world who say “I love Boston punk”, which is a pretty big term, we’re just one of the bands. But we are really grateful to the people that will to check us out and that is in a large part to bands like Dropkicks and Blood for Blood or bands like Street Dogs and Big D that tour around that expose us to more people. So thank you to all the people that are interested in finding out about other bands from

around here It makes a different to know that people give a shit.”

Britney adds ” I’m in college right now so my biggest concern is graduating so I can move here (she lives in Providence which is like an hour away). I just feel when it’s done right it’s done very

well here. The attitude is different like a sense of camaraderie and family. Boston punk is very unique, there is something about it. Something about it springs up punk rock.”

Mark in conclusion adds. “Right before they got famous, the bands I mentioned were playing at the Rat and getting 500 people, that’s unheard of. I don’t know what it’s like in Europe but it’s unheard of for local bands in the US to get that many people to a show. We were getting bigger audiences than when Bouncing Souls came to town. It’s a good place to play music, people always go to New York or LA but you get lost in the shuffle there.”

Britney adds “I feel like here you get the quality of those places but without the fancy flash and cash.”

Mark grins and says finally “ You do get douchebags around here but they generally move to NY or LA.”

BOSTON ENDEAVOUR musical highlight on the evening].

After some tourist days spent exploring the many colleges and universities [Harvard, MIT, Boston, North Eatsern etc] the Boston Commons, Faneuil Hall, Fenway Park, Kenmore Square, Southy and the Sam Adams brewery I felt I had been well treated by the city and its inhabitants. One last musical stop before I left was to meet up with Mark Lind back at McGreevy’s .

See Mark Lind feature I left Mark with his tips on Boston and visited Newbury comics in an elusive hunt for a Bosstones shirt (alas none were there) and a grab a final oversized meal at the Cheesecake factoryI left Boston the Sunday morning thereafter, replaying the events of the past week in my mind and trying to define the city that is a college town, a musical Mecca considering its size really and one helluva nice place. It fulfilled personal ambitions and perhaps bought closure to one chapter of a venture that started many years ago in a European library, but I think has done little to end an everlasting journey in musical exploration.

Steve and Distorted would like to thank the following: - Matt Kelly and the Dropkick Murphys - Mark Lind & The Unloved - Shannon Emerson@ McGreevy’s - Kristine Ashton @ MSO - Toni and Amy at Hi Ball Events - Shamrock Festival 2009 - Leeson of Neck - All the people of Boston, DC and NY that made the trip memorable!

words by Steve Channel

Lost in Tran Another band going through evolution, Mike TV (Ex Pickled Dick] have been thrusted the mantle of UKs pop punk saviours with some glowing reviews of their harmonious power pop debut. With a tour to China imminent (get the title now?), we asked Rich about the bands plans and deflecting the flak of the pop punk genre.

Mike tv

nsmission Steve: So let’s take a step back a few months and the demise of Pickled Dick and the birth of Mike TV, what happened and why?

Rich: I think words like ‘demise’ and ‘birth’ may be a touch dramatic! Mike TV is just Pickled Dick with a new name and.

Steve: Is the line-up still the same now, or was there a personnel change?

Rich: A new member- Me. On guitar.

Steve: I believe some members are also involved in other projects how does that effect the band?

Rich: Well I was (and still am) in another band called Mr Kamikaze, but Mike TV is a lot more… active these days so the odd gig and practice for Mr K is pretty easy to work around. Although we do have a new EP out now *cough* *cough*

myspace.com/mrkamikazemusic *cough* Steve: Are there some clear inspiration musically on the band, as there seems to a mix of harmonious melodies and innocence- resembling a mix of the beach boys and more recently Reliant K. Rich: I think Nick is the only member of the band who’s heard of Reliant K so I think we can pretty much write them off straight away.

But yeah, there’s a definite pop influence coming through and the Beach Boys are pretty good at the old melodies and harmonies aren’t they?

Steve: You released your album earlier this year, right? How happy are you with the album? Are there any regrets with the record?

Rich: I joined halfway through the

recording process so there’s perhaps not enough of my blazing solos and sick chops on the album. But, on the plus side, they didn’t have to endure my use of terms like ‘sick chops.’ When you finish something that you put that much time and effort into, there’s always gonna be one or two little things you might have added with the benefit of hindsight, but I think we’re all really proud of the album as it stands.

Sick chops or no sick chops.

Steve: Has the sound changed with the name, how would you describe the sound of the band- I know it’s a horrible question!

Rich: It is! I’d describe our sound as ‘pop songs with loud guitars.’

The sound didn’t “change with the name” per se, the album was written before the decision was made to change the name. I think there’s been a steady progression throughout all our releases. This particular progression just needed a second guitarist and we didn’t fancy having the word ‘Dick’ in the band name any more.

Steve: What motivated your decision to release your album through Banquet records?

Rich: Sony was washing its hair that day. But Banquet actually seem to give a shit about the bands they put stuff out for, which is a refreshing change for any record label. They’ve put a lot of work in for us and are always making sure they’re working closely with us and the aims we have for the band.

Steve: You released the album through H o t p o t in China, which seems a strange choice of location, what inspired that?

Rich: Domb has a Chinese pen pal.

Steve: I believe it has been a wise choice as you will be heading out to China to support the album?

Does this mean the album was well received?

Rich: The album’s only coming out a week before we head out, so I think

Mike tv

we’re sort of pre-empting a good response. This may or may not turn out to be a wise decision.

Steve: Where will your tour be taking you in China, have you all been researching your trip?

Rich: It’s taking us all over the shop!

I think we’re taking lots of internal flights and Jhon’s terrified of flying so I think he’ll be taking lots of Valium. Internally.

Steve: What are you looking forward to the most on that tour? Any concerns?

Rich: Getting a pretty weird, unique insight into a pretty weird, unique country. And SARS. Respectively.

Steve: You headlined the last ever show at The Astoria- how special was that?

Rich: That was pretty amazing, actually. The Astoria was somewhere I went a lot in my youth and to be among the last people to play there was something I’ll always remember. I’ll also remember the big bucket of piss in the dressing room.

We liked to speculate whether it was there when Green Day, NOFX and the like played there, way back when.

Steve: You have some gushing reviews about the band and album.

Do you think you will also cop a fair amount of flak as the powerpop sound does have its detractors?

Rich: Yeah, we were on the bill with The Adolescents last year and a fair amount of powerpop’s detractors were in the crowd that night. Playing this kind of music, you have to accept that some people will be immediately be put off by the sound, but hope that some of those people might be open minded enough to give it a second listen and be able to get something out of it.

Steve: What are your views on allegedly + unashamedly flying UK’s pop punk flag?

Rich: We’re going screamo next week.

Steve: Any final words?

Rich: Buy our album! And Mr Kamikaze’s EP! And other things!

Byyyeeee!

GroezROCK09 An experience as told by the great wandering Steve Noble All Photos byTom Kronckoe (unless noted)

An enjoyable 4AM wake up call, a splendid early morning train ride through London central before sunrise and a pleasant Eurostar journey from London to Brussels are all part of the grin bearing process to make the Friday proceedings of Groezrock. The well established punk and hardcore two day event is the calendar event on the small town of Meerhout (& the village of Gestel) which greets this year’s 30 000 rock/ hardcore/punk pilgrimage participants (say that three times fast).

The festival has a stellar line-up which has grown substantially in size and quality over the years, ask any of its many loyal fans who travel from all over greater continental Europe and further afar. 2009 has apparently seen its size double in

fact which speaks volumes for the event’s organisers and the appeal o Mid April showcase.

With this year’s event also birthing its 3rd stage-Etnies Back to Basics – in addition to the EastPak Core stage and the Main Stage; there is certainly is a plethora of bands to choose from in the hardcore/screa mo variety on the Friday, with Sat urday (for me personally) seeing the punk rock crews coming to the fore The sizes of the stages are listed in ascending order, but whereas the Etnies stage may have lacked some star appeal it’s made up with whole hearted encouragement o stage diving and crowd participa tion, a revolving turnstile of young kids queuing for the opportunity to dance amidst the band on stage

groezrock 09

9

e of

g s e s o ate e. d s d h of ag o e

NOFX

The Streetdogs

groezrock 09 and plunge headfirst (some hand -standing and cart wheeling first) into the awaiting mob.

Back to the organisation, the website and amount of information available is top notch, with constant updates to any late band/ time changes (such as the late withdraw of Static Radio); downloadable and free program and band guides, which were by en large kept on schedule and logically spaced to allow fans to make parts of most bands performances with its staggered start times (Although to catch all bands you would need an amazing ability to withhold from the damn fine beers and food available).

Having said that the opening of the gates was met with some fairly length delays from the general members and VIP/Press entrances, meaning bands early on may have missed out on slightly larger crowds.

As I made my way in, past a raucous group of Liverpool drinking fans singing club songs, I made my way to the Main Stage to catch part of the You Me At Six set. From what I gathered it was their first European show/festival, which

must have been daunting as the crowd was a large one even by that early hour. The pop punk UK based quintet played a decent set to its youthful crowd and seemed to strike a chord.

Catch 22, one of the few, if only ska/punk bands of the weekend were up next and although they play a upbeat show, the early signs of some poor sound for the initial part of the bands performance crept in(this would prove to be a regretful feature through the weekend). Classics from ‘Keasbey Nights’ still get the biggest reaction, which is a positive testament to a band that’s been around for more than 10 years, but they struggle to escape the shadow of their debut release or of their cousins Streetlight Manifesto.

Pop Punksters MXPX, a band I don’t think I have seen live before but know well from my college years. They play a good mix of old and new (songs from their 2008 record ‘Secret Weapon; receiving good crowd support) indicating that some in the crowd may not know of the bands slightly longer history; they formed in 1993! That said a timeless classic in the form

groezrock 09

The Unseen

of a cover of “Should I stay..” by the Clash gets all singing and dancing along.

I hear that United Nations and PO Box impress on other stages. The former a new “supergroup” if you will consisting of Geoff Rickly (of Thursday) & members from Glassjaw and Converge.

Taking Back Sunday, play- well they play. I’m not sure if its purely down to being a band I find difficult to enjoy as much or if their performance did lack a sparkle but it seemed to drift without ever reaching a crescendo or ignite which surprised me, this crowd demographic seemed primed to ignite.

Yes their hit songs got rapturous applause but new songs from their forthcoming release in June failed to inspire.

After sampling some more of Belgium’s well deserved renowned beers (all at a fairly decent price although the portion could be bigger), I make my way to the Eastpak Core stage- well the name says it all really. Thursday is headlining the Friday night(confused yet?) and proved to be a standout highlight with their impeccable near flawless sound and performance

(and I’m NOT a Core guy!). There is also plenty to suggest that Adam Lazzzara of TBS takes his inspiration of stage performance from one Mr Rickly. Their finale of “War all the time” was amazingly emotional and a perfect swansong for a fine day.

Saturday 18th April Saturday has a near back to back precession of must see bands for a variety of reasons. Although I miss The Flatliners, I manage to arrive at the Main stage for The Unseen, and there is no finer fucking wakeup call then that! Mark Unseen prowls the stage and with his jet black hawk and appearance with razor vocals he tears up the morning pleasantries backed by searing guitars. With older favourites like ‘So sick of You’ , their established cover of Rolling Stones ‘Painted Black’ and songs from their latest tremendous album “Internal Salvation” they are tight, fast and explode the morning into life.

The Street Dogs follow their hometown cousins with Mike McColgan leading the pack supported this time by sound technician who has had his morning coffee. They play a mix of songs from their four al-

groezrock 09

The Living End

Rise Against

groezrock 09 bums and Mike proceeds to climb up the massive rig on the stage right continuing to sing from atop of the massive tent to the crowds delight. On his descent the band announces that Groeszrock is the best festival, in Belgium, Europe and the world before leading a chorus of “olay olay olay” with the enthused crowd. An emotional and prolonged rendition of ‘Final Transmission’ is followed by Mark Unseen joining them for a cover of Black Flag. The set is completed with a tribute to the best band –The Ramones – and Mike aptly adds- “not Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears or The Jonas Brothers!” before his own stage dive into the crowd who’s cheers bring an end to a great set.

The Aquabats play in their lycra light-blue glory, with accompanying old school pilot caps/goggles and wrestling belts. Their comedic banter is sometimes lost on the European crowd “You got it; you all got the clap” they say after some applause & “Watch out- cos it’s contagious!” They are fun but also slightly annoying and complete their songs by asking for ‘circles of love” AKA Circle pits and ask for

bombs to be replaced with High Fives. Comic –Core anyone?

The Vandals speed though their songs and any band with a dozen albums (including live records) does well to remember even half of their material! Their distinct 90s punk sound is surprisingly not dated and for me slightly nostalgic.

They carry on the comedic stage performance and again sometimes suffer a “lost in translation” effect to some of their jokes.

The Living End, provide some three piece punk rock n roll and are back in Belgium for the first time in nearly eight years. Their new album “White Noise” receives some coverage and the front man Chris Cheney apologises for their strange accents- being Australian and all. With the now expected rising of the double bass on shoulders complete I made my way to the Eastpak stage for a double bass of a psycho kind.

Mad Sin, the German Stalwarts, don’t have a packed out crowd, but tear into their set with the same ferocity, madness & energy that is a feature of their show. With mic firmly thudded against head during most songs by the impres-

sive Koefte De Ville they are the weekend’s psycho band and are there finer specimens to be found?

No Fun At All, back again at Groezrock, lead the final quartet of bands into the now raining evening. They have a cult like status it seems, but at the same time are like watching your Dad and his (albeit all very cool) friends play. With the crowd baying for songs they respond accordingly ‘Out of Bounds’, ‘Beachparty’, ‘Suicide Machine, and ending with ‘Master Celebrator’ to a deafening sing along.

The Get Up Kids, arrive onstage (and the stage sides reserved for bands/VIP etc are visibly crammed) to an air of expectancy. They have been absent for a few years now and this is their first European performance since their reunion was announced. They suffer from some early poor sound with the vocals too soft and the drums too loud!

However this is soon overcome and they proceed to play from their fantastic “Four Minute Mile” and “Something To Write Home About’ and pepper their set with

standouts from their back catalogue. The band seems slightly nervous or apprehensive perhaps and at one point Matt Pryor says to the crowd “you are not what we expected, you are so polite. Give us shit we are used to that”. Perhaps the band was slightly taken aback as in between songs there was a strange near silence from the crowd as if not to disturb this awake-dream moment. They play a fantastic show regardless and its staunch reminder of their popularity and influence. Despite the show ending (as a fan noted- three minutes early)I don’t think anyone who came to see The Get Up Kids would leave disappointed.

Now we wait for more tours and a album perhaps?

Rise Against, follow up to inject some frenzy back into the stage and the crowd. The now growing megastars are difficult to dislike, and fail to disappoint.

With a growing number of great songs to fill their stage show, Tim Mcllrath stands centre-stage aloft the stack of speakers and aside from usual, albeit authentic political rhetoric they storm through a

groezrock 09 No Fun At All

Mad Sin

Rise Against photos on this spread Š Steven Wittevrouw

groezrock 09

Aquabats

NOFX

The Vandals

groezrock 09 number of favourites such as ‘Give It All’ and songs form more recent release “Appeal to Reason”. Most songs are introduced by Tim as a tribute to the legendary bands that preceded on the day- such as the Vandals and the The Get Up kids.

A fine show and penultimate act to a festival that had already won me over.

Headliners, NOFX, now accompanied by a slightly larger backdrop, although not much larger than a beach towel open up their proceedings with crowd classic ‘Linoleum’ which is unexpected and prompts Fat Mike to say “well that’s it- all downhill from here!”

Their banter with the crowd and each other has been an element of the band for a number of years.

They continue to play ‘Seeing Double at the Triple Rock’& ‘Sticking in my eye’ before turning their attention to pick on the small cluster of fans, who all festival long, have been perched on the support beams to the large tent. They play a track from their forthcoming album “Coaster”- ‘The Quitter’ before breaking into personal favourites ‘Radio’ &‘The Brews’.

They turn their comic tirade to the

crowd calling the Belgians “waffle eating mother fuckers” and ask them to give it all for Van Damme!

They play some older classics like ‘The Scavenger type’ and ‘Murder The Government’. Before I have to make a 15 minute early exit to catch my lift, Fat Mike and Hefe ask the Belgians to do something to place them firmly on the map as it were (they are already their second favourite Benelux country), by taking out the US former president for example?

On that note I leave; thinking Belgium, here in Meerhout, has accomplished that task already.

Placed themselves firmly on the map with a festival you simply have to attend at least once. If they want to accomplish the 2nd task of taking out Bush- who am I to stop them.

Under the radar with FungalPunk OMD.

distrakted In 2006 The Distrakted was born from 4 Manchester based lads who had a passion for listening to and playing Hardcore Punk. After spending a year together writing material, playing live shows and perfecting their sound, they added a new member in 2008. The Distrakted have always been well received and have gained notoriety for their live shows and dedication to the music they play. The band are always continually writing new material, working on improving their stage presence, fine tuning current songs and booking gigs wherever they can. Although they are North West based, they have also ventured out from safe ground and played various other areas such as the Midlands, only to be just as welcomed as they are back home.

2009 looks to be just as good as previous years, if not even better, with new material recently unleashed and a new CD to be released soon, The Distrakted are on the onslaught, and taking no Prisoners.

1. The Distrakted - hello my good fellows. Introduce yourselves and tell us about your musical backgrounds and influences so far!

Jonny - I’m Jonny Tallents (that is my real name by the way) and I provide the vocals. I started off playing bass and providing vocals in a garage band with a couple of friends a few years ago and then replied to an advert online that Jim posted and ended up here. I would have to say that my influences on the way I perform come from bands such as The Bronx, The Unseen and even The Clash. I always try to go that extra bit further when we play live so even if we open we stay in peoples minds.

Collectively I’d say that we are influenced by bands such as A Wilhelm Scream, Pennywise, Rise Against, Propagandhi and Refused.

Jim - I’m Jim, I play lead guitar and I’ve been playing since I was about 15. I taught myself how to play, I would have had lessons but the guitar teacher at my school looked like a paedophile. I have always been into rock/punk/alt music as far back as I can remember.

John B - I’m John, I play bass in the band. I bought a bass as I wanted to play in a band and it seemed the easier route to do so. I’ve always loved music and have a wide range of musical tastes, in terms of the band my main influences are Converge, Give Up The Ghost, Every Time I Die and early 80’s Hardcore.

Phil - I’m Phil, I’m the sexy sticks man at the back. Been drumming

since I was 13, been in a couple of bands in the past but this one has by far been the best in terms of music and progress. Always been into rock from a young age and for the last 8 years been really into my metal, punk, hardcore and that type of music.

Rowan - I’m Rowan. I play rhythm guitar. I bought a guitar at Uni so I could mash chords and annoy people. I lived with Phil and The Distrakted used to play in the house, I occasionally jammed with them and started getting into it. One day when they were looking for a rhythm guitarist, I tried out and joined. I’m really into Oasis and Manchester Music, but I’ve always liked bands like The Offspring. Since I’ve been playing with the band I’ve been getting into a lot more different bands and styles.

Come on now - best Distrakted gigs so far (5 points if you mention one of mine ha, ha) and also tell us about the worst?

Jonny - The most fun gig we’ve played recently I would have to say was the SAS Spillage (5 points) gig in January, every band there had a great performance and were good to get along with. We went down really well that night, the beer helped too.

I also enjoy playing the SLit Records nights too, as Dean usually lets me spin some tracks too. Oldham is a fun place for me to go back to play a gig, a lot of people know me there so it is like a Home-coming playing there for me.

Under the radar with FungalPunk OMD. Jim - Best gigs for me have been the 3rd time we played the Blue Boar in Bolton and the 2nd time we played The Thatched House in Stockport for your SAS Spillage (another 5 points). They’re the ones that felt the best up to now. Worst have been anytime we have ever played in Wigan, it is always shit.

John B - Our most recent ones have been fun as we have been more into our live performances and are more comfortable on stage. The one at the Thatched House was our favourite (3 out of 3 – bonus 10 points). Some of the worst ones have been the earlier ones when nerves got the best of me and I hit some wrong notes at times.

Phil - The one we did at the White Hart close to our start was awesome, so have a couple of our first Retro Bar gigs in the summer of 2008.

Worst would be our first and every other gig we played in St. Helens, and The Castle in Manchester were the only person in the audience later joined the band, that’s Rowan.

Rowan - Best one, probably that one in Bolton when them Belgians were there, Mise *En* Scene, they helped make the crowd and really got into it. Also Gamberro’s pissed up party all nighter at Christmas was immense. Worst was the one in St. Helens at Liquid when we were on after that chocolate rain guy on

his guitar, he was shit, and I was too pissed to play, my amp was on clean setting and I was playing everything wrong.

The good, the bad and the ugly truth about today’s scene - come on let rip!

Jonny - Most people today can’t be bothered to pull their finger out and make it down to live shows or support their scene, even if some do they won’t support all the bands and just watch who they came for. A lot of people will be the first to arrive and the last to leave, they give their undivided attention to every band.

Whereas most people who claim to be part of the scene just follow the bands they know and have seen hundreds of times before, a few promoters incorporate this tactic as well.

Rather than support the scene and give time to bands that work their arses off to entertain, people stick to what they are familiar with.

John B – A lot of people seem to be in it for the wrong reasons, and with the current crop of clean cut emo ‘hardcore’ bands getting huge, I think a lot of people have lost sight of the true spirit of hardcore and punk.

Phil - The good, the north west punk and rock music scene seems to be picking up and rising again, seems like a good time to be in a punk band. The bad, there is a lot of shit

like emo, indie, and crappy pop that people jump onto the band wagon of ‘coz it’s cool and its just not good music. The Ugly, the fucking ting tings.

Rowan - I have no opinion, where’s the beer.

As I have been on your case about playing further afield I thought it only fitting to bring it up in an interview. So why the difficulty in getting out of town gigs and how do you feel when I keep nagging you about over-exposure in the local area.

Jonny - Some people just can’t be bothered giving us the time of day when we try to get a gig or message them. It’s not like we’re demanding money to play or anything but some people just won’t want to risk putting a band on they may not have heard yet. Some promoters we’ve dealt with are a lot better, we played Coalville in the Midlands last year for Red Monkey promotions and the guy was just really cool about getting us on and giving us a chance and he liked what he saw. Hopefully, that will all change this year and more people will be willing to open the door for newer bands to play.

Jim - We do want to start playing fur-

ther away, don’t really know why we don’t, probably cost and transport.

We played most of our early gigs out of Manchester in places like Wigan, St. Helens and Warrington.

John B - The main problem has always been transport, we only have the one car and no van as of yet. But one of our main priorities as a band now is to get our songs out there and tear shit up on the road.

Phil - I’d adgree and say transport, we definitely need to get a van and get on to some promoters further afield, which we are starting to do now and get on to some bands from further afield. I’m glad that you do nag us as it is just a nice reminder every now and then to remind us to get out there and get it done.

Rowan - We play loads of gigs in Manchester as it is near us, but we’ll play any gig no matter how far away

Under the radar with FungalPunk OMD. ‘coz we love gigging, unless it’s at St. Helens again.

6. Tell us about your song writing process - how is song born and where do the initial sparks come from?

Jonny - Usually Jim will have a riff when he’s at practice and everyone will jam along with it and work with what’s best to make it sound great to us. Then I will usually write some lyrics there and then or use some of the many I have already wrote and wrap them around the song. Or sometimes it will just happen randomly, ‘Beaten Down and Broken’ just happened one day when Phil and Jim were messing around whilst I was writing.

Jim - I just usually write the music then play it to the band then we just leave it up to Jonny to write the lyrics. Most of the time I just mess around on my guitar until I come up with something that sounds alright, then we work from there and other times I just rip off tunes that I like.

Phil - Basically, Jim comes to practice, shows me a few riffs and we pick one we like and start building up the structure of the song, such as timing. But my favourite song writing process is when we just jam for a good hour or so, playing all sorts of random stuff and something just comes out that we like, some of our best songs have been produced this way.

Rowan - I’m working on some Bad Boys that I’m gonna drop and blow everyone’s skirt up!

How has feedback gone so far as regards your releases and ‘live’ performances?

Jonny - Everyone gives us really positive feedback and it only gets better. When we first released 2 early demos and played live people didn’t really know what to expect or what we were all about. As we evolved into our current sound criticism has been very positive, even people who aren’t really into Hardcore seem to enjoy our stuff.

Jim - Ok, most feedback is pretty good, but we know ourselves when we’ve played shit or when we’ve played good. Most people seem to like our first demo but I’m not really a big fan of it. It’s definitely not the best we’ve ever played but it was our first time in a studio together so next time will be better hopefully.

John B - They’ve always been pretty positive, like Jim I’ve noticed that everyone seems to like our first CD, even though I think our next one is gonna blow it out of the water really.

Phil - We’ve never really had negative feedback, it’s always been good or on the level, not arsed, which

means we must be doing something right. Although our first CD is a bit aged now, I still think it is really good, the CD was perfect for us as a band at the time and has been received really well. Since then we’ve grown as a band and our next CD is going to be mind blowing.

Rowan - My pants fell down when I first heard it. When I wasn’t in the band I thought the CD was good if a little crap quality, but I’ve always enjoyed the songs and the CD was a good teaching aide when I was learning how to play those ones.

What do your parents think about your band antics - supportive or persuasively deterring?

Jonny - My dad likes coming to our gigs, even though it isn’t really his type of music, as he prefers old school punk bands to more hardcore ones. My mum isn’t really into what we play but is supportive when she knows we have a gig, even if she is always onto me about sorting my head out and getting a job, ha, ha. On the whole they are both really supportive of what I do, they probably both wish that I wouldn’t booze as much when we do play though.

Jim - My mum isn’t into punk or rock music at all but she don’t mind what I do, she even let us rehearse in her living room for a few weeks when we had nowhere to jam.

Under the radar with FungalPunk OMD. John B - They’re not really into this sort of music but they’ve always been supportive of me in everything I’ve done, especially with the band.

Rowan - Why don’t u just go out with your parents.

John B - Fuck off. They’ve always shown a keen interest despite never hearing our songs or seeing us live.

Phil - Parents have always been really supportive with anything I have to do with music, it helps because they’ve always been into their rock music and got me into it at a young age, took me to gigs, etc. So they enjoy going to our gigs, watching us play and seeing our progress each time.

Rowan - They laughed when I played them our music at first, probably because they’ve never heard that kind of music before. But, they’re always interested in how and what I’m doing, they keep threatening to turn up at one of our gigs which would be awful.

Conspiracy and Glue Ear. They are all great bands that we’ve had fun with during and after shows. Some of the worst bands we’ve played with are some general indie bands we played with when we were first starting out and the promoters we dealt with didn’t know their head from their arse. My favourite venue would probably be The Retro Bar in Manchester. I know it’s not the best of places but I always enjoy myself when we play there and the sound isn’t too bad either.

Jim - Best has got to be The Kirkz, The Emos and a band from January’s SAS Spillage called The Smack Rats. I think that song they played a song called ‘Barrymore’ that was the best song of the night. Harijan are probably my favourite ska band that we’ve ever gigged with. Most bands we play with are pretty good.

Not a big fan of joke bands who sing about cocks, tits and stuff but we’ve only ever played with about 2 bands like that.

Who are the best and worst bands you have played with and what are your favourite venues?

John B - Flat Back Four are probably one of my favourite bands we’ve played with. Favourite venue is The Retro Bar which seems to be our spiritual home and I always have a good time playing there.

Jonny - The Kirkz are always fun to play with, can usually see Max chanting along to a few of our songs. Other bands we like to play with include Fixxxer, The Murderburgers, Rebel

Phil - As everyone else has probably said The Kirkz, they’re one of the first bands we connected with and they got us a lot of gigs and they’re a good band with a great sound,

they’re all real stand up guys. Other great bands we’ve played with are The Emos, Harijan, Fixxxer. Worst, not naming anyone but there’s a few bands out there that think they’re it and better than everyone else when they’re just not and it pisses me off a bit. Some are up their own arses and won’t go out of their way to help or support any other bands. My favourite venues are The Thatched House, Retro Bar and The Blue Boar.

Rowan - The Emos are good, and I liked Freedom Faction at the SAS spillage gig too. I like playing at the Blue Boar, Retro is a good one too. I liked the one in Blackburn above the Cellar Bar, a concrete room with a good vibe.

And lastly - push your cause and get people interested - go for it!

Jonny - If you like your Hardcore emotional and full of feelings of love, then Fuck off and look somewhere else. We play Hardcore Punk the way we like to play it, fast, hard and full on. If you want to see a show full of energy and passion for the music we live for, then come and catch us ‘Live’ or demand us in your local town. We have a 4 track Demo on our myspace at www.myspace.com/thedistrakted which you can download and we’re currently recording some new material for a soon release date.

John - Get involved ‘coz we’re fucking ace, we are ‘The Distrakted’ and we have come to steal your beer.

Phil - Straight up in your Face no Fannying Emo-ing about hardcore punk.

Rowan - Hardcore music you can have sex to, I plan to when we get our next CD out.

Words by Steve Noble.

going ape

A seven piece ska punk band from Tijuana is not something you see and hear every day. Los Fu Monkeys are a damn fine one too, and have recently toured Europe for a second time as well as released a European exclusive EP. We managed catch front man Bernie on the tail end of their tour to wax lyrical on their hometown, touring Europe and the new release- and Werewolves in Paris?

Steve: So a ska & punk band from Mexico- Tijuana. Now the place has a reputation, not a positive one- what would you like to say about your hometown?

Bernie: It’s an amazing town, not all you hear in the Media is true, It did get bad at one point, but not like it is mentioned by the press, and if most cities or countries have good and bad in their profiles. Tijuana it is a great town, with lots of culture and art, and the birth town of rock and roll in Spanish, and it has an amaz-

ing music scene, it’s not just the hookers, drugs and Revolution Avenue. It is a great melting pot of artist with influences only a border town like Tijuana can create; this is the corner of Latin America.

Steve: And for those unfamiliar with Los Kung Fu Monkeys- what’s with the name?

Bernie: The name, there is the truth and the myth: The truth: we were going to play our first show, and we didn’t have a name, we were checking out a martial arts magazine and the

los fu monkeys

name “Monkey Kung Fu” came to us, and we thought it was awesome and the first ever flyer said exactly that, but after the first show people started calling us “Los Kung Fu Monkeys”; that the word “LOS” in Spanish is the equivalent to the word “THE” in English.... and it stuck.

The Myth: Bernie looks like a monkeys, he is in to martial arts, and so the name “Los Kung Fu Monkeys”.

Steve: You list a healthy grouping of bands as influences, from Suicide Machines-Rancid-Voodoo Glow Skulls and

many more. Does your proximity to the US border mean a lot of those bands do make their way to Mexico?

Bernie: We had more access to American bands that Mexican Bands, so yes it did influence us, and we did cross the border often to go to shows and buy music.

Then as a band we brought some of those bands to Mexico on tour like our good pals VGS. Steve: How would you explain the punk/ska scene in Tijuana or surrounding areas? Any

other good bands you would recommend?

Bernie: It’s a great scene, Tijuana is more like a local scene than just a Punk or Ska Scene, there are some great Bands like Don, Mind your p’s and q’s, Cicuta, The Kraneos, Nuestra Sangre, Los Helldandys. and the list goes on, all punk, metal, hardcore, psychobilly, etc. All gengre’s; one scene united.

Steve: You have some interesting band facts I pulled off the “Interweb” -Added to the 2006 Warped Tour Compilation; the first Mexican and Latin-American band to be on it. -Opening band for the Dropkick Murphys Mexico tour in 2008 being chosen by DKM themselves.

-One of the few bands in Mexico to be sponsored

by Fender Guitars. Any you would like to add to that list?

Bernie: Well we are the second Tijuana band to come to Europe and the UK after “Tijuana NO”.

So many things going thru my mind, but we are one of the only Mexican bands to do a whole tour in the US and not only two or three cities. Yeah that’s the only thing that comes to mind.

Steve: You played in Europe in 2007, with Germany, France, Austria and the Czech Republic getting the LKFM treatment- how did you enjoy your first European adventure?

Bernie: Awesome, everyone is so nice in Europe, great shows, being practically unknown in Europe we were surprised how good it was. And touring the UK for the first time this tour; it was a dream come true.

Steve: And I believe you took a break from touring in 2008? Normally fans tremble at words like “a break” or hiatus”.

Bernie: Well we took a break but did not stop playing sporadic shows, after eight years straight of touring we needed a break and write music, do some personal stuff in our lives, but we did not stop playing. We did some awesome festivals in Mexico with bands like Moby, and The Addicts, and recorded the “Lobo Hombre en Paris” EP and made some preparations for our new album.

Steve: You have recently wrapped up your second European trip;

los fu monkeys

did you add to the list of countries previously visited?

Bernie: On the first tour we did amazing shows all over, this time being the first time in the UK. All the cities were amazing. London was especially awesome, us being in the UK, like I said before, a dream come true, and the response from the people amazing. But all cities were great, all shows great, all promoters just lovely.

Steve: What are the biggest differences if any you find playing in Europe compared to the US and Mexico? How do you as band members/friends get on together in the confined spaces?

Bernie: First of all we are all family, so like any family there good and some not so good times, but we get along great. We know each other so well that it’s just great chemistry amongst us.

Steve: Turning to your albums- I believe your first two records had a mix of Spanish and English, then your 3rd was near all Spanish and released on your own label Riot Radio Records in 2006. Double barrelled question, why the tran-

sition to a Spanish album and the decision to form your own label was motivated by what?

Bernie: For one in Spanish because it was the first record we released in Mexico, our previous albums were released only in the U.S. by One Shot Records, so being an album originally planned for Mexico it came out in Spanish, and we wanted to shows some of the roots

Bands like Don, Mind your p’s and q’s, Cicuta, The Kraneos, Nuestra Sangre, Los Helldandys. and the list goes on, all punk, metal, hardcore, psychobilly, etc. All gengre’s; one scene united.

of our influences in Spanish from bands like 2 Minutos, La Polla Records, Maldita Vecindad, La Cuca, etc. Then Uebersee Records in Germany approached us with an interest in releasing the album all over Europe later on.

Riot Radio is a long story but let me make it short, we were offer a record deal by a big independent label in Mexico, but that label resulted in being a money laundering scheme. Then we got offers from others but there is always fine print that says what you don’t want to hear, so basically we said ‘we have the music, the means to tour, and get some promotion, let’s do it ourselves’ and that evolved to “Cafeina-Riot Radio Records” the new label that emerged from two labels getting together. Now we have plans to start working with other bands, and most importantly being a label that gives liberty to bands to express themselves the way they want to, and a label that works for their bands and not the other way around.

Steve: Your new album ‘Lobo Hombre En Paris’ has been released whilst on the road here in Europe. Tell us about this new material?

Bernie: It’s an EP only being released in the European Union, with six songs & two covers. One from “La Union“ an 80’s band from Spain, and the other one from a great legend and big influence to

us “Minor Threat”. It has three new songs, and one remake of a previous song that we felt we could do better, and we experimented with new sounds maintaining the Punk edge that has always influenced us.

It’s a great album to my opinionthe best so far.

Steve: What directional changes have you made if any on the album? And what’s the European connection in the title all about?

Bernie: Well we experimented with new sounds, maintaining the punk and ska roots, with a little mixture of new influences, using even a violin on one of the songs, more harmonies on the vocals, and different arrangements on horns that we have never used before. Also dual guitar attack never been used by us, we always had only one guitarist; this time we recruited a long time friend Jesse to join us on guitar.

The Title: the title is “Lobo Hombre en Paris” “Man Wolf in Paris”.

It’s the title track of the record- one of the cover songs we did, and the name and the story of the song comes from a story of a French writer “Boris Vian” that wrote some short stories between 1945 and 1952 and one of the stories is “EL LOBO HOMBRE” or in French “LE LOUP-GAROU” about a wolf that goes in to Paris, gets transformed by a wizard in to a man and to his sadness gets to see only the decadence of man- bad things- and

los fu monkeys

his impression is that mankind is taking a turn for the worst. It’s an interesting story if you like to read I recommend it. So we decided to use that song to give the Title to our new EP, and we hope you enjoy it.

Steve: What plans do you have after this European tour?

Bernie: Record new albums; one English, one Spanish. Tour Mexico for a month, possibly the US, return possibly to Europe and the UK at the end of the Year again, and some special surprises coming soon.

Steve: Any final comments?

Bernie: Thank you for this space in you publication, thank you for the support, I also want to thank Ian and everyone at Hidden Talent Booking for getting us to tour the UK and making one of our biggest dreams come true, to Ăœbersee Records for their constant support, And to all the people who went to the shows. Venues, promoters in the UK for being so nice to us, and making us feel at home, far away from home. Thank you so much and see you real soon.

R EV IEWS Don’t take our word for it, make up your own mind!

SHOWS & GIGS

999 © LibraSnake

> ALBUMS > EPs > BOOKS > GIGS

999, Kismetik, Freedom Faction, The Bleach Boys & Charred Hearts

Joey cape, Jon Snodgrass, Chad Rex, Neon Choir

14 March 2009

29 March 2009

Bridgehouse 2, London

Over the last couple of years I kept missing 999 so was really looking forward to the show... I was not disappointed!

The Charred Hearts (Swindon) started the show with a bang and they seem to be going from strength to strength. They were quickly followed by The Bleach Boys (Hitching) who gave a very lively performance. It was Freedom Faction’s (Cambridge) first visit to BH2 and the slightly haunting vocals of their lead singer, Rhianna, gave a nice contrast to the first two bands. Kismetik’s (London) old school style of punk was, to be fair, shambolic and not up to their usual standard.

It was time for the main event and when 999 hit the stage the crowd went mental.

There was an awesome vibe in the room which made you feel elated. They played classic tracks old and new which left you breathless by the end of the set.

I can’t wait to see them again, and if you weren’t there you missed a bloody good night out. _LibraSnake

Islington Academny Bar, London

The evening starts with some admin hiccups but after waiting a short while to enter the venue, I catch Neon Choir finishing their set. An interesting choice for support to the evenings mixed headliners they play music that’s nice but largely unadventurous or ground breaking- I think safe would be the world I’m looking for.

The headliners all play solo acoustic shows, with Joey Cape as main attraction although only just, with Armchair Martian/Drag The River’s Jon Snodgrass and Chad Rex-who I’m not familiar with , as a collective party touring Europe acoustically. This is Joeys first time supporting his solo work in Europe while it serves as Jon’s first European trip full stop!

Both are also supporting new solo albums, but before them Chad plays his own eclectic mix of solo tunes which are will appreciated by the talkative crowd.

Something Jon also picksXray up onSpex when he takes to stage, he some diehard © has Symond Lawesfans in the room though and requests of fan favorites ring out after each song as

R EV IEWS Don’t take our word for it, make up your own mind!

it turns into a gathering of friends with a request session- as all good solo shows should be. Some towards the stage-front get increasingly annoyed by the constant chatter from the back, but as Joey points out later on in his set, it’s something they like, even the heckling, must be their punk rock roots?

Once Joey has played with Jon and Jon has played with Joey and Max has played with both-Joey has a period of time playing tracks off his new record ‘Bridge’ as well as from Bad Astronaut and some Lagwagon material all to the noisy appreciation of the crowd.

He too takes requests and attempts some songs even his memory fails to recapture!

It’s all a lounge room affair, relaxed, fun and intimate. With growing calls for certain cover to be played; Joey eventually gives in and tributes NOFX with his solo version of ‘Linoleum’ to cap a fine debut solo display. _ Steve Noble

Jaya the Cat, Los Kung Fu Monkeys, The Skints, Dirty Revolution Underworld, London 3 April 2009

Back on their 2nd stint to Camden Underworld in less than 6 months, Jaya the Cat were last time undone by some poorly timed scheduling with The Aggrolites playing nearby on the same night in North London– in my mind this helped diminish the crowd on that occasion.

This time with what I viewed as a better supporting lineup I hoped we wouldn’t have a repeat performance.

Dirty Revolution, although from Cardiff, play London frequently and again put on a good show to a under sized crowd which perhaps doesn’t do their set justice.

A reggae influenced set, with all of their EP offerings plus a few new tracks.

The Skints- are everywhere and anywhere it seems. I support hard working bands, but they are in danger of over selling themselves at this rate. With a limited number of songs to run through; their set has become slightly predictable. In addition on this performance there comfortability on stage leads to some sloppiness and a loose performance. Undoubt-

> ALBUMS > EPs > BOOKS > GIGS

edly talented and ska’s rising stars, a full record is urgently required.

The surprise package from Mexico are Los fu Monkeys. The seven piece are the ska punk band that set the place alight, which is hard work with a London crowd and a relatively unknown band for these island shores. Everyone has their chance to join in full voice with their cover of The Cure’s ‘Boys don’t cry’ which is great fun, but their set is full of explosive horn fuelled ska punk and smiles smeared on faces to draw a appreciative applause. Their new album is dropping on this tour, so watch out for their Spanish/English ska fiesta.

Jaya The Cat take to stage in their typical laidback, beer in mic-stand cup holder way. They play a more varied selection of songs from their back catalogue than previously, and as I know only their latest release, it’s a surprisingly good mixture of reggae skapunk. The crowd digs it and the band does too, but despite the annoying ease at which they play and write good music, they seem to not quite let go and turn the place upside do, which I feel they have the ability do.

The lethargic appearance is partly to blame, but its part of their setup, and regardless of my own reservations with this, they are a band that with more regular touring and exposure could be rapidly

climbing the success barometer. There is no doubt there is quality in their sound and songs, and they offer something a little bit different- with the right mixture of skapunk, sing -alongs and laid back sounds to appeal to a wider audience than tonight’s niche suggests. _ Steve Noble

Streetlight Manifesto JB Conspiracy ULU London 4 April 2009

Much to the horror of everyone I spoke to during and after the gig, not only was this the first time I’d seen Streetlight Manifesto live, but the first time I’d really even listened to them. Somehow this New Jersey seven-piece had totally passed me by till now.

However, with London’s ULU venue packed out with a young crowd who were itching to dance, it was clear they have a strong, enthusiastic following. And sure enough, the crowd danced themselves into a frenzy from the very first song and kept it up for the entire set.

It was quickly obvious that what Streetlight possess, which really sets them apart from a lot of the ska-punk influenced acts both homegrown and from the US, is that

R EV IEWS Don’t take our word for it, make up your own mind!

Streetlight Manifesto © Imelda Michalczyk

their sound is varied and unpredictable all the way through the set - and, surprisingly, can hook you on first listen. It’s a rare pleasure to hear exceptionally catchy songs that can be easily distinguished from one another, so you don’t feel like you’re listening to one long bounce-along ska track for an entire evening. Lots of changes of tempo, clever hooks and raucous sing-along bits made each song feel

special, supported by a musically tight band with a full four-piece brass section, clear vocals and lots of energy. A cover of NOFX’s ‘Linoleum’ was also an easy win.

What’s particularly heart-warming is that they do genuinely seem to be having fun - joking and smiling at each other during the set, chatting to the crowd without stopping for too long, and throwing out the songs with seemingly effortless en-

> ALBUMS > EPs > BOOKS > GIGS

ergy.

Charismatic front man Tomas Kalnoky announced that the band had just confirmed that they would be back in August. So if, like me, you’ve missed out before, I definitely recommend exploring this particular ska manifesto.

My only complaint is that no one introduced me to them earlier. Please, anything else this good - don’t keep it to yourselves! _ Steve Noble

The Levellers, Pama Intl, Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs 4 April 2009

The Forum, London

I arrived at the Forum to catch the last glimpses of Hobo Jones and Co playing some sea swaggering Drunken sailor songs, to a warm reception. (Kind of thinking to myself that it was fortunate timing too).

Pama International don’t take too long to

hit the stage with their gear setup in front of the headliners already prepped drum kit. With their evolving lineup bit never fading sincere fun times ska/dub reggae sounds, it doesn’t take long for them to get the crowd involved, swaying, skanking and grinning ear to ear.

With their most recent record receiving much airplay and after some high profile tours with more to come (supporting The Specials included) things are always on the rise for these guys. Their enjoyment on stage is transported through the venue and into crowd as they play their ska fuelled dub reggae from albums old to new. Definitely for me the feel good ban of the night.

The Levellers, I know little about, I can gather from the electrifying atmosphere they are well liked and well supported & loved! However throughout their set, despite great sound, stage performance, fan interaction etc I just can’t get into it. I recognize some radio friendly songs, but their sound is like a 80’s rock band-albeit far more varied in musical influences with a heavy Irish taint.

I would rather say here- if you enjoy them great, I’m sure there are valid reasons but for this ‘newer’ fan of ska and punk it did little to inspire. _ Steve Noble

words by Mr Noble, pics by Imelda Michalczyk

Here, There, Everywhere!

The Penny Black Remedy The Penny Black Remedy are admittedly band that sits on the periphery of the bands we cover here at Distorted.

They are also being covered for reasons of merit. When I saw them play recently I was blown away as their stage presence was dominant, the atmosphere energetic and the crowd full of voice & insane. They are DIY through and through and their Balkan folksy ska punk is original, catchy and niche. Add In the fact they are genuinely passionate and decent people and you have a band that deserves success; with their debut album dropping in May, I caught up with the whole band to reveal the issues independent bands face today.

I meet my namesake Steve Nelson, TPBR bassist and he leads me past the ‘12 Bar’ bar and pool room-out the back and commences the introductions with the rest of the band.

The guys and girl are headlining on a Wednesday night & the small venue in central London is starting to buzz with a small crowd massing in the outside smoking area where Steve has led us. The alley way congested with musicians and fans alike & sits snuggingly between the venue itself and a large rehearsing complex.

The rest of the band comprise Wilco Van Eijk from Holland (Drums and vocals), Keith M Thomson from Scotland (Vocals, Guitars & Harmonica) and finally Marijana Hajdarhodzic from Croatia (Vocals & Percussion). Steve stands on the right and is a London local.

The Penny Black Remedy are a

pretty multicultural and international group and I start “I got to admit, I know very little about you-I saw you play a show here at 12 Bar on the recommendation of JD Smith a while back, and I was really impressed- not only by your own performance but the crowd really took to you and seemed to know all the songs? With your debut album coming out in a couple weeks, who would like to talk about that recording process?”

Keith, appointed spokesperson it seems ”Well we went to Zagreb, Croatia, last Summer which was a great experience- we spent two weeks there, and it was a fairly painless exercise. We went over there and we knew what we wanted to do; we decided to pretty much capture something which would be the essence of us live. So we did the recording pretty live! It was a great

experience. Now that was done in August last year and it’s taken us to now -which is April to get all the artwork and all the bits and pieces in place before it comes out in May.” I asked them group why they chose Zagreb & secondly why it has taken 6-7 months to get things togetherhiccups and holdups or part of the DIY process? Keith continues “No no, just heavy drinking (They all crack up and laugh). No it’s a time consuming process. We have this Balkan influence in the music and Marijana is from Croatia- and that part of the world. And she knew a producer from out there. So we thought ‘well what better way to do it?’ and quite authentically go to the place where we are inspired by and record!” Steve adds “It was a good way of getting away from distractions, it was a two week period where we had to get everything done. “ Keith nods and adds “That’s true cos where you live in London you tend to get a bit distracted by general life you know. It was a good exercise to get focussed.”

I asked the group about it being a cost effective exercise and economically it make sense. Marijana nods affirming “Well yeah it was probably cheaper for what we got- it was a top product and service we would have to pay enormous amount of money here (In London.)” Steve contributes saying that they were in the studio every day for two weeks with some long 12 hour days. Keith then adds ”Yeah 12 hour days plus

the mixing which was a process everyday for three weeks. So that’s five weeks of recording really. So yeah it worked out pretty good for us.”

I wanted to know how the four of them found each other; with such diverse backgrounds reflected in their sound; what was the connection? “ Well, it’s kind of interesting and I have been asked this before- and I tend to rant on a bit and never get to the point.” starts Keith. “Coming to think of it I’m doing it again aren’t I! (they all start laughing at him).

Well effectively I was playing on my own with an acoustic guitar in London and Marijana came down to a show and we started chatting- both of our influences are very similar and we thought it would be a good idea to play together.” I interrupted to ask what those were? “ Well like the whole East European folk type of music, fairly dark, lyrically wise; Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits- that kind of thing. So we started kind of working together, doing a couple of gigs together.” Steve jumps in” I was introduced through drummer who used play with them at the time, they were recording some early demos and I kind of came in to help out in the studio and from there, there was a good vibe.”

Keith jumps back in with a grin on his face”So we kicked the other bass player out!(they all start laughing again.) “In the nicest possible way and a shrug of the shoulders. “says Keith.

The Penny Black Remedy Wilco not wanting to be excluded continues “I think before that I came to gigs already cos I played with Steve in another band. I was a fan already and kind of joined a year ago?” “When we first met him I thought he was kind of aggressive, he had a strange look when he dances to the music.” said Keith smiling.

I was interested to find out where their name comes from now that we cleared up their origins. “It’s inspired by a bar in Edinburgh.”

Says Keith of his hometown. “ It’s notorious there and opens up super early in the morning. Like 5AM; so it’s the kind of place with very strange clientele, you get clubbers going there just after the clubs shut as they close 4-5AM, you get postal workers finishing shifts, that’s why it’s called penny black. So it’s a really strange mix but they have this jukebox with great music too and I only ended up there when I was extremely drunk and I thought it was

the kind of place which was either going to cure you or kill you, hence the remedy.”

When I saw the mplay about 6 weeks earlier my immediate reference to their sound was Gogol Bordello- I wanted to know if they viewed that as a worry or a complement? “I think that’s a massive complement, they are probably one of the best live bands in the world.

I saw them a few years back at the Astoria and they blew me away so it’s not a slight at all.” says Keith. “I think our stuff is a bit more broader in influences as we are pulling in stuff from more cultures. Whereas Gogol Bordello are great at doing the gypsy punk thing. “ Marijana continues “our sound is more country eastern than gypsy punk. And lots of ska.” Which is probably one of my attractions as a ska-boy but to an uneducated ear there will be comparisons.

The band released their first single a couple of months earlier ‘95

The Penny Black Remedy Charring Cross Road.’ So why was that chosen?

Keith takes the lead on this “Basically it was the song most people seemed to grasp really quickly and I don’t know why, maybe cos its about a brothel, and they can associate themselves with that. (He says grinning)Also it’s only just down the road! It seems, when we recorded it people just tend to get it and it seemed a natural choice, especially as we are open to suggestions and we get so many people saying that was the song that got them into us. It was written as a country song so a country polka and really progressed organically into what it is now.” “I also think it has a fair mixture of different things. It offers slightly different aspects of what we are about- it’s not too country or too gypsy so this song offers a good essence of our mix” adds Marijana.

The timeframe between recording and the release must be a frustrating and exciting one. The launch is on the 12th May here at the 12 Bar. So what were they planning for the night?

Steve takes his cue, “well basically the 12 bar is our front room. We played it from the beginning and Keith even as a singer song writer.

It has been a very friendly place for us. When we play live the stage is the size of a stamp but it doesn’t matter. We have so much history here as a band. We were thinking of taking it here, there and everywhere but we decided what’s the point, lets launch it here where it

started. It made perfect sense. We have booked it for ourselves and we are inviting friends and the industry down and we are really looking forwards to it. We might be able to spruce the place up a bit and give the place a penny black stamp. So it’s going to be one big party really.

The good thing is you can drink ridiculously late!”

And some anxiety aside perhaps, how happy are they with the debut?

At that question they all pipe up and express their satisfaction. Keith in his clear Scottish” We couldn’t be happier really as we wanted something which would be a snapshot of what we were doing at this moment in time. Sounding as good as possible and shows the love and energy that went into it.” “The only way it could sound better is live” finishes Marijana.

Steve continues on the artwork “The added luxury is that a top design agency , friends of Marijana from Croatia, they have literally listened to us and got the picture straight away and did the design concepts etc. Without the hours of time they have put into it, the album wouldn’t look as good as it does now, not without their input that’s for sure.”

“And we are probably horrible perfectionists. Desperate to have something exactly as we wanted it which isn’t easy with the look and what we put into it; sweat, blood and tears and money! It’s been amazing, and it’s our thing. We have done it all off our own backs. We have our own record label to release this; we

have done everything with our own hands.” Says Keith proudly.

“Yeah it’s very rewarding –it does take longer as you don’t have the clout of the record labels with budgets to get things done yesterday. For that reason we are extremely proud of what we have done.” says Steve.

It is their DIY approach which I respect so much and I’m not alone.” Yeah well it goes back to the late 70’s and punk when everyone did just do things for themselves and got on with it. That’s DIY” adds Keith.

On their rising popularity despite having accomplished everything with their own hands, I wanted to know if they had been surprised by how people responded especially at their live show in which they excel.

“I think our demographic is universal, kids from five to the age of 70.

And they really like it and I think that is due to the amount of joy and love they see. There are fairly disparate groups that come and enjoy it live. We try and break that barrier between band and audience and people love that. They like to be involved. That means a lot to us. “says Keith.

I asked if it was perhaps the nature of smaller venues like 12 Bar which contribute that? Wilco disagrees“well if you look at the response in a venue like Kentish town forum or a big festival in Holland we played last summer, the feeling of a bigger venue seems to be something we can transport that vibe to”. Marijana adds to that “I was surprised when

we first played the bigger venue at the festival and Forum, the stage is enormous. Of course we were nervous but within half a second we felt like it was 12 Bar again.”

Moving forward what plans do they have to support the album and progress from here? Steve continues “Well It’s kind of like a chicken and egg scenario. To get into the bigger festivals or gigs you need that backing from agents and labels.

Although it’s very rewarding to do things DIY as is, it’s tough for an independent band that has a fairly decent following with a hopefully good album coming out which will hopefully get good reviews! This will feed into the machine. Again it will just take longer. We would love to say we have a world plan, but we don’t. We are going to play more London and regional shows and we have a good following in Holland at the moment.”

Wilco, the native Dutchman in the band- “The whole Balkan scene in Holland is growing to the extent that they have a show the first Saturday of each month at Melkweg ( A well established venue) in Amsterdam supporting it and we might possibly play there this year which is great, and it’s all a follow up from a few gigs we played in Nijmegen. So things are happening.”

Steve adds to Wilcos sentiments “And that’s organically as we don’t have muscle, financially, to barge open those doors. So it is going to take time, we are well aware of that.

But it starts now basically.”

The Penny Black Remedy As a penultimate question to everyone in the band I asked the type of bands they like to play with or even would support on the bigger stages?

Keith starts off “Well I always think of bands that have an audience that is diverse and likes having a good time and doesn’t give a fuck about pigeonholes. Or genres or stuff.

Off the top of my head- Violent Femmes, or bands that cross genres don’t give a shit; that create their own sounds. We would be looking at those audience based bands.

Having lots of friends with things similar to things we like.”

And finally on their journey to date and moving on; Steve sums things

up “Well where I would like to be and we talk about this all the time. Is to be established as a festival band; it’s a big thing. We would like to see ourselves in the festival circuit- a tour of the sun, both northern and southern hemispheres. And I’m extremely proud of how far we have come.” Keith interjects “And better tans.” To which they all smile and provide a genuine laugh!

Steve ends by saying” But seriously we thank anybody who has supported us, from early days to now, they are quite clearly insane and we love that. And without them we wouldn’t be where we are now.”