Electric Banana Unpeeled - Issue 2

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ElectricBananaUK

...Unpeeled

Issue # 2 - February 2013

Also Inside:

Ginger Wildheart Dinosaur Jr Pure Love Foals News

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Reviews

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+ New Music Special Interviews

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Features

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Gig Guide

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Editor’s Note

orgetting where you came from is a dangerous trait within the music biz. Falling into treacherous depths of narcotics or becoming the proud owner of a bulging noggin of ego has claimed the lives and reputations of some of our most treasured icons.

Cover stars Funeral For A Friend have had their fair share of mardy band mates storming out of the collective. Through almost countless member changes it has prompted the Welsh quintet to look back to the fond memories of where it all began. As they tell Electric Banana on page 10, this was a much-needed wake up call.

The champion new bands on pages 6 – 9 are a far shot from losing their way however.

While on their way to indie stardom the bands will stop to play our Electric Banana party (of which you are all invited of course) on Tuesday 26th February.

Have fun flicking through the second instalment of Unpeeled and when you’re done, don’t forget to head over to www.electric-banana.co.uk for even more musical delicacies.

David Sullivan Editor

All views, opinions and information in this magazine were correct at the time of publication.

25th February 2nd March

Contents 4 - This Month’s News Highlights 6 - New Music 10- Featured Article: Funeral for a Friend 14 - Album Reviews 16 - Live Reviews 17 - Gig Recommender 18 - Electric Banana meets Ginger Wildheart

Staff

David Sullivan - Editor Sam WIllis - News Editor/Design Naina Sethi - New Music Editor Bryony Curtis - Sub Editor David Norton - Live Editor Yasmin White - Illustrations

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This Months News Highlights Music news Morrissey cancels gigs after falling ill A statement from his publicist at the time of his diagnosis read:

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orrissey has postponed yet more dates due to his recent spate of illness.

The former Smiths frontman originally aimed to restart his tour, rescheduled due to a bleeding ulcer, on February 9th in Las Vegas.

Morrissey’s recent health troubles have seen him hospitalised at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan where he was treated for concussion, a bleeding ulcer and Barratt’s esophagus.

The gigs in question are already dates rescheduled from October 2012 due to his mother falling ill.

“Morrissey apologises greatly for any and all inconvenience and looks forward to continuing his US tour.“ The ex- Smiths singer’s publicist continued to say, “Morrissey is expected to make a full recovery and thanks everyone concerned for their support during this time.”

Morrissey himself released a statement about rescheduling the shows, he said: “I am fully determined to resume the tour on February 9 at the Chelsea Ballroom in Las Vegas. If there’s an audience of any kind in attendance, I just might die with a smile on my face, after all. If I am not there, I shall probably never again be anywhere.”

Words: Sam Willis

Fall Out Boy reunite

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fter a three year long hiatus Fall Out Boy have returned with news of a new album, named Save Rock and Roll due out on May 7th, as well as the release of a brand new track, featuring 2Chainz, and a huge North America Tour, named the ‘Save Rock and Roll Tour’. A statement from the band said: “When we were kids the only thing that got us through most days was music. It’s why we

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Words: Jack Strange

My Bloody Valentine album details

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ver twenty years since their last release My Bloody Valentine have finally dropped a new full length LP, simply titled m v b.

With news surfacing that a new release was due imminently, masses of

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started Fall Out Boy in the first place. This isn’t a reunion because we never broke up. We needed to plug back in and make some music that matters to us. The future of Fall Out Boy starts now. Save rock and roll…”

hype has surrounded the definitive shoegaze band and their new album, which surfaced a few hours after a message from the band was posted on their Facebook page.

Words: Sam Willis

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Carl Barat hints at Dirty Pretty Things reunion

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arl Barat hinted recently that he may be festering plans to reunite Dirty Pretty Things for some live shows.

The ex-Libertine, who is expecting to have his second solo album released in the second half of this year, sewed the seeds of a reunion with his bandmates Didz Hammond, Gary Powell and Anthony Rossomando on Facebook.

The post read: “I’d forgotten there was so much love for the old DPTs

(Dirty Pretty Things). Maybe we could do a gig someday.”

Barat revealed at the beginning of the year in an interview with NME that for his second solo effort the singer and guitarist will enlist the help of Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows and ex-Smith Johnny Marr. He has also got singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt on board playing piano, as well as Eyes On Film’s Dan Miler and French actor/singer Benjamin Biolay helping with the writing of the album.

Barat also revealed a new demo at the beginning of the year named ‘War of the Roses’.

Words: Sam Willis

Festival News S ix more acts have been added to the 2013 Reading and Leeds Festival roster, with Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro confirmed to have been given a headline slot alongside Eminem, with the final headliner to be announced at a later date.

The festival also marks a return for Fall Out Boy, who will play their only UK festival appearances there.

Bringing the heavier music to the stage will be System of a Down, who should provide a contrast to the increased presence of

dance music expected to be present at the festival. The other confirmed acts are Bring Me the Horizon, Foals and Jake Bugg – they will join Deftones, Alt-J, Sub Focus and Boy Better Know, who were among the first to be announced.

To see tall acts anounced so far visit: http://www.readingfestival.com/ Words: David Rees

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lton John and Snoop Dogg (or more recently ‘Snoop Lion’) have been revealed as the two headline acts of Bestival 2013. The third headline act is still to be confirmed.

The festival takes place from 5-8th of September at Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight for its 10th anniversary. They will be joined by the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club, Johnny Marr and Franz Ferdinand.

Elton John stated in Glamour that: “‘I haven’t played any of the major festivals in the UK in recent years, so when the opportunity to play Bestival came up I was very interested.” The festival is renowned for its audience spending the weekend in fancy dress which interested the ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ star.

John stated that he will perform some of his classic tracks from the 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road which marks its 40th anniversary in 2013.

To see the full line-up visit: http://2013.bestival. net/line-up Words: Philippa Ghosh

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New Music

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he ethereal talent of writing in water is an otherworldly delicacy, trying to file the Brighton quintet Written In Waters within the genre cabinet is an equally mystical journey.

“We simply wanted to make music together, we weren’t looking to create or uncover something completely new, but what seems to be happening is that together we provoked and created a new bricolage of sound.”

As the classically trained operatic front woman Beth Cannon expresses, since the bands formation in November 2011, Written In Waters used unadulterated creativity and sheer passion for musical oddities to carve a sound that, although may be different, is instantly cherished.

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Utilising Cannon’s distinct vocals the band produce dark atmospherics, which are laced with ambient indie swells from Jim Baldock on keys. A jazz technicality of Lawrence Jenner’s bass provisions match the anthemic prog styling revitalised in the riffs of George McKenzie.

Vader’s very own James Stewart brings frantic metal drums to provide the vibrant foundations to the collective’s extraordinary display.

Written In Waters however are rightful to a commendation, Tuesday 16th October 2012 marked the release of Written In Waters self-titled debut LP. The album directs a new path in music listening, one that is more welcome than the wistful odyssey of counterpart releases that surround it.

“We never set out to write the perfect pop song.” Cannon explains, “We never wanted to write to please everyone, no one is ever going to please everyone, that’s impossible, and if you can then boy do I commend you!”

The musical journey that Cannon describes is mapped through sullen melancholy that meanders to triumphant highs as the cruise ship of the Brighton quintet leaves their signature mark in the elixir of water below them.

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“I feel people that listen to us because they want to go on that musical journey.”

Words: David Sullivan

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lt-rock three-piece, Karvel hail from London suburb Twickenham, birthplace of The Rolling Stones and the hometown of rugby. Suffice to say the place from which they have emerged is a hub of aspiration and achievement, something that is surely rubbing off on the young and impressionable ensemble.

Karvel comprises of Joe Mallory-Skinner (vocals and guitar), Ben Soan (Bass) and Tom Wood (Percussion), who have drawn elements from each of their influences to create a refreshing and distinctive sound.

Complete with trembling bass lines and emotive gravelly vocals, Karvel are contemporary grunge epitomised. Talent oozes from the group, who have surprisingly

only been making music together since 2010, yet their connection musically, both live and on record is uncanny.

Their debut EP Fizzle Away was recorded in 2012 with producer Bill Gautier, which Wood explains, “was an amazing experience”.

Although the EP took a lot longer than planned, which Wood remarks, “as these things do”, the band recorded the majority of material in a week and returned to the studio when they could to add the final touches.

“The decision to record this EP was more of an extension of our frustration at how we had been together two years and not released anything, having been advised to wait for the right moments or to have five singles

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but that’s not what we’re about and we realised this and decided to just create a record that we, ourselves, wanted to hear and not what we “thought” everyone else wanted to.”

Karvel have developed and maintained a dedicated fan base and when combined with their skilled musicianship, the boys are reaching heights in their musical career much sooner than originally anticipated. Armed with their stunning EP and headlining and selling out the Camden Barfly twice, whilst well on their way to making it a hat-trick, Karvel are proving to be the ones to watch.

Words: Bryony Curtis

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ivera is made up of Erdin Boratac on vocals, Tom Verrechia on bass, Louie Fowler on drums, Matt Carpenter and Jack Jamieson taking on the guitar roles. Based in Kent, and now all in their early 20’s, Jack, Tom, Erdin and Matt go back a long way having known each other since school. Between 2008 and 2010 Jack, Tom and Louie dabbled in previous musical experimentations and formed a band. They then went on to form what is now known as Rivera back in January last year and things have been steadily progressing for the group since.

Rivera recorded their first demo EP Rivera- Live Studio Recordings at Unstudios in Tunbridge Wells and have been noticed already as a growing indie sensation within Kent

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as their single ‘Bag of Tricks’ was recently played on Jacob Rickard’s BBC introducing in Kent radio show.

Having only just formed last year, Rivera are proving that it doesn’t take long to produce soulful indie music which sounds as if it’s been in the works for years. Having played venues such as The Forum and Johnny’s Little Sister, both based in Kent, they’ve moved onto playing Dublin Castle in Camden alongside The Good Ship and Powers Bar in Kilburn, London.

Erdin Boratac’s raw vocal range alongside Matt and Jack’s Rage Against the Machine like dazzling guitar riffs are one not to be messed with. Rivera’s sound is clear, sharp and distinctive. With influences such as Led Zeppelin, Rolling

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Stones, The Doors, Interpol, and Kings of Leon, these five lads from Kent build a wave of sound that is memorable within the Rock mist, and leaves you wanting more.

Rivera’s influences are strong, and this is shown within their music. These 20 something lads are producing old school rock and mixing it in with an array of different hints of musical characteristics such as blues, groove and grunge.

It is these different vibes heard throughout Rivera’s tracks that make Rivera ooze cool, with their laid back grungy approach. Erdin Boratac’s vocals bind the grunge; indie and blues and stir it together to create Rivera’s impressive sound.

Words: Naina Sethi

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he Kaleurs (pronounced The Colours) originated back in 2011 as a two-piece acoustic band, consisting of Niklas Birkemeyer and Joe Brocklehurst.

The two met at Southampton Solent University both studying Graphic Design. It was only a matter of time before the duo completed their indie delight and found their drummer and bassist, if by magic, on the street. Leo Troy and Ashley Martin joined The Kaleurs as their new bassist and drummer and everything began to fit into place.

With Nik, Joe and Leo all dabbling in vocal parts within The Kaleurs material, it means that each song portrays different emotions, which makes The Kaleurs stand out from the Indie crowd. With influences

so vast such as The Libertines to Joshua James, The Kaleurs stand their mark and offer depth and harmonic value to their music.

After many an open mic night, their fan base began to grow which resulted in their first EP, Big Elephant which was released back in February 2012, followed by All the Happy, All the Horror in June.

They are now working on getting their debut album out this year, which will include old material as well as new songs.

Experimentation is key to The Kaleurs success, as every member brings something a little different to the group. Nik was once a solo singer songwriter under the name of Seagulls and Waves, Leo was a member of an emo band back in St Albans:

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Praden, and Joe was once involved in an Indie Ska band The Liasons. ‘The charm of our band is that we bring so many different ideas and influences together. We surprise audiences with how much we change it up. Having many different influences gives us more possibilities to experiment, everybody brings in different voices, different styles.� Says the band on their unique sound. The Kaleurs offer a variety in regards to indie music; their experimentation is what makes them who they are, some songs offering a rougher indie approach whilst others a calm folk-like style, with never a dull sound in the mix.

Words: Naina Sethi

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Out The Conduit The name Funeral For A Friend is not one that brings daises to mind. Recent releases from the Bridgend quintet have conjured more of a Teletubbie tea party atmosphere rather than Donnington destroyers. Sixth album Conduit is different, screams and studs are replacing the giggles and hugs‌ Words: Philippa Ghosh

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he clock has passed into the early evening and just along the Brighton seafront sits Welsh hardcore band Funeral for a Friend, inside the small, dark venue The Haunt. Outside, the colour of the skyline is fading and the clouds are covering the pier with delicate raindrops. Brighton is one of the many cities they are visiting this year as they tour across the country promoting fifth studio album Conduit, which was released 28th January 2013.

Climbing up a steep staircase and into a back room, Kris Roberts and Richard Boucher are found exchanging words, surrounded by guitar cases, rucksacks and a few bottled beers. They look comfortable in their environment, but after all, they have been doing this for twelve years now. Well, not all of them.

Over the years there have been many departures of band members and the arrival of new ones; the most recent newcomer

“We’ve gone back to what it was like when we started.” is Rise to Remains’ Pat Lundy, replacing Ryan Richards on drums. “As weird as it might be, I think having people leave and new people come in has actually enabled us to be a better band and do what we do better” explains guitarist Kris Roberts, who joins front man Matt Davies as the only ‘original’ left in the band.

The Bridgend quintet started out in 2001 when they released a number of EPs before their debut album Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation arrived two years later.

A decade onwards and they’re still going strong with the release of Conduit which demonstrates some clear feelings of nostalgia.

“It has more in common with the first EPs that we released. I think that we had a period where we were trying to do things that distanced ourselves from the music that we originally did. We’ve gone back to what it was like when we started.”

Any Funeral For A Friend fan will openly admit that they reminisce about the earlier material written, because each album has made such palpable changes. With these changes it has become hard to define them rigidly by genre; the shift between genres from Hours to Tales Don’t Tell Themselves was huge.

Although Hours was still lighter on the ears from their debut album, it still contained an element of grunge with tracks such as ‘Roses for the Dead’. But Tales… was almost like a different band altogether falling into the pop-rock category. “We’ll never make another ‘Tales Don’t Tell Themselves’. I think that when we did those records we were fighting against music that we write naturally”, Roberts divulges.

“I think we were doing it as an immediate reaction to the fact that suddenly it seemed like there were a lot of other bands who sounded very, very similar to what we did”, he continues. “I think we

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kind of lashed out to that by trying to write something very different.

But we’re a bit older now and a lot more comfortable in our own skin.

We now write for ourselves.”

“When we make a song we do it for ourselves, if they don’t like it then we don’t really care” With Conduit taking a leaf out of Funeral’s book ten years ago, tracks from Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation will resonate within fans immediately, which can only be a good thing. It was albums like that, that gained them the huge following they have today.

Bringing back the sound their fans have longed for is a step in the right direction, and developing a carefree attitude has enabled them to do this. “When we make a song we do it for ourselves and if people like it or if they don’t then we don’t really care” explains Roberts, “Conduit is very honest and I think it’s probably the heaviest album we’ve done. I think it’s straight up what we want to do as a band.”

Having Lundy as a replacement of Richards on drums may have helped them bring back heavier elements to the band. Lundy was originally the drummer for Rise to Remain, a prevailing band in the heavy metal genre and after

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“You’re only as good as your last piece of work.” touring together Funeral For A Friend wanted Lundy on board.

“We had a bus share with them and we got on with Pat really well and then we found out he had left and we knew Ryan was leaving our band. It just made sense to ask him. He’s an incredible drummer.” Roberts reminisces.

So, it’s clear that FFAF are in it for the music and not the money and for a rock band, passion is key to being successful. Their love of music as a band is not just evident in their sound, but their lyrics say a great deal too, “A loss of feeling, ending in contempt, I

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feel like I am letting go of everything” shouts Matt in band favourite, ‘Grey’.

“Matt writes the lyrics. I think it’s really important for a vocalist to write the lyrics because you’ve got to know the sentiment of the song,” explains Roberts. “I don’t think that’s something any of us would really want to do. We can’t be like ‘sing this!’”

At present, Conduit has been received well by fans, which is inevitable from one of Britain’s most favourited hybrid rockers.

“We’ve played a couple of songs live and people have really enjoyed it,” expresses Roberts.

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Although it’s too early for Funeral to begin thinking about their next album, it’s evident they’ll stick with the heavier style after a unanimous response from the band that Conduit is their best album so far. After a decade of experience, it doesn’t look like Funeral For A Friend are anywhere near packing up and calling it a day. But why would they? Conduit shows that they’re back and better than ever, supporting bassist Richard Boucher’s philosophy that “You’re only as good as

Conduit is available to buy online or in-store now.

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Launch Night @

Tues 26th Feb 2013

+ DJ Sets

Innersoul Wonder

Naina Sethi

9pm ‘Till 2am

Advance Tickets £3 from www.joinerslive.co.uk

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ElectricBananaUK

Album Of The Month U

ndoubtedly the finest band to hail from the historically soaked stone walls of Oxford since Radiohead, Foals are a band who, since the release of their debut Antidotes in 2008, have captured the hearts of British and worldwide music lovers with their mixture of math, ambient, arty and intellectual indie rock.

Their sound has been through two states of change since its staunchly math-rock beginnings in Antidotes, the first coming in the form of the Mercury nominated Total Life Forever, which offered a more thoughtful, rich and, at some times, haunting texture than its predecessor and the second, which comes from this release; Foals’ best work to date: Holy Fire.

The change in sound is largely due to the scale of the album, which sees the band explode through the metaphorical barrier bridging the gap between bands which teeter on the edge of glory and outfits bathed in the warming glow of admiration and stadium filling success, a thing that Foals are well on

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Foals - Holy Fire

their way to becoming.

The band, who have been professing their love of pop in the lead up to the release of Holy Fire, have exhibited their untapped and previously shunned ability to create commercially viable

hard to get’ metaphor-charged material.

‘Inhaler’, a tune that climaxes, completely out of character, into a storm of distorted guitars, exhibits their commitment to the new sound and offers a reason for why it

singles in songs like ‘My Number’ which, along with ‘Inhaler’, was revealed before the release of the album.

It offers a toe-tapping, straightforward approach to song writing, something the band are not in the least renowned for, but can achieve as effectively as some of their more typical ‘play

was the primary track to emerge from the album.

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However, the masterpiece of Holy Fire comes in the form of a track, named ‘Late Night’, which does not explore new trodden territory; it offers a third step in the evolution of the lengthy Foals tearjerker.

First experienced as ‘Red Socks Pugie’ in Antidotes and then ‘Spanish Sahara’ in Total Life Forever, these thoughtful and ambient tracks have made an appearance, and huge impression, in each of Foals’ albums. ‘Late Night’ follows the recipe that gives these songs a direct link to the tingling in your spine; it builds, from start to finish, in a gradual crescendo of layers, culminating into an encompassing mist of brilliance. Although the album provides a pretty level playing field for all its tracks, highlights also come in the form of ‘Bad Habit’, ‘Out Of The Woods’, ‘Milk & Black Spiders’ and ‘Providence’, the latter exhibiting the bands’ inclinations towards a heavier sound for this album.

With the quality of their albums and number in their fan base consistently rocketing skyward, the only thing left to ponder is can this band dwindle in their talent? Or are they destined to become one of the great stadium bands they are beginning to sound like.

5/5 Words: Sam Willis

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Album Reviews

Pure Love - Anthems // Frontier Ruckus - Eternity of Dimming // The Ok Social Club - Nothing in Common // Bobby Long - Wishbone to alternative prince.

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’m so sick of singing about hate, never gonna make a change”, was the first line that ex-Gallows frontman Frank Carter unleashed to the public in Pure Love’s lead single ‘Bury My Bones’. The sentiment is self explanatory and their debut LP Anthems is testament to Carter’s further shift from punk-rock poster boy

Overall, Anthems is divisive; tracks deviate between unforgettable and nondescript. If the intention whilst writing this album was to pack it with anthems, then Pure Love have only been half right. It will definitely alienate any Gallows fans looking for a continuation of Carter’s angst, but there is also the possibility of attracting new fans looking for a more tender side to one of punks modern icons.

3/5 Words: Leo Troy the release of their new album, Nothing In Common, The OK Social Club are ready to release their pop melodies and guitar hooks to the world.

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012 was a big year for The OK Social Club with the release of their two standout singles, ‘The Shape Of Things To Come’ and ‘The Late 90’s’. Having sold out the Edinburgh and Glasgow dates on their first Scottish headlining tour, the exposure of the band has earned them fans up and down the country. With

Nothing In Common is flourished with pop hooks and guitar driven songs yet it’s the guitar tone that seems to domineer over the album; the songs blend into each other. The album seems to be more filler than killer with only small glimpses of hope heard between songs.

3/5 Words: Niamh Moore

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traight out of the Wolverine state of Michigan, Eternity Of Dimming is the latest release from Frontier Ruckus, the folkster brainchild of Matthew Milia. Through 20 songs he manages to meld the majority of the english lexicon in lyrical output with pseudominimalist country instrumentation.

Basically, there’s lots of long words and banjos, so the only way to listen to it would be to approach the album with the same level of linguistic

sophistication as is found in the music itself.

Eternity of Dimming is a great listen if you’re looking for something which could have the propensity of crawling inside your mind and not letting go. But if you want a little nugget of simple folk, it wouldn’t be a good idea.

4/5 Words: Leo Troy

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fter a highly successful debut album in addition to a hit UK tour, singer-songwriter Bobby Long puts forward his sophomore album; Wishbone.

Though born in England, the songs found on Long’s Wishbone, are redolent with pieces of Americana; demonstrating a departure from his usual UK folkie impulses towards a more rock-orientated vibe.

Long has come a good way from his early days

playing open-mic nights in London. With Wishbone, listeners and fans will see a different side of Bobby Long: the restless musician always striving to grow and improve his craft while finding new avenues of expression.

4/5 Words by Oliva Katene-Motana

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Live Reviews

Two Door Cinema Club @ Southampton// Liam Fray @ Manchester // Turin Brakes @ Derby// Dinosaur Jr @ Brighton of a solid performance from all acts.

The line-up for the event couldn’t have fitted more perfectly together.

Although rather samey, the bands played well, flowing together and building positive atmosphere. Two Door Cinema Club played an incredibly tight set which created a vibe in-keeping with their feel good nature and made for a cheerful audience and a successful night.

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rish indie rock band Two Door Cinema club started the new year off with a string of UK tour dates. With the support arriving from impressive up-and-coming indie bands Swim Deep and Bastille, the band sold out the Guildhall far ahead of the date, which left expectation

4/5 Words: Gemma Piper

consistent acclaim for their emotive brand of folksy indie.

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emi-veteran guitar-wrangling songsmiths Turin Brakes take to the circuit once more ahead of the release of their sixth studio album.

Since the band’s Mercury-nominated debut The Optimist, childhood friends Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian along with their long term live band, have enjoyed modest but

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While admittedly Turin Brakes back catalogue could be accused of being a little aimless and possibly sounding a tiny bit formulaic to unfamiliar ears, their amiability and generosity on stage will win you over. If you want to hear where all the folk/ rock/indie bands making waves today stole their ideas, go and catch Turin Brakes, they’re the real deal.

4/5 Words: BlackSoda

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o celebrate the release of new album Anna, Liam Fray of The Courteeners has set out to play six solo acoustic gigs, including two homecoming shows at the Manchester Ritz.

Proving to be a very relaxed and intimate set indeed, Fray was very much on top form – what he lacked in the planning of his setlist structure he made up for with humour, charisma and

interaction with the audience. It is clear that Fray enjoys these solo performances and having the crowd all to himself – could this be something we are going to see more of in the future?

3/5 Words: Alana Turk

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roto-grunge legends Dinosaur Jr recently embarked on the UK leg of their European tour. The band, who recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of their seminal sophomore album Your Living All Over Me, set off on a five date string of shows, which spread over the end of January and the first weekend of February.

Throughout the show the band exhibited their experience and talent at writing and playing

music, due to a career that started nearly 30 years ago. They performed an effortlessly consistent and no-nonsense record perfect performance at The Brighton venue.

4/5 Words by Sam Willis

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...Gig Recommender for March 1st Lianne La Havas - 02 Academy, Liverpool 2nd Foals - The Academy, Manchester 3rd Sigur Ros - 02 Apollo, Manchester 4th Stereophonics - Electric Brixton, London 5th Bastille - Academy, Manchester 6th Jessie Ware - Junction, Cambridge 7th The Stranglers - 02 Academy, Liverpool 8th My Bloody Valentine - 02 Academy, Birmingham 9th Bouncing Souls – Haunt, Brighton 10th Status Quo – 02 Academy, Glasgow 11th The Courteeners – 02 Academy, Leicester 12th Willy Mason – Kazminier Club, Liverpool 13th Bullet for My Valentine – 02 Academy, Glasgow 14th Kvelertak – Electric Ballroom, London 15th Johnny Marr – 02 Shepards Bush, London 16th Karvel – Barfly, Camden 17th The Script – Manchester Arena, Manchester 18th Cody ChesnuTT - Bush Hall, London 19th Nas - The 02, London 20th Finch – 02 ABC, Glasgow 21st Biffy Clyro - LG Arena, Birmingham 22nd The Weeknd – The Insitute, Birmingham

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Electric Banana Meets...

Ginger Wildheart G ood day, Ginger. Have you managed to rest up after such a hectic 2012?

I need no rest, which is handy because I don’t bloody get any. I went straight from the birthday gig to the busiest, and messiest xmas in living memory. Usually we go on holiday at Xmas, but decided to stay home instead this year.

Mistakes have to be made to be named.

How’s the reception been to the slightly extreme Mutation albums? The only other record you have released that could be described as on a par with Mutation was Endless, Nameless with The Wildhearts, and that was somewhat of a fan divider.

The reaction has been amazingly positive, which I’m a little shocked to hear to be perfectly honest. I thought this would divide people like you rightfully said Endless Nameless did. I guess people are used to hearing more extreme music in general these days, and can appreciate the various styles of Mutation within the overly simple definition of ‘extreme’. The fact that there is melody to Mutation makes it easier to digest, making the brutal parts even more effective.

There have been a lot of guest artists on Mutation. Did it all run smoothly? Was there anybody in particular with whom the working relationship clicked?

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No, the whole thing was a blast.

Mark E Smith wound Kevin up a little, but Kev’s is a total pro and Mark E is hilarious, so it never got too uncomfortable. Everyone involved brought their A game, not to mention tons of laughs. I really can’t remember a session ever being as much fun as Mutation II. After years of releasing solo albums under the name of Ginger you have now released three under separate project names, being Mutation and Hey! Hello!

Is this in recognition of a more collaborative affair? Are you creating separate musical identities to help organise the chaos?

There isn’t really much planning behind it. Mutation is a 3 album project I intend to be in constant flux so a revolving line up shouldn’t bare my name, in case I don’t do an album with them at some point.

Hey! Hello! was named by my four year old boy when the project was suggested. He also has a writing credit on ‘I-N-T-E-R-N-A-L- Radio’.

He’s a talented kid. I don’t know why I like different project names.

I guess I like to keep the audience on their toes, plus I know how much involvement I have in what I do so I’m not the kind of person that needs extra props.

What type of music is the most satisfying to create?

Schizophrenic metal and sunshine harmonies must require different skills to craft.

@ElectricBananas

They’re all way more difficult than they sometimes appear, but for me personally Error 500 is the one that has given me the biggest buzz. I love extreme music of all kinds, from metal/punk based hardcore to industrial to avant garde noise. Being able to take music as far in any direction as the collective want to take it is as satisfying to a musician as anything could ever hope to be.

You are very interactive with your fan base, using online question asking service Formspring to reply to anything put to you. Have you had any such experiences yourself of unexpectedly gaining a direct line to a musical icon of yours?

Well I’m friends with a lot of the guys that used to be hung up on my wall. I have some insane names in my phone address book.

I won’t throw names around but some of my biggest inspirations and heroes are now mates of mine. I’ve no idea how this happened but I’m not asking too many questions, y’know? I’m a very lucky guy.

What can we expect from you in 2013?

Lot’s of songs, lot’s of shows and a few things that none of us are expecting. They’re my favourite things.

Interview: Michael Record

www.electric-banana.co.uk