Fret buzz music magazine issue 1 march 2016

March ‘16 ÂŁ3 Online | Free at Venues

issue 1

featured articles introducing | festival news | anthony investigates bands in the spotlight richard morris | claydon connor | Ever In Review Eyes are Wild | Max Cowley | Greg barnes | more...

Live & local Dreamer joe | xockha | Grade 2 | More...

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Co-founder James Adsett Editor/Co-Founder Jake Priddle www.jake-priddle.co.uk

Contributors Jay Jay www.jayanamusic.com Andrew Butcher Luke Joynes www.iowfestivalsfansite.net Anthony Sharp Joe Hagan www.josephhagan.co.uk Eliott McRae www.elliotmcraephotography.com

Fret-Buzz HQ info@fret-buzz.net editor@fret-buzz.net 07576138337 Advertising/Stockists press@fret-buzz.net Music/News Submission reviews@fret-buzz.net Think you can do better?

Join our team today! jobs@fret-buzz.net (c) Fret-Buzz Media www.fret-buzz.net

issue 1 March ‘16

Welcome back to the Fret-Buzz Music Magazine!

As you may have seen, last year we produced three pilot magazines which we released into the wild for free to see what would happen. Each with varying style and layout, these were a taster of what’s to come - astonished by the amount of positive feedback, we took a break in order to give this venture a real good stab.

Our aim is to cover the best local talent from the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton, a bit of London and surrounding areas. Fret-Buzz Music Magazine will provide you with the best music reviews, news, features, photos and more from the bands and musicians you care about.

Local music and everyone involved deserve recognition and a platform to promote their art from and that’s why Fret-Buzz is here.

It’s still early days. Hope you enjoy!

Jake Priddle editor@fret-buzz.net

www.fret-buzz.net

March 2016 fret buzz

Contents 14 bands in the spotlight Richard Morris claydon connor ever last chance city

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introducing alex cambridge

08 chalkpit records recommends Playlists for musical discovery

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Festival news news brought to you by luke joynes from www.iowfestivalsfansite.net

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18 why are musicians so unhealthy? anthony investigates

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Contents

march 2016 fret buzz

Contents 30 music reviews Spines Dreamer Joe Claydon Connor Eyes are wild greg barnes on dead waves james blake wolfmother rob henry mothers Max Cowley

39 live & Local Richard Morris Just Millie George holroyd dreamer joe eight 28 the scores grade 2 xockha signals

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31

42

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40

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Introducing

Just before Christmas I was invited to a showcase that was held by Middlesex University in Camden, with many university acts on the night the excitement was real! But there was one act that really grabbed my ear, that would be Alex Cambridge.

The moment she stepped on stage it was clear she was an experienced performer, soon I realised I had already heard of the young songstress. At the age of 9, Alex Cambridge developed a keen interest in music, explaining her experienced sound, It was from there she began writing and producing songs from her bedroom. Having featured on platforms such as BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Radio London, the 21-year-old singer/songwriter is currently at work on her debut EP –a perfect blend of Acoustic, Urban and Folk inspired songs that reflects maturity and lyrical ability beyond her years, which I am a sucker for!

in her teens, Cambridge is set to release her debut EP in 2016. “It’s been a long journey, but I’m excited to share these songs and hopefully people can relate and be inspired by them.”

Growing up in a musical household, Cambridge says, “Music was never off limits, it was something I knew from an early age.” Talking about her song-writing influences she says, “My mum always played music that makes you feel, music with meaning. I grew up listening to a lot of Singer/ Songwriters as well as Country and Gospel, so it’s always been there.”

“My aim With two self released singles, is to make music Cambridge, sets the tone for her 4 track offering. “My music people can relate and is always real—I don’t want to be false or untrue to myself”. connect to, being able to do She finds inspiration in the likes of John Mayer, Tori Kelly and Neil Diamond, and with that makes being a musiMaking her debut to the those names, no wonder she world with the winter themed is so great! “My aim is to make cian even more fulfill- music people can relate and connostalgia that is ‘February’, Cambridge proves that music can be nect to, being able to do that makes ing.” simplistic yet captivating, the blend being a musician even more fulfilling.” of her soulful, meaningful lyrics combined with her band and acoustic guitar blew my mind.

Her follow up single ‘Many Moons Ago’ unveils a more urban and slightly edgier side, while keeping true to her folk roots, she has found just the right amount of edginess in production, with raw feelings combined them and created an interesting sound.

A true musician, who started singing at age three, learned to play piano aged eleven and guitar

To close it off, it’s easy to say that Cambridge has got my ears turned in her direction and I am excited for her EP release. Make sure you do the same by following up on her Facebook!

alexcambridgemusic

By Jay Jay

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Introducing

Alex Cambridge

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Week 05 (01.02.16) Snowfalls Whyte Horses 3:53 Implosive Trainwreck Dreamer Joe 5:14 Pale Young Romance 2:00 Need It To Stay XOCKHA 3:34 Campfire Satellite Stories 3:29 Lsd Sexy Pretty Things 1:40 Emoticons The Wombats 4:49 All These Words Tully On Tully 3:01 Su-pra Cheatahs 4:26 YTMATLDPH Fake Plams 3:12 Bitter Palace 3:55 At Most A Kiss Blossoms 3:00 She’s A Rainbow Gunns 3:47 They Dated Steadily Mink Mussel Creek 13:35 Girlfriend Ty Segall 2:13 Get Found Bass Drum of Death 3:01 Black Moon Spell King Tuff 4:55 There’s an End Holly Golightly 3:34

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Week 07 (15.02.16) Introducing

hold me close yuck 3:49 blue velvet childhood 4:29 lemontrees eaguls 4:33 Blindfold 2:54 4:29 moon in my mouth No joy 4:11 guilt ringo deathstarr 3:00 good times the subways 2:42 the good news bloc party 3:49 tiny circle wolf people 5:10 come save me jagwar ma 5:15 animals baths 3:18 light me up flyte 3:54 pick me up clean cut kid 3:41 this isn’t love vitamin 3:17 barbarella fish tank 3:25

Each wee k Chalkpit Records rele ase the ul timate musical d isovery pl aylists

Week 08 (22.02.16) e R t i p k l a h Visit C r o f e g a p k oo b e c a F cords u m w e n , s t s i l y a l p y weekl w o ll o f d n a es i r e v o c s i d sic o t p u e r ’ y what the

Like it was again Dignan Porch Scratch it off the red chords victorious (national anthem) yak can’t have them hockey dad bad days the black tambourines heaven surf club dinner date diet cig The Zoo fews rectifier spring king say no more fickle friends paleontologist shunkan Who’s that girl rosie lowe touch shura boyfriend hedge fund sunshine tom misch a little bit of paris moon tapes

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3:12 2:34 1:57 3:10 2:45 4:15 2:37 3:33 3:27 3:28 3:42 4:01 3:36 3:31 3:38 3:11

s w l e a v n i t

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et n . e t i fans oast

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.io iews fro w w at w d rev

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LUKE’S ONES TO WATCH

BLOSSOMS MARCH 2016

Stockport indie-pop band Blossoms are currently making huge waves on the music scene with their infectious tunes and catchy melodies that one simply can’t help but sing along to. Their 2016 was kick-started by being placed 4th on the coveted BBC Sound of 2016 list and have since confirmed themselves for a number of festivals up and down the country, as well as a couple in the rest of Europe. If they carry on as they are, I certainly predict big things for this band, particularly if they play the likes of Glastonbury and Reading/Leeds- both of which have huge media coverage.

WHERE TO CATCH THEM: The Great Escape, Brighton: Thu 19 May – Sat 21 May Isle of Wight Festival: Thu 9 Jun – Sun 12 Jun DOWNLOAD: ‘Charlemagne’

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O

rganisers at Victorious Festival have dropped another massive line-up, featuring world class acts, ready to take the sunny town of Southsea by storm. The festival quite literally takes over the whole of Southsea seafront and, alongside a huge raft of entertainment for all to enjoy, is a line-up with something for everyone.

Headlining the Common Stage on Sunday 28th August is none other than ex-Oasis member Noel Gallagher and his band High Flying Birds. Crowned ‘Godlike Genius’ at the 2012 NME Awards, Noel is looking forward to performing hits from his two solo number 1 albums and he may even throw

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a few Oasis tracks into the mix as well.

Joining him on the line-up are Saturday night headliners Manic Street Preachers, who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their number 2 album Everything Must Go this year.

Also confirmed is Sunday night Castle Stage headliner Mark Ronson, who will be performing a special DJ set, including his mega hit Uptown Funk, featuring Bruno Mars, which was the highest selling single in the UK last year and sold over 2.5 million copies in the US alone. Joining him on the Sunday is very special guest Will Young, who will be performing tracks from his huge back catalogue, as well as a few news ones from his 2015

number 1 album 85% Proof.

Joining them on the Sunday is prominent 80s rockers Echo & the Bunnymen, platinum-selling band Ash, newcomer Jack Savoretti and Liverpudlian indie-rockers Space.

Saturday’s proceedings will see The Coral, who are returning after a 5 year hiatus, take to the stage, as well as 2-tone ska revival band The Selecter and London-based singer-songwriter Emmy the Great.

At just £25 for a day ticket, it really is a steal! As well as world class line-up, which would cost you far more to see at individual concerts, the whole of Southsea seafront is opened up to you, with all sorts of entertainment included in your ticket price. Roll on August!

Introducing

RUMOUR HAS IT

W

ith an already fantastic line-up, it’s hard to believe that the Isle of Wight Festival still has a Saturday headliner to announce, but, they do, and it’s one of the most talked about yet.

Festival organiser John Giddings has hinted on his Facebook page that the headliner will be ‘current’, which rules out the possibility of Prince and Guns ‘N’ Roses, who look set to play at the 2017 festival.

Fast forward a good few decades and we have global megastar Beyoncé. With a recently announced Formation world tour set to hit the UK just after the festival, an appearance at the festival could have seemed likely, but it was ruled out by John Giddings over on his Facebook page. Rihanna, who is similarly taking to a world tour next year, has also been

ruled out by the head honcho.

Whilst we’re here, let’s also rule out Coldplay. There have been a lot of people asking for them over on my fansite and it doesn’t take a genius to look at their website and see that they’re playing in Zurich on the Saturday night of the festival. It looks like another Glastonbury slot is heading their way…

So, who can it be then? There’s been a few talks of The Libertines playing the festival after they can cancelled their appearance at the festival all the way back in 2004; are they really ‘current’ though? Ed Sheeran, who famously made up with Giddings after a spat a while back, could seem more likely, but it doesn’t look like he is going to be very active this year.

My money’s on folk-rockers Mumford & Sons. Their third studio album Wilder Mind

went straight to the top spot last year, so they certainly fit the ‘current’ criteria. They’ve also been confirmed for British Summer Time in Hyde Park this summer and weren’t announced as ‘UK Festival exclusives’, which suggests they will be playing another major UK festival this summer. They've done Glastonbury, Reading/ Leeds and T in the Park before, so I think it’s about time they came to the little Isle of Wight to tick arguably the biggest of them all off their list.

Blur, 2015’s Saturday night headliners, were announced on 27th March last year, so I think we’re going to be looking at around then for this year’s announcement. Regardless of who it is though, I still believe this year’s line-up is stronger than it has ever been before!

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www.fret-buzz.net

Richard

Morris

Lets take a closer look at portsmouth based singer songwriter Richard Morris and his EP ‘Await the Sunset’

A

lthough musician Richard Morris was initially born in Manchester, it seems that moving to the Isle of Wight truly shaped the person he has become.

Growing up Richard would spend all the time he could by the sea, creating amazing memories, relaxing in the sun, and finding himself and his sound. It comes as no surprise then that Morris’ EP entitled ‘Await The Sunset’, released in 2015, boasts a strongly acoustic sound, echoing themes of love, relaxation, reminiscence, and longing, and conjuring images of long summer days by the sea.

The first track, ‘What Is Love’, is the EP’s first take on love, as each track seems to give a different perspective of the emotion. Interestingly, Morris decides to begin with the frustration and longing of love, and this track begins with a relatively slow, sad tempo - depicting the sad longing that can linger after heartbreak. At points in this song Morris deliberately emphasises certain lines, making them louder and more gritty than others. This technique perfectly portrays that although heartbreak causes one to wallow in sorrow, the memories of a relationship ending are frustrating an anger worse than the sadness loss causes. ‘What Is Love’ ends however with a faster tempo, suggesting life picks up as you move on, when you

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accept what has come - you are happier.

‘Garden of Roses’, the second track on this EP, seems not to be about a relationship at all - in fact it seems much more to be about love generally: love of life, love of people, suggesting if you live in the moment you’ll be enriched with love and life. ‘Garden of Roses’ has an incredibly happy vibe, with a chilled out pace and images of summer that completely juxtapose the sorrowful sound of the previous track. I feel that Morris has intentionally clashed these different perspectives of love in order to convey the idea that there

Spotlight

over and done.

is no right way or right order for love to happen - it just does, and in any form should be recognised as an integral part of the human experience. This song is probably my favourite of the EP because the sound is jolly and care-free, and most of all because it doesn’t deal with any specific type of love it’s a musical rendition of the whole emotion itself.

Although the third track on the EP: ‘Amazingly Fantastically Beautiful’, is a little more specific as it deals again with romantic love, much like ‘What Is Love’, this song has a fast and dream-like pace to it, continuing the vibe ‘Garden of Roses’ sets. ‘Amazingly Fantastically Beautiful’ is beautifully poetic and rich with vivid natural imagery, and compares the best moments in love to the colourful images of trees and clouds, making you feel like you’re flying. There is a sense of longing in this song, but it’s much more of a dream-like longing than the sorrowful longing depicted in ‘What Is Love’.

With the forth track, ‘Anna’, we are taken back to a slow pacing and a certain sadness echoes through the track. However this song seems much more about being nervous of change and the worry that a relationship seems to be fading. This is different to the more frustrated tone of the only other slow song on the EP, ‘What Is Love’, in the sense that this song suggests there may be a chance to save the relationship, whereas in ‘What Is Love’ it’s already

‘Await the Sunset’, the title track of the EP, is a song full of swoon. The slow but laid back and slightly jazzy tone of this track is very passionate, and reminiscent of being completely in love. This song definitely depicts love in its purest form being totally besotted by someone and not caring what anyone else thinks about it. This is the only song on the EP that conveys romantic love in a positive light, and sets the listener up perfectly for the bright bonus track of the collection.

‘The Underpants Song’ is a fun, vibrant end to this EP, and being very ‘Bruno Mars - Lazy Song-esque’ what’s not to love about it? This song is exciting and fast, and actually unlike ‘The Lazy Song’, ‘The Underpants Song’ makes you want to leap out of bed and experience as much as you can with the time you have in your life. This finale has tweeting birds, smiles, dancing, and cake! And you get to experience all of it in your underwear, you don’t even have to bother getting dressed... If only that were as acceptable as the song suggests!

So if you’re looking for a talented artist who’s music and style is similar to that of great ginger Ed Sheeran (I’m allowed to call his hair colour out - I share the beautiful genetic mutation), and contemporary pop star Bruno Mars, Richard Morris’ sound is for you! You can find him on Facebook andSoundcloud to keep up with his work, and spread the love ‘Await the Sunset’ brings.

By Andrew Butcher

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www.fret-buzz.net Following on from a great 2015, success looks set to continue for Claydon Connor this year. His recently released single ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’has been selected by in store music provider Mood and features on the playlists of both Harrods and Costa as well as continued airplay on several country music radio shows including Amazing Radios 'The Front Porch'.

Claydon Connor

C

laydon, who draws influence from the likes of Ryan Adams and Bob Dylan had a great 2015 which saw him play at the O2 for Country to Country festival, added to the line up for Isle of Wight Festival (Hard Rock stage) and London FolkFest, perform live on BBCRadio Solent as well as playing live sessions on both BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio.

Claydon supported Nashville duo ‘Striking Matches’ in July and has recently played a run of shows which took

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him North for Cottingham Folk Festival followed by dates in Manchester, Leicester and London before heading back to the Isle of Wight for Bestival. He was nominated and came runner up in the 2015 Best of British Unsigned Music awards ‘Best Male’ category.

Claydon made his mark overseas too with a great trip to Nashville back in the spring where he showcased his album ‘Under The Big Sky’ to several great ‘Music City’ venues.

“The importance of playing live is often overlooked these days but it’s something I thrive on”

First Album

’Time Pieces’ by Eric Clapton

My favourite Possession

First gig

Probably my Gibson L200 acoustic, and my new Sued boots

Favourite Lyric

My Favourite Film

Power In The Park (from what I can remember)

‘Looking for the sun that Neil Young hung, after the gold rush in 1971’ - Queen Of California by John Mayer

Right now I love The band ‘Dawes’ and Terry’s chocolate Orange

Wedding Crashers or Almost Famous

My Favourite Place

Spotlight

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i t W h s C e l t a u y n d i on M

Creek. In the whole world… maybe Nashville.

What Motivates You

Knowing that only love and music consume my life, it’s all that matters!

Plans for 2016

Continue to take the UK Americana scene by storm, playing loads of gigs and releasing new music that people will connect with!

Easily accessible… Newtown

Claydon will be back at the Wedgewood Rooms in Southsea, March 24th to support 90’s soul/pop legend Roachford, likely to be a sell out show. Following co writes and a tour with Mike and The Mechanics Andrew Roachford is hitting the road with full band following the release of his new album ‘Encore’.

Tickets available now via the Wedgewood Rooms.

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WHY ARE MUSICIANS SO UNHEALTHY?

In this issue, anthony investigates the history of musicians health and their relationship with drugs and alcohol, from the prevalent usage by the likes of led zeppelin to the avoidance by jack white. this is an eye opening view on the music industry - there’s even a few tips on how to stay healthy in the modern age of music.

‘I have never done cocaine, ever in my life. I have never done heroin, I have never done speed.’ Grohl stopped smoking marijuana and taking acid at the age of 20. ‘I’ve seen people die. It ain’t easy being young, but that stuff doesn’t make it any easier.’ – Dave Grohl 2008 and 2009

T

hink back a while (for those of you who were alive) to August 7th, 1971. Led Zeppelin are backstage preparing to perform the first date of their seventh tour in Montreux, Sweden. Alcohol of course calms the pre-gig nerves, and the band are enthusiastically led onto the stage by their rather plump-looking manager, Peter Grant. Four rock and roll legends: Jimmy Page, John Bonham, John Paul

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Jones and Robert Plant.

In 1975, Page, influenced by tour manager Richard Cole, began a heroin addiction that would last him the best part of a decade, leaving him unable to produce and perform. Five years later, after excessive alcohol consumption, Bonham fell asleep and never woke up. In 1995, after weighing around 21 stone during much of his life, their manger, Peter Grant died of a heart attack at the age of just 60. Grant and Bonham were heavily addicted to cocaine. All four band members smoked.

As their lifestyles became more excessive, the performances and the music worsened. From the 80s onwards, Robert Plant’s voice was in shreds compared to what it was, and to this day his voice sounds frail and weak.

John Paul Jones, coming from a classical music background, was rather unharmed, and went on to

work in other successful projects such as Them Crooked Vultures.

Thankfully even Robert Plant who was the second best-off in terms of looking after himself also managed to continue onto further success. Led Zeppelin’s first few albums are often cited as their best, back during a time when distractions were few and dreams were something made in the studio, not at the bottom of a quadruple-shot vodka glass.

Why does it matter?

We’re all going to die anyway

Anyways, we all know that musicians are notoriously unhealthy – it comes with the job!

Or does it?

‘The British rock icon says he

We are all going to die someday, that is true, but those who bash the idea of being healthy are not doing so because they don’t care about when they die.

The reason people turn their noses up at the notion of being healthy is because they literally don’t see the point. For them, the efforts outweigh the rewards.

Young people especially are focused on enjoying life now and rarely consider how what they’re doing now will have an impact on themselves in five years’ time.

You are the sum of your parts.

In fact, in Holism, one is said to be greater than the sum of their parts. Let’s take a look quickly at how your “whole” can be affected by bad habits in the form of coldhard statistics: Drinking seven pints of beer a week gives you a 1% chance of dying as a result of alcohol use.

Eating unhealthy food is the largest cause of death in the world and the second largest in the UK. Smokers live on average 10 years less than those who have never smoked. ‘If smoking con-

tinues at current rates, 5.6 million—or 1 out of every 13—of today’s children will ultimately die prematurely from a smoking-related illness [in the USA]’.

Risk of death in drug users is 10 times higher than that of the average population.

But wait, this isn’t the full list.

I am a firm believer that the chances of dying as a result of using drugs, drinking beer and eating a burger are virtually zero, if you’re sensible. But this is where people start to feel too comfortable. It’s not about death – unhealthy habits affect you over long periods of time in negative ways that in virtually all cases go unnoticed. Let’s see how bad health affects your “parts”: ‘Even mild-to-moderate drinking can adversely affect cognitive functioning (i.e., mental activities that involve acquiring, storing, retrieving, and using information) … some deficits are possible even in people who are not heavy drinkers … Structural imaging consistently reveals that compared with nonalcoholics, most alcoholics' brains are smaller and less dense …

Long-term, light-to-moderate social drinkers have been found to fall into this category as well, showing cognitive deficits equivalent to those found in detoxified alcoholics’.

‘Smokers’ overall health is worse and they are sick more often than nonsmokers.’ ‘In a recent meta-analysis of 19 prospective studies, each with 12 months or more of follow-up, current smokers had an increased risk of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and any dementia and had greater declines in mental state testing compared to subjects who have never smoked.’ Smokers between the ages 15-18 can

exhale on average 390ml less oxygen, a reduction of 12.7%.

Smokers of this age can also on average exhale with a force 18.1% less than nonsmokers can. One can imagine that this worsens even more so with age, making singing more difficult when sustaining notes or singing powerfully. Only four to seven percent of smokers who attempt to quit without medication or other help will be successful at any given time.

‘The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrate-rich foods based on their potential to increase blood sugar levels … For example, high-GI foods include white bread, chips, and white potatoes; low-GI foods include multi-grain bread, peanuts, vegetables, and beans.

The strongest evidence we have to date of a link between diet and acne comes from the glycemic index studies … These studies show that low-glycemic index diets may improve acne.

The consumption of high-glycemic index foods appears to trigger a cascade of responses, which can lead to acne through effects on growth hormones and sex hormones’.

In a meta-analysis of 13 studies, people who ate a healthy diet were 16% less likely to suffer from depression.

The list goes on - there are so many more reasons to be healthy but I’m already over my word count.

If these things are so bad for us, then why do we do them?

No one ever bothered to question it. The other band will invite you for a pint after the gig. Your partner might be hungry and

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Feature

was told not to do drugs at age 18, but he ignored the advice.

"Before I took them, when I took them and afterwards. Every time, that advice was right," says the musician. Bowie, now 66, says that drugs soon "took over" his life and drove him to contemplate suicide at age 28 while living in LA. "I really did think that my thoughts about not making 30 would come true," he recalls.

"Drugs had taken my life away from me.’ – excerpt from www. thefix.com

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drag you into KFC. Your friend might be the kind of guy that brings drugs to the party which he invites you to try. Just by being a normal person that does normal person things, you can already be making things difficult for yourself, simply because of how people have been brought up to think about their actions.

Even grown adults (your parents – if you’re a little nipper) still do or have done a lot of these things. Sometimes, people realise what they’re doing and will often use the phrase “I need to sort my life out”. How many them really do though, and moreover how many more realise after it’s too late? It takes many months and sometimes years to fix your health - most just give up.

‘I’ve never done drugs. I’ve never even smoked marijuana actually … I guess for me whenever I’m thinking about doing something I always think about the periphery problems that are attached to it, like yeah you could do that, but you know I was always more like yeah, I mean I live in Detroit - I’m gonna have to find a connection.

I’m gonna have to go hang out with all those people to get that drug. It’s just gonna cloud what I’m doing … it does help in a sense that I always know that whatever’s coming out if it’s something really intense it’s really coming from me, you know and not from something else.’ – Jack White speaking to Dan Rather, 2014

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Allow me to talk about my own experiences growing up

My parents owned a hotel and so it was easy for me to get my daily supplies of ice-creams, sweets and coke as a child, which led to me having two molars pulled out at the age of 10 alongside a few fillings, but no biggie. My parents had always been overweight and my mother had always liked to drink heavily but I never really noticed until I grew up. A few years ago now my mother was so drunk so that she fell and broke her ankle outdoors. By the time someone had found her, she didn’t even know where she was. She has never really been able to walk again without major discomfort and pain despite multiple surgeries. A few years later - no doubt made possible by his love for cakes and biscuits - my dad suffered a heart attack and spent his birthday in hospital, after which he underwent surgery to help widen his narrow arteries. At the end of the day though I can dismiss all of these things as parts of life. Bad things such as these will happen sooner or later whether you’re healthy or not. However, what I can’t dismiss are the small effects it has had, including the effect on my and others’ mental health (it’s not just what you put into your body - it’s also the things you do).

When I was eight my dad bought me my first computer.

Fast forward six years and I quit playing video games and started learning guitar. Computers taught me so much and yet by the end of those six years I was left with few friends, poor social skills, bullying at school and a weird shyness that will no doubt

take many more years to fix.

Thousands of hours wasted, I realised it wasn’t making me happy. A large influencer of my sudden change in lifestyle was the discovery of online self-development teachers such as those on YouTube. Healthy food, exercise, practicing my new hobby and generally looking after myself all became top priorities for me. In the four years that followed that, I changed in a big way, but my family only really got worse. The house was in a complete state.

My mother would rather watch TV than take care of things, and my father has lost the spark that once made him a very well-off self-employed man, leaving their business failing and them eager to sell to anyone who would bite.

My mother gets defensive when I ask why we have money for cigarettes but not for fruit and vegetables. It’s not really the loss of a life that’s been my main concern, it’s the loss of the ability to live – to enjoy life and to do something with it.

I know there are people that won’t listen to what I’m saying, and that scares me Take a look around at some of the quotes from some of music’s biggest celebrities. A common theme seems to be that the rock and roll culture that bands such as The Who, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin grew up with is a thing of the past, a shouting toddler that has grown up, kicking and screaming, into the efficient and clean-cut machine it is today.

With that in mind then, whether you’re touring or playing down the local pub, perhaps consider some of the following things in order to help take care of your-

goes up, must come down, as is the case with the mind and caffeine.

You don’t need to be on a diet of rhubarb leaves and green tea to be a musician, but, if you’d rather get drunk than practice your instrument for an hour, do you really deserve to be one? If you’re watching TV instead of doing something that will help you achieve amazing things, do you think you deserve to be successful? In many ways this is not about health, it is about the attitudes you should be employing constantly in order to launch yourself to where you need to go. Sadly, most people will not even get close to where they want to go. While it would be beneficial, I’m not saying that you should give up alcohol and burgers. These things are great and fun and probably don’t do much harm when done occasionally. Unfortunately, most people’s idea of occasionally is every weekend, probably a Saturday night, where they can escape from the ever-increasing demands of life instead of choosing to face them head-on.

We’re not stupid

We know that things like drinking and drugs are bad for us, even in small amounts. But for a generation of young people who are enthusiastic about music one could expect much more. There are a lot more people who are looking to enter this industry than there are jobs to be had, and at the end of the day, those people making the right choices will be the ones who get the jobs. If you’re not looking to improve yourself then perhaps you should consider if music is the job for you – you should want to strive to be at your best, to achieve something amazing and to create something to be proud of - why put everything at risk? Cigarettes and alcohol may be more rock and roll than courgettes and plant sterols, but which are harder to maintain?

By Anthony Sharp

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self: Avoid processed foods containing preservatives, added sugars and other unnatural substances.

Eat a wide variety of fruit and vegetables and try to get your five a day.

Avoid overconsumption of high-carbohydrate foods such as cereals, bread, chocolate, sodas and pasta. 40-60% of your energy should be coming from carbohydrates; for most people this number is probably around 80-95%.

Avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs; the effects add up over time.

Exercise regularly for improved coordination, bodily and brain function and confidence.

Avoid excessively watching TV, playing video games and procrastinating online, none of which challenge your body and mind, making them unable to function effectively in the real world.

Get enough sleep to help you learn and perform effectively.

Avoid routine consumption of caffeinated beverages. What

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N

ew Years - the perfect time for A New Beginning, and that’s exactly what nationally recognised Isle of Wight band Last Chance City has given us!

The four piece, made up of Max Cowley, Connah Newton, Edan Bartlett, and Stafford Kurowski, and managed vigilantly by Jerome Attrill, have had a rollercoaster ride of a year - but haven’t given up!

Boasting two different experimental EPs last year alone, and an article in the revered ‘Rock Sound’ music magazine, the daring group of talented artists that make up Last Chance City demonstrate their ability to cross genres and

styles throughout their work, and constantly challenge the mainstream industry. The first, a self-titled EP, delves into the indie-punk genre with underlying themes of a world trapped and repressed. Five Tracks Later, the second EP, depicts corruption and war through an indie-rock sound - society falling further into the fire, crying for help. But will we rise up and stop fighting? Though Last Chance City can’t give us a real-world outcome, they do constantly produce contextually aware, thought provoking music that continues to develop with A New Beginning.

With this new creation holding stand out singles such as Life and Love, a philosophical,

synth filled questioning of life, and Rising Flames, the portrayal of a world so torn apart all you can do is turn away, this five track electro-rock fuelled EP emphasises the importance of morale in music, and proves you don’t have to sing about love to connect with people - sometimes, recognising the very real state of our world can be just as, if not more powerful.

For more Last Chance City and behind the scenes content, check out their official website: www.lastchancecityofficial. com. You can also find them on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Band Camp too.

By Andrew Butcher.

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Last Chance City

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One of the most intriguing artists to emerge from the South photos & Words: jake priddle

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et me introduce you to Ever. Ambient electronica is her game and she’s rather good at it. Normally when you hear the sentence ‘Singer-songwriter from the Isle of Wight’ you imagine an acoustic guitar, songs about the Island and picture surfboards and bonfires. Ever sets herself apart from the crowd by focussing on haunting ambience, drum-pads, synths and seriously powerful vocals.

we’ve seen Ever release two extraordinary EPs. The first - Common Daze - an introduction into what’s on offer, and secondly - Bones - which was released on Halloween last year.

Bones was a suburb insight into Evers sound and character offering the trademark haunting vocals and atmosphere perfectly entwined with captivating song-writing and composition.

Going from strength to strength, Ever is one of the most intriguing artists to emerge from the South. Way back in November 2014 we first saw Ever play at the now closed Bertie’s Bar in Cowes (IOW) just before the release of her single Bodies Bodies// which, at the time not knowDecember 2014 ing much about Ever, blew us away. We played that track to death when we hosted the Local music Show on Vectis Radio.

Speaking of Vectis Radio, Ever recently played a live session on the Headfunk Show which was pretty nice. Anyway, back to the story. Since that first release of Bodies,

Common Daze April 2015

From the dim lights of Bertie’s Bar to London gigs, Ever is quietly working away, trickling out immense EPs and singles, all the time making waves with existing and new audiences.

Keep an eye out for Ever and take a listen to her current releases, you won’t regret it!

Bones October 2015

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As well as the EPs and singles along the way, a cover of Cool For The Summer originally by Demi Lovato surfaced which was ridiculously popular for both being a cover and a unique listening experience.

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music reviews

Spines Dreamer Joe Claydon Connor Eyes are wild greg barnes on dead waves james blake wolfmother rob henry mothers Max Cowley

Spines

A bit scrappy around the edges, hey it’s a demo track, but full of character and ambience. The track ever so slowly builds up in tension with distant acoustic strumming, haunting vocals and this eery vibe in the background.

It builds and builds, gradually gaining momentum into the finale which creates this weird sense of unease. Not in a bad way, it’s hard to describe, just feels emotional.

Check out the rest of the tracks on Spines sound cloud, you wont regret it. Seriously looking forward to seeing what else comes from this 20 year old singer songwriter.

By Jake Priddle

Dreamer Joe

kick and scream This whole EP reeks in the good old fashioned rock/grunge swagger you find when listening to the likes of Nirvana or The Dead Weather, with huge screaming vocals, beautifully simple but meaty guitar riffs and foundation of pulsing bass-lines and classic

rock n roll drumming.

The stand out track has to be ‘My Hand and the Fingers’ purely because of it’s in your face attitude straight from the first slamming chord right the way to the end. And I guess it does mention the EP title too..

Now, I’m torn between loving and hating ‘Mind Candy’. Technically, this is a great track, I may have even chosen this as the stand out track if I hadn’t listened to it to death. It builds up so well but doesn’t quite deliver - like Icky Thump without the iconic riff and solo.

‘Implosive Trainwreck’ on the other hand - I am a massive fan of. Both live and recorded, this track hits hard satisfying the rock monster within, and one you can’t help singing along to.

Oh, and ‘Dead Asleep’ is such a great opening track, making you sit up and pay attention to the next 17 minutes of solid Dreamer Joe audio assault.

Music Reviews

Rust (Demo)

Claydon Connor

The Best Is Yet To Come I remember seeing Claydon for the first time playing at Cowes Marina for Cowes Week a couple of years ago and having this sense of familiarity to each song.

I’d not heard much before then but could quite happily get behind each song and sing along to the chorus.

That’s how I’d describe this track - it’s so easily accessible - I suppose as country songs are meant to be. Produced and written very well following the tired and tested formula Country should follow. It’s got everything, the slight American twang in Claydons voice, the steady tempo driving the song, almost slidey type guitar over the top of lovely warm sounding acoustic guitar, and to piece it all together - the ridiculously catchy chorus.

With such a pedigree of UK COuntry releases under his belt, it’ll be interesting to see where Claydon goes from here, I have no doubt he will make a big name for himself.

By Jake Priddle

By Jake Priddle

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tals and that is nothing but a compliment – it’s fresh and chaotic.

It culminates in a nice build up section before finishing on that very signature riff, which comes to grow on you over the duration of the song.

eyes are wild bad wolf

Eyes Are Wild are an Electronic Rock band based on the Isle of Wight, this is their first release – a 5 track EP. I’m really impressed with it and can’t wait to hear more. Check out my track by track overview/review below.

For fans of: Naked Fridays, Enter Shikari, Muse.

Chemical the opening track on the EP is exactly that. It begins softly, calmly, and draws you in with it’s simple chords under vocals intro – before unleashing a wall of synth, guitar and drums.

Peppered with Queen-like harmonies to add some depth to the singing (which is a prominent feature throughout) and a constant high/low stop/start song writing style. It’s an interesting track which is easy to listen to and lays out the musical style

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and influences for the remaining tracks perfectly – providing plenty of moments to sing the lyrics back.

ICanSee is possibly the best title this song could have, if the point of a title was to allure you into a false sense of security and catch you off guard before attacking with heavy synth and aggressive guitar. This is a very electronic song, from the multiple synths and almost garage-like percussion – very modern. However, the dance in Classical Dance becomes pretty accurate when the song kicks into it’s pulsating main section, featuring powerful sub bass and some very Muselike falsetto. It’s definitely one that gains further benefits from being played loud, and live.

The third track Rukus is where the heavier influences start to shine through feature a lot more crunchy guitar rhythm, and over driven leads. It’s a fun song that really goes all over the place in terms of vocals and instrumen-

The penultimate track Alone is possibly my favourite song on the EP, due to it’s clear very METAL influences, with complimentary electronics, catchy vocals, and little audio effects and tweaks which help make this a very polished track. Also the main hook is super catchy and will get stuck in your head for sure. It’s got all the tropes of a great metal song (and it’s killer live).

Finally the album ends with Puzzle, which is simply a well written song. It is constantly building up and messing about with the flow to keep things interesting, it has it’s heavy moments and more calm harmonious sections. Perfectly fading out ready to start the EP all over again.

Overall a very strong start for a debut EP and I hear they are working on new material already!

Have a listen and definitely get down to a show next time you have the chance!

By Joe Hagan

on dead waves

greg barnes

lost for words Island musician and great Ventnorian Greg Barnes has been playing his guitar by the sea for as long as I can remember (the sea would be a river without Greg.. Less full and with a smaller horizon... Although you get my point, I understand the analogy sounds like an excuse for water related analogies. That’s cause it is!), and has been constantly improving. This year looks set to be a wave (I’m enjoying this) of good things for Greg, with his newest single Lost For Words being released only recently!

Greg has a very organic voice, often accompanied by an upbeat melody with a story to tell - and Lost For Words is exactly that!

This single seems to be a tale of overcoming shyness, using music as the means to express yourself because sometimes, words just aren’t enough. Lost For Words will feature on Greg’s debut album later this year, which looks to be the first of many achievements for him in both 2016, and beyond! Keep up with Greg’s music on his website gregbarnesmusic.co.uk, and keep supporting brilliant local music!

On Dead Waves, singed only recently by independent record label Mute, are set for a successful year in 2016 with their début album being released in Spring.

Their first single, Blackbird, that will feature on the new album, is the perfect place to start for an indication of what the band are about. The song is incredibly atmospheric, beginning with an eerie vibe accompanied by the ghostly whisper of female vocals that sends shivers down your spine. Though this dark, almost fragile tone echoes throughout the song, when the guitar kicks in with underlying soft male vocals joining the beautiful ghostly voice, Blackbird becomes somewhat of a dreamlike tale. This song unravels like a mysterious tale of both beauty, and sadness, and carries its audience through seasons of dense emotive moments that cling to you even after its over. For more On Dead Waves, look out for their recently announced new single Blue Inside being released on the 4th March, and of course; their new album coming soon this year!

By Andrew Butcher

James Blake Overgrown

For me, James Blake is one of the few people to make contemporary music cool again. A truly mind-blowing album and one that I often come back to when I want to think about things. In many ways it feels that Blake has not only created something amazing, but has also trail-blazed a new genre of music with which comes an exciting amount of possibilities.

By Anthony Sharp

By Andrew Butcher

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Music Reviews

blackbird

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wolfmother victorious

I still remember being leant the first Wolfmother album by a friend so many years ago now. It was the first time I really experienced what I would have classed as heavy rock back then, and just obsessively played that CD to death.

have the organ or flute factor anymore.

The second album I downloaded the second it came out on a dodgy internet connection in a youth hostel in Darwin back in 2009. Don’t get me wrong, that was also a cracking album, but just a bit over the top. It felt like ever song was pushing for attention, wanting to be an epic rock masterpiece. It just ended up moulding into an average album with the potential to be as good as the first, but just missed the point. Oh and it didn’t

This album is everything the second one should have been. I’ve been waiting so long for another album, completely forgetting it was due only to hear Victorious on the radio at work. ‘That sounds like Wolfmother..... Oh’. Andrew Stockdale seems to have mellowed out the craziness since the second LP after a little solo project and collaborations here and there. Back to normal then, just without the organ and flute still. OK it’s not as good as the first but it does quench the first. Plenty of fuzz, psychedelia, guitar solos and head-banging.

Rob henry

I lose an hour OK, so this isn’t technically released yet. In fact this will probably be a single from an album that may or may not be released this year - the information is all very shady, but we get to have a listen.

This track is a little gem and I’m seriously looking forward to seeing what happens next with Rob. The production value and overall sound is huge. It’s I guess the standard singer songwriter kind of thing, but the way the track builds an progresses is very impressive.

I think the last time we heard anything from Rob was way back in possibly 2014(?) at a charity gig in Portsmouth playing mostly covers - probably... it was along time ago and beer was involved as usual - and it’s evident that he’s evolved heaps over that time, quietly plugging away at his sound and approach to music. Great work and looking forward towards a release!

By Jake Priddle

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mothers

American four piece band Mothers from Athens in Georgia have been making music together since 2013, and have since been signed by Grand Jury Records. Their first and only album so far, entitled When You Walk A Long Distance You Are Tired, is full of Kristine Leschper’s beautifully emotive voice, accompanied by a combination of guitar riffs, harmonies, and even a bit of mandolin in the mix to add more sparkle to this river of sorrowful longing. The album is sweet, soft, and calming, yet innocent and fragile with a sombre frustration behind it. Mothers perfectly depict the fine line between being at peace, and going through intense suffering in this album, and achieve this through weaving tones of uncertainty and nervousness in their music. As an audience member, you feel as if you want to help the seemingly damaged voice behind the soft, lingering, longing, but that you wouldn’t know how even if you tried. When You Walk A Long Distance You Are Tired is a beautiful summation of sadness with a constantly changing pace to add a certain frustration to the voice. Be sure to look out for more from this rising four piece, Mothers.

By Andrew Butcher

Max Cowley

believe in me now Max Cowley, lead singer of Last Chance City, has been working incredibly hard on his music career for many years - boasting a previous performance at the London Palladium in Ukulele duo Cool And Class with Jon Smith (I know its a generic name, but he’s a real person, honest!) and at the Isle of Wight festival with Last Chance City. But with Last Chance’s recent hiatus laying in wait for their return in London’s The Fiddler’s Elbow on 25th of March, Max began an innovative new solo project!

Entitled Believe In Me Now, the first single of Max’s solo début is set to be released on the 1st of March.

Filled with what can only be described as a ‘heavenly’ echo, Believe In Me Now conjures a strong image similar to that of the Lion King scene in which Simba looks to the sky and sees Mufasa, his father and previous king, calling to him to remember who he is and save the Pride Lands. In this case Max seems to be trying to remind us to have hope, and chiming the importance of positivity and possibility - stop hating, be free.

By Andrew Butcher

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When you walk a long distance you are tired

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Live reviews

Richard Morris Just Millie George Holroyd DREAMER JOE Eight 28 the orders grade 2 xockha Signals

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Richard Morris Just Millie George Holroyd Wedge-wood rooms, portsmouth 15th January Many singer songwriters get lost within the sea of singer songwriters, but occasionally you find one that sticks out. One of them is Richard Morris and on the 15th January at the Wedgwood Rooms in Portsmouth, Morris showed why this is true.

Before he took the stage which was filled with family, friends and fans a like, support came from the fantastic George Holroyd and Just Millie who both took to the stage with great effect and completely naturally. George treated us to a selection of original pieces and great covers, including the Beatles ‘Come Together’. Millie brought with her some stunning covers including

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a stripped back and harrowing version of Calvin Harris’s and Disciples ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ which showed you the talent of her voice.

After the two support acts took the stage, an eager and excited Richard took the stage, to a great reception of claps and shouts. Taking to the stage without his backing band he began to perform, giving him the chance to show of his amazing guitar techniques and

The day of the show was made more special with the release of the music video for ‘What Is Love’ from the forthcoming Debut EP Await The Sunset (A must listen for any singer songwriter fans) which played in the background which he performed it to an entertained audience who participated in every sing along.

Having a variety of styles and instruments within his songs (guitars, ukuleles and banjos to name a few. With songs that can

best performances was his ‘Anne’ a song about a lost love, with beautiful guitar sounds, fantastic vocals and the lighting and backing from his band made this song that much more beautiful.

make you feel and have meaning such as the beautiful ‘Hope This Helps’ which Richard played with such ease and in memory of the greats David Bowie and Alan Rickman. He also has songs that show his playful side, most notably ‘The Underpants Song’ which is a tune that makes you want to dance, with a playful melody just like Bruno Mars’s ‘The Lazy Song’ it makes you feel happy and makes you dance. One of the

Overall the performance by Richard was one that Portsmouth will soon not forget and will have made them proud to be called his hometown. It won’t be long till Richard is back on the stage in his hometown, and when he is I strongly recommend you go and see his show.

Words and photos by Elliot Mcrae www.elliotmcraephotography.com

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Live Reviews

beautiful vocals. As the song started to pick up pace the backing band joined him and the show began to take on full swing, channelling the likes of Passenger, Jack Johnson and Ed Sheeran.

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DREAMER JOE Eight 28 Aspire, Ryde 29th January First off tonight in the underground lair of A.I.M.M in Ryde were Eight 28. Warming up the crowd in the teeny tiny venue with their in your face alt rock.

Sounding like a mix between Bromheads Jacket and every Arctic Monkeys B-Side you can image, these guys get your ears ringing pulse raised.

Next up are Dreamer Joe playing tonight to promote their just released EP ‘Kick and Scream’.

And well, they pretty much had the crowd kicking and screaming in excitement. In such a small place, with that many people, and this kind of music, PA systems are bound to be swaying, beers going to get spilt and ribs are going to get hammered.

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Playing a combo of old and new tracks, the trio barely old enough to buy a pint, set the bar for local music way high. They have this air of mystique about them on stage - you’re not quite sure what kind of band they are.

Is this grunge?

DIY garage band?

Classic alt rock?

Or something indescribable?

They’re unique to

say the least.

Ones to watch for sure.

Words & photos by Jake

Live Reviews

The orders Grade 2 blacksheep bar, Ryde 27th february Following these guys on Facebook intrigued me enough to venture out for a beer and a listen to Grade 2. They’re an ‘Oi!’ band originally from Ryde who seem to constantly be touring Europe - Bass & Vocals/Sid Ryan, Guitar & Vocals/Jack Chatfield and tonight standing in for Jacob Hull, Drums/Toby Jenkins from Dreamer Joe.

giving a not so subtle not back to the mods and arguably a better musical landscape. Good old classic rock n roll and psychedelia, Kyle on lead an image of a young Roger Daltry and Joe on drums

possessed by the spirit of Keith Moon. And Isaac bassing away to accompany.

Words & photos by Jake

Yeah, they ARE the young faces of Oi! music and it’s pretty nice to know they come from the Island.

Plenty of shouting, real nice bass-lines and guitar work giving a huge nod towards the punk and skinheads of yesteryears.

Headlining the show tonight was The Orders, another band

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xockha Signals

quay arts centre, newport 30th January The Quay Arts Centre as a music venue is pretty much the closest you’re going to get to a proper stage on the Island. It’s raised, has a more than decent PA system, lights and a big audience area - I love it as a gig goer and photographer - how hard can it be to get that right anywhere else? Probably very hard, what do I know. So a stage like this needs huge bands - enter Signals and XOCKHA. Female fronted math rock band Signals set the scene with one of their guaranteed great sets. These guys, originally from the Island, have been around for a while so they have a huge collection of absolutely classic tracks, tons of showmanship and a fair few new songs to keep die-hard fans and new listeners

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alike interested. I don’t know how many times as a collective FretBuzz have seen them, but every single performance is fresh and exciting.

Speaking of fresh and exciting, XOCKHA are fairly new on the block and are absolutely killing with their indie ambience far and wide. Very 90’s shoegazey type vibes here mixed with a very contemporary production value.

Live performances are generally pretty rough around the edges, that’s the nature of playing live right? But XOCKHA, and indeed Signals too, show that live can sound as good as recorded.

That plus the spectacle of performing with the light show,

projector as a backdrop and everyone’s favourite addition - the smoke machine. What an evening of music! XOCKHA provide a timeless sense of enjoyment. Who knows what decade it is, or how long they’ve been playing tonight, you could quite happily stand there forever watching this.

Great night, great vibes, great bands, great venue. Such an interesting pairing which works so, so well.

Live Reviews

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