free
v2.3
October 2016
Submariner In the dark EP Review
BaDow
Hot headed machine EP Review
Ones to watch cassava
Uhub Light you up
charts the only isle of wight music chart
Live Tommy hardman | Temples of youth Wild Front | Submariner | Nakamarra Anteros | Bestival 2016
music reviews | photos
pullout poster
Submariner
Badow Ep r e v i e w P10 www.fret-buzz.net
in This issue 2 uhub - Light YOu UP 4 IOW CHARTS 6 Submariner - EP Review 9 Lukes Ones to watch cassava 10 badow - EP Review 20 reviews
Editor: Jake Priddle editor@fret-buzz.net
Live Reviews 22 Besival 24 Tommy hardman Temples of youth 26 Wild Front - submariner 28 Nakamarra 30 Anteros 1
Collaborators: James Gilby, Anthony Sharp, Luke Joynes All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or in any for or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent publisher. Published by Fret-Buzz Media
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iow music chart This month sees mountains of movement! Every single track that remains from last month but one has moved down the list due to the many high-charting entries that were introduced. Grade 2’s new releases ‘Ticket To Ryde’ and ‘Mainstream View’ make very decent starts at positions seven and eight. Other new releases include a re-release of ‘Beyond The Cosmos After Death’ by the Plastic Mermaids and ‘A Song About You’ by Lewis Shepperd. At number one, two and three is Lucas Hardy! Overall very strong performances with twelve of the tracks reaching the 1000 mark compared to only six last month. Unfortunately this month we also say goodbye to artists XOCKHA, Ever, Dayita, Chloe North, Greg Barnes, Jazzy Heath and Nakamarra, but we hope to see you soon! email: charts@fret-buzz.net
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Charts correct as of 7th October | figures gained from soundcloud & youtube
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Submariner New EP from Southampton Indie Rockers
Submariner are an ambient indie rock band from the South coast (UK). In the short time since the band’s conception they have packed out local venues and played alongside notable up and coming/ touring acts such as Fatherson, Bleanavon,The Wholls, Raglans and played of one of the biggest indie club night’s in the UK, ‘This Feeling’.
Full EP Review ->
Submariner in the dark
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Facade
Driven along by a slow deep base-line this track marks a new darker, more down tempo direction from this fourpiece Southampton band. This is a nice slow intro to a pretty heartfelt collection of songs. My only gripe with this track - and I guess with the rest of the EP is that the vocals seem to lack a punch to carry the words and song themes forward.
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the night dogs
Progressing onward we go deeper and darker into Submariners pit of emotion. This track is hands down my favourite and I half take back my comment about the vocals not having enough punch - everything seems to come together in this song. I love that little break before the ‘I’m not sleeping well. I’m not breathing right’ part which is also such an emotionally driven piece of songwriting right there. And that effected guitar solo part is bliss.
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way, or the ‘sit down, listen really hard and get seriously engrossed’ whilst feeling melancholic way. It’s genius. Meanwhile, this track has a huge chorus section.
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decay
This last track is a real tone down from the previous three tracks. It’s an anthem for feeing sad. Really well written and produced, all the little tiny details come together to develop into a huge sounding track - something you’d imagine really getting into in a festival big top.
in the dark
At this point you realise that this EP can be listened to in two ways - the ‘stick on in the background whilst doing something’ without getting distracted
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LUKE’S ONES TO WATCH
Cassava WORDS: LUKE JOYNES PHOTO: CASSAVA FACEBOOK PAGE
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fter selling-out a mega show at the Joiners last month, Southampton four-piece Cassava are going from strength-to-strength with their exciting and energetic live shows. In fact, it’s been a pretty big year for the lads with slots at Blissfields, Common People, Wickham and this month’s Southsea Fest, making them one of the most in-demand bands in the city. They’re not stopping there either. On 30th December, they will be headlining a show at The Talking Heads with Psychedelia South, so make sure you grab your tickets before they’re gone.
MEMBERS: LIAM COLE JARED PLUMB SCOTT CHAMBERS TORRIN REES HOME TOWN: SOUTHAMPTON LIVE: FRI 30TH DEC - THE TALKING HEADS, SOUTHAMPTON DOWNLOAD: ‘WHAT HAVE YOU GOT?’ FIND: @CASSAVABANDLIVE
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BaDow
New EP from Isle of Wight based Blues/Rock Trio
BaDow are a soulful, heavy blues/rock trio from the South Coast of England. Fronted by a female drummer/lead vocalist, with backing from feel-based guitar and powerful bass lines, the band bring a refreshing rendition of classic blues rock with their unique line-up and modern melodies.
Full EP Review ->
Badow Hot Headed Machine
Hungry Hound Productions
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Hot Headed Machine
15 seconds in and you’ve already been smashed in the ears by some serious blues/rock riffage - what an intro. Title track ‘Hot Headed Machine’ shows of perfectly just what this power trio from the Isle Of Wight are all about. Big riffs, huge vocals and generally epic tunes.
2.
Poor Young Man
After that hard hitting intro track we move onto ‘Poor Young Man’. The first few seconds are pure blues noodling, and then we’re back into hard rocking - unrelenting. Another big track with huge vocals from singer/ drummer Jodie Amos, all throughout accompanied but some seriously great guitar work provided by more than proficient Sam Morris.
3.
Wasted On Me
Turning the dial down one notch is ‘Wasted On Me’. Sit down and buckle in for just over 7 minutes of slow blues/funkiness, real nice sounding harmonies, heaps of Joe Bonamassa sounding riffs and a good old long instrumental break. Not enough bands give time and attention for a proper guitar solo feature, and BaDow pull it off so, so well. Classic rock drumming,
superb sounding guitar tone and a beefy bass-line form bassist Bradley McGinty have all the ingredients for greatness.
4.
Freedom Of The Night
Onto the last track now and it feels a shame to come to an end - keep this stuff coming! ‘Freedom Of The Night’ takes all we’ve learnt so far from Badow and then adds a huge sleazy rock riff over the top. This one reminds me so much of the Jack White/Alicia Keys Bond theme (legit my favourite Bond theme) crossed with Pearl Jam and Joe Bonomassa.
Get all over BaDow if you know what’s good for you! This is BaDow’s third(?) EP to date, and they just keep on getting better and better.
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We’re always on the lookout for music, tech and features writers (reviews|news|stories) to join us on the journey of musical discovery. We’re also on the hunt for photographers for gigs and feature shoots (especially ones who can write too), videographers for sessions, and generally anyone who wants to get involved. interested? Get in touch by sending an email to info@fret-buzz.net with links to your work/ portfolio, and a short bit about why you want to join us. 12
submit your work don’t want to join our team but want to submit a story|review|news|photos? all you have to do is Email us at reviews@fret-buzz.net Just say hi, who you are and what you’re submitting and attach whatever it is you’re sending. We don’t mind orur mailbox clogging up too much, but if you’re sending photos, please use wetransfer or link us to your cloud storage.
Get reviewed Got something to show us or want us to come to a gig? send us and email to info@fret-buzz.net we accept real mail too! Fret-Buzz Submissions, 21, Meon Crescent, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, SO53 2PA 13
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Music Reviews wild front Rico
grade 2
Laurel
Ticket to ryde
The last time we heard songs about the Isle of Wight was during our stint on the Local Music Show on Vectis Radio, playing dodgy old folk songs and cringe-worthy 80’s electro tracks. This time round it’s an Oi! band shouting about Ryde. Super cringe but at the same time, not bad at all. Serious mixed feelings here. Ryde is pretty good though.
Hurricane
Beautifully atmospheric dreamy pop from Southampton based foursome - Rico shows off the bands range of influences from 80’s rock to indie folk in this timeless, chill, dreamlike track. We saw Wild Front perform with Submariner and loved how tight they were together as a band and the way they can captivate an audience with relatively low key relaxed songs. Looking forward to more releases!
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A slightly muddier offering than we’re used to from London singer/songwriter Laurel but we’re not complaining. Unique gravelly vocals and dark brooding song-writing and composition makes for an intriguing combo. We loved ‘Life Worth Living’ so much and this track looks to be another weapon in her arsenal of musical treats. This track will feature on the new EP ‘Park’ due November 18th which we’re very excited for. Look out, Laurel is coming.
Cub
Max Cowley
Bittersweet ft.ever
For the Cause
Anteros
Breakfast EP
This is a tune. Producer CUB has created this chill little number featuring vocals from Fret-Buzz favourite Ever making for a smooth sunny afternoon vibes. The more you listen, the more you get into it. We’ve often said that Ever would make for a great featured artists on club/dance tracks, and yeah, dream come true. We’d love to hear more of Ever on other tracks - as well as a new EP.
Blondie and The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s had a baby (wait..) and Anteros came kicking and screaming into the world. If you’re after some 80’s ish inspired indie/pop, 5 tracks to get engrained in your brain and a nice selection of sing-along songs, you’re in the right place. Every single track hits the spot, there’s literally no rest over the whole 17mins of EP excellence. If I had to choose a favourite track it’d need to be The Beat almost exclusively for that driving bass-line, and that ridiculously catchy chorus, and the verse... everything’s great about this EP. I’ve listened to this too many times in the last week. Send help.
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Out of the more upbeat and chaotic electronic tracks that solo artist Max has given us before, this is a welcome change to pace with a slower more driving track, focusing more of the vocals than the varying sounds he produces electronically. That’s what I like about Max, his tracks have always got a message and it’s nice to slow it down a bit and really focus on the theme at hand. Search for this track on Youtube and you’ll find a lyrics video with mesmerising spinney words to accompany the track.
Words & photo: Luke Joynes
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evellers were launched far into the future at this year’s Bestival, with a genre-defying line-up and wacky happenings you simply won’t find anywhere else. With an all-new Spaceport stage and the world’s biggest bouncy castle installed for this year, the 40,000 people who descended on Robin Hill Country Park were in for an astronomic weekend to bring this year’s summer of festivals to a spectacular close. Headlining the event on the Saturday were 80’s supremos The Cure, who were back by popular demand after their headline performance in 2011. Robert Smith and co. gave yet another sublime performance with a mega set which lasted over 2 and a half hours. Topping the bill on the Friday were chart-toppers and dance pioneers Major Lazer, attracting one of the largest crowds of the weekend, bringing with them fire, smoke blasts
Bastille
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and Diplo in a giant, inflatable ball. Their set also featured an appearance from Danish pop princess MØ on their track Lean On, following her appearance in the Big Top earlier in the day. Sunday’s proceedings were brought to a close by international-selling rapper Wiz Khalifa and dancehall legend Sean Paul. The latter’s performance featured a surprise appearance from Stylo G and a set-list packed with all of his classics. Similarly, Khalifa’s set was just as spectacular with, bizarrely, giant joints and an anthemic rendition of See You Again. However, it seemed the Invaders Of The Future was the place to be over the weekend with performances from some of the UK’s most exciting up and coming artists, providing the perfect place to discover your new favourite band. The stage saw performances from the likes of Spring King, Vant, The Sherlocks, Pretty Vicious, K.Flay, SWMRS, JP Cooper and many more across the festival’s four days. Elsewhere across the site, festival-goers were treated to performances from Mercury Prize 2016 winner Skepta, Wolf Alice, Craig David’s TS5, Bastille, Kano, Lady Leshurr, Izzy Bizu, The Human League, Years & Years, Aurora The Cuban Brothers, WSTRN and hundreds more across the festival’s many stages. It was clear to many Bestival veterans that the event had been downsized this year due to lower tickets and, reportedly, the late Prince originally being booked to headline the event. However, Rob da Bank and the rest of the team have said that they will be back to normal for 2017, with tickets already on sale. Line-up announcements normally start coming in in the new year, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
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Tommy Hardman
@tommyharmanmusic
Photo review | Submariner24EP Launch + Support | Tommy Ha
Temples of youth @templesofyouth
25 front | @ Talking Heads ardman | Temples of Youth | Wild
Wild Front
@Wildfrontuk
Photo review | Submariner26EP Launch + Support | Tommy Ha
Submariner
@submarinermusic
27 front | @ Talking Heads ardman | Temples of Youth | Wild
N A K AMA R R A Live @ Joiners 27.09.16 Photos & Words: Jake Priddle Nakamarra seem to have become a staple band for Fret-Buzz over the last few months. They’ve only played a hand-full of gigs since forming earlier this year but their consistent online presence keeps the intrigue rolling what are Nakamarra up to this week? Well, this week they’re busy playing their first mainland gig (they’re from the IOW) over at Joiners along with Anteros and Endless Peaks, and I must say, they’ve developed a hell of a lot since seeing them last. It’s almost like watching a completely different band the performance was tighter, the bigger tracks toned down a bit, and everything just had more of a punch to it. My highlight would have to be the live version of their single ‘Porcupine’ - again way more developed since recording ages ago now. Soft and mellow vibes, real range of vocals and slick musicianship you can only get from proficient band members. Overall a slick and atmospheric set from Island favourites - go follow them via their social medias @nakamarramusic
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NTEROS Live @ Joiners 27.09.16 Photos & Words: Jake Priddle Straight off the bat the crowd were well up for getting involved, reflecting the energy and passion that Anteros brought to The Joiners. There’s three main features you need to make a great live performance - 1. Sound the part NAILED IT! 2. Look the part NAILED IT! 3. Act the part NAILED IT! Watching these guys play (especially after having no clue previously who the were) was like a breath of fresh air. A band with great stage presence, heaps of catchy tunes, seriously ‘groovy’ basslines, relentless drumming, great guitar work, fantastic vocals and overall infectious indie/pop vibes. For me the second track of the set, Breakfast, was my highlight - that song encapsulates their energy and songwriting capabilities and 80’s/Yeah Yeah Yeah’s inspirations. One that instantly gets you singing along and stuck in your head for days afterwards. Look out for Anteros - based on this performance and their outstanding EP, I reckon this four piece from London are going to go far.
Thrs 6th Oct Mike Watt + Willie J Healey - Joiners £7
Thrs 27th Oct The lovely eggs - joiners £8
Fri 7th Oct Beach Baby + xockha + glaciers _ joiners £8
Sat 29th Oct The japanese house - joiners £9
Sun 9th Oct Jake Quickenden + Bailey MCConnell Joiners £15
Mon 31st Oct SHVPES + Press to meco - joiners £7
Thrs 13th Oct Johnny Foreighner - Joiners £7 Fri 14th Oct WTFESt - Joiners £7 Turnover - Talking heads £9 Sat 15th Oct WTFest - Joiners £8 Sun 16th Oct WTFEST - Joiners £9 Mon 17th Oct All Tvvins + Temples of Youth + Uhuru - Joiners £8 Tue 18th Oct Massmatiks - Joiners £5 Fri 21st Oct Elements + November Plot + Brave Vultures - Joiners £6 Sat 22nd Oct JP Cooper - Joiners Sun 23rd Oct Raglans - Joiners £7 Mon 24th Oct Martha FFION - Joiners £5 Tue 25th Oct Field Studies - joiners £5 Wed 26th Oct Black Foxxes + Big Spring - joiners £7
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