PREVIEW
Patrick Gosling
MUSIC
PATRICK GOSLING SINGLE RELEASE
Words: Tracy Hyman Patrick Gosling is a familiar face on the North East music scene, having previously been the frontman in indie band Far Pacific. Along with the added creative freedom, his solo endeavours have led to the South Shields songwriter working with Boy Jumps Ship’s Jonny Rob, recording three tracks in Jonny’s new studio, Deptford Sound. New single Hollywood is one of those three tracks, a brilliantly catchy piece of observational guitar pop. The hookline in the chorus “She was dancing for fame in Hollywood” will have you singing along for days. The current climate of celebrity and its impact on society is a hot topic for discussion. Patrick looks at the path taken from unknown to celebrity which so many seem obsessed with, along with the subsequent downfall. Lyrics follow a girl and her dreams of making it big, starting simply with gently syncopated, rhythmic guitar before rising to the rich, dynamic choruses. It is a
10
three-and-a-half minute piece of catchy, upbeat guitar pop. Hollywood is available to download from all major streaming sites from 3rd April. Patrick will celebrate the release at a newly rearranged gig at Head of Steam, Newcastle on Saturday 5th September www.soundcloud.com/patrickgoslingmusic
MUSIC
VENUS RELEASE WICKED THINGS EP
Words: Steve Spithray I write this on Sunday 22nd March. The date seems important to note. As we adapt to our new situation, we’re continuing to support bands still releasing scheduled material and continue to provide a platform and give visibility to those still creating. And as March blurs into April, Venus will be the brightest of all the planets in the sky; the Leeds (with a hint of Hartlepool) all-girl rockers release their debut EP Wicked Things on 3rd April. Opening track No Signs is their heaviest yet; crunching riffs are underpinned by Jess Ayres’
deliciously unhinged lead guitar, meaning those early Guns N’ Roses comparisons won’t go away. As the track bounds around from all-out rock and roll, signature drops and subtle electronica, it’s socially charged, a little dangerous and assuredly informed. God knows the world needs a band like Venus right now. But Wicked Things is also the band’s most mature release yet and in Amy they have their first bona fide classic. Those that have heard the track live will know it sometimes struggles to find a natural spot in the band’s increasingly varied setlist, but the recorded version’s long sparse intro has just enough discordant energy pitted with the band’s now trademark atmospherics that the paean to mental health, where Amy is the alter-ego, becomes a prescient soundtrack to the scarily rational panic many of us are rightly now feeling about the world; for fans of Mazzy Starr and PJ Harvey. Bookending things is more minor-pentatonic abandon on You’re Alright, I Guess, a snarling rock club anthem. Aggressive pure punk, dualling guitars and singer GK’s strongest and most vitriolic delivery yet. An early soundtrack to these troubled times. Venus release Wicked Things EP on 3rd April www.venusgrrrls.com
