NARC. #198 September 2023

PAULINE MURRAY

GENERATOR LIVE THE GATHERING SOUNDS

HANNAH PEEL

MIDDLESBROUGH ART WEEK

PREVIEWS

4 HIGHLIGHTS

Some of the best events in September, plus find out what’s online at narcmagazine.com

6 SEPTEMBER PREVIEWS

Live shows from Angel Du$t, Erland Cooper & Ensemble, The Unthanks, Bevis Frond, Howie Reeve, The Cinematic Orchestra, Dilettante, Lorelle Meets The Obsolete, Polyvinyl, Devon Sproule, Witch Fever, Kathryn Williams, Finn Forster and loads more. Plus comedy from Markus Birdman, Tom Davis, Raul Kohli, Mike Milligan and Carl Hutchinson; theatre shows Black Sheep, Your Voice Your World North East and Mr Punch; exhibitions featuring big names including Mike Nelson and David Hockney at venues across the region; plus Whitley Bay Film Festival and Festival of Thrift return, alongside much more!

28 PAULINE

MURRAY

Ahead of the release of her autobiography, North East punk icon Pauline Murray talks to Françoise Harvey about her remarkable career, the pitfalls of the music industry and staying true to her independent spirit

After last month’s rash of activity, August has been somewhat calmer for me. Not by intention, mind you, but mostly because crap weather and frustration has led to the month pretty much passing me by. I do hope that you managed to use your time better. September seems to have crept up on me a little, and before I know it I’ll be researching for C****mas content and that’ll be another year done… But wait! Before that, there’s LOADS of good stuff to look forward to. Not least our pretty ace stage (if I do say so myself) at Darlington’s Last Train Home festival on Saturday 2nd September. I’m looking forward to ticking a few local artists off my ‘must see’ list, and a visit to Darlo is always a joy. Similarly, Generator Live’s showcase of sterling North East talent also crops up in September (Saturday 16th, if you can’t be bothered to turn to the interview on page 32), and brings with it a slew of must-see artists, as does Stockton’s Gathering Sounds on Saturday 30th (more info on page 39). Plenty to keep me busy then!

From our content this month you’ll notice that the Autumn events season is ramping up significantly; in fact, there was so much going on throughout September that we could have filled the magazine twice over. Good for us (and you) then, that there’s even more music, theatre, art, film, comedy and more to devour on our website!

Editor Claire Dupree info@narcmedia.com

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Cover Image

Amelia Read

Live Photography

Thomas Jackson / Victoria Wai

Contributors

Jake Anderson / Jonathan Coll / Laura Doyle / Lee Fisher / Nat Greener / Françoise Harvey / Lee Hammond / Gus Ironside / Jason Jones / Lizzie

Lovejoy / Ben Lowes-Smith / Amy McGarahan / Robert Nichols / Michael O’Neill / Ikenna Offor / Niamh Poppleton / Lily Pratt / Helen Redfern / Kate Relton / Damian Robinson / Elodie A. Roy / Steve Spithray / Dawn Storey / Luke Waller / Ruby Watson / Robin Webb / Ali Welford / Cameron Wright / Matt Young

Reports of live performances from The Beths, Billy Nomates, Martha Ffion, Mclusky, Fortitude Valley, Hekla Goodman, Russian Circles, Swans and more

Reviews of local singles and EPs from Sarah Johnsone, Becca James, Tom Ieuan James, Jack Mylchreest, All Before, The Ilfords, Chloe Gudgin, YVA, Summer Night Air, Ten Eighty Trees, Last of the Fallen Angels and Idle Hands

50 DEMOS

Featuring HOPE, Kirsty Hall, NGJ, WrongSince81 and Alex Lyons

51 ALBUMS

Featuring new releases from Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening, J.P. Riggall, The Grace Smith Trio, The Handsome Family, Rojor, Hey Colossus, Yussef Dayes, Teenage Fanclub, Explosions in the Sky, Courtney Barnett and more

54 MIXTAPE

Newcastle-based promoter Prancey Dog picks some of his favourite tunes

Next Issue Out 27th

PREVIEWS

SEPTEMBER’S DIVERSIONS INCLUDE DARLINGTON’S ALL-DAY MUSIC

FESTIVAL LAST TRAIN HOME, LYRICAL AND MUSICAL MUSINGS, ‘TWISTED TALES’ FROM DISABLED COMEDIANS, A NIGHT OF RIOTOUS AND UPLIFTING AFRICAN MUSIC AND LIVE ELECTRONICS, PLUS MUCH MORE!

MUSIC SAT 2

LAST TRAIN HOME FESTIVAL

An all-day adventure of music and comedy courtesy of Tracks, featuring performances from LIFE, Holy Moly & The Crackers, Low Girl, Pit Pony, Hot Wax, Kate Bond, Fiona Liquid & The Clique, The Peevie Wonders, Wax Heart Sodality, Liz Corney, Aarms, Car Park and many more.

Hippodrome, The Forum Music Centre & Hullabaloo Theatre, Darlington www.tracksdarlington.co.uk

ART & LIT

MUSIC THUR 14 SCHKEUDITZER KREUZ

New Zealand punk veteran Kieran Hills’ brings his New South Wales-based post-industrial solo project to Gateshead, showcasing the incredible energy of his “one human and some machines” performance. Tackling themes around the global climate crisis, fear, mistrust and paranoia, Hills’ work will appeal to fans of industrial and dark alternative sounds. Support comes from local darkwave group Holy Braille. The Black Bull, Gateshead www.schkeuditzerkreuz.com

ART & LIT

FRI 15

BEVERLEY BENNETT

Simon Says/Dadda is a new commission and film installation made by artist Beverley Bennett, exploring father/daughter relationships among Black and Asian women and non-binary people, intergenerational love and the deep impact that structural inequalities have within wider society. Runs until 4th November.

ART & LIT

TUE 12 THE RE-EMERGENCE

Having returned to the streets of Newcastle to document the ‘re-emergence’ of people into public spaces after the pandemic, local photographer Hazel Plater’s candid street photography is often humorous, poignant and celebratory, presenting a nuanced reflection on humanity and our challenges. A limited edition book accompanies the exhibition, which runs until 12th October.

Newcastle Contemporary Art www.hazelplater.myportfolio.com

THUR 21 COZZY LIVS

Chilli Studios, a charity which seeks to provide support to those experiencing mental health conditions, present their annual exhibition Cozzy Livs, which explores individuals’ perspectives, experience and survival through the cost of living crisis, showcasing a diverse range of work across a multitude of mediums from over 50 artists. Runs until 7th October.

Vane Gallery, Gateshead www.chillistudios.co.uk

ART & LIT

NewBridge Project, Newcastle www.thenewbridgeproject.com

MUSIC

SUN 17

BRICK & KATE FOX

In what promises to be a real treat of musical and lyrical musings, Brick (aka Bridie Jackson and Nick Pierce) present their sparse and beautiful songs of kindness and hope. Also on the line-up is stand-up poet Kate Fox, whose new show Bigger On The Inside explores neurodiversity through the lens of Doctor Who. The Engine Room, North Shields www.terns.co.uk

SAT 23

MATT RUGG

Connecting Form is the first major retrospective of work by sculptor and teacher Matt Rugg. Spanning abstract sculpture, painting and drawing, Rugg’s work is continuously experimental and often rendered in found industrial materials, resulting in a simple and effortless beauty which belies the subtle sophistication with which he explores the interrelationship between two and three dimensions. Runs until 13th January 2024.

Hatton Gallery, Newcastle www.mattrugg.com

SID, Self Portrait, 2023, acrylic on canvas

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

COMEDY WED 27

FUNNY HAHA COMEDY (R)EVOLUTION

Presented by disabled-led production company Little Cog, this evening of radical acts will see eight disabled women telling ‘twisted tales’ of their experiences. Having come together for mutual support during lockdown, these women from across the country have honed and perfected their routines which span a range of comedy forms. ARC, Stockton www.littlecog.co.uk

MUSIC WED 27

STORYLINES LIVE

Live poetry, songs and films from awardwinning poets, songwriters and filmmakers all about the passengers who travel today along the world’s first public passenger railway. Performers include Lizzie Lovejoy, Carmen Marcus, Rowan McCabe, Sam Slatcher and Lonely Tower Film & Media. The Forum Music Centre, Darlington www.theforumonline.co.uk

STAGE

COMEDY FRI 29

THE CABARET CLUB: SAMMY DOBSON

Part of Bishop Auckland’s Cabaret Club, which takes place after the monthly street food festival, Sammy Dobson’s show What Would The Jazz Gimp Do? is a remarkable show about sex, death and joy, transcending the boundaries of comedy to effortlessly blend elements of theatre and song. Mrs M’s, Bishop Auckland www.facebook.com/cabaretclubba

EVENTS FRI 29

THE CAPER

Try a little bit of everything at The Caper, where every cultural whim is catered for. There’s stand-up comedy from John Scott, Lee Kyle, Kelly Rickard and Al Stevenson, live music courtesy of The King Bees, Sandra’s Wedding and Jen Dixon, plus live art, salsa dancing, classic movie screenings, vintage shopping, a silent disco and street food from Egyptian Home Cooking, The Big Bahn Vietnamese and Dosa Kitchen.

BALTIC, Gateshead

www.thecaper.co.uk

NARC. E-ZINE

The place to be for multimedia diversions, the 10th edition of our E-ZINE is online now, featuring exclusive videos, playlists, mini-documentaries, sound clips and much more

NARC. TV

Our magazine-style programme features performances and interviews with North East artists, filmed in venues across the region

+ ALSO THIS MONTH…

INTERVIEW: RAUL KOHLI

We chat with the North East comedian about his new podcast and live show Tyne Travel, what it means to be a Northumbrian and how the our history informs the region’s identity

INTERVIEWS: NORTHERN ELECTRIC FESTIVAL

WED 27

EATING MYSELF

Pepa Duarte’s debut production is a full-sensory experience which explores womanhood, body image and tradition. The traditional flavours of the Peruvian native’s cuisine were forbidden in her home, so Pepa found herself on a journey of discovery, sharing food with a new family around a new table. Also on Thursday 28th.

Northern Stage, Newcastle www.northernstage.co.uk

MUSIC

FRI 29

AFRIQUOI

Expect a night of riotous fun with an uplifting fusion of African music and live electronics. Afriquoi fuse Congolese guitar and Gambian kora virtuosity with electronic sensibilities, resulting in Afro-house tunes that have become famous in clubs all over the world. Newcastle’s own party bringers Kancho Club seal with deal with a supporting DJ set which incorporates live sax and percussion. Cobalt Studios, Newcastle www.afriquoi.com

Read conversations and features with artists performing at September’s Northern Electric Festival, the celebration of the North East’s electronic scene

CONNECT WITH US

MUSIC ALLEN VALLEYS FOLK FESTIVAL

Words: Michael O’Neill

September sees a glorious tenth victory lap for the Allen Valleys Folk Festival, which has long been revered as a marvelous showcase for both established and up-and-coming artists from a genre which continues to thrive and evolve whilst still staying true to the rich and storied history that has allowed it to

remain timeless and innovative.

True to form, there is a broad and eclectic line-up stacked over a full weekend from Friday 22nd-Sunday 24th September in the glorious surroundings of Allendale, Northumberland. Friday is headlined by Jim Moray, a multi-instrumentalist and producer who has previously performed at Glastonbury, the Royal Albert Hall and WOMAD, plus there’s performances from Ernie’s Shack, Grainne Eve and Cash Cows. Saturday’s headliners include Kate Young, one of Scotland’s most innovative musicians, and Smash Kafana, a magnificent nine-piece band playing a vibrant mix of gypsy, Balkan and Klezmer music, alongside

performances from Frankie Archer, Tarren, The Breath, Holiday Club and the Wanton String Band. Closing the festival is multi-award winning Scottish songwriter, folk singer and storyteller Karine Polwart, joined by the inspirational Grace Smith Trio and Archie Fisher. Dance performances are also featured from Hadrian Clog and special guests on Saturday afternoon, alongside a programme of workshops to further add to the weekend’s eclectic offerings.

Allen Valleys Folk Festival takes place at various venues in Allendale, Northumberland from Friday 22nd-Sunday 24th September. www.allenvalleysfolkfestival.co.uk

Grace Smith Trio

MUSIC ANALOGUE BLOOD ALBUM LAUNCH @ GEORGIAN THEATRE

Words: Laura Doyle

What EDM lacks in lyricism, it makes up for in communicability and pure vibes. With few to no words to learn, anyone can jump in at any point and enjoy the multilayered transcendent

experience of instrumental-heavy tunes. But that does leave a lot of pressure on EDM music-makers to construct something that successfully transcends the need for words –and it’s something that Darlington’s premier techno duo seem to continually take in their stride.

Analogue Blood have built their latest LP Control on a foundation of adrenaline-pumping, blood-pressure-raising fuzzy beats, with just a light smattering of lyrics when they really have a point to get across. While listening to the record cosied up at home is certainly a choice, it will never beat hearing it live and loud with

a community of EDM-loving peers. Analogue Blood may have had a little rocky start thanks to one badly timed pandemic, but thankfully Control is getting an appropriate celebration for its launch with a spectacular night on local turf at Stockton’s Georgian Theatre on Friday 22nd September. Flanking Analogue Blood on the night are punk rock ragers In Evil Hour and an acoustic set from Chris Davison, in a poetic recreation of the very first show the duo played back in 2019.

Analogue Blood launch Control at The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Friday 22nd September. www.analogueblood.bandcamp.com

TICKETS FROM £10

Suede by Dean Chalkley

Directed by Richard Twyman

An ETT, Northern Stage, Shakespeare North Playhouse & Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg production

MUSIC THE CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA @ SAGE GATESHEAD

Words: Lee Fisher

Jason Swinscoe’s collective The Cinematic Orchestra first performed their soundtrack to Dziga Vertov’s classic Soviet-era silent movie Man With A Movie Camera (1929) in 2001 at a Porto event to celebrate the city’s status as European City of Culture. The rapturous reception it received led to further dates and a critically-acclaimed album of the music followed in 2003.

Fast-forward twenty years and Cinematic Orchestra are a very big deal – hundreds of thousands of sales, a billion streams, sold out tours and some more excellent albums follows – but for many Man With A Movie Camera was arguably their peak. And to mark its anniversary, The Cinematic Orchestra are coming to Sage Gateshead on Wednesday 20th September to perform the album in full, in combination with entirely new visuals. Expect

an evening of jazzy, soundtracky electronica and trip hop from this highly accomplished outfit.

The Cinematic Orchestra play Sage Gateshead on Wednesday 20th September. www.cinematicorchestra.com

STAGE BLACK SHEEP @ NORTHERN STAGE

Words: Helen Redfern

When cabaret-meets-theatre-meets-spokenword poetry to relate the autobiographical story of an award-winning sword swallower, musician, poet and theatre-maker, the scene is set for a memorable evening at Northern Stage on Thursday 21st September.

Livia Kojo Alour is an award-winning Nigerian-German-born performing artist based in London. Her solo show Black Sheep rose to critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022 and was awarded the Birds of Paradise Award for Exceptional Theatre.

Black Sheep is about learning to love yourself as a queer woman of colour confronting what

it’s like to grow up standing out, and be outstanding. Livia Kojo Alour is someone who has made performance their life. As she unpacks stereotypes, dissects otherness, blends genres, sings, rollerblades and performs in all sorts of exciting ways, she explores how lifelong feelings of self-hatred and otherness can follow you across borders.

You’ve probably never met a retired sword swallower before. And Livia is also the author of Rising Of The Black Sheep, a daring memoir-style poetry collection, the artist behind the minimalist art piece The Female Sword Swallower’s Moon Calendar which has been touring museums in Europe since 2019 and a talented musician combining vocals and spoken word in a unique way to address cultural issues and tell her personal stories. Wow!

Livia Kojo Alour’s incredible life story is an inspiring reminder to love yourself, embrace your talents and dare to shine.

Black Sheep is performed at Northern Stage, Newcastle on Thursday 21st September. www.liviakojoalour.art

Black Sheep by Rod Penn

MUSIC NORTHERN ELECTRIC FESTIVAL @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Jake Anderson

Across three venues in Ouseburn, with nearly 20 artists spanning newbies to current North East favourites, this year’s Northern Electric Festival will be one for the history books – and I’m not just saying that as a part of the line-up. Friday 22nd-Saturday 23rd September will see

a vast array of local producers and electronic artists from the region performing at Little Buildings, The Cumberland Arms and Star & Shadow Cinema. Some of the local favourites on the line-up include established artists like hypnotic triphop duo SQUARMS; hardcore music makers Badger; increasingly revered synth pop artists Iris Brickfield; electronic duo Novyi Lef; the glitzy dark disco sounds of Rudi Betamax; and ambient three piece Worry Party.

Plus, there are a plentiful selection of acts who have just started making their impression on the scene, including the punk infused synth-pop of Bled; the sonically interesting soundscapes of Blu_Aro; retrowave music

producer NECR0 NOISE; space rock fusion artists The Between Space; and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my own project, Tired Trace. In addition to these, there’s some newcomers who will have their debut live performances over the weekend, including the melancholic ambience of Infinite Arcade and the heartfelt electronic R&B of Gulliver, plus much more besides.

Northern Electric Festival takes place at Little Buildings, The Cumberland Arms and Star & Shadow Cinema on Friday 22nd-Saturday 23rd September.

www.facebook.com/northernelectricfestival

Suede by Dean Chalkley

ART & LIT SPIN ME A YARN @ GALLAGHER & TURNER

Words: Helen Redfern

Spin Me A Yarn, Gallagher & Turner’s latest exhibition, features original David Hockney prints from his series of Six Fairy Tales Of The Brothers Grimm alongside works by local North East artists Ellie Clewlow and Deborah Snell, responding directly to Hockney’s illustrations.

Coinciding with the 400th anniversary of the first Shakespeare Folio publication, the show considers playful ways of retelling stories from Brothers Grimm and Shakespeare, using drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. This series of etchings and aquatints by renowned artist David Hockney are among the artist’s best-known etchings, conceived over three years and published in 1969, detailing witty re-imaginings of princesses, sorceresses and other characters like Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin.

Making new work specifically for this exhibition, Sunderland-based artist, Ellie Clewlow works with recycled books to sculpt layered palimpsests to explore the development of fairy tales over time: from the oral tradition of female storytellers, to the female roles shaped by the Grimms, and modern-day feminist retelling of tales by writers like Angela Carter. Newcastle artist Deborah Snell works here in lithography, drawing and puppetry, to celebrate the macabre side of these moral tales. Well-loved Shakespearean classics, such as As You Like It, Romeo And Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are beautifully drawn with Snell’s love of magic realism.

Allow yourself to be enchanted by these familiar fairy tales with a modern twist, as

Spin Me A Yarn draws you in to a fantastical world of make believe.

Spin Me A Yarn is at Gallagher & Turner, Newcastle from Friday 1st SeptemberSaturday 7th October.

www.gallagherandturner.co.uk

MUSIC ERLAND COOPER @ SAGE GATESHEAD

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

Groundbreaking composer and producer Erland Cooper will perform at Sage Gateshead on Friday 22nd September following the recent release of his new album, Folded Landscapes. The album is an urgent observation on themes of climate change, temperature and time and features the voices of activist Greta Thunberg, poet laureate Simon Armitage and multi-award-winning conservationist and author Dara McAnulty, as well as the pioneering Scottish Ensemble. Folded Landscapes sees Cooper work through the lens of urgent observations surrounding climate change and his inherent belief in the need to come together and take positive action, creating a potent, experimental new work. Using drastic temperature changes –from sub-zero to the hottest on record – he developed music for string ensembles, piano, voice, harpsichord, electronics and field recordings, including the Californian wildfires and crashing glaciers. While the resulting album takes the subject matter as its underlying theme, it works ultimately as an opportunity to celebrate and cherish the natural world.

Sage Gateshead’s Hall Two will be a fitting location for Cooper’s poignant and moving performance.

Erland Cooper & Ensemble play Sage

Gateshead on Friday 22nd September. www.erlandcooper.com

MUSIC TELEVISION PERSONALTIES @ POP RECS LTD.

Words: Michael O’Neill

The hallowed ground of Sunderland’s Pop Recs has played host to a marvellous and gloriously eclectic range of iconic artists, and this offering on Saturday 9th September is no exception.

Anyone with even a slight schooling in the insand-outs of the first wave of punk will already be familiar with the brilliantly innovative post-punk, indie pop DIY pioneers Television Personalities. Led by songwriter Dan Treacy, their initial singles were part of the crucial wave of releases from Geoff Travis’ Rough Trade label, being one of the first handful of punk outfits who were keener to forge new musical paths than to rely solely on recycling rockabilly cliches and 12-bar blues, with 1981 debut …And Don’t The Kids Just Love it remaining a sacred and timeless post-punk text over 40 years after release. Following a devastating blood clot on the brain, Dan has been unable to perform music, however, former band members Dave Musker, Jeff Bloom, Jowe Head, Mike Stone and Lee McFadden have reformed the band “to perpetuate Dan’s spirit, music and song-writing genius”. It’s a monumental testament to one of the most treasured songbooks in post-punk, performed fittingly at a venue brilliantly indebted to the glory of DIY. Television Personalities play Pop Recs Ltd., Sunderland on Saturday 9th September. www.televisionpersonalities.co.uk

Erland Cooper by Alex Kozobolis

MUSIC TEES FOLK @ STOCKTON GLOBE

Words: Michael O’Neill

Two years on from their extensive restoration, the iconic Stockton Globe has steadfast reaffirmed its position as one of the region’s finest venues, playing host to a broad array of artists as varied as Nick Cave and McFly.

Now, in partnership with Stockton Borough Council, the venue is launching the Tees Folk Festival, a richly eclectic offering taking place on Friday 22nd September which promises to be a vital addition to the rich pantheon of brilliant folk festivals thriving throughout the region, and a marvellous testament to the staying power of folk music, which has continued to thrive and evolve as a timeless and vital genre even in a modern context.

The event is headlined by local BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning trio The Young’uns, who’ve blazed a trail that includes performances at Glastonbury and even a stint presenting a show for BBC Radio 4. Award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter Kris Drever, guitar virtuoso and member of folk supergroup Lau, also performs alongside Teesside husband-and-wife duo Megson, Middlesbrough songstress Amelia Coburn and a closing performance from Glaswegian folk band Gnoss. There’ll be an official festival after party at sister venue The Link, and the festival will be compered by former BBC Introducing host and new music champion for BBC Tees, Bob Fischer.

Tees Folk takes place at The Globe, Stockton on Friday 22nd September.

www.stocktonglobe.co.uk

MUSIC CROCODILES @ ZEROX

Words: Matt Young San Diego’s Crocodiles, the indie rock baby of Charles Rowell and Brandon Welchez, have fuelled up their psychedelic motors ready to bring their rock, noise pop, and post-punk influenced songs to Newcastle’s Zerox on Sunday 3rd September, showcasing classics stretching back to debut album Sounds Of Hate up to this year’s brand new release Upside Down In Heaven.

Characteristically reverb-drenched guitars, catchy melodies and gritty production are Crocodiles’ mainstay and they’ve maintained that if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it methodology throughout their long career to date, which often reflects themes of introspection, love and existential pondering. Establishing a distinctive sound, with tracks like I Wanna Kill and Sleeping With The Lord that showcase their fusion of garage rock energy and dreamy textures, they’ve used the intervening albums to polish and refine raucous anthems and introspective ballads; songs like Mirrors and Crybaby Demon highlight their ability to craft both perfectly.

Crocodiles age like bourbon, growing with a sage, studied musical evolution while staying true to their unique sonic palette. Their releases to date, blending distorted guitars and emotive, poetic lyricism that ignites and explodes when they hit the stage, remain a testament to their signature lo-fi, punk aesthetic and the energy they bring catches crowds like a virus every time.

Crocodiles play Zerox, Newcastle on Sunday 3rd September.

www.crocodilesband.bandcamp.com

MUSIC LYR @ POP RECS LTD.

Words: Matt Young

If you’ve ever wondered what a poet laureate does in between writing verses for royal births, weddings and funerals then head over to Pop Recs on Wednesday 27th September to witness the musical ‘side gig’ of Simon Armitage, joined by singer-songwriter Richard Walters and multi-instrumentalist and producer Patrick Pearson.

You may already know Armitage; his lugubrious Yorkshire brogue can be found all over various media and this isn’t his first musical venture. His tone and writing conjure up the kitchen sink realism evoked the likes of Seamus Heaney, Philip Larkin, Alan Bennett or even Morrissey’s seemingly benign and faux boring lyricism. It’s the seemingly unremarkable made special and it works so well backed by the sparse but essential accompaniment of his bandmates. That droll vocal delivery also has a lineage to someone like Paul Heaton, and they both share that similar interest in word play and introspection too.

Expanding Armitage’s poetic muse, LYR (Land Yacht Regatta) is augmented with other musicians and voices that enhance its post-rock sound. On record they’re shaded in a darker hue, gloomier, rainy. They evoke a mis-en-scene for brooding self-reflection or imparting age-old wisdom. In the room however, LYR bring a levity and celebratory tone amongst all the rounded vowels and lushly evoked images so bag your ticket fast.

LYR play Pop Recs Ltd., Sunderland on Wednesday 27th September

www.lyrband.com

Amelia Coburn, who performs at Tees Folk

MUSIC BBC MUSIC INTRODUCING

PRESENTS FINN FORSTER @ MIDDLESBROUGH

TOWN HALL

Words: Michael O’Neill

For over 15 glorious years, BBC Music Introducing have provided a vital lifeline for fledgling musicians to get their music broadcast to a broader audience without having to stoke any star-maker machinery in order to get there. Even though the internet has broken down so many barriers to access in the time since its founding, BBC Introducing still remains one of the few accessible routes to mainstream exposure that doesn’t require an artist to know the ins and outs of the often-complex music promo game. We’re lucky to have two North East-based shows – hosted in Newcastle and Middlesbrough by Nick Roberts and Shakk respectively – and before the proposed changes by the BBC to merge shows and do away with those vital musical lifelines take effect, we should take every opportunity to celebrate them. BBC Introducing’s support doesn’t start and end on the airwaves, however, as evidenced by the wonderful offering at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Friday 15th September headlined by ‘Boro’s very own rising star Finn Forster, who Introducing have declared to be One To Watch for 2023. Even a brief glance at Finn’s track record makes it clear why; the singer-songwriter has fast blazed a trail with a rich songbook the delivers raw and honest lyrics shot through with anthemic melodies, which has seen him selling out a 2022 tour and also reaching the top five of the UK iTunes pop chart. This BBC-backed home town

show is a victory lap amidst a headline tour in support of his new single Call You Mine. Finn Forster plays Middlesbrough Town Hall on Friday 15th September. www.finnforstermusic.com

COMEDY

TOM DAVIS @ TYNE THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE

Words: Cameron Wright

Big Tom Davis is an unmissable presence. Not least because of his enormous stature, but for his impressive catalogue of hit shows. Be it his panel show appearances, his hosting of Live At The Apollo, or his TV shows Murder in Successville, King Gary or The Curse, Tom Davis is a well established presence on our TVs. Rising to prominence through the improv scene, Davis’ acerbic wit is offset by his gentle, laddish charm and laidback whimsy. His podcast with Romesh Ranganathan, Wolf And Owl, sees the two comics bounce off each other, giggling away mischievously, whereas his film roles in movies like Paddington 2 see him play on his intimidating size.

Having established hits through podcasts, TV shows and cinema, Tom Davis is returning to the stage for his largest tour to date, performing at Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Saturday 23rd-Sunday 24th September. Underdog is a show about life, growing up working class, working on building sites, understanding fatherhood and slowly breaking into the industry. Exploring life as the longshot, Underdog taps into something universal, as well as being undeniably funny and engaging.

Tom Davis performs at Tyne Theatre & Opera

House, Newcastle on Saturday 23rd-Sunday 24th September.

www.bigtomdavis.com

MUSIC

CARSICK @ BOBIKS/THE GREEN ROOM

Words: Lily Pratt

After playing a series of epic performances at Truck Festival and Boomtown, indie punks

Carsick are ready to unleash another madly energetic show at Bobiks in Newcastle on Friday 15th and Stockton’s Green Room on Saturday 16th September as part of their tour which celebrates the release of latest EP Drunk Hymns. Through a strident infusion of rock, punk and electronically-induced hip-hop, the quartet have composed lyrics which are heavily infused with tales of young adolescence and adult discord, from the desperate chaos of small-town nightlife to the ‘living for the weekend’ culture so prevalent among the band’s young adult demographic. The band would appeal to fans of The Streets and Royal Blood thanks to their feverish angst shot through with an indie punk zeal.

Carsick have chosen to play The Green Room so as to create a strong sense of intimacy with the crowd; the band have gained considerable plaudits for their incendiary live shows, and to see them in such a small venue will be a real experience. Support in Stockton comes from the strikingly gritty Middlesbrough garage rockers Onlooker, and Manchester’s enigmatic indie rock band Strawberry Lemonade.

Carsick play Bobiks, Newcastle on Friday 15th and The Green Room, Stockton on Saturday 16th September.

www.linktr.ee/carsickofficial

Finn Forster

FILM

WHITLEY

BAY FILM FESTIVAL @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Claire Dupree

Continuing its origins as an event which seeks to challenge and inspire film lovers, Whitley Bay Film Festival’s 2023 programme is as imaginative as always. Taking place from Friday 15th-Saturday 30th September across various (and often unusual) venues in the coastal town, there’s much to enjoy.

This year, festival patron Ian La Frenais gets his very own event as the festival celebrates

50 years of Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads?, the hit comedy series created by La Frenais and co-writer and creator Dick Clement. Expect tales of the duo’s creative journey, along with shared clips and a special screening of one of his favourite episodes (Playhouse Whitley Bay, Tuesday 19th). Further highlights include another 50th anniversary screening, this time of cult folk horror The Wicker Man (Eccles Hall, Sunday 17th); imagine yourself living in the heyday of 18th Century England amid the grand environs of Seaton Delaval Hall at a screening of The Favourite, in which national treasure Olivia Colman gives a riotous performance as the frail and increasingly potty Queen Anne (Saturday 23rd); and Ken Loach’s I, Daniel Blake also gets an apt location screening at Whitley Bay Big Local

Hub (the former Jobcentre), with the addition of a screening of short film The Cost of Living (Monday 25th).

A real North East exclusive comes in the form of a screening of Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies at Cullercoats Watch House on Sunday 24th. The film tells of Cullercoats lad Willie Fisher who grew up to become Soviet agent Rudolf Abel. Introducing the film is David Saunders, Emeritus Professor of the History of the Russian Empire at Newcastle University, who first discovered Abel’s North East roots. Rounding off the event, local poet and songwriter Harry Gallagher will perform a poem inspired by Cullercoats and Willie’s remarkable journey.

Whitley Bay Film Festival takes place at various venues from Friday 15th-Saturday 30th September.

MUSIC DEVON SPROULE @ GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE

Words: Jason Jones

To say Devon Sproule has lived a life would be an understatement. The indie folk troubadour was born to hippie parents in a commune named Dandelion near Kingston, Ontario, had released four albums citing influences as disparate as Bikini Kill and Frank Zappa by the age of 25, and has since won glowing acclaim courtesy of everybody from the prestigious ASCAP Foundation’s Sammy Cahn Award to the New Yorker. She is also a mother, a high school drop-out, an avid birder, and a student of Deaf Culture and sign language.

Currently residing in Charlottesville, Virginia, nowadays Sproule deals in lovingly-crafted cuts that are at once pensive, honest and endearingly sweet, and for which she has gained international recognition. On Saturday 16th September the singer-songwriter will visit Gosforth Civic Centre along with her band in what is sure to be a rollicking, soulful affair. The previous Saturday (9th), she can also be found performing at The Unthanks’ all-day festival at Sage Gateshead.

Support at the Gosforth show comes from Toronto’s Marker Steeling, a self-described peddler of “melancholy party jams” who has been delighting and enthralling for years with his inimitable, wonderfully askew vibes.

Devon Sproule and Marker Steeling play Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle on Saturday 16th September.

www.devonsproule.com

MUSIC INFINITE ARCADE ALBUM LAUNCH @ NORTHERN ELECTRIC FESTIVAL

Words: Laura Doyle Infinite Arcade touts himself as making “music for the enthusiastic underachiever.” But while this description might ring true for the audience, it’s a far cry from Infinite Arcade’s work ethic. Sure, Infinite Arcade hasn’t been the most prolific musical venture the world has ever seen, but despite what toxic boss mentality would have you believe, it’s all about quality not quantity.

What this solo electro “dreadpop” project manages is to continually raise the bar for his own personal endeavours. Infinite Arcade debuts not only his first LP The Shield And Sparrow, but also his first IRL appearance at this year’s Northern Electric Festival on Saturday 23rd September. The debut album builds on the multiple mini releases that preceded it to create a sense of deep foreboding, but make it an electronic fantasy for the ages. Whether it’s almost ridiculous creative experiments regarding synth sampling a different household object on every track, or simultaneously writing and recording a second album before the first even hits the digital shelf – Infinite Arcade is less of an enthusiastic underachiever and more a chaotic overachiever with more ideas than hard drive storage. Far be it for me to criticise this artist’s process, however, because Infinite Arcade’s output should be celebrated when it does emerge. Infinite Arcade release The Shield And Sparrow on 22nd September and plays Little Buildings, Newcastle as part of Northern Electric Festival on Saturday 23rd September. www.infinitearcade.bandcamp.com

STAGE FIRST PLAY CLUB @ CUSTOMS HOUSE

Words: Niamh Poppleton

The First Play Club is a new initiative from South Shields’ Customs House which aims to provide support for new and emerging writers; two playwrights (both of whom are joint winners of last year’s Peter Lathan Prize for New Writing) are able to show off their work in the venue’s classy main auditorium, and local actors and directors get valuable experience too.

Actor Michael Blair makes his directorial debut in Ben Gettins’ play Wearmouth, which is performed from Monday 4th-Wednesday 6th September. Fusing humour with its discussion of serious subject matter, it follows two fans of Sunderland Football Club, played by Joe Caffrey and Jake Jarratt, as they explore issues faced during their day-to-day lives, managing struggles with their mental health, whilst being each other’s support system.

Grown Up Writin’ is written by Louise Powell and will be performed from Friday 8th-Sunday 10th September. Starring Sophie Mai and Alfreya Bell, it tells the story of two Teesside schoolgirls, Kayleigh and Ruth. Not only is Kayleigh anxious about her GCSEs but she also fears for her depressed mother. Her best friend Ruth is her solitary crutch to help her through Year 11. However, when Kayleigh falls for a 21-year-old delivery driver, it results in circumstances that may be detrimental to their futures and destroy their friendship. Actor Christina Dawson will take on her first professional role as director.

www.thecustomshouse.co.uk

Devon Sproule by Rich Tarbell

MUSIC THE UNTHANKS ALL-DAYER @ SAGE GATESHEAD

Words: Lee Fisher

The Unthanks have a knack for staging really special events in their home city – their Home Gathering events were lovely – and they’re doing it again with an all-dayer at Sage Gateshead on Saturday 9th September. The band have recently regained ownership (from

EMI) of three of their earliest records – The Bairns (released as the second album by Rachel Unthank & The Winterset in 2007), Here’s The Tender Coming (2009) and Last (2011) – and will be reissuing them on their own Rabble Rouser label, including the first time all three have appeared on vinyl. And to mark the occasion, they’ll be performing all three in two special concerts (and doing something very similar the next day at London Barbican).

The day will start with a ‘Big Sing’ on the Sage concourse with all welcome to join in, followed by a band Q&A and performances from artists Lucy Farrell and Devon Sproule, who were

regular Unthanks supports back in the era covered by these reissues. Then there will be a one-time reunion of Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, Rachel and sister Becky’s first band, performing the whole of The Bairn. And finally, the evening will feature a concert from The Unthanks performing the other two reissues, Here’s The Tender Coming and Last. Tickets are available separately for each of the concerts or there’s a single (and more economic) ticket for both. The other events are free.

The Unthanks All-Dayer takes place at Sage Gateshead on Saturday 9th September.

www.the-unthanks.com

L-R Rachel & Becky Unthank by Sarah Mason

A Little Cog and Funny Haha production

Julie Mack McNamara India Robertson

Honor Flaherty Porcelain Delaney

Tanya Akrofi Vici Wreford-Sinnott

Karina Jones Lynne McFarlane

MUSIC DILETTANTE @ BOBIKS

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

Francesca Pidgeon, aka Dilettante, is no stranger to the North East, having graced our stages a number of times previously with her cerebellum-bending, genre-phobic brand of alt. rock. Stone, her first release since debut album Tantrum last year, is a song fizzing with ideas that meditates on the compromises of adulthood. Inspired by Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness Of Being, Pidgeon reflects: “I was really preoccupied with the struggle that we all have in choosing between light and weight, it’s so pertinent in anything we choose – do you buy or borrow something you need? Can you enjoy just looking after someone else’s pets or children, or do you feel that you need your own? Do you want the weight of committing to someone else or do you remain single and feel free-er but ultimately quite lonely?”

Stone is a worthy addition to Pidgeon’s canon of thought-provoking music, and happily her UK tour in support of it lands at Bobiks on Wednesday 20th September. She’ll be propped

up by the inimitable Faithful Johannes and brass ensemble Sky Daddy. Dilettante, Faithful Johannes and Sky Daddy play Bobiks, Newcastle on Wednesday 20th September.

www.dilettantesongs.bandcamp.com

ART & LIT

WRITE FESTIVAL @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Jonathan Coll

The annual Write Festival is now proudly entering its seventh year, and will be kicking off their 2023 edition on Wednesday 30th August with a programme of incredible literary events continuing throughout September in South Tyneside. The events will be centred around The Word, Cleadon Park, Jarrow Focus and Hebburn Central libraries, with an array of events, workshops and performances taking place. Each will cater for a range of backgrounds, ages and experiences, with events catering for a wide range of writing tastes and styles.

Having began back in 2017, with a

comparatively humble five day programme, the festival sought to celebrate the written word in all its forms. Highlights this year include the ever-popular murder mystery workshop hosted by acclaimed mystery maestros Highly Suspect (Saturday 16th); Helen Pepper’s talk on the increasingly fascinating world of Crime

Forensics (Saturday 23rd); acclaimed writer Alison Carr and The Futureheads’ Ross Millard’s debut theatre production, A Street Like This, is performed at Jarrow Focus (Wednesday 27th); and journalist Kevin Maguire is in conversation with multi-award winning political cartoonist (Thursday 28th). At the more family friendly end of the programme, Jake Detonator will be teaching you How to Draw Doctor Who, and a month of fantastic events will culminate in a Festive Finale with the Hyde Fundraisers who will be bringing along an array of characters from Doctor Who and Star Wars (both Saturday 30th).

Write Festival takes place at various venues in South Tyneside from Wednesday 30th

August-Saturday 30th September.

www.theword.org/write-festival

Dilettante

MUSIC OUSEBURN FOLK @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Ali Welford

Few venues foster communities as effectively as The Cumberland Arms, whose role in enriching local music is epitomised by its annual Ouseburn Folk weekender. From Thursday 21st-Sunday 24th September, the old hilltop venue plays host to an assortment of events and activities tailored for folkies of every persuasion – from old timers and familiar faces to newcomers still uncovering the scene’s

myriad offerings.

Perhaps most eye-catching are the two evening shows. Following the success of July’s debut Folk In Bloom event, characterful ensemble Brierdene program another cosy night in on Thursday featuring themselves, traditional European dance troupe Hearken Quartet and exciting student trio The Hop. Friday, meanwhile, sees the return of Cumberland alumni Kari Macleod with her band The Fugitives, with support from newly minted Scottish duo Amy Leach & Alasdair Paul and traditional interpreter Sam Baxter. Ouseburn Folk, though, is equally geared towards inclusion and participation in projects the whole family can enjoy. To that end, the

weekend offers a free ceilidh on the pub terrace led by Ruth Brown and Nathan Armstrong (Friday), performances from local traditional dance teams and Singing for Kids led by Becky Graham (Saturday), plus a showcase of the recently established Ouseburn Folk Choir and a chilled afternoon of global folk music courtesy of resident DJ Stagger Lee (Sunday). Visit the Cumberland’s website for full details and get yourself involved!

Ouseburn Folk takes place at The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle from Thursday 21st-Sunday 24th September.

www.thecumberlandarms.co.uk

www.newcastlefestivalofjazzandimprovisedmusic.co.uk

Sam Baxter

MUSIC JOSHUA RAY WALKER @ THE CLUNY 2

Words: Niamh Poppleton

Critically acclaimed, Texas-born singersongwriter Joshua Ray Walker will perform his distinctive country pop music The Cluny 2 on Sunday 3rd September.

The event comes after the release of his latest album What Is It Even? This inspired musical piece is an 11-track covers compilation of many amazing songs, including Linger by The Cranberries and Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O’ Connor. It’s an album borne from wanting to “…make something fun” as Joshua himself explains, though it truly came to being when on tour he joked about the idea of the Blues Brothers singing the Whitney Houston classic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Titular inspiration devolving from a YouTube comment, What Is It Even? is Joshua’s homage to the women of pop he believes have positively impacted his life; singing along to Sia and Beyonce helped him to uncover his impressive vocal range and musical talents. As a whole, the album is an endorsement of being who you feel you are and the importance of identity in seeking freedom from the judgement of others. It’s likely that audiences can expect Joshua’s own incredible authentic country sounds alongside some carefully chosen covers.

Joshua Ray Walker plays The Cluny 2, Newcastle on Sunday 3rd September. www.joshuaraywalker.com

EVENTS NORTH SEA WEEKENDER @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

The North Sea Weekender is a smorgasbord of events on the glorious North East coast which features surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, yoga experiences, special one-off music shows, a silent disco and more. Attendees can get involved in great family-friendly events on Saturday 23rd September at Cullercoats beach, while Tynemouth Surf Co will host the annual Tynemouth Surf Open on Longsands beach on Saturday 30th September and Sunday 1st October. The men’s and women’s shortboard, longboard and SUP surf comps will be on the Saturday, while the Surfing England Junior Surf Series will run on the Sunday. Plus, you’ll be able to get flexible with Shore Yoga’s series of workshops taking place throughout the month. These workshops are designed to cater to all abilities and ages.

The programme also features some brilliant one-off shows featuring talented musicians. North Shields’ alt. indie songwriter Liam Fender will play two gigs at Salt Market Social on Friday 15th-Saturday 16th September, while surfer, filmmaker and guitarist Lee-Ann Curren and local musician Michael Curran’s Deaf Fiction will perform at Tynemouth Watch House on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September respectively.

North Sea Weekender takes place at various venues throughout September. www.northseawkndr.com

MUSIC WITCH FEVER @ THE FORUM MUSIC CENTRE

Words: Lily Pratt

A band known to wildly reject any sort of social and musical conformity, Witch Fever are set to perform at Darlington’s Forum Music Centre on Wednesday 6th September.

The Manchester group draw on the conflict and clash of punk and rock to nurture a similarly heated and piercing sound, which Steve Lamacq has even described as being able to “scorch lawns and burn down buildings”. Amy, Alex, Alisha and Annabelle embody the doom-laden fierceness of punk; the grittiness and scrappiness of rock and metal is also ingrained within their music, and through their enigmatic and almost hypnotic stage presence the band are certainly one to watch.

Witch Fever are also vocal when it comes to political and social issues, making their music even more poignant as it may also be considered to be a proponent for social justice. The quartet are thus ready to hit the stage like lightning, hoping to incinerate everything with their blistering sound.

What’s more, the gig is part of the National Lottery’s United By Music Tour, which means every National Lottery player who buys a ticket gets a ‘plus one’ for free.

Witch Fever play The Forum Music Centre, Darlington on Wednesday 6th September. www.witchfever.com

Joshua Ray Walker by David McClister

MUSIC ANGEL DU$T @ WORLD HEADQUARTERS

Words: Cameron Wright

Brand New Soul is the latest drop from hardcore group Angel Du$t and, like the rest of their discography, the release packs a punch. In just a matter of years, Angel Du$t have become one of the most adventurous acts on the punk circuit, routinely pushing the boundaries of their sound. The American rock group cite their new release as the most potent encapsulation of frontman Justin Tripp’s vision to date, Angel Du$t’s return to Newcastle’s World Headquarters on Saturday 16th September promises to be energetic, engaging and undeniably anarchic.

With the new record teased as a celebration of rock and alternative culture, Brand New Soul promises to be as forward-thinking as ever, becoming a melding pot of the newest sounds and styles in the hardcore movement. If their last performance in Newcastle is

anything to go by, I can attest that the performance will be as raw and direct as the music suggests, with utterly involved performances that resonate with the whole crowd.

Angel Du$t play World Headquarters, Newcastle on Saturday 16th September.

www.linktr.ee/angeldustmoney

MUSIC AN EVENING WITH HOWIE REEVE @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Lee Fisher

Well folks, promoters Prancey Dog have really pulled it out of the bag with this one – it’s a line-up for the ages at The Cumberland Arms on Sunday 24th September. For starters, it’s always excellent to see local folk heroes Nev Clay and Yakka Doon on a poster together. Clay is the meandering poet of melancholy and small details, Yakka Doon plays and sings like a

crystal-clear mountain stream, and the two of them would be bill enough. But no, we also get Frise Lumière (aka Ludovic Gerst) who treat his bass guitar as a percussion instrument (not unlike Ex-Easter Island Head) and gives us a taut, post-punk/minimalist sound that’s as immersive as it is unusual.

And topping a bill already bursting with delights, we get to watch Howie Reeve, he of the broad grin and short trousers, one of the best-loved musicians on the underground circuit, revered for both his talents and for his all-round lovely-person-ness. Reeve’s music –made with just an acoustic bass and occasionally his voice – occupies a unique space between folk, punk (especially the kind of folk played by fellow Scots like Dog Faced Hermans), jazz and improv. A serial collaborator (The Ex, NoMeansNo, Mike Watt etc) and seemingly endless touring musician, the man is the living embodiment of The Minutemen’s ‘jam econo’ ethos.

Howie Reeve, Frise Lumière, Yakka Doon and Nev Clay play The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle on Sunday 24th September. www.howiereeve.bandcamp.com

Angel Du$t by Elyza Reinhart

EVENTS

FESTIVAL OF THRIFT @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Jonathan Coll

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, the population’s shopping habits have adapted accordingly. Sites like Freecycle and Gumtree have furnished the nation’s home, and Vinted has made an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Teesside’s Festival of Thrift has been a long-standing highlight on the region’s festival calendar, and returns for 2023 in a

new Tees Valley location. This year taking place on Saturday 23rd-Sunday 24th September across Billingham town centre and adjacent John Whitehead park, the previous editions of the festival earned praise from the likes of the Guardian for championing sustainability and creativity.

New Creative Directors Dominic Somers and Tanya Steinhauser have been installed for this year’s edition and will focus on entertainment and inspirational ways to be creative and thrifty in everyday life. Visitors can expect a vast array of workshops and performances alongside stalls, food and drink and activities which aim to help inspire and educate. Highlights include the popular fashion show

Conscious Threads; performance from Autin Dance Theatre, which aims to ignite dialogue around the climate emergency; IOU Theatre present The Wheel, a giant mobile remote-controlled kinetic sculpture; Motionhouse’s WILD is a daring dance-circus production which explores our relationship with the natural environment; and The Hidden Music of Trees is a magical outdoor installation by sound artist Jason Singh in which visitors can experience music generated by trees through an app. Festival of Thrift takes place at venues in Billingham on Saturday 23rd-Sunday 24th September.

www.festivalofthrift.co.uk

Open House

Autin Dance Theatre, Eko crawling at BIDF, image by Peter Lopeman

MUSIC BLACKOUT THE ARCADE @ AVALON

Words: Jake Anderson

Alt. rock quartet Blackout The Arcade present their very own Blackout Festival, an all-day event in their home town of Darlington, which will take place on Saturday 16th September at Avalon Bar & Terrace.

The venue is an apt one, as the locale is the

centre-piece for the story of their newest single. Avalon is another electric rock anthem from the band, which builds upon their most recent endeavours while delivering a sound that captures their lively indie aesthetic. Clearly in celebratory mode, the band’s mini-festival features a well-curated line-up of local luminaries and up and comers. Darlington’s own Luke Royalty will perform his intimate tunes which splice endearing confessionals with alt. hip-hop vibes; Geordie trio Bear Park have been blasting their bangers for a few years now and the group are known for their powerful guitar-led

bangers; Newcastle five-piece Palma Louca include a hazy ambience into their sonically interesting songs; while local rapper Muzz incorporates his Northern identity into powerful lyrics. The undoubted stars of the show will Blackout The Arcade themselves, whose ignitable energy and excitable indie rock charm will top the night off with aplomb. Blackout The Arcade, Luke Royalty, Bear Park, Palma Louca and Muzz play Avalon Bar & Terrace, Darlington on Saturday 16th September. The band release new single, Avalon, on 14th September.

www.linktr.ee/blackout_the_arcade

MUSIC LORELLE MEETS THE OBSOLETE @ THE CLUNY 2

Words: Jason Jones

“We liked the idea of a flower that opens at night,” explains Lorena Quintanilla, singer and guitarist of Mexican duo Lorelle Meets The Obsolete, when talking about the band’s sixth album Datura. Indeed, the genus of plant from which the release takes its name is a highly poisonous, potently hallucinogenic member of the nightshade family, and a fitting moniker for a record that is as dark as it is beguiling – one that lurches and lunges between brooding post-punk grooves, propulsive blasts of industrial hip-hop, and expansive passages of psych-tinged no wave. It is, in short, a project that is wonderfully unsettling and deliciously gloomy.

Alongside fellow guitarist Alberto Gonzalez, Quintanilla brings Lorelle Meets The Obsolete to The Cluny 2 on Tuesday 19th September for a show that promises to delve into a back catalogue which spans everything from the lean, bruising bombast of their latest work to the trippy, atmospheric freak-outs on which the pair so astutely cut their teeth. Support is provided by Leeds’ Lots of Hands, themselves an exquisite sketchbook study in intriguingly off-kilter songsmithery, as well as local newcomers Saint Dread, who peddle a shudderingly emotive brand of grimly elegant blues balladry.

Lorelle Meets The Obsolete, Lots of Hands and Saint Dread play The Cluny 2, Newcastle on Tuesday 19th September.

www.obsoletelorelle.bandcamp.com

COMEDY MARKUS BIRDMAN @ THE WITHAM/FORUM MUSIC CENTRE

Words: Jake Anderson

Skilful storyteller Markus Birdman performs at The Witham in Barnard Castle on Friday 29th September and returns to the region at Forum Music Centre in Darlington on Thursday 26th October. Birdman got to the semi-finals of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent, making a sizeable impression on both the judges and audience. After his nomination for the 2023 Chortle Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Birdman is throwing himself back on stage with a show that bluntly opens with the mention of his stroke in 2021, and subsequently going into detail on the comedian’s experience with the medical condition. Discussing the lack of visitors that he was allowed, to losing half his eyesight and an embarrassing confrontation with another blind man, Birdman’s goal is not to make you feel pity, but to deliver a feeling of awe and admiration – on top giving the audience many laughs.

Birdman’s performance has been described as respectful and a torrent of formidable laughs, with a gripping story to underpin it. “I have had a unique experience about a topic, often sniggered over,” he comments, “I’m keen to make you laugh, but also to raise a little awareness. Well done me! (Ahem!)”

Markus Birdman performs at The Witham, Barnard Castle on Friday 29th September and Forum Music Centre, Darlington on Thursday 26th October.

www.markusbirdmantour.com

STAGE MR PUNCH @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

Written and performed by Steve Byron and Joana Geronimo and directed by Paula Penman, Mr Punch is performed at Alphabetti Theatre this month, and tells the story of Norman, a solitary and now lonely figure of fun, with a dependence for drink and a long life of self-destruction and small mindedness. Norman has returned from a funeral carrying his recent departed father’s life in a suitcase. A father whom he blames for his actions, situations and what the world might call a ‘wasted life’. When a faraway family move in next door – Norman’s attitudes, pity-party and beliefs may have to change. But there’s no show without Punch.

Mr Punch is told against the backdrop of 21st Century Britain, with the use of puppetry and extremely dark humour. Byron and Geronimo’s previous work has received positive reviews from The Stage and The British Theatre Guide; the pair have been praised for the engaging, funny and provocative nature of their work.

Mr Punch will run at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle between Tuesday 12th-Saturday 30th September, with tickets available on a pay what you feel basis until 16th September.

www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

Lorelle Meets the Obsolete by Fernando A. de la Rosa

MUSIC POLYVINYL

EP LAUNCH @

THREE TANNERS BANK

Words: Jake Anderson

South Tyneside’s new-wave and post-punk group Polyvinyl may have formed in 2021, but the five-piece have been meticulously crafting an excellent debut EP for their fans over the past few years. CLOSURE will be available for streaming from 8th September, with the release delving into the stages of grief.

Comprised of five songs, one for each stage of grief, the songs exist within their own spaces but all lock in place for a lyrically expressive experience. The EP takes the listener on a roller-coaster of emotion, from the heartfelt denial of Headlights to the aggressive, punk-inspired Modern Art People, selfreflective ballad Blind and indie pop single It’s Raining Somewhere Else.

The addition to their discography will see the band taking the stage at Three Tanners Bank in North Shields on Saturday 9th September for a launch celebration. With previous shows unafraid to push the envelope somewhat when it comes to set design and even over-the-top satirical hosts, for this show the band have promised it’ll be an impressive night and a unique experience for fans, who are offered a free ticket if they’re willing to dress to impress and don a suit for the occasion in tribute to the band’s own dress code.

Polyvinyl launch CLOSURE EP at Three Tanners Bank, North Shields on Saturday 9th September.

www.linktr.ee/polyvinylband

MUSIC KATHRYN WILLIAMS & POLLY PAULUSMA @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Jason Jones

Kathryn Williams and Polly Paulusma met on a songwriting retreat, which is fitting, because they are two of the finest writers of songs that this country currently boasts. Label buddies on One Little Independent Records and firm friends, the pair have been long-time collaborators in various forms, but are finally heading out on the road together with The Big Sky Tour.

On Sunday 17th September they will be visiting the Old Cinema Launderette in Durham, before returning to the region to play The Common Room in Newcastle on Friday 6th October.

For her part, Williams is a Mercury-nominated artist with 16 albums under her belt and a hurricane of critical acclaim in her sails. Polymathic by nature, she is also a novelist, a podcast host, an artist and has worked with the likes of Paul Weller, Ed Harcourt, Beth Neillson Chapman and Michele Stodart. Likewise, Paulusma is no stranger to rubbing shoulders with some of the most illustrious names in music, having provided support for dizzying heavyweights such as Bob Dylan, Jamie Cullum and Marianne Faithfull, while her debut album, 2004’s Scissors In My Pocket, earned her glowing comparisons to folk matriarch Joni Mitchell. Whether it is on the banks of the Wear or the Tyne, these shows will be a treat not to be missed.

Kathryn Williams and Polly Paulusma play Old Cinema Launderette, Durham on Sunday 17th September and The Common Room, Newcastle on Friday 6th October.

www.kathrynwilliams.co.uk

www.pollypaulusma.com

COMEDY TYNE TRAVEL @ THE STAND

Words: Cameron Wright

Any fan of Newcastle’s comedy scene should have come across Raul Kohli and Mike Milligan by now. Kohli has been relentlessly touring the circuit with his wry, often surreal political observations on British (and particularly Northern) sensibilities; while Mike Milligan has crafted a reputation for his quick wit and sharp audience rapport as well as having written for shows such as Byker Grove and Catherine Cookson dramas.

Combined, the duo make Tyne Travel, a podcast show that delves deeper into Northern identity, uprooting the history of Newcastle and its surrounding areas, digging far into the heritage of the city, the defining moments in its legacy, and its role now in the country’s ongoing theatrics. On their journey back into the past, the duo take time to shed light on how these events and experiences have moulded the very particular identity and pride that the Northumbrians have crafted for themselves. The podcast looks at the humour, masculinity and the camaraderie of the North, drawing parallels between the old and the new.

With the podcast gaining traction, they’re delivering a live panel show at The Stand on Monday 18th September which delves into all aspects of the North East, from the hidden secrets to the hilarious anecdotes. They’ll be joined by Northumbrians author Dan Jackson, making it a show for any fan of Newcastle, history or comedy!

Tyne Travel: The History of the North East, Why I Man? What It Means To Be A Northumbrian is at The Stand, Newcastle on Monday 18th September.

www.raulkohli.com

www.mikemilligan.co.uk

Polyvinyl

ART & LIT MIKE NELSON: HYBRID SCRIPTS @ NGCA

Words: Lily Pratt

An artist renowned for sculptural art which interrogates the confluence between dystopia and colonialism, Mike Nelson is bringing his solo exhibition Hybrid Scripts to Sunderland’s Northern Gallery For Contemporary Art for the first time in thirty years from Saturday 23rd

September-Sunday 21st January 2024. Twice nominated for the Turner Prize, Nelson’s work is striking in its dialogue between the earthly and extraterrestrial, and the exhibition illustrates a search for human meaning as well as reflecting individual meaning itself. This is most poignantly seen through the conversation between Taylor and Lionheart, his two early sculptural installations. Lionheart is named after King Richard, an imperialist crusader, whilst Taylor is an ode to the fictive astronaut George Taylor, as well as a warehouse in Liverpool. It can therefore be said that there is a convergence between

TEES FOLK 23 20

manual labour and the quest for knowledge within his art. Nelson’s installations also react and reflect on human movements, both political and social, and his exhibition at NGCA will ruminate on pervasive themes of migration and trade. Nelson’s art so hauntingly blurs the line between fiction and reality, and perhaps even demonstrates a shadowed, yet sharp reflection of our own humanity. Mike Nelson’s Hybrid Scripts will be on display at Northern Gallery For Contemporary Art, Sunderland from Saturday 23rd SeptemberSunday 21st January 2024.

www.mikenelson.org.uk

Mike Nelson, Lionheart, 1997. Installation view, The New Art Gallery Walsall, 2018. Photo: Jonathan Shaw. Courtesy the artist and 303 Gallery, New York; Galleria Franco Noero, Turin; Matt’s Gallery, London; and neugerriemschneider, Berlin.

ART & LIT PROJECT ART WORKS: RESIDENTIAL @ BALTIC

Words: Jason Jones

This month marks the beginning of a celebratory exhibition showcasing the fruits of a year-long collaboration with Project Art Works by, and at, Gateshead’s BALTIC.

Residential opens on Saturday 23rd September, and will represent the culmination of an undertaking that has aimed to raise awareness and build relationships between the Gateshead gallery, neurodiverse communities, artists and caregivers in the region.

Taking over the Ground Floor exhibition room, the retrospective will bring together research and learning from the partnership, as well as providing a programme of workshops and events for audiences.

Residential also forms part of Explorers, a national scheme designed to increase the visibility and presence of neurodivergent artists in contemporary art. Vibrant and powerful, the show will present over fifty works, many of which are large-scale paintings, while a new film by Project Art Works examines the subtle and expansive nature of speaking and non-speaking communication.

Commenting on the exhibition, gallery director Sarah Munro said: “Project Art Works’ important work with neurodivergent communities and individuals resonates very strongly with BALTIC’s vision, to deeply root inclusivity and diversity in all our practices and projects.”

Project Art Works: Residential is at BALTIC, Gateshead from Saturday 23rd September until Sunday 25th February 2024.

www.projectartworks.org

COMEDY

CARL HUTCHINSON @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Cameron Wright

Carl Hutchinson has been a big name on the Northern circuit for some time now. For over a decade, the Geordie act has been relentlessly touring his routines and delivering five star performances night after night.

With glowing reviews from The Fringe Review and Chortle magazine, 2022 saw the comic embark on a daunting 87 date run, tenaciously bringing his act across the UK and ensuing hilarity up and down the country.

As a close friend of fellow Newcastle comedian Chris Ramsey, Hutchinson’s profile has grown with his frequent support slots on Ramsey’s tours. Fans of Ramsey’s energetic, animated style, which observes life’s relatable idiosyncrasies will fall in love with Hutchinson’s brand of dynamic, universal comedy.

With twists and turns, a Hutchinson show promises unexpected laughs and an affable charm which distinguishes him as one of the sharpest artists in the trade. His new show, Watch Till The End, will be performed at multiple venues in the region, leaving you no excuse not to catch this dynamite comic.

Carl Hutchinson plays Darlington Hippodrome on Friday 1st, Durham’s Gala Theatre on Saturday 23rd and Middlesbrough Town Hall on Friday 29th September, plus two dates at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Friday 24th-Saturday 25th November.

www.carlhutchinson.net

MUSIC THE BEVIS FROND @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Lee Fisher

Despite being in bands for more than fifty years and The Bevis Frond existing since the mid-eighties, Nick Saloman is a long way from being a household name (even after a triumphant Countdown appearance in 1991). But to those in the know, the man is a legend, especially in the States among the New Weird America/Ptolemaic Terrascope set.

The Bevis Frond (essentially Saloman in the studio playing everything, with a varying band for gigs) have released a couple of dozen ‘proper’ albums, all defined by a particularly searing kind of psychedelia that’s often melodically fantastic but also pretty gnarly at times: if you imagine a cross between a Hendrix-worshipping sixties Brit psych band, a seventies frazzled acid rock monstrosity and late eighties Pacific North West outfits like Dead Moon, you’re on the right track. All of which is a delicious preamble to announcing that the magnificent Hapless Museum Worker is bringing Bevis Frond to Newcastle as part of a short autumn tour. They’ll be melting the walls of the Cumberland Arms with their deep-fried riffs on Wednesday 13th September and joy will be unbounded. The Bevis Frond play The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle on Wednesday 13th September.

www.bevisfrond.bandcamp.com

Albert Geere, House with Red Window, 2011 (c) Project Art Works

INTERVIEWS ART & LIT

PAULINE MURRAY

AHEAD OF THE RELEASE OF HER AUTOBIOGRAPHY, NORTH EAST PUNK ICON PAULINE MURRAY TALKS TO FRANÇOISE HARVEY ABOUT HER REMARKABLE CAREER, THE PITFALLS OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND STAYING TRUE TO HER INDEPENDENT SPIRIT IMAGE BY AMELIA READ

Pauline Murray is a not a fan of promotion, “but it has to be done,” she says, pragmatically. It’s difficult, sometimes, to gauge people’s energy on Zoom (which is how we’re talking), but though she’s polite and forthright, it does feel that she’d rather be almost anywhere else. I’m not sure if I’m imagining it. I know from reading the North East punk icon’s autobiography, Life’s A Gamble: Penetration, The Invisible Girls and Other Stories – the very book we’re here to discuss – that she grew sick of interviews, so perhaps I’m projecting. But when she holds up a copy of her book for me to admire as she enthuses about how beautifully made it is (the cover and page design, the pleasingly thick paper), she drops her guard completely, and I realise I’m not being over-sensitive. Murray just doesn’t like talking about herself.

The writing in the book is incredible too, by the way. It’s lyrical and succinct – a truly amazing life story told unmistakeably in Murray’s own voice. I’m astonished she hasn’t written prose before (no, lyrics only, she confirms). When I say this to her, she looks relieved. The book, she tells me, wasn’t going to be a book – she just wanted to write down her life for her children, and it was friends who suggested it be published. It was difficult, at times, to write it – but as with everything she puts her mind to, she was determined to see it though.

A quiet teenager, Pauline Murray always loved music. She didn’t get much involved with college activities, preferring instead to go to various gigs. She saw early shows by the Sex Pistols and Buzzcocks in the mid-1970s, and was drawn to the energy and ideals of the punk scene. So, when, in March 1976, she was asked by a friend to sing in his band, she said yes. The band became Penetration, and Murray its striking frontwoman and lyricist – and there followed three frenetic years and a meteoric rise.

But that summary doesn’t do justice to the pressure she and her bandmates were under. They were thrust into a relentless cycle of performance and writing, travelling to gigs from their base in Ferryhill (in a van once spat on by Sid Vicious – they circled the splat in felt pen and labelled it ‘Sid’s Gob’), with industry managers constantly nipping at their heels for them to do more, be more, make more money. When the band finally split in 1979, their management company sent them a bill. The first page of it is printed in the book, and it alone amounts to £19,000. Yes, that’s the correct number of zeroes. “It was very, very disillusioning,” Murray says now. “The whole thing. It was very unfair.” Murray was just 21.

Now in her 60s, she unsurprisingly remains sceptical of the music industry. I ask her if she thinks much has changed at all for upcoming musicians – are they armed with more knowledge and so less likely to be ripped off, or does she think the industry has found new ways to shaft artists? “Always, always, always,” she says, vehemently. “Now they’re buying up people’s back catalogues, and it’s just, I don’t know how much more they can exploit things, but they do.” Artists are treated as content providers, she tells me, in every aspect of the arts. She brings up AI, as well: “Creative art is redundant, because they can take all the creative aspects, jumble them up, and rewrite some of those with little bits that are different. They’ve got all the good stuff.”

YOU THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS SHIT. AND YOU HAD TO GO OUT AND PROVE THAT YOU HAD AN ALTERNATIVE TO WHAT YOU SAID WAS SHIT

And then there’s the issue of access to music for working-class kids these days: “Everything is about money.”

She would have preferred her own children not get involved in the music industry at all, but they both are – unsurprisingly, given the family lineage set out in Life’s A Gamble. Murray’s family on her mother’s side are musicians and performers, though also burned by the industry in their own ways (“My mother would try and warn me and go, you know, blah, blah it’s a terrible business.”) And despite her own experiences, Murray herself kept being drawn back. When Penetration split, she carried on recording and writing on her own terms as Pauline Murray and the Invisible Girls, working to get critically acclaimed music heard by more than, well, just the critics. At one stage, burnt out, she quit – but was eventually drawn back in. Penetration reformed in 2001.

But before it became a music genre, punk was, Murray reminds me, an ideology: “You thought everything was shit. And you had to go out and prove that you had an alternative to what you said was shit.” So, punk to the core, she started Polestar Studios in 1990 – an independent rehearsal and studio space to support musicians in Newcastle. Polestar has been a creative hub in Newcastle for 30 years now, though, Murray tells me angrily and sadly, as with many creative places, Polestar was badly impacted by the Covid years. The rehearsal rooms have had to be closed, but the recording studio has been updated. Given all this, if Murray could talk to her young self on the cusp of forming Penetration, what would she say to her? Murray thinks for a moment. “I don’t think my old self would be able to stop my young self from doing exactly what she wanted. I was very headstrong. But I have no regrets, actually. Everything I’ve learned from all of that, I’ve applied to other things in life. Like setting up Polestar – I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I hadn’t done music. So, you know, I’d probably say: ‘yeah, go and do it’.”

Life’s A Gamble: Penetration, The Invisible Girls and Other Stories by Pauline Murray is published on 14th September. She tells stories from her autobiography, accompanied by Q&A sessions and acoustic performances, at The Holy GrAle, Durham on Sunday 10th and The Common Room, Newcastle on Thursday 21st September. www.paulinemurrayx.com

HEAR MORE ABOUT PAULINE MURRAY’S LIFE AND WORK AS A WRITER IN FRAN HARVEY’S MY WRITING LIFE PODCAST, AVAILABLE NOW VIA SPOTIFY AND ON OUR E-ZINE

WWW.BIT.LY/NARCEZINE10

PETER BREWIS

DAWN STOREY DISCOVERS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE FIELD MUSIC ARTIST’S LATEST SOLO RECORD

Whether you know Peter Brewis from Field Music or from one of his other creative ventures (including Frozen by Sight with Paul Smith and You Tell Me with Sarah Hayes), you’re probably aware that he’s a man who’s had his fingers in a lot of musical pies – and he’s about to add to his impressive discography with his second solo release.

“I’ve always got little bits of music knocking about that I’m just wondering what to do with,” says Peter, “and I’ve been trying to think of ways to use it that weren’t songs. I like classical music – Beethoven and Stravinsky – and I like a lot of instrumental music. I didn’t want to make something that was electronic and dance music. So I thought ‘Ok, how can I use these synthesisers that I’ve had lying around in the Field Music studio for ages just gathering dust?’”

The brilliantly named Blowdry Colossus comprises mostly instrumental tunes filled with playful synthesisers and joyous harmonies, and was heavily influenced by Japan and Japanese culture. “The Yellow Magic Orchestra is a big thing for me but also Studio Ghibli movies and Nintendo games,” explains Peter. “I never really let that creep into what I’ve done before but I think with an instrumental thing I felt allowed to do that. But obviously there’s a sense of humour in it – or I hope there is –which I like to think is authentically me. I’m a sort of North East nomad. I’m kind of a Mackem but I was a Sand Dancer when I was growing up and I’ve lived in Newcastle as well, so I think the humour’s quite North Eastern.”

The only vocals on the album appear on Dog Bark Dark,

courtesy of Peter’s brother and Field Music bandmate David, who also helped with some of the music. “He’s been really good,” says Peter gratefully. “He’s got a mathematical brain so he can program the more difficult synthesisers. I just don’t have the patience or the mental capacity. There were times where I’d be scratching my head and he’d say ‘How about this?’, so he co-wrote two of the tracks really because he came up with the tunes.”

There are a variety of styles on the LP, including the funky Generation Dial Up and Second Hand Slow and lo-fi last track, Panda Tonic. “I think it needed to have a moment of stillness and contemplation after all the wacky sounds,” explains Peter. Some of the melodies are reminiscent of 80s or 90s computer games. “My son and I were playing a lot of early Mario games and I was just thinking they sound so daft but the actual composition of the tunes makes them memorable and so brilliant. I worked quite hard on it all but I wanted it to be quite whimsical.”

There’ll be a short November tour to promote the album, including a date at Sunderland’s Pop Recs on Friday 3rd November. “I’m hoping to rope in the old Field Music keyboard player, Andy Moore and Dave [Brewis] and Sarah Hayes, my You Tell Me partner,” says Peter. “She plays flute and keyboard to a very high standard – probably too good for us, really! And I think I’ll just play drums – I’ll let everybody else play all the hard stuff!”

Peter Brewis releases Blowdry Colossus via Daylight Saving Records on 22nd September. He performs at Pop Recs Ltd., Sunderland on Friday 3rd November. www.daylightsavingrecords.bandcamp.com

Image by Frank Styles

THERE’S A SENSE OF HUMOUR IN IT – OR I HOPE THERE IS – WHICH I LIKE TO THINK IS AUTHENTICALLY ME

HANNAH PEEL MUSIC

Hannah Peel is fast turning into one of those multi-hyphenate artists whose accomplishments can take up the bulk of a word count: experimental musician, in-demand soundtrack composer, voracious collaborator, radio DJ/host, restless innovator… But behind each of those dry labels you’ll find something magical, like the cosmic brass bands of Mary Casio or the evocative soundscapes of Chalk Hill Blue, her gorgeous but troubling collaboration with poet Will Burns. But we’re here to talk about her Fir Wave tour, which brings her to Sage Gateshead on Wednesday 27th September – a couple of years after its pandemic-stymied release.

The germ of Fir Wave was an approach from revered library music company KPM, who invited Peel to provide a modern response to their Electrosonic album. “I’d heard about KPM before, and their library archive,” Peel explains, “but had never thought about making a record for them until they approached me about making a ‘new’ version of Electrosonic. It’s got a quite a mysterious edge to it, that album – primarily because the composers changed their names to avoid issues with their contracts at the BBC. But I love the sounds and the titles… Quest, The Wizard’s Laboratory, Busy Microbes; I imagine it being used on many ‘70s TV science programmes and documentaries.”

In the end, the Fir Wave project only used small elements of Electrosonic (used to create new digital instruments) but Peel seems to enjoy setting herself limits or puzzles to solve as an impetus to creation and this certainly fit the bill. “Library music is much like a documentation of time too,” she adds. “The sounds and styles tell you what was popular at that moment. So, I started to think what was relevant now and to me it was nature, patterns, eco-awareness and especially because I live at the coast here in Northern Ireland, observing the changing sea

and light daily, is so inspiring. It was also lockdown too at the time, and so much emphasis was looking inward and to the way we live, it was natural to comment on that in the music.”

The album’s immersive, evolving soundworld has proved quite a challenge to prepare for live performance. “I released the record in 2021 thinking that it would never tour. It was written in some senses without a live plan in mind, which has meant it’s a bit trickier to put together now.” The decision to tour it arose from a Kings Place Artist Residency. Peel will be performing solo with synths, violin and piano and is taking a lighting designer on the road to create something unique at each venue.

Peel is winning acclaim for her soundtrack work of late –productions like The Last Watch and Sky’s Midwich Cuckoos adaptation – and she’s understandably pleased with this new stage in her practice. “It’s taken me years to get here, I adore film and TV as an art form and always wanted to make soundtracks. Creating the score for The Midwich Cuckoos was very special to me because of the creative freedom and the use of synths and sound. The creator David Farr would often say ‘…make it darker!’ which doesn’t happen very often. I’d love to explore more sci-fi with that level of nonconformity…the next new Blade Runner film or TV series… yes please!”

Hannah Peel performs Fir Wave at Sage Gateshead on Wednesday 27th September. www.hannahpeel.com

HANNAH PEEL IS BRINGING HER REMARKABLE FIR WAVE TOUR TO GATESHEAD THIS MONTH. LEE FISHER TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO HER ABOUT LIBRARY MUSIC, SOUNDTRACKS AND MAKING IT DARKER

SO MUCH EMPHASIS WAS LOOKING INWARD AND TO THE WAY WE LIVE, IT WAS NATURAL TO COMMENT ON THAT IN THE MUSIC

Image by Peter Marley

GENERATOR LIVE

AMY MCGARAHAN DISCOVERS HOW GENERATOR’S LIVE MUSIC CELEBRATION ALSO AIMS TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER LOCAL ARTISTS

Generator have nurtured and developed talent in the North East over the past 30 years, and Generator Live is a culmination of the work they do. Their flagship all-day celebration of North East music returns to Newcastle’s Boiler Shop on Saturday 16th September with a jam-packed line-up. Generator have developed the programme through artist applications, beneficiaries and nominations “to keep it eclectic, relevant and avoid nepotism” as Social Media and Marketing Coordinator Pippa Morgan and Helen Walkinshaw, Head of Creative Development, explain: “It’s very much a community effort and reflects the whole region.”

The event is spearheaded by headliners Little Comets, who will play a rare home-town headline set which will showcase their captivating, catchy music. Joining them on the line-up is rapper and producer Dylan Cartlidge, who incorporates his love for funk, soul, hip-hop, gospel, rock and R&B into his music; critically acclaimed garage punk rock and roll band Avalanche Party; Tik-Tok teen sensation Merczz will collaborate with soulful Teesside singer-songwriter Sisi to showcase their talent that goes way beyond their years; another young talent, Lizzie Esau will show off her songwriting prowess, with the help from her live band who have had a jam-packed festival season, performing everywhere from Tramlines to Boardmasters; Me Lost Me’s inspirational take on folk, art pop, noise, ambient and improvised music results in an experimental folk sound; Teesside rabble-rousers Benefits will showcase their noisy, political songs from their debut album NAILS, which was released to rave reviews in April; Hannabiell & Midnight Blue fuse together Afro-Caribbean and Latin percussion, jazz, Afro-beat and funk to create a unique party atmosphere; four-woman alt. rock band VENUS GRRRLS have gained radio attention for their punchy, empowering singles; and part-time chef, full-time singer-songwriter Ernie will unveil his introspective take alternative rock sounds. Newcastle’s longest

running underground nightclub, World Headquarters, will curate the after-party on the Electronic Stage, which will feature five stellar DJs to keep festival-goers dancing through the night. Generator Live isn’t just about a one-day celebration though; Generator’s ethos involves working with artists continuously throughout their talent development journey to bring out their best sides. “Artist development programmes ensure we have opportunities for artists at all stages in their career, whether they’re looking to release their first single, or they’re ready to play a 1000 cap venue like Boiler Shop.” They explain.

Generator also aim to “work on developing the wider North East music industry infrastructure to support these artists, preventing them from having to move to cities like London in order to progress their careers.” A prime example of this approach is the Generator Live Conference, which will take place at The Common Room on Friday 15th September. “It’s a free day packed full of panels, workshops, industry advice sessions and networking opportunities for all to build on their skill set and progress their career – whether they’re an established artist, creative, manager or simply someone with an interest in music with a desire to forge a career in the industry.” Artists can gain access to industry professionals and discuss topics including the sustainability of club culture, how to deal with boundaries and burnout, the support available for women and gender minorities in the industry, and how to ensure a career in the industry for working class musicians.

Generator Live takes place on Saturday 16th September at Boiler Shop, Newcastle. www.generatorlive.org.uk

IT’S VERY MUCH A COMMUNITY EFFORT AND REFLECTS THE WHOLE REGION

T-B, L-R: Merczz, Little Comets, Venus Grrrls

JADE SWEETING

LAURA DOYLE TALKS TO THE MIDDLESBROUGH-BORN, NEWCASTLE-BASED ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER ABOUT HER DEBUT SOLO EXHIBITION, INSPIRED BY AND DEDICATED TO EVERY WOMAN WHO RIDES, GETS THEIR HANDS

DIRTY AND WANTS TO BE FREE

Biker culture isn’t for everyone, but Jade Sweeting seeks to shine a light on her motorcycling community in her debut solo exhibition, in the hopes that the same joy she feels on the back of her trusty chopper can be felt by anyone else if they so choose.

“It’s not just any motorbikes – it’s chopper bikes and culture – which means you build the bikes yourself. We’re talking Easy Rider, Harley-Davisons, custom bikes…it’s quite a niche thing in the UK. We’re still in the minority of motorcycle cultures amongst your sport bikes, super bikes, or standard stock bikes, but I think it’s definitely growing. What’s going on in style and fashion now kind of relates to a lot of biker culture back in the day, which is quite funny. Long beards, tattoos, and leather were underground. Not many people would have them because it meant that you might not get a job.”

For Jade, a growing appreciation of motorbikes (whichever you prefer) is no bad thing. As with any collaborative community, there’s very much a feeling of “the more the merrier,” especially when a community can span across an entire continent.

“Within chopper communities, it’s about engineering. You’re building something. These bikes we build are beautiful pieces of art. The body paint, working out every little bit of the engines, learning from each other and your pals and helping each other out. If someone’s broken down on the motorway, you put out a shout online to see who’s about, and there’ll be someone – one of your chopper pals that might live on the other side of the country – who’ll come to help out. We might all only meet up once a year, or you might not see some of your pals for three

THESE BIKES WE BUILD ARE BEAUTIFUL PIECES OF ART

years because they’re living in Europe, but they’ve still got your back.”

When it comes to encapsulating the community that welcomed Jade from the very beginning into their ranks, one might expect 900 Miles (from Home) to document the noble steeds that carry her friends and family on their ambitious missions across hell and high water. But instead, Jade has focussed on an aspect which she finds much more personal, intimate and oddly alluring for her first solo run.

“Originally I was thinking about this exhibition as how can I incorporate what turns me on about the motorbike. What is it that I love and as an artist how can I make it different to what I usually see in stuff about motorbikes. It’s just a lot of shots of motorbikes. For me there’s something about the leather jackets. I’ve always been fascinated by subcultures and fashion within subcultures, punk and whatnot. The jackets are like a second skin when you’re on your motorbike. It’s your protection, but it’s the identity within each different jacket. They all might look the same to everybody. But you’ll know your jacket…It’s quite intimate.”

Don’t think of Sons of Anarchy and outlaw gang patches –something which bona fide bikers find laughably cliched. Think worn leathers, second skins, microscopic wear and tear that make each article unique to its rider, undetectable to all except the owner. 900 Miles (from Home) is an exhibition about motorcycles for sure, but it’s as much about the people who ride them, their journeys and experiences, as it is the saddle they call home.

Jade Sweeting exhibits 900 Miles (from Home) at Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sunderland from Saturday 16th September-Sunday 21st January 2024.

www.northerngalleryforcontemporaryart.org.uk

Zip Study III (Perfecto by Schott), 2023, silver gelatin print. Courtesy of the artist

NEWCASTLE FESTIVAL OF JAZZ AND IMPROVISED MUSIC

MATT YOUNG TALKS TO ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER WESLEY STEPHENSON TO DISCUSS THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME’S HIGHLIGHTS AND THE PASSION FOR JAZZ MUSIC IN THE NORTH EAST THAT’S BIGGER THAN EVER

The Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improved Music takes place in the city from Friday 22nd September and across two glorious extended weekends from Thursday 28th September-Sunday 1st October and Thursday 5th-Sunday 8th October. Now in its seventh year the festival is an established musical highlight and this year’s programme includes some amazing new artists, who as Artistic Director and Producer Wesley Stephenson explains are “people who haven’t appeared in Newcastle before, who I really want to bring in, as that’s even more exciting for audiences to see these musicians perform. We work alongside the Arts Council and their values of diversity and equality are good ones; I tailor what I do when curating the programme.”

Well-known names and upcoming stars make up what Stephenson describes as “the most challenging and interesting programme yet” in the festival’s history across venues including Jesmond United Reform Church, which hosts Paul Edis and Graeme Wilson and Three Tsuru Origami (Friday 22nd September) and acclaimed pianist Zoe Rahman with a full band (Thursday 28th September). Another real coup are the performances of Jon Bradley, who will be playing the Edith Adamson Carillon, the built-in organ at Newcastle Civic Centre each Friday (22nd, 29th and 6th) from 3pm-4pm, reaching around 8,000 people in the Haymarket area and beyond with its

THESE PERFORMANCES ARE PART OF EXTENDING THE FESTIVAL BEYOND THE VENUES THEMSELVES AND HAVING AUDIENCES ENGAGE WITH JAZZ IN DIFFERING WAYS

unique and rare sounds. “These performances are part of extending the festival beyond the venues themselves and having audiences engage with jazz in differing ways.” Stephenson says. To that end, venues have been chosen to host performers that best showcase their music, providing interesting spaces like Jesmond United Reform Church, Bobiks, The Lit & Phil’s Society Members Library and Loftus Room, The Globe and Blank Studios.

Asking Wesley about his highlights and recommendations is akin to having a parent select their favourite child, as all the unique musicians and performances lined up bring something special and he’s rightly passionate about everything, however a few performances do come to mind. “Italian trumpet player Gabrielle Mitelli [Three Tsuru Origami, Jesmond United Reformed Church, Friday 22nd September] is rarely in the country. Rie Nakajima is an amazing sound/performance artist, Swiss trombone player Samuel Blaser with his trio, again is rarely in the country and I’ve been trying to book him since the festival started. Then there’s Laura Toxvaerd with Jeppe Zeeberg [all playing at The Lit & Phil on Saturday 7th October) – Laura’s a really wonderful saxophone player and Jeppe is a piano player out of this world, they’re going to be exceptional.”

There are so many great performers and line-ups to enjoy besides the highlights mentioned, so be sure to check out the full programme online and book your tickets ASAP as gigs can sell out fast.

Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improved Music takes place at various venues on Friday 22nd September, from Thursday 28th September-Sunday 1st October and Thursday 5th-Sunday 8th October.

www.newcastlefestivalofjazzandimprovisedmusic.co.uk

T-B, L-R: Zoe Rahman by Ilze Kitshoff, Jeppe Zeeberg, Laura Toxvaërd by Peter Gannushkin, Rie Nakajima by Hana Knizova

WAX HEART SODALITY

Image by Austin Tweddle

Wax Heart Sodality having been making a riot since 2019, developing a sound rooted in mania, noise and upheaval that is shaking things up across the North East. From the second the band walk on stage, each donning a wonderfully kitsch masquerade covering their face, their physical presence is as ominous and oddly foreboding as the music they create.

Having supported Walt Disco on tour, performed at high profile festivals including Stockton Calling and Whitby Goth Festival, and enjoyed extensive BBC Music Introducing airplay, the band are finally ready to drop their self-titled EP on 1st September, the day before they play at Darlington’s Last Train Home festival.

Quipping that their masks “liberate us from our societal form, removing any shackles that might inhibit our performance”, this sense of dismantlement is as equally pushed in their music, with lyrics tackling sloganism, elitism and classism. This dedication to strip away society’s veneer is as interesting as it is important, especially when these themes are paired with a barrage of sound like the one that booms from the EP. “Some may argue that to acknowledge or to dwell on the darker elements is of little benefit, but darkness needs to be acknowledged if we are to truly appreciate the light.” They explain.

Drawing comparisons to Bauhaus, Interpol, Joy Division and Danzig, Wax Heart Sodality have created a sound that revels in despair, dwelling on life’s inconsistencies and pairing it with a soundtrack of noise and escalating mania. From the chopping guitars that kick off Lick Skin/Taste Win, to the crescendo of sound that concludes it, the track traps the listener in its own world, with a unique twist on desperation – taking the perspective of those looking up from below the glass ceiling

OUR CURIOUS MINDS CRAVE TO KNOW THE UNKNOWN AND AS A RESULT, OUR AROUSED IMAGINATIONS RUN WILD

who lack the gloss and resources needed to get on and pleads, almost in a Dickensian manner, for the tiniest flavour of that success. It reeks of resentment, despair and maybe a little envy! With previous single Live, Laugh, Love having a waft of romanticism about it, various strains of gothic fantasising decorate the release, from the hopeful to the hopeless. The EP is loud, dramatic and unrelentingly harsh in every respect, and there is a potency that looms over each track; an inescapable atmosphere the band manifest that crawls deep into the listener. Shrouded in mystery and menace, the band feel at every turn like ordinary people turning themselves towards the surreal. Real, mundane issues get contorted into these absurdist caricatures and the music blossoms into behemoth proportions. “We’re not art students or well-known musicians, we have no prestige that will bring reverence.” They explain. “We’re human beings under all this glitz and glam that adorn our bodies. We think it helps people try and figure out the complex experience of life in its many shades. Our curious minds crave to know the unknown and as a result, our aroused imaginations run wild.” Wax Heart Sodality release their self-titled debut EP on 1st September. They perform at Last Train Home festival in Darlington on Saturday 2nd September. www.facebook.com/waxheartsodality

CAMERON WRIGHT TALKS TO THE MYSTERIOUS DARLINGTON BAND ABOUT THEIR POWERFUL DEBUT EP

PENGUIN

BEN LOWES-SMITH TALKS TO DISABLED SYRIAN REFUGEE HAMZEH AL HUSSIEN, WHOSE REMARKABLE STORY IS BROUGHT TO LIFE WITH THE HELP OF NEWCASTLE THEATRE COMPANY CURIOUS MONKEY

Hamzeh Al Hussien is a disabled theatre maker who arrived in Gateshead five years ago as part of the UK’s Syrian Resettlement Programme. He was first introduced to performing during his six years in Za’atari refugee camp where he trained with a Spanish NGO in physical theatre. Having started working with Curious Monkey’s ongoing creative project for people seeking sanctuary in 2018, he recently graduated from Gateshead College with a Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts, and wrote his first show Penguin, which is about to go on tour in the UK, with performances at Newcastle’s Live Theatre from Wednesday 20th-Saturday 23rd September and Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 30th November.

Hamzeh explains how happily organic the process of putting the play together was. “I arrived in the UK in 2018. I met a support worker through the resettlement team in Newcastle, and told her about my performing history in Za’atari camp in Jordan, where I made mime shows and taught drama to children with disabilities. The support worker directed me to Curious Monkey’s Arriving group. There I met Amy Golding [Artistic Director of Curious Monkey and director of Penguin], and we got got on really well. I told her that I wanted to make my own show and tell people my story. Amy and I worked together on a short 10 minute performance piece, which I performed in 2019. We then developed another 10 minute piece in 2020. These two pieces were the beginning of Penguin. It developed from there.” Penguin touches on Hamzeh’s own experiences of living with disability, and he says his impetus to create the piece was “to tell the world that people with disabilities can achieve whatever they want they want to achieve”. “When I was in secondary school in Syria, lots of people would say to me, ‘you’re disabled, you’re nothing. Why are you even in school, what is the point?’ Lots of people called me ‘penguin’ as a negative thing, as an insult. Back then, I took it as a negative thing. Now, I take the

THE MESSAGE OF PENGUIN IS: DON’T GIVE UP. LIFE REALLY IS SO DIFFICULT, BUT IT’S REALLY NOT WORTH GIVING UP ON IT

word penguin as a positive: I am unique.”

Hamzeh is the primary performer in the play, and he describes it as an incredibly personal process, facilitated by his creative team looking for the best way to tell the story. Hamzeh’s brother, Waseem, has a small cameo in the play, and other members of the creative team are Arabic speakers, which aided in the realisation of Hamzeh’s creative ambitions.

Hamzeh describes a special relationship with his director Amy. “We talked and recorded our conversations over a long period of time. We would listen back and transcribe these stories, then edit them to make them shorter and more theatrical, together with our dramaturg Lindsay Rodden in a room. We did lots of R&D so that we could develop the script together in the room. I am the expert in my story, but Lindsay and Amy helped me to craft my words and stories into a play structure. Sometimes I would re-tell stories again as my English had improved so much from when we started the process.”

Hamzeh’s overarching intention is simple and beautiful: “I want the show to take audiences on a journey with me; for people to laugh and cry. I want to motivate people. The message of Penguin is: Don’t give up. Life really is so difficult, but it’s really not worth giving up on it.”

Penguin is performed at Live Theatre, Newcastle from Wednesday 20th-Saturday 23rd September and Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 30th November.

www.curiousmonkeytheatre.com

KEWEN & THE CROSSWALKS

FROM THE BEGINNING, I WROTE THIS WITH A DIFFERENT, GRANDIOSE MINDSET

CAMERON WRIGHT TALKS TO THE NORTHUMBERLAND SONGWRITER WHOSE DEBUT ALBUM IS AS AMBITIOUS AS IT IS TRIUMPHANT

“I’ve put blood sweat and tears into this. I’ve always had my eye something big, and not only is it big, it’s far better than anything I’ve done previously.”

Callum Kewen is a singer-songwriter from Blyth. He is a music teacher as well as a performer, but he is first and foremost a lover of music. With early memories of his grandfather singing at parties, the cornerstones of Kewen’s upbringing blueprint his lifelong love affair with music. At aged 12, Kewen attended a Bruce Springsteen concert which led him to pick up a guitar, which led him to sing, which eventually led him to this, Chapters.

There are two things that leap out of Kewen’s debut album upon first listen: the first is that love of music. A fusion of ideas, Chapters merges elements of traditional Americana with lively, anthemic rock cohesively into a singular, signature sound. With the album leaping from folk ballads to Green Day-tinged odysseys, the meeting of influences and the passion and affection in which they dance together is beautiful. The second thing leaping out of Chapters is the ambition. The scope of the project is inspired and includes a full band for the first time. “From the beginning, I wrote this with a different, grandiose mindset.” Kewen explains. “As much as I see this as a solo project, having the band come together let me open so many doors! Now, finally, I can write thinking of swelling harmonies or string orchestras, this project had me spinning as many plates as I wanted!”

Not only is the Kewen pushing the sound of his debut, he has been pushing himself tirelessly. This is a project of firsts, as he ticks off many things he has always aspired towards. “I’m knocking things off my bucket list almost track by track! From

little things like always wanting a song with a saxophone solo, which became the title track, to more specific things like a song over 10 minutes or having always yearned to write a country song, which became Lake Song.”

Lake Song in itself is a beautiful testament to Kewen’s songwriting, as this stripped-back tale paints such a detailed eulogy of a couple in such a short time. Whereas By My Side is a triumphant 12-minute opus that constantly evolves, bringing a gorgeous journey to a vitriolic finale.

On both tracks, the influential touches of Springsteen are never too far away. “Bruce wrote stories, maybe less about personal experiences, and I’ve always been the opposite, but Lake Song was my attempt to tell a story that isn’t my own. With By My Side I essentially wanted to write Rosalita (Come Out Tonight). I wanted that energy and that sense of congregation. I find Springsteen so interesting, you can’t put him in a box. He is a stadium rock icon, but also has his stripped back folk records and even Americana releases. He has so many strings in his bow and they’re all amazing!”

With Chapters arriving this month, Kewen’s debut is one to take note of, especially as he and the band have a Springsteeninspired live show planned at North Shields’ The Exchange on Saturday 30th September, which leans into a big, bombastic showcase full of love and music and promises all the biggest and most euphoric numbers off the debut.

Kewen & The Crosswalks release Chapters on 15th September. They play The Exchange, North Shields on Saturday 30th September.

www.facebook.com/kewenmusic

SUGAR ROULETTE

Friday 1st September will see the release of Sugar Roulette’s latest single, Fever Dream. To celebrate its release, the Teesside band have thrown together a huge home-town show at the Georgian Theatre on the following day.

The group first sprung onto the scene at the Gathering Sounds festival in Stockton in September 2021, so their Georgian Theatre show is something of a full circle moment and the upcoming performance has given vocalist Reece a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come: “It feels surreal…We’ve had a few amazing shows this year, with playing at Stockton Calling and being able to start to get on the road and play in other areas in the UK. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and we’re grateful for every opportunity that has come our way.”

Fever Dream is once more a flex from the band, showing off the their commitment to continuously deliver ever-changing and engaging new tracks, with this particular tune leaning heavily into some of the band’s alternative influences, producing a lively soundscape and a haunting vocal performance. “Fever Dream is a reflection of the overwhelming worries and stresses of everyday life.” Reece explains. “It explores the feeling of being trapped in a ‘fever dream’ and refusing help from others in even in our worst moments, which is captured with the chorus, “I don’t think I have what it takes to lie to you / I can see by the look on your face, you’d see right through”.” The band wear their influences with pride, and they’re keen to produce a selection of tunes that cannot be categorised under the same umbrella. “It’s a really organic process when we create music, we don’t really start writing a song with the intention of ‘this one is going to be aggressive’ or whatever, as most of the music we have written has always come from a jam together in a practice space, and we let the song writing process take the lead and see what we come up with at the end. It can just happen naturally that styles and influences that we are listening to can creep its way into the tune.” Reece explains. “We don’t want to feel like we are

pigeon-holed into one specific sound or style, we really enjoy the freedom to experiment with different genres and be able to come up with whatever feels right in the moment and for the song, I think it’s really fun and important to be able to experiment with genres and I think it’s a staple of what this band has been built on.”

The band are particularly excited about performing Fever Dream and other deep cuts from their back catalogue at their Stockton show. “Fever Dream will have just been released by the time of the gig. It’s got what is probably our favourite song structure and has some really fun moments to play live. It’s going to be our longest set yet, so we’re looking forward to being able to incorporate more songs into our set than we usually would be able to, some that are entirely new and never before played, some that we haven’t played in forever and some that we’ve been playing since we started this journey. We’re looking forward to being able to give our live performance room to breathe.”

Join the band at The Georgian Theatre on Saturday 2nd September, where they’ll be supported by two other local favourites, Vice Killer and Northern Hospitality.

Sugar Roulette release Fever Dream on 1st September and play The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Saturday 2nd September. www.linktr.ee/sugarroulette

Image by Anna Pacitto

WE REALLY ENJOY THE FREEDOM TO EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT GENRES AND BE ABLE TO COME UP WITH WHATEVER FEELS RIGHT IN THE MOMENT

JAKE ANDERSON TALKS TO THE TEESSIDE BAND ABOUT THEIR SONIC EVOLUTION AHEAD OF THEIR NEW SINGLE LAUNCH

THE GATHERING SOUNDS

AMY MCGARAHAN DISCOVERS A TYPICALLY ECLECTIC LINE-UP OF ARTISTS PREPARING TO PLAY THE ALL-DAY STOCKTON FESTIVAL

Once again setting out to highlight how great Stockton is for multi-venue festivals, The Gathering Sounds all-day celebration of music returns to ARC, KU, The Georgian Theatre, The Social Room and Storytellers for its fifth year on Saturday 30th September. The impressive line-up of local and national artists proves that organisers have their fingers on the pulse. Taking inspiration from festivals like Brighton’s The Great Escape, The Gathering Sounds’ line-up covers a variety of genres and has established itself as a key tastemaker in the North East music scene.

ARC’s main stage will host Newcastle-born Andrew Cushin, who has received compliments from the likes of Noel Gallagher and Pete Doherty for his catchy and energetic indie rock sound. This year has seen him gaining fans across the US whilst supporting Louis Tomlinson and he’s certain to go down well in Stockton in a coveted headline slot. Also on the ARC line-up is Middlesbrough’s blues-soaked songwriter Finn Forster; the sunny-sounding Deco, whose songs that will take you back to the days of 80s synth-pop; distinctive bluesy indie singersongwriter Ruby J; alternative indie rockers San Quentin; candid songwriter Frankie Dobson; and Newcastle-born and Manchester-based indie band The Redroom.

Over at KU, headliners The Skinner Brothers will show off their matured sound which fuses genres as varied as jazz, indie rock, hip-hop and punk, plus there’s sets from indie disco band The Clause; rock ‘n’ roll outfit Fat Dog; alt. rockers Casino; three-man rock band The Molotovs; energetic indie rock trio House of Wolves; Hartlepool singer-songwriter DAWKS; and the punk-influenced heavy-guitar-laden tunes of Northern Hospitality.

The Georgian Theatre has a stellar line-up which includes straight-talking pop punk quintet, Komparrison; no-nonsense trio GIRLBAND, whose sound has been compared to the likes

THE GATHERING SOUNDS’ LINE-UP COVERS A VARIETY OF GENRES AND HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A KEY TASTEMAKER IN THE NORTH EAST MUSIC SCENE

of Wet Leg and The Big Moon; hard-hitting brat-pop siblings ZELA; indie newcomers Bedroom High Club; indie punk Lipfiller; sax-driven funk popsters Picnic; Teesside’s indie outfit Provenance; and indie rockers High Tide.

Hull promoter Under The Influence will take over ARC 2’s stage with a line-up which includes York’s King No-One, who will close the stage with their infectious indie sounds; Hull’s very own five-piece alt-rock powerhouse, Fever; indie folk singer-songwriter Yasmin Coe; bedroom-pop-meetspsychedelic band Delights; alt. pop indie queen Mollie Coddled; introspective Springsteen-inspired songwriter Kieran Bowe; and anthemic indie solo artist Lissy Taylor.

Located above KU Stockton, The Social Room’s vibe nods to social clubs of the past. Liverpool promoters EVOL curated the stage, which is set to host grungy guitar pop singer Zuzu; riff-rollicking glam rock-esque trio Mexican Dogs; Liverpudlian indie rock band Ambedo Blue, who will be preceded by their home-town friends Headfeeder; and alt. pop singer-songwriter Martha Goddard.

Promoter, label and riotously popular club night This Feeling will take over The Storytellers to showcase some of the nation’s finest rock and indie acts. Stage headliners Rolla have a sound that nods to their home-town of Manchester’s well-known sound, taking inspiration from bands like The Verve and The Stone Roses. Joining them are groove-laden indie rockers The Utopiates; Britpop-inspired band Stanleys; singer-songwriter Fitzroy Holt; alternative rock four-piece The Facades; the recently formed LOCK-IN; and Liverpool’s Britpop-meetsdance-music band Columbia.

The Gathering Sounds takes place at various venues in Stockton on Saturday 30th September.

www.facebook.com/thegatheringsounds

T-B, L-R: GIRLBAND, The Skinner Brothers, Fitzroy Holt

SCOTT HEPPLE AND THE SUN BAND

DAMIAN ROBINSON TALKS TO THE AMBITIOUS ARTIST ABOUT HIS PSYCHEDELIC DEBUT AND THEIR GRAND PLANS

You get the impression when you speak with Scott Hepple that there’s not enough time in the day. In fact, it’s the central theme in his unique blend of psychedelia.

“Yeah it’s pretty full on at the minute,” laughs Hepple when we catch up, “in fact I’m just in the process of buying a van for the upcoming tour.”

Having just announced the release of their debut album, Ashes To Wildflowers, and an accompanying UK/European tour, as well as self-managing and promoting themselves, Newcastlebased Scott Hepple And The Sun Band are clearly raring to go. “Perhaps I shouldn’t say too much but the album was finished earlier this year and we’re already in the process of finishing off the second album at the minute.”

Filled with delicious love-in movements of psychedelic rock, Ashes To Wildflowers is a sensational debut album. Welding together sonic textures from Neil Young, Black Sabbath, Spiritualized and Love, Ashes To Wildflowers blasts into space with jangling guitar riffs, effect peddles and sound musicianship. Whilst January’s initial release, Letting Go, may have caught the interest of music fans, it’s recent single Nobody Else that really captures the ear-worm hypnotism of the album and its ability to mix pop melodies with sonic hyperdrives. Recorded in analogue with Maximo Park’s Duncan Lloyd, and mastered by the renowned Chicago-based engineer Carl Saff (Sonic Youth, Ty Segall, J Mascis), Ashes To Wildflowers has the

sound, and the production, of a band with serious intent. “We really wanted to put something together that was built in analogue and captured the sound of the band when we’re playing,” confirms Hepple, in a nod to the ethos of the likes of Jack White and Tame Impala. “It’s a dream come true to make an album with the people we made it with and now to be touring it. It’s all surreal.”

‘Surreal’ also seems to be a theme; playing warm-up to the likes of Love (“absolutely surreal, we couldn’t believe they wanted us to open for them”), and a performance at London’s Third Man Records (“again, surreal, we’re all huge fans of Jack and his music”) the next step is an Autumn/Winter headline UK and European album tour (“hence the need for the van”) as the band look to build on the interest that comes from their upward climb.

“We can’t wait to get out and play and tour and even though we’re itching to play the new songs we’re also keen to do things the right way – to take time to learn about booking and managing tours, and then to build that up and up and up. We want to release an album every year so this tour hopefully will be the start of us taking the right steps and building contacts – and then on the next tour hopefully it’s much easier.” And just when you think there can’t be anything else in the works, there’s a breath before…“we’re also working on the album launch at the Cluny and some limited edition vinyl that’ll be sold in indie shops up and down the country and then recording new music…”

Humble, ambitious, talented and soon to be on the road, there’s nothing that can stop them now.

Scott Hepple And The Sun Band launch Ashes To Wildflowers at The Cluny 2, Newcastle on Friday 22nd September. www.scotthepple.bandcamp.com

WE REALLY WANTED TO PUT SOMETHING TOGETHER THAT WAS BUILT IN ANALOGUE AND CAPTURED THE SOUND OF THE BAND WHEN WE’RE PLAYING

MIDDLESBROUGH ART WEEK

AS THE MIDDLESBROUGH CELEBRATION OF ARTISTIC TALENT GETS SUPERSIZED THIS YEAR, CLAIRE DUPREE FINDS OUT ABOUT THE EXHIBITIONS, TALKS, WORKSHOPS, PERFORMANCES, EVENTS AND PUBLIC INTERVENTIONS ON OFFER

Over 120 regional, national and international artists will take part in Middlesbrough Art Week at venues across the town from Thursday 28th September-Saturday 7th October, and as is usual at MAW, there’s a general theme for the proceedings; this year artists have been selected based on thoughts around the theme of ‘measure’, and how we perceive, mark, measure and value time.

The programme is extensive and wide-ranging, with big hitters including British installation artist Mike Nelson, whose work looks at the desolation of humankind and the detritus of what we will leave behind, and MAW will also present an assemblage from his Gang of Seven (2013) installation. Fluxus group artist Ken Friedman’s work interrogates the idea of art as a form of monetary value or an investment; while David Shrigley’s vibrant cartoonish work taps into the spirit of contemporary visual culture through subversive humour and clever captions. Further highlights include inflatable sculpture Pigpen by Japanese artist Saeborg, who creates latex body suits as an extension of her own skin, transcending fixed identities and even the human body itself to create playful dystopias of the ecosystem’s basest creatures. Challenging notions of identity, religion and feminism, multidisciplinary artist Sarah Maple exhibits her work Labour of Love, which contains 650 images of Sarah feeding her baby, taken over a three month period.

Liz Wilson’s intriguing contribution is an exploration of how automation effects our relationship with technology, exploring the stretch of time between the industrial and post-industrial.

Mike Stubbs’ Climate Emergency Services is a ‘conflicted’ vehicle and artwork which aims to challenge our relationship to motor vehicles as we face increased environmental extremes. There are further harsh truths in Vision 25-C’s work, which spans sound art, film, installation and performance to discuss ideas around authority, communication, hierarchy and

WE HAVE A PROGRAMME THAT IS ON PAR WITH MAJOR FESTIVALS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

existence, often pushing the boundaries of ‘comfortable’ art. Regional artists taking part include photographer Jason Hynes, who continues his Hometown project in which he photographs the people of Middlesbrough; there’s a screening of documentary Tish by Paul Sng, which celebrates the vision and humanism of Newcastle-based photographer Tish Murtha; Middlesbrough photographer Rachel Deakin’s work focuses on elements of the everyday depicted through photography, moving image, found objects and collage; interdisciplinary artist Will Hughes’ work mixes pop culture references with material language to explore their lived experiences as a queer non-binary person; plus there’s work on display by notable local artists Gordon Dalton, John James Perangie, Diane Bowell, Loucey Bain, Adam Wilson Holmes, Rachel Clewlow, Liberty Hodes and Lisa Lovebucket. In addition, 10 regional artists will be platformed as part of the North East Open Call, with work by Lee Cutter, Eve Cromwell and Rachel Blackwell on display. The festival’s direct Liam Slevin explains the evolving ethos of the event. “Over the years we’ve always pushed ourselves and the festival’s ambition, striving to place Middlesbrough as the hidden gem of culture and creativity in the North East and I feel like we are hitting some of those ambitions. We have a programme that is on par with major festivals across the country.”

Middlesbrough Art Week takes place at various venues throughout the town from Thursday 28th September-Saturday 7th October.

www.middlesbroughartweek.com

Artwork by Saeborg

LISTINGS

THE BEST OF THE REST… EVEN MORE ALTERNATIVE MUSIC, THEATRE, COMEDY, ART AND FILM TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST THIS MONTH

FRIDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER

A BIT CRACK STORYTELLING

Chris Bostock with The Little Big Blue Band tell The Thorn in the King’s Foot and other travellers tales and tunes // Chillingham Arms, Newcastle

IN THE FRAME

The first of a monthly series of events aimed at bringing Hartlepool’s filmmaking community together to share knowledge, skills and ideas to enhance, grow and celebrate the cultural identity of the region // The BIS, Hartlepool

SUNDERLAND SUMMER SESSIONS

A weekend of gigs celebrating the end of Independent and The Bunker’s series of residencies with local artists. Friday sees performances from The Neolectrics, Swindled, Ready To Go and Revolve, with more on Saturday // Independent, Sunderland

SATURDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER

SUNDERLAND SUMMER SESSIONS

The second part of a weekend of gigs celebrating the end of Independent and The Bunker’s series of residencies with local artists. Saturday sees performances from Labyrinthine Oceans, Primaveras, Calvoas, Precious Ink and Preators, with more on Friday // Independent, Sunderland

THE ALICE CHARMERS

Teesside bluegrass outfit, supported by Sara Dennis and Cally Billie Gatley // NE Volume Music Bar, Stockton

THE ELECTRIC DISCO

Six hours of eclectic disco from the 70s onwards to keep you bopping all night long // Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

SUNDAY

3RD SEPTEMBER

BLUES IN THE BAR

Headliners Deep Six Blues take inspiration from Son House, BB King and Peter Green, resulting in an alt. bluesy sound. Support from Lee Maddison // The Georgian Theatre, Stockton

WEDNESDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER

DAWN RAY’D

Politically outspoken black metal band, plus performance from Queer DIY punks Ragana // The Lubber Fiend, Newcastle

THURSDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER

SARABETH TUCEK

The acclaimed artist’s latest album has received praise for its raw intensity // The Cluny 2, Newcastle

THE HEMP QUEENS

Indie pop band, supported by BType and Jack Fox // The Globe, Newcastle

FRIDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER

FEATURED // Giggle Water Comedy Club

The top comedy club gets a new home at Bar Warwick in Shieldfield, and a cracking line-up to boot. Headed up by North East comedy powerhouse Lost Voice Guy, with support from rising comic Jack McLean and MC Mike Milligan // Bar Warwick, Newcastle

HOUSE OF ALL

Ex-members of The Fall. Support from Roxy Girls // Pop Recs Ltd., Sunderland

NOYOU

Exciting alt. rock band, support from Darlin’ and CHAT // Independent, Sunderland

SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER

BIG MOUTH COMEDY CLUB

Featuring Mark Nelson, Scott Bennett and Tadiwa Mahlunge // Middlesbrough Town Hall

IN THE ROUND

A group exhibition that explores ideas of home, emptiness and the spaces in between. Runs until 14th October // Newcastle Arts Centre

OUTDOOR SCREENING: FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF Forum Cinema and Hexham Abbey team up for an outdoor screening of the 80s comedy classic in an event which also features live music and refreshments // Hexham Abbey

THE MANDELBROT SHAKES

Garage punk trash blues duo // The Georgian Theatre, Stockton

SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER

MATT REED’S HA HARMAGGEDON

The comedian is recruiting for his end of the world bunker, and you can be a part of it! // The Stand, Newcastle

RUNNNER

Indie rock musician // Bobiks, Newcastle

MONDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER

DEAD PONY

Grungy punk rock band // Bobiks, Newcastle

THE BIG MOON

Indie rock band // Independent, Sunderland

THE FATHER

A darkly humorous and deeply affecting drama by Florian Zeller, told through the confused eyes of a man experiencing dementia. Runs until Saturday 16th // The People’s Theatre, Newcastle

TUESDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER

DEMOB HAPPY

The alt. rockers return to home ground // The Cluny, Newcastle

I, DANIEL BLAKE

Returning after its sell out run in the Spring, the stage dramatisation of Ken Loach’s film is a touching story of how people come together in the face of adversity. Runs until Saturday 16th // Northern Stage, Newcastle

SHAYNE SMITH

Highly acclaimed storytelling comedian with a unique style // The Stand, Newcastle

WEDNESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER

BBC NEW COMEDY AWARDS

An epic night of free comedy, hosted by Josh Jones with guest judges Josh Pugh and Amy Gledhill // Fire Station, Sunderland

MATTHEW HALSALL

Jazz composer, trumpeter and producer // Wylam Brewery, Newcastle

SUZI RUFFELL

The comedian’s new show is all about settling down (but not settling), becoming a mother (without becoming mumsy) and still worrying about everything // Northern Stage, Newcastle

SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE

Heart-throbbing pop shot through with thrilling post-punk. Support from The Exes, Boy Latex // Zerox, Newcastle

THE PINE HILL HAINTS

Roots music trailblazers // The Cluny 2, Newcastle

THURSDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER

SOEVER

A night of alt. indie sounds, plus support from Charts & Graphs and Melanie S Jane // The Globe, Newcastle

TV SMITH

Founder of punk band The Adverts, support from The Gakk // NE Volume Music Bar, Stockton

FRIDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER

DAN NIGHTINGALE

Award-winning comedian and podcaster. Also at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Saturday 16th // The Customs House, South Shields

GAYDAR

Queer indie grunge punk trio, plus support from Kkett and Casual Threats // The Globe, Newcastle

MOCK EXECUTION

Hybrid of doom and hardcore sounds // The Lubber Fiend, Newcastle

FEATURED // What Does Life Look Like After Death?

This thought-provoking exhibition aims to ignite conversations around reality beyond life as we know it. Expect to encounter engaging and challenging works from a range of disciplines, from painting and photography to live art, exploring the liminal spaces between creation and cessation. Runs until Monday 25th September // The Moving Gallery, Sunderland

SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER

ED BYRNE

The comedian tests the ‘tragedy plus time’ formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs // ARC, Stockton

DUNCAN LLOYD

Support comes from Lucas Renney and Maius Mollis // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle

OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND

Sage Gateshead throw open their doors for a weekend of free gigs, workshops and tours. Also on Saturday 17th // Sage Gateshead

RESTLESS YOUTH

Anthemic spoken word stars, supported by Taliraw // The Globe, Newcastle

THE MONOCHROME SET

Legendary post-punks // The Peacock, Sunderland

TURKISH REMAKE FILM FESTIVAL

See restored versions of Turkish Star Wars, Turkish Exorcist and Turkish Some Like It Hot, plus a documentary on the weird world of 1970s ‘remakesploitation’ cinema in Turkey. With special guests including Turkish film scholar Tuğçe Bıçakçı Syed and Q&As. Also on Sunday 17th // Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

MONDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER

PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED

Post-punk originators // Fire Station, Sunderland

WEDNESDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

SILLY BILLIES COMEDY CLUB

The cult comedy night welcomes improv sketch duo Halls of the Ridiculous, absurdist storyteller Richard Todd, local favourites Lauren Stone and Zoe Kendall, alongside hosts Jack & Sam // The Bridge Hotel, Newcastle

YOU HEARD ME

Luca Rutherford’s powerful true story about the power to re-make, re-mould and disrupt. Also on Thursday 21st // ARC, Stockton

FRIDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER

CHARLIE MARSHALL

Australian singer-songwriter, support from Hector Gannet (solo) // The Engine Room, North Shields

HILARITY BITES COMEDY CLUB

Featuring Gavin Webster, Don Biswas, Kat Price and MC Sully O’Sullivan // Bishop Auckland Town Hall

LAUREL’S COMEDY CLUB

Featuring headliner Angelos Epithemiou // Laurel’s, Whitley Bay

SUNFLOWERS

Psych punk from Porto, supported by Cheap Lunch and Muckle // Zerox, Newcastle

SATURDAY

23RD SEPTEMBER

MEGAN BLACK

Mixing the spirit of bluesy ‘70s female rock artists with queer feminist pop to deliver inspirational anthems of female empowerment. Support from Soever and Black Moss // Head of Steam, Newcastle

MONASTERIES

Tech death metal, support from Spitting Teeth and Liminal // Bobiks, Newcastle

PARA ALTA

Hartlepool’s rock ‘n’ rollers return for a comeback gig // Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre

SARAH SCHLESINGER: A SAVAGE GARDEN

The exhibition from the New York based artist includes a series of new paintings which continue the artist’s exploration into the act of looking as metaphor for understanding. Runs until 4th November // Workplace Gallery, Newcastle

SOME TIMES

J Neve Harrington leans into neurodivergent ways of processing information, taking audiences on a sensory journey through different ways of experiencing time, witnessing changing patterns and relationships // Dance City, Newcastle

SUNDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER

PHILIP JONATHAN

Deeply personal meditations on the vulnerable moments of life. Support from Matt Hunsley // The Engine Room, North Shields

MONDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER

TAMING THE HORSE

Over the course of a year, filmmaker Tao Gu accompanies the Dong in his struggles with family and society, sex and love, identity, and survival as a young man in modern China. Followed by a Q&A with Tao Gu // Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle

TUESDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER

DO NOTHING

Nottingham’s post-punks // The Cluny, Newcastle

RACHEL FAIRBURN

The acclaimed comedian casts her acerbic eye over everything from your children to her pretentious new alcohol-free life // The Stand, Newcastle

WEDNESDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER

BEZ: IN CONVERSATION

Bez talks about his extraordinary life and career // Middlesbrough Town Hall

THURSDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER

FEATURED // A Street Like This

A new production from Unfolding Theatre about the unexpected friendships that arise when something unforeseen happens, changing the way people define themselves forever // Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle

DANCE EDITS

Enjoy new work from regional artists // Dance City, Newcastle

GINGERELLA

After a successful stint supporting Mystery Jets, the London-based indie rock band regale Gateshead audiences with their upbeat riffs // The Black Bull, Gateshead

JANGO FLASH

Psych-tinged indie pop, support from BLED // The Engine Room, North Shields

JOSIE LONG

Josie Long’s brand-new stand-up show is infused with humanity, compassion and some brief political rants // Fire Station, Sunderland

FRIDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER

CATCH 22 COMEDY CLUB

Featuring Scott Bennett, Jack Traynor, Ignacio Lopez and MC Matt Reed // ARC, Stockton

SHANNON PEARL

Shannon Pearl’s music is inspired by folklore, local history and natural landscapes, support comes from Eve Cole // Independent, Sunderland

SKYLIGHTS

Indie rock quartet, support from Michael Gallagher and The Collectors // Middlesbrough Empire

TOFT HOUSE COMEDY NIGHT

With Steffen Peddie and Psychic Stu // Toft House, Middlesbrough

SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER

HALLS OF RIDICULOUS

Pushing the boundaries of improv, sketch and character creativity with quick thinking scenes, zany special guests, and unique approach to improvised performance // Laurel’s, Whitley Bay

JOHN POPE QUINTET

Compelling jazz act, plus support from Late Girl and Shapeshifters // Bobiks, Newcastle

MIDDLESBROUGH PRIDE

A celebration of the Tees Valley’s LGBTQIA+ community with live performances, workshops, markets and more // Various venues, Middlesbrough

THOSE BLOODY KIDS

The launch of a new book which tells the story of skateboarding on Tyneside, from the late 70s skate/surf scene at Whitley Bay to 2022’s Girl Skate North East // BALTIC, Gateshead

VERY BRITISH PROBLEMS: LIVE

A mix of stand-up and sketches which celebrates all things awkwardly British // The Stand, Newcastle

Direction by Jonluke McKie

Design by Ellie Light

REVIEWS

RUSSIAN CIRCLES, WIEGEDOOD @ NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION (15.08.23)

Words: Ali Welford

Not many tours feature supports who’re demonstrably faster, harder and meaner than their headliners, yet Ghent, Belgium’s Wiegedood have proved a shrewd invitation on this brief UK jaunt. Impressing throughout, the three-piece’s scarcely relenting black metal blitz takes a frenetic, pummelling dash down the path of least resistance – a nod to our primal instincts in preparation for Russian Circles’ more measured and dynamic sonic arsenal.

At an appreciably lean 70 minutes, the Chicago, IL instrumentalists’ set nevertheless steers clear of the tedious trappings so many of their post-metal contemporaries stray into. Likewise, they resist the temptation to stack the slot with material from latest album Gnosis, opting instead for a rounded, fan-friendly retrospective of a catalogue brimming with monolithic statements. Sure, recent addition Conduit is an iron-fisted reminder that they can chug along with the very heaviest of them, yet such sludgefests are offset by moments of transcendence such as the soaring, ethereal Afrika and closing colossus Mlàdek – the latter perhaps the most comprehensive manifest of the awesome scope and force of Russian Circles’ trade.

Loaded with leaden atmospherics, leviathan riffs and gut-churning low-end frequencies, it’s an imposing display of sonic maximalism.

SWANS @ BOILER SHOP, NEWCASTLE (15.08.23)

Words: Elodie

A. Roy

For days after the gig my ears are ringing. The point has been forcefully made: Swans are one of the loudest bands around. Michael Gira conducts his five bandmates with fanatical resolution, frantically raising and lowering his arms when he’s not busy playing or bashing his own guitar. Nothing is left to chance.

Live, Swans sound like one of their records – heavy, methodical, inescapable. I have a soft spot for their moody intensity, for Gira’s grimly tortured, quasi-adolescent singing. There are some truly beautiful

melodies buried underneath the drone (No More Of This, from the new album, is a special moment). I rather like, too, the feeling that the world may end tonight. The venue is not entirely packed but the Boiler Shop – despite its respectable size – seems almost too small for their sound. The vibrations are causing dust to fall from the ceiling. There’s a forgotten, incongruously cheerful ‘happy birthday’ balloon floating high above the crowd. The band stop playing after over two hours because they have to. To many people’s relief (or so it seems to me), there’s no encore: time is up.

MCLUSKY, FASHION TIPS, ONLOOKER @ POP RECS LTD., SUNDERLAND (03.08.23)

Words: Lee Fisher

Somehow this was my first visit to Pop Recs and what a brilliant venture it is (you all knew that already). Another brilliant venture are Onlooker, who blew me away with a radgy but taut blast of angular garage punk that mixed up the gnarliest bits of Detroit, San Diego, Williamsburg and, well, Teesside into a bratty, in-yr-face soup of disdain and energy. There’s something refreshing in seeing a band making this kind of racket and not donning the ripped-black-jeans-and-Converse uniform. Strong Barry Keoghan energy from the singer too.

Fashion Tips were even louder and more forceful than the first time I saw them. Planting their flag somewhere between panic and defiance, turning a divergent brain into searing noise, giving us not riffs but waves of roar and howl. There are some proper riot grrrl bangers in the set now, and some of the best claps since The Meters.

It brings me no end of delight to report that Mclusky are still <checks notes> ‘the good, good shit>. Needing ear defenders and looking weirdly handsome – like a furious Justin Theroux – it took Falko a little while to settle in but before long he was punctuating the set with his fierce wit and ‘stagecraft’ (ahem). New boy Damien acquitted himself brilliantly too, a mean bassist and a funny guy. Mclusky sounded HUGE, their trademark blend of deeply melodic but fucking fierce postwhatever undiminished and the trio of new songs as good as they’ve ever been. It’s a delight to have them back, for however long it lasts.

Mclusky by Thomas Jackson

HEKLA GOODMAN, KATIE GRACE @ THE CLUNY 2, NEWCASTLE (12.08.23)

Words: Damian Robinson

It’s a fantastic start to the evening thanks to up and coming local artist Katie Grace. Winner of the prestigious Alan Hull Award, Grace’s songwriting is already showing promise and maturity, with tracks from her debut EP sparkling. Grace’s final track, Tomorrow, proves to be her standout song thanks to its ability of mixing minimalism with huge lyrical ideas.

A quick turnaround sees Hekla Goodman take to the stage and begin with the powerful electro pop piece I Choose You, before moving onto her recent EP release All I Should’ve Said. The Swiss artist, who now calls Newcastle her home, has produced an accomplished and varied set of tracks which offer a different feeling and are described by the artist as “four songs with distinct movements”, though it’s the EP opener, Under My Skin, which steals the set with its upbeat pop colourfulness and electro confidence. The more melancholic Sad Songs is also a highlight and, with obvious intent, might not be as slow and moody as the title would suggest. With lots of lyrical references to things changing, it’s perhaps no surprise that Goodman uses the term ‘movements’ to describe her music; perhaps showcasing that not only her artistic life moves in many directions, but also her sounds do too. Not that it matters when you perform your debut EP as well as this. Great stuff.

FORTITUDE VALLEY, ADULTS, MT. MISERY @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS, NEWCASTLE (10.08.23)

Words: Lee Hammond

Tonight sees a line-up of some of the finest indie pop around descending on The Cumberland Arms. Opening the show are Hartlepool’s brilliant Mt. Misery, their melancholic set providing perfect twinkly guitars and earnest vocals to kick things off.

They pave the way for Adults, who take things up a notch or two; their energetic noise pop is peppered with angst and played at breakneck speed. all we’ve got // all we need is a particular standout track in this short set. Their passion for social justice flows through their music and is compounded in the political and anti-raid messages conveyed between songs.

Fortitude Valley’s headline set is an equally brilliant affair, and again tracks come thick and fast. With Wreck, Baby, I’m Afraid, Cassini and

more played in rapid succession, you really cannot help but sing, dance and enjoy every second of their set. They foster an environment of unbridled joy, and their excitement is infectious. The latter part of their set features the likes of All Hail The Great Destroyer and The Right Thing, rounding out a brilliant evening. The only genuine complaint I have is that it really didn’t last long enough! All of the bands this evening were without doubt brilliant, and I doubt anyone would have begrudged them playing on long into the night.

MARTHA FFION, LITTLE COWBOY @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS, NEWCASTLE (31.07.23)

Words: Luke Waller

It was a relief to come in from the rain to the homely and fairy-lit upstairs of The Cumberland Arms, where Irish Glasgow-based singer-songwriter Martha Ffion took to the stage. Backed by a three-piece outfit and with a new album in tow, a short but sweet set comprising a selection of deftly crafted songs awaited.

First to feature were local guitar duo Little Cowboy with their debut performance of a number of classic country and bluegrass artists’ songs, including Buck Owens, Hot Rize and Bob Dylan. In and between the manifold vocal harmonies was a palpable sense of natural spontaneity — borne overtly in their admittance that some of the set had only first been rehearsed earlier that day. Impressively, not to its detriment.

Some Americana spirit persisted in Martha’s set, particularly in tracks such as Rosaleen, but with the addition of a band of bass, drums and guitar, often lending her accomplished songwriting a lively streak with a smack of indie rhythms. Intermittently switching between keyboards and acoustic guitar, Ffion showcased a number of her own compositions, including from her new third album (and first in three years), The Wringer, released in June. Delicate, somewhat sentimental songs such as Friday Night At The Lexington and the album’s title track contrast themselves throughout with sprightlier tracks like Fool’s Gold and The Man without a hint of disjointedness, tying together soft pop of the 60s with that of today. Concluding with an acoustic song performed solo, Martha Ffion left an impression before she left to end her tour on the Isle of Eigg.

Fortitude Valley by Victoria Wai

BILLY NOMATES, IONA ZAJAC @ BOILER SHOP, NEWCASTLE (31.07.23)

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

Iona Zajac has an understated and captivating presence onstage; her music is bruised and melancholy, in rather severe contrast to her humorous demeanour. Her characterful, evocative songs recall mid-period PJ Harvey: haunting and fragile. Drawing on topics as diverse as copulation and visiting the greengrocers, Zajac takes the everyday and spins it into something otherworldly and magical.

Billy Nomates’ strident new album, Cacti, really does get a glorious airing tonight. She strikes a balance between aggression and vulnerability, starting her set accompanied only by an acoustic guitar and her seasoned, sensual burr, before reverting to the more widescreen style of performance that she is better known for. The set is peppered with hits from her first record, in particular No receives a very warm reception tonight, but it’s the slow burners from the new record which really have the most power; Saboteur Forcefield in particular resonates to the extent that you can hear a pin drop. She parts with the suggestion that a chapter is closing, and this makes tonight a poignant, affecting celebration of a great record from a songwriter who is only going from strength to strength.

SOUNDWAVE FESTIVAL @ SEATON REACH, HARTLEPOOL (30.07.23)

Words: Steve Spithray

While some (mainly me, admittedly) may have doubted the SoundWave promoters’ ability to pull off such an impressive looking event right next to the sea near Hartlepool, surely a line-up of Bastille, The Futureheads and The Subways (plus an undercard of some of the cream of local talent including We Tibetans, ZELA and Pink Lemonade) was surely never in doubt.

While the focus was very much on the headliners, Finn Forster and Michael Gallagher warmed up an impressive mid-afternoon main stage crowd with their takes on heartland rock and Britpop revisionism respectively. The Subways were having so much fun being buzzed by a drone mid-set it seemed to barely register that nobody in the audience seems to remember any of their impressive array of punky, hard rock anthems, apart from Rock & Roll Queen, which rounded their set off in some style. The Futureheads seemed a little subdued during a shortened set (so, no Heartbeat Song) although The Beginning of the Twist, Skip To The End and Hounds of Love are still indie punk canon.

However, Bastille were a cut above right from the opening bars of Good Grief, and a stirring Things We Lost In The Fire. Embellished by two gospel singers and lots of instrument swapping meant there was always plenty going on onstage throughout a set full of earworms and bona fide hits. Bad Blood and Flaws upped the ante further, and while their versions of No Scrubs and Rhythm Is A Dancer (Of The Night) are poor choices stylistically, singer Dan Smith knows how to work (and get in amongst) a crowd. With fan fave Pompeii still in the bag to end their set just as darkness swept across the beach, Bastille showed why they are mainstays on the UK festival circuit and a huge deal for Hartlepool.

THE BETHS, LANDE HEKT @ BOILER SHOP, NEWCASTLE (19.07.23)

Words: Lee Hammond

The Beths’ brand of summery indie pop is a welcome addition to an otherwise bleak July Wednesday evening. Lande Hekt opens the show with a lively set, the upbeat tracks masking some of the dourer themes portrayed within her lyrics. It’s the perfect opener for The Beths, whose songs are similar in nature. Hekt closes out on Gay Space Cadets leaving this crowd suitably warmed up.

The Beths waste no time before breaking into the hits, with Future Me Hates Me opening the set, this immediate singalong setting the tone. A plethora of tracks from latest album Expert In A Dying Field are brought to life, including Silence Is Golden, Head In The Clouds and the brilliant title track. Across their three albums they’ve really honed their brilliant upbeat sound and despite some of the more downbeat lyrics, they certainly know how to put on a show.

Enthusiasm and excitement permeate from the stage, rippling through the crowd. As The Beths move into I’m Not Getting Excited and Great No One, the crowd are in full voice, providing a riotous close to their set, compounded by a wonderful rendition of Little Death to end the encore. Tonight, The Beths were a band at the top of their game; great songs coupled with excellent train puns and a giant inflatable fish, what more could you want?

The Beths by Victoria Wai

TRACKS

REVIEWS OF SINGLES AND EPS BY NORTH EAST ARTISTS. WANT YOUR MUSIC FEATURED? EMAIL NARCMEDIA@GMAIL.COM

(PLEASE

TRY TO GET IN TOUCH 8-6 WEEKS AHEAD OF THE MONTH OF RELEASE)

TOM IEUAN JAMES BURROW

Words: Matt Young

Using the changing seasons as metaphors to reflect on life’s phases, ups and downs, Tom Ieuan James takes stock of things, writing earnestly and from the heart on this accomplished folk-themed ballad. Using nature’s illustrative and intrinsically poetic tones he finds himself riding the tides and winds, describing the passing of time, moving on and looking both at and away from the indelible stamp of memories. Musically he’s accompanied by the emotive and adept cello playing of Natalie Rotterova (Taliraw) and his co-producer Ian Paterson’s (Wingroove Studios) grounding bass. They give James’ own voice and guitar even more gravitas with rounded-out sounds. There’s a level of acceptance here that feels safe and assured; we’re in a place of healing and love.

Released: 08.09.23

www.linktr.ee/tomieuanjames

BECCA JAMES TRUST THE SEASON EP

Words: Niamh Poppleton

Predominantly compiled of recently released songs, Becca James has created an almost unearthly EP in Trust The Season. This intriguing collection examines topics through a spiritual lens. Across three tracks, Becca conveys her message with high-pitched, angelic vocals. One, the first track, describes how we’re “shards of the same”. Full of chants and rhythmic clapping, the standout track is arguably Beauty. It’s a spellbinding anthem of spirituality, professing the importance of resilience during daily hardships. The previously unheard Hold You Close, though somewhat slower, holds an equally important message. This track is about loving someone and being there to hold them through the trials of life. Unique and thought-provoking, Trust The Season is a heavenly exploration of the importance of self-authenticity.

Released: 29.09.23

www.beccajamesmusic.co.uk

ALL BEFORE BREAKING AWAY

Words: Michael O’Neill

A debut release from a welcome addition to the North East’s alwaysthriving metal scene, All Before are a visceral metalcore five-piece in thrall to the hallowed wonders of Drop-D, Killswitch Engage and Parkway Drive.

Breaking Away is a hell of an introduction to make, unafraid to tackle the weighty subject of depression head-on with the creative use of two simultaneous narratives: with a bleak outlook on the matter being offset and outweighed by an optimistic shot of hope and perseverance, serving as a reminder that there is always hope even in the darkest of times. It’s a bold and courageous opening transmission from a quintet with a tonne of promise, with a strong side-dose of melodic and glorious riffage.

Released: 01.09.23

www.linktr.ee/allbefore23

SARAH JOHNSONE SELFISH MIND

Words: Niamh Poppleton

Following the success of her previous track Sofia, Sarah Johnsone releases another idiosyncratic, captivating single in Selfish Mind. The love-child of jazz, indie and post-punk, Selfish Mind is a perfect hybrid of various genres.

It starts out slow, tentative and warm-hearted, like an amalgamation of dodie and Chloe Ament. As it progresses it becomes faster and more urgent, before coming to a magnificently messy close mirroring the devastating end of a broken relationship. Sarah’s vocals, as she soulfully tells her heartbreaking story, are somewhat reminiscent of Amy Winehouse whilst simultaneously retaining an alt. rock edge. The upbeat guitar and drumbeat create a façade of positivity, making the listener want to dance despite the dark nature of the lyrics. Selfish Mind is certainly one-of-a-kind.

Released: 08.09.23

www.linktr.ee/sarahjohnsone

YVA DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR EP

Words: Nat Greener

YVA’s second EP, Delusions Of Grandeur, intricately blends orchestral inspirations into a sonic tapestry. Departing from previous release HYPE MACHINE, YVA embarks on a genre-defying journey that resonates with introspection. Her soft vocals harmonise with emotive melodies, and the sonic landscape shifts between delicate acoustics and electronic undertones.

Collaborations with Martyn Kaine and Khushi infuse tracks with rhythms and atmospheric layers, crafting an immersive experience. YVA, aka Amy Holford, embodies musical prowess as Delusions Of Grandeur merges orchestral, electronic and alternative influences. It defies categorisation and invites listeners into a rich discography.

Released: 22.09.23

www.yvaofficial.bandcamp.com

CHLOE GUDGIN JUST DELETE IT ALREADY

Words: Nat Greener

Chloe Gudgin’s track Just Delete It Already presents a captivating blend of rhythms and a cosy bedroom dance vibe. The consistent drum beat adds infectious groove while maintaining a distinct DIY aesthetic.

Simplicity shines through the use of piano and vocals and the song delves into Chloe’s struggle of letting go yet desiring to hold on. At 22, Chloe’s original talent shines, with singles featured on BBC Music Introducing and having received favourable reviews across the board for previous releases, her music – reminiscent of Maisie Peters with an indie pop twist – has secured her addition to Spotify’s Indie Artist Playlist.

Released: 01.09.23

www.facebook.com/chloegudginmusic

THE ILFORDS STACEY GREENE

Words: Michael O’Neill

A gloriously fuzz-soaked riff introduces this breezy slab of noise from The Ilfords, a song first born in the early days of the band which grapples with “unrequited love for a girl a few years above at school; of a femme fatale seen through teenage eyes, dressed in leather, smoking, sitting on the bonnet of a muscle car when she should probably be in lessons like her peers”. It’s a marvellously abrasive and efficient cut, which declares Queens of The Stone Age and The Hives influences, but interestingly has more in common with the more garage rock side of Pixies and 60s cosmic rock ‘n’ roll. Not a single second is wasted and the vocal performance is brutally raw. Phenomenal.

Released: 01.09.23

www.linktr.ee/theilfords

JACK MYLCHREEST CITY BREAK EP

Words: Matt Young

Lead track Road Trip In The Rain is a strong rock song evoking Bryan Adams, describing a jaunt that is carefree and happy to be in the company of its travellers, despite the weather. There’s a similar joyful feeling on Luckiest Man Alive and NYC, as they narrate their tales of travel, awe and love. The lean on Americana, particularly on closer NYC, the iconography, familiarity and aspiration are a given, of course. In the case of Through The Glass though, it’s a darker, less wholesome feeling about Amsterdam’s Red Light District we’re observing by proxy, a vicarious lust and uncertainty. Overall, these four earworm contenders stick to the country and rock sounds Jack’s known for, strengthening his position as a top-notch songwriter. The EP’s gig launch is at Cluny 2 on Thursday 21st September.

Released: 22.09.23

www.linktr.ee/jackmylchreest

TEN EIGHTY TREES LITTLE SPARKS

Words: Lily Pratt

Ten Eighty Trees’ newest single Little Sparks accentuates the chaos and riot of rock and the heavy bass of garage. Their heated riffs and vocals seem as though they are vulnerable to combustion, with the song concluding in a firestorm of guitar. The vocals exemplify a sense of fragmentation and distortion as everything resists the desire to “not catch fire”. Lead vocalist and songwriter Nathan illustrates that the track, their shortest yet at two minutes 18 seconds, is “the sound of being pushed far beyond your limits and the consequences of that.” The music is thus something that threatens, yet also resists, the breakdown of psychological and social control, which is most poignant within this statement of intent.

Released: 01.09.23

www.linktr.ee/teneightytrees

SUMMER NIGHT AIR FEAT. JENNIE BREWIS WORDS HALFWAY (CATHODE REMIX)

Words: Lily Pratt

Words Halfway is an eerie electronic remix of the ambient synthtronica act Summer Night Air’s track by Cathode (aka Steve Jefferis, one half of Warm Digits) which seemingly personifies a dystopian dream. The song exemplifies their soft yet mechanical sound which is subdued yet elevating, harnessing the rhythm and distortion of electro music. The remix – which also marks Cathode’s first release since 2010, and is taken from a remix album release due in October on Cruel Nature Records – can be considered to be almost other-worldly, with their ringing keys conveying an emerging sense of fragile hope, re-enforced through the almost disembodied vocals from the Cornshed Sisters’ Jennie Brewis which, coupled with lulling rhythmic beats, render the track as the epitome of relaxation and calm.

Released: 29.09.23

www.linktr.ee/summernightair

IDLE HANDS YOUTH

Words: Kate Relton

Listening to the opening seconds of Idle Hands’ newest single, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d heard the song before. That said, though the familiarity of Youth’s heavy electric guitar and drums is reminiscent of many a 90s indie band, the vocals bring a fresh and innocent note to their sound.

Still in the first years of playing together after meeting at Newcastle College, there’s plenty of potential for Idle Hands. Though their sound feels like a work in progress, their storytelling ability shows exciting promise. Intended as a comment on the current state of the nation, Youth’s frantic, unsettled sound paints a stark picture of the seething anger and frustration of the UK’s younger generation.

Released: 01.09.23

www.linktr.ee/idlehandsofficial

LAST OF THE FALLEN ANGELS U BAHN

Words: Kate Relton

You know those songs that feel like slipping into a hot bath at the end of a long day? A gentle wash of sound that demands nothing from the listener and seems to press pause on all the exterior noise and haste. The latest offering from Last Of The Fallen Angels is a soothing musical balsam for the weariest of days.

Telling the tale of a couple escaping everyday life, U Bahn is dreamy and cinematic, with all the tortured angst of an indie romantic drama. The perfect soundtrack to a brooding night drive, U Bahn is the lead single of the hotly anticipated new album 2 Scorpions, available on vinyl and streaming early next year.

Released: 29.09.23

www.instagram.com/thelastofthefallenangels

DEMOS

WE WANT YOUR MUSIC!

IF YOU’RE AN UP AND COMING BAND OR MUSICIAN, AND WOULD LIKE YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED IN OUR DEMO SECTION, EMAIL A TRACK TO NARCMEDIA@GMAIL.COM AND TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF!

WORDS: MATT YOUNG DEMO OF THE MONTH

Alex Lyons – Blinded To Love You

The hairs on my arms have raised up, my neck shivers and I’m barely 30 seconds into listening. It’s that combination of delicately strummed guitar matched with intimate vocals that ride and drift within the melodies. Gets me every time and it’s quite something to find it sparkling in this month’s demos!

Opening very briefly a capella before the music enters and supports the fragile sung refrains, a few brushed piano chords and keys come in around halfway and it all feels so natural, so accomplished and unrushed. I’m a firm believer that some people just have music inside them, they absorb all their favourite performers and writers and channel them in their own style, Alex Lyons demonstrates this with assured control.

Alex obviously has a huge future in music if they want it, this musical performance and songwriting is sublime and it’s not surprising to see there’s a lot more in reserve. www.facebook.com/alexlyonsmusic

HOPE – Avoid

People can be trash and treat others with disdain, it’s very sad but thankfully the song lyrics this scenario provides is the gift that keeps on giving. So, it is here on HOPE’s single Avoid, a red flag warning ode to an ex, or even prospective significant other. It’s a full-on rocking thrash through the inadequacies of the wannabe lover, with the protagonist sticking to their guns and squashing them underfoot. The fact that this transpires accompanied by a juggernaut of a rock track and HOPE’s powerful vocals flying out into the ether with such justified rage is pretty epic. Female rock vocalists are a rare breed and whilst I’m hearing the pop rock sounds of P!nk or Kelly Clarkson, there are also echoes of Joan Jett or Pat Benatar in the mix adding authentic rock character. www.facebook.com/singingmyhopesaway

Kirsty Hall – Missing

This song is musically deft and tense in all the right places. It’s also vocally strong and

passionate. Lyrically it seems a bit jumbled or wordy sometimes which detracts from the message a bit. The song’s folk and country-tinged sound brings to mind an artist like Tori Amos, whose own laser focus on lyrics allowed their songs to breathe. Sometimes less is more, giving the listener room to insert their own fragility, which is the main thing at Missing’s core. The double tracking introduces depth and a lighter tone, literally offering more support to the intentionally vulnerable vocals. www.instagram.com/kirstyhallmusic

NGJ – God Knows

This rocker starts off well enough, indeed musically it plays out as a riff heavy romp through rock music’s well-trodden but no less impactful territory. Vocally and particularly lyrically it’s a bit of an odd fit though. There’s mention of God, of course, and “safewords” and “don’t spare the lash”; there’s a taboo undercurrent so says the accompanying PR blurb, but it’s difficult to make out as the

vocals are a bit lost in the mix; it sounds more like an idea of what transgressive is than actually being so, and maybe misses the mark as a result.

www.instagram.com/nice.guy.jonny

WrongSince81 – Michael!

While Michael! – the exclamation seems important – is a pleasantly shuffling song, sung and performed in a jaunty key, very little shifts or changes during its run. It’s an innocuous ode, meandering one might say. But that wander and lack of direction feel like its undoing in the end. The song conjures up some evocative imagery, but the tune is stretched out for longer than is welcome in my opinion. The musical and lyrical repetition begins to grate after a while and I can’t help thinking if the final minute was jettisoned it’d be a lot more agreeable.

www.instagram.com/wrongsince81

ALBUMS

THE GRACE SMITH TRIO OVERLEAF (SELF-RELEASE)

Words: Lizzie Lovejoy

English folk dance fans of the North East, rejoice! The Grace Smith Trio prepare to release their anticipated debut album, Overleaf, and it exceeds expectations.

Miss Cole sets the tone with a beautiful and unexpected marriage between strings and concertina, and as the album continues, we travel through fast and high energy songs until we are halted by the delightful opening of Feather Waltz. The experience of an album relies on the structure of the playlist, and the Grace Smith Trio know exactly when to slow us down before bringing us gently back again into the dance.

KATHRYN TICKELL & THE DARKENING CLOUD HORIZONS (RESILIENT RECORDS)

Words: Lizzie Lovejoy

Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening return with an incredible new album in which the musical heritage of the North East becomes the star of the show. cloud horizons is a diverse mix of 11 tracks which every folk and traditional music fan will fall in love with.

This collection is focused on the power of sound rather than lyrics, with vocals used as instruments which complement the full band, rather than overpower. There is a haunting nature to the whispers and harmonies forming the likes of Gods Of War before the fiddle takes over and commands the chorus, demonstrating this is an album that allows every instrument its chance to shine. There is no denying cloud horizons is an album of intensity. The pace and power of Quilley Reel would be perfectly placed in a film during the build up to a brawl. Caelestis has a quality that sounds almost religious, with layers of vocals moving slowly and blending together until the pay off of pipes and percussion in an explosion of sound.

The band perfectly mixes ancient and contemporary, using traditional instruments in a distinctly modern way. The song One Night In Moaña opens with Northumbrian smallpipes sounding like an electric guitar solo before blending seamlessly into a traditional folk dance melody, fast paced and warm. The album moves effortlessly from party vibes into mournful tones of final song Back To The Rede, with a significantly slower pace and a focus on string instruments before the pipes come in to give the perfect goodbye.

There is a journey to this album, one that feels like a walk alongside Hadrian’s Wall. With the use of the Clarsach and Northumbrian smallpipes, it’s easy to see how our local heritage has bled into this music. Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening have taken our past and threaded it together with sounds of today. Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening will be taking the album on tour throughout September, appearing at Lindisfarne Festival on Friday 1st, Gosforth Civic Theatre on Saturday 2nd and returning to the region on Monday 23rd October at Durham’s Gala Theatre.

Released: 01.09.23

www.kathryntickell.com

ALSO OUT THIS MONTH

Meatraffle – Base & Superstructure (Blang Records, 29.09) // Pale Blue Eyes – This House (Full Time Hobby, 01.09) // Sparklehorse – Bird Machine (Anti-, 08.09) // Heavy Lungs – All Gas No Brakes (Alcopop! Records, 29.09) // Tunnel Club – Never Stop (Tunnel Club Music, 08.09) // Creatures At Play – Let’s Play Again (Self-released, 15.09) // Jeff Rosenstock – Hellmode (Specialist Subject, 01.09) // Alabaster DePlume – Come With Fierce Grace (International Anthem, 08.09) // Bring Me The Horizon – POST HUMAN: NeX GEn (Sony/RCA, 15.09) // Ash – Race The Night (Fierce Panda, 15.09) // Devendra Banhart – Flying Wig (Mexican Summer, 22.09) // Olivia Rodrigo – Guts (Geffen Records, 08.09) // Das Koolies – DK 01 (Strangetown Records, 22.09) // WOODS – Perennial (Woodsist Records, 15.09) // Flat Worms – Witness Marks (God?, 22.09) // Chai – S/T (Sub Pop, 22.09) // Anjimile – The King (4AD, 22.09) // Lucia & The Best Boys – Burning Castles (Communion, 29.09) // Coach Party – Killjoy (Chess Club Records, 08.09)

This collection ends with the same feeling of joy it began with, creating a musical circular narrative with Saison/Overleaf in an electric guitar and string combo.

Released: 29.09.23

www.gracesmithtrio.com

4 / 5

J.P. RIGGALL (STORIES FROM) THE DUKES COUNTY MOTEL (BEAR LOVE RECORDS)

Words: Lily Pratt

Teesside musician J.P. Riggall’s previous work, such as 2020’s Hotel Wilderness, poignantly portray how deeply thoughts of home run within his work.

His newest album is his most ambitious yet, having been fully realised by the artist himself and full of experimental flair, although with this release his focus is on the fictional patrons of the Dukes County Motel and an eternal search for love. Riggall’s guitar riffs and melodic voice are as haunting and beautiful as morning fog. Stand-out track Magic River is almost hypnotic, lamenting the enchantment of dreams and the mystique of the subconscious; while Down Through The Woods is buttery soft with yearning. Tales of loss, sorrow and love reign supreme, and the whole album glistens like a dream.

Released: 08.09.23

www.jpriggall.bandcamp.com

Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening by Georgia Claire

COURTNEY BARNETT END OF THE DAY (MOM + POP)

Words: Ruby Watson

Although Courtney Barnett’s latest album feels like a drastic departure from her previous work which is infamously strong in its witty lyricism and captivating hooks, this instrumental album still shows off the flashes of brilliance we’re used to from the Aussie songwriter. The instrumental tracks find their strength in tone and texture, more concerned with the fabric of the music itself. The album was made with Warpaint’s Stella Mozgawa for the 2021 documentary Anonymous Club, directed by Danny Cohen about Courtney Barnett and her experience in the music industry. The album’s power is rooted in its ability to convey emotion through instrumental only, proving that Barnett need not spell everything out explicitly in order for listeners to understand her.

Released: 08.09.23

www.courtneybarnett.com.au

SLOW PULP YARD (ANTI-)

Words: Matt Young

Launching into their second full length record, Slow Pup fine tune their lo-fi guitar fuzz aesthetic into a much more collaborative effort and match the dark sardonic lyricism, on Doubt for instance; while the upbeat, catchy sounds of Slugs and Cramps will bring them wider exposure. Singer and guitarist Emily Massey naturally draws most of this attention. “You’re a summer hit, I’m singing it” she swoons on Slug’s addictive refrain over a warm wave of guitar and syrupy background vocals. The same could be said for most songs on the album: Yard, and especially closing song Fishes, evoke some form of summer hindsight, a band reflecting on relationships come and gone in the unreal sunshine, dealing with aftermath that follows.

Released: 29.09.23

www.slowpulp.com

BLONDE REDHEAD SIT DOWN FOR DINNER (SECTION1)

Words: Elodie A. Roy

This is Blonde Redhead’s first album in eight years, yet it feels more immediately familiar than anything they’d recorded before. The New York trio are returning to the sound of early 1990s indie. They belong to the same noisy pop lineage as bands such as Luna and Yo La Tengo – only slightly bolder and more definite. And their harmonies are arrestingly sweet, too. Kazu Makino and Amedeo Pace take turns in singing. I hadn’t heard so many love songs in a long time. People can still write them after all. Even when it becomes almost soppy I like it still. I like that Blonde Redhead’s songs should be so un-ironic, so directly, humanely heartfelt. Their music reminds me of many things I’ve missed lately.

Released: 29.09.23

www.blonderedhead.bandcamp.com

EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY END (BELLA UNION)

Words: Matt Young

Beginning by seeking inspiration from the end of things sounds like you’ve opened up a pack Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategy cards as an antidote for writer’s block. Or maybe, after almost 25 years together, any band needs to look at fresh ways to begin new recordings. Explosions In The Sky uses these ‘endings’ – relationships, deaths and changes – to build texture upon as the legendary Texas four-piece tackle their eighth studio album. Their crushing quiet/loud structure is present, and on opener Ten Billion People and Peace Or Quiet the lush restrained interplay of instrumentation is denser than ever, even before the cacophonous sounds rush in. Moving On, All Mountains and The Fight all demonstrate the band remain master communicators of feelings and powerful emotions musically, no words required.

Released: 15.09.23

www.explosionsinthesky.com

TEENAGE FANCLUB NOTHING LASTS FOREVER (PEMA)

Words: Dawn Storey

Much like pulling on a favourite jumper, there’s always something reassuring about a new Teenage Fanclub album. You immediately know what to expect, and the familiar chiming guitars and sun-soaked harmonies are always comforting.

Thankfully, it’s the same story with their 11th studio album – ten songs which (completely accidentally) ended up with the theme of ‘light’ running through many of them. That’s not to say they’re all upbeat. The jaunty piano on standout track Self Sedation is at odds with its lyrics about life being hard; the lovely I Left A Light On is effectively a breakup song, but even the melancholy melodies warm your heart; while the beautiful I Will Love You is a fitting, fizzing atmospheric finale.

Released: 22.09.23

www.teenagefanclub.com

NATION OF LANGUAGE STRANGE DISCIPLE (PIAS)

Words: Robin Webb

Stepping into the hallowed electric halls of early 80’s post-punk optimism we see a welcome return for the Brooklyn-based trio, who present a collection of subtly Krautrock inspired synth pop songs.

I could make a lazy referral to OMD…but I won’t, their range is less about the object but more about the feel, the fixation and the intensity of this world’s emotional perspective. Musically it’s reverential and as analogue as they could be, recording at LCD Soundsystem’s studio, with Holy Ghost member Nick Millhiser producing, there is a yearning danceability throughout that embraces some self-perceived shortcomings in the equipment but also pays much respect to their heartfelt live experience, moving in every sense of the word.

Released 15.09.23

www.nationoflanguage.com

THE HANDSOME FAMILY HOLLOW (LOOSE RECORDS)

Words: Lee Fisher

After seven years, you’d expect an explosive comeback, radical ideas. That’s not how The Handsome Family work, and that’s just perfect –it’s just wonderful to have them back, doing what they do. There are incremental changes –chopped up drums and overdriven guitars and such – but mostly it’s their gorgeous brand of Western Gothic: a melancholy dusk full of ghosts and critters, malls and swimming holes, of civilisation decaying as nature waits to regain control (closer and H.F. anthem Good Night lays it all out with something approaching delight). Haunted opener Joseph is as lovely a song as they’ve ever written, Two Black Shoes is a shuffling ode to depression, there are songs for beasts and brooks and everything is either old as dirt or broken and flickering.

Released: 08.09.23

www.handsomefamily.com

ROJOR UNDER NORTHERN STARS (SELF-RELEASE)

Words: Robert Nichols

A love letter to the mighty blue Tees Transporter Bridge and the steel river it spans. Rojor returns with an album that explores grief, love and life all set under local star-lit skies. The music is as chilled as the river and the indie rock as timeless as the tides.

A prolific North Eastern singer-songwriter, as always Rojor plays pretty much everything, including guitars, keyboards and rhythm programming as well as arranging and producing. The vocals are instantly recognisable as Rojor, something like a Double Decker chocolate bar: a smooth topping anchored by a crispy crunchy base. No stranger to national radio, the hooky You’re My One True Religion and I’m Broken Too scream out for airplay. An album to devour.

Released: 01.09.23

www.rojor.com

HEY COLOSSUS IN BLOOD (WRONG SPEED RECORDS)

Words: Lee Fisher

Ignore the dire circumstances behind In Blood and celebrate its excellence and the continued existence of HC6, 20 years young and still mutating with every album. In Blood sees them further out from whatever the hell ‘noise rock’ is, embracing baroque folk flourishes, a shimmering epic melancholy that’s not entirely un-goth, but also some gnarly Wipers/Speedo riffs and songs that accumulate volume and dread as they go. The shift of the band’s centre of gravity from city to country has surely affected the overall sound. Starting with a down-tuned doom riff, finishing with an epic, almost folk rock, almost-ballad and with a radio-friendly unit shifter Curved In The Air at the midway point, In Blood is further proof HC6 have no time for your genres or expectations.

Released: 01.08.23

www.heycolossusband.wordpress.com

THE WYTCHES

OUR GUEST CAN’T BE NAMED (ALCOPOP! RECORDS)

Words: Gus Ironside

Twelve years on from their formation, Brighton-based rock band The Wytches have found a new home at Alcopop! Records following stints with the celebrated Fat Possum and Heavenly Recordings labels.

Their first release on Alcopop!, Our Guest Can’t Be Named was written and recorded during the dark, unsettling days of the Covid-19 pandemic, which perhaps explains the brooding intensity of this enthralling ten-track album. Opener Zep Step instantly brings to mind the malevolent edge of Bleach-era Nirvana, spiked with cool psych-surf lead guitar. Thankfully, the rest of the album maintains this dark but potent energy, evoking fellow grunge pioneers Tad and Mudhoney while displaying well-crafted songwriting. The Wytches sound like they’ll be a riot live, so watch out for their upcoming October tour.

Released: 22.09.23

www.thewytches.net

YUSSEF DAYES

BLACK CLASSICAL MUSIC (BROWNSWOOD RECORDINGS)

Words: Ikenna Offor

Given its ostensibly univocal title, you’d be forgiven for expecting Yussef Dayes’ solo debut to be a somewhat staid affair. What’s on offer instead is an expansive yet precise weft of influences – from sinuous African polyrhythms to bombastic Caribbean grooves and intoxicating Latin inflections – dexterously woven into a captivating fusion of nostalgic reverie and neoteric revelry. Sturdily anchored by Dayes’ distinctive drum licks, and thrillingly vivified by a meticulously curated coterie of collaborators (including Shabaka Hutchings, Jamilah Barry and Masego), Black Classical Music charts a journey of healing through reclamation – one that sees memory, love and sound all bleed into something both eternal and fleeting. Rooted in reverence yet resolutely focused on evolution, this record richly abounds in lived-in charm.

Released: 08.09.23

www.yussefdayes.com

SALLY ANNE MORGAN CARRYING (THRILL JOCKEY)

Words: Lee Fisher

Sally Anne Morgan – musician, artist, brewer (!), member of both House & Land and the magnificent Black Twig Pickers – is blessed with a gorgeous voice (not dissimilar to Josephine Foster or even the divine Dalton in its warm quiver) and an approach to Appalachian folk traditions with contemporary touches that places her in some Blue Ridged Venn Diagram between Anna & Elizabeth and New Weird America. Carrying is a really special record, pretty without being bland, varied without losing its consistency. Morgan is backed by an all-star band here, giving some of the songs a gentle pulsing momentum, and everything sounds tremendously organic and woodsy. Opener and album highlight Beekeeper is impossibly lovely, Morgan’s banjo ringing clear like a mountain stream, but the album is full of gems.

Released: 22.08.23

www.sallyannemorgan.com

MIXTAPE

WORDS: CHRIS TREW

I’m Chris Trew, and under the Prancey Dog banner I have been promoting live music in Newcastle for almost 20 years. Established primarily to attract touring acts that were bypassing the North East, Prancey Dog has built a reputation for featuring artists played by BBC 6Music presenters Marc Riley and Gideon Coe. We have upcoming gigs with Howie Reeve (24th September @ The Cumberland Arms), The Bug Club (19th October @ Gosforth Civic Theatre) and Blue Orchids (24th November @ The Cumberland Arms), each with emerging and established local talent as support. www.pranceydog.co.uk

THE FALL MIDDLE MASS

Anyone that knows me is aware of my love of The Fall. I struggled to choose just one track, so went for this, my favourite song on my favourite Fall release, the six-track 1981 mini album Slates.

WATER FROM YOUR EYES BARLEY

My most played track of 2023. It’s all glitchy, and super cool… with a video that merits repeated viewing. This Brooklyn duo has been around for six years, and I look forward to exploring their journey to this year’s superb Everyone’s Crushed.

GEESE 2122

I listen to a lot of new music, and I’m terribly judgmental. Listening to their debut album Projector, I wrote Geese off as prog rock wannabes. The new album 3D Country has changed that perception. It’s an amazing album… but I still can’t get into Projector.

THE FIERY FURNACES DUPLEXES OF THE DEAD

Consistently in my most-played acts, Fiery Furnaces are brilliantly inventive, and each of their albums has a recognisably different style. This track is taken from side one of 2007’s Widow City. Listen to the whole side and you’ll be hooked too.

PERSONAL TRAINER RUG BUSTER

Dutch band Personal Trainer played a storming gig at Cluny2 in May. They’ll be

back in Newcastle later this year supporting BC Camplight. Joyous, life affirming brilliance. Buy the album!

THE BUG CLUB SHORT AND ROUND

The hardest working band around, they’re constantly touring and yet they’re exceptionally prolific. Moving steadily through the venue sizes, they’re back in Newcastle in November to promote a 47 track double album Rare Birds: Hour of Song.

LAEL NEAL BLUE VEIN

Taken from her debut album Acquainted By Night, this was the first track that I heard by Virginia-based singer Lael Neal. New album Star Eaters’ Delight is equally essential. Her set on a tiny stage in the woods was the highlight of my weekend at last year’s End Of The Road festival.

KOKOKO!

AZO TOKE

Everyone’s favourite Congolese experimental electronic dance collective, KOKOKO! play homemade instruments made from scrap, and their lyrics focus on political problems within the country. New music is imminent.

10CC ART FOR ART’S SAKE

The first band that I ever saw live, 10cc hit their peak with the perfect How Dare You album, and then immediately imploded. 10cc took a creative dip, and the freshly-departed Godley & Creme released the groundbreaking Consequences, L, Freeze Frame and

Ismism, the albums that 10cc should have made.

JONATHAN RICHMAN THAT SUMMER FEELING

Well… Jonathan Richman has provided me with 45 years of entertainment. An international treasure, from his early days with The Modern Lovers through to his most recent album, Want To Visit My Inner House?. A complete lack of social media presence, and a blatant disregard for convention dictates that this great performer will forever remain an outsider.

MANDY, INDIANA BOTTLE EPISODE

Formed in 2016, Mandy, Indiana is an English-French noise rock band fronted by Valentine Caulfield. Catch them in Newcastle at the end of October – you’ll not be disappointed.

NIGHTINGALES

SUNLIT UPLANDS (TURN THAT FROWN UPSIDE DOWN)

The opening track on 2022’s magnificent The Last Laugh, here’s proof that over 40 years after their debut release, Robert Lloyd and his Nightingales remain essential. Probably the best live act on the planet. See also: the new Lloyd/Bean album.

MELT-BANANA SWEEPER

The greatest record ever made. It’s perfect. Play very loud.

B

O U N D A R I E S

November 24th & 25th 2023

Sunderland, England, UK

Celebrating adventurous, exciting, curious and fun performances

2 Day Pass: £15 / Day Passes : £10

FRIDAY : MICROCORPS PENELOPE TRAPPES SLY & THE FAMILY DRONE IVAN THE TOLERABLE MATTERS

SATURDAY:

EX EASTER ISLAND HEAD . JULIA REIDY . MUN SING. CRYS COLE . LI YILEI . JOAN LOW . HARESS . ECKA MORDECAI . ELEANOR CULLY BOEHRINGER . CORE OF THE COALMAN . ROBERT RIDLEY SHACKLETON COMPETITION . ROBIN FOSTER . DISTANT LISTENING. PLUS BOUNDARIES DJS, RECORD STALLS, EXCLUSIVE MERCH, ARTWORKS & MORE!

www.boundariesfestival.com

JOIN US FOR EVENTFUL DAYS AND KNIGHTS

FILM SCREENINGS

TALKS

TRUE CRIME

LIVE MUSIC

GHOST TOURS

THEATRE

MEDIEVAL FOOD & DRINK

DANCE

COMEDY PERFORMANCES AND MORE!

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT NEWCASTLE CASTLE

Immerse yourself in our fantastic line-up of live events, talks, performances and film screenings, in an historic city-centre venue

newcastlecastle.co.uk/whats-on

DISCOVER WHAT’S ON AND BOOK TICKETS!