NARC. #204 April 2024

Happy birthday to us! This edition marks our 18th birthday, which is quite the milestone! If the magazine was a real human celebrating its 18th year, it would no doubt be out on the town up to no good (which, actually, is where you can find it!) At times, it can feel like I’ve given life to an actual human; it commands all my time, takes up a lot of money, plagues me with endless demands and rarely offers any thanks. But crucially, I love it anyway. I have nothing to compare this clumsy analogy to, I hasten to add, so I apologise to parents for trivialising the epic feat it takes to actually raise a human to adulthood – give me a bundle of paper any day.

As we’re in celebratory mode, we’re giving you, dear Constant Readers, a little gift in the form of our annual compilation album. Head on over to our Bandcamp to download 16 tracks from artists that have impressed us over the last 12 months (and check out pages 26-28 for the low-down).

April also marks the beginning of a war between my ever-increasing workload and the desire to leave my desk, as I’ll be fighting the temptation to be outside. Thankfully, our region’s venues are chock full of diversions to encourage us to play hooky, so there’s plenty to be thankful for – find your next skive within these very pages!

Editor

Claire Dupree info@narcmedia.com

Website

David Saunders narcmagazineonline@gmail.com

Creative

El Roboto

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Claire Dupree info@narcmedia.com

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Contributors

Matthew Brown / Laura Doyle / Lee Fisher / Nat Greener / Lee Hammond / James Hattersley / Donald Jenkins / Jason Jones / Ben Lowes-Smith / Lena Moss / Amelia Neri / Robert Nichols / Michael O’Neill / Stephen Oliver / Niamh Poppleton / Kate Relton / Damian Robinson / David Saunders / Steve Spithray / Dawn Storey / Adelle Sutheran / Andrew Thompson / Leigh Venus / Robin Webb / Ali Welford / Jennifer Wilson / Matt Young

PREVIEWS

4 HIGHLIGHTS

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

6 PREVIEWS

Live shows from Shovel Dance Collective, Giant Sand, Pet Needs, Bears In Trees, Motions, The Zutons, Swim School, Jane Weaver, YOWL, Fay Hield and more; stand-up comedy from Lee Kyle at Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Simon Munnery at The Stand, Paul Foot at ARC, Jesterval Comedy Club at Gosforth Civic Theatre and Toft House Comedy Club; theatre shows Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight at Dance City, Frankenstein at Northern Stage, Truly Madly Baldy at Laurel’s, Six Chick Flicks at Theatre Hullabaloo and Hope Is A Four Letter Word at Alphabetti; plus Hexham Book Festival, The Caper in Sunderland and loads more!

INTERVIEWS

26 NARC. COMPILATION ALBUM #18

29 BUS STOP GOTHS

30 KATHRYN WILLIAMS & WITHERED HAND

32 THE GLOBE

33 MELANIE BAKER

34 JOSH INGLEDEW

35 LIMELIGHT

LISTINGS

36 LISTINGS

The best of the rest…

REVIEWS

38 LIVE REVIEWS

Reports of live shows from Editors, Liam Gallagher & John Squire, Meatraffle, Luke Wright, The Early Purple, Dom Joly and more

41 DEMOS

Demo reviews of MEAMI, Gerry Mandarin, Logan Jai, Rob Harvey and Larry Page

42 TRACKS

Reviews of local singles and EPs by grapevine., Blackout The Arcade, Polyfillas, Conor Michael, Ice Road Trucker, Ami Leigh, Labyrinthine Oceans, OUTRI, End Credits, Lost Lot and Split The Ticket

44 ALBUMS

Featuring new releases from Bob Vylan, Justice, Jane Weaver, Lynks, English Teacher, Dead Pony, Drahla, Vampire Weekend and Aerial Salad

46 MIXTAPE

Simon Armitage, Richard Walters and Patrick J Pearson from LYR talk about some of the inspirations behind their latest EP and live show, Blossomise

24 PONYLAND

Claire Dupree discovers that dysfunction and delight go hand in hand as Newcastle’s wildest band prepare to release their highly anticipated second album

PREVIEWS

APRIL’S DIVERSIONS INCLUDE A NATURE-FILLED EXHIBITION, INTRICATE STAND-UP COMEDY, PSYCH-INFUSED GARAGE ROCK AND A MULTI-GENRE QUEER PARTY!

ART & LIT UNTIL EARLY MAY NOW, THEN

An exhibition celebrating Darlington and the people who have made it the place it is, lead artist Lizzie Lovejoy uncovers the town’s heritage and its ever-growing present, with stories collated from members of the local community through workshops and conversations, exploring what it means to be Northern and Darlo culture.

Crown Street Gallery, Darlington www.lizzielovejoy.com

ART & LIT TUE 2 NATURALLY NORTHERN

Artists Carol Metcalfe and Donna Slyfield present an exhibition of ceramics and paintings. Carol’s work captures the essence of North Yorkshire countryside through extraordinary use of texture and colour; while Donna’s paintings emerge from a sensual connection to the natural environment. Runs until 27th April.

The Witham, Barnard Castle www.thewitham.org.uk

COMEDY SAT 6 STUART LAWS

Intricate gag-weaver and leftfield observationalist Stuart Laws brings his critically acclaimed show, Is That Guy Still Going?, to Newcastle. Aiming to expose, warts and all, the bare truths behind marriage, vasectomies, child-free living and long-grief, the stand-up comedian, filmmaker, goalkeeper and viral Twitter star promises a deliriously funny show. Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle www.stuartlaws.com

MUSIC SAT 6 BEND & SHAKE

The Easter celebration from the multi-genre Queer party specialists, Bend & Shake guarantees an inclusive party with a music policy that keeps you on the dancefloor. Performances come from twin sister DJ and violin duo Kintra, plus two floors of music from R&B and house, to disco, pop, hardcore and much more.

World Headquarters, Newcastle www.sister-shack.com

MUSIC TUE 16

KAISER CHIEFS

The tuneful indie scamps return with a new album, Kaiser Chiefs’ Easy Eighth Album, which sees the band continue on their mission to produce breakthrough belters made for the indie dancefloor. Renowned for their energetic on-stage antics, the band will also deliver tracks from their extensive back catalogue. The Globe, Stockton www.kaiserchiefs.com

STAGE WED 17 MUSEUM OF AUSTERITY

An arresting mixed reality installation which tells the human story of austerity Britain. A blend of theatre, history and humanity, combining the skills of theatre/XR director Sacha Wares with the in-depth knowledge of John Pring, editor of Disability News. Runs until 21st April.

Live Theatre, Newcastle www.live.org.uk

MUSIC THUR 18 KRIS BARRAS BAND

Going from a pro-mixed martial arts fighter to a professional musician is quite the career change, and particularly impressive given the respect Kris Barras has earned in the blues rock scene. One of the genre’s breakout artists in recent years, expect technical solos, captivating choruses and hard-hitting riffs.

Boiler Shop, Newcastle www.krisbarrasband.com

Image by Deni Barras

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

STAGE

FRI 19

THE PROMISE

Nationally acclaimed British theatre company Deafinitely Theatre present a unique production which is inspired by the extraordinary experiences of deaf people living with dementia, presented in the company’s renowned, highly visual style. Also on Saturday 20th.

Northern Stage, Newcastle www.northernstage.co.uk

MUSIC SAT 20

SCOTT HEPPLE & THE SUN BAND

A cracking line-up for those who like their garage rock fuzzy and psych-infused, Scott Hepple & The Sun Band bring their glorious riffs and 70s vibes to an intimate show at Claypath Deli. Support comes from Hartlepool’s James Leonard Hewitson, who’s poised to unleash his new album of idiosyncratic pop sounds in May.

Claypath Deli, Durham www.scottheppleandthesunband.bandcamp.com

Ian Gonszarow, European Theatre, (2002) Acrylic on canvas

ART & LIT SAT 20 NO LAST DANCE

The opening celebration, with a performance from artist Debbie Bowers, of No Last Dance, a group exhibition exploring how time is intrinsic to the act of making and viewing painting. A one-day symposium exploring the themes of the exhibition takes place on Saturday 18th May, when the exhibition ends. Newcastle Contemporary Art www.visitnca.com

MUSIC SUN 21 NASUWT RIVERSIDE BRASS BAND + FIELD MUSIC

A special show featuring the world’s number one brass conductor Nicholas Childs and his band performing brass classics, alongside local heroes Field Music, who play new music commissioned for Durham BRASS Festival in 2023.

The Fire Station, Sunderland

www.thefirestation.org.uk

MUSIC THUR 25 MARTA DEL GRANDI

This week’s Fresh event at Cobalt features a performance from eclectic Italian singer-songwriter Marta Del Grandi, whose unique genre-splicing style is utterly beguiling. Support comes from Immaterial Possession, who fuse folk, psych, world music and prog rock (get there early for a lush homecooked veggie meal too). Cobalt Studios, Newcastle www.martadelgrandi.bandcamp.com

MUSIC SAT 27 BAKER ISLAND

A gig in a Victorian 19th Century waggonway may not be the most unusual experience you’re likely to get on a Saturday night in the Ouseburn, but Baker Island’s re-emergence back on the scene is notable nonetheless. The jangly noise pop band return to the live scene with fresh tunes taken from a forthcoming third album.

Victoria Tunnel, Newcastle www.bakerisland.bandcamp.com

NARC. E-ZINE

Check in on the twelve edition of our multimedia E-ZINE, and discover exclusive videos, playlists, mini-documentaries, sound clips and much more

NARC. TV

Catch up on all the episodes of NARC. TV, our YouTube programme featuring live music and interviews with North East artists

READ ONLINE WATCH ONLINE

+ ALSO THIS MONTH… INTERVIEW: ANDREW QUICK

Andrew Quick, co-director of a new adaptation of Frankenstein, talks about his unique approach to the classic tale

READ ONLINE

BUNCH OF FIVES: NERDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

Comedian Luke Connell from monthly stand-up show Nerds Just Wanna Have Fun waxes lyrical on his top five medieval sea creatures

READ ONLINE CONNECT WITH US

Image by Cecilia Fornari

Tré Burt

STAGE

HOPE IS A FOUR LETTER WORD @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE

Words: Matthew Brown

Newcastle’s Alphabetti Theatre is to host a captivating production that masterfully intertwines two monologues, exploring profound themes from contrasting viewpoints. hope is a four letter word has been crafted by the imaginative mind of North East creative gobscure, and will be brought to life under the direction of Ali Pritchard from Tuesday 16th April-Saturday 4th May. The production promises a unique blend of twisted humour and liberation, with moments of childlike wonder, beauty and freedom. Starring Zoe Lambert and Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock, the play delves into the narratives of two distinct characters navigating their path to freedom and understanding. The opening monologue draws inspiration from Kathy Boudin, a founding member of the U.S. militant organisation, Weather Underground, reflecting on a life of imprisonment and the quest for societal change. The second narrative follows an individual’s harrowing journey through a psych-ICU-prison, finding solace in Boudin’s words and discovering liberation. This production is a testament to the creative talent of an award-winning team, offering an experience that is at once magical, joyous, poetic, political and introspective. Critics hail gobscure’s work as intelligent, unsettling and entertaining, while Lambert’s performances are quietly heroic and full of love. Audiences are invited to embark on a journey that

challenges perceptions and captivates with emotional depth and raw intensity.

hope is a four letter word is performed at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle from Tuesday 16th April-Saturday 4th May. www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

MUSIC TRÉ BURT @ THE CLUNY 2

Words: Nat Greener

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music as Sacramento/Bay Area singer-songwriter Tré Burt and his band grace the stage of The Cluny 2 on Thursday 25th April. Fresh off the release of his latest album Traffic Fiction, Burt is making his debut in the North East as part of a full European tour. Renowned for his imaginative social protest songs and masterful storytelling, Burt’s music is a fusion of American folk, blues and soul, with a hint of rock and punk; from the sweet country-soul surrealism of the title track to the skywriting rock of 2 For Tha Show, Burt’s urgent and commanding vocals captivate audiences with every note.

Critics have hailed Traffic Fiction as Burt’s most expansive effort yet, praising its raw, heart-rending sound and poignant lyrics. With songs that touch on themes of doomed relationships, financial oppression and social apathy, Burt’s music resonates deeply in today’s turbulent world. Joining him on stage is Skyway Man, promising an evening filled with soulful melodies and unforgettable performances.

Tré Burt and Skyway Man perform at The Cluny 2, Newcastle on Thursday 25th April. www.treburt.com

EVENTS THE CAPER @ SUNDERLAND CITY HALL

Words: Matthew Brown

Having previously popped up at Newcastle’s Grainger Market and Gateshead’s Baltic gallery, it’s time for Sunderland to get in on the Caper action this month, as they bring their fusion of creativity and culture to transform Sunderland’s iconic City Hall into a hub of artistic brilliance on Friday 5th April. Featuring a diverse line-up curated to delight all senses, Let’s Caper@CityHall promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Acclaimed Sunderland band The Futureheads will headline the musical line-up, while the city’s rising stars Lottie Willis, Isabel Maria, Lily Mac and Sara Leilah will each play a set. Also on the line-up is the comedic brilliance of Alfie Joey, Steffen Peddie, Nick Cranston and Alex Redman, who will be sure to have the crowd in stitches. In addition to this range of entertainment, guests can also tantalise their taste buds with delectable street food offerings, sip on locally sourced beverages and peruse a curated selection of artisanal and vintage goods.

As the night progresses, Pop Recs Ltd.’s all-vinyl DJ set will fill City Hall’s glass and steel atrium with infectious beats. Keep an eye out for spontaneous dance moves adding an extra layer of excitement, from individual dancers to impromptu flash mobs.

Let’s Caper@City Hall takes place at Sunderland City Hall on Friday 5th April. www.thecaper.co.uk

MUSIC PET NEEDS @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE

Words: Laura Doyle

It’s difficult not to mention Pet Needs and Frank Turner within the same breath, seeing as the latter’s discovery and championing of the former has since resulted in the indie punk four piece’s popularity skyrocketing in the past three years. But while Turner’s input should not be

overlooked, neither should Pet Needs’ efforts to put out three records in almost as many years – and all of ‘em damn good ‘uns to boot. Intermittent Fast Living brings us more of Pet Needs’ signature nihilistic punk rock noise for the modern age – its opening acoustic spoken word introduction literally asks us “How Are You?” They’re probably not doing great, since most of the rest of the record ponders if modern life is really worth all the effort. As they continue to grow, Pet Needs’ fast living may well become less intermittent and more constant: they’ll be fresh off a run of US dates with favourite frequent collaborator Frank

3

Turner when they embark on a comprehensive UK/EU tour, kicking off in the one and only Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Tuesday 16th April. That DIY punk attitude and burgeoning fanbase will be housed perfectly in the indie venue – it’d be bittersweet to see them outgrow it, but I for one cannot wait to see what the impact of a fulfilling music career will be on their songwriting characteristics. Pet Needs play The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Tuesday 16th April.

www.petneedsband.com

Pringle

Pet

MUSIC EAGLESFEST 2 @ THE WAITING ROOM/P&E CLUB

Words: Michael O’Neill

Taking in a staggering 10 bands across two venues in Eaglescliffe, The Waiting Room and the P&E Club, Eaglesfest 2 is a long-awaited sequel to the 2022 Eaglesfest all-day festival which was heralded as the party to end all lockdowns. Now, with *that pandemic* firmly in the rear-view mirror, the festival is returning to further bring the party to the humble Stocktonon-Tees village.

Taking place from 12am to 12pm on Saturday 13th April, the festival is headlined by the Mercury Prize-nominated trailblazing singersongwriter Kathryn Williams and Edinburghbased solo artist Withered Hand, who will be showcasing material from their upcoming collaborative LP, Wilson Williams, before embarking on a broad UK tour. Sharing the bill is The Burning Hell’s Ariel Sharratt & Mathias Kom (who will also be performing at The Cluny

on Thursday 11th April) alongside Shotgun Jimmy, Jodie Nicholson, Gone Tomorrow, Dressed Like Wolves and Eagleukes, with even more artists to be announced in the run up the all-dayer. It’s a gloriously eclectic and engrossing line-up with further reinforces the brilliant cultural offerings that continue to emerge from Stockton-on-Tees!

Eaglesfest 2 takes place at The Waiting Room and the P&E Club, Eaglescliffe on Saturday 13th April.

www.thewaitingroom.uk

ART & LIT HEXHAM BOOK FESTIVAL

Words: Niamh Poppleton

From Friday 26th April-Sunday 5th May, the Hexham Book Festival returns for another year of enthralling events across the Northumbrian town. With 55 events of bookish mania, there’s something for every kind of literature lover out there, from fiction fanatics and poetry lovers, to political protestors and journalists alike. Exciting book group events and discussions

of international and domestic politics will take place. Among the highlights, Northern commentator Stuart Maconie presents his new book, The Full English; attendees can allow their inner feminist to thrive with newsreader Cathy Newman’s discussion of powerful women in her book The Ladder; Sarah Gristwood draws on the words of female diarists; for those who cry out “poetry, beauty, romance, love” (to quote Dead Poets Society), Jackie Kay returns to the festival with her most recent collection May Day, delving into political activism spanning three decades; acclaimed storyteller and screenwriter David Nichols (One Day, Us, Starter For Ten) talks about his book You Are Here; and author of The Essex Serpent, Sarah Hall, reveals all about her new novel about love and astronomy; writing workshops have been constructed for the budding comrades of word-weaving, with writers like Tamarin Norwood and David Wibberly. Many more events await at the festival, including the infamous Proof Party, which includes the allure of free books – need any more be said?

Hexham Book Festival takes place at various venues from Friday 26th April-Sunday 5th May.

www.hexhambookfestival.co.uk

Ariel Sharratt & Mathias Kom by Jesse Sharratt

STAGE TEN THOUSAND TONS OF MOONLIGHT @ DANCE CITY

Words: Donald Jenkins

Those who enjoy unique experiences at the theatre should make a beeline for Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight at Newcastle’s Dance City on Thursday 11th April. The live work in progress performance sublimely blends the language of poetry and dance with

innovative digital projections and features the profound writing of Yu Xiuhua, a renowned contemporary Chinese poet living with Cerebral Palsy. Her impact on Chinese and global literature has been likened to that of Emily Dickinson.

The show is created by visionary dance producer Farooq Chaudhry, who was drawn to Xiuhua’s poetry and her exploration to find a place to belong and be accepted. This resonated with his experience of growing up as a Pakistani immigrant in the UK.

The diverse production champions disabled performers and those enthusiastic about groundbreaking approaches to dance, including Yu Xiuhua herself who will move alongside

dancers, an actress and be supported by large shadows crafted by acclaimed visual lighting designer Michael Hulls. The production encourages contemplation on whether embracing our true selves and stepping out of the shadows leads to liberation, or if these shadows hold deeper meaning. Can these stirring poems reinterpreted through dance serve as a gateway to a parallel world where our true essence can flourish and spirits roam freely?

Ten Thousand Tons of Moonlight is at Dance City, Newcastle on Thursday 11th April. www.dancecity.co.uk

MUSIC FAY HIELD @ MIDDLESBROUGH TOWN HALL

Words: Matthew Brown

Renowned folk musician and academic Fay Hield is set to grace Middlesbrough Town Hall with her captivating presence on Wednesday 24th April, as she embarks on her first-ever solo tour.

With a rich history embedded in the folk tradition, Hield’s performance promises an intimate exploration of songs that resonate with universal themes of love, death and motherhood. Audiences can anticipate a unique opportunity to experience the music up close, with Hield sharing engaging stories behind her music, ranging from powerful ballads to playful nursery rhymes, inviting all to join in the true spirit of folk music.

Born and raised in Yorkshire, with roots deeply planted in the folk scene, Fay Hield has emerged as a significant voice in contemporary folk music. From her early days with folk quartet The Witches of Elswick to leading a trio that delved into rare traditional songs, Hield’s journey has been one of continuous evolution and discovery. Her latest album, Wrackline, explores the liminal spaces of folklore, bringing ancient stories to life with a modern sensibility. Through her solo performances, Fay Hield offers more than just music; she invites audiences into a world where old tales gain new relevance, woven with exceptional artistry and a profound understanding of our shared humanity.

Fay Hield performs at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday 24th April.

www.fayhield.com

COMEDY JESTERVAL COMEDY CLUB @ GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE

Words: Nat Greener

Get ready for a night of uproarious laughter at Jesterval Comedy Club, which takes place at Gosforth Civic Theatre on Saturday 27th April. Some of the funniest comedians from the region and beyond will grace the stage to tickle your funny bone. Leading the line-up is the delightfully witty Karen Bayley, known for her killer wit and infectious giggle. With over a decade on the circuit, Karen’s bold, no-nonsense attitude strikes a perfect pitch with audiences nationwide. Joining her is the acclaimed John Fothergill, whose sell-out shows and TV appearances have solidified his status as one of the most experienced comedians in the business. With his relaxed banter and razor-sharp humour, John promises a night to remember. Also on the bill is David Hadingham, whose gravel-voiced delivery and warped view of everyday life will keep you hooked until the last punchline. And don’t miss George Zach, the Greek comic with a truly global appeal.

Jesterval Comedy Club is at Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle on Saturday 27th April. www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

MUSIC SET YOUR SIGHTS @ PLAY BREW CO

Words: Matthew Brown

Teesside’s pop punk quartet Set Your Sights are gearing up for a monumental celebration as they mark their ten-year anniversary this month. Formerly known as Destroy The 1950s, the band embarked on a new musical journey in 2014 and have been captivating audiences with their energetic performances ever since. To commemorate this impressive milestone, Set Your Sights are throwing a ten-year anniversary party (with pizza!) at Play Brew Co in Middlesbrough on Saturday 20th April. Joining them for a night of nostalgic revelry will be a stellar line-up of supporting acts, including Newcastle’s pop punk outfit Coastlines, Leedsbased punk pop band A Night In November and solo artist Failed To Ignite.

Formed by drummer Haz Casson in 2012, Set Your Sights boasts a line-up with decades of combined experience. Guitarist Alex Smith and bassist Roy Myers have long been stalwarts of Middlesbrough’s music scene since the early 2000s, while guitarist Dave Hope completed the band’s current line-up in August 2022. With their latest single Circles already making waves, and the highly anticipated release of new track 17 on the horizon, Set Your Sights are gearing up for a busy and exciting year ahead.

Set Your Sights perform at Play Brew Co, Middlesbrough on Saturday 20th April. www.sysband.bandcamp.com

Fay Hield

MUSIC BEARS IN TREES @ RIVERSIDE

Words: Laura Doyle

The chronically-online amongst us have probably already heard of Bears In Trees: they’re that Southern four-piece who constantly show up on your ‘for-you’ page espousing the virtues of friendship, optimism in the face of a broken world, and their latest single. For those who haven’t yet made the leap to their link in bio to stream said music, I’m here to give you one simple, solid piece of advice: do it.

Performing at Newcastle’s Riverside on Wednesday 24th April, the Croydon music makers are a breath of fresh air in an oversaturated world; even if their equal parts heart-warming and heart-wrenching tunes sound like they could be fresh out of an early 00s emo mixtape, the positivity and message of healing and rehabilitation puts enough of a spin on the ol’ formula to make Bears In Trees a must-add to any Sad Boi Hours playlist. And for those who have no idea who we’ve been talking about the whole time, then never fear!

Latest single Hot Chocolate (taken from upcoming album How To Build An Ocean: Instructions, released on 26th April) is quintessential Bears On Trees. A little angsty, a lot of brutal honesty and entirely addictive.  Bears In Trees play Riverside, Newcastle on Wednesday 24th April.

www.bearsintrees.com

STAGE THE BLINDBOY PODCAST LIVE @ TYNE THEATRE AND OPERA HOUSE

Words: Leigh Venus

For some, it’s a bag on the head. For Blindboy Boatclub, it’s a neurodivergent’s response to fame, a work of outsider art and a critical response to capitalism, environmentalism and artistic self-expression. Crucially, it’s also a neat way to be famous and not get harassed at the off license.

Bringing his live show to Tyne Theatre & Opera

House on Sunday 21st April, one of the most singularly fascinating figures in the pop culture lexicon, Blindboy contains multitudes. Originally (technically still) one half of sardonic comedy hip-hop duo The Rubberbandits, Blindboy now sits proudly amongst Ireland’s greatest cultural exports as a best-selling author, broadcaster and satirist.

Though he’d never admit it, he’s already well on course to be spoken of in the same breath as Flann O’Brien and James Joyce, firmly landing himself in the grand tradition of folk storytellers with third book Topographia Hibernica in 2023.

His podcast regularly draws in over a million worldwide listeners monthly – despite him telling newbies to go back and listen from the start to familiarise themselves with the heady, wildly evocative lore contained within – while his live events showcase his legendary penchant for the ‘hot take’ alongside his warm, deeply-penetrating interview style.

All this and he’s hilarious too. Not bad for a lad with a bag on his head.

The Blindboy Podcast Live is at Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle on Sunday 21st April.

www.theblindboypodcast.ie

Bears in Trees

MUSIC YOWL @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Nat Greener

Before they captivate The Cumberland Arms on Friday 5th April with their menacing indie storytelling, YOWL’s journey began in the gritty underbelly of South London. In the early days of 2016, fuelled by a shared frustration with urban

living, the five-piece band emerged from the shadows, wielding their raw talent like a weapon against the mundane.

Their debut EP, 2016’s Before The Sleep Sets In, served as a manifesto – a declaration of their intent to infuse sleazy indie with the raw energy of post-punk. As they honed their sound in the smoky depths of underground venues, word of their intensity spread like wildfire. DIY, NME and BBC Radio 6Music took notice, propelling them into the spotlight alongside luminaries like IDLES and LICE. Festivals became their playground, from the stages of

Pitchfork Avant-Garde to the electric atmosphere of London Calling Amsterdam. Their debut album, Milksick, which was released last September via Clue Records/EMI North served to reiterate the band’s story of defiance and determination, and a testament to the power of music to transform frustration into art, and strangers into devoted fans.

YOWL play The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle on Friday 5th April.

www.yowl.bandcamp.com

Image by Simon Milner

MUSIC

THE ZUTONS @ WYLAM BREWERY

Words: Matthew Brown

The highly anticipated return of The Zutons is just around the corner, with their first album in a staggering 16 years, The Big Decider, released on 26th April, and a live show at Wylam Brewery on Tuesday 16th April.

The multi-platinum selling band released three studio albums between 2004 and 2008, scoring top 10s with Why Won’t You Give Me Your Love? and the all-conquering Valerie. Now they return to share the fruits of their extended time away.

This long-awaited follow-up has been crafted at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, with the esteemed guidance of songwriter and producer Nile Rodgers, alongside the band’s original producer Ian Broudie.

The Big Decider emerges as more than just an album for The Zutons; it’s their cosmic odyssey through life’s trials and triumphs. Crafted amidst 15 years of experiences, it bears the weight of family tragedies and personal growth. Lead singer and guitarist Dave McCabe reminisces on the journey, citing the influence of Nile Rodgers and the emotional significance of reconnecting with Broudie. The lead single, Disappear, features Rodgers himself, adding an enchanting layer to The Zutons’ sonic tapestry. Off the back of an intimate UK tour, including a memorable show at Stockton Calling, The Zutons are primed to captivate audiences once again with The Big Decider.

The Zutons play Wylam Brewery, Newcastle on Tuesday 16th April.

www.thezutons.com

COMEDY LEE KYLE @ TYNE THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE

Words: Donald Jenkins

‘England’s best comedian’ hits the big time! Following fifteen years in stand-up, gigging all over the world, South Shields funny man Lee Kyle is playing his first ever show at Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Saturday 20th April. Kyle’s titled his show ‘England’s Best Comedian’ (tongue slightly in cheek), and he assures us his claim is completely 100% verifiable, “How do I know I’m the best? Well, I’ve been at all my gigs and, my word, the laughs hurt my ears sometimes. Also, humility has got me nowhere so bollocks to it, I’m great me.”

As one of the most inventive yet adaptable acts in the UK, he has good reason to be bold with his assertions. Known for his ability to work any audience from festivals to stag dos to kids shows, Kyle seamlessly weaves quirky stories with top notch ad-libbing, thinking on his feet with impressive creativity. The former champion wrestler is a podcast host, Edinburgh fringe regular and board member of the world’s only comedian run cooperative CIC, Felt Nowt. His show is about overcoming self-doubt and admitting to himself – and you – that he is, indeed, England’s best comedian. So please, come watch and prove him right.

Lee Kyle performs at Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle on Saturday 20th April. www.imleekyle.com

ART & LIT

RECORDING TIME @ GALLAGHER & TURNER

Words: James Hattersley

A collaborative exhibition taking place at Gallagher & Turner in Newcastle, Recording Time is set to explore the idea of marking time through music, heritage, duration and experiences.

Six artists will gather to answer what happens when we are bored, how images and memories change as they are passed from one media to another and how time affects us and art. Embodied in sculptures, paintings and risographs, a rare set of coloured photos of the Beatles will also be shown – a different shade on a different time.

Turning the record over is curator Matthew Hearn, who is resurrecting his 2015 project Beyond The Goldmine Standard. The work will flaunt a collection of affordable 12” vinyl records which have been reworked by 20 local artists – giving them new life and focus. In line with Record Store Day, well established artists to undergrad art students weigh up nostalgia and aesthetics to celebrate not only the recent boom in the vinyl market but to explore the implications and creative possibilities. Of any vinyl artworks sold, half of the profits will go to Maggie’s Cancer Care.

Recording Time is at Gallagher & Turner, Newcastle from Friday 19th April-Saturday 25th May.

www.gallagherandturner.co.uk

The Zutons by Jonathan Turton

MUSIC HALINA RICE @ BOILER SHOP

Words: Matt Young

Working in the realms of AV art and electronic composition, London-based artist Halina Rice might not be a name you’re immediately familiar, with but her blend of abstract organic sounds and beats creates worlds to lose yourself inside. These parallel worlds mixing music, technology and art pulse and throb with life. They take elements of IDM and play around with the format so songs hit you in waves; perfect for absorbing and, in some cases, unsettling. That’s not to insinuate in any way that Rice’s music is inaccessible, on the contrary, her releases and live sets are rammed with dance floor hits. Tracks from last year’s New Basis EP and 2022’s album Elision go hard: think DJ Shadow remixed by Jon Hopkins.

The visuals for her live shows are on point too, taking all that fragmented artistry and creating a backdrop that will prove equally as fascinating at her Boiler Shop show on Friday 19th April. Creating a portal to the real and synthetic, unsure of which side we find ourselves on at any point in time, expect body-shaking bass, jittery synths and sweeping vistas to vie for attention, making for one truly exceptional atmosphere. What could be better on a Friday night out?

Halina Rice plays The Boiler Shop, Newcastle on Friday 19th April. www.halinarice.com

MUSIC SWIM SCHOOL @ ZEROX

Words: Matt Young

Edinburgh’s Swim School have a sound that’s dense and richly emblematic of the 90s shoegaze era, bands like Ride or Slowdive come to mind. But there’s also a wilder, rockier core in the mix that thrashes around and shouts. Catching them on their first headline tour in the relatively intimate space of Zerox on Friday 19th April should be a blistering experience.

Local promoter The Kids Are Solid Gold has championed the band since promoting early shows from the very beginning and watching their success as they have risen through the ranks. The trio is fronted by Alice Johnson, with guitarist Lewis Bunting and drummer Billy Martin occupying the other seats; Johnson asserts herself commandingly on stage, bouncing around with seemingly unlimited energy. The changes of pace in their songs do allow for some respite though, and they like to pitch opposites against each other musically and lyrically, which makes for a visceral, contradictory and tension-filled indie pop glee, captured so vividly on their Making Sense Of It All EP. They’ve also been known to throw in the occasional thunderous cover of Taylor Swift’s Love Story, if that’s an added selling point for you to come and assist in whipping the venue into a frenzy.

Swim School play Zerox, Newcastle on Friday 19th April.

www.linktr.ee/swimschool

COMEDY TOFT HOUSE COMEDY NIGHT

Words: Matthew Brown

Fancy a Friday night full of laughs this April?

Look no further than the Toft House Comedy Night, making its return on Friday 5th April, and promising an evening brimming with comedic talent set to evoke waves of laughter.

Leading the line-up is Sully O’Sullivan, a Kiwi comedian whose humour has captivated audiences worldwide. Notably appearing on New Zealand’s Pulp Comedy, O’Sullivan has garnered international praise, including being a highlight at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, winning the International Improvaganza Tournament in Canada, and his show A Complete Idiot’s Guide to New Zealand was a sell-out at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Beyond his performances on stage, he has also graced Australian TV’s The Comedy Channel.

Gareth the Poet, the recent winner of the Toft House Comedy Cup, is set to charm the audience with his witty and engaging verses, while Eppie Brilliant rounds out the line-up as Toft House’s beloved musical comedian. Known for her adeptness at crafting songs with a comedic twist, Eppie has a knack for captivating audiences, ensuring a night of laughter and amusement.

With more acts to be announced, Toft House Comedy Night offers the perfect opportunity for a delightful start to the weekend, filled with laughter and exciting performances.

Toft House Comedy Night takes place at Toft House, Middlesbrough on Friday 5th April.

www.mltmiddlesbrough.org.uk

Halina Rice by Ozge Cone

and the process of unexpectedly and sometimes unexplainably losing one’s hair must be quite distressing – and one that often

individuals both coming to terms with their hair loss host a funerary cremation for the last of their strands as they reminisce over their

MEHEK

by Aakash Odedra Company and Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company

Giant Sand

MUSIC GIANT SAND @ THE CLUNY

Words: Lee Fisher

Howe Gelb has travelled a strange and meandering path these past four decades, drifting from project to project, outfit to outfit, as the mood takes him. His main squeeze has always been Giant Sand, who became Giant Giant Sand for a spell in the last decade, before splitting up. Except they didn’t split up, not really, and Howe and his gang of dusty desert comrades are back at The Cluny on Monday 22nd April for the first of a short run of dates to accompany the Fire Records reissue of possibly their finest album, 1999’s Chore Of Enchantment.

Produced when Joey Burns and John Convertino (ie Calexico) were still in the band, and with a delicious guest spot from Juliana

Hatfield, Chore Of Enchantment might simultaneously be their most accessible but most diverse album and it’s going to be a real treat to see Gelb and whoever else constitutes Giant Sand these days giving us gems like Temptation Of Egg, Astonished In Memphis and Shiver live once again. Not to be missed.

Giant Sand play The Cluny, Newcastle on Monday 22nd April.

www.giantsand.bandcamp.com

ART & LIT BEYOND THE BASSLINE @ NEWCASTLE CITY LIBRARY

Words: Lee Fisher

Taking inspiration from the acclaimed British Library exhibition Beyond the Bassline,

Newcastle City Library is hosting a panel exhibition on its third level from Friday 26th April-Sunday 25th August. The exhibition covers the journey of Black music in Britain, which runs contrary to the widely-held but incorrect notion that everything started when Windrush first docked, and instead has a 500-year journey.

The exhibition will look beyond the purely musical, celebratory story to look more broadly at the people, places and spaces involved and the intertwined social and political timelines that created a uniquely Black British culture, with the influence of things like calypso, Afro-rock, sound system culture and dub, and the jungle, D&B and grime scene, reaching deep into all aspects of UK music and culture. Beyond The Bassline is at Newcastle City Library from Friday 26th April-Sunday 25th August.

www.newcastle.gov.uk/libraries

COMEDY PAUL FOOT @ ARC

Words: Jennifer Wilson

Comedy is often formed from the struggle, the trauma, the very anxiety of our existence, and this was Paul Foot’s way, his comedy was very much created from feeling dissatisfied and weird which is why his latest show is intriguing. Foot has had an epiphany. He’s now happy? And content? Huh?

Dissolve is the critically acclaimed show from the multi award-winning comedian, who explains that in 2022 *something happened* and his internal conflict and minor grievances with almost everything melted away. You don’t have to go too far to see if you can achieve the same inner contentment, Dissolve is on tour until the end of May and rocks up at Stockton’s ARC on Saturday 27th April. This is Foot’s most personal show ever, for the first time he talks about his life and feelings, but audiences can still expect the usual twists and revelations, some in the form of Sir Cliff Richard and a

teenage Tutankhamun.

If you fancy a bit of catharsis and have ever wondered what Jesus might have achieved had he been a plumber, this could be for you. Paul Foot performs at ARC, Stockton on Saturday 27th April.

www.paulfoot.tv

MUSIC AELIUS ALTERNATIVE FESTIVAL @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Laura Doyle

There’s a new alternative music festival on the scene, and we say the more the merrier! Aelius is a hot-off-the-press multi-venue event that will take over some of Newcastle’s favourite independent venues on Saturday 6th April in a celebration of our beloved local music scene. Over thirty acts will perform across five stages across the city centre: live music will be hosted at the Head of Steam, The Globe and Mosaic

Tap, while you can catch a run of comedy sets hosted by Howl Comedy Club while you refuel at Newcastle’s first Mexican-inspired joint, Zapatista Burrito Bar.

Confirmed names include Reverend & The Makers’ guitarist Ed Cosens, who’ll be promoting his second album Somewhere

Between Dark And Light as part of his recent embarkation as a solo singer-songwriter; Scottish artist and BBC Radio Scotland’s singer-songwriter of the year award nominee Megan Black; Glaswegian actor, musician, and former frontwoman of Sara ’N’ Junbug, Sara Rae; alternative rock outfit Electric Circus; slacker pop supremo James Leonard Hewitson; excitable pop rock band Oddo’s Gaze; goth-pop pioneer MXYM, among many more.

And for those for whom an all-day festival isn’t quite enough, there’s even an all-night after-party at The Globe with non-stop rock ‘n’ roll anthems on one floor and Nightbreed Goth Night on the other.

Aelius Alternative Festival takes place at various venues in Newcastle on Saturday 6th April.

www.aeliusaltfest.com

Paul Foot by Jonathan Birch

MUSIC

MILLIE MANDERS & THE SHUT UP @ THE FORUM MUSIC CENTRE

Words: Michael O’Neill

No matter how much the naysayers doth protest, that ol’ ska punk will simply never die. Notoriously misunderstood and never boring, the all-vibe, high-energy genre has stood up despite ridicule from music snobs and

buzz-killers alike, proving its worth as a ray of light in the world of up-tempo, skanky scuzz. Whilst many of the iconic bands that popularised the genre remain active and thriving, the genre has continued to inspire a number of up-starting bands, such as London’s very own Millie Manders & The Shut Up, whose frenetic and high-energy ska punk transmissions have seen them gain glowing endorsements from founding members of The Specials, and has seen them grace stages at Boomtown, Slam Dunk, Rebellion and Kendal Calling, and now, Darlington’s phenomenal The Forum on Thursday 18th April.

Support comes from Cumbrian pop punkers Voodoo Radio, comprised of singer/drummer Paige and guitarist Tony, whose acclaimed 2022 mini-LP POP PILLS has bagged them support slots with the likes of The Skids and Sham 69. All in all, it’s a lovely double-bill that shows there’s plenty of life left in the genres that emerged from the punk revolution, in a cracking venue to boot.

Millie Manders & The Shut Up and Voodoo Radio play The Forum Music Centre, Darlington on Thursday 18th April.

www.millie-manders.com

MUSIC

JANE WEAVER @ THE GLASSHOUSE

Words: Adelle Sutheran

Off the back of her third album release, Love In Constant Spectacle, which is released on 5th April, sonic experimenter Jane Weaver returns to the North East for a show at The Glasshouse on Wednesday 24th April.

Described as her most open–hearted, direct and intimate collection of material yet, the gig will showcase Weaver’s otherworldly, punchy, psych and synth-drenched tracks such as the already released Perfect Storm and the album’s sublime title track. “A lot of the album’s themes stem from interpretation and translation, observations and emotional cues.” She says of the release. “I love the nuances in translation on foreign film subtitles, sometimes it’s exaggerated or more beautiful, stand-alone statements that don’t make sense but when accompanied by a visual image, we can see the scene play out.”

The artist is known for her visionary songwriting and resplendent soundscapes; unafraid to push boundaries of genre and sound, you’re just as likely to find fuzzy atmospherics and motorik drums as playful pop vignettes.

Jane Weaver plays The Glasshouse, Gateshead on Wednesday 24th April. www.janeweavermusic.com

STAGE

SIX CHICK FLICKS @ THEATRE HULLABALOO/ NORTHERN STAGE

Words: Jennifer Wilson

Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe and sell out American shows, Six Chick Flicks is a witty and feminist comedy show of pop culture parodies of – you guessed it – chick flicks (six of ‘em, including Titanic, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, Legally Blonde, The Notebook and Beaches). The show was co-written by Kerry Ipema and TJ Dawe – who has also co-created several stage parodies including Star Wars and Sex and the City – and will be performed at Theatre Hullabaloo on Wednesday 24th and Northern Stage on Thursday 25th April.

Described as both hilarious AND feminist (impossible!), Kerry Ipema and KK Apple perform iconic moments from these beloved films, which are wittily broken down into ten bite-sized minutes, complete with dancing, singing and snappy montages topped off with a dash of improv.

It’s not a total neg-fest however, Ipema and KK Apple obviously have a real fondness for the genre and have probably watched these films on repeat, but as the characters are often written by men, it’s surprisingly easy to mock them, as you have probably done yourself on a much smaller scale.

Don’t be a baby in the corner for this one – be a bird like Rachel McAdams in The Notebook (sans Ryan Gosling sadly) and fly into to your nearest venue for what looks like a memorable evening!

Six Chick Flicks is at Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington on Wednesday 24th and Northern Stage, Newcastle on Thursday 25th April. www.sixchickflicks.com

MUSIC

DOMINIE HOOPER @ THE WAITING ROOM

Words: Michael O’Neill

After spending many years honing her craft whilst collaborating in folk and contemporary music – working with acclaimed artists such as Yola, Tom Odell, Rioghnach Connolly and Alabaster Deplume – songwriter Dominie Hooper has opted to forge a new path as a solo artist, which has seen her recently record a raft of acclaimed singles produced by This Is The Kit’s Kate Stables. The brilliant three-track release Hastings, (released with the support of both Help Musicians and PRSF’s Women Make Music grants) exemplifies Dominie’s vivid and rich command of the songwriting craft, with a sharp and organic sound further reinforcing the strength of her songwriting talents. It’s a bold continuation of the singular sound hinted at on 2022’s debut EP ANNO, boasting an intimate and immaculately-produced sound which allows the quality of her songwriting to take center stage. With a long-overdue debut LP in the works, an upcoming headlining tour takes in Eaglescliffe’s The Waiting Room on Sunday 21st April, and promises to be an unprecedented opportunity to witness a future alt. folk icon in the making.

Dominie Hooper plays The Waiting Room, Eaglescliffe on Sunday 21st April.

www.dominiehooper.com

Jane Weaver by Nic Chapman

MUSIC SHOVEL DANCE

COLLECTIVE @ THE LUBBER FIEND

Words: Lee Fisher

While it’s entirely fitting that there’s a lot of fuss being made about the incredible music emerging from Dublin right now, it would be foolish to ignore some of the equally incredible things happening in folk music nearer to home, perhaps most crucially with the many-headed hydra that is Shovel Dance Collective.

What SDC do is very special indeed, for a couple of reasons: firstly, they draw out the hypnotic, droning aspects of folk and bring everything from minimalism and modern classical to experimental to bear on the material to stunning effect, while still using traditional instruments and voices. Also, they place folk firmly in a Queer, feminist, working class context and revitalise it as a living, breathing act of solidarity, not a museum piece (in a similar fashion perhaps to Stick In The Wheel). If that sounds dry, don’t worry – live they’re a singularly powerful, joyful experience and we should be grateful to Lubber Fiend for bringing them up here on Friday 12th April. Their last album The Water Is The Shovel Of The Shore was one of the most remarkable releases of 2022 and judging by recent live appearances, whatever they do next is going to be fascinating. Joining them for this gig will be local drone-maven Dawn Terry and intriguing and mysterious duo Milkweed.

Shovel Dance Collective play The Lubber Fiend, Newcastle on Friday 12th April. www.shovel.dance

MUSIC MOTIONS @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE

Words: Laura Doyle

Trigger warnings are a little bit of a hot topic right now – but regardless of which side of the debate you fall, post-metal outfit motions ought to slap a big one on their brand new EP, The Paralysis. Art gives us the space to explore uncomfortable subjects in safe ways, which is why the Teesside post-metal group’s exploration of the sensitive subject of suicidal ideation ultimately makes sense. Beneath the facts, figures and statistics of depression and suicide rates is a human experience that is less easily quantified, and sometimes more effectively conveyed via creative means.

The band’s six track record follows the dark journey of a person who truly feels as if they have lost it all as they descend through, and rise from, a troubled time in their life. Whether you find it cathartic or just a little depressing to listen to, motions’ ability to move you with their music is entirely the point of such an exercise.

The Paralysis launches with a release show at the Georgian Theatre on Saturday 27th April, and a further performance at Little Buildings on Friday 3rd May, to truly give the EP its moment to shine – with an audience for moral and emotional support.  motions play The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Saturday 27th April and Little Buildings, Newcastle on Friday 3rd May.

www.linktr.ee/motionsmetalband

MUSIC THE GIRL WITH THE REPLACEABLE HEAD @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Nat Greener

There’s an evening of eclectic musical talent at The Cumberland Arms on Friday 26th April courtesy of The Girl With The Replaceable Head. Featuring the legendary Lindy Morrison of the Go-Betweens on drums and Mick Porter on bass, their latest album Sometimes She Lives In The Dark, Sometimes She Lives In The Light promises to captivate audiences with its sultry melodies and romantic undertones, which expertly shows off their unique blend of glam rock and indie charm.

Also performing is the extraordinary David Lance Callahan, known for his work with The Wolfhounds and Moonshake. With his solo project, Callahan explores the depths of English primitive music, blending electric and psychedelic elements to create a truly immersive experience and mesmerizing performance. And last but not least, Helen McCookerybook, former member of The Chefs and Helen And The Horns, will grace the stage with her soulful solo act. Drawing on her dreams, McCookerybook’s latest album is a testament to her talent as a singer-songwriter and producer. Join them for a night of music that transcends boundaries and ignites the soul.

The Girl With The Replaceable Head, David Lance Callahan and Helen McCookerybook play The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle on Friday 26th April.

www.thegirlwiththereplaceablehead. bandcamp.com

Shovel Dance Collective

COMEDY

SIMON MUNNERY’S JERUSALEM @ THE STAND

Words: Michael O’Neill

Considered one of the all-time great British comics by the inimitable Stewart Lee, Simon Munnery has forged a path in the annuls of alternative comedy with a unique and acerbic approach to the form that has earned him a sterling reputation as an unconventional trailblazer of the fine art of side-splitting. He rose to infamy, co-founding Cluub Zarathustra, an irreverent comedy cabaret act and troupe, which rose to prominence around the great stand-up boom of the 90s and has maintained his integrity since, only briefly troubling the mainstream with a brief sojourn on BBC Radio 1 and a short dalliance with mainstream comedy with the BBC 2 show Attention Scum! (which provided early exposure to comedic titans such as Catherine Tate and Johnny Vegas). Not one to rest on his laurels, he’s out on another unique tour, taking in Newcastle’s Stand on Tuesday 16th April, that

further teases at the boundaries of the form.

Jerusalem takes inspiration from the iconic poem scribed by William Blake, with particular emphasis on the drastic interpretation by The Fall to form a truly unique stand-up show with one eye on the distant past, and the other locked laser-like on the future.

Simon Munnery performs at The Stand, Newcastle on Tuesday 16th April.

www.simonmunnery.com

EVENTS ARTISTS RESIDENCY SHARING @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE

Words: Matt Young Alphabetti Theatre is well known as a venue and organisation for providing performers creative latitude to workshop, develop and entertain. This month, over three nights each, you can see the fruits of residencies by Kate Fox and Si Beckwith (Tuesday 2nd-Thursday 4th April) and Iona Moss and Mysterious Theatre (Tuesday 16th-Thursday 18th April). The first double bill showcases Fox’s The Flux,

a Doctor Who-inspired neuroqueer imagined world where identities shift and time travellers guide us through a poetic, funny, spoken word journey into what a neurodivergent-affirming world can look like. Stepping Up by Si Beckwith encompasses his endearing, cheeky and charming way with words, as the local funnyman will be mixing the silly with the serious in a show that will have you in pieces. The second set of shows features Lady Flower by Iona Moss, which explores the stigma, taboo, and unspoken side of being a menstruator, and aims to educate and empower. Told through the eyes of Moss as someone with undiagnosed Endometriosis, it shows that periods can be positive but also a bloody pain too! In conjunction with this, Mysterious is a fantasy tale about five children with unusual abilities; conceived and created by Colum Findlay, Sarah Chew and Coggin Galbreath, Mysterious is a contemporary ensemble show about those who don’t want to blend in, those who can’t and those who choose to stand with them.

Artists Residency Sharing shows take place at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle from Tuesday 2nd-Thursday 4th April and Tuesday 16th-Thursday 18th April.

www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

Simon Munnery by Ed Moore

STAGE

FRANKENSTEIN @ NORTHERN STAGE

Words: Niamh Poppleton

In a multimedia twist on the tale of the prevailing human desire to play God, the heart of gothic literature comes to Newcastle’s Northern Stage from Tuesday 30th-Thursday 2nd May in a touching, yet disturbing production.

Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Mary Shelley, imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse have banded together to create their own powerful depiction of Frankenstein, with contemporary dance choreography, compelling special effects and outstanding acting. In this new production, a couple who are fearful of the concept of parenthood that looms over them find that the story of Frankenstein is forged into the fabric of their lives with every second of this captivating creation. With a stormy atmosphere brewing in the background, an ordinary home transforms

for the audience, with typical objects morphing before the couple’s eyes into the unexpected, offering an unprecedented rendition of a heart-wrenching psychological thriller. The captivating philosophy of human nature will be laid bare before your eyes, begging the question: what is it to be human?

Frankenstein is performed at Northern Stage, Newcastle from Tuesday 30th-Thursday 2nd May.

www.northernstage.co.uk

Georgia-Mae Myers and Nedum Okonyia, image by Ed Waring

INTERVIEWS

PONYLAND

CLAIRE DUPREE DISCOVERS THAT DYSFUNCTION AND DELIGHT GO HAND IN HAND AS NEWCASTLE’S WILDEST BAND PREPARE TO RELEASE THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SECOND ALBUM

IMAGE BY

AMELIA READ

It seems only fitting that Ponyland began life in less than traditional circumstances; formed in 2017 when guitarist Jordie Cooke and singer Frankie O’Keeffe were living off-grid in a Cumbrian forest with a bunch of creative people, the Newcastle-based band morphed into a psychedelic maelstrom of crashing rhythms from drummers Mark Johnson and Adam Stapleford, the wild brass of Matt Forster and the inventive bass playing of North East collaborator of choice John Pope. Each of the members pull in their own mishmash of influences, from breakbeat to doom, Japanese ambient to dub, while identifying with artists as disparate as Sun Ra, Lightning Bolt and System of a Down.

While their sound may initially feel like a chaotic clashing of limbs, instrumentation and genres, in reality Ponyland’s music is carefully conceived, immaculately performed and utterly joyful; all with just the right amount of pandemonium. An intrinsic DIY attitude and an approach which encourages kicking against perceived norms and expectations is arguably what drives the band. Hare Brains, their first new release since 2019’s debut Mora Mora, celebrates individuality and a degree of anarchy. “Who wants a ‘normal’ place in a society that’s utterly corrupt, dangerous, bad for the planet and all the people on it except the very wealthy few?” Jordie reasons. “All our favourite people are people who live, to some degree or other,

MUSIC

outside of the functional world and that often comes with the label of ‘dysfunctional’, because it challenges that whole scene. We want to celebrate and shout about the weird and wonderful things that make it fun and beautiful to live a different way.”

Likening their first album to “somebody in a post-apocalyptic movie making a car out of junk”, Jordie notes that Hare Brains is a leaner and heavier beast. “We’re stripping down the sound into its pure essence; loud, riffy, strange and colourful. Maybe now this person has ditched their car and found a speedboat that glides through lakes of toxic waste.”

The band proudly proclaim that Hare Brains is a celebration of dysfunction. “Some of the songs were coming to fruition after Covid, and an aspect that hit home was the shit show that was public services after over a decade of austerity, and that community and collective action was so powerful despite this. Another is about getting riled up about something you care about, but burning out of energy, and giving into apathy. One of the tunes is a slow burn theme we’ve dwelled on for a while around consumerism and the relentless, emanating toxicity of advertising.”

Hare Brains is also the sound of a band proudly displaying their eccentricities, and recognising that the live experience is what draws fans to them. “It’s still a wild, hectic thing with plenty of psychedelic energy but now it’s a lot more focused and explosive.” Jordie says. “We’re really leaning into our alt. rock, punk and hardcore influences too, which is so much fun; it’s got a different kind of bounce and groove to it, perfect for sweaty

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE AND SHOUT ABOUT THE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL THINGS

THAT

MAKE IT FUN AND BEAUTIFUL TO LIVE A DIFFERENT WAY

rooms full of people moshing together.”

Riff-heavy opener The Zone sets the tone as chanting vocals and tribal rhythms crash alongside doom-laden guitars; the terrifying Giant Mutant Pigeon is full of ecstatic brass and portentous vibes; Happy Hare Core skirts the edges of pop punk before morphing into a surfy melodic chant-along; the album’s first single, Chum, drips with a dark propulsive energy; while Do It All Again is a rousing cry against self-doubt and the cycle of denial – “Please can you change my air and say it’s fine to breathe / Please can you eat this shit and say it’s good for me” – and is typical of the band’s thematic approach which mixes nature and politics. Dysfunctional’s repeated refrain of “Don’t be the same!” and the ensuing psychedelic wig-out closes the album in spectacular fashion.

It seems fitting that these songs have been coming together during the band’s live shows, during which songs might morph into semi-improvised jams with plenty of audience participation. But while spontaneity is still important, Hare Brains is much more tightly conceived, with the recording process begun during the band’s residency at The Glasshouse’s Summer Studios programme. “These days we’re much more about paring it down and making it really tight.” Jordie admits. “Then we go out and play it with full intensity and let the spontaneous feel come from the room and the commitment of the audience.”

A Ponyland show is not a passive experience; two drummers face off in the middle of a circling band of musicians who wield their instruments like they’re fireworks about to go off, singer Frankie’s an excitable ball of energy, everyone’s wearing masks, and at some point someone in the audience will end up wearing a giant rabbit’s head and being encircled in a ritual dance. “We want everyone who comes to a Ponyland show to get a moment where they can strip off their human suit and get in the muck with us!” Enthuses Jordie. “It’s easy to spend so much time in our individualist worlds, in the grind, in the day-to-day. But at our gig, suddenly you and somebody you just met are best mates, skanking together to a song about sharks. You’re definitely going to hear some loud music that’ll blast that other world away for a while.”

Ponyland release Hare Brains on 12th April via Up In Her Room Records. They play The Studio, Hartlepool on Saturday 13th and Newcastle’s Star & Shadow Cinema on Saturday 27th April.

www.ponyland.bandcamp.com

COMPILATION

WORDS: CLAIRE DUPREE / JAMES HATTERSLEY / AMELIA NERI / DAWN STOREY / ADELLE SUTHERAN / MATT YOUNG / ALI WELFORD

EVERY YEAR TO CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAY, WE CURATE A FREE COMPILATION ALBUM WHICH SHOWCASES SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE ARTISTS FROM THE LAST YEAR. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS YEAR’S SELECTION! DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM FOR FREE FROM OUR BANDCAMP WWW.NARCMAGAZINE.BANDCAMP.COM

AMATEUR ORNITHOLOGIST HIDE

The ever-expanding South Shields band (now with ten members) are musical magpies, stealing the shiniest treasures from multiple genres then cleverly crafting them into their own unique happy-sad pop gems. With its sweet harmonies and multi-layered instrumentation, frontman Daniel Clifford says: “Hide is one of our favourite songs to play live due to the groove and communal singing. It’s the perfect introduction to Amateur Ornithologist.” The title track of their latest album, it’s “a song about finding a place to belong and feel safe” and has an ethereal, uplifting sound which leaves you wanting to hear more from the band. (DS) www.amateurornithologist.bandcamp.com

FASHION TIPS QUELLE SURPRISE

If the noisy no-wave grooves of last year’s Fucking Hell EP weren’t proof enough, this scorching preview of debut album I Wish You Every Success underlines Fashion Tips among the most vital and vivacious newcomers the North East has spawned in many a year…

“This song is about transphobic grifter and former comedy writer Graham Linehan, and his descent into a life of petty, bitter hatred, sat behind a computer screen while the rest of the world continues regardless. It’s a song about the ways that bigotry will eat a person from the inside out.” (AW) www.fashiontipsband.bandcamp.com

DOWNLOAD HERE

CHURCH, HONEY FALL IN

Inviting and oozing with sensuality, Fall In flawlessly showcases Church, Honey’s signature alluring indie soundscape. Released on the EP of the same name, Fall In begins as a delicately romantic ditty before erupting into a cacophony of passionate rock, making it THE ultimate set opener.

“Fall In is a song about cyclical love; it is a story of falling in love and never out.” Says singer-songwriter Ben James Miller. “The lyrics speak of a dormant, bubbling passion that leads to furtive trysts and epiphanous kisses. A return to a summer dalliance which is destined to end in the parting of ways.” (AN) www.linktr.ee/churchhoney

GRACE STUBBINGS GIRLS

Girls is inspired by stories of working in the dance industry and the mistreatment women suffer from a young age. At once delicate and anxiety-inducing, Hartlepool-based dream pop musician Grace Stubbings’ synth-led piece is subtle and affecting.

“In 2021, I heard the stories of Tala Lee Turton (Bolshoi Ballet Academy, English National Ballet), Zhongjing Fang (American Ballet Theatre), and multiple other dancers. Girls was then written and produced for the contemporary ballet No Time Like The Present, which has toured the UK as part of Parler Femme. I have chosen this song to spread the message of how dancers are still treated in these industries today.” (CD) www.linktr.ee/gracestubbings

Image by Chris J Allan

Image by Natasha Koziarska

Image by David Hall

IRKED - MOVE

Emerging 18 months back as something of a local supergroup (with members of Blöm, Weekend Faithful, Cave Sons and plenty more), Irked finally have the studio work to augment their formidable live reputation. A perennial standout from those shows, Move follows in the tradition of everyone from Dead Kennedys to Bikini Kill and Dan Sartain, marrying unifying anti-establishment sentiment with surging, instinctive punk thrills.

“Move is about navigating disingenuous people, inflated egos and unwanted attention in ‘the workplace’.” They say. “The frustrations and irritations of striking the work/life balance, people pleasing and being caught in the capitalist chokehold – a relatable irritation for many people!” (AW)

www.irkedband.com

IVIES - SEMI-DETACHED

A swelling symphony of atmospheric guitar, delicate vocals and a menacing bass line, semi-detached is the emotional catharsis of Durham-based quintet, ivies. Providing an introspective commentary on mental health, the track is Ivies’ proudest work to date and is the perfect listen for fans of Billie Eilish and The Backseat Lovers.

“When your mind starts telling you everything in the world is against you, you start to believe it and everything it tells you is what’s within your white picket fence.” They say about the song. “Breaking out of these cycles and recovering is tough, hence the anguish portrayed through the song.” (AN) www.facebook.com/iviesband

MAIUS MOLLIS - WAVES

Maius Mollis goes to great lengths to wrap herself up – just ask anybody who knows her or follows her social media feeds! It seems apt, then, that the title track from her fragile yet cathartic EP acts as a comfort blanket in itself – a warm, protective musical cocoon, the likes of which we could all use now and again.

“I have been so touched by the way people have reacted to this song and how something that was me processing really difficult feelings has made people feel seen. It attempts to dispel myths around grief and understand the many small ways that loss fractures outwards and has no clear end.” (AW)

www.maiusmollis.bandcamp.com

ISABEL MARIA - ROBYN

The world building in Isabel Maria’s songs is all encompassing, and characters are carefully drawn and delicately detailed. “Robyn is a song I wrote as a letter to my younger self and the choices she made – it’s probably the most emotional song I’ve written so far and it’s from my EP.” She explains. This gently reflective and emotional song tells both the past and current songwriter to accept, enjoy or even let go of choices made over time. It’s a theme that’s at the heart of Maria’s The Melodramatic Milers Club EP too, where Robyn sits so sagely, wise beyond its years. (MY) www.linktr.ee/isa6elmaria

LOREN HEAT - BREATHE (SOS)

Breathe (SOS) is a dark synth pop track which is cleverly knitted together lyrically by sentiments of struggle and burn out. “It’s like when you’re trying to keep your head above water, desperately spluttering and paddling to try and keep yourself from going under, from drowning.” Says the Middlesbrough-born artist, who has a clear vision for their sound which is successfully and blatantly stamped all over this track. With influences that include Dua Lipa, Years and Years, Rita Ora, Slayyyter and Mabel, Loren’s music will certainly find fans amongst today’s pop music lovers. (AS) www.linktr.ee/lorenheat

MARINA JOSEPHINA - FOOL LIKE ME

Fool Like Me is the debut single from Marina which was released in April 2023. The Stockton-born artist has a strong and luxurious sound with rich and sumptuous tones that fall effortlessly from her lips. Lyrics are reminiscent of artists like Norah Jones and Nadine Shah, and the artist describes as “profound and sincere, with a summer soul groove accompanying the contrasting rhythmic vocals and warm jazzy melismas”. It’s an accomplished track which reflects the hopefulness of attempts to try and fix a relationship. (AS) www.linktr.ee/marinajosephina

Image by Rob Irish

SARAH JOHNSONE - PENNIES

Image by Chloe Dunscombe

Pulling no punches from the off with its dramatic, reverberating intro, Pennies’ bitter vocals juxtapose brilliantly with a jangly guitar hook The Strokes would be proud of. Sarah says: “It’s about the pressure of trying to make something of yourself. I wrote it in a post-university jobless angst, with very little money, a lot of debt and a general feeling of inadequacy. I found myself shuttling between bar jobs, trying to find a place within Tory Britain.” I’ve been predicting big things from Sarah and her band since first seeing them in 2022, and on this evidence they won’t disappoint. (DS)

www.linktr.ee/sarahjohnsone

THE TIMEWASTERS - GROUND CONTROL

With all the excited bluster and energy they exude, The Timewasters dive right in with this bouncing guitar ode to modern living. They explain: “Lucy wrote it about her anxiety and general problems she has with the world, double standards, objectification of women, constantly being compared to others, but in a fun way so as to get over the sheer fear of being human in the 2020s.”

Wrapping everything up as a catchy pop song makes repeated listens rewarding; Ground Control perfectly captures the band’s live appeal. In short it’s a banger, just like the rest of the Heartbreaker EP it features on. (MY) www.instagram.com/the_timewasters

TWAYN - WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF

Twayn offer an interesting mix of pop and rock, while at times the light fluttering bird-like song of folk singers can be heard. In a track which explores the complications of unrequited love and its subsequent impact, it’s a mature theme wrapped up in a delightful almost country-esque sound that showcases the potential of these two sisters. “The song talks about a person who you wish you could have a relationship with but who you know doesn’t feel the same way.” What Dreams Are Made Of was initially released back in January 2022 when the twins were only 17. Hot tip: remember their name. (AS) www.twayn.co.uk

TALIRAW - QUICK SAND

Quick Sand is one of those direct, plaintive songs you find yourself being immediately drawn into. The slow, mournful strokes of the cello bow resonate the same disconnected feelings of the singer, as she repeats “I need home”. There’s a heart-wrenching familiarity for anyone who’s found themselves isolated, alone or apart. “Quick Sand describes feelings connected to not having a stable home or feeling like I don’t have one.” She says. “There’s an urge of finding a home – a place or someone I could feel this sense of belonging to.” It’s beautifully sad in the right way. (MY)

www.linktr.ee/taliraw

TIN RIBS - THE RATMAN OF HUSTLER’S BRIDGE

“Ratman is about a real – and entirely surreal – encounter that our singer had with a vigilante pest controller when walking home half cut from The Cluny one night.”

Tin Ribs have crafted an infectious infestation all of their own. A blistering drum patter opens us up to the titular Ratman, who doesn’t give a fuck about anything; all he wants is the vermin. Feverishly jittery guitar and bass echo out as an unholy and memorable chorus refrain repeats throughout and does not relent.

You’ll be screaming “fuck your social services” until your neighbour calls pest control on you. Also, more songs with Batman breakdowns please. (JH) www.tinribs.bandcamp.com

WINGZ OF THE MONKEY - THE ACCUSER

Teesside alt. four-piece Wingz of the Monkey impress with this riff-heavy aural assault, replete with fast and furious gritty vocals and a dramatic guitar solo. Sincere lyrics tackle the relatable experience of a break-up which leaves one side feeling inadequate and undervalued. Lead singer Pat says: “We got the inspiration for the song from a friend’s relationship break-up and being on hand to support them with their emotions. We have chosen to use this track as we feel it is our best work to date and it gives listeners a flavour of what is to come from the band over the coming months.” (CD) www.linktr.ee/wingz_of_the_monkey

BUS STOP GOTHS

DAVID SAUNDERS TALKS TO THEATRE MAKER AUDREY COOK ABOUT THEIR CELEBRATION OF YOUTHFUL EXPRESSION AND IDENTITY

It’s late in the evening, you’re walking past a group of youths in dark clothes and black makeup listening to their Lebanon Hannover tracks from the speakers of their phone. Their presence might seem like a stylist legacy of the supernatural obsession of the Victorians, the thoughtful rebellion of post-punk Britain or the techno-infused Hollywood-driven aesthetic of the mid-nineties, but if you look a little deeper you see it represents community and expression of identity, something that is highlighted in Bus Stop Goths – the debut production from Audrey Cook taking place at ARC, Stockton. Audrey is a Queer, non-binary theatre maker from Teesside, known for their camp and surreal style of storytelling and postmodernist approach to anything ‘cult’ or ‘classic’. They’re an associate artist at ARC, an organisation that Audrey acknowledges has played a significant role in their creative development. “I’m so incredibly lucky to have ARC invest so much in me. Space, expertise, resources, time, opportunities –these are the tools necessary to have theatre and art be your full-time job, but it is a full-time job in and of itself to acquire those things. When a venue is willing to provide those things for you – it’s an absolute game changer.”

Inspired by Bill and Ted, Good Omens and The Young Ones, Bus Stop Goths follows two angels, Viv and Sid, who are tasked to watch over Middlesbrough in the ethereal plane. However, they soon realise that the kids aren’t alright and so go rogue,

IF YOU SPEAK TO ANYONE WHO LIVES ABSOLUTELY ANYWHERE, THEY WOULD TELL YOU ABOUT ‘THE SPOT’ THAT THEY KNEW THAT WAS CLAIMED BY LOCAL ALTERNATIVE YOUTH

taking matters into their own hands to fix things. It was inspired by a well-known Teesside hang-out spot, as Audrey explains: “If you walk past Middlesbrough Town Hall, you will find a spot that was anecdotally known as ‘The Green’. From the outside looking in you would see a group of goths – impeccably dressed, cackling at each other, crouching on the steps of the town hall, whilst in the background, the rest of the world would be going on around them – grey, smoggy, brutalist. They had an otherworldly presence to them, and if you speak to anyone who lives absolutely anywhere, they would tell you about ‘the spot’ that they knew that was claimed by local alternative youth.” The resulting production is a surreal modern folktale which reflects on a young person’s identity and the lack of these sacred outdoor spaces that are essential in its development. “One theme we cover in the show is a young person’s fear around taking up space. Kids aren’t daft, they don’t want to be alienated, so if they don’t learn to be a bit rebellious or a bit playful, they instead learn to shrink themselves, contort themselves to fit into boxes that don’t offend or challenge.”

Paying forward the support ARC have shown to Audrey and reflecting the community of goth culture, an open call was put out for one of the production’s lead roles. “I wanted to have my casting call for Viv to be open, because I didn’t want to gatekeep the opportunity to have another performer experience the joy of working in that way. What also helped was that I got to meet so many performers that I didn’t know, and every single person who auditioned made my heart so happy – now I have so many talented trans performers on my radar, and I got to spend the day with my community talking about art and gender.”

Bus Stop Goths will debut at ARC, Stockton on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th April.

www.arconline.co.uk

Image by Matthew Cooper

MUSIC

KATHRYN WILLIAMS & WITHERED HAND

ALI WELFORD TALKS TO THE SONGWRITERS ABOUT HOW FORGED CONNECTIONS, PERSONAL LOSS AND THE SETTING ASIDE OF EGOS CULMINATED IN THEIR COLLABORATIVE ALBUM

Among UK folk and indie circles, news of a Kathryn Williams and Withered Hand collaboration will have raised few eyebrows. These, after all, are acclaimed songwriters who’ve spent almost two decades playing similar bills, sharing social circles and delivering music which, on the face of it, appears wholly compatible.

It seems implausible, then, that it took until 2019’s Edinburgh International Book Festival for the pair to finally cross paths. Happening upon one another in the event’s Spiegeltent, even they felt a rendezvous was overdue.

“Lots of people would mention Kath to me as though we knew each other,” admits Dan Willson (Withered Hand), calling in from Northern Scotland. “I kept hearing such nice things about her, and thought there was no way all of this could be true!”

“I felt like I already knew Dan too,” Kathryn recalls, from her home in Newcastle. “When he first walked over to say hi, I said ‘HEELLLOOOO!’ and gave him a big hug, which he looked terrified about.”

Dan: “I didn’t think you’d even know who I was.”

Kathryn: “The nice thing is we know each other really well now.”

Dan: “Too well now!”

Kathryn: “Yeah – we’re now working out how we can get to know each other a bit less!”

If this were true, releasing an album and plotting an extensive tour together seems an odd way of going about it – yet the 11 songs which make up Willson Willams hint of a connection extending far beyond mutual admiration for each other’s music. “I knew some of Dan’s stuff and really liked it, and I’d heard through a mutual friend that he’d been struggling with writing. I thought, ‘I write, and I’ve got some time,’ so decided to get in touch,” Kathryn recounts. “I’d lost my confidence and thought I was a dried-up husk,” Dan concedes. “I didn’t know a lot about Kath’s music, but there were a couple of songs, Sequins and Picture Book [both from 2013 album Crown Electric], that I was really taken with. I didn’t have much experience writing with other people, so it was really enlightening for me.”

Traversing between Edinburgh and Newcastle, the duo swiftly built a creative rapport, feeding from each other’s strengths and revelling in their common ground, all whilst resisting the compulsions of undue pressure. “We didn’t have a plan, we were just writing for the joy of it,” insists Kathryn. “I was perfectly happy for Dan to use the songs for his own record, but we eventually realised they didn’t fit with either of our solo work. It took us a couple of years to realise it, but they were born of us both. “The record came from talking,” she continues, delving into their creative process. “We had lots of late-night cups of tea in our kitchens, discussing our partners and families; who we are personally and who we are in music; friends we’d both lost who were in the public eye, and the strange place between personal loss and communal grieving. We bonded over those things,

I FEEL LIKE THE RECORD HAS A REAL KINDNESS AND OPTIMISM. IT CAN BE QUITE JOYFUL, COMFORTING AND CHILDLIKE

which meant that when we got down to the nitty gritty, we both felt invested, found ownership and were able to put our egos to the side.”

Those bereavements – Dan for his brother Karl, as well as friend and Frightened Rabbit songwriter Scott Hutchinson, and Kathryn for friend, comedian and radio presenter Jeremy Hardy – form an overarching theme of Willson Williams, yet both seem reluctant for the narrative of a ‘grief record’ to take hold. “I think a sense of loss was what initially connected us, but there were lots of other shared experiences we came to bond over,” Dan reflects. Kathryn agrees: “What was really special was that that grief never became immersive. Although it touches on those things, I feel like the record has a real kindness and optimism. It can be quite joyful, comforting and childlike.” Indeed, if there’s one element which ties Willson Williams together, it’s the genial warmth running through each and every track; an audio document of the pair’s burgeoning friendship, punctuated by humour, self-deprecation and both artists’ instantly recognisable trademarks. Casting its net wide both sonically and emotionally, the LP is littered with resplendent additions to their respective canons – from delicate, harmony-laden heartbreaker Our Best (the first song they penned together) to the cathartic folk pop of Weekend; a number about social anxiety and feeling alien among crowds of revellers, inspired by their shared experience at a Supergrass concert.

Produced by Rod Jones (Idlewild), it’s also awash with nods to the mutual connections they’ve (often unknowingly) forged over the years, with Louis Abbott (Admiral Fallow), Graeme Smillie (Arab Strap/The Delgados), Kris Drever (Lau), Chris Geddes (Belle & Sebastian), Pete Harvey (Modern Studies) and Kenny Anderson (King Creosote) among the guests to feature. “It kickstarted a purple patch for me, relatively speaking,” Dan reveals. “Kath’s can-do attitude and fearlessness when it comes to creating really emboldened me to start writing my own stuff again. The album I brought out last year [How Not To Love, the first Withered Hand LP in nine years] came in the wake of that – only the recording overtook it!”

With Willson Williams landing in April and a month-long UK tour scheduled for May, there’ll be ample time for further hot bevs and late-night conversations – and once more without the strain of burdensome end-goals.

“I love collaborating because it takes you away from your usual pathway – but for me having Dan as a friend is the real prize, and the album is a byproduct of that,” Kathryn states. “It’s about keeping your door open,” Dan concurs. “Sometimes when you’re younger you think you’ve already met all the significant people in your life. I certainly used to think like that, but Kath appearing in mine has really rejuvenated me.”

Willson Williams is released on Friday 26th April. Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand play Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle on Thursday 2nd May and The Holy GrAle, Durham on Tuesday 7th May.

www.kathrynwilliams.co.uk

www.witheredhand.com

THE GLOBE

AS THE NEWCASTLE VENUE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS AS A COOP, DAMIAN ROBINSON TALKS TO THEM ABOUT THEIR UNIQUE SET-UP AND HOW THEY’RE PLANNING ON SECURING THEIR NEXT SUCCESSFUL DECADE

As fans of live music, we’re likely to be acutely aware of North Eastern venues. Often, like football stickers, we pride ourselves on visiting each venue, checking out a show, and ‘collecting’ the unique look, sound and feel of the location.

For those of us who who’ve been ‘collecting’ tickets from North East venues, it’s likely that The Globe has become one of our favourite spaces, thanks largely to its award-winning, independent structure and warm and friendly surroundings. Coming up to its tenth anniversary as a coop (and the first venue to be owned by a cooperative committed to live music), it’s no surprise that The Globe has become a success; it’s built, funded and run by people who genuinely care about live music. But, a decade in age doesn’t guarantee a decade more, and the diligence of running a business continues.

“The Music Venue Trust annual report said that 125 grassroots music venues closed in 2023 and the situation is getting worse,” comments Dave Parker, one of the founding members of Jazz. Coop, with board member Stephen Ferrell adding: “running a small music venue is often a struggle. I’m convinced that The Globe has succeeded because it’s community owned.” Looking to celebrating both its anniversary, as well as its multi-genre approach to live music, The Globe, will be running their 10 Years A Co-Op festival from Friday 26th-Tuesday 30th April.

Supporting all genres of live music, the festival line-up will include rock, jazz, folk and acoustic; with national and local artists joining in. Taking us through the programme, Dave adds: “The festival will open with an evening of folk and Americana. Day two will focus more on punk/rock/pop and day three will

I’M CONVINCED THAT THE GLOBE HAS SUCCEEDED BECAUSE IT’S COMMUNITY OWNED

be a day of jazz and swing, including a dance workshop. On the Monday there will be a concert to showcase participants in The Globe’s music courses and the last day of the festival will feature inspirational drummer Clark Tracey with his latest quintet.” And yet a birthday party and a celebration isn’t the only thing The Globe team are focused on; they’re already thinking about the next 10 years and working out how to make the venue even bigger and better – starting with more support for local musical talent. “A commitment to education and training is one of the primary objectives of Jazz.Coop,” adds Dave, “we started running jazz workshops and jam sessions in 2013, and we encourage people to learn to play jazz. Over the last three years we have been running courses in folk, bluegrass and songwriting, which are very popular indeed.”

Additionally there’s still a chance to join the cooperative and be part of the next wave of musical development and adventure; Debra Milne, chair of Jazz.Coop, said: “We also hope that the 10 Years A Co-Op festival will attract new members. Although we have 230 members, we desperately need new people to join and help develop The Globe over the next 10 years. This is a unique opportunity to play a part in the running of a much loved and admired grassroots music venue.” With plenty to celebrate, as well as lots of optimism for the future, now might be the chance for you to either ‘collect’ your Globe visitor sticker; or go one better and become a member of the cooperative. Like the best stickers, these chances rarely come around.

To find out more about becoming a Globe member visit www. jazz.coop/join-us-membership-form.

10 Years A Co-Op takes place at The Globe, Newcastle from Friday 26th-Tuesday 30th April.  www.theglobenewcastle.bar

Keston Cobblers Club performing at The Globe in April 2022

MELANIE BAKER

AHEAD OF THIS MONTH’S EP RELEASE, KATE RELTON CHATS WITH THE ALT. INDIE ARTIST ABOUT HER PASSION FOR MUSIC MAKING

From a debut headline tour in 2022, the rise of indie newcomer Melanie Baker has been fast and furious, with no sign of stopping yet.

Born in the Lake District and now based in Newcastle, Baker’s enigmatic and searingly honest music has amassed an army of fans, alongside BBC Radio play and over a million Spotify streams, a career she admits was hard to imagine becoming reality. “I didn’t know that it could be a career to pursue or anything. I just loved it and it made so much sense in my life.”

Growing up immersed in the Cumbrian folk scene, Baker fell in love with music at a festival, a communal and collaborative music experience that continues to shape the way she works. “I just love playing with musicians that I really admire, and I love getting to hear them jam ideas that fit my music perfectly. Sometimes I’ll give up on a song and then someone in my band will suggest a really cool guitar riff or bass line that gives it a new lease of life,” says Baker. “It is so liberating to play with a band because I have so many ideas for different parts and sounds and layers, so getting to hear that come to life in real time is so cool.”

Adding a lightness and rocky edge to her sound, Baker’s newly formed band will join her on a UK tour this spring, including a night at The Cluny on Friday 26th April, one of her favourite venues in the North East.

“I’ve only been in the North East for a few years now but in that time I’ve felt so supported and welcomed with open arms. I know in other music scenes it can feel quite competitive but here I think everyone genuinely wants to champion each other and see others succeed.

“I’m really grateful for that because I’ve never seen music in a competitive way, I think there’s room for everyone to share the

MUSIC

Image by Ellen Dixon

MAKING MUSIC WITH MY FRIENDS IN THE MIDDLE OF BLOODY NOWHERE? A DREAM COME TRUE!

music they’re making.”

Baker’s latest single, Double Decker Death Machine, showcases the variety and depth that make her so compelling. Alongside a track full of all the direct, raw emotion and lyricism that have become her trademark, the music video is a tongue-in-cheek romp that sees Baker raiding the dressing-up box as a whole cast of colourful characters.

“I always have visual ideas in my head when I’m making music and those visual ideas usually totally contrast the song in a weird way because I want the videos to be joyous and silly and fun!”

Baker’s enthusiasm and passion for music radiates from everything she does, it’s no wonder every piece of work feels like a true labour of love. Her new EP Burnout Baby, launching on 5th April, is no exception, recorded in a remote island lighthouse cottage surrounded by friends.

“Being in the studio and making music with other people is my favourite thing to do in the whole world. It’s when I feel most like myself and truly in my element. Making music with my friends in the middle of bloody nowhere? A dream come true!”

Melanie Baker releases Burnout Baby on 5th April via Daemon TV. She plays The Cluny, Newcastle on Friday 26th April. www.melaniebaker.net

JOSH INGLEDEW

DAVID SAUNDERS TALKS TO THE NEWCASTLE-BASED MUSICIAN AND PRODUCER ABOUT HIS CINEMATIC AND REFLECTIVE DEBUT ALBUM

From my experiences of recording music, I always got the impression that producers were musicians who put their love of music into a job, spending years listening to other people’s music to a painstakingly intricate level over and over again until the thing they cared so deeply about lost all meaning and magic and became another job.

I carried this misconception for most of my adult life until I heard Beautiful Weird, the debut album from musician, instrumentalist and producer Josh Ingledew. His journey from musician to man behind the desk was a way of being able to realise his creative vision fully, and his collaborative approach has helped other artists express themselves as well as improve his songcraft.

“I saw the studio as a way to realise that and take my ideas further. I got a bit obsessed with making it sound good, and in turn, I developed some engineering and production skills which I’d then use to help other artists.” He goes on to add, “I have picked up so much over the years producing for other artists, not only interesting musical ideas but how they craft and present their music. I’ve witnessed some of the most wonderful happy accidents, as well as sessions that are really carefully executed.”

Josh is clearly someone who cares deeply for his craft and this, alongside a surprising (for a cynic like me) sense of child-like wonder, emanates throughout his album. Every note seems lovingly played, every structural component carefully curated and every song awash with boundless playful experimentation. Jazz, classical and pop are thrown into the mix and effortlessly blended, and influences such as Radiohead, Sufjan Stevens and Elliott Smith are nodded at and then adorned in crayon-like colour and melodic textures. It’s a wholesome listen that is cinematically evocative and thematically reflective, as Josh explains: “It centres around growth and decay, the passing of the

MUSIC

I WANTED THE ALBUM TO FEEL LIKE THE END OF A CHAPTER FOR ME, BUT IN HINDSIGHT, IT FEELS MORE LIKE THE START OF A NEW ONE

seasons and how we mirror that as people. The penultimate track Seasons opens with a musical motif which appears in every track as an Easter egg that ties everything together.” He adds, “I am hugely inspired by film soundtracks, Danny Elfman’s score for Edward Scissorhands is a good example. When I first started playing piano, people would tell me I should write music for films, which at first I found frustrating because I was trying to write songs, but it’s become a part of my sound.”

The album was written, recorded and produced over a four-year period. I ask Josh if this patient approach was driven by perfectionism, the need to experiment or simply a case of fitting it into a busy life.

“It was a blend of all of those things, with perfectionism steering the ship. When I started making it, I was still learning the ropes really, and I failed a lot. There were times I gave up on it for months. I wanted to re-record stuff all of the time and there was a constant urge to make it sound better. In a weird subconscious way, I knew I was making an album about growth and I felt like I had to grow as an artist, engineer and producer before it would sound how I wanted, and that kind of growth takes time. I wanted the album to feel like the end of a chapter for me, but in hindsight, it feels more like the start of a new one.”

Josh Ingledew releases Beautiful Weird on 5th April. www.linktr.ee/joshingledew

LIMELIGHT

AHEAD OF NEW PRODUCTION LIMELIGHT, LAURA DOYLE TALKS TO PLAYWRIGHT JANET PLATER ABOUT HOW SHE CAME TO UNCOVER THE INNER-WORKINGS OF VICTORIAN THEATRICAL LIFE

How many times have you walked past the Theatre Royal?

When you’ve grown up and lived in a same city for most of your life, the little details of its history can often pass you by. But the iconic, Grade I listed building has stood on Grey Street for almost 200 years, hosted innumerable performances, and had a host of rising and established actors tread its boards.

One such name may have been lost to relative obscurity if it weren’t for the diligent research of playwright Jane Plater.

“I was writing a play about George Stephenson and found a book at Barter Books in Alnwick about Bruce’s School, a school which I knew that Robert Stephenson attended… At the end of the book is a section, ‘A Peep at Newcastle in the Fifties,’ in which it spoke about the Theatre Royal and a mention of visits occasionally from leading ‘stars’ such as a ‘Miss Julia St George, our own townswoman, born in the Broad Chare, Quayside…an actress and vocalist of a very high order, and Newcastle people are proud that her early childhood was spent in Pandon Dene.’” This actress sparked the concept of Plater’s latest play, Limelight, set to stage at the Theatre Royal as the opening of its North East and Cumbria tour almost exactly 170 years since the historical event upon which it is based.

“It’s remarkable and a great privilege. I was talking with the director of Limelight, Christina Berriman Dawson and producer Carole Wears, the other day, and we were surmising what Julia and Emily would feel, to know that we are here in 2024, talking about them and bringing them to life on stage in this most wonderful of theatres where 170 years ago, they tread the boards. I hope we honour them.”

Limelight, set in 1854, tells the story of Newcastle-born Victorian star of the stage Julia St George’s return to the Theatre Royal for one night only, and the two actresses Emily and Fanny as they await the arrival of their local heroine. Although Plater’s audience is centuries apart from Julia St George’s, themes of regional pride, national success and the ambition to make it ‘big’ transcend time to maintain relevance across our societies.

THEMES OF REGIONAL PRIDE, NATIONAL SUCCESS AND THE AMBITION TO MAKE IT ‘BIG’ TRANSCEND TIME TO MAINTAIN RELEVANCE ACROSS OUR SOCIETIES

Of course, Limelight is a dramatisation of what we know about this very real event, so expect some liberties taken. And yet, Plater grounds the story in enough historical fact and social truths to give her modern audience a realistic peek at Victorian entertainment.

“There’s another character in the play Emily Saunders, based on a real-life actress who was on the ‘stock company’ of the Theatre Royal at that time. I’ve used details and anecdotes of the times and refer to other actors they would have known. They also sing songs from that era, such as Canny Newcastle, with lyrics about how Newcastle is just as good as London.”

A sentiment with which any loud and proud Geordie would concur, I’m sure.

Limelight promises to be a humorous insight into the inner-workings of Victorian life, showbiz and perhaps the very beginnings of celebrity culture. After all, as Jane Plater reiterates, “people still love actors.”

Limelight is performed at Theatre Royal, Newcastle on Tuesday 9th-Saturday 13th April; Gala Theatre, Durham on Tuesday 16th April; Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham on Wednesday 24th April; Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 25th April; Saltburn Community Theatre on Saturday 27th April; The Exchange 1856, North Shields on Wednesday 1st May, Alnwick Playhouse on Thursday 2nd May and Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle on Saturday 4th May.

www.carolewproductions.com/limelight

LISTINGS

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

MONDAY 1ST APRIL

NERDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

Find laughter in the absurd corners of knowledge in science, history and technology, join local comics Neil Harris, Luke Connell, Kelly Edgar and Matt Wheelwright for daft debates, games and giggles // The Stand, Newcastle

TUESDAY 2ND APRIL

JOHNNY MARR

The acclaimed guitarist tours his latest album, Spirit Power // O2 City Hall, Newcastle

WEDNESDAY 3RD APRIL

FEATURED // Inevitable?

Unfiltered, funny and thought-provoking contemporary theatre show from Mortal Fools Ensemble Young Company. Inevitable? is an honest and poignant exploration of the phenomenon of growing up, drawing on the real lived experiences and feelings of the young company members involved in the production // Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle

THURSDAY 4TH APRIL

ALAIN JOHANNES

Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, who has worked with the likes of Them Crooked Vultures, Queens of the Stone Age, Mark Lanegan and more. Support from Earl of Hell and Dunes // Trillians, Newcastle

DREAM STATE

Welsh alt. rock four-piece, support from Graphic Nature // Zerox, Newcastle

HILARITY BITES NEW ACT NEW MATERIAL NIGHT

Featuring Simon Donald, Anja Atkinson, host Keiran Lawless and more // Hops & Cheese, Hartlepool

KID KAPICHI

Beat punks // Newcastle University Students’ Union

FRIDAY 5TH APRIL

BALANCE

Techno night featuring Truncate, MPC-Trax, Nicky Mann, MPX and DJ 2Che // World Headquarters, Newcastle

JARPSY

Sunderland-based alt. rockers // Zerox, Newcastle

NORTHERN ROOTS

The promoters return with a showcase of local R&B and hip-hop, featuring Kema Kay, Kay Greyson, Sisi, Georgia May and more // Hoochie Coochie, Newcastle

POST ROME

Alt. emo rockers, support from Diago // The Ship Isis, Sunderland

SATURDAY 6TH APRIL

BOB FOX & FRIENDS

Iconic Durham-born folk artist presents an evening of stories and song // 17Nineteen, Sunderland

ED GAMBLE

“Ranting, raving and spluttering” from the mesmerising comedian // Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle

HILARITY BITES COMEDY CLUB

Featuring performances from Tony Law, Chris Brooker, Jimmy Shirley and host Matt Reed // The Forum Music Centre, Darlington

THE SUGGESTIBLES

Improv comedy troupe // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle

MONDAY 8TH APRIL

HOLIDAY GHOSTS

Catchy melodies, fiery lyrics and hard-picked guitars with a DIY punk spirit // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle

JAMES ACASTER

The acclaimed comedian’s first show since 2019. Runs until 11th April // O2 City Hall, Newcastle

WILL FINN & ROSIE CALVERT

Traditional and contemporary folk music with intricate harmonies and warm stage presence // The Globe, Newcastle

TUESDAY 9TH APRIL

BLED

Pop goth music from Bristol // The Central Bar, Gateshead

THURSDAY 11TH APRIL

ARIEL SHARRATT & MATHIAS KOM

The Burning Hell songwriters and multi-instrumentalist play what promises to be a memorable show, with support from Nev Clay and Shotgun Jimmie // The Cluny, Newcastle

FED UP

A talented group of young people from Live Youth Theatre create a powerful and imaginative show investigating food poverty and how hunger affects children and young people in the North East. Runs until Saturday 13th // Live Theatre, Newcastle

JON DORAN & THE NORTHERN ASSEMBLY

The folk musician and multi-instrumentalist launches his new EP // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle

LIVE AND LOCAL

Mixed-genre music night featuring Falchion, Compression Session and J W Darwin // The Forum Music Centre, Darlington

PATRICK MONAHAN

The high energy comedian returns with a new show, Exclusively! // Middlesbrough Town Hall

STUCK

Knotty post-punk, supported by Muckle and Tin Ribs // The Lubber Fiend, Newcastle

FRIDAY 12TH APRIL

CAM COLE

One man rock band // The Cluny 2, Newcastle

CELADORE

Sunderland-born cinematic alt. rock artist // The Ship Isis, Sunderland

LN

Local pagan metal heroes LN spearhead a line-up which also includes ForeignWolf, A New Nowhere and Kulpa // Little Buildings, Newcastle

TERRORVISION

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the band’s debut album, How To Make Friends And Influence People // Boiler Shop, Newcastle

FEATURED //

William’s Castle

A listening party, panel discussion and live performance event which celebrates Sister Shack’s first production for BBC Radio 4. Based on a true story, in 1897 a young orphaned Sunderland choirboy faces his last few days at the orphanage. Haunted by dreams of his late father lost at sea, and troubled by his fate, he scribbles a plea to be remembered in the margins of an order of service, which is found 100 years later // 17Nineteen, Sunderland

SATURDAY 13TH APRIL

BIG MOUTH COMEDY CLUB

Featuring stand-up comedy from Mick Ferry, Dave Twentyman and more // Middlesbrough Town Hall

DAGGER THREAT

Hardcore metal, support from Ego and Pieces of Eden // Zerox, Newcastle

PAUL WELLER

Iconic songwriter // The Globe, Stockton

PAVE THE JUNGLE

Off-kilter rockers // Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT

The veteran musicians spearhead a line-up which also includes The Wedding Present, The Farm, Theatre of Hate and Tom Hingley & The Kar-Pets // O2 City Hall, Newcastle

RAY BRADSHAW

The multi-award winning comedian is on a quest to find the person who looks most like him in his new show, Doppelganger // The Stand, Newcastle

SERIAL BOWL RECORDS X RATS MILK RECORDS

A night of punky goodness courtesy of hardcore bands Prey, The Fiend, Thumbsucker and Shan // Little Buildings, Newcastle

SUNDAY 14TH APRIL

EEVAH

Alt. indie duo, support from Porcelain // Zerox, Newcastle

GEORGE BOOMSMA

An afternoon show from the acclaimed North Yorkshire folk songwriter // Laurel’s, Whitley Bay

GUTTERSNIPE

Xenofeminist crisis-energy rock duo // The Lubber Fiend, Newcastle

MIKE RICE

Fast rising comedy star // The Stand, Newcastle

PORIJ

Mancunian indie band // The Grove, Newcastle

THE BITTER TEARS OF PETRA VON KANT

One of Rainer Fassbinder’s great films, set almost entirely in the home of fashion designer Petra, following the changing dynamics of her relationships with other women // Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

TUESDAY 16TH APRIL

KAISER CHIEFS

The iconic indie band perform tracks from their new record, Kaiser Chiefs’ Easy Eighth Album // The Globe, Stockton

WEDNESDAY 17TH APRIL

L DEVINE

The genre-crossing North East pop star performs tracks from her recently released new album // Wylam Brewery, Newcastle

PUPIL SLICER

Metalcore band, supported by Coilguns and God Alone // The Cluny, Newcastle

THURSDAY 18TH APRIL

JIM

A kaleidoscope of harmonic vocals and funky back beat // The Cluny 2, Newcastle

KANDAKE

A three-day programme of activities celebrating Sudanese culture produced by Kaltouma Hassaballah, who during a residency at The NewBridge Project in 2023 developed and explored her work as an artist, chef and community leader. Runs until Saturday 20th // The NewBridge Project, Newcastle

MOVE: IN PROGRESS

A specialist dance scratch platform giving audiences a chance to see brand new work in progress. Featuring performances from Ola Hardie and Daisy Dancer, Sarah Dobbs, Lila Naruse, Eve Walker and Fin Hewitswan and Kate Stanforth // Dance City, Newcastle

SCRANNABIS

Newcastle rapper // The Grove, Newcastle

YOU NEED TO SAY SORRY

Hard hitting and gritty story of the pitfalls of online dating. Also on Friday 19th // Laurel’s, Whitley Bay

FRIDAY 19TH APRIL

CROWLEY

Dark rock music, with support from Drenched, Criminal Holiday and Grey Palm // The Grove, Newcastle

LEVITATION ORCHESTRA

Expect cinematic soundscapes from a visionary jazz collective, support from Nauta // The Cluny 2, Newcastle

MARY GAUTHIER

Jumpin Hot Club favourite, with support from Jaimee Harris // Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle

FEATURED //

Mehek

An enchanting exploration of the human heart, its desires, courage and resilience, masterfully brought to life by the artistry of Aakash Odedra and Aditi Mangaldas, the great South Asian dancers of their respective generations // Northern Stage, Newcastle

NOYOU

Local alternative rockers, with support from Darlin and Decrepit Youths // Head of Steam, Newcastle

SARI SCHORR

Leading blues act, plus support from Matt Pearce & The Mutiny // Anarchy Brew Co, Newcastle

SIX INCHES OF SOIL

Following the inspiring story of British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food. Followed by a discussion and Q&A session // Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

THE LEISURE SOCIETY

Two-time Ivor Novello nominees // The Cluny, Newcastle

TYNE PSYDE

Underground psytrance music, vibes and décor // The Globe, Newcastle

SATURDAY 20TH APRIL

SANDI THOM

The musician responsible for the memorable hit I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker // The Studio, Hartlepool

TOM LAWRINSON

A stand-up show with weird, wonderful and completely unexpected punch lines // The Stand, Newcastle

SUNDAY 21ST APRIL

LUISA OMIELAN

The comedic force of nature presents her new show, Bitter // The Stand, Newcastle

TUESDAY 23RD APRIL

DVNE

Five-piece progressive metal band, supported by On The Backs of Giants // The Cluny 2, Newcastle

THE DUNWELLS

Indie folk // The Forum Music Centre, Darlington

WEDNESDAY 24TH APRIL

BHAJAN BHOY

Meditative music filled with kosmische psych guitars // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle

THURSDAY 25TH APRIL

DOYLEMS

North East punk band, with support from Circus and Adastra // The Globe, Newcastle

IT’S NOT CLUEDO!

A hilarious hour of improvisation, parody and audience participation // Laurel’s, Whitley Bay

LISTINGS

JOHN SMITH

A songwriter known for his authentic sound and pioneering guitar playing // The Glasshouse, Gateshead

KIDPUNK

The pop punk rockers celebrate their new EP release, with support from One Man Boycott, Stay Safe, Hometruths and Big Drink // Head of Steam, Newcastle

THE NORTHERN THREADS

Young indie rock four-piece // Zerox, Newcastle

FRIDAY 26TH APRIL

BLACKOUT THE ARCADE

The alt. indie band celebrate the release of their new single, with support from Muzz, Post Rome and The Callows // The Forum Music Centre, Darlington

CATCH 22 COMEDY CLUB

Featuring stand-up comedy from Lauren Pattison, Charlie Lewis, Markus Birdman and MC Dave Twentyman // ARC, Stockton

IAIN STERLING

Intuitive razor-sharp comedian // Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle

NADINE SHAH

The North East songwriter presents her new album, Filthy Underneath // Boiler Shop, Newcastle

SATURDAY 27TH APRIL

CLINTON BAPTISTE

Britain’s most celebrated clairvoyant medium psychic from Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights brings his brand new hilarious stand-up show to Newcastle // Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle

WOR BELLA

The incredible story of women’s football during WWI and how Blyth Spartans Ladies won the Munitionettes Cup in 1918. Also on Sunday 28th // Theatre Royal, Newcastle

SUNDAY 28TH APRIL

COUNT ARTHUR STRONG

The farewell tour from the musical comedian // Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle

JONNY & THE BAPTISTS

A double bill of two shows in one night from the multi-award winning musical comedians // The Stand, Newcastle

JERRON PAXTON

Iconic American musician, who explores blues, old-time, ragtime and Cajun music // The Cluny, Newcastle

MONDAY 29TH APRIL

FEATURED //

The Girlie Show

All-femxle comedy cabaret celebrating Newcastle’s most uproarious women! With stand-up, sketches, characters, music and more, hosted by Hendrika Seguro-Bigg // The Cluny 2, Newcastle

TUESDAY 30TH APRIL

TORS

Dynamic trio known for their emotive lyrics and anthemic choruses // Northumbria University Students’ Union, Newcastle

REVIEWS

MEATRAFFLE, PINK EYE CLUB, NO TEETH @ ZEROX, NEWCASTLE (06.03.24)

Words: Lee Fisher

It’s been a while since I last saw No Teeth and there are now tighter, stronger songs and slightly less chaos (although that still leaves quite a lot of chaos). There are sickly, lurching fairground sounds, weird collisions of Brecht & Weill and Mark E Smith, and a track that sounded like a dirty mutant Birthday Party blues tune. Splendid. Pink Eye Club – one awkward chap and some absolutely banging rave loops – was fun for a while, the ‘ardkore doofs and Orbital stabs providing an unlikely backing, but his Bobby Chariot fronting Altern 8’ schtick was limited.

From Zsa Zsa Sapiens’ opening “Good evening, Sunderland”, we were in safe/twisted hands. I adore this band and their wonky heartfelt anthems to community, socialism and – yes – love. They’re like the anti-Steely Dan – shambolic and happy with it, and with songs for days. We got picks from all three albums, from The Horseshoe to Smallest Gang In History (a huge hit in a better, fairer, more socialist world), and as is customary, Cloudy Truffles put down her bass for a glorious double-whammy of Song For Birds and the truly rousing rebuttal of trickle-down economics that is Mannaggia Le Miseria. Ollie Mozley has joined them on this tour as dancer (think Michael Clarke not Bez, mind) and it added a curious beauty to proceedings. The band were glorious, the crowd were young and gorgeous and this was a very special night.

BDRMM, NIGHTBUS @ THE CLUNY, NEWCASTLE (11.03.24)

Words:

Ali Welford

Arriving onstage to Mark Knopfler’s Local Hero theme definitely isn’t the novel move Nightbus think it is, but thankfully this Manchester-based trio have enough about them to assuage introductory clangers. Sure, several of their taut bass grooves are barely distinguishable from one another, yet these drum machine-propelled numbers mine a rich seam of shadowy after-hours dream pop, running far deeper than surface-level atmospherics and gratuitous Cure/Interpol worship. Through quirk of fate, tonight is the first opportunity many of us have had to experience bdrmm at their own headline show. As such, the Hull quartet seem just as keen to showcase plague-era breakthrough

Bedroom as last year’s sophomore LP I Don’t Know – the latter’s highlights entirely dispensed, somewhat abruptly, within the show’s opening stages. These fleshed-out, digitally-infused numbers gradually segue into swathes of transcendence and reverberating catharsis; beat-driven single Be Careful, ethereal standout Three and trademark anthem Happy each bound by the youthful vim of a group still performing as though they’ve everything to prove. Having arrived a casual convert, it’s this pep, together with an evident prowess in crossover songcraft, which proves most striking, and demonstrative of why, at a time when shoegaze is enjoying a well-documented renaissance, bdrmm stand among its contemporary frontrunners.

DOM JOLY @ THE CUSTOMS HOUSE, SOUTH SHIELDS (14.03.24)

Words: Damian Robinson

Nineties TV funny man Dom Joly made an art form out of exaggerating and eviscerating modern culture in a nu-candid camera style of programme. At a sold-out Customs House in South Shields, he turned his intelligent eye to a more recent aspect of modern society; conspiracy theories.

Part stand-up, part Q&A and part travelogue, the Trigger Happy TV man showcased his trademark intelligence by drawing a thread through the weirder side of what people believe. A self-confessed ‘outsider’, he cast his sympathetic eye on everything from the folk who believe Finland is a mythical country to the QAnon crazies convinced that Hilary Clinton drinks the blood of children.

Ploughing the fertile ground effectively, Joly’s humour was created through his ability to build a natural rapport with the audience –particularly when bantering with the crowd. A natural entertainer, Joly seemed to revel in sharing funny stories about his old school mate Osama Bin Laden and telling the audience what he thought of Elon Musk.

A drawn out, overly complex ending perhaps left the taste that the show was entertaining, slightly confused, yet very funny in places. Which can also be said about most conspiracy theories.  Maybe the joke was on us more than for us.

bdrmm by Rhiannon Banks

LIAM GALLAGHER & JOHN SQUIRE, JAKE BUGG @ O2 CITY HALL, NEWCASTLE (18.03.24)

Words: Jason Jones

It’s a bit like The Avengers for bucket hat connoisseurs. Liam Gallagher and John Squire have recently come together (wherefore art thou, Ringo?) for a self-titled number one album, and tonight in Newcastle, there are so many clusters of Stone Islands to navigate that I could really use some kind of lighthouse.

Instead, after a delightful acoustic support slot from Jake Bugg, O2 City Hall is treated to a flickering set that occasionally shiiiiiiines (apologies) and occasionally dims towards calculated cash grab territory.

Really, the issue is not that there are no Oasis or Stone Roses covers sprinkled throughout this hour-long offering, as some might have expected, but rather that very few of the songs from the pair’s collaborative record are anywhere near ‘biblical’ enough to justify a £65 price tag.

Everything on show is assuredly proficient – Gallagher’s voice is as empowered as it has been in a good while, and Squire’s fingers still twinkle with a messy divinity – but there are several times when the substance is lacking. Then again, when the roof does come off, as it does during single Mars To Liverpool, it is hard to deny the giddy joy in the room or the cocksure majesty of those onstage.

As the last strains of a welcome cover of The Rolling Stones’ Jumping Jack Flash fade out, I zip my kagoule right the way up to the top and shuffle off home, somewhat conflicted.

GILLA BAND, THE PSYCHOTIC MONKS @ THE CLUNY, NEWCASTLE (02.03.24)

Words: Ali Welford

If anybody anticipated Gilla Band being the most dynamic and challenging noise outfit to shake The Cluny this evening, the sight and sound of The Psychotic Monks must have come as a mighty shock. Hailing from Saint-Ouen, France, this quartet offer the polar opposite to what you’d expect from an introductory support slot, morphing from familiar clamour into ever more abstract, confounding shapes. By the end they’ve split the limelight, stretched their creative boundaries and scaled every last inch of The Cluny stage – and while many an audience may have wavered, tonight’s only grows more engrossed the weirder they get. Superb!

None of this is to disparage Gilla Band whose performance, though a tad one-note by comparison, is nevertheless imperious. Indeed, minor gripes such as Dara Kiely’s repetitive vocal distortion are more than offset by the unrepentant ferocity underpinning each warped, fiendishly executed turn. For this writer, latest LP Most Normal represents the Dubliners’ most satisfying work to date – and it seems they themselves concur, with the bulk of recent material reserved for the closing stages. What’s more, anyone uninitiated could be forgiven for assuming the likes of Post Ryan, Back Wash and Eight Fivers are revered favourites noiseniks have held dear for years – not fresh needles whose incisions still show signs of swelling. Brutal yet oddly electrifying, these sadistically twisted avant-pop nuggets epitomise an influential group whose ear-splitting trajectory remains firmly in ascent.

EDITORS @ NX NEWCASTLE (26.02.24)

Words: Andrew Thompson

It’s hard to believe that next year will mark 20 years since the release of Editors’ breakout debut album The Back Room (released on Newcastle based Kitchenware records, no less) but the decidedly middle aged crowd at NX would steadfastly confirm that timeline.

Openers No Harm and Sugar are a subdued introduction before new(ish) track Karma Climb builds slowly towards old favourite Bullets. Editors’ 2022 album EBM, from which Karma Climb is taken, saw the band joined by Benjamin John Power (alias Blanck Mass – one half of Fuck Buttons). For me, the album lacked drive and Smith’s throttled vocals missed the raw emotion of Editors at their best, but live the new songs are elevated by thudding bottom end and Smith’s trademark effervescent stage presence; lurching and staggering into each line with purpose and abandon, somewhere in the dancing frontman Venn diagram of Thom Yorke, Ian Curtis and Samuel T Herring.

A cover of Adamski and Seal’s 1991 hit single Killer is an unmitigated success; the whole evening was a masterclass in gig dynamics – distilled in a cover that turned from low key banger, to gut-wrenching mantra at the piano, and back again. The evening climaxes with standout hits Munich, Papillon and An End Has A Start before a slightly protracted encore ending in an epic wig-out version of Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors. Few bands make it to two decades without becoming an awful sort of meta-tribute to themselves, but Editors are doubtlessly still at their very best.

Liam Gallagher by Brian McCartney

THE EARLY PURPLE, HECTOR GANNET, SMOTE @ THE CLUNY, NEWCASTLE (14.03.24)

Words: Dawn Storey

Tonight’s bill comprises three of the most unique artists the North East has to offer.

Smote, aka Daniel Foggin, sneaks onstage and starts pushing buttons, constructing a fantastical soundscape which slowly attracts the attention of the crowd. He loops and layers noises and instruments to a crescendo, then exits in the same mysterious fashion to which he appeared.

The classy Hector Gannet are a duo this evening. New song Seven Signs highlights Aaron Duff’s skilful storytelling while the stripped back guitar and piano set-up brings his distinctive voice and North Shields vowels to the fore. Dead Nag – lamenting exploitation and media propaganda – is the perfect finish, with Alex Blamire’s piano stealing the show.

The Early Purple’s Matt Saxon is a quietly spoken frontman whose mesmerising voice commands silence as soon as he begins to sing. With endearing self-deprecation, he admits to searching YouTube for “videos on good stage banter”, but his music is capable of doing all the talking. His brilliant band elevate already enchanting tunes like Old Eagle still further, while a solo version of Higher Bridges by his old band Grandfather Birds gets a warm reception. So Long Ago has echoes of Teenage Fanclub and, with beautiful piano and Aaron Duff on guitar, The Way of the Sufi is a sonically spectacular finale to a wonderful set.

ROB AUTON @ THE STAND, NEWCASTLE (10.03.24)

Words: Lena Moss

Acting as his own support act, Rob Auton takes to the stage with an assured introductory twenty minutes that barrels through a few highlights from his previous themed shows about some of his favourite things; the colour yellow, the sky, crowds, faces. This paves the way for the tenth hour-long stand-up show he’s created; The Rob Auton Show, about, well, Rob Auton. It’s a show that, by definition, is more personal than any preceding it. Mining his own life and memories to ponder on micro and macro elements of ‘the human experience’.

Despite the specific way in which these reflections and observations apply to his own life, there is a compelling openness and relatability within them, even at their most surreal. By diving into his early memories of childhood, crushes and work, you’re reminded of your own and their importance to you. It’s a personal show, consisting of stream-of-consciousness musings and poetry, that skilfully allows buckets of room for an audience to connect.

There is a ubiquitous and infectious sincerity in the way he approaches each subject – with delicate consideration and delightful curiosity. Masterfully creating something more than the sum of its parts, Rob Auton offers up a microscopic focus on mundanity which, intentionally or not, leaves you with a revitalised appreciation for the world outside.

LUKE WRIGHT @ NORTHERN STAGE, NEWCASTLE (06.03.24)

Words: Lee Hammond

Luke Wright’s 25th year as a poet sees him embarking on his silver jubilee tour and arriving triumphantly on stage to a track chanting his name. Tonight’s set is heartwarming and powerful, peppered with his wry wit and comedic interludes, an overriding feeling of love accompanying some of the grim realities he touches upon. Poems of love and happiness mix in amongst the likes of SPAD, a seething univocalism about the government’s ‘special advisors’ which sees his lyrical excellence shine through.

Wright’s set draws much from his childhood and heritage; Tales From Zimbabwe, about his mother’s upbringing, and Later Life Letter are where this hour really comes to life. This heartbreaking and powerful poem is exceptional, its emotion feeding a lot of the latter part of the set as he rewrites parts of his own later life letter in different styles, exploring different meanings.

Wright’s brilliant wit and his impeccable comedic timing are present throughout this evening, he’s much more than a poet. As the hour draws sadly to a close there’s one visceral passage left. Are Murmurations Worth It? tears through society’s sleepwalking consumerism and social media culture, imploring us to stop and appreciate what exists outside of the on-screen status quo, asking, ‘What if it makes me feel? What if it’s like something I’ve not had before?’, and tonight indeed makes us feel.

The Early Purple by Victoria Wai

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:

MATTHEW BROWN DEMO OF THE MONTH

Rob Harvey – Old Desert Road

Demo of the Month goes to the debut track from Teesside’s Rob Harvey, Old Desert Road. The track paints a vivid sonic landscape reminiscent of a desert journey, complete with circling vultures and a gritty ambiance. Accompanied by George Louca’s compelling lead guitar work, the song features a captivating solo from Louca that elevates the composition. The production quality, overseen by Brendan Portues at Loco Studios and mastered at Xennon Studios, is commendable, adding depth and clarity to the overall sound. Listeners may find themselves wishing for an even longer solo to fully immerse in its melodic allure. Despite this minor quibble, Old Desert Road showcases Harvey’s musical prowess and sets the stage for his forthcoming EP.

www.instagram.com/rob_harveymusic

Steve Ather – Don’t Come Around Here (Anymore)

MEAMI – Mogadon

Mogadon, the latest track from MEAMI, a trio of brothers hailing from Newcastle, presents the harrowing tale of a mother ensnared by prescription drug addiction, narrated through the eyes of her young son. While the band’s commitment to storytelling is evident, the execution falls short. Mogadon proves more enjoyable in its instrumental segments, where the music speaks volumes without the burden of vocals, which detracts from the overall listening experience, making it somewhat of a slog. Additionally, the abundance of random instruments scattered throughout the track creates a distracting game of spot-theinstrument rather than enhancing the musical narrative. Despite this, MEAMI’s dedication to exploring complex themes through their music is commendable, showing potential for growth and refinement in future endeavours.

www.facebook.com/meamimusic

Logan Jai – Piece of Art

Newcastle’s 17-year-old Logan Jai emerges with his latest track, Piece of Art, which draws a clear inspiration from Machine Gun Kelly’s pop-punk era, infusing his music with a raw

and emotive energy. However, while his lyricism delves into emotional depth, it veers into the realm of sentimentality, bordering on the soppy and repetitive. The track builds anticipation for a climactic drop that never arrives, mirroring the prolonged emotional state depicted in the lyrics. It’s as if listeners are waiting for the resolution to hurry up and arrive, echoing the sentiment of needing closure in the face of heartbreak. Nonetheless, this demo highlights impressive production skills for his age, hinting at potential for growth and evolution even at these early beginnings.

www.instagram.com/loganjaii

Larry Page – Osprey

Osprey, the latest track from seasoned musician Larry Page, displays a wealth of experience spanning decades. With a background in various genres, including rock, soul, blues and dinner dance, Page’s focus has shifted to solo acoustic guitar and vocals in recent years. The track exudes a distinct Dire Straits vibe, with Page’s strong vocals and an enjoyable guitar solo. The addition of an organ solo adds depth and interest, ensuring that Osprey captivates from start to finish. Some listeners may find elements of the track to feel slightly dated, reminiscent of

earlier musical eras. Despite this, Osprey is a testament to Page’s skill as a musician, with its dynamic composition and compelling melodies sure to leave an impression on listeners.

www.facebook.com/larrypageacousticmusic

Gerry Mandarin – Half Motherless In Motherwell

This track, characterised by spoken poetry, offers a glimpse into Gerry Mandarin’s cynical and melancholic personality through its dour and introspective lyrics. With influences ranging from John Lennon to the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Half Motherless In Motherwell incorporates elements of plunderphonics and no-fi aesthetics to create a raw and unfiltered sound. The raw and unpolished production, typical of Gerry’s no-fi approach, enhances its authenticity, allowing the listener to envision the scene with striking clarity. Despite the total lack of technical know-how, which is self-admitted by the Whitley Bay artist, the track captures the essence of Gerry’s artistic vision. While it may not appeal to mainstream audiences, Half Motherless In Motherwell resonates with those drawn to underground and outsider music scenes.

www.soundcloud.com/gerrymandarin

TRACKS

ICE ROAD TRUCKER TOO COOL FOR ME

Words: Matthew Brown

Too Cool For Me by Ice Road Trucker is a nostalgic nod to the era-defining sounds of the 90s and 00s pop punk and power pop scene, masterfully blended by Sunderland’s own songwriter Eddie Scott (Picnic, Mt. Misery). The latest work from Scott’s new side-project embodies the quintessential pop punk spirit, reminiscent of Jimmy Eat World’s heartfelt anthems and Fountains of Wayne’s power pop prowess. Produced with the collaborative touch of Connor Jobes and Jackson Vert, this anthem for “sheltered losers” showcases Scott’s knack for creating relatable, fun pop rock tunes that speak to the misfit in all of us. Seamlessly picking up where the debut single Carly left off, Too Cool For Me delivers an even more energetic and tasty slice of pop rock.

Released: 12.04.24

www.linktr.ee/iceroadtruckered

OUTRI NMBR_1

Words: Kate Relton

If you’re the type to need white noise to lull you to sleep, then OUTRI’s debut single is tailor-made for you. A mesmeric haze of bass, harmonics and cinematic electronica, Nmbr_1 is a lush and indulgent sound bath for a weary mind. Recorded in a single take, Nmbr_1 carries you on a perpetual wave of sound, like falling over a waterfall with nothing to do but surrender.

Cleverly interrupting his dreamy soundworld with electronic glitches that add dynamism and keep you on your toes, OUTRI’s debut is bewitching, surprising and soothing in equal measure. A sonic journey reminiscent of the hypnotic disorientation of waking up from a dream.

Released: 05.04.24

www.dodgebass.co.uk/outri

REVIEWS OF SINGLES AND EPS

END CREDITS OUTSIDERS

Words: Kate Relton

End Credits have come a long way since their early days as WhiteNoise, and their latest single is a confident statement of who they’ve grown into. Outsiders is a solid track bringing everything you’d want from an angsty indie band: relentless beats, jangling guitars and a hefty dose of earnest ruminating on life’s hardship.

Based on lead singer Cameron Young’s own experience of social anxiety, the track’s raw – albeit a little predictable – portrayal of what it’s like to battle your inner demons is sure to resonate with fans. Though it could stand to be a couple of minutes shorter, Outsiders nods to the greats with just enough freshness to mark it out as unique.

Released: 05.04.24

www.linktr.ee/endcreditsband

LABYRINTHINE OCEANS UNTITLED

Words: Niamh Poppleton

Grunge, riot grrrl and alt. rock fuse to evoke a ghostly dreamscape in Labyrinthine Oceans’ latest single, untitled. The track depicts a spiralling mental state through an increasingly rapid rhythm and juxtaposed vocal, as though the musical companion to Plath’s The Bell Jar.

The song explores sorrow and animosity, with slow, eerie verses and outraged choruses composed of screams of bitter fury; here Lorde’s sultry tones meet the feminine rage of Hole and Bikini Kill. Throughout, Tarantino-esque guitar melodies would serve well as The Bride’s anthem in Kill Bill – the apposition of power and deep-seated despair simultaneously existing within. As the song fades, entrenched in melancholy, listeners are left with a haunting plea for help: “I can’t do this any more”

Released: 03.04.24

www.labyrinthineoceans.com

LOST LOT HOME

Words: Amelia Neri

Upbeat and merry, Home is a warm-hearted and full-bodied love letter to Northumberland. Native to the North East, Lost Lot’s latest offering sees the alt. country quartet refine their timeless and folky Jason Isbellinspired sound, whilst simultaneously paying homage to the beloved border county.

The track is a slice of good old’ Northern pride, evident every time vocalist Matt Dunbar exclaims “Oh lord I am home!”, his charmingly familiar Geordie twang dancing over the swelling instrumentals as the song progresses.

The emerging band, composed of Matt Dunbar, Jamie Mackay, Scott Dolan and Ben Lackenby, released their self-titled EP in October 2023, which was well received by fans and critics alike, and this track will further serve to prove the reasons behind popularity.

Released: 19.04.24

www.facebook.com/lostlotband

SPLIT THE TICKET THE ISLAND EP

Words: Amelia Neri

If a sunny day could take musical form, it would be Split The Ticket’s debut EP. From energetic, pop-infused anthems to laid-back, beachy tunes, The Island is a window-down road trip and a cool sea breeze on a hot summer afternoon.

Opening with the zealous namesake single, followed by the equally springy Answer You, The Island possesses a feel-good surf rock sound that reminds me of Peach Pit, Wallows and even Weezer. The four-track EP continues with the unrushed and existential Too Real, before concluding with upbeat and quintessentially indie pop track Wait Until Tomorrow. Although no member is over 19, the Newcastle-based trio has managed to produce an incredibly well-mixed EP that is effortlessly danceable, seamless and thought-provoking in content. Kudos!

Released: 12.04.24

www.instagram.com/splittheticket

AMI LEIGH AND I WONDER?

Words: Niamh Poppleton

Venturing into uncharted genres, Ami Leigh releases a blend of indie and country rock in the form of her latest track And I Wonder? Filled with exultant energy whilst simultaneously thoughtful and moving, the piece explores the emotions associated with wondering if the person you love feels the same way.

With its melodic chimes, a sanguine, hopeful drumbeat and Leigh’s cathartic vocals, And I Wonder? pulls listeners in with the bittersweet feelings of the end of an adventure. Throughout, Leigh tells her tale of wistful wonder and describes the feelings of fear accompanying a journey home after an extended time away. Similar in sound to Mitski’s more upbeat tracks, this contemplative country piece is destined to be on your playlist.

Released: 12.04.24

www.amileigh.bandcamp.com

GRAPEVINE. LIKE AN OASIS

Words: Matt Young

There’s a nostalgic, upbeat pop rock feel to grapevine.’s Like An Oasis, which I guess is now classed as yacht rock in tone; that slick 80’s sounding production with layered melodies and neon-drenched synth lines (it used to just be called great pop music back in the day).

This is indebted to the era it celebrates: think Hall & Oates, glistening keys, sharp-stabbed Yamaha chords, Bryan Adams chopped guitar and, of course, break out the parping sax in the final third for added colour. The character and delivery of the song remind me of one of our region’s pop greats, Prefab Sprout. It’s just a fantastic summer pop song and stands on its own feet while revelling in the sounds of early synth pop.

Released: 19.04.24

www.instagram.com/grapevine__music

BLACKOUT THE ARCADE IF I TAKE YOU OUT

Words: Matt Young

Darlington alt. indie rockers Blackout The Arcade infuse this song with the same catchy hooks and melodies reminiscent of bands like The Killers in their Hot Fuss debut period, Kings of Leon and Stereophonics, or perhaps Liam Gallagher in the vocals.

Not to take anything away from the band, who have penned a highly emotive song of their own here. From gentle open guitar picking, there’s a sudden flurry of energy; wild drums, cymbal crashes and searing riffs back up a chorus that loads of bands would kill to have in their armoury. If I Take You Out is the kind of song you can imagine might one day get a blizzard of fans singing it back to the band at a festival or packed live show.

Released: 19.04.24

www.linktr.ee/blackout_the_arcade

CONOR MICHAEL ALONE

Words: Matthew Brown

Conor Michael’s latest track, Alone, delves into the depths of solitude with a raw honesty reminiscent of his influences, including Damien Rice and Ed Sheeran. The poignant narrative unfolds as Michael grapples with feelings of isolation, juxtaposed with a desire to retreat into the safety of home.

The addition of violin, reminiscent of Rice’s emotive style, weaves a haunting presence, lurking in the background like a spectre of emotion, while Michael’s robust vocals channel the intimacy of Sheeran’s slower ballads. However, the crescendo feels slightly hurried, detracting from its otherwise melancholic essence. Nonetheless, Conor’s recent success, including charting in the Official UK physical charts with 2022’s Home, underscores his potential. Alone leaves listeners yearning to delve deeper into these narratives.

Released: 12.04.24

www.facebook.com/conormichaeluk

POLYFILLAS 15 MINUTES OF SHAME

Words: Steve Spithray

Exhibit A: “They tried to make me a part of the system, they tried to break up the band.”

Exhibit B: “Too many right-wing politicians in England, to take my freedoms away.”

Statement of Truth: Sunderland duo Polyfillas mix lyrically clever political wordplay and deftly satirical protest tropes with a sparse but melodic musical backing, which includes an odd aural illusion that left this listener scratching his head for a subtle lead guitar before realising it was there all along. Taking their cues from the likes of Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Chumbawamba, The Private Sector and every acoustic punk act in between, 15 Minutes of Shame is oddly uplifting largely due to its major chord progression, and like all good protest songs it is defiant in the face of everything else being completely shit.

Released: 05.04.24

www.instagram.com/polyfillasband

JACK AARON GREENSMITH

A DISTANT LAND EP

Words: Steve Spithray

Jack Aaron Greensmith’s beautifully realised folk narrative title-track is plaintive and thought-provoking, if a little overlong and with an odd echo effect on the vocal. Nevertheless, the singer-songwriter’s metaphorical search for meaning will do all the right things to your hypothalamus. Elsewhere on this EP Jack explores themes of catharsis and rebirth in a surprising variation of styles within the modern folk sphere. Eyes Like Stars is more upbeat and contemporary with a slight psychedelic euphoria bubbling underneath, like those occasional faux-deep acoustic interludes of the Britpop era, while A New Horizon Upon A Hill lifts a melody from Space Oddity but mixes it nicely with those recurring lyrical themes to make sure A Distant Land covers all the musical touchpoints.

Released: 07.04.24

www.linktr.ee/barberjack2695

ALBUMS

4 / 5

BOB VYLAN

HUMBLE AS THE SUN (GHOST THEATRE)

Words:

Ben Lowes-Smith

Image by Ki Price

Humble As The Sun follows Bob Vylan’s MOBO award winning album The Price Of Life. Where The Price Of Life was predominantly an aggressive, all-out state of the nation address, Humble As The Sun retains the same political rage with a more nuanced and varied musical palette.

It sees the North London two-piece in a more reflective, emotionally generous mood. As ever, humour is used as a means to address the more difficult topics – early single He’s A Man being a perfect example of this – but the record is peppered with positive affirmation that acts as a profound counterblast to the mores of the day.

Musically, Humble As The Sun is a beautiful extension of Bob Vylan’s ability to assimilate sounds that reflect their British and Jamaican identity, with the record taking influence from grime, dancehall, drum and bass, as well as the fairly unique take on punk rock that Bob Vylan are known for. At ten songs, it’s a concise, eclectic bombardment of ideas, not moving at breakneck speed, but ebbing and flowing beautifully. Early single Dream Big touches on some of the group’s most personal exposition, drawing on the scant material circumstances of his formative years not allowing his dreams to recede. It’s a beautiful and poignant message of hope that is somewhat different from anything Bob Vylan has produced before. The last two songs on the record, Ring The Alarm and I’m Still Here, carry a similar kind of poignancy.

Humble As The Sun embodies a sense of maturity and balance that was absent from previous releases, while still having white-hot rage run through it like a stick of Blackpool rock. Detractors might accuse Bob Vylan’s political statements of being on-the-nose, but it is this very direct writing style that makes

Humble As The Sun so poignant, relatively devoid of metaphor and incredibly direct, it is this straightforward style which gives the record it’s most generous feature, vulnerability and empathy, and it is those two qualities that will mean repeated listens are rewarded considerably.

Released: 05.04.24

www.bobvylan.bandcamp.com

ALSO OUT THIS MONTH

Feeder – Black/Red (Big Teeth Music, 05.04) // Clarissa Connelly - World of Work (Warp Records, 12.04) // Pillow Queens - Name Your Sorrow (Royal Mountain Records, 19.04) // A Certain Ratio - It All Comes Down to This (Mute, 19.04) // Parsnip - Behold (Upset the Rhythm, 26.04) // Adult Jazz - So Sorry So Slow (Spare Thought, 26.04) // Phosphorescent - Revelator (Verve/Decca Records, 05.04) // Iron & Wine - Light Verse (Sub Pop, 26.04) // Bodega - Our Brand Could Be Yr Life (Chrysalis Records, 12.04) // Shabaka - Perceive its Beauty, Acknowledge its Grace (Impulse!, 12.04) // Pearl Jam - Dark Matter (Monkeywrench Records/ Republic Records, 19.04) // Khruangbin - A La Sala (Dead Oceans, 05.04) // Acid Mammoth - Supersonic Megafauna Collision (Heavy Psych Sounds, 05.04) // The Zutons - The Big Decider (ICEPOP, 26.04) // Jo Bartlett - Ghost Tapes 1 to 9 (Indie Through The Looking Glass, 26.04) // BIG|BRAVE - A Chaos Of Flowers (Thrill Jockey, 19.04) // sleepmakeswaves - It’s Here But I Have No Names For It (Bird’s Robe/MGM, 12.04)

3 / 5

JUSTICE HYPERDRAMA (ED BANGER RECORDS/BECAUSE MUSIC)

Words: Donald Jenkins

The French electronic duo return for their fourth album fusing electro house and nu-disco with slower synth-driven beats. Opener Neverender is the first of two Tame Impala features; though not covering new ground, these psyched out vocals will be an earworm on dancefloors this summer. Preferring their darker side, I enjoyed Generator, which samples 90’s Belgian hoover rave, slowed to half speed with an uplifting twist of cinematic disco strings. The use of live and electronic instrumentation enables tracks to go off in unexpected tangents – most notably on Explorer, a horror soundtrack with Transylvania-on-ketamine vibes that segues into creepy funk sung by Conan Mockasin. While not as impactful as their debut Cross, there’s still some standout moments on this new outing.

Released: 26.04.24

www.justice.church

4 / 5

JANE WEAVER

LOVE IN CONSTANT SPECTACLE (FIRE RECORDS)

Words: Robert Nichols

One of the finest and most innovative exponents of psychedelic pop today, the fiercely independent Jane Weaver continues to push boundaries on her new album. Sprinting krautrock beats, tight angular bass and a wash of electro keyboards and swash of effects guitar is her backcloth. Driving a shining light betwixt and between before soaring above and beyond is that angelic voice, delivering poetic vision. Material ranges from the folky, intimate Motif to the near free-jazz Happiness Is Proximity; Romantic Worlds is a soothing single guiding you to different levels; while the title track is an instant hit with a spectacular riff. Dreamy to dance-y and compelling as always, Jane Weaver is an artist at the very top of her game. Book in for your next musical journey.

Released: 05.04.24

www.janeweavermusic.com

3 / 5

LYNKS

ABOMINATION (HEAVENLY)

Words: Lena Moss

Lynks’ debut album Abomination offers more of the distinctive blend of high-octane, electro/dance/ punk/pop they’ve become best known for.  Album opener Use It Or Lose It, Room 116 and closing track Flash In The Pan are immediately attention grabbing. Combining catchy hooks, confident lyricism and dancefloor worthy beats, they’re reminiscent of some of the strongest singles we’ve seen from Lynks previously. The lo-fi Tennis Song and leisurely, tongue-in-cheek Lucky give a welcomed change of pace on an album that, at points, feels a little homogenous.  Keeping you in its grip from start to finish are punchy and playful lyrics, which charmingly span the chasm between self-deprecating and self-assured, and encapsulate Lynks’ Queer experience.

Released: 12.04.24

www.lynkslynkslynks.net

DEAD PONY

IGNORE THIS (LAB/SEEKER RECORDS)

Words: Matt Young

With a cut-up energy and explosive sound that blends genres like nu-metal, new wave, electroclash and post-punk, Dead Pony mischievously unleash Ignore This as a statement of intent. With this album they believe their music can no longer be ignored.

Hints of The Prodigy, or fellow Scottish success story CHVRCHES, jump out as you listen to tracks like the EDM embracing MK Nothing, Rainbow with its message of self-love, the apocalyptic dread of MANA or the romantic infusion on About Love. The band has fought hard for their signature sound, and over sixteen tracks the colliding styles just about fuse together. If you were to try and pigeonhole or categorise Ignore This you might call it electro-grunge revival, post-synthpunk, digital riot rock.

Released: 05.04.24

www.deadponyband.com

4 / 5

ENGLISH TEACHER THIS COULD BE TEXAS (ISLAND RECORDS)

Words: Matt Young

Listen to the lyrics of most new(ish) bands and they’re often replete with tales of collective anxiety, lack of belonging or insecurities of various kinds. It’s always refreshing, raw and honest to hear, and with singer and tour de force Lily Fontaine and her Leeds post-punk four-piece, Doug Frost (drums/piano/vocals), Nick Eden (bass) and Lewis Whiting (drums), these qualities seem even more pronounced.

There’s so much wit and wisdom on display. Fontaine details personal and regional kitchen-sink style dramas, magpie-like in her words and ideas, painting images like a young Alan Bennett or lyrically deft Morrissey. This Could Be Texas showcases a vital band just scratching the surface of their potential and they’ll be your favourite band in no time.

Released: 12.04.24

www.englishteacherband.com

AERIAL SALAD R.O.I. (VENN RECORDS)

Words: Robin Webb

A Manchester band that plants itself solidly in the same vein as their contemporaries in this post-punk, post-Brexit, post-anything bloody thing in this wasted land commercial hell-scape we find ourselves forced into, but we’re damn well gonna make a thing out of it.

There’s a hard-edged stare to these youngsters that lifts them up, and they are fully aware that they learned their craft in the full glare of all, as they now deliver an accomplished collection of crystal clear, anthemic, punk-inflected rock. They All Lied To Me, Big Business and As The World Eats Itself are a fitting triumvirate to hook up to “does it have to be like this”. Hell yeah, solid stuff man!

Released 12.04.24

www.aerialsalad.bandcamp.com

5 / 5

VAMPIRE WEEKEND ONLY GOD WAS ABOVE US (COLUMBIA RECORDS)

Words: Michael O’Neill

LP number five from the iconic indie outfit will surely be a shock to the system for those craving another collection of sun-soaked splendour in the vein of 2019’s Father of the Bride.

There are brief traces of the classic Vampire Weekend sound here, but Only God Was Above Us finds Ezra and co. in satisfyingly unorthodox territory. Abstract song structures and recording techniques are deployed in the service of a record that proves they’re far from ready to rest on their laurels, with songs frequently detouring into avantgarde free jazz sonic collages. In the age of instant gratification, it is satisfying to see a top-tier indie band craft an LP that requires some patience to fully appreciate.

Released: 05.04.24

www.vampireweekend.com

DRAHLA ANGELTAPE (CAPTURED TRACKS)

Words: Stephen Oliver

The avant-garde fusion in this release reflects the many influences of the band. Whilst Luciel Brown’s vocal follows the rhythm laid down by bassist Rob Riggs and drummer Mike Ainsley, her guitar playing and that of Ewan Barr seem at slights odds with that flow. The jazzy mix is then complemented by a chaotic saxophone resulting in something with a greater punky edge.

It is like the punk band at the start of the Hazel O’Connor movie Breaking Glass was used as a footprint to create something off-kilter, and yet capable of joyous harmony. Throw in the lyrical themes of themes of grief, trauma and occasionally tones of sentimentality and Drahla’s new album is a heady concoction of pleasurable musical brutalism.

Released: 05.04.24

www.drahla.bandcamp.com

4.5 / 5

4 / 5

3.5 / 5

MIXTAPE

WORDS: SIMON ARMITAGE, RICHARD WALTERS & PATRICK J PEARSON

Collectively as LYR, Simon Armitage, Richard Walters and Patrick J Pearson have created an exceptional body of work in a brand new commission from the National Trust which celebrates the onset of Spring. Blossomise comprises three main elements, including the publication of poet laureate Simon Armitage’s beautiful collection of 21 poems and haikus, which are accompanied by illustrations by Angela Harding; LYR’s five track EP of which the poetry is the genesis, giving lyrics and inspiration to the music creation; and performances featuring music, poetry, choirs and visuals at locations which follow the path of blossom across the UK from Plymouth (Market Hall) to Coventry (Charterhouse) and Manchester (Quarry Bank Mill) through to Newcastle’s Wylam Brewery on Sunday 28th April. Here, the trio talk about some of the albums and songs that influenced their work. www.lyrband.com

SIMON ARMITAGE

DAVID BYRNE

THE CATHERINE WHEEL

With projects, I always think about people like David Byrne, how he does something outside his usual channels but still manages to create art that has his stamp on it. So records like The Catherine Wheel or The Knee Plays that were designed with collaboration in mind but function in their own right. His angle to the universe – through the lyrics – is always a useful reference point, reminding me of Emily Dickinson’s line “Tell all the truth but tell it slant” – a warning against the dangers of trying to meet subject matter head on, which can lead to sentimentality and cliche, always a danger with commissioned work.

PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING

EVERY VALLEY

Something else to be avoided with this kind of endeavour is a kind of gatefold or symphonic over-indulgence. I like set-piece poems and I wanted the music to be written as songs and tracks, maybe like Public Service Broadcasting’s Every Valley. Lovely sense of community on that album. Or even Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, where there’s an enigmatic and not fully articulated narrative in the background. My approach to LYR is the same as my approach to poetry – no filler. I want things to sound like Greatest Hits, not Peter And The Wolf.

RICHARD WALTERS

BJÖRK UNISON

There’s a big choral component to the Blossomise EP, so when I was thinking about vocals and arrangements for sung parts I found myself revisiting two Björk records: Vespertine and Medúlla. The latter is all about the voice and is a real feat in musical precision and minimalism, but the choral parts on Vespertine really get me every time, especially on the track Unison; layers and layers of spine chilling euphoria!

ACRE MEMOS

ANOTHER BIRDSONG

In Spring I find myself going back to what could affectionately be called wonky folk: Palace Music, Damien Jurado, Adem, and a recent discovery has been a Texan band called Acre Memos. Something about that kind of spacious, imperfect music that just suits the daylight and my mood at this time of year.

PATRICK J PEARSON LOW HEY WHAT

I try to encourage a lot of ’see what happens’ in LYR’s process. We don’t ever seem to have a huge chunk of time

together as a group, so we try to throw as many ideas into the pot as we can, and then separate the wheat from the chaff later on. I always reference Low’s later records, Hey What or Double Negative; BJ Burton’s production is genius. It seems they write a song, and then mangle it into this hybrid – the noise and the harmony is divine.

ROZI PLAIN WHAT A BOOST

I love albums with an intelligence, production that enhances work, lets it all breathe and doesn’t brand. Always on rotation are tracks like Third by Portishead, Spiral by Darkside and Rozi Plain’s What A Boost.

JOHN FRANCIS FLYNN

LOOK OVER THE WALL, SEE THE SKY

I’ve also been enjoying John Francis Flynn’s Look Over The Wall, See The Sky; it’s really inspiring work, and would love to see it live.

DIIV

BROWN PAPER BAG

I can’t wait for Diiv’s latest record Frog In Boiling Water, the singles are on repeat; nostalgic and pragmatic, somewhere between early Cure and My Bloody Valentine.