new roots
issue 3 august 2015
london hardcore fest 2000 trees - blissfields plus interviews with wars and worTHwhile, features on women at festivals, and loads more Photo by Sam Haines
hindsights northlane homebound knuckle puck blood youth
Contents
3 gig listing 3 uprooted - worthwhile 4 preview - butserfest 5 And you thought the hardcore scene was dead 6 why are there so few women on festival lineups? 8 The pros and cons of band reunions 10 interview - wars 12 Back of the porch step you go jake mcelfresh 14 blissfields - photo special 16 2000 trees - in photos 20 albums 26 singles 30 live - london hardcore fest 32 Live - crywank, hindsights, blood youth 34 news
Facebook: New Roots Twitter: @newrootsmag Instagram: @newrootsmag Email: newrootsmag@gmail.com Photo by Gingerdope Photography
A Note from the team Things have been going from strength to strength for New Roots this last month. We’re heading out to lots of exciting festivals and shows, as well as putting on one of our very own! If you’re in Southampton next month you won’t
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want to miss our Hawaiian House Show, with some exciting secret headliners.
collection of live and album reviews, plus an interesting interview with Wars.
in writing for us, please get in contact via email, Facebook, or Twitter.
As for the magazine, it continues to grow. This month we talk about some key issues, as well as giving you your usual
We are still looking for more people to join our ever growing team, so if you’re a photographer, or you’d be interested
Lastly we just want to thank everyone that has supported us, and continues to do so. We appreciate it so much.
Contributors: James Bannister, Rosalyn Boder, Arriana Corr, Adrianne Goron, Emily Gunn, Charlie Hill, Ruby Kelly, Isha Shah Photographers: Rosalyn Boder, Trev Eales, Gingerdope Photography, Sam Haines, Jess Jones, Dominic Meason, Isha Shah All of the materialbelongs to New Roots Magazine, and may not be reproduced in whole or part without prior permission from New Roots.
news the gaslight anthem announce break up
August: 3rd Astroid boys @ Birthdays London 4th Montrose + Glue Foot @ Stag and Hounds Public House Bristol 5th Don Broco @ Fighting Cocks Kingston 6th Splitknuckle @ Camden Unicorn FREE
Due to new ventures the members want to pursue, The Gaslight Anthem have called it one final day. The current European tour will still take place. The following statement was posted on Facebook: “We’re all going to do other projects and stay active in some way or another, both in and out of music, but we’d like to step away from the band until we decide what we’d like to do next. We’d like to recharge and take a step back until we have something we feel excited about rather than going right back to making a record just for the sake of making the next record. We all feel this is the best decision we can make and it feels like the right one for us.” - Bian Fallon, Alex Rosamilia, Alex Levine and Benny Horowitz Words by Isha Shah
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gigs
6th Red Jumpsuit Apparatus @ London 7th LHC, Venom Pirson @ The Montague Arms London 8th Tigers Jaw + Foxing @ The Dome London 8th Loma Prieta + Dangers + Yards @ The Unicorn Camden FREE 9th The Overnight weekend @ The Black Heart
tom Alderton attacked after tihc (THIs is Hardcore)
9th Break Even + Landscape + Grove Street Families @ Anvil Rockbar Bournemouth 13-16th HEVY FESTIVAL 13th Giants @ The Hope & Ruin Brighton 14th-16th Wallflower + Water Canvas + Rain ON TOUR
Singular members from two bands decided to beat up an innocent mosher because he ”bumped” into them during Forced Order’s set. On the 26th July after This Is Hardcore, Ian from Heavy Chains and Karebear from Suburban Scum walked up to Tom asking for a simple chat and stated, “We aren’t going to hurt you, just talk.” What seemed like a simple chat turned into much more. Read more on this horrendous news story on page 6. Words by Isha Shah
After The Burial’s Justin Lowe Last month we included a feature on guitarist Justin Lowe, the public conspiracy note he posted online, and our hopes for his recovery. It is with an incredible sadness that After The Burial announced that despite the support he received, Justin passed away. In a statement on Facebook, the band said “Justin Lowe’s story may have a sad ending, but the legacy he leaves us is one that should do nothing but inspire”. Words by Adrianne Goron
16th Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes @ Banquet records instore 16th Sweet Jesus (USA) @ Tooting Tram and Social London 17th Neck Deep acoustic @ Hippodrone Kingston 22nd Hostile all dayer Your Demise 04 @ The green Door Store Brighton 22nd A Wilhelm Scream @ The Joiners Southampton 23rd Fathoms @ Talking Heads Southampton 26th Cancer Bats @ Fighting Cocks Kingston
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uprooted why you need to know about
worthwhile
Worthwhile : 2009-present Band: James Teyler - Vocals Daniel Gilmore - Guitar Joseph Deleon - Guitar Kyle Teese - Bass Luke Teyler - Drums It’s not just about the brand new bands. A lot of great musicians have been out there for more than five years, but still remain undiscovered. Worthwhile are definitely one of them. Forming in 2009 from San Francisco Bay, five members make up this monstrous melodic band named Worthwhile. Most known for their full length Carry On Kid released in 2013, the quintet have gained twice as many fans across the world with their newly revamped sound.
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Focusing on the empowering and motivating music that keeps you afloat, Worthwhile are a band that truly speak from the heart. Many of their lyrics express changing the world, and bettering yourself, while finishing with emotionally infused melodic strains. They take on heavy rhythms, extracted from hardcore by blending it into beautifully melodic patterns. Like many other bands, Worthwhile writes music to be relatable and help others, their content is hard hitting but makes you question everything. Taking a huge influence from Have Heart, Verse and Touche Amore, Worthwhile incorporate all of these tones, mixing them to create a unique sound that certainly trademarks their music. A lot of melodic hardcore music is sad and deep, but with Worthwhile it finishes with an optimistic ending that powers you to make a change, rather than cry continuously. Now the bands sound is matured, they are back
in the studio writing another record with Jay Mass of Defeater. Also recently changing labels to Hopeless, you can expect the band to be on even more tours and hopefully returning to the UK. So if you do listen to a lot of sad music, then Worthwhile are the band you need to have in your life to pick yourself back up. Top songs: Live For What Lasts Vagrant Relentless Words by: Isha Shah
preview
butserfest Famous drug and alcohol-free festival Butserfest returns for its ninth year on the 12th of September at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Although the full line-up is yet to be announced, the 24 revealed bands performing across the two stages mean it looks to be one of the greatest years to date. Headlining the festival is Bedford four-piece Don Broco, currently at the height of their game after the release of their greatly anticipated second album ‘Automatic’, with massive hits such as ‘Superlove’. The band has supported huge artists such as You Me At Six as well as their own headline tours, and performances at festivals such as Reading and Leeds, and Slam Dunk. Known for their lively performances, they promise to be an exciting headliner. Also performing at the festival are welsh rockers Funeral For A Friend, Heck (formally known as Baby Godzilla), who each take top spot at the festivals two main stages. The first, with a strong discography of seven albums, the most recent the incredibly successful ‘Chapter and Verse’, released earlier this year.
Other artists to look out for include Scottish three-piece The Xcerts, who always manage to deliver a sound and personal live performance. Lock & Key have already toured with artists such as Deez Nuts, Bury Tomorrow, and the previously mentioned Funeral For A Friend. Their debut EP ‘The Divide’ saw them rise at an unbelievable rate. On the verge of releasing their first album, they are undoubtedly someone to make sure you see on the day. Butserfest takes place to Saturday 12th September, the full line up can be found on the back page of this issue, and tickets are available at their website: http://www.butserfest.co.uk/ Words by Adrianne Goron.
Photo by Isha Shah
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FEATURE
$26,000
raised by the HARDCORE and you STILL think the The This is Hardcore festival took place over the weekend of the 26th July, in Philadelphia, USA and is one of the biggest Hardcore festivals in the world. While thousands of people who had travelled the world for the festival watched some of their favourite bands doing exclusive sets, an awful event happened. Tom Alderton from Crosscheck was attacked by Ian from Heavy Chains and Karebear from Suburban Scum, resulting in him being hospitalised for severe injuries. While he was setting up for the TIHC after show with his band, the two members of the other bands approached Tom asking to speak to him, allegedly stating “we aren’t going to hurt him, just talk”. They then went into a side room of the venue, Voltage Lounge. They wanted to discuss an incident that had happened earlier that day between Ian and Tom during Forced Orders set earlier in the day. Ian claimed that Tom had hit him in the pit and he had subsequently tried to headbutt him. Tom had walked away assuming it was no big deal and had entirely forgotten about the incident until Karebear and Ian had approached him. Once in the side room it is alleged that Ian struck Tom and the two men beat him until he was on the floor, stomped on him, then left him. An anonymous source claims that Karebear
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Photo by Isha Shah
has admitted to open handed slapping Tom knocking him unconscious before Ian hit and stomped on him. Tom was left lying on the ground bleeding out from multiple head wounds and choking on his own breath. While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, he went into shock and began throwing up. This is something that Tom’s close friends and partner had to watch unable to help. The show was cancelled while Tom was taken to hospital. While in the hospital, Tom was sedated and breathing tubes were inserted due to him being unable to breath without support. He was also given major pain medication due to multiple facial fractures that were found through CAT scans. Tom is currently unable to move his face or sneeze because doing so will worsen the fractures and require major facial surgery. As well as the trauma to his face, he is suffering from very severe concision which has caused memory loss and a loss of cognitive skills. This means that once he has left the hospital, he will need to learn basic skills such as eating, talking and walking all over again. As someone who frequently attends hardcore shows around the South of England and has been involved in the scene from a young age, I am personally appalled
at this story. I have often been in mosh pits and understand that hardcore pits are different from metal or pop punk pits. There is a certain equity when you are at a hardcore show that dictates how situations are dealt with. One thing that is common knowledge in the scene is that if you don’t want to get hit you should not stand near the pit. This is something that I agree with strongly despite being a five foot something female. I understand that if you are standing near the side of the pit, no matter what your sex, gender or age that it is your own responsibility to look out for yourself, as the people who are in the pit are pitting/ dancing and cannot always focus on everything around them. In the hardcore scene it is a popular way to watch bands and enjoy bands by pitting and they have as much right to pit as someone has to watch the bands.Even in the scene that I am familiar with, I understand that if you do get hit when standing near the pit, it is not that the person who hit you was aiming to hit you but that they were enjoying themselves and did so by accident. As happens with most situations like this, if someone does bang into you or hit you and you are unhappy about it or hurt, you would take to them either during the set if you could or after and discuss what happened in a mature manner.
E COMMUNITY, e scene is dead? One of the main principles of hardcore is friendship and standing united with people. Something that I like about going to Hardcore shows is that I have made multiple friends around the UK just from liking similar bands and due to that one tiny factor, we have become friends who all share a similar set of beliefs and ideals. Everyone that I have met has always been extremely friendly and supportive as that is one of the main ideals that hardcore is founded upon. Hardcore is a community that supports other people and looks out for people that are weaker or do not have a way to express themselves. As both of Suburban scum and Heavy Chains perform music that is classed as Hardcore they should also agree with these morals and call out people whose behaviour problematic so that they can learn from their mistakes. As two people who are in bands in a scene where being open minded and educating others on their mistakes and problematic things that they have done is key, I personally find it appalling that these two members have committed this attack and then left a man for dead. Furthermore, not only is it a highly traumatic event that Tom will have to go through counselling and therapy to get over and hopefully make a full recovery. Imagine how his family would have felt
when they found him on the floor in a lifeless state. Personally, I don’t think anybody no matter who they are or what they have done should have to go through this. Although this has been an awful situation that will no doubt cast a bad light on the hardcore scene, hopefully it is overshadowed by the fact that a gofundme page was set up for Tom Alderson by his girlfriend to pay for his medical bills. The target was $10,000 to help pay for his medical bills, as in the USA they do not have free healthcare but have a very expensive alternative for those without medical insurance (Due to Tom being in a band he wouldn’t be able to afford this as most normal people cannot afford it). This $10,000 target has been met within the first few days and the campaign has currently raised over $26,000 with over 1,100 people having donated. This shows that in an awful event the hardcore community will support each other in any way that they can and all pull together as a family. The amount of money that has been raised in such a short amount of time has made me proud to be part of the hardcore community. There has been a huge amount of disgust voiced about the attack and the way in which both Heavy chains and Suburban
Scum have dealt with what has happened. Heavy chains deleted all of their social media and Suburban Scum made a statement a few days after the event happened but did not include Karebear’s name (which has led to speculation about him having left the band). I think it is appalling that two people who pride themselves on being part of the hardcore community have done this to another member of such a small close knit scene. It has made me proud that people around the world who may have never even met Tom or heard of him before this tragic event, have all pulled together to support someone who is in need in a much more generous way that anyone could have expected. I hope that this amount of support and anger about what has happened to Tom has outshined what has happened to him and made it more clear to people in and out of the scene that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated or supported. Words by Ruby Kelly
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FEATURE WHY ARE THERE SO FEW WOMEN ON FESTIVAL LINEUPS?
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“Most people are forgetting that 80% of bands with girls in suck”. This was a tweet from ‘Beez’, host for Download TV and writer for Metal Hammer. I should have been hesitant reading tweets from some twat who calls themselves ‘Beez’, but reading this from a person who is in a place of authority and influence is shocking to say the least. And anyway, everyone with a brain knows that 80% of all music sucks, no matter what their gender is. The worst thing is that his sexist and downright uneducated views are influencing the next generation, making them believe that this is an acceptable way to view women. Furthermore, it is isolating the women in the genre and degrading them purely because of their gender. At Reading festival 2013 I found myself amongst a group of guys who completely disregarded me as the girlfriend, the accessory for my boyfriend, someone who didn’t really care about music. Once they found out
I was into rock music, and a drummer, I was praised purely because I was a girl who liked rock music. Fast-forward to the 2015 festival season and that attitude still hasn’t changed. In February music website Crack in the Road edited the Reading and Leeds line-up to show only the bands with female members in them; of the 87 acts that were announced, only 9 remained, resulting in 89.6% of the line-up being all-male bands (The Guardian). This then led to other festivals being edited. Download also had just 9 acts, Slam Dunk, a lonely one. Whilst all this was happening, Bestival decided to announce a “Love for the Ladies” line-up, not patronising at all. Becca Macintyre, lead singer of Marmozets, who are headliners on the edited Reading and Leeds line-up, discussed her views on the music industry to BBC Newsbeat: “all these videos started getting a lot more sexual… it’s all we see”. You can see
her point. Flick through music videos on YouTube and half the time you’re met with a woman being overly sexualised. Take Robin Thicke’s stomach churning ‘Blurred Lines’ or Calvin Harris’s ‘Summer’, which has dozens of women half naked dancing. What kind of message is this sending out to the future generation of female musicians? If you so happen to have a penis then you can strut around on stage, but if you have breasts and a vagina you have to whip them out for the world to see to get any kind of recognition? The whole music industry needs to step away from the cock-rock era that it so desperately clings to and realise that women aren’t just sex objects, but influential, talented musicians. Until that happens, we’re going to have to deal with irrelevant old, white male headliners. Words by Emily Gunn
Photo by Trev Eales
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FEATURE
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Photo by Isha Shah
the pros and cons of
band reunions Back in the day when bands used to split up there would be absolute mainstream mass hysteria. Hell, when Take That called it quits their official fanclub even set up a freaking helpline for people to call, so they could sob for hours on end. American Nightmare/Give Up The Ghost abruptly ended in 2004, during their peak period for financial reasons, while Cursed had to quit because of their visas being stolen midway through a European tour. More often than now, a breakup can simply be a cunning hiatus in disguise (Basement, More Than Life and Alexisonfire all spring to mind here), while for others a hiatus is a more polite way of leading to a break up.
Whether a band decides to get back together all really depends on if they can continue the legacy they were remembered for. For a band to truly be successful, a reunion can’t just be a rehash of tired ideas like Refused did, or a bunch of half arsed live shows over a tiny festival circuit (At The Drive In…seriously post hardcore needs to go away forever its, 2015. I personally think that there’s nothing wrong with a band keeping their legacy as it is, and I’d rather have a band take a break for a while to actually, ya no, live a normal life and then come back to it refreshed as ever, rather than refusing to die, or worse forming awful sideprojects that only
gain interest for a maximum of six months or so. Age also obviously plays a massive role in this. 60 year old dinosaurs will never be able to recapture their misspent youth having sex with groupies and living the self-destructive lifestyle (Unless you’re Lemmy of course), but at least have some grace and dignity while playing to what remains of your fanbase. And for the love of god, don’t release a covers album. Words by Ashwin Bhandari
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interview We sat down at the very top of Camden’s Barfly, to catch up with the brand new and warming faces of wars. Made up from previous bands, the five-piece from Rugby wanted to “write something a little different,” according to guitarist Matt. By joining forces and naming themselves wars, they pulled together a” musing reference to internal conflict.” Tonight wars are first up supporting Blood Youth and Trash Boat, two opposing genre bands. “I grew up with the pop punk stuff and I really enjoy that, and Blood Youth are brilliant you know. They’re sort of similar to us in style. So I think it’s going to be a good night, a few mixes and matches,” vocalist Rob starts. With wars being a band that don’t really fit into just one genre, playing shows and labeling themselves is hard. “It’s better than going to a show where you just stick out like a sore thumb. 95% of the shows we play we get stuck at, we’re a hardcore band, let’s just go on with straight edge hardcore band.” Matt adds while Rob seems to think their problem is playing weddings. Only just formed this year; newbies wars have not been put off playing some really big shows, including supporting Defeater in Birmingham. Bassist Rich then tells us about how it benefits the band. “The whole networking thing is really cool as well. The guys coming over from the states played Download and got amazing reviews. Then for us to open for them has been an honor really.” Defeater mean more to the band than just a big headliner, but someone who has influenced their sound in certain ways, “I think it felt good to be playing with a band from all the way over from the states,” Matt adds. “It's really difficult to put your finger on isn’t it? I guess we’ve all got different backgrounds and different influences. For me it's more hardcore, listening to Chariot and stuff like that.” Rich begins, telling us about their heavier influences, including Every Time I Die. “Every once in a while you need to listen to the Disney soundtrack in the van, according to Matt, or a bit of Rob’s favorite is Phil Collins and jazzy mixes. It was only a short while ago that these five young guys were not in wars, so what would they be doing? Rob begins to tell us a little more. “Crying. A few of us used to play in bands and then we stopped. Once you do it to a certain extent, it kind of gets in your blood a bit, and we just didn’t really want to stop. Cliché, but it almost becomes a bit of you, doesn’t it? You definitely miss it when you’re not doing it. I was out of it for probably six months before I joined wars. I was definitely missing it.” Being pretty new, wars have still had some major obstacles in their path, including naming the band, which took six months. “It sounds mental. It’s a onesyllable, four-letter word and it took us six months to come up with it. But it's just the meaning behind it, that took a lot of thought and a lot of to-ing and fro-ing,” Rich expands on. It’s also about the people you meet and friends you have made who come in use. Matt explains this, “We’ve been very lucky. We’ve had a lot of help from some really good friends. I think that's eliminated or even guided us through quite a lot of the obstacles that could have been potentially a lot greater to someone who is just going out there trying to do things on their own, and we’re really grateful for that. I think that the things that we think are massive obstacles probably tend not to be.” Describing themselves as “drama queens”, you sometimes don’t want to be in a band with your actual friends, so as Rob suggest, just be in a band with your enemies, Rob jokey states. “I want to play Download every year. Reading and
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Leeds too, I don’t know about you guys, but that’s the goal,” Rich starts off, with the band already thinking about the future. Realistically Rob explains how it will work out. “I definitely think take it as far as we can. It’s all in our blood to an extent, so as long as we can facilitate ourselves to keep writing and keep putting out music, and keep playing bigger and better shows, I suppose that’s the dream.” The guys have a few jokes amongst themselves, as they are just five normal humans. Having a great sense of humour but managing to give serious details to questions is something wars have perfected. For example doing things in a band you wouldn’t normally, “not showering for days” according to Matt. “Or drink on a Wednesday morning!” Rich sees these questions, “like a game of I Never, where you’re just like oh god I do that…” The guys maybe just starting out, but they still have loads of opportunities to look forward to, like Southampton’s biggest non-alcoholic music festival, Butserfest. “To be honest with you, it’s nice to have a drink when you’re out on the road and stuff, but I don't think we’re going to miss it that much to be honest. The festival is being run and supported by Solent University students; it’s a really cool little festival. We get to hang out with some cool bands like the Funeral For a Friend guys, who we’ve played with and met before. “ Rich begins to explain, sharing his open views on the festival. “I don’t think the alcohol is an issue to be honest with you. It’s nice to have a drink when you’re out on the road, but it’s not the be all and end all. “ “It’s nice that the scene’s really thriving I suppose, because that kind of helps us have a place somewhere. But I guess it’s finding that place within the scene,” Rob begins. The UK music scene is growing strong, for all genres not just the hardcore community. Now is a better time than ever to start a band and play shows, supporting you local scene and being part of it’s family. Rich has supportive views as well. “I think the whole hardcore/metalcore genre is really taking off and becoming a lot more mainstream recently as well. Bring Me The Horizon are doing incredible things. From really struggling five, six, seven years ago to where they are now, is absolutely insane. Bands like that are doing us a favor really. In the best possible way, I think it’s becoming a lot more commercial. I think there’s a fine line between that and selling out. But it’s definitely becoming more popular, the sort of music we play, which is only a good thing, you know.” Drawing a close to our chat with the three members of wars, we ask them one last thing. Summing up what your band means to you in just a few simple words is always a hard question, so we troubled the minds of them, as they came out with just a handful. “Energetic, alcoholic, partially.” Rich begins before Rob corrects him with his response to Butserfest. “After just saying we're not bothered about alcohol for the festival, alcoholic?” With a mixed of words being sputtered out the band come to a conclusion of, “determined, energetic, driven, hungry, passionate.” Rich elaborates further, “Like Rob said before, we’ve all been in bands before, and we’ve all kind of done things in the wrong order, and dragged our feet a little bit. I think we’ve got to the point now where we’ve got the line up, we’ve got the material and the backing and everything and you know, and we’re really driven to actually do something with it. You know, I think without sounding big headed, we’ve got the product to do it as well. I think driven is a big one, we’re really determined. Words by: Isha Shah
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Photo by Isha Shah
WHEN NEW ROOTS MET
wa r s 13
feature
Back off the por Jake Mcelfresh
Front Porch Step, or now who we actually call by his name, Jake Mcelfresh has been posted in meme form in the UKPP page way too may times than necessary. Finally up to date with everything that has happened, his name has once again been on the tweets of every angsty teenager who had once cried to his music, especially ‘Drown’. Recently, Mcelfresh was allowed to play at one date of the Vans Warped tour held in Nashville. After a solid conclusion that FPS would be taken off the tour completely, Kevin Lyman made pretty much a bullshit excuse for him to play one single date. Not only did fans disagree strongly, but also many bands that had to share the same stage as him.
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Aaron West from The Wonder Years (Soupy) posted, “I won’t be a part of the acoustic basement today and I encourage you to go see Man Overboard at 1:15.” Followed by many bands like Citizen, Senses Fail, KOJI, Kelen Capener and Brandon Pagano. The more concerning thing was that there were actual people standing in front of Mcelfresh, still supporting him. Vans Warped tour didn’t just stop there, oh no. They made sure that everyone knew about it, by promoting photos of him onto their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Mcelfresh also made a short speech, claiming how proud he was of himself. “The difference between you and me is - I know who I am, and I fucking am very proud of that." Lyman also made it public that FPS would not gain any ticket money that went to the festival, however he was
later contradicted by Mcelfresh’s words himself. “So you go ahead and sit and watch my set thank you very much. Thanks for the ticket money dude, appreciate it." (Video here: https://twitter.com/ChrisHamptonII/ status/616341068490125312) This was certainly bad enough, to put the whole scene through that again when it had only just been buried, but his appearance sparked off many more secrets. Followed by a blog post by his ex girlfriend Autumn Brooke, who was basically forced to tell her story of what happened with Mcelfresh’s on going case. (Read it here: http://autumnbottommm.tumblr. com/post/122954350327/i-was-going-to-post-thislast-night-to-ensure-he) Autumn’s story that read like a novel explains in great detail of her relationship
rch step you go “WOULD YOU LET A CLAIMED PEDOPHILE BACK INTO A SCHOOL? SO WHY WOULD YOU LET AN ARTSIT BACK ON THE STAGE?”
with Mcelfresh, recalling every single event that had happened. It’s not an easy read, and quite frankly disturbing that these occurrences had taken place, but if you are interested and following FPS, then you would need to read that before going any further. “I have a lot to say, and I don’t know where to begin,” Brooke’s starts. A few days later she posted a recorded phone call she had with Mcelfresh on the May 15th 2015. If you didn’t quite believe her story then I am sure you will now. All lies are put to bed, and the true words Mcelfresh had to say have been spoken and monitored. If you really need more proof that FPS isn’t a complete creep, then torture your ears for forty-five minutes and listen to that agonising phone call. (Listen here: http://componentstudios.com/callrecorder/
call/REb049a426b9da1e48ccfa3b3bdf253799) Now all of this is out in the open, where it should be, we can only hope that FPS will no longer have a career in music. Yes there are harsh allegations but with all the people coming forward and solid proof we have, it’s hard to just let it slide. So the main reason as to why I am writing about this and sounding very annoyed is because he was in a position of trust. Just like a teacher, or anyone else who is surrounded by kids and idolised for reasons I do not understand. He took full advantage off that trust and should live with the consequences of no longer being in that place. It’s a safety hazard for everyone around him, including himself. I am sick of hearing that he is “mentally ill” and “needs help” as an
excuse for what he has done, and may continue to do. My final words are, ANYONE who abuses their position of trust should not be tolerated within the scene. No matter how big or small you are, nothing like this should ever happen again. There has been way to many close encounters or similar incidents relating to Mcelfresh’s, but none of them make it acceptable or all right. “I hope you learn to accept the mistakes you’ve made and forgive yourself. And I hope you come to realize how the decisions you make effect other people.” Autumn Brooke. Words by: Isha Shah
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FEATURE
photo
Blissfield This year's Blissfields took the theme of ‘Somewhere in Time’, looking back over its 15-year history. People from young to old immersed themselves in a world of themed games, installations, interactive artwork and scenery and the freshest music over a scorcher of a weekend. Check out some of the best bits of the July weekend below...
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Photos by Rosalyn Boder
special
ds
thursday
WE HAVE BAND
friday FLO MORRISEY
GHOSTPOET
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PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING
q and a
saturday
novatones sean swift and anthony pittman If you could go back anywhere in time, where would you go? S: To go see Nirvana live A: Basically when Kurt Cobain was alive and One Direction were not alive Who is your tip for this year? S: There’s a band called the Novatones who aren’t bad. ;) There’s so many in Southampton at the moment, I think at least one will break through. A: Sean McGowan is doing really well for himself. S: Yeah I’ve got my money on him. Who is your dream headliner for Blissfields? S: It’s not even realistic but Limp Bizkit probably. That would be amazing I would love that. A: Fleetwood Mac would go quite nicely. What is your best festival moment? A: Me and Sean went out for a few drinks after a gig in Devon, we basically almost lost our lives, we got beaten up by the local rugby team. S: Some matey came up to me and said if you city boys don’t piss off we’re gonna beat you up. I literally had done nothing wrong, I was just standing there, and then Ant jumped in and try to break it up but he ended up in a headlock. A: It was horrible, and the bouncer wasn’t there, the security guard was just watching it all happen. They said you “better fucking leave now!” And we didn’t, we just sat in the corner. How was your set at Common People and Isle Of Wight? A: It was absolutely brilliant. S: It was incredible. A: It’s huge, to do that in your own hometown. Bit nerve wracking though, I was probably more nervous than playing our first ever gig. Do you get a different level of standard compared to playing at the Joiners and then Isle of Wight? S: Yeah because obviously there are a lot more people. I haven’t been that nervous going on stage in a really long time; if anything that’s so much better because when we’re nervous like that we are always on point and play so much better. Do you prefer playing festivals or more intimate gigs? A: I do love a small sweaty gig but I like seeing a hell of a lot of people see you play. They are completely different things, festivals are just great you can just chill out afterwards and go and watch bands all day. S: And half the time you are playing to a new crowd at a festival as well. Interview by Rosalyn Boder
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POLYBLANK GLASS ANIMALS
GRANDMASTER FLASH Photos by Rosalyn Boder
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FEATURE One of the most underrated and beautiful festivals takes place at the start of July. 2000 Trees has been going since 2007, with a collection of indie, hardcore and techy bands from all over the music scene. This year we went down to the 10/10 line up and caught a few local bands celebrate their success on three stages, as well as some old favourites.
2000 TR 20
REES
s o t o h in p Photo by Gingerdope Photography
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FEED THE RHINO
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
FEED THE RHINO
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Photo by Gingerdope Photography
HACKTIVIST
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
BAD NEWS
DEFEATER
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
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CREEPER
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
NOTHING BUT THIEVES
JIMMY BROOMFIELD
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
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C
CREEPER
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
Photo by Gingerdope Photography
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albums
colored in 2015 EP
northlane
9/10
Node
9/10
It’s not just about Basement and Title Fight anymore, but the small little three-piece bands that regularly play at your local pub. The UK’s music scene is growing largely with all genres thriving, but the punky grunge revival seems to be populating ever so vast. Drawing in a new wave of punk influenced bands; Kent’s Coloured In, set serious standards for many to follow. Releasing a nice little trio of sounds, their first EP, 2015 gives us just enough punch to be satisfied, without leaving us hungry. ‘November’ opens up to Tom Boughton’s perfectly toned vocals, that slide so well with Jack May’s guitar riff. Despite what mood you’re in or what bands you
simmer Yellow Streak
9/10 Tensions were high for the fate of Northlane as they announced that former vocalist, Adrian Fitipaldes would be leaving the band for medical reasons. With a brand new singer, Marcus Bridge, roaring “I REFUSE TO DIE HERE” in opening track ‘Soma’, it is clear that Northlane’s journey hasn’t ended yet. From the metalcore sounds of their previous albums, Northlane have adapted and evolved to the changes in the band to reflect more of a progressive metal sound. Much similar to bands like Periphery and TesseracT, these influences breathe a breath of fresh air in what could be described as a stagnating genre.
their past heavy sounds; with songs like ‘Ohm’, ‘Nameless’ and ‘Ra’, Northlane don’t halter in showing the world that they’re still capable of their mosh pit inducing riffs and screams.
From personal matters to large global issues, Northlane cover everything within the lyrics in Node. The remastered single ‘Rot’, explores themes of global warming and acts as a warning to not “let the world rot”. With eerie synths vastly contrasting with the crushing combined efforts of guitars and bass, the result creates a post-apocalyptic world vibe across the song. Northlane don’t hesitate to remind listeners that they’ve not forgotten
Without a doubt, Northlane are one of the most exciting metal acts to come out of Australia since Parkway Drive. Their combination of progressive metal melodies and vocals combined alongside their former metalcore influences have created a sound that may divide fans, but ultimately push Northlane as a band to look out for years to come.
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Photo by Isha Shah
Compared to what fans may have been used to in the previous albums Bridge’s vocals feature a larger focus on cleans, expertly mixing in well with the more melodic guitar rhythms that fit the new progressive metal scene Northlane are breaking into. This creates an almost ambient feel before breaking it apart with thundering breakdowns and animalistic screams, reminiscent of their previous work.
Words by Charlie Hill
Ambient-punk, bordering onto grunge, basically sums up the four newcomers Simmer. Releasing their second EP with the independent label Dog Knights Productions, who have worked with bands such as Turnover, and Nai Harvest, they seem perfect to produce Yellow Streak. ‘Head Trip’, I guess does take you on some sort of trip, in your head anyways. Constantly filled with drowning vocals that are suffocated with a soft grungy guitar strum, everything hangs in a slight delay, building the song up in sections. New or old to this style of music, anyone with ears can appreciate Simmer’s style, as they are heavily influenced by Title Fights new dominance. A band like Simmer just screams to belong to the Run For Cover family, following in Basement, Superhaven
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pushing daisies Middle Child EP
7/10 usually listen to, 2015 is an EP that can appeal largely to alternative fans of music. With a sent like no other, Coloured in takes elements from Citizen and Superhaven, whilst adapting them to their own style. The band prove that sad music doesn’t just make you feel like crying in a corner of your room, and never leaving. In fact they bring tiny glimpses of happiness to your ears despite ‘Seattle’ being lyrically gloomy. Ending the EP on such a high, the chorus has you catching its infectious words, repeated over again in your head, as you float away in a daydream. Words by Isha Shah
Having supported lo-fi rockers Pity Sex on their UK tour, this emo-grunge quartet from Bristol have a small buzz around them. The addition of new members Olivia Hopkins on guitar and Tom Ruff replacing the previous drummer prompted a re-recording of Pushing Daisies debut EP Middle Child. The EP starts with a simple, atmospheric guitar melody before plunging into ‘Throw Me Away’, a gritty track filled with harsh vocals and thrashing guitars, the extra guitar definitely making their new sound fuller and more dynamic. A darker ‘Late Night Run’ is a mixture of pop punk and emo, giving it a
Superheaven/Title
Fight
kind
of
sound.
Showing the band has more to offer than just fast and furious noise, ‘Self Beliefs, I Have None’ slows the EP down with a sad, melancholy melody, which compliments vocalist Luke Mullins’s soft voice perfectly whilst also demonstrating his versatility and ending the EP nicely. This EP is a good start for the band and along with a couple of gigs lined up for later this year and some new songs in the works hopefully Pushing Daisies will stay in the UK emo scene for a while. Words by Emily Gunn
homebound Permenance
8/10 and Pity Sex’s footsteps. For a UK band, this is pretty huge as it goes beyond complimenting their skill. Full of punk infused twists and nostalgic thoughts of Floral Green, ‘Laying Odds’ is simply a grungers daydream. The reduced effort of the drums, alongside Jake Plumb’s guitars seem to speed up every so briefly, before re-joined by Schiazza’s vocals. ‘Yellow Streak’ floats in, delicately ending the EP to a finish. Schiazza’s vocals are now so engrossed with the song that it becomes hard to separate the instrumentals from his dreary voice. Every tiny detail that has gone into each track really has worked its magic, with just four songs delivering a harsh narrative. Words by Isha Shah
The ‘Pop Punks Not Dead’ argument seems to finally be settled, with the increasing success of British artists such as Neck Deep. Home-grown pop-punk is at its strongest point in years, with Farnham’s Homebound contributing to the growing current scene. ‘Permanence’ is typical of it’s genre, and although not offering anything ground breaking, the EP is a strong group of tracks, that are
enjoyable to listen to, and demonstrate the love the band has for what they are doing. The production and musicianship are strong, and each of the five tracks in their own way memorable. It is an easy sound that provides everything expected from a pop-punk band. Words by Adrianne Goron
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albums
forrest Soluna
worthwhile Old World Harm
10/10 From never even hearing of a band, to instantly falling in love with every track on their album is very rare thing. So rare that it has only happened once with Soluna, released by South Wale’s alternative, Forrest. It’s no surprise that the four-piece are signed to Close To Home Records, a company that breeds some of the finest talent from around the UK.
9/10
The first track, ‘Ambition’ off Soluna embodies a Pianos Become The Teeth essence. With their new direction taking a firm sweet melodic hold, Dan’s vocals follow the works of Durfey’s. Heavily layered and built with suspense, the quartet are skilfully mastered in exploding their sounds at just the right times. From such an expressive song, ‘Close To Me’ follows in a different path. Starting off similar with a pacing guitar intro, the track sweeps you off with an old school Canterbury vibe. The diversity between each track goes unnoticed enough for you to put them together, but not to feel like it’s a whole new record. The album unfolds in a structured manner, as Forrest are constantly proving that they have
Counterpa Tragedy Will Find Us
8/10 Two years seemed to have dragged since Worthwhile released their masterpiece, Carry On Kid. Adding to their second release, Old World Harm covers even more ground, taking you on a journey with each song keeping you alive. It’s not just the bands song titles that are filled with hidden stories, but their ability to tell a narrative throughout a collection of songs, that send shivers down your spine. ‘Relentless’ opens up the record with bold words blasted in your face, “I want to change the world, to scared to change myself.” Repeating their chanting tone that was found dearly in their previous release. If anything Worthwhile are a band praised for their lyrics and motivational presence. Starting the record off with such a bold track, sets an empowering feeling for what’s to come. Each song is packed with exploding emotions. Introduced with a sweet little melodic piece, James Teyler’s vocals break through almost immediately with sharp spiting words. ‘Journal of a Mad Scientist’ portrays this so
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Photo by Isha Shah
delicately as the instrumentals wrap around his vocals, allowing both to shine through. After this entire racket ‘Lazy Lullaby’ is just the right song to relax to. Getting rid of all that tension with the soft plucking of guitar chords, while being lifted up by brother Luke Teyler’s drumbeats. ‘To My Little One, Someday’ starts off similarly, but soon picks up the pace up with their directing howls. The track ends the album so flawlessly, filled with passionate screams and emotive sounds. Unlike Carry On Kid, this record seems to be filled with much more variety and flavour. Following from one track to the next, there are clear distinctive patterns where James’s vocals are put to ease, and not shouted constantly. Being their first release with Hopeless records, the album holds strong. Just like the many bands that are part of the family, nothing has been lost or substituted with Old World Harm. Words by: Isha Shah
The melodic hardcore scene seems to be slowly evaporating, but Counterparts are a band that continues to revive the futile genre. Following their great success in 2013, with The Difference Between Hell and Home, a lot of things have been altered in their life, as well as their sound. Reformed with Pure Noise records, Counterparts are THE leading kings of all melodic aspirations. Keeping it short and snappy, ‘Stillborn’ opens up the record with fast pacing beats that are soon joined by Brendan Murphy’s livid vocals. Not straying to far from their trademark tone, the song is a “softer” and slower track, giving you an easy introduction. Closely matched with a much-sharper bite, ‘Resonate’ attacks your eardrums immediately. Still filled with self-hating lyrics and over analytical examinations, Murphy carries on spitting out his raw emotions throughout this song. One thing that has become abundantly apparent within the record is Murphy’s short-spoken words. Hidden within the breakdowns, he speaks directly to you, before returning back to his agonising screams. ‘Burn’ and ‘Collapse’ still remain their strongest tracks within this monstrous record. Partly because ‘Burn’ offers much more than the band have put out. It starts off with a sweet melodic tuning, that is delicately swept
knuckle puck Copacetic
10/10 more to offer than just another record. ‘Sol’ dips into a soft little instrumental piece that separates the previous sets of sounds. Its calming and relaxing energy is easily released before one of the heaviest tracks, ‘Luna’ is introduced. The harsh contrasting sounds are perfectly needed, filled with high energy blasts that make you want to jump up and down. The great thing about this record is its ability to keep you on your toes, you never know what to expect next. ‘Standing Stone’ is a prime example of that, with its detailed intro crashing into a heavy rifted wave. It’s clear that Forrest have a mixture of grungey alternative influences, which makes them so strong as a band, by using little elements from each into their own work. Soluna is a record that the UK needs. Everything about it is flawless. ‘Meet You There’ ends this pretty little daydream with an even blend of heightened vocals, following a melodic base. Words by Isha Shah
arts away by Murphy’s interruption. Colliding so perfectly that you don’t notice the change in the atmosphere, Counterparts keep bashing out their heartfelt words and heavy rifted verses. The breakdown has to be the most enjoyable part, bouncing with every punch you throw into the air; the track provides a constant source of energy that keeps your adrenalin pumping. A dog that never stops barking and keeps eyeing you up aggressively is exactly what ‘Choke’ feels like. Constantly making you feel short of breath, the band explodes in barking shouts as their hardcore breakdown takes one final bang. Filled with moments of fist punching, Murphy shouts, “I HOPE YOU CHOKE TO DEATH’ before letting loose of all rage. ‘Withdrawal’ and ‘Tragedy’ offer the bands basic range, with a pretty standard tuning throughout, however any song that Counterparts produce seems infectiously catchy. ‘Solace’ ends this battered journey, with a breath of fresh air in a new perspective. Closing on such a high note that is consumed by destructive words, the band sure knows how to keep us sustained. There was a part of me that did expect more diversity, however being their third LP; it may have been a rushed bet.
Where other recent punk and hardcore bands have merely carelessly thrown together amateur combinations, or tested the waters for breaking out from genre boundaries, Knuckle Puck shine. Seamlessly stringing together meaningful, decorative elements from every corner of the punk soundscape past and present, Knuckle Puck’s brutal risk-taking debut full length is beautifully bright and energetically fearless. With intimate tracks like ‘Untitled’ and ‘In Your Crosshairs’, the Illinois group prove in a bittersweet melodic collection, that subtlety and attention to detail are key in creating a fresh sound. Barely thirty seconds in, ‘Wall to Wall’ kicks off with its raw vocal hook. Driving the album forward with an angsty force, it carries on into upbeat anthem tracks. ‘Pretense’ is a great example, with what can only be described as Yellowcard melodic lead guitar and ‘Evergreen’ which leaves its Blink-182 worthy sweetness lingering. With standards raised high by previous releases in the year from everyone’s pop punk favorite’s: The Story So Far, Four Year Strong and Real Friends - Knuckle Puck have a lot to live up to. However, with tracks like ‘True Contrite’ and ‘Poison Pen Letter’ pushing forward such strong composition and catchy lines, it’s almost impossible to not imagine them filling venues with kids. Beside the bright and hopeful imagery of ‘Stationary’ and ‘Evergreen’, Knuckle Puck throw in candid, angry and honest lyrics, in their more bitter tracks ‘Wall to Wall’ and ‘Pretense’.
Whilst in parts Copacetic may not sound like a debut LP, or a release from a band that has been around for five years, it may even seem new to fans. The smooth production quality may put loyal fans of their previous sound off, as being a ‘sell-out’ release. However there is no denying that this crystal clear production really allows Knuckle Puck to flourish. Copacetic sees Knuckle Puck take their best bits – the crave-worthy melodies, soaring, yet gritty vocals and catchy choruses, the raw and real edge to the production that evokes emotions from every end of the scale, and reshape these beyond new horizons. The wide scope of instrumentation featured on this album is beyond anything the band have produced before, a far step from even 2014’s While I Stay Secluded. Whilst some parts of the record would still sit comfortably alongside Real Friends or Neck Deep, Knuckle Puck have punched above the rest in their risk taking. Taylor‘s vocal hooks that fans have loved since ‘Your Back Porch’ in 2013’s The Weight That You Buried still ring clear however, and stronger than ever throughout pop punk classics ‘Evergreen’ and ‘Pretense’. For such a young band, they possess energy and promise for what could be a long journey ahead of them. Knuckle Puck may only be at the start of something new, but have undisputedly created a collectively daring yet delicate release guaranteed to win a place in every pop punker’s heart. Words by Arriana Corr
Words by Isha Shah
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singles
the wonder years Cardinals
best years Overrated It’s something we have all been waiting for, and The Wonder Years are finally back with a whole new record. Teasing our taste buds, ‘Cardinal’s sneaks in a glimpse of what’s to come. Not what you’d expect, Soupy embraces his damped tones and unwanted lyrics. The music video is certainly one to remember and matches the song in perfect sync. Once again, TWY have come out with another fresh new track that gives off a whole new vibe for the latest record. Words by Isha Shah
The UK pop punk scene is thriving day by day, despite the generic sound; we seem to be expanding the evergrowing genre. Adding their own twist to the repetitive sound, Best Years shine through, dropping a summer sun track, ‘Overrated’ brings out all the feel good moods. This song in particular does resemble similar works to Neck Deep, but composed ever so tightly, Best Years overwrite them. Relatable to a larger percent of the PP fanbase, the Manchester five-piece mix old school riffs with a modern vocal screams, that separate them apart from being “that band”.
counterparts Collapse
Words by Isha Shah
don broco
Another fresh release from Counterparts, and another brilliant song. Straight into harsh vocals, Murphy hits every bite with his sharpened teeth. Filled with their classic bitter tones and fast paced guitar dances, the band has topped ‘Burn’ with this song, grabbing every single quiet corner in the room. The greatest achievement found within the band is their ability to trademark songs whilst still updating their scent, making each one fresh and full of explosive melodic bounces.
Superlove
Words by Isha Shah
stray from the path ft. rou reynolds
Eavesdropper
Don Broco’s second single from their incredible new album is a bouncy and uplifting song, exuding summer vibes. The complimentary mixture of vocals from Rob Damiani and drummer Matt Donnelly is possibly the strongest to date, resulting in something completely that raises the bar on what the band create. In terms of style, Don Broco sound in this track as they have done on their previous album; they haven’t changed their sound or explored new areas. They have however developed and refined to become something leagues ahead of where they were a couple of years ago. ‘Superlove’ could easily be the best track the band have ever made.
Opening with a rough sounding classical sound bite before launching deep into the powerful sound Stray From The Path are famous for. A strong chorus and marching guitars make for a memorable track that builds throughout, with the introduction of Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds after two minutes, adding another set of raw vocals into the mix. The two work incredibly well together, and if the track feel as though it ends far too quickly; I could do with at least another minute to enjoy the astounding combination of sounds.
Words by Adrianne Goron
Words by Adrianne Goron
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Photo by Isha Shah
knuckle puck
worthwhile Relentless
True Contrite After two years of being on the down low, Worthwhile are back with some killer releases that restore our faith in music. The band has a signature tone that resembles positivity and growth. Unlike no other band, Worthwhile have come out with a killer track where James Teyler’s vocals are even more powerful. Questioning and self-doubting everything are key themes found within their songs, but their ability to make each one so different and impacting is beyond me. ‘Relentless’ is another angsty rant about acceptance and change, their talent to make you think real deep about the little things in life is remarkable. Words by Isha Shah
Pop punk doesn’t have to just be generic and annoying, there are so many different sides to this written off genre that Knuckle Puck like to explore. Truly found with the slowly building intro of ‘True Contrite’, the Chicago five piece have conveyed a beautifully written guitar outro. Vocalist Joe Taylor now works with the music, allowing the melodic elements to overflow just a little more, as the band develop a new sound for the upcoming record. In just one track, so many grounds are covered and expose a new set of ears to the bands remarkable on-going sound.
bring me the horizon
Words by Isha Shah
Throne
Richa Like Father, Like Son
Bring Me The Horizon may as well have created a master class in how to re-define your sound in a way that is both new, and held together with the elements that made your previous albums great. ‘Throne’ opens to synths and slowly builds into a powerful representation of everything good about the band. Oli Sykes’ softer vocals, and Jordan Fish’s electronic style may not be for fans that loved all things raw and heavy, but in many ways Bring Me The Horizon have been growing stronger with each release, and that continues to be the case here. Words by Adrianne Goron
drawsrting Waste Richa have this amazing ability to produce such an evoked new sound that you defiantly have not heard before. The Hereford five-piece comes together without the slightest bit of struggle or interruption. The song starts off with Alex’s delicate vocals that are almost a whisper. He then has the ability to subtly alter his pitch, stretching notes to a pleasant shriek before retuning to a soft bounce. Beautifully produced and constructed, this has to be one of Richa’s boldest songs. Hitting you right where it hurts, the disorientated guitars are focused over the slow drumbeats, as it breaks out into more heavy explosions.
Recorded in Sam’s room on a summer’s day, the two-piece have made a remarkably solid track for a DIY duo. Keeping it very short and simple, Drawstring appeal immediately, with their upbeat scent and acoustic voice. With such a captivating sound, this little summer song captures all them weekends away, lying under the stars in the pitch-black nights. Less than two minutes in total, you loose yourself with the bands alternative strums, that are lyrically desolate but covered up with plenty of bounces.
Words by: Isha Shah
Words by Isha Shah
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Live london hardcore fest The Boston Music Rooms 12/07/15 9/10 People have travelled from all over the country for one of the most exciting lineups in the London hardcore scene this year. Despite many bands having to pull out over the few months leading up, the lineup is still strong and exciting. Firs up are Brighton based Day Of Rights. Despite being down a member their set doesn’t seem to be effected, with their two-step worthy riffs and harsh vocals. Now the mood is set, following is Digress, playing a pleasant mix of metallic riffs and soft melodic solo’s. Next up, UYC (Unchained Youth Collective) are taking over. From the very respected Southampton scene, Overturn appears. Known for their pleasing breakdowns and amazing stage presence. Similarly following Realm of Torment, bring out fast pace riffs and screeching guitar tones. Last of the UYC bands, and Nihility are up. The death metal five piece do not disappoint, as they are both vocally and instrumentally solid. Nihility's presence to this line up adds a nice mixture of genres, while not being too distant from the bill of mostly hardcore bands. Durham based band Control, takes to the stage next. They bring 90’s hardcore inspired sound to the bill, with every song ranging between 1-2 minutes; their set was short but not unsatisfying. Matched with catchy hooks, and groovy riffs, the room was quickly in motion as bodies moved from side to side. The last band on before the hour intermission is local Londoners World Weary. People gathered to the front of the stage, eager to point fingers and scream lyrics right back at them. World Weary play passionately, going hand in hand with their lyrics inspired by politics and a vegan lifestyle. Closing with ‘Head check’, stage divers ensue the words "Don't fuck with my head” can be audibly heard amongst the audience. Blind Authority’s first time in London in a while, and their first show since releasing their full length Succumb to Violence. From the very start it’s clear that London has missed them, but the welcome back is warm as ever. As soon as the first chord is heard, arms and legs begin to swing, even one man doing the worm in the middle of the pit. Blind Authority’s sound can only be described as aggression manifested but in the best way possible. Coming all the way from Glasgow, and freshly signed to the much-loved label Carry The Weight,
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Photos by Sam Haines
In Tongues have travelled a long way to be here, bringing their politically charged voice. Their vocalist takes to the floor immediately; stood amongst the crowd his vocals were both amazing and shaking at the same time. People in the crowd; seem a little wary of joining in at first, but soon the pitters takes to the floor with Tongues. Well deserved, seeing as this would be their last show on their current weekender, not to mention a terrific performance from one of Scotland's finest. The band displays amazing talent, not just in the vocal department but also instrumentally. Tightly played and not a single fault, they even play some new songs from their upcoming LP, (Which is set to be released later this year) making this set a treat. Renounced, are a band that seem to be one of the most popular acts In UKHC today. Over the last year the band has built quite a following, shown clearly as as people sing along to a new song, (That will be on their upcoming split with Drown) that has only been played live. Closing with ‘How Heavy The Downpour’, Renounced prove once again they are one of the most loved band in this scene, as people jump on one another just to scream, “My mirror no longer reflects who I used to be,” Is a beautiful sight. Now a band who have been most anticipated, Eisberg. The group formed with members bridging over Europe, have been much loved in this scene. With no hesitation, Eisberg ignites the audience with excitement, as they play tracks such ‘Waster’, ‘Police Bastard’ and ‘Sneak’. Two stepping and silly walking becomes a must in their set. Eisberg are truly magnificent with their performance, but also point out a strong message of speaking against the faults in our society, keeping the scene a community together. Finally Forsaken play their last show in the south, as they have decided to call it a day. The band do not disappoint in their ultimate appearance in London, as the crowd gives them the send off they deserve. After four years of existence and the phrase, “It’s better to burn out than fade away” comes to mind, as their vocalist drapes his self in the welsh flag. It’s always sad to say goodbye but it feels like they won’t be forgotten any time soon. Forsaken truly bring this day to an epic close, Forsaken 2011-2015. Words by: James Banister
eisberg
renounced
in tongues
world weary
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Live crywank Power Lunches, London 03/07/15 9/10 Everything about the Power Lunches London screams DIY and intimate little shows. By day, the Shoreditch located venue is an arts café, while renting out its basement by night to many underground bands. As part of Jordaan Mason’s tour with Crywank, a few other bands and acts came together for a really unusual night. Performing as a full three piece, Crywank gather their acoustic guitars and sweet voices, as they sit in the overly blue tinted stage. Cramped and dark, the mirrored room is now filled with anticipated bodies, all closely singing back each line. James awkwardly introduces, before he starts to play a collection of tracks from Tomorrow Is Nearly Yesterday And Everyday Is Stupid. One of their best releases but also their gloomiest; Crywank seemed to suit the current atmosphere accordingly. “We don’t really have a setlist so just shout song requests at us.” James begins as ‘Song For A Guilty Sadist’ starts. Their emptiness fills the room with just the soft tapping of Dan’s hands, while James leads our eyes with his mesmerising voice. Despite having a cold and feeling a little under the weather, Crywank perform ever so delicately, drawing you in as you find yourself stuck in their trance. It didn’t seem to matter what song they played, each one floats along with the next. ‘I Am Shit’ joined the crowd together with its most memorable lyrics, “ I AM SHIT, I AM SHIT, NENENENEH FUCKING DICK.” Drawing to a dampened ending, ‘Leech Boy’ and ‘Memento Mori’ ends the beautiful atmosphere night with the sweet scent that James constantly lets out. Sure you can listen to them on record and cry yourself to sleep alone, or you could go to a show and cry with a few other people, Crywank will leave you emotional either way. Words by Isha Shah
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All Photos by Isha Shah
hindsights The Hope and Ruin, Brighton
06/07/15 10/10
PS: The Scene Is Dead had managed to pack one of the most perfect line-ups all in one day. Including Prawn from the US, the remarkable six bands were tightly slotted to play the Hope & Ruin in Brighton. The slow, ambient four-piece Nevermind Me, bring a slow but easy path to follow. Their music fills the air with a chilled vibe that can almost send you to sleep. The kind of sleep that makes you dream of wild adventures and thrilling journeys that is. Traveling from London, the band are fronted with a bold female vocalist who compliments their unique and undiscovered sound so delicately. Following with their own sent is Brighton’s three-piece, Larkhill. Reformed with their newly directed sound, the trio begin with a mixture of highly energetic sounds while a sweet melodic guitar riff plays throughout. Each song separates it self from the previous one, filled with upbeat but emotional emo heritage. Turning directions once again are local friends, Water Canvas. Another Brighton based band, the quartet draw quite a bit of attention. ‘Memorial Drive’ especially sticks out as a song where the audience’s mouths move in time with the bands performance. Not much movement appears on stage, however their idle bodies express their sound through the instruments within
them. Compared to hearing them on record, Water Canvas produce much sharper and raspy sounds that would only be witnessed at a live show. Chucking in an acoustic solo artist, Brightr, helps the night flow with Laurie’s soothing voice. The only way to describe what angelic voice that he produces is a blend of beauty and rage, according to Laurie himself.. Right from the very start of Hindsights’ set, hurls of bodies push forward showing their eagerness to the bands awaited presence. As they appear in a non-dramatic form, the band gets stuck in with a collection of tracks of their latest record. ‘Cold Walls’ proves to be a gang related song where hands are pointed a little too close to Benio’s nose. No need to introduce themselves to the familiar crowd that Hindsight’s probably all know by now. There’s never a bad show with these guys, putting in every ounce of passion and energy into making each show as special as the next. However ending the set, the band had a very special guest to join them on stage. Thom from Gnarwolves leaps to Billy’s side and grabs a hold of his mic, while screaming a close to a very successful night. Words by Isha Shah
blood youth Barfly, London 21/07/15 9/10 Having just released a solid EP, Blood Youth embark on a full UK Inside my Head tour with opposing genre band, Trash Boat. Joined tonight at one of Camden’s most loved venues, the Barfly kept hold of this mixed genre line up, bringing you some extreme experimental sounds as well as the soft bouncy pop tones. Kicking off this manic night were wars (yes wars with a lowercase w.) Traveling down from Rugby, the five-piece posthardcore band brings a whole new level of quirk and loudness to the dimly lit stage. Soon the epileptic lights flash in all colours as the band begins one hectic set. Making themselves well acquainted with the crowd, they jump around the stage before flying off, directing their screaming faces to innocent targets. With a stage presence quite like Heck (Baby Godzilla) and Feed The Rhino, the quintet produce rushing riffs that are covered with soft
layering screams, slowly breaking into rugged howls from the two vocalists. Following such a well-executed performance is Blackpool’s, Boston Manor. Sure the band had a great stage presence, as far as a pop punk bands can go. Filling their set with continuous bounces that must have given them a numb foot, and stage dives over one another, while failing to catch the next person were all that happens during their set. They offer their own input on the generic genre, as much as they can with a deeper, angular toned vocalist. Still keeping a familiar sound on stage, St Alban’s Trash Boat appear with a roaring crowd that Tobi Duncan immediately dives into, with arms open. With such a large time to fill, the band now plays a few tracks off their first EP, Look Alive. Proven to be a massive hit with the crowd surfers and finger pointers, Trash Boat
continuously keep energy levels afloat. Having only just formed and put out their EP, Blood Youth begin to play their first ever London show. Judging from the reaction they got, you wouldn’t have even guessed it. Right from the very start of their set, you could tell it was going to be a mad one. The stage is now set up with giant inflatable palm trees and dinosaurs, as the Jurassic Park theme song plays. Then appears guitarist Sam Bowden, following the theme with his amazing Hawaiian shirt, giving the crowd a glare before banging is head to their heavy metal riffs. Sounding so much stronger live than on record, the band dance along to Inside My Head, a monstrous five-piece EP filled with their talented sound. ‘Failure’ screams as vocalist Kaya Tarsus pours his heart out, screaming the catchy chorus. Being ex-members from Climates, you could pick up on
what they were, but also then see what they have become. Much stronger and together in so many ways, Blood Youth produce a mixture of sounds that go against the typical metal-core scene or hardcore music. They mix soft with harsh but not too sharp vocals together, layering the two on some groovy riffs. ‘Piece by Piece’ soon plays, as the crowd gets rowdier, and Tarsus joins them on the floor. Acting with such passion and a final outbreak of screams, Blood Youth yet again slay another song. There was only one fault within their set and not due to them. A fan outstaying his welcome on stage and practically grabbing the mic and singing a whole verse, thinking he was Kaya himself. Of course he got booted off stage, but that didn’t stop him for coming back. Stay in line and let the band do their thing. Words by Isha Shah
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