issue 12• •march january 2010
soundcheck w o l v e r h a m p t o n
editors: in this light
jeanique
//
john mayer
//
codeine velvet club //
advantage
//
feeder & more…
editor: contact:
glenn rossington editor@wlv-soundcheck.com
design:
gr creative
advertising: contact:
kate farrell kate@wlv-soundcheck.com
writing:
glenn rossington kate farrell glenn rossington bex dobson
photos:
published by: gr creative
contributions: article and photo contributions are welcome. prints and transparencies are sent at the owner’s risk and although ever care is taken, soundcheck accepts no responsibility for loss or damage. please email photos to editor@glennrossington. co.uk (all images must be at least 300dpi) or post them to our address
legal bit: copyright Š2009 soundcheck. all rights reserved. nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission from soundcheck. information on events, products, reviews and anything else does not nessicarily imply recommendations by soundcheck. we have done our utmost to make sure all the content in this magazine is correct and accurate, but would emphasise the we, soundcheck, accept no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. all opinions expressed in this magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not nessicarily shared by soundcheck magazine 02
contents
news
05 06 - 09
features 10 - 12 15 - 16 18 - 19
editor’s thoughts music, art & food news
jeanique advantage editors
spot light on 20 - 21 22 - 23 24 - 25 26 - 27
reviews 28 29
new albums new singles
live music 30 - 31 32 - 33 34 37 38 - 39
john mayer advantage codine velvet club feeder / renegades gig listings
galleries food cinema dvds 03
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editor’s thoughts
So it has been just over a month since our first issue was unleashed upon the world, and in all honesty what can i say about the response? I am completely and utterly overwhelmed by the support out there! In 5 weeks we have had nearly 7,500 views online and this is without any promotion what so ever! Ok it was a bit risky not promoting ourselves, but it was more to test the water really. Support from local businesses has been just amazing! On the back of this success, we have gained more popularity on our facebook site and people are beginning to spread the word even further. I cannot say too much at the moment, but we are working on a special offer with a large UK Music Festival which we might be able to release details of next month! Needless to say we are pretty damn excited about this already. So onto this issue, We have 3 main features for you to feast your eyes upon. Firstly Belgian Photographer lady ‘Jeanique’ is introduced to you all. She tells a pretty interesting story about how she came into the world of Photography. Next we have amazing part local/part London based group ‘Advantage’ who are bringing their fusion of Ska/Rock out into the forefront of the UK’s best new talent. And finally we have an introduction and mini interview with the Indie giants, ‘Editors’ who give us the lowdown on the recording of their latest album ahead of their UK tour kicking off this month. We also bring you the latest music, food, fashion and arts news from the local area, including the exclusive list of who’s playing at the V festival which happen down at Weston Park every August, just 12 miles away! Onto our Gallery spotlight, we look at the 10 year old ‘Walsall Art Gallery’ which if you haven’t already, you need to pay a visit to. We are also back with our list of top places in Wolverhampton
to eat with another 4 places looked at including The Varsity, Marharaja, The Bilash and newest bar on the block, Bar Primo. Introducing this issue, we say hello to our film critic ‘Chronoglide’ who puts his own spin on the blockbusting ‘Avatar’ and reviews DVD releases ‘Up’ and ‘A New Moon’. We also give you a list of the Top 10 grossing films at the cinema over January aswell as top dvd charts for February. also returning this month is our list of top albums and singles due to be released over the coming weeks. There are some absolute gems ahead including the new Gorillaz album, Blood Red Shoes, Turin Brakes and Ellie Goulding to name a few. In the live arena, we take a close look at American Blues legend John Mayer at his intimate Wolverhampton gig, as well as Advantage opening a new live night in Wolves, Codeine Velvet Club’s surprise show in the city, and Feeder on their recent surprise warm up tour. Also in the issue is a comprehensive list of all the best live shows coming up in the local area over the next month. Already we are working on the next issue, with a very exclusive interview and some hot live music reviews. We will be stepping up our promotional campaign this month, so please help us spread the word of ‘Soundcheck’ so we can continue to show the world that Wolverhampton is actually an ok place to live! Untill next time, keep rocking!
Glenn Rossington Glenn Rossington (Editor)
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News : News : News A round up of all things musical, artistic, food and fashionable…
IVE! EXCLUSIVE! EXCLUSIVE! EXCLUSIVE! EXCLUSIVE! EXCLUSIVE! EXCLU Kings of the V Festival
KIings Of Leon and Kasabian are set to play headline slots at this year’s V Festival, it has been announced. V Festival takes place on two sites – Wston Park in Staffordshire & Highlands Park in Chelmsford – on August 21-22. The V Festival line-up so far is: Kings Of Leon, Kasbian, Sterephonics, Faithless, The Prodigy, David Guetta, Pet Shop Boys, Cheryl Cole, Paul Weller, The Kooks, Paolo Nutini, Florence And The Machine, Madness, Editors, Mika, White Lies, Groove Armada, The Courtneers, Goldfrapp, The Charlatans, Scouting For Girls, Chase And Status, The Temper Trap, Amy Macdonald, Newton Faulkner, La Roux, Sugababes, Pixie Lott, Skunk Anansie, Passion Pit, Ellie Goulding, Kate Nash, Paloma Faith, Shed Seven, Imogen Heap & Plan B Tickets go on sale on Friday 5th March at 9am priced: £165 w/e with camping, £140 for a weekend pass - available from the Wolverhampton Civic Hall box office and online.
Hole Return To The Arena Hole have announced details of their first UK tour in a decade. Following on from their recent Shockwaves NME Awards show at Shepherds Bush Empire, Courtney Love and co will begin the gig-run in Glasgow (May 3), before playing in London and Birmingham. Meanwhile, Hole performed at last week’s Shockwaves NME Awards ceremony, while Courtney Love declared she was a huge fan of Florence And The Machine.
May 3rd - Glasgow O2 Academy 5th - London Brixton O2 Academy 9th - Birmingham O2 Academy Tickets are on sale now from all usual outlets
BBC 6 Music Under Threat The BBC is rumoured to be planning to axe radio stations 6 Music and Asian Network as part of a strategic rethink, according to a report that appeared in The Times today (February 26). Set to be officially announced next month, the newspaper report quotes BBC Trust sources as saying that the corporation will focus on quality over quantity in future, and also states that the BBC website will halve its pages.
Delphic’s May Dates Indie superstars Deplhic have announced a new slew of dates, including one at our very own Wulfrun Hall. The dates come hot on the heels of their last show in the city, 2 hit singles and a stunning debut album.
May 15th 17th 18th 21st -
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Leeds Metropolitan University London Electric Ballroom Manchester Ritz
Delphic are also set to release new single ‘Halcyon’ on 15th March via download, cd & 2x 7” vinyls. B-sides are still to be confirmed Tickets are on sale now from all usual outlets priced £11 plus all usual p+p if bought online 06
A BBC spokeswoman said she would not comment on “speculation”, reports BBC News. Almost 60,000 people have joined a Facebook petition striving to save 6 Music from closure. The station’s presenters include Lauren Laverne (pictured) and Steve Lamacq. According to The Times, next month’s report will see Director General Mark Thompson announce that the license fee-funded BBC needs to shrink in order to give its commercial rivals more opportunity to grow. Teenage-oriented operations such as BBC Switch and Blast! are also expected to close, while the report states that the corporation will cut its staff by 25 percent. Although 6 Music could close, according to the newspaper report, Radio 2 will be told to broadcast more documentaries and comedy shows. Following the article, a campaign to save 6 Music has gathered steam on Twitter, with users showing their support for the station by posting #saveBBC6music on the service, while David Bowie backed the station, declaring: “6Music keeps the spirit of broadcasters like John Peel alive and for new artists to lose this station would be a great shame.”
Manic Street Preachers vs. Radiohead Manic Street Preachers helped celebrate the 20th birthday of Glasgow’s King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on February 18th, playing a career-spanning set of favourites and obscurities in the 300-capacity venue.
Primal Scream Perform The Seminal ‘Screamadelica’ Album In Full Primal Scream have announced they are set to play their seminal 1991 album ‘Screamadelica’ in its entirety in November. The band, who have never played the album live in full before, will perform it twice over two nights at the London Olympia on November 26th & 27th. ‘Screamadelica’, considered a dance/ rock classic, was produced by Andrew Weatherall and features ‘Movin’ On Up’, ‘Loaded’ and the 10-minute long ‘Come Together’. Tickets for both nights are on sale now.
During the show bassist Nicky Wire attacked Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien, calling him a “cunt” as part of an ongoing dispute between the two. “Apparently Ed O’Brien called me a wanker, I’m really fucking scared, go back to your boarding school you cunt!” he exclaimed near the end of the set. The bassist was referring to comments from the Radiohead guitarist, who had said Wire was talking “bollocks” about file-sharing, the bassist having accused the band of only caring about it after they had earned millions. The Welsh band – taking time out from recording a new album – opened with little-known 1990 EP track ‘Strip It Down’ because they played it during their last gig at the venue back in 1991. The band then tore through ‘Your Love Alone Is Not Enough’, ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’ and ‘From Despair To Where’ before frontman James Dean Bradfield paid homage to departed guitarist Richey Edwards on ‘Peeled Apples’ “The last time we played here we were of course a four-piece, and this is a song from an album written in the spirit of Richey,” he said. Before ‘This Is Yesterday’ Bradfield commented on the band’s bare-bones line-up for the night, joking with the audience that, “As you can see it’s just the three of us tonight, so when you hear the songs that are supposed to have strings and keyboards on them, you’ll just have to imagine them.” “And when you hear the songs with backing vocals,” deadpanned Wire, “You’ll hear my God-awful out of tune attempt.” The band squeezed in an impromptu cover of ‘All Or Nothing’. Before ending on their classic ‘A Design For Life’.
Thom Yorke Goes Green Thom Yorke debuted three new tracks during a one-off benefit solo show for the Green Party. The singer performed a mammoth 19-song set laced with Radiohead tracks and tunes from his 2006 debut album ‘The Eraser’ at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. Launching into the first of three new tracks, ‘The Daily Mail’, a downbeat piano number featuring the cutting line, “No regard for human life.” ‘Lotus Flower’, which he debuted in Los Angeles recently, also made an appearance, as did the second of his new tracks ‘Give Up The Ghost’, which featured a haunting vocal loop of Yorke repeatedly pleading “Don’t hold me”. Again he apologised for struggling through the song but later went on to perform ‘I Froze Up’, which once appeared in a Radiohead webcast, before he played ‘Like Spinning Plates’. He went on to play his third new song, the folky ‘Mouse Dog Bird’, before rounding off his set with a powerful rendition of ‘Reckoner’, ‘Airbag’ and a rare outing for ‘True Love Waits’, which saw Yorke asking the crowd for a bit of help as he signed off, saying: “You might have to sing along for this one because I usually forget the words.”
Gaga Ohh La-la Lady GaGa has announced details of further European tour dates and has postponed two UK shows. The singer will head back to London O2 Arena on May 30 and Manchester MEN Arena on June 2, and will play Birmingham LG Arena on May 28. However, she has also postponed her dates at Sheffield Arena, originally set for March 7, and Nottingham Arena (March 8). Now the Sheffield show will take place on June 4, while the Nottingham gig will be on May 27. Original tickets will be valid for the rescheduled dates. In addition there are further dates for Europe. Tickets for the London, Birmingham and Manchester dates go on sale on March 12. Tickets are on sale now 07
News : News : News A round up of all things musical, artistic, food and fashionable…
WHAT’S ON THE STEREO?
Marina & The Diamonds The Family Jewels
The Courteeners Falcon
Mumford & Sons Sigh No More
Blood Red Shoes Fire Like This
Ocean Colour Scene
A Pretty Green Diffusion The exclusive designer Men & Womenswear shop Diffusion on Victoria Street has exclusively revealed it’s partnership with new Designer Men’s clothing range ‘Pretty Green’. Pretty Green is an up-front, straight talking, classic clothing range owned, founded and designed by Liam Gallagher. The Pretty Green team is made up of key industry professionals. The clothing range, which is entirely ‘limited edition’, includes classic designs across footwear, denim, knitwear, jackets, trench coats, parkas, t-shirts, hats, scarves and accessories; all subject to Liam’s final approval. In 2009 as the fashion brand launched, Liam stated “Clothes and music are my passion. I’m not here to rip anyone off and I’m not doing it for the money either. I’m doing it cuz there’s a lack of stuff out there of the things I would wear” Diffusion have become one of only a handful of independant retaillers throughout the UK to offer the exclusive range on the highstreet. To see the collection, call into the store or visit the website at: www.diffusiononline.co.uk
Saturday
Ellie Goulding Lights
Seamus Harahan’s In Town Belfast born Seamus is bringing his latest film piece to the Wolverhampton Art Gallery from 20th March - 3rd July. Holylands was made over the period of a year and a half from 2001 to 2003, shot through the artist’s window and on the streets occupying a 20 yard radius from his house in Belfast. The title Holylands is the name of his neighbourhood, named after the titles of its streets - Jerusalem Street, Palestine Street, Damascus Street, Carmel Street and Cairo Street. The area was originally developed by a property firm, headed by Robert McConnell a devout Christian. It is also a district of the city that combines a transient student population with more long-term residents. The film in part depicts these people going about their every day lives, showing fragments of their negotiations through this territory but it firmly resists either a documentary or narrative approach. A bag lady rummages in a bin, young boys play with a water pipe, and a delivery van unloads out side a shop. It is an ordinary snapshot of an extraordinary area, defined by its history of religious divide and social unrest. The film’s images are spliced together with an evocative soundtrack that includes hip-hop, traditional Irish and classical music to provide a counterbalance to the images and enables them to work as abstract sequences. Holylands was last exhibited at the 2007 Venice Biennale. This work was acquired through the Contemporary Art Society’s acquisitioning scheme as part of their Centenary Year celebrations. In 2009 Wolverhampton Art Gallery were part of the first cluster of galleries to take part in the scheme, which for this round focused on moving image.
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Philly Flys High! Top sandwich makers in Wolvers, the Victoria Street based Philadelphia Flyer has relaunched itself with a new make-over! One of the best places in the city for lunch food, and home of the famous ‘Trinity’. Open since 1992, the Philly has become a staple for business workers, students and even HRH The Prince of Wales!
Varsity Relaunces In the trend of relaunches, top City Centre Bar, The Varsity is set to relaunch it’s website with the ability to book tickets for gigs.
Huckleberry Grove
Local Graphic Designer Kate Farrell has undertaken the redesign in conjunction with music hosting site MusicGlue.
For the top clothes in Mod fashion, Huckleberrys in Farmer’s Fold has been the leading source in the city for neary 20 years! First opened at the start of Britpop, it as even seen various Mod Celebrities over the years such as Steve Cradock from Ocean Colour Scene and even a rumour that the ‘Modfather’ himself, Paul Weller has paid a visit.
As we are going to press, the website is still to be launched, but we are assured that it’s activation is imminent.
Huckleberrys is also one of only a select number of shops in the UK that is exclusively selling a clothing range designed by the band The Who. More information can be found at: www.thewhoclothing.net or via Huckleberry’s website at: www.huckleberrysmenswear.co.uk
Dancing On Ice Skates Into Birmingham!
Unlucky For Some Monkeys! More than 1,000 revellers helped celebrate the 13th birthday of Wolverhampton Civic Hall’s Cheeky Monkey club night. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, hoards of clubgoers packed into the North Street venue last night to mark the milestone. Cheeky Monkey is one of the Midlands’ longest-running club nights, going since 1997. Hen parties, birthday parties and workers out to celebrate pay day were among those enjoying the event. Guest DJ Simon James, from Kerrang Radio, was behind the decks to help revellers get into the party mood.
Celebrities from Dancing on Ice will be skating into the West Midlands in the spring for a glittering live tour. Current contestant and Boyzone star Mikey Graham will join past celebrity skaters for the nationwide tour of the hit ITV show. Former favourites Gaynor Faye, Chris Fountain and Ray Quinn have all signed up and the spectacular will be at Birmingham’s LG Arena from April 30 – May 2. Actress Gaynor Faye was winner of the first series, whilst Hollyoaks star Chris Fountain was a runner up in the third series. Pop star Mikey Graham is dancing in the current series and receiving great comments from the judges, he is ranked in second place in the series scoring at present. All of the celebrities will be trained and choreographed by ice skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who will also perform on the tour. More celebrities will be announced soon, organisers promised today. The five-week UK tour will travel to arenas in Sheffield, Newcastle, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham and Belfast. At each performance the audience will have a chance to vote for their favourite skating celebrity. Replicating the format of the show, they will be able to use their mobile phone to text vote for their favourite dancing couple. The audience votes will then be added to the scores from the judges to decide the winner. Once the votes have been counted, the winning celebrity will join their skating partner to perform in the finale. As with the previous tours, all profits from text voting will go to charity, more than £80,000 has been raised to date. To book tickets call 08444 99 99 55 or log onto www.dancingonicetour.co.uk. Tickets are priced from £32.50 to £65.00. 09
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Jeaniqueious!
From Despair to Where…? By G.Rossington
Every once in a while, you stumble upon something that stops you in your tracks and makes you reconsider things in a new perspective. That is exactly what happened to me when i accidentally stumbled upon the work of Dutch Photographer Jeanique. I forget what i was initially searching for, but on the Photography Served website, a link to her work stood out. It was one of those snap decisions on seeing the album thumbnail that makes you want to see more. The pictures were stunning. The colours and portraits were just perfect. At the bottom of the page was a link to her flickr account. I was amazed when taken to her profile page that she had never considered herself to be a photographer initially. Her profile goes on to say that in 2007 she suffered a breakdown that resulted in lethargy that spanned a full 12 months. Her way of coming out of this started when she took a portrait every day for a further year. Looking for a new way to photograph herself, and each image coming with a daily explanation of what she’d done or planned to do, either relating to the picture itself, or just her life in general. Thinking that it would be ‘harmless’ to put these images up on the photography website ‘flickr’ it didn’t take long for other people to see these images and comment on the outstanding techniques she used to set up and take these pictures. The feedback encouraged her to continue to develop her style and take more photos in an experimental way. Via her website, she says “When I was a little girl my biggest
dream was to become a (musical) actress , a poet, a writer, a painter, a photographer, a singer, I wanted to play the piano, or the harp. It did not really matter, as long as it would be something creative. For years I felt like a “I-just-don’t-have-it” girl and I just couldn’t seem to find my ‘way’.” It certainly seems that she is finding the creative prowess and taking in the comments of both her fans and peers alike, and is certainly carving out a career for herself. Some people call have called her photos ‘pure’ or ‘Intense’. But all she says about her work is that “they all are little pieces of me. Together with the stories they are like a diary to me, a diary I’m sharing with the rest of the world.” She goes on to say that “people have described some images as ‘shocking’, ‘really sad’ and even ‘disturbing’, but I just need to be honest, even if I’m going through a hard day, tough weeks or sometimes months: it’s who I am, it’s what I do. I could never imagine, when starting taking photos of myself and posting them on flickr, that so many people would respond to them. I’ve had so many wonderful comments and e-mails, and they are all so heartwarming and motivating! They help me to believe in myself again, and that is the best gift I could ever get.” Where as art takes many shapes or forms in today’s society, Jeanique is one of the more reserved artists. People like Franco B and Orlan are out to prove that women have no place in the modern world, unless they butcher their bodies to look like celebrities, Jeanique is making her own mark for women artists with a more routed mindset. Jeanique has now finished her 365 day photo project and has moved on to two others. The Where Is Jeanique project is described overleaf, but the latest project is a ‘Photo A Week’ set and you can watch this appear live on her flickr site each week. She is certainly an individual in today’s art scene, but should be a name to look out for. Flickr: Web:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeanique www.ilovejeanique.com 11
So Where Is Jeanique? Where is Jeanique is a project started by the self portrait-artist Jeanique. She makes a photo of herself everyday for one year and she posts them on the website www.ilovejeanique.com Because she really needed to have a summer break but still wanted to post something everyday, she started a new project: “Where is Jeanique?” Jeanique picked 40 self portraits from her “365 days” project and placed them in several photo frames. She planted these photo frames all along the road to France, with a card attached to it which read: “Take me, or place me somewhere else!” Everyone who finds a photo frame could then do 2 things with it: Take it home, or 12
leave it somewhere else. But whatever their choice is, they need to send an email to mail@whereisjeanique.com with a picture of the photo frame on its new location and info about the new location (exact place and time/date of where and when they left the photo frame). On the website you can see the exact spot where Jeanique left a photo frame. When she comes back she will update this site with the new photos and locations she received from the photo frame-finders. It would be so fun to see if the photo frames will travel all around the world!! Check out http://www.whereisjeanique.com to follow their journey as they travel around the world!
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By G.Rossington
These ‘Brass City Rockers’ are a dynamic six-piece from the Midlands who are primed to set the UK underground music scene alight in 2010. Bringing together a lethal blend of driving brass, crunching riffs and infectious melodic hooks, Advantage take choice cuts of punk, ska, pop and rock to produce danceable anthems that can’t help but get your feet tapping. A tireless work ethic has seen these boys travel the length and breadth of the UK and most of Europe too. Advantage’s live performances are brimming with boundless energy thanks to their frenetic style and impossibly catchy tunes. They are a band who are passionate about their music and want to bring it to as many people as they can. Featured on the BBC’s Introducing pages, bigged up by Kerrang, and various other rock journals, it is clear that
Advantage have hit the ground running. They have only been formed less than 12 months, and have label interest in London which is resulting in a bit of a bun fight in trying to sign them. The latest E.P titled ‘Future Echoes’ certainly rings true. The boys are onto something special with their rock/jazz fusions. Sounding like a hybrid of Blink 182 and early Green Day, with hints of Miles Davies and Stevie Wonder thrown in, it shouldn’t work, but actually sounds refreshing and vibrant. These will become the sound of the future if they continue on their current path. The E.P is also causing quite a fuss in the music world. Opening title track has been described as “…sounding like any other generic rock song until the brass kicks in. Then it takes on a life of it’s own!” 15
Willis, Horn player extrodinaire from the band say they’re pioneering a new genre and labelling it “Brass Rock”. Not surprisingly, given that it’s predominantly upbeat rock music with some brass thrown in for good measure, brass rock sound suspiciously like ska, albeit on the heavier side of the genre. Embrace the genre I say, there is a large fan base looking for bands like this don’t confuse them by inventing a new name for it. Over the last 12 months having played in the UK and Europe, it is fair to say that the guys have formed quite a following. From playing the tinyest of stages in local bars, to larger stages, it is interesting to see these songs come to life. The studio versions are immense and showcase their sound perfectly, but in the live arena the sound takes on new dynamics. They sound louder and far more vibrant. It is clear why they have taken off so quickly as they like to get the audience involved and dancing around. Rumours still unconfirmed even suggest one couple were dancing the Foxtrot at one gig recently! So with the E.P out, national and European success of sorts, a big following of fans and London showcases, it will certainly not be long before the boys hit the big time. The likes of Download Festival and Reading & Leeds should be lining them up on the smaller stages this year with
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any luck, and things can only get better from there. With Kerrang Radio being a huge supporter of local talent, and already describing Advantage as “Awesome and Refreshing” and giving them 4/5 K’s, they really cannot go wrong. Also not being afraid to share with their fans, the band are highly active on all forms of social networking sites on the internet. They have their own Myspace, Facebook & Twitter pages keeping upto date with all the goings on, so there is no excuse now to miss them! We look forward to what the future holds for this vibrant 6-piece, and are glad to have caught them just as the crest of the wave is beginnng to show. You heard it here first folks, Advantage are going places and we are all invited to the party! Current E.P: ‘Future Echoes’ out now Website: Myspace: Twitter: Facebook:
www.advantagemusicuk.com www.myspace.com/advantagemusicuk www.twitter.com/advantagemusicuk www.facebook.com/advantagemusicuk
Words by G.Rossington
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EDITORS By G.Rossington
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Editors are one of those bands that come along once every generation. They are launched with so much hype and actually deliver a quality,, talked about first album. Next follows a strong second record that spawns some great singles, but doesn’t quite deliver. Cue a few years break to have families etc… then hit the general public with a record that is just as talked about as the debut. Editors have never really been a band than plans things; they’re not really the type of people who plan things full stop. Maybe they just drift through life oblivious to stuff, the fact is they have admitted that they cringe at the idea of sitting around talking about how our records are going to sound before we’ve started them. “Making a more electronic record wasn’t really the point” says frontman Tom Smith, “the point was to do things we hadn’t done before. It was the most natural thing in the world for us to look at moving our sound somewhere new, to write songs on different instruments, to record in different ways, so that in the end hopefully we’d have a record that feels different from what we’ve done before”. A bold statement, but one that works better than it sounds. ‘In This Light And On This Evening’ is very much a new chapter for Editors. In my opinion the great bands evolve over the course of their careers and take risks...this album will alienate some Editors fans, but in the same style as Radiohead’s ‘Kid A’ (To which it has caused so many comparisons) the band will also gain new fans. Of the writing process, Tom says “I started writing towards the end of touring An End Has A Start in the summer of 2008 and as the songs started to come they were sent out one by one via email to the rest of the band. Russ and Chris now live in New York, Ed is in Birmingham and I live in London. But despite the great distances between us this is the way we’ve always worked, even when living in the same house together in Birmingham, everyone attacking the songs individually before getting together in the rehearsal room.” Once the time had come to rehearse these songs into shape for recording, The band had nearly 20 tracks. Joining them in the rehearsal room was legendary producer, Flood (Smashing
Pumpkins, Placebo, The Killers & PJ Harvey). “Flood was vital to this record; he helped us take that feeling of playing the songs live into the studio” says Tom. But this is still a dark record, a record that sings of no God, a record of broken love songs, a record where the filthy city is so close you can smell it, taste it, a record of drunken violence, a record which has lost all trust in those in charge of our world. Tom states that “We must be four miserable people to make a record like this though right? I must be troubled to write words like these?....No, absolutely not, dark is interesting, dark is exciting, dark can be funny, there’s real life in the dark, real life IS dark, when an album feels like this the fragments of hope and love that do occasionally shine through shine through ten times brighter than they would normally do so. I am so fucking bored of people asking us why we’re so “dark”, or worse questioning our integrity for being this way, this is how we do it, it excites us to express ourselves like this, to be honest we don’t even understand what the alternative is and the alternatives we can imagine are too boring for us to even consider.” A bold statement, but one that they do not need to justify any further. It is fair to say that in becoming more experimental on this album, Editors have come under some heavy criticism, but this is waht they envisaged. It could have been so easy to go intot he studio and develop a ‘Back Room II’, but it is not what they wanted, and they are not in this for commerciallism or to sell out. Interestingly, the album has already spawned the great single ‘Papillion’ and about to release ‘You Don’t Know Love’ to coincide with a ‘Sold Out’ UK tour. So what happened to the remaining 11 songs from the album sessions? Tom’s final words confirm all… “We recorded nearly twenty songs and whittled them down to these 9 for the album, the other songs will come out in various ways over the coming months but these 9 songs we felt to be the best album, a record that flows from start to finish and a record that needs to be listened to as a whole”. Editors are playing 2 nights at a sold out Birmingham Academy on March 30th & 31st. If you have tickets, enjoy, if you don’t beg your mates! It’ll be the best show in town you never went to - if the Wolves gig (last issue) was anything to go by! 19
Spot Light: Galleries Walsall Art Gallery
The New Art Gallery is sited in the centre of the West Midlands town of
Holiday Mondays), and 11am to 4pm on Sundays with free admission
Walsall, England. It was built with £21 million of public funding, including
to the gallery.
£15.75 million from the UK National Lottery and additional money from the European Regional Development Fund and City Challenge.
Costa Coffee opened a franchise in partnership with the New Art gallery; in a deal brokered by Walsall Council’s Economic Regeneration team,
Archietecture
the ground floor café in The New Art Gallery Walsall was transformed
Designed by the architects Caruso St John after winning an international
into a Costa Coffee store and opened for business on 8 August 2007.
design competition, it opened in January 2000, replacing the town’s old gallery and an arts centre that had been closed by the Council
Criticism
almost a decade earlier. The New Art Gallery’s stark building won
In January 2001, a year after the gallery opened, American magazine
several architectural awards. The five storey building is clad in pale
New Criterion columnist Theodore Dalrymple said that the gallery
terracotta and has a floor area of 5,000 square metres (53,820 sq ft).
resembled a Stasi HQ in a scathing attack on the whole town of Walsall,
The public square surrounding the building was designed by Richard
adding that the town was “possibly the ugliest in the world”.
Wentworth and Catherine Yass.
Collection
Current Exhibitions: • Party! (12th February - 18th April 2010)
The Gallery houses the fixed Garman Ryan collection of sculptures
This exhibition features a conscioulsy eclectic range of artists whose works are linked
and paintings by modern masters including a large selection of work
through broad reference to the party, a theme which will extend across music, singing,
by Jacob Epstein which was donated by his late wife Lady Epstein and
dancing, greetings cards, food and drink, dress and decorations. Whilst the show mainly
her friend Sally Ryan. The temporary exhibition galleries on the third
comprises of contemporary art, a selection of modern and historic works will also be
and fourth floor are dedicated to exhibiting the best of contemporary and historic art.
included. Amongst the revelry will lurk darker and more sinister undercurrents!
•
We are ten PARTY ! (12th February - 18th April 2010) The New Art Gallery Walsall opened in February 2000 bringing artists from all over the
Its first Director was Peter Jenkinson. After he stepped down, no further
world to Walsall and creating a cultural focus for the town.
Director was appointed by the Council for over two years. In May
Over the ten years since opening we have worked with hundreds if not thousands of
2005, former BALTIC director Stephen Snoddy was appointed and he
artists, locally, nationally and internationally, creating exhibitions, residencies, workshops
took up his post in September 2005.
and performances which have been enjoyed by nearly a million and a half visitors. We have invited the artists to participate in our 10th Birthday celebrations by sending us a
Other activities The gallery is family friendly and hosts a range of free activities for
birthday card.
•
Bob and Roberta Smith and the Epstein Archive
children and young people in school holidays and throughout the
(1st September 2009 - 1st May 2011)
year. Free community events at the gallery include Diwali Celebrations,
A number of strong themes have come through in Bob and Roberta Smith’s archive
Islamic Arts Festival, late night events and a singles night.
works; what happens to the collective memory of an artist, or indeed anyone, when they die, the effect of an artist’s life and work on their children and also issues
The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday - Saturday (and Bank 20
surrounding mental health.
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Spot Light: Food The Varsity A: Stafford Street, WV1 1LZ
£ £ £ £ £
Maharaja A: 58 Tettenhall Road, WV1 4SL
£ £ £ £ £
T: 01902 771 233
T: 01902 425 444
The Varsity is your typical City Centre Student based bar. Very comfy
This is one of the city’s many hidden gem’s situated on the Tettenhall
and recently redeveloped, the staff are friendly and professional.
Road into the City Centre. They offer quality service, with top class cuisine. They also offer a wholly authentic experience and cater for a
There is a wide variety of food and offers for selection. There is a
wide variety of food lovers.
generous selection of meals available all for under £10 if none of the offers grab your attention.
The menu now encompasses a take-away selection and caters for both vegetarians and non vegetarians. There is a huge variety of Set
The bar also has a small smoking area situated at the rear. There is also
meals to cushion against the huge selection of everyday meals.
a Pool table and sport events are on the big screen fairly regularly. Live music is also availiable in the upstairs venue which has recently been
The Marharaja is also one of the few oriental restaurants in the city that
bought back to life.
offer a Lunch Time menu. For the evening session, the general meals are good value for money and range from £3.95 - £15 for each item.
They cater well for the student market and have various drinks offers available throughout the year, aswell as a student night on a Thursday
The service from entrance is of a high standard and they will do
evening which includes various drinks promotions.
anything to please and make your meal enjoyable. High class value for a very reasonable price.
Overall a very well established and professional bar and very easy on the pocket money.
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Bar Primo A: 34 - 36 School Street, WV1 4LF
£ £ £ £ £
The Bilash A: No. 2 Cheapside, WV1 1TU
£ £ £ £ £
T: 01902 423403
T: 01902 427762
Par Brimo is the baby of this month;s selection having only opened just
Another of the city’s hidden gems in oriental cuisine, the Bilash is
before Christmas last year. They offer a split level service, during the
situated in Cheapside next to The Cuban Exchange.
afternoons and early evenings they cater for eat in meals, and after 9pm, they convert into an exclusive nightclub and cocktail bar.
For more than 20 years, the kitchen has been delivering a highly distinctive menu, packed with a big selection of dishes that are a bit
The food menu is very neuville cuisine and marginly priced to cater for
different to the curry house norm. Pickles are freshly made (always a
the more exclusive diners. Drinks promotions are ten a plenty both in
good sign) and proceedings might kick off with some unexpected
the restaurant and nightclub.
morsels like pancake rolls filled with shredded chicken or galouti kebabs (minced lamb with spices and mango powder).
The nightclub offers an exclusive VIP area as well as outside tables and smoking area. Regular high class DJs play and exclusive club nights
There are the usual tandooris, biryanis and the like, but the kitchen
happen on both a weekly and monthly basis.
scores with its specials: murghi tok is marinated chicken cooked with shatkora and other indigenous Bangladeshi fruit, while maach diya
In reality, Primo is a mixed bag and seem to still be finding their feet in
masala comprises grilled marinated sea bass with warm tomato
the market. If you fancy a good night out on a budget, then you may
‘salsa’, mint and yoghurt. Vegetarians are well served and the concise
be best to avoid Primo for the moment.
modern wine list includes some intriguing bottles. A second branch, with the rather grand title of Bilash Champagne Lounge & Asian Grill,
One to keep an eye on though.
is now open on Bennetts Hill, Birmingham.
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Spot Light: Cinema Film reviews by Chronoglide
Wolverhampton we has independant cinema) what is coming over the next few weeks. Please check with the institute itself or it’s website to find detailed timings and prices etc…
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The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT
Bentley Bridge Leisure Park Wednesfield Way, WV11 1TZ
Bentley Mill Way, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 0LE
T: 01902 716055 W: www.light-house.co.uk
T: 0871 200 2000 W: www.cineworld.co.uk
T: 0871 220 1000 W: www.showcasecinemas.co.uk
Currently Showing
Currently Showing
Up In The Air Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll
(15) (15)
Coming Soon Nowhere Boy A Prophet
(15) (18)
Astro Boy Avatar (3D) Edge Of Darkness PJ & The Lightning Thief Precious Sherlock Holmes The Book of Eli
Currently Showing (PG) (12A) (15) (PG) (15) (12A) (15)
The Princess & The Frog (U)
The Road Up In The Air Youth In Revolt The Wolfman Valentines Day
(15) (15) (15) (15) (TBC)
Astro Boy Avatar (3D) Edge Of Darkness PJ & The Lightning Thief Precious Sherlock Holmes The Book of Eli
(PG) (12A) (15) (PG) (15) (12A) (15)
The Princess & The Frog (U)
The Road Up In The Air Youth In Revolt The Wolfman Valentines Day (TBC)
(15) (15) (15) (15)
THE UK’S TOP 10 FILMS: JANUARY 2010
Come and Avatar if you think you’re ‘ard enuff... The King of the World has done it again......trumping his own records for the biggest budget and best selling films of all time. But is Avatar the ‘sci-fi experience’ it is painted to be? Leaving aside the 3D gimmick and all the Oscar hype (how many one-shot wedding suits has ole Jimmy got in his wardrobe?) will Avatar become the new benchmark? 21st Century Star Wars? The movie has great primary impact. Sweeping vistas of CG assault the eyes, immersing you in Cameron’s idea of an alien world. His interest in undersea exploration is well documented and it’s influence on his vision is manifest. Pandora’s New Frontier owes much to his experience of aquatic flora and fauna. Bio-luminescence and drifting ethereal fronds all over the place. Yet his cluttered organic backdrop starts to border on the excessive. He gets his point across quite quickly; the Na’vi and the jungle are as one, harmoniously linked, but I felt it soon became laboured and he was doing it to show off rather than progressing the plot. I found myself waiting for the jungle scenes to end so we could have some nice hard, inorganic human tech for a bit. Please, God, cut back to the camp. I need some concrete to chill-out the visual overload....... The film has a more open feel to it than most of Cameron’s previous work. It feels less claustrophobic. While there are moments of confinement, mostly inside the human deforestation zone, the overall effect is one of expansiveness and space. Less emphasis is levied on the characters confinement. No besieged colony buildings, underwater mining bases or sinking ocean liners here. The jungle does seem to hem them in, but because of the relationship between the Na’vi and the forest it seems like they are protected by it rather than imprisoned. It’s just that an hour-plus of arboreal training montages and exotic wildlife tends to lose it’s fascination....the ‘wow factor’ starts to wane....... Some of the scenery is truly impressive and valid, however. The dragon nest on the cliffs and the hovering mountains are visually stunning and memorable amidst the plantlife, if a bit scientifically iffy. Electromagnetic grav-flux floating rocks that interfere with navigational
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
Avatar (2009) Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 (2009) Edge of Darkness (2010) Sherlock Holmes (2009) It’s Complicated (2009) Up in the Air (2009/I0) Toy Story 2 (1999) The Book of Eli (2010) Precious (2009) Daybreakers (2009) Information supplied bu imdb.com
instruments, but luckily not any other electronic systems like helicopter engines?....Fight through the scepticism and keep watching, kids. These come in handy later on.... The central message of the movie, man’s rape of nature and clumsy pollution of the environment, is nothing we haven’t experienced before, although it’s more subtly applied than many ‘Eco’ themed projects. That said, to a film nerd like me the plot seemed derivative on many levels. Two different cultures clash. One person from each culture falls for the other? Check. Resentment of the relationship from both sides? Check. Plucky Westerner saves the underequipped, but noble savages from the ravages of his people? Check. Wagnerian helicopter gunship attack lead by insane marine Kilgore clone? Oh yes. Apocalypse Na’vi. I love the smell of incendiaries in the morning. The one thing that would have been nice to see reprised from cinema history is Sigourney Weaver in her pants, but she does look quite foxy as a blue ten-footer. That’s ten feet tall, not having ten feet. That would just be wrong..... Downside; over-indulgent and a bit cliched. Upside; strong performances from the actors, likeable characters and big robots. Us mecha fans have been spoiled recently, with District 9’s Prawnsuit and now the stompy goodness of Avatar’s climactic scrap. It might be a re-shoot of Sigourney Vs the Queen alien, but it’s 100% big robot-tastic action, baby. Get away from him you bitch.... Avatar is not the greatest Sci-Fi film of all time, but it is entertaining and enjoyable and two-and-a-half hours doesn’t seem too long. Whether Jim-lad will feel the need to do his usual Director’s Cut additions when it hits DVD remains to be seen. 25
Spot Light: Dvds Film reviews by Chronoglide great adventure into the South American jungle. Not content with one dose of pint-sized comic relief, they are soon joined by an easily distracted cyber-hound and a giant prehistoric confused-gender bird. I’m not going to reveal all of the plot, but Carl confronts and says goodbye to a childhood aspiration and finally finds closure re his wife’s memory. Things to look out for: Russell’s inverse King Kong climax, as he dangles as a target for the marauding canine biplanes; the chief minion of the villain, helium-voiced Anubian henchdog Alpha; and Dug, the aforementioned focus-challenged mutt. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable family film. The kids will love it and there’s plenty of more subtle jokes for the adults still hanging in there after the early blubfest. “Squirrel........”
Up No relation to the Russ Meyer film of the same name. You will, however, Gentle Reader, still require some tissues to hand, cos you’re going to need them to get through the first twenty minutes of ‘Up’. With good reason, Pixar decided to turn the traditional ‘Tear Jerker’ ploy on its head. King Kong and The Elephant Man hit you at the end, leaving you blubbing over the credits. E.T. slaps you with the choke-up midway through; Elliott, ‘Phone Home’ and the pot plant dropping off at the same time. ‘Up’ whacks you with a double hit before the prologue’s had a chance to finish. The Fredericksen’s parental dreams and Carl’s ‘two become one’ leave you understanding why he assumes the mantle of cantankerous old misanthrope he wears for most of the rest of the film. This is a bold, but clever move on the part of the filmmakers, gaining the viewers’ sympathy and making him a tragic old cuss, rather than just a grumpy old git. Fredericksen sits on his porch, a latterday Arthur Dent, steadfastly resisting the attempts of evil ‘Men in Black’ developers to demolish his home. The impending bulldozing and a tussle with John Q Law act as a trigger to catapult him and his young accomplice off on their 26
THE UK’S TOP 10 DVDS: FEBRUARY 2010 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
Up (2009) The Time Traveller’s Wife (2009) Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) The Proposal (2009) Transformers 2 (2009) Gran Torino (2009) Pandorum (2009/I0) The Curious Case… (1999) The Ugly Truth (2010) Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
in and it feels like I’ve been watching it for a week. If they remake A Clockwork Orange, Hitler and Ludwig Van will be replaced by New Moon and emo shoe gazing dirges. The colour of the woodland is the same washed-out sub-aquatic greyscale that tainted the first movie. Words cannot express how much I wish they’d made a full length ‘Face Punch’ instead. Maybe it’s on as an Easter Egg? I search and search in vain..... In summary; moping teenage fang-bangers, Andrex puppy werewolves that ruin more shorts than Lou Ferrigno and an ending that isn’t so much a plot twist as a rotational spinal injury. There’s no way you saw it coming, so don’t lie. The best (c’mon, the only) good thing in this ordeal of a movie is Michael Sheen, who dominates his token scenes by sheer dint of acting prowess. And the fact he’s twice the age of the rest of the cast.
A New Moon More supernatural teen angst from the people who brought you Twilight. The angle this time is that the ‘youth gone wild’ in question are emotionally confused Amerindian werewolves, rather than pasty-faced bloodsucking emo-kids. The Twilight saga seems to have captured the imagination of young horror-monkeys in the same way that Harry Potter has inspired fantasy fans, moreso than many of the plethora of other vampire features currently in vogue. This must be in part attributed to the copious quantities of teenage flesh on display, understandably proving a big hit with the target market of pre-pubescent nocturnes and their swooning mothers. It certainly needs something to lift it, because it is a vacuous triumph of style over content. The dialogue is heavy and clumsily deployed, seemingly only included to lead the viewer between each pouting, staring, moping pausefest. This film is the Anti-Tarantino, easy, constant and abundant chit-chat replaced by moody repression and middle-distance gazing. Heroine Bella’s Dad seems confused by her behaviour, concerned about what appear to be actions of a normal teenager. Don’t fret, she doesn’t start writing existential poetry, just Carrie Bradshaw-style expositional emails. She drops into a depressive fit over boyfriend Edward and he panics and tries to send her to live with her mum. A half-naked man carries her out of the woods and Daddy Dearest doesn’t bat an eyelid. Worry about that, fella, not her pining over Pasty the Fang Boy.... If I was a tad younger I’d possibly be able to subsume myself in the lethargic mire of the action, but 45 minutes 27
Album Reviews Marina & The Diamonds Family Values
(Polydor) Marina has had an equal amount of hype to Ellie Goulding and deservedly so. The album encompasses the hit ‘Hollywood’ and ‘Mowglis Road’. Her voice is unique and she conveys a lot of passion in all she sings. The musicianship is extraordinary and conveys talent. All students should own this for years to come. A future classic!
4/5
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
(Surface Noise) After the glorious ‘Demon Days’ album Damon Albarn stressed there would not be another Gorillaz album, yet here we are with album number 3. Lead single ‘Stylo’ showcases the album sublimely. ‘Superfast Jellyfish’ is another standout proving that there is still life in the inkwell for the cartoon rouges. This will be more of a summer album.
3.5/5
Fun Lovin’ Criminals Classic Fantastic
(Visible Noise) How does a band with so many broken promises get to release their sixth album in 14 years? ‘Classic Fantastic’ doesn’t have the answers; neither is it ‘classic’ or ‘fantastic’. “Girls, parties, other things – yeah/Oh, what the universe brings”, Huey marvels on ‘Mars’. A disappointment from a band who were once destined for big things.
1/5
Kids In Glass Houses - Dirt
(V2) Kids in Glass Houses burst through in 2007 supporting bands such as Lostprophets. Now in 2010 they release their second album. The singles ‘Youngblood (Let it out)’ and new single ‘Matters At All’ stand out so does the track ‘Undercover Lover’ which features Frankie from the Saturdays. The album sounds like a youthful version of 90’s band Reef. Good times.
4/5 28
Ellie Goulding - Lights
(Cooking Vinyl) Having won newcomer awards with the BBC & this year’s Brit awards, there is alot of hype around Ellie’s album. Singles “Starry Eyed” and “Under The Sheets” show her pop prowess off perfectly, and hidden gems like “The Writer” and “Salt Skin” prove there is another side to her we have yet to discover.
4/5
Blood Red Shoes - Fire Like This
Amy MacDonald - A Curious Thing
(Colombia) Recorded on analogue equipment with minimal overdubs this is a raw, unfussy rock record that forsakes gloss or studio tricks for instinct and urgency. Two-piece bands can sometimes feel a bit skinny, but the likes of ‘Don’t Ask’ and ‘It Is Happening Again’ see Laura-Mary’s guitar invested with a surprising heft. BRS should make the mainstream with this record.
4/5
Turin Brakes Outburst
(Bella Union) Opening track and lead single Sea Change sets the band’s stall with aplomb, a folky strum soon joined by a thumping kick drum and Olly’s trademark timbre. The highlights keep on coming: Paper Heart’s heartbreaking waltz and delicate harmonies remind you just how good the band can be toned down. This could be another lost classic.
3.5/5
(Virgin) Her debut showed potential and gained her celebrity fans. “A Curious Thing” is following on in the old tradition of classic follow ups. Every song on this album builds on the last and showcases a more grownup side of Amy. Her music has greatly matured since her last album was released, but still showcases the same overall tone and style that made her name.
3/5
Alphbeat - The Beat Is
(Polydor) Alphabeat’s debut album was an unexpected joy: cheesy and slightly naff, but performed with such vigour and joy that it was irresistible. The moves away from that template – Heart Failure, steeped in an almost aggressive melancholy, sounds like something Eurythmnics might have recorded. There is however, a lack of ‘Fascination’ type singles.
3/5
Single Reviews Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Skeletons
(Polydor) “Skeletons” centres around a sparce background that builds steadily into an anthemic hum-along until it quietly fades away. Karen O gives a haunting vocal performance, delivering lyrics like, “Love, don’t cry,” with some serious power despite how reserved she sounds. Of all the new songs, this one holds the most emotional punch.
3.5/5
General Fiasco - Ever So Shy
(Infectious) General Fiasco follow up their mighty 2009 song ‘We Are The Foolish’, with ‘Ever So Shy’, a song which opens with the lines ‘Let’s Get Wasted, It’s All We Ever Do.” Then the beat kicks in, and the song begins in earnest. The chorus is the strongest part of the song for me, and it’s this that will get the crowd singing and dancing along when they tour.
3/5
Local Natives - Airplanes
3/5
possibly one of the biggest collaborations of the year. “Telephone” grows on you like every other Gaga track. When Beyonce crashes in on the vocals it can become a bit overwhelming and diva-ish. Undoubtedly this will be a success in the charts with all the pop lovers.
3/5
Dan le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip - Get Better
(Polydor) At the moment, Delphic can do nothing wrong. Currently the indie
3.5/5
3.5/5
Rox - My Baby Left Me
(Polydor) Two of the most popular diva’s in pop music today have teamed up to make
Delphic Halcyon
darlings of the music industry, they are doing everything on their own merit. The third single from the album, ‘Halcyon’ is another slice of New Order-ish goodness with a modern twist. Swirling undercurrents and soothing vocals pull you in and will not escape your mind.
(Mute) Swinging away from the ethereal sounds of “Seventh Tree” and more to the upbeat sounds of Supernature’s “Ooh La La” and “Number One” with an 80’s tinge. And it’s 80’s. Very, very 80’s. I don’t know how the song could be anymore 80’s. It’s got lots of synthesizers and rocket sounds and a simple chorus that has will be in your head for weeks. A difference to ‘Seventh Tree’.
Lady Gaga Telephone
(Infectious) Local Natives have a hard job sticking out from a critically adored crowd. Airplanes’ gives the band a chance to metaphorically roll through grand US landscapes, all Redwoods and woodchucks, keeping things harmonious and glorious. Throw a furred creature in their moniker, and they’d be every indie kid’s new favourite band.
Goldfrapp Rocket
(Sunday Best) Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip are back with another lyrically refreshing beat-heavy track in “Get Better”. Pip once again provides the politically inspired, and inspirational, lyrics - this time about improving yourself - and Dan Le Sac impressively delivers another catchy, dance-y backdrop; both combining to great effect.
3/5
(Rough Trade) “My Baby Left Me”, the debut single by the London-based soul singer Rox, is not exactly a new song. It has been drifting around the Internet since 2008, but it’s only just now getting a proper release. Rox’s gorgeous voice and the song’s strong hooks do not get lost in the fuller sound. Rox is turning out a memorable pop tune, and that is exactly what this is.
4/5
Ash - Song of Your Desire
(Atomic Heart) Continuing their mamoth and groundbreaking A-Z project comes the almost half way point with this slice of poppy euphoria. Ash seem to have re-written their back catalogue and gone back to their ‘1977’ era. Tim’s love of a good pop lyric and bouncy sounds push this single to epic proportions. They continue to surprise with these singles.
4/5
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Soundcheck: Live John Mayer Pictures & Review: G.Rossington
2010-01-19 - Wolverhampton Civic Hall
International Superstar John Mayer announced a small run of UK gigs at the end of last year, one of these being here in our own Wolverhampton Civic Hall. Without hesitation the date sound out within a few minutes. Not knowing much about him myself, i was intregued more than anything about the gig. Slightly later than planned, the lights fade and up steps the man himself. The stage goes green, the lights black out and he approaches the front of the stage like an airplane approaching the runway, the roadies guiding him by torch light. The crowd goes wild. Dressed in black (a modern day ode to Johnny Cash?) he kicks off with ‘Heartbreak Warfare’ quite a simple track from his new album ‘Battle Studies’. His new songs have a more contemporary country feel to them. Not the blues fiend John he is reknowned for. John Mayer’s set up is pretty impressive and has grown some from the days as a trio. The new band comprises of two (amazing) female backing singers, an extra two guitarists, one being Robbie McIntosh , a bass player, keyboards and last but not least Steve Jordan on drums. As he continues through his set one things becomes 30
evident - it’s flawless. Everything from his musical and vocal ability through to his stage presence is extremely tight and professional. “Whoever wanted Slow Dance, thank the girl over there!” states Mayer pointing to a young lady in the audience holding up a banner reading “play Slow Dance!”. ‘Why Georgia’ and ‘Vultures’ - two standouts from ‘Continuum’, follow and are performed with aplomb, enjoyed by the crowd and the band alike. Ever being one to please the audience, the singer shows his comedic side taking every opportunity to have a little natter. The main set ends with ‘Gravity’ and the crowd duly go wild shouting and hollering their appreciation. During the 3-4 minute gap, a slow hand clap ensues and Mr Mayer gladly obliges with a stripped back acoustic version of ‘Edge of Desire’ this acoustic version is personally a lot nicer than the full band version on the album, it was nice to have that personal touch in the show. The band return to the stage as John plays a hillbilly skittle style intro of ‘Who Says’ the band come in and join him briefly before taking it away nicely. This leads seamlessly into the crescendo of ‘Friends, Lovers or Nothing’ the perfect closer.
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Pictures & Review: G.Rossington
Soundcheck: Live Advantage (Brass City Rockers) Pictures & Review: G.Rossington
2010-02-22 - wolverhampton alchemy bar
Tonigt is the launch night of Alchemy’s ‘Out Of Step Live’ night, basically it does as it says on the tin, instead of the usual ‘club’ evening, they have taken the courage and opted for some live entertainment. Tonight we have sets from Still Bust and Advantage. As we walk in and pay our minimal entrance fee, I am handed a free magazine and a home meade compilation cd. A lovely little touch! Still Bust are up first and cause quite a stir with their posthardcore / ska-punk. They are quite heavy for my head tonight but they did hold some good riffs. We are here primarily for Advantage on this occasion however. Before they take to the stage, i speak to band member Willis who informs us that they are using this gig as a warm up for a showcase set in London on Friday. There is a minor deliberation about the size of the stage for the 6-piece but they are determined to play on regardless and have a good time! As the band start, each member enters the stage one by one building up to an explosive start with all instruments flaring. Singer & guitarist Cookie calls for the crowd to come closer to the stage and to have a boogie. They launch into opening 32
track ‘Something To Say’ which gets everybody moving. The sound is crisp and the brass comes across so powerful live it really wants to make you move! Sounding like a more punked up version of Blink 182 and Madness, you really can’t help but be consumed by the sound. E.P title track ‘Future Echoes’ is next followed by ‘Time & Place’ and ‘Out There’. With each song, you can see the band gaining more confidence and relaxing into their roles. Why this band have not yet got a record deal is beyond me, they have the same air around them as local heroes ‘The Wonderstuff’ around the time of their debut. But while Advantage carry the same enthusiastic charm, they are far from the pop of ‘the stuffies’. ‘The Fear’ strikes up and the band are all dancing whilst smiling, clearly enjoying the show. As the final song of the short set kicks in, i am feeling totally won over by the group. There is something about these guys that will make you want more. They are down to earth and charismatic, and have a subtle charm. The music is like something you’ve never heard before, they are fresh and exciting. It will be a pleasure in a few years to say ‘I told you so’ when they hit the bigtime!
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Soundcheck: Live Codeine Velvet Club 2010-01-18 - Wolverhampton Civic Hall I had no idea who the support to John Mayer was until a couple of days before the gig. To my delight i had just got a copy of Codeine Velvet Club’s album and had been listening to it before i knew. Their short set was so impressive that i just had to give them space to review them seperate to John’s section. As the lights went down, they quickly arrived on stage and as soon as Jon Lawler had said ‘Hi’ they kicked off straight into forthcoming single ‘Hollywood’. Their sound emulates the area which ‘Advantage’ are trying to get into but on a softer side as oppsed to a harder ‘Rock’ sound. The passion and energy CVC give on stage is exceptional. Jon Lawler i had seen before with The Fratellis, but co-vocalist Lou Hickey was a complete new woman on the radar. Before she joined the band she was working on the Box Office at Glasgow’s Classic Grand Theatre. You would not know it though, her voice is incredibly powerful and the perfect accompanyment to Jon’s tones. ‘Little Sister’ was next followed by album track ‘Time’. When they are not firing all guns blazing, rock ‘n’ roll anthems in the old style of the word, they are crooning under a glitterball and making the first front rows swoon under their spell. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something different about this group. The songs are brilliantly crafted, they make the entire Civic Hall hang on every note (which is not easy) particularly when the majority of the crowd have never heard of them before tonight.
Pictures & Review: G.Rossington
continuing the trend of the short set, we are treated to album tracks ‘Nevada’ and ‘Vanity Kills’ On record they sound sublime, but in the live arena these songs get such a surprising lift they sound huge and as if you have known them for years. Perfect musicianship and strong songwriting are clearly the best skills to have, forget your ‘xfactor’ over-produced bile.
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We are also treated to a surprise cover of the Rolling Stones ‘Gimme Shelter’. The only way to describe this is ‘wow’. They jam it out and roll it into closing track ‘I Would Send You Roses’ and complete their set by knocking out the ending to the Stone Roses ‘I Am The Ressurrection’ (on the ltd edition version of their album they do a full cover of this). I am left slightly in awe at their show and seriously want to see them again. I recommend you do while you have the chance!
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Soundcheck: Live Feeder/Renegades 2010-01-26 - Manchester Ruby Lounge It was announced around New Year that Feeder would play a number of low key dates, but not as Feeder, as their alter-ego, Renegades. There was no album to plug, but just a handful of new tracks and some old time nostalgia. The excitement grew too much until tickets went on sale. The hefty price tag was a shock (£35) for these tine intimate dates. Some viewed it as a one-off and some saw it as too extravagant in the current climate. Anyway, tonight we are treated to a relatively short set by normal standards of just 10 songs, equating to £3.50 per song even itunes is cheaper. Kicking off with a new song is always difficult, but they had declared these gigs were to purely road test new ideas. ‘Barking Dogs’ is our first taste of the direction, followed by free download ‘Sentimntal’. The material harks back to the Jon Lee era sound of ‘Polythene’ and ‘Yesterday Went Too Soon’. I.E: Loud and rauchous.
Eighth song of the small set is the first of the old hits, but steering clear from ‘the big ones’ (e.g: ‘Buck Rodgers’ and ‘Just A Day’) they instead plump for lost classic ‘Tangerine’. You can hear the die hards gasp in delight. That is it though as they continue with new songs ‘End of The Road’, “Renegades’ and tonight’s set closer ‘Call Out’. Confusion sets in as we wonder if an encore is in treat, we are not disappointed. Again they decide to bypass the huge numbers and again head to the start of their career. Long lost track ‘Sweet 16’ is the opener followed by the ultimate ‘Descend’ which tonight ends in high octane screeching guitars an lasts an impressive 12 minutes. If this is their new direction then i am certainly welcome to it! If not then we are lucky to have seen them during the experiment. Feeder are highly underrated, but i don’t think it is the last we’ll see of the Renegades.
Pictures: Shirlaine Forrest & Review: G.Rossington
Other new tracks ‘Left Foot Right’, ‘Home’ and ‘Down To The River’ continue to let this new attitude shine out. Some of the more cynical might suggest that they could be trying too hard to capture their youth and regain what got them into the mainstream, but the true fans understand that Feeder were always subjected to decisions above them. Whatever music they constructed, the industry tried to redevlop them for more radio-friendly hits. Tonight is clearly a band who find themselves free to do wahtever the hell they want.
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WM Events Guide This is a small round up of music events happening in the city over the next few weeks. If you have any gigs you wish to promote in these pages, please end us the details asap so i can print them in the next issue. Email: gigs@wlv-soundcheck
February 27th 27th 27th 28th
Chew Lips Old School Tie Twisted Wheel Futures
March 01st 01st 01st 01st 02nd 02nd 02nd 03rd 03rd 03rd 04th 04th 04th 05th 05th 05th 05th 05th 05th 05th 05th 06th 06th 06th 06th 06th 06th 06th 06th 06th 07th 07th 07th 07th 08th 08th 08th 09th 38
Dizzee Rascal Field Music Los Campesinos! Arms of Atlas Blood Red Shoes Tom McRae Fionn Regan Local Natives Girls Katherine Jenkins Ovation Music Angie Stone Red Stripe Music Awards Charley Boorman Pappy’s The Vortex Lady Gaga The xx Shy Child Propaganda Alex Zane Polar Sets Mumford & Sons Pappy’s Stereophonics Nick Harper Power Of Dreams Hadouken! Subculture Ramona Marbel Skyes Heavens Basement Husky Obituary The Crimes Lisa Mitchell Errors Angry vs The Bear You Me At Six
Wolverhampton The Slade Rooms Birmingham The Flapper Coventry Kasbah Birmingham O2 Academy
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham Rainbow Coventry Kasbah Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham Glee Cub Birmingham Rainbow Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Birmingham NIA Wolverhampton The Little Civic Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham The Rainbow Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton The Little Civic Wolverhampton Varsity Birmingham LG Arena Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall WolverhamptonThe Little Civic Birmingham NIA Birmingham Hare & Hounds Birmingham The Flapper Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton The Little Civic Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham The Flapper Coventry Kasbah Birmingham O2 Academy 1
09th 09th 10th 10th 10th 11th 11th 11th 11th 12th 12th 12th 12th 12th 12th 13th 13th 13th 13th 13th 13th 13th 13th 14th 14th 14th 14th 14th 14th 15th 15th 15th 15th 15th 16th 16th 17th 17th 17th 17th 18th 18th 18th 18th 19th 19th
The Kissaway Trail Turin Brakes Heavens Basement Race Horses Rogue States Nik Kershaw Academy Live Sienna Imperial Leisure Easttrikewest Mark Morriss & Ed Davies Dave Matthews Band Killa Kela Frightened Rabbit Propaganda The Paris Riots VIP Record Fair The Hollies Chris Addison Paul Carrack The Stranglers General Fiasco Gabby Young General MERCURY Boxing Katatonia Chris Helme A Day To Remember Delphic Underøath The Four Tops Chris T-T Vix n the Kix Kids Love Lies New Young Pony Club The Brute Chorus Two Door Cinema Club Audio Bullys Kids Love Lies Reverend & The Makers Silhouettes The Iron Door Club Skindred Drunk Lovers BOTB Semi Final 50 Cent
Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham Glee Club Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Wolverhampton The Slade Rooms Birmingham Hare & Hounds Wolverhampton The Little Civic Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham The Flapper Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton The Little Civic Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton The Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham The Flapper Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton The Little Civic Wolverhampton Varsity Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Birmingham NIA Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Coventry Kasbah Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton The Little Civic Wolverhampton Varsity Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Wolverhampton The Little Civic Birmingham LG Arena
19th 19th 19th 19th 19th 20th 20th 20th 20th 20th 20th 21st 21st 22nd 22nd 23rd 23rd 23rd 23rd 24th 24th 24th 24th 25th 25th 25th 25th
HIM James McCartney Propaganda Four Tet The Chairmen Richard Herring Hairy Bikers Glamour Of The Kill The Joy Formidable The Courteeners Mark Morriss & Ed Davies Frank Turner Josh Pyke Diana Vickers Hitchcock Trivium Nick Harper Zebrahead Mamas Gun The Computers Paloma Faith The Arusha Accord Tinie Tempa Freddie Starr Capture Kendal The Automatic King Charles
Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham Custard Factory Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton The Little Civic Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Coventry Kasbah Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Birmingham Glee Club Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham The Flapper Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton The Slade Rooms Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham Hare & Hounds
Box Office Details
To book tickets for any of the shows above, please use the following direct numbers, or contact them via the web Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Varsity Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham Flapper & Firkin Birmingham 02 Academy Birmingham LG Arena Birmingham Rainbow Birmingham Kitchen Garden Cafe Coventry Kasbah Coventry Warwick Arts Centre Dudley JB’s
01902 552 121 01902 711166 01902 401211 0121 236 2421 0844 4772000 0844 338 0338 0121 772 8174 0121 443 4725 024 7655 4473 024 7652 4524 01384 253597
26th 26th 27th 27th 27th 27th 27th 27th 28th 28th 28th 29th 29th 29th 29th 29th 30th 30th 31st 31st 31st
April 01st 01st 02nd 02nd 02nd 02nd 02nd 03rd 03rd 03rd 03rd 04th 04th 04th 05th 06th 06th 06th 07th 07th 07th 07th 08th
You And What Army Dan le Sac /Scroobius Pip The Pink Floyd Show BOTB Semi Final Ellie Goulding The Lawrence Arms Black Market Empire Mama’s In The Kitchen Björn Again Rat Attack Motion City Soundtrack Diversity Emery Madina Lake Kill It Kid Leigh Mary Stokes Editors The Besnard Lakes Flyleaf Walter Schreifels We Have Band
Wolverhampton The Little Civic Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton The Little Civic Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham The Rainbow Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Varsity Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Wolverhampton Civic Hall Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Coventry Kasbah Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham Hare & Hounds
Peter Andre Little Civic Comedy Club Liberation Works Suffocation Robots in Disguise Deluka The Dead Format Black Can The C. C. L The Smiths Indeed Sabotage Left Amy Macdonald The Molotovs Warrior Soul Leigh Mary Stokes Theory Of A Deadman There For Tomorrow Sonic Boom Six King Adora N-Dubz Broadcast Electric Skyline Bowling for Soup Sean Lock
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton The Little Civic Wolverhampton The Little Civic Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Coventry Kasbah Wolverhampton The Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Varsity Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham The Flapper Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton The Slade Rooms Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton The Slade Rooms Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Birmingham Hare & Hounds Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 Birmingham O2 Academy 2 Wolverhampton Civic Hall 39
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