Soundscape Magazine Issue 12

Page 1



contents 4- 9 0s rock 101 - 199

26 -2 7 it the red jumpsu apparatus

10 -11 k out Bands to loo 12 for during 20

28 -2 9 tall ships

12 -14 stra of ukulele orche rticle great britain a 15 -17 Interview with nell samantha dar

30 -31 iot tour rock sound r 32 -3 7 Feature with The Guns 38 -3 9 Interview with Anavae

18 -19 Live reviews! Snoop dogg Sylosis

40 -4 5 CD Reviews

20 -21 e Suicide Silenc 22 -2 3 oup bowling for s

46 -47 Top 3 of 2011

24 -2 5 Enter Shikari Miss May i

Pa

Contributors A-Z an Crittenden, e, Alex Brady, Ry yn nt lla Ba e in ad N e, Ed Townend ue, Anneka Sillito Ro ne Ja hna an ul Esp, H


Rock101 Words: Anneka Sillitoe

Ah the nineties. The decade that

Music would go literally pop crazy with

would bring us the internet and girl-

girls bands like the Spice Girls appearing,

power. Movies would be mixed with

boybands like the Backstreet Boys and

Disney at it’s best and then those producer

NSYNC, and the solo stars the likes of

types making us suffer through Titantic.

Britney and Christina. But rock would

TV would be great and give us The Fresh

have it’s place in there too. At the start of

Prince of Bel Air, The Simpsons (who

the decade of the most influential bands

already existed, but became a household

ever would appear and towards the end

name in the 90’s) and Pokémon! Sadly

there would be some crazy rivalry in rock

reality TV would start this decade thanks

between more accented bands (the 60s

to MTV, but Cribs was alright (shame all

heroes had truly a big influence

reality TV after this was mostly painful!).

this decade!)

Refused

nirvana

A band that simply won’t reform since

Whether you were around when they were big

their 1998 split (much to everyone’s

or not shouldn’t stop you from seeing where

disappointment). What they created in their 7

Dave Grohl started out and how influential

year run had not been seen before or matched

Nirvana were in their short career. Many

since. Brining the live element into a studio

people I know weren’t even old enough to

track (something no one else has dared to do

remember Cobain, but hail him as their hero.

since, in case they fail).

Why? For many it’s a fade thing, but for some it’s because he was a great writing force and

Album you should check out:

another talented musician that left us too early.

The Shape of Punk to Come. It contains New Noise, THE song everyone mentions when

Album you should check out:

talking about influences and songs that

Nevermind. It’s got ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ on it

changed their lives (the song that bought live

and shot the band to mainstream success. It also

to your living room).

features the better track in ‘Come As You Are’.


90s the

the clash

guns n roses


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blur

faith no more

Not many bands can say they reinvented themselves

Often credited as inventing ‘alternative metal’.

well enough to survive in two completely separate

And whilst it was popular, they were hugely

genres and see success in them both. Blur can

successful, especially once Mike Patton became their

though. They survived the “Britpop years” and then

vocalist in 1988.

saw success after the end of Britpop. They wrote some catchy as hell songs, and although I’ve never

But as with many bands, they died with their genre.

been a big fan, I seem to be able to sing along with

So how can they be influential you ask? Because it’s

any Blur single quite happily and that is just how

all well and good inventing a genre. But understand

much they were played on radio during the 90’s.

you’re allowed to do it a second time if it means you’ll survive longer!

Album you should check out: Parklife. This was a hard one to pick because

Album you should check out:

this album and the 2 that followed it had a huge

The Real Thing. Mike Patton’s first album with the

collection of hits, but this is the one that really was

band and the one that features ‘Epic’.

the start of Blur’s radio success.

green day A band that were punk rock before it became cool,

rage against the machine

and then helped make it just that. But to take it

Always a band willing to fight for what they think is

to the next level you have to be willing to draw

right. And even if you don’t agree with them they’ve

influence from heroes past. So they created a rock

taught future generations that you don’t always have

opera, ‘American Idiot’ in 2004 and in 2010 the

to take the shit lying down.

stage adaptation debuted on Broadway. Album you should check out: Album you should check out:

Rage Against the Machine. The band’s self-titled

Dookie. This album had hit single after hit single.

album was a huge success and featured ‘Killing in the

Who cannot love ‘Basketcase’ or ‘Welcome to

Name’ which would years later become Christmas

Paradise’. The start of a much amazing career

number 1 in a battle to stop X-Factor winning again.


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foo fighters

So why as the genre is making a come back do Korn suddenly make a dive to the currently popular dub

This is where Dave Grohl left the drum kit behind

step? Your guess is as good as mine, but they’ve

(shame cause he’s so good) and rocked up to the

survived this long so maybe they know something

mix. He’s been described by Pitchfork Media as “his

we don’t but either way they’ve proved that the genre

generation’s answer to Tom Petty – a consistent hit

can live on through you providing you stay true to it.

machine pumping out working-class rock”. The line up has barely changed and they’ve always stayed

Album you should check out:

true to their sound. They’ve won countless awards

Follow the Leader. It’s hard to pick a Korn

including 6 Grammy’s. Grohl said, “it might be nice

album, but this was the album that brought them

to broaden our range, open up the dynamics, so we

mainstream success and featured that absolute

can go out and just make music”. Never be afraid to

awesome track ‘Freak on a Leash’.

give other stuff a go. Album you should check out:

rancid

The Colour and the Shape. There is a host of classic

Whilst in their prime and at the height of their

Foo Fighters tracks on this album and not a single

success Rancid decided to have a little fun and shop

bad track. A fantastic listen from beginning to end.

around for a label, before settling for staying exactly where they were.

korn

They’ve proved that you can always look elsewhere

Have been one of those bands hat have just always

but if you’re truly good enough the offer will be good

been around. And whether they’re well known

enough to stay right where you already were.

because Jonathon Davis wears a kilt or what, I’m not sure (it’s certainly a bit different and

Album you should check out:

noticeable ain’t it?)

...And Out Come the Wolves. This album did so well that Rancid became the most popular American

But they had managed to survive so long on a genre

punk rock band to be signed to an independent label.

long since dead (nu-metal) and one that had claimed so many other bands with it’s demise.

soundscape 07


Rock101 cont...

marilyn manson Never afraid to push the boundaries of what was acceptable and never afraid to shock. Always willing to draw fro their influences and experiment for the greater good of their music. They prove that anything is possible when you really try hard enough. Album you should check out:

Album you should check out: Vulgar Display of Power. Only reason I picked this is not only did it receive rave reviews at the time of release, but it features ‘Walk’ which is a tune!

no doubt No Doubt hit it majorly big with album ‘Tragic Kindgom’ and then had almost the exact opposite effect with the follow up ‘Return to Saturn’. But they

Antichrist Superstar. The album that made Marilyn

proved you can find the top again which they did

Manson a household name. Even my mum knew

with ‘Rock Steady’.

who he was (she didn’t realise it was a band haha!) and liked him, despite all the controversy.

They also prove girl fronted bands don’t have to be shouty and in fact shouldn’t be shouty because

pantera

Gwen is just too good!

Pantera earn this place on the rock 101 by helping

Album you should check out:

pioneer the New Wave of American heavy Metal.

Tragic Kingdom. The album that introduced me to No Doubt and I’ve never looked back since. And

The influence of the guitar playing can be seen

neither did a lot of people because ‘Don’t Speak’

through a ton of American Metal bands since

went to number 1 in the states and charted in the

according to Popmatters. They then went on to list

top 5 in many other countries.

a ton of American bands as well as Bullet for my valentine (so as a Welsh magazine we’re claiming ‘em back – oi, they’ve not bloody American, they’re from pissing Bridgend!).


motorhead

soundscape 09


bands to look out for in 2012 Words: Anneka Sillitoe


Mind museum

Pareto

Their EP was fantastic and that was just a small

Scotland are just rocking the amazing bands

release. They followed it with a slightly bigger

lately and another to add to that list are Pareto.

release which was just as rocking. Imagine what this band could do with a full length album! 2012 will hopefully be the year for this. Look out for Mind Museum in 2012. If a full

They’re music is well thought-out and seriously rocking. Check them out now before they get huge and join the ranks of Scotland’s finest.

length hits they’re gonna be huge!

New releases set for 2012: the used The fifth studio instalment was originally set for release before the end of 2010 and then for

gallows With Wade from Alexisonfire taking over singing duties, the band have toured together, but we now eagerly await that new album.

no doubt The new album is now 2012 because

2011. It hasn’t happened. I’m desperate for

the band did not want to rush it. I hope

this album, so I really hope 2012 is the year

this is amazing!

of The Used.

fights tar

queen Working their way through a series of old

I heard a rumour Fightstar were no more, but

material featuring Freddie on vocals, Roger

I’m really hoping this isn’t true as the band have

and Brian have stated they hope to release it in

said they’ll reunite for 2012 and an album. I

2012. This could not be more amazing!

hope the latter is true.

flood of red We’ve heard new tracks, so I’m hoping

spineshank ‘Anger Denial Acceptance’ should be out in 2012. The nu metal kid in me cannot wait!

we get the new album for 2012. soundscape 11


Ukulele orchestra of Great Britain Words: Alex Brady

It’s that time of year again. The time of rushing from shop to shop for days in the bitter cold, ending in friends and family coming together to share their hatred for Christmas songs.

Every year in shops, on the radio and television,

Formed in 1985, the UOGB have been somewhat

we are subjected to the same festive songs in

of a specialist delight; not a group you would

concentrations high enough to thoroughly

regularly hear on Radio 1 or many other stations

sedate our Christmas cheer. This year, why not

for that matter. More something you hear of

take a break from monotony of Noddy Holder

through word of mouth or stumble across one

reassuring us that it is indeed Christmas and

day flicking through online stores or the music

indulge in something we have to offer: The

collection of an eccentric friend, but don’t take

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

that as a judgement of their talent.

Though they haven’t released a Christmas single

You can have infinitely more delight listening

and don’t do anything all that festive, they are

to the UOGB for an entire day than you can

one of the most entertaining ensembles you

rolling around in bubble wrap, in a ball pit, in

could come across. Composed of musicians who,

the play section of an all you can eat ice cream

strangely enough, only play the ukulele, the

parlour and in 2009, the cultural and musical

UOGB are primarily a cover group, replicating

importance of the troupe was recognised

the works of Talking Heads, David Bowie, Lou

with their own BBC Prom, a cornerstone in

Reed, film scores and numerous other delights

acknowledging the world’s greatest cultural

along the way, all in their unique, quirky fashion.

musicians.


Over a couple of hours, the orchestra wowed, entertained and enthralled an audience who jumped at the chance to join in with hundreds of their own ukuleles. Kate Bush, The Who and Sex Pistols were just a few of the greats featured during their slot at the festival but it’s not just who they cover who makes them stand out, it’s how they interpret them.

Take the Sex Pistols. A band who were instrumental in the initiation of the punk genre, personifications of the anger and angst which swept the nation during the 70s, embodied in full in their track Anarchy in the U. K. In the hands of the UOGB, Anarchy takes on a more relaxed appeal. The frustration and anti-social rage of the original is replaced with an ironic calm and inviting harmonies, the beauty of which belie the intent of the lyrics and the purpose of the punk genre. (cont)

soundscape 13


Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights was given a

jolly, to share in the good times with others, to

distinctly Yorkshire twist and The Who’s Pinball

create an atmosphere of fun and frivolity. The

Wizard had never sounded so good, all in one

problem with the Christmas songs we hear, is

night of stringed wonder. Their albums and

that we hear them over and over, year after year.

DVD are worthy of equal praise, featuring such

They don’t change and any new songs that do

classics as Le Freak, Miss Dy-Na-Mi-Tee, Shaft

come out are blemished by their pursuit of the

and Rock Around the Clock.

prized Christmas Number 1 slot in The Charts, replacing any sense of community and festivity

The UOGB’s approach is one of alternative

with one of profit and industry gain.

entertainment whilst producing damn good music, putting a new spin on classics all whilst

So this year, rather than the same old, stagnant

giving the impression that they would happily go

songs and money making ventures, delight

down the pub with you afterwards. Half of the

yourselves with a little bit of ukulele and songs

purpose of a Christmas song is to make you feel

we have grown up loving, made better

www.ukuleleorchestra.com/main/home.aspx

.


Interview with

samantha darnell In the last issue of Soundscape we reviewed Samantha Darnell’s EP ‘The Art Of Breaking Hearts’, so we thought we would catch up with this mega talented American singer/ songwriter to find all about her and the new EP.

Give us the history of

What inspires your

The new EP ‘The Art Of

Samantha Darnell?

unique sound?

Breaking Hearts’ is great,

I’ve been singing since age 3,

Thanks for referring to it

tell us about the recording

writing songs since 7, making

as unique. That makes me

process?

albums since 14, fronting

happy! I’m very inspired by

Thank you! Well, the whole

bands since 18 and have

the 20’s-50’s era. I was always

process took about a year to get

ventured off on my own as a

fascinated by that kind of

the album written, recorded

solo artist over the past year.

music and performance and

and released. It flew by fast,

Music has always been my life.

wanted to find a way to merge

though because we had so

I don’t know anything else.

my “retro” influences with my

much fun. (cont)

modern influences.

Words: Paul Esp

soundscape 13


I wrote all of the lyrics and

important ingredient of

obsessed with Conor Oberst.

melodies and brought them

a song. Great songs have

He’s one of the best lyricists

to my wonderful producers,

a catchy melody. I usually

ever. More modern stuff

Dan Book and Alexei Misoul

start with the chorus/the

on my iPod is Damien Rice,

to help bring them to life.

hook. You can pretty much

Serena Ryder, Adele, Amos

They are so great at taking

do anything in the verses

Lee, Sara Bareilles, Grace

what’s in my head and

and as long as you have that

Potter, Mumford and Sons,

knowing how to arrange the

hook, people will get it stuck

Lydia, Nickelcreek, Simon

music around what I bring

in their head.

Joyner, Ellie Goulding, etc.

to them. The music was

The list goes on and on and

written and recorded at their

Then, I write lyrics to fit the

my genres are all over the

studio, Misty Hill studios, in

melody and take it to my

place. A good song is a

Pikesville, Maryland. All of

producers where they come up

good song.

my vocals were done at Mike

with a basic chord progression

Bridgett’s studio, Hamilton

to fit what I have and we build

You have a solo band ‘The

Road Studios, in Waldorf,

the arrangement from there.

Attaboys’, how did you

Maryland. You can actually

get together with them?

see a lot of behind-the scenes-

You were in the UK not

Every musician who plays

footage of it in my many

too long ago, any plans

for me is recommended

vlogs at www.youtube.com/

to come back and play

to me by fellow musician

samanthadarnell .

some shows?

friends that I trust. To be an

Yes, most definitely. I

Attaboy, you must be very

Where does your song

absolutely fell in love with

talented, hardworking and

inspiration come from?

London when I visited and

dedicated and we have to have

Life and all the emotions that

plan to move there as soon as

a certain musical chemistry.

come with it. I tend to write

possible, so hopefully you’ll be

a lot about the struggles of

seeing a lot of me!

My music is my baby and I

relationships. My music is my

need my live band members to

outlet, so it’s my way of speaking

What bands/artists

know that and be as into it as I

my mind and I definitely don’t

do you listen to?

am. They also have to be nice

hold anything back.

I listen to a lot of Judy

people since I spend a lot of

Garland, Frankie

time with them!

What’s your

Lymon, Marilyn Monroe,

songwriting process?

Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly,

What are your

First, I write the melody

Billy Holiday, Bessie Smith,

future plans?

because it’s the single most

Louis Armstrong, etc. I’m also

To take over the world

.


You can check out Samantha on Facebook http://www.facebook. com/SamanthaDmusic and download her EP from iTunes www.itunes.com/ samanthadar​nell

soundscape 17


live reviews snoop dogg cardiff motorpoint arena 8th october

It is not often that a bonafide

quite hit the spot. Fortunately for

greets the masses, a look which

hip-hop legend touches down

the crowd BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ

oddly works for him. Snoop is

in Cardiff so as I walked into

Mistajam was on hand to warm

an absolute master in the art of

the jam-packed Motorpoint

them up properly as he played a

crowd pleasing and as he started

Arena it appeared that everyone

variety of songs from Bob Marley

with ‘I Wanna Rock’ the set was

(including Mr. Dogg himself) was

to Doctor P all of which got a

off and running with a bang. His

unaware of the Michael Jackson

great response.

voice is so unique with that thick

tribute concert just along the

California twang every word he

road. People from all different

It was now time for the self-

raps sounds cool, no matter what

walks of life had gathered to

appointed “Doggfather

you put behind that voice Snoop

watch a man who is still reeling

of Rap” to make his highly

has created such a legacy that it

out the hits nearly 20 years

anticipated arrival. As a video

just works.

after he first emerged onto the

clip montage of his career

scene, and the legend from Long

highlights played on the screen

After a couple of tracks Snoop

Beach was here with his sizable

the noise in the arena went

sneaks into the back unnoticed

entourage to both entertain and

through the roof as the Welsh

but as he emerges back onto

impress the crowd.

crowd caught the first sight of the

the stage in a Welsh rugby shirt

Big Dogg. Snoop’s appearance

everyone the crowd erupts with

Luckily support act, UK rapper

looks oh so very different from

excitement again. Sporting

Chipmunk only performed a

what we have just seen on the

“Snoop, 1” on the back of the

short set as his frankly terrible

screen as a wire-thin aging

shirt he continues his sets that

rapping over a generic beat didn’t

man with dreadlocks is what

is peppered with hits like ‘Gin


and Juice’, ‘What’s My Name’

Welsh fans. Pulling out tracks

stage. As the performance was

and ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ as

like 50 Cent’s ‘P.I.M.P’ and Dr.

coming to an end Snoop pulled

the performance is more like a

Dre’s classic ‘The Next Episode’

out his trump card in the form

greatest hits selection as opposed

the crowd are so pumped up

of the fist pumping David Guetta

to a promotion of his new album.

by these tracks that they barely

hit ‘Wet’ which inevitably sent

His back catalogue spans over

notice that Snoop’s rapping is

everybody in attendance into

a couple of decades and this

minimal, but with the help of

an uncontrollable frenzy. As the

allows Snoop to delve into his

three scantily clad dancers and

opening bars of ‘House of Pain’

collaborative efforts to further

two puffer-jacket clad helpers

kicked in the final track was a

please the crowd.

this becomes irrelevant.

mass sing-a-long that summed

Snoop is an incredibly clever

up the night very well.

artist, his undoubtedly talented

In a similar sense Snoop tracks

An amazing night and a gig that

rapping makes an appearance

like ‘Beautiful’ and ‘Signs’ went

I will never forget, the hip-hop

on so many hits and he leans on

down ever so well even without

legend came, saw and conquered

these songs to further please his

the actual guest vocalists on

the Welsh capital. Words: Ryan Crittenden

sylosis Cardiff CF10

29th september After getting myself locked out

Hot and intimate, the blazing

The venue was blowing up with

of my apartment for the second

heat bouncing from the crowd

can crushing emotion & speedy

time this month, I ended up

and the band had us all red

double bass. Sylosis are a new

at the gig wearing a baby pink

‘n sweaty.

metal band that matter. They

party dress (still on from the

don’t just have long hair, a

night before) I’d never been to

As for the music, Sylosis

good head bang and a teaspoon

the ‘CF10’ venue so it was fun

played a prime set, living up

of guitaristic talent. They

to check it out, despite being

to their reputable talents with

possess tonnes of integrity and

the ugly duckling amongst the

technical complexity spread

unique flair. In the end they

black abyss of metal heads.

out through the band.

make your ears backfire. Words: Hannah-Jane Roue

soundscape 19



never say die tour Suicide Silence & Deez Nuts cardiff solus 10th october

Having been supporting Suicide

the stage and just like every band

New tracks manage to feed their

Silence for the last five years it’s

on this bill, a hardcore resilience,

way into this tiny set and see the

great to finally see them on a tour

an adoring fan base, a slightly

venue halt with fans muttering

and in a venue that holds more

worrying security guard and a

under their breath at whether

than 200 people. Each year they

circle pit that grows with each

they were really necessary. One’s

go from strength to strength,

song but feels incredibly short.

great, two’s OK, but any more is

musically and live but this is a

When it comes down to it, in the

pushing the boundaries of your

tour that in order to be able to fill

end the whole ‘scene kid’ fiasco

fans patience. However., they do

a typical union a lot of bands need

is forgotten about and it doesn’t

make up for it in sound.

to be stuffed onto the bill.

matter what type of ‘label’ you are, everyone on the floor is

One of the great things about

One of the first bands that finally

there to support all the bands

Suicide Silence is Mitch’s voice

grips me is Deez Nuts. When the

on the bill. Metal gigs have that

doesn’t back down. It’s as

singer comes out with “Hi, we’re

connection that you wouldn’t

powerful on stage as it is on CD.

Deez Nuts from Australia and this

particularly see at an indie gig.

But the show ends abruptly with

is called “Your Mother Should

the crowd chanting for more who

Have Swallowed You”, what’s not

When Suicide Silence

are only wasting their breath.

to enjoy? Definitely a ‘party’ band

eventually make it on stage it’s

Once the lights are up and the

in that I wouldn’t recommend

a short one. For a headline act

music’s on there’s no chance in a

you listen to if you’re one of those

I expect no less than an hour,

band returning for more despite

straight edge kids. They’re all

especially in a venue that size

the fact it’s ended laughably early

about having fun and the dance

but all we’re given is a meagre

and before curfew for a metal

floor, as its called, is feeling that

forty five minute set crammed

show. They could have easily

way tonight. With another quick

with a setlist that feels it’s been

played a few more tracks and it’s a

turn over we see Emmure hit

set in stone for the entire tour.

wonder why they didn’t?

Words & Photo: Nadine Ballantyne

soundscape 21


bowling for soup cardiff solus 20th october

It’s been a few years since I’ve

bar. Singer Jaret pulls some

feels too personal, each show

caught the almighty Bowling

lucky crowd members up on

is its own. No dedicated setlist

For Soup live. I’m firstly

stage and invites them to stay

and time, it’s just free reign on

astounded that they’re not

at the on stage bar, although

what ever comes out of Jaret’s

playing in the great hall but

does note that they’ll have to

mouth and what ever the

downsized to the Solus. A mere

stare at their bums for the set.

crowd decide to throw at him.

them at Newport Centre. What

Jaret’s one of those singers

“Hey All you sheep fuckers,

happened kids?

who knows how to pull

we’re cow fuckers from Texas”

Did punk rock take a hit in the

in a crowd and banter

shouts the bassist after a

last few years? Is it just not as

between songs like theirs no

lengthy discussion about when

popular these days with the

tomorrow. One point see’s him

you’re in Wales and how not

likes of indie pop taking over

complaining about a review of

to mention sheep. Banter

the reigns, or is it a choice to

a show the other night, another

continues with songs and along

play more intimate shows?

part see’s the band give away

with a thoroughly enjoyable

shirts and shout out that “you

set. Their hits (well, every song

No matter what size Bowling

guys are great at following

feels like a hit) gets the usual

For Soup always make the best

instructions”. It almost doesn’t

sing along from the crowd.

of it. Not long into the set and

feel like you’re in a room with

Who says us Europeans only

we’re introduced to an on stage

a 1000 other fans because it

care about serious music?

Words & Photos: Nadine Ballantyne

third of the size since I last saw



enter shikari your demise cardiff Uni 20th october

Tonights gig is at the Coal

still taking the stage by storm

microphone out to the sardined

Exchange, an interesting looking

but the twister isn’t on the stage,

faces. One of Enter Shikari’’s

venue in Cardiff Bay. As we

it’s in the crowd. Their popping

main attributes is that one

arrive we are welcomed by rain

snare and industrial tone winds

second your head is banging

and rude door staff. Eventually

down and they leave us warmed

hard to gut growling, then your

we are ushered into the foyer,

up and ready.

legs are doing a sprightly type of

where we all look like penguins

dub skip.

in the north trying to find our

Glowing green triangles haunt

home.

the venue and a bearded Rou

The playlist is big and features

begins to stamp his beats,

all the necessary tunes and

Thanks to the awful

treading all over his fans with

anthems. From old to new, the

organization we miss the first

digital metal. The bad sound is

extravagance has developed

support band. So we settle

instantly forgiven with expert

in their sound and it’s slowly

into the audience and await

drum beats, dubstep and a big

revving up the audience like a

Your Demise. The lead singer

(massive) stage presence.

tease.

hat and interesting little shorts

Enter Shikari have recently

If only we weren’t already on

and begins to thrash around to

been soaking up the sex and

our feet, these guys would get a

a cyclone of rasping and noise.

sand in Thailand, recording

standing ovation.

Despite the bad sound and

their new album. Still just as

attitude, they receive a good

fresh and energetic, they deal

crowd reception.

with their gigs tremendously.

An impressive circle pit and wall

“Go tell all your friends that

of death later, Your Demise are

this is the end” Rou holds the

bounces onto the stage in a cute

Words: Hannah-Jane Roue


Miss May I

Chelsea Grin, Abandon All Ships, chunk! No, Captain Chunk! cardiff Cf10 21st october

Sweating with pints of relentless

The night develops into heavier

pleasing harmonics begin to

and no more than a hop, skip

acidic tones as Abandon All

sing and a strobe-speed bass

and jump away from the stage,

Ships take the audience through

drum starts up whilst the topless

CF10 always do a good job

a storm “We don’t give a fuck, we

lead gets busy dazzling the

accommodating for metal gigs.

just came to party” arguably the

venue, tattoos and shaggy hair

It’s intimacy is like no other

most debatable band at present,

galore. Compulsory head banging

venue in Cardiff and with no

usually slated for their excessive

ripples through the crowd and

exceptions.

electronic elements and auto

sky-high crowd surfers start

tune almost as bad as T-Pains

hovering their way across the

The support juice up the night

new disaster release ‘5 o’clock’.

audience as their exhilarating

with a combination of cliché,

Despite this they grace the crowd

time signatures fuel us up.

electronics, break downs and

with their pleaser Take One Last

guitars. The audience have mixed

Breath and everyone’s game.

opinions as everyone switches

The gig goes respectively well but features somewhat of a highly

positions for each band but the

Next on the list is Chelsea

manufactured set list lacking

venue remains active through

Grin, Fracturing our skulls with

any noticeable zap. Sociable

out the night, flying limbs and

deathcore. Hammering beats and

breakdowns and suffocating tight

flailing hair regularly piercing

growls of demise. Their brutal

instrumentals fault the show

the suffocating horizon. Chunk!

foundations make this band

as their music becomes almost

No, Captain Chunk! burst

unappealing to the majority of

clinical with a tacky after taste.

into easycore melodies which

the audience though.

There is nothing sexier than a

arouse the audience gently,

musician letting loose.

raising all our eyebrows at their

Then Miss May I step into the

However this is no try hard

true potential.

secluded spotlight for a night of

band, Miss May I are one of the

professionalism at its metalcore

biggest names in metalcore at the

best. As they take the stage,

moment.

Words: Hannah-Jane Roue

soundscape 25


the red jumpsuit apparatus hawthorne heights cardiff CF10 3rd December

CF10 is one of those venues

be the the lightest one I’ve seen

from here. Cat and Mouse, what

that’s really just a back room at

in a while, I mean we’re talking

was once a beautiful acoustic

the uni but someone decided

your grandma could have

song is ruined by Ronnie trying

one day it could be an extra

caused more of a disturbance

to get the crowd involved,

venue. It doesn’t help lift the

when thrown in there than

leaving out major vocal parts

atmosphere that Red Jumpsuit

the young ones, it’s still

then failing to even finish it

Apparatus has moved nowhere

something for the band to work

cleanly. Also doesn’t help that

since the last time they touched

from none the less.

a third of the crowd rudely talk

our shores. The place it littered

over the song.

with young ones with that type

When TRJA walk on theirs

of fringe we do not talk about.

an air that the singer isn’t too

Looking around you can sense it

happy, that or was particularly

in many peoples faces, this set is

It’s a co-headline tour and

drunk before even hitting the

dying on its arse and sounding

somehow Hawthorne

stage. Twice we are tortured

worse than crying cat who’s just

Heights are before TRJA.

with uncalled for solos that feels

clawed its own eyes out. This

Considering the venue and

like an excuse for singer Ronnie

is getting painful to watch and

crowd they make the best or a

to stroll off stage and casually

listen to. Hawthorne Heights

bad situation. Sounding strong

waddle over to the bar to pick

should have been the clear

and still appreciative that there’s

up some beers before slowly and

headliner here. It’s unfortunate

kids out there supporting them

unwillingly strolling back on

how one member can ruin an

they end with classic Ohio Is For

stage to eventually move onto

entire set. 5/10

Lovers that finally moves the

the next song. It doesn’t look

crowd and a pit evolves. It may

good and doesn’t get any better

soundscape 26

Words & Photos: Nadine Ballantyne



tall ships Words: Ryan Crittenden

cardiff undertone 10th november

A tiny underground venue is

respite as this huge wall of sound

hooks as bassist Matt Parker and

the location for the band that

is full of everything you associate

drummer Jamie Bush provide

possesses a massive amount of

with Tall Ships. It’s effectively

a solid base to construct the

potential and an even bigger

a massive jam with guitar loops

instrumental opening. This

sound. Back in May, Tall Ships

and frantic drumming which

all changes as the pace takes a

played a set in Buffalo Bar that

perfectly matches the fast paced

nosedive with soft keys and the

was just tainted by technical

nature of the song as the already

repetitive “There is nothing but

issues and as this was the first

warm venue is now well and

chemistry here” lyric dominating

date of their mini tour it looked

truly warmed up. Exploding into

the mid-section before again

like they wanted to set the record

‘Plate Tectonics,’ the volume

building the track up for a huge

straight for the reasonable crowd

appears to have increased as

finale. After a brief interaction

that had gathered. After two

that colossal intro gets the

with the crowd thanking them

successful EP’s the band have

venue bouncing. The driving

for coming along and showing

recently been away recording

guitars riffs are as huge as ever

support after last time, they play

songs for a new album, so

and although lead singer Ric

new track ‘Phosphorescence’,

tonight was all about showcasing

Phethean’s voice is still warming

a song they say is about skinny

some newbies whilst playing

up, this massive track is all

dipping. Being the first time they

the tracks that have seen them

about the down tempo build ups

have played the song live, it’s a

grab some great plaudits. With a

that lead into those thunderous

bit shaky to begin with as the

change in venue it was hopefully

mêlée’s of sound.

trio struggle with timings but

going to be matched with a

still the underlying summery

change in fortunes for the trio

As ‘Plate Tectonics’ comes to a

guitar riffs and endearingly

from Falmouth on their return to

blistering end, the three piece

intelligent vocals are there for

the Welsh capital.

leave no time for though as

all to see.

they crack on with ‘Chemistry.’ Diving straight into new track

The intro is all focused around

‘Books’ acts a nice little set

‘T=0’, the trio give the crowd no

Ric Phethean’s looping guitar

filler with its synth heavy sound


providing a nice alternative to

visually. After a pitch perfect

like keys act as the background

the guitar hooks whilst vocalist

introduction using an electro

to this slower number before

Phethean’s is back on song.

drum beat its all change as

that ever familiar pace change

Third and final new track of

Bush assumes a role on the bass

again grabs the song by the

the night ‘Oscar’ is the pick

where he provides an impeccably

scruff of the neck to liven the

of the new song Tall Ships

timed bass line during the

very sweaty audience into a

have showcased tonight as the

mid-song almost a cappella

brilliant “Vessels” sing-a-long.

well timed mellow opening

section. Handing the bass back

The beaming smiles on the face

was followed by a familiarly

to Parker, the drummer begins

of the band members tells the

sounding full scale blow out. The

to remove one of his drums

story as they can really tell that

song flows really nicely and the

before assuming a seated role at

they have nailed the gig and

timings of the guitar loops are

the front of crowd. As Plethean

made a triumphant return to

spot on, you can’t help by stand

sets up the guitar loops he hops

Cardiff. Closing the set with

back and admire the ability

on the drums and from there all

recent single and familiar

of the band to blend together

three members thrash away at

set closer ‘Hit the Floor,’ the

continual pulsating bass lines

their varying instruments

crashing percussive stomps and

with the frenetic drumming that

creating a truly memorable live

abrasive guitars that shape the

has now seen drummer Bush

moment that encapsulates all

song are the perfect elements

shirtless, all combined with the

in attendance.

to end this hot and energetic

experimental looping of synth and guitar lines.

performance. An excellent show At this point it would have been

to mark the first date on the

nice for the band to leave the

mini-tour, with the Falmouth

Highlight of the night comes in

stage and really appreciate the

three-piece looking to make a

the form of ‘Snow.’ This is not

audience’s reaction; however,

real impact on the alternative

only due to the fact that it is

they carried on with ‘Vessels.’

scene… Top draw.

an absolutely quality song but

The build up again was well

how the trio set themselves up

observed as the church-organ soundscape 29


Words & Photos: Nadine Ballantyne

soundscape 30


rock sound riot tour every time i die, trash talk, defeater cardiff uni

11th december It doesn’t feel like too long ago

the show they played in London,

their entire back catalogue

ETID were on our shores touring

a city that drowns Cardiff. It’s

just to get through a forty five

the guts out of ‘The New Junk

great to think the tour sold out

minute set.

Aesthetic’, and what feels like a

here. South Wales must truly

life at that too. Well, they’re back

appreciate its metal.

It’s time. Every Time I Die open with classic head knocker

but this time bring a new some to the table. They aren’t the type

The show moves onto much

Apocalypse Now and Then.

of band to take a holiday for a

talked about Trash Talk.

It’s hard to keep scope on the

few years so hears hoping they

Part of the band mosey on

madness that’s happening on

come back next year with just as

stage looking dreary yet ready

stage with every member

strong bill.

to tear the venue a new one

making a pleasing meal of

but singer Lee Spielman takes

the show. Constant zest from

We start with Defeater, a

that job on for himself. Barely

both band and crowd whilst

band who voyage back and

even spending half a set on

a constant barrage of flawless

fore from hardcore to beautiful

stage, he can be found admits

sounding songs continues

acoustic numbers. But we’re not

dodging photographers and

through out the set.

privileged enough to hear any

security before deciding to either

of them tonight. It does make

scramble over the barrier or just

Every Time I Die are on top

you wonder when singer Derek

go for the leap. At one point tells

form, even when new song

Archambault voyages from such

fans to create a circle pit around

underwater Bimbos From Outer

vocal diversity, which he prefers.

him as he stands there looking

Space kicks off, things don’t

jubilant and valiant.

rest there. They end the set with Floater, carnage breaks out for

The intensity of Defeaters sound manages to move some of the

Trash Talk are fast, heavy and

one last sad time before singer

crowd but in a venue clearly too

probably average the typical

Keith and Jordan plummet into

big for this tour it’d be hard for

song under two minutes.

the crowd. A little shorter than

any band to get the whole crowd

Half way through and you’re

their set should have been but

moving. A venue that’s as big as

wondering if they have to play

it’s been a fantastic line up.


Left to right: Adam, Alex, Tom, Stix

“Fuck The Demon Outta Me” is like a

double negative, it’s like if you want to censor, if you want to control, if you want to judge then you need to come

soundscape 32

down to a gutter musicians level...


w e i v r e t In with... the mother fucking

guns The Guns recently released softmore album ‘Fuck The Demon Outta Me”. We dive into the mind of Alex Wiltshire, a singer, song writer, guitarist, presenter, that bloke who does the Ross Kemp On Gangs voiceover, a sneaker fanatic and downright local legend. There aren’t many people in South Wales who haven’t heard of The Guns. With every show as energetic as the last they’ll suck you in and spit you back out as their biggest fan. 2012 is the year The Guns can only get stronger and start their journey into the top rock ‘n roll ranks. We only expect things to get bigger and better for them this year.

Fuck The Demon Outta Me is out now. Purchase from iTunes or The Guns bigcartel http://theguns.bigcartel.com soundscape 23


Did you take any influence

same energy channelling their

every ounce of whatever we have

from American bands in

personalities into their music,

to share with people and hope

the tracks ‘Daughter of a

which is what gives it that non-

that whoever digs it can keep on

Bad Man’. ‘Voodoo Boogie’

genre toting slap. People like

enjoying it.

and ‘Stranger Than You’?

Tom Waits, Ol’ Dirty Bastard,

Which ones, and why did

Nick Cave, Layne Staley, John

‘Fuck the Demon Outta Me’

you choose to use this style

Lennon and Marilyn Manson,

saw a bundle of 200 limited

of music in the album?

they all had/have this intense

edition CDs, what made you

drive that made them so potent

choose that?

I don’t really see it as taking

to the point where its almost

influence from American bands

like they knew something

Apart from the obvious thing

as such; we just see it as taking

others didn’t and they had to

that affects everyone (money),

influence from bands generally,

share it for the sake of music

it’s something that we find cool

so any bands we’re interested

and just smashing shit up, its

as fuck and miss wholeheartedly

in, which ranges from bands

kinda everything and nothing

about music from quite a few

like The Beatles to Refused and

at the same time because on the

years ago, it’s something real, it’s

from The Pharcyde to QOTSA.

one hand, there’s something

something rad, it’s something

We just dig everything with each

super important to say but

tangible, it’s something you

culture as well. As far as genre

that something is just music as

breathe; it’s everything and

or style goes, it’s something we

news and to a whole bunch of

nothing, depending on how far

have never cared about or been

people that’s laughable or seen

you want to jump in with your

scared of. Some bands either get

as just a hobby or something in

love of music.

pigeonholed or pick what they

the background but it means

think they “need” to be playing,

everything to us and we love

For me, I loved the buzz of

which is cool if they’re happy

every aspect of it.

hearing someone like At The Drive In playing a demo at 2am

with that and it’s what they want I guess it will constantly

on Mary Anne Hobbs and just

influence and amaze us from all

wanting to eat that record, just

We, like many others, dig the

angles. But anyone who feels the

wanted it in my hands right

motion and the grind put into

need may put us in any genre

now then it would be 7,8, even 9

music that doesn’t come under

they feel we fit, that’s not meant

weeks trawling through Spillers

a genre, it’s in so many people

in a bad way and its not meant to

asking the staff if they’d heard of

across so many “genres” that its

offend anyone who gives a fuck

the record, never wasting music

not even a genre its just people

but we don’t really give a fuck,

listening time, still buying punk

with the same fire and the

we just wanna play and enjoy

and rap CD’s while I was there,

out of music.


only to have it turn up like 2

You’re one of the few bands

with a pulse, you’ve poured a

months later then getting on a

locally that are able to keep

part of your personality into it.

bus to go in there and have that

going independently. You

Whether people love it, don’t

CD in your hand and read the

sell out shows and climb

mind it or despise it, either way

booklet like 6 times before you’d

up iTunes charts. Are there

I guess its necessary as soon as

even got home and listened to

any plans in the future to

you start stifling creativity your

it. Wondering who the other

find a record label or do you

imagination will suffocate and

bands were, the thank you list

prefer being more involved

you’ll become a ken doll with a

to friends, family, and really

personally?

smooth ceramic bulge.

album before you had a chance

I don’t know, it’s a big grey patch

Is there a story behind the

to listen and absorb it. You’d

of will anyone sign this, will

title ‘Fuck the Demon Outta

get home put the CD on and just

this happen will that happen,

Me’ or was it a random

completely burn it out along with

will they survive. Looking at it

choice that popped through

the rest, that was yours, that was

big picture wise we just don’t

your head at the time?

ours, it was a community

care about money, you need

and a culture and still is and

it to survive and being a huge

“Fuck The Demon Outta Me” is

always will be.

success would be anyone’s best

like a double negative, it’s like if

day ever, cause who wouldn’t

you want to censor, if you want

Even though ours is in a different

want that even if just for the life

to control, if you want to judge

way, even if we make little

experience but for real as long as

then you need to come down

to no impact, I don’t care we

we can keep playing music and

to a gutter musicians level and

all still got the burn and the

keep smashing up rooms in front

as religious folk would put it,

hunger, the fire and the ice,

of people who give a fuck then

commit sin to save the sinner

who knows where it will go, I’m

we’re happy and we’ll be burning

but the truth is some people are

not saying stay old school I’m

brighter than we ever have.

too scared of who they really are

saying change, keep thinking

Just want to play every day, any

and rather than exploring their

forward but always remember

time anywhere.

thoughts and thinking about

having chance to think about the

thinking. Never mind just

who you are and what’s made you. Its also super fucking cool

As for creating packages in

saying you’re outside of the

to do a bunch of hands-on work

general, its not just packages

box but being outside of

ourselves and manually post it

but anything, we love being

the box that’s outside of the

out to each person who ordered

involved with anything we can

box and questioning yourself

it. It’s what music is; we’re in the

be involved in. Like I said before

and not being afraid to

bloodstream man.

it’s something real, something

question anything.


We’ve seen you plough

shit and was in a rad band prior

of the main side project

through drummers and lose

to this (Flailing Wail). He can

he’s know for is The Milk.

backing singers recently.

look after himself drums wise.

Warped voice overs of your favourite programs from

Has that effected your time How was the recording

Ross Kemp on Gangs to

process for ‘Fuck The

EastEnders to Dragons Den.

Backing singers were never

Demon Outta Me’? All fun

With other side projects

really a permanent member kind

and games? Or a serious

going on such as The Milk,

of deal, it was just cool to try a

process?

which is notoriously known

to perform and record?

for ‘Ross Kemp On Gangs’.

different dynamic out on stage for that point in time, we felt like

The process was a very

it so we did. As for drummers,

productive and well-motivated

Do you ever find it strange

we went through a few different

time but never pushy or

people tend to recognise

stages of finding “the best

uncomfortable in a mechanical

you from voiceovers rather

musician” that we could to take

way. It was purely based on

than The Guns?

us to that next step and realised

creative flow, feelings and

that even though we shared

meanings to each song while

Not at all, I’m the same person

experiences with some of the

recording. Some shit went down

whether ten billion people like

best musicians in south Wales,

that’s behind the curtain, which

something I spewed out of my

props to them all, what we really

you can use your imagination on.

mouth and three people like something that I worked with

needed to do and have done is stop searching for perfection

Alex is a man that

a group of boys on, it doesn’t

like oh so many bands have been

constantly has various

matter either way, it’s still

eluded by and just have a hombre

projects on his hands,

allowing me to express

to max out with and make a load

one of which recently

myself creatively. I secretly

of noise with. Out of coincidence

involved him presenting a

love and thank anyone who

we found a friend that’s not super

local music show. But one

digs anything I do or that I am involved with simply because they have to have some form of warped imagination and primal music energy tendencies to be there listening, watching, laughing, fighting, crying and/or hating, to be there in the first place.


What would you say has

in music. So even if you hate

see all of our ups and downs as

been your biggest challenge

someone’s music at least respect

a necessity that could cause us

as a band so far?

or try and see what they are

to create different things meet

trying to do from their point of

new people and lead to different

Being honest and not letting

view as a necessary progression

experiences every step of

our initial goals and hunger to

be it good or bad.

the way.

ourselves and others, and not

A question we ask all bands

If you could be in any

get deluded by a beauty contest

- What era would you like to

reality show what would it

or a pound coin dressed in a suit

travel back in time to?

be?

to other bands, local, big, small,

1901, but only if we could take

Big brother, I’d either be out in

multicultural multi sub-genred

all our gear and some spare

the first week, be arrested on TV

anything, from anywhere and

strings. We’d take skateboards

or win and kick all the money

anytime period should be

and strobe lights, link up with

down the steps as I’m coming

listened to and not only

Alistair Crowley and start a turn

out. I’d love to shit on the living

just heard.

of the century freak out, cause

room floor when all the lights are

some real shit, change some laws

off, then get up in the morning

There’s a difference. Rather

and take down the man from

and be outraged by the outcome

than letting jealousy and lack of

the inside in the past. Only if we

and have the whole house in

what you think progression is

know what we know now though,

uproar asking Big Mother if she

overpower you and change your

other than that I’d go back to

can keep the secret under her

original goals of being a musician

yesterday and put some

hat. I’d also take a guitar with

and simply creating into

socks on cause my feet were

me and just sing mental songs

something else, like being better

freezing today.

in the garden all day, just tweak

create and share music with

competition. I think listening

with how people think and have

at that genre than someone else, or whatever bull shit people get

What’s been your best

lost in.

experience in the business so far?

a blast every step of the way.

What made you choose the instrument you have now?

I guess as hard as some people find it we all need to celebrate

There’s billions, every day is like

everyone’s successes in music

a kick in the face from a giant

What you mean, guitar? Or

because we’re all on the same

gold boot on the monopoly board

penis, I didn’t choose either they

team and all always opening

of music. Even the bad are good

were just there

doors and pushing boundaries

and the good are better, again we

.

soundscape 37


soundscape 38


Interview with

Ananvae Words: Paul Esp

A few months back I

the music we were writing with

and have fun playing guitar

got to hear a sneaky

end of the spectrum were two

in my free time. Since joining

secret track called ‘Zero

different things. We felt that it

I feel like I have developed a

Fidelity’, a cracking little

was time to branch off and try

better understanding of the

modern rock number but

something different. Start afresh

music I want to be writing and

we finally introduce you

with our new way of thinking

so it was important to me that

to Ananvae (pronounced

about and working with music.

I pursued starting my own

AH -NAH-VAY) and here

This is how Anavae came about.

project from scratch with people

is Jamie and Vocalist

who had the same idea of what I

Rebecca Need-Menear to

With you and Becca being

wanted to do and Becca was one

tell us all about them.

in End Of The Spectrum,

of them. The guys in eots didn’t

does that mean they are

feel the same way about the

You sitting on something

no more?

music so it only made sense that

quite secret for a few

Becca: I’m still currently with

we went our separate ways.

months? Can you share it

End of the Spectrum as the

with us?

music I wrote with them is still

Who will you be

Jamie: Yes! Finally, we can

important to me. Jamie made

recording with?

share it. It’s been driving us

his decision to leave EOTS once

Jamie: After hours upon hours

nuts the past few months having

Anavae had started to develop

of searching through drummers

something that we’re so excited

into something more than just a

on YouTube I came across

about kept under lock and

one off song or two.

Seb and sent him a message

key. Becca had been writing/

Jamie: I joined EOTS a couple

explaining that we needed a

performing together for almost a

years ago when I was just playing

session drummer for a project

year and felt strongly about the

guitar as a bit of a side hobby.

started by Becca and myself. He

music we were making. However,

They had a different line up

was up for it and after a few jams

it became clear that the music

of members and I saw it as a

and drinks we starting tightening

we were writing together and

chance to make new friends

the songs for the studio. (cont)


Becca: I met James through

What do you think of the

his previous band, Third place

UK rock scene right now?

victory when they asked me to

Jamie: Becca and I have seen a

guest appear on one of their

number of British bands this year

tracks. They were in the midst

and have been really excited with

of splitting up around the time

what’s going on. We can’t wait to

we were considering starting

Will you be touring?

hear the upcoming albums from;

Anavae so we asked if he would

Jamie : We will be as soon as we

Francesca, Futures, You me at six

be willing to help us out with

find a suitable band to do it with.

and Kids in Glass Houses. We’ve

some recording. After we had

Touring is something we all look

noticed how there aren’t many

hung out and worked with them

forward to so it’s definitely on the

female fronted bands around the

on the tracks it became apparent

cards for the coming months.

scene that you can take seriously. It feels like it’s the norm to see

that we wanted them to be full time members and not just

What are the bands main

a girl singer fronting a cheesy

session people. We couldn’t ask

influences?

colourful poppy happy band.

for a better couple of guys to

Becca: At the time me and Jamie

work with. They’re both amazing

were writing for Anavae two of

There’s nothing wrong with that

players and we’re all best mates

our favourite bands, There for

of course, but it’s time for people

which makes everything a lot

Tomorrow and Evaline released

to see a girl singer that is edgier

more fun.

new albums. The sounds they

and deserves a place among the

Jamie: We recorded with Ian

have made us realise that there

great guy singers that are around

Sadler of Emeline productions

was a lot more to be gained

right now like Ashley Wilkie and

which was a great experience. He

through experimenting with

Dan Lawrence. Either way, It’s

was different to other producers

noise and not approaching song

an exciting time to be a part of

that we’ve worked with because

writing with a ‘right and wrong’

the British music for sure!

he took a really active role in

way of doing things.

helping us in developing the

We’ve learnt not to focus too

Head on over and ‘like’

sounds and vibes we wanted

heavily on our musical influences

the bands Facebook page

for the songs. It felt like having

however and feel that it’s

you can download 3 of

a fifth member and we will

important to keep our minds and

the new tracks for free -

definitely be working with him

ideas fresh and clean. This makes

https://www.facebook.

again in the near future.

the music mean a lot more to us.

com/Anavae

soundscape 40


CD reviews Onwards and upwards

the vocal inflections of a rock

though, and with a whole new

‘n’ roll Michael Jackson (you

feel, The Guns have come back

can almost imagine the crotch

with a harder edge. With The

grabs). The brilliant timing

Guns pushed the boundaries

in the album is apparent in

between rock and pop, and

the last line of the bridge that

Fuck The Demon Outta Me

you can barely believe fits, but

pushes it beyond the two

does so perfectly.

genres. The album feels like

the guns

it’s taken a slice of the deep

It’s not just the deep south

fuck the demon outta me

American South and crashed

that The Guns visit however,

Words: Ed Townend

it right into a Blaina recording

the ‘All Aboard’ intro feels

studio. Coming from all sides

like a 50’s jive number before

The Guns are one of those

of rock, the four piece manage

hitting home with a sound

powerhouse rock bands that

to make Fuck The Demon

you won’t find anywhere else

can bust out the colossal

Outta Me almost a concept

except from the vocal chords

hits like “Colder”, get you

album of sorts, full of the

of Alex Wiltshire and the

drinking with “Gordon’s and

blues, voodoo, and a

strings of Adam Turner and

Lemonade” or just simply

lot of very messy women-

Tom Coburn. ‘Treacle & Pie’

laugh with “It’s On Like

related situations.

is set in a classic American

Donkey Kong”. With The Guns

diner, or is that just what the

was one of those albums that

Even the video for ‘Missing

title implies? ‘Answers’ could

really made you sit up and

Girls’ implies this in a creepy

be the result of a bar brawl,

notice, but unfortunately got

voodoo ritual sacrifice

‘Voodoo Boogie’ is straight

lost somewhere in the ether

involving the band. Hard

out of New Orleans, and

around 2007 when it really

edged drums, pained guitar

‘You Drive, I’ll Eat This’ is

should’ve made them big.

hits, thumping bass and all

obviously on the road. [cont]


The entire album is also all

It’s the cleanest way to be

cause I haven’t got it” that the

about entertainment. It’s

over the top.

song has real meaning, but it’s still a song that can be enjoyed

a variety show of rock, but still managing to keep a pop

The lyrics, as in With The

without hearing the lyrics.

aesthetic, showing that rock

Guns are always the highlight.

Lacklustre points are there

music can risk being catchy

“I’ve got news for your ass,

though, the first track

and still hit the spot.

I’m addicted to love” sums

‘Daughter of a Bad Man’ is a

up the unashamedly dogged

strange way to start, and a bit

The power of The Guns

appreciation of women in

of a shame it wasn’t just an

live doesn’t come across on

‘Treacle & Pie’, bragging in

intro, taking up an entire track

record, so the pop is there

‘Voodoo Boogie’ “I’m more

on the album where a belter

to sucker you in. The vocals

rock ‘n’ roll than you will ever

like Colder could have been.

are powerfully diverse, with

see” and the refrain “We’ll

The album itself has some

a natural Welsh goodness.

never slow down, never take

really strong single tracks

Falsetto is used in a

it easy” in ‘All Aboard’ is

like ‘Missing Girls’, ‘Treacle &

completely viable and non-

repeated in ‘You Drive, I’ll Eat

Pie’ and ‘Answers’, but unlike

lame way (see The Darkness).

This’ “Don’t ever stop, stop.

With The Guns it does feel as

The Guns are not shy of

Won’t ever stop, stop.”

though some tracks are filler, whereas every track on the

straying into the cliché a little, but they do so with finesse and

The best bits of the album

superb style.

include Answers as an angst,

debut was an instant hit.

dissonant tearaway which

The final track ‘Stranger Than

The meaty riffs are all there,

departs from the debut’s

You’ adopts a faux-bluegrass

with the full on power track

playfulness to a full on

feel, once again adding that

‘Answers’ and ‘Treacle &

fuck-you. Dropping riffs for

American element. Honestly

Pie’ has them bursting at the

feedback and string scrapes,

one of the cooler tracks on

seams. The drums are so key

the full force of the track

the album, it shows that they

to powering each track and

comes into the howl “give

simply do not care about any

always hit the mark, never

me a fucking break!” It’s

pre-conceptions; they make

straying too far into being

more apparent in lines like

the music that sounds cool

overblown. The bass is always

“We leave the answers in the

when they play it. And this

dirty and always relevant.

bottle” and “I only want it

album certainly is cool.


general middle finger and

claustrophobia of the guitars,

an amp full of invective to

it works surprisingly well.

the Neighbourhood Watch.

Until the odd, choppy break

The three-piece share vocal

about 2 minutes in – not sure

duties, according to their bio,

why they bother breaking up

and to be honest, I couldn’t

the flow with it, and it doesn’t

tell one from another, not

really add anything special.

that that’s a bad thing. That

That lapses into an extended

opener I mentioned earlier

instrumental coda which

sounds like the Vines at their

doesn’t do anything, although

raw-throated best with the

as a means to showcase how

Surrey, wonderfully poa-sh,

chorus aggressively shouted

good they are with their

isn’t it? Guildford conjures

at you – if they ever remade

instruments, they’re plenty

up images of Joanna Lumley

Road Rash, this would be the

proficient.

prancing around leafy suburbs

soundtrack to you clubbing

where they still have weekly

someone over the head and

Metronomic drums and swirling

bin collections and people

nicking their bike, it’s not

guitars take us into a proper

thoroughly embrace that

just uneasy, the driving

chorus anthem in ‘Hail! Hail!’,

whole Big Society nonsense. So

guitars immediately take an

that quickly fades to annoying

it seems entirely incongruous

adversarial stance and don’t

faux-American accents – it’s

that Ghost of the Highway

care how you react.

perfectly acceptable to sing in

ghost of the high way Hope and other 4 letter words

Words: Ryan crittenden

Estuary English, fellas – and

would base themselves there. Those guitars work against

doesn’t really live up to the

You see, from the opening riff

each other on ‘Vultures’, with

promise of what is a fantastic

of ‘One Night Stand’, Ghost

another smooth riff, a less

intro. It doesn’t last particularly

happily position themselves

polished Audioslave, although

long, and after the nodding

as a band who enjoy sticky

the vocals are plenty effected,

approval of the opening 20

floored gig venues, sickly

the old standard of hi-pass

seconds or so, most of it lapses

shades of unidentified liquids

and echo being used for

into indifference.

splashed on walls and a

atmosphere, and against the


That opening is probably the

which as a band develops

It’s far exceeding the other nine

highlight of the EP for me,

(they’ve been together a year),

bands prior. Thankfully they’ve

which is why it’s such a

they’ll iron out. I get the feeling

gone the opposite way many

shame that they can’t maintain

they may have to leave the

local bands have gone lately, in

that quality.

sweatbox venues behind and

that all of a sudden hard ‘lets

into leafier digs. Encouraging.

be angry’ core is cool to do.

Which brings us to the finale.

Looking angry has never been

‘March of the Pigs’ begins as

so over played.

an altogether grungier affair, Nirvana by numbers if you will.

This EP has the following: a

Chorus seems to borrow the

perfect structure, first-rate

same vocal pattern as Umbrella-

melodies, suitably placed and

ella-ella which was unnerving

not over baring breakdowns,

in itself but ignore that and it

a singer that doesn’t sound

isn’t too bad, cleaner vocals

like he’s constantly angry at

showing that in this case, lower production actually adds to

our people vs your people lights Ep

someone, killer drum beats and appropriate length songs. These four tracks are better than other

the track. There isn’t really a swinging destroy the drumkit

Whether it’s the unfortunate

entire albums. Each it’s own

finale though, just a couple of

list of CDs I’ve just plummeted

force, fiery and ardent. The EP

bent chords and a sudden stop.

through or the luck of the draw

has a sense that time has been

that I’ve been given the job to

spent on production. Truly a

There’s a swagger to Ghost of

review Essex five piece Our

band to keep on your radar, a

the Highway, that confident

people Vs Yours. When their

stunning EP.

growl and presence is there in

Lights EP finally comes blaring

spades and but for a few foibles,

out my headphones I’m astounded.

soundscape 44

Words: N. Ballantyne


comes into play harder than

As nice as the guy is, he’s not

pervious tracks along with that

made for hardcore. To put it

‘experimental’ vibe the band

briefly, he essentially ruins the

were going for in full force and

album with his vocals. Although

totally destroys the EP.

to be fair, this is punk-rock, hardcore, call it what you will

history of the hawk ocean

I’ll be honest, this EP was a smidgen inconsistent for me. There are thoroughly striking moments and engaging tracks

Track ‘Little Parisians’ starts off

but most bands in this genre

wickedly enchanting but turns

can’t shout, or choose not to.

into a squabbling shouting match, and it ain’t pretty. A

Surely this makes it more raw,

very 90s essence lingers across

heartfelt, angry or emotional I

the EP, very reminiscent of the

hear you ask? No, no it doesn’t.

experimental hardcore genre in

You can shout in a way that

that era, but there’s a reason it

carries your voice powerfully

should of died there too.

and melodically, yet retains that

Words: N Ballantyne

raw essence.

goodtime boys

Minus the vocals, musically this

but then the ‘experimental’ parts come into play and it suddenly becomes a hideous mess. With a little fine tuning

are we now, or have we ever been

these lads could have a very fine EP on their hands.

Remember that squeaky one from The Automatic? Well he’s

It starts off strong with ‘X Is

back with another hardcore

The New Y’ and continues until

band but this time covered in

you hid the second half where

more tattoos, shouting some

it all goes wrong. A slightly

more and unafraid to get dirty

wailing second overlaying vocal

when it comes to playing shows.

could be a great little record, but you get the gist. Check out strongest tracks ‘Deaner’s Last Weekend’ and ‘Wake’. Words: N Ballantyne


top3

Part of the Soundscape team list their top 3 albums,

best movie

best live

best album

movies and bands they saw in 2011

Paul Esp (Interviewer/Reviewer)

Ed Townend (Reviewer/Photographer)

Deaf Havana – Fools And Worthless Liars

Doomtree – No Kings

Butch Walker – The Spade

Johnny Foreigner – Johnny Foreigner vs Everything

Every Avenue – Bad Habits

Los Campesinos – Hello Sadness

Anneka Sillitoe (Editor/Reviewer)

Nadine Ballantyne (Photographer/Graphics)

Brigade – Will Be Will Be

Suicide Silence – The Black Crown

Limp Bizkit – Gold Cobra

Amsterdam Red Light District – I’m Not Insane

Foo Fighters – Wasting Light

Exit International – Black Junk

Paul Esp (Interviewer/Reviewer)

Ed Townend (Reviewer/Photographer)

Butch Walker

Dananananaykroyd

Incubus

Jimmy Eat World

Tiger Please

Queens Of The Stone Age

Anneka Sillitoe (Editor/Reviewer)

Nadine Ballantyne (Photographer/Graphics)

Flood Of Red

Queens Of The Stone Age

Brigade

Slipknot

My Chemical Romance

Every Time I Die

Paul Esp (Interviewer/Reviewer)

Ed Townend (Reviewer/Photographer)

The Hangover 2

Midnight In Paris

Tangled

Friends With Benefits

Captain America

Submarine

Anneka Sillitoe (Editor/Reviewer)

Nadine Ballantyne (Photographer/Graphics)

Captain America

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

Thor

X-Men: First Class

Pirates Of The Caribbean

Scream 4


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