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Think of all the local bands that are out there right this minute. Across the country thousands of dreaming youths are forming bands and spreading the word that they are the best things since sliced bread. In reality, a huge percentage of them won’t make it anywhere and nothing will ever be better than sliced bread! It takes a special drive, as well as talent, to make it anywhere in the music industry, but once in a while a band or artist pops up that outshines everyone else so much, that sunglasses are given out at their gigs, and this lot might just be one of them. Question the Mark, a four piece punk band from Bridgend,
South Wales, formed in October 2008. Made up of James Seamark, Tim Davies, Dave Hughes and Josh Brunt-Torjussen, the band released their debut three track EP, “Tearing Our Arms Off Through....” in April 2009, and it left me thinking of them as an uncut diamond; as they stand they glitter and sparkle but with a little work, they could dazzle. For me punk died at the end of the 70s along with all the political and social seeds it grew from. During it’s time it was known for fast music, badly played instruments and vocals you could barely comprehend. Things have changed. The punk of the modern era has been freed from the limitations it
appeared with 30 years ago so for anyone who grew up with the original genre, try to think of this as Punk 2.0. “Boredumb,” the opening track and the words that follow on from the EP title, if you were wondering why it finished with .....s. From the outset all the traditional punk elements are present: vicious vocals, gritty guitar and thumping drums, but if anything hits you the most, it’s the talent all these are implemented with. The opening guitar is reminiscent of the intro to Iron Maiden’s “Number of the Beast” and though not a punk band, you wouldn’t be surprised if you found out the same person played both pieces. The energy and pace catch you unexpectedly and it’s not until the end of
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Ones To look Out For! the track that you realise you’ve been thrashing along in your chair. “Lured” wastes no time in getting to the point. Instruments and vocals instantly explode into your unsuspecting ears, but in a strangely pleasant fashion and you are once again swept away by the talent they have been oozing since the get go. The final track “No More Stars” is a perfect way to end things. The guitars are somewhat gentler than before, though the vocals make up for that with renewed grit. If anything, it comes across as a chance for them to show off their strumming skills, with large gaps where all you heard is the flexing of fingers on a Fender, or whatever guitars they happen to own. The closing sustain brings you back down to earth with a degree of respect for what you have been listening to. Though I have heaped quite a bit of praise upon the boys from Bridgend, there are some points that let them down. I, like many of you out there, can’t stand repetition. If nothing new comes along, people get bored and shift their interest to something and it’s a shame to say that there is quite a bit of repetition present in this EP. It’s not hard to pick up the cycling lyrics but “Lured” has to be the worst offender. I can understand the use of the word, especially as they are a punk band, but “bastard” is said so many times that it eventually looses all meaning
and impact, become just a sound in the end. “Boredum” suffers from this as well, but more towards the end of the track where the lyric “Get through this, get through the days,” begins to distract you from the otherwise flawless music. My only other negative point to dampen my otherwise bright words it how similar the tracks sound to each other. The vocal patterns and instruments are so similar between “Lured” and “Boredumb” that I managed to mix the intro of the later into the opening vocals of the former, the end result sounding as though the two pieces had always sat together as one track. Every track should be as unique as possible otherwise it’s as though you are being fed the same breakfast cereal every day from a different packet and being told it’s a new on every time, soon enough you will grow very tired of it. As I said at the start, they are an uncut diamond. Their talent makes them one of the best new bands I have heard in a very long time, they play with the skill and professionalism of a big name signed act but they still have the teething issues of a band just starting out. No one forms a band and is an over-night success, but with this quality of work from their first release, they are the closest thing to it. www.myspace.com/questionthemark Words: Alex Brady
Well, here’s The Midnight Club, they’re a power-pop rock band from the Midlands, a great British band who, no doubt, are going to “fuck shit up old school in a town near you”, I look forward to it and so should you. (P.Esp)
www.myspace.com/themidnightclubuk
Striving on the indie side of life are Bensem who lately seem to making a name for themselves. Especially after releasing their album Western Lights in spring, which catches so many, many emotions and melodies within, and then for them to be able to play those songs so heartfully live to a packed out Barfly not long ago... we say catch them before they hit the high life. (N.B)
http://www.myspace.com/ bensem
Suicide Silence
Plus: Shaped By Fate & Viatrophy Clwb Ifor Bach, June 15th The day straight after their Download debut Suicide Silence for some reason have chosen to play a one off headline show in the midst of Cardiff at Clwb Ifor Bach. We all know what’s going to happen and can’t wait for the night to commence. First support is Reading’s own death core act Viatrophy, who’s fans aren’t afraid to kick the night off and scream their lungs out at the same time. Their singer pants up and down the stage and indulges in letting these welsh kids play along. (7) Cardiff’s own Shaped By Fate are up next, and you only have to look into the singers eyes to see that he’s going to cause chaos and have a bloody good time whilst doing it, and of course we’re going to enjoy it as well. Their music creates that true metal atmosphere and that you’re going to be involved in their show whether you like them or not. They somehow manage to spawn a pit made up of kids happily giving each other piggy backs and beating the hell out of each other, but in good rock n roll fashion. Tonight’s all about enjoying yourself and it wouldn’t be a good end
to their set without a good ol’ stage dive or being carried off towards the bar in their singer Paul’s case. (9) Many in the room are still getting over Download and showing off their SS tee’s or Limp Bizkit one’s for that matter. The temperature is over the top and they haven’t even hit a single note, the kids are swarming around the stage chanting, whilst this must be a very rare occasion, Clwb use their stage curtains to let the band tune up in secrecy, and for that matter it works well, keeping the room tense with excitement or what hit they’re going to kick the night off with. As they do pull back the sheets, all eyes are on 6 foot throat man Mitch, who despite his height continues to use a box to perform over the sweating bodies of fans adoring this bands every move. They kick off with Lifted, a new track off up coming album release ‘No Time To Bleed’ which gets the party started. They keep the songs mixed up, playing olden goldies (minus the fan loved family guy samples) along with another new track ‘Wake Up’ which sees the whole place screaming back at the band. Suicide Silence are just one of those band’s to catch live, their shows are intense and to the point. There’s no fooling around, no love for the scene kids, just straight up metal for your (N.B) blackened heart. (10)
The King Blues
Plus: Innercity Pirates & Exit International Cardiff Barfly, July 4th A typical Saturday a not so typical line up for Barfly tonight. Local noise makers Exit International are on first to a surprisingly full floor ready to soak up what these newcomers have to offer and they’re certainly out to make their mark. There’s nothing typical about this band, two bassists, one hell of a lot of distortion, nifty drum beats and a hell of a lot of balls. The front row soon find out when lead vocalist Scott Lee Andrews takes a dive over the barrier, everyones loving it! (8) Innercity Pirates started off well, they seemed to generally maintain a positive sound and manage to contain themselves and keep the fans interested and dancing around until last minute antics made this reviewer think the singers head could do with being dipped into a pool of ice to swell it down. Too much for an only average band. Ripping your shirt off and throwing it into the crowd... no one wants to see that. (5) The King Blues certainly know how to set up a show, boasting a lovely spray painted white sheet as their backdrop but honestly, that’s all they need and it really says it all about this band. A down to earth bunch of guys who just want to have some fun and make some serious music for you listeners to dance your socks off to. As they walk on you’ve never seen a frontman walk on stage playing a ukulel so enthusaisticly. The band and crowd are overly enthusiastic throughout and before a most welcomed encore singer Jonny ‘Itch’ Fox speaks a very heartfelt and much respected poem, during those 2 minutes you could of heard a pin drop. A quality set from these much loved under(N.B) ground punk boys. (9) SOUNDSCAPE MAGAZINE 07
Future of the Left Album Release - Spillers Record Store The dates June 22nd, it’s a bland ol’ sunny Monday but inside the worlds oldest record store fans have been gathering and loitering since five waiting for a special in-store appearance by local Cardiff lads Future of the Left. Today sees the release of their second album ‘Travels with myself and another’, which many fans have also come to get signed after the set! At the back of the store with the most minimal space a band can have to set up these 3
lads manage to fit themselves in and in no time break the equipment within the first song! But we’re told to scrap that and asked whether they should play the song again, of course the answer was yes! They play through a short but cracking set, it’s the best they can offer at the back of a record store especially before the fans and band sweat their shirts off from the overwhelming heatwave outside. There’s just something about this band, their live shows are always intense and they for that matter are always smiling and cracking jokes with the crowd, couldn’t ask for anything better, right? (9) (N.B)
The album itself (which you can pick up on CD and Vinyl in Spillers!) feels like it’s on another planet, you’re either going to think it’s genius or quite simple not, we for that matter think it’s genius. It’s certainly very Future Of The Left, basically damn catchy. They’ve managed to implant an essence into the tracks that makes it feel miles apart from any other local bands, like they’ve figured out a special formula others haven’t yet. Track ‘Arming Eritrea’ is a great start, quirky, fast and kind of makes you want to jump around like a loony. Chosen single ‘The Hope that House Built’ was a good move as well, although definitely one of the mid toned tracks, it’s suitable for all and anyone to chant along to, which you must live! ‘You need Satan more than he needs you’ is another one of those keyboard-riffic tracks, an instant favourite, an instant track your going to be waking up with it cemented into your head. The album on a whole keeps a very upbeat feel and presence that really does take you on a journey! (N.B) http://www.myspace.com/futureoftheleft SOUNDSCAPE MAGAZINE 09
Plus Jane’s SOUNDSCAPE MAGAZINE 10
s Addiction & Mew
Tonight is one of Nine Inch Nails’s last appearances in the UK, tomorrow they play London’s O2 arena and then even after some more festivals they’ll hit the UK one last time at Knebworth’s Sonisphere festival. Trent Reznor has been making music since before I was born and only within the last few years have we had the pleasure of Nine Inch Nails to tour with such a purpose and meaning after ‘The Fragile’ years so long ago, so it comes to a shock to many fans that he would just end now, well touring for that matter, we can expect many more new projects from the man himself just don’t expect them to surprise us with a show any time soon, or ever again... Denmark’s Mew were the chosen openers for this tour, in the past NIN seems to of had a knack of picking what boringly indie cliché act are going to open and depress the general public first, last time it was Ladytron, this time it’s Mew. They do show some promising effort during what felt like one long tedious song with a one minor minute that felt like it could be a top ten hit song, but as the singer stands there and does nothing to embrace this near 20,000 capacity venue, it’s not impressing anyone. We can at least be thankful that they were only given 20 minutes this time around. (4) As apart of the NIN|JA tour in the US Nine Inch Nails had been the ones to perform first but across the pond Jane’s Addiction are welcomed on second and do so with a video of girls dancing and smoking only to be carried on by the band on stage as Perry Farrell continues the dancing and Dave Navarro continues the smoking. Perry is a somewhat intriguing character on stage, nothing but energy and swifty dance moves that your eyes cant help but follow across the stage and to what ever he decides to do next which in
Dave Navarro’s case would be Perry eyeing him up and shaking some maracas around him. Their music even after all these years still feels fresh and with a decent set time they’re allowed to take ease and just play. We know who they are and they certainly know that as Perry also shows off some over the top ego-tastic moments. (8) Amidst the crowd various fans talk about these last few shows and that people would have much preferred a few more intimate shows than 2 arena dates but as all goes dark and in an instant Trent Reznor is on stage singing ‘Somewhat Damaged’ no ones complaining. They plough through a magnificent 21 song set, these days that’s a treat especially with so many rarities as Reznor brings out the covers for this tour ‘I’m afraid of Americans’ and ‘Metal’ and the classics that must be played although we were let down ‘Closer’ wasn’t! There feels like there’s so many others they could have pulled out but that would be pushing it. Any band that’s been around 20 years in the music industry, you wonder how they can still remember all their lyrics! Anyway, as the set goes from hair raising piano sensations such as La Mer to fist pumping ‘Wish’ where an arena of fans happily shout the words ‘fist fuck’ the night closes to the same ‘3 H’s’... ‘The Hand That Feeds’, ‘Head Like a Hole’ and then ‘Hurt’, which has never sounded so good (and bad, only when you’re landed next to someone who’s clearly singing out of tune and over Reznor, but those people are shushed!). It couldn’t of ended any better, a perfect line up, a perfect sound, dramatic lights with the perfect reception off the crowd. But deep down we all know that tomorrow in London’s O2 it’s only going to louder and better and include some kind of surprise just because it’s bloody London... (10)
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ALEXISONFIRE Plus: Hexes The Borderline, London, July 2009 I’ve never been to this venue before, but I arrive to find it’s VERY intimate. This gig is already promising to be a good one. Hexes take to the tiny stage rather suddenly and kick into their strange but catchy brand of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s good if even a little noisy in the tiny space. But they continue to kick the crowd into a bit of excitement, preparing them for the band yet to come.
Words: Anneka Silitoe, Paul Esp, Nadine Ballantyne & Rachel Williams
Alexisonfire take to the stage and the night is truly about to begin. They rip through a collection of immense old and new tracks, strung together in perfect selection. The old tracks cause the crowd to go insane. The smallest, but one of the craziest mosh pits I’ve ever seen breaks out in the tiny space and I’m not entirely sure how it happens. Crowd surfing then begins and I have no idea how it works over a row of literally 2 people in front of you, but people manage it, making it to the stage before diving back in. Those more reluctant to leave the stage get picked up by George and moved back from whence they came. The new tracks cause some of the best sing alongs I’ve ever heard at a gig away from the festivals and the crowd pleaser ‘This Could be Anywhere’ blows everything else for that night away, even new track ‘Young Cardinals’. The band joke back and forth, banter both light hearted and damned right shocking. But either way it’s nice to see a band so comfortable with each other and it’s then you get a sense of just why this band work so well with everything that they decide to put their hearts into. Because it’s just that, it’s their hearts in it. They’re in this business because they truly love the art that they are creating and tonight so do their fans. The gig comes to an end and everyone very sweaty and very hoarse leaves with the biggest grins I’ve ever seen, including the band and it’s definitely going to take a lot to top that one. (10) (A.Sillitoe)
*****
PAPA ROACH Plus Buckcherry & In This Moment Bristol 02 Academy, 15th June First band on in this packed and hot 02 academy was Californian female fronted metallers In This Moment, I am a fan of this
band and was eager to see what they could do, crashing straight into “Violet skies” the crowd were definitely on the bands side, clapping and singing along straight away, vocalist Maria Brink is a very likeable front woman with a great voice, all smiles and waving to the crowd, often getting everyone clapping along with ease. It was a short set with material from both the bands albums and latest single, Blondie cover “Call Me” which went down a storm. They finished the set with “beautiful tragedy” to loud cheers and claps. (8) Next up were Buckcherry, more of a classic rock band, having reformed about 4 years ago and released 2 successful albums I was looking forward to seeing what they could do. Kicking off the set with ‘Tired of you’ front man Josh Todd was all swagger and tattoos, the rest of the band seemed to be having a good time, guitarist Stevie D was constantly grinning and chucking picks into the crowd. “Lit up” from the bands debut album got a cheer from the old school fans while set closer “crazy bitch” got the biggest cheer. (7) As soon as the lights went down the sold out academy just went off! Drummer Tony Palermo, Bassist Tobin Esperance and Guitarist Jerry Horton walked on stage first to huge cheers, the band went straight into “Change or Die” from the newest album “Metamorphosis” and as soon as front man Jacoby Shaddix ran onto the stage the place went mental! Then followed almost two hours of a band at the top of their game, putting everything into the show. The set list was a Papa Roach fan’s wet dream, Jacoby is a very entertaining and energetic front man hardly ever standing still but his vocals were always spot on. During “time is running out” he spent most of the song in with the first couple of rows, he clearly loves what he does! Two new songs “Lifeline” and “Hollywood Whore” which he dedicated to all “the talentless twats” like Paris Hilton and the like, were greeted the same as old favourites “Dead Cell” and “Between Angels and Insects” which ended the set. The biggest cheers were saved for the 3 song encore, “Scars”, then my personal favourite “I Almost Told You That I Loved You”, had every person in the packed room singing the chorus along, and then of course “Last Resort” finished the amazing set. Jacoby also said that they are coming back in October for a full UK tour so if you missed out this time you’ll be able to catch theband then! (10) (P.Esp) *****
Let’s forget that they’re running late, that the site isn’t even ready, that there’s JCB’s roaming around the site, where there’s more health and safety hazards than cook dinners you’ve had this year, and let’s forget that half the activities they listed wont even happen and well... lets just get on with the music reviews shall we? Right, so there were a lot of bands over the 3 days, crammed for such an intimate festival, 5000 people at that camping around the area. Here are some highlights and blowouts over the weekend. Bands you never thought would make you go ‘wow’ and others making you curse what ever friend it was that let that atrocious band on the bill. Friday was a short n sweet mystery, after the arena opening 3 hours late, the main stage finally welcomes The Donde Stars (7) on first and again ‘short n sweet’ as these poor lads get an adventurous 3 song set. They’re followed by the Race Horses (8) who are lucky enough to have extra time and who play it to too darn good as well. The Holloways (9) follow with an incredibly strong fan base already down at the front, it’s finally starting to feel like a festival, especially as by the time Supergrass (8) hit the stage, it’s dark, it’s packed and there’s one hell of a sing along going on by the end of the night, even if they miss out the one main hit that made them what they are. We’re hoping the Saturday is going to be a tad more planned out as last night was wonderous trying to figure out who the hell you’re watching. The main stage kicks off with Karma Diva (6) to an empty field, most are probably watching from their tents. Not the greatest band to have at the start of the day, they could have had a more happier beat to them. Next is Beast With A Million Eyes (8) over at the Swn tent again not as full as it should be, we’re still going to guess that the majority of people are still asleep and getting over the excessive travels of yesterday. They do well, a very rock n roll easy listening band, there’s just something very
likeable about them. Let’s Tea Party (9) are the first real happy band of today, just the right type of band the festival needed to get people in the right mood and finally dance. Back at the well hidden Swn tent, where if your thinking it’s going to be easy to find in the dark, well you’re wrong. Yr Od’s (5) play not so enthusiastically, but need some much needed credit, how many bands you know waltz on stage and sing in Welsh? Heading over to the main stage we can hear what we thought was a sound check... well we were wrong, it’s only Black Russian (1) who sound diabolical, typical indie riffs, no movement and a singer who’s vocals don’t once change dialect, he sounds like a depressed robot on stage ready to commit suicide. Keeping the variety into Square festival are Glass Diamond (7) back over at the Swn stage. Their looks seem to go with their music, good and strange at the same time, worth a watch and listen, any things a relief after the last band. Another surprise, although I think we should get used to them by now, The Last Republic (8) stroll onto the main stage, no ones knows why they’re playing on the wrong day but the crowd fall for their melodic hits. A class act for the day so far. They deserved much more attention! Sticking to the main stage an energetic Sound Of Guns (8) walk on like they were expecting more (even though they should), but appreciate the crowd given to them on this optimistic afternoon before it gets a little down tuned for Marina (8), a quirky and funny alternative appearance hosted by a singer who’s smiles all around and lifts anyone with a dampened mood right off the ground. Fight Like Apes (10) turn up in style, I’ve heard many stories about theses guys but never witnessed them, which I’m unbelievably glad I did today. They manage to get the majority of the crowd off their asses and up against the barrier for a pop punk filled set, full of some of the most random stage SOUNDSCAPE MAGAZINE 15
An anticipated band for the night is 65Daysofstatic (9), who spark fireworks off into the crowd, or what feels like an overly friendly heavy rock rave. What ever you want to call it, it’s energetic, it’s fun, you just feel the music and love it. A band you really need to witness live. We quickly ventured over to the Swn tent to catch one of the UK’s fastly growing best live acts Pulled Apart By Horses (7) who every time put on one hell of a show, no matter what stingy dive their in, even here clashed with Skindred and in a tent with engineers who can’t seem to fix the sound they still pull their socks up and play on. Tonight doesn’t feel quite the same because of technical problems... but that’s not their fault, they didn’t break it! Skindred (10) are playing to a crowd twice the size as last night, it’s truly rammed down on the barrier and for once feels like a true festival. Vocalist Benj is the main man as the other members appear to keep to themselves. It just wouldn’t be Skindred without him, he’s such a unique singer and dare I say comedian on stage, you can’t help but smile throughout. Even despite the security being asses to the crowd at the front, it doesn’t stop anyone from enjoying themselves for the rest of the night. It’s the final day, a lovely wet, soaking Sunday, which happens to be running 2 hours late as well. We kick off in the Swn tent for Kryptics (7) and the first thing you can’t help but notice is the singer sporting a overly pink mini skirt. Putting that aside (well if you can, your mind does wonder why) they play through a quick set to a crowd who either liked the tunes or the mini skirt... who knows but it’s worth a listen again. An overly shy chap comes to pleasure
Malarki (7) are also fitting, with every member getting a taste of the action and so friendly towards one another, it almost feels like you should be in a house with a bunch of close mates jamming out together, even though we’re told it took them 11 hours to get here! As on time as the festival was going to be, Beth Jeans-Houghton and The Hooves of Destiny (8) hit the Main Stage a mere thirty minutes behind schedule. Leotard-clad Beth held her own throughout the rain spangled set which included folksy gems such as ‘Golden’ and ‘I Will Return I Promise’, as well as a cover of Hep Stars ‘Farmer John’ and a brand new song written just hours earlier. Overall the band were well received, if only by the dwindling Sunday crowd, and are a must see for fans of Emmy The Great, Slow Club and similar folk-inspired artists. Some more local lads grace the Swn stage, Cuba Cuba (6) make a striking appearance, although their tunes are starting to rub off as your typical indie montage. At least they give it some effort to play to the slightly wet and miserable crowd that have stumbled upon the tent. Finally as the clouds are dispersing and there’s actually some chance for a bit of sunshine, The Roseville Band (8) storm on steaming and ready to burst out some grooves. They feel well produced and all rounded as a bunch of happy chaps. Just a shame still later on in the day Square festival feels dead and for no reason why! At 6 o’clock precisely on Sunday afternoon Gideon Conn (10) strolled on stage to a crowd half sceptical, half asleep and fully drenched. No amount of rain, however, could dampen the spiritsof the folk-hop Mancunian who warned the cockles of all our hearts with his trademark dazed grin and festival favourites like “I Want You Around For This Melody” and “Trademark”, not forgetting Gideon’s accapella number “Electricity”, complete with hand actions to rival those of The Village People. It’s safe to say Mr Conn won over more than a few new admirers from this performance, as the crowd begged for an encore and all but mauled the artists merch guy to buy t-shirts and CDs as soon as the performance was over.
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Words&Photos: Ed Townend
A quick glance around and there’s suddenly a heaving crowd around the main stage for The Joy Formidable (9), even the other bands are enjoying them from the side of the stage. It’s very hard to define this band, but after seeing how good they were in clwb, to see them play again and the atmosphere feel more epic here was glorious.
us on the main stage, Jake Morley (8) has a unique style of guitar playing which is perfect and fitting for the relaxed Sunday.
Check them out at http://www.cardiffskateboardclub.com/
antics you would of seen for the day. Spontaneous is always good as singer and keyboardist take an adventure down to the front, bash some bars together and then get an over excited young lad jump on stage to show off how well he can tuck his privates between his legs. Definitely not your average set.
As the summer months draw in and the less adventurous skaters ollie and ride their way through Cardiff, it’s easy to forget that skateboarding is an all-year activity. However, the skaters came out in force under the beating sun in Dinas Powys skate park at the ‘War At The Welsh’ final – with heats based at the Welsh Offices in Cardiff, a haven for skaters for any weather and any time. Future events include this weekend’s ‘Go Skateboarding Day’ which is celebrated around the world and is a snub at the establishment’s reaction to street skating. Cardiff Skateboard Club is essential in these events and the basic rule for joining is ‘have a skateboard’. All ages turned up for the final last week to show off their skills and watch the skilful. The club has organised trips to places like Barcelona and participated in videos like ‘Hologram’ with the support of local and national companies including Crayon Skateboards and Citysurf. Any skater in Cardiff or South Wales is better prepared with the help of CSC and their events.
SOUNDSCAPE MAGAZINE 17
For the first ever ‘10 Questions With...” Soundscape magazine has the pleasure and honour of having the multi-talented Kitty Cowell to answer them, so sit back, grab a drink and enjoy... 1. Who are you and what do yo do? I am Kitty Cowell, or KC as most people know me. I’m a musician, model and designer from the Midlands currently residing in South Wales. I moved to Newport 3 years ago to study Fashion Design and I just love it here. Some people think I’m mad, but there is such a big alternative music scene around here and everybody is lovely, I just feel at home. Musically I’ve been a solo artist for quite a few years but right now I’m concentrating on my new band The Binary Kids. Modelling wise I have and do model for hair salons, clothing companies, photographers and so on. Design wise I run my own company Distress To Impress www.distresstoimpress.com and I often do design work for other people too, like merch design and advertising, and general graphic design. 2. How did you get started? As a solo artist I started off by rapping in proper 8 Mile style Open Mic nights back home in the Midlands. I then went on to record crappy demo’s with my friends on crappy equipment because that’s all we had! I did it purely for fun. I was then spotted in Greece free styling outside of a night club while on holiday with some friends, by French DJ/Producer known as DJ Kaio. To cut a long story short I ended up starting my musical career in Paris, recording my 1st demo’s and I was even released on a compilation CD out there. I then came back to the UK and worked with lots of other producers and artists and then played with a lot of great bands such as Head Automatica, Shiny Toy Guns, Late Of The Pier etc. In 2008 I ended up on ITV, Radio 1 and I even had my own monthly blog section on BBC Radio Wales. I then managed to find myself on Channel 4 as a finalist for the Road To V competition playing to thousands of people on national TV! That was a pretty awesome experience. Then at the end of 2008 I met Jaye Dickens, and we started recording together and in the end decided to start a side project called The Binary Kids, www.thebinarykids.com , this side project then took over our lives and led
us to working with Bassment Jaxx on 2 tracks for their new album and we have just got back from tour, supporting Lady Sovereign on her UK ‘Jigsaw’ tour. As a model I started off by modelling for hair salons and companies, I was spotted by Toni and Guy when I was 17 and then Tigi when I was 18 to do hair modelling for them. I also did work for a local salon when I was growing up which led me to do shoots and catwalk work from about the age of 15. I then went on to model for friends who are photographers and designers. I started doing promo shoots for my music and just really enjoyed being in front of the camera. Since then I have gone on to model for a lot of clothing companies, I am sponsored by a load of clothing companies now as
I was recently asked if I would like to be part of a comic book/novel and have my own comic character! Modelling takes me all over the country and is such a fun experience. I love drawing and design, I started off as a painter and studied Art as a main subject in school for 4 years. I then had my own exhibition and went on to do commissioned work when I was 18. My Mum and Dad were both in the fashion industry when I was growing up and I have had a lot of experience of the fashion industry because of this. I have actually got a lot of work experience too like working as a dresser at THE CLOTHES SHOW and as a dresser on the children’s program IN THE NIGHT GARDEN.
My Mum was a very successful Fashion Designer in the 80’s and I’ve always wanted to take after her in that way. I used to customize T shirts for myself and my friends and really enjoy it. After a while my friends were coming back and telling me that people were always asking them where they had got their T-shirts from. I decided to start up my own small T-shirt range and see how it went. Since starting Distress To Impress in 2005 I have learnt ALOT! I sell my clothing online at www.distresstoimpress.com and also wholesale to shops around the country. 3. What have you got going on at the moment? At the moment I am concentrating on recording and writing music for The Binary Kids. We are looking to put out a single really soon, and hoping to build up a big selection of demo’s ready for an album. I am also modelling a lot in my spare time and booking up shoots with companies and photogs etc. I am working a lot with my friend and photographer Richie Walton at his new studio in Newport; Photo Graffiti. http:// www.photograffiti.tv/ And lastly but not least I am working on a new Distress To Impress collection and website. 4. Favourite music and why? Wow, that’s a hard question for me. I am ridiculously eclectic when it comes to genres, but I’m not someone who ‘likes anything’. One of my all time favourite bands is Eurythmics. I also love Kraftwerk, and am a massive Underoath fan! I grew up on Limp Bizkit (I am not ashamed, haha!). Jay Z is one of my favourite global rappers and Dizzee Rascal is my favourite UK rap artist. I’m also a big Plan B fan, and Lady Sovereign is definitely my favourite female rap artist. I love Four Year Strong, Every Time I Die and The Gallows. I also hate the stigma attached to Bring Me The Horizon and think people who hate them for their image are insane, because their
one of the best Metal bands our country has birthed in about 10 years. I love to get my mosh on! haha. I think The Macabees and The Mystery Jets are probably the best current ‘indie’ bands. And I am a big fan of Crystal Castles, their live shows are mind blowing, theirs nothing fancy or overly clever about them, their just very very good at what they do and Alice has amazing stage presence. My favourite new artist has to be La Roux, she might be quirky looking and different, and this is what’s making people take notice of her, which I love; but besides that she’s incredibly talented. 5. Favourite book and why? “Glamorama” by Bret Easton Ellis is an amazing story of fame and lime light and it’s just a great fiction novel if your intrigued by fame like me. I also really enjoyed reading Jordan’s 1st Autobiography!! haha I really wasn’t interested in the what I thought was a page 3 slapper, but all my friends were reading books on holiday so someone gave me that to read! After reading that book I just felt like she was a really normal female, and I could relate to a lot of her teenage stories! 6. Favourite film and why? Romeo and Juliet! I adore Shakespeare, I acted for years, since I was very young and even attended stage school classes. I grew up just outside of Stratford-Upon-Avon so I guess you’re gonna either love Shakespeare or hate him! I love the modern adaptation of the classic story. It’s just a fairytale I get lost in and I’ve watched it a lot of times! 7. Best experience in the business? A big highlight as a musician has to be supporting Head Automatica. It was their 1st ever UK show too! I grew up as a big Glassjaw and Head Automatica fan and Daryl Palumbo is like a total legend! He even has a hip hop side project! He was the nicest guy I’ve ever met, he came up to me back stage, complimenting my live show and telling me about how he loves hip hop music and how I should check out his hip hop side project. It was a big show too, and one of my 1st ever shows! Bethan and Huw from Radio 1 introduced me to the stage. It was a mad way to start off my live career. But more recently me and Jaye working with Simon and Felix
from Bassment Jaxx was an amazing experience, and the tour we just finished with Lady Sovereign was insane!! 8. Why should Soundscape readers care? You should care because I’m just like you. I probably wear the same stuff as you, listen to the same bands as you and I’m trying to make music and design clothes for you! I’m always going to see new bands and trying to help out anyone I can who is starting off as a designer/ musician/ model etc. I’ve got far to go but I feel like I’ve come along way too. And if I can use that experience to help anyone else then I’d love to. 9. Tell our readers an interesting fact about yourself? I’m English, not Welsh which most people think! And I am Dyslexic. 10. Best thing about coming from/being/playing in Wales? People are so humble and everyone gets easily excited by music and shows. Wales is a very eclectic, artistic and alternative place and you can’t find that everywhere in the UK. As musicians we’re in very good company, SO MANY good bands are based here! I love it for that reason! That’s what gets me excited about this area!
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A cracking first “10 Questions With...” A massive thank you to KC for taking the time to do this. Please check out KC’s website www.ilovekc.co.uk, on there you can find out more information about The Binary Kids and Distressed To Impress Clothing, purchase KC shirts as well as copies of her solo EP “Ideology”, which is also available on iTunes! Photo Credits: Richie Walton, http://www.photograffiti.tv/ Words: Paul Esp
Left to Right: Fudge Wilson, Scott Lee Andrews, Adam Thomas
at Barfly
Fresh from supporting The King Blues new noise se we managed to catch up with the of what rld makers and indulge into their wo . ‘Exit International’ is really about.. How did you guys first get together and decide to go against the typical rock band odds and both play bass, was it a joined love for the instrument or to stand out from the crowd? Scott: It’s the same thing isn’t it, we both worked in the same shops together, but our previous bands had also played together.... Fudge: Well the thing is I play bass, I can’t do anything else, there’s no choice for me so it was basically down to what ever Scott wanted to play. Scott: It was all about a Melvins gig last September and thought about Richey (Ex-Exit International drummer), he had a new
job and we thought we’d try and cheer him up and get him a gig with the Melvins ‘cos he loves them. We practised, got together and thought “lets make the biggest noise, the most horrible thing we can” but we got pulled off the bill but we were having so much of a laugh we thought fuck, lets just keep it together. As you’ve all come from split up bands, how easy was it to actually start again from scratch? Fudge: Really easy, stupidly easy, once you’ve been ploughing a burrow with a band for a few years, you reach a certain level, it does start getting harder and harder and harder to con-
tain, sorta perpetuate the momentum but starting some thing fresh you kind of got a new kind of excitement about the whole thing. Scott: It just wipes the whole palette clean and especially with the two bassists, we don’t know what we’re supposed to be doing. Fudge: It’s presenting itself to us as opposed to us trying to get something out of it. What’s the name ‘Exit International’ all about? Scott: I was reading Bizarre magazine and believe it or not I don’t look at Bizarre magazine for slutty goth girls and people with 3 cocks, I like to read and
in there was an interesting article about a volentary euthanasia/ assisted suicide clinical organisation called ‘Exit’ based in Australia and the international term for them is ‘Exit International’. I thought “that’s a fucking cool name for a band” and irony of ironies one of the bands that we bonded over who have two bassists called ‘Girls against Boys’,well we got in touch with the singer (Scott Mcloud) and asked, you know it was just like a long shot saying ‘check us out we’ve got two bassists as well’ and the first big compliment he paid was “I fucking love your name” because that’s the sort of name he would love, which was a great feeling. I think it’s a cool name, it’s easy, it’s just two words you know like Coldplay, Exit International is two words you know but are stuck together... Fudge: Like Status Quo... Scott: Like Status Quo, just two words that are stuck together which flow very nicely, Exit International, a lot of syllables, not a lot of meaning. Fudge: It’s quite lob sided graphically though, I like that it’s awkward. Scott: It sounds as if we’re talking about space ‘cos international there is no real exit from any domain if you call it international. Fudge: It’s about how international can you go and the answer is space. Did you know right, that there’s a DVD region that they’ve kept spare which I think is 7, that’s for outer space. You’ve been writing some new tracks over the last few months, is this working towards a major album release or an EP for the time being? Scott: What ever comes first. SSM: No plans? Scott: We don’t actually care at the moment, we’re having so much fun. It sounds weird saying fun playing live because it sounds as if it’s more like dressing up as clowns, dicks out and all, what I consider to be to fun. But it’s fun, it’s actually like I’m enjoying playing live, I’m really enjoying the experience and at the moment we still haven’t nailed what is essentially Exit International. It sounds like a weird term but we haven’t quite hit that nail on the
head yet and we’re just enjoying exploring. We have a great time together and we get on ridiculously well, so it’s good times. Is it easy writing songs together then? Scott: We don’t go looking for the songs, the songs come to us. Fudge: For example last practice we got into rehearsal and played a song that none of us had ever heard from start to finish, job done. Scott: It is basically we set up and the sound check is basically somebody plays something and then we all just fold around it. The other day we reached a point where we started playing, we played a complete song like as if it was fucking puppetry, there was no singing, it came to a natural chorus, it came to a natural verse, it went to a breakdown, we did something a bit silly, we carried on, we fucking ended all together and then we just laughed for about five minutes how fucking ridiculous it is to write a song. It’s fucking easy as long as your with the right people. Any inspiration that helps you along? Scott: I suppose it’s anti inspiration. Adam: Thinspiration. Scott: Thinspiration, keep it thin, like a child’s dick, less is more and in terms of us having two bassists and a drummer and is stripped back, that sounds like it could be the band’s maximum anyway, but it is a case of just fucking keep it real. Adam: And in terms of musical influences we are all just fucking a million miles apart. We sort of meet half way on some stuff, like cross over, but other than that... Scott: ...but if we were to draw the diagram it’d be mental. If you have a piece of A3 paper and you had all these bands it wouldn’t be like a family tree it’d be like a family fucking stingy bramble bush. Fudge: I think in terms of inspiration for us is we’re kind of limited by the instrumentation that we’ve chosen and it’s kind of us trying to find out how much basically those 3 instruments can do, 2 instruments actually, seeing how
far you can push it, we get inspiration from seeing what we can do with that. We inspire ourselves in that way. Scott: It is, it’s the only way we can actually, we do end up writing because we’re stuck with what we’ve got and the thing with two bassists is if me and Fudge played the same thing it would be Death From Above 1979 but it is then just us pushing ourselves apart from each other and that’s where we find our sound just by trying to be polar opposites but again on a very fucking limited scale but that’s perhaps how it works. . Where do you see yourselves in 2 years? Scott: Hopefully, if people keep getting stupider then we could be fucking massive simply on a premise that if less is more... Fudge: And more is more... Scott: ...basically could end up where it could go back to year zero where it was and music is very just straight. We haven’t even reached the part where we are happy with our sound and things. Fudge: We are happy but there is just a way to go. Scott: We haven’t reached our... Fudge: ...Maximum velocity. Scott: I don’t think we will, I think we’ll be continuously going until our van hits a spot of black ice and we get wiped out. Adam: And in terms of the earlier question about the album we’re writing towards... Scott: ...we were, we might as well go into it, we were, we did write an album, today we were supposed to be on a plane, now we were supposed to be on a plane to fucking Chicago to record our album, but if we had reached that point where we knew there was a month left and we had to go, we would have struggled to write an album that we would have been happy with and at the end of the day first...
SOUNDSCAPE MAGAZINE 21
impressions count. So I think I’m just really glad that we’ve taken our time. There is no rush at the end of the day because we are still nobodies, no one’s really heard of us, really I think it’s up to us and up to the general public and if we can reach someone who thinks that we’re any good and stupid-slash-genious enough to put loads of money into us, we’re on the ball - we’d do it. Are there any dream bands you’d love to tour with? Adam: Fucking loads. Scott: Muse perhaps - not just cos I’m a fan but I know they are such massive fans of ‘Lightning Bolt’, so it’s not too insane to see us opening for them, it sounds ridiculous but Muse covered ‘Dracula Mountain’ at Wembley Arena and if they are willing to do that on a huge show then they probably could think ‘aw well, 3 boys from a fucking shitty little town doing something a bit mad like where we were a couple of years ago...’ but then again anyone who would take us on tour, but then on their heads be it if they put us on before them they are gonna get fucked up the arse royally by two bassists and south Wales’s Dave Grohl on drums. You’ve definitely been around the Welsh scene for some years and it definitely feels to of had it’s up’s and down’s, how would you rate it at the moment, for bands in general to get gigs and to rely on self promotion? Scott: There’s an awful lot of reliance on the internet. Fudge: I hear that’s going to be big. Scott: The internet? Fudge: Yep we should get on it. Scott: I’ve heard things about it. Someone asked me the other day what the fuck is the internet and I didn’t know how to explain it, I heard it was a box. Fudge: I think we’ve gotta get on it, I think it’s like a book. Either a book or a box, like a directory or something. Adam: Like a tele or something... an encyclopaedia. SSM: ...how would you rate the Welsh scene?
Fudge: There isn’t one is there? Scott: We’re not really apart of it, it’s hard to comment on it... SSM: For example someone said it used to be mate’s putting on mate’s... Scott: It was and it seems to of lost it’s fun, it’s got a bit serious but we’re finding reliance’s in bands, once again we’ve come from other bands and have formed this new allegiance band, a sort of old school troop of new bands like Science Bastard who’ve been there, done it before, formed something new, are fucking shit hot, moving forward. Adam: I think it’s those two sub divisions there’s ‘the scene’, where it’s all the cool kids who go see all their favourite bands and there’s then like the actual people who like music and go out to see good bands. Fudge: Yeah and that’s who we want to be. Are you planning on any UK tours this year? Scott: We’re looking to get a UK tour under our belt by the end of the year - shitholes / toilets / student houses it really doesn’t matter. I think we’d like to stretch our legs beyond the comfort of Cardiff, so If anyone out there wants to book us - get in touch! We are actively looking, actively searching for the right people to help us with it. Fudge: We’d gratefully accept any donations... food, money, fags... Lastly, Celebrity Death Match style, Michael Jackson vs Uri Gellar? Adam: You’ve opened up a can of worms now. Scott: I’m not being funny but I’d happily fuck, right the most aids ridden, herpes ridden scabby slut on the planet and fucking hunt Uri Gellar down and bum him to death as in I’d fuck him for the whole hibernation period of aids even if it took 2 to 3 years. I would work it out and make sure that c**t pays for being the biggest cock on the planet and I hope to fuck if this is on the internet it gets picked up on google search.
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http://www.myspace.com/exitinternationalmusic
Strangest gig you’ve ever played? The Point, early 2008 we were playing this Promo Cymru gig with support from a bluegrass band and a female rapper! The audience had an average age of 60 we just did not fit in at all! If you won the lottery what’s the first thing you’d do with it? Buy a frecking huge tour bus! If you could choose to have one magical super power what would it be? Invisibility. What do you want on your gravestone? “How much of this will you read until you realise I’m not dead yet!” If you could play another instrument what would it be? The cello. Johnny Depp or Christian Bale? Depp all the way! What was the last album you bought? I’ve just Pre-Ordered Set Your Goals new album!! If you were god for the day...? I’d make learning an instrument the Law! I think everyone should at least have a go. Which would you rather be... a Pirate, Ninja, Ghost or Vampire? I’d like to be a Ghostly, Vampire Ninja-Pirate. What’s the best and worst part about being in a band? Best: Being on stage, there’s nothing better, not even sex! Worse: Having to look at Smit and Spoons ugly faces day In, day out. http://www.myspace.com/nothingnewuk SOUNDSCAPE MAGAZINE 23
Athena (formerly known as Bringers of Pestilence) have been around the Cardiff scene for a while, playing some pretty incredible metal music at the average age of 16. With an exclusive sneak listen at their new music included, Ed Townend from Soundscape caught up with them at a gig in Cardiff Barfly where they played a small four-song set, debuting forthcoming new songs of the EP before the name change. What does the name Bringers of Pestilence mean, where did it come from? Dan: Bringers of like, black plague. Max: Supposedly brought by some Greek gods. Rhys: We don’t know… How has it affected your music and image? Dan: It hasn’t really. Alex: It’s been brutal. (laughs) Tim: From day one. Max: We try to be as brutal as possible, I don’t know, maybe not so much the image but the music. How did you meet and why did you form? Dan: Three of us met in school, then we lost our drummer and Rhys went on to drum. I knew Al from outside school, skating. Max: And then we found Tim through MySpace. What messages come through in your music, what are your songs about? Alex: Death and destruction! Dan: Pretty much! Alex: We haven’t really got like conceptual songs... [From off camera “subliminal messages”] Alex: Yeah, all about them. Max: Corpses and zombies… SSM: No love songs then? All: No… Dan: There will be soon! Tim: We’re working on a ballad.
Alex: We’ll be like ‘Bringers of Flowers’. Tim: ‘Bringers of Love’. Who writes what and how? Dan: Everyone kind of has their own input really. Tim: It’s an interesting writing process, everyone has a good input. Max: It’s usually in band practice. Dan: Eventually everything comes together… What music inspires you, live? Alex: Deathcore! Brutal deathcore! Dan: [high pitched] Whitechapel! Alex: Yeah, Whitechapel! Max: Suicide Silence. And during writing? Max: Anything, literally anything. Tim: Unless it sounds really ghey. Max: Yeah, maybe not pop… like anything metal, heavy… Tim: We work with lots of different stuff. Max: Maybe not so much in singing but… Dan: ...we’ve got shouting in some of our new stuff. Alex: New elements of vocals… Max: Hardcore bits, stuff like that. What else inspires you to write music, play live? Max: Sex, drugs, rock n roll. Tim: The works. Alex: The hoes… How has your music changed since you started? Max: A lot heavier, more hardcore. Dan: A couple of years ago, it was just all over the place. Same three chords. [Off camera “pussies”] Yeah! Exactly what he said, like pussies. Max: We were like what, 13, 14? It’s got better… How would you describe your music? Tim: Brutal!
Alex: Fucking brutal! Yeah! Dan: Are we allowed to swear? SSM: Yeah, don’t worry! Tim: Fucking brutal! And your live shows? Alex: The same… Max: We get everyone going, get the crowd going. Dan: Hospital! Alex: That’s the word that springs to mind. What excites you more? Creating new songs, recording or playing stuff live? All: Live. Max: Only when you get a good reaction though. Dan: We’re not so much a studio band. Alex: Nah, we just chill out. What are your best and worst live experiences? Rhys: Cwm park. Max: That was our worst. Rhys: Not one person in the crowd. [The rest of the band deny this.] Rhys: Well, there were bands… Dan: I was there counting, one, two, three, four… Max: It was literally like a practice on a stage, but we were only put on the show two days before. Your best one? Max: Hallowe’en. Rhys: Barfly with Go-X. [Someone off camera makes a derogatory comment.] Rhys: No not with them! Dan: Lamest band ever! Alex: We sound brilliant in the background. What other bands have you played with live? Rhys: Brutality Will Prevail, Monday Massacre, The Kept, hundreds… Dan: Through Solace. Max: Mainly local acts. Alex: Warpath. Dan: Oh yeahhh!
www.myspace.com/bringersofpestilence
What do you enjoy most about being in a band? Max: Having a good bunch of mates you can chill with, writing music. Rhys: Spending lots of money on fucking everything… Max: It’s a bit of a connection. Alex: Getting to have sexual relationships with four other people, that’s gotta be my favourite one in the book. Max: Yeah, we kept that in the band What are the challenges of being in a band? Max: Money. Dan: Not being able to use our own equipment! Where do you see yourselves in a year? Max: Hopefully bigger Alex: ...19.
SSM: Specifics? Dan: I want to hit the road. Max: Our EP, we want it out as soon as possible but, until we get the money… What do you think of the Cardiff scene and new music in general? Max: Some’s good some’s bad. Dan: Crap… Tim: Good music is good music, doesn’t matter what scene it’s from. Dan: There’s not so much heavy stuff nowadays, there’s more lame music, not as much brutal stuff… Tim: It’s what sells. Rhys: Even us! Do you think metal music gets a bad press? All: Yeah! Tim: Under appreciated. Alex: We are the most picked on
genre, it must be said. Trev, roadie & friend speaks up: If you’ve got your sister’s jeans on and a side fringe then every fucker loves you. Rhys: And sticky up hair… Dan: Says you! All look at Rhys’ obvious haircut. Tim: It’s the music of the people, metal, it is... Max: It’s not everyone’s cup of tea though is it?
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The new music is a giant leap forward from their first sound, much more progressive and incorporating far more influences ranging from fantastic acoustic sections to perfected post-hardcore shouts. It will be posted soon on the band’s MySpace, and you can see them this month at Tair Pluen in Cardiff on the 14th. SOUNDSCAPE MAGAZINE 25
When we got the opportunity to interview part of the 5150’s we couldn’t resist. What’s better than a bunch of down to earth mature adults talking about fromage punk, sleeping with Tegan and Sara and being realistic! First off, who are you, where are you from and what would you class your selves as genre wise... Nat: We’re the 5150’s from Cardiff/Newport kind of area and we’re pop punky and cheesy and really uncomfortable when interviewed. Vicki: I wouldn’t say we were cheesy... Nat: We are cheesy. Vicki: I would say that our guitars are quite heavy and your cheesy... Nah I think we should be classed as pop metal. Nat: We should be classed as fromage punk, that’s good. Tell us how it started, when did the band first get together? Vicki: It’s quite complicated isn’t it Natalie... Nat: Yeah, It kind of started out at the end of two bands, cos there was a band in Newport called ‘No Association’ and ‘Never to Fall’ which was my old band and we all kind of gigged together and ended up having a practice together and then members left and stuff like that
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over the years and then Vicki joined, Toby joined and that was it that was the start of The 5150’s. Vicki: Toby is no longer in the 5150s. Nat: Neither is Owen or Barney, it’s just me and Vicki. SSM: None of the original ones? Vicki: None of the founders are left apart from Natalie. Nat: It’s just me... Vicki: I came in about six months after, we’ve been writing together for like 5 years. I was in school when I was in the band, I’m 20 now. Nat: Yeah about 5 years we’ve been together. Why the name ‘The 5150’s’? Nat: Because it’s track 3 on ‘Tsunami Bombs’ album, it’s an awesome song. Well The 5150 is a number in America you call for the loony bin and they just come along and pick you up and chuck you away. Vicki: I don’t think you call that number, it’s like what they put in their case files. Nat: No it’s the call number...
Have you ever felt you’ve been cast out for having female lead singers or that too many people these days relate anything female fronted to ‘Paramore’ and never give the other bands a chance? Nat: I think maybe years ago, It’s getting better now because there seems to be more female fronted bands that are around especially ones that want to come to Wales for some music. But like years and years ago there never used to be anything and most of the gigs we used to play they weren’t even pop punk gigs, just like metal gigs and big scary guys and growling and stuff like that and we would be put on the same bill as them and it was just a nightmare. I don’t think it was because we were female fronted I think it was just because we were not metal and that’s just the way it is but it seems like it’s kind of coming back a bit. SSM: Even with Paramore, where kids may go ‘oh they just sound like them? Nat: I don’t know, I think people listen us and think we don’t sound
like Paramore. SSM: What about all kinds of female fronted bands? Nat: I suppose, I am kind of guilty of that like sometimes when people ask what do your band sound like I say Paramore because... Vicki: ...because you can’t help but say it, because it’s the only one you can think of that you’ll know they know. Nat: Yeah that’s right, cos you can’t say like oh we sound like medicated kisses or like... SSM: Fromage? Nat: Fromage punk, people don’t get it, people don’t understand, they’re not like you Nadine, they don’t understand our fromage ways. You’ve just recorded your ‘All or Nothing’ EP, were there any struggles with the writing process or did it just flow? Nat: They’re all sort of demoed and written before we went into the studio but the main sort of arguments were just management related. Vicki: Basically what would happen is I’d write a song, demo it on my mac and I’ll send it to Nat and Nat will put lyrics to it and then we’ll learn it and teach it to the band, and then the band will make little changes and make it like the 5150s. Writing, obviously we don’t write together, if I write a song and Natalie doesn’t like it I just chuck it. Who did you record with in the end? Vicki: I think his name was Phil... Nat: Yeah, at One Louder Studios in Newport. Vicki: Nice guy, five stars from the 5150’s camp. Your also just off on a mini tour for your EP release, are there any ritual’s you have before gigs, or any funny tour stories you care to share? Nat: We don’t really have any rituals before gigs it’s just kind of like Vicki makes her way to the stage and goes ‘right we’re on’ and then we literally just follow, that’s usually what happens and when
everyone tunes, I feel just like a pleb being stood there doing nothing and it’ll pretty much be like that every single gig that we play. Vicki: Any fun tour stories... Nat: No, we don’t have any funny tour stories, especially none involving you in Nottingham. Vicki: Can’t tell that one, what happened in Nottingham stays in Nottingham. Oh my god though first rule of going on tour, take fucking toilet paper, honestly. We had to send out a barmaid to get us toilet paper. Nat: The old Angel in Nottingham, we’ll name and shame don’t you worry. We played there, went to the toilet and there was no toilet paper at all then had to go and ask a barmaid and she ended up coming back with two rolls of toilet roll and it was like the biggest inconvenience to her so take toilet roll and serviettes. Vicki: I stole the toilet roll then and put it in my bag ‘cos I was like two rolls of toilet roll, it’s gonna be gone in an hour, so I was like I’ll have that one. Where do you see yourselves in 5 years? Vicki: Somewhere good I hope. Nat: Hopefully playing bigger gigs. Vicki: Well we hear there’s an opening to for the king of pop so... Nat: I could so totally be the king of pop. Vicki: In five years time I want to be touring, I want to of reached my goal right, which is... I’m not ridiculous, I’m not like I want us to be selling out stadiums but I want us to be able to play a 300 capacity venue anywhere in the country and sell it out. I’m not being ridiculous about it like ‘if we’re not selling out Wembley in five years then I’m never playing guitar ever again’. Nat: I think being able to play really with decent bands... SSM: Are there any dream bands you’d love to tour with then? Vicki: Tegan and Sara! The majority of bands these days struggle to carry on or find the time to play with each other with work and education commitments, do you ever feel the same way?
Vicki: Yeah it can be, obviously when you’ve got 5 people who are juggling different things, like Natalie works full time, does open university, is in the band and she likes to go out and fish... Nat: Fish? Vicki: I dunno, I’m trying to think of things you might do in your spare time, I don’t do anything in my spare time and I work 10 hours a week so for me it’s no... Nat: For the members of the band who have a life yes it can be difficult, for Vicki it’s fine. Vicki: I used to have a life... I lost it all, I’ve had such a bad year. What do you think the scene needs to give it a kick up the arse back into life? Vicki: It needs for people to not be a waste of space. Nat: It needs some decent promoters that are dedicated to what they’re doing and that actually care about music than the profit. Vicki: I think promoters is the issue because there’s so many bands. Nat: They didn’t even bother years and years ago it used to be mates putting on gigs for the friends and stuff like that but I think a lot of the venues are getting quite greedy... SSM: Like Tj’s? Nat: Yes, exactly, that’s a prime example. We used to do loads of gigs in Tj’s years ago. Vicki: I think Le Pub is really good at the moment for gigs just because it’s cheap venue hire so you don’t necessarily have to be someone who promotes all the time. Lastly, Any advice you’d give to young bands starting out? Nat: Just be realistic. Vicki: Don’t expect anything over night ‘cos we’ve been together five years and we’re not sleeping with Tegan and Sara yet... Nat: When she says we she means I... Vicki: No I mean we, we all wanna do it...
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www.myspace.com/the5150s
“Don’t expect anything overnight cos we’ve been together five years and we’re not sleeping with Tegan and Sara yet...”
of that new raw edge they’ve managed to build up over the last couple of years. This electric mix manages to make Alexisonfire one of the most promising bands around and allows them to stand out from the crowd. (A.Sillitoe)
Top 3 Tracks of the album: Young Cardinals, No Rest, Emerald Street.
Alexisonfire (10/10) ‘Old Crows Young Cardinals’ Alexisonfire have been belting out their own unique brand of melodic punk since 2002. And with every album they’ve managed to improve by margins not seen by many other bands. And this album is no different. As much as I loved their last album Crisis, this truly is something else. The album opens with a corker of a track. The chorus is immensely catchy and a chanty sort. The lyrics, “We are not the kids we used to be… stop wishing for yesterday” repeated and making you really feel the meaning behind them. The other title track for this album is next and it’s a real punk tune, the drums pounding and the lyrics being spit out by singer, George. But in true trademark Alexisonfire style the chorus is melodic and harmonic as Dallas Green adds in his soft longing tones to the mix. These 2 title tracks are totally different but wholly sum up what Alexisonfire is and what they’ve managed to achieve on this album. In the past albums have had drive, but not much collection to them (excluding last album, Crisis), but Old Crows Young Cardinals places drums, harmonies, guitar riffs and punk at it’s best altogether in one amazingly written album.The album covers many topics ranging from modern day society and it’s culture boundaries and issues such as death. This album truly gets back to the bands roots without losing any
Billy Talent (8/10) ‘Billy Talent 3’ This album is a little different to Billy Talent’s previous outings. It’s not as totally upbeat and punk as previously, it seems the band have experimented at dipping their toes into a different genre or two. Tracks on the album have been said to sound like Metallica or Soundgarden respectively.
release. This is definitely one of the few anticipated summer releases and one thing you can definitely note on this album is the heavier produced guitars to that of ‘As Daylight Dies’. Although you cannot fault the menacing vocals of Howard Jones, they feel to becoming more and more melodic as times goes on but as Killswitch do and will probably continue to do for some time is manage to retain a powerful flow and contrast within their songs and continue to grow. It feels like there’s less of a ‘single’ to pick out of the pack as the album provides a variety sing alongs and ‘head bang’ opportunities but lack those classy solo’s that could really define a track, especially if you get to watch Adam Dutkiewicz perform it in his own quirky way. But track intros such as ‘Take Me Away’ make up for that as well as the brutal breakdowns of ‘I would do anything’. This album is definitely going to cause a stir between older and newer fans. (N.B)
It’s not a bad sound however for Billy Talent, despite it being a fair change to something very different. And it’s not the whole album, it’s just odd tracks they dabble on. If anything the third track on the album, ‘Saint Veronika’ would have trouble sounding like anything other than Billy Talent. This album still sticks to the band’s fortes and has a religion undertone to many of the tracks. Billy Talent are a band that have a singalong signature track for each album and this album is no different there either. Track 6, ‘Pocket of Dreams’ serves this need well. Even though it’s slightly different to previous Billy Talent albums, it’s still right up there in catchy tunes and it ticks all the right boxes. (A.Sillitoe)
Killswitch Engage (7/10) ‘Killswitch Engage’ Killswitch have lovingly again gone for a ‘self titled’ album name approach 9 years after their debut
Poison The Well (8/10) ‘The Tropic Riot’ This is the 5th studio album off these post hardcore boys. They are truly
deep into their musical career now, it’s definitely a landmark when you hit your 5th album and continue to keep a strongncult following as well as a defining sound. They keep up their post hardcore ingenuity through out the album. Although keeping them plastered into that genre is the typical scream then sing, scream then sing scenario but they make it work. The guitars definitely keep a heavy yet melodic approach, something I could imagine a bad ass cowboy listening to as he strolls through his town and from that a track that clearly stood out was Cinema, it just feels brutal to the bones and inlcudes everything a track needs... along with songs like Celebrate the Pyre and well, the whole album, it’s certainly one fans and people who’ve never listened to them before can easily get into and enjoy. (N.B)
Suicide Silence (9/10) ‘No Time To Bleed’ For those underground metal heads waiting for something destructive to come out and kick the scene up the ass into place here’s Suicide Silence’s new album for you. They make BMTH sound like easy listening. First track ‘Wake Up’ is an immense start for these lads and followed by fan favourite hit ‘Lifted’ you’re already thinking, what else can they really pull out of their hats? The answer is... a lot by the time you finish this record. The whole album just seems to fit into place and feels that tad more brutal than previous release ‘The Cleansing’ which by all means was a brutal album it self and clearly made them stand out from the rest of the pack back then.
Even the old school fans are going to enjoy this release as each track just has Suicide Silence’s hardcore essence plastered throughout, and after such an explosive performance at Download Festival this year, it’s time this band got the media they deserve. Recommended songs? ...all of them. Suicide Silence are truly bringing back the head bang in style! (N.B)
The Guns (10/10) ‘With the Guns’
song has it’s own flavour, boosted by the guitars, bass and drums backing up Alex’s unique vocal style, bringing everything together in an explosion of true old skool rock ‘n’ roll. A lot of tracks include group vocals and they send a tingle down your spine, the notes blurting out loud and proud, along with the lyrics. (A.Sillitoe) Top 3 Tracks of the album: You Can Eff Right Off, Gordons and Lemonade, Überwoman.
http://www.myspace.com/gunsmusic
This album has been a long time coming and frankly the wait is MORE than worth it. The Guns have their own unique sound, their own brand of dirty rock ‘n’ roll and there’s not really anybody else out there that comes close. It’s so different from anything else around at the moment that’s it’s a more than refreshing welcome to the ears of a journalist tired of the same cheap rubbish that keeps getting picked up by record labels these days. If it ain’t a breakaway pop number with some guy or girl whining through their nose, it ain’t good enough for them and frankly that’s just crap! Yes, The Guns have been offered record deals, but they haven’t taken them so I’m guessing they were all for the wrong reasons on the record companies part and boo to them! So this journalist recommends you get your butt to your computer, stop looking at Facebook or Twitter for 30 seconds (I’m just as bad) and get yourself over to iTunes. Type in The Guns and hit the purchase button. For £7.99 this album is worth every penny. Here let me explain why. The album opens with big drum fills album and soft melodic guitar, then a drum roll, hectic strumming and boom! This album begins. Alex Wiltshires gravelly tones drift out of the speakers with such precision and you feel your legs buckle beneath you. This is rock ‘n’ roll at it’s best, DIRTY! The group vocals and little guitar fillers between verse and chorus just emphasize the style. This is how The Guns roll and it’s followed on throughout the album. Every
Winchhouse (7/10) ‘The High Cost Of Low Living’ http://www.myspace.com/winchhouse Released September Via Altsounds
These west wales boys always seem to make a night of it when they come gigging down Cardiff/ Newport way so it’ll be interesting to see what they’ve put together for their September debut release of ‘The High Cost of Low Living’. Kicking off with “You’ll never get back in with the scene kids” you know this albums going to be a barrel of pop punk laughs, sometimes you need to take time out and listen to some off the wall fun tracks. The whole album has a high energetic feel and that they most likely had a bloody good time recording it as well. Even some well intertwined double kick and breakdown riffs are nicely slotted in. So lets put it simply, if you like pop, if you like punk, some bouncy rhythms, a clap along, lyrics to make you smile and the odd break downs, listen to these boys! For a first album it’s a compelling start. (N.B)
***** SOUNDSCAPE MAGAZINE 29
The Friday Night Boys ‘Off The Deep End’ (7/10)
www.myspace.com/thefridaynightboys
ALL TIME LOW (8/10) ‘Nothing Personal’ www.myspace.com/alltimelow
I had kind of written All Time Low off as just another American pop/punk band but with the new album (the bands third) I’ve had to majorly re-think that, this is a great record. Sure, it is just pop/punk but the songs here are class, well written, well played with clever lyrics and unlike a lot of similar bands they have a bit of crunch about them, I don’t like to compare bands to other bands in case it puts people off but think New Found Glory crossed with old Simple Plan. This has all the standard pop/punk parts, Gang vocals, frantic drumming but used really, really well. The songs are very catchy with great hooks and cracking choruses, just listen to first single ‘Weightless’ and ‘Break Your Little Heart’, When the band slow it down a little on ‘Therapy’ it sounds great, this is a top track, with a thoughtful lyric. Produc tion-wise the album sounds great, the band used a handful of different producers most notably US legend Butch Walker (Fall Out Boy, The Academy Is... among many others) which leads to slightly different feels for the songs. This a well rounded record with happy, bouncy songs, serious songs and a couple of slow ones. I didn’t think I would like it as much as I do, it’s nice to be surprised by a record, I hope you are too.
If you are a fan of breezy, bouncy punk/pop with good riffs and catchy tunes this is for you. This debut album by Virginia’s The Friday Night Boys Is a collection of good-time, party tunes, full of lyrics about girls, high school, young love and heartbreak etc, It’s nothing ground breaking but they do it very well and you can tell they enjoy it, they stand out a bit due to some of the tracks having a slight electro rock feel. Stand out tracks include ‘stuttering’ (first single and video) and “suicide sunday” but every song is good with ‘hollow’ being another favourite. Overall a good record for fans of feel good music with sing-along choruses and quality tunes.
This album was a long time in coming, the original release date was August 25, 2008 but the band split with Epic records, this has now been released on the bands own Rubix Records label and contains the singles ‘Woodchuck’,’Made up stories’ ‘She left me’ (a Personal fave) and latest effort ‘Drive to the city’ the latter being quite a weak song, a very rave/dance type affair, although it does a good vocal melody, the early singles are all great tracks, well written with good lyrics and sing-a-long choruses. There are also a couple of stand out tracks in the form of live favourites ‘Brake! Brake!’ and ‘So Quiet you were’ and slow number ‘This Isnt Holywood’ a great song with a good lyric. The bands use of synthesizers and keyboards gives them a bit of an edge and makes their sound their own. Overall a good solid record from this british band although Im not so sure about the cover art!
The Material (8.5/10) ‘To Weather The Storm EP’ www.myspace.com/thematerial
GO:AUDIO (7.5/10) ‘Made Up Stories’
http://www.myspace.com/goaudioband
The Material are a 5 piece modern rock band from San Diego, California, this is the bands second EP, a follow up to last years debut, the excellent “Tomorrow” EP which included fan favourites “The Long Way Home” and “Moving To Seattle” which is featured on the game Rock Band.
Most female fronted rock bands these days are lazily compared to Paramore but The Material are a little edgier and darker sounding. This 3 track EP kicks off with “Unforgivable” a great track with an excellent chorus and a clever and thought provoking lyric. Second track “Before The Ship Goes Down” can be called epic, with a couple of time changes and a sweeping chorus. Final track “Give It All Back” is another great song, catchy as hell with an awesome vocal from singer Colleen D’Agostino. This production is crystal clear (It is self produced) highlighting the great musicianship throughout. The Material are definitely a band to watch and I’m really looking forward to the bands album due out later this year.
ally good job of it, it’s a fun listen, with a cool video too! ASL make good use of having two vocalists, aggressive vocals (Joe Brown) and a clean singer (Guitarist Dan Arnold) , I know this has been done a lot but ASL do it with style and confidence, with great choruses and crunching riffs, try “underwater knife fight” or “mourning would come” for good examples of this interplay, the song writing is good too, catchy and melodic yet losing none of the aggression of the music. This is a solid record, full of good tunes, dark lyrics and great musicianship.
The Audition (8/10) ‘Self-Titled Album’
www.myspace.com/theauditiontheau
A Static Lullaby (7.5/10) ‘Rattlesnake’ www.myspace.com/astaticlullaby
I saw A Static Lullaby supporting Funeral for a Friend a few years back and remember being quite impressed but I never got round to picking up any of the albums so when I saw they had a new record out I thought I’d check it out and I was glad I did. First thing I heard was the cover of “toxic”, I’m not usually a fan of those type of cover versions (with the exception of Lorene Drive’s cover of “Hey ya”) but they do re-
I’d never heard anything by The Audition before (they have released 2 albums prior to this one) but there was quite a buzz around this before it’s release and quite rightly so because this is a great record. Its a collection of well played, well written and great sounding commercial Rock songs, the production is spot on, each instrument sounding flawless and Danny Stevens amazing vocals sounding crystal clear. From opening rocker “The Running man” through my personal favourite track “My Temperature’s Rising” (this song will stick in your head, big time) to slow paced tune “Its gonna be hard (when you’re gone)”, every song on this
record is top notch, no filler what soever, sure its Rock/Pop but its not sickly sweet, these are great songs with catchy choruses and intelligent lyrics, the sound of an experienced band who can pen great tunes. I fully recommend this album.
Mimi Soya (8/10)
‘The Four Penny Knee Trembler’
www.myspace.com/mimisoya
Mimi Soya are a female fronted pop/punk band from Brighton and this is the bands second EP and was released last year but has been recently re-released due to the band just finishing a tour supporting Cobra Starship. It has 4 tracks of great pop/punk rock goodness, all 4 are top notch, especially ‘Deathwish’ which makes good use of the male and female vocals of singer Hero (Yep, Just Hero) and guitarist Chris, and is a cracking song with a great chorus and melody and latest single ‘Don’t Forget To Breath!’ which comes complete with a great horror film inspired video. The production on the EP is fantastic and shows off the bands sound really well, especially guitarist Chris who definitely has some skills. This EP is well worth a purchase and if you get a chance go to see the band they’re definitely not to be missed. All Words: Paul Esp