contents 4- 9 70s Rock 101: The
22-23 wb Fucked Up @ Cl
10 -11 Format Wars!
24-25 iff Uni 3OH!3 @ Card
12 -13 : Question Time Magden Audio
26-31 re Skindred Featu iew Interview & Rev
14 -15 Live Reviews nder Brigade Weeke
32 -3 3 mend Make Do and interview 34 -3 5 : Question Time ecords Walnut Tree R
16 ean We are the oc Tall Ships
36 -3 7 w Paerto Intervie
17 n Charlie Simpso nday Taking Back Su
B y Ju st in
18 -19 ardiff Uni Glasvegas @ C 20 b Brother @ Clw
38 -41 iew Cardiac Interv 42 -4 5 iv a l CD reviewsPe rc
21 Clwb Versa Emerge @ Contributors A-Z an Crittenden, e, Alex Brady, Ry yn nt lla Ba e in ad N -Jane Roue, Hammond, Hanna ua sh Jo p, Es ul Pa Townend Anneka Sillitoe, Ed
Rock
101
The year is 1970
Words: Anneka Sillitoe
The 70s hit and the hippies were still going for a while. Arguing their point with opposition to the Vietnam War and nuclear weapons, bringing about world peace and hostility to authorities such as the government and big business. A recession hit most countries
due to an oil crisis. Right at the end of the decade the Conservatives and Thatcher got into power in the UK, but that’s more for the 80s. So much animosity and bad in the 70s, its surprising we got so much good music from it.
Aerosmith
The Ramones
Proved that changing record label could reboot
They started punk rock, but received only limited
your career. Also provided items, other than
success. A critic once wrote, “the band’s first four
clothes, being linked to the band as their
albums set the blueprint for punk (…) for the next
signature. Yes, I’m talking about Steve Tyler’s
two decades”. Took away long guitar solos and
cloth piece on his mic stand.
made music quirky again. One observer put it, “instantly nearly every band speeded up”. I’m
Album you should check out: ‘Toys in the Attic’ brought them mainstream success. It also contains the epitomise example of a catchy rock tune “Walk This Way”.which would go on to be one of the most popular collaborations ever. This version with Run-D.M.C can be checked out on their 1986 album, ‘Raising Hell’.
sure they meant to say ‘sped up’ though. Album you should check out: ‘Ramones’. If you know of the Ramones, you’ll know that their synonymous with the phrase, “hey ho, let’s go!” Well this album features ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’ which is the song that phrase originates from. This is also the album that bought punk and “speeded” everyone else up.
soundscape 05
----------------------------------------------------------------------Led Zeppelin
Alice cooper
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Led Zeppelin Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham and Jon Paul Jones are four household names. Their music was so diverse it’s influenced a range of rock genres and even some artists you wouldn’t think of; out of that including Madonna, Shakira and Katie Melua. Jimmy Page was even seen playing his guitar with a violin bow... that is showmanship right there! Album you should check out: Led Zeppelin IV. It contains ‘Stairway to Heaven’, one of their biggest hits. It’s has an acoustic start before going into a belter of an electric track. It’s influenced tons of songwriters to write in this style, including ‘Free Bird’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd, ‘Hotel California’ by The Eagles, ‘Dream Deceiver’ by Judas Priest and ‘Gunslinger’ by Avenged Sevenfold.
Alice Cooper He had incredibly daring stage shows and brought horror movies into music that was designed to shock it’s audience, such as guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood and snakes. He also experimented in new genres and gave bands more freedom to follow this idea.
Album you should check out: School’s Out. It may be one of the most annoying songs I’ve ever heard, but it’s the anthem of school leaver’s every year since it’s release (and that’s a lot of years).
Black Sabbath Who hasn’t heard of Ozzy Osbourne? This was where it all started for him and the great Tony Iommi. This band has not only been an influence to other musicians, but on other forms of media. Album you should check out: Paranoid. A range of the songs contained on this album are still used in popular culture today. They’ve been in a host of video games, most notably the ‘Guitar Hero’ series. They’ve also been in a lot of films. ‘Iron Man’ being both the title of the song and the comic book movie. Both independently are awesome, together they are astonishing.
Queen If you haven’t heard of or don’t know these are you’ve been living in a cave surely? One of the most influential bands ever. Not only a collection of amazing musicians, but some of the best
----------------------------------------------------------------------David Bowie
The Stooges
----------------------------------------------------------------------songwriters ever. Brian May is so good at guitar the Queen let him play on top of Buckingham Palace. Freddie Mercury is another musician gone before his time, but he was the best front man to have ever lived. Such a show man, such a martyr at what he did. Every single album they released right up to Freddie’s death was nothing short of perfect (including the tracks recorded whilst he was very ill). Album you should check out: A Night at the Opera. Each album is amazing, but this one has ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on it. Also a rocking version of our own national anthem in just guitar playing glory ends this album. Best version of our anthem ever.
David Bowie Right at the end of the swinging 60’s David Bowie appeared in the limelight and public eye with his song “Space Oddity”. People were hooked onto Bowie’s music from then on and he became a major icon of the 70’s. And it was in 1972 that he launched his Ziggy and the Spiders tour as Ziggy Stardust. Glam Rock had hit and it was big! (It would make a few revivals here and then in later life, but this was it’s beginnings).
Album you should check out: Aladdin Sane (I could’ve picked ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’, but my favourite ever David Bowie song is on ‘Aladdin Sane’ and that song my friends is ‘The Jean Genie’. Fans of hit TV show ‘Life on Mars’ should be incredibly familiar with this song, but if you’ve not heard this or much other Bowie stuff, it’s a brill place to start, cause you will simply be hooked!)
The Stooges They got off to a very late start in the 60’s, but by the 70’s they did well in Britain thanks to David Bowie under the name Iggy and the Stooges. They started true punk rock in the 70’s and it was the erratic and hectic live shows that they were known for that would inspire generations to come. And it was during these stage shows that Iggy Pop invented the stage dive. Long may it live on! Album you should check out: Raw Power. It was controversially mixed by David Bowie in 1973 and Iggy Pop remixed and rereleased it himself in 1997, but it’s the album that started true punk and made the Stooges deserve to be on this list. This is the beginnings of punk and should not be missed for any punk rock fans!
Sex Pistols
Blondie
The god’s of non-conformity. Disappointed with Britain in the 70’s, they took on the challenge of fighting back in their own way. I wonder if they were younger what they’d think of Britain today.
An amazing band and fronted by an amazing woman. One of my heroes, Debbie Harry. A band that were right in there with punk in the early 70’s, managed to keep themselves around a lot longer by adapting their sound into the more disco sound. Never afraid to try their hand at something new, Blondie have been an influence of female musicians because Debbie was an incredibly strong and powerful front woman.
Album you should check out: Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. Technically their only ever studio album. But a fantastic release that shaped punk rock forever. There’s not been an album like it til it’s release and not an album like it since.
The police
Album you should check out: Parallel Lines. Hit after hit on this album. At least half of this album would be classed as Blondie greatest hits. A brilliant start for anyone looking for something with a woman who can sing!
One of the first white big bands to openly include reggae influence in their music, which was and probably still is a predominantly black style of music. The Police also paved the way for one of Britain’s biggest solo artists, Sting. Album you should check out: Reggatta de Blanc. This is the album that made them big. Also contained the huge hit ‘Message in a Bottle’.
Pink Floyd One of the big prog-rock bands. Took songs to the extremes. Either REALLY long, or REALLY short, but always put together to form a huge tale of a bigger story. They have been influencing progrock ever since. Album you should check out: The Wall. This one makes it into the 70’s by about a month. But it started band’s really looking
----------------------------------------------------------------------Sex Pistols
Blondie
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at music as something more than just a moment in their lives. This album was a rock opera, a tale of a man called Pink whose life had frankly been a bit shit! This album was turned into a feature film and theatrical effects accompanied it’s performances.
Misfits The god’s of horror-punk. Bringing horror movies and punk rock colliding together. Simple riffs, catchy tunes and songs about some of my favourite topics, including Halloween (also my favourite holiday!). What more could you ask for from a band?
There’s been so many collections with unreleased tracks and b-sides that it was really difficult what to pick. But start here and simply follow on, you can’t go wrong.
T. Rex They were a huge Glam Rock band in their day, a music scene that has influenced tons of genres since. They were so big they experienced their own version of Beatlemania which was called ‘T.Rexasy’. Album you should check out: Electric Warrior. Contains ‘Get It On’, one of the best songs to ever surface from Glam Rock.
Album you should check out: Walk Among Us. One of their original albums.
----------------------------------------------------------------------t. Rex
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Format wars ------------------------------------
In March this year, Mercury Records decided the way to go with music was downloads and so they are now limiting sales of physical formats for special releases and when there is significant demand for them. This has once again raised the now ageing question of where the music industry is going in the battle between physical and digital and what the future may hold for both. If anything, this debate is a simply a continuation of the format wars and was somewhat inevitable. First there was vinyl, those large, fragile discs which many still treasure. Then tape came along, which was a bit short lived and it wasn’t long before CDs emerged as the next big thing in music storage. Along the way there have been arguments for and against every format: vinyl had a nostalgic beauty to it and an added atmosphere to the sound created through the imperfect method of creation; tapes were smaller and less fragile than vinyl though they snagged in the player and didn’t take kindly to strong
magnetic fields; CDs were stronger, could hold more information and didn’t have to be turned over for the rest of an album like its predecessors. Now we are faced with digital which itself brings positive and negative considerations. It lacks a physical format so it doesn’t take up space at home, downloads tend to be cheaper, you can have instant access to them rather than having to wait for delivery or go out and buy the physical version and even if you do buy the CD release, it’s probably going to end up on your computer or mp3 device in digital format anyway; but every silver lining has it’s cloud. If your computer crashes or you lose some downloads they can be tricky to legally reacquire whereas a CD can be popped back into the computer and re-imported. Not everyone owns a computer or has access to the internet, downloads lack the artwork which comes with a physical release and then there’s the digital rights management arguments not to mention the pride of having a collection people can see, explore and reminisce over which you can’t really do with the digital version as a list of items in a media player. We also forget that this debate goes beyond our personal preferences and the industry which creates the music. Stores like HMV are based
-- -----------------------------------------------------------------------around the selling of physical products and HMV has been since the 1920s. An immense section of the retail market would collapse if all record labels went the way of the download, an incredible shift from simply changing what format you sold in store to having to cope with everyone sitting in a comfy chair at home waiting a minute or so for the download to complete yet that seems to be the way people are going. 2010 saw £316m being spent on download music with a 30.6% increase in digital album sales but a 7% decrease in physical sales, the sixth year in a row where physical sales have taken a hit. This may spell the end of the CD as the dominant platform, but not necessarily its extinction. When the CD came along, it provided a unique opportunity for vinyl, tape having been relegated to the glove compartment and floor of people’s cars, patiently waiting for the CD stereo to go on sale. Vinyl found itself being used for special releases and the preferred platform for many DJ’s as it gave them greater control over the playing and mixing of a record. If downloads continue
their unforgiving take over, perhaps CDs will go the way Mercury has defaulted to and only be released for special editions. CDs then could become the symbol of something special, with content your average download could not hope to offer allowing the CD to become a signifier of the elite members of a fan base, those who own everything an artist has released and have the money to indulge their obsession. It would be a tragedy if downloads were to stab CDs through the proverbial heart, especially as owning a CD means you don’t have to back up your digital collection to disc every so often which is time consuming and kind of defeats the point of the download. Perhaps those who champion the physical format are simply those who have grown up with it and cling on to the old ways, or are fed up of having to re-buy albums and stereo systems to play this new flanged witchcraft, whatever the case, this is just another round in the battle for progression.
Words: Alex Brady
soundscape 11
QMagden uestion time
Audio
are a cracking four piece alt rock band from South Wales who’ve played shows with The Guns, Failsafe, Straight Lines and Tiger Please amongst others. The bands EP is 5 smashing tracks, check out ‘Friday Streetwise’ which is a stormer. We caught up with the band for a quick chat.
soundscape 12
How did you get started?
Favourite film and why?
Drummer Adam, singer Jeremy, and guitarist kyle played an acoustic covers show in a pub one christmas for a laugh and loved it. We called in Bassist Leon and Magden Audio was formed.
Leon likes Shawshank Redemption because Morgan Freeman’s got an awesome voice. But between us the list of films would be endless. It’s impossible to pick a favourite. Law Abiding Citizen, Snatch, Fight Club, Forgetting Sarah Marshall - All great films. Best experience in the business?
What have you got going on at the moment? Recently released a self titled EP available for Download on iTunes Amazon Spotify etc, and also will have hard copies you can get at shows. We’ve also just filmed a pretty cool video with Huw Caddy. We are hoping to tour with new material from an upcoming EP in the summer so fingers crossed. Favourite music and why? Biffy Clyro, The Used, Foo Fighters, Taking Back Sunday, YouMeAtSix, Twin Atlantic, KIGH, these sorts of bands have so much energy when they play. Thats what we try and do with our music. We do all have lots of different influences and musical tastes. Kyle and Leon grew up with much more heavy metal tastes than Adam and Jeremy. Favourite book and why? Not the biggest of readers but Leon read Catch 22. Found it a bit difficult first time round but actually got it second time round. Jeremy is a big fan of picture books!
Getting played on BBC Introducing on Radio 1 by Bethan Elfyn, even though it was at 1 in the morning. And playing with The Xcerts and Failsafe They are awesome guys and seriously good bands! Tell our readers an interesting fact about the band? Kyle was the main informant behind the sexed up dossiers that started the Iraq War. Adam was the milkybar kid from 1993-1996. Leon is the main understudy for Roxy in the west end version of Chicago. Jeremy can be seen cleaning a window in a scene in Gladiator. Best thing about coming from Wales? The scene is intense here! People are ready to support you but can be brutally honest in the best way, which is a good thing really. It’s also a really strong music scene which in
the past few years has started to cast the shackles of being a hot bed for just emo pop-rock bands.You’ve got local legends such as Stereophonics, Manics, then more recently there’s FFAF, Lostprophets etc, but there’s bands such as Cuba Cuba, Straight Lines, Tiger Please and Town who are coming through and showing that South Wales is not a one trick pony. It’s a really good place to be for music right now. Who are your role models/ idols? As a band we look up to all the great hook writers out there! Obviously Dave Grohl is a massive role model to everyone in the business! Hardest thing about the current business? Its so saturated around here so it’s really hard to get noticed and taken serious. So far everything we have done we have done on our own, out of our own pockets without any help and it’s tough!
Check the band out on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ magdenaudio
Words: Paul Esp
Brigade Weekender The Hope & Anchor, London 8th April - 10th April
Night one kicks off in
Night two kicked with just
Night three again is a
spectacular style with a room
as much enthusiasm. The set
kickstart onto a real journey.
full of the most hardcore
was flawless if you ignore the
But the most anyone here has
Brigade fans. They’ve been
unfortunate moment where
heard of this is demos, so it’s
rocking to this band since
instruments fail and that tonight
gonna be a real rollercoaster
day 1 and we soon learn it
was the bass guitar. Nothing
of a ride. Again we hit bass
cause every forgotten lyrics
to be done but stop the set and
failure on the third song and
by the band is covered by
fix the equipment. So Will takes
nobody cam believe it. But
the crowd and that’s how it
the moment to thank the bands
it’s fixed quick tonight and we
should be, band and crowd
manager and someone shouts
carry on.
as one. Protecting each others
drum solo. We get one and a
honour til the end. I mean
bit of instrumental rocking to
The new songs are lively,
you’d forget a lyric or 2 after
follow. Good way to fill a gap,
they’re a bold statement and
writing 40 plus songs to play
take note bands!
frankly British rock hasn’t felt
in just 3 nights. No doubles, no
this alive in years. And for
crossovers, a truly unique set
They return to the set once
good measure the guys end the
every one of the 3 nights.
the bass is back online and
night with the EP release from
continue through their amazing
April. A quality weekend and
The album from start to finish
second album. It’s melodic,
a fantastic premise to play an
was as amazing live as it was
it’s brutal and it’s every thing
album a night.
to hear on record and as a
a good rock album should be.
bonus to these dedicated fans,
And again they ended with
Will cracked out the acoustic
some rare b-side treats. Bring
guitar and the band played
on the final night!
some b sides to say thanks. Truly unforgettable.
Words & Photo: Anneka Sillitoe
10/10
soundscape 15
We Are The Ocean Millennium Music Hall, Cardiff 27th April
The UK’s most promising post-
silhouette of Dan Brown scratches
harmonious rock which fluctuate
hardcore band We Are The
the opaque atmosphere with his
the pace slickly and churn up the
Ocean released their new album
rasping screams, whilst Liam
mosh pit. These boys possess an
‘Go Now and Live’ this April and
Cromby gains credit for his
enchantment and particular style
treated their swooning fans to a
oil thick howling. Despite the
of delivery that sounds just as pure
headline tour. Live at Millennium
variation throughout their albums
and naturally talented as it does
Music Hall in Cardiff, through
their gig bounces between a
on record.
strobe lighting and smoke, the
medley of discordant screamo to
Words: Hannah-Jane Roue
Tall ships Buffalo Bar, Cardiff 19th May
Tall Ships are a three piece band
geographical terminology, it has
A very promising start to the set so
originally from Falmouth who
that ‘math-rock’ feel to it. About
far and as the Tokyo Police Club-
are now based in Brighton and
half way through the song, when
like synths of next track ‘Books’
tonight they are playing in a
the track breaks down into a
kick in, it looks like this is going
brilliantly small venue in the centre
drum and guitar layered wall of
to continue. However as the synth
of Cardiff. After releasing two
sound, it possesses some real
opening comes to an end, bass
relatively successful EPs over the
quality that starts to wake the
player Matt Parker seems to be
last couple of months, it was going
crowd up. A lovely guitar riff
having a few problems and the
to be interesting to hear these
opens the next song ‘Chemistry’,
song never really gets going
songs performed live.
and as the pulsing bass and tight
due to this.
drums accompany the guitar; the Tonight the trio kick off with
track has a feel of a casual jam
Although the band continue to be
‘Plate Tectonics’, an absolute
about it. This all changes as the
apologetic, the majority of the set
barnstormer of an opener, the
tempo takes a nosedive with soft
was very promising and despite
mixture of driving guitar riffs and
keys and the repetitive “There is
the difficulties they faced, no one
to-the-point beats are brilliantly
nothing but chemistry here” lyric
at the gig should be put off as the
crafted and with the vocals of
driving the middle part of the song
potential is clear to see.
Ric Phethean telling the story of
before reverting back to that lovely
young love through the use of
guitar riff to finish.
Words: Ryan Crittenden
Taking back sunday The Roundhouse, London 20th May
We all guess how soon in before
new album tracks. But their setlist
lost in their lack of volume. Timing
Adam swings his mic or does the
seems to rather lack the last album
was slightly off a few times too,
Mick Jagger rooster strut. We don’t
and I feel a bit sad that cause the
but we’ll let them off that, I mean
have to wait long as first song is
old line up is back that they seem
it’s 8 years since they last played
‘cute without the e’ and he starts
to somewhat ignore the newer
together, there will be some
almost immediately with both. The
line up stuff. I understand not
teething issues, but sadly for me,
new single hits third song in and
completely, but there’s some real
this gig just didn’t have that wow
it’s a bit weak on first listen
corkers on the last album that felt
factor that Taking Back Sunday
to the older tracks, but I’m told it’s
left out from the set.
have always bought with them whenever I’ve seen them. And
a grower. The sound tonight is all over the
whatever the reason, I hope that
They mix up the set quite well,
place and it’s a bit disappointing
they prove me wrong next time
playing the very old to the quite
that the band try so hard and
they’re back and it’s all right back
new, even adding a few brand
often the backing vocals are just
there. 6/10 Words: Anneka Sillitoe
Charlie Simpson The Tabernacle, London 10th May Plus: The Xcerts
The Xcerts take to the stage in
It would take a lot for anyone to
truly beautiful and this is one of
a modest fashion, as you’d expect
follow that but Charlie Simpson
those very rare moments that just
at an acoustic show. There’s no
and his band take to the stage and
won’t happen again.
flashy lights tonight, it’s just mellow.
it seems no trouble. He plays some familiar tracks tonight, opening
This show was a very special
The singer jokes back and forth
with ‘Thorns’. But the audience is
moment for Charlie and he leaves
with the crowd and it feels really
treated to new tracks from his yet
the stage looking thoroughly
relaxed. His voice is so powerful in
unreleased debut full length and it
chuffed. Well done! 7/10
songs. His voice carries even away
sounds really nice. He even played
from the mic and the room seems
a song that he only just wrote and
slightly amazed.
that nobody has heard yet. It was
Words: Anneka Sillitoe
soundscape 17
Words & Photo: Joshua Hammond
Words:
Glasvegas Cardiff University 4th May
In the wake of their second album
As the lights dim and the sounds of
The rapport between Glasvegas
release, Glasvegas’ stop in Cardiff
Scott Walker are muted, the crowd
and their crowd is impressive, James
is one of the first in a long tour
finally comes alive, swarming from
frequently allowing the crowd to sing
that will eventually span the length
the bar and seats to get the best view.
the chorus’ rather than himself and
and breadth of the UK and into the
As the low Pain Pain Never Again,
always joking around in between
depths of Europe. After disappointing
the intro to Glasvegas’ second album,
songs. James gives his beer to
reviews have plagued the band’s
starts the crowd are whipped into an
particularly enthusiastic members of
second album Glasvegas perform
almost hysterical state. As the band
the crowd and at one point regales
to prove their doubters wrong and
arrive on stage the audience breathe
everyone with tales of their previous
demonstrate the power of their music
a sigh of relief as the tension has
tour where apparently their last gig in
on stage.
broken and Glasvegas dive straight
Cardiff was the only one they played
into The World is Yours.
sober and it is later revealed that bassist Paul Donogue was sampling
Support band Thomas Tantrum come with a big reputation, with high
After the opening, the set flicks from
the finest legal highs recently acquired
profile fans ranging from Lily Allen
old fan favourites to newer material.
from the city centre.
to Huw Stephens. Tonight the croud
Aware that the band’s second album
are mercilessly unresponsive, the
has been less well received by fans
The band leave the stage with a
few watching the set appear to be
and critics alike, lead singer James
wealth of favourites unplayed and
just maintaining their good spots for
Allan tries to make light of the
the crowd demand an encore. When
when Glasvegas eventually take to
negative publicity warning before
Glasvegas return to the stage they
the stage. Despite the lack of crowd
new track Shine Like Stars “We’re
finally play their biggest successes.
participation Thomas Tantrum’s
about to play a few new songs now,
Flowers and Football Tops, S.A.D
showcase is rather good, lead singer
so now’s the time to go to the bar or
Light, Lots Sometimes and Daddy’s
Megan Thomas’ whimsical vocals
for a piss”. The crowd politely decline
Gone bring the house down in an
are a stark contrast to the rest of the
his offer and receive each song,
astonishing crescendo and as the
band’s more aggressive playing.
whether new or old, as though they’ve
band leave, the lead singer shakes
known it their whole lives. On CD, it
the hand of everyone (including this
tone and a good showcase of what
may appear as though Glasvegas’
reviewer) on the front row.
Thomas Tantrum can do giving us a
second album is not as good as the
little teaser to their album release later
first, it becomes apparent through the
this year. Though the set is good, the
set that these songs were designed
band seem keen to get off the stage.
to be played live, the band’s sound
New single ‘Sleep’ is a minor shift in : Ed Townend
on stage is massive which cannot be successfully conveyed on a recording.
soundscape 19
Brother Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff 17th May Plus: dog is dead
A respectable crowd has
throughout their half hour slot,
the majority of the songs, as
gathered on the top floor of
and aside from this, the upbeat
opposed to offering a valuable
Clwb Ifor Bach on a rather
indie melodies that provide the
contribution.
dim Tuesday night, and people
backdrop incorporate some
The final song of the night was
are here to see a band that
smart drumming and some
another popular track ‘Time
are being touted as another
good guitar and keyboard
Machine’, one of the more
one of those promising British
combinations.
widely known and popular songs they have released.
bands, who may well be the next best thing. Brother declare
As the venue is plunged
Now what is so striking about
on their website that they are
into darkness for about ten
this track is the huge guitar riff
a “Gritpop band from Slough”
minutes before Brother arrive
that has the feel of 70’s rock
now exactly what ‘Gritpop’
on stage, there is defiantly
classic about it, along with
entails will hopefully be
an air of excitement swirling
an enormously catchy beat, it
showcased in their set.
around the place. So when
kept the crowd dancing until
they arrive on stage and open
the very end. As the song
One of the support bands
with two unfamiliar songs that,
and set come to an end and
tonight are a five piece outfit
even though the majority of
the band leave the stage they
from Nottingham going by
the crowd have not heard,
certainly have about them the
the name, Dog is Dead. As
still have the people bopping
swagger of a band who sense
soon as they make themselves
along nicely to this bolshy
their time is coming. Simple
comfortable on stage, all
and brash ‘lad band’, the four
song structure, catchy lyrics
five members stand almost
piece from Slough are clearly
and beats air of cockiness are
motionless as they start with the
appealing to this largely male
all elements that will help this
opening number ‘Head in Your
dominated audience. Tonight,
band expand, and with the
Hands’ with a choirboy-like
Brother have become a six
release of their debut album,
harmony before they delve into
piece as they have called in
‘Famous First Words’, coming
what is a very promising set.
for reinforcements with a mate
ever closer, expect to hear a lot
The vocal harmonies that were
on keys/guitar and a female
more from the “Gritpop band
showcased at the top of the
backing singer, who acted as
from Slough”.
first song are a constant feature
more as an erotic dancer for
Words: Ryan Crittenden
Versa Emerge Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff 19th May Plus: Not Advised
Not Advised, I’m a huge fan of the band and they are always great live and tonight is no exception. Kicking off with ‘The Winner’; the crowd are fully on the bands side, singing the words back at singer, Jim. They play a couple of new tracks tonight; one called ‘All I Need’ which is a belter. Ending with the killer combo of ‘Right Now’ and ‘The Worlds Not Ready’, Not Advised proved they are one the best live bands in the UK at the moment. It has been 2 years since Versa Emerge have played Cardiff and the place is packed with eager fans and as soon as the lights go down, there is a massive roar! The band take to the stage and start with ‘Stranger’; a track from debut album ‘Fixed At
Zero’. For a such a small person (she must be about 5 foot) vocalist Sierra has a powerful voice and is not afraid to rock out, she is a great front woman and very compelling to watch and contrary to various reports from bitter ex-band members can definitely sing live; in fact her voice is spot on. They play a good mix of old tracks like ‘Whisperer’ and ‘Past Praying For’, in which guitarist, Blake really shines, along side new tracks like ‘You’ll Never Know’ and the excellent ‘Mind Reader’. During penultimate track ‘Fixed At Zero’ Sierra invites everyone up onto the stage and she doesn’t have to ask twice; it is crazy, the band continue and finish the song with about half the audience
on the stage, singing along, jumping and taking photos. For last song, ‘Clocks’, she gets the people on the stage to sit down while the band play the song and she sings it from the middle of all the bodies; absolutely brilliant. Once the show has finished the band stay onstage to sign autographs and take photos and give hugs to anyone that wanted them. I liked VersaEmerge before the show but they were brilliant and really blew me away, much better than I’d thought they’d be, if you can, check them out or pick up the album ‘Fixed At Zero. 9/10 Words: Paul Esp
soundscape 21
Fucked Up Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff 7th May Plus: Iceage & Black Lungs Well, it’s one in the afternoon, it’s a Saturday and there’s a gig on in the bottom quarters of Clwb Ifor Bach. Having been to a few matinee shows that feeling of seeing one hell of an energetic band at this day of day never grows far from being odd. There’s a crowd here but far from a filler. What I thought was a band sound checking was in fact a band playing, Iceage look dull, feel dull and sound dull. If I’d of known these dreary looking lads were the openers I would of taken the option to have an extra half hour in bed and saved my ears the poor excuse of ‘music’ they’d slapped together. However, things take a greater turn when Black Lungs turn the heat up. Fierce, in determination and in sound, as well as looking menacing as singer Wade MacNeil stomps towards the crowd, such a contrast to Alexisonfire, but it sounds terrific. Black lungs are a much more justified support for fellow friends Fucked Up. There’s not enough space to write about singer Damian’s antics, from grabbing fans and having his picture taken, crawling along the floor, making glasses with his lead onto fans to climbing every obstacle in sight, which included the bar and a brief and probably scary encounter for the staff. As he muttered whilst clambering through the crowd and tangled leads back towards the stage, along the lines of Clwb being his favourite venue due to the mass amount of things to climb on. Fucked Up are a true example pure hardcore punk, a band that do without most media and promotion as many other bands get, but it’s shown within the crowd, if you’re that good the fans will come, enjoy, buy the merch and chat afterwards. For such talked about ‘scary man’, it couldn’t be more wrong, he’s just embracing the crowd with his punk love. Oh, and don’t forget the rest of the band who play as a tight pact and only get better with age.
9/10
Words & Photos: Nadine Ballantyne
soundscape 23
3OH!3 Cardiff Solus 24th May
Plus: Hyro Da Hero, InnerCityPartysystem
3OH!3 like to bring the party… with
Thankfully, the support in the form of
so it continued all night. However,
a house party filled past from their
innerpartysystem far exceeded the
the mainly female crowd remained
hometown of Boulder, Colorado
opener. Hammering out on drums,
blissfully unaware and adoring,
(where the area code provided them
synths and samplers the electro trash
throwing up their hands to make
with a particularly confusing if not
was tightly condensed into six songs
the 3OH!3 symbol. They moved
iconic name) it’s hardly surprising.
and then blasted out with lights and
lethally across the stage, only
They bring the party to the UK with
fury. Although more suited to the
stopping to play keyboards or reach
a startlingly dedicated fandom, but
tighter confines of small clubs, the
into the crowd. Obviously enjoying
after being associated with Fueled by
darkness was still a good place for
performing live, they played two
Ramen (formerly home to acts
this Pennsylvanian band (also home
covers for their own amusement ‘I
like Paramore, Fall Out Boy and
to industrial rock legend Trent Reznor
Believe I Can Fly’ and ‘Rock You Like
Panic! At The Disco) you wouldn’t
– and the influence shows) who
A Hurricane’ displaying immediately
expect any less.
despite the restrictions enforced by
a cultural difference in levels of
sticking to their samplers (no backing
cheese tolerated by the UK (many
The cult following continued with
tracks here) still put on an impressive
walked out or to the bar during these
the opening act with fans still there
visual spectacle complete with lasers
monstrosities). The set was mainly
to appreciate an American band
and strobes. The crowd’s reaction
their hits and included ‘Touching
opening for another American band
to their dark sound and lyricism was
On My’, ‘My First Kiss’ (which also
in Britain. Hyro Da Hero (sic, literally
obviously different, but like Hyro
had a female pop star Ke$ha in
‘Hyro the Hero’) may have presented
Da Hero, innerpartysystem’s fans
its single version) and ended with
a pretty interesting hip hop/rock
were out in force – maybe fuelled
their worldwide hit ‘Don’t Trust Me’
lineup with the incredible addition
by the heavy touring the band have
(featuring the dubious line “Hush
of At The Drive-In’s Paul Hinojos on
done previously in the UK rather
girl shut your lips/do the Hellen
bass… but the music was anything
than Hyro’s internet presence and
Keller and talk with your hips”. They
but. Ripped straight from the pages of
associations. Definitely a band worth
also played a new track ‘Robot’ off
Rage Against The Machine’s Zack De
seeing once they return.
their forthcoming album of the same name. Overall the sheer dedication
La Rocha’s notebook, Hyro presented a very Eastern American sound rather
3OH!3 took to the stage with surely
and enjoyment of the fans proved
than the ‘Dirty South’ image he’d like
their most well-known song in the UK,
something… 3OH!3 are more than
to project. Maybe it’s inopportune as
but not for 3OH!3 fans. ‘Starstrukk’
just the music.
a Brit to say something like that, but
famously recorded with Katy Perry
the music sounded more Wall Street
sounded a little more misogynistic
than Louisiana.
without the female addition, and
Words & Photo: Ed Townend
soundscape 25
feature Interview & review
“
I wanted this to be our British record. I felt we wanted ‘us’. something that was really
soundscape 26
“
- Dan Pugsley
Words: Hannah-Jane Roue Photos: Nadine Ballantyne
Skindred Cardiff Solus 3rd May
Even amongst the universally diverse music culture we have booming over the world these days, Skindred remain a unique band. Since the quartet formed in Newport in 1998, they have kept their originality and distinctiveness. Their genre is hard to pin point, most refer to their fanatical mix of sounds as ‘Ragga metal’, but it is entirely yours to judge for a special independent perspective. They cleverly organise hard drumming, chug-tastic riffs along with jungle scream vocals and sprinkles of electronics on top. Before now, the boys were whisked across the pond to the States to record, but this time, they set up base back home for their 4th studio album. Soundscape had a chat with charming bassist, Dan Pugsley about their new album Union Black before reviewing their show in the Cardiff Solus. “It’s the first time we’ve ever recorded an album here, we’ve never written and recorded a whole album in the UK. Prior to that, because of management and labels, we’ve always ended up in America. It’s a very different experience out there. We thought it would be important for us to do it in London this time, because we’ve never done it. I think it really made a difference. We’re all British. It was important to us this time round to have a British stamp on it.” The album reflects an anti-crime theme, not to mention the heavy groove in the instrumentals. Evidently an album set in the depths of English streets instead of sunny America. “I think that was a result of being in the UK, the harsh reality of being in the thick of London.”
“
It’s funny ‘cause we walked off stage yesterday and Benji was saying, ‘sometimes I wish I was in Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ ...
“
The band let this vibe inspire
Union Black contains an epic
adopted them, but they’re very
them, even introducing the
recipe of metal, dubstep and
much our thing. This time the
album with a brief electronic
urban influences. Refreshing
producer really got it. He had
taste of the national anthem.
their independent genre of
worked in that field with a lot
music but cunningly taking it to
of British hip hop artists. So if
another level.
I were to talk about grime he
“Before we’d written a song, I wanted this to be our British
wouldn’t think that I was talking
record. I felt we wanted
“We’ve always had those
something that was really ‘us’.
elements in our music but a
We’re home now, we’ve got
lot of the time before when
Skindred possess a sense
British management, British
I’d approach the producer
of morality. Aware of their
Label, and we’re trying to do
with my ideas, they would get
speciality and difference,
it our way. So I guess that was
homogenised. Drum and bass,
they purposely cross the line,
all in our minds as we started
dubstep, garage, bassline
continue to push the
doing it.”
house are all coincidentally
boundaries and set higher
British. Other places have
leagues of music.
about having a dirty kitchen!”
“What we highlight, is the
they’ve never done that, they’ve
need to write some music that
similarities in certain music.
always been super cool.”
we’re happy with to a point,
A lot of bands try to do a
and then Benji can come give
fusion of rock and urban
The track kicks you in the teeth,
his vibe and opinion on it. He
and I personally find that the
with rhythmic pleasure. There is
will sing on anything, you’ll be
guitars are just an aesthetic,
a range of clean and distorted
tapping on a table and he’ll
and they’re not really doing
vocals with a progression of
be like ‘come on, keep going
anything. Other artists can be
instrumentals throughout the
keep going!’”
very static, very un-dynamic,
track. It pumps energy with
where as we really want it to
every riff.
rock like a rock song and have
This May, Skindred embarked on their headline tour across
the push and pull of these
The album is a battle between
the country. Halfway down the
other elements.”
reggae and metal, dancing
line, it was their next manic live
with you and then kicking
show in Cardiff Solus.
Featured in the album is special
you in the ass. ‘Cut Dem’ and
“The Tour has been Brilliant.
guest, Jacoby Shaddix from
‘Doom Riff’ are great stews of
Most of the shows are sold
Papa Roach, who contributes to
musical styles, a tablespoon of
out so it’s been pretty mental.
the vocals in ‘Warning’ the first
dub, a cup of metal and a dash
Even though we’ve announced
single from Union Black.
of epic vocals.
Download as well, the shows have been packed”
“In so many ways Jacoby is
Benji Webbe, the lead singer,
like Benji. He’s just as frantic
sole personality and reputable
The Band have announced
and as bonkers as him! Two of
front man, boosts energy into
that they are playing a number
them in the room got too much
their live shows and the band
of festivals this summer,
for me. Benji asked Jacoby if
itself. His crazy dreadlocked
progressing onto an Australian
he wanted to do it and sent
hair and distinguishing reggae
tour too.
him a B section to the chorus
vocals give Skindred that
and when I heard it I was like,
untypical twist, a revitalizing
“I really wanted to go back
‘Dude, just go in there and do
change from a skinny long
to Japan but there’s not a lot
it ‘cause that’s wicked!’ It was
haired poser who doubles
happening musically over
cool! We toured with those
over to let out a screech.
there for a little bit, which is a
guys a bunch over the years
Benji entertains his audiences.
real shame because that’s my
and they’ve always been good
Alongside him and Dan, there
favourite place we’ve played.”
friends. Some people can
is guitarist Mikey Demus and
[cont]
become real assholes when
skilled drummer Arya Gobbin.
they get really massive but
“A lot of the time with us, we
soundscape 29
Later at the Cardiff Solus
As soon as Skindred took to the
Skindred’s support Me vs Hero
stage, the crowd turned into a
and Chiodos introduce the
sea of momentum “Nobody,
chaotic night ahead of us.
Nobody gets out alive!” Benji
“I was a fan of both bands
and his boys screamed to a
before we went on tour with
rasping crowd infesting the
them. I’ve liked them for quite a
Cardiff Solus. The mosh pit was
while, so it’s great.”
deep and feisty. Blood was even dripping down a lads
Me vs Hero, an upcoming
face. Every other occupant in
band from Blackpool, grace
the venue had their eyes glued
the stage with beatdowns and
to the stage. Alike a puppeteer,
colour. They played a tight
Skindred jangled everybody’s
rhythmic set of popcore which
heads, making us all look like
was an enjoyable listen but
the never-ending nodding dog
Benji didn’t hesitate to entertain
it lacked any real pick up for
in a car boot.
the crowd. He even had a quick wardrobe change
the over 18s. Near the end, Sam Thompson announced that
The set list contained their best
towards the end of the set.
Chiodos were going to melt our
hits, including Pressure and
Singing, screaming, laughing
faces off and he wasn’t lying.
Stand for Something. Amongst
and strutting the ‘heavy metal
Like a murder in a brothel or
new tracks from Union Black.
robot’ was compulsory and
a haunted house of hardcore,
Unfortunately, Jacoby Shaddix
succeeded to uplift everybody’s
Chiodos raped us of our wits.
did not surprise us all with a
spirits. Skindred don’t
The mosh pit was churning up
guest appearance. Instead
bother with the frilly intros,
faster by the minute under the
a chap from Revoker joined
pyrotechnics or fancy stage
illuminating red lights. High
Skindred onstage. Despite the
props. Their gig is still purely
pitched singing and glass
lone guitarist, Mikey creates
made up of music and a funny
shattering screams pierced the
enough power and texture to
front man. When Benji has
venue. The lead guitarist, Jason
pulsate life into the show. Their
finished his act, they slam into
Hale, had natural moves and
songs benefit and bloom with
the next song, reviving you like
impressive technique. Despite
live capacity, there is a great
an SCU. They have a knack
dealing with a broken string
quality to them that records
for feeding all the attendants
towards the end of the set he
could never justify enough.
ecstasy through their ears.
kept sweeping, tremolo picking and finger tapping the shit out of his guitar.
“It’s funny ‘cause we walked off stage yesterday and Benji was saying, ‘sometimes I wish I
was in Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ and he goes, ‘I want to be Anthony Kedis, you can be Flea” Definite music architects, they effectively mixed together dark tantalising beats with latest pop sensations. Featuring the likes
Random Questions Best and worst part about being in Skindred? Getting to travel, being creative and getting to do something that isn’t generic. The worst part is that I’m a real home body and I love being in my house, cooking or a bit of gardening! Not being home, getting homesick, that’s something! I just have to suck it up.
of Rihanna at some points... Oh yes it worked. I’ve got to say, I never thought I’d see a long haired metalhead dancing to Tinie Tempah. Bearing in mind Skindred have a reputation to play some of
Do you have any Idols? Oh my god yeah! There was a time in my life when I wanted to be Flea, Steve Harrison from Iron Maiden, Hendrix. I go through stages of obsessing about someone. If you could have a superpower what would it be?
the best live shows ever on
Teleportation! Teleporting would be wicked. Imagine how
this planet, to put their gig
much you’d get done in the day! It’d be awesome.
into words is challenging.
.
The excellence of it is indescribable
soundscape 31
Q
uestion time
make do and mend Words: Anneka Sillitoe
We chatted briefly to James and Matt from Make Do and Mend when they made it over to our shores recently.
soundscape 32
So you’ve just released your album ‘End Measured Mile’, what was the writing process like and how had it differed from other recording you’ve done? James: We wrote it in a very short period of time. We toured a lot last year and wanted to write a record and wanted to record a record. Booked time to record a record, but found ourselves ill-prepared as it got closer and closer. So we took all the ideas and all the plans that we had and put them together very quickly. And wrote the record probably over
the course of like 6 months. It was a very stressful process, but we’re all very happy with what came out of it. To anyone who may not have heard it yet or even heard of your band, what can they expect from you? James: We are a rock band. We do our best to play very intense driving music that we put a lot of sincerity into. For someone who hasn’t heard us before; that’s the general vibe. For someone who has heard us before; maybe perhaps you’re a fan
of our band, it’s a very Make Do and Mend record. We feel it really encapsulates our band in the best way possible. Many genres keep making a reappearance lately. At the moment, punk rock seems to be making a healthy recover y the last couple of years, why do you think this is? Matt: Why? I dunno. I think a lot of new young bands are making really good music. I think that’s probably why. I think people are starting to recognise the younger bands that
are up and coming and making honest, good, punk rock music. Rather than kinda industry created music. So just the abundance of good music available is kinda hitting home, has really helped the uprising of punk rock.
have us over with them. So when they invited us, we were very very eager to accept. It’s been a blast. Like you said, a lot of bands never get to have this opportunity. So we feel very fortunate to be over here and be playing these shows.
It’s hard for US bands to get over here to the UK these days, so how excited about this tour were you? And how much does it mean to you guys?
If you could go back to any era, what would you pick and why?
James: We were so excited. I mean it’s all a product of our friends in Fireworks who were ice enough to
Matt: Medieval times. James: I’ve always wanted to go back to medieval times. I’ve always wanted to go back to revolutionary war period in the United States
.
Q
uestion time
With the music industry changing so much it gets more and more important for us, as music fans, to support bands by actually buying music, merch or going to see gigs. It is so hard for bands to make money and actually release music these days that independent record labels are vital for these bands to succeed. These labels, and the people that run them, are true heroes, most of my favourite releases over the last couple of years have been either self-released or on independents, so that really says something. Walnut Tree Records are one such label keeping the UK record business alive. We managed to catch with uber-busy owner Tom.
Who are you and what do you do?
Oxford’s Gunning For Tamar. They’re my most progressive band I’d say and remind me at times of an English
I’m Tom Beck, I run Walnut Tree Records which is an independent record label from Watford in Hertfordshire. It’s a one man label, so I have a hand in everything the label does.
Biffy Clyro. The Cuba Cuba album is then out in the summer and that’s coming out in a pop-up release and a travel wallet, the first time I’ve used such packaging so it’s exciting. We’re always looking for more releases though so I have a few fingers in a few pies but can’t reveal the details just yet!
How did you get started? I started working for a major record label in 2006 and by 2007 I was a little disillusioned with music and the people I was working with and even started resenting going to see bands and had lost that passion. I figured it was a huge part of my life to give up on and starting a label seemed like a good way to throw myself back into the deep end. I found a band I wanted to release and then built the start of the label around them. It’s great to see how far I’ve come since then. What have you got going on at the moment? I’ve just released a single from the band Drawings, which was hand made and limited to 75 copies. It sold out in around 30 hours, which was pretty rad. From there I’m getting
soundscape 34
ready to release a debut EP from
Favourite music and why? I’ve always been a big fan of some of the later waves of US pop-punk, bands such as Blink-182, New Found Glory and Saves The Day. I’ve grown up listening to these bands and I can always connect with the lyrics and the enthusiasm, they carry some great memories for me. Favourite book and why? To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I love the way the book mixes childhood and the coming of age with some of the harsher realities of life in the Southern states of America. The obvious theme of racism and segregation is present, but it’s the subtle ways Harper Lee brings in morality, social inequality and the
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------traditional battle of good versus evil that I find so compelling. I was really gutted that I couldn’t study this at school, it seemed like half my year did and we lucked out on Hobson’s Choice! Favourite film and why? Stand By Me. It has a similar vibe as To Kill A Mockingbird in the sense that it’s a coming of age film, it’s a fairly simple story in that four kids set out to find a missing boy but their characters are well developed and remind you of people from your childhood. The banter they have between them is great. You find that a lot of US poppunk bands will reference the film, the most obvious is ‘Pinky Swear’ by The Movielife, which comes from the ‘Do you pinky swear it?’ line said to River Phoenix character. Best experience in the business? Seeing one of my bands open the Sunday morning at Download Festival last year. It seemed like my reward for three years of hard work and fairly limited success. My moment in the sun if you were. I’m not finished there though I hope. Why should Soundscape readers care? I’m just an average guy who is trying to promote real music by honest and hard working bands, there’s no money chasing or career pushing
behind the label. Hopefully that’s something music fans value and respect. I do all I can for my releases but I’ll stick to my guns and my morals. Tell our readers an interesting fact about your company? My younger brother, with no design experience, knocked up my label logo after I’d given it to him on Pizza Hut napkin. He regularly jokes that I need topay him royalties for this. He’s not getting any. Best thing about coming from Wales? I’m not actually from Wales but both Tiger Please and Cuba Cuba are and I love the sense of community that there is in South Wales. The bands all look out for each other regardless of their genre of music, at least that certainly seems to be the case with the bands I’m friendly with. That whole area has produced some amazing talent over the past ten years. Who are your role models/idols? I’ve always looked up to Mark Hoppus from Blink-182/ +44 and Vinnie Caruana from The Movielife and now I Am The Avalanche. I think at heart they both just love the music they’re involved with and really believe in themselves. I’m sure some
people will see Blink-182 as a ‘sell out’ band, but I’ve had the privilege of working with Mark before and he’s a genuine guy with a lot of time for his friends. I always feel like I should have a role model in terms of running a label, but while I do look up to the likes of Kevin Douch and Jack Clothier at BSM Records and Alcopop, I try to do things my own way and see where I get with it. I have a lot of belief in my myself and my ideas, I trust my judgements and that’ll help with my label over time. Hardest thing about the current business? General attitudes to music and what is deemed a success I find. Quite a few bands or labels view themselves as being progressive because they use twitter or you can stream their releases on Spotify, but I find that so many bands have unrealistic expectations of what they can achieve and immediately start blaming others or labels when they don’t reach those goals. Trying to manage expectations is often the hardest part of running a small label
.
Head to www.walnuttreerecords.co.uk to check out what Tom and the label are up to at the momen. Also be sure to check out the Walnut Tree tour with Cuba Cuba, Gunning For Tamar and Drawings all over the UK this summer.
Words: Paul Esp
Q
Pareto
Scottish band Pareto recently got to support Brigade at their albums weekend and I decided to find out a bit more about the band behind the music. Words: Anneka Sillitoe
How has music in the UK helped to shape you as a band? A massively huge amount. Most of our favourite bands growing up were from Scotland as well. Idlewild and Aereogramme to name a couple. The UK has a strong culture of bands building their following by getting in a van and touring, and we’re all firm believers in this, so that way of doing things is also a big influence. Your EP Paint Them Silver is out soon. We’ve reviewed it, but what would you say to people thinking about buying it? Please buy it. As none of us like our jobs.... Joking aside though, its definitely a natural progression from out first EP, the songs are more rounded and
the sound is much fuller with Dave on board now and we think this makes for a more dramatic and atmospheric listen. Who has been your favourite band to tour with? Good Question! A couple of bands spring to mind. Skies fell probably, they have an absolute monstrous sound and just a rad bunch of down to earth people. We also recently played with our friends Brigade in London, who are the nicest gentlemen around. What’s your wildest ambition for the band? We want to aim as high as possible really, I suppose that’s why we have a pop element to most of our songs. In previous bands it was all about how weird
or left wing we could go, or sticking to one particular niche, but in this band for some reason we seem to just embrace hooks and choruses and things like that. What’s in store for the future of Pareto? This year we have a festival appearance at Go North in Inverness, followed by a UK headline tour in August and then a support tour later in the year. We’ve been working on our debut album, which we hope to have out early next year. If you could go back to any era, what would you pick and why? Seattle Grunge early nineties. No contest. We’re all Big fans
.
soundscape 37
Words & Photo: Nadine Ballantyne soundscape 38
Cardiac Pier Recording Studio, Cardiff Bay
Cardiac is Skip Curtis and Tudor Davies new road trip into the music industry, both experienced musicians deciding it was time to combine forces and break into the Cardiff scene as producers. Pop, hip hop, dub step, acoustic melodies, you name it, they’ll do it. With a can do attitude and appreciation for all that’s around them, hear what Skip has to say about their upcoming company.
How did you two first come to meet and decided to start up Cardiac? Well we met just by chance. We had a guy who is a good mate of Tudors, whose a Cardiff MC and he was in the studio coming in to lay down some vocals with us and he rang me up in the morning and said ‘I’m bringing one of the guys who I produce with who makes music with me in as well for the day’. So this Tudor came in, we just got chatting and found out he was a song writer as well and it sprang from there. We started writing together bits and bobs and kind of knocking ideas about and then we realised that we could do it, we took it from there. Its been going well since. How long have you been working together now? Well, we met about nine months ago, almost a year ago when Tudor came in, obviously we didn’t start straight away but we’ve really been going for it the last three months. Structuring and writing really solidly. Who contributes to what, does one write the melodies and the other lyrics, or do you take it in turns? It’s strange, we’re similar in a sense we can work together and we understand what direction things have got to go in but... [cont]
we come from different backgrounds.
going to be some really interesting
in between because that’s the music
Tudor is the beat man and he is
stuff. It’s going to be the first thing he’s
we listen to. We’ve made it a point
unbelievable when you see making
done but he’s a real creative guy, a
to immerse ourselves in as much of
rhythm, structure and progression on
film maker. It’s going to be a real cool
possible. Nothing’s really been a
tracks. He’s a pianist, I’m a guitar
direction, nothing like any of the other
challenge for us at the moment.
player so we write everything on
stuff we’ve done, so we’ve got to sit
piano and guitar whether it’s melodies
down and work the ins and outs of it.
or we’re writing bass lines. We just
Odd singers come in the studio, but
sit down and get it structured. We
its only been three months so we’re
don’t sit down and say ‘right, you’re
only now getting out there.
What’s your instrument of choice? It changes, but I’m a guitarist more
going to do the beat, I’m going to do
than anything else but I wish I was
the melody’, it’s whoever has the best
a pianist. To me that’s the most
idea. Tudor’s ear for progression of
What genres have you found most
impressive and it’s the most versatile. I
music is genius and because again,
interesting and challenging to do?
love guitarists, I love guitars, acoustic
I’m more of a singer and lyricist it
guitars more so. I think acoustic
tends to be maybe more me writing
Rock bands don’t want songs written
guitars have more of a genuine sound
melodies but not really, we both see
for them, you do some production but
and you’re playing the guitar, you’re
what happens and see who comes up
really it’s mostly done themselves. So
not playing through effects pedals
with the best idea.
we were kind of like ‘Right, it’s going
and amps. So for me that will always
to be pop’, that’s the biggest genre
be my first love but I’ve got so much
of produced music and music where
admiration for piano. I am teaching
Tell us about some of the people
it’s written for the people. A lot of the
myself and I will get there!
you’ve worked with already?
times singers are singers and they
We’ve done some stuff with El
don’t often write as much but they’re
Tudor’s a pianist. He’s learning to
unbelievably good voices.
playing the guitar and already he’s
Parisa who was a Welsh artist,
got it down and a quick learner. He’s
she’s pretty excited about that and
We started out and stuff was getting
a multi instrumentalist as well, he
we’re excited to be working with
a little bit edgier just by natural
plays keys, he’s a singer, but for him
her. We’re in the middle now, we’ve
progression, we started doing this
he’s a pianist.
written three tracks off her first record
hip hop and more dub step stuff for
and they’re sounding nice. We’re
people like the Astroid Boys. At first
also linking up with Cardiff dub
we kind of thought ‘How are we
Tell us a bit about the studio you’ll
step lads Astroid Boys, which is a
going to do it, lets sit down and let
be using?
totally different direction than the
it happen’, but I think it’s the wrong
kind of pop stuff we’ve been doing.
way to do it, you’ve just got to go for
We write in between places. Tudor’s
Tommy and Trouble is another guy
it. We’re big boys, we know what
got a big set up at home which
from Cardiff we’re doing a lot with.
music is and what genres are so lets
is easy because it’s a much more
Tudor’s worked with him in the past,
just see if we can do it and nothing
relaxed environment, you can just turn
it was good because when we came
has really been a challenge for us
up and write little bits. We’ve both got
together, me and Tudor had artists we
so far. Because we have experience
set ups on our computers at home but
had dealt with in the past, people like
and so much from our backgrounds,
when it comes to putting it all down
El Parisa, Tommy and Trouble.
we could sit and write an acoustic
we come to Pier Studio and lay it
song, something really soppy or go
down. We’re always using Pier Studio
We’re going to do some stuff with a
the other way and write a massive
because it’s so easy. Everything’s
guy called Paint By Numbers and it’s
club dub step track and everything
close, you could gladly spend a day
here in the bay, pop over and do
I’ve ever heard, you’re the best singer
Wildest ambition for the
what ever. This is HQ for us but we
in the world, you’re the best guitarist’.
company?
work all over the place. I’ll end up
I really do believe in just being honest
going to singers houses, venues, pubs
with people because there is no point
It’s kind of strange, because we
just to meet them but that’s part of it,
messing them around.
have our own stuff going on outside
you have to be willing to meet with
of Cardiac as well, we don’t need
them, not everyone is going to be
it to be ‘Right this is it, this is our
willing to come see you all the time.
Any producers you consider
only hope of making it in the music’
an influence?
because that’s just wrong. We said we’re both doing our own thing
Do you feel a relaxed and friendly
I’m a huge fan of Rick Rubin’s stuff
why not pool our resources and see
atmosphere is key in helping the
because he went from just doing all
what happens and it’s been going
bands recording or do you prefer
the hip hop stuff with Def Jam, Jay
well so far.
a more serious approach?
Z to doing all the latest stuff with
It really depends on who you’re
Johnny Cash when he set up his label
When you look at some of the
American Recordings.
production teams like Stargate, the
working with. I know that’s a boring
big pop producing companies, you
answer but it really does depend. I
You listen to the sound on those
look at them and they’ve pretty much
hate people who tip toe around and
albums and there’s so much silence
dominated the billboard charts in
they’re like ‘That sounds a little bit
there, which is a good thing and
America with number ones, all top
good’ or ‘that’s really nice’, when
at the moment that’s huge. You see
tens for the last couple of years and
really you know in your head that it’s
guys from The XX and all the kind
that’s just genius. You’re working
wrong, so we’re pretty strict talking
of new young producers that are
with different people, you’re getting
about it. If something sucks I’ll be
really making stuff sparse in their
hit records, it’s not all about the hits
like ‘This sounds rubbish lets change
music, leaving a lot of gaps for your
obviously, it’s about the work. I’d love
it’, and some people don’t like that.
imagination to fill in and everybody
to produce films and hopefully we
You have to leave egos at the door
interprets it differently. Rick Rubin was
could sort something out with that
because as soon as you come in
doing that five, ten years ago with his
and get some compositions for films.
you’re going to start butting heads
stuff but it was just a different genre.
We don’t want to be just pop writers
with people and it doesn’t work.
But you hear stories about him lying
and producers.
Studios can be the best places in
on the floor to get the best sound out
the world to work but also the most
of the room, so we’ve had a couple
frustrating because egos can fly, so I
of times where I’ve been lying on the
think it’s much better to be just straight
floor trying to get the scope of the
talking with people.
sound better.
A song you’d wish you’d written? There’s so many! There’s some big production on tracks you think is
I don’t really like coming in blind to a
I’ve got no one where I’d kind of say
genius. Songs like November Rain -
project, not meeting the people before
‘I want to be like this guy’, I want
Guns n Roses, that pieced together is
hand because if you go and meet a
to be like them all but I want to be
such an impressive piece of music. I
singer or a band or whoever, you can
myself at the same time.
love A Whiter Shade Of Pale - Procol
gain some sort of personality on them
Harum, the lyrics are so trippy and
and you can see if you need to be
amazing, and it just grabs you and
softer with them. A lot of people like
ropes you in
being told straight because a lot of
.
friends will say ‘That’s the best track
soundscape 41
CD Reviews into the first single, ‘Rope’ and beyond. This is the first album to feature original guitarist Pat Smear again as a core member of the band. Foo Fighters feel like a real stronger than ever unit on this record and the music is so fantastic to hear.
Foo Fighters Wasting Light
If you’ve not got this record yet, it’s a must have for fans and newbies alike. Words: Anneka Sillitoe
10/10
led into the boring and generic because that’s what sells. This EP is lively from start to finish and the tempo is never the same, keeping you well and truly on your toes. It’s exciting and so very different to hear. A band I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing live and watching their progress in the future, but for now ‘Rat Race’ is hitting all the buttons. I urge you all to check this out! Words: Anneka Sillitoe
Where to begin? Foo Fighters have had a substantial and fantastic career spanning almost 2 decades. Their albums have been an amazing piece of writing and spun hit after hit. So where do you start with another fantastically amazing piece of writing that’s chocked full of hits? Their seventh studio album and this time working with producer Butch Vig (who worked on a few tracks from their greatest hits album). They hit Dave Grohl’s studio and the whole of the album was recorded analog until mastering (a completely unseen thing these days!). The album opens with one of those catchy sing along Foo Fighter tracks ‘Bridge Burning’. And from there it only gets better, heading
Mind Museum Rat Race 9/10
Lead singer Justin E Percival wrote a track by track for our last issue and it was very informative and interesting. So much so, I decided to stick the album on to give you a review of this beauty. And my god is it good! Mind Museum are hitting all the right spots and keeping it fresh in a time where it’s so easy to be
Gun Dogs Little Deaths 9/10
This album was a long time coming but it was definitely worth the wait. Gundogs are a Birmingham based alt rock band and this, the bands debut album, is seriously good. The album is full memorable tunes, all razor sharp melodies and snarling vocals. Opener ‘Breakdown’ is a slow burner that really hits its stride about a minute in with a great dual
vocal and guitar line from Leila and Maria. It includes a couple of reworks of older material like ‘Call Out My Name’ and ‘Hey Hey (Feel It Coming) and they sound great. The album was produced by Jimm Zorn, who has done a great job in making the band sound great but still leaving the scuzzy, dangerous edge. They can even slow it down a little on ‘Waiting For The Rain’ which features a killer melody line. The material here is constantly great, no filler at all. Gundogs have made every song on this album count right to the last track ‘Constant As The Sun’ which can easily be described as epic. Gundogs are another fine example of a UK band kicking absolute ass. You can pick the album via itunes and other digital retailers and the bands Facebook page and I seriously urge you to do so. Words: Paul Esp
Dave McPherson
The Hardship Diaries 8/10 Dave McPherson is better known as the vocalist/guitarist and songwriter in InMe. ‘The Hardship Diaries’ is his first solo album, he has released 7 solo acoustic EP’s, a few rarities collections and a live EP, all of this outside of InMe, the guy is seriously talented and obviously quite a prolific songwriter. The album is a very stripped back, acoustic affair and sounds like it was mostly recorded live. The album follows a loose concept as it broken down into the seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter with 3 songs in each. If you are a fan of well written, acoustic songs with lyrics that are clever and actually mean something; then this is for you. Dave is a very clever lyricist and definitely has a knack for writing a catchy tune, ‘Hearts Need Blood’ is a great song, with a very raw and honest vocal. ‘Before I Even Had You’ is another top track with a memorable chorus. You cant deny or argue with Dave’s talent, he can certainly pen a tune and if you are a fan of acoustic music you should definitely pick this up. Words: Paul Esp
IAM:yourhero The Rest is noise
7/10
The UK is full of so many good bands who just are hiding in the smaller venues of the country and I like to think we try to dig some of them up into the light before anyone else gets there and reveal their beautiful music to you. IAM:YOURHERO is one of those bands (we featured them in our Introducing section on the website not long ago) and their EP is here. The Rest is Noise is beautifully melodic and leaves in the noises I love to hear in a record. The simple scrapping of fingers over guitar strings and the ring of a cymbal after it’s been hit. (cont)
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Samantha Darnell
Whilst most bands would attempt these days to ‘clean’ those noises, IAM:YOURHERO leaves them firmly in place and it adds a level of passion to each song as it shows real musicians, playing real instruments. This EP mixes melodies and vitality. It’s a win for England and it’s totally worth the purchase!
The Art Of breaking Hearts 10/10
pareto
Paint them silver 8/10
Words: Anneka Sillitoe
Brigade
Will be will be 10/10 One of Britain’s gems, Brigade return
Scotland’s music scene these days is rich with variety and class. Pareto are another band to talk about when discussing how amazing Scotland seem to be on the rock scene these days.
with their third album, this time funded by pledge music. The album kicks off with a rock anthem, ‘200 Scratches’. And the tracks that follow are just as full of riffs and rhythms. The album seems to have a strong sense of itself and a real purpose. My favourite track of the album is ‘Sting, Sting’ which whilst having catchy
Paint them Silver is a truly fantastic piece of rock musicality from start to finish. The 5 track EP packs a real punch and is catchy as hell at the same time. Acquiring exSucioperro guitarist David Aird has helped give the band a more layered and fuller sound. And the vocals are layered too.
guitars also has a real grown up sound to it. It’s a beautiful example of how Brigade have progressed since their last release. The final track of the album is ‘Find Your Own Way Home’ which is what I would call a classic Brigade track.
It has riffs galore, a sing along chorus, that beautiful trill and then in comes the choir. It’s a big end to a big album. Frankly not getting this album would be a heinous crime with draconian consequences.
Words:Anneka Sillitoe
This EP sticks to it’s theme to layer and produce a more supersonic sound. It’s an all round joy to listen to from when opening track ‘Miracle of...’ starts to when the last note of final track ‘Collapse’ rings out. A definite must buy and more Scottish titans to watch out for in the future. Words: Anneka Sillitoe
Samantha Darnell is an american singer/songwriter and this is her latest EP. Her sound is hard to pin down, it’s a golden mix of pop and alt rock with a bit of vintage feel, I know, sounds strange huh? But it really works, mainly due to the stunning songwriting and the amazing voice that Samantha has. First track ‘Don’t Say You Love Me’ is a stunner, with a massive chorus, and is catchy as hell. It has a great organic production. Title track ‘The Art Of Breaking Hearts’ is a twisted pop classic and Samantha sounds nothing short of menacing in her vocal. If there was any justice, ‘Butterflies’ would be a summer number 1 around the world. It’s an absolutely brilliant track and my favourite song at the moment. ‘I Didn’t Steal Your Girlfriend’ continues the trend of pop classics by being a great song with a killer bass line. Current single ‘Over You’ ends this EP in style. It’s an almost pop/ punk sounding song with a kickass chorus. So if you like your music with a little extra style and substance you should really check out Samantha Darnell and this EP. Words: Paul Esp
Nikki Sixx
This Is Gonna Hurt 8/10
Check out the Sixx Am album whether you’re a fan of books or not, it’s an album not to miss.
ALBUM The album opens with a rocking title track. As a standalone this track would be simply fantastic, but the fact it’s part of a bigger story in the whole album and then an even bigger story with Nikki Sixx’s accompanying book is simply stunning. The lyrics to this album are beautiful and it’s plain to see how they’ve capture exactly what Nikki wanted to portray in his book. As you read each chapter and listen to each song, you get a sense of not only the world through his eyes in your mind, but through the display of intense artwork scattered throughout the pages. If there was any doubt that this album was gonna be anything but fantastic then by the end of the album, it’s clear to see that Sixx Am mean busy and that Nikki Sixx puts as much passion into every project he’s involved as he does with the one he’s known for most.
Book Nikki Sixx’s new book ‘This is Gonna Hurt’ is a chilling look at life as seen through the eyes of the man himself. A series of pictures and stories tell of how photography helped shaped his view of the world and has enabled him to share that with the people around him. His pictures are beautiful and artistic. Whilst at times some would question the integrity of what he was photographing or even the images themselves, the stories that accompanies them allows you inside Nikki’s mind. And that level of understanding he places on you sets any doubts away and allows you to see the beauty as Nikki sees it.
There are some shocking stories in the book (as seems to come with a Nikki Sixx book), but that’s part of what adds to the man that we all see on stage behind his bass guitar. Strip all that away and you learn he’s a photographer at heart. A man in love with looking at the world a bit differently to everyone else and that appeals greatly to anyone who longs for something that they can put their name on and leave behind as their mark on the world... something a bit different from everyone else. He’s different from everyone else and this book allows you to see that, hey, it’s alright to be different... if anything, it’s something that makes you beautiful... no matter how much sometimes it may hurt. Check out the book, your life won’t feel complete without the understanding that pain and beauty can make for a very interesting tale and some amazing photography. Words: Anneka Sillitoe
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