MMP the
The definitive guide to music in Wales
#
JUNE-12
31
THE SCHOOL
Cardiff’s international indie-pop heroes
THE DIRTY YOUTH
Take their hard rock riffs in your face!
WELSH FESTIVAL SPECIAL
This plentiful land’s festivals put beneath MMP microscope
COVER ARTWORK: HAND DRAWN LIZ
THE SCHOOL_06
THE DIRTY YOUTH_08 WELSH FESTIVAL_10
PUBLISHER
Aimee-Jade Hayes MMP Creative Ltd
EDITORS
Rowan Liggett, Simon M. Read,
ONLINE EDITOR
Morgan Applegarth
LISTINGS EDITOR
Morgan Applegarth
LIVE REVIEW EDITOR
Joe O’Connell
WRITERS
Jennifer Allan, Morgan Applegarth, Joel Dear, Emma Gould, Laurie Havelock, Lais Martins Waring, Jamie Neasom, Joe O’Connell, Matthew Pasternakiewicz, Jim Swidenbank, Adam Whitmore.
DESIGNED BY:
Girl & Boy Studio www.girlandboystudio.co.uk
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER:
Paul Roberts
CONTACT
Demos / Releases to be sent to info@themmp.tv * Please note we no longer accept physical demos or CDs, only links to stream or download.
COVER ILLUSTRATION BY:
Hand Drawn Liz
JUNE 2012 CONTENTS 04 MUSIC NEWS News and round up of all the musical happenings in and around Cardiff 06 EXPOSURE Meet this month’s featured artists! 12 INDUSTRY INTERVIEW Interview with music industry linchpins. 14 LISTINGS All the goings on from Cardiff’s music venues this month 26 REVIEWS The month’s new albums, singles and demos. 28 MMP EXTRA Get yourselves to themmp. tv for even more reviews, competitions and news! 28 DOWNLOADS Join our Download Society and enjoy free downloads!
P
eople of Wales, At least in terms of the calendar, Summer is properly here. This means much rejoicing in all corners of our fair land. Now going outside, while still filled with confusion and uncertainty, feels like it may yield some enjoyment. And, as usual, there is plenty to go outside for. Gigs are tremoring around the country with unrelenting ferocity. Every 12 minutes a new awesome band is formed. And those already existent awesome bands are producing landscape shifting work. Beyond that, this month also marks the commencement of festival season in earnest, as covered by our 2 page special later in this very magazine. In short, peeps, all is looking rather swimming for 2012. We’ve gotten through the hard bits. Now comes the fun. And then it’s bloody Christmas!
28 COMPETITION Win free stuff!
Take care of yourself, and one another.
30 SPOTLIGHT Monthly column highlighting issues affecting music in Wales.
The MMP xxx THE MMP
04 | NEWS JUNE 2012
MUSIC NEWS
COMMUNITY MUSIC WALES TEAMS UP WITH PUDSEY & CO Community Music Wales (CMW) have received support from BBC Children in Need to run an innovative new project in Newport over the next three years. Working alongside Newport City Council and local musician Jamie Winchester, the project will see the CMW takeover disused spaces across Newport and convert them into temporary mobile community music studios and workshop spaces. The spaces will then be used to house a number of contemporary music workshops and sessions to focus on issues surrounding the lives of young people. CMW Director Hannah Jenkins said: “This is an exciting opportunity for young people in Newport and also an exciting development for us as an organisation. “CMW is committed to running projects in the community and transforming disused spaces like this is a great way
of ensuring that music has a place at the heart of the community.” Run on a drop-in basis, the sessions will include topics such as DJing, songwriting, rapping, VJing, and learning to play popular music. Workshops will also cover studio engineering and recording, providing the young people with an opportunity to learn how to operate the studio and supporting them in developing it as a social enterprise. The project hopes to become a regular staple for young music lovers so that the CMW can run mentoring courses for those attending the project to learn how to mentor their peers; acting as positive role models. Trained mentors will be brought in to offer the participants positive guidance through music. The project aims to increase the confidence, employability, aspirations and basic skills of young people in deprived areas of Newport.
WU-LD YOU BELIEVE IT Legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan have been revealed to play this year’s Big Splash festival in Newport. The announcement was made by organisers via their social media accounts last month, with a Facebook post boasting: “Even more exciting news Wu Tang Clan will be closing the Big Splash 2012 on Monday 16 July!!!!” The New Yorkbased collective are set to close the festival with a headline performance at the Newport Centre on Monday 16 July. Since revealing the news, the organisers have faced a frenzy of messages causing them to re-affirm the booking to surprised music lovers. The Big Splash is taking place between Friday 13 and Monday 15 July, offering live music and entertainment throughout the city. While some events are free, others require purchased tickets. Tickets for the Wu-Tang show will be priced at £25, however a release date has yet to be announced at the time of print. For more information, head to newport.gov.uk
WHAT WE’VE BEEN LISTENING TO... {JOEL}
{AIMEE}
{SIMON}
FLAP! - TETRIS
TOY MOTORING (PEAKING LIGHTS REMIX)
MOON DOG STAMPING GROUND
Flap! are a bunch of jazz virtuosos from Melbourne; goodness knows how their album found its way to a charity shop in Penarth, but I’m glad I took a punt on it. This is a fast and furious ode to everyone’s favourite waste of time.
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
Toy’s new single is given quite the makeover by Peaking Lights here making it sound like a sprawling, apocalyptic vision. It’s a beatheavy, kraut-rocky, hypnotic four minutes.
Probably one of the maddest hatters ever. He dressed as a Norse God on New York’s streets every day, howling and barking. Yet he’s still entirely capable of producing inspirational percussive, brass anthems like this. An alternative James Bond theme reimagined by a man hitting a bin..
WELSH EVENTS GROUP TAKE ON BRECON JAZZ Cardiff-based events and media group Orchard have been revealed as the new operator of the Brecon Jazz Festival.The decision was made following a rigorous search process – which began in December – by the Arts Council of Wales and Powys County Council after the Hay Festival organisation announced that they were stepping down following two years in charge. Orchard, who are also behind the Slam Dunk Wales and Access All Eirias events, were chosen due to their proposed “exciting and compelling programme with distinctive ideas for the future,” according to the Arts Council.“Brecon Jazz is a heritage brand with a worldwide reputation. We are fans as well as music promoters and event managers, and so this is a real thrill to have the opportunity to be part of,” said Orchard Director Pablo Janczur. He continued: “We are thrilled to be able to take this on and look forward to celebrating the extraordinary wealth of local and international jazz in Wales.” Those leading the search said the goal was to “identify a promoter with the
artistic and business credentials and the entrepreneurial flair to deliver a successful Brecon Jazz Festival.” Arts Council of Wales Arts Director David Alston said: “Orchard are a Wales based event company who conveyed to us both their capacity and enthusiasm to run the event. “We were impressed by the dynamism of their ideas, their headline ambitions and their respect for Brecon Jazz’s longstanding reputation.” Over the years, Brecon Jazz has encountered a number of financial difficulties. In 2008, organisers behind neighbors Hay Festival of Literature and the Arts took the reins after the company formally behind the festival ceased trading following substantial losses. Despite it’s uncertainty, Brecon Jazz has remained a staple figure on the festival circuit, with past performers include Van Morrison, Amy Winehouse and Sonny Rollins. Orchard are set to receive a commitment for funding this year’s festival – to take place in August - and will submit further plans for the 2013 festival in the autumn.”
RECORD LABEL LEAD OLYMPIC THEMED PROJECT A Welsh record label are calling on beat-makers from around the world to participate in a newly established Olympicthemed project of theirs. With the help of contributors, Cardiff based 64 Bar Music are putting together a soundtrack for the forthcoming London Games that “reflects the passion of sport and its inherent link with the joy of live music.” “We wanted to mark the Olympics with a mix that defined how people were moved by sport, and what the games mean to them,” said label head Pete
Griffin, aka DJ Kovas. “The music that is made will reflect the feelings we have when we watch sport. It might be joy through victory, or the melancholy taste of defeat. There could be the essence of hope in the music, a sense of pride, of determination, or of drive.” Famous for releasing mixes by contributors who have agreed a tempo and song length, 64 already has seven self released albums, three EPs and an album on the widely known Ninja Tune label. However, Griffin believes that, with 150 countries participating in
the Games, this is their biggest project to date. “We’re calling for submissions. Tunes have to be sent in by the end of the closing ceremony in August 12. “There is no restriction on style or tempo, but tracks must be 64 bars in length.” Producers looking to contribute can submit a track via their dropbox, with links and more information available from 64barmusic.com. The mix album will be released on 19 August through the label’s website
PROMS RETURN TO CAERPHILLY The popular BBC Proms in the Park event is making a return to Welsh soil in the summer. Hosted by BBC Cymru Wales in collaboration with Caerphilly County Borough Council, the 2012 Proms will be held at the Owain Glyndŵr Fields, Caerphilly on 8 September. “Proms in the Park is an important occasion in our diary and I’m pleased that it will take place in the shadow of Caerphilly’s magnificent medieval castle,” said BBC Cymru Wales Director Rhodri Talfan Davies. Said to have a ‘magical theme’, the Proms will be led by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales while families and music enthusiasts are invited to attend the summer festivities. Anthony O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “We are honoured to have the opportunity to once again host this prestigious musical event here in Caerphilly. I am confident that visitors to the BBC Proms in the Park will receive a very warm Caerphilly welcome this year.” The full line-up of artists and presenters will be announced over the coming months.
{MORGAN}
{JOE}
{MATT}
PASSION PIT TAKE A WALK
TORCHE SOLITARY TRAVELER
DIRTY THREE RAIN SONG
Having shown that they’re pretty much masters of electro-pop with their debut album Manners, this US five piece have returned with bouncy percussion, upbeat synths and catchy hooks that set you up for those days when you’re wasting time with your friends in the summer sun.
Miami’s Torche have acquired a slew of new fans with their second album Harmonicraft, which takes in metal, stoner rock, mathy instrumentals and chest-thumping oldschool emo. ‘Solitary Traveler’ is the latter, with loud but beautiful riffs which tug at the heartstrings.
Can you imagine what it sounds like to have a violin whisper in your ear? If not, go to your local record shop and purchase a copy of Dirty Three’s inaugural release on Bella Union. Warren Ellis’ glistening world of celestial post-rock has just experienced a meteor shower of unfathomable proportion, and, oh, how it is beautiful.
06 | EXPOSURE INTERVIEW 06 | EXPOSURE INTERVIEW
THE SCHOOL If you like your music sweet and sugary, equal parts lovestruck and lovelorn, then The School might just be your new favourite band. Their first album, Loveless Unbeliever, was brimming with both the heady excitement of new love and the nagging melancholy of love lost. Their new LP, Reading Too Much Into Things Like Everything, is more of the same: there are trumpets and violins and some of the most perfect pop this side of the Brill Building, and it’s pretty darn difficult not to fall in love with it all.
The School are signed to Elefant, a long-running Spanish indie label who have previously pressed the records of bands like C86 alumni Heavenly and orchestral Glaswegians Camera Obscura. Such influences are certainly audible in The School’s output, but the most striking arrows in their quiver were shot straight from the sixties. Not the psychedelic, acid trip, ‘Summer of Love’ parts, mind, we’re talking Crystals, we’re talking Ronettes, we’re talking the stuff that Phil Spector did before he was a convicted murderer. Reading Too Much... is studded with little musical nods to the records that informed it. ‘Stop That Boy!’ ploughs a similar rhythmic
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
Interview by: Joel Dear Photo: Simon Ayre
MMP: How’s it going? LH: Great thanks, I’m up at 2.30am and raring to go! I was listening to 6 Music earlier and our single came on, it’s the first time they’ve played it so now I’m wide awake with excitement. Someone really needs to make me go to bed earlier. MMP: For anyone who’s never heard of The School before, how would you describe the band’s sound? LH: Pop. It’s simple, melodic, sometimes orchestral, catchy pop. MMP: How does the new album differ from your first one? LH: The song titles are unintentionally longer, the album is shorter (12 tracks, 29.5 minutes). Bigger, better, fussier, ever so slightly matured from the last one but not that much. I guess this album shows a wider range of our influences, but still well within our usual School sound. So think a little bit more Ramones, Supremes, Francoise Hardy, Camera Obscura, you may even hear some Dexys brass or Madness piano in there somewhere.
furrow to ‘Uptown’ by The Crystals, and ‘It’s Not The Same’ is reminiscent of Del Shannon’s ‘Runaway’. It’s an album with a big and fruitful family tree. And the songs – which, in spite of all the ornamental flourishes, are consistently catchy and admirably direct – are rendered all the more impressive when you realise that there are eight musicians in this band, and somebody had to keep them all organised if a record was ever going to emerge. That person is singer/songwriter/ head girl Liz Hunt and we caught up with her for a peek into her world of pop, ping-pong and vinylstroking...
MMP: Tell us a bit about the studio process. How does one go about recording a band with eight members? LH: Get a games room - there was a lot of ping-pong. Half of it was recorded live and then the rest was sprinkled on top, like strings and brass. We recorded it with David Wrench at a converted chapel studio called Bryn Derwen in North Wales. This was the first time we’d recorded together as a complete band - on the last album we were still working on the final line up, and it was recorded in the small extension of a house which meant we couldn’t all be there at once. So it was good for us to have everyone involved this time. But I stuck to the wise words of our previous producer Ian Catt, who said that when it comes to mixing this album, “send them all to the pub”, which I did.
MMP: What do you think was the best decade for pop music? You’ve been compared to a lot of ‘60s girl groups... LH: Either the ‘60s or the ‘80s, I mean I have to say the ‘60s really to keep some cred. But I think we know the ‘80s were pretty good too. MMP: You do a bit of DJing on the side what are your favourite songs to play when you’re in the booth? LH: At the moment, ‘She Loves You’ by The Beatles, ‘The Night’ by Frankie Valli, ‘Right Now’ by The Creatures, ‘Ca Plane Pour Moi’ by Plastic Bertrand, ‘Modern Love’ by David Bowie, ‘The Boat That I Row’ by Lulu, ‘Allergies’ by The Lovely Eggs, ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ by Queen, ‘Giving Up On Love’ by Slow Club, ‘Don’t Talk To Me About Love’ by Altered Images, ‘The Happening’ by The Supremes, ‘Young Lovers Go Pop!’ by This Many Boyfriends, and ‘Who Loves You’ by The Pooh Sticks. There’s my Top 13. MMP: The School’s last single was a fourtrack, double-A side bonanza. Do you think that the single can still be a relevant format in a world where everything’s downloadable? LH: Singles are great! You could say the same for albums if everyone is just downloading one-off tracks, but I see the album as a musical piece or a collection, so the single is a smaller piece within that. Not on CD though, those ones are dead. I love the build up of a single to an album and recording extra tracks for people to collect, and one-off singles between albums too! MMP: Finally: CD, Vinyl or MP3? LH: I feel sick with predictability, but vinyl. MP3 for DJing, CD for the car, vinyl for collecting and stroking.
08 | EXPOSURE FEATURE 08 | EXPOSURE FEATURE
THE DIRTY YOUTH When a band can say that they started 2012 by supporting nu-metal figureheads Korn, then you know they’re probably onto a winner. And so it is for Newport’s The Dirty Youth, who, after posting an acoustic cover of Jonathan Davis and co’s ‘Narcissistic Cannibal’ online, were invited on a jaunt to Germany and Luxembourg by the very impressed band themselves. Not that March’s Germanic jolly was the band’s first fluttering of success. Last year they made their debut at the UK’s premier rock festival Download, and were so well received that they’re back again this year. It’s been a long road to this point though: after beginning life as a trio and laying down a self-titled demo in 2007, they settled on their current five piece line up the following year and set about touring their arses off around the UK and rock-hungry Scandinavia. And, as is often the case, it paid off, cementing a nationwide fan base and garnering support from Scuzz, Big Cheese and Kerrang. So that’s all well and good, but what on earth is their vibe? Last year’s debut album Red Light Fix is stylistically rocking, but musically eccentric, with album opener ‘Rise Up’ perfectly demonstrating the band’s musical variety. Opening with an atmospheric piano and vocal passage, it’s not long before the distorted guitars and powerhouse drums crash in, switching between metres with ease while Monroe’s vocals and lyrics call to mind Muse’s ‘Resistance’. Comparisons with Devon’s favourite sons are actually quite instructive: while the Dirty Youth undeniably bring THE ROCK more
than Matt Bellamy’s trio, the musical language is not dissimilar, i.e. full of high drama and earnest vocal lines. Front and centre both visually and audibly is vocalist Danni Monroe. Her flash of pink hair is one thing, but her voice is the real talking point here, running the full rock gamut from emotional belting à la Paramore (‘The End’) to the almost schizophrenic on ‘Requiem Of The Drunk’. It is one of the better musical representations of the Saturday night bender, with its aggressive shots ’n’ lines verses followed by a swinging and stomping-around-the-town-centre chorus. Monroe’s vocals are on particularly fine form here, and when a performance brings to mind System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian, while remaining original, it deserves high praise. And all this without even mentioning the shredding guitars of founder member Matt Bond, which show the influence of all shades of heaviness – from hardcore to Maiden. The Dirty Youth’s appeal is broad – they rock, they pop, and everything in between – so it’s probably only a matter of time before they win you over. If they haven’t already, that is. JOC www.thedirtyyouth.co.uk
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
010 | EXPOSURE FEATURE
WELSH FESTIVAL
SPECIAL
With the coming of June, as Wordsworth once gloriously proclaimed, comes summer! And while our Welsh summers may be as predictable as The Gatekeeper from Atmosfear, there is, undoubtedly a proverbial universe of joy to be had out there. Trust us. We’ve done the research. Indeed, what follows is a summary of some of the many festivals you will find dotted throughout the sprawling wonder of this country. Want boutique festivals? You got it. Want massive ones with Van Morrison? Sure thing! Festivals containing only tribute bands? Heck, why not?! Settle down, one and all, bask in the MMP’s 2012 Welsh Festival Special..
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN
@ HAY-ON-WYE, 31 MAY TO 10 JUNE Accompanying the literary festival in Hay, the pomp and stardom of that is increasingly brushing off musically. This year features the likes of Emmy The Great, The Zen Hussies, Dan Le Sac, Charlotte Church, Chris T-T, Tomos Lewis, Miss Maud’s Folly and many, many more Welsh talents. WILL APPEAL TO: Those loving both books and music, ideally, but the music and comedy fan is well served here too. COST: The events are each priced individually, ranging from a fiver upwards. howthelightgetsin.org
Words by: Laurie Havelock, Simon M. Read
SONIC ROCK SOLSTICE
@ BUILTH WELLS, 15 TO 17 JUNE Rock aficionados are spoilt for choice at Sonic Rock Solstice, a festival that accommodates a huge roster formed from the more interesting vestiges of rockdom. Penmaenau Farm, home for the rest of the year to ‘Beer and Bike’ events, lies just outside of Builth and overlooks the Royal Welsh Showground. Two indoor stages will house a mammoth array of bands, including space-rockers Hawklords and ambient dance outfit System 7. With a bar that sports an array of real ales, on-site tatooist and loyal fanbase, the festival will prove to be a home to any fan of the heavier arts. WILL APPEAL TO: Well-travelled rock-heads for whom facial hair represents a life decision rather than a fashion statement. COST: £65 www.sonicrocksolstice.com
012 | EXPOSURE FEATURE
DINEFWR LITERATURE FESTIVAL
@ DINEFWR PARK & CASTLE, NR CARMARTHEN, 29 JUNE TO 1 JULY Carmathenshire’s outstanding National Trust site, complete with the Newton House stately home and the Dinefwr ravens of legend, hosts a broad programme of poetry, literature and spoken word, featuring the lyrical chops of erstwhile Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, comedienne Josie Long and children’s author Jeremy Strong. Pitted alongside these are more musical wordsmiths, including 2011 Mercury nominee Ghostpoet, London folkster Emmy the Great and Gruff Rhys. Expect linguistic stimulation from all angles in another of Wales’ idyllic settings. WILL APPEAL TO: Literature and comedy fans who might appreciate sending off a day of Eisteddfod-inspired activity with a folk music finish. COST: Weekend £70.20, Day ticket £37.80 www.dinefwrliteraturefestival.co.uk
WAKESTOCK
@ CARDIGAN BAY, 6 TO 8 JULY Wales’ premiere beach-culture festival started off as a wakeboard competition for 800 back in 2000, evolving to showcase the best popular music of the moment alongside the World Wakeboard Series. The lineup this year seems skewed to satisfy even the most rabid Radio 1 listener: two days of club-fillers, including Rizzle Kicks and Calvin Harris, give way to a chilledout closer on Sunday with folk-styled crooners Ed Sheeran and Benjamin Francis Leftwich bringing the festival to a relaxed conclusion. WILL APPEAL TO: Boardshort wearing youngsters who prefer dancing to the hits on the beach to swaying to the unknown in a field. COST: £100 weekend, £25 day www.wakestock.co.uk
SHEEP MUSIC FESTIVAL
@ PRESTEIGNE, 20 TO 22 JULY The Wentes Meadow site in Presteigne has been home to Sheep Music for nigh on twenty years, watching it blossom into the solid, eclectic festival it is today. Late night partying, workshops, a 24 hour cafe and a whole club sandwich full of music. Lithuanian electro-dance mavericks Keymono headline with East Park Reggae Collective, Lazy Habits and London Afrobeat Collective all on the bill too. WILL APPEAL TO: It’s party music for party times! Lots of dance, hip-hop, reggae and afrobeat to keep the warmth in your soul. COST: £60 / £25 live-in vehicle www.sheepmusicfestival.com
CROISSANT NEUF SUMMER PARTY
@ USK, 10 TO 12 AUGUST Two-time winner of the ‘A Greener Festival’ award, the Croissant Neuf Summer party takes an environmental approach to a weekend’s jam in the Monmouthshire countryside. The entire festival is run from solar and wind power, and all food is locally and organically sourced. Despite retaining a close-knit community and familyfriendly ethos, the organisers have attracted some big names from the folk and ska worlds, and Willy Mason’s set on Sunday night should be a storming, Americana conclusion. WILL APPEAL TO: Green-minded families looking for a less hectic Glastonbury experience, and chilled out hippies. COST: £95 for adults/£38 for children with reductions for students and families. www.croissantneuf.co.uk
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
GREEN MAN
@ GLANUSK NATIONAL PARK, POWYS, 17 TO 19 AUGUST Since its humble origins in 2003, the Green Man Festival has grown to be the largest folk, indie and electronica festival in the country. Expect a stunning mix of established favourites, such as Feist or Van Morrison, and emerging musical gems. The festival has come to be identified by its expansive comedy and literature lineups, family-friendly atmosphere and village green mentality. The party continues well into the morning, however, with eclectic electronic acts at the Far Out Stage and the laid-back luxury of the Chai Wallahs tent. WILL APPEAL TO: Pretty much everyone. But lots of bearded youth, folkster females and children whose parents dress them in corduroy waistcoats. COST: £145 adults/£135 students/£5 kids www.greenman.net
MONMOUTH FESTIVAL
@ MONMOUTH, 17 TO 25 AUGUST The quaint border town plays host to a festival that will probably leave some of the snootier populace tutting at the decline of the local youth. Lord knows what they will make of Goldie Lookin’ Chain as they headline. Particularly poignant this year, as it’s been running for 30 years. You can also expect Mungo Jerry, The Animals and The Drifters as though time itself had reversed. WILL APPEAL TO: A broad array but the ambience is largely family friendly and it’s community feel is rather endearing. COST: The festival is entirely FREE www.monmouthfestival.co.uk
CARDIFF ARCHES
24hr access - secure equipment storage - rates from ÂŁ4/ hour Share our facebook page for a chance to win a free practice www.thecardiffarches.com - 07788 460620 - facebook.com/thecardiffarches
Wales’s very own state-of-the-art mastering studio
Make sure your music stands out from the crowd. If you want the best from your recording, professional mastering will give it the edge.
014 | EXPOSURE FEATURE
MERTHYR ROCK
@ MERTHYR TYDFIL, 31 AUGUST TO 2 SEPTEMBER No acts are yet confirmed for the late-summer extension to the expansive Hay Festival, but will promise a mix of well-known rockers and unknown fledgling thrashers after a successful start last year. The rain that threatened to spoil the party back then will be nullified by the introduction of a ‘tented village’, keeping even the fiercest Welsh weather at bay. With no accommodation on the site itself, festival-goers will have to seek refuge in any number of hotels and hostels in Merthyr itself. WILL APPEAL TO: Chains? Leather jacket? Questionable eye makeup? You’ve a home here alongside rockers old and new. COST: Weekend £45, Day tickets £20 / £10 www.hayfestival.com/merthyrrock
OTHER FESTIVALS OF NOTE: RAGLAN FESTIVAL
@ RAGLAN, 15-17 JUNE Cost varies by event - Varied set of acts in the lovely provincial town loomed over by the castle. Acts include Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band and Go West www.raglan-festival.org
BEYOND THE BORDER
@ ST. DONAT’S CASTLE, NR CARDIFF, 29 JUNE - 1 JULY Adult £100 - £90, Child £50 but various mix ‘n’ match offers on day and evening tickets - The international storytelling festival encompasses a broad theatrical, wordy atmosphere but features plenty of literary music to go alongside it www.beyondtheborder.com
GOTTWOOD FESTIVAL
@ ANGLESEY, 21-24 JUNE Adult £85 - The electronic music and arts festival features a diverse range of high calibre dance acts and an utterly lush location in Welsh woodland by the Irish ocean - www.gottwood.co.uk
FESTIVAL NUMBER 6
@ PORTMEIRION, 14 TO 16 SEPTEMBER Set in the jawdropping Welsh coastal town of Portmeirion, arguably made more famous by Supergrass’ Alright video than 60s sci-fi series The Prisoner, Festival Number 6 provides a unique festival experience. Alongside headliners Primal Scream and New Order there’s also an extensive ‘Arts and Culture’ lineup, complete with film screenings, comedy sets and spoken-word recitals. You can even shack up in the stunning Castle Deudraeth or one of the lavish Portmeirion hotels, if your wallet can support it. WILL APPEAL TO: The older, more discerning and probably richer (judging on the price of the accommodation) festival goer who would like to party in comfort and beauty. COST: Adult £139-£99 to camp, £79 for 11-15 year olds with a smorgasbord of accommodation options ranging up to £2,000! www.festivalnumber6.com
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL
@ EBBW VALE, 27-29 JULY Weekend £55, Day Tickets £30 / £15 Rock’s the order of the day with Feeder, Reef, Revoker, The Dirty Youth and Henry’s Funeral Shoe steelhousefestival.com
MAES B
@ VALE OF GLAMORGAN, 4-11 AUGUST Full ticket £105 - £25, Day tickets £17 £5 - The National Eisteddfod is in the Vale featuring Yr Ods, Y Bandana, Al Lewis and Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog www.maesb.com
BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL
@ BRECON, 10-12 AUGUST Ticket prices vary - Orchard Entertainment have bagged the Brecon Jazz Festival promising top quality acts and the same joyous vibe as previous years
GLASS BUTTER BEACH
LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD
@ CARDIGAN BAY, 17-18 AUGUST £70 to £30 - Chicane, Grandmaster Flash, Stooshe and Sway spearhead a strong, diverse line-up with dance and hip-hop dominating www.glassbutterbeach.com
PONTY’S BIG WEEKEND
@ ABERYSTWYTH, 24-26 AUGUST Weekend £45, Day Tickets £26 - Tribute bands from every pore including Maybe Gaga, Antarctic Monkeys and personal favourite Oasish thebigtribute.co.uk
@ LLANGOLLEN, 3-8 JULY £80 - The Eisteddfod and fringe events bring some high-brow classical, folk and world music to the various stages www.international-eisteddfod. co.uk
@ PONTYPRIDD, 20-22 JULY £15 - As much a spectacle as a music event with Ponty’s finest all out and roaming. Jessie J, Olly Murs and Alfie Boe are the star attractions www.pontysbigweekend.co.uk
BIG TRIBUTE FESTIVAL
presents/yn cyflwyno
THURSDAY 7TH JUNE 2012
MUNI ARTS CENTRE PONTYPRIDD
TUESDAY 26TH JUNE 2012
SOLUS CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Join us on Twitter for up to date gig annoucements @orchardent
TUESDAY 19TH JUNE 2012
FRI 15 JUNE 2012
CLWB IFOR BACH
SAT 30TH JUNE 2012
CLWB IFOR BACH
THE GREAT HALL 2 CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
LIGHTS
FRI 6TH JULY 2012
CF10 CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Box Office: 02920 230 130 | www.orchardentertainment.co.uk mmp_FP_15_05_12_v04.indd 1
5/16/2012 9:52:49 AM
016 | LIVE MUSIC MAP
01 Clwb Ifor Bach
LIVE MUSIC MAP
02 Gate Theatre 04 10 Feet Tall | Undertone 05 Buffalo 06 The Coal Exchange 07 O’Neills (Little) 08 Kama Lounge
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13 Students Union 14 Tommy’s Bar 15 The Promised Land
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18 Dempsey’s 19 Owain Glyndwr 20 The Bunk House
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22 The Vulcan Lounge
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23 St David’s Hall 24 Nos Da
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21 Cardiff Arts Institute
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BUTE PARK
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16 Koko Gorilaz
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28 Rococo 30 Funky Buddha 31 Bar 147 32 The Live Lounge 33 Mocka | Peppermint 34 Pen and Wig 35 The Claude 36 Cardiff Central Library
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Don’t see your venue listed? Contact Us info@themmp.tv
37 Motorpoint Arena 38 The Old Library 39 The Yard 40 GH2 41 The Full Moon 42 Bogiez
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
EVENT LISTINGS
LIVE & CLUB EVENTS
Friday 1st June
Leighton Jones @ Peppermint, 12:00pm, £TBC * Soul music
that’ll set you right up for the summer. Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free
* In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
The Little Giants @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free * Folky tunes
over late-afternoon, your antidote to the working week. Slam Dunk On Tour @ CF10, 7:00pm, £12 adv * The Story
So Far, Transit and Decade all foot the bill for this night head banging and moshing, perhaps. Lesson No. 1 Presents Foreign Objects / Solutions / Personal Best @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £6
* Celebrate the Bank Holiday with some live, indie tunage. Daisy B @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free
* Grab a drink and celebrate life in enjoying some live acoustic melodies. Richard Morton @ The Glee Club, 7:15pm, £9.50 / £6 NUS * With
his stand-up and comedy songs, Richard has completed several major UK tours supporting the likes of Jack Dee, Lee Evans & Jo Brand. Essence of Ireland @ St David’s Hall, 7:30pm, £Various * Five star
stage show celebrating the best in Celtic music and dance.
Freeman Street @ The Yard, 8:00pm, Free *
Well crafted funk soul with retro vibes running through their blood. Gramercy Riffs Charity Do @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free * A live
music get together for Ty Gwyn Special School in Cardiff.
Polemics @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free *
A feel-good mixture of hard-rocking covers and fun-loving
originals, the perfect way to welcome the weekend. Royal Music and Words @ Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, 8:00pm, £5 / £7 *
Great instrumental and vocal works will sit side by side with magnificent poetry, showcasing both music and drama. Fancy Footwork Bank Holiday Party w. Poppy Perez @ 10 Feet Tall, 9:00pm, Free before 11 / £4 after * You’ve
room in your life for some electro-latinpower-pop.
Jealous Lovers Bank Holiday Special @ Gwdihw , 9:00pm, Free
* A returning club night with so much indie it would wear Jarvis Cocker’s specs in a non-ironic, ironic way. Tiger Lilly @ Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, 9:00pm, Free *
Soul-baring acoustic session from a Londoner with Persian roots
Hyena! Bank Holiday Party @ Buffalo Bar, 10:00pm, Free before 11 / £4 after * Party? On
a Bank Holiday? God Bless the Queen. Electric Soul @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm * Get
your soul electrofied alongside live music and good conversation. Saturday 2nd June Crimes Against Folk @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free *
This is sure to be a folking good time, with live folk and acoustic tunes to get you through the afternoon. Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 2:15pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Diamond Jubilee Concert @ Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, 2:30pm, £5 / £7
* Chamber Orchestra
celebrate the pomp and ceremony of great British royal occasions.
GIGS OF THE MONTH
Gary Numan @ Coal Exchange,
2 JUNE
The legendary 80s electro-rock lunatic is still pumping out the wares with incredibly dark precision. Cars may well be ridiculous (and simultaneously brilliant) but the darker metallic side to his more recent work is also well worth checking out.
The Big What? Band @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free * Sing
and dance along with this fun soul band comprising of 11 members. Gary Numan @ The Coal Exchange, 7:00pm, £26.50 *
Drive in your car to witness this charttopping master of electro pop. Tera Melos / His Naked Torso / The Last of the Union @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £5 adv * Tera
Melos are a three piece from Cali performing experimental, electro rock. 4th Street Traffic @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free * Spiky guitar
riffs from this four piece straight out of the Valleys.
Richard Morton @ The Glee Club, 7:15pm, £9.50 / £6 NUS *
With his stand-up and comedy songs, Richard has completed several major UK tours supporting the likes of Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Jo Brand, Eddie Izzard. Madassa Soul Band @ The Globe, 7:30pm, £8 * Bright lights and
burly vocals. Get on your two step with this soulful collective. Ant Lee’s Curational Special w. SALV @ The North Star, 8:00pm, £TBC * Get your best
attire on and go! Go,
I tell you! It’s SALV! DJ Stu Grady @ The Yard, 8:00pm, Free
* Ibiza, house and trance classics. It is summer after all.
Freeman Street EP Launch @ The Moon Club, 8:00pm, £5 (free EP on entry) * Funk-
soul in celebration of a new EP release. #Winning.
Juju Nations @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £3 *
Juju Nations brings a unique blend of afrobeat, funk and reggae to what could just be a bland Saturday night otherwise. Get that booty shaking. The Vinyl Vendettas / Mr Potter / Dirty Pop @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £5 * Dance
your night away with some great indie and dance classics at one of Cardiff’s longest running nights. SixOneSeven @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Male three piece
with thumping drums and rhythmic riffs.
Beatbox Ballroom Bank Holiday Party @ Buffalo Bar, 11:00pm, £4 * Hip
thrusting, head bopping beats to make you throw some glorious shapes. Sunday 3rd June
Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12pm, Free *
In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
Nyth Micro Festival @ Gwdihw , 2:00pm, £7 adv * A stellar line-up
of acoustic, experimental and Welsh language bands. Line-up includes Yr Ods, Cowbois rhos Botwnnog and Trwbador. Taste Summer Festival @ Glanfa Stage, Wales Millennium Centre, 2:15pm, Free * A whole
afternoon of free music from local talent to the Welsh National Opera. Look it up for more details, there’s a lot on and worth checking out. Open Mic Afternoon
@ The Live Lounge, 3:30pm, Free * Show
the world what you can do in this open mic session.
Marie @ The Live Lounge, 6:30pm * You
can’t beat solo female vocals as you sip on a cool, refreshing pint. Thoby Davis @ The North Star, 7:00pm, £TBC * Mmmm,
smell that? That’s the heartwarming scent of live music on a Sunday’s eve. S&M @ O’Neills, St Mary St, 7:00pm, Free * Simon and
Marfunckle pomise a rousing set of your favourite covers every Sunday.Our Groove, Your Move @ Halfpenny Theatre, Bunk House, 8:00pm, £5 * A night of jazz, dub, rhythm n’ blues, funk and soul with Johnny Too Bad and the Boogaloo Brothers. A Shot of Jazz @ A Shot In The Dark, 8:00pm, £TBC * Regular war-
blings in an intimate setting featuring the best of local (and not so local) talent.
Colum Regan @ The Live Lounge, 8:00pm, Free * If not entertain-
ing shoppers on St Mary Street, catch Colum and his guitar at a great slot like this. The Chieftains @ St David’s Hall, 8:00pm, £Various * Grammy
Award-winning Irish group dating back to the ‘60s.
looks like? Monday 4th June Smokin’ Aces duo @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free * Gritty
mainstream rock mixed with Celtic flavouring.
Taste Summer Festival @ Glanfa Stage, Wales Millennium Centre, 12:00pm, Free * A
whole afternoon of free music from local talent to the Welsh National Opera. Look it up for more details, there’s a lot on and worth checking out. BeatReview Micro Fest @ Gwdihw , 2:00pm, £6 adv * With two
stages, over 8 hours of live bands, and 14 acts! Including Catfish and the Bottlemen, Right Hand Left Hand, and Little Arrow.
GIGS OF THE MONTH
Beat Review Festival @ Gwdihw,
4 JUNE
With the Nyth Festival from the day before also looking stunning, this is a fine bank holiday weekend down in Gwdihw. This one features eight hours of live music across main and acoustic stages comprising the mightily talented likes of Catfish & The Bottlemen, Little Arrow, We’re No Heroes and a heckload more.
Our Groove, Your Move @ Halfpenny Theatre, Bunk House, 8:00pm, £5 * Jazz, dubstep,
No Sweat Presents Music all-dayer @ The Full Moon, 4:00pm, Free * Acts Meirion
Sunday Social Bank Holiday Party w. Futuretown @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, Free before 11 / £4 after * Unsigned
Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free *
indie rockers from Cardiff help say thanks to Queeny.
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can!
Buffalo Open Air Silent Disco @ Buffalo Bar, 9:00pm, Free before 11
Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free * Sexy, spine
rhythm ‘n blues, funk and soul. What more could you want?
* Choose your tunes and groove, or have a quiet chat on the dancefloor. Silent Disco’s are swell.
Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Ever wondered
what a mass game of musically inspired duck, duck, goose
and Ester foot the bill so far, with loads of local acts TBA.
shivering vocals overlaying energetic guitar rhythms. Mhmm. Open Mic Night @ O’Neills, St Mary St, 8:00pm, Free * A popular and lively open mic event. Go and bring to the table your musical offerings.
018 LIVE MUSIC MAP Jubilee Party w. Zen Elephant / Dominic Lewis @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, Free before 11 / £4 after * Infectious,
vibrant and summer folk.
Rave Revue: Mad Hatters Tea Party @ The Moon Club , 8:00pm, £8 * What better way
to celebrate Queeny’s reign than with a drug enduced children’s story theme? Traditional Welsh Music @ Cayo Arms, 9:00pm, Free * Come and hear,
sing and play Welsh tunes in an informal, friendly atmosphere.
Signature:Experimental feat. Bobby Tank / Face+Heel @ Undertone, 10:00pm, £3 *
drummer comes to pound the streets of Cardiff Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Ever wondered
what a mass game of musically inspired duck, duck, goose looks like? Wednesday 6th June
Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free
* In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
Robert Cross Duo @ The Live Lounge, 2:00pm, Free * A duo
you say? Go and be entertained.
Jon Godwin @ O’Neills, Trinity Street, 7:00pm
With ever-so popular hosts, get involved with some electronica goodness.
* Acoustic entertainment every Wednesday. Ask nicely and he might throw in an Irish jig.
Honey Fungus Band @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Sexy,
Open Mic Wednesday @ Rileys Sports Bar, 7:30pm, Free * Come
Tuesday 5th June
Fossil Collective / Paper Aeroplanes @ Clwb Ifor Bach , 7:30pm, £6 *
spine shivering vocals overlaying energetic guitar rhythms. Mhmm. Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Robert Cross @ The Live Lounge, 2:00pm, Free
* One man, his vocals and a guitar. Go and be entertained.
Ivan Moult / Little Arrow / Barefoot Dance of the Sea @ Wales Millennium Centre, 4:00pm, Free * Captivating
performers at a captivating venue, for free. This is a winner. Taste Summer Festival @ Glanfa Stage, Wales Millennium Centre, 6:00pm, Free * An
evening of free music from local talent to the Welsh National Opera. Look it up for more details, there’s a lot on and worth checking out. Don Ross / Brooke Miller @ The Moon Club , 7:00pm, £12 *
A headline act that’s both Canadian and a fingerstyle guitar legend. Need we say more? Gavin Harrison & 05ric Band @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £15 adv
* Ex-King Crimson
on over and jam or collaborate.
Wind down to these two emotive, folky, charming acts Lady Gaga Experience @ St David’s Hall, 7:30pm * You think
the real Lady Gaga is worth watching, well, think again... Bassplayers @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £2 * You’re
all invited, one and all, to jam, mix and dance with resident DJs and musicians.
Open Mic with Tom Lukas @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free * Grab
your guitar, bongos and washboard and go entertain the crowd!
The Best Fit Tour: Stealing Sheep / Simian Ghost @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, £6 adv *
Psych-folk darling Sheep and alt-pop Ghost help celebrate five years of TLOBF. Open Mic @ NosDa, 8:30pm, Free * The
lights are low and the floor is open to both budding and experienced acts, a free drink for every performer.
Jazz @ Dempseys, 9:00pm, £5 * Jazz in a
splendidly focused setting with passionate curators bringing a fine spectacle.
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
Face Value @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free
* Don’t just take them for their name, take them for their music as well. Thursday 7th June Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free
* In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals mid afternoon. Launchpad Promotions Present: The Headshot / Adelaide @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:00pm, £6 *
With a collection of songs that will make you jump around or stand with an ear to ear smile. Either way, fun is promised. The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, Free * Not quite The
Strokes, but not far off.
Skinny Lister / Cakehole Presley / Beijing Bandits @ The Moon Club , 7:30pm, £5 *
Quaint English folk supported by Cardiff local faves.
Lucy Wainwright Roche / Blind River Scare @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, £10 * Americana
-tinged singer-songwriter acoustic performances.
Maddie Jones @ Bunk House, 8:00pm, Free *
Chill and wind down with this acoustic set.
No Sweat Presents Russell Toomey / Geraint Whitaker @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, Free * The night
that The Full Moon becomes an acoustic Wonderland, don’t you know.
Open Mic Night presented by Box Fort @ The Owain Glyndwr, 8:00pm, Free * A fun
and good natured open mic night. A must for any would be performers.
Nick Knock by CF5 @ Koko Gorillaz, 8:30pm, Free * Popular jam
night featuring a houseband with a full backline setup. Selected and guest musicians are invited to get up and mix up various styles. The Nicky Jordan
Quartet @ The North Star, 8:30pm, Free *
Don’t be afraid. Get your shoes and jacket on and go enjoy this enjoyable quartet. Minnie’s Chuff @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Ahem, chuff?
They’ll rock you with 60s classics until the cows come home. Friday 8th June Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free
* In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
Mavron Family Concert @ The Gate Arts Centre, 1:00pm, Free *
Families and children of all ages are invited to join in with musical activities led by the quartet The Little Giants @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free * Folky tunes
over late-afternoon, your antidote to the working week.
Brother Ray @ Peppermint, 8:00pm, £TBC
* Funk and soul band with influences including John Legend, Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu. Charlotte Church @ The Globe, 8:00pm, £10 adv * Ex-classical
singer is back with an indie tinge, debuted at last year’s Swn Festival. Fighting With Fire / Jets To Zurich / This Is Wreckage @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £6 adv * Fighting, jets and
wreckage: all things to expect at this alt-rock show. Polemics @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free *
A feel-good mixture of hard-rocking covers and fun-loving originals, the perfect way to welcome the weekend. The Fugitives @ The Yard, 8:00pm, Free *
You know, they really shouldn’t boast. We predict a number of undercover cops in the crowd for this one. The Journeymen @ The Croft Pub , 8:00pm, £3 * Pumping bass,
soaring guitar and powerhouse vocals from this classic rockers.
Thin Lizzy Tribute @ The Owain Glyndwr, 10:00pm, £TBC * Yes,
Thin frickin’ Lizzy! You’ll know their hits, even if you can’t remember them now. Go and sing along. Obey! Present: Addison Groove & DJ Rum @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £10 *
These two are taking bass music into new territories. Your bones will shake here. Saturday 9th June Leighton Jones @ The North Star, 12:00pm, £TBC * Soul music
that’ll set you right up for the summer.
GIGS OF THE MONTH
Among Brothers / Out Of The Woods @ Undertone,
10 JUNE
Barely Regal’s Among Brothers take to the basement club to show off their considerable, imaginative, often intense but intelligently textured indie tunes. With the promise of new material in the not too distant future, one of the city’s finest are looking set to blow.
Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free
* Electric ladyland brought back to live, metaphorically of course.
Tony Morley Duo @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm,
* Regular Tony Morely is joined for some enjoyable live music action.
Dark Side Of The Wall: Pink Floyd Tribute Show @ The Globe, 7:30pm, £10 * All the hits
belonging to one of the world’s most influential bands, only not performed by them Starving Artists Present Joe Driscoll / Sekou Kouyate @ The Moon Club, 8:00pm, £6
* Get sweaty and dazzled with a mix of afrobeat, hip hop and reggae, man. The Nicky Jordan Quartet @ The Yard, 8:30pm, £TBC * Don’t
be afraid. Get your shoes and jacket on
and go enjoy this enjoyable quartet. Big Scott’s Birthday Bash w. By The Rivers / Georgia Ellis @ Koko Gorillaz, 9:00pm, £5
* This is sure to be reggae-tastic. Call up Mr Roots and get some sauce involved! Fat City Presents Dirty Funk Syndicate @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £3
* With groove-laden funk, this Bristol group entertain a night full of rhythmic tunes that would even catch Michael Jackson off guard in his heyday. Sam Eden @ Pen & Wig , 9:30pm, Free
* Intricate pianist, guitarist and quaint vocalist, another for the folk scene. Sleepy Weasels @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Soak up this
night of live music. You deserve it.
Dirty Pop / The Vinyl Vendettas / Mr Potter @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £5 * An-
other night of electro, dance and indie classics at a night that has been going got many a year. Sunday 10th June Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12pm, Free *
In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
Porthcawl Rock Club @ Glanfa Stage, Wales Millennium Centre, 1:00pm, Free * Live
rock tunes from some folk from just down the road. Open Mic Afternoon @ The Live Lounge, 3:30pm, Free * Show
the world what you can do in this open mic session.
Marie @ The Live Lounge, 6:30pm * You
can’t beat solo female vocals as you sip on a cool, refreshing pint. Thoby Davis @ The North Star, 7:00pm, £TBC * Mmmm,
smell that? That’s the heartwarming scent of live music on a Sunday’s eve. S&M @ O’Neills, St Mary St, 7:00pm, Free * Simon and
Marfunckle pomise a rousing set of your favourite covers every Sunday. St Donats Acoustic
Festival Showcase @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, Free * Preview
performances from festival performers Steve Collins and Lloyd Jerwood.
A Shot of Jazz @ A Shot In The Dark, 8:00pm, £TBC * Regular war-
blings in an intimate setting featuring the best of local (and not so local) talent.
Among Brothers / Out of the Woods @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £5 adv * Fus-
ing electronic rhythms, percussive flourishes and vibrant rock-pop themes.
Colum Regan @ The Live Lounge, 8:00pm, Free
* If not entertaining shoppers on St Mary Street, catch Colum and his guitar at a great slot like this.
Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Ever wondered
what a mass game of musically inspired duck, duck, goose looks like? Monday 11th June
Smokin’ Aces duo @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free * Gritty main-
stream rock mixed with Celtic flavouring.
Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free * Sexy, spine
shivering vocals overlaying energetic guitar rhythms. Mhmm. Welsh Singers Competition @ St David’s Hall, 7:15pm * To find out
who will represent Wales in the BBC Singer of the World ‘13 competition.
Westlife: Farewell UK @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:30pm, £47.25 * Say-
ing farewell should be a sad thing, right? Ahem.
A New Old-Fashioned Jazz Band @ Cafe Jazz, 8:00pm, £3 / £2.50 conc * Clasic jazz and
swing, light-hearted songs, and original writing, in the style of the 1930s New York. Jazz Revhw Presents The Occasional Brass Ensemble @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £3 * This
group recreate the
acoustic streetband sound of New Orleans at this monthly extravaganza. Open Mic Night @ O’Neills, St Mary St, 8:00pm, Free * A
popular and lively open mic event. Go and bring to the table your musical offerings. Traditional Welsh Music @ Cayo Arms, 9:00pm, Free * Come and hear,
sing and play Welsh tunes in an informal, friendly atmosphere. Honey Fungus Band @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free *
Sexy, spine shivering vocals overlaying energetic guitar rhythms. Mhmm. Tuesday 12th June Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm,
* Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Robert Cross @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free
* One man, his vocals and a guitar. Go and be entertained.
Daisy B @ Live Lounge, 7:00pm * Grab a drink
and celebrate life in enjoying some live acoustic melodies.
7:30pm, £4 * Great
selection of live music raising money for nothing but a great cause. Ant Law Quartet @ Cafe Jazz, 8:00pm, £5 / £4 conc * A fine four piece
playing exciting guitarled rhythmic jazz. Anthony Lee Wickham’s Open Mic @ The North Star, 8:30pm, Free *
Pick up that spatula, kettle, filing cabinet and grater and go make some music! Now! Open Mic @ NosDa, 8:30pm, Free * The
lights are low and the floor is open to both budding and experienced acts, a free drink for every performer. Jazz @ Dempseys, 9:00pm, £5 * Jazz in
a splendidly focused setting with passionate curators bringing a fine spectacle. The Groovinators @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Their name says
it all. Expect groovy tunes to make your knees band and hips twist. Thursday 14th June
Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free * Originals and
The Dead Wretched / Blowgoat @ The Moon Club, 8:00pm, Free * Get ready to
covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can!
Wednesday 13th June
* In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
rooooooar and head bang until our hair falls out. Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, * In
his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch. Tony Morley Duo @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm,
* Regular Tony Morely is joined for some enjoyable live music action.
Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free
The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm,
* Electric ladyland brought back to live, metaphorically of course. Jack Lesser Lewis’ Awkward Energy / The Middle Ones @ The Moon Club, 7:30pm, £5 * The
Robert Cross Duo @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free * A duo you say?
only thing that would be awkward is if you don’t like distorted-ish bassy music…
Jon Godwin @ O’Neills, Trinity Street, 7:00pm *
Miss Maud’s Folly @ Bunk House, 8:00pm, Free * A lively acoustic
Open Mic Wednesday @ Rileys Sports Bar, 7:30pm, Free * Come
No Sweat Presents Alan Coles / Fountainhead Music / Lisa Marie Hopkins @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, Free
Go and be entertained. Acoustic entertainment every Wednesday. Ask nicely and he might throw in an Irish jig.
on over and jam or collaborate.
Meningitis Charity Gig @ Clwb Ifor Bach,
set with gypsy, jazz, folk and European influences.
* The night that The Full Moon becomes an acoustic Wonderland, don’t you know.
Surf, Rock ‘N Roll & Garage Night: Peyote / Hangmen @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £4 * Nothin’
but a bit of classic rock ‘n roll with a modern twist.
GIGS OF THE MONTH
Houdini Dax / The Earth @ Clwb Ifor Bach,
16 JUNE
The Earth is a brand new project with more Welsh heritage than the whole of Snowdonia. Featuring members of Catatonia, the Super Furry Animals and The Peth, it’s a supergroup par excellence. Fresh licks and promising, promising sounds.
The Dan Messore Quartet @ The North Star, 8:00pm, * Give
your ears a clean then go and enjoy this. Open Mic Night presented by Box Fort @ The Owain Glyndwr, 8:00pm, Free * A fun
and good natured open mic night. A must for any would be performers. Nick Knock by CF5 @ Koko Gorillaz, 8:30pm, Free * Popular jam
night featuring a houseband with a full backline setup. Selected and guest musicians are invited to get up and mix up various styles.
JimJam Open Session: Freeman Street @ The Claude, 8:30pm, Free *
Body movin’ soul at Cardiff’s longest running, most established open mic night. Fat City w. The Bongolian @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £3 * This foot-
tingling night is joined by psychedelic funkers The Bongolian. FAO Events & Signature Present TRAP Magazine Party @ Buffalo Bar, £TBC * To celebrate
locals over lunch.
beats.
The Little Giants @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free * Folky tunes
Guns 2 Roses & Metallica Reloaded @ The Globe, 7:30pm, £10 * A whole
over late-afternoon, your antidote to the working week.
King Charles plus Special Guests @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £10 *
Psychedelic folk pop; Charles has as much talent as he does hair (lots). LiA (Life Imitates Art) / Palomino Party / The Obsessions @ The Globe, 7:30pm, £5 *
New wave music fusing rock, dubstep and electro. A strong line up, here. Fabulous Cover Band @ The Yard, 8:00pm, Free * Listen to your
favourite tunes as performed by these big ‘eads. Polemics @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free *
A feel-good mixture of hard-rocking covers and fun-loving originals, the perfect way to welcome the weekend. Smokin’ Aces @ Peppermint, 8:00pm, £TBC
* Gritty mainstream rock mixed with Celtic flavouring. Under The Driftwood Tree @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free *
Lovely acoustic stuff from a group who’ve entertained Maida Vale, no less. Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Ever wondered
what a mass game of musically inspired duck, duck, goose looks like? The Daggers @ The Owain Glyndwr, 10:00pm, £TBC * A
bit of blues and rock to drive you into the weekend. Saturday 16th June
lot of classics mixed into one nostalgic cocktail of rock mayhem.
TROMB / Rachel Shepherd @ The Pot, 7:30pm, £4 * TROMB
bring funk roots music with Word Virus Essay’s songstress dazzling with an acoustic set at one cosy venue. Ant Lee’s Curatorial Special w. SALV & N.E.O.N @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free * SALV
AND N.E.O.N? Holy smokes. Yup, we don’t know why it’s exciting either. Chris Summerill @ The Yard, 8:00pm, £TBC *
Good with a guitar, this one. Get up, grab a drink and tap your toes. Under The Driftwood Tree @ The Yard, 8:00pm, * Lovely
acoustic stuff from a group who’ve entertained Maida Vale, no less. Candela @ Gwdihw , 9:00pm, £3 * Cardiff’s
only genre encompassing dance floor focused night. Sounds to make you salivate!
GIGS OF THE MONTH
Masters In France / Gallops @ The Moon Club,
17 JUNE
The North Walian stomping, strutting, Tom Robinson approved rockers take their incredibly developed live sound to The Moon with plenty of hard-riffing support from Gallops and Jets To Zurich to fill out what looks a spectacular evening.
Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free * Originals and
Moondog @ Pen & Wig , 9:30pm, Free *
Supersaurus @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free
Tangent @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free
DJ Ben Potter @ Bunk House, 10:00pm, Free
Friday 15th June
Barsha’s Bazaar @ The Moon Club, 7:30pm, TBC * A psychedelic
The Blades @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free
TRAP’s arrival, go and hear the best in house, drum and bass and techno music. * Impressive covers of indie, rock and pop classics
Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free
* In his regular slot, Morley delights the
covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! * Great music with a rock and roll twist.
steampunk circus of live performance, filthy basslines and Balkan
A composer, poet, musician & inventor of instruments, ‘dog is worth a peek. * Dance to some jazz, swing and rock ‘n roll. * One of Cardiff’s best covers band of rock anthems. Mr Potter / The Vinyl
020 | LISTINGS LIVE & CLUB EVENTS Vendettas / Dirty Pop @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £5 * Dance
your night away with some great indie and dance classics at one of Cardiff’s longest running nights. Sunday 17th June Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12pm, Free *
In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
Open Mic Afternoon @ The Live Lounge, 3:30pm, Free * Show
the world what you can do in this open mic session.
New Summer Sound Present Master In France / Gallops / Jets to Zurich @ The Moon Club , 6:00pm, £8 *
Loads of noise ‘ere from a full bill of talented indie peeps.
Marie @ The Live Lounge, 6:30pm, Free
* You can’t beat solo female vocals as you sip on a cool, refreshing pint. S&M @ O’Neills, St Mary St, 7:00pm, Free * Simon and
Marfunckle pomise a rousing set of your favourite covers every Sunday. Malevolent Creation @ Bogiez, 7:30pm, £13.50
* New York death metal outfit are ready to brutalise you with ear-bleeding sounds.
Colum Regan @ The Live Lounge, 8:00pm, Free * If not entertain-
ing shoppers on St Mary Street, catch Colum and his guitar at a great slot like this. A Shot of Jazz @ A Shot In The Dark, 8:00pm, £TBC * Regular war-
blings in an intimate setting featuring the best of local (and not so local) talent.
Sunday Jazz @ Chapter Arts Centre, 9:00pm, £TBC * Some of the
finest jazz at one of Cardiff’s finest venues Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Ever wondered
what a mass game of musically inspired duck, duck, goose looks like? Monday 18th June
Smokin’ Aces duo @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free * Gritty
mainstream rock mixed with Celtic
flavouring. Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free * Sexy, spine
* Described by the NY Times as ‘one of the world’s most important bands’. See for yourself. Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Ever wondered
what a mass game of musically inspired duck, duck, goose looks like?
shivering vocals overlaying energetic guitar rhythms. Mhmm.
Wednesday 20th June
The Monday Swing Quintet @ Cafe Jazz, 8:00pm, Free * Get
In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
swingin’ as in-house musicians play the best in modern swing. Open Mic Night @ O’Neills, St Mary St, 8:00pm, Free * A
popular and lively open mic event. Go and bring to the table your musical offerings. Traditional Welsh Music @ Cayo Arms, 9:00pm, Free * Come and hear,
sing and play Welsh tunes in an informal, friendly atmosphere.
Honey Fungus Band @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Sexy,
spine shivering vocals overlaying energetic guitar rhythms. Mhmm. Tuesday 19th June Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Robert Cross @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free *
One man, his vocals and a guitar. Go and be entertained. The View @ The Great Hall, 7:00pm, £15 *
They’ll make you dance with their upbeat, indie pop rock tunes which you’ll probably recognise.
Tangent @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free
* Great music with a rock and roll twist. Barely Regal Presents Prawn / Ape Up! / Cycle Schmeicel / Pipedream @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £4 * No, that’s not the
famous Danish footballer. This is punk meets emo meets fine US rock.
Roots Unearthed Warsaw Village Band @ St David’s Hall, 8:00pm
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12pm, Free *
An Afternoon Concert with Thierry Fischer @ Wales Millennium Centre, 2:00pm, £8/11
* Expect renditions of classic nineteenth century symphonies that you’ll know and love. Robert Cross Duo @ The Live Lounge, 2:00pm, Free * A duo
you say? Go and be entertained.
Tony Morley Duo @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm,
* Regular Tony Morely is joined for some enjoyable live music action.
Glasnost Festival Green Fields @ The Moon Club , 7:00pm, £5 * It’s
not quite the soggy field of Somerset, but a nice Plan B for hippy-inspired wind down time.
GIGS OF THE MONTH
Glasnost Festival @ The Full Moon / Moon Club,
20-25 JUNE
With Glastonbury missing from the festival calendar, thank Jehovah for the Moon Club bringing that very vibe here to Cardiff. Too much going on over five days to cover here but it includes a Shangri-La session, a John Peel stage and a Green Fields stage as well as more profoundly amazing artists than we can list.
Jon Godwin @ O’Neills, Trinity Street, 7:00pm
* Acoustic entertainment every Wednesday. Ask nicely and he might throw in an Irish jig. Open Mic Wednesday @ Rileys Sports Bar, 7:30pm, Free * Come
on over and jam or collaborate.
Aborted / Desecration / Ancient Ascendant @ Bogiez, 7:30pm, £10 * Get the police
on speed dial. These European death metal headliners think “murder is fun”… Open Mic with Tom Lukas @ The North Star, 8:00pm, * Get
out of the garage and make your way to the stage, your first move to superstardom. Folk in the Owl’s Nest w. Sam Forrest @ Gwdihw , 8:30pm, Free *
A folking good night, with a treat from Nine Black Alps’ Sam Forrest. Open Mic @ NosDa, 8:30pm, Free * The
lights are low and the floor is open to both budding and experienced acts, a free drink for every performer.
Jazz @ Dempseys, 9:00pm, £5 * Jazz in a
splendidly focused setting with passionate curators bringing a fine spectacle. Face Value @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free
* Don’t just take them for their name, take them for their music as well. Thursday 21st June Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, * Originals
and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm,
two piece suite? Then settle for this.
here than cake at a child’s birthday party.
Open Mic Night presented by Box Fort @ The Owain Glyndwr, 8:00pm, Free * A fun
Bespoke @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free *
and good natured open mic night. A must for any would be performers.
Nick Knock by CF5 @ Koko Gorillaz, 8:30pm, Free * Popular jam
night featuring a houseband with a full backline setup. Selected and guest musicians are invited to get up and mix up various styles.
No Sweat Presents Glasnost Festival Acoustic Stage @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, Free * Jona-
than Powell, Ilona and Owen Bowley & Dave Morris just some of the acts to recreate a night in the Glasto Green Fields
Spectres plus support @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £4
* They say they were set up to “make ears bleed.” Enjoy! STHW / Question The Mark EP Launch @ Gwdihw , 8:00pm, £3
* STHC is back for more with their great line up of punk rock shows. JimJam Open Session: Crackers @ The Claude , 8:30pm, Free *
Another music filled night at Cardiff’s longest running, most established open mic night. The Domino’s @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Watch this
* In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
band drop hits like domino’s dropping each other in a captivating domino train.
Glasnost Festival Shangri La @ The Moon Club, 7:00pm, £5 * If
Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free
anything like the real Glasto Shangri La, expect madness and hectic grooves from Starving Artist DJs, Inc.A and more. The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm,
* Electric ladyland brought back to live, metaphorically of course. Vice Squad @ Bogiez, 7:30pm, £8 * Their
interests on Facebook are “being rude and very noisy.” Have fun. 2 Piece Sweet @ The North Star, 8:00pm,
* Could do with a
Friday 22nd June
* In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
The Little Giants @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free * Folky tones
over late-afternoon, your antidote to the working week.
Glasnost Festival John Peel Stage @ The Moon Club, 7:00pm, £5 * Get
your leathers on and dye your hair black for this rock fest.
The Phantom Light / Post Future Revivalists @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £4 * Vox and synths
are more prevalent
An acoustic duo that might just tickle your fancy.
Race for Life Charity Gig: The Poet The People / Frames @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £5
* Get down to this charity gig. A superb cause with some superb music.
Bon Giovi - Jon Bon Jovi Tribute Band @ The Globe, 7:30pm, £10
* A night of classic Jovi hits by Giovi, who will make them his own.
Gigantic Presents Glasnost Festival Other Stage @ The Full Moon , 8:00pm, Free
* Smokey Bastards and Bleedin’ Noses recreate time in front of the Pyramid’s small sister. Petty Thieves @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free * If there’s one
thing they’ll steal, it’s your shoes. They’re known for that. Polemics @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free *
A feel-good mixture of hard-rocking covers and fun-loving originals, the perfect way to welcome the weekend.
GIGS OF THE MONTH
The School / Toy Pop @ 10 Feet Tall,
23 JUNE
With their second LP of indie-pop joy now out in the world, and after an extensive UK tour, The School return home to reward their citymates with a show and consequent aftershow party. Expect songs about being in love, not being in love and wanting to be in love. All of them brilliant.
Tom Lukas @ Peppermint, 8:00pm, £TBC
* A popular regular on the Cardiff music scene. Typical Stereo w. This Many Boyfriends @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £4 adv * Tour de Josh is
here to show off his eclectic collection of 7″‘s after some great indie bands do their thing. Capitol Confusion @
visit www.gwdihŵ .co.uk for full listings and events. Reserve an area for Euro 2012 Micro Festivals
Brand New Nights th. 4pm.
Return of Sundown Market. Sun 24 Book Your Party Now - Free Bubbly Cozy Beer Garden Open until 2am
Free Hire Food Great Range of Drinks
ks Thursday Pick ‘n’ Mix Selected Drin r Pint of Stella 4 House Spirit & Mixe £10 Ginger Joes All £2.50 Any 4 Cans Follow us on twitter @GwdihŵCafeBar otel
Ibis H
022 | LISTINGS LIVE & CLUB EVENTS The Croft Pub, 8:30pm, Free * Nestle down
in public house surroundings for some live tunage from these Brit rockers. Three Dead Men @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Rest assured,
they’re not dead. Instead, they’re well alive and ready to rock.
Glasnost Festival Dance Village @ The Moon Club, 11:00pm, £5 *
Glow sticks? Check. UV paint? Check. Go throw some shapes to City Bass and Dirty Knees DJs. Saturday 23rd June
GIGS OF THE MONTH
Ska Mumbo Jumbo @ Gwdihw,
23 JUNE
A brand new night in Gwdihw with various thematic nights every month. This one is set to lure in the skamonkeys and the ‘still running’ dancers with The Rude ‘Em Outs. Their brass-driven, high energy ska will get the knees as close to the ears as is comfortable.
Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Glasnost Festival West Holts Stage @ The Moon Club, 7:00pm, £5 * Head bopping
beats and hip shakin’ riddems with The Resonates, Afrocluster and more TBA. The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free
* Electric ladyland brought back to live, metaphorically of course.
Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra - 30th Birthday Concert @ St David’s Hall, 7:30pm *
Celebrate the birthday of this exuberant Welsh group. The School / Toypop @ 10 Feet Tall, 7:30pm, £7 adv * If you like
your music sweet and sugary, equal parts lovestruck and lovelorn, then this show is for you.
Five Dollar Shake Pre-
sents Glasnost Festival Pyramid Stage @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, Free * Groove and
grind to Kookamunga as they foot the bill of the prestigious Pyramid Stage. Tom Lukas / The Gramercy Riffs @ The Yard, 8:00pm, * Mr
Lukas strikes again. Loves the Cardiff scene, he does.
Y Niwl / Violas / Eilir Pierce @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 8:00pm, £5 * Welsh pride fills
the bill with acts that make inspiring instrumental sounds
Ska Mumbo Jumbo @ Gwdihw , 8:30pm, £3
* A brand new night bringing tasty treats from around the world. This month it’s brass fueled ska rock ‘n rollers The Rude ‘em Outs. The Ginger Rogers @ Pen & Wig , 9:30pm, Free * Funky soul
musicians who “give the middle finger to convention.” YES! DJ Ben Potter @ Bunk House, 10:00pm, Free
* Dance to some jazz, swing and rock ‘n roll.
The Groovinators @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Their name says
it all. Expect groovy tunes to make your knees band and hips twist.
The Vinyl Vendettas / Mr Potter / Dirty Pop @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £5 * Dance
your night away with some great indie and dance classics at one of Cardiff’s longest running nights. The School After Party w. guest DJs @ Undertone, 10:30pm, £Free with gig handstamp *
Someone call Alice Cooper, The School are done. More blasting tunes celebrating the sweet & sugary show. Sunday 24th June Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12pm, Free *
In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
Open Mic Afternoon @ The Live Lounge, 3:30pm, Free * Show
the world what you can do in this open mic session. Marie @ The Live
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
Lounge, 6:30pm, Free
* You can’t beat solo female vocals as you sip on a cool, refreshing pint. S&M @ O’Neills, St Mary St, 7:00pm, Free * Simon and
Marfunckle pomise a rousing set of your favourite covers every Sunday. John Cooper Clarke / Mark Garry @ The Gate Arts Centre, 7:30pm, £15 adv * John Cooper
Clarke became the “Punk Poet”, “The Bard of Salford” who found himself as one of the leading voices of punk and youth culture of the late 70’s. A Shot of Jazz @ A Shot In The Dark, 8:00pm, £TBC * Regular war-
blings in an intimate setting featuring the best of local (and not so local) talent.
Punk Rock Bowling Presents Glasnost Festival Leftfield @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, Free
* Go off the beaten track with Zinc Bukowski and Not Since The Accident. Colum Regan @ The Live Lounge, 8:00pm, Free * If not entertain-
ing shoppers on St Mary Street, catch Colum and his guitar at a great slot like this. The Nicky Jordan Quartet @ The North Star, 8:30pm, £TBC *
Don’t be afraid. Get your shoes and jacket on and go enjoy this enjoyable quartet. Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Ever wondered
what a mass game of musically inspired duck, duck, goose looks like? Monday 25th June
Smokin’ Aces duo @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free * Gritty
mainstream rock mixed with Celtic flavouring.
Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free * Sexy, spine
shivering vocals overlaying energetic guitar
rhythms. Mhmm. Jelly Roll Jones @ Cafe Jazz, 8:00pm, Free *
Old time jug band/ hokum blues from the 20s and 30s. Open Mic Night @ O’Neills, St Mary St, 8:00pm, Free * A
popular and lively open mic event. Go and bring to the table your musical offerings. Traditional Welsh Music @ Cayo Arms, 9:00pm, Free * Come and hear,
sing and play Welsh tunes in an informal, friendly atmosphere.
Electronic Goods Presents Floating Points / Andrew Weatherall / Ben UFO / Braiden @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £TBC * A
four-string infiltration of electronic, basshunting DJ madness by those who were mixing even when in the womb. Honey Fungus Band @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Sexy,
spine shivering vocals overlaying energetic guitar rhythms. Mhmm. Tuesday 26th June Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Robert Cross @ The Live Lounge, 2:00pm, Free
* One man, his vocals and a guitar. Go and be entertained. Black Stone Cherry @ Solus, 7:00pm, £19.00
* With a bottle JD, go see these hard US rockers from the south.
Jon Godwin@ O’Neills, Trinity Street, 7:00pm
* Acoustic entertainment every Wednesday. Ask nicely and he might throw in an Irish jig. Open Mic Wednesday @ Rileys Sports Bar, 7:30pm, Free * Come
on over and jam or collaborate.
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Symphony Orchestra @ St David’s Hall, 8:00pm
* The RWCMD celebrate the summer in quite magnificent style... Jazz Café @ The Gate
Arts Centre, 8:00pm, £3 / £2 conc * An even-
ing of great music in the warm and friendly atmosphere of The Gate’s in-house Café Bar. The Shoots / Charlie Says @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, £4 * Get
jaunty with fuzzy lady vocals and rocky electric guitars with The Shoots. Face Value @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free
* Don’t just take them for their name, take them for their music as well. Wednesday 27th June Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free
* In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
Tony Morley Duo @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm,
* Regular Tony Morely is joined for some enjoyable live music action.
Robert Cross Duo @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free * A duo
you say? Go and be entertained.
Jon Godwin@ O’Neills, Trinity Street, 7:00pm
* Acoustic entertainment every Wednesday. Ask nicely and he might throw in an Irish jig. Open Mic Wednesday @ Rileys Sports Bar, 7:30pm, Free * Come
on over and jam or collaborate.
Marina & the Diamonds @ The Coal Exchange, 7:30pm, £20 *
Having taken the pop scene by storm, Abergavenny-born, hip-shakin’ Marina is back for this rescheduled show. King Twit / Albatross Archive / Marie Batchelder @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, £4 * Stomp
your way to joy with this collection of alt folk. Open Mic @ NosDa, 8:30pm, Free * The
lights are low and the floor is open to both budding and experienced acts, a free drink for every performer.
Jazz @ Dempseys, 9:00pm, £5 * Jazz in a
splendidly focused setting with passionate curators bringing a fine spectacle.
The Groovinators @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Their name says
it all. Expect groovy tunes to make your knees band and hips twist. Thursday 28th June Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free
* In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.
It’s Not OK / Nina’s School / Landslides / Headshot @ The Moon Club , 7:00pm, £3 * Go punk the
funk out with these European delights from London, Cardiff and France. The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free * Not quite The
Strokes, but not far off.
AC/DC Tribute Band - BONFIRE @ The Globe, 7:30pm, £5 *
Go and rock like it’s the 1970s and 80s all over again. Open Mic Night presented by Box Fort @ The Owain Glyndwr, 8:00pm, Free * A fun
and good natured open mic night. A must for any would be performers.
Nick Gordon Trio (TBC) @ The North Star, 8:00pm, * Nick,
not Flash. We were disappointed too. Still, Nick makes for good company too. The Red Shark Soundsystem / End of the Line / The Word Virus Essay @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £4 * Wob, wob,
wobbing dubstep, drum and bass and hip hop in one hearty evening. Nick Knock by CF5 @ Koko Gorillaz, 8:30pm, Free * Popular jam
night featuring a houseband with a full backline setup. Selected and guest musicians are invited to get up and mix up various styles.
JimJam Open Session: Freeway @ The Claude, 8:30pm, Free *
Another music filled night at Cardiff’s
Friday 8th June 2012
Friday 31st August 2012
SWN presents
FRANK FAIRFIELD
CHARLOTTE CHURCH ALBATROSS ARCHIVE The Globe, Cardiff £10 adv / 8.00pm / 18+ show
Saturday 9th June 2012 SWN & Span Arts presents
CHARLOTTE CHURCH CAROLINE HARRISON Queens Hall, Narberth £10/£9 (Con/Mem) adv / 8.00pm / All Ages
Saturday 23rd June 2012 SWN, TAFWYL & CLWB IFOR BACH presents
Y NIWL VIOLAS EILIR PIERCE Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff £7 adv / 8.00pm / 14+ show
Wednesday 27th June 2012 Kilimanjaro and SWN presents
MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS Cardiff Coal Exchange
Dempseys, Castle Street, Cardiff £7 adv / 7:30pm / This is an 18+ show
Various dates in Wales
JODIE MARIE Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd Saturday 29th September 2012
SWN IS ALSO PRESENTING MUSIC AT:
St David’s Hall, Cardiff Monday 1st October 2012 Gwyn Hall, Pontardawe Friday 5th October 2012 Theatr Hafren, Powys Saturday 6th October 2012 Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth Wednesday 10th October Sunday 4th November 2012
BEN HOWARD w/WILLY MASON
DINEFWR LITERATURE FESTIVAL National Trust’s Dinefwr Park and Castle, Carmarthenshire, Wales Friday 29th June – Sunday 1st July 2012 Inc. Gruff Rhys, Julian Cope, Emmy The Great + more www.dinefwrliteraturefestival.co.uk
Cardiff University, Great Hall * SOLD OUT * / 7:30pm / This is an 14+ show
Wednesday 14th November 2012 Kilimanjaro and SWN presents
FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS with support
£20 adv / 7.30pm / This is an 14+ Show
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult
£18 adv / 7:30pm / Under 14’s accompanied by an adult.
GREEN MAN FESTIVAL Walled Garden Stage Friday 17th August 2012 Glanusk Park, Wales Inc. Lucy Rose, KWES, Mowbird Valdoinmessico, No Thee No Ess, Chailo Sim, Joanna Gruesome, Sen Segur & Greta Isaac
024 | LISTINGS LIVE & CLUB EVENTS
longest running, most established open mic night. The Big What? Band @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Sing
and dance along with this fun soul band comprising of 11 members. Friday 29th June
Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free * In his regular
slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch. The Little Giants @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free *
Folky tones over late-afternoon, your antidote to the working week. Fjords / Sleepy Panda Club / The Lay-Lows @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £4 * Uncon-
ventional breaks and post-punk anthems from this fine line-up. Italics @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, Free
* If there’s any italicising going on here, it’s because their musical talents can’t make you remain standing straight. The Tongues - Talking Heads Tribute Band @ The Globe, 7:30pm, £7
* Delightful versions of classics produced by that ‘70s classic US avant-garde rock band.
Denuo / Clockwork Radio / Kutosis @ The Moon Club, 7:30pm, £3 adv *
Single launch from Cardiff four piece accompanied by stern favourites Adam Franklin @ Coffee Cove, 8:00pm, £5
* Fancy a bit of blues and ragtime from the Golden Age of Us music? Head to this. Chris Summerill @ Peppermint, 8:00pm, £TBC * Good with a
guitar, this one. Get up, grab a drink and tap your toes. Chris Summerill @ The North Star, 8:00pm, £TBC *
Good with a guitar, this one. Get up, grab a drink and tap your toes. Ifor Bach w. Steve Eaves @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £5 * Steve
Eaves headlines this night of Welsh acts, with support from Fflurd Dafydd & Greta Isaac. Polemics @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free *
A feel-good mixture of hard-rocking covers and fun-loving originals, the perfect way to welcome the weekend. South Wales Clarient Choir @ Norwegian Church, 8:00pm, £2 *
Nothing could spoil
this tranquil evening with clarinet playing in the Church surroundings. Brainscape @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * Your brain
won’t escape you, just your ability to have a rubbish time. This’ll be grand.
Abba Tribute @ The Owain Glyndwr, 10:00pm, Free * This,
simply, needs no introduction. Bleach your hair, crack out the flares and have a great night. Saturday 30th June Sion Russell Jones @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, Free *
Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! Robert Cross Duo @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, Free * A
duo you say? Go and be entertained. Daisy B @ Live Lounge, 7:00pm *
Grab a drink and celebrate life in enjoying some live acoustic melodies. Kate Nash @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:00pm, £15 * Her single
Foundations really was released many moons ago in ’07. Find out what she’s been up to since that pop hit.
S&M @ O’Neills, St Mary St, 7:00pm, Free * Simon and
Marfunckle pomise a rousing set of your favourite covers every Sunday. CrowBar Present: Johnny Cage & VooDoo Groove / Auto Nomads / Fun House / Captain Hot Knives @ The Globe, 7:30pm, £8 * Lots and lots
on here tonight. It’ll be a barn storming rollercoaster of fun. Ant Lee’s Curatorial Special @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free
* “The return of Salvation with Loz!” apparently.
GIGS OF THE MONTH
Kate Nash @ Clwb Ifor Bach,
30 JUNE
The Brit School graduate is developing an increased level of maturity to her songwriting while maintaining the freshness that saw her initial success. Here she takes the tracks from her first two albums and her increasingly polished performances to Clwb for an evening of quiet thrills.
Chris Summerill @ The North Star, 8:00pm, Free * Good
with a guitar, this one. Get up, grab a drink and tap your toes.
Lovetempo w. Christophe @ Gwdihw , 8:00pm, £3 * Bring-
ing you dance floor boogie delights including funk, soul, disco and house.
Punks In The Beerlight w. live acts TBA @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £TBC * Cardiff’s idea
of Live Lounge: bands playing others’ hits in a style they’re not used to.
Flynn Lives debut single launch @ Dempseys, 8:30pm, Free * Exciting times
for this big sounding alt rock group from the Welsh capital. Monkjack Funk @ Pen & Wig , 9:30pm, Free * Get ready
to groove and jig to this eight piece of funky musical bombardment.
DJ Ben Potter @ Bunk House, 10:00pm, Free
* Dance to some jazz, swing and rock ‘n roll. Jammie and the Dodgers @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free * You have
to go, in not for anything other than the name. Dirty Pop / The Vinyl Vendettas / Mr Potter @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £5
* Another night of electro, dance and indie classics at a night that has been going got many
Event Not Listed? Email us: listings@themmp.tv Deadline: 15th of each month prior to publication.
www.themmp.tv JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
a year. Traditional Welsh Music @ Cayo Arms, 9:00pm, Free * Come
and hear, sing and play Welsh tunes in an informal, friendly atmosphere. Honey Fungus Band @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, Free *
Sexy, spine shivering vocals overlaying energetic guitar rhythms. Mhmm.
026 | LISTINGS REGULAR EVENTS
REGULAR EVENTS Fridays
Gigantic DJs @ The Full Moon, 7:00pm, Free * Everything you can imagine, from bebop to trip hop to motown to jazz to ska and electro! Funky Fridays @ So-Lo, 7:00pm, £3 / £5 after 9 * Guest Djs making you feel funky on a Friday. The Resurrection @ The Old Library, 8:00pm, Free * Playing non-stop supersonic mixes of indie, Brit-pop and alternative tunes. Axe the DJ @ NosDa, 8:00pm, £TBC * A new weekly event where the bartenders choose the tunes. Anything from funk to fusion to German techno metal. Bumper @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm * Dance your drunken night away. Xerox @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 8:00pm * Downstairs in a much loved venue, the music is ideal for you hipster lovelies.
CLUBS OF THE MONTH
Beatbox Ballroom Bank Holiday Party @ Buffalo,
3 JUNE
With Monday being a bank holiday, you can do literally whatever you like on Saturday and still be alright for work on Tuesday! Why not thrust hips and bop heads with the Beatbox Ballroom posse providing the aural stimulus? Yeah, sounds massive.
Hustle @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm * Go boogie to some motown and disco! Milgi @ Milgi’s, 8:00pm * Celebrate a collection of world music played by inhouse DJs. Therapy @ Glam, 9:00pm * Your weekly dosage of spine shaking beats, bright lights and sticky dancefloors. Knees Up! @ Gwdihw , 9:00pm, £3 * The ‘mod and roll’ night is back with plenty of New Wave, Post-Punk, R&B and Garage. Indie rock band The Lay-Lows will be performing for your entertainment. Nocturnal Emissions @ Undertone, 9:00pm £3 before 11pm * Either feel at home or scared to death at this night of
tantalising goth tunes. The Furnace @ Bogiez, 10:00pm, Free * Bringing the very best mix of old to new rock, metal, punk and alternative! Anything goes as long as it’s rawwwkk. City Bass: City Bass
CLUBS OF THE MONTH
Addison Groove / DJ Rum @ Clwb Ifor Bach,
8 JUNE
The Obey! team bring some bass / dubstep heavyweight cred to Clwb with the awesome Addison Groove providing the licks til late. Having worked with the likes of Luke Envoy and Kryptic Minds, Groove’s track record of venue smashing is unsurpassed.
Does Techno @ The Moon Club , 11:00pm, £3 before midnight * Big fish, little fish and all that. Classic bangers from Detroit to Berlin. Live DJ @ The Live Lounge, 12:00am, Free * Taking you through until 4am with an eclectic mix of singalong tunes and dancefloor anthem.
Saturdays
Sweet Chocolate @ So-Lo, 7:00pm, * Old Skool R’n’B alongside Berlin classics, would you believe it? Vanity - It’s All About You @ GLAM, 8:00pm * Two floors of the hottest R&B, hip hop, dance and all in between. Mocka Lounge Sundays @ Mocka Lounge, 8:00pm * Wind down a chaotic week with a visit to Mocka Sunday Special @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm * Enjoy the calm before the storm of the forthcoming week. Five Dollar Shake @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, Free * All sorts, from bebop, funk and soul to hip hop, dancehall and electro swing! Milgi @ Milgi’s, 8:00pm, Free * Every Saturday, hear world and dance tracks. Try their cocktails, too. Twisted by Design @ Dempsey’s, 8:00pm * One of Cardiff’s longest running alternative nights, each week. Saturdays @ Lava Lounge, 8:00pm *
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
Commercial hits galore at Lava Lounge tonight Liven Up Your Weekends At Cafe Jazz @ Cafe Jazz, 8:00pm, * Resident DJ and great music from the 1950’s up to the present expertly presented with a great atmosphere!!! Every Saturday until 2.00am. Juju Nations @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £2 * A unique blend of afrobeat, funk and reggae. Be prepared for booty shaking dancing. Beatbox Ballroom @ Buffalo Bar, 9:00pm * Weekly dose of soul and hip-hop. Buzz / Berlin Returns! @ So-Lo, 9:00pm * All the great old school R&B, hip-hop tunes from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Swing night @ Halfpenny Theatre, Bunk House, 9:00pm, Free * An array of swing and jazz to keep your dancing feet moving. Fat City @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £3 * Expect foot-tingling tunes and genre-bending rhythms. Fat City is mighty popular, yo. 3 Floor Party @ Clwb Ifor bach, 10:00pm * Three floors of mouthwatering motown, soul and Vinyl Vendettas top floor takeover. Analogue @ Under-
CLUBS OF THE MONTH
DJ Ben Potter @ The Bunkhouse,
16 JUNE
The Bunkhouse’s laidback vibe perfectly suits the playing of jazz, swing, and classic rock ‘n’ roll which is exactly what Ben Potter provides. Not the normal shake the shapes until they break atmosphere, but pure good, healthy dancing nonetheless.
tone, 10:00pm, £TBC
* House DJs will be there to bring you the best in tech tunage. Live DJ @ The Live Lounge, 12:00am, £3 after midnight * Taking you through until 4am with an eclectic mix of singalong tunes and dancefloor anthem.
Sundays
Sunday Social @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm * Chill out and socialise ahead of a new week! Hell’s Bent @ Undertone, 10:00pm, £3 / 4 * Get sweaty and grimey dancing to some
of the best indie tunes. Sunday Nite Chillax @ Bar Icon, 11:00pm * Chill out, max out, act out all cool. Or simply chillax at this fine establishment. Live DJ @ The Live Lounge, 12:00am, Free * Taking you through until 4am with an eclectic mix of singalong tunes and dancefloor anthem.
Mondays
Trojan Boss Sound @ Rockin Chair, 7:00pm * Jamaican, ska, reggae and funk. Funk yes. Jazz Revhŵ @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £3 * Monthly Jazz night showcasing the best jazz talents making you think you were in New Orleans. Motown Monday: Graham Weeks / Jiminoli Rolipoli @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, Free * Go, go go and B. Goode dancing to motown classic Buffalo Live @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm * Live music from bands and DJs. Late Night Live @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm * Two floors of entertainment, chart hits and the latest bar favourites. Oh, and live music upstairs. Mindie @ Peppermint, 8:00pm * Fancy a bit of indie/Brit pop? Then get on down... Salsa Classes @ The Owain Glyndwr, 8:00pm * Get those hips gyrating at these weekly classes. Hangover Cure @ Mocka Lounge, 8:00pm, Free * What it says on the tin really. Go and massage that sore head! Jagerfest Presents the Capital’s Favourite Monday night @ GLAM, 10:00pm, Free * Full of Jagerfest decor, GLAM will be full of outrageous drink deal and killer dancing tunes. Live DJ @ The Live Lounge, 12:00am, Free * Taking you through until 4am with an eclectic mix of singalong tunes and dancefloor anthem.
Tuesdays
10 Feet Live @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm * New music and party tunes in the bar until 4am! London DJ Che @ Rockin Chair, 8:00pm * Dubstep, drum and bass, funky house. Go. Open Mic Night and Karaoke @ WOW Bar, 8:00pm * Your chance to get on stage and show the world your talent. Salsa Classes @ Live Lounge, 8:00pm *
Come and learn some sensual Salsa at a top venue. Relax and Unwind @ Mocka Lounge, 9:00pm * Loosen up ahead of a stressful opening to the week. Two Damm Glam @ GLAM, 10:00pm * Expect chart anthems and dancefloor fillers. Open Door Tuesday @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, Free * Good tunes, cheap drinks and a willing DJ who will play those requested tunes. Live DJ @ The Live
CLUBS OF THE MONTH
Lovetempo w/ Christophe @ Gwdihw,
30 JUNE
FutureBoogie’s Christophe takes charge of the decks in Gwdihw to round off the month. Expect funk, soul, boogie, disco and house to maintain the sweat flow from your brow to the beautiful wooden floor.
Lounge, 12:00am, Free * Taking you through until 4am with an eclectic mix of singalong tunes and dancefloor anthem.
Wednesdays
Bassplayers @ Gwdihw , 8:00pm, £2 / Free w. instrument * You’re all invited, one and all, to jam, mix and dance with resident DJs and musicians Stripped @ Bogiez , 8:00pm, Free * Jolly tunes, stand-up comedy, theatre and beat poetry in one wonderfully poisonous cocktails. Blender @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm * Fashionable midweek hangout with great tunes and great people. Sugar Drop @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm * Alternative beats to make you wanna hit that dancefloor. Zouklambada @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm * Weekly dance classes. Cocktail Heaven @ Mocka Lounge, 9:00pm * Two words that go hand in hand. Make mine a White Russian. Cookies ‘n Cream @ So-Lo, 9:00pm * Student night featuring incredible discounts with an NUS card. Wowzer. Prophecy - Future Jungle @ 48 Below, 9.30pm * Old school jungle rhythms meet new school production
techniques. Expect battles, competitions and free giveaways. Listen Up! @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm * Cardiff’s longest running indie night. Always full to the rafters, enjoy current hits, motown classic and indie anthems. Live DJ @ The Live Lounge, 12:00am, Free * Taking you through until 4am with an eclectic mix of singalong tunes and dancefloor anthem.
Thursdays
Jukebox Slam @ Gwdihw , 8:00pm, £3 adv * Enjoy this indie bash with some live music too Preservation of Jazz Society Present Goodtime Jazz @ Cafe Jazz, 8:00pm, £4 * Jazz and swing in the traditional styles of the ’20s and ’30s. Armageddon @ The Old Library, 8:00pm * Cardiff’s latest, greatest live rock and metal night. On The Rocks @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm * Rock ‘n Roll, alternative mash-ups, guitar anthems and party riffs until the sun comes up! Mocka Lounge Thursday @ Mocka Lounge, 9:00pm * Chilled out R&B and House music gallore. Signature @ Buffalo Bar, 9:00pm * Experimental, electronic, new music, leftfield, dubstep, hip-hop, DJs, live acts and a fine array of delicious cocktails. Twisted by Design @ Dempseys, 9:00pm * The usual, broad mix of tunes gracing every genre under the sun. Hammer’d @ Bogiez , 10:00pm, Free * Contemporary rock and metal tunage with some classics thrown in for good measure. Propaganda @ GLAM, 10:00pm, £4 * Two rooms of the most popular, dancefloor anthems with cheap drinks along the way. C-Y-N-T @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:30pm, £4 * Electro, dubstep, techno, futurehouse... CYNT brings some MASSIVE names to the ‘diff. Get there early. Live DJ @ The Live Lounge, 12:00am, Free * Taking you through until 4am with an eclectic mix of singalong tunes and dancefloor anthem.
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REVIEWS ALBUMS BURIED IN ALASKA
Alpha Omega EP Previously known as I Call Shotgun, South Wales five-piece Buried In Alaska are back with their new EP, ‘Alpha Omega’, and it’s pretty damn good. All four tracks are incredibly powerful, and the EP’s highlight is probably last track ‘The Deception’, which is a delight to listen to. The combination of brutal screams, catchy lyrics and chugging riffs is a winning one: they’ve completely smashed it. The sound quality is great and they could be rivals for other successful metal bands out there right now (see While She Sleeps, Bury Tomorrow etc). If they carry on like this, Buried In Alaska could be huge. LMW facebook.com/buriedinalaska
MY NAME IS IAN
The Joys Of Being An Unsuccessful Musician Having reviewed My Name Is Ian’s beautifully imaginative lo-fi EP Eye Love You only weeks ago, this reviewer was unprepared for the considerable step-up in sonic quality here. What’s impressive is that the anti-folk aesthetic has been maintained, but with the songs’ appeal broadening based on more layers of instrumentation and improved production. Idiot’s impassioned delivery and duelling guitar lines set a perfect scene of clever selfdeprecation; Look At The Moon is charmingly downbeat and romantic pop; Coming Through ups the ante with hard, distorted licks and wailed vocals - the entire LP works remarkably well. If this is the sound and spirit we can expect from My Name Is Ian, then it appears we have a lot to look forward to. Top class songwriting. SMR mynameisian.bandcamp.com
PULCO
Manoflists Manoflists comprises of a mixture of upbeat cheerful electroacoustic melodies and beautiful, urban spoken word poetry to complement. Chorus riffs and tunes occasionally seem post-ironic - tipping a slightly wry audio wink to the audience as the sound borders on ‘tweeness’. Despite this, the whole album maintains a gritty and dark feel. An eclectic mixture of instrumentation and melody styles underscore the lyrics, from electro to indie, from Eastern European jazz to folk. The storytelling and descriptive poetry is simultaneously evocative and simple throughout, projecting a well-defined happy ambience. The effect on the vocals occasionally lends the odd track a ‘samey’ quality, but the diversity of accompanying musical styles circumvents this. Lovely. JA pulco.bandcamp.com
JUNE 2012 | www.themmp.tv
BLACKWATERS
On The Rocks EP Blackwaters’ four track EP calls heavily on melodic American hard rock for inspiration, from Creed to Aerosmith and G ‘n’ R, the Caerphilly lads seem content to wear their influences proudly on their sleeves, with a plethora of guitar solos and crooning to be had over all four tunes. Even the ubiquitous ballad makes an appearance in the form of the final track on the record ‘No Hero’. Obviously an enthusiastic and talented bunch but this is old school with no new twists added and although they seem good at what they do, this kind of American hair-metal style rock is playing to far more of a niche market these days and won’t be to all tastes, especially with a younger crowd. EG www.blackwatersmusic.com
JAGUAR MIN
Anhedonia EP An EP in the form of a soundscape project was never going to be something upon which you could adorn the moniker ‘easy-listening’. Each of the tracks which make up this offering are designed to create an atmosphere through a series of sounds pieced together. Whilst they can seem immensely random at times, they are no doubt structured in a rather precise way to achieve the desired effect. This is certainly effective and extremely haunting at times, but its inflexibility means that the situations in which one would actually choose to listen to something like this are few and far between. So this EP definitely achieves its atmospheric objectives but when to listen to it is another discussion entirely. JS jaguarmin.bandcamp.com
TOP SHELF JAZZ
Gentlemen In Squalor EP Cardiff born, Cardiff bred jazz showman Arthur Foxaque reincorporates one of our alltime favourite tracks, Gentlemen In Squalor, into both the EP title and shining opener on this new collection. The 1930s style cabaret may well be best appreciated in the dark, drunken realm where seeing a man in a nappy doesn’t appear too unusual. Nevertheless, the entire thing bristles with euphoric energy. Comprising original material alongside a cover of Moll & Woods’ Hang Out The Stars In Indiana, Foxaque and co’s performance is subtle, comic and precise. Dr. Faustus brims with theatre, waltzing towards its inevitable conclusion and Hot Rashida, while similar in motif to the title track, shuffles rather magnificently. If rudely. Charming, life-affirming stuff but not for the faint-hearted. SMR www.topshelfjazz.com
POLARIS
Pub. Club. Home Alone. EP For those in their mid to late twenties who were into that whole emo/post-hardcore/pop-punk thing ten years ago, the words ‘Drive Thru Records’ can denote a specific musical style. Polaris are that style. Opener ‘Infected’ is catchy, with an anthemically nice ‘post-hardcore U2’ riff; ‘Alone In The Crowd’ is a pop-punk banger complete with lovely, sparkly middle eight; and final track ‘No Room For Ravers’ is a balls out rocker that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Kids In Glass Houses set. The playing could be a little looser, and the relationships ’n’ booze lyrical content could be broader, but this is a promising debut which leaves us anticipating more with a firm sense of eagerness. JOC facebook.com/PolarisBandUK
DAVE ELWYN
Raw Blues Bala based Dave Elwyn here takes on a retro-tinged journey through blues’ application in modern rock over the last thirty years. And it starts very well with Let It Go which sounds like a paler kind of blues-rock to that the Black Keys were throwing out when they first arrived. Likewise, You Don’t Mind’s riff pushes things onwards, with Elwyn’s vocals coming curiously close to Liam Gallagher’s delivery. There is variety too with Know It All taking a much more folkish turn, Begin more of a 60s-psych feel, and Hunter’s Noose feels like Highway 61 Dylan. Somewhere, though, on the journey, Elwyn’s borrowing from history drenches his own voice leaving everything sounding very precise and well produced, but lacking enough of a spark to send this into space. SMR vibedeck.com/daveelwyn
FOUNTAINHEAD
Sketches Of Sadness EP
In an effort to consign Cardiffian duo Fountainhead to a particular genre, there is perhaps no more accurate a description of their musical style than how they define themselves; “soulful but not soul, folky but not folk”. Whilst their music carries with it a strong folk-led element through its acoustic, rootsy nature and hauntingly sung ballads there’s certainly something a little more emphatic in their sound than the average melancholy folk gathering. Although it’s the enthralling female voice that really makes these tunes stand out. Sounding like an amalgamation of Stevie Nicks and Kate Bush it adds a welcome extra dimension to some already impressively catchy song writing. Undoubtedly a band worth watching the live circuit for in the near future. JS soundcloud.com/fountainhead-music
REVIEWS SINGLES OLYMPIANS
SUZI CHUNK
The Dictionary The Cardiff-based Barely Regal label appear to have something of a gem on their hands with Olympians. The second part of a ‘Book Club’ series of singles being released through 2012, all conceptually framed by book-related themes, The Dictionary is four minutes defined as much by its textured instrumentation as it is intriguing, obtuse lyricisms and deft songwriting. Beginning with a cappella vocals and percussive stick beating, it develops section by section throwing new ideas and internal motifs in as it goes. Elements of math-rock slip in, there are twinges of folk all underpinned by an indie sensibility. This is cool, clever stuff. SMR olympians.bandcamp.com
Look Back & Laugh If you’ve never heard of The Kravin’ “A”s, well, that’s not too surprising; they’ve not really done anything since the early nineties. Still, you might be hearing their songs soon, and if you do it’ll be thanks to Cardiffian session singer Suzi Chunk. Kravin’ songwriter Glenn Prangnell has lent a couple of his old tracks to Chunk’s debut single, and while she hasn’t exactly updated them – the production is so gloriously retro you’d be forgiven for thinking that Chunk is some longforgotten Motown act – she injects them with a soulful kind of breeziness that’s difficult to resist. The squeaky-clean guitar lick of ‘Look Back & Laugh’ is great, but B-side ‘Tripwire’, with its multi-layered vocals and catchy girl group refrain, might be even better. Check it out. JDE reverbnation.com/suzichunk
SHY & THE FIGHT
All That We See Or Seem Occasionally in this job, you receive a single which reminds you of why you started doing it in the first place. Shy And The Fight based up in Chester and North Wales here offer the most stirring, instrumentally rich kind of melodic folk that I’ve heard in a fair while. This is particularly so with A-side All That We See Or Seem which deftly builds layer upon layer, sounding somewhere between Tunng and Frightened Rabbit. Less gripping initially, though no less beautiful is B-side Breaks which factors in odd electronic glitches amidst the dreamy male/ female vocal lines. Really wonderful stuff. SMR www.shyandthefight.co.uk
REVIEWS DEMOS THE KNOX
Demo Every so often we come across a really promising demo, and The Knox have made us very excited indeed. Currently studying for A-levels, the trio sound like they’ve been spending more time studying every record released in the 1960s, with catchy melodies, jangly acoustic guitars and bang on vocal harmonies. They’re very much in thrall to the Merseybeat sound – indeed there’s a hint of Scouse in their vocals, and ‘Next Time Round’ is clearly influenced by the La’s ‘Son Of A Gun’ – and if you can listen to ‘Road Run’ without exclaiming ‘THIS IS BRILLIANT’ then you are one cynical grump. JOC soundcloud.com/the-knocks-band
GREETINGS
Demo Classing Greetings tracks as demos doesn’t really always feel right. You Make Me Crazy... with its banged echoes of the angst of teenage years, distorted lines of guitar vaguely recalling Yo La Tengo or My Bloody Valentine, and entirely committed vocals is three minutes of intense joy. Likewise, Cool Guys Don’t Give A F**k is a one minute masterpiece of underground, self-knowing punk. Somewhat trashier are the covers of Haddaway’s What Is Love and the older recordings such as You Ain’t Really Got It which simmer with raucous energy but stretch the listener a little more in terms of production. Top thumbs. SMR www.greetingsmusic.wordpress.com
EMPIRE
Demo Uninspiring is always a slightly harshcriticism to level at an artist or band yet unfortunately – on the strength of these tracks at least – it’s a criticism that could certainly be levelled at a great many moments of this very roughly produced offering from local band Empire. There’s certainly considerable musical talent on show here but there just isn’t sufficient to enable them to stand out against their neo-psychedelic indie peers. They’re not lacking in promise or potential – and, by their own admission, these are really rough demos – but their tracks just seem to lack that memorable hook or unique artistic edge. JS soundcloud.com/empireofficial
SPILLERS PICK OF THE MONTH
THE SCHOOL
Reading Too Much Into Things Like Everything The School, led by singer Liz Hunt, specialise in swooning pop songs about boys, and as such they owe quite a heavy debt to sixties girl groups like The Crystals and The Ronettes. This album’s compositions are enjoyable enough ditto Hunt’s various dewy-eyed protagonists - but as with a lot of their sixties influences, the thrills are in the frills. There are seven people in the band besides Hunt, including a trumpeter and two violinists, and everyone gets their chance to show off; from the giddy organ riff of ‘Never Thought I’d See The Day’ to the gorgeous string bit that pops up in the middle of ‘It’s Not The Same’, there’s a lot of fun to be had. One for the over-romantic schoolgirl in all of us. JDE theschoolband.co.uk
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AVAILABLE TO BUY IN SPILLERS
030 | SPOTLIGHT
EARN YOUR ENCORE
In it’s traditional, literal meaning, an encore is ‘a repeated or additional performance at the end of a show as called for by an audience.’ Meaning that if the audience has been left drooling after an emotionally engaging performance, then they demand more from the artist. This demand should be so overwhelming, so raucous, that the artist feels obliged to give the audience what they want. Words by Morgan Applegarth
Nowadays, however, encores have become the norm; written into the set list and run through with the tech guys at the sound desk. Not only are they expected, but they’re taken for granted and are slowly losing grip with what they mean and stand for. Those who will give up their own ear just to be in the same room as the act will, of course, demand an encore regardless of the missed introduction or ill-timed drum beat. However, the real ones to impress are those who wouldn’t sell their own kidney for a signed piece of the band’s merchandise on eBay. From a practical point of view, one can’t ignore the variables that come into play for a live show. Things like staff and venue hours, live music laws and promoter’s budget all come into play, restricting the duration of the show and thus making
it somewhat difficult for a band to perform an encore after already exceeding the cut-off time. There’s also no denying that a lengthy stint on stage is tiring, so a break is more than deserved. I ask, though, does this have to come under the guise of an encore? More often than not, that’s what it feels like. An excuse to take a breather and manufacture an appetite for that conveniently un-played classic. In an ideal world, I’d like to see a hit-heavy set that is so captivating and exciting that the act would come back on to run through some of those standout songs for a second time. The reality is, though, this would require things like an earlier start, which can throw a spanner into the schedule and logistics. I just feel encores should be deserved and an unplanned part of a worthy show.
MMPEXTRA
DOWNLOADSOCIETY
The Greatest Show On Earth
The futurologists all speculate on what the future will look like. Little do they know, it’s already here. It’s our Download Society, a free, Marxist reconceptualisation of our frayed Big Society. Here you will find the joy of music offered on paper plate letters spelling out F-R-E-E. From this small step, the planting of the seed, let us have revolution grow!
Online
We had the chance to go and check out the Olympic Torch Relay Concert in Cardiff last month. With reviews, interviews and some unique snaps, head to themmp.tv/features/ torchconcert for more.
Freebies
Slam dunked
With the Slam Dunk Tour stopping off in the country’s capital last month, we had a photographer on hand to document the mayhem and madness. Head to themmp.tv/features/ slamdunk to get snap happy.
Do you know Who, what and why Denuo? With their new single launch We’ve grabbed some time with some great talents lately: Lucy Rose, Japandroids but to name a few. . Check out all of our current interviews over at themmp.tv/features
taking place at the end of this month, we had a chinwag with a rising talent that is born out of Wales. Blending influences from bands like Bon Iver with memories of times spent living the American Dream, we caught up with Denuo. Read it here: themmp.tv/features/denuo
01 THE SCHOOL 02 THE DIRTY YOUTH 03 MY NAME IS IAN 04 THE KNOX 05 TOP SHELF JAZZ 06 FOUNTAIN HEAD 07 SHY AND THE FIGHT 08 GREETINGS 09 POLARIS 10 PULCO
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