The Miniature Music Press May 2011 by The MMP

Issue No. 20 May 2011

The Definitive Guide To Music in Cardiff

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Editors: Aimee-Jade Hayes, Rowan Liggett, Sion Trefor. Staff Writers: Jonathan Day, Matthew Pasternakiewicz, Simon Read. Contributors: Greg Barton (GRAB), Kaptin, Ruffstylz, J.M.Strange, Joe O’Connell, Lydia Hughes, Jennifer Allan, Andrew Arthur, Max Barrett, Andrew Arthur & Bill Bellamy Staff Photographer: Paul Roberts Design: Jessica Donnan & Aimee-Jade Hayes. Cover Design: Dale Simpson Contact: Demos/CD’s to: The Miniature Music Press Ltd, Kings Road Art Studios, 183a Kings Road, Cardiff, CF11 9DF info@themmp.tv ads@themmp.tv listings@themmp.tv

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Hello Fancy meeting you here! The MMP is now a purely digital beast. Although the passing of its paper incarnation is one we’ll all miss, at least there’s solace in the fact that we won’t be forced to cut down prime Amazonian forest to print it on. Welcome to our brave new world. You can still keep tabs on Cardiff’s burgeoning music scene, access our insanely in-depth listings and be privy to more musical goings on than you can shake a tambourine at. Yes indeed.... The fine month of May brings with it much to applaud and even more to celebrate. There’s a fine collection of releases to check out and a million (we counted) gigs to get excited about. Globetrotting music machine Christopher Rees tells us what’s been floating his boat. We interrogate Neil Cocker of the Welsh Music Foundation to see what’s in the pipeline and Among Brothers stumble into our prison break-like spotlight. Our likely line up of columnists also await your curious perusal. Kaptin, Ruffstylz, Gregory Barton and of course J.M Strange have all been burning the midnight oil to offer their perspectives on the Cardiff hustle and bustle. (J.M Strange has been literally burning something at midnight, although God knows what it could be, we didn’t fancy asking.) So step forward, or click forward, good people of Cardiff. Everything you’ve come to rely on is in these hallowed pages of light.... Bear hugs and kisses The MMP xxx The MMP May 2011 03

MUSIC NEWS CARDIFF SINGER

OF THE WORLD 2011! One of the world’s most prestigious, respected vocal competitions returns to our lovely city this year; as ever, it promises to be a stunning event. 2009 showcased some phenomenal singers, including the supremely talented likes of Yuriy Mynenko, Eri Nakamura, Jan Martinik, Natalya Romaniw and competition winner, Russia’s Ekaterina Shcherbachenko. This exhilarating display of international musical mastery amazed both audiences and judges in equal measure. Rest assured, this year’s line up will continue this well-established trend. With no bias whatsoever, the MMP extends particular wishes of good fortune to England’s Meeta Raval, Ireland’s Maire Flavin and naturally, Wales’ John Pierce (we love you more than our own children, pets and parents combined, John, you bloody lovely man you!) The competition will take place between 12th-19th June at St David’s Hall and The New Theatre (Song Prize recitals). Get your wonderful selves down there! www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 04 The MMP May 2011

STEP UP, YOU

FILTHY LITTLE

DIRTY DANCERS!

The first ever UK tour of Dirty Dancing will commence towards the end of the year, with Welsh dates staged at the Wales Millennium Centre between 6th November and 1st December. Budding Swayze’s and Grey’s are invited to audition for roles, taking place at The Gate Community Arts and Community Centre, Keppoch Street, Roath, on Wednesday 4th May. Ladies, come down at 7.30am, lads at 12.30pm, and dance the time of your lives away! Auditionees must bring a photo and CV, and artists of all ethnicities are encouraged to come along. We wish you loads of luck and hope for success every gruelling inch of the way! Check out wmc.org.uk auditions for more information. www.wmc.org.uk

BBC NOW WIN HAY FESTIVAL

BBC AWARD!

Yes, it does seem a little biased. However, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales has a long-standing reputation as a highly gifted orchestra with an incredibly diverse, accomplished repertoire, decorated with a cluster of distinguished accolades. Under the guidance of the great Jac Van Steen, the Orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor, their recording of David Matthews’ Symphonies Nos 2 and 6 warranted substantial success at the BBC Music Magazine Awards. Held at King’s Place in London on 12th April, the ceremony saw BBC NOW take the esteemed Jury Award in the Premiere Recording category. This glorious achievement succeeded a Grammy nomination for the Orchestra’s rendition of Sir Arthur Sullivan’s Ivanhoe, up for Best Opera Recording earlier this year. We at the MMP sincerely hope that the rest of 2011 will be just as fruitful for BBC NOW.

WALES RETURNS!

Jam-packed with more events than an episode of Midsomer Murders, this festival celebrates all that is great in the arts, inviting reputable musicians, writers, politicians, filmmakers and comedians to entertain and inspire. Musically, this year’s line up boasts the likes of Afro Celt Sound System, Rumer, Gareth Malone, The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and Muntu Valdo, as well as a talk with the delightful James Dean Bradfield. Other acts include Jason Byrne, Jo Brand, Nigella Lawson talking to Joan Bakewell, Paul O’Grady talking to Sandi Toksvig - seriously, what the hell else could you ever want from life? Taking place between 26th May and 5th June, check hayfestival. com for their very reasonable ticket prices, then look forward to eleven days of pure mind-blowjobs! www.hayfestival.com

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SAVING

OF HMV... COALITION DISABLED

PEOPLE

MUSIC WORKSHOPS You’d have thought that anything depicting either a Jack Russell or a gramophone would be sorted for the rest of time. Indeed, the ingenious combination of the two was one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century - nay - any century... However, HMV have fallen on difficult times. Plagued with £130m of debt and yet another profit warning this year, the chain store has engaged in talks with numerous major record labels in a bid to ease the financial burden. EMI, Sony, Warner Music and Universal have all proposed a supply of back catalogue music on sale or return, an undeniably beneficial option for all. Yet it remains to be seen whether this gesture will save the once gigantic HMV, or if this chain will suffer the same, grim fate as so many other businesses these days. www.hmv.com

Community Music Wales host a series of workshops in association with The Cardiff and Vale Coalition of Disabled People throughout late April/May, aiming to provide resources to ‘explore music making through the introduction of varied music technologies.’ This Fairwater-based charity seeks to improve the accessibility and availability of music for everyone, without discrimination. Though undeniably important, these workshops represent a small fraction of CMW’s exceptional achievements over the years. They also highlight the excellent work of the CVCDP, who passionately and rightfully pursue equal opportunities for disabled people in the area. What few, wonderful people who understand that music is a right, not a privilege. www.communitymusicwales.co.uk

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IRON &

WINE HEADLINE GREEN

MAN

Iron and Wine have been announced as the headline act for the closing day of Green Man Festival. The delectable outfit are destined to delight all with their beautiful harmonies and warm sonorities. They conclude a festival which will stage the likes of Fleet Foxes, Explosions in the Sky, Holy Fuck, Gruff Rhys, Suuns, The Antlers - the kind of names that have us more excited than a whippet in a rabbit hutch. A bloody big one at that... As most of you will know, Green Man tickets sell like hot cakes, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find out the hard way - get online and get some! www.greenman.net

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Neil Cocker How in the name of Wales are you? I’m very well indeed. Super busy, but good. I’m off to Istanbul in a few days, so I can’t complain!

Just happy I can give back to WMF as they’ve been such a solid sounding board for me in the past. What fresh ideas do you hope to implement in your new role?

Congrats on your appointment! How does it feel? Well, the board is already a supersmart bunch, so I’m not sure I’ll be Surprising, as much as anything else. adding vast amounts of industry I honestly wasn’t expecting to get awareness that they don’t already voted on to the board, but thought have, but hopefully my insider I’d throw my hat in the ring, just on knowledge of the new platforms the off-chance. It was a very pleasant such as Soundcloud, Bandcamp, surprise to hear I’d been selected. ReverbNation, and my contacts 08 The MMP May 2011

Photo by: Alex Mills

within the music industry will be helpful. Please describe the aims and ambitions of the WMF. Put simply, WMF is here to provide support, advice, information and contacts to the Welsh music industry. That ranges from pointing new bands at good recording studios, and helping labels get funding for visits to international trade fairs, to working with the Welsh Assembly Government to help them understand the needs of the music industry in Wales. How do you think Wales has changed in the last decade regards exporting Welsh music? That’s a tough one. “Export” is a tricky word in light of the massive technological changes we’ve seen in the last decade. For me it literally used to mean doing deals with labels in Japan to release music on our behalf, of work out with our

distributors whether it was worth sending crates of vinyl to South America. But now that’s very much changed with digital distribution meaning you can be heard instantly from Tierra Del Fuego to Timbuktu without any effort or financial clout. And that’s amazing. To think that Y Niwl or Houdini Dax can spread their glorious sound anywhere on the globe overnight is a potentially glorious thing. We just have to make sure that our small, clever country full of brilliant talent works out the best way to exploit that. It’s worth noting that WMF supports SXSW, Midem & Womex. Cardiff has been shortlisted for Womex so we hope to bring the world stage to Wales. We’re also working closely with our colleagues at Wales Arts International to support artists that are selected for showcases. As a result the Cerdd Cymru project has been created to build on this. Keep your ears open for more on this. More >>>> The MMP May 2011 09

“...the single biggest obstacle to anyone’s success is themselves.” What basic steps would you recommend ambitious young bands take to aid them in their quest for glory? That’s the $64,000 question (or is it $64 million dollar, I always forget?!). It’s a mixture of everything, from talent, to timing, marketing, promotion, balls and luck. Lots and lots of luck. But I’m a believer in making your own luck. Keeping on top of new industry developments, not being shy to get stuck in and promote yourself, being willing to work at least twice as hard as every other band around you and you may just 010 The MMP May 2011

find you’ll become a hell of a lot luckier. What do you think are the biggest obstacles for musicians trying to make a name for themselves in their native country? This is a huge question, really. But the single biggest obstacle to anyone’s success is themselves. See question above. ;-) Do you think the Cardiff Council understand the music scene well enough to support it properly? Well, it’s maybe unfair to expect the

same organisation that makes sure your bins are emptied and that your roads are repaired is also on top of whether Fleet Foxes or James Blake are headlining at Greenman this year. I think the reality is that they have to reach out to individuals and organisations like WMF to help them understand and engage with the music scene. Having said that WMF have just done some Wales-wide research on live music. Following this, Cardiff Council want to work with WMF on a Cardiff toolkit/manifesto so we’re looking into how we can make this happen ASAP. They’re also really supportive of Womex and SWN at Big Weekend, a great example of the Council working with local music promoters at a grassroots level. The only criticism we could make about the WMF is that not enough people seem to be aware of what you do. Do you agree and if so what do you intend to do about it? Part of the problem for WMF is that it is dual facing - it works directly with music enterprises but also then represents and lobbies on behalf of the sector to people like Government, Councils, Arts Council, EU etc. And a lot of that work is behind the scenes, so the people WMF is representing don’t always get to hear about it. Also, we have a tiny budget, much of which is taken up in just making sure all of this important work gets done. And this often means there’s not huge amounts left over for marketing. We tend to rely on the network of people working in music in Wales to pass on the word, as well as connected people and publications like MMP!

We intend to make better use of technology and social media in the future to help us spread the word. Give us a good, hard liking on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter (@ WalesMusic) to be kept up to date. How has your own experience of producing music affected your attitude toward the industry? I know first hand how incredibly difficult it is. I know what it’s like to travel for 6 hours to find out a gig’s been cancelled. I’ve had 1000 records come back from the pressing plant and discovered there’s a skip at the same point in every single one of them. I’ve had a contract worth tens of thousands of pounds torn up at the very last minute for no apparent reason. I’ve been through all those hardships so will hopefully understand others in a similar situation. But I also know how brilliant it is to wake up in a jacuzzi in Miami, spend 3 weeks touring America to sold out crowds, or perform to 15,000 ravers in Spain. It’s an industry that rewards playing hard as long as you’re working hard too. Which five people, living or dead, would you most like to have over for dinner? Stevie Wonder, Lao Tzu, Prince, Derren Brown, Randy Pausch. About.me/neilcocker Twitter: @NeilCocker www.Dizzyjam.com

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AMONG BROTHERS The indie band is a complex creature. For some, it’s anything with a mockney accent and a haircut. For others, it’s an elaborate exercise in pastiche - nothing the likes of The Buzzcocks, Talking Heads or Television couldn’t better forty years ago. Some see it as a sort of poorly funded youth scheme for the unmusical to have a go. Though all of the above provide a tempting definition, for the MMP - this depraved, contorted, cauliflower of a magazine, the true indie band is something rather different. Put simply, it’s the amalgamation of resolute aesthetics, innovation and artistic steadfastness, at all times striking a balance between the accessible and the challenging in music. Admittedly, that wasn’t ‘put simply’ at all, that was more complicated than trying to discuss euthanasia

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in a Youth in Asia conference. The long-winded, convoluted, preposterously expressed point is that in our eyes, six-piece local outfit, Among Brothers, are everything a good indie band should be. January saw the release of AB’s ‘Homes’ EP, followed by substantial critical acclaim and a multitude of live slots with the likes of The Thermals, Beni Hemm Hemm and Right Hand Left Hand. This month’s download track, the mighty Sam, Isaiah and The Wolf was included in Bethan Elfyn’s top ten tracks of 2010, and not without good reason. The track balances subtle synth lilts, electronic blips, emotive piano ostinati, poignant string arrangements and a breathy chorus of heartfelt vocals. Not only does the song display clearly adept musician-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... in our eyes, six-piece local outfit Among Brothers, are everything a good indie band should be.â&#x20AC;? ship, but also handles powerful, ethereal narrative imagery in a way that plateaus the disparity between text and instrumental composition. Rather than vocal leads and instrumental accompaniment, both elements intertwine to the point of palpable symbiosis. Rarely does a six-piece outfit sound as cogent and as unified as this.

a heavy emphasis on sustaining the physical CD and vinyl formats, there is no deficiency in vision or indeed, altruism at Barely Regal. Among Brothers is one marvellous product of these ideologies, exuding the abilities, optimism and enthusiasm of an outfit with more success on the very close horizon. ST amongbrothers.tumblr.com

The band consists of Alex Comana, Jon Rees, Jess Rochman, Adam Woodward, Isaac Jones and Matt Fidler. The latter two are co-founders of Barely Regal Records, established as a means of platforming local talents, as well as a means of distributing their own material. With The MMP May 2011 013

CHRISTOPHER

REES

This MMP writer first caught glimpse of Christopher Rees as he played a few acoustic songs in an open mic upstairs in Shot In The Dark around four years ago. It was instantly obvious that Rees was far more accomplished than any other troubadour showing their wares that night. Foot-stomping murder ballads were carried off with impassioned ease, eyes glared out confidently across the gathered throng of musicians and watchers... in short, with no disrespect to the lovely Shot intended, Rees deserved to be playing festivals, not a tiny room in a cafe bar. On returning home a little research was carried out and, sure enough, Rees did have a list of 014 The MMP May 2011

credentials longer than Nosferatuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nostril. At that stage he had already released three MOJO acclaimed albums, extensively toured the US, traveled the UK with the likes of Willard Grant Conspiracy and William Elliott Whitmore, and developed a burgeoning reputation for simmering showmanship whether playing solo or with a carefully formed backing band. But it seemed that Rees was not content with that impressive lot. Since then he has released the rockabilly-infused Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridge LP to broad critical praise, accompanied Steve Earle on a number of his UK dates and played alongside The Handsome Family, Chuck Prophet, The Sadies and more.

And now, after all of that, he is poised to put out his 5th LP - Heart On Fire - this very month with a launch in Chapter on May 13th. Over his career, he has demonstrated a fondness for style-shifting and gentle transmogrification but the recruitment of Texas’ The South Austin Horns for the record offers up an (almost) entirely new approach. With tracks flecked by soul and gospel brass, as well as touches of the rockabilly twang and impressive vocal intensity that has been his trademark over the last ten years, it’s a triumphant record that both consolidates his past and builds new pontoons. But don’t just listen to us, listen to the likes of ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris who is giving it Radio 2 airplay and throwing comments like ‘absolutely terrific’ in its general direction. Rees is one of the city’s most finely tuned and active singer-songwriters, working in esteemed echelons and gathering the plaudits to match. The fact that he continues to develop and delineate his output, refusing to rest on laurels, makes him all the more worthy of celebration. The MMP suggests that Cardiff hold him aloft on our collective shoulders as one of Cardiff’s deserving talents hitting stellar, stellar heights. SMR

“Rees is one of the city’s most finely tuned and active singersongwriters.”

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Live Reviews

Future Of The Left Clwb Ifor Bach - 16 April “So somebody said something about World Record Store Day? We thought we were playing for Martin Luther King Day”, quipped Andrew ‘Falco’ Falkous in deadpan fashion. This prompted caterwauls from an enthused, bumper crowd, clearly ready to tear the top floor of Clwb Ifor Bach apart, after a day spent unearthing vinyl treasures from Spiller’s. Whatever the cause for celebration, it’s thrilling to have Cardiff’s post-hardcore anti-heroes back again, performing for a second time at Clwb in their four-piece reincarnation, comprising Julia Ruzika on bass and Jimmy Watkins on guitar (and banter). Future Of The Left’s main objective tonight is to display the fruits of their labour from recent demo recordings. Their renowned barbed wit is kept to a minimum, aside from hilarious exchanges with one Faun-reminiscent heckler who is frequently rebuked by Falco’s disparaging putdowns. 016 The MMP May 2011

The frontman bawled himself scarlet in standard opening sequence ‘Arming Eritriea’, ‘Chin Music’ and ‘Small Bones, Small Bodies’. Whilst leaving the crowd pleased in a flurry of fists, sweat and Spiller’s t-shirts with a healthy dose of McClusky (‘Without MSG…’ and ‘Lightsabre…’ prompted chaos) the new material intrigued most. FOTL are a different band now. Tracks such as ‘Waves’ are slower, pummelling numbers and synth underpinned many of the new efforts, suggesting a move to more inventive ground occupied on debut ‘Curses’. However, this is no regression. The two-guitar attack allows a beefier output demonstrated on the tumultuous self-destruction of ‘Lapsed Catholics’ with Watkins ramming a microphone in Jack Egglestone’s gob for a solo version of the Pink panther theme. Bizarre. Intelligent. Ferocious. Bring on album #3!

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Live Reviews

TOP SHELF JAZZ

Last night, The Vulcan Lounge played host to a mouth-wateringly salacious evening, hosted by the filthiest five-piece ever to hit Cardiff’s live music scene. I’m talking, of course, about the notorious Top Shelf Jazz fronted by the (not so) honourable Mr Arthur Foxaque and ‘supported’ by his Cardiff contingent of top notch musicians. The band began their evening with several slower, sleazier numbers, luring the crowd into a false sense of safety, before unleashing their hotter, jazzier and ruder second set later in the night. Foxaque’s increasingly licentious banter drew an initially hesitant audience into a frenzy of dancing, laughing and drinking – reluctant to let the band leave, despite several encores and even an a cappella number from Foxaque himself in a bid to satiate the be-costumed mob. 018 The MMP May 2011

The Vulcan Lounge 16 April Musically the band were on top form; impressively tight with fluid and delightful solos throughout the set from Harry the Horn on trumpet and Baron Von Blowpipe (sadly de-monocled) on clarinet. A solid rhythm section, supplied by Professor Tickle Upright and Captain Heironymus Rimschott, surreptitiously penetrated the sound with sexy double-bass lines and alluring drumbeats. Their two half hour sets comprised of several bizarre numbers, including one particular song performed entirely in Russian, and another, which appeared to combine the Muppet Show theme with Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado! A truly deplorable and debauched performance in general, punctuated with titillating showmanship and rambunctiously talented musicians. I was appalled. JA topshelfjazz.co.uk

Specialist in Vintage & Pre-owned Guitars Fender PRS Ibanez Martin Heritage Tel: 02920 376630 | 56 St. Mary St, Cardiff, CF10 1FE

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Hold on, here we go! May is looking absolutely amazing for live music in the capital, less of me chatting and let’s get straight to business… Clwb Ifor Bach hosts a good mix of well-established acts. This month’s highlights include Ginger of The Wildhearts (2), And So I Watch You From Afar (5), Fucked Up - Matinee Show (7), Simon McBride (7), MIND Charity Fundraiser (15), Black Spiders (15), MC Lars (17), Don Broco (18), VersaEmerge (19) and Misstallica - all female tribute to Metallica (24). Other gigs around Cardiff in May include Broken Nose (3), Anaal Nathrakh (14), Pendragon (27) all at The Globe (1st). At Millennium Music Hall, catch Soilent Green (7), Anterior (13), Set Your Goals (23) and Funeral Party (28). Highlight of the month, and not to be missed is Adam Ant (31st) at The Coal Exchange (first full UK tour in over 15 years). Adam Ant was the leader of iconic new wave/post-punk group Adam and The Ants and later as a solo artist, scored ten UK top ten hits, including three No.1 singles. Adam Ant is one of the most instantly recognisable and iconic artists of the twentieth century. This greatest hits tour (including classics Prince Charming, Beat My Guest, Antmusic, Stand and Deliver and Goody Two Shoes) will be something not to be missed. Cardiff University hosts Skindred (3), Mayday Parade (22), 3OH!3 (24) at Solus. At The Great Hall catch one of 2011 most brutal tours to date which includes Bring Me The Horizon, Parkway Drive, Architects, The Devil Wears Prada (1), Glasvegas (4). For the clubbers amongst you, Bogiez rock bar and club is now open, with a healthy dose of multiple club events and live music planned. Silent Disco also returns to Cardiff (14) at a secret location TBA. If all this was not enough, a new rock club night (Monsters Ball) hits Cardiff on 13 (MMH). The launch night includes guest DJs and trailer trasher visuals, as well as a mix of the best alternative, rock, punk, metal, hip-hop and hardcore hits. Focus Wales also takes place in Llangollen (27, 28). Headliners are The Blackout (27) and Funeral For A Friend (28), other acts over the two days include Young Guns, Racehorses, We//Are//Animal, Gallops and Reaper In Sicily. Enjoy this month’s noise, keep it very loud! GRAB.

myspace.com/grabpromotions twitter.com/GregoryBarton 020 The MMP May 2011

grabpromotions.com facebook.com/grabpromotions

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RUFFSTYZ Cardiff Rising Easy worldpeople, what it is...

Miniature Music Press is to continue on through its website only. The print version will no longer be, due to complications that at the bottom line come down as usual to a lack of MONEY. Anyone paying attention to me will know I’ve been relentlessly pushing The Zeitgeist Movement for the last two years because I believe money acts as a fundamental barrier to everything we want to get done in the world, including in this case publishing a locally comprehensive and much-loved music guide that we all liked having a copy of to look through. But things change and I see MMP’s migration to being purely digital as progressive in numerous ways; as long as the information gets out there that’s the lion’s share of what matters right? Right. So here’s more of the same information: UK4Uganda, the charity event for Uganda put on by 4Dee and Mister Digital was a lot of fun. Sometimes people can come to an event, spit their hard bars and there’s still a light-hearted vibe in the place; that’s how it was and that’s how hip-hop should be. Squid Ninjaz got nice spitting some razorblades, Genesis Elijah came hardcore and then Ramson Badbonez reminded everyone of why he’s got a name. He’s carrying on the spirit of Taskforce’s imagi022 The MMP May 2011

native wordplay in his own personality. After that Jokerstarr delivered some ill off-centre shit that adds more to his style for anyone who’s feeling how he got down on DJ IQ’s Deep Space remix, it looks he’s enjoying a rise up to a new level now and then Mystro killed it. It was the best show I’ve ever seen from him, he straight rocked it with professionalism, wit, heavy lyrics and a lot of energy. Nuff respect to everyone who repped throughout the day, it was definitely worth it. Also, Darkhouse Fam just went to LA to rock on the same bill as Mary Anne Hobbs, Flying Lotus, Kode 9 and were there to meet and directly hand a copy of Put Em On Blast to Erykah Badu. Yeah. In closing, Skunkadelic’s video for Focus can be found on youtube and big respect again to Cardiff City Kings for another live event and all the b-crew who just keep doing it! I’m out like there’s a fucking crocodile in the room. www.myspace.com/ruffstylz www.twitter.com/ruffstylz Facebook - Ruffstylz AM www.thezeitgeistmovement.com

Lang Lang Sunday 29 May, 7.30pm

Releases IAN HOLLOWAY Passing Through Occasionally

ADRIAN SHENTON Slowtime

That which loosely constitutes ‘ambient’ or ‘drone’ can span from tawdry compilations on stands in garden centres to interesting and engaging sound structures. Leaning heavily towards the latter, Ian Holloway’s Passing Through Occasionally is 37 minutes of sensitively constructed soundscapes, made up of natural and electronically-sourced material. Now, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but despite having the attention span of a gerbil on Miracle-Gro, this reviewer really rates it. Gradual crescendos to textural climaxes provide great dynamic structure, whilst subtle, sparse guitar strums establish thematic movement. Loose reference points would include John Cale’s Sun Blindness Music EP, early releases from Cluster and Kraftwerk as well as works from the likes of Iannis Xenakis and Giacinto Scelsi. The less-subtle use of static noise and insect sounds/birdsong provokes mild criticism; but otherwise, Passing Through Occasionally is a thoroughly attractive albeit potentially challenging listen. Looking forward to hearing more. ST

Phonospheric release Slowtime as one of two ambient electronic works this month. Producing limited CD runs with exquisite quality of sound, this small-scale label will undoubtedly attract much appreciation and admiration for their infallible artistic drive. A clear ambassador for this aesthetic, Slowtime consists of six medium-length tracks, full of samples sourced from nature and finely tuned electronic sound manipulation. At times, the album listens like excerpts of Eno’s ambient volumes at half velocity, on other occasions comparisons can be made to sections of Tangerine Dream’s Phaedra or Namlook and Schulze’s Dark Side of The Moog. But rather than indulging pastiche, Shenton’s balance of natural noises and the subtlest of synthesizer washes betrays the sensitivity and patience of a musician and producer in clear command of his output. Standout tracks include the wonderful Possessed By Mountains as well as the title track, the latter boasting beautiful harmonic and textural depth. ST

phonospheric.co.uk

myspace.com/adrianshenton

THE KEYS Bitten By Wolves

LLEUWEN STEFFAN Tân

Following hot on the heels of last year’s Fire Inside, Aberystwyth’s The Keys continue in a rich vein of form. As the titular wolf howls echo on Heads Of The Valley it’s evident that, on this record, the band are embracing elements of the supernatural. Recurring lyrical premises include change and shape shifting. This transformative theme is reflected in the progression of the band’s sound. It’s difficult to believe Bitten By Wolves was devised by some of the minds behind Murry The Hump’s lost classic, Kebab Or Shag? Yet ardent fans should not be too scared. Everyone Loves You retains the fuzzy guitar stomp, complete with insane saxophone freak-out. The 60s influence is apparent in the slow-burning title track, which boasts more jangle than Hank Marvin’s bottom E string. Whilst When You’re Young strays dangerously close to the whinge of Doves, The Keys prove they deserve to be recognised alongside the Super Furries as Wales’ main purveyors of wonderfully weird psychedelic rock. AA

Lleuwen Steffan is well known for enchanting audiences with musical erudition and her distinctive meld of jazz, Welsh/ Breton traditional song and Americana. Released via Gwymon Records, this album truly is testament to her gifts, highlighting a superb flair for orchestration and arrangement throughout. The production is second to none, as immensely stimulating as it is accessible. Some standout tracks include Ar Golou Bev, Paid â Sôn, War Varc’h Da’r Mor and Mab y Môr, all exhibiting impenetrable songwriting expertise, with some of the most wonderful and accomplished instrumental arrangements this reviewer has heard in a long while. Lyrically, the album is equally compelling, weaving innocent sincerity and coy metaphor in ever-engaging narratives. Most impressive is Lleuwen’s capacity to retain artistic forthrightness amidst so many diverse sounds and influences. This really is an excellent album from a musician deserving of all praise coming her way. ST

myspace.com/thekeysmusic

myspace.com/lleuwen

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THEY WALK AMONG US Outside The Campfire Circle The latest four-track EP from They Walk Among Us is a bit like a cheese toastie; the crunchy, riff-driven songs, Bedside and Circling Wolves lay either side of two warm, melodically melting numbers in Let Love Shout and The Last Bastian. While nothing here is too complex, the Cardiff-based trio display some glimpses of brilliance, giving these songs a raw edge. Outside The Campfire Circle is sure to have indie fans nodding their heads to the catchy hooks and sumptuously textured layers, as TWAU bring an innovative dish to an otherwise stagnant table. Alone, these four tracks don’t quite feel like the finished article, but placed in a full-length, you really feel they would find their mojo. They Walk Among Us could be destined for big things, they just need to cement foundations that will truly make them stand out from the crowd. MB myspace.com/theywalkamongus

SENSEGUR Pen Rhydd EP Recorded at Nant Y Benglog studio, Sensegur’s taster EP is a Welsh language offering at the psychdellic, dreamscape end of the rock spectrum. Opening with ‘Cyfoeth Gwlyb’ the listener could be forgiven for thinking they had been transported to the opening episode of Malcom Pryce ‘s Aberystwyth Mon Amour courtesy of S4C; haunting pipes underpinning this piece of aural noir. Deadpan humour pervades ‘Taith Duncan Goodhew’ and with the final two tracks, ‘Oswald’ and the eponymous ‘ Pen Rhydd’ leaving lasting impressions, especially with its trance like bass lines, Sensegur can be pleased with this airing. The discerning listener will definitely be adding one or all of these tracks to their playlists, they’ll impress the uninitiated and hopefully lead to a revival of confident Welsh language music. Nevermind the Gorky’s, there are some new kids on the block. BB myspace.com/sensegur

ECHOLOUNGE Human Machine EP The coming together of rock and electronica isn’t always something that gets your tail up. In fact, most of the time it sounds awkwardly cut together as two completely separate entities. Enter Cardiff’s Echolounge, who have crafted the balance better than many predecessors. Human Machine is a creative body of work, consisting of three tracks that capture the unique textures and sounds of a maturing band with a clear idea of exactly what they want their sound to be. From the crunching riffs in title track Human Machine, to the more electronica and drum and bass-led Network, Echolounge have written pop songs that are commercially viable but still hold on to a unique and cutting edge attitude. A full-length from the Welsh quintet is something to watch out for, as it will truly determine if they have the credentials to blur the boundaries of rock and electronica as effectively as they have on Human Machine. MB

LITTLE ARROW Music, Masks & Poems Once upon a time, these parts were lit up by a strikingly original band named Frederick Stanley Star. In their short life they offered up seemingly viable futures for a number of musical genres and one or two new ones. At the centre of this now lost treasure was William Hughes, singer songwriter and all round impressive chap. Although Little Arrow creates a far more focused and linear musical journey, it retains the same spirit of invention and, of course, bucket-loads of skill. This debut record is a tour de force of contemporary folk and the opening track, Bitten Blues, sets the tone quite brilliantly. It floats in, as if on a breeze from a happier past and is equal parts melancholic and beautiful. It has to be said that overall the album would benefit from a much more diverse collection of songs, but this remains a very accomplished piece of work. RJL www.littlearrow.co.uk

myspace.com/echolounge

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Releases CHRISTOPHER REES Heart On Fire It is a universally accepted truth that there are few things finer than a wellblown horn. This fact is clearly not lost on Christopher Rees. His recruitment of The South Austin Horns to accompany him on Heart On Fire is really something of a masterstroke. From the opening bars of the soulfully bosomed title track, through to closer Sing With A Smile, there is a bombastic brass pulse pumping. But, in keeping with Rees’ excellent and mature output over the last ten years, to attribute the album’s success purely to a saxophone here or a trumpet there misses the underlying songcraft at work – check Morning Light and the rockabilly In The Middle Of The Night for evidence. It’s not all roses and glacier mints with If Not For You coming over a little cheesy. But for the most part this is a pristinely paced and measured effort from one of the city’s finest. SMR christopherrees.co.uk

PORTALS Takin’ Happiness For Granted Hailing from Swansea, Portals is the manifestation of Rob Morgan’s surrealist empire in audible form. Taking influence from synthesised improvisation, Annual soaks in 8-bit before drying off in Martin Grech style guitar chuggery, whilst Herds squeezes what juice left in the orange abused by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. Takin’ Happiness For Granted is thoughtfully arranged and does well to transverse vocoder rich Errors synth-topia through Boards of Canada’s Geodaddi era minimal techno; however, in this variety cohesion is lost. Your Nothing is My Everything introduces wobble bass to Portal’s sonic arsenal but it sounds like a poorly produced obligation to the current trend – this becomes a reoccurring theme, For all the ambition, Portals’ debut album falls short texturally and this collection of ambient drones would be enhanced substantially with greater sonic depth. Despite this Takin’ Happiness For Granted is far from a poor album, but is not a complete realisation of Portals’ adventurous compositions, with greater emphasis on improving their sound Portals are an extremely interesting prospect - but for now their debut album serves best to represent a band in transition. www.tunetribe.com/product/portals-takin-happinessfor-granted 026 The MMP May 2011

TOY HORSES Toy Horses The long awaited debut album from the one time two piece sees a mighty evolution indeed. Material honed in the badlands of Wales has been successfully recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with bells, whistles and painstaking care. Opening track I’ll Play What You Want sets out the Toy Horses stall in upbeat style. What follows is a collection of spritely and melodic tunes with classic songwriting sensibilities plus a cheeky wink. Cherry picking the finest moments from the last fifty years of Britain’s rich pop history and then creating something unique was always going to be tricky. Toy Horses succeed though through sheer zest and enthusiasm. Loyal To The Cause being a fine example of the bands ability to inject pace and energy when required. Toy Horses may lack a dark side, a dangerous edge, but in these dark and dangerous times that is no bad thing. This self-titled debut is fine piece of work that more than deserves its time in the sun. RJL myspace.com/toyhorses

OMEGA 66 Nools And High Horses Apologies for the cliché, but this is an album of two halves. The first six tracks are an acid jazz nightmare: wah-wah guitars, bopping bass lines and soulful but unoriginal vocal lines are all set to largely straightforward, mid-tempo beats. Its uninspiring fare and matters are made worse by the songs’ long-windedness; the title track spends five minutes and forty seconds trying to convince listeners to get over themselves and ‘groove with us’. Thankfully perseverance is rewarded with a more diverse second half, which extends beyond the influence of Jamiroquai and Heaven 17. Skunk Anansie-esque rocker ‘The Unbreakable One’ and the dark, spacious dubstep of ‘Mutation’ stand out, revealing Chris Krik Young as a versatile producer and musician. The record’s certainly ‘groovy’ overall, but plays it too safe to the point of blandness mostly, and while the music may deliver some interest the lyrics are, frankly, vapid. JOC myspace.com/omega66

Singles ATTENTION THIEVES Let It All Out

COLOURS OF ONE Carty & Brown

While still boasting an indie vibe, there are definite signs in Let It All Out that Attention Thieves are looking to make things a bit heavier. The verses are quicker, harder, sharper and edgier, with Alex Green adding some throat ripping screams to his vocal locker. The tempo drops slightly for a massive chorus which could easily have fans singing, “You’ve got to let it all out” at the top of their lungs at any show or festival. The hooks are getting bigger, the melodies are getting catchier and the volume is turning to 11. MB myspace.com/attentionthieves

Colours of One don’t mess about. This single is crammed with attitude and has enough energy to power a small festival on the moon. It’s rooted in classic rock with a contemporary edge and is a successful raiding party on the senses with its hearty vocals and clever production. It’s very self assured stuff and will no doubt make fans of the genre crave a fast car with a boot full of booze and a hazy destination. Two and a half minutes in, the music pauses for breath with a surprisingly pretty and ethereal breakdown that made this reviewer question his own attitude towards South Walian rock. It’s not for everyone, but that’s kind of the point. RJL http://www.coloursofone.com

EVENING CHORUS/BAREFOOT DANCE OF THE SEA Split 7’’ Single From Bubblewrap Records comes this double release featuring two very fine modern folk bands at work. Barefoot Dance of the Sea offer a deep well of vocal harmonies with their track, 531 Miles from Aberdeen to Cardiff. Tastefully restrained banjo and the warmth of a lovely double bass allow the female vocals to really soar, albeit in a way that makes

you want to curl up by a fire and toast loves lost. Evening Chorus feature a much larger ensemble, but make fantastic use of it on Decisions. After the gentlest of starts it builds and builds with a remarkable choir swaying in your speakers. Excellent. RJL www.bubblewrapcollective.co.uk

Download Society Scientists predict the human download is not very far away. That’s right, before long you’ll be feeling around behind your ears looking for the usb port and plugging straight into the mainframe and cutting out all this heavy, energy hungry technology that clogs up our lives. Until that day we must soldier on, like folks used to do before the invention of the plough. Or even biscuits. All of our featured bands are offering up a track for nothing in a pure and wonderful act of charity. In these penniless days of financial woe we say thank you very much. Tuck in everybody!

This Month’s Free Tracks:

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WELL FUCK YOU PAPER! It all happened so fast, i promptly arrived late at MMP headquarters for the start of my working week (I think it was a Wednesday…but me and the generally accepted calendar have had a bit of a falling out recently….twelve months?! Whose bloody idea was that? Ludicrous) A sparkle in my eye, a hop in my step and a badger under my arm, currently dazed due to a well-timed chop to the solar plexus, but stirring back to life in a way that already assured me that upon it’s awakening under my bosses desk it would go off like a bitey badger shaped grenade. I wandered into the office and marched past security, anticipating the normal security guard monologue from Frank of “For the last time Mr Strange, you really can’t come in here” I dove to the side and flung a well hid butterfly knife from my sock in Eddies expected direction “OH CAN’T EYE!?.... THAT’S “EYE”… NOT “I”…AS I’VE THROWN THE KNIFE IN YOU’RE EYE…AND….. IT’S THE SAME AS “I”…BUT IT ONLY WORKS WRITTEN DOWN” I shouted 030 The MMP May 2011

towards Martin as I lay hunched on the floor. It thudded loudly into the wall were Bob should be standing. Strangely, Victor wasn’t there today….which was odd as he was there every day…and most nights…as my evening attempts to defecate on office equipment had been so rudely interrupted by him. Continuing through to the main office I was greeted not by the normal sight of a gaggle of vaguely human shaped blobs mashing the blocks of ham the call fingers into keyboards, loudly expressing their stupid opinions for no one to give anything approaching a fuck about, but instead what stood before me was row after row of towering, perfectly smooth, perfectly cube, black boxes each one linked by a series of arching an twitching wires, gently glowing in a steady pulse like the heartbeat of some sleeping beast. A row of tiny red L.E.Ds ran intricate patterns along each, impossible to make sense of and utterly mesmerizing to watch. “I suspect the badger will be less effective

against these” I said to the room of strangely sexy geometric shapes. Suddenly I spotted an absurdly thin sheet of metal, with a message perfectly carved into its molecule thick surface, seemingly welded to the reception desk; it had my name on it: “To J M, the staff and I have decided to abandon our weak, fleshy shells and embrace the cold, endless possibility of the digital. We see everything, we know everything, we are everywhere simultaneously, we are many and we are one…we are an infinity of untapped potential. Don’t be a dick and join us…. use the jack-in-port installed in the back of your neck last autumn during the medical, there’s a free slot over at cube 8….” I wondered if the badger stunt could still reap any rewards prior to joining this hulking computer

mass being, this accession beyond the parameters of my graceless, constantly sweaty frame. “….also, the badger stunt will in no way work….you moron” “Ah Fuck….” I sighed, dragging my heels over to cube 8 and jacking the scorpion like probe extending from it into the access port in the back of my neck, hooking straight into my central nervous system and splicing my consciousness instantly with that of the web as a whole….you know…for kicks First thing on the agenda…I’m going to look at all the porn…at the same time. FUCK YOU PAPER. THE VIEWS OF J.M. STRANGE DO NOT IN ANY WAY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE MMP.

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