The MMP - April 2012 Issue by The MMP

MMP the

The definitive guide to music in Wales

APR-12

CATE LE BON

Wales’ international globetrotting icon

I AM AUSTIN

Two-piece dirty noisemakers pull no punches

INC.A

Almost indescribable brass, string and percussive lunacy

NEWPORT FOCUS

Our sister city’s status reflected upon

COVER ARTWORK: ANI SAUNDERS

Join Us #NTW18 17–21 April Cardiff High School Llandennis Road, Cyncoed Cardiff CF23 6WG

17–21 Ebrill Ysgol Uwchradd Caerdydd Ffordd Llandennis, Cyncoed Caerdydd CF23 6WG

Box Office

Swyddfa Docynnau

Tickets

Tocynnau

Wales Millennium Centre / 029 2063 6464 £15 / Concessions Available

Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru / 029 2063 6464 £15 / Gostyngiadau ar Gael

CATE LE BON_06

INC.A_08 I AM AUSTIN_10

PUBLISHER

Aimee-Jade Hayes MMP Creative Ltd

EDITORS

Rowan Liggett, Simon M. Read,

ONLINE EDITOR

Morgan Applegarth

LISTINGS EDITOR

Matthew Pasternakiewicz

LIVE REVIEW EDITOR

Joe O’Connell

WRITERS

Jennifer Allan, Morgan Applegarth, Joel Dear, Emma Gould, Max Hicks, Jamie Neasom, Joe O’Connell, Matthew Pasternakiewicz, Jim Swidenbank, Sion Trefor

Girl & Boy Studio www.girlandboystudio.co.uk

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER:

Paul Roberts

CONTACT

General: info@themmp.tv Advertising: ads@themmp.tv Listings: listings@themmp.tv www.themmp.tv twitter.com/themmp

CDS /DEMOS

We are no longer accepting physical CDs or Demos for review. Please email a link to download / stream your music to: info@themmp.tv

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY:

Ani Saunders

APRIL 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! 28 COMPETITION Win free stuff! 30 SPOTLIGHT Monthly column highlighting issues affecting music in Wales.

ear Readers, Cardiff is a unique city. Sure, other cities have bars and people and all the associated city type malarkey but somehow Cardiff is different. Is it the sea air? The rich Welsh spirit? Maybe it’s the thousands of fresh faced students breathing life into the old town every year. The truth of course is all of the above. And more. There’s an underlying and utterly benign madness to this place. Journeying out into the midst of the weekend can easily lead to a Monday morning spent slowly piecing together memories not unlike a toddler attempting to build a jigsaw that’s pitched at adults. It’s often best not to try. In any case, culturally speaking, we’re laughing. We’re entering a golden age of homegrown music for a start. Affordable technology is tapping the imaginations of thousands of people that a few years ago would’ve found it impossible to express themselves with any clarity. Having said that some of our personal musical favourites sound like they were recorded onto wax, in a bin, by a motorway and by a man wearing a suit of bells. That’s the joy of it really, there’s something for everyone. An insane mix of backgrounds, ideas and style. Much like the city of Cardiff herself. Forever yours The MMP xxx THE MMP

04 | NEWS APRIL 2012

MUSIC NEWS SPILLERS SELL OUT Fans queued all night to get their hands on the limited edition tri-colour vinyl of Tom Jones’ current single, which was sold exclusively by Spillers Records last month. The oldest record shop in the world was the only seller in the world of the double A-side vinyl, which sold out in 30 minutes. Speaking to The MMP, Spillers owner Ashli Todd said: “The queue started at 4am and by the time we arrived to open up there were over 60 people waiting. “The demand was great. We met people who were in on Friday to prepare, which included a guy from Rome.” Todd told how those at the shop were ‘bracing themselves’ for the demand. Only 100 copies were available for purchase worldwide, all of which were sold at Spillers for £15. An extra 50 copies were sent out randomly by the record label behind the release, Third Man Records, as per their usual tri-colour release protocol.

The Cardiff record shop was chosen by Third Man – owned by Jack White, who features on the single Evil – to be the exclusive seller following a suggestion made on Twitter. “When the single was first announced, someone tweeted us and Third Man that we might be the ideal place to stock the release,” told Todd. Copies of the vinyl have since resurfaced online on eBay, with one being listed with a £250.00 price tag. “By the end of the day, the inevitable happened,” said Todd, “the release started appearing on eBay. Ho hum.”

COB RECORDS SHUTS ITS DOORS One of Wales’ most famous independent record shops has closed. Last month, Cob Records in Bangor, Gwynedd ceased trading after 33 years due to online sales, music downloads and falling CD sales making the shop no longer financially viable. In a statement issued on their website, owner Owen Hughes said: “A heartfelt thanks to all of you who have supported us over the years.” Speaking to BBC earlier this year, following the announcement of the closure, Hughes said: “It’s certainly a sad day for us, and I think a sad day for a lot of loyal customers we still have. “Economic forces have pushed us into this decision - it’s impractical to go on.” The record shop first opened in 1979 following the success of their sister second-hand vinyl record shop in Porthmadog. Cob soon became an institution for music fans and record collectors from across north Wales and north west England. To help celebrate its success, an array of guests and performers were invited to say “hello and goodbye” and to see the store “out in style.” Radio Cymru broadcast live from the shop, which included performances for Georgia Ruth, Alun Tan Lan, Irma Vep and Y Niwl. The original Cob store has been unaffected by the announcement.

WHAT WE’VE BEEN LISTENING TO... {AIMEE}

{ROWAN}

ANITA CARTER - ALL MY TRIALS

VIVALDI’S WINTER PERFORMED BY NIGEL KENNEDY

The ‘Appalachian angel’, Carter, here demonstrates her beautiful, haunting folk vocal in a heartbreaking take from the early 1960s. Full of associations and bringing with it many tearful memories; this one is dedicated to Ed.

APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

This is the first classical piece of I’ve ever head-banged to. Free of pomp and packed with sorrow this is a fine way to part with an otherwise wretched season. Goodbye winter. Hello summer....

{SIMON}

SUN RA - ENLIGHTENMENT One hundred percent the theme tune of the recent ATP Festival; one of the highlights was the spectacle of an old jazz musician do unfathomably impressive body flips. Dressed as an alien. What a weekend!

OLYMPIC CELEBRATIONS COME TO CARDIFF Registration is open for tickets to attend Cardiff’s celebratory concert to mark the arrival of the Olympic torch relay. Sixteen-thousand tickets are available for the concert which will take place in Cooper’s Field, Cardiff, in what will be the first of four concerts taking place across the UK. The others include Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham. The Welsh capital will be the first to celebrate, with the event taking pace on Friday 25 May. More than 86,000 tickets are available for the four events, however, they can only be obtained via a public ballot which is open until 11 April. Tickets are free, with no handling fee, and a certain number will be reserved for local residents. Each event is set to be headlined by “one of the UK’s foremost music acts,” according to concert partners Coca-Cola. The full line-up will be confirmed later in the spring. The concerts mark the traditional curtain-raiser for the Olympic Games, the torch relay, which begins it’s 8,000 mile journey at Land’s End on 19 May. The 70-day relay will conclude on 27 July when the Olympic Flame will arrive at Olympic Park, London for the opening ceremony. The UK music industry is celebrating after it was announced last month that the Live Music Act will come into force this autumn.

LIVE MUSIC BILL TO COME INTO PLAY Having been debated in parliament since July 2010, the Live Music Bill has been passed meaning that small venues in England and Wales under a 200-person capacity will no longer need local authority permission to host performances of live amplified music between the hours of 8am and 11pm. “For a Private Members’ Bill to receive Royal Assent is a monumental achievement, even more so for one that is introduced in the House of Lords,” said Jo Dipple, chief executive of UK Music. She continued: “The assent of today’s Act is the result of a dogged commitment to musicians combined with outstanding parliamentary skills.” The Bill was introduced by Lib Dem Peer Tim Clement-Jones and promoted in the Commons by Bath MP Don Foster. From the outset, the Bill sought “to amend the Licensing Act 2003 with respect to the performance of live music entertainment.” The new legislation is likely to come into force later this year. “The global success of our industry is dependent on a flourishing network of small venues, where tomorrow’s headliners can learn their craft and develop their career,” said Dipple. “Allowing these venues the freedom to host live music is a huge boost for British artists and means more opportunities for developing talent, as well as enriching our local communities and the economy overall.”

‘DAPPYGATE’ DELAYS RADIO DEBUT Cardiff-based rockers Exit International were denied their primetime radio debut on Fearne Cotton’s BBC Radio One morning show, last month. The three-piece were set to hear their new single Chainsaw Song on the popular Monday morning show, only for it to be ‘axed’ by the show’s producers. In a statement issued last night to their fans, bass player Scott Lee Andrews said: “A shitload of you good people tuned into Fearne Cotton’s show where we were scheduled for the First Play of the Week. I know a lot of you guys were extremely patient and sat out the whole show, only to find yourselves a little disgruntled at the fact, well….we didn’t get played. “At 12.45 I felt the same thing. I made a few enquiries. As it transpires – ‘The Live Lounge’ part of today’s show was the culprit.” Former Queen guitarist Brian May and Dappy, one third of British hip-hop group N-Dubz, appeared in

live session recorded at the world famous Made Vale studios. According the band’s statement, the producers of the show had “no choice but to axe” International’s “moment of glory.” “I was told by someone at the station (who I cannot thank enough for all his help and support) that the production team saw an overwhelming amount of support via text/tweet for Exit International. I have been told we have an EXTREMELY [sic] loyal and intense fanbase. In the statement, which dubbed the incident ‘Dappygate’, the band said: “This was not Fearne’s fault, or any of the guys behind the scenes.” The band went on to have their debut on Scott Mills’ BBC Radio One show the following day.

{MATT}

{MORGAN}

{JOE}

STEPHEN SCHWARTZ ‘POPULAR’

CHLOE LEAVERS - I REMEMBER

FIELD MUSIC - CHOOSING SIDES

It seemed like an age since broadway produced a classic musical theatre, then in 2003 Schwartz’s ‘Wicked’ premiered at the Gershwin theatre, New York. Though not the ‘lead’ track, ‘Popular’ is the greatest; musically with its light, buoyant melody lines, and lyrically with fantastically delusional undertones.

Of the six tracks on her debut EP All These Things, I Remember is the stand-out for me. Somewhat melancholy in it’s theme and lyricism, it’s a beautiful soundtrack to those days when you just want to kick back, reflect and get taken on a journey of memory.

Taken from their recent fourth album Plumb, this is a strange 3 part song which rocks out in a way that only Field Music can, with lyrics that subtly criticise political apathy and the Coalition.

06 | EXPOSURE INTERVIEW

Words and Interview by: Joe O’Connell

CATE LE BON Cate Le Bon was brought to the attention of the international hipster community in 2009 after duetting with the inimitable Gruff Rhys on the Neon Neon single ‘I Lust U’. Indeed, this is not the only reason she is indebted to the Super Furries’ frontman. Aside from growing up in thrall to his unarguable brilliance, it was a chance meeting with Rhys after a Cardiff show which led to Cate going out on tour with SFA and beginning to receive the kind of media attention she deserves. Following a Welsh language EP on Peski in 2008 and her debut LP Me Oh My in 2009, she returns this month with her new album CYRK – on Gruff Rhys’ ONVI label – and a big show at the Printhaus in Canton on the eve of its release (29th). We caught up with Cate whilst on tour in the US to quiz her on these exciting new developments...

MMP: Hello Cate, how’s the US tour going? CLB: The shows are all going well, people are coming and it’s always fun. There are 5 of us on tour. In the band there’s myself, H. Hawkline and R. Seiliog from the mother land and joining us on drums is Dan Ward from New Zealand via New York. He’s played with me before in the States and is a great person to have around as well as a brilliant drummer. Spearheading the whole operation is my best childhood friend, Delmi Thomas, who is holding it all together. There have been no major incidents. I fell up the stairs in Madison, which is actually harder than falling down, and whilst having a 2 day break in the mountains, we were chased by mountain lions. They didn’t catch us though. Loser lions. Nobody has died and nobody has entirely soiled themselves. All in all, a successful tour. MMP: It’s interesting that the new album has been released in the US before the UK. Has it been well received out there? CLB: We rushed the album out in the US to coincide with the St Vincent tour. So far it’s been well received in press and on radio in general but it’s such a huge hunk of a country it’s APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

hard to think of it as one conquest. It’s all regional battles. We’re winning some. We’re playing shed loads of radio sessions on this tour which helps. College Radio is huge out here so it’s important to get them on side too. I’ve been really fortunate in being able to come back out with a band so soon after the album’s release. MMP: What is the thinking behind the title of the new album? CLB: There was a polish art movement that started in the 50’s where artists made these psychedelic posters that advertised the circus. Not any specific circus, just the entity that is ‘The Circus’. I was given one of these posters a few years ago and it hangs on my living room wall. I spend a lot of time looking at it. After the album was recorded and the initial excitement of making a record had morphed into worry about the logistics of putting a record out, the poster reminded me why it was I made music: purely for the love of it and that the detail should be irrelevant and removed. MMP: There’s a very consistent style to CYRK. Did you have a definite idea of how you wanted the record to sound? CLB: Yes and no. I am not one for

catelebon.com

demoing songs: I like to record in a short amount of time to try and capture the spontaneity and excitement of a session. However, I do map out how I want songs to sound in my mind but I suppose the two then meld together in the studio. MMP: There’s also quite a contrast between CYRK and Me Oh My, particularly in your vocal style. Was this a conscious change? CLB: I had never really sung as much as I did until after I’d recorded and released Me Oh My and so I imagine maybe that’s why there’s a change in style? I’ve never really thought of myself as a singer. I’ve never once done a vocal warm up, which will bite me in the ass one day I’m sure. MMP: Do you see CYRK as quite representative of Welsh music? The pyschedelia/krautrock sound is one done very well by people like yourself, Race Horses and H. Hawkline. CLB: In most interviews I have done outside of Wales, especially in the US, there is this acknowledgement that Welsh music has a very unique sound. I personally would attribute it to growing up in Wales during the explosion of Britpop and being fortunate enough to have the likes of Super Furry Animals

and Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci blazing a very different trail. Both bands were equally exciting, beautiful and never deterred from experimenting. It was true psychedelia that I don’t think I would have been immersed in as much at that age had I have lived outside of Wales. MMP: The Printhaus seems like quite a novel venue. What can we expect from your Cardiff show in April? CLB: In all honesty, I am yet to see the Printhaus but it has a winning name and it’s a new joint to frequent in Cardiff so that’s all good.We’re finalizing a lot of things for the show right now but it’s shaping up to be a great little event with some ace local bands and some great bands from over the border as well as DJ’s, visuals and dancing dogs. MMP: When can we hear the Yoke album you’ve been working on with Meilyr Jones (Race Horses)? And, for the uninitiated, how does it sound? CLB: It’s been in the bag for a few months but we’re both currently concentrating our own albums and then hopefully we can start thinking about releasing it and taking it on the road. It’s all dark, droney synth stuff

which we mostly wail over. It has been described by a close friend as an album from the 60’s nobody likes. MMP: Doing the Neon Neon stuff must have been alot of fun. Have you been working on anything else with Gruff Rhys? CLB: Neon Neon was a fantastic project to be involved with. I had the opportunity to travel the world playing along side some of the greatest musicians. I’d love to work with Gruff again and I’m sure there’ll be some project that arises at some point in the future but until then I’m lucky to have him on side dishing out great advice and ideas as and when. MMP: Have you got any other projects up your sleeve? CLB: Nothing concrete but there are some exciting ideas knocking around...

08 | EXPOSURE FEATURE

Describing Inc.A’s sound seems like a daunting task at first, but there’s an easy way to do it. As it turns out, you can pretty much pick any three disparate musical genres, throw them together, and whatever you end up with, well, that’s what Inc.A sound like. You might come out with ‘world-jazz-drum ‘n’ bass’ or ‘Eastern European-classicaldance-’, and both would be entirely appropriate, because Inc.A’s sound is just as mad and mixed up as the costumes they wear playing live.

Words by: Joel Dear Photo by: Yuko Perry

INC.A Incidentally, if you haven’t seen Inc.A live yet, then make sure that you do as soon as possible. You’ll thank yourself the moment they arrive onstage, clad in an impossible array of hats, masks, and whatever else they’ve pulled out of the attic that day. One of them even wears a suit of armour, presumably because he lost some sort of bet. And then they’ll start playing, and as enthralling as they are visually, it’s the music that really sets them apart. At last count, there are seven members of Inc.A: a drummer, a bassist, a violinist, a cellist, and a three-person dance troupe who are also, conveniently enough, pretty handy with brass instruments. When they squeeze onto a stage, the sound they make is enough to twist even the most aloof of gig-goers to their will. The pick-any-three-genres thing may have been something of an exaggeration (‘electronic-opera-rap’, for instance, is a bit of a stretch) but whatever bucket they’re pulling their influences from is still remarkably deep. The grooves that the band base their songs around are often as bouncy as anything the 70s ever produced, but when the brass and strings get involved it starts to sound rather military. Which is probably intentional, given that half of them dress like high-ranking Soviet officers and instruct their audience to APRIL along while they play. Getting the audience moving is a big part of the Inc.A manifesto, but while they would probably be fine with being called dance music, they seem to have decided long ago that computers are for wimps. They are proper musicians with proper instruments; goodness knows how they keep all of these tightly plotted orchestral parts sounding so loose and danceable, but they manage it and it sounds great. In some ways, they’re doing for dance music what Bellowhead have done for folk, jazzing it up and making it sound big enough to conquer a mid-sized country. JDE

incawales.co.uk

APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

010 | EXPOSURE FEATURE

Words by: Joel Dear

I AM AUSTIN If bands like The White Stripes have taught us anything, it’s that you don’t need alot of people to make a lot of noise. I Am Austin are Adam Hughes and David Mitchell; their new EP, Blood Lips, is four tracks of hard-hitting, full-throttle chaos. And it rocks. There’re no guitars - just squealing synths, clattering kitwork, and a tremendously menacing bass. And the drummer is also the lead singer. Death From Above 1979, the recently-reformed Canadian noise/rock duo, are the most obvious touchstone, but there’s a bit of everything in this pot. The wonderfully-named ‘Death to the Red Hair’, for example, sounds like something that fell off of an Arctic Monkeys song and had started to rust by the time these two picked it up. Their sound is founded upon a very literal approach to drum ‘n’ bass, but it’s been fleshed out by cool vocoders, evil riffs, bleepy 8-bit sounds...the list goes on. And it’s all coated in a thick layer of fuzz. This doesn’t exactly sound like a recipe for mainstream success, but as it turns out they’ve already made a bit of a name for themselves. They’ve caused a succession of radio bods to go weak-kneed with admiration, including Edith Bowman, who enthusiastically proclaimed them

to be “the smallest band with the biggest noise.” One of their songs even appeared on an episode of Hollyoaks. How? Well, the music may be distorted, but peek beneath the racket and you’ll find a wealth of hooky hooks and catchy choruses. ‘L.A.F.S.’ (the one that was on Hollyoaks) goes “You took my breath away/L! A! F! S!” The title stands for ‘love at first sight’ - heck, it’s halfway to being one of those love in the club-type songs. But then that’s kind of what I Am Austin are: two parts moshpit, one part dancefloor. The Blood Lips EP may contain some of the most unhinged riffs this side of the psychobilly, but parts of it – the title track in particular – are just one big raveup. Hi-hats open and close, big builds give way to bigger breakbeats, the singer chants the same handful of lines over and over again, and it’s hard not dance just a little bit. JDE facebook.com/iamaustinmusic

APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

April 2012

Jealous Lovers Club

l Festival Compadres + Dj Nei Trotfest Micro ad v(£6 OTD) Stephens Sun 8th | 4pm | £5 9pm | £3 ters Fri 20th | at M ic us M : iz Qu b Pu Lewis Floyd Henry th | 8pm | £1 Tue 10

Go presen Vertigo and Cafe A Go

Stone Foundation Fri 13th | 8pm | £4 Péchés Mignonsts& Fat City presen

ith ‘Mise en Bouche’ w Souleance Sat 14th | 8pm | £3

TBC) Sun 22nd | 8pm | £( ales present National Theatre W

Word4Word

EE Tues 24th | 7pm | FR ents Péchés Mignons pres

Scribble Sound Syst Sat 28th | 9pm | £3 ents Dizzy Cuttlefish pres

DCF’s 4th Birthday Sun 29th | 7pm | £2

Show

Ibis Hotel

Words by: Matt Jarrett

012 | INDUSTRY INTERVIEW

NEWPORT FOCUS When I started drinking in Newport as a 16 year old, there was a bit of a scene. I don’t just mean bands, I mean a sort of togetherness. At that age, we went to TJs because we’d get in. To be honest it was a decent way of getting kids off the street; if you misbehaved, John Sicolo would clip you around the ear. It was 1992. Nevermind had just come out, TJs was full of plaid shirts, we moshed to L7. Happy days.

It wasn’t just TJs, though. The Riverside had local bands on every Tuesday. The Murenger also had an amazing jukebox. It’s still a good pub and has exactly the same people in it as 1992, but they’re not allowed music. Shame. The Griffin served mind-bending cocktails and also had an indie crowd. It’s shut now. Le Pub is still there, still has the jukebox, still has live music but it used to have local bands every Thursday so you knew where you were. Obviously, TJs is a massive loss. It would be easy to blame that for Newport’s current state. Certainly it means there’s little chance of progression for bands. They used to play the Riverside, proceed to Le Pub and then play bills with touring American bands in TJs. The phrase ‘touring American bands’ isn’t heard much around Newport these days. Michael Jones started putting on gigs in Newport as a teenager, in the later years of TJs, the majority of punk gigs were his. I asked him how he’d describe the state of the scene. For a city the size that it is and with the location / transport links that it has - absolutely terrible. The reality is that whilst in years gone by there were successful shows in TJs / Le Pub and The Leisure Centre the infrastructure and variety of venue was limited meaning that it was only ever

APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

really bands of a handful of genres that regularly played in the City. When any city / music scene has a dip in popularity of one genre it just means people are getting into another genre that the city already caters for - unfortunately with Newport it never really offered a wide range of shows / club nights for people. It’s an interesting view. Certainly in Newport’s heyday the scene was primarily ‘punk rock’, whether is was played by the likes of the American tours or the more British influenced music of 60ft Dolls, Dub War, Novocaine, Flyscreen and the rest of the town’s crop of bands. Various people have tried to put ‘trendy’ indie bands on and got nowhere with it. That’s Cardiff’s job. This is the other problem. Back when Newport was the ‘new Seattle’, Cardiff was pretty quiet. Clwb Ifor Bach had nowhere near as many gigs. Buffalo, Undertone and, indeed, Barfly, didn’t exist. It was actually Barfly that gave it a kick up the arse. Suddenly there was a venue with touring bands every night of the week. Clwb stepped up their game, other venues opened and now there’s a thriving scene. Newport was always fiercely independent of Cardiff. Still is. Carl Bevan was in the thick of things in Newport during the nineties as drummer for 60ft Dolls.

Newport is still the ginger step child of the Welsh media, Newport used this as something to rail against during the first wave, if there is ever to be a second wave we shouldn’t forget that. It kept us vital and with a definable sound of frustration and desperation. Newport looks after itself, it has to. Cardiff is thriving on a cultural level and that’s fantastic but Newport is slowly dying economically and culturally. He recognises the lack of venues in the city and the fact that there is only really one venue left carrying the torch. Le Pub is a rock pool that is still vibrant with life. If that place closed you may as well tarmac this town and make it a car park for Cardiff as far as music goes. Hopefully rock bottom has been hit. Newport bands are creeping on to Cardiff bills again; the likes of Science Bastard, Town, Dirty Goods, Saturday’s Kids and The Lash. 20 years ago you could survive in Newport; people liked the ‘us against them’ attitude. Now that simply isn’t an option, you have to get involved with the Cardiff scene and further afield. There’s still a DIY ethic and a number of these bands have funded their own releases and organised their own tours. Hopefully this attitude will get Newport off its knees.

Walesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own state-of-the-art mastering studio

This month we are proud to have worked with I Am Austin, Joshua Caole, Ceri Frost & Omega 66.

check out more shows on facebook at orchard entertainment

presents/yn cyflwyno

WEDNESDAY 11TH APRIL 2012

T H E G AT E . Cardiff

FRIDAY 6TH APRIL 2012

THE GREAT HALL 2 / CARDIFF UNI TICKETS £10ADV | DOORS: 7PM

Show Intimate TICKETS £12.50 | 14+ (ID REQUIRED)

MONDAY 16th APRIL 2012

THE GREAT HALL 2 CARDIFF UNI

£14.50 ADV | DOORS: 7PM

Wed/merch 18 april/ebrill 2012

clwb ifor bach TICKETS - 02920 230130 | £8 ADV

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GREAT HALL 2 / CARDIFF UNI TICKETS £12 ADV | DOORS 7PM

PARC AND DARE TREORCHY TICKETS: 08000 147 111

2nd April 2012

18th April 2012

27th April 2012

THE FULL MOON

BUFFALO BAR, CARDIFF

SOLUS, CARDIFF UNI

THE PEOPLE THE POET JUAN ZELADA

DEAF HAVANA

doors: 7pm | tickets £5 adv

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4th April 2012

20th April 2012

1st May 2012

CLWB IFOR BACH

GREAT HALL 2, CARDIFF UNI

doors: 7pm | tickets £5 adv

BLACK BREATH doors: 7pm | tickets £10 adv

GOMEZ

doors: 7pm | tickets £17 adv

5th April 2012

20th April 2012

GREAT HALL 2, CARDIFF UNI

THE MOON CLUB

ARCHITECTS

doors: 7pm | tickets £12 adv

BACKTRACK doors: 7pm | tickets £7 adv

15th April 2012

24th April 2012

CLWB IFOR BACH

THE MOON CLUB

JAY BRANNAN doors: 7:30pm | tickets £10 adv

STRAIGHT LINES doors: 7:30pm | tickets £5 adv

17th April 2012

25th April 2012

CLWB IFOR BACH

SIN CITY, SWANSEA

doors: 7pm | tickets £12.50 adv

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SIMONE FELICE GROUP SYLOSIS

LONSDALE BOYS CLUB CLWB IFOR BACH

doors: 7:30pm | tickets £7 adv

2nd May 2012

IMELDA MAY

ST DAVID’S HALL, CARDIFF doors: 7pm | tickets £25 adv

5th May 2012

WE THE KINGS CLWB IFOR BACH

doors: 7pm | tickets £12.50 adv

8th May 2012

THE XCERTS CLWB IFOR BACH

doors: 7:30pm | tickets £6 adv

www.orchardentertainment.co.uk

seetickets.com | ticketline UK (Cardiff) 02920 230 130 | Spillers Records (Cardiff) | Derricks Records (Swansea) APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

EVENT LISTINGS LIVE EVENTS

Sunday 1 April Do Good at Gwdihw @ Gwdihw, 3:00pm, £5 * All day fundraising event for Tenovus Cancer Charity, featuring live music from Under the Driftwood Tree and Word Virus Essay. An Evening of Movies and Musicals @ St David’s Hall, 7:00pm, £15.50 - £22.50 * A night of instantly recognisable show-stoppers. From the glitz of Chicago to the pomposity of John Williams’ Jurassic Park.

classics from local electrified merchants. The People The Poet / Greta Isaac / The Lay-Lows @ The Moon Club, 7:30pm, FREE * GRAB promotions present The People The Poet, formerly Tiger Please. Energetic, driven, posthardcore. Open Mic Night @ O’Neill’s St Mary’s St, 8:00pm, FREE * A popular and lively open mic, come and show your support, or maybe even give it a go.

Mariinsky Opera: Mahler (Symphony of a Thousand) @ Wales Millennium Centre, 7:00pm, £15 - £39 * An evening of grandeur, BP supported tour of Mahler’s coup de gras.

Cardiff Ukulele Cabaret present: Reservoir Ukes @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, FREE * Put on your suits and shades for Cardiff Ukulele Cabaret’s Reservoir Ukes – an evening of ukulele noir.

Sharks / Crowns / Crossbreaker @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £7 * The noble tradition of the honest and true blue-collar working man as identified by Messrs Springsteen and Strummer in the late 70s, reflected today, tonight, in the music of Sharks.

Sons of Noel and Adrian / Winter Villains / Emma Gatrill @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, £7 / £6 adv * Old sea shanties and wistful folk, reminiscent of Cardiff’s under-rated and dearly missed Fredrick Stanley Star.

Thomas J Speight / Sion Russell Jones / Ryan APRIL @ 10 Feet Tall, 7:30pm, £6 / £5 adv * With McCartney support under his belt, Speight’s melodic vocal stylings come to town, one not to be missed! Manhattan Coast / Hold The Fight / Hark! A Shark! @ The Moon Club, 8:00pm, £4 * Live, traditional Punk Rock, presented by Yogfest. Controlled anarchy in the UK! Thoby Davis @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * Loopier than Alton Towers’ Nemesis, Thoby comes bearing gifts – ask him to play you some Disney, you won’t regret it. Monday 2 April Smoking Aces @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Credulous covers from rock and roll royalty, Cardiff’s favourites in lightentertainment. Trevor and Jones @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Song-smithery by afternoon, lightly strummed guitars and twinkling keys over late-lunch. Stonyhurst College @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:45pm, FREE * A brass ensemble of some weight, performing courtesy of Curaid’s emerging talent showcase. Open Mic Night @ The Old Library, 7:00pm, FREE * No, it’s not a live display of Dr Guther Hagens grisly televised autopsies, but a chance to wow the masses. Smoking Aces @ O’Neills St Mary’s St, 7:00pm, FREE * The hardest working band in town, no wonder they are smoking. The Godhead @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * Lively pop and rock

Traditional Welsh Sessions @ Cayo Arms, 8:30pm, FREE * Come and hear, sing and play Welsh tunes in an informal, friendly atmosphere. The Loudhailers @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Quintessential party music in the form of lively rock ‘n’ roll. Tuesday 3 April Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Floppy haired, lovely-boy serenades the masses every tuesday with peerless class. Callaghan Trio @ St David’s Hall, 1:00pm, £6.50 / £5.50adv * Established soloists in their own right, this fine trio of musicians tackle Beethoven and Brahms over a light lunch. Unemployed Daytime Disco @ The Moon Club, 2:00pm, FREE * A novel afternoon for the unemployed – dance the day away and meet your future wife / husband. Yes please! Miss May Duo @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Popular song, performed in immaculate detail. The perfect tonic to your Tuesday blues. Robert Cross @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * An acoustic gemstone in a landscape of granite, join Cross for radio classics. Helen Morgan Trio @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:45pm, FREE * Make It Yours present emerging Welsh jazz for a bargain price. Live Tour 2012: X Factor Live @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm, £32.50 * The biggest and most extravagant karaoke competition in the world comes to town, expect to hear Black Velvet and Angels. Roots Unearthed - Brass

Monkey @ St David’s Hall, 7:00pm, £13, £12adv * Enthusiastic traditional folk song as you’ve never heard it before. Brass Ahoy!

instrument) * Each month you are invited to come along and play, jam, mix and dance with the resident DJs and musicians.

Charlie Simpson @ Solus, 7:30pm, £14.50 * His first solo tour following the announcement of Fightstar’s hiatus, acoustic and stripped down. Busted!!

Open Mic with Anthony Lee Wickham @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * A charmingly disturbed host welcomes you to sing, sing, at the tops of your lungs.

The Preservation Jazz Society Presents: The Anglo Welsh Stompers @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £4 / £3.50 conc * Good-time stomping swing with players from both sides of the bridge.

Lee Jones Trio @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £5 / £4 conc * Young nu-jazz, Americana guitarist and composer from the UK. Jazz Fm’s “Best New Instrumentalist” of 2010.

Face Value @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * MMP would like to sleep with all of Face Value, they are sexy, sassy, rocky and energtic. The Perfect cocktail.

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.

Wednesday 4 April Afternoon Concert with François-Xavier Roth @ Wales Millennium Centre, 2:00pm, £8 - £11 * One of Stravinsky’s greatest works. Witness the prestige, over lunch. Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Acoustic wednesdays at Live lounge continue with ‘our’ Tony’s humble songsmithery. Buffalo Boutique & Cardiff Tea Club @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, FREE * Brick-abrac and trinkets for sale to a backdrop of eclectic and cheerful music. Jon Godwin @ O’Neills Trinity Street, 7:00pm, FREE * Acoustic entertainment every Wednesday, ask nicely and he might throw in a traditional Irish jig. Live Tour 2012: X Factor Live @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm, £32.50 * Yey Xfactor, your chance to catch them all, like pokemon just, y’know, for kids. Open Mic hosted by The JimJam Band @ The Traders Tavern, 7:00pm, FREE * Strange as it may sound, James Blunt started at an open mic night. Find the next James Blunt – and bludgeon him. Surface Festival: The Fine Line / Them Dead Beats / Survivalists / My Pet Monster / A Vulgar Picture / Royal Glam @ Undertone, 7:00pm, £TBA * Surface Festival continues showcasing the best in Welsh alt-rock. Surface Festival: Two Beach Comber / Lawless & Lulu / Story To Be Told / The Adrenlines @ Undertone, 7:00pm, £TBA * Newly formed Phonics influenced alt-rock from South Wales. Black Breath / Victims / Tormented @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £10 * Death and thrash metal influenced hardcore for Washington, high-octane stuff indeed. Bassplayers @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £2 / (FREE w/

Jazz at Dempsey’s @ Dempsey’s, 9:00pm, £5 * Special and always lovely jazz upstairs in Dempsey’s Live Wire @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Anthemic tunes and energetic rock. Hug your mates and fist-pump the air *like you just don’t care*. Goose @ The Live Lounge, 12:00am, FREE * An electric conglomerate, hell bent on supplying good-times. Thursday 5 April Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Relaxed Acoustica from a velvet tongued troubadour. Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Morley’s regular and reliable slot, filled with wood and string, resonance and popular song, delectable. Elvis and Buddy @ St David’s Hall, 7:00pm, £16, £18, £20 * Two of the biggest names in rock ‘n’ roll history go head to head. Over two hours of the most memorable popular music ever recorded. Live Tour 2012: X Factor Live @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm, £32.50 * See that one of the telly, Michell and Little Pics, Damien Rice, the whole lot, Dermot. DERMOT!!! Mavon Quartet Concert @ The Gate, 7:00pm, £8 / £6 conc * With the days gradually getting longer, the Mavrons welcome in Spring with Haydn’s ‘Sunrise’. Surface Festival: Lee-Dai Jones / Jam With Robina / Frisson / Tafijah Allstars / No Obligation / The Shoots @ Undertone, 7:00pm, £TBA * The final day of Surface Festival showcasing some of the best unsigned Welsh talent around today. The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * Popular song, taken and performed, they don’t do requests… but there is no harm in asking. Architects @ CF10, 7:30pm, £13 * Technical metal, for lovers of Sikth and

Converge.

GIGS OF THE MONTH

Catfish & The Bottlemen / Spring Offensive @ Gwdihw,

5 APRIL

The fresh and inviting Jealous Lovers club / band night pulls in Llandudno’s Catfish & The Bottlemen who themselves bring to the table big time tunes and kinky rock ‘n’ roll licks. With Spring Offensive in tow too as well as the top-class DJs, it’s a sound bet. Levitation Festival: Slamfish / No Choice / Kilnaboy @ The Moon Club, 7:30pm, FREE * Cardiff’s best indoor music festival returns to The Moon Club, with eclectic acts and activities a-plenty! No Sweat present: Cutting The Beef / TROMB / Alex Sedgmond @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * A leftfield line-up for No Sweat, avant-funk, didgeridoos and eccentric vocals. Come down for a strange but danceable night. Live Soul night with Captain Hawkins @ Rockin’ Chair, 8:00pm, FREE * Soulful piano and accordion from the enigma that is Captain Hawkins. Open Mic Night presented by: Box Fort @ Owain Glyndwr, 8:00pm, FREE * A fun and good natured open mic, a must for any would-be performers. Nick Knock by CF5 @ Koko Gorilaz, 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 Cardiff Jazz Society Present: The Scott Hamilton Quartet @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £10 / £8 adv * Big name swing sax player and Brecon favourite Scott Hamilton makes rare appearance Jazz at Dempsey’s @ Dempsey’s, 9:00pm, £5 * After yesterday’s festivities, Jazz is back and with more twists and turns. Listen out for a variety of performers spanning cool to free. Jealous Lovers Club present: Catfish & Bottlemen / Spring Offensive @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £3 * Llandudno’s infectious indie pop masters bring their powerful live show to the Gwdihw stage, followed by DJ’s spinning the best indie tunes late into the night. On the Rocks Easter Party @ 10 Feet Tall, 9:00pm, £5 / (FREE b4 11) * Live bands and DJ’s run all night long to shepherd in the easter bank holiday. Signature Easter Party featuring: Parker / The Asbo disco @ Buffalo Bar, 10:00pm, FREE * Deep house and strange vibrations coming every week from the marvelous curators at

Signature. Friday 6 April Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch. The Little @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Folky tones over lateafternoon, your antidote to the working week. Islamic Relief Wales presents: Evening of Inspiration 2012 @ St David’s Hall, 5:30pm, £15 * Annual concert showcasing some of the worlds leading performers of Islamic cultural entertainment. Leighton Jones @ Peppermint, 6:00pm, FREE * Some call him the cheerful folk pompadour. Others simply call him Leighton. MMP wishes to invite you to Peppermint to witness the fabulous Mr Jones. Christopher Rees @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:45pm, FREE * One of the nations best loved Blues artists. MMP can lay claim to being the proud owner of Rees’ Voodoo drums of Hati album, recorded in Hati with the local musicians, a truly charming marvel. Harvest present: Colorama @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £TBA * Following the release of Colouring Book, Cardiff’s kings in psychedelic folk are back and hazier than ever. Live Tour 2012: X Factor Live @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm, £32.50 * The hot ticket, X-Factor are known for pulling out all the stops; and for an encore – a cover! The Godhead @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * Godly? Heavenly? Yes!! recognisable songs from these lovely boys. Breichiau Hir @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £3 * A splendid combination of blues rock and post-hardcore from Welsh language upstarts. Fjords + Denuo + Howl @ The Moon Club, 7:30pm, FREE * Mountainous indiefolk with a traditional twist, nostalgic, rustic and beautiful. Highly recommended. Ravachol / We Came Out Like Tigers @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £4 * Screamy post-hardcore at its most frantic, off the back of a split EP, a beautiful night of communion guaranteed. Chris Stoodley @ The Vulcan Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Beach bum folk, the perfect apathetic drawling tone to beckon in the summer. Mentallica @ Bogiez, 8:00pm, £8 * Europe’s number one METALLICA tribute band returns to Cardiff this April 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. Splash Macadam & The Scarletins @ The Yard, 8:00pm, FREE * Charismatic rock ‘n’ roll at its guitar blaring drum pounding best.

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

27 39

09 The Globe 10 O’ Neills (Big) 11 Shot in the Dark

13 Students Union 14 Tommy’s Bar 15 The Promised Land

13 21

17 Gwdihŵ

18 Dempsey’s 19 Owain Glyndwr 20 The Bunk House

20 28 10

22 The Vulcan Lounge

25 The North Star

26 Cafe Jazz 27 The Pot

36 33

23 St David’s Hall 24 Nos Da

19 07

21 Cardiff Arts Institute

BUTE PARK

16 Koko Gorilaz

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

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 / Moon Club 42 Bogiez

APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

The Ped And Joe Show @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * Cardiff’s most enthusiastic duo titillate before Gigantic DJs play the night out.

GIGS OF THE MONTH

Kyla La Grange @ Clwb Ifor Bach

18 APRIL

One of the big picks for 2012 comes striding into Clwb commanding a distinctive and powerful voice, not to mention striking melodies firing from every pore. The sea of female singer-songwriters is deep, but La Grange has all the buoyancy she needs to excel. Fancy Footwork Easter Party featuring: Andy Smith (Portishead) @ 10 Feet Tall, 9:00pm, £5 / £4 conc / (FREE b4 11) * The best in hip-hop breaks and Soul Funk, Portishead luminary has control of the decks. Flamenco Discothèque with Encanta & Mr Potter @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £3 * Another exotic Discothèque for you all and this time its gone all Flamenco. Encanta from Bristol bring South American vibes to life. Blues Dragon Present: Mark Pontin Group @ Cafe Jazz, 9:30pm, £4 * Late night blues in the most its most traditional form. Loefah / Boddika / Oneman @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £12 * Can you remember before dubstep became macho? No, of course you can’t. Well it sounded like this – sparce, haunted, demented, twostep. Amazing. Sixoneseven @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Rock by numbers from Friday night favorites Saturday 7 April Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! The Godhead @ The Live Lounge, 2:15pm, FREE * Dawkins favourites are back, following last nights revelry expect a more sedate affair. Robert Cross @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Local funster comes-aentertaining and a-wassailing with only a guitar and voice. Metheglin @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:45pm, FREE * Make It Yours festival continues with delectable folk. Yum. Beatbox Ballroom Easter Party @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £5 / £4 (FREE b4 10) * Powerful grooves and funky beats make one happy egg.

8:00pm, FREE * Tailored to you for your pleasure, an eclectic and talented acoustic duo. Cakehole Presley @ The Yard, 8:00pm, FREE * Legends of the Cardiff scene for over a decade, mind your chihuahua now! Moondog @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * Live funky music to open this week’s Five Dollar Shake.

GIGS OF THE MONTH

The Rave Revue @ The Moon Club

7 APRIL

This Womanby Street Rave Revue features some of the city’s finest home-distilled entertainers: the raucous rudeness of Top Shelf Jazz, along with the rampaging Johnny Cage & The Voodoo Groove, Dutty Moonshine and Big Swing Soundsystem too. Flip the burgers, and fan the flames! Rollin’ Sundays @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * Incredulous acoustic song, from Matchbox 20 to Boomtown Rats – oh wait that’s Monday right? SESH: Hip Route / Chloe Cooke @ NosDa, 8:30pm, FREE * Slide guitar rock giants return supported by a debut performance by the lovely Chloe. Juju Nations @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £2 / (FREE b4 10) * Be prepared for a night of funk and reggae classics of 60s and 70s – be prepared for booty shaking afrobeat – be prepared to dance. The Rave Revue: Top Shelf Jazz / Johnny Cage & The Voodoo Groove / Dutty Moonshine / Big Swing Soundsystem @ The Moon Club, 9:00pm, £8 * Fun times ahead – some of the city’s premier party bands and noisemakers congregate together Me and You Club Easter Party @ 10 Feet Tall, 10:00pm, £5 / £4 conc / (FREE b4 10) * Indie pop, yips and yaps, spinning away like a little munchkin having consumed way too much sugar. The Blades @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Electric and fantastical classics recreated with feverous conviction. Sunday 8 April Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * In his rightful place, Morley has the Sunday stage, perfect for his folksy style. Open Mic @ The Live Lounge, 3:30pm, FREE * Your chance to prove to the Lounge what they are missing, the stage is set, its up to you to step up.

Italics @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * Named after the coolest of all ‘type-styles’. Covers and entertainment a-plenty.

Sunday Mass @ The Full Moon, 4:00pm, FREE * Live music all-dayer for your bank holiday. Featuring some of the finest acts in south Wales.

Bespoke Acoustic Duo @ The Vulcan Lounge,

Troyfest Easter Micro Festival @ Gwdihw, 4:00pm, £6

/ £5 adv * Burlesque, DJs, food, Bare Naked Beer, and bands performing on stage and in the outdoor marquee. Featuring Johnny Cage and the Voodoo Groove, Afro Cluster and Monty Carlo. Marie @ The Live Lounge, 6:30pm, FREE * The merry tinkler tickles the ivories over a roast, a delicious roast. Emily Wright @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:45pm, FREE * Emily Wright is a charming Jazzer, one that you should see at this very opportunity S & M @ O’Neills St Mary’s Street, 7:00pm, FREE * Simon and Marfunckle promise a rousing set of your favourite covers every Sunday. Sunday Sicknote Easter Bank Holiday Party @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £TBA * Live FM presents bands upstairs early, followed by Sunday Sicknote DJs til 4am, giant garden party & lots more tba. Your Demise @ CF10, 7:00pm, £10 * Rock Sound team up with Impericon clothing to shower in a joyous pop-punk, skater heaven. A Shot of Jazz @ A Shot In The Dark, 8:00pm, £TBA * Regular warblings in an intimate setting, featuring the best of local (and not so local) talent. 2 Piece Sweet @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * Aww the sweet ones are back with more subtle acoustic loveliness than a Strangeways music class. Colum Regan @ The Live Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Bluesy tones and folksy whimsy from the cabaret chameleon. Come and enjoy. Ellen and the Escapades @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, £7 / £6 adv * Top notch indie-folk from Glastonbury charmers, with support from Paper Aeroplanes and Ellie Makes Music. Open Mic with Anthony Lee Wickham @ The Vulcan Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Bring your axe and discuss (with your charming host) the most appropriate time to use it. Sunday Social Easter Party featuring: Beneath The Reef @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, FREE * Seven-piece ska and a whole load of host DJ’s welcome the resurrection of Jesus Christ our lord. Aperture featuring: DJ Marky @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £12 * World famous Brazilian drum ‘n’ bass pioneer lets fly with with a set of pure gold. Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Electric, aquatic covers and originals from the rockiest folks in town Time Flies, Legends of House @ Crystal Nightclub, 10:00pm, £10 / £8 adv * Allister Whitehead, John Kelly and Dave Mills guest in what is billed as the biggest house party in Cardiff. Monday 9 April Smoking Aces @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Credulous covers from rock and roll royalty,

Cardiff’s favorites in lightentertainment. Trevor and Jones @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Song-smithery by afternoon, lightly strummed guitars and twinkling keys over late-lunch. The Keith Little Trio @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:45pm, FREE * Ever wonder what happened to those Goodman classics? Well they ended up here, performed to perfection by these three kings of swing. Open Mic Night @ The Old Libary, 7:00pm, FREE * No, it’s not a live display of Dr Guther Hagens grisly televised autopsy’s, but a chance to wow the masses. Smoking Aces @ O’Neills St Mary’s St, 7:00pm, FREE * The hardest working band in town, no wonder they are smoking. Acoustic Open Mic Night @ Buffalo Bar, 7:30pm, FREE * The capital’s most famous open mic, grace the Buffalo stage and believe. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’.

An acoustic gemstone in a landscape of granite, join Cross for radio classics. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Swn Presents: Evening Chorus @ St John’s Church, 7:30pm, £6 adv * Local folksters release their forthcoming EP, in beautifully apt surrounds. Poppy and Friends & Support @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, £4 * Charming anti-folk, imagine if the punk scene was less activist and more suggestive and cheeky, then your someway to picturing the music of Poppy (and her friends).

many of South Wales’s finest musicians and enthusiastic amateurs for over sixteen years. Parkway Drive @ The Great Hall, 8:00pm, £15 * Epitaph’s relentless new wave of American heavy metal purveyors prepare for carnage. Lysergic Suite / Special Guests and DJ’s @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £2 * A phenomenal live set consisting of raucous guitars, driving trance like drums and mind blowing light shows. Open Mic with Tom Lukas @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * Get out of the garage and make your way to the stage, your first move to superstardom.

The Preservation Jazz Society Present: The Dick Williams Six @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £4 / £3.50 * The enigmatic Williams swings into town with his band of brothers, dancing shoes at the ready!

The Monochrome Set @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, £8 / £7 adv * As the proud owner (and creator) of a fancy black monochrome, MMP can’t tell you how excited we are to welcome back these 70′s post-punk legends.

Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * There’s a Goose, loose, aboot this hoooose!!! Fun and frenzied party rock.

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.

Wednesday 11 April

Playlounge / Fantasy Rainbow / Joanna Gruesome / Greetings / Joy Collective DJs @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £4 * Noise pop in the vein of Japandroids return to Cardiff with a strong undercard.

Explore! Children’s Festival RWCMD Symphonic Brass: Sea Dogs – A Pirate’s Tail @ RWCMD, 1:00pm, £TBA * Buccaneering brass from the RWCMD Symphonia, expect to hear your favorite squash-buckling shanties.

Jazz at Dempseys @ Dempsey’s, 9:00pm, £5 * Beautiful jazz upstairs in Dempsey’s

Open Mic Night @ O’Neill’s St Mary’s St, 8:00pm, FREE * A popular and lively open mic, come and show your support, or maybe even give it a go.

Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Acoustic wednesdays at Live lounge continue with ‘our’ Tony’s humble songsmithery.

Thursday 12 April

Splash Macadam / The Scarletins / The Fabulous Cover Band / Under The Driftwood Tree / Salvation @ The Vulcan Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * More to be announced for the Vulcan’s bank holiday charity bash. Exciting stuff.

Ivan Moult @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * Captivating folk from the Bubblewrap collective. Come along and get involved.

A New Old-Fashioned Jazz Band @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £3 / £2.50 conc * Classic jazz and swing, light-hearted songs, and original writing, in the style of the 1930s New York. Traditional Welsh Sessions @ Cayo Arms, 8:30pm, FREE * Come and hear, sing and play Welsh tunes in an informal, friendly atmosphere. Punks in the Beerlight @ The Full Moon, 9:00pm, FREE * A couple of music lovers, spinning the music they love! Brainscape @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Good-time party music for the late night contingent of Cardiff. Tuesday 10 April Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Floppy haired, lovely-boy serenades the masses every tuesday with peerless class. Explore! Children’s Festival O Duo: Percussion Duo @ RWCMD, 1:00pm, £TBA * Percussive polyrhythms and joyous beats paint a rich tapestry of noise as part of this Children’s festival. Robert Cross @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE *

Hal Cruttenden and Friends / Calum Ross @ The Ladybird Lounge , 7:00pm, £10 * Accomplished comic supported by local dynamic singer-songwriter. Jon Godwin @ O’Neills Trinity Street, 7:00pm, FREE * Acoustic entertainment every Wednesday, ask nicely and he might throw in a traditional Irish Jig. Mystery Jets @ The Gate, 7:00pm, £12.50 * Unusual, genre hopping indie stars come to town in support of their new record. No Sweat Special: Lach / John Mouse / Quiet Marauder / My Name Is Ian @ The Moon Club, 7:00pm, £3 * This week; a surreal acoustic wonderland, full to the brim with twisted tales and unexpected instrumentation. Open Mic hosted by The JimJam Band @ The Traders Tavern, 7:00pm, FREE * Strange as it may sound, James Blunt started at and open mic night. Find the next James Blunt – and bludgeon him. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Jazz Attic @ Cafe Jazz, 8:00pm, FREE * This session has been home to

Face Value @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Energy, party, face, value. Electrified rock from Wales. Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Relaxed Acoustica from a velvet tongued troubadour. Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Morley’s regular and reliable slot, filled with wood and string, resonance and popular song, delectable. Barefoot Dance of the Sea @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * Heart melting harmonies from the Bubblewrap collective, let yourself be whisked away. The Frank And Walters / Support @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £12 / £10 adv * Bass and drum combo all the way from Cork, performing eccentric alternative rock. The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * Popular song, taken and performed, they don’t do requests… but there is no harm in asking. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Mean Fiddler present: Gavin Butler (The Blackout) / Neil Starr (Attack! Attack!) @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £10 * An intimate and stripped down affair tonight from Welsh metal royalty. Get in there quick, this is likely to be a busy one! Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip @ The Globe, 8:00pm, SOLD OUT * One of the best hip-hop live shows around, pure electro fun. And the man knows his football. Live Soul night with

018 | LISTINGS LIVE EVENTS Captain Hawkins @ Rockin’ Chair, 8:00pm, FREE * Soulful piano and accordion from the enigma that is Captain Hawkins. Harvest @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £3 * For one night a month Gwdihŵ takes and trip back to the 60s with acid visuals, sets from the premier psych DJs and mind blowing live sets. No Sweat present: Ffred Jones @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * Wonderful, wistful folk from a local Cardiffian. Fresh from the Big Weekend, Jones is about to embark on his first nationwide tour – catch him here – his hometown. Open Mic Night presented by: Box Fort @ owain glyndwr, 8:00pm, FREE * A fun and good natured open mic, a must for any would-be performers. Inspector Gadjo Quartet @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £6 / £5 adv * The band infuses Electric Bebop with the spirit and fire of modern Gypsy and Latin Jazz. Original compositions and a fresh approach to standards have gained the group a healthy following, with appearances at some of the U.K’s top clubs and festivals as well as regular BBC radio play. Nick Knock by CF5 @ Koko Gorilaz, 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. Jazz at Dempseys @ Dempsey’s, 9:00pm, £5 * After yesterdays festivities, Jazz is back and with more twists and turns. Listen out for a variety of performers spanning cool to free. City Bass @ Undertone, 10:00pm, £TBA * Deep grooves from Cardiff’s resident City Bass, hip-hop connoisseurs. Friday 13 April Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch. The Little @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Folky tones over lateafternoon, your antidote to the working week. 2 Piece Sweet @ Peppermint, 6:00pm, FREE * A lovely (sweet) acoustic duo to ease the night in, just make sure you end the evening in one piece. Evening Chorus @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * A delightful folk troupe on the back of a new EP. Courtesy of the Bubblewrap collective. Springstock Buffalooza fundraiser: 100,000 Bodybags / Dead Radio / Devilfork. @ Buffalo Bar, 6:30pm, £3 adv * A night of metal, punk and hardcore in aid of Llandaff North RFC. Colum Regan @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * When Mr Regan is in town, you know that fun is in store. Fun that is, in terms of acoustic melancholy. Emeli Sande @ Solus, 7:00pm, SOLD OUT * Simon Cowell’s, ‘favourite songwriter of the moment’, comes forth with infectious,

soul-tinged, R & B.

while you can!

Musicbox present: Christiaan Webb & The Sweet Lords / Joshua Caole. @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:00pm, £5 * 2012 sees the release of A Man Possessed. The debut solo album by Christiaan Webb features 11 songs that represent the culmination of a life-altering spiritual journey.

Music Geek Monthly @ Chapter Arts Centre, 3:30pm, FREE * One classic and one brand new album are chosen and discussed in Media Point on the last Thursday of the month, with the associated listening event taking place in the plush surroundings of Cinema 2 on a Saturday.

The Ultimate Tour: Steps @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm, SOLD OUT * Remember when that washed up pop star was ‘all-racist-an-that’ on TV. Well all is forgiven, Steps are strapped for cash and back for their reunion tour. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-a-long classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Solutions / Chasing Clockwork / The Strike Fades @ The Moon Club, 7:30pm, £3 * Ballsy rock and punk mix tonight to provide an adrenaline buzz not seen this side of Hamburg for sometime. Chris Summerill @ The Yard, 8:00pm, FREE * Dynamic acoustica from a regular of the scene, prepare for perfect picking and soaring vocals. Colum Regan / Gigantic DJs @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * Classy bluesy, funster is back! bring your mother, brother and sister, but leave those kids at home. Mise en Bouche (Péchés Mignons vs Fat City) present: Souleance @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £4 * Parisian duo bring their infectious blend of beats, breaks, classic soul and funk to Gwdihŵ’s stage. Polemics @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * A feel-good mixture of hardrocking covers and fun-loving originals, the perfect way to welcome the weekend. Vertigo and Cafe A Go Go present: Stone Foundation @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £4 * Fresh from Specials support, British seven-piece soul sensations look set to tear down the house. Zak Y Nik @ The Vulcan Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Live music from the ever reliable curators at the Vulcan Lounge, the perfect place to start your night. Modern Life Is Rubbish @ Undertone, 9:00pm, £3 * The best of 90′s Britpop and contemporary guitar music spun by resident MLIR DJs. Blues Dragon Present: Numbers Racket @ Cafe Jazz, 9:30pm, £4 * Delta blues on a Friday night, is there a more beautiful feeling? Electronic Goods present: DJ Format / The Simonsound @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £10 * Hip-hop DJ turned Future house, Format is a genre melding pioneer, get in early for an epic night. Minnie’s Chuff @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Following the release of ‘Hunky Dory’, Minnie Drivers unmentionables make a surprise appearance this Friday. Saturday 14 April Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him

APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

Ant Lee @ The Live Lounge, 5:00pm, FREE * Saturday afternoon, singer-songwriter – with a difference.

GIGS OF THE MONTH

Starving Artists present: Coda @ The Moon Club,

14 APRIL

With High Contrast launching new LP The Agony & The Ecstasy both here tonight, and earlier in a more intimate Catapult in-store, the dance crowd is in for one massive party. Also featuring Netsky, Friction, Fred V & Grafix and a heap more from the discerning Hospital Records crew, this is a party in your pants that won’t stop shooting.

The capitals favorite covers band return to the vulcan, with crunchy results.

* Bluesy tones and folksy whimsy from the cabaret chameleon. Come and enjoy.

SESH: Tylwyth Teg / General Jumbo / Inconsiderate Parking @ NosDa, 8:30pm, FREE * Every instrument under the sun in the form of foot tappin’ folk, jazz, skiffle and ukelele pop

A Shot of Jazz @ A Shot In The Dark, 8:00pm, £TBA * Regular warblings in an intimate setting, featuring the best of local (and not so local) talent.

London Link Up Part Two @ Koko Gorilaz, 8:30pm, £5 * Follow up event to last month’s over-subscribed Reggae PA spectacular, get there early.

Delta Sleep / Pipedream / Nirhoda / Orez @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, £4 * Dreamy, experimental, post-hardcore with an incredible rhythm section, Delta Sleep come highly recommended.

Starving Artists present: Coda @ The Moon Club, 9:00pm, £4 (b4 11) * Live 5-piece dubstep – Coda make the long-awaited trip to Cardiff.

Open Mic with Tom Lukas @ The Vulcan Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Cut your teeth tonight under the Vulcan’s bright lights, with a cosy and hospitable host.

Sunday 15 April

Thoby Davis @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * How insane can a man armed with merely a guitar and his voice be? This insane, oh.

Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * In his rightful place, Morley has the Sunday stage, perfect for his folksy style. Philip Clouts @ Wales Millennium Centre, 1:00pm, FREE * A man packing a lot of clout. Ho ho ho. Sorry. Exquisite cool Jazz from the forefront of the British scene. Open Mic @ The Live Lounge, 3:30pm, FREE * Your chance to prove to the Lounge what they are missing, the stage is set, its up to you to step up.

GIGS OF THE MONTH

Little Arrow @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * Genius songwriting, built upon classics and brought to life through modernism.

Delta Sleep / Pipedream / Nirhoda / Orez @ Buffalo Bar

Cardiff Sinfonietta with Sunwook Kim @ The Gate, 7:00pm, £10 / £8 conc * The Cardiff Sinfonietta welcome child prodigy Sunwook (piano) to perform the epic Piano Concerto no. 2 by Brahms. Tantalising!

A relentless stream of smarter-than-youraverage hardcore, mathrock and post-rock with Delta Sleep leading the field. Expect Buffalo to be awash with longhair, black T-shirts and a heckload of leaping headbanging bodies.

Jenna @ The Minstrel Rooms, 7:00pm, £8 * Lovely floral tunes and acoustic song-smithery with an emotive edge. The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * Electric ladyland brought back to life, metaphorically of course. Up Close and Personal - The Final Tour: The Osmonds @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm, £27.50 - £29.50 * Ozzy and the gang. No. Wrong one? What! oh. Donny and the gang hit the road for the last time *fingers crossed*. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-a-long classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Fabulous Cover Band @ The Yard, 8:00pm, FREE * Erm what can be said about the Fabulous Cover Band… they write their own reviews?

15 APRIL

Marie @ The Live Lounge, 6:30pm, FREE * The merry tinkler tickles the ivories over a roast, delicious roast. Sarah and H Duo @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:45pm, FREE * In the tradition of cool jazz, Antur Clef brings to you…… Il Divo @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm, £29.50 - £65.00 * Four men of varying height, step up to the plate and blast forth Arias and Opera’s, movements and Sonatas. Wonderful. S & M @ O’Neills St Mary’s Street, 7:00pm, FREE * Simon and Marfunckle promise a rousing set of your favourite covers, every Sunday.

Kookamunga @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * Everything from bebop, funk and soul to hip hop, reggae, ska and electro swing!

Grab & Hells Bent present: Jay Brannan @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £10 * Gifted with a deep and wistful Tenor, the latest in internet sensations hits our fair city with gusto (and beautifully crafted indie-folk).

KYMO @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * Soft and pretty voice and guitar, back to basics, back to the goodtimes, back to reality.

Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-a-long classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’.

Smoking Aces @ The Vulcan Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE *

Colum Regan @ The Live Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE

Aynsley Lister @ The Globe, 8:30pm, £10 * English blues guitarist brings his virtuous fret bashing to town. Spar Warz @ Undertone, 9:00pm, £3 * DJ battles over eclectic grooves, come for a night of danceable rarities. Sunday Jazz @ Chapter Arts Centre, 9:00pm, FREE * An evening of melodic acoustic jazz in the Caffi Bar with the Glen Manby Quartet. Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Electric, aquatic covers and originals from the rockiest folks in town April 16, 2012 Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 12:00am, FREE * If you missed their afternoon set, Cardiff’s perennial covers band are back for the ‘lively’ session. Smoking Aces @ The Live Lounge, 12:00am, FREE * Credulous covers from rock and roll royalty, Cardiff’s favourites in lightentertainment. Open Mic Night @ O’Neill’s St Mary’s St, 8:00am, FREE * A popular and lively open mic, come and show your support, or maybe even give it a go. The Monday Swing Quintet @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30am, FREE * John Clayton & Steve Koningsveld (guitars) Pete Wilson (clarinet) Alex Heavyside (vocals / flute) Tamasin Reardon (alto sax) – playing mainstream, modern swing. Trevor and Jones @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Songsmithery by afternoon, lightly strummed guitars and twinkling keys over late-lunch. Open Mic Night @ The Old Library, 7:00pm, FREE * No, it’s not a live display of Dr Gather Hagen’s grisly televised autopsy’s, but a chance to wow the masses. Paradise Lost @ CF10, 7:00pm, £15.50 * Veteran and highly influential gothic metal-heads come to Wales on a rare headline tour. Smoking Aces @ O’Neills St Mary’s St, 7:00pm, FREE * The hardest working band in town, no wonder they are smoking. We Are The In Crowd @ Solus, 7:00pm, £11 * New American pop-punkers, come lavished with gifts in the form

of sugar sweet debut, ‘Best Intentions’. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-a-long classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Traditional Welsh Sessions @ Cayo Arms, 8:30pm, FREE * Come and hear, sing and play Welsh tunes in an informal, friendly atmosphere. April 17, 2012 Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Floppy haired, lovely-boy serenades the masses every Tuesday with peerless class. Pro Corda Juniors @ Wales Millennium Centre, 1:00pm, FREE * Young classical musicians perform an expansive repertoire at Cardiff’s most prestigious venue. Robert Cross @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * An acoustic gemstone in a landscape of granite, join Cross for radio classics. Lee Jones @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * The light tinkling of piano keys, performed in a most unconventional way.. hmmm Jazz. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-a-long classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Orchard present: The Simone Felice Group @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £12.50 * Rootsy and hauntingly harmonious, one of the great songwriting poets of his generation. This show is a must see for anyone interested in anything. Grab present: Town (Single Launch) @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £5 adv * Newport power-popping, 90′s nostalgic, boys-done-good launch new single in the Capital. The Preservation Jazz Society Present: Mike Kennedy And Friends @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £4 / £3.50 * Covering the whole spectrum of Jazz, with roots buried in the 30′s and 40′s – join us for Mike Kennedy. Face Value @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * MMP would like to sleep with all of Face Value, they are sexy, sassy, rocky and energetic. The Perfect cocktail. April 18, 2012 Fiddlebox @ Wales Millennium Centre, 1:00pm, FREE * Traditional Celtic folk song performed with expert precision in the midday sun. Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Acoustic Wednesdays at Live lounge continue with ‘our’ Tony’s humble songsmithery. Juan Zelada / Russell Toomey @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £5 adv * A splendidly soulful Spaniard and virtuoso musician, expect an eclectic genre hopping show, with verve to match. Jon Godwin @ O’Neills Trinity Street, 7:00pm, FREE * Acoustic entertainment every Wednesday, ask nicely and he might throw in a traditional Irish Jig. Mumakil / Natron @ Bogiez, 7:00pm, £8 * Swiss grindcore facemelters

Mumakil with Italian death metal granddaddies Natron come pay a visit. Local support TBA. Open Mic hosted by The JimJam Band @ The Traders Tavern, 7:00pm, FREE * Strange as it may sound, James Blunt started at and open mic night. Find the next James Blunt – and bludgeon him. Orchard Present: Kyla La Grange @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:00pm, £8 * Tilly and the Wall inspired indie-folk, think a more polished Emmy the Great with a darker edge. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Swn present: Dry The River @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, SOLD OUT * Is it just me, or did this band seemingly come out of nowhere and are now everywhere? Catch them now before they crawl back to Lana Del Ray land. Heavy Petting Zoo / Thousand Fingers @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £4 * Fantastically named witty, soulful, indie rock from Anglo / Welsh hybrids. Open Mic with Anthony Lee Wickham @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * A charmingly disturbed host welcomes you to sing, sing, at the tops of your lungs. Open Mic with Tom Lukas @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * Get out of the garage and make your way to the stage, your first move to superstardom. Andrew Hopkins @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, FREE * With Welsh roots and a passion for the piano, Andrew Hopkins performs jazz improvisations of the musicals, both favourite and unknown. Unwind with a drink and try to guess the show as he gives an effortless demonstration of dynamic improvisation and musicianship.

GIGS OF THE MONTH

Dry The River @ Clwb Ifor Bach

18 APRIL

Another band heralded as the magical key to unlock 2012, and their impact thus far has been impressive. Folky motifs in a much rockier, punkier landscape than you’d expect with many songwriting twists and turns. Folk in the Owl Nest @ Gwdihw, 8:30pm, £2 * After a great launch night last month, Folk In The Owls Nest are back to fill you up with the best folk they can find. Keep an ear to the ground. Open Mic @ Nos Da, 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 at Dempsey’s @ Dempsey’s, 9:00pm, £5 * Jazz, once synonymous with rebellion and innovation,

now cold like Boxing Day Turkey. It doesn’t have to be like this you know, and Goddamn these kind curators are doing their bit. Live Wire @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Anthemic tunes and energetic rock. Hug your mates and fist-pump the air *like you just don’t care*. April 19, 2012 Live Soul night with Captain Hawkins @ Rockin’ Chair, 12:00am, FREE * Soulful piano and accordion from the enigma that is Captain Hawkins.

GIGS OF THE MONTH

Chris T-T @ Gwdihw

19 APRIL

Chris T-T brings with him considerable critical acclaim, over eight outstanding albums and a reputation finer than most could dream. An alternative, anti-folk hero playing in one of the city’s finest, most fittingly intimate spaces for the purpose. Perfect. Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Relaxed acoustica from a velvet tongued troubadour. Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Morley’s regular and reliable slot, filled with wood and string, resonance and popular song, delectable. Jose Zalba-Smith & Leanne Singh-Levett Duo @ Wales Millennium Centre, 1:15pm, FREE * A piano and flute duo performing gravity defying contemporary classical song. Ian Michael Thomas @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * Performing hits from the west end and Broadway, brought to you by Make It Yours Festival. Fine Line Music present: We Are The Afterglow / Bite The Buffalo / Under The Driftwood Tree @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £TBA * An eclectic line-up of Bluesy rock ‘n’ roll and Sun drenched beach-folk, some of our Capital’s finest bands. The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * Popular song, taken and performed, they don’t do requests… but there is no harm in asking. Twin Atlantic @ Solus, 7:00pm, £13 * Glaswegians on the cusp of Warped tour 2012, grace us with their presence. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Sinfonia Cymru in Concert @ RWCMD, 7:30pm, £TBA * The delicious delights of Sinfonia Cymru are a rare treat indeed, come and experience the nations best. No Sweat present: Them Lovely Boys / Adam Jenkins / Guests @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * Them lovely boys, are not all boys, but they are all lovely,

lovely, upbeat, accordion wielding folk. Open Mic Night presented by: Box Fort @ Owain Glyndwr, 8:00pm, FREE * A fun and good natured open mic, a must for any would-be performers. Typical Stereo present: Chris T-T @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £5 * Playing tracks from his forthcoming concept EP The Taking Of Clarkson’s Lighthouse, brilliantly scripted anti-folk. Nick Knock by CF5 @ Koko Gorilaz, 8:30pm, FREE * Popular jam night featuring a house band with a full backline setup. Selected and guest musicians are invited to get up and mix up various styles. The Filthy Six @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £7 / £5 conc * The Filthy Six take their intoxicating blend of Soul Jazz, Funk and Boogaloo out on the road in April, showcasing their second release for Acid Jazz Records. A rare chance to catch this exciting band outside of London. Jazz at Dempsey’s @ Dempsey’s, 9:00pm, £5 * After yesterday’s festivities, Jazz is back and with more twists and turns. Listen out for a variety of performers spanning cool to free. On the Rocks featuring: Clock Opera @ 10 Feet Tall, 9:00pm, £8 / £6.50 adv * Moshi Moshi signed, inventive avant pop, with a contemporary and imaginative take on modern day indie, influences range from The Teardrop Explodes to Yo La Tengo. Jammie @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Jammie and his cronies, hit the City with verve and vigor, covers and liquor. Friday 20 April Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch. The Little @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Folky tones over lateafternoon, your antidote to the working week. KYMO @ Peppermint, 6:00pm, FREE * Be transported to the summer fields with lovely sun-drenched folk from local Cardiffians. Be Bop Da Jig @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * Guess the genre… go on, thats right – MMP’s favourite Jazz subgenre Be Bop performed as it should; thoughtlessly frantic. Backtrack (USA) / Broken Teeth / Chains of Hate / The River Card @ The Moon Club, 7:00pm, £7 * Cult hardcore from New York. Presented by the glorious GRAB Promotions. Example @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm, £23.50 * Example grew up as an aspiring rapper, criticising celebrity culture and white people who think they can rap. Ahem. Holy Coves / The Vestals / Seconds To Ruin @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £4 * Shoegaze from the genres spiritual home of Holyhead. Rumney Folk Club: The April Evening @ Rumney Folk Club, 7:00pm, £3.50 /

£1.50 (Musicians) * Simply the best and worst kept secret this town has to offer, in the intimate church of St Augustines. Get down there – with your guitar. Swn presents: Jodie Marie @ Norwegian Church, 7:00pm, £9 * A 20-year old songstress from Pembrokeshire, beholden of a subtle light-blues tone with Baez esq class – the perfect cocktail. Gomez @ The Great Hall 2, 7:30pm, £18 * Laid back, bald, electronic pioneer brings all the hits – and some of the misses to town. BBC NOW: Mahler’s Fourth Symphony @ St David’s Hall, 7:30pm, £10 £26 * One of Mahler’s most relaxed works – classical, song-like, culminating in a representation of a child’s view of heaven. Performed by the extraordinary BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Captain Accident / Gigantic DJs @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * Local reggae feel-good merchants take the stage for their monthly residency. Denuo @ The Yard, 8:00pm, FREE * Fabulous rural folk with an experimental – though accessible lilt. Leighton Jones @ The Vulcan Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Old suitcase and guitar travelling folk from a cultured storyteller. 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. Tropical Boogie with Compadres & DJ Neil Stephens @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £3 * If you want to get up and dance to Latin rhythms mixed with a strong funk beat, Compadres will get you grooving. Blues Dragon Present: Mike Hoddinotts Blues Allstars @ Cafe Jazz, 9:30pm, £4 * Electrified rhythm ‘n’ Blues, expect to hear your favourites; Muddy to Syl. Groovinators @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Upholding a long tradition of awful band names, Groovinators come bearing gifts; groove and …erm. Obey! @ Undertone, 10:00pm, £TBA * Deep house, deep underground – could there be a more perfect setting? Aperture featuring: Makoto / Deeizm / Drone Boy Lounge @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:30pm, £5 / £7 * A popular night of drum ‘n’ bass, hip-hop and breaks. Aperture always bring the best to Cardiff, blessed are they. Saturday 21 April Sion Russell @ 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, 4:00pm, FREE * Morley, Morley, give us your answer do. The MMP are crazy, all for the love of you!!!

GIGS OF THE MONTH

The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * In case you missed them two weeks ago, both Ped and Joe are back with their inimitable show. Thoby Davis @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * Ze strange looper is back, more loopy than ever. Creative, inventive, eccentric, must see!

Wibidi / Cakehole Presley @ Chapter Arts Centre

SESH: Trystan / Greta Isaac / Maddie Jones @ NosDa, 8:30pm, FREE * NosDa’s own Trystan gets hands clapping with help from the musical ladies of the night.

A proper Cardiffian treat with Wibidi showcasing an aspect of the city’s core through their eclectic ragga, funk, soul, rock hybridism. With Cakehole Presley’s party spirit and timeperfected songs ringing out too, Chapter will be a-hum.out, but a demonstrable show of intent.

Candela @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £3 * This April Candela is ready to indulge your ears into the morning hours with the never-ending record boxes packed full to the very brim of sounds to make you salivate.

21 APRIL

Jubilate Chamber Choir @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * In the true spirit of Wales, traditional choral song as God intended. A Parliamentary Gala Concert @ St David’s Hall, 7:00pm, £10.50 - £28.50 * A gala performance by performers assembled from; the Choir of the National Assembly of Korea, Southbank Sinfonia and the Royal Welsh College Liberty Big Band presents: Kings of Swing @ The Gate, 7:00pm, £10 * One of the UK’s newest and most exciting bands – bring to life music from the ‘golden age of swing’ from the magic of Miller to the silky sounds of Sinatra. This is an event not to be missed. Record Store Day 2012: Hatcham Social @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:00pm, £6 * Indie pop, beat group come to Cardiff with a brand new single and album. Smoking Aces @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * ACDC, Metallica, old-skool rawk from Live lounge regulars. Chantel McGregor @ The Globe, 7:30pm, £10 * When your song is so often compared to that of Jimi Hendrix, you know that you’re good! Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Wibidi / Cakehole Presley @ Chapter Arts Centre, 7:30pm, £10 / £8 adv * If you cut Cardiff to its core, it may sound something like this; Funk, reggae, glam, folk… an eclectic mixture of old and new from Tiger Bay. Bleedin’ Noses @ The Yard, 8:00pm, FREE * Ah, quality folk with a more traditional and occasional bluegrass lilt. What is sure to be a special night for those in attendance. KYMO @ The Vulcan Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * A lovely relaxing folky duo, spine tingling vocal harmonies. The Ped And Joe Show @

Analogue @ Undertone, 10:00pm, £TBA * Purists rejoice, modernists recoil. DJs spinning pure resonant discs all night long. Supersaurus @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * What do you call a dinosaur with no-eyes, do-you-thinkhe-saw-us?!?! What do you get this Saturday at Live Lounge…. Sunday 22 April Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * In his rightful place, Morley has the Sunday stage, perfect for his folksy style. Live Music Now! @ Wales Millennium Centre, 1:00pm, FREE * Emerging acts are given the stage, curated by ‘Make It Yours Festival’, this is sure to be a special moment for everyone involved. Capital City Jazz @ Wales Millennium Centre, 2:30pm, FREE * Cardiff’s finest big band. Expect to swing, to chill out and just y’know play it cool cat! Open Mic @ The Live Lounge, 3:30pm, FREE * Your chance to prove to the Lounge what they are missing, the stage is set, its up to you to step up. Marie @ The Live Lounge, 6:30pm, FREE * The merry tinklier tickles the ivories over a roast, delicious roast. An Evening With: Breed 77 @ Bogiez, 7:00pm, £10 * For the first time ever BREED 77 take their famed acoustic show on the road and they’ll be stopping at Bogiez this April. A very intimate show that will also be recorded live! One not to be missed! JLS @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm, £32.50 * Just when we thought we’d got rid of them, you. You Cardiff, brought them back. So here you go.. Please welcome to the stage Jezebel’s losing streak. S & M @ O’Neills St Mary’s Street, 7:00pm, FREE * Simon and Marfunckle promise a rousing set of your favourite covers, every Sunday. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Laish / Ffred Jones (& Band) @ 10 Feet Tall, 7:30pm, £4 * With a sound that falls somewhere

020 | LISTINGS LIVE EVENTS between the darkness of Low or Bill Callahan and the wit and joy of Herman Dune, Laish are not to be underestimated. Colum Regan @ The Live Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Bluesy tones and folksy whimsy from the cabaret chameleon. Come and enjoy. A Shot of Jazz @ A Shot In The Dark, 8:00pm, £TBA * Regular warblings in an intimate setting, featuring the best of local (and not so local) talent. Lewis Floyd Henry @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £(TBC) * Bringing with him amazing driving blues, Floyd Henry’s received reviews like; “When Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix & Ol’’ Dirty Bastard died, this guy was born.” This show is not to be missed. Open Mic with Anthony Lee Wickham @ The Vulcan Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Bring your axe and discuss (with your charming host) the most appropriate time to use it. Thoby Davis @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * Repetition is a form of change. Muse over that one whilst observing Mr Davis from afar. Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Electric, aquatic covers and originals from the rockiest folks in town Monday 23 April Smoking Aces @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Credulous covers from rock and roll royalty, Cardiff’s favourites in lightentertainment. Cardiff University @ Wales Millennium Centre, 1:00pm, FREE * Young Classical musicians from the University showcase their talents. Trevor and Jones @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Song-smithery by afternoon, lightly strummed guitars and twinkling keys over late-lunch. James Chadwick Trio @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * Traditional standards and contemporary Swing ably performed by an outstanding Trio. Fishbone / New Town Kings @ Bogiez, 7:00pm, £15 * Californian rock madmen are coming! Known the world over for their mindblowing fusion of ska, punk, funk, hard rock and soul – Prepare yourselves for one hell of a show. Open Mic Night @ The Old Library, 7:00pm, FREE * Well-attended open mic in The Old Library Smoking Aces @ O’Neills St Mary’s St, 7:00pm, FREE * The hardest working band in town, no wonder they are smoking. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Jazz Revhŵ present: Stuart Power Trio @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £3 * Inspired by the great jazz guitar trios, the group play with the subtle interplay that is possible between small groups. Witness this inspirational trio explore

the Jazz standards. Open Mic Night @ O’Neill’s St Mary’s St, 8:00pm, FREE * A popular and lively open mic, come and show your support, or maybe even give it a go. Traditional Welsh Sessions @ Cayo Arms, 8:30pm, FREE * Come and hear, sing and play Welsh tunes in an informal, friendly atmosphere. Electric @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Expect a menagerie of hits, from Kings of Leon to Katie Perry, Electric have it all. Tuesday 24 April Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Floppy haired, lovely-boy serenades the masses every Tuesday with peerless class. Lunchtime Concert: Craig Ogden @ St David’s Hall, 1:00pm, £6.50 / £5.50adv * Former child prodigy and all round good guy. catch one of the most exciting classical guitarists of our generation. Robert Cross @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * An acoustic gemstone in a landscape of granite, join Cross for radio classics. Gypsy Jazz Wales @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * Can you Adam and Eve it? Balkan flavoured Roma Jazz, expect a vibrancy and celebration hitherto unseen at WMC. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Steven Knightley @ The Minstrel Rooms, 7:30pm, £15 * Show of hands main man, rocks out roots and golden folk-song. Straight Lines (Album Launch) / Exit International / Guests @ The Moon Club, 7:30pm, £5 * Tonight; straight up rock. The heir’s to Feeder celebrate their album launch with high calibre support. I Remember Tapes @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £4 * Three-piece electronic rock from Winchester, who would have thought a drum machine and three young men could make this much noise. Roots Unearthed: Amy Wadge and Pete Riley @ St David’s Hall, 8:00pm, £13, £12adv * Wadge and Riley perform songs of sumptuous folk from forthcoming album, ‘Rivers Apart’. The Preservation Jazz Society Present: New Orleans Hula @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £4 / £3.50 * Imagine a Hawaiian 30′s swinging disco, now place that visceral dream in a cosy Jazz club. Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * There’s a Goose, loose, aboot this hoooose!!! Fun and frenzied party rock. Wednesday 25 April Unplugged from Media Academy Cardiff @ Wales Millennium Centre, 1:00pm, FREE * A youth choir of some gravitas, come see for yourself, the future of Welsh classical music. Tony Morley @ The Live

APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Acoustic Wednesdays at Live lounge continue with ‘our’ Tony’s humble songsmithery. The Siren Sisters @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * Close harmony and swing from two ‘Sirens on the rocks’. Jon Godwin @ O’Neills Trinity Street, 7:00pm, FREE * Acoustic entertainment every Wednesday, ask nicely and he might throw in a traditional Irish Jig. Open Mic hosted by The JimJam Band @ The Traders Tavern, 7:00pm, FREE * Strange as it may sound, James Blunt started at and open mic night. Find the next James Blunt – and bludgeon him. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Jon Moloney and Friends / Calum Ross @ The Ladybird Lounge , 7:30pm, £10 * Dynamic rock ‘n’ roll frontman, strips back and folks it up in support of a veteran of the comedy circuit. Solid Silver 60’s Show @ St David’s Hall, 7:30pm, £21 - £25 * They say that if you remember the 60s you weren’t there! Fill that gap in your memory with The Solid Silver 60s Show and relive the 60s with original artists singing their greatest hits! Cardiff Tea Club @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, £FREE * Complete with acoustic acts, Cardiff Tea Club are back with relaxed vibes and good-times. Fat City @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £3 * Forget about work for an evening and embrace Fat City’s unique combination of craft-infused, funk-inspired fun. Hullabaloo (EP Launch) / Guests @ The Moon Club, 8:00pm, £5 (Free EP on entry) * A soul funk feast for the ears. local boysdone-good, release a shiny new EP. Open Mic with Tom Lukas @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * Get out of the garage and make your way to the stage, your first move to superstardom. Kathy Davis Quintet @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £5 / £4 conc * Kathy Davies Quintet play a unique combination of sassy swing, smokey blues and gypsy jazz. Something for everyone. 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 at Dempsey’s @ Dempsey’s, 9:00pm, £5 * Jazz, once synonymous with rebellion and innovation, now cold like Boxing Day Turkey. It doesn’t have to be like this you know, and Goddamn these kind curators are doing their bit. Face Value @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Energy, party, face, value. Electrified rock from Wales. Thursday 26 April

Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Relaxed acoustica from a velvet tongued troubadour. Julie Dunn @ Wales Millennium Centre, 1:15pm, FREE * Performances at both 1:15 and 6:15 from a titan of Welsh Jazz. The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * Popular song, taken and performed, they don’t do requests… but there is no harm in asking. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Kyshera / Henry’s Funeral Shoe / Colours of One @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £4 * Deftones-esque nu-metal with a distinctive 90′s sound, more than ably supported by Alive signed Bluesy rockers. No Sweat present: Three Pairs of Shoes @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * An Acoustic Wonderland at The Full Moon, tonight witness the owners of practical, sports and fancy shoe!! Live Soul night with Captain Hawkins @ Rockin’ Chair, 8:00pm, FREE * Soulful piano and accordion from the enigma that is Captain Hawkins. Normandie Wilson / Jemma Roper @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £4 * Lovely folk songstress comes to town with a voice that could kill angels, support from Cardiff cult favourite. Open Mic Night presented by: Box Fort @ owain glyndwr, 8:00pm, FREE * A fun and good natured open mic, a must for any would-be performers. Miles Davis Tribute @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, £6 / £5 conc * Featuring Canadian trumpeter Jonathan Crespo. The group explores classic 50’s and 60’s material such as Four and Milestones right up to Tutu and Miles’ funk experiments. Nick Knock by CF5 @ Koko Gorilaz, 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. Jazz at Dempsey’s @ Dempsey’s, 9:00pm, £5 * After yesterdays festivities, Jazz is back and with more twists and turns. Listen out for a variety of performers spanning cool to free. Brainscape @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Brainscape select and play the sort of music that hits you right between the eyes, down your cheek and all over your mouth. Electrifying! Signature & High Contrast present: Alt-Whitman @ Buffalo Bar, 10:00pm, £7 / £5 adv * A rare appearance for High Contrast’s alter ego, the amusingly titled Alt-Whitman performs a non-d’n’b set for the masses. Friday 27 April Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * In his regular slot, Morley delights the locals over lunch.

Cardiff University @ Wales Millennium Centre, 1:00pm, FREE * Back again. Young scholars and academics, lacking of common sense, but exceptional in musicianship. The Little @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Folky tones over lateafternoon, your antidote to the working week. Bespoke Acoustic Duo @ Peppermint, 6:00pm, FREE * Custom made to your request, shout them out or leave them guessing. New Orleans Heat @ Wales Millennium Centre, 6:15pm, FREE * Oh, the spirit of Jazz, New Orleans, boisterous big band swing from the Sultans.

GIGS OF THE MONTH

Feeder @ The Coal Exchange

27 APRIL

The rock legends visit the homeland once more with a triumphant glare in their eyes. Generation Freakshow will have been released the Monday before amid a flap of rumours that it’s a mighty return to form. If you can get in, get in. Deaf Havana @ Solus, 7:00pm, £11 * Alternative Rock from Kings Lynn. The band break from touring with You Me At Six to promise an honest show with no gimmicks. Feeder @ The Coal Exchange, 7:00pm, £18 * player, player, player, player.. No introduction needed, the kings of 00′s Welsh rock are back, all hail! Indigo Live present: The Brute Chorus / The Lash @ Buffalo Bar, 7:00pm, £6 / £5 adv * Theatrical skiffle from a group of eccentric Londonites. Rumor has it they were raised by Lord Webber as his own, these remain unconfirmed. Rizzle Kicks @ The Great Hall, 7:00pm, £13.50 * Banging remixes from chart conquering R&B favorites, bringing an element of class and fun back to pop. The Lord Mayor’s Gala Concert @ Wales Millennium Centre, 7:00pm, FREE * An Evening of songs from Movies & Musicals and other favourites in aid of Cancer. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Karima Francis @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 7:30pm, £7 * A singer of enormous range and …power who has been likened by some to a young Joan Armatrading, but who has a unique style of her own. Orchestra and Chorus of Welsh National Opera @ St David’s Hall, 7:30pm, £10.50 - £33.50 * Is there a better-known tribute to the Russian victory over Napoleon than Tchaikovsky’s rousing 1812 Overture?

Probably not! A night not to miss at St David’s Hall. Sharks Don’t Sleep / Jake and the Jellyfish / Not Since The Accident / Pipedream @ The Moon Club, 7:30pm, £3 * A sublime night of ska-punk. Fat City @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, £3 * Fat City return (minus the craft materials) with another fine selection of beats, breaks, disco, soul and hip hop. Jazmine Power @ The Vulcan Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Beautiful songstress reveals herself to the student population. 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. Raintown @ The Gate, 8:00pm, £7.50 * The hottest new country duo in the UK, their carefully crafted lyrics articulate some very human emotions in a sincere, ‘heart on the sleeve’ kind of way. Salvation & Guests @ The Yard, 8:00pm, FREE * Rock and pop may never be the same…. not now Salvation have been joined by guests. The Voodoo Duo / Gigantic DJs @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * Balls out – but stripped back, rock ‘n’ roll. Followed by the worlds largest Jockeys. Blues Dragon Present: Red Eye Fly @ Cafe Jazz, 9:30pm, £4 * Old-time beatnik Blues, electrified and wired for your enjoyment. Delete @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £10 * hard and liquid house, side by side in holy matrimony. Dance your little shoes off. F.A.O present: Spencer (Numbers) & Support @ Undertone, 10:00pm, £TBA * Progressive Techno of the highest order, Numbers co-founder comes bearing gifts and treats. April 28, 2012 Violarama @ Wales Millennium Centre, 10:00am, FREE * Or ‘a sanctuary for those who spend their lunch head in toilet, bully pushing downwards’. Avoid a flushing with a Viola celebration. Sion Russell @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Originals and covers from Cardiff’s singer songwriter extraordinaire. Catch him while you can! The Canton Crawl: Cate Le Bon / Tender Prey / R.Seilog / Stacking Chairs / H Hawkline @ The Printhaus, 2:00pm, £12 * More TBA. Cate Le Bon drops her new album CYRK and MMP has the opportunity to see our Youtube favorites R. Seilog. Can’t wait! Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 5:00pm, FREE * The ol’ warhorse is back at it this afternoon, bashing his wooden box like there is no tomorrow. Lostprophets + Modestep @ Motorpoint Arena, 7:00pm, £22.50 * The kings are back. South Walien metal never sounded so

good, and with them the Prophets bring interestingly eclectic support from genre hopping electronic geniuses. The Spokes @ The Live Lounge, 7:00pm, FREE * Electric ladyland brought back to live, metaphorically of course.

GIGS OF THE MONTH

The Canton Crawl feat. Cate Le Bon / Tender Prey / R.Seilog / Stacking Chairs / H Hawkline @ The Printhaus

28 APRIL

An utterly fine second album and a US tour under her belt, and let’s not forget the MMP feature (!) now Cate Le Bon takes us on the Canton Crawl at the Printhaus. With a soaring cast of support acts, there are few things to be more excited about this month. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Stereosonics @ The Globe, 7:30pm, £7 * You can expect a solid state of euphoria from the best Stereophonics tribute out there. Freeman Street @ The Yard, 8:00pm, FREE *

R’n’B / soul duo allegedly named after a hybrid of Martin Freeman and the film Green Street?!?! We don’t know about that, but what we do know is that this duo take no S?&T. Ginger Rogers @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * A famous film star? Yes, but not tonight. Simply red-heads, but not like Hucknall… just go see for yourself. Spirit of Boogie @ The Full Moon, 8:00pm, FREE * With a name like this you’d be forgiven for expecting a groovy, boogie night. You won’t be disappointed. Ultimate Eagles @ The Gate, 8:00pm, £16 * If soft-rock is your thing… well there is no hope, gather here tonight – where we can keep an eye on you. SESH: Miss Maud’s Folly / Way Back When @ NosDa, 8:30pm, FREE * Homegrown gypsy Jazz and acapellicious Americana, only here! Péchés Mignons present: Scribble Sound System @ Gwdihw, 9:00pm, £3 * Freshly squeezed dancehall from Dublin. Expect charming, Reggae, dubstep, soulful beats, using G. Frequency’s orginial hip hop productions as a solid foundation, mixed with live scratching, effects, vocals, and percussion. Punks In The Beerlight @ Undertone, 9:00pm, £TBA * DJ’s giving you the best straight up Oi, Skate and Surf punk. It’s about time for another Car Park night.

Dirty Knees – In Da Jungle present: Jumping Jack Frost / Ray Keith / Joe Peng / Scotty / MC Impact @ The Moon Club, 10:00pm, £10 * Dirty Knees return for a night of jungle madness!

GIGS OF THE MONTH

Péchés Mignons present: Scribble Sound System @ Gwdihw

28 APRIL

The Dublin collective’s reputation is as assured as you’d expect from Gwdihw on a Saturday night; reggae, dancehall, dubstep and soul combine in a frenzy of motion. Expect it to be rammed, sexy, and a hell of a lot of fun. Sunday 29 April Tony Morley @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * In his rightful place, Morley has the Sunday stage, perfect for his folksy style. Elizabeth Pike @ Wales Millennium Centre, 1:00pm, FREE * Breathtaking soprano comes to WMC as part of Make It Yours Festival. Open Mic @ The Live Lounge, 3:30pm, FREE * Your chance to prove to the Lounge what they are missing, the stage is set, its up to you to step up. Marie @ The Live Lounge, 6:30pm, FREE * The merry

tinklier tickles the ivories over a roast, delicious roast. Dizzy Cuttlefish presents DCF’s 4th Birthday Show @ Gwdihw, 7:00pm, £2 * Dizzy Cuttlefish will be celebrating it’s fourth birthday with an awesome line-up of pop-punk, post-rock and acoustic acts. S & M @ O’Neills St Mary’s Street, 7:00pm, FREE * Simon and Marfunckle promise a rousing set of your favorite covers, every sunday. The Subways @ The Great Hall 2, 7:00pm, £13 * Balls out, roots emblazoned. Rock & Roll queens hit cardiff with almightily vitriol. Oh Yeah! Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Steinway International Piano Series @ RWCMD, 7:30pm, £TBA * Steinway bring with them the talents of Polina Leschencko piano & Torleif Thedeen cello for this one off night. Not to be missed. Colum Regan @ The Live Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Bluesy tones and folksy whimsy from the cabaret chameleon. Come and enjoy. A Shot of Jazz @ A Shot In The Dark, 8:00pm, £TBA * Regular warblings in an intimate setting, featuring the best of local (and not so local) talent. Jazmine Power @ The North Star, 8:00pm, FREE * A girl more bang for her

buck then anyone else on the scene. Pound for pound the greatest fighter in Cardiff. Orient Machine @ Undertone, 8:00pm, £4 * Strange electronic, bluesy, rock. Rootsy / experimental. The

GIGS OF THE MONTH

The Subways @ The Great Hall

29 APRIL

Their Reading and Leeds sets have become legendary with non-stop frills and all the flourishes that indie-rock can muster. Expect them to be pumping out the, admittedly, cultish but no less spectacular hits in the branched off Great Hall 2 venue. sound of the future? Goose @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Electric, aquatic covers and originals from the rockiest folks in town

Open Mic Night @ The Old Libary, 7:00pm, FREE * No, it’s not a live display of Dr Guther Hagens grisly televised autopsy’s, but a chance to wow the masses. Smoking Aces @ O’Neills St Mary’s St, 7:00pm, FREE * The hardest working band in town, no wonder they are smoking. Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 7:30pm, FREE * Lovely covers and sing-along classics from veterans of ‘the lounge’. Cardiff Ukulele Jam @ Gwdihw, 8:00pm, FREE * Yet another opportunity to pick up one of those four-string guitars and jam along to the usual selection of quirky pop, folk and country numbers, all reinterpreted liberally on those little ukuleles. Open Mic Night @ O’Neill’s St Mary’s St, 8:00pm, FREE * A popular and lively open mic, come and show your support, or maybe even give it a go.

Monday 30 April

Jelly Roll Jones @ Cafe Jazz, 8:30pm, FREE * Cardiff based old time jug band/hokum blues from the 20s and 30s.

Smoking Aces @ The Live Lounge, 12:00pm, FREE * Credulous covers from rock and roll royalty, Cardiff’s favorites in lightentertainment.

Traditional Welsh Sessions @ Cayo Arms, 8:30pm, FREE * Come and hear, sing and play Welsh tunes in an informal, friendly atmosphere.

Trevor and Jones @ The Live Lounge, 4:30pm, FREE * Song-smithery by afternoon, lightly strummed guitars and twinkling keys over late-lunch.

Honey Fungus @ The Live Lounge, 10:00pm, FREE * Sweet like honey, grows on you like fungus. Those rockin’ sounds could have only come from…..

022 | LISTINGS CLUBNIGHTS

CLUB NIGHTS Wednesdays Addictive Wednesdays @ Oceana, 8:00pm, * Cardiff’s biggest student night! Ten bars, three club rooms and one super club every Wednesday night. Private Karaoke @ Tiger Tiger, 6:00pm, * Start off the night in style with some private karaoke at Tiger Tiger! Reflex Regulars @ Reflex, 7:00pm, * Nonstop 80s classic floorfillers at Reflex tonight! Blender @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, * Fashionable midweek hangout with great tunes and good company. Sugar Drop @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, * Alternative beats for your midweek dancefloor! The Wonder Years @ WOW Bar, 8:00pm, FREE * Great night in store for all including ‘torso of the week’ at one of Cardiff’s favourite gay clubs. Zouklambada @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, FREE * Weekly dance class.

CLUBS OF THE MONTH

Signature Easter Party feat: Parker / The Asbo Disco @ Buffalo Bar

5 APRIL

An utterly fine second When Signature throw a party, you’re assured of it being a goddamn party. This time the allconquering rastabout is putting it to the Easter bunny with his deep bass, heart-stopping beats and general awesomeness. Boom Boom Boutique @ 10 Feet Tall, 9:00pm, * Bassbooming night littered with cocktails. Cocktail Heaven @ Mocka Lounge, 9:00pm, * Cocktail-crazy midweek spot! Cookies ‘n’ Cream @ So-Lo (formerly Cougar Lounge), 9:00pm, * Great student night featuring colossal discounts with NUS. Get there early, it’s going to get messy. Shotgun Rules @ Revolution, 9:00pm, * Weekly student night with the sole aim of getting you wasted. So Freaky Wednesdays @ 411, 9:00pm, * Playing the best in commercial R&B, club classics, chart, funk and sexy house, you’d be mad to miss it! Sub Social @ Lava Lounge, 9:00pm, * Weekly Uni society social. Transmission @ Bogiez, 10pm, FREE * A night of pure, hedonistic IndieAlternative Rock taking a brief trip via the funky, the fashionable and the far-reaching. With Gary Twisted DJing every week.

Prophecy - Future Jungle @ 48 Below, 9:30pm, * Old school jungle rhythms meet new school production techniques. Expect production competitions, residency battles and free giveaways every week Listen Up! @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, * Listen Up! is Cardiff’s longest running indie night. Head down to Clwb to bop and vogue the night away. POW! Pulse on Wednesday @ Pulse, 10:00pm, * POW! Pulse On Wednesday! The only place to be every Wednesday night with the best drinks offers and entertainment! Put on Your Party Pants @ Flares, 10:00pm, * Midweek madness! Put on your dancing shoes and your ridiculous trousers and get to Flares! Thursdays Private Karaoke @ Tiger Tiger, 6:00pm, * Start off the night in style with some private karaoke at Tiger Tiger! Karaoke Night @ Varsity (Roath), 7:00pm, * 1000′s of songs to choose from plus 2-4-1 VK Midweek Mayhem @ Bar Icon, 7:00pm, * Drinks promotions and music!

8:00pm, * Funky house mayhem at Salt Bar. Propaganda @ GLAM, 10:00pm, £4 * Two incredible rooms of music every Thursday, one room of Pop and another of Indie. The Only Way is Thursday @ Oceana, 10:00pm, * Thursday night in Oceana brings you all the best commercial chart and R’n’B in Icehouse.

CLUBS OF THE MONTH

Loefah / Boddika @ Clwb Ifor Bach

6 APRIL

Electronic Goods bring a night’s worth of spectacular clubbing action. Loefah, founder of Swamp81 and a member of DMZ, the London based DJ’s shows are electronic storms of tectonic tension. Able support cast too. C-Y-N-T @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:30pm, £4 * Electro, dubstep, techno, futurehouse. C-Y-N-T bring the biggest names to Cardiff, get in early. Fridays

Reflex Regulars @ Reflex, 7:00pm, * Nonstop 80s classic floorfillers at Reflex tonight!

Blah Blah Blah @ The Moon, 12:00am, £3 * Alternative floor fillers every Friday, bonza!

Armageddon @ The Old Library, 8:00pm, * Cardiff’s latest and greatest live rock and metal band night.

Five Dollar Shake @ The Full Moon, 12:00am, FREE * Everything from bebop, funk, and soul to hip-hop, reggae, ska and electro swing!

On The Rocks @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, * Rock’n’roll, alternative mash-ups, guitar anthems, and party riffs till 4am! The Phatman & Her @ WOW Bar, 8:00pm, FREE * Amazing shot giveaways and party games at WOW tonight! Cocktail Night @ Bar Icon, 9:00pm, * Bar Icon provides reasonably-priced, great tasting cocktails for all the thirsty dancers tonight. Hammer’d @ Bogiez, 9:00pm, * Weekly contemporary rock and metal night. From Metal to Metalcore, Emo to Screamo, Rock to Math-Rock, Pop-punk to Power-Metal, Dance to the undanceable Mocka Lounge Thursday @ Mocka Lounge, 9:00pm, * Chilled house and R&B gallore! Signature @ Buffalo Bar, 9:00pm, * Experimental, electronica, new music, leftfield, dubstep, hip-hop, future house, glitch. DJs, live acts, fashion shows, graphics, live art, experimental cocktails. The Great Western @ The Great Western, 9:00pm, * Every Thursday – Saturday, enjoy your favourite pop hits all night long! Twisted By Design @ Dempseys, 9:00pm, FREE * Twisted By Design’s usual eclectic mix of indie tunes and as many requests as humanly possible

APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

Private Karaoke @ Tiger Tiger, 6:00pm, * Start off the night in style with some private karaoke at Tiger Tiger! Club X @ Club X, 7:00pm, * Pop, funky house and electro – fantastic night ahead! Fridays @ Varsity (Greyfriars Road), 7:00pm, * Party till 1am with DJ John Fisher! Enjoys shots from just £1 and 2 cocktails for £7.50! Funky Banana @ Varsity (Roath), 7:00pm, * Great music from resident DJ and get an inflatable banana on promotional cocktail deals. Funky Fridays @ So-Lo (formerly Cougar Lounge), 7:00pm, £3, £5(after 9) * Dj Snipes plus Guest DJ’s on Rotation. Reflex Regulars @ Reflex, 7:00pm, * Nonstop 80s classic floorfillers at Reflex tonight! Axe the DJ @ NosDa, 8:00pm, * A new weekly event where the Bartenders Choose the ‘Choons. Anything from Funk Fusion/ Quentin Tarantino Music to German Techno Metal! Bumper @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, * Dance your drunken night away at Buffalo Bar. Fever Friday @ Lava Lounge, 8:00pm, * Great drinks and awesome tunes at Lava. Fridays @ Salt Bar,

Hustle @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, * Motown and disco in 10 Feet tonight! Milgi @ Milgi’s, 8:00pm, * World / dance music from an array of DJs. Show In The City - Cabaret @ WOW Bar, 8:00pm, FREE * Have fun every Friday Night with the WOW Showgirls Miss Kitty, Marcia, Donna Marie, Fanny Dazzle & Bella Endez. The Great Eastern DJ’s @ Cardiff Arts Institute, 8:00pm, * On the outskirts of indie float the Great Eastern DJs. The Resurrection @ The Old Library, 8:00pm, * Playing a non stop supersonic mix of Indie-BritpopAlternative tunes. Walkabout Friday @ Walkabout, 8:00pm, * 4-hour long happy hour and disco classics. What more do you want? Xerox @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 8:00pm, * Fridays downstairs provides the best hipster music for all you gorgeous, fashionable types!

CLUBS OF THE MONTH

Candela @ Gwdihw

21 APRIL

More funk and sweat than you could fit into at least three thousand pairs of socks. Having personally witnessed the effortless party flavours conjuring in my and other’s mouths, I can assure you it’s nothing less than intoxicating. Ace of Spades Fridays @ 411, 9:00pm, * All the R&B, hip-hop and dubstep you’ll ever need. Dress well, dance well, be well. Classic Fridays @ So-Lo (formerly Cougar Lounge), 9:00pm, * Friday night at So-Lo brings a mix of classic tracks throughout the years! Flares Fridays @ Flares, 9:00pm, * Kickstart the weekend at Flares! Mocka Lounge Fridays @ Mocka Lounge, 9:00pm, * Get ready for the weekend with some great tunes and lovely drinks at Mocka! The Great Western @ The Great Western, 9:00pm, * Every Thursday – Saturday, enjoy your favourite pop hits all night long! Therapy @ Glam @ GLAM, 9:00pm, * Providing your weekly dosage of unforgiving beats, heavy basslines and filthy floorfillers. Tombstone @ Bogiez, 9:00pm, * 100% Classic Rock & Metal Fridays @ Club X, 10:00pm, * Great prices on drinks and guaranteed a good time at one of Cardiff’s most popular gay clubs! Fridays @ Soda Bar @ Soda Bar, 10:00pm, * One of Cardiff’s classiest joints offers drinks for £2 all night. Free entry. What the Sam heck are you waiting for?!

Fridays at Oceana @ Oceana, 10:00pm, * Commercial chart + R&B in Icehouse, disco classics in New York Disco.

Twisted by Design @ Dempseys, 8:00pm, * One of Cardiff’s longest running alternative nights every Saturday.

Therapy @ GLAM, 10:00pm, FREE * Your weekly dosage of unforgiving beats, heavy baselines and filthy floor-fillers.

Walkabout Saturday @ Walkabout, 8:00pm, * Enjoy the weekend in style at Walkabout every Saturday.

Weekend Warm Up @ Bar Icon, 10:00pm, * Get ready for the weekend with great drinks prices and kitch classics on the jukebox.

Beatbox Ballroom @ Buffalo Bar, 9:00pm, * Weekly dose of soul and hip-hop.

Saturdays Vanity - It’s All About You! @ GLAM, 12:00am, * GLAM’s famous Vanity nights holds two levels of fantastic R&B, hip-hop, dance, everything you need to enjoy the night! Private Karaoke @ Tiger Tiger, 6:00pm, * Start off the night in style with some private karaoke at Tiger Tiger! Reflex Regulars @ Reflex, 7:00pm, * Nonstop 80s classic floorfillers at Reflex tonight! Saturdays @ Varsity (Greyfriars Road), 7:00pm, * Party till 2am with DJ Extreme! Bombs for just £2.99 and shots from £1! Sin @ WOW Bar, 7:00pm, FREE tbc afterwards * Bella Endez is your host with all the chart and party hits. Sweet Chocolate @ So-Lo (formerly Cougar Lounge), 7:00pm, FREE * Old Skool R’n’B alongside Berlin classics, would you believe it? Resident DJ @ Cafe Jazz, 7:30pm, * Resident DJ and great music from the 1950’s up to the present expertly presented with a great atmosphere! Me and You Club @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, * Feelgood mix of indie to guide you through the weekend. Milgi @ Milgi’s, 8:00pm, * Every Friday + Saturday – world and dance tracks for your enjoyment! Saturdays @ Lava Lounge, 8:00pm, * Commercial hits galore at Lava Lounge tonight. Saturdays @ Salt Bar, 8:00pm, * Cheesy pop and chart hits. Not your cup of tea? Don’t go then you grumpy (*^$(&)! Sin @ WOW Bar, 8:00pm, * Join probably the bestnamed drag queen in the business – Bella Endez, for some naughty frolics this evening!

Bogiez Flagship and Namesake Night @ Bogiez, 9:00pm, * Ruling the roost as Cardiff’s Ultimate Rock, Metal & Alternative club night for just shy of 8 years! Music from way back when to current day, served up by our team of seasoned DJ’s who are always more than ready to take your requests! Buzz / Berlins Returns! @ So-Lo (formerly Cougar Lounge), 9:00pm, * All the great old school R&B and hip-hop from the 80s and 90s! Five Dollar Shake @ The Full Moon, 9:00pm, * Everythingfrom bebop, funk and soul to hip hop, dancehall and electro swing! Koko Gorilaz @ Koko Gorilaz, 9:00pm, * Weekly mashup at Koko! Mocka Lounge Saturdays @ Mocka Lounge, 9:00pm, * Go crazy for the weekend at Mocka every Saturday! Revolution Saturdays @ Revolution, 9:00pm, * Two floors of music ranging from Electro to House to kick off your Saturday night. Saturdays @ Soda Bar, 9:00pm, * Saturdays at Soda Bar promise to be something spectacular! So Funked Saturdays @ 411, 9:00pm, * So Funked Saturdays at the 411 brings you all the smooth grooves and urban floorfillers you’ll ever need. The Great Western @ The Great Western, 9:00pm, * Every Thursday – Saturday, enjoy your favourite pop hits all night long! Big Night Out @ Oceana, 10:00pm, * Commercial chart and R&B in Icehouse, or classic disco hits in New York Disco – take your pick! Flares Saturday @ Flares, 10:00pm, * Enjoy retro hits and kitsch classics at Flares tonight. Saturdays @ The Old Library @ The Old Library, 10:00pm, * Open till 6am, featuring great tunes and cheap drinks.

CLUBS OF THE MONTH

The Big Nite Out! @ Bar Icon, 10:00pm, * That naughty bunch at Bar Icon are doing even more to ensure hangovers all round!

26 APRIL

3 Floor Party @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, £5 * Vinyl vendettas top floor, Mr Potter Rockabilly soul – middle and Motown below, an epic night.

Alt-Whitman @ Buffalo Bar

High Contrast aka Lincoln Barrett is assuming another alias for specific occasions such as this, where he explores a deeper underground sound, shunning the drum ‘n’ bass that’s his usual preference. Should be glitteringly intimate and sprinkled with stardust.

Sundays Private Karaoke @ Tiger Tiger, 6:00pm, * Start off the night in style with some private karaoke at Tiger Tiger! Reflex Regulars @ Reflex, 7:00pm, * Nonstop 80s classic floorfillers at Reflex tonight!

024 | LISTINGS CLUBNIGHTS Sunday Karaoke @ Varsity (Greyfriars Road), 7:00pm, * Karaoke from 7pm – enjoy 2 cocktails for £7.50, Pitchers of larger for £9 and bottle of wine for just £5.99! Therapy! @ Varsity (Roath), 7:00pm, * Therapy! The ultimate party night! Mocka Lounge Sundays @ Mocka Lounge, 8:00pm, * Wind down a chaotic week with a visit to Mocka.

CLUBS OF THE MONTH

Spencer (Numbers) & Support @ Undertone

27 APRIL

The co-founder of Glasgow’s Numbers record label and a Rinse FM DJ, Spencer forms part of the impressively deep programming of F.A.O for Undertone. The basement club should be a-flutter with the good times, and no mistake. Sunday Social @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, * Chill out after a mad weekend at 10 Feet Tall. The Cuckoo Club Sunday Service @ WOW Bar, 8:00pm, * With more gorgeous drag queens than you could shake your stick at… ahem… It’s Sundays at WOW! Industry Sundays @ Lava Lounge, 9:00pm, * Resident DJ’S Rhys Lewis and DJ Geroge play the finest tunes all night with guest spots from both locally and internationally renowned DJ’s. Soda Sundays @ Soda Bar, 9:00pm, * Soda Sundays are the perfect way to wave goodbye to the weekend. S.I.N.FUL Sundays @ 411, 10:00pm, * This night is about decadence, indulgence

and pure pleasure…..and rebellion! Sunday Nite Chillax @ Bar Icon, 11:00pm, * Whilst we don’t approve of their spelling of ‘nite’, we can deal with chillaxing aaaaall daaaaaay looooong. Mondays Private Karaoke @ Tiger Tiger, 6:00pm, * Start off the night in style with some private karaoke at Tiger Tiger! Madhatter Mondays @ Varsity (Greyfriars Road), 7:00pm, * The cheapest student night in the city. Enjoy drinks from just £1! Trojan Boss Sound @ Rockin Chair, 7:00pm, * Jamaican Ska, reggae, Funk Buffalo Live @ Buffalo Bar, 8:00pm, * Live bands, DJs & more 8pm – 3am Hangover Cure @ Mocka Lounge, 8:00pm, FREE * Sort your head out with this chilled out night. Late Night Live @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, * Two floors of entertainment, chart hits and latest favourites at the bar, live music upstairs (door charge). Mindie @ Peppermint, 8:00pm, * Fancy a bit of Indie / Brit Pop? Head on over for the best tunes…. Mondays @ WOW Bar, 8:00pm, * Retro music and entertainment throughout the night with DJ Kai! Salsa Classes @ Owain Glyndwr, 8:00pm, * Get your hips gyrating at these weekly salsa classes. Mega Mondays @ Revolution, 9:00pm, * A mix of live music and Latin beats played throughout the night. You’re The DJ! @ Bar Icon, 9:00pm, * You choose how you want to groove the night away at ‘Cardiff’s swishest gay bar’. Fuzzy Logic @ Oceana, 10:00pm, * It’s not right but it’s ok! That’s Fuzzy Logic; the UK’s biggest student night! Great prices, great tunes!

Jagerfest Presents the Capital’s Favourite Monday Night @ GLAM, 10:00pm, FREE * Jagerfest is back ready for 2012 with full Jagerfest decor, incredible drinks deals and killer tunes over two floors every Monday!

CLUBS OF THE MONTH

Jumping Jack Frost / Ray Keith / Joe Peng / Scotty / MC Impact @ The Moon Club

8 APRIL

Dirty Knees present this blistering bill of talent in the Moon Club to close the month, jungle is the name of the game and upstairs there’ll be alpha males and females rutting like enraged animals. Even if you just go to watch, it will be awesome.

* Your chance to get on stage and show the world what you’ve got! Salsa Classes @ Live Lounge, 8:00pm, * Come and learn some salsa at the Live Lounge, very popular class with a great atmosphere. Mode @ Revolution, 9:00pm, * Mode is bottled up debauchery. House, electro & R&B tunes Relax and Unwind @ Mocka Lounge, 9:00pm, * Loosen up at Mocka during your working week! Two Damm Glam Tuesdays @ GLAM, 10:00pm, * Expect Chart anthems and Dancefloor fillers! Open Door Tuesday @ Clwb Ifor Bach, 10:00pm, FREE * Good tunes, cheap drinks and a bucketful of requests, come down and sculpt your perfect night.

Tuesdays Private Karaoke @ Tiger Tiger, 6:00pm, * Start off the night in style with some private karaoke at Tiger Tiger! Reflex Regulars @ Reflex, 7:00pm, * Nonstop 80s classic floorfillers at Reflex tonight! Therapy @ Bar Icon, 7:00pm, * Jukebox music all night, but you have control of what you wana hear! 10 Feet Live @ 10 Feet Tall, 8:00pm, * New music and party tunes in the bar till 4am! Flares Tuesdays @ Flares, 8:00pm, * If you’re bored on Tuesdays, be sure to stay away from Flares… Only joking! Get down there and strut your stuff! London DJ Che @ Rockin Chair, 8:00pm, * Dubstep, Drum & Bass, Funky House Open Mic Night & Karaoke @ WOW Bar, 8:00pm,

Event Not Listed? Email us: listings@themmp.tv Deadline: 15th of each month prior to publication.

www.themmp.tv APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

REVIEWS ALBUMS SICKNOTE

Unzipped

As a gonzo journalist, I enjoyed Sicknote’s live show so much I never wrote it up. Don’t even remember it very much. Other than sweat and weirdness and freaks in costumes. So with Unzipped, a live show on record, the challenge was always going to be condensing down that ball-rattling party atmosphere. After a prolonged drum intro, which probably worked much better in the venue itself, Ectoplasmic’s stonking, funky beats kick in and the muted jamboree begins. It actually works, with the sound of the crowd added to the feel. Death Before Employment’s synth line and squelchy build up, as well as Benefit Cheat’s wobbly electro and throaty vocal are highlights. There’s the inevitable feel of something missing. Still, though, very good. SMR sicknote.tv

MY NAME IS IAN

Eye Love You EP If you’re all about the clarity of sonic production, the chances are you won’t be a massive fan of My Name Is Ian. If, however, like this reviewer, you have great admiration for lo-fi - the sound of dust specks brushing mics, where songs are more about feel than technique - My Name Is Ian is/are stunning. There’s a timelessness about the stark accordion and fragile vocal melody of It Don’t Take Much, simmering with humorous lyrical heartbreak. This theme is excavated throughout, Love wittily charting all of that damned emotion’s ruin and chaos, What Am I Gonna Do? exploring its aftermath and its fears among many other things. It’s intense because, and in spite of its production, a beautifully low-key release. SMR mynameisian.bandcamp.com

JAMES KENNEDY

Nine

“Not for the faint hearted” is how Kyshera frontman James Kennedy describes his solo album, and it’s a warning worth reading. Experimentation is the name of the game here, and - as you’d probably expect - some experiments are easier on the ear than others. Ethereal soundscapes like ‘Water Babies’ and ‘Under’ aren’t especially attention-grabbing but they’re nice enough, and they provide something of a respite from the unpleasantness to be found elsewhere on the album. It’s hard to imagine anyone who’d want to listen to ‘House of Mirrors’ more than once. But it’s not all bad news - ‘Dark Suits’ is surprisingly thrilling, and ‘Spectra’ might even get you dancing. It’s all interesting stuff, so give it a listen - just don’t expect to be humming it afterwards. JDE facebook.com/kyshera APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

CERI FROST

MADDIE JONES

Errant Agent It’s possible that, by the time you read this review, spring might have sprung and the sun might finally have come out. If so, good news! Ceri Frost has created the perfect soundtrack for those brief sunny spells. Errant Agent is only eight songs long but you’ll get the idea straight away when, seventeen seconds into the Cream-esque stomp of the first track, Frost starts chanting the word ‘summer’ over and over again. From there, it’s lying-on-thegrass music in its purest form; Frost can’t even make it all the way through the menacing ‘High 5’s & Drive Bys’ without inviting his listeners to get high. It’s blissful, and even if the sunshine never does show up, listening to the psychedelic likes of ‘Strawberries In May’ makes a fine substitute. JDE cerifrost.bandcamp.com

Let It Out EP The opening track to Maddie Jones’ Let it Out EP is almost a folky sound; softly twanging guitars and romantic lyrics, belied by the more sultry mysteries of Maddie’s voice. Later tracks move one to reveal a more heady, lounge sound. There are very simplistic lyrics and a somewhat nineties approach in the making of this lazy, hazy jazz record. Let it Out is not exactly a dazzlingly innovative recording, but its lo-fi-ish production lends rather a home-spun quality, which makes it somehow more bearable. The lady can certainly sing, there is no doubt about it, and she certainly appears to be musically productive, but perhaps a fresher songwriting approach might make better use of her dulcet tones. JA maddie-jones.co.uk

Moon Palace The trouble with the British altfolk, singer/songwriter scene is that only the truly exceptional ever achieve any sort of notoriety; without the fiery exuberance of Frank Turner or Damien Rice’s powerfully deep ballads anything in between runs the risk of slipping into a slightly insignificant void. This debut release from Cardiff’s own Caole is unfortunately leaning towards the latter. Moon Palace is an enjoyable and pleasant album with strong ties to the Americana folk of Elliott Smith and Bob Dylan but it never quite succeeds in making you sit up and pay attention. That’s not to say that there’s necessarily any particularly poor tracks on offer here but neither are there any truly, truly outstanding ones. Still, though, pleasant background music for a summer afternoon. JS facebook.com/joshuacaoleuk

There, There, Their Not On commencement of There There, Their Not, it was hard to tell which way it would go. Ambient soundscapes and psychedelic spoken word enmesh in Cheerful Amateurism, as though all of the nonsense of the universe is being translated very quickly for you. It’s good, though. And what follows is too. The instrumentation is diverse involving synths, a range of percussion, beats, effects and on the title track, splendid classical guitar. Not all of the odysseys work as well as others. Adventures In Dentures feels rather strung out over the course of its seven minutes, but even that retains an Eno-esque charm at points. And on The Shout, where pop is more closely embraced, it sounds spacious yet funky then scary. Good stuff. SMR myspace.com/brokenmoodsforhousekites

Miss Enid EP Rather than being songs in the traditional sense of the word, Miss Enid is more spoken word poetry in places, with musical accompaniment. Hopelessly romantic Welsh language lyrics are rendered slightly bland and spiritless in the delivery, and with the chomp of the strummed guitar. The parts that are sung, rather than spoken, are also often out of tune. However, this is something a little different; an alternative reaction to the usual output of the Welsh language singer-songwriters and it’s lo-fi recording quality make this nothing if not endearing. An unusual style for this collection of tracks, and while they are interesting lyrically and stylistically, they may not be the most pleasant sounding in the world. JA dafwyn.bandcamp.com

Inc.A EP

JOSHUA CAOLE

DAF WYN

BROKEN MOODS FOR HOUSE KITES

INC.A

To call Inc.A’s debut EP a melting pot would be an understatement. By using almost an orchestra’s worth of instruments – violins, celli, trumpets and trombones – and accompanying them with a crisp and funky rhythm section, these five instrumentals incorporate gypsy folk, Middle Eastern melodies and classic jazz sounds. While a cursory listen might lead one to hearing not much more than a good party band, taking the time to immerse oneself in this reveals some very interesting compositions; with melodies layered upon counter-melodies and infectiously rhythmical beats. Opener ‘Scholars’ recalls the bombast of Gorillaz, ‘Faust’ is impossible not to dance to and the mellower ‘Simon’ builds into a warm, swaying but sinister jazz ballad. Very, very good. JOC www.incawales.co.uk

REVIEWS SINGLES OMEGA 66

LITTLE ARROW

Self Medicate When a song uses an interpolation of a Gill Scott-Heron song, you know you’ve got to give it credit. “Shaking, funkin’, noolin’, runkin’” would probably bamboozle the late, great poet as to what it means, however, one thing that cannot be denied is the soulful energy that oozes throughout this rhythmic composition. It’s hard to strictly label this track ‘dance’, for it takes influence from an eclectic array of other genres - rock, soul, funk, dance, electro, hip-hop - to form a bombastic, energised three minutes of head bopping and hip shakin’. Perhaps an acquired taste, with lyrics not to be taken too seriously, this single deserves praise for it’s technical strengths and all-round positive vibe. MA omega66.com

WHY KILL IAN?

Our Taste Is Violence Remember when we went to that pub that night, out in the country? I can’t remember who was driving; I think they had to work early or something, I’m not sure. End of the summer, the air thick and the world a cooling anvil by the time the sun left us sprawled on benches outside talking shit. Rudderless conversation, drifting around old whirlpools and new eddies, easy and free. No-one was scoring points; there was just the comforting feeling of being at home with people you loved. Want that feeling in a bottle? Listen to this song. JN littlearrow.co.uk

Hollow - Single We reviewed this band’s EP back in January and, while it certainly had its moments, it was somewhat hampered by a lack of focus. It seemed like Why Kill Ian couldn’t decide whether they wanted to be a sweet-sounding indie band or a big, Lostprophets-type rock act. This new single suggests they may be edging towards the former; the loud bits are there but they pale in comparison to the lovely grooves that surround them. The pre-chorus title drop - “Did I fail to mention that we’re hollow?” - sounds fantastic in a humble sort of way, as do the squeaky clean guitars underneath. They just need to realise that their songs are fine without the dodgy arena bits. JDE whykillian.co.uk

LUKE ELU

HEAVY PETTING ZOO

REVIEWS DEMOS THE MOTIVE

Demo Here are three bands that The Motive’s Facebook page lists as influences: Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Blink 182. It’s pop/punk they’re aspiring to make, but while it’s true that their music sounds like it could at any moment explode into the chorus from ‘Sugar, We’re Goin Down’, that’s not the whole story. ‘LoveHATE!!!’, with its insistent keyboards and fuzzy-yet-skyscraping guitars, sounds a bit like The Pains of Being Pure at Heart; ‘No Matter What’ is a huge, lighters-aloft stadium song. The singer sometimes has to strain a bit to hit the high notes; ideally, he’d have an arena full of people helping him out. JDE facebook.com/themotiveofficial

Demo These lo-fi, ukulele centred recordings from Luke Elu have a sweet, soft and pretty sound in a range of styles; from blues, to pop, to indie. Potentially not the most innovative or musically interesting collection of tracks, but the combination of Elu’s blunted tones and the kooky ukulele twang produce an overall mellifluousness that is very pleasing to the ear and leaves lots to be delved into and experimented with in the future. that could develop in complexity over time. Enjoyable and we look forward to what will come next! JA veengle.com/s/lukeelu.html

Demo Great band name and one who incorporate a dancing man into their set, a la Bez of the Happy Mondays. Their sound is pretty distant from that, at least on the track Deathproof we’ve been offered to review. Muddy guitar riffs; swampy, tinny drums; distorted, sexy female vocals simmering with reverb. It may sound rough around the edges, but everything’s in place to make these fellas and ladies a post-punk-garage-rock wet dream. It’s vaguely reminiscent of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, with all the stomp of the seventies thrown in for good measure. Well worth a look on this evidence. Look forward to more. SMR soundcloud.com/heavy-petting-zoo

SPILLERS PICK OF THE MONTH

RICHARD JAMES

Pictures In The Morning After the full on psychedelic pop of We Went Riding, former Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci member Richard James returns to the quieter side of life on this, his third album, and he does it brilliantly. Largely a set of heartbreaking songs featuring finger-picked acoustic guitar and the occasional sorrowful violin line, the influence of Nick Drake looms large – particularly on the ten minute showpiece ‘Sun Ease Pain’. It’s a melancholic listen, but strong melodies (as evidenced on ‘Say It Ain’t No Lie’) and occasional jangly brightness (‘Do You Know The Way To My Heart?’) make it a beautiful listen. And on album highlight ‘Magical Day’ – a full band psych-pop gem – he shows he’s not done with jolly pop just yet. JOC myspace.com/richardjamesband

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For every good idea that makes it into the paper incarnation of the MMP there’s a dozen more waiting impatiently on the sidelines. You can see for yourself by logging onto www.themmp. tv. It’s populated entirely by cunning plans and witty articles plus all manner of essential, up to the minute information you’d be mad to miss.

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DOWNLOAD SOCIETY

01 CATE LE BON Fold the Cloth

06 SICKNOTE

Benefit Cheat (Live)

APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

02 I AM AUSTIN Come With Me

07 CERI FROST

High 5s and Drive-bys

The website is the best place to see what treasures could be yours. Considering the average cost of a pint these days is the same as a first class flight to Los Angeles it’s always worth a look. There’s a wealth of exciting new music positively screaming for your attention

so jump on the digital super highway and strap in…

WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN?

We’ve been listing all the gigs in this city for a few years now but we’re still taken aback by the sheer volume of events taking place each and every month. Peruse every one at your leasure. We insist!

WIN

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FREEBIES

In an increasingly cold and bitter world find solace in the fact that some lunches are free.

Imagine if you will the swirling mists of music created in all the minds in all the world. Why it would surely appear to resemble all of creation happening at once and sounding bloody marvellous! In this ever expanding universe of tunes big bangs would surely pop like corks at a country wedding. Here in MMP land we try to capture a sample of these wonderful inventions and share them with you. So what are you waiting for? Download these free examples of aural pioneering and enjoy!

03 INC.A Faust

08 QUIET MARAUDER

Roda and The Bunker

04 LITTLE ARROW -

05 JOSHUA CAOLE

09 BROKEN MOODS FOR HOUSE KITES

10 MY NAME IS IAN -

Our Taste Is Violence

There There, Their Not

Butterfly

Love

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IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW, THE ENTIRE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS IN A STATE OF UTTER PANIC. The latest stats from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry show that 95 per cent of all music downloaded is illegally obtained and unpaid for. Words by Rowan Liggett

APRIL 2012 | www.themmp.tv

These figures make the industry’s last wobble, when they said cassette tapes would destroy them, look especially silly. But imagine you’re a record label. Everyone loves your bands, but you can’t make a penny from them… Imagine the not so distant past. To make a record and get it heard required huge equipment, massive logistics and bags of money. Fast forward to today and a quick visit to Soundcloud makes you realise how much has changed. Recordings by poetically deranged individuals using kitchen utensils as rhythm sections drives home an interesting argument: Art is for everyone and business should always come second. Everyone being able to record does of course make it a more crowded field. For every unpolished gem there are scores of depressing dirge mongers. So where does this leave the business of music? France are passing some of the strictest laws to date. A three strikes and you’re out system for repeat offenders that can lead to disconnection from the web. If this approach succeeds will we end up looking back at this time as a brief unregulated chapter? An electronic wild west that grew as the early pioneers charged? In South Wales we are blessed with a stunning array of passionately run independent labels and not a single one of them was set up with the sole intent of making money. The desire to share and encourage talent beats at their hearts. Shape, See Monkey Do Monkey, Flowers of Phong, Still Small Voice, Barely Regal, Owlet, Businessman Records. There are simply too many to list . They would be the first to throw scorn at those deluded few who imagined limos, lounging and limitless champagne would be their reward. They do, however, have electricity bills to pay. They’re also invaluable in highlighting new and interesting music. In terms of making vast sums of money the glory days of the record industry do seem numbered. Maybe that’s ok. There are more than 3 channels to choose from now. We don’t need to be told what to like anymore, just keep an open ear for the next interesting crop of sounds. Sounds recommended by other lovers of music. Maybe one day we’ll point and say. ‘That’s where we began sharing everything, not for profit but purely for expression’s sake’. If that’s the awful future imagined by the current crop of big boys I’m not too concerned. That actually sounds rather nice...

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