Undertone FIRST ISSUe
Jan/Feb 2013
IMAGE: FLICKR: Christian Holmer
IMAGE: FLICKR: Mikey G Ottawa
{Take your pick} news
Bits & Pieces 3-4 Festival News 5-10 Fall Out Boy are back 11-12 Awards News 13-22
Lives All time low 23-24 Modestep 25 Don brocco 26 Fan review of Two Door Cinema Club 27
Features Orange Interview 29-30 Don Broco 31-32 Fearless Vampire Killers 33-35 “So what music do you like?” 37 The Sound of My Mad Fat Diary 38 Gig guide 39-42 The Defamation of strickland Banks 43-44
Reviews
Biffy Clyro 45-46 Justin Bieber 48 Bullet For My Valentine 49
Wass'up
We're un
A new webzine dedicated to bringing all you, every two months!
{The
Elly Rewcastle Katie Pathiaki Editor assistant editor
Ashley chalmers Reviews editor
Age: 18
Age: 19
Age: 18
Favourite genre: Rock
Favourite genre: Pop punk rock
Favourite genre: Indie
Band member I want to marry: Alex Gaskarth... it will happen.
Band member I want to marry: Orlando Weeks from the Maccabees
Band member I want to marry: Alex gaskarth. If I was an animal I would be: a fox. Would you rather sweat mayo or pee chocolate milk? Pee chocolate milk.
If I was an animal I would be: A cat! Meow. would you rather have bacon for feet or scrambled egg for saliva? I would have to go with bacon for feet, cause then if i was ever hungry i could have a nibble..
Favorite dance move: The robot.
Favorite dance move: Tttt teach me how to dougie.
Musical Guilty Pleasure: Westlife/boyzone
Musical Guilty pleasure: Just one? Theres so many. The black eyed peas. Avril lavigne. One direction. S Club 7!
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If I was an animal I would be: A cat or a panda. Would you rather whisper all the time or shout? whisper because I sound manly when I shout. Favorite Dance move: Robot Musical guilty pleasure: DNA by little mix
ndertone the best music, of
ALL GENRES,
to
TEAM} Jack Mckeever
Emily Reason
Introducing editor
Assistant Inroducing Editor
Age: 18 Favoruite genre: Can I just say all of them? I know that's annoying but i really don't have one Band member I want to marry: Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro... He’s a lovely gentleman If I was an animal I would be: Duckbilled platypus
Age: 19 Favourite genre: Pop Punk Band member I want to marry: Josh Franceschi If I was an animal I would be: I would be a cat so I could sleep all day and be cute.
Would you rather have hands for feet or feet for hands? Hands for feet
Would you rather eat sponges for the rest of your life or only drink custard? Id only drink custard as sponges are dry and nasty
Favourite dance move: The crab
Favorite dance move: Party Boy.
Musical guilty pleasure: Call me maybe - Carly Rae Jepson
Musical Guilty Pleasure: Disney music, or one direction.
Kayla elliott photographer Age: 20 Favourite genre: I'm not really sure because I'm into everything Band member I want to marry: Beau Bokan (but sadly he's married) If I was an animal I would be: Either and owl or tiger Favourite dance move: The electrical Santa Musical guilty pleasure: You Me At Six
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IMAGE: FLICKR: Giandomenico Ricci
news
For the second time, Anastacia has been diagnosed with breast cancer, forcing her to cancel her European Tour. The singer was first diagnosed in 2003, however, through surgery and radio therapy, she beat the disease. Ten years on, and the cancer has returned. The tour was scheduled to start in London on April 6; her Facebook page detailed how upset Anastacia was to cancel the tour:
forthcoming European tour which was due to start April 6th in London. “I feel so awful to be letting down all my amazing fans who were looking forward to 'It's A Man's World Tour'. It just breaks my heart to disappoint them” she said. Anastacia will continue the writing and recording of her new album despite her diagnosis and hopes to schedule a new tour as soon as possible. Now more then ever, she is determined to live by her motto “Don't ever let cancer get the 'Best of You!'” A born survivor, Anastacia has one goal and that is to make a full recovery with the support of her family, friends and everyone around her. Please respect her need for privacy during such a trying time. All tickets for the tour can be refunded from the point of purchase.”
Intruder caught in Rihanna's.. neighbour's home
Last week, an intruder, named to be Steveland Barrow, was arrested after trying to break into the home of Rihanna. Rihanna was quick to issue a restraining order against the tresspasser, stating that he cannot be within 100 yards of her or her home. However, the intruder wasn’t actually in Rihanna’s home; he mistook her house for a neighbours, and it is said that he slept in their beds and took possessions from their home.
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IMAGE: FLICKR: Sepideh (Sepi)
imge: flickr: radio1interactive
“Anastacia has sadly been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time after having successfully survived her 2003 battle with the disease. Consequently she has been forced to cancel all performances, tours and any travel from now until further notice. Anastacia was excited about her
Anastacia cancels tour after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Best Villain” At the NME awards, Harry Styles was awarded the
prize for “Best Villian”. After hearing the news, Harry styles tweeted: ““And thank you to @NME for my award tonight. Gotta take the rough with the smooth eh? (sic).” Harry voiced that he felt wrongly nominated for being a villian, but took home the award alongside, for the second year running, an NME award for One Direction, voted “Worst Band”.
Greenday get intimate Green Day have announced that they will be holding three intimate shows before their official comeback during SXSW, an annual music festival held in Austin. The festival would have been the band’s first live show after Bille Joe Armstrong was admitted to rehab last year, shortly after their
promotion of their three albums UNO DOS and TRE! Green Day are planning to shoot two documentaries while at SXSW. ‘Cuatro’ is planned to be a documentary about the making of the album trilogy. ‘Broadway Idiot’ will be about the Broadway recreation of American Idiot.
Adele has hit the wall. After bagging an Oscar and Brit award for ‘Skyfall’ the James Bond Theme song singer Adele says that she won’t be making any new music until she
Mumford and Justin? Justin Timberlake has annouced that he is working on a track alongside Marcus Mumford and T Bone. An unlikely trio, the three are collaborating a soundtrack for new film ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ starring Justin, and Mumford’s wife, Carey Mulligan. Inside Llewyn Davis is due to be released later this year, alongside Justin Timberlake’s new album 20/20 Experience. JT will be touring accross the US and Canada with ‘Suit & Tie’ partner Jay-Z this summer.
has ‘something to sing about’. Adele revealed to the Daily Mirror, she isn’t as excited to hear her new music as her fans are. She is just stuck with what to write about. However, this isn’t the end for Adele, as it’s rumoured that she is interested in creating a documentary, following in the footsteps of Beyonce’s ‘Life is but a Dream’
a day to remember announce secret show A Day to Remember have announced an exclusive one-off UK show scheduled for June this year. The boys will be at London’s KOKO just a few days before their appearance at Download 2013. Tickets are on sale from March 1.
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news
Festivals Line-ups Yet to be announced..
Glastonbury Announcement Date TBA
Latitude Announcement on Tuesday 19 Image: Flickr: Lars Kristian Flem
March
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25-28 July 2013 TiĂŤsto, Sebastian Ingrosso, Hardwell, Steve Aoki, Markus, Schulz, Marco Carola, Joachim Garraud, Otto Knows, Dixon, Arty, Jamie Jones, Art Department, Craig Richards, Infinity Ink, Richy Ahmed, Russ Yallop, wAFF, Infected, Mushroom, Dirtyphonics, Datsik, Angger Dimas, Autoerotique, Felix Cartal, TAI, Dj Pierre, PeaceTreaty, South central, Botnek, Will Brennan, Dan Sena, Deorro, Jidax, Dzeko & Torres, Army of The Universe, Armin van, Buuren, Avicii, Axwell, Kife Party, Eric Prydz, Benny Benassi, Tommy Trash, Thomas Gold, Congorock, Wildstylez, steve Aoki, Dave Clarke, Steve Angello, Alesso, Jeff Mills, Joachim Garraud, Benga, Rush, Mauro Picotto, Joey Beltram, Miss Djax, Huma Noyd, J.Fernandes Undertone 6
news
15-18 august 2013
Confirmed line up: BAND OF HORSES BEN HOWARD LOCAL NATIVES THE HORRORS EDWYN COLLINS ROY HARPER VILLAGERS STORNOWAY FUCK BUTTONS JOHNNY FLYNN & THE SUSSEX WIT EROL ALKAN & DANIEL AVERY THE PASTELS ARCHIE BRONSON OUTFIT VERONICA FALLS JAMES YORKSTON WOODS UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA Undertone 7
ANDREW WEATHERALL JON HOPKINS (LIVE) MOON DUO MATT BERRY ARBOURETUM THIS IS THE KIT HALF MOON RUN RACHEL ZEFFIRA BUKE & GASE FOSSIL COLLECTIVE SWEET BABOO JACCO GARDNER TELEMAN ELLEN AND THE ESCAPADES BEARS DEN ROZI PLAIN THE SLOW SHOW BLAENAVON ZERVAS & PEPPER TRWBADOR WILD SMILES FIST OF THE FIRST MAN DJ FITZ COWBOIS RHOS BOTWNNOG HUW M ANNIE EVE ANNIE DRESSNER MO KENNEY
23-25 august 2013 {Final annoucement 11 march.}
Just announced!
already announced:
Biffy clyro system of a down Fall out boy foals jake bugg bring me the horizon
Eminem deftones alt-j subfocus boy better know ft wiley, skepta and jme
7-11 august 2013
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news
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news
The take over the break's over
Fall out boy A Katie pathiaki. assistant editor February 4th saw the reform of iconic rock band, Fall Out Boy, after a 4 year hiatus. The quartet kicked up a storm with their comeback single “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark”, followed by an anouncement on the Zane Lowe show on Radio 1, of Fall Out Boy nailing a spot on the main stage at this year’s Reading and Leeds festivals. Fall Out Boy are due to play a series of live dates, which started with a London show on February 25, before they embarked on their ‘Save Rock and Roll’ worldwide tour.
The history of Fall out boy. 2001: The beginning of Fall Out Boy. Pete Wentz, bassist, and Joe Trohman, guitarist, formed the band. They performed several concerts nameless, until a fan suggested ‘Fallout Boy’. 2002: Fall out boy’s first demo album was released: “Project Rocket/Fall Out Boy” alongside Project Rocket. Fall Out Boy continued to tour around Chicago. 2003: Fall Out Boy released their first full-length album, ‘Take This To Your Grave’ on May 6th. The album included hits such as “Grand Theft Autumn/Where is your Boy” and “Saturday” which earned the boys recognition in the music industry. They began to hear their songs on the radio, and started supporting bigger bands such as Blink 182 and Yellowcard.
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2004: Acoustic EP and DVD “Always Be the B Side to My Tongue” was released on May 18. The EP featured acoustics of the hits on ‘Take This To Your Grave’ and new demo songs. 2005: The release of ‘From Under The Cork Tree’ acted as the band’s big break. Released on May 3, it sold 68,000 copies in the first week and entered the album charts at number 9, Fall Out Boy’s first Top 10 qualifier. ‘From Under the Cork Tree’ includes tracks “Sugar, we’re Going Down” “Dance, Dance” and “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More ‘Touch Me’”. Don’t pretend you don’t know every word to those songs, they echo memories of 2005 and childhood. Fall Out Boy started headlining their own worldwide tours. 2007: After touring with the likes of Panic! At The Disco, Motion City Soundtrack and The All American Rejects, Fall Out Boy started work on their next album ‘Infinity on High’ . The album sold over 3x the amount of ‘From Under The Cork Tree’ and landed a place in the worldwide top 5 album chart. “This Aint a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” rushed to No. 2 in the UK and US single’s charts, and soon became Fall Out Boy’s most notable song. “Thnks Fr th Mmrs” followed into the charts. Even if you’re not a Fall Out Boy fan, we dare you to play these song’s and tell us you don’t know them. If it helps, Pete Wentz drew lyrical insiration from Lil Wayne for the entire “Infinity on High” album.
r.
Are back! Later on that year, FOB released “Live in Phoenix” a live CD/DVD recording of their concert in Phoenix, their only live recorded CD released to this date. During the concert, Fall Out Boy covered Michael Jackson’s “Beat it” with John Mayer as a guest. The song was then released as a single in 2008. 2008: The band released their last studio album, “Folie a Deux” in December. However, it did not sell as well as “Infinity on High”. The single “Beat it”, also featured on the Deluxe edition. The album was unsucessful as it lay in the wake of “Infinity on High”’s thunderstorm. 2009: Fall Out Boy took off on tour, they even got to perform for Barack Obama, now that’s successful. Later in the year, an EP was released; “America’s Suitehearts: Remixed, Retouched, Rehabbed and Retoxed”. And a greatest hits album, “Believers Never Die - Greatest Hits” Releasing a greatest hits album was probably the first sign of what was announced next: On November 20 2009, Fall Out Boy announced that they would be taking a hiatus. Pete Wentz claimed: “I think the world needs a little less Pete Wentz”.
During the Hiatus. Joe Trohman started heavy metal band The Damned Things alongside two members of Anthrax and Andy Hurley. They released one album, “Ironiclast” in 2010. Once The Damned Things began a hiatus (coincidence?) Joe formed another hardcore band; Enabler. Andy Hurley played in hardcore band Burning Empires, alongside The Damned Things before their hiatus, and Enabler with Joe Trohman. Andy also partook in several other heavy metal and punk bands. Patrick Stump immediately started his solo album “Soul Punk” which was released in 2011. Patrick had no help in creating the album as he played all the instuments and wrote all lyrics. He also produced an EP named “This City” for iTunes in 2011. Pete Wentz formed the band “Black Cards”, a ska/ electropop band with Bebe Rexha. The band failed to relase an album, so Bebe left the band. A mixtape was released online in 2012, produced by wentz and his producer, Sam Hollander. 2012: Rumours of Fall Out Boy reforming started through Twitter, where all reliable information is found, of course. Beau Bokan of Blessthefall wrote that Fall Out Boy were making new music. Later on in the year, Keltie Colleen of The Insider, tweeted the same. 2013: On February 4 2013, Fall Out Boy officially ended their hiatus, by announcing their new album “Save Rock and Roll”. We can only wait and see what the new, reformed Fall Out Boy has gained from their individual experiences. Hopefully the end of the hiatus is the beginning of something amazing.
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news
And the winner is.. . It’s awards season, again, don’t they all roll around quickly? If you missed the showing, then here’s a recap of the winners of the biggest music award ceremonies in the world.
Brit Awards. British Male Solo Artist AND British Breakthrough act winner:
BEN HOWARD British female solo artist winner:
Emeli Sande Also winner of Mastercard British Album of the Year
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D
International Female solo artist winner:
LANA DEL RAY Best International Group winner:
The Black Keys International Male solo artist winner:
Frank ocean British Producer of the year winner:
Paul Epworth Best British Single winner:
Adele- Skyfall Best British Live Act Winner:
Coldplay Best british group winner:
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news
Grammy awards Gotye, Mumford, FUN and Jay-Z & Kanye West have grabbed the majority of the trophies at this year’s Grammys. FUN claimed best new artist, and won song of the year, for their hit “we are young” which stormed onto our radios late last year. Doing the UK proud, UK born and bred Mumford and sons, bagged two Grammys, including one for Undertone 15
Album of the year;’ Babel’ Gotye, won three Grammys for the number 1 single ‘somebody that I used to know’ featuring Kimbra. Jay-Z and Kanye West managed to take home three Grammys, for their collaboration album, ‘Watch the throne.’ Other winners included Skrillex, Adele and beyonce who all won two Grammys each.
categorY WINNERS Album of the year:
Babel - Mumford and Sons. Record of the year:
Somebody That I used to Know - Gotye ft. Kimbra Best New artist:
Fun Song of the year:
We are young - FUN. Undertone 16
news Pop Vocal Album:
Stronger - Kelly Clarkson
Rock Album:
El Camino - The Black Keys Alternative Album:
Making Mirrors - Gotye
R&B Album:
Black radio - Robert Glasper Experiment Rap Album:
Take Care - Drake Undertone 17
Country Album:
Uncaged - Zac Brown Band Dance/Electronic album:
Bangarang - Skrillex Pop Solo:
Set Fire To The Rain (Live) Adele Pop Duo/Group Perfomance:
Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye ft. Kimbra Dance Recording:
Bangarang - Skrillex ft. Sirah Undertone 18
news Rock Performance:
Lonely Boy - The Black Keys Best R&B Performance:
Climax - Usher Best Traditional R&B Performance:
Love on Top - Beyonce
Best Rap Performanc:
N*****s in Paris - Jay-Z & Kanye West Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:
No Church in The Wild Jay-Z & Kanye West Undertone 19
Best Rap Song:
N*****s in Paris - Jay-Z & Kanye West Best New Age Album:
Echoes of Love - Omar Akram Best Jazz Vocal Album:
Radio Music Society Esperanza Spalding Best Folk Album: The Goat Rodeo Sessions Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile Best Reggae Album:
Rebirth - Jimmy Cliff Undertone 20
news
NME awards
The nme awards have always been treated as a bit of a joke. The categories hold endless amounts of fun. Especially when the villain of the year is voted to be one direction's harry styles. No hard feelings, ey? Godlike Jesus Johnny marr Teenage Cancer Trust outstanding contribution award: The Cribs Best British Band: Biffy Clyro Best International Band: The Killers Undertone 21
Best album: Given To The Wild - The Maccabees Best track: Inhaler - Foals Best TV show: Fresh Meat Best music film: The Rolling Stones- Crossfire Hurricane
Best re-issue: 21 - Blur
Best Twitter: Alana Haim, Haim (@babyhaim)
Best solo artist: Florence Welch
Best book: Mike Skinner: ' The Story Of The Streets'
Best new band: Palma Violets
Music moment of the year: Olympics opening ceremony
Best music video: R U Mine? Arctic Monkeys Best festival: Reading & Leeds Festivals Best live band: The Rolling Stones Best dancefloor anthem: Sweet Nothing - Calvin Harris featuring Florence Welch
Hero of the year: Barack Obama Villain of the year: Harry Styles Best small festival: Festival No.6 Worst band: One Direction Best fan community: Muse Best film: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Philip Hall Radar award: Child Of Lov Undertone 22
Lives
All time low
feb 06 2013 Birmingham O2 Academy
Elly Rewcastle, Editor & Katie Pathiakli, Assistant Editor The Summer Set warm up the show nicely with their infectious pop-punk choruses and catchy lyrics. The crowd warms up to them instantly and soon everyone in the first ten or twelve rows are bouncing happily along. The setlist is relatively new, the band playing mostly new material except for one or two tracks and their biggest track ‘Chelsea’ which goes down a storm with the teenage crowd. The venue has finally filled up by the time Lower Than Atlantis arrive on stage, the last of the people who joined the back of the snaking queue that could have stretched around the venue two or three times. Although their invitation onto the tour was questionable, the sounds of LTA are much more different to those of the Baltimore lot that have sold out the packed room in front of them. There’s already people being hauled out of the crowd by the time Mike Duce has launched into some of the more known songs from their newest album Changing Tune. Finishing their excellently executed set, after displaying incredible talent of working
a crowd and converting new fans, Duce and his entourage finish up with better known Another Sad Song and hit single Deadliest Catch. Kicking off their energetic two hour set with ‘Somewhere in Neverland,’ an unexpected though warmly welcomed choice, Alex, Jack, Zack and Rian ‘warmed up’ the crowd by plunging them into four songs back to back. Forget About it rolled into ‘For Baltimore’ and by the end of ‘Heroes’ the crowd had reduced into a sweaty mess of excitement. “We always start our shows in Birmingham; You guys rock!” insisted sidekick, Jack Barakat. If any band know how to own a room, it’s All Time Low. Without much of their well known toilet humour, the band smashed out ‘If These Sheets Were States’, another song from their most recent album Don’t Panic! Before travelling back to their very first album. “You guys were all like ‘i wanna hear fucking ‘Jasey Rae’’” imitated frontman Alex Gaskarth. Nothing could have stirred the crowd up more than the catchy verses of the older track separating the fans from 2006 from the new followers. Mosh pits formed, and the bouncers had trouble lifting out the crowd surfers who were rolling
forward in full force. Instantly, ‘Coffee Shop Soundtrack’ rung out through the academy, causing more of an uproar. The lads on stage were not giving the crowd anything less than their best tonight. If anyone has had the pleasure of seeing All Time Low perform before, then they know the crude nature of the banter which bounces between them onstage. “Alex, tell everyone about your penis”, Jack demands. “Well its sort of like a cats tail.” Alex replies with an arm action unlike any cats tail ever seen before. The crowd lap up every word, and laugh at every joke. Slowing things down a bit, the hundreds of fans take a deep breath as Alex stands in the limelight, playing the instantly recognisable first chords of ‘Remembering Sunday’ followed by the equally as mellow ‘Therapy’. The combination acted as a real tear jerker, lulling the crowd into a false sense of calm, which the band quickly ripped apart, plunging into the huge hit ‘Lost in Stereo’. Leaving the stage with the favourite single from their badly reviewed third album Dirty Work, ‘Time-Bomb’ accumulated more than positive feedback. Just as the post-gig blues started to kick in, an encore of huge proportions sandwiched the three best songs of All Time Low’s discography. The bread being their latest hit, ‘The Reckless and the Brave’, filled with previous chart topper ‘Weightless’ and ending with the butt of ‘Dear Maria, Count Me In’. It’s a sweaty and action packed show but it’s the perfect way to kick off the Maryland quartet’s latest UK domination.
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Lives
Modestep
feb 14 2013 KOKO LONdon. Kay Elliot London-based dubstep and rock band, Modestep graced the stage of the Camden KOKO for the first time in their career, and to a sold out audience. Achievement or what? Keeping the crowd pumped and alive, Modestep frontman Josh Friend an almighty amount of pulsating bass, brother and masked guitarist Tony manage to stimulate the night from beginning to end and it’s easy to see how the rising electro-rockers are catapulting their sound onto the ears of fans across the globe from small town pubs to big Ibiza clubs. Mixing up their set to include a fair few covers amongst tracks from their debut album ‘Evolution Theory’ it’s a set worth watching and just proves that Modestep have the capability to rise up to the challenge of bursting through the mainstream hipster bullshit plaguing the music industry. In amongst the rush of covers including The Prodigy’s ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ that drives the crowd mad and is perfectly followed by their own individual version of the classic Christmas number one ‘Killing in the Name Of’ from rock legends Rage Against The Machine, there’s a flurry of originals hailing from the debut album that’s pushed them into the limelight. The best of ‘Evolution Theory’ including ‘To The Stars’ and title track, ‘Evolution Theory’ which features grime artists D-Power and pair Jammin and Jammer. Ending the set on a original and much calmer note with Saved The World, Modestep really do justify why the entire room of the KOKO is packed full with admiring onlookers who admire the originality of the London quartet. It’s hard to put into words how much energy these guys have on stage and it’s highly recommend going to see one of their shows no matter what genre of music you are into. There’s a lot in store for the band in the future and no doubt it’ll be as exciting and as exhilarating as what they’ve got now.
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Don Broco Feb 2o 2013 Southampton Joiners Emily Reason Being set up for a good night the crowd had the pleasure of being welcomed by Hey Vanity. Marc Halls smoothed out the room very well for an upcoming band, introducing themselves with pride. Even before Mallory Knox entered the scene the crowd had been put in a good mood- and of course being at the Joiners, a very hot one too.
The Broco boys threw their audience into the deep end, playing ‘Priorities’ first, which went down a treat. Jumping onto the stage throwing their arms in the air, holding big fat smiles. And of course, living up to their standards, all broke out into their traditional walking man dance. This of course made the crowd go absolutely insane. The atmosphere was lifted from just your average rock gig. The energy being incredible; would have made anybody break out into their own little cheeky dance routine. All of a sudden mid-way through song, Rob Damiani’s face dropped. His microphone let him down big time. Almost through with their opening song Broco’s technicians had to deal with the state of panic. Yet Rob soldiered through and carried on singing- depending on which part of the room you were in, proved as to whether you could hear his voice or not. Part way through ‘Here’s the Thing’ the microphone completely died resulting in the boys being disturbed, with the crowd having to be distracted from disappointment with Rob giving his audience a story of his tech guy, Andy Burns, the lead signer of a local band, Burn The Fleet. Of course with Rob’s charm, humor and good looks the room was lifted up in spirits again; the music started playing after a couple of minutes- this definitely made up for the time lost.
Throughout playing songs from their debut Album, ‘Priorities,’ released last August, the crowd had learnt the words, as you looked around the room almost every one in the whole venue were screaming the lyrics out. This brought a great atmosphere throughout their set, Beautiful Morning set the scene perfectly and it was good to see the boys still holding on to some of their older songs. Along next was the brilliant Thug Workout. Really bringing themselves back to their roots, the comedy and pure class of the song brought out the fun, younger side of the boys. As they started the song the vision of the video for the song popped into my head, the young Broco’s riding round in their red Corsa, jumping out of bushes and making funny faces. Having their song ‘Priorities’ holding the message of your friends changing once they find a partner, with these types of lyrics every fan can relate to them and feelings based around the idea. It’s almost impossible to not like Broco boys, with their cheeky faces and sense of humor. Nearing the end of the set, Rob asked the crowd for any requests, voices shouted from all over the place in competition to get his attention. ‘Hold On’ and ‘Fancy Dress’ won, no surprise there. After a fuelled show you’d think the crowd was worn out. This was not the case, once a crazy session of ‘Yeah Man’ came to a close; the crowd seemed to find the energy. Rob created a circle pit, which created such a big finish. Totally recommend to anyone to go see Don Broco. They never seem to disappoint- even when their equipment fails.
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Image: Flickr: Mark Kidsley
Mallory Knox seemed to be in a much better frame of mind on the stage, rather than their recent show supporting Canterbury back in December at the Soul Cellar in Southampton. Wearing a tight white tank top, Mikey Chapman really had the girls going. Playing songs from both their recent debut album ‘Signals’ and sticking to what they do best with hits such as ‘Lighthouse’ and ‘Oceans.’
Lives
{Have Your Say} where the reviews are written by you, the fans.
Image: Flickr: Rodnei Rosa
tWO dOOR cINEMA cLUB Feb 02 2013, O2 Academy Birmingham aRDEN sHAW At the O2 Academy we were treated to a special night of musical talent. The night started off with a band called “Swim Deep” there sounds were okay for a band who are under the radar. Ater, Bastille came on stage and played for 30-45 minutes in which they played songs such as Flaws, Bad Blood, Overjoyed and Rhythm of The Night which were very well received by fans. As Bastille played their last song and left the stage everybody then awaited the arrival of Two Door Cinema Club. An hour after Bastille finished the lights went dim and the four boys from Bangor, Northern Ireland, took to the stage to numerous cheers and
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applause. They opened up with their song from FIFA 13 “Sleep Alone” and then played hits from their 1st and 2nd albums, such as Undercover Martyn, Sun, The World Is Watching, Next Year, I Can Talk and much more. Their set lasted just over an hour and they finished with “What You Know” a song which received a gigantic ovation when they left the stage. In my eyes it had to be the best gig I’ve been to everyone there enjoyed it and you got that feeling that no-one wanted them to end their time and for £17 it was an absolute steal!
Interviews
Clockwork Orange. Kayla Elliott Undertone caught up with vocalist Joe Dexter of orange. We talked about the quartet's big upcoming year. The band are all having a meeting via Skype and are talking about recording new tracks and their upcoming tour. “We actually do have any plans to go into the studio, well nothing official yet” says Joe Dexter, vocalist and bassist. “We were supposed to record another EP during the summer, but I just didn’t feel the songs were ready yet, so it’s not something that I want to rush into” understandably so when the band are quickly building large fan base here in the UK. After touring with bands such as Zebrahead, Bowling For Soup and Reel Big Fish in the last few years, the group seem pretty confident that their success will go on. But in the beginning they weren’t so sure, after their first UK tour with Zebrahead in March 2010 the band decided it would be good for them to try a headline tour. “We thought, yeah were hot shit lets go back and do it on our own.” Joe says, he really didn’t want to go into the rest of that tour, but since then they have only got bigger.
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With so much touring under their belt they have a lot of interesting tour stories behind them, Joe says “One of my favourite stories ever, well me and Alec were sharing a room one night and we were supposed to be in room nine but I though we were in room six and Alec being a big strong Mexican man he just runs into the door and bursts the door down, and then immediately we realise the were actually in somebody else’s room. We just very quickly realised we are not in the right room and quickly made out little escape” the stories go on to include wet t-shirt contests in Scotland, funny stories about their driver and a few more personal stories about the band, their manager and their roadies.
“We thought, yeah were hot s**t lets go back and do it on our own.” But despite the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle they sound like they are leading they are pretty normal guys, whenever the guys have downtime on the road they just like to sit around “To be honest I play a lot of Zelda on the 3DS, when we get a day off, which is very rare we just kinda chill. We’re so exhausted you know, you don’t realise how tired you are until you don’t have to be at a show,” says Joe. Alongside the video games Joe also had another talent, “I play a mean Pokémon card game” says Joe. Hes a big nerd at heart and plays in the Pokémon league back in California, which isn’t very often anymore. He spends most of his time in the UK studying song writing in Brighton, trying to hone his craft. In the last year the band have started to have more articles written about them and they have started to appear on Kerrang! TV. This band is going to blow up this year, and 2013 will be “The year of Orange”
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Interviews
{Don Broco} Elly Rewcastle. Editor. Don Broco have quickly become one of the biggest UK bands on the British Rock scene. With their debut album Priorities sitting at both number 2 and number 4 in the iTunes album chart on it’s day of release. The hype surrounding the Bedford born quartet surely can’t be missed. Undertone sat down for a quick chat with guitarist Simon Delaney before their sold out show at Southampton Joiners. Lets kick it off with tour talk. The priorities tour has exploded, how’s the first couple of days been for you guys? The tour so far as been mental. The first date was Norwich, which is actually where I went to uni so I was really excited about playing there and then we had Birmingham yesterday. The first show in Norwich we were really only just finding our feet, getting back into the swing of playing the live show, messing around with the setlist but by the time we were in Birmingham we’d really settled back into it so I’m hoping tonight will go smoothly. You have been touring for a really long time, how’s it different this time around? We really have. This tour we’ve tried playing a lot more of the new stuff off the album, so we’re playing songs that we’ve never really played live before so it’s always a bit scary when you’re playing all these songs for the first time.
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Since the release of Priorities in August last year, it’s really kicked everything off for you guys. Have you made a move to start on the new record? We have started doing some stuff, writing bits while we can and laying down some new demos but at the moment, we have our live plan down until about October where we’re still going to be hammering Priorities in the UK and abroad as well so we’re probably not going to set aside time to commit to writing the new album until the end of the year. Within the industry a band can’t stay off the scene without touring or recording for too long, how do you guys like to get your material written? Do you prefer a set block of time where you write everything or do you prefer to do it on the move in bits and pieces while you tour? With Priorities last time, we literally wrote the whole thing on the road while we were on tour. We wrote a lot of it in the van and it was so intense and really quite uncomfortable but that was at a point because we’d released the EP, Big Fat Smile, and we’d generated quite a hype. We were being asked to play festivals and we were just sitting on this one EP so we thought it was time to get going and release our debut album so we’ve got something new to play. We had to churn it out really quickly though because, like you say, we didn’t want to disappear from the scene for not doing something constantly.
With the next album we hope to generate a really busy live profile and tour and play like crazy so that we can afford to take a couple of months off at the end of the year to write and record the next record. You’ve brought out Mallory Knox and Hey Vanity to support you guys, both of whom are incredible new British pushing through onto the scene. What are your thoughts on the British music scene now?
English anyway and then the fans, even though their English mightn’t be entirely fluent they can still speak the language pretty well. It’s surprising because over here in England, when I was at school I wasn’t taught a different language until I moved into secondary school where in Germany they’re taught it from a young age. It’s the same across a lot of countries in Europe actually, so we’ve never really found that the language barrier is a huge problem.
I think it’s amazing, particularly for guitar music, I mean Radio 1 has been amazing and so so supportive of new up and coming guitar bands. All of the bands that we’ve been touring with on the underground scene for the past few years, the strongest of those bands are making the step up to the next level at the same kind of time and it’s amazing. You’ve got bands like Lower Than Atlantis, Deaf Havana and us and we’re all growing in a way that none of us could have predicted when we first started out playing those tiny shows in tiny venues anywhere we could get shows. I love that it’s all British also rather than American, there was that kind of period in the early 00’s that was amazing for British rock with bands like A Hundred Reasons and Biffy [Clyro] and then again that surge of talent has come back around again in the past couple of years.
Will we be expecting any more ‘Broco Boy Band’ dance moves like the infamous ‘The Walk’ and now the Hold On steps?
What are we going to be looking out for in the Broco world for the rest of 2013?
I think just because of the kind of person that I am I would have to read to the end, I would just have to keep on reading and find out what happens to me. I guess once I’d finished I’d probably regret it because then nothing else would be a surprise anymore, you know what’s coming.
We are doing some dates in April, we’re doing our biggest ever London show and some other dates around that, which is sold out and is both amazing and incredible daunting. Then we’re off over to Europe to do a tour with the We Are The Ocean across Germany mostly which is great, we love going over there. Once we’re back we’re set to do a lot of these indoor festivals like Takedown here in Southampton, Radstock in Liverpool and Hit The Deck and then we jump into the big festival season where we’re going to playing a couple of the big ones.
-laughsI don’t know, The Walk has become a beast we can’t shake off now. At first it was just something we did messing around as a joke in band practice one day so we gave it a go live and it went down so well we had to do it the next time and now we’ve done it so much that people get disappointed when we don’t do it. You are given a book and after you read the first couple of chapters you realise that it’s a book of your life. Do you read up until the end?
The Don Broco boys have kicked it off in style. With the rest of the tour sold out their stamp has been well and truly left on the music scene. What else have Don Broco got in store? Only time will tell.
I’m sure your incredibly tight and dedicated fanbase will be looking forward to that announcement then. Is there anything really really crazy that you’ve seen from your fans? Yesterday, it was mental, we’ve never really had this level before but there were loads of kids waiting outside before the show which was nuts in itself but there was this one lad who had brought the most immaculate photo album that you’ve ever seen. What he’d done was he’d taken all these still frames from our music videos and press releases and videos on YouTube of us messing around and he’d put them all together in this one book that was really beautifully presented and he wanted us to sign them all. You mentioned heading out with We Are The Ocean on the German tour, what’s it like playing in those different countries where you’re likely to encounter a language barrier or where it’s unfamiliar places? It’s awesome to be in Europe, we went at the end of last year with Young Guns and it’s weird, you’ll find that all the promotional guys and the tech guys all speak really good
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Interviews
Fearless Vam
Lydia Swinburn
Killing ostriches, singing lions and rubbish footballers, Undertone catch up with the goth-pop five piece, Fearless Vampire Killers at Kerrang! Tour, and this is what they had to say;
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mpire Killers How does it feel to be on the Kerrang! Tour? (all): EPIC! Luke (drums): I feel like Bill Gates. Kier (vocals, guitar): I feel like someone really cool. Drew (bass): Who’s really cool? Laurence (vocals, guitar): We feel like, imagine you’re a local football player for Hornchurch in Essex, and then you get to play for Tottenham Hotspurs, because they’re Luke’s favourite. Luke: -nods- They are, yes. Laurence: Basically, we feel like a bad football player, who gets to be a good football player. Kier: But then they have to go back to being a bad one again after. (all): -laughHow has the tour been so far?
Kier: We’re playing most of it tonight actually, so people better like it. Who are your biggest influences in music? Kier: Let’s do one each! Let’s do the classics. Shane! Shane: Erm. Maiden. Iron Maiden. Luke: Aerosmith. Kier: Oooh, Aerosmith? Drew, go! Drew: Weezer, Muse, Manic Street Preachers. Kier: I’m going to pick Mika today. I like that one album he did. I used to do weights to it when I was in my room. Shane: Yeah, when you used to be a weightlifter. Laurence: Well I’m gonna say, Green Day, The Kinks, David Bowie, and Comeback Kid. If you weren’t vampire killers, what other creature would you fearlessly kill?
Kier: Awesome! We’ve been asked that a lot, but yeah it really is like a dream come true, because we do, without trying to sound a little bit pathetic, work our fucking tits off to get where we are. You know what I mean? It’s not just like last week we were like “Yeah let’s be in a band and get on the Kerrang! Tour!” It was 6/7 years ago, we thought, yeah we might like to play in a band, and eventually you just get to do it. So you know. And we party! Luke: I have lost so much stuff... My important stuff. Laurence: Yes, the most important stuff! -laughsLuke: I’ve lost my wallet, and I lost my coat. That’s why I’m rocking the bodywarmer today. (all): -laugh-
Shane: Trolls. Drew: Badgers. Luke: Birds. I don’t like birds. Kier: Yeah, he doesn’t like birds so we’d have to get rid of them. But that would be the animal kind, not the girl kind. He likes the girl kind. (all): -laughLaurence: So yeah, birds. Fearless Ostrich Killers. Kier: They’d be well easy to kill aswell ‘cause they’ve got thin necks! So you could just “snap” done. Drew: But they’re really fast! Kier: Just take them down.
You recently released your debut album, Mitilia Of The Lost, how was the reception for that?
Laurence: America. Kier: America. Yeah, let’s say America. Luke: Austrailia. Kier: Well, you can all be in Austrailia, but I can’t because of my drug habit. I tried to join Tonight Alive! and they kicked me out, so now I have a drug habit. So they’re gonna be in Austrailia having a good time. Shane: Killing birds. [Yeah, aren’t ostriches from Austrailia?] Laurence: I think they’re from America... Kier: Emu’s! They’re Emu’s. Laurence: Yeah that’s it. Kier: We’re Emu’s. Emu’s!
Kier: It was really good! We got up to 31 in the Rock Charts in the first week of release, that was good. Luke: Then it dropped straight down! -laughsDrew: We were better than Marilyn Manson that week! So he can sod off. Kier: Yeah, it did have a good crack. Laurence: It got good reviews, we got 4 K’s in Kerrang! Kier: YEAH! Everyone likes it, it’s fucking great! Shane (guitar): I don’t like it. Laurence: Normal people like it.
Where do you see yourselves in the next year?
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Interviews If you could tour with any band, who would it be and why? Kier: Black Veil Brides. Luke: We are touring with them... Laurence: Yeah but that was one of the big ones. Kier: Other than that, Green Day. Luke: Aerosmith. Drew: I think we’d go down really well with Oasis. Kier: One of Oasis is on catering for this tour. If you could swap lives with one of your band members who would it be and why? Laurence: Luke, because he’s just so happy about everything. Kier: Yeah, he doesn’t care about anything. I’d probably pick Laurence. ‘Cause he’s the other singer, so I’d still get to sing. Drew: I’d be Shane. Kier: Being Shane would be rubbish! I’d kill myself if I was Shane. Shane: I should probably kill myself. You’re handed a book, you start to read it to realise it’s about your life; Do you read it to the end? Laurence: I wouldn’t. Kier: Nah, I wouldn’t, that would be a rubbish thing to do! Drew: I’d read it halfway through. I’d read what
had already happened so I could remember what happened. That’s what I’d do. Kier: Have you ever seen Supernatural? He reads a book like that. If you could be a Disney character, who would you be and why? Laurence: Aladdin. Kier: I think I’d be Scar from The Lion King. He’s a badass motherfucker. And he’s got a really interesting voice in that song he does. Shane: I’d be Felix from Wreck It Ralph. What are your plans for the future? Kier: Well, hopefully we’re gonna play a gig at some point! Drew: We’re going to plan for more future. Laurence: We’re going somewhere special to record the new album. Kier: Yeah! There’s gonna be a whole load of that, and we’re gonna release some comic books. Laurence: And loads of books. Kier: We’re gonna release a film. This year. You can quote me on that! I didn’t say how long it’ll be though... It might be made of music videos aswell. So yeah. That! (all): -laughFearless Vampire Killers are set to release their second album “Exposition: The Five Before The Flames” on March 11th.
Features
“So, what music do you Katrina Quick like?”
You’re outside a club with a guy you’ve been full on snogging with for what seems like hours. He’s really hot and you’re hoping that this will go somewhere. You’re sat on the hard, cold floor in the freezing cold wind outside the club trying to look as attractive as possible whilst your hair blows wildly about. There’s a bit of an awkward silence whilst you both try to find a conversation starting point. Hot guy: “So.......What kind of music do you like?” PANIC PANIC PANIC You: “eeeerm EVERYTHING” Hot guy: “right........” (leaves as quickly as he can)
Images: Flickr: photosteve101, HikingArtist.com
BRILLIANT Asking someone their favourite type of music is the worst thing you could ever do. Ask a stranger as an experiment and watch the intense fear in their eyes. I think the reason people panic is because that question involves an unbelievable amount of social pressure. What if they judge you as lame and embarrassing or even worse a weirdo??! For many, the first thing that springs to mind are the guilty pleasures of Taylor Swift or One Direction, the embarrassing secrets that you want to hide from everyone who you want to love you. Your parents are an exception in this, as they listen to Heart radio
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and stuff from the dinosaur ages. Around parents you can pretend to be a music god because they don’t know any better. Unless you have a “young” mum or dad who dresses like a teenager and goes clubbing, in which case you probably can’t. Secretly you love Heart radio station and Taylor Swift but NO ONE MUST EVER KNOW THIS. So what is the perfect answer to this terrifying question? There isn’t one. In my experience, I find it best to be yourself and think before answering of the bands/genres of music that you genuinely enjoy. If you answer with confidence and perhaps a small amount of aggression, you gain their respect. If the hot guy you’ve been kissing has a different taste in music to you, try and find some other common ground. Pets? Siblings? Art? Food? I personally enjoy this question: “If you were a food what would you be and why?” (Interchangeable with animals.) If it’s a hopeless case and you’re from different planets altogether, just snog some more and never speak again after the night is over. Plenty more fish in the sea.
The sound of.. My mad fat diary. Ashley Chalmers. Reviews Editor.
E4s hit TV show 'My Mad Fat Diary' will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride and an awesome 90's themed musical one too. The latest comedy drama to hit our screens about an emotionally unstable, music-mad sixteen year old called Rae Earl has been at the forefront of our TV-induced emotional breakdowns recently, perfectly portraying the painfully relatable hardships of being a teen. Set in the mid nineties it is a aesthetic blast from the past. But the soundtrack. The soundtrack. It is colossal, jampacked full of our 90’s alt-rock favourites, as well as house, acoustic and brit-pop. A soundtrack SO GOOD, that even Sharon Rooney who plays Rae says she “LOVED IT.” Rae, advocate for all things Oasis, Charlatans, Pulp and definitely NOT Babylon Zoo finds music as a release; an interest that diverts her from her frantic mind and anxieties. Like a lot of us, Rae uses music as an escape and a way to find common ground with those deemed “Normal.”
the gems that have been buried deep beneath the rocks of new sound for the past 20 years. It proves that as wonderful as new music is, there is no harm and shame in appreciating what was truly great. Let us not forget, the foundations of what we hear today are often influenced from the sounds of 10, 20 or 30 years ago. Let us go back to the start and musically educate ourselves with the greats. Starting with the 90s. Want to hear it all over again? Head to Spotify, download the E4 app and listen away! All of the tracks from each and every episode are listed, ready to be listened to for your enjoyment.
The thing about this soundtrack is that we all know the songs – we’ve heard them a million times over, but there’s something about hearing them all together that leaves you stranded in this intense nineties haze and loving every second of it. The energy of Common People; cheekiness of Scooby Snacks and intensity of High and Dry all cart you through a musical journey of nostalgia. The way the music is crafted to every scene to perfectly set the mood is phenomenal and is what gives the show that extra added touch. In the final episode, Wild Wood by Paul Weller soulfully oozes its way from your telly sets to create this empathy for Rae when in her deepest and darkest state of mind. It works like a charm. For those who were not at the age to fully immerse themselves into the wonders of 90s music at the time, this is the perfect opportunity to uncover
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undertone's
Gig guide
So its your first time at a gig, and you just want some advice on how to have the best time. Or its your tenth time and you just suck at getting to the front. Luckily, theres help at hand! Katie Pathiaki. Assistant Editor.
Getting to the front
Lets face it; no one wants to be stood at the back while watching their favourite band. The daunting crowd may seem impenetrable, but don’t lose hope, there is a way to the front which doesn’t involve camping overnight or learning how to fly.
STEP 1: WEAVING.
As soon as you’re in the venue, use every available gap to squeeze into. Repeat
“I am a salmon swimming upstream”
and PUSH THROUGH. However, people tend to get angry about this method and stand in your way. There’s no budging a furious fangirl. Dead end. Continue to step 2.
STEP 2: JUMPING.
So, step 1 did not work, but don’t give up. There is a way through the brick wall of groupie girls who are causing you havoc. The support bands should be starting soon, and you can use this to your advantage. As soon as you hear the first strum of a guitar, jump like a crazy person. Even if you have never, ever heard the band before, fake sing the lyrics and jump around like they’re the reason you are alive. Soon, people will move out of your way. If not, give them the crazy eye. And move on to step 3.
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STEP 3: HIDE AND SEEK.
This method is fairly straightforward. It’s almost like a huge game of hide and seek, but with little intention of actually finding your friends. Close your eyes, count to 40 and run off. Commence the obnoxious shouting. “Oh my god where is my friend John?” “JESS WHERE ARE YOU?” … Oh, look! How convenient, the person RIGHT at the front is my friend! Use steps 1 and 2 to push to the front while apologising and explaining your ‘friend’ is just ahead. A good victim to choose would be someone with a noticeable feature. This will counterbalance the doubts people have of who you are actually walking to if you define that it’s the ‘boy in the hat’ or the ‘girl with green hair’. Pretending to be on the phone is also a convincing gesture. Also, if you can cry, then do. There’s nothing better than playing the sympathy card to get people to move out of your way.
STEP 4: WATER.
Right, none of the above has worked. And the band you’ve waited to see for years is nearly on stage. The second support group are just wrapping up, and everyone is sweaty. Maybe they need some water… Go and grab a couple of glasses from the bar. This technique is a combination of all of the above, except now you have two glasses of water in your hands. These are your weapons. Start weaving until you hit a block, then kindly explain that your friends were in a crazy mosh pit at the front and they need this water. Begin shouting random names of friends you don’t have. If the crowd fails to separate, knock your hand and splash a little water on them. They will jump straight out of your way. This plan works 99% of the time. Seriously. So persist with it until you’re as close as you can be, then do a good deed and actually give the water to a sweaty individual. Befriend them, and they will get over the fact that you pushed in front of them and will carry on to do so throughout the gig.
Buying merchandise
The worst thing you can do is wait until the end of the show to buy any kind of merch. Wristbands? Sold out. Posters? Gone. Tshirts? Well unless you are a small dog or Mount Everest, they will not fit you. Thanks to the advice given above, you now have no worries about how you are going to get to the front, so you have loads of time freed up before the gig to spend all the money you have ever earned on your favourite band’s merch. However, there’s one problem; where do you put all of this new booty? The simple solution is to wear it. Arrive to the gig half naked, or if you prefer, completely naked. Then kit yourself out with underwear, socks, trousers, t-shirts, hoodies, hats and wristbands until you are fully content with your outfit. Then you are free to go fourth and weave!
images: flickr: Haags Uitburo, kK+, IslesPunkFan
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Meeting the band.
Calm down. Yes, you may be able to meet the band without spending £500 on a VIP meet and greet ticket. But that doesn’t mean you can climb up on stage or try to sneak into their dressing rooms. There are three ways to meet band members, headliners and support acts:
1: TURN UP 12 HOURS EARLY
The doors don’t open until 7pm, so 7am is a perfect time to settle down at the entrance of the venue. Take some snacks, a blanket, and, if its raining, a tent or umbrella. The band has to set up the stage and start rehearsing, right? They might just talk to you if you’re blocking the stage doorway. Even if it is to ask you to move.
2: HANG AROUND AT THE END OF THE GIG.
Just like above, wait at the stage door of the venue. However, this time, you’re going to be sweaty, cold and tired. So the best thing to do is to bring a coat or two. If you are driving then keep the coats in the boot, if you aren’t then choose a suitable looking bush outside the venue and stash them in there for safekeeping… well, keeping. The only thing to do is to wait it out. Bands can take hours to leave a location. This can be a good thing, as the crowd starts to filter away once people get bored and go home. Just wait. They have to leave sometime. Stand right at the bus door. Right there. And wait.
3: GO TO A NEARBY PUB.
If spending the whole day waiting has tired you out, then going for a pint could be the best thing to do. Band members love a post-gig drink, and it’ quite likely that they will be visiting the closest pub like giraffe to a watering hole. Sit by the door, keep the rounds coming in, and maybe they’ll stumble in.
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Images: FLICKR: Little Phoenix ♥, Atriii
By following this guide, you are guaranteed to have the best time ever. Just practice all of the methods separately before you brave up and try combo moves.
{The gig code of conduct:} If you have long hair, TIE IT UP. No one is a fan of eating hair, especially when it isnt their own.
Keep your clothes on. Nothing worse than having someones sweaty back smeared all over your face.
Wear flat and appropriate shoes. Girls, do not wear heels. Its not a glamour show, Undertone 42
The Defamation of Strickland Banks. Long story cut short, I had a go at turning Plan Bs album into a more condensed form -A monologue. Enjoy! Ashleigh Rigden I remember when I was young and it was just me and my girl, fool in love... that was me (sighs). Always taking her out for a night on the town, giving her only the best, holding her close when we went to sleep. But there was that one time I just snapped at the littlest thing, that one time. How could I talk to a beautiful doll like that? Make her cry? Always knew my way around her though, wrapped around my little finger she was. I knew I had to apologise, told her she was the only one for me -as was I for her. I laid her down on the bed, you could guess the rest. That’s how my love goes down. But then it hit a dead end, we weren’t exactly over but the feeling that we were getting there was pretty clear. Talking turned to shouting and we tried to make everything okay, but nothing was going to change as we both wanted different things. She wanted a baby and I wanted a career. What was a bloke like me supposed to do? I felt like I was being unfair not wanting to have a baby with her, but I wasn’t ready to be a dad. I’m not fit enough to be a dad, too young and yes I am a bit selfish and can’t be bothered to just humour her. My mates took me out for a night on the pisser as I damn well deserved it. Knocking back all those shots and downing pint after pint, I was having such a sick time and rejected all the calls I got from my girl. It was my night out, not hers. My night where I had no one to look out for but myself. Then I noticed this hot blonde giving me the eye so I bought her a drink, went and sat with her and told her I was single. Our lips were locked together so I haled a cab and we found ourselves a cheap motel. Everything else after that was a bit hazy apart from the fact I cheated on my girl, it would take more than a few ‘I’m sorry’ flowers to make everything go away. Spoke to her the next day but all that came out my mouth was a load of bulls**t. Told her that she said she loved me so, that she was a fan of my music, I wasn’t thinking straight and that I was wasted at the time. My girl’s tears fell to the floor, her eyes were fixed on me like a murderers. Our life together was over because of my act foolishness. Shortly after I moved into a council estate flat in East London, heart completely broken but I only had myself to blame. One night walking back to my empty flat some mug jumped me, put a knife to my throat and demanded for the cash in my pocket. I agreed to his request, but living in East London I had to learn a bit of self-defence to protect myself if I needed it. So I punched him in the boll**ks and he fell to the ground. I don’t know what came over me, but I started kicking this mug’s head in, releasing all my
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anger that had built up. When I stopped I could hear sirens so I froze to the spot. The old bill. I looked down too see the mug lying in a pool of blood and not moving. ‘It was self-defence!’ I shouted in panic, but like the old bill said what proof did I have? Walking through the iron doors ‘Welcome to hell’ is what I heard them say, they told me to hold on tight to my cell. Prisoners looked delighted at the sight of fresh meat. Lord I know I’ve fallen so low, there’s no way out. So I put my brave face on, I can’t let them know that I’m scared because if they did find out I’m dead. Well life got a lot harder, these really were the hard times. It really felt like no one cared, I needed my girl more than ever before, but my selfish ways made me lose her forever. Going to be facing this one alone. Soon picked up a name for myself here at Strickland Banks. The Recluse, I wouldn’t leave my cell for nothing or no one. I would sit feeling sorry for myself in my cell; people wouldn’t let me get through my time without being all up in my face. Waiting to get out this cesspit jail and not moving from this patch, I didn’t want battle scars or to be a victim. They would all tell me to watch my back and thought I could be used as the new punching bag. I needed to do something or they would keep coming back for me, so I traded in my cigarettes for a tool to protect myself from these rats. I told myself to toughen up and survive this sh*t hole as life was waiting for me outside this jail. Didn’t really have anyone to talk to, so I prayed to the lord to help me in my time of need. Really did need him to take away all this pain and guilt. He came down to me in a way that was not so obvious, I don’t know if it was an angel or not but he grabbed me by the scruff of the neck, slammed me up against the wall and prised open my eyes to see that I didn’t have it so bad. Told me I was only here for five years and that he was here for life. He told me to go, go right now and get out of his sight, he didn’t want to see me moping around when I could be looking forward to freedom. Still felt like I was in the darkest place -not just in this cold cell, but in my mind. Gained some scars on my face when I didn’t exactly walk in here wanting any trouble. Heaven must be a myth, I killed him out of self-defence, so why did the Lord continue to play with my mind? (Voice rising) That angel he sent did not spread his wings and fly out of here, he’s stuck here till the day he dies. He must be a made up fictional character in the sky because God isn’t real, he’s just a sham. (Calms down) I knew I wasn’t guilty for the crime they were charging me with, I don’t deserve this sentence over my head as I only killed him out of self-defence. I didn’t want to be branded as a murderer, that’s not me. Time is such a precious thing as I’m getting older and waiting for my time to be up. Feels like a part of my life has been taken away from me. I don’t deserve this so take these chains away from me and set me free. But being here did give me time to think about what I did to my girl. I knew what I did was bad, but if I ever saw her again, I’d sing her the song I wrote for her. That song that would tell her how much I loved her, how I wanted to have her back in my life and that I would never let her go. But right now I’m up in the courts and it’s like de-javu with all these faces staring down at me. It was the same room, but the judge and the jury have changed and my girl’s not up in the gallery showing support. She’s probably long gone and moved on away from the torrid relationship I had subjected her to. Waiting for an answer is taking its toll, I been sat here for hours but feels like years, are they going to set me free or lock me up? It hurts waiting to hear your own fate. I’ve got to the stage where I don’t care what happens to me! Just tell me what you’re going to do!
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Reviews
Biffy Clyro, Opposites. Ashley Chalmers. Reviews Editor. Kilmarnock rockers Simon Neil, James Johnston and Ben Johnston have stormed their way to the top of the UK Album charts for the first time, with their 6th studio album ‘Opposites’. The two-disc extravaganza has proven to be a personal best for Biffy Clyro, who formed 18 years ago in 1995. It seems an age, and if their band was a baby it would be old enough to drink legally. But much like any fine wine or whisky, Biffy Clyro has improved with age, and their triumph ‘Opposites’ has emulated this. Two discs of polar opposites, disc one: ‘The Sand at the Core of Our Bones,’ has been formulated to portray thoughts and emotions in the deepest and darkest possible way, whereas disc two: ‘The Land at the End of Our Toes,’ tells the story in a lighter, more positive light. Why? The idea of problem vs. antidote changes our entire outlook on life. We all have thoughts and problems but it takes strength to see the dark in another light – a concept that Biffy Clyro cleverly transforms into song, creating a relatable album for anyone who listens to it. The first song on the album ‘Different People’ is the perfect introduction to the journey you are about to embark on with ‘Opposites.’ Although lyrically, the song is about changing identity and personal struggle, it has an energy that is excitable – with a fast tempo and a hypersonic, multi-textured track that excites you into hearing more. In high contrast, the following track ‘Black Chandelier’ is more despondent, where emotion is the key instrument. The melody is built up around the lyrics, gaining texture in the chorus to add angst and desperation, emphasising the feeling of being torn apart as the lyrics “We’re gonna separate
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ourselves tonight,” suggests. The sixth song ‘Biblical’ has a euphoric vibe to it, as the incorporation of synths intertwined with heavy guitars adds a new dynamic that would sound incredible at a festival (Reading 2013 anyone?) The addition of group vocals creates an impact that charges you into a music induced adrenaline surge. I think the vocals used draw similarities to the group vocals used on the song ‘Kings and Queens’ by 30 Seconds to Mars. ‘Little Hospitals’ is full of angry energy. It tells a story through a cynics eyes “All cow shit and angels too, look around it’s the bestest view” and it is quite comical! The final lyrics “When you leave I doubt I’ll remember you...” is more resonant of the true meaning of the song. The facade of “forgetting” a loved one is a face that we all front, making the song more relatable. Disc one ends with ‘The Thaw,’ which draws similarities to their previous hit ‘Many of Horror’ from their Only Revolutions album. This is not necessarily a bad thing, and is the perfect song to end the first half of their musical marvel. The slow start of a simple textural arrangement is transformed into this epic heartfelt cry, where the violins are incorporated to give this massive orchestral feel to the end. The second disc kicks off with ‘Stingin’ Belle,’ which is full of motivation and encouragement, pulling you out of the dumps that ‘The Sand at the Core of Our Bones,’ had pushed you into previously. “Grow some balls and speak your mind,” urges Simon, so sit up and listen! The use of bagpipes towards the end section are an awesome added touch because it shows the band are proud of their roots and despite being on their sixth album and entering their 18th year together, they are still in touch with their true identity.
‘Modern Magic Formula’ follows on, guns a’blazing – full pelt with directives and thrashing guitars that hit you into shape. Heavy going, “All we need is a magic formula, a whole new backbone is what we’re looking for,” the lyrics are blunt and to the point. Signifying a “Tough love” approach, it seems Biffy Clyro are taking on new roles as Life Coaches! ‘Spanish Radio’ – the most unique song on the entire album is cheeky with the Mariachi brass wheezing its Mexican way into the song. “I’ve got a heart, I’ve got a reason, to love you all, every single person!” exclaims Neil, bringing a completely different attitude and lightening up the feel of the album. ‘Trumpet or Trap’ has an almost Red Hot Chilli Pepper feel as it starts, but then the thick Scottish accent and traditional trademark of orchestral strings stamps Biffy Clyro all over it. Simon’s vocals are utilised as an instrument and grooves in and out with the guitar. It is a great example of the strong unity between the band members. What is great about this album is that it is obvious Biffy Clyro were not afraid to take risks with it. It is obvious that they didn’t hold back – emotionally or creatively. The binding together of other influences with their traditional sound is a risk that was
worth taking, as it has somewhat pushed the quality of their music even higher. Bagpipes, Mariachi brass and synths are all a welcomed addition to Biffy Clyro’s new sound, particularly in the song ‘Skylight.’ Unlike anything heard before from the band, an artistic, intergalactic masterpiece – the slow tempo and simple arrangement has given them the room to splatter their creative flare all over it and it sparkles and glitters amongst the seemingly darker tracks of the first album. Comparing the two discs, the second seems more adventurous and it is not surprising. ‘The Land at the End of Our Toes,’ is all about changing and becoming something or someone newer and better than before, and their music shows this. Props to the band for being able to stick with each other for as long as they have! Three minds over 18 years change and grow in different ways, and to be able to make it work and incorporate all three different inputs to create such a masterpiece is rather commendable. Taking new chances but keeping true to their style and form, Biffy Clyro’s ‘Opposites’ is a well rounded work of art which has set an incredibly high bench mark for the future music of 2013. Mon The Biff.
Everything Everything, Mallory Knox, Elly Rewcastle. Editor. Signals Arc Hailing from a scene currently blossoming with “Arc” finds Everything Everything on generally firmer ground than their debut, if still a bit shaky around the edges. Thematically it sees the band intent on informing of just how terrifying (and even worse, inescapable) the future of the human race is. With this apocalyptic hue in mind, it’s bleak from the outset. Opener “Cough Cough” fills every inch of its space with rolling, tribal drums and soaring post- rock guitars and synths in the chorus, whilst the lyrics concern paranoia and claustrophobia. On “Kemosabe”, a bright but distant electro ballad, frontman Jonathan Higgs wails “It doesn’t matter if everyone dies.” Things draw to a mournful summit on “The Peaks”, a deeply moving ghost of a song which features such unnerving assertions as “I’ve seen more towers come down than children grow old.” There a handful of great songs here, but the problem with “Arc” is that, for all its moving prophesising it still feels too jittery and like it’s standing on hot coals to ever really feel like a completely comfortable piece of work. Everything Everything need to find somewhere to settle and take a breath before embarking on their next musical journey.
Jack Mckeever,
I just felt like I was listening to the same song over. and over. and over. and over. again.” - Katie Pathiaki. Assistant Editor.
unique British rock from the likes of Don Broco and We Are The Ocean, Mallory Knox are bringing forward the front line attack on the music scene with their punchy contemporary rock. Although it’s sitting on the fence between the safety of the established mould and something outstanding, ‘Signals’ is a great first crack at the debut. Single ‘Lighthouse’, downloaded over 90,000 times as iTunes ‘Single of the week’, is a prime example of Mallory Knox’ infectious melodies. Although with a shine of potential there are a few tracks with a stand out arrogance, mainly spotted in tracks like ‘Wolves’ where the heavier riffs try to match the pace of the much more hand crafted beauty found in ‘Hello’, the standout track of the album. Even so, with a massive weight on their shoulders and an expectation to match the quality of material produced across the country, Mallory Knox do a good job at crossing the finish line in style with ‘Creeper’ as their closing number. Much like a sandwich without the butter, it still tastes as good but it doesn’t match up with the rest of the deli.
“Whatever you do don’t buy this album because it will encourage them to make another one.” - Jack Mckeever
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Reviews Coheed and Cambria, The Afterman: Descencion It would be a bit farfetched to suggest that Coheed and Cambria have never really cared what people think about them, but at the same time the cultish aura and enigma they’ve created around their selfabsorbed narrative is something that the casual listener may feel intimidated by. It’s fair to say that the casual listener may find more respite on “The Afterman: Descencion”, despite the fact that it contains some of the most barmy things they’ve ever done. “Number City” is unashamedly both the poppiest thing they’ve ever written and the most bonkers, with its incorporation of Nintendo- esque synths and brass instrumentation. Adding to the pleasant listening for the unaccustomed ear are equally as sugary tracks like “Away We Go” and “2’s my favourite 1.” In the meantime, “Key Entry Extraction V: Sentry the Defiant” can count itself proudly as one of the heaviest, most epic things the band have ever written. It might be hard to find something so idiosyncratic thrilling all the way through, and there are certainly tracks on here that struggle to maintain attention musically. But as always, Coheed and Cambria do moving exceptionally well sometimes, and some of this album absolutely soars.
Jack Mckeever,
Foals, Holy Fire Jack Mckeever Foals’ transgression further and further into the big time has seemingly been one that is absolutely accidental, but also one that is completely necessary. The mathy, polyrhythmic intellect of their debut “Antidotes” could only take them so far, and on their third album “Holy Fire” it finally becomes concrete that huge, life affirming anthems are what they do best. “Holy Fire” is most mature and wholesome the Oxford quintet have ever sounded. The unfathomably clever musicianship is still there, but here it’s used to propel these anthems in field- filling bangers. The stomping riff that explodes all over the chorus of lead single “Inhaler” is nothing short of incendiary. “Bad Habit” unfurls into one of the most beautiful, soaring songs the band have ever written, and “Late Night” transforms from “Kid A”- era Radiohead subtlety to a bombastic climax. “Holy Fire” combines the experimentalism of Radiohead and shimmering epic guitar scapes of U2 into straight up anthems more than it recalls previous influences like Battles or Don Caballero, but it’s still undeniably a Foals album. This is them straightening up their sound and finding cores and real heart in their music that can be both understood and is truly palpable.
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The Head start, tonight come what may Lydia Swinburn The Headstart are a poppunk four piece based in Wakefield, and have currently released their debut album, “Tonight, Come What May” produced by John Mitchell. (You Me At Six, My Passion.) However, The Headstart aren’t just your average three chord playing poppunk band, their album is the perfect mix of catchy tunes, and even acoustics. Slow songs like “Bringing It Back” and “The Story Begins” are evened out with fast paced ones like “Light It Up” and “Feels Like Home.” Gang vocals, up-beat chorus’, and harmonies, Tonight, Come What May is an all-round feel good album with positive vibes; the hard work that went into creating it certainly shows. James “Shimmy” Shimeld sings uplifting lyrics like “We came here to represent and stand up for what we believe in.” A lot of the lyrics seem to be aimed at the fans, it’s clear they work hard for their fanbase and it’s well deserved. The Headstart are certainly set for big things in the future. The band are supporting Futureproof on a 5 date tour across the UK in March, see theheadstart.bigcartel.comfor tickets.
Local Natives, Hummingbird Ashley Chalmers, Reviews Editor. Effortlessly cool, silky smooth and very, very easy on the ears. Hailing from Silver Lake, LA, their music has a certain indieCalifornia feel, wrapping each and every tune in sepia tones. The harmonies that echo throughout the album Hummingbird, are a perfect, heart grabbing dynamic, teamed with clean guitars and percussion to form a new and exciting twist on Folk music. Unexpectedly, Hummingbird shows the band are moodier and darker than you’d expect from an Orange County quartet. Take ‘Black Spot’ as an example. Starting with piano in minor, it instantly sets the mood. A simple arrangement of piano and Taylor Rice’s flawless falsetto which then slowly builds up into this multitextured emotional breakdown at the end – it is beautiful to hear unfold. ‘Breakers’ brings up the pace straight after and brings you into a new, breezy haze of happiness. Adding the sunny California that you would expect and appreciate from the band, it is a good indicator of what the band are musically capable of – controlling the emotion and mood of their listener like it’s child’s play. The seamless transitions between sections of songs and intricate interlinking of guitars, vocals and percussion give Hummingbird that extra zest. It is commendable for a band to be able to take traditional folk values and bring it into their own, and Hummingbird by Local Natives is a perfect example of exactly that.
Justin Bieber, Believe Acoustic Katie Pathiaki, Assistant Editor
The first word which pops into your mind when describing Justin Bieber probably isn’t ‘talented’. It may not even be the tenth word you’d prefer to use. However, once you’ve listened to this album once over, JB will have won your favour. While the 2012 release Believe saw fit for the summer sun, winter stormed along so fast, fans barely got to enjoy the fast paced beats and energetic drops of the album. But never fear, JB had a brilliant plan up his sleeve; to create Believe again. Initially this may not sound too thrilling. However, Justin took a huge step into manhood with this album. Stripping all songs to their core, just guitars and vocals, was a big move. It reminded everyone just how JB was found in the first place, amongst the talent show that is YouTube. Starting with the breakthrough track Boyfriend, Justin introduces himself as a completely new artist. Leaving all of the starspangled backing music and eccentric guests behind, the track is completely stripped down and reworked into something beautiful. The second track, As Long as You Love Me, is the same sort of deal, there’s not an artificial, tacky dub beat or drop in sight. The track sounds so personal in comparison to the original on Believe that 14 year old girls everywhere will be swooning over JB more so than they were before, and just in time for Valentines Day, right? Dumping Nicki Minaj, for the better, Justin turns Beauty and the Beat into a love song, rather than a party song. And unfortunately, to all fans of the home-made style video, the acoustic version does not lip sync along... Too bad. They seem to be off of two different worlds, the acoustic showing true passion and talented acoustics, while the party-video is so laid back and care free. Going down a few octaves, and again ditching the poppy club beats, She Don’t Like The Lights shows it’s true meaning. Written about his mother, Justin shows her that he really means every word, emphasising every quiver in his voice and putting his all into the chords.
Already being an acoustic track, Be Alright initially raised the question: ‘How can anyone make an acoustic song more… acoustic?’ Well, Bieber has many talents, and he proves to make the task simple by swapping the guitar for a piano. And, as we are all aware, pianos are just the best at making you feel emotionally fragile. Fall however doesn’t pull the transition off so smoothly, exchanging guitar for… guitar. The song sounds basically the same, possibly slightly slower, but almost identical. New track, Yellow Raincoat, rumoured to be written about his ex Selena Gomez, shows JB in a new light. Singing from experience, his lyrics show how fame has treated the young star. “’cause the fame and the money and the girls will drive you crazy” From track 1-9 Justin has exceeded all expectations by creating this incredible album, proving to the non‘beliebers’ that he really is, talented. However, once you pass onto track 10, JB seems to retrograde, sounding just like his first album, which will appeal to at least one audience, but hinders any new listeners from appreciating his matured voice, shown in this album. Whether you’re a fan of the pop, energetic something or something sounds of Justin Bieber, everyone has something they can appreciate hidden within this album.
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Reviews
Bullet For MY Valentine, Temper Temper
Elly Rewcastle, Editor.
Bullet are back and are ready to rip us a new one. After a 3 year hiatus, the legendary men of 21st century metal are back and they’re back with a brand new level of fury. Temper Temper, is the fifth studio album from the Welsh metal legends and it’s packed full of both the Bullet we love and the Bullet they’ve become over those three years. However, it has been a good while since the band sat proudly at the top seat of the metal dining table. There’s been a change in the winds since then, that has watched as the music scene where Bullet found their feet back in 2005 with debut The Poison, warp their way into a cross-genre, British invasion. It’s madness I tell you, madness. Korn hooked up with dubstep mastermind Skrillex, You Me At Six are rapidly becoming Britain’s signature takeover band and the waterfall of outstanding British talent amongst the likes of While She Sleeps, Your Demise and We Are The Ocean. Opener ‘Breaking Point’ brings the album around into full swing; managing to bring back some of that Bullet we’ve missed. Heavy riffs, thunderous drums and the traditional Tuck-screech present a fraction of what we saw in 2010’s Fever but doesn’t quite reach the peak that’s expected from an album that’s taken nearly 36 months to complete. Follow up, ‘Truth Hurts’ carries that same missed expectations. Although it’s got much more of that Fever edge that threw Bullet
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into the immediate limelight earning them sold out shows at Wembley and main stage slots at the prestigious Reading and Leeds festivals. Title track ‘Temper Temper’ opens with some ferocious heavy kit work and a riff that just screams original Bullet style. A flash into the past comes when both ‘P.O.W’ an acronym that isn’t fully understood to the average human as of yet, and following track ‘Dirty Little Secret’. Both take on a much more relaxed pace reminiscing back of how true Bullet tracks like ‘All These Things I Hate’ and the groundbreaking ‘Bittersweet Memories’ ‘Leech’ unfortunately brings the album down entirely. Over simple lyrics bring the entire album down a notch in what seems like an almost pathetic attempt on Matt Tuck’s behalf to make the album much more successful than it’s predecessor. It’s an attempt most definitely that fails beyond comparison to anything else and it’s mournful that Bullet have been stretched so much on the album to produce tracks that match up to ‘Fever’, that they’ve resorted to filler tracks. It does however pick straight back up by the time ‘Riot’ comes around. A much more instinctive and natural flare, the steady guitar work builds up throughout the song before peaking on a wonderfully executed guitar solo and that signature Tuck scream to abruptly end the track. Towards the end of Temper Temper it seems that over and over again, Bullet just give off the impression that they’re trying way too hard. The need for a kick ass record to welcome the legends of the 21st century UK metal scene is an obvious goal but by the time the album reaches ‘Saints ‘n’ Sinners’ it’s peaked and just can’t seem to stay up at that level. It’s like a hot air balloon that’s quickly starting to deflate and will soon fall to the rocky depths of some wild and out of control ocean.
Next up ‘Tears Don’t Fall (Part 2)” has to be one of the better surprises when the tracklisting was first released. A real flash back into the past all the way back to 2007 where the foundations of the Bullet phenomena were well and truly cemented in place and the Bridgend quartet ere well on their way to metal victory. Although it’s not a mere re-recorded, re-vamped version of one of their biggest tracks, it’s a concluding section that doesn’t quite match up to everything it could be were it part of the 2006/2007 The Poison era that all Bullet fans know and love, regardless of when their tastes in the band began. Final track ‘Livin’ Life (On The Edge of a Knife)’ admittedly has the best thing about it in it’s name. Unfortunately once you get passed the name the track is lost beneath the previous and it’s a hard to stick in the head song. Maybe not the ideal choice for the closing
Funeral For a Friend, Conduit Elly Rewcastle. Editor. Funeral For a Who? Exactly. What was once an established, exciting Welsh rock band, controlling audiences across the country way back in 2003 with their smashing debut Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation, is now a band only just breaking themselves back onto the music scene. Plagued with missing guitarist and swapping drummers in between trying to replace an unhappy bassist Funeral For A Friend have had a fussy time when it comes to their line-up. Happily plodding along making their way through mediocre albums that are nowhere near anything in comparison to the debut that shot them from DIY garage band to international success. It’s back onto Conduit though where the real Funeral For A Friend return to the ears of the UK. With a nice exciting twist on the original sound that everyone fell in love with, tracks like ‘The Distance’ laced with a heavy pop-punk influence and opener ‘Spine’ which couldn’t have been a better decision to open with, have such a flare of the original Funeral For A Friend that it feels like everything in between 2003 and 2012 just don’t matter anymore.
“He sounds like a happier version of Lemar. I think I’d love to listen to this in the shower” - Katie Pathiaki. Assistant Editor.
track, it’s intro offers some aggressive introduction with constant and relentless kit work and a steady riff that eventually teams up with traditional Tuck vocals. Overall Temper Temper is a good crack at an album after being gone for over 3 years. With the success Bullet have had previously in their career it’s doubtful that the Welsh metallers will get stuck at a wall too tall to climb over. They still remain at the throne of the metal world of the last two decades and Fever certainly still holds a place in the hearts of many metal fans worldwide. The brilliance of the 2010 album however will continue to cast a shadow over any Bullet future release until they manage to whip up an album to blow it out of the water.
Delphic, Collections Ashley Chalmers. Reviews Editor. Delphic breathed a fresh new taste of electro pop into our musical lives with their debut single ‘Counterpoint’ in April 2009. Since, a synth-ridden feature album in the form of ‘Acolyte’ was released and welcomed. Pioneers of skipping beats, drum machines and slices of guitar, Delphic had cemented their genre in one go. So what makes their latest creation ‘Collections’ any different to their original sound? Rather than taking a supersonic stance on their music, with up-tempo, pulsating electro beats all the way through as seen in their previous album, their music seems to be in a more cruisecontrol state. Bringing the pace down a notch, the band have created more space to experiment. With dashes of dubstep and R&B vibes and pulling more focus on to vocal tricks than backing tracks; ‘Collections’ is awash with multi-textured tracks that are difficult to pinpoint. Clashing together multiple genres in one track seems to be the way with this album, and it works with tracks like Baiya and Of The Young, however it is difficult to say whether the album packs a punch. The music seems a bit confused and there’s an expectation for songs to deliver an energy but they just don’t quite reach the level. However it’s a perfect listen for chilling in the summer by a beach or in the park, much like Passion Pit’s ‘Gossamer’ or Friendly Fire’s ‘Pala’.
“the kind of album that’s perfect to accompany a long train ride. Soft, mellow and just nice. Like melted chocolate.” - Elly Rewcastle. Editor.
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Reviews
bring me the horizon sempiternal Emily Reason. Introducing Assistant Editor. As expected, Bring Me The Horizon’s decision to alter their sound from 2010’s ‘There is a Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen it. There is a Heaven, Let’s Keep it a Secret’ has caused quite an uproar with their fans. The refreshing experimentation is impressively amplified here, this could be seen as a game changer that will easily alter or at least question any negative perception of the band. Some could say this is a new birth of Bring Me The Horizon, their passion shines through the range of different tracks throughout the album. The majority of songs tend to hold a much softer tone compared to Bring Me’s older songs, such as Chelsea Smile that pretty much scream throughout the entire thing. Since Bring Me The Horizon released their first EP in the October of 2004, frontman Oli Sykes, bassist Matt Kean, guitarist Lee Malia and drummer Matt Nichols along with an interchanging number of guitarists, have delivered album after album of new, changing and yet unmissable material, even for the people who don’t think they are their cup of tea. Bring Me the Horizon, musically, have always stood as being very harsh and strong, holding melodic but blistering riffs, despite bands members coming and going. The Yorkshire quintet have remained upholding the reputation for their melodious synth sections and aggressive band shouts. Bring Me The Horizon’s seemingly signature sound consists of frontman Oli Sykes screaming incoherently into a microphone with an onslaught of messy guitar and drums to accompany it all. However, this new album stands apart from that with songs such as Sleepwalking, Shadow Moses and Can You Feel My Heart that seem to be much softer, not like the band’s previous work. This is the first album to feature keyboardist Jordan Fish and is the last to feature guitarist Jona Weinhofen, who announced his departure from the band towards the beginning of the year.
Is this the start of a change in Bring Me the Horizon? Can You Feel My Heart opens the album extremely well. Sleepwalking seems to be a flashback into the past,and sees Oli Sykes’ vocals at full intensity. Such ferocity emphasizes the song’s emotional impact, almost giving the listener a way in to the lyricism. The band have expanded musically more than ever too. A string orchestra and choir are used to build up layers throughout all the songs. It has also been said across the media that the time taken to write all the lyrics had been stretched out, to make them as perfect as possible, letting the messages shine through to attract the attention of their existing fans, and new comers. Sempiternal will certainly have lived up to the expectations of their fans. It’s exciting and a hugely favourable release. It sounds like nothing will stop them in their footsteps anytime soon.
See you in april!