Manifesto #26 May/June 2012 by manifestosunderland

INSIDE WIN TICKETS TO FUTUREHEADS & THE RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS

MAY/JUNE ISSUE 26

PHOTO IAN WEST

THE FUTUREHEADS

FREE NEWS / REVIEWS / NATASHA HAWS / LISTINGS / SUNDERLAND LIVE www.manifestosunderland.com

WWW.COLDPLAY.COM

EDITORIAL

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16 NATASHA HAWS

PHOTO CAROLINE BRIGGS

04 | Editorial We get the word from our over-excited, over-indulged NE music fondling editor EH.

14 | Evolution Emerging We take a look at Evolutions far cooler sister and give you the bill broken down!

21 | Reviews:LIVE We raised the roof and took over The Sage. Take a look at our top picks from 2 months of stellar gigs.

06 | Guest Editor Our GE pages are once again blessed by the ramblings of Mackem music monarchs. 09 | Local News Announcements/ Releases/ Bunker Dance/ Sunderland Live

16 | Local Interview Renowned for her on-stage craic, we caught up with everyone’s favourite Haw ahead of the Minster

12 | This Month Meet two local lads doing their bit to promote Live Music in the NE

18 | Reviews:CD 23 | Gotcha! A diverse set of EP’s, albums and singles See if our writers spotted you getting from across the region. your gig on!

13 | Spotlight On Introducing Bison Hunting and Ben Watson

24 | Listings Our low-down on the biggest gigs throughout May/June 26 | The Fix Nathan rants as only Nathan can. Something about horses and cups?

EDITORIAL

HOWE-DO PHOTO IAN WEST

ISSUE 26 Well then! I must say these last two months are going to be pretty tough to top. I attended some of the biggest and best gigs since my time involved in local music began back in the day. ‘Surely it hasn’t been that long Emma’, I hear you cry, ‘you look so bloody young’.

Thanks! But really, from Ajimal and Nadine Shah teaming up to leave me emotionally wrecked to Mr Longstaff living up to all expectations at a sold out Sage, I have shared some great moments with many of you throughout March and April. I have a sneaky feeling that the happy stick will continue to beat us mercilessly with a collection of gigs and events in May & June to make us as submissive as my mam around Steve Calder. I want to say a huge thanks to Barry Hyde for representing The Futureheads and coming on board as this issue’s Guest Editor. I am aware Barry and co are very busy reading their hymn books in prep for the minster in May. Another joining them in confession at that ‘oh so special’ venue only a week before will be wor HawbagHaws. It’s a special moment for me personally to see Ms.Haws grow from the wobbly 16 year old I watched playing covers in a buskers only 12 months ago. If you don’t have your tickets yet, your daft, if you do, bring tissues. Back to the Issue as I wipe a wry tear from the eye; We have some fantastic pages for you to feast on this issue with our usual news and views from a great team of writers. We have some corkers in our CD and Live reviews and I am truly excited to give you all the low-down on what is going to be a fantastic Evolution Emerging in 2012. If the line-up is just too good and you’re not sure where and who you should be heading to see, we have a few recommendations from the peeps who actually helped to select the bill. Make sure you check out our new Gotcha! page, we may have found you in a compromising position at some gigs recently. If you have any embarrassing pictures of your mates at local gigs and a brief description to send in, please get in touch. I promise not to mock too much.

E.H

Emma Howe - Editor

EDITOR

GUEST EDITOR THE FUTUREHEADS DESIGN Rare Bit rabbit@rare-bit.com WORDS Nic Wright, Ruth Edmundson, Nathan Wood, Seb & Liam, Emma Howe PHOTOGRAPHY Ian West, Caroline Briggs, Dan Robson, David Wala, Spurious Nonesense

www.manifestosunderland.com EMAIL info@manifestosunderland.com emma@manifestosunderland.com FACEBOOK ‘Manifesto Magazine‘ ONLINE EDITOR Nic Wright Manifesto Magazine 29 Stockton Rd Sunderland, SR2 7AQ RING Tel: 0191 567 1777

THE FUTU GUEST EDITOR

On their return home to the North East and with a gig at Sunderland Minster on the horizon to bookend a tour which presented fabulous new album Rant, our Nic Wright caught up with frontman Barry Hyde. NW: You’ve said recently that ‘Rant’ is a record you felt, after being together for a decade, you had to make for yourselves as a band. Was the primary intention to make an a cappella record, or just to do something different? BH: Well, haha, MY intention was to make the 5th album a musical about two sisters, one of which being a vampire called Malody. Her sister is a goodie two shoes called Melody -this is not a joke answer by the way- They each have boyfriends who are in bands, and those bands are deadly enemies. But believe it or not, the lads flatly refused to do it. Quite right they were too. That’s 9th album shit. We did want to find something different to do though, we didn’t need to go to such extremes. It was bloody hard though. Doing all that singing! Singing over loud guitar amplifiers has made us very very loud singers! Shout and shout some more! NW: There’s been a lot of new things going on for the band, between ‘Rant’, the birth of Hyde & Beast, taking up new instruments and re-introducing some older songs to your set; how has this affected the band, and do you think it will have an impact when it comes to writing new material?

BH: It’s good. As an old fart, to be able to fe feel like we’ve just come out of a salon! Sw the most fun thing you can do. We’ve realis much the entire world of acoustic instru stomping ground. The new stuff is soundin

NW: Has it been more challenging to do sh set-up?

BH: Yes. No. The banter is the most exhau We don’t sweat as much doing this so I gu shattered after the tour, still am to be fair. so much as near a plane. I’ve got van ‘lag

NW: The sort of shanties and chain-gang band really well; have you enjoyed bringin not have heard/appreciated it before?

BH: We feel very special when we sing thos a museum piece at that point. People resp mystery as to why they like it so much. It memory, or perhaps we are pretty thick an

UREHEADS GUEST EDITOR

eel refreshed about what you are doing. We wapping instruments on stage is probably sed that we have completely ignored pretty uments; it’s far vaster than our previous ng very exciting, but that’s for later.....

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songs in the modern age. They are perfect little songs. I wish I wrote them. I’ve said that before. NW: Are you looking forward to playing The Stadium of Light this summer? Will you be performing any a cappella tracks, and if so how do you think they’ll translate in such a huge space?

hows a cappella than with your ‘standard’

usting thing but the singing is tiring too. uess in some ways it’s easier going. I was I feel like I’ve got jetlag but I haven’t been g’.

BH: We want every show we do from now on to be special to us, we can’t wait for the Stadium gig and hope we can prepare something super good for that. The gigs over the water are very very important to the overall gradual positive shift that our lovely City is having. Bravo! NW: How do you think Ross feels about the gig, being a Man United fan?

songs on the new album seem to suit the ng that kind of music to people who might

BH: Ross supports Sunderland actually, he’s stopped supporting Man U because he realised he had the greatest team in the world in his home town. Now ENOUGH about football. Please.

se songs! They are artefacts really; it’s like pond very kindly to them but it’s a bit of a t must be something to do with ancestral nd can’t compete with the quality of these

Catch the lads at Sunderland Minster on May 12th and Stadium of Light with Red hot Chilli Peppers on Sunday 24th June. Words : NW

PHOTO IAN WEST

LOCAL NEWS

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BUNKER DANCE FUTUREBOX FESTIVAL @ ASHBROOKE CRICKET CLUB, 27/05/12 Ashbrooke Sports Club will be building on their reputation as advocates for the Mackem festival season as they host Sunderland’s first outdoor House Music Festival, Futurebox Festival. On May 27th Split’s home will open it’s doors to host some top dance acts kicking off the inaugural event with a big name headliner sure to draw the crowds. DJ and Producer Darius Syrossian will top the bill with acts such as Hot Since 82 and Michael McLardy heading to Wearside. Syrossian has ticked off every major club and festival on his way to becoming a global player in House Music. He is currently a core artist of Steve Lawlers VIVa family and his production skills have lead to releases on labels such as Get Physical, Area Remote, 8 Bit and own imprint Breakout Audio. Doors to the festival open at 1:30pm with the afterparty kicking off at Bar1 following the 10:30pm curfew. Standard Tickets are available for £10 with VIP Tickets costing £15 which includes free entry to BAR1. For more information go to futureboxfestival.com

Split Festival, the highlight of Sunderland’s musical calendar, will return bigger, better and tastier this year, between September 21st-23rd. The event’s fourth outing will now include an extra day, Free Film Friday, where a classic flick will be screened outside at its home, Ashbrooke Sports Ground. Expect the usual concoction of international music royalty, top local talent and side-splitting comedy. Sunderland Folk Festival will take over an additional marquee tent, and, in an especially welcome bit of news for the stomachs of the region, the food tent will be expanded, with an added bar service. Yum. The festival will also be part of Sunderland University fresher’s programme, and new students purchasing a freshers’ wristband will also gain entry. Natasha Haws is to launch her début EP in the historic, acoustically-stunning surroundings of Sunderland Minster. Saturday May 12th will see the chief Hawbag play alongside Reckoner and Arbeia, with several special guests lined-up to join her on stage. Those in attendance will be issued with a copy of Natasha’s EP, two days before its official release, as well as entrance to an after party, held at Plugged Inn, where guest DJs The Futureheads & Lilliput will be taking celebrations through to tiny, tiny hours. Tickets are now sold out but you can pre-order your EP from natashahaws.com now Speaking of Sunderland Minster and The Futurheads, Pop Sex Ltd will be continuing their fantastic showcase gig run with a very special homecoming show for the a capella kings. The Futureheads will play Sunderland Minster on Saturday 19th May with support from self-confessed hero worshiping The Lake Poets. One of the finest UK festivals for emerging talent, The Great Escape, finally announced their line-up at the end of April and it was hot-to-trot with NE bands who will be showing off the fine wealth of music across the region. Those heading South to wow include Hyde & Beast, Beth Jeans Houghton & the Hooves Of Destiny, Vinyl Jacket, Lulu James & Mausi.

Happy Birthday To You!

I wanted to take a second to say a big fat ‘appy birthday’ to big friends of ours, NARC Magazine! I couldn’t have a better way to hone my skills than for writing for Claire Dupree at NARC and I think all who write in local mags/blogs etc look to the publication as the benchmark for coverage of local music. So congrats to you all on your 6th Birthday and thanks for the great gig/birthday party last month that allowed you to show off just that little bit!

LOCAL NEWS

IT SOL KICKING OFF Not long to go now until nearly 200,000 punters descend onto Sunderland’s Stadium of Light to witness this year’s offering of gigs for what is proving to be the most exciting year since these huge gigs started in 2009. This years line up includes Brit award winners Coldplay who have confirmed two support acts for their forthcoming summer show on Thursday June 7th. The awardwinning group is set to storm Wearside as part of a massive four-venue summer tour, and will be opened by up and coming female vocalist Rita Ora, who is signed to JayZ’s Roc Nation label, with Swedish songstress Robyn, famous for hits such as ‘Show Me Love’ and ‘Be Mine’ taking the role of main support act. Meanwhile The ‘Boss’ is set to perform a chart topping album to lucky fans on Thursday 21st June. Bruce Springsteen released new album ‘Wrecking Ball’ earlier in the year to go straight in at the top of the official UK Album Chart, outselling the likes of Emeli Sande and Adele to assume the number 1 spot. But, the biggest news of all, is kept for our very own The Futureheads, who are support for American giants Red Hot Chili Peppers on Sunday 24th June 2012. The four local lads, have a long association with the football club, having previously graced the Stadium of Light in May 2005, performing a live set prior to the final game of the 2004-05 season, as the Black Cats lifted The Championship trophy. Their top 20 single ‘Beginning of the Twist’ is blasted out before every home game as Sunderland’s players walk out onto the pitch and is instantly recognisable amongst the club’s loyal following. Although The Futurehead’s recently released album ‘Rant’ sported an acapella sound, this summer show will be a full band electric set. Ajimal The group met at City of Sunderland College, playing their first gig at Ashbrooke Cricket and Rugby Club in December 2000. They also performed at BBC Radio One’s One Big Weekend, which was held in Sunderland in May 2005. Singer and band founder Barry Hyde said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be supporting the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Stadium of Light. The Stadium is an icon of the city and playing there will be a thrill and a joy.” A limited number of unique concert packages are available, so for more information or to make a booking, simply call 0871 911 1555 or goto www.safcconcerts.com

Diary MARCH 24TH Thieving Penguins get their first outing at IndeP MARCH 30TH Athletes In Paris steal the show at The Washington Arts Centre MARCH 31ST Off Your Heed Pets line up are covered in wee from a leaky ceiling APRIL 8TH Vinyl Jacket smash their first big Sunderland show! APRIL 14TH Kenny Sanger is spotted teaching rap to M.Longstaff in IndeP’s toilets APRIL 14TH Editor EH is seen cracking onto every journo as she works the door at Raise The Roof

RELEASES April 2nd was a busy day for North East music, with The Futureheads a cappella album ‘Rant’ was released, as well as The Lake Poets long-awaited debut single ‘City By The Sea’, Invoke’s ‘Edge of Virtue’ EP, Baron Von Alias and cohort MistaBreeze’s latest offering ‘Brace For The Impact’ and last but not least, ‘First To Know’ by Collector’s Club. The Cornshed Sisters inaugural record ‘Tell Tales’ came out April 9th, O’Messy Life’s double a-side ‘Little Vehicles/Space Holiday’ was released on April 23rd, and The Real Davina unveiled single ‘Spend Some Time’ on April 30th. Head of Light Entertainment’s second album ‘The English Don’t Care’ drops on May 7th, Natasha Haws self-titled début EP is released on May 14th, My Other Life’s comeback single ‘Wolf’ comes out June 30th.

EDITORIAL

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GLAD TO BE A-LIVE Sunderland Live, the City’s finest programme of free outdoor music events has been finalised and features 4 very different elements but all high profile quality performances in and around the City. The Fringe Music Programme will be in its fourth year and has grown from a three-day music event in Seaburn to a city centre based programme of outdoor and indoor music, and this year is taking place between Saturday 7 and Sunday 24 June 2012, This event provides an opportunity to promote local musicians, develop and engage audiences, test out public spaces leading to a high-quality fringe festival that is accessible and relevant to the city during the 3 major concerts taking place at the Stadium of Light throughout June. The Bunker will again be programming the events and hopes to build on the success of last years’ Party in the Park gigs with two more including a Proms Picnic on 10th June and a Folk feast on 24th June both in Mowbray Park. This year’s Folk Party will feature a selection of the regions finest contemporary folk acts and singer songwriters, including local quintet Lilliput, as part of their UK festival dates. Both Mowbray Park dates will feature a quality line up matched by family entertainment and fine food and drink to be enjoyed in such wonderful surroundings.

PHOTO SPURIOUS NONSENSE

Saturday 16th June will see a program including the likes of Frankie & The Heartstrings, The Generals, Spoken Words and The Pursuit play to a packed crowd at the amphitheatre in the beautiful setting of Herrington Country Park. The day will be part of a huge weekend of music, art, food, and sport for thousands of locals partying and having fun with the backdrop of Penshaw Monument behind them as the Olympic torch is carried through. In addition to the music events, there will be a number of ‘Big Screen afternoons’ in Mowbray and Herrington Parks on 9th and 23rd June showing feature films with a variety of evening films to be scheduled at the Place, in Sunniside. The fun starts this summer with a celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at Cliffe Park in Seaburn, with a full day event run from 1pm to 10pm and 2 feature films shown on the big screen throughout the day, archive footage shown on the big screen, plus live music by bands reflecting music of each decade between the 2000’s and the 1950’s. The event comes to a climax with the lighting of the beacon at 10pm and fireworks to complete the event. For more info on Sunderland Live, goto www.sunderlandlive.com

THIS MONTH

THIS MONTH ... We speak to Nathan Todd and Mark Hammond , two Independent gig promoters who also find time to represent in two local bands. We find out what their local music months are made up of in May and June.

NATHAN TODD TODD ROXX Promotions/ Föstwiezer

Listening to… Well as I’m into local music I am always trawling through Facebook checking out bands I’ve heard about, but a few bands that stand out the most are saints of Arcadia, Warning!, and Virtues Must Live. But when it comes to the big guys I’ve always got some Alter Bridge, and Breed77 on my iPod, also a bit of Sea Sick Steve. Reading… I don’t read books if I’m honest, I tend to wait until it’s made into a film because if the book is any good it will get made into a film. But I do enjoy reading band reviews and reading about band history. Watching… I tend to leave the TV on the extreme sports channel there is always something worth a watch on there, apart from the one time there was bloody tree planting! Going to… Well I’m always up for a good night out and if I’m honest I prefer going to see local bands at local gigs because you always have a better atmosphere and you don’t pay over £4 for a pint, to then be served in a plastic cup.

MARK HAMMOND No Alternative Promotions & The Dhamma Brothers

Listening to… Recent releases I’m really into include Mark Lanegan’s latest album, ‘Blues Funeral’; Young Widows’ ‘In and Out of Youth’ and M83’s ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’. The other stuff I listen to invariably involves Mr Mike Patton On a local level I am listening to Memory Ghost. Reading… Lipstick Traces by Greil Marcus and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. If anybody wants to know about the heart of No Alternative they should look into Michael Azerrad’s ‘Our Band Could Be Your Life’. Watching… I don’t really get into TV. I love Twin Peaks and The Wire. Otherwise I just sit on the Internet looking for deeply pretentious documentaries. That way I can steal something smart-sounding and use it when I’m around actual real-life people. Then hopefully they’ll find me fascinating and will want to love me forever. Going to… I’ll be trying to check out what I can on a regional level - most certainly Bison Hunting at Plugged Inn, in Sunderland on May 5th. I will be going to see Pearl Jam at the MEN Arena in June. I don’t do the big festivals really because my relationship with tents is touch and go. Plus, for every At the Drive In you have a Kasabian. I can’t handle the swings and roundabouts of it all.

SPOTLIGHT ON

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BISON HUNTING

Words : NW

Having formed in mid-2010, Bison Hunting barely saw the light of day for a whole year following their conception, bolting themselves inside, intent on honing their sound behind closed doors before unleashing it on the public. According to the band’s Chris Stainthorpe, all that time in the practice room was spent “writing songs, shuffling our lineup, and discarding more material than we’ve ever played in front of an audience. We wanted to make sure we were wellrehearsed and slick before people started taking notice of us.” The intensity of the collective is evident in their sound, which, according to Chris, is not always easy to achieve; “we obsess over instrument tone, and have spent long hours trying different tunings/distortion methods/amp combinations, to try and get something which sounds uniquely ‘us’.” However, the potency of such dedication, coupled with the fact that three of the band were living together, with the fourth shacked up next-door, like a bizarre, rock-addled sitcom, meant something had to give; “we were practising twice a week, and if we weren’t practising, we were gigging,” says Chris. Eventually in July last year, the band dissolved. Thankfully for the rockstarved ears of the North East however, the New Year brought

a sense of resolution. “We realised that we all had unfinished musical business; rock music is still in fairly dire straits,” maintains Chris, “so we had a big chat, some group therapy, and launched back into being a band again.” With a comeback gig already under their belts, and a single pencilled in for summer, things are already shaping up nicely for 2012 to finally be the year of the Bison.

BEN WATSON It’s hard work , being Newcastle’s “most anonymous and celebrated lounge singer”; as we speak Ben Watson is putting together fifty copies of his recent EP to dole out at gigs. He might need more than fifty though; with a bit of luck he’s about to become a whole lot less anonymous. Evoking Tallest Man On Earth, Ryan Adams and our own country Americana sweethearts Chased By Wolves, Ben was recently hand-picked from hundreds of entrants by a crack team of North East musos, and will soon be taking the stage as part of Evolution Emerging. Evolution festival’s cooler little sister, Evolution Emerging showcases the best local talent across six stages across Ouseburn Valley. Ben will be kicking things off at The Tanners, alongside Reckoner, Iceni and Bird Island. Between dazzling the Evo panel, and doing some cut-and-stick with his EPs, Ben has been gigging tirelessly across the region, peddling his bittersweet alt-country blues to audiences; something Ben feels he’s

Words : NW

got a knack for, and I’m sure people who’ve seen him live will agree. “I’m playing live a lot really. I’ve kind of arrived at the conclusion that maybe trying to win people over one by one, in whatever venue, no matter how big or small, is the way forward; I feel confident about connecting with an audience. It’s not so easy in a studio!” That said, Ben has still managed to put together a fairly astonishing collection of tracks on his cheekily-titled EP; “It’s called ‘Folksingers, Blowjobs and Broken Hearts’, and all three of those elements feature in the songs thematically. Something for everyone!”

FEATURE

With the bill for 2012’s Evolution Emerging announced last month, we give you a run down on the cream of the crop selected for an evening of showcase music to support the biggest festival in the Toon, and some would even say, steal the show before Dizzie and Rizzle even check in at The Hilton. Plan your route for the night as we give you the line-ups for each of the 6 venues and hear from some of the original selection panel on their ’3 To See’ across Ouseburn Valley on Friday June 1st. Did we mention this is all bloody FREE!

The Cluny

The Tyne

The Cluny 2

36 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley,

Maling Street, Ouseburn Valley,

34 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley,

Newcastle

This year, The Cluny mix it up with a jumble of acts who make ‘live’ their bread and butter! Headliners Beth Jeans Houghton & the Hooves of Destiny’ are a pop polymath whose blend of psychedelia, glam rock and chain gang folk is quite unlike anything else you’re likely to hear in 2012. Beth and her Hooves are pretty much the North East’s hottest band right now and an un-missable act live. Other highlights include South Shields dance act Lulu James whose rise since attending Generators UMT Academy has been stratospheric.

The Cluny might be considered among many as the premier venue in Newcastle but year after year The Tyne has emerged as the ‘dark horse’ when it comes to line-ups and performances at this event, and this year is no different. We Are Knuckle Dragger may be the headliners and rightly so with two EP releases receiving wide spread support from Radio 1, Kerrang! And XFM. However a large number of those who choose to pitch up at The Tyne this year will be there in their hoards for Nately’s Whore’s Kid Sister, a band touted by many as the North East’s best live band.

One of the most popular venues on the night in question, The Cluny 2 will be one of the most chilled out this year with a line-up basking in youth and talent. The announcement of Fantasy Rainbow as headliner is quite the achievement for 18 year old Oliver Catt who only released his debut EP in August last year. This is a venue which will represent a line-up of exciting young artists who have not quite popped up on radar but rather smashed their way through it. Amy Holford’s vocals will find a perfect home in the acoustically ideal setting as will those of duo Lets Away and rising starlet Natasha Haws.

Line Up

Beth Jeans Houghton & the Hooves of Destiny Lulu James Deerhart Boy Jumps Ship Eeves

Line Up

We Are Knuckle Dragger Nately’s Whore’s Kid Sister O’Messy Life Acrobatic Society The Watchers

3 TO SEE Claire Dupree - NARC Editor Nately’s Whore’s Kid Sister, O’Messy Life, Reckoner 3 TO SEE Nathan Wood - Spark FM We Are Knuckle Dragger, Collectors Club, Lilliput 3 TO SEE Bob Allan - Generator Eeves, Nately’s Whore’s Kid Sister, Natasha Haws

Line Up

Fantasy Rainbow Natasha Haws Amy Holford Lets Away

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FEATURE

Star & Shadow Cinema

Stepney Bank, Ouseburn Valley,

The Tanners

Stepney Bank, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle

The Cumberland Arms

James Place Street, Ouseburn Valley,

Newcastle

PHOTO IAN WEST

Official Aftershow Party Venue As headliners go, you will be hard pressed to find a more affecting and enjoyable performer on the night than Newcastle based Young Liar. The fivepiece instrumental rock band formed in mid-2010 for what was originally planned as a one-off gig, have performed across the UK and supported the likes of Three Trapped Tigers, I Like Trains, The Twilight Sad, Errors, Male Bonding and Ice Age. Their second EP incorporates elements of electronica, noise-rock, krautrock and post-punk and has been seen and heard on BBC 6 Music, XFM, Drowned in Sound and The Line of Best Fit. Other highlights on the evening include the fantastic Weird Shapes who have recently received play on NME and Q, and of course, the beautiful venue itself!

Newcastle

The Tanners welcomes an amalgamation of acts who all feed from the talents within their own individual line-ups. A group of acts who are as enjoyable to watch as they are admirable, The Tanners will be a great venue to visit for a host of performances that are just that little bit original. Teesiders Bird Island headline the venue, no mean feat considering they only formed in the Summer of 2011. The addition of cello to their live line-up brings an additional texture to what is already a very impressive live band. Other highlights will include the bluesy rock of Sunderland’s Reckoner.

Line Up Bird Island Iceni Reckoner Ben Watson

PHOTO IAN WEST

From darkly acoustic fingerpickers, to shoegaze psychedelic electronica with a mix of lushly textured soundscapes, this just might be the venue that has it all! Symphonic Pictures display an experimental left field mix to deliver slow burning colourful sounds. With a line-up smothered in goodness, it would be wrong not to give a shout to Collectors Club who have played alongside the likes of Mystery Jets and Seasick Steve as well as T in The Park. Sunderland’s Lilliput may be somewhat unknown to those in the Toon, but that won’t be for long. Their painstakingly honed musicianship and live performances have gained the band a reputation as one of the best live bands in the region as well as a recent support spot with Field Music.

Line Up

Symphonic Pictures Collectors Club Lilliput Crooked Hands

Line Up

BeYoung Liar Weird Shapes Apollo Gets The Girl Ghosts of Old Berlin PHOTO IAN WEST

AND ACROSS THE WATER... This year Generator have added an additional venue to the evenings events on June 1st with Evolution Emerged taking place at The Sage in Gateshead. Acts performing on the night include Hyde & Beast, Union Choir, Vinyl Jacket and Shields. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW FOR £8 OR £10 ON THE DOOR. 3 TO SEE Emma Howe - Manifesto Editor Young Liar, Nately’s Whore’s Kid Sister, O’Messy Life 3 TO SEE Nic Wright - Writer O’Messy Life, Reckoner, Lilliput

LOCAL INTERVIEW

Natasha Haws

PHOTO CAROLINE BRIGGS

LOCAL INTERVIEW

Last time/first time I interviewed you, you were just starting to play gigs, and you weren’t all that keen on pursuing the life of a musician. Has your attitude towards working in music changed at all since then? My attitude has definitely changed, I think that first interview happened just after a drunk at the bar told me I was awful and never going to do a good set if i kept on going the way I was going. But at this moment in time, I’m really enjoying myself and just taking everything as it comes. This EP could be my first and last if everyone turned round and thought it was naff. So I’m praying they don’t because I’ve really enjoyed the whole process.

years before they ever get around to recording anything; do you think that your fairly quick progression as an artist has had an effect on the outcome of the EP?

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

The sound on the EP is quite different from what people might have heard from you before. How did that sound come about?

I am super excited, to the point of feeling sick. There are a few appearances from some local music people who’ve helped me over the past year and I’m really chuffed with the acts who’ve agreed to support. The big bear of a man that is “Reckoner” and the dead lush and mint as hell lads from Shields “Arbeia”. They’ll be awesome...I’ll be alright as well hopefully. Everyone in Team Haws is trying really hard to make it a night to remember. I’m really thankful for what everyone’s doing. Bit overwhelming.

I’d love to get a support slot with someone who is touring, or do a single maybe. I don’t really know, if I look too I don’t think it’s effected the sound far in to the future it scares me. Take because of when I’ve recorded it, this everything as it comes, that’s what was the sound that I’ve wanted people me mam says. to hear. It represents my first year in music and if the sound changes in the Are you looking forward to the future than it changes, but right now launch? Anything special lined up this is who I am and this is what I for the night? (It’s in God’s house, so want people to hear. you’ll have to be careful.)

How was your experience of Listening to my vocal and guitar recording the EP? recorded by themselves and realising New, I’d never recorded before so going in with Dave Burn was a massive thing for me. He was really patient and knew that it was all new so gave me time to get to grips. Then when we got down to it, we worked really well together. When the first track ‘Stepping Stone was done we got a bit over excited. I think we all got a bit teary, in fact Dave did. We all got a bit of a shock because we were just dead chuffed with it. Happiness was a lot easier because I knew exactly what I wanted for it and Martin from TLP came and did his lush folk riffs all over it which blend in and out of the mix. Then we went to the lovely Morris Ford and did Constant Fairytale in one take, Moz added the piano, then I added the harmonies, me and Morris got a bit teary at that too. So the experience was just full of tears, snot, sweat and loads of tea.

A lot of artists are around for

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that on record it didn’t do the song justice. The songs live just acoustic I think are captivating enough, but you listen because there is a real person there singing to you. I didn’t want people who’ve heard my songs to get the EP and not be excited about it because they’ve heard it all before. So I hope this sound gives people something new to listen to and also opens up new opportunities for me.

Betting time: What percentage of the audience do you think you can make cry on the night?

Where would you like to take your 100%- the big surprise for the sound, in terms of progression? audience is the tear gas i throw out halfway through my set. Live, I’d like to have some backing so I can recreate the sound and also write Words : NW new songs with a band in mind. After being in the studio I now know how to write for a bigger sound. So songs will be a lot more percussion based maybe a bit Portishead in style, maybe playing on electric. I say that, and I’ll change my mind a million times.

REVIEWS CD

PICK OF THE MONTH POTM: The Futureheads – Rant The keen-eared among you will know that The Futureheads are no strangers to four-way harmonies. ‘Rant’ however, brings the complex, inter-weaving vocals heard on the likes of ‘Danger in the Water’ to the forefront, with a collection of reworked old tracks and the most fantastically bizarre assembly of covers you’ve ever wrapped your lugs around. A stark change of pace for our favourite sons, you might imagine. Well, yes and no. Technically astounding and artistically gallantry, while they’ve gone as unplugged as you can get, the songs pack a visceral, staccatic punch; a cappella perfectly personifies the explosive solidarity that the band has always stood for. 5/5 The Lake Poets – City By The Sea For fans of The Lake Poets, and there are many, this début single has been a long time coming. One of the hardest-working acts in the North East, Martin Longstaff and his merry, darkly-attired men have spent the past 18 months building up a devoted fan base across the region. And this is their reward. A celebration of transcending the grimness of that hometown you furtively hold dear, ‘City By The Sea’ encapsulates all that we’ve come to love about TLP; sincerity, solidarity and a catchy tune. 5/5 NW

Natasha Haws – Natasha Haws EP A year isn’t all that long a time, when you think about it. It’s taken me longer to get around to changing a light bulb, but in that time Natasha Haws has gone from writing her first song to releasing a highlyanticipated EP. And not the sort of testrun first EP that many a songwriter would later like never to see the light of day; this is three tracks of remarkable gravity and class. Alternatingly heartwrenching and uplifting, simple and sophisticated, this is undoubtedly the beginning of big, big things. 5/5 NW

O’Messy Life – Little Vehicles/Space Holiday The latest single from O’Messy Life is an typically ardent, rabid two-pronged attack on the senses. A shoutalong tale of a suicide cult, ‘Little Vehicles’ wheels itself around your frontal lobe like a lush on a unicycle; discombobulated, high-spirited, crazy-eyed and an absolute ball. Its mate is more reminiscent of the Messy of old; a slow-building, wobbling jumble of fuzz and Weezer-esque riffing, clawing its way to a blisteringly punch-drunk climax of noise. A match made in heaven. Which, coincidentally, is where all those cult members are now. 5/5 NW

The Real Davina – Spend Some Time Their first release on new label Pink Fridge, and since welcoming new addition Shannon Powell on vocals, The Real Davina’s latest single is more of what we’ve come to expect from the chirpy pop act. And that’s not pop in the haircuts, skinny jeans, NME sort of way. It’s pop in the most traditional, sunshine-soaked, nineteen sixties California way. A soulful, exuberant, trumpet-touting tune, ‘Spend Some Time’ re-invents the brassy, good-natured vibes of yesteryear; reminiscent of the gifts of Phil Spector, with none of the bad hair or murderous intent. 4/5 NW

Collectors Club – First To Know On first spin of the Middlesbrough outfit’s début single, it’s hard not to do an aural double take. (That’s a thing. Or at least it is now.) With its intricate, exhaustively summery riff, funky afro-beats, and rousing harmonies, lesser-learned ears might mistake ‘First To Know’ for a tune by kitchen - sink collective Little Comets. Any similarities are inconsequential however, as this is a pop song so joyous and gratifying it could throw up on your dog and you’d still forgive it. A sweeping prism of colour and radiant sound. 4/5 NW

REVIEWS CD

King Sloth – King Slot EP MATH. Math is rubbish. Yeah, it’s good for engineering and things, making sure buildings don’t fall down and all that. And for letting you know how much flour to put in your Victoria Sponge so it doesn’t end up a soggy cake-nightmare. And bringing us bands like Battles and Dutch Uncles. Alright, fair enough. Math is brilliant. Twinkly, intricate, staccato guitars, paired with melodic breakdowns. The vocals could do with a little polishing in parts, but they’re not ropey enough to detract from the overall quality and nnovation in the song-writing. 3/5 NW

The Head Of Light Entertainment - The English Don’t Care From Stockton -On-Leeds The Head Of Light E n t e r t a i n m e n t ’s second album, “The English Don’t Care” is an eloquent, bespoke and obscure offering from the band. Full of twists and turns, the album manages to combine Edwardian tales, Fairies, Internet Stalkers and a whole lot more into the wealth of exquisite tracks. It is impossible to pick a stand out track. However there is bound to be one that you consider a diamond among the gems, whether it’s “Nip It In The Bud” a toe-tapping-treat or “Quietly Relieved”, soft and ambling along. 3.5/5 RE

Arcs and Trauma – White to Violet EP

Hartlepool trio Arcs and Trauma return with their third EP ‘White to Violet’. Noisy, prog-tinged emo, there’s a lot to like here. Fans of Foals will salivate at the chanted vocals, spacey reverb, and brittle riffs, and there’s plenty of emotion, heart-string tugging sensibilities in the vocals. The only downside is that, where an individual track sounds complex and jagged and interesting, so does the next; all laden with melody, but not distinct enough to differentiate from each other. Promising, but insular. 3/5 NW

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This Years Love - “Take the Stage” This Years Love is a band with a twist, formed by two new fathers from County Durham, to celebrate the birth of their children. “Take the Stage” Is a six track album that has been crafted out of love, not soppy in anyway: instead it is a vibrant celebration. It’s not one big lullaby but instead a pop rock album that included mellow tones in its production and even blues can be heard in some parts. Overall it is a beautifully crafted album and is something to be treasured. 4/5 RE

BUNKER DANCE CHICAGO DAMN This deep house 3 track EP has been highly anticipated. It is the second release from Chicago Damn via own label cleverly named ‘Chicago Damn’. The first two tracks ‘Attijoh’ & ‘’Joh’ introduce the EP with full electro bleeps, mutalated bass & sweeping groans. Third track ‘Time Waits For No Man’ was first heard on a mix for Roof FM and is more laidback with melodic bass & eiry sighs. The EP is available to buy now on “12” from juno.co.uk. 5/5 LH GRAHAM LAVERTY- SPEAKING OF YOU EP (DEEP EDITION RECORDINGS) (DIGITAL) Sunderland DJ / Producer Graham Laverty blew me away with this EP released back in December 2011. Released on local record label Deep Edition Recordings, overall it’s a solid deephouse EP with each track as strong as the next, however the highlight for me is without doubt Speaking Of You (original mix) with it’s warped bass, dull chords and catchy vocal sample. Remixes will soon be featured on compilations ‘Sunset Sessions Vol.7’ & ‘Ultimate Deep House Vol.6’. The EP is available to download now from junodownload.com 4/5 LH

REVIEW LIVE

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FIELD MUSIC INDEPENDENT 14TH APRIL

Charity begins are home, so they say. Not sure who ‘they’ are, but they seem to be pretty smart, what with all their ubiquitous wisdom, so they’re probably right. In that case, it seems fitting that tonight, the efforts of the bands performing and the fans in attendance are all going towards patching up the home of music in Sunderland; Manifesto HQ and music development heroes The Bunker. Riding around the globe, high on the success of their new album, Field Music have returned to their hometown for a rare show at Independent (Sunderland music’s second home, but in a nice, non-expenses-cheating way) to help repair the building in which the band were born and raised. Kicking off proceedings, excellent sarnies hoovered up and free wine quaffed, are Maps Are Fiction. Whether or not their terseness is a mindful attempt to appear aloof and moody, you know, like proper rock stars, the trio are a little anaemic in the way of stage presence. It does however nicely match their temperamental indie-pop. By way of White Lies, our own We Beat The System, and highly-polished Kerrang-flogging American emo, Maps Are Fiction produce just enough atmosphere to be entertaining. Brightening things up next are Lilliput. Armed with shakers, killer harmonies and a brilliantly sunny disposition, the five-piece breeze through a set of warm, sophisticatedly-constructed sing-a-longs, the end of which leaves the room visibly disappointed and longing for more. With a wealth of material to choose from, Field Music are on top crowd-pleasing form tonight, breaking out upbeat fan favourites from across their illustrious career. Even ‘Rockist Part 4’, a track from David Brewis solo project School Of Language, makes a very welcome appearance; a true treat, especially as the project hasn’t been given an airing for years. Rattling through the likes of ‘In Context’ and ‘Them That Do Nothing’, and closing on recent single ‘I Keep Thinking (‘Bout A New Thing)’Field Music put on the sort of show that illustrates exactly how vital The Bunker is to music in Sunderland.

REVIEW LIVE

FANTASY RAINBOW, PLAYLOUNGE THE CLUNY 23RD MARCH

PHOTO DAVID WALLA

Opening for Fantasy Rainbow tonight are his London companions Playlounge. The noisy duo are an utter shambles, in the best possible way. The melodies, if present at all, are buried deep in a universe of distortion; Playlounge sit firmly on the line between noise-pop and just plain noise, with enough energy to keep them from getting lost in the sonic abyss. Fantasy Rainbow offer up a mellower brand of lo-fi pop. Even backed by a full band, spaced-out sound billows around the room, turning everything slow-motion like magic, canorous fairy dust. Sigh. Fantasy Rainbow’s so dreamy.

THE LAKE POETS THE SAGE 5TH APRIL

PHOTO IAN WEST

Setting the bench mark for a night of remarkable quality, Natasha Haws captivates every punter in The Sage’s 400 capacity hall, bookending delicate, disarmingly expressive tales of heartbreak and hardship with idiosyncratic charisma. The Union Choir look incredibly comfortable sprawling across the stage, knocking out huge, ornately dark pop songs. At once brash and diffident, gloomy and emboldening, and effortlessly entertaining to behold, The Union Choir’s set is less a pop show and more a sonic call to arms. The men of the hour close the night with a special assortment of old favourites and brand new tracks. Poignancy and humility are the tools of Martin Longstaff’s trade, and tonight he shows what grand, elevating things can be made with such simple tools. Starmaking turns from all involved.

AJIMAL THE LIT AND PHIL

PHOTO DAVID WALLA

Too often is the word talent used to describe emerging artists in the NE, but anyone in attendance tonight will think twice about using that word lightly ever again. To say opener Nadine Shah is a talent is a huge understatement. Drawing power from subtlety Shah lulls us into a false sense of fragility ready to break us on the repetition of her keys as her seemingly controlled anger rips through the beauty of her playing. Nadine ghosts through her short but formidable set. A collective of achingly simplistically seductive vocals from Francis O’Hanlon carries us to a beautiful crescendo as Ajimal stalks us with tracks like The Sea Inside and Wolf receiving a new live treatment and adding to the already swelling of incapacitating emotion he is capable of drawing from his incomparably honest lyrics. The crowd is provided with a stereo sound throughout as O’Hanlon is joined on stage by a host of friends on cello, violin and additional guitar(s). The evening comes to a heart addressing halt as he plays us out with Footnote To Love parts I and II. An ideal setting, captivating support, and a triumph for Pop Sex’s virgin outing with their new ‘talent’.

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GOTCHA

Is that our Nathan gobbling a mic at ‘Off Your Heed Pet’? Baron Von Alias seems to be taking great pleasure in removing hair from the head of a very brave Kamille Davis who shaved her full mop off at the gig to help raise funds for Sam’s Trust. Bird Island, Tissue Culture and Baron & the gang helped to raise over £600 was on the night!

Here’s promoter Ben Wall modelling some very special merch at Field Music’s ‘Raise The Roof’ gig at Independent. Why so special? The design for the t-shirts was that of Rebecca Ward who took part in a competition at the Brewis Brothers old Secondary school, Whitburn CE Acdemy. She came up with a fantastic take on album cover ‘Plumb’ and her design is now part of official limited edition merch for the band.

We spotted Steve Calder of The Lake Poets trying his hand at a bit of guitar backstage at The Sage before the bands big single launch. Daniel Laidler doesn’t look to impressed! Maybe stick to your harmonica ey Steve. Or, failing that, whip out the banjo!

Get it in your gob love! We caught NARC editor Claire Dupree gobbling down a bit of birthday cake as the North East magazine celebrated its 6th birthday with a smashingly brilliant gig at The Cluny. Natelys Whores Kid Sister played a blinder and obviously the Haws merch was looking good hanging on the Cluny’s walls, her performance wasn’t half bad either!

As if the lad didn’t have enough on his plate with his poetry and flapping, we caught Martin Longstaff turning his hand to DJ’ing in the Little Room. I am sure that’s a BLUE denim jacket too? What has happened to wor Longstaff? Has he left the gloomy all black days behind him and started spinning a bit of funk and soul? Answers on a postcard please.

Be that a cult wondering through the toon with flags? Hold on! Is that our Nic Wright waving her stick and following like a lam to the slaughter? Yes, it is. Nic took part in the making of O’Messy Life’s video which was posted at the end of last month. Apparently its about being in a cult and then like dying. Sounds cheery, just like our Nic!

LISTINGS

MAY 03 MAY Stripped Back 2012 @ The Ivy House

Martyr Defiled, Empires Fade, Blind Ambitions, Nexilva @ The Borough

05 MAY The Others @ Independent

Pop Sex Ltd present The Futureheads + The Lake Poets @ Sunderland Minster

The Death Rays of Ardilla @ Little Room, Independent

06 MAY Howler, Hooded Fang, fiN @ Independent

Foreign Office @ The Little Room, Independent Hackney based four-piece, Foreign Office, are all set to take The Little Room at Independent by storm with their scintillating mix of post-punk, soul and funk The band are building up a reputation for their experimental, genre-hopping diversity, springing from Friendly Fires-esque uptempo dance-pop to the steadier more guitar based riffing found on ‘Hands & Knees’.

10 MAY Stripped Back 2012 @ The Ivy House

21 MAY The Pigeon Detectives @ Bar One

11 MAY The Complete Stone Roses @ Bar One

24 MAY Stripped Back 2012 @ The Ivy House

12 MAY Natasha Haws EP Launch @ Sunderland Minster South Shields singer-songwriter has become somewhat of an adopted mackem over the last 12 months and celebrates her début release on bunkeruk records with a special launch night at Sunderland Minster. Support for the evening comes from Reckoner & Arbeia with a host of local music friends joining Natasha on stage. Tickets are £6 with a free EP on entry. Tickets also allow free access to the after-party at Plugged Inn, with DJ’s The Futureheads and Lilliput.

25 MAY Thieving Penguins, Ambershift, Echohead @ Arts Centre Washington

Marathon of the North Party featuring Paul Liddell and Ani Sandwith @ Stadium of Light

17 MAY Stripped Back 2012 @ The Ivy House 18 MAY Paper Aeroplanes @ Independent,The Little Room 19 MAY Stripped Back 2012 Goy Boy McIllroy, Young Hegelians, Eli @ The Ivy House

Dirty Goods @ The Little Room, Independent 26 MAY Futurebox Festival @ Ashbrooke Cricket Club Sunderland’s first outdoor House Music Festival, Futurebox Festival takes place on May 27th. Split’s home will open its doors to host some top dance acts to kick off the inaugural event with a big name headliner sure to draw the crowds. DJ and Producer Darius Syrossian will top the bill with acts such as Hot Since 82 and Michael McLardy heading to Wearside. Bar1 will host the afterparty from 10.30pm. VIP tickets are available for £15 which allow for free entry to the afterparty. Tickets are £10. Streaming Lights, Symphonic Pictures, Echohead @ Plugged Inn

LISTINGS

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JUNE 04 JUNE Queen’s Jubilee Celebration @ Cliffe Park, Seaburn

18 JUNE Burials, Arcite, All at Sea, Convolution @ The Borough

07 JUNE Stripped Back 2012 @ The Ivy House

21 JUNE Stripped Back 2012 @ The Ivy House

Coldplay @ The Stadium of Light

Bruce Springsteen @ The Stadium of Light

08 JUNE Among Brothers @ Independent

24 JUNE Red Hot chilli Peppers @ The Stadium of Light

09 JUNE Stripped Back 2012 Eeves, Head of Light Entertainment, The Colts @ The Ivy House

Folk Party in the Park @ Mowbray Park

10 JUNE Proms Picnic in the Park @ Mowbray Park 14 JUNE Stripped Back 2012 @ The Ivy House 16 JUNE Lone Wolf Presents Watchers, Parastatic, The Famous When Dead @ Plugged Inn Local promoters Lone Wolf treat us all to a gig of high octane music from some of the finest talent across the North East and all for free. Watchers will be performing fresh from their Evolution Emerging headlining spot with support from the brilliant Parastatic a band who’s live performances are hard to fathom. 16 JUNE Sunderland Fest @ Herrington Country Park

28 JUNE Stripped Back 2012 @ The Ivy House 29 JUNE Armed Forces Day @ Recreation Park, Seaburn Hothouse presents The Chaps, Bleechbird, Dalaro @Washington Arts Centre 31 JUNE The Gathering @ Independent – The Little Room

BLAG

PLEASE SEND YOUR LISTINGS TO info@manifestosunderland.com

THE FIX

(This page is written by Nathan Wood and not does not necessarily reflect the views of Manifesto magazine)

As spring heads in to summer, our glorious United Kingdom holds host to 2 of the most prestigious annual sporting events; The Grand National, featuring 40 midgets riding horses in Liverpool; and the FA Cup Final, showcasing 22 of the finest overpaid sexual predators ushering a ball into a net. As I write this – 8 quid out of pocket and shredded bookies receipts piled adjacently to my cuppa – the little men (and two not quite as tiny ladies) have successfully steered just 15 of the 40 equine beasts around the 4.5 mile track. Clare Balding - more moose than horse – congratulates the welly- toting, gilet-sporting luvvies, soaked in Champers and media adulation. It’s all very twee indeed. Two of them battled it out for a photo-finish. And a couple of the poor gee-gees died. It was all very dramatic. Now, before you think I’m going to start banging pseudo-humanitarian drum that does the rounds on Grand National day, fear not. Put your mind at rest. I can assure you that I look at animals with nothing but total ambivalence. I’d be a massive hypocrite to start preaching about the needless sacrifice of a few horses in the aid of sport, whilst still happy to eat a juicy bacon sarnie every Saturday. Yet this is exactly what half of my Twitter feed were busy doing around 5pm: Simultaneously sneering and devouring a BigMac made from the tender meat of innocent cattle. At least the horsies get a spin around the track before being sent to animal heaven; to go out with one last chance of glory, as opposed to the docile bovines; led by their nose into cattle-prod oblivion. If we’re looking at the death of innocents, focus on one of the countries from the ever increasing list filled with genocide and civil unrest. I’m just not that fussed about Black Beauty, Mr. Ed, Sarah Jessica Parker or any other horse. Let’s be reasonable. You can’t be a part-time pamphleteer. Fast forward to the beginning of May, where football’s oldest tournament, the FA Cup, will reach a dramatic climax, 11 testosterone pumped athletes will be so overjoyed, they’ll not be able to contain their enjoyment. I’ll probably watch it on the television. Probably with the des rigueur cuppa and losing bet. And no doubt my Twitter feed will once again be in uproar. This time it’ll most likely be filled with furious sweets crammed with accusations of diving, or ‘simulation’ to give it its’ formal term. I’ll be watching, apathetically. I’ll be watching and I won’t really care about any of it. And when I seeone of them take a swan dive onto the turf as though they’d stumbled upon a landmine; writhing around in agony; clutching their limbs; crying to the dear Lord that they’re injured and paralysed and can’t possibly continue... That’s the point I’ll be willing the fella’s in the overcoats to come out with Their shotguns and put them to sleep like they do with the horses. Words by Nathan Wood, Local Music Show Presenter. Tune in from 4-7pm every Sunday on 107 Spark FM

Nathan Wood