June 2014
www.brumnotes.com music and lifestyle for the west midlands
free
IT’S THE SUN Welcoming in the summer with The Polyphonic Spree
LUNAR FESTIVivAalL kicks off fest e season in styl
INSIDE: GOD DAMN BRITISH SEA POWER PARQUET COURTS
GEORGE EZRA CHARLOTTE CARPENTER RHYS CHATHAM’S 100 GUITAR ORCHESTRA GHETTS
AND: Birmingham’s best beer gardens for summer drinking / Looking ahead to BASS Festival 2014 / Your guide to this month’s best albums, gigs, club nights and arts highlights June 2014
1
Fri 29th Aug • £22.50 adv 6pm -10pm
The Janoskians Mon 8th Sept • £17 adv
Jesus Jones The Doubt Tour 10.30pm-3.30am • £4 adv
Tues 23rd Sept • £15 adv
Fri 30th May • £3 adv
+ Chrome Molly + Aceldama
OVER 18S ONLY - PROOF OF AGE REQUIRED
Propaganda
æft. Game Of Thrones’ Finn Jones (DJ Set)
Primal Fear
Sat 27th Sept • £20 adv
Weds 3rd Dec • £12 adv
Electric Six
Fri 5th Dec • £15 adv 6.30pm -10pm
Graham Bonnet Catch the Rainbow Tour
Sat 6th Dec • £18.50 adv
Rescheduled show • original tickets valid
Professor Green
The Fray
Sun 7th Dec • £18 adv
Sat 27th Sept • £12 adv
Fri 12th Dec • £11.50 adv 6.30pm -10pm
The Doors Alive Fri 19th Dec • £30 / £170 VIP 6pm -10pm
UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey + Radio Riddler
At The Gates
+ Tryptikon + Morbus Chron
CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST LISTINGS
Tues 10th June
8pm - 1am • over 18s only
Sun 15th June • £8 / £15 VIP
Weds 25th June • £17.50 adv
Big Screen Film Show with DJ Drew Stansall (The Specials) + The Atlantics (playing the movie hits) + The Coopers + The Birmingham Club A Go Go DJs
Weds 4th June • £12.50 adv
Sat 30th Aug • £5 adv
+ Jai McDowall
Tues 7th Oct • £13.50 adv
+ The Cult Of Dom Keller
Kataleptic
Rival Sons Andy Jordan
Gareth Gates
Thurs 26th June • £15 adv
Heaven & Earth + M.ILL.ION + Only The Good
Sun 29th June
Quadrophenia Club Night
The 8123 UK Tour ft. The Maine Plus special guests Lydia and Nick Santino
Weds 15th Oct • £15 adv
Seated show • over 18s only
Kid Ink
with Kevin Smith & Ralph Garman
Sat 18th Oct • £16 adv
Hollywood Babble-On Thurs 3rd July • £15 adv
Katy B
Bam Margera’s F**kface Unstoppable
Sat 18th Oct • £10 adv
Mon 7th July • £28.50 adv
Weds 22nd Oct • £15 adv
Extreme
Sat 25th Oct • £15 adv
Moved from The Institute, Birmingham Original Tickets Still Valid
Pornograffitti Live Tour + Leogun
Mon 7th July • £15 adv
Brian Jonestown Massacre + Carsick Cars
We Are The Ocean Clean Bandit 1pm -11pm
Weekend ticket £25 adv
UK B-Boy Championships Knock-Out Jam
Sun 26th Oct • £15 adv
Sat 21st June • £6 adv
Tiger Cub
+ Ghosts of Dead Airplanes + Why? Said the Moon to Earth + Ultimate Grand Supreme + Doctor Wolfe
6.30pm - 10pm
Definitely Mightbe (Oasis Tribute) 20 Year Celebration, Performing Definitely Maybe in Full
Sat 20th Sept • £10 adv
UK Foo Fighters Sun 28th Sept • £12.50 adv Rescheduled • original tix valid
Hats Off To Led Zeppelin Sat 4th Oct • £13 adv 6pm - 10pm
6.45pm - 11pm
Skeletal Family & Salvation
+ Garganjua + Shebrew + Spiral Dive + From Eden To Exile
Fri 17th Oct • £10 adv
Sat 28th June • £5 adv
Warlord UK
6.30pm - 10pm
The Modfathers
+ Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou + Brokenwitt Rebels
In Hindsight
Sun 19th Oct • £10 adv
Asking Alexandria
+ Furyon + Valous
Hollywood Ending
Fri 19th Sept • £10 adv
Fri 11th July • £10 adv
Mon 27th Oct
Mon 21st July • £12.50 adv
Mordred
Sun 15th June • £10 adv / £30 VIP
Beneath The Remains
Danny & The Champions Of The World
Fri 7th Nov • £16.50 adv
Tues 26th Aug • £12.50 adv
+ Bigger Than Seattle + Jasper In The Company Of Other + Rush Lights
6.45pm - 11pm
Rixton
Ultimate Genesis
Bassman Birthday 2014
Duke & Detective
Sat 13th Sept • £5 adv
Tues 8th July • £9 adv
Sam Smith
9pm - 5am • over 18s only
6pm - 10pm
The UK’s No. 1 Tribute to Paul Weller & The Jam
Sun 20th July • £13 adv
Sat 23rd Aug • £22.50 / £25 VIP
Fri 13th June • £6 adv
Pearl Jem (Pearl Jam Tribute)
UK B-Boy Championships World Final
+ Artillery + Hatriot (ft. Steve Zetro Souza former vocalist of Exodus)
Hozier + Daniel James
Tues 9th Sept • £10 adv
School Of Rock & Pop Showcase
Tickets £9 adv per show / £3 concs Festival ticket £30 adv / £10 concs
Onslaught
6pm - 10pm
Thurs 3rd July • £4-£6 adv
Weekend ticket £25 adv
6.30pm - 10.30pm
Fri 6th June
6.45pm - 11pm
3pm -11pm
Sat 12th - Weds 16th July
National Rock & Pop Festival
Wooden Shjips
5.30pm -10pm
Sat 15th Nov • £11 adv
The Smyths
6pm - 10pm
Sat 19th July • £6 adv
Sat 18th Oct • £10 adv
Knotslip
6.30pm - 10.30pm
Glassbullet Black Eyes EP Launch + Piston + Tigerpunch + Bad Flowers + My Great Affliction
Fri 24th Oct • £8 adv 6pm -10pm
Dave Giles Fri 31st Oct • £12 adv
30th Anniversary of “Hatful of Hollow” playing the seminal album in its entirety
Thurs 24th July • £8 adv
Tues 18th Nov • £20 adv
Weds 6th Aug • £8 adv / £20 VIP
Sat 8th Nov • £10 adv
Fri 28th Nov • £15 adv
Weds 20th Aug • £12.50 adv
Sat 29th Nov • £11 adv
Hollywood Undead
+ Sanctorum + Extreme O.D + General
The UK’s No. 1 Stone Roses Tribute
Passenger 6.30pm -10pm
The Last Carnival Kingsland Road My Ruin
6pm - 10pm
Framing Hanley Antarctic Monkeys The Clone Roses
16-18 Horsefair, Bristol St, Birmingham, B1 1DB 2
Doors 7.00pm unless stated • Venue box office opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-4pm, Sat 11am-4pm • No booking fee on cash transactions
Brum Notes Magazine
ticketweb.co.uk • seetickets.com • gigantic.com • ticketmaster.co.uk
June 2014
3
CONTENTS
The Amazing Snakeheads disappear into the crowd at The Sunflower Lounge. See the review on P35. Photo by Andy Hughes. Brum Notes Magazine Unit 12 The Bond 180-182 Fazeley Street Birmingham B5 5SE info@brumnotes.com 0121 224 7363 Advertising 0121 224 7363 advertising@brumnotes.com Distribution StickupMedia! 0121 224 7364 Editor: Chris Moriarty Contributors Words: David Vincent, Daron Billings, Dan Cooper-Gavin, Saima Razzaq, Ben Russell, Tajinder Hayer, Stephen Brolan, James Wootton, Sam Bicknell, Matthew Way, Tom Clabon Assistant Editor: Amy Sumner Arts Editor: Dan Cooper-Gavin Food & Drink Editor: Daron Billings Pictures: Andy Hughes, Rob Hadley Design: Adam Williams, Andy Aitken Connect Twitter: @BrumNotesMag Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BrumNotesMagazine Online: www.brumnotes.com
Regulars News 6-7 Fresh Talent 10-11 Style 30 Food & Drink 32-33 Live Reviews 34-36 Album Reviews 38-39 What’s On Guide 40-46 Music and Features Behind the Scenes: Gospel Oak Studio 8 Charlotte Carpenter 12 Field Harmonics 14 George Ezra 16-17 Rhys Chatham 18-19 Ghetts / BASS 2014 20-21 Lunar Festival / British Sea Power 22-23 The Polyphonic Spree 24-25 God Damn 26-27 Parquet Courts 28-29 All content Š Brum Notes Magazine. Views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily Brum Notes Magazine. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of content, Brum Notes Magazine will not be held liable for any errors or losses claimed to have been incurred by any errors. Advertising terms and conditions available on request.
4
Brum Notes Magazine
June 2014
5
in brief
news The Grafham Water Sailing Club
jaws announce debut album and headline birmingham show at new digbeth venue Rising stars Jaws have revealed details of their much-anticipated debut album. Be Slowly comes out on September 15 via Rattlepop Records, with a new single of the same name released next month. The Birmingham four-piece and recent Brum Notes cover stars have also announced details of a full UK tour to accompany the album, including a homecoming live show on September 20 at brand new Digbeth venue The Oobleck, a 400-capacity space on the site of the former Medicine Bar in The Custard Factory. Jaws sold out their last Birmingham appearance at The Institute in April and demand is expected to be just as high for their next string of dates. Their debut full-length album will include previous singles Think Too Much, Feel Too Little, Gold and Surround You, plus eight more previously unreleased tracks. The album is available to pre-order now at www.rattlepop.co.uk or through iTunes, with album and gig ticket bundles also available, as well as limited edition vinyl. Jaws are live at The Oobleck on September 20. They also headline the Saturday of One Beat Weekender, a two-day festival of new music on July 19 and 20 at the Mac.
The Grafham Water Sailing Club, Burning Alms and Table Scraps join headliners LIFE and God Damn at the inaugural Birmingham & Beyond festival, which takes place at the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath on June 20-21. The new additions complete a lineup that includes Manchester’s Bad Grammar, Brighton’s Death Rattles and local acts such as Layers, Them Wolves, Laced, Elephantine, Mirrorhall and Heavy Waves. Tickets are £6 for Friday, £10 for Saturday and £12 for the weekend via www.theticketsellers.co.uk. Vale Festival, the largest student-run festival in the UK, returns to the University of Birmingham on June 7 for its 10th year. A 5,000-strong crowd is expected, with music across four stages, plus comedy, workshops and festival food and drink. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Support and Trekstock. Visit www.valefest.co.uk. Brummie rapper Jimmy Davis has released what he claims is “England’s first hip hop World Cup anthem”. The unofficial offering, a remix of his popular track This Is England, will be accompanied by a brand new video. Find out how he compares to John Barnes by streaming the track at soundcloud.com/ jimmydavisdavis.
Iconic 1980s underground compilation tape brought back to life A seminal compilation first released through NME nearly 30 years ago – boasting various underground Birmingham bands – is being reissued in bumper format. Hot on the heels of last year’s 5-CD box set Scared To Get Happy, Cherry Red Record’s C86 expands on NME’s iconic mixtape with an additional 50 tracks. Originally released as a mail-order cassette by the weekly music paper, the 1986 collection defines mid-80s independent guitar music. Grasping the tools of the trade (fanzines, tapes, 7ins vinyl, flexis, photocopies), an explosion of bands had taken punk’s DIY ethic in new directions, melding The Velvet Underground’s experimentation with touches of Orange Juice, Altered Images, Buzzcocks and Echo & The Bunnymen’s pop sensibilities. Among them were several chart acts – notably The Soup Dragons, The Wedding Present and Primal Scream – but most never broke out further than the pages of NME, the once great Independent Chart and John Peel’s playlist. 6
Released on June 16, the lengthened 3-CD and booklet set includes The Pastels, Half Man And Half Biscuit, Jesus & Mary Chain, Happy Mondays, BMX Bandits and Cov’s The Primitives. Meanwhile, We’ve Got A Fuzzbox, Mighty Mighty, a pre-dance Pop Will Eat Itself, The Nightingales, a clattering Noseflutes, and Pigbros all highlight Birmingham’s hefty contribution to the scene. Noseflutes
Brum Notes Magazine
competition: win vip tickets to see dexys intimate glastonbury warm-up show Jaws
GLASTONBRUMMY OFFERS TWO DAYS OF FESTIVAL FROLICS ON A BUDGET
Local legends Dexys headline their first show in Coventry for more than 30 years this month – and we’re offering you the chance to watch it in true style. To celebrate their return to their native West Midlands, two lucky readers will soak up the set from the comfort of a VIP balcony, enjoying a champagne reception and taking home an exclusive signed poster afterwards. The intimate gig at Coventry’s renowned Kasbah venue on Wednesday, June 25, will act as a warm-up for their Glastonbury appearance just a couple of days later. Dexys, formerly known as Dexys Midnight Runners and led by iconic frontman Kevin Rowland, are renowned for number one hits such as Come On Eileen and Geno but their creative output has shown no signs of waning in recent years. Their One Day I’m Going To Soar live show followed the release of the 2012 album of the same name was hailed by fans and music critics alike. Their Kasbah date will see them road testing their festival set, an edited version of the One Day… show, sprinkled with some older Dexys classics. For your chance to win a pair of VIP balcony tickets, champagne reception and a signed poster, simply tell us: In which year were Dexys Midnight Runners originally formed? Send your answer, name and contact details to competitions@brumnotes.com by June 20. Terms and conditions apply. If you’re not lucky enough to win, tickets for the show priced £25 are available at www.kasbahnightclub.com.
Missed out on the chance to sup cider in a field in Somerset at Britain’s most in-demand festival this month? Well fear not, you can instead get your festival kicks in slightly more stripped down style at the snappily named Glastonbrummy Festival in the heart of Birmingham. And you won’t have to worry about wellies, mud, dodgy loos or even forking out a fortnight’s wages for a ticket as this two day funfest at new venue Alfie Bird’s in The Custard Factory features the finest international tribute bands and cover acts for a full-on, budget friendly festival experience. Taking place across the two days of Glastonbury weekend, June 28 and 29, it features the likes of Aussie Daft Punk tribute Discovery (pictured top), Kazabian and two different performances from Colbert Hamilton, the man known as Black Elvis. Plus, enjoy sets from the likes of Fleetwood Bac, Atomic Blondie, The Cloned Stones, all-girl Duran Duran homage Joanne Joanne and punk covers on ukulele from The Pukes. Day tickets are £20 and weekend tickets priced £35, available from seetickets.com or in person from Left For Dead Records at The Custard Factory.
new book reveals the ups and downs behind some of the biggest artists in midlands music The story of the West Midlands’ topsy-turvy music scene has been re-told in unique style. Birmingham based broadcaster, writer and local music expert Robin Valk has collected stories galore into a new ebook called Survivors, focusing on ‘music, musicians and staying the course’. It is a collection of memories and stories spanning decades of music in the region, featuring revealing interviews and chats with the likes of UB40’s Brian Travers, Judas Priest’s KK Downing, Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon Fowler and The Beat’s Dave Wakelin, Ranking Roger and Everett Morton. “There are some really big names in this ebook, but this isn’t about glamour, success, or stardom in enormodomes,” said Robin. “It’s about the grind, the persistence, and the luck you need to stay working in the music industry and maybe catch that break. So this book covers all kinds and levels of musicians; the one thing they have in common is that they have all done this for a long, long time.” Survivors is available now from Amazon or visit www.radiotogo.com. June 2014
7
behind the scenes
“It started off as a really high-end home studio that I set up for a mate,” explains Gospel Oak Studio head Barry Bayliss. “We recorded the first Merrymouth [side project of Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon Fowler] album with the equipment as band member Dan Sealey lives nearby. Then we needed to look for a dedicated space. Somewhere relaxed, rural and homely with a large enough space.” And that is exactly what they found when Gospel Oak Studio moved into its new two-storey, beamed farm building near Lapworth in January this year. Nestled down a country lane in Warwickshire, it has since welcomed acts as diverse as rising West Country star Ella, with Steel Pulse’s Alvin Ewen adding instrumental elements, and The Voice contestant Jimmy Weston. It’s a distraction-free environment where Barry wants musicians to have the freedom and space to be able to make the music they want to make. 8
“Of course they should know the songs inside out, but it’s much more than that. They should have a clear vision of what they want the final tracks to sound like, and to also have a few ideas of how they might do things differently, and have some room for experimentation.” “I’m more comfortable with the title of engineer/ co-producer than any other. I know all the equipment and studio space inside-out so I can capture the band’s sound to an excellent standard. I’m also keen to suggest tweaks and production and
to bounce ideas off the band, to get the very best out of them. I really want the band to leave with the best possible recording that they are capable of making.”
Gospel Oak Studio is located near Lapworth in the heart of Warwickshire. Brum Notes readers can get a 5 per cent discount off their first session. To book, email hello@gospeloakstudio.net, call 01564 785875 or visit www.gospeloakstudio.net. Brum Notes Magazine
SUN PUBS
THE SUN ON THE HILL - 23 BENNETTS HILL, BIRMINGHAM B2 5QP FACEBOOK.COM/THESUNONTHEHILL OR TWITTER: SUNONTHEHILL June 2014
THE SUN AT THE STATION - 7 KINGS HEATH HIGH STREET, B14 7BB FACEBOOK.COM/THESUNATTHESTATION TWITTER: SUNATTHESTATION 9
Words by Amy Sumner
PRISMS
facebook.com/PRISMSofficial “The BBC reported we’d split up!” exclaims Prisms frontman Craig Davis, outraged. “But we’d been hiding away gathering as many ideas as possible.” Prisms originally formed around three years ago. Having met and studied elsewhere, they returned to Birmingham together, formed a band, played some shows and then tucked themselves away to write some more. Currently, the trio (Davis along with James Fathers on guitar and Mark Banks on drums) reside and make music at their home studio in Kings Heath. They’re dark synth sounds that the outfit create, but this time around it’s undeniably pop. There are big catchy choruses, echoing drum beats, it sounds cavernous until they reign it all in and leave you with a straight-up vocal melody. With elements of M83 and clearly drawing influence from local bands around them attempting the same, it’s a marked progression in songwriting. “Hopefully you’ll hear an evolution in the sound,” says Craig. “The material we previously released was heavily influenced by our producer but now we are producing and mixing everything ourselves. It would be nice to think people will hear more versatility – for example, our next release is probably our most electronic so far. “Ultimately we’re feeling more confident in our sound. People will hear a difference and hopefully they’ll like it, but as long as they comment, we are doing something right.” Adding to their past repertoire, Prisms uploaded new songs We’ve Hit A River and Radio to their SoundCloud page just a couple of months ago. They play the Brum Notes Magazine June Issue Launch Party at the beginning of the month and will be giving away their next single, Feel The Thunder, free to all in attendance. “We’ve been sat on Feel The Thunder for a while,” explains Craig. “Craig demos a lot of the songs at home and they evolve in the rehearsal room. The song originally started off very chilled and then developed into something with a much heavier vibe,” adds James. And so once the party and new single giveaway are out of the way, what are the band’s plans after that? “We’d like to get on the gigging tracks and stay on them this time,” admits Craig, “but we want to see how Feel The Thunder goes down first. We are feeling optimistic...” Prisms headline the Brum Notes June Issue Launch Party at The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, on June 11 with support from Field Harmonics and Mutes. Entry is just £3, doors 8pm.
10
Brum Notes Magazine
annoying. You’ll be writing a lovely tune together then all of a sudden Virgin’s disconnected the broadband and you’re stuck with [guitarist] Freddie [Willetts]’s frozen pixelated grin. facebook.com/TheJacarandas “That or one of you hasn’t got a microphone so you just have to nod and put “I have taken it upon myself to be the ballyour thumb up when breaker,” says Jack Parker. “I’m THAT guy you think you’ve heard something nice.” who hunts down all the other members and forces them to practice in a tiny bedroom in The Jacarandas have just one demo reManchester until we all get severe cabin fe- maining up on their SoundCloud – a ver.” The Jacarandas’ new bassist is licking song which retains the direction in which everyone into shape, it seems. they’re setting out in, one presumes. Get Her Off Of My Mind is wonderfully chirpy Having formed as The Jacarandas in 2010 and dripping in sunlit serenity. It’s jangly (though various members had been making pop yet it’s also full of longing and sorrow. music together in various forms since about 2006), the band eventually “got sick of the “It’s all about needing to tell someone sight of each other, had a row at One Beat how you feel but doing anything to avoid Sunday and called it a day”, explains front- it,” explains John. “I mean you can go on man John Hemsoll. and on about how you love someone but what’s the point if it’s just going to stay “We were brought back to life by Jack,” he locked away in you? Love is glorified but continues. “I met him again last summer – there is so much about it that is sinishe kept telling me all night that he missed ter or cruel. I think that’s where many of the band and that I should do an acoustic the songs come from, especially the one show which I did in the end, and then one about arson…I like that one.” thing led to another and the next thing you know, he’s bought a fucking bass.” “John could be singing about the slaughtering of kittens and he could make it Dividing their time between Birmingham and sound like the most romantic thing you’ve Manchester in order to tie in with university ever heard,” interjects Jack. commitments (they’re spanning the two cities as we speak), the band are learning to Essentially “it’s pop!” enthuses John. “It’s perform a delicate balancing act. that youthful jingle jangle magic that I am still in love with.” And it’s pretty hard to “There’s none of that Skype though,” says resist a prospect like that. John, “it’s good to meet up to sort out songs and write, there’s better communication in- The Jacarandas are live at The Victovolved. Over the internet is too bloody ria, Birmingham, on June 13.
The Jacarandas
THE PLAYLIST MY GREY HORSE Days Shall Follow What’s a song without a banjo? Days Shall Follow is a harmonious ode crossing light and dark, almost bipolar but meshed together beautifully. There’s also a fantastic video shot in the freezing cold lakes of Snowdonia. Available through iTunes from June 16 MIDNIGHT BONFIRES Exhale Cementing our suspicion that, boy, do these boys like a party, Exhale is a two-and-a-half minute stomp; group choruses almost Los Campesinos, funked up bass and a tambourine for good measure. We love it. Free from June 13, midnightbonfires.com EVIL ALIEN Blood On Your Hands Evil Alien are not wrong when they say their latest offering has serious James Bond vibes – Blood On Your Hands is majestically cinematic. Featuring guest vocals from Bethany Barber, it’s our favourite thing the band have produced in a while. Shaken, not stirred. soundcloud.com/evilalien I AM ANUSHKA Reasoning Hurrah! FINALLY some music online! ‘Reasoning never helped me open any doors’, sings Anna Palmer in her Kate Bush-style vocal, accompanied solely by keys. We’re locking all of ours and listening to this on repeat. soundcloud.com/iamanushkamusic OUR MUTUAL FRIEND Truly Gone Snazzy orange vinyl anyone? Truly Gone gets its physical release on June 15. Until then, listen to the Fleetwood Mac/Kinksinspired hues of it via the Bromsgrove fivesome’s Bandcamp. Listen out for the 50s swing in its step. ourmutualfriend1.bandcamp.com
ONES TO WATCH Mutes
Weatherbird
Malone Malone
Loops, pedals, samples – Mutes is the one-man electronic soundscape of James Brown. Taking inspiration from Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, Mutes retains the reverb washes of his early recordings and releases his own EP this month. Watch him: The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, June 11
Telford four-piece crafting delicious grunge-pop stamped straight through the middle with alt-rock licks. Heavy and reigned back in all the right places, new single King Gluttony will be killer at their next show supporting God Damn. Watch them: Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, June 7
A good dose of guitar pop from the Birmingham four-piece sonically akin to Two Door Cinema Club but with a slightly rougher edge. They’ve played some really raucous local shows and with justification. Jam-packed full of catchy choruses, new single Alone is a right old earworm. Watch them: The Institute, June 22
June 2014
11
Craft Work Midlands musician Charlotte Carpenter has recaptured the craft of beautiful songwriting combined with an enchanting vocal style that has seen her quietly gaining attention across the country. But now three EPs in, she’s ready to show her grittier side. Ben Russell meets an acoustic artist well worth shouting about.
“I like to use the word ‘menacing’.” Not quite the response you expect when talking to acoustic singer-songwriter Charlotte Carpenter about her music, yet that’s how the fast-rising young musician sees it. “The drums are like thunder, the guitars are a thick distortion and the melodies are bluesy. I love gritty guitars, pin-drop moments and making music which on the surface makes you feel one thing, but a little deeper means something else. Every song owns a piece of me and I like making music which will make other people feel something too.” Charlotte, inspired by the sounds of blues, folk and country, has quietly been plugging away for a number of years, gradually making waves and winning over audiences with her beguiling live appearances and stripped back sounds. The songstress recently released her third EP, Whole, which was not only lauded by critics and fans, but also reached number 10 in the iTunes singersongwriter chart. Speaking about the milestone moment she admits she was “totally shocked”. “I was walking my dog on a beach at the time I found out, which was weirdly the same beach 12
“I love gritty guitars, pin-drop moments and making music which on the surface makes you feel one thing, but a little deeper means something else”
where the EP artwork was taken. I celebrated with a cold beer – it was brilliant. “I recorded the EP at a period in my life where there was change, and my opinions were starting to change too. Because of that the music is a little different to what I’ve released before – it feels like my in-between EP, from someone I used to be to the direction in which I’m going now. It explores love, desperation and change.
of a busy next few months, which will see her play Secret Garden Party and Strawberry Fields among numerous other festivals and shows, she will be returning to Birmingham to play a special show at The Yardbird in the city centre on June 15. “I love playing in Birmingham and I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years so I feel very welcome every time I play,” she continues. “The Yardbird is beautiful and I’m really happy to have Alex Moir support me, I’ve been a fan of his for years.
“Also, it’s the first release where I’m playing my electric guitar, which is a massive part of what I do live now,” she adds. “I’m very happy with the way it turned out. I believe in what I do, and it’s a great feeling to know other people are supportive and behind it with me.”
“People can expect a lot of new material, maybe an older song or two but at the moment it’s all about playing the new songs and letting people hear the direction I’m going in – hopefully they will like it!”
The native Northamptonian has become something of an adopted Brummie and can claim a strong and dedicated fanbase in the city. As part
Charlotte Carpenter plays a free entry show at The Yardbird, Birmingham, with support from Alex Moir and Sean Stewart on June 15. Brum Notes Magazine
June 2014
13
PLAYING THE FIELD Experimental musician Rob Glover’s latest project, Field Harmonics, sees him exploring new territory as a solo performer. He tells Amy Sumner about the inspiration behind his latest electro adventure.
“One of the biggest shifts was having a dedicated studio space,” explains Rob Glover of his relocation from Staffordshire to Wolverhampton just over two years ago. “Luckily my studio isn’t connected to any other residential building and the thick Georgian walls mean I can work on music at any time of the day or night without disturbing anyone. Field Harmonics was born of this freedom and space as it allowed me to try out vocal approaches in a way I had never done before, to really push myself and see what I was capable of achieving. So for me, it’s more the space than the place that has had the biggest impact on my music.” Rob has been making music as Field Harmonics since spring 2012 when he decided to put his other musical project, epic45, on hold for a year. Flying solo, he draws audible influence from Depeche Mode, New Order and the Pet Shop Boys and crafts his own multi-instrumental 80s synth-pop and electronica. Walls, Rob’s debut album, was released last July. A beautiful blend of pulsing electronic pop and dreamlike ambience, it’s scattered with highs and lows, light and dark and the nuances occupying all in between. It’s euphorically uplifting and reflectively sombre in equal measure. “The title track of the album was probably the first track I completed for Walls,” explains Rob, “it set the bar for the album and is still probably my favourite from that collection. Lyrically it’s pretty heart-on-your-sleeve and documents a very real end of relationship – two people sat in a room in silence as they both become aware that it’s over and there is no turning back from that point. That moment is captured in my head in almost photographic form, I can remember the time of day, the 14
early evening light cast on the walls, the orange glow of a lamp in the corner of the room and the TV muted as we sat in silence. The title, Walls, captured this memory. “Musically, Depeche Mode and New Order are both huge influences on me and have been for years. Tapes of 80s synthpop were passed down to Ben [epic45] and I at an early age from Ben’s older brother and his mates, and we absorbed the work of those guys as well as Pet Shop Boys, Soft Cell, Tears For Fears – all ingrained with tape hiss and the wow and flutter of listening to them late at night on cheap Walkmans with the batteries running down. I can still remember the very physical feeling of having my stomach flip over at a particular song, sound, melody, lyric or chord change when I was that age.” There are a lot of electronics at work in Rob’s music, but don’t be fooled into thinking that you’re listening to a computer, there’s a delicate balance between the use of software, hands-on performance and, excitingly, there are some live instrumentals in the pipeline. “If I can get it together in time, I’m planning to try out live drums at the Brum Notes party along with the usual woozy synth lines and dreamy
electro-pop textures. I’m challenging myself to not play the same set twice at any point which has given me an interesting push to constantly try out new material in a live situation. In some ways a lot of the new tracks have been made with the live audience/dancefloor in mind. It’s a great buzz to look out into an audience and see people dancing to songs they’ve never heard before. “My secret weapon, if I have one, is actually a very simple piece of step sequencer software that I started using when I was 15 and still use to this day. It’s called Making Waves and I remember my mate Scott and I saving up £20 each so we could buy a copy to share back in 1996. It’s so quick and intuitive to use for getting loops together that it is still often a fruitful starting point for me. Most of Walls started life in that program in some form. Daniel Bedingfield apparently made the whole of Gotta Get Thru This on Making Waves, but don’t let that put you off…”
Field Harmonics plays the Brum Notes June Issue Launch Party at The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, on June 11 with Prisms and Mutes. Entry is just £3 on the door. Visit www.brumnotes.com to win a signed copy of Walls, the debut album by Field Harmonics. Brum Notes Magazine
June 2014
15
Telling Tales Hotly tipped in plenty of ‘ones to watch’ lists at the start of 2014, George Ezra has already clocked up sold-out dates and plaudits galore so far this year. But with his debut album due out this month and a UK tour to come, attention on the young musician is set to go into overdrive. Jon Pritchard meets a songwriter recapturing the art of compelling storytelling.
“So my first stop was in Paris, and I gave Macaulay Culkin a ring, and he was like, ‘yep, come round.’ So I stopped at Macaulay Culkin’s house, but it was only for one night.”
Photo by Andy Hughes
Well there’s a sentence you don’t hear every day. When George Ezra walked into The Village in Moseley to chat to Brum Notes, no one batted an eyelid. Even we didn’t and we were looking for him. What the people around him didn’t realise is that amongst them was someone who not only has one of the most distinctive voices in the current crop of British musicians, but is also pals with Hollywood stars. Kipping at the Home Alone star’s pad isn’t a bad first stop for a few weeks of travelling around Europe, and it’s also the sort of a story that has got tongues wagging about George Ezra. Aside from his wonderful voice, he has written an album full of beautiful songs, all with superb narrative threads. 16
But they aren’t all as they seem. Take Budapest for example, his most notable song to date. “I was in Malmö in Sweden and the Eurovision Song Contest was being held in Malmö on that night, and I didn’t have a clue about it but everyone there seemed to be really excited about it and having parties,” he begins. “But I didn’t know you couldn’t buy alcohol after 10 o’clock at night. So I ended up buying a bottle of like, rum, or something like that from a guy in a park so I could have something to drink at this party. Anyway, I was meant to be getting a train to Budapest the next day, and I never got it because I was too hungover and didn’t fancy it. So I wrote the song about being miles from Budapest.” For a young lad, he’s got some fantastic tales, but he also has an aura of charm and a sense of being very down to earth. What other
22-year-old man would take his sister on tour with him, for example? “It’s a deliberate thing, because we get on really well,” he explains. “I did it for me. I used to do a lot of touring on trains on my own and this time I thought, ‘this is a long stint, I ain’t been home since…well I don’t know’. But it’s nice because Jess just tells me when to shut up and when to get on with it. It’s nice to have someone who doesn’t believe the hype. She’ll still turn on me and tell me my breath stinks.” He has been on tour with his mates, but that doesn’t always seem to end very well. We sense another story coming on. “My mate back home, he’s a scaffolder and he loves Cornwall, and twice I’ve done these tours of Cornwall and said ‘I’ll give you x amount of Brum Notes Magazine
metropolis music present
“It’s nice to have someone who doesn’t believe the hype. She’ll still turn on me and tell me my breath stinks.” money’ and we just get on it. The one time we were in St Ives and the guy who owned the pub I was playing gave us the keys and let us stay there. “The one time we went back with two girls and when they wanted to go home we found out they had locked us in. So we ended up having to envelope these girls through a window so they could go home.” George has been touring pretty much non-stop since the turn of the year, and he once again shows that he has a wise head on his shoulders when he talks about how he deals with travelling around the country – and Europe – on a bus.
MONDAY 09 JUNE
LEAMINGTON SPA ASSEMBLY
GIGSANDTOURS.COM / SEETICKETS.COM PEACELANDWORLD.COM PEACEFOREVEREVER.CO.UK A METROPOLIS MUSIC PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH 13 ARTISTS
“I’ve actually started to write a journal, even if it’s just a little note of what I have done that day, just to separate the dates.” While he may sound like he comes from the deep south of America with his deep, soulful vocals, he cites Bob Dylan as one of his biggest influences. “Dylan was what got me into music,” he says. “My Dad played a lot of Dylan at home and I did my own homework and found out who Dylan had listened to, but then also I grew up looking up to my older sister a lot, listening to The Libertines, Vampire Weekend, all these indie bands like Arctic Monkeys as well. From 2005, England just smashed it for bands for like two years.” With two EPs under his belt so far, Ezra’s own debut album, Wanted on Voyage, is due out at the end of this month. Unsurprisingly, you can feel the influence of those stories and anecdotes collected on his travels. “The whole album in someway or another comes from that. What was happening before that was I was travelling from Bristol to London every day, same train, same faces, I wasn’t seeing anything awe-inspiring.
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS
PLUS GUESTS
MONDAY 23 JUNE
THE INSTITUTE GIGSANDTOURS.COM / TICKETWEB.CO.UK
NEW ALBUM – SUNBATHING ANIMAL – OUT 02 JUNE A METROPOLIS MUSIC PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH WME
“It just needed to happen, I just needed to get up and go. I was feeling pressure on myself from the label – there wasn’t any. All you need to do is do what you were doing before but I felt like I needed to be doing something different. So I took myself away. “I took my guitar but I didn’t do many gigs at all. I just filled my notebooks up with what I was doing, who I was seeing, and when I got back I left them for about three months. When you go back to them it’s like someone else has handed you the stories, it’s like free words.” Walking into pubs unnoticed may of course not come so easily to the Bristol-based musician once his album does come out. But we know there’s one thing on your mind – how the hell does a 22-year-old musician from England who doesn’t even have an album out yet become friends with Hollywood upstart Macaulay Culkin?
27.10.14 THE INSTITUTE
GIGSANDTOURS.COM / TICKETMASTER.CO.UK JUNGLEJUNGLEJUNGLE.COM
“I supported Adam Green and Macaulay Culkin was on the whole tour,” Ezra explains. “So I said to him, ‘I’m going to be travelling around Europe’, and he said, ‘I’ve just moved to Paris, here’s my number, hit me up’. I was like, ‘what is going on?’” George Ezra is live at The Glee Club, Birmingham, on June 16. His debut album Wanted On Voyage is out on June 30 through Columbia Records.
PLUS GUESTS
THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER 2014
THE INSTITUTE
GIGSANDTOURS.COM | ROUNDHOUSE.ORG.UK | STARGREEN.COM • LAMBOFFICIAL.COM A METROPOLIS MUSIC PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH PRIMARY TALENT INTERNATIONAL
June 2014
FIN D U S O N
17
STRENGTH
IN NUMBERS Combining the punk energy of the Ramones with minimalist classical theory, Rhys Chatham’s immense 100-guitar orchestra is set to cause a sensation in Brum as part of Frontiers Festival. Dan Cooper-Gavin speaks to the legendary composer ahead of the UK premiere of A Secret Rose. Earlier this year, the avant-garde sounds of downtown New York invaded Birmingham for the Conservatoire’s Frontiers Festival. This month, Frontiers is back for one more week of envelopepushing thrills and spills, which include a fourday Thelonious Monk marathon and the world premiere of Crowd Out, a piece for no less than 1,000 vocalists by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang, produced by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. Yet one of the most glittering highlights of all comes in the form of Rhys Chatham’s improbable massed-guitar epic A Secret Rose. The classically-trained composer made his name in the unlikely arena of the 1970s New York punk scene with his seminal composition Guitar Trio. His ensembles expanded over the years, with A Secret Rose featuring no less than 100 guitarists, driven by a rhythm section comprising Brum’s own Laurence Hunt and Sebastiano Dessanay. Chatham’s huge massed-guitar works have become his calling card, but for the immensely 18
personable composer, it’s a lot more than just a gimmick. “If you ask any guitarist why 100 guitars, they’ll laugh – the answer to them will be self-evident! We like playing loud with six or eight electric guitars – with 100 you can play really, really loud! With that many guitars, you want to go for moments that are thunderous, but I’ll tell you one thing – there’s nothing like the sound of 100 electric guitars playing quietly. There’s a special sound to 100 electric guitars that you just can’t get any other way. It’s a very special sonority. Other people have followed me and also written for this configuration, but they tend to go more for the power aspect, the volume level – and, of course, I like to explore those moments too – but my mission in writing this piece wasn’t to assault the audience. My mission was to explore what this beautiful instrument is and what it can do playing softly. “We had the punk revolution in New York in the mid-70s, and it was just at the time I was looking for my voice as a composer. I studied with La
Monte Young, I sang in his group, but I was really searching for my own voice. And then, at the age of 24, I went to my first rock concert. My parents were into classical music, my father was a harpsichordist, my instrument of virtuosity was the flute – we had rock at home on record, but I’d never been to a concert. So, the first concert I went to was at CBGB’s, and it was the Ramones. They had just put out their first album, and I’d thought it was interesting, but hearing an album isn’t the same as seeing a group live, and I fell in love with the electric guitar at that point.” Despite his lofty musical education, though, Chatham didn’t find punk to be a lesser art form – in fact, in many ways, it was quite the opposite. “What the Ramones were doing was a lot more complicated than what I was doing,” he says. “They were working with three chords, I was only working with one. I had to get rock under my belt – I played in various punk bands because, to be frank, I was arrogant. I thought, ‘I’ve played the Pierre Boulez Sonatine for flute and piano’, Brum Notes Magazine
“There’s a special sound to 100 electric guitars that you just can’t get any other way.” which is a notoriously difficult piece, ‘rock is in 4/4, I can count to four, it’s going to be a snap’. I played and I found that my playing was stiff, I wasn’t really feeling the way a rock musician would, so I needed to do kind of field work and play in a bunch of bands that weren’t my own, to really get the music in my body. I didn’t want to be a classical composer appropriating rock music.” Fittingly, Chatham’s ambitions seem to have been driven as much by excitement and mischief as by any grander artistic aspiration. “I think it was 1985 or something like that, I had an idea of doing a piece for 100 electric guitars, and I was still very much in a punk, no-wave sort of head at the time. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we got 100 guitars together in a small black-box rock club, got the audience in, locked the door, and we’ll call the piece Torture Box?’ My girlfriend at the time said, ‘You don’t know 100 electric guitarists’, so I made a list, and as it turned out, I only knew 80, but my girlfriend knew another 20, so she won the bet. I had to buy her a pint of beer – which I would have done anyway. It was at that point when I realised this was something I could actually do. I realised, you know, if you get 100 guitars and play Louie Louie, it’s going to sound bloody brilliant.” But far from being a run-through of rock’n’roll staples, A Secret Rose is much more akin to a full classical symphony. “A Secret Rose is composed in five movements, each of the movements has a very different sound, having a prelude, a kind of overture, moving into an introduction, moving into an allegro section, then an adagio, then another allegro, and then a finale, that kind of thing, which is very nice for the pacing,” explains Rhys. “So, there are a variety of styles in it.” It’s Chatham’s wide-eyed love and deep reverence for each side of his dichotomous musical DNA that mean, for him, the concert hall and the sweaty rock club are forever intertwined. “I would say if the person has any love at all for rock‘n’roll, they’ll like this piece. The drummer and bass player are the rhythm section – they are the wind behind the flyer of the electric guitars, if I can use the corny analogy – the rhythmic section is definitely coming out of rock. We’ll hear my background as a minimalist composer, of course, we’ll hear a bit of La Monte and Tony Conrad and Charlemagne Palestine in this and their concerns with pure sonority…but we’ll also hear quite a bit of the Ramones in this also.”
The final week of the Frontiers Festival runs from June 2-8, with Rhys Chatham’s A Secret Rose For 100 Guitars at Town Hall, Birmingham, on June 7. For more information, visit www.frontiersmusic.org. June 2014
19
BASS 2014: MADE IN BRITAIN “AT THE END of THE DAy I wANT To kEEp THE SuBSTANcE of My MuSIc.”
GHETTS Justin Clarke has been making a name for himself on the UK grime scene for almost a decade, after first unveiling his fiery style and intelligent songwriting as MC Ghetto back in 2005. Now known as Ghetts and with his debut full-length studio album released to critical acclaim earlier this year, the East London artist is fast becoming one of the most respected and innovative names in UK urban music. He talks to Shawn Baxter about the inspiration behind his impressive LP, Rebel With a Cause. “The rebellion part is just about the culture, you know? From a time where us as artists, we made very, very original music close to our hearts for the right reasons,” explains Ghetts. “Now we’ve entered a time where we make music for the wrong reasons. Understand what I’m saying. As someone with a voice that people hear, I kind of feel like the hand I was dealt was to take that role [to make music for the right reasons]. I might’ve been scared of that role in the past but I am definitely embracing it now.” 20
Despite bursting onto the grime scene in 2005 as MC Ghetto, two years after being released from prison at the age of 18, he has come a long way since then and a lot of hard work has gone into promoting brand ‘Ghetts’. But while the brand is a crucial element to succeed in the modern music industry, Ghetts insists it will never be to the detriment of the music itself. “We’ve been trying to tighten up from the music to the videos to the branding, we’re trying to make it all correlate and you know when people put a face to the name they know what it represents, then they understand me as an artist fully,” he explains. “At the end of the day I want to keep that substance of my music.” Nine years since he first got tongues wagging as an abrasive young MC, his debut album, Rebel With a Cause dropped in March and gave a real statement of his ambitions, as well as showing how much his music has developed.
“The album’s the truth, 15 songs of truth and every emotion you could possibly feel,” he says. “There is emotion in there for you. There is something in the album for you that you can most probably relate to, even if you’re not from the roads or the hood, or whatever. If you like good music, you know, that helps you through a certain situation or makes you look back at a certain situation you can relate to certain songs. If you like music like that, then Rebel With a Cause is definitely for you. [It’s] original, truthful and creative.” While Ghetts may not be a household name in the same way as other grime-inspired artists who have attracted mass pop audiences in recent years, he is certainly a respected name on the British urban scene, with airplay on Radio 1 and 1Xtra, and he is an artist whose fanbase is steadily on the rise. “The progress is a beautiful feeling,” he says, “to not be mainstream but have that support even Brum Notes Magazine
though I’m not mainstream, it’s a weird sort of balance that I am in. I am not mainstream but the mainstream know of me, it’s a blessing, I am counting the blessings.” As for the grime scene in the UK at the moment, Ghetts feels it is something that needs a refresh. “I think we have a lot of rebuilding to do, and you know I feel like we have gone backwards a bit. In terms of unity a little bit more from the artist to the DJs on the radio and we all need to unite and support each other instead of keep feeding into this bullshit, you get me? That’s nothing to do with our culture and at the end of the day we support everyone’s culture or we support American culture over our own. Like that don’t make no sense. “If it’s one thing you are going to imitate from Americans, imitate their pride, the pride and joy of what they have created. As a British black man I talk about culture, I am the third generation of my family that’s here. Our families don’t go generations back to here. They either go back to Jamaica, St Lucia or Ghana or Nigeria where they come from, so when I see a culture, I see it like a lot of different genres in my household, being that I am third generation.” As a musician, it’s natural that those different cultural influences and genres have inspired his own musical heritage. “I am from a church background, gospel was predominately in my house. My dad loves jazz, so I grow up listening to a lot of jazz and gospel, I was not really allowed to listen to underground music and what not. I used to see what I could see on TV, so with the rap thing Will Smith was like one of the first rappers I ever heard. I thought that was good at that time until I heard the real shit like Pac and Biggie. I say the culture, I want to take it further like what So Solid did, like I felt that was the start of what we do, so I kind of want to represent that.” So what would he say to young artists who want to follow in his own footsteps? “It’s about blind faith, you understand what I’m saying? Having that faith, know who you are as a person and understanding the hand you were dealt – what works for one man won’t work for the next. I am who I am as a individual, like he has his own name, I can only be me.”
Ghetts is live at The Temple @ The Institute, Birmingham, on June 9, for Disrupt presents Grime Unplugged, part of BASS 2014. Also performing on the night are Blizzard, Eyez, Prose and more. Rebel With a Cause, the debut album from Ghetts, is out now. June 2014
BASS 2014: HIGHLIGHTS BASS festival is one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of black arts, music and entertainment and returns to Birmingham this month for 14 days of live shows, club nights, exhibitions, performances, talks and more. Now in its ninth year, the latest instalment has a theme of ‘Made in Britain’, focusing on emerging British talent. Curated by Punch Records, events take place from June 1–14 at venues across the city, offering a packed programme of artistic talent and intriguing events. On June 4, The Custard Factory hosts a screening of pioneering 1980 film Babylon, directed by Franco Rosso, a gritty tale focusing on the life of a black working class musician trying to carve out a music career while battling racism, violence and poverty in London. Entry is even at the 1980 price of just £1, while the star of the movie, ex Aswad lead singer Brinsley Forde, will take questions from the audience afterwards. Upfront Comedy delivers a night of stand-up and music at The Drum in Aston on June 6, with a headline performance from Curtis Walker, the man known as ‘The Don’ of black comedy. The evening’s entertainment will also include live musical sets from new RCA Records signing Jamie Joseph and the soothing tones of Kezia Soul. Renowned producer and turntablist DJ Bailey is joined by a well chosen selection of special guest DJs, including Radio 1’s Crissy Cris, to deliver a one-off Drum’n’Bass Silent Disco on June 7, from 10pm until 3am at NextDoor in Digbeth.
Kezia Soul
Witness grime as you’ve never seen or heard it before, with a series of stripped back acoustic performances as part of Grime Unplugged, with unique appearances from the likes of Ghetts, Blizzard and Eyez, at the intimate Temple space at The Institute on June 9. Watch live art unfold in unique fashion, as Birmingham illustrator Sweaty Eskimo steps up for a race against the clock to produce a bespoke new work for the festival, between 9am and 5pm at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The Drum welcomes some of the most exciting new talent to emerge from Birmingham and the surrounding areas, with Made in the Midlands on June 12, featuring live performances from the likes of Call Me Unique, MOD and Defkon 1. BASS 2014 runs from June 1-14 at various venues across Birmingham. For the full line-up visit www.bass2014.co.uk
Call Me Unique
The UK’s premier black music station, BBC 1Xtra will broadcast live from Birmingham on June 8, with DJ Target hosting a special look at emerging urban music talent from across the Midlands from 4pm.
DJ Bailey
21
LUNAR FESTIVAL
6-8 June, 2014
Lunar Festival sees three days and nights of live music taking over a tranquil spot in the Warwickshire countryside, featuring more than 70 acts, both local talent and international stars, across three stages, plus some adventurous pop-up club nights to keep the festival spirit going long after the sun sets. Taking place from June 6-8 in the spiritual home of Nick Drake, Tanworth-in-Arden, the eclectic event will be headlined by Donovan, The Polyphonic Spree and Tim Burgess, with the likes of British Sea Power, Temples, Scott Matthews and the Crazy World of Arthur Brown also on the bill. David Vincent and Chris Moriarty look ahead to some more of the weekend’s highlights…
The Magic Band
THE MAGIC BAND Band line-ups rarely seemed to last, no doubt thanks to the questionable antics of leader Don Van Vliet, but the music produced by Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band continues to resonate, with such acts as Franz Ferdinand, PJ Harvey, Nick Cave and Jack White all citing their influence. Formed in the mid-60s, the band’s uncommercial blend of rock’n’roll, blues, psychedelia and experimental composition resulted in a dozen albums between 1967 and the Captain’s retirement in 1982. Vliet went off to paint, eventually passing away aged 69 in 2010, but demands for the music to be heard live resulted in various bruised former members coming together for All Tomorrow’s Parties in 2003. The festival and subsequent shows were a huge critical success (John Peel was reportedly brought to tears) and, brief hiatus aside, they’re still with us today. “The music is rather timeless as neither the notes nor the lyrics reflected the fads and trends of the 22
time. Other people were using electric sitars and wah wah pedals, fuzztones and studio effects such as phasing,” says John ‘Drumbo’ French, the former Magic Band sticksman-now-vocalist, of their enduring appeal. Currently joined by Denny ‘Feelers Rebo’ Walley (slide guitar) and Mark ‘Rockette Morton’ Boston (bass), the revitalised Magic Band’s setlist features classic cuts from Safe As Milk, The Spotlight Kid, Clear Spot and Bat Chain Puller. As so many different musicians passed through the original group, one of the first challenges was to figure out who played what, and how. “A lot of the stuff the guys picked out by just listening,” says Drumbo. “Other things had to be charted. I hate transcription, but I’ve had to do enough of them now to where it has become easier. Suction Prints [from Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller)] was one of the hardest to get the drum part transcribed. Mostly, I will jot down the main pattern and leave it up to the drummer a bit to nail the part.”
Linda Perhacs Joining the ranks of Vashti Bunyan and Rodriguez, US hippy/folkie Linda Perhacs is the latest ‘lost’ artist to find herself in the limelight after decades in everyday obscurity. Having released just one long-player, Parallelograms, in 1970 to zero interest, Linda promptly returned to her career as an LA dental hygienist until rising prices of original vinyl prompted a CD reissue in 2003. The likes of Daft Punk and Devendra Banhart paid their respects, tentative live appearances followed, and now a second album. Released on Sufjan Stevens’ Asthmatic Kitty label, The Soul Of All Natural Things is a serene and
Main stage, sunday Brum Notes Magazine
gently hypnotic collection recorded with the assistance of Julia Holter and Ramona Gonzalez (aka Nite Jewel). Over 40 years later, Linda’s lost none of her hippy ideals: “My music isn’t just recreational, it’s not just entertainment. I have a deeper purpose. My soul is giving itself to the people; I want them to be helped, I want them to be lifted.”
Main stage, saturday
ECLECTIC AVENUE Indie rock eccentrics British Sea Power are a band who know how to keep busy. With a packed summer diary kicking off with an appearance at Lunar Festival, they talk fireballs and brass balls with Ben Russell.
TOY The effortlessly cool Toy weave their way through a journey of krautrock and psychedelia, all with a modern and engaging edge. The heritage that has informed their sound (think Captain Beefheart, Nick Cave, Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine) means they make for an intriguingly clever addition to the Lunar Festival bill, while their shoegaze-leaning tendencies and precision-crafted layers lend themselves to a captivating live set. Definitely worth making sure you get out of work early for on the Friday.
Main stage, friday
MAGIC DOOR CLUB NIGHT No clubbing experience encapsulates the festival spirit more than Magic Door. Get ready to leave your inhibitions at the (magic) door and let your hair down in style – or, heck, even don new hair altogether. Expect wigs, glitter, face paints, disguises and all manner of props. And that’s not even to mention the fact that you’ll be losing yourself in a pulsating soundtrack of the best in underground disco and house delivered by the likes of Jukes of Hazard and Deano Ferrino. Ultimately, describing Magic Door is almost pointless – just know that this is a party where anything can, and will, happen.
saturday Lunar Festival runs from June 6-8 at Umberslade Estate, Tanworthin-Arden, Solihull. Tickets range from £35-£85 for adults and £15-40 for under-16s. Visit www.lunarfestival.co.uk. June 2014
With an ambitious six-piece line up, British Sea Power specialise in intense, expansive, uncompromising songs – but they also know how to deliver a mean pop hook. They have been described as an odd bunch, out of place, out of time, out of their minds, but also out of this world. But lead singer Jan Scott Wilkinson says they see themselves as pretty ordinary fellows. “We do have a taste for adventure on and off the open seas,” he admits. “Musically we are a dreamlike amalgamation of Thin Lizzy, Can and Nile Rodgers, although we end up sounding like Joy Division accidentally sometimes.” Nonsensical pigeonholing aside, the band have built a reputation for amazing stage antics (including an 8ft bear) and for choosing unique, beautiful venues for their shows. This has seen them play in museums, libraries, sea forts and village halls up and down the country. This summer sees them traversing the UK and Europe, as well as taking in Taiwan and Japan. Jan adds: “We’ve had busier summers to be honest, but playing live is very important to the band’s survival. Otherwise we wouldn’t see each other very often and we couldn’t afford to maintain our Ferraris effectively. “I’m really looking forward to Taiwan most of all. One Taiwan fan is worth two to three UK ones, exempting one
or two of our really special regulars, in terms of enthusiasm. They put us to shame really. I love playing Europe too. I’m a big fan of Europe in general. It’s truly great that we’re part of it.” Despite having just returned from another tour, the band have already set their eclectic sights on the next project, Sea Of Brass. “Sea Of Brass is an experimental collaboration with Peter Wraight (Matthew Herbert Big Band) and a very large brass band,” says Jan. “We’re premiering it at the Durham brass festival. I’m slightly nervous about it as it’s something quite different for us and there’s so much that can go wrong. It has the potential to be fantastic though.” So will this lend itself to a future recording project? “We’ll have to see if it translates into reality. Fingers crossed it will. Peter has done some fantastic arranging for us but we aren’t quite at the stage where we’ve rehearsed together so I can’t say exactly what it sounds like yet.” First up, though, is this month’s Lunar Festival. “For the Lunar Festival show, Martin [Noble, guitar] is considering emitting great big fireballs from his body. I asked him how he can do this but he says it is a secret. The only clue was that it may involve gas of some sort. I’m a big fan of gas.”
MAIN STAGE, FRIDAY 23
ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES
in the light With more than 20 members playing shimmering, orchestral songs filled with sunshine and joy, The Polyphonic Spree are perhaps the ultimate festival band. Fitting, then, that they will headline the final day of Lunar Festival, one of the newest and most exciting weekend festivals on the Midlands music calendar. David Vincent talks to the man whose grand ambitions have fuelled ‘The Spree’ for more than a decade.
Make no mistake, while there’s certainly enough of them to be mistaken for a choir, as frontman and founder Tim DeLaughter points out, The Polyphonic Spree are very much “a band”. “We presently have around 21 in the band,” he says of the current line-up. “Although that changes from time to time, it depends on commitments some folks may have, etcetera.” While some quartets struggle to find time to rehearse and play a few gigs, imagine the logistics of recording and touring a 21-piece outfit. But this makes it all the more impressive that they manage to successfully tour the world. “It’s always a challenge to operate The Spree, the biggest hurdles are airline tickets,” says Tim, who’s previously also discussed the cost of the colourfully attired combo’s laundry bills. “Financing The Spree is a cost that far exceeds the cost of typical four and five-piece bands – think about it, we have five bands in one band, and we are paid like a four-piece band! The math never works out. We have to be extremely frugal when we operate.” When Tim’s drums/bass/guitar/vocals postgrunge pop band Tripping Daisy came to a sudden end, it was a fondness for the orchestral-flavoured pop of the 60s, and such acts as The Beach Boys, 24
The Beatles and The Association that informed the Dallas-based musician’s next outing. Formed in 2000, The Polyphonic Spree’s 2002 debut album, The Beginning Stages Of…, was a clear winner, with David Bowie among their growing army of fans. However, with 20-plus members decked out in white robes and resembling some lost religious hippy cult, many had them pegged as a novelty or gimmick act with a limited life span. Yet 14 years later, The Spree are still with us. “At the very, very beginning, I didn’t think it was going to be a band, it was just an experiment of sound. But, when folks said we wouldn’t be able to tour with such a group, I decided to make a go at it. Once we made the decision to go for it, it became a relentless mission to prove that we were just like any other band, just bigger. So, once you think you’re ‘a band’ and you’re making records and touring, you obviously think it’s going to go forever, and here we are,” says Tim. “People in general are short sighted so it didn’t surprise me when people were thinking ‘novelty’. Hell! We have out lasted more than half the bands we toured with back then. Gimmick? Nope. Pioneer? Yep!” A skip through The Spree’s back catalogue will confirm their pioneer status – just listen to any
number of contemporary acts who’ve looked outside of the traditional band line-up, and there are echoes of The Spree in there. “We came out in 2000 and the post-grunge era when none of this was going on,” he says, expanding on their desire to not be restricted by the drums/bass/guitar approach. “Now, listening to the radio it’s filled with other instruments besides guitar, bass and drums and there’s more than one person singing. And back then it wasn’t anything like that.” Excluding 2012’s Holidaydream Christmas record, last August’s Yes It’s True was the band’s first full length studio album in five years, though tracks on 2012’s Rubble Guts & BB Eye by Tim’s other band, Preteen Zenith, initially began life as potential Spree numbers. “Originally when I wrote those songs [for Preteen Zenith], I thought it was going to be for The Polyphonic Spree, and then when I got going I thought it was going to be a solo record – ‘cos I’d never done a solo record before – and when I called my friend Philip [Karnats, ex-Tripping Daisy, and ex-Secret Machines] because I thought there was a song we could collaborate on, then all of a sudden, the songs became something else. And especially when we went off Brum Notes Magazine
lunar festival
together. So these songs I’d started writing…I knew there was going to be a Polyphonic Spree record coming, but not how or when until I’d collected all these songs.” But in the wake of Preteen Zenith, Tim realised he’d built up enough tracks for a new Spree album, and turned to crowdfunding platform Kickstarter as a way to finance the release away from the label system. “I was extremely nervous about asking fans for money at the beginning, it was something that took me a while to get comfortable with,” says Tim, who was quickly blown away by the fan donations as plans for what became Yes, It’s True took shape. “I wanted to make this record close to that Percy Faith world, which is not anything like it turned out,” he explains, adding that the record – despite continuing to include various wind, string and percussive instruments – is definitely something of a departure for The Spree. “There’s a lot of restraint going on, and that was on purpose. We didn’t want to have the kitchen sink on all these songs like we’ve had in the past, where everyone’s playing on there just for the sake of playing on there. June 2014
“We wanted these songs to breathe, not be overwhelmed by the instrumentation. “I really love the whole record, it’s the most diverse recording to date,” he continues, citing several tracks as album highlights. “I really like Battlefield [Section 43] for its honesty, and Let Them Be [Section 40] for its originality.” While keeping a group as sizeable as The Spree active has remained a time consuming challenge, Tim and co continue to find interesting and quirky projects that have kept them in the public eye. In the last few years, for example, they’ve performed songs from The Rocky Horror Show, co-created an interactive iPad app, been commissioned to write a song for US soccer team FC Dallas, and composed a score for DVD art project Wee See. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show was an idea thought up for a way to come to London to play Halloween night. Which we did. The app was an idea by Moonbot studios, they are wonderful animators and storytellers. They are fans and asked if we were up for it – we were, of course, excited. I believe we were the first to do so. “As for the soccer track, MLS approached bands to write a song for their team, so we
did. My wife and I’s good friends Rolyn and Heather Barthelmen came up with this concept called Wee See. It’s part art, part child development, very cool! “All these projects appeal to me for different reasons, but I think the number one reason is so we can continue to stay relevant in a constantly changing world.” While another project with Moonbot and a stage/ theatre production are on the cards, along with the possibility for more from Preteen Zenith, it’s The Spree’s live show which currently enthuses Tim. On stage, with 20 other musicians and singers, he says they’re firing on all cylinders, and it’s quite special. “You can have those moments with a four-piece band, and I’ve done that before, but there’s nothing like the experience I have with The Polyphonic Spree – the live aspect of it, I’m at my best, as a human being.”
The Polyphonic Spree headline the closing night of Lunar Festival, on June 8, Umberslade Estate, Tanworth-in-Arden, Solihull. The festival runs from June 6-8. Ticket details at www.lunarfestival.co.uk. 25
Colossal, monumental and gut-wrenchingly furious – Wolverhampton’s God Damn make more noise with two people than most bands could manage with 20. But their blend of grunge, sludge and heavy metal is also beautifully refined and intelligently written, earning them attention from plenty of interested record labels. Now signed to One Little Indian and with a debut album on the horizon, they talk slap-up meals, crowdsurfing drumkits and accusations of blasphemy with Amy Sumner.
Photo by Andy Hughes
“One bought a slap-up meal, the other bought a Sunday roast.” God Damn frontman Thomas Edward contrasts the nature of the two studios the band are busy recording their debut album between. “We laid down the drums and guitar at Metropolis studios in London. The room was designed by Queen to record Innuendo and is pretty much a pop factory, a massive fancy place with a chef, fresh fruit every day and runners to go and fetch you anything. It was like living in a bubble, far too posh for my scruffy self but we seemed to work really well there and our producer, Xav Stevenson, is one of the hardest working, most passionate 26
people we’ve met in any walk of life. For the vocals however, I felt more comfortable doing it where we’ve done all of our demos, in Wolverhampton with our mate Ryan Pinson at RML. We’re almost finished but it has been hard to find the time, what with having two jobs now!” The Wolverhampton heavy rockers have had a pretty successful few months. After being snapped up by ultra cool independent label One Little Indian, they’ve released a handful of singles (one recorded in Liam Watson’s legendary allanalogue Toe Rag Studios), added an impressive amount of favourable press to their repertoire and played the live shows most bands are still thinking
about in their bedrooms, including a tour with Heavenly Recordings’ Brighton trio The Wytches. “I basically nagged and nagged the band to take us on tour after we played with them at one of their first London shows,” says Thom. “Kristian [Bell, frontman] is a bit of a genius, the real deal. On the last date we had with them, we decided to crowdsurf their drummer’s kit because he hated us moving it around every night...it was all in good humour.” It’s great to see the band doing so well – hard working, hard playing, if you’ve seen them live you’ll know it was kind of only a matter of time. Brum Notes Magazine
space of a couple of weeks so it’s a really congruent body of work both musically, thematically and collaboratively. We tried to be really sonically creative in the studio, both with the guitar sounds and the percussion. I like to think it’s an album which could be played by 10 people or two people. It’s rants and raves, aches and close shaves for nations of the vexed and ill-behaved.” Bass-less duos do seem to be pretty en vogue of late with the likes of Royal Blood and Drenge making a bit of a din, something Thom puts down to “the recent developments in guitar pedal technology”. However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. God Damn create music which demands your attention, it’s loud and it’s abrasive and it’s belligerent. Which demanded a name to match, right? “The name was originally a bit of a joke between us which stuck when we started playing shows,” explains Ash. “It suits the music but we never wanted it to be provocative or cause conflict, we just thought it would stand out. For anyone who is religious, we don’t mean to cause offence...” “When we initially started we just wanted the music to piss people off but we’ve matured a little since then. Let’s not lie, we did have some trouble with our name and the radio, but people drop this so-called blasphemy all the time so it seems like mindsets might waver,” adds Thom. In reality God Damn are going from strength to strength. In June they return to Wolverhampton to play one of their biggest shows to date.
“We had a few people sniffing but One Little Indian were the most militant at the gigs,” says Thom, “and their ethos as a label sat right with the band.” “Things are looking pretty good at the moment though,” continues drummer Ash Weaver, “we feel very lucky to be in this position. It’s funny, because I can tell you the exact show that we could feel something happening. It was at the Black Heart in Camden towards the end of last year. We were just finding our feet as a two-piece and we played a blinder of a set. I can remember saying to Thom on the way home that I hoped there was someone watching that night. Funnily enough, One Little Indian were there.” God Damn have always had a penchant for a good old fashioned rock song. What they do so well is to blend the blues of rock’n’roll with the heavy metal aesthetic the West Midlands was so prominent in popularising, and layering it all with a scuzzy grunge panache. The past year has been turbulent – the band were forced to re-jig from a three to a two-piece after guitarist Dave June 2014
“When We initially started We just Wanted the music to piss people off but We’ve matured a little since then” Copson was involved in a serious accident. Thankfully Dave is on the mend and God Damn have written and reconfigured their way to an album of near completion, set for release in the new year. “It’s looking to be 12 new songs and one old one which we thought sat right,” explains Thom. “I came up with the guitars and melodies at the start of the year and we wrote them together in the
“We don’t have tricks as such but we do have Dave coming on to do a few songs with us so expect some oldies that you may not have heard us do for a while,” teases Ash. “Apart from that, it’s going to be a full on nuts show, as always, we wouldn’t want to give you anything less!” And for the rest of the year? “We have lots of festivals planned over summer,” Ash continues. “We’ve just played three dates at the Dot To Dot festivals and then we have Camden Rocks, Artrocker New Blood Festival, CC14, Birmingham and Beyond, and Gland Rock in Portsmouth. Added to that, we play our first overseas festivals this summer in Croatia (InMusic Festival) and the Czech Republic (Rock For The People). You can also catch us at 2000 Trees, Y Not and Bestival. There will be more singles to look forward to and some tour supports later on in the year . You will definitely see us around…”
God Damn play the Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton on June 7, presented by Brum Notes and Birmingham Promoters. Support comes from Women, Weatherbird and The Scribers. 27
Parquet Courts have given social media a swerve, instead building up a buzz through their music alone, a frenetic combination of modern day punk and hazy garage rock. But just don’t call them “slacker”. And with three albums in four years, they’re anything but. Amy Sumner talks to a band doing things on their own terms. “Hello this is Austin from Parquet Courts and I’m at home, thinking about going to get coffee or maybe a sandwich, but I could just as easily make that stuff at home. I really enjoy the ritual of going out to get coffee, maybe running into a friend and having that conversation like, ‘I can’t even talk right now because I need a coffee,’ and you both laugh for a bit then go get a sparkling wine because by this time it’s like noon anyways.” So begins our interview with New York garage punk four-piece, Parquet Courts and their guitarist, Austin Brown. Little-known fact: Austin and Andrew [Savage – vocals, guitar] first met at Savage’s recordlistening club, The Knights of the Round Turntable, while they were studying at the 28
University of North Texas in Denton. There’s not many bands would admit to that. After relocating to New York, bassist Sean Yeaton and Savage’s brother Max joined on drums and we have band. The four-piece self-released their debut record, American Specialties, in 2011 and its follow-up, Light Up Gold, in late 2012 and then they kind of slipped by under the radar for a bit. There was no press, no furore, no social media presence – they were a word of mouth kind of thing. Light Up Gold turned out to be one of the best things released that year and once the music press got hold of it, there was kind of no going back. Parquet Courts still retain that unwillingness to promote themselves – there’s still no social media (“nobody wants to
see that”), just a Wordpress site they update every so often with choice titbits. One such titbit is a list of all the contexts in which they’ve been referred to as ‘slacker’ (“slacker journalism?” says Austin). “Michael Azerrad is a great music writer who talks about the laws of rock criticism, like ‘whenever citing post-punk you MUST use the words ‘spiky’ or ‘angular’, you MUST use the word ‘moniker’, even though you would never say that word out loud. I think our slacker tag has more to do with who’s writing about us than what we actually are and where we fit as a band. But hey, writers are as overworked and underpaid as the next guy, so who’s to say they Brum Notes Magazine
should do their research or even have listened to a record before writing about it? I certainly won’t be the one.” In any other band, this is a warning sign. But Parquet Courts aren’t doing it to rock the boat or be obnoxious, it’s more a hyper awareness and a brazen unwillingness to gloss things over. What Parquet Courts is producing is unarguably punk – it’s a disenchantment with modern life (heck, just life actually); a creative outlet for their frustrations, beautifully worded and beautifully crafted in its ramshackle offbeat-ness. Musically they’re displaying the influence of everyone from Pavement to Jonathan Richman, Guided By Voices to The Fall; Light Up Gold is a frantic, maximum-attitude frustrationdispelling gallop. Seven of its songs clock in at under two minutes, it’s fit for bursting with gems – ‘A minute of your time? Socrates died in the fucking gutter’. Since their formation, Parquet Courts have produced a record every year, two full-lengths June 2014
in 2011 and 2012, the Tally EP in 2013 and Sunbathing Animal which is due for release this month. So are they a super creative bunch for whom the juices just will not stop flowing or is it a ruthless work ethic? “Funny thing about juice! It’s just liquid that comes out of something when it’s pressed, and water is just sink juice. So I wouldn’t really say we’ve been squeezing lemons but rather drinking from the faucet. There’s one in everyone’s kitchen, just gotta turn the thing on.” They’ll only answer what they want to answer too. We’re working on Parquet Courts terms then.
“A place that you arrive between finding what you want and being imprisoned by it. I find a lot of the material on Sunbathing Animal is deliberately more minimalist, kind of like how Jonathan Richman sings about how The Velvet Underground ‘played less notes and left more space’.” The initial signs are good. Last month the band released the title track, Sunbathing Animal, a motor-mouthed four minute race, followed by Black And White and Instant Disassembly just weeks later. Sunbathing Animal the full length follows on June 2 accompanied by a live date at The Institute in Birmingham on June 23. So what can we expect?
So with that third full-length album on the horizon, a select run of UK live dates will accompany it. It seems the travel that goes with touring has been something of an influence on the record itself, as Austin explains.
“I’ve never been to Birmingham before,” says Austin. “I have some family that lives in Birmingham, Alabama, and I hope it’s nothing like that. Expect tricks of the trade, and that’s all I’ll say.”
“We recorded it throughout the year in 2013, in the midst of travelling around the world, always leaving home, always coming home, and finding a place for ourselves in amongst all of it,” he says.
Parquet Courts play The Institute, Birmingham, on June 23 with support from The Wytches and Ultimate Painting. New album Sunbathing Animal is out June 2. 29
FOR HER
style
On Trend: Style Picks £59
Zara wovEn anklE boot witH HigH HEEl
£39
miSS SelfriDge pEtitEs bluE truMpEt drEss
£34
FOR HIM
ToPSHoP tExturEd jacquard a linE skirt
linkS of lonDon yEllow gold vErMEil skull friEndsHip bracElEt
30
£69
CoS opEn toE sandals
£70
Serge DenimeS printEd cotton jogging bottoMs at HarvEy nicHols
£95
nike air Max 1 trainErs at asos
river iSlanD pink colour block structurEd totE bag
£195
£40
river iSlanD scEnic print sHirt
£45
£28
ToPman skinny dEniM sHorts
£46
Dior Homme Eau for MEn at HousE of frasEr
£395
BurBerry brit two tonE slEEvE boMbEr jackEt
Brum Notes Hayer Magazine By Tajinder
WAKE UP THE NEW ALBUM FROM
AVAILABLE AT EXCLUSIVELY
O S M O K IN R E C O R D S .C
.U K
RDS /SMOKINRECO ACEBOOK.COM
June 2014
31
SIX OF THE BEST
BEER GARDENS
IN BIRMINGHAM
The Sun at The Station, Kings Heath
L
A secluded spot that’s tucked away off the high street, this is a popular Kings Heath summer fixture that’s been recently refurbished to the best it’s ever been. There also promises to be a Secret Cider Shed installed soon in one the more secluded areas of the garden, with plenty of intriguing plans in the offing including cider ice lollies. With outdoor events planned for the World Cup too, this leafy patio is a winning place to spend a sunny afternoon.
With summer on the horizon, a World Cup to enjoy and festival season inspiring plenty of all-day sessions, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy lazy days and laid-back nights drinking and socialising in the great outdoors. Luckily, what Birmingham lacks in greenery it makes up for in hidden gems and surprising urban beer gardens. Here are six of our favourites, perfect for catching the football in the fresh air, whiling away the afternoon while soaking up some good tunes in the sunshine, or simply partying the long evenings away in al fresco style.
The Church, Hockley
The Village, Moseley
L
The recent transformation of this large Moseley pub to a fine parlour extends to outside too. There’s an area with snug-style wooden booths that can sit large groups, with an awning overhead to protect you from the inevitable showers. A more open terrace area with long tables to the side of the building is made to get you mingling, while raised patios with smaller tables offer some privacy for those who want to drink and dine outside. 32
L The Prince of Wales, Moseley
Head up high to this secretive roof garden, with elevated views of the surrounding industrial cityscape. This spacious outdoor spot is something of a sun trap so get in quick on warm days if you want to bag the perfect summer spot for supping on the fine selection of cocktails and beers, or tucking into the sunny Soul Food Project menu.
The Plough, Harborne
L
Another tardis-like garden, offering a huge outdoor space for lazy days and long evenings. A tiki bar complete with sand, cosy covered snugs, regular hog roasts and outdoor music make this a place to really enjoy the spirit of the season.
A
One of the first names on any Birmingham beer garden list, this surprisingly spacious example in the leafy ‘burb of Harborne boasts bags of character and quirky decorative features. Fold down cinema seating and television screens, plenty of tables, covered areas, a heated bar, as well as sun cream and umbrellas, all make this one of Brum’s best looking and best equipped pub gardens. Brum Notes Magazine
VENUE WATCH: The BUREAU BAR 110 Colmore Row, Birmingham
The Lord Clifden, Hockley
L
Brum’s original ‘secret garden’, this outdoor oasis tucked away near to the Jewellery Quarter boasts an outdoor bar and unique features in keeping with the pub’s ‘urban art’ theme, plus varied entertainment in the shape of a ping pong table, DJ booth and occasional live music stage. This summer sees The Lord Clifden once again teaming up with SoulShare Records to present The Great Outdoors, a series of laid back summer day and night-time parties.
Keep an eye on www.brumnotes.com for more of our favourite outdoor drinking spots in Birmingham...
June 2014
www.thebureaubar.co.uk
Ramping up Colmore Row’s cool factor by at least 75 per cent, The Bureau Bar is set in a rather chic Grade II listed building with original Italian marble lining the walls and a suitably glam leather studded cocktail bar offering up some truly top notch concoctions (plus a scrummy range of bar snacks and deli food). In the unlikely event that you don’t fancy anything on the menu, one of the bar’s marvellous magical mixologists might be happy to whip something completely new up for you, as they did for us. Can’t remember exactly what was in it...which is probably the sign of a great cocktail right? They’re currently adding a second bar upstairs and a super swanky rooftop terrace that should be open in time for the summer, so you can be both hot and...er...cool all at the same time. By the way, try the Duck Scotch Egg while you’re there too, possibly the finest example you’ll ever taste, and check out the Hotdog of the Day, a seemingly endless (and sometimes surprising) range of twists on an old favourite. Daron Billings
33
Photo by Rob Hadley
live
backing vocalist Morley Adams. The harmonies they achieve are a throwback to postpunk bands like The Au Pairs and Devo, but the band’s sound has a modern edge that is distinctive and unique. The tracks the band play tonight are all under the three-minute mark, just like every true punk song should be. They have a short, sharp and uncomplicated sound and every song has a musical hook that stirs the audience. Ming City Rockers look good and sound even better with songs including I Want To Get Out Of Here, But I Can’t Take You Anywhere and Twist It. They treat the audience to a loud and immersive musical experience leaving everyone stamping their feet and demanding more. James Wootton
COURTNEY BARNETT
swim deep
Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath
The Oobleck, Birmingham
18/05/14
24/05/14
“We’ve been away writing new music, that was one and this is another,” says bassist Cavan McCarthy before the band launch into a laid back Lionel Richie Easy affair. It’s good. Playing their most intimate Birmingham show since before the hype machine began, the local boys are back to their beginnings and clearly thriving off every ounce of adoration they’ve earned. They begin with Francisco before merging into Honey and Red Lips I Know, an extended instrumental at the end prompting the first of many circle pits to come. One of the band’s first demos, Isla Vista gets a rare outing before Stray and The Sea. Then it’s the new songs, She Changes The Weather and an encore of their King City calling card, which is as poignant as ever in the moist surrounds of The Custard Factory in the heart of Digbeth. The Oobleck venue, which is in its opening week, suffers a little in its sound levels, but these are teething problems – tonight is all about the triumphant return of a band who look and sound more confident and relaxed than ever and who have the crowd eating out the palms of their hands. At the close, guitarist Higgy jumps out into the sea and is completely engulfed by fans, fangirls and admirers they’ve earned. ‘Don’t just dream in your sleep’ never sounded so apt. Amy Sumner
Wine on which guitarist Geoff Foulkes would usually have taken over the vocals. It’s affecting not to see Foulkes, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment as announced via the band’s Facebook, in his position left of stage. In his absence, guitarist Tom Gregory’s brother (and Midnight Bonfires guitarist) Simon fills in impeccably with the addition of a good dose of tambourine – it’s as touching to see the brothers interact on stage together as it is to hear the amount of love in the room for Geoff. The band begin with Trees, the opener from debut album The Grace, before blending into My Love and Layou and the synth-led celebration of Clouds, Baylis a magnetic, maraca-wielding figure leading his troupe of tropical dub players. An extended instrumental which provokes a full-blown percussion party makes way for Kingdom, The Sun and The Grace before the band leave a room full to bursting with love and bank holiday partygoers who continue the merrymaking into the early hours. A beautiful testament to positivity and a living embodiment of the love which seeps from their album’s every pore. Amy Sumner
TROUMACA
Ming City Rockers, the four piece rock’n’rollers from just outside Grimsby, hit the stage with their Marc Bolan-inspired hairdos and Johnny Thunders punk style. Clancey Jones’ voice screams and echoes with a swirling resonance throughout the room, suitably backed by lead guitarist and
Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath 24/05/14
“This one’s for Geoff,” says frontman Sam Baylis, before the five-piece burst into the Caribbean dancehall funk of Gold, Women & 34
MING CITY ROCKERS Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath 20/05/14
Being an adult is hard. Post-university, when lie-ins are a rare treat and idleness no longer an option, becoming a citizen in that once far-away land known as the real world can be disillusioning. It’s comforting, then, that Courtney Barnett is fast making a career out of committing this sort of slacker lifestyle to record. Unfazed by the hype that’s been whipped up by her ramshackle, sunsoaked rhyme, the vibrant Australian and her band humbly take the stage, careering through chirpy opener David and deadpan masturbation narrative, Lance Jr, with a feverish intensity that belies its tranquil vibe. Despite only emerging in 2012, Barnett already plays with the confidence of a veteran, dazzling the crowd with her idiosyncratic blend of freewheeling surrealism and grungy guitar lines. It’s a tonal disparity summed up in the schizophrenic tempo of Are You Looking After Yourself. In the studio, her songs are embellished by drum loops and twinkling piano keys but tonight production nuances are scrapped and the likes of Out of the Woodwork and Scotty Says swap melody for grit as guitar strings are mercilessly pummelled and aggressively introduced to the grill of the amplifier. Blessed with such glorious anarchy, the audience choose to reserve their biggest reactions for Avant Gardener and History Eraser. In Dylan-esque detail, horticultural misadventure and trippy dreams are recounted, coaxing noticeable pools of laughter from the room. Ever-amiable, Courtney wears an infectious grin throughout the twin assault, pulling gritty solos out of the air and inciting some rather snazzy hip-swinging. As her raucous and agonisingly short set concludes, Courtney’s compelled back on stage for an impromptu encore. Genuinely touched by the crowd’s Brum Notes Magazine
Courtney Barnett Photo by Rob Hadley
response, she remains blissfully unaware of just how quickly her star is rising. She’s just played a sold-out show having not yet released a proper album. Not bad going for a self-confessed layabout. Dan Owens
PRINCE LG Arena, Birmingham 15/05/14
He may have left his fans in the Midlands crying like…er…doves when he played a series of ‘secret’ shows back in February, but just a couple of months later he’s back. His venue of choice, the cavernous LG Arena, could hardly be described as intimate but given the fact that his last Birmingham gig was way back in the early 90s there were probably one or two people who quite fancied seeing him. By the time 3RDEYEGIRL come on stage, the place is pretty much packed. Prince is out last carrying a bunch of balloons which he releases as new track Funknroll bursts into life. Boy he’s (still) a sexy mutha and there’s no doubt about it, ladies and gentleman, he’s back. It might not be right up there with his very best stuff but it’s close enough. Any slight fears that he may stick to the new material are swiftly dispelled with a wet dream of a set kicking off with Take Me With U, Raspberry Beret, Musicology (quite possibly outfunking the Godfather himself, Mr James Brown) and a freshened up version of Kiss – forget NPG, 3RDEYEGIRL has NRG and Prince is the throbbing heart of it all, dancing his ass off like a man half his age. What follows is nothing short of a masterclass in showman…and woman…ship, packing in more hits than any sane group would attempt in a couple of hours. Inevitably this means you only get brief bursts of some numbers (in the case of The Most Beautiful Girl In The World, just one line) but you’d be there ‘til dawn otherwise. The new stuff June 2014
holds its own against the classics with the pop/funk/rock hybrid of Pretzelbodylogic going down particularly well and the lounge-tastic solo piano segments giving the crowd a moment to catch its collective breath ready for the next funkathon. As the show climaxes, the hit counter goes off the scale with 1999 and Little Red Corvette sliding into a medley featuring When Doves Cry, Sign O’ The Times, Alphabet Street, Pop Life and I Would Die 4 U. Encore Purple Rain features yet another awesome guitar solo (come on now, Prince is Jimi’s lovechild right?!) and a curfew-busting cover of Play That Funky Music leaves all those still standing well and truly funk drunk. He didn’t play it tonight but here’s a message if he’s reading…Nothing Compares 2 U. Daron Billings
BO NINGEN Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath 09/05/14
The Scenes are an odd bunch to place. A five-piece formed in Oulu, northern Finland, in 2009, at differing intervals in their set they introduce songs of “traditional Finnish music” and “heavy metal” before launching into tracks which actually don’t sound much like either but sit somewhere between hardcore punk and progressive rock. What they are however, is really thrilling to watch, lead singer Konsta Koivisto hypnotic in his boundlessness, almost Ian Curtis in his hypnotic jerks but softer, more feminine, ending up on the floor at the finish. Drawing songs from their 2013 debut album Images Of Animals Crying In Public and the forthcoming Beige, The Scenes may not be a brilliant band at naming things, but they’re a truly ferocious live concept. Younghusband (named after Francis Younghusband one presumes) are next, emitting psych-infused indie, modern-day, Toy-popularised krautrock. They’re good, their guitars are buoyant, their music uplifting but the vocal melodies are pretty unmemorable and the set merges really into one long song. For what they’re trying to achieve, they are watchable and for the most part they are enjoyable, however without any real tunes to differentiate themselves they slip onto mundane revivalist territory. With a couple of tunes they could easily be out of there.
Bo Ningen suffer no such problem. The Japanese London-based four-piece make an arresting sight on stage. Four androgynous wizards, hair down to their waists, lime lit by shadows, gurning, rocking in the heavy intensity of the heaving room. It’s almost sold out. There’s an alluring air of mystery and weirdness to their look and to their sound, a garage punk, acid rock, psych, metal hybrid taking in everything from Fugazi and Black Flag to Gang Of Four. Singer and bassist Taigen Kawabe is spellbinding to distraction as they power full-throttle through the best of three albums, finishing up on an epic 15-minute rendition of Daikaisei Parts 2 & 3. Music for the masses Bo Ningen sure ain’t but a wonderfully specially spector-like spectacle they make and the room is completely beside itself. Amy Sumner
THE AMAZING SNAKEHEADS The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham 08/05/14
One’s a boy with lots of amps and a throat like it’s on fire and the other’s a girl with unrivalled stamina and no drum stool. Yeah, it’s Table Scraps, who tonight race through their set at breakneck speed. There’s no excess in their music, never anything wasted, it’s unadulterated and direct. Early songs like the doomy Sinking Ship foreground their newer material plus the catchy Electricity, in which a killer guitar line makes way for heavier, doubled up vintage distortion. Blink and you’ve missed it. The air in The Sunflower Lounge becomes seemingly denser as The Amazing Snakeheads make their way to the stage, the atmosphere in the room becomes a little more stifling. Launching into I’m A Vampire, the opening track from their debut album, Amphetamine Ballads, frontman Dale Barclay scans the room with a glazed expression. Bearing gritted teeth and a grimaced look
35
The Amazing Snakeheads Photo by Andy Hughes
he’s clearly sizing up the crowd. His caustic, biting vocal delivery feels completely unpredictable as he fuses wry charm with pure anger. Their set contrasts moments of stark, sombre tenderness with clashes of wild intensity, as though the band are battling to destroy their own music. This duality is encapsulated in their latest single, Here it Comes Again, a three-and-a-half minute rebuke which features Billy Strange tremolo guitars and minimal eponymous lyrics before breaking down into a frantic tirade of guitar, bass, and drums. Live musician Andrew Pattie [sax, keys, casaba] really stands out tonight – his lithe, snaking body infuses the stage with a Dionysian hedonism that fully complements his virtuosic style, reminiscent of Fun House-era Stooges. An undeniable lineage from the dark, edgy sounds of The Birthday Party, Gallon Drunk, and Big Black marks the arrival of The Amazing Snakeheads, yet there’s an arresting sense of immediacy pervading tonight’s show. There’s no enigma here, it’s simply open and brutal. Sam Bicknell
BRUM NOTES MAY ISSUE LAUNCH PARTY The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham 06/05/14
Tuesday’s show at The Sunflower Lounge draws upon four pretty elusive bands to launch the May edition of Brum Notes Magazine. They’ve all steadily been gaining momentum, yet we’ll become very familiar with each of them over the coming months. Openers Dong Fang exude an immediate primal energy that is entirely focused on the small crowd gathered at the front. Uncomplicated and direct, their style harks back to the protopunk moodiness of Television and 36
The Stranglers, with some effortless bluesy riffs. Cold Ocean Lies further hone their expansive sound here, demonstrating a mature blend of hazy, lush guitars accentuated by drummer Luke Marvin’s dynamic shifts and patterns. Songs like Fade are awash with bright, ringing riffs while Wasted Time counterpoints the reverb-drenched shoegaze stylings of the rest of their set with an insatiable, instantly memorable pop hook. The Mighty Young combine layers of thick, squashed guitar with histrionic drumming and the duo sound more blissfully inorganic than any of their other recent live performances. Joe Gatsby’s vocals wildly oscillate between the dripping honey tones of Muddy Waters and the schizophrenic cacophony of Iggy Pop. There’s a great synergy between drums and guitar, though at times the flow of their set falters as the former can’t quite keep up with the latter. These fraught moments nevertheless create a formidable intensity, amounting to a compelling (if not nerve-wracking) experience. The Ándales flirt with a plethora of genres, moving between surf rock, calypso and Britpop (to name only a few) with grace and flair. Yet their chief exponent is the wistful, melancholic storytelling that brings together these myriad influences. Brothers Patch and Raúl guide the listener through tales of love and loss, fashioned through enviable harmonies that can only be conjured by sibling vocals. Winding down the evening, The Ándales’ ballads provide a dose of humour and despair in equal measure. Sam Bicknell
Victories At Sea Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath 02/05/14
“This is Martin and it’s his dream to be in every band in Birmingham,” introduces Hoopla Blue‘s frontman Adam Tomes of their elected drummer for the evening, Martin Cleveley. Hoopla Blue are evidently growing in confidence and in stage presence. It’s something that only really comes with practice, and having chosen ever so carefully a select run of recent local shows, Hoopla Blue can claim success. Tracks from their recent debut Mother EP are performed delicately and with characteristic charm and standouts are Oranges and Hummingbird and the ever beautiful, Holy Ghost. We’re proud to call Hoopla Blue local. London’s Cymbals are next. With two albums to draw from [2011’s Unlearn and their 2014 follow up, The Age of Fracture], theirs is a collection with a good few to choose from, all sitting somewhere between Yo La Tengo and New Order. It’s catchy and it’s performed with enthusiasm but it’s a little mismatched and it’s over-simplistic in places, sounding just slightly too ABC-by-synth. The Natural World and Like An Animal are its highlights and Cymbals leave to a generous applause but there’s something which is a little unseated. Some bands churn out track after track, catchy choruses and pop hooks and Cymbals are probably one of those bands. Others opt to take their time, carefully crafting every last second, there’s a reason Victories At Sea let us into only eight songs tonight. They’re works of heart-wrenching beauty. The trio begin with new track Florentine before following the course of their debut EP [In Memory Of, released last July] from Stay Positive to Dive. They’re songs of romantic melancholia, a restless struggle with sanguine optimism that defaults back to complete desolation, a restive despondency, a schizophrenic split character. Future Gold bleeds into their second new song, Bloom, and then to Into The Fire, ultimately ending in the expansive vacuum of Low and No Escape’s repeated conviction, But we don’t want to be alone forever. Robert Merrell moves between drums and synth, Steve Edgehill between synth and bass, frontman John-Paul White the underlining and inscrutable constant on vocals and guitar. It’s dark, disco, dance, inarguably uplifting, undeniably existential. There are a few hiccoughs; the move from Future Gold into Bloom proves a false start (the hazards of using a backing track) and the live drums do need turning up a notch. But it’s as strikingly evocative as ever, hinting at hope, hinting at reconciliation. It’s Victories At Sea as we love them. Amy Sumner
Brum Notes Magazine
birmingham
JUNE OPEN EVENING
Wednesday 25th June
• 12 years of music education in Birmingham. • No formal entry requirements. • No exams - courses are based around practical real-life projects. • Level 3 courses carry full UCAS points for university • FREE tuition for 16-18s.
5-7pm
Tours of the centre, meet staff and students, Q&A about courses.
BOOK NOW! www.accesstomusic.ac.uk 0800 28 18 42 (landlines) 0330 123 3153 (mobiles) Heath Mill Studios 68 Heath Mill Lane Digbeth, B9 4AR
the music college Graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted April 2013 June 2014
37
album reviews
TELEMAN Breakfast Out June 2 (Moshi Moshi)
‘Cristina’s so good, she makes me go across town, she makes me to lie down’ isn’t the most grammatically correct chorus we’ve ever heard but it sure is catchy. A soft synth drone makes way for the Anglified vocals of Thomas Sanders and a beautifully prim 50s ballad. Produced by Suede’s Bernard Butler, elsewhere
Glass Animals Zaba Out June 9 (Harvest Records)
Zaba is the sultry and seductive debut from four-piece Oxfordshire band Glass Animals. The band were born almost as a happy accident when singer/songwriter Dave Bayley’s insomnia developed whilst studying at medical school. Bayley replaced sleep with making music, sharing it only with his three closest friends who ultimately became his bandmates. Add the help of super producer Paul Epworth (Adele, Bloc Party) and Glass Animals have a more than accomplished first record. Shrouded in mystery with ambiguous lyrics, the emotions behind each song are deliberately open for interpretation admits Bailey: “Hopefully other people can identify with them in different ways, 38
on the record there are nods to The Raconteurs (In Your Fur), David Bowie (23 Floors Up), The Beatles (Lady Low), The Velvet Underground, Robert Wyatt, Pet Shop Boys – there are lots of nods. It’s a varied record with elements of kraut and whimsical intelli-pop, in fact there is a lot of elements in play but simultaneously it’s pleasingly naive and minimalistic. In pace it’s mechanically rhythmic (Travel Song, Steam Train Girl), in fact they’ve provoked comparisons with Kraftwerk but it’s more their press shots which display the similarity there – the music is
finding their own meaning”. Take the uber smooth single Gooey. It is childish and playful in nature, but at the same time there’s something very adult sounding to it. Hazey, on the other hand, sounds like it could be a Timbaland production, while Wyrd is a dark and twisted monster that the band like to experiment with playing live. The result is a smart and infectious yet equally danceable record which promises much for a band in their early stages. If Zaba is the outcome of no shut eye, then who needs sleep anyway? Matthew Way
FIRST AID KIT Stay Gold Out June 10 (Columbia)
Following the ethereal murmurs of The Lion’s Roar, First Aid Kit’s Stay Gold offers a more
simpler and far less electronic. To date, Teleman are but a year old (the Sanders brothers spent seven years previously in five-piece indie pop act Pete & The Pirates). What a productive year that’s been then, this is a very nice record indeed. Amy Sumner
lustrous affair. Highlighting a shift from the rootsy beginnings of earlier records, this time they’re accompanied by a mighty 13-piece orchestra. The release marks the duo’s third studio album. The orchestral presence is most prominent in opener My Silver Lining, where distinct violins waltz alongside Johanna and Klara Söderberg’s vocals. Elsewhere these vocals, coated in the sibling’s striking harmonies, remain at the forefront of the record. Stay Gold is packed full of poignant references to life’s trials and lyrically the duo are opening up to bluer times. ‘I’d rather be broken than empty’, we hear in the expressive Shattered & Hollow, ‘but shit just gets fucked up’, in the assertive Master Pretender. Amplified in its grandeur, which makes it highly accessible, this remains an album crammed full of troubled tales. In its latter moments, Heaven Knows perks up the tempo, shortly before the sorrows of A Long Time Ago, leave a moment of reflection. Stay Gold brings a fresh approach to First Aid Kit’s Brum Notes Magazine
folksy woes and it will sit neatly amongst the likes of Camera Obscura and Caitlin Rose. Saima Razzaq
White Lung Deep Fantasy Out June 16th (Domino)
At barely over 20 minutes in length – though not completely unexpected given the rest of White Lung’s output – Deep Fantasy is a lesson in speed and aggression, incomparable to anything the trio have released to date. With the tempo of the entire album resting on drummer Anne-Marie Vassiliou’s relentless kick/snare/hi-hat combos, it’s a furious race to the finish. That said, the pacing of the album itself doesn’t leave much in the way of mystery. With each track seemingly blurring into the next, Deep Fantasy is given very little room to breathe and develop beyond the familiar facets of high-speed hardcore punk. The gritty, raw guitars and chaotic noise so integral shaping the mood of White Lung’s first two albums are replaced by a sublime mix of sharp, crisp drums and almost pristine production of Mish Way’s vocals, which make tracks like Snake Jaw and Lucky One shine through. Though these elements clearly take pride of place, it occasionally feels as though the songwriting itself has taken a bit of a hit in order to accommodate this. It’s a decent listen second or third time round, but only once you move beyond the initial raucous, in-yer-face drums and vocals. Sam Bicknell
HAMILTON LEITHAUSER Black Hours Out June 2 (Ribbon Music)
In the wake of 2012’s acclaimed Heaven (for many, a career high), three members of New York’s presently defunct The Walkmen step out of their barely fading shadows with solo albums. First out of the blocks is frontman Leithauser. Solo debut Black Hours finds the singer joined by former Walkman Paul Maroon, and aided by members of Fleet Foxes, The Shins, Vampire Weekend and Dirty Projectors, for a long-player with epic aspirations. With principle recording completed in a private studio previously frequented by the likes of Nat King Cole and fellow 50s swinger Johnny Mercer, and opening with a crooning piano ballad, you might expect Black Hours to veer dangerously into Michael Bublé territory. But June 2014
thankfully Leithauser – who also employed some fine orchestral arrangements and the odd marimba – steers clear of easy listening clichés. Lead single Alexandra is an upbeat, acoustic strumming stomper, I Retired brings in a taste of 70s country rock, and while Black Hours never quite hits the heady heights of The Walkmen’s best, this is a fine companion and a solid building block. David Vincent
PETER MATTHEW BAUER Liberation! Out June 16 (Memphis Industries)
Released two weeks after Hamilton Leithauser’s slick debut comes the first solo outing by his fellow Walkman, Peter Matthew Bauer. With titles referencing various locations (Philadelphia, Istanbul, Varanasi), the clearly well travelled Bauer’s autobiographical collection explores Hinduism, Scientology, ideas of heaven and belief – as you might expect from someone who has spent his entire life interacting with various gurus, teachers and healers, and continues to mix music with consultations on Indian astrology. But don’t be fooled, this is no hippy-dippy, sitartwanging, out-of-body experience. Latin America Ficciones, for example, mashes Noo York garage band swagger, big guitar chords and early Springsteen/Petty, a vibe continued in the twanging and bashing Fortune Tellers. Nor is Bauer preaching, as there’s also humour at play. As he says on the subject of heaven, and whether it’s something attainable after one or many lifetimes: “You can be mad about these things, but you can also arrive at some sort of strange, joyful experience right now without believing anything”. Approach Liberation in the same way. Whether you just dig the dirty exuberant guitar hooks or want to delve deeper into the album’s lyrical themes, there’s much here to enjoy. Black Hours might get the headline reviews, but Viva! Liberation! A grower. DV
Capital Sun Mr Nobody Out now (self-release)
In some ways, listening to Capital Sun’s debut album, Mr Nobody is like taking a time machine back to pre-punk 60s/70s rock. The influence of artists such as Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young and even Led Zeppelin is apparent, from the sumptuous vocal harmonies to the attack of acoustic guitars. However, Mr Nobody is also a very modern take on their 70s influences, especially in terms of lyrics:
Young Boy From Birmingham tells the tale of a young soldier killed in an unnecessary war, whilst Forgotten Songs looks at how the music industry has changed in ‘the Twitter age’. Formed in 2010, Capital Sun describe themselves as “four lads from Birmingham”, indeed, it’s very clear that they’re proud to be from this city, eagerly name-checking it throughout Mr Nobody. Whilst the lyrical social commentary is occasionally controversial (such as No Excuse For It, which berates people in Adidas tracksuits claiming benefits), the musical craftsmanship and infectious melodies will change the mind of anyone still unconvinced by the authenticity of Birmingham’s vibrant music scene. Tom Clabon
THE HEARTBREAKS We May Yet Stand A Chance Out 2 June (Nusic Sounds)
Opening with Brothers Grimm-like fairytale shanty Paint The Town Beige, The Heartbreaks kick off sophomore album We May Yet Stand A Chance with insidious playfulness, sounding like a Shakespearean troupe scouring the woods with the scary ones from The Muppets. Such things as nightmares are made on, the intro is a clever little divergence that gives way to the fireworks of Absolved – a Broadway-bound glitterfest of a song that bars all holds from entering its skybound, feathered-up choral boudoir of splendour. But let’s calm down here. From such vertiginous heights, where do we go from there? Well, how about the Frankie Goes To Hollywood theatrics abounding on string-laced ballad Robert Jordan – a track so nostalgic it remembers itself? The problem with The Heartbreaks is that it’s difficult to know where this band are coming from – literally. Straight outta the mean streets of Morecambe, you might expect some northern soul and seaside depression, but all seems to be garish and sunburnt, like an excessive INXS holidaying with Culture Club (18-30). Most confusing of all, the gun-toting No Parasan! is like a Mexicano gunfight at the not-OK Corral. “Freeze, hombre!” I think I just have. Meanwhile, Bittersweet sees singer Matt Whitehouse segue from his slightly Boy George-like vocals into a vague approximation of Jarvis Cocker; the Español flavour comes out to flamenco once again in This Is Not Entertainment, which at least promises what it says. The Heartbreaks, on this offering, may not stand much of a chance. Stephen Brolan Read more reviews at www.brumnotes.com.
39
gigs
Hawk Eyes
PICK
The Flapper, June 28 Leeds-based hard rockers Hawk Eyes (once known as Chickenhawk) bring their precise fusion of ferocious melodies and vivacious riffs (think Foo Fighters, QOTSA and Alice In Chains) to The Flapper. With a new album imminent, expect some new riffage too. Support comes from Birmingham’s own bold and brutal Bovine and noise rock snarlers Them Wolves – prepare to get your sweat on.
Paws
Wooden Shjips,
Glasgow garage pop trio Paws are cute melancholia and an unnerving territorial roar, sarcastic self-analysis and brutal home truths. With an energetic live show highlighting their extremities, prepare for soft, comforting verses that lead you unwittingly into a vicious, claws-out attack.
From the psychedelic underground to the rock’n’roll overground, Wooden Shjips’ experimental drone rock has won them cult status from their home of San Francisco across the globe. With each consecutive release, the band have
The Sunflower Lounge, June 3
O2 Academy 3, June 4
Boat to Row
Hare & Hounds, June 27 An evening of beautiful folk and acoustic from the Birmingham quintet. Layers of vocals and intricate instrumentation tell tales of folk and folklore through shades of light and dark and a charming reconciliation to the colourless space in between. Fans will know now to expect something special from Boat to Row at every performance.
Midnight Bonfires, Hare & Hounds, June 13
Folk pop tunes performed with particular live panache, Midnight Bonfires describe themselves as having a hint of the Arcade Fire’s epic grandeur, Bombay Bicycle Club’s forward thinking indie sensibilities and Fleetwood Mac’s approach to a pop song. With support from further local talents Dong Fang and I Am Anushka, this one’s a particularly hot ticket.
40
in the heart of Digbeth. Your Saturday session begins here.
Baby Strange
The Sunflower Lounge, June 2 Having supported The Vaccines and Palma Violets among others, this raucous little lot from Glasgow come to Birmingham to play a headline set of their own. Think The Clash with dashes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, it’s rebellious punk rock to get sweaty to.
Dexys
Coventry Kasbah, June 25
found new ways of transforming heady psychedelic rock into minimalist masterpieces – catch them in this intimate setting.
DIE DAS DER Present... Muthers, June 7
Noise rock midlands duo Fauxchisels, Birmingham post-hardcore outfit The Starries, one man band Mutes and London post-punk alt four-piece Desperate Journalist come together to play a noisy DIY show from Birmingham and beyond right
Their first show in the city for over 30 years and an intimate warm-up gig prior to their appearance at Glastonbury just days later, Dexys return to the region where their journey began. Expect a whole selection of material spanning the band’s turbulent career.
Summer Solstice Showdown The Sunflower Lounge, June 21
Garage pop trio The Castillians, Liverpool glam psyche four-piece Strange Collective, garage blues rock trio Grand Union and frenetic blues thrash duo The Mighty Young put on a party-anda-half for the June summer solstice this year. Bring sun cream and a bad attitude.
Brum Notes Magazine
club nights
PICK
HOLI ONE Colour Festival The Rainbow Arena, June 28 (midday-10pm) Thousands of people dressed in white come together to share in music, dance, performance art and visual stimulation – chucking a load of coloured powder at each other, what could be better? Inspired by the Indian festival of Holi (the carnival of love where participants play, chase and colour each other with dry powder and coloured water), HOLI ONE travels to cities throughout Europe this year.
MHVH X Dark Circle Capsule Launch Party Spotlight, June 7
The usual MHVH party hits all night plus food to boot – that’s right, burgers from The Original Patty Men. Plus the chance to win a Dark Capsule outfit, head to toe. And all in one of Digbeth’s coolest hidden clubbing spots. That’s June 7 sorted then.
Hype Birmingham Relaunch The Rainbow Warehouse, June 13
Two rooms, one night featuring Caspa, Plastician, Trampa, 50 Carrot, Soloman and more. Along with the usual Hype Residents, Birmingham’s Styx Recordings will be taking over Room 2 and it’s all being filmed and photographed by Phlexmedia so dress to impress.
The Great Outdoors The Lord Clifden, June 7
Over the last two decades, DJ, producer and songwriter Phil Mison (AKA Cantoma/Reverso 68) has become one of the most celebrated names on the Balearic chill-out scene. He takes over the garden at The Lord Clifden in the late afternoon through to the night time, playing classic tunes to keep the summer vibes going. The cleverly conceived garden is virtually weather-proof too.
June 2014
ONEDUB presents Maasai Warrior meets King Earthquake Lab11, June 20
Two heavyweights of the UK dub and roots scene go head to head in the ultimate as Bristol’s Maasai Warrior brings his Thunderweight Sound System to hidden Digbeth clubbing hotspot Lab11 to star alongside Birmingham’s own long-standing reggae giant King Earthquake, in a twin double headline billing in the main room, with Haile Bless keeping the beats going outside.
Madame Moonshine’s Blitz & Glitz Party
Abstrakt Sonance Suki10c, June 21
Get ready for twisted face paints and shuddering basslines, as Canada’s Abstrakt Sonance embarks on a rare European jaunt, taking in Digbeth’s backstreet clubbing oasis of Suki10c. Expect a set covering a wide range of bass music from dubstep, through hip hop and drum’n’bass. He is also joined on the night by fellow dubstep enthusiasts and eerie outfit lovers The Aliens (UK), while Boogie Dave, Prime (Chronos/Styx), Dubage, Flip and more also add to a strong lineup for this all-night party.
NextDoor, June 21
Ladies, it’s time to put in those victory rolls, gents it’s not too late to shine those stompers. Yes that’s right, your country needs you as Madame Moonshine presents her British and American patriotic 1940s Blitz & Glitz party. Be-bop with the swinging bands, jitterbug and jive with some wonderful WAFs, have a grand old time with some dashing soldiers, swing with some American sailors or fraternise with the factory girls. There’s live music, DJs and all round general amusement under the arches in Digbeth, plus expect some tasty refreshments courtesy of Digbeth Dining Club. Tally ho!
41
Shoop Shoop at the Golden Eagle, Birmingham c.1975-76 © Bernard G Mills
arts & culture
Film/Feminism/Identity/Activism: Looking Out From The CCCS
PICK
Vivid Projects, June 6-28
The University of Birmingham’s hugely influential Centre For Contemporary Cultural Studies was one of the very first academic institutions to take pop culture seriously. The Birmingham School, as it became known, closed in 2002, but its great impact is being reappraised and celebrated in CCCS50, a series of events to mark would have been its 50th anniversary year. Vivid’s contribution to the project rounds up publications, films and artworks from the Centre’s four decades, as well as hosting weekly public salons for discussion of its enduring importance.
Artist Rooms: Robert Therrien Mac, from June 21
© Robert Therrien
The charity Art Fund does fantastic work with its Artist Rooms project, touring the country with contemporary works of international significance. Its gift to the West Midlands this year is the US sculptor Robert Therrien, known for his outsized versions of everyday objects. Chief among them is his disorienting No Title (Table And Four Chairs), a dining-room set expanded to three times the normal dimensions.
lot more, showcasing the area’s unique vibe and cultural offering. May’s inaugural jamboree featured all manner of performances and latenight boutique and gallery openings, with June’s edition promising to be even bigger.
Those Were The Decades: 1970s Library of Birmingham, June 14
The Ikon Gallery’s 50th birthday celebrations continue with this latest instalment of Those Were The Decades, a series of study days exploring the changing cultures of the past half century. As well as a range of talks and a look at the pioneering photography of Daniel Meadows, there are screenings of Derek Jarman’s cult punk film Jubilee and the glam-rock/heavy-metal documentary Motorcity Music Years.
Bryony Kimmings: Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model Mac, June 20
Digbeth First Friday Various venues, June 6
Takings its cue from the likes of Chicago and Las Vegas, Digbeth has begun marking the first Friday of the month with an evening of special arts events, live music, street food and a whole 42
A not-to-be-missed appearance from the fearless live artist Bryony Kimmings. Following the full disclosure of her Sex Idiot show and her experimental research project 7 Day Drunk, this latest work sees her collaborate with her nine-year-old niece Taylor to devise a wholesome alternative to the sexualized tween pop idol.
Racket
Stryx, June 1 In partnership with Capsule’s Supersonic Festival, the Digbeth arts space brings together six innovative sound artists from Birmingham and Manchester for an afternoon of noise and experimental live performance. Included on the bill is Lombard Method’s envelope-pushing Sarah Farmer.
Woman In Mind
The Rep, June 13-28 After Shakespeare, Alan Ayckbourn is the world’s most frequently-performed English-language playwright. The House, the Rep’s 800-seat main auditorium, is the venue for Ayckbourn’s mid-80s tragicomedy about a delusional woman who runs into trouble when her fantasy life collides with her pedestrian reality.
The Valley Of Astonishment Warwick Arts Centre, June 11-14
A mind-expanding synaesthesic adventure courtesy of Paris’ Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord. Informed by extensive neurological research, the play explores how vivid experiences can be triggered by sensory stimuli. The title draws on the 12th century Persian poem The Conference Of The Birds, which chronicles a journey through seven mystical valleys. Serious stuff. Brum Notes Magazine
WHAT’S ON M M M
M M CN
M CN M M
Sunday, Jun 1 The Dave Farrant Band + Blank Parody + Second Trip Sexwolf! + Grindhouse Roo Panes + Matt Sheehan + Daniel Beckett + Alex Rainsford Smoke Fairies + The Lake Poets Sunplugged ft Carousel Circus Swing & Hopscotch with Joel Webster + Carlton Wainwright + T-Bird Jones Monday, Jun 2 Babystrange + Dumb + Juice Jam Jah Tuesday, Jun 3 John Fullbright
M M M M
M M M
M M
Hare & Hounds The Sun At The Station Hare & Hounds
Birmingham Birmingham
Kings Heath
Birmingham
The Sunflower Lounge Bull’s Head
Birmingham
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Kings Heath Birmingham
Birmingham
Warren Smith In The Company of Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) Hip Hop
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
CN Andy Robinson C Big Narstie C Vikki Stone & David C
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Mac
Birmingham
M
Cafe Ort
Balsall Heath
Adam & Eve
Birmingham
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
M M
M M M M
Kings Heath
Cafe Ort
Balsall Heath
Adam & Eve
Birmingham
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
TALK
Birmingham
The Flapper
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
The Family Rain
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Impact ft The Scribers + Watchfires + Joanna Karselis Vengaboys Live
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Risa
Birmingham
The Yardbird
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Cafe Ort
Balsall Heath
The Actress & Bishop Adam & Eve
Birmingham
June 2014
Bramall Music Building Foyer Hare & Hounds
Moseley
Adam & Eve
Thursday, Jun 5 MJ Hibbett + Grace Petrie+ Gavin Osborn Jill & Kate + Nina Baker Frantic Vermin + Zipheads
Jazzlines Free Gigs: Ugly Beauty Angel Olsen
M
Hare & Hounds
sents Little Dynamite Wednesday, Jun 4 Live Jazz with HansuTori Access To Music Student Showcase Wooden Shjips + The Cult Of Dom Keller Allusondrugs + Fizzy Blood Alpha Male Tea Party + Mount Fuji + Wax Futures + Pocket Apocalypse Sam Baker
M
Kings Heath
Birmingham
CN CN Scratch Club CN Canvas M
Scruffy Murphy’s The Yardbird
Birmingham
Paws + Virals + Furrow The Sunflower Lounge Hollis Brown Hare & Hounds
M Howling Bells M CN Basement Noise PreM
The Actress & Bishop
KEY TO LISTINGS: M = LIVE MUSIC CN = CLUB NIGHT C = COMEDY
M M M
Trent Friday, Jun 6 Mellow Peaches + Chris Cleverley + Ellis Talbot Gucci Pimp + Bella Diem + Of Kings & Captains Dr Jekyll’s Remedy Soulful House With Zebra Soul Hozier + Daniel James
Kings Heath
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Jazzlines Free Gigs: Yamaha Scholars Cassiopeia + Bolshie + Zim Zim + Inches From The Ground Forest + Only Shadows + Holy Misty’s Big Adventure
Symphony Hall Cafe Bar The Sunflower Lounge
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Speakeasy Shindig ft C@ In The H@ + Ben Dunn
The Bristol Pear
Selly Oak
Birmingham
Birmingham
43
M
Umberslade Estate Civic Hall
Tanworth-inArden Wolverhampton
M
NextDoor
Birmingham
M
Birmingham
CN Front Bar Takeover
The Rainbow Warehouse Hare & Hounds
CN Black Box Free Entry
Bull’s Head
Moseley
CN
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
JoJo Smith
The Glee Club
Birmingham
The Oobleck Oompah with Aaron Twitchen Saturday, Jun 7 Brooke Sharkey + Adam Beattie + Leander Jones Scooterists For Heroes
The Oobleck
Birmingham
Lunar Festival
London Grammar M CN Djebali CN Seedy Sonics with Jock Lee
C C C M M M
M
M M
M M M M M
Club Night ft Timbre + Tom Brown + Michael Quiney + Luke Eagle Downstairs Bar Takeover with DJ Phil Liburd Carl Donnelly
Cafe Ort
Balsall Heath
Adam & Eve
Birmingham
DIE DAS DER presents Desperate Journalist + Fauxchisels + The Starries + Mutes Follow You Home + Fake Obsession + Feral Sun + ANiMA + SevenDaze Someone Said Fire
Muthers Studio
Birmingham
TALK
Birmingham
The Taskers + The Monicas + Sierra Hotel + Ziegler and Co. + Revolver Nick Oliveri
The Flapper
Birmingham
The Institute
Birmingham
Little Barrie + Gil De Ray Rhys Chatham’s A Secret Rose for 100 Guitars Blues Club with The Sonic Gypsy Lunar Festival
The Sunflower Lounge Town Hall
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Slade Rooms
Wolverhampton
Alfie Bird’s
Birmingham
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
CN CN This Is JA ‘86 CN MHVH X Dark Circle
NextDoor
Birmingham
PST
Birmingham
Spotlight
Birmingham
CN Bruk Up with Altered
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Capsule Launch Party
CN
CN CN C 44
Natives & Sammy Goulbourne Circles Present DJ Fabio’s ‘Swerve’ with Fabio, Bryan G & Lenzman Bargain Bin Soul Sexy Party Affair Downstairs Bar Takeover with De Le Faux JoJo Smith
M M
Red Dragon Cartel
M
Kings Heath
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
The Actress & Bishop The Sunflower Lounge The Yardbird
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
The Sun At The Station Bull’s Head
Kings Heath
Umberslade Estate Slade Rooms
Tanworth-inArden Wolverhampton
The Institute
Birmingham
The Flapper
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Birmingham Birmingham
Moseley
CN
Monday, Jun 9 Grime Unplugged ft Ghetts Parasitic Ejaculation + Tinagel 1 Eye Live with Support From Andy Bennett (Ocean Colour Scene) David Coslett & Josh Kemp Live Jam Jah
Bull’s Head
Moseley
M
Tuesday, Jun 10 Rival Sons
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
Wednesday, Jun 11 MAIA Scratch Night
Cafe Ort
Balsall Heath
The Sunflower Lounge
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
M
M
M M
CN M M C C M M M M
Hare & Hounds
Peter Shoulder + Jessica Mary York + Nix Dadry Gentle Friendly + Juneau Brothers + Sunshine Frisbee Laserbeam Kast Off Kinks Sunplugged ft Danny & The Martians Bohemian Jukebox with Oh Stockholm! + The Flowers Of Despair + Tailor & The Crow Lunar Festival
Birmingham
M CN Come Together CN Dr Jekyll’s Remedy
With Steve Jones DJ Bailey Silent Disco
M M
M
Tanworth-inArden Wolverhampton
M
M
M
Umberslade Estate Slade Rooms
God Damn + Women + Weatherbird + The Scribers Matt King
M
Kings Heath
Sunday, Jun 8 Electric Cake Salad + The Roz Bruce Infusion Bare Knuckle Parade
M M M M
Brum Notes Issue launch Party ft Prisms + Field Harmonics + Mutes + Pink Violence DJs Canvas Thursday, Jun 12 Bella Hardy
Mac
Birmingham
Made In The Midlands ft Call Me Unique + MOD + more Andy Robinson
The Drum
Birmingham
The Glee Club
Birmingham
James Acaster & Rob Deering Friday, Jun 13 Casino
Mac
Birmingham
The Actress & Bishop Mac
Birmingham
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Symphony Hall Cafe Bar The Flapper
Birmingham
The Rainbow
Birmingham
The Sunflower Lounge
Birmingham
The Victoria
Birmingham
Magool: The Golden Voice of Somalia Duke & Detective + Bigger Than Seattle Jazzlines Free Gigs: Robbie Moore Quintet The Mumblecores Changing Seasons + PHYLO + Myrrh Radio Charmers + Maximum Zero + Vellefaux The Jacarandas + Cannon Street
Birmingham
Birmingham
Brum Notes Magazine
M CN CN CN
Midnight Bonfires + I Am Anushka + Dong Fang Hype Birmingham Relaunch Lucha Libre With DJ T4BLES Dr Jekyll’s Remdey - Funk, Soul & Mod Tunes From Richey Taylor Whyt Noyz
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
M The Rainbow Warehouse Bodega
Birmingham
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
Birmingham
NextDoor
Birmingham
Suki10c
Birmingham
CN Highgrade: Summer
The Institute
Birmingham
CN
The Victoria
Birmingham
CN
Sessions Taking Care Of Business - Soul, Classic Hip Hop, Rock n’ Roll DJs Downstairs Bar Takeover with DJ Ness Killer Wave 2.0 Free Entry Club Night ft Joel Webster + Richard Buckley Jen Brister
M M
CN CN Bouncin’ Hard House Classics
M
CN C C M
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Jason Manford
Civic Hall
Wolverhampton
Saturday, Jun 14 The Strangest Feeling
Cafe Ort
Balsall Heath
The Sunflower Lounge Hare & Hounds
Birmingham Kings Heath
M
Adam & Eve
Birmingham
CN
CN CN Dr Jekyll’s Potion With
Alfie Bird’s
Birmingham
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
CN
CN
The Victoria
Birmingham
CN
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Cafe Ort
Balsall Heath
CN
C C M M M CN
CN CN CN C M
M M M M M C M M CN
The Sharp Darts + Soldier + The Stacks Blues Club with - The Crap Shags World Cup Afterparty Allnighter Testify (Northern Soul) DJ Darrly DJ Deafout - Rock, Indie, Alternative, Funk Front Bar Takeover with High Fidelity An Evening With Knicker Bocker Corey Downstairs Bar Takeover with Young Culture Jen Brister Sunday, Jun 15 Patrimonio Universal Film Screening + Live Flamenco Music with El Cafuco The Under Runners
Birmingham
Andy Jordan + Room 94 Hollywood Ending
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Charlotte Carpenter + Alex Moir + Sean Stewart Sunplugged ft Capital Sun Aries Spears
The Yardbird
Birmingham
The Sun At The Station The Glee Club
Kings Heath
Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox Jam Jah
June 2014
M M M M
Adam & Eve
Monday, Jun 16 George Ezra
M
M
CN CN CN CN C M
M M M
Birmingham
M The Glee Club
Birmingham
The Institute
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
M
Tuesday, Jun 17 Jeffrey Lewis & The Jrams The 2014 Summer Festival of Music Big Band The Delines Wednesday, Jun 18 Access To Music Student Showcase Canvas Thursday, Jun 19 Andy Robinson
The Actress & Bishop Hare & Hounds
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Adam & Eve
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Kings Heath
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Loretta Maine & Gavin Webster Friday, Jun 20 Nerve Centre + Beorma + Kuoko + The Detached Collective Jazzlines Free Gigs: Pete Churchill Hung Drawn Quartered
Mac
Birmingham
The Actress & Bishop
Birmingham
Symphony Hall Cafe Bar The Flapper
Birmingham
Reaside
The Rainbow
Birmingham
Sweet Lilly + Passives + Estates + Endorphins Mardy Bum - Live Music + DJs Birmingham & Beyond Festival ft Life + Heavy Waves + more Hot Club De Swing Festival Tea Party ONEDUB presents Maasai Warrior meets King Earthquake Lucha Libre With DJ T4BLES Dr Jekyll’s Remedy Motown, Soul & Funk from Steve Jones DJ Tony Jenkins Plays Soul & Funk Front Bar Takeover with Sam Redmore Downstairs Bar Takeover with DJ Spinx The Soul Hole with DJ Maz & Bamber Pete Johansson
The Sunflower Lounge
Birmingham
The Victoria
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Lab11
Birmingham
Bodega
Birmingham
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
The Victoria
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
The Actress & Bishop
Birmingham
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
The Flapper
Birmingham
The Sunflower Lounge
Birmingham
The Victoria
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Saturday, Jun 21 The Hot Heads + Norman Haines’ Locomotive + The Real Detonators Tiger Cub + Ghosts of Dead Airplanes Mr George’s Famous Last Words The Castillians + Strange Collective + Grand Union + The Mighty Young Mardy Bum - Live Music + DJs Birmingham & Beyond Festival ft God Damn + Layers + more
Birmingham
45
M
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
M
Adam & Eve
Birmingham
M
CN CN Harmony CN Dr Jekyll’s Potion - DJ
Alfie Bird’s
Birmingham
Boxxed
Birmingham
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
M M M
CN
NextDoor
Birmingham
Suki10c
Birmingham Birmingham
CN DJs Sam & Simon
The Rainbow Mezzanine The Victoria
CN
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Bull’s Head
Moseley
CN
Blues Club with The Barflys 4 Past Midnight + Potential + UK Skunk Hip Hop Karaoke
Night Soul, Funk & Original R&B Madame Moonshine’s Blitz & Glitz Party Abstrakt Sonance
CN CN Timmy P
CN
CN
- Rock, Indie, Alternative, Funk Front Bar Takeover with DJ Spinx The Brum Beat Midsummer Special with DJs Mace, Gav Arno, Mark Annis & Pid Downstairs Bar Takeover with Friends Friends
CN CN OOOOOO Look Pete Johansson C Andy White C M M M M M CN M M M M
Sunday, Jun 22 George Benson Malone Malone+ Eskers + Lovats Tammy King + David Young + Brains For Breakfast + Dan Salt Sunplugged ft Blatherskites Monday, Jun 23 Parquet Courts + The Wytches Jam Jah Tuesday, Jun 24 Holly Williams The Best of Blue Note Records Cherry Ghost Wednesday, Jun 25 Gareth Gates + Jai McDowall Dexys
M CN Canvas M M M C C M
46
Thursday, Jun 26 Heaven & Earth + M.ILL.ION + Only the Good Throwing Snow Jazzlines: Monocled Man Andy Robinson Danny Buckler & Martin Mor Friday, Jun 27 Captain Jeffrey + Riot Act
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Mac
Birmingham
Symphony Hall
Birmingham
The Institute
Birmingham
The Yardbird
Birmingham
The Sun At The Station
Kings Heath
The Institute
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
M M CN CN CN CN CN C M M M M M M CN CN CN
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Symphony Hall
Birmingham
The Institute
Birmingham
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
C
Kasbah
Coventry
Bull’s Head
Moseley
M M
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
The Sunflower Lounge Hare & Hounds
Birmingham
M
Kings Heath
M
The Glee Club
Birmingham
C
Mac
Birmingham
The Actress & Bishop
Birmingham
CN CN
M
Vice Squad + Maid Of Ace + Freedom Faction Jazzlines Free Gigs: Simon Spillett Quartet Mallen
Adam & Eve
Birmingham
Symphony Hall Cafe Bar The Flapper
Birmingham
Sweet Lilly
The Rainbow
Birmingham
Gucci Pimp + Looca + Lyre Mardy Bum - Live Music + DJs Boat To Row + The Cadbury Sisters + Pete Dixon + Broken Boat Lucha Libre With DJ T4BLES Dr Jekyll’s Potion Sounds from the South Taking Care Of Business - Soul, Classic Hip Hop & Rock n’ Roll Front Bar Takeover with Steve Thornton Enter The Dragon Free Entry Club Night with Steve Kelley Matthew Heard
The Sunflower Lounge The Victoria
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Bodega
Birmingham
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
The Victoria
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Cafe Ort
Balsall Heath
Saturday, Jun 28 Boxcar Aldous Huxley + Andy Oliveri Glastonbrummy
Birmingham
Birmingham
Alfie Bird’s
Birmingham
WARLORD UK
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Swerve + Platypus Baby + Iroha + Garden +Chaucer Hawk Eyes + Bovine + Them Wolves Blues Club with The Heels Holi One Colour Festival (midday-10pm) Dr Jekyll’s Potion Soul, Funk & Original R&B Erom Cold Rice Steve Jones - Rock, Indie, Alternative, Funk Front Bar Takeover with Deano Ferrino Jam Hott Free Entry Club Night with Ben Dunn & DJ Mylz Larry Dean
TALK
Birmingham
The Flapper
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
The Rainbow Arena Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
The Victoria
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Alfie Bird’s
Birmingham
O2 Academy
Birmingham
The Flapper
Birmingham
The Sunflower Lounge The Sun At The Station Hare & Hounds
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Sunday, Jun 29 Glastonbrummy Hollywood Babble-On with Kevin Smith & Ralph Garman Eradikator + One For Sorrow Friday Club Sunplugged ft Mr Shankly Joe Lycett and Mickey Sharma Monday, Jun 30 Larkin Poe
M CN Jam Jah
Birmingham
Kings Heath Kings Heath
Brum Notes Magazine
June 2014
47
48
Brum Notes Magazine