19 February & March ‘11 /FREE t
Willy&Mason the Tunstall Hill Sessions
PLUS Gig Listings Breaking Bands CD and Live Reviews Top fives
February & March 2011 Issue 19
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Top Tracks This month... Breaking Bands Tunstall Hill Sessions CD Reviews Live Reviews Top Fives Gig Listings
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Contents.
EDITOR Philip Jarvis DESIGN Callum Brand ‘Big Gulp Graphic Design’ biggulpdesign@gmail.com
WORDS Philip Jarvis, Kelly Horn, Emma Reynolds, Nicky Banggs, Devon Glover, Nicola Wright PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Gardener, Ian West, Jazzy Lemon, Amy Brammalll Manifesto Magazine 29 Stockton Rd Sunderland SR2 7AQ Tel: 01915671777 E-mail: manifestomagazine@ymail.com www.manifestosunderland.com Facebook - ‘Manifesto Sunderland‘
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There seems to be a load of amazing gigs happening in Sunderland over the next few months. Here’s our pick of the songs you should be keeping your ears open for when you’re out and about:
Early Maze - Amplified
The 60s-influenced shoegazers evoke the spirit of Ride and the Brian Jonestown massacre with their jangley guitars, wispy vocals and on-the-money psychedelia. They don’t play many gigs but they’re at Washington Arts Centre on March 18th, so make sure you catch them. www.myspace.com/earlymaze
The Complete Stone Roses - Love Spreads
Yes it’s a cover, but it’s the nearest you’re ever going to come to experiencing the might of the Madchester scallies in a live setting, that’s unless Ian Brown and John Squire decide to make up and ignite the most long-awaited reunion gig EVER. Our advice: catch these dudes at PURE on March 11th cos Ian hates Squire even more than air hostesses. www.myspace.com/thecompletes
Hungry Ghosts - Archaeology
The York art-rockers play the Ivy House on February 17th, supported by Savage Roots and The Haze. Catch them if you’re a fan of White Lies, Elbow or White Rose movement. www.myspace.com/hungryghostsuk
Flashguns - I Don’t Not Love You
The precociously gifted three piece return to Wearside for their fourth gig in little over a year. Good friends of theirs and local upstarts We Beat the System will be providing the support. Flashguns play Plugged Inn on March 17th. www.myspace.com/flashguns 04
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Dutch Uncles - Fragrant
They went down a treat at Split Festival last September, so well in fact that they’re coming back to PURE on February 27th to wow the Sunderland public once again. Support for this one also comes courtesy of We Beat the System. www.myspace.com/dutchuncles
Toronto Sun - I’m Walking
Toronto Sun are a female fronted funkrock act from Newcastle. Imagine Gwen Stefani jamming with Red Hot Chilli Peppers and you’ll get the picture. They play Washy Arts Centre on February 11th with support from the Awe-inspiring Black Goose, up an coming UFO Club and teen tearaways Teetah. www.myspace.com/torontosun
Pilots - White Knuckle
One of the most interesting, exciting and unique bands the North-east has had to offer over the last few years, pilots headline the Bunker’s showcase gig at the Ivy House on March 3rd. It promises to be a top night with support coming from high grade Hull scenesters Streaming Lights. www.myspace.com/pilotsmusic
Razmataz Lorry Excitement - A Year Short on Surprises
An old fave here at Manifesto, RLE (a.k.a. Field Music’s Kev Dosdale) brings his sublime electro-disco-punk vibes to Independent’s Little Room on March 26th to support electro-freaky Mr Fogg. Definitely for fans of James Murphy/Daft Punk/Simian Mobile Disco. www.myspace.com/razmatazlorryexcitement
ivy
house
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LISTENING TO... The Velvet Underground & Nico. Probably the best debut album of all time. I first heard this album when i was 17 and it just gets better and better each time i hear it. It has it all, slow melodic numbers like ‘Sunday Morning’ and ‘Heroin’ and hard-hitting anthems like ‘Run Run Run’ and ‘Venus in Furs’. READING... Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake. A collection of his best poems which have inspired me to write my own. Poems like ‘Little Boy Lost’ almost bring me to tears.
Dan Stringer The Poet and the Beat
WATCHING... Not being a TV lover, i have been watching a Bob Dylan Documentary called ‘Don’t Look Back’. It shows Dylan at his best, worst and most inspirational, with loads of great footage of live shows, backstage antics and interviews. I must have watched it four times already! GOING TO... I’ll be continuing to play shows around the North-East as ‘The Poet and The Beat’, record a new EP and continue writing, hopefully meeting lots of nice people along the way. LISTENING TO... Currently listening to a lot of bands on the Sub Pop label. There’s a whole scene coming out of west coast America at the minute that harkens back to the likes of the Beach Boys. Bands like Avi Buffalo, Beach House, Best Coast, Wolf Parade. Awesome stuff, like a new kind of surf sound.
Adam Howell
Toronto Sun Guitarist
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READING... ‘Bad Vibes’, Luke Haines’s cynical take on the Britpop era of the mid 90s. He comes across as a bit of a c**t, it’s a great read. The band was gigging in London recently and I was a bit bored in the hotel, there was a bible in the drawer so I read a bit of that. WATCHING... QI, Buzzcocks, Mock the Week. The latter of which contains just enough political comment to make me feel intelligent, but still makes me laugh! The new series of Shameless is always a winner, Micky’s character gets funnier by the episode. I also watch a lot of geeky science documentaries. GOING TO... See Pulp in Hyde Park this summer. Can’t wait, I saw Blur in Hyde Park in 2009, awesome day, Pulp will be just as good I reckon. It’s great seeing Britpop bands reform, saw Shed Seven last year, would love to see a Sleeper reunion! Will probably get myself to Reading festival this year too, it’s my home town so would be rude not to.
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Early Maze Early Maze are a two piece band from the North East of England. Jamie Harwood features on guitars and vocals while Michelle Gunton supplys the bass guitar vibes and also chips in with vocals, the band’s beats are supplied with machine like precision from Lord Darkmatter (their drum machine). They’ve been together for a little over a year and have just completed a 12 track album, entitled ..We Don..t Know Where We Are, But We..re Not Lost... Early Maze create a sound which is their own unique new take on psychedelic rock music. Wide ranging, eclectic influences can be heard running through their music, but the end result is a sound that can only be described as Early Maze. Early Maze play Washington Arts Centre on March 18th, 7pm. Support comes from Maps are Fiction, The Real Davina and Liars Lie. £4 entry
Hungry Ghosts Hungry Ghosts are a band with a big sound from the small city of York. What started off as entertaining the VIP lounges across Yorkshire’s club scene soon lead to original material winning competitions across the country.Described by NME as ‘dark oddballs’, Hungry Ghosts present a unique blend of pop, rock, punk, hip-hop and world music with a touch of the avant-garde. Whilst not strictly an art school band their occasionally experimental output positions the foursome enough left-of- the-middle to stand out from the crowd without losing their radio-friendly sensibilities. The result is ‘Unique sounding and stunning!’(BBC Introducing). Hungry Ghosts’ catchy, upbeat and eminently danceable arrangements tip a hat to the group’s penchant for the theatrical, something echoed in their confident live performances; ‘Great shows to back up great tunes!!’ (BBC Radio York). Hungry Ghosts play the Ivy House on February 17th, 7.30pm. Support comes from Savage Roots and Black Sun. Free entry. MaNiFestO
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Tunstall Hill Sessions Maximo Park, Field Music, The Futureheads and Willy Mason are all big names internationally, and they’ve all taken part in a new video project featuring North-East landmarks. Barry Hyde from the Futrureheads belts out Hounds of Love from Penshaw Monument, and Duncan Lloyd of Maximo Park gives a version of Suzee from what looks like his bedroom. Barry said “It’s a great, well thought out way of promoting North-East musicians and music from outside. I know the people who do it very well. As soon as I saw the first one I wanted to take part.” The day Barry did his session was pretty uninviting, and you can see him shivering in the video. He comments: ”It was really cold, but it felt very liberating to stand up there and perform, and a bit surreal. It was a fun night followed by a couple of pints. I love watching the other sessions as well”
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There are some more big names lined up to record a session, Maximo Park lead singer Paul Smith and Field Music. John Beattie, Michael Gardiner and Richard Amundsen are the three men behind the sessions which started off as a throwaway idea in a rehearsal for Richard and John’s band Coal Train. Inspired by the likes of the Black Cab Sessions, which took artists including Laura Marling, Roots Manuva and Robyn Hitchcock among others, the idea to capture musicians in intimate settings and those with Sunderland landmarks. John says: “the whole thing started a while ago. The idea came when Richard and I were practicing. So we recorded it in my bedroom and we thought it’d be great to put it out there. As my house is right next to Tunstall Hill we decided to call them the Tunstall Hill music sessions. As part of this, we asked Michael Gardiner to get involved. He did a degree in art and is a
Coal Train
The Futureheads dab-hand with the camerawork. What we wanted to do was promote bands through live audio/visual and use it as a tool for networking with different artists and musicians. By doing it online we hope to attract a following to the next session that comes out. We’re mixing it with local talent too. We’re hoping it benefits from that.” John and Richard have played in different bands in the region for the last decade, something which has given them great access to the big names in North-East music. There is a good sense of community within the music scene in Sunderland and Newcastle. We all knew each other from playing together in bands at the same gigs, supporting each other, and through doing that we’ve still kept in contact.” So, as well as Maximo Park’s Paul Smith, Lucas Renney, formerly of the Golden Virgins, is doing a session soon. John says: “At the moment it’s finding the time to fit it all in.” The Tunstall Hill sessions are run as a not-for-profit organisation. “All the cutting we’ve done is by ourselves. If we ever got any money through advertising we’d launch our own website,” adds John. A particular coup for the lads was getting a
The Lake Poets session by American solo artist Willy Mason. John says: “Willy was in touch with Richard, as Richard helps organise Split Festival. After he played Split, he went to one of our friend’s house. He lives in a lovely old Victorian house in Ashbrooke so we did it in his garden..” John explains that he and Michael are already looking at locations for the next couple of sessions. “There are about 10 sites so far that we think are great. Some we can get into ourselves, sometimes we have to ask for permission, but most people are really enthusiastic. “At the moment it’s something special to Sunderland, but the Baltic and Sage are interested in getting involved.” But is there a particular artist John would like to see play a session? “I’ve got Bruce Springsteen on my list as my number one to do. I’m optimistic, but I’m not sure we’ll get that one yet.”
To watch the Tunstall Hill Sessions, visit www.vimeo.com/channels/tunstallhillsessions or www.youtube.com/user/TunstallHillSessions MaNiFestO
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CD Reviews
Diego
An overwhelming blend of hypnotic harmonies etched with emotionally charged lyrics all brought together by Diego. This five piece band made a name for themselves supporting Mumford and Sons and The Stranglers at last year’s Triumph Live. Their love for indie music has shown through with their own original and attention grabbing music. Diego have a lot more to achieve in the music world and with this promising start they have potential for greatness. Keep your eyes and ears open as we haven’t heard anything yet.
The Castells The Durham based band show what they have to offer with their song ‘Romance.’ It speaks volumes for the band where strong vocals drive the hook against an emotive musical background, showing their talent and passion for what they do. The Castells show a blend of indie and rock music in one, yet still keeping it their own. Memorable harmonies and original lyrics give the Castells a tight grip on the music world and if you’re into something new and original then this is the band for you.
Eso Rough, rock, punk and new are only a few words to describe this band. Eso are loud in your face and show a splash of melody here and there. The rough looking band shows that you should never judge a book by its cover showing they can perform bet12
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ter than they look. These Sunderland based lot could quite comfortably fit in with the likes of Nickleback and The Misfits, showing their music can match the best. Whatever the mood you are in Eso has something for you to get your teeth in to.
Give Chase Give Chase, formally known as Forty Thieves, have started afresh and by doing so this four piece band give a high energy sound. The boys give the impression that they could fit happily in any music chart. Showing a professional passion for music and instantly memorable songs such as ‘Nebula’ and ‘Blews Hill Mob’, just a sample of the bands talent. Give Chase has a future in music and a big one at that
Tyro Having played at the O2 arena in London and aired on BBC radio, Tyro have hit the ground running and from such songs as ‘Suffer’ and ‘Ballad of a Playboy’ they don’t seem intent on stop running any time yet. With a mix of ex-band mates and old friends Tyro have come together to form high energy music that you just find yourself getting up and dancing to. Already being well established it won’t be long until the musical talents of Tyro are blasting through your radios.
The Zenemans This is a band that enjoys what they do, putting the music before image and using
CD Reviews
their imagination to create songs worthy of any radio station’s play list. Traces of such classic acts as Coldplay and R.E.M can be found hiding in the backdrop, while the vibrant four-piece place their originality over the top. These are songs to make you feel good and keep you happy all day.
Cry Red Echoes of influences from Bon Jovi to The Verve fused with modern day contemporary indie pop rock gives Cry Red their unique sound. Songs such as ‘History’ are catchy enough to stick in your head hours after you’ve heard it, showing that Cry Red know how to make music. They are continuing their musical talent hitting iTunes with new recordings of Closer and History.
Pastel Jack Thrash metal for the masses, Pastel Jack mix their own unique style of catchy melodies and aggressive thrash, making music they thought was missing from the heavy metal world. ‘Ghost in the Machine’ shows off this unique sound to its fullest, letting their passion out and their constant love for what they do.
White Circus Fever Indie/Rock has hit a new high with a band that sounds like it has been making rock music for years but yet still managing to keep it original. White Circus Fever show hints of influences from T. Rex to The Jam whilst creating a modern upbeat sound. If
you’re looking for something different to the everyday rock scene then these guys are ideal, a modern twist on music has never sounded so good.
Spray on Jeans The name’s original and so are they. Spray on Jeans a local band from Sunderland have made been playing local gigs for some time. With original songs and classics covers there’s something for everyone. Developing on their influences such as Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys their songs are catchy and have you singing along. With an alternative indie sound the band hold their own showing it’s not all about image, they have the musical talent as well. Playing small gigs at the moment it won’t be long until Spray on Jeans are up there performing with the best of them.
Scarlletta Mix together the darker side of Lady Gaga with Debbie Harry and you have the lead singer of ‘Scarlletta.’ The electro-rock band fronted by lead singer Scarlletta show being different isn’t always a bad thing. The Sinful EP hit iTunes with a bang, on which the band delivers original lyrics and a quirky sound. This band is definitely one to watch already being picked to represent Great Britain at the Global Battle of the Bands in Malaysia in 2011. Scarlletta are sure to make it big.
Demo reviews by Devon Glover MaNiFestO
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Field Music
live Reviews
with Thomas White 08/12/2010 @ The Cluny, Newcastle
The sign on the door of The Cluny tonight reads ‘Sold Out’, and unsurprising it is too; this marks the band’s first North East appearance since May’s Evolution Festival. For the past few months Field Music have been trekking around the US and Europe to promote their epic third album, Measure. Warming up the room is Thomas White, formerly of Electric Soft Parade. Looking like a Klaxons-produced performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Thomas and his band rattle through a disjointed collection of psychedelic soft-rock songs, including a bizarre poetry reading from a man in a hooded cloak. After much head scratching, the headliners squeeze onto The Cluny’s cozy stage, opening with Mea-
Field Music
sure’s lead track ‘In The Mirror’. The band has in the past referred to The Cluny as their ‘spiritual home’, and it’s that intimacy that shines through tonight; watching them feels rather like spending the night with old friends. There’s a warmth and optimism to their music, and on stage it comes across in spades. With electricity, candor and piles of talent, Field Music set the bar, and the crowd is enraptured. It’s only live that you can truly appreciate the complexity of their songs, with Peter and David Brewis changing between their compendium of instruments, often playing two at once. From behind his electric piano, Peter Brewis notes this is one of their last gigs before they take an ‘extended holiday’. ‘’Would you say it’s a hiatus?’ remarks a punter. ‘Certainly not’, replies Brewis confidently. Thanks goodness for that.
By Nicola Wright
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live Reviews Futurefest 2:
The Futureheads, Little Comets, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Coal Train, Where The Sea Starts & The Generals. 23/12/2010 @ 02 Academy Newcastle Fireworks are going off in the 02 Academy tonight. Metaphorical fireworks of course. That would be a health and safety issue. To celebrate ten years since their first gig at Ashbrooke Cricket Club, Sunderland’s golden boys The Futureheads have invited 5 of the regions brightest and best to play with them. Opening up across two rooms are mod-rockers The Generals, the electro-tinged Where The Sea Starts, and laying out the postpunk, local scene veterans Coal Train. In the main hall, next-big-thing Frankie and the Heartstrings fall foul of some light-hearted provincial rivalry, while up-
stairs Jarrow’s Little Comets have fetched such a crowd that the security team have to operate a one-in-one-out system. It’s a testament to both the loyalty of their fans and the talent of the band that, a month before the release of their debut album, the room swells with voices as they launch into latest single ‘Joanna’. Finally, the headliners take the stage and thrash their way through an exhilarating set of songs with sincerity, swagger and a lot of noise. The Futureheads have worked hard to get where they are tonight, and perhaps most impressive of all is that a band that have taken so many knocks in a decade-long career can still put on a show so fervent and energetic. Rounding off the night with Christmas-themed single ‘Christmas Was Better in the 80s’, the band is at the top of their game, and shows no signs of slowing down yet. By Nicola Wright
The Futureheads
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ToP Fives
Tom’s Top 5 Facial Features
Jack’s Top 5 Game
Garrick’s Top 5 Breakfasts
1. Beady Eye 2. Furry Brow 3. Kipper Lips 4. Ski Jump Nose 5. Jimmy Hill Chin
1. Venison 2. Rabbit 3. Woodpigeon 4. Badger 5. Elephant
1. Magic Mushrooms 2. Eggs Benedict 3. Scrumpy 4. Black Pudding 5. Crisps
Danny’s Top 5 Neckwear
Emily’s Top 5 Moons
Lorna’s Top 5 Scousers
1. Paisley Cravat 2. Wembley ‘92 Scarf 3. Whacky Piano Tie 4. Dead Swan 5. Sov Ring on Chain
1. Full Moon 2. Half Moon 3. Button Moon 4. Keith Moon 5. Blue Moon
1. Ringo Starr 2. Yosser Hughes 3. Emlyn Hughes 4. Cilla Black 5. Jimmy Corkhill
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February Date
Band
Venue
Price
3rd Thursday 7.00pm
Spoken Words + Coalinga’s Children
The Ivy House, S’land
FREE
4th Friday 7.30pm
The Stottin Headaches
Clarendon, Hendon
FREE
11th Friday 7.30pm
Miles Kane
7even, S’land
£7.50
11th Friday 8.00pm
Toronto Sun + UFO Club + Teetah
Washington Arts Centre
£4
13th Sunday 7.00pm
12 Dirty Bullets
7even, Sunderland
£5
17th Thursday 8.00pm
David’s Lyre
Bar Pure, Sunderland
£6
17th Thursday 8.00pm
Hungry Ghosts + Savage Roots
The Ivy House, S’land
FREE
18th Friday
The Stottin Headaches
The Ropery, S’land
FREE
18th Friday 7.30pm
The Defects
Independent, S’land
18th Friday 8.30p
Terry Gorman
TJ Doyles, S’land
19th Saturday 7.30pm
Duke Garwood
Independent, S’land
£8
20th Sunday
The Draymen
Pure, S’land
£4
25th Friday 7.00pm
Tom Hingley + Inspiral Carpets
7even, S’land
£4
27th Sunday 7.30pm
Dutch Uncles
7even, S’land
£6
£7 FREE
March Date
Band
Venue
3rd Thursday
Pilots, Radio Dynamics +
The Ivy House, S’land
FREE
4th Friday 7.30pm
Tango In The Attic
Independent, S’land
£4
5th Saturday 8.00pm
Dan Michaelson & The Coastguards
Independent, S’land
£6
11th Friday 7.00pm
The Complete Stone Roses
7even, S’land
17th Thursday
Masamune + Toronto Sun
The Ivy House, S’land
18th Friday 8.00pm
Early Maze , Maps Are Fiction + more
Washington Arts Centre
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Price
£12.50
FREE £4
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