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PHOTO: DAVID WALA
JULY/AUG ISSUE #27
THE RAILWAY CLUB FREE NEWS / REVIEWS / AIR TO ACHILLES / INDEPENDENT / GOTCHA! www.manifestosunderland.com
EDITORIAL
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PHOTO: CAROLINE BRIGGS
CONTENTS 03 l Editorial
14 l Sliding Doors
We get the views on Issue #27 from our Editor and chief E.H as she welcomes new members to team Manifesto.
Our feature takes a look at the success story that is/was Independent and will continue to be at Independent 2.0.
06 l Guest Editor A dollop of Trollope. We caught up with Railway Club frontman Martin Trollope as the South Tynesider's embark on two big releases in 2012.
09 l Local News Bunker Dance. Announcements. Releases. Diary. ALT-J - ONE OF THE MOST RECENT BIG NAMES TO PLAY THE LITTLE ROOM.
LET’S AWAY AT EVO EMERGING PHOTO: CAROLINE BRIGGS
23 l Gotcha! 16 l Local Interview 12 l This Month We catch up with our spanking new designer and all round graphic man Paul Burgess and Yanza Rezna from Not Your Cuppa Tea.
We have a chat with Newcastle stalwarts Air To Achilles.
18 l Reviews CD- POTM and 9 other crackers you MUST download!
13 l Spotlight On
21 l Reviews: LIVE
Our bright lights fall on Tusk and This Years Love.
Evolution Emerging Special. The Futureheads. Natasha Haws.
Did we catch you at your worst last month?
24 l Listings Dosing you up with gig-goodness for July/August.
26 l The Fix A word from our man from Stockton, or is it Teesside, maybe Darlo? Parmo anyone?
EDITORIAL
HOWE-DO I hope this issue finds you all well!
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ISSUE#27 EDITOR
That was polite of me, that or I'm becoming far too rehearsed in emails. My inbox is regularly chocka with enquiries and what not but the last few weeks seems to have sent my 'you've got mail' into over-drive! Could this be people have now finally realised I no longer use my old hacked by a South African money launderer account, or are things starting to come to the boil with a summer of top music and events to cover in the North East. Either is good for me. I want to say a warm welcome to a few new faces or fingers to the pages of Manifesto. First up Mr Paul Burgess who, as most of us involved in NE music will know, is a phenomenally talented Graphic Designer. His recent work includes the merch and tour poster designs for Vinyl Jacket as well as regular contributions his wee Lone Wolf's promotional posters. We are very lucky to have Paul on board, not just to admire his porn-like tash and hats, but for the Burgess-ness tweak he will bring to our pages. Also a bear gripped huggy welcome to Andrew Openshaw who has provided us with some fresh eyes and take on the local music scene. He took on the role of interviewing this months Guest Editors The Railway Club. I have long admired this band since my first dollop of Trollope at September 2011's Split Transmission event and after listening to the new single around 24.4 times (my tea was ready on that last one), the rest of 2012 should see the band take the next big step in their development from band to look out for to one of the cream of the crop. Our #27 feature celebrates the achievements of Sunderland's ONLY real music venue, Independent. While I was a little sad, but not surprised of the news that Holmeside’s bohemian cauldron of new live music will be demolished in the new year, I am in no way in dismay! I have no doubt Ben and Paul will be back with Independent 2.0 unveiling new talent before anyone else. Talk of Split is rife with part of the line-up announced only weeks ago, and as you read this the full-line up may have driven you wild with your ticket purchases. I am a massive fan of what Split represents as a festival, not just enjoyment through music but through the whole experience of stuffing your face and being part of a very special event in Wearside with your family, friends and the rest of the North East. I hope you all venture to Ashbrooke this year, you will find me perched over bainmaries pondering my next plate full. Fatty! Reviews, News, Interviews are this issues delicacy and as always I would encourage you to be as greedy as you like. Chomp down! Don't forget to check out our new Gotcha! Page. Some right beauties in there this issue.
E.H. EMMA HOWE - EDITOR
Emma Howe GUEST EDITOR The Railway Club DESIGN Paul Burgess www.pbgd.co.uk
WORDS Nic Wright, Ruth Edmonson, Andrew Openshaw, Alistair Henderson, Seb & Liam, Emma Howe PHOTOGRAPHY Ian West, Caroline Briggs, Dan Robson, David Wala, Spurious Nonsense
www.manifestosunderland.com EMAIL info@manifestosunderland.com emma@manifestosunderland.com FACEBOOK ‘Manifesto Magazine’ ONLINE EDITOR Nic Wright Manifesto Magazine 29 Stockton Road Sunderland, SR2 7AQ RING Tel: 0191 567 1777
www.manifestosunderland.com
THE RAILWAY CLUB
GUEST EDITOR
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Following a brief & unexpected hiatus from our local stages, THE RAILWAY CLUB returned to the forefront of NE music with a gig back at The Head of Steam last month. Our man Andrew Openshaw met with curly mopped frontman Martin Trollope post-gig-blowing-of-the cob-webs. AO: How did you find playing live as a band again? MT: Really brilliant! I was surprised that we managed to pull it all together so quickly and that we actually managed to play the songs to the standard of the album. The fact that people came along and seemed to really enjoy it made for a lovely evening. AO: The album is due out in August, how have you found working with Tiny Lights? MT: It has been an absolute pleasure so far. We’re honoured that they have enough faith
PHOTO: DAVID WALA
in our music to want to put it out! The other bands on the label are great too so to be on there with people that we respect is canny cool. AO: Is there much of a departure from The Waiting Room E.P? MT: There are not very many parallels between that E.P. and the album in all honesty. At the time of the E.P. I think we were trying to be a bit too clever and do things that weren’t particularly natural to us as musicians. The album, for the most part, is just simple songs played simply.
GUEST EDITOR AO: You’re huge Springsteen fans and you also recently recorded ‘Thunder Road’ for Tiny Lights birthday celebrations, how was that? MT: It was loads of fun getting to play and sing with the other artists on the label. Carmen played piano and I played some guitar parts and we both did some vocals - quite excited to hear the final mix! AO: You’re one of the emerging stars in the North East at the moment, what’s it like being part that cluster of talent?
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www.manifestosunderland.com MT: It’s weird to think that there are so many ridiculously talented people in the North East and that I’m good friends with some of them. It makes you wonder if every area of the country is the same or whether we’re just a lucky region. Personally, I hope it is something to do with the region. I think having such amazing bands in close proximity really pushes everyone involved to be even better than they already are - not in a competitive way - but in a positive way. It’s a good time for North East music.
AO: What do you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? MT: Sell out the physical copies of the album. We’d love to play somewhere further away too, as we haven’t had a chance to do that yet. Hopefully, we’ll start working on newer material fairly soon, just to keep our minds fresh.
The Railway Club release their début single Broken Strings on 9th July and the band will host an official launch party at Cluny2 on the 6th with support from Natasha Haws, Blank Maps and Acrobatic Society.
Words AO
LOCAL NEWS
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ANNOUNCEMENTS BUNKER DANCE Bunker Dance has a new group for any local electronic dance music producers / DJs! Here at Bunker Dance, we pride ourselves on knowing all the local DJs and producers who are doing the right stuff right now, today. In an effort to keep our eyes (and ears) on the freshest and best music of the more ‘up tempo’ side of electronic dance, we have recently opened up a new Soundcloud group named !!MAINSTREAM HOUSE / TECH / ELECTRO / CLUB / PROG!! - Remixes / Mashups / Productions / Sets (we like to keep it short and sweet). The group has not long been open but has already accumulated a nice set of local producers & DJs who post their latest works for the rest of the world to check out. This is a prime place to get your music seen if you wish for it to be featured on our radio show or on other electronic dance music shows that are featured on 107 Spark FM. All of the music we receive is passed on to our presenters and producers for consideration. If you feel like you have music to show to the world, or would simply like to check out some new local dance music, then head over to our Soundcloud group and join up!
The first wave of acts confirmed for this year's Split Festival have been revealed. The line-up includes reformed legends This Ain't Vegas, and several Mercury nominated acts. Headlining the main stage on Sunday, The Futureheads make their return to the festival, joined by The Unthanks, Field Music, Kathryn Williams, Kyla La Grange, This Ain't Vegas, The Lake Poets, The Cornshed Sisters, Let's Buy Happiness, Warm Digits, Young Liar, Natasha Haws, The Chapman Family, The Greeting Committee, That F**king Tank, John J Presley, Richard Dawson, Lilliput, The Unit Ama, The Real Davina and Algiers. More acts, including a non-local Saturday head-liner and further national artists, will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Releasing your single on vinyl is so last year. The Railway Club are making their debut single 'Broken Strings' available on super-limited edition cassette tape. On Monday July 9th the single, along with b-side 'Angel in the House' will also be unleashed digitally. The launch party will take place at Cluny 2 on Friday July 6th, where the band will be joined by Natasha Haws, label-mates Acrobatic Society and Blank Maps. Spinning tunes into the small hours on the night will be Field Music's David Brewis.
Tiny Lights Recordings will be celebrating its first birthday this month, and they’ve got some special plans to celebrate. Recently, the labelled locked members of almost every band on their roster in a room to record a cover of Bruce Springsteen's Thunder Road. Each copy of the single come with unique hand-drawn artwork designed by one of the artists involved with recording the songs, and if you’re a Tiny Lights VIP, you’ll get a special customised edition.
LOCAL NEWS
SPLIT PARADE If you were part of the first ever Split Parade last year, you will remember a few feathery friends leading a trail of gig goers up Holmeside to arrive to blistering sounds of Young Liar at Plugged Inn before sticking around to take in the delights of such established local acts like Lets Buy Happiness, Ashes Of Iron, Warm Digits and even an impromptu set from Mr Tom Robinson of 6music. Well keep your eyes on twitter/facey and of course Manifesto online as the plans are set in motion for this year’s big pre-Split event. It’s going to be massive!
AMAZING RADIO GOES OFF DAB In May, North East music advocates Amazing Radio ceased broadcasting on the national Digital One multiplex citing the inability to secure acceptable terms for a contract extension. The station released an open letter to the industry to explain, here's a snippet: 'Let’s be honest. Some of you will have said ‘Amazing Who?’ Others will go ‘serves them right, their model was crazy’. Others will be sad to see something new disappear from the airwaves, but assume it was never viable as a concept. The truth is more complicated. Amazing Radio did not go off the air because our model failed. We have been growing very rapidly for two years and broke even in January. We have very supportive shareholders who understand that we have a long term, very audacious plan to reinvent the music industry. We are about to raise $30m in Silicon Valley to expand internationally and in the UK. Transmissions ceased because we were unable to secure acceptable terms for an extension of our contract'. 'The music industry is broken. The old model doesn’t work any more. Major labels have withdrawn from A&R. The industry needs help finding the new talent. That’s what we do'. The reaction from listeners and musicians, confirms just what Amazing have said, and people are obviously very passionate about having the station back on DAB. We want to wish Amazing and their staff the best of luck in getting back on DAB and are in no doubt that the unique outlet they give musicians and new music so they can be found by listeners and labels alike is irreplaceable.
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Diary May 12th a sudden power cut takes hold of the Minster and punters are left to the mercy of HawBagHaws craic May 19th Dave Hyde is seen running through Sunderland wiping the sleep from his eyes as the sea shantys begin May 26th Local Music waves ta'ra to Echohead and the original Mam'ager JunE 7th God takes a massive wee over the Stadium Of Light JunE 15th The Olympic torch is re-lit for the first time in its existence as the north East provides predictable weather for its leg of the relay! JunE 21st a mass of over 50's are seen entering the SOL with fishing stools
RELEASES JUNE: Air To Achilles released new single Wild Palms on June 8th, while the 11th of June saw the release of Let's Buy Happiness' Works Better on Paper, and Maximo Park's fourth album The National Health, The Chapman Family released new album Cruel Britannia on June 16th, The Greeting Committee brought out their début single Show Me The Lights of Home on June 25th. JULY:
The Railway Club release their début single Broken Strings on July 9th. So What Robot release new single Work and Play on August 6th with fellow Kitll'ins and the newly named BiG Beat Bronson releasing EP 'May Contain Nuts' also on August 6th.
LOCAL NEWS
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MUSIC FUTURES SERIES ‘Music Futures Series’ is Generator’s new music business panel programme, giving regional musicians and businesses the chance to pick the brains of some of the industry’s leading figures like Simon Raymonde (Bella Union) and Caroline Elleray (Universal Music). Featuring a series of weekly panels, running from Thursday 28th June to Thursday 19th July at Newcastle’s Live Theatre, industry experts will give their unique insight into the future of record labels, publishing, marketing and broadcasting. The panels will demonstrate how regional artists and music businesses can take advantage of the latest industry developments and use them to create new platforms and sources of income. Music Futures Series events are FREE but places are limited and advance booking is essential. For more information and to book your place please visit: www.musicfutures.info
SHAKE IT UP 2012 The Bunker present Shake It Up 2012, uncovering the best new urban & dance acts in the North East. In association with Independent and Generator, The Bunker will run the first ever event of it's kind in Sunderland to find the Shake It Up act of 2012. This is the widest the net has been cast for a showcase of it's kind with all Producers, DJ's, MCs and Vocalists encouraged to apply.
DAVE STEWART TO PLAY THE EMPIRE! Celebrating the September release of 'The Ringmaster General' Dave Stewart will play four rare UK shows including a special concert in his Sunderland hometown. The iconic artist, who has built a successful career in the US, will perform songs with his band from his upcoming album, as well as material from his critically acclaimed 2011 album The Blackbird Diaries and other solo works. He will also perform some of his hits with the Eurythmics and other artists. The prospect of playing in Sunderland is one Stewart is very excited about; “It's been a long time, and to kick off in my hometown the day my new album is released will be a golden moment for me.” Dave Stewart will play at the Sunderland Empire on the 3rd of September. Tickets are priced at Tickets for the Sunderland Empire are priced at £26 and are available to buy now by calling 0844 871 3022 or online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland, as well as from select ticket agents, the 24Hr Ticket Hotline 0844 338 0000 and on line at BookingsDirect.com
On Saturday July 14th, Independent will host the launch of this fantastically fresh showcase event of Dance & Urban music in the North East. Regional press will be invited to the launch alongside those interested in applying as well as lovers of the growing scene in the North East. They will be treated to some top live performances from high profile DJ's, Producers and Vocalists from across the North East. Possible entrants will be introduced to UpFront Urban 2012's panel, made up of those at the top of their game in the North East as well as having the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with leading figures in their field. All relevant information on how to enter will also be available on the night.
THIS MONTH
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THIS MON TH
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We catch up with two more stalwarts of the NE music scene to find out what’s blaring out of their speakers, falling off their book shelves, a regular on the TV screens and burning a hole in their pockets on a night out! YA N Z A R E Z N E R
PA U L B U R G E S S
NOT-YOUR-CUPPA-TEA
PAUL BURGESS GRAPHIC DESIGN
Listening to...Recently enjoying Luke Abbott’s, Holkham Drones” – what an incredible talent. Can’t believe he’s virtually unknown. It’s been a while since we’ve heard anyone with such a defining sound. Sleep Party People' "We were drifting on a sad song" is so far my favourite album this year. Apart from that there’s always the usual 80’s stuff – just bought Eurythmics and Miami Vice soundtrack on vinyl.
Listening to...I'm giving the 'Ribs' EP by Nately's Whore's Kid Sister a bit of a hammering at the minute - incredible stuff. The Chapman Family's 'Cruel Britannia' EP is superb. Also Factory Floor, Hooded Fang, Y Niwl and Father John Misty...to name but a few.
Reading...Trying to get through a ‘how to’ book about writing business plans. Book days are over for us (we really miss them though). These days it's just reading emails, writing emails, sending emails... all day long Watching...Carl Sagan’s 80’s TV series called “Cosmos” along with some sci-fi classics such as a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Automan, Buck Rogers etc. Going to...We are really excited to see ALT-J at the Cluny this month.
Reading...I tend to stick to autobiographies when it comes to books, to be honest. The last one I read being 'Grow Up' by Keith Allen and I'm just starting Shaun Ryder's 'Twisting My Melon'. They've both...er... 'lived' a bit. Watching...Mad Men, Game of Thrones, The Ricky Gervais Show. The Punk Britannia series on BBC4. I miss 'Homeland' - that was the best thing on the box in ages. I like 'Great British Menu' but it annoys me that they never seem to find any decent chefs north of Yorkshire for the so-called 'North East' heat. If we're talking films, pretty excited for 'Prometheus'. Going to...I went to see Watchers and Parastatic at Plugged Inn and The Chapman Family at The Head of Steam recently, both excellent gigs. Really looking forward to Willowman Festival too - a lot of great local bands playing, so that should be good. And Split of course.
SPOTLIGHT ON
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THIS YEARS LOVE
TUSK
When writing ‘Dreams’ featured on their debut CD Gary Ward, singer and songwriter in the band, had the idea to form This Years Love to celebrate the birth of his children and those of other band member Gavin Schonfeler’s. From that initially sentimental idea has come the band’s debut CD “Take The Stage” and their first live gig in the North East.
Since the ages of 13 and 12 founding members of Newcastle based band Tusk, Thomas Robertshaw and Jonathon Evans, had known each other and learnt how to play guitar together.
This may seem an odd concept for the birth of a band yet the friendships reflected in that are as heartwarming as the songs. It was all because of one song Gary from the band explains, “I have always been a singer/songwriter and the idea came to me when I was writing the song ‘Dream’ from our album. I wrote that song wondering what my daughters were actually dreaming of. It is the perfect gift that both Gavin and my own daughter can keep forever.” It is certainly a gracious act of kindness that I am sure won’t be beaten anytime soon although Gary plays it down, “It’s no pony, but maybe it’ll buy them one, one day”. Fatherhood it seems, is the key to the band’s foundation as both Gary and Gavin rekindled their college friendship after the birth of their children. Additional band members James and Alan had played alongside Gary in other bands and came in on the project as the album was being recorded. That is where it all came together with a new sound, “we have all played in different genres but for This Years Love, I wanted to try something completely fresh so Gavin and I took everything back to acoustics and writing music just because we love it”. Following on from the début album already plans for a second in 2013 which they are in the process of writing!
Bless! Fast-forward to 2011 and the best friends moved up to study fine art at Northumbria University where finally Tusk the band was formed with the addition of Andrew Cutts on bass and Sam Hodgson on drums. Their sound is hard to put your finger on although they explain the thought behind it, “We try to make songs that are technically challenging but accessible. We try not to just bang out a few chords”. Just as much thought went behind the name Tusk as they explained, “We all love animals with Tusks. And it certainly wasn't going to The Narwhals. Also, we are quite partial to a bit of Fleetwood Mac.” Having only been on the scene for a very short period the band have already released a double A-side single and two EP’s with more music on it’s way by the end of 2012.“We are just finishing our next release, which will be a double A-side single. The two songs, ‘Subtle Fun’ and ‘Boy Bruce, The Mighty Atom’ will be released via digital download late July/August.” They are not taking a break after that with plans to record a mini album, including a number of new songs, planned for release early next year. There seems to be no stopping this band so keep your eyes peeled for more music & hopefully live dates as well.
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SLIDING DOORS
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An Epitaph for Holmeside; it’s hardly the Champs-Elysées. If you want anything other than a pasty and some questionable sports supplements, it’s not got a great deal going for it. It is however, as every music fan and late-night indie-disco-goer in Sunderland will know, home to the jewel in our crown. Our dark, shabby temple. Our mothership. I’m speaking, of course, about the city’s only dedicated music venue, Independent. Last month, it was announced that a demolition order had been issued for the bar/club/ stomping ground, after it was deemed ‘no longer fit for modern use’ by the Homes and Communities Agency. To be fair, for a long time now it’s looked like it might crumble away of its own accord. It’s sticky, the toilet floors are rarely seen without an inch of water on them, and I’ve been in morgues that are warmer. But we go back. Week after hazy, tinnitus-inducing week, we go back. For the music, for the people, and because, in all honesty, where else would we go?
For years Independent has been the only ‘proper’ space available for musicians and fans alike to enjoy. It has provided a platform for upcoming bands in Sunderland to play in a venue where punters weren’t watching the football on a TV behind their heads. Fans could chow down on an exciting, diverse buffet of live music, while other venues cooked up a middle-aged man playing ‘Golden Brown’ every Tuesday at a busker’s night. It has been the only spot in the city that could even dream of tempting the likes of Kasabian, Kaiser Chiefs, The View, Glasvegas, The Zutons, Jamie T, The Sunshine Underground, The Maccabees and Mystery Jets
Frankie & the Heartstrings played a very special homecoming show at Christmas. Words NW
away from Newcastle. It’s also been an invaluable springboard for the likes of The Lake Poets, Chased By Wolves and Frankie and the Heartstrings. With the bulldozers pencilled in for January next year, I’m not suggesting we all go and chain ourselves to the building; it’s the end of an era, that’s indisputable, but you can’t keep a good dog down, and with a bit of luck Independent will have found a new home by the time the big metal ball starts swinging. And I’m confident that we’ll be seeing all the same faces there when it returns.
SLIDING DOORS
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IndEpEndEnT
In the meantime, we’ve collected some of the creative community’s top memories of Independent, to bring a tear to your eye:
Wrestling with an over-familiar Xmas tree as Gallery Circus played The Darkness' 'Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)'. Paul Burgess (Manifesto designer) We only played there once and it was lovely, on one of our rare adventures outside of Newcastle. The venue was great. A really nice bearded man did the sound, we later found out it was Neil ‘Beast’ Bassett. Andy Bell (Air To Achilles) I will personally hold dear my photographs taken there and, it will have an extra special place in my heart. Many cherished memories of that building. Jonathan Parker (Photographer)
Hyde & Beast have made the Little Roo m One fateful Don't Be a Robot, our inner alchemists took over and the purple pint was borne (brewed with half blue pint, half pink pint). Soon after, we realised why it wasn’t on the menu; was meffffin. But alas, only in Independent. Ellen Wilkie (Music Journalist) Highlights for me include evenings in the company of the likes of Klaus, and Canadian geniuses, The Wooden Sky, after which Ben put on a free bar to all those surviving the doorman's cull, and we lost our voices screaming Tom Petty songs into the wee small hours. Here's wishing the best of luck to Ben and the Independent team, wherever they may find their new home. Matt Stalker (Matt Stalker & Fables)
s hosted The main room haThe Zutons top uK acts like
their home.
I don't have just one stand-out memory of Independent, mostly good a lot drunk. But in terms of music I couldn't pick out one individual gig or band. My favourite memory I will take from the still standing Independent is that I was around to experience such a special venue ran by guys truly passionate about new music. Roll on Independent 2.0, I thinks its going to be an even greater success for Ben and Paul. Manifesto Editor My favourite memory was on my 18th birthday when I bumped into Paolo Nutini and he said 'happy birthday' then kissed my hand. It was practically a marriage proposal. Alex Burgess (Lone Wolf Promotions)
So, get down there, enjoy it while you can, and we’ll see you at Independent 2.0 next year.
LOCAL INTERVIEW
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Air To Achilles
PHOTO: CAROLINE BRIGGS
LOCAL INTERVIEW How did the band come together? We’re friends from school and uni, Jon (the guitarist) and I are brothers. Jon and Chris (Drums) had been in bands before, but nothing serious. Colin (synth and guitar) and I are friends from school and had also been in a separate band, which was a pretty shocking new wave punk group. When Jon and Chris’s band spilt up, and Colin and I decided that we actually disliked the music we were playing, we all got together and decided to do something completely new. It all came together really quickly. Why the band name Air To Achilles? I really wanted to get the word ‘Achilles’ in the title somewhere. There’s a certain majesty in the word but also in Greek mythology it’s obviously closely associated with weakness. We we’re originally ‘Arc to Achilles’, but there was this math core band in Chicago who had the same name. I was a bit drunk on a flight to Rome, and ‘Air To Achilles’ just popped into my head and I loved the way it sounded. It’s an unusually juxtaposition of words, which I like also. What inspires the synthesized and pop-esque music you make? We’ve got a great love of pop song writing, but we love twisting the format, and pushing it towards a more leftfield place. Bands like TV on the Radio, Depeche Mode, Pavement, The Fall, The Smiths and Husker Du do this really well I think. They’ll take a pop formula and twist and contort it. We’re really influenced by soundscape/trip hop bands also from RJD2, DJ Shadow, to Holy Other, Errors and Boards of Canada.
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www.manifestosunderland.com On your new single the synth has been toned down why is this? We’re trying to let the guitars breathe a bit more, and create a bit more space in the music. A syncopated synth can dominate and drowned out the more subtle arrangements, so we’re trying to bring them to the fore a bit more. The synth is more or less adding texture and sitting underneath on our new track Wild Palms. What is it like been in a band with your brother? Jon and I have a really good relationship so it works out well. It’s great, because as brothers we can be really direct and frank with each other and it’s never taken personally. Jon might turn around and say to me “Andy, that sounds shocking” and no offence is taken, I think that’s a unique family thing. We very rarely argue, and if we do, it’s forgotten about in five minutes. What is it that inspires the lyrics in your songs? Usually human relationships, and failed ones sadly! I find it really cathartic to write and sing about these types of things. When I was in that terrible post punk band I mentioned earlier, I used to sing about political issues, but I found it really hard to connect emotionally to an abstract concept. Also, I think singing about current political affairs can largely come across as patronizing and a bit preachy. Why did you choose the Telegraph for your single Launch? We really like the Telegraph, it’s so relaxed, the curfew is later and you can organise your own sound techs, so the whole night you don’t feel like your rushing round trying to fit
the bands in before a restrictive curfew. I’m a smoker also so I like that balcony bit. We’ve had some of our best club nights there, and it’s been a while since we’ve hosted the night at the Telegraph. What has been the best gig in the North East that you have played? We played the Dog and Parrot, I think it was our third gig and the first time we’d ever played our song ‘If My Heart Stops Beating’ live. We we’re really worried as it used to be quite hard to get right live, but it all worked out well, the place was packed and everyone was dancing around to the song. It was brilliant, I got a bit emotional! Where outside of the North East would you like to play? We’d love to venture outside of Newcastle, we’ve had offers in the past but they didn’t seem that well organised. The last thing you’d want is to drive 80 mile to a venue on a Wednesday night and be playing in front of five people. So if a gig seems well organised and well promoted outside of Newcastle we’d jump at the opportunity to play. I love Manchester, and obviously it’s got quite a prestigious musical past, so to play there would be wicked. You have released an EP and now your new single “Wild Palms” what is the band planning for the future? It seems like things are growing nicely, so we’d like that to continue. We’re improving as a band, we’re receiving more press, and our live show is improving also. I’d like this to carry on into the future, and hopefully more opportunities will arise. Words RE
REVIEWS CD
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PICK OF THE MONTH MAXIMO PARK – HIPS AND LIPS Maximo Park’s first in three long years sees the boys return to bitter, vital form with a chilling synthbeast of a track. Far from the pointed frivolity of their most famous releases, Hips and Lips is drenched in misery, driving quietly and stiflingly to a desperate, crushing upsurge of fuzz. A dark, jagged, altogether more mature offering, it covers many of the bases you could want from indie-rock. You can dance to it, you can elbow a stranger in the face to it, you can have an angry little cry to it if you’re so inclined. It’s chaotic, unforgiving and you need it in your ears. 4/5 NW
DOWNTOWN LESTER BROWN DOWNTOWN LESTER BROWN Downtown Lester Brown are a four piece from Newcastle who aspire to have their instrumentation perfect before they lay down their lyrics when recording music. The band formed in 2011 and have recently released their self titled debut CD. If you enjoy funk, ska and percussion then this is the band for you as they profess themselves to be a funk rock outfit. This certainly comes across from their CD which is a mix of funky songs with great bass, infectious guitar and Ben Taylor’s distinctive laxed vocals. 4.5/5 RE LET’S AWAY - “LET’S AWAY … FROM HERE” Let’s Away are Sunderland duo Neil Wood and Jonathan Winship who began their
musical partnership in 2011. Their debut recordings were recorded by Neil Bassett and put onto a four track EP entitled “Let’s Away... from here”. Their EP “Let’s Away... from here” spirits you away from the begrudging streets of Sunderland offering you a sense of escapism and tranquillity. Yet is grounded in the exploration of human emotions of love and loss through subtle indie chords and crisp vocals. Wistful, charming and dream like, it is a delicate composition although to some it may appear borderline melancholy. 4.5/5 RE GALLERY CIRCUS - IN TEN “In Ten” by Gallery Cirrus is not to be pigeon holed because of the collision of fun verses and more mellow choruses. It is a catchy track that has been cleverly put together and will certainly get stuck in your head after hearing it. With lyrics such as “Ten seconds in an
earthquake shape what will you have me tell in ten?” the song is quick witted and will have you singing along soon enough. It is a straight up front Marmite song, you will either love it straight away or not get its appeal. 4/5 RE SO WHAT ROBOT WORK AND PLAY This four-piece band from Newcastle, So What Robot, have recorded their follow up single to last years release “A Girl Who Reads”. With their new single “Work and Play” there is still the same alternative pop song that their previous was although it is a lot more up beat and direct. For “Work and Play” sounds like a throw back to new wave with the 80’s inspired synths and is full of hyper energy. It has a funk element and an edginess that makes it a track you couldn’t miss when on the radio. 4/5 RE NINETAILS - BLUE BOTTLE FLU Ninetails are so named after the whip and not the Pokémon, unfortunately. Their new single “Blue Bottle-Flu” is a bight and breezy track that would fit into the math pop genre and packs a punch with it’s rhythmical chorus. The simplicity of the track give makes it easy to listen to and stays true to the sound of the previous music they have released. With lyrics such as “I took you home because your made out of sugar” the song is undeniable quirky which adds to the charm of it. 4/5 RE
REVIEWS CD THE RAILWAY CLUB BROKEN STRINGS The Railway Club’s new single “Broken Strings” Is a tender song, not a very happy one but suitably beautiful in its own way. The lyrics are vivid and paint the pictures of its story effectively, “I don’t know where buts lets go, I love you and that’s all you need to know” a story about love and the concoction of feelings that comes with been in love. The single will be available on 9th July via download and on limited edition cassette with an exclusive b-side “Angle In The House” a dark bitter song lyrically but a great stripped back sound with harmonic that gives it warmth. 4.5/5 RE AIR TO ACHILLES - WILD PALMS Wild Palms is a spacious and expansive track the pushes Air To Achilles sound out beyond what it has reached before. Compared to their last single “Diamonds In The Snow” their new tack “Wild Palms” seems more serious but still has all the great effects that gives the band their alternative sound that they call wonky pop. It is another anthemic track from the three Newcastle lads who are keep putting out dynamic tracks ladened synths and the great Geordie accent. 3/5 RE
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www.manifestosunderland.com REJECTIONS – WHITEOUT EP Earth: somewhere in the nottoo-distant future. Civilisation as we know it is gone. The buildings are crumbling. The skies are dark and fiery. Something unnerving lurks unseen in the shadows. You’ve probably got an eyepatch. This is not a nightmare. You did not fall asleep watching 28 Days Later. This is the sound of Rejections. Less of a threetrack release, more of a hypnotic, cinematic vision, the Whiteout EP is not going to be everyone’s cuppa tea, but give it a chance and you’ll get lost in it. 3/5 NW PALE MAN MADE – IN YOUR BED Taken from the band’s second album Red Box Secrets, the follow up to their much-lauded debut Oh, My Treasured Things, In Your Bed is a fine, summery pop track for the more discerning ears. Recalling the rough-edged, too-cool-for-school delights of Sonic Youth’s Teenage Riot, Pale Man Made represent the all the best parts of the recent grungepop resurgence. Built on rumbling bass and thundering drums, the track retains a blissful lightness of touch. They’re all about the sound; simplicity, ecstasy and low down and dirty guitars. 4/5 NW
BUNKER DANCE NY*AK - TENDERLY GENRE: Deep House Tenderly is taken from NY*AK’s latest EP Stump. Its first impression on me can be summed up in one word, Deep! The soft, tender female vocal sample which is used adds a distant, dreamy vibe to this track. NY*AK hails from Sunderland and has been producing quality Deep House for some years now. This is his latest official release and does not disappoint. It features a typical Deep House chord progression which defiantly adds to the dreamy feel. To get the much needed groove going, NY*AK has added some swinging percussion which pushes the track to the finish line. All in all, this is a groovy treat ideal for any Deep House set. SO SECOND WAY SUN (ORIGINAL MIX) GENRE: Progressive House Newcastle based Unearthed Records has been helping to ‘unearth’ new, quality Progressive / Trance music for some time now and their latest offering is from Second Way with their banger Sun. It is tagged as a Trance track but can easily fit into a Progressive Trance genre. It has the groovy bass riff which gives constant energy to the track, it has the typical piano riff which is so prevalent in Progressive House tracks today, but in contrast, has a massive saw lead that takes centre stage halfway through the track. This is defiantly a hands in the air tune! SO
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please email info@manifestosunderland.com or call Emma on 0191 567 1777
REVIEWS: LIVE
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EVOLUTION EMERGING June 1st Ouseburn Valley NW’s EVO EMERGING The Tyne Bar was my first major port of call for a pint of Nately’s Whore’s Kid Sister. After branching out into the brewing business with their own Pils (which knowing NWKS, probably contains drops of their own blood. In fact I'd be disappointed if it didn't), the Nately's boys can now boast two things at which they are outstanding. Three if you count making a gimp mask look like a damn cool accessory. Up-lit by glowering red incandescence, they look every inch as menacing as they sound. Grungy, sinister metal, abject gloom has never been so gratifying. The last act to rock out under the Glasshouse Road Bridge is We Are Knuckle Dragger. A brutish, screwtight display of precision-delivered aggression. Balls out guitars, delivered in shots and stabs over a rhythm section that sounds like a stampede of wild horses. Breathlessly entertaining. PHOTO: PAUL BURGESS
EH's EVO EMERGING I had an unusual insight into Evo Emerging this year with the opportunity to catch more bands than normal with access to stages during soundchecks. Those who did impress me during my soundcheck run-around rampage were Lets Away and Fantasy Rainbow, both bands who have been on my radar for a while and regrettably didn't make my final who to see for the actual event. They both boast fantastic song writing flair to add a drop of freshness on an already well littered scene. Those who I did manage to catch in between strawberry pints and mingling tabs on the steps where the fantastically talented Crooked Hands. A little lacking in harmonies the raw musicianship and tightness of this collective is exasperating. Staying on at The Cumberland Arms, I took another chance to see Lilliput (I think I’m in double figures by now) but I never, ever get bored of them. Not only is the quality of song writing on offer verging on timeless, there’s a warmth and a solidarity to their performances that’s rare, and a consistency that’s even scarcer. Finally a mention must go to Natasha Haws and The Lake Poets special appearance at The Polite Room, a perfect end to a night in a year which has seen them dominate the local music scene.
REVIEWS: LIVE
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LONE WOLF PROMOTIONS PRESENTS THE BLITZ, BISON HUNTING & SONNER
PHOTO: SUNDERLAND ECHO
4th May 2012 The Blitz had a energetic set, doing what they do best. However the sound is far too similar to one of Green Day’s first albums. You would have thought a band who are in the mist of their second album would have found their own style and sound by now. Bison Hunting stole the night with their mystifying set manoeuvring through a stark contrast of heavy rock. In the words of Mick from Sonner, “They sound like joy Division covering Pearl Jam thriving to be Metallica”. Sonner topped the night, smartly presented they brought as much energy and noise as the previous bands but were in much higher spirits due to quite a few pints and long wait until their set. It was a slack set at times, but they kept it together well and ended the night on a high. RE PHOTO: PAUL BURGESS
THE FUTUREHEADS@ SUNDERLAND MINSTER May Nostalgia and pride were the order of service tonight as The Futureheads rolled their a capella show into their hometown for what Barry Hyde explained was 'the first night on the second night after the second night on the first night' of a splendidly set, sold out Sunderland Minster. The Lake Poets Martin began his stripped back forlorn tales of mackem life and loss. A familiar sound to most, and an act fast becoming heir to the throne of his boyhood heroes. Gig goers across the country have embraced the bands voyage into uncharted territories with 5th album 'Rant', peppered with unexpected covers and sea shantys, and that comes as no surprise with a fantastically interactive set. Punters were lapping up being part of the banter between the four piece, as honest as when they began 10 years ago. Performances of No1 Song In Heaven, The Old Dun Cow and Kellis's A capella were a marvel of mackem spiritual musicality in what is sure to become a favourite venue for future live music worship in Wearside. Amen. EH
NATASHA HAWS @ SUNDERLAND MINSTER May 12th Following superb sets by Arbeia and Reckoner, the packed-out church waited in anticipation for Natasha Haws. From the start of her set, Natasha captivated the crowd. Joined by The Lake Poets for ‘Happiness’, Natasha also welcomed Tom Booth and Joe Collins for ‘Stranger’; a rockier song, perhaps a glimpse the evolution of her style. Finishing on the mesmerising Stepping Stone, the silent crowd hung on to every line. A brilliant night and certainly brilliant future. AO
PHOTO: DAVID WALA
GOTCHA!
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GOTCHA! ying ve Burn enjo al Club's Da ci n. She So 'u t le oi tt tr li De al with his iv st Fe e n th io Evolut that Dora to discover minute, st la e th was furious lled out at pu d . ha al er sc Explor Dizzee Ra replaced by only to be TO PHO TO PHO ETHA W.GE : WW OM PHY.C GRA
The Futurehe ads' Ross Mi llard getting his hands dirty in preparation for Split Fe stival. Find him in the food tent in September, rustling up cakes, saus age rolls an futurebreads d . Get it?!
at As gigs go, throwing your knickers s seem piss of full pint a band or a of to be standard. The throwing back by ence audi the to t a sheeps hear Liars Lie however is not!
Be them the most imp ressive grey side-burn s you have ever seen. The entertainment at Junes Proms @ Mowbra y Park obviously was n't enthralling enough for this fella!
r! rlie d ea i d ne I 's o Here
LISTINGS
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JULY 5th:
Stripped Back @ The Ivy House, Sunderland
20th: HeartrockLive featuring Natasha Haws, Amy Holford, Joe Moody, Books & Covers 6th:
7th:
The Railway Club single launch featuring The Acrobatic Society, Natasha Haws, Blank Maps @ Cluny2 Brilliant Mind, The Railway Club, Beth Waldron, Craig Stephenson @ The Little Room, Independent (An evening of live music and fundraising in aid of St Oswalds hospice)
14th: Shake It Up Launch Night @ Independent, Sunderland 20th: Sumo Sunderland - Death To Indie, The Blitz @ Independent, Sunderland
21st: Pale Seas @The Little Room, Independent, Sunderland 27th: Dennis, Maps are Fiction, Eli @ Arts Centre Washington 27th: Houthouse present Dennis, Eli & Guests @ Washington Arts Centre, Washington
LISTINGS
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AUGUST 12th: James Walsh (Starsailor) Acoustic Set @ BarOne 17th: Sumo Sunderland – Nexivila The Catharis @ Independent 18th: On The Beach @ Seaburn Beach, Seaburn
11th: Blank Maps EP Launch with Natasha Haws TBC @ Cluny2
THE FIX
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SHUT Up & SHOW Up When exactly did audiences stop caring? It wasn’t too long ago that I remember queues a mile long to see relative unknowns such as Larrakin Love despite the fact they were still up and coming and never managed to break into the mainstream. Now even some of the most hyped new bands fail to fill even modest venues. It seems that unless Radio 1 are singing your praises you aren’t guaranteed an audience, despite the fact that social media sites such as Soundcloud have made it possible to hear a band’s entire set before you’ve even seen them live. Even worse, there are occasions when although the room may be full, those in the audience are unwilling to give the band on stage the applause they deserve or in some cases, even their attention. I particularly remember an event compared by Manifesto’s own Nathan Wood. The night was a great success with a number of artists gracing the stage to help raise money for charity however; the main event involved a beautiful young lady having her hair shaved clean off. Not a task to be taken lightly I’m sure you’ll agree. She approached the task with gusto however, as the compare took bids from the audience for the privilege of personally shaving a stripe, he struggled to make himself heard over the din coming from the back of the room where a group of individuals were having a ball at the expense of all others.
set for the BBC at Abbey Road Studios, London and yet no-one cared. A shame to say the very least.
THE
F. .I.X
It seems that nowadays anyone less than Mumford and Sons are not guaranteed the audience they deserve and, without sounding too pessimistic, the situation looks like it can only get worse. The cure is painfully simple, go and watch bands. The likes of Springsteen, The Libertines, and dare I say it even teen idols Foster the People started somewhere. Go see them now, shake their hands and with any luck they’ll be gigging for years to come. Words AH
This is just a single example but believe me there are many more. Recently Alt-J graced the stage at Ku Bar, in my opinion one of Teesside’s best venues, and despite the bar room being full to bursting point, played to an audience of about 15 people. The promoter had worked hard, the gig had been well publicized and the band have been well hyped, even performing a
ILLUSTRATION: PAUL BURGESS
Now I understand they were most probably having a great time and are more than entitled to it however it made me wonder, did they not consider taking it easy for a few minutes whilst a girl was having years worth of hair removed in order to raise money for a good cause? What is more dumbfounding is the fact that it was a paid event. These over eager revellers had paid entry to then sit at the back of the room and spoil the night for everyone else.