20 May & June ‘11 /FREE t
PLUS Gig Listings Sunderland Live! Spark FM CD and Live Reviews Top fives
Contents.
May & June 2011 Issue 20
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EDITOR Emma Howe DESIGN Callum Brand ‘Big Gulp Graphic Design’ biggulpdesign@gmail.com
WORDS Emma Howe, Philip Jarvis, Devon Glover, Nicola Wright
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15 Top Tracks This month... Spotlight On Spark FM local music Sunderland Live! CD Reviews Live Reviews Top Fives Gig Listings
From the Editor
PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Gardener, Ian West, Jazzy Lemon, Amy Brammalll Manifesto Magazine 29 Stockton Rd Sunderland SR2 7AQ Tel: 01915671777 E-mail: info@manifestosunderland.com www.manifestosunderland.com Facebook - ‘Manifesto Sunderland‘
How-do, my name’s Emma, I am the guest editor of this edition’s Manifesto. I work for Spark FM as the Producer of The Local Music Show as well as writing for several of the North East’s top music mags. For this edition I have selected my Top Local Tracks, reviewed this editions releases and wrote features for the brand spanking new Spark Local Live Music Night and the very exciting Sunderland Live.....enjoy!
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For this issue My Top Tracks come from Emma Howe, Producer of Spark FMs Local Music Show, North East music journalist and regular contributor to the one and only Manifesto.
Cult Image - Faces
If you tried to pigeon-hole this Newcastle three piece, genres like post punk/ new wave/indie would pop straight from your dictionary and smack that rat with wings in the beak. Ggenres that go only a short way in making this band one of my favourites on the North East music scene today. ‘Faces’ is a charismatic, charming and down-right Smiths/Curtis like track that has you reaching for your epileptic manual.
Air To Achillies - Holy Ghost
In my opinion Airto Achillies are the strongest indie/synth outfit in North East music today. This talented lot erki twinges of the early work of my current favourite band on earth Arcade Fire. ‘Holy Ghost’ is an epic, stomping track that has you clambering to discover more from the Tyneside outfit. The band have confirmed to play Spark’s first ever Live Local Music Night on the 12th of May.
Russell and The Wolves - Call The Tribe
OO AH, OO OO OO, OO AH. I absolutely adore this track, actually ‘adore’ is not an adjective that should be associated with such crazed rock-punk noise. But god do I love it. Its fast pace is only halted by regular chant-a-longs that have you reminiscing of, dare I say it, Hounds Of Love. The Stockton based band are 04
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something a little bit different, a whole lot primal and most definitely brilliant.
Polarsets - Sunshine Eyes
This mix from the magical Kitsune is the perfect release to showcase the Ibiza indie stylings of this Geordie 3 piece and catapult them onto the wider UK music scene. This is a release worthy of note and rotation up and down the country, I have been waiting for an anthem from these lads that hits all the summer notes and this one delivers on every level.
Young LiarIt’s Your IQ That’s In Danger
Watching this band live is one of the most mind altering Local gigs I have been to since being involved in music. Young Liar are all about making decent noise for as long as is possible, it is the kind of music that changes the way you dance. Interlayered melodies and rhythms go nowehere taking away from the purity of the track.
Watchers - Sex Song
I can safely say receiving this track has been one of my favourite email gifts so far this year. It’s progressive rock wreaks of top of the indie pops, Vaccines. The similarities between these North East treasures and one of the biggest bands in the UK today are glaring. It’s like having your northern Vaccine in your musical aid box, feel free to give me the lurgy.
ivy
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LISTENING TO... The New album ‘Helplessness Blues’ by Fleet Foxes. A band that I think are beyond excellent and inspire me massively, Fleet Foxes’ new album is set to be amazing based on the downloads & single I’ve heard already. I’m going to see them in Edinburgh with my brother & my mates later on in the year as well at Glastonbury so I predict I’ll be listening to them not just in the month of May!
Martin Longstaff Lake Poets
READING... Unfortunately I haven’t had much time for the business of reading Novels lately as I’ve been quite busy with the music & other interests of mine. I do however try to make time for Poetry & a favourite I dip into as often as I can is ‘The Prelude’ by William Wordsworth. Written between 1798 & 1805, albeit published posthumously ‘The Prelude’ covers Wordsworth’s experience of life & charts his poetic development. Beautifully written & very inspiring stuff. WATCHING... Re-runs of BBC’s ‘Wonders of The Universe’ with Prof. Brian Cox. I’ve always been a knowledge hound, I love learning about new things, I also love a bit of TV now & again and no one makes factual documentaries better than the BBC. Prof. Cox’s Series on the phenomena of the Universe blows my mind, & because it’s made by passionate individuals with a love for music & an eye for style it even sounds & looks good. GOING TO... This month I will be going to Evolution Festival, The Lake Poets are playing twice, once at Evolution Emerging on the 27th May at Cluny 2, and then again at the main festival 29th May at Spiller’s Wharf. I am very pleased to be playing the festival of course but I am also chuffed that many of my mates’ bands are pla ying the festival too i.e. Chased By Wolves, Cattle & Cane, Waiting For Winter & Vinyl Jacket. It can’t fail to be mint craic! LISTENING TO... Let’s Buy Happiness lots and lots at the mo, I can’t get their single, ‘Six Wolves’ out of my head, plus they’re a local band, doing the region proud, which is always a plus! I’ve also just discovered the music of Bon Iver, I know I’m 2 years behind everyone else but his album, ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ is well worth a listen! READING... Jimmy Nail’s Autobiography (again!) I try to avoid reading as much as possible, if I’m honest, but I’m a huge fan of this geordie and his life story has left me gobsmacked, a very juicy read!
Grace Wakes
Presenter Local Music Show Spark FM 06
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WATCHING... Eastenders; my street cred has probably just gone out of the window now, but I’m a massive fan and not afraid to admit it! I’m also quite addicted to the new comedy on BBC3; White Van Man starring Will Mellor, it’s a completely refreshing piece of comedy! GOING TO... lots and lots of local North East gigs and of course Buskers evenings ! My last gig was Vinyl Jacket’s secret gig in Sunderland and I loved it! I’m also looking forward to going to Sunderland Live this year, should be cracking!
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Spotlight on Gallery Circus This South Tyneside duo have just been confirmed to play at Sunderland Live, and as one of the most entertaining bands to watch Live in the North East, they thoroughly deserve their spot. Powerful as they are with their bluesy rock, the twin brothers Danielle and Graeme Ross have refined their sound to the extent that would have you believe they spent years in a whiskey refinery to smooth out their edges.With just the two lads making up Gallery Circus, you would be wrong to underestimate the power they throw from their minimilistic line-up, they leave it all on their stage, including lung matter and crashing symbols. Catch Gallery Circus at Sunderland Live on the 4th June @ Park Lane
Athletes In Paris These Sunderland scamps have been spoiling us with gigs galore in recent months and they are about to treat us once again with a headline spot at Spark FM’s first Live Music Night AND joining the Gallery Circus boys at this years Sunderland Live. With the release of debut single ‘Borrowed Time’ back at the beginning of April, the lads have been running around injecting lucky audiences with their infectious hooky, bloody fun pop. These guys are tighter than the summer skirts you will see around town in this sunshine and just as cheeky. Led by the brilliantly sexy vocals of Matt, Mooch, Ross, Joakim and Chris will be right at the forefront of Sunderland’s Summer music with a collection of ready-made sunshine anthems up their sleaves. Take your pick....Athletes In Paris will be headlining Spark FM’s Local Music Night @The Ivy House 12th May and playing Sunderland Live 4th June @ Park Lane.
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SPARK There is no denying that the North East music scene is the strongest it has been, well since I was a sprog (a very very longtime ago). The cob-webs of the Futureheads and Maximo Parks success are finally being blown from our stage doors with a pool of bands from all across the region making their mark on the North and beyond. Down at Spark FM the Local Music Show is proud as punch to be involved in the promotion and exposure of new music from Sunderland, Newcastle, Teeside, South Tyneside etc. To celebrate the strength of our lads and lasses with their instruments and singing and stuff, we have decided to put on a special Spark Night, down at one of the ever-present venues for Live music in Sunderland. Each month 4 bands will be hand-picked and invited to the Ivy House to show just why they are considered amongst
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Local Music Night
@ Ivy House
our very best. The night will also include guest DJ sets from Local Music Show presenter Grace Wakes, Producer Emma and other members of The Local Music Team. Keeping our ears perked for emerging talent is an important policy of the Local Music Show at Spark and over the past few months we have found some gems in our New Generation feature. Along with the four bands confirmed for the night, one New Generation artist/band will be invited to play. So without further-ado here is the lineup for the first EVER Spark Live Music Night on the 12th of May at the Ivy House....its a stonker way to start!!!!! Athletes In Paris The Langtails Ashleigh Lowes
Air To Achillies We Beat The System
Sunderland Live
Just because we can, we are going to spend the start of Summer boasting all about how great music is in Sunderland. How are we going to do that? With three whole weekends of live music showcasing our talent, and if that wasn’t enough for the people of Sunderland and beyond, it will be absolutely free! The Sunderland Live Fringe Festival will give everyone the chance to experience free live performances between the 27 May and 17 June, with a variety of events taking place throughout the City to ensure there is a little bit of something for everyone across Mackem land. First up is Squares and Corners. This will be a programme of street entertainMausi
ment taking place across the city from Park Lane, High Street West and The Bridges Shopping Centre. From the Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday you could find a busker on every corner as you walk from the bridge to city centre. There will even be a whole host of entertainers at St Peters Campus on Saturday 28th and Monday 30th of May, for the lucky folk heading to the Stadium Of Light concerts.
The first of our festival typeevents Party In The Park, takes place on Sunday 29th May at Mowbray Park. It will be the perfect day to bring down a rug and picnic for an afternoon of live music from some of the region’s finest indie folk acts and singer songwriters. Confirmed are
Chased by Wolves, Sharks Took The Rest, Cattle & Cane, Matt Stalker & Fables, Morris Ford and Rebecca Young. Sunderland University’s radio station, Spark FM will be entertaining in between acts, with guest DJ slots. The Festivals reaches a climax on Saturday 4th June with Sounds Of Park Lane. The line up is packed with again this year with those confirmed including the likes of catchy indie-pop band Mausi, bluesy rockers Gallery Circus and the well fancied Bronze Medal, as well as guest DJ’s from Manifesto and local venue residents. It should be another corker of a gig to close the festival in style. Dates to remember...
Squares and Corners (Various locations) - Ongoing from May 17th
Party In The Park (Mowbray Park) - Sunday 29th May
Sounds Of Park Lane (Park Lane) - Saturday 4th June
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CD Reviews Librium Demo EP
This is a simple and direct demo. No messing about with clever pots and pans on these tracks. The intro of second track Foreign Tongue shows a talent in the band to capture a good riff and base their song firmly around it, however the vocals are still a little raw and this shows throughout the EP. This is a slow burner but time spent gigging locally and developing a tighter sound will put their music in a much healthier position for the next demo. 2/5
Pilots White Knuckle Grip (Single)
I was more than enamoured with this track. A beat driven gem laced with unique percussion and an elaborate melody. There is a touch of Ska once the track begins to flow, then all of a sudden you are swept away in an opulent harmony and rapture of synth. B side One, Two, Three is equally impressive as the 4 piece pick up the pace and smash you with stomping percussion and catchy guitar riffs not too dissimilar to the Police. 5/5
Roy Smiles Angel Of The North (demo single)
A stripped down, ass-naked Jimmy Nail immediately runs through your mind high fiving an equally nude Gazza, as soon as the first vocals kick in on this 12
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by Emma Howe
track (and that’s never a pretty sight!). Northern tones would be an understatement; this single would be best played prior to derby days as Smiles pays homage to his hometown. Not much can be said about the musicality of the track with the dumbed down acoustics dwarfed by a Geordie accent as recognisable as Ant & Dec’s. 2/5
Vintage RevolutionLife At Stake EP
10 tracks would suggest more a first release than an EP, however once you give it a listen you see it is an emerging band buried in the depths of development. This band have potential, and that’s why this release is a little puzzling to say the least. It evokes the age old question of demo’s and EP’s and when is it right for a band in its early stages to release something when they might not be ready. A decent effort and expect the next release to query whether you are listening to the same band, it will be on another level altogether. 3/5
Athletes In ParisBorrowed Time (Single)
Finally, pop-indie 5 piece, Athletes In Paris quench our thirst for their hook laden pop with the release of debut single ‘Borrowed Time’. These guys are as tight as your nanas stitching. Borrowed Time is full of synthy, latin pop that immediately draws you into a sing-along with the sometimes soulful, occasionally native-narrative of Matt Robson. It
by Emma Howe
CD Reviews
is a perfect example of what danceable indie-pop should be today. 5/5
MausiFollow Me Home (Single)
Recorded down at Blank Studio’s this track is a trademark of the Mausi sound. Led by fantastically chic vocals of Daisy Finetto and joined by guitarist brother Thomas, the four piece produce unmistakable intertwining boy/girl vocals paired with buoyant melodies which ends in a little ditty track to catch the attention of any happy ear within a 100 mile radius. A fun track that would appeal to the masses of the North East, more so than most unsigned material, basically your mam, dad, nana and goldfish would find it pretty difficult to dislike this single. 4/5
Head Of Light EntertainmentI Am Liberated (Album)
Singer/songwriter Carl Green releases this solo debut, after his departure from band The Close-Ups in 2006. Looking more like a mature sophisticated Moby on the cover, I was expecting a similar sound with a twist. Well, if Moby were still in the days of his minimalistic approach to music, I would have been spot on. Green avoids normal convention and instead goes for complete eccentricity, which works a treat. Complimented brilliantly by witty lyrics, this is a very positive feeling album, with Green adopting a chirpy attitude to suggestions of life’s challenging experiences. 3/5
Chapman FamilyBurn Your Town (Album)
Stockton On Tees finest release debut album Burn Your Town, and there is no doubting these guys are now a family firmly on the radars of all of those outside of the North East. It’s a blistering, thunderous and well produced album that makes you immediately want to join the Chapman Family cult. Brooding and darkly atmospheric, the bass carries all ten tracks on the album as the guitar and drums regularly build crescendos to leave you completely compelled to go and sit in a dark corner somewhere and rock. 5/5
Coal TrainCarry You On My Shoulders
Third release from the Sunderland four piece is actually a re-working of a track from TAV. The single was made available on April 11th with a B- Side offering featuring the beautiful vocals of cherub- like fellow mackem Martin Longstaff of the Lake Poets. That B-side in itself makes this worth a purchase but you can also expect Wilco-esque influences that have become part of the Coal Train sound, partnered with their typical lyrical sharpness. The lads have recently embarked on a European tour to coincide with the release, but have very kindly left us with a sound to soften the blow and await the return of, in my opinion, one of the best bands to come out of Sunderland in recent years. 4/5 MaNiFestO
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Dutch Uncles
live Reviews
with Young British Artists, We Beat The System and Vintage Revolution 27/02/2011 - Cosa Nostra, Sunderland
Vintage Revolution are first on the bill. Brooding and grand, their songs are full of pedal-driven guitar riffs, the effects of their self-professed influences U2 especially evident. Second are We Beat the System. Performing with a swagger and stage presence beyond their years, the band are a tight unit and have already carved out a distinctive style, with keyboards adding ambience and an atmospheric newwave flair. The final support act comes in post-hardcore Manchurians Young British Artists, whose fuzzy shoegazing sound is
aired with a startling urgency. Relentless, intelligent and packing a thrashing live show, made all the more exciting by the very real prospect that someone could lose an eye. Opening with ‘Sting’, Dutch Uncles finally arrive, busting out tracks from their debut album (along with some wicked dance moves). The new songs sit nicely alongside the older ones, and they even roll out a rarely-played song especially for Sunderland. With a live show as effervescent and spirited as theirs it’s easy to see why we love having them back We Beat The System
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live Reviews Old Friends/Bookends #8:
Dan Michaelson and The Coastguards with The Wooden Sky and Chased By Wolves 05/03/2011 @ The Little Room, Independent, S’Land Ahead of their return to the studio, Chased by Wolves debut two brand new songs, including one lead by backing singer Emma Williams. A mix of modern rock and old, anguished country chord changes, they’re in keeping with CBW’s haunting, otherworldly bluegrass sound. Toronto’s, The Wooden Sky also return. Wistful, delicate and brimming with soul, it’s the sort of stuff that moves a room to silence. Despite the organic tenor of their music, their performance wears its heart on its sleeve. It’s delivered nothing but sincerity whether playing a gorgeously stark track like ‘Evening Hymn’ or a bois-
terous rock’n’roll number reminiscent of the old-timey sounds of The Gaslight Anthem.That nostalgic, freewheeling hue is also shared by headliners, London’s Dan Michaelson and The Coastguards. Dishing out tales of failed romance and selfdeprecation Michaelson and co cover the rarely plumbed depths of love and loss with a darkly humorous bluesy vibe, at once heart-breaking and sardonic. Briefly hindered by a false start, blamed by the band on a mixture of optimism and cider, their set, and the night on the whole, proves an irrefutable success.
Dave Mcpherson 09/03/2011 @ Trillians, Newcastle First to the stage at Trillians is support act Howard James Kenny. This young mans form of melancholy folk music grabs the entire rooms attention and with songs such as “Good Fortune” and “Digits Points” being reminiscent of Solo Thom Yorke material the future seems very bright for Howard James Kenny. Next to the stage is Dave Mcpherson who is well known across the world for fronting Essex based alternative-rockers 16
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Inme. Dave blasts through an hour long acoustic set consisting of most of his new solo album as well as a handful of Inme songs. Tonight a completely different side has been shown to this musicians musical talents and it stands out from any other singer/songwriter I’ve heard in years. If you like acts such as Ray Lamontagne and City and Colour then you will like Dave Mcpherson’s solo material
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ToP Fives
Gareth’s Top 5 Meats
Craig’s Top 5 Takeaways
Tom’s Top 5 Reasons For Socks
1. Parma Ham 2. Mixed Kebab 3. Spam 4. Pigeon 5. Meat the parents
1. Thai 2. Fish & Chips 3. Ronnies 25p Sarnie 4. Random ‘pull’ in town 5. Bakers Oven – Curry and Chips
1. Hold your satsuma and nuts 2. Keep your toes cosey 3. Alternative underwear 4. Throw at your mam 5. Wipe up your tea
Goggsy’s Top 5 Ways To Have Your Toast 1. Lurpak only! 2. Cheese on 3. Beans on 4. With Nutella 5. French
Rob’s Top 5 Songs with the word ‘love’ in the title 1. I Love Carpets Me - Franks Factory Flooring 2. I Want To Know What Love Is - Foreigner 3. All You Need Is Love The Beatles 4. Whats Love Got To Do With It - Tina Turner 5. It Must Be Love - Madness
Cal’s Top 5 Places To Sleep 1. Practice Room 2. Toilet 3. On your ex’s door step 4. Nana’s house 5. Your car
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MAY & JUNE Gig Listings
2nd May, Bank Holiday All Dayer @ The Ivy House FREE, 4pm 6th May Sounds Of Rum @ Independent £5, 7.30pm 6th May Vintage revolution+ Yellowstone + Liberty Circus + Jamie Devine @ Washington Arts Centre £4, 8pm 7th May Hot Club De Paris @ Bar 1 £6.50, 7.30pm 12th May Spark Local Music NightAirto Achillies+Athletes In Paris+Langtails+We Beat The System @ The Ivy House Free, 8pm 13th May Old Friends BookendsEmil Friis @ The Little Room Independent £4, 8pm 21st May Tribes @ Independent £4, 7pm 18
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22nd May The Victorian English Gentlemans Club @ Independent 8pm, £4 26th May Manifesto Night with Charles Hat & Hungry ghosts @ The Ivy House FREE, 8pm 27th May Whole Lotta Led @ Independent £10, 7.30pm 27th, 28th, 30th May Take That @ Stadium Of Light 29th May Sunderland Live- Cattle & Cane+ Sharks Took The Rest + Matt Stalker & The Fables + Chased By Wolves @ Mowbray Park Free 30th May Bank Holiday WeekenderSonner + The Silence +Liars Lie + Sean Wilkinson + Daytona Riots + Others, FREE, 4pm 30th May Sunderland Soul & Funk sessions with Nick Pride & The Pimptones, Soul Technique + Village soul Djs @ Mowbray Park FREE, 12 noon
3rd June Hothouse with Ray Van Hustler, The Langtails, Zenith, Dalro @ Washington Arts Centre FREE, 8pm 4th June Sunderland Live: Mausi+ The Castells+ Gallery Circus+Shift Static+ Vintage Revolution + others @ Park Lane FREE, 12pm-5pm 9th June Spark Local Music NightPaul Liddell+ Peculiar Disco Moves+Natasha Haws 10th June Thomas Tantrum @ Independent £6, 7.30pm 11th June Skiny Twins Festival The Stranglers+ The Sunshine Underground+ The Rifles+The Beat+Detroit Social Club @ Rainton Meadows Arena 17th June Kings Of Leon @ Stadium Of Light 23rd June Manifesto Night- TBC @ The Ivy House FREE, 8pm 24th June Kazabian Live in Cosa (Kasabian Tribute act) @ Cosa Nostra £7, 8pm
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