Rhythm & Booze An online music webzine created by music lovers for music lovers.

20 June, 2014

Wychwood Festival 2014, Cheltenham

Filed under: acoustic,alternative,bluegrass,blues,country,dub,electronic,folk,funk,garage,gospel,hip-hop / rap,indie,latin,Live Reviews,new wave,pop,post rock,punk,R&B / soul,reggae,rock,rock n roll,ska,soul,swing,world — Tags: bad manners, boomtown rats, craig charles, gabby young and other animals, gentlemans dub club, glitches, kyla la grange, levellers, mr b and the gentleman rhythmer, polly and the billets doux, railroad bill, The Stranglers, wychwood festival 2014 — willmunn @ 12:25

This year saw the tenth anniversary for, perhaps one of the most family friendly music festivals on the calender, as ever the organisers of Wychwood delivered an incredible weekends entertainment covering everything from comedy, children’s workshops and book reading to relaxing massages and spa’s and of course a diverse, intriguing musical program that brought together festival favourites to brand new buzz bands across a handful of stages and tents.

Like any festival it’s impossible to cover every performer and mention every event over the course of three days but I’ll try to break it down and give you a feel of the festival.

Day One. Friday

The rain had fallen and left the site with a boggy squelch underfoot, but despite the conditions the early entrants were ably warmed up by the likes of A Way With Words on the mainstage but our first port of call was over in the BBC Introducing Tent for a blistering set of guitar histrionics from Bromsgrove based blues rock heroes, Virgil And The Accelerators, creating an early storm with a dazzling flurry of riffs, solos and bombarding drums. A quick dash across to the mainstage to catch a bit of Newquay Times before heading into the Big Top for the first time for early highlight, skiffle blues band Railroad Bill who welded acoustic guitars, washboard, tea chest double bass and infectious tongue in check vocal harmonies to create a riotous take on the genre complete with a rock n roll attitude, gurning, hook-laden sing-a-longs and more foot tapping rhythms than most bands can muster in a life time. From there on in it was dash after dash across the site to catch further up and comers in the Big Tent and Worcestershire’s finest over in the BBC Tent, with the occasional pause at the mainstage. BBC Hereford And Worcester did a stunning job of showcasing the regions finest as many mainstays from the Introducing program graced the stage and gave their all, the likes of The Misers with their rootsy take on rock n roll, the ever dependable and uniquely contagious alternative pop rockers, Jasper In The Company Of Others and stage headliners, The Stiff Joints drew huge crowds in the cramped tent, whilst the brassy Collective 43 drummed up support outside drawing in further revellers to the sounds of Hereford And Worcester. Smashing Blouse were providing a party of their own over in the Big Top as they hosted a number of stunning, evocative sets from a host of newcomers. Whitechapel based trio Glitches made an immediate impression with a blend of dark electro-indie topped with a stunning almost falsetto vocal, cutting through the melancholic synth/guitar based backing to create a fragile, yet compelling sound. Lloyd Yates, provided a folkier, more organic sound incorporating acoustic and electric guitars alongside a deep baritone lead vocal, instantly bewitching the audience. back to the electronics (and a debate over whether using synths and computers makes the performers any lesser musicians, personally I love a bit of live electronica!!!) for the likes of the hip-hop/sax flavours of Benin City and the rather more moody but no less interesting No Ceremony. Inbetween bouts of electronic goodness, ventures into the sunshine provided wafts of the likes of Graham Gouldman and pals delivering acoustic renditions of Dreadlock Holiday and unwanted blasts (my personal opinion, though the masses love them!!) of The Real Thing. As the first day drew to a close we were treated to one of the sets of the festival. in the shape of Bipolar Sunrise, a chilled out soulful collective that effortlessly blended R&B, electronics and pop to create a stunning set that was rounded off brilliantly with aptly entitled mantra, Love More Worry Less. As we left the site on Day One The Stranglers were inciting mass sing-a-longs for the likes of the always punchy Peaches and No More Heroes, whilst Golden Brown had pretty much the whole site swaying along.

Day Two. Saturday

So I admit it, I’m a wimp, but I just don’t do camping, sure I’m up at the crack of dawn but I’ve still had a good nights kip ready for another packed day of festivities.  As we hit Wychwood, Justin Fletcher was leading all the children on a merry song and dance on the mainstage, with the kids obviously lapping up the Mr Tumble/Gigglebiz performer we decided to hit the Big Top for first, a dance to Cuban big band Ran Kan Kan and then an introduction to something called Chap-Hop by the rather delightful Mr B The Gentleman Rhythmer, who took hip-hop, shook out all the posturing and profanity, added a banjolele and a heap of humour to create a gentleman’s take on the genre. Mr B’s history lesson of hip-hop took in snippets from the likes of Run DMC and The Beastie Boys along with Northern indie legends Primal Scream, Stone Roses along with Kraftwerk and the alike as he delivered a mirth filled set that left people proclaiming his genius (myself included!!), as his own song proclaims “All Hail The Chap”. Being an avid reader of R2 I already had great expectations for Wigan based folk rockers Merry Hell as they took to the mainstage and their set of high octane rockers and soulful laments captured the imagination from the outset. Their set had it all, male/female harmonies, biting social commentary (Love The Skin Your In), touching love songs (Lean On Me Love) and even a clanging slice of hammer and spade percussion (Bury me Naked) as Merry Hell showcased just why they’re so highly regarded in folk circles and beyond. By now the temperature down the front was rising and the multi cultural collective La Chiva Gantiva added to the sweaty humidity with a dazzling combination of Latin rhythms, Afrobeat percussion and funk-driven rock, driving the audience into all new frenzy as their undeniable groove took hold and their infatuating frontman revved up the intensity further. Bad Manners were welcomed to the stage as conquering heroes, Buster Bloodvessel and his energetic horn section delivered all the ska party favourites from My Girl Lollipop to Feel Like Jumping all the way to Special Brew And Lip Up Fatty inciting outbreaks of skanking and mass sing-a-longs along the way. Newton Faulkner took to the stage for an early evening slice of acoustic pop and after a couple of technical hiccups, seduced the audience with his deft finger picking and gentle croon delivering stunning takes on Teardrops by Massive Attack and his own effervescent Dream Catch Me along the way. With every festival you get the obligatory stage clashes, for me day two presented a couple to ponder upon do I see Reef or venture to the Big Top for Kyla la Grange? I originally went with the former, but after Place Your Hands and Come Back Brighter, my interest quickly began to wane and my feet to wander, in contrast Kyla was simply mesmeric, the blend of pop infused electronic/indie compels, whilst her vocals transcend you to another world completely, that voice is a bewitching thing of beauty that captivates anyone stood in earshot, whilst the songs themselves wrap their talons round both your head and heart….wow!!! Day two was completed with foppish indie dandy King Charles elegantly sashaying across the stage whilst The Levellers brought out a greatest hits set over on the mainstage featuring the likes of Hope Street and One Way Of Life among their supercharged setlist.

Day Three. Sunday

The final day of Wychwood’s birthday celebrations, the sun reveals it’s full potential, folk begin to look a little weary after two days of singing and dancing, yet still seem to be in high spirits as the first of the days band’s take to the stage. KSH & The Going Goods open the mainstage with a fine line of acoustic hip-hop (acoustic guitar. human beatbox, etc), the likes of Happiness with it’s hook-laden chorus and The Day After Friday soon entice the first sing-a-longs of the day as they end set to a great deal of acclaim. Polly And The Billets Doux continued to rouse a weary audience with an incredible, early afternoon set of harmony infused blues, soul and folk, complete with clever guitar work, throbbing double bass, harmonica blasts and powerful, passionate vocals that yank at the heartstrings, originals such as Money Tree and Black Crow instantly cast a spell over the audience, whilst their rendition of House Of The Rising Sun was not only a completely original take but also jaw dropping for the instrument swapping mid song. Baracka brought a delicious Caribbean stew to the proceedings with a combination of world grooves, reggae, soca and calypso vibes as the sun proceeded to shine brightly on, a now carnival like atmosphere. Whilst baracka were busy creating a sunshine state, Craig Charles dropped the funk bomb with a hot and sweaty DJ set to a jam packed tent for the second year in a row. Gabby Young And The Other Animals took to the stage and instantly demanded attention with a flash of red hair, circus swing, spaghetti western and off the wall rock n roll, the band’s flamboyant singer, Gabby proved to be a captivating focal point, not only did she had a rather unique style but also one of the most impressive set of vocal pipes over the festival, whilst the other animals ably backed her on the likes of I’ve Improved and the Morricone inspired Horatio (did I spot a Calexico influence?). Whilst Sadie And The Hotheads and the regular workshop showcase took up the main arena we retreated to the Big Top for a stunning set of glacial Sigur Ros meets Radiohead (with added trumpet) soundscapes from epic indie rockers Racing Glaciers, whilst over in the introducing tent up and comers Pretty Rascals delivered a Beatles/Oasis/Artic Monkeys inspired set topped off with a fantastic run through Come Together. Due The Champs have been picked for bigger and better things with their brand of acoustic harmonised indie folk and their set of Turin Brakes like originals did have a couple of stand out moments such as My Spirit Is Broken, but for me I would of like a little more variation, perhaps ones to look out for in the future. Back over on the main stage a one-two punch of ska with The Gentlemans Dub Club and Lee Thompson’s Ska Orchestra, with the former proving to be highlights with their dub fuelled rhythms and infectious ringleader commanding the audiences participation on the likes of If The Truth Be Told and the frantic Fire. All good things must come to an end and so be it with Wychwood’s birthday party but before we go there’s time for one more band, a legend perhaps….the crowd pushed forward for the arrival of Sir Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, from the off, Bob strutted, pouted and gesticulated wildly, with the crowd lapping up every swing of the fake snakeskin clad hips, whilst his band pounded out the hits and what better way to finish off a perfect weekend of entertainment than a holler along to She’s So Modern and the obligatory I Don’t Like Mondays.

I could go on and on about this year’s Wychwood, but I should sum up, if you weren’t there you missed out on perhaps the festival of the Summer, if you were there, you don’t need me to tell you how damn impressive this year’s shindig was, bring on the eleventh birthday!!!

 

Words Will Munn

Photos Graham Munn

8 May, 2014

Swingamajig Festival-Digbeth, Birmingham 4/5/14

Filed under: Blog,blues,caberet,electronic,folk,hip-hop / rap,jazz,Live Reviews,ska,swing — Tags: birmingham, collective 43, digbeth, holy moly and the crackers, Jenova collective, little violet, lunatrix, mr tea and the minions, playing django, ragtime records, Renegade Brass Band, sam green and the midnight heist, swingamajig festival, temple funk collective, the destroyers, the electric swing circus — willmunn @ 15:35

Trying to capture the essence of Swingamajig Festival in words isn’t going to be the easiest write-up I’ve ever done, you see Swingamajig is rather unique, sure there’s live music but how many festivals do you know have dance performances, burlesque and circus performers among the off-kilter bands and DJ’s. Then there’s the audience, there’s none of this baggy shorts and T-shirts look for this lot, no at Swingamajig people dress to impress, taking their influences from the 1930’s swing era and then adding their own twist, which is also a way to describe some of the music on offer, updated versions of swing mixed with electro beats, gypsy folk, ska and funk are just some of the sounds on offer.

Collective 43, Worcester’s New Orleans influenced jazz combo serenaded the festival revellers as they entered the site with the likes of a holler-a-long version of When The Saint’s Coming Marching In and a megaphone assisted Fever. The collective transported the early birds to the second line of the Mardi Gras as they marched through the festival to take to the stage, encouraging an audience to join in and dance along.

Whilst Collective 43 welcomed the masses to the festival 3 Piece Playing Django opened the Hot Club De Swing Stage with an incredible display of nimble guitar picking and subtle double bass work invoking the spirit of Django Reinhardt himself with a dazzling rendition of Exactly Like You, among others.

As we enjoying our first musical treats of the day the Clik Clik Collective, were busy playing dress up as they helped the festival goers capture those moments with a photo booth.

Lunatrix took to the aforementioned Hot Club De Swing stage and immediately kick started the party, with lead singer Abi Good whipping up a frenzy out front, the six piece combined jazz, electro swing and a touch of hip-hop to create an infectious sound, full of hooks and genuine sing-a-long moments such as a jazzy take on Hakuna Matata (from the Lion King). The crowd took the band’s early set and by the time they performed their recent EP’s hip-hop infused title track, Mr Sunshine the band had captured the hearts and feet of the well dressed. Further highlights included the cockney knees up of East Ham and the tongue in cheek risque Lack Of Tact as the band proved an early highlight.

As I wondered off to capture the first performance on The Swingamajig Stage, the other half popped in to capture some burlesque courtesy of Doe Demure in the Ragtime Records Stage.

Temple Funk Collective were well into their set as I hit the stage but as soon as I heard the seven-piece brass band unleash a funk driven rendition of the theme to Stringray followed quickly by a medley of the likes of No Limits and Boom Boom Boom, my feet took over and I joined the thong towards the front for a touch of booty shaking, the band continued a thrilling set of funked up covers taking in the likes of Stevie Wonder and James Brown along the way.

As the festivities continued we took a look in of some dancing as well catching an incredible, fun and quite frankly bonkers “Headphone Dance” by Corey Baker (courtesy of Birmingham Dance Festival) a performance  that had to be seen to be believed.

Holy Moly And The Crackers were the next live band up and they added something a little different to the proceedings, the band played a contagious and edgy mix of gypsy folk, combining sawing violin to guitar strums and occasional blasts of trumpet to form an evocative yet darker base of songs taking in murder ballads, drugs and wanton women into their stunning set of folk based laments. Despite the more sinister undertones of the Newcastle based 6-pieces set, the audience still lapped up the likes of Cocaine, Lily and Swamp Dog Stomp, as Holy Moly And The Crackers provided a stunning, mesmeric alternative to the dance friendly electro swing.

A pit stop for a delicious sourdough based pizza and another waltz around site to take in more dancers, performers and a couple of songs by the folky blues slide guitar genius of Sam Green And The Midnight Heist before the glittery Balkan electroswing/gypsy/ska/funk infused heroes Mr Tea And The Minions took to stage with an infectious rendition of Hit The Road Jack, then pump up the crowd further with originals such as Beware Of The Bear, Break The Barriers and No Sugar among others, fusing their myriad of influences to the delight of the assembled masses, inciting universal dancing and applause aplenty.

A quick dash past a human statue and we’re back at Swingamajig stage to take in a stunning set of electro swing courtesy of the glamorous and dashing Little Violet, a seven piece combo that added glitz, funky organ and even a flute to a stunning set of swing and electro grooves delivering covers such as the disney classic, Never Had A Friend Like Me and delicious originals such as the foot tapping Charleston Boogie and Don’t Stop.

Jenova Collective continued the electro swing vibe over on the Hot Club Da Swing Stage with an added bit of ghetto dance, providing wonderful bass heavy set that opened with a stirring rendition of Diamonds Are A Girl Best Friend (reminiscent of the thobbing electro version in Moulin Rouge!!!) followed by the aptly titled Get On Down (and there certainly were a great deal of folk doing just that!!) and a brilliant, instantly memorable original entitled Beginning of Something New.

Back across the site The Renegade Brass Band were dazzling one and all with a combination of funked up brass, jazzy breaks and free flowing hip-hop lyrics making the the gathered crowd strut and throw there best gangster shapes whilst the band laid down the likes of Take No Chances, Make No Changes and Just Business.

Following on from another quick break to take in the sights and sounds of the festival, along with another bite to eat we returned to the live arena to catch some of the massive gypsy folk ensemble The Destroyers, who merge swinging horns, violins, accordians, hollered vocals, infectious rhythms and big hooks. The Swingamajig stage like the rest of the festival was heaving at this point and everyone seemed to be embracing the upbeat gypsy sound of The Destroyers.

By now the DJ’s had kicked off their various sets and once again, much like the live music, the record mixers had the crowd throwing shapes and setting the dance floor ablaze with a variety of cool grooves, funked up floor fillers and throbbing electro classics.

We had time for one more band before heading home, Ragtime Records and Birmingham’s very own The Electric Swing Circus, that included Swingamajig organiser Tom Hyland among their number. Now as you’d expect for a local band, they seemed to draw in pretty much everyone to their performance and what a performance, the six piece welded throbbing electro beats and synths to a glorious retro swing sound to create the ultimate party atmosphere. Dual lead singers Bridget and Laura pumped the atmosphere further, whilst Tom Hyland and the rest of the band looked on proud as punch as the crowd whooped and hollered for more (yes they even played an encore). Highlights came thick and fast with the likes of Bella Belle, Valentine and Swingamajig (that’s where the festival name comes from fact fans!!) had the crowd pulsating (even inciting crowd surfing, a first for a swing gig surely), whilst a glorious jazzy yet unusually arranged Minnie The Moocher instantly hit a chord with this writer.

And so as The Electric Swing Circus brought the Swingamajig stage to a close the weary yet exhilarated Rhythm & Booze team decided to rest those aching feet and took our leave as the festivities raged on with the likes of Molotov Jukebox and Bobby Friction, Madame Electrifie and The Fresh Dixie Project brought in a new day.

Swingamajig is a blast from start to finish, like I said at the opening of this write-up, words don’t really do justice how much fun we had during the duration of the event, the music was intoxicating, the atmosphere electric and the audience, well let’s just say that the sharp dressed guys and gals helped create the most memorable festival that I’ve attented. So here’s to the organisers and to the next one!!!

www.swingamajig.co.uk

 

Words Will Munn

Photos Graham Munn

30 August, 2011

Worcester Music Festival SelectaSound Presents…. The Old Rectifying House 19/8/11

Filed under: folk,hip-hop / rap,indie,Live Reviews,pop — Tags: case closed, Christi Warner, Kevin Jenkins, one sixth of tommy, the daydream club, worcester music festival, Young Runaways — willmunn @ 17:30

The fourth Worcester Music Festival took place over a long weekend in August and once again the streets of my home city came alive with the sounds of music. Over the three day event, anyone and everyone who’s interested in performing, hosting or volunteering came together to help raise some money and awareness for a brilliant local charity, The Maggs centre, whilst also providing a platform for local and further afield bands and artists to showcase their wares.

Last year Rhythm & Booze put together an eclectic day of music at Drummonds, featuring local and out of town musicians, it was something of a rousing success but a little stressful and certainly manic trying to cram in so much whilst working, writing this site and looking after our (then) six month old son. So this year instad of rushing around like a loon I decided I’d rather take the chilled approach and go back to being a mere punter.

Me being me I poured over the guide for over a week deciding wear to spend my time, after all there was so much happening all at once across the city. Being a bit of a sucker for something new I eventually decided on a night of out of town bands and artists but together by one Kevin Jenkins (or SelectaSound if you prefer), the line-up read as something a little different from the typical one genre nights with an eclectic mix of soul, folk, hip-hop and orchestrl indie on offer.

The night opened with Christi Warner (accompanied on guitar and backing vocals by Kevin Jenkins) a singer-songwriter who blends warm soulful vocals with spoken word poetry and one of the widest smiles I’ve seen in what seems like forever. The combination of Christi’s stunning heartfelt vocals and Kevin’s acoustic guitar worked wonderfully well as they weaved a seductive spell with such numbers as Mother Africa, the infectious Radio Will Die and the social commentary of Golden Coin. As opening performances go Christi’s faultless set of heart felt soul was pretty damn faultless.

One Sixth Of Tommy followed and I have to admit I was more than a little intrigued to hear what the three-girls, one boy line-up had to offer having just recently performing at Glastonbury. The young Midlands based quartet were something of a revelation with a stunning set of acoustic indie pop and stripped down folk, the female trio traded gorgeous vocal harmonies whilst the token male member held down a delicate beat. Songs such as Butterflies and the recent single Pact showcased not only the pretty melodies and harmonies that the band sew together but also an impressive songwriting ability and a talent for providing big pop hooks that had me humming for days afterwards. One Sixth Of Tommy also delivered a stunning stripped version of Dreams by Fleetwood Mac that left my jaw on the floor in amazement. The band are just set to release their debut album on Helium Records and if it manages to capture the brilliance of the live performance it’s set to be a wonderful intimate affair of pretty songs and addictive hooks.

Case Closed are a live hip-hop act and when I say live hip-hop act I mean it, they use acoustic guitars, harmonies and indie pop hooks along with contagious rapid fire rhymes to create one of the most contagious takes on the hip-hop theme I’ve heard in a long time. Two MC’s battle and duet over some tasty acoustic licks, whilst the guitarist also provides harmonies to the further pepper and provide hooks to the already intoxicating sound. Case Closed have recently supported the likes of Example in recent times and with tracks such as Paranoia, Wait In Line and the infectious Woke Up This Morning it’s easy to see why, the trio deliver a stunning set of memorable rhymes, stunning harmonies and catchy licks that could see the band move onto bigger and better things in the not to distant future.

Leiceseter based The Daydream Club are another band who have band plying their trade on the festival scene with a recent performance at Rhythm & Booze Favourite Summer Sundae whilst also receiving plaudits for their recently release debut Overgrown from everyone from the BBC to Notion Magazine as well receiving praise from Tom Robinson (of 6 Music) for their gorgeous take on acoustic indie pop and hook-laden folk. The male/female duo delivered on their promise with a stunning intimate set with blissed out harmonies, textured indie pop and serene heart stopping, beautiful duets. Songs such as English Rain and the jazzy piano fronted The Affair almost had a cinematic quality, whilst Be With You Always showcased the aforementioned folk element to the band’s unique and captivating sound as the duo delivered a really egaging set that had me completely enthralled through out.

The nights entertainment was rounded off by a short sharp set by two of the normally six-piece The Young Runaways, the guitar/violin duo delivered an engaging set of rousing indie folk and (orchestral) pop that intrigued as well invigorated. I’d like to se the full band in action as on the evidence on show here the band have an impressive arsenal of catchy songs that with the power of a full band could really be something special. The male/female duo of guitar, vocals and violin finished the evening with a brilliant slowed down folky version of ska classic, Message To Rudy ending an eclectic night of majestic music, energetic hip-hop and bewitching pop in fine fashion.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

 

1 April, 2011

Scottish Hip-Hop Groundbreakers Stanley Odd Live In Session

Filed under: Blog,hip-hop / rap — Tags: live session, stanley odd — willmunn @ 16:01

Scottish Hip-Hop groundbreakers Stanley Odd appear in session on Monday’s (Apr 4) evenings UK Kreativity Urban Radio Show with presenter Serign Sanneh. You can listen online at www.radiokilimanjaro.org.uk

Live Hip-Hop is a tough nut to crack, but Stanley Odd are doing their best to bust it open. Groove-wise, this is an Edinburgh band who bizarrely want to combine the riffs of Rage Against the Machine, the flow of The Roots and the pop suss of N-Dubz.!”- Vic Galloway, BBC Radio 1 & Radio Scotland

Following a highly successful 2010 which saw Stanley Odd release their debut album ‘Oddio,’ headline the 2009 into 2010 Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party to 15,000 people and play the T-break Stage at ‘T’ in the Park to a capacity audience, the band are set to kick start 2011 with the release of their brand new EP ‘Pure Antihero Material.’

The five-track EP will mark the first of three EP’s to be released by the band in 2011. The band feel that by releasing material in this way they will maintain a stronger connection with their fans throughout the year, as well as be more relevant to them. Speaking on the release of ‘Pure Antihero Material’ the Stanley Odd front-man Solareye said:

“We are really excited about the release of the new EP. Doing three EPs over the year means that every new EP is a way of letting fans know where we’re at and what’s been going on with us since the last one. At the end of the year, the 3 separate EPs will make one complete collection on the musings of Stanley Odd through 2011. It also gives us an excuse to go on tour 3 times this year!”

‘Pure Antihero Material’ is social observation par excellence. If Chaucer had lived today these are the stories he would have told. Solareye’s verse speaks with the sort of international message found in Burns, of time and place but having universal relevance. The people and places may differ but the message resonates with everyone, everywhere.

“Scottish MCing par excellence… witty lyricism and tight delivery …a sweet female vocal hook that sticks to the musical pallet like peanut butter… expect to see more of them in the coming months” – Glasswerk

Featured on the EP is the track ‘The Oddyssey’ which was a free download release during Stanley Odd’s Christmas ‘Oddvent Calendar’ giveaway. For Oddvent, the band gave away a free track or video each day of their festive ‘Oddvent’. The accompanying video filmed and directed by the band, received over 1000 views in less than 3 days and is available to view on the band’s YouTube channel – http://www.youtube.com/stanleyodd

“a six-piece Edinburgh outfit that combines the observational wit and savvy of The Streets with the full-band musicality of classic Scottish pop … At last, someone has put the Mc in MC”. The Word

Describing their sound as like ‘A million bar-codes all getting scanned at once’, Stanley Odd’s line up goes as follows. Solareye -rap vocals, insomnia and jacket theft, Veronika Electronika – vocals, tears and tantrums, Rune Dawg – guitars, Norweggie rage, narcolepsy, AdMac -bass and biblical lines, T L O – keys, questions and answers and Samson the Snake – on drums and mums.

www.stanleyodd.com

22 March, 2011

Dolphins/Backlisters/Castrovalva/Hawk Eyes-Brew/DTTR Split

Filed under: alternative,hip-hop / rap — Tags: Andrew Howie, b, backlisters, brew records, castrolvalva, dance to the radio, dolphins, hardcore, Hawk Eyes — willmunn @ 10:28

The local independent record shop is in decline, these days you’re lucky if you live in a town with a decent indie emporium, here in Worcester we lost our last outlet, Phoenix a number of months ago and since that closure my music purchases have become few and far between.

A few years ago the various independent stores, record labels and bands came together to celebrate and promote the little man with a national Record Store Day, a special event that sees numerous limited edition releases (quite often on vinyl) are released to celebrate the last great indies. On this day there have been literally hundreds of worthy and collectable releases from the massive titans of music all the way down to the new up and comer.
This year Record Store Day is Saturday 16th April and as ever bands and labels the world over are preparing to unleash their wares. one such release is a wonderful four-way split 10 inch single by two of the best small labels around, Brew Records and Dance To The Radio. The single is a stunningly noisy affair featuring the best modern hardcore and noise-hop has  to offer.
The single roars out of the blocks with the forceful, moody hardcore rock n roll stylings of the Dolphins with Escape, a short snappy neck breaking affair full of frantic beats, down tuned riffs and shout along vocals that sets the tone wonderfully for the rest of the four track affair. Next up is the Blacklisters with a gloriously feral rendition of Kasabian’s Club Foot, turning the track into a raging spiky affair complete with howling vocals, shredded riffs and a somewhat delectable danceable bassline that’ll have you hurling yourself around the room in total disregard to your own safety.
 Still loud and spiky but on a different trip, Castrolvalva serve up perhaps the most impressive track in the shape of Senorita, a crazy hip-hop influenced thrash that begins with hook-laden female vocals and ends in a hardcore frenzy, whilst serving up a middle section of crazed rap that’ll have both the hardcore and hip-hop fan in a crazed frenzy. Hawk Eye (formerly Chickenhawk) complete the split single with a wonderfully infectious and somewhat melodic (yet still rocking) track full of vocal hooks and contagious riffs that’ll leave you panting for more. 
let’s be honest you shouldn’t need an excuse to support the indies, but if you need one get your arses down to Record Store Day on Saturday 16th April and pick up a limited edition gem like this raging little beauty.
Rhythm & Booze Rating 9
www.brewrecords.net 
www.dancetotheradio

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