Tom Williams and the Boat - Night and Day Cafe

I know I'm banging on about Tom Williams and the Boat, but they are a great band and definitely made their way into my head recently.  Here's a review of the gig last week at The Night and Day Cafe in Manchester, attended by no less than Johnny Marr and Ed O'Brien. Celebrity endorsement indeed.

They really are a different band live and the music comes much more to the fore than on the album.  Catch them on the festival circuit this Summer and hopefully a town near you later in the year.

http://www.mudkiss.com/tomwilliamslivereview.htm

Tom Williams and the Boat - The Interview

In my short time with Mudkiss, there have already been some fantastic musical moments . Great albums have dropped my way including "Too Slow" and I've attended some brilliant gigs.

The highlight however, the interview with Tom Williams and the Boat.  There's always a concern when meeting someone you respect as a musician and lyricist, they may not meet your expectations.  Definitely not the case in this instance.  Tom and Ant are great interviewees, easy to sit down and have a chat with.  In fact, the simplest of questions sparks a detailed response.

Check the interview and the band out, they really should sit somewhere in your collection.

http://www.mudkiss.com/tomwilliamsinterview.htm  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu7rcuPRGL0

The Travelling Band - Free download

Oh yes. One of my favourite Manchester bands are giving away a free download and have announced a UK tour. Head to the link below for Travelling Band goodies.

Controversial I know, if these guys came from America they would be massive. Fantastic songs, great harmonies and an enthralling, tight live band, you really need The Travelling Band in your life. Go for that free download now.

http://www.thetravellingband.co.uk/ttbfairweathersplash/page.html

Back to the future

Within this months Mudkiss singles, two bands have particularly pricked my musical conscious. Rhode Island Red evoke an era of rock music revolving around, massive riffs, blistering solos and a big clean voice. In Lyla D'Souza, the band have a breathtaking female vocalist. Take a listen to current EP, Kerosene, particularly the title track or "Beige" highlighting both Lyla and the bands talents to the full.  

www.myspace.com/rhodeislandredband 









Conversely, Airborne Enemies live at the dirtier end of the rock n roll scale.  A punkier edge, gruff male vocal, check out "Streetsmarts" or Junkie Love," and feel the energy around the whole band as they strut and swagger through garage rock heaven.

 Deep rooted within their essence as musicians, it's live where both bands will truly excel.  Hopefully London's Rhode Island Red will be heading North before too long and coincidently, I happen to be in Stockholm when Sweden's Airborne Enemies are hoping to have a gig in the city.  There can be no better opportunity to mix business with pleasure.
 

http://www.myspace.com/airborneenemies

Hardcore vs Hardcore Punk.

Norwegian hardcore merchants Kvelertak are the main focus tonight at Manchester's Academy 3, although prior to their performance we are treated to the delights of fellow countrymen Social Suicide and Canadian hardcore punks Grave Maker.





Social Suicide prove Norway is truly the home of intense, blistering music. A young, therefore lively outfit, inclusive of a lead singer suffering from St Vitus Dance. Never still for a second, covering every inch of the stage and monitors.







The band outline everything good about the metal scene, breakneck speed guitar work, driving bass with trademark incredibly powerful, quick handed pummeling drums. Attributes leading to a good response from the early evening crowd.    

http://www.myspace.com/socialsuicideweb





Second on the bill tonight are Gravemaker. For me, their performance is less about the music, more the change in atmosphere and attitude within the venue. A punkier, more metal side of hardcore it seems, has a wholly different following and attitude within the fan base. The band's look is daunting, especially the man mountain on lead guitar, it's the audience however that prove overall more disconcerting.  As Grave Maker hit their stride, the metal heads begin to prowl.





I have a good friend and fellow blogger / Mudkiss contributor in Canada, Tim Verhaegen who's mentioned in many ways, the metal / hardcore scene centres around violence, something I could never really understand.  I've been watching live rock music for many years, never feeling intimidated within the arena.  Tonight is different.  The movement of some fans borders on martial arts and woe betide anyone standing in the way.  While perhaps no one is actually spoiling for a fight, potential harsh physical contact doesn't appear an issue.  Strangely on occasions a synchronicity of individual movement arises, almost manifesting as choreographed. While difficult to pick out the lyrics, what can be heard is infinitely more confrontational than Social Suicide, add the harder guitar sound, the differences between hardcore rock and hardcore punk begin to surface.
http://www.myspace.com/gravemaker



And so to Kvelertak.  I'm unsure after Grave Maker how the audience will react, my aim initially to stand at the front, take a couple of photos, ready to retreat to comparative safety if necessary.  I notice a change in faces alongside however, perhaps even more telling, length of hair and age.  As the Norwegians take the stage, the average age has increased by some years, gnarled old rockers pushing their way past the metal heads. As Kvelertak break into "Fossegrim,"  I could be back at The Manchester Apollo, circa 1982 as the head banging starts with more loose ends than a soap opera, on show. The throat ripping vocal is pure metal, although the music more heavy / hard rock and therein lies the major difference.  The metal heads stand non plussed, with a sneering look of "What the fuck do you call that" while the rockers pay homage.

Taken purely from the debut album, the 30 minute set including, "Blodtorst" and "Nekroskop" literally bludgeon the senses into submission. An incredible live band all round, three guitars acting as sonic detonators  with a rhythm section that could easily be hired out for demolition duties.

Down side, no "Sultans of Satan!!!" and the sound being muddy and murky. With so much involved musically, detracting as the guitars on occasions blurred too easily into one. Small gripes however, the pure energy, vigour and sheer power driving the six piece through.  Whatever the sound issues, closing track "Mjod" quite simply one of the most glorious live experiences I've ever witnessed.  A beautifully chaotic piece of visceral hardcore, leaving everyone absolutely breathless.

I had a few quick glances around late in the set, noticing a couple of the metal heads faces, breaking into wide grins.  Kvelertak, may well have bridged a few gaps tonight and long may that continue.

     


http://youtu.be/_9W5kpyHgvo

http://www.myspace.com/KVELERTAK

Mudkiss April Singles Review

Very much a mixed bag this month, although rock music springs forward, outweighing the usual indie and electronica majority.

Rhode Island Red - Kerosene EP
Airborne Enemies  - Airborne Enemies EP Bad Sign - Exit EP
The Spires - Fireworks
GO-X –  PI
Kiria – Keep Me In
Lisbon – Vulnerable Mind EP
Barbara Panther - Empire
EMA – The Grey Ship
Japanese Voyeurs – Get Hole
The Candle Thieves – Breathing (Just for You)

http://www.mudkiss.com/andysaprilsinglereviews.htm

A fantastic night of live music ahead.

Two of my favourite albums of the last 12 months have been produced by Kvelertak and Tom Williams and the Boat, both bands appearing in Manchester tonight.

Initially appearing poles apart, one a Norwegian Hardcore / Metal outfit, the other British Nu folk, scratch the surface, similarities appear.  While Kvelertak roar in their native language, the nature of the genre tends not to suggest a tiptoe through the tulips or walking on sunshine.  The video to "Blodtorst" extolling the virtues of zombies partaking in acts of necrophilia, a more likely lyrical theme.

While perhaps not as extreme, compare "Get Older" by Tom Williams and the Boat, also containing dark and disturbing imagery, "You crucified my daughter so I butchered your son." Perhaps the link between the Norwegian Fjords and Tonbridge Wells, closer than geographical locations would have us believe.

While the two gigs in one evening may not be practical, if you are in the Manchester area tonight, I'd recommend you catch at least one.

I can't choose between the two, so heading to both.  First, Kvelertak at Club Academy on a purely personal basis, covering Tom Williams and the Boat at the Night and Day Cafe for Mudkiss.

Fortunately the stage times of 7.30 and 10.00pm mean a gentle stroll across the city, rather than the usual desperate sprint.

www.myspace.com/kvelertak                                         www.tomwilliamsandtheboat.co.uk

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p7ASwmWyx0     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNNZnERbKqY

Bass Drum of Death

I big thank you must go to a big Ping and Facebook friend of mine MissEighties for bringing my attention to Bass Drum of Death.   Missing White Stripes and like your music raw, uncompromising, particularly of the garage rock genre, this Mississippi duo are for you.

While John  and Colin may not be the most rock 'n' roll of names, their sound certainly is. There's little in the way of subtlety here, exactly the way we like it.  Out now, the album "GB City" should reside in the collection of any right minded fans who enjoy loud, proud, guitar and rhythm heavy music.

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/BASS-DRUM-OF-DEATH/295269142164?sk=info

http://www.myspace.com/johnbarrettmusic

Smoke Fairies / Change of host

As usual, I find music for to addictive for my own good and especially as Callum has started his own blog, decided I will continue with my 300 MPH Torrential Outpour.  The emphasis will however be on quality not quantity.

Just in case you missed it, I'd like to bring your attention to a thoroughly sublime piece of music.

I absolutely love Smoke Fairies and "Storm Song," released on May 2nd, is another piece of melancholic beauty.  The vocals, guitar and especially that violin, make shivers run down your spine.

Stunningly gorgeous is the only way to describe it.

http://soundcloud.com/charmfactory/smoke-fairies-storm-song

Loki's Motif

While appreciating the technical abilities of math bands, ever changing time signatures and staccato vocals generally grate rather than provide inspiration.

Loki's Motif nevertheless provide a more listenable option. Hailing (don't they all?) from Kingston Upon Thames the sextet utilise a trumpet and more understated tempo changes, offering a less abrasive sound than influences such as Blakfish.




Released in May last year, their "So Be It" EP is available on I Tunes and can be heard free on Spotify.

Looking for an entry point to the world of math? Loki's Motif hold the door ajar to a much larger audience.

lokismotif.bandcamp.com


www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10940584531

Mudkiss April albums round-up

A real mixed bag of albums this month.  Check out my reviews on Mudkiss.

http://www.mudkiss.com/andysaprilalbumreviews.htm

The Undertones - True Confessions


Hollywood Sinners - Disastro Garantito


Carlton Melton - Country Ways


The Beautiful South - Live at the BBC


The Webb Sisters - Savages


The Method - Dissidents & Dancers


Delta Maid - Outside Looking In

Rome - New Dangermouse project.

Five years in the making, Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi's "Rome" album is released on May 16th. Sharing a passion for Italian Film Music, they assembled musicians from classic films such as "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" and "Once Upon a Time in the West" recording an album as faithfully as possible in the manner of the 1960's / 70's.

Jack White and Norah Jones have been employed to cover vocals duties handling three songs each. While on a cinematic theme, the album is described as a complex pop record with intensity and darkness along with uplift and light.

Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHDrWfndze0  to see the main protagonists discuss "Rome"

The songs "Two Against One" featuring Jack White and "Black" featuring Norah Jones are now available digitally with a limited edition 7" single released on May 16th as part of Record Store Day.

True Bypass

I literally happened across "Waiting For Superman," searching  for another Craig Ward band, A Clean Kitchen is a Happy Kitchen.  Instead I found the ex Deus member, partnered with Chantal Acda under the name "True Bypass, together producing a collection of gorgeous acoustic ballads.

While "Waiting for Superman" is the pick, the whole eponymous album  is perfect for relaxing in the sun, watching the world go by, lulled into a state of pure tranquility.  Stark, breathtaking beauty.

The whole album is streamed on Soundcloud, where"Waiting for Superman" is available as a free download.

http://soundcloud.com/jezusfactory/true-bypass-waiting-for-a-superman

http://www.myspace.com/truebypassmusic

Free download from Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Although not a name ever likely to trip off the tongue, Benjamin Francis Leftwich will become very familiar over the coming months.

His debut album ‘Last Smoke Before The Snow Storm" will be released in Summer,  
preceded by the first single"Box of Stones" available from June 6th.


To celebrate Leftwich is giving away this beautiful cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City" his breathy, plaintive vocal contrasting with Springsteen's original, harsher Jersey tones.


The track can be downloaded from his new website
http://www.benjaminfrancisleftwich.com/  
and heard at 
http://soundcloud.com/dirtyhit/benjamin-francis-leftwich

Benjamin will also be touring the U.K in June.

Wed 01 Jun – Liverpool – Kazimier
Thu 02 Jun – London – The Garage
Fri 03 Jun – Birmingham – HMV Institute
Sat 04 Jun – Glasgow – Classic Grand (small room)
Sun 05 Jun – Middlesbrough – Music Live / Cosmos Stage 
Mon 06 Jun – Manchester – Deaf Institute

New Material from Janes Addiction

Ahead of new album "The Great Escape Artist," Janes Addiction offer their first new material in eight years as a free download. A deceptive electronic, bass heavy intro gives way to the more familiar, colossal sound, as Farrells distinctive vocal, Navarros trademark guitar and Perkins pummeling drums take over. 


Discover "End to the Lies" at http://www.janesaddiction.com/

Tom Williams and the Boat

Much excitement at Mudkiss once again as the interview and photo shoot with Tom Williams and the Boat has been confirmed today, taking place at a legendary Manchester music location during their April tour.

Just in case you aren't aware, a review of the album Too Slow is available through the link below.

http://www.mudkiss.com/tomwilliamsboatreview.htm

"Concentrate" is the next single release and will be available for download on May 9th. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zOyhxxfKtE

If you're in and around Manchester on April 19th, head to the Night & Day Cafe to catch the band live.

The Old Guard re-live their youth

Although my blog is based around new music, there are times when it's only right to expose younger readers / listeners to classic bands who influenced many present day musicians.

Fellow Mudkiss contributors Browne and Perks provide an experienced and informed introduction to the delights of early punks, The Members and the rhythm and blues of Dr Feelgood, .

Browne and Perks may sound like a slightly risque firm of solicitors, but these guys have truly lived and breathed the rock n roll life.

http://www.mudkiss.com/membersreview.htm














http://www.mudkiss.com/drfeelgoodreview.htm















Much respect is extended from the more youthful end of the Mudkiss spectrum.

Jessie J / Liam Bailey / Encore

Mudkiss business once again and my first foray into the world of  Pop / R 'n' B. 


The focus of my attention in this instance was Liam Bailey

Surely it would have been rude not to review Encore and U.K No.1 artist Jessie J......... wouldn't it?

http://www.mudkiss.com/jessiejreview.htm

Deerhunter and Lower Dens

The first outing for a Mudkiss team consisting of yours truly and Phil King, covering Deerhunter and Lower Dens live at Sound Control in Manchester.

http://www.mudkiss.com/lowerdensreview.htm

Phil also interviews Lower Dens prior to the show. Possibly not the most verbose of bands it has to be said.

http://www.mudkiss.com/lowerdensinterview.htm

The Kills - Blood Pressures

I've always struggled with The Kills, rarely making an impression with their recorded work although having a fervent fan base and continually receiving critical acclaim. With the release of their fourth album, "Blood Pressures" the time felt right to give Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince another chance to impress.

I find my diligence rewarded as "Future Starts Slow," "Satellite" and "Heart is a Beating Drum" prove more accessible, exploiting trademark primal rhythms with Hince's dark, ominous guitar.

"Nail in my Coffin" hints towards Mosshart's recent Jack White collaborations within The Dead Weather, including an interesting percussive sound, suspiciously similar to that of a table tennis ball making contact with a table."Wild Charms" is a short interlude with Hince assuming vocal duties before "Dna" another sinister sounding, atmospheric track, an area in which The Kills excel.  

The second half of the album, while not quite achieving the same level of intensity still houses a couple of real gems, particularly  "You Don't Own the Road."  


Perhaps I have been reticent, not affording The Kills the attention they deserve.  After "Blood Pressures" I feel a trawl through the back catalogue definitely merited.    
       

Mudkiss March Round Up

Mel's round up of a busy March on Mudkiss

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/notes/mudkiss-fanzine/march-april-2011-updates/10150147225570159

And Shell highlighting loads of new music we should be be checking out.

http://www.mudkiss.com/shellapril11.htm

Scanners / The Jade Assembly

Mudkiss review of the Scanners gig at The Ruby Lounge in Manchester, with the added delights of The Jade Assembly.

http://www.mudkiss.com/scanners.htm

Surely now is the time for White to become the new black.

Life is full of mysteries and contradictions. What appears obvious to one, cannot be understood by another. Questions arise in my mind on a regular basis, "Why do people watch the X Factor....... why do they read the Sun........What do you mean you can't understand why we would rush into Iraq or Libya all guns blazing and ignore Zimbabwe?"  People amaze me at times, none more so when music becomes the topic of conversation.  Why do incredibly talented musicians pass through life relatively ignored, while talentless morons spend years in the public eye, primarily because they suit the current media trend?  Discuss.

The reason for this piece is one of Britain's most underrated artists, Tom White, has just released his third solo album as a stream on YouTube. White should be a household name, a multi instrumentalist who along with brother, Alex, is responsible for some of the greatest songs of the last ten years.  The fact the majority would question, Tom who? is testament to the unwillingness of many to be challenged musically in any shape or form  allowing themselves to be spoon fed by day time radio.

Tom and Alex White are Electric Soft Parade.  "Holes in the Wall," their debut album is one of the great psychedelic pop albums of all time and should be in any discerning music fans collection. Recorded at a very young age, the brothers produced tracks of incredible maturity, playing every instrument themselves.  While never quite being able to replicate this masterpiece, Electric Soft Parade have continued to produce another two inspirational albums, "The American Adventure" and "No Need to be Downhearted" since their debut in 2002.  


One great band is usually enough for most, not in the case of the White brothers, who are also integral to one of my all time favourite bands, Brakes, with Tom providing outstanding lead guitar and Alex, drums to the four piece. Brakes are impossible to categorise, equally at home thrashing out a blistering piece of punk, a perfect jangly indie pop anthem or switching effortlessly to country twang.  With ex British Sea Power keyboard player Eamonn Hamilton on vocals and Mark Beatty from The Tenderfoot on bass they are one of the best live bands on the circuit.  Of their four albums "Give Blood" is probably the pick, although  "Touchdown,"  "Beatific Visions" or the live "Rock is Dodelijk" are all worthy introductions to a truly individual outfit.

On the underground circuit at least, Tom White is a much respected and in demand  musician, contributing bass and drums to Restlesslist and Clowns respectively, he also played guitar on Patrick Wolf's "The Batchelor" becoming a part of his touring band to promote the album.

White's previous solo outings "I Dream of Black" and "The Maximalist" have been slightly patchy, they show him to be an artist unafraid of taking chances, mixing genres and styles freely.  You never know what to expect from Tom, which can only be applauded.

"Yalla," amazingly written and recorded over two weeks last September in Dahab, Egypt emphasises a more tender side to White, a collection of ten beautifully played, primarily acoustic songs which extenuate his vocal. Each track is currently streamed on YouTube in full, accompanied by a short film.  No release date is available for physical copies, but hopefully they will appear soon.


White has a date scheduled in his home town of Brighton at The Basement on April 9th. I can only hope a visit to North West England follows in the near future.

Surely now is the time, with the more accessible stark splendour of  "Yalla," that Tom White will receive the recognition he deserves as one of Britain's premier musical talents.




http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomas-White-Official/321247218454

http://electricsoftparade.co.uk/