This is not but any means a new album but it must be heard. They are also one of the best live bands in London!
Super Best Friends Club we salute you!
Listen & Live Date: Fourth and Folsom
I'm having one of those mornings when my gig bookings don't really go the way I want them to which frustrates my brain... Suddenly you get I an email from a band I've have never heard of before and on a rare morning those bands are a ray of sunshine. That morning was today and the refreshing sounds of Fourth and Folsom flowed into my ears and became an instant booking for January 9th at the Finsbury.
Enjoy their classy track Bloodfire and also stick 9th January at The Finsbury in your diaries.
In their own words: Fourth and Folsom are an original, multi-instrumental London based band influenced by early 'west coast' harmonies and bands such as Crosby, Stills,Nash and Young and Half Moon Run.
Review: Benin City – Wha Gwan
Much like the oft-bewildering vagaries of modern life in the metropolis from which the trio hail, London’s Benin City are a mixture of gloss and grit. Their fresh fusion of percussive electro and sparse soul is captured on new single ‘Wha Gwan’, a regretful lament of friendship gone sour, which finds Joshua Idehen’s rapid urban patter flowering into song over the expansive chorus – “We used to start/Fires in the park, you and I” – while, underneath, Theo Buckingham’s fluid rhythms embellish a metronomic pulse that anchors some weighty synth chords. As the track builds, Tom Leaper’s horn riff creeps in almost unnoticed, until its sombre melody becomes the focal point of the coda, and the listener is left wondering whether this is some new take on dubstep, trip hop or even 21st-century jazz, yet never doubting that ‘Wha Gwan’ is a truly original arrival, a new sound of the contemporary capital.
‘Wha Gwan’ is released via Audio Doughnuts on 7 October.
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Review: Malpas - Promise EP
Ambient Birmingham duo Malpas have a fancy for melding their sequences and loops with traditionally bucolic stringed instruments. You might fear this would result in an even-more lightweight take on the fragility that marks much British indie-electronica. Fortunately, this songwriter/producer pairing are deft enough to create a densely textured whole from their diverse instrumental parts, interweaving folksy melodies and flabby synth swells to pack quite the emotional punch. Sure, there’s a vulnerability to the four songs on Malpas’ debut EP, but it’s the wavering upper-register vocal that delivers it, granting an aptly plaintive edge to the “When Will You Return To Me?” refrain of lead track ‘Charlemagne’. Commencing with a choppy mandolin overlain with acoustic arpeggios, then segueing into a wobbly dubstep base, ‘Charlemagne’ soon settles into the poppiest and most radio-friendly track here, if the least interesting. Better the catchy, bittersweet ‘Here Comes The Rain’, an absorbing three-minute mashup of new-folk and sub-bass, while ‘Us Afloat’ steadily crescendos from gentle pizzicato to obese digital outro, turning the mournful “I Can’t be Trusted” lyric on its head. It’s ‘Promise’, with its haunting vocal and stunted skiffle groove that really impresses, though, its blissful choral progression all too fleeting, a near intangible few bars of loveliness that demands repeat due to its very brevity. Fragile, yes, but disarmingly so.
‘Promise’ is released via Killing Moon on 23 September.
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Listen: Vimes - Celestial
Electronic duo Vimes originate from Germany’s capitol of techno – Cologne. They release their third single ‘Celestial’ via Berlin tastemaker label, Humming Records on 30th September.
The duo have received international recognition thus far for their unique brand of electronic music, combining both live instruments with electronic elements and a stirring visual live show made for dancing.
The past 12 months has seen the band support Hot Chip in Mexico, play headline sets across Europe as well as numerous continental festivals including Dockville, Eurosonic, First We Take Berlin and Reeperbahn Festival. Vimes were also invited to play at this years SXSW and Canadian Music Week, unfortunately neither of these happened due to visa complications.
Vimes are made up of Azhar Syed & Julian Stetter. Azhar is Nigerian born to Indian humanitarian workers who grew up all over Europe. He met Julian when he moved to German to study visuals arts and thus Vimes was born.
‘Celestial’ is an electronic dance track reminiscent of fellow Cologne resident and long time friend Roosevelt’s most recent work. The single will will be available from all digital stores on 30th September via Humming Records.
Live Review: Zoo Zero + Tied To The Mast + The Jack J Hutchinson Band @ The Finsbury 7/9/13
On occasion a reviewer will chance upon an act so familiar that any florid turns of phrase seem surplus to requirements. Blues-rock is the only appropriate descriptor of The Jack J Hutchinson Band, a trio with a decadent Seventies bent but very much of a genre that has been with us since white boys first turned their hands to Elmore James licks. No bad thing, of course, as when well-executed it is a sound to offer timeless pleasures. This outfit were reliant on theirs from main-man Hutchinson, a good ol’ guitar hero giving up all the hammer-ons and hirsute gurning you could desire. His adroit fretwork was at its most expressive in shorter bursts, however. Come the set’s end, and despite ably brandishing a bottleneck, his soloing had become so pervasive it was like listening to a medley of everything ever recorded by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Hutchinson’s extended lead play may have been cover for an enforced line-up reshuffle necessitated by the disappearance of his regular bass player. The replacement did a steady job, if tentatively, his look of studied concentration a little at odds with a music so evocative of carefree rock’n’roll excess.
No such incongruity from Tied To The Mast, a rum-looking bunch who were as effective a band-as-gang as you’re likely to witness. Blasting out overdriven slacker punk, their three guitarists interwove thrillingly, also trading lead-vocal duties to subtly alter the feel of each song. Employing a powerhouse drummer and a muscular bassist, the band’s default setting was ferociously full-on, but they had a fine ear for dynamics, breaking down and dropping out in all the optimum places, constructing tunes from layers of contrasting volume. There was something of Dinosaur Jr to their distorted vibe; dirty and joyous, rather than dirgy, mainly thanks to those ever-fresh vocal interjections. ‘Bubblegum’ ended proceedings with a flourish, proving TTTM could pull out a blinding pop tune too, albeit with a white-noise sheen.
If anything, the volume pots were pushed further clockwise when Zoo Zero took to the stage, the four-piece announcing their arrival with a swirl of feedback, setting the tone for a set that enveloped The Finsbury in a six-string sonic shroud, darker than Tied To The Mast’s, more shoegazey and stoutly psychedelic. The clarity of the lead vocal, appearing occasionally amid the guitar maelstrom, offered footholds in the wall of noise, further enhanced by harmonies from the drummer. Peaking during songs built on near-Hawkwindish driving krautrock, Zoo Zero’s set may have struggled to sustain its high for the full 45 minutes, but affirmatively found fifth-gear again for the finale, a slab of pounding, glistening electric thrash that... well, that rocked really fucking hard, as even the most erudite reviewer would be content to admit. Zoo Zero’s debut album is out 30 September.
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Watch: Altre di B - Sherpa
Altre di B is a five-piece band based in Bologna, Italy.
"Sherpa" is the first single taken from their second album untitled "Sport", which is set for release in November 2013 by Italian labels Muki and La Fame dischi. The band stated the song is dedicated to Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay who were the first men to climb mount Everest in 1953. The video is directed by Claudio Stanghellini.
The band are aiming to be in the UK at the end of next spring so watch this space.. For now just enjoy their great video!
Watch: The Kemistry & Abiade - The Lynx 'ALT'
Check out the cool new video from London based The Kemistry. These guys are one stunning band too catch live too..
Listen & Download: Reuben Hollebon - Faces
This your chance to download for free Reuben Hollebon's new track Faces
Reuben Hollebon returns with a brand new track ‘Faces’, available for free download from 12th August onwards, as well as to buy from digital stores on the same day.
Reuben worked with London based producers Craigie Dodds (Gorrilaz etc) & Charlie Hugall (Florence & the Machine etc) to craft ‘Faces’, and has taken a sonic leap forward from last year’s critically acclaimed debut EP ‘Clutch’.
Reuben will debut his 4 piece band in the coming weeks, as his sound continues to evolve, and plans to present a raw, distinctive sound more Arcade Fire than John Martyn.
‘Faces’ will be followed by an official single this Autumn, plus a string of live dates in London and through out the rest of the UK.
Download Reuben's stunning track via soundcloud
Interview: Stuart O'Connor + Live Looping Video
Lost in the Manor catch up with the very talented travelling musician Stuart O'Connor
Hey Stuart, for all of the people reading, give us a brief summary on who Stuart O'Connor is....
I'm someone who's been touring for the best part of 7 years now. I've put out 4 solo albums on my little label and have played 1500 shows in that time to keep the ship afloat. Prior to that I've released an album as a part of Prog Rock group 'My Pet Junkie' who have toured sporadically since 1998
So having been involved in bands, what drew you to playing solo with a loop pedal which has now become your trade mark?
I love playing solo and the use of a loop pedal has felt at times essential to help add depth and variety to my one man touring show. That said I play with other musicians every chance I get. I have a wonderful band who play on the albums and live when we can. We've also been able to utilise the loop station into the band set with all 5 of us looping parts into one mic.
You travel all over the world non stop with your music. Which would you say is your favourite place?
New Zealand is probably on top. It's just mind bogglingly beautiful. The long drives between shows is definitely no chore.
What was your favourite food when on tour and do you have a fav now after travelling so much around?
Ramen without a doubt. I became hooked and would finish many nights with a bowl. I even went to the Ramen Museum in Yokohama.
Whats the most random gig you have done so far?
Sometimes it feels like every gig out-randoms the next. It's funny how once you've been on the road a little while the random kinda seems like the norm. I played at a gallery space in Bangkok. It was pitch black and there was a dancing girl covered in luminous paint. That felt pretty random.
What's next for Stuart O'Connor?
France, Holland, Germany & Poland for a month followed by the UK for another month. Then an Italy tour in November. There's also talk of an arts centre tour (With Matt Stevens) back in the UK early 2014.
Live Review: The Young Aviators @ The Finsbury 09/08/2013
Young Aviators @ The Finsbury 9/8/13 With an Oasis-like sense of dramatic timing, Babeshadow, the night’s scheduled headliners, apparently split up just prior to the gig. You could argue they chose a good day to self-destruct. Their support, Young Aviators – three young fellas from Ireland who crossed the North Channel to plant roots in Glasgow – proved themselves a tough act for anyone to follow.
Although occupying territory that has been generously populated with guitar-wielding wannabes since The Strokes swaggered on to the scene at the turn of the millennium, Young Aviators’ take on melodic garage rock had more than enough verve to rise above the hordes. Their clipped, driving guitar-based indie was tight, razor-sharp and, most crucially, built around memorable pop hooks delivered with uplifting three-part harmonies. At their most exuberant they brought to mind the finest practitioners of the genre, acts such as Arctic Monkeys and The Young Knives. And like the latter, Young Aviators are blessed with easy, appealing wit – no demure indie boys these. The singer offered a withering assessment of the band’s London mini-tour, one which “offered so much but delivered so little”, noting the aloofness of the capital’s gig-goers. This old-beyond-his-years cynicism was countered by a determination for the Finsbury crowd to prove an exception; the ‘self-help’ books that were distributed as ironic gifts were further evidence of the trio’s anti-earnestness. Two audience members were even invited on stage, with only the lankiest being deemed worthy of a prize. It was all a disarmingly funny foil to Young Aviators’ buzzsaw new wave: dynamic, chunky tunes like ‘Future Pill’ and ‘Forward Thinking’ were raw rock’n’roll belters, while ‘We’ve Got Names For Folks Like You’ was a groove-built blast of disco polemic, essentially a floor filler, but more daft punks than Daft Punk. The band encored with a high-velocity cover of ‘Get Over You’ by The Undertones, those expert Irish exponents of eminently hummable overdriven pop. That figured. Young Aviators are supporting Travis on a couple of dates later this year. ‘Driftwood’ after this lot? Don’t be altogether surprised if Travis suddenly announce their retirement in the run up to the show...
Introducing: The Jar Family
Three years ago Max Bianco (vocals, guitar, harmonica and percussion), Dali (vocals, guitar, slide guitar and percussion), Al Devon (vocals, guitar and percussion), Richie Docherty (vocals, guitar and percussion), Chris Hooks (vocals and lead guitar), Keith Wilkinson (bass and vocals) and Kerry Edwards (cajon) gave life to a collective of musicians called The Jar Family. The name comes from the jar where the band used to collect money at the end of every performance, just to give the final amount to the member of the band who needed it the most.
These independent musicians and songwriters got together mainly to escape the greyness of Hearthpool – their hometown – they all brought something personal and unique that led to forge a sound the band dubbed Industrial Folk a harsh mix of blues, folk, and why not a little bit of country. Two years after their first album The Jar Family Album, the band is about to release their second full length record Jarmalade, be ready to be mesmerized by an impressive ensemble of songs that will drag you on a travel that crosses several music genres, the main element in common is the superb level of their lyrics.
Introducing: Robbie Boyd
Folk is everywhere and to make a difference artists need something to stand out from the crowd; Robbie Boyd grew up listening at the classic songwriters that rockers keep dearly to their hearts Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and, of course, The Beatles. To this exceptional background, Boyd added his peculiar fusion of pop and folk with hints of blues and jazz now and then, just to make things more interesting. He is supported by his energetic and enthusiastic band made up by Adam Fletcher (keyboard and vocals), Hew Benyon (drums), Simon Fitzpatrick (bass), Mared Evans (violin and vocals), Russel Smith (mandolin and electric guitar), Mike Newman (trumpet, percussions and vocals) and Cat Marshall (saxophone and clarinet).
He started busking and became a major hit on youtube with 500.000 subscribers to his channel; he just released his third EP Painted Sky comprehensive of four tracks. Boyd has the talent to create ships that will gently carry you in his world, it's not only about the music; sound and words melt together and give life to a magical atmosphere. He's appealing not exclusively to a young audience, seniors and middle-aged people have been spotted at his crammed live performances.
Watch: Your Favorite Enemies - I Just Want You To Know
Released: 28th October 2013
Canadian sextet Your Favorite Enemies is about to release their first UK single I Just Want You To Know. The band self produced their work through their own label Hopeful Tragedy Records. The band are Alex Foster (vocalist), Jeff Beaulieu (guitar), Sef (guitar), Ben Lemelin (bass), Miss Isabel (vocals and keyboard) and Charles “Moose” Allicy (drums); they have toured all around the world – Japan, Australia, Europe, Canada, Indonesia and China – and they will go on a short tour in Japan before coming to the UK in October.
The song is a complex mix of instruments, effects and poetic lyrics; the voice is not predominant and it has got an opaque and husky quality that gives almost a Gothic effect to it. The piece kicks in straight away with epic riffs; it grows even more in the refrains and towards the end.
Watch: Bombers - Forecast
Originally from Birmingham, Bombers – Matty Wark (Guitar), David Owen (Drums), Darren Mullen (Bass) and David Duell (Guitar & Vocals) – are shaking their hometown music scenario with their modern post punk that winks back to bands like Clash and Joy Division.
They're about to release digitally their new single Forecast, the first after two-years-hiatus following their first début EP Film Fanatic in 2011. Dead London Records has got their back also for this second work. Forecats is a more mature work that marks a change, the post punk veins is still there just more elaborated and polished. The song is a two-minutes-pill with a steady rhythm that, at the same time, manages to grow; powerful percussions and drums, with an hypnotic guitar and a velvet voice are the elements of this song. Really curious to see what comes next.
Listen: Fé. - Time + Debut Headline Show
Checkout the classy debut single by newcomers Fé.
Their Debut single 'Time' produced by Luke Smith (Foals, Depeche Mode) is out on Monday 23rd September 2013 and you can catch them at their debut live show at the Old Blue Last on 11th September
They first met in a meat container under the Westway, London, in which Leo lived. Straight away they began writing together and so began a musical marriage that has consumed their lives ever since. With no running water or heating to speak of, for years they spent tireless hours locked away crafting their songs, fusing their love for classic songwriting with contemporary electronics. Finally this spring they felt ready, and decided upon the name Fé, which has been borrowed from Leo’s Grandmother.
Live Review: The Bishops + The 286 @ The Finsbury 26/7/13
A neatly garbed trio with tailored tunes to match, The Bishops have been making eyes at the music industry’s movers and shakers for several years now, chalking up an impressive roster of festival slots and big-name supports in the process. Although clearly not a band to dwell on past achievements – much of tonight’s set comprised new material from third album All Lost Time, out in October – such experience has brought them patent self-assurance. At ease in the spotlight, brothers Mike, on guitar and lead vocals, and Pete Bishop, on bass and backing, strode about the stage sharing harmonies over a set of precise and angular punchy pop. Perhaps the most ear-catching of the instrumentalists, though, was drummer Chris McConville, whose oft-contrapuntal beats contrasted with the brothers’ straight delivery and lent several numbers their original edge. But essentially this band is a collective effort, each member aware of the others’ roles, and every break, every refrain, has been thoroughly honed. That said, and far be it from me to bash The Bishops (yeah, like they’ve never heard that one before), as the set unfolded it threatened to become as homogeneous as might be feared from an unadorned guitar-bass-drums three-piece. But the band’s agile songcraft managed to mostly keep things fresh; these were tunes to entice further listening. Tonight’s immediate highs were mod stomper ‘City Lights’ from 2009’s For Now, and new material on which Mike’s resounding guitar peals topped some arty white-boy funk à la Franz Ferdinand, promising much from the album to come.
Prior to The Bishops, The 286 took to the stage minus their two cellists, which was a shame as it would have fleshed out the group’s vaguely anaemic Anglo-pop. The remaining quintet did include a violinist - Emma - who sawed away admirably behind her music stand. But the dominant sound was that of the electric piano, nudging the band towards the middle of the road. Some pleasant enough tunes could be found among the fromage, however, suggesting that The 286 could have commercial impact given the necessary studio sheen. Standing out was the penultimate Sgt Pepper-esque fanfare of ‘Month of Sundays’, delivered with an appropriately nasal vocal twang, before it was all back to Hamburg for the set-closing rocky rumble of ‘Little Louisa’. But whether it was the fault of those missing in action or not, there was little fluidity in the band’s sound, mirrored by their slightly stilted stage presence. The set snagged on a tentative approach, and if they don’t shake off the shackles and inject a little soul, then The 286 may be forever destined just to make up the numbers.
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Introducing: Louise Golbey
I first stumbled across jazz/soul diva Louise Golbey back in 2008 whilst playing a gig in Kentish Town. I had just finished destroying everyone’s faith in live music when, up next on stage, stepped the modest and smiley figure that was Louise Golbey. In a flash the crowd was quiet. Their ears and attention engaged by this little piano-playing brunette who sat before them. No drunken shouts. No shuffling of feet. No whispered conversations. Just the rich, soulful vocals of a little lady from Bournemouth. Job done, faith restored.
Where as since those heady days my career has coughed and spluttered into oblivion, Louise’s career has – as expected - gone from strength to strength. She frequently performs (now with full band) on the live soul/jazz circuit, playing regularly at many legendary venues (Ronnie Scotts, The Hippodrome, The Jazz Café), has worked on tracks with Example and The Newham Generals and supported and shared the stage with a number of acclaimed artists including Jessie J, Paloma Faith, Katy B, Mikill Pane, Lianne La Havas, Ryan Keen and Anthony David (at both Bush Hall and Islington Assembly). Believe me, the CV is bigger than this, but I couldn’t fit it all in. I haven’t even mentioned she’s played both Glastonbury and Isle of Wight (he has now!).
Not bad for someone who isn’t a household name. I get the feeling that LG is one song away from being thrust into all our lives.
So if you’re a soulster, have jazz tendencies, or perhaps even a sucker for real singing voices, then Louise Golbey is definitely someone worth checking out. For gig information visit her site here. You can also buy her music on iTunes
Check out Louise’s new video ‘Up To Me’
Introducing: Tandem
It's refreshing to hear such talent come from a band when they ask you for a gig. The answer to Tandem was yes and this is a band you should defiantly come and watch as it's stunning!
Their music is a blend of traditionally inspired, contemporary fiddle and guitar duo, with electronic injection. Their Debut album 'From Good Stock' was released June 2013. Tandem are Dave Malkin, Charlie Pell and Ben Corrigan.
Enjoy and please do share this great new band!
Live Review: The Meg Cavanaugh Band @ The Finsbury 14/7/13
The Meg Cavanaugh Band @ The Finsbury 14/7/13
Manor House sure ain’t Mississippi, no matter how much Bourbon you knock back at the Finsbury, but last Sunday, with the thermometer stuck in the 20s come dusk, Meg Cavanaugh’s sultry country swing band brought a sense of the Deep South to this precious venue a few miles north of the River Thames. Originally from the Midwestern environs of Ohio and now based in London, Meg, Epiphone in hand, led her group with a crystalline vocal that shone more brightly even than her golden hotpants. Her worldly takes on heartache and hedonism were backed by luscious, never-faltering harmonies from keyboardist Bridget, and, behind these two, a trio of experienced hands looked, and sounded, as if they’d been a steadying presence on many a stage; the guitarist, in particular, added colour to the frame with his slide and subtle lead-play. It all resulted in comforting bluesy alt-country Americana, and while it seems a little lame to compare Meg to guitar-toting female solo artists on a similar tip, her more rockish numbers, such as the hooky ‘Adventurous’, brought to mind a rootsier Sheryl Crow. Meg has an easy on-stage charisma, too, supplementing between-song banter with jokes that’d make Frankie Boyle blush, and demonstrating that the best thing to do when there isn’t a trumpet-player in the house is to impersonate one yourself. A pleasantly laid-back scene-setter then, for a steamy summer evening, evocative enough to bring on a kind of hazy US dive-bar reverie, at least until a lamb doner, a pint of milk from Costcutter and a traffic snarl-up on Green Lanes swiftly fractured the illusion on the walk home.