Funeral For a Friend: Top 6

Funeral For a Friend said their final goodbye this week, rounding off a 15 year long career with two nights at the Kentish Town Forum in London. They played arguably their two most famous albums "Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation" and "Hours". 

FFAF were a staple for any teen back in the early noughties and I remember Hours being a huge deal at school amongst the kids who loved rock music. 

I was lucky enough to see them back in 2015 when they came to play in a small venue in my hometown. It was a fantastic night, reliving my teenage years with my best friends and the perfect soundtrack. 

So in light of all this I've decided to look back at their career and pick my top 6 tracks by a band that will always have a big place in my heart... And no it wasn't easy, I even started this list as a 'Top 5' and had to change it. 

Farewell FFAF, thanks for everything! 

6. Juneau 

Remember the infamous lyric "Am I nothing more than a line in your book?" posted on everyone's MSN names or Myspace pages. Oh 2003. 

5. Roses for the Dead 

The thudding chorus is so heavy, I love it. 
But the video is one of the main reasons it's on my list. It's really touching and something a little different to what we're used to from a FFAF video. 

4. History 

Can you honestly say you've never sang "Aaaarchers in your aaaarches!" drunkenly with your arm around your best friend?! Okay, just me then. A beautiful song. 

3. Front Row Seats to the End of the World 

Another anthem that makes you want to scream your lungs out! 

2. Into Oblivion (Reunion) 

This is such an anthemic song. 
I remember when this was released thinking "Wow, they've done it again." Another winner. 

1. Streetcar 

*ring ring* "Hello" 
Ahh the satisfaction of getting the timing right on that opening. From the galloping guitar that opens the song, to yelling out the replies to Matt's vocal, to the overlapping phone conversation that builds and builds.. this may just be the best FFAF song ever! I love air drumming to this when I hear it on a night out. If you see a girl in Camden Underworld going nuts to this song I can guarantee (approx 99%) it will be me! 

Did I miss one of your favourites? Share them below... 

C x

Treble Claire is changing for the good!

It's time for a change.

For anyone who reads my blog (this uncoordinated mess) you will probably notice that posting is sporadic and I've written a few posts years apart talking about 'rebooting' the blog.

Well, this time I mean it!

I originally set up this blog to review music. I wanted to be a music journalist when I finished University. But I've realised that when I write it's not always about music. There are so many wonderful things out there to talk about, discuss and share.

I'd like to propose that my blog stays under the same name as I'd like to keep my old posts. This time I'm not limiting it to music only, I'll write about whatever I feel like. Music, film, books, society, theatre, people, general observations, comedy, TV and opinions on a plethora of things!

So, welcome to the new blog.

Please feel free to leave your opinions in the comments section below. I'd like to know what you want to read about and what you'd like me to write about. Engaging with people is the reason I love writing, I want to hear what you think too. Whether you just saw a film at the cinema and want me to review it, your favourite band just realised a new single and you want to know what I think, something really grinds your gears and you want to hear my opinion on it too, PLEASE get in touch.

Similarly, if you are in a band and want me to come and review your gig, or send me some of your music for me to listen to and write about on here then please do!

I want to get back into writing for fun, so let's do this!



C x

Glastonbury 2014

Glastonbury opened it's gates this morning for a weekend that promises to be a wonderful one.

I have many musings on the line up so let's jump straight in, in no particular order...

1. I find some of the line ups a little strange, for example Robert Plant before Jack White?! Surely it should be the other way round as Plant is a music legend. With a career spanning over 40 years with Led Zeppelin and other acts, Plant has the reputation and the back catalogue to headline. I always got the impression that Glastonbury like their legends to headline, whether they are cool and current or not, see Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones.

2. On the subject of Robert Plant, I heard a rumour late last summer that Led Zeppelin were going to be doing the 2014 festival circuit. I was travelling from Manchester back to the Lake District and a friendly guy in Subway started a conversation about festivals. He told me a few rumours surrounding the acts signed up for 2014 already and he mentioned Led Zeppelin. I am slightly disappointed that they aren't playing Glastonbury because they would have been a brilliant headline act.

3. I would also just like to point out that I love Jack White. He is one of my favourite artists and I believe he has the genius to keep on creating amazing music until he is an old man. His new album Lazaretto is just perfect and he always delivers a mind blowing live performance. Glasto-goers, he is highly recommended! Jack White plays the Pyramid Stage on Saturday night.

4. Lily Allen takes to the Pyramid Stage on Friday night. I can't wait to see her performance. I think she is doing some really interesting stuff right now and I am just waiting for her career to go crazy once again. And I'm sure she'll have some entertaining stuff to say about the festival! I was glad to hear that she had decided to come back to making music and was keen to hear her refreshing take on pop. She's a brilliant lady!

5. One of my favourite bands of recent years is Haim. Haim are playing the Other Stage on Friday and I cannot stress how important it is to go and see them! Their album Days Are Gone is a perfect pop record which draws inspiration from 70's disco and rock and 90's R&B. As a live band they perform as if they grew up in 1970's America, channelling elements of early Rolling Stones and that soulful kind of Southern rock. They are three super talented sisters and you would regret missing their set! I watched their performance at Glastonbury 2013 on my TV and loved it. I also managed to catch their UK tour earlier this year and that was definitely the highlight of my year so far. They have so much live rock energy.

6. Once again I have an issue with the running order... Saturday on the Other Stage looks a little like this: Manic Street Preachers, Pixies and then headlining is Jake Bugg. It's fantastic that such a new act has been put in to headline, however I feel that Pixies or Manic Street Preachers would have been a better choice. Both bands have a rich back catalogue that they could delve through to create long, quality set. I am wondering whether they have just chosen Jake Bugg to counteract Metallica who are headlining the Pyramid Stage at the same time?

7. A band that I would love to see live is The Subways. I have spent many an hour watching their live performances on YouTube and I love them. The Subways are performing on the Other Stage on Sunday midday. They bring an old school punk element to their live shows and their set list is full of energetic pop songs that I can guarantee you will know. They seem to balance the line of super cool rock band and record selling pop band. Their mix of male and female vocal is a beautiful sound!

8. The John Peel Stage has a great range of new music across the full weekend. There are too many bands to name, but here's a list of the ones that are worth while checking out, whether at Glastonbury or just on your computer at home:
- Kaiser Chiefs: new material is anthemic and vocals at times are Bowie inspired.
- Chvrches: sweet Scottish vocals over electronic pop.
- Temples: 70's inspired and very chilled rock. Big sound and bigger hair.
- Clean Bandit: A radio favourite and a big band. A very entertaining watch.
- Fat White Family: Funky is all I have to say.
- Royal Blood: Shortlisted for the BBC's Sound of 2014, a classic heavy rock band. I can imagine they will be fantastic live.
- Dry The River: Beautiful voices. Very chilled.
- MGMT: It will be interesting to see their live performance. Their music is perfect for a festival.

9. Emiliana Torrini has a stunning, stunning voice. It would be fantastic to catch her live. She is a favourite to chill out to. She is performing on Saturday night on the Avalon Stage.

10. Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit perform on the Avalon Stage on Sunday night. I saw Johnny Flynn at Leeds Festival a few years ago. He performed in a tiny tent and it was packed full because so many people were desperate to see him. He is high energy and his music is a beautiful mix of country, soul and blues. His voice perfectly blends with the music.

11. Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip for one of the last times on Saturday night, at the Left Field. This duo have been making music as separate artists but the true magic is when they pair up. Expect laughs and banter along with a beautiful blend of poetry, rhymes, dub and bass. Definitely a unique one, but not one to miss. I saw them earlier this year and hope to see both artists again in the future.

12. Kate Tempest. Poetry has never been cooler. She is a poet, artist, writer, lyricist, performer. She is art. She performs on Left Field on Sunday night.

There are hundreds and hundreds more acts to list and I am just scratching the surface. All other information is on the Glastonbury website.

Of course, I am not there, but I will be catching up on TV and online with as much live streaming as I can.

C x

Field Day, Victoria Park, London. Sunday 8th June

Field Day is the perfect festival for anyone who is not a fan of camping or the down and dirty vibe of a festival. There is no camping on site as the festival runs over two days, each say is self - encapsulated. Everyone is kicked out after the headlining act have finished their set and you are just a walk or train journey back home to your bed. Can you see why I'm a fan?!

If I was to define a perfect day at a festival it would be Sunday at Field Day. The sun was shining, the people were friendly, the food was beautiful and most importantly the music was top notch!

I arrived, best friend in tow, in time to see Temples take to the main stage. Temples are a band who's name I have heard so often that I felt it was important to see them. They effortlessly sailed through a set of 70's tinged psychedelic rock. We sat on the grass, soaking up the sun and just listened. Temples could be the soundtrack to a lazy summer day. Their music is so easy listening yet very addictive and the aura of cool around them just adds to the overall persona. No wonder everyone is talking about them.

The festival site was spacious but easy to walk around and thankfully there was no mud in sight! The stages and tents were scattered so that there was no noise clash, but close enough to drift from band to band easily.

There was a brilliant array of food stalls, you could get anything from falafel to paella, to a hog roast. We spent quite a while deciding what to feast on before we headed to the main stage for some music.

I have to address the toilets. Yes, there were portaloos, but they were quite possibly the nicest festival toilets I've ever been in. Although, as Field Day is only a day long, you wouldn't expect too much chaos.

The drinks were pricey, which I expected,  but as it was such a beautiful sunny day I didn't really mind paying to stay hydrated.

We topped up our drinks between bands and checked out some of the fashion.  I noticed that denim shorts are always a favourite for ladies at a festival. There were a lot of beautiful playsuits as well. The men tended to stick to quirky hats and shorts.

When The Horrors began their set most of the crowd seemed to be settled in front of the main stage. Their set was flawless and they were a perfect act to follow Temples. They played a varied set which included mainly new material, their new album continously being advertised on the big screen. They played a lengthy set as the sun went down and the crowd began to disperse. I feel that The Horrors have drifted away from their old sound, for which they are famous, and evolved it into something more grown up. I just hope that they have the energy to stick with this sound and really do it justice like they did at Field Day as think that if they carry on in this direction they could end up on the same kind of scale as a band like The Arctic Monkeys.

Pixies were the headlining act and boy did they deliver! They blasted straight into an epic set list, and by epic I mean quantity as well as quality. There was very little conversation from the band to the audience, but it just meant there was more time for music! The sun set as they played and for the first time all day it got a little chilly. Not that many people noticed, most were dancing or cuddled together. There was a really nice vibe from the audience by the end of the evening. Pixies played a quality set which kept the mood levels high. If you have heard of a song by the Pixies then I can guarantee that they played it!

Leaving Victoria Park was easy enough in the dark, there were plenty of wardens to help people on their way.

Field Day Sunday was overall a chilled, sunny and beautiful day and I can guarantee I will be back next year. And I'll probably go to both days!

C x

The Return of David Bowie - Happy 2013!

There is a little something that has sparked up my interest in writing recently, and his name is David Bowie.

I've been a little slow on the blogging front for a while now and for that I must apologise to my mother (possibly the only person who looks at this page).
But back to Bowie. I grew up listening to his music and became strangely entranced by his character in Labyrinth when I watched the film at my grandparents house.
So there has always been an interest there. When the 'Best of Bowie' album was released in 2002 I remember it appearing in my Mum's car. 
We would drive around singing along with the windows down. My sister who was seven at the time fell madly in love with his music, and Sound and Vision was a solid favourite amongst us all.
As I'm writing this I can hear it clear as day in my head. TO YOUTUBE.
Anyway, David Bowie is such an icon that while I was at University I decided to turn up to a 70's themed party as Ziggy Stardust. I even have a t shirt with Ziggy's face on.
Basically, I think Mr Bowie is fantastic. So when I heard he had released a new single today on his 66th birthday I was eager to hear it.
Luckily, it has been plastered all over the news today so it wasn't difficult to get a quick listen. But that's all you got from the news; a 30 second clip.
Initially I thought the single, 'Where Are We Now?' was very bland. But I sent myself to Youtube to have a listen to the full thing.
My thoughts are that it seems like a song from a sad film. The music is grand yet simple, which makes the lyrics more effective. He isn't going for an instant pop hit, he has written a simple, thought-provoking song. Bowie is questioning society as he's always done. The sound has a Bowie-tinge to it, but the fact that it is slow and sad gives way to lyrics which are in English and German. He repeats 'Where Are We Now?' as if to emphasise that something has gone wrong within society.
It's not my favourite song by him, but when has David Bowie ever tried to be popular? He does what he does and he's successful for it.
I think it would work best in the context of a film or theatre. It's not neccessarily for commercial radio, but I feel it is a little 'Morrissey'-esque in it's sad appeal.
An album is to follow in March, entitled The Next Day, and I can't wait to hear more music from David Bowie. No matter what he does, he is magnetic.

Check out the new single here:

C x

Green Day Premier New Single Online

So Green Day are back and to kick off their mammoth three album run they have released the first single online on SoundCloud.


And THIS is the first single, Oh Love, from the album ¡Uno!


It's very much what we've learnt to expect from Green Day. I expect a lot of radio play for this one. Still hanging on for something a little punchier though.


Let me know what you think in the comments box below.


Cx

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2012

8-10 June
This year is Download's big 10 year anniversary!
They first announced the initial line up in January, and are announcing more artists in the lead up to the festival.
Download was one of the first festivals that I ever wanted to go to, but I've never been.
So I'm just going to name a few bands that have been added to the line up that I think are great and would be worth going to see!






Killswitch Engage
Saturday 9th
A great opportunity to see the band back with their original singer Jesse Leach. A strong live band with some truly epic music. You'd be a fool to miss them. This is their only UK festival appearance, amongst several European dates including Rock Am Ring/Rock Im Park in Germany.




Corey Taylor
Saturday 9th
All round good guy and Slipknot superstar is performing on one of the smaller stages. It's bound to be a great performance.




Opeth
Friday 8th
Any heavy metal fan would love to see this band. I didn't think I'd like them, but I have seen them live and they are truly mesmerising. Beautiful musicianship; the melodic meets the deathly. Would love to see how this translates onto a festival setting!




Marmozets
Friday 8th
Described by Kerrang! as "The most exciting young band in Britain", this female-fronted band are young, talented and ready to do big things in 2012. I think they'll make a great impression at Download.




Metallica
Saturday 9th
I obviously had to include Metallica. Who wouldn't want to see these legends perform live? And they are playing the Black album in full. Amazing!




Black Sabbath
Sunday 10th
The original band are back after 33 years. This is their only European performance as Black Sabbath this summer, as Tony Iommi is battling lymphoma. Get well soon!




Rise Against
Sunday 10th
They are one of those bands that my iTunes likes to play when it's on shuffle. A credit to modern music and sound just like they do on record when performing live. You'd be surprised by how many of their songs you know.




Heaven's Basement
Sunday 10th
Pure rock n roll. Perfect for a Download crowd and fans of classic rock.


C x

Festival Season

I thought it would be appropriate to kick start my blog by writing about the festivals that are coming up this summer.I haven't written anything in ages and I feel like I've been neglecting my poor blog!

So, festival season. Something that strikes fear, excitment, jealousy and anxiety in me year after year.
I must admit, I have only been to one festival,.. well technically two.

Last year I went to Leeds Festival with one of my best friends Lydia. I'm still wearing my bands like a badge of honour.

It was indescribably amazing, which probably isn't great for a blog!

I think I'll make a reflective blog later on tonight about my experience from last year.

I also went to a little known Cumbrian festival in 2009 called Cockrock (based in the town of Cockermouth).

It was good fun and more about the experience than the line up, which mostly consisted of bands that I was friends with or other various local bands. The main draw was that The Holloways were headlining one night (famed for the "I can get a record player and a generator..." song).

So my festival experiences are limited, and I think this is mainly down to me not being able to make a decision! Year after year I dither over each line up; which one is worth the money, the best dates to go, who will go with me, etc...

So to follow, I will be writing a mini blog on some of the biggest UK festivals that have caught my eye this year.

Starting with Sonisphere who, to be honest, have impressed me by announcing Queen and Adam Lambert are headlining Saturday night! There's been a lot of backlash, but I am all for it!

Cx

Help Me Out

Hello regular readers (if there are any of you)!
I just thought I'd ask for a little bit of support from you.
Anyone who reads my blog and enjoys it please would you pop over to this site
Now I'll give you a bit of background as to why...
As an aspiring journalist I am doing the best I can to get my work out there for the public to read and for potential employers to see. Hence this blog mainly!
I am currently on work experience at my local newspaper and the staff asked me to enter a competition they are running. Its called the Big Blogger competition. Members of the public can enter and just start writing a blog on the papers website. The most popular blog (the one with the most daily page visits, comments and shares via social networking) will win.
The winner gets a weekly column place in the newspaper to write about whatever they want. And I want to write about music and television!
So I'm asking for you to just visit my blog entry every day to support me. I know it sounds like I'm begging but it would be so great for me to win.
I have one entry so far, about Noel Fielding and Lana Del Rey, but there will be some more entries to come, before the competition ends at the end of the week.
Also, white rabbits! Happy first of Feb
C x

Lana Del Rey - i'm not convinced

This is just an exerpt from a blog I've written for a competition.
Please click the link to read the full thing HERE (And please do click it because the more page views I get then the more likely I am to win!)
Featuring a review of Noel Fielding's Luxury Comedy as well.
I've tweaked this version slightly...

Lana Del Rey's debut album Born To Die was released last week.
Del Rey first came to my attention when friends at university were talking about their love for her song Video Games. At the time I wasn't interested at all. I didn't hear her on the radio and I didn't want to actively seek out her music because I didn't think I'd like it. But after Juliette Lewis, one of my idols, tweeted about Del Rey's terrible performance on Saturday Night Live I just had to have a listen.
Her performance was mumbly and extremely boring. So much hype for nothing. Sure she's pretty, but music isn't all about style, she needs some substance.
After watching the SNL disaster, I decided to have a listen to her single Video Games, to see if the performance was just a one-off flop.
It was a gentle song, carried by Del Rey's delicate whispery voice. Her voice is very much reminiscent of Hollywood singers gone by. Her look appeals to this too; a hark back to Hollywood glamour.
Video Games felt to me like a mediocre single at best. I wouldn't seek it out again, but I probably wouldn't turn the radio over if it came on. It felt to me like the kind of single that might creep into the bottom of the charts for a few weeks and disappear back into nothing-ness.
Maybe her album has more to it, but it's not my style. Her voice is delicate and deserves a certain style of song to tease it to it's best potential.
Lana Del Rey should have been allowed to rise to fame, rather than be pushed straight to the top, because there could be a big fall.

Del Rey. Image courtesy of this website

C x

LIVE REVIEW: Professor Green & Rizzle Kicks @ Liverpool Guild Of Students

Professor Green (real name Stephen Manderson) has worked his way up the music scene since debuting his music in 2006 on Mike Skinners music label The Beats. It’s well known that he has had a turbulent time in the last few years; his father committed suicide in 2008, and in 2009 he was attacked and stabbed in the neck, on his tattoo which reads ‘Lucky’.  Tonight he should feel lucky. The debut night of his ‘At Your Inconvenince’ Tour in Liverpool is sold out and the queue managed to snake down Mount Pleasant as far as the eye could see.
The large size of the queue and the slow speed at which people were let into the venue lead to Rizzle Kicks playing most of their set to a half empty room, not that they let that affect their performance. They bounced their way through new single ‘When I Was A Youngster’, while the audience settled in. Their performance was reminiscent of a young, modern Madness.  They were eager to please and talked to the audience, encouraging chants and screams. A ska cover of the White Stripes’ ‘Seven Nation Army’ added some gusto to the set, not that it needed it. Energy was high throughout their performance, and they ended with their hit debut single ‘Down With The Trumpets’. It was a fun and bouncy set. I don’t know if they have the staying power to last long, but at least they are having a lot of fun doing it.

Next on stage was DJ IQ, and hype man Felix Billion. They announced that it was Professor Green’s birthday, so a round of Happy Birthday was sang.

Professor Green’s band took to the stage, consisting of two guys on laptops, a drummer, guitarist and bassist and two backing vocalists, who took their places either side of the stage. The lights went low and Professor Green burst onto the stage to sing album title track ‘At Your Inconvenience’. The first part of the set compromised of five songs from his newly released album. There was a very rock ‘n’ roll vibe, which worked very well in contrast to his spitting vocals. The audience seemed to lose interest towards the end of this, but energy picked up when he announced he would perform some ‘older’ songs. The band bounced through hits ‘Need You Tonight’ and ‘Be Good To Green’, with his male and female vocalists filling in for Ed Drewet and Lily Allen respectively. 

The set continued with new material, which seemed to be quite a strong contrast compared to his old msongs. The vocal remained strong throughout from Professor Green and you could feel the raw emotion from him on songs such as ‘Forever Falling’.

Tempo picked up with guest appearances during ‘How Many Moons’ and remained high with ‘Monster’ which completed the set.

A humble Professor Green returned to the stage for an encore of ‘Jungle’ and ‘Avalon’, providing a perfect example of his range of musical talent, and hit single ‘Read All About It’ was met by deafening audience interaction.

Professor Green was a success. His music has evolved into a much more grown up sound, but his fans are loyal, and he’s not going anywhere just yet.

The Rasmus Announce New Single

I know I haven't posted in a long time, but I couldn't contain my excitement for this big piece of news.
My all time favourite band and Finnish rockers The Rasmus announced today that they will be releasing the longly anticipated new single 'I'm A Mess' on February 25.
That's all I know for now as the website they released the information on is in Finnish, but if anyone fancies having a look this is the website.
This could possibly make my 2012 amazing. Very excited to hear what kind of sound they've gone with for their 8th studio album, but I know I'll love it.
And before I start waffling on I'm going to sign off.
Expect to hear from me on February 25.

Lauri and Aki are happy about the announcement.
Courtesy of:  http://www.facebook.com/UudenMusiikinKilpailu   

näkemiin
C x

LIVE REVIEW: Electric Six & Support @ o2 Academy Liverpool

When I think of Electric Six I think of the song ‘Gay Bar’. I can image most people do. Or ‘Danger! High Voltage,’ which was undoubtedly their biggest UK single, reaching number 2 back in 2003. Since then, the hype around this strange rock band seems to have died down. I haven’t heard of any wacky, sexual songs since then. But when I heard they were playing in Liverpool I just couldn’t resist going to see them.


  I arrived at the o2 Academy wondering what to expect. The crowd was a mix of ages and subcultures and I’m sure I spotted a small child somewhere in the audience.


  I took my place at the side of the stage while two support bands managed to get very little enthusiasm from the audience. They’re Coming To Get You Barbara were first on stage. Their clumsy nerd rock failed to impress and the loudest cheer they got is when they left the stage. 


  Swound were next and were a lot better. They bounced on stage and made a lot of conversation with the audience, offering gifts of crisps in various packaging. The crowd warmed to their punk pop, which was reminiscent of 90’s American bands Nerf Herder and The Offspring, with shouts and bouncy riffs.


  Electric Six began with a very long classical song being played over the speakers. The band took to the stage looking extremely casual, and singer Dick Valentine had a glint of mischief in his eye. They looked like someone had thrown some hillbillies into a designer clothes shop and a jumble sale before placing them on stage. Despite the unusual appearance they were musically perfect. Electric Six very much have their own sound, but it’s not the kind of annoying samey rock as their first support band.


  Dick Valentine commanded the stage. He is known for his wacky character and he lived up to that tonight. He wore a Hawaiian shirt, a full grey suit and a metallic green cape. The layers quickly came off as the show progressed.


  Comedy was interlaced with shattering psychedelic music; Valentine delivering one liners and intricate stories before songs that he then danced to or performed press ups during. The crowd were drawn in by him; laughing away at him as if he was an Uncle at a Christmas party.


  The band remained professional and looked very relaxed and ‘rock n roll’. They were clearly very rehearsed and musically you could tell they were all experts in their field.


  Songs were played back to back. Classics such as ‘Gay Bar’, which was met by ear shattering audience interaction, alongside new tunes.


  Their tongue-in-cheek act went down a storm and it was nice to see a band who don’t take themselves too seriously, they just make brilliant rock ’n’ roll.

C x

LIVE REVIEW: Deaf Havana & Support @ The Masque Liverpool 20/10/11

Deaf Havana returned to the Masque for the first time following their sell out show in December 2010. After a successful tour in July this year the band are back to tour their new album’ Fools and Worthless Liars’ which will be released on November 7^th, following single ‘I’m a Bore, Mostly’ which was released October 11^th.

  The band brought Radio One favourites and fellow Southerners Lower Than Atlantis on tour with them.

  The Masque is packed as Lower Than Atlantis take to the stage. Two local bands kicked off proceedings tonight; Wallasey based We Were Beautiful and Pavilions, who seemed to get little interested from the crowd. Lower Than Atlantis manage to spark some enthusiasm from the audience when they finally take to the stage at 8.45, although it may have been the beer. Their Americanised brand of punk pop is easy on the ears and single ‘Beech Like The Tree’ goes down a storm. The highlight of their set was a cover of Foo Fighters’ ‘The Pretender’.

  The sound quality in the Masque tonight is muffled at best and drags down the feel of the evening.

  Deaf Havana struggle through a lengthy set, opening with crowd favourite ‘Friends Like These’. It is almost unrecognisable without the presence of Ryan Mellor’s vocals, after he left the band in 2010.

  James breaks up the set with a solo acoustic performance of ‘You Are Beautiful’, which was the highlight of Deaf Havana’s entire set. The simple nature of the song makes the most of the bad acoustics in the venue.

  A handful of new songs were played and the set ended with a surprisingly strong rendition of ‘Nicotine and Alcohol Saved My Life’, which the crowd sang most of.

  The tour continues on to Europe supporting Skindred.

                                                                Deaf Havana's James

OTHER PROJECTS: One Direction

I was asked to write an article about pop band One Direction for my University website.
You can read it here
I know it's not the type of music I'd usually write about but please have a read :)


C x

OLD: Blessthefall

 So as I explained in my first blog entry, I set this thing up so I could share some of the old work I had done, as well as sharing new stories and reviews.
  I thought today might be a good day to share this with you all.
  Next week I am going to see a band who are truly amazing live; Blessthefall. Their music is pulsating and ear bursting and thoroughly rock n roll. 
  I love post-hardcore music and I think Blessthefall are definitely one of the modern heavy weights of the genre.
  Since replacing their old singer and current Escape The Fate front man Craig Mabbitt with Beau Bokan the band has risen in popularity and their music has found a new lease of life. 
  The band has evolved and grown with the release of 2009's Witness. The band had another line up change, replacing Mike Frisby with Elliot Gruenberg on guitar, and have released a new album this month, Awakening.  
  They are currently on tour in Europe with Pierce The Veil and Motionless In White and are doing six UK dates, starting in London on the 15th.
  Here are some pictures from their last UK tour. Taken by me on my Finepix S1000. 
  Blessthefall, 9th October 2010, Manchester Academy.

 Mike Frisby

Jared Warth: Bass and screams 

Jared Warth 

Vocalist Beau Bokan 

Blessthefall 

 Mike Frisby, ex-guitarist

 Beau Bokan

 Mike Frisby

Beau performs in Manchester 

Beau climbs into the crowd

C x

VOICE: Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens

Ok so I was planning on making a blog entry about Kellin anyway, but then I ended up finding some videos of him beat boxing and I had to write this; it inspired me.
 Kellin Quinn is the vocalist from Sleeping With Sirens. His voice has such a large range for a 'rock singer'. I would describe his band as post-hardcore, although there are a lot of different elements within their music.
  He has a very melodic voice, but he can also scream. Kellin's voice ranges from the highest notes to deep growls, and now I've found out he can beat box.
  Quite often the case with bands is each person is good in their field and collectively they make good music. Vocals in bands are less important, although I've noticed this is dieing out more recently. Kellin breaks the mold in this way as he has such a voice any solo artist would envy.
  Recently I saw Sleeping With Sirens perform live. Before the show I could hear him doing vocal warm ups and the range in voice really is incredible, as you can hear in this song (also below).

  'Who Are You Now' showcases the high end of his vocal range. The album, however, allows him to show off on every level.
  He is a very interesting artist to watch when he is performing too, as you can tell he is putting his all into a performance, just from his facial expressions and the way he contorts his body and face. It is pure passion.
  So, if any of you are reading this and thinking you've never heard of this band I'd advise you check them out.
  Sleeping With Sirens have just released their second studio album on Rise Records. A review will follow shortly.


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My Passion turn blonde for upcoming tour

My Passion have always been known for their mix of unusual gothic/punk style, but now are opting for a lighter image. Over the past few years band members have become blonder. The most significant change is that Simon Rowlands' once jet black hair is now silver. Take a look here for new pictures of the band.


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Korn inject a bit of Dub

Korn have never particularly appealed to me, but I found it intriguing when I found out they were to release a dub step album. Seeing them as more of an alternative metal band I wondered if it truly could work as a concept. 
  On Friday, NME tweeted about the release of the new video of the single, 'Get Up'. You can watch it here. 
  I think it shows the band evolving and moving along with what the music industry is turning into. Dubstep is the newest trend and it would be a little stupid if a band didn't go with the movement. I don't feel that it is a sign of the band selling out. 'Get Up' is not dubstep in the strongest sense, it's still Korn, with a thorough dose of 'dub'. Unsurprisingly, the track was produced by 'dub-master' and ex-From First To Last singer Skrillex (Sonny Moore). 
  I can imagine this song being quite a success amongst fans. Let me know what you think


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LIVE REVIEW: A Skylit Drive & Support @ Manchester Club Academy 28/09/11

A Skylit Drive, I Set My Friends On Fire, Woe Is Me & Sleeping With Sirens
Manchester Club Academy
28th September 2011


A young crowd have gathered in the sun for tonight's show and there is a buzz of teenage arrogance and enthusiasm in the air. Sleeping With Sirens open the show. They perform a short but memorable set, opening with melodic but strong 'If You Can't Hang' and crowd favourite 'If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn'. SWS's sound converts extremely well from record to live performance. Woe Is Me follow suit with a passionate performance. New singer, Hance, is dressed like Plan B tonight and seems hesitant to get involved, but has potential to be a new Chester Bennington. They are tonight's clear favourite with the crowd. A strong chant of 'Woe Is Me' echoes through the venue whilst the next band set up on stage. The crowd halves, as I Set My Friends On Fire turn the amps up to eleven. The aggressive performance leaves spectators longing for A Skylit Drive to take to the stage. There is not a lot of build up between bands and A Skylit Drive bounce onto the stage to the surprise of audience members. Tonight's sound is tinny and vocals muffled, not that it matters as the crowd chant every word back at them. Jag's gentle vocal is outshone by Brian's screams tonight, but the fans are so engrossed in the performance they seem not to care. It has to be said that this may not have been the case in a different venue. Songs roll out with ease and A Skylit Drive seem to be enjoying themselves. 'Too Little Too Late' causes a stir and is clearly a popular choice. They happily deliver a short encore including 'Wires ... And The Concept Of Breathing', and by the reaction from the room they could have stayed on stage all night.

                                           A Skylit Drive's Jag

                                                     Corey La Quay works up a sweat

                                                      A Skylit Drive work the crowd

                                                      Corey La Quay

                                                      Sleeping With Sirens' Kellin Quinn

                                                      Woe Is Me's new vocalist Hance Alligood


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