Author Archives: Olivia

SEXTILE: Soup Kitchen, Manchester. 16/09/2018.

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If you ever wondered what Suicide and Cold Cave would sound like if they launched head first into each other, they would sound like Sextile. I’ve been a HUGE fan of the band for quite some time now, and last night I finally got to see their live show. When I lived in London, my two favourite venues were The Old Blue Last and The Shacklewell Arms. Now I’m in Manchester, I wondered if I would find a venue that could have the same dark, basement feel. Soup Kitchen was the host of the show last night, and my god it is just the perfect venue for a band like Sextile. If I was in a band, this is where I would want to play. Over the past three years I wondered what their show would be like, and last night just exceeded every single expectation I had.

One of the many things that I loved about the show was how Brady commands the stage without even having to engage in pointless talk between songs. He has this way about him that just makes you walk closer towards the stage and really listen. He’s like a preacher with the way he is on stage. He’s got this wonderful presence about him that makes you wish you could see this band every night. Melissa is one of the best drummers you’ll ever see. She’s got a Bobby Gillespie sound going on (think Psychocandy) and as she stands towering over her drum kit hitting the drum skins with such passion without breaking a sweat is just amazing. She’s effortlessly cool. Apologies for my ignorance, but I cannot remember the name of the guitarist- all I know is that she was brilliant, and during the second to last song she joined Melissa on the drums and they both had this tribal-like sound going on.

Friday saw the band release the EP titled, 3. I’ll be writing about that soon but for now let’s stick with the show. They played most of the EP, and it was so great to hear it live. I’ve been playing 3 on my journey to and from work on Friday, and I loved the grittiness of it. I love how they have a Gang Of Four sound going on mixed with The Vacant Lots. The band may be from L.A but they definitely sound like a band that have been roaming the alleyways of Berlin during a harsh winter. They absolutely ripped through the song, Paradox last night and it was definitely one of the songs that made the crowd go nuts.

I’ve always said that Manchester crowds are the best, and last night’s show was a prime example of this. The crowd was made up of people just having the best time dance so care free to a band that they love. The atmosphere was brilliant, and who cares that the show didn’t sell out. It’s better to have the right amount of fans there who love the band rather than a group of drunk idiots stumble in and be obnoxious. Sextile are equally captivating on stage as they are on record. The venue was perfect for as band like this. You felt like you had fallen into the hands of a cult as soon as they stepped on stage. I loved when they performed Drop You (it’s my current favourite from the new EP) but to be honest, they could have just performed a whole bunch of nonsense and I would have loved it. I just love this band so much. I think this might have been only their second time playing the UK and since then, their line-up has changed but regardless of band members- Sextile are just fantastic.

When they performed, Who Killed Six, that’s when it really kicked in how much I loved the show and wish it could have lasted forever. I LOVE this song so much and it’s my favourite off Albeit Living. Its song that I love playing ridiculously loud, and to witness it live was just nothing short of perfect for me. I’ve not been to many shows this year, but this is the one I’ll be holding very dear to me.

If you ever have the opportunity to see Sextile live, GO.

THE EYEBERRIES.

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With lyrics being a huge part of why I end loving most of the bands I’m into, writing about The Eyeberries should be tough for me as there is virtually no singing. I can do it though, the music is too good to pass up on.

The Eyeberries are a Horror Rock/Garage Rock band from Russia. Their music sounds like The Cramps on speed mixed with several tequillas. It is a massively big sound that I really can’t enough of. I love how the instrumental songs can really let you create your own ideas of what is going on. Maybe you’ve come to face with a monster, maybe you’re having a dance-off in some weird bar or maybe you’re just doing nothing. You can do absolutely anything to their music, and their music takes you everywhere. I love this sound so much- it just makes me wish I had even a hint of musical talent.

I thought I’d miss hearing someone sing, but I don’t. I love how it just speaks for itself. Maybe hearing a voice or two over these super slick songs would just ruin it. The Eyeberries are such a joy to listen to.Take the song, Stampede for instance. Listening to it, you can’t imagine what they could sing about- the music alone feels like a stampede. Like a heard of us Punks coming for you.

They’ve got a fair amount of songs to really sink your teeth into. At the moment I’ve got their demos on repeat. I have no idea how you could class them as demos- they are far too good to not be the finished product. There is something really special about this band, and you easily sense it with your first listen. I adore how they are influenced by the bands I am obsessed with. We all know that The Cramps are probably the greatest band of all time, right? The Eyeberries take that eeriness that The Cramps had and construct this mind-blowing world that just makes you feel like someone slipped something in your drink.

The Eyeberries give you this awesome woozy feeling when you listen to them. They just make you want to have a really good time when you listen to them. Part of their songs feel like a trip to the beach, the other part feels like a Halloween party gone too far. It makes you feel as if Vincent Price is lurking behind a door just ready to attack. I’m intrigued as to how their live shows play out. I guess being able to see their expressions as they totally obliterate their instruments would make the songs truly come to life.

They’ve got a wealth of songs that just give you that comforting Surfer Rock feel. As you watch the waves crash and swallow up whoever dares to go near them, as the evening moon settles deep onto the water sparkling like tiny jewels. The Eyeberries are one of the best bands I’ve heard in this genre, but I have no idea what this is. Basically, The Eyeberries are one of the best bands I’ve ever heard. It’s like The Cramps bent over The Beach Boys and created something no one has dared to do before. I love them. I love their sound and how they just immediately have this hold on you within seconds of listening to them.

I have no information to give you about this remarkable band. I have no idea how many are in the band, who they are or any other trivial information. However, what I can tell you, is that they will blow your mind. They’ll make you dance in ways you never thought you could. They’ll transport you back in time then lob you right into the future. They are just such a fantastic band to listen to.

With more and more grey skies looming, they just make it feel like summer forever. Blast out their hits and have yourself a real cool time. You deserve it.

GŪTARA KYŌ.

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What do you know about Punk from Japan? You probably know more than I do. It’s not difficult. If you’ve never heard of Kobe’s finest, GŪTARA KYŌ- then prepare to get schooled.

Punk can be whatever you want it to be, right? Except for Pop-Punk- that shit needs to disappear forever. GŪTARA KYŌ are a bunch of noisy pals who’ll make you want to scream back every word at them until blood falls from you- no idea where from, I’ve not though it through. They’re the kind of band you play to impress someone, if you work like that. I’m not, but I could imagine some snotty kid going, “Yeah well… have you heard THIS!” and breaking out into some GŪTARA KYŌ. How cool would that be.

The band is loud, but not in an overbearing way. Their songs just have to be heard. It doesn’t matter where you are, just play their music as loud as possible. I know nothing about them, but I know that they are one of the most exciting and different bands I’ve ever listened to. They have this proper sleazy sound going on, and it’s really prominent in their song, Romantic. Maybe romance and sleaze go hand in hand. You’ll probably need a nap after listening to this band- their noise will tire you out, but in a good way. I always want a nap, mind. So I’m probably the worst person to listen to.

I love how they can take a classical Rock ‘n’ Roll sound, and just turn it into something so out there and way beyond anything you’ve ever heard before. The reverb is there to deafen you, then it goes right through you like an electric shock and you cannot keep away. Go is the song that definitely expresses this the most. I think that’s the song you need to make yourself listen to the loudest. The drums are the backbone of this song, and the guitar sounds like someone is being chased. The drums are a weapon smacking you across the head until you give in, and love this band.

I don’t think anyone could be prepared for their live shows. I can’t begin to even put down how I think it would go. I’m pretty sure the place would get trashed and people would leave covered in god knows what. The songs are so good. They’re not that long at all, but what they do in the short amount of time you have to get yourself acquainted with them is mind-blowing. They’ll just make you feel like no other band has. I love how loud they are, I love how utterly fearless they are and how they are obviously out to hunt down us all. It’s such a joy to find a band like this who are probably oblivious to how amazing they are. The way they play is delivered with such urgency. You feel the band are possessed by their music, and that just feeds right in to the listener. The songs will stay with you, and seep right into you. As if you would have it any other way.

I know nothing at all about this band, but I do know that they are probably one of the best bands I’ll ever write about. Again, I want you to play their songs as loud as you can- then go a bit louder. Take in the reverb, take in the fury, take in the ferocious sounds and just go apeshit.

BRAD POT.

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Here’s a band to properly smack you in the face- Brad Pot. They come from Melbourne, and they are loud. Insanely loud. A proper treat for the ears.

They make you want to throw your furniture out of the window, smash up some cars and be a nuisance.  There’s other ways you can do this that doesn’t result in getting a criminal record, of course. Just depends how far you are willing to go.

Brad Pot are a band that are ruthless with their sound and lyrics. They aren’t a band to make you want to change the world and protest- you don’t always need that. What they do is just cut out all the bullshit in the world, and make something you can just lose your mind to. Sometimes you just need to listen to something that just frees your mind, which then causes your limbs to work in an OTT fashion.

Brad Pot are the saviours we desperately needed, and will always need. They are so effortlessly brilliant. They just have this way of making you want to cause a load of trouble, and deny it all.

Something I adore about them is their way of giving off this real DIY sound. They are a band who do not care for overproduced and hyped up nonsense- everything they are is on their terms. They aren’t hear to impress anyone or whatever; they are doing this because they naturally can. I honestly cannot think of a band past or present that I could link them to. They’re a Garage Rock/Punk band, but genres are just pointless for a band like Brad Pot. They have a really rugged sound that is just meant to be heard as loud as possible. I’ve got them on as loud as I can on my dinner break at work. Their glorious sounds are sailing through my ears and making me annoyingly tap on my desk occasionally. I love these guys, and I just want to do nothing but listen to them.

I love that Brad Pot are basically sticking a middle finger up to all that is expected from bands and how they don’t care for what you think about them. I love how they can easily burst your eardrums within seconds but have you coming back for more. I love it when a band does this. I’ve not felt it often, but Brad Pot do it in a way that you cannot help but respect and basically, idolise.

Brad Pot are the kind of band you’d play at a house party- all through the night. Their songs are the soundtrack to any and everything. They make you want to trash stuff, they make you want to laze about at home and they make you want to wander around aimlessly for hours listening to them, and soaking up everything around you. Their songs ARE for the faint-hearted because they’ll just kick-start you right up. They are this brilliant ball of explosive energy that just makes you wish you could see their shows every night. Imagine that! Imagine just how wild their live shows are!

The band is a wonderfully hyperactive and chaotic musical explosion, and with one listen- you’re just totally hooked. Their music is an absolute pleasure to listen to, and I can’t wait to hear more from them. And I hope they only get louder and louder.

THE DIRTIEST.

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If the Ramones sung in Italian, or were Italian they would sound like The Dirtiest. These 3 buddies are one of the most exciting bands from Italy, and it just makes me so proud to be Italian when I hear exceptional bands like this.

Their songs are the definition of Punk and just have this, and I hate using the word, “gnarly” sound. It’s completely rugged and brutal. It just makes you want to throw things around and break stuff. Throw a tantrum and body slam into a wall. They just absolutely take you over with their brilliant songs.

The Dirtiest make songs that sound like the drunken aftermath of a party that went too far. They have this loud and fuzzy sound that just brings this out in such a massive way. I think it’s the most obvious on the song, Centro Shot which has the awesome chant, “Grappa hey!” If you’ve ever smelt let alone tasted grappa, you’ll know how brutal it is. It smells like paint stripper and will probably burn your insides as it drips down painfully. However, if you have more than one shot of it, you probably won’t feel this at all. It’ll just feel like a warm cuddle inside, perhaps. I hate the stuff.

I love that their songs feel like a kick in the kisser. They have this sound that produces a riot in your ears and just makes you want to unleash it as ferociously as you can, without hurting anyone of course. They aren’t afraid to be exceptionally loud on this EP, and in general. They are definitely one of the best Punk bands I’ve heard in a long time. If you love the Ramones and Dead Boys- then you’ll fall in love with The Dirtiest. 100 Shots! is their first release where all the songs are sung in Italian, and irrespective of if you understand what’s going on or not- it’s pretty easy to hear that this band are nothing short of exceptional, and sure know how to just obliterate your soul as you listen to them.

With their new EP, it is obvious that The Dirtiest have gotten more rebellious and more dirty with their sound. The record is incredible, and it’s just made up of songs you cannot get enough of. It sounds like a drunken brawl, and it’s such an addictive sound. Their first release has a more relaxed sound, but don’t be fooled- that rough, Punk sound is still there. They take the whole concept of Punk and just give you this delightful trashy sound that you cannot get enough of. I keep going back and forth with their songs, but I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite. Under The Glare is a real snotty number, and I love it. The first release is solid. The songs have a more fuzzy/reverb sound to them, and over time they have become louder and utterly fearless with how they sound.

I love that they mixed that early sound found in The Jesus And Mary Chain and the Ramones and just make something that is just so incredible. All you can do is helplessly play their music loud and scream a long with them. You just know that from their records that they are probably one of the most exciting bands you’ll see live- given the chance.

If you’re looking for a band to rip through your eardrums and delve right into your soul- do yourself a favour and listen to The Dirtiest. Loud.

EMILY BREEZE: Rituals.

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A few years ago I wrote about a band called Candy Darling. I was in love with their dark and sordid sound. The band ended, and I wasn’t sure if I’d hear Emily Breeze’s beautiful voice ever again. Fortunately, I never have to think about that again. She never left, so I can’t say she’s back. We have new music from her, and if you’re ever wondering what Nick Cave would sound like if he was from Bristol- look no further.

Her single, Rituals, will be out next month and I am going to tell you just why you need to buy it when it comes out. I’m going to try put into words why she, along with Anna Calvi have (are about to) put out two of the best records you’ll hear this year.

I love music that sounds quite eerie and tests everything else that I’ve ever heard. I love musicians that just never stay with one sound. As I listen to Emily, one voice sticks in my mind- Shirley Manson. I’m very precious about comparing anyone to Shirley Manson. She’s my all-time heroine and absolute role model. Her voice has this power and fragility to it. Her voice is so dominant but meek when needed. I’ve never really heard many voices like hers. The only other voice I can hold this highly is Colette Thurlow’s voice (TwoFiftyFour) and now, Emily’s. Her voice reminds me so much of early Garbage songs- think Milk mixed with Queer. Those two songs show Shirley’s voice in a way that just hits you right in the gut- Emily does this also. Her debut record is just amazing. I feel it will be one I constantly go back to and use as roadmap of my mind. The lyrics are divine, the vocals are perfect and the production is out of this world.

I absolutely adore the song, Work. It is this dreamy journey into everything and anything you could possibly imagine. Its real life, but you also feel like you are dreaming. The way she sings, “Dead inside” is so hypnotising. Anyone would just take this as a negative, but Emily makes it sound like the most beautiful thing in the world. It’s a record that you cannot help but worship. It’s a religious experience almost listening to this. She’s already preaching to the converted here, but it is still one of the most magnetising records I have ever heard. I feel like I am walking up and down dingy alleyways in Paris during a misty, rainy evening when I listen to this record. There is something so poetic and romantic about this record. It just oozes everything I love about music, songwriters and poetry. It isn’t just a singer and her words- it is straight up poetry. Her words are so easy to get lost in, and the music puts you in this trance that you don’t want to ever snap out of.

I firmly believe that music should be a form of comfort, escapism and should make you feel less alone, and less fearful of what’s around you. Emily has made a record that does all of this. At times you are on edge, just because you do not expect what she is going to do next. With a voice this beautiful, and this powerful-anything is powerful. She creates this haunting world with her music, and you never want to leave it. You want to stay there and see the world how she does. Heaven’s Gate is a prime example of this. I mean the way she sings, “Drink the Kool-Aid” would sway anyone to get all Jonestown. The way she sounds so menacing but loving is brilliant. It’s a cult-like song, obviously.

It’s a real seductive and captivating record that honestly, you can’t get enough of. You listen to it once, and it just has hold of you. It grips you in this way that makes you want it to never let you go. The whole record sounds like a soundtrack to a film about a serial killer. Everyday A New Line is definitely one of the songs that really give this feeling off, especially the spoken word parts. It’s cinematic record that deserves as much attention as possible. It most certainly sounds like it is made for a film.

The record ends on the wonderfully titled, Love Song For Aileen Wuornos. It’s brutal, it’ll make you think and it is the perfect ending to this masterpiece of a record. If you’re looking for a song that’ll scare you shitless but also have this hold on you- then this is the one. It is an exceptional song that is so twisted and so clever. I love how she’s written this, and if you know anything about Aileen, you’ll probably appreciate just how well Emily has written this and the way she sings this song, my god it’ll cover you in goose bumps and freak you out. As hard as it is to pick a favourite song off this record, this is definitely my favourite lyrically. The way she’s done this is just amazing. Yes some may declare it as being twisted, but for me, it just shows how effortlessly gifted Emily is as a singer and as a writer.

The Queen of Bristol is a month away from releasing something that’ll terrify you, it’ll make your mind work, you may never sleep easily again after hearing this record and it’ll make you go on this spooky journey with her. It’s a brilliant record; it’s a real work of art and you can really pick up on the sheer love, passion, devotion and hard work that has gone into this record by everyone involved. On this record you will hear the best musicians around from Bristol- that alone makes it a phenomenal record. It’s a real seductive record that aims to scare and lure you in, but to what? Well, that’s all on you.

PURPLE HEART PARADE: Lonestar EP.

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If two bands I idolise collided and created a record together, it would sound like the new Purple Heart Parade record, Lonestar. They sound like The Stone Roses and Beach House all in one. Although my biggest love is Punk, hearing something this laid back and nothing short of ethereal is just beautiful. I’m going to do my best to explain why this is such a gorgeous record, and what makes it so wonderful.

Manchester is home to some of the best music that this country has produced. There’s this underlying sound within Manchester bands that give them this distinctive style. It’s something no other city could ever replicate, even though I am sure they try. I don’t blame them. In March this year, I finally got my shit together and moved to Manchester after waiting for a hell of a long time. Being able to call this beautiful city home makes me so happy. Listening to bands that come from this city is just as great. What Purple Heart Parade have done with this record is create the most daring and atmospheric record of the year. It just makes you feel really good. We all need something to take us away from real life for a bit, and Purple Heart Parade take you on this euphoric journey into another dimension. Everything you want is there, and more.

Lonestar is made up of four songs. Four songs that will rip right through you. Four songs that’ll make you feel ten feet tall. Four songs that will feel like a massive bear hug. It’s such a gentle and soothing record. I want to talk about the song, Butterfly House quickly. This song is just over six minutes long, and it is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. When I listen to this, I feel just like I did when I first heard Beach House many years ago. There’s this glow to this  song that just makes you so happy. The instrumental moments on this record in general just make you realise that everyone in this band is a genius, easily. Everything about this band is effortlessly cool and so slick.

The most important song of all on this record is Mission Hills. The bands explanation of the song puts it perfectly: “The song is about emotional distance in a relationship but also the loss of a close friend, a victim of the tragic Manchester Arena attack. The band don’t just capture the sound of their hometown but also carry a part of it with them in a very personal way.” I don’t know of anyone who lives here that doesn’t think of the Arena attack every day. It’s always at the back of my mind, some days it’s right at the front. It is such a stunning song, and although it oozes sadness you feel like you are watching a bunch of shooting stars soar right across the night sky as if they are sending you secret messages. You can take what you wish from it. It’s such an important song, and as I listen to it I can feel a lump forming in my throat. It’s just such a delicate and beautiful song. It may make you sad to listen to it, but my god it is a work of art.

Lonestar and The Room make you feel like you have fallen into a deep slumber. Everything around you feels like a dream. You have no worries and no fears. All is okay. There is a heavy feel of reassurance in this record that makes you feel okay, like it’s all going to be okay. It is such an emotional record, and Peter’s vocals are so relaxing. Purple Heart Parade just make you feel at ease with all that’s around you. For a band to give you this much comfort is a thing to treasure. It’s obvious that Purple Heart Parade are one of the best bands around. They’re the Kings of Manchester, that much is clear too.

My praise for this record isn’t enough, so please go out and buy it- and listen to it religiously.

#Bemoremartyn.

 

GARBAGE: 20 Years Paranoid Tour. 9th September 2018. Manchester Academy.

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There are some experiences in life that can never be replicated. There are some moments where words do not do what you have been through justice. Last night I saw Garbage perform a record in full that came out 20 years ago. This is the record that saved my life. This isn’t an exaggeration; it’s the truth. Music has, and always will be my crutch but Version 2.0 helped me in ways, and still helps me in ways nothing else has. Or could.

This isn’t a typical review of a show. This wasn’t just me going to see a band play live. This was something else. This was an outer-body experience. It was part healing, part saving, part something that I do not know how to put into words.

There were a few songs I knew would break me. I tried listening to one in particular a few days before the show and I couldn’t make it through. How was I going to cope seeing it live? As soon as the opening notes to Medication kicked in, I suddenly wished I was on a higher dose of sertraline. My mind and body couldn’t really come together to fathom what I was experiencing. The brutal truth; Medication got me through being bullied all through secondary school, it got me through the years and years of self-loathing and what comes with it. Just read the lyrics, it’s fairly obvious how I coped. Do I regret it? No. Am I ashamed? Not at all. We all cope differently. So when I heard this song last night, I went back to the days of feeling like I did then. But something happened- it wasn’t just tears of sadness. They were tears of relief knowing that I don’t have to carry that feeling around ever again. Sure I have to face depression and anxiety every day- but certain feelings aren’t there no more.

A moment that truly stood out was Shirley crying at the response we gave the band. But, what else could they expect? People that were there last night were people who idolise the band, who have had their lives saved by them, who use the strength in the band make it theirs. Last night’s show was the best show I’ve ever been to- the main reason being what the record means to me. However, the reaction from everyone was just so beautiful, and totally backs up my theory that crowds in Manchester are just the best.

I loved when Shirley went into Personal Jesus during Wicked Ways. It went perfectly, and was something I just wanted to last forever. I also loved Dreams by Fleetwood Mac being sung by Shirley towards the end of You Look So Fine. That song has always made me cry for reasons I’ll never understand, and to hear Shirley sing You Look So Fine and expose just how vulnerable the song is was just something else. Push It sent everyone nuts- it was incredible. I was stood right at the back, but to see everyone go off for this song was so beautiful. The crowd was made up of every background you can imagine, and it was just a beautiful sea of people coming together to see the band that they adore. There is no better feeling.

Every B-side was played, and my personal favourite was Solider Through This. It’s been a song I have loved since I heard it years and years ago. I loved the fragility in it. I loved Shirley’s speech before she went into it. She said relationships shouldn’t be difficult, that they should be easy. I truly felt that- I was stood next to my girlfriend, my best friend as she said this. There was no one else I’d want to see my favourite band with, and allow them to see me ugly cry like that. Although a difficult song for her to sing live (the lyrics justify why) Shirley’s voice on this was one of my favourite moments of the show. Shirley’s voice at this show was nothing short of mind-blowing. I have never heard anyone sound so tough and powerful. There’s a note in this song near the end that she totally annihilates and every single part of me is covered in goose bumps. She does this numerous of times throughout the show, and I think it’s us, the crowd that make her sound louder than she ever has. I was just in awe of her voice and how Butch, Eric, Duke and Steve play with this energy that puts newer bands to shame.

The Trick Is To Keep Breathing was the song that made me cry the most. I’ve never ever cried like that at a show before, and I never will again-unless it’s seeing this song. This song was my lifeline for so long, and it still is. It’s my go to song when everything is too much or when I just need some form of reassurance. I used to repeat the chorus in my head as I walked the corridors at school and had this feeling in my stomach knowing what I was about to face. This song got me through it, and I am forever in debt to Garbage for this song.

When you go to a Garbage show, you are enamoured by all of them. You focus on Shirley stalking the stage like a hungry panther, Butch makes you wish you could play the drums, Duke is the coolest person on the planet, Steve has this laid-back stance but you know he is playing with everything he’s got and Eric drives the band on. I’ve never seen such a perfect bunch of musicians like this before. They fit together. Their bond is just so beautiful.

Excuse the pun, but it was such a special show. Every song made me feel like I was going back 20 years ago to hear this record for the first time all over again. I loved that there were little kids at the show wearing massive headphones-imagine that being your first show you ever go to! Those kids have cool families. I love how this show just brought so many people together all for the same reason. I loved hearing The World Is Not Enough,  Dumb and their cover of Can’t Seem To Make You Mine. Temptation Waits blew my mind a stupid amount! I wanted the show to keep going forever. In my head, it still is. I’m emotionally exhausted from it and I’ve had about 5 hours sleep. I feel like I am still at the show. I want to always stay in that moment.

The show ended perfectly on their cover of Starman. That song has always made me cry (what doesn’t… I know!) and to hear them sing this song, it kind of felt like the band were saying “Stay weird and don’t let anyone take it from you. Ever.” Just like Bowie always did. The way Shirley sings this makes you realise she has definitely studied his performances, and she did the song justice. They all did. They made this song theirs but in a way, you knew it was a tribute and it was so perfectly done.

I never thought I’d see/hear the songs live that saved my life. I never thought I’d experience it. It meant more to me than these words I’ve written can express. If on the off-chance they read this- thank you. You helped this kid deal with more than they could carry, and make it to adulthood.

SKEGSS: My Own Mess.

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Finally, we have the debut record by Skegss. My Own Mess is a brilliant record, and I’m going to do my best to explain why this is one of the finest records you will hear all year.

As I write this, I can see grey rain clouds take over the Manchester skies but Skegss make me feel like I am elsewhere. I feel like I’m on some beach shutting the world off to these songs that are full of the things that sometimes make my mind work overtime. Infinity is one of the best songs on the record, especially the lyrics but truth be told- you can’t pick just one song here. It’s impossible.

This is a record that has surpassed any expectations anyone could have. It honestly doesn’t sound like a debut record; I feel like I am listening to a band I have been listening to for decades or something insane. They have blown my mind on this record, and it is nothing short of a joy to listen to. There are 15 songs on My Own Mess, and because I love this band so much-I want more songs. But what they’ve given us on this record is so great. It is unlike anything else you’ll hear this year or for a long time. It’s one of those records that will just stay with you. When you listen to it in years to come, it’ll make you feel like you did when you first heard it. It holds that much power in it, and I really hope they are proud of what they have done here because it is just remarkable.

Skegss make you make sense of carrying around a bunch of feelings that just make you feel jaded, and wanting to just escape for a while. They are just the ideal band to listen to and let the world be out of your sights for a little bit. They have this gorgeous comforting sound that isn’t always found in bands that make this kind of music. Usually the bands I listen to that have a similar sound just make me want to throw a bunch of stuff around. Skegss are different. Completely different. They just make me want to shut the world off and do whatever the hell I want for a little while. I love the song Paradise; it’s such a gentle song that I hope they put in their live setlist.

Something I really love about this record is that you cannot pick one band that they sound like or who has influenced them. It’s just so different. I mean sure they are a band I would gravitate towards anyway, but there is something about Skegss that is really unlike any other. This is a record to be fully enjoyed. At first, listen to it on your own and soak this record in. Take on board every lyric, fall in love with every element of this beautiful record. Then play it to those you trust will love this record too. Then, play it super loud so everyone on your street can hear. The song, Margarita is one you should definitely play the loudest and you know, maybe take their advice and have one.

My Own Mess is such an enjoyable record and just a real pleasure to listen to. It’s a fun record, and it just makes you feel totally relaxed, even if you find yourself identifying with a lot of the songs/lyrics- it’s totally fine because Skegss just make you feel at ease. I think this is definitely going to be one of my most listened to records for a hell of a long time. It’s just a glorious piece of art. The song Stop makes me wish I could skate; I’d have this song playing as I rip through the streets carefree as fast as possible. Oh, and Midnight Eyes has now just become my favourite. I’m in love with this song for sure.

Skegss are going on a pretty big tour in support of this record over the next few months. Come out and watch them, and let them just blow whatever is left of your mind.

My Own Mess is out RIGHT NOW via Ratbag Records!

ANNA CALVI: Ghost Rider (Suicide cover.)

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This is something I should have written ages ago but you know, better late than never. If you’ve ever read any of what I’ve written, you’ll have seen a lot about Anna CalvI. There are so many reasons as to why I pretty much idolise her- the main one being how she is just effortlessly cool. However, another reason is that covered a song I really love by one of the greatest bands of all time.

A while ago Anna covered Ghost Rider by Suicide. If you’ve heard the original, you’ll know just how brilliant it is. It’s this ferocious song that just rips right through you like a motorbike zig zagging on the road. Swerving in an out of traffic. Flirting with danger. How could anyone ever cover this song? How could anyone cover this song and still make it as amazing as the original? Could anyone? Of course. Anna Calvi’s cover of Ghost Rider is this wild and raw version of a song that, you never thought anyone could ever take on. You didn’t think anyone could take this song on. Alan Vega and Martin Rev made music that was so out there, so ahead of its time and so gritty. What has Anna done with this song? Pull up a chair. Here we go.

Her recorded version of this is around the 2.40 mark. There’s a live clip that I’ve obsessed over today that’s about 6 minutes. Irrespective of the duration, Anna makes this song sound like someone coming for your soul. The heart is throwaway here. The soul is what she wants between her teeth with the remains of you dripping off her guitar. That’s the beautiful feeling that Anna gives you with her music, and my god she enhances this with her take on Ghost Rider. The way she uses her guitar as a machine gun on this song is insane. It makes me want to throw stuff, break stuff and just go bananas. The intro to this song has always been something that covers me in goose bumps, but Anna does it in a way that just makes you turn to jelly. Her voice is almost like a whisper, then she lets out those yelps that just grip you. I love how Anna and Colette from TwoFiftyFour both have vocals that can be really delicate then can be straight up loud and powerful in such a beautiful way. It reminds of Shirley Manson. These three have such distinctive vocals, and I’m pretty sure all three of them could take on a song by Suicide and turn it into a masterpiece all over again. I’d love to hear Shirley take on Dream Baby Dream and Colette take on Johnny. Imagine!

Suicide had this sound that just made them really standout, and to take on their songs you better be tough and fearless with it. Anna takes on Ghost Rider and makes you feel like Suicide have covered it. She makes it her own and turns it into this monster emerging from the depths of a lake or a forest, and will eventually rise to give chase. Suicide make it sound like a smutty New York alleyway encounter. If this doesn’t appeal to you, then why on earth not. I love music that has this unclean feel, and Suicide always gave me that. I loved how their music always made (and still does) me feel like nothing else has. It is unlike anything I’ve ever heard, and that’s why I adore Anna’s version of Ghost Rider. Time and time again she makes me feel like I’m finding her music for the first time. For a band or singer to have this ability is something we should never take for granted.

The way how Anna sings Ghost Rider is so different to how it was sang by Alan Vega. Alan’s vocals are quite clear and prominent. Anna takes the song, sings it softly but you can hear this urgent breathing coming out as she sings. It sounds like she is being chased as she sings this or maybe she’s the one doing the chasing. I’m going to go with the latter. It’s like she is running after someone, telling them this tale and every time those yelps come out of her and her guitar just turns into this electrifying force, you feel as if she has caught up with you and done whatever she wants with you. She rips you soul from within and takes over it by the end of the song. Her songs have always felt like a film to me, so cinematic and Suicide have always done this too, I feel. I can totally see why she took this song on. It’s like it was made for her to cover. She goes beyond doing the song justice. As someone who is pretty much obsessed with Suicide, I am utterly in awe of Anna’s cover of this incredible song. It was one of the first songs I heard by Suicide, so it holds a bit of sentimental value to me. To hear a singer I absolutely adore take on a song by a band I am forever in awe of, and make it their own. To make them take this song someplace else and make you forget it is a cover just blows my mind.

We live in a world now where Alan Vega is no longer with us, and it’s something that’s pretty hard to take in. When he died, the loss really hit me. When I listen to Anna’s cover of Ghost Rider it eases the loss and longing for a band that are no more because she just makes it something else. She turned it into her own masterpiece.