Soul Circus.

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So maybe a place cannot define a sound. Or maybe a sound can define a place. I’ll always stand by the North of England giving us the best music. I think this comes from my massive love for The Smiths/Morrissey. There will always be that North/Soul divide won’t there. It’ll never go away. I guess it’s a form of healthy competition. Take Yorkshire for example. Some really cool bands have come from there (my mum’s side of the family come from Yorkshire so I will be biased, not even sorry) such as Pulp, The Long Blondes, Arctic Monkeys, ¡Forward, Russia!, Bring Me The Horizon and now…..Soul Circus.

As long as a band are honest and create something I can relate to, there’s a huge chance I’ll love them. I’ve never understood the appeal of that whole “lad rock” scene. You know the kind. Bands like Oasis and the lead singer wears a football shirt, and drinks beer on stage. That’s not for me at all. Maybe because I’m a girl? But hey, gender should never be important when it comes to music.

Soul Circus are from Leeds. Burn The Map is out 14th May, and it is produced by Whiskas (he used to be in Forward Russia.) The video is awesome, as are their jackets. If you have a good jacket and good shoes-I’ll like you. And if you make really good music, I’ll like you. So I clearly do like Soul Circus. Even if they weren’t from Leeds I’d still have love for them.

They’ve shared the stage with the likes of The Subways and The Enemy, and they’ve also supported the charming Miles Kane. So it’s fair to say that Soul Circus are a big deal. If you don’t know, get to know. Their live shows are what has given them a name. Playing the likes of Isle Of Wight, Reading, Leeds. Whilst most decided to check out the “big names” those with a bit more wit about them opted for the bands that not many may have heard of, and probably witnessed how great Soul Circus are. They’re just a solid Rock band that deserve to be heard. They’re music is an aid to letting go and getting on with life. Sure it is hard at times, but what good does living in the past do? None. Because you aren’t living. GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER (Bridesmaids reference, I had to.) And listen to Soul Circus. Also..check them out at Live At Leeds on 5th May. There’s always something magical about seeing a band in their hometown.

Also, the single comes as a two CD double package thing with a free sweet. Even if you’re diabetic, you shouldn’t miss out on this (but maybe give the sweets to someone else..)

An ode to Riot Grrrl:”She’s a rocker dressed like a killer, she’s got lips like wine not sugar.”

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As much as Punk and Shoegaze mean to me, there’s always been another movement in music that has meant the world to me. A movement that I feel, was just as vital as Punk. A movement that has the same values as Punk, and is as equally as influential.

Punk basically started in New York. That’s the heart and soul of it. Fast forward a couple of decades in Olympia, Washington. Female fronted bands developed a DIY ethic (much like Punk) and were making their own sound. Creating their own movement that moved like a hurricane. So powerful and as I said, so important. Without this movement, where would we be? Thing is though, I feel most have forgotten about this movement. That now all women must do now to sell records is strip off and sing songs that mean nothing.

I don’t want to write this as a THIS IS WHAT RIOT GRRRL WAS. If you know, then you know. If you don’t, then get to know. Go listen to Heavens To Betsy, Sleater-Kinney etc. Go listen to them. They will show you what music truly is. Play with angst. Play with passion. For gods sake play with HEART. Have something to believe in, and carry it with you. Make some noise.

For me, Riot Grrrl was something entirely sacred. I explored the world of Riot Grrrl because I was a HUGE fan of Le Tigre. I went back and explored the past projects of Kathleen Hanna, which of course, led me to Bikini Kill. That was it. I was hooked. Transfixed. I was old enough (12 years old) to understand why people were mad at society. I was angry too. As a kid, I was constantly bullied all through secondary school. So music was my outlet. Music was the thing I turned to in order to gain some kind of sanity in my life. I needed something I could use that no one could take from me. All my hell and fury was coming out of the songs by Sleater-Kinney, Bratmobile and The Butchies. I felt part of something. I had no voice to unleash all of this, so music did it for me. Punk did it and Riot Grrrl did it. As did Garbage but you already know that.

I favoured Sleater-Kinney above all. I have no idea why, I just did. I connected immediately to their songs. I fell in love Carrie Brownstein. I wanted to be as tough as her so much. Instead, I was just a lost sensitive cause who had no idea what to do. Sleater-Kinney were more than just a Riot Grrrl band. And yes, I was beyond pissed off when they broke up in 2006. I’m not mentioning it. I live in false hope that one day..one day. I know it won’t, but still. You’ve got to cling onto something. I loved Sleater-Kinney because every word of despair that was falling out of the speakers and into my ears was providing me with hope, of sorts.

The whole Riot Grrrl movement helped me come out. For years and years I struggled with it- internally. Hating yourself because of who you are is not living. Thing is, my mum isn’t even homophobic so what was I scared of? So much. In time, as I listened to more and more Riot Grrrl songs with older ears- I found the courage to do it. Mainly because I found so much comfort and security in a band that stemmed from the Riot Grrrl movement-Gossip. Their debut record, That’s Not What I Heard had songs on it that I felt “Oh holy shit…” towards. Fast forward a few years and Standing In The Way Of Control dropped. I followed the band up and down the UK. I skipped lectures at Uni to see them anywhere and everywhere I could. I met them and I felt like..I don’t know. I can’t put it into words. So in 2008, I had the guts to come out. Sure I did it by text message to my mum, but I was in a different country. She likes to mock me for how I did it. Sometimes, the most daunting thing in life is really the easiest thing to confront.

Without being exposed to Riot Grrrl I don’t know what I would’ve done. I probably would’ve remained being an empty shell that never knew what she wanted to do with her life. In my last year of Uni, I did a module called Women In Journalism and I did a presentation on Riot Grrrl and fanzines. I’ll admit I fucked it up a bit. Mainly because I decided at last-minute I hated everything I wrote so I just did my presentation off the top of my head. Besides, it was an excuse to listen to some of the bands all over again and pass it off as “research.” Maybe I’ll go back to appreciating Riot Grrrl everyday when Beyond Pink but their new record out this year. Here’s hoping.

All too often the press will deem a woman as being a “bitch” if she is as honest as the likes of Shirley Manson to Brody Dalle to Courtney Love to Kathleen Hanna to Joan Jett. They fail to acknowledge that they are STRONG musicians and have influenced so many. Their words have tended to souls and saved lives. How does that make someone a bitch?! Sure a lot of angst was flying around, but it wasn’t angst that was like “MY JEANS DON’T FIT ME.” It was angst towards society and how they were (and still are) putting women down, ignoring topics such as rape and domestic violence. The whole Riot Grrrl movement was a platform for women from Washington and beyond to stand up and say “THIS ISN’T RIGHT, AND WE WON’T STAND FOR IT NO MORE.” It may be over in a music sense, but the struggle is still there. You’re shot down if you call yourself a Feminist and you are looked at as if you have 6 heads when you speak freely on taboo subjects such as rape. FUCK.THAT. You can try to shut them up all you want, but it won’t work. Music is more powerful than you can wrap your head around. I wish the Riot Grrrl movement would occur once more. We bloody need it.

Maybe we’ll never have a movement like this again, who knows. But I’ll be forever in debt to the bands involved. Not just for the music but for their words and courage. The zines they created and the music made showed that the whole DIY ethic is something you can never and should never compromise.

Never compromise your art and all you believe in. Ever.

Joey Ramone. 11 Years.

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I’ve idolised the Ramones ever since I can remember. I remember my Uncle playing them to me when I was 5 years old or something crazy. I was instantly drawn in towards Joey. I loved the way he was on stage. I loved the way he sometimes thrashed the mic stand about. He stood on the stage with purpose and cause. He was such a charismatic force that just left you in awe. When he died 11 years ago today, I was in bits. The feeling of losing one of your heroes is awful you know. It will happen to us all eventually. The Ramones own a piece of my heart that I can’t imagine giving a person. They were much-needed, and always will be. We’ll never have another band like them. We’ll never have a front-man like Joey Ramone. His long, messy hair. His ripped jeans. His beaten leather jacket. Someone once said to me, “You look like a lost member of the Ramones.” I enjoyed that a lot.

The Ramones were more than just a Punk band. Irreplaceable and forever loved. Each member that has passed, is forever missed.

So here’s to you Joey. Thank you. For everything.

Jesse Ruins.

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Until now, my favourite thing to have ever come from Japan (musically) was a band called BORIS. I’ve still got a hell of a lot of love for BORIS. I love how noisy and thrashy they are. So bold and so incredibly loud. On the flip side of loving music that is like this, I love music that is still dark (I love music that most would label as “songs to top yourself to.” Not because I’m morbid, far from it- I just think we need to go to the darkside more often.) I love music that is dark but is disguised heavily by synths and the like. I don’t enjoy music that is just synths alone. That’s just a cop-out. Have some guitars and drums layered on top of it, make it good.

This is why I’m probably fast falling in love with Jesse Ruins.

Jesse Ruins started up back in 2010 and they are Nobuyuki Sakuma and Nah.  Originally it was just Nobuyuki’s solo project but in 2011, Nah joined. I hate writing the background to bands- I just want to talk about the music. So…

The music is incredible. It is so good, I’m not entirely sure I want to listen to anything else right now. So they have that dark synth sound like my favourite, Cold Cave but they have delicate vocals that are so haunting. It will give your body goose-bumps. It will make you want to flail around for a bit. If you experience a comedown from this, just keep playing their music over and over to avoid such a draining feeling. I fully sympathise with you if you experience this. I’m going to avoid it by, for once, taking my own advice and just playing Jesse Ruins non stop for a while.

Jesse Ruins send you off into some kind of trance. A trance that can only be triggered by hearing something beautiful. You stick to your artificial means of finding euphoria, I’ll listen to music like this. It just sends you to some kind of place where all you see are flashing lights and angels dressed in battered leather jackets guiding you towards something you have never experienced before. I know this is all in my head, and has been conjured up by hearing something truly wonderful.

You can add Japan next to New York and L.A. for creating music that is just utterly mind-blowing. Not to mention inspiring. Jesse Ruins just give you this feeling, and give you this state of mind that you’ve never felt before. I’m so in awe of them. If you hear anything by them in a club- dance. But don’t dance how you are expected. Throw your limbs about as if you are possessed. Dance as if you are trying to get yourself from out of your body. I like it when people dance like that, but don’t be too drunk. Just take yourself to that place where only a band can take you. Because let’s face it, a person probably can’t. Not when there is music like this.

I really really love A Bookshelf Sinks Into The Sand. I’d say that for now, that’s probably my favourite track. I’m going to keep playing Jesse Ruins and imagine I am anywhere but where I am.

You can listen to their sounds at: http://jesseruins.bandcamp.com/

They are currently signed to the amazing Captured Tracks, and a full length record will be out real SOON.

Ghost Pal.

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Dear New York, Please stop toying with my emotions. You have been producing some of the best music ever since..god knows how long. I know you do not intend of stopping (please don’t ever) but please slow it down a bit because I really cannot keep up. I’m getting sluggish in my old age. I’m assuming 25 is old age, right? The media informs me I should be having surgery around my eyes right now. Piss off. I’ll grow old gracefully, like Patti Smith. New York, this right now is an ode to you. Just look at what you’ve done, and keep doing it. My ears would be bored without you. Without Ghost Pal.

Here we go.

I hate the word “sexy.” I’ve only used it to describe a couple of songs/bands. I’m 100% sure I’ve used it to describe my main love, Alison Mosshart. I’m not apologising for that. I’m going to throw that word about again. Ghost Pal’s cover of Don’t Stop’ til You Get Enough is SEXY. In the 90s most probably used R.Kelly (bet you wished you didn’t now huh?!) now? NOW? Now you’ve got to use Ghost Pal. I’m listening to their music, and I have to say that the collection of songs on Ghost Pal Two are incredibly sexy. It is like a huge party in your ears. It is so bloody soulful. So soulful. It makes you want to unleash those moves that you save for best.

There are so many members of Ghost Pal. Past and present. It doesn’t matter who has been or is currently in the band, all that matters is that music like this is being created. With a lot of bands you can tell that it is all an act. They just make music because they want the material things. I don’t listen to music that is like that. I listen to music with heart and soul. Music that makes you feel good. Music that you can tell is created from a loving place, even if the lyrics can be heartbreaking. At least the heartbreak is genuine. I love Ghost Pal because you can tell from the first listen that this is REAL. That every element of the songs comes from a loving and honest place. They just make you feel so good. You feel brave, even when you know you are the biggest coward in life.

Ghost Pal sound, as clichéd as it may seem- sound like a dream you really do not want to wake up from. You know what it’s like, you get to the good part and you wake up. They have this huge sound, a family sound. A massive choir of joy and entirely spiritual. There is something about Ghost Pal that just makes you feel so alive.

A full length LP is coming this Summer, titled Nathan Jones is Dead. I know, amazing title. I like it. The LP is basically a rock opera (don’t knock it, it’ll be awesome.) and to quote Oliver, “about existence on both sides of the veil of death.”  As someone who pays more attention to the dead than to the living, it pretty much sounds like my ideal record. After having many musicians involved in the band, they have now stuck to being a SOLID 7 piece. For some this may seem overwhelming, for Ghost Pal it truly works. Could anyone else pull off this sound with that many members? Ah..hell no.

There is so much going on in their songs but trust me, they constantly have your attention. It pains me that music like this is always being overlooked. I guess it’s why I’m no longer interested in writing about current huge bands. They are already being heard. It’s about time someone changed all that. I’ll never change it. I’m just some Music obsessive who wants to try help a band get heard in her own little way. Hopefully you’ll go check the band out. The Summer heat will, when it comes, leave you tired and drained. So listen to Ghost Pal and collapse into the best dream you have ever had. I don’t want to wake up.

Check out their sounds right here : http://ghostpal.bandcamp.com/

They take you on a weird and lucid psychedelic trip with folk undertones. Enjoy the ride.

The Electric Prunes.

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Aside from having a really strange name, The Electric Prunes can EASILY be regarded as one of the best Psychedelic bands of all time. I mean sure it depends on who you ask. If you ask someone who knows not much about this genre, then they’ll give you a generic answer. Who wants that? Nobody. Yet we all seem to seek out what is similar in order to fit in. Those four walls are looking more appealing.

What I love about The Electric Prunes was how bloody odd they were. I’m not strange by choice, it just happened. My mum’s pretty normal, so I have no idea what went wrong. Maybe its all the music I listen to, it’s pretty much like this. But why should I try to justify it? I’m not. I constantly get called odd or strange, like it’s a bad thing. Isn’t it a bad thing to be like everyone else? Someone once said that I work so hard to be different. I honestly don’t. Trust me, if I could stop being this way I probably would. I’m stuck with it. A monkey on my back. But it’s totally fine because maybe one day I’ll befriend someone who feels the same way. I doubt I’ll befriend anyone my age that digs The Electric Prunes though. It’s cool. Maybe we can bond over Lou Reed or Chris Corner instead.

I listen to The Electric Prunes and I feel like all my crazy dreams are coming to life. Most drop acid in order to see weird shit. I just close my eyes and fall asleep and it’s like, “OH SHIT…HERE WE GO.” I have more fun in my dreams than I do in life. Apart from the past 2 weeks where I have nothing but nightmares. I think they’re starting to go now. It happens. I’ve learnt to just carry on as normal, whatever that may be. You can truly find a different world when you listen to music like this. You truly bug out listening to this. Have you ever listened to OM? Do it. They’re pretty much instrumental, but it is so cryptic and eerie. It’s utterly mesmirising. Some music you just have to lay still and close your eyes as you listen to it, just to get that true effect.

I cannot pick a favourite record by The Electric Prunes. Some days I really rate Release Of An Oath as my favourite (like today I’d say its this one.) But tomorrow I may choose their self titled debut or Underground. They had this sound that made you want to start your own band. You wanted to start your own kind of movement, that’s when you know a band is one of the greats. If they can cause this fire inside of you and a desire to make music- you’ve found a good one. Release of An Oath feels quite mystical and a bit religious. Maybe spiritual. It feels so different to releases before and after.

I love the mellow feel to some of the tracks on Underground. I Happen To Love You is probably my favourite off this record, no doubt. But to pick a favourite track of all time? No chance.

Their legacy is incredible, those that know of them know just how powerful it is. Not to mention inspiring. If music like this was still being made, maybe the Universe would be more loving and kind. I have this horrific hippie way of looking at life and everyday it seems to bite my in several places. I know I should stop, but I can’t. Music like this fills you with wonder and kindness; and still deserves to be heard.

Friendless Bummer.

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I need loud music in my life to ignore how quiet I am. I need this weird, distorted sound to make up for everything I lack. I lack a lot of things. Charm and good looks being the main two. So, I use music as a way to create something better in my mind. Lord knows I need it right now. I’ll be fine once I’ve had another cup of tea and played Friendless Bummer louder than I am.

Just another wild Friday night for me…shit.

Okay.

Friendless Bummer. Virtually impossible for me to find anything out about this band. I’m pretty sure there’s only 3 of them in the band. 3 that’s the magic number, yes it is. I do love duos though. I’m making an exception right now. I know nothing about them apart from the fact they make this wonderful lo-fi sound that makes me feel like I am anywhere but where I am. It’s a good thing. I need the escapism. Now, if someone could transport me to L.A. so I can live out my dreams that’d be cool.

Friendless Bummer are from New York? I think. I’m not sure. I’m just going to assume that they are starting out. You can find them on Facebook and Tumblr. You may find some interesting stuff when you type in the band’s name into various search engines. But hey..DON’T BE A PRUDE!

I hope someone picks up on how amazing they are, because they truly are. I really dig their sound and Ultimate Death (that’s the cheery side of me coming out right now) is probably my favourite track.

If you like Wavves (we should be chums if you do) then you’ll probably fall in love with Friendless Bummer.

Oh New York, New York..you’ve gone and done it again haven’t you!

The Chapman Family.

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A couple of years ago, me and some chums had the honour of meeting The Chapman Family. I’d say interview but it was honestly just like sitting with a couple of chums in your living room discussing life and err…Girls Aloud (Call The Shots is a bloody good pop song.)

I love The Chapman Family because of many reasons. I think Kingsley is an AMAZING front-man, they covered Morrissey and it was incredible, they’re Northern and best of all? They make honest music that is dark and at the same time enlightening. Their debut record, Burn Your Town was one of the most slept on records from last year. I’m keeping my rage to myself about that. Because if I star I really won’t stop.

ANYWAY.

Rage aside, they’ve just put a new video up for This English Life which is taken from their new EP, Cruel Britannia.

The Chapman Family are probably saviours, let’s be honest. They will tell you how fucked up it all is- even if you are foolishly willing to turn a blind eye. Why you’d want to, I have no idea. I remember seeing them live and Kingsley was pretty much strangling himself on stage with the mic chord. I knew right there that I was about to love this band with all I have. It’s been a few years, and the love is still there.

You can catch the band live real soon. Please go. Just go. Go and love life. Love REAL music with intense passion, darkness and heart :

02/06 STAIRWAY, GLASGOW

03/06 VOODOO ROOMS, EDINBURGH

04/06 HOXTON BAR & KITCHEN, LONDON

07/06 THE VICTORIA INN, DERBY

08/06 HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN FESTIVAL, HAY-ON-WYE

09/06 MAD FERRET, PRESTON

15/06 ELLIOT’S, ABERDARE

16/06 DANBY VILLAGE HALL, DANBY

21/06 MIMA, MIDDLESBROUGH

22/06 ESQUIRES, BEDFORD

23/06 THE STUDIO, HARTLEPOOL

25/06 THE MACBETH, LONDON

26/06 THE SHIPPING FORECAST, LIVERPOOL

27/06 THE NEW ADELPHI, HULL

28/06 DV8 FESTIVAL, YORK

29/06 THE CRAUFORD, MILTON KEYNES

 

Genuinely one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live, you do not want to miss out.

Get involved with their Pledge page here : http://www.pledgemusic.com/artists/thechapmanfamily

The EP comes out on the 16th June, you should probably buy that. Oh and they are now a 5 piece which means MORE NOISE. SHIT YEAH!!!!

I’m so excited about this, I’m now going to nap.

Wolf Alice.

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Most of the stuff I listen to makes me angry. Not at the band in question, but a brief stint of rage hits me because I think “WHY THE CHUFF AREN’T THEY HUGE?!” It makes me sad and mad because GOOD music is no longer popular. Music of substance is no longer heard by the masses. I’m not happy about this at all. But, I guess for now- that’s how its going to be. I’d like it if it stopped though. I think this all stems back to The Long Blondes calling it quits, and when Doll And The Kicks did the same. Maybe we’ll never be satisfied. I’ll never get over it. It’s worse than a break-up. Mainly because a lover will annoy you to high heave, and a band will always be the best thing in your life.

Moving on.

Wolf Alice.

‘scuse me whilst I go fall in love with the most beautiful voice I’ve heard in some time.

They’re from London. Is that important? Nah. It’s not where you’re from, it’s where you’re AT. They’re still in London. Makes no sense. I just wanted to quote a rap lyric. It’s a Friday, so why not.

I want to go in HUGE depth as to why I love them, but I don’t know if my words are any good. In fact, I know they aren’t. So basically, go listen to them because they’re the best thing around. Best thing in life since a cheese grater.

http://wolfalice.bandcamp.com/ SOME SOUNDS. It is very good for the soul.

I’ve got a list of things I need to do, but I won’t do them. For a few reasons. One is that I don’t want to. The other is that I’ve forgotten what they are. Oh..and I just want to listen to Wolf Alice instead. So I will.

Do what you want.

Patti Smith-April Fool.

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If it wasn’t for Patti, I probably wouldn’t care for words. I wouldn’t care for how people pronounced words or wrote words. Words would be meaningless to me. Because of her, I’m obsessed with words. I believe in words not actions, and I’m possibly in the minority with that. You can fake actions just as you can fake your words- but you still cling onto the fact that there may be some honesty in the words. It just depends. You can make yourself believe in anything if you want it to be true enough.

There are many reasons as to why I love April Fool (I know I’m late on this, sorry.) The main reason being it has Tom Verlaine on guitar. Tom was the frontman of one of the greatest bands ever (and highly underrated) Television. His solo work is just as inspiring and important as his work with Television. I want to talk about Richard Hell, but I will go off on one. I’ll save that for another day. My love for Richard Hell is always kept in my heart, away from harm.

April Fool just shows how delicate and loving Patti is. Her words have been my crutch. You see, Patti is the only solid thing that has EVER made me feel like I can do anything. All too often people are quick to say you cannot do something. Patti is the only force that has made me believe that these dreams I have, that may seem stupid and crazy to someone…aren’t stupid or crazy at all. She taught me how to put my heart and soul into something without letting it drain me. Shirley Manson makes me want to be tough, Patti Smith makes me want to make things happen for me. Everything about her is just so wonderful and beautiful. She is just everything I’d love to me. But I’m me, and I’m starting to see that it’s not such a bad thing.

April Fool makes you want to fall in love with a fellow writer and just escape. Patti’s music and lyrics have always shown me that there’s a better life, and it’ll come if I stick at it. My love for her is probably too much for my body to contain. I keep her words in my heart and constantly on my mind. She goes beyond being everything to me. Some people just have that indescribable quality about them that blows your mind; Patti has that.