Tag Archives: Bristol

OH, THE GUILT: Deadnames & Deed Polls.

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With today being a very important day (Trans Day Of Visibility) it’s only right that I write about the new (and gorgeous) record by the finest band from Bristol; Oh, The Guilt. Their new record came out on Friday, and it’s one of the most important records we will get this year. It is dark, heavy, and vital. It is a solid work of art that hits you right in the gut.

Firstly, you should know that the record was mastered by Ben Chisholm (of Chelsea Wolf) so that alone is a sign that the record is unreal. This is the band’s debut record, and to have someone like Ben master it shows you just how well loved, respected and talented the band are. I hope this record reaches the trans kid in the middle of nowhere and realizes that there is hope and a future out there for them. Even though the media (and government) continuously try to erase the trans community on a daily basis. We have bands like Oh, The Guilt who are so important and records like this show it gets better and you can be who you are, and who you deserve to be.

Every song on this record is entirely dreamy, and it’s evident on (my current favourite) Blue. I love how it sounds like a 90s dreamy number with touches of Shoegaze. In a way, it’s like Beach House meets Mazzy Star. That’s the general feel I get from this song and in parts, a lot of the record feels that way. Jules’ drumming on this is exceptional. It’s like waves crashing into rocks, but it’s balanced out with the calmness of the guitar. It’s like a dream swimming round your head on a loop. It’s a gorgeous song, and the vocals will soothe your soul. It’s perfect, and I think it’s one of those songs you play through headphones and close the world out to. Blue features Elijah’s vocals pre-transition, and I touch on further down his vocals on the re-recording of Darkest Days.

It then picks up on Bella, and this is where the bands Grunge influences really kick in. I love how the band can give you this wave of calmness but they can also hit you with this beautiful rowdy sound.  I know I said Blue is currently my favourite but I’m putt Bella as a close second. You can just imagine it going OFF when they play this live. It’s got this feel to it that makes you want to just throw things around without a care in the world, and move your body around in a way that you’ve not done in a while.

I’m going to skip to the end of the record for this part. The record ends with the euphoric The Path and features the Phoenix Song Project- which are is a music therapy project run by and for members of trans and non-binary communities in Bristol. This is the most perfect way to end the record; it is full of hope and love. Again, it’s the song I hope a trans kid (or adult) in the middle of nowhere hears and knows that there is a community out there for them that will love and support them endlessly. It is honestly the most gorgeous and perfect way to close their stunning debut record, which has been a long time coming.  I hope Jules, Kit and Elijah are aware of the impact that this record will have. It’s a truly powerful record, and it exudes trans and queer joy- something that is so needed right now.

There is a new version of Darkest Days on the record, which has post-transition vocals from Elijah. It is again another euphoric song, and musically it reminds me so much of The Velvet Underground. That drastic build on the drums and everything just coming together is so powerful.  It all clashes with this build and you can hear just how exceptionally talented Kit, Jules and Elijah are. You can hear perfectly on this record in general just how phenomenal they are, but the re-recording of this song shows you how far they’ve come as a band and as individuals on their own journey.

What I love about this record is that you can hear the growth of Kit, Jules, and Elijah. You can hear this beautiful confidence in every song and in a way, this doesn’t feel like a debut record. They’ve been making music for so long together, it’s hard to grasp that we’ve only just got their debut record but my god it was worth the wait. This record really shows how far they have come and I think from keeping vocals on some songs that were pre-transition, it really shows the importance of the record and how powerful they are as a band. You can hear the confidence too; as a band and as individuals and it is so inspiring and wonderful to hear it. I could spend hours and hours writing about this record, but honestly? It’s probably best you take the time to listen to it. Shut the world off, and just get lost in this divine record created by 3 beautiful human beings.

Every song on this record is a journey. Every song on this record is for a community that are constantly being pulled apart every single day. So, if you do anything this Trans Day of Visibility; support organisations such as NotAPhase and you know- buy the Oh, The Guilt record!

GLACIAL PACE.

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Glacial Pace is a project by Bristol based genius, Chris Nicholls. This is something different to what they have done before, and if I can sum it all up quickly for you, then I think Nine Inch Nails gone rogue and darker would be pretty accurate. What they have done on their most recent release, Look Away is unleashing hell. Listen up.

Chris is in a number of bands, and in some respect Glacial Pace is everything that doesn’t really fit with the other bands that they are in. Glacial Pace is a brutal noise fest, and to compare what Chris does with this compared to Oh,The Guilt would be unfair. Polar opposite but both are beautiful. Glacial Pace is raw and unfiltered; it feels like an offload of rage, torment, frustration, love, despair and self-acceptance. Look Away was created out of anger towards transphobia, and as it feels like the world is taking steps back rather than moving on from archaic and vile views, we really do need this kind of music right now. Chris has that captivating anger and passion that could easily comfort anyone who has experienced transphobia. How someone can hate another person and be cruel to someone because they are being the person they are supposed to be is beyond me. I don’t understand it, but then again if I did understand, then I’d be a transphobe/small-minded twat!

Glacial Pace is a really heavy project, and you don’t play their music gently in the background. You play this when you need to get something out of you, and as we cannot go to gigs to unleash this- then doing it at home is all we have right now. As you go back and listen to the art that Chris has created for Glacial Pace, you cannot help but think the songs would be perfect for a really, really creepy and intense Thriller. There is so much tension in the music, and it’s that tension that keeps you on edge and leaves you feeling uncomfortable. You might not be able to sleep after listening to Glacial Pace, or you might just have insane dreams. The Process release feels like this dark, ambient soundtrack to a film that was made to mess with your head. It’s such a beautifully crafted piece of art. You really cannot help but be in awe of Chris’ talent.

This heavy Industrial feel is what has you hooked, and you find yourself not really mad about the lack of vocals because what Chris does with just sheer sound is take you far away into this spooky world that you never want to escape from. The songs will thump in your head, remain etched in your brain and you won’t be able to think about anything else. That’s what makes Glacial Pace such a thrilling listen. You have no idea what the next song will sound like, and by that keeping you on edge just adds that excitement that keeps you hooked,

Loose Ground is just under 5 minutes of being on this intense journey; as the ending draws in, the switch up in sounds makes you feel like you’re listening to two different songs but the magic is that, you feel like Chris is telling a story. The first part of the song is quite calm but then it builds up and up. Then this chaos ensues and it is so powerful, and so enthralling. It is easily one of my favourite things that Chris has done. You can really pick up a wealth of emotions on this song. The last few seconds of the song sound like a heartbeat or a train chugging towards a tunnel. It’s so beautiful.

There’s about 18 releases on their Bandcamp page, and I’d urge you to take some time to listen to them all. Either in one sitting late at night, or just take it easy with how you listen. You don’t need to do it in any particular order, but just make sure you do it.

You can listen to Glacial Pace right here and get your fix: https://glacialpacemusic.bandcamp.com

VHS DEATH.

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I’ve said it many times before, there is something really special about Bristol. I don’t need to give you names of the bands I love from there- you already know. There is something about the music scene there that is so diverse, so special and just a joy to listen to. It’s just a haven of exceptional talent, which leads me onto VHS Death.

 VHS Death is the solo project of Natalie Wardle (previously of Returning Videotapes) who is based in Bristol. VHS Death is this beautifully haunting project that is full of these dark and eerie Industrial sounds. Natalie’s debut release as VHS Death consists of seven songs that will hit you in the soul and will be swarming round your head for days. Hawkmoth (Death Head) is just shy of seven minutes long, and it is such an incredibly open song. The lyrics are so brutally honest, and the way Natalie speaks and sings them over this heavy Industrial sound will just blow your mind.

 

 

Although the record came out in November, we can say that this song is one of the heaviest and most honest songs we will get this year. It is heavy in many ways, and I know some of us don’t want deep and meaningful- we want music to be an escape, but with this-it brings you into the reality. It’s nothing short of perfect.

 These seven songs on Llorona are brilliant insight into Natalie’s mind, and these songs are just a masterpiece. They are this captivating journey into the world of VHS Death. I love sounds like this. Sure, at heart, I’m a Punk but I love this sound. Bands like Psychic TV, Cold Cave, Drab Majesty- I bloody love them. VHS Death is up there for bands that will move you, for me. Easily. This is all Natalie’s work, and you can truly hear the passion and devotion to this project in the songs.  I adored Returning Videotapes, but VHS Death is a different direction- and that’s what we need. There are bits of the song DMT that remind me a little bit of A Forest by The Cure. It’s the atmospheric background sound that feels like a grey mist clouding your surroundings. It is wonderful, and just a real joy to listen to.

 Each song is so easy to become obsessed with, and I think when you first listen to this record you see it as this eerie and slightly dangerous body of work. But the more you listen and let yourself mentally dissect the songs- you see it as something completely different. There is so much going on but that doesn’t mean it is a difficult listen at all, far from it. You can truly imagine these songs in a live setting and songs like Prey and Nothing are probably the ones that’ll blow us all away when we see a VHS Death show.

 Something that is just beyond incredible is that Natalie will be taking this project to LA in October as part of the Deathwave Records Festival. If I had a hell of a lot of money, I’d fly Business Class and go out there for it. I say Business Class because I want to be able to sleep in a bed and forget the fact I am up in the sky and cannot roam round freely or get off at the next stop. Maybe one day.

 

 

Broken Glass is a heavenly seven minute euphoric delight, and after it we a treated to the gentle and ethereal Elara. These two songs together are something to really treasure. The way they flow into each other really shows how exceptional Natalie is, and how with just one record as VHS Death has made something you want more and more of. I really cannot wait to see what happens next with this project.

 You can stay up to date with all the VHS Death information you need here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/VHSxDEATH

FOOTBALL FC.

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Bristol. Home to many amazing bands. You know who they are; I’ve mentioned my favourite ones many times. It’s evidently a city that is home to amazing talent, and there is a lot more brewing. One band in particular have caught my attention. They only have a handful of songs out, but it is enough for me to fall in love with their sound. 2020 will belong to them, it’s only right that it does.

Football FC are unlike anything else you’ve ever heard. They are the band that I need, that YOU need, and everyone needs. Their sound is rowdy, vital and a joy to listen to. It’s something that you cannot get enough of, and before you know it- one listen has turned into hundreds.

 

 

Big Time came out in August and there’s something about the song, and their sound in general that reminds me a bit of The Fall. There’s this urgency within the vocals and music that just makes you feel like you’re listening to The Fall for the first time- that sheer excitement in your belly and consumes your brain. They’ve got that Mark E. Smith attitude nailed- just listen to Apartment and you’ll hear the King of the North flowing through. It’s brilliant. I know some try to get this sound and end up sounding like a blatant rip off; that is not the case with Football FC at all. The influence may be there but everything else is their own. I love them. I absolutely love them, and all you can do is take in the songs and let them take over your brain and body.

I know nothing about the band, but I do know that they are the most exciting bands around. Based on the three songs I’ve been obsessing over; they do make it so easy to praise them and become an instant fan. Apartment is a fantastic song and sits just under 7 minutes long (video below is shorter.)  It is a euphoric song that stays with you, and you just want to wrap yourself up in the comfort of this masterpiece. If you’re looking for a song to start with- make it this one. It’ll cancel out all you’ve ever known; it really is one of the year’s most beautiful and powerful songs. Everything about it just sums up why I believe in this band, and why they are just phenomenal.

Football FC are one of those bands that you just know are going to put on an insane show. You can sense and feel the passion in their songs on record, and I reckon they will go beyond this in their live shows. No Lover Like A Luger is a dark and captivating song- hugely obsessed with it. I love the way it sounds so intense and poetic, you cannot help but play it over and over. It just has you hooked, and it’s another reason as to why Football FC are going to be massive, they truly deserve to be. Besides, they’ve signed to Permanent Creeps so you know they are going to be huge!

 

 

Alright, I’m saving the rest for when they take over the world with their debut record (hopefully next year!) or their show in Manchester in March. Get behind this band, they are one of the most exciting bands around. Bristol has done it yet again!

IDLES: Manchester Academy. 4th December 2019.

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I apologise in advance for potentially how erratic and lengthy this will be. Last night’s show went beyond meaning the world to me, and although I may not be able to eloquently put into words what the show meant to me, I know that there is an incredible group of people who fully understand. That group of people are the AF Gang. Thank you.

Prior to the show last night Joe, Lee and Bobo walked past me. I stupidly (or sensibly) used my self-control to not go up to them and spurt out words of love and ask for a photo. I think part of me couldn’t believe it. Not that these real people walked past me, but because I was a couple of hours away from seeing them on stage. It hadn’t sunk in yet; the tickets were last minute (and I owe it to two complete strangers who have hearts of gold.)

Sadly, I didn’t make all the 45s set but what I could hear was truly wonderful and it sounded so energetic. But I did catch all METZ’s set. I think anyone who knows me, knows I love two bands a hell of a lot- METZ and IDLES. I saw METZ earlier this year when they played the Pink Room at YES (USA Nails supported, and again this was a dream line up.) I was blown away and I was left struggling to hear the day after. It was incredible. Second time around in a much bigger venue- they sounded the same. Full of this beautiful rowdiness that just makes you want to pick up a guitar and make a lot of noise. They are one of the best live bands around, and to see everyone else react the same was a beautiful thing too. Songs like Get Off and Acetate were sheer madness, and of course just made me fall in love with them all over again. If you ever get to see them, GO. In any capacity, just go. They’ll shake your bones and shatter your skull in the best way possible.

The main event. The bit where my heart beats faster in a good way, not from having a panic attack. The part where my life probably changes. Where it all kicks in.

IDLES take to the stage and open with Colossus. If you ever want to see a bunch of passionate, beautiful people rush to the front upon hearing the opening chords to an anthem- go to an IDLES show. This was the first time in a very long time where I was in the midst of the crowd. I normally stay back or near the side. I don’t do big venues usually. But I can safely say that I felt so fucking safe at this show. IDLES played 18 songs, and I’m pretty sure we would have begged them to stay longer and play them all again. They are a band that just make me feel so fucking happy and I honestly don’t know what I would do without them. They are a band that say the things I probably can’t, and just voice out my worries and emotions better than I ever could. They are my outlet and my safety net. I have never sung (well, shouted) like this at a show before. This morning my body hurts and my throat hurts in the best way possible. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Every single song is a highlight (we got QUEENS for fucks sake!!!) and I wanted to stay in the moment forever. Is this how someone feels when they see their child for the first time? I think this is probably better. From the crowd chanting IDLES prior to them coming on stage, from Bobo ending up in the crowd to Joe ending up with someone’s shoe on stage- this was truly the best gig I’ve ever, ever been to. Sorry Nick Cave, I think you’ve bene overtaken! The crowd chanting “Oh Jeremy Corbyn” to the mass sing along of Wonderwall and All I Want For Christmas Is You. It was the most loving and precious atmosphere; I just wanted to be immersed in it forever.

This was my first IDLES show and it won’t be my last. There is something about seeing them for the first time that just gives you that kick up the arse that you need. Everything that this band and us fans stand for is something to treasure and to pass on. There were kids at the gigs with their parents, and if it was their first ever gig then everything else in life has a lot to live up to! I loved that during Rottweiler birthday girl, Catherine got on stage to play guitar with them. To see a fellow AF Ganger up on stage with the band and just ripping the stage apart was beautiful. That’s how you do a birthday and close a show.

Slow Savage broke my heart. This was the only moment I cried during the show. There is something about the way Joe shouts, “I’m the worst lover that you’ll ever have” that rips you apart. It’s the sheer openness and vulnerability in their songs that lures you in and wraps itself around your heart. This song is a prime example of it. But there is something else about their shows that will wrap itself around your heart- the strong feeling of unity.

Danny Nedelko is sang like a football chant on the terraces. This song means a hell of a lot to me and so many. It’s a perfect example of what makes this country great- the people who come here to better themselves. Our beautiful immigrants. We love you and you are welcome here. Always.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi8gUnBi6DY

I feel I am missing key moments from the show, but I’ve had 5 hours sleep and a bit of a migraine brewing. I don’t care. I have never felt so alive as I did last night. The atmosphere was safe and full of love- just how it should be. We got Queens for fucks sake! I’m still delirious over that; incredible. Last night changed something in me. I’m not entirely sure what just yet, but something will emerge I’m sure. It has to. Since losing my Gran 3 months ago, I’ve not had hold of any emotion I have; everything has been a downward spiral in my head but last night I had a glimmer of stability. I have to go with that.

There is also nothing more satisfying and therapeutic than screaming along to their song Mother, and yelling “MOTHER! FUCKER!” with a few thousand people. Nothing can beat that.

Keep fucking going, and love yourself. LOVE.YOURSELF.

HEAVY LUNGS: Measure.

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Behold! The most astonishing EP from a band from Bristol that you will hear all year! Heavy Lungs have released today, Measure; a 5 track EP with songs to completely shatter your eardrums in the most pleasing way imaginable.

We all know that Danny Nedelko is one of the most charismatic front-men around, and that Heavy Lungs are just one of the most exciting bands around. But what have they done with Measure? How exciting is it? How loud is it? How does it feel to listen to this work of art? Well, I will do my best to ramble gently about this glorious masterpiece.

Ready?

Measure opens with Half Full- it has this exceptionally haunting feel to it. Danny’s voice has this trembling tone to it. You can hear every emotion possible in this, and it just makes you become so enthralled by it. You want to scream along with him, but you can’t. You cannot mimic such a voice. This morning I blasted out Self Worth a LOT. I love how it instantly smacks you in the face. Self worth as a concept is criminally underrated, and to hear a song like this just makes you sort of keep yourself in check. You know things are shit, but somehow you’ll find a way to carry on. I have no idea how I get out of bed most days, but songs like this show the ugly and good side of having emotions. I love this song SO much, and it is definitely got the strongest sound both musically and vocally. If you didn’t know where to start with Heavy Lungs- play this one really loud. You’ll get it. Keep on playing it. Let it hit you in the gut. Let the brutal honesty make you feel sick because you can relate so much. There’s so much power in this song, and even more power in this band. They’re just the best.

T.O.T.B is another face-smacker. Sometimes you just need something to hit you and wake you up. I was playing this at 7am this morning on the way to work, and it really woke me up. It’s such a big record- even if it is only 5 songs. But these 5 songs are the most important songs you’re going to hear all year. This year we’ve had Fontaines D.C. and The Murder Capital give us the most vulnerable and heaviest records- you can definitely put Measure there. It’s everything you’d want from your favourite band. I had a ticket to see their last Manchester show, but I had to bail last minute because my mind decided it was time for a panic attack. I’m trying to fight them off and go to gigs, it’s tough but these things happen. You can’t beat yourself up forever.

 

 

The first single from this EP was (A Bit  of a) Birthday. If like me you’re not big on having attention thrown on you, and your idea of hell is people gawping at you whilst singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to you- then this song will really speak to you. It’s about the waiting for the day to be over so it’s back to normal, the shitty clowns that appear at kids parties, wanting the money instead of the card- it’s got this really snotty Punk sound to it. I love how obnoxious it is- you can imagine some spoilt brat singing this because he just wants everything to be over. I absolutely love it, and the band nail it perfectly. Danny’s vocals on this have so much diversity to it, and I love how he portrays this brilliant bratty attitude on it; the total opposite of him and the band. It’s fucking incredible. The guitar on this is probably my favourite on the EP, Oliver has excelled himself on this one for sure.

What I adore about Measure is that Oliver, Danny, George and James has pushed themselves, and this has caused them to just sound exceptional. Their unified sound just makes you fall in love with them even more on Measure. It is easy to become obsessed with Heavy Lungs- they’ve got everything you could possibly want from a band. The lyrics on this EP to the production is just perfect. George is an absolute monster on the drums and James just brings this soul to the band with his bass-playing. There’s no other band out there quite like them.

Measure is out right now via Balley Records. Buy it and play it until your ears bleed.

LEATHERS: Class Action.

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On my day off today I have done what I set out to do- sleep past noon. I got up at about half past one. A well-earned rest, and I’m still tired. It’s okay, just a few more hours to kill before bedtime is upon me. I cannot wait. Anyway, I need to listen to some music to keep me awake for a little while longer whilst I avoid doing things I should probably be doing.

Bristol is the home to some amazing bands from IDLES to Emily Breeze to Oh, The Guilt and beyond. It’s a place that is just oozing talent of all kinds. It has this solid community and it’s a place that deserves to be praised for all the music it has given us. It is a truly phenomenal place, and there is no shortage of masterpieces coming out of there.

So here we are, another excellent Bristolian band to praise- Leathers. A brilliant duo who make you feel like you are listening to a Gospel version of The Cramps. There’s a lot of soul in this band, and they have something that just makes you want to absolutely play the shit out of this record. Before you know it, you will be chanting along to all the hits such as Bad News and One Track Mind (not a Johnny Thunders cover but still awesome!)

On their new EP, Class Action the band are firmly letting us know that this is the kind of sound that NEEDS to be heard, and it needs to be heard pretty loud. Luckily no one is home and I’m playing it as loud as I want. The more I listen to it, the more I can really appreciate how great they are as musicians. They play with this unified sound that maybe sounds tighter because they are a duo. If there was more of them, it may spoil it and besides, it just reinforces my fondness of duos. Of course, the only downside is that the EP is only four songs long, but you make do, don’t you? You just hit repeat.

 

 

I love that real trashy sound they have. It’s a really raw Garage Rock sound with beautiful notes of Psychobilly. Fully aware I’ve just made the band sound like a wine, but it’s alright! Anyway, the songs are easy to get hold of and learn by heart. You can really imagine their live shows and the crowd going nuts and singing along as loud as they can.

Class Action has a strong DIY feel to it, and I love when you can hear the hard work and passion gone into a record. I love how their song No More reminds me so much of Talking Heads’ Psycho Killer; part of me was hoping for part of the lyrics to pop up. Maybe they’ll do it at a show, that’d be pretty cool right? You know the part that would work, it’s obvious! It’s probably one of my favourites off the EP right now. There’s a level of fury in this one that coms across in such an effortless manner Ed beats the shit out of the drums on this one, and Chris’ voice just keeps you locked in- you find yourself going back to this song the most.

If you’re into trashy Garage Rock, then Leathers are the band for you and Class Action is most certainly the EP for you. Play it loud, play it often!

Class Action is released via KM Records.

OH, THE GUILT: Darkest Days.

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Bristol is home to many bands. Many phenomenal bands from the likes of Idles to Emily Breeze. There is a scene there that has no boundaries, there is a scene there that we all want to be part of. It feels like a real family unit. You can really sense that everyone is backing each other, irrespective of the genre, there is so much love and respect there.

I’ve written about Oh, The Guilt before and I’m late to the party in writing about Darkest Days. It’s a 7 minute song that deserves to be at the top of any list you make (good ones only, don’t be a dick!) I have a weakness for songs that have intense build-ups and songs that last over 5 minutes. I love the euphoria that smacks you right in the gut, and my god Oh, The Guilt completely and utterly nail this. Everything about this song is the definition of perfect. Single parts come together and just create this utterly divine song. It’s not a song-it’s a blissed out symphony.

How can a song this vital yet precious come alive in the form of a music video? Quite easily. The video to this beautiful song is shot in such a captivating manner. It is so powerful, and do emotional. You find yourself listening to the song, then immediately going back to the video. Then back again to the audio; it’s a song you need to play through headphones to truly pick up on every detail in the song. The drums are phenomenal, they are definitely one of the best moments in music this year. You want to keep it on a loop, and just lose yourself in them. I liken the drums to Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint) on Warpaint’s debut record, The Fool. Everything about Oh, The Guilt reminds you of what you love about music and what makes you fall in love with certain songs, and specific parts in songs.

Elijah, Hannah and Chris have created something truly beautiful with this song. The way Hannah annihilates the drums, and each crash wonderfully echoes into Elijah’s guitar is so captivating. They all come together with this sound that is glued together with Chris’ bass. Each of the create moments in this song that make it a work of art in its most purest way. The video reinforces the sheer beauty in the song, and the video adds more vulnerability to it- which is just absolutely gorgeous.

I’m not going to go on and on like I normally do. I want you to just take some time out of your day, bin off Christmas for a bit and play this song. All 7 minutes and 46 seconds of it. Allow yourself to have this time, and just breathe. And just be. Be whatever the hell you want.

HEAVY LUNGS.

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There is probably no more exciting place in this country for music at the moment than Bristol. From Oh, The Guilt to Idles- it’s a place full of brutal and beautiful sounds.

Combining all things rowdy with all things beautiful, we have Heavy Lungs. I should have written about them months ago, but this is worth the wait- trust me.

Heavy Lungs go where others daren’t. Danny’s vocals are raspy, hypnotising and delivered with such force. The urgency in his tone marries up completely with everything else that goes on in the music. The guitar fuels him on. The bass backs up the groove. The drums reinforce the importance of everything that is going on. Danny has the voice of someone who HAS to be heard. Oliver and George egg each other on with who can be the loudest, and it’s nothing short of brilliant. James adds some calmness but don’t be fooled- Heavy Lungs are all about being loud, and are unapologetic about it.

They’ve recently announced a tour for next year. They’re playing up here in Manchester at The Castle. A venue that is sweaty and tiny. A place perfect for them, but they could EASILY sell out a way bigger venue- in time though, they will. That is obvious. Quite simply, they aren’t a band to be ignored. But how on earth could you ignore them. See, some may label them as Post Punk, but they’re just Post everything else. What you listened to before doesn’t even compare. They are just such an enjoyable and important band who leave you constantly wanting more. I’m so excited to see them next year, I have every feeling that their live show is going to be absolutely off the wall and most certainly something to remember. Remember when a lot of people declared they were at THAT Sex Pistols show but clearly weren’t? That’s what’ll happen with this tour, and I’m pretty damn sure that it’ll happen at the Manchester show. It’s so obvious.

The five songs on their EP, Abstract Thoughts are designed to burst your eardrums and make you feel something that no other band has, or will for that matter. They have this fiery rage within their songs that makes you want to break stuff but at the same time, change the fucking world. They are loud, and I can only hope that they get louder with each record. Hell, with each song would be the dream.

What I adore about Heavy Lungs is that they just make you want to catch one of their live shows immediately. You don’t care for where- you just want to be completely engulfed in this heavenly sound. 2019 is going to their year for sure. The tours, the new music we are going to be graced with- they are going to truly leave their mark on next year with their shit-kicking boots.

Heavy Lungs may only be young ruffians to most, but they have so much to offer us all and I cannot wait to see and hear what they do next, and beyond. Some bands just instantly make you feel like you’re listening to something truly special and something you must pay close attention to- it’s plain to see that Heavy Lungs do this.

Get a ticket to the tour next year, and say you were there- and mean it!

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.