Tag Archives: Manchester

BAD GRAMMAR- Clown.

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“Sweetheart, your make up is terrible”.

 

When I was at Uni, I went to pretty much every Gossip gig I could manage on a student budget. Turns out, it was a lot. Thankfully it wasn’t a phase and is something I still do. Last year I think Bad Grammar could have possibly been the band I saw the most, closely followed by Crocodiles. This year, who knows who it could be. Probably more of the same to be honest, that’s perfectly alright with me.

If your daily life is a pain in your behind and other areas, if you are bored with the repetitive strain of daily life then Bad Grammar are your saviors. This Manchester based duo are the most ferocious and probably loudest band I’ve seen in a long time. The Jesus And Mary Chain were loud when I saw them, but it was mainly feedback wasn’t it. Bad Grammar play like two feral kids being let loose in a school music room and they don’t really care for who hears them. Their new single, Clown pretty much showcases this in all its brutal glory.

If you’ve seen Lucy and Ben live, you’ll probably be left feeling as if you should start a band or something as brave. I’ll be honest, when I’ve seen them live I’ve pretty much stared in awe at them rather than pay attention to the songs. Every time I see them, I feel it is the best time I’ve seen them. There is something about watching them that is truly brilliant. I love the way Ben flails about on the stage, jumping around like a kid that’s drank a load of Cherryade and snorted some Party Rings. Lucy beats the shit out the drum, and is easily one of the best drummers you’ll see (and hear.) They’re one of the hardest working bands around and don’t ever seem to not be playing a show, so you’ve really got no excuse!

Produced by Ryan Pinson (who worked recently with the equally awesome God Damn) Clown is a loud number that will make you want to throw your body about until you feel it is about to snap. Clown b/w Who’s Yer Mate? will be out in the Spring on Flatpack Records. They’ve managed to capture the energy from their live shows into a song, that will leave you wanting to follow them up and down the country to attend their shows (don’t stalk them, creep.)

Have some dates for your diary:

Saturday 24th January – The Boileroom, Guildford
Sunday 25th January – The Louisiana, Bristol
Friday 13th February – Lomax, Liverpool
Saturday 21st February – Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London (Free Entry)
Friday 27th February – Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, Brighton
Monday 2nd March – The Flapper, Birmingham
Friday 27th March – The Castle Hotel, Manchester (Single Launch)

You can stream the track here:

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN- Psychocandy Shows.

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“But you break me in two
And you throw me away
And you spit on my head
You trip me up.”

After spending more money on gig tickets, travel and accommodation – it is with a slight bout of deafness and sheer joy that I can say, I have finally seen The Jesus And Mary Chain live. Twice. In the space of a few days. Not sure how I am not totally deaf, but it’s fine. It is an excuse to not listen to anyone (not like I do anyway.)

I don’t want to turn this into a comparison of Manchester vs London. I’m siding with London because I was at the front, I can’t hear and the venue was a lot nicer. The Troxy is one of the most stunning venues I’ve ever been to. I’m usually a fan of venues that look like they’re about to fall down and are the size of a shed, but I like to make an exception. Instead, I’ll just go on about how TJAMC are one of the best bands I have seen live, finally.

I knew it was going to be loud. I knew it was going to feel like my ears were going to burst and bleed. I wouldn’t have bought tickets if I wasn’t alright with that. The crowds at both nights (and I’d imagine for most dates/all) consisted mainly of middle-aged men having the time of their lives. Some crying onto their best friend’s shoulders, most shouting the words back at Jim as if he’s some modern-day Messiah (he probably is, let’s be honest.) For me, it felt like a Morrissey show but with a bit more bite. How these guys react to TJAMC is how grown men are at a Morrissey show, without the stage invasion. There is something beautiful about seeing this. TJAMC appeal to those who are awkward, unsure but carry the weight of daily feelings like no other. They are for those who do not mind the darker side of having emotions, what they do mind is being told how to offload it all. How do you offload it? You stick on TJAMC and you think of someone or something that is really eating you. This is how you come alive.

I wasn’t even a mere thought before Psychocandy came out (I was born a year and one week later, always late.) but it has become one record that I quite simply, cannot live without. Is it a bold statement? Is it foolish? There a few thousand from over the past week or so who will probably agree with me. United. It’s a record that means more to me than anything else I’ve ever heard. I’ve felt every ugly and passionate feeling Jim sings on that record, and fuck me I am not ashamed. I’m sort of proud that I am able to relate to such a remarkable record. See, I just can’t live without it. To see it live in its entirety was something no part of me ever thought I would see. I never ever thought I would see TJAMC live, ever. I have a tendency to like bands that have most members dead or they hate each other. Sometimes both. Thank you Jim and William for getting your shit together.

I expected nothing from the shows, all I cared about was seeing TJAMC. The excitement I had was probably borderline irritating, I don’t care. If you get the chance to see your favourite band in the whole wide world live, go. Just go. I don’t care how you fund it, just go. Treat yourself. You need to.

There was an atmosphere at both shows that I sincerely hope was at all of them. It was a mixture of relief, absolute happiness and shock that it was about to happen. I know this isn’t a live review, all it is is something unleashing how it feels to see their favourite band of all time live. Finally. There was nothing wrong with these shows, every element of it was perfect. Last night, William played a bum note during a song and Jim just turned to him as if to say, “typical” shook his head and grinned. William was like the mad scientist surrounded with amps and pedals. Jim was every bit the brilliant frontman I knew he was. There was no need for painful conversation between songs. I’m not a fan of that. And I don’t think they are either.

Seeing You Trip Me Up and My Little Underground live meant more to me than I thought they would. Those songs hold more sentimental value to me than a song probably should. More than I want them to, but seeing it all live was like a release. A sigh of relief, yet I didn’t want it to end. TJAMC have been missed, so dearly missed. I hope they never leave us again because we needed it. Live music needs bands like them. Being brutally loud and not apologising for making you feel as if your ears are bleeding. If I don’t get injured or go a little deaf at a gig, I probably didn’t have a good time.

TJAMC’s music is the polar opposite to me, sound wise. They are brutal, somewhat sinister and loud. I’m too shy for my own good, but I’m alright with clinging onto that. Psychocandy is a release of all sorts, and to finally see it live goes beyond the words I have written.

They opened with April Skies. A song I thought would be too much for me to witness, but my god it was beautiful. To just watch that over and over would be something else. Maybe they’ll do a tour for Darklands…that’d be nice. There is no doubt in my mind that TJAMC are the best band, ever. How Jim Reid feels about the Velvet Underground is how I feel about them. Ultimately I do feel the same about the Velvet Underground, obviously. I think that’s quite clear. One of the true special moments last night was Miki Berenyi joining them on Just Like Honey. Oh, and Kevin Shields was sat upstairs too. Shoegaze heaven.

The shows I went to were euphoric and loud. Seeing middle-aged men take their partners with them as if to say, “This has been me for the past 30 years, this is who I am” was just beautiful. The songs are as important as they always were, much like the band.

VIVA THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN!

MORRISSEY-World Peace Is None Of Your Business.

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“I turned silences and nights into words.

What was unutterable, I wrote down.

I made the whirling world stand still.” 

                        -Arthur Rimbaud

 

There is no greater feeling than your favourite singer releasing a record. You wait, you ache and you wait some more leading up to it. You tremble in the first listen knowing you are listening to something truly remarkable. It doesn’t matter who this singer/band is to you, it’s just a mutual feeling. Especially when that person is more than likely responsible for you still being alive….just. Sort of. Depends on the day.

Could I ever write an unbiased piece on Morrissey? No. Will I defend him? Yes, well..within reason. Do I think World Peace is his best work? Of course. Lord knows how long Morrissey fans have been waiting for this. And of course, the cynics will come out in their masses to find fault in it. They probably like Kings Of Leon or something equally dull.

World Peace Is None Of Your Business is flamboyantly clever, dry and accurate. It is everything I adore about Morrissey. I thought after reading his biography a handful of times I really understood my love and admiration for him, but I was wrong. But when am I ever right. I thought  understood my love for him, turns out I didn’t. Not quite.World Peace is lyrically a work of art, and I will gladly place it next to Vauxhall And I as his best work. He has this way of getting to the root of an emotion, churning it out and spitting it out for you to taste. And when you do, you understand. You understand whatever it is that is choking you.

I’m Not A Man is lyrically one of the strongest songs on the record as it dips into society’s skewed vision of what it is to be a man. A nod to Meat Is Murder of sorts is hinted in the line, “I’d never kill or eat an animal, and I never would destroy this planet I’m on.” Man destroys, and Morrissey’s sensitive and gentle disposition feels out of place on this planet. You don’t have to be a man to identify with this, you just have to human. Gentle and kind.

As I listen to the record, I start to make sense of my love for Morrissey. It’s his words and how he uses them. There’s always been comfort for me in his words. If I could communicate using his lyrics, I’d probably feel less awkward in my skin. Too much skin. He has this way of telling it like it is without being grand or pretentious, although some would argue that he is. If that’s the case then they’ve probably never paid any attention to his lyrics. His words are why he is a hero to so many.

I’ve read a few reviews where they comment on how tight his band sound, but I don’t know enough about Music to comment on that. Boz is there still, so I’m happy. As I listen to World Peace Is None Of Your Business, I am visualising these songs live. Kiss Me A Lot is one I hope he puts into his live shows- at his longing best, this song is glorious. Earth Is The Loneliest Planet has one simple line in it that just means everything, a simple line that holds so much; “But you’re in the wrong skin.”If I heard that line whilst a teenager teetering into adulthood, it would have been a touch easier. As an adult, well..I think it still does the same as it would.

Staircase At The University has the same kind of dark humour that is found in Girlfriend In A Coma. The pressures of a young girl excelling in her studies to which she finally packs it all in, and throws herself down some stairs. Splitting her head in three ways. I love the line, “And if it breaks your heart then don’t come running to me.” You can relate that to anyone, it doesn’t have to be someone who is constantly studying. We all know that one person….

Kick The Bride Down The Aisle is a stroke of genius for this alone; “You’re that stretch of the beach that the tide doesn’t reach. No meaning, no reason . The lonely season.” I can’t help but wonder where he comes up with these wonderful words, and how. And in Mountjoy we’ve got the gorgeous statement; “What those in power do to you reminds us at a glance, how humans hate each others guts. And show it given a chance.” If you want an understanding of how shitty the human race can be, just listen to Mountjoy.

There will be mixed views on this record, some will declare it as his best work to date. Some will yearn for past releases. It is his tenth solo record, you can’t possibly expect him to keep making the same one over and over again! He just excels himself with every record, and he will last longer than those who put him down. You won’t win.

I’ll end this with a section of lyrics that I feel are entirely true, and are a highlight for me. A selection of lyrics that I believe in and treasure. In all his delicate, honest and observant nature, he just says it all so beautifully:

“Slamming one shots, gentle pain
Someone calling out my name
Sex and love are not the same.”

World Peace Is None Of Your Business just reinforces my love, respect and admiration for Morrissey. I could have mentioned this, I could have mentioned that. Maybe I’ll re-read this and add more. But for now, I’ll stick with this being one of the best records of the year.

VIVA MOZ.

BAD GRAMMAR-Forced Fun.

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Everything sucks. But mainly because I’m no longer in Brussels. I went there on Saturday until Monday, and I had a delightful time- but people in Brussels aren’t fans of my kind. My kind being…vegetarians. Sorry about me and my lack of desire to eat a dead animal. It’s been 11 years nearly, I’m not going to change my ways. Luckily, I know the French word for “cheese” so I was alright. Brussels is a place I’d happily return to and stay there. I’ve decided it is now my favourite place, and every day I will dedicate 5 minutes to quietly sulk about the fact that I am not there. It’s worse when you’re unemployed isn’t it.

So I might as well write about a record that adds a bit of joy to my day now it is out.

Forced Fun by Bad Grammar is made up of a handful of songs that make you feel like you’re being satisfactorily beaten up. They leave you battered and bruised with their unapologetic and ferocious vocals; courtesy of Ben. Lucy’s drumming makes you pretty much disregard any other drummer you’ve ever heard. They’re the band that you need to listen to if you’re wanting to start your own band and make a racket. I really love the title of the EP. I think most of us can relate to being forced to enjoy ourselves. Hanging out with people who know someone you sort of recognise, if you squint slightly. Urgh..no thanks. Can I just stay at home with my books? I can’t? Fuck you, I can.

Forced Fun is the best EP of the year. Right next to it is the new Brown Brogues one, but I’ve already gushed about how awesome it is. Now it is Bad Grammar’s turn. A fine Mancunian band that no one could get bored of listening to. The EP opens with Stay Toned. Play it whilst you sweat it up at the gym. Just play Bad Grammar at the gym or go for a massive run whilst listening to them. Exercise to these wonderful tunes. Or you can stay at home and break stuff to it. Go for the latter; add some rebellion to your life.

Miley Serious is a delight of a song. It’s pun o’clock with this band. They’re bloody brilliant. See, I first heard about them when I saw them live and when the first time you hear about a band is at a live show, it kind of makes you love the band more than you would than if you heard them on record first. If you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand what I mean. I’ve just gone round the houses to try make my point again. The EP is about 15 minutes long (maybe a bit less) and as someone with a questionable attention span, I can safely say that this EP is just an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Weekend Dad is my favourite Bad Grammar song, and it’s my favourite of theirs to watch live. It’s under 3 minutes of sheer angst in the most glorious fashion. It’s the breakdown towards the end of the song that has a brilliant lo-fi/Garage Rock feel to it. Think early Wavves. Bad Grammar have made their own sound which is like nothing else, and I know so many people say this about other bands but you can always find some fault in their cheap declarations. I’m rarely right, but I think I am with this one. It’s a sound that you won’t find in piss ridden alleyways or arenas, or even lurking in your local. It’s a sound that has quite simply, come from two incredible musicians who deserve a wealth of success.

The EP ends with their new single, Temper Temper. The EP starts loud and ends loud. It is a riot for the ears that you cannot ignore. They’re playing The Old Blue Last on 29th April. It’s free; come on down! Their live shows are something else, and they have this infectious energy that is equally evident on record. In the past few months I’ve written about Bad Grammar a lot, but when you find a band you really believe in- why on earth should you shut up about them? I’m possibly repeating myself by stating how brilliant Ben and Lucy are.

So, I suppose all you can do is buy their EP from here: http://flatpackrecs.bigcartel.com/product/bad-grammar-forced-fun-pre-order Go on, treat yourself.

Buy it. Play it constantly and as loud as you like. Go see them live.

ELBOW.

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“The dream again nobody understands
Walking through the long grass on your hands
It’s not a job to do today
Sleep it off.”

 

I think anyone with even half a brain cell is aware of Elbow and just how wonderful they are. I was a fan for some time, but shut off my interest when someone I used to know was a huge fan and of course, as is the way, didn’t turn out to be that nice. Maybe they’ve changed now. I can only hope because I like to try see the good in people.

In an ideal world I wouldn’t be writing this at 5.45am on a Sunday. I should be asleep. My neighbour came home an hour ago, and has decided to shout and play really bad dance music. Attempting to listen to Elbow with a really awful and irritating bass line in the background is proving to be a bit of a challenge, but nothing in life is ever easy.

Initially I was going to write about their new record, The Take Off And Landing Of Everything but I feel the need to try go deep into their career and what they mean to me. Hopefully I won’t fall asleep on my laptop. Although, I’d really love to sleep right now.

It’s an unwritten fact that bands from the North of England express certain feelings better than other bands from the rest of England. The North is looked down upon for many reasons, I blame Thatcher. But the North of England has so much to offer, it’s just easy to mock it. The architecture in Manchester is beautiful, Yorkshire has glorious countryside. You can find beauty almost everywhere. It is also home to some of the greatest writers of all time; Morrissey, John Cooper Clarke, Mark E Smith, Ian Brown and obviously, Guy Garvey.

If I could remember the first time I heard Elbow and Guy Garvey’s soothing voice, this may be more interesting. Sorry about that. Pin pointing what it is I love about Elbow is really easy- Guy’s lyrics. If you want to hear someone truly pour their heart out in a way that is just so open and vulnerable, then just listen to their lyrics. Or even, read them. Guy’s lyrics read like heartbreaking poetry that were designed to comfort and heal. Their music expresses every good and bad side of being in love, being a failure to yourself, disappointing others and being ashamed of any hurt you’ve ever caused someone. They say the things you don’t have the guts to say just yet, but you feel it. And to feel it is a start. You have to take baby steps sometimes, because it is all you have.

What I love about Elbow is their struggle to get a record deal and to be heard; they’re the underdogs but not in a way that causes you to pity them. If anything, it just makes you believe in their music more than you already do. I guess it’s easy for me to love them, because I can relate all of this to my daily battle with attempting to get a job. I feel like I am fighting a losing battle, and fully aware that at aged 27- I’ve really not amounted to much. The only person to blame is myself, and I make sure I am aware of it. Elbow’s music soften the daily blow of it all, and kind of make me less ashamed with carrying the burden around of being a burden. Maybe I’ve gone far too deep into their music with this, but if I don’t get to the core of it and take myself with it- I wouldn’t be writing this, or anything for that matter.

When people talk about their favourite band or just a band they love, you can see in their eyes that they are trying to find the right words and they try to go back to the first time they heard them, so they can capture it all for you. Sometimes we cannot do it, so a load of rubbish pours from our mouths. Or in my cases, hits the keyboard. When your mind turns into a state of chaos when trying to think of the reasons, that’s when you know the band mean a lot. I’ve never seen Elbow live, but I’ve watched live clips and to see how people react to them is just something else. There is a bond between them and the fans that is truly moving. I think it all goes back to knowing how hard they have worked to get where they are now.

Their signature sound is atmospheric and soothing. Guy’s gentle and vulnerable voice evokes so much emotion as you listen to them. There aren’t many bands that can instantly turn me into a crying mess, but Elbow are easily one of them. I can’t really think of anyone else off the top of my head who does that, but I’m sure there are others. There always is. But none do it quite like Elbow. Guy writes songs in a way I wish I could, and probably how most wish they could. He writes about his faults and the things he’s done that he’s not proud of in a way that makes you own up to your own errors, but you don’t beat yourself up too badly about it. His words on daily life just speak to you. They speak so loudly and oh so clear. The way he describes love; not just in a romantic way but towards friends and family is just something else. He makes you want to hug those you love so tightly and to just let them know that you love them.

At the moment Picky Bugger and Not A Job are the two songs I really cannot do without. They are the two songs that sum up everything right now. Sometimes you hear a song and think, “I’d be lost without that.” That’s what Elbow do, especially with those two songs. There is something about them that just describe what the mouth can’t get out from the brain. We all need songs like this. Then you have songs like The Bones Of You that describe love like no other has ever done really. Play it to the one you love, the one you cannot do without. Don’t say a word to them, let Guy do the talking.

Elbow are the guts you don’t have just yet. They are the comforting words you need when everything is just really awful, like you have no way out. They’re the kind of band you wish you could tell them just how much they mean to you, but the best you can do is something like this. However, it is a start and I know I’m not the only one who loves them like this. I know I’ve missed so many things out, and there is so much more I could say about Elbow. Maybe I will another time, but for now- I think this is more than enough. And if you want to fall in love with Guy’s record collection and speaking voice, then listen to his show on BBC 6 Music every Sunday.

“You little sod, I love your eyes.”

BAD GRAMMAR- Temper Temper.

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One of Manchester’s finest noise makers, Bad Grammar have just put out the video to their exquisitely loud new single, Temper Temper.

The video shows a few blokes on an evening one, with one of the hugging a traffic cone at the end. It’s alright pal, happens to us all eventually. So I’ve heard.

Bad Grammar are playing at Hoxton Bar & Grill this Friday, tickets are about £5. Someone buy me a ticket? I’m pretty poor. You can buy a ticket (or two) here: http://billetto.co.uk/events/shiva-and-the-hazards The line up is pretty cool. You’ve got Shiva And The Hazards, Abjects and of course Bad Grammar.

Bad Grammar’s EP, Forced Fun is out 31st March on Flatpack Recordings.

MORRISSEY-Vauxhall And I.

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“In my own sick way, I’ll always stay true to you.”

I realised a long time ago that there is a Morrissey song to fit every life situation. Of course you get fools who would regard this as a depressing thing, but as if I would listen to them. Today more than ever, I have found slight comfort in Morrissey’s songs. His lyrics are beyond everything to me.

Today I was spoken to as if I was dirt more than twice when I took that self-loathing trip to the job centre TWICE. Oh yes, twice. I turned up at 9am for my 9.15 appointment, only to be told to go back at 2.40pm. However, nobody needs to hear about how I’ve been today. This is about the 20th anniversary of Morrissey’s exceptional record, Vauxhall And I. A record that I hold so very dear to me, as if it a part of me. There is something about this record that almost defines why I love Morrissey as much as I do.

Ask any Morrissey fan why they love him, and they will all give you different reasons but the one reason that they will always mention is his gorgeous and careful way with words. For me, I would be lost without his comforting words and the way he expresses ugly feelings to make me feel less ashamed of having them, you know? Vauxhall And I isn’t the only Morrissey record I feel such a strong connection to, but with it being 20 years old I figured it was the one to write about.

You can’t mention this record and not touch on the brilliant The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get. Purely for the line, “Beware. I bear more grudges than lonely high court judges.” Simply brilliant and to the point. He articulates niggling feelings in a way that see no need for being sugarcoated. The opening riff to this song is one that just stays in your head. I had this song as a ringtone for sometime. The perfect song to listen to after this is All You Need Is Me. Oh Morrissey, you minx you!

I was only 7 years old when the record came out, so I can’t claim to have been listening to it for 20 years. It was at least 6/7 years later when I was hitting puberty and I was uncomfortable in my skin. To an extent, I still am but it’s nothing I can’t handle. Vauxhall And I is a record that I have turned to for many reasons. Reasons that anyone who has played this record will understand.

The record touches on sensitive topics such as disappointment and betrayal which if written with negligence, will just sound awful. Morrissey digs deep into these feelings (and more) in a way that makes you want to pick up a pen and write down your ugly and exposed feelings. The way he really gets into the core of being used and calling someone out on it on the song Hold On To Your Friends makes you think of those who have done wrong to you. But in the long run, they really do not matter.

Of all the songs on Vauxhall And I, and probably all Morrissey songs- it is Speedway that truly owns my heart. I could happily write you a thousand plus words on this song (maybe I have already) on how much this song means to me and why it means so much to me. The older I get, the more it means to me. When I last saw him live he played Speedway and being able to see your favourite singer play your favourite song by them live is an overwhelming thing. I sang the words back to Morrissey (even though he evidently couldn’t see me) as if it was only him and I in the room. I sang Speedway as if it was written for me. When I listen to Speedway, I am convinced he wrote it for me. That feeling will never go away, and that’s why Morrissey is so important to me. If any line from a song was apt today, it was this one: “And when you try to break my spirit, it won’t work. Because there’s nothing left to break anymore.” 

Vauxhall And I is probably the Morrissey record that I could happily have on repeat closely followed by Viva Hate. It is the kind of record that offers guidance and a source of comfort when you feel as if you have nothing. As if everything around is escaping you and you’re left with no hope. Many are quick to dismiss Morrissey as some miserable sod, but he’s saved many lives with his comforting words and ability to make those on the outside feel part of something. What that something is, I can’t really define. When something is dear to your heart, you just know. And words simply don’t do it justice.

Vauxhall And I will be reissued via Parlophone on 2nd June and will include unseen photographs.

“Don’t rake up my mistakes
I know exactly what they are
And what do YOU do?
Well, you just sit there.
I’ve been stabbed in the back
So many many times
I don’t have any skin.
But that’s just the way it goes.”

BROWN BROGUES- Zoloto.

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Zoloto-front

Last week I wrote about a fine duo called Brown Brogues. I sent them what I had written, and now I get to write about their new EP because they are gentlemen. I’m unsure if I can write anything to truly do this EP justice, but I’m taking a break from what I should be doing (job hunting) and giving it a damn good go.

Zoloto is the name of the EP and it is out on 19th April. Yes that it on Record Store Day; the greatest day of the year for sure. The first 100 copies of Zoloto will come with a 7″ reissue of their first EP, Nobody Dies In Paris. It is honestly worth waking up incredibly early to queue up for it. You’ll have nothing else to do anyway. Most important day of the year, remember that. The word “Zoloto” means “gold” in Russian. It is also an acronym for “Remember, one day people will leave you alone” in prison tattoos.

Getting Caned In The Face With An Ashtray is my favourite track off the EP. If you listen to it carefully, it should remind you slightly of that other duo I adore- The Kills. Some parts of it just remind me of some songs off their last record, Blood Pressures. I guess I’m just in awe of duos and how much delightful noise they can make. You know I said that Brown Brogues were decadently brilliant? Well, Zoloto truly shows that decadent sound as brutal and as brave as ever. If you listen to this EP and you aren’t wanting to break stuff and tear down the walls, then you’ve probably got shit stuck in your ears.

The EP is only 15 minutes long, but you’ve got punchy tracks like Shit In Your Eye and My Birthday which are underground anthems in the making. These songs are going to make fans go nuts when they hear them live. My Birthday is a ferocious gem that I really cannot get enough of. Pretty sure if Joey Ramone was alive he’d be salivating over this track and wishing he wrote it. The EP is made up of 4 songs that have been created to melt your face, shatter your eardrums and to make your body move in an obscure fashion. If this EP is going to be the first thing many hear by Brown Brogues, then they will more than likely be losing their mind over it. I don’t understand how you couldn’t. How can 4 songs sound this GOOD? Never doubt Brown Brogues, ever. They are a band that are evidently going to be around for a long time making this kind of pleasant noise their own way.

Zoloto is pretty much one of the best things to have happened to music this year. To deny the talent that Ben and Mark have would be extremely foolish of you, so on Record Store Day- head down to your local record store and buy this EP. Go home and play it as loud as you like.

Zoloto will be released via Stolen Body Records.

Also, Brown Brogues will be supporting The Young Knives this month on tour. Brown Brogues will also being doing an EXTREMELY special show at the Soup Kitchen in Manchester on 3rd May with Murkage. Both bands will play their set followed by a set together. Tickets are £5 and you can buy them here: http://nowwave.skiddletickets.com/event.php?id=12126298

BROWN BROGUES.

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After spending the day convinced I was going to puke again, I think it is safe to say I’m alright now. Until next time, obviously. I’ve spent the day either sat listening to the radio or sleeping. How long is a nap meant to be because I took one for 3 hours, and I’m pretty sure that’s a good nap. Everyone has their own take on what is a nap and what isn’t. Don’t let anyone dictate to you how much sleep you should/shouldn’t have.

Brown Brogues are a band I mentioned briefly here last year. I know that I should have mentioned more because quite frankly, they make the music I wish I could make. I’m pretty sure if I played them loudly yesterday my migraine would have shifted. Music is a cure. Paracetamol is a mere placebo. Brown Brogues are a fine Mancunian band that sound like they have escaped from California and encountered trouble on the way. They are loud and their songs are pieces of wonder that make you flail your body around in a furiously passionate manner.

My uncle and I frequently exchange texts about bands to listen to. As soon as I’ve typed this up, I’ll be telling him about this bloody brilliant duo. He’s the only person I know that has heard of Pop. 1280- this is a huge thing for me because they are just a fine band with deviant sounds. But this is about a fine band from Manchester who deserve every ounce of success possible to come their way.

What I love and adore about Brown Brogues sound is exactly what caused me to fall in love with The Kills many many years ago. It is the passion in the sound. The sheer determination and fury that just ripples right through every single song just makes your body jolt to the beat. It’s something that I look for in music; I want it to move me the way the Ramones woke up the dead back in the 70s. Brown Brogues would have been the perfect band to melt the faces of crowds at CBGBs. Sure it is 2014, but this back sound like something from the 60s/70s with their Garage Rock flare and Psychedelic vibes.

Beef Teef ruins the brain. It really really does mess with your mind. If you’ve never heard of Brown Brogues before, start with this from their second record. Throw yourself in the deep end and embrace the chaos head on. I’m a calm person but I love the music I listen to to be quite loud and chaotic. Brown Brogues justify fully why I love music as much as I do and also why duos are pretty much the best.

It is easy to fall into a habit when listening to music, but I always want something to move me in a way that leaves me with the inability to put it into words. Beautiful things in life leave us speechless; you treasure them more because you spend the rest of your days searching for words. This is what music does to me. Sure I can sometimes find the words, other times I’m just jotting down bollocks in the hopes I make some sense to someone out there who reads this. I hope someone reads this and Brown Brogues become a band that they listen to religiously, obsessively because they want that feeling of elation that comes when you listen to something new for the first time.

Music should be exciting. Music should do things to you that a person can’t. You cannot be held by a record physically but emotionally and that’s what makes it so so powerful.

Shake It is such a brilliant songs by Mark and Ben. The harmonies with the low droning (I mean this in a positive way, I just can’t describe sounds perfectly) of the guitar is brilliant. You can sense the longing in their voices, and in the drums and guitar. You pick up so many details in their music; the things you may miss when you listen to someone else. There’s honestly something so special about the music that Ben and Mark make, if anything they make you want to grab your best friend and make some noise.

Their song titles are something else, I Drove For Miles Just To Hear About The  Book That You’re Reading (which is one of my favourite songs by them.) There is wit in their lyrics, there are romantic tones, there is everything you could possibly want from a band in their music.

Brown Brogues released their debut record last year. Born To Lose came out on Ultra Cool records and was recorded in 2 days in Graceland about two years ago now. In 2 days they made this massively underrated beast of a record. Sometimes you find with bands, when they finally do a full length record it sounds too polished or it leaves behind that raw sound they once had. Brown Brogues stick two fingers up to this theory. Born To Lose is a fine debut, and to be honest it sounds like a band who have been putting out records for the past 10 years. They remind me of The Gruesomes mixed with Wavves. They’ve got polite aggression in their sound. That’ll be the Mancunian charm. The record is just over half an hour-long, but that’s why we have the repeat button. Just keep on hitting it.

Their second record, Triflin’ is equally bold and pretty much reinforces my love for them. So if I’m right- does this mean they have released two records in one year?! They are beyond hard-working. Triflin’ is a beautiful and punchy record that smacks you passionately in the face. Decadently brilliant. Effortlessly wonderful.

I don’t know what Ben and Mark have planned for this year, but I’m pretty sure they will be melting the faces off the crowds they play to, collecting new fans along the way. If one band can add some bite to modern music, it is definitely Brown Brogues. I’d put money on that, but I’ve got about £100 in my account, and I need that.

With my neighbour playing his awful dance music awfully loud, I think I have found the band to cause his flat to shake should I feel the need to be as much of an arse as him. But until then, I’ll have Brown Brogues playing loudly in my ear.

Please please go listen to their sounds here: https://soundcloud.com/brownbrogues

And buy their worldly possessions from here (or just their music for now): http://brownbrogues.bigcartel.com/

Manchester, be proud of them. The world, you better be bloody listening.

GO SEE THEM SUPPORT THE YOUNG KNIVES THIS MONTH.

SEX HANDS.

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I’ve been attempting to complete a job application form since about half 1 this afternoon. I’ve left it alone for now because I simply cannot write about myself without thinking like a massive wanker. I probably sound like one when I write about music, but we all have our faults.

As you know, Manchester is pretty much the home to the best music around. It’s picked up over recent years and let’s be honest- it is shitting on London from a great height. Of course London is wonderful and all that but the Manchester music scene feels more…I guess, “warmer.” And also, a darker sound.

Sex Hands have a creepy name and a creepy sound. Their eerie and sinister feel to their music is perfect to me. I love music that sounds like this. Yesterday I was sent a few emails from Christian rappers and singers. I’m not sure why I was their target. I probably need to repent for some stuff. I’m sure there is a list somewhere of all my wrong-doings, and I remember them all too well. Sex Hands don’t make you want to repent. They make you want to play their music obnoxiously loud, and if you have a shitty neighbour then this is the music you have to play as loud as you can.

Sex Hands are a fine Manchester band that I’m not even going to say who they sound like as that’s not my style. But if you love weird and wonderful music, then this is the band for you. They have some cool shirt designs on their bandcamp page, and if anyone wants to buy me one I’d be happy with that.

Their perverse and fucking excellent record, Season 1 has some stunners of song titles on there. We’ve got the delightful Jam Sandwich and the frivolous The Moist Maker. If you’re looking to woo someone, play them these songs. If they don’t want to be yours after this, then move on. Pretty sure if I played my girlfriend any of these songs she would just shake her head at me. Or walk off. Maybe both.

The record is handsomely influenced by the TV show Friends (song titles) and to be honest, if these songs were on episodes of Friends I probably would have liked it. Sex Hand riot filled songs are made to be played loud and aggressively. This brilliant and exciting sound they have just reminds me of why I love music so much. The energy they have is brutal and a pleasure to have ringing in your ears.

In a dream world these guys would be playing scary venues with the likes of Bad Grammar. Creating a super haunting atmosphere and screaming into the crowd whilst thrashing their instruments about. When a band play with this much passion, it is pretty easy to love them in an equally intense manner. Some music is just made to be played so loud you feel as if your ears are going to bleed, I can only hope their live shows captivate this. I have every faith that it will.

If you like music that sounds dirty and is wonderfully perverse, then Sex Hands are for you. If not, then don’t be a prude and listen to them. Basically, just listen to them.

Listen to their delectable sounds here: http://sexhandsband.bandcamp.com

Oh and be careful when typing their name into search engines. Or live on the edge and don’t have the parental lock on.