Tag Archives: Music

THE VACANT LOTS: Interiors.

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Here we are. Record number five by the most heavenly bands around; The Vacant Lots. I’ve written about nearly every record and EP they’ve released. They’re one of those bands for me that, I just always have to write about. I’ve got a handful of bands I feel that way about, and The Vacant Lots are up there for sure.

So, here we go with record number five- Interiors. It opens with Amnesia which reminds me of early John Carpenter soundtracks, which for me is perfect. The record starts off super strong and just gets better and better. It’s got that dark 70s/80s feel to it (think very early Depeche Mode mixed with Iggy’s Berlin records.) Dark and heavy songs that you absolutely can dance your heart out to. Alone in your room; that’s the perfect setting for this record. I listened to it yesterday on the way to work, and I then spent last night and today in my room listening to it as my cat had a nap lying next to me. I obviously ended up falling asleep too.

From Amnesia we are then gently led into Paradise which instantly became my favourite. I’ve played this record enough times now to claim it as my solid favourite, but trust me, the whole record is an utter masterpiece. Is it their best work? As someone who has loved them from the very start- yes. Yes, it is. You can’t compare their records to anything else in this world. It may be their darkest and some may shy away from that, but it is truly their best record so far. And this is coming from someone who holds Departure as one of the best records ever made/one of the best debut records of all time.

Interiors is the type of record you play to someone you’re really into or love, and want them to just love one band as much as you do. Could it make or break a relationship? I can’t tell you. It’s the record you play at 2am when the world around you is too loud. It’s the record you play when you just want something to calm your mind. They Jared and Brian make beautiful noise together- the synths are incredible on this, and it really is their best work. Evacuation is such a great song- could easily claim this as a close favourite too. The whole record is a work of perfection, and it’s the record you just know you have to see live. I’ve seen The Vacant Lots live a few times, and it always feels like some kind of religious experience almost.

The last time I saw them was recently here in Manchester at SOUP. There was hardly anyone there, which was mega shit because everyone should see them live, but as there were so few of us there, it felt more sacred than normal. It felt even more personal. I just really love this band, and they blow my mind with every record they put out.

If you were looking to get into this band for the first time or want to introduce someone to them, then this record is the perfect place to start. It may be their darkest but there’s something about it that just towers over the previous records. If you play Destruction to someone then play them Mad Mary Jones, they won’t believe it is the same band!

I’m really fascinated by Jared’s explanation of the record: “It’s about dealing with duality and integrating the conflicting feelings within a relationship. It’s about feeling dissociative and getting burned by the fire. Then coping with how this inevitably leads to the dissolution of the relationship. This is a mantra for all the songs on the album.” You get this throughout the whole record and it’s really vivid on Scars and the second part of the record. There’s hurt and healing on this record, and it is done in such a delicate way, It’s the synths, Jared’s guitar, Brian’s vocals, the lyrics. Everything about this record is just divine.

The record ends with Damaged Goods; a 6 and a half minute masterpiece that you feel could easily go on forever. You want to crawl into this song and just stay, and feel safe. I’ve said it throughout, but it is easily their best work to date. Every song is from the soul straight to the listener’s heart. You simply can’t get enough of The Vacant Lots, and this record fully justifies that.

LEGAL NOISE: Legal Noise.

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Some bands are just made to make songs that stick in your brain. And boy oh boy do Legal Noise make the kind of music that sticks right in there! I’ve written about this band before, so my feelings towards their music is pretty clear. But, as there is a new record out…actually, hold on. As their DEBUT record is now here, it’s only right I go into more detail as to why this band are pretty damn great!

As far as debut records go, this one is perfect. That was always going to be the case- what else do you expect from a band as awesome as this? Every song was made for you to thrash your body around to as if something has possessed you. The kind of songs that are destined to be heard in sketchy basement bars. The kind of songs you play when you feel happy or fed up- there’s a song for every mood and more on this record. These 8 songs are wild and a solid way of getting us to know Legal Noise much better. Whatever you’ve heard from them before- but it to one side, and dive headfirst into this record. This is a great record with nothing sounding out of place or forced. You can really hear their passion, and that passion makes you wish you had some musical talent. Imagine being in a band as cool as this!

The band sent me the record a few weeks before it was released, and I wanted to wait a while before I wrote about it. I’ve found this is the case with anything new I listen to now. Normally it’d be one listen and devour it. Now I’d rather listen to it over and over, then work out what I want to say. Joel mentioned that the first half of the record is a more of a Garage feel, then the second half is a lot heavier. That’s the best way to describe this record. The second part kicks you in the gut with Dracula, and it’s my favourite on the record by far. I love the heaviness of it, and how the heaviness smacks you right out of nowhere. Then it keeps on going on the second half of the record. It’s honestly a perfect record and for me, that balance of this sort of Stoner Rock coming in halfway to kick you in the face is just divine.

There’s only 3 of ‘em in the band, and by god they make a whole lot of noise. The kind of noise that needs to heard full whack 24/7. Time is just over 5 minutes long and you know what? We need more of it. This song could easily sound as perfect if it was 3 times longer. It’s such a great song, and it’s honestly a joy to listen to. Every single song is a joy to listen to. The record ends on a 10-minute number (Try To Hide) and the second it finishes; you’re playing the record all over again. And again. Legal Noise are a band that you know you HAVE to see live. I really hope this record is the one that brings them over to the UK and they sell out every place they visit. It’s a record that needs to be heard in all its heavy glory. We all form bonds with records whether immediately or over time; this record is one you fall in love with immediately.

I just urge anyone who reads this to play this record loud and throw your body wildly around as you let every song get into the depths of your soul.

PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS: O2 Ritz, Manchester 30th September 2023.

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Every time I write about Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, I always feel like I find something new to love about them. On record, they are one of the most thrilling bands around yet, after being obsessed with them for so long, tonight was my first time seeing them live. Whenever I had a ticket, something or someone would get in the way. Whether it be a clash of plans I couldn’t get out of or having a panic attack and having to miss out again- you name it, it’s stopped me from going. Reluctantly. Tonight, I finally got to see them. I’ve never felt so content at a gig. It was so loud, so beautiful and just out of this world.

Before I get into the show, I want to state that Matthew Baty is THE most powerful front man of any band around right now. The way he struts round the stage in his vest and shorts (I sound like I’m talking about a PE lesson from school when you’ve forgotten your kit!) like one of The Bushwhackers (if you’re a WWE fan you’ll get it.) A phenomenal band through and through.

I’ve been to enough loud gigs to last me a lifetime but trust me- this is up there with being one of the loudest. The love for this band is felt throughout the venue. I’m stood right at the back with a perfect view of everything, and the atmosphere is something else. Every single song is cheered with unifying admiration. This band have been together for around 11/12 years, and to see them play a venue like the Ritz is incredible. Matthew mentioned that the first time they ever played Manchester was in some warehouse, and now they are playing venues like this. They are a band that deserve to be heard, and like Matthew said- maybe now the music industry will take them seriously. Let’s be honest here, what the music industry thinks about Pigsx7 means nothing- all you need to do is go to their shows and you’ll see exactly why they are the best around.

The show is sheer justification of why they are the most entertaining and hypnotising bands around. They don’t do encores which personally, I am in favour of. Either stay on the stage and a play a few more or just leave!

The setlist rips from start to finish. You want loud? You’ve got it and so much more! They end their set with A66, and it felt like every song felt like a lead up to that moment. My god this setlist, this show- out of this world. Reducer? Insane! GNT? Mind-blowing. You got the hits and so much more, and even though it was my first time seeing the band it will definitely not be my last. Far from it! They opened with the face-melting Mr Medicine, and that was enough for us to all quickly realise that this was going to be one hell of a night. My ears hurt the morning after, but that’s what you want from a band like this. Beautifully loud. There is something really magical about this band, and their live shows truly show how incredible they are. Every single song is delivered with this euphoric passion that makes you question how you’ve got through life without experiencing this before.

For me, it was all about finally seeing World Crust- this one just blew me away. I’m pretty sure I had this weird grin on my face throughout the whole show, but this one was next level. I felt proper joy at this show, and it’s a joy I didn’t think I’d feel but turns out, I can! I guess all isn’t so bad afterall. The comfort I find in this band is like nothing else, and their live shows are an extension of how phenomenal they are. I urge anyone and everyone to see them live. Even if this isn’t your type of music, the atmosphere alone will change your mind and probably like me, you’ll want to be at their shows every night.

SEXTILE: Push.

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On Friday Sextile will be releasing their new record PUSH via Sacred Bones Records. That label is home to some amazing bands and singers. Some of my favourite records have come from that label, and I’m so happy that they’ve picked up the new Sextile record.

I’ve written about the band a handful of times including the last time they played here in Manchester (they will return to the same venue in December which I’m so excited for!) Their live shows are something else, and when you listen to PUSH, you cannot help but feel it’s a record to be witnessed live. It’s a pure Sextile record from start to finish. Every song is in the right place. It starts with No Fun that goes right into the trance like Contortion. Imagine this live. When you get your hands on this record, this song will change everything you thought you knew about the band. This song is way out there- Sextile are just on another planet with this record, and especially with this song. They just take you somewhere else that no other band has, or maybe ever will.

I really love that this record still has a familiar Sextile sound but at the same time, it throws you into this underground trance world. Early 90s House music is the feel of this record mixed with everything that Punk is. That’s the band all over really, and it sounds SO good. When a band really push their limits and go beyond what even they expect from themselves, that’s when you know you’ve found something to really hold on to. It’s a joyful record that’ll put your mind right. I mean some songs may give your older relatives a headache, but maybe it isn’t for them. This record isn’t for those who love the gentle and quiet. It’s for those of us who want something a bit louder, and something we’ve not really heard before. The loudness will smack you in the chops and the intensity of this record is just heavenly.

Lost Myself Again sounds like dread kicking in that leads into some form of hangover. Whether it be an emotional one or otherwise; it really does something to the soul. All the dread you feel is released by the time you’ve finished listening to this song. I love how the whole record is beautifully chaotic. It’s a record to dance to- to really dance to, and I don’t think they’ve done this on previous records. Sure, you can move to their sounds, but this record offers something else. And it is that “something else” that has you hooked. It’s not a record that you play once and forget about it. That’s not how it works with Sextile- far from it. They’re a band that you go back to every time. I think with this record, it’ll be the one you go to when you want something that you cannot get from any other record.

For me, Crash shows just how talented the band is. This is one of the gentler moments on the record. It’s a real soothing part of the record. You can play this late at night, look out the window or go for a walk and just play this. Whatever you feel when you play it, just go with it. It’s magical in every way. Friend of the band Izzy Glaudini lends her vocals on this one, and it just sounds like an angel harmonising. It’s such a gorgeous song, and does fit in with the rowdiness of the record.

As far as Electro records go, this one is up there as being entirely different; if aliens exist- then I hope whoever meets them, plays this record to them because I reckon, they too, would embrace the weirdness and beauty on this record. You cannot help but adore songs like Basically Crazy, Crassy Mel and LA DJ. It’s just a feel-good record. You can dance your little heart out to this one. Play it whilst you’re at the gym, play it whilst you clean your apartment, play it at a queer house party. Play it wherever you can and as loud as you can.

If you’re looking for a record that oozes soul and passion, then all you need to do is get this record on Friday. It’ll get you to where you need to go.

HEMI HEMINGWAY: Strangers Again.

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Sometimes we like to torture ourselves by listening to heart-breaking songs. Making up scenarios in our minds so we really feel every word, and cry because we feel that the song was made for us. I’ve done this a few times, and I’ve also experienced it in real life. I’ll take the dream version though ha.

I’ve written about Shaun Blackwell aka Hemi Hemingway before including previous bands he was in. There is no denying how gifted he is and what a wonderful storyteller he is. He’s got something about him that just makes you really connect with every song- with or without the hurt, you feel it. You feel every emotion. This is debut full length record as Hemi Hemingway; I’ve stopped myself from listening to anything he put out on the lead up to this record being released. I wanted to hear everything in full, and brand new.

The record opens with Alone in the Morning Alley, and it sets the tone for the record. A dreamy 60s Girl Group feel mixed with Nick Cave imagery all mixed together to create one of the most yearnful and vulnerable records of the year. Every song on this record could break your heart. There’s something about Dreamin’ of You that reminds me of Leonard Cohen mixed with Ezra Furman. What I’m trying to say is that Shaun/Hemi is an exceptional songwriter who can really put you in the midst of his songs.

Every song on this record is perfect for a lonesome dive bar at 2am when you’re debating if you need to go home because there’s nothing there. These songs would be perfect in a film, or maybe a film could be set to this record. That would be something else! At the moment, the song I’m hooked on is Green Envy. There’s something about this one that’s gripping me- it’s the way his voice just soaks up the sorrow and lets it all out in a way that you feel right in your gut. Every song on this record you feel right in your gut. This is the kind of record that makes you wish you could create a masterpiece, but could anything really top this? Probably not.

Strangers Again has beautiful whispers of 1950s/60s singers like Johnny Tillotson, Del Shannon and Bobby Vinton. The greats. The singers my mum would play to me when I was a baby, and I grew up to love and cherish. What Hemi has done here is truly create something that takes you back in time but not in a way that sounds intentional at all. It’s just natural for him to create something so thrilling, emotional and nostalgic. It’s honestly such an honour to listen to this record and hear how far he’s come with all elements of this record. I hope he finds a way to play these songs on a UK tour because we need it (mainly Manchester!)

When you find a record that causes your heartbeat to race, that’s when you know you’ve found something truly divine. There are so many beautiful songs on this record and the vulnerable moments you can’t help but eat right up. For me, the mood on Now That You Know (We Can’t Pretend You Don’t) is stunning- there’s a slight hint of bitterness, loss, and disappointment- especially in the line “This is happening because of you” just really sticks with you. Absolutely perfect and to the point. Hopelessly Dependant On You will rip you apart, and the intro to it sounds like the Twin Peaks theme tune (again, another reference to my childhood that I have my mum to thank for!) It’s soothing from start to end. When Hemi sings this way- in a crisp and fragile way, you really feel like he is stood next to you singing his heart out. It’s just such a gorgeous song, and the whole record feels like some kind of divine intervention.

When you’ve lost love, you feel you won’t ever find it again. Sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t- and it’s records like this that will make everything easier. There’s a harsh reality to the songs, and it’s that reality that makes you feel less alone and so connected to such a beautiful collection of songs. There is one truly special moment on the record, and it’s the song January Lake #3, and is sung in Te Reo Māori. To hear Shaun sing this is a real honour; it’s such a beautiful language and this song is so soothing. I could write a book on how beautiful the record is, and how much I love Shaun’s words. He’s something else.

As far as debuts go, there is no denying how magical this one is and how gloriously poetic it is. It will feel like a knife through your heart at times, but for the most part- you’ll know you’re not the only one to have ever felt that way. Feel those lonesome blues as much as you want and let Hemi hold your hand throughout.

BODY MAINTENANCE: Beside You.

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I think I may have found one of Australia’s most exciting bands around right now. Before I get into why I’ve fallen in love with them, I just want to let you know that the band are currently on tour in Europe and will be in the UK from this Friday- starting in Bristol.

Body Maintenance are one of those bands that make you feel like you’ve discovered The Cure, Bauhaus, Sisters Of Mercy- all that good stuff, for the first time. Honestly, if I could do the band justice with my words I absolutely would but all I can do is reiterate just how brilliant they are. I haven’t been to a gig in a long time, and I hope I can make the Manchester show next week because I feel they are a band that you just HAVE to see live. There’s so much to love about their music, but I’m going to focus on their debut full length record, Beside You. It’s what Post Punk dreams are made of. I’m besotted. Nothing and no one is going to come even remotely close. My god what a dream they are.

This is the kind of record you put on as the nights draw in. When daylight fades away quicker. A crisp Autumn day, stick this record on and go for a walk to wherever makes you happy and free. However, Summer seems to have passed the UK by so you’ll probably get the same feeling if you do this now! Why wait hey!

These 9 songs are perfect from start to finish- no filler here. Just pure Post Punk joy. Songs that’ll make you feel like a grey mist has cast itself over you, and you wander off into the night. Into the deep unknown. You remain a mystery, like everything and everyone around you. For me, the band remind me a little of Cold Cave- especially more recent Cold Cave sounds. That comforting Goth/Synth sound- it’s just out of this world. I cannot pick one song on this record to single out as my favourite. Every single song is a pleasure to listen to; and I think the best way to listen to this record to start with, is in order but then just let shuffle do it’s thing and let it throw at you these dreamy songs and let it take you up and away.

It’s Theatre is one of the most hypnotising songs on the record, especially the last minute or so- that instrumental ending is something else. Truly. You know when you hear a record for the first time, and you just want it to utterly consume you? That’s how this record will get to you. It’ll get under your skin, into your bones, your blood. Wherever it can go- it will. Let it. It’s one of the most exciting records I’ve heard so far this year, and it just perfectly combines everything I love about music. The production is something else too.

In just 9 songs, Body Maintenance show us exactly why they are one of the most thrilling bands around, and why you need to pay close attention to them. They have a rare sound, and that sound is one that will totally possess you, and you probably won’t mind. Their music would be perfect in a creepy Horror/Thriller where you are constantly on edge, but at that same time there’s this adrenaline that kicks in. The whole record is made up of moments in songs where you’re just taken aback in what you are hearing. I know I compare everything I listen to Seventeen Seconds by The Cure, and honestly to compare this record to the debut record by The Cure- I think it’s a fair comparison and compliment. Both records are so atmospheric, ethereal, creepy in the most beautiful way possible and gripping. There is something about this record that will stick with you for days on end, and I think again, that’s how you can tell that a band have created something so special and huge.

Body Maintenance just have this sound that you cannot get enough of; you feel like you’ve truly found something special when you listen to them. For me, it’s all I could want from a band. There’s this kick to their sound that just makes you feel like you’ve not heard anything like this before. Unreal, divine and perfect.

DEATH INDEX: Civilized By A Lie.

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I swear I thought I was dreaming when it was announced that there’d be a new record by Death Index. I thought we’d only ever have their 2016 release and that would be it. Fans yearning for more and not getting it. 7 years later- it’s here. It’s been here for a few weeks but my ability and want to write anything has kept passing me by. Zero interest, but I think I’ve got there now so I’m going to try tell you why the new record by Death Index is every level of perfect, but maybe you already know why.

Death Index are Carson Cox and Marco Rapisarda. Both have been/are in bands that are brilliant in their own way, and different to what Death Index is. Death Index is a different level to anything you’ll have heard before. Civilized By A Lie isn’t as brutal as their debut but that hardcore Punk energy is definitely there. They’ve not made a soft record- far from it. They’ve made the perfect follow up to their debut and yes, 7 years is a long time to wait but it is totally worth it.

The lyrics are Carson’s work and, in the lyrics, you can hear the frustrations of life in his part of the world in America. All kinds of discrimination have been flooding news outlets all over the world and it’s so exhausting reading about it, and when you hear it painted the way Carson does- you know you’re not alone in how frustrated you are.

No Cure For Madness echoes how messed up everything is and that maybe it won’t get better- just yet. Maybe it will. I don’t know. None of us do. Then it slips into Spirit. A song that sounds like a machine gun going off with words ringing out the awfulness of the world. Of course, there is good in the world, but we can’t create an illusion that everything is great can we. Music is an escape but it’s also home. This is the kind of record that you know needs to be witnessed live. To hear the loudness, to feel the chaos and to soak up every word on this record in a live setting would just be out of this world. The talent Carson and Marco have separately and together means that Death Index is always going to be a work of genius, regardless.

Another Hero initially feels like a motorbike picking up speed heading deep into the unknown. Into a world that may be better than what we currently have. It goes full throttle this song, and it touches on the despair of killing and the ending of a life. You can hear the despair in Carson’s voice, and the whole record just evokes so much in you when you listen to it. At times you feel you are listening to a band that have taken notes from Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and New Order but then it shifts to a real hardcore political sound which is unique to them. Some may dance to these songs all carefree but some may just be in awe of the content and find something to really connect with. Or both. There’s no right or wrong.

It’s a heavy record, and some may feel uncomfortable listening to it but every ounce of this record is honest and open. For some, that’s uncomfortable but Marco and Carson have created a thing of beauty here, and it’s the kind of record you stick on when all feels a bit too much and you need something to sit down with and reassure you. It’s in songs like Shadows At Dawn (personal favourite) and it’s in songs like Ego-Dance.

11 songs in half an hour. 11 songs to fill a void. 11 songs to feel a connection with. 11 songs that fully justify why Death Index are brilliant. If we have to wait another 7 years for a record that is at this level again, then so be it. Worth the wait.

Play it loud. Play it alone. Play it through headphones. Play it whilst you take a walk. Play it to anyone who will listen. Play it loud.

GRIAN CHATTEN: Chaos For The Fly

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It’s easy to feel a bit nervous when the singer from a band you adore releases a solo record. You immediately assume the worst and think it’s all over. You wonder why couldn’t they just make this record as a band. Why. Why. Why. Then you stop being an overdramatic idiot, and listen to the record. Then it clicks. It clicks that they had to make a different kind of masterpiece. Something brand new, something so mighty important.

The record opens with a sentiment that is always evident in Grian’s lyrics- openness and vulnerability. There’s no denying he’s a poet. He paints the world in a way that makes you feel safe and seen. He takes the greyness of the world and turns it into something beautiful, and full of life. The Score has an understanding within it that most can relate to, then it gently goes into Last Time Every Time Forever, and it’s got a slight folk feel to it but at the heart of it all- it’s something so pure that Grian has created. It’s unlike anything else you’ve ever heard. His voice is so distinctive, and the clarity in his voice makes you connect with the lyrics even more. Fairlies sounds like a 90s Indie song but lyrically it feels like something I can’t quite work out. It has a protest feel to it, and it has depth to the lyrics that you’ve probably heard in the likes of Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if Grian’s name is mentioned in the future in a list of the best songwriters ever. I’d put him there now, but in 10/20 years his art will be even more mind-blowing.

Bob’s Casino tells the story of a gentleman who is obsessed with the casino but loses everything. You can hear the sorrow; you can feel the sorrow in the lyrics. It’s such a gorgeous song, and the sadness in it still warms you because Grian’s way of singing this just makes you feel comforted. I’ve been solidly listening to this record since Friday, and I’m currently going between two songs that I’m just in love with- it’s between All Of The People and East Coast Bed.

The lyrics to All Of The People may be up there as my favourites of the year. There’s something solemn about it, but at the same time this darkness feels like a safety net. There’s a line that just hits me right in the gut, and it’s one of those lines that you wish you could have tattooed on you: “They just wanna get close enough to take the final shot. They will celebrate the things that make you who you’re not.” The violin and piano on this just adds this extra emotion. As someone who will take loud Punk music over most, this still speaks to my heart. Lyrics are so important to me, and a record like this fully shows why. Grian- you are a bloody genius. There’s a lot released in this song, and you can really feel it.

I’ve read the meaning of East Coast Bed, and I don’t think I can ever listen to it without crying. In essence, it’s about death. It’s about the death of Grian’s hurling coach who was like a second mother to him. Songs about grief and death can be heavy and traumatic to listen to, but this feels lighter. I’ll never be at the stage where I feel lighter about my Gran’s death, but there’s some reassurance in this song that maybe it’ll be alright. It is such a gorgeous song, and the way it makes you feel like you are floating off into a gentle sleep is so soothing. It’s still one of my favourites, even if it makes me bawl like a baby!

I’ve unintentionally written about six of the songs on the record, but that doesn’t mean the remaining three mean any less. They mean just as much. I love the way Salt Throwers Off A Truck sounds like it could be the name of a novel. The song itself sounds like it could be the foundations of a novel or film. I Am So Far is a haunting and melancholic one, and it is heavy but as Grian has described it, the song sounds like water. I think I understand what he means here. There is something safe about water and watching it from afar (I can’t swim so….) Open bodies of water feel really calming for me, and maybe that’s due to growing up on the Isle of Man and having access to beaches easily, and just being able to breathe in the sea air and feel somewhat calmer. You really get this from this song, and the whole record feels like you’re slowly attempting to calm down. It’s music for the soul, and it hypnotises you in the most enthralling way imaginable.

The record ends with Season For Pain- a title that Rimbaud himself would love. It’s a perfect way to end the record. It’s about moving on, and you can hear the relief in Grian’s voice on this especially at the end where you feel that he’s at the right head space to move on. When you get to that place, it is the most freeing feeling. It’s shite beforehand but when you get there, you feel lighter and better.

Nine songs in just over half an hour. You want more, of course but this record is perfection. Every song flows beautifully and perfectly into the next. Everything is in its right place, and it’s just one of the most honest and captivating records of the year. It’s the kind of record you’d give to someone and say, “Listen to this…everything will make sense and feel better.” There’s reassurance and understanding on this record, and to be honest, what more could you want.

BEIGE BANQUET.

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I’ll never get why chaotic sounds seems to calm my mind. The louder a band is, the more relaxed I feel. Don’t get me wrong, I love quiet moments but sometimes you need to listen to something that just messes with your head and throws you into another dimension. Finding a band like this is such a thing to treasure and appreciate with all you have, which is why I’m writing about a mighty fine band called Beige Banquet.

They’ve been around for a few years now, and they recently went out on tour with Die Verlierer around the UK. I was meant to be at the Manchester show but I forgot I was still visiting home. There will be other times, I’m sure. Beige Banquet have a solid Post-Punk sound- if you’re into genres. There’s a very slight nod to VERY early Joy Division here. There’s a charming darkness to their sound, and I think their S/T record is such an energising record. You get to know their sound, and you fall in love with it.

Songs like Control, Hotel Room and Welcome To Rock Music are essentials for any music fan. This sound is infectious, and it’s hard to believe that Beige Banquet initially started as a solo project by Tom. Band members were added, a pandemic happened, excellent music was released- that’s all you need to know. With 5 members now in the band, there’s a loudness to the band’s sounds that lures you in. That loudness mixed with how divine the sound is just has you hooked.

There’s a dark 80s feel to their sound, and the debut release Beta nails this. It’s such a strong record and it’ll leave you crawling for more. You’ll be comparing everything you hear to their sound- a mighty fine distinctive sound that will have you dancing like Ian Curtis rugby tackling Iggy Pop. Is there really any other way to move? I hate how I have blips of where I don’t write about music, but bands like Beige Banquet make you want to do something. Anything.

In some respects, you can easily say there is a heavy influence of The Fall on the band, and by that I mean the delivery of lyrics and how you can sense how carefully crafted every element of the songs are. It’s like Mark E Smith joined Kraftwerk- perfect! The Beta record is a dream of a debut release- the level they are at on this record is something else. It’s been nearly 2 years since it was released, but with every listen, you feel like you are hearing it for the time. I also have this feeling that when I listen to the record, I’m not listening to a band from current times. They’re out of this world and in their own league for sure.

There’s heavy Krautrock influences here, and everything in between. The build up on the songs (especially on Cold Yoghurt) have this tension that makes you feel like you’ve walked in on something you probably shouldn’t have done. A truly exceptional record from a band that deserve all the praise possible. You can’t help but get excited for what can potentially happen next for this band and when a band can do this in a short amount of time- that’s when you know you’ve found something to keep very  close to you.

See this band live whenever and wherever you can. Buy their music and become obsessed with them- you won’t be the only one.

BRUISE CONTROL: Useless For Something.

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Ever heard a record and it immediately makes you so excited you just want to run around and tell everyone about it? Course you have! For me, that record is THE DEBUT by Manchester’s finest Punk band- Bruise Control.

Bruise Control blew my mind when I saw them support Amyl & The Sniffers at the Albert Hall. That gig was something else. The crowd went nuts and it felt like a joint headline show to be honest. Let’s bring it up to present day, and talk about why Useless For Something may just be the best Punk record of the year and to be honest, it dicks all over a lot of records and it is such a joy to listen to.

As someone who feels uncomfortable listening to music that is tame/quiet, Bruise Control speak to me on a level I feel I’ve been in search for for what seems like an eternity. I feel like I’ve heard Black Flag and The Birthday Party for the first time when listening to this record. The rage, the passion and the energy this record has it huge. You can’t just play this once and go about your day at all. You have to just keep on listening and by the second listen you’ve nailed down the lyrics and you’re screaming them right back.

What I adore about Bruise Control is that they make their songs so easy to relate to- songs like Taxman are just *chef’s kiss!* perfectly summing up how us working class are constantly being dicked over by scummy Tories and the like. They have such a big sound, and this being their debut is remarkable. It’s a record you’d expect from a band decades into it- they’ve perfected their sound. It was obvious from the jump that Bruise Control were going to be special and Useless For Something goes above and beyond what anyone could ever have expected.

Dead On Arrival may be my favourite at the moment, but the more I listen to this record (yes, it is daily) the more I find different parts to fall in love with and become obsessed with. There’s this really tight sound on the record, and Dead On Arrival smacks you with hints of Fugazi and Jerry’s Kids. Absolute monster of a record and I don’t say that lightly.

The record was produced by Niall (guitarist) and that truly keeps in with that effortless DIY Punk sound that Bruise Control have- every song is a beautiful smack in the kisser. HMRC is a prime example of that, as is Useless and Bottom Feeder. Every song is an anthem and by that I mean- every song is so important and NEEDS to be played as loud as you and your neighbours can stand. If you are looking for something to blow your mind, burst your eardrums- then this is the record you desperately need. You know it is going to be a riot of a record right from the start. Useless is the perfect way for the record to open- Jim’s vocals on this are so snarly and raw. A beautiful and brutal way to start the record. I was listening to it whilst on the tram to work this morning at 7am- it bloody woke me up!

Manchester will always be one of the best cities in the world for music- Bruise Control utterly back this up. Their energy, their message and their talent has an immediate grip on you- a bear hug, a chokehold. Whatever you want to call it. That grip they have is so rare and so enthralling. I just absolutely love them and this record. This band are the future. Our future. The world is theirs and all that’s left to do, is to play the record loud. Then louder. And maybe touch louder just to make sure.