The Off Chance - Watch this space.

jo_brdly
Posts: 672
Sat 9 Jan 2010 14:29
The Off Chance are my new favourite thing. A duo that consists of Nick Hughes and Ricky O'Sullivan previously of The 211 fame, they are genuinely not like anything you will have heard locally or nationally before. A repertoire that consists of 6 and 12 string guitar, mandolin, banjo and drums can only be a good thing in my eyes. But these two are far from being a novelty act; beautiful lyrics, catchy melodies and a brilliant powerful voice (that has come on miles from the days of The 211) brings everything together in a neat and tidy Mumford & Sons/Holloways esque folky little package. Their recordings are as tight as rude joke I could make and it will be hugely interesting to see how they recreate that live, especially if plans to add a Double Bass and Accordion to the line-up go ahead. The duo looks set to take the festival set by storm and if you've got an ounce of intelligence in you you'll learn the words now cause you're gunna be singing them all summer.

If you're interested in finding out more, PM your address and I'll get a demo CD out in the post for you

Lighterthief - Maximalism

'Maximalism'is the long awaited EP from Stuart Rowe's lovechild; Lighterthief, on local legend Andy Partridge's Ape record label.
Stu Rowe has previously been described as the Willy Wonka of Record Production' and I can think of nothing more fitting, he offers the golden ticket. But it would seem with the release of Maximalism, he's given it to himself.
If you've not heard of Lighterthief, well I don't know where you've been or what you've been doing but it's time to sit up and take notice.
Lighterthief is a band/project/mindwarp? that takes a cherry pick of the most talented local artists from all walks of the music world, puts them in a blender and hits pulse for a good 4 and a half minutes each time. And although it might sound messy and not very appetizing, I’d happily dine on Lighterthief alone.
Their gigs have been consistent sell outs, and with the release of this EP, it really isn't hard to see why. And I must add it’s a great relief that Stuart and Co have managed to bring what they do so well on stage to the ITunes world.

The EP features 3 of the best lighterthief tracks, all of a really good length and a great recording quality, as to be expected. The first, the longest, is my favourite. 'Lover' with lead vocals by Julianne Bastock. Such a serene beautiful voice in such bizarre, idiosyncratic surroundings with undertones of Arabian nights is a rare thing, and even rarer thing to find to be enjoyable.

Next up is Falling into the Future with Andy Partridge on lead vocals. The inclusion of such a musical legend is testament enough to the standard of Lighterthief. And this track just goes to second that. The beginning of the track resembling a LOST ident, builds tension until a single bell brings in the vocals, instruments, and 4 and a half minutes of wonderment. Andy has a lovely smooth voice that is perfect for this track. A track more akin to falling down the rabbit hole than anything else I've ever heard.

And finally All Done Things with lead vocals by Pause. Break. Riots' Bozley. This is my least favourite track of the EP; I'm not crazy about Bozley's vocals, but strangely enough one of my favourite tracks they do live, which is in essence the beauty of Lighterthief. Lyrically a great track with brilliantly timed and produced samples from other artists. Definitely one to be enjoyed live so you can get up and move your feet in the now traditional lighterthief scuffle.

I say this every time I write a review of an EP or Band I'm fond of, but I've never meant it more than now; Lighterthief are something not to be read about, or even talked about. They're to be experienced, listened to, marveled at and loved. Buy this EP, get to a gig, and in a few years time join me in saying 'I saw them live in Swindon once...'

Matthew Kilford - House on the Hill EP Review

If you've ever read any of my live reviews before you'll know I'm a massive Matt Kilford fan, and can imagine the anticipation I felt waiting for this EP.
For some people there are certain songs that are sacred, and should never be covered by another living soul, Leonard Cohen's Hallelujuah is one that resonates for many, for me, those songs are Matt Kilford's.

My favourite track of the E.P is the first, the enchating 'Zurich' and even after hearing a hundred times I think the first line 'Where'd you go my love?' would still chill the spine and tingle the toes. Given the slowness of the lyrics and the softness of Matt's voice the guitar actually has some pace to it which makes it an even better listen. A song that has something special about it, akin to the quiet persistence of a dream.

The remaining songs on the EP are nothing less. 'Know By Now' is the fastest and some would say most cheerful of the pack, although to describe one of Matt's songs as 'cheerful' is just a bit wrong...
Hindsight for me has the best and most haunting lyrics and will take you back to lost childhoods and broken families, even if yours was always found and fixed. The final song 'House on the Hill' is my least favourite, a little too slow for me, but still a great song. Which says it all really.

All the tracks are a good length, and of great quality. And if you had't already gathered I'm a massive fan of this E.P, as should you be in the near future. Although it has to be said, these songs are always best enjoyed live.

The City Riot, The 211, The Knott and Theo Alteiri

So Friday 20th of February was the the lastest LOADED night from Swindon based band The City Riot, a monthly night of bands which they say 'aims to put on the most talked about indie bands in the South of England' and judging by the line-up for this one they're not going far wrong.

The 211 - www.myspace.com/the211uk
The 211 are the latest testament to the standard of younger bands around the town at the moment; Although to say they're the tighest band I've ever seen would be a lie, that doesn't seem to hold them back in any way. The 211 are a band that doesn't seem to take themselves too seriously and they're all the better for it, you can tell these boys are enjoying themselves, and you can't help but enjoy yoursef as a result. I think it would be fair to say they wear their influences for all to see, closely resembelling, but imitating none, from a long list of The Jam, The Who, The Small Faces and some newer indie counterparts. As the only band of the night to really get the crowd moving I can't urge you enough to get in on the act, pick up one of their E.P's and get yourself down to a gig, I challenge you to leave and not be singing 'Never Leave You' to anyone who'll listen for days afterwards.

Theo Alteiri - www.myspace.com/theoaltieri
In the nicest way possible, Theo Altieri is one of the most annoying people ever.
To be so naturally talented at such a young age makes you wonder why anyone else tries at all. At the tender age of just 12 Theo is already making waves and not just in this town. Last year he played Sugarhill festival, the Teenage Rampage tour and supported Russell Hastings. And things just look set to get better for him. Theo for me is the epitomy of easy listening, a genuinly good voice, great catchy lyrics and well played guitar. His songs are great, but my only criticism would be after the first few they do start to sound the same. As far as I know there's no plans for an E.P from this one so you really should get down to a gig before someone realises how good Theo is and whisks him away never to be seen again.

The Knott - http://www.theknott.co.uk/
This was the first time I'd seen the Knott, and I was definitely impressed. Although, the sound quality wasn't great on the night and that seemed to affect these boys the most. All of thes guys definitely know their way around their instruments and they do have a good, original sound to them, and it can't be denied lead singer Lee has a great voice and one hell of a stage presence.

The City Riot
Unfortunately I couldn't stick around to hear these boys (and apparently nor could many others) which is a shame because they put on a great night and the songs up on their myspace show promise for a good live show.

If this night was anything to go by I couldn't encourage you enough to get yourself down to the next one on the 27th March with The City Riot, Kestapo Khazi, Modela and Candyfist.

Update

Sorry I haven't done much but been busy busy in Bradders Hq.

Updates all round then!
As its Sunday, Postsecret has updated, and creator Frank Warren has launched an appeal for everyone to buy one of the 4 postsecrets books in order to keep the blog free from advertising. Which I can't encourage enough to support, a postsecret book would make a fine Christmas present for anyone.

Unless you've been hibernating the last few weeks Pictures on Walls have had lots of new prints, include a new Banksy which of course sold out in seconds. But some nice new Ian Stephenson prints one of which 'Oh Cheers You Cheeky Bastards' is winging its way to me as we speak. And they've also released their first Pictures of Walls calendar, featuring a picture by none other than yours truly! Very exciting.

Souled Out Studios has also updated, with the ever anticipated release of Mau Mau's red riding hood, and some other new prints worth checking out. They've also just created the Japanese arm of their empire so look set to go global.

Check back in the next couple of days for more photography and an amazing new urban artist recently rediscovered around Milan.

22 Nov - Fry, The Dacoits and The Dirty Feel

If a bill consisting of The Dacoits and The Dirty Feel doesn't get you off your arse and down to the pub literally nothing ever will.
Kudos to whoever decided the support for last night, a perfect choice of bands.

First up was Fry; a 3 piece, rock and blues set. I'd seen them once before at The Rolleston playing only covers, and was very impressed. The crowd screaming 'more more!' seemed to say it all. Technically, Fry are very good, all very competent on their instruments, which they showcase through their choice of songs with big instrumental sections. There's not a bad voice in the band and they gel together very well. I look forward to hearing more of their originals, and once these boys have been gigging for a little while longer, I'm sure they'll be a force to be reckoned with. But as of last night, were a good choice for the night and a great warm-up.

Next up was the Dacoits. And I love them love them love them. My new favorite local(ish) band by a mile. It’s hard to put your finger on why they're so good, but that they are. Lead singer Carrie has a great great voice, that sounds as good on their recorded stuff as it does lives, (and a very nice dress too...) and it's not just her voice that excites, she has, without being over the top or obnoxious, a great stage presence and you just can't help but pay attention.
Rich Millin on drums is excellent as ever, as is Neil Mercer, Phil Hamer and Pete Rowe on their respective instruments. And Neil has a great voice too that I'd be interested to see more of in future songs. The Dacoits never fail to amaze me/please me/tease me - I guarantee you'll be left wanting more. Not a bad word to say about the Dacoits, Love them, and can't encourage you enough to get yourself down to a gig, and get a copy of their ep 'Dumbstruck' under your belt.

And finally the Dirty Feel.

Literally don't know where to start. I've seen the Dirty Feel every time they've played Swindon, and they don't get older, they just get better. It’s a pretty tough shout to get a Swindon audience moving their feet, and the only other band I can think of that manage it every time is the BeatBullyz, but there was not a static foot/head/arm in the house as the Dirty Feel took to the stage. Noel Fielding describes the Feel as 'porno rock, filthy and juicy' and I couldn't put it better myself. The Dirty Feel make me want to bad things, and now I've seen the drummer topless, he may well the first victim of the filthy feel effect. Their songs are unbelievably catchy, but not in an annoying alphabeat way, in an 'I'll give you my life savings and good slice of my dignity to come back and play that song one more time' kind of way.
I'm sure the Dirty Feel will be back in Swindon, but god I hope it’s soon.
These boys deserve to be disgustingly famous.

Don't Worry

It may have been a while, but 'Still Rocking'