TTNG - Disappointment Island

In the words of Kyle from South Park -  "I learned something today". That thing was that it is indeed possible to heart a band so hard that you think you might burst.

TTNG (formerly This Town Needs Guns) are the band I'm talking about and I have loved them since I first heard them about 4 years ago - being a relative late-comer to their music.

I'm not normally given to hyperbole in the extreme, but my God, you're going to get some in this post. I have genuinely not been as excited about an album coming out since the band's last, which was released back in 2013 - and I was excited for that - like combusting excited.

So you can imagine what the last three years have been like.

It's rare for me to find a band that fill me with as much joy as these guys do. If I could put my finger on every single reason why, I'd distill it, bottle it and wear it like a perfume, because the sort of happiness they impart in my brain is something I rarely experience any other time.

Before we go any further - here are all the necessary links you need to get yourself acquainted with them:

Their bandcamp page:

thistownneedsguns.bandcamp.com/album/disappointment-island

Their Twitter page:

twitter.com/TTNGuk

Their Facebook page:

facebook.com/ttnguk/

Their website:

ttng.net/

The band (now a trio) feature the sublime, heartbreaking vocals of Henry Tremain and brothers Tim and Chris Collis, the latter a brilliantly idiosyncratic drummer, the former - surely one of the most accomplished and talented guitarists in recent years.

Disappointment Island (apparently it's a genuine Island off the south coast of New Zealand - and not, as I feared they'd name it after, my tits), has actually been a real labour of love, pretty much taking three years to put together and release.

Listener, it will not let you down if you decide to commit to it. Over the last few weeks, they've tantalisingly released 3 of the tracks (Coconut Crab, A Chase of Sorts and Sponkulous Nodge), whetting the appetites of the fans who've waited so long.

In its entirety, there isn't a single duff track on the album. After the first two tracks, the third, "Consoling Ghosts", kind of slows the pace down and feels slightly more pared back and this continues with the following number, "In Praise of Idleness". For some reason though, this reminds me of "+3 Awesomeness Repels Water" from the band's previous album - though I have no clue why (maybe because I'm weird?)

Other than the 3 outstanding teaser tracks the guys released - the song which grabs me most from the album is "Destroy the Tabernacle", it's just got an amazing, wide open sound to it and feels the most out and out dirty and scuzzy (not a bad thing).

If intricate, mathsy, tappy, floral, beautiful guitar sounds are your thing, this is your album. If you want powerful, clean, pure vocals, this album is your must buy. If you want a band with real intelligence, heart and soul - please buy this album. Just buy this album, OK?

It consistently amazes me why these guys are not as well known and well played in the UK as they are in the States. It needs to change.

On a personal note, I need to say that when I've been going through tough times and the world has seemed like a confusing and unfair place to be in, TTNG's albums have given me solace, sustenance and the strength to get up and face another day. There are lots of bands I love - but none more so than Henry, Tim and Chris. So thank you for keeping me going and thank you for such a wonderful new album. You guys are the best.

Shamu - Jump Ship

Hello again amigos. It's not been quite so long this time, but I can't promise I won't always be so previous, if you get my drift.

I'm here for a super quick update, and to bring you some more great new music.

Way back in January you might well remember me posting about the absolutely brilliant Shamu, who released their debut single "Dive". I adored it and highly recommended you all went out and spent your pocket money on it.

I'm thrilled to say that Jon and Sam are back again with their second release, a track called "Jump Ship" which came out yesterday (May 30th).

So here are all the necessary necessaries:

Shamu's Bandcamp page:

shamu.bandcamp.com/

Their Facebook:

facebook.com/shamuisaband/?fref=ts

Their Twittah:

twitter.com/shamuband

Their iTunes:

itunes.apple.com/gb/album/jump-ship-single/id1113001982

So I first of all recommend you go off and have a listen to it - and of course follow that up by buying it and giving the lads your support.

This is yet another absolute corker of a track. It starts off feeling stripped and paired back - before opening out into a nicely flowing bit of electronica.

The sounds get bigger as the song moves on and it's such a clean, rippling sound, the sort of music that makes your heart soar.

Jon's vocals are as always, sweetly unassuming and they pair really beautifully with the watery-trickly-feel of the beat. (actually that sounds a bit odd reading it back, but the synths do feel like flowing water).

Anyway, if all that hasn't made you think I'm a total dipshit, then as I implored at the start, get supporting Shamu, because they are super and I'll fall out with you if you don't.

Mutes - Inertia

Hello again, gentle blog readers. It's been another while, hasn't it? There's been an awful lot of awful going on Chez TheGeneral and time has somewhat slipped away in a haze of something unmentionable (clue: life has been a breadless shit sandwich)

Nearly a month has passed without so much as a murmur, but I'm back again (briefly) to bring you glad tidings of great joy about a brand new EP from a wonderful act I've featured on here more than once.

If you're a regular visitor to this page (HI MUM I CAN SEE YOU!) you'll recognise the amazing Mutes who I've written about a fair bit. That's because I love them so. And I want you to as well.

James from the group is just about to release his 3rd solo EP called "Inertia", and the band's 4th in total. It comes out on 23rd February.

First of all, the necessaries:

The band's Twitter:

twitter.com/mutesmutesmutes

The band's Facebook

facebook.com/mutesuk

The band's Bandcamp

mutesuk.bandcamp.com/

I've been lucky enough to get a preview of "Inertia" this week and it's every bit as brilliant as I hoped it would be. It's a perfect mix of guitars, synths and shoegazy-breathiness.

Lead track from the EP is called "Less Existence" and if you go to their bandcamp page (linky above), you can stream and pre-order this track, like, now, dudes. I love the harmonies in it and the gentle repetition - it's got such a breezy depth to it and a feeling of space. The synths in it are just dinkily perfect and offer a great catchy hook.

The other main highlight on the EP for me, is "Soft Spots", which is simply beautiful - with its haunting guitar pick, and again, some dreamy, ethereal harmonies. This is real memory music, it's something to treasure and revel in. Every time you listen, you'll hear something new - and the EP bears repeated visits to get to the heart of it.

In total there are 6 tracks on this collection and every one offers something slightly different to the one before. Put 23rd February in your diaries and get this beauty downloaded - it's essential Spring listening!

Shamu - Dive

Hello. A blog post from me these days is rarer than a bacon roll at a barmitzvah, but I'm once again just poking my head above the musical parapet to bring you glad tidings of great joy and a wonderful new single from two of my favourite chaps ever.

Last year when north east boy wonders TUSK split, I was more than a little bit sad, and I did wonder if we'd ever hear from the guys again, but I was absolutely made up to hear that Jonathan and Sam from the band had gone on to form a new duo called Shamu.

Good things come to those who wait and today sees the release of their debut single "Dive". Before we go any further, here are all the necessaries:

Bandcamp:

shamu.bandcamp.com/

Spotify

spotify.com/track/0gd0BUsSs3QmCR02pVyKew

iTunes

itun.es/gb/MW33_?i=1071611171

Deezer

deezer.com/album/12089324

Facebook

facebook.com/shamuisaband/

Twitter

twitter.com/shamuband

And here you can see the video for the song:

It's a brilliant, brilliant first release and showcases some fantastic, dubby beats, crystal clear mathy guitars (I LOVE MATH ROCK IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW) and a superb, slightly off kilter vocal. 

The trend at the moment seems to be melding electronica with more rocky based guitar sounds, and sometimes this results in an end product that doesn't quite work and can't quite make its mind up what it is. None of that here. There's a real attempt to fuse the two genres successfully which, for my money, works really beautifully. 

It kind of goes without saying I'm really looking forward to seeing how Shamu progress as an act - Jon and Sam have been really missed and this is such a welcome return. 

Go listen, watch and buy. At once. 

The Everglows - Feet Walking

Good afternoon. Yes, it has been another month since thegeneral last graced your presence, and for that I am once again, truly sorry. Life really is what happens when you're making other plans. However, I am back for the first of two lightning strike entries (ooh er missus) today, which I hope you'll really love as much as I do.

Now then, up first are a band that I've championed for a long time on these pages and it really feels fitting I should be making a comeback by writing about them. It's a hearty welcome back to my lovely friends The Everglows and their excellent new track "Feet Walking".

Firstly, if you'd like to take a look at my previous posts on them, you can read on here. There are quite a few, but I make no apologies for that, as these guys are really worth writing about (and listening to).

So, here are the links to the places you can listen to and purchase their new single from:

theeverglows.bandcamp.com/

and

soundcloud.com/theeverglows/feet-walking

I highly recommend that you do.

Released in time for Christmas, this is just what I needed to hear at this stage in the year. It's actually really fresh, jingly and upbeat - the guitars are fantastic and as always, it's got that brilliantly 60s psychedelic vocal, slightly off kilter and uber cool. I kept thinking about the Happy Mondays when singer Andy Smith yelled "Hallelujah" half way through...nothing wrong with that, at all.

All the tracks these guys release seem to be instantly memorable - you only need one listen to get them stuck in your head -  to my mind that's one of the hallmarks of great music. This one is no exception. Utterly brilliant in it's composition and recording.

If you're jaded with festive music already and want something with a fresher edge to take you into the new year, I highly recommend making this single one that you purchase in the coming days. I love these chaps a lot - and I am really looking forward to hearing more from them in 2016. You should too.

Bug Prentice - The Way It Crumbles

Well. This is all a bit embarrassing isn't it? Thegeneral left in July, saying they'd be back in September and then...nothing...In truth, the last couple of months have been rather less festive than a jaunt to the abattoir with no sandwiches. But life must go on.

**Just before I launch into my first review since the moon landing, the blog is still on a sort of hiatus, just for the foreseeable future. I'll be doing very occasional entries and reviews - and these will be a little more sporadic than before. I could go into all sorts of reasons why - but it would turn into something a bit political and mercenary and I don't want to do that, cos this is supposed to be FUN FUN FUN**

Now. For something nice.

Way way back at the end of February I featured these guys: Bug Prentice with their brilliant single "Nicholas Ray".

Well, the band have now got their debut album together and the frankly rather marvellous Ally Craig (guitar, vocals) from the band contacted me and asked if I would put a little something together for them ahead of the release, which comes on 23rd November. I honestly couldn't think of a better way of bringing the blog back, than with this corker of an album, so I agreed.

First - and it seems like forever since I last did this - here are the necessaries:

You can find them on Bandcamp here:

bugprentice.bandcamp.com/

On soundcloud here:

soundcloud.com/bugprentice

And their website is here:

bugprentice.com/

Please avail yourself of the facilities, and remember to wipe your feet on the doormat.

This genuinely is such a superb album - not a duff track on it. I've listened to it twice, all the way through and it's a collection of songs that grabbed me by the jugular.

What stands out to me are the angular, discordant guitars and the spikiness of the music and vocals - it's a slightly off kilter album, but in a good way.

To align it with some of the great alt rock that came out of the US in the 90s would be to pigeonhole it and do it a disservice, but there are nods and shakes to some of the brilliance of that era, without it being a pastiche.

If you click on the bandcamp link you can have a sneaky listen to "Nebraska Admiral" and I really recommend you do. It starts with melancholy, wistful guitars and almost plaintive vocal from the aforementioned Ally.

"A Train and then a Train and then a Train" has brilliantly distorted and fuzzy chords - the staccato progressions they make are brilliantly jangly.

It's hard to pick stand out tracks - because I genuinely did love them all, but the Nirvana-esque "Moustache" is beautifully downbeat, "Nicholas Ray" from earlier in the year was always going to be a favourite of mine anyway and finally, if you're holding a gun to my head to make me pick then I would go for "Just Do Anything", a short, coquettish song with an almost French/60s vibe, which really fools you with it's start, then turns into something totally unexpected.

The album, as mentioned earlier in the post, is out on 23rd November, so not long to wait. It will definitely be worth it for you all, that I can promise. A huge well done to Ally, Ruth and Stephen - and keep up the good work. This will be high up on my Autumn play list - as it should be on yours too.

And now, with a swirl of my cape, and a twirl of my moustache, I'm disappearing off into the ether again, I'll return very soon - but I cannot say forwhen. Keep my seat warm, my pipe lit and the tea brewed. Pip pip.

Sounds Like Interview/Review feat: Red Redmond - BLUE

Hello and a very Happy Sunday to you. Another week has whizzed by like a pensioner on a mobility scooter and I'm here again, feverishly putting finger to keyboard to bring you a BRAND NEW REVIEW OH MISSUS.

Regular readers of the blog (YO MUM) will know that up to now I've solely covered brand new music and left it at that, but I'm branching out like Twiggy today with a review/interview that strays into another arena that I absolutely adore. Comedeh (that's "comedy", if you're not a regular internet user, or you're from anywhere south of Sheffield)

I'd really like to introduce you to the brilliant stand up comedian Red Redmond, who very kindly agreed to be gently probed by me last week. He also agreed to an interview, after. Well, he couldn't refuse really. I'll share the gentle probing later, but first here's how you can get in touch/find his debut show, which is called "BLUE".

You can find Red on Twitter here:

twitter.com/redredmond

You can find him on Facebookz here:

facebook.com/pages/Red-Redmond/

and here:

facebook.com/DeadCatComedyClub

You can find the Dead Cat Comedy Club website here:

deadcatcomedy.co.uk/

And from that you'll be able to find a link to buy Red's stand up show here:

gumroad.com/l/blue

and you can also buy the audio only version here:

redredmond.bandcamp.com/releases

Right, that's all the necessary linkage done. Firstly, I urge you to buy and support Red's show. I discovered him quite by chance a few weeks ago, and was blown away by not only how funny he is, but how self effacing and genuine the material in BLUE seems to be. (I related to a lot of it - but that's for a whole other psychiatry session). He's got a real warmth and flamboyance which resonate through the act - and you also feel you're watching someone who is an exceptional and naturally talented performer.

I also really admire the way he's gone about producing the show and one of the main reasons I wanted to feature him on the blog is because, like so many of the bands I write about on here, he's doing it the DIY way - funding and releasing his own stuff, no agent, no manager etc. It's heartening to see.

So without further ado, here's my interview with Red. I hope you enjoy it and will support his show.

Congrats on the release of your debut stand up show. It was an absolute joy to watch from start to finish. You touch on quite a few personal things throughout the show, so I'd like to start by asking if you think anything is fair game where comedy is concerned, or do you have a line you won't cross?

First off, thanks very much. I’m really happy with the show and I’m glad so many people have enjoyed it. That aside… I always like my comedy to be personal because I think there’s nothing funnier than the truth. For me, nothing is off limits as long as I can make it funny.

I've been thinking about adopting a rabbit, but your shit-eating story did make me do a bit of a sick-burp. Please can you convince me that it's still a good thing to adopt one? 

Rabbits are the best! They also love eating their own shit. But, and here’s the twist, it’s not actually shit. It's something called cecals. Basically, rabbits have a large pouch located at the junction of the small intestine and the large intestine, this is called the cecum. Here the digestible portions of the intestinal contents are broken down by bacteria. Some nutrients are absorbed through the wall of the cecum, but most nutrients are locked up in the bacteria. The rabbit then produces bacteria-rich droppings called cecotropes, which are soft, sticky and green and have a stronger odor than their regular waste droppings. These cecotropes are eaten directly from the anus as soon as they are produced. The cecotropes are then passed through the digestive tract of the rabbit and nutrients such as vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids are released from the bacteria and absorbed into the rabbit's body. As a result rabbits have developed an efficient way of producing their own vitamin, protein and fat supply. Still wanna get one? They’re dead fluffy. (thegeneral says - I'm just gonna focus on the fluff...you've convinced me but I just need to think about the fluff)

I love the approach you've taken with releasing this show. The DIY approach is something I see a lot with the bands I support on here and it's refreshing to see a comedian adopting it. Is this the way forward for you - or do you see a time when you'll get a manager and do things in a more mainstream way? 

Again, thank you! In comedy, managers and agencies can be just as villainous as the major labels of the music industry. But there’s still some good ones out there. Like everything, it’s better to work with people you trust. I’ve always taken a ‘never say never’ approach to my career and I can assure everyone that if I were to sign up to something it would be for the right reasons and at the right time.

Who are your own artistic influences? Or the people who inspired you to try this? 

Punk Rock. Without a doubt. I’ve been a punk fan since my teens (yeah, baby!). I’ve always respected the DIY approach of artists like The Buzzcocks, Sex Pistols, Stiff Little Fingers etc... They understood that if they wanted to get heard they had to get out there and make some noise. BLUE is my noise. This is a show for the disaffected. It's a show for the nerds, the losers, the call centre employees. It's a show for my people. (thegeneral - I think you've just distilled why I identified with it so much, sitting here in my darkened room leaning over my keyboard fretting about my very existence and worrying about my day job tomorrow ...)

What does your comedy future hold?

Hmm… Well I’m going to Edinburgh Fringe this August to work on material for next year’s show which will of course be called GREEN. Which at the moment is mainly about yoghurts and my obsession with Taylor Swift. I’ve also taken a temporary position as the in-house comedy programmer for The Dancehouse Theatre in Manchester. As well as performing, I run a number of gigs in the Manchester area under the Dead Cat Comedy banner. Basically, if I’m not gigging, I’m running a gig.

Finally, Where can we see you next?

I’m in the midst of hosting a series of Edinburgh Previews at The Dancehouse. Next one is on Saturday 11th July. The show will star myself, Jack Campbell (English Comedian of the Year 2014) and Damien Slash (Over 10,000 subscribers on YouTube). Click here for tickets. I’ll also be at Kosmonaut hosting MACE (Manchester’s Alternative Comedy Emporium) on Thursday 30th July. This is a must-see show starring South African funnyman Cockey Falkow and comedy genius Mat Ewins. Tickets on sale soon. Hopefully see you there…

P.S. Thanks so much for getting in touch and letting people know about BLUE. I hope you have a lovely day. (You are more than welcome, Red. The very best of luck with all your endeavours)

Stereo Off - The Long Hot Winter

Howdy. Long time no catch up. Well, it's been over a week. I love what you've done to your hair while I've been away. No, it's OK, I won't tell your Mum. Just slip £10 in the envelope and post it through my letterbox - then we'll say no more.

OK, so in my absence I was contacted by a fantabulous act I was lucky enough to cover at the start of last year - Stereo Off. You can read my previous post on them HERE.

Stereo Off are back and my intrepid tea drinking, glittery nail polished companion theexistentialist has taken some time away from the kettle and the nail file to review it for me (thank you, once again!!)

+++

Stereo Off - The Long Hot Winter

theexistentialist was excited to have the opportunity to review Stereo Off’s long-awaited 2^nd EP.

Their debut, NY EP 5 Songs, was released way back in January 2014, and was reviewed by thegeneral (see above for linkage)

Their 2^nd EP, The Long Hot Winter, is due for release in the coming weeks (thegeneral will update when it's properly due out). Here's their bandcamp page where you can go and download all their other stuff while you wait:

stereooff.bandcamp.com/

In the meantime, the band’s Facebook page and Twitter account can be accessed, by following these links:

facebook.com/Stereo.Off

twitter.com/stereooff

Like their debut EP, The Long Hot Winter comprises of 5 tracks, each of which are excellent examples of the 3-4 minute pop (alternative pop, that is) song.

theexistentialist absolutely loved this EP. This is definitely an EP for the hip indie kids at the cool indie disco (an old curmudgeon like theexistentialist probably would not be allowed into one of Stereo Off’s shows). (*thegeneral chips in, "you're 31, shut up. When you're as old as me, then you can say that"... :D) 

Stereo Off are pure electronic indie-rock - very cool and very danceable. This is an EP of these indie rock styles cut through with some icy overtones of electronica. Very danceable beats and clean rhythms coupled with crystal clear vocals. 

It is an absolute delight to listen to, as it makes me feel like an achingly hip 18-year-old indie kid. And, despite the icy electronica its very warm and joyful, and a deliciously upbeat EP. Essential Summer listening. 

Stand out tracks are opener "Hotel Mirror" and the brilliantly rocky, anthemic "Supercooler". Definitely one to get on your playlists when it is released. 

Moonbabies - Wizards On The Beach

Hello again. It's still Wednesday, I know because I've just checked. I hope you're ready and waiting for some more brilliant music, because that's what I have for you. I've sent my compadre off for a sit down with a cup of tea and I'm going to take you through this next piece.

So for today's second offering, I'm going to share with you a band I've been aware of for a little while - called Moonbabies. I was thrilled when Ola from the group asked me to put together a little something for them (guys I'm sorry for the delay) I'm happy to be finally featuring them now.

Their new album "Wizards on the Beach" is out now (it was released on April 28th) and as always here are the necessaries:

Here is their bandcamp page:

moonbabiesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases

Here is their Facebook page:

facebook.com/moonbabies

Here is their Twitter stream:

twitter.com/The_Moonbabies

And here is their website:

moonbabiesmusic.com/

What can I tell you about this album - other than "you need it". Well, you need it if trippy, vibey, feel good electronica is your thing - and it is mine. The album opens with "Pink Heart Mother" a smashing mix of gentle harmonies and great beats. Title track "Wizards on the Beach" follows and is a corker, which really mixes (and speeds up) the proceedings. It's got a brilliant, cute sounding guitar in it, which just elevates the sound. Standout tracks for thegeneral are the aforementioned first track - and "Bird Lay Frue", "Playground Dropouts" (opening reminds me very slightly of The Magic Roundabout!!) and final track "The Ocean Kill" which is a super, super way to round the album off.

The husband and wife duo mix the vocals up on the tracks which means that nothing really sounds samey, and they have a very distinct, stacatto and upbeat style to their sound, which is really charming. If you like bands like Discopolis (and if you don't - we can't be friends) and you also loved my review of Cantaloupe's new album, "Zoetrope", this should also be right up your street too. Get it in your collection now!

EARTHS - Kangerlussuaq

Good of the Tuesday afternoon to you. Except it's Wednesday. I just thought I'd fox you all. Never let it be said I'm not sharper than a safety knife.

So it's midweek and we're probably all slumped over our desks wondering how long it is till the next Bank Holiday weekend (answer: too bloody long). But never fear, I have something to keep you going until Friday at the very least.

However, I am once again handing over the blog reins to my erstwhile companion, compadre and partner in crime/nail polish, theexistentialist who has taken a break from launching their website (imabloodymiserablemisanthrope . com - just kidding) to make another brilliant contributed post.

Today, they're reviewing the excellent new release from Glasgow's EARTHS - called "Kangerlussuaq"

++++

theexistentialist is delighted to have had the fortune of thegeneral drawing my attention to a brand new act from Glasgow, called EARTHS. They are a great band; although, someone needs to show them where “caps lock” is on their computer keyboard! (thegeneral interrupts to let theexistentialist know that that sort of thing is actually quite cool and trendy actually :D)

First the necessaries. 

You can visit their Twitters here:

twitter.com/ThisIsEARTHS

You can visit their Facebook page here:

facebook.com/ThisisEARTHS

You can download the new single from their bandcamp page here:

thisisearths.bandcamp.com/album/kangerlussuaq

Their new single is Kangerlussuaq is a nice trippy little number, and can be downloaded for free from band camp, by following the link above ^^^. It's got a fantastic bassline and nice chippy guitars. Really dreamlike and ethereal. 

Whilst theexistentialist enjoyed the gentle Kangerlussuaq, it was the b-side (or, whatever you call a b-side on a digital download), The House Above, that really captured my imagination. It is just a little bit bonkers barmy, and unpredictable, but in all the right ways. After the lovely, lulling soundscape of Kangerlussuaq, The House Above is a surprise and a little gem of eclectic oddness. If you've got a liking for some of the more gentle aspects of Math-Rock, you'll love these tracks. 

theexistentialist is rather intrigued to know what will be the next move for this fascinating band, and is hoping to hear more of EARTHS in the near future.

++++

Sounds Like Interview - The Everglows

Good afternoon. Or if you're reading this later, GOOD AFTERNOON - WHAT TOOK YOU SO COCKING LONG?

I'm back for another short stint of blog catch-ups and we're going to begin today with another of my 'Sounds Like' features. That's right, I've managed to convince another band to talk to me. I don't know how I've kept getting away with it for so long - but I have.

Today's topflightshowbizinnervoo is with a favourite of mine, and a band that have graced these pages on many a previous occasion. Welcome back to The Everglows. You can read all my previous posts on them HERE.

The band have another stonker of a track out, and they've asked me to give you a heads up on it - and also share with you the video for it, which I'm happy to do. It's called "Lost and Found" and it is, as all their previous stuff is, hugely worth a few minutes of your time.

But now it's time to see the results of my gentle probing of the band, with my probing thing - thanks so much to Andy and Ray for putting up with my mithering!

****

1.) The new single is another absolute corker, it's got a slightly different, more mellow feel to your other tracks - was it a conscious decision to go take that route or did it just happen (I'm going to make you cringe now...) "organically" (like a mis-sharpen courgette) :D

Andy: The new track Lost and Found came to me while queuing at KFC! It's got a break in it that I wrote a while back but didn't fit with anything else. I wanted that laid back drinking in the sun feel to it. We did need a slower song in the set as its usually pretty full on. 

Ray: I played pretty much what you did on the demo 'coz it was spot-on!

2.) Which musical decade means most to you 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s (or a mix of all 4)?

Ray: 60s - I was born in the wrong era. 

Andy: Definitely 60's. It influences everything music, clothes, decor etc. My van even has a target on the side!

3.) You've got quite a nice nod to psychedelia going on with your stuff and I've noticed a few other bands I've reviewed are leaning towards this too, is it time for a proper Renaissance of this genre - or is (musical) nostalgia not what it used to be?

Andy: The musical era that influences me most are the 65'-69' period where psychedelia were first featured and explored so its bound to influence the sound of the band. Plus it sounds pretty cool...

Ray: Its always time for another revival of Psychedelia, it is unquestionably the most experimental, creative period in music history.

4.) What's next for the band - gigs, recording wise?

Ray: There are some new tunes in the pipeline, one of which is typically Everglows but another will surprise our listeners I think as it has a slightly different feel. (Two Minute Hero). 

Andy: We've got some good gigs coming up, 4 in the next 4 weeks including The Dublin Castle and The Finsbury in London. Once the gigs are over we're gonna record some new material that's been played live the last few gigs.

5.) Finally, The Everglows are having a dinner party at Everglow Towers. You can have three musical heroes as guests. Which of them brings the starter, who brings the main course and who brings the pudding? (You can have a bonus guest to pop along with the cheeseboard, but only if they swear not to bring Stilton...)

Andy: I'd have The Small Faces bring the starter, something cheeky and cockney. Then an Indian brought in by The Beatles picked by George. Amy Winehouse for dessert to chill you out and Blur to bring over one of Alex's delicious cheeses to have with crackers. 

Ray: Jack White for the starter would be Boccadillos (small fried fish in batter), Frank Black for the main which would be a chicken Vindaloo curry & then Keith Moon for the dessert of Cherry Cheese Cake because that would probably end up all over the walls after the food fight that would ensue.

Thanks guys for a brilliant interview - and readers, don't forget to head on over to their bandcamp page to buy their new track - you can find it here:

theeverglows.bandcamp.com/

Mutes - Starvation Age EP

And so, it continues. I welcome back theexistentialist for his second blog outing of the day. This time, he's also featuring another act I've written about before on these very pages. The spectacular Mutes...

***

Mutes - Starvation Age EP

thegeneral has been kind enough to allow theexistentialist a 2^nd blog post. And once again, theexistentialist wants to talk about an artist first discovered by reading thegeneral’s blog.

Last year, thegeneral reviewed the brilliant debut EP by Mutes. thegeneral’s review can be found HERE. 

Well now, they are back with a brand new EP called Starvation Age. This is a cracking collection of tracks, and dear readers, you really ought to think about hoisting yourself over to this link on Bandcamp to buy the EP mutesuk.bandcamp.com/. 

The EP is beautifully sequenced, with each track weaving into the next, each song also manages to sound distinct and different to the previous. .

Boyish is a glorious and gentle intro that builds-up the noise level, and then unfolds into the more distorted, harder, rockier Holy Terror. The vocals are indiscernible, but are crucial to producing the disturbed and dark sound of this song. 

After a brutal opening, this melds into a soft, lilting, dreamscape. Memory Serves continues the quiet mood, adding just a hint of melancholy.

Kissing Trees has a rougher psychedelic garage sound. In fact, Kissing Trees reminded me so much of The Velvet Underground that I expected the ghost of Lou Reed to pop-up and provide some kind of vocal accompaniment.  However, the track is instrumental, which is fortunate, because James doesn't sound a bit like Lou Reed vocally :D (they are both great, just not alike, at all). 

The garage-psychedelia of Kissing Trees brilliantly leads into the title track and closing track, which is a pounding, thundering and noisy finale. An amazing way to end the EP – a fuzzy, noisy slice of psychedelic rock.

Kobadelta - Open Visions

Happy Easter. If you haven't overdosed on chocolate by now then that's a jolly poor show. I haven't. I've been a very good girl so far. Which makes a change.

As it's Easter weekend I've got a couple of non-chocolatey, but still very fabulous treats for you. The first of these comes in the shape of another brand new band to these pages. Today, I'm really happy to introduce you all to Kobadelta.

Now then. The band very kindly contacted me after reading my review(s) of another North East act, Tusk, now sadly no longer recording together. They asked if I'd give their new EP a listen and a review and I've been very happy to do so, because it's top notch.

So here we go with a few necessaries:

Here's a link to their bandcamp page:

kobadelta.bandcamp.com/

Here's a link to their Twitterz:

twitter.com/kobadelta

Here's a link to their Facebookz:

facebook.com/Kobadelta?fref=ts

Anyway, this is what you need to know. The group's new EP is out on May 1st and it's called "Open Visions".

The first single to come from it will be the free to download "Black Pyramid" which is where we'll start. Well, it's awesome. In a way, the opening is strangely reminiscent of Amon Duul II's "Archangel Thunderbird", which is no bloody bad thing as far as I'm concerned. It melds into a slowly, grindy, riff heavy, gloomy anthem - which changes pace mid way through and opens up into a brilliantly soaring guitar solo.

There are some other cracking (EASTER JOKE ALERT) tracks on the EP too. For me, one of the stand outs is the fantastic "Blame It All On Me", again, another cracking riff to open with- darkly edgy with a brilliantly rich vocal.

The band's very distinct gruff guitars and dark, edgy sound could turn them into something that becomes a bit monotonous and repetitive, however, the tracks on this EP show great depth, emotional charge and complexity.

In short, get thee to Bandcamp on May 1st and get this brilliant new EP into your collection. A band to definitely watch over the coming months.

Richard Lomax & The Tontine - Down There For Dancing

Howdy bitches. What is this skullduggery? It's Wednesday and yet, here I am, posting a blog like some out of control, mad as a biscuit wench - drunk on weak herbal tea and a lack of power. Actually, the last bit isn't strictly true as I've just been to the corner shop to top my electric meter up, so I've plenty power thank-you-very-much.

What can I offer you today?

Well, I can offer you something jolly brilliant, cheers for asking.

Today, I'd really like to introduce my readership of at least one person (Hiya Mum!!) to the very wonderful Richard Lomax.

Say hello to Richard everyone.

First of all, here are the necessaries - the link to his bandcamp site and the album I'm about to review for you:

richardlomax.bandcamp.com/album/down-there-for-dancing

You can "like" him on The Facebookz:

facebook.com/lomaxmusic

And you can follow him on The Twitterz

twitter.com/LomaxRichard

Finally, here is his The Websitez

richardlomaxmusic.com/

Here endeth the linkage.

I'd urge you to buy the album. I'd strongly urge it. I'd demand it, but I know that would be awfully forward of me. But seriously, this is a brilliant collection of songs. It opens with the slightly-slow-burning, but shiny and excellent "Glamour" and continues apace. One of my favourite tracks on the entire albumen is "Set Me Free" which has a super super bit of riffage in it, is brilliantly paced and catchy and had me dancing round the flat like a woman possessed (only the second time in my entire life that's happened - the first time was after a glass of Um Bongo at the school disco when I was 6).

Other stand out tracks are the wonderfully titled "Every Fucker Fucks You (so why not fuck them first?)" which has a cracking downbeat, morose quality to it and the final track on the album "Wellness" a gentle and lulling way to end proceedings - it has a quietly aching charm to it.

Earlier on this week I reviewed the new Thomas Truax album, if you're keen on him, you'll LOVE Richard Lomax. Clearly I'm developing a penchant for artistes who end their names with an "X".

So, in short, please do yourself a favour and get this record - give Richard your support. It's a lovely album and I'm really looking forward to featuring him a lot more on these pages in the future.

The Knievel Dead - We Will Fall

What is this skullduggery - Monday afternoon and I'm writing a blog? I know. I sometimes like to throw a curveball at you that's so bizarre it makes a Saturday night repeat of Dad's Army look like a break from the norm.

To be honest, you find me a little breathless and giddy with excitement today. It's not very often that happens. The last time such an event occurred I couldn't sit down for a week. I'll leave you guessing what happened, but suffice to say I've never looked at a parsnip twice, since.

Anyway, the real reason for my breathlessness and giddy excitement is because The Knievel Dead have a new album out called "We Will Fall", TODAY. Yes, that's TODAY. Not TOMORROW. TODAY. (March 2nd if you're reading this today, if you're reading it tomorrow then it was released YESTERDAY, you're a little bit late to the party and I should take you over my knee).

Firstly, there's the necessaries - the link to where you can listen to and make a purchase of said album:

the-knievel-dead.bandcamp.com/album/we-will-fall

You can visit the band's site here:

theknieveldead.com/

Eagle eyed readers will remember I reviewed the band in 2013 when they released a super-duper single called Psychosis. <------ you can follow that link to read and listen.

"We Will Fall" has been worth the wait. Totally worth it. It's a brilliant mixture of laid back, sardonic vocals, scuzzy, fuzzy guitars and brilliant riffage.

Opening track "Take The Medicine" picks up where Psychosis left off, with a fast paced and very heavy rocky opening - brilliantly charged. It's followed by "All Entwined" which has almost Wire-esque sounding guitar to it, very most excellent.

"Dead Behind The Eyes" has the most brilliant opening and the"Hanging From The Walls" guitar pick sounds like it was lifted straight from a spaghetti western - perfect.

Final track of the collection "Nothing More" is a stunning way to end, it's like the comedown after you've eaten too much sherbert (or had too much fizzygood - or whatever it is the youngfolk imbibe these days). It feels nicely mellow and is a fabulous way to round off a selection of songs that have plenny of high octane guitars and tempered vocals.

I absolutely adore these guys and they need as much exposure as possible (not in THAT way you pervs) so please do yourself a favour and put this album in your collection, like, pronto and shizz. It's a superb album and well worth the tiny amount of pennies it will cost you. Give these guys your support!

Michael Feuerstack - The Forgettable Truth

Hello gentle readers and welcome to Super Blog Saturday. Today is one of those rare days I get to loaf about and do absolutely nothing, which I'm not terribly good at. So instead of sitting in front of the television with a family bag of Kettle Chips and a silent film I'm online feverishly typing out a review.

The good news is, I have some stellar, stellar music for you today. I've been very lucky to work with PinDrop Publicity a lot, over recent months and this week I've another absolute corker from their stable to share with you.

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Michael Feuerstack and his wonderful new album "The Forgettable Truth", which comes out in the UK on 2nd March, but had an earlier release in Canada last month.

First of all, here's the link to his bandcamp page so you can preview some of the tracks:

michaelfeuerstack.bandcamp.com/album/the-forgettable-truth

Here's the link to Michael's website:

michaelfeuerstack.com/site/

And finally, here's the video for one of the lead songs on the album, "Clackity Clack"

Michael Feuerstack - Clackity Clack

Once again, I've been a lucky bunny and able to preview the entire album - not just the single and readers, you are in for a treat. Clackity Clack is a brilliant song, and well worth a listen, but that's not the only thing worth checking out. Michael is an artist of some note in his home country of Canada and as well as being a solo artist in his own right, he's collaborated over the years with Jeremy Gara from Arcade Fire, too. This new album, while released under Michael's name is a collaborative effort with some of his regular contributors Pietro Amato, Peter Xirogiannis and Mike Belyea.

It features some really strong songs - the aforementioned "Clackity Clack" is a superb number - softly gentle and wistful, emotionally stirring. But there are some great contrasts too - such as penultimate track "Blue Light" which has a great choppy, staccato feel to it. Opener "Receiver" is a sterling start, featuring a superb, driving guitar. It's a well produced album - showcasing Feuerstack's great vocals and there is a lovely, quiet passion to all the songs.

This is hopefully the album that will break Feuerstack to British audiences - and justifiably so. It's well worth adding to your spring playlists.

Bug Prentice - Nicholas Ray

Hello, hello hello and a very Happy Sunday to you, one and all. We're at the point in the week where none of us are looking forward to Monday, and we're clinging on to the weekend like a lush to a gin bottle.

We all, therefore, need some most very excellent music to keep us all going. As usual, you can rely on me to bring it to you.

I've been aware of Bug Prentice for quite some time now (and I'm really lucky to call Ally Craig from the group, a friend - a lovely lovely smashingly talented fellow he is too - as are his supertriff compadres Ruth Goller and Stephen Gilchrist) . However, I've never been fortunate enough to review any of their material, but all that changes today with a timely feature on their new single "Nicholas Ray", which is due out in March on Bandcamp.

Here's the link to their bandcamp page - keep an eye on it for the release date and download for the single from hereonforthwithandhow:

bugprentice.bandcamp.com/releases

You can also visit the group's website here:

bugprentice.com/

and watch the video for it here:

But, here's the lowdown on the single:

Wow. It's fuckinglyawesomesauce.

I suppose I should try and say more. From the outset, the dissonant, off kilter guitars are a real breath of fresh air. It's nice to hear experimentation with soundscapes/chords/ time signatures in something so punky. It's also a track which is slightly leftfield in terms of subject matter - the film director Nicholas Ray (in case you hadn't noticed, it's the title of the song...).

So, in short, this is a single that you will all need to have in your collections as we head towards Spring. Punky dissonance, avant garde flair and just a cheeky little nod towards classic films. What more could you want? That's right. A cup of tea to go with it. They're talented, but I'm not sure they can manage that with every download of the single. So you'll have to put the kettle on yourself. In the meantime, hang tight till March and then go forth and buy buy buy/download download download and give this excellent group your support.

Toliesel - Bones

Hola, gentle readers. It's a sneaky super Monday blog post for you, and I'm hugely HUGELY excited about this one (yes, even though it is Monday, I'm freezing cold and knackered after a day at the coalface).

Last year, some of you more eagle eyed readers will remember I reviewed a stunning EP from a band called Toliesel, on One Note Records. If you don't, you can read the post HERE. I loved it instantly, and it seems like we've all been waiting ages for the follow up. Well (be still my beating trousers) it's arrived and my GOD it was worth the sleepless nights, the descent into depression and th...OK, I'm exaggerating a bit...

The new EP won't actually be out until 21st March, but you can take a cursory glance at it here:

toliesel.bandcamp.com/

..and also make your way over to have a listen to their other brilliant tracks.

However, today sees the release of the single from the EP - called "Bones", which you can stream here:

soundcloud.com/onenoteforever/toliesel-bones/s-pOoB1

I absolutely implore you to do so. The new song marks quite a departure for the band, but it's one that's very worth a listen. The guitars are so infectious, so scuzzy and driven - and the song has a real US Alt-rock feel to it. What makes it different is the wonderful, plaintive voice of their lead vocalist, which gives the song a nice subtle contrast - making it feel just a cut above them being just "another" guitar band. "Bones" deserves your attention and some real air play. It's a hint of some wonderful new tracks to come on the new EP and once that's released in March, I'll be featuring it in it's entirety here on the blog.

But for now, marvel in the gloriousness of "Bones". A top song from a band that have got a brilliant future ahead.

You can find the group here:

https://www.facebook.com/Toliesel/info
https://twitter.com/Toliesel

Please give them your support.

thegeneral's 2014 Round Up Award Ceremony With Optional Sausage On A Stick

It's that time of year again, the time of year literally no-one has been eagerly waiting for. Perhaps even less of you than that. It's time to once again put the champagne on ice (Yorkshire Tea in the pot), to roll out the red carpet (this year, a rather fetching off cut of carpet from "Beige Monstrosities R-US") and artfully arrange the snackettes in a bowl on the coffee table.

It's "thegeneral's 2014 Annual Round Up Award Ceremony With Optional Sausage On A Stick" and although last year's will take some beating (several of the bands have yet to get over me doing that impression of Judy Finnegan - and I'm still waiting for Matt Berninger to come and whisk me off my feet), we're going to carry on manfully and see what treats are in store for some of the bands and acts I've really loved this year.

Let us get cracking with some festive cheer...

The Best of The Best In Genres:

Best Bit of Prog-Rock Goodness For 2014

Rob Reed - Sanctuary



Released in July this year, this was a superb paean to Reed's fascination with Mike Oldfield, A wonderful, original composition, which took in elements of Tubular Bells, Hergest Ridge, Ommadawn and Incantations, this quickly became my most listened to album of the summer and garnered much critical acclaim for Robert. A thoroughly engaging and beautifully composed listen.

You can read my original post HERE

You can buy "Sanctuary" from HERE

Best Bit of Trippy Electronica for 2014

Ninetails -  Radiant Hex



Liverpool's Ninetails have undergone something of a brilliant transformation since they released their initial EPs back in 2012, they've gone from a frankly marvellous and original complex guitar sound to a band that are now not afraid to experiment with soundscapes, trippiness and ambient delights. This was far and away my favourite bit of electronic tinged goodness this year and hopefully there'll be more to come from them in the not too distant future.

You can read my original post HERE

You can listen to "Radiant Hex" HERE

Best Punky Punks of 2014

Cross Wires - Assembly/Your History Defaced



Punk is such a contentious genre and many bands claim to fit into it, while being about as subversive as a Marks and Spencer's Mushroom Quiche. Cross Wires are a proper bona-fide punk outfit that really capture the essence of the music, yet still retain their own identity. "Assembly" was one of the best EPs I heard this year, without a doubt and it should be high up on any self respecting punk's playlist.

You can read my original posts HERE

You can listen to Cross Wires HERE

Best Shoegazers Since My Bloody Valentine Award 

Mutes - MPDG



Mutes. Lovely lovely Mutes. When I heard their EP "MPDG" earlier this year it took me back to a time when my hair was long, my clothes were black and I walked around with a permanent air of ennui about me (though that might be last week if you listen to most of my friends). Mutes have brought the gentle art of shoegazing back with a 21st century twist, "MPDG" was an EP of lovely contrasts, great songs and beautifully thought out music. One to watch in 2015.

You can read my original post HERE

You can listen to Mutes HERE

The Folk Me (!) Alt-Country Award

Blair Dunlop - House of Jacks



I'm a big folk music fan, weaned on it from my youngest years - bands like Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention were some of my fondest and earliest musical memories and Blair Dunlop carries on than fine tradition, and puts his own spin on a genre that is often misunderstood. "House of Jacks" is a superb album, one for well initiated folkies, but also one for people who don't know much about the genre and want a good initiation - it's alt-country tinged brilliance shows Blair to be a very talented singer/songwriter/musician. More please, Blair, in 2015.

You can read my original post HERE

You can listen to Blair HERE

The Best of The Best Best Best Best

Most Missed Forevs, Like

Tusk



Tusk. Gone but nevs forgotten. There isn't much more to say. I thought I was bereft when Blank Maps split up, but I'll miss these guys heaps. There's still lots of time to catch up on their witty brilliance and musical aceness, so I heartily suggest that although they've gone, you click on my linkies and get acquainted. They were a brilliant band, much missed but hoping they'll return in some way, shape or form in the coming year or two.

You can read my posts about Tusk HERE

You can listen to Tusk HERE

Best Single of 2014

The Everglows - Sugary Sun



The Everglows have become an oft-featured fixture on these pages the last few months, but "Sugary Sun" was definitely my single of the year. I loved it for it's psychedelic tinged awesomeness, it imbued the 60s without turning into a pastiche. This is one of those tracks that makes you glad to be alive. I'm expecting great things from them next year.

You can read my posts on The Everglows HERE

You can listen to The Everglows HERE

Best EP of 2014

Static Future - Assembly



This EP was a very very welcome late musical addition to the year, I'd so loved the band's last single "Marseille" and this release "Assembly", coming earlier in December is just as wonderful. Static Future are a band of great talent, I love their slightly ska-y, punky, syncopated rhythms and strong vocals. They should be getting much more attention than they are - so make it your mission to add them to your playlists in 2015.

You can read my posts on Static Future HERE

You can listen to Static Future HERE

Best Album of 2014

Co-pilgrim - Plumes



Co-pilgrim were one of the loveliest discoveries I made this year and now I've found them I'm hooked. "Plumes" is a genuinely brilliant album, full of simply stunning harmonies and wistful melancholia. Reminiscent of bands like Teenage Fanclub, yet ploughing their own furrow in an effortlessly stylish way. This is a record I've played over and over and I'm really looking forward to seeing what they come up with next.

You can read my post on Co-pilgrim HERE

You can listen to Co-pilgrim HERE

Best Band of 2014

Flights of Helios



Easily my favourite act of the year. Flights of Helios have been a real joy to listen to. Their single "Factory", released in March is one of the best songs I've heard in years (the bassline at the start is IMMENSE) and they followed it up in fine style with a third outing called "Succubus" just in time for Halloween, which was equally captivating. They're a band that I'm going to continue to champion heartily and that really do deserve great success. A worthy winner.

You can read my posts on Flights of Helios HERE

You can listen to Flights of Helios HERE

So there you have it, thegeneral's blog of the year awards are complete - and it's now time for me to take a little break into the new year.

Every single band (whether featured in this review or not) have been a joy to feature on these pages through the last twelve months, and I've really enjoyed hearing from, listening to and writing about some genuinely outstanding music during 2014. Here's hoping 2015 is just as brilliant. I'm sure it will be.

It just remains for me to wish you all a safe, happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year - see you in January.

Much love
thegeneral