ISSUE TWENTY / OCTOBER 2012 / FREE

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LEWIS WA TSON INSIDE: RICHARD WALTERS’ RECORD COLLECTION / ALABAMA SHAKES / WILDERNESS / BIG FEASTIVAL / GAZ COOMBES INTERVIEWED NEWS news

Oxjam Oxford Takeover has an n o t x

a impressive ‘who’s who’ of local P

l e

i bands, with 30 acts playing at n a

D their four-venue gigtacular on Saturday 13 October. They bring you Fixers, Pet Moon, Kill Murray, Family Machine, Grudle Bay, The Yarns, Flights of Helios, Cat Matador, ToLiesel and Brickwork Lizards plus many more. It’s all happening at Modern Art Oxford, Turl Street Kitchen, The Cellar and Purple Turtle. Tickets are £10 from WGT and Truck Store. Crippled Black Phoenix, described as stoner-prog, freak-folk and Spring Offensive embark on their biggest international tour yet, calling in at Switzerland, doom, have their only UK date at Belgium, Holland, Germany and Italy and they will soon announce a UK tour too. They have a the Wheatsheaf on 16 October. new Gaz Coombes-produced single out as a 7” and download, entitled ‘Not Drowning but The next batch of PinDrop shows Waving’, which will be available at gigs and on their website. You can see the self-directed video in Oxford are: Alasdair Roberts on YouTube now. (Drag City), Billy T’Rivers, Cooling Pearls (17 Oct, St Michael at the Supergrass have just received the PRS for Music Heritage Northgate Church), Until the Bird, Award at the Jericho Tavern where they performed regularly Jess Hall and Empty White Circles in the early days. The four members of the legendary Oxford (27 Oct, MAO), Meursault and indie/pop band, who officially split up in 2010, came together Rob St John (5 Nov, The Cellar). at the Jericho recently to unveil a plaque which has been Coo have announced their gigs erected at the Walton Street live music venue. The PRS started for the coming months, with the Heritage Award Scheme in 2009 to give recognition to the Long Insiders at the Jericho on 26 live music venues up and down the country where our current household names first tread the October and synth/disco pop from boards. Previous winners have been Blur, Snow Patrol, James, Elton John and Soul II Soul. Bright Lights Bright Lights, also at the Jericho on the 27th. Coo also presents US folk/psychedelic Local musicians who want their music aired far and wide, and those wishing to get a start in singer Josephine Foster at the the broadcasting industry ought to get in touch with Study Vox FM . The community internet Bullingdon on 2 November radio station has a state of the art studio located in South Oxfordshire but broadcasts on the whose band boasts Trembling internet worldwide. The station runs courses in radio production, presenting, jingle making for Bells’ Alex Neilson on drums. individuals or community groups, charities, businesses and schools. Musicians can submit This year’s Audioscope festival their music for airplay, or get in touch to put themselves forward for a live session. For more is at the Jericho on 10 November. info or to listen to the station, visit www.studyvoxfm.com or email [email protected] It’s an enticing lineup as they have Damo Suzuki (Can), The full lineup for Gathering , the multi-venue East Oxford one-day festival has been announced. Arbouretum, Warm Digits, Land Appearing on Saturday 20th October are: Dry the River, Jake Bugg, Spector, Liars, Bastille, Observations, Message To Clock Opera, Foxes!, Cut Ribbons, Paws, Fossil Collective, Binary, Karima Francis and many Bears, Alright The Captain, more. There is a healthy Oxford presence with Lewis Watson, Beta Blocker and the Bodyclock, Gunning For Tamar, Laura Fine Union, Black Hats, Glass Animals, King of Cats, Pixel Fix and Wild Swim all appearing. Moody, Baltic Fleet, Dethscalator Tickets are priced at £20 from www.alt-tickets.co.uk. The venues are the O2 Academy, and Listing Ships playing. The Bullingdon, Port Mahon, East Oxford Community Centre and Cowley Road Methodist Church. All profits from the show go Visit www.gatheringfestival.co.uk for more info. to the homelessness charity Shelter. SEE BACK ISSUES AT WWW.OXFORDMUSICSCENE.CO.UK OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 / 1 O

NEWS metropolis music present

nineteenpoint news Exceptional quality graphic design for print and online.

Local jazz punks Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band are launching their own brand of cider on 9 February 2013. The cider will be made by the Cotswold Cider Co (www.cotswoldciderco.com). The newly-formed drinks reviews department at OMS are eagerly awaiting their promotional samplers. The next ORFSB album ¼7,/ Ê/Ê" Ê9"1,Ê- Ê/"1,½ will be released next year on the Serious Types label and the band appear at the O2 Academy, Oxford on 3 November (as guests of Ska Cubano). The Academy is also the venue for • Web design their Christmas knees-up on Friday 21 December – Early Bird • Music packaging tickets are now available for £6 from WeGotTickets. • Poster design The Lonely Hearts Club Tour • Logos Indie club types Progressively Hospitality have a big lineup of • Print & editorial design MONDAY 15 OCTOBER Less Elephant, fresh from their d’n’b and dubstep acts in two • Design consultancy late-night appearances at Truck rooms at the Academy on 26 • Search engine optimisation 02 ACADEMY Festival, have their next night at October with Danny Byrd, Camo • Competitive rates Baby Love Bar on 12 October – & Krooked, London Elektricity, 0844 477 2000OXFORD | 0844 811 0051 | gigsandtours.com expect to hear everything Joe Syntax, Lung, Blu Mar Ten www.nineteenpoint.com from the latest indie sounds, to and many more appearing – THE NO.1 ALBUM ‘ELECTRA HEART’ OUT NOW MARINAANDTHEDIAMONDS.COM electro to Motown classics. visit www.hospitalitydnb.com A METROPOLIS MUSIC PRESENTATION Simple are back in action at the for details. PLUS COLOUR THE ATLAS BY ARRANGEMENT WITH X-RAY Bullingdon on 13 October with Skylarkin’ has a busy one in deep house from Dusky and Jozif November with Phoenix City MONDAY 15 OCTOBER as special guests along with Allstars, DJ Derek and Skylarkin residents Em Williams, James himself at the Cellar (2nd) while OXFORD Weston and Get Your Geek On, Big Ten Inch, the jumpin’ blues while on 2nd November, Radio and twangin’ rockabilly night, 1’s weekend kickstarter Annie has Hipbone Slim, The Crown NEW THEATRE ss')'3!.$4/523#/- Mac is back at the O2 Academy . Toppers and Natty Bo (16th). NEW ALBUM ‘WRITE IT ON YOUR SKIN½Ê"1/Ê "7ÊUÊ 7/" 
1 ,° " A METROPOLIS MUSIC PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CAA Theoretical/Half Decent Top 10 1 Tech N9ne – Don’t Tweet This 2 Smilex – 9hz 3 Dizzee Rascal ft. Pepper – Scream 4 Bloc Party – V.A.L.I.S

5 Half Decent ft. Tiger Mendoza – Film Star remix WITH 6 Frank Ocean – Pyramids SPECIAL GUESTS 7 Inspekta – What U Wanna Do 8 Mayday ft. Liz Suwandi – Devil On My Mind MONDAY 11 MARCH 9 Lee Christian – A New Way FRIDAY 10 AiKz – Confusion Understood 26 OCTOBER O 2 ACADEMY Theoretical presents Half Decent, Tiger Mendoza and Silecta at O2ACADEMY2 OXFORD Fat Lil’s, Witney on 11 October 0844 477 2000 | 0844 811 0051 | GIGSANDTOURS.COM OXFORD DEBUT ALBUM 'DEVOTION' OUT NOW 0844 477 2000 | 0844 811 0051 | GIGSANDTOURS.COM JESSIEWARE.COM A METROPOLIS MUSIC PRESENTATION FB.COM/JESSIEWAREMUSIC Published by Back & To the Left: [email protected]. Designed by Simon Minter at IN ASSOCIATION WITH WISEBLOOD MANAGEMENT + FACTORY MUSIC @JESSIE_WARE nineteenpoint: www.nineteenpoint.com. Thanks to the contributors: Leo Bowder, Holly Davis, Rory McCluckie, Tom McKibbin, Claire Williams, Chris Blizzard, Caroline Corke, ALBUM FIVE SERPENT'S TEETH OUT NOW A METROPOLIS MUSIC PRESENTATION Dudley Prince, Andrew Grillo, James Cunning, Andrew Fletcher, Jake Smalls. EVILE.CO.UK BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CODA Albums of the Year

2 / OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 For exclusive live announcements and priority bookings FEATURES bbc introducing oxford with show producer liz green

Regular listeners to BBC Introducing in Oxford may have noticed a slight change in the show; the producer has morphed from a man who likes local music (Sam King) to a woman who likes local music (me – Liz Green). It’s like a Doctor Who or Sugababes line-up; ever-changing, but with, hopefully, no reduction in quality. Over the last few years, Sam has been at the helm of the Introducing in Oxford ship bringing Oxfordshire’s best new tunes to your ears. He was an incredible asset to the show and will be greatly missed. My first few months on the job have been really exciting, and, carrying on with the ships theme, a highlight has been a feature about local, experimental rock act, Listing Ships. The band provided us with a memorable audio diary of their recording session at Hayling Island lifeboat station, painting a vivid picture of their temporary maritime surroundings. If you didn’t get a chance to listen, it’s still available on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bbcintroducinginoxford. We also caught up with Max Levy aka King of Cats, who played us a fantastic live acoustic version of his track ‘Swelling Up’ on his heart-shaped guitar. He spoke candidly about his unusual vocal style and what irks him about the Oxfordshire music scene. You can LISTING SHIPS listen to the full interview online via the podcast, which is available for free download on iTunes. We’ve also confirmed that YouTube sensation Lewis This summer, we’ve been treated to a plethora of Watson will headline our December offering on great festivals here in Oxfordshire. We put forward a Saturday 8th. He’s a popular guy so if you haven’t seen number of artists who performed at Truck, Cornbury him live yet, here’s your opportunity. Introducing and Wilderness – they didn’t disappoint. It was great to presenter Dave Gilyeat and I will be there to get see quality local acts like Kill Murray, ToLiesel, Aurora interviews with all of the above artists, so make sure you J. Young and We Aeronauts playing on a large stage, listen to us every Sunday, 9 –10pm on 95.2FM or online often outdoing the better-known touring bands that at www.bbc.co.uk/oxford to hear highlights from these followed them. and our regular Upstairs gigs. Talking of festivals, Gathering, the new, multi-venue, The show is available to listen to again on ‘pop-up’ festival, happening around East Oxford on the iPlayer, or you can subscribe to the October 20th, looks set to be a real treat with a host of up podcast via iTunes. If you have any music and coming touring and local acts appearing. We’re taking news you’d like included in the show, email part too, presenting Wild Swim, Black Hats, Fine Union [email protected] and if you’re and Pixel Fix in support of Spector at the O2 Academy making great music, don’t forget to upload your for a special Upstairs gig as part of the programme. songs to www.bbc.co.uk/introducing. 4 / OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 DESIGNED BY NINETEENPOINT: WWW.NINETEENPOINT.COM FEATURES FEATURES lewis watson tells om s about his unbelievably short journey from being an open mic singer to radio 1 plays and playing his biggest ever gig recently at shepherds bush empire…

How have the last few nights when everyone’s started doing covers How do you get to shows ‘What About Today’ off 500 people watching me months been for you? quiet, everyone’s listening. because people like Gabby on tour? the last EP ‘it’s got 4 sad play some music – I’ve It’s the same sort of stuff were doing well. That tour I have a ’96 Mini and it’s songs on it btw’. Nobody is never experienced that and I’ve been doing before but How did you balance was 250 capacity shows – just me and my manager plugging it – I think it was I never thought I’d it’s all accelerated tenfold. being at a local pub open London was 500 and that driving with a carload of just put on the right experience that. I’m I used to be doing open mic night while being so was sold out. It was merch. It was fun – person’s desk at the right absolutely kacking myself mics every night, I just popular on YouTube? different places and a new especially driving to time – we haven’t pushed about the Shepherd’s Bush can’t now. I’m always I never want to lean on the audience. Some of the Scotland. It was good anything yet. I was in my Empire gig [supporting doing something – ticketed YouTube thing because it’s people I met said they experience. It’s helpful to hotel room on my Mac Birdy the night after this gigs or some writing completely different – weren’t there for the main be on my own – I don’t and suddenly I just got inteview] because that’s somewhere else in the those people who watch act; they were there to see have to rely on anybody hundreds of tweets 2,000 people. country. It’s a bit mad. people on YouTube aren’t me. It was like WOW! else, I don’t have to saying “You’re Radio 1!” the same ones who go to because I’d come to the rehearse, I can sit in my I listened to it on the How do your songs come Do you miss doing open open mic nights, they’re other end of the country bedroom and practice. iPlayer and it was mental! together these days? mics and it being DIY? not really into the social and people had been It came out in April and I had under 10 songs It still feels very DIY – media thing there. It was listening to my music. I How did your record deal got played in July! before the last EP came nothing’s being blown out good to get both sides of was in Australia too and with Warners come about? out – which I wrote one of proportion. I’ll always the coin though – the social people knew my music and After the last EP we met What’s been your best summer. Now I need look back on the open mic media side of things is very that was on the other side with a ton of labels. Loads gig so far? more songs in a short days with a smile because powerful and it’s great. of the world! I’m just back of people were interested. I supported Dick Valentine amount of time. It’s a they were great. People from doing a series of It was a hard decision to from Electric 6 at the O2. bit harder now because were there for the music How have shows been guerrilla gigs there – I’d choose which one. I’m very I sold almost 200 tickets there’s that pressure. and I’m really glad I did going outside Oxford? tweet about six hours sure I’ve chosen the right myself. Every song, people It’s still a hobby… but it – if I hadn’t have been I supported Gabrielle before, there were no PAs – people. The A&R guy that were singing them back. with a deadline! doing those, I wouldn’t be Aplin, who started on over 100 people came in signed me signed Paolo That was the first time here. It was great gig YouTube too, on her tour, Melbourne. I did an Nutini and Lianne la Havas. that’s really happened. I lewis watson plays experience. It was a bit hit and that was Edinburgh, instore at a record shop in stayed on at the merch gathering fe How did Radio 1 come to stival, and miss – you could get Manchester, Birmingham Brisbane – that was really table ‘til we were kicked oxford on 20 octobe play your stuff? r tough nights where and London. She’d seen cool. It was packed and we out. There was also the and upstairs at the o2 nobody’s listening, but my video for ‘#3’ and she had to put a speaker outside Zane [Lowe] and then London show with Gabby academy on 8 december you’d get really good said she liked it. I only so people could hear. Fearne [Cotton] played Aplin at Dingwalls in July. 6 / OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 DESIGNED BY NINETEENPOINT: WWW.NINETEENPOINT.COM SEE BACK ISSUES AT WWW.OXFORDMUSICSCENE.CO.UK OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 / 7 FEATURES

what’s in your recoirdc cohllecationr? d walters

Are you vinyl, CD or MP3? The first album I bought Most prized/rare release So many albums – The A bit of everything but I was called Don’t Prey for Me you have? Candyskins, Radiohead, prefer to buy new albums by a hair metal band from I have a couple of signed Unbelievable Truth, on vinyl or CD, just to Milton Keynes called Little Radiohead bits which I’m Supergrass, The Daisies, have something weighty in Angels. It cost £9.99 on pretty protective of. Also Medal. Oxford was such a my hands. I feel like I give cassette from Our Price last year I worked with the good place to grow up for an album more respect and it was utter shite. American singer Joe a music obsessive, you when I have it in front of I’m happy to report the Henry, who is a big hero of could fall in love with a me, I commit to an album second album I purchased mine, and we co-wrote a record and then see the so much less when I was Dog Man Star by song together for his recent band at the Point. I still download it. Suede, which scared the Reverie album, so that think The Bends is an life out of me. I should record currently has pride exceptional album, but for How many have you got probably just lie about of place in my collection pure nostalgic reasons and where do you store this in future. both for personal and Kowloon House by The everything? professional reasons. Daisies will always hold a There’s a big stack of …and the last? place in my heart. records in the living room. The new Bill Fay record Where do you find out I’ve framed a few of the Life is People . It’s a very about new stuff? Any current Oxford acts best looking records too, beautiful album, When I was younger I would you rate highly? they’re on the walls in my exceptionally recorded, always buy based on reviews There is always something studio. I threw away the incredible string in Uncut , Mojo etc. These good happening in jewel cases for my teenage arrangements. His story days it tends to be personal Oxford – right now I love CD collection many years is also remarkable – recommendations, things Message to Bears, Family ago, and so they’re just pulled in and spat out by that friends are enjoying. Machine and Stornoway. filling up five or six CD the music industry in the wallets in a cupboard. seventies, and returning Which records from Best gig you’ve been to – to music 30 years later to Oxford acts do you own local and elsewhere? What was the first record record his masterpiece… and what’s the best Ray Lamontagne at the you bought? it’s fascinating. Oxford release ever? (Continues over) 8 / OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 DESIGNED BY NINETEENPOINT: WWW.NINETEENPOINT.COM FEATURES BUSINESS FEATURES let’s go down the studio New Theatre last year was riff was a piece of piss, so and was self- producing for all time” – Jimmy unexpectedly amazing… it felt like a breakthrough left a bad taste in my Webb is a genius. with jamie masters from echo studios, buckingham I’ve always found it to be a at 14… not so much the mouth. It was also total very drab and soulless rest of the chords. overkill – having heard What song have you heard helping them to take their venue for live music, and it that song about 200 times that has made you think sound to that next level. says a lot for his talents What’s on the stereo in the I cannot stand it now. ‘I wish I’d written that’? that he made it so special morning? Absolutely everything from What engineers/producers in such uninspiring Right now it’s the new EP Current favourite 69 Love Songs by Magnetic do you have? surroundings. Elsewhere – by The Antlers, which is travelling song? Fields… how somebody There’s myself and James recently seeing Rufus very washed out, delicate ‘The Year of Hibernation’ can write music so smart, Torselli. My work is Wainwright play in a tiny, and gentle. Makes the by Youth Lagoon is perfect witty and beautiful is probably an even split of half full venue in Cleveland, morning bearable. for train journeys – very beyond me. production and Ohio was pretty special. creaky and swelling, engineering and James …and at night? works well with high Favourite record sleeve? engineers here when he’s Which band/act do you Something that can sit in speed landscapes… I love the early Belle & not busy with his band, have everything they’ve the background and poke cows, fields, clouds. Sebastian covers – Ryker Sear. released – or most of? out occasionally – I love Tigermilk , If You’re Feeling Wilco – they’re one of Chet Baker for that – his What’s on your iPod/phone Sinister … they still look Any particular moments of those bands that are voice just drifts around but at the moment? cool now. creativity/inspiration? forever evolving but never the melodies can drag you The Cold Specks album – When Sketched came in to lose my attention or respect. back when they need to. it’s a grower, her voice is Favourite producer? record the last three tracks I think Jeff Tweedy is the really very beautiful but I Jon Brion would be fun to for their album we had real finest songwriter around What genre are you into think she’s not writing her work with, I love all is his How long has the studio and everyone ends up so it’s taken a fair amount difficulties with one of the right now. that we wouldn’t expect best songs yet. I'm excited work with Robyn been going for? saying it’s their favourite of work, but we’re all really songs. It was a mid-tempo you to be? for her next one. Hitchcock and Fiona We’ve just passed the five bit of the song. pleased with the results. grower, but it never Is there a record that I have worked as a Apple, and his film scores year mark – the first sessions seemed to have the right inspired you to play/write topline writer for dance Favourite album or song are incredible… less keen here were in June 2007. What bands have you had What do you think is arrangement. After lots of songs? tracks for many years ever? on his recent work with in recording? special about your studio? coffee the following Beyond the Sun by Billy now, and I do really love ‘Jesus Was a Crossmaker’ Keane and Best Coast, but How many rooms have Well, last month I had I think the one truly morning we had the idea to Mackenzie certainly made well produced House by Judee Sill is almost I suppose he’s got to pay you got? Slade in recording unique thing about any reinvent it as an anthem – me want to be a singer – music… but it’s not an impossibly brilliant, I could the bills, right? One main live room with a something for German TV. studio is the people who a festival tune, and out came I’d never heard someone everyday thing, I have to listen to that forever. separate booth, control That was quite quirky! But work there. You can have the band’s strobe lights. sneak so much genuine be in the right mood. What would be/was the room and kitchen/chill- we get all kinds of bands all of the equipment in the Half an hour later we were emotion into songs. Favourite cover version first dance at your out room. here – indie, blues, country, world, but the person using all dancing around the Before that point I’d Ever got into a ever? wedding? jazz… from all of the it will bring out the sound studio like over-excited avoid absolute honesty release/act/genre and ‘Vapour Trail’ by If I were to dance at my What’s your favourite bit major towns in the area. that they want to hear and school kids. Everyone agrees in performing, but his really regretted it? Trespassers William is wedding it would lead to of equipment you’ve got? this will have far more it’s now one of the strongest delivery and soul I think like a lot of people I utterly stunning, I love instant marital dismissal – One of my favourite things What’s the best track/ influence over the end songs on the album. encouraged me to dig felt pretty deceived by the the Ride original but can’t dance, won’t dance! is the Hammond Organ. album that’s been result than the gear. The it out. Lana Del Rey thing… this sounds like the root It’s not particularly rare recorded there? main thing that I do well – phone: 01280 823158 ‘Videogames’ totally blew of the song. but it sounds great and I I’ve just finished an album and that the studio has r richard walters’ ow ates: £200 per day, First song you learned to me away when I first heard n love recording it. I can’t called Something We Don’t been set up for – is to album r egret less is reductions for play? it, but the falseness of the Favourite lyric ever? released on beard count how many sessions Talk About by Sketched. work with musicians longer bookings m I think it was ‘The Man artist setup, the idea that “And I need you more than useum on 15 october I’ve had where it’s made an It’s been about eighteen and bands in a really www.echostudios.org.uk Who Sold the World’ – the she came out of nowhere want you, and I want you unplanned appearance months since we started it collaborative way, 10 / OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 DESIGNED BY NINETEENPOINT: WWW.NINETEENPOINT.COM SEE BACK ISSUES AT WWW.OXFORDMUSICSCENE.CO.UK OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 / 11 REVIEWS live cat matador, alphabet backwards, bethany weimers: oxjam, saÏd business school alabama shakes, palma violets: As the clouds above the Saïd amphitheatre turned the deep pink playful, but they’re shot through with a sincerity that produces a o2 academy, oxford of dusk, Bethany Weimers opened Oxjam’s prelude to the full charming and thoughtful result. Case in point: ‘In Love with the Oxford Takeover on 13 October. On an evening that featured three Weatherman’, a tale of a particularly attractive meteorologist and the Tonight’s Rough Trade double header could have been billed as acts, all of whom could sit comfortably at the top of a bill, it felt trials of the heart he provokes is ridiculous, beautiful and tinged the ‘next big thing’ supporting the ‘current big thing’, with the right that Weimers sang first under the fading twilight: her sound with sadness. It’s a sparkling combination, delivered tonight with NME ’s flavour of the week Palma Violets opening the show for seems to have been born with such a bewitching hour in mind. confidence and merriment, suggesting the band will be following the Alabama Shakes. Downstairs at the O2, sold out months in As the light receded, a selection from her beautiful debut album Weimers’ lead in delivering a fantastic first album next month. advance, is this what the world has been waiting for? illustrated that she’s far from being just a recording artist. Live, Cat Matador brought all five band members to the Oxjam stage Palma Violets have a lot of hype and expectation behind her vocal strength and delivery of carefully crafted songs to close the evening. Already known for the slick production of a them and the London-based four-piece bring energy, possessed all the quiet intensity that courses through Harpsichord refined, acutely balanced sound, they didn’t disappoint, as each enthusiasm and a few catchy tunes to the stage. The buzz is Row in abundance. The assembled onlookers grew increasingly element of their arrangements felt carefully handpicked, growing for the Palma Violets like a powdery, flowery sweet absorbed with each song and by the time the haunting ‘To the contributing to an organic whole. The tremulous guitars threatened, fizzing in the mouth of new music and they are the name on a Land’ concluded this opening set, the hushed murmur of the town subsided and threatened again, creating an atmosphere and lot of hipsters’ lips despite, or possibly because of, the fact itself seemed to have been lulled to a whisper by this most depth through which a beautiful violin occasionally rose to pierce that they have just one song available to hear online. While they captivating of beginnings. the chilled September air. They had the unenviable task of vying may lack the instant stage presence and sing-along anthems of James Hitchman, half of Alphabet Backwards’ vocal pairing, with what was, by now, a fairly cold evening, but the fluently the Vaccines you do get two handsome, dishevelled likely lads offered a clutch of solo acoustic numbers bearing veneers of sweetness, intricate compositions, underneath an assured vocal lead, did an crooning together over a tight guitar-led rhythm – sound familiar? lying atop cores of poignancy. If it wasn’t for the flashes of heartfelt admirable job of rounding out a brilliant showcase of some of They may well prove to be the next Libertines in time but tonight’s sentiment, the lyrics might leave these songs feeling a little too Oxford’s best musical offerings. (RM) audience want a more mature and classic sound, so the packed crowd murmur appreciation but save their energy for the main attraction. wilderness festival: cornbury park Whilst Brittany Howard, band leader of the Alabama It seems sort of odd to be writing about Wilderness in a magazine speakeasy and roller-disco are, on the whole fantastic, and succeed Shakes, may not at first glance appear to be the perfect pop star, that focuses on music. Essentially, the attractions here are not the in keeping the crowds occupied until the early hours. should Simon Cowell could take five minutes away from counting windswept fringes of the NME front pages, nor the nu-folk explosions Sunday had by far the most impressive musical lineup – starting piles of cash in his gold-plated castle he would hear someone who D s l that saturate the likes of Green Man and End of the Road. Here, at home with local space rockers Flights of Helios’ impressive racket writes great songs, plays a mean guitar and fronts a band with the u a what music there is emanates from all corners of the musical booming around the lake from the Friends of the Earth stage. Bolstered kind of voice that it wouldn’t be folly to compare to Etta James or n s g spectrum, punctuated by explosions of food, dance, theatre and by the bewitching voice of folk songstress Jess Hall, their sound Janis Joplin. r a expression all over the site. falls somewhere between that of The Unthanks and Slowdive. Alabama Shakes are currently riding high on the success e e It’s possible to wander around Cornbury Park’s massive estate It’s a funny old festival, perhaps exemplified best by the Sun - of their debut album Boys & Girls , which peaked at number three o h n

without so much as encountering a guitar, so detailed and day night pairing of Spiritualized and Wilco. The majority of the in the UK, start their set the way a proper R&B band does – e

a two minute jam to check it all sounds good, then into the big R

numerous are the other attractions. Indeed, save for an industrious crowd have shifted to lazing around in the sun or trying to get one R set of promising new material by Oxford’s own Cat Matador on the last gourmet chicken curry by the time J Spaceman and co. come hit ‘Hold On’ to get everyone involved. A cautious first few e

songs lead to epic versions of the heartbreaking ‘You Ain’t m sweltering Friday afternoon, the first aural pleasures this reviewer on, and their set shifts accordingly from the festival friendly Soul c o encounters are Friday night headliners Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, on Fire and Ladies and Gentlemen… into a conclusion replete Alone’ and the Stonesy cool of ‘Be Mine’ with plenty of time o o who play modern funk and soul influenced numbers. The problem with some classic Spacemen 3. As Wilco take to the stage I hear for Brittany to share her pain and joy with an increasingly r r appreciative audience. d is, exciting and impressive as the musicianship is, I can’t help but a member of the stage crew remark that they’ve bought 46 d i l hope for a classic Motown number, and when they finally do one, it’s guitars with them. It seems almost as excessive as some of the The tight-knit band who formed at high school in n o a muted and underdone cover of ‘Heard It Through The Grapevine’. alcohol and food prices, but then Wilderness was always Alabama, now tour with session keyboard player Ben Tanner g Bubblegum pop is the order of the next morning on the main stage marketed as a kind of London retreat – at points it does seem as whose organ and piano touches complete the guitar-led soul C as Alphabet Backwards set things up for another day. Then there’s if someone has dropped the population of Dalston in the sound. The hour and a quarter set comprised of their album another reminder of what sort of festival Wilderness is; a trip to Oxfordshire countryside, so why not bring capital prices too? with three or four new songs thrown in, journeying through Professional multi-track Recording Studio the lake, where the choice was to remain sweaty or smell like As the opening chords of Wilco’s ‘I Am Trying to Break Your sweet southern soul, country-funk, gospel and classic rock with a with large Live Room (45 Sq. Mtrs) pondwater (I took the pond water option). This was followed by a Heart’ ring out, our car is snaking through the back streets of Stax-like rhythm section that rarely fails to hit the right highs – From £125 per day wonderful set by local boys done good Stornoway, who played a Oxfordshire under a meteor shower – and we pull over to observe. and anyone planning a coolest bass player contest can stop smattering of old favourites and a few promising new tracks (‘The It says a lot about Wilderness that this is my most vivid memory now, we have a winner in Zac Cockrell (ever heard a better 3 Rehearsal Rooms, all backline, P.A., Great Procrastinator’, in particular) from their upcoming new record. of the whole weekend. On the whole, there’s a lot of front to this name either?). Tuned piano inc. From £10 per hour Saturday's headliners, Rodrigo y Gabriela are a mess of Spanish festival, but not a whole lot of substance, and no amount of When Brittany pleads with the ecstatic crowd that they must SUSY HAINES 07823 770079 guitar and classic rock histrionics. Not for this reviewer, I’m afraid, venison burgers, gong-healing, yoga and wicker-basket weaving believe she loves every one of them, only the most cynical hack so it’s down to the after-dark attractions – the masked ball, can change that. (JC) would disagree, as tonight, a small part of East Oxford shook. (JS)

12 / OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 DESIGNED BY NINETEENPOINT: WWW.NINETEENPOINT.COM SEE BACK ISSUES AT WWW.OXFORDMUSICSCENE.CO.UK OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 / 13 REVIEWS FEATURES r r e e d d w w o o B B

o o e e live L gaz L coombes with leo bowder jamie oliver’s big feastival: kingham SATURDAY: OMS arrives at ex-Blur bassist Alex James’ farm to the OMS sunk into existential explosive impact. But also, Sam Williams played the sonically. I haven’t got tons strains of a version of Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long’ by bizarre angst and mourning when it seems in my lifetime drums for ‘Simulator’. The of records, but I’m into the disco troupe the Cuban Brothers who are strutting round the Supergrass finally declared everyone’s living in some reason I chose the band sound. I love Space Echoes stage. If Notting Hill Carnival (on the previous weekend) is at one it a day in 2010. Various kind of war. [However] was because of their huge and s%*~ like that. ‘White end of the spectrum (massive urban/roots sound systems, multi members subsequently The lyrics are all about an talent and they’re really Punks on Dope’ by the racial and cultural mix, and a barely restrained air of lust and went their own way – overdose of information; quick [in picking it up]; Tubes has killer tape echo violence), the Big Feastival is at the other. A sedate, family- Chevin, a four-piece from Yorkshire manage to pull me bassist Mickey Quinn you can feel like your head’s Charly just nailed it straight all over it…’ oriented event, populated by a largely WASP (as in White away from the Artisan Market and back to the main stage – started the rifftastic DB exploding. I think it’s crazy away. The guys are great. At that moment Mr Anglo-Saxon Protestant, obviously, not the malevolent insect) imagine high-energy, booming vocals, stadium – sized, anthemic Band, sometime the amount of information We played ‘Mirror in the Coombes is distracted as crowd, armed with wellies, fancy camping chairs and trendy three- guitar rock, over-flowing with pretence and egotism. Best avoided wheeled buggies. They are enjoying, not just the music and in future. keyboardist/rhythm that’s floating about these Bathroom’ yesterday for some young ladies dressed weather, but a gourmet selection of tasty (and pricey) treats. Josh Osho, has been dubbed “the UK’s answer to John Legend” guitarist Charly Coombes days, the speed and the the first time.’ like cats walk by, mewling OMS buys a bison burger with a side order of steak and ale pie and the hype’s all true. The soulful singer-songwriter plays a got the New Breed turnover. It’s incredible, on strangely, and so we wrap and sits on a haystack, surrounded by hyperactive toddlers as gorgeous selection of uplifting, moving and introspective songs. together, Rob Coombes Facebook a post comes up OMS [excitedly] ‘Do you it up. giant soap bubbles fill the air. Up next are the Producers, who are, He’s armed with one bassist and an acoustic guitar, a cover of moved to France, and and then a few seconds think you’ll play any more they freely admit, much more used to getting their groove on Alex Clare’s ‘Too Close’ is a crowd pleaser but it’s on ‘Bird Song’ Danny Goffey drummed later it’s at the bottom. reggae style stuff?’ gaz coombes plays behind the mixing desk than they are on stage. For the next hour or ‘Dance with the Devil’ where Osho sounds at home – for Pete Doherty’s [The new album is] a GC: ‘I dunno, man. I’m oxford o2 academy on or so, it was like the 90’s never happened. They were responsible remember his name. Babyshambles. But what totally new thing – after into the dub thing, but saturday 27 october for literally hundreds of hit singles and include Trevor Horn (yes, The Guillemots are a marvel for the ears and eyes. Double bass of Gaz, the lyrical and the band split up I went more production wise and they do do ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ from his band Buggles), player Aristazabal Emi Chen Hawkes, not only wins prize for best ‘Freeway’ from their new album, Frankie Goes to Holywood’s ‘Two name – her outfit deserves recognition of its own as she’s dressed musical powerhouse, into my studio and just Tribes’, Tat2’s ‘All the Things She Said’ and finally, Frankie’s in what only can be described as a ‘leopard onesie’. Aristazabal whose wolverine howl and started playing with ideas; ‘Relax’ with Alex James on bass (if you know the song, you’ll know is a talent and a half, switching between double bass and girl natty whiskers helped they’re all brand new he does nothing but ‘dong-dong-dong-dong’ throughout) and a group harmonies as well, and she’s seen occasionally bashing a define the ’Grass in the songs. I think only ‘White certain Mr J.Oliver on drums. saucepan lid (not actual percussion instrument name). ‘Fleet’, public’s consciousness? Noise’ is one I had a Then the real reason we left the Bowder homestead, Gaz with the tender “you are the one and I won’t let you go” refrain is He’s back, praise be! We chorus for a couple of Coombes and his band. He complained later of a ropey sound on a beautiful white soul song. Guillemots have the amazing skill of catch him and his new years ago, when we stage, but from where we were, it sounded colossal. Jagged shards making any gig feel intimate, wherever it is. band – brother Charly [Supergrass] were working of glammed-up geetars, galloping rhythms, strenuous bass, his Razorlight run through their “classics” – ‘Back to the Start’, ‘In back on keys, ex-Spring on Diamond Hoo Ha , we inimitable voice and those Songs. Here Come the Bombs is an the Morning’, Stumble and Fall and ‘Golden Touch’ all of which Professional aural treat that works equally well both through the headphones – get the crowd jumping – a strong start but they lose them in the Offensive soldier Joe played it through as a band where the, often subtle, textures reward repeated listens – and middle, ‘In The City’ sounding too self indulgent for a food festival Charlett on the 4 string but we never pushed it… recording studio live on stage where it suddenly all makes a different kind of sense. crowd. They bring the atmosphere back to the boil just in time, and legendary ex-Ride and [During the making of with in-house producer The songs reveal their wonders gradually, but occasionally spill ending a largely inspiring set with ‘Fall To Pieces’ and ‘Rip It Up’. Jesus and Mary Chain Bombs ] I was trying not to out into the joyfully uplifting choruses that GC does so well. While As a bonus we come across Jasmine Hall in the VIP tent sticksman Loz Colbert on listen to anything, I tried to Gaz hasn’t tried to recreate the singalong Britpop anthems of playing a medley of cheesy pop covers and she absolutely nails a drums – at Jamie Oliver’s let the parts… feed the yesteryear – and at the risk of sounding patronising – we think Justin Bieber ‘Boyfriend’ cover. Big Feastival with a next performance, playing his first solo album has the unmistakable sound of a classic Texas ends the night on a huge high. Sharleen Spiteri is like a critically acclaimed new with sounds, just pop song writer maturing. They play most of it – edgy single fine wine that gets better with age – this lady has an enormous » Spacious live room and control room album to play. We catch experimenting and that’s ‘Simulator’, ‘Sub Divider’, ‘White Noise’, ‘Hot Fruit’ and, as he amount of energy, stage presence, humour and natural charm. » High quality equipment and instruments did with the Hot Rats at Truck 12, the Beat’s ‘Mirror in the The set compromises a long list of golden classics, ‘Say What You Mr Sideburns behind the what I came up with. I like z&RVWHðHFWLYHGHDOVRðHUHG Bathroom’. Bombastic… Want’ forming a beautiful moment, the crowd belting out the main stage after his set. to get weird little drum » Great atmosphere and rural location SUNDAY: The music kicks off to an eclectic start with TG chorus after Sharleen pleads “don’t be shy, your mother never machines and old synths Collective, a guitar -led instrumental ensemble who are the first was”. Other favourites include ‘I Don’t Need a Lover’, ‘In Demand’ OMS: Here Come the and feed them through Tel: 01280 823158 on the main stage. Performing a selection of instrumental tracks and the older ‘In Our Lifetime’. Her vocal range and ability to hold Bombs . So, what’s it all other things. I just love that combine clarinet, double bass, trumpet, cajon and percussion notes as long as she does on ‘Black Eyed Boy’ is incredible. ‘You about?’ production. I played pretty email: [email protected] forming an eclectic flamenco/gypsy jazz-infused noise. The Make Me Feel’ ends a night of appropriately nourishing, feel good, GC: ‘It’s about sonic much everything – [‘ I www.echostudios.org.uk musicianship is faultless but they’re screaming out for a vocalist. pop music. (LB/HD) bombs – each song had an Should Coco ’ producer] 14 / OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 DESIGNED BY NINETEENPOINT: WWW.NINETEENPOINT.COM SEE BACK ISSUES AT WWW.OXFORDMUSICSCENE.CO.UK OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 / 15

1 16/9/12 18:20:00 BUSINESS FEATURES REVIEWS let’s go down local releases the studio with john halliday from shonk studios, oxford

around the corner and, of course, The Goldfish Bowl up the road!

What’s the best local pub? We have the Magdalen Arms right next to us which must be the best pub in the area, plus The Rusty Bicycle is great – it seems like all the local musicians drink there.

Any favourite local bands? toliesel Too many to mention as the light always in Oxford. But I like the Fixers, The Hot Not wanting to be considered as just another notch on the How long has the studio This week I have just ‘The Young Knives Are Hooves, and Yellow Fever. ‘Folky-Americana Oxford Bands’ bedpost, ToLiesel bring an amalgamation of influences from other genres to their debut been going for? finished recording the new Dead E.P’, which we also Any particular moments of release. As well as the obvious – Wilco, Neil Young, and local We started in 1999 just Hot Hooves album which recorded, including a track stalwarts of the scene, The Epstein, the guitars are tinged after The Candyskins split is full of great songs as ever called ‘Hippy Girl’, that creativity/inspiration that spring offensive with shoegazy noise rock, stemming from the likes of up – myself and the bass from Mac. Also Anton became a different song on have happened in your Deerhunter, Animal Collective, and Dinosaur Jr et al. The player set up Shonk. After Barbeau’s band is in their second album – but I studio? not drowning but waving resultant track is well built, at times both super-catchy and moving twice we settled in recording a cover for a love this version. I think One of the strangest Autumn’s here, and it’s a season which often brings with it an subtly intricate, layers of effects laden guitar overlaid with Magdalen Road, East new album. I also mixed this new Hot Hooves moments was when a air of self-reflection and introversion as the summer disappears. big ‘woah-ing’ choruses and crashing drums. A stripped down Oxford in 2004. It was T Rex’s ‘20th Century record is up there. brand new mixing console So it’s a perfect time for Spring Offensive to release one of their Message to Bears remix completes the release, and although Tim Turan’s studio before Boy’ for a Guitar Hero -style caught on fire right in the darkest songs to date which deals with the complex weight of shedding a new light (ha!) on the song, in this context it feels rather too minimal, taking away much of the layering, that – Shonk so when he left he game – it was enlightening What do you think is middle of a live take. The guilt suffered by someone who allows another to drown. The special about your studio? song (produced by Gaz Coombes) sees the band refine the arguably – makes the song, meaning that what’s left feels sold it on to us. to hear the multi track of band all ran out of the awkwardly fragmented and incomplete. Nevertheless, an such an amazing recording. Most studios of our size studio as flames poured out template that has served them so well in the past, as wide, four-part harmonies, rippling guitars, and booming drums impressive debut that promises to hold its ground amongst What’s your favourite bit have the same gear but not of the desk! ‘Smoke on the the, already over-saturated, genre it’s a part of. (CC) of equipment? What’s the best build to a grandiose and urgent climax, painting a vivid all studios have people who Water’ revisited! picture of a twitchy, room-pacing conscience. The whole thing I have a Roland Space track/album that’s been can make a record and brings to mind The National, or Menomena’s more sober Echo 201 which sounds recorded there? have had the years of phone: 01865 203922 moments, and exhibits the band's growing understanding of really old and analogy, but This is a hard question experience doing so. rates: please phone the power of dynamics. The video is well worth a look too – the new SSL software is with several answers. We for rates – we directed by the band themselves, it explores the main my favourite toy at the recorded a track for the 22- How can people kick back can accommodate character’s guilt further, and both stands on its own and moment. Also my 1970s 20s which appears on their during sessions? most budgets enhances the song rather than just accompanying it. Spring Offensive are getting better and better, and are impressive in Gretsch drum kit. first album Baby, You’re Not We are in a great location, email: their self-sufficiency. But one request boys – can the next more releases over the page in Love which I love. I three great cafes within [email protected] What bands have you had single be about boobs? I’m not sure I can take much more produced lots of stuff with walking distance, two great www.theshonk.com soul-searching. (DP) in recording? the Young Knives after pubs, the Cowley Road 16 / OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 DESIGNED BY NINETEENPOINT: WWW.NINETEENPOINT.COM SEE BACK ISSUES AT WWW.OXFORDMUSICSCENE.CO.UK OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 / 17 REVIEWS REVIEWS local releases Selected releases available at

richard walters grudle bay alphabet backwards regret less (beard museum) zoo papa little victories (highline records) Regret Less has lush string arrangements, The first proper EP from this Abingdon Little Victories ; the celebration of those cello, piano, guitar and sparse beats and duo/sometime-foursome is a stylistically unique moments in life that go towards you can tell it’s been recorded at a local strong effort from the keyboard, guitar brightening up your day. The debut chapel. It was written after he’d shed his and disco beat-loving, band. That being album by Alphabet Backwards is record company, manager, and girlfriend, said, the three songs are not without actually 11 (and a bit) of these and funded with their pledges, fans have some major issues. Vocally, the band moments, all vying for your attention, eagerly awaited this third album. They punch somewhat above their weight and full of gleaming, happy moments and gave money to support the album making process in exchange that detracts from the songs’ melodies. ‘Flyta’, for example, quirky pop melodies. for CDs, signed lyric sheets, a personalized song – even his features some questionable harmonised scatting which sounds Opening track ‘Sunday Best’ offers a cinematic fade-in of famous glasses were exchanged for precious recording funds. (at least to these ears) both flat and out of time with the grandiose scale before shuffling into piano twinklings and a ‘Tethered’ is the darkest track – it’s about leaving a partner drums and the verse comes across like Culture Club’s ‘Do You v/a string backing section – a mature start that shows intent that and putting her “out of my mind and out of my life”. There is anger Really Want To Hurt Me?’ It’s actually the keyboards that are maybe Alphabet Backwards have grown up a bit. Recent in the vocal and angst in the instruments. Lines like “I’ll twist the the most pleasing part of each song, and the most musically audioscope: music for a good home 2 single ‘Ladybird’ is a melancholy lost love story that still knife for you one more time”; “am I forgiven for my sins?” and in interesting. Case in point is final track ‘Aperture’ which begins 10 years on from their first compilation manages to be fun and bouncy. As usual, it grows on you after ‘Snowdrifts’ “when you left home you broke your mother’s heart” with some beautiful, lonely, deep keyboard notes. But once and Audioscope perform an amazing a few listens and soon sounds like you have always known create a somewhat sombre, soul searching journey, but it is the incessant, uptempo, drums kick in, the impact is largely lost, feat to bring together 40 exclusive it. A sign of a great pop song! nicely displaced with the optimism in tracks like ‘Tomorrow making me long for the forlorn, elegant EP closer that the song tracks donated by acts, past and Five of the tracks on offer are borrowed from past EP Begins Today’, and personal favourite ‘Blossom’, which has could have been if the keyboards had been left largely unadorned. present, who have appeared at their releases, all given a fresh sprinkling of glitter for the LP and uplifting beats and the most amazing syncopated string Grudle Bay have repeatedly flirted with a formula that works annual one day festivals. it gifts them a new lease of life. ‘Big Top’ benefits from break. A pleasure to listen to – start to finish. (TW) well for the, light-as-sifted-flour, sound that they’re going for – As with the festival itself, diversity tweaked lyrics, ‘Blink of an Eye’ sounds mightier and more usually when they combine the airiness of, well, Air and the is the key to prosperity. Sitting firmly in the local bands glorious than before, whilst ‘Plastic’ now treats us to added glass animals miser-indie/experimentalism of Radiohead. Don’t get me wrong, corner, we have the likes of Listing Ships, Half Rabbits, bleepy synth sounds, backing vocals and has a rather this is a good start but let’s hope they continue to evolve into Kill Murray and The Rock of Travolta. Oh, and there’s that different feel to the original. Much like their live shows, cocoa hooves/leaflings ep the ethereal, electronic funk-miserablists they could be. (TM) previously deleted Portishead remix of Ride. the album strides on with relentless energy, even when the Propping up the electronics corner we have Four Tet tempo drops. (kaya kaya records) with his exclusive ‘Audioscope’ track (nursery rhyme melodies The new tracks on offer fare very well against the The rise of Glass Animals as one of listing ships the hayling island and some stomping techno beats), Planet Mu’s Boxcutter established repertoire – ‘Panda Eyes’ and ‘Pockets’ are Oxford’s most intriguing exports has been sessions (idle fret/american steam dips into post-dub/reggae territory (simple, yet effective), notably lively affairs that have been previewed at recent live peculiarly low-key, and it’s especially and Oxford’s own Coloureds drop a stuttering tempo-blending gigs. The to-and-fro flirtings of James and Steph’s vocals add puzzling when their sound is so company recordings) electro monster. Deco Child, fresh from new single on Ninja to the cuteness of ‘Lipshakes’ and ‘Screenplays’ even though fascinating. Frontman David Bayley All the best bands are nautically themed Tune, loops live snippets and samples with guitar crackles. the tempo is dropped down just a notch. has a background in neuroscience, and aren’t they? Think Shipping News, June of Lovely stuff… Live finale ‘Elton John’ rightly has its own extended intro there’s a real sense of scientific details 44, Tortoise and Slint and you’ll get the idea. Elsewhere, veteran art rock outfit Wire provide a suitably with ‘Maisonette’, and is funked up further with horns and about the way their songs are constructed, as if space is being Listing Ships have emerged as one of the noisy live recording, contrasting directly with the delicate hand claps galore. How can they make this song sound captured and artfully arranged. There’s a hint of dubstep threaded best new bands in Oxford, but their love whisperings of Felix. There are plenty of quirky, instrumental even more fun and full of hugs and hi-fives, you wonder, but through the EP, but instead of being suckered into ladstep of the sea has gone to the next level on this offerings from the likes of Karma to Burn and Warm Digits somehow, they manage it. wall-slamming, the band are more subtle in their influence, latest release, with them choosing to record (although their awesome label mates Necro Deathmort are Alphabet Backwards are masters (and mistress) of the opting for spacious atmospherics and ambience and balancing three new songs in a converted Lifeboat station. Combining sadly missing even though they too played Audioscope). three-minute pop song and hopefully this debut full release it with oozing psychedelia and ‘lyrical’ vocals (bringing to field recordings from the recording sessions and their own brand Rome Pays Off and the Telescopes offer up some droney will win them lots of new admirers. (AF) mind a less histrionic Hayden Thorpe). Opener ‘Golden Antlers’ of kraut-leaning post-rock, they continue to evoke oceanic textures instrumental pieces, then the luscious vocals of Richard swells and propels, whilst standout track and new single on the restless, tumultuous ‘Baychimo’ and the alternatingly rough Walters hit you like a cricket ball to the goolies. The Message ‘Cocoa Hooves’ builds up oh-so-delicately to a subby drop, and serene ‘Alba Adriatica’. Combined with three of their previously to Bears remix of Flights of Helios is rather beautiful, then throwing colours out like fireworks. The only slight misstep on released tracks, ‘The Hayling Island Sessions’ marks the band’s the aptly named Dethscalator wreak havoc on our eardrums. the record is ‘Cocoa Hooves part II’, which presents what feels first foray onto that most highly-regarded of formats, the 12” Just like the festival itself, this compilation harbours a like a remix which seems to unnecessarily crowd the space. vinyl, so it will serve as an excellent introduction to the band wealth of underground music. Regardless of your usual genre Overall though, this is a captivating, intricate and compelling or a prized collectors item for existing fans. Whichever way you of choice, there should be plenty here to entertain and intrigue if you’d like us to consider your release for a review release. (DP) choose to consume this, it comes highly recommended. (TM) the discerning music lover. (AF) in oms please send links to [email protected]

18 / OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 DESIGNED BY NINETEENPOINT: WWW.NINETEENPOINT.COM SEE BACK ISSUES AT WWW.OXFORDMUSICSCENE.CO.UK OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 / 19 REVIEWS national releases

with james & andrew from progressively less elephant T4THCThu O CHAI WALLAH·6 PRESENT

Grizzly Bear – Shields : Veckatimest , from leftfield – complete with a freaky video in which Byrne larks LAZYLAZY HABITS + HEYMOONSHAKKEER + MONEYSHOT the 2008 effort from Brooklyn-ites about near a car doing his, typically crazy, dance moves, with (FREE FOR BNU STUDECENTS, £3 A9PM-MA9PMDV PUBLI , -M2AM) Grizzly Bear, was a dense and Annie trying to copy him. sprawling effort. However, while the This is an album of duets – but the standouts appear to be various nooks and crannies of the Clark’s contributions – her vocal line on the aforementioned Sat 6TCT H O record contained moments of beauty ‘WHO’ is the cherry on top of some standard Byrne, and ‘Optimist’, MONTHLY RROOLCK/MDIE/ETA /INDIE/ELECTRO -POP C LUB NIGHT and intrigue, the scope and ambition which she leads, is a highlight, one of the few tracks that often led the better moments becoming sounds sentimental. It’s always interesting when two heavy - lost amid the layers. weights collaborate, but it doesn’t often come off. Thankfully, in CRASH + SAY YYARITEAH/CLARITY Shields loses none of its predecessor’s bravery, but adds a this case, it’s more than exceeded expectations! (FREE FOR BNU STUDECENTS, PFUBLI REE B4 10PM, £ 3 AFTER,9PM-M 3A) renewed sense of focus to the arrangements. ‘Yet Again’ is the Dirty Projectors – Swing Low centrepiece; deceptively catchy, while never in danger of Magellan : Speaking of which, Dirty TTHCThu 11 O becoming throwaway. There are hints that the band may have Projectors appear the most natural ALTERNATORRS PRESENT returned to their old Beatles records, while vocalists Daniel heirs to Talking Heads amid a musical Rossen and Ed Droste sound at ease, rather than in conflict, when landscape littered with art-rock combining. Early listens suggest an ‘album of the year’ contender also-rans. Swing Low Magellan is the PPROXIEROXIES + VERSES (FRRLEE FOR A)L and their most cohesive work to date. sound of main man Dave Longstreth Lotus Plaza – Spooky Action at a retreating to the bedroom after the TRDue 23CT O Distance : Deerhunter have been quiet studio gloss of 2009’s Bitte Orca . With the pristine sheen stripped since ‘Halcyon Digest’ and Bradford back, the result is a more relaxed-sounding record and the likes + PETE ROE (FREE FOR BNU STTUUCDENTS, £8 A)DV PUBLI Cox has recently put out a new Atlas of ‘Impregnable Question’ and ‘See What She Seeing’ add LLUCYUCY ROSE Sound record, so it seemed like only a tenderness to the reliably obtuse arrangements. However, fans THhu 25CTT O matter of time before Lockett Pundt’s should not fear that the band they loved is gone; with the joyfully Lotus Plaza project followed up his intricate harmonies provided by Amber Coffman and Hayely Dekle ALTERNATOR·S ´TIME BOMBµ PRESENTS stellar debut The Floodlight Collective . still present, and the likes of ‘The Socialites’, there are plenty Where TFC was ambient and very much a solo record, new of signs that Longstreth and co. are not ready to ease into the EELECTRLECTRIC RIVER + ROUGHNECKNECK RIOT (LFREE FOR A)L album Spooky Action at a Distance is very much a band record, formulaic just yet. but still draws from the same shimmering guitar palette – but Echo Lake – Wild Peace : Londoners Sat 3rd NO V in the place of the ambience of tracks like ‘These Years’ are Echo Lake released their debut album marauding rock beasts like ‘Monoliths’ – the end of which spirals Wild Peace back in June; however the MONTHLY RROOLCK/MDIE/ETA /INDIE/ELECTRO -POP CLUB NIGHT and twists off into the distance on the back of the biggest hook tragic passing of their drummer this year. Pete Hayes understandably cast a CRASH + SAY YYARITEAH/CLARITY Pundt appears to be heading for a cleaner production on shadow over the release of the record. (FREE FOR BNU STUDECENTS, PFUBLI REE B4 10PM, £ 3 AFTER, 9PM-M3A) this record – where the biggest ‘pop’ track on TFC (‘A Threaded It’s heartening to see them return to Needle’) was obscured by layers of white noise, tracks like tour the UK this Autumn, as Wild Peace ‘Eveningness’ and ‘Strangers’ are laid bare here, to great effect. is rare in being a UK dream-pop record to rival those from the Sat 24TH NO V The vocals sit stark and noticeable on top of the mix, and most, other side of the Atlantic. There are nods to Beach House and if not all, of the texture is provided by effects-laden guitar, giving references to My Bloody Valentine, however the strength of the GGENTLEENTLEMAN·S DUB CLUB it a more natural feel. It’s an intensely soothing album, and well songs mean that they never sound in thrall. The krautrock, worth a go. trance-like aura of ‘In Dreams’ perfectly manages to capture the + GUESTS (FREEDE FOR BNU STUDENTS, £8 AD)V PUBLIC

David Byrne/St Vincent – Love this panic-stricken strangeness of a nightmare, while the Giant : This is a breath of fresh air! opening ‘Further Down’ is beautifully somnambulant. ‘Another The order of the day is brass heavy, Day’ provides a lighter, more euphoric, counterpoint and confirms hook-laden, skewed pop from, master the band as a significant new talent. of post-punk, former Talking Heads INFO: Tickets available for all live events from www.seetickets.com for more info go to www.bucksstudent.com frontman Byrne and Annie Clark, aka keep up to date w ith ple club nights at Photo I.D. may be required for entrry.y. Line ups subject to change. relative newbie on the scene, St. facebook.com/progressivelylesselephant Vincent. Lead single ‘WHO’ is straight M o r e In fo : 0 1 4 9 4 6 0 5 1 0 0 % X F N V 6 W X G HQ W V · 8 Q LR Q  Q u ee n Al ex a n d r a Ro ad , 20 / OXFORDSHIRE MUSIC SCENE / OCTOBER 2012 DESIGNED BY NINETEENPOINT: WWW.NINETEENPOINT.COM High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 22JJZ %6%29
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