WINTER 2018

FREE

ISSUE 38

SAVE THE CELLAR GET INVOLVED TO STOP CLOSURE OF LOCAL VENUE

INSIDE: NENEH CHERRY + PARCELS ALBUM REVIEWS, RITUAL UNION REPORT, EASTER ISLAND STATUES, IDLES, CATGOD & MORE .

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on loss, and chances never taken, give it huge, RANT N ROLL! almost unbearable pathos. It’s less about the THE SPOKEN WORD poetry of Auden as it is the poetry of Alan Bennett, but that’s no bad thing. It’s not always SCENE with pretty, but it’s beautiful. Owen Collins COMING THIS WINTER... MURADI BAKIR, ASYLUM SOUNDS, WITNEY HAMMER & TONGUE, OLD “One of the bravest and most moving FIRE STATION, DECEMBER 11 performances I’ve seen from any poet.” Oxford’s finest poetry slam returns for a Making her live debut as part of Witney new season, with another cohort of eager Refugee Action Group’s annual fundraising open mic’ers ready to strut their poetic stuff, festival, Muradi’s poetry about her experiences alongside star turns from Rosy Carrick, Toby as a refugee from the Syrian Civil War is both Campion, Caroline Teague and Lucy Ayrton. heartbreaking and breathtaking. Written in Steve Larkin again MCs with brazen northern Arabic but performed in English, the two joie de vivre – and it’s worth going for his poems both revolved around the idea of hosting alone. Although obviously everyone motherhood: one a lament for her own else is sure to be excellent too. mother, the second using mother as metaphor for her home country. That such imagery and OXFORD POETRY WALK, language comes across, even in a secondary tongue, is remarkable. Without doubt one of ST MARY THE VIRGIN, OX3, the bravest and most moving performances DECEMBER 15 I’ve seen from any poet. The perfect way to spend what will surely be a chilly winter’s morning, with a guided perambulation through this frosty city coinciding with a chance to share festive verse, old, new, and even made-up on the spot. Twitter @OGBCollins Pic left: Muradi Bakir by Jeff Slade

Huge thanks to all the contributors for this issue: Tom Chapman, Leo Bowder, Cheryl Flynn, Ulysses Lima, Jon Blunt, Jason Warner, Chris Monger, Liz THE HABIT OF ART, OXFORD Green, Owen Collins, Luci Ashbourne, Autumn PLAYHOUSE Neagle. Edited by Stewart Garden It’s a confusing concept to begin with: a Design by Autumn Neagle. play about a play about a play (OK, opera, Published by Back & to the Left Publishing actually.) But, if anyone can make it work, it’s Contact: [email protected] / back issues at: Alan Bennett. The play within the play centres back2left.co.uk around WH Auden in his later life – a late life KEEP UP WITH US ON FACEBOOK ON TWITTER brought to shambolic reality by Matthew Kelly at the top of his game. This isn’t Auden of WE ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR AMAZING Stop all the Clocks fame, it’s his drink-swilling, NEW MUSIC WRITERS – GET IN TOUCH IF YOU sink-pissing shadow. The play is at its strongest LOVE SEEING BANDS AND WANT TO WRITE when the comedic talent of the supporting ABOUT LOCAL MUSIC cast is allowed to breathe, but the reflections

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ACADEMY EVENTS & A NEW VIEW PROMOTIONS PRESENTS NEXT OF KIN! THE STUDIO by arrangement with THE MAGNIFICENT AGENCY presents TECH TALKING WITH OXFORD’S IN DEMAND BEAT-IFIC ELECTRONIC MAGICIAN & GEAR SPY KID KIN WITH... You’ve got a new EP – did you do anything with support from differently when recording it? CHRIS MONGER The EP I’ve got out is a mixture between songs I’ve been playing for nearly two years and songs that I GREATEST HITS TOUR wrote last month. I’m always trying out new ideas and as a result of that there’s a lot of songs I could Thursday 29th November play half a dozen times, but they get confined to O2 ACADEMY OXFORD history. That’s something I’m trying to change - I’ve For the record though I’ve still used the laptop to TICKETMASTER.CO.UK I CASTBAND.CO.UK got a bit more equipment so I can record at home program in other instruments. For instance Jarmo a bit more readily and work it from a studio point (from the new EP) doesn’t have live drums on it, but of view, so by the time it’s released it’s not an old having played it a few times with a live drummer has song. For the song Jarmo I enlisted the help of Alpha influenced the decision to have drums that are a little Male Tea Party’s Tom Peters, whose experience more acoustic sounding and a little more raw and of recording a wide variety of experimental guitar creating the impression of a full band as opposed bands added some much - needed production nous to a more electronic approach than I’ve done in the and helped explore numerous sonic possibilities I past. couldn’t have otherwise achieved. PLUS SUPPORT FROM NANTON & COUNT SKYLARKIN (COWLEY ROAD ROCKERS) What’s your approach to going into a studio? Considering you mainly work on your own You’ve got a bit of a home setup, but do you do SATURDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2018 what’s the difference between writing a song the bulk of it in a recording studio? for live playing and taking it in to a studio to O2 ACADEMY2 OXFORD I do most of my recording at home - I’ve got a lot NEW ALBUM ‘SINGLES 1995-2017’ RELEASED NOV 2018 DOORS 11PM | CURFEW 3AM | TICKETMASTER.CO.UK release? of electronics in my music so I can work on them My approach usually tends to be to just sit in my at home along with some guitar. Some of the songs bedroom and make just quick little songs out of the have a lot of guitar or piano, it’s better to get out ACADEMY EVENTS & A NEW VIEW PROMOTIONS PRESENTS blue and play them live maybe two or three times of the house and find a producer that knows how and shape them, playing them live for one or two to work with that sound and better equipment for years before I end up recording them. I’ve always recording those instruments. Sometimes I’ll piece

had a rudimentary setup but never quite had the together recordings from different locations, but then funds to just go into a studio and lay some tracks I’ll always come back and do the basic rudimentary aa down, so I’ve always been one or two steps ahead recording myself and get someone else in to master live compared to what I have recorded. it, who’s better at mastering. Sometimes it’s best to accept that lack of knowledge and equipment is aa CHRISTMAS PARTYSKA . REGGAE Do you use any different equipment for going to hold you back, so best to get other people recording and live? involved. ROCKSTEADY I’ve never invested massively in synths - I always have - EXTRAVAGANZA - one main keyboard I use. Lately I’ve been playing You’ve also been recording with Ciphers without a laptop, that’s been quite liberating - you recently, what’s the difference between SATURDAY can create some amazing songs live but there’s a lot recording with a band and on your own? of buttons to press and automation to work with and The biggest difference is that it’s a lot more DECEMBER15 + SPECIAL GUESTS it makes rehearsals difficult too. There’s less to worry efficient to record with a band, but there are loads about with it all going through loopers (2 Jamman of compromises to make. If I decided to record a Solo XT’s), it feels more like a singer songwriter type new song myself I can record a load of parts in a approach, but with the Kid Kin approach of having to day, but ultimately keep picking away at something build things up. until it’s exactly what you want. With a band we roll up to a studio, do a few songs in a day and mix it, take the good takes and cut the bad ones. There’s O2 ACADEMY something satisfying knowing that you can go into a O2 ACADEMY2 studio sure you’ll come out with something, with its OXFORD imperfections that are all part of what it’s meant to OXFORD be. They are both enjoying in their own way, but with FRI21STDECEMBER a band it’s a lot less time consuming. DOORS 6PM TICKETMASTER.CO.UK UK Kid Kin’s self – titled new EP is out now. TICKETMASTER.CO. Visit kidkin.bandcamp.com/music for details. 5 4 OMS38 OMS38 The night is hosted BAND RECOGNITION! by Al Jenkins, who A look at our favourite local band monikers OPEN SEASON starts the night with Our resident crooner Chris a decent upbeat #1 EASTER ISLAND STATUES Monger continues his tour of covers set with stripped down What came first the name or : the local Open Mic nights.. James - The band came first, Don had earlier ideas drums, as well for names like The Elements, Simple Pleasures and FLORENCE PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE – as offering to play backing guitar for anyone Band Practice, before rightfully concluding that these SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH wanting to sing. With a house keyboard as well MR BACON were, in fact, shit. Then came The Easter Island Statues’ The Florence Park Open Mic is a new night run as a decent PA for both acoustic and electric / HOUSE DJ AND CO - which was better. by the same group that run Flo Fest in Florence guitars, there’s a lot of variety and a number of FOUNDER OF OXFORD CLUB NIGHT Park, and used to do the open mic at the Jolly regular performers. MUSICAL MEDICINE SHARES HIS PET Why EIS though: Don: I’ve always been fascinated by those statues. They have such a distinctive look to Postboys. The event is in the Community Centre TUNES FROM HIS CURRENT BOX OF them, and ever since I was small I remember seeing and bar, complete with PA and fairly substantial TAP SOCIAL (pictured) TRICKS them everywhere around me, in video games, tv, lighting for the venue. The night is also open to Despite being quite far out of the city centre movies, garden centres... younger performers, which is only shared with The Tap Social Movement is one of the more DIANA ROSS – THE BOSS (DIMITRI FROM PARIS EDIT) Brings back so many incredible memories from all over the interesting event spaces in Oxford, a brewery, Ever been misspelled on a poster: the Cornerstone and Tap Social nights I’ve come shop, dancefloors and road trips alike. This man’s a genius. across so far. Being the first night, the one I tap room and venue. The open mic is monthly Don: CONSTANTLY – ‘Easter Island Statutes’, ‘Eastern Island Statues’, ‘East of Ireland’, ‘Easter Island Heads’, I attended was fairly low on performers, but still had a rare one in the afternoon and another open EN VOGUE – DON’T LET GO swear it doesn’t bother me... a decent and attentive audience, welcoming to to younger performers. It’s run by Lee, who also A set ender if ever I’ve heard one, played by our previous guests and brothers Jive Talk to a packed, lights up Bullingdon. seasoned and less experienced performers alike. has the Cape and Bookbinders, and has a good Favourite band name ever (not yours!) - and the worst? sounding setup with house guitars and piano Don: Favourite band name: Sonic Youth, Worst band AMADOU & MARIAM - BOFOUSAFOU THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, WANTAGE, available to use, and a free drink for performers. name: Elbow A go - to favourite for the Musical Medicine crew. The Being out of town the area is a little more open Tom: I’ve always loved ‘The Blockheads’ for its sheer EVERY TUESDAY duo have nailed Afrobop here to a tee along with a simplicity. Worst? Hmm…I get pretty annoyed by bands The Shoulder of Mutton is the first open mic I’ve than most filled with benches and sofas which Malian flavour. come across so far to share a decent quality audio gives it a feel halfway between playing on a stage that chuck ‘V’s in for no apparent reason…sorry PVRIS et al. and in a living room and worth making the trip VENUS DODSON – SHINING (DS REWORK) recording of the night with performers, as well as Ever started liking a band just for the name? Waited a very long time to get my hands on a wax providing a free drink, which is definitely a plus. out for. Don: I was first intrigued about King Gizzard and the copy of this and since last year it’s barely left the bag; Lizard Wizard by their name. disco house belter. Tom: ‘Giraffes? Giraffes!’ every time for me, a fitting name for face-melting math rock. ORANGE TREE EDITS – DORIAN (JIMMY ROUGE EDIT) I couldn’t write a list like this without mentioning OTE...I Has anyone of you seen the EIS? currently own all of their releases and they break Don: I saw the one in the British Museum in groove boundaries time and time again. SAVE US a couple of months ago, known as HoaHakananai’a - ‘lost or stolen friend’. I was pretty underwhelmed and THE FATBACK BAND – BACKSTROKIN’ a bit sad to be honest, largely because the statue was A true 80s classic churned out by one of my favourite FROM engulfed by about 50-60 pushy tourists holding up collectives of that era. Throbbing bass lines and snappy their flashing phones taking photos. I’d like to go and vocals sound electric on a big system even almost 40 play acoustic guitar on the island one day. CLOSING years later. What’s your favourite design you’ve used the name or logo on? DELE SOMISI – YOU FIT NO TOUCH AM (MEDLAR REMIX) #CellarForever All: We’ve used it as a T-shirt which was taken from An absolute dancefloor weapon here, now and every- a poster used in the street set from our latest music where. Medlar is one of the truest gents in the game! video Laika…Our friend Eve Bannister created the design and we all think it’s absolutely cracking! BEAR - ONE Top secret business coming from a new producer - Watch the EIS’s highly inventive stop – motion this has rocked the house at our last few dances. Eyes Aardman - style animated promo for new single Laika peeled for more from him! – available on Youtube now MIAMI SOUND MACHINE – CONGA Certified party starter, nuff said. www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ ABBA – VOULEZ VOUS I mean...yeah. The guilty pleasure we shouldn’t feel cellar-forever guilty about Campaign ends 27th Nov Upcoming Musical Medicine nights at the Bullingdon, Cowley Road – featuring The Reflex (Nov 17), featur- ing Raw Silk (Dec 8) and featuring Mafalda (Jan 19).

6 7 OMS 38 OMS38 #CELLAR FOREVER OWNER / MANAGER CELLAR IN TIME TIM HOPKINS ON THE 80s CONTINUING CAMPAIGN Present owner / manager Tim Hopkins’ dad TO KEEP THE DOORS Adrian moonlights as a music promoter between shifts at the car plant. OF OUR MUCH – LOVED “IF WE GET THE SUPPORT, Your Crowdfunder has some rewards for Adrian secures a job at Chrysalis Records LOCAL VENUE OPEN, donating? – becomes manager of Steeleye Span and THESE CHANGES WILL Yes, there’s a limited edition Cellar Forever promoter for Thin Lizzy, Johnny Cash and AND HOW YOU CAN HELP screen printed t-shirt and a limited edition James Last. ENABLE THE CELLAR screen printed poster. Our designer Sal is After winning a recent battle over the change TO THRIVE, NOT JUST amazing and mainly produces album cover Adrian buys nightclub Bogarts at the Plain, of use which energised the local music artwork for bands Blossoms, The Libertines and Oxford, sells that and buys The Dolly at community so much you must have been SURVIVE” Kaiser Chiefs to name a few. This design he has Frewin Court (now The Cellar). devastated to have to go through it all again: done for us is brilliant and we are really proud Tim: Yes utterly. Not just for us, but for all The So you’ve decided to try to crowdfund to get of it. You can only get this from pledging, so it Cellar’s amazing supporters that have shown the money to make the essential alterations – makes them a great personal piece for a fan of us how much the place means to them. The what exactly would the money be used for? The Cellar. support for The Cellar has been incredible Tim: The crowdfunding money will be used to over the past year, and we’re hoping that this build an entirely new fire escape, which involves Putting on local gigs with your favourite local final push will secure the venue for future major structural changes to the building. We’ve bands doesn’t go hand in hand with massive generations already got a fire escape but it’s not deemed profits – that’s why your help is needed to wide enough at present. If we are able to add make the changes to the club to ensure it How has it all affected the day to day running another fire exit, our capacity would increase to continues. of the club since this arose? over 200, and the associated structural changes Go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/cellar-forever Tim: It’s not been easy, as you can imagine. would improve the audience area and side bars. which is open until November 27 and take up Having your capacity cut from 150 to 50 So if we get the support, these changes will one of the fantastic offers, including a signed has meant that some promoters have enable The Cellar to thrive not just survive! Radiohead drum, to help to save the Cellar. understandably had to take their shows elsewhere. Trying to keep the programme You’ve had massive amount of help and A huge list of household names have performed 90s of music going has increased our workload support (over both campaigns) – even at this iconic independent venue ... Tim starts club night Armageddon 1998 incredibly, as well as putting our heart and soul Anneliese Dodds and Radio 1 – would you say playing dark core and Goa trance, against into creating this crowdfunding campaign. this has pushed you on to continue the fight to Adam Freeland, Scratch the grain as The Dolly is normally a rock stay open? club! How do you feel being an independent venue Tim: We are passionate about The Cellar, Perverts, Russell Howard, Tim starts Recreational Hazard – fortnightly / business on a high street – do you think the and it’s been my life. To see how much it TEED, Fixers, Youth Movies, drum ‘n’ bass and hip hop night issues are coincidental? means to so many people, from all different Stornoway, Friendly Fires, Tim: It’s hard to say if the issues are backgrounds and points of view, has been November 10, 1999 – The Cellar opens coincidental. All our energy right now is focused incredibly motivating. I want to keep The Cellar Afrika Bambaataa, Foals, Young it’s doors for the first time. Fridays and on keeping it open. What we do know is that we open, so that future generations can enjoy the Knives, Pulled Apart by Horses, Saturdays mostly club nights, but see a feel prouder and more motivated than ever to independent values it stands for. It’s no longer need to continue as a live venue so a stage be part of the independent music community, my music venue, it’s everyone’s venue and Dawn Penn… is put in. and it’s obvious that independent venues like we have a responsibility to keep it going for all ours are treasured by the public. And that’s not those amazing supporters out there past present “The Cellar morphed into a live venue Cover: Willie J Healey at The Cellar. just local people; they need to be protected on and future. again – it was almost like it knew what a national scale. Picture by Ian Wallman it wanted to be.” Tim Hopkins

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Closing the show proper at the Bully, Suuns Ghostpoet gifts a soothing interlude, on late take their name literally and gradually create but a sheer delight he holds the room, giving something bigger than a planet that glows a refreshing change of pace which feels a bit and throbs – their intention is to deconstruct like having your hair brushed with feathers - a music as we muggles know it, and throw it chilled moment to take a breath. Over all too back together to their own mad blueprints – quickly, we regroup, ready for the main man it’s techno, it’s rock, it’s trance – all at once. we’re all here to cheer along... Greatness at work. A rare home-coming show for everyone’s It’s been a pretty bruising day for the ears favourite ‘Grass, (OK we like the others too, (we blame the vocoder - driven tech - rock don’t make us choose). Giving a suitably of Husky Loops) and the vision of cool that class rendition of highly acclaimed World’s is Jane Weaver appears, to soothe them, Strongest Man, a jauntily be-hatted and fired- and all the other senses back to something up Gaz Coombes came into his own with approaching life. Her other - worldly, a cracking performance, jumping between plaintive, swooping melodies and shimmering piano and centre stage with his white-painted electronic rock landscapes sculpted by the guitar. Far from alone up there, his band of band have ‘day highlight’ writ large. Slow merry men boasted Oxford’s own Garo, Mike Motion is a direct hit Monaghan, Growler and Piney Gir leading the GlassHertzPhoto angelic-sounding backing singers, making all At the opposite end of the scale, soaked in in all for a classic Oxford night. But, as always, when in the presence of this class act you’re the moment and the feeling. A gladsome, our own booze 30 seconds in, this was clearly RITUAL UNION, if ragged, performance – they play as if the the salty sailors cave to hang and admire reminded it’s all about That Voice - all grown O2 ACADEMY 1&2, THE LIBRARY, wheels could spin right off at any moment - the hairy spoils. up and saying something from the heart - a THE BULLINGDON, TRUCK STORE that turns more than a few heads - it’s packed, Taking a brief true talent and local inspiration, back up surprising us and even the band themselves. Time-Out from where he belongs, taking in the ride. It’s the day that has the faint – hearted Our own heads virtually nod right off during the throbbing frantically searching lastminute.com for the breakneck 1,000,000 MPH – and we electrical storm Fontaines DC may be a little too intense for weekend breaks in the Cotswolds, the rest of are unanimous in a belief that Self Help are that is Cherokii, an after show party where the festival folk us with a clash chart in one hand and a bevy definitely ones to watch. a glistening long- who made it all the way to the end just want in the other trying to cram in as many bands tressed half naked to dance/eat chips/fall over/sleep, but as lead as we can in 12 or so hours. If you were lucky enough to get in such was frontman asks the singer Grian Chatten resurrects the ghost of the roadblock outside, The Lovely Eggs, exciteable crowd Ian Curtis, the Dubliners push us over the It feels far too early for Vienna Ditto. The husband and wife team Holly Ross and David crowd, a who’s who of Oxford bands sip - stuffed like sardines into the sweat-fest of edge in a firestorm of guitars. Blackwell, are a joy. A crunchy power pop The Library bowels - ‘Is this what it’s like to Finally, Props to Ritual Union for a balls-out their pints nervously – while, as ever, Nigel two-piece that Jack White can only dream of be a mermaid?’ He’s not the only one who electro-spinning snooker player who pots the is the consumate axeman. He twirls! He and the Bullingdon Arms is in raptures. cartwheels! And as they dive into Liar Liar wants to take his top off (in a good way) and black and provides some heat for the feet to he even attempts a somersault. The Motley our ears are left riding foamy sound-waves end in a suitably messy Cowley Road style - Crue antics are only one part of Vienna Ditto’s crashing against a distant rock’n roll shore. Steve Davis – that is all. enduring appeal. There is electro here, there’s Delta blues, there’s Weimar-era cabaret, there Cited as THE most-anticipated act of the (Cheryl Flynn, Stewart Garden, Jon Blunt, is lyric prowess. And the saddest part of this night by the lovely long-suffering wristband- Autumn Neagle) unquenchable cocktail is that this is their very bestowing lady at the door, Mercury Prize last Oxford gig - they have been a gem of a - nominated Nadine Shah didn’t fail to wow. band to follow. Besuited and elegant she ruled the stage, making a few hundred instant new friends The room is uncomfortably rammed at the GlassHertzPhoto with a teasing northern banter worthy of some Bully for the fun and bounce of Boy Azooga - Face behind the Cigarette is a stand-out kind of muso stand-up. ‘Newcomers?! Been performance and the glory of this band live is going for 8 years!!!” she jokes, but the music Another bag search back at the Academy for told its own story. Harnessing a full PJ Harvey that you get extended grooves which are far another local band of the moment - Catgod are stomach-punch with the tender, emo - pull of longer, and more engaging, than their records. unique and Catgod are special. They surf across genres on a raft made of all kinds of instruments Kate Bush, her powerful, primal, driving sounds Yet another bag search down the Academy and rhythms and a more esoteric performance bewitched the room and guessed This Girl’s (no, still nothing in there) and local riff we did not see all day long – maybe we’re favourites One by One, in easily one of the best GlassHertzPhoto traffickers Self Help do that festival thing biased, but you can always trust the Oxford gigs of the year. where a band you least expect captures dwellers to stand out from the crowd. 10 11 OMS38 OMS38 PUMA BLUE, THE JERICHO Jeff Slade Photo LIVE The London singer-songwriter stopped off at the Jericho as part of his latest UK tour, and drew a hefty Monday night crowd. Performing WILLIE J HEALEY, as part of a five-piece, he played songs from last year’s Swum Baby as well as new tracks from his ULTIMATE PICTURE PALACE upcoming EP Blood Loss. Puma Blue subdued the bustling crowd into a A welcome return to the live arena for our dream-like state with his sparse and spacious favourite Carterton croonster – tonight it’s a low instrumentals that perfectly compliment his – key launch for his new, high concept death - GlassHertzPhoto carefree, soulful vocals. Much like King Krule, themed EP and a 15 – minute film. his music is the magical result of indie and jazz Like slow TV, the video version of an Instagram IDLES, O2 ACADEMY, GRACE PETRIE, OWEN influences meeting over Dilla style beats. filter, the film’s a series of washed out New single Midnight Blue and its heavy outro vignettes that actually worked well in the retro OXFORD COLLINS, THE OLD FIRE makes for one of the highlights of the evening. surroundings of the UPP as a showcase for They even threw in an appropriate cover of Healey’s beguiling music. 2018 is Idles’ year. Off the back of their hit LP Joy STATION Radiohead’s All I Need - though it seems like this For his short and sweet set, it’s just him, his as an Act of Resistance they are on a world tour might have gone largely unnoticed by the young trusty Tele, laid bare if you will, looking slightly of elephantine proportions. The packed furnace We’re unsure whether Owen Collin’s (OMS’s audience, who appeared to be losing attention as awkward, with an enthralled gathering of fans, that is the O2 sold out weeks ago and its ceiling culture scribe, pictured) intention is to be a stand the set drew on. friends and family for company. was dripping with some kind of anticipatory juice up-poet, as he rouses laughter from the audience Despite struggling to keep the student-heavy Opener 666 Kill is the flip of what the death metal long before the band emerged. before uttering a single word. His manner crowd engaged, it was a stellar performance title suggests – a slo mo Elliot Smith - channeling Idles don’t deviate from a fairly trad musical matches his work - charming, inspiring, but from start to finish. (TC) Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door. We’re also gifted formula of hard and heavy, with duelling guitars reassuringly vulnerable - with an unapologetic . stripped down versions of Learn Toulouse with its swirling across a thudding rhythm section. Joe sense of justice. He lulls us into a warm sense of addictive ‘thought I had a friend in you’ chorus, Talbot isn’t the most tuneful of singers but that’s security with hilarious self-deprecating anecdotes HAIKU SALUT, DEAF and the most up – sounding (it’s not hard) of not the point. He is a frontman of real intensity, and coy banter with the audience, before the new set, Lovelawn. There are, of course, totally committed to what he is doing and willing launching into powerful performances, largely & HARD OF HEARING favourites from People and their Dogs, the, if his audience to join him (quite literally at the end addressing complex societal issues from the Hendrix was re-born a Wes Anderson character for a good old fashioned stage invasion). monarchy and mental health, through to racism CENTRE Lazy Shade of Pink, along with a yearning We In between the controlled aggression of Talbot’s and solidarity. Owen scandalously delights with Should Hang to close. songs he talks with meaning about being excellent ‘Two Haiku for Pier’s Morgan’ before sharing a Divine Schism almost achieve perfection as Haiku It’s during the latter that his Nan provides a to each other and sends out communal love. newly shuffled rendition of his poem ‘Suitable for Salut illuminate hearts and minds with a captivating great piece of theatre – she’s off for a comfort The performance was so intense that as the other Commercial Uses’, a compelling lament show. Everything we hear in the darkened space break mid - song. “We’ll wait” decides Willie show progressed the fire dulled a little and some on the privatisation of the NHS, inspired by a To is brought to radiating life as the music is synched relishing the moment…so we do, and the poor of the tracks fused into one another. Let Sign that can be found along with the poem’s up to a multitude of flashing lamps and lights that family victim emerges to the biggest cheer of But the audience were fully committed anyway; title outside a former medical centre in his are scattered across the stage. the night, and we continue the song. It’s a nice essential participants that, at Talbot’s behest, hometown of Witney. Owen paces his delivery Crystalline vocals glide over glockenspiels, piece of improvisation, a glimpse of life chez pretty much became members of the band for effectively, accelerating through intricately glitched - up twinkles, samples, synths and Willie and it makes sure the night ends on a high. the evening. weaved rhythmic and rhyming facts, opinion and bursts of accordion and trombone that weirdly An opportunity to be underwhelmed given the Idles have connected. There is a lot of frustration observations before slowing down to leave us with the sit somewhere between LCD Sound System and absence of a band but we leave the cinema Out There these days and the band have ellipses “They’ll have to take on you and me first...” Mogwai. We loved it. feeling quite the opposite…the man is in a league listened. They are translating it back, through Grace Petrie is simultaneously powerful, beautiful (CF) of his own. (SG) microphones and through amplifiers, to a loyal and somehow enviably unpolished. She performs audience that needs to hear what they are her trademark uplifting foot stomping acoustic numbers wrapped around heart-stopping GlassHertzPhoto GlassHertzPhoto saying. Idles are making sense to their growing collective and this is why they are selling out acapella folk delivered through pin drop silence shows across the country. In many ways they are to an audience in awe. Not one word of Grace’s a traditional British band; heavy on the rock with lyrics are superfluous to her message - and her big messages about sticking one on The Man message is bold. Grace inspires and enchants and it is heartening to see that 48% + 52% of their us with heart-felt tales, angry protests, and audiences agree with them. empowering reminders of what social justice means. We’re reminded several times that The After the curtain came down social media was Guardian have been asking where have all the ablaze. The People have spoken - Show of the protest singers gone; clearly they’ve been looking Year Oxford 2018. (CF) in the wrong places. (LA) 12 13 OMS38 OMS38

AT HOME WITH… LIVE CATGOD BRIDGET ST JOHN, Peeking in through the JERICHO TAVERN keyhole at what Oxford’s GlassHertzPhoto music stars get up to off-stage A dampish September evening in Jericho saw a rare visit to these shores from Bridget Following a sparkling set at a packed St. John, stalwart of the 60s and early 70s UK CIPHERS, THE WHEATSHEAF out Ritual Union show recently, folk scene, but now long-time adopted New the idiosyncratic brother and sister Yorker. Perhaps I wasn’t the only member of Ciphers are pretty new on the scene and tonight the packed crowd not knowing quite what to is their debut headline show. Lead singer Mila combo tell us about their adoration expect. Happily, what we got was a confident Todd has a precocious energy about her and the for korma, cronixx, First Dates and GlassHertzPhoto performance of assured musicianship and band appear to be quite angry about something, pancakes quality songwriting from an artist, if anything, although it’s not altogether clear what that better than ever. is. At times the performance veers towards Last item of furniture you bought? Last person who came round? a 1990s-Battle-of-the-Bands-meets-Skunk- Cat bought a ‘70s floorboard mirror with Our dad is alway popping in when we Backed by the sinuous, athletic cello of Sara Anansie-lite kind of sound but Kid Kin’s Peter floorboards round the outside… it’s a bit least expect it. He’s our landlord and he Smout, there were old songs (Ask Me No Lloyd adds something really quite thoughtful to strange. always brings us (tasty) leftovers… so we Questions, Nice, Fly High), borrowed songs the proposition with his guitar, lifting the music (Michael Chapman’s Rabbit Hills, Joni Mitchell’s above all that, and there is a pleasing urgency to can’t complain. Fiddle and the Drum} and traditional songs (an the set as it unfurls. The band need to work on Last meal you cooked? astonishing Po’ Lazarus). their harmonies and really commit to lighting a We’re currently cooking a vegan korma Would you ever play your own music few more fires as they perform, but there’s some (but added some cream) - we like when friends are round? But, tellingly, Bridget’s newer material is every pop nuggets o’ gold in them there hills and if chucking stuff together and hoping it Yes, we really love to get their opinions bit as impressive. Covering Trump, immigration, Ciphers can retool and dig for them, they could tastes good. and it gives us a bit more perspective on detention and #metoo with an evident passion, be gracing a larger stage near you soon.(CF) the songs when a new person is there to dexterous guitar playing and a voice that Favourite thing in your house? listen. has lost none of its timbre, she effortlessly ETON CROP, THE LIBRARY dispelled any tendency to regard the occasion The cupboard we keep chocolate in. as an exercise in nostalgia. From her opening, Album or playlist while you cook? John Peel once described Eton Crop as his reworked, Just like a Woman to the encore of What was in the fridge last time you Any Cronixx song - we’re going through “favourite Dutch band.” They recorded many a Leonard Cohen’s Suzanne, the divine Ms St. session in Maida Vale Studio Four, and tonight looked? Pancake mixture left over from an obsessed phase. Also love Willie J John displayed an energy, commitment and the Amsterdam four-piece are back - rocking the weekend. Healey, Thundercat, Erykah and most NPR a reluctance to leave the stage worthy of the up a storm in the modest corner of The live sessions. freshest-faced tyro. I came out of curiosity, but Library. Here, on a Wednesday evening. In Favourite spot in the house? left a fan. late-October, East Oxford is briefly lit up by the The shed down the bottom of our garden A song you wrote at home recently: sparkle of crystal clear lyrics, Fred Perry polo Opening up, our multi-tasking host Aiden where we make all of our music - it backs I just moved out of a shared house in London shirts and boots with 40-odd years of greying Canaday played an authentically downbeat onto a lake and is so beautifully quiet. We and had to leave behind the most fluffy, hair beneath their heels. There are only about solo set of elegant simplicity – Here’s Hope only have the trains and ducks to compete gorgeous cat which belonged to a housemate. 15 people in the room. It feels a little like the just one of several finely crafted songs. And band once come round to my flat for a cup with. While living there I wrote a soppy love song to further enhancing the evening’s entertainment of tea, and now can’t get their fat, middle her… the only cat I’ve ever loved! was Radisson Blue, a.k.a Roxy Brennan, whose aged backsides back out through the door. Late sleeper or early risers? Cat’s early… wholly delightful electric guitar- backed folk- Mesmerising, and not a bit nostalgic. Their nine- I’m late. Recent binge - watched TV drama? punk was an unexpected treat from start to song support-slot set opens with It’s My Dog, First Dates. Don’t ask. finish. Anyone who can perform a song about Maestro, the title track from their 1985 debut the North Yorkshire Steam Railway, complete Favourite tipple? Beer. LP, sounding as fresh as on the day it was cut. with anecdotes, is surely deserving of a wider Robin and Cat Catgod talking to Stewart Guitar strings sizzle through Gay Boys on the audience. Pets? Garden. New single Sleep in out now. See Battlefield. To Moscow by Covered Wagon is the standout track. No pets of our own but we regularly try to Catgod supporting August List, with Other (HG) (JB) steal the neighbour’s cat. Dramas at The Bullingdon, December 14

14 15 OMS38 OMS38

Three is the magic number, and we got to THE RIDDIM check three of the best urban and reggae sounds, local, national and outernational recently. SECTION WITH LEO B. Tiger Mendoza at the (still endangered) pristine voice is framed by the skankin’ Cellar releasing his latest EP-the Old Ideas sounds of London band General Roots. Vol 2 with Half Decent who plays much Finally was the one and only Toots and of his own Something for the Fearless. the Maytals, (pictured below) also at the Tiger starts off, as is traditional, with his Academy. He basically invented reggae animal mask on before losing it and (or at least was the first person to use the rocking the Akai samplers hard style. Half word in his 1968 hit ‘Do the Reggay’). He Decent is totally awesome of course, at promised us nothing but number ones, and one point, overwhelmed by his own sheer that’s what we got, from 54-46- That’s My fabulousness, he lies down prone on the Number - allegedly his police case number stage. DJ Theoretical provides the block after he was caught in possession of de rockin’ beats and Dan Clear the guitar fuzz. ‘erb- through to Louie Louie and Monkey Man. The energy as focussed and voice The following Friday was tropical pop is as powerful now as it ever was, at 76. princess Hollie Cook at the O2 Academy. Toots only took off Daughter of Sex Pistols’ drummer Paul Cook his wraparounds once and Culture Club’s Jeni, she has the perfect because he’s too legit pop pedigree and skills to pay the bills (not to quit… ‘ LET’S GO DOWN THE STUDIO to mention working with extraordinary Til next time, keep it producers like Prince Fatty first and now riddimwise and not WITH STEVE GRIMMETT from SAMURAI STUDIOS Youth- on new album Vessel of Love). Her otherwise. (LB) Steve on the perfect recording - “not getting ‘red light syndrome’ and “using the right mic for the job”.

How long has the studio been going for? Do you prefer analogue or digital? SG: It’s been open for business for 6 months - it took a SG: I have recorded in analogue and that’s ok, but it’s lot longer to get to this point but it’s now open. a better media to record in digital - it’s a faster way of recording and in my mind that allows for a better flow What’s your favourite bit of equipment you have? in the studio. SG: I don’t really have a favorite bit of kit but what I do like is how it all comes together, from the computer What’s the best song / album that’s been recorded to the audio interface and the DAW and how that all there? comes together to produce the sound you want for SG: The album Grim Reaper’s Walking in the Shadows - the artist. so far, its not had a bad review world wide.

What other bits do you use? Tell us about your engineers? SG: I don’t use a desk, I have pads that talk to the very SG: I am the only engineer, (at the moment) - I have a comprehensive desk in the DAW (Cubase) - they tie up vast time - served career, and have worked with a lot with all the things you need to control Cubase without of engineers and producers who are always asking the using the keyboard. why and wherefores of mic and producing techniques over the last 30 years. What bands record there? SG: First off, my band Grim Reaper; we are currently What’s the secret of getting a good recording? recording our new album there. I have had a few local SG: Making the artist feel comfortable and not getting bands in - the current band are called Last Rites - a ‘red light syndrome’ and using the right mic for the job. heavy metal band and later this year we have a New Wave of British Heavy Metal band called Desolation Steve Grimmett talking to Stewart Garden Angels Studio rates £250 per 8 hour day / Discounts available over 7 days Contact: Steve on 07525 137977 / Facebook: Samurai Recording Studios Email: [email protected] Samurai Recording Studio Hithercroft Road Oxfordshire OX10 9DA 16 17 OMS37 BBC INTRODUCING OXFORD WITH SHOW PRODUCER LIZ GREEN Soon, Christmas will be upon us! Every year we put together a special show of local Christmas music, The BBC Introducing in Oxford team spent a very and this year will be no different. Use the Uploader productive day in early October at the enlightening to send us your Christmas tunes and we’ll do our and informative Young Women’s Music Project best to play them! This year the show will take place training day (pictured), hearing stories, perusing facts on December 22 and we’re looking forward to our and figures, and discussing how the music scene customary Christmas show where we stuff ourselves could be made more accessible to young women full of mince pies and mulled wine whilst listening to throughout Oxfordshire. The training will be rolled your submissions. FRIDAY out more widely in the near future and if you can get to one I’d really recommend it! Oh, and stay tuned over the next few weeks when we’ll be announcing our Act of the Year! 14th DECEMBER Introducing Live took place from 8-10 November and I was privileged to produce the show that went Keep uploading your songs to us at out nationally, featuring interviews with Ben Howard www..co.uk/introducing and it might and Circa Waves amongst others. I also really be you on Radio 1 next! Remember to 2018 enjoyed the feedback sessions with musicians - I’m hoping to bring back some of the suggestions to tune in to us every week on Radio Oxford, BBC Introducing in Oxford to improve the way we Saturday at 8pm to hear the very best 7pm - 11pm interact with local musicians. music from across Oxfordshire.

O2 ACADEMY OXFORD

Line up to be announced soon... CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

18 19 OMS38 OMS38 wallow in some exquisite melancholy and few do NATIONAL RELEASES it quite so well as this LOCAL RELEASES Washington state singer PARCELS – S/T songwriter. Her elegant, LOOK OUT FOR: dreamy ballads meld her After collaborating with Daft Punk, siren call vocals to haunting Easter Island Statues are back Parcels landed themselves on just and spectral melodies that with brand new single Laika. about every ‘Ones to Watch in 2018’ are achingly poignant. Accompanied by a stop-motion list going, which generated heaps of TRUCK STORE video featuring a Space exploring excitement for a full-length album. ALBUM LIKES dog, their latest single is a Fortunately, the Byron Bay natives LES BIG BYRD - IRAN IRAQ dynamic cut that builds on the haven’t cracked under the pressure - IKEA indie/punk crossover sound of Here at Truck Store we’re having self produced an immaculate We’re not sure what the their debut EP. self-titled debut. always getting excited name or album title means about new albums so NENEH CHERRY – Gapless opening tracks Comedown but we’re loving this Oxford’s finest hard-rock duo and Lightenup are excellent cuts with here’s a look at a few Swedish group’s Krautrock Cherokii have broken their BROKEN POLITICS a vintage 70s feel that perfectly set the recent releases that have lengthy silence with their furious SELF HELP – ORGANIC ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ -infused psychedelic sound, tone for the rest of the album, which new single Wireless - an all out been on heavy rotation which marries Neu-esque NOISE KITCHEN borrows heavily from funk and disco. attack of throaty vocals, epic bass Neneh Cherry albums are few in-store. The record ranges from funky keyboards to propulsive riffs and pounding drums that and far between, but when they It was over a year ago that I floor-fillers (Tieduprightnow and rhythms that call to mind clocks in at a hasty two minutes do come around they’re usually LOW - DOUBLE NEGATIVE reviewed this lot and exclaimed IknowhowIfeel) to seriously chilled the recent Hookworms and fifty seconds. something to marvel at. Her surprise that mid-2000s indie was out (Yourfault has a very Mac The legendary Minnesota album. fifth full-length, the appropriately trendy with the kids again. There Demarco feel) and even features slowcore group have Pop punk three-piece Be Still named Broken Politics, is no are a few bands making a similar spoken word on closing track Credits. shaken things up a bit with have come through with their exception. Produced by Four Tet MØ - FOREVER racket now but none of them are Latest single Withorwithout is another their extraordinary new debut EP. The Witney based band and 3D (Massive Attack), Broken NEVERLAND doing it as well as Self Help. highlight, and now comes with its bring the sounds of the US to Politics consists of twelve stunning album, adding a layer of A few years back Danish In the last year they’ve become own brilliantly twisted slasher music Oxfordshire with Violets Red, tracks and boasts a diverse sonic visceral, distorted noise one of the best live bands video. pop sensation MØ was Roses Blue - fans of the genre palette - sounds from Four Tet’s to their poised and sparse in Oxford and tracks like Parcels boast some impressive our ‘secret pop-star’, an are guaranteed to love these four last album New Energy meet melodies. The result is bold, 1,000,000MPH, Gooey and The falsetto vocals, slap bass and tightly underground talent with snappy tracks. 3D’s trademark trip-hop style with Razz have been live favourites programmed beats - however it beautiful and frequently a chart friendly sound, spectacular results. Even though throughout that time. would be nice to hear some more breathtaking. you can clearly hear the influence however a collaboration Back in September, Leader live drums. shared huge new track Open of this formidable production duo with Major Lazer has put her The production on all six tracks Daft Punk’s influence can be felt MAX COOPER - ONE Skies - their second single of throughout, they never take the firmly in the mainstream. here is brilliant – it’s not too clean through the slick production, warm the year. Following on from spotlight away from Cherry - who HUNDRED BILLION SPARKS Thankfully this new album and gives the band a real crunch synth sounds and Golden, Open Skies is a slick and delivers an impeccable and mature The London based throughout. If there’s a criticism influenced guitars, making it very (featuring production by ambitious piece of pop-rock that vocal performance on every track. electronica producer, who it’s that the music is all one - sonically similar to Random Access Diplo and Charli XCX) ponders the possibilities of what Cherry hasn’t shied away from also has a second life as paced, and even when it does Memories. In other words, Parcels’ loses none of the quirky could have been... difficult topics (including the refugee drop, as on stoned-jam closer debut is effortlessly cool. an evolutionary geneticist, innovation and charm crisis and the post-truth world), but Enough is Enough, they feel the (TC) (4/5) returns with a complex and is literally packed with (TC) she hasn’t avoided more personal and absorbing new album need to turn the dial back up. songwriting either - see opening bangers! Then again, no one ever had a go that grows, seemingly track Fallen Leaves. at Black Flag for playing too fast. Synchronised Devotion is a slightly organically, from ambient Albums available at Truck nostalgic nod to her earlier Bristol- electronica to pounding Store - 101 Cowley Rd, This is a snapshot of a band tinged sound and lead single Kong techno and beyond. Anyone Oxford OX4 1HU operating at the peak of their is a diamond among diamonds that who loves Jon Hopkins and Rapture12, Market current powers – who knows features what could be the album’s needs to hear this. where it will take them next. best beat. Broken Politics is the end Square, Witney OX28 6AP product of world-class veterans MARISSA NADLER - FOR (UL) collaborating and reflecting - making Official Truck Store & for her most essential album to MY CRIMES Rapture Albums of the Year date. (TC) With the nights drawing list available soon… (Local Releases in it’s the perfect time to Continued over on P22) 20 21 OMS38 it, I have small children hiding in the LOCAL RELEASES corner of the room, with their fingers stuck in their ears, screaming for it to stop. Which, incidentally, makes THE GREAT WESTERN for a beautiful backing vocal. Opener Confidence drips decibels of honey TEARS – LET IT STORM from the speakers. The polyrhythmic Just Friends sounds like My Bloody Following on from the beguiling Valentine intentionally fucking up introspection of Shadowcast last an X-Factor dream. Lengthwise you spring, The Great Western Tears return couldn’t find a cassette small enough with a broader canvas, a bigger sound to copy it on. Had enough of your and a full set of oilskins. The sound neighbours? Then buy this record. (JB) of raging seas and creaking beams finds shipmates Dava Waterhouse and Fern Thornton duetting tremulously THE DOLLYMOPS – GAP but resolutely over Garry Richardson’s YEAR TOURISTS EP WILLIE J HEALEY – 666 guitar and Kurt Hamilton’s ominous dobro. The song builds through Answering the national Brexit-battle KILL EP an appropriately shanty-like refrain cry to bring back our rabble-raising before Ben Heaney’s violin, Ryan protest bands and liven all us stiffs A timeless classic will never go out Quartermain’s bass and Alex Ogg’s up a bit, you don’t need to look of fashion says Willie J Healey, and always fine drums usher in the full much further than The Dollymops. there’s something timeless about 666 majesty of the tempest. Après les Great Complete with glitter, outfits and Kill, his new set on YALA! Records. Western Tears, le deluge! You’ll need to enough Morrissey-esque posturing to For the most part these six sides are lash yourself to the mast before the full fill your DM boots, there are no land- delivered in a deadpan mid-Atlantic force of this roaring folk-rock epic! fillers in this epic 4 track tonnage. accent which could see the record From Plastic Proletariat to Pied Piper end its days as background music MEANS OF PRODUCTION tagging Corbyn to the Miner’s Strike, on a Netflix commission horror it’s a proverbial kick up the asinine series at any point in the future. The – THE DEPTHS arse of a millenial-mellow mob, but royalties from its use, one hopes, like any good protest band it’s the The Depths consists of three versions will earn Healey a fortune. Listened live energy, good-natured stage of the title track – the original, and two to in sequence, only the record’s antics and pure showmanship that remixes, one from Tiger Mendoza brief upturns of pace and misguided really pulls you in. As hypnotic as the and one from Fred Ugly. The original sax solo seem to slice this musical caustically staccato delivery of title track is a hypnotic blend of bleeping tangerine into individual segments. track Gap Year Tourists, you really sequencers and a disembodied Yet overall this is flawless fruit. Healey can’t take your eyes off them - and, vocal hook which recalls New Order delivers devilishly perfect music - and like the Piper himself - get ready to and Kraftwerk all at once. It’s at its all of its spots have been squeezed. follow their leader - you wont know best when it lets loose around the (JB) why, but you’ll be having a blast. (AN) 2-minute mark and expansive pads fill out the mix, and reminds of some of Eno’s latter day vocal work on Another GHOSTS IN THE KID KIN – S/T EP Day on Earth. The two remixes are PHOTOGRAPHS - pleasant enough – Tiger Mendoza Here we have the new EP from Peter ups the pace and gives it a breakbeat, DYSLEXORCIST Lloyd, better known as Kid Kin – it’s while Fred Ugly gives it a 90s rave his first since 2014, though he’s not twist – neither are quite as vital as the All the boxes are ticked – delay exactly been in hibernation since original, however. (UL) aplenty, unintelligible lo-fi speech then, with a smattering of remixes sample, twinkling guitars and an and live appearances here and there. inevitable build. Friends, this is This release is a modern take on WORRY – CONFIDENCE EP post-rock at its most po-faced post-rock, with nods to the usual and well - worn. Don’t let that put One listen to Worry is all it takes suspects (Mogwai, EITS etc…) but a you off though, for while GITP do for me to want to construct a pin tip of the cap also towards the likes of not stray far from the path, what badge with their name on and stick Tycho and Boards of Canada (without they’re doing here is ambitious, it through my nose. “Angry and bitter the tape wobble). War Lullaby is a brilliantly - produced, and expertly since 2016” is how the trio describe standout, with lovely guitar forms played. Dyslexorcist is an 18 minute themselves and what I love about this lilting away before coalescing with behemoth – taking the listener EP is how a band who have so little synth and drums into a conclusion through several suites of connected, to say about themselves manage to full of lost hope and wonder. It’s perfectly - formed instrumental rock do so this noisily, and rapidly. One almost like generative music – the music. The buildups are brutally song, Small Mind sputters out after kind of thing a sentient A.I. might drawn out, the crescendos are a glorious 43 seconds. Throw in a come up with to soundtrack the heat- huge, and the changes of pace are maelstrom of vitriolic guitar riffs and death of the Universe. Stellar. (UL) rewarding. For fans of ISIS, Godspeed, rhythmical lyrics and, before I know and Explosions in the Sky. (UL) 22 23 facebook.com/o2academyoxford twitter.com/o2academyoxford instagram.com/o2academyoxford youtube.com/o2academytv

Thur 15th Nov Fri 30th Nov • 11pm Sat 15th Dec • 6.30pm Sat 23rd Feb • 6pm Salad Kings Of The Rollers: Reef Stone Broken ft Serum, Voltage, Bladerunner w/Inja Thur 15th Nov • SOLD OUT Sat 15th Dec • 11pm Sat 23rd Feb • 6.30pm Courtney Barnett Fri 30th Nov • 11pm Huey Morgan’s Scott Bradlee’s Fri 16th Nov • 6.30pm Camelphat NYC Block Party Postmodern Tide Lines Sat 1st Dec • 6.30pm + Nanton & Skylarkin Jukebox Fri 16th Nov • 6.30pm The Damned Wed 19th Dec Mon 25th Feb Killing Joke Sat 1st Dec • 6.30pm KING 810 + Puppy Sea Girls Fri 16th Nov • 11pm Better Than Never: Fri 21st Dec • 6.30pm Fri 1st Mar • 5.30pm Mall Grab: The Final Show Dreadzone P.O.D. + Luke Rainsford Looking For Fri 21st Dec • 6pm & Alien Ant Farm Trouble Tour Sun 2nd Dec Skindred + ‘68 Sat 9th Mar • 6pm Sat 17th Nov • 6.30pm Bjorn Again Sat 22nd Dec • 6.30pm U.F.O. “Last Orders” Definitely Mightbe Sun 2nd Dec Faith: The George Children of Zeus 50th Anniversary Tour Sat 17th Nov • 11pm Michael Legacy Silent Disco Tue 4th Dec Sat 9th Mar • 11pm Still Corners Mon 31st Dec • 10pm 90s - 00s ft. N-Trance Tue 20th Nov Switch NYE 2018/19 The Dead Daisies: Thur 6th Dec Thur 14th Mar ft Andy C Welcome to Von Hertzen Brothers Hayseed Dixie (Midnight Set) Wed 20th Mar • 6.30pm Daisyland Fri 7th Dec • 6.30pm + Oliver Dawson Saxon Wed 16th Jan Ady Suleiman + Massive Wagons Pearl Jam UK J Mascis Sun 24th Mar • 6.30pm Wed 21st Nov • 6pm Fri 7th Dec • 11pm Sat 26th Jan • 6.30pm Bars and Melody Wayward Sons The Oxford Soul Train The Vaccines Thur 28th Mar + Doomsday Outlaw Sun 9th Dec Fun Lovin’ Criminals Fri 23rd Nov • 6.30pm Fish Sun 27th Jan Fri 29th Mar • 6.30pm The Dub Pistols Thur 13th Dec • 6pm Clem Burke and Fri 23rd Nov • 11pm Bootleg Blondie Wille and the Bandits Fireball – Fuelling + Rainbreakers Shy FX The Fire Tour Sat 2nd Feb • 6.30pm + Flogging Molly + Face To Face Sat 6th Apr • 6.30pm Sat 24th Nov Gangstagrass + Lost In Stereo + The Bronx The Dualers Bingo Lingo Sat 9th Feb • 6.30pm Thur 13th Dec Fri 12th Apr • 11pm Tue 27th Nov Mona + October Drift Cash Party With The Shame Fri 14th Dec • 6.30pm Mon 11th Feb Greatest Showman Wed 28th Nov • 6.30pm Slade: 45 Years of Jimothy Lacoste Club Tour Beak> Merry Christmas Thur 14th Feb Sat 27th Apr • 6.30pm Thur 29th Nov Everybody Alexander O’Neal UK Foo Fighters Oxford City Fri 14th Dec • 11pm Fri 15th Feb • 6pm Tue 14th May Festival Robbo Ranx ft. Otto, The Foliants, Molly Karloff, Blue October Lucy Spraggan Port Erin and The Wayfarers Christmas Special Sat 16th Feb • 5.30pm Sat 18th May • 6.30pm Thur 29th Nov Dancehall & BBC Buckcherry Samantha Fish 1xtra Legend Cast & Hoobastank Sat 29th Jun Fri 30th Nov • 6.30pm Sat 15th Dec • 6pm Sat 16th Feb • 6pm The AC/DC Little Brother Eli The Inflatables Omar with Live Band Experience - Xmas Party Fri 30th Nov • 6.30pm Mon 18th Feb Wed 27th Nov • 6.30pm ft. King Hammond, The Rude Boy All Saints Mafia and The AC30s Ruts DC Electric Six

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