SUMMER 2018

FREE

ISSUE 36

FESTIVAL GUIDE LET YOUR INNER ROCK N ROLLER OUT IN A FIELD, PARK OR ROAD THIS SUMMER!

INSIDE: MAGIC GANG, DEADBEAT APOSTLES, CABBAGE, SHAME, COURTNEY BARNETT, PEACE, LOW ISLAND, LUCY LEAVE, THE OTHER DRAMAS, JON HOPKINS AND MORE... OMS36 OMS35 RANT N ROLL! - SPOKEN WORD Want to perform at with Owen Collins UPCOMING - As ever, there’s plenty to keep poetic minds wandering and hearts racing over the coming the highest level? couple of months: The Old Fire Station hosts the Hammer & Tongue Regional Final (June 12), with Oxford’s winning open slammers from the last year versing it out for a gig at the Albert Hall in January, while the Burton Taylor Studio plays host to work from two of the spoken word scene’s leading lights the week after. Offside (June 18-19) is a drama told in prose and poetry, written by Hollie McNish and Sabrina OPEN Mahfouz. Telling a tale of women’s football down the centuries, it promises a fresh, lyrical look at the SEASON! beautiful game, just in time for the World Cup. Our resident crooner CHRIS MONGER continues his tour of local Open Mic nights..

THE HORSE & JOCKEY – STANFORD IN THE VALE One of the things about open mic nights is that fairly regularly nights close, new ones open, and days move. We found this out on a Wednesday, heading to Abingdon to find the night we wanted to go to Rounding off the month, The Glass Aisle (pictured) changed to Tuesday a few months back. Searching visits the Old Fire Station (June 29), after originally around for others took us to The Horse and Jockey, being snowed off in March. This hotly-anticipated a large country pub and restaurant. The ratio of collaboration between poet Paul Henry and spectators to performers was higher than most. Stornoway’s Brian Briggs presents a beautiful long- The sound was also pretty full, a large PA and a few form poem by Henry, inspired by the Monmouthshire regular local acts with 3 or 4 performers in. (First and Brecon Canal, crumbling workhouses, and early Tuesday – monthly.) radio transmissions. It’s all flavoured with Briggs’ characteristically bucolic accompaniment, and there’ll THE HARCOURT ARMS - OXFORD even be a few of his old numbers thrown in too, so if, One of a few open mics around with a real piano, like me, you’re missing the sound of Oxford’s finest, mandolin and the usual guitar to use. Tonight you won’t want to miss this. had a reasonable split between regular and new performers, with each person getting to do a couple REVIEW - John Hegley’s All Hail the Snail had been of sets. billed as a ‘family-friendly’ show, which – in case you There is the added bonus of performers being sent were wondering – just means his irreverent verse a high quality recording of their set via email, which gets even more surreal than usual. With a nod to isn’t something I’ve encountered at many nights, and the children in the audience, there was interaction adds a nice touch. (Weekly - Sundays) and mass participation aplenty, although attempts to follow the hand gestures to the unexpectedly-pacey SANDY’S BAR – OXFORD poem Guillemot descended into chaos pretty quickly. We offer creative courses in Art & Design, Media, Games As Sandy’s bar has a 1am finish I decided to try it out Kid-friendly it may have been, but dumbed down it Development, Music Technology, Performing Arts and on the Bank Holiday Sunday and got there fairly late was not, with the musical accompaniment of Clare Elstow adding a real dash of baroque-tinged literary Backstage Production, from Level 1 to Level 4. after another night. The atmosphere is more akin to flair. Hegley didn’t rein in his trademark deadpan Accredited by the University of the Arts London (UAL). a regular live music night - a lot of the music was more lively than most, with percussion, electric bass, style, either (“No applause please, unless there’s Check out a consensus” he told one enthusiastic individual), Come along to our Open Days our Level 4 guitar and dancing. Jamming is encouraged, with people joining in with his playful belligerence entertaining the adults as Abingdon and Witney: Performing Arts much as his surprisingly-elastic facial expressions Saturday 16th June, 10:00-11:30am Foundation a lot of performances, but more low energy sets Course were also well received. The late Sunday night left it entertained the younger spectators. If you missed him Search ‘Abingdon and Witney College Perform’ open to a younger age range than most, with a bit of this time, he’s due back later this year – to borrow a potato reference from Hegley himself, keep ‘em www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk a student focus, but it’s a fun night with a high calibre of performances. (Weekly - Sundays) peeled. Twitter @OGBCollins 3 Ox2 Music Scene Ad 014.05.18.indd 1 04/05/2018 09:35 OMS36

ACADEMY EVENTS & A NEW VIEW PROMOTIONS PRESENTS THE RIDDIM BY ARRANGEMENT WITH NEIL O’BRIEN ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS SECTION OMYO NICK HEYWARD with LEO PLUS GUESTS HYDROCELE BOWDER ASH ADAMS LOCAL LAD BURT COPE ON THE UP TWO SUMMER AND UP ON THE UK BASS SCENE EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR.. DISHES OUT HIS TEN ALL-TIME CLASSICS

GOLDIE - INNER CITY LIFE Timeless 1995 anthem I’ve always admired - the dusty breaks, soothing chords and huge vocal all create this atmosphere which gives chills down the spine. ROSS FROM FRIENDS - TALK TO ME YOU’LL UNDERSTAND. Brings back so many summer memories - the vintage lo-fi feel is so unique and hypnotic, the deep soulful vocal gets me every time. K-LONG – BB-8 FRIDAY 15th JUNE 2018 So simple but it does serious bits for me - the old skool Nokia - style synth which gets stuck in my O2 ACADEMY2 OXFORD head is so playful it leaves me bopping my head start SATURDAY 2ND JUNE 2018 BOOMTOWN FAIR TICKETMASTER.CO.UK to finish. Winchester’s bass -driven eclectic mash-fest is O2 ACADEMY2 OXFORD WOODLAND ECHOES NICKHEYWARD.COM OUT NOW EEK-A-MOUSE - WA-DO-DEM a decade old on August 9 - 12. Now attracting TICKETMASTER.CO.UK | OMYOMUSIC.COM Hazy, sound system classic brings joy to my day. an average of 60,000 punters, it is beginning These gully reggae vibes are essential. to become a serious rival to Glastonbury- N.R.G - I NEED YOUR LOVING which is taking a fallow year in 2018 (plus it ACADEMY EVENTS & A NEW VIEW PROMOTIONS PRESENTS Makes me feel nostalgic for the nineties rave days takes much longer to sell out and it’s only an which I wasn’t even around for. hour’s travel from Oxford). This year’s line-up THE PRODIGY - BREATHE The ones who got me in to electronic music when includes Gorillaz, Jimmy Cliff, The Skatalites, I was growing up. Always been captivated by their Dub Pistols, plus junglists Goldie, Shy FX, energy and raw sound. Cutty Ranks and many more artists from the SWIFTA BEATER & PREDITAH - YOU CAN BE reggae, dub, sound system and related scene, Got me in to producing Bassline - the ruthless basses including Oxford’s own Count Skylarkin’. See and the passionate vocal come together to create www.boomtownfair.co.uk for more details. this club banger. This is one of those tunes which you can’t stop yourself skanking out to. THE STREETS - HAS IT COME TO THIS OM & BASS IS THE PLACE! A garage classic which makes any moment feel like Namaste, campers! There’s something a little a movie. Skinner is such a genius with his innovative special for the conscious raver on July 6 – 8. lyrics. The whole Pirate Material is a work of art. Om & Bass is a yoga / reggae festival set in JHELISA - FRIENDLY PRESSURE (Sunship Remix) the tranquil environs of Braziers Park near Old skool garage has always been a big influence in my productions , this one in particular. This track lifts Wallingford. With more than seven different any mood, It has such a feel good vibe to it, so much arenas hosting 120 workshops throughout positivity in one piece. the weekend, the focus is on yoga, dance, DJ Q – 99 martial arts, meditation, arts, crafts and related PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS A pioneer when it comes to the Bassline game - talks. Local lad (-ish, he’s from Reading) reggae MOLOTOV JUKEBOX without artists like him I wouldn’t be producing the singer Deadly Hunta will head a roots - heavy sound I am today. This niche style banger gives line up of live bands and DJs- including Paul friday 14th september 2018 serious weight to any set. from Zaia, Zen Lewis and more. Expect FRIDAY 3RD AUGUST 2018 o academy2 oxford dreadlocks, veggie cuisine and lots of happy 2 Listen to Burt’s latest release Warlord EP at O2 ACADEMY2 OXFORD shiny people. For details check: burtcope.bandcamp.com DOORS 7PM | CURFEW 11PM TICKETMASTER. CO. UK I MOLOTOVJUKEBOX. COM www.omandbass.co.uk. Peace, out… TICKETMASTER.CO.UK AN ACADEMY EVENTS PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH MIDNIGHT MANGO Check his monthly show on Reprezent Radio. 4 5 OMS36 OMS36

BIG FEASTIVAL Kingham August 24 – 26 Basement Jaxx, Craig David, Paloma Faith, Sugarhill Gang, Peter Hook thebigfeastival.com

TOWERSEY BECAUSE.. FESTIVAL... Thame August 24 – 27 The Proclaimers, The Shires, Richard From Woodstock to ‘Live’ Stock.. we’re on Thompson, CC Smugglers, Beth Orton towerseyfestival.com a quest to find the spirit of rock ‘n roll in a VEZ HOPER – IRREGULAR FOLKS Special moments: Go Dark totally wrong footed everyone as they exploded onto WITNEY MUSIC FESTIVAL field, park or on the streets of Oxfordshire.. stage last year in a flurry of crazy, neon, abstract hip - hop infused The Leys, Witney WYCHWOOD electronic psychedelia! 17 – 18 August (Free) Cheltenham Racecourse HUGH PHILLIMORE – CORNBURY Looking forward to: It really is like putting my fav mixtape together, Noasis, Neville Staple Band, The Farm, June 1 – 3 BBC Intro stage, and much more Special moments: Wilko Johnson saying goodbye back only the bands themselves play it live! Alice Haughton and Jon witneymusicfestival.com Baxter Dury, Gypsy Kings, Shed 7, Feeder, Ouin (ex Stornoway) are debuting work for the first time, which is The Go! Team, Jah Wobble, Field Music, in 2013 after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. A VERY something I’m really proud of being able to provide a platform for. Toyah emotional farewell performance – we all wept. Then he met FAIRPORT’S CROPREDY wychwoodfestival.com our friend doctor/cancer specialist/photographer Charlie August 9 – 11 Chan backstage and we saved his life! Looking forward to: Brian Wilson, Fairport, Levellers, BEACON FESTIVAL Our amazing Saturday line-up – Alanis, Mavis, PP Arnold, Nina Kate Rusby, Oysterband Watlington Hill Farm, Photo: Jeff Slade Nesbitt. Upcoming duo Ferris & Sylvester are going to be huge. ANYA FOX, COWLEY RD fairportconventioncom June 15 - 16 Family – friendly, tributes, folk, CARNIVAL acoustic & rock Special moment: In 2013 - the first time CORNERSTONE BEER & beaconfestival.net back on the road for a while - the Asian MUSIC FEST Didcot GRAEME MERRIFIELD – WYCHWOOD community had a touring Bollywood star August 3 - 5(Free) GLOFEST Special moments: Rodrigo Y Gabriella, who did a stunning set, come to Cowley Road - they were so India Electric Company, The Rosellys, Florence Park OX4 then came off stage and thrust their hands into ice buckets after proud to be in the procession with him. Rainbow Reservoir, June 16 Vienna Ditto, Flights of Helios such fervent guitar playing… Looking forward to: I love the They truly celebrated that carnival was cornerstone-arts.org Deadbeat Apostles, Skylarkin’, Zaia, Flights of Helios, Audacity feeling when you have a band with massive, anthemic songs back on the road. Looking forward to: the New night-time event following all – that resonate with the audience, and as such I am really looking ROARSome Collective performing, a group of disabled young WILDERNESS day family focussed Flofest forward to seeing Feeder. On the up and coming front, Nina people we’re working with supported by the Arts Council. Cornbury Park, Charlbury, flofest.co.uk Nesbitt and Holly Cook will be fab. August 2 – 5 Nile Rogers, Bastille, Baxter Dury, WATERPERRY MUSIC FESTIVAL Waterperry Gardens !!!, Jon Hopkins wildernessfestival.com June 23 JO HEAP, TOWERSEY The Shapes, Peerless Pirates, Special moments: KT Tunstall last year was one of the best ANDY PICKARD – RIVERSIDE Beware this Boy, Factory Lights Special moment: Zurich headlining last year’s festival. bewarethisboy.co.uk performances we’ve had. She had the crowd just eating out of RIVERSIDE the palm of her hand. Also Stornoway before they split - a great Awesome songs, sound and lighting! Charlbury Oxford band. Looking forward to: CC Smugglers are taking the Looking forward to: Candy Says and Speedbuggy USA - July 28 – 29 (Free) RUGFEST Quartermelon are the band to watch this year. Candy Says, Speedbuggy USA, Wallingford, 22 – 23 June festival scene by storm. Also Blair Dunlop, whose new album, Quartermelon & more riversidefestival.charlbury.com Scouting for Girls, Michael Baker, The Notes From an Island, is really strong. Inflatables, George Michael tribute rugfest.org CORNBURY TRUCK HALFWAY TO 75 IRREGULAR FOLK Great Tew Park Isis Farmhouse Pub, Oxford TANDEM FESTIVAL Hill Farm, Steventon COWLEY RD CARNIVAL T.O.A.D, South Parks, Oxford July 13 – 15 July 28 & 29 Lower Farm, Ramsden, OX7 Cowley Road area July 19 – 22 July 7 & 8 UB40, Alanis Morissette, Squeeze, Bennett, Wilson, Poole, Rachel Laven, 22 – 24 June , George Ezra, Friendly July 1 (Free) Bas Jan, Bellatrix, Allabaster de Plume, Mavis Staples, Pixie Lott, Danny & the August List, Speedbuggy USA Fires, Low Island, Everything Everything, Planet – friendly folk, jazz, The day East Oxford comes out to Jon Ouin, Alice Haughton halfwayto75.com Champions & Riverside local music Drenge, Peace, The Amazons world, indie play; Icons of Art theme stage irregularfolks.co.uk truckfestival.com tandemcollective.org cowleyroadcarnival.co.uk 6 7 BUNKFEST OMS36 WALLINGFORD Aug 31 – Sept 2 (FREE) SIMON BAILEY LITTLE BROTHER Talisman, The Crimps, Megan Hen- BEST OF TRUCK wood, The Epstein & more – RITUAL ELI bunkfest.co.uk UNION Festival moments: with Conor Burns Special moments: Bo The Wood Brothers RABBIT HOLE FESTIVAL Ningen, headliners of at Wood Festival. Victoria Arms, Marston Best performance? Young Fathers headlining the Academy 2 stage They’re a seriously the Market Stage in 2016. I spoke to them September 1 at least year’s festival tight country act with Poppy Smallwood, Ox Latin Combo, backstage before they went on, laughing and seemed to be the excellent harmonies. Mad Marston Hares, Oakland Road, The overriding favourites. joking - purely down to earth guys, then as Shapes, Little Brother Eli We were perched up on a hill as the sun was They went down an soon as they were called to stage they went Rabbitholemusicevents.co.uk setting and it was a perfect moment – and we’d BINSEY VILLAGE FETE absolute storm! into this onstage persona and delivered and Ritual Union acts: I just book acts that I love. It’s had a few beers. Binsey Lane, Oxford, awe-inspiring, captivating performance. My jaw generally a mix of bands we’ve had play throughout Best festival played: Common People was was on the floor throughout - it felt like a ‘I was September 15 the year that blew us away and some we hope to work probably the best show we’ve done. We played Live bands, ales, pig roast, tractor rides there’ moment. with in the future that we love. I wanted the whole to a packed - out tent and it was musical bliss! focus to be on the bands. All the venues are within QUARTERMELON Hilariously, that day we did three festivals, and Looking forward to? Gaz minutes of each other which means that you can the final one was in a pub back garden to not Festival moments: Last year get around and catch at least some of pretty much Coombes mighty return very many people – which pretty much sums up we performed our first ‘carpark’ everyone’s set. GlassHertzPhoto to Hill Farm is going to at Cowley Rd Carnival behind what it’s like to be in a band. be a highlight! A great Approach for a festival gig: Always a battle Tescos. Earlier in the year Dave (on drums) LOUISE BIRT – CORNERSTONE homecoming. We’re also had broken his leg during what can only be between the oldies and the newies - you’ve got BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL extremely very lucky to described as an epic fail attempt at some late to please the fans! have some very good Special moments: Dubwiser making 250 people night parkour. Dave had to spend the next 8 Band party policy: One or two beers before upcoming bands this dance in a town square, or watching a very burly chap stage, then a beer on stage, then do whatever weeks on crutches and with his right leg in brought to tears by Adam Barnes last year. year - Anteros, Bloxx, you like… sometimes this rule is broken – often… plaster. Unfazed by this, he hopped up the Looking forward to: India Electric Company on Friday Sorry, HMLTD and of course Pale stairs onto the stage and began to play the set night with Fred’s House and The Rosellys. Saturday SEE THEM AT: Truck, Woodstock Live, Waves. Editors mighty return to Truck after 13 effortlessly. We were quite shocked, as was our night has got a different flavour with Rainbow Reservoir, Lechlade, Rabbit Hole years will be quite special also. audience. Take a bow David! Vienna Ditto and the wonderful Flights of Helios.. Make a weekend of it or straight home? Truck acts: We listen to our audience. We are We’re here to party!! We like to Conga as much constantly exchanging music back and forth, as the next person. ANDREW GRILLO – IF NOT NOW, WHEN? LOW ISLAND whether it’s in person or our Twitter/Email/ Band Festival Drink Policy: Facebook. The acts we book are close to our Special moment: Monster by Salvation Bill - he brought Festival moments: Portishead headlining BLOODY MAAARY! - Drink responsibly kids. hearts and earphones too - I’m asked every year a carrier bag full of kazoos along and dished them out Latitude a few years ago - they ended the set Favourite Food Stall Ever: to the crowd. There followed a wonderful moment what my favourite line up is and I always have to on The Rip (one of my all time favourites) and Got to keep up your energy so lots of carbs: where a packed Fusion kazoo-ed in unison. say Truck, we’re all very jealous of anyone who Thom Yorke came on stage to sing it with them. Pie, Mash & Gravy. Not very melon of us.. Looking forward to: Thrilled to welcome Chad Valley purchases a ticket. back to town for what is likely to be a fairly euphoric Just a perfect festival moment. Best thing playing a festival: getting a free pass set late in the evening, and we are also keen to see Stand out appearance: Last year we played our to the festival. Worst thing: warm beer. PICTURE CREDITS FOR COVER AND what Robert Sotelo can do after his psychedelic first show abroad for Primavera in Barcelona FESTIVALS FEATURE Photo: Gappy Tooth Industries songwriting blew us away last year. supporting Superorganism.As a band you spend Cover: Truck by Alistair Brookes Entirety Labs most of your time shut in a dark studio, so we Top P6: Cornbury were just thrilled to be getting our sunburn on. Top P7: Wychwood by Martin Reynolds DANNY & THE CHAMPIONS OF THE fans of seeing bands Early festival memories: When I was growing P7 Carnival by Jeff Slade and enjoying the whole up Truck would be the highlight of my summer, WORLD P8 & 9 Wychwood by Martin Reynolds Standout festival moment: Tom Petty last thing. I love being part I went every year through my teens and saw of a festival audience.. summer at Hyde Park was beautiful... with a so many great bands. When I was about 15 I IF NOT NOW, WHEN? bunch of great friends, singing along to one of got kicked out for running across the top of East Oxford CC & Fusion, Band approach the greatest bands of all time... the portaloos and had to spend the rest of the Sept 15 Special moments: Many years ago in the early for festival gig: weekend camped on Steventon village green Chad Valley, Night Flowers, Cassells, Yep..it’s a tough one until my Mum Lucy Leave days of The Champs at Truck Festival we were facebook.com/ifnotnowwhenoxford joined on stage by a true hero and actual but generally I err on picked me up legend, Garth Hudson of The Band...I mean, the side of the ‘Greatest Hits’ set...all bands talk on Monday RITUAL UNION The Band played at Woodstock...Pinch yourself in these terms...even if, y’know, there haven’t morning. Happy Various venues, Cowley stuff, really. actually been any hits!! days. Road, Oxford SEE THEM AT: October 20 Weekend of it or straight home: Always make Up & coming indie, rock, shoegaze, a weekend of it unless we have another festival SEE THEM AT: Cornbury, Truck and as Bennett, Truck Festival Wilson, Poole at Halfway to 75 psych, pop the next day! It’s fun playing but we’re huge ritualunion.co.uk

8 8 9 OMS36 MAGIC GANG SHOELESS ON THE MEGABUS THE STUDIO TO READING FESTIVAL BEDLAM & GEAR SPY On the eve of Brighton combo’s latest sojourns to Oxford, Angus Taylor charted the band’s rise from humble beginnings... “We’re all from the Bournemouth WITH... area but met in Brighton where the band formed and we lived there for 5 – 6 years. We all went to university CHRIS MONGER there – we moved in to a house together in first year, spent a couple of years playing in different bands. Magic Gang was essentially a side project which became all of our main project – like an accident really.” Like most bands, they had to do the hard yards, a trip to Sound City stands out: “In 2014, this was the days when we were still at uni and we got a Megabus and brought our amps and guitars on. We JANSEN GUITARS JAZZMAN £350 (new) got to the venue and it was heaving, thinking ‘this is Jansen are a New Zealand brand, going to be great’, we set up our gear and went on with this guitar being distributed by and there were about five people there. We were Revelation, a UK company who design staying at my friend’s uni halls, staying on the floor. their guitars here and have them built Someone in the halls who was friends with the guy overseas to get a low price point, we were staying with had taken one of my shoes for a but good build quality. This has an practical joke, thinking it was someone else’s. Our bus offset body and a style that mixes was at 9.30 in the morning but no one was awake so a Jazzmaster with some of the less I got the Megabus from Liverpool to London and then mainstream models that came out the train to Brighton with one shoe. That was the less of Japan. There are three vintage glamorous times of being in a band.” D’armond style pickups, made by But thankfully, all the hard work is now paying off for Entwistle, with Jazzmaster - style them: “We were really lucky – we went on all these pickup switching and tremolo. tours with bands like Swim Deep and Wolf Alice. We There is a signature rotary tone switch that just toured relentlessly for 3 or 4 years, constantly varies the sound to fit different styles. The guitar popping up in support slots at these big shows. On the offers a slightly different sound and style to the Sundara Karma and Circa Waves tours some of them norm, with a fairly high output and lots of tonal felt like headline shows - people were singing along to variety, for a decent price. our tunes and going crazy. In the last year and a half it’s really stepped up and shown that you can do it the old fashioned way.” HAYWARD FAN FRET BASS On their standout shows to date he said: “Reading and £180 (pre – loved) Leeds last year we played at one in the afternoon on Fan fret guitars and basses are the NME stage – it was absolutely mad, people turning interesting instruments - the up and knowing all the words and having a jump bridge and nut are set up in around – that was definitely the biggest.” a way that gives each string a different length, with the Magic Gang play Truck Festival, July 20 – 22 lower strings being shorter, & O2 Academy, Oxford, October 5 and therefore tighter. The Angus Taylor talking to Stewart Garden frets are then at an angle, with more of a reach on the higher strings than the lower. This bass is a deep green and has a nice curved headstock and fanned frets, with a few dings and knocks to the body. At first it feels a bit weird to play, with fingering positions being off the norm, but it is comfortable, and is something different.

Gear kindly supplied by Music Box, 53 Cowley Road, Oxford. Music Box is a trove of various bits of gear, from brand new guitars to vintage PA equipment, and everything in between. Chris Monger photo by GlassHertzzPhoto 10 11 OMS36 AT HOME WITH WHAT’S IN YOUR RECORD THE OTHER COLLECTION DRAMAS With DEADBEAT APOSTLES coRNERsToNE’s NiNTh aNNual

We’re coming round for dinner – what’s on the stereo? You can expect a journey through time and space chez beer & music Deadbeat but we’ll ease you in with some Etta James or maybe the Staples singers, then with your starters the Flying Burritos, Stones & The Band will set you up for a main course of the Day of the Deadbeats – our new album! After that treat, we’ll walk you through the Your local Swamplands and the Delta, but once the liquor cabinet festival arts centre Peeking in through the keyhole at what is opened, Mike will be donning his jumpsuit and cape Oxford’s music stars get up to offstage... for an Elvis medley and you’re in for the long haul. FRi 3 – suN 5 aug in DiDcot

Last item of furniture you bought: Maria: A large Favourite producer? embroidered lamp shade and an Opuntia cactus from a Rick Hall – Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals did so much trip to Brighton. Getting them home on the train was a amazing music over a hefty period of time and the challenge. Brighton’s our favourite place to visit, we go heartbreaking tale of Rick’s personal and professional whenever we can. lives just add to his legend. Running a mixed race studio in Alabama in the 60’s is a mountain to climb but he Last meal you cooked: Richie: As the weather has did that in his sleep – with his white house band the FREE been great lately the last thing we cooked was our Swampers he got the best out of giants like Wilson homemade burgers on the BBQ in our garden. Pickett, the Stones & Otis Redding then invented ENTRY Favourite thing in your house: Richie: My drums. Southern Rock on his way home. Aretha Franklin came Maria: My Vaporizer amp. to Muscle Shoals for a day and left as the Queen of What was in the fridge last time you looked: Soul. The originality and quality of what he produced is Richie: Eggs, milk, beer and Baileys - we need to shop unsurpassable. for some food right now. Favourite sleeve ever? My favourite spot in the house: Richie: Sat in our front Michelle – Sticky Fingers - Love the filthiness of room doing all our band stuff on our laptops. this record sleeve. You can’t beat a jeans-clad male Maria: We rehearse in our spare room, I love going crotch with a little zip to play with along side a ruddy through new ideas with Richie. great record. Designed by Warhol, I love that he kept Late sleeper or early riser: Richie: I’m a late sleeper everyone guessing about who the model was - they say but I don’t get many opportunities to do that now. We it was Jagger but my bet’s on Warhol ‘superstar’ Joe have a DIY approach to our music so our to-do list is Dallesandro - a great under rated actor in my opinion. always full! Maria: We treat ourselves to a lie in every plus it was also the first album to use the “tongue & lips” now and then though! logo of Rolling Stones Records, apparently based on Gardening tips: Maria: We’re growing potatoes, runner the Hindu goddess Kali. Tunes are ruddy good to - Wild beans, garlic and new for us this year… pumpkins! As Horses, Dead Flowers, Sister Morphine, Bitch - a bloody well as herbs and a mini apple tree & lemon tree. I’m a corker. member of the British Cactus & Succulent Society. All our window sills are stuffed with plants! Did a record inspire you to pick up an instrument? Jake - Always going to be Jimi Hendrix at the heart Last person who came round: Richie: Royal Mail of this for me – so much more than a guitar player – delivering a new case for my cymbal stands. poet, freedom fighter, great hair … I think Miles Davis Album or playlist while you cook: Richie: . said music is only 20% about the note – 80% is the ★ gREaT BaNDs & ENTERTaiNMENT ★ Really like the new Dream Wife album and also The Pearl motherfucker that plays it. Harts - plus have got back into Veruca Salt recently. ★ a VaRiETY oF alEs & ciDERs ★ A song you wrote at home recently: Maria: We do First dance at your wedding? most of our writing at home. The Iast I wrote is Fools Our band played a cracking version of Wichita Lineman ★ ★ Like Us, about making daft decisions but being ok with that! at a good friend’s weeding recently TasTY TREaTs Radio show: Richie: Radio 1 & 6 music and if we’re in – really don’t think that can be on a Saturday night BBC Introducing with Dave Gilyeat. topped for song choice & the pure . Maria: We also tune into Witney Radio – both great for insanity of us playing it... 01235 515144 cornerstone-arts.org finding new and local artists. Deadbeat Apostles’ debut @CORNERSTONEfun /CornerstoneDidcot cornerstoneartscentre

The Other Dramas new single Money / The Future is a album Day of the Deadbeats Cornerstone, 25 Station Road, Didcot OX11 7NE Cornerstone is brought to you by South Oxfordshire District Council Holiday is out now. See them with L.A. Witch on June is out now – hear them at 28 at The Cellar and June 29 with Bikini Death Race facebook.com/ at The Bell, Bicester. deadbeatapostles 12 13 OMS36 OMS31 OMS32 OMS36 CABBAGE, O2 ACADEMY LIVE “It’s nice to play a venue other than the Bullingdon for once,” Joe Martin, one of the two lead vocalists and guitarist of Mossley band Cabbage tells the gathered. And indeed, it’s nice to see Cabbage playing a larger

GlassHertzPhoto venue. The post-punk five-piece have returned to Oxford following the release of their debut album Nihilistic Glamour Shots. The album boasts slick, heavy, politically-motivated tracks RHYS LEWIS & JACK whilst still managing to stay true to the slightly GOLDSTEIN, 02 ACADEMY brash, unapologetic style of their previous EPs. The band execute every song perfectly, in Before we get on to Lovely Rhys, a word on Crazy particular, Arms of Pleonexia (Cabbage’s Jack. An early contender for show of the year as response to the corrupt factors of support act Goldstein delivers a manifesto that is in globalisation) which manages to bring the turns Presley, Garland, Newman, Byrne and Streisand. moshing audience to an inspired stand- Sometimes all at once. still. The apex of the show is undoubtedly On the surface a deeply committed karaoke Perderabo, a gloomy yet beautiful number PUBLIC SERVICE BROAD- OLY RALFE – THE performance, Goldstein’s actions always carry more from the album delivered flawlessly. meaning than may first appear. Lyrically it sounds like Cabbage’s only mistake of the night was CASTING / JANE WEAVER, HOLYWELL MUSIC he may have had his heart broken lately but such is playing their best known tracks in the first half the majesty and the mystery of his music, it could all of the gig, leaving everyone a little worn-out NEW THEATRE ROOMS have been about pizza. from excitement and unable to focus on the In many ways this was the perfect bill. In every way, newer, finer songs. Having said this, Cabbage Jane Weaver playing Oxford New Theatre was Oly Ralfe’s performance of his new album put on a phenomenal show and are key- a giant leap from the intimacy of last autumn’s looks, sounds, aesthetic and philosophical plane, Notes from Another Sea found an ideal womb players in the new wave of political post-punk. Bullingdon show, and not one which entirely Lewis and Goldstein are polar opposites. in which to grow in the warm and welcoming (RW) worked. With most of the set pulled from Rhys Lewis is playing his biggest hometown show. Holywell Music Room. A traditional venue her magnificent Modern Kosmology album, Rhys Lewis released his debut EP back in February. there was nothing lacking in the intricacies for a traditional performance. With Ralfe at Rhys Lewis is nice and you would like him to be your his piano and accompanied by a youthful of her kraut-disco-folk music, but the band friend. He would look after you and sing you Matt GlassHertzPhoto struggled to engage with an audience seated chamber orchestra, the promising opening Cardle covers. Matt Cardle was nice too. But he has and waiting for the main band. The closing I movements were plaintive, thoughtful gone now, his rather tepid music long forgotten. A Need a Connection highlighted the distance and very English. Ralfe creates delicate Rhys Lewis song sounds a bit like a Matt Cardle song. between band and talking audience, yet for soundscapes with his piano-led pieces, but It’s hard not to like the earnest and grateful Rhys as he some, re-affirmed that this was perhaps the whilst beautifully played, the music lacked and his well drilled band deliver a serviceable, mag- wrong venue, not the wrong show. any real depth of emotion. All too quickly, nolia-hued set of popfunk ballads. It was heartfelt and As for Public Service Broadcasting they binary images of horses running on beaches it was well executed, but the ghost of Matt Cardle entertained as they always do with a set were being conjured and everything veered was circling overhead. (CF) spanning their three albums but focussing very close to the superficial muzak of bank on their most recent, based on the history of adverts. In the end it lacked the atmosphere coal-mining, with a stage adorned with mining hinted at by the title and were it not for the LACUNA COMMON, props. The real treat, as with any PSB show, benevolence of the surroundings, was largely song to begin with as, like most of their other was the mix of Pathe news footage with forgettable. (CF) creations, it immaculately captures what it samples and live instrumentation, culminating THE CELLAR means to be a teenager in Oxfordshire. with the sound of a band who truly come to This is also true of Under the Lamplight, which life onstage. Whilst their albums can be slightly GlassHertzPhoto Lacuna Common’s debut headline show underwhelming, their live performances has been a long time coming. The Abingdon describes the hustle and bustle of the Cowley literally took the audience on a journey from trio have certainly done the rounds when Road. Tucked In is the highlight of the show, the coal-pits of Wales to the heights of Everest it comes to opening for other artists (most as the track was written by lead guitarist Alfie and rocketed into space. The addition of notably Willie J Healey, Trudy & the Romance, Franks during a trip to New York, and shows dancing brass players added humour to a set Van Zeller) but this night was theirs, and a clear and slick development from earlier which had the audience, bar a lone heckler, the exuberant energy each band member tracks such as She’s Alright and Out All Night, in the palm of their hand as they encored possessed showed that they were ready for as the trio distinguish themselves as a rugged dressed in full NASA space-suits. (DR) it. Having It seemed to be an appropriate and exciting new band. (RW)

1414 15 OMS36 OMS35 LIVE PREMIUM LEISURE, WILKO JOHNSON, LOCAL RELEASES THE BULLINGDON O2 ACADEMY SHAME, Supergroups often mean smug muso In 2018, seeing an ageing rock icon has HALF DECENT – backslapping. Think The Smokin’ Mojo Filters become a somewhat risky prospect. Many SOMETHING FOR THE BULLINGDON or the living nightmare that was Superheavy. acts past their heyday suffer the same Premium Leisure could be defined as a local criticisms of unenthused performances, THE FEARLESS / LEE Shame are getting all the juice at the moment version of this questionable concept, featuring, waning talents and touring schedules you can and their accelerated rise, powered by great as it does, members from the current cast of set your calendar to. The same can certainly CHRISTIAN – MON£Y press, a booking on Jools Holland and mighty Oxford’s brightest including Willie J Healey, not be said for the inimitable Wilko Johnson. reviews for their debut LP Songs of Praise. Chris Barker and Ash Cooke out of Be Good. As part of a power trio, Johnson tore through Half Decent has been dropping tracks There is even talk of stadiums to come. Their 60s - shaded, Syd - infused rock raised a career - spanning set to a packed out for years and they are beginning to land. them above the oozing lumps of fossilised downstairs room. On Get Out: ‘This isn’t thug rap, we They power through their set, led from the ego that these projects can become and Johnson’s guitar prowess hasn’t faltered don’t want to hear that - this is every day front by singer Charlie Steen, whose brooding Barker makes for an affecting front man. Some over the years and unlike many of his peers, people got to get the bus- rap.’ Indeed. presence and low end guttural delivery were classic guitar licks added to the high level of his vocals remain powerful and intact. Bass Save Our Culture is a call to creativity and utterly assured. Even with the predictable musicianship that should be expected from player Norman Watt-Roy was an unfortunate No Distractions an actual love song. The rockband clichés of bare chest after second such an endeavour and the influence of each weak link in the trio, but Wilko’s dynamic EP has a real warmth, both in terms of song/multiple crowd surfs/bass player on his individual member could be heard. It was in showmanship and trademark stage presence production, and the humanness of the back all present, the music was good enough danger of becoming too self-congratulatory kept the focus on himself. lyrics. Lee ‘Smilex’ Christian joins HD on to make them tolerable. Very close under with a couple of prolonged breakdowns and an The biggest cheers and loudest singalongs the single Mon£y - the chorus strangely the surface, just beneath all the posturing instrumental, but it was all presented in such a were reserved for Dr Feelgood classics reminiscent of Prince. All very decent. (LB) and distortion and fluffy faux punk aggression warm and giving way that it was hard to get too like Roxette and Back in the Night. Newer were weaving lines of serious melody. The superheavy about it. There’s an incoming EP numbers were also well received, including mood it created when it met Steen’s vocal is and, if all the distractions of their actual bands Roger Daltrey collaboration Going Back THE OTHER DRAMAS what sets this band apart from many of their don’t get in the way, hopefully more shows and Home, in a night that showed veteran rockers – THE FUTURE IS A contemporaries. an LP to come. (CF) how to carry on gigging. (TC) HOLIDAY / MONEY Shame are a band that are going places but they are far from the finished product. If they STEVE LAMACQ, The Other Dramas return with another can find a more honest space somewhere THE JERICHO TAVERN gutsy glam-pop one-two punch. The between their music and their onstage former is a slower proposition than we’re showboating without sacrificing the energy Few can claim to have championed as much used to from the duo, and would not that gives them their power, they will only get seem out of place on a playlist, or better. If they want it, they could be huge. (CF) new, alternative music in the last three decades as Steve Lamacq. As part of an intimate tour, amongst the works of early Feeder. The Lamacq joined just over 100 lucky fans at the Other Dramas are at their best when there Jericho for his one-man show: Going Deaf for is a bit more of that drama in the mix – a Living. Part stand up, part lecture and part and this is brought to the fore in Money – autobiography, Lamacq shared his musical there’s a bit of Bowie, a bit of Sleeper, and story, touching on buying his first record (Mud’s even a bit of Oxford’s own Harry Angel Tiger Feet), going to his first gig (The Lurkers), for you to gobble up. There’s a reference his time at NME, starting Deceptive Records, from the time machine for you! (UL) landing a show on Radio 1 (and getting axed) before becoming one of the first Radio 6 MORE LOCAL REVIEWS SEE P22 presenters. Huge thanks to all the contributors for Over the course of the evening, we are treated this issue: Richard Brabin, Tom Chapman, to stories about Glastonbury, the Gallaghers, Leo Bowder, Rachel Wheble, Cheryl ’s mum, Dave Grohl doing Flynn, Ulysses Lima, John Blunt, Jason Nirvana’s laundry and an uncanny John Peel Warner, Chris Monger, Liz Green, Dave impression. We hear all about his love of gig Roberts, Owen Collins. going, outsiders and Idles, and all about his Edited by Stewart Garden hatred of going backstage and receiving demos Design by Autumn Neagle. (while ironically being handed a demo from GlassHertzPhoto Contact: [email protected] / back a sheepish audience member). A captivating issues at: back2left.co.uk evening for alternative music fans. (TC) 16 17 OMS36 BBC INTRODUCING OXFORD WITH SHOW PRODUCER LIZ GREEN COMING DOWN TO A FESTIVAL NEAR YOU THIS SUMMER! It’s that time of year that presenter Dave and I top up on our vitamin D levels and step out from the BBC studios. We’ll be curating the Virgins and Veterans stage at Truck Festival (July 20 - 22) on the Friday. One of my favourite jobs of the year is listening to all the bands who submitted to the Band App and picking the acts to play our stage. There’s always such a huge amount of talent which makes for an exciting day.

This year we’ll also be picking bands to play at Plus, over at BBC Radio Oxford they’ll be Witney Music Festival on August 17 - 18. Witney is broadcasting live from the Cornbury Music Festival my home town and it’s punched above its weight from July 13 - 15 with interviews and live music from in terms of musical talent so I’m looking forward to across the weekend, and then in August they’re hearing all the bands and acts who have entered the back with a one day special bringing you the best of Battle of the Bands. . Fairport’s Cropredy Convention on Saturday August 11, including the full headline set from Fairport BBC Music Introducing are also returning to Convention themselves (it is their festival after all!) Wilderness Festival (August 2 - 5) this year. It’ll be our first time back in a few years and perhaps it’s time Oxjam Oxford will be taking place again in Oxford to take another camel ride and experience a bit of on the Cowley Road on October27. They are gong massage therapy?! The BBC Music team have currently looking for people to help out with the also selected three acts to play the day on behalf of festival as well as bands to play. Find out more at BBC Music Introducing - Matt Woods, Fenne Lily facebook.com/oxjamoxford. (pictured), Ferris & Sylvester. Keep tuning in to BBC Music Introducing in Oxford Other highlights include Kamasi Washington, Jon every Saturday at 8pm on 95.2 FM Hopkins and Mahalia. or by downloading the podcast.

Abingdon & Witney College A SPOTLIGHT ON MUSIC TECHNOLOGY Our purpose-built music tech studios and “Students in the recording suites are a hive of creative activity first year get the and have led to real-life success stories basics down, then including record deals, local studio owners as the course progresses, they and global tourers get into groups and collaborate; Many of our students go onto study at universities performers, technicians, across the country, taking the practical skills they’ve promoters – it all helps to influence their final solo learnt at College to the next level. There are also projects.” those who decide to go straight into employment in the industry, whether it’s as a freelance artist or “It’s not uncommon to see students start the starting to work towards an exciting career. course with one idea in their head of what they want to do, and then discover different specialisms, “It’s especially satisfying when you see things come before leaving us with a new perspective – music full circle,” says Jaime Green, music tech lecturer at production to , DJing to writing the College. “We recently had two former students music for film. At the end of the day, it’s all about who now work at Sonnox come into the college and their independent journey and how we can guide share their experiences and advice with our students, them along the way.” inspiring them to achieve more.” “At College we really focus on coaching ‘softer’ skills Find out more about the College’s music technology as well as technical skills. This is a type of resilience BERK’S NEST COMEDY STAGE | THE MAYFLOWER TENT | RIVERSIDE STAGE | COMPLETE CHILDREN’S ZONE courses online at www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk, or by EXTENSIVE FAIRGROUND | GOURMET CATERERS AND VILLAGE TEA TENT | BEAUTIFUL CAMPING | GORGEOUS GLAMPING toolkit, building up the confidence, experience and coming along to our Witney Open Day on Saturday grit that’s required to make it as a freelancer or with June 16, 10-11.30am a company.”

18 19 OMS36 OMS36 NATIONAL RELEASES NATIONAL RELEASES

COURTNEY BARNETT – BE - TELL ME HOW YOU MORE KIND REALLY FEEL After the split of the iconic Million Melbourne’s finest has Dead back in 2005, Frank Turner been burdened with a hefty began his own solo project challenge: following up one and since his debut Sleep is for of 2015’s most acclaimed the Week way back in 2007,

debuts and one of 2017’s most TT - LOVELAWS PEACE – KINDNESS IS THE Turner has become a voice of a successful collaborations. NEW ROCK AND ROLL generation, his confrontational Although three years have Debut LP from Theresa lyrics and ethos JON HOPKINS - passed since Courtney Barnett’s Wayman, co-founder of LA Arguably a band that have something of a palate cleanser last solo record, it doesn’t seem SINGULARITY art - rockers Warpaint who never really delivered on the in amongst a sea of skinny jeans, like much has changed. PLAN B – HEAVEN have treated us to three hype that surrounded them as floppy hair and pasty sex. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The fantastic psych-infused BEFORE ALL HELL stunning albums. But can they sprinted onto the scene opener Hopefulessness points she do it on her own? back in 2012, their recent Be More Kind feels a somewhat BREAKS LOOSE Hopkins hovered quietly into to a brand new sound, but as release attempts to finally paradoxical title given the focus in 2013 with his Mercury the album progresses, Tell Me This truly is a solo album by cement them as the indie provocative nature of Turner’s Since his emergence in 2006, - nominated masterpiece How You Really Feel turns out almost every measure, with rock tour de force they have confusion and exasperation with Plan B has become known Immunity which, to date, is one not to be a huge departure. TT taking up vocal, guitar, coyly been threatening to be. modern day Britain, often his for his ability to merge and of the most daring, captivating Most of the tracks are short bass, keys, programming However; with the speed of the song narratives showing a figure melt genres into palpable and and dissident pieces of work but sweet, midtempo, rough and production duties, with mainstream current, a lot has who watches the depravation digestible pop music while in the IDM back catalogues. and ready indie numbers that only occasional cameos happened in six years and you of society from the sidelines, still indulging his penchant After a few soundtracks and a sound more like they came from her bandmates (some fear if this record doesn’t hit the burdened with the sorrow for warring lyricism and an remastered previous record, from late-noughties England incredible basslines from requisite highs, it could signal and pain of the individual as aggressively - charged message. Singularity is his first release than 2018 Australia. While the a quiet slip into darkness for a apposed to the collective. The Despite being only his fourth of original material since his messy production isn’t without Jenny Lee Lindberg) and band who have used up eight record has a pleasing diversity LP released in his twelve year breakthrough LP. The hiatus its charm, it could do with outside producers. lives of their musical career. to it that keeps interest pricked, career, Plan B, or Ben Drew, has has seemingly only allowed sharpening up at times to pack Much like Warpaint’s best Unfortunately, like its sometimes flirting with kitsch been keeping himself busy as Hopkins to further hone his more of a punch. material, LoveLaws is deeply sickeningly placid album title, pop-rock, reminiscent of The an actor, producer and director textured and vibrant work. In Highlights are the tracks that atmospheric, dark, moody it’s an album which lacks any Cure’s Close To Me, followed but returns to his comfort zone, Singularity, the sparseness is offer a welcome change in and is best suited to late real bite and the title track by heartfelt and pathos - ridden ready to do battle with all who ever more isolating, polarised dynamic or pace like Sunday night listening. It’s very itself sets the tone for one of ballads and into ballsy West stand in his way once more. entirely by the wholesome and Roast and single City Looks much indebted to trip hop the blandest and flat releases Coast punk. Indeed, Be More lavish bass hooks and reverb Pretty. Barnett has played it safe of the year. Steeped in lifeless Kind truly manifests a celebration It’s fair to say that, like a twelve drenched snare beats. Hopkins with her sophomore record - - you can hear the impact poetry and clichéd optimism, of an experienced artist’s multiple year old blade which has been has certainly been influenced she’s unlikely to alienate any of artists like Portishead in Peace have created a bleating influences while still remaining cutting through corrugated by fourth world music fans, but equally unlikely to Wayman’s own well crafted and uncertain gelatinous gloop very much Frank. iron for all that time, Plan B ideologies; the pentatonic surprise any. (3/5) (TC) beats and signature guitar (3.5/5) (RB) scales of Emerald Rush and of nondescript pretence, a far has totally lost his edge. The tones (see standout track cry from the revitalising kick up danger of his previous releases synthesised xylophone on Love Leaks). Lovelaws COSM both having a faintly the jacksie they so desperately and Drew’s street preaching boasts outstanding oriental flavour to them. What need. Such is the lethargy of authenticity has all but gone, makes him a true innovator production value and gives lyrical content and songwriting replaced by flabby lyrics and is his rolling tracks, the rich us some of Wayman’s most aptitude, Kindness is the New lazy societal observations. depth of his rhythm section personal, intricate and Rock and Roll show a band Whereas an artist such as Kate sitting underneath a wall of challenging work to date. who should be resigned to the Tempest fuels her fire with furious symbolism, Plan B technical opulence, feeling like While you can tell this is the solo backroom of a local pub, such a celebration of life, a meditative is the tedious and colourless shows us a world that could’ve effort of a Warpaint member, it nature of their now dead and easily been created by a man gaze at the wonder of our world has enough of Wayman’s own and it truly is a most beauteous and buried musical identity. who overheard an opinion stamp on to set itself apart from moving piece of work. (4/5) (RB) (2/5) (RB) down the pub and is going with her previous work. (4/5) (TC) that. (2.5/5) (RB) 20 21 LOCAL RELEASES OMS36 OMS36

such is their ability to fragment and distort their barbed and claustrophobic compositions to the point of fracture. Haze reinvent and refashion old ideology into pleasingly contemporary and absolutely necessary work and this is LUCY LEAVE – LOOK / LISTEN the result of a cocktail of influences and methodology, For the past couple of years there served up with a twist. (RB) has not been a more interesting local act than Lucy Leave. They’re DEADBEAT APOSTLES – JACK GOLDSTEIN – A TIGER trailblazers operating in a totally DAY OF THE DEADBEATS SHARK MIGHT EAT A BULL different space to anyone else. This record is Oxford through SHARK… Oxford had a long wait for the a prism - beautiful, brilliant, and thrillingly skewed. Oxford spirit of country music to seize Former Fixers frontman Jack references are scattered throughout it by the scruff of the neck. Goldstein is back with another –Cowley Road, Stornoway and Recently we had Frances Pugh record of skewered psych pop. Slate Hearts are all mentioned or and the Whiskey Singers, Great His guttural purr recalls the nodded at. Christchurch Tower, Western Tears and even manic voice of Mark Everett, frontman with its stuttering rhythm and twirling guitars, is a fantastic yodelling from the Original of the Eels, and album opener Rabbit Foot Spasm Band. But high-point. Somehow they sound My Second Life adds to that like someone has described the it’s taken Deadbeat Apostles - comparison, with twinkly Minutemen to 60s era Pink Floyd six wayward spirits - to up the keyboards and confessional and they recorded the attempted game. Day of the Deadbeats lyrics. recreation in Wonderland, chandeliers off of gutsy produced by the Mad Hatter. crescendos and garage band The rest of the album is a Chevron is brilliant – an outtake from a 70s American cop-show guitars, with early-Nashville bright patchwork of short lo-fi dripping from their strings. soundtrack building to a pulsing pop ranging from the intimate, crescendo. They’re a band that so Backlane Blues and Bigger Man Daniel Johnston-esque Peace many people wish they were brave are among standout tracks in your Heart, to the fast - enough to be in, and this can only here, all clanging forward paced rock n’ roll of B-Love. widen musical horizons. They are in glorious, clumsy, Exile on Final track Lovely Time is a rock making everything technicolour. (UL) Main Street chaos. Vocally, the stomper with one of the best/ group sound like Fleetwood most annoying hooks of the LITTLE BROTHER ELI – OUR Mac being throttled in an year. It’s been going round my KIND OF LOVE Alabama chicken shack by the head for weeks, and I still can’t ghosts of Hank Thompson and decide whether that’s a good Perfectly combining disco Kitty Wells. And believe you thing. (UL) and rock into an addictive, me country folk, anyone who sumptuous track that is sure to throttles Fleetwood Mac is a further secure their place on pal of mine. (JB) the radar. The band’s unique style and work ethic saw them play over 100 shows and HAZE – LADZ, LADZ, LADZ festivals and this new track is sure to keep fans hungry for Encapsulating wondrously the more. Heavy bass and snappy jagged, knife-edge paranoia guitar riffs compliment Alex of post punk, it’s almost Grew’s soulful vocals and impossible to listen to Haze create a quirky and colourful and not be drawn back to track that’s as summery as a Gang of Four or Television, Pimms on ice. (RW)

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Fri 18th May • 7.00pm Fri 22nd Jun • 7.00pm Thur 18th Oct • 7.00pm Uprising – BBC Introducing Zodiac Reunion Party The Daniel Wakeford In Oxford (Biggest ft Disques Voge, Sky Larkin, Experience Transformation, Osprey Fri 19th Oct • 6.30pm Weekend Fringe event) Mon 25th Jun • 7.00pm ft. Flights of Helios, Theo, Self Boyzlife Help, Lake Acacia, Lacuna Common Kiefer Sutherland Sat 27th Oct • 6.00pm Sat 30th Jun • 7.00pm Fri 18th May • 11.00pm Luisa Omielan Parka Monkeys Black Skies Burn ft Diablo, Last Rites, Hymn To Apollo Sat 27th Oct • 6.30pm ft. Ross Millard () DJ Set Fri 6th Jul • 7.00pm Guns 2 Roses Sat 19th May • 11.00pm Super Hans Tue 30th Oct • 7.00pm Road To Badda Dan Fri 3rd Aug • 7.00pm Superorganism Soundclash UK Edition One State Drive Thur 1st Nov • 7.00pm ft. White Magic Sound, J N R international, The Feeling Soulja Syndicate, Lovebridge, Silverfox Thur 6th Sep • 7.00pm Ben Miller Band Fri 2nd Nov • 7.00pm Mon 21st May • 7.00pm Neil Hilborn Close The Gates Night 1 Fri 14th Sep • 6.00pm Molotov Jukebox Thur 8th Nov • 7.00pm Tue 22nd May • 7.00pm + Huw Eddy & the Carnival Police Dog Hogan Close The Gates Night 2 Sat 29th Sep • 6.30pm Sat 10th Nov • 6.30pm Wed 23rd May • 6.30pm Teleman Dubioza Kolektiv Coco and the Butterfields Fri 5th Oct • 6.00pm Fri 16th Nov • 6.30pm Sun 27th May • 6.30pm Imperial Leisure Killing Joke + New Town Kings Cocaine Piss Sat 17th Nov • 6.30pm Fri 1st Jun • 7.00pm Fri 5th Oct • 6.30pm Definitely Mightbe Carcer City The Magic Gang Oasis tribute + Perception + MSRY + The Horologist Sat 6th Oct • 6.30pm Sat 24th Nov • 6.30pm Sat 2nd Jun • 7.00pm The Smyths Blur2 / Pulp’d OMYO + Hydrocele + Ash Adams Unite and Take Over Tour 2018 Tributes to Blur & Pulp + Jon Hunt Sat 2nd Jun • 7.00pm Tue 27th Nov • 7.00pm Miles Kane Tue 9th Oct • 7.00pm Shame Wed 6th Jun • 7.00pm Joanne Shaw Taylor Thur 29th Nov • 7.00pm Fri 12th Oct • 6.30pm Cast - The Greatest Hits Tour + The LaFontaines + Hollie Cook Sat 1st Dec • 6.30pm Thur 7th Jun • 7.00pm Fri 12th Oct • 6.30pm The Damned The Wedding Present Antarctic Monkeys Sun 2nd Dec • 7.00pm “Tommy” 30th Anniversary Tour Sat 13th Oct • 6.30pm Bjorn Again Thur 7th Jun • 7.00pm The Carpet Crawlers Fri 7th Dec • 6.30pm Tony Christie Performing ‘Selling Foxtrot Pearl Jam UK Fri 8th Jun • 7.00pm By The Pound’ Sat 22nd Dec • 6.30pm Out of the Blue Sat 13th Oct • 6.30pm Faith End of Year Show Britpop Boys – The George Michael Legacy

Fri 15th Jun • 6.30pm Thur 18th Oct • 7.00pm Sat 6th Apr 2019 • 6.30pm Nick Heyward + Pugwash Tom Grennan The Dualers

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