Honestly, I couldn’t think of much to say this week, I’ve a load of half-done blogs waiting to be finished from nostalgia albums to other non-re classifications, general thoughts and so much more. But I wholeheartedly admit to a bit of cheating this week (well, kind of…) with a view on the artists and tracks I’m listening to at the moment. Here’s a “top ten” (in no particular order) of what’s raping my mp3 player, why not 11? Because I don’t like to go one step beyond…
Once again, the Pitz has a bit of a showcase on for a few local names that have been striking up the right chords (no pun intended) with the local scene and a bit beyond. The three bands in question are Firetone, followed by Planets and Hiding In Reno. The latter also have a new Cd out tonight, though all the bands seem pretty good, all fired up for their sets and playing foozball, plus some familiar faces like Warren and a few new friends can’t be bad at all.
It’s a Saturday night and I find myself at the Craufurd Arms once again, though this time it’s in aid for my friend Andrew of Isnakebite.com. The gig is a bit of a one-off oppurtunity and has a lineup of indie bands, featuring Buick McKane, The Little Villeins and more interestingly, a band causing a little fuss despite not being around for too long, these guys go under the name of the Decimals and are fronted by Alex Pennie. By all means, it should be a good night, and it was, kind of…
As much as I hate to admit it, when I first signed up with Steffi a couple of years back, my reasons were pretty selfish, reviewing bands, making contacts and so on were secondary to an alterior motive. The sad truth is that it’s still that way these days and I have the same mindset no matter how much I wanted to change. The main reason was to get into a band, play music and be on stage, back then I was a younger, naive (and nonetheless vertically challenged) guitarist who wanted more…
Back once again at the old Cannon down in Newport Pagnell. It’s the Sunset Lounge, but not quite as you know it being the fact that it’s the next Sunset Lounge Showcase (and the third, if I remember correctly). The lounge is as cosy as ever, though it’s a little quiet for now so I start the way I usually do, go chat to Garry, Jeff and Nath while the soundman puts on some Hayseed Dixie and various other southern rock tunes. Thankfully it’s not overly long before the place starts to pack out and the real night begins…
Metal has taken a turn for some more atmospheric tones recently, which sounds like a pretty good step in the right direction. A fairly recent name which comes under that tag are “Heart Of A Coward”, a five piece that has already had some experience in the scene through a few bands, though it also sparks the debut of Callum as a frontman. Bearing in mind that their first gig was pretty tight as it is, plus with a fairly busy gigging schedule on, it’s not so surprising that these guys already have an Ep out…
For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been following the guys at the Craufurd Arms quite closely, the big news being that a couple of the Underpass people, namely Jason and Jenny, are now the landlord & lady of the pub, opening more oppurtunities for the venue and the pub. It’s definitely a large task, but all business comes with it’s risks and the pub seems to be developing a sturdy clientelle once more, myself being included so this may be a tad biased, but screw it, it’s a blog after all…
Continuing our look at the Craufurd since it’s new landowners, it’s back to an Underpass night with some pop-punk-emo bands taking the helm on the night. The headliners, Amy Can Flyy are on little tour with Canada Water, apparently two pretty good bands to keep an eye on. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a couple of Djs in the form of Girl Joy and our very own Casio Kidd, supplying some beats and some emotronics and not forgetting support from recent Band Blitz participants Re-Writing Destiny.
Back at Anno once again, for some more heavy bands on a Saturday night. The bands in question come from far and wide, the only “locals” being Heart of A Coward while She Fell Victim, No Made Sense and The Arusha Accord come from Dunstable and Reading. In my mind it’s always good to see bands from further afield, you never know what might just surprise you. What isn’t surprising is the bitter weather, or the fact I’m lurking near a radiator between sets, still, “On with the show”, as they say…
