Music visiting the North
Alistair Sheerin – Demos
01 year ago
Alistair Sheerin played in the North East last at the Cluny 2 on 14th April, why am I now reviewing his music now?
Well due to a backlog of essays and what not when he was up playing live I didn’t get round to reviewing his music - but I never make a habit of going back on promises and so please read below all about this dapper young man and his modernistic music.
While listening to Alistair’s music you are taken back to the 1950’s / 60’s the era of the MOD and the great breath of music that came with it.
After been described as “Middlesbrough’s very own Miles Kane!” his demos had a lot to live up to – however I saw not disappointed. His demos consist of three song which are a mix of paces.
The first track “Why Why Why ?” is sweet song that is sweeping and captures your attention. Alistair’s vocals shine through and it is a pleasant song that is recognisably inspired by the likes of The Beatles and Bob Dylan, yet his own sense of style is marked clearly on the record.
The second track “Move With The Times” has a true sense of Rock ‘n’ Roll that I can be certain is a hit in his live shows. Full of energy and anthemic lyrics it is a great feel good tune.
The final demo track “Live The Way We Should” reminded me of Elton John to an extent not because it is a show song but instead a mellow track with strings, piano and a beautiful guitar solo to the end.
Overall Alister Sheerin is a name I think you should watch out for in the future as he sings with ease the songs that you would expect from the greats such as The Kinks to today’s Miles Kane.
Head Of Light Entertainment – The English Don’t Care
01 year ago
From Stockton -On-Leeds The Head Of Light Entertainment are made up of three members Carl Green, Simone Silivistris and John Taylor. Formed in 2008 “The English Don’t Care” is the band’s second album, self released through Carl’s Northern Round Square Label.
“The English Don’t Care” leaves you feeling like you have tripped and fallen down a magical rabbit hole, as the album is as fun as a jack in the box and eccentric in every way. Full of twists and turns, the album manages to combine Edwardian tales, Fairies, Internet Stalkers and a whole lot more into the wealth of exquisite tracks.
Eloquent, bespoke and obscure, each of the 12 tracks tell an individual story that captures the imagination, and makes it impossible to pick a stand out track. However there is bound to be one that you consider a diamond among the gems, whether it’s “Nip It In The Bud” a toe-tapping-treat or “Quietly Relieved”, soft and ambling along.
“The English Don’t Care” will be released in May and you can see the band live in the North on, 27th April at the Love Shack in Durham, 28th April The Sun Inn at Stockton-On-Tees, 7th June The Ivy House in Sunderland and 9th June The Butterfly Cabinet in Newcastle.
3 Foot Ninja – “3 Foot Ninja”
01 year ago
3 Foot Ninja, from the North York Moors the band consists of brothers Jordan and Joseph bell, who, along with drummer Kane Waterfeild, have successfully built up a large fan base in the North. This self-titled 11-track debut album, had its official launch on March 26.
“3 Foot Ninja” is full of punchy riffs, catchy yet grim lyrics, and the usual anti-establishment viewpoint. The other tracks are simply melodic songs about love and life in general. The sound that runs throughout the album cannot be pigeon holed and genre wise it is a mix of Indie and rock to an extent. When listening to the album it is hard to pick out which track would be use as a single, as every song is anthemic.
I expect this band live will bring out with them twice as much energy on stage as what has been put into the album. You can catch them at the end of the month at the “3 Foot Ninja” album launch party on 31, March at The Empire, Middleborough.
Arkham Karvers – The Prices They Play
01 year ago
This four-piece indie band, formed back in 2009 in Leeds, made their way up north recently in support of local band Retriever at Newcastle’s Head Of Steam.
While at the gig I was pleasantly surprised to be given a copy of the band’s new CD. Not just a CD in a plastic wallet, but a professionally made case with full art work, which set my expectations high for when it came round to listening to it at home.
‘The Prices They Pay’ is the dictionary definition of indie. It gets under your skin with the lead singer’s sweet yet husky vocals and jangly guitars. These lads know how to write a great melody, and incorporate the right kind of jingly guitar hook and choruses of claps and cheers. Lyrically they’re all decent tracks, and ‘Ribbons’ stands out for this reason; “I cross my heart and hope to die, I cross my t’s and all my I’s” rings out as the chorus get stuck in your head.
The CD overall is full of predictable influences, and sounds like the band is modelled on Arctic Monkeys. Yet the majority of us love a slice of the indie crusaders so what’s to stop us from loving another band taking their formula and making you like their version?
Yellowire – 7 Hours to Sunlight
01 year ago
Yellowire’s new single “7 Hours to Sunlight” is a melodic rock anthem with resoundingly smooth yet gravelly vocals from the brains behind the quartet Ol Beach. The track is a mull of electric guitars and Americana pop. Quite easily could one of the sound tracks to this year big hit summer romance flim.
While in the north Yellowire played both Sunderland’s Independent and Newcastle’s Cluny. The band also popped into Sparkfm City Hub, to hear the interview with lead singer Ol Beach here.
You can find out more about Yellowire here.