It is a very rare and special occasion when an album comes out these days that has a very strong chance of being a timeless classic. JAKE BUGG’S debut record isn’t just a very good album from start to finish…it has the potential to spark a revolution of old school Rock n Roll returning to the charts for good.
The chain-smoking local boy is like hundreds of other lads growing up around Nottingham except for one thing – Jake has an incredible song writing ability. The sort of ability that oozes so much talent that it may only crop up once every decade or so. It may be too early to start mentioning the name Bugg in the same sentences as Lennon, Dylan, Gallagher and Turner…but you get the idea.
The first half to the album is non-stop gems, the sort of hits that usually would take a band or artist several albums to churn out. It all kicks off with the boppin Lightning Bolt that starts with a frantic tempo and just builds and builds from there with Jake’s slick street poet lyrics: “Fortune. People talking all about fortune. Do you make it or does it just call you? In the blinkin of an eye, just another passer-by, in the path of lightning bolt.” Finally it all melts together into a screeching guitar thrashing climax.
Two Fingers (The one with the video with the This Is England and Misfits people), is perhaps the best example that boasts just how good a story-teller Bugg is with his song-writing. The tale of him climbing out of the society sink-hole council estate in Clifton were he was brought up. Hearing Clifton referenced in a song that is being played nationally is slightly uncanny and spooky – casting the mind back to Turner referencing Hillsborough, Morrissey referencing Whalley Range or McCartney referencing Penny Lane. The chorus of Two Fingers is possibly one of the high points of the whole 14 track album. A galvanizing peak of raw euphoria that brings every element of Bugg’s charisma and maverick ways together in one fantastic singalong.
The beautiful trouble with this album is that there are about 5 or 6 tracks that keep becoming the personal favourite. Taste It is one of those favourites with its jaunty, rock n roll beat that just takes over and makes you want to bopp n twist like its 1969. Think CHUCK BERRY meets a GALLAGHER backdrop and you are somewhere near.
Track 4 is the track that has been on repeat the most since the album dropped through the letterbox. Seen It All has an almost intimidating power to it. The sort of anthemic vibe that you can imagine a festival crowd roaring back every lyric. Like most of the tracks it has a strong plot-line running through the song like a backbone. Painting a picture of a standard teenager’s weekend in Clifton, “One Friday night I took a pill or maybe two, down at the car park I saw everyone I knew.” The misty-eyed memory of crashing a house party has a euphoric feet-stamping singalong feel to it despite the lyrics being tangibly dark: “But I made my way inside, pass a thousand crazy eyes, then a friend took me aside, said everyone here has a knife.” From the opening chords of Seen It All there is that vibe to it that indicates this song has potential to be a timeless classic, one of the songs that in the future may commonly crop up when people are asked their favourite songs of all time – the sort of OASIS-like massiveness to the tune is crying out to be sung by thousands in arenas and festivals around the country, scratch that, around the world. 
Other stand out highlights on the record include Country Song and Trouble Town. The former showcasing Bugg’s overwhelming maturity beyond his years with his tender voice triggering responses in the brain that few songs do. The latter a barn-storming, cigarette-sparking, beer-spilling hoe-down. The chorus is catchy as hell as and even though the song paints parts of Nottingham as a benefit-scrounging, crime-ridden shithole, we couldn’t care less: “Stuck in speed bump city, Where the only thing that’s pretty, Is the thought of getting out.”
JAKE BUGG’S debut record not only has potential to smash the coveted number one position. It has the potential to sit there for weeks and become a defining album of a generation. The start of a genre shift over the next few years with real guitar music returning to the charts and annihilating the auto tuned nonsense and sugar coated pre-packaged pop. Bring it on.
Yours In Love of New Music,
Tom Hadfield x
STOP PRESS 22:45 17/10 – Jake is currently leading Leona Lewis in the battle for this week’s Numer One album but she is catching, please show your support and buy the album HERE
#Spread The Love
@feelthenusic
@hadfieldreckons
The Nottingham music scene is on fire right now. The climax of FSN 2012 was a spectacular, inspiring and downright joyous celebration of our city’s talent. Massive congratulation to the winners THE AFTERDARK MOVEMENT who will now play Splendour Festival in July as well as bagging a slot at Wireless Festival thanks to DHP and Tuborg. The night wasn’t about one winner though, all six finalists gave it their all and five out of six it was the best gig they’ve ever played, several called it the best moment of their lives! Here’s how it all went down…
Being first up isn’t perhaps the most sought after position on the running order however IN THE NORTH WOOD pack out the main room with a personal army of fans. The stomping Mumford flavoured folk is somehow melancholy and euphoric at the same time. They open with The A Song which has a touch of ARCADE FIRE about it, not in the style of the music but in the onstage antics, as halfway through Rich Chapman ditches the mandolin and scrambles behind the drum kit to give the tunes a military drumbeat backbone. This instrument switching continues throughout the set and gives the performance the vibe of a casual jam. The lads bundle off the stage to a thunderous roar from the crowd and IN THE NORTH WOOD will have no doubt impressed the expert ears of the judges. 
This next lot are something special. The phrase “smashed it” is perhaps over used but THE AFTERDARK MOVEMENT smashed it beyond comprehension. Bru-c was on fiery form and he spat his lyrical genius all over the shop with a determined violence. Vocal diva Natalie had the Rock City crowd in the palm of her hand and the heavy grime sent the D-floor into a skanking frenzy. Opening with the glorious Since I’ve Been Here which boasts rap rhymes that Dizzee would be proud of they poured every ounce of their soul into this performance. Look up Funk in the dictionary and there is a big picture of bassist Jono smiling back. Listen to them on our Podcast HERE including an exclusive interview as we catch up with them backstage at the Semi-Final Stage and then watch our Future Session with ‘em HERE. Right time to start saving for a Wireless ticket.
CRASH JACKET swagger on stage and a wave of excitement ripples around Rock City. This lot are an anthem machine.
First song City Crawler ignites the CRASH JACKET touch paper and we are off on a bouncy boisterous rollercoaster of a set. As the first chords of recently released single You Could Be Here (available on itunes) start booming from the stage Rock City is captivated. The room comes together as one in a crescendo of rhythmic clapping that seems to throb and fluctuate triumphantly. The lads are rocking out hard, zig zagging around the stage as if being dragged around by their guitars. Bassist Adam Fletcher takes Rock n Roll to a new level by misjudging a jump, staggering backwards, tripping over a cable and tumbling into a beautifully placed banner. One mangled wrist later and the set is done and we can only wish it was longer. If you want to see CRASH JACKET in the their full glory they are playing Rock City again on the 7th of July.
TOM WARDLE struts on stage to a ear-splitting roar of girly screams and blokes chanting “Wardle, Wardle, Wardle…” If CRASH JACKET were a daunting act to follow Mr WARDLE brushes it off and proceeds with drenching the Main Room in his slick sugary pop sounds. His backing band are tighter than a pair of skinny jeans on Hulk Hogan with the mesmerizing Jameela making multiple men fall in love on the spot with her gorgeous vocals that compliments TOM WARDLE’s soothing voice fantastically. The Wardlers in the crowd go nuts for Pink Lillies as every lyric is yelled back by the punters and as Tom and his band draw the short set to a close Rock City gives arguably the biggest roar of approval of the night so far.
Growling rock animals THE SPECIES, that definitely aren’t indie, bound on stage and an air of anarchy descends on number 8 Talbot Street. Gary Nelson’s sinister voice snarls out across the room as everyone’s eyebrows involuntarily change to menacing mode. The drumbeat is insanely loud and creates an unnerving sense of brilliant doom. The scruffy quartet have that evil edge to them which is the pinnacle of the dark music. The bass twang darts around the room with a mind of its own and the first mini mosh pits of the night break out. Thieves is an explosive end to the set and THE SPECIES are one of these bands that seem to get better everytime they perform. Have a listen to their anthemic Broken Glass on our Podcast. 
Last but by no means least JOE DANKS strolls on to the stage wearing a Nirvana tee and a massive grin. The stomping folk has the crowd bouncing like a Greek cheque and beer is spilt as the hundreds of fans go apeshit for the feel-good tunes. The combo of a double bass, fiddle and lovable vocals makes the whole experience throughly heartwarming. The highlight of his set is perhaps during Pancakes, when Joe introduces his band giving everyone their own little cameo – Mama Danks shredding the fiddle a particular favourite. The youngest act to make the final and possibly the youngest act to ever play Rock City’s Main Stage is more than impressive – although KAGOULE might dispute that title. Unfortunate perhaps to finish up third this isn’t the end for JOE DANKS…it is only the beginning. “When life gives you lemons make pancakes”, not a bad idea Joe. 
The excitement at the outcome of the final results is trembling around Rock City but the moment Special Guest INDIANA opens her mouth the conversation stops. In unison the crowd cock their heads to the left like a pack of puppies that have suddenly been exposed to a new sensation. This girl’s voice does something to me that I can’t quite put my finger on. Time seems to slow down and nostalgic thoughts invade the brain from nowhere. At risk of sounding like a pussy, INDIANA’s voice nearly causes a few tears…nearly.
The soothing 80′s ballad theme is like something we’ve never heard before. Blind As I Am is dangerously addictive and Swim Good is overwhelmingly good – I can’t help but feel the need to force every human on earth to give INDIANA a listen because I can’t believe there is anyone out there that won’t be moved by her vocal perfection. In 5 years time let’s hope we are all boasting about how we saw the global superstar for free at Rock City. Check out INDIANA’S interview with Nusic from just before the final HERE.
FSN 2012 has been an unbelievable experience and it wouldn’t be possible without the musicians and support from the scene. Nusic salutes you Nottingham.
Viva la Revolution,
Tom Hadfield x
@FeelTheNusic
@hadfieldreckons
#spreadthelove
Special thanks to everyone at the Julie Cotton Foundation and also thanks again to DHP and TUBORG for giving us the festival slots. Have a butchers at who THE AFTERDARK MOVEMENT will be playing alongside at Wireless HERE.
Thanks to Riot Photography and Claudette Jarvis from LEFTLION for the snaps.
In 2008 we asked the masterminds behind Dot To Dot Festival how many local bands would be playing the Nottingham leg of the festival… their answer? Two. This year there were no fewer than 27 Nottinghamshire bands/artists repping our city. Obviously without cloning technology or some sort of time travelling device it would be impossible to catch all of them playing the festival, however I managed to catch 11 local heroes and heres how it unfolded…
THE BARNUM MESERVE
Dripping wet from queueing at the wristband exchange in the great British weather, we hustled into the Rock City Basement to catch THE BARNUM MESERVE. Despite a fairly early set time of 1.30 pm the Basement is packed with fans eagely awaiting to catch a glimpse of the band that have bagged a slot at this years SPLENDOUR and been blowing minds at shows across the country. The massive piano ballads through the excessive smoke machines make the whole experience beautifully haunting. The screaming vocals with anthemic military like drumming pulses around the basement like a giant throbbing heartbeat. The first time I’ve managed to catch this band live but it definitely won’t be the last.
BITTER STRINGS
Quick hurry round the corner in the miserable weather to catch the set of BITTER STRINGS downstairs at Stealth. Three piece Rock n Roll outfit BITTER STRINGS have been grafting away at the Nottingham scene for a while now brushing shoulders with the likes of ONE NIGHT ONLY on the Rescue Rooms stage and a gig lined up to support THE VIEW later this month. Walking into Stealth sober at two in the afternoon is a surreal experience and the room appears to be sparse, however the moment BITTER STRINGS take to the stage the floor immediately fills. Their unabashed jive machine combo of 60s slick Rock n Roll with a northern soul twist is effortlessly cool. Alex Turner-esque vocals with grooveladen bass and lead interchanges that are insanely infectious. Don’t underestimate this band and get yourself to a gig soon.
KAGOULE
Now fifteen minutes to leg it across town to see the band that have been a huge part of my music listening life since they sent us a demo late last year. KAGOULE have charmed the Nottingham music scene with their scarily good live performances across the city. The youngest band to ever play the Rock City Main Stage thanks to a Nusic competition back in December have recently experienced air time on XFM. Throw into the mix a mention in NME and it is obvious there is a fair amount of hype about this young three piece.
Believe the hype.
Velvety vulnerable vocals with a heavy grunge aura around them conjures up whiffs of NIRVANA and SONIC YOUTH. Their signature song Made Of Concrete is surely going to be playing on radios, ipods, and dj sets across the nation in the very near future as a result of the pure quality of the tune. A beautifully crafted melody with a poignantly pained feeling lost somewhere between the dark lyrics and aching vocals. The classy setting of Jongleurs adds to the quality oozing out of the stage with the velvet curtains and candlelit chandeliers adding to the experience. The beauty of this three piece is the various journeys each song takes you on. From the dark grunge of Into The Sea to the pounding drumbeat of Monarchy. Not forgetting the mystery track that I am yet to learn the name of, but according to my scribbled notes: “I want this to be the soundtrack to my life.” Lawrence’s drumming has flourished into a fully accomplised sound over the last few months and despite some slippery drumsticks during the set this almost adds to the character of the confident band. I’m willing to bet any reader that these lot will be a household name in the next two years…make me an offer. Watch our Future Session with them HERE.
HOT JAPANESE GIRL
Hilarity Rock Monsters HOT JAPANESE GIRL take to the stage with an array of red skinny jeans, questionable hair cuts and an air or awesomeness about them. Their savage EP “Bear Shark Laser Tiger Fight”, is laid bare in this set and kicked around with joyous brutality. Imagine you’ve died, gone to hell and are now having a brilliant night partying in hell. Ali Powers looks like he could be Satan’s sidekick with his intimidating good voice, piercing glare and is that…eyeliner? The first mini mosh pits of the day break out amongst a few fiery fans and beer is spilt amongst a mess of shoving and smiling. The raucous shouty anthem of Frankie sparks names in the brain such as BILLY TALENT with its party punk fiesta vibe. A bastard child of the I’m Not From London institution this band have the signature streak of notoriety and famously good live performances under their belt. Gutted they missed out on our Future Sound of Nottingham Final, I still haven’t taken off the T-shirt I bought immediately after the set. Although its fairly awkward walking past an ACTUAL hot japanese girl in town now.
THE PETEBOX
Quick jog home to prep the hip flask (don’t tell anyone) and its a dash back to Rock City for THE PETEBOX. Debut album Future Loops has been on serious rotation recently at Nusic HQ and jogging up the Rock City steps I can feel the atmosphere of excitement pulsing around the great room. Unusually I am particularly excited to witness some of the covers PETEBOX has to offer and he doesn’t disappoint.
Opening with a bass heavy interpretation of BENNI BENASSI’s Satisfaction before mixing into the EURYTHMICS disco classic Sweet Dreams. THE PETEBOX doesn’t rely on covers though, as his self engineered material is seriously impressive and even more so live. Ironically lost in the moment of V.O.D.K.A it is important not to forget the unique process for building these songs. No backing tracks. No backing band. This music is all made in the mouth of the PETEBOX and then looped until the final result is a precise layering of genius. Showcasing his talents in the various genres from Drum n Bass to bass heavy dub and most emphatically during his rendition of MGMT’s Kids which introduces a guitar into the equation. If I was suddenly told I had 45 minutes left to live and I was going to spend it grooving to THE PETEBOX in Rock City I would be more than satisfied.
JAKE BUGG
Perhaps the most anticipated performance of the night was that of our lad JAKE BUGG. At the ripe old age of 18, Jake has already achieved things that many musicians can only dream of. Landing Zane Lowe’s Record of the Week TWICE, appearing on National Television regularly thanks to an IPA advert and also nearly blowing off Jools Holland’s toupé with his performance on Later Live. Fresh off the back of a successful European tour, this gig the air of a homecoming party to it – and party it was. JAKE BUGG’s country folk is a huge breath of fresh air in what can be considered popular music. No autotuning, miming or illusions needed with JAKE BUGG which is often the case with much of the music in the charts. Just a young lad with his guitar, spreading his infectious tunes across the land and doing his home city proud. The fresh faced Dylan-esque young man is already half way to achieving a greatest hits album with the sheer amount of quality tunes. Choosing a favourite song is impossible. Trouble Town is anthemic and resonates emphatically with the Nottingham faithful. Lightning Bolt is upbeat, feel good and damn irrestible. The more mournful Country Song is drenched in emotion and nostalgia and although some have accused Jake of selling out with the IPA advert, I can’t help but think this only adds to the meaning behind the tune. Old man sentimental folk from a boy who is only just old enough to buy a pint of IPA himself. Long after JAKE BUGG’s set is done the crowd milling around outside Rock City are still drunkenly singing the choruses demonstrating how contagious this music is – I’ve caught the BUGG.
WILL BAILEY
Just over an hour to kill until DOG IS DEAD take to stage, so a short wander round to Acoustic Rooms to have a laugh along with WILL BAILEY. It may not seem like a compliment to say that I have never laughed so hard at a gig, but the ARSE FULL OF CHIPS’ chief obviously has a cracking sense of humour. Songs about MICHAEL JACKSON being a weirdo and other hilarity tunes have the Acoustic Rooms punters in stiches and roaring back every punchline lyric. A conga/circle pit around the sofas and tables of the Rescue Rooms bar is surely a first and an obvious signal that this sort of music is impossible not to enjoy.
DOG IS DEAD
DOG IS DEAD have been flying the flag for Nottingham on the National and International gig circuit for months now. This appearance on the Rock City Main Stage their first in Nottingham since their headline gig in December alongside KAPPA GAMMA and KAGOULE. Anticipation, excitement and a sheer feel good vibe is pungent in the main room of Rock City. Packed to the rafters, with no space on the balcony or stairs and the pints flowing – this really does have a festival feel about it. The indie-stars strut on stage and look like they wouldn’t rather be anyone else in the world than playing to a hometown of loyal fans. The fans don’t disappoint, roaring back every lyric with a fiery pride. The new single Two Devils is lapped up by the fans and old favourites such as River Jordan and Young shake the old venue to the very core. As the intro of the Glockenspiel Song rings out around the room, the building seems to inhale with excitement as if it aware that the next few minutes are going to be a bouncing, roaring, indie pandemonium. Beer flying everywhere, strangers embracing and screaming the lyrics into each others faces: “We are a mess. We are failures. And We love it!” DOG IS DEAD are established indie-stars now and it is surely only a matter of time before their debut album is flying off the shelves.
JOSHUA KEOGH
Back to the trusty old Acoustic Rooms just in time to catch the end of JOSHUA KEOGH’s set. This guy recently wowed us at a Future Session (watch HERE) with his moving music and poignantly pained lyrics. The feel good vibe of Dot to Dot Festival must have got under Mr KEOGH’S skin though as amongst his heartbreak beauties he throws in a cover WHITNEY HOUSTON’S Dance With Somebody. The smiles flourish around the room and a lot of drunken dancing is on show but who gives a toss? This is great fun.
INDIANA
The room was fairly busy for the JOSHUA KEOGH set but as INDIANA takes to the mic it seems everything else going on in Nottingham at that moment grinds to halt. Everyone in the room cranes their necks to catch a glimpse of the girl who has caused an absolute storm in the music industry since her introduction just under two months ago. Submitting a track in the last few minutes before our Future Sound of Nottingham entry deadline and baffling the judges with her raw talent – she rocketed to first place. Who is this girl? Why isn’t she already massive? Surely she has a manager waiting somewhere behind the scenes and this is all tactics? No. Her first ever live performance was in the Market Square at around 5pm on 22nd of April. Rumours have been flying thick and fast about where INDIANA is heading, photos outside EMI circulating and Tweets about having landed one of the biggest managers in the world all add to the veil of mystery surrounding her. What is a fact however is that the head of Radio One has declared his love for INDIANA on his blog signalling an exciting future. Enough with the pre-ramble. A Mexican wave of jaw drops circles Acoustic Rooms the moment this girl unleashes her voice. The power of the beauty behind this voice is something that I have never experienced before. It has an effect on me that is new, pulling on heartstrings I didn’t know existed and stirring memories that I thought I had forgotten. Blind As I Am is more than a song. It is like a drug. It intoxicates the heart and is unforgivingly addictive. If you are let to learn of the latest wonder of the Nottingham music scene then listen to her on the Podcast (so good we played it twice in one show!) You can also listen to her first ever interview after her first ever gig exclusively to Nusic HERE.
Fact of the day: Did you know that there is a place in the state of Indiana called Nottingham Township…?
NOISE REPUBLIC
Now this next band weren’t strictly on the Dot To Dot line up but I think they epitomise what Nottingham is all about. Despite an absolute orgy of musical goodness happening across town, it is possible to wander into a pub and discover a wicked band by accident. For some reason I found myself at The Golden Fleece at around midnight headbanging to the four piece NOISE REPUBLIC as part of a routine I’M NOT FROM LONDON knees up. The distorted riffs and aggressive vocals oozing attitude complete the punkish rock band and a strange collection of strangers, drunkenly get to their feet to shout their approval.
What a day.
Yours In Love of New Music,
Tom Hadfield x
@hadfieldreckons
#spreadthelove
All photos courtesy of Stephanie Webb Photography
The sun has got his hat on, hip hip hip hooray, the sun has got his hat on and the bands are out to play! You beautiful people of Nottingham packed out the Market Square today to witness some of the freshest live acts on the scene, despite the random April showers.
Reigning champions of the Future Sound of Nottingham THE MONEY opened the mini-festival with a typically lively display. There is a certain lovable swagger about this band, whether its Stav’s graffitied converse or Jake’s pink shades, they rock and they know it. Showcasing old favourites and some new material, the four piece attracted punters to the Square like drunks to a kebab shop. Their self-styled brand of club/rock is unmistakeable and having smashed it on the main stage at Splendour last year the future is brighter than ever. My Money is on THE MONEY.
Despite a momentary torrential downpour minutes before his set, JOE DANKS took the stage with the hardcore Dank fans (can we call them Dankers?) still in attendance. His chirpy style of folking fantastic country tunes made the rain seem irrelevant as The Square was transformed into possibly the biggest barn dance the planet has seen. This guy isn’t just another name on the ever-growing list of singer/songwriters in Nottingham, his enthusiasm and calibre of song writing ability (not mention his cracking voice) are all indicators that this guy has huge potential. Well played Joe.
Next on the bill were previous semi-finalists of the competition hip hop funkers THE AFTERDARK MOVEMENT. This band are fresher than Greggs at opening time and smothered in funky goodness. Lyrics about lego and Nottingham Forest had the locals busting the moves (except the County Fans) and the energy levels and pure love for the tunes were appreciated by all, even the goths and rockers were skanking to this band! Can imagine these guys playing alongside DIZZEE at splendour! If you missed them then check out our Future Session with them HERE.
Indie rockers THE SPECIES took the stage with a certain air of anticipation around The Square. These guys have a reputation around the scene as one to watch and whilst sounding like the ARCTIC MONKEY’S evil little brother combined with KASABIAN-esque vibes they sound totally original. Their track “Broken Glass” is an absolute stormer and would not be out of place on the main stage at Rock City, if you missed them you can check them out on our most recent Nusic New Music Podcast HERE.
Any nerves that JOY MUMFORD may have been feeling before her set must have vanished as she received a fantastic oviation after the opening song finished. Relatively new to the scene JOY MUMFORD nailed her set with an accomplished style and created a lot of new fans. There is a certain endearing vulnerability about JOY MUMFORD and her music, as the sun beamed down on The Square the people of Nottingham chilled out to her soulful folk tunes. What’s not to love about songs inspired by cake and tea?
Citing influences as diverse as RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and DEPECHE MODE this next band certainly had us all intrigued. CRASH JACKET are an all-guns-blazing four piece. With a hint of U2 about them it may be early to call these guys stadium rockers but they certainly have the potential. Guitar solos to melt your brain and a crashing drumline accompanied with frontman Oli’s rock n roll vocals, this lot rock. They’ve promised Nusic that if they get to the final they will have The Rock City crowd “bouncing and moshing”. I can believe it too.
Super slick modster TOM WARDLE took the stage looking sharper than a kitchen knife. The self-described beatle-maniac boomed out his classic pop tunes to The Square with the unmistakeable highlight being his track “Pink Lillies”. Comparisons to PAUL WELLER aren’t the most accurate guide to the Wardle sound, he’s not as moody. Tom’s charm combined with a natural ability to entertain as well as a fantastic song writing ability make him a welcomed element of the Nottingham music scene, and to today on The Square.
The smiliest man in the universe otherwise known as ROB GREEN rounded off the days events with a performance that we have come to expect from this guy over the last few months. Funky soul with RnB influences drew one of the biggest crowds of the day with Giles on guitar and his full backing band, Rob absolutely smashed it and even treated us to collaboration with the brilliant NINA SMITH. Check out our Future Session with him HERE.
If you haven’t cast your vote to see which bands should make the final 6 at Rock City in June you can do that on our Facebook page HERE. Don’t forget that the other 6 Semi-Finalists are playing tomorrow in the Square with 2010 champs LONG DEAD SIGNAL kicking it all off at 1:30pm. Be in The Square or be square…wait what?
Yours In Love of New Music,
Tom Hadfield (@hadfieldreckons)
x
#spreadthelove
Prepare to have any preconceptions you might have about “girl” groups stabbed in the heart with a sharpened stilletto.
The welcoming lyrics to the opening track “Freak Show” on the hotly anticipated second album “Dirty Protest” from THE SMEARS, psych you up for a record that is so gloriously punkish it’ll chew you up and spit you back out… “Ladies and Gentleman I’d like to welcome you to my freak show.”
The unusual combo of an all-girl three piece punk grunge group is perhaps plenty to set them apart from the rest but it doesn’t stop there – these girls bleed dirty punk rock blood.
Its like JOHNNY ROTTEN and COURTNEY LOVE forced into a blender and then out of the resulting toxic punk smoothie THE SMEARS are born. Grungey guitars riffs outrageously distorted and anthemic choruses like “I am a freak, I wear it on my sleeve!” are unapologetic, brutal and anarchistic. This lot will grab you by the scruff of the neck and shake your bones. As the sadistic lyrics wrestle with the RAMONES-esque drumming you can’t help but feel your ears have been filthily violated. Despite the band being much more attractive than BETH DITTO THE SMEARS could be the bastard love child of THE GOSSIP and RANCID (I promise no more comments on looks, I can sense a kick in the balls on the way).
Each track on the album is raw and punchy, much like the girls. This isn’t a band to take your mother to go see, this is a band to go and get smashed to, vomit on your shoes and possibly spend a night in a cell with.
The album is a filthy, seething pit of grungey punk and the second track ominously entitled “Halloween” epitomises the chaotic anarchism of this gang: “Pleased to meet you said the bullet to the gun, lets get together and go and kill someone.” Hectic riffs and a crashing drumline accompany the vocals that are spat with venom.
Its no wonder they have managed to secure national radio play and even bagged support slots with punk legends THE BUZZCOCKS – these gals mean business.
I can guarantee that after one listen to “Dirty Protest“, you’ll be flipping through the album more than a prostitute flips her mattress. So punk, if you want something to make your day, then head down to the Dirty Protest Album Launch on Good Friday at The Navigation. You can do your confessing on Saturday.
Yours in Love of New Music,
Tom Hadfield x
PS Album will be available to buy on the night for just five pounds sterling.
#speadthelove
