Gigs and Stuff...

Sorry for the delay, we'll be back shortly.

2011-05-30T15:00:00.003+01:00

Yes unfortunately Gigsandstuff hasn't been itself lately, and there has been a lack of reports, songs and media being put up. This is due to the fact that I've currently got exams coming up and as any other teenager in my situation would be, I am in fact 'revising'. This drought should come to an end very soon and here's what we can look forward to appearing this coming summer...

Fleet Foxes

Glastonbury Festival

Arcade Fire

Odd Future

Latitude Festival

Noah and the Whale

Reading Festival

Bestival

Wild Beasts

I've got an absolutely unbelievable summer coming up, and I'll be writing about it here, so please keep checking up.

Thanks a lot, Jake

Sounds I like the sound of. #20

2011-05-05T21:38:00.001+01:00

'Weights'

Everything Everything

Man Alive

2010

Sounds I Like The Sound Of #19

2011-04-25T21:04:00.000+01:00

'Louie Louie'

The Kingsmen

1963

Sounds I like the sound of. #18

2011-04-22T20:59:00.000+01:00

'Perform This Way'

Weird Al Yankovic

2011

Sounds I like the sound of. #17

2011-04-14T21:23:00.001+01:00

'Get Down On it'

Kool and the Gang

Something Special
1981

Great Escape/May/Festival Preview

2011-04-10T19:30:00.002+01:00

It's been a while since I actually put some writing on here, it seems the south coast has been lacking some great musical entertainment the last few weeks. Anyway, let's look at everything we can look forward to...

Great Escape Previews

The Vaccines - They just released their debut album ‘What did you expect from The Vaccines?’ to critical acclaim, and what can you expect from The Vaccines? Well, some lethally groove-laden rock guitars and the same amount of energy as a case of Red Bull. The great british guitar band is back, and they’re going to be reigning in the great british summer with their infectious sound. They’re already on the rise, catch them before they explode.

The Naked and Famous - Straight from New Zealand this electro-pop outfit are gathering a lot of hype after being featured on Sound of 2011. Their big single ‘Young Blood’ gained massive popularity after being covered by Jessie J, following in the footsteps left by Passion Pit but adding some dance floor melodies; and as well as writing down tracks suitable for any club, the great thing about The Naked and Famous is they’ll treat you to some post-rock masterpieces too.

Friendly Fires - After staying out of the spotlight for a while Friendly Fires are back, and may we all have mercy from lead singer Ed Macfarlane’s liquid hips. Apparently they’re dance-punk, but really, these 3 guys from Hertfordshire just make excellent indie pop tunes with a samba twist. With songs that force you to throw some shapes, it’s no surprise that the first festival of the summer is the first to get the band that’ll be the sound of the summer.

YAAKS - Eastbourne boys YAAKS have a thing for strange spelling and capitals, their latest single ‘HRHRRHYTHM’ has gained quite a bit of airplay over the radio and they’re set to take you by storm. With bits of Friendly Fires and Foals thrown together with some extended instrumentals in there too. Making incredibly well crafted songs, with foot stomping brilliance they are definitely one to watch. Plus, they have an auxillary percussionist in the band too, and that’s just brilliant.

Gig Previews

Bedouin Soundclash - Concorde 2 - May 23rd

They may only have the one song, but after a few drinks and what will definitely be an enthusiastic crowd ‘When the night feels my song’ will go down an absolute storm. Although the band have suffered through illness and some line up changes over the years, they’re still as strong as ever. With more and more sunlight coming through the arches every day, a few reggae sounds can never be a warmer indicator that the Summer has begun.

Funeral Party - Concorde 2 - May 26th

As the world bids farewell to James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem we welcome to Brighton one of his many apprentices. With the same amount of energy and carnage of any LCD show, this californian four piece are a bit punk, a bit dance and a bit of everything else. They’re biggest single ‘New York City Moves To The Sound Of L.A’ will provide the biggest havoc, and with a reputation for an incredible live show, make sure you’re in attendance.

The Hoosiers - Audio - May 30th

It seems like a distant memory that The Hoosiers were playing the Brighton Centre, but the pop-rock sounds and lyrics about fictional superheroes are back. After releasing their massive debut ‘The Trick to Life’ in 2007 which reached number 1 in the charts, this is an opportunity to see a band that could easily bounce back soon. With classic sing-a-longs like ‘Goodbye Mr. A’ and ‘Worried about Ray’ they’re should be a good crowd in attendance, and no shortage of fun.

Festival Previews

Latitude Festival - Henham Park, Suffolk - 14th-17th July

In it’s sixth edition Latitude is putting more emphasis on it’s slogan ‘It’s more than just a music festival’ than ever. Although the line-up boasts incredible talent, with The National, Paolo Nutini and Suede headlining, and many more on the line-up, it’s everything but the music that’s really amazing. A live ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’, a Q&A with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon and the Royal National Ballet. It really is more than just a music festival.

Bestival - Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight - 8th-11th September

Curator Rob da Bank has definitely pulled out the line up of the year with this years Bestival. Yes the Isle of Wight extravaganza of whimsy and wonder is back and brags the line-up of line-ups. The Cure, Pendulum, Primal Scream presenting ‘Screamadelica’, Brian Wilson, PJ Harvey, Fatboy Slim, Kelis, Big Audio Dynamite, Paloma Faith, Noah and The Whale, Groove Armada, The Drums, Katy B, Brighton heart throbs The Maccabees, and The Village People. Speaks for itself really.

Reading Festival - Richfield Avenue, Reading - 26th-28th August

This years Reading doesn’t have the greatest line up ever; there’s no big reunion and no extraordinarily massive headliner. We get emo kings MCR, The Strokes and Muse, still not bad. That doesn’t mean Reading isn’t one of the best festivals in the country. It is. The campsite banter is brilliant, the sense of companionship with everyone there is incredible, the music is still great and the explosion of anarchy ready to come out at any time is always welcome.

Glastonbury - Worthy Farm, Pilton, Glastonbury - 22nd-26th June

Yes, the big one. No other festival garners the same hype as the yearly pilgrimage to Pilton. Although the whole can of beans hasn’t been spilt, we know that U2, Coldplay and Beyonce will be headlining the bash, with Fleet Foxes, The Chemical Brothers and Mumford and Sons all in attendance too. It’s either a drought or a deluge, so pack your flip-flops and wellies, and although we don’t know the weather, we’re definitely in for a good time.

Sounds I like the sound of. #16

2011-04-08T13:52:00.000+01:00

'Butterfly'

Crazy Town

1999

Sounds I like the sound of. #15

2011-04-03T19:23:00.002+01:00

'Everything In It's Right Place' (Radiohead)

Scala and Kolacny Brothers

It All Leads to This

2006

Sounds I like the sound of. #14

2011-03-30T23:28:00.002+01:00

'If you wanna'

The Vaccines

What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?

2011

Sounds I like the sound of. #13

2011-03-28T01:13:00.000+01:00

I Think UR a Contra

Vampire Weekend

Contra

2010

Sounds I like the sound of. #12

2011-03-25T22:59:00.001Z

'In the Flowers'

Animal Collective

Merriweather Post Pavilion

2009

Sounds I like the sound of. #11

2011-03-24T22:23:00.000Z

'Revolution 9'

The Beatles

The Beatles (The White Album)

1968

Sounds I like the sound of. #10

2011-03-22T23:49:00.000Z

'Ice Cream'

Battles

Gloss Drop

2011

Sounds I like the sound of. #9

2011-03-21T21:36:00.000Z

'Under Cover of Darkness'

The Strokes

Angles

2011

Sounds I like the sound of. #8

2011-03-20T21:26:00.000Z

'Surface of the Sun'

John Murphy

Sunshine OST

2007

Sounds I like the sound of. #7

2011-03-19T18:44:00.002Z

'Loaded'

Primal Scream

Screamadelica

1991

Sounds I like the sound of. #6

2011-03-18T16:35:00.001Z

'Common People'

Pulp

Different Class

1995

Sounds I like the sound of. #5

2011-03-17T20:14:00.002Z

'Love Like a Sunset'

Phoenix

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

2009

Sounds I like the sound of. #4

2011-03-16T18:07:00.000Z

'The Modern Age'

The Strokes

Is This It

2001

Sounds I like the sound of. #3

2011-03-15T22:23:00.001Z

'Aria'

Acker Bilk

Sounds I like the sound of. #2

2011-03-14T22:23:00.001Z

'Into Dust'

Asthar Command

Music from the OC: Mix 6

2006

Sounds I like the sound of. #1

2011-03-13T21:03:00.002Z

'Ddiamondd'

Battles

Mirrored

2007

The Naked and Famous + YAAKS: Digital 9/3/11

2011-03-11T20:52:00.000Z

A few weeks ago I had to write an 80 word preview for the Brighton Source describing how Eastbourne new-comers YAAKS and New Zealanders The Naked and Famous at Digital would be an excellent evening for all to see. Had I known then what I was letting myself in for, it would have been a much harder struggle to fit it into 80 words.

First up, YAAKS. Why do they capitalise their name? And why do they make song names, that you just can’t pronounce (‘HRHRRHYTHM’)? Why? Because these local lads are very clever indeed. This secrecy has really helped gather them some sort of cult following - even the picture of them on their website is all blurry, and everybody knows as soon as you’re mysterious, you’re interesting, and that certainly is YAAKS. A combination of Foals and Friendly Fires with some extended instrumentals thrown in, watch these guys because they most certainly will be big. Plus, they have an auxiliary percussionist, and that’s just brilliant.

On to the main event, The Naked and Famous, their single ‘Young Blood’ has probably been stuck in your head for a while now, but you just don’t realise it’s them, it’s an incredibly good song, but it really doesn’t justify the band as a whole. The first half of the set is songs of the same style, songs to get everyone at the front throwing their hands up in the air, but the second half, it’s like a new band have shown up. Suddenly, Mogwai have taken hold of the sound system and we’ve got massive instrumentals and intricate, building melodies with a colossal culmination of noise at the end, with the last track of the night ‘A Wolf in Geek’s Clothing’ providing suitable carnage.

Lions Are Smarter Than I Am - Galbras

2011-03-11T19:02:00.003Z

Here's a promo video that I've just finished for Lions Are Smarter Than I am, with the help of members of the band themselves. They are an excellent local band, and their next E.P 'American Idle' is coming out very soon

Enjoy

Radiohead: The King of Limbs

2011-02-20T22:02:00.006Z

With The Suburbs taking every album gong going, Win Butler of Arcade Fire looked poised to take the crown of Best Band in the World from the top of Thom Yorke’s head. But knowing Radiohead, it was never going to be an easy battle. And so, on Valentines day we were given the most beautiful news that could be broken, Radiohead have a new album out, excellent! When’s it out? Saturday. Ingenius! But apparently that was all just a rouse, and being the charming romantics that they are, they gave it out on Friday instead, a nice bit of chaos for the weekend papers to deal with then. The King of Limbs then, the 8th long-player from the legendary Oxford band, and only 8 tracks to show for it, had better be a blighter then.

In 2007 Radiohead re-invented themselves with In Rainbows it was stripped down, clean and beautiful in places. The King of Limbs then, is no In Rainbows, but that’s not a bad thing at all. Every track of TKOL has the characteristics of In Rainbows, but here we have a band following as many rules as Dr House. There’s no big guitars, no screaming solos but there is 38 minutes of pure, unadulterated beauty. Up first we have Bloom, pianos, electronics, drums they’re all here, but it is not until one minute in that these puzzle pieces fit together. Thom Yorke’s voice puts everything in it’s right place (Sorry) reverb-ing in and out, as violins flutter around and melodies fly about, overall creating a contained but quite reflexive opening track. The natural feel of Bloom goes on to set the tone for the rest of the The King of Limbs, named after a 1,000 year old oak tree in Wiltshire, here we have a record that clearly has taken inspiration from the environment. Not in an Al Gore let’s go and live in wooden huts and drive cars that run on chip oil way, but in a way that takes the beauty of the environment and transports it into an album. Although there are drum machines, and there are synthesizers here too, there’s is also a very organic sound. Bird song appears throughout the record and the reverb on Yorke’s voice makes you think it had been recorded from the woods of the King itself; even the album artwork is inspired from Northern European fairy tales of forests and woods.

The first single to come from TKOL is track 5 Lotus Flower, the video features Yorke throwing some shapes that I am extremely jealous of, and it’s been garnering some serious attention on the web, http://dancingthom.tumblr.com/ being the best thing to come from it so far. In regard to the song, it’s probably the most structured on the entire record, although that’s not saying it’s going to be getting up in the charts any time soon. Again, the impact of nature shows it’s face ‘Slowly we unfurl. Like lotus flowers’. I think that line generally embodies the entire album, The King of Limbs is Radiohead becoming a lotus flower, they’ve given themselves complete creative freedom and unfurled themselves, into something elegant, poignant and beautifully subtle. Following Lotus Flower is Codex and in my opinion one of Radiohead’s greatest musical feats to date. It is not cluttered, there is no heavy editing, all we have is a piano and a voice, and the same emotion in any rendition of Karma Police or Street Spirit, as well as the incredible simplicity of Reckoner, and where that track is now seen as the stand out from In Rainbows, Codex will be the very same for The King of Limbs. But all we can do now is wait, what will become of TKOL? It could well be seen as an E.P of abstract work to be looked at with one eye shut and a tilt of the head, or possibly one of the most beautiful bodies of work to happen since the start of the century.

Or, i could have written this all for nothing: http://www.thisisfakediy.co.uk/articles/blogs/the-king-of-limbs-is-there-a-second-radiohead-album-still-to-come

Band of Horses: De la Warr Pavilion 4/2/11

2011-02-06T17:01:00.003Z

After seeing the likes of Vampire Weekend and Kate Nash in 2010, the De la Warr’s repertoire for bringing in acts normally lighting up festival tents, to the south coast grows yet again. After touring around the country for the last few weeks, Seattle five piece Band of Horses UK tour culminated with an incredibly powerful yet beautifully intimate performance at the De la Warr.

So many bands rise out from the roots of America, but the bewitching, rich accent and the remains of the sound that once was the blues disappears through modern over-production. Not with Band of Horses though. Formed in 2004 by lead singer Ben Bridwell and now touring their third album - the Grammy nominated - Infinite Arms, the unmistakeable alternative side and sound of 'Country' lives throughout their discography.

Opening proceedings is Blue Beard an excellent showcase for Bridwell’s vocals, as well as the rest of the group, as they harmonise with him throughout, before being lead into lead single Compliments. An excellent, fast paced jolt from the usual toned down sway of textbook Country style. As the show continues, more and more focus is placed on the projections that play behind the band; normally the home for a static emblem for the artist, but here, they make it so much more. For Horses Du Jour a short introduction is made by a virtual Bridwell on screen, later a stop-motion film of the bands festival appearances plays through an entire song; but, between these well crafted clips the true visual highlight stands out. An ongoing collection of stunning photographs of central America. Whilst the band continue to play, empty sepia landscapes of the dry and desolate America that Bridwell recounts in his lyrics drift by, whilst his haunting voice fills the entire room.  

As well as providing songs that could quite easily fill up arenas, it is the bands delicate, more personal tracks that stand out. Evening Kitchen a duet of guitar and vocals manages to envelope the auditorium into complete silence as the evocative sound of nostalgia and reminiscence steals the voice and gaze of the crowd, through the power of beautiful musical simplicity. Although it is the minimal songs in Band of Horses collection that stand out, there is however one song that everyone has come here for, The Funeral, a swelling beast of modern Country craftsmanship, and although it must have been played at every single leg of their tour, the joy has not left the band. It is not only Bridwell, but every single member of the band pours their heart and soul into the song - as does the crowd - it is an uplifting and staggeringly exquisite song, played through a set of the most basic of instruments. Overall, An excellent performance by a band that have managed to bring one of the most important genres of the 20th century into the modern age, but not through a corporate, over- produced way, but through their own way. Band of Horses talent lies in there ability to create simply brilliant music, simply.

Is the High Street Ruining the Concert T-shirt?

2011-01-28T19:24:00.014Z

There's a girl that I know who wears a Bruce Springsteen 'Born in the USA' T-Shirt, it's a nice T-Shirt, plain white, one of Annie Leibowitz' finest album covers emblazoned on the front. After noticing it quite a few times, I point at the shirt and ask 'What's your favourite track?' - I'm thinking either the titular or 'Glory Days' - but who was I kidding, I knew what she was going to say before it even came out of her mouth. 'I don't know, i've never listened to it'. A horrible, heart sinking moment, that moment when you realise that the t-shirt you once thought may have a great back story and shared great memories, is not a legendary Fruit of the Loom cut off with an iron on logo, but is in fact from...Topshop.

The shirt that really threw me though, was one of Keith Richards, a man who has been playing incredible music for three times longer than the tweens wearing his face over their chests have been alive.

'Oh shit! A t-shirt with some Ray-Ban's and a cigarette on it, how deliciously indie. Who's Keith? Fuck Knows, he was probably in the Beatles'

It'll probably get thrown into the same drawer as that one with 'Hey Ho, Let's Go' on it, probably that other one with those four chaps walking across a zebra crossing and definitely that one with the giant red tongue.

T-shirts with bands on should only be bought from a concert. I've accumilated quite the collection over the last few years. Arcade Fire from Reading 2010 is getting relentless use at the moment, but if I had been watching highlights at 1am on BBC Three and then bought the shirt online, would i have the same attachment to it? Of course not. Whenever I put it on I just get reminded of one of the most incredible live shows i've ever seen. Just like when Johnny Clearasil saw the Rolling Stones no doubt.

High Street chains are destroying the cult fashion that goes side by side with live music. If shops like Topman or New Look keep producing these clothes, what will happen to the anonymous nod in the middle of the street, when you see the same shirt on someone else? It's going to turn into the anonymous keep head up and pretend you're not wearing River Island by Kasabian.

However, (not trying to be chic) I think the hand-me-downs are passable. I have a Reading festival t-shirt from the 70’s from when my Dad was on the gate there. At least there’s a story behind it. Haven’t got a ticket? Tenner and i don’t know about it. There may be a good few decades of long-drop smell festering in the cotton somewhere, but it’s from when Reading was still the National Jazz Festival and Arthur Brown, the God of hell-fire himself was burning away on stage.

The high street chains need to stop being so vintage and go back to doing what they do best, skinny jeans and tight t-shirts. Leave the mis-shapen, un-machine-washable and undeniably cool band t-shirts to that guy in the corner with a staple gun and absolutely no change, whatsoever. The great and true concert t-shirt retailer.

E.P: Lions Are Smarter Than I Am - Pop Idle

2011-01-06T00:12:00.004Z

It seems this local trio may in fact be smarter than a pack of wild cats. Here’s an EP bursting with promise and what sounds like a similarly bursting pedal board. A post-rock band with influences from Mogwai, but a sound distinctly their own. A lack of structure to the songs creates the occasional unexpected turn into distortion wonderland, but in this case, that’s not a bad thing at all. ‘Twenty one, Thirty one’ is track of the record, order in chaos defined.

Check them out on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lionsaresmarterthaniam

The Gigs and Stuff top 5 of the year.

2010-12-21T15:05:00.001Z

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Album)

Easily the most well reviewed album of the year and i’m not going to be the one to falter that. With two incredible albums behind their back, 2005 effort Funeral and Neon Bible from 2007, could this third effort be the turning point into realms of mastery, taking after Ok Computer and Born to Run and transforming a very good band, into a legendary one? Long story short, it could, and it did it in style. A record of unfaltering greatness, combining anthemic rock tracks like Month of May with the disco-tinged Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) with ease, whilst throughout, a haunting footprint of nostalgia treads through the landscape of this masterpiece.

Reading and Leeds 2010 (Festival)

Unfortunately, what this years Reading will always be remembered for is Axl Rose and his band of merry men, turning up on stage an hour late, then staging a hissy fit when the stage had to be shut down at midnight, not ‘rock and roll’ at all, he just looked like an idiot; from what i hear that is, i was watching Phoenix play a blinder in the NME tent. Saturday marked out what for a lot of people was the main event, sub-headlining, The Libertines, the likely lads back together for what was an emotional set, sharing the mic like nothing had happened and drawing a bigger crowd than headliners Arcade Fire, who needless to say i thought were incredible. This year also marked the return of Blink 182 to this side of the Atlantic, headlining the main stage on Sunday night, and although not the best band i’ve ever seen, they were exactly what you would expect them to be, funny, drunk and not taking themselves too seriously (Axl...)

Spanish Sahara - Foals (Song)

Named NME’s track of the year and mine too, this almost 7 minute epic marked a new direction for Foals, from indie-happy math rockers to second album heroes, a hurdle that so many hopefuls have fallen at. The debut track from the brilliant album Total Life Forever, begins with only a few minimal notes with Yannis Philippakis providing the wistful vocals, as the song turns into a monster of sound, building and building into an incredible musical feat. On record, the best song of the year, live, even better.

The Man Alive Ensemble: Everything Everything @ The Union Chapel (Gig)

One of the best bands to emerge from 2010, Everything Everything combined their debut album Man Alive with a 13 piece orchestra from the Royal Northern College of Music to create the strangest and most intelligent shows of the year. The setting, Union Chapel, providing a fittingly beautiful backdrop to the music on stage. With such a distinctive sound, I was unsure as to whether this collaboration of pedals and brass would work, but it just made every single song sound like it had been made for it. Now i must go back to listening to Man Alive without the RNCM orchestra at hand, but in the back of my mind i’ll know that for one cold December night it was so much more.

Drunk Girls - LCD Soundsystem (Video)

This year provided a host of technically incredible music videos, the body merging orgy of Klaxons Twin Flames, the product placement crammed Gaga effort Telephone and the Stylo car chase from Gorillaz, starring none other than John McClane. Unfortunately my favourite video for the year is not some James Cameron cut off, it is in fact just that simple concept of James Murphy and his bandmates getting physically tormented by a barrage of men in mouse suits, and who could want more than that? There’s no message behind it, no underlying meaning and no thought provoking message for us all to look inside ourselves and think about those worse off. It’s just a bit of fun, and personally i think that’s what music videos should all be about.

The Man Alive Ensemble: Everything Everything, Union Chapel 15/12/10

2010-12-17T13:13:00.002Z

During November the Union Chapel in Islington played host to the BBC's Little Noise sessions, bringing big artists back into a small intimate venue, but on a cold December Wednesday music returned to the chapel. The combination of the most critically acclaimed bands of 2010 and a 13 piece orchestra from the Royal Northern College of Music, The Man Alive Ensemble, one of the live events of the year.

After a sell out show at the RNCM, the Union Chapel show is the culmination of months of work between the band and an orchestra made of students from RNCM, but also the finale to what has been an incredible year for Everything Everything. Since releasing their debut album 'Man Alive' in September to extremely positive reviews the band have gone from mid-way down the festival listings to one of the bands to see, with next year looking even more promising as there's a slot on the NME awards tour for them too.

Having never been to the Union Chapel before i did not know what to expect, but to be sat in pews is one of the most strange but also brilliant ways to witness a band. Christmas decor in full around the venue, the band took to the stage in formal attire before launching into lead single 'Schoolin'. With such a heavy synth based sound, and no Korg or Yamaha in sight, it is down to the orchestra to take up the mantle. With the riffs and melodies coming from strings and brass, a whole new layer is added to the sound, almost as if the band were meant to play like this. The more synth-laden tracks open the set, dropping the audience head first into the sound of of Stratocasters and strings. It is only a couple of songs into the set that the full force of the ensemble can be heard, ‘Suffragette Suffragette’ leaves guitars on the ground and three part harmonies filling up every cavern of the chapel. A series of orchestra heavy tracks follow, showcasing front man Jonathan ‘Everything’’s vocals where they had been previously disguised within the electric sounds of ‘Man Alive’.

The highlight of the night is ‘Photoshop Handsome’ one of the band’s earliest efforts. Lyrically one of the most astounding things you’ll ever hear, and with an added orchestra it makes it just about one of the best songs i’ve ever seen. It’s the song that has been most edited by the ensemble and begins with a previously unheard string introduction, beginning very minimally before turning into a crescendo of violins and cellos. A moment of silence, before the signature introduction is taken over by the brass section and gradually one of the finest live events of the season comes together and everyone watches in wonder. It’s a melee of sound, that you would never think could create such an incredible musical combination.

Even though the Man Alive ensemble show sold out, it broadcast live on iPhones, iPads and computers everywhere. Speaking with Jonathan after the show he said ‘It was strange thinking that people are watching this all the way around the world, or more likely just some people up in Scotland’, he may just be being modest but after witnessing what I believe to be one of the best live shows in a long time, it is not going to be a long time until Everything Everything are not just being watched on mobile phones, but playing live around the world too.

Rating: *****

Vampire Weekend: Brighton Centre 1/12/10

2010-12-05T17:20:00.002Z

Almost a foot of snow questioned whether or not the afro-pop quintet Vampire Weekend would play to anyone at the Brighton Centre on Wednesday, but thankfully it was business as usual, and the show would go on. They come on stage dressed in jeans and shirts, whilst the Berghaus clad crowd still shiver, waiting for some feeling in their feet, before getting them moving.

Holiday and White Sky from the band's critically acclaimed second album Contra provide an excellent, up beat, opening ceremony that gradually gets everyone's hands out of their gloves and into the air. Initially looking quite stiff and awkward on stage, possibly feeling the cold too, the New Yorkers slowly loosen up, and before launching into their next song, lead singer Ezra Koenig thanks the audience for braving the weather and making it to the gig.

Lead single Cousins provides a fast paced, energetic centre piece, followed soon by their breakthrough song A-Punk which really gets those cold feet moving. For the encore, Horchata, a merry winter tale that could not be more fitting than on this night, the architecturally ardent Mansard Roof and then the band’s typical finale, the brilliant, ever crescendoing Walcott which leaves the crowd with a tune to hum out into the snow.

As well as providing top notch songs, being polite is one of the things Vampire Weekend have become synonymous with, and i’ve got to agree. Throughout the course of the show the band thanks everyone for coming again, ask if everybody is feeling ok, if they’re having a good time; and while some bands will play through their set not muttering a word - 'oh, how mysterious' - Vampire Weekend are just having a bit of fun, and they want everyone to be part of it, and you can't fault that.

E.P: Early Ghost - We Crossed the Waves

2010-11-12T17:32:00.003Z

Since releasing their eponymous debut, Early Ghost could have easily settled in with the Mumford and Sons of this world. Luckily, their new E.P ‘We Crossed the Waves’ shows paths into darker, nu-folk territory. Although some tracks share the style of the first record, it’s the more intense, enigmatic songs that stand out. The slow-burning ‘1914’ the highlight, and the medieval tinged ‘Bernardo’ another strong point. Overall, an improvement from their debut, and hopefully the sound of things to come.

Check them out on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/earlyghost

Foals: Brighton Dome 8/11/10

2010-11-10T19:29:00.002Z

Math-Rockers Foals brought their Mercury award nominated album Total Life Forever to Brighton this November. A combination of debut album Antidotes and the new record itself, led to a gig of thorough intensity, theatrics and a prime example of new musical genius.

As the band walk on stage, there is no acknowledgment of the crowd and calmly the band members don their instruments and it begins. Opener ‘Blue Blood’ is a relatively melancholic start to the night, this song, built on crescendo, acts as a prelude to the highlights of the rest of the evening. The hip-hop drums of ‘Miami’ come next offering up some energy to the crowd and the titular track ‘Total Life Forever’ another boost for the audience. A small offering of greeting comes from frontman Yannis, but nothing more for the rest of the night. A small breath for air is half-grabbed before we are plummeted into a combo of Antidotes favourites ‘Cassius’ and ‘Balloons’ and finally everything is calm, as what comes next is the pinnacle of the evening and of Foals discography, ‘Spanish Sahara’. This slow building epic acts as a centre-piece for the set, what begins as a few varied notes entwined with timid vocals gradually becomes an uncontrollable tornado of sound, an incredible feat, the crowd in awe.

The band return for an encore climaxing in the theatrical event of the season. During the finale - and early Foals classic - ‘Two Steps Twice’, Yannis not only climbs an amp, he then takes to the upper tier of the venue, guitar still in hand. Cool and collected he strolls around the upper level, still playing, and finally returning to the stage for a triumphant ending. An incredible live show, but the possible exclusion of lead single ‘This Orient’ a slight disappoint, otherwise it was remarkable.

Mumford and Sons: Brighton Dome 4/10/10

2010-10-06T22:33:00.013+01:00

The crown kings of new-folk descended upon the south coast for a royal spectacular this week. The 'Gentlemen of the Road' is the name of the current tour, and the four men of Mumford and Sons were gentlemen indeed. As well as treating the audience to an incredible show, the four men showed just how polite they are too, asking if it 'would be ok to play a new song?' - of course it would Marcus - and later retracing the venues they've played in Brighton as if everyone was sitting up there with them, just having a chat.

The band began with familiar opener Sigh no More, four spotlights shine as the four, tweed-clad gents sing as one, as if they are singing a choral hymn. The audience is entranced, that is until that banjo comes in, and the Dome erupts with life. It is followed by favourite Roll away your stone and then we're introduced to 'the waltz' of Winter Winds which goes down well - although nobody really finds a partner for this waltz in this ballroom. A small while into the set and we reach my personal highlight of the night Timshel, it had never been one of my favourites on the album, but it is brought to life in concert. Again only four lights shine upon the men, their attention so intense, it feels like the band are making eye contact with everyone in the crowd, we dare not move, we dare not utter a single word as to ruin the spectacle.

A sigh, as everyone stops holding their breath, and slowly we are back into the fast paced, folk that we know and love. Small strings of light bulbs have been hanging from the ceiling, un-lit for the duration so far, that is until Little Lion Man. The light bulbs, the house lights, the stage lights, flash on. The audience looks at each other, new-born babies, basking in the light of the world for the first time, then plunged back into the darkness and the floor is alive. A new song, Lover of the Light follows, it's a lot more 'rocked' up from previous work, just as good, and I dare say, not a banjo in sight.

Before the obligatory encore, Dustbowl Dance brings a slow burning, wailing guitar-filled, short lived end to the show, before the band return for I Gave you All and the one we had all been waiting for, the ever so Mumford-y The Cave, all the classic instruments return for this compilation of everything we love about new-folk.

As well as being an incredible live band, I'm pleased that the band are just so polite; and i'm thankful for this, as the new-folk style has brought the band into the limelight like no other (A mercury prize nomination, countless festivals, ticket re-sale prices at £95), and it's still like they're playing in a pub, as if they don't even realise the scale of their success. We just have to hope that they never do.

Radiohead: Format error.

2010-09-20T22:36:00.006+01:00

Before i start this small article, i would like to point out that Radiohead are the best band in the world. Period. But even i've had enough of bands trying to think of the new big idea, that doesn't involve the progress of their own music. In an essay for 'Index on Censorship' Colin Greenwood has written "We have just finished another group of songs," he wrote. "And have begun to wonder about how to release them in a digital landscape that has changed again.".

The band are incredibly talented and create some of the most intelligent, inventive and intriguing music ever made, but there's no need to take that ideal into the distribution of music. Sure, with the release of 'In Rainbows' in 2007, Radiohead made headlines with a pay what you like scheme for the album's release. It was clever, and no doubt got them more fans (as i'm sure for some it was pay nothing at all) . But, Thom Yorke and the rest of the Radiohead's need to stop thinking about how to be more foreward-thinking; and how to fast track the 'synergy' of music distribution. Just stop. The clever part is the music, let it speak for itself. Maybe i'm cynical about it, maybe i just don't do enough blue-sky thinking to see why the world needs one band to release an album, in a different format to everyone else, i like iTunes and cd's (yes i'm 17 and reminiscing about iTunes). But, i think the underlying issue is maybe, just maybe, Radiohead are scared. Perhaps they think the next album is not going to be as well received as everything before it (i pray it's not so), so they need something big, inventive and ever so Radiohead-y just to get in those reviews.

But, i'm a cynic, and i hope i'm wrong.

Itunes Festival: Biffy Clyro and Pulled Apart by Horses

2010-08-04T19:45:00.011+01:00

In early May me and 3 friends got on a train headed for London Victoria, from there we were to get the tube to Hammersmith and that night witness 'The Biff' in all their glory. But, it was not the case, as upon reaching Gatwick airport we heard those immortal words: 'everyone, i left the tickets at the station'. It's not all bad though, i made the culprit buy me some dinner.

Still, that is quite annoying, so naturally, when i was at Glastonbury and heard the rumour that Biffy were to play a special guest slot on The Park stage on saturday night, i just had to get there, and thankfully they weren't just rumours (Chemical Brothers at the Stonebridge Bar, was a strong one. Somehow). What followed was a sweaty, injury filled 7 song set filled with some of the band's biggest hits, but it only left me wanting more. So when Itunes announced that Biffy Clyro were due to play the finale of their festival season at the roundhouse i knew i had to be there. After losing out on tickets for any of the gigs, every week, my chances were running low, but as that last glimmer of hope, Biffy started posting competitions for the last sets of tickets for the gig, and thankfully - to UK Under Current - i won tickets, and with the support turning out to be the much hyped Pulled Apart by Horses, i was just in the best of luck.

'Surely the greatest live band in Britain' says The Observer about Pulled Apart by Horses, so i was pretty hopeful about them. The Observer was not wrong. Maybe not the greatest live band in the UK, but these guys sure can play. Both lead singer/guitar Tom Hudson and lead guitar James Brown jump into the crowd at various occasions during the set, they similarly share a love for standing on top of 5ft amps and whipping out a hypnotic guitar solo. Favourites 'High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive' (preceded by high-fiving your neighbour, naturally), 'I punched a Lion in the Throat' and 'Hey Buddy' go down a storm, and when these guys leave the stage an air of awe lingers around the crowd as they haven't just played a gig, they have played a show.

As Zane Lowe put at the end of the original broadcast of Biffy's 'That Golden Rule': 'Terrifying!, is that what you wanted, Biffy Clyro fans, is that what you've been hoping for all week all day'. And it was everything i'd been hoping for, at Glastonbury it was still light and too hot and there was no real light show, but here, under a roof, with a light system and a relatively cool room, 'That Golden Rule' was absolutely astonishing. Followed by the light/sound-synchronized 'Living is a Problem' this opening duo of belters set the mood for the night, this crowd was definitely in store for something incredible. Highlights from 2007 album 'Puzzle' includes a monumental '9/15ths', a crowd pleasing 'Who's got a match' and my personal highlight of the night, an emotional solo acoustic version of 'Machines' from lead singer Simon Neill. 'Mountains' the song that got Biffy into the top 10 in the summer of 2008 brings a strong sing along as does 2009 album 'Only Revolutions' single 'Many of Horror'. Not to be outdone by their support band, members of the band lept down stage to see the fans, as well as facing the death defying amp-climb solo. Closing with an encore of 'Cloud of Stink' and the gigantic 'The Captain', these 3 boys from Kilmarnock leave us with torn shirts, trampled feet but most of all, the need to see them do it all again.

Definitely two of the most exciting bands in Great Britain, it's no surprise that Biffy Clyro have sold out arena dates in the winter. As for Pulled Apart by Horses, they're live shows will be picking up so much buzz you won't be able to miss them.

3 Track Preview: Kele - 'The Boxer'

2010-05-14T21:08:00.009+01:00

As one of many loyal Bloc Party fans out there, i was very skeptical about lead singer Kele Okereke's solo project. With an upcoming album entitled 'The Boxer' under the name Kele I was holding my breath.

Before Bloc Party went on hiatus, tracks such as 'One More Chance' showed a clear dance influence on the band, so it's no surprise that Kele has swayed to a far more dance based style for his upcoming album, he has even 'dropped guitars' on some tracks, leaving a gap for more of a dubstep and drum and bass sound.

Lead single 'Tenderoni' is not just a step away from Bloc Party its a completely different sound, comparisons to Wiley's hit single 'Wearing My Rolex' spring to mind, with it's dark synth bassline. Although the sound has changed, Kele's lyrical style has not, he croons 'Every time we kiss it seems like you’re holding back/Don’t be so quick to pull away' Lyrics like this suited Bloc Party, but for the sound of 'The Boxer' i'm not convinced. Soon enough though, the lyrics fade away into a strong powerful bassline, suitable for any party.

Album opener 'Walk Tall' kick starts with a dubstep beat worthy of any form of 'skanking' you can think of, and signs of Bloc Party's 'Intimacy' track 'Ares' show here, with the to-ing and fro-ing of lyrics coming from Kele in a war-like chant. As the synth heavy bassline begins to growl the sound of indie kids waiting for a new 'Helicopter' can almost be heard sulking back home, as there's nothing here but the beast that Kele has become.

'Signs' from 'Intimacy' was one of my favourite tracks from the album, and i'm pleased to say the glockenspiel is back for 'Rise'. Although a great sound is back from Bloc Party for 'Rise', once again i'm not convinced by Kele's new lyrical direction 'Brothers and sisters, can’t you see you are stronger than you think?' but as soon as it's come in, it's fading away, clearing a path for a dark, intense and incredible drop.

From these 3 tracks, i'd say that 'The Boxer' is definately going to be turning some heads, but also turning away a vast majority hoping for some more Bloc Party. Elements of the tracks do show a brave new direction for Okereke and I do like the songs, but I'm still unconvinced on some aspects of them. But hopefully on June 21 when the album is out, it will all piece together to make something worth listening to.

Xbox Reverb: The Maccabees, La Shark and The Laurel Collective at The Village Underground

2010-05-02T11:41:00.003+01:00

After weeks of signing up, losing out, entering competitions and generally trawling the internet to get a ticket for the finale of Xbox 360's 'Reverb' tour, finally, through the help of The Penny Club - A youth run media blog website - i finally managed to make it to the gig and boy, it did not dissapoint. The Shoreditch based venue The Village Underground was nothing like i expected. A giant pink spray painted 'Reverb' on the side of the building was only the first of many brilliant features to the venue's appearance, a large neon 'Xbox 360' led the way under the door, and finally after sorting out wristbands and passes we were in, and it took my breath away.

As well as the main floor of the Village Underground, there were two long and wide brick archways filled with televisions and consoles, projections on the walls and a bar. The architecture of the building made me think of another of my favourite venues, Brighton's Concorde 2, with its large brickwork and arching. Maybe that's part of the formula for an excellent venue.

Anyway, this isn't a blog about architecture this is a blog about music, so here we go. The first band up were the Laurel Collective, who got their place thanks to Xbox's ingenious system where the fans pick the bands, and the fans picked very well. The Laurel Collective's 'experimental avant-folk-pop' was excellent, vocalists Martin Sakutu and Bob Tollast kept form throughout, their to-ing and fro-ing of melodies keeping everyone on their feet, whilst the other members kept the sound-scapes filling the room. The Laurel Collective, watch out for them, they'll be up there with their 'collective' counterparts, 'The Animal...' soon enough.

Up next were 'La Shark'. Even before they started playing, i knew they were going to treat us to something special. As the band appeared from the green room, i made a double take, surely they didn't all have mime-artist face paint over their eyes? But as surely as lead singer Samuel Geronimo Deschamps' hair is tall, long, bright red and only on top they were, and it suited them, it somehow did. The organ driven '1958' was a highlight, as well as the foot stomping 'Mr Modern Man', but the thing i liked most about La Shark is the charismatic Deschamps, he pulls in the crowd, reaches the high notes and manages to sing in french, without being cheesy. Yes Matt Bellamy, I'm talking to you.

On to the headline act, The Maccabees, and even on my fourth or fifth gig they always pull it out of the bag. This gig was their last gig before heading back to the studio (other than festival appearances), so they were going to go out with a bang! The opener 'William Powers', from their second album 'Wall of Arms' kick started the crowd in good fashion, followed by a riotous 'One Hand Holding' and soon enough fan pleaser 'Can you give it'. The second half of the set contained first album fan favourites 'Toothpaste Kisses' with lead singer Orlando Weeks' whistling skills in fine performance, and the ever brilliant 'First Love'. Then the dark bassline of 'No Kind Words' reared its head (With friend of the band and music video star Matthew Horne in the crowd) and it went down a treat. 'Love you Better' closed the set, and emotions ran high as Orlando and guitarist Felix dropped their instruments and stage dived into the wild crowd. So, even after relentless touring, they still have as much fun as they can at gigs and i suppose thats why they're one of my favourite bands, they just love what they do.

After the set i had a few words with Orlando and Sam Doyle (Drummer) and to my surprise they remember Eastbourne Festival 2009, my first Maccabees gig. 'It was in a ballroom wasn't it?', yes Sam, yes it was.

As i said before, The Maccabees, they never dissapoint.

Jake

In The Beginning...There was Light, and my first entry.

2010-04-28T22:57:00.001+01:00

Hello there! and welcome to 'Gigs and Stuff' my ingeniously named gig, concert and anything musically based blog. Although i'm only 16, compared to a lot of my friends i'm considered a veteran on the live music field (As my growing 'Ticket Wall' also suggests), and they're getting pretty sick of me banging on about the last gig i went to, the next festival line up being revealed and of course my ever continuing rallies for troops for the next outing to Brighton or London.

So instead of continuing to bore my friends about one of my big passions, i thought i may aswell bore you, the reader. Plus, if i'm writing it here, i won't be banging on about it at college too! And if you keep checking up, i'll start posting reviews for some of my upcoming gigs: (If i can make it) The Maccabees - 29/4/2010 at The Village Underground, and then a week later Biffy Clyro at the HMV Apollo.

So keep checking up, I might be reviewing your favourite band next!

Jake Cunningham