Look at that band name. Just look at it; six words. SIX. That's the maximum permitted limit for Registered Political Parties in the UK, and by the Heavens you can imagine these Lancashire miserablists coming around at election time to direct undecided voters to the nearest pub to scape all the silliness.
Well, okay, "miserablists" is not entirely accurate, for SJB&TF have a sly wit undercutting their accented blues. With "Cover of the Rolling Stone", the lightest of the tracks on new EP "...have left the building", nevertheless runs along with a style which presumably must be accompanied by video footage of the band nodding their heads to the barman to order extra drinks during the set. The sleazy "Fabulous Club" has a storyteller's charm, albeit the kind with a parental advisory sticker and its own sleek black carrier bag. "Behind The Moon" is something altogether different - it's not 'haunting' in the sense All Saints' "Pure Shores" was 'haunting', it genuinely does unsettle, a lament that is so honest it hurts. Real foot-on-a-plug-socket hurts.
To be absolutely honest - would you want things any other way? - the EP is one of the strongest little (even 'ickle' for those who prefer such linguistic throwaways) collections you are likely to hear, accompanied or not by swigging red wine straight from the bottle.
Stephen James Buckley and The Feverdreamers' "...have left the building" can be found, listened to, and downloaded here
Friday, 30 July 2010
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Liam Rhodes
Liam Rhodes is a conservative blogger and social media communicator...During a recent spate of discussions and arguments on Twitter about his personal politics and definition of conservatism in the age of the Coalition.
I offered to ask Liam some questions following on from these discussions. This is what came from the questions...
You can find me on Twitter @doktorb, or Liam at @LiamRhodes.
So, Liam, thanks for this, for those who may not have seen you on Twitter before now, it may be best if we just find out a little about you.....
Well, I'm 21. I've been a member of the Conservative Party since 2005. I sought election in a difficult ward as a borough councillor in 2010. I'm also the blogger behind www.onenationtory.com.
...Good, right, on Twitter you have been taking part in a continuing discussion about whether you are a "capital C" Conservative. How would you describe yourself ?
That is, I am a small 'c' Conservative. I believe in Government providing both a ladder and a safety net whilst the State is smaller than it was in the Labour years to make room for private sector, sustainable growth. I also believe that the State should leave people alone and let them get on with their lives. I am an advocate of equal rights - but also free speech.
One recent tweet from you said you had become more progressive over the years, how would you describe this process?
A very painful personal journey for me resulted in the anti-progressivism to begin with. It's a difficult question for me to answer.
Did the Coalition agreement change your opinion specifically? Or was this a process already in motion before the election?
I support the coalition because it is first and foremost in the national interest, and I believe it is where the Conservative Party has an opportunity to further change.
Would defecting away from the Conservative Party ever be an option for you? What are your opinions of people who do defect parties?
Not unless the Conservative Party took a big turn to the right. My opinions of people who defect are not negative; I understand that in some circumstances, people's hearts change.
In terms of specific policies, the Coalition are accused of slashing spending on public services at the least appropriate time. Are you concerned by the cuts to public services?
To what degree is the current Council Tax scheme "fair" ?
I believe Council Tax system is fair because it is progressive in the sense that older people pay less and people who live alone get a discount.
At what level should, for example, Child Tax Credits or Child Benefits be cut? Are you afraid the Labour Government spent too much on such benefits, or is "too much" not a problem when dealing with child and family welfare?
I believe Child Tax Credits and benefits should be means-tested further, and I am disheartened by the fact that we didn't act on this when we had the opportunity. I am very concerned that Labour created a means of Statism whereby people felt they were dependent on the State. They favour State dependence because it results in more votes for them - and they believe in a large State.
Should there be an English Parliament?
No. I simply don't believe we need one. It would cost a heck of a lot and there is no added value to balance that cost.
What is a "living wage" in your opinion?
I would support an increase in the minimum wage to £6 with inflation, but not during the current economic climate. I would never support a 'living wage' because it would result in economic failure. No business will employ some unskilled workers for £7 or more per hour. It's simply unsustainable.
Which former British Prime Minister do you most admire?
Margaret Thatcher. Not because of her social Conservatism - far from it. Because she fought for what she believed in and she saved the British economy from turmoil.
And finally.....What is it about Twitter you like so much?
I like the fact that you can be in contact people who share common interests. I certainly don't like it when things get personal. For example, I've just been called 'arrogant'. Oh well!
((This interview was carried out by email. Questions and responses have been re-ordered and edited for space))
I offered to ask Liam some questions following on from these discussions. This is what came from the questions...
You can find me on Twitter @doktorb, or Liam at @LiamRhodes.
So, Liam, thanks for this, for those who may not have seen you on Twitter before now, it may be best if we just find out a little about you.....
Well, I'm 21. I've been a member of the Conservative Party since 2005. I sought election in a difficult ward as a borough councillor in 2010. I'm also the blogger behind www.onenationtory.com.
...Good, right, on Twitter you have been taking part in a continuing discussion about whether you are a "capital C" Conservative. How would you describe yourself ?
I'm a liberal one nation Conservative. I have always been a liberal, one nation Conservative.
That is, I am a small 'c' Conservative. I believe in Government providing both a ladder and a safety net whilst the State is smaller than it was in the Labour years to make room for private sector, sustainable growth. I also believe that the State should leave people alone and let them get on with their lives. I am an advocate of equal rights - but also free speech.
One recent tweet from you said you had become more progressive over the years, how would you describe this process?
A very painful personal journey for me resulted in the anti-progressivism to begin with. It's a difficult question for me to answer.
Did the Coalition agreement change your opinion specifically? Or was this a process already in motion before the election?
I support the coalition because it is first and foremost in the national interest, and I believe it is where the Conservative Party has an opportunity to further change.
Would defecting away from the Conservative Party ever be an option for you? What are your opinions of people who do defect parties?
Not unless the Conservative Party took a big turn to the right. My opinions of people who defect are not negative; I understand that in some circumstances, people's hearts change.
In terms of specific policies, the Coalition are accused of slashing spending on public services at the least appropriate time. Are you concerned by the cuts to public services?
I put my faith in the Coalition to protect the front-line services and the most vulnerable.
To what degree is the current Council Tax scheme "fair" ?
I believe Council Tax system is fair because it is progressive in the sense that older people pay less and people who live alone get a discount.
At what level should, for example, Child Tax Credits or Child Benefits be cut? Are you afraid the Labour Government spent too much on such benefits, or is "too much" not a problem when dealing with child and family welfare?
I believe Child Tax Credits and benefits should be means-tested further, and I am disheartened by the fact that we didn't act on this when we had the opportunity. I am very concerned that Labour created a means of Statism whereby people felt they were dependent on the State. They favour State dependence because it results in more votes for them - and they believe in a large State.
Instead of handing out these forms of benefits, it makes much more sense to me to cut tax.
Should there be an English Parliament?
No. I simply don't believe we need one. It would cost a heck of a lot and there is no added value to balance that cost.
What is a "living wage" in your opinion?
I would support an increase in the minimum wage to £6 with inflation, but not during the current economic climate. I would never support a 'living wage' because it would result in economic failure. No business will employ some unskilled workers for £7 or more per hour. It's simply unsustainable.
Which former British Prime Minister do you most admire?
Margaret Thatcher. Not because of her social Conservatism - far from it. Because she fought for what she believed in and she saved the British economy from turmoil.
And finally.....What is it about Twitter you like so much?
I like the fact that you can be in contact people who share common interests. I certainly don't like it when things get personal. For example, I've just been called 'arrogant'. Oh well!
((This interview was carried out by email. Questions and responses have been re-ordered and edited for space))
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
The Empire State - "There Was A Hero"
Gender testing athletes, pan-Continental legal kerfuffles, banning festival flags, and demonstrations against equality in healthcare; just what on earth is going on in the world these days? Some common sense, that is what we're after, sitting down to observe the world from a sedentary position away from the madcap, the panic of for-the-hell-of-it news print, the rise in unnecessary worries.
And while you're sitting there world-watching, listen to some Empire State, the Lancashire band with a heavy dose of Turin Brakes and unplugged Manics about them. The mood through "There Was A Hero" is essentially contemplative with "Found Me In Your Photographs" a typical example of their mature take on topics so often wrung dry. Your standard indie band the Empire State are not, this EP is sober in all senses of the word. Its title track is a genuine and moving song not too far removed from "Local Boy In The Photograph" for those Stereophonics fans still around to admit such things.
And while you're sitting there world-watching, listen to some Empire State, the Lancashire band with a heavy dose of Turin Brakes and unplugged Manics about them. The mood through "There Was A Hero" is essentially contemplative with "Found Me In Your Photographs" a typical example of their mature take on topics so often wrung dry. Your standard indie band the Empire State are not, this EP is sober in all senses of the word. Its title track is a genuine and moving song not too far removed from "Local Boy In The Photograph" for those Stereophonics fans still around to admit such things.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Glasto Ferret
Preston's Mad Ferret is hosting its regular antidote to cramming in a bus down south with another "Glasto Ferret", this year packed with more emerging talent than a fire-drill at the studios for Britain's Next Top Model. From whom, I have picked some tasty names for delight, but this weekend there's the promise of ice-cream from a real-life frozen pudding truck in addition to the bands, beats, and beer. Anymore could you ask in all honesty...?
Mindshock are the definition of intriguing, the unique vocal twang (think Brandon Flowers with hiccups) setting a serious slant to leftfield songs. Their new EP "Dream Story" is on
offer a iTunes and should be a vital purchase.
Raucous riff-crazed The Adventures of Loki are all the fun of British Bulldogs in the playground, with more playful boy/girl on-stage action than would be permitted overseas. When they suggest listeners "Dance Like A Maniac" only space disallows doing just that - the punching melodies are just half the story. For a full spec, they must be watched live - nay, witnessed - with anticipation turned higher than the speakers.
No festival, anywhere, can occur without madcap beardy loving, so ensuring all daughters are zipped securely away, The Loungs are one combine harvester away from perfection. With the full brass and cheery harmonies any sane person could ask for, this is the kind of sound you don't know you'll regret missing unless you do.
Underdogs have the sincerity and presence to convince you that they're running through your favourite songs, such is the strength of their infections, intelligent set. Dragging indie through strip-clubs and backstreet bars to toughen it up a little, avoidance of this highly impressive band is probably going to be harder the way things are going.
Swooning and sweeping melodies, the very sound of Kate Bush playing hopscotch in the rain, Sophie's Pigeons are alluring and magnetic, quite the curtain-twitchingly curious. In most cases they are not even trying to be impressive, the piano-led abundance of fun pours out sounding perfectly natural and feeling positively renewing.
Throughout the weekend from 26-28th June, there are over a dozen more outstanding groups from nearabouts, enough to tempt you from Wimbledon, clearing out the cupboards, or spending time with any significant other (they'll understand....)
Mindshock are the definition of intriguing, the unique vocal twang (think Brandon Flowers with hiccups) setting a serious slant to leftfield songs. Their new EP "Dream Story" is on
offer a iTunes and should be a vital purchase.Raucous riff-crazed The Adventures of Loki are all the fun of British Bulldogs in the playground, with more playful boy/girl on-stage action than would be permitted overseas. When they suggest listeners "Dance Like A Maniac" only space disallows doing just that - the punching melodies are just half the story. For a full spec, they must be watched live - nay, witnessed - with anticipation turned higher than the speakers.
No festival, anywhere, can occur without madcap beardy loving, so ensuring all daughters are zipped securely away, The Loungs are one combine harvester away from perfection. With the full brass and cheery harmonies any sane person could ask for, this is the kind of sound you don't know you'll regret missing unless you do.
Underdogs have the sincerity and presence to convince you that they're running through your favourite songs, such is the strength of their infections, intelligent set. Dragging indie through strip-clubs and backstreet bars to toughen it up a little, avoidance of this highly impressive band is probably going to be harder the way things are going.
Swooning and sweeping melodies, the very sound of Kate Bush playing hopscotch in the rain, Sophie's Pigeons are alluring and magnetic, quite the curtain-twitchingly curious. In most cases they are not even trying to be impressive, the piano-led abundance of fun pours out sounding perfectly natural and feeling positively renewing.
Throughout the weekend from 26-28th June, there are over a dozen more outstanding groups from nearabouts, enough to tempt you from Wimbledon, clearing out the cupboards, or spending time with any significant other (they'll understand....)
Friday, 12 June 2009
Bikini Black Special - The Grim Mathematics Of Intercourse
Sounding like MGMT fronted by a Bond Girl, electronica group Bikini Black Special are menacing and intense, broken glass sharp throughout their debut album "The Grim Mathematics of Intercourse".
In place of abandonment and summer beach anthems, tight rock beats and layered samples roll and crash, the album veritably stuffed with the equivalent of speeding freight-trains of styles and additions following each other. Throbbing bass, trip-hop beats, vocals crunched and wrapped in white noise: this is a paradox of an album, hyperactive but paranoid, serious while celebratory.
While the crafting of each track is clear and potentially restrictive, "Grim Mathematics" will not fail to hook in any listener - be it the evangelical fervour of "Black Hat" or the techno revivalism in "Repo Men". The phrase "Bikini Black Special" refers to one of the highest levels of alert state used by the Ministry of Defense, with no defined target; the tracks here should put the exciting band on the highest state of alert, undoubted better things should follow.
The album "The Grim Mathematics of Intercourse" can be found http://bikiniblackspecial.bandcamp.com/album/the-grim-mathematics-of-intercourse
The band can be found at http://www.bikiniblackspecial.com/
"The Grim Mathematics of Intercourse" is launched at The Mad Ferret in Preston on 20 June
In place of abandonment and summer beach anthems, tight rock beats and layered samples roll and crash, the album veritably stuffed with the equivalent of speeding freight-trains of styles and additions following each other. Throbbing bass, trip-hop beats, vocals crunched and wrapped in white noise: this is a paradox of an album, hyperactive but paranoid, serious while celebratory.
While the crafting of each track is clear and potentially restrictive, "Grim Mathematics" will not fail to hook in any listener - be it the evangelical fervour of "Black Hat" or the techno revivalism in "Repo Men". The phrase "Bikini Black Special" refers to one of the highest levels of alert state used by the Ministry of Defense, with no defined target; the tracks here should put the exciting band on the highest state of alert, undoubted better things should follow.
The album "The Grim Mathematics of Intercourse" can be found http://bikiniblackspecial.bandcamp.com/album/the-grim-mathematics-of-intercourse
The band can be found at http://www.bikiniblackspecial.com/
"The Grim Mathematics of Intercourse" is launched at The Mad Ferret in Preston on 20 June
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
The Cities / The Northwestern
Appearing live at Mad Ferret
in Preston on Saturday 6th, two bands to keep up the heat of the summer with intense live reputations stacking up behind them
Local lads The Cities cram a novel of heartfelt lyrics into each song, a veritable thick-fruit smoothie of rolling melodies sweet with the bitter aftertaste of life's lessons learned. Stand out tracks "Cold, and "Scar".
The big draw for the night is surely The Northwestern, the uplifting and optimistic band formed from Sam Herilhy and Simon Jones from highly regarded former Sony post-rock outfit Hope of the States. Together with Franseco Menegat, Ian McCullagh, and Jonny Winter, formerly with The Open, the new group maintain the sweeping guitars and orchestration but switch the introspection for sheer celebration. If you didn't pick up the upturn from final Hope of the States album "Left", it may take you by surprise to hear "All The Ones". Beaming and bright, the expression you can see on Herilhy's face is a smile. You should get used to it, he's clearly enjoying himself.
The gig is at Mad Ferret, Fylde Road, Preston, on Saturday 6th June.
Picture of The Cities from Michael Holdsworth
Also appearing on the night are Underdogs and The Fifty 50's
in Preston on Saturday 6th, two bands to keep up the heat of the summer with intense live reputations stacking up behind them
Local lads The Cities cram a novel of heartfelt lyrics into each song, a veritable thick-fruit smoothie of rolling melodies sweet with the bitter aftertaste of life's lessons learned. Stand out tracks "Cold, and "Scar".
The big draw for the night is surely The Northwestern, the uplifting and optimistic band formed from Sam Herilhy and Simon Jones from highly regarded former Sony post-rock outfit Hope of the States. Together with Franseco Menegat, Ian McCullagh, and Jonny Winter, formerly with The Open, the new group maintain the sweeping guitars and orchestration but switch the introspection for sheer celebration. If you didn't pick up the upturn from final Hope of the States album "Left", it may take you by surprise to hear "All The Ones". Beaming and bright, the expression you can see on Herilhy's face is a smile. You should get used to it, he's clearly enjoying himself.
The gig is at Mad Ferret, Fylde Road, Preston, on Saturday 6th June.
Picture of The Cities from Michael Holdsworth
Also appearing on the night are Underdogs and The Fifty 50's
Monday, 1 June 2009
The Nightjars
"I'm sorry I don't really feel that way..."
With this melancholic tough to single 'Valentine', Manchester's current names-to-drop might suggest the usual indie reflection. Repeated listens to their new eponymous album shows how far they are from anything "usual"; indeed appropriately named track "Logic Has No Part In It" takes their respectful love for REM and Velvet Underground into playful time-switching areas not too far removed from YouthMovies or The Northwestern.
"Machines Gone Down" should be marked now as a future festival fave, sounding quite brilliantly like the Editors fused with the Kinks, sounds which emerge from the folk of "Valentine" or the acoustic musings of "Crash This Car" ("I can't speak for myself", a silly claim in an album full of wistful, wondrous songwriting).
Unlike the 2008 mini-album "Towards Light", this is not instant or immediate, the beautifully realised collection of songs proving there is still life yet in the age-old practice of allowing an album the freedom of tell its own stories. There are few albums suited to the days when the summer heat is as close at night as at high-noon; the Nightjars is a perfectly placed candidate.
(For those who like scoring systems "■■■■□")
"The Nightjars" CD is released 29 June
The Nightjars can be found at www.myspace.com/thenightjars
and also www.thenightjars.com
Online Press alistairbeech@hotmail.com
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