MILES Kane owns the guitar. By owns I don't just mean, has one in his possession, I mean every note he plays (and sings incidentally), is like an extension of his very being.
That's not to say he's technically the world's greatest guitarist but certainly a skilled and to some extent underrated songwriter with a pure northern soul who feels his way through the music. A departure from The Rascals and The Last Shadow Puppets, Come Closer proves solo Miles can stand on his own two feet.
Miles Kane plays XfM's All Dayer at Camden Barfly on January 22.
Showing posts with label Camden Barfly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Camden Barfly. Show all posts
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Thursday, 2 December 2010
HOLY COVES BATMAN - THERE'S A WELSH ROCK BAND IN MY BARN!
INSPECT the listings of any self-respecting music venue and you’ll see the influence of the Welsh dragon.
Super Furry Animals, Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci, The Joy Formidable, Manic Street Preachers...Wales has produced a steady stream of all-permeating talent.
So it’s no surprise that the latest promising band to hit the psych-rock scene – Holy Coves – can be found toiling away in the bassist’s grandmother’s barn somewhere near Holyhead.
With a joint vision of the type of music they wanted to make, singer and songwriter Scott Marsden and bassist Jimi Eggleton, left rock band The Lizzies to form Holy Coves. Drummer Ash Garden and former Wendykurk guitarist Ben Lee completed the line-up.
Marsden said: “We wanted to do something a bit more dark and groovy and we just had different ideas. It’s not like we fell out with The Lizzies. We wrote this album and it’s only now we’ve got it to where we’re happy to put the music out.”
The band plays Barfly Camden on Monday (Dec 6).
Marsden said: “I love Camden, I want to live there. The first time I came to Camden, we must’ve played about 15 shows before we worked our way up to some of the venues. It’s got such a vibe. You walk through there and feel it.
“I remember reading about Noel Gallagher saying during the beginning of Oasis the scene in Camden was just happening but (now) it’s not there, it’s dead. But I think the vibe is still there. I felt it the minute I went there. You create your own scene at the end of the day. I do think it’s important for bands to play Camden – but you go where people want you to play. Experience it and make it your main aim to get down to London.”
Regardless of his admiration for Camden, Marsden’s full of love for his oft-maligned home town of Holyhead.
He said: “Holyhead’s my home, my life. I’ll always be here at some point. Even if I was living down south I’ll always have a place here.
“I absolutely love Holyhead, I’m really passionate about the place. It’s beautiful and doesn’t get seen for what it is. We did the music video yesterday and I used locations in Holyhead because I wanted to show some of the beautiful parts people don’t get to see, the mountains. We’ve got some really cool places I want to put into all the videos.”
Put that backdrop to the kind of sounds you expect from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and the Black Angels and that’s kind of where Holy Coves fit in.
But they’re not too rock and roll to hang out with Jimi’s gran, who has given over one of her barns for them to rehearse in. The guys pop in to see her every now and again and Jimi helps out around the house.
Said Marsden: “She’s an absolute star because without her we wouldn’t have that place. It’s a godsend for us. We’ve had it for about two and half years.”
Don’t be fooled into thinking Holy Coves has something to do with Holyhead’s coastline position.
Marsden said: “Holyhead’s known as the holy island so the Holy thing is from that part of it. You could say where all the beaches are is where we got coves from but actually we were looking through an old cockney slang book and it said coves was the name for geezers or criminals. We just liked the idea of holy before coves and it just sort of fits where we’re from.”
EP The Drones (out January 31), was recorded in a studio at the foothills of Snowdonia and Marsden promises: “This album is going to be amazing. There’s such a raw energy about it. When we play together there’s just something happening in the music now and it’s just really exciting. I can’t wait to put it out there.”
Super Furry Animals, Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci, The Joy Formidable, Manic Street Preachers...Wales has produced a steady stream of all-permeating talent.
So it’s no surprise that the latest promising band to hit the psych-rock scene – Holy Coves – can be found toiling away in the bassist’s grandmother’s barn somewhere near Holyhead.
Marsden said: “We wanted to do something a bit more dark and groovy and we just had different ideas. It’s not like we fell out with The Lizzies. We wrote this album and it’s only now we’ve got it to where we’re happy to put the music out.”
The band plays Barfly Camden on Monday (Dec 6).
Marsden said: “I love Camden, I want to live there. The first time I came to Camden, we must’ve played about 15 shows before we worked our way up to some of the venues. It’s got such a vibe. You walk through there and feel it.
“I remember reading about Noel Gallagher saying during the beginning of Oasis the scene in Camden was just happening but (now) it’s not there, it’s dead. But I think the vibe is still there. I felt it the minute I went there. You create your own scene at the end of the day. I do think it’s important for bands to play Camden – but you go where people want you to play. Experience it and make it your main aim to get down to London.”
Regardless of his admiration for Camden, Marsden’s full of love for his oft-maligned home town of Holyhead.
He said: “Holyhead’s my home, my life. I’ll always be here at some point. Even if I was living down south I’ll always have a place here.
“I absolutely love Holyhead, I’m really passionate about the place. It’s beautiful and doesn’t get seen for what it is. We did the music video yesterday and I used locations in Holyhead because I wanted to show some of the beautiful parts people don’t get to see, the mountains. We’ve got some really cool places I want to put into all the videos.”
Put that backdrop to the kind of sounds you expect from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and the Black Angels and that’s kind of where Holy Coves fit in.
But they’re not too rock and roll to hang out with Jimi’s gran, who has given over one of her barns for them to rehearse in. The guys pop in to see her every now and again and Jimi helps out around the house.
Said Marsden: “She’s an absolute star because without her we wouldn’t have that place. It’s a godsend for us. We’ve had it for about two and half years.”
Don’t be fooled into thinking Holy Coves has something to do with Holyhead’s coastline position.
Marsden said: “Holyhead’s known as the holy island so the Holy thing is from that part of it. You could say where all the beaches are is where we got coves from but actually we were looking through an old cockney slang book and it said coves was the name for geezers or criminals. We just liked the idea of holy before coves and it just sort of fits where we’re from.”
EP The Drones (out January 31), was recorded in a studio at the foothills of Snowdonia and Marsden promises: “This album is going to be amazing. There’s such a raw energy about it. When we play together there’s just something happening in the music now and it’s just really exciting. I can’t wait to put it out there.”
Thursday, 17 June 2010
N-DUBZ TAKE OVER YOUR TV, PRECIOUS BLACK KEYS TICKETS, GET YOUR SOCKS ON FOR MICHAEL JACKSON MEMORIAL
IF YOU'VE been lucky enough to snap up a ticket for The Black Keys at Camden Roundhouse (June 23), clutch it tight, everyone wants one and quite rightly so.
If you’re looking to mix it up, how about some N*E*R*D* at Kentish Town Forum (June 21) – we love you Pharrell. Over at Camden Barfly there’s Aussie quartet Blackchords on June 18 and diminutive Tiny Tempah (June 21). Or if you think you can do better, how about Rockaoke at Proud Camden on June 27? Meanwhile, I need to set my TV to record the N-Dubz documentary on Channel 4 on Monday – Camden’s sure to feature heavily and these guys are always good for a laugh.
• Buskers wanted! Aspiring musicians dreaming of playing the iconic 1970s Brunswick Centre can now send in demos for consideration. All genres are welcome, see www.brunswick.co.uk/brunswicklive. Tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, acoustic pop trio Miccoli will play a special two-day gig.
• Leaping from Verdi to Erasure, Britney Spears to Peggy Lee via Jacques Brel, Judy Garland, Kylie Minogue, and Soft Cell, London Gay Men’s Chorus is bringing the stunning Seven Deadly Sins to Camden Roundhouse (June 25 & 26). Adding a touch of the urban are DNA Mix, a group of young, straight, rapping dads, who’ve teamed up with the Chorus to mash up Jealous Guy. Information fromwww.lgmc.org.uk
• It’s a year since poor Michael Jackson’s death and the famous Club de Fromage is paying tribute to the King of Pop at the 02 Academy Islington (June 26). Dig out the white ankle socks, roll up your sleeves and remember anyone in fancy dress skips the queue.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
JON MCCLURE'S SNOWY BREAKS, CHARLIE SLOTH AND DAPPY TALK GRUESOME DISCOVERIES AND ARE THE RUMBLE STRIPS SERVING PINTS?
MY spies tell me Charlie Waller, frontman of The Rumble Strips, was seen serving pints at a Dalston pub last week. Does anyone know if it’s true? And, if so, is it because they need to make ends meet or just an Amy-Winehouse-behind-the-Dublin-Castle-bar kind of favour to a fave venue? Although there’s nothing wrong with having a day – or in this case night – job, I only hope it’s the latter. It’s a long way from playing the Roundhouse with Mark Ronson.
• Archive moment, for any who haven’t seen Charlie Sloth’s Guided Tour of Camden, here’s a reminder – look out for our favourite Greek restaurant – Andy's Taverna - scene of many awkward office Christmas parties.
There's also a reference to where Camden Ripper Anthony Hardy's victims' bodies were found - timely in light of Dappy from N-Dubz' claims in his biography that he witnessed the body parts dumped in a bin bag at the back of his flats.
• Gleeks unite! Camden Jazz Café’s Hairbrush Heroes Glee night is next week (April 16). Dress as a US teen and belt out those tunes – hard to believe this comes from the same people behind Feeling Gloomy.
• Get well soon to Reverend and the Makers’ Jon McClure. He’s just broken his shoulder on the slopes at Snowbombing but was able to tweet all about it while lying on a stretcher waiting for his operation.
• Archive moment, for any who haven’t seen Charlie Sloth’s Guided Tour of Camden, here’s a reminder – look out for our favourite Greek restaurant – Andy's Taverna - scene of many awkward office Christmas parties.
There's also a reference to where Camden Ripper Anthony Hardy's victims' bodies were found - timely in light of Dappy from N-Dubz' claims in his biography that he witnessed the body parts dumped in a bin bag at the back of his flats.
• Gleeks unite! Camden Jazz Café’s Hairbrush Heroes Glee night is next week (April 16). Dress as a US teen and belt out those tunes – hard to believe this comes from the same people behind Feeling Gloomy.
• Get well soon to Reverend and the Makers’ Jon McClure. He’s just broken his shoulder on the slopes at Snowbombing but was able to tweet all about it while lying on a stretcher waiting for his operation.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
THE FEATURES - THANKS FOR THE HELP KINGS OF LEON BUT WE LIKE THE SMALL GIGS!
MATT Pelham’s thinking of coffee and cigarettes.
The lead singer of The Features – such a favourite of Kings of Leon that they’re the first to be signed to KoL’s label – is struggling to sound awake as they hit the final reaches of a six-week US tour.
He’s managed one interview this morning from his New Jersey hotel and he’s putting off his vices until after he speaks to me.
The Features, who recently played three dates in Camden Town, are returning this month to play the Barfly (April 19), before supporting KoL at Hyde Park on June 30.
But Matt’s not so interested in the Hyde Park gig. He said: “I prefer playing smaller, more intimate venues. Outdoor shows seem really impersonal and people are just kind of walking around – I’m sure it’ll be fun but I won’t be the most excited person there.
“I’ll be more excited about (playing Barfly). If there’s 100 people at that show I’ll be way more happy than playing in front of 65,000 at Hyde Park.”
A past experience playing in Memphis contributed to his dislike of outdoor gigs, but he said: “I hated them way before that. We played this outdoor show at a college and it was freezing outside. Our hands were frozen, the set was awful. Everything was compromised by the weather. It was probably the most stupid show we’ve ever played.”
Although the Press are repeatedly reminded of Kings of Leon’s decision to sign The Features to their Serpents and Snakes label, Matt’s not one to hype up the connection.
They may go for the odd drink if touring together, he said, but added: “It’s been really nice knowing these guys for a while. They’re fans of ours and wanted to help us out. We don’t really talk a lot. They’re gone a lot and doing their own thing.”
The Features spent a good week in Camden in February, where Matt managed a bit of detective work.
“I headed straight for the market,” he says. “A good friend of ours did a lot of T-shirt designing for Threadless and there was some booth there that had bootlegged two or three of his shirts. It was pretty funny. I’ve been meaning to tell him, I took a pic of it so we could show him.”
Matt's looking forward to returning home to his eight-year-old twin daughters, his wife, chickens and home just outside Nashville.
He said: “We’re going back down the east coast towards home which is nice. I really like playing live and touring but don’t like doing it for a really long stretch with no breaks and not being able to go home.”
And they’re not averse to playing the odd trick on bands they tour with, the most recent victim being the lead singer of Manchester Orchestra.
Matt said: “Our drummer has been taking these dried shrimp we got at a gas station, they look pretty gross and placing them where Andy, the singer will find them. He stuck a dried shrimp on his pillow. Then put a dried shrimp in a paper bag and had a girl in the front row hand him the dried shrimp in the middle of a show and he didn’t know what it was – it was pretty funny.”
The lead singer of The Features – such a favourite of Kings of Leon that they’re the first to be signed to KoL’s label – is struggling to sound awake as they hit the final reaches of a six-week US tour.
He’s managed one interview this morning from his New Jersey hotel and he’s putting off his vices until after he speaks to me.
The Features, who recently played three dates in Camden Town, are returning this month to play the Barfly (April 19), before supporting KoL at Hyde Park on June 30.
But Matt’s not so interested in the Hyde Park gig. He said: “I prefer playing smaller, more intimate venues. Outdoor shows seem really impersonal and people are just kind of walking around – I’m sure it’ll be fun but I won’t be the most excited person there.
“I’ll be more excited about (playing Barfly). If there’s 100 people at that show I’ll be way more happy than playing in front of 65,000 at Hyde Park.”
A past experience playing in Memphis contributed to his dislike of outdoor gigs, but he said: “I hated them way before that. We played this outdoor show at a college and it was freezing outside. Our hands were frozen, the set was awful. Everything was compromised by the weather. It was probably the most stupid show we’ve ever played.”
Although the Press are repeatedly reminded of Kings of Leon’s decision to sign The Features to their Serpents and Snakes label, Matt’s not one to hype up the connection.
They may go for the odd drink if touring together, he said, but added: “It’s been really nice knowing these guys for a while. They’re fans of ours and wanted to help us out. We don’t really talk a lot. They’re gone a lot and doing their own thing.”
The Features spent a good week in Camden in February, where Matt managed a bit of detective work.
“I headed straight for the market,” he says. “A good friend of ours did a lot of T-shirt designing for Threadless and there was some booth there that had bootlegged two or three of his shirts. It was pretty funny. I’ve been meaning to tell him, I took a pic of it so we could show him.”
Matt's looking forward to returning home to his eight-year-old twin daughters, his wife, chickens and home just outside Nashville.
He said: “We’re going back down the east coast towards home which is nice. I really like playing live and touring but don’t like doing it for a really long stretch with no breaks and not being able to go home.”
And they’re not averse to playing the odd trick on bands they tour with, the most recent victim being the lead singer of Manchester Orchestra.
Matt said: “Our drummer has been taking these dried shrimp we got at a gas station, they look pretty gross and placing them where Andy, the singer will find them. He stuck a dried shrimp on his pillow. Then put a dried shrimp in a paper bag and had a girl in the front row hand him the dried shrimp in the middle of a show and he didn’t know what it was – it was pretty funny.”
RECORD OF THE WEEK - DEAD TOWN RADIO Hey
I WAS looking for a big tune and Dead Town Radio delivered. Single Hey (out April 12), produced by Dmitri Tikovoi (Placebo,The Horrors, John Cale) steers a little away from conventional indie with a tiny touch of The Cure in their happier days. And they’ve built up a pretty big following in Camden.
Dead Town Radio play Death Disco in Notting Hill on April 14.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
LOS CAMPESINOS! ON GUILT-TRIPPING FANS AND NEARLY FALLING THROUGH THE CEILING
THEY once made such a huge dent in a Camden pub that their audience were forced to sit down for the rest of the set.
Seven-piece Cardiff band Los Campesinos! made waves during 2008's Camden Crawl when cracks started appearing in the ceiling during their set at Chalk Farm's Enterprise pub. And now they're back for more.
The band, who released their second official album Romance is Boring on Monday, play Koko on February 25.
Right now they are busy. So busy in fact that when I ring up to speak to singer and bassist Ellen Campesinos (they've all adopted the name), she's right in the middle of rehearsals and full of nerves for their tour ahead.
Their single Romance is Boring was featured on this blog last week as our Record of the Week.
But there was some friction just before Christmas when someone - and the band claims to know who but won't say - leaked the album, prompting frontman Gareth to vent on his blog.
The result was an outpouring of confessions from fans who had downloaded the album but promised to buy it for real when it came out.
"It's kind of bizarre, it's like a confessional," said Ellen.
"Downloading happens, it's almost sad because you've worked so hard on something and you're just like come on just hold out. You're worried people will listen and judge it and say things about it before it's had its proper release. It was amazing people reacted and apologised for it. It was quite extreme, I felt like maybe they did it to
unburden themselves. You knew they were going to buy it anyway."
She said of the upcoming Koko show: "That's going to be a big one. I've been there before and I always feel like that chandelier scares the hell out of me. We played there before at the Camden Crawl but it wasn't our own show. It was in the middle of the afternoon but it was amazing, still loads of people there. This one will be more
petrefying."
Fans can expect "a lot of new material, some old favourites thrown in and us being our usual shambolic idiotic selves I'm sure. Hopefully it'll be good. We're all excited about it," she added.
They won't be playing this year's Crawl as they'll be on tour but they haven't forgotten their experience at the Enterprise.
Ellen said: "It was actually very scary because someone just came up to us in the middle of stage and told us to stop. They told us there was a crack in the ceiling below and the floor was going to cave in so we all got very nervous about it. We went offstage and the whole audience was told to sit down. It was really fun because you could tell they wanted to get up and dance so the energy was still there but
at the same time it was very sensible. No-one died."
For those who haven't illegally downloaded the album yet, Ellen says to expect a change from their past work.
"Because it's our second proper album it's definitely different song structures, lyrically, an evolutionary musical process, a lot more complicated structure and amazing string parts. We're all becoming more confident in what we're doing. It's definitely like a get away from the more straight up pop songs we used to write."
GORILLAZ, Dead by Sunrise, Eartraining, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Egyptian Lover, Camden Barfly
I'VE signed the three-page confidentiality agreement and have promised not to say a word until Feb 22. No, it's nothing to do with John Terry's injunction, just the paperwork we've got to go through to get hold of Gorillaz new album, which should be on its way as we speak - by email - so don't even bother trying to intercept my post!! I'll tell you all about it in good time - after the 22nd...
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I'm not ashamed to admit it but there's little better than blasting Linkin Park as loud as possible on road trips. Now frontman Chester Bennington's side project Dead by Sunrise play their first UK side project at HMV Forum (Feb 19), but are they as good as the Park?
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Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Forum date has sold out so they’ve given fans one more chance to catch them in London, and this one’s in Camden too. They’ve booked Electric Ballroom on April 15. Their fifth studio album, Beat The Devil’s Tattoo, is out March 8.
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Ever been that one person in the band who wishes they were just that much more in tune with everyone else? Do you love music but want to learn to hear even better. A new website www.easyeartraining.com, launching Monday at a secret location in Islington will help you do just that. "With a little bit of training, you’ll be able to discern minute details in sound which you never knew were there," they
promise. Email april@EasyEarTraining.com to reserve a place.
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Got to mention Egyptian Lover who plays The Big Chill House on Feb 12 - timely after our African Nations Cup final victory this week. Known as the Hugh Hefner of hip-hop, Greg James Broussard, aka Egyptian Lover has been enthralling with his electro talents for 25 years.
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Barfly Camden reopened last week after a full refurb and it's looking good by all accounts.
-----------------------------------------------------------
I'm not ashamed to admit it but there's little better than blasting Linkin Park as loud as possible on road trips. Now frontman Chester Bennington's side project Dead by Sunrise play their first UK side project at HMV Forum (Feb 19), but are they as good as the Park?
-----------------------------------------------------------
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Forum date has sold out so they’ve given fans one more chance to catch them in London, and this one’s in Camden too. They’ve booked Electric Ballroom on April 15. Their fifth studio album, Beat The Devil’s Tattoo, is out March 8.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ever been that one person in the band who wishes they were just that much more in tune with everyone else? Do you love music but want to learn to hear even better. A new website www.easyeartraining.com, launching Monday at a secret location in Islington will help you do just that. "With a little bit of training, you’ll be able to discern minute details in sound which you never knew were there," they
promise. Email april@EasyEarTraining.com to reserve a place.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Got to mention Egyptian Lover who plays The Big Chill House on Feb 12 - timely after our African Nations Cup final victory this week. Known as the Hugh Hefner of hip-hop, Greg James Broussard, aka Egyptian Lover has been enthralling with his electro talents for 25 years.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Barfly Camden reopened last week after a full refurb and it's looking good by all accounts.
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