Skylark Song - Relent - Album Review

At last! The hardest working duo in Newcastle release a long awaited debut LP. Emma Davis' rich voice riding the waves of Alex McRae's crisp, fingerpicked guitar has hypnotised audiences live, but up until now a couple of demo disks were all we had to sate us until their next gig. 

The patient construction of Relent has paid off; the playlist including long-term classics, like Sirens and Looking Ahead, as well as more recent gems. To enjoy the earthy violin melodies, the chordal voicing and super-tight vocal harmonies without battling crowd distractions serves their compositions, and the performances for these recordings are judged accordingly, with a gentler and more understated delivery. 

These talented musicians have worked tirelessly, performing night in and night out so we can hear these songs. With Relent, they have given us the opportunity of sanctuary in these melodies back at home too.

[2014.03.09] for NARC Magazine.

Rhodri Davies - ‘An Air Swept Clean of All Distance’ - Album Launch / Hauskonzert #19

For the launch of his latest album, ‘An Air Swept Clean of All Distance,’ Rhodri Davies transformed The Old Police Station in Gateshead into a house of sound.

Each of his curated acts for Hauskonzert #19 occupied a different room, and the visiting audience were encouraged to each in turn to explore the next part of the night’s story.  

Davies and Richard Dawson started proceedings gently, improvising kneeled over a jumble of instruments laid out on the carpeted floor. 

Following downstairs, Hapsburg Braganza (Phil Begg) painted a warm sonic picture from his Modular Synthesisor; blossoming waves of sound patiently revealed in the unlit room.

On the top floor, Yeah You provided a contrasting energy, as the duo mixed vocal drones, speech and screams over and around gripping beats. 

Finishing in the space where the evening began, Davies holds every eye and ear as he performs, now solo, with his harp. The dexterity and stamina of his fingers remained undefeated throughout the performance, though the compositions often required continuous, ferocious motion. His explorative cycles of sound cocooned everyone in the room. To this house-majority of passionate musicians watching, his performance was an awe inspiring testament to the echelons reachable through creativity, backed by commitment.

[2013.12.18] for NARC Magazine.

Silly Billies Comedy - Live at The Cumberland Arms (14/11/2013)

Jack Gardner has been performing stand-up comedy prolifically in the North-East over the past few years and has gathered a lot of respect from peers, in part, for the imagination he shares with his audiences. From a passion to support comedians with more adventurous displays, Gardner has recently set-up his own monthly night at The Cumberland Arms called Silly Billies, which debuted in October. Tonight, that upstairs room is now full-up with people eager for the second installment. 

Rather than our compere intermitting with the usual Q and A's to warm the audience, Gardner ignores this tradition, choosing to frame the evening instead with thoughtful theatrical set-pieces that walk interesting lines between comedy and drama. We got masks, portals, and dance routines.

Each chapter by the five guest performers was excellent; from the hysterics of Ian Gordan's character Fernando, to the metafictional identity deconstruction by Sean Morley; from the anxious and creepy persona by Mark Kennedy to the self-sabotaging ramblings of Lee Kyle. Sean Turner, with his enthusiasm for audience participation and cheeky twists was a highlight. 

Though other nights are lenient to a dynamic of sloppy acts herding unquestioning audiences, Silly Billies works valiantly to support inspired performers who appreciate their audiences' participation in making the experience whole. This is a polished affair, and only costs the price of a pint to enter.

[2013.11.14] for NARC Magazine.



The Cosmic Dead / Pigs x7 / Haikai No Ku - Live at The Head Of Steam, Newcastle

'Life is a journey, not a destination,' wrote Ralph Emerson, and the faces downstairs at The Head of Steam feel this; music is not about waiting for premeditated stunts and hits; it's about emersion and trusting oneself to interact completely with sound in the moment. 

HaiKai No Ku start up; the trios tracks routed in Beckettian reinvention. Pieces often made from three chords, with the wah-wah out swinging, higher and stronger with each variation. A couple in the front row throw their bodies in sync with each protruding beat. 

Next, Pigs x7 embark on their fairy tale, 'The Wizard and the Seven Swines.' Showcasing this track, released in collaboration with the headline act, Pigs x7 take us from steady skipping grooves to heavy riffs, whilst their drummer's facial expressions react vividly to all the changes, and their singer wanders through the band on stage like he is lost in a maze and is roaring in desperation. 

After some technical difficulties, The Cosmic Dead resurrect and raise the energy even further, manipulating wonderful sounds from a Korg synth, at first over steady quantised maneuvers and then diving in amongst all kinds of rhythmic geography. Finally, as guitars are hung up on the pubs avatar at the back of the stage, with the final chords resonating, all minds are left racing. 

[2013.11.08] for NARC Magazine.

Gentleman's Dub Club - FOURtyFOUR - Album Review

Leeds has one of the most exquisite venues for dub-music in the form of The West-Indian Centre in Chapeltown, and it has nurtured one of the most joyous proponents of the genre in the Gentleman's Dub Club. Sound staples start immediately on FOURtyFOUR; the half-time pulse, the w-w-wumping bass, and the shimmering keys. The album finds balance in tracks alternating the mood; from dirtier efforts like Riot, and more tender reggae songs, like London Sunshine.
    The ultra-slick presentation of these songs in a recorded format seems against the vibrancy of this band. This is further highlighted by the inclusion of two live recordings at the end of the album. I can understand that people would want to take GDC music home, but these songs seem born to be heard live.

[2013.10.19] for NARC Magazine.

Blood Orange - Cupid Deluxe - Album Review

Upon a second listen through, it clicked that there is an underlying bravery to Blood Orange's (Devonte Hynes) Cupid Deluxe that is quite exceptional: a fearlessness in the writing, to allow each track time to breathe, and a comfortability to put himself aside of the centre too. This third LP features many guest musicians diversifying the sound whilst nurturing the records central themes surrounding love. Skepta supports Hyne's heritage in High Street, whilst Chosen sports a French accented monologue, and Clipped On is made in the spirit of New York. You're Not Good Enough is a heartbreaking classic. The dense content over the fifty-odd minutes asks for consumption like a Christmas dinner does, but it is worth unbuttoning your trousers for. This creativity must not be denied or underestimated. A fantastic record.

[2013.10.19] for NARC Magazine.

Lulu James / Lionhall - Live at The O2 Academy, Newcastle

It feels an eternity since I saw Lulu James open for Ghostpoet at the Cluny, singing along to backing-tracks with carefully organised swaying. Tonight, our Queen of South Shields headlines an anticipated show and we are all keen to see how her ship is fairing these days. 

Support is well-chosen in the compliment of Lionhall, a duo mixing synth and guitar loops to articulate songs of youthful melancholia. Such well-crafted songs deserved a larger turn-out.

Show time! A pre-recorded monologue of James speaking presents an alternative persona before she arises out of the fog to join her band, hidden in a mask of gold chains. This choice of anonymity complimented the opening dark march, removing individualism and focussing all of the faith in the room. It was then a peculiar juxtaposition to hear her typically sassy remarks in between such weighty tracks with the mask remaining.

Ultimately it was this blend of the intimate mixed with the universal riding tightly throughout the set that created such amazing moments of hope; from the crowd singing back the lyrics for the tender Be Safe, to uniting everyones dance moves for Step By Step.

Towards the close, Lulu conducts an allegiance pledge to which the attendees promise 'to love / and support / Lulu James (bitches!)'

It turns out James' ship is actually a spaceship, to which we are all welcomed on board. Based on tonight's performance, our Captain's possibilities are truly endless.  

[2013.08.09] for NARC Magazine.