Category Archives: OI

Juliette and The Licks album review

Posted on by

by Emma

Four On The Floor

Four On The Floor is the second album from Juliette and The Licks and is released on 2nd October 2006. With the aid of rock’s favourite all-rounder Dave Grohl on drums there are high hopes for the ten-track album.

Smash And Grab is busy. There’s a whole lot going on with this track and although I am all for shouty loud tracks, this one just doesn’t do it for me and the high pitched howls of Lewis grate slightly. Hot Kiss is better and has more of a melody to it along with rock n’ roll style verses and rough vocals. Sticky Honey better still with it’s focused vocals, clever lyrics and hot riffs. Next up is Killer and this one is quick in pace and aggressive, whilst it carries a decent tune it just doesn’t click with me. Death Of A Whore is lyrically good but the speak-sing style doesn’t really work and the backing music isn’t exciting enough to carry it.

Purgatory Blues resuscitates the album back into life with a strong bass and serious vocals and well-penned lyrics. Lewis sounds so much better when she sings honestly and avoids the aggressive screams and in-character odd vocals. Get Up opens like The Who with quivering notes and develops into a good, straightforward tune. The vocals are good for the main part of this track but she veers off slightly from time to time. Next is Mindful Of Daggers, which again is a good tune keeping up to the standard of the last couple of tracks. It’s quick paced, exciting without being over the top and has some neat little riffs in there. Bullshit King isn’t as catchy but is okay nevertheless. It’s a fast rocking tune with nice guitar solo sections. Inside The Cage starts with whispered vocals and a quiet backing, but it turns into one of those deep voiced odd ones, so not one of my favorites.

The majority of the tracks on Four On The Floor are really good and it is worth getting hold of a copy for these ones but I would definitely say that the more true-to-self tracks are by far the best here.


Sean Lennon single review

Posted on by

by Emma

Dead Meat

God I so wanted to love this track before I even took the CD from its sleeve. I wasn’t disappointed – not in the slightest. Opening with a beautiful piano intro, Dead Meat dances and sweeps along in a fanciful and musically luscious way as Lennon’s soft but rather stern vocals float over the track like a dreamy waltz in a fairground.

The lyrics are sincere and bold, the strings intensify the quality and the professionalism shown here. Dead Meat is taken from Sean’s second album, Friendly Fire, released on 2nd October 2006 and I am going to snap up a copy, as it is clear there is a wealth of creativity to behold from this boy.


Sound Team single review

Posted on by

by Emma

Born To Please

Sound Team are a six-piece from Texas and are about to release their debut single Born To Please as they embark on their first UK tour commencing 18th September 2006.

Born To Please is a mild mannered track which isn’t necessarily striking upon first listen, however there is a depth to this track which emerges further with each play and grows on you. There is a steady rhythm to this track, and the simple guitar and drums and understated and calming vocals in addition make for a pleasant sound. It isn’t the most exciting of music but that doesn’t appear to be the intention here. It’s steady and it’s inoffensive but also rather lovely and has a vintage quality. The second track follows suit however the final track Movie Monster is much more interesting, with more fire and a more experimental sound.

Sparklehorse single review

Posted on by

by Emma

Don’t Take My Sunshine Away

Sparklehorse are back after a long five years and have released three singles during September 2006, all combined on a single CD released on 18th September.

Don’t Take My Sunshine Away is a slow-burner, childlike and so laid back that it is practically horizontal. It’s a delicate track complete with twinkly guitar and vocals that are tiny and sweet. Truer to old form is the second track, Ghost in the Sky, with a faster beat, adult vocals and a great twang of guitar. This is the Sparklehorse that I knew and loved. Track three, Knives Of Summertime, steadies out the tempo again and is another mellow tune with thoughtful and gorgeous lyrics and a lovely flow.

The Authentics album review

Posted on by

by Emma

Blondes Make The Best Victims?

Sleazy dirty rock ‘n’ roll anyone? The Authentics could be just what you are looking for.

Opening with a crash of the drums and thick chugging guitar followed by a short but sweet guitar solo virtuoso. The vocals are gritty and whilst they are good vocals they betray the band’s British roots. This is just a small point though on Behind The Mask – the expertise displayed on this first track are prominent. Face The Writing On The Wall is another technically sound track encompassing that hard-hitting thick rock sound and group backing shouts work well with the track. In parts the drums here are great and form an excellent base for the track. The Authentics have the look and feel of early nineties dirty rock and they pull it off quite well, although they are a little on the milder side.
Great melodic tracks such as Burn What Remains and the ‘do-wops’ of Shot In The Dark are those that help bring the album together with their catchy hooks and excitable choruses.

Those showy tracks such as Pervert and the frankly excellent twists and turns of Frustrations & Ultimatums display the undeniable talent of the lead guitarist, reveling in the slick and impressive solos. At some points the vocals sound a little like an adult Cartman (South Park) in certain parts which I just find endearing! Heartbreaker rounds up the album with a wake up call in the shape of a catchy rock anthem.

The Authentics have some work to do, but they have a special quality that is quite rare these days and so I am looking forward to hearing more from these guys in the future.

Musicfinity.com – The Ultimate Site for New Music

Posted on by
Reply

by Jet

www.musicfinity.com

A new and innovative website to be launched early November by Broeknrule records is set to transform the world of marketing for bands. People are finally starting to realise that Myspace isn’t all it’s cut out to be what with the delays and errors that a regular Myspace user is likely to encounter whilst browsing the site. I as a Myspace user have found that bulletins don’t send when I want them to, I have trouble logging in and can’t send messages half the time. Another annoying thing is I get all excited when it says new message on my homepage, yet I can click on that and they are all read messages; I cannot tell you how disappointed I am, I love messages.

Also, you message Myspace telling them that your messages won’t send, twice, and you get replies like ‘How to send a message on Myspace’. That doesn’t help.

Of course, Myspace has been the leader in community websites with all the best tools and most users. However, whatever backdoor stuff Myspace are running it can’t handle that volume of users. So eventually people are going to get so annoyed that they will have to stop using Myspace because nothing works.

As I do a lot of work in the music industry I can tell you that Musicfinity is going to out rock Myspace by miles. It has new and exciting features that let bands promote and sell their music for free, they will have available to them a huge database of magazines, record labels, promoters and other Industry executives. I can’t think of a better way to get heard than that. Creating your own competitions, earning money, gaining points and winning prizes. Plus, it’s not just for bands there are many a different account style Listener (that’s you guys), Promoters, Industry Executives and then the bands.

One flaw in the plan though is that it doesn’t launch until early November. I know I can’t wait a couple of weeks for this, sounds like the best thing since The Darkness.

For more info go to

www.musicfinity.com

You could also have the chance to win Muse tickets for you and three mates.

Keep a look out for Nudity, Llamas, Free Giraffes and Daleks.

ROCKAGANDA: Head Automatica profile

Posted on by

by Davey

Plugging The Best New Acts.

Head Automatica in sharp focus

It’s all very well and good claiming to be “different”, “alternative”, “quirky”. But it’s so often a lie. Truth is, “alternative” IS mainstream. Look out the window… Count the emo’s. I rest my case.

The difference with Head Automatica is, they’re pop. Pop, but not as we knew it. Pop conjures up connotations of Britney in her saucy school uniform, or practising N*Sync dance moves (ask Jet about that). Head Automatica are the personification of power pop x 5. Frontman Daryl Palumbo throws off the shackles that inevitably come with being in a “pop” band, claiming that the kids of today don’t know what the genre truly suggests. To him, pop is melodic, it’s raw, and it’s wild; not sugar-coated manufactured pretty boys and girls.

Palumbo and co dived into recording their second album, Popaganda, with their principles in the forefront of their collective minds, but were careful not to lean too closely towards their influences, for fear of being dubbed a novelty act: “I don’t like being bound by any stylistic restriction. There was a flavour I wanted to integrate into the music, but I knew we needed to put a contemporary spin on it.”

The evolution of what Head Automatica call pop is evident by the seriously sexy vintage guitar riffage that claws through their two albums; the ball-busting drumming, the epic proportions of the music. Rock fans, then, are able to embrace the band, without the derision that comes with liking a pop band. Popaganda especially, leans towards the very popular American music that’s currently huge in Britain – mixed with that poppy twist. Decadence, the previous album, is something totally different. Maybe you’ve heard ‘Beating Heart Baby’? Which is most definitely heavy pop, as with the rest of a magnificent record. Songs like ‘Solid Gold Telephone’ and ‘At The Speed Of A Yellow Bullet’ prove the band’s ties to the past, as well as their modern twist on a buried genre. The wonderfully excessive amount of electro organ oddities of sound that pierce both albums are part of what makes Head Automatica pop. The bright energy, the sheer geekiness that comes with liking this stuff, and the enormity of the glorious, glamorous impact just two little albums can have on an individual.
This music is so uncool, it’s fucking cool.

Head Automatica should be huge… Yet I’m kind of glad they’re not. Being huge makes bands change, and I wouldn’t want them to sell out. They’re too damn good for that. Still, I would highly recommend their albums, Decadence and Popaganda – especially the former.
Although, if you’re expecting a band that includes former Glassjaw frontman Palumbo to be whining angsty screamo gimps, think again. “We didn’t want to make a record about pain. We didn’t want to make a record about crying. We didn’t want to make a record about being hurt. We just wanted to make a brilliant power-pop record.”

Fuck yeah.

Head Automatica are:

Daryl Palumbo – lead vocals, guitars, and programming
Jarvis Morgan Holden – bass
Larry Gorman – drums, drums, drums and backing vocals
Craig Bonich – guitars
Jessie Nelson – organ, piano, and keys

www.myspace.com/headautomatica
www.headautomatica.com

Posted in OI

Tindersticks – 17.9.06 Barbican Hall

Posted on by
Reply

by Jo

This was one of the ‘Don’t Look Back’ series organised by ATP, where a variety of artists play a one off gig. The setlist is the track listing of their iconic album. What a genius idea.. tonight, it’s the turn of a favourite in the Strange household. As the band are no longer in existence, we scrambled for tickets and headed off in the knowledge that a rare and beautiful event was about to unfold. The album in question was Tindersticks II… all agog and even shivery in anticipation.

We spent the day happily in Brick Lane and Spitalfields, watching the young and trendy. Sandwiches by the river at the Barbican, then inside to browse the shop, get warm, find the toilets.. and our seats.

This place is amazing. Built in an amphitheatre, with curved rows of seats made of the same golden wood as the floor, and in a seamless piece, it’s a beautiful, cathedric venue. Comfortable, yet clearly designed to focus attention on one place – the altar/stage. We were in the Circle, three rows back and slap bang in the centre for a fantastic view. Seats are fine. Tindersticks aren’t a band to pogo to – sitting back and reflecting, marvelling, is the way to go.

The warm up (‘support’ and ‘act’ aren’t really applicable) was a slightly rotund favourite mad uncle figure playing jazz on an old record cabinet thing that just folded up and got wheeled off at the end, all the instruments set up round him.. he bowed and waved at the end, his departure marked by goodnatured applause.

The arrival of the band caused a frisson –not like you normally get, most of us are of a certain age, you know – but a very excited buzz. There’s a mini orchestra.. cello, viola, violins, mostly. Apart from that they’re a simple band to stage manage. Instruments laid out, an extra guitar or two.. No one moves much anyway, except to swap instruments every now and again. They don’t say much, either. Stuart’s opening line of ‘We all know what’s going to happen now’ is all the banter we get, before the band swing into action. Tight, subtle sound, deceptively simple layers of it creating the mood. Each tambourine shake or tiny note is carefully considered . Stuart’s voice is as dark, slow and deep and treacle, with the sweetness of pain, not joy. There’s little hope in the lyrics, though you may find some in the music. This is not Emo sharing. It’s melancholic sharing of heart and mind. Inner stories, inviting no pity or even actually asking to be heard. The narratives are spellbinding and poignant – lives in microcosm that seem to be spoken even when sung. ‘My Sister’ even with its catalogue of disasters, holds individual events that you can relate to. And ‘She’s Gone’ can easily make me sniffle. The only one that fell flat was ‘Travelling Light’.. to me, it needs that second voice, and it lost some of it’s meaning, without.

This must be the only gig I’ve been to where the encore was longer than the set, and then we had two more encores! It was worth every penny and more. ‘My Sister’ was the last, played again because they weren’t happy with the first rendition. I went home without the usual wild joy and ringing ears of a good gig, but with a deep satisfaction that meant as much, and is less transient.

Tindersticks II

El diablo en el ojo
A Night In
My Sister
Tiny Tears
Snowy in F# minor
Seaweed
Vertrauen II
Talk To Me
No More Affairs
Singing
Travelling Light
Cherry Blossoms
She’s Gone
Mistakes
Vertrauen III
Sleepy Song

Any more than that, I was far too excited to remember, and quite honestly, it really doesn’t matter what, it’s HOW.

Rumours are of a comeback. Which would be lovely, thank you.

www. tindersticks.co.uk

www.myspace.com/tindersticksband (unofficial)

The High Society

Posted on by

by Louise

The High Society – my second victim at Trashstock. Formed at the arse end of 2005 and boasting not one but two ex King Adora members, The High Society are ready to take on the world. Cornered in the bar, Maxi & Nelsta provided me with some good pre-gig entertainment.

Lou: Can you please introduce yourselves and say what you do in the band?
Maxi: Hi, I’m Maxi and I’m the best one in the band.
Nelsta: I’m Nelsta and I’m better.
Lou: Better than the best?
Nelsta: Better than the best.
Lou: That’s impressive!
Nelsta: Yeah!
Lou: So, how has your Trashstock experience been so far?
Maxi: So far? Well, I came in, James (the promoter) gave me a Slippery Nipple…
Nelsta: No, a Liquid Cocaine.
Maxi: Yeah, a Liquid Cocaine (shot), he made me snort that.
Lou: Snort it?!
Maxi: Yeah, it really hurt. So I can’t remember much of the sound-check, but I’m told it sounded really good. James said, and I quote: “You’re the best band I’ve ever seen sound-check and tonight I don’t know if I’ll be able to control myself. I might have to get on stage with you. Naked.”
Nelsta: Yeah, so obviously they’re very nice people.
Maxi: Although a little unhinged.

Lou: So, are there any other bands on tonight’s bill that you’re particularly looking forward to seeing?
Maxi: Umm…I was really looking forward to seeing the band that headlined last night!
Lou: Oh… But you missed it?
Maxi: Yeah… I don’t really know any of the other bands playing tonight but we just saw Disarm sound-check and they’ve got a bit of that LA punk thing. I quite like that. And I’m told – by everybody, actually – that they’re absolutely wonderful!
Lou: They are! And…James said you were a bit unsure about headlining tonight… Is that because you’re quite a new band?
Maxi: Yeah, we’re still a bit wet behind the ears. Well, I mean we’re completely over-confident about doing it, but we just felt we hadn’t really done enough to earn the headline slot on a big bill. The Glitterati were doing it and that was fine, we were happy to support but…they heard we were supporting and got scared and went to America so we had to headline. It’s fine, it’s just……a long time to wait around. But if all the other bands are good it should go fast.
Lou: So, what can people expect from a High Society gig?
Nelsta: Umm…deafening…
Maxi: Sexy.
Nelsta: Bloodbath.
Maxi: It’ll be very exciting.
Lou: I take it you’re looking forward to it?
Maxi: Yeah!
Nelsta: Oh definitely! Can’t wait!
Maxi: Struggling to keep our clothes on!

Lou: So, apart from the obvious musical talents, what do each of you bring to the band?
Maxi: What do we two bring? Ummm….drive… Well, just the majority of the talent, really.
Nelsta: Yeah, we’re 98% of the band. Or 97%. We’ll give the others 1% each.
Maxi: Yeah, one each. For trying.
Lou: Very generous!

Lou: What are your vices/weaknesses?
Maxi: Umm…Liquid Cocaine.
Nelsta: Vodka.
Lou: Will you be hammered before you go on stage?
Maxi: I probably will be.
Nelsta: I’ve gotta drive…
Maxi: We could stay in a hotel
Nelsta: Is there one here?
Maxi: There’s one nearby
Nelsta: How much is it?
Lou: About £50 per night, I think.
Maxi: Our vices; Nottingham, cheap hotels.

Lou: So, tell me a little-know fact about The High Society?
(Some thought goes into this one)
Maxi: Umm… Topper weighs three stone. And umm…Ash once fought ten men in a bar. And won. And Glenn loves a whole lotta woman. He likes the bigger lady. You don’t stand a chance.
Lou: Well, I’m spoken for!
Maxi: Oh, well, you definitely don’t stand a chance then!
Nelsta: No, actually you stand more of a chance!
Maxi: Competition.
Lou: A challenge.
Maxi: Yeah!
Lou: So, are there any long term goals for the band? Any particular ambitions?
Maxi: Oh, stardom! This isn’t a hobby! We’re fucking serious.
Nelsta: We don’t wanna ever work again. We want to do this forever.
Lou: Cool! Right, if you could have any special powers, what would you have?
Maxi: It’s gotta be to fly, hasn’t it?
Nelsta: You’d like to fly would ya? Like whatshisname…
Maxi: Superman
Nelsta: (sings) I beliieeeve I caaan flllyyy…
Maxi: Oh yeah! R Kelly?!
Nelsta: The whole invisibility thing gets me going.
Maxi: Ey’up, who’s got the round in?
(This last comment was aimed at the barmaid who came to clear our table of empty glasses)
Lou: Right, let’s finish it off… Any final words?
Nelsta: Antidisestablishmentarianism.
Lou: The longest word on the dictionary.
Nelsta: Yep.
Maxi: When you’re interviewing, always buy the people you’re interviewing a drink.
Nelsta: You’ll get better answers.
Lou: Ok. Next time.
Maxi: Yeah, next time.
Lou: That’s a promise.
Maxi: We’ll hold you to that.
Lou: Deal.

BIG thanks to:
A) Maxi & Nelsta for a great interview
B) Maxi for his fabulous posing for my constantly-poised camera
C) The High Society for a brilliant performance

www.thehighsociety.co.uk
www.myspace.com/thehighsocietyuk

Devilish Presley

Posted on by

by Louise

At this year’s Trashstock (two nights of awesome sleazy/glammy rock, held on 18th & 19th August, at Nottingham’s Junktion 7), I pinned down a few bands for interviews. My first victims were rockin’ twosome Devilish Presley. Formed in 2002, they’re now on their third album, released on their own label. I have previously described them as: “Majestically dark, yet sparkling and vivacious. Full of life and dressed with a tight ribbon of fiery vocals.” Now I’ve seen them live and that still stands. I have to admit, it was rather strange seeing a band with no drummer – the stage seemed quite bare – but that detracted not one jot from DP’s brilliant, charismatic performance. Their upcoming gig dates follow at the bottom of this interview, but for now, come join me, Johnny & Jacqui on the stairwell in Junktion 7, during the sound-check stage of the evening, while we talk Christmas crackers, Monkey glands and rock n roll tantrums.

Lou: How’s it going?
Johnny: Very well. Bit tired because we’ve been doing a lot of gigs, but we’re good.
Lou: I know you haven’t played yet, but so far, how has your Trashstock experience been?
Johnny: Umm… It’s nice to be with all the glam people. Normally we’re with glum people. We’ve swapped a ‘u’ for an ‘a’. And yeah, so far so good!
Lou: And are you looking forward to the show?
Johnny: Oh we always look forward to playing. It’s the only part of the day that’s worth all this hanging around!
Lou: Yeah, there is a lot of that…
Johnny: Hurry up and wait, I think is the way to put it.
Lou: Yeah… So, when did you first start writing songs?
Johnny: I was really little when I started writing. But when Jacqui & I got together, we wanted to express our angst.
Jacqui: Yeah, it’s therapy.
Johnny: A therapeutic experience!

Lou: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard it before?
Johnny: Loud!
Jacqui: We’re a real mix of things really. People always say, “But what exactly are you?” We’re just…what we are.
Johnny: We’re not influenced by anyone. It’s just rock n roll. The only difference between us and other bands is we use a drum machine because there are only two of us.
Lou: Well you can’t do everything at once, can you?
Johnny: Well if I could, I would! I’m just waiting for cloning.
Jacqui: Yeah, then I’m out.
Johnny: She’s only here until I’ve got some clones. Anyway, what was the question…Oh yeah, the sound! The sound is umm… bright gold and very fierce. A bit like a harpoon gun going off.
Lou: Very good description! And you’re on album number three now, do you think your musical style has changed much since you first started out?
Johnny: Yeah, it’s gotten more……polished.

Lou: What’s your very favourite thing about being in Devilish Presley?
Johnny: The hours. We get weekends off. And always meeting new people… Every day’s different.

Lou: Johnny, it says on the Devilish Presley website that you’re 4 million years old. How do you stay looking so youthful?
Johnny: Monkey glands. Injections of monkey glands and liquid eyeliner.
(This topic was discussed in more detail but I don’t want to go giving away trade secrets!)

Lou: What’s the least and most rock n roll thing you’ve done in the past 24 hours?
Johnny: I don’t really do anything rock n roll because I just define rock n roll.
Lou: You’re rock n roll personified?
Johnny: Yeah. …I threw a tantrum when we first arrived.
Lou: What did you throw a tantrum about?
Johnny: Oh, they took our backdrop down and I didn’t like it. We’re quite precious about that flag because we’ve had it a long time. Somebody tried to steal it once at a festival and we had to hunt them down!

Lou: Do you have a band motto?
Johnny: We don’t actually. We’ll have to get one out of a Christmas cracker or something.
Lou: Ok, I’ll interview you again after Christmas then for the exclusive revealing of your motto.
Johnny: Yeah, definitely!

Check out Devilish Presley for yourselves… Upcoming Gig Dates:

Tuesday 26th September Leeds @Met Uni with Misfits’
Friday 13th October Colchester @ Insanitorium – Acoustic
Friday 10th November London @ Betsey Trotwood – Acoustic
Friday 24th November London @ The Klub
Saturday 9th December Warsaw Poland @ Aurora
Tuesday 12th December Freiburg Germany @ My Way
Friday 15th December Berlin Wild at Heart
Saturday 16th December Underworld
Wednesday 27th December Mansfield @ Town Mill

www.devilishpresley.com

The Pleasures

Posted on by

THE PLEASURES

by Louise

At silly o’clock on a Sunday morning, five post-gig boys allowed me the pleasure of interviewing them. This was the final night of The Pleasures’ three-night UK tour and spirits were high. This mini tour had been a first for all of us…
• The Pleasures’ first gigs in the UK
• Neo’s (guitarist) first ever gigs with The Pleasures
• My first Tour Promoter/Manager experience

So, seated around a dining table in the kitchen of our host’s (the other promoter) abode, lodger, Jen, and I interviewed the rabble to review the past few days.

Louby: So…
Dancette: Yes, hello, good evening. Good morning!
Louby: It is good morning! What time is it?
Neo: It’s Jack o’clock.
(By this time, at least one bottle of Jack Daniels had been consumed and it had been “Jack o’clock” for some time)
Louby: Party tiiiime! It’s…twenty five to four on a Sunday morning. The last night of your first ever UK tour…
Jen: Best moment?
Lord: Now.
Louby: Right now?
Lord: Fuckin’ Jack o’clock.
Louby: Any others? Second best moment?
Dancette: The multiple orgasms in the electric chairs.
(better known as massage chairs!)
Lord: The electric chairs??
(much laughter)
Lord: (to Louby) Do you have those in the UK, electric chairs?
Louby: Apparently! At service stations! And you pay £1 for five minutes!!
Jen: And apparently they’re multiply orgasmic!

Louby: Which was your favourite night of the three?
Dancette: Every night was different. I couldn’t say which one was the best.
Sensai: The location was different, so every day there’s a different feeling.
Lord: I can’t really separate into different nights, for me it was one big experience.
Louby: And will you be coming back?
Dancette: Oh yes!!
Sensai: Indeed, we will!
Louby: Woohoo! And would you play the same venues again?
Lord: Yes, some of them. We plan to come back in the next 12 months. And play some more dates, maybe a week or so.

Louby: You were interviewed on Totalrock radio station, on Friday. How did that go? Were you happy with it?
Dancette: Oh yes!
Louby: Have you done a radio interview before?
Dancette: Yes.
Lord: But not in English.
Louby: Did you find that difficult?
Lord: Umm…it was kinda difficult. A little more difficult than now because it was live.
Dancette: I was a little nervous, but I just realised now that it was live! It was live, wasn’t it?!
(laughter)
Lord: What did you think? They would record it & play it later?
Dancette! Ooohhh, now I’m nervous about all this!
Louby: Well, it doesn’t matter know because it’s been & gone!
(Dancette dons a bright blue wig and causes many a Robin Black impression)

Louby: So, how was it working with James?
Neo: Tremendously awesome!
Lord: Working with James we had a big laugh all the time. He’s really passionate.
Sensai: We bum him on the bus.
Lord: We fucking love him!
Louby: And how was it working with the Louby?
Dancette: Oh, very nice. She was very nice and kind to us.
Lord: But she said no yesterday. I saw a sign here in England that said “get a yes for sex”, so I thought I would keep that in mind. And then you said no yesterday.
Louby: Did I?
Dancette: Hey, come on, everybody knows when a girl says yes she means no, and the other way around.
Louby: Ok… So if I want sex with someone…
Dancette: You have to say no.
Jen: Yes means yes and no means harder!

Louby: Neo, you’re the new boy and these UK shows were your first time playing live with The Pleasures, how was it?
Neo: Tremendously awesome, I think! I wasn’t nervous, I don’t know why. I always was nervous with my other bands before we played live, but not this time. I had a great time and had all the fun I expected to have and was more outgoing onstage.

Jen: How different were the UK crowds to the crowds back home?
Dancette: Not very different.
Sensai: We expected more difference. But they were smiling more often.
Lord: And they understand the lyrics better than the Germans.
Louby: Well, they are English lyrics!
Neo: Yeah, that does help!

Louby: Ok, each give one word to describe your band mates… Starting with Neo…
Lord: Rocker
Dancette: Cool
Son: Fireball
Louby: And now, about drummer boy…
Dancette: Machine
Lord: Energy
Neo: Wild
Sensai: Accurate
Louby: About Dancette?
Neo: Too outgoing on stage
Lord: One word please!
Neo: I’m sorry
Louby: If you collaborate you can get a sentence together…
Jen: Cunning plan there!
Lord: Dancette. Is. Too. Outgoing.
Louby: There you go!
Lord: Son, what’s your word for Dancette?
Son: Transexual.
Dancette: Too kind, guys. I love you. FUCK you! I quit the band!!

Louby: What about The Lord?
Dancette: Screamy.
Sensai: Eierpopeia
Louby: I dunno what that is! I have to type this up!
Neo: E. I. E. R. P. O. P. E. I. A.
Louby: Thank you. Anymore for anymore?
Neo: Workaholic.
Sensai: Show-off-freak! That’s my word! Get out Eierpopeia, I want show-off-freak instead.

Lou: The stages you were playing on were quite small, did that hinder your performance at all?
Dancette: Absolutely not.
Sensai: Dancette was not afraid of the small stages, he just ran over us and kicked us away…
Lord: He ripped out my fucking guitar cable four times today!!
Sensai: And he gave The Lord electro-shocks!
Lord: Yeah, I have to tell this! At the first concert we had really serious problems with the currency.
Neo: Because we had no ground.
Lord: Yeah. So, the problem was, when I touched the guitar and sang into the microphone, the circle was closing and I got electric shocks directly in my face. So, when I touched my guitar and Dancette was singing and he was touching me with his other hand, the circle was closing too, so I had electric shocks where he was touching me. And he was outrageous and completely freaking out on stage and was always touching me and fucking…whatever me! And he just didn’t realise about the electric shocks, but I did! And when we played ‘Are You Bored Of Getting Older’, I was lying down on the stage & he was completely over me and screaming into my face and I was like “fuck, get away from me!” and I was trying to push him away but the more I tried to push him away the more he thought I was just going so crazy on stage!
Louby: And I thought you’d fixed the problem!
Lord: Kind of.
Neo: But we knew that if Dancette touched us we’d get electric shocks.
Louby: So it’s all Danci’s fault.
Dancette: But it’s good for me because then I have more space on stage.
Sensai: That’s right, everyone stays away! Like he was clothed in barbed wire!
Louby: And, when Dancette punched a whole in the ceiling and it fell down… What did you think?
Dancette: My first thought was, ‘should I go on?’ But these guys kept playing. And my second thought was I shouldn’t touch it, I just waited for someone to come & take it away from the stage.
Sensai: It was kinda funny that we were bringing down the ceiling!
Neo: Our first UK gig and in the first minute we broke the ceiling!
Dancette: But it was great!
Sensai: Rock n roll.

www.thepleasures.de
www.myspace.com/thepleasuresmusic

Five O’Clock Heroes – Bend To The Breaks – Album

Posted on by

by Emma

Bend To The Breaks

The packaging for this CD is clever and has amused me before I even touch the CD inside. Bend To The Breaks will be released through Glaze Records on 18th September, just a week after the LPs firs single is released. The thing that Five O’Clock Heroes have that really appeals to me is their no-nonsense open quality. You can tell that they are not trying too hard to fit in to the scene and the music they produce quite clearly comes very naturally to them and has a smooth flow.

Head Games opens the LP and is a cool and collected track which nicely introcuces you to the feel of the band and the album. The song is a head nodding jolly tune, as are almost all of the other tracks. The roll of a tongue on Anybody Home and the catchy riff of single Time On My Hands carry you through the album happily and triumphantly like a metal kid crowdsurfing across a packed crowd. There is the odd slower song such as Number Again, although there is no compromise on the quirky vocal style meaning that the tracks are by no means ballad-like. These are complimented by the finger-clicking tracks you also have such as Skin Deep and Corporate Boys (which is one of my own favorites from the album).

Credit where credit is due – these guys are great to listen to and i think this album can grow on anyone, although for me it was an instant appreciation.

The Authentics – Supercharge – EP

Posted on by

by Emma

With grilling opening guitar and a dirty fast-rock sound The Authentics seem to be picking up where other bands have left off several years ago. They have been compared to The Wildhearts and I can agree there is an element of the fast guitar and quick lyrics that The Wildhearts were the true masters of. Supercharge is a fine example of sleazy unruly rock with a kick-ass attitude and an arrogance which almost became a staple of the genre in it’s prime. Second track You Wanna Be Me is a less grinding but technicaly sound track, complete with rifftastic guitar solo. Fifteen Minutes of Shame sounds quite busy as the lead guitar tends to outshine the vocals in a vie for attention of the listener. Catchy tune though and a nice bit of stop-start guitar that always bodes well in my view. Final track The Right Stuff is a slow opener, but once it kicks in the shouty backing vocals and righteous tones that remind me a little of early Faith No More, which obviously is a bloody good thing! So, The Right Stuff…one version is a late eighties boy band hit complete with funny dance, and the other an impressive and experimental effort from an up and coming rock group. Which would you prefer?!

Dan Sartain – Replacement Man – Single

Posted on by

by Emma

As if right from out of a Western Dan Sartain sings with a threateningly calm coo, distinctly dark and menacing tones seeping through. Relacement Man, out on 18th September, is a guitar twanging hoe-downing tune, catchy and a little scary at the same time. Sartain has been likened to the late Johnny Cash and it is easy to see why. Second track Indian Ink is another simple yet powerful track and seems to leave an imprint of itself on the mind. Not the type of music you could hear and forget, this is the stuff movie soundtracks are made of and sets a certain mood in as quick as a flash, then seems to end in the same way.

Although, not quite my musical cup of tea, I think that Dan Sartain has the credentials to become a house hold name…let’s watch this space.

The Rapture – Pieces Of The People We Love – Album

Posted on by

by Emma

Released on September 4th, Pieces of the People We Love is the second album from critically acclaimed New Yorkers The Rapture. Their mix of jazz, funky dance beats and hollowy high vocals makes for an exciting album. Get Myself Into It is a big party tune and will have you hotfooting it around the room. This is the first single to be released from the album on August 21st and was a good choice. The title track is a little slower and calmer and to be honest does lack the sparkle that the first track has. Luckily the pace is soon recovered with Whoo! Alright Yeah…Uh Huh, the fabulously titled song which reflects well the upbeat and feel good spirit of this track.

Don Go Do It brings in the electro and the dip in pace and fizz is more than made up for by the very strong vocals on this track, and the cool catchy chorus is great. The Sound seems as though it carries on this theme until you’re hit by a loud noise attack! This style is effective, but personally i prefer the glitzier sound of their dancier songs.

This group sounds good, something a little different to get your teeth into!

Happy Birthday OI!

Posted on by

That’s right, dudes, this month marks the two year anniversary of OI’s very first issue!

Do help yourself to a glass of Moet.

 

2004 seems like forever ago now. Them were the days. We were a printed zine back then, would you believe?! Aye, it’s a wonder we ever made it through the woes of printing, stapling & dodgy machinery in one piece! But we did. And this month we bring you many a great interview! I recommend the Disarm interview, if what you’re looking for is a nonsensical record of a slightly wild, incessantly rowdy twenty minutes and fifteen seconds.

Just so you know, Davey’s monthly Instrument Of The Issue and Blast From The Past articles are on hold, while the newest edition to OI – Rockaganda – takes to the stage. Instead of reflecting on the past, she’ll be whoring the most awesome new rock acts to hit uncivilised society.

 

Anyway, you know what to do. Go search & read to your hearts content.

 

See y’all next month.

 

x

Posted in OI

Clive Aid

Posted on by

by Louise

Cliveaid is a charity, originally set up to help ex-Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. After putting on a hugely successful show, featuring some the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) stars who played with Iron Maiden when Clive was at the kit, and securing a place for Clive’s original drum kit in the Hard Rock Café, it was decided to take Cliveaid to the next level.

Now, as well as raising money for Multiple Sclerosis and Teenage Cancer, Cliveaid aims to increase the availability of Music Therapy to those who can and do benefit from it.

With plans to open Music Therapy Centres in Hollywood, Bergen and at least three in the UK, Cliveaid have their work cut out and need your support!

Check out their website and/or MySpace for more info:

www.cliveaid.com
www.myspace.com/cliveaid

Posted in OI

Winter in July’s Heartland

Posted on by

by Jo

A hot time, in July, and it’s a mad rush home from school to pick up the black and glittery clothes, hurl them in the boot, and zoom off to the north… well, that was the plan. Bloody roadworks. We arrived in Leeds at about 9, I guess.. a quick change and run to the venue where the SUPER Sisters of Murphy were playing. Just in time for the encore, damn. Still.. even with one half of the PA sulking, the lads still sounded more like the real thing than the real thing did on tour.. A lovely night ensued, with some fine tunes to dance to, and converse with many forum members. Memorable.. the girl (unknown) who was about to fall out of her PVC dress at the front, and Debs. Debs, who spent some time telling Mr S how she loved me and that I was amazing.. Mr S asked her if she had the right woman. Pffttt. Boys…

Next day involved all day shopping and all day breakfasts, and a mammoth getting ready session.. interspersed with the Masters football.. oh, and two new lipsticks and a pair of fishnet holdups.. very nice. I’d lost my blue spangly lippy, you see, and as it matches my dress, I really needed it.. I must be getting old. I’ve worn that dress and stockings before, but this time I got quite selfconscious about bending over. I wore my girl boxers instead of my thong.. *blush*

Off to eat, in a nice Italian place, then off to a dark dingy pub basement (where else) to talk and drink and play with likeminded people. Some of them very tall, I might add. Damn young Timothy for taking photos.. talked for ages, danced for ages. Songs that you don’t hear anywhere else. Much loved and much nostalgia. The Kendal mint cake made it.. some of Heartland was conspicuous by absence, but the remainder drank and rocked in style. Not entirely grown up, though. That would be silly.

The playlist was…

Winter In July
Saturday 15th July 2006

® = request

QB Set #1 (8-9pm)
Psychedelic Furs: Into You Like A Train
Roxy Music: Do The Strand
T. Rex: Solid Gold Easy Action
Flesh For Lulu: Subterraneans
March Violets: Turn To The Sky (12″)
Love & Rockets: All In Your Mind
Iggy & The Stooges: Gimme Danger
Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers: Chinese Rocks
Suzi Quatro: 48 Crash
The Sisters Of Mercy: Detonation Boulevard
Ghost Dance: When I Call
Southern Death Cult: Fatman
Rowland S. Howard & Lydia Lunch: Some Velvet Morning
The Count 5: Psychotic Reaction

Fraser Set #1 (9-10pm)
Joy Division: Digital
Theatre Of Hate: The Wake
The Sisters Of Mercy: Good Things
The Three Johns: Brainbox
Sex Gang Children: Beasts
Delta 5: Mind Your Own Business
Big Black: Model
James Ray’s Gangwar: Destination Assassination
Suicide: Ghostrider
Warren Suicide: Black Planet
The B52s: Planet Claire
Xmal Deutschland: Qual
Into A Circle: Rise
Tones On Tails: Christian Says
Utah Saints: New Gold Dream 81-82-83-84
The Sisters Of Mercy: Nine While Nine
Ghost Dance: I Will Wait

QB Set #2 (10-11pm)
Salvation: Sunshine Superman
Abba: Does Your Mother Know
Scott Walker: Jackie
Ramones: Blitzkrieg Bop
The Sisters Of Mercy: 1969
Alien Sex Fiend: Hurricane Fighter Plane ®
The Cramps: Crusher
John Foxx: Underpass
Sugarbabes: Freak Like Me
The Birthday Party: Big Jesus Trashcan
The Sisters Of Mercy: No Time To Cry
Blancmange: Living On The Ceiling ®
Blondie: Heart Of Glass ®
Adam & The Ants: Antmusic
The Only Ones: Another Girl, Another Planet ®
David Bowie: Queen Bitch

Phono Paul (11pm-12am)
New Order: Shellshock
Depeche Mode: Enjoy The Silence
Pixies: Gauge Away
The Chameleons: Second Skin
The Sisters Of Mercy: We Are The Same, Susanne
The Clash: London Calling
Stiff Little Fingers: Alternative Ulster
Zodiac Mindwarp: Prime Mover
The Cult: Love Removal Machine
The Cure: Why Can’t I Be You?
Soft Cell: Bedsitter
Killers: Somebody Told Me
The Smiths: What Difference Does It Make?
Siouxsie & The Banshees: Spellbound
Alien Sex Fiend: I Walk The Line
The Sisters Of Mercy: When You Don’t See Me
Danielle Dax: Cathouse
Specimen: Syria

Fraser Set #2 (12-1.30am)
Skeletal Family: Promised Land
The Sisters Of Mercy: Body Electric (’82 version) ®
DAF: Der Mussolini ®
Shriekback: My Spine Is The Bassline ®
Wah!: Story Of The Blues ®
Teardrop Explodes: Reward
The Sisters Of Mercy: Adrenochrome
The Cure: Play For Today
Bauhaus: Dark Entries
Killing Joke: War Dance
The Sisters Of Mercy: Heartland ®
The Chameleons: In Shreds ®
Killing Joke: Follow The Leaders
The Sisters Of Mercy: not sure what the playlist says
The Damned: New Rose
PIL: Public Image
The Sisters Of Mercy: First & Last & Always
Magazine: Shot By Both Sides ®
Visage: Fade To Grey
Joy Division: Transmission
The Sisters Of Mercy: Some Kind Of Stranger ®
Westworld: Sonic Boom Boy

See? A gathering of goths and the like is not all that is dark. The bloody pub was, though. They NEVER put the lights on, in the dark corners. Anything could happen. Mmm. All was well in Emily’s world, and no one hurt themselves this time. Breakfast was a nonevent next morning, however. Bleuurrgh.

All kudos to everyone, but especially our leader Quiffy, and Jo. Xxx

Posted in OI

Diary of a stressed-out rock fan

Posted on by

by Sherilee (sixsister 3)

Well, July finally arrived, the month that my little darling became a toddler. I decided to cater for the birthday celebration solely by myself (yes, homemade coleslaw, potato salad etc!). Even my mother was impressed and believe me, it takes a lot! I also made the cake completely from scratch but had a little help for the icing part from my mate (and a large glass of Pimms!). It wasn’t until after that I realised that my age is really starting to show – it took me two weeks to recover from having a house full of toddlers and all the cleaning up after. I was absolutely knackered!

July was also the month that I FINALLY went to a gig after almost two years (more about that in the gigs section).

Family also played a big part in July. My mum had an almighty row with her former sister in law over visits (or lack of) from her or the kids, even when my nan was fighting off a serious illness. I know there are two sides to every story but surely the fact that my mum stuck by her when my uncle left should count for something? Obviously not. As the old saying goes, you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family!

Anyhow, back to the grindstone – until next month….

This month I

LOVE: James Dean Bradfields new album The Great Western, Lily Allen, Pimms and lemonade.

HATE: Cooking, Cleaning and not being able to have a lie in anymore!


Posted in OI

Heartbreak High’s recommendation

Posted on by

by Emma

The delicious Scott Major tells Optimum Impact what music he’s into at the moment.

Scott played lovable rogue Peter Rivers in the original Heartbreak High series, and has since starred in Doctors and is currently writing. Scott has written a short play and is ready to perform this month at the Edinburgh comedy festival.

Scott on his musical tastes:

“As far as my music goes… well I am someone who grew up when grunge exploded on to the scene so that is where my heart lies but as far as
what I am listening to at the moment. I know it will be a common answer but the Arctic Monkeys are definitely the band that are on high rotation in my world. Also Jet.

Cheers
Scott…”

Posted in OI