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The finished product...

noreply@blogger.com (WIRED UP) — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 15:31:00 +0000

BRANDING
When it came to branding our T-shirts we used pinterest for inspiration. We came up with an idea which we all agreed on and worked as a team to create them by firstly drawing thumbnails, we then worked as a team to construct them. Using CAD for our swing tags which we did during class time we then layered this with acetate and cut work which adorned was a kirby grip.

We then moved on to our sew in labels, we began these at home dying up calico with the same black dye we used for our T-shirts. We also got a metallic gold sharpie which we then used to embellish our label. We then sewed the edges to make them neat whilst leaving the top and bottom frayed and edgy as we liked this effect.

We are happy with our final product and think it goes well as a collection.

T-Shirts

noreply@blogger.com (WIRED UP) — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 11:55:00 +0000

DESIGNS SO FAR..

We have now finished our final Tshirt designs, and now we are working towards branding our garments. Our branding will all be the same on the T-shirts to make it apparent that it is a collection. When we were making our T-shirts we all decided to embellish a certain area, Caitlin focused on the neck and bottom of the Tshirt, Jade focused on the neck and middle and Kirsty focused on embellishing the bottom. We think our T-shirts have worked well as a collection.

Caitlin's Tshirt

Jade's Tshirt

Kirsty's Tshirt

Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (WIRED UP) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 12:31:00 +0000

THE BLOG
As part of our course we were asked to create a blog. We found this to be a great way of documenting our companies design progress. As this was our first blog we tried our best to make the blog look professional and ties in with our theme in terms of the structural format and colour layout.

Sampling

noreply@blogger.com (WIRED UP) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 12:27:00 +0000

SAMPLES
We created thumbnail ideas exploring different options of how we could incorporate the kirbie grips into our garments. We then were given 2 hours in class time to create two samples ideas. Previous to this we dyed up our jersey knit samples at home using different techniques. As we needed to produce a collection of tshirts each member of the team selected a different area of the garment to embellish.

Planning for samples

noreply@blogger.com (WIRED UP) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 12:22:00 +0000

PLAN
We were given a budget of £6 each to spend however we like. We researched different types and styles of kirbies and where to buy them from for the best price. We created a colour palette using the source images that we used in our mood boards, these colours consisted of metalics, black, silver, gold, blue and orange as highlight colours. We decided that our garments would be heavy embellished and work as part of a collection. We collected different colours of kirbie grips, safety pins, threads, beads, dye and bought large mens plain white tshirts for sampling the following week.

In the beginning...

noreply@blogger.com (WIRED UP) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 12:13:00 +0000

WIRED UP
We are a textile design company with the ideology that heavy embellishment creates an irrisistable garment. Within our PDP class we have been given a brief to produce a tshirt using kirbie grips. After been given the brief we researched different techniques and styles to use the kirbies on the garment and created a mood board full of inspiration.

Not Quite the End

keeptheareaclear — Sat, 29 May 2010 06:09:00 +0000

So, it may have become a little obvious that Belfast Calling hasn't been on my mind too much recently. Second semester became pretty much crazy busy with studying and socialising. For the first half of it I found myself leaving Stirling almost every weekend and therefore having to study my bum off during the week to keep up, and the second half was full of exam preperation. I also had to sort out a visa for the summer because I'm working at a camp in up-state New York for nine weeks. Basically, I'd like to apologise for my lack of updates, and to inform everyone that in just over two weeks I'll be jetting off to the States, to a camp with only one computer, and updating this blog won't be on my mind at all. Next semester is already looking busy but I think I'd like to upload something atleast once or twice a week. I loved Belfast Calling but I've recently realised that journalism maybe isn't what I want to do with my life. My passion for this blog has died a bit and studying it has made me realise even further that it probably isn't the career for me. However, I don't want to make any big decisions yet, as I still have two years of university left.

But for now, until September, I shall bid you adieu!

'Remember Me' Review

keeptheareaclear — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:50:00 +0000

Twi-hards and Robert Pattinson fangirls: this film isn’t for you.

When I planned to go and see 'Remember Me' I thought it would be some sort of cutesy romance between Pattinson and another Bella Swan, but I was proven wrong. Based in New York City and directed by Allen Coulter, 'Remember Me' will give you a lot more than you bargained for. Within the first fifteen minutes it’s clear to see that Pattinson’s character, Tyler, is more of a brooding writer who spends his time in a cafe in Brooklyn, but not a in a cliched “tortured artist” way. A lot of the scenes are shot in handheld camera and you’re never sure what exactly is about to happen; the grainy lens and blue tint making things seem quite dark. The film takes many twists and turns, including Tyler’s new girlfriend, Ally (Emilie de Ravin) his relationships with his Dad (played by Pierce Brosnan, who takes on a horrendous Brooklyn accent) and his little sister, and his flatmate who seems to come in to make a joke to lighten the mood a little every so often.

While there are a good few cliches, including Ally admitting she eats dessert first because, “I just don’t see the point in waiting. I mean, what if I die while eating my entree?” there are also some inspiring, quotable lines - “Gandhi said that whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it’s very important that you do it because nobody else will.” Without giving anything away, this film may not make sense to people until the last ten minutes, but the twist is shocking and, to some, unexpected. If you want to see this film for Robert Pattinson, don’t bother. You won’t get some romantic drama with a happy ending. Pattinson really digs his teeth into this role and makes for a gritty performance. But if you’re wanting to see something new and different, a low-ish budget film, something unexpected, then it’s definitely worth the cost.

The Candle Thieves Release Debut Single

keeptheareaclear — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:07:00 +0000

On March 29th, eclectic, indie-pop duo, The Candle Thieves, are releasing their debut single, 'We're All Gonna Die (Have Fun)'. The boys have just finished the video for it, which was directed by Richard Cullen of Pixelfing and you can view it right here:

You can find out more about The Candle Thieves at www.myspace.com/thecandlethieves

The Candle Thieves

keeptheareaclear — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:19:00 +0000

“The Candle Thieves keep the flame burning for sweetly emotive pop” – The Metro

"The Candle Thieves are wonderful" - The Independent
Their songs would melt the hardest hearts...How could you resist?" - The Guardian

Back in October I did an interview with Scott McEwan and Glockenshiels of Peterborough based band, The Candle Thieves, after the release of their 'Sunshine EP'. They had spent the summer touring up and down the country playing gigs in peoples gardens and had started work on their debut album.

The guys have recently signed to Downtown Records in America (Justice, Miike Snow, Gnarls Barkley) and are definitely a band to look out for in 2010. On March 22nd they release their debut single, 'We're All Going to Die (Have Fun)' and then on April 5th their debut album, 'Sunshine and Other Misfortunes'.

The 'Sunshine EP' is available to listen to on Spotify and you can find out more about The Candle Thieves at www.myspace.com/

Voicebox Comedy

keeptheareaclear — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:02:00 +0000

With music seemingly taking over the Belfast entertainment scene comedy nights are few and far between in Northern Ireland, but Marcus Keeley, organiser of Voicebox Comedy, is trying to change that. After trying out stand-up at university he returned to Belfast hoping to continue honing his skills. The only comedy clubs at the time, The Empire and The Laughter Lounge at The Odyssey, didn't interest him as an audience member, nevermind a performer, and this was when he decided to try and organise his own night. "I endeavoured to create an accessible amateur comedy night, with a slight lean towards the alternative style of humour. I also wanted to make it extremely welcoming to first-timers; something which a lot of comedy clubs tend to overlook. After an admittedly ramshackled short series of nights, Voicebox Comedy Club came back regularly during the summer of 2009, and has been packed every month!"

With a sheer lack of comedy clubs in Belfast you'd think comedians would have been coming out of the woodwork when Voicebox started up, but it had a bit of a slow start: "Originally when I started Voicebox, I sent out e-mails, ads and so on to find out if there were any comics in a similar position as me. Around four or five of us met up and I asked them to do the night. Since then, some have went on to start their own comedy clubs and others have disappeared from the scene. Generally speaking, once the amateur nights got a bit of momentum going, eventually people thought 'oh, I'll have a go next week'. Of course, there's people who only do it once then vanish, which is a shame, but within the scene the majority of people are very supportive with new comics." Since then comedy clubs have sprung up all over Belfast and there's plenty more to be found throughout the rest of Northern Ireland and Dublin.

As stated before, Marcus was inspired to start the night after trying out a bit of stand-up at university, so what delights can we expect from him? "I prefer the alternative style of humour, being a big fan of Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer, Rik Mayall & Adrian Edmonson, Dylan Moran, Charlie Brooker, Tim Minchin, these would probably be the comics/writers who give me the most influence. People see my stand-up as being rather dark, exaggerating the negative aspects of how people interact with each other and my own personal failings to surreal degrees." But it's not all doom and gloom: "I also do character skits/videos with a bit more focus on satire or the ridiculous. Of course, not everyone enjoys the above, but I don't see any fun in doing comedy that everyone gets or appreciates. There's enough local humour based comedians around for that."

With 2010 comes a new start, so what's on the cards for Marcus and Voicebox Comedy? "Voicebox is always growing, which is largely in part to the fantastic audience following we have, the comics who enjoy the night and get on board, and of course Safehouse Arts Space where it's held. It's a very open comedy night; I understand that not everyone shares my point of view on humour, so I'll try anything once or twice - I don't want to speak on behalf of the audience." So why not become part of that audience?

You can find out more about Voicebox Comedy at www.nicomedy.com and http://www.safehousearts.org.uk/

"I think if you say your band is a punk band or any other kind of band you instantly place a restriction on yourself."

keeptheareaclear — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:25:00 +0000

Comply or Die formed in spring of 2008 and within in a year were gigging regularly, gaining a reputation for putting on an “explosive live show.” The members (Matt on drums, Michael on guitar/vocals and Ian on bass/vocals) are made of ex-members of bands including Coda, The Kiss Kills and Snake Charmers and are currently working on a new record. “We’re playing around with a concept for it at the minute that will tie it all together and help make it pretty cohesive. The last record was really just a collection of songs, really good songs, but there wasn’t really a central theme to it so I thought it would be cool to try something like this with the next record,” Michael tells me. “Musically it’s more diverse, there’s more depth to it. Not all the songs are full on heads down assault like the last record, there are songs like that on here, and those kinds of songs are always fun to play, but we don’t really want to keep going over old ground.”

Before I continue I should probably tell you now that Comply or Die are not, I repeat NOT, a punk band. “People ask us what our band sound like and we’re like, ‘oh, well it’s like, post punk hardcore,’ and then they hear us and it’s like ‘that’s not hardcore...you’re not punk’. I think if you say your band is a punk band or any other kind of band really you instantly place a restriction on yourself and the sound.” Michael tells me. It’s all too easy to try and put everyone and everything in a box these days, but Comply or Die simply won’t accept it: “We're too heavy for the punks and a lot of people don't really get us or what we do. I think we adhere to the DIY ethics that are the back bone of what real punk, in my eyes, is but that’s probably where the similarities start and end. We're our own band and don't really pay too much attention to scenes, genres or what’s hip, fashionable or cool.” Matt adds. A long time ago people seemed to forget that punk was more than a music genre, which is probably what brought about the downfall of anyone’s understanding of the real punk lifestyle. And these guys definitely aren’t big fans of the current Northern Irish indie scene. Matt tells me, “there’s too many [indie bands] in Belfast and very few of them have any balls; it’s all fashion. It'll shift round again and rock or something else will be big in a few years. All these things are cyclical. Fits and starts.”

So except for the record and some upcoming gigs, what’s on the cards for Comply or Die for the rest of 2010? “Just get tighter as a band, write more songs, and get some more varied gigs I guess.” Ian tells me, before Michael adds, “hopefully well get to play a festival or something during the summer. Last year was a pretty successful year for us so hopefully this year will top that.” Fingers crossed it definitely will.

Comply or Die recently released a FREE downloadable single! It features two tracks - Baptism of Fire and Like A Snake - from their debut album and a previously unreleased live track, I'm Sick(of This), that will feature on their second record due out later this year! Follow the link for the FREE single and if you like that you can get the record for a mere £5.
Http://complyordie.bandcamp.com
You can also check out their new music video for Love Under Will. Check it out at Http://diecomply.posterous.com
You can also find out more about the band and hear their music at www.myspace.com/diecomply.
Photo by Victoria Carson.

Indigo Fury - EP Review

keeptheareaclear — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:59:00 +0000

This EP makes me feel as if Indigo Fury don't actually want to gain new fans. In the current musical climate most bands want to do something to get recognised, but with this mish-mash of classic rock and brit pop, I can't see these guys gaining any new listeners. First track, Something Happened, may have a couple of catchy riffs but it does nothing to pull the audience in and sounds just like so many bands that died with the 90s. Next two tracks, Drive and Mine Now, nevermind sounding incredibly similar, also resemble what you might hear at a band practise in the beginnings of a band's formation. Avoiding instrumental pieces might be an idea Indigo Fury should really consider. By the time I reach final track, Not Today, I'm really hoping they can surprise me, but unfortunately I'm let down. With a bit of a rock 'n' roll vibe, this song has been done before, countless times. Indigo Fury show clear potential with this EP, and I can't wait to see them actually using the talents they obviously have. But until then, this release just doesn't cut it.

You can find out more about Indigo Fury at www.myspace.com/indigofury

"I guess it's a case of, 'well, they're doing that already, let's try something different'."

keeptheareaclear — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:26:00 +0000

“Screaming Maldini are me (singing, producing, and that), Tom (refusing to sing and drumming), Andy (singing and trumpeting), Gina (more singing and percussioning), Annie (even more singing and bassing) and Chris (yet more of the singing and also keyboarding). Six all told, and with room to spare.” Nick of Screaming Maldini tells me. The band began as his “bedroom project” in 2008. “It was mainly as an outlet for my ever-increasing obsession with music production and recording. At the time, I lived with Andy and I fancied recording some trumpet (having never done so before) so I did.” Before the band knew it they were being played on 6Music by Tom Robinson. This inspired them to get some more musicians together and within six months they had a band and were signed to Alcopop! Records.

Screaming Maldini play an eclectic mix of pop, indie and something a little bit retro. Their use of horns, keys and percussion create a whole new genre that I’m sure no one has ever heard before. “With Maldini,there's always been this constant underlying feeling of not wanting to follow what other people are doing. There are a lot of purely guitar bands out there at the moment, equally there are lot of synth-driven bands out there too, most of whom are phenomenally good at what they do. I guess it's a case of, ‘well, they're already doing that, let's try something different’.”

The Extraordinary, the second track on the band’s MySpace page, has a quite retro, 60s feel to it. Due to Nick’s lack of planning this was completely unintentional but appears to have worked out brilliantly: “it was quite an organic experience writing and recording the song (it grew over about four months) and it wasn't in the least bit planned (I'm not very good at thinking ahead!). We had put down some guitar and drums and the thought occurred to me that the main riff might sound cool on the trumpet, so I called Andy upstairs to play it and everything just spiralled from there really.” But that wasn’t the end of it: “all of a sudden I found myself in Sheffield Cathedral's song school recording the girl choristers soaring up to top Bbs and thinking, 'crikey, this is different!'. I guess it was a case of letting what happens happen.”

So what’s on the cards for Screaming Maldini in 2010? “We release our Debut EP through the magnificent Alcopop! Records on February 22nd, which we're very excited about! We'll be playing a few dates in support of that and then we plan to keep plugging away, keep writing, keep playing, keep building and working hard. The summer should hopefully bring some festival performances and then, with a touch of luck and some focus, there'll be a full length record ready by the second half of the year!”

That definitely sounds like something we can look forward to.

You can find out more about Screaming Maldini and listen to their music at www.myspace.com/screamingmaldini

Sister Marko - 'Just Let Go' single review

keeptheareaclear — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:01:00 +0000

Sister Marko are inspired by bands like The Foo Fighters, Creed and Muse, and you can definitely hear in this in their new single, 'Just Let Go'. These guys make new age grunge rock and do it well. It's a catchy track and has a good beat that will get your foot tapping. But maybe second track on the single, 'Train to New York' would have been a better song to release? With a faster tempo and stronger riffs this song seems like a more interesting listen.The final track, 'Behind Bars' is an acoustic version and reminds me of early Foo Fighters. In the current day and age of music, where indie and folk are gaining rapid success, bands like Sister Marko could definitely bring rock back.

To check out Sister Marko and the single head to www.myspace.com/sistermarkouk

Kiss in Cities - "UR My Girl" single review

keeptheareaclear — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:08:00 +0000

Kiss in Cities are a Manchester based duo made up of Laura Marden and Joe Cross who make "synth drenched power-pop". "UR My Girl" sounds as if it fell straight out of the 80s and in the current musical climate, this isn't a bad thing. It's a happy pop song that will take you back to your childhood whilst being a memorable song for the end of 2009. Good pop music is something music is missing these days, but Kiss in Cities could bring it all back.

To order the single click here.
You can check out Kiss in Cities at www.myspace.com/kissincities , and also their other band, Performance, at www.myspace.com/weareperformance

"We tried planting astro turf and gazebos into venues but they just weren't having any of it."

keeptheareaclear — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:27:00 +0000

The Candle Thieves are two lovely chaps from Peterborough and I was pretty happy when I found out I had the opportunity to interview them. Their 'Sunshine EP' was released in early September and I had a chat with members Scott McEwan and Glockenshiels who aren't into your generic interview answers. On asking them to tell me a little bit about themselves, Glock told me this: "Hi! We both find our jokes worryingly too funny and we both love Domino's Pizza. Scott's even made up a name for his favourite selection of toppings." An interview that starts off like that is definitely going to be interesting!

Scott and Glock are the only members in the band and they play an amazing range of instruments, from the simple acoustic guitar, to the lesser known melodica, these guys are extremely talented but haven't completely ignored the idea of adding more members: "We kind of like it as we are right now, but definitely wouldn't rule out mixing it up a bit. Would love to do a show with a string quartet or doing a full on rock thing. There are no rules really." Scott tells me, with Glock adding, "Yeah, first rule in Glock club is, there are no rules!!!" Good to know!

This summer, instead of spending their time playing gigs in stuffy venues up and down the country, The Candle Thieves decided it would be a better idea to gig in their friends and fans gardens. Glock tells me, "We tried planting astro turf and gazebos into venues but they just weren't having any of it." To be honest, that's fair enough. "Ahhhh, of course we didn't!" Oh, well, then that's a bit more understandable. So what exactly did happen? "We did a 'Live in Your Living Room' tour last year which was so much fun that we wanted to do it all again but with a bit of a different spin on it. With 'The Sunshine EP' coming out too it felt pretty nice to be outside."

For those of you who've already heard 'The Sunshine EP' and are desperately wanting more, don't fret, because debut album, 'Sunshine and Other Misfortunes' is just around the corner: "It was recorded by Andy Dawkins and Cameron Jenkins is mixing it. It's nice to have a full length to get a few more of our sides across." Scott tells me. Glock also decided to let me in on an interesting fact about the recording of the album: "If you look back into the figures, for those couple of months we were recording, there was a soar in sales of Ginger Beer and Monster Munch in the Leeds/Headingly area." And those two items are definitely good ingredients for the making of an epic first album.

You can find out more about The Candle Thieves at www.myspace.com/thecandlethieves

Nic Dawson Kelly - 'Old Valentine' album review

keeptheareaclear — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:57:00 +0000

The first time I heard Nic Dawson Kelly the first thing that came to mind was Tom Jones, and now I have no idea why because the more I listen to him the more unique and brilliant he sounds. From working with musicians like Jim Barr (Portishead) and Marco Nelson (Primal Scream, Young Disciples), 'Old Valentine' has taken on a country/folk/generally quite alternative sound and each song leaves you wanting more. Songs like (first single off the album) The Musician, Marilyn and All The Pretty Bullfighters show a slow, peaceful side to Nic, with use of harmonicas and his unique shaky voice putting images of campfire songs and cowboys in our heads. But Old Valentine, Ex-Lovers and Old Friends, and Thursday 3-23 are alive and upbeat, with even a bit of a 60's/70's feel to them. Nic sounds nothing like any of the predictable folk artists who are doing oh so well in the charts at the minute, and it appears that his love of country has made 'Old Valentine' something completely new and exciting for the skinny-jean-and-tight-t-shirt-wearing youth of today. But I'm pretty sure that everyone should give it a listen; you won't regret it.

You can find out more about Nic Dawson Kelly at www.myspace.com/nicdawsonkelly

Stagecoach - 'We Got Tazers' EP review

keeptheareaclear — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Stagecoach formed in Surrey as a two-piece and "opted to add a new member every year until they felt they could comfortably rock a stadium." Now with just the right number of members (five, to be exact), Stagecoach released the "We Got Tazers" EP on October 5th and it's proving to be pretty damn good. All six tracks are as intriguing as each other and pull you in to listen more - First track, We Got Tazers portrays their happy nature, Break shows us their slower side and Ice Age is a bit of a indie cliche. You even get a remix of We Got Tazers thrown in there which adds to all the fun that this band clearly embody. If you like a bit of indie, a bit of electronica and a bit of confusion then this band are definitely for you. If not, you should still make sure to give it a listen.

You can purchase a copy of We Got Tazers at the Alcopop Records store (www.ilovealcopop.com) and you can find out more about Stagecoach at www.myspace.com/stagecoachuk

The Candle Thieves - 'The Sunshine EP' review

keeptheareaclear — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:04:00 +0000

Peterborough band, The Candle Thieves, are just coming to the end of their 'Garden Party Tour' where they "played up and down the country, ransacking the gardens of their fans for an evening and putting on shows consisting of great music, inflatable sharks, teddy bears and chocolate". Their music is described as "a warm blend of sunshine drenched melody, punctuated with sometimes melancholic but always astute song writing made with instruments straight out of Toy town and thrown into a melting pot to produce mini pop symphonies." First track on the EP, The Sunshine Song, is full of happy little melodies, the use of synths to keep your feet tapping and with lyrics that are enough to make the heart of any conscious female melt. Second track, My Love Will Clap it's Hands for You, starts off simple before building up and becoming even more intriguing. Final two tracks, The State that I'm in and Lonely, Lonely, Lonely show us a more down beat, slightly darker side to the band but they still keep up the simple melodies and heartfelt lyrics that make their music so appealing.

The Sunshine EP is available from today on Alcopop Records (www.ilovealcopop.com) and you can find out more about The Candle Thieves at www.myspace.com/thecandlethieves

Paramore - 'Brand New Eyes' album review

keeptheareaclear — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:59:00 +0000

This album is amazing. Paramore's talents get ten times better with every record that they make and they've come a long way since the days of 'All We Know is Falling'. 'Brand New Eyes' is full of big, punchy songs like opening track, Careful, and Brick by Boring Brick, but it also has a few quieter tracks, such as Misguided Ghosts, that prove to us that these guys are definitely not a one trick pony. First single, Ignorance, is pretty much on the same level as Misery Business and is bound to be a crowd pleaser on their UK tour later this year. The album has a bit more of a religious feel to it in parts, with Hayley clearly feeling comfortable enough to make it clear to their fans that they're Christians. Decode, the official Twilight soundtrack, is also featured on the album, but maybe should have been put somewere in the middle than right after the song that displays Paramore's full potential. However, I don't have any complaints other than that. Even if you aren't a fan of Paramore, you should definitely check this album out. I promise you won't be dissappointed.

You can check out Paramore's music and what they're getting up to at www.myspace.com/paramore

Bethany Dillon - 'Stop & Listen' album review

keeptheareaclear — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:02:00 +0000

Within Christian music it can sometimes be hard to find artists who sell music because they are good at what they do, rather than the fact that they are just Christian, but Bethany Dillon is one of few who are actually amazing at making music. As expected, the album is full of hope (something Bethany does brilliantly) and opening track, Get Up and Walk, is full of major keys and perfectly sung notes. First single, Everyone to Know, brings back memories of The Kingdom and Dreamer and shows us how in love with Jesus Bethany really is; and it's not cheesy or cliched like a lot of Christian music can be. The album is full of honesty and beauty in songs like I Am Yours and Deliver Me and shows how this wonderful artist has matured and gained so much wisdom since the days of Beautiful when she was fifteen years old. Her wonderful acoustic pop music is enough to make you smile, even if you don't agree with what she's singing, so I suggest that everyone makes sure to give this album a listen.

You can find out more about Bethany Dillon at www.myspace.com/bethanydillonmusic

The boys are back in town

keeptheareaclear — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:43:00 +0000

So you probably noticed the lack of updates on Belfast Calling over the summer, but this is all about to change! We'll be going back to the normal schedule of reviews, interviews and news updates as soon as I get my act together and contact people and sort out the myspace page! The inbox really has filled up... so, first, you can expect a few album and EP reviews including Paramore, Bethany Dillon and an EP by a brilliant band from Peterborough called The Candle Thieves. So chums, keep your eyes and ears open for many new updates! AND if you would like you're a band, filmmaker, photographer, writer, artist, or do anything creative send me an e-mail at belfastcalling@hotmail.co.uk telling me what you do, what you'd like to see featured, and I'll make sure to get back to you!

changing rss feeds...

Patrick — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:05:00 +0000

I just realised that those of you on RSS feeds might not have gotten any articles for a while now! We haven't forgotten about ye. Check out the new website at

www.secretfireworks.tk

to get the new articles, the new news and the new interviews :D

Patrick

a movie script ending: will mcconnell's bandwidth films

Patrick — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:15:00 +0000

I've been a Bandwidth Films fanboy ever since I saw the National acoustic session: there's nothing over the top about the videos Will McConnell produces. You create a simple situation, throw a band in the mix and film it. Inventiveness. however, is key for Bandwidth. Who would have thought about throwing Silhouette into a Citroen people carrier? It reminds me of Arcade Fire's Neon Bible in a lift.

We recently covered Pocket Promise's awesome video for I Burnt The Roller Disco on Secret Fireworks and it's the same sort of idea. While I'm not a fan of Panama Kings Will recently released a video for "Golden Recruit" but his finest work was also one of the first music videos Bandwidth produced. "The Evening Angels Gather Here" is a brilliant concept, projecting lyrics and leftover project footage onto a moving backdrop. It just works so well.

One of the most interesting developments from Bandwidth in the past two months or so has been the "In Stores Now" series. Take a relatively small band, put them in an unusual shop or location within Belfast and let them perform one track. Escape Act's performance was one of the better ones but in my eyes the best one by far was the John Shelly and the Creatures video embedded below. The sound is gorgeous, the band are inventive (using a vinegar bottle on a slide guitar, salt shakers etc) and there's a great circular shot that brings in the entire chip shop. Bandwidth may not win Oscars any time soon but we should be damn proud of them.

Check out the ASIWYFA live performance on www.bandwidthfilms.com right now or just click on the link in the blogroll!

we're moving!

Patrick — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:12:00 +0000

I've been working on the new version of Secret Fireworks for a while now and it's nearly ready for primetime. You won't have to do anything: the address will the same but the design will be radically different. It looks like a proper media outlet now, all I need to do is to get the writing quality up to that standard now!

I'm covering John Shelly and The Creatures on the 4th of August and Joe Echo on the 5th (both dates in Auntie Annies), as well as going to the Pocket Promise album launch party in the Menagerie which features Kowalski and The Good Fight on the 6th of August. I'll also be covering the Saturday MONIO festival featuring David Holmes, SixStarHotel, LaFaro (those lads must be thinking I'm stalking them) and The Vals amongst other excellent acts for BBC Across The Line: you'll be able to catch me on Monday night's show and the review will be up on the BBC ATL blog.

We'll have articles on B.O.Y, Building Pictures, A Plastic Rose and Cardigan Drive as well as a hilarious interview from John Shelly and the Creatures (featuring Seven Summits as well) from the Trans festival. Don't forget I'm always looking for new material, new suggestions and anything you're interested in: fire me an email at patrick@secretfireworks.tk and I'll get back to you!

Patrick

secret fireworks @ glasgowbury: and so i watch you from afar

Patrick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:28:00 +0000

"What are you doing here? We're an instrumental punk rock band from the North Coast!". Tony Wright may be a little caught up in the moment on stage but he asks a valid question: how the hell can such a band become so darn big on the local scene in such a short space of time? The band admitted that the Glasgowbury show would be the biggest to date, but most observers were pretty confident that they would deliver.

And how they delivered.

The National's "Start A War" may be an unusual introduction for a band, but it gets the audience excited to say the least. There's rapturous applause as Tony, Rory, Chris and Johnny take to the stage and begin with "The Voiceless", a melody that soars into the night sky and provides calm before the storm that is Chris Wee, hammering the drums like there's no tomorrow. The strobe lights are flashing on and on as the crowd dance in the mud while I'm covered in dirt after I jump up and down at the finale of the track.

"S is for Salamander" is starting to become a staple part of an ASIWYFA set and although it's fairly rough around the ages the crowd seem to warm to it. The track was played for the first time as part of a session for Radio 1 and it certainly is a grower. With a few inevitable tweaks we could have another brilliant track on our hands. ATL seem to love it, for sure. "D is for Django" is another new track and while it's even rougher around the edges it's super. I love the jazzy drum part from Chris and the crazy bassline provided by Johnny: nobody could ever really accuse the band of just setting their amp volume to 11 and chugging away but this track is something special and something very different from material we've heard before. A ballsy track, it's very adventurous but it goes down very well.

"A Little Solidarity" wasn't as good as we've come to expect from the band: there's just something missing from it. Perhaps the band are growing a little tired of playing it or perhaps it is just me but the energy that we had previously seen in the set wasn't there. However, the show stopping track of the night had to be "Don't Waste Time Doing Things You Hate". It sounds immense on the main stage: the question and answer guitars at the start, leading the audience into a false sense of security before all hell breaks loose and the band kick things up a notch. Tony seems to be loving the fact that there's two thousand or so people enraptured by every note the band play and manages to get the crowd to fill in for the choir in the middle of the song.

There's a beckoning hand and a few dozen musicians come onto the stage, standing in front of the microphones and getting ready to give the audience a hand. We've got A Plastic Rose naked on stage, more than a few bottles of Buckfast knocking about and a few musical instruments to boot. In fairness, the attempted singalong doesn't come off, but it's a damn nice effort. Those distant guitars and the bouncing bassline return to bid farewell to the audience... but we're having none of it.

The curfew was broken and we were treated to an extended version of Eat This City, Eat It Whole. It's a little symphony made up of various movements: the slow, contemplative beginning with the echoing guitars and the lovely bassline resembling some sort of post rock/punk James Bond theme tune. (If only.) Then, the lead guitar kicks it into overdrive and we get this dirty, dirty melody. It relaxes for a little bit, then we have the breakdown. The guitars and the bass chug in perfect synchronisation, building and building and building until it all goes a little haywire and it's Johnny's time to shine. The echoing guitars return, followed by a final push for the finish line and then a return to the reflective beginning before one final growl. This is sheer unadulterated bliss.

This isn't ASIWYFA's best performance to date (that honour is reserved for the mindblowing Mandela Hall show) but it's top notch. The willingness to take risks, the sheer energy and talent of the band make ASIWYFA true festival kings. They're a band born to play festivals. This is their machine, and nothing can stop it.

High point: The failed singalong. Yes, it didn't work out, but it encapsulates this band and this festival: the happy go lucky nature of most of the bands on the local scene and the general solidarity that exists here.

Low point: Surprisingly, "A Little Solidarity Goes A Long Way". It just felt a little muted compared to the rest of the set.

Final point: One of the revelations of recent years and one of the best albums of 2009, And So I Watch You From Afar are going to be huge. They're releasing a new EP in the next few months which will be hotly anticipated.

secret fireworks @ glasgowbury: lafaro

Patrick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:51:00 +0000

There are some things you can be sure of in this world: birth, death, and Dave and Herb Magee headbanging at exactly the same speed and time. LaFaro trotted out a typically dirty set full of swearing, contempt for "trendy people", contempt for "ugly people" and inappropriate jokes as well as some damn fine music.

Alan Lynn seems content to just go crazy when he sits in front of a drum kit, while the Magees and Jonny Black share vocal duties on "Leningrad". It's pretty furious stuff with the bassline chugging at a mile a minute, but the vocals are simply inaudible. You simply can't make out the words . "Chopper" is one of the harshest tracks I've ever heard, technical brilliance displayed by each and every band member at some point within the song. I got the feeling that they nearly wrote this song just so each of them could have some sort of solo. It's trashy, loud and proud.

Tuppenny Nudger is played by LaFaro, almost reluctantly due to the band's hatred of "trendy people". The same trendy people that run, buy and support AU, a magazine that recently voted Tuppenny Nudger the best track of the past five years on the local scene. It may be a boring riff, but it gets the crowd dancing and for once you can actually hear the nice harmonies from the second verse on. The band play a new track which starts with a soft melodic rock opening which leaves the crowd slightly confused: have LaFaro somehow turned into Snow Patrol? Thankfully

the introduction ends and it turns into another loud, brash, incomprehensible song.

The song of the set has to be "Girl Is A Drummer" which is an uptempo rock number with a great chorus and some top notch bass work from Herb. It has a guitar riff that reminds me of the Strokes but darker and dirtier. It's the sort of stuff you'll happily dance in the mud to, which we're all doing. Tony Wright from ASIWYFA comes onto the stage to help out with vocals on a track to much applause, and we're reminded he can actually sing as well as play a mean guitar.

High point: I was expecting it to be "Tuppenny Nudger" but it was "Girl Is A Drummer" simply for that awesome chorus.

Low point: Either when the Michael Jackson jokes were cracked or in the intro to a couple of the songs where the band start slagging off people. A few friends of mine who hadn't seen the band before thought they were more than a little condescending at times and that in the end distracts from the good music on display.

Final point: A great show as per usual from a band releasing their debut album in the next few months.

secret fireworks @ glasgowbury: cashier no 9

Patrick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:18:00 +0000

Fresh from their Glastonbury session Cashier No. 9 took to the stage to a fairly decent sized crowd on the main stage. Opening up with probably their best known track"When Jackie Shone" you have to admit the band have balls breaking the song out so early on in the set. However, it's a rollicking performance, even quicker than on record and the guitars are a bit dirtier as well. Danny Todd shines on guitar, and he's got a cracking voice to boot. The legend that it Stuart Bailie is standing right in front of me, and he's nodding his head in approval.

Disco pop drums and a repetitive riff kick in for "To The Death Of Fun", a song that contains more twists and unusual turns than the Draperstown to Belfast route. It's a good track and it's the perfect way to demonstrate folktronica. "42 West Avenue" features yet another cracking guitar riff and it sounds a lot more sinister than on record: the harmonies sound like ghosts lamenting in the background. I can't decipher a word of the lyrics in fairness so the meaning of the song is lost on me.

"Jump The Queue" is a good ol' fashioned country song, but "The Lighthouse Will Lead You Out" seems to indicate that the band have at least temporarily converted to electro pop. The audience begin to clap, it's stopped raining, and we're treated to a lovely little catchy number that we can sing along to. Sure, the live version may not have the stylophone solo featured in the demo, but there's something pretty surreal about 50 or 60 people chanting "this ain't the day" and singing along.

"Goodbye Friend" strikes me as a track with the fingerprints of Elliott Smith all over it, especially in the chorus, with the various melody and chord shifts. It all gets a little bit weird during the breakdown where the voices mix together to create a sound that bounces between a bunch of Ooompa Loompas and a selection of zombie children going to kill you. Very strange end to a promising set.

High point: "When Jackie Shone".

Low point: "Jump The Queue" was forgettable, quite literally.

Final point: Describing Cashier No 9 is a tough job: no matter which way you package it, it simply doesn't compare to a live performance. You'll be able to catch them at the Monio festival in the Kings Head!

secret fireworks @ glasgowbury: the q

Patrick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:11:00 +0000

The Q begin their set with a gigantic Imperial Japanese flag featuring a charming little elephant in the middle. Normally, we'd wonder what the hell was going on, but seeing as this detail isn't quite as strange as some of the stuff we've already seen (and nothing compared to the things we see later) it's not that big a deal.

There are sound problems from the start (frontman Paul's vocals are simply too loud, so when he does begin to belt the songs out the poor wee speakers can't take it) but the band kick things off with "Magpie". The lead track from the Big Fub EP, "Magpie" sounds a lot less clean-cut than on record which is always a good thing. The energy on stage is unreal: frontman Paul Connolly takes on this Jaggeresque persona, strutting his stuff and dandering around the stage while blasting out the vocals. The guitar riff has a Smiths/Beatles ring to it, not too difficult but significant enough to stand out.

Tracks like "99" feature some awesome, awesome drumming from Daniel Gavigan: he doesn't over do it but when a song needs a drum solo, he's got one tucked up his sleeve. Every song seems to contain a massive chorus and it's clear to see the band subscribe to the Kasabian school of songwriting: the one thing I would point out is that if you constantly shape songs to have these big singalong choruses they lose their effect over time. It has to be said, they're damn catchy though.

It's easy to be happy and upbeat but the challenge for bands like the Q is writing slower material. Surprisingly it's the strongest song of the set that's also the slowest. The bassline takes the glory this time in "Radio" as things get a bit more ominous: think "She's So Heavy" but mixed in with some Oasis and you'll have an idea of the sound the band are going for. Paul even tries to get a singalong going but it's just not happening."Alarm" features a riff that both Albert Hammond and Albert Hammond Jr. would be proud of, with guitar work that would have slotted perfectly into the Strokes' debut album. It's a bit more punky and returns to the upbeat sound we're used to with some super guitar battling between Thomas Nicholl and Thomas Doherty.

High point: The singalong during "Radio".
Low point: The first two bars of "Magpie" because Paul's vocals are just so fricking loud.
Final point: A surprisingly strong performance from a very promising band. Great songwriting and the band have the persona of rockstars, all they need now is a little exposure.

secret fireworks @ glasgowbury: the jane bradfords

Patrick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:02:00 +0000

The Jane Bradfords are dead: long live the Jane Bradfords. The final major gig before they transform into a sexy six piece, the JBs delivered a trademark set and left us wondering what the next album will be like. Will there be more indie pop or will we see the acoustic evolution glimpsed in the Valentine Day's sessions on Bandwidth Films? We wait in hope.

In "Hide From The Cold" we have a synth driven guitar laden song that's annoyingly catchy. The lyrics certainly aren't: Deci's vocals follow a rambling style that is pretty difficult to sing along to. It's the guitar part, the two note "na nahhhh" that will stick in your head, and no amount of drinking will get rid of that. The rain really starts falling as "Ninety Nine" kicks in, an indie pop number which would be a cert for any mix tape I would make. The vocals aren't strong but that vulnerability is probably what the band are looking for: the tender boy reminiscing about his romance in 1999.

The last two tracks of the set show the diversity of the band. The anthemic "The Evening Angels Gather Here" is a gorgeous song that deserves to be played on a dry night in front of a large crowd instead of in showers in front of a smattering of people. It's an uplifting number and it's one of the strongest songs the band have written, with a lovely refrain of "starlight, starbright, the evening angels gather here". Sadly it seems Deci has ditched the megaphone for the finale.

The finale, "Strategy #2 (Fight Them All)" featured Andrew Wilson from Ed Zealous on guitar, and it felt like the band were given permission to finally rock out a bit and relax. The electronic drums are being battered by Johnny while Deci suddenly becomes ridiculously awkward and uptight on stage, grabbing the keyboard and stuttering around stage before sitting on the floor and playing the wee synth part in the chorus that sounds a little like elevator music. It's a little strange, very enjoyable and a good show.

High point: The Evening Angels Gather Here. The most gorgeous version I've heard live.

Low point: The failed singalong for Fight Them All. It's a simple tune and you won't exactly forget the words but you'd wish that the crowd would be up for it.

Final point: Exciting times lie ahead for the Jane Bradfords. The Tallest Man On Earth gig will see the Jane Bradfords mark 2 trot out new material and could be the shot in the arm the band need.

secret fireworks @ glasgowbury: we are resistance

Patrick — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:24:00 +0000

I'm not going to even lie and say that I know a lot about We Are Resistance. On arriving at Glasgowbury I was immediately greeted by a wave of yellow WAR tee shirts and the occasional WAR flag. Few words can do the band justice. They're a funk rock machine that make music that wills you, nay, commands you to dance. At times they're a mix of Rage Against The Machine and Red Hot Chili Peppers, at others they're dishing out riffs that are sexier than Barry White, Jenny Lewis, Zooey Deschanel and Prince combined. (That's a whole, whole lot of sexy time.)

Donal Scullion's vocals are good on record but simply super live. Loud, brash and clear, on tracks like PSA (Public Service Announcement) he emerges in the limelight and basks in it. The audience are swaying, dancing, just generally going mental to the music and it really is infectious. The percussion and the drumming is second to none: it's so complex and god damn nuts that you simply have to take notice.

The bass riffs are mesmerising and the guitars are dancing from fret to fret. Formed out of the ashes of Mantic, We Are Resistance could be the next big thing to take the local scene by storm.

High point: PSA, just for the bassline.

Low point: Not seeing the start of the set!

Final point: An experience, not just a band.

Edit: Thanks to Donal from the band for pointing out the band didn't play Terra Nova! My bad. I thought there might be an error or two due to the fact my phone died halfway through the review, losing half my notes.

secret fireworks @ glasgowbury: kowalski

Patrick — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Kowalski are a band I've greatly enjoyed since the release of the Sunshine State EP: their indie pop rock goodness always reminded me of a more synth based Plans-era Death Cab For Cutie. I hadn't heard a peep out of them in 2009 and they haven't been touring as much as in recent years, which placed a little doubt in mind. The band promised new material at Glasgowbury and once again we asked ourselves will the Bangor juggernaut run out of steam?

I was hoping for this gig to answer those questions for me but they remain unanswered. Older tracks such as "Seesaw" sound as good as ever, with those distinctive synth riffs bouncing up and down with a crazy drum beat and crashing guitars combining with thoughtful lyrics. Songwriting is an art for these boys: you'll be happy to have a Kowalski song stuck in your head and chances are at least one will be permanently lodged in your brain.

We hear the words "this is a new song" and the audience collectively braces itself. The first new track isn't bad, but it's not great either. It lacks the certain je ne sais quoi we've come to expect from the band and dare I say it, it could even be regarded as filler instead of floor-filler. The next track is an improvement: with a keyboard riff that could have been lifted from a Cutaways number and a great chorus it seems to be a bit of a grower.

The band give us an old favourite in "Sunshine State" and we're reminded of what the band can do. Gradually the song builds layer by layer with some interesting drumming, a bending bassline and a clean guitar part followed by a big chorus. The scenesters are dancing in their wellies and it feels like all is good in the world, especially during the trademark breakdown in the middle of the track.

Finally, we hear "Japanese Waterfall", the new single. On first listen, it's not half bad: they seem to out do Two Door Cinema Club with a mazy riff that's both irritatingly catchy and danceworthy while there's another big chorus. It's typical Kowalski: nothing mindblowingly different but when you've got a good sound going it doesn't make sense to change it. We'd need a few more listens to pass real judgement on the new material, but fingers crossed we'll have the Kowalski we know and love back.

High point: The chorus in Seesaw, "we'll stay 'til it gets liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight". You can see a few thousand people singing along to that in the not too distant future.

Low point: The near deafening feedback that we experience during the second new song not just once but twice. I badly need to buy a pair of earplugs.

Final point: Don't pass judgement on the new material just yet, but we could have a winner on our hands. Maybe.

secret fireworks @ glasgowbury: a plastic rose

Patrick — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:23:00 +0000

A Plastic Rose have been a band knocking about the local scene for quite some time now: members have come and gone but the name has lived on. The current unit of Gerry, Ian, David and Troy have gone from strength to strength in the past year or two, featuring in ATL's Top 20 Norn Iron bands (at number 20) and releasing an EP earlier this year. It seemed like A Plastic Rose were living their dream as they opened the Spurs Of Rock stage, with every single member of the band grinning like idiots. Bless.

The band start proceedings by throwing just over a hundred CDs into the crowd featuring pretty much every track they've ever recorded. They're well known for being down to earth and lovely guys and doing that is just testament to that reputation. "Colour Blue" is the first track we hear, a simple little alt rocker that features the cornerstone of the band: the dueling vocals of Gerry and Ian. I'm aware I'm at the Spurs of Rock stage and things always would be rather loud, but even I had to take yet another step back from the speakers as the music is blasted out.

"Sun's A Shadow" provides the first singalong of the festival, if not the first clapalong. A track that features a tender guitar riff reminiscent of "405" by Death Cab For Cutie and soft then explosive vocals, Sun's A Shadow carries a tune and gives David the chance to shine on drums, if only for a few seconds.It's angsty and vulnerable, a gem in a solid set. Gerry and Ian seem to skirt the oh so fine line between singing with emotion and shouting. They stay on the right side of affairs for the most part of this gig but occasionally stray into dodgy territory, especially during "Superspeed" but it's all good.

I sadly missed the end of the set (which was bound to finish up with "Kids Don't Behave Like This", a song destined to feature at festivals) but from what I saw, I was as impressed as ever.

Top notch.

High point: The five second slot in "Sun's A Shadow" where there's calm before the storm. We all know what's coming but still takes you by surprise in its intensity.

Low point: Missing the end of the set.

Final point: A good set and a band that really know how to work a crowd- A Plastic Rose are playing at the Carling Reading and Leeds festivals so if you're going, look out for them.

secret fireworks @ glasgowbury: pocket promise

Patrick — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Pocket Promise opened the G Sessions stage with a solid set that set the tone for the rest of the day. The sun was shining and the crowd were dancing to the pop rock that has seemingly grown so acceptable these days, but a few major technical difficulties hampered the set. Otherwise it was an enjoyable experience as always from this band. A strong opening and then a track (that may or may not be called Juno, it was a little hard to hear) featuring a good keyboard riff and a big chorus with swirling synthesisers going on in the background. "Inside Out" sounds completely different on stage: drummer Joe Laverty takes the spotlight with some adventurous moves. Sadly as is generally the case, his limelight only lasts a few minutes as all but one of the band whip out some drumsticks and create something akin to a samba band for the finale. Well, when in Glasgowbury...

Cormac Fee's vocals are superb, gliding effortlessly from note to note without any real misses. The ladies seem to love him as well, from the comments being made just behind me. Pocket Promise are a bunch of pretty boys with very pretty music to match: it's all very summery. Then, that distinctive guitar riff kicks in and we're treated to a barnstorming performance of I Burnt The Roller Disco. It does feel like a runaway train at times in terms of tempo but they keep it together, barely. The track is so much more creepy and sinister live than on single as well, a bit of a diversion from what we had heard before.

High point: The drum breakdown in Facing Down. Stellar.

Low point: The tech problems. The keyboard doesn't seem to work, Dominic and Ciaran's mics are inaudible and so forth.

Final point: A solid set and a taster of what promises to be a very interesting album.

secret fireworks @ glasgowbury: the good, the bad and the fugly

Patrick — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:40:00 +0000

I've just got in the door after travelling back from Draperstown and I have to admit Glasgowbury exceeded my expectations by miles. The bands were better, the craic was better and the weather was better than I expected. Up on Secret Fireworks we will have full reviews from....

The Q
Kowalski
The Jane Bradfords
Pocket Promise
A Plastic Rose
Here Comes The Landed Gentry
LaFaro
Cashier No 9
We Are Resistance
& And So I Watch You From Afar

I was hoping to see a few more sets but I would have collapsed/become deaf/been swallowed into a swamp.

The Good at Glasgowbury:

The weather. We didn't get an onslaught of rain and while the craic was slightly dampened by the showers it could have been a lot worse.
The craic. From what I saw, only a few incidents occurred and nothing major really happened. There's also something lovely and binding about a bunch of girls and guys kicking a football up into the air and shouting out a word, then cheering when someone headers it.
The Beat. One of my favourite parts of the festival, there was an arts and crafts stand set up so we could make our own signs for the bands, or write whatever we wanted. We Are Resistance's followers used this to great effect.
The positive attitude of the bands. With one or two exceptions every band seemed to revel in the festival spirit: whether it's Tony from ASIWYFA gushing on stage, A Plastic Rose looking like kids in a sweet shop when a few people start clapping along to their songs or Here Comes The Landed Gentry playing an encore there's pride in playing at Glasgowbury.
Free things. Whether it's a hug from the Jagermeister girls, a free A Plastic Rose CD seemingly containing every song they've ever recorded or a passer by simply offering a complete stranger one of their chips in the pouring rain, it's all good.
Paul McClean and Rigsy in shades, looking sexy and surrounded by girls. Fair play, lads.
Paddy Glasgow.

The Bad

Nowhere near enough bins on the campsite.
Security not being particularly visible.
One band in particular acting like pricks to the audience on stage.
Sound problems in the G Sessions tent, but that's par for the course.
Not enough hours in the day to fit in all the music. :(
The eejits that lobbed bottles at ASIWYFA. That's not on.

The Fugly

The couple who began kissing in the front row of the main stage at half 2 and continued until the start of ASIWYFA, then decided it would be a good idea to do the same thing in the middle of a busy narrow country road when traffic was trying to leave.

Stay braced for some updates!

"It's like, I paid good money to be here tonight...amp me up! Make me feel alive!"

keeptheareaclear — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:42:00 +0000

For as long as I can remember indie, punk and anything alternative has been the main favourite in the Northern Irish music scene, so what do a band like Team Fresh do when they come into the scene with hip hop and want to make a name for themselves?

“I think when word started spreading about us and people who'd seen us live tried to describe us, it turned a lot of people off.” Slaine Browne tells me, “The problem is that whole nu-metal era which we never paid attention to. We all just grew up skateboarding together and listening to the music on skate videos, which was mainly underground, bouncy hip hop and positive punk tunes, and it seemed natural to us to put those two together.” While the indie scene is currently prominent in Northern Ireland, there was a time before that when all everyone wanted to do was skate and listen to music that had a good beat. Since then it’s as if people take music too seriously and all they want to do is be successful. But it’s easy to see, with bands like Team Fresh, that if you write what you love then you’ll have just as much success.“Another thing was we were bored of going to gigs and watching 'clichéd indie' bands. People who were scared to look at the crowd or would stare at their shoes while saying, "uh, hi... we have a record for sale at the door... buy it, or don't. Your choice... this next one’s about my ex-girlfriend”. We wanted to start a band that made people have a good time; that made them go home feeling fired up. You know? It's like, I paid good money to be here tonight, don't make me feel depressed, amp me up! Make me feel alive!”

However, once Team Fresh got started it didn’t take long before they were getting gig offers all over Belfast: “We set up our MySpace and people seemed to find us quite quickly. We played Rathlin Island around 6 months after starting the band and when we got home and checked our e-mails we had offers for gigs in The Empire and Queens in Belfast. I think a lot of folk from the Belfast music scene were there and liked us, liked what they'd seen. I guess we were just extremely lucky.”

So while you could go and see the next big thing in indie, why not do something a bit different and check out Team Fresh? Here’s to Northern Irish hip hop! Because I, for one, am sick of clichés.

You can check out Team Fresh at www.myspace.com/teamfreshforever

secret fireworks @ trans: heliopause in the dome

Patrick — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:24:00 +0000

I'm struggling to write this review without cracking at least one geography pun. Something along the lines of the band creating an amazing atmosphere. However, that would detract from one of the most surprisingly stunning gigs I've been at in the last two years. I've followed the band for quite a few months now (Richard was actually my first SF interview) and I thought I knew what to expect, having loved the Dark Matter EP.

From the first track, "Stained Glass", the band start as they mean to go on. Chris' droning guitar creates a shoegazesque cavalcade of noise while Richard's trademark fingerpicked acoustic guitar line means we experience this unusual yet lovely contrast. The vocals are muffled beyond belief, but that adds to the experience: it's a little bit magical, a little bit strange and a little bit hazy. Niall's drumming ranges from the delicate to the furious within the space of 30 seconds.

Most of the material we hear tonight is completely new, but we do get to hear the single Moment Of Recognition with Grace from Cutaways filling in on vocal duties. Interestingly enough, it's the weakest song on show here by a great deal. Despite the fact that the vocals are still indecipherable , the new material sounds very promising.

One or two tracks in particular stand out: one track features Richard crooning "this is everlasting, this is never ending" while Chris jumps in with a slightly more upbeat guitar riff and harmonies that mix together so well. It's a shame Therese wasn't part of the performance: I'm not sure if she's left or just couldn't make the gig but her vocals were the perfect compliment to Richard's and it was one of the standout points of Heliopause.

Chris' dreamy guitar parts return as they ring out in the Dome, with Niall's soft and measured drumming complimenting each other perfectly. I feel like I'm watching When Pilots Eject without keyboards and meaningful lyrics: we hear the odd word from Richard but there's this intense energy within the band that's restrained at times and released at others. It seems there's been a sound shift since the first EP and I welcome that greatly. There's a solo track from Richard which is nice but doesn't live up to the rest of the set: in the band there's an immediate contrast between Richard's restrained nature and Chris' energetic manner, with Niall caught somewhere in the middle. It's this mixture that makes the band unique!

All in all, it was a gorgeous, reflective set that made you stop, think, breathe and relax, a time of peace in a crazy world. The new material sounds ridiculously promising and I hope we get to hear a new EP soon enough but I'd still like to hear some of the older tracks played live, even the heartbreaking, shiver inducing "Mon Peu Rimbaud". A special band in a special venue on a special night: just next time guys, please do a proper soundcheck.

Edit: Thanks Chris for pointing out my mistake: Grace, of course, is in Cutaways, not the Flora, the Fauna. Last time I do late night posting, eh? And thanks to Steve for pointing out my mistake in regards to the Flora, the Fauna.

"It definitely still sounds like The Almost"

keeptheareaclear — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:43:00 +0000

For a while we didn’t hear much from The Almost but now they have signs plastered all over their MySpace page about a new album later this summer and Belfast Calling is pretty excited about the prospect of a second album from this alternative southern band. “Everything is done on our end. We actually just got a couple of mixes back.” Dusty Redmon (guitar) tells me, “We've got two different guys working on the mixes, and so far we're stoked on what we've gotten back!” And what about the sound? Will it be that typical “complicated second album” that sounds nothing like the first, or is it a progression of something amazing? “Looking back on the writing process with Dusty, I remember the both of us making the conscious effort to write what we liked without worrying what the final product would be.” Jay (guitar) tells me, “When the new record finally took shape, we were stoked to hear that The Almost had taken a big step forward.” It’s good to know that we won’t be handing over our money for another copy of Southern Weather. “It definitely still sounds like the Almost,” Dusty adds, “As a fan of the last album before joining the band, I think I can say that what we've got is a pretty cool, natural step forward. Jay and I murdered the guitars. I CAN say that.”

I asked Dusty if the album had a name yet, and got this unfortunate reply: “We DO have a title for it. I'm just not sure if I'm allowed to say yet or not!” So we’ll be waiting a little longer to discover what the guys have decided to call the album. And I’m sure you’re also wondering if The Almost will be in the UK any time soon, right? “We've been hoping to make it over to the UK for a while now. I guess the last album didn't get a proper release over there, so we're working hard to figure out a way to have this one come out. If that all works, I'm sure we'll get over there!” Dusty tells me. “We talk about touring the UK often, so our fingers are crossed in hopes that the response to the new record is positive! If not, Dusty and I will just come as tourists!” Jay adds. We’ll make sure to give them a warm welcome, whatever way they get here.

You can check out The Almost and get updates on the new album at www.myspace.com/thealmost

secret fireworks' guide to glasgowbury 2009

Patrick — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:49:00 +0000

This Saturday sees the return of the famous Glasgowbury festival to Draperstown and due to the recent revival of local music it promises to be brimming with quality music. And So I Watch You From Afar are set to headline the event (in their own words, their biggest ever show) with numerous bands such as General Fiasco and Cashier No 9 creeping further and further up the billing each year. With four stages, less than 24 hours and just under 50 bands playing I've selected a number of bands that have caught my eye over the past couple of months. There inevitably will be some clashes, but c'est la vie.

And So I Watch You From Afar (11pm-12am)

This band need no introduction, but just for the hell of it, I'll give them one. Instrumental balls to the wall rock doesn't sound like everyone's cup of tea, but their debut album has gained huge acclaim not only from the usual suspects but mainstream media as well. With truly magical live performances and a seemingly limitless amount of energy, ASIWYFA can turn geeky girls into rock chicks within 30 seconds. A band that were born to play festivals.

General Fiasco (9:45pm-10:15pm)

It's rare for a band to be lauded by serious music magazines like AU and Hotpress and to be able to make thousands of teenagers swoon, but General Fiasco seem to have that magic formula. Nothing complicated about them: just good old pop punk with insanely catchy melodies and great drumming from Leaky. Even if you're not a big fan the guys can put on a lovely show Owen is one of the best live vocalists I've ever heard, so this performance certainly won't be a damp squib. Potential crowd singalong for Rebel Get By.

LaFaro (7:15pm-8:00pm)

Dirty rock with more than a hint of punk, LaFaro have been turning heads in the months leading up to their debut album release. I had the chance to see the band in Oh Yeah Music Centre and they created this amazing atmosphere in the place despite the fact there were only about 15 people there: with a fully stocked crowd and good weather, we could be in for something really special. The new material from the album sounds strong and there's rarely a dull moment in the set, plus of course there's the track of this generation, Tuppenny Nudger.

The Good Fight (2:10pm-2:40pm)

There's a touch of Coldplay about this band, there's no denying that. Good for some people, not so good for others. The Coleraine bunch have been getting plenty of press recently for being the first support act announced for General Fiasco's Ulster Hall gig. With an ear for a good tune and an cracking track in "Landslide" (available free on NI Chart, but it's not great quality) they could be one to watch. I'll be interested to see if Ben can pull off those crazy high vocals live on stage, and that's my one fear about their slot.

Here Comes The Landed Gentry (9:15pm-10:00pm)

It will be my first time seeing the band but from the rave reviews I've heard of live performances this should be something special. A band that combine blues and country with a dose of old school rock Here Comes The Landed Gentry provide are one of those bands that you should go and see even if you haven't listened to them before. Fingers crossed we won't be disappointed. David Roy famously described the band as "a riot in a prison chapel": surely even the least inquisive person amongst us will want to find out what that sounds like.

The Q (4:30pm-5:00pm)

I thought this Derry band were robbed in the ATL Rock School competition, but they're still going strong. Armed to the teeth with hooks, lively guitars and witty lyrics the Q have turning heads over the past few years with Neil Hannon and Stu Bailie self proclaimed fans. Think of the Jam and the Undertones blended together with a dash of modernity and a shot of energy and you'll be halfway there to understanding the Q.

Kowalski (1:10pm-1:40pm)

It's time for Kowalski to stand up and be counted. Things have been pretty quiet from the band recently but apparently we'll see some new material at Glasgowbury. A fun band to watch and they've been promising for years but a new EP is important. Look out for "Japanese Waterfall" which the band are really excited about: will it stack up to earlier material? I hope so. We need Kowalski to kick ass.

A Plastic Rose (12:50pm-1:20pm)

Great live performers and super songwriters, A Plastic Rose have made shoegaze and passionate rock just that little bit more acceptable. With some of the nicest harmonies I've heard in a long long time and energetic drumming it's possible to be beautiful and devestating at the same time. Kids Don't Behave Like This is one of my favourite tracks of 2009, a song that builds and builds before exploding beautifully in a cavalcade of shouty vocals and crashing cymbals. One of the most exciting acts I've seen so far.

The Best Of The Rest...

The Jane Bradfords: no new material, apparently, will be featured but always a great act to see live. Deci Gallen's vocals have improved tenfold and everything seems to be clicking into place for the band.

Edit: I've been told that the guys will be playing one unreleased song that they've been playing for the past few months. This will probably be the end of The Jane Bradfords Mk 1: the acoustic gig in QUBSU with The Tallest Man On Earth will be the dawn of the JBs Mk 2, playing the new record and featuring an expanded lineup. Cheers!

Cashier No 9: not everyone's cup of tea, but the folk rock electronica shenanigans are always fun and the lads always deliver a stonking performance.

Skruff: if only to listen to This Is Not OK. What a song.

Yes Cadets: if the weather is good and you don't mind missing the start of A Plastic Rose's set, check these guys out. They don't provide a wall of hugs, but their sugar coated dancey indie pop sound will be a great way to kick off the festival weather permitting.

Joe Echo: one of the strongest local singer songwriters I've heard over the past couple of years, Ciaran's proved that there is life after Leya. Risky experimental pop is his game and an incredible cover of If I Were A Boy reinvents the song completely. An eagerly awaited set.

Dutch Schultz: the pole dancers may not be taking part in this performance but these boys are a talented bunch of rockers. They haven't quite settled on a sound yet, but there's still plenty of time.

Inishowen Gospel Choir: probably best known for their Urban Hymns performance, this could turn into a wonderful happy clappy gig. And that's fine by me.

Pocket Promise: releasing their debut album and with one of the singles of 2009 Pocket Promise could be the surprise of the festival.

Owl City - 'Fireflies' single review

keeptheareaclear — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Since the summer of 2008, Adam Young of Owl City has certainly been making a name for himself. He's currently touring with Kate Havnevik and Unicorn Kid and has just had Fireflies available for free download on iTunes, as well as making an accompanying video. Fireflies definitely has the electronic Owl City sound to it, but there's something much larger about it. With synths and melodies, Mr Adam Young is certainly outdoing himself. The lyrics speak of hopes and dreams but settle straight back to reality and things everyone can relate to. This is definitely a song that everyone needs to listen to.

With new album, Ocean Eyes, soon to be available in the UK will Adam gain himself more fans or will he lose some? If Fireflies is anything to go by he'll be making it to number one before you can say "Hello Seattle".

You can check out Owl City and listen to Fireflies at www.myspace.com/owlcity
Photo by Pamela Littky.

secret fireworks @ trans: john shelly and the creatures

Patrick — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:18:00 +0000

*tenuous link here, bear with me*

Who would want to work for the Northern Irish Tourist Board? It must be up there with being Michael Owen's physio, Pete Doherty's minder or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's PR representative. Norn Iron is known abroad for bombs, bullets, Bibles and blustery weather: whoever said "any publicity is good publicity" is clearly talking rubbish. A multimullion advertising campaign showing the landscape and countryside of Northern Ireland (as well as the general craic in our wee country) is a drop in the ocean compared to the round the clock news coverage when something wrong here. How do we change that perception that prospective tourists have? What does Northern Ireland mean to us?

Well, today's little performance in the Ulster Hall cafe by John Shelly and the Creatures would have been the perfect TV advert for Northern Ireland, if there had been any cameras knocking about. Or people, for that matter. Yes, I was able to have a good cup of tea sitting inside the newly revamped Ulster Hall while the band put on a great performance as the sun shone outside. Rational thinking, public investment, a resurgent music scene and global warming now feature in Northern Ireland, and we're all the better for it.

Kicking off the set with "Angeline", it feels like I'm watching a different band to the one I had seen at Trans:mission last week. As a full band JSC are good, but in an intimate acoustic performance like this, they really shine. Walter's vocals are much stronger than the previous Waterfront show, while all of the instrumental parts grab your attention. There's a warmth in this gig that was devoid in previous performances: it seems that once you unplug the electric guitars and remove the barriers JSC come to life. "Soft To The Bone" (well, I'm calling it that, I'm not sure of the proper title) sounds lush with three part harmonies interlinking and mixing together so well. It's a sign of good songwriting that a track can hold up in different situations: I would argue that 90% of this set was better than a full band performance. The little things stand out in these performances and they were on show today as the bassline takes prominence time and time again.

We're treated to a twee number featuring a mouth organ and mandolins which is reminiscent of Turin Brakes, nothing too complicated but simply a song that warms your soul. The lead vocals seem to swap between Ger, Walter and Phil: it's not necessarily a problem but it can make a set a little inconsistent as sometimes the vocalist can't break into their stride. However considering the fact every song seems to contain a harmony or two we didn't encounter that problem today. "Blinded and Cross" can only be appreciated truly in this setting: a simple little song that features those lovely three part harmonies that are hauntingly beautiful. The folk kings and queens of Belfast seem to be The Lowly Knights at the minute, a band I love but a band built on shaky foundations. John Shelly and the Creatures are an act built upon damn good songwriting, great melodies and glorious harmonies. There most certainly is a challenge for the crown.

i found a sound that turned me around....

Patrick — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:26:00 +0000

Well, on Tuesday we had our first Kids Don't Stand A Chance gig. Despite all the red tape, the bureaucracy, drama with bands and health and safety problems on the 14th of July we ran our event in Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast. With coverage in the Irish News, the News Letter and AU (not to mention more viral/guerilla marketing that you can shake a stick at) we were hoping for a big crowd. That didn't materialise, sadly, for a number of reasons but we've learnt our lesson now. Perhaps the Belfast scenesters aren't familiar with LaFaro or A Plastic Rose (possible), our promotion was abysmal (certainly possible), and that there were so many different events going on that our target audience was scattered around Belfast to say the least (most likely).

However, this is a music blog, not a charity blog so here's the lowdown. Gigging Northern Ireland (who I've been doing a fair bit of work with) have a review by the lovely Finola Doran up here which is well worth a read, while my thoughts are below.

The Postbox Theory took to the stage and looked nervous as hell. Their first song of the night seemed to reflect this: the obvious self confidence documented on their first EP was clearly missing. After the first track those nerves were cast aside: hell, we even see a smile from Zach. There's a dark energy that seems to run through the band: they're certainly not your typical teenagers. The new tracks we heard had a air of Smashing Pumpkins about them but retained the unique experimental elements that we've come to know the band for. The track of the night had to be the instrumental "Mirrors": a moody little song that really turned heads at the concert and the only track from their debut EP.

The Audiables delivered an acoustic set that was as much as a throwback to the 60s and 70s as the drummer's hair was a throwback to Ian Brown's Stone Roses days. Armed with a crowd of teenage groupies that sat down in the front row and swayed to the music, the band drilled out song after song from a bygone age. "Behind Closed Doors" and "Free My Soul" have a bluesy vibe about them: nothing original, nothing new, but it's nice to listen to. They've got a cockiness about them, assured and confident, but the set feels a little bit long and a little repetitive. A full set would probably ease my doubt about the band.

A Plastic Rose certainly raised the bar with their performance: for the majority of the audience it was the first time they had seen the band and from the sounds of it it certainly won't be the last. Tracks like "The Colour Blue" and "Superspeed" gain a surprisingly warm reaction from the crowd, while the band are a prime example of an act that has evolved over the years into a professional music machine. The one inevitable problem in playing such a small venue is that sound can suffer and it was most evident in APR's performance: those devastating harmonies we've come to know and love from Ian and Gerry don't come across that well. That's a small point in an otherwise faultless performance: we even get a "fuck yeah!" from a member of the audience when "Silence, You" begins. The track of the set has to be "Kids Don't Behave Like This" dedicated to the legend that is Matthew Patton, which features awesome drumming and those lovely vocals from Gerry (which range from tender, emotional, enraged then screaming) in a song that gradually builds up into a frenzied finale. Thumbs up, lads.

Due to the Audiables running over time, Lafaro took to the stage later than scheduled and the crowd by this stage were starting to dwindle. A huge shame, because Lafaro quite frankly tore me a new one. Rollicking wouldn't do the band justice. This is punk rock, my friends, it's loud, it's proud and it doesn't say sorry. Fans of Taking Back Sunday don't know what punk is. We're treated to a couple of new tracks: at one point Jonny decides not to tell the audience what the track titles are, as apparently they're irrelevant. Those sound limitations become a hell of a lot more obvious during Lafaro's set as we can barely hear Jonny's vocals because the bass is terrifyingly loud, the drums are pounding and the guitars are grating against our eardrums. The younger members of our audience experience ringing ears within seconds.

I've been pretty excited about the debut album and after this performance I can barely wait. The new songs sound so strong: "Chopper" and "Party Hardy Marty" are destined to be classics while the band seem confident enough to throw "Tuppenny Nudger" into the middle of the set instead of closer to the end. The guitar amps cut out at one point and the performance quickly turns into a comedy extravaganza with Michael Jackson jokes a plenty and more inappropriate jokes than you can shake a stick at. Personally, I'm cringing, as it's my head on the line if the parents complain, but normal service is eventually resumed. The crowd, by the end of the set, had dwindled to just over 18 people, so we're told to come right to the front for the final song. Bad move on my part standing right beside a speaker. The first chord rings out of "Leningrad" and my ears still haven't stopped ringing.

The turnout wasn't great, but the music was class. Tonight we saw a class act in the making (The Postbox Theory), a band that have grown into a solid act over the years (A Plastic Rose) and a band that is on the fringes of greatness in Lafaro. Roll on Newry!

"We wanted a big sound with big songs, catchy hooks and lyrics everyone can relate to."

keeptheareaclear — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:37:00 +0000

"Recently we've been keeping ourselves pretty busy booking a tour for the end of June and we are just out of the studio last week finishing off the final touches to the debut EP" Adam Carroll of Under Stars & Gutters tells me. The boys have come a long way since they started, and now with three music videos under their belt and plenty of gigs played around Northern Ireland, including the great AU sponsored St. Patrick's Day gig in Portrush, they have now almost completed their first EP.

"the EP is called 'Soundtrack To this City' and basically tells the story of the last 3 years in the bands life. I definately tried to make all the lyrics as personal as possible. We recorded all 5 tracks with Patrick trolan in broken studios in Portstewart in 2 different sessions. all along the aim of the cd was to make it sound HUGE, we wanted a big sound with big songs,catchy hooks and lyrics everyone can relate to."

So if you like the sound of that make sure to give Under Stars & Gutters a listen. I can assure you, you won't regret it.

You can check out Under Stars & Gutters at www.myspace.com/understarsandgutters
Photo by Mark Douglas at www.myspace.com/markdouglasphotography

secret fireworks in the summer...

Patrick — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:26:00 +0000

I have been looking forward to this summer for quite a while now: liberation from exams, relatively nice weather and lazy mornings all rank rather highly in my book. The advent of summer means the Northern Irish music scene kicks into top gear and you can be assured that Secret Fireworks will be blogging like there's no tomorrow- hell, you might actually think this blog is a serious music production. (Rather unlikely, but I can always dream.)

Our summer begins with the Belfast City Carnival, as some of Norn Iron's finest combine to create the greatest supergroup since The Travelling Wilburys. The Jane Bradfords, John Shelly and the Creatures, Mojo Fury and Katie and the Carnival, John D'Arcy, Cara Cowan, Shauna Tohill and Steve Toner are all set to feature. Colour me excited. I wonder if Naomi Long plays a musical instrument?

Four major festivals are taking place in the North, and I'll be at three of them. While I can't afford to go to the very promising inaugural Willowstone Festival in Killyleagh, I'll be covering Trans '09, Glasgowbury (my first ever!) and Forfey Festival. I'm gearing up for my first live experiences of Fighting With Wire, Not Squares, Mojo FURY, Yes Cadets, Pocket Promise and Dutch Schultz amongst others: I simply cannot wait.

Of course, I'll be covering the Northern Ireland Youth Forum "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance" festival in detail with reviews, interviews and exclusive tracks with the bands involved.

So laissez les bons temps roulez , and enjoy this summer.

it's not perfect, but it sounds alright: an interview with a lowly knight

Patrick — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:17:00 +0000

The Lowly Knights

Originally uploaded by Conzo.. (via Flickr)

"We like to think that a gig (of ours) is more than just a concert where people come and see us play, but that people come and feel like they're a part of it, contributing to the whole event- a bit of idealism, I know." Numerous acts have tried to make this happen over the years, but only the Lowly Knights have taken strides to make this a reality. The twelve-piece provide an unique experience both live and on record with a rich, approachable folk pop sound that warms the soul of every listener from the opening chord to the last gorgeous harmony. The Knights and their debut EP "The Rifles" have been lauded by both national and local media: "Devotion" is rarely absent from Across The Line or Rory McConnell's NI Introducing show, while the band featured in Alternative Ulster's top 50 tracks of their generation. So, how exactly did the Knights come this far?

"Some bands plan to dominate the world from the beginning. Others just make the best music they can, enjoy it, and let what happens happen. That is actually one of my favourite things about the Knights; we've never really had big expectations for ourselves and therefore we were always stunned when anything good happened to us. I remember thinking with everyone, "Wouldn't it be great to actually play in the Empire?", then, "Could you imagine supporting Duke Special?"

It has been a meteoric rise for the Knights. Gary Lightbody has been one of the most vocal supporters of the band, with the Knights supporting one of Snow Patrol's recent Odyssey dates. Indeed, he became an honorary Knight along with Iain Archer and Miriam Kaufman as they joined the choir for their showstopping number "You Can Tell A Man By How He Lifts His Hands". "The Snow Patrol shows were pretty surreal- the taste of the big stage (and all that comes with it) was pretty intoxicating." These performances turned the Knights from the best kept secret on the local scene to the worst kept secret. Since the start of 2009 the twelve piece have been ridiculously busy, playing with And So I Watch You From Afar (live review here) and Foy Vance-"the gentleman with the voice of a god" according to Jon. One of the most memorable gigs for the band (and for me) was the BBC "Do You Remember The First Time?" concert (live review here), as the Knights opened the first major gig in the refurbished Ulster Hall.

Any band would find it difficult to continue such an ascent in the local scene, so it isn't surprising that the Knights are taking things a little easier at the minute. "We've intentionally not taken on many shows so we could spend most of our time writing songs and gearing up for recording again: we're planning on hitting the studio this July and releasing the next recording this autumn. We are extremely excited for this- we recorded The Rifles EP over a year ago and though we are truly proud of it, it is a old recording. We have evolved as a band quite a bit over the past year or so and are excited to get an up-to-date recording out." However, the Knights are planning a UK tour as well as a stellar launch for the new EP. Excitement will undoubtedly ensue.

The band are known for their hooks and their complex instrumentation (the Knights use mandolins, for crying out loud) so songwriting is never an easy task, especially with such a large number of musicians in one group. "We haven't exactly perfected our process yet and perhaps we never will- Cazi and Neil usually write somewhat of a skeleton of a song and a rough structure, play it for us, then we spill our guts. One of the best songs we've ever written took only a few practices to get right but it can take months to get things just right! Our recent practices have been going on all night, and they're pretty intense. But after several hours when it all comes together I can say that writing music with these 11 other people is an amazing experience!"

Hundreds of bands from the North have come so close to breaking through into the mainstream, but no band is quite like the Lowly Knights. With a genuinely unique folksy sound and a knack for creating catchy but deep songs, we are all destined to become Knights. "We've always had the attitude of "this isn't going to last forever so let’s enjoy it and make it as fun as possible while it does last"". Let us hope the Knights continue to march on.

the curse of teflon don

Patrick — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:03:00 +0000

Common Bred Trigger's debut EP "The Curse Of Teflon Don" is an intriguing rock release that never quite hits top gear and leaves me banging my head against a proverbial brick wall. Featuring more melancholy than a widow's never ending monologue, CBT set their stall out in "In Trails" with Nirvana tinged guitars and strong vocals. The lyrics aren't the most philisophical in the world, but there's the occasional memorable line ("In hindsight, things look better, somewhat blackened, somewhat wetter"). This is rock by numbers: there's nothing revolutionary here and it chugs along with ease with some great drumming, but part of me wishes CBT would go out on a limb and try something a little crazy."Lock And Key" is the best track on the EP in my opinion: there's a lovely little guitar riff while Karl's vocals take prominence, with the song switching from tender to bitter within seconds. The backing vocals are a real treat and I can imagine this being a real joy to see live: the question and answer style outro is ridiculously catchy.

"When Will It Stop?" marks a return to the original formula of driving, ominous guitars and perpetual darkness- I've never been a fan of shouty/screamy vocals and this track sadly features them in abundance. Once again, it's rock by numbers. There's nothing really wrong with "When Will It Stop" and indeed there's nothing wrong with the EP. CBT clearly have potential and they will create the deep dark sound they seem to be searching for. Karl's vocals are excellent: very clear, rich and strong. I just wish they'd stick their necks out, be a little bit more adventurous and record the results. The Curse Of Teflon Don is a promising EP that's just not quite there yet.

Common Bred Trigger MySpace

look left to see if you are right....

Patrick — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:41:00 +0000

The Postbox Theory are a band that have impressed me from the outset: their song "Recommence The Tea Party" has been a particular favourite of mine over the past a few months, while they are set to play with A Plastic Rose and LaFaro in July. The Lisburn four-piece recently released their debut EP "Experiment #1" and have been garnering praise and acclaim from both bands and the blogosphere: not bad for a band that are still in secondary education! I caught up with Claudio Manso to discuss the EP, the band and the future.

"Zach and I were sitting in a changing room about a year ago, and we just decided there and then to have another crack at getting a band together," explained Claudio. "After that, it all fell into place: we recruited our friend Dean to play drums and after a while Dane became our bass player." The Postbox Theory have encountered a few difficulties due to their age: "We sometimes get asked for IDs [when we're playing a gig] and we've been asked to leave. However, I think once people look behind the name and listen to us play, they ignore the age thing and they take us seriously."

It's quite rare for a band that has been together for such a short time to put out an EP, but according to the band, the timing was perfect. "We had written a couple of songs and we spent a few months trying to perfect them: at the same time, we had a number of new ideas that sounded really good. Michael Mormecha (mojoFURY and Clown Parlour) really wanted to record with us so we went for it." For Claudio, the recording experience was fantastic: "It was weird at the start, adjusting to a studio, because we had never been in one before. After a couple of hours recording drum tracks and demoing, however, it just clicked."

The first track on the EP, "Mirrors", is an instrumental that evokes memories of Mogwai and Explosions In The Sky: however, unlike most post rock it has a purpose instead of just dandering from note to note. It's ominous, dark and brooding from the outset. A distorted noise gently opens the track with a clean guitar riff, then instruments join in one by one. "Mirrors" is carefully measured, restrained and a memorable way to start the EP. The track slowly builds up, reaches a peak and then dies away with grace. It's a bit creepy but it's gorgeous nonetheless. Claudio explains: "Zach and I were jamming, and Mirrors just came together. I asked the band whether they thought the song needed vocals, but it was clear that it was better to be left alone!"

"Mirrors" may have been a little too restrained for my liking, but "Ease Of Use" certainly doesn't suffer from this problem. Driving guitars and thundering drums open the track, then a glorious bassline kicks in. Indeed, the bassline is consistently impressive throughout "Experiment #1"- it is constantly at the forefront and always inventive. "We want everyone to have a major part in every song- instead of forgetting about bass guitar like some bands, in tracks like Ease Of Use it drives the song along." The sole disappointment with the track is the vocals, sadly: Claudio's performance is good, but you can barely make it out, as the instruments drown him out. It's quite clear he's going for gravitas instead of dramatics: he pulls it off, but for maximum effect he really needs to be a little bit braver, and a hell of a lot louder.

"Look Left To See If You're Right" is a wonderfully layered track that features a lovely little acoustic guitar part. Zach takes over on vocals for this track, creating a dark atmosphere with quiet yet powerful vocals. Dean's drumming is tight and appropriate: never distracting, never overbearing, just perfect. The track is angst ridden, mournful, and very promising.

"Recommence The Tea Party" is probably my favourite track on the EP. The harmonies are gorgeous and the song just keeps taking me by surprise: the introduction sounds a little like "Ease Of Use" and wouldn't be out of place on a We Are Scientists album. Then, the rhythm guitar part kicks in, and it's a cracking upbeat number. The middle eight part is a little dodgy: it feels to me like the song loses its structure. The outro, however, is magnificent: Manso sings "the only way is up for me", and it's balls to the wall from there. The driving guitars return and the drummer becomes temporarily possessed by the spirit of Animal. According to the band, it's a live favourite, but they're not quite sure why. "For Recommence The Tea Party, we wrote the music long before we had even thought of lyrics. The title doesn't even have anything to do with the lyrics!"

"The Argument" is easily the most radio friendly track on "Experiment #1"- those ominous, punktastic guitars return, battling against one another in a fight to the death with no clear winner. Lyrically it's probably the best track, and the chorus is catchy as hell. I can imagine a few hundred people screaming out "I think all you's want me dead", though the grammar police might not be happy. There's a cowbell in the background too- an instrument sadly missing from local music all too often.

Overall, it's a great EP. Four talented musicians have created five tracks that many bands would be envious of: it's an angst filled and genuinely disaffected record. It's still raw but it's a professional debut: measured to perfection, inventive and promising great things. I'd be interested in seeing the band live: I'm not 100% sure if Claudio's vocals would be able to stand out amidst the inevitable ocean of noise that The Postbox Theory will create on stage, but even if that's the case they're one to watch on the live music scene. It's a scary thought how young these guys are and how darn good they are at the moment. If they catch a break and they continue to progress musically at their current rate, this EP could be the start of something very beautiful indeed. The band believe their next release might have a slightly different sound: we'll be waiting with baited breath.

The Postbox Theory MySpace

welcome to the night sky

Patrick — Sat, 30 May 2009 23:20:00 +0000

Honestly, I had never heard of the Canadian band Wintersleep until they recently played in Auntie Annies (to rave reviews): I've been making up for lost time, however. Their 2007 release "Welcome To The Night Sky" is a wonderful album from the very start to the last drum beat. Their third album is anthemic rock at its finest, veering between up tempo pedal to the metal pieces, simple catchy folksy songs and complex post rock symphonies.

Lyrically, it can be disappointing at times: "Weighty Ghost" and "Search Party" are filled with sweeping questions and statements that take the sheen off some excellent tracks. However, it's instrumentally flawless: the drumming is superb, with complex rhythms driving forth tracks such as "Drunk On Alumininum". Despite the lyrical limitations there's a great attention to detail: there aren't any passengers in Wintersleep. Paul Murphy's vocals can be tender and vulnerable when needed, or raw and loud, such as in "Archaeologists". I've read that he's a bit of an intellectual and refers to Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes as influences- it can be a little aloof at time, a little surreal, but it's a good thing.

The guitar riffs and parts are tight: the melodies are dreamy, soaring and a little eerie at times. It's pretty unsurprising to discover Tony Doogan produced this album: he's an absolute master at harnessing this sort of sound (he produced Mogwai's "Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait" and Snow Patrol's "When It’s All Over We Still Have To Clear Up", two of my favourite albums of all time). The crowning glory of the album is "Miasmal Smoke & the Yellow Bellied Freaks" (a hell of a title): an eight minute post rock extravaganza featuring organs, insane drumming and lyrics I simply don't understand. Welcome To The Night Sky is an musical rollercoaster that doesn't know exactly where it's going- all it knows is that the journey is going to be incredible.

Check out "Drunk On Aluminum" at the bottom of the post.

the kids don't stand a chance

Patrick — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:29:00 +0000

(apologies for the lack of recent posting, but these exams are quite frankly taking over my life)

Since January 2009 I've had the delightful pleasure of working with the Northern Ireland Youth Forum, a charity set up in 1979 to speak for and represent young people. It's a youth run organisation, and it's simply brilliant craic- there's a real vibrant attitude around the offices and there are always a number of exciting initiatives being talked about. A few months ago, we were discussing what we'd like to do this year, and one thing that was close to all our hearts was music.

I say music, but what I really mean was gigs. Since I was 16 I've had a keen interest in the local music scene, but due to my age I was never able to see live local music. The Ulster Hall was shut and every half decent local band were playing in bars and clubs. This normally meant I wouldn't even try to go to a gig, or even if I did try, I'd get knocked back 99 times out of 100. When we discussed this, it seems my experience was common to most people, and it only ends up hurting bands in the long run.

The teenage demographic is one of the most influential and powerful out there without a doubt. A few local bands have managed to harness and reach out to teenagers- General Fiasco and Fighting With Wire are just two names that spring to mind- but there are so many acts bubbling under the surface that would be lapped up by teenagers. I'm convinced that Two Door Cinema Club and the Panama Kings would take over the country given a chance to play to younger audiences- what's more, I would personally make the latest ASIWYFA album a compulsory part of the National Curriculum if I was Minister for Education.

It's not just the fans that are suffering, though. It's the music scene in general. I'm sure a band would prefer to play a sold out show than a half empty venue. Perhaps it would cost a little more to rent out the venue and have a dry bar, but a bigger audience could cancel that out. Local bands need younger fans- because younger fans are much more likely to grow a little obsessed over a band than the more "discerning" music fan. It's all well and good putting posters up and spamming your MySpace link on various local websites, but word of mouth is worth its weight in gold. Musicians may criticise filesharing, but it's teenagers who are sending each other band demos and singles over Bluetooth and Rapidshare, even. This promotion is volunteer led and most importantly free- what band wouldn't want that?

Finally, young musicians are suffering. From chatting to a number of younger bands, a major concern of theirs is that they'll be kicked out of a bar or a venue for being underage. It stifles the scene. Bands don't want to play church halls or GAA clubs- they want to play where their musical heroes play. It's motivating. Quite simply, young musicians, music lovers and local bands don't stand a chance. The kids don't stand a chance.

We decided that we'd try to push promoters and venues to hold more all ages gigs- and the best way of doing that would be by holding a few underage gigs ourselves. Originally the project started out as a single gig in the Oh Yeah Music Centre, with a few younger bands and perhaps an established band on the local scene. After I got in contact with a few musicians, the project has taken on a life of it's own. Dozens of bands of all musical genres got in touch with our project, pledging everything and anything to seize this valuable opportunity to play an all ages gig. Promoters got in touch with the project, advising us on what we needed to do, helped us create various posters and gave up their time for free. Currently, we're planning to hold four gigs in Belfast (Oh Yeah Music Centre), Newry (The Magnet Centre) and two unspecified venues in Derry and Coleraine featuring over 16 top quality bands- playing to roughly 1,000 people in Northern Ireland.

I'm delighted, thus, to announce our first gig of the mini festival: two well established acts and two very promising younger bands on Tuesday 14th July 2009 in the Oh Yeah Centre Belfast.

LaFaro are headlining- to say we're delighted is an understatement. One of the most talented local bands over the past 10 years, LaFaro are a polished, professional group that play dirty yet appealing punk rock. They've been critically acclaimed by local and national media, and their track "Tuppenny Nudger" was voted the greatest track of Alternative Ulster's lifetime. I've had the pleasure of seeing LaFaro nearly destroy the Ulster Hall with the song "Leningrad", and my ears are still ringing. Beautiful.

A Plastic Rose, those beautiful, beautiful people. Within 5 minutes of posting on Fastfude, Gerry Norman got in touch with me, and we're over the moon to have these guys playing our gig. "Kids Don't Behave Like This" is easily one of the best songs I have heard all year, and their live performances are a joy to behold. They've written some solid material over the past 6 months and it's pretty safe to say there will be a number of new Plastic Rose devotees after this gig. I think they take the concept of Biffy Clyro, tweak it, and deliver it a hell of a lot better. They've got some gorgeous harmonies going in all their tracks as well! Download their track "Skin" at the bottom of the post.

The Audiables are a band you might not be familiar with, but that'll hopefully change over the next year or so. It's a little surprising to hear such a young band with a sound that plays clear homage to musicians of yesteryear but the Audiables are a solid act, mixing blues, Brit rock and psychadelica with a modern twist. They've also got a habit of throwing an awesome guitar solo or two in there as well. They're set to represent Northern Ireland in the prestigious Coca Cola Blastbeat competition finals in Dublin, and I'm sure they'll do us proud.

Last, but certainly not least, we've got The Postbox Theory. They've recently released an EP (which I should REALLY post the review for) which is a promising start for a very promising band. They're not the finished product yet, but they've certainly got their heads screwed on. Their influences span from electronica to post punk rock, resulting in a unique sound that reminds me a little of We Are Scientists crossed with Desert Hearts and ASIWYFA. Intrigued? You should be. Listen to Recommence The Tea Party, available for download at the bottom of the post.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be announcing the other gigs, sharing some interviews with the bands and perhaps a competition or two for tickets. Check out the MySpace at www.myspace.com/niyouthforum for the latest information in regards to tickets and the like.

Skin- A Plastic Rose
Recommence The Tea Party- The Postbox Theory

i burnt the roller disco

Patrick — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:41:00 +0000

The word pop is seen as a pejorative term these days- an insult labelled by music not belonging to or affiliated with a major record company kids towards music that's a tad catchy and full of hooks. I, however, am a big fan of pop, and an equally big fan of Will McConnell at Bandwidth Films. There's a unique simplicity with his music videos that makes them instantly memorable, always handy for local bands.

Pocket Promise have been one of the more recent bands to undergo the Bandwidth treatment. A band that drop all pretension and welcome catchy hooks with open arms, their Waving At Strangers EP was warmly welcomed by the local media. The single I Burnt The Roller Disco has quickly become a firm favourite of mine- it sounds a little sinister with discontent bubbling underneath, dragging you in almost instantly. This song is a little like the balloons in the video. Pocket Promise are doing their thing in the corner, and they're not really catching your attention. Soon, however, you're surrounded by hooks that you can't remove from your head, the chorus is on a constant repeat, and within a fortnight you're rocking backwards and forth huddled on the ground in a cold sweat laughing manically as you sing "I burnt the roller disco dowwwwwnnnnn".

....or is that just me?

Well, it's an awesome tune, nonetheless. It does deserve a warning sticker on the cover stating "may cause insanity" though. I Burnt The Roller Disco is a song honed to perfection and delivered with precision that promises great things from, well, Pocket Promise. Enjoy it while you can, before Pete Snoddon ruins it for all.

Pocket Promise - I Burnt The Roller Disco from bandwidth films on Vimeo.

the phonograph that plays your favourite albums back (free download of the week)

Patrick — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:48:00 +0000

Such Great Heights - The Postal Service
Originally uploaded by MoreInterpretations

The Postal Service is a particular love of mine: Give Up will forever be in my Top 10 albums of all time. It was the soundtrack to my teenage years and appeared on every mix CD I ever made. Needless to say, the relationships didn't last, but the musical love affairs did. Ben Gibbard's unique vocals and the glorious mix of electro, pop and indie rock make nearly every song on the debut album one to remember. Who, indeed, can forget Such Great Heights? A song covered by everyone from Amanda Palmer to Ben Folds to Iron and Wine. The Postal Service, with one album, inspired bands all over the world with simplicity and inventiveness. Kowalski and Two Door Cinema Club mention Gibbard and Tamborello as influences, for example.

Another love of mine is KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic. Despite being in little ol' Belfast I discovered bands such as Rilo Kiley, Death Cab for Cutie, Elliott Smith and The Decemberists amongst others as a result of Nic Harcourt's radio show. He may have left the show last year, but Jason Bentley continues the great tradition of playing good live music from nearly any genre. I guess it's like a better version of Jo Whiley's Live Lounge.

This week's download is a combination of both of these wonderful things. Accompanied by the mesmerising Jenny Lewis, the trio play a lovely set featuring many of their hits. The idea of the Postal Service playing live is rather unusual in my eyes- I don't like seeing a band that sound exactly the same live as they do on CD and there's not much room for manoever in this genre of music due to the processed electronic instruments.

However, it's a great recording- The District Sleeps Alone Tonight sounds better than it does on Give Up, due to Jenny's harmonies and keyboard part adding a little something to the mix. The lead singer of Rilo Kiley doesn't actually feature on the album but took part in all of the live performances: her talents clearly show through on Nothing Better as she more than adequately fills in for Jen Wood. Jenny's voice is sultry and indeed sexy, adding a little bit more (necessary) emotion to the duet. Finally, the version of Brand New Colony sums up this band perfectly. You've got the catchy, upbeat tune, the genius lyrics of Gibbard and the lovely distorted guitar part in the outro of the song combining with the electro beats reminding us where Gibbard and Tamborello come from.

Download Postal Service Morning Becomes Eclectic

We're on Twitter!

keeptheareaclear — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 05:58:00 +0000

Yep, just head on over to www.twitter.com/belfastcalling and click follow!
:)

"I think I got into photography on a bit of a fluke."

keeptheareaclear — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:20:00 +0000

Everyone seems to see themselves as a bit of a wannabe photographer these days. Whether it be the “emo” kids on MySpace who take a million photos of themselves and their friends in mirrors, or people who have Facebook albums full of photos of beautiful landscapes. But it takes a lot more than that to take a good photo, and Colette McHugh is one of few gifted people who can take good photos. “I think I got into photography on a bit of a fluke but am very grateful that I did. I started taking pictures when I was about 15 as a hobby but never really thought I could take it anywhere professional. As much as I wanted to be I was never any good at fine art so by the time I got to university I found myself in a course with nothing to do with art, that I had no interest in. I had it set in my mind that I was going to leave when I found the University of Ulster was starting a photography course. Unlike others who went up for the course I didn’t come from a foundation art background so was extremely happy when I was given the chance and got accepted into the course. From there I really developed my love of art photography.”

It was the work of photographer Annie Leibowitz that really stood out the Colette when she was 15 and helped her realise her passion for taking photos: “I was amazed by the beautiful constructed images she created of glamorous people but also how she could use photography to document her own life. It seemed like the perfect vocation for me as it could include all my interests in one career that I could be passionate about.” And photography is just that; no matter what you’re interested in it’s always possible to include it. From fashion to art, there’s always some way to put it in a photo, and Colette’s inspirations are proof of this: “Every project I take on has different inspirations, from music and other art forms to everyday experiences, but I’m most influenced by the past. I’ve always loved the look of old movies from the styles of film noir to the musical production of the 1940s. This plays a big role in my current project which is mostly influenced by director George Melies and musical choreographer Busby Berkeley.”

Colette is currently working on fashion photography for Belfast hair and artist designer ‘Vintage Rocks’ and is hoping to start a website and create a book of work this summer, so make sure to watch this space and look out for her photos.

You can check out more of Colette's work at www.myspace.com/colette_rose

All photos used with permission.

Kuhn

keeptheareaclear — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:19:00 +0000

Kuhn formed after drummer, Sandra Kuhn, moved to Northern Ireland from Hamburg after a move to Birmingham not working out and only planned to stay for a year, but has now been here for seven. Kuhn didn’t form till spring 2008 and have been a cover band until now, as they have decided to work on their own material. They have a large list of influences including The Beatles, AC/DC, The Fratellis and Black Sabbath and have quite a rock ‘n’ roll feel. And the band name? Sandra tells me, “We cannot agree on a proper band name, we’re constantly juggling names!” as I’m sure you can see the connection. Kuhn are currently not gigging but focusing on writing their own material and have just started recording some of their songs.

You can check out Kuhn at www.myspace.com/kuhnband

"There is only so much a band can do."

keeptheareaclear — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:44:00 +0000

The Randals formed in October 2007 “after realising each others unhealthy interest in music” and were originally called ‘The Deadbeats’ and just played covers of songs by bands ranging from The Arctic Monkeys to The Pixies, but after gigging in Omagh for a while they decided it would be best to take a break and write their own material. This led to a change in the bands name and they became The Randals.

“With so many bands in the Northern Irish music scene it is hard to find a place to fit in and get noticed,” Stephen (guitar) tells me, “People say that to get something done right you have to do it yourself, but there is only so much a band can do, they need that extra help from promoters, and I’m glad to say that we’ve been promoted well in our town, and from it have been told that we have great live talent.” With confidence like that it won’t be hard for these boys to go far with their music. In any music scene it’s hard to get heard, and bands give up too quickly, but due to success in their home town (and there’s no place like home) The Randals have a belief in themselves that doesn’t show arrogance.

While these boys continue to work their way to the top, they aren’t just focusing on themselves, as they have a true belief that the Northern Irish scene has got something important to say: “We just think something more should be done about the talent in the North, because god knows good things don't last forever.” Amen to that.

You can check out The Randals at www.myspace.com/therandalsni
Photo by Kirk Gilmore - www.kirkgilmore.com