Rhythm Circus

The Cribs // In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull

franc — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:33:14 +0000

Drunkenly stumbling out of Wakefield around a decade ago, The Cribs have no far surpassed initial comparisons to indie darlings of the day, and made a name for themselves as friendly but determined outsiders. Along the way they have worked with Edwyn Collins, Lee Ranaldo and, most famously, Johnny Marr who joined the band as a full-time fourth member between 2008 and 2011. Where some bands strive for such name-dropping opportunities to further their standing, the Jarman brothers seem to have earned the respect of these collaborators as equals through a winning combination of good music and such fan-friendly antics as once offering to perform anywhere in exchange for a few beers and some petrol money. Even so, prior to In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull, (their Fifth album) you could be forgiven for wondering whether they would successfully respond to being without their famous fourth wheel or (warning, pun ahoy) if it has Marred their style.

Beginning with a sound reminiscent of a space shuttle landing on a drum kit, opening track Glitters Like Gold emerges with melodic guitars intact and, like many of their songs, could easily be released as a single. It’s a high benchmark to start things off but this sets the tone for the album which further explores the Cribs own sonic landscape, pulling together assorted elements of Dinosaur Jr and The Replacements into a something which is both unique and instantly familiar. Even the way they put together different sounds makes for fascinating listening. Confident Men has a lovely combination of vocal melody, jangly guitar and a bassline that would make the Pixies jealous. The slower-burning Uptight has a chorus that seems made for a live singalong and a marvelously jagged guitar solo towards the end.

However, just when you think you’ve got the measure of the album along comes Back To The Bolthole, alternately croaking and screaming like a domestic argument next door, followed by the wistful, acoustic I Should Have Helped. Further unexpected surprises arrive with the last four tracks which form a kind of mini-rock opera. Luckily this is much better than it sounds and culminates with possibly the best title for an album closing track in living memory, Arena Rock Encore With Full Cast. Mind you, we shouldn’t be too surprised as this is the band who once named a Japanese only b-sides compilation Arigato Cockers. This change of gear for the final section of the album is a wise decision, preventing it from becoming too much of one thing and making it work far better as a unified collection of songs.

So, even if you consider it careless to lose an acknowledged guitar legend from your ranks, In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull gives notice that The Cribs have enough of their own strengths and capabilities for it not to make a blind bit of difference. And for that, they’re quite entitled to be brazen.

Words > Ollie Carlisle

In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull is out now through Wichita. Click below for a free download of Chi-Town.

Luke Ritchie // Free Download // Lonely Second

franc — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:17:40 +0000

After achieving more than 8500 downloads through self-made podcasts since 2010, young singer/songwriter Luke Ritchie is gearing up to release an album for real in 2012.

The Water’s Edge, Ritchie’s debut, due out in July 2012 was produced by Paul Savage (Franz Ferdinand, Arab Strap, Mogwai), over two snowy weeks in Scotland. Snapped up fast, and signed in 2012 by independent label Angel Falls Records, the Water’s Edge is said to be neither a regular folk record nor typical singer/songwriter fare: Recorded with Ritchie’s core backing musicians, on double bass and drums, and Jazz vocalist Nia Lynn on harmonies, the album may have been made on acoustic instruments, but even its most reflective moments are packed with passion and purpose.

True to his DIY roots, at the end of last year, Ritchie decided to send his album out all over the world, to see how people would react. He recorded the songs on to 80 MP3 players and put them inside tobacco tins with instructions on a luggage label to listen and pass on, but also to photograph the ‘music boxes’ in interesting locations: “I’ve sent out almost 50 so far, mostly with friends who are travelling abroad, and the response has been incredible,” says the singer. “People have sent back pictures from Tibet, the Pyramids, from a beach in Australia, in front of the Chinese terracotta army and under a waterfall in Venezuela.”

As a taste of things to come, Ritchie is giving away a beautiful solo acoustic version of Lonely Second – to be taken from Waters Edge. Download the track for free below.

Crows Zero

dean — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:47:01 +0000

Another film adaptation of popular Japanese manga, Crows Zero is the latest DVD release from legendary Japanese filmmaker, Takashi Miike. It was a huge success on its release in 2007 and takes its place as one of Takashi Miike’s most profitable films in Japan. The manga original, called Crows, was written by prolific manga artist Hiroshi Takahashi and has sold more than 32 million copies as of October 2007. The figures speak for themselves and with a heavyweight like Takashi Miike behind the lens, it is fair to say that this is one of the more reputable manga-turned-film productions.

Set in impoverished Suzuran High School for boys, gang rivalry is the dish of the day and everyone is expected, or forced, to take a side. With numerous factions violently battling for power and influence, transfer student Genji Takiya attempts the impossible and sets out to take over the entire school and become its one, supreme leader. Suzuran High School isn’t exactly Grange Hill, though, and Genji faces violent opposition from the other factions and his arch rival Serizawa. Luckily Genji has an old yakuza, Katagiri, to mentor him and so goes about taking on the factions one by one in his nonchalant, passive aggressive manner.

As you would expect from a Takashi Miike film, the fight scenes are immaculately choreographed and sufficiently violent in a Mortal Kombat kind of way. Indeed, much of the photography takes the form of a martial arts video game. The ground visibly quakes after an opponent takes a hard fall and Genji, a visibly puny and effeminate character, seems to channel Tekken’s Heihachi with his superhuman strength and deadly fighting style.

This is certainly a film for the manga and anime purists. Western audiences seeking an alternative to Kidulthood should probably look elsewhere. Similarly, Crows Zero lacks the gore and pace of fellow school-set Japanese heavyweight, Battle Royale. There are elements of Crows Zero which do not translate well. The overacting, pantomime humour and incongruous subplots constitute a bad film by Western standards, or at the very least threaten its credibility. However, a film which smashes the Japanese box office cannot be deemed a bad film. Yes, the narrative is flimsy and the violence sensationalised, but as a manga adaptation, the transition is fluid and is sure to keep the anime fans happy.

In terms of entertainment, Crows Zero provides. The en mass fight scenes are a pulse-racing affair of technical elitism and effective monopolisation of the surrounding environment. The ultimate showdown towards the end of the film sees the entire force of each faction facing each other in a torrential rainstorm in the school playground. Coupled with the use of umbrellas, this is Takashi Miike at his visual best. What’s more is that for anyone who felt dissatisfied by the end of the film and yearned for more fantastical school playground violence, the sequel Crows Zero II was released in 2009 and will no doubt be finding its way to us soon.

Words > Paula Croggan

Molotov Jukebox Bang EP Launch Party

franc — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:19:25 +0000

A whirlwind of trumpets, accordions, corsets and punch-packing vocals Molotov Jukebox are back with their second EP Bang, out on 21st May. To celebrate the release, the band will be playing a special, one-off show at Islington Metal Works on Thursday 24th May.

Fronted by the multi-talented actress, fashion icon and musician Natalia Tena, (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones / Vocals and Accordion) and taking influence from gypsy to swing, the eagerly awaited follow up to internationally celebrated 2011 Double Dare EP, Bang was recorded and mixed at London’s legendary RAK studios and produced by Jonathan Quarmby (David Bowie, Ziggy Marley, Finley Quaye).

The EP will be on pre-release from early May via the bands website: MOLOTOV JUKEBOX

Joining Molotov at this knock-out EP Launch party will be the ambitious trio More Like Trees as well asturntable masters DJs Trufix and Cous Cous.

For advanced tickets for the EP launch on 24th May, just click here.
MORE DETAILS:
Molotov Jukebox Bang EP Launch Party
24th May / 19:00 – 01:00
Islington Metal Works, 7 Torrens Street, EC1V 1NQ
molotov jukebox
Nearest Tube: Angel

Levellers // Static On The Airwaves // Uk Tour

franc — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:50:41 +0000

Folk-rock band Levellers are set release their tenth studio album, Static On The Airwaves, on 25 June 2012 tocelebrate the album, the troupe have announced an eleven date UK tour in November including a night at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Saturday 24 November. Levellers will be joined by special guests Citizen Fish. The band will also be playing a handful of intimate acoustic shows in September.

Produced by Sean Lakeman, who is renowned for producing his brother’s Mercury-nominated and gold-selling albums as well as Letters From The Underground (Levellers’ previous album), Static On The Airwaves was recorded ‘as live’ at Sono Studios in Prague and mixed in New York by the legendary Victor Van Vugt (PJ Harvey, Beth Orton, Nick Cave).

Taken from forthcoming new album Static On The Airwaves, a free download of Our Forgotten Towns is now available from STATIC ON THE AIRWAVES

Levellers will play the following dates:

SEPTEMBER – Acoustic Tour

25 BASINGSTOKE The Anvil
26 EXETER Cathedral
27 SALISBURY Cathedral
28 BUXTON Opera House
29 HARROGATE Royal Hall
30 GATESHEAD The Sage

NOVEMBER
14 CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange
15 BRISTOL O2 Academy
16 LINCOLN Engine Shed
17 MANCHESTER Academy
18 LIVERPOOL O2 Academy
20 GLASGOW ABC
21 NOTTINGHAM Rock City
22 LEEDS O2 Academy
23 BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy
24 LONDON Shepherds Bush Empire
25 SOUTHAMPTON Guildhall

We Are Scientists // UK Summer Tour 2012

franc — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:28:33 +0000

We Are Scientists are delighted to announce that they’ll be bringing their ever-entertaining live show back to UK shores for the first time since hitting the road in support of their last album, Barbara, in late 2010. After a recent stop at Brighton’s Coalition as part of The Great Escape festival, the band will embark on a full, nationwide tour in July, commencing with a headline set at Sheffield’s Tramlines festival and closing the dates in August with another top-billed appearance at Y Not Festival in Derbyshire.

Tickets for tour go on sale @ 9am Wednesday May 16 ticket links as listed.

We Are Scientists // UK Tour 2012

23/07 Bristol Thekla via alt tickets
25/07 London The Garage via the garage
26/07 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms via gigs and tours
27/07 York Duchess via the duchess
30/07 Norwich Arts Centre via norwich arts centre
31/07 Manchester Deaf Institute via gigs and tours
01/08 Glasgow King Tuts via gigs in scotland

Festival Dates:

22/07 Sheffield Tramlines
29/07 Cumbria Kendal Calling
03/08 Scotland Belladrum
04/08 Stockton Weekender
05/08 Derbyshire Y Not Festival

Kendal Calling Festival 2012

franc — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:16:14 +0000

The genius creation of The Charlatns’ Tim Burgess, Kendal Calling are over the moon to unveil the latest news as the Tim Peaks Diner makes it’s debut at this years festival. Starting life on BBC 6Music, will be curating three days of music, book readings, live art, DJs, breakfasts, afternoon tea and jukebox jives. The Tim Peaks Diner will also serve up Kendal Calling’s exclusive breakfast cereal called ‘Totes Amazeballs’, with all profits from the Diner going to the David Lynch Foundation – a charity set up by the award winning film director himself.

Just a taster of the artists set to drop in and perform at Tim Peaks include Edwyn Collins, (Orange Juice legend) B>E>A>K, and Nick Heyward. Down in the Tim Peaks Diner, the Jukebox will be turned up loud, curated by Tim Burgess and friends including The Black Cat DJs, The Beat Boutique, Alkertrax & Ceefax and many more.

Tim Peaks also provides the home to a new aspect to Kendal Calling this year with Q&A’s and book reading from celebrated authors with an emphasis on music literature.

The music and activities in the Kendal Calling meadow span 11 diverse stages and areas, situated in a close-knit site that means you’re never far from your friends; areas include :

Mainstage
GLoW dance tent,
Calling Out new music stage
Kaylied tent
Soapbox
Kids Area
Kendal Calling Real Ale Festival tent
Garden of Eden, Village Green
Woodland Area
Happy Slap Boutique
Riot Jazz Houseparty
and new for 2012: Tim Peak’s Diner brought to you by Tim Burgess

for more info, line-up and ickets, visit: KENDAL CALLING 2012

FULL LINE UP INCLUDES:

DIZZEE RASCAL / JAMES / MAXIMO PARK / DAN LE SAC VS SCOOBIUS PIP / SHED SEVEN / WE ARE SCIENTISTS / THE VIEW / FEEDER / INSPIRAL CARPETS / SPECTOR / VINTAGE TROUBLE / TRIBES / BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH / WHISKYCATS / DJ YODA & THE TRANSIBERIAN MARCH BAND / /DREADZONE / LITTLE ROY / TO KILL A KING / DODGY/ BOMBSKARE / GHOSTPOET / TWISTED WHEEL / JUAN ZELADA / THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS / MONSTER CEILIDH / VARIOUS CRUELTIES / ISLET / LUCY ROSE / TOY / STEVE SMYTH / MAX RAPTOR / HYDE & BEAST / RAE MORRIS / RYAN KEEN /PETE ROE / KING CHARLES / JACK MARTELLO / SPRING OFFENSIVE / JAKE EVANS (BAD LIEUTENANT) / EXTRA CURRICULAR / BEANS ON TOAST / RANDOM IMPULSE / WONDER VILLIANS / POLICE DOG HOGAN
DANCE TENT: BENGA / ANDY C / SHY FX / JACK BEATS (DJ set) / MOSCA / MS DYNAMITE / TODDLA T / A.SKILLZ / OLUGBENGA (METRONOMY) / UTAH SAINTS / 16-BIT / THE CORRESPONDENTS / PHAELEH / DUB PISTOLS (DJ set) / JAYMO & ANDY GEORGE / D/R/U/G/S + MANY MORE

Full Adult Weekend Camping Tickets: £105
Teen ticket (11 – 15yrs): £50
Children (under 11) FREE
Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by an adult
Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe, CA10 2HN
27th – 29th July 2012

BoomTown Fair 2012 // Beenie Man Announced as Headliner

Chris — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:56:41 +0000

Yes thats right, the genius crew behind one of the most exciting festivals of the year have unveiled their latest addition to the weekender mashup, with Dancehall hero Beanie Man be headlinging the Lion’s Den Reggae tent, sharing the stage with Alborosie, Tanya Stephens, Natty, Gappy Ranks, David Rodigan and a bucket load of reggae and dancehall’s living legends! Another mega addition to the bill for all those Ska-core lovers out there is destruction demigods Capdown!

With a whole host of top of the range acts, mind bending new areas and double the camping space, 2012 will see BoomTown evolve into BoomCity with the town’s population expanding from 2011. With the joining of forces of BoomTown and festival monsters Arcadia, extra room and tickets have been supplied, to accommodate the fact that the BoomTown residents over the 9th – 12th August will be involved in two of the festival world’s most epic experiences for the price of one!

The mayor of BoomTown has also mixed up a tasty skank concoction for your eager earholes. So sit back, turn it up and skank it out:

With the entire first four tier tickets now sold out, BoomTown are down to a limited amount of tier five tickets and will be sold out completely in the next few weeks!! Please note; all teen, campervan and caravan tickets are also completely sold out! So jump on in whilst you still can, tickets are available via the website: www.BoomTownfair.co.uk

The full Boomtown Fair line-up looks something like this:

SKA, SWING, PUNK, ROCKABILY – explosion in the Town Centre and Devil Kicks dancehall stages:

Secret Sunday Headliner TBA / Reel Big Fish / Caravan Palace / The Skatalites / Balkan Beatbox / Asian Dub Foundation / The Beat / Dub Pistols / Capdown / The Slackers / Gadjo / Sick Note / Pronghorn / Sonic Boom 6 / Movits / Dunkelbunt / Babyhead / Urban Voodoo Machine / The Meteors / Batmobile / Mad Sin / Molotov Jukebox / The Filaments / Swing Zazou / Gypsy Hill

RAGGA, DUB, DANCEHALL – on the UK’s biggest reggae stage:

Alborosie / Beenie Man / Tanya Stephens / Natty / Gappy Ranks /Jah Shaka / David Rodigan / Zion Train / Makka B / Trojan Sound System / South Rakkas Crew / Blak Twang / Mungos Hifi / Bush Chemists / Serial Killaz / Laif Blak / Jaya The Cat / Channel One / The Heatwave / General Levy / Lady Chan / Soom T / Laid Blak / Jacky Murda / The Barley Mob / Demolition Man / Aries / Stylo G / Stush / Serocee / YT / Curtis Lynch (JR) feat Mr Williams / Krinjah / Solo Banton vs Deadly Hunta / David Boomah / MC Xander

SERIOUS RAVE AND BASS HEAVY MUSIC – Arcadia and Bassline Circus:

Dirtyphonics / Jack Beats / Kill the Noise / Luke Vibert / The Panacea / Caspa / Stanton Warriors / DJ Hype / Breakage / 16 Bit / Benny Page / Marcus Visionary / Roska / The Nextmen / Plump DJ’s / Krafty Kuts / Racknruin / Foamo / Far Too Loud / Engine Earz / Dub Phizix / Tomb Crew / Freestylers / Ratpack / SL2 / Slamboree / Chris Liberator B2B Dave the Drummer / Shy FX / JFB / SL2 (live) / Ed Solo / Deekline / Illbilly Hitec (love) / Parker / Kanji Kinetic / Woz / Coda (live) / Mr Benn / 2 Bit Thugs / Jinx in Dub / Audio / Drumcorps / Producer / Heist

Portasound // Free Download

franc — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:06:02 +0000

Following the release of their brand new video for psychedelic indie-rock electronofest, Messerchmitt, London electronica troupe Portasound have also put the track up for free download. Messerschmitt is an unlikely yet catchy pop tune – all without the need for volcals. Download Messerchmitt for free, below.

Taken from their debut, The Second Renaissance EP (Out Today – May 14th through Pink Mist collective label Blood and Biscuits, Messerschmitt is an unlikely but undeniably catchy pop tune – unforgettable despite the absence of vocals.

Portasound play London’s Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes on May 25th.

For more info, visit: PORTASOUND

Young Kato // Free Download

franc — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:39:49 +0000

Young Kato, a six piece band who met in Cheltenham, have just signed LAB Records and are currently working on a self-titled four track EP – to be released on 23rd July 2012. Produced by Gordon Mills Jnr (Placebo, Ed Sheeran), the EP will be preceded by forthcoming single Drink Dance Play on 3rd June 2012 . But for now, the young band are giving away track Lights. With a massive chorus, and “lighters in the air” verses, lights isn’t far off the same arena vibe you’d get from the Killers, or even U2.

Leading up to their biggest ever for the Bristol Diamond Jubilee Concert on June 2nd, the band will play the Bristol Cooler on 5th May.

Download LIGHTS for free below.

Young Kato play the following dates:
May 5th Cooler Bristol
June 2nd Cribbs Causeway Queens Diamond Jubilee Festival Bristol
July 20th Two Pigs Cheltenham
July 21st Gloucester Park Festival Gloucester
July 26th The Rainbow Birmingham
July 27th Thekla Bristol