Monthly Archives: March 2013

Friday Classic – Reuben ‘Freddy Krueger’

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Aldershot trio Reuben went on an indefinite hiatus back in 2008. It seems to be pretty definite, considering there’s been nothing but re-releases from the band since. Having grown up in the Aldershot / Camberley music scene, this break up was pretty disappointing for me. Reuben were local heroes, selling out shows at Christmas, being spotted around town. They inspired many of the (more successful) bands that followed – Hadouken, Enter Shikari, Canterbury..

Starting out more post-hardcore / grunge influenced, the band released their final album of new work, ‘In Nothing We Trust’ back in 2006.  It showed a deeper side to the band, focusing on themes including racism and parental abandonment.

Here’s one of the band’s classic tracks ‘Freddy Krueger’, showcasing their brilliant, self-depreciating humour.

 

What are they up to now?

Drummer and bassist Guy Davis and Jon Pearce play in Freeze The Atlantic. Singer and guitartist Jamie Lenman works as an illustrator for clients including The Guardian and Doctor Who magazine.

 

RC xx

Frightened Rabbit – ‘Backyard Skulls’

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So I have a bit of a thing for Scottish accents. It’s not weird, I promise. I’m half Scottish and there’s just something really homely about them. Anyway, it was this love that made me such a huge fan of Frightened Rabbit in the first place. They played at a venue I was working at and though I couldn’t make the gig, I decided to look them up (based on the name, because I also love rabbits).

As another random fact, I’ve been listening to this band since ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ came out in 2008, but hadn’t actually seen the bands videos up until now. I’d never imagined the singer having a beard. *ahem*

This video for ‘Backyard Skulls’ basically reminds me of every school disco I went to. No-one dancing. Everyone sitting awkwardly on the sidelines. I’m still trying to guess which person I’d be in this. The song is beautifully despairing, like many of the bands song. It’s quite upbeat for them to be honest. Some of their tracks can reduce me to tears in less than 30 seconds. That’s a real feat right there.

If you like this, go check out every (yes, every) video on their Youtube. Do it now. You know you’ve got nothing better to do.

Frightened Rabbit’s fourth album, ‘Pedestrian Verse’ is out now.

RC xx

Wednesday Wish List – Criminal Damage Lace Jeans

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So my favourite pair of black skinny jeans tore to pieces the other day. No, I haven’t gained weight! They’ve been well worn and just couldn’t take any more. Anyway, I was actually searching for a smart paid that I can wear to work, when these caught my eye.. Can’t resist. Sorry paycheck, doesn’t look like I’ll be holding on to you for long!

 

criminal damage jeans

Just to be fair, these jeans are available for £29.99 from Attitude Clothing, £27.99 from This Is Pulp, £27.99 from Blue Banana, or a massive £32.99 from Criminal Damage themselves. Pays to shop around, eh?

RC xx

New Video From The King Blues’ Itch – ‘Diplomat’

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I first fell in love with The King Blues at the Demolition Ball at the old Astoria venue (my favourite venue in the whole world, sadly). The had all the passion, all the angst to appeal to my teenage self, but always a cheerful tune to go along with it. Who hasn’t sung along to ‘Boulder’ at some point, when they’re feeling down?

Jonny “Itch” Fox was the one to break the news of the band’s split last April, but as one band finished, a new musical endeavour has sprung up.   Itch’s solo single ‘Manifesto Pt. 1: How to Fucking Rule at Life’,was released last November and is available to download for free from itchsmixes.com.

Here’s his new video for ‘Diplomat’, directed by NYSU.

 

If you like this, also check out ‘Truth’ – here.

RC xx 

New Music Monday – Collapse ‘Arms and the Covenant’

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So I don’t really listen to a lot of heavy metal, let’s be honest. I do, however, try to listen to everything that gets sent to my inbox (time constraints allowing). So when I got sent this, I switched the speakers on high and gave it a whirl. Its, suprisingly, really good. And this is coming from someone who normally turns the song off if it gets to the chorus and there’s still no actual singing.

collapse

Enough about me, Collapse are a heavy metal 5-piece hailing from London town. They’ve clearly done their time touring the mini-venue circuit (because no-one gets that good without doing it) and have picked up some good press in Metal Hammer lately.

Their debut album ‘Arms and the Covenant’ is due out April 1. Get your ear drums ready and rock out with the below:

RC xx

London Rock Gigs: March

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You might think with last month’s Kerrang! Tour, this month might find it a bit hard to compete. Well fear not, there’s some awesome gig night for you to rock your socks off to. Have a lookey below:

wednesday 13

Wednesday 13

Weds, March 13 – O2 Academy Islington, £15

Massive props to whoever booked Wednesday 13’s London gig on that specific day. Also, to the Murderdolls frontman himself (if it was his idea) for booking in some great home-grown talent to support him on this tour. Two bands that have previously graced this blog, Orestea and Ashestoangels will be joining the band in Brighton (March 6) and Bristol (March 7), respectively.

More info.

 

Punktastic Presents: Attention Thieves, Neck Deep, Rat Attack

Weds, March 13 – The Old Blue Last, FREE

Here’s another couple of bands that you might’ve read about here before – I highly recommended checking out Attention Thieves and Rat Attack. Sorry, Neck Deep, I’m sure you’re very good too! This looks like a great night of new music, plus its free! What more could you possibly want?

More info.

 

Cancer Bats

Fri, March 15 – Koko, £13.75

Sadly I only caught the end of Cancer bats when they supported Enter Shikari at the Roundhouse on their last tour. Based on what I saw though, this is going to be a good night..

More info.

 

The Gaslight Anthem

Fri,  March 29 and Sat, March 30 – Troxy, £27

I LOVE this band (as you’ve probably guessed) so may well be taking myself along to this.  Although I’ve never heard of Troxy before and the tickets are a bit pricey!

More info.

 

Other notes: Bullet For My Valentine and Halestorm tear up the Roundhouse on March 17. Unfortunately tickets are sold out.

 

RC xx

News: Festival Lineup Announcements

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So the festivals are starting to announce lineups for this year. I’m still picking out where to go, so if you are too, here’s a few tips for you! I’ve tried to keep the genres a bit varied, in case heavy rock isn’t quite your thing..

 

drytheriver

Redfest – Redhill, Surrey

July 26th and 27th

£58 Camping

Go to see: Dry The River, Arcane Roots, Bury Tomorrow, Bleed From Within

Redfest.co.uk

 

theblackout

Takedown – Southampton Uni

May 11th

Tickets from £30

Go to see: The Blackout, We Are The Ocean, While She Sleeps,  Mallory Knox, Maramozets

Takedownfestival.co.uk

 

donbroco

Hit The Deck – Nottingham / Bristol

April 20th / 21st

Tickets from £20

Go to see: Don Broco, We Are The In Crowd, Bleeding Through, Sonic Boom Six

Hitthedeckfestival.com

 

RC xx

Friday Classic: Foo Fighters ‘Monkey Wrench’

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Dave Grohl is definitely on my list of people I’d like to have a drink with. He comes across as so nice, so normal. Plus he’s got some real credit from the fact that he’s (quite possibly) the only drummer in existence to become successful in his own right. I should be talking more about the other band members I know (sorry Taylor, Nate, Chris and Pat), but you can’t say the words ‘Rock God’ without thinking of the bearded, cheesy smiling face of Grohl, peering out from the cover of whatever your favourite music magazine is. Let’s face it, he’s probably fronted them all.

You know when its a Foo Fighters song. There’s that beautiful optimism about it, combined with a simple but catchy tune. The videos are filled with self-depreciating humour (Learn To Fly, featuring Tenasious D is one of the best). The songs are touching too, when you really hear the lyrics. Take this one for example ‘what do you do when all your enemies are friends’ has summed up my life more than a few times..

RC xx