Passenger – Fairytales & Firesides

Passenger is the stage name of Mike Rosenberg, a rising star on the current UK folk revival circuit. His songs are a sublte blend of traditional English folk, americana and pop. When I was sent Fairytales & Firesides, a beautifully stripped down folk/pop song, I didn’t actually know that this was by the same artist that released the dreary and overproduced effort Wicked Man’s Rest in 2007. That was a record that had potential, by an artist with a clear talent, but was completely butchered by overproduction much in the same way as David Grey’s White Ladder.

Good news then, that Rosenberg seems to have learned from this. Gone are the distractions, artificial strings, samples and horrible effects that ruined his previous songs, to be replaced by a very back-to-basics approach to songwriting. One man, a guitar and some beautiful songs. With a knack of penning a lovely song, why ruin it? While Passenger probably isn’t ever going to push many boundaries or become a musical revolutionary, he doesn’t need to – he can write beautiful songs and sing them, beautifully. Sometimes thats just enough. Okay so this time round he’s playing bars and basement venues rather then opening up for Scouting for Girls but you know what, how can that possibly be a bad thing? I for one am glad he’s jacked in the Radio 1 lighter-waving pish for something of significantly more substance.

7/10

Passenger is currently embarking on a UK tour. He plays the Roadhouse in Manchester on 1st August.

Esses – And You Sleep

Avid readers of Friend Rock will recall that I have written about a band by the name of To Sophia before. For the uninitiated, they are a constantly evolving musical project, taking influences from folk, jazz, soul and blues. Well, here’s another twist in their ever changing tale.

Esses is the working title of a side project from To Sophia’s lead singer (Najia) and guitarist (Paul). Where To Sophia’s sound is often driven by strong electronic sounding percussive elements, with Esses, there is a much stronger leaning toward traditional folk music. Sample track And You Sleep is a beautiful and mesmerising exploration of intricate guitar work and harmonics. I found myself listening to this track again and again, and with each play the the vocal harmonies become almost white noise, not dissimilar to the natural rumblings of a forest in a rainstorm. A sound familiar, yet also disturbing – very fitting then that this is a song about sleep, and dreams bringing solace and comfort.

The combination of these hypnotic, trance-inducing vocals and beautiful folk influenced acoustic guitar is almost perfect. While I can cite artists that I am reminded of (Brigitte Fontaine, Syd Barrett, Beirut, Radiohead, Jefferson Airplane) there is nothing, that I have heard anyway, that sounds quite like this.

The independent music scene in Manchester is often criticised, rightly or wrongly, for being stagnant and resting on its past. Well, as I have said before, as long as there are bands like To Sophia (and Esses) pushing the boundaries of cross-genre experimentation, as a music fan it warms my heart.

To Sophia are playing the Kaylied Stage at Kendal Calling Festival on Saturday 31st July.

Amoriste – Under the Hours of Satellite Towers

Amoriste are a delightful indiepop band from ‘Down South’. And for a bunch of southerners, they can’t half pen a tune. I have been championing this bunch for a couple of years now, since I saw them in their previous guise Soprano in the dingy and slightly terrifying Oldham Castle back in 2006. Since then, they’ve had a slight lineup and name change, but the acoustic, melodic and folk influenced sound remains.

Their latest release, a delightful EP by the name of Under the Hours of Satelling Towers demonstrates perfectly how this band are constantly developing their sound and maturing into an act that really do have the potential to be very successful. Opening track Saturday AM is a great balance between acoustic pop, catchy keyboards and warm, sun-kissed jangled guitar work. Following on, Let’s Talk is a heartwarming and emotional piano driven piece that goes further to show that there is far, far more to Amoriste than just happy acoustic pop music.

Standout track though has to be City Lights. A song that brings together elements from their other tracks and is complimented brilliantly by lead singer Liam Tolan’s vocals, that in this song particularly remind me of a young Morrissey, especially given the Johnny Marr-influenced perfect rhythmic guitars.

8/10

Under the Hour of Satellite Towers is released on July 15th on My Satellite Records. They play Night & Day on Tuesday, 20th July.

Live: Broken Social Scene / Ólafur Arnalds

I’ve been stupidly busy recently so I apologize for it being all quiet on the blogging front recently. I’m going to try and make it up to you now with two posts in one day. “Oooooooooohh!” can I hear you say? Well you better believe it. Here goes…

Broken Social Scene – Manchester Academy

Broken Social Scene have always been one of those bands that, despite being on my radar, I haven’t really been inspired to see live before. Fortunately a ticket landed on my lap, and it being a rather typically grim Monday evening in Manchester, I thought I should go along and see what all the fuss was about.

The rain was falling, it was a dreary Monday evening, Brazil were playing on the TV and yet half of Manchester’s music community seemed to be at this show. This is, I feel, testament to the fact that Manchester really is still at the centre of the world when it comes to an interest in good music. The band were feeding off this energy and the buzz around the room was infectious. Broken Social Scene played an absolute blinder – a perfect mix of old material, new material, upbeat rock ‘n roll and heart warming ballads. Sounds went from Tom Petty- style country rock, through to Wilco influenced indie folk-rock-electronica and the percussive eastern influenced progression often associated with bands like Beirut. Guest vocals and brilliant instrumental sections rounded this off, and after well over 2 hours of solid music, and with no regard to silly things like curfews, everyone (including the band) was left wanting more. It was one of those magical moments where you just know it could have gone on all night if it were possible.

For an ‘on the fence’ semi-fan such as myself, this was probably about as good as it gets as an introduction to a live music experience. I have always ‘quite liked’ BSS’ records, but have never been blown away to the extent I know other people have. I came away from the show refreshed, and comfortable in the knowledge that the Broken Social Scene live experience is about a million times better than the Broken Social Scene record listening one.

A big shout out and much love goes to Guitar Dean for inviting me along to this.

Arcade Fire: We Used To Wait

Ah, good old Arcade Fire. A band consisting of pure sunshine. I remember seeing them at Glastonbury 2007 (the mud year). They came on the Other Stage, just as the sun was coming out, the rain was stopping and the cider began to, umm…flow…

Arcade Fire are a band with the unique ability to both uplift and have a dark, slightly sinister edge. This is particularly apparent in brand new track We Used To Wait. And when I say brand new, I mean brand new. Literally hot off the press today.

There are the familar Arcade Fire trademarks here – exploside drums, epic soundscapes and haunting vocals. However, gone are the (now overused) “ahh ahh ahh” trademark backing vocals, and everything seems to have been pared down to the bare essentials of what makes an Arcade Fire song, well, an Arcade Fire song. Particularly interesting are the repetitive piano chords that permeate the entire track – a nod to old horror movies and 80′s film soundtracks, at least to my ears.

If this is a sign of what is to come from Arcade Fire in the future then I’m intrigued – its still definitively them – there’s no revolutionary changes in direction here – but with a sign of maturity and evolution. Perhaps they could do with taking it a step further, but lets just see what else they come up with first.

6.5/10

Live: Chameleons Vox – The Factory

I have written about Chameleons Vox before on this blog (resulting in a rather hilarious backlash from the support band after I gave them a less than complimentary review). That show was back around Christmas, at Sub 61, and Mark Burgess (Chameleons singer/songwriter) was ill. He was suffering with a terrible cold and could barely stand, let alone sing. Still the show must go on!

Well that was then, and this is now. Chameleons Vox performed a stomper of a show last night at The Factory (aka Uncle Hooky’s Student Party Palace). This time in full health and full energy and with a crowd going wild it was always going to be a special evening. Everyone in the room knew every word to every song. Original Chameleons members Mark Burgess (vocals) and John Lever (drums) were joined by a new guitar/bass section to recreate some of the best, and most overlooked, music from Manchester’s post-punk era. The Chameleons have been described, rightly so, as “the best band you’ve never heard of”. Theirs is a story of what could have been, of being almost famous. Actually, this makes up a large part of their charm. The quintessential northern underdog. If they were playing arenas it just wouldn’t be the same.

Thankfully for the select few who have discovered their music, Chameleons Vox are not playing arenas, they’re getting down and dirty in the basement clubs, where the music should be. Watching Burgess last night felt like not a second had passed since 1983 when seminal record Script of the Bridge changed the face of the darker side of rock music forever. Watching Chameleons Vox now, it doesn’t feel like a group of “old men” trying to relive their youth, as can often be the case, it is in fact a celebration of one of the most important bands in the history of British music. An opportunity to witness one of the most talented songwriters and influential frontmen perform his songs for a new audience. I, for one, wasn’t even born in 1983, so am thrilled to be able to experience live the music that inspired me to want to work in this industry in the first place.

8/10

“Is my creator a god or a man? Yes – Yours too.” - Monkeyland

A weekend of free corporate shindigs

It must be world cup season, or pre-festival season, or something. Last weekend I experienced a lot of food, music and , umm, an even larger amount of free booze. Friday evening was the Umbro: Tailored in Manchester party and Saturday was the Adidas Originals party. Both invite-only corporate shoomoozy affairs, but surprisingly not full of nasty looking people. Here’s a breakdown, from what I can remember:

Umbro: Tailored in Manchester

This party was held in the Umbro shop off Newton St. Never been in here before but quite liked the layout. Not quire sure what the ‘South African inspired’ buffet was all about, as it consisted mainly of (really delicious) lamb kebabs, frikadellen and hummous. So, that’s everywhere apart from South Africa then. Still, who cares when there’s music and enough free booze to drown yourself in, right.

On to the music. Playing were 1913, Orphan Boy, Run Toto Run and the mighty Mancunian ‘next big thing’ Dutch Uncles.

I’d never seen 1913 before, only heard the odd demo so was quite pleased when I found out they were on. Energetic, catchy, full of memorable hooks and a band that should do well if they play their cards right. Orphan Boy, however, are a band I’ve seen before and am really not a fan at all. I find their music dull and uninspiring. I’m sure they’re great lads and all, and enough people seem to think they’re ace so perhaps I’m missing something. I went to the bar at this point. This is round about where my memory goes squiffy.

next up, Run Toto Run, a decent electro-retro-folk pop band. Again, they don’t set my world alight but hardly offensive either. I spent their set mingling around and chatting to strangers.

Dutch Uncles are another story altogether. There’s no way I was going to miss this. They are absolutely brilliant. One of the best bands playing in Manchester at the moment and they really will make it big. Deservedly so.

The night ended with me falling asleep on the night fright bus and waking up, lost, in Stockport. Happy days.

Adidas Originals

I almost didn’t make it to this. After a shocking, body crunching hangover I just wanted to go to bed. However, I was convinced to brave it and go. I’m very glad I did. The evening started quite well, with a nice shandy at Common before heading to the ‘secret’ locations. After a while of walking around lost, we found the location – a security gate round the back of Granada TV studios. After numerous security checks, guestlist cross-referencing, document signing and accreditation (this was a cross between checking in at JFK airport and Glastonbury) we were allowed in. First stage was a red carpet area covered in Adidas branding and a few free vodkas, courtesy of VitaminWater (oh dear). After hanging around for a while we were escorted to a street familiar to millions – the set of Coronation St. Yes, a party on Coronation Street. A World War 2 style street party, with cocktails in teacups, sandwiches, salads and cake! Beautiful:

It all started in a very civilized manner. In fact the tea/cocktail party was delightful. Then came the seemingly bottomless free bar. Again.

As the night went on, music came in the form of Mancunian electro heroes The Whip (who also played the JD Set a week earlier), everyone’s favourite lover of daft hats Badly Drawn Boy and total legends New Order Bad Lieutenant.

I love New Order. Love them a ridiculous amount. However, that night I just found it all a bit cringeworthy. Now Hooky’s off endorsing compilation albums and running his student theme park The Factory, remaning members Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner and performing under the name Bad Lieutenant. While they call it a new band, it really isn’t. Most of the set consisted of New Order tracks, with some other guy hiding at the back playing bass. Seeing Sumner jump around the stage in a gold Adidas tshirt just didn’t do it for me. Really sad as I was hoping I’d love it. Ah well… everyone gets old I guess.

A great weekend was had in all. Both Umbro and Adidas know how to throw one hell of a party.

Live: To Sophia – Eurocultured Festival

Eurocultured is an annual street festival that takes place around Oxford Rd train station in Manchester every year. It features brilliant graffiti artists, performances, cinema and live music from all over Europe and, unlike other events, exists to showcase the most interesting and cutting edge artistic projects, rather than those that will simply sell the most tickets.

To Sophia are a band based in the leafy Suburb of Chorlton, but have a sound that is anything but domesticated and easy listening. After having gigged as an acoustic act for a number of years (affectionately described to me by lead singer Najia Baji as acoustic drum ‘n bass) they have recently expanded their setup and ‘gone electric’ (insert 1967 Bob Dylan reference here). Sadly, I never saw To Sophia as an acoustic group so am unable to comment on the transition, but what I saw at Eurocultured was seriously impressive.

Despite a quite frankly shambolic atmosphere and disastrous sound setup, To Sophia rocked the roof off at Thirsty Scholar. With instrumentals sounding a bizarre mash between jazz, punk and metal, drums so perfectly rhythmic they sounded almost electronic and gritty, soulful vocals, To Sophia are truly unique. A band they could possibly be compared to, if anything, would be The Noisettes around the time their first E.P came out (Burn / Monte Christo / Signs) but even that wouldn’t really give an idea of what To Sophia are trying to do.

Bands that transcend genre definition are few and far between. What interests me about To Sophia is that they are genuinely free of obligation to cite direct influence and totally devoid of pretentiousness. They are doing their thing, and so long as it makes them happy then they will obviously continue to do so. In a world where I am constantly being subjected to bands that care more about their haircuts than their songs, I find the pure attitude and dedication to music that To Sophia have genuinely inspirational – enough to restore my faith that there is good and interesting music out there, you just need to know where to find it. To Sophia were the highlight of my weekend, and easily one of the most interesting bands working in Manchester at the moment.

To Sophia are next due to perform at Kendal Calling festival. I’ll be there – and so should you.

The Safires – Epic in The Ordinary

The Safires are a group that combine the 90′s trip-hop with folk, acoustic guitar and drum ‘n bass inspired rhythm. Championed by composer and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Nitin Sawhney, it’s clear why he took such a shine to them. The sounds on this record vary from traditional folk to dance and everything in between. This is all well and good, but what makes this album really quite special is that it remains cohesive throughout. With such a varied spectrum of influence, it would be very easy for the record to sound fragmented and compilation-like. What remains, however, is a well rounded, thoroughly pleasant and complete piece of work.

With a luscious female vocalist reminiscent of the wonderful Lou Rhodes [Lamb] Listening to The Safires is like sitting in a meadow in a summer sunset, the sound of the album akin to a honey-scented warm breeze swirling around and encapsulating the senses. This is a band that deserve success, and with endorsements and recommendations already coming in from all directions, The Safires are a band that will no doubt attain it.

Epic in The Ordinary is available as a free download from thesafires.com

Lost looking for Bank Holiday fun? You need some MAPS in your life.

Maps is an arts and music festival that takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend in venues across Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Now in it’s third year, the lovely folks behind the event are looking to expand on the success of the previous years to bring a unique and diverse celebration of Manchester’s creative talent to the area. Unlike other multi-venue city festivals, Maps is unique in that it does not exclusively focus on music, art, or poetry but exists to showcase all kinds of home grown creative work together in one place. Expect to see acoustic singer/songwriters alongside illustrators in one venue, and full-on rock bands playing harmoniously alongside poets in the next. Nowhere else can such a diverse and multi-discipline arts festival be found on such an intimate scale.

Manchester has an internationally-renowned reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation, and we believe that Maps is a wonderful contemporary celebration of that heritage, while looking towards putting the next generation of Mancunian artistic talent on display.

Maps looks to be a great weekend for all ages – expect to find youngster-friendly craft and drawing workshops by day, and when the sun goes down for those of you who’ve still got the energy for a good party expect you’ll be able to groove along to some of the city’s best cutting edge bands and DJs til’ way on into the early hours.

The full lineup of events can’t possibly all fit on this page, but here’s a sneaky preview of who you can expect to see playing this year, with much much more to follow:

• Doll & The Kicks
• My Luminaries
• Tubelord
• Jo Rose
• Orphan Boy
• Danny Mahon
• Sophie’s Pigeons
• The Bedlam Six
• Circus Jam workshops
• Craft activities
• MMU Photography Exhibition
• Odd Bar’s Quizimodo

Maps takes place on the weekend of the 30th April – 3rd May across various venues in the Northern Quarter. Full weekend tickets cost £20 and are on sale now from Ticketline. For more information, have a look at www.mapsfestival.com.