tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11885512560138471142024-03-13T12:38:57.344-07:00Rhubarb BombRhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.comBlogger337125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-54654435410436514302014-02-18T02:08:00.000-08:002014-02-18T02:08:13.045-08:00We Have Now Moved To Rhubarb Bomb Dot ComThis here blog has served us well since April 2010, but we have now finally setup up something approaching a proper website, over at:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.com/">www.rhubarbbomb.com</a></span><br />
<br />
We will keep this blog up as an archive, but from now on, all reviews, articles and news stories will be hosted over there.<br />
<br />
Thanks<br />
<br />
RBRhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-65179582034152237042014-02-13T05:42:00.000-08:002014-02-13T06:03:46.960-08:00Pink Fur Review<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Post War Glamour Girls<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Pink Fur<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Hide & Seek<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjcsWJp8tFU/UvzLX-TcnqI/AAAAAAAAB8w/_SVRz9sCz0c/s1600/pink+fur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjcsWJp8tFU/UvzLX-TcnqI/AAAAAAAAB8w/_SVRz9sCz0c/s1600/pink+fur.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">It must have been one
of their first singles on Sturdy Records. I listened to it and I just didn't
know what to make of it. It seemed so accomplished, yet the influences (I
presumed something so accomplished must be heavily influenced) were out of my
sphere of understanding, or appreciation. So it was either great, or a rip-off,
and I couldn't tell which.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Post War Glamour Girls
have earned this debut album, something that seems to be less and less true of
bands in the DIY age. But it hasn't taken until now for me to solve the
conundrum of paragraph one. A series of increasingly confident releases, developing
their style and making themselves more accessible, yet more idiosyncratic too,
and a live show which has blossomed and felt more natural the larger the
stage has got, convinced me and many others long ago that this was a very
special band.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">So this album arrives
with the correct combination of expectation, goodwill and anticipation. And in
my case, on a beautiful pink vinyl. So, sorry it took a while PWGG, but if I
was going to review this, it had to be on the finest possible format.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">To cut to the chase, it
is beyond what their fans had any right to expect. They haven’t taken the easy
route of compiling together their most beloved early singles. Instead we have
something unperceivable dense, delicately constructed and brand-spankingly new.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">The bottom end of
PWGG’s sound still emanates from a cauldron of pure doom, thick and rumbling
drums and prowling bass, but above that the interplay between vocalists James
Smith and Alice Scott have been developed to gorgeous effect, whilst the
guitars and structures in general have really pushed things forward, carrying
the mood from the broken euphoria of an early I Like Trains wall of sonic
assault, to a Tarrantino Western, to the internal monologues of the clients at
the worst strip club you’ve never stepped inside. The trips and turns are expertly crafted. It doesn’t waste time trying to flow. The music just 'does itself' to
you, for want of a more elegant phrase.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">This density /
intensity is carried through in the lyrics, and there is some kind of connected
narrative here (given nice circularity in the closing track), should you wish
to follow it. To be honest, just having a lyric sheet, which feels quite rare
nowadays, was a pleasure, as was the difference between the voice I used to read
it in my head, and the unashamedly colloquial manner with which James delvers
lines like ”use yr fuckin’ ears and listen.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">There’s more in these
ten songs (oh yeah, I’m meant to mention some aren’t I? Ok <i>Sestra</i> is a great place to start – and that’s probably why they put
it first. <i>Red Terror</i> was the single
and you can watch the video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCFmnvxKJpo">here</a>. <i>Black
Dolphin</i> is a well timed and beautifully implemented wave of gently wonder
amongst the sleaze and trauma) than most bands produce in a career; in terms of
little touches, big moments and generally, seconds of brilliance that make you
stop what you are doing and pay attention. That make you glad you splashed out
for the fancy vinyl when you are a jaded review writer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Finally, a thing I love
about Post War Glamour Girls, is how natural it all appears to come, at least
from an outsider. I think back to first seeing them on a big stage at Beacons,
and again at Wakefield Theatre for our own Long Division, and how at ease and
capable they seemed of pulling off that scale of show. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">That, on this record, they
mix such ability with a heart-warming sense of righteousness and commitment to
the DIY cause is the icing on a cake that is crafted with determination,
passion and, shit, it’s got the tunes too. <i>Pink
Fur</i> proves it all. Give me more cake. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Dean Freeman</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-18457843092667418082014-01-29T08:48:00.000-08:002014-01-29T08:48:53.217-08:00Clive Smith Album Announcement<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Today Rhubarb Bomb recieved a press release from Alan Lobley, regarding our former writer Clive Smith, who has not been seen since June 2013. </span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">"Clive Smith spent so
long at the top - of his game, of the business - that many, including me,
thought he'd be there forever. Having worked together for nearly three decades
the thing I admired about him most was his unquenchable desire for recognition.
And his virtuosity as a performer and musician, of course, yet it was his
passion that will stay with me; his passion for inventing the new envelope,
pushing the blue sky and redefining the role of the entertainer in modern day <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">It feels not merely
odd, but impossible to talk of him in the past tense. Since his disappearance
in June 2013, many have made glib remarks about publicity stunts or, most
insulting of all, that he simply ran out of steam and ideas. I knew this man. I
know him still and this is simply not his style. He was a man of great style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Clive Smith was a
superstar, yet I don't believe he received the recognition he deserved, let
alone craved. I still meet people who haven't heard of him, as crazy as that
sounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">So, I collected together
a huge archive of notebooks and unfinished recordings and set to work
constructing an album I felt represented the great man I knew. Using his notes,
I contacted people he admired and respected to help finish these songs. I shall
release one a month, along with notes, where possible for the duration of 2014
in order to celebrate one of the greatest visionaries, musicians, philosophers,
lyricists, theorists and lovers (so I’m told) of the 20th and 21st centuries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Please, enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Alan Lobley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Manager, Tour Manager,
Accountant and Chiropractor to Clive Smith"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px;">We believe the first song from the record will be released on Friday. Alan now runs Clive's former Twitter account which can be found </span><a href="https://twitter.com/CliveSmith_" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;">here</a> </span></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-33959410037036921602014-01-23T12:35:00.003-08:002014-01-24T02:39:55.604-08:00The Best Stuff of 2013<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Already sounds really,
like, out of date doesn’t it. 2013? Who cares?</span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Good things happened
though, and we want them to be recognised. It will also massively help if we
decide to do another book in 2017. I can barely remember what happened last
week as it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">So, here are this
year’s winners, as voted by the Rhubarb Bomb reading public…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Album Of The Year - <i>Cyclone</i> by The Michael Ainsley Band</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voizIsZN2ic/UuF5ubEvtwI/AAAAAAAAB7A/QioDPKmIzxA/s1600/cyclone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voizIsZN2ic/UuF5ubEvtwI/AAAAAAAAB7A/QioDPKmIzxA/s1600/cyclone.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Not a bad year for the
band. On the strength of reviews alone, they should really have had two albums
in this category. There isn’t much between them, but we chose this because it
had the song from the Long Division video on it, and it seemed you all agreed
with us too. A band with an exciting 2014 ahead of them.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Runners-Up<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Creature Feature –
Piskie Sits <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Moon Coastal <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maine</st1:place></st1:state> – Imp<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Sometimes Lifes Cool –
Mi Mye<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Single / EP Of The Year
- <i>My Cat / Fruit</i> by Allusondrugs</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aY0TTnT9Lg/UuF56BHE-dI/AAAAAAAAB7I/w1vX9WsaFe4/s1600/my+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--aY0TTnT9Lg/UuF56BHE-dI/AAAAAAAAB7I/w1vX9WsaFe4/s1600/my+cat.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">The closest fought
category this year, Allusondrugs claimed victory on the final day, by a single
vote. Wow! A band from the increasingly impressive Clue Records, they are very
much on the ascendency at the moment, and once again, we look forward to seeing
what 2014 will bring for them.</span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Runners-Up<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>19 – Narcs<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Two Hearts – Tiny
Planets<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Vicugna Pacos – Fur
Blend<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gig Of The Year -
Philophobia Fifth Birthday All-Dayer</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBZgWm1iQ5c/UuF6gIY4zeI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/WH4Qp1arKQs/s1600/PHOP+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBZgWm1iQ5c/UuF6gIY4zeI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/WH4Qp1arKQs/s1600/PHOP+Logo.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">With around ten bands
playing over the course of a day, it’s no wonder Philophobia ran away with this
award. It was a wonderful day, celebrating something that is very special in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>, and that all
too many people take for granted. It was your kindly editor’s birthday also, so
I don’t recall how the night ended, but let’s presume it was amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Runners-Up<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Art Brut @ The Hop<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Jamie Lockhart’s
Holiday Fundraiser (inc The Old House)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Mi Mye Album Recording
@ Long Division<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Skaters (+ Blackeye,
Forever Cult & Slugs)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Festival Of The Year -
Beacons</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp-SD4uE5pY/UuF6uVuj-nI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/iNH9lWrOuBc/s1600/Beacons+Fest+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp-SD4uE5pY/UuF6uVuj-nI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/iNH9lWrOuBc/s1600/Beacons+Fest+Logo.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">For the second year
running Beacons takes the crown of best festival. It’s has grown massively
since its first year and continues to do so in a completely agreeable way.
Interesting line-ups, thoughtful touches to the site and great scenery conspire
to make it a wonderful experience all round.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Runners-Up<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>A Carefully Planned
Festival<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Crooked Ways<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Live At <st1:place w:st="on">Leeds</st1:place><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Y01 Festival<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Making <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city> Better – Unity Hall Begins</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-6kEXdxORE/UuF7BeRusmI/AAAAAAAAB7g/_GSuIWp0Xuw/s1600/unity+newspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-6kEXdxORE/UuF7BeRusmI/AAAAAAAAB7g/_GSuIWp0Xuw/s1600/unity+newspaper.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Unity Hall may not be
opening for another 8 months, but it already has the city super-excited. Its
appearance on Calender news, reporting the official handing over of the keys to
the public co-operative that has bought the huge music venue and arts centre,
was a major turning point for the project that has already been three years in
the making.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Runners-Up<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>A Night Of
Enlightenment @ The Orangery<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Plays & Pints<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city> Lit Fest<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Wood
Street</st1:address></st1:street> Market<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Best Rhubarb Bomb
Article - The Day The EDL Came To Town</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps winning because
it was the most current, the article on the EDL’s trip to </span><st1:city style="font-family: inherit;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: inherit;"> will perhaps be the one that is
most widely useful in the future. An attempt at an honest discussion at what
the EDL could represent, followed by the sad reality clearly rang true with many
people.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Runners-Up<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Another Failed Festival
Application<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>How I Made Diamond
Studios<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: black;">Rites Of Passage:
Corporate Festivals & High Street Music Chains<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;"><u>Best Live Band Of The Year - Middleman</u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXaMhH1dyGA/UuJCzSZFtEI/AAAAAAAAB74/pUbSCIkd3as/s1600/Middleman-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXaMhH1dyGA/UuJCzSZFtEI/AAAAAAAAB74/pUbSCIkd3as/s1600/Middleman-3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">You either agree with this statement, or you've never seen them live. 2013 was another stupendously good year for the band and they put more sweat, care and tears into their gigs than anyone we know. We left with a smile on our faces (and tired legs) every single time. </span><br />
<br /></div>
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<u><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: large;">Best Long Division
Performance - Post War Glamour Girls</span><span style="background-color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4Yqa0TtotI/UuF8G2qe6HI/AAAAAAAAB7o/bkVvHok_nAc/s1600/13-06-08++Long+Division+Music+Festival,+Wakefield+(281).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4Yqa0TtotI/UuF8G2qe6HI/AAAAAAAAB7o/bkVvHok_nAc/s1600/13-06-08++Long+Division+Music+Festival,+Wakefield+(281).jpg" height="198" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">A lovely surprise, but
a completely deserved victory for Post War Glamour Girls who performed at
Wakefield Theatre Royal for Long Division in 2013. Despite being up against
Mark E Smith of all people, the <st1:place w:st="on">Leeds</st1:place> band
ended up topping the poll. Since Long Division is about celebrating supremely
talented and independently minded artists we are really chuffed that this great
band has come out on top. New album due very soon, and it is brilliant…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Runners-Up<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Ed Tudor Pole<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Jeffrey Lewis &
Peter Stampfel<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>The Fall<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Too Many T's<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tru DIY award - Liam Pease Smith</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">2013 was a year for celebration, but it was tinged with
sadness too, as we also saw the passing of local musician, Liam Pease Smith. A
complex character, certainly, but at his heart he was a true individual and
showed no compromise in his art, or life in general. As we said in the obituary
we wrote, just the tiniest differences in an all too short life could have
resulted in something wonderful and long lasting. He is still missed, but we
salute a man who, for better or for worse, lived his art in his own individual
way. The full obituary can be read <a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/by-by-farewell.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: black;">Thanks to everyone who voted x</i></span></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-40590473944653896462013-12-04T08:42:00.000-08:002013-12-04T08:42:31.823-08:00Stuff Of The Year 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDw2L8ITalg/Up9aiTOz4pI/AAAAAAAAB50/ZtNPvl2XRpc/s1600/1016390_10151524227291426_38084059_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDw2L8ITalg/Up9aiTOz4pI/AAAAAAAAB50/ZtNPvl2XRpc/s320/1016390_10151524227291426_38084059_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">2013 is drawing to a
close. And all the good stuff has been released, all the good gigs have happened.
Except the Christmas themed stuff, and who cares about that, right? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Well, some less grumpy
people do, but this here blog entry is about our ‘Stuff Of The Year’ which we
did for the <a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/best-of-2012-winners.html">first time in 2012</a>. Each category has a number of things shortlisted
by us, but ultimately it is a public vote that decides. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">There aren’t any prizes
or anything. It’s something money can’t buy – huge wads of respect and kudos.
This IS Rhubarb Bomb, afterall (i.e. we’re cheap). Though I guess we'd be daft not to put the winners on at Long Division next year. Because there are no sure things in 2014, I can tell you that now. </span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">For the albums and singles,
the rule was that it had to be something we reviewed and to be honest we’ve not
been as hot this year as before. So there are loads of great things that didn’t
make the cut because of that. But still, pretty tough choices me thinks!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Here are the categories.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Vote <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5YS78FF">HERE</a>.</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> It only takes two seconds and it’ll mean a lot to the people
involved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><u>Albums</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/creature-feature">Creature Feature</a> –
Piskie Sits (<a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/creature-feature-review.html">review</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/cyclone">Cyclone</a> – The Michael
Ainsley Band (<a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/cyclone-review.html">review</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/moon-coastal-maine">Moon Coastal <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maine</st1:place></st1:state></a> – Imp (<a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/moon-coastal-maine-review.html">review</a>) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/sometimes-lifes-cool">Sometimes Lifes Cool</a> –
Mi Mye (<a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/sometimes-lifes-cool-review.html">review</a>) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Winner in 2012:
Midnight At The Sycamore Lounge by St Gregory Orange</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><u>Singles / EPs</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://cluerecords.bandcamp.com/track/19">19 </a>– Narcs (<a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/19-by-narcs-review.html">review</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://cluerecords.bandcamp.com/album/mycat">My Cat / Fruit</a> –
Allusondrugs (<a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/my-cat-fruit-review.html">review</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://tinyplanets.bandcamp.com/">Two Hearts</a> – Tiny Planets (<a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/two-hearts-review.html">review</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/vicugna-pacos">Vicugna Pacos</a> – Fur Blend (<a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/vicugna-pacos-review.html">review</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Winner in 2012:
Spectemur Agendo by Various Artists (Clandestines, The Do’s, Fur Blend) </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><u>Gig</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Art Brut @ The Hop<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Jamie Lockhart’s
Holiday Fundraiser (inc The Old House)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Mi Mye Album Recording
@ Long Division<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Philophobia Fifth
Birthday All-Dayer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Skaters (+ Blackeye,
Forever Cult & Slugs)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Winner in 2012:
Retarded Fish @ The Hop</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><u>Music Festival</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">A Carefully Planned
Festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Beacons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Crooked Ways<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Live At <st1:place w:st="on">Leeds</st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Y01 Festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Winner in 2012: Beacons</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><u>Making <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city> Better</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">A Night Of
Enlightenment @ The Orangery<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Plays & Pints<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Unity Hall on Calendar
/ building begins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Wakefield</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> Lit Fest<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Wood
Street</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> Market<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Winner in 2012: The
Cribs Play Wakefield Theatre</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><u>Best Rhubarb Bomb
Article</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/another-failed-festival-application.html">Another Failed FestivalApplication</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/how-i-made-diamond-studios.html">How I Made DiamondStudios</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/rites-of-passage-corporate-festivals.html">Rites Of Passage:Corporate Festivals & High Street Music Chains</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/the-day-edl-came-to-town.html">The Day The EDL Came ToTown</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Winner in 2012: Anatomy
Of A Gig</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><u>Best Long Division
Performance</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Ed Tudor Pole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Jeffrey Lewis &
Peter Stampfel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Post War Glamour Girls<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The Fall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Too Many T's<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">And there will also be our annual ‘Tru DIY award’ which is especially
chosen by us…</span></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-73461156209263099572013-12-03T02:28:00.001-08:002013-12-03T02:28:21.827-08:00Issue 4.2 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPxFGmzDn1Y/Up2x7aS_GgI/AAAAAAAAB5g/49yxAbggMGo/s1600/IMAG0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPxFGmzDn1Y/Up2x7aS_GgI/AAAAAAAAB5g/49yxAbggMGo/s320/IMAG0135.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>So…. We finally have a new issue out. We have called it
issue 4.2.</div>
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<br /></div>
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On the front is RM Hubbert who, funnily enough played <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city> last night. In
fact it was the third time he has played <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city>
since Issue 4.1 came out, so that has worked out quite nicely. There is a big
interview with the man himself, or more the story of us going up to Troon to
see where and how he lives just days after being awarded the accolade of ‘Best
Scottish Album 2013’.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Inside we have:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->A great story by Anna Alpatova, who tells of her trip
from <st1:city w:st="on">Moscow</st1:city> to <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city>
to watch a band from <st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state>
called SKATERS.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->A heartfelt ode to the wonderful Inns Of Court pub, by
Antonia Lines</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->A musing upon the recent Will.I.Am anus scandal.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->A ponderance upon the virtues of Glastonbury (which
slightly betrays how long in the pipeline this issue has been, but is still
great, so we kept it in) by the twin powers of Matt Abbott and Ralph Dartford
who, coincidentally, will be performing at our Christmas show on Dec 15<sup>th</sup> at The Hepworth as part of The Firm Of Poets.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Matt O Leary interviews <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city>’s only skate shop, Division 24. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Clive Smith’s final column, submitted the day before
his disappearance</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->An interview by Andrew Whittaker with James Atkinson of
Gentlemans Pistols</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->A new section which is called the Letter’s Page, but
actually consists of emails. But we used our skills to make them look like
letters. Roland X answers some of the more bizarre mail we receive. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->A tiny comic strip from Japanese based Wakefieldian,
Chris Cooper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The official Long Division announcement.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->And finally, the regular Roland X Follow The Drum
column talks about how, if you want to ‘make it’ in music, you need to start
putting the hours in.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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Quite a bit when I list it out like that, isn’t there? So we’ll
try get it to various places. FB and Twitter are best for knowing where and
when. Enjoy, and if you don’t, send us a letter about it…</div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-13704104273180427932013-11-28T08:15:00.001-08:002013-11-28T08:18:37.080-08:00Moon Coastal Maine Review<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Moon Coastal Maine</span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Imp</span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Philophobia Music</span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vn39YjCFV_A/Updr2JG_iUI/AAAAAAAAB5M/m3R_sZt-6Lk/s1600/Imp+Moon+Coastal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vn39YjCFV_A/Updr2JG_iUI/AAAAAAAAB5M/m3R_sZt-6Lk/s320/Imp+Moon+Coastal.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">There's this villain in
the DC Universe called Doomsday. He is, like, totally indestructible. He even
kills Superman (apologies for the spoiler, readers from 1995).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Of course, Superman
doesn't stay dead, and in a later storyline, one way he defeats Doomsday is to
setup a series of teleporters on the moon; caught within the beam, he is
transported from one to the next for eternity. Because 100% of his body mass is
never present at anyone time, he can never escape.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">That image comes back
to me now, as I try to review Imp's debut album. No matter which angle I
observe it from, or which expectation drives me, I simply can't see the whole
thing. It's like it is evolving before by eyes (or, in my ears). I can't decide
how I feel about it because as soon as I do, it is gone, and something else
appears.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">It's a record that has
apparently been in the making for ten years; whether that means some sounds and
songs stretch that far back or they've been twiddling their thumbs for that
amount of time, I'm not sure. It is pre-dated by two excellent EPs on
Philophobia Music and a reputation as the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>
bands band of choice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Moon Coastal Maine</span></i><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> is a tricky beast. Within its track listing is
the third Imp EP, one that follows the intricate, lively, confusing, dreamy, noodly,
fun, agonised over, free flowing Indie noise pop that genuinely turns heads
whenever they come to town.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">This is what I expected
(and hoped for) from the album, and around a third of the fifteen tracks fall
comfortably into this category and are without doubt amongst their best work.
No-one else writes songs like this. And as I’ve noted before, they don’t even
feel written; they just seem to fall into place. The supreme talents of all
bands members are pushed to the fore, against sweeter than ever guitar
interplay, and the dreamy 60s girl-pop element of the vocals ridden to the max.
It’s great, unknown music, but instantly familiar. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">That ten year gestation
may suggest a slow approach to writing, but as the press release states, they
have 250 songs stored up. This is where things turn slightly odd, and though
many wouldn't want Imp any other way, it may alienate potential new fans who
would adore the more classic, full band approach.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Essentially they are
created by the songwriting duo at the core of the band and amount to home
studio noodles. If these classify as 'songs' then yeah, I can easily imagine
that they have 250 stashed away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">I'm not writing for
Classic Rock Magazine here, so I'm not being sniffy about 60 second
instrumentals, or woozy soundscapes. There's some great stuff here. But it
results in an off-balance, schizophrenic album. The palette cleanser /
main course balance feels wrong, and some of it; you just wish so hard they'd
developed it, or got the rest of the band in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Still, it does add a
greater depth to the album, if the less conventional approach is to your
liking. It is certainly a 'proper' album (trust me, those instrumentals sound
even weirder if you've got your iPod on shuffle) made to be listened to as one,
and has been crafted with care and attention to detail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">I just worry that it
isn't the strongest debut album it could have been. Do debut album's matter
anymore? Does it matter if it sells? It will be personal opinion as to
whether it strays into self indulgence or not, but it does feel a little
lacking in direction. It is unsure of itself, perhaps through trying too hard. What are Imp?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Maybe the posing of
that question is the point, and if so, fair enough. The track-listing is
tricky; perhaps a <i>Low</i> style two-sided
approach would have been too obvious (there are plenty of fade-outs as per the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bowie</st1:place></st1:city> standard), but it
might have made more sense. I like to see it more like a White Album;
everything and the kitchen sink, see what you find amongst the rubble.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">So, <i>Moon Coastal Maine</i> is not the definitive
Imp article. What debut is? Well… Yet I worry a confusing picture such as this
hinders the chances of more people hearing them. Because I REALLY want them to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">But there is so much to
search through, including the best stuff they've done, so who I am to complain?
See, see, SEE! I can’t finish this review. Because it keeps circling
around and around. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">The bottom line,
literally, is that this is an ambitious album, combining the best but also most
obtuse work of a unique and visionary band that will keep you busy for months,
yet still leaves you wanting more. And is a reviewers worst headache. There.
Done. Go listen now. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;">Dean Freeman</span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/moon-coastal-maine"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/moon-coastal-maine</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-66593353135928790172013-11-27T02:47:00.002-08:002013-11-27T04:44:56.272-08:00The Day The EDL Came To Town.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjfgejnKO4o/UpXNOKqAuOI/AAAAAAAAB4g/Ncwf769USVM/s1600/IMG_1763-1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjfgejnKO4o/UpXNOKqAuOI/AAAAAAAAB4g/Ncwf769USVM/s320/IMG_1763-1024x768.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">I have written this blog entry mainly as a record of my
experiences with the EDL, should it prove useful to persons faced with them in
the future.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">I was surprised, and
then curious as to why the EDL had chosen to come to my city. And why would they
do something like this on the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who? Are they insane?
But then I found out the march would be in the afternoon, giving them enough time
to get home for an evening in front of the TV. They'd obviously thought it through.</span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">A community driven
group called We Are Wakefield was formed with the intention of creating a
counter demonstration elsewhere in the city on the same day. I believe the
creator and driver of this group had previous experience on organising Love
Music Hate Racism events (as does Rhubarb Bomb) but it wasn't a politically
driven group. It was one interested in showing what an open minded, inclusive
and fun place </span><st1:city style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">
is. Simple as that.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Questions<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">I was curious about the EDL. Although I despise the core politics of the
BNP and EDL, and UKIP too, I will never say I hate them. That is the core
reaction of many and yes, I think it is a sane one. But I can't, because that
kind of black and white thinking (pun NOT intended) is the whole problem with
these people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">And though the media
impression of them is the most comfortable to swallow, the media often makes
caricatures of us all. If I am going to be so disgusted by someone, I want to
do it for real reasons, not because some newspaper told me to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">I was seriously
interested in going down to speak to them on the day. I dug my dictaphone out
and started thinking about what kind of questions I would like to ask them. Any
political group has its share of oddballs, but it stood to reason that within
them, there must be what, within their scales, equates to a 'moderate'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">I wanted to know why
they had chosen to come to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>.
Did they have a swell of support here? Was it typical of the types of city they
perform well in? Was there something about the racial makeup of the place that
attracted them? Having lived here thirty years, I cannot recall them
demonstrating or rallying before, so why now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">And I wanted to know
what they wanted to achieve. Was marching and spreading their message for a
day both the means and the end? To have their voices heard for an
afternoon? Or did they want something more long term? Were they recruiting?
Would there be leaflets and information I could take home? All I could really
gather prior was that they wanted an end to Extreme Islam within <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">England</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Other
than deporting 'them' all, was there a plan as to how this would be achieved,
what were the long to short term goals?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">It's funny looking back
on this now. I genuinely had all those questions. I feel pretty naive now,
because it all turned out to be rather different than what I had expected. I
had given them far too much credit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPQnSIxUtOU/UpXNfyk5S9I/AAAAAAAAB4o/EQ2oUsHZ47g/s1600/1465373_10152058707705449_538196001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPQnSIxUtOU/UpXNfyk5S9I/AAAAAAAAB4o/EQ2oUsHZ47g/s320/1465373_10152058707705449_538196001_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Facebook</span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">In the week leading up
to both the EDL march and the We Are Wakefield event, EDL members discovered
the WAW Facebook page. Once more betraying either my sheltered digital
upbringing, or the fact that I only hang around the internet with people who
have the most basic of manners, I was shocked by the veracity and insistency of
their trolling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Everything was argued.
And not argued as in 'aggressively discussed.' It was like having a
conversation with Begbie from Trainspotting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">It turned out
everything we ever thought, knew or had been told was incorrect. Red was
actually Green and we were brainwashed puppets of the state, or unwashed
hippies, to think otherwise. Each person who made a comment was attacked, their
opinions pulled apart with no regard for logic or sense. It was deeply
unpleasant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">At first, obeying the
normal rules of civilisation, the WAW member tried to engage them in normal
discussion, but it was impossible. They seemed to assume that we were all
members of United Against Fascism, and as such we were called out as violent
thugs and hypocrites. Their paranoia led them to pre-emptively attack us.
They have a right to protest, and we have a right to do the same, so what is
the problem? When they ran out of argument, or steam, they resorted to calling
us all cunts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">But then it got worse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Some alleged UAF
members also came on board, and a horrid little political world was unveiled.
These people, on both sides of the fence, know each other well. Presumably they
see each other every week at the demonstrations. And what had started as a
community group created to discuss positive action sunk to a very personal and
pathetic level, on both sides. They both showed the absolute worst of both
their arguments. It was exhausting and massively depressing to watch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The personal life of
one EDL member, Gary - the most aggressive and pathetic - was brought up,
things about his kids not wanting to know him because of his politics. What was
this achieving exactly? These ‘full-time activists’ seemed to thrive off
confrontation, and built their egos around what they opposed, and it looked
like they'd be using <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>
as their battleground this week. Next week Wigan, or Luton or <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hull</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">It was incredibly
depressing and nearly stopped me from attending, until I reminded myself that
this kind of bullying and unrelenting pressure was the only weapon they
had. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZnKtL-mA4M/UpXNk6oNLuI/AAAAAAAAB4w/mJ5k4PMY_lg/s1600/1458705_10202498948975890_644416668_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZnKtL-mA4M/UpXNk6oNLuI/AAAAAAAAB4w/mJ5k4PMY_lg/s320/1458705_10202498948975890_644416668_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The Day</span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The day came. The EDL
were due to meet at a pub at the bottom of the city centre called The Wakey
Tavern from around 10:30, with things officially beginning around midday,
concluding in a march around 2pm. We Are Wakefield were position further into
the city on the precinct and their event was to run from around 11:30 til 3pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Needless to say, my
earlier ambitions to speak to the EDL directly had been kyboshed by the insane
and threatening behaviour online. There would be no chance of me having
anything approaching a conversation, if these were the types of people we were
to be dealing with. Instead, it was more important that we simply voiced an
alternative to their rhetoric.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The We Are Wakefield
demonstration was attended by a wide range of people; ages, sexes, races. There
was a good feeling up there. The Socialist Worker and the UAF were there to
offer support, but it didn't feel overly politicised to me. It wasn’t owned by
them, it was owned by us, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">This was backed up by
the number of organisations that had put their name to the protest. Over 100.
That is a strong argument against the EDL. How many businesses and institutions
would publicly support them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">As the Bishop of
Pontefract was speaking, an alleged member (he definitely was) of the <a href="http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/bishop-charged-by-alleged-edl-member-during-peace-speach-1-6264676">EDLpushed him aside </a>and grabbed the microphone and tried to speak. He was pulled
away by the police. Like the Facebook group, they seem unable to accept that
there are people in the world who have different opinions to themselves. They
were unable to stick to their own march, and had to invade ours, just as they
had with our community page. Why is that? Incidentally, the EDL event page was
pretty much left untouched by those who opposed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">In retrospect, it was a
shame he was pulled off the mic. What could he have possibly said? It would
have been great to see him humiliate himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QmXiHlkrQU/UpXNpdzcSQI/AAAAAAAAB44/6rnzOoh3GfM/s1600/1479273_10151851407889825_1289872633_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QmXiHlkrQU/UpXNpdzcSQI/AAAAAAAAB44/6rnzOoh3GfM/s320/1479273_10151851407889825_1289872633_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">EDL Presence<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The event going well, I
decided to wander through town to observe the scene at The Wakey Tavern and
surrounding areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Wakefield</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> city centre was
bustling due to the Christmas market. Many were perplexed by the huge police
presence in the area of the EDL march. It's the largest police presence I have
ever seen in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>,
and it also included private security, presumably brought in by the council.
Most people in the city centre that I overheard didn't seem to know what
was happening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">I worked my way down
the hill and could see a small crowd outside the pub. I bumped into a friend of
mine. For what it matters, he is a white Wakefieldian with a beard. He was a
bit wound up as he had just walked past the pub (on the other side of the road)
and had incurred the wrath of the EDLers. "Shave your beard, then you'll
look more English" they had said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">I got closer, and the
final piece of the EDL puzzle fell into place. Around thirty people were stood
outside the pub (though there were certainly more inside). And they were,
without exception, the living embodiment of the clichéd EDL member. Aside of a
couple of females, they were male, shaven headed, drinking pints and
wearing St George Crosses (bar one with an <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> flag). One had a bulldog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">These weren't political
activists. They were numbskulls on a dayout. The appearance of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city> that day was what the city would
look like if we had a large football team, and fans akin to those of Millwall
lore. There were no leaflets, posters, no-one speaking. It was just a piss-up
with a police cordon. Locals looked on, bemused, wondering where to catch their
bus from since they had to be diverted to accommodate this 'demonstration.'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The liberal and
lefty-leaning mind the EDLers would no doubt mock me for had indeed let me
down. I was open-minded enough to accept the EDL could be something more than
2D caricatures in search of a brain and I was wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">My last remaining
question was; how many of these people are from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>? I really want to know. Because
otherwise, what the fuck are they doing here? On my way into town I was behind
a large coach that had a flag in the back stating 'English Defence League:
Gateshead Division.' It encountered massive problems with <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>'s one way system, ending up turning
left at a right only junction, causing chaos (or maybe they were fearful of
having to drive past the WAW event. Or maybe traffic laws were invented by
Islam, who knows?).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Back up at WAW, we got
a shout out around 14:30 that the EDL march had concluded (more words and lots of photos of that <a href="http://www.anti-fascists-online.com/a-day-trip-to-wakefield-with-the-edl/">HERE</a>) and we were to be
watchful as they would now be dispersing and potentially heading our way. A few
passed on the other side of the road. They threw wanker signs and filmed us on
their camera phones. We waved them off. They were just pathetic, utterly
utterly pathetic, an appalling demonstration of what they supposedly stand for
and believe in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Is it worth protesting?<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">When their visit had
first been announced, I had felt it might be best to just leave them to it.
Opposition would just increase the press they would get. But I am glad that we
did. Because although the 'politics' of the EDL are so stupid and backwards it
doesn't seem worth arguing against, doing nothing would leave the headlines to
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">If they come to your
town, it is essential the headline the next day reads that they were
outnumbered and embarrassed. My opposition to them was not specifically for
their politics (which as I say, I despise, but in reality holds absolutely no
substance) but more because of the effect it can have on <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">In essence, theirs is a
politic based on the closing of doors and minds. Ours is the absolute opposite. It is nothing to do with right or left wing. Rhubarb Bomb and hundreds of other people and Orgs in <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city>
spend a lot of time trying to attract people to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>, to drag the spotlight onto the
people here who do amazing things. Idiots like the EDL have no idea about any
of these things because they don't live here, and even if they did, wouldn't
step outside their own doorsteps, unless to visit the local pub. By turning up,
they have the potential to ruin a lot of good work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">So I am glad I stood
shoulder to shoulder with so many right minded people. I still resolve to
remain open-minded about everything, even those as revolting as the EDL, but I
have learned of the utter vacuity at their core. There is nothing there but
bullying. They are just a club, a group of people drawn together by a vague
ideology. Over time their sense of self-worth and purpose has aligned with that
of the group as a whole and in opposition to anyone who questions it, questions
their very way of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Lacking basic human
skills of interaction, they just shout and stamp their feet, like small
children. For them, a day in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>
is a fun trip with friends, somewhere new. We'll never change their minds,
but we can continue to show how flawed and pathetic their opinions are, with
the hope that generation by generation we make them more and more irrelevant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Thankfully, <a href="http://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news/crime/edl-demo-and-counter-protest-pass-off-peacefully-in-wakefield-1-6263690">this was the headline the next day</a>, and though Calender sent its cameras along, violence and hate live and direct from Wakefield was not a story they went with. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">If they come to your town, they WILL harass and bully any opposition. They are not coming for a discussion. They lack the general manners we all take for granted. They will attack you personally and make wild accusations. On the day, they will come and find you and threaten you. But this is exactly why you need to stand up to them. You will find there is nothing to fear, but you'll be glad you made the stand. </span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<u><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Epilogue</span></u></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Oh, and as a final
postscript, in the days following, on the We Are Wakefield event page, certain
EDL members who had been blocked created 'new' profiles and began commenting
again, continuing their pathetic screaming into the void. A hundred people,
surely one of their worst showings ever (except <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-22689552">THIS</a>) and still they claim it was a
'victory'... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">They always presume the
burden of proof is on you to PROVE that the population of your city aren’t
supporting them. Imagine that, they presume everyone is as hateful as them.
They think people are born to loathe. There’s no talking them round. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">After the event, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gary</st1:place></st1:city>, now calling himself
Ellie sent me and others this message:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">100 turned up....out of 76,000. What
'important' work was done? all that happened is that the people of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city> ignored your
stupid support for the ethnic diversity that has been forced upon them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">So I replied<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 12.75pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Hi Gary,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 12.75pt; margin: 7.5pt 0cm 0cm;">
<i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">100 turned up....out of 76,000. What 'important' work was
done? all that happened is that the people of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city> ignored your stupid support for the
ethnic cleansing you would like to force upon them. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 12.75pt; margin: 7.5pt 0cm 0cm;">
<i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Now, go get a life, pal<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">In retrospect, it
should have been 100 out of 63 million, since they are supposedly fighting for
the whole country, but nevermind!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-90641159339335353282013-11-21T03:34:00.000-08:002013-11-21T03:34:00.783-08:00I Don't Want To Make You Happy, I Want To Make You Cry Review<div class="MsoNormal">
The Grand</div>
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<i>I Don’t Want To Make
You Happy, I Want To Make You Cry</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1ISRz7QUOw/Uo3vcpbyiuI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/jkYisjhrxvg/s1600/The+Grand+I+dont+want.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1ISRz7QUOw/Uo3vcpbyiuI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/jkYisjhrxvg/s320/The+Grand+I+dont+want.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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Since their previous single, <i>Romance Is Dead</i>, The Grand have been keeping themselves busy with
local gigs, recording new material and, oh yeah, playing the BBC Introducing
Stage at Reading and Leeds Festival. The alternative pop trio from <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city> have really
done some spectacular things this year, the latest of which is the creation of
their new single <i>I Don’t Want To Make You
Happy, I Want To Make You Cry</i>. Admittedly the title doesn’t sound very
nice, but it’s as wordy as it is brilliant.</div>
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There is a tinge of The National/Gaslight Anthem influence,
but if anything it sounds as though The Grand have simply drawn inspiration
from themselves. They’ve ensured their trademark heavy bass riffs, catchy
lyrics and sorrowful vocals are firmly engraved on the two tracks. </div>
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It is a genius blend of great musicianship and writing, with
a powerful and sincere vocalist. The lyrics aren’t simply sung they are meant,
and for me that is something that distinguishes The Grand from any other
unsigned act of their genre. This meaning and authenticity that every word sung
is also felt is what translates to and encapsulates the listener. For me,
that’s pretty hard to come by.</div>
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<i>All Of The Ocean</i>
is comparatively a much more sombre affair to both the title track and the
songs on the previous single too. It assumes a moody, more intimate sound which
provides a gorgeous, bare backdrop for those unique vocals to shine through.</div>
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Amy Walker</div>
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Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-83679582313884896632013-11-13T09:02:00.001-08:002013-11-13T09:02:36.317-08:00Old Issue Of Rhubarb Bomb Found<div class="MsoNormal">
A previously unknown issue of Rhubarb Bomb has been
discovered.</div>
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We say previously unknown. Obviously the people who made it
knew about it, though not well enough to bring it up when the current editor
(me) was compiling the book that brought together the first five years of the
zine. </div>
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So it seems it was forgotten. Here is what this lost gem
looks like: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWanm0qEGZE/UoOwlgza70I/AAAAAAAAB24/WsORPIo-qw8/s1600/IMAG0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWanm0qEGZE/UoOwlgza70I/AAAAAAAAB24/WsORPIo-qw8/s320/IMAG0097.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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In their editorials, Benno and Rob Dee explain they felt RB
had become too average and this was the first of a new run of better issues,
more reflecting their own passions, so might be the first issue that moved away
from the standardised front covers. </div>
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There is no date, but judging by the advertising and live
reviews, it seems to be from around June 2008. Which is confusing because it
was found amongst a pile of memorabilia from a road trip I took to <st1:city w:st="on">Munich</st1:city> in October 2007,
but that must be incorrect. </div>
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Inside, there is a short piece about a band from <st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city> called The
Woodsmen, followed by a lengthy (by 2008 standards) interview with The Spills
in which:</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->They state they have two new songs. One is poppy, one
is darker.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><st1:country-region w:st="on">Chad</st1:country-region>
has to go stand in a hedge at one point because he gets too hot.</div>
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We’ve also got something on UltCult, the mourning of Breton
Hall not being around, a hopeful nod towards Midgefest and the Louder Than Bomb’s
weekenders paving the way towards a more substantial festival, a weird short
story and some reviews, including Frightened Rabbit at Escobar, Three Sheets T’wind
in Castleford, an early Bambinos demo
and an On The Bone compilation (remember that?) with Pulled Apart By Horses,
The Twilight Sad and Dinosaur Pileup on it.</div>
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We’ll scan it at some point and pop it up on ISSUU.</div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-6209044307369474462013-11-11T04:09:00.002-08:002013-11-11T04:21:15.125-08:00Why You Should See Luke Haines <div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In November, a band
called Foreigners Journey will play </span><st1:city style="font-size: 10pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 10pt;">.
Like a discount double DVD from Tesco's featuring the joint highlights of
Cheaper By The Dozen 2 and something with Vin Diesel in it, it's a confusingly
un-ambitious and fleetingly pleasurable prospect. Why two bands that singularly
do not have enough hits to attract passive cover band audiences, were prized
together in such a convoluted fashion is a bizarre conundrum. Two turds for the
price of one? How polished are they?</span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">But - it is that
passive audience who count. Who are Foreigner? "I Wanna Know What Love Is" Oh yeah! Who are Journey? "Don’t Stop Believin" Oh, those
guys! In one three note blast of nothing, we have a hook, a whole career
explained. We've got you. There has to be something better. There has to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So the paradox of
promotion is that the more interesting an artist is, and the more complex,
diverse and indefinable their career has been, the harder it is, in this world
of '<i>you've got ten seconds to convince me</i>'
faux-impossibly busy lifestyles, to make that sale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">But, given that you are
the kind of individual that has made it to the fourth paragraph of a blog
entry, I am going to presume that alongside your curiosity and tenacity, you
also have fine taste. And, that being the case, Rhubarb Bomb has something very
special lined up for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">If Luke Haines had ever
stayed still, at any point in his career, he would be hard to define. But some
all encompassing, career covering explanation? I shall avoid bullet points.
We're not revising.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">But by way of written
montage, let me give you the 'previously...' prologue, to whet your appetite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Luke Haines appeared on
the legendary C86 cassette as a member of The Servants. His first album as The
Autuers saw him face off against Suede for the second Mercury Music Prize. The
entity christened 'Britpop' emerged from the fallout. Instead of building on
this success he ended up recording a gobsmackingly brilliant concept album
about Baader Meinhof, a bunch of German Terrorists from the 70's. The press
release included directions for making a nail-bomb. He called a National Pop
Strike, asking all pop star to down tools for a week. He received little
support, though he managed to scupper his own record, released that same week.
He created the genuine pop group Black Box Recorder. He released a Christmas
song called 'Unsolved Child Murder'. Since going solo, he has released albums
about wrestling and Rock N Roll Animals. He is dynamite for people who like to
create not quite true, but fuck it, let's go with the myth, type stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He's also written two
excellent memoirs and is a decent painter too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So, y'know, it's kinda
hard for me to say "Hey, look at this video man!" because how can I
choose one thing to define all that? His 'Best-Of' is a great start, but it is
three discs long, mostly previously unreleased. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">But there is the fun of
it. He's a great artist, and that makes him a great person to be a fan of.
That's a defining thing for me. Because you don't know what he is going to do
next, yet his track record suggests he has a knack of getting it right, so the
returns are worth treading the thin ice for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Always interesting,
never obvious. That's what I like about Luke Haines, that's why I booked him
for <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city>, and that's why you should come
and have a listen on November 27th at The Calder, The Hepworth, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place></st1:city>. Tickets are available <a href="http://www.seetickets.com/event/luke-haines-performs-rock-and-roll-animals-/the-calder/736514">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">*despite what I’ve just
said, here are five videos, if you have the time*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AnzN6Rw5wGQ" width="560"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XZxkNatfBl0" width="420"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SQIMSfK32T4" width="420"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PTml5DlMXJM" width="420"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6UmoImrp2Hg" width="420"></iframe>Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-89806319341385308602013-10-30T07:22:00.002-07:002013-10-30T07:23:06.208-07:00Sometimes Life's Cool Review<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.88888931274414px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Mi Mye<br />Sometimes Life’s Cool<br />Philophobia Music</span></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YdHH_zLq96w/UnEWDyyhVyI/AAAAAAAAB1w/ABlXNViZKWM/s1600/Sometimes+lifes+cool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YdHH_zLq96w/UnEWDyyhVyI/AAAAAAAAB1w/ABlXNViZKWM/s320/Sometimes+lifes+cool.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b>Mi Mye was born in the North of Scotland in 2003 and Jamie Lockheart was (and is) the proud father of this talented 10 year old. Fresh from recent sessions on Marc Riley’s BBC 6 music show Mi Mye’s new album “Sometimes life’s cool” will be released on Philophobia Music on 4th November.<br /><br />Having lived in Wakefield for only 3 years my exposure to the band has been limited to seeing half of their set at Long Division 2011 and hearing the eponymous track from this album (about which more later) on the recently released Philophobia compilation “We Phopped something in the water”.<br /><br />The album opens with “Great sucksess” with its exuberant “Daddy was a bankrobber” vibe and a vocal signature which is, to a degree, the bedrock of the record. Brash and joyous, it is a great opening song which is followed up by the more urgent “Leviy” and the doleful “When I get home”, with its swirling organ and deadpan, wistful vocal delivery. Already the album has done more than it needs to justify the studio time, but it is still to peak.<br /><br />Some weeks ago I awarded (how very grand of me) “the single of the year so far”, to a band based only a stones throw from Wakefield and although I’m sure they treasure the accolade it is time for them to carry it from Leeds and place it at the feet of Mi Mye. In the title track “Sometimes life’s cool” the band has produced a song so achingly beautiful, so heartfelt and honest that I do not expect to hear a better song this year. Lyrically and musically unvarnished it is a standout track and manages this feat in the face of stiff competition from half a dozen other songs on this impressive and moving album.<br /><br />When music reaches this quality it can be a challenge to do it justice in words. The leap from the sound, feel and emotion of an album to the page can be too wide a gap to bridge. The translation is too clumsy. So here is my best shot. The title track “Sometimes life’s cool” moved me to tears. Pathetic really but there you go.<br /><br />The one simple solution to ensure you feel the full force of this impressive and moving album is to buy it.<br /><br />The album overall has a faint Celtic feel without ever bursting into a jig and reel and although it is deliberately lo-fi it does not do this at the expense of musical subtlety.<br /><br />Mi Mye will release their new album on November 4th. Hear it first at the launch at the Hop on Friday 1st. I will personally give you your money back if you are disappointed.<br /><br /><u></u><u></u><u></u><b>Karl</b><u></u><b> <u></u>Shore<u></u></b><u></u><b> </b><br />Twitter @larkhorse</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/sometimes-lifes-cool">http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/sometimes-lifes-cool</a></span></span>Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-71808573251547181452013-10-25T04:31:00.000-07:002013-10-25T04:32:08.254-07:00Wakefield's New Dawn<div id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382700303411_2357" style="font-size: 13px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the moment that Wakefield, after years of slow but incredibly strong growth, begins its ascent towards something undeniably grand. All those little movements, those groups of people toiling hard for the sheer thrill of creating new and wonderful things, forever in the shade of being in the kind of city people rarely bother visiting - no matter how much we shout about it - are about to see that ethos, that community spirit, born anew.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The greatest hope, certainly in my lifetime, of changing those perceptions, changing <em>everything,</em> is upon us. On Tuesday, at 12:30pm, work on Unity Hall finally begins. It's been a long journey of nearly three years, one that I can barely comprehend, but the truth is, a big old gang of builders are going to spend 10 months bringing Unity Hall back from the brink. And it'll be ours, the community's, to do with as we please for 999 years.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It'll have a 700 capacity hall for music and comedy, the largest in the city centre and capable of attracting a new level of performer. There'll be the minor hall, for smaller, more locally based activites. There'll be masses of beautifully restored office and meeting space. Places for locals business start-ups. There'll be a cafe. There'll be a restaurant. There'll be music students in there, learning and working.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb4Dwgnj9Tc/UmpVbCzT1qI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/yfoABKH_QSc/s1600/Unity+House+-+LayingTheFoundationStones+1901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb4Dwgnj9Tc/UmpVbCzT1qI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/yfoABKH_QSc/s320/Unity+House+-+LayingTheFoundationStones+1901.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The above picture shows the laying of the foundation stone in 1901.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382700303411_2368" style="font-size: 13px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently, this building is owned by just under 200 people. I am one of them. I get to vote on the various goings on in this building, because it is run as a co-operative, by the people, for the people. We all took a bit of a leap of faith, investing our own money in a dream. But it paid off. And there is still time for you to be part of the community of people who decide how it is run.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382700303411_2370" style="font-size: 13px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, regardless of whether you have got involved yet or not, there is one great thing you can do for Wakefield. Come down for the grand beginning that is taking place at 12:30 on Tuesday. Let's double the 1901 crowd! Calender are bringing their cameras down. That's how serious this thing is; regional news are actually bothering to send cameras out. Let's show them how buzzing Wakefield is.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you can make it on your lunch break, or have a fee hour or so, come and see what the fuss is about. Come and take one last look at that husk of a building that has sat in the centre of our city for so many decades, before it is finally turned into the most important asset we have.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382700303411_2372" style="font-size: 13px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#unitytuesday</span></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-24382834943020324972013-10-24T04:27:00.001-07:002013-10-24T04:27:52.416-07:00Fuxx Review<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Forever Cult</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fuxx</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Clue Records</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_Oyqab1Nck/UmkDj5DDE7I/AAAAAAAAAFs/jKLx1xJeQM8/s1600/Forever+Cult.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_Oyqab1Nck/UmkDj5DDE7I/AAAAAAAAAFs/jKLx1xJeQM8/s320/Forever+Cult.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alongside NARCS and Allusondrugs, Forever Cult are the other reason I am so interested in Clue Records right now. Like <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city>’s own Philophobia Music, the bands have their own styles but seem to be built from a shared DNA that ties them together. Either that, or they just all happen to be really good.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This three track EP does not waste a second of its very brief running time. New bands take note; always leave them wanting more. Opener <i>Sinking</i> clock in at under 2 minutes; that’s fine, I just listened to it twice.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s really hard – if you are trying – to write a great song around the two minute mark. Forever Cult, through a channelling of some energetic hybrid of Grunge and Indie, manage it twice, with ease, most likely because they weren’t really trying. That’s just how the songs arrive, and sometimes that can the most special thing of all. The EP is dominated by vital, bottled lightning like directness, full of youthful vigour and passion, only slightly expanded upon for closing track <i>Luck</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yes, I am excited. Go listen, download, and go see live, it’s that simple.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dean Freeman</span></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://cluerecords.bandcamp.com/album/fuxx">http://cluerecords.bandcamp.com/album/fuxx</a></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-76479199446115447672013-10-23T06:50:00.000-07:002013-10-23T06:50:40.932-07:00Wakefield Oxjam Preview<div class="MsoNormal">
Oxjam Preview</div>
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October 25th</div>
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The Hop, Wakefield</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kv_z3Bof4H0/UmfTwINCPBI/AAAAAAAAB1I/bY-XYQxcs48/s1600/Updated+OW+poster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kv_z3Bof4H0/UmfTwINCPBI/AAAAAAAAB1I/bY-XYQxcs48/s320/Updated+OW+poster.png" width="233" /></a></div>
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We don’t preview gigs as often as we should, or would like
to. Busy days, y’know? But this coming Friday it is for an especially good
cause, so we pulled our fingers out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s an Oxjam gig at The Hop in <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city>. I can’t remember the last time
there was an Oxjam gig in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Merrie</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>, so fair play to our
young promoter friend Sam Russell for making it happen.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Aside of being for a good cause, it’s also a great line-up.
Headliners are current highflyers The Michael Ainsley Band who are never less
than satisfying when inhabiting a stage. See our review of their recent album
<a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/devils-in-detail.html">here</a>. </div>
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NARCS join them, very much ones to watch over the next
twelve months. Our review (<a href="http://www.rhubarbbomb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/19-by-narcs-review.html">here</a>) of their debut single proclaimed it the best
of the year thus far. Yet from what I am hearing, they have only improved since
then. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The Do’s also take to the stage, after a storming Long
Division and growing, loyal fanbase, it’ll be interesting to see what they have
been up to as they work on their debut album.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Finally, a fundraiser or benefit gig in <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city> would not be complete without a
punk poetry set from Skint & Demoralised’s Matt Abbott. With a lineup like
this, it’s all too easy to sit back, pint in hand, and soak up the music,
forgetting that there is a good reason to be there, and Matt will surely give
us a decent reminder of the fact.</div>
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It’s four pounds in, all of which goes to Oxfam. If nothing
else, it’s more worthwhile than watching the human jukebox downstairs and
contributing to some old rockers hip replacement, so get out, and feel good
about yourself. </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/211068775733553/">https://www.facebook.com/events/211068775733553/</a></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-13751626193382501492013-10-22T03:07:00.000-07:002013-10-22T03:07:02.494-07:00My Cat / Fruit Review<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Allusondrugs </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>MyCat/Fruit</i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Clue Records) </span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BY14jPXnxk/UmZOJtH4WOI/AAAAAAAAB0w/brlM5_0tj6E/s1600/my+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BY14jPXnxk/UmZOJtH4WOI/AAAAAAAAB0w/brlM5_0tj6E/s320/my+cat.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First let’s
start with the name, Allusondrugs. Rather out there isn’t it? And for those who
believe in the saying “what’s in a name?” I would say in this case, a lot
actually. You see, one thing I tend to find with drugs is... they’re not
everybody’s cup of tea... and I doubt this band are either. But that’s ok,
because whether you’re a fan of alternative rock music or not, there’s no
denying this 5-piece from Castleford are bloody good at what they do. <br />
<br />
There’s so much going on in their latest single <i>MyCat/Fruit</i> that I’m not prepared to pigeon-hole them or compare
them to other artists out there. Both tracks take unexpected twists and turns,
propelled by fuzzy guitars, pounding drums and soaring vocals to create
undeniable intensity only suitable for sweaty moshpits.<br />
<br />
First song, ‘MyCat’ (no reference to the drug or furry animal by the way) is a
ferocious explosion of edgy rock, executed with heavy distortion and an
impressive range of vocals. The repetitive verses make picking up the lyrics
far too easy, and coupled with a powerful and frenzied finale, this song will
put people in serious danger at live shows.<br />
<br />
‘Fruit’ is a little more chilled. But I suppose once you’ve heard ‘MyCat’
that’s a pretty unhelpful phrase. It features soft verses that build into
eruptive instrumentals and then back again. It isn’t necessarily a different
side to the band, just a very clever technique that makes those full on heavy
rock moments even more detonative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Amy Walker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://cluerecords.bandcamp.com/album/mycat">http://cluerecords.bandcamp.com/album/mycat</a></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-66863749478569699262013-10-10T08:25:00.002-07:002013-10-10T08:25:36.067-07:00Things That People Love To Remember EP Review<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Nadine Carina</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Things That People Love To Remember</i> EP</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On The Camper Records<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Phu6FVABg74/UlbGwrcPQQI/AAAAAAAAB0A/tPiKuiRlSbg/s1600/nadine+carina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Phu6FVABg74/UlbGwrcPQQI/AAAAAAAAB0A/tPiKuiRlSbg/s320/nadine+carina.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In her new EP, <i>Things That People Love To
Remember,</i> Nadine Carina’s eclectic mix of old and new lends itself to the
uncanny feel that dominates her sound. The infectious electronic loops and
galaxy-like ambience takes you miles into the future, whilst the organic folk
undertones create a vintage feel and ages the futuristic noise. Bring in
Carina’s beautifully remote vocals and her music is timeless. It’s like
watching the future unfold through a vintage camera filter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First track, <i>The Love</i>,
demonstrates this uniqueness perfectly. Carina’s gorgeous voice melts over a
melancholy backdrop as she sings lyrics of unrequited love. <i>Stars</i> is a shimmering blend of
old-school RnB beats laced with simple electronic notation. At times there is
even a child-like element, probably due to her experiments with looping vintage
toys (yes, her creativity really knows no bounds). <i>Little House</i> is a live track, which benefits the heavy beat and
what I can only describe as electronic-organ-sounding-instrument (I really have
no idea). It comes across a little spooky, but this is soon broken with her
mesmerising vocals that bring a soft comfort. <br />
<br />
It feels like nothing you’ve heard before and everything you’ve heard before.
It’s a blissful, dreamy, space-travelling adventure, but in the comfort of your
own bed. If it sounds like a lot of what I’m saying doesn’t make sense, listen
to her. It will then.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Things That People
Love To Remember</i> is out November 18.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amy Walker</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://nadinecarina.bandcamp.com/">http://nadinecarina.bandcamp.com/</a></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-66648371787135073842013-10-08T07:12:00.000-07:002013-10-08T07:13:14.735-07:00Two Hearts Review<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tiny
Planets</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><i>Two Hearts</i> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(Self-release)<span style="background-color: white; text-decoration: underline;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InOkdIcmoj4/UlQSvU8sRzI/AAAAAAAABzw/M8ss3BVK5Mk/s1600/Two+Hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InOkdIcmoj4/UlQSvU8sRzI/AAAAAAAABzw/M8ss3BVK5Mk/s320/Two+Hearts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tiny Planets are one of those bands that
you listen to and appreciate just how good Wakefield music has it. The two
tracks on new single <i>Two Hearts</i> are
simple, great pop-rock. Title track ‘Two Hearts’ showcases loud choruses built
up around light bridges, where both rhythm and lead guitar intertwine
brilliantly to create a free-flowing sound. Craig’s vocals are also impressive
throughout, although the shouting at the end of </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">‘Steeled to the Sound’ feels a
bit lost; like a “what would Ryan Jarman do here?” moment. I don’t feel like it
adds anything to the song, but it certainly doesn’t detract anything either.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<i style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Amy Walker</i><br />
<i style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></i>
<a href="http://tinyplanets.bandcamp.com/">http://tinyplanets.bandcamp.com/</a>Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-14805199631297671942013-10-06T08:14:00.000-07:002013-10-06T08:14:01.071-07:00Creature Feature Review<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Piskie Sits</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Creature
Feature</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Philophobia Music<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4T_yWGqno4/UlF95A-vmTI/AAAAAAAABzc/Ojw1fKKXzl4/s1600/creature+feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4T_yWGqno4/UlF95A-vmTI/AAAAAAAABzc/Ojw1fKKXzl4/s320/creature+feature.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Creature
Feature</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is culmination of the raw, edgy, “proper” music that has
unmistakably been born and bred in Wakefield. At first the vocals feel rough,
but after a few listens they only add the authentic sound the Piskie’s have
created.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
The opener, ‘I Know And You’ll Know’, sets the precedent for the rest of the
album; catchy, wholesome, melodic songs alongside rigid and raw indie-rock
guitars. Every track has potential for single release - from the poppy, upbeat <i>Family Tree</i>, to the simple and robust (and cleverly named) <i>Feat. Pharrell
Williams</i>. Although each song showcases a different vibe this band effortlessly
nail, <i>Viktoria Plze<span style="background: white;">ň</span></i> is the most
striking, and chronic chorus chanting is a known side effect. You have been
warned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Creature
Feature</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> will be released on the 21<sup>st</sup> October.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Amy Walker</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/creature-feature">http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/creature-feature</a></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-57047175623118294302013-10-05T04:31:00.001-07:002013-10-05T04:31:33.452-07:00Devil's In The Detail Review<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Michael Ainsley Band </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Devil’s
in the Detail</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Philophobia Music)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VNWW4UvAZg/Uk_4dYCluWI/AAAAAAAABzI/Zrq35k3tGhE/s1600/Devil's+In+The+Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VNWW4UvAZg/Uk_4dYCluWI/AAAAAAAABzI/Zrq35k3tGhE/s320/Devil's+In+The+Detail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Devil’s In The
Detail</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is a ferocious concoction of shouty vocals, chaotic guitars and
boisterous melodies by Wakefield giants, The Michael Ainsley Band. The “thrown
together” feel of this album helps the old-school, punk-rock vibe to keep its
musical integrity, rather than hinder it. There’s no doubt these lads are doing
it right.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Through heavy distortion and amplification, it’s just as chaotic as it is
clever. ‘Alcohol’ and title track, ‘Devil’s In The Detail’, are the most
prominent tracks, where as ‘Miss You Most Mornings’ strategically takes a
backseat and exposes the quintet’s soft side, where nice lyrics and
well-executed harmonies come into play.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
There’s a real sense of nostalgia to the album, as it takes you back to the
good days of the 90’s where pop-punk bands dominated. If this is that music
making a comeback, I welcome it with open arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Amy Walker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/devils-in-the-detail">http://philophobiamusic.bandcamp.com/album/devils-in-the-detail</a></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-72886126447126481062013-08-27T08:12:00.001-07:002013-08-27T08:14:00.715-07:00We PHOPPED Something In The Water<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">We PHOPPED Something In The Water <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Various Artists</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Philophobia Music<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></o:p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93TvwpkukAU/UhzBxDrIIgI/AAAAAAAABxU/SbmXPqsPsbI/s1600/PHOPPED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93TvwpkukAU/UhzBxDrIIgI/AAAAAAAABxU/SbmXPqsPsbI/s320/PHOPPED.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Philophobia Music is now in its 6<sup>th</sup> year of
nurturing, supporting, recording and releasing music by <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city> artists. Although I have only been
a <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city>
citizen for the past four years I have become aware of both the label and the
bands associated with it. Purchasing the odd release and seeing the artists
live have been two of the great pleasures of being part of the City. This compilation
album, however, is my first real exposure to the quality and breadth of the
local music scene. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Featuring 20 bands that are either on, or have been released
by the label, the album showcases the sound of this fine City. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Kicking off with Runaround Kids <i>I Can’t Help Myself,</i> boisterous and tender by turns, before moving
on to Piskie Sits glorious <i>Viktoria Pizen</i>
the album gets off to dream start. And it doesn’t let up for a second. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">It is a little unfair on some of the artists to pick other
highlights from an album that frankly, does not have a low point…… but I’m going
to do it anyway. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">From Buen Chico’s tight and catchy <i>Love’s Just A Feeling</i> to the lurching beautiful howl that is The
Spills, <i>Friends With Girls.</i> From the
heartbreaking beauty of Mi Mye’s <i>Sometimes
Lifes Cool</i>, to the driving pop of We Are Losers singing <i>Salt Lips.</i> The quality of the music is
relentless and up to now I have only motioned 6 of the bands on show. In fact
given the quality of the bands I have not mentioned I feel a slight
embarrassment that they have not been included in the review. So here goes:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Fur Blend – <i>Ocean </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Protectors – <i>Ubelter</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">SUGGS – <i>Pregnant </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Jack Wynn – <i>Feel anything</i>
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Shake Your Halo Down – <i>Home
it’s not the heart</i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">SWORDS – <i>Bonehead</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Tiny Planets – <i>Finalised</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Michael Ainsley Band – <i>Miss
most mornings</i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The Do’s – <i>Hard to see</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Yard Wars – <i>Haunted
Stadiums</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">One Day after School – <i>C/Beam</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Imp – <i>Elegant man,
Elephant woman</i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Clandestines – <i>You
fell, you fell, you fell</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><st1:place w:st="on">St.</st1:place> Gregory Orange – <i>Vacancies</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">All of you take a bow. No really, go on…. That’s better. You
have all been my soundtrack to the last few weeks and it has been a joy. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Comparing an up and coming band with an already established
band can present any reviewer with a bit of a dilemma. Its benefit is that it
can provide shorthand to the sound and genre of the band. On the other hand it
gives a false impression that the band is simply copying the already
established act. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">So what do the bands recorded and championed by Philophobia
Music sound like? The quote I have heard most goes something like “<st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city> bands all sound
like Pavement”. You will probably have heard a version of this untruth over the
years. If you are going to be influence by a band Pavement is a pretty good
choice and although there are echoes of them on this album that is all it
amounts to. As I listened to the music I made a mental list of the bands and
genres I could hear the influence of. Here goes Nirvana, Dead Kennedy’s, The
Lemonheads, 80’s Electro Pop, Bruce Springsteen (really!) Arab Strap. The list
goes on but it is only helpful in illustrating the diversity of the music
presented on this album. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">As well as the fine music on show there is also a hint at
the humour that the local scene holds. Two examples of this are the gloriously
entitled <i>Elegant Man, Elephant Women</i>
(Imp) and the line; “I miss you most in the morning; I miss most mornings” from
The Michael Ainsley Band. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">I made my way to <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city>
and its music from a cultural desert of a town which I will not mention for
fear of offending its good citizens. So here is something about the local music
scene that you either know or take for granted. It is diverse, dynamic, original
and is an important cultural cornerstone of the City. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">This is a fine, fine album and a wonderful showcase for the
local music scene as I have come to discover it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><i>Philophobia Music is
now in its 6<sup>th</sup> year of nurturing, supporting, recording and
releasing music by <st1:city w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:city> artists </i>and it
is hard to imagine <st1:place w:st="on">Wakefield</st1:place>
music without PM being a key part of the jigsaw. You have probably heard of
most or all of the bands listed above and there are at least two reasons for
that:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">They
are any good</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Philophobia
Music </span></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">BUY THE ALBUM.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place style="background-color: black;" w:st="on"><span style="color: white;"><st1:placename w:st="on">Karl</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Shore</st1:placename></span></st1:place> </div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-16986524903860584652013-08-16T02:20:00.003-07:002013-08-16T02:23:15.321-07:00PH by Niagara Review<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 11.6pt; margin: 7.5pt 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PH</span></span></div>
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<st1:place style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 11.6pt;" w:st="on">Niagara</st1:place><br />
<st1:place style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 11.6pt;" w:st="on"><a href="http://niagarasounds.bandcamp.com/">http://niagarasounds.bandcamp.com/</a></st1:place><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQt5CdFaTmA/Ug3velFKw0I/AAAAAAAABww/1xl-SyVO1qs/s1600/a1033266841_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQt5CdFaTmA/Ug3velFKw0I/AAAAAAAABww/1xl-SyVO1qs/s320/a1033266841_10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Niagara</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">’s second E.P ‘PH’ is
wizardry in its purest form. There is a sense of genius and technical
accomplishment in both lyric and music for such a young band. Like a person
having colour coded labels in a sock drawer, every element in each song seems
crafted and slotted into its correct place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The E.P is four
tracks, opening with ‘Death By Imagination’ which paints the scene and lets you
float inside, literally pushing you into a dream world. The amalgamation of
bohemia, dream pop and experimental lays resonant for every song, which takes
you by surprise and warms the brain. Second song is ‘Epiphany Kidd’ which
slowly chimes you into another colourful bouquet of wonder, the guitar line
could be eaten with every meal; it is an essential condiment. I love the use of
female and male vocals bouncing off each other. At this point I’m hooked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Third song is ‘False
Crimes’, my eyes are closed, my shoulders can’t support my head. The subtleties
of drums and drawn out vocals with yet another mourish guitar line is simply
breathtaking. The E.P ends on ‘Paradise Regained’ which is my personal
favourite, it’s slightly more anthemic and dramatic, ending so suddenly it
feels like you’ve fallen off a cliff, you feel cheated as you want more. I’m
looking forward to future releases, I hope you are too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jack Falcon</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-13137371903106198742013-08-05T08:32:00.000-07:002013-08-05T08:32:07.046-07:00Burning Stove (Lonely Guy) Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V77pU3OPF6w/Uf_FQcr5fdI/AAAAAAAABwM/Pd8sY75Jlco/s1600/SLUGS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V77pU3OPF6w/Uf_FQcr5fdI/AAAAAAAABwM/Pd8sY75Jlco/s320/SLUGS.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SLUGS</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://slugsband.bandcamp.com/track/burning-stove-lonely-guy" style="background-color: black;">Burning
Stove (Lonely Guy)</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">How do you sum up in words the excitement of feeling like
you might just have stumbled upon something really good? Burning Stove (Lonely
Guy) ticks a lot of my boxes: loud, loose and with a feeling of ‘not really
bothered if you like it’ goes a long way with me! It’s a ‘pay what you want’
download (so free, yeah) but you should probably tip a bit of something into
their cap because if you don’t you’ll probably regret it later. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is also
worth pointing out that this is yet another band benefitting from Michael
Ainsley, the man behind</span><a href="" name="_GoBack" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://michaelainsley.bandcamp.com/album/cyclone" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">my favourite new album
this year full stop</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. This track is catchy as cholera, confident like
Cameron and as cool as a fridge full of cucumbers in winter. Or something… Stop
reading this now and get it downloaded is what I’m trying to say. Enjoy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Matt Rhodie</span></span></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-35084430514035949382013-08-05T08:28:00.000-07:002013-08-05T08:28:04.386-07:00Neon City EP Review<div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.theexits.co.uk/">The Exits</a> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Neon
City EP</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Interesting one this because the opening bars of <i>You Gotta Help Me Out</i> scream Nu-Rave and
that’s never a good thing to scream at me, however, the hook is already working
because once the first verse is over they’ve got you. Think jumping about in a
tent on a warm summer evening somewhere with your mates and maybe too much
cider in you and you’ve got it! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A quick glimpse at their biog suggests it hasn’t been an
easy birth for this collection of songs, but the south coast outfit have
overcome several obstacles- not least early adoration- to deliver the goods,
which has to earn them respect. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Title track, <i>Neon City</i>,
builds to a Primal Scream-esque chorus and now we hit the downside because the
remaining tracks are pretty formulaic. Now I feel a bit bad about using the ‘f’
word there, because I think what they’ve done is they’ve chosen their style and
really gone for it; it’s well shaped, well delivered and well worth a listen,
it’s just not really anything new, and that’s what we really want in our summer
listening isn’t it, novelty…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matt Rhodie</span></div>
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Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188551256013847114.post-50178711940581480012013-08-05T08:25:00.000-07:002013-08-05T08:25:02.964-07:00Grand Authentic Stage Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k151qN83w4w/Uf_DvSF7tFI/AAAAAAAABv8/rrAcRjbjJnY/s1600/JSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k151qN83w4w/Uf_DvSF7tFI/AAAAAAAABv8/rrAcRjbjJnY/s1600/JSS.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">jamiesaysmile</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jamiesaysmile.com/music.html" style="background-color: black;">Grand Authentic Stage EP</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Self released</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Having already enjoyed the first release from Dan Hayes’
project Jamiesaysmile, I was more than happy to try out a second instalment. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">This new EP does not disappoint; so far his live shows have been acoustic
showcases for his voice and song writing skills, while the recorded output has
hinted at what could be with full instrumentation. Now there is a promise of a
full live band line-up which is a real positive because my favourite tracks on
this EP are the ones featuring that ‘fuller’ sound. Jamiesaysmile proves in
this recording that DIY doesn’t have to mean ‘second best’ because the
recording oozes quality and has a real sense of polished, painstaking
perfection in its production.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a first encounter, it can’t fail to impress you, as a
second taste of what he has up his sleeve it’s doubly delightful, because what
he has delivered is another anthemic, perfect pop pearl of a record. Honest!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matt Rhodie</span></div>
Rhubarb Bombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274395823005585859noreply@blogger.com0