Sounds of an Eccentric

The Living Room Lads  are an enthralling acoustic rock/pop duo, based in Kingston Upon Hull. The group was formed in April of 2014, after Fill Cardy and Lee Starr merged their skills as independent singer/songwriters to create the beauteous sound of The LRL.  The group have already been involved with  Sonic Moles Records and EGH Radio , as well as events such as the Cottingham Springboard Festival.   Their sound is characterised by the duo's delicate vocals and sweet guitar lines that evoke a tranquil vibe. They're the sort of band you'll depend on when you need to 'take a breather' and indulge in some chill time. Their songs are a beautiful blend of emotion and soul-soothing vibes. 'All of my days' channels an 'happy go lucky' front through peppy, upbeat guitar, creating a lucid and sweet ballad. The bridge of the song is driven by a vivacious and mirthful guitar solo. It'll make you want to grab your nearest and dearest and dance the night...

A trio of acts captivated the Dog and Parrot  last night, filling the room with a variety of musical delights. Starting the night off was I'm not Superman (a.k.a.: "the alter-ego of Gary Surridge), a ridiculously powerful acoustic set with a panache for enthralling audiences. When he wasn't belting out huge notes, he indulged in brilliantly bizarre banter that served as a dry stand up act. The room was either chuckling away or 'wowed' by the colossal power of his voice. Peppy, melodic, upbeat guitar accompanied his voice and it's gorgeously rich tone, which was contrasted by delicate verses or bridges - displaying the vast range of his voice. The highlight of his set was his cover of 'Uptown Funk'. The lovely Alana and her beautiful voice joined him for this fun little number, fuelled by the duo's hyped up energy. The song was well thought out and performed - especially as it had only been arranged half an hour beforehand. These sort of jams are ...

'Stoned in Love' is the latest track from dynamic blues-rock two-piece Black Atom Movement. Imagine Pearl Jam, Kasabian  and The Black Keys  hooked up - this angsty anthem would be their ballsy love child. It's loud, gutsy and effortlessly cool. The sort of track you want to wildly dance to whilst belting out the lyrics and (despite risking you Kudos) play vigorous air guitar to.  The song is a fusion killer riffs that provide the track with relentless energy and the aggressive drums that give the track a explosive beat that'll get crowds moving. The gritty tone of the vocals heightens the bluesy elements of the guitar,  whilst giving the song its bad-ass character. It's a colossal and simply awesome tune. The track will feature on the compilation CD with next month's issue of Classic Rock Magazine and the lads will be playing at the O2 Academy in Newcastle alongside First Born Son, Prysm, Hawkeye Roadshow and Deep.Sleep. Listen to the track for yourself a...

I caught up with pop-punk group Northern Horizon, discussing everything from the highs and lows of life in a band to making ace cups of tea.  Describe your music with one word? Um that's a difficult one, I think that we can't really be summed up.... Uh how about "fabulous" - Robbie Why did you call yourself 'Northern Horizon'?  Well, originally we were called some strange obscure name which we felt was...a bit too original so we then changed it to 'A Vertical Horizon’. This then raised the question of how a horizon can be vertical... That and the name was already taken by some small local band who played Woodstock or something... Understatement much! So once more we changed it and finally settled for Northern Horizon . Of course, the rest of the band would usually say how we were out in a storm and the Northern Lights guided us home or something like that... -Steve Who are your musical heroes and influences? Well, personally I'd s...

I caught up with the charming local singer/songwriter Harry Smith, chatting about everything from the £1 Fish bloke , to Stevie Nicks to the Newcastle music scene.  Describe your music with one word? Honest.  If you had to give yourself a stage name, what would it be? I've never really thought about a stage name, I've always just been me. I wouldn't want to be called something like 'Vance Meridian' or something because it's always seemed quite pretentious to me. Who are your musical heroes and influences? Stevie Nicks, Lana del Rey, Hozier, Peace . I think I'm more into like older bands and stuff. I feel like older musicians and bands have much more original ideas, especially since a lot of old tunes and riffs and stuff are being re-used... Don't get me wrong though I love seeing people putting their own spin on things, I do it sometimes hahaha! What was the first and last gig ticket you bought? First and last gig ticket... The ...

'From Zero to Zero' is the latest track from Cardiff born punk trio Breakdown Face.  The song is a relentlessly high-powered and gutsy tune, best played as loud as your speakers (or eardrums) can cope with. Singer/Guitarist Colin James MacFarlane stated:"We're usually punk, but our metal influences come through a bit in this". The evocative lyrics undoubtedly channel the punk ethos  - sticking two fingers up to the corruptive media - whilst the dynamic guitar riffs and domineering vocals definitely channel a metal vibe. The track becomes well rounded, through the infectiously catchy but ballsy chorus  -  fuelled by 'tongue and cheek lyrics' (imagine an edgier  Blink 182 ), concerning giving criminals 'their fifteen minutes of shame'. The apparent energy that drives this song is colossal and heightened by the lads' witty and poignant way with words. Catchy tunes don't usually fixate on the injustice of criminals and victims being immortali...

The Deminmondaines are a Scarborough based rock four piece, with a ballsy, 'no frills' vigour. Their sound draws parallels with the livelier material from   Pearl Jam, with vocals possessing an edge similar to that of Dave Grohl's from the Foo Fighters. What's great about this band is that they do what it says on the tin. They're breathing new life into classic rock, a species which many believe to be dead. However, these alpha males specialise in catchy melodies, composed of gritty guitar riffs and soulful keyboard, creating a full heavy sound driven by their vivacious drums. Their songs are full bodied and the quintessential classic British rock. It's so refreshing to hear a reliable rock band that isn't in your face with their 'ethos'. The Demimondaines  produce great tracks that make me want to dance and have a blast with my mates and forget about the 9-5 worries. In other words, they are doing what every good rock band should be doing. The ban...

Last night, the Globe in Newcastle played host to an incredibly diverse range of performers. Starting the night off was an acoustic set from singer/songwriter The Gentleman Busker . Imagine Frank Turner took inspiration from Mumford and Sons riffs (minus the banjo). His first number, 'Forget to Regret' featured vivaciously strummed guitar, coupled with booming vocals that exuberated emotion in an upbeat, soulful manner. He followed this vigorous number with an haunting ballad entitled 'Unfair Despair', that privileged the audience with a truly heart breaking tragic tale about the short life of his baby brother. The song was a manifestation of raw emotion, projected through protracted power notes which allowed the audience to fully appreciate the sentiment behind the song. The song was heightened by charmingly looped guitar loops that resembled a child's lullaby. My only criticism of The Gentleman Busker , is that occasionally his lyrics were a little clumsy or cras...

Kicking Saturday night off at the Dog and Parrot in Newcastle, was the dynamic five piece: Where Fires Are.  The alt-rock group evoked an electric atmosphere, captivating the room through their colossal sound. Such an atmosphere was heightened by their superb stage presence, privileging the audience with their animated music and expressive groove. It is clear to see that these lads love the thrill of performing and radiate an exuberant vibe. The band are so in sync with one and another that even when the boys became submerged in their jam, their bold jives were in perfect time with another, almost resembling a hypnotic dance routine. Their sound was characterised by explosive bridges, poignant bass lines, regimented drums, hearty guitar riffs and keyboard/synth work that Kraftwerk  would be proud of.  The band's vocalist possesses a range as big as the sound of the rest of the group, indulging the audience with a ballsy grit and charming smooth mellifluous tones that rese...

What were you doing when you were sixteen? I sat around moaning about my GCSE's or drank cider with my mates on the beach because we couldn't get any fake ID. (We've all been there - don't deny it!) My existence was somewhat fruitless - especially in comparison to the ludicrously talented foursome that is Louie, Stevie, Jack and Zach - a.k.a.: The Froot'67.  At just 16 years old,  the native Hull lads have concocted a truly enthralling and captivating six track album, entitled 'Seven Past Eight'. The album is the perfect mix of powerful progressive rock and mellow psychedelic ambience, enriched by a gorgeously dark bluesy edge. Their overall sound is undeniably unique. It's a refreshing change from the mediocre rip-offs of  Arctic Monkeys and 1975 , that have saturated the younger independent music scene. The band draws parallels with some of the more alluring songs by The Strypes (like 'Angel Eyes') and the Cobain-esque vocals provides the so...

'Winter' is the dynamic two track EP from the Geordie five piece   Weakdaze, featuring the compelling songs: 'Running away from monsters is the excuse I use to avoid you' and 'Ouroboros'. The band's music conforms to the emo/grunge genre but draws parallels with bands like You Me At 6 and All Time Low.  Consequently, the overall sound is exuberant and gritty, but controlled enough to enable audiences to appreciate the sincerity and sentiment of their hard hitting and graphic lyrics. The tracks are then heightened by beautiful contrasts throughout the songs. Varying from stripped back raw guitar riffs that are beautifully delicate  to vivacious upbeat dance evoking intervals. The tracks convey such a diversity of emotions in such a poignant manner, that it is guaranteed to captivate audiences. The 'Winter' EP is such a promising start for the band and it'll be interesting and a pleasure to watch the boys develop (and undoubtedly blossom) in the ...

Good music makes you move, but great music moves you. Have you ever listened to a band whose music makes you feel invincible? Like you could take on the world armed only with a bad-ass attitude? Behind Closed Doors  did just that to me. When I heard their awesome tunes, I felt like I could be a leather-clad, Harley riding, uber-cool force to be reckoned with. Alex Turner's dream girl Arabella, has nothing on the vibes that Behind Closed Doors  evoke.  Their music is a gritty, raucous, raw fantasy. The Rolling Stones  specified that their album 'Let it Bleed', "must be played loud". However, Jagger hasn't heard Behind Closed Doors . Lead singer Julian informed me to: "play these songs through some good speakers, LOUDLY". Naturally, it'd be rude not to! This band are the quintessential loud, ballsy, aggressive edgy rock band and are the masters of evoking a euphoric rock vibe. It's no wonder they're regulars on EGH Radio - they've ...

Pacific View  are the dynamic fivesome from Durham/Sunderland, responsible for the peppy pop-punk track 'Miles Away'. The female fronted group's sound draws parallels with the likes of Paramore and Tonight Alive,  with apparent influences from the likes of:  We are the In Crowd and Boys like Girls. 'Miles away' combines exhilarating and poignant guitar riffs with scintillating drums to provide a full and vivacious sound -  perfectly complimenting Heslop's enchanting vocals. The track is a fantastic marriage of lilting and controlled vocals and gritty guitar, that will undoubtedly excite audiences. The song is edgy yet sweet, making it well-suited to a variety of moods and listeners. Pacific View  have mastered the art of  creating mirthful dance moods and tranquil 'Sunday Chills'. It's about time the North-East had such a skilled and rhapsodic female fronted pop-punk group, and Pacific View  are a band that goes from strength to strength. Watch thi...

The Ely Guns are the quintessential British Indie band, however boys cement originality through their music with their gritty Geordie twist. Their latest track 'Never Listen' is a gorgeous blend of  ebullient drums, reinforced with rich, sturdy bass lines, that add a divine depth to the animated 80's-esque looped guitar riffs. It possess this beautiful nostalgia, as if it's the love child of The Cure  and The Smiths.  The kind of track that needs to be blasted through a vinyl player, whilst you dance your cares away with mates or romanticised as that 'quirky' song you share with your better half. Listen to the track for yourself at:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnGoZPMMEPY Follow the lads on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ElyGuns The boys are playing at The Globe in Newcastle on May 24th at 7:30 and will also be doing a set at the Dog and Parrot in Newcastle on June 20th (doors at 7:30). The gigs are being put on by the superb HeartRock...

'Miss Hopeless' is the latest  track from pop-punk five piece Northern Horizon. The song channels the catchy, 'happy go lucky' energy of all great pop-punk anthems, however Waltl adopts a mature and cleverly constructed set of lyrics. Imagine Greenday gave All Time Low a song writing workshop - that's Northern Horizon.  It's cheerful and fuelled by cheeky double-entendre lyrics that will evoke a chuckle whilst you are busy indulging in inevitable and care-free dancing. Furthermore, the overall sound is heightened by gritty guitar riffs and vivacious drums which contrast the peppy vocals, giving the song a bold twist. This band gives the pop-punk scene the refreshing edge it's needed for years. To hear the song for yourself go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soYJa7gG5bI The group are playing live at Newcastle's O2 Accademy on 30th May, supporting High Anthem along with Annex Vacation. Check the lads out on SoundCloud and YouTube:   https:...

Lost in Paradise are a dynamic Rock/Pop group from Hartlepool and Durham with a flair for killer riffs and witty lyrics. Their latest track 'Changes' combines hard-hitting lyrics concerning the far from glamorous reality of love with Herculaneum guitar riffs that draw parallels with 'Reptilia' by The Stokes.  The song channels the messy emotions we all know too well, in a ballsy upbeat manner, that would evoke a carefree dance from even the most reserved characters. 'Changes' takes  "awkward fights"   and woes from slovenly break ups and transforms them into an empowered anthem. This is heightened by the climax of the song resembling the 'belt out' vibes of Mallory Knox,  which will cement  pizazz in the lads' live performances, through harmonies that audiences will undoubtedly chant back at them. Follow Lost in Paradise on social media: https://www.facebook.com/lostinparadiseuk https://twitter.com/lostipuk https://instagram.com...

Beyond the Wall are back, bringing you their tenth spectacular gig on May 29th at Newcastle's Head of Steam , featuring the immensely talented:   Para Alta, Parisian Youth, and Plaza. Expect a dynamic night showcasing live music in all it's diverse splendour. Para Alta's sound is the epitome of euphoric indie rock, incorporating hypnotic vocals, gorgeously looped soulful guitar riffs, fuelled by the tangible panache of their drums. The sound captivates you, sending all present into a care-free dance vibe, enabling you appreciate and thrive off the apparent flair the lads possess for live performances.  https://soundcloud.com/paraalta Parisian Youth Culture take the iconic catchy vocals and guitar riffs from the Indie genre and sex it up with gritty undertones, giving their music a grungy 'post-rock' edge. This sumptuous mix draws parallels with the hollering guitar riffs and quirky yet hard-hitting vocals of Schultz , but PYC conform to a less aggressive a...

'Dead Ends' is the explosive new track from the dynamic group Illicit.  This song is truly memorising, incorporating  both delicate and vigorous guitar riffs, contrasted by the aggressive vocals. Consequently, the band have created a powerful and compelling sound.   The song is so broad and vast that it can only be described as volatile. It's an insight into the human mind, showcasing how human nature is unpredictable and is characterised by its contingent manner. Illicit have brought poetic and musical structure to the haphazard emotions that dominate our lives. The introduction alludes to an ambiance fuelled track but is then defied by the loud and diligent guitar riffs, reflecting how music, people and emotions cannot be categorised as one set thing.  Listen to the track yourself at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oYIkSffDSE Follow Illicit at: https://www.facebook.com/IllicitBandUK?fref=ts https://twitter.com/IllictBandUK

'Hard Done By' is the utterly charming original song by Aaron Potter, drawing parallels with the likes of  Jamie T  and 'Toothpaste Kisses' by  The Maccabees.  The acoustic track romanticises the mundanity of day to day life and love with profound sincerity. The song is explicitly raw and stripped that the emotion behind it is gorgeously enchanting and profound. It's guaranteed to captivate your heart and soul. The song narrates a story so true and real, as if it's the soundtrack to real life. It sounds so cliché, but the song avoids all sugary sweet tropes of love songs. It's not 'crying rivers', more so all the messy, far too real pains we all face, portraying how real life isn't a love song, but an account of how we aspire to and fail to achieve such an ideal. Potter's sound is compelling and beautiful and can only be improved by the producing more material. Listen to the track on Aaron's SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/aar...