Sounds of an Eccentric

Anyone who knows me, will tell you that I have a very broad and eclectic taste in music. However, the majority of my absolute favourite artists lie somewhere on the indie/rock/pop spectrum. The Newcastle scene is incredibly tight knit, which is why I love it, but it has meant that the majority of stuff I cover is in the same (or very similar) genres. So I decided to leave my double denim and paisley print comfort zone and go to a gig that was a genre which I have never been able to get into. Many have tried and failed miserably. I have vented many a time about how much I hate this genre and what goes on at that sort of gig. I despise metal and I hate mosh pits - they confuse and terrify me. Why scream so people can't appreciate your lyrics? Why would you want to hurt yourself, your friends and everyone around you? Why not just dance and enjoy the music? And breathe - rant over! Nothing quite like jumping into the deep end. Best to lose your metal gig virginity watching five band

Every Sunday the Surf Café in Tynemouth plays host to a night of excellent music. Playing there on a Sunday has become a rite of passage for local artists, you know you're good if you get a spot on the bill. On top of the usual hype, there was a 'surprise headliner'... The first act of the night was an acoustic set by Karl Douthwaite, who combined sweet and melodic guitar with sentimental lyrics, characterised by his Geordie twang. Douthwaite's strongest original song was ''The way it goes'. The emotive track really resonated and the line: 'like the kiss she gives when she stands on her toes' was particularly poignant. The local lad balanced good music and chatter well, confessing why he loved performing first on a Sunday. "I don't work Mondays, so this is perfect. Play for half an hour and then get absolutely trollied!" The most entertaining part of his set was his cover of 'Sheila take a bow' by The Smiths. The room was un

After weeks of globe trotting, away from my comfort zone of gigs and blogs, it was wonderful to be back with HeartRock Live  at The Dog and Parrot . First up was an acoustic set by the (not so) fashionably late Harry Smith, with every song being introduced by a quirky back story and a "Sorry if I f*ck up guys". The indie lad next door performed a mixture of original songs and covers of The 1975, Lana Del Ray and Catfish and the Bottlemen. My only criticism of his set was that he did cover 'Kathleen' and 'Cocoon' by Catfish . 'Cocoon' was by far the better cover and I would advise to just stick to that one. Smith is at his best when he incorporates bluesy undertones and riffs to his music, best shown in his cover of 'West Coast', or the quaint lyrics of his original songs. The line: 'And I could see you falling for me, through sticks and stones and the apologies' is simply charming live. Next was the London based band, Immortal Machi