Sounds of an Eccentric

Fo r the readers who aren't familiar with you, tell us a little about yourself and your music. I've been making music for about two years under my own name, however in November last year I start Palm Beach as a side project. But I became so in love with the music me and Parker created and now it's a full on band, I hope to stick with this for the future, We're a two piece surf rock band from Wallsend and we're very loud and energetic - people seem to have a lot of fun at our shows Which musicians have had the greatest impact on both your musical tastes and your music? The bands that influence Palm Beach for me is based around the whole California music scene - so bands like WAVVES, Fidlar, Best Coast etc. However if we're talking old school bands, then it has to be Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and I guess The Cure has been a big influence lately too. What's the most difficult part of being in a band? Is there anything you regret or would have done ...

Vade B has teamed up with Dragg and Dan Moody  to create 'Untold Story', a song with one soul purpose - to help and support our valiant veterans. Every day our troops in the armed forces are faced with challenging and stressful situations. Unfortunately, this can often have a detrimental effect on the individuals, potentially leading to physical injuries or psychological disorders. One of the most devastating of which is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D). P.T.S.D is defined as: " a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock, typically involving disturbance of sleep and constant vivid recall of the experience, with dulled responses to others and to the outside world." The symptoms of P.T.S.D. include: Anxiety attacks, substance misuse, isolation/periods of withdrawal, feelings of extreme guilt, issues regarding social interaction/work/relationships, nightmares, insomnia, flashbacks angr...

'Sucker Punch' is the latest track by Hull based blues-rock band Black Lime.  The group are known for their bold, gritty sound and this track is no exception. The track opens powerful lo-fi guitar riff, before welcoming punchy percussion and suave, lilting vocals, producing a full bodied rock sound. The initial riff fuels the track, providing steady beat whilst radiating a raw energy and 'no frills' vibe. The track takes an edgy turn during the chorus, combining ballsy licks and rhapsodic vocals, creating an oh so catchy chorus. As the song progresses, the band opt for a slower tempo, elevating the bluesy feel to the song. The result of which is a really rich sound, similar to the material on The Black Key's album 'Brothers'. Overall, it's an energetic, catchy track that will undoubtedly that will sate wide and varied crowds with its big, powerful sound. LISTEN TO THE TRACK FOR YOURSELF SUPPORT BLACK LIME https://www.facebook.com/blacklime...

On Friday 12th and Saturday 13th August, the rural village of Hedon; just five miles outside of Hull; will play host to Hedfest  festival. As well as filling the area with the sound of the local musical talent, the festival will also feature performances from: comedians, poets, dancers and a Carnival Parade. Hedfest  is ran entirely by  hardworking volunteers; varying from sewing bees and knitters decorating the village with their handiwork, to road marshals helping to keep the area safe on the day - the festival is a focal point of the community and possesses a warm, endearing, vibe. . With venues all over the village, offering a wide variety of activities and performers, there's sure to be something to everyone's taste. My top pick for the festival is 'The Laughing Tree Stage' (at the Queen's Head pub). Managed by Julian Newton, the venue shall be playing host to acts such as: Vague, HELTER, Rivers Johansson, Sam Trueman, Naked Six  and Froot '67...

                                                                           EVENT PAGE                                                                             FACEBOOK                                                                           INSTAGRAM NOUVEAU GIGS RETURN TO WHITLEY BAY'S 42ND STREET ON THURSDAY 28TH JULY, BRINGING YOU ACTS INCLUDING:  BLESH ,  CULT LUST ,  NETTLES  AND JACOB DIAZ...

Last night Newcastle's indie-rock trio; The Pale White ; launched their dynamic track  'Let You Down'  with an explosive sell out gig at 'Jumpin' Jacks'. Kicking the night off was  The Old Pink House . It was my first time seeing this new group and despite only performing their first gig in early June of this year (supporting Kobadelta), they have already achieved an incredibly impressive sound. The band combine suave and sophisticated melodies and catchy riffs, creating a edgy yet chilled vibe. The main support of the night was an electric set from indie-rockers Hazels.  The group combine big bold power chords with infectiously catchy, piping riffs and brazen vocals, creating a quintessentially indie sound. The two stand out tracks of their set were 'This Ain't A Game' and 'In Control'. The tracks draw parallels with  The Courteneers - but with an edgier and grittier tone. Finally The Pale White  took to the stage. Rap...

'Sound of the Century' is the debut single from post-indie band Static Blue. After only playing a handful of gigs, the band are renowned for their unusual attire and signature double bass sound. The song opens with an ambient whisper of guitar before welcoming a bold, funk bass line, giving the track a gorgeous beat that will undoubtedly get audiences moving. The song's chorus is incredibly catchy, driven by the simple lyrics of: 'This is the sound of the century, it's only just begun, but oh God we're gonna have fun'. It's  an upbeat and lighthearted track that hasn't been taken too seriously. It's fun, straightforward and has some really engaging and powerful riffs.In the words of Little Comets: 'this one's for dancing'. The recording is a lot more controlled and composed than the live version, which usually evokes a wild crowd, with front man Callum Casey orchestrating a vivid jam, fuelled by catchy guitar and rich ebullie...

'Let you Down' is the latest single from Newcastle based indie-rock band: The Pale White.  Previously known as Sun Dance,  the group have become one of the most popular bands in the area, attracting large crowds and supporting bands such as: Baby Strange, Lisbon  and The Subways. The track opens with a bold, beefy guitar riff, reinforced by a rich bass line and Hope's suave vocals, encompassing the listener into a gritty, indie-rock sound. Punchy, harmonised vocals belt out the catchy chorus of: 'Would I let you down, let you down, let you down....'. The bridges of said chorus are embellished with intricate and engaging licks and as the song progresses, they conclude with ballsy solos that will sate audiences of all tastes and sizes. The foundations of this track are simple; akin to some of the earlier material by the Arctic Monkeys; however the song is elevated by these gorgeous moments of guitar solos and ebullient drums, highlighting the bands apparent an...

'Care Less, Love Less' is the latest track from Hartlepool born singer-songwriter: James Leonard Hewitson. The track has been injected with a new lease of life since I first heard and reviewed it last year. It now radiates an upbeat, indie vibe; akin to the likes of Noah and the Whale  or Fanfarlo;  opposed to the somewhat modest, acoustic sound of its predecessor.  The track opens with a blanket of charmingly strummed guitar and peppy percussion, before welcoming Hewitson's lilting vocals. The simple chorus of: 'Just because you care less, doesn't mean that you are, careless. Just because you love less, doesn't mean that you are, loveless''; is a really effective example of 'less is more'. It's a clean, straightforward melody with an incredibly engaging catchiness.  Overall, it's a quintessentially indie pop-rock song about love (or thereabouts), driven by witty wordplay, catchy melodies and hazy, nonchalant vocals. It's...

Despite only performing a small handful of gigs, North Shields alt-rock group 'Blesh' have released their debut and eponymous E.P. The E.P. opens with the track 'Fell For It', which starts with a sweet, melodic guitar lick, akin to the style of  Mac DeMarco. The guitar is then reinforced with punchy percussion, a strong bass line and lilting vocals, elevating it to a catchy indie pop-rock track. This is best shown through  the band's clever use of pauses and simple lyrics to create a dramatic and engaging chorus. The following track 'Swings and Roundabouts', is the catchiest and most accessible track of the E.P. It opens with an intricate guitar lick and ebullient drums, before taking an heavier turn through gorgeously distorted guitar and dynamic vocals. The song is fuelled through the infectiously catchy lyrics,the most poignant of which are: 'swings and roundabouts, are not what I'm about' and 'I'm not one, to say I'm wrong...

Whitley Bay's up-and-coming indie synth-rock group;  HEDGES; are going from strength to strength, releasing their debut single 'Hide' just days after their first headline gig . The track opens with a layer of fast-paced percussion, facilitating the high pitched and infectiously catchy synth riff. The song then welcomes a bold, slightly lo-fi guitar  and a heavy bass line, submerging you into a frenzy of rich sounds. The addition of front man Sam Aves' rasping vocals adds a heavier depth to the track, balancing the poppy synth and gritty string section. The song's engaging chorus is fuelled by the somewhat quirky lyrics of : 'I'm waiting, for nothing in particular, I'm waiting, for my responsibilities'. This light-hearted (and borderline sarcastic) twist provides the track with a witty charm and cements its upbeat nature, making it an easy-listen and even easier to dance along to. However, the undeniable highlight of the track is Thomp...

EVENT PAGE FACEBOOK PAGE INSTAGRAM NOUVEAU GIGS   return to Whitley Bay's '42nd Street' on July 14th, bringing you a night of awesome tunes with acts including: Freya King, 1080 Trees, Mouses and the legendary Froot '67. NOUVEAU GIGS was founded by musician Callum Casey (of Static Blue and Glass Vibes) and local music blogger/writer Sal Wilcox, who felt it was time the coast had its own scene, providing affordable gigs for local acts and music fans. Kicking off the night is singer-songwriter Freya King, renowned for her soulful vocals and intricate, finger plucked guitar. On the night she will be sharing both old, new and familiar tracks we all know and love.  Next up is 1080 Trees, a band that indulges in powerful yet  melodic riffs, sating metal fans whilst providing a catchy tune to dance along to. The main support of the night is the wonderfully wacky Mouses, a lo-fi punk duo. If you hadn't had the pleasure of seei...

I caught up with Seb Clarke, a singer-songwriter and synth player in indie-rock group Arcadia, discussing everything from vintage gaming to Jimi Hendrix to desert islands. Summarise your sound with one word. Hmm, one word? I guess the one word would have to be 'me'. I guess my sound isn’t that distinctive, like; it’d be difficult to put into a genre. Can I have a sentence? Bringing the old into the new. I’m  young and I suppose you could say I’m bringing together a lot of influences from older bands into the music I create. Which artists and/or experiences have fuelled you love of music? I think the biggest artist to fuel my love for music would definitely have to be Jimi Hendrix. He was my very first love, from a very young age, and I would love to say I share his passion for music and for playing. Hendrix heavily influences my guitar-playing style; from the way I play chords to the way I play solos and the scales and techniques that I use. I take influence f...