Sounds of an Eccentric

I caught up with Lee Allcock, editor of   NE Volume , a music local magazine that celebrates everything the North East has to offer. Tell us about yourself and the story behind NE Volume ? My idea actually began back in college, where I basically wanted to go to gigs, review them, and get paid for it – I thought, at 16, that that would be the dream job. I then went on to study Journalism at Teesside University, and I worked voluntarily at another North East Music Magazine where I noticed they were covering the Newcastle area primarily. Whilst working for that magazine, I felt that bands, venues and music-related businesses in Teesside and the surrounding areas weren’t getting the recognition they deserved. So my idea basically came about because I wanted to help those involved in the music scene in this area – and the North East as a whole – to gain recognition for their hard work. Which artists and/or experiences fuelled your love of music and which albums do yo...

'Seeing Red' is the latest single from the dark electro-folk singer Carys Calling. Since emerging on the scene last year, the native Newcastle lass has received praise from local publications like NE Volume and NE:MM and has was featured on BBC Introducing  last month . The track opens with a delicate layer of finger plucked guitar, reserved percussion and subtle synth, creating a charming base to the song. The song is then elevated by Carys' gorgeous vocals, transforming the song into an interesting and sincere ballad. However, the song then goes a little down hill. The incorporation of bizarre, crass synth sounds really don't harmonise well at all and just sound like a malfunctioning Tetris arcade game. This combined with the awfully cliche layering of vocals, create a very artificial sound surrounding the chorus that sounds a little forced and distracts the listener from the sincerity of the ballad. She dubs herself as a 'dark electro folk' artist, bu...

After relentless gigging, Billingham's lo-fi garage-punk duo Mouses are set to release their debut single: 'Poison'. If you haven't heard Mouses  before (firstly, where have you been for the past two years?), imagine the love child of  The Thermals, Dinosaur Jr  and Wheatus  on a generous kick of acid. The track opens by submerging you into a whirlpool of distorted guitar and fuzzy vocals, invigorating the track with a relentless energy. Despite the initially aggressive tone of the track, the infectiously catchy chorus provides it with a poppy undertone, making it incredibly upbeat and easy to dance/sing along to. I can envisage audiences belting out the lines: "I'm not breaking bones for you, I can be myself with a little bit of poison" - or at least that's what I presume Ste is singing under that heavy lo-fi disguise. If I'm perfectly honest, I'm unsure what the song is about, referencing' everything from; a 'crashing tiger...

Sounds of an Eccentric is a product of being overwhelmed and moved by music. An impulsive moment in which I decided to share with the rest of the world how amazing a Little Comets gig was. Since then I've been able to see so many brilliant gigs and meet so many inspirational characters, some of which have become close friends.  However my reviewing sometimes stripped me of that initial spark, that glorious feeling that urged me on to write. Having my head in a book hindered my ability to connect with the band and the overall ambiance. When I reviewed Cage the Elephant  I was too focused on writing down notes in order to write the best possible review that I didn't really experience the gig. It felt so impersonal. So, ladies and gentlemen, I shall be putting down my notebook and pen (and back up pens) and will be doing a series called 'Candid Reviews'. Fueled  by memory power and 2-4 pints of ale.  And on that convoluted note - let's get to what actually matte...

Last night post-indie band Static Blue made their musical debut at Beldons at the Exchange in North Shields. Accompanying the dynamic four piece was a bijoux art gallery and music from Aaron James Potter, Amber Leigh and Darren David Millet and Berto Matillo Manau. Static Blue are also set to play at 'The Canny Fringe', a free festival in Northumbria Uni's SU at 6:30. Aaron James Potter mid-set Amber Leigh covering Hozier David and Berto preparing to cover a Mexican ballad Amy experimenting on the Keyboard Callum introducing Static Blue Amy on a more familiar instrument  Post Indie jams Louis mid bass solo "KILLER WHALES" Impromptu jamming 

Contrary to the name, local group Deep.Sleep have revatalised their indie-rock meets surf-rock sound with their latest single 'Slow Down'. The band usually opt for an organic no-frills sound, relying on quirky (but very charming) lyrics and and infectious guitar licks. However the addition of an upbeat, pop-esque synth sound has broadened their set, making it more dynamic without straying too far from their original sound. The track opens with a vivacious synth and punchy percussion before welcoming Frend's gritty vocals and a reserved, yet catchy layer of guitar. Despite going in down a more synth-pop route than their usual style, the band have kept their witty lyric style that give Deep.Sleep  their endearing 'lads next door' vibe. The lines: 'is it the light or am I too blind to see, you can't watch the world if you watch it through a screen' really resonate, evoking an engaging ambiance, before being hit by the bold and oh so catchy chorus. ...

Signs of Home  is the acoustic musical delight fronted by Kingston-upon-Hull artist Mark Rowland. To quote the man himself:  "From Funk to Folk, Reggae to Rap, Hip Hop to Pop & Soft Rock to Soul... Signs of Home brings together original songs of varying styles but with an authentic tone that says reassuringly familiar throughout all songs".  And after listening to his latest track 'Back to the River', I can firmly vouch for the quality and the 'authentic tone' of his music. The track opens with a charming staccato guitar sound before welcoming Rowland's sincere vocals. The track is then elevated by poppy chorus and snippets of intricate guitar riffs and subtle synth. The overall sound is very clean and pure, and the witty, endearing lyrics gives the song its really beautiful character.  The lines: "with our hoodies hanging over our heads as the rain poured down I remember every tear that fell,  we forgot about school and spent the ti...