This, That and sometimes The Other
Clean Shirts, Wharf Chambers, Leeds, 20.09.12
Get Human were very kindly asked to play at Wharf Chambers last week with Dry Heaves, Eagulls, Kids Insane and an awesome new band from Harrogate Clean Shirts. I don’t know much about them except this was only their second ever gig and they ripped it up. Here’s a video of one of their songs and if I find a link to more about them I’ll post it right up.
So…I’m a bit slack at the moment but eh, what can you do? I went to Out of Spite XII in August and saw some of the finest bands the UK has to offer (though the whole ‘undercurrent’ of showing how we don’t need big foreign bands to make a gig was lost when PAGE OF PUNK TORE THE GODDAMN ROOF OFF THE PLACE). It was amazing to see a band like Bangers headline who I’ve seen go from their first Brighton gig where their ‘sound’ was a bit vague to the tight, confident band who had a packed out Brudenell singing along.
Anyway, there’s better reviews elsewhere but here’s some footage from the weekend: First up we have a video of SOUTHLANDS on their first jant up North. Comprised of former/current members of Circus Act, Chillerton, Jets Vs Sharks, Livers & Lungs and You Me & The Atom Bomb they had a lot to live up to but for me they exceeded all expectations and even as a big fan of their past bands I enjoyed Southlands much more than any previous outfits any of them had been in. Looking forward to some more recordings soon.
Southlands
Well it wouldn’t be a Leeds punk gig without the Mag’s. When I moved up two years ago I was looking forward to getting to see them more and I’m still not bored yet. Just getting better and better and with the addition of Beefy on bass at OOS (and hopefully in future?) the band put in a great set (as you can see)
The Magnificent
Finally for this post, the icing on the cake, the best till last (you get the picture). WOODERSON are a band I’ve always been aware of, Sam has also been around in the DIY scene as has helped out past bands of mind so I’ve always tried to keep up to date with his band. I’ve always enjoyed them but never really made a massive effort to go and see them if they were playing a ‘bit too far away’ but after seeing them at OOS the game has changed. As far as I’m concerned Wooderson are right there at the top of the DIY scene right now and they really are a band that can go as far as they want. I have little in the way of comparison but to me they evoke Fugazi, Embrace and maybe even Husker Du, Big Black and Naked Raygun at times (tenuous but I think it’s in there!). Basically make up your own mind, they have very kindly allowed me to give out a live recording of their set from OOS XII for free, so download HERE, enjoy and then go and buy their new album ‘Let The Man Speak’ from Bombed Out.
Thanks to everyone who came to the gig at Dock Street Market last night, it was a bit odd at times with talking levels but most people seemed to be into it (as seen by the great amount of donations people gave!) and all the acts were really awesome and are welcome back anytime at all (in fact Rory is back at this gig that Hello Bastards are putting on rather soon). Dock St were awesome to work with and were helpful all night (and provided some rather amazing food) so massive cheers to them and I hope to be doing something again with them soon.
Other massive thanks go to the cool dude who came on and ended the night with a perfect Kinks cover and to The Mannions (TM) who rescued my shoe box full of 7″‘s that I left behind the bar (Toto, Kenickie and more – oof!).
Here’s a video of Rory Matthews (aka Some Sort of Threat) and Olive Anne doing a rather nice cover of a rather nice song.
Frankly I’m getting tired of these ‘…this is the last gig I’m doing for ages’ bullshit but I genuinely intended not to put any gigs on for the rest of the year but for reasons that will become apparent soon I REALLY won’t be doing any gigs from Oct onwards for a good whilst so lap this shit up!
Another reason for this gig is because come on who could turn down this loveable gang of Southerners?! All of the artists playing this gig are top people and incredible musicians so it’s a real joy to put them all on together and to be having Dock Street Market host the event really tops the cake. If you don’t know the venue it’s central Leeds, has it’s own bakery, amazing meat, veggie, vegan food and a shit ton of amazing drinks. To top it off, it’s the Dock Street Market social on this night so there will be loads of people just coming to hang out so come on down…
Sunday April 15th @ The Royal Park Cellars, Leeds
DOWN AND OUTS
http://www.myspace.com/downandouts
Everyone’s favourite Liverpudians return to blow you away with their beautiful blend of sugar coated po-punk and cockney hooks.
THE DAUNTLESS ELITE
http://www.thedauntlesselite.com/
With their new album “More Bloody Bad News” the American Steel/Leatherface comparisons are out the window and they now just sound like TDE. Melodic, mature mid-paced punk rock.
PURE GRAFT
http://puregraft.bandcamp.com/
SPPPPPPPPPPPPPPUGGY! Byker Grove jokes aside, Pure Graft play fast technical (yet pretty catchy) hardcore punk and are getting better with every gig
BEAR TRADE
Brand new band with ex-FCM/Blocko/Southport/Mingers chaps, I expect good things (or I’ll have their balls!)
£4 in, bands from 8pm and all done by 10.30 on a Sunday night, This is going to be a good one!
Amazing poster (unsure why it’s stretched on wordpress?) by Dan Bowden (check out http://www.danbowdendesign.co.uk/)
My new band went on a little weekend jaunt last week with our pals in Matadors. It was good fun taking in four gigs in 48 hours heading to Boston, Brixton, Dorking and Brighton before dashing back up the motorway for bed-time in Leeds and work on Monday morning. Great times were had all round (but I won’t bore you with the in-jokes of a poorly written tour diary).
In Brighton I decided to try out the video camera on my new phone and it turns out that it’s pretty shit hot (all I need now is a decent Digital Voice Recorder and the blog can return to it’s full glory!). So here’s some videos from that gig which the rather marvelous Dan Bowden put on for us on a gloriously hot February Sunday.
Emergency Bitter opened the gig and these soft skinheads from Fulham have really upped their game. They remind me of Cock Sparrer if Ian Dury was fronting them (they were crying out to do a cover of “Working” – make it happen lads!). So here’s a video of their unofficial anthem ‘Sold My Soul’. You can find out more about them here and pick up their great EP.
Caution Horses from Brighton/London were up next. These lot have been around for about six years now and never fail to dissapoint. Veering somewhere between Mclusky, The Pixies and Shellac, they describe themselves as “To clever for the punks and too loud for the indie kids” and I’d say that was a fair assessment! Also check out bassist Doog’s bandcamp page where you can listen to and download album’s by his other bands which are definately worth a punt. They’re off on a tour round the former USSR so throw them some money!
Then before the headliners The Social Club (who I was too busy dancing to to get any videos) Leed’s finest exponents of angular rock and roll Matadors were up. I’ve raved about them before but just check out these two videos to make up your own mind. If you’re into bands like Murder City Devils, the Hot Snakes, Sultans et al then damn well give these a listen. You can stream/download their album here so make sure you do.
Yeah yeah I know, I said no more gigs but when Bombed Out Records come calling, who knows what happens when you say no? This little shin-dig is a warm up for the main event the following day at The Well but should provide some pretty awesome entertainment for the good people of Leeds on a cold Friday night!
The gig takes place at The Fox & Newt (just a minute away from The Well) in their suprisingly well kitted out gig room (and check out the amazingly cheap and tasty food before the gig!), performing for you on the night we have…
Protectors – Wakefield’s finest! Gradually becoming Legends in the locality of Yorkshire (and hopefully soon and beyond). Having plied their trade in such previous greats as Nathanial Green, Dugong, Chopper and Pylon these lads know how to rock out a tune or two. Evoking Supergrass and Guided By Voices their indie ditties are well worth checking out.
Digger Barnes – all the way from Hamburg, this travelling troubedour was last seen over these shores with Austin Lucas and left quite a mark. If you’re into Richmond Fontaine and the like then be sure to get down!
Achtung Everybody! Fast, tight and sexy. And that’s just frontman Benny’s legs when he’s on his bike. AE! don’t play enough gigs due to several complicated reasons (disorganisation apparently one of the more prevelant ones), so make sure you get to see them here. Technical yet catchy punk rock not a million miles from Strike Anywhere and all that.
Jimmy Islip. Yes he of That Fucking Tank, The Magnificent, Kill Yourself and Milloy but on his tod! Singing bittersweet acoustic anthems. Check out his split with Helen Chambers, Sam Russo and Chuck Ragan. Good times.
Get Human. Er it’s me new band innit! Don’t let that put you off. I’d like to think we sound like Snuff, J-Church or Sicko but I’d also like a lot of things so don’t put too much weight on that.
£4 in, bands from 7.30
SPINES & Helen Chambers – OOSXI
I went to Out of Spite 11 this weekend just gone – it was my first experience of this legendary Leeds festival and it met all expectations; I got to see the Car Bar (and evern Car Pub!), met up with a load of friends I haven’t seen for ages, meet some great new folk and see some incredible bands. There were some cracking bands that I hadn’t seen before (JR and Coal Train especially) but I can honestly say I didn’t see a shit band all weekend, it was great to see the new Southport line up and Bangers, The Arteries and Protectors all played the best and most appreciated sets I’ve seen of them yet. Pylon blew me away beyond all expectation and I’m just gutted I wasn’t able to record more of the weekend (damn you Duracell!).
I did get a video of Spines, which is Lloyd (Blocko/Southport/Ruin You!), Lee (Dauntless Elite/Joe 90/Homebrew) and Rob (sWord/Joe 90)’s new band, so take a look and see what you think. Then below that is Helen Chambers playing ‘Sofa’ on the acoustic stage, finally starting to get the recognition that she deserves. Enjoy!
I’m helping Lloyd (Southport, Blocko, Ruin You! Spines) raise some much needed cash for those in need over in Japan as a result of the recent earthquake. All money raised from this event will be going over to Kazu from Boss Tuneage Records in Japan to distribute locally.
So put it in your diary! Friday April 8th at Santiagos (Grand Arcade) Leeds, poster coming very soon!
Providing music on the night will be…
Penny & The Sausages
http://ja-jp.facebook.com/pennyandthesausages
Leeds’ premier 80’s cover band – the ultimate party/wedding band!
The Dauntless Elite
http://www.thedauntlesselite.co.uk/
Leed’s (and the World’s!) finest melodic punk band
The Magnificent
http://www.themagnificentcentral.com/
If Green Day or Rancid were from Yorkshire they might be as good as this
The Dead Reckoning
http://www.myspace.com/thedeadreckoning
Leeds’ answer to Rocket from The Crypt, horn fueled rock n’ roll
Plus…Chris Dolan’s Wakey raffle! Amazing prizes from Boss Tuneage, Bombed Out Records and more so buy a ticket on the night!
PLUS THE RARE VINYL AUCTION!
If you are at the gig you will have the best chance, but to open it up to all (in order that everyone who would be interested gets a chance and so we raise as much as we can for the organisation working with children in the stricken areas we will take email bids pre auction via Lloyd on bass_loser@yahoo.com.
So if you’d pay 20 quid for one you let me know and if there is a higher email bid (or the same value which I receive first) you are out – if not I will keep your bid in until you are outbid on the night in person.
So, what test pressings do we have promised to date…?
BLOCKO – LP
SOUTHPORT – LP
LEIF ERICSSON – LP
ABOVE THEM – LP
CHOPPER – Porcelain 7″
HOOTON 3 CAR – LP(s) tbc
TILTWHEEL – UK tour (which never happened) 7″
YOUNG LEAVES – LP
TIM BARRY – LP
SSSSNAKES – one each of the Specialist Subject and Paper & Plastick LPs
GET BIDDING!
Band order to be decided on the night so be there for the first band at 7.30pm!
The gig is downstairs at Santiagos and please be as generous as you can with donations on the door and throughout the evening as we go around collecting. Tell all your friends and invite them via facebook here
Achtung Everybody! are finally back in action after a bloody long hiatus and it’s good to see them return. They did me the honour of playing at our pre-NYNS event at Santiagos and blew the face off most of us there (especially when Benny got down to his short shorts). It was also the first time a representative from all bands on the Achtung/Southport/Serf Combat/Offshore Radio split 7″ had been in the same room so I guess it was the nearest we’ll come to a launch (over a year later!). If you’re into technical fast punk then you could do a hell of a lot worse! So download their set here by right clicking and saving as or just click to stream.
Set List:
Infernal Affairs
Burn Your House Down A Peg Or Two
Dude We’re In Jail
Let’s Break The Paradigm
Then Fight! We Must!
The Dabrowski Brigade / Husker Don’t?
Shit Out Of Luck And This Is A Gambling Town
Broken Stars And Biomass
Identity Theft
A Load of Stuff That Happened 