Concert4Conservation : stornoway, the epstein, dusty & the dreaming spires : the regal

Concert4Conservation 


Back when Stornoway were formed, a band fronted by someone who studied ducks, who had a cunning idea to use the BBC weather map to find their name, they had ambitions of one day supporting the Epstien at a major gig, so this homecoming event rounded off a significant chapter in their ever progressing career.
Greeted by a lady dressed as a chicken (or other ornithological creature I’m not sure), it was clear on entering the Regal that this was going to be a special event.  The opening band were Dreaming Spires, it’s the first time we’ve seen the Bennett brothers since the sad collapse of their festival, and a somewhat humbling and humanizing experience.  They open the set with lines 'For the first time in my life i see things as they really are.  I love you like a falling star', a powerful moment, their songs are musically tight and although the audience don’t know the songs they are pleasantly received.  Their new single 'Everything all the time' is a bit too similar to Ash for me (whiney and annoying), and isn’t their best song of the night by a long way, however the B-side ‘Fait of the world’, written with conservation in mind, just about saves their release.  They end the set singing ‘Carry me home’ and as musicians above business people, I hope they can continue this project a long way further.

Most of the Epstien’s set for me was annoyingly spent queuing at the bar, which quite probably hadn’t seen this many thirsty punters for quite some time.  However the sound was tight and new band members on Bass and Keys have been integrated seamlessly into their rich acoustic sound.  The vocal harmonies are stronger than ever, and set closer ‘Leave your light on’ a duo sung with just Olly and John, is a deliciously understated gem stuck on the end.

Tim Bearder compares the night, and introducing the main act is a proud moment for him having steered them through a lot of their early career with BBC introducing.  Tonight Stornoway showcase a lot of new material and some new arrangements with the North Sea Orchestra.  The new material is written far more as a band, rather than Brian’s songs arranged out, and the transition works well.  'When you touch down from outer space' is a quirky hit, written tongue in cheek about showing an Alien around Oxford, (but a very human link to Brian’s recent fatherhood). “I can’t wait to introduce you to your new world” are again lovely lyrics, which I’m sure have underpinned their previous success.

Other new material includes ‘Working in a Café’ (set in Jericho), ‘Farewell Achalasia’, ‘6th Wave’, an eco song played when an autoharp, and in 7/4 time, (I’m sure Rob has wanted to play in 7/4 ever since the beginning!)  ‘The Bigger Picture’, a solo 12 string finger picked song and ‘The ones we hurt the most’, where Rob, Olly, Jon and Brian huddle acoustically around 1 microphone, singing intimate 4 part harmonies.  The familiar hits were as expected sing-alongs, We are the Battery humans and Fuel up linking nicely to the days theme, and new arrangements at the start of Cold Harbour Road and Zorbing keep everyone happy for different reasons.  

The night is raising money for conservation charities SOS, the Earth Trust and the RSPB.  A signed Electric guitar is auctioned on eBay raising £395 and a variety of merchandise, posters, T-shirts, Hacky sacs, are sold with profit being donated also.  There was a moment at the end when we all thought the massive balloons were going to crash into the lights and burst the perfect bubble… but thankfully not and I leave with a Stornoway water bottle, a warm drunken feeling of rejuvenated humanity and a love for cute orange orangutans.
Trev Williams
published OMS 15
http://www.oxfordmusicscene.co.uk/images/oms_issue15.pdf
Stornoway playing a new song at Truck Store

Ley Lines Festival

Ley Lines Festival descended upon Cowley Road on Saturday 15th October as the reincarnation of last year’s OX4 Festival, an event which also featured a similar mix of upcoming foreign-to-Oxford talent and inside-of-Oxford talent. So up and down the Cowley Road, meandering members of the music going public faded in and out of The Bullingdon, O2 Academy Oxford and the Truck Store (which isn’t closing down any more, hooooray!) to get their aural fill of guitar noise and synthesizer warbling. Oxford Music Blog writers Trev Williams and Bethany Bagnall-Ainslie had a wander around to see what they made of the festivties and the bands hidden within.
To read review visit : 
http://www.oxfordmusicblog.co.uk/2011/10/ley-lines-festival-review/

crayon - signs of life ep (self-released)

Crayon - signs of life ep (self-released)

I have enjoyed Crayon’s music foralongwhile, so,forme,this EP is long awaited. ‘Consolation’burstsoutwithits bouncy, syncopated beats and catchy, detached vocal lines fromRobinMoffatt–it’sthered Crayon in the EP box. ‘Paper- trails’ismoreofasoundscape, with swirling guitar effects and delays from Will Orpen. The advantage of their 5 piece band beingtheamountofvarietythey can create – green Crayon. ‘Undone’ highlights the great drumming talent of Chris Carr, with fluttering flute added by MichaelFothergill,creatingtribal sounds – blue Crayon. ‘Fighting Chance’,isalighttrack,andwell placed in the EP, unfortunately notthebestvocaltakebutstilla bright yellow Crayon. Title track ‘Signs of Life’ is a reflective, sad, epic, and reminds me of Radiohead’s ‘OK Computer’, a grower but definitely a black Crayon.Overall,acolourfuldebut EP,showcasingthebestworkof a band well worth checking out live. 
(TW) 

Published OMS15
http://www.oxfordmusicscene.co.uk/images/oms_issue15.pdf

Wood Festival braziers park

wood braziers park

Truck’s Wood off shoot pitches itself as an eco-friendly festival and it is predominantly aimed at, and attracts, families. Many people got in the environmental spirit of the weekend and biked to the festival, but still, a full car park and overflow with a standby taxi means that not everyone can be awarded a green star... Mama Rosin, Uiscedwr, KhaïraArby, Zeus and Willy Mason all provided great, exotic music from Canada to France, USA to Timbuktu, as did London roots/rock outfit Treetop Flyers, who are Glastonbury EmergingTalent winners this year, and one of only a few local acts on the bill, The Epstein. Katy Rose & The Cavalry Parade, the new project from re-named KTB, was pleasingly optimistic in sound, ending in the characteristic group singalong “I don’t want to lose my friend” they went.

The efforts the organisers make to provide solar-powered stages, rubbish recycling and compostable toilets – recycled tractor tyres as seats – and a cycle powered stage are all great initiatives, but there is certainly an underlying feeling that more local acts would go a long way to reducing their carbon footprint. There does also seem to be a gap for a local singer/songwriter type stage in the day as the workshops were predominantly aimed at families. 


My main highlights were, powering Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou’s encore set by bicycle–great close harmony acoustic music from this Heavenly couple, both singing into one microphone, and also the main headline act Eliza Carthy Band, who were superb. She promoted her new album Neptune, boasting a lovely, soulful voice and a mix of upbeat and intimate numbers – she came across humbly as if she was ‘Mother Wood’. The concept behind Wood is a worthy one, and it’s an enjoyable festival especially, it looked like, for people with young families. 

(TW) published OMS 14

dive dive, winchell riots, minor coles o2 academy

dive dive, winchell riots, minor coles o2 academy

For such a hot, sweaty day, Oxford truly turned out in force for this gig. Opening in shorts and t-shirts and adding some real passion to their set, Minor Coles have truly raised their game since I last saw them. More confident, rhythmically tight and energetic, songs ‘Black Hole’ and ‘Fortune Teller’ go down well. A more bass riff-driven sound, which is pleasingly similar to Foals, gives an optimistic preview of their June EP release.

Winchell Riots followed, and although I’m a fan, I didn’t really enjoy tonight’s set – it was too loud and lacked subtlety. They didn’t engage with the audience either, which resulted in it seeming like a practice session.‘RedSquare’,forme,was one of only a few which stood out from the noise.
Dive Dive have been around for years, and are probably better known as being Frank Turner’s backing band these days, but they haven’t yet gained the recognition they deserve in their own right.Tonight, reminding Oxford what rock music is, they play some blistering songs from recent album Potential as well as some old classics. Nigel Powell is one of the best drummers I have seen and the other members do their bit to drive the rhythm home. I watch with memories of moshing at Truck festival, and hear sounds truly in the same league as Foo Fighters and Green Day. ‘Liar’ is the best of their new set–Jamie Stuart’s vocal is in good form, and a hundred sweaty people leave the venue encouraged that rock music, thankfully, isn’t dead.

(TW) Published OMS 14

very nice harry #reformat (self-release)

very nice harry
#reformat (self-release)

VNH have been increasing the profile of their gigs, the latest of which was an
appearance at Oxfringefestival, and having not caught them live it was good to get their new‘#Reformat’ EP to get a feel for whatImightexpect.Hailingfrom Didcot, they build on the now familiar ‘Dead Jerichos sound’, particularlywiththeirfirsttwo tracks. Delayed guitar loops and effectsandambitiousdrumming aremuchondisplay–it’seclectic at times but it gels together to make a good little EP. ‘Among Whispers’ismyfavouritetrack, where Sam’s vocal is definitely initselement.‘Undisclosure’and ‘Vegas’ have a big sound and epic lengths and although the long instrumental sections may work well in a live situation, they don’t provoke the most insightful nuggets over my morning coffee! Certainly the energetic sound makesmewanttocatchalive set–I’msuretheywilldowellif they can recreate this sound at their shows.

Trev Williams
published OMS 14

Radiohead – The King of Limbs

Quick, download, listen, review, break laptop (optional), upload,

The hype around Radiohead is truly huge, as one can tell from the instant reviews written in the half hour after download of the mp3 release.  I feel after 2 days digestion I’m only just poised to write even the smallest of insight..

Hailing from Oxford and all the cliquey nature that sometimes entails, Radiohead seem to adopt an approach which suggests:  We’re just as ‘clever’ as you and look what we can do.. dribble down a microphone, throw our drumsticks about and have a fit onstage.  In the video to Lotus Flower, one of the album’s leading tracks, Thom’s eccentric dancing reminds us that craziness, abnormality, and difference are indeed beauty. Phil Selway’s clumsy intelligent rhythmic diversity and the lyrical links to nature also highlight how right they are. 

Building on the juxtaposition of scattered beats, cut up instrumental loops and piano samples, topped over with Thom’s saliva-induced perfection of intimacy, and wailing in his vocal delivery.  What In Rainbows and Thom’s solo work started this album continues.   There is an energy which at points has every element of chaos, and yet somehow manages to project as relaxing.  There are no catchy sing-alongs, few instrumental hooks or indeed any choruses, but presumably this wasn’t intended anyway and as a whole the album flows in its messed up natural soundscape.  I therefore refrain from giving a track by track analysis.  In fact the token commercial guitar track being left out altogether works in the album’s favour.  The King of Limbs finishes with an amazing simplicity which highlights Johnny Greenwood’s genius as a melodic guitar arranger.  Radiohead have obviously built up the attention span of their existing fans, and taken them to new musical realms yet again.  Good work guys!

Trev Williams

20.2.11

Fire-Lives, Album Miriam Jones

As a solo folk artist Miriam is a joy to listen to on her own, but here there is a host of talented collaborative musicians making up a band behind her songs. Fire-Lives is musically tight and well formed throughout, with catchy melodies, rich strings, and gorgeous vocal harmonies. Opener ‘Rhythm Out” sets the lyrical scene well with lines “I don’t need you, I’ll be fine, I’ve got my rhythm”. It’s a reflective, heart torn yet ultimately uplifting and optimistic album. “Helicopter” reminds me of Lamb with vocal sounding more towards Lou Rhodes. “Come Clean” is about honesty, “Wondrous, Mysterious” is about how commercial Christmas has become. “Bones” is a piano based ditty, who’s melody is wilting and ‘swaying like a misplaced satellite’. Each song has been well constructed and thought through, and Fire-Lives could have easily followed Alanis Morrissett’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’. I hope it goes a long way.
Trev Williams
published OMS 12

Little Fish, Dial F for Frankenstein, O2 Academy 13.11.10

In subsequent weeks before I wrote this review up, Dial F announced they were to split and, unfortunately, what was planned to be their final show at the Winter Warmer was cancelled due to heavy snow, so this one turned out to be their farewell. Dial F were getting better each time I saw them; Green Day grunge, and sing along na na na bits, singing “dance you f**kers”, memories of Friday night at Truck festival last summer flood back. Dial F were an asset to Oxford music who will be greatly missed by many.
Little Fish are well known for writing dark lyrics about depression, paranoia and suicide, all the real stuff many bands tend to forget.  Adding Ben on Hammond as a permanent feature has pushed them towards a more pop based sound, “Glad eyes up, Sad eyes down” being the latest sing along, but it is now beginning to gel.  Songs like Die Young and Bang Bang go down brilliantly, and the epic Am I Crazy?  creates an inclusivity with a fan base who are the most loyal I know.  There were a few tuner fish incidents, and a little paranoid fish bowl moment, but as JuJu quite rightly points out.. “it’s only a game” and it’s great to see their music back on top form where it belongs.

Trev Williams 

published in OMS 12

Equitruck review

written in collaboration,
please see issue of OMS
http://www.oxfordmusicscene.co.uk/images/oms_issue12.pdf

Deer Chicago, Deer Chicago EP

Deer Chicago create big soundscapes, lots of delays, tight rhythmic sections and ambitious vocal lines.   Aiming high for the epic 6 min plus track lengths it reminds me of Snow Patrol but with more edge.

‘In the Darkest Wood’ creates soul searching darkness ‘don’t hide the blood on your mind’ Jonny sings, reminiscent of the bleakest Radiohead track.  ‘Quite Like a Tide’ although with some brilliant moments does sound a bit too strained vocally at points… there’s a knot in your throat!...  as he later sings!  The best track ‘Frozen Globe, Freezing Teeth’ is brimming with energy, it depicts looking through an atlas and thinking ‘the blizzard is your home’. I think we can all relate to that at the moment.  ‘Fighting Like Bears’ closes with great drum fills showing a band brimming with ambition on this EP.  I look forward to hearing them live and seeing what they do next.

Trev Williams

published in OMS 12

Alphabet Backwards - Superhero EP

It is a joy to hear well-crafted pop songs, and Alphabet Backwards’ latest EP is no exception to their long repertoire of catchy hooks and sing along choruses.  Fun, optimism and innocence are commodities many bands seem to neglect in their writing, but they’re all here.  Collide is a reflective opener, “I’m now too old for Radio 1”, sings James happily passing on words of life wisdom while listening to his old records.  Not tying shoelaces, wearing sweaters, and meeting a superhero seem to be good tips!  Blink of an eye is a loved up duet, with Steph singing “Our lips have got all the time in the world to be together” which will surely touch any romantic heart.  My favourite track is Yesterday in June, more rhythmic and dissonant to their normal sound but still maintaining their catchy craftsmanship. 

Trev Williams

published in OMS 12

cats in paris, ute, coloureds, the cellar 16 sept 2010

Coloureds, prove powerful but a bit too jagged to dance to mostly, although some songs sounded like a heavy Royksop, and towards the end the crowd loved it!  Ute are stronger than ever, Lead singer Ollie’s vocal reminds me of Jack White at its most grainy, and Thom Yorke at its most delicate.  Their songs are complex, intellectual epics which you can happily find new corners to for many listens.  It is no wonder they are tipped for big things having just signed to Alcopop.  Headliners Cats In Paris are equally exciting, hailing from Manchester they have a fusion of so many styles it’s hard to keep up.   A Three piece with Bass, Drums, Synth and Violin, but a massive sound, Too many Colours?  I think not.

Trev Williams

published in OMS 11

Samuel Zasada’s Niesen EP

Simplicity is the key, and a haunting, uplifting combination of acoustic sounds make up Samuel Zasada.  Vocally David Ashbourne has a distinct melodic grainy feel, and the use of falsetto and close choral harmony from Luci Flynn and Tom McKibbin on delicate songs such as Pursuit make this EP a joy to listen to.  Omit being the most gothic in tone, the sound is very atmospheric with fingerstyle acoustic guitars creating the backbone for the music.  Losts and founds keeps a more upbeat tempo while still tackling deeper lyrical content, Mark Ashbourne adds punch with drums where needed.  My favourite track on the EP is Request, a funky groove with descending counter melodies in Luci’s guitar, refreshing to any ears oversaturated with noise. 

Trev Williams
published in OMS 10

D Fest Drayton, Oxfordshire 2010

"London Is Big But Drayton Is Massive!" Craig Evans started D fest this year mainly to relieve symptoms of “After Truck Syndrome”.  Not shy about booking some of the best local acts around, and along with a team of local support could Drayton become the next Steventon?.. An eclectic mix starting with chilled acoustic music outside from Mark Bosley, If all Else Fails and Lost Dogs and building to a sweaty finish with Empty Vessels, and Dead Jerichos rocking out in the Red Lion pub itself.  Yellow Fever was the youngest band, seemingly following in the Dead Jericho’s footsteps; other acts included Very Nice Harry, Dial F for Frankenstein, The Scholars and a guy called Trev Williams.  Best highlights were Spring Offensive straight from their recent tour, the local drunk chap who probably hasn’t ever danced so much in his life, and a bloke getting his legs waxed for Childreach! Well done D Fest!

Trev Williams
published in OMS 10

A Silent film + Fixers + Scholars Cellar, Oxford 3.6.10

A dark dingy venue is not always the ideal spot on a sunny day, but this line-up was tempting despite the potential sauna.  Scholars were even better tonight than the punt showcase and despite having to replace the keyboard player with Josh covering on guitar they seemed more dynamic.   Escape plan, and Turbulence were the stand out songs, and they are fast becoming the next Franz Ferdinand.

Fixers were a new band for me, so I didn’t know what to expect at all, and I have to say that after the gig I still am a bit lost!  Such an eclectic mix of styles and influences it was hard to keep up.  5 part vocal Beachboys harmonics over a rock backing, Moby soundscapes with Freddie Mercury flamboyancy, ultimately the best comparison is of a new David Bowie at his most eccentric.  There is no doubting the musical and vocal ability of this band, but one feels that it’s either hone in a few of the mad ideas or go the whole hog and wear starman makeup!

It has been far too long since the last Silent Film hometown gig, and they are taking the rest of the world by storm it seems.   Already big in Portugal with a number 1 single and top 3 album, and about to break into the American market as well.  The City That Sleeps is a masterpiece in its own right, but despite this, and the fact that there isn’t enough piano based music in the world, it somehow seemed to go almost unnoticed here.  Tonight was more a showcase of new material, and perhaps showing the European influence rubbing into their established sound.  Driven by Their Beating Hearts being a stand out track, more a dance pop anthem that would have won Eurovision easily!  Their sound needed a bit more breathing room than the Cellar offered really, as did some of us at this point, but we look forward to the second album with eager anticipation.  Wake up UK these guys are far too good to be just an export. 

Trev Williams
published in OMS 10

Punt review, Oxford 12 May 2010

Punt review 12 May 2010

Nightshift’s flagship unsigned band night ‘the punt’ is like the Holy Grail for many Oxford bands, hoping to springboard their musical career to new heights from it.  This year was no exception with an eclectic mix of acts who mostly seemed nervous at what the night might hold for them.

Helen Pearson opened the night well, with her delicately written folk songs relaxing the crowd at the Malmaison hotel one of two new venues this year.  The Anydays, hoping for a Britpop revival, seem dated to say the least.  Although a couple of stand out syncopated songs referencing The Beatles Taxman got the crowd going, much of their set was similar to a cover band playing songs you half recognise.

The Hype around Dead Jerichos in Oxford is big, and they have an impressive list of upcoming shows including Cornbury and Truck festival.  Rhythmically one of the tightest Oxford bands going, and possibly one with the most energy and enthusiasm.  Vocally there is still room for improvement but as a live band they are great to get some energy pumping.

The Sound of Beard of Zeuss at the Cellar was immense, although hearing someone throwing up down a microphone isn’t everyone’s cup of tea so for me it was off to new venue Coco Royal.  The Roundheals, it’s nice to see more folk acoustic music represented this year, and Hillbilly yodels with rich three part harmonies from songs like Let Me Sleep were a welcome reward for having trekked down there.

Ute for me were one standout band of the night, with an interesting mix of light and shade throughout their set.  Lead singer Ollie’s vocal reminded me of Jack White at its most grainy, and Thom Yorke at its most delicate.  Their songs are complex, intellectual epics which you can happily find new corners to for many listens.  Following them came Scholars who were tight as ever, and playing to one of the biggest crowds I saw of the night.  Their new song Escape Plan sounding at least as good as their single Turbulence, so more of the same to come one guesses.  By this point the Purple Turtle bouncers had starting IDing everyone who came in as a fun way to keep them amused… luckily a bank card prevented me missing my last highlight another great band Spring Offensive.  They seemed to be the band having the most fun, and crowd reaction reciprocated this with sing alongs and dancing.  Definitely a band to follow up.

Trev Williams
Published on OxfordMusicBlog, with Tom Jowett 
http://oxfordmusicblog.co.uk/2010/07/overdue-oxford-punt-review/

Stornoway @ Camden Crawl, London 1 May 2010

Stornoway @ Camden Crawl Sat 1 May 2010

As a Camden Crawl virgin I was keen to experience it at least once, and the optimism of what it might hold was strong at first.  Having a whole tree shoved at you on the way to collect your wristband seems normal for some reason, people desperate to make money from you at every turn. 

This year apparently was the first time they’d done a fringe, so there were some rather entertaining comedians, Jim Cambel being a particular good one I managed to see.  Other bits and pieces included a highlight of a Lady Juggling tennis balls in time to rap music, it wasn’t on a stage but it was the most fun thing of the day. 

First band on the crammed evening agenda was Lonelady, a female fronted electro pop act.  Think La Roux, but with more guitar.  The Jazz Café venue was nice as well.

Next up was Stornaway at KOKO, the spelling mistake perhaps highlighting they weren’t quite as well know here as they should be.  Opening with Cold Harbour Road, it’s obvious the band have yet again upped their game, the vocals harmonies are much stronger and richer, and there is a distinct security in their playing now which says “we know this is good”. 

This is the first time I have seen them play to a perhaps slightly hostile crowd, and as the stunned silence from the quality of their opening track subsided heckles of “play Zorbing” were an irritating distraction for both the audience and I imagine the band throughout the rest of the set.   “I saw you blink” and “We are the Battery Humans” were enjoyable, but subtleties in songs like “Fuel Up” were unfortunately lost.  By the time security had dragged out a couple of people and things calmed down, Rob was whacking the drums in a way I’ve never seen him do, and I’m sure it wasn’t that fast on the recording either!   There is so so much more to this band than Zorbing.

 ‘Without the darkness where would the light be?’ following band Smoke Faries, said before their delicately written folk songs.  But a heavy handed sound mix meant any subtly desired was ruined.  Much of the rest of the evening was comparable to a bad day at Alton towers.  30 minutes queuing in the rain and to be honest the thrills of the one or two gems you want to hear were few and far between.   No wonder the few people I spoke to said they weren’t going to come again.  If it was half the price and you lived in London it would be a good thing to go to, but otherwise I think I’ll give it a miss too next time.
 Trev Williams

A Silent Film, Foxes! Indika! The Jericho Tavern, 29th May 2007

A Silent Film, Foxes! Indika! The Jericho Tavern, Tuesday 29th May 2007

When I arrived at the Jericho Tavern, Indika were in full flow. This young 5 piece had plenty of energy with a sound rather like the rocky side of Oasis, and a lead singer who looks like Russell Brand, with just as much hair but not quite as much attitude. Definitely a good thing for a Love Burns Night! 

Next on were Foxes! Dan’s colourful homemade DIY bass and sunglasses along with Adam’s ‘c,ockney cap’ reminded me of the Melodic Oxford nights at the Port Mahon last summer. The Foxes! sound is somewhat quirky, almost verging on disjointed with all the groove shifting, but with Kayla’s beautiful lead vocals pulling you in and holding it all together. The crowd all bobbed pretty consistently throughout, but no one was daring enough to compete with Adam’s robot dance mid set! ‘6 O’clock,’ the first song which really grabbed me, flowing along in its storybook fashion, ‘Apples to Apples,’ the shopping song, for me, highlights the fun that Foxes! are about. They finished the set with the now classic ‘Art Girl,’ which has to be my favourite.

The last band, Silent Film, was a truly polished act, a visual and musical delight. The set included an overhead projection of a book; maybe this was the silent film, and clever synchronised lighting. Their sound to me strongly resembles that of Muse and Radiohead, a lot of the songs sound rather like a beefed up version of Thom Yorks solo album. The lead singer / keyboard player was immersed in the music throughout and the energy from the whole band, stunned the crowd. The rhythmic effect created with extra floor toms were brilliant, making an almost tribal experience. This band should certainly not stay unsigned for long.

Trev Williams
(first review)

TW Reviews

Here is the NEW home of my reviews.
Oxfordshire (and beyond), bands and solo artists.  Gigs and recordings :)
please do add comments or tweet/quote.  I will put links to any printed/published versions as well.

to send something in or to contact me please visit www.TrevWilliams.co.uk