MOVING NORTH - MANCHESTER PUNK ROCK

Crash Doubt Festival 2

2012-02-10T10:30:00.002Z

The majority of the line-up is announced today. Follow @crashdoubtfest on Twitter to keep up to date. It's going to be big this year, outside stage, three proper stages overall, bands from all over the globe. Last year was probably the best weekend of the year that wasn't FEST 10. Can't wait.

manchFESTer tickets...

2012-02-09T14:26:00.001Z

I've taken the advance tickets off-sale now, sold a ridiculous amount, thanks to everyone that got one in advance. FOR THOSE WHO DIDN'T, YOU CAN STILL GET THEM ON THE DAY. Just turn up early (Doors from 1pm) and you can pay on the door (£8).

This is looking like it's going to be the biggest and best manchFESTer yet, any questions/queries just drop me a message kieranazk AT gmail DOT com

Don't forget the Pre-Fest on Friday night featuring Rancid, Hot Water Music, Limp Bizkit, The Replacements and Rise Against.

VIDEO: Great Cynics - In The Valley

2012-02-07T23:15:00.002Z

Great Cynics have launched a new website/video for their upcoming 3 track 7" "In The Valley". It's currently the "unofficial" video, but the last "unofficial" video (You're Alright) is one of the best so far, sums up the band/vibes perfectly. GC also recorded a song for a Samiam Tribute album and you can hear that by clicking HERE. Here's the video to "In The Valley" a re-recorded song that was released on a split CD/Tape with wegrowbeards when Great Cynics was still Cynics. Enjoy.

Oh yeah, the last scene is filmed at Cotterstock Lock, which is near where I live. I took GC there after they played in Peterborough and we had a rad time in the sun.

PRE-FEST

2012-01-31T20:00:00.003Z

I've been doing a lot of work on the manchFESTer event, I feel that the Pre-Fest might have felt a little left out, so let's rectify that.

On Friday 16th March (day before manchFESTer) we've got a very special gig, 5 bands covering 5 legendary bands.

Leagues Apart are covering RANCID, Above Them are covering HOT WATER MUSIC, Nai Harvest are covering LIMP BIZKIT, Watch Commander are covering RISE AGAINST and Doctrines are covering THE REPLACEMENTS. I can't wait.

This is also going to be at KRAAK GALLERY, lots more videos and dumb pictures of Tim Armstrong to come...

In the background is Giles Bidder putting hot sauce on a burrito...

V Revolution - FINALLY! A RECORD SHOP IN MANCHESTER!

2012-01-24T00:05:00.000Z

Get excited Manchester. It's been a long time since Manchester has had a punk/hardcore record shop but the wait is finally over...

V REVOLUTION

V Revolution is located on Oldham St in the Northern Quarter, 100m up from The Castle. V Revolution is a vegan lifestyle record store that sells punk and hardcore records alongside vegan clothing and food. Look out for this in the front window...

Go down to 88 Oldham St and hang out.

manchFESTer 2 Tickets...

2012-01-21T15:30:00.001Z

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!

^^^CLICK^^^

Tickets are now on sale for manchFESTer 2. The venue capacity is 150 so I'm going to sell a fair few in advance and then save some spaces on the door, if you're travelling I'd recommend getting a ticket!

Hello Bastards 2012!

2012-01-21T03:05:00.000Z

The first Hello Bastards clubnight of 2012 is happening tonight (Saturday) in Leeds. Four bands, free entry at Santiagos, Grand Arcade, Leeds.

Playing are:
TURN AND RUN
Peterborough hardcore boys that I used to go to school with, for fans of Verse and Comeback Kid, sick.

GRAVELINES
Played a few shows with these guys, best bunch. Played the last ever show at Compton Towers.

THROWING STUFF
We're going to be idiots obviously, but this time Dave from Calvinball is going to be an idiot in the band too. Throwing Stuff, fuck you.

THE LOCK AND KEYS

Mint band from Leeds, perfect to get you in clubnight mood for...

HELLO BASTARDS - Monthly clubnight in Leeds at Santiagos. Every 3rd Saturday.

Cats? Aye! Records.

2012-01-19T00:03:00.000Z

So a few of our good friends from Huddersfield and Southampton have teamed up together and started a DIY record label called Cats? Aye! Records. They've made a great compilation featuring loads of UK bands and some from further away, make sure you check out The Smith St Band from Australia, they're great.

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://catsayerecords.bandcamp.com/album/presenting-the-dancin-machine"&amp;amp;gt;Presenting: The Dancin' Machine by Cats? Aye! Records&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

AUDIO: Above Them - Step Back Release

2012-01-18T14:12:00.002Z

Above Them have teamed up with Punktastic to stream another new song from their upcoming album "are we a danger to ourselves" - Yes, it irks me a little that there's no question mark either. Anyway, the song is called "Step Back Release" starting with just Oli's vocal and guitar then kicking in (epicly) into the pounding buvvem's rhythm we're all used to. It's another great song from an album that is very special. The follow-up to "Blueprint For A Better Time" is coming out on Specialist Subject Records, Yo-Yo Records and Kiss of Death Records on February 27th, check out their website out http://abovethem.net.

And if you missed the stream of the opening song 'A New Year' here you go...

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://abovethem.bandcamp.com/track/a-new-year"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;A New Year by Above Them&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

AUDIO: Watch Commander - Cheating Death (NEW SONG!)

2012-01-12T21:10:00.001Z

Those lovely guys from Watch Commander have been working hard over the last few months on their debut album that should be out in the next few months. They've uploaded the song 'Cheating Death' to their soundcloud account and obviously, it's real good. Give it a listen and go through their back catalogue too.

VIDEO: Apologies, I Have None - 60 Miles

2012-01-12T13:00:00.000Z

Apologies, I Have None have released their first music video for the song "60 Miles" off their upcoming debut album "London". The record will be released on 19th March, two days after manchFESTer. Un-official album launch party anyone?

Apologies, I Have None - 60 Miles from Apologies, I Have None on Vimeo.

Upcoming Moving North Shows...

2012-01-11T21:42:00.000Z

So what we've got lined up for y'all is...

FRIDAY 16th MARCH
manchFESTer II PRE-FEST w/ Rancid, Hot Water Music, Limp Bizkit, Dead Milkmen, Rise Against. Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/172920042808956/
+
SATURDAY 17th MARCH
manchFESTer II w/ Apologies, I Have None / Vanilla Pod / Above Them / Calvinball / Sam Russo / Greay Cynics / ONSIND / A Great Notion / Well Wisher / Sunday League / Throwing Stuff / Speak Out / Andrew Cream. Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/277313348987602/

Then we've got:
FRIDAY 4th MAY
THE COPYRIGHTS (USA, Red Scare Records) / Bangers / Murderburgers / Crocodile God / Achtung Everybody + maybe one more.

manchester message board.

2012-01-03T14:40:00.006Z

There's been a few Manchester message board/forums over the years, but since all the others closed down, good old Nick from Well Wisher decided to make a new one. Everyone is nice and welcoming so join up, and get involved in Manchester.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FORUM.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: 2011.

2011-12-30T21:18:00.000Z

So I went back through all the submissions of peoples Top 10's, and tallied them up against each other to narrow it down to five albums..

JOINT 5th place for ALBUM OF THE YEAR are...

Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
The Horrible Crowes - Elsie
I Am The Avalanche - Avalanche United

---

JOINT 4th place for ALBUM OF THE YEAR are...

Fucked Up - David Comes To Life
Red City Radio - The Dangers of Standing Still
Great Cynics - Don't Need Much

---

JOINT 3rd place for ALBUM OF THE YEAR are...

Defeater - Empty Days and Sleepless Nights
Crazy Arm - Union City Breath
Touche Amore - Parting The Sea Between Brightness and Me

---

Alone, in SECOND place for ALBUM OF THE YEAR is...

JOYCE MANOR - JOYCE MANOR

This made it to #1 on the punknews.org end of year list, and quite rightly so. In fact, I'm listening to them right now. You should do the same, here.

---

So, that leaves the ALBUM OF THE YEAR title to three lovely chaps from the UK...

BANGERS - SMALL PLEASURES

Congratulations Bangers, winning album of the year by THREE votes. You can stream the entire record here. I'm not sure if there are any more copies of the LP available, but you can buy the CD from Specialist Subject Records here.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SENT

IN A TOP 10 AND EVERYONE WHO READ THEM.

Top 10 Records of 2011: Tony Marston (Landmines)

2011-12-29T12:39:00.002Z

Tony from the recently split Landmines is today's top 10. Check out his modest #1 choice as well haha. Landmines are (were) from Richmond, Virginia. Which is home to the Claremont Lounge, a strange place. I saw a stripped set her boobs on fire, and then sang "My Name Is" by Eminem on the kareoke in front of a bunch of people. Weird.

10. OBITS - Moody, Standard, and Poor
9. OFF - First 4
8. RED CITY RADIO - Dangers of Standing Still
7. GATEWAY DISTRICT - Perfect's Gonna Fail
6. RESTORATIONS - S/T
5. NOTHINGTON - Borrowed Time
4. MISCHIEF BREW - Stone Operation
3. DIKEMBE - Chicago Bowls EP
2. DIRECT HIT - Domesplitter
1. LANDMINES - Commerce and Marx (sorry, i had to, i'm an asshole)

Top 10 Records of 2011: Jim Margle (We Are The Union)

2011-12-28T12:39:00.001Z

My buddy Kev got in touch with a few more people, and one of the guys to respond was Jim from We Are The Union. WATU played the Retro Bar in Manchester a couple of years ago and really nailed it. They asked for somewhere to stay and someone volunteered my flat, so we all ended up there, forgetting that it was a small flat and that there was almost nowhere for anyone to sleep, so WATU had to go back down the stairs and back into the Manchester streets to find sleep. If you're reading this, sorry guys, blame it all on my friend Will who told you you could stay at mine without asking me.

1.) Frenzal Rhomb - 'Smoko at the Pet Food Factory'
2.) Banner Pilot - 'Heart Beats Pacific'
3.) Graveyard - 'Hisingen Blues'
4.) Foo Fighters - 'Wasting Light'
5.) Joey Cape's Bad Loud - 'S/T'
6.) Ellwood - 'Lost In Transition'
7.) The Story So Far - 'Under Soil And Dirt'
8.) Small Brown Bike - 'Fell And Found'
9.) The Decline - 'Are You Gonna Eat That?'
10.) The Holy Mess - 'S/T'

manchFESTer 2 FREE MIXTAPE!

2011-12-27T16:21:00.001Z

Here it is, the moment we've all been waiting for...the manchFESTer 2 FREE MIXTAPE. Two tracks from every band (except Throwing Stuff) for free streaming and download to give you lot a head start. Click the link below to download the mixtape. Alternatively, if you can't download it right now, you can stream the songs from the Moving North soundcloud stream. Hope y'all enjoy it.

DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE MIXTAPE BY CLICKING HERE.

manchFESTer 2 - FREE MIXTAPE by movingnorth

Top 10 Records of 2011: Ben Small (Throwing Stuff)

2011-12-27T12:35:00.000Z

Ben Small who runs around and shouts things into a microphone for Throwing Stuff has done his Top 10. Throwing Stuff have absolutely not one second of their music recorded properly, so you better go watch them at manchFESTer.

This top ten isn't in any particular order and the releases seem mostly weighted towards the beginning of the year. I guess early enthusiasm drains as I realise there's no point to anything. That, or it takes me 6 months to decide that I like a record. Growers not showers.

Little Ease – Little Ease

My favourite UK release this year and I don’t even own it. I shouldn’t take this moment to decry the surge in the cassette as a [in]valid format for music but I will: the little plastic, whirring shits should have been left six feet under in the 1980s. Face it, no one owns a tape deck and they are aesthetically inferior to, God forbid, CDs. Regardless, this is an amazing 8 minutes of snotty garage hardcore punk in the vein of The Shitty Limits. Jay Cross’ lyrics are honest and his delivery is emphatic, especially during his tantrum-esque live performances. More punk songs about football, please.

Banner Pilot – Heart Beats Pacific

I’ve been inadvertently spinning this record on repeat for the last couple of weeks simply because I can’t get those Goddamn choruses out of my head. I’d lost interest in Banner Pilot after the pretty damn awesome Collapser had become relatively distant memory. I reluctantly heeded to pressure from a Twin Cities native to take the effort to check this out and with minimal expectation I was subsequently blown away. Everything on Collapser has been expanded on and improved: the hooks are catchier, the choruses bigger and lyrics capturing the essence of the dreary Midwest more than ever.

Grown Ups – Hand Holder

Grown Ups were one of those bands that hadn’t exactly clicked with me amidst all the hype of Songs and More Songs. All the twiddly emo boxes were ticked but there was something missing. Hand Holder grabbed me by the shaft and showed me what I was missing. I can’t stop singing the wrong words to ‘Wigwam’.

Ampere – Like Shadows

As soon as I heard “Escapism Pt. II” on Soundcloud prior to Ampere’s No Idea Records debut all that ran through my head was “fuck yeah, they sound exactly the same”. And that is great news. What you get with Ampere is 50 second long blasts of intricate noise punctuated with the incomprehensible screams of the frontman. It’s essentially grind for people who enjoy Lost in Translation. If you can manage to work out the fuck is being said, or read the lyrics, then you’ll find some pretty inspiring words largely comprised of convoluted political metaphor. And yeah, they’re better than Orchid. Bite me.

Red City Radio – The Dangers of Standing Still

This is how pop-punk is meant to sound. I wrote a review that fellated this record for Kieran’s Moving North empire and I stand by it. Huge songs about stuff we can all relate to, except maybe those lines about missing Oklahoma. Still waiting on a cut of Kieran’s advertising revenue.

Bangers – Small Pleasures

I first met Roo at Fest 8 and he furiously berated me for going to see A Wilhelm Scream and that was about the extent of it. I think he apologised somewhere down the line. I still think A Wilhelm Scream are good. He had inhaled some inhuman number of cans of Four Loko or something. Small Pleasures means this is all water under the bridge. “Thanks a lot Bill” is the lyric of 2011.

Spraynard – Funtitled

Shit lyrics, whiney Americans, irresistibly enjoyable. I scrunch my face up for a large percentage of the time listening to this spinning disc of brie but the songs clang around my head like a ricocheting bullet turning the grey matter into pulp.

Touche Amore – Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me

I don’t want to like this record. The people that like this Californian band are culprits of being shit and the band themselves do little to endear themselves to anyone by (do I need to stick an allegedly in here?) getting their mother to call promoters cunts on Twitter and the like. Punk politics aside, this record is hard not to like. Short and sweet screamo influenced hardcore that builds and expands upon …to the Beat of a Dead Horse with great aplomb. The record doesn’t hang around in its 21 minute length but you don’t feel hard done by as a listener. There’s an undeniable completeness to it. However, whilst ‘Home Away from Home’ is one of my favourite songs of the year, ‘Condolences’ makes me want to be sick on myself. Award for the most skippable track of 2011.

Fucked Up – David Comes to Life

Ambition and audacity doesn’t always lead to tangibly positive outcomes. Just take a look at that time that Rik Waller tried to tour the UK and a show was cancelled because only two advance tickets were sold. Both Rik and Damian ‘Pink Eyes’ Abraham are, in that sense, not just similar in stature.David Comes to Life followed through on its audacious premise, that being to write and record a hardcore punk rock opera. Fucked Up have shown how to evolve and progress hardcore punk and this record will be remembered for years to come.

Joyce Manor – Joyce Manor

I don’t think I know a soul who has heard this record without raving about it. I don’t think I even have the words to describe quite how and why it’s good. So just trust me and all the other ravers.

Honourable mentions:

All Eyes West – All Eyes West

Defeater – Empty Days and Sleepless Nights

Small Brown Bike – Fell and Found

Snowing – I Could Do Whatever I Wanted If I Wanted

Raein - Sulla linea d'orizzonte tra questa mia vita e quella di tutti

The Front Bottoms – The Front Bottoms

Dikembe – Chicago Bowls

Top 10 Records of 2011: Giles Bidder (Great Cynics)

2011-12-26T10:29:00.002Z

Hope everyone had a good Christmas, in case you missed yesterdays posts, manchFESTER got announced and I did my Top 10. Today we've got Giles from Great Cynics and his favourite records released this year.

Crazy Arm – Union City Breath

Crazy Arm have nailed it again. I don’t like long songs. But despite nearly all the songs on this album being exactly that, the songwriting and input from two new members Patrick and Vicky is incredible enough for me to forget about it. And the best part is that it continues to grow on me.

We Are The Ocean – Go Now And Live

I’ve never seen this band and I haven’t listened to much before this album, but fuck; this is an amazing rock album that ran alone to infiltrate mainstream radio. For a bunch of dudes who all help out at their local practise studios, that is fucking cool.

SHARKS - The Joys Of Living (2008 -2010)

It was a grower, but it tends to be that way for the ones you stick by with for the longest. I can get pumped to this record and I can also chill to it. This is a great contemporary rock 'n' roll album. Simple as that..

Death Cab For Cutie – Codes & Keys

I wasn’t interested in this album until I listened to You Are A Tourist and fell in love with a song that could make me feel like I was on drugs. I’ve been a fan of Death Cab for a long time and although Transatlanticism and Plans will most likely remain my favourite records of theirs, Codes & Keys is still an inspiring listen.

Laura Stevenson And The Cans – Sit Resist

This has summertime written all over it. Adorably hooky music for any situation.

I Am The Avalanche – Avalanche United

Holy Fuck – the first track on this record – made me want to run around my room tearing shit apart. The energy throughout this album is downright potent.

Dave Hause – Resolutions

There are some unbeatable hooks on this acoustic with-a-band album fronted by the singer of The Loved Ones. A lot of the songs have the same vibe as Third Eye Blind. Who – if you didn’t know – have written some of the catchiest songs on the planet.

Caves – Homeward Bound

Youthful, bouncy, fun and awesome. If this was recorded in a big fat posh studio it wouldn’t have the character that makes it all those things. I will never tire of watching Caves live.

The King Blues – Punk & Poetry

TKB are one of the few bands who have made me more excited about music than anything else in my life. Love them or hate them, they are so hugely important to UK music.

They're different; they’re exciting. They break the fucking mould, and that’ s what makes them special. There are belters on this. See: I Want You, Does Anybody Care About Us, Shooting Fascists.

Timeshares - Bearable

Excellent uplifting punk rock designed for house/basement shows. I fell in love with Timeshares when we toured down the East Coast of the USA in October and saw them in a Laser Quest arena in Gainesville. 'Woke Up In Grappler School' has been on every playlist I've made since then.

Top 10 Records of 2011: Kieran Kelly (Moving North)

2011-12-25T13:23:00.000Z

Merry Christmas everyone who reads this. Here's my favourite records that were released in 2011, in order. If you haven't listened to any of them, just click the title and you'll get pointed in the direction of some sounds. Thanks to everyone who has sent me a list so far, and everyone who's been reading them and sharing them. Here's a photo of me crowdsurfing at manchFESTer 1, because I can.

These are IN ORDER. That's right, I like some more than others!

Joyce Manor - Joyce Manor

This is the album of the year for me. It arrived late to my ears (a month ago?) but I haven't stopped listening to it yet. It's really sloppy and immature and raw but faultless. Some of the songs on this are impossible to get out of your head, I'd reccomend listening to Leather Jacket and Constant Headache first. But the album is only around 19 minutes long, so you can't help but keep starting over. Amazing album, can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for these guys. Click the album title to listen to the whole thing!

Luca Brasi - Extended Family

Met half of Luca Brasi at FEST 10 and they were great guys. I got home and decided to check them out, and wow. This record blew my mind. The chorus of "Isaac Bowen" is a good place to start, I have to keep starting over with that song because that chorus needs to go on forever. Their video for "Theme Song from HQ" is pretty rocking and again, the chorus is huge. So in summary, amazing band, fantastic album, gigantic choruses, good dudes. Go check this out..

The Living Daylights - What Keeps You Breathing

Absolute 10/10 album. So much has gone into this record and The Living Daylights certainly get more than their fair share of bullshit whether it be a fifth failed LP release or an 8 week tour that ends up being less than 8 days due to things beyond their control. But 'What Keeps You Breathing' sums it all up. The music. The second song "Maybe Escapes" is massive, go and download the whole thing for free from their website now, and share the link to your friends, c'mon it's Christmas!

Red City Radio - The Dangers of Standing Still

Allow me to get all self-righteous for a second. I got into Red City Radio ages ago just after they released their EP "We are the Sons and Daughters of Woody Guthrie" and from the first second knew that these guys were something special. I saw a guy in an elevator at FEST 8 with a RCR CD and I went off on one to him about how good they were for the entire duration of the vertical journey. Finally, I stopped talking and it turns out the guy who I was talking to was JoJo who plays bass for Red City Radio. Smooth Kieran, smooth. ANYWAY! This album is massive, the intro paves the way for one of the most solid punk rock records I've heard in ages. Listen to "I'm Well, You're Poison" first.

Great Cynics - Don't Need Much

I reviewed this shortly after it came out here. But it's Christmas so I'll re-justify why you need this record. It's such a simple record, 3 instruments, songs about girls and getting high in the summer. It's the catchiest thing. I love this record, I've been listening to it constantly since it came out, songs like Twenty Five, Nightcaps and Stone's I've Thrown show how far Giles & The Cynicals have come from that song about haircuts and jeans that I stole off mediafire before we became best friends. Lisa at Kind of Like Records does wonders for these guys so you've probably already heard this record but if you haven't, go grab it on LP.

Holy Show - Get Excited About Hating Everything

I was a big fan of Sometimenever, and when they split up I was a little annoyed how under appreciated they were. And I fear the same is going to happen for Holy Show for reasons I have no idea. You can download "Get Excited About Hating Everything" for whatever price you want by clicking the title. A song like "Grow Old and Die" could be played 7 times a day on Radio 1 and people would still request they play it more. They've got a new EP called "Definitive Hits" being released early next year so consider GEAHE your introduction to Holy Show.

Bangers - Small Pleasures

There is a reason why this record has been in so many peoples end of the year list, and that reason is because it fucking rules. Bangers are yet to make a bad song in my opinion, the 3-piece originally from Falmouth churn out tune after tune, songs written with dry wit and clever sarcasm (the lowest form of wit). Listen to "Church Street in Ruins" and let the hook of "the last thing I need is any more things" get stuck in your head, constantly. Click the title to listen to a full stream of the album. So this is Bangers first proper album, and it is start-to-end incredible.

Calvinball/ONSIND/Apologies, I Have None

I'm so happy that this finally got released! This was getting close to Chinese Democracy territory with how long the process took but it was all good in the end. Three of my favourites bands covering each others songs, released on my favourite format, what could be better? Oh yeah, stick a fucking flying horse on the front why don't ya. Calvinball's cover of "Heterosexuality Is A Construct" is probably my highlight of the record and you can stream half of it by clicking the title. Apologies take on the form of Genesis for how epic-ly they close this record too. Go grab it, great to see three UK bands and a UK record label work together to make something like this happen. Go team.

The Slow Death - Born Ugly, Got Worse

Throwing Stuff played on the same bill as these guys in Liverpool on December 4th, and it was ridiculous. Not like mindblowingly amazing ridiculous, just ridiculous. People were doing conga lines, no-one was wearing clothes, Jenks from The Arteries started playing bass for The Slow Death whilst two human pyramids went head to head. Amongst all of this I decided I quite liked the music that was being played, so naturally I went home and illegally downloaded their album. You can stream the whole thing by clicking the title. If you're a fan of midwestern pop-punk and bands like Off With Their Heads you'll love this. It's better than "In Desolation". I said it.

Jay-Z & Kanye West - Watch The Throne

I listen to quite a lot of hip-hop and thought Kanye West's last album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" was one of the best records of any genre I'd heard, ever. So I was excited when I heard that he'd collaborated with Jay-Z to make "Watch The Throne". I eagerly awaited its release, and on first listen I was a little underwhelmed and I went back to listening to other things. But recently I've got more into this album and it's growing on me more and more. "Who Gon Stop Me?" is such a great song with a variety of different beats and tempos running through it. If you liike hip-hop/electro/music give this album a shot, if you don't like hip-hop go and listen to the other 9 records. If you don't like hip-hop or punk rock I'm amazed you're even reading this.

That was my Best of 2011 list, I think it's been a pretty good year for music, not many "big" bands have released records and I think that's allowed a lot of the "smaller" bands to get some much deserved exposure. I can't wait for the new The Menzingers record coming early 2012. Guaranteed to be in a lot of End of 2012 lists. Merry Christmas, thanks for reading.

KK xx

manchFESTer 2

2011-12-25T09:41:00.002Z

Merry Christmas. The line-up for manchFESTer II is...

For more information and tickets go to www.manchfester.com - I'll post my Top 10 of 2011 later!

Top 10 Records of 2011: Dan Bond (Apologies, I Have None)

2011-12-24T12:33:00.002Z

Todays' Top 10 comes from Dan Bond who plays guitar and sings in Apologies, I Have None. A bands who have never had the chance to have their album voted the best of the year, because they've never had an album. However, come 20th March all will change. And I'm pretty sure you'll be seeing their debut album in a lot of Best of 2012 lists next year. You can download/stream their new song "60 Miles" for free here.

I figured this needed an intro. Sorry its kind of long.

Dan Bond, top ten 2011

I should probably start this by stating the truth. I am almost consistently a year or more behind the times when it comes to records. I don't seem to get into records when they come out, I think I subconsciously wait until the overwhelming majority of my friends tell me something is good while in the meantime I work my way through whatever finds me, old or new.

So, this list was a little tricky to write - I've spent most of the year on records from 2010 and (much) earlier. That said, a few records have stood out a mile from everything new that I listened through this year and I'll try to explain why.

I Am The Avalanche - Avalanche United

I didn't spend much time on the first record when I became familiar with it a few years ago, but when we got asked to tour with IATA I spent a long time on both the first record and the newest which came out just as the tour was being booked. I loved it instantly this time around - the opener sets the tone for the whole record immediately: "I'm alone for the first time in five years. Holy fuck, things have changed". Their style of pop-punk mixed with the aggressive vocals and hardcore style attack just sets this apart from almost all vaguely similarly styled bands. I'm a sucker for melody and hooks and this record ticks every box for me. Vinnys vocals are on a whole other level and every song sounds just massive. Seeing this live 16 times in a row just made me like it even more.

La Dispute - Wildlife

I'd only been listening to La Dispute for a short while in the van before they played London and so within the space of a few months I went from having not listened to them at all to being a huge fan. Their last record was the most exciting thing I have heard in ages so when Wildlife was released I was so happy to see that the quality had remained as high as ever and the intensity was as prominent as previously. Its the vocals, as always, that make or break a band for me and Jordans voice is what keeps me coming back to their records and for probably the next few months, to their new record specifically.

Beyonce - 4

Was it better than Sasha Fierce? I don't think so, but even at this level Beyonce put out the pop record of the year. Her vocals seem just a little gruffer at times than previously and her lyrics and flow seem a little more pushed and strained which has given the record a touch more identity. Her stage presence comes through the record so well and she puts almost all other solo pop stars to shame with her output and ability. Definitely a grower, but worth the time.

Kano - Not 4 tha A List

This isn't strictly an album but its my list and I can put what I want on it. For those who have never picked up on Kano, he's a rapper from East London who has had brief mainstream success and was in the drama Top Boy. This EP was released over a few weeks, with a new song every seven days or so and features some collaborations with other grime artists and is a welcome return to more dirty, heavy grime based beats. I think this is easily some of his best work demonstrating his ability to rap with complex, changing styles with such a high level of energy and a great sense of flow. The last track, House of Pain, featuring Ghetts is the opinion divider - its slow pace and personal lyrics about the Grime scene can make it more difficult to listen to, but perseverance pays off - its an awesome tune to round off an amazing EP.

Crazy Arm - Union City Breath

What did everyone expect? Loud and quiet, simple and technical. I don't know how they manage to get so much into their songs and its a testament as to how skilled they are as musicians that they have made this record so intricate yet easy to listen to. They have their heaviest and poppiest songs on this album and yet it flows together without sounding forced at all. Darrens voice is the focal point for me and I think his ability as a singer is more evident on this album than the first. Vickys vocals feature heaviliy and it just sweetens the whole record. Still probably the best band in the country.

Great Cynics - Don't Need Much

Giles has been a friend for a while and I'm pretty sure I was at his first solo show in Walthamstow a few years back. Since then he's grown from being the scrappy acoustic opener to a stage filling headliner and he's done it with perseverance, determination and a good attitude, backed up by catchy hooks and a great sense of melody. I doubt many bands can claim to have worked as hard as Great Cynics this year and the record, despite its quick recording process, stands up as a genuine and honest work. I cannot wait to hear what's next after they've had a few hundred shows as a solid three piece.

Adele - 21

I loved Adeles first record, 19 and I think she has surpassed it by miles with this LP. Its the detail in her voice that you cannot get with auto tune or effects that gets me and I have spent so many hours focusing on how she delivers her lines to understand just how much more she is doing than is first apparent. Even her live recordings are flawless and manage to carry even more weight than the more polished studio versions. She's a master.

Alkaline Trio - Damnesia

Its crazy how many good songs Alkaline Trio have written and this album could have been twice as long with no filler at all. The reworkings have all stayed true to the originals and are almost all far more interesting than the song simply being transferred to an acoustic guitar and slowed down. I'd like to have heard more from Dan on this record, I'm a huge fan of his songs which tend to take a few more listens to really appreciate, but Matts voice sounds amazing throughout this record and its such a good go-to record for long drives because everyone seems to love it. I had high hopes for this and I'm so happy they were exceeded.

Against Me! - White crosses / Black crosses

Strictly speaking, White Crosses came out last year and I loved it. The re-release, with the Demos and dropped songs came out this year though and I love it still. I find it really interesting hearing how songs develop and how they sound stripped right back and I often find myself liking the earlier, rougher versions just as much as the polished album edits. I guess if you didn't like the album then the demos won't hold any weight for you, but as a big fan of thje band and the record, I'm a sucker for it. The song Hot Shots is killer and while I can see why it never made the album, I'd love to see it live. One for the fans I guess, but I'm a fan.

Horrible Crowes - Elsie

I love Brians voice so I tend to be a fan of all of his stuff, right from Early "This Charming Man" to his Kelly Clarkeson cover. I don't think this record came as a big surprise in terms of its content and sound, but Brian is great at creating atmosphere and melody and I found listening to this was so easy, like it was an old record I had put back on for the first time in years. I hope that doesn't sound disrespectful, its an art to make original records that feel exciting to listen to but feel very familiar. I'm just excited now to hear more Gaslight - I'd like to listen to the inverse of this album - straight up heavy rockers like on Sink Or Swim.

Sharks - Joy Of Living

This was Sharks year and this compilation of previously difficult-to-find songs was just what someone like me needed - a simple "in" to what the band were doing. There's some great songs on this record and I love that the band wear their influences proudly, like a badge of aspiration. Their first full length next year is right at the top of albums I can't wait to hear, it'll be cool to hear a whole record with a consistent sound and flow. For now though, these songs have turned me into a fan.

Top 10 Records of 2011: Alan Beningfield (Different Kitchen Records)

2011-12-23T11:06:00.001Z

Today we've got Alan from Different Kitchen Records doing a Top 10. DKR is a great UK based distro, check out their stock here. Alan also owns 100 different presses of Reinventing Axl Rose, there's a fun fact for you.

As you asked, here's my top ten, with maybe a bit of opinion!
1. The Beach Boys - Smile Sessions
Recorded 1966, released 2011, never completed, so not perfect, but it's better than all the bootlegs!

2. The Bomb - The Challenger
Another not completely new release as half the tracks are rerecorded for a BBC session, but this is more raw and aggressive than their previous releases.

3. The Gateway District - Perfect Gonna Fail
Run Away is probably my favourite track of the year!!

4. Hawks And Doves - Year One
Should have been out years ago, depressing, bleak what better for a cold winter evening!!

5. Abolitionist - It Used To Rain
A fixation with water permeates throughout the whole LP, punk rock from Oregon

6. Not On Tour - N.O.T on Tour
Pop punk from Israel, catchy as hell

7. Small Brown Bike - Found and Fell
Never thought they'd reform, let alone put out an LP this good!

8. Sloane Petersen - Why Go Out
I miss them terribly, hopefully this LP will get the proper release it deserves in 2012?

9. Shores - To Volstead
Reminiscent of old shoegaze from the 90's (Early Ride, Slowdive) or even Slint, June of '44, etc.... ex-North Lincoln comparisons aren't appropriate!

10. Ridgemont - Colder Days
Gruff pop punk goodness

Cheers,
Alan

Top 10 Records of 2011: Greg Barnett (The Menzingers)

2011-12-22T14:18:00.004Z

Today's Top 10 is done by Greg from The Menzingers. However, Greg is a punk. You tell him to do a Top 10, he spits on the floor, soaps up his mohawk and gives you a Top 15. Up the punx. The Menzingers recently put up a stream for their first single from their upcoming third album and you can listen here.

Top 15!

1. Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
2. The Front Bottoms - The Font Bottoms
3. The Mountain Goats - All Eternals Deck
4. Bright Eyes - The Peoples Key
5. Static Radio NJ - We Are All Beasts
6. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
7. Joyce Manor - Joyce Manor
8. Bomb The Music Industry - Vacation
9. The Horrible Crowes- Elise
10. Title Fight - Shed
11. Restorations - Restorations
12. Fucked Up - David Comes To Life
13. Touche Amore - Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me
14. We Were Promised Jetpacks - In the Pit of the Stomach
15. Beruit - The Rip Tide

AUDIO: Sam Russo - Merry Christmas, Baby I'm Sorry

2011-12-21T18:08:00.004Z

Sam Russo has written a Christmas song and made it available for free download. To download the song simply click on the downward pointing arrow on the player below. Merry Christmas.

Click for full artwork

Sam Russo - Merry Christmas, Baby I'm Sorry by movingnorth

Find Sam on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.

Top 10 Records of 2011: Zock (Astpai)

2011-12-21T11:40:00.003Z

Astpai's latest record 'Heart To Grow' was high up my list for record of the year, until I found out it was released last year. Nightmare, maybe their split with The Flatliners will have to do. Anyway, If you haven't given Astpai a listen yet, you seriously need to start, they're incredible. Zock has written a bit about each of his top 10 records this year...

my top 10 in no special order:

BØREDØM - WORLD BORES TO DEATH

heavy as shit, awesome as hell!

TIMESHARES - BEARABLE

finally got to meet those guys at a show in brooklyn. even despite a terrible sound, they blew me away. saw them again killing it at fest 10!

FUCKED UP - DAVID COMES TO LIFE

what a mindblowing release of a band i ignored for way too long!

BANGERS - SMALL PLEASURES

i'm in love with those three brits since they took me on one of their legendary dude trips in cornwall.

ONE WIN CHOICE - CONVEYOR

thirteen of the greatest songs you'll ever hear by five of the greatest people you'll ever meet.

FOO FIGHTERS - WASTING LIGHT

no comment! 'nuff said.

CRAZY ARM - UNION CITY BREATH

i haven't heard of crazy arm until 2009, but then fell in love with their debut "born to ruin". unbelievable that they managed to put out an even better record in 2011.

SOEY - HEADWIND

hard working hometown buddies with an amazing second full length. make sure to check them out!

MIGRE LE TIGRE - DANCING THROUGH THE FLAMES

this is the new solo acoustic project of rüfi (guitar player of RENTOKILL).

BRIDGE AND TUNNEL - REBUILDING YEAR

great piece of art from a great bunch of people!

Top 10 Records of 2011: J Pepper (Burn Daylight)

2011-12-20T12:25:00.000Z

Today we've got J Pepper who is an acoustic musician and plays under the name Burn Daylight. If you live in/near London you can catch him at Spice of Life in Soho tomorrow night.

1. The Wonder Years - Suburbia, I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing

Pop-punk that is smart? loads of Allen Ginsberg/Beat Generation references, perfect album to compliment moving back to your hometown.

2. The Horrible Crowes - Elsie

My confirmation that Brian Fallon will be remember in 20 years and one of this generations best songwriters.

3. Transit - Listen and Forgive

A little whiny at points, but its cool to see heart-on-sleeve pop-punk/emo taking more influence from American Football and the rest.

4. Bon Iver - Bon Iver

How he effortlessly followed up from the first record is beyond me, but this is great.

5. Frank Turner - England Keep My Bones

Everyone will disagree I'm sure, but he's no worse lyrically, its just better produced, with more trad-folk elements and a smooth British concept!

6. Man Overboard - Man Overboard

I hated this record when it came out, but I think it tops Real Talk, its more blunt and much more interesting.

7. Into It. Over It - Proper

Evan doesn't know how to write a dull song, production is a tad shoddy but the songs are awesome.

8. The Story So Far - Under Soil and Dirt

One of only a couple of records this years that I can put on from back to front, there's nothing mind blowing about it except its consistancy

9. Bangers - Small Pleasures

This album is very very good...if anything, its a little bit too good.

10. Great Cynics - Don't Need Much

I've put it 10th...his head is big enough already.

The majority of these records are follow-ups to albums that I didn't think they could top.2011 has been a good year for follow-ups!

Top 10 Records of 2011: Chris Cresswell (The Flatliners)

2011-12-19T09:27:00.002Z

Today we've got [Nasti] Chris from The Flatliners showcasing his Top 10 Records of 2011. The Flatliners are stupidly great band from Toronto, Canada and their latest album 'Calvacade' was definitely in a lot of these lists last year. Check it out

.
Here's my Top 10 in no particular order:

Fucked Up - David Comes To Life
Static Radio NJ - We Are All Beasts
I Am The Avalance - Avalanche United
Wugazi - 13 Chambers
Living With Lions - Holy Shit
Death Cab For Cutie - Code and Keys
The Rural Alberta Advantage - Departing
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Touche Amore - Parting The Sea Between Brightness and Me
White Wives - Happeners

Happy Holidays.

All the Top 10's so far...

2011-12-18T19:30:00.000Z

From first to the latest...

Isn't that nice and neat for you? Merry Christmas.

Top 10 Records of 2011: Jon Gerlis (Slow Science)

2011-12-18T09:59:00.005Z

Jon Gerlis, or Jon Doses as he's known to a lot of people, has been travelling round the world quite a lot recently but still found time to write down 10 of his favourite records of the year. Jon currently plays in the band Slow Science and you can get their first release "Your're Welcome" for however much you want here. After all, it did make it into his own Top 10...

So I've done a top ten, but as I've been travelling most of the year, it seems I haven't bought that much! I'm sure I'm forgetting a bunch of stuff but I'm jet lagged so this will have to do!

1. Samiam - Trips

2. All Eyes West - All Eyes West

3. The Shitty Limits - Speculate/Articulate

4. OFF! - First four 7"s Collection

5. Face to Face - Laugh Now, Laugh Later

6. Fucked Up - David Comes To Life

7. Great Cynics - Don't Need Much

8. WeGrowBeards - Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

9. Bangers - Small Pleasures

10. Slow Science - You're Welcome

Caves (Homeward Bound) just missed out due to my narcissism!

xxx

Top 10 Records of 2011: Nick Woods (Direct Hit!)

2011-12-17T12:14:00.001Z

My buddy Kev got in touch with some guys about this Top 10 nonsense I'm doing and Nick was kind enough to write his down. Nick plays in Direct Hit! who are a great band from the states on Kind of Like Records (Captain, We're Sinking / Great Cynics). Lots of free downloads here. I really like Nick's list, it's a good mix of all the genres. Night Birds are rad and so is Frank Ocean.

Vacation - Vacation
Joyce Manor - Joyce Manor
Fucked Up - David Comes To Life
Night Birds - The Other Side of Darkness
Death Grips - Ex-Military
House Boat - Thorns of Life
Tenement - Napalm Dream
Tyler, The Creator - Goblin
Frank Ocean - Nostalgia, Ulta

The Men - Leave Home

"I kinda thought 2011 was a shitty year for full-lengths though, just for your information, If you're putting this up on the internet. (I am.) Most of these I thought were pretty flawed (as in David Comes To Life was awesome for 12 songs, and then there were 6 more songs.) But they were really the only ones that got me excited about anything."

Cheers Nick! - Direct Hit! will be over in the UK in 2012.

Top 10 Records of 2011: Chris Scaduto (Go Rydell)

2011-12-16T16:43:00.001Z

When touring down to FEST 10 in October we stopped to play a rad pre-fest show in Orlando, here we met Chris Scaduto and his band who opened the show, Go Rydell. They were definitely one of my favourite bands that I caught on the entire tour. Anyway, we stayed at Chris' that night and I woke up to over 10,000 spins on Meatspin on my laptop in the morning. Here's his favourite records of 2011.

Timeshares - Bearable
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Touche Amore - Parting The Sea, Between Brightness and Me
Pianos Become The Teeth - The Lack Long After
Spraynard - Funtitled
Joyce Manor - Joyce Manor
Nightlights - So It Goes
Small Brown Bike - Fell and Found
Title Fight - Shed
Balance and Composure - Seperation

Go check out Go Rydell's record streaming at Punknews here.

Top 10 Records of 2011: Rosie Kerr (Ebb and Flow Records)

2011-12-15T10:24:00.000Z

To celebrate the day that Crazy Arm, Great Cynics, Above Them and Smokey Bastard play Manchester, we've got Rosie Kerr, owner of Ebb and Flow Records, to write about her favourite records released this year. She has the inability to use capital letters so forgive here.
Ebb and Flow have released records by Kerouac and Grazes.

i’m not sure 2011 has been that good for new bands, but for new records by bands i already love then i can commend the year. let’s begin!

1. Joyce Manor - Joyce Manor
this year this record has stood out above the rest. i have not heard something so exciting in such a long time. and it takes a lot to get me excited about music now. if you haven’t already listened to this record, i advise you do, quickly.

2. Defeater - Empty Days & Sleepless Nights
Defeater are easily one of my favourite modern hardcore bands. i already knew this record would be as flawless and beautifully done as Travels was and i was still suprised at how much i loved it. the end 4 tracks which make up an acoustic ep are beyond lovely. Defeater can currently do no wrong in my eyes.

3. Bastions - Hospital Corners
this record just proves that UK hardcore can be both interesting and still as passionate as the older generations. Bastions have progressed in such a fantastical way with this record. most bands never achieve that beautiful progression that i look for in debut records, or follow up records. Bastions have proved why they’re where they are and will continue to do so.

4. The Front Bottoms - The Front Bottoms
so almost everyone i know thinks this record is brilliant, and rightly so. it’s the kind of catchy punk rock that everyone can love. it’s accessible, and that’s not to say it’s boring, it’s far from it. containing all the “singles” from the previous ep, this record really is an all the way through listen. no filler. and that’s rare.

5. Laura Stevenson & The Cans - Sit Resist
man, this record is beautiful. breathtaking. i have always been a fan of Laura and her musical style but this just shows how wonderful she can truly be. songs off this record have fast become constant players in my musical musings and rightly so. “Peachy” and “8:08” speak to me in ways most songs don’t.

6. Our Time Down Here - Midnight Mass
despite this record not actually being officially out i’m counting it as a 2011 release personally. i’ve had this record for months now and every listen i hear something new and beautiful. OTDH progress in such a dramatic way with every release that it’s hard for them to continue on with the same fanbase, but they do. loyal fans will appreciate that they make everything new something different. they don’t want to stagnate and be forgotten like most of their peers. when this record finally drops i believe it’ll be recieved with a lot of praise.

7. Touche Amore - Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me
i love this band. record and live are both a wonderful experience i wish everyone could be a part of. despite clocking in 18.9 minutes, this record leaves you with a very definite feeling of satisfaction. i couldn’t have asked for a better follow up record and they deserve everything that comes to them.

8. Rain Over Battle - These Rocks In Our Bodies
i have always, always, championed this band. I honestly do not understand why people don’t appreciate this lot as much as i do. they push the boundaries of music and your perception of it in a really wonderful way. this record was long awaited, but well worth it. expect a summer 2012 UK visit. it’s in the works!

9. Ampere - Like Shadows
another long awaited record that didn’t fail to impress more than i could ever have imagined. Ampere are really their own entire entity that cannot be penetrated or copied, and i love them for this very complex reason.

10. Bangers - Small Pleasures
last but in no way least, are my favourite bunch, Bangers. this record is fantastic. it’s everything you want from a punk rock record. i have listened to this far too much and never once become bored of it, which is a feat, as i have the worst attention span of anyone i know. basically, if you like honest punk rock, by honest genuinely, brilliantly, lovely people. then listen to this record.

i’m sure there will be records i’ve forgotten and plenty of fantastic eps, but as it stands, this is my 2011 list and i am far too over doing this already to continue looking for releases from this year.

Crazy Arm / Great Cynics / Above Them / Smokey Bastard - TOMORROW NIGHT AT STAR AND GARTER!

2011-12-14T22:33:00.000Z

So, tomorrow night (Thursday) Slit Promotions have a lovely Christmas present lined up for y'all. Some of the best bands in the country, all on the same gig. Facebook Event Here.

Crazy Arm

Great Cynics

Above Them

Smokey Bastard

Kicks off around 7pm I think at Star and Garter (right near Picadilly station) See you all there!

Top 10 Records of 2011: Jort Vdv (Sweet Empire)

2011-12-14T14:15:00.005Z

Getting all European now! We've got the lovely Jort from Sweet Empire chiming in with his favourite records that were released this year. I was going to post Giles' list but he cheated because the ONSIND and State Lottery records came out in 2010. Cheater.

So we've got a lovely Dutchman bringing in some truths!

Yo!
I made a nice top ten for 2011 for you.
It was hard as hell but here goes, incl. some catchphrases for the albums.
Hope to see you in Jan/Feb when we come over again!? And hope to see lots of Sweet Empire's This Season Needs Torches in other people's top 10 haha.
Cheers,
Jort

1. Dauntless Elite - More Bloody Bad News
Catchy as hell, nice poppy guitar lines, can't resist to sing along to.

2. Crazy Arm - Union City Breath
Musically and textually outstanding work.

3. The Slow Death - Born Ugly Got Worse
I dare to say Off With Their Heads' sound has been improved.

4. Fights & Fires - Proof That Ghosts Exist
For the hard rocking evenings drinking whisky.

5. The Horrible Crowes - Elsie
For the quiet evenings drinking whisky.

6. Banquets - Top Button Bottom Shelf
One of the best punk rock vocalists at the moment in my opinion and, again, catchy as hell.

7. The Copyrights - North Sentinel Island
Great sing-a-long pop punk, with a metal sounding intro to the album.

8. House Boat - The Thorns Of Life
Great sing-a-long pop punk, without a metal sounding intro.

9. Swingin’ Utters - Here, Under Protest
Back with an amazing album, one of their best to date I reckon.

10. Bangers - Small Pleasures
No explanation needed I hope, just a great album.

Honorable mentions:
And So I Watch You From Afar - Gangs
Bratpack - Stupidity Returns
Caves - Homeward Bound
The Computers - This Is...
Great Cynics - Don't Need Much
The Living Daylights - What Keeps You Breathing

Top 10 Records of 2011: Nathan Stephens-Griffin

2011-12-13T12:14:00.000Z

One half of the great acoustic duo ONSIND, Nathan, has compiled a list of his favourite records of the year. ONSIND are from Pity Me, Durham and recently released a three-way split record with Apologies, i have none and Calvinball. You can buy/stream it here. Look out for them playing Manchester early next year.

Top 10 Records of 2011.

I have to be honest, Ihaven’t listened to much new music this year, so I’m a little out of the loopwhen it comes to the DIY punk zeitgeist. Apologies if that means I’ve missed anyclassics (feel free to let me know). Also, I’ve only included one UK basedband, just to mix it up a bit. Anyway, enough introducing. Here’s a list ofstuff I’ve liked that came out this year (at least I think it all came out thisyear)! It’s not in any particular order!

· Momentum-Whetting Occam’s Razor

Fulldisclosure. I’ve known Joe (the drummer in this London-based band) since he wasborn (several weeks prematurely, I might add). He’s from Pity Me, Durham andhe’s one of my absolute favourite human beings. I have this theory that thereason he was so desperate to get into the world early was so that he could geton with worshiping Satan and practicing his black metal drumming as soon aspossible. And thank the Devil he did, because honestly, he is absolutely fuckingsick. And not in a session drummer, everything runs like clockwork kind of way,but in a “What the fuck is he doing? Oh Jesus! My face is melting! This isamazing!” kind of way. The band also features members of Fall of Efrafa andPlague Mass, and they play ace, dark, heavy punk rock. Totally amazing! Can’twait for them to start touring!

· Tenement- NapalmDream

You,like me, probably heard lots of people raving about this online when it cameout, which is always a little annoying when you don’t know what they aretalking about. Like being on the outside of an in-joke. Well, I’m glad theyraved, because this is great! A refreshing break from what can be a prettysamey genre. Good samples too. At least, I assume they’re samples. It mightjust be one of the band talking in a sample-esque way. Let’s face it; I’malready way out of my depth here. Who cares? This record is super cool.

· Glasses- The Illsof Life

Thislot are just great. You’ve got to see them live (you probably already havethough). They just have something very special about them, and get that balancebetween what I (and no one else in the world would ever) call ‘biker riffs’,and chaotic hardcore just right. I could watch their drummer all day. But I’vetalked enough about bloody drummers.

· The Steve AdamykBand- Forever Won’t Wait

TheseOttawan’s have been around for a while, but this is their first release onDirtnap, which, once you’ve heard them, will be surprising. Maybe it’s becausethey’re Canadian that it took so long for them to hook up, but they are an absolutely perfect fit. As far asgarage punk, power-pop goes, they do everything right, but stay just the rightside of seeming too derivative.

· Wolfs- Demo Tape

Ipicked up this tape when I was in Columbus Ohio, staying at Amanda’s (who plays bass) house whilst Onsind was ontour. I know! Get me, eh? Humblebrag or what? Anyway, it’s really, really good,delicate pop music. Lovely, lo-fi, poetic stuff. Well worth downloading! I’ve listenedto this a lot this year.

· Hatred Surge-Deconstruct

Justthought I’d throw in some (semi) contemporary power violence for good measure.I try to stay posi, and eat my greens etc. But sometimes, you just need a bandlike this to get you through the walk through town. Br00tal. I think this originally came out in 2009, butit was rereleased this year by an Australian label called ‘Blackasfuck’, so Ithink it counts.

· The Estranged-Subliminal Man

AnotherDirtnap release (sorry). But this is great. It’s like the Cure or something.It’s way less angry than their previous stuff, instead they’ve opted for a kindof atmospheric, spacey kind of thing. I really like it. Plus my friend JC isgoing through a weird Goth phase at the minute, so this is a useful compromise.

· Laura Stevensonand the Cans- Sit Resist

Thisis a beautiful album, by a very talented bunch of people. I’m not a hugelytalented musician, I make no bones about it; I play to my strengths and I rarelyfeel self-conscious about my flaws. Yet whenever I see or hear Laura Stevensonsing and play I feel waves of embarrassment at my musical inadequacy. But onceI get over that, I could listen to this on repeat all day.

· Spraynard-Funtitled

I’mchuffed that Mike Park has given them some the backing they deserve byreleasing this album through Asian Man. They really are amazing folks, withgreat politics and a super positive attitude. Musically they fit into thatwhole post-latterman, pop-punk scene which has admittedly spawned a lot ofbands who took the sound and aesthetic of the long island DIY scene, whilstconveniently ignoring the ethic. These chaps do it proper! Great stuff.

· Spoonboy- ThePapas

DavidCombs is the Charles Dickens of folk punk. Or something. No seriously, he’s anamazing story teller and songwriter, and this album says so much, in such anuanced and interesting way, that it was always bound to be a favourite of mineIt’s basically a withering critique of contemporary Western gender roles andhow oppressive constructions of masculinity and femininity serve to alienateand punish those who don’t fit in. Can’t say that about many albums. It coverstopics as difficult as domestic violence, self-harm, suicide and mentalillness. It’s at times deeply personal and difficult to listen to (as in ‘TheMamas and The Papas’), but the whole thing is absolutely beautiful. And thebacking band is Nana Grizol. What more could you possibly ask for? I get confusedwhen I think about how overlooked Spoonboy (and his pop punk band The MaxLevine Ensemble) are in the UK compared to the US. Come on UK punks! Put downthe Iron Chic LP for a minute and listen to this stuff! It’s amazing!

That’sall from me.

Thanks for reading.

LoveNathan.

Top 10 Records of 2011: James Hull (Leagues Apart)

2011-12-12T12:42:00.003Z

James actually wrote one for his own rockstar tumblr, but seeing as the punx are slow at getting back to me I'll steal James' Top 10. Czech it out...

Top 10 Album’s of 2011:

1. Richmond Fontaine- The High Country-

What else would be top? The High Country is a sparse yet sprawling masterpiece filled with atmosphere and the occasional bit of rocking. The album’s written as a kind of musical novel with a smattering of spoken word fragments set against creeping acoustic guitars. I’d describe the whole experience as misty. I’m a huge fan of Willy Vlautin’s books and Richmond Fontaine so to have the two merge so successfully was a real treat.

2. Defeater- Empty Days and Sleepless Nights -

Another concept record! Defeater are my favourite hardcore band, in fact one of the only hardcore bands that I even listen to. This record went back to tell the story of the other brother from their debut album Travels. Some of the songs are complete face melters like Empty Glass but it’s the last track that just bubbles away for over five minutes then suddenly cuts out at a key moment in the story that gets me every time.

3. The Descemberists- The King Is Dead -

Something of a departure for the Descemberists here to a more Americana type sound and by god does it work. Having Peter Buck popping up on 12-string guitar along the way doesn’t hurt either. Down By The Water is probably my favourite song of the year.

4. Red City Radio- The Dangers of Standing Still -

Pop punk record of the year hands down. More harmonies than a buddhist retreat. More hits than a fuzzy cat being racist on a tram. More shredding than Conrad Black’s secretary. Basically it’s everything an ideal melodic punk record should be.

5. PJ Harvey- Let England Shake-

One of two notable albums this year with overtly anglophilic titles, the other of course being by a young man from Hampshire. I think PJ Harvey’s effort though is better of the two in their (I’ll admit completely converging) approaches to ‘Englishness’ (urgh horrible word.) She manages to make dark haunting songs about war and loss and twisted patriotism sound so fucking cool. She’s scratching into England’s soil and spitting out the dirt.

6. Great Cynics- Don’t Need Much -

The jokes over, I’m breaking rank, Giles is incredible and this is an incredible record. Boy done good.

7. The Mountain Goats- All Eternals Deck-

Not the strongest Mountain Goats record in history but still good enough to blow most other things away. John Darnielle is fast cementing his reputation as one of the greatest living songwriters. Damn These Vampires, High Hawk Season and Outer Scorpion Squadron are all testament to that. This though is something of a quirky record, I get the feeling there was a lot of playing around which leads to the whole thing feeling a little unfocused. It’s still been on a regular listening cycle since it came out though.

8. The Frontbottoms- The Front Bottoms -

I first heard this fairly recently as we were driving to the airport after Fest. My initial thought was ‘what the fuck is this nasally irritating shit’ then I noticed I was tapping both legs and humming the melody. The Front Bottoms got me and have not let go since. They’re insanely catchy and lyrically interesting while at the same time being almost a dance band and that’s just fantastic.

9. Crazy Arm- Union City Breath -

Hi we’re Crazy Arm, oh I see your entire face has already melted, sorry about that.

10. Bangers- Small Pleasures -

My favourite thing of the many things to enjoy about this record is the very first bar of the very first song sounds like you’ve stumbled middway through another song. It’s kind of a lethargic breakdown which does not sound like the start of an album then suddenly it kicks in a Roo starts picking everything apart from hermogeneous high streets to the questions we all ask about growing up and our place in the world. Great record.

The Menzingers - Full Acoustic Set at FEST 10.

2011-12-11T00:31:00.001Z

Searching round the internet in order to procrastinate I stumbled across this gem. Some old songs, some brand new songs, and some in the middle. Lovely set.

Top 10 Records of 2011: Si Rutherford (Watch Commander)

2011-12-10T23:27:00.001Z

Preaching the Sunday sermon is Si Rutherford who sings and plays guitar in Watch Commander.

Wrote a sentence or two for each one, not sure if that's what you were after but it's done so F U.

No particular order:

Touché Amoré - Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me

20 minutes of pure expression, recorded in a live setting, capturing all the power and honesty that music should.

Red City Radio - The Dangers of Standing Still

Perfect singalong punk rock from Oklahoma, with enough woahs and vocal harmonies to last all year. Enjoyable from start to finish.

La Dispute - Wildlife

An hour of beautifully bleak soundscapes, lyrically and musically awesome.

Balance and Composure - Seperation

Patiently put together, being miserable sometimes pays off.

Crazy Arm - Union City Breath

A band the UK punk scene should be proud of. Unique and powerful, brilliant folkpunk songcraft.

Polar Bear Club - Clash. Battle. Guilt. Pride.

Despite thinking half of this album drifts into mediocrity, the first half of this record is musically up there with the best they've done and easily beats most others.

I Am The Avalanche - Avalanche United

I actually don't like this album that much, I started to see it as kind of adolescent (I'm obviously pretty shit at putting together this list). Regardless, they put together a classic straight up mainstream punk/rock record.

Defeater - Empty Days and Sleepless Nights

Still setting the hardcore standard in terms of thoughtfulness and relevance.

Spraynard - Funtitled

Charming and fun, soundtrack to a good day.

Captain, We're Sinking - The Ballad of Ichabod Crane

Yeah it's an EP, but those three songs are fucking great.

Notables - Banner Pilot, Fucked Up, Seahaven

UK notables - Bangers, Great Cynics, Living Daylights, Basement

Top 10 Records of 2011: Jimmy Islip (Loads of Bands)

2011-12-10T13:11:00.001Z

Next in the series we've got Jimmy Islip from, well, Jimmy Islip. He also plays in That Fucking Tank, Milloy and The Magnificent and probably a few more bands too. He's currently on tour with TFT and they finish up in the UK and you can see the dates here. Anyway, here are Jimmy's Top 10 Records of 2011 "in no particular order".

In Zaire / Skull Defekts - Split 12" - Bueno DIY Italia afro-beats meets Swedish drones.
Austin Lucas - A New Home in the Old World - The only person I know who is good enough to be in The Eagles.
Shield Your Eyes - Volume 4 - An effort to recreate the opening principles of 1970's blues rock.
Chuck Ragan - Covering Ground - Soul music dug from the earth and fished from the Ocean.
The Bomb - Challenger - Houston, we have a problem.
Tom Waits - Bad As Me - Not bad, it's good actually.
Bangers - Small Pleasures - I'd love to see these chaps square off with Reef.
Hookworms - S/T - The latest Spacemen 3 type stuff from Leeds and it's good.
Kogumaza - S/T - Planets collide and cosmic energy flows.
All Eyes West - S/T - Grow your hair long and put on a dirty shirt.

That puts Bangers at the top of the pile with 3 now!

Top 10 Records of 2011: Chris Lafferty (Sunday League)

2011-12-09T16:38:00.001Z

Sunday League are a mint emotional band from t'north. Throwing Stuff played with them in Sheffield and they really impressed me. Anyway, their singer Chris has compiled his favourite records that got released this year.

Catch Sunday League at a gig in Manchester in March 2012...

Tomorrow is Jimmy Islip day!

Top 10 Records of 2011: Jonathan Minto (Caves)

2011-12-07T23:52:00.001Z

Next along the line to tell us their Top 10 Records of 2011 is Jonathan "Minty" Minto, from Bristol pop-punk 3-piece Caves.

Yo...Top 10 rekkerdz...bestest to less bested.

So that's 2 for Joyce Manor and 2 for Bangers. Leading the pack so far! Tomorrow we'll have Chris Lafferty from Sunday League's Top 10!

Top 10 Records of 2011: Dave Wolinski (Calvinball)

2011-12-07T09:02:00.001Z

The next person in our series of "Top 10s" is Dave Wolinski from Calvinball. He kind of cheated by adding another 6 albums but I owe him money so I'll let him off.

Top Ten (well 16 really...) In no particular order...

Dikembe - Chicago Bowls EP
Even though it’s just a 4 track EP coming in under 10 minutes, I’ve probably clocked up more time listening to it than most albums on this list. Poppy, twiddly, punky...it’s ace. It reminds me of early (but better) Moneen (in fact, dig out Moneen’s album Are We Really Happy With Who We Are Right Now and listen to if you haven’t already). You can hear a track called Librarians Kill For That Kind of Quiet that’s gonna be on Dikembe’s full length somewhere on the internet. Go do that, it doesn’t disappoint. I tried to get Kieran 'MovingNorth' Kelly to go watch these guys with me at Fest. He was too busy getting a crudely drawn bat tattooed on his chest or something. His loss.

Joyce Manor - Self-Titled
I’m gonna go out there and say this is my favourite on this list. 20 minutes of messy, catchy, pop punk. Unpolished, rough, simple, guitar, with great lyrics. Just fucking awesome. Every song sticks in your head. And the album closer Constant Headache is one of those songs you just wish you’d written.

Circle Takes the Square - Rites of Initiation
This is the first chapter of their new album Decompositions Volume 1. I think screamo post-hardcore is kinda the official term...but it doesn’t do them justice. They’ve always been about the dramatic, and i love it. It’s taken them 7 years to release this since their last album. They’re over in the UK in February, touring with Kylesa. It’s gonna be mint. See you at The Well, Leeds.

The Smith Street Band - No One Gets Lost Anymore
I was a bit of a late comer to this, but our friend Paul gave Calvinball this CD for the trip home after a show in Southampton. About 4 songs in I called bagsies on the CD and have listened to it at least once every day since. Australian bands don’t crop up that often, maybe just because they’re so far away, but this album shows they’ve got some gems.

The Slow Death - Born Ugly, Got Worse
I had the pleasure of touring down to Fest with these guys. They’re some kind of super-group I guess - basically a bunch of wasters from other bands. This album is drunk country punk at it’s finest. I heard them play most of it for 8 days in a row, but it was still the first album I put on as soon as I got home.

The Lonely Island - Turtleneck and Chain
Of course. I’m not even sure I need to justify this. This album was a huge hit all through our european tour in the summer. Not just because their songs are funny, but because they’re massive fucking pop tunes too. I can’t get enough of really well produced pop. Akon being on the first single from this album got me excited before it had even come out, and it just got better once it had.

Cher Lloyd - Sticks + Stones
Okay, okay, you may think this is either to try be funny or ironic but seriously I’m not. I might be being swayed by how fresh in my head it is, and I may be bored of it soon, but right now I’m not. Like I just mentioned, i fucking love well produced pop. Normally this consists of loving singles and the odd track of pop albums. But normally these albums are ruined by lame ballads (i.e. 4 by Beyonce - Countdown is a tune, the album is piss poor). Sticks + Stones, however, is a half hour awesome mix of Lily Allen and M.I.A kinda stuff. The beats are so catchy. With just one proper ballad, this album isn’t ruined. I Really like it.

Laura Stevenson and the Cans - Sit Resist
I fell in love with Laura Stevenson when I first heard the song Baby Bones. I fell in love with her boyfriend, Mike Campbell, when he was in Latterman. I met them as a couple when they came over to tour the first album as an acoustic duo. I was blown away. That tour consisted of rooms full of silent people watching with amazement as this voice appeared out of Laura. Since then they’ve released this album. Now it doesn’t do anything drastically new, it’s an indie-folk record. But it does it so much better than the rest. Such bittersweet lyrics are what really sets it apart. I can’t tell you how many times Laura Stevenson has sung me to sleep.

The Wonder Years - Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing
So I quickly passed this album off as just another want to be New Found Glory album...I was wrong. This is a album about getting old, and being stuck in dead ends. I can relate. Once I gave it a chance, I listened to it on repeat (Except that awful acoustic song. Gotta skip that) whilst I packed ALL my shit up to move from London back to Manchester...and that’s a lot of shit. “My heart keeps saying stay young. My lower back seems to disagree...” nuff said.

Small Brown Bike - Fell & Found
I’m not sure if my thoughts are clouded on this because I was so scared it was gonna disappoint. But I’m putting it in anyway, because fair play to a band with such an awesome back catalogue to to reform and put out such a great album. Mike Reed’s voice doesn’t quite have the power it once did, but they clearly knew that and adapted. Tracks like Fell & Found and Sleep River Sleep are enough to warrant this inclusion.

And because just choosing ten was hard - Honorary mentions:
Red City Radio - The Dangers of Standing
StillReally well polished pop punk record. The opening song An Introduction of Sorts sums up the album instantly. And my life. Didn’t make it in mainly because I haven’t listened to it as much recently, but when it comes to end of the year lists, think they’ve paid the price of bringing an album out in February.

‘Great’ Cynics - Don’t Need Much
Awesome, but doesn’t get in because Giles is a div. Plus apparently he doesn’t need much, so getting in my top ten would only clog his sparse life.

Caves/Bangers - Homeward Bound/Small Pleasures
These two had to make way mainly because I knew most people would have them in their top ten anyway. Both amazing albums, but having been hearing the songs live for ages, the albums don’t even feel like they came out this year!

The Front Bottoms - Self-Titled
Really, really great, but doesn’t get in because I’d already heard half the album on the ep. Was pretty annoyed about that when the album came out. Took me a while to get in to it for that reason.

Polinski - Labyrinths
Okay, if (like all of us) you secretly like chart dance music, and you just wish it was done better then check this album out. If you have a fondness for 80s computer games and crazy electronica then even better. Check out the video for Stitches ( http://youtu.be/1-KG7bhqUrg ).

Tomorrow we'll have Jonathan Minto (Minty) from Caves Top 10!

AUDIO: The Menzingers - The Obituaries (NEW SONG)

2011-12-06T17:04:00.001Z

The first song to be heard from the best album of 2012 has just been posted up by The Menzingers. It's called "The Obituaries" and it is, quite obviously, incredible.

The Menzingers - The Obituaries by Epitaph Records

Top 10 Records of 2011: Darren Johns (Crazy Arm)

2011-12-06T11:10:00.001Z

This festive period, we're going be compiling some Top 10 Records of 2011 lists from various folks from bands like ONSIND, Caves, The Menzingers, Watch Commander and more.
The first list was made by Darren Johns from Crazy Arm.

Crazy Arm also released an album this year called "Union City Breath" - I assume I'll be seeing it on future lists to come.

LUCA BRASI

2011-11-30T23:31:00.001Z

"To be totally honest the only Neighbours character I can think of is Harold?

I don't know if he's actually even real?" - Luca Brasi

Touring the east coast of America this year I met a bunch of great people, and a couple of those guys happened to be a pair of awesome dudes from Tasmania. Who else buys you a beer during D4 for remembering drunk names?

Anyway, it turns out these guys were in a band called LUCA BRASI and I wanted to check them out so they sent me a link to this song.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://lucabrasipunkrock.bandcamp.com/album/extended-family"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Extended Family by Luca Brasi&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

It's a banger, and I got hold of their debut full length "Extended Family" and I love it. "Theme Song from HQ" is such an anthem, I can really see people getting into this.
I sent over a few questions to shed some light on the guys, here's the responses I got back...

Who are Luca Brasi and how'd did the band come about?
Luca Brasi are a four piece punk/complete nonsense band from North East Tasmania, Australia.

We came about when Tom (lead guitar) and Tyler (lead vox, bass) started writing and playing some stuff on acoustics. Dobbo (guitars/back up vox) became available as did Saxon (drums) and we just went for it. Worked out a damn good time, so we kept at it.

What 3 things do Luca Brasi give a fuck about?
Our friends

Having a good time

People who are kind enough to listen to us

What 3 things do Luca Brasi not give a fuck about?
Violent fucking pricks

Shit times

People who aren't kind enough to listen to us

What's the scene like where you guys starting playing?
The scene here in Tassie is fairly small, there's some great fucking bands from here such as The Scandal, Your Demise (far better than the one you know!) and Ride The Tiger.
The Australian scene is fucking awesome. So many good bands and people to play shows and party with.

Australian bands don't really get much press around here, who are some good bands to check out?
Check out A Death In The Family, The Gifthorse, Headaches, Grim Fandango, The Smith St Band (MOVING NORTH BACKS THIS) and you'll have yourself a damn good start into Aussie punk.

What's the subject matter being talked about in your songs?
Songs on the album "Extended Family" are mainly about figuring out stuff out about life, mates that are there to help and making the most of what you got.

Luca Brasi's high point to date?
High point to date for us would have to be putting out a record, it's just insane. People actually come to watch and listen to our music. Fucking mindblowing and humbling.

Luca Brasi's low point to date?
Oh man it's all been pretty sweet, worst thing I can think of is venue closures which are totally fucked. Bands that play covers still get shows at stupid pubs and guys out there putting everything they've got into original music can't even book a show sometimes.

What's next in the pipeline for you, and when're you gonna come over here?For us is to tour mate! We've got our first Aussie tour coming up in Jan/Feb. (Getting away from Tassie to play on the mainland isn't all that easy or cheap). Then a new album and hopefully over your way by Christmas next year is our plan!

Who's your all-time favourite character from Neighbours?
To be totally honest the only Neighbours character I can think of is Harold? I don't know if he's actually even real? Was there a chubby guy with a beard called Toady? I prefer Gary from Men Behaving Badly!

Video for "Theme Song from HQ"

Luca Brasi - H.Q from L.U.S.Y Productions on Vimeo.

Get at Luca Brasi on Twitter / Facebook / Tumblr / Bandcamp / Bigcartel

VIDEO: Captain, We're Sinking - LIVE AT FEST 10

2011-11-29T22:51:00.001Z

A video just popped up of Captain, We're Sinking playing the last two songs of their set at 1982 in Florida at this years FEST 10. Professional musicians.

Go and listen to DIKEMBE.

2011-11-27T01:39:00.000Z

Quick music recommendation for you all. DIKEMBE are from Gainesville, FL and I was told to go and watch them at FEST by Dave Calvinball but unfortunately other things cropped up and I missed them, it's taken me until now to actually listen to them, and shiiiiit they're good.

You can download their EP "Chicago Bowls" from mediafire HERE. They're a hard-hitting twiddly, anthemic band. Listen to them, you will not regret it.

PS. Anything that samples "Freaks and Geeks" is an immediate winner in my book.

CUT IT UP - New Clubnight for Manchester.

2011-11-25T19:21:00.002Z

So, a lot of people have been complaining about the lack of things to do in Manchester mid-week that isn't Satans Hollow on a Tuesday night for free bar or Rockbox on a Thursday. So we've decided to just start a clubnight ourselves. Here's some brief information:

Location: It's at BASE BAR, on Charles St, Manchester. It's the road in between the Spar on Oxford Road and Joshua Brooks.
When: CUT IT UP is going to be happening on every 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Why: We wanted somewhere to go out on a Wednesday night that played great music, played whatever was requested, had cheap booze, a nice venue and rad people. Couldn't find it, so we started it.
What else? It's going to be cheap in, we're gonna have bands playing sometimes, we're gonna have special guest DJs other times.

Your support would be very appreciated in this new venture of ours.

Calvinball and Leagues Apart are playing a free acoustic show tomorrow...

2011-11-22T00:09:00.000Z

Yup. Tomorrow at The Garrett (next to 5th Ave) there's a free acoustic gig on with a cracking line up. Emma Hallows is opening up then you've got the incredible Helen Chambers too. Leagues Apart are playing acoustic and Calvinball topping off the night acoustically too. I imagine it'll be like this but with less members (and white russians).

Calvinball - Brighter Lights from If You Make It on Vimeo.

Come down from 7pm, The Garrett has real cheap drinks and is always a good time. BARRY!

VIDEO: Wegrowbears - Peasants Revolt

2011-11-18T13:20:00.000Z

History punks Wegrowbeards have just posted the video for their song "Peasants Revolt". It's absolutely amazing, take a look and get an education you bum.

WTFest 3-D in Southampton starts tomorrow...

2011-11-16T13:38:00.000Z

WTFest is a weekend festival that happens in Southampton every year featuring some of the best underground UK bands around and some bigger acts from around the world. I went a couple of years ago and had a great time minus the shocking hangover on my 6am walk to the train station the next day.

It kicks off with a house show tomorrow with Calvinball and Corrigan playing. Then the line up goes:

So yeah, it's going to be pretty ace and I'm gutted I can't go.

3-Way Split 12" feat. Calvinball / ONSIND / Apologies, I Have None

2011-11-10T17:37:00.002Z

About a couple of years ago now, Calvinball + ONSIND + Apologies, I Have None went on tour together and came up with a cool idea of releasing a record of each band covering a song from the other two bands.
Because at least two of the three bands involved have a very slow output of music, it's taken until now to come to fruition thanks to the good folks at Specialist Subject Records who are releasing it as a 12".
It's limited to 500 copies on black one-sided vinyl and 100 of those copies come with a screen-printed B-Side. First 50 pre-orders get the /100 screen-printed version and the other 50 will be available at the release show on 16th November at The Old Blue Last in London.
PRE-ORDER HERE.

Split 12" by Calvinball / ONSIND / Apologies, I Have None

VIDEO: The Menzingers - Eulogy (The Flatliners)

2011-11-10T10:25:00.002Z

The Menzingers and The Flatliners were playing at the same time as each other at this years FEST 10 in Gainesville, so they decided to cover one of each others songs. The Menzingers covered 'Eulogy' and here's a video of it...

Jimmy Islip - 1990

2011-11-09T21:19:00.000Z

Here's one of the three songs that Jimmy recorded for the split record with Chuck Ragan, Helen Chambers and Sam Russo.

&amp;lt;a href="http://specialistsubject.bandcamp.com/track/1990"&amp;gt;1990 by Jimmy Islip&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Comadre cover At The Drive-In...

2011-11-08T12:12:00.000Z

On the last day of FEST this year, Holiday Inn got together with the organisers of The Fest and put on a little cover band band party to finish off the weekend. Bomb The Music Industry! covered The Weakerthans, The Flatliners covered Rocket From The Crypt, The Arteries and Zock Astpai covered AC/DC and some other band I can't remember right now covered The Replacements. Oh, and Comadre covered three songs of At The Drive-In. They've just posted videos for all three songs, and it just reminded me how amazing it was.

LAST MINUTE SAM RUSSO SHOW THIS SATURDAY!

2011-11-08T02:08:00.000Z

I say last minute...You've got the rest of the week to cancel your weekend plans and re-route your budget to this show...

Sam gave me a text at the weekend asking who was around in Manchester as he wanted to drive his new car around a bit. So we organised a bit of a show where we can all chill out and sing some songs. It's free entry and at a new venue called BASE BAR. It's just along the same street as Joshua Brooks and 5th Avenue, opposite the SPAR on Oxford Road. Come down from 8pm, let's have a swell time.

Off to Richmond...

2011-10-24T15:49:00.000+01:00

Last night was the house show in Philly and it was pretty cool as expected. I did a stage dived directly onto my head and pretty much bounced right back to standing from it, that was fun.
Afterparty with the guys of Captain, We're Sinking and a few donuts and Four Lokos later I was unconcious on the couch. Lovely evening.

Today we start the drive to Florida through Richmond, Atlanta, Orlando and Naples. It's gonna get hot, sticky and racist I hear.

'merica.

Piss.

2011-10-23T09:54:00.000+01:00

Back in Philly after hitting Boston, New York, New Jersey and Baltimore. Baltimore tonight was awesome, I proposed to the barmaid, Tony gave me his drinks tickets and I got like six bucks in tips. But I also kept thinking about 6:30am the night before in New Jersey when I dropped my phone into a toilet, that was rubbish.

The Menzingers new songs...Wow. Absolute TUNES. Watching The Flatliners every night is rubbish though, Chris is the meanest dude and they all got their phones out and started gloating about my piss phone, I hate those Canadians. Except their manager Dorian, he's pretty.

We're playing Philly tomorrow (Sunday) in a Art space with 200 capacity. It's going to be stupid and we've been promised a keg.

I hope it's like American Pie.

Day One - Cambridge, MA.

2011-10-19T14:12:00.000+01:00

Tonight is the first show of the tour and it's at The Middle East in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Yesterday Tom, Eric and Lauren picked us up (except Dave) from JFK in New York and told us we'd be going to see Nothington and Cobra Skulls tonight, alright then!
Whilst, Greg and Joe went to pick up Dave at Philly airport. Then Greg and Dave went to see NOFX and Anti-Flag. There seems to be a lot going on in Philly!

After lots of beers, we came back to Menzinger House and passed out. $1 pizza slices are my favourite thing.

Sam Russo live on The Revival Tour at Shepherds Bush Empire.

2011-10-16T14:22:00.001+01:00

Anyone that's even vaguely followed this website should be aware of my love for Sam Russo. Anyone who's visiting this site for the first time, I love Sam Russo.

Sam Russo got the chance to play a song of his to 2,000 people last night as The Revival Tour hit London's Shepherd's Bush Empire. The Revival Tour consists of Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem), Dan Andriano (Alkaline Trio), Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music) and Dave Hause (The Loved Ones). When they played Manchester it was definitely one of the better "big" shows I've been too.

This is Sam playing "Rattling Keys" with some help from Chuck Ragan, Helen Chambers and Jimmy Islip. There is a 4-way split 12" available with three songs from each artist, it's pretty. The first press on black vinyl has sold out, however you can now pre-order a copy of the 2nd Clear press from Sam's store HERE.

Alternatively, you can download all the songs on iTunes from HERE.

The "Does This Tour Have A Name Yet" Tour.

2011-10-14T18:08:00.000+01:00

The Menzingers - I Was Born

The Flatliners - Monumental

Broadway Calls - Save Our Ship/Call It Off

The Arteries - Don't Come Around

Leagues Apart - Davey and the Slick Cigarettes

Long time, no post...

2011-10-13T18:21:00.000+01:00

Where have I been? Getting to grips with my final year of University is the answer. However in true 'punx' fashion, I will be sacking Uni off to go and sling merch and prolong the lives of Leagues Apart on their first ever USA tour. So expect some video updates, show reviews, tour diary entries, and pictures of James Hull in questionable situations in the near future.

The tour in question is with The Menzingers, The Flatliners, Broadway Calls, The Arteries and Leagues Apart going through: Cambridge, MA - Amityville, NY - Asbury Lanes, NJ - Baltimore, MD - Philadelphia, PA - Richmond, VA - Atlanta, GA - Orlando, FL - Naples, FL and finally ending up at FEST 10.

So chances are someone will get arrested, someone will get shot and someone will be left behind. Will try and keep this updated as much as possible over there!

Here's a video from the first ever Leagues Apart tour.

2011-09-05T18:47:00.000+01:00

So, I haven't updated this in a while, this is mainly due to touring with a load of awesome bands and people. I'm just gonna post some awesome videos that have gone up in the last week or so and a flyer for a gig that y'all Manchester folk should get down to tomorrow night.

First: Hot Water Music covering "True Believers (Bouncing Souls)" at Reading Festival - A total boast of a post, me and my friends singing on stage at Reading with HWM is one of the best things to ever happen.

Second: Sharks new video for their song "Sweet Harness" - Great catchy song from Sharks who're from Leamington Spa and seem to have blown everyone away in America that they've played too in the last 10 months or so. Hope they do the same when they eventually tour the UK.

Third: Crazy Arm did a video for their epic new single "Tribes" - I absolutely love this band, love this song and this video. Cannot wait for their new album.

Lastly, come to this show tomorrow at The Garrett. It's right next to 5th Ave you Indie loving bastard. Giles is playing solo, Jimmy Mags is always worth a watch and obviously, so is Crywank. Kelly had to pull out but Louise Distras has filled in! Go and watch some great music for FREE. Boom.

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=258402054186143

Cory Branan denied entry.

2011-08-11T13:16:00.000+01:00

"UK dates cancelled. Short version- Paperwork problem+ bureaucracy= refusal of entry. W/Remainder of

exponential jet lag & disappointment."

I am absoluetly gutted to be posting this. Cory Branan has been denied entry to the UK due to paperwork/red tape. We got the right papers done, but in order for them to take effect, the Immigration workers said he'd have to fly home, and re-start the trip from the U.S.A. And as Cory, nor the rest of us, are made of money, this made it impossible.

All the shows are still going ahead as planned, possibly getting someone to join us too. Doors at 7pm now for the Manchester show, don't forget the raffle for the Leeds Fest tickets!

Band profile: CRAZY ARM

2011-08-08T17:29:00.001+01:00

I was thinking of an opening paragraph to describe Crazy Arm, then I went on last.fm and it had already been summed up...

"From Devon, hard-twang, roots-punk quartet, Crazy Arm, properly set up camp in mid-2006. Not easy to categorise, and all the better for it, the band’s sound is an accumulation of decades of influence and inspiration: rooted in hardcore/punk, ‘60s protest folk/country and classic rock’n’roll, combined with a grass-roots political overview that embraces anti-war, anti-fascist and pro-community activism. "

They've been handpicked to support Against Me! on their November UK tour, after previous tours with Chuck Ragan and Frank Turner.

Here is the song 'Still To Keep' which first got me into Crazy Arm, then go and get hold of their album "Born To Ruin" if you haven't already. Their 2nd album will be out in September.

Crazy Arm - Still To Keep by movingnorth

Crazy Arm will be headlining The Tiger Lounge this coming Sunday (14th August) alongside Cory Branan / Apologies, I Have None / The Living Daylights / Sam Russo and James Hull. James is on at 6:45pm. Come on down.

WIN A PAIR OF DAY TICKETS TO LEEDS FESTIVAL.

2011-08-06T19:38:00.000+01:00

If 6 great bands and 2-4-1 cocktails wasn't good enough for you, we'll now be raffling off a pair of day tickets to Leeds Festival!

The tickets are for FRIDAY and you'll get to see bands like Descendents, The Menzingers, Bedouin Soundclash, Hot Water Music, Ed Sheeran, Your Demise, Frank Turner, Muse and others!

Probably do £1 gets you a line of raffle tickets, that's FOUR chances of winning. Alriiiiiiiiiiight.

SO, SUNDAY AUGUST 14th GET DOWN TO TIGER LOUNGE IN MANCHESTER FOR THIS SWEET GIG!

2011-08-02T20:55:00.001+01:00

Interview with Darren from Crazy Arm.

2011-07-31T18:49:00.001+01:00

I sent over Darren some questions to answer before we all go out on the road together for the tour. Here's what he said!

Crazy Arm are about to embark on their first ever acoustic tour, how are you guys feeling about it and what made you unplug for this tour?

We’re feeling excited and a bit nervous! We were asked to do an acoustic show last November in a local Plymouth venue so we added a few extras like fiddle, banjo and female vocals, threw in some covers, and it went down a treat. Most of our songs were written on an acoustic guitar in the first place so they translated really well. And it allows for more diversity, with people coming and going throughout the set.

Your second album is all recorded and ready right? When's it coming out and what does it sound like?

It’s pretty much in the bag at last. It should be out in late September on Xtra Mile and it sounds like another sprawling mess of rock, punk and roots/country music with vague political allusions, just like the first one. I think it’s a far grittier record at one end of the spectrum and a far prettier record at the other.

Touring with Frank Turner and Chuck Ragan must have been a great experience. How did it come around, and have you seen any difference since then regarding people’s interest in the band?

Frank heard us through the label, fell in love with us, bless him, and offered to take us on tour. That’s pretty much how it happened. And to get on a tour with Chuck at the same time was something of a Godsend. It was amazing from beginning to end and we’re eternally thankful. The band’s profile increased about 500% after that, not that I did the maths. It was interesting to play to huge crowds of people who weren’t familiar with a more punk rock sound. I like to think we won a fair few of them over.

What's the ambition behind Crazy Arm?

I’m not sure I ever like this question. It’s tough enough staying together, touring and making records, and keeping our van on the road so the biggest ambition is continuity. And if we manage to do that, then the next goal is to be in a position where we can meet and play to people all around the world and release music that we’re proud of without compromising our ethos and without worrying about making ends meet back home.

Anything in particular you're looking forward to regarding this tour? Playing a few shows up North must be a nice change?

Yeah, we’ve been a bit slack at playing up north so it’ll be great to see some familiar faces that we haven’t seen for a while. We’ve also got a few northern dates on our album tour in September so nobody can complain for another six months! I’m particularly looking forward to being able to hear my voice clearly when I sing. That’s the one major benefit of playing acoustic guitars as we’re usually so fucking loud. Which, of course, we also enjoy very much. And the extra band members (Patrick Pearson on fiddle/keys, Vicky Butterfield on vocals) make such a sweet sound it’s a joy to listen to onstage.

What's the future got in store for Crazy Arm?

It’s a busy second half of the year for sure. Our new single ‘Tribes’ is out on 1^st August, Boardmasters Festival and the acoustic tour with Cory Branan in August, the album release and album tour in September and October, the Against Me! Europe and UK tour in November, and maybe a bid for the Festive Number One slot. A re-release of ‘Still To Keep’ with sleigh bells instead of hi-hats maybe? Hopefully, next year we’ll travel further afield, Scandinavia would be nice, and get a US release for our music, and play with some great bands. We’ll see. I don’t like to project too far into the future.

Finally, tell us something that not many people know about Crazy Arm.

Ummm, the four main members of Crazy Arm have a collective age of 125 years. I make up over a third of those years. I think everybody probably knows that by now though.

Band profile: CORY BRANAN

2011-07-28T17:48:00.000+01:00

Going to be doing some band profiles for the upcoming show on August 14th. First up...

CORY BRANAN

If you read this blog semi-regularly, chances are you've got some idea who this guy is now. He's an acoustic musician from Memphis, Tennessee. He's been travelling around and making songs since I was about 8 and is one of the most amazing live performers I've ever seen.
Imagine the charm of Brian Fallon from The Gaslight Anthem, mixed with the explosiveness and unpredictability of Willie from Cold Ones - and then you're somewhere near to what Cory is like live. He's got slow songs, fast songs, full band songs, solo songs, songs that you'll laugh at, songs that'll bring you to the brink of tears and songs that you'll just want to sing a long with. He really is a sight to behold, and I hope he doesn't read this!

Here is one song of his, A Girl Named Go, you can work out what it's about.
Cory Branan - A Girl Named Go by movingnorth

If you've been to a Dashboard Confessional show, you might have just seen Chris covering Cory songs. Cory has toured with Dashboard, done stints with Lucero, played on the Late Night With David Letterman Show and most recently toured the UK with Drag The River and Austin Lucas.

I cannot stress how good this guy is, he's got two songs on the free mixtape for the show and just look him up on youtube to get a taste. Then come to The Tiger Lounge on SUNDAY AUGUST 14th where he'll play alongside Crazy Arm / Apologies, I Have None / Sam Russo / The Living Daylights and James Hull.
Facebook Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171994752862276
Tickets: http://www.movingnorth.bigcartel.com/product/crazy-arm-cory-branan-apologies-i-have-none-sam-russo

VIDEO: Sam Russo - Dead End Roads

2011-07-27T22:32:00.002+01:00

Sam is playing Tiger Lounge on August 14th. Information at the top of the page.

Dead End Roads from J G Harding on Vimeo.

UNWELCOME GUESTS | THE 255s UK TOUR

2011-07-26T18:16:00.001+01:00

UNWELCOME GUESTS

Don’t Go Swimming is a breath of fresh air. The record is vastly different from mainstream punk rock. There is a little something for everyone in their music. Mixing the raw energy and heartfelt lyrics in the vein of Husker Du and catchy vocal melodies that are akin to those found on a Springsteen album, The Unwelcome Guests rock through songs leaving the listeners begging for more and the songs are sung with heartfelt conviction. From the poppy drunken sing-along style, to the slow heartbreak songs, to the country tinged mid-paced rockers.

"I'm not sure if the Unwelcome Guests would strictly be considered punk, but they're fuckin' great anyway." -MRR Review

THE 255s

The 255s are a 4-piece indie rock band from Manchester and Liverpool.

Formed as a Weakerthans/Piebald-inspired trio in 2007, they played with the likes of Leatherface, Chuck Ragan and Defiance, Ohio before releasing their debut album ‘Broadcasting’ as a free download.

In 2010 the band added volume in the form of a second guitarist/vocalist, before touring with Brothers of Exeter. Split 7”s followed with Unwelcome Guests (Kiss Of Death/ROIDH) and The State Lottery (All In Vinyl).

The tour dates are as follows

29th July - Cardiff - The Gower
30th July - Birmingham - The Wagon & Horses
31st July - Sheffield - The Redhouse
1st August - Durham - The Fish Tank
2nd - Liverpool - The Pilgrim
3rd - Cambridge - The Portland Arms
4th - Exeter - The Cavern
5th - London - Everything Sucks @ Cafe El Paso
6th - Basingstoke - The White Hart

-------------------------------------

Here is a link to the split with Unwelcome Guests.

http://www.kissofdeathrecords.com/KOD065_192kbps.zip

Note: Fence Sitter isn't actually on the vinyl.

Interview with Cory Branan.

2011-07-21T00:03:00.000+01:00

So, Cory Branan is coming over from the U-S of A next month for a tour with Crazy Arm and Sam Russo. I thought I'd send some questions his way.

For those unfamiliar with Cory Branan, what's the backstory?

Ummmm... well, i was born in Memphis, raised in Mississippi. Been driving around the states playing my junk for almost 12 years now.

I understand you've got a new record ready to go, just waiting for the right time and people to do it with? How is it sounding compared to the other LP's?

Yep- while lyrically kin, the songs on the new record are musically all over the place (even more so than the previous two records). The record is called MUTT, which is what i started calling my music years ago when people would ask the unfortunately ubiquitous question "what kind of music do you play?". Mutt music sounded like a graspable answer as opposed to "a grab-bag of american roots forms, folk, punk, and whatever the song craves".

Having toured on your own extensively, and also with other bands. What are some of the highs and lows you've experienced?

Well, offhand i'd say getting to open for Frank Black, and joining in with Elvis' band- Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana plus the late great Jim Dickinson on keys (mind you, this was at an awards show and i was just in group of WAY-backup vocals, but my Mom was in the crowd and yeah, that springs to mind as a high). As for lows, yeah, the usual that come with the job, but i can keep em prettymuch under bootheel.

So, you're about to come back to the UK for the 2nd time. How've you found it previously?

Couldnt be more excited to come back. I loved it last year- the only bad thing was we did say 45 shows in 46 days (which was great) but a schedule like that doesnt leave time to see much. I've given myself a week after this tour to be a goofy tourist. Ideas?

Have you got a favourite song to play live?

It's usually the newest thing ive written, but the last few are very dark and subdued and don't make generally don't make good clubshow songs. Not really a specific song per say because i don't make set lists and i try to stay up and out on a wire, but sometimes when you string right ones together instictively- yknow where the crowd stays up and out there with you- thats my favorite thing.

Do you ever play with a band anymore?

I've never toured extensively with a band. I'd love to be able to have a band, but to make a career out of music in the states i find i've had to pack light.

What's the overall ambition of Cory Branan, musically speaking?

Just to do good work that speaks to people.

What are you most looking forward to about the Crazy Arm/Sam Russo tour in August?

Meeting new folks- it's one of the true perks of the job. Also, Sam's taking us "punting" and i agreed to go- so when i finally look up what rhe fuck that means i'm sure i'll be excited. or terrified.

Finally, tell us something most people don't know about Cory Branan.

I don't care for watermelon. May sound trivial, but is blasphemous 'round here.

and he's fucking met SNOOP DOGG!

If you want to suggest place for Cory to go in his week off, hit him up on twitter @corybranan

TOUR POSTER

2011-07-19T19:25:00.003+01:00

DOWNLOAD THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS ALBUM - FOR FREE!

2011-07-14T21:08:00.000+01:00

"DOWNLOAD OUR WHOLE ALBUM FREE HERE!
We decided long before we recorded that we wanted to give the album away for free on our site so here it is, just click the link on the right side panel. Burn it to CD, stick it on your Ipod, send it to your friends, do with it as you will but please, instead, support us by using that money to come to see us on our tour or buy us a beer!
You’re probably thinking “why the hell have they pressed it to CD?!” Well we wanted to get some copies to sell at our shows for cheap (£5) and those who have already bought the CD will probably agree that they’d prefer something to hold in their hands and look at so it is still available on CD and soon to be on 12” too!" - TheLivingDaylightsUK.tumblr.com

CLICK HERE!

It's very good.

STREAM: Watch Commander - Closer To Home

2011-07-12T17:12:00.000+01:00

OK so here it is, Watch Commanders 2nd EP now streaming in full here before anywhere else. Watch Commander are a punk rock 4-piece from Worcester (Wuh-ster) and we interviewed them about a week ago, read that HERE.

Enjoy...

Closer To Home by Watch Commander

Boozehounds 7" Split - FREE DOWNLOAD

2011-07-08T18:32:00.000+01:00

Not Shy Of The DIY Records recently put out a split 7" featuring to UK bands (Calvinball & The Dauntless Elite) and two US bands (Mayflower and Rumspringer). You can now download the mp3s for this free by clicking HERE.

It's pretty good like.

VIRGIN MEDIA SHORTS

2011-07-07T22:59:00.002+01:00

Two of our good friends have entered videos into the Virgin Media Shorts competition, so here are their two videos, have a look, post some comments, pass them on or whatever. Ta-daa.

First off, J G Harding entered his video for Virgin Media Shoots featuring our favourite Sam Russo as a troubled, bearded chain smoker.

Had to un-embed it because it plays automatically. But go HERE to watch J G Harding's film.

Our friend Andrew Butler helped co-shot this one. Andy has shot some great films and videos, notably the Great Cynics video for 'Dave & Angela' that he shot in our house, he also filmed our interview with Dan Yemin.

Had to un-embed it because it plays automatically. But go HERE to watch Andy's film he helped co-shoot.

MN#21 - FREE MIXTAPE

2011-07-03T22:09:00.002+01:00

Hey y'all. Here's a mixtape with 2 songs from every band/artist playing the show in August. Even featuring a T-Pain remix of a James Hull Song.

CLICK HERE.

FLYER MN#21

2011-07-02T17:08:00.002+01:00

Thanks to William Exley!

STREAM: mixtape for MN#21...

2011-06-30T20:02:00.002+01:00

Here's two songs from every band/artist playing our show on August 14th. Download the whole thing here.

VIDEO: Crazy Arm - Broken By The Wheel

2011-06-30T19:07:00.003+01:00

This is the video for Crazy Arm's song "Broken By The Wheel"

The Living Daylights added to August 14th Show!

2011-06-30T13:01:00.000+01:00

Happy to say that Lincoln's THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS have been added to the show on August 14th! It works quite well now that we go acoustic / electric / acoustic / electric / acoustic / full band Crazy Arm acoustic!

William Exley is working on an up to date flyer right now so should have that up along with a mixtape in the next couple of days. So the final line up is...

James Hull

The Living Daylights

Sam Russo

Apologies, I Have None

Cory Branan

Crazy Arm

Facebook Event is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171994752862276

You can buy tickets in advance here: http://www.movingnorth.bigcartel.com

I've also started a message board on this site as the I Love Manchester Music one is closing down, feel free to sign up and post nudes or something.

Next gig...

2011-06-29T16:06:00.002+01:00

tickets: www.movingnorth.bigcartel.com

Interview with Watch Commander.

2011-06-27T18:17:00.000+01:00

On Monday & Tuesday next week we're going to be streaming the new Watch Commander release (exclusively) before you can hear it anywhere else. Pretty cool right, in honour of this we decided to get 3/4 of Watch Commander to answer some questions for us...

Who the hell are Watch Commmander?

JS: Watch Commander are four shitface fuckers who decided to be in a punk-rock band. They like playing shows, eating biscuits and playing Fifa.

SR: I think what J is trying to say is that we're four guys from Worcester who swear a lot. More specifically, J plays guitar, Cloud plays drums, Powelly (Simon Powell) plays bass and I (Si R) play guitar and do the singing stuff mostly.

SP: Plus there is only one shitface fucker in this band....

SR: Stallwood?

Why Watch Commander and not Watch; Commander?

JS: When me and Si were in Red; the Resistance, we were still fairly immature in our approach to being in a band. We were almost happy to have a pre-show rehearsal in a living room, unplugged, no drum kit. We had a lot of fun as four friends playing some songs that we liked (SR: kind of liked), but we've learnt from the negative experiences and hopefully they'll remain in the past along with the semi-colon.

SP: It's also not grammatically correct and we are all about grammar here.

SR: Yeah we were in that band. We were at uni and whatever else at the time, plus I went over to the US for a year, that didn't really help either. It had its time. I went away again for a year and a half and was so fucking ready to start something up when I got back. So we did, and it's been pretty good so far. As far as the actual name is concerned, it just stuck during a period of trying to come up with a band name. I could probably say more about it but... I dunno, coming up with a band name is kind of bullshit, and it pissed me off having to do it - trying to find some meaning in a collection of words or a single word. I guess the good thing about it is that after a while people see past the words and automatically associate the name with the music/people. I'd like to be able to achieve that. What was I saying again? Yeah man, that's our band name.

You've been pretty busy to say the least, what have people got to catch up on?

JS: We formed in January this year and spent the first three months rehearsing, making sure our first few songs were really drilled into us. Since then we've recorded twice with Bob Cooper, played five shows with some good bands, and already had a change of lineup (Simon Powell replaced Lee Jackson due to his commitments in Worcester's Fights & Fires). It's been hectic at times but worth it.

SR: We recorded our first demo in March, which we put online for free download. Since then we've been looking to play shows. We just finished a fairly busy week of playing in Worcester, Leicester and Leeds as well as recording two new songs. I still consider us to be a new band - we're still playing our first shows really - so we're just getting things moving.

Your 2nd show was at manchFESTer, you guys were great. How has audience response been so far?

JS: Really positive. With our previous band we had the occasional nice comment, usually from other bands we played with, but now it seems like every show a few people are taking notice and giving us some great feedback. And hopefully that'll mean we can get famous and make loads of money.

SR: That's very kind of you to say Kieran, what a nice man you are. We really enjoyed that show, and are glad we were given the chance to play it - loads of great bands and good people. But yeah, it's been encouraging so far, people have been supportive. As close as we are to our hometown of Worcester, there isn't much support there musically, so it's kind of difficult to know how much of what we're doing is hitting the mark. Makes my day if someone ever says anything positive about the band though, genuinely.

SP: The response has been brillant. People do seem surprised that we are such a young band which makes the positive comments even nicer. Seriously though, we are looking forward to all the money and press attention - I have heard J is dating one of the Saturdays, will that help?

SR: Depends which one I think

JS: I don’t know her name to be honest. I just refer to her as “the one who does all the coke”.

Who are some of the bands that have caught your eye so far?

JS: We've been really lucky in that although we've only played five shows, we've had the privilege of playing with some really cool bands. The likes of Stay Home, Without Fire, Standfast, Leagues Apart, Radicus have all been great to play with, as well as being downright cool people.

SR: There are some awesome UK bands doing their thing at the moment. If I was to put together a show of bands I thought were fucking rad, I think it'd be a pretty lengthy all-dayer. Apologies I Have None, Bangers, Above Them, Great Cynics, The Living Daylights, Dividers, Caves... all very good bands. Kieran, you put on shows - get us on a lineup with ALL those bands. Yeah?

What is the "mission statement" so to speak, of WC?

JS: It's difficult to answer exactly what Watch Commander is about. Is it too much of a cliche to say we're just passionate about music? (SR: Yes. Loser). I guess it's hard to pinpoint what we're about when we can't go five minutes without calling each other shitface fuckers (see question one).

SR: No mission statement in particular. I want us to be playing songs that are honest and that I give a shit about when I'm singing them, I think that's all it pretty much is. It's always a fairly... organic process when I put songs together. I want it to be a natural result of that creative process, rather than some contrived attempt at constructing a particular sound. However it ends up is how it ends up. So I guess that's it - the song stuff.

SP: Don't forget our longing to be in the News of the World, guys.

What's next in the works then?

JS: Well we've literally just finished recording the third and fourth tracks that we'll be releasing on a second EP, which will be free to download once the mixing is complete. We've also got a handful of shows in July and August, including a return to Manchester on August 31st to play with The Menzingers! It's a show we're incredibly looking forward to, and hopefully a fair few people will turn out and have a great night with us. Other than that, we'll be figuring out how we can get on the Fest 10 lineup without bribing anyone with sex.

SR: I'm not ruling anything out. But yeah, in the immediate future we've got another set of four songs we'll be making available online. Two of them have been on the internet for a little while, but we'll be doing a digital EP package with a bit of artwork and some lyrics and other shit that I haven't thought of yet. But that's happening really fucking soon - our second EP. In fact if you're reading Moving North right now it might already be done, so go check that out. I definitely feel like there's been a progression with these new songs - even though it's only been just a few months since our first demo. And I'm proud of how it's all come together. So it'd be great if people could give it a listen and/or download it. After that it's just going to be shows, as many as we can. Like J said, we're playing with The Menzingers in the summer, and later in the year we're on one of the Red City Radio dates too. Should be good. Further down the line there'll be a physical release sometime, maybe at the end of the year. I'd love to put something out on vinyl, maybe do a split EP, but we've got plenty of time to think about that stuff.

Tell us something that not many people know about Watch Commander?

JS: Three of its members are secretly in love with the other member.

SR: I'm not even going to speculate on J's comment. Something that not many people know about Watch Commander... we'd be the best 4-a-side band-only football team out there. Fact.

JS: True story.

SP: In fact if anyone would like to challenge us we welcome the opportunity to prove it. Oh and Si, don't deny your feelings, Cloud is a beautiful man.

SR: Italian. 'Nuff said

So, if anyone wants to challenge WC to a 4-aside football match I'd be interested in watching. I personally reckon Above Them even as a 3-piece could give them a run for their money. Punk Football Fest needs to happen by the way.

Check back for the stream of their new record on here before anywhere else on Monday! That's right we're getting some badass exclusives here.

FREE Cory Branan track...

2011-06-26T19:54:00.000+01:00

Cory Branan has just released a brand new song for free download on his Facebook Page. It’s kind of hard to find, but look for the Free Exclusive Download tab on the right sidebar. It's dead good.

So go grab it, then get his other songs, then learn them all and sing along when he comes to Manchester on Sunday August 14th - advance tickets available at www.movingnorth.bigcartel.com

Here's a picture of Sam Russo laughing at something. Relevant? Probably not.

Interview Round-Up...

2011-06-23T16:03:00.000+01:00

We've had some pretty great interviews since starting this. Thought I'd compile them into a list so none get lost in cyber space. Going from first interviews we've done to the most recent...

Hopefully many more to come...

Great Cynics - Don't Need Much (Household Name/Kind Of Like Records)

2011-06-23T15:27:00.001+01:00

Great Cynics recently put our their debut album "Don't Need Much" and judging by my last.fm page, I've listened to it a lot. When I first heard the acoustic demos for the album I wasn't that blown away, I thought there were 2 or 3 killer songs and then a lot of filler. Since getting the new album my opinion has changed, there's still some filler, but so many more absolute BANGERS. The first track, and the one about a green bag go right past me, but the Track 2/3/4 combo is incredible.

I think this album epitomises the title of "Don't Need Much" - simple guitar parts, ripped off vocals hooks and songs just about girls, friends and blazing in the sun.

Throwing Stuff opened up his release show on 13th June and watching a room packed full of people singing along to Great Cynics was surreal as fuck. It's weird enough referring to Giles as Great Cynics, it's weird enough he's managed to rope in Iona and Bob to put up with him for the foreseeable future, it's weird crowdsurfing to Charlie Brooker's record release show.

I think my friend Tommy summed up the show well; "It's like watching your kid graduate."

In quick conclusion: Great Cynics have made a fucking great summer album. Go and buy it.
You can buy "Don't Need Much" from Banquet Records and Kind of Like Records (US).
You can stream it for free on Spotify.

Apologies, I Have None are playing in London on Tuesday...

2011-06-19T20:10:00.000+01:00

This seems like a big deal to me, I'm not quite sure why. Apologies, I Have None are properly definitely headlining a proper London show. They are putting the show on themselves, which is cheating I guess, but I've got a feeling the show is going to be awesome and the start of something new and exciting for A,IHN.

It's a free show, all the bands playing are worth the money. Go and show your support.

VIDEO: Cory Branan - Tall Green Grass

2011-06-17T23:20:00.001+01:00

Tickets and info at the top of this page.

Watch Commander are a band...

2011-06-16T21:21:00.000+01:00

...and they are very very good. Their 2nd ever show was at manchFESTer 1.5 and I think I can speak for everyone watching when I say "Wow." Absolutely killed it.

Watch Commander come from Worcester and have also just started putting on shows and really diving headfirst back into this whole punk rock business. They've got their first release uploaded on their bandcamp page that you can listen to and download HERE and around July 1st they will be releasing their 2nd EP. I'm going to shoot them a few questions to answer and hopefully sort out a nice stream that you can listen to on this page too.

I'm very excited for it, go listen to them.

Here's a video of them covering Hot Water Music...

Watch Commander - Wayfarer (Hot Water Music cover) acoustic from Watch Commander on Vimeo.

MN#20 FLYER!

2011-06-07T12:56:00.000+01:00

facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171994752862276

Next show...

2011-06-06T19:35:00.002+01:00

New Release - The Living Daylights - What Keeps You Breathing (June 6th)

2011-06-05T23:35:00.000+01:00

So The Living Daylights new album is out tomorrow. I'll post a review up in the next couple of days, but I'll ruin it now for you. 10/10.

So 2 years after releasing our previous record “Ways To Escape” it’s been a long journey of member changes, songwriting and rehearsing but it’s all been worth it! We’re finally releasing our new record “What Keeps You Breathing” tomorrow! We know it’s a real cliche thing to say but it feels bloody good to be releasing what we think is our best stuff yet! A lot of hard work has gone into these 11 new songs so we hope you spend just a much time listening to them as we have writing them!

You probably already know but our album is being bought out by a whole gang of friends… Lockjaw Records, No Reason Records, Fond Of Life Records, Bad Mood Records, Funtime Records and Shield Recordings, it’s a real group effort and it’s good to be teaming up with such gentlemen! The album is going to be available for very cheap and should be all over in the coming weeks! There will also be the release of the record on 12” in the coming weeks, more details on that soon, but for now, get yourself off redtube, get yourself an early night and go get our new album first thing tomorrow!

UK People can order from Lockjaw Records, and Mainland Europe label Bad Mood Records (and more) are releasing it there.

Wooderson - Demo 2011

2011-05-26T13:05:00.000+01:00

http://wooderson.bandcamp.com/album/demo-2011

Wooderson are from Sheffield and they played a last minute gig for us on Monday. Not many bands will play a gig in a different city with about 12 hours notice, but Wooderson did. They've just put up their new demo on bandcamp for FREE/DONATIONS that you can check by clicking the link above. It's fucking mint. Think Discord/Fugazi type punk rock with a bit more to offer. Download now.