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Wolverhampton's newest and best lifestyle magazine, guaranteed to bring you the best of what is happing in the City and surrounding areas. In this issue: Them Is Me, Athlete, Placebo, Kasabian, Little Boots and moreTRANSCRIPT
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soundcheckw o l v e r h a m p t o n
athlete // placebo // kasabian // bloc party // little boots // & more…
them is me: the second coming
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editor: glenn rossingtoncontact: [email protected]
design: gr creative
advertising: kate farrellcontact: [email protected]
writing: glenn rossington kate farrellphotos: glenn rossington jon hancock
published by: gr creative
contributions:article and photo contributions are welcome. prints and transparencies are sent at the owner’s risk and although ever care is taken, soundcheck accepts no responsibility for loss or damage. please email photos to [email protected] (all images must be at least 300dpi) or post them to our address
legal bit:copyright ©2009 soundcheck. all rights reserved. nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission from soundcheck. information on events, products, reviews and anything else does not nessicarily imply recommendations by soundcheck. we have done our utmost to make sure all the content in this magazine is correct and accurate, but would emphasise the we, soundcheck, accept no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. all opinions expressed in this magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not nessicarily shared by soundcheck magazine
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news05 editor’s thoughts07 - 09 music, art & food news
features10 top 10’s of 200912 - 13 student’s guide to…14 - 15 them is me16 - 17 athlete
spot light on18 - 19 galleries20 - 21 food22 - 23 cinema
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reviews24 new albums25 new singles
live music26 - 27 kasabian28 - 29 athlete30 placebo31 them is me32 little boots33 bloc party
contents
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tslife you will have your favourites, but we hope to introduce you to new favourites too! Keep an eye on our pricebusting reviews in each issue detailing the best of Wolverhampton food.
Not forgetting the art lovers amongst us, we are looking at our local galleries and detailling what is showing at the moment in our spotlight feature, this month starting with the main Wolverhampton Art Gallery in Lichfi eld Street. But coupling with this, who (besides the few in the know) knew that there is now another art gallery based at the old Low Level Station in Corn Hill? As of September last year The Volte Gallery opened it’s doors so we will be introducing you to that in a future issue.
So there is actually a hell of alot going on in this city and it is time we pulled all the infrmation into one single area. Now as a ‘people’s magazine’ we would like you to get involved with us too. We will welcome ideas from you for features and one off stories which highlight the goings on in and around the Wolverhamptn & West Midlands areas, all you need to do is send us a quick email with your ideas and we will take it from there!
There was an article just before Christmas that declared Wolverhampton as ‘The 5th worst place to live in the World!’… I disagree strongly and so do over 4,400 people on Facebook! Lets pull together and prove once and for all that we do not deserve this title!
So as a magazine we are aiming to bring you the local highlights in all forms of art and social medias, aswell as food and art highlights. We have some pretty ambitious plans for long term, but in hindsight, the aim is to get this up and running and connect with you all fi rst. Please spread the news of us if you have not done so already and if you wish to volunteer your work to us, look for our contact details in the magazine or on our website/ facebook/twitter pages.
It has been a pleasure, and will never be a chore!
Glenn Rossington(Editor)
The initial concept for this magazine started way back in August/September last year during the midst of our nation’s recession, and subsequently after i lost my last job. Looking for something to do one night, i realised it was increasingly diffi cult (even with the internet) to fi nd something going on that was just a bit more than ‘going out for a beer’.
The only thing we had as a city was the weekly guide in the Express & Star and the occasional copy of Ryan’s Gig Guide. There is a very big music scene in Wolves at the moment, and as we start 2010 in glorious style, we have our newest venue just opened on Broad Street - The Little Civic or as it is now known ‘The Slade Rooms’. Kicking off with the annual ‘Battle of The Bands’ and already we’ve had one of the hottest acts of 2010 play just this last week - Delphic. Lined up throughout the fi rst months we will also see the likes of Evile, Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls, Nik Kershaw, Mark Morriss and local act Liberation Works grace the stage alongside comedians such as Chris Addison and Lucy Porter.
Accompanying this we have just learned that The Varsity bar has upgraded their sound system in the gig venue upstairs and have already lined up the amazing Vortex to play in early February. Loose Lucie’s has opened in North Street and is slowly gaining a reputation for having up and coming local acts.
If music is not your scene, there are plenty of bars and clubs within the city to keep you entertained! 90’s nostalgia bar Babylon has entertainment every night of the week for Britpop lovers (highly recommended) and with great cocktails too! Our very own Oceana again has various theme nights throughout the week and guestlist places are available via their facebook pages. Great if you are on a shoestring budget at the moment! There are many many other venues around the city and we will be running a feature in every issue gathering the best highlights for the coming weeks and will show you where the best offers are to be found.
If the nightlife is not your scene, there are great restaurants scattered around, each with fascinating offers to temp you in. Whether you are a student or a professional, whatever your walk of
Glenn Rossington
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gr creativedesign & photography
Need artwork or promotional shots for your band?Want a new look for your business?Contact me now for a trip in the right direction!www.glennrossington.co.uk
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News : News : NewsA round up of all things musical, artistic, food and fashionable…
Winter Film & Video ProgrammeWolverhampton Art Gallery presents a season of exhibitions showcasing the best in Film and Video Art. Featuring fi lms which explore the strange to the sublime, from the emotional landscapes of Balnakiel to the haunting footage of a maverick Glaswegian psychoanalyst in what you see is where you’re at.
Explore everyday American life in Midwest, take a glance through the artist’s window in Holylands and meet the Syrian housewife who claims to bear the stigmata wounds of Christ’s crucifi xion in The Gates of Damascus.
In a wide range of fi lm making styles: home movies, news media, black and white archive footage, TV documentary and mainstream cinema, this season of exhibitions challenges preconceptions of Film & Video Art and celebrates this rich and diverse medium.
The installation runs from 6th January until 6th June 2010, admission is free
POP ART: Jann HawarthWolverhampton Art Gallery is starting offthe New Year with a line-up of exciting events for artists and art-lovers. To celebrate the ‘Pop: Jann Haworth’ exhibition, which runs until 10 April 2010, the gallery is hosting a series of events that will explore the work of one of the world’s most prolifi c pop artists.
Her fi rst solo show in the UK since 1972, Jann Haworth’s ‘Pop’ exhibition features a collection of her work from the early 1960s through to the present day. The fl oor-based installation includes her iconic 3D still-life piece Doughnuts, Coffee Cups & Comics (1962) and celebrated works such as Frank (1963), a life-size sculpture restored expressly for the Wolverhampton show. The exhibition also includes the Old Lady (1962), which featured on the cover of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper LP, which was designed by Haworth with her then husband Peter Blake.
Wolverhampton is celebrating the fantastic exhibition with the following events.
January30th - “Pop: Jann Haworth – Guided Talk”
February3rd - “Animation Workshop: Part 1”6th - “Adult Felting Workshops”17th - “Animation Workshop: Part 2”
For more details, please visit the gallery or it’s website.
Victorian Community PanelWolverhampton Arts and Museum Service’s Victorian Community Panel have launched an exciting new project to help capture the stories of Wolverhampton’s very own transport history.
Through a project that will focus on the ‘Sunbeam’ company as its theme, they are holding an exhibition at the gallery in summer 2010. This exhibition will creatively bring to life the human stories and legacies tied up in Sunbeam and Wolverhampton’s transport history. To do this they will need your help...
• Did anyone in your family work for Sunbeam?• Do/did you own a Sunbeam bicycle, car or motorbike? • Do you own any Sunbeam memorabilia?• Do you have any memories, stories or memorabilia related to the city’s Victorian transport heritage?
If so, they want to hear from you. They want your recollections, experiences and objects to help us build a better picture of the Sunbeam stories in Wolverhampton.
Contact: Odira Morewabone at the gallery or via www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk if you think you can help at all. Closing date is Friday 5th February.
Lasan Win The F WordBirmingham’s leading indian restaurant, Lasan, has been crowned the top Restaurant as part of Gordon Ramsay’s search for the UK’s Best Local Restaurants.
Viewers of the channel 4 hit show saw Head Chef, Aktar Islam, wow the show’s critical diners with his contemporary Indian cuisine and received an overall 76 out of 100 guests choosing to pay for their meal.
Jabbar Khan, Director of the Lasan Restaurant Group, said: “As one of the world’s most respected chefs, it’s wonderful to be recognised by Gordon Ramsay for our innovative Indian cuisine.
To sample the menu for yourself pay them a visit via: www.lasangroup.com for details.
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News : News : NewsA round up of all things musical, artistic, food and fashionable…
The Vortex has Opened!Up and coming Manchester group ‘The Vortex’ have announced a one off gig at the city’s Varsity venue on Friday 5th February. Tickets will be available on the door.
The group who feature ‘Bonehead’ formerly of Britpop giants Oasis are receiving hefty airplay amongst the student network at the moment. Catch this band while you still have the opportunity to see them intimately!
Ash: A-BirminghamHot on the heels of their A-Z tour last year, Ash have kicked off 2010 by announcing a small tour for April/May and play the region’s ‘Irish Centre’ based in the Birmingham.
April19th - Southampton - University20th - Cambridge - Junction21st - Norwich - Waterfront23rd - Birmingham - Irish Centre24th - Leeds - Metropolitan University25th - Newcastle - O2 Academy27th - Glasgow - O2 ABC28th - Manchester - Academy 230th - Bristol - O2 Academy
May1st - Brighton - Concorde 22nd - Oxford - O2 Academy Buy Tickets4th - London - Electric Ballroom
Tickets are on sale now priced £15
FEBRUARY2nd - Oxford O2 Academy3rd - Bournemouth O2 Academy5th - Derby Assembly Rooms6th - Liverpool O2 Academy7th - Coventry Kasbah9th - Sheffi eld O2 Academy10th - Middlesborough Empire11th - Glenrothes Rothes Hall13th - Wick Assembly Rooms
14th - Inverness Ironworks15th - Aberdeen Music Hall17th - Edinburgh Picture House19th - Stirling Albert Hall20th - Montrose Town Hall22nd -Bradford St George’s Hall23rd - Blackburn King Georges Hall
24th - Stoke Victoria Hall26th - Reading Hexagon27th - Loughborough University28th - Cambridge Corn Exchange MARCH2nd - Lincoln Engine Shed3rd - Cardiff Coal Exchange4th - St Albans The Alban Arena
Ocean Colour Scene: Touring on SaturdayOcean Colour Scene have revealed tour plans in support of their new album ‘Saturday’. Preceeded by single ‘Magic Carpet Days’, the album is out in January.
Starting with an intimate sold out launch gig at the 250 capacity Rainbow pub in Digbeth on 25th January the rest of the tour is now onsale.
Tickets are available now from the usual outlets priced £20.
The Ting Tings Name New AlbumThe Ting Tings have revealed that they plan to name their forthcoming second album ‘Kunst’.
Katie White and Jules De Martino’s next effort, which they have been recording in Berlin, is set for release later this year – with the pair saying that the title was inspired by a massage parlour near their studio.
“Just round the corner to our studio there’s a massage parlour, it’s called Massage Kunst,” De Martino explained. “It’s massage art, basically [“kunst” is German for “art”]. We took a picture of that and sent it to our label, saying this is the title of the album. They went berserk.”
The pair said that song titles set for the fi nal tracklisting of the follow-up to their 2008 debut ‘We Started Nothing’ include ‘Help’ and ‘Hands’.
Live dates should be announced shortly in support of the record’s release.
Feeder : RenegadesFeeder have announced details of a tour of intimate UK venues to take place this month and next.
The band, will also release a new EP ‘Renegades’ to coincide.
Full dates are:
January25th - Glasgow King Tuts26th - Manchester Ruby Lounge28th - Birmingham Academy 329th - London Water Rats
February4th - London Lexington8th - London Hoxton Bar & Grill
Tickets for the gigs are on sale now exclusively via www.feederweb.com
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Ellie Goulding Wins New Music 2010Herefordshire based singer songwriter Ellie Goulding has been announced as the winner of the BBC’s 2010 New Music award.
The singer-songwriter won the award ahead of Delphic and Marina And The Diamonds, who were also shortlisted. Goulding won the award after votes from a panel of music industry and media experts were clocked up.
Ellie has also revealed that her debut album will be titled ‘Lights’ and will include the singles ‘Under The Sheets’ and ‘Starry Eyed’. Other titles include ‘Wish I Satyed’, ‘Guns And Horses’, ‘The Writer’ and ‘Every Time You Go’. Single ‘Starry Eyes’ is out on 22nd February.
The full list of 15 acts nominated by the BBC were:
Daisy Dares You / Delphic / Devlin / The Drums / Everything Everything / GiggsGold Panda / Ellie Goulding / Hurts / Joy Orbison / Marina and the Diamonds / Owl City / Rox / Stornoway / Two Door Cinema Club
Previous winners of the notorious prize include Little Boots, Florence & The Machine, and Duffy and The Ting Tings.
Paul Weller Wakes The NationThe ‘Modfather’ Paul Weller is set to release his new album this spring titled ‘Wake Up The Nation’. His fi rst effort following 2008’s critically acclaimed ‘22 Dreams’.
The album is set to feature ‘Wake Up The Nation’, ‘Pieces Of A Dream’, ‘No More Tears Left To Cry’, ‘Andromeda’, ‘She Speaks’, ‘Moonshine’, “Aim High’ and recent free download single ‘7 & 3 Is The Striker’s Name’.
The album is also set to include his fi rst recording with former ‘The Jam’ bandmate Bruce Foxton on ‘Fast Car / Slow Traffi c’, thus ending over 18 years worth of not talking.
Paul has also announced plans for a remix version of the album before the end of the year. More details to follow.
Paul Weller is also on duet vocals with Amy MacDonald on her 2nd album, also due to be released this year.
Ben Drummond & VodaphoneLocal Wolverhampton born musician Ben Drummond has just been announced as this years winner of the Annual Vodaphone ‘One’s To Watch’ competition. Announced via his Twitter & Facebook accounts, he his also playing at his monthly Acoustic Sessions at Birmingham’s JamHouse in St. Paul’s Square on 26th January. Entry is free.www.myspace.com/bendrummondmusic
Local Music News
• 50 Cent wants to open a chain of British Pubs across America with Vinnie Jones
• Jamie Cullum married long term girlfriend Sophie Dhal in a small ceremony in the New Forest National Park on 9th January
• Former Sugababe Mutya Buena launched an attack on former bandmate Heidi Range via twitter
• Cheryl Cole labelled Lily Allen a “little girl” after hearing that she has been slagging her off to the press again
• The Fratelli’s bassist Barry Lawler says he’s unsure of the band’s future following the launch of frontman Jon Lawler’s side project Codeine Velvet Club
• Mika says he puts veal in his stage shoes to stop him getting blisters
The Best of the Rest
The Hot Rats : Album DetailsSupergrass duo Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey have revealed details of their side project’s debut album. Formed last summer, The Hot Rats also features Radiohead Producer wizard Nigal Goodrich.
Debut album ‘Turn Ons’ is out on 1st February, and it’s 12 song tracklist is made up entirely of cover songs that have inspired Supergrass throughout the years.
The duo are currently touring through Japan, before moving onto USA and Canada. They will then return to the UK to complete recording sessions on the 7th
Supergrass record ‘Release The Drones’ Scheduled for release in the Autumn.
The Hot Rats tracklist is: I Cant Stand It / Big Sky / The Crystal Ship / (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) / Damaged Goods / Love Is The Drug / Bike / Pump It Up / The Lovecats / Queen Bitch / E.M.I. / Up The Junction
Liberation Works IncompleteBirmingham based group Liberatin Works have announced details of their second E.P and a launch show to coincide. ‘The Incomplete Works E.P’ showcases their Rock ‘n’ Country routes further and will no doubt gain new followers. They play Wolverhampton’s Little Civic on Friday 2nd April, tickets are priced at £5 available from usual outlets.
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Soundcheck’s Top 10’s of 2009
Albums• Manic Street Preachers - Journal For
Plague Lovers
• Super Furry Animals - Dark Days / Light
Years
• Florence & The Machine - Lungs
• Cerys Matthews - Don’t Look Down
• Carina Round - Things You Should
Know E.P
• Lady Gaga - The Fame
• The Big Pink - A Brief History Of Love
• The Horrors - Primary Colours
• Mr Hudson - Straight No Chaser
• La Roux - La Roux
Blockbuster Films• Up
• Transformers 2 - Revenge of The Fallen
• Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince
• Frost / Nixon
• Avatar
• Star Trek
• The Boat That Rocked
• Nine
• Watchmen
• This Side of The Truth
Gigs in Wolverhampton• Blur - Civic Hall
• Madness - Civic Hall
• Stereophonics - Civic Hall
• Athlete - Wulfrun Hall
• ZZ Top - Civic Hall
• Paul Weller - Civic Hall
• Manic Street Preachers - Civic Hall
• Graham Coxon - Civic Hall Bar
• Kasabian - Civic Hall
• The Specials - Civic Hall
Singles & Downloads• Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers
• Doves - Winter Hill
• Ash - Arcadia
• Lady Gaga - Poker Face
• Bell X1 - The Great Defector
• Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling
• Florence & The Machine - Rabbit Heart
• Calvin Harris - I’m Not Alone
• Jamie T - Sticks ‘N’ Stones
• Lily Allen - The Fear
Pubs & Clubs• Alchemy
• HogsHead
• Oceana
• The Royal London
• The Litten Tree
• Yates’s
• Babylon
• The Cuban Exchange
• Walkabout
• The Quadrant Lounge
Restaurants• Made In Thai
• The Spice Avenue
• Cataldo’s
• The Imperial
• The Bilash
• Nando’s
• Bella
• Zorba’s Dance Studio
• Chiquito’s
• Ristorante Romagne
A round up of some of our favourite things in 2009. They are in no particular order, and will form the basis of our annual awards to be held each December
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0 1 . 0 2 . 2 0 1 0Includes the singles ‘Magic Carpet Days’ & ‘Mrs Maylie’
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The Black CountryThe rough student’s guide to…
The Black CountryThe rough student’s guide to…
The Black Country
If this is your fi rst year in the city of Wolverhampton, then you will slowly start to realise that it is an underrated city. Students in both the second and third years will be raving about places from Oceana and The Cuban Exchange, to Chapel Ash, Tettenhall and Bentley Bridge. But for many , some of the key spots are situated outside the borders of Wolves itself.
The ‘Black Country’ is something you will all probably have heard mentioned at some point, yet you will be unfamiliar with. It covers the main boroughs of Sandwell & Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton. If you do decide to venture into the area, one key note might be to check the various online dictionaries for a break down of the unique dialect hidden away. It even has it’s own YouTube channel, and numerous hit ‘take-off’ T-shirts being sold worldwide based on it’s unique mispronunciations of everyday words.
The unoffi cial ‘Capital’ of the black country is situated 7 miles away in Dudley. Aswell as having a High Street that resembles something you would see in a movie, It has a well known haunted hotel, a zoo and a castle! Next door to the zoo & castle is a celebrity building in it’s own right. The world famous JB’s. Over the years it has played host to many bands including Oasis, Blur
and Radiohead. Should the planned revamp of the zoo take place however, JB’s will become nothing but local legend, as it will be knocked down.
If you are studying History, no visit to Dudley would be complete without a trip to the famous ‘Black Country Living Museum’. Or if you prefer to spend your student loan, the region’s own shopping centre: Merry Hill is but 5 minutes beyond.
Take a trip direct over the Black Country Route and you will end up in Walsall. A vibrant and vastly redeveloping town which boasts a fantastic modern Art Gallery. Walsall also boasts a hive of trendy bars hidden away including the well known ‘Wharf Bar’ situated as the name suggests, at Walsall’s canal wharf.
On arriving back into Wolverhampton, there are little things you may not notice ordinarily. The Chubb Buildings boast some of the regions top creative centres, on top of the Lighthouse Independent cinema which doubles as a nightclub and an art gallery. The old Great Western Low Level train station is a hive of redevelopment and currently boasts an Art Gallery, Bars and a Hotel.
So get yer Yam Yam on & explore to our Black Country!
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THEM IS THEM IS ME
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Back in 2003 I had just left Uni and had been out celebrating with a few friends (as you do). We were out in a bar in Wolverhampton and all of a sudden, ‘our anthem’ came on. It was ‘Place Your Hands’ by Reef. We decided to have a bit of a ‘mosh around’ and still to this day the song fi lls me with happy memories of the era and way back into school life. Literally the next day after our night on the town, I heard the devastating news that Reef had split up.
After a few years of relaxation, surfi ng along with rumours and ‘will they/won’t they’ reunion tales, Jack Bessant and Gary Stringer confi rmed to the world that they have moved on and are playing a comeback gig with their brand new band in Cornwall. Joining Jack and Gary were Nathan ‘Tugg’ Curran on Drums (previously played drums for Reef and Basement Jaxx) and Jonas Jalhay (previously played with Lady Sovereign) on guitar.
Their fi rst gig as Them Is Me was on the 14th September 2007 at the Sandsifter Bar at Gwithian, just outside Hayle in Cornwall. Quite apt for Jack and Gary, who were often optimized with the ‘Surf Rock’ tag in Reef. Initial reactions amongst fans at the gig were that they had their groove back, surf tunes with a harder and rockier edge than Reef ever had. Seemingly wanting to shake off the past and concentrate with the new direction.
After that fi rst gig, more gigs were announced around Devon and Cornwall to road test more material with view to making demos and securing a record deal. After these initial dates, Them Is Me retreated to Rockfi eld Studios in Monmouthshire to record demos, which later formed their debut LP. Some songs were uploaded to their Myspace page and within a few weeks, their demo ‘Sick of You’ was voted as the ‘Best Unsigned Track’ on Zane Lowe’s Rock show on Radio One.
After playing their debut gig in London and receiving mouth-watering reviews, they once again retreated to Rockfi eld to continue recording the album. As soon as the album was confi rmed as complete, they set about
DID YOU BRING MUSIC TODAY?DID YOU BRING MUSIC TODAY?DID YOU BRING a small tour of the UK to promote it. Reviews and fans grew large in
numbers and they were slowly gaining a reputation as being one of the best new live acts around. They played the Download festival, numerous supporting slots and showcase shows for Birmingham’s Kerrang fm.
Never one to shy away from hard work, Them Is Me started demos for their follow up record. After demoing a wealth of new material they again announced a tiny tour to test it on the fans. Again reports from these gigs confi rm they are growing into a more polished sound, yet still retain the edginess of the debut.
Gary and Jack decided to test more new material out at a few acoustic shows at the beginning of 2009. These grew in number as they gained confi dence doing them and culminated in a string of dates at Newquay’s Koola Bar. 5 acoustic demos by the duo were recorded at Garston HQ Studios and can now be heard on their myspace page.
On the back of this new found confi dence in the acoustic material, Jack and Gary returned to the Them Is Me camp and announced some dates in September which sold out almost instantaneously. Wiping the slate clean and putting on shows of epic rock proportions, they again grabbed the reputation of putting on a fantastic show. In Stratford, Jack was even playing from the top of the bar whilst drinks were still being served!
On the back of this more dates were confi rmed, the last of the year, including the one in Birmingham. These are confi rmed to be the last of the year and the last opportunity to see the guys in a small and intimate venue. Reports suggest that this time next year they could be selling out larger venues the size of the Academy 2 or even the Wulfrun Hall here in Wolverhampton.
So for a band that has come from nowhere they are surely gaining a reputation for one of the hardest working rock bands around at the moment. Catch them at the Flapper & Firkin behind the NIA on Saturday 28th November while you can.For tickets, check: www.glasswerk.co.uk
Offi cial website: www.themisme.com
Also follow the band at: Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/themismeoffi cialTwitter: http://twitter.com/stringerbessant
Words by: Glenn Rossington
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ath
lete
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Athlete are a band who seemed to verge on the brink of super-stardom to then be cruelly dropped by their record label. Where most bands would drift into obscurity, Athlete took time out to record their fourth album ‘Black Swan Effect’ and to come back all guns blazing. We take a few moments out to chat with keyboard player Tim Wanstall
How does it feel to have ‘Wires’ nominated for song of the decade by Absolute Radio?It’s amazing, especially as this song was just a tune that us and our friends knew. I don’t think we really expected it to become this popular!
Beyond The Neighbourhood (their last album) was quite a sidestep for you guys, but Black Swan is really more of a traditional album really Is there any reason why you went back to this style?Well after the split with EMI we had to use our own studio, which we had luckily already paid for and built, so we didn’t have that much to work with. So little in fact that when we did that American tour a while back, Stephen just couldn’t afford to come so we had to play everything acoustically. It was really hard, but we really got to know what songs worked best for the crowds.
When ‘Tourist’ was released, you played here in Wolverhampton and the gig was featured heavily in the press, so do you feel any kind of connection with here because of that?I’d say so, yeah. There really was quite the buzz over Tourist because of that gig (which was nothing short of a very large confi dence booster), plus I love the football team badge you’ve got here!
How has the tour gone so far? Is it great to be back playing the more intimate venues or do you prefer the larger venues?Well this is only a mini-tour so to speak so there are more of the smaller venues. I’d say between 2000-2500 is the ideal sized audience for me. Big enough to make some serious noise but small enough not to completely daunt you.
Have you guys started thinking about your next album?Not at the moment, no. But we’re going to set aside a week or two in January for us to sit in the studio and just explore a bit and see if we fi nd a direction to go in.
How long is it going to be until you start playing at Wembley?* laughs * Well maybe if we’re lucky enough to support Muse then maybe we’ll visit Wembley. Who knows?
What’s your favourite athlete song or album?Well I can give you a favourite song for each album if you want? I’d
say for our fi rst record Westside is one of my favourites because it’s fi lled with memories of when we were more a bunch of mates than a band and we were just starting to get quite a few label offers and Westside was on the demo CD we handed out. Also it’s always well-received when we play it. For the second record it would have to be Wires for a similar reason to why I like Westside, its full of memories and it was just unbelievable to hear this tune that we knew become a song that everyone loved, it was amazing. For the third record it would have to be Airport Disco because I just like the parts that I play in it. I’ve been campaigning to play it more often in sets. The guitars in it are very, very good. And for Black Swan it would be The Getaway, again because I like the parts I play in it and because it is generally really good!
What was your funniest ever gig and why?One fun night was at Fort William right on the foot of Ben Nevis, In the daytime there were old people outside playing bowls and enjoying an afternoon ale. When the evening came and we were going to play our gig, all of the reasonably young people turned up (probably just because there was something going on, I don’t think many of them had heard of Athlete). There were a bunch of people at the front of the crowd drinking cocktails out of jugs with straws, and this one woman kept leaning over and pressing the keys as I was trying to play. And by the end of the night she typed a message onto her phone consisting of ‘Hi, I’m sorry that I keep pressing the keys. I love you’ and then just showed it to me while I was playing. Was quite funny!
What’s your favourite place to tour to?For me it would have to be America. I wasn’t too bothered about going there at fi rst but now I’ve been I really enjoy it. There doesn’t seem to be quite the cynicism that you sometimes fi nd over here. And because it’s so big, we had to sometimes drive like 10-12 hours during the night to get to gigs and it just had a bigger impact on me because of that. You just don’t get the same feeling over here because everything’s so close together.
What’s the strangest thing a fan has thrown to you?Erm... well during our tour in Japan this woman in the crowd handed to us a set of 4 Japanese fans. And on each separate fan there were small Lego-style pictures of us on them! It was just incredible because the amount of time and attention to detail that would have been needed to make them just seems amazing.
Thank you for your time Tim and enjoy the gig!Thank you for having me!
words by james robbins
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Spot Light: GalleriesThe two-storey building of Wolverhampton Art Gallery was designed
by prominent Birmingham architect Julius Chatwin (1829-1907). It was
built of limestone from Bath, Somerset, with six red granite columns
indicating the main entrance. The decorative scultural frieze on the
facade is composed of sixteen characters representing the Arts
and Crafts, including sculpture, painting, architecture, pottery, glass
blowing, and wrought-iron work. It is a Grade II* listed building. In 2006-
2007 the building was refurbished, partly modernized and extended to
create additional exhibition spaces.
Permanent DisplaysA selection of objects from the collection are on permanent show in
several display rooms.
The Georgian RoomSelected paintings by the 18th century artists from the Gallery
collection include the ‘Portrait of the Lee Family’ by Joseph Highmore,
‘David Garrick in ‘The Provoked Wife’ by Johann Zoffany, ‘Portrait
of Erasmus Darwin’ (1792) by Joseph Wright of Derby, ‘Apotheosis of
Penelope Boothby’ by Henry Fuseli, ‘Arrival of Louis XVIII at Calais’ by
Wolverhampton-born Edward Bird. In addition, portrait miniatures,
Bilston enamels depicting famous actors of the era, and some examples
of the 18th century Eastern and British ceramics are on display.
The Victorian RoomThe display in the two Victorian Rooms present British 19th century art
in its relation with wider world. It includes landscapes by Henry Mark
Anthony, David Cox, James Baker Pyne, David Roberts, narrative
paintings by the Cranbrook Colony artists, religious paintings by
Pre-Raphaelite artist Frederic Shields, japanned ware by local
manufacturers which were shown at The Great Exhibition, examples of
local Myatt pottery, and Eastern objects - Chinese ceramics and mirror
paintings, Japanese woodblock prints, Indian pottery and weapons,
Persian metalware - collected by local people.
The Pop Art GalleryThis is a retro-themed, interactive space which allows visitors to
explore the world of pop art with its vibrant mix of popular culture,
social commentary, nostalgia, kitsch and celebrity. The contents
of the Gallery changes approximately every six months to refl ect a
different theme found within the pop art movement. The display has
contained works by infl uential pop artists Andy Warhol, Peter Blake,
Roy Lichtenstein and David Hockney.
The Northern Ireland CollectionThe permanent display of the Northern Ireland Collection considers
the role of visual artists in depicting and presenting the country’s
contested past and future. Highlights from Wolverhampton Art Gallery
collection are shown alongside borrowed exhibits that offer different
perspectives on the history of the confl ict and its resolution.
The Makers Dozen StudiosThe Makers Dozen Studios is a complex of workshop spaces for artists
and makers in the West Midlands. It refl ects the fact that for several
decades following the founding of the gallery, Wolverhampton’s
School of Art and Art Gallery were under the same roof. The studios
are based on Wulfruna Street and are adjoined by the new extension
at the gallery uniting the studios with the original Victorian building.
Current Exhibitions:• New Film and Video (12th December 2009 - 6th March 2010)
Now Showing celebrates the important media of fi lm and video, demonstrating how it
has become signifi cantly utilised by artists over the past decade.
• POP Jann Haworth (26th October 2009 - 10th April 2010)
Jann Haworth’s sewn cloth soft sculptures refer to typically American Pop themes such
as fast food, fi lm stars, cheerleaders, cowboys and comics.
• Sleepless by Vered Lahav (10th October 2009 - 23rd January 2010)
Jann Haworth’s sewn cloth soft sculptures refer to typically American Pop themes such
as fast food, fi lm stars, cheerleaders, cowboys and comics.
Wolverhampton Central Wolverhampton Central
19
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££
Spot Light: FoodMade In ThaiA: 24 Darlington Street, WV1 4HW
T: 01902 312 512
This is one of the many hidden gem’s situated in Wolverhampton City
Centre and offers quality service, with top class cuisine. They also offer
a wholly authentic experience and cater for a wide variety of food
lovers.
The menu now encompasses a take-away selection and caters for
both vegetarians and non vegetarians. There is a huge variety of Set
meals to cushion against the huge selection of everyday meals.
Made in Thai is also one of the few oriental restaurants in the city that
offer a Lunch Time menu. The Express meals starts from £4 and Set
Lunch menu from £6.50 for 2 courses. For the evening session, the
general meals are good value for money and range from £3.95 - £15
for each item.
The service from entrance is of a high standard and they will do
anything to please and make your meal enjoyable. High class value
for a very reasonable price.
The HogsheadA: 186 Stafford Street, WV1 1NA
T: 01902 717 955
The Hogshead is your typical City Centre Student based bar. Very comfy
and recently redeveloped, the staff are friendly and professional.
There is a wide variety of food and offers for selection. There is a
generous selection of 2 meals for £5.99 and occasionally value meals
for £1.99 (Currently Bangers & Mash). There are plenty of other meals
available all for under £10 if none of the offers grab your attention.
The bar also has a beer garden / smoking area which is great during
the summer in particular. There are also Pool tables and sport events
are on the big screen fairly regularly.
They cater well for the student market and have various drinks offers
available throughout the year, aswell as a student night on a Monday
evening which includes live music and guitar hero.
Overall a very well established and professional bar and very easy on
the pocket money.
££ ££ £££ £
21
£££The ImperialA: School Street, WV1 4LF
T: 01902 429816
The Imperial was the fi rst Oreintal Buffet bar in the city, and has now
been well established for over 10 years. Situated under the Beatties
Car Park and near to the market, it is ideally suited for a quiet night
out.
There is always a large variety of food available and is constantly
refreshed so that there is no worry of anything running out. With around
50 varieties of curry, rice, noodles and meats available 7 days a week,
there is never anything missing. There is also a wide variety of puddings
on offer for those after dinner sweet teeth.
A bar is also very well stocked up and offers everything you can think
of from soft drinks to alcohol and spirits. They also cater for Birthday
parties and large number bookings.
With ample parking available both above the restaurant and in other
car parks near, it is easy to get to. It is always worth booking in advance
as they can get quite busy.
Fox & AnchorA: Brewood Road, Cross Green, WV10 7PW
T: 01902 798 796
Of all the pubs in Cross Green, The Fox and Anchor is one of the best
places to enjoy the crackle of a real fi re, a fulfi lling winter meal and
the treasured company of family and friends. Soak up the warmest of
welcomes and explore some of the most popular pub food menus in
Black Country.
The pub is well known for it’s locally sourced food and the menu offers
a standard affair. The quality of the food is exceptional and again they
cater for all tastes and cover both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
There is a patio area at the rear of the building which is situated next
to the canal. This is ideal for summer walks along the towpath and
regularly sees boats anchor up for a bit of dinner.
Another string to the Fox’s bow is that it has a healthy selection of Ale’s,
both local and national selections.
Overall a very nice pub well worth a sample.
££ £ £ ££ £
22
Spot Light: Cinema
Bentley Bridge Leisure Park, Wednesfi eld Way, WV11 1TZ
T: 0871 200 2000W: www.cineworld.co.uk
Currently Showing3 Idiots (12A)All About Steve (12A)Alvin & The Chipmunks 2 (U)Avatar (3D) (12A)Brothers (15)Daybreakers (15)Did You Hear About The Morgans? (PG)It’s Complicated (15)Ninja Assassin (18)Sherlock Holmes (12A)St. Trinnians 2 (PG)The Book of Eli (15)The Boys Are Back (12A)Toy Story 2 (3D) (U)Up In The Air (15)Veer (TBC)
The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT
T: 01902 716055W: www.light-house.co.uk
Currently Showing
Me & Orson Welles (12A)Glorious 39 (12A)
Coming SoonNine (12A)Bunny & The Bull (15)USA OK (Full Metal Jacket) (18)Sherlock Holmes (12A)The Road (15)
Bentley Mill Way, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 0LE
T: 0871 220 1000W: www.showcasecinemas.co.uk
Currently Showing
Alvin and The Chipmunks 2 (U)Avatar 3D (12A)Book of Eli (15)Daybreakers (15)Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG)It’s Complicated (15)Ninja Assassin (18)Sherlock Holmes (12A)St Trinian’s 2 (PG)Toy Story 2 (3D) (U)Twilight Saga: New Moon (12A)
Here in Wolverhampton we have 3 cinemas, 2 national chains and 1 independant. Here we will list what is currently showing and (In the case of The Lighthouse independant cinema) what is coming over the next few weeks. Please check with the institute itself or it’s website to fi nd detailed timings and prices etc…
If you go to see fi lms regularly? Do you fancy writing a review for us?
If so email: [email protected] for further details
23
24
Album Reviews
Eels -End Times(V2)Misery isn’t just Mark Everett’s bread and butter as a writer -- it’s his breakfast, lunch, dinner and nightcap.
But don’t believe him this time; “End Times” is a kind of breakup album with Everett’s youth that’s both shimmering yet emotionally ransacked, and an affecting entry to his long catalogue. Everett might not go looking for misery anymore, but it always has a way of fi nding him. Thankfully, he’s still making the best of it.
Laura Veirs - July Flame (Bella Union)This is the seventh album from this mild-mannered native of Portland, Oregon. She’s avoided the
lure of a speed metal reinvention and stuck to her amiable brand of charming folk songs. Musically it’s quite a sombre affair, but it’s Laura’s compassionate voice that keeps the fi re burning and the heart beating. It is a calm, yet confi dent affair. It doesn’t push too hard, just plays it simple and heartfelt.
Fyfe Dangerfi eld - Fly Yellow Moon(Polydor)Mostly recorded in one happy bundle at the end of 2008, Opener
When You Walk in the Room storms in with fuzzy bashed drums and a screech. Dangerfi eld’s still the romantic – “I want you endlessly” – he just demonstrates it with vamping Supergrass piano and Tom Waits clanks. It’s a cracker, but hardly sets the tone. It’s an album in love with life, and one that is a dilligent treat for all.
Lost Prophets - The Betrayed(Visible Noise)Welsh anarchists Lostprophets inadvertently earned themselves the
detrimental “emo” tag with their last album but have returned this year to rectify their image. They have taken a step back to their routes and tracks like ‘Next Stop Atro City’ and ‘Dstryer/Dstyer’ scream nu-metal. The recent fans will feel happy with the ‘run of the mill tracks’ like ‘Streets of Nowhere’. A mixed bag of tunes in refl ection.
Delphic - Acolyte(Polydor)When considering the standard of their two previous singles and their auspicious live reputation, Acolyte
would have been a disappointment if it wasn’t, at the very least, a solid indie-dance album. The many highlights include ‘This Momentary’, ‘Red Lights’, ‘Halcyon’ and the stunning title track. There is alot of pressure on them to deliver now, but with their reputation only getting better, they can relax now.
David Bowie - A Reality Tour(Colombia)Finally released on cd, this classic dvd performance includes 3 bonus tracks not
originally released. Bowie’s ‘Reality Tour’ was his most successful since the days of Ziggy and showcases his whole back catalogue. Some of the many highlights are ‘Changes’, “China Girl’, ‘Heroes’, ‘Hello Spaceboy’ and the classic ‘Rebel Rebel’. A must for all fans and those who are new & curious about the legend.
Hadouken! - For The Masses(Surface Noise)From what’s been released as a teaser sample for the record and the recent
singles, this album should shape up to be a belter. The epic ‘Turn The Lights Out’ is one of the highlights from the fi rst listen. The only issue is the songs fail to make a lasting impression. Their debut record bought rave reviews and it looks like they could suffer from ‘second album syndrome’. Time will tell but this is a good launching block.
Massive Attack - Helligoland(Virgin)Bristol legends return with the eagerly awaited follow up to ‘100th Broken
Window’ and are in vibrant form. The trip-hop’s 5th album sees an array of guests including Guy Garvey, Damon Albarn & Martina Topley-Bird amongst others. This is an intense body of work that needs a few plays, but soon grows on you. They take their time in releasing records, but ‘Heligoland’ has been worth this wait.
Ocean Colour Scene - Saturday(Cooking Vinyl)Local boys OCS have been brandished with some harsh reviews over the last 10 years,
but if there is a god, this album will see them back in the limelight. ‘Saturday’ fi nds them in upbeat mood. The likes of ‘100 Floors of Perception’, “Mrs Maylie’ and the brilliant ‘Postal’ will bring the mosh pits back at gigs with loud screetching guitars and pounding drums. For once they sound refreshed and mean business. Brilliant.
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Single ReviewsAsh - Ichiban(Atomic Heart)Ash kick of 2010 with a 3 minute slice of pop/punk perfection. When the A-Z series was announced
many dismissed the idea, but so far it has been a massive triumph. ‘Ichiban’ has a cheeky undertone and bounces from speaker to speaker. This should be a hit and I predict will be a fan favourite for a few years to come. The screetching guitar solo sounds fresh. It brings to mind those perfect summers as cheeky scamps.
Chipmunk - Look For Me(Columbia)The Chip Diddy Chip man himself is back with the next single from his debut album
‘I Am…’ This equals in merit the skill and urban funk that ‘Diamond Rings’ brought us. With Taley Riley backing him up, it adds an air of froughtness to the song and helps to dismiss it from the route of ‘pop’ which the record label appear to be trying to send him down. Will not be as big as his previous singles, but still alot to offer.
David Gray - Full Steam(Polydor/Mercer St)On paper, a collaboration with Annie Lennox and David Gray should
not work. But on record their voices compliment each other very well and makes you wonder why they have never done this before. Mr Gray seems to be stepping away from the ‘sound’ that gained him fame in favour of his more mysterious back catalogue. Not an instant classic, but a great track for a night in.
Ocean Colour Scene - Magic Carpet Days(Cooking Vinyl)Magic Carpet Days sees the brummie boys return to fi ne
pop form. Although not as instant as the likes of ‘I Just Need Myself’ or ‘Hundred Mile High City’, it is a very catch number that brushes along with the same summer breeze that ‘The Circle’ and ‘ Profi t In Peace’ gave us. This is sure to be a festival classic, and well deserved to bring them back into the limelight.
Wiley - Take That(Universal)Wiley has been described as the saviour of UK Hiphop. This could actually live up to the suggestion
with its screaming funky bass and electro pulastions. The only problem is it sounds very much like Dizzee’s ‘Bonkers’ with a club mix thrown in for good measure. No doubt it will be huge over in Ibiza and in the clubbing scene. As for being the saviour? For the time being it still remains in Dizzee’s hands im afraid.
Ash - Spaceshot(Atomic Heart)Following hot on the heels of ‘Ichiban’ is the self proclaimed ‘biggie’ in the Ash camp. ‘Spaceshot’
echoes the lyrical content of earlier hits. ‘I want to get out’ sings Tim over a funked up electro riff. A slightly different sound to what we are used to from Ash, but sounds incredible. ‘Spaceshot, we’re outta control, we’re outta control, the time is right’. These lyrics could almost be used as a political statement. Pure genius.
Codine Velvet Club - Hollywood(Island)When Jon Lawler announced he was working on a solo record, Fratellis fans
were astounded. But this is one of the results. It is a slice of 60’s inspired soul that mixes with the sound Phil Spector aspired to. Joining him on vocals is the relatively unknown Lou Hickey whose vocals add another layer to the overall sound. A perfect pop single, but a good step aside from the Fratellis sound.
Delphic - Doubt(Polydor)Delphic are riding the crest of a wave at the moment. They have released their critically acclaimed
debut, put on spectacular shows and released this as a single. The synth sound is making a comeback and Delphic know how to craft a pop song out of it. This won’t catapult them to the top just yet, but is a great stepping stone towards the acclaimation they deserve.
Biffy Clyro - Many of Horror(14th Floor)Now on the umpteenth single from the substandard ‘Only Revolutions’
album. Biffy are here in vibrant move and going for the ‘romantic’ angle with a video to match. The only problem being they sound tired and bored. Gone are the rauchous days of yore and they have given in to commercialism. The song itself would be a hit by any new band, but for Biffy they’ve done it better before.
26
Kasabian have had what can only be described as a ‘roller coaster’ few years. Their debut was greeted with such enthusiasm that it almost spiralled them into a ‘one-hit wonder’ band. But second album ‘Empire’ kicked all the doubters out of the water. The latest album ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’ has cemented them as one of the biggest bands the UK currently has to offer. Singles ‘Fire’ and ‘Where Did All The Love Go?’ Have seen them rise into festival anthems over the summer, and provided the band with singalongs that Coldplay would be envious of. So it is apt that after a year working their way back up from obscurity, they are playing a sold out NIA in Birmingham. A venue I saw them in over the summer of 2004 supporting The Who (then 2 days later, played a very empty mid-afternoon slot at the Coventry Godiva Festival!)
Support duties tonight come from the excellent Reverend & The Makers. Kicking proceedings off with ‘Silence Is Talking’, The ‘Rev’ John McClure has the crowd lapping up every word and eating out of the palm of his hand. A perfect set before the might Kasabian grace us with their presence. After a set which also includes the single ‘Heavyweight Champion of The World’, the crowd are clearly up for a night of air punching anthems.
The stage is cleared and a fought 45 minutes to set the stage up pass. You know that a band is on the verge of ‘making it’ when the instruments and mic stands get a cheer when the roadies bring them on and set them up! But eventually the lights fade and the screams from the crowd get wilder. A recording of a man shouting and screaming strain over the PA system as 3 men in white coats parade the stage, spreading essence into the audience. The P.A. recording stops and a heavy baseline start up. The words ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’ appear over the stage. As soon as the last word is highlighted kasabian are in place on stage and kick into B-side from the ‘Underdog E.P’; ‘Julie & The Mothman’. It is hard to work out why this was not included on the album, but midway through, frontman Tom Meighan addresses
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the crowd and gets a screaming arms stretching out response from the front rows. The opening song ends up being a 7 minute romp through funk and soul. This then slides straight into ‘Underdog’. Taking a moment to kick in, the heavy pulsating bass plays out for a minute before Serge’s guitar riff kicks in and the vocals pick up. They are out to impress tonight. But with an arena full of die hard fans, it almost seems hard to understand why. But then again, it emphasises their talent to play their gigs like it’s be the last one they ever do. A commitment hard to come by in most bands these days.
Further into the set, it seems unstoppable of hits,, they fi re one after the other, just showing how many hits they’ve had in a short space of time. The likes of ‘Shoot The Runner’, ‘Cutt Off’, ‘Thick As Thieves’ and the epic ‘Empire’ remind us that they have captured the people’s
A 7 minute romp through funk & soul
imaginations when it comes to singles. The last group to do this was Oasis back in 1994-96. Kasabian’s rise is certainly miming the Gallagher brother’s rise and it’s easy to see why Kasabian get lumped in with them in comparison. ‘Club Foot’ is chosen tonight as the set closer and one of the biggest singalongs of the night by far. The band stand and look at their audience before sauntering off smiling, seeming pleased with themselves.
As great traditions go, we are treated to an encore tonight. They come back on and launch into ‘Vlad The Impaler’. The song sounds gloriously loud tonight. Tom is storming back and forth over the stage, leaning over towards the front rows. As it fades out they go straight into the epic ‘Stuntman’. After a futile rendition Tom and Serge address the crowd to thank them for coming and being ‘truly amazing’. The fi nal strains of ‘L.S.F (Lost Souls Forever)’ closes the set tonight and sees the fans arms aloft and singing along word for word. It shows what a catapult this song is when the fans are still singing the chorus refrain as they pour out of the arena long after the band have fi nished.
With a band on fi re like this, it is easy to see how they have made the big leagues so quickly. Some doubted whether they could play the arena circuit so soon, but on this evidence, they are here to stay.
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It’s a bitter night, with frost and fog forecast, in fact the weather-girl has suggested to stay at home unless necessary. Stay at home and miss Athlete? No chance!
Athlete are a band who have not had the recognition they deserve, much like Elbow prior to their Mercury Music Award. (Of course they did receive an Ivor Novello Award for the beautiful ‘Wires’ but apart from that they seem to miss the radar). Tonight is the last night of a tour to promote the Black Swan album, released after they had split with their record label. The sound is clear, the lyrics poignant, and everyone is enjoying themselves.
Before the lights go down, there is an air of anticipation around, and also one of excitement. I’ve not felt this at a gig for quite a while and it is refreshingly exciting again! Opening with ‘El Salvador’ from the ‘Vehicles and Animals’ album the set picks on all albums. The awesome and often overlooked single ‘Hurricane’ comes next and sees Joel put down the guitar and swing around the stage like a troubadour, feeding off the outstretched arms of the front rows. Smiling gleefully and spinning around he seems happy, and it’s good to see. Recent single ‘Superhuman Touch’ completes the opening trilogy, and sounds immense live. It takes on a new sound altogether and proves that even without the backing of a major label, they can still fi re out the singles, and they are still as awesome as ever.
The stunning ‘tourist’ is next. From my vantage point I can see a small boy placed on someone’s shoulders and he begins to make his way from the back of the venue, right down to the front. As the song ends, Joel puts down his guitar and approaches him. Joel then asks for a round of applause for the “small boy down here who was in the video for that song, and we’ve not seen him since then”. He then reaches over and shakes the small boy by the hand to an echo of applause, cheers and ‘aaaahs’. Joel also comments on the size of his towel tonight, which he opens to reveal a bath sheet, “I’m not going to sweat
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that much”. He speaks with the crowd like they’re an old friend in the pub, having a drink and he genuinely seems a good down-to-earth bloke.
New single ‘Black Swan Song’ is followed by the gorgeous ‘24 Hours’. As the latter ends, someone near the front calls out a line of ‘Beautiful’. Joel looks as if he’s smiling at the girl as he starts to strum his guitar and sings the opening line of the ‘requested’ song. The band slowly realise what is happening and one by one pick up and play along. If it was on the actual setlist, then it was done with such accuracy that it made us believe it was more of a spontaneous performance. Sheer brilliance.
Joel tells us that it is his sister’s birthday, Kate, and also a roadie called Rabbit, who is led centre stage before the crowd sing ‘Happy Birthday’
Athlete deserve to be massive
to them both. The crowd is lit up but as Joel says “don’t put the lights up ‘cause you won’t see her in here”. ‘You Got The Style’ comes next as a tribute to both Kate and Rabbit. The set comes to a close with magical performances of ‘Westside’ and ‘The Getaway’. The crowd are clearly wanting more as the chants and hand claps start up even before the band has left the stage.
The encore is pure genius ’Rubik’s Cube’, ‘Wires’, Half Light’ , three complete classics. They were justifi ed in having the Ivor Novello for Wires, it’s a stunning track that should be on everyone’s ipod and it is sung by the whole crowd word for word. In fact the crowd sing-a-long with every track, almost festival style and it’s the most receptive crowd I’ve seen in the Wulfrun for many years
I’ve already said that Athlete are incredibly underrated, and this performance was referenced by one person on leaving the venue as being like ‘seeing Elbow before they went away and came back with their big one’ (The Seldom Seen Kid) - and I would have to agree, there was an air of magic around tonight.
Outside the temperature has indeed dropped but no-one has noticed. What a simply brilliant show. Athlete deserve to be massive.
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Placebo’s night is kicked off with them appearing on the giant screens as people enter the venue. They tell us that they are showcasing independent short fi lms between support acts which are available to buy for charity from the merchandise stall. Proof that despite their ‘hard’ outer shell, they are genuine people in the real world.
Silversun Pickups and The Horrors are tonight’s opening act. Praise for both, but a personal highlight for myself goes out to The Horrors for putting on a great performance.
Placebo are renowned for their high octane performances and tonight is no disappointment. A giant screen covers the stage with ‘Battle For The Sun’s’ LP cover projected on. As it drops to give way to the band, fi rst notice is the string orchestra accompanying them! Not something you would associate with the kings of Moody Rock. Kicking off with ‘For What It’s Worth’ they seem in playful mood and Brian is smiling and pointing into the crowd inbetween guitar strums. ‘Ashtray Heart’ and ‘Battle For The Sun’ complete the opening trio, the opening bars of the former fi nd Brian standing toes curled on the very edge of the stage as the crowd reach to get nearer to their leader. He acknowledges us and tells us that it’s great to be back in Birmingham.
‘Every You & Every Me’, ‘The Never-Ending Why’ and the glorious ‘Meds’ are highlights of the main set, and in the encore we are treated to venomous versions of ‘Special K’ and ‘The Bitter End’. The band are clearly on a high and loving the reception as Brian claps his hands and mutters thank you before walking off. Our patience is worth while as we are treated to an extra encore. Ending the 3 song 2nd encore with ‘Taste In Men’ is pure genius. Although this was a smaller academy show tonight, They put on a show as if they had sold out the entire arena. They played for their fans, they played as if it was the last show they’d ever play.
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On a cold and rainy night in central Birmingham, the Flapper & Firkin is the place to be. It is compact and heaving with a mixture of Reef fans, Rockers and casuals.
The Black Fangs and Rase tonight offer their support, and win over an army of new fans. Beefy ‘rock by numbers’ riffs interspersed with heavy baselines shake the foundations of the cavern-like venue. But people are here for one reason only… Them Is Me’s fi rst Birmingham gig in nearly 12 months.
Just after 9.20 they take to the stage and launch into the superb ‘Burning Through Black’ from the self titled debut album of 2008. Gary Stringer seems in a playful mood tonight, and is smiling broadly towards the army of cheering fans. Tonight though, they are on a mission, the band have been in the studio and are testing some new songs out in the live arena. From fi rst hearing, the likes of ‘Heavy Rain’, ‘Bite Your Lip’ and ‘All Alone’ offer up a greater depth to their sound. It seem’s like Jack Bessant’s bass has been cranked up to ‘11’ (as Spinal Tap once said) but similarly Jonas Jalhay’s guitar is squealing on every note to compliment every pluck of the bass. Gary’s vocals however are sublime. Sounding the best they have in years proves that the forthcoming second album should be one that could possibly break them into the mainstream.
We also get versions of debut album songs such as ‘The Skull Behind’ and ‘Moving Up’. The gentleness of “Let The Sun’ suddenly explodes into a roaring beast. “Caveman Love’ works so much better in the live arena proving endlessly that they are hard working and growing in confi dence with each show.
The highlights cliche as it sounds, remain for the encore. Epic new track ‘Cross The Valley’ kicks us off, and again proves these guys have a stunning new record ready to unleash. This could be a massive hit for them with the right promotion behind them. To close us off though, the brilliant “They Wont Be There For You’ gets the whole venue moshing as Gary jumps into the crowd and hugs fans as he sings. This is the defi nition of fans and artists in complete unity. Simply brilliant Catch them if you can cos they wont be playing intimate venues much longer!
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Little Boots is tonight all but drawing a close to her small tour of the UK. After winning the BBC’s New Talent 2009 competition back in January, her only live dates so far have been at the summer’s festivals.
Tonight sees the penultimate night of the tour and also the night before Halloween. In superior style to match, things are not going well. Stage times are delayed by 30 minutes and the venue has to extend the curfew to match. Any other night it wouldn’t matter, but they have to clear it for the nightclub in here after.
Support tonight comes from Eric Hassle, and Ellie Goulding. The latter being the more talented of the two and certainly gained more of a reaction from the crowd. (A few days after this show Ellie Goulding recorded her debut on Jools Holland’s ‘Later…’)
So on to Little Boots. The lights go down and her band walk on stage yet she is no where to be seen. As the opening song ‘Ghosts’ gains vocals, the other photographers and I soon realise she is under a cape on the keyboards at the rear of the stage. ‘Earthquake’ starts up next and she makes her way to the front of the stage and loses the cloak. The crowd scream as she reveals herself and begins to embrace the front rows. Amidst the hype, her vocals are not coming across as strong. Surprisingly early in the set (4th) we get ‘New In Town’. By now she seems more confi dent and her vocals are getting stronger.
Album tracks ‘Hearts Collide’ and ‘Click’ beef up the setlist but you can’t help but feel that something is missing. The classic ‘Remedy’ closes the main part of the set in great style and leaves the crowd hungry for more. As she returns to the stage there is a sigh of relief. The awesome ‘Stuck On Repeat’ closes the act.
Final thoughts seem to suggest that she certainly puts on a good show but she needs more confi dence. Well worth seeing next time!
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little bootswolverhampton wulfrun hall 2009.10.30
This was my fi rst time in the brand new o2 Academy in Birmingham, and a fi ne way to experience it. Support act for the night are Grammatics. They kick off and the sound is muddy and vocals are lost. They know it too, indicating to the technician in the middle of the fl oor to up his vocals. Admittedly I had lost interest, the songs had the same kind of chord structure and just faded into each other. They did play a decent 40 minutes and have the potential to be good if they just relax and get the sound sorted out.
After a short break and roadies clearing the stage, the crowd were starting to get a little restless. From what I’d heard about previous dates, the band were on form and crowds were getting wilder. By the time the lights went down around 5 minutes late, there were literally screams from the front rows as Kele and Co. entered.
Kicking off with ‘Halo’ they proceeded with energy of a band just starting out. It’s as if they had everything, but yet nothing to prove. After a fraught fi rst few minutes, Kele takes time out to remove his cap and to acknowledge the crowd. He laughs and jokes and tells us that ‘this is the one date I’ve really been looking forward too!’ Which causes the crowd to cheer gleefully.
They slide straight into an epic ‘Mercury’ with Kele jumping down into the crowd to embrace patient the fans. ‘Hunting For Witches’, ‘Banquet’, ‘Blue Light’ and ‘Talons’ pad out the set to make it even more enjoyable. Kele introduces the next song as ‘an old disco number’ and the band break in to ‘One More Chance’. It gets one of the biggest cheers of the night from the audience. They end the main set on another single, the brilliant ‘The Prayer’.
We are soon treated to a 4 song encore, starting with ‘Ares’ and ‘Like Eating Glass’. Kele can’t stop praising the audience and thanks them again as they launch into ‘Flux’. The closer tonight is the awesome fan favourite ‘Helicopter’. As the song ends, the house lights go up and the crowd go mental. The band stand observing them all before bowing and walking off waving and smiling, genuinely enjoying the experience.
With current doubt over the band’s future, I am so glad I was there!
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bloc partybirmingham academy 2009.10.15
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WM Events GuideThis is a small round up of music events happening in the city over the next few weeks. If you have any gigs you wish to promote in these pages, please end us the details asap so i can print them in the next issue.
Email: gigs@wlv-soundcheck
January24th - The Doors Alive Birmingham O2 Academy 324/th - Delta Maid Birmingham Hare & Hounds25th - Evile Wolverhampton Little Civic25th - Reel Big Fish Birmingham O2 Academy26th - Sleeping Beauty Birmingham Hippodrome26th - Real Estate Birmingham Hare & Hounds27th - Iglu & Hartly Birmingham O2 Academy 327th - Holly Williams Birmingham Garden Cafe28th - Tna Wrestling Coventry Sky Dome28th - Hardcore Superstar Birmingham Rainbow28th - Bullet Birmingham Rainbow29th - Emilie Autumn Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall29th - Marduk Birmingham Asylum29th- Zico Chain + To The Bones Birmingham Flapper & Firkin30th - Municipal Waste Birmingham O2 Academy 230th - Kerrang! 2010 Birmingham O2 Academy30th - All Time Low Birmingham O2 Academy30th - The Blackout Birmingham O2 Academy30th - Young Guns Birmingham O2 Academy30th - My Passion Birmingham O2 Academy30th - Miles Hunt Wolverhampton Little Civic30th - The Circus Of Horrors Wolverhampton Civic Hall30th - Aurora Plastic Monster Birmingham Flapper & Firkin31st - Buffy Saint-marie Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
February01st - Decapitated Birmingham O2 Academy 201st - Nancy Elizabeth Birmingham Hare & Hounds02nd - These New Puritans Birmingham Hare & Hounds03rd - Rammstein Birmingham Lg Arena03rd - Dan Smith Birmingham Hare & Hounds04th - Bonecrusher Festival Birmingham O2 Academy 204th - Etienne De Crecy Birmingham O2 Academy04th - Peter Von Poehl Birmingham Hare & Hounds05th - Jls Birmingham Lg Arena05th - Adam Green Birmingham O2 Academy 205th - Johnny Foreigner Birmingham Hare & Hounds06th - Jo Caulfi eld Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall06th - Blaze Bayley Dudley Jbs07th - Chris Addison Warwick Arts Centre07th - Ocean Colour Scene Coventry Kasbah
07th - The Low Anthem Birmingham O2 Academy 208th - Hot Club De Paris Birmingham The Rainbow09th - Lamb Of God Birmingham O2 Academy09th - Job For A Cowboy Birmingham O2 Academy09th - Swan Lake Birmingham Hippodrome09th - Cobra Starship Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall10th - Vampire Weekend Birmingham O2 Academy10th - Fightstar Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall10th - Fanfarlo Birmingham Hare & Hounds10th - Los Bastardos Birmingham O2 Academy 311th - Jimmy Greaves Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall11th - Shockwaves Nme Tour Birmingham O2 Academy11th - Doll And The Kicks Birmingham Hare & Hounds11th - Twisted Wheel Birmingham O2 Academy 312th - Lee Mack Alexandra Theatre12th - Chipmunk Birmingham O2 Academy13th - Lee Mack Warwick Arts Centre13th - Kelly Clarkson Birmingham O2 Academy13th - Sunshine Underground Coventry Kasbah13th - Cosmo Jarvis Coventry Kasbah13th - Imogen Heap Birmingham O2 Academy 214th - Tinchy Stryder Birmingham O2 Academy14th - Band Of Skulls Birmingham Hare & Hounds14th - Musiq Soulchild Alexandra Theatre15th - The Chippendales Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall15th - Traces Birmingham Hippodrome15th - Booty Luv Coventry Kasbah15th - Francis Dunnery Kitchen Garden Cafe15th - Cherry Poppin Daddies Birmingham O2 Academy 316th - Traces Birmingham Hippodrome16th - Midlake Birmingham Town Hall16th - Saving Aimee Birmingham O2 Academy 316th - Mastodon Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall16th - Yeasayer Birmingham O2 Academy 216th - These Monsters Birmingham Flapper & Firkin17th - Traces Birmingham Hippodrome17th - Lostprophets Birmingham O2 Academy17th - The X Factor Birmingham Lg Arena17th - Fear Factory Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall18th - The Rumble Strips Birmingham O2 Academy 218th - The X Factor Birmingham Lg Arena18th - Derek Acorah Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
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19th - The X Factor Birmingham Lg Arena19th - Europe Birmingham O2 Academy20th - Elvis Presley In Concert Birmingham Lg Arena20th - Hot Chip Birmingham O2 Academy20th - Finley Quaye Birmingham The Rainbow20th - Hot Chip Birmingham O2 Academy21st - Machine Head Birmingham O2 Academy21st - Owl City Birmingham O2 Academy21st - Blonde Louis Birmingham O2 Academy 322nd - So Many Dynamos Birmingham Flapper & Firkin23rd - Chipmunk Coventry The Copper Rooms23rd - Kassidy Birmingham Hare & Hounds24th - Overkill Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall24th - Danny Connors Birmingham Hare & Hounds25th - Mika Birmingham O2 Academy25th - King Charles Birmingham Hare & Hounds26th - Tim Vine Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall27th - Twisted Wheel Coventry Kasbah27th - Rhodesrock Reunion Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall27th - Letz Zep Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall27th - Limehouse Lizzy Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall27th - Are You Experienced Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall27th - Swimming Birmingham Flapper & Firkin
Box Offi ce DetailsTo book tickets for any of the shows above, please use the following direct numbers, or contact them via the web
Wolverhampton Civic Hall 01902 552 121Birmingham Flapper & Firkin 0121 236 2421Birmingham Hare & Hounds 07761 125200Birmingham 02 Academy 0844 4772000Birmingham LG Arena 0844 338 0338Birmingham Asylum 0121 233 1109Birmingham Rainbow 0121 772 8174Birmingham Kitchen Garden Cafe 0121 443 4725Coventry Kasbah 024 7655 4473Coventry Warwick Arts Centre 024 7652 4524Dudley JB’s 01384 253597
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