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THE RAILWAY CLUBFREE

NEWS / REVIEWS / AIR TO ACHILLES / INDEPENDENT / GOTCHA!

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JULY/AUG ISSUE #27

PHOTO: DAVID WALA

EDITORIAL 03www.manifestosunderland.com

03 l EditorialWe get the views on Issue #27 fromour Editor and chief E.H as shewelcomes new members to teamManifesto.

06 l Guest EditorA dollop of Trollope. We caught upwith Railway Club frontman MartinTrollope as the South Tynesider'sembark on two big releases in 2012.

09 l Local NewsBunker Dance. Announcements.Releases. Diary.

12 l This MonthWe catch up with our spankingnew designer and all round graphicman Paul Burgess and Yanza Reznafrom Not Your Cuppa Tea.

13 l Spotlight OnOur bright lights fall on Tusk andThis Years Love.

14 l Sliding DoorsOur feature takes a look at thesuccess story that is/wasIndependent and will continue tobe at Independent 2.0.

16 l Local InterviewWe have a chat with Newcastlestalwarts Air To Achilles.

18 l ReviewsCD- POTM and 9 other crackersyou MUST download!

21 l Reviews: LIVEEvolution Emerging Special. TheFutureheads. Natasha Haws.

23 l Gotcha!Did we catch you at your worst lastmonth?

24 l ListingsDosing you up with gig-goodnessfor July/August.

26 l The FixA word from our man fromStockton, or is it Teesside, maybeDarlo? Parmo anyone?

16 AIR TO ACHILLES

PHOTO: CAROLINE BRIGGS

ALT-J - ONE OF THE MOST RECENT BIGNAMES TO PLAY THE LITTLE ROOM.

LET’S AWAY AT EVO EMERGINGPHOTO: CAROLINE BRIGGS

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL 04

HOWE-DOI hope this issue finds you all well!That was polite of me, that or I'm becoming far too rehearsed in emails.My inbox is regularly chocka with enquiries and what not but the lastfew weeks seems to have sent my 'you've got mail' into over-drive!Could this be people have now finally realised I no longer use my oldhacked by a South African money launderer account, or are thingsstarting to come to the boil with a summer of top music and events tocover in the North East. Either is good for me.

I want to say a warm welcome to a few new faces or fingers to thepages of Manifesto. First up Mr Paul Burgess who, as most of usinvolved in NE music will know, is a phenomenally talented GraphicDesigner. His recent work includes the merch and tour poster designsfor Vinyl Jacket as well as regular contributions his wee Lone Wolf'spromotional posters. We are very lucky to have Paul on board, not justto admire his porn-like tash and hats, but for the Burgess-ness tweakhe will bring to our pages.

Also a bear gripped huggy welcome to Andrew Openshaw who hasprovided us with some fresh eyes and take on the local music scene. Hetook on the role of interviewing this months Guest Editors The RailwayClub. I have long admired this band since my first dollop of Trollope atSeptember 2011's Split Transmission event and after listening to the newsingle around 24.4 times (my tea was ready on that last one), the rest of2012 should see the band take the next big step in their developmentfrom band to look out for to one of the cream of the crop.

Our #27 feature celebrates the achievements of Sunderland's ONLY realmusic venue, Independent. While I was a little sad, but not surprised ofthe news that Holmeside’s bohemian cauldron of new live music will bedemolished in the new year, I am in no way in dismay! I have no doubtBen and Paul will be back with Independent 2.0 unveiling new talentbefore anyone else.

Talk of Split is rife with part of the line-up announced only weeks ago,and as you read this the full-line up may have driven you wild with yourticket purchases. I am a massive fan of what Split represents as afestival, not just enjoyment through music but through the wholeexperience of stuffing your face and being part of a very special eventin Wearside with your family, friends and the rest of the North East. Ihope you all venture to Ashbrooke this year, you will find me perchedover bainmaries pondering my next plate full. Fatty! Reviews, News,Interviews are this issues delicacy and as always I would encourageyou to be as greedy as you like. Chomp down!

Don't forget to check out our new Gotcha! Page. Some right beauties inthere this issue.

E.H.EMMA HOWE - EDITOR

EDITOR

GUEST EDITORThe Railway Club

DESIGNPaul Burgess www.pbgd.co.uk

WORDSNic Wright, Ruth Edmonson, AndrewOpenshaw, Alistair Henderson,

Seb & Liam, Emma Howe

PHOTOGRAPHYIan West, Caroline Briggs,Dan Robson, David Wala,

Spurious Nonsense

www.manifestosunderland.com

EMAILinfo@manifestosunderland.comemma@manifestosunderland.com

FACEBOOK‘Manifesto Magazine’

ONLINE EDITORNic Wright

Manifesto Magazine29 Stockton RoadSunderland, SR2 7AQ

RINGTel: 0191 567 1777

ISSUE#27

Emma Howe

www.manifestosunderland.com

GUEST EDITOR 06

AO: How did you find playing live as a bandagain?

MT: Really brilliant! I was surprised that wemanaged to pull it all together so quickly andthat we actually managed to play the songsto the standard of the album. The fact thatpeople came along and seemed to reallyenjoy it made for a lovely evening.

AO: The album is due out in August, howhave you found working with Tiny Lights?

MT: It has been an absolute pleasure so far.We’re honoured that they have enough faith

in our music to want to put it out! The otherbands on the label are great too so to be onthere with people that we respect is cannycool.

AO: Is there much of a departure from TheWaiting Room E.P?

MT: There are not very many parallelsbetween that E.P. and the album in allhonesty. At the time of the E.P. I think wewere trying to be a bit too clever and dothings that weren’t particularly natural to usas musicians. The album, for the most part, isjust simple songs played simply.

Following a brief & unexpected hiatus from our local stages, THE RAILWAY CLUBreturned to the forefront of NE music with a gig back at The Head of Steam lastmonth. Our man Andrew Openshaw met with curly mopped frontman MartinTrollope post-gig-blowing-of-the cob-webs.

TH

E R

AIL

WAY

CL

UB

PHOTO: DAVID WALA

GUEST EDITOR 07www.manifestosunderland.com

AO: You’re huge Springsteen fansand you also recently recorded‘Thunder Road’ for Tiny Lightsbirthday celebrations, how was that?

MT: It was loads of fun gettingto play and sing with the otherartists on the label. Carmenplayed piano and I playedsome guitar parts and we bothdid some vocals - quiteexcited to hear the final mix!

AO: You’re one of the emerging starsin the North East at the moment,what’s it like being part that clusterof talent?

MT: It’s weird to think that thereare so many ridiculously talentedpeople in the North East and that I’mgood friends with some of them. Itmakes you wonder if every area of thecountry is the same or whether we’rejust a lucky region. Personally, I hopeit is something to do with the region.

I think having such amazing bands inclose proximity really pusheseveryone involved to be even better than they already are - not in acompetitive way - but in a positiveway. It’s a good time for North Eastmusic.

AO:What do you hope to achieveover the next 12 months?

MT: Sell out the physical copies ofthe album. We’d love to playsomewhere further away too, as wehaven’t had a chance to do that yet.Hopefully, we’ll start working onnewer material fairly soon, just tokeep our minds fresh.

Words AO

The Railway Club release theirdébut single Broken Strings on9th July and the band will hostan official launch party atCluny2 on the 6th with supportfrom Natasha Haws, BlankMaps and Acrobatic Society.

LOCAL NEWS www.manifestosunderland.com 09www.manifestosunderland.com

The first wave of acts confirmed for this year's Split Festivalhave been revealed.The line-up includesreformed legends ThisAin't Vegas, and severalMercury nominated acts.

Headlining the mainstage on Sunday, TheFutureheads make theirreturn to the festival,joined by The Unthanks,Field Music, KathrynWilliams, Kyla LaGrange, This Ain'tVegas, The Lake Poets,The Cornshed Sisters,Let's Buy Happiness,Warm Digits, YoungLiar, Natasha Haws,The Chapman Family,The GreetingCommittee, ThatF**king Tank, John JPresley, RichardDawson, Lilliput, TheUnit Ama, The RealDavina and Algiers.More acts, including anon-local Saturdayhead-liner and furthernational artists, willbe revealed in the coming weeks.

Releasing your single on vinyl is so last year. The Railway Club are makingtheir debut single 'Broken Strings' available on super-limited edition cassettetape. On Monday July 9th the single, along with b-side 'Angel in the House'will also be unleashed digitally. The launch party will take place at Cluny 2 onFriday July 6th, where the band will be joined by Natasha Haws, label-matesAcrobatic Society and Blank Maps. Spinning tunes into the small hours on thenight will be Field Music's David Brewis.

Tiny Lights Recordings will be celebrating its first birthday this month, andthey’ve got some special plans to celebrate. Recently, the labelled lockedmembers of almost every band on their roster in a room to record a cover ofBruce Springsteen's Thunder Road. Each copy of the single come with uniquehand-drawn artwork designed by one of the artists involved with recording thesongs, and if you’re a Tiny Lights VIP, you’ll get a special customised edition.

BUNKER DANCEBunker Dance has a newgroup for any localelectronic dance musicproducers / DJs!

Here at Bunker Dance, wepride ourselves on knowingall the local DJs andproducers who are doingthe right stuff right now,today. In an effort to keepour eyes (and ears) on thefreshest and best music ofthe more ‘up tempo’ side ofelectronic dance, we haverecently opened up a newSoundcloud group named!!MAINSTREAM HOUSE /TECH / ELECTRO / CLUB /PROG!! - Remixes /Mashups / Productions /Sets (we like to keep it shortand sweet).

The group has not longbeen open but has alreadyaccumulated a nice set oflocal producers & DJs whopost their latest works forthe rest of the world tocheck out. This is a primeplace to get your musicseen if you wish for it to befeatured on our radio showor on other electronicdance music shows that arefeatured on 107 Spark FM.All of the music we receiveis passed on to ourpresenters and producersfor consideration. If you feellike you have music to showto the world, or wouldsimply like to check outsome new local dancemusic, then head over toour Soundcloud group andjoin up!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LOCAL NEWS 10

SPLIT PARADEIf you were part of the first ever Split Parade last year, you willremember a few feathery friends leading a trail of gig goers upHolmeside to arrive to blistering sounds of Young Liar at Plugged Innbefore sticking around to take in the delights of such established localacts like Lets Buy Happiness, Ashes Of Iron, Warm Digits and even animpromptu set from Mr Tom Robinson of 6music. Well keep your eyeson twitter/facey and of course Manifesto online as the plans are set inmotion for this year’s big pre-Split event. It’s going to be massive!

AMAZING RADIO GOES OFF DABIn May, North East music advocates Amazing Radio ceasedbroadcasting on the national Digital One multiplex citing the inability tosecure acceptable terms for a contract extension.

The station released an open letter to theindustry to explain, here's a snippet: 'Let’s behonest. Some of you will have said ‘AmazingWho?’ Others will go ‘serves them right, theirmodel was crazy’. Others will be sad to seesomething new disappear from the airwaves,but assume it was never viable as a concept.

The truth is more complicated. Amazing Radio did notgo off the air because our model failed. We have been growing veryrapidly for two years and broke even in January. We have verysupportive shareholders who understand that we have a long term,very audacious plan to reinvent the music industry. We are about toraise $30m in Silicon Valley to expand internationally and in the UK.Transmissions ceased because we were unable to secure acceptableterms for an extension of our contract'.

'The music industry is broken. The old model doesn’t work any more.Major labels have withdrawn from A&R. The industry needs helpfinding the new talent. That’s what we do'.

The reaction from listeners and musicians, confirms just what Amazinghave said, and people are obviously very passionate about having thestation back on DAB. We want to wish Amazing and their staff the bestof luck in getting back on DAB and are in no doubt that the uniqueoutlet they give musicians and new music so they can be found bylisteners and labels alike is irreplaceable.

RELEASESJUNE: Air To Achilles released new single Wild Palms on June 8th, while the 11th of June saw the release of

Let's Buy Happiness' Works Better on Paper, and Maximo Park's fourth album The National Health, The Chapman Family released new album Cruel Britannia on June 16th, The Greeting Committeebrought out their début single Show Me The Lights of Home on June 25th.

JULY: The Railway Club release their début single Broken Strings on July 9th. So What Robot release new single Work and Play on August 6th with fellow Kitll'ins and the newly named BiG Beat Bronsonreleasing EP 'May Contain Nuts' also on August 6th.

DiaryMay 12th

a sudden power cut takes hold

of the Minster and punters are

left to the mercy of

HawBagHaws craic

May 19th

Dave Hyde is seen running through

Sunderland wiping the sleep from

his eyes as the sea shantys begin

May 26th

Local Music waves ta'ra to

Echohead and the original Mam'ager

JunE 7th

God takes a massive wee over the

Stadium Of Light

JunE 15th

The Olympic torch is re-lit for

the first time in its existence as

the north East provides

predictable weather for its leg of

the relay!

JunE 21st

a mass of over 50's are seen

entering the SOL with fishing

stools

LOCAL NEWS 11www.manifestosunderland.com

DAVE STEWART TO PLAYTHE EMPIRE!Celebrating the September release of 'The Ringmaster General' DaveStewart will play four rare UK shows including a special concert in hisSunderland hometown. The iconic artist, who has built a successfulcareer in the US, will perform songs with his band from his upcomingalbum, as well as material from his critically acclaimed 2011 album TheBlackbird Diaries and other solo works. He will also perform some of hishits with the Eurythmics and other artists. The prospect of playing inSunderland is one Stewart is very excited about; “It's been a long time,and to kick off in my hometown the day my new album is released willbe a golden moment for me.”

Dave Stewart will play at the Sunderland Empire on the 3rd of September.Tickets are priced at Tickets for the Sunderland Empire are priced at £26and are available to buy now by calling 0844 871 3022 or online atwww.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland, as well as from select ticket agents,the 24Hr Ticket Hotline 0844 338 0000 and on line at BookingsDirect.com

MUSIC FUTURES SERIES‘Music Futures Series’ is Generator’s new music business panel programme, giving regional musicians andbusinesses the chance to pick the brains of some of the industry’s leading figures like Simon Raymonde(Bella Union) and Caroline Elleray (Universal Music).

Featuring a series of weekly panels, running from Thursday 28th June to Thursday 19th July at Newcastle’s LiveTheatre, industry experts will give their unique insight into the future of record labels, publishing, marketing andbroadcasting. The panels will demonstrate how regional artists and music businesses can take advantage of thelatest industry developments and use them to create new platforms and sources of income.

Music Futures Series events are FREE but places are limited and advance booking is essential.For more information and to book your place please visit: www.musicfutures.info

SHAKE IT UP 2012The Bunker present Shake It Up2012, uncovering the best newurban & dance acts in the NorthEast. In association withIndependent and Generator, TheBunker will run the first ever eventof it's kind in Sunderland to find theShake It Up act of 2012. This is thewidest the net has been cast for ashowcase of it's kind with allProducers, DJ's, MCs andVocalists encouraged to apply.

On Saturday July 14th,Independent will host the launch ofthis fantastically fresh showcaseevent of Dance & Urban music inthe North East. Regional press willbe invited to the launch alongsidethose interested in applying as wellas lovers of the growing scene inthe North East. They will be treatedto some top live performancesfrom high profile DJ's, Producersand Vocalists from across theNorth East. Possible entrants willbe introduced to UpFront Urban2012's panel, made up of those atthe top of their game in the NorthEast as well as having theopportunity to take part in a Q&Asession with leading figures intheir field. All relevant informationon how to enter will also beavailable on the night.

THIS MONTH 12

NOT-YOUR-CUPPA-TEA

Listening to...Recently enjoyingLuke Abbott’s, Holkham Drones” –what an incredible talent. Can’tbelieve he’s virtually unknown. It’sbeen a while since we’ve heardanyone with such a definingsound. Sleep Party People' "Wewere drifting on a sad song" is sofar my favouritealbum this year.Apart from thatthere’s alwaysthe usual 80’sstuff – just boughtEurythmics andMiami Vicesoundtrack onvinyl.

Reading...Tryingto get through a‘how to’ book aboutwriting businessplans. Book daysare over for us (we really missthem though). These days it's justreading emails, writing emails,sending emails... all day long

Watching...Carl Sagan’s 80’s TVseries called “Cosmos” along withsome sci-fi classics such as aHitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,Automan, Buck Rogers etc.

Going to...We are really excitedto see ALT-J at the Cluny thismonth.

PAUL BURGESS GRAPHIC DESIGN

Listening to...I'm giving the'Ribs' EP by Nately's Whore's KidSister a bit of a hammering at theminute - incredible stuff. TheChapman Family's 'CruelBritannia' EP is superb. AlsoFactory Floor, Hooded Fang,Y Niwl and Father John Misty...toname but a few.

Reading...I tend to stick toautobiographies when it comes tobooks, to be honest. The last one Iread being 'Grow Up' by KeithAllen and I'm just starting ShaunRyder's 'Twisting My Melon'.They've both...er... 'lived' a bit.

Watching...Mad Men, Game ofThrones, The Ricky Gervais Show.The Punk Britannia series onBBC4. I miss 'Homeland' - that wasthe best thing on the box in ages. Ilike 'Great British Menu' but itannoys me that they never seem tofind any decent chefs north ofYorkshire for the so-called 'NorthEast' heat. If we're talking films,pretty excited for 'Prometheus'.

Going to...I went to seeWatchers and Parastatic atPlugged Inn and The ChapmanFamily at The Head of Steamrecently, both excellent gigs. Reallylooking forward to WillowmanFestival too - a lot of great localbands playing, so that should begood. And Split of course.

THIS MONTH. . .We catch up with two more stalwarts of the NE music scene to find out what’s blaring

out of their speakers, falling off their book shelves, a regular on the TV screens andburning a hole in their pockets on a night out!

PA U L B U R G E S SYA N Z A R E Z N E R

SPOTLIGHT ON 13www.manifestosunderland.com

THIS YEARS LOVEWhen writing ‘Dreams’ featured on their debutCD Gary Ward, singer and songwriter in theband, had the idea to form This Years Love tocelebrate the birth of his children and those of otherband member Gavin Schonfeler’s. From thatinitially sentimental idea has come the band’s debutCD “Take The Stage” and their first live gig inthe North East.This may seem an odd concept for the birth of a bandyet the friendships reflected in that are as heart-warming as the songs. It was all because of one songGary from the band explains, “I have always been asinger/songwriter and the idea came to me when I waswriting the song ‘Dream’ from our album. I wrote thatsong wondering what my daughters were actuallydreaming of. It is the perfect gift that both Gavin andmy own daughter can keep forever.” It is certainly agracious act of kindness that I am sure won’t be beatenanytime soon although Gary plays it down, “It’s nopony, but maybe it’ll buy them one, one day”.

Fatherhood it seems, is the key to the band’s foundationas both Gary and Gavin rekindled their college friendshipafter the birth of their children. Additional band membersJames and Alan had played alongside Gary in otherbands and came in on the project as the album wasbeing recorded. That is where it all came together with anew sound, “we have all played in different genres butfor This Years Love, I wanted to try somethingcompletely fresh so Gavin and I took everything back toacoustics and writing music just because we love it”.Following on from the début album already plans for asecond in 2013 which they are in the process of writing!

TUSKSince the ages of 13 and 12 founding members ofNewcastle based band Tusk, Thomas Robertshawand Jonathon Evans, had known each other andlearnt how to play guitar together.Bless! Fast-forward to 2011 and the best friends movedup to study fine art at Northumbria University wherefinally Tusk the band was formed with the addition ofAndrew Cutts on bass and Sam Hodgson on drums.

Their sound is hard to put your finger on although theyexplain the thought behind it, “We try to make songsthat are technically challenging but accessible. We trynot to just bang out a few chords”. Just as muchthought went behind the name Tusk as they explained,“We all love animals with Tusks. And it certainly wasn'tgoing to The Narwhals. Also, we are quite partial to abit of Fleetwood Mac.”

Having only been on the scene for a very short periodthe band have already released a double A-side singleand two EP’s with more music on it’s way by the end of2012.“We are just finishing our next release, which willbe a double A-side single. The two songs, ‘Subtle Fun’and ‘Boy Bruce, The Mighty Atom’ will be released viadigital download late July/August.” They are not takinga break after that with plans to record a mini album,including a number of new songs, planned for releaseearly next year. There seems to be no stopping thisband so keep your eyes peeled for more music &hopefully live dates as well.

Words RE

SLIDING DOORS 14

I’m speaking, of course, about thecity’s only dedicated music venue,Independent. Last month, it wasannounced that a demolition orderhad been issued for the bar/club/stomping ground, after it wasdeemed ‘no longer fit for modernuse’ by the Homes and CommunitiesAgency. To be fair, for a long timenow it’s looked like it might crumbleaway of its own accord. It’s sticky,the toilet floors are rarely seenwithout an inch of water on them,and I’ve been in morgues that arewarmer. But we go back. Week afterhazy, tinnitus-inducing week, we goback. For the music, for the people,and because, in all honesty, whereelse would we go?

For years Independent has been theonly ‘proper’ space available formusicians and fans alike to enjoy. Ithas provided a platform forupcoming bands in Sunderland toplay in a venue where puntersweren’t watching the football on aTV behind their heads. Fans couldchow down on an exciting, diversebuffet of live music, while othervenues cooked up a middle-agedman playing ‘Golden Brown’ everyTuesday at a busker’s night. It hasbeen the only spot in the city thatcould even dream of tempting thelikes of Kasabian, Kaiser Chiefs, TheView, Glasvegas, The Zutons, JamieT, The Sunshine Underground, TheMaccabees and Mystery Jets

away from Newcastle. It’s also beenan invaluable springboard for thelikes of The Lake Poets, Chased ByWolves and Frankie and theHeartstrings.

With the bulldozers pencilled in forJanuary next year, I’m notsuggesting we all go and chainourselves to the building; it’s the endof an era, that’s indisputable, but youcan’t keep a good dog down, andwith a bit of luck Independent willhave found a new home by the timethe big metal ball starts swinging.And I’m confident that we’ll beseeing all the same faces therewhen it returns.

An Epitaph forHolmeside; it’s hardly the Champs-Elysées. If youwant anything other than a pasty and somequestionable sports supplements, it’s not got a greatdeal going for it. It is however, as every music fan andlate-night indie-disco-goer in Sunderland will know,home to the jewel in our crown. Our dark, shabbytemple. Our mothership.

Words NW

Frankie & theHeartstrings played

a very specialhomecoming showat Christmas.

SLIDING DOORS 15www.manifestosunderland.com

In the meantime, we’ve collectedsome of the creative community’stop memories of Independent, tobring a tear to your eye:

Wrestling with an over-familiarXmas tree as Gallery Circus playedThe Darkness' 'Christmas Time(Don't Let the Bells End)'.Paul Burgess (Manifesto designer)

We only played there once and itwas lovely, on one of our rareadventures outside of Newcastle.The venue was great. A really nicebearded man did the sound, welater found out it was Neil ‘Beast’Bassett.Andy Bell (Air To Achilles)

I will personally hold dear myphotographs taken there and, itwill have an extra special placein my heart. Many cherishedmemories of that building.Jonathan Parker (Photographer)

One fateful Don't Be a Robot, ourinner alchemists took over and thepurple pint was borne (brewed withhalf blue pint, half pink pint). Soonafter, we realised why it wasn’t onthe menu; was meffffin. But alas,only in Independent.Ellen Wilkie (Music Journalist)

Highlights for me include eveningsin the company of the likes of Klaus,and Canadian geniuses, TheWooden Sky, after which Ben puton a free bar to all those survivingthe doorman's cull, and we lost ourvoices screaming Tom Petty songsinto the wee small hours. Here'swishing the best of luck to Ben andthe Independent team, whereverthey may find their new home.Matt Stalker (Matt Stalker & Fables)

I don't have just one stand-outmemory of Independent, mostly gooda lot drunk. But in terms of music Icouldn't pick out one individual gigor band. My favourite memory I willtake from the still standingIndependent is that I was around toexperience such a special venue ranby guys truly passionate about newmusic. Roll on Independent 2.0, Ithinks its going to be an even greatersuccess for Ben and Paul.Manifesto Editor

My favourite memory was on my18th birthday when I bumped intoPaolo Nutini and he said 'happybirthday' then kissed my hand. Itwas practically a marriage proposal.Alex Burgess (Lone Wolf Promotions)

IndEpEndEnT

So, get down there, enjoy it while you can, and we’ll see youat Independent 2.0 next year.The main room has hosted

top uK acts like The Zutons

Hyde & Beast have made the Little Room their home.

LOCAL INTERVIEW 16

Air To Achilles

PHOTO: CAROLINE BRIGGS

LOCAL INTERVIEW 17www.manifestosunderland.com

How did the band cometogether?

We’re friends from school and uni,Jon (the guitarist) and I arebrothers. Jon and Chris (Drums) hadbeen in bands before, but nothingserious. Colin (synth and guitar) andI are friends from school and hadalso been in a separate band, whichwas a pretty shocking new wavepunk group. When Jon and Chris’sband spilt up, and Colin and Idecided that we actually dislikedthe music we were playing, we allgot together and decided to dosomething completely new. It allcame together really quickly.

Why the band name Air ToAchilles?

I really wanted to get the word‘Achilles’ in the title somewhere.There’s a certain majesty in theword but also in Greek mythologyit’s obviously closely associatedwith weakness. We we’re originally‘Arc to Achilles’, but there was thismath core band in Chicago who hadthe same name. I was a bit drunk ona flight to Rome, and ‘Air ToAchilles’ just popped into my headand I loved the way it sounded. It’san unusually juxtaposition of words,which I like also.

What inspires the synthesizedand pop-esque music youmake?

We’ve got a great love of pop songwriting, but we love twisting theformat, and pushing it towards amore leftfield place. Bands like TVon the Radio, Depeche Mode,Pavement, The Fall, The Smiths andHusker Du do this really well I think.They’ll take a pop formula and twistand contort it. We’re reallyinfluenced by soundscape/trip hopbands also from RJD2, DJ Shadow,to Holy Other, Errors and Boards ofCanada.

On your new single the synthhas been toned down why isthis?

We’re trying to let the guitarsbreathe a bit more, and create a bitmore space in the music. Asyncopated synth can dominate anddrowned out the more subtlearrangements, so we’re trying tobring them to the fore a bit more.The synth is more or less addingtexture and sitting underneath onour new track Wild Palms.

What is it like been in a bandwith your brother?

Jon and I have a really goodrelationship so it works out well. It’sgreat, because as brothers we canbe really direct and frank with eachother and it’s never takenpersonally. Jon might turn aroundand say to me “Andy, that soundsshocking” and no offence is taken, Ithink that’s a unique family thing.We very rarely argue, and if we do,it’s forgotten about in five minutes.

What is it that inspires thelyrics in your songs?

Usually human relationships, andfailed ones sadly! I find it reallycathartic to write and sing aboutthese types of things. When I was inthat terrible post punk band Imentioned earlier, I used to singabout political issues, but I found itreally hard to connect emotionallyto an abstract concept. Also, I thinksinging about current politicalaffairs can largely come across aspatronizing and a bit preachy.

Why did you choose theTelegraph for your singleLaunch?

We really like the Telegraph, it’s sorelaxed, the curfew is later and youcan organise your own sound techs,so the whole night you don’t feellike your rushing round trying to fit

the bands in before a restrictivecurfew. I’m a smoker also so I likethat balcony bit. We’ve had some ofour best club nights there, and it’sbeen a while since we’ve hostedthe night at the Telegraph.

What has been the best gig inthe North East that you haveplayed?

We played the Dog and Parrot, Ithink it was our third gig and thefirst time we’d ever played our song‘If My Heart Stops Beating’ live. Wewe’re really worried as it used to bequite hard to get right live, but it allworked out well, the place waspacked and everyone was dancingaround to the song. It was brilliant, Igot a bit emotional!

Where outside of the NorthEast would you like to play?

We’d love to venture outside ofNewcastle, we’ve had offers in thepast but they didn’t seem that wellorganised. The last thing you’d wantis to drive 80 mile to a venue on aWednesday night and be playing infront of five people. So if a gigseems well organised and wellpromoted outside of Newcastlewe’d jump at the opportunity to play.I love Manchester, and obviously it’sgot quite a prestigious musical past,so to play there would be wicked.

You have released an EP andnow your new single “WildPalms” what is the bandplanning for the future?

It seems like things are growingnicely, so we’d like that to continue.We’re improving as a band, we’rereceiving more press, and our liveshow is improving also. I’d like thisto carry on into the future, andhopefully more opportunities willarise.

Words RE

REVIEWS CD 18

DOWNTOWN LESTER BROWN -DOWNTOWN LESTER BROWN

DowntownLester Brownare a four piecefrom Newcastlewho aspire tohave theirinstrumentation

perfect before they lay down theirlyrics when recording music. Theband formed in 2011 and haverecently released their self titleddebut CD. If you enjoy funk, ska andpercussion then this is the band foryou as they profess themselves tobe a funk rock outfit. This certainlycomes across from their CD which isa mix of funky songs with greatbass, infectious guitar and BenTaylor’s distinctive laxed vocals.

4.5/5 RE

LET’S AWAY - “LET’S AWAY …FROM HERE”

Let’s Away areSunderland duoNeil Wood andJonathanWinship whobegan their

musical partnership in 2011. Theirdebut recordings were recorded byNeil Bassett and put onto a fourtrack EP entitled “Let’s Away... fromhere”. Their EP “Let’s Away... fromhere” spirits you away from thebegrudging streets of Sunderlandoffering you a sense of escapismand tranquillity. Yet is grounded inthe exploration of human emotionsof love and loss through subtle indiechords and crisp vocals. Wistful,charming and dream like, it is adelicate composition although tosome it may appear borderlinemelancholy.

4.5/5 RE

GALLERY CIRCUS - IN TEN“In Ten” byGallery Cirrusis not to bepigeon holedbecause of thecollision of funverses and

more mellow choruses. It is a catchytrack that has been cleverly puttogether and will certainly get stuckin your head after hearing it. Withlyrics such as “Ten seconds in an

earthquake shape what will youhave me tell in ten?” the song isquick witted and will have yousinging along soon enough. It is astraight up front Marmite song, youwill either love it straight away ornot get its appeal.

4/5 RE

SO WHAT ROBOT -WORK AND PLAY

This four-pieceband fromNewcastle, SoWhat Robot,have recordedtheir follow upsingle to last

years release “A Girl Who Reads”.With their new single “Work andPlay” there is still the samealternative pop song that theirprevious was although it is a lotmore up beat and direct. For “Workand Play” sounds like a throw backto new wave with the 80’s inspiredsynths and is full of hyper energy. Ithas a funk element and an edginessthat makes it a track you couldn’tmiss when on the radio.

4/5 RE

NINETAILS - BLUE BOTTLE FLUNinetails are sonamed after thewhip and notthe Pokémon,unfortunately.Their newsingle “Blue

Bottle-Flu” is a bight and breezytrack that would fit into the math popgenre and packs a punch with it’srhythmical chorus. The simplicity ofthe track give makes it easy to listento and stays true to the sound of theprevious music they have released.With lyrics such as “I took you homebecause your made out of sugar”the song is undeniable quirky whichadds to the charm of it.

4/5 RE

PICK OF THE MONTHMAXIMO PARK –HIPS AND LIPS

Maximo Park’s first in three longyears sees the boys return to bitter,vital form with a chilling synth-beast of a track. Far from thepointed frivolity of their mostfamous releases, Hips and Lips isdrenched in misery, driving quietlyand stiflingly to a desperate,crushing upsurge of fuzz. A dark,

jagged, altogether more mature offering, it covers many of the basesyou could want from indie-rock. You can dance to it, you can elbow astranger in the face to it, you can have an angry little cry to it if you’reso inclined. It’s chaotic, unforgiving and you need it in your ears.

4/5 NW

REVIEWS CD 19www.manifestosunderland.com

THE RAILWAY CLUB -BROKEN STRINGS

TheRailwayClub’s newsingle“BrokenStrings” Isa tender

song, not a very happy one butsuitably beautiful in its own way.The lyrics are vivid and paint thepictures of its story effectively,“I don’t know where buts lets go,I love you and that’s all you needto know” a story about love andthe concoction of feelings thatcomes with been in love. Thesingle will be available on 9thJuly via download and on limitededition cassette with anexclusive b-side “Angle In TheHouse” a dark bitter songlyrically but a great strippedback sound with harmonic thatgives it warmth.

4.5/5 RE

AIR TO ACHILLES - WILDPALMS

Wild Palmsis aspaciousandexpansivetrack thepushes Air

To Achilles sound out beyondwhat it has reached before.Compared to their last single“Diamonds In The Snow” theirnew tack “Wild Palms” seemsmore serious but still has all thegreat effects that gives the bandtheir alternative sound that theycall wonky pop. It is anotheranthemic track from the threeNewcastle lads who are keepputting out dynamic tracksladened synths and the greatGeordie accent.

3/5 RE

REJECTIONS –WHITEOUT EP

Earth:somewherein the not-too-distantfuture.Civilisationas we know

it is gone. The buildings arecrumbling. The skies are darkand fiery. Something unnervinglurks unseen in the shadows.You’ve probably got an eye-patch. This is not a nightmare.You did not fall asleep watching28 Days Later. This is the soundof Rejections. Less of a three-track release, more of ahypnotic, cinematic vision, theWhiteout EP is not going to beeveryone’s cuppa tea, but give ita chance and you’ll get lost in it.

3/5 NW

PALE MAN MADE –IN YOUR BED

Taken fromthe band’ssecondalbum RedBoxSecrets,the follow

up to their much-lauded debutOh, My Treasured Things, InYour Bed is a fine, summery poptrack for the more discerningears. Recalling the rough-edged,too-cool-for-school delights ofSonic Youth’s Teenage Riot, PaleMan Made represent the all thebest parts of the recent grunge-pop resurgence. Built onrumbling bass and thunderingdrums, the track retains ablissful lightness of touch.They’re all about the sound;simplicity, ecstasy and low downand dirty guitars.

4/5 NW

BUNKER DANCENY*AK - TENDERLYGENRE: Deep House

Tenderly is takenfrom NY*AK’slatest EP Stump.Its firstimpression onme can besummed up in

one word, Deep! The soft, tenderfemale vocal sample which is usedadds a distant, dreamy vibe to thistrack. NY*AK hails from Sunderlandand has been producing quality DeepHouse for some years now. This is hislatest official release and does notdisappoint. It features a typical DeepHouse chord progression whichdefiantly adds to the dreamy feel. Toget the much needed groove going,NY*AK has added some swingingpercussion which pushes the track tothe finish line. All in all, this is a groovytreat ideal for any Deep House set.SO

SECOND WAY -SUN (ORIGINAL MIX)GENRE: Progressive House

NewcastlebasedUnearthedRecords hasbeen helping to‘unearth’ new,quality

Progressive / Trance music for sometime now and their latest offering isfrom Second Way with their bangerSun. It is tagged as a Trance track butcan easily fit into a Progressive Trancegenre. It has the groovy bass riffwhich gives constant energy to thetrack, it has the typical piano riff whichis so prevalent in Progressive Housetracks today, but in contrast, has amassive saw lead that takes centrestage halfway through the track. Thisis defiantly a hands in the air tune! SO

advertise

hereplease email

info@manifestosunderland.comor call Emma

on 0191 567 1777

Identity: logo design / branding

Promo: posters / flyers / sleeve design /

newsletters / brochures / large format

Illustration

Web

07957 606 201design@pbgd.co.ukwww.pbgd.co.uk

PaulBurgessGraphicDesign@P_B_G_D

REVIEWS: LIVE 21www.manifestosunderland.com

EVOLUTION EMERGINGJune 1stOuseburn Valley

NW’s EVO EMERGINGThe Tyne Bar was my first major portof call for a pint of Nately’s Whore’sKid Sister. After branching out intothe brewing business with their ownPils (which knowing NWKS,probably contains drops of their ownblood. In fact I'd be disappointed if itdidn't), the Nately's boys can nowboast two things at which they areoutstanding. Three if you countmaking a gimp mask look like adamn cool accessory. Up-lit byglowering red incandescence, theylook every inch as menacing as theysound. Grungy, sinister metal, abjectgloom has never been so gratifying.The last act to rock out under theGlasshouse Road Bridge is We AreKnuckle Dragger. A brutish, screw-tight display of precision-deliveredaggression. Balls out guitars,delivered in shots and stabs over arhythm section that sounds like astampede of wild horses.Breathlessly entertaining.

EH's EVO EMERGINGI had an unusual insight into Evo Emerging this year with the opportunity to catch more bands than normal withaccess to stages during soundchecks. Those who did impress me during my soundcheck run-around rampagewere Lets Away and Fantasy Rainbow, both bands who have been on my radar for a while and regrettably didn'tmake my final who to see for the actual event. They both boast fantastic song writing flair to add a drop offreshness on an already well littered scene. Those who I did manage to catch in between strawberry pints andmingling tabs on the steps where the fantastically talented Crooked Hands. A little lacking in harmonies the rawmusicianship and tightness of this collective is exasperating. Staying on at The Cumberland Arms, I tookanother chance to see Lilliput (I think I’m in double figures by now) but I never, ever get bored of them. Not onlyis the quality of song writing on offer verging on timeless, there’s a warmth and a solidarity to theirperformances that’s rare, and a consistency that’s even scarcer. Finally a mention must go to Natasha Hawsand The Lake Poets special appearance at The Polite Room, a perfect end to a night in a year which has seenthem dominate the local music scene.

PHOTO: PAUL BURGESS

REVIEWS: LIVE 22

THE FUTUREHEADS@ SUNDERLAND MINSTERMay

Nostalgia and pride were the order of service tonight as TheFutureheads rolled their a capella show into their hometown forwhat Barry Hyde explained was 'the first night on the secondnight after the second night on the first night' of a splendidlyset, sold out Sunderland Minster. The Lake Poets Martin beganhis stripped back forlorn tales of mackem life and loss. Afamiliar sound to most, and an act fast becoming heir to thethrone of his boyhood heroes. Gig goers across the countryhave embraced the bands voyage into uncharted territorieswith 5th album 'Rant', peppered with unexpected covers andsea shantys, and that comes as no surprise with a fantasticallyinteractive set. Punters were lapping up being part of thebanter between the four piece, as honest as when they began10 years ago. Performances of No1 Song In Heaven, The OldDun Cow and Kellis's A capella were a marvel of mackemspiritual musicality in what is sure to become a favourite venuefor future live music worship in Wearside. Amen.

EH

LONE WOLF PROMOTIONSPRESENTS THE BLITZ, BISONHUNTING & SONNER4th May 2012

The Blitz had a energetic set, doing what they dobest. However the sound is far too similar to oneof Green Day’s first albums. You would havethought a band who are in the mist of theirsecond album would have found their own styleand sound by now. Bison Hunting stole the nightwith their mystifying set manoeuvring through astark contrast of heavy rock. In the words of Mickfrom Sonner, “They sound like joy Divisioncovering Pearl Jam thriving to be Metallica”.Sonner topped the night, smartly presented theybrought as much energy and noise as theprevious bands but were in much higher spirits -due to quite a few pints and long wait until theirset. It was a slack set at times, but they kept ittogether well and ended the night on a high.

RE

PHOTO: PAUL BURGESS

PHOTO: SUNDERLAND ECHO

NATASHA HAWS @SUNDERLAND MINSTERMay 12th

Following superb sets by Arbeia and Reckoner, thepacked-out church waited in anticipation for NatashaHaws. From the start of her set, Natasha captivatedthe crowd. Joined by The Lake Poets for ‘Happiness’,Natasha also welcomed Tom Booth and Joe Collinsfor ‘Stranger’; a rockier song, perhaps a glimpse theevolution of her style. Finishing on the mesmerisingStepping Stone, the silent crowd hung on to everyline. A brilliant night and certainly brilliant future.

AO

PHOTO: DAVID WALA

GOTCHA! 23www.manifestosunderland.com

GOTCHA!Detroit Soci

al Club's Dave Burn enjo

ying

Evolution Festival with

his little'un. She

was furious to discover

that Dora the

Explorer had pulled out

at the last minute,

only to be replaced by

Dizzee Rascal.

As gigs go, throwing your knickers at

a band or a pint full of piss seems

to be standard. The throwing back of

a sheeps heart to the audience by

Liars Lie however is not!

Here's o

ne I did

earlier

!

The Futureheads' Ross Millardgetting his hands dirty inpreparation for Split Festival. Findhim in the food tent in September,rustling up cakes, sausage rolls andfuturebreads. Get it?!

Be them the most impressive grey side-burnsyou have ever seen. The entertainment atJunes Proms @ Mowbray Park obviously wasn'tenthralling enough for this fella!

PHOTO: WWW.GEETH

APHOTOGRAPHY.COM

LISTINGS 24

JULY5th: Stripped Back @ The Ivy House,

Sunderland

6th: The Railway Club single launch featuringThe Acrobatic Society, Natasha Haws,Blank Maps @ Cluny2

7th: Brilliant Mind, The Railway Club,Beth Waldron, Craig Stephenson@ The Little Room, Independent(An evening of live music andfundraising in aid of St Oswalds hospice)

14th: Shake It Up Launch Night@ Independent, Sunderland

20th: Sumo Sunderland - Death To Indie,The Blitz @ Independent, Sunderland

20th: HeartrockLive featuring Natasha Haws,Amy Holford, Joe Moody, Books & Covers

21st: Pale Seas @The Little Room,Independent, Sunderland

27th: Dennis, Maps are Fiction, Eli@ Arts Centre Washington

27th: Houthouse present Dennis, Eli & Guests@ Washington Arts Centre, Washington

11th: Blank Maps EP Launch with NatashaHaws TBC @ Cluny2

12th: James Walsh (Starsailor) Acoustic Set@ BarOne

17th: Sumo Sunderland – Nexivila The Catharis@ Independent

18th: On The Beach @ Seaburn Beach, Seaburn

LISTINGS 25www.manifestosunderland.com

AUGUST

It wasn’t too long ago that I remember queues a milelong to see relative unknowns such as Larrakin Lovedespite the fact they were still up and coming and nevermanaged to break into the mainstream. Now even someof the most hyped new bands fail to fill even modestvenues. It seems that unless Radio 1 are singing yourpraises you aren’t guaranteed an audience, despite thefact that social media sites such as Soundcloud havemade it possible to hear a band’s entire set before you’veeven seen them live.

Even worse, there are occasions when although theroom may be full, those in the audience are unwilling togive the band on stage the applause they deserve or insome cases, even their attention.

I particularly remember an event compared byManifesto’s own Nathan Wood. The night was a greatsuccess with a number of artists gracing the stage tohelp raise money for charity however; the main eventinvolved a beautiful young lady having her hair shavedclean off. Not a task to be taken lightly I’m sure you’llagree. She approached the task with gusto however,as the compare took bids from the audience for theprivilege of personally shaving a stripe, hestruggled to make himself heard over the dincoming from the back of the room where agroup of individuals were having a ball at theexpense of all others.

Now I understand they were most probablyhaving a great time and are more than entitledto it however it made me wonder, did they notconsider taking it easy for a few minuteswhilst a girl was having years worth of hairremoved in order to raise money for a goodcause? What is more dumbfounding is the factthat it was a paid event. These over eagerrevellers had paid entry to then sit at the back of theroom and spoil the night for everyone else.

This is just a single example but believe me there aremany more. Recently Alt-J graced the stage at Ku Bar, inmy opinion one of Teesside’s best venues, and despitethe bar room being full to bursting point, played to anaudience of about 15 people. The promoter hadworked hard, the gig had been well publicized andthe band have been well hyped, even performing a

set for the BBC at AbbeyRoad Studios, London andyet no-one cared. A shameto say the very least.

It seems that nowadaysanyone less than Mumford andSons are not guaranteed the audiencethey deserve and, without sounding too pessimistic, thesituation looks like it can only get worse.

The cure is painfully simple, go and watch bands. Thelikes of Springsteen, The Libertines, and dare I say iteven teen idols Foster the People started somewhere.Go see them now, shake their hands and with any luckthey’ll be gigging for years to come.

Words AH

THE FIX 26

When exactly did audiences stop caring?THE

F I X. . .

SHUT Up & SHOW Up

ILLUSTRATION: PAUL BURGESS