Hand Shakes and Holidays

Crafternoon

2009-03-14T17:23:00.003Z

So, everyone loves craft...yes? Well HSAH definitely does and to celebrate all things crafty we are involved in a crafternoon. On the 18th April at St Pancras Church Hall FairPensions and Crafty Creatures will be hosting their first ever Crafternoon. This is your chance to be wined (sadly, no alcohol will be given out of this event but there is a pub down the road!) and dined whilst creating a cloth creature. To do this you must bring an old t shirt or a (clean) pair of socks!

There is an entry fee and there will be a small charge for the cakes but all profits go to FairPensions. If you are wondering what the hell FairPensions is go to their website - www.fairpensions.org.uk

Keep up to date with Crafty Creatures here - http://thecraftycreatures.blogspot.com/ They are on Facebook too!

Zun Zun Egui

2009-02-24T17:14:00.002Z

HSAH demands you to check out this band. They are by far the best thing she hs see this year!

Their myspace does not do them enough justice as the production on their tracks is awful and most are recorded, badly, at gigs. If they do come to you town they are definitely worth watching.
www.myspace.com/zunzunegui

More for Field Day!

2009-02-24T17:12:00.002Z

Its shaping up to be an amazing festival as more are added to the line up.

New additions:
TOUMANI DIABATE / EROL ALKAN / FINAL FANTASY / FAKE BLOOD / AEROPLANE / S.C.U.M / FIRST AID KIT

And for full line up info go to www.fielddayfestivals.com

Having a Field Day

2009-01-29T11:03:00.000Z

ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF ARTISTS

FIELD DAY HEADLINERS MOGWAI
PLUS FOUR TET / JAMES YORKSTON / APES AND ANDROIDS / MALCOLM MIDDLETON / FENNESZ / ERRORS / DJ SKREAM
With many more to be announced soon…

SATURDAY 1st AUGUST 2009
VICTORIA PARK / LONDON / E9
TICKET PRICE: £29.50 + BF
TIME: 11.30 – 10.30PM
www.fielddayfestivals.com / www.seetickets.com / www.ticketweb.co.uk

On the Saturday 1st August Field Day returns to Victoria Park for its third annual summer extravaganza. Field Day will be one of this summer’s essential festivals and with early bird tickets already sold out, you need to be quick off the mark to snap up yours before this event sells out.

Kicking off proceedings for 2009, Field Day is ecstatic to announce Mogwai as their headline act. The critically acclaimed Scottish rock group, formed by Stuart Braithwaite and Dominic Aitchison in 1995, have since become one of the most influential and best known names in post-rock, they have curated the ATP Festival, sold out The Albert Hall, London and last year released their sixth album 'The Hawk Is Howling'.

Drawing on influences from Joy Division, Pink Floyd, The Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine and post-rock pioneers Slint, Mogwai are the masters of the soft/loud dynamic, as they create a wall of sound that reaches beyond the tumultuous guitars, discovering twinkling optimism in fragile instrumentation and sensitive synths. The lyric-free songs are awe-inspiring and yet accessible.

Domino Record’s amazing ambient electro wizard, Four Tet, will be returning to Field Day, after his mind-blowing performance at its inaugural event two years ago, to play his first live set in London in over a year. Four Tet will be playing new material as he mixes up gloriously rich synthesizer arpeggios; crisp clusters of disco percussion and melodic flourishes.

Former Arab Strap multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Middleton will also be making an appearance at this year’s Field Day. As part of the now-defunct Falkirk duo, he spent 11 years peddling seedy, sweaty tales of cheap booze, late nights and sexual perversion, and his burgeoning solo career seems to be running along the same thematic lines. Working with numerous luminaries from the Glasgow scene, it’s Malcolm and his songs, however, which are the stars here, confirming Middleton's status as one of the best songwriters of his generation.

With the release of his fourth album, ‘When The Haar Rolls In’, at the end of last year, the softly spoken James Yorkston adds a wonderfully folkish element to Field Day’s line up that will complement its village fete vibe. And adding a large slice of funk to this year’s event is Brooklyn’s eccentric party starters Apes and Androids. With famed live performances involving cheerleaders, giant silver skulls and Korean drum circles, this is a band you don’t want to miss.

Touted as natural successors to the mantle currently held by the likes of Battles, Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem, Errors have been confirmed for a festival slot, plus Fennesz's pretty and melodic music, mixing bent instrumental pop, synth gurgles, white noise, ethereal vocal samples, serious Morricone vibes and much more will add to the spectacle, whilst Dubstep don DJ Skream will be laying down some deliciously jaw-wobbling bass.

Brought to you by London’s most adventurous and daring promoters - Eat Your Own Ears, Adventures In The Beetroot Field, Bugged Out! – Field Day will bring you the most cutting edge line up of bands and DJs in the 2009 Festival season. The heart of East London will be transformed into a Village Fete; 'Village Mentality', a Village Green area within the festival will supply the masses with some countrified fun and games away from sound systems and stages. Try your luck on the tombola, crack a few nuts on the coconut shy - or just sit on some haybales and stuff your face with homemade cake. Inspired by summer sports days and country fetes - Field Day's very own village green will host stalls and activities throughout the daytime, ranging from sack-racing, to whack-the-rat, Bowling for Bacon and lots more to be announced. Come along, have fun, eat baked goods, and as the country saying goes - "be like an ant in the days of summer”…

This summer Field Day will sprinkle a splash of magic over the East End as Victoria Park comes alive with leftfield music and an electric atmosphere. Keep your eyes peeled for future line up announcements and for the latest news visit – www.fielddayfestivals.com

EVENT INFORMATION:

FIELD DAY 2009
VICTORIA PARK, LONDON E9
SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST
11.30 – 10.30PM

PRICE - £29.50 + BOOKING FEE

AVAILABLE FROM:

SEE TICKETS
www.seetickets.com
0870 264 3333

TICKETWEB
www.ticketweb.co.uk
08444 771 000

January only means one thing....

2009-01-08T22:26:00.002Z

With the new year one thing appear to be on people's mind and that is saving money. After a Christmas over eating, drinking and spending HSAH gives you her ultimate cheap guide.

Firstly - 241 Food offers.
We all love going out to eat. Its a very sociable activity that enables us to catch up with friends, gossip and share tales. It can be expensive but here are some handy 241 places to check out:
http://www.pizzaexpressoffers.co.uk/
If your a member of Fitness First you can get 241 throughout January at Zizzi. If you aren't a member, you can still get cheap deals here:
http://www.zizzioffers.co.uk/
Alternatively you can visit Time Outs website for up to date foodie offers:
http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/offers.html

Museums - January is the best time of the year to embrace culture. The majority of London's lovely museums and galleries are free and have fantastic deals on membership. If you have a spare day and are looking for something to do, then why not, take a stroll around the Tate Britain or wander around the fantastic V and A. HSAH loves the photographers Gallery, which has moved to a new and improved location just behind oxford st. It has a very good shop so definitely worht a visit.

Sales - In January almost every shop is forcing you to buy stuff as its strips its prices down to a bare minimum. The only problem that arises is sorting the shit from the special. Some good places to shop are as follows:
Fortnum and Mason
Apparently the Queen does her shopping at F and M. Some how I can't imagine old Queenie E pushing a trolley around Fortnum and Masons...although the imagine does delight HSAH. None the less this shop is amazing for good biscuits, cakes and random nick nacks. It is ultimately a more tasteful Harrods.

Other places to check out would be Magma, which is just off of 5 dials, The South Bank Centre Shop, Cath Kidson and, oh Reiss, which has the best value for money sale with up to 50% off of items.

HSAH will keep her eyes peeled for more exciting stuff and report back to the online community.

A Great Old Film

2009-01-08T22:21:00.002Z

The other week HSAH was introduced to an amazing Film by Sonic Youth which some of you are probably aware of. This film is entitled The Year the Punk Broke and it follows Sonic Youth around on, what appears to be, a Europe festival tour. Its a video diary of their performances, footage of other great bands and back stage antics, which at times feel a bit surreal. Its definitely worth watching thought if you are a fan of 90s grunge!

This month we are loving...

2008-12-10T22:42:00.002Z

HSAH feels its about time she tells you what she is loving and if this works well it may become a regular feature. Hopefully you will also like what HSAH suggests but if you don't it isn't really going to bother her too much.

1. Last FM radio player.
HSAH knows this is a bit of an old form of social networking now but it took her a while to actually recognise its beauty and, amongst other things, work out how to use it!

2. No Pain In Pop
This label come blog come social experiment is suggesting some rather interesting and releasing some uniquely unusual music right now and HSAH is loving it. Carry on the good work chaps.

3. Christmas
If there is a better excuse to over indulge please tell HSAH now...

4. Wavves
HSAH is getting very excited by this artist who makes really raw tracks with true punk aesthetics...none of that washed out green day bollocks.

5. Lo Mo Camera
So cheap, so effective. You can get a Lo Mo Camera on Ebay for about £25 and it allows you to take arty photos. HSAH particular fav is the lo mo that you can change the colour of the flash. Too cool for skool.

The Thermals

2008-12-10T22:39:00.002Z

HSAH has happily discovered that The Thermals are back in London this weekend to play at the King's Cross Student Union on Sunday. HSAH openly thinks the line up is pretty damn hot so this is a gig not to missed.

Check out the event profile on Last fm:
http://www.last.fm/event/773405

Random Finds

2008-11-11T23:54:00.002Z

HSAH is having a bit of a myspace moment and finding odd, musical kinsmen...for want of a better word. Noisey punk bands like Bronx, Les savy fav, no age are taking the industry and grunge kids by storm. Can they peers carry this trend forward or do they die on their arse as copy cats and unoriginal? You decide as HSAH is loving the stale smell of beer.

Feel free to check out these guys for your ear bleeding pleasure. Don't you just love the hyperbole?

Baltimore seems to breed grunge, noise bands and Double Dagger (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=66653259) is no exception even if self described as Pop...oh the irony.

Pony Tail (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=16155773) are another band that hail from Baltimore (there must be something in the water) and describe themselves as pop. Sounding like a cross between the Yeah Yeah Yeah and deerhoof they do, actually, make tracks that could be described as pop. HSAH has mentioned Pony Tail is this group of bands because they veer of the good side of odd.

For a more magical sound that makes you want to melt away check out High Places (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=77468018)

New bands to look out for...

2008-11-11T23:44:00.003Z

In to new music and love said music to weird? then why not check out these guys:

Crystal Antlers...they even have a bizarre name.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=1985493

Monotonix...hail from Israel and make interesting noise rock. They are also playing on thursday at the luminaire.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=60761539

Thank You...they make great sounds.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=49354913

animal collective tour dates...

2008-11-11T23:35:00.003Z

Yes, that is right, Animal Collective are coming to the Uk and here are their dates:

Mon 12-Jan-09 UK London Koko

Tue 13-Jan-09 UK Glasgow Glasgow School of Arts

Wed 14-Jan-09 UK Manchester Club Academy

Thu 15-Jan-09 UK Brighton Concorde 2

HSAH is definitely going to get a ticket for the London date. Excitingly a new album will follow!

AU - Verbs - Released on the 3rd November

2008-10-28T22:24:00.002Z

American bands seem to be behind some of the most interesting and experimental music at the moment. At the forefront of this American influx is Animal Collective whose unique style makes them stand head and shoulders above their contemporaries. How, do other American acts follow this level of quantity without being type casted or coined as a copy cat?

HSAH thinks it cant be easy to make your mark in this ever evolving music world and for a band to stand out they must be truly special or just plain mad. Which is AU? Possibly the good kind of mad. Hailing from Portland Oregon, AU, mark themselves out with their debut offering Verbs that's out on Aagoo Record later this year. Coined as an 'experimental pop collective' Verbs is a collection of ethereal tracks that, at times, sound like interesting choral music or sleep inducing lullabies. A prime example of this is the aptly named Sleep, the last track on Verbs.

What Verbs doesn't lack is layers. With over thirty contributors to Verbs its amazing the depth that is on this album. With additional vocal and musicians the tracks on verbs are given an extra dimension like on All My Friends, which is this explosion of sounds. Like their peers, Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective, Beirut, AU masterfully veer on the side of madness and throughout Verbs you are left thinking what, why and how did they come to this music. This playfulness allows AU to be as 'out there' as they like but they manage to retain a commercial feel to their music.

Hand Shakes and Holidays thinks you should listen to this album. 8/10.

Lovely sounds...

2008-10-21T23:27:00.002+01:00

So after a recent trip to Toronto HSAH got the opportunity to check out new American band The Dodos, who were amazing even in a jet lag haze. Now that said blogger is home she has had the opportunity to check out The Dodos support band in great depth.

They are simly called AU and sound like a whimsical fairground, fairy music. They hail from the musical hot bed of Portland, Oregon and HSAH doesnt think they have released a great deal of material in the UK.

check them out here: www.myspace.com/peaofthesea

Welcome to the Wonderful World of TIM TEN YEN

2008-09-17T13:22:00.002+01:00

Its bee a while but HSAH is back on the gigging scene. After a summer break to absorb herself fully into the world of festivals and get on with her day job, its now time to return to the world of music blogging.

A new discovery that HSAH loves, and she does love a good discovery, is the genuinely unique Tim Ten Yen who releases Everything Beautiful Reminds me of You through Pointy records in late October, which is a collection of honest and fun tracks, documenting his unusual life.

To check out Tim please go to his myspace: www.myspace.com/timtenyen.

He also has a number of gigs on he horizons:
26 Sep 2008 20:00
Fælles Studiestart @ Studenterhuset Klostergaarden Kolding

3 Oct 2008 20:00
S*** the bed @ The Prince of Wales Camden Town, London and South East

4 Oct 2008 19:00
The White Room @ Bucks SU High Wycombe, London and South East

Clinic @ 229, London, 9 April 2008

2008-04-13T11:19:00.000+01:00

Have you ever felt very excited about a gig before that you think about it for days? This is how HSAH felt at the prospect of seeing clinic. After the recent discover that a new album, Do it, on the way and that very few UK dates had been confirmed HSAH was not going to miss this gig.

229, Great Portland Street was the host for this one off London gig. A venue that reminds HSAH of her student days merely because the venue is set in the basement of some student halls. With the crowd gearing up for the gig the haunting sounds of ‘you never walk alone’ bellow out of the speakers and everyone wonders what strange prank this is. However little do they know that this is the intro to the gig.

Clinic walk on stage in the trade mark surgical masks and Hawaiian shirts that makes them look like some crazy badies from Doctor Who…imagine that episode! They clearly stated that the gig will be a performance of two halves. The first will be a show case of Do It, which proves that clinic can continue to make raw, rough and stripped tracks that are infused with a lounge style. The high light being the last single Memories.

The second half was an ‘archive’ set of material from past albums, Internal Wrangler and Walking with Trees et al.
Clinic have the uncanny ability to sound like they are playing in an empty room and you are the only person witnessing them work their magic. They have the essence of very early orange juice but mixed with an American surf rock sound that’s much linked to rockabilly. This is especially prevalent on tracks like Sunlight Bathes Our Home and Internal Wrangler. You can imagine walking down the set of some western film and the sound track would be Clinic. Maybe if you were really cool you’d be wearing shades whilst strutting.

For a show of two halves it felt as though the gig was over before it had started and by half ten Clinic had announced that they would be ending their set. It was time to say bye and farewell to this bunch of lovable oddballs.

Gigs this week to look out for.

2008-04-06T21:03:00.003+01:00

Here is what HSAH recommends for this week if you get a tad bored of the TV.

Monday 7th April - Go and see the lovely Slow Club at Camden's Entreprise. Its a nice pub and with this amazing band playing what more could you want??

On Tuesday the 8th April pop down to white heat to see one of the newest acts to be talked about a lot, FrYars. White Heat takes place at madamn jojo's, soho every Tuesday...in case you are unfamiliar with it!

Wednesday 9th April - Go and see Clinic at 229. its the only gig to be at tonight!

On Thursday pop into the social to see strange idols and My sad Captains. its free and if you are partial to indie pop then this is the gig for you.

Friday can only mean one thing and that is TWEE AS FUCK. Fanfarlo are playing and if you have ever read HSAH before you will know we love Fanfarlo!

In the Future go and see:

14th April and 17th April - Bjork at the hammersmith apollo.

18th April - Ceremony at red star, camberwell.

20th April - Jens Lekman at London's ULU.

21st April - gigwise night at proud, camden...i am djing!

24th April - Plastic Factory.

Cardigan? check.

2008-03-16T15:47:00.002Z

So London has become the hub of all kinds of clubs night. One night you could swap clothes with a stranger to standing around in a darken room listening to inaudible nonsense. However HSAH enjoys one night in particular...Twee as Fuck and Friday night's line up was tres bon. With The Mare, Strange Idols and Bricolage on the bill HSAH couldn't have been happier.

So with our cardigan in check and our dancing shoes pulling all the moves the buffalo bar started to fill up with ident a kit indie chicks and guys. The Mare had travelled all the way from Sweden for this gig and like almost all Swedish bands that HSAH had come across in her time they were indie pop-tastic. Their female singer even supported a massive bee hive her style and with her high pitched, wobbly vocals she took centre stage.

After a quick change over Strange Idols took to the stage and within minutes they had the crowd eating from the palm of the hands. They were good. For half a hour or so they played, yes you guest right, bitter sweet indie pop tracks that reminded you slightly of camera obscura but just not so retro sounding.

Then after arriving late and doing a rushed sound check, it was time for bricolage to take to the stage. They did so in grand style sporting some impressive hair cuts. You got to had it to anyone that can pull of a high rise quiff. Bricolage stormed through their forty minutes tracks, which lived up to the label of 'they sound just like orange juice'. HSAH favourite being Foot Steps This gig showcased more to bricolage then being a orange juice tribute act though. Bricolage have edge and spirit whilst keeping their indie pop sentiments alive.

Now, all that was left to do was dance.

grown old gracefully?

2008-03-16T15:25:00.002Z

Camden, known for its rock music heritage, played host to the Jesus and Mary Chain on Wednesday night. The round house was filled to the rafters with 40 somethings and those who look back on the mid 80s as a treasure trove of music but the mood was far from sombre.

With beer in hand and a select group of Friends HSAH waited in anticipation as the crowd filled up and the roundhouse started to hum. After a gig being cancelled HSAH was not surprised that this event was busy. After standing through two average support bands, a luxury for some bands but a trial for those who have no interest in support acts. This is a big venue after all so the support bands were irrelevant but come quarter to ten what we had all been waiting for came...

The Jesus and Mary Chain came to the stage. At this point HSAH feel it is relevant to state that her knowledge of TJAMC extends from Psycho Candy to Darklands and before this gig HSAH thought this was pretty knowledgeable. She was wrong.

As the band played got going HSAH started to realise that these were not familiar tracks but patiently waited for the dark, feedback driven tracks that she loved. When they came, she was a little underwhelmed. This is not to say that the likes of Happy When it Rains and Just Like Honey weren't preformed well. They just lacked that raw edge. The Jesus and Mary Chain had grown up and learnt how to play their instruments and now they rocked in a capital A sort of way rather for the charming, noisy way they do on the CDs that HSAH love.

This sense of disappointment didn't taint (too much) the feeling of joy that HSAH got from singing her little heart out April Skys though. She basted in how cheesy this night could be perceived to be.

HSAH now wonders whether or not old acts should actually just stay on our stereo rather then coming back to venues? Would there always be that sense of disappointment that they do not live up to our expectations?

Prom Night

2008-03-16T15:07:00.002Z

Ever wanted to wear that eighties number that you brought from the charity shop down the road ages ago? well now you can and not feel like an over sized merimaid. On the 29th March Prom night starts at the buffalo bar, highbury and islington. Its celebrating everything 80s so its definitely time to dust off that copy of pink in pretty and listen to echo and the bunnymen. HSAH is going to be there...one might even dig out the backless number she has for it.

High Jinks

2008-03-06T21:07:00.003Z

Stephen Malkmus, of pavement fame, is taking to the road with his band The Jinks. The tour kicks off on the 5 June and ventures to London, Manchester, Glasgow and Dublin. A very extensive tour indeed.

Here are the details:
LONDON:
Eat Your Own Ears presents
STEPHEN MALKMUS AND THE JICKS
plus special guests
Thursday 5 June
Doors 7pm
Shepherds Bush Empire, Shepherds Bush Green, London W12 8TT 020 8354 3300
Tickets £14 advance from:
www.shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk
www.ticketweb.co.uk
0844 477 2000
www.seetickets.com
0870 264 3333

MANCHESTER:

www.gigsandtours.com

GLASGOW:
On sale fri. 29th feb 9am
b/o : 08444 999 990 / www.gigsinscotland.com

DUBLIN:
www.ticketmaster.ie or ph: 0818 719 300
Venue is www.tripodlive.ie

This is to support the release of their new album Real Emotional Trash, Malkmus' forth solo album and second with the Jinks. Its out now so go buy it!

Animal Collective

2008-03-06T21:01:00.002Z

Are releasing a new EP, Water Curses and its bound to be kooky. Its out on the 5th May so keep your eyes peeled.

Bricolage

2008-03-06T20:59:00.000Z

plays Twee as Fuck on the 14th March. Yay!

New Bands

2008-03-06T20:09:00.003Z

Today marks the return of HSAH. HSAH is sorry that she has been away for some time now but between working and organising a club night its been hard to do anything else.

Now to the subject at hand. New bands come out every day, well at least it feel like they do, and HSAH feels that its only right that she gives you her opinion on who you should look out for.

After reading a recent NME article, oh yes HSAH even surprise herself, a number of slight crazy, slight outrageous bands that can hardly play their instrument came to her attention. Now you are probably wonder why this bunch of seemingly untalented individuals caught HSAH attention. well the answer is simple, their is just something charming about the scattiness and underproduction of these tracks thats makes us smile.

These bands herald from America and HSAH got the pleasure of seeing one of these Bands that the NME named 'SHITGAZE', a bloody awful description in HSAH opinion, on Tuesday night. Psychedelic Horseshit supported Yeasayer at Barden's Boudoir and were stunning. They performed after a very short sound check, intoxicated to the point that their performance can only be describe as a ramshackle. However, why HSAH is telling you about these guys is that in the first couple of songs there was fragments of potential. these songs were reminsct of dinasour jr and had that lo-fi quality that only Americans can do so well!

Also playing at this gig was Pink Reason, who create similiar music to PH but had a more Shoe gazer quality. If you venture on to their myspace check out a track Borrowed Time which is tres bon in HSAH opion.

Other bands to Look out for are:
Little Claw,
Times New Viking (these guys are particularly good),
TV Ghost.

EfterKlang play London show

2008-02-13T13:46:00.003Z

For this sort HSAH thinks the press release sums up the tour nicely. Here it is:

Efterklang have announced a spring tour of the UK and Ireland. Like their hugely successful tour in November/December last year, the group will perform as an 8-piece. The line-up will include Anna Brønsted, whose solo act Our Broken Garden, will perform as support for the tour.
http://www.myspace.com/ourbrokengarden

The Danish collective, currently on tour in Europe, will release ‘Caravan’ as a strictly limited edition 7” (and download) to coincide with the tour. The single is taken from the acclaimed album Parades (a top 25 album of the year in Mojo magazine) which was last October. You can listen to Caravan here:
http://myspace.com/theleaflabel

An explosive video clip for 'Caravan', directed by Danish feature film director Anders Morgenthaler, will be released very soon. After the success of the 'Mirador' video (now with almost 900,000 Youtube plays http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSKIl-NeZeE), all eyes will be on this one...
In the meantime, filmmaker Tobias Stretch has made a beautiful but very strange video for ‘Illuminant’, also from Parades. You can find the video on the front page of Efterklang’s website:
http://efterklang.net
http://www.myspace.com/efterklang

Highlight of the Efterklang tour is a headlining show at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, and we can announce that the latest Leaf signing, Wildbirds & Peacedrums, from Gothenburg in Sweden, will make their debut UK performance at the show. Their album, Heartcore, will be released on April 28.
http://www.myspace.com/wildbirdsandpeacedrums

http://www.last.fm/user/TheLeafLabel/events

LONDON DATE:
Wednesday 2 April
Queen Elizabeth Hall, LONDON (with Our Broken Garden and Wildbirds & Peacedrums)
South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Doors 730pm
Tickets £12.50 + booking fee
http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/all-events/productions/arctic-circle-presents-efterk-38948

New Song to look out for!

2008-02-03T22:31:00.000Z

A while ago HSAH mentioned the Bookhouse Boys and they are releasing a single on the 3rd March. Its called Dead - a cheerful number no doubt - and is being released by Black Records. Unsurprisingly HSAH loves it! Their PR describes it as: "twisted surf pop", which sits well with HSAH.

Check them out at: http://www.myspace.com/thebookhouseboysofficial

Vice Tour

2008-02-03T22:09:00.000Z

The vice tour came to an end in Bristol last night and HSAH was there to see the chaos unfold. Although being hungover and sleepy, chaos is probably not the best way to describe the night. The queue was rather large though but thankfully that wasnt an issue for HSAH. Think how bad it was, queueing, when it started to rain. Poor Kids.

Well, as you imagine, when you think of vice magazine, all the cool kids where out in full swing to hear the new sounds of Ipso Facto, Friendly Fires and the Black Kids. Ipso facto where the first to take to the stage and looked as stylish as ever. Sadly their songs still bored HSAH. The first song they always start their sets with is good but as they progress their songs get worse. I suppose it is quite novel to have an all girl group that look uber cool and aren't playing the typical pop music. I do wish I liked them but hey, you can't force these things.

After a crazily long wait at the bar and an adventous trip to the toilet, Friendly Fires took to the stage and they were good, possibly better then good. Could it be? Since acquiring a new member Friendly fires have grown in strenght and sounds. They have managed to make their sound more tight and given it a new range of substance. HSAH particularly likes the last single Paris and the thumping On Board. Believe the hype! I wont be saying that a lot this year so go and check out Friendly Fires.

Sadly exhaustion got the best of HSAH and at about 12 we left the fleece, meaning that we didnt get to see Black Kids...a band that will have to wait for HSAH to criticise.

Clinic

2008-02-03T21:53:00.000Z

So we all know that HSAH loves Clinic...yes? well their new single is coming out soon and we think you should look at the video! Have a look:

What the papers say...

2008-01-22T21:56:00.003Z

Have you noticed in the Broadsheets recently there has been a number of reviews for Black Mountains? HSAH has and was intrigued enough to check them out. This Canadian outfit play songs that start like they are going to be really heavy but then have a fuzzy or off kilter guitar section that makes them more intelligent then just pure noise.

Maybe you will like to hear this for your self. If so here is their myspace link:
http://www.myspace.com/blackmountain

Another band that the papers have been talking about is Nottingham based Clarky Cats who have links to Young and Lost. Remember how disco punk was so 'in' in 2005/6? Well CC are very reminiscent of that sound. They sound a bit like Radio 4 and like Clor but not so experimental.

To check out Clarky Cat, their myspace is:
http://www.myspace.com/clarkycat

The next band featured in this weekend's The Sunday Times (not necessarily HSAH paper of choice) is the happily twee Lacrosse who hail from Sweeden, the home of happy twee music. Innocents vocals are blended with subtle piano tinkering and jangerly guitars. It is all very pretty so check it out at:
http://www.myspace.com/lacrossesthlm

Chess Club...often misunderstood.

2008-01-22T21:15:00.000Z

Last night Chess Club was at The Social last night and played hosted to a number of indie acts including School of Language and Sarabeth Tucek. HSAH was there to see School of Language of course.

After taking to the stage later then planned, School of Language cast a lonely figure on the small stage at the Social. It was simply one man and his beloved guitar. Capturing the audience was going to be a mighty feat as the crowd stood, chating throughout the beginning of his set.

The beloved (by HSAH) new single, Rockist part1, was the first track that School of Language played and even in an acoustic form it still had the beautifully simple charmed that recorded version coveys. It clearly became apparent that SoL wanted to create a sound that had a more of a garage feel to it then that of Field Music. What has remained is David Brewis very quirky edge that made Field Music unusual. Tracks like Disappointment 99 sheep of Franz Ferdinand with heavier baselines and are disjointed like Gang of Four.

Although a complete, whole sound was often difficult to covey in an accoustic set and HSAH would be interested to in seeing SoL again to see what he would be like with a full band.

New songs

2008-01-21T18:03:00.000Z

School of Language, formed from David Brewis of Field Music fame, are to release an amazing (I dont use this word lightly) new single Rockist on the 28th January through Memphis Industries. HSAH reckons you should go out and buy it as its very catchy and makes us happy.

Look what i have gone and done...

2008-01-21T12:46:00.000Z

You should come as it going to be lots of fun!!!

New bands to look out for

2008-01-15T22:14:00.000Z

Today on 6 music Steve Lamacq played a song HSAH thoroughly enjoyed and it was by a band called The Voluntary Butler Scheme. HSAH believes you should check them out:
http://www.myspace.com/thevoluntarybutlerscheme

Another lovely, Brighton band that people should listen to is Esiotrot. Check them out via:
http://www.myspace.com/esiotrotschmesiotrot

Enjoy listening x

News

2008-01-15T20:39:00.000Z

Just in, Sons and Daughters play Durr on the 21st January.

Also, Domino have just released info about Clinic's new album, which is out on the 7th April and entitled 'Do it'. As stated before they are also doing a tour to help promote said album. Is HSAH excited? yes...

Lastly, DON'T FORGET These New Puritans' debut album, Beat Pyramid, is out on the 28th January.

This week's finest

2008-01-13T23:40:00.001Z

So another weekend has come and gone and all we have to look forward to is ways of filling our evening new exciting things until the next weekend is on us.

Here are some ideas:
Tuesday you could pop down to the Buffalo Bar to check out Hatcham Social play for £6 or check out the Kills at the Soho revenue bar. However the latter might be a tad busy now that one of them is famous!

On Wednesday, why not, pop down to the Buffalo Bar again (Yes i think HSAH should live there) to see So so modern and Maths Class.

Now with the weekend in sight, try drinking the evening away at the Macbeth as riotous, noise makers The Guillotines are playing and you only have to paid £4 for the pleasure of seeing them.

Now its Friday and if you haven't got clubbing on the brain you could pop to the Islington bar academy and check out a load of teenagers play some indie pop tunes. The bands on tonight's schedule are forty fives, let's wrestle, chimera rouge, pull in emergency and one trick band. Tres bon!

HSAH hopes in some way this may help lighten up your week.

Clinic

2008-01-09T21:55:00.000Z

Are going out on tour! check below for details:
April 08
8th Bristol Thekla
9th London 229
10th Brighton Audio
11th Brudenell Social Club
12th Manchester Academy 3

Tres Bon :)

The Kills

2008-01-09T21:45:00.000Z

So with two albums behind them and one going out with an uber famous model, The Kills now have a new offering, Midnight Boom, for us and HSAH is excited. This eagerly anticipated release is out on the 3rd March and with this we see The Kills working with Spank Rock's producer Alex Epton to create a futuristic sound whilst retaining their trade mark raw edge-iness.

Paint It Black.

2008-01-09T21:27:00.000Z

Black Francis, of pixies fame, has decided to release a mini LP through cooking vinyl entitled SVN FNGRS released on the 3rd March. Apparently it was all record, mixed, produced and designed in seven days. That makes Black Francis a bit like God!

He is also doing a bit of a tour too:
Sun 10th February GLASGOW, The Garage (Shockwaves NME Awards Show)
Tue 12th February MANCHESTER, Academy 2 (Shockwaves NME Awards show)
Wed 13th February LONDON, Koko (Shockwaves NME Awards Show)
Thu 14th February PORTSMOUTH, Wedgewood Rooms

These New Puritans to Release New Single

2008-01-09T18:02:00.000Z

Now that they are toply tipped for success in 2008, TNP are (re)releasing Elvis on the 11th February through Angular records. To help promote this they are also supporting British Sea Power on tour.

Here are the dates:
Sat 26 Jan 2008 Glasgow, The Arches (British Sea Power Support)
Sun 27 Jan 2008 Manchester, Academy 2 (British Sea Power Support)
Mon 28 Jan 2008 Oxford, Academy (British Sea Power Support)
Tue 29 Jan 2008 Brighton, Komedia (British Sea Power Support)
Thu 31 Jan 2008 London, KoKo (British Sea Power Support)

What out for their debut album, Beat Pyramid, on the 28th January.

Up and coming gigs

2008-01-04T15:22:00.000Z

Here are some gigs that you should check out in the up and coming weeks:

The Clientele at the Luminaire on the 8th Jan.
www.myspace.com/theclienteleofficial

The Answering Machine play the Enterprise on the 9th Jan:
http://www.myspace.com/theansweringmachine

Theoretical Girl plays Twee as Fuck on the 11th January which is taking place at the buffalo bar this month (HSAH is very much looking forward to this)

4th February sees Slow Club play the Borderline in London:
www.myspace.com/slowclub

The Presets return to London to play Kings College on the 19th March
http://www.gigwise.co.uk/news.asp?contentid=39630

These New Puritans head down to South London to play the Amersham Arms on the 25th Jan:
http://www.myspace.com/thesenewpuritans

And a very extra special gig to look out for:
The Jesus and Mary Chain are back and play at the Round House on March 11 and 12th...very much tempted by one of these gigs.

It has been a while

2008-01-02T21:47:00.000Z

But HSAH is back after a relaxing holiday and without much going she has been investigating new old music and whilst downloading certain tracks she was directed to 80s.

Amazon directed HSAH to C86 after checking out the Go Betweens. C86 is a double album showcasing some of the finest tracks that came out in the middle of the 1980s, which is normally cited as a dry patch for indie music. After the end of the punk scene and the saturation of the new wave/new romantic scene at the beginning of the 80s, music started to reflect the consumerist nature of society. With this came a degree of back lash in music from those that still wanted to up hold the ideals and Do It Yourself nature of punk.

This CD showcases some of these bands that often centralised around creation records and the Living Room (Alan McGee's club night that was pivotal to this moment). This CD goes from the obscure (like Age of Chance and The Revolving Paint Dream) to the most successful candidates of that era for example Primal Scream and The Jesus and Mary Chain. With this CD you get a greater understanding of the music that was around then and gives you a deeper degree of knowledge on music that is around now. Primal Scream are still kicking around and The Jesus and Mary Chain have reformed for gigs, which demonstrates that there is still a demand for this music too, which is great to see as all music should be judged for its own merits. So if you have a couple of quid hanging around i would recommend you buy this CD.

Dirty Bingo anyone?

2007-12-22T16:30:00.000Z

SO its friday night in London town and venue that serves alcohol is pumping. HSAH finds herself wandering through angel in think fog to find Clockworks - a venue that doesn't look like it normally hosts gigs - for Dirty Bingo's christmas party and in particualr to catch Little Death (as previously mentioned on HSAH)

So the merriment brings with a few glasses of few and the DJs playing great indie hits! Little Death hit the stage at about ten (no one is really counting the minutes here) and the audience are confronted by a pan Alantic band that now have ther roots in London who look like they've stepped out of the nineties.

Their set lasted for about half a hour and Little Death fused sounds from their obvious inspirations - pavement / sonic youth - but they also managed to create an epic sound on some tracks like Broken Hill.

With the indie market becoming saturated by barstadised verison of The Libertines it is refreshing to find a band that take a new approach to music. More importantly there seems to be a number of bands out there like Little Death, who may not be the biggest commercial hit but they help retain HSAH hope for the music industry.

Now time for tea.

Interesting Finds

2007-12-22T15:50:00.000Z

Whilst wandering through Fopp HSAH picked up a copy of Neutral Milk Hotel's album In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, which has been reissued through Domino records. Admittedly I picked it up due to liking the artwork and didn't know much about the band but have subsequently found out that this album originally came out in 1998 by this Amercian four piece. This album is a gem of gravily vocals, noisy feedback and surreal lyrics that are occasionally about World War Two. For example one track is called Holland 1945 that tells the story of a girl buried alive.

Another Album that HSAH loves is Les Savy Fav new album Lets Stay Friends. Les Savy Fav's sound filters between the soft melancholy of The Flaming Lips to the raw sounds of Pavement. They also have an innately disco feel to them which is transparent on a number of tracks including Kiss Kiss is Getting Better that makes them feel like their contemporaries like The Hives or Modest Mouse.

Vice Tour

2007-12-22T15:45:00.000Z

So uber cool magazine, Vice, have decided to go on tour with support from topshop and its shaping up to be pretty good.

Here is some press release jargon:
"Another year, another package tour? Nope. Not another package tour. The Vice Live Tour, presented by Topshop, will be the first tour of the year to bring together what will be three of the most talked about bands of 2008 and present them for FREE across 4 dates with special guests and DJ's and acts at every stop. Each show will be the biggest party your city will see all year with some the most exciting talent the next 12 months will offer, including two bands tipped in the NME's top 10 acts to watch in 2008."

These new, exciting bands are: Black Kids, Friendly Fire (can you really call this band new?) and ipso facto (can you call this band exciting?).

Go to http://www.vicelivetour.com/ to register and get a free ticket!

Friday night is alright!

2007-12-20T17:55:00.001Z

If anyone is looking for something to do on Friday then get down to Dirty Bingo at Clockwork, Angel, to see Little Death and Untitled Music Project. I believe Little death are on first so get down their early.

PiX party

2007-12-19T14:07:00.000Z

The uber cool magazine, PiX was celebrating in a truly festive style on Tuesday night with a party at the Hoxton Bar and Kitchen. HSAH had the honour of attending this invite only party and also had the joy of queuing with all trendies in the freezing cold. You know your in Shoreditch when you see a girl with crazy flashing earrings, a dude with bright red, asymmetrical hair (yes that was Patrick Wolf) and lots of pouting in front of mirrors. All this, of course adds to the ambiance of the night.

Taking to the stage for this night of festivities were Ipso Facto, Ox Eagle Lion Man and The Myserty Jets. Ipso facto's set was frightful dull and they are definitely one of those bands who have more style over substance. Next one was ox eagle lion man and after seeing them at the rock feed back night HSAH was really hoping for more than she got. Again they were just dull and their songs weren't put together that well. Thank god for Mystery Jets who pulled off a brilliant performance. Firstly the venue really suited them, it was just the right size to feel imtimate and to feel the engery off of band and their fans in the audience. They also seemed to play more of their hits then when they played at BE so when they did play a new song you didn't mind. They ended their set, as ever, with Zoo time which if you havent heard before is like a tribal, chanting track that definitely leave the audience on a high.

The List...Part 1

2007-12-17T12:51:00.000Z

With the end of the Year approaching that only means one thing - Lists. Lists always appear around the end of the year and they range for your shopping list to top 100 best moments of the year. This is my list which may appear in parts (depending on how well my memory serves me) and it will showcase my favourite tracks of this year. Now with the introduction finished lets move on to the first track...

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - ALL MY FRIENDS
Whta can you say about this track? It's just amazing!

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE - SICK SICK SICK
This track immediately caught my attention for sounding like an DFA 1979 track. With its thumping base lines that return QOTSA back to their rocker roots.

JENS LEKMAN - THE OPPOSITE OF HALLELUJAH
This is a beautiful, cheery song that always puts me in a happy mood. It also makes me bob my head from side to side - a sign of a sure winner.

FIEST - 1, 2, 3, 4
This lady has had busy year and this song really demonstrates her playful side. It's great!

Munch Munch

2007-12-12T23:02:00.000Z

White heat has long been known as the establishment of fine alternative music and has showcased some of the most exciting bands around. For example Death From Above 79 played at white heat when it used to host its nights at a venue just off of regents street. My 18 year old heart screamed with excitement each time they announced new lines. Now, in my tender age of 22, I rarely go there, mainly, because it is on a Tuesday.

Therefore stepping into the madame JoJo, felt a bit like stepping back in time and this was all in aid of seeing Munch Munch.

Munch Munch hail from Bristol and are an experiment indie outfit that have recently gained single of the week on Drowned In Sound. Well done to them! Their sound infuses Architecture in Helsinki with Bearsuit to create sound that sounds like four songs in one. What stood out to HSAH was the amazing drumming and the multiple change overs that happened throughout their set, which gave their performance a load of personality. HSAH thinks it fair to say that it would be wise to keep an eye out for Munch Munch in the future.

Pan I Am

2007-12-10T23:44:00.000Z

Sunday morning quickly turns into Sunday evening and with darkness brings Blue Flowers through the combined acts of poetry, spoken word and music.

Blue flowers, you maybe wondering, is a new night to grace London. Its normal home is Chiswick but for this special event the Lyric theatre played host to an array of unique talents including Patrick wolf, Rumble strips and Johnny Flynn. The main aim of Sunday's entertainment was to welcome back, to the fore Ed Larkin (once of Larkin Love) and his new band the Pan I Am.

Once entering the lyric theatre one was greeted by an in door market and short films. When invited to be seated (yes, this was a seated gig...my favourite type of gig) the night was opened by the Blue Flowers main man who mapped out proceeding and invited the first speaker on stage. He was a handsome chap but framed sentences that HSAH didn't quite understand. HSAH fears they may have been strung together for affect rather than to make sense.

After this Johnny Flynn graced the stage and did a short but sweet set that included his first single tickle me pink. Johnny Flynn was equally as talent without his band and with more hair than some of the bigger names on tonight's bill. Another undiscovered gem that emerged from Sunday nights proceeding was Polar bear - a Brummie MC - whose gritty lines made everyone chuckle.

The First half closed with Charlie from Rumble Strips, whose voice sounds as good live as it does on CD and with this HSAH went to get another glass of Chenin Blanc.

The second half opened with the slightly surreal, wellington wearing Patrick Wolf (HSAH didn't realise thatHammersmith was so muddy!) who again did a short set but managed to steal the lime light with his almost celebrity indie status and panache for unusual clothes. This left Ed Larkin to end Blue Flowers and expectations were high.

Kicking off with a mighty crescendo of guitars, the Pan I Am certainly seemed to be a lot more metal than Larkin Love were. However as the set wore on Pan I Am's set became more palatable and with greater input of the violinist, Ed's new band seemed to return to The Pogues infuse racket that we were once familiar with. This is not to say that Pan I am were not good. HSAH actually prefer Pan I Am as the set progressed. My particular fave was track three (sorry to be vague they didn't share the names of their songs).

This just left the long tube journey home.

The Bookhouse Boys

2007-12-05T17:34:00.000Z

6 Music keep playing the Bookhouse Boys' new single, tonight, which is amazing and sounds like it would prefectly sit on the Pulp Fiction sound track. Maybe The Cramps have influenced them?! Who knows but they definitely get my vote!

The Joys of the Weekend.

2007-12-04T21:12:00.000Z

With the weekend over it can only mean one thing and that is the HSAH round up of all the fun things that she managed to get to. Friday night was a bit of a wipe out but Saturday brought with it the Mystery Jets.

After many DJ appearance at BE, Mystery Jets finally pulled out all the stops and gave the crowd a unique performance. Not always the most exciting of bands live they wowed the crowds with an array of new and old tunes. Alas Anges being one of my favourite, which cam at the end of the set! Support came from Holy Hail and Friendly Fires. Sadly HSAH got there too late to check out Holy Hail but Friendly Fires, with an extra member, were brilliant. Their electro clad tracks sat well with the overall feel of BE with its panache for all things electro. The night was top off with DJ sets from BE's David H and Adventure Close to Home.

Sunday night heralds another night of pubage fun! This time entertainment came from Sunday Best - the musical identity behind Bestival - at the amersham arms, New Cross. In a typically Bestival style, the night provided a mixture of the weird and wonderful from great music to slightly odd bestival carry overs. The man in the pirate outfit must have been hot in this fake dreds!

A delightful set came from Sportsday Megaphone who has previously released material through rough trade and is definitely one to watch out for.

Twee as Fuck

2007-11-28T12:49:00.001Z

The next Twee as Fuck is on the 14th Dcember and has Hatcham Social playing, who are actually very good by the way. Go on...Buy a ticket!

Bjork

2007-11-28T12:47:00.000Z

HSAH can happily announce that she has got her Bjork ticket for the 14th April at Hammersmith Apollo. Tickets are on sale now and HSAH will be down the front row with her dad!

On a new note.

2007-11-28T12:37:00.000Z

Lets talk about films. I rarely approach a subject that isn't music so, in my forward thinking mind frame lets discuss the new Blade Runner film, which HSAH went to see last Friday.

Being the age that I am, I missed the first time around when Blade Runner was shown at the cinema. HSAH was very excited at the prospect of seeing it in the cinema after years of owning Blade Runner on DVD. HSAH was not disapointed when the film started up and looked amazing on the big screen. The aerial shot over LA at the beginning of the film became more alive on the big screen and the scale of the architecture created much more of an impact when compared to my small TV at home.

Although the directors cut didn't differ greatly from the DVD version of the film it was great to see the film on a large screen to truly gage its full, original impact. Blade Runner seems to have a timeless style to it that can capture all ages imaginations. It will not disappear in time like tears in the rain.

Kooks!

2007-11-28T12:33:00.000Z

So the Kooks played the union chapel on saturday as part of the little noise session and what can I say. Whilst their 'hits' were entertaining the rest of the set left a lot to be desired. Boring is the key word when describing this band. If i wasn't as drunk as i was i could have quite happily left! They were supported by the Pigeon Detectives, who HSAH has seen on another occasion but missed on this night. I am sure it wasn't a great lose to my life.

On a brighter note the Mystery Jet will be gracing the bloomsbury ballrooms for BE this weekend with a host of other bands and DJs.

Vice party

2007-11-20T14:33:00.000Z

This Thursday Vice host their 5th Birthday at heaven, London. Live sets from Lovvers, hatcham social, The teenagers, the horrors and many many more....

Bjork on tour!

2007-11-20T14:31:00.000Z

Bjork has announced a UK tour for next April, dates as follows...

11 Apr: Manchester Apollo
14+17 Apr:London Hammersmith Apollo
22 Apr:Plymouth Pavilion
25 Apr:Wolverhampton Civic Hall
28 Apr:Belfast Waterfront
1 May: Blackpool Empress Ballroom
4 May: Sheffield City Hall

Christmas parties

2007-11-11T19:51:00.000Z

As the temperature outside cools down, HSAH dancing spirit rises up from the depths of her soul. Is there a better time of year to celebrate then this? Probably not, considering this quarter brings us all the festive joy. HSAH has, in the vain of Poirot, investigated the best pre Christmas/New years parties around. Fear not, a NYE summary will also be supplied at a later date.

1. The fine purveyors of the Lock Tavern and Adventures in Beetroot field et al have created Gods Average Speed which will be taking place on the 8th December at SEOne (London bridge). A host of DJs ranging from Skull Juice to People are Germs will be playing a fine selection of TUNES through out the night. Keeping the live element alive will be a fantastic array of bands that are definitely reminiscent of Field Day. Liars, Pete and the Pirates, XX teens, Light speed Champion and Lets bitter Cinema amongst others will be taking to the stage for this night of musical mayhem!

2. HSAH has stumbled upon a new night in London called The Rakehell's Revel, which takes place every Tuesday at the Grill Rooms on Regents street. To quote Time Out: "Dress to the nines for this soirée where you'll hear '20s, '30s and '40s big band, Russian gypsy music and the like. You'll come away never wanting to wear jeans or Converse again." Sound like a grand night out to this girly!

3. Of course there is always Saturday nights at Madam JoJo's for Lost and Found, which has been making a name for itself as the finest rockabilly, reggae, Dub and northern soul night out. This is definitely a night to embrace and enjoy right in the centre of London. Its the the sort of night where you wished the bands wouldn't play and the DJs continued throughout the night.

4. BE! now that BE has moved from the Proud Galleries in Camden it has become more of occasion. On the 1st December BE returns to the Bloomsbury Ballrooms and hosts the Mystery Jet's London date of their tour. Not only this but the friendly fires will be playing...lets hope they bring the party poppers!

Rake this up

2007-11-11T19:49:00.000Z

If you have stumbled into the Lock tavern of late, you would have surely seen the posters for the Rakes gig that is taking place there on Sunday. Best thing is that it is free so get on your dancing shoes and trot down to Camden this Sunday!

Slowly does it!

2007-11-11T19:39:00.000Z

Yes HSAH is rather slow at keeping people up to date with music news and she apologizes deeply. The problem was that a trip to Vietnam stood in the way of HSAH being continuing up dated! surely you can understand?! No... oh well.

Anyway, apologises a side, Beirut played at the round house last night and insiders have told me that the gig was spectacular and HSAH is not surprised. If Beirut's first album Gulag Orkestar and the release of second album The Flying cup club is any thing to go by then the haunting sounds of Beirut would surely have been tantalising!

The Clientele

2007-10-12T13:50:00.000+01:00

So its Wednesday and HSAH is walking around east London when she stumbles into the Cargo. This Wednesday at cargo was a special night as the Local was is town to host a night of highly delectable sounds from the likes of The Clientele and the North Sea Radio Orchestra. The Clientele was promoting the release of their fourth album, God Save The Clientele (out now) and by did they do it well.

Check out there sound on : www.myspace.com/theclienteleofficial.

Guillemots - Back to Mine

2007-10-04T14:43:00.000+01:00

So its the return of Back to Mine and this time its up to guillemots to welcome us in to their humble abodes and choose the records. With this selection we get to see into the guillemots' minds and what has influence them to create the sound they do. The big question is: is it any good? Throughout this album there are hidden gems and the plain strange. choosing sonic youth to sit next to liars and bjork sounds like my musical heaven but the choice of the bizarre Tartit makes me wonder are they being arty for the sake of it. Who can actually say? Certainly not me that's for sure. Overal it is a good album to have and to play when milling around or chilling out.

to Be or not to Be

2007-09-28T19:18:00.000+01:00

Be, one of HSAH's favourite nights out in London, has moved to the Bloomsbury ballrooms. The first of these nights is taking place this Saturday (tomorrow) with Pete and the Pirates playing a live set and Whitey DJing. Get out your glitter, a don a shiny outfit and get to BE. If you don't go, you loose out!

Rock Out

2007-09-28T19:00:00.000+01:00

So yesterday was Thursday and that can only mean one thing, Rock Feed Back night at the buffalo bar. yes that's right, with a up line including ox eagle lion man and Fanfarlo how could HSAH not be there?!

Fanfarlo were brilliant. They fulfilled my twee indie dreams with their trumpets and xylophones. Maybe it was just the three drink haze that i was in but each song they played kept my head nodding and leg jerky. The surprise of the evening was a band called wet paint who managed to re create pavement's sound with a London, beardy twist! they also rock the plaid shirt stylistics.

So that only left ox eagle lion man to take to the stage. With all the hype around this band i was expecting big things. Were they fulfilled? The simple answer is NO. The question to ask is 'can indie cliches take the edge off of a band?' I think the answer to this is yes they can and the best example of this is ox eagle lion man. Their songs...well the ones i heard...were pleasant even jolly but the black skinny jean clad, verging on goth guys in the bands, looking rather sombre really made me cringe. Plus not being able to take my eye off of the singer's skinny jeans was distracting. They were unbelievable skinny. He may have been more comfortable in leggings.

Again HSAH leave a gig early. What is happening to the world? Maybe HSAH needs to find better bands to watch.

Those Dancing Days

2007-09-19T13:08:00.000+01:00

So its Saturday night and we are in one of London sleaziest areas, Kings Cross. Renounced for prostitutes, dodgy restaurants and one legendary venue...well two if you include the scala but for the sake of this post lets presume there is one, The Water Rats.

The Water Rats played host to a very special on Saturday and continued to add to the hype that's surrounds Those Dancing Those. Hailing from Sweden this was TDD second gig in London and you could feel from the audience there was much excitement about their arrival.

After two large glasses of wine and full stomachs HSAH made her way into the small and incredible hot venue (we left early due to the heat). We waited eagerly, toes tapping and hands emulating a fanning gesture when finally a bunch of very young and very cute bunch of girls made their way of stage. Their set kicked off and continued as it mean to go on in a very indie pop style with jiggly jangly tracks.

By about the fifth song in HSAH couldn't handle the Sauna effect in the back room of The Water Rats and promptly left. Since this gig HSAH as not been able to escape the melondic tones of TDD...damn 6 music!!!! Thankfully their single - Those Dancing Days - is brilliant and is one of those songs that can brighten up any bad mood you may be in.

Look what i found the other day...

2007-08-30T00:19:00.001+01:00

When was the last time you saw one of these? bloody brilliant!

Long time no see

2007-08-29T23:48:00.000+01:00

Firstly, big apologises from being slow to write on here. HSAHs has been very business like a bumble bee!

Since our last encounter HSAH has visited the higher realms of the buffalo bar in islington to see the maccabees who performed there with jonny flynn as part of transgressive's / rock feed back's night. After the late start some serious dancing kicked off and the Maccabees played their usual string of hits that, by the end, started to merge into one.

On a completely different note HSAHs went to a prom...not a dance type prom but a BBC prom with a venazulan orchestra who were amazing and even managed to dance with their instruments. it was a sight to behold.

Over the weekend HSAHs got out of the big smoke and travelled to bristol for some jazz...nice. However at the 'jazz' festival there was a serious lack of anything like jazz but who actually likes jazz?!

Tonight tonight...HSAH was at the barfly checing out Two Gallants and eugene mcguinness who was tres bien (listening to edith piaf now). He has a new album out so many invest some capital into.

This mildly adequate catch is now over!

Fandango you say...

2007-08-14T16:51:00.000+01:00

PRESENTS...

A FISTFUL OF FANDANGO
6 DAYS OF MUSIC CELEBRATING 6 YEARS OF CLUB FANDANGO

TUESDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER @ THE DUBLIN CASTLE
WEDNESDAY 5TH – SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER @ THE 229 VENUE, GREAT PORTLAND STREET
SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER @ THE CONSTITUTION, CAMDEN

Full Listings below

http://www.clubfandango.co.uk/ / http://www.229thevenue.org/

Featuring:
Maps / British Sea Power / Fanfarlo / Shit Disco / Operator Please / Friendly Fires / Good Books / So So Modern / Pete & the Pirates / The Early Years / Get Shakes / Electric Soft Parade / Misty’s Big Adventure / Eugene McGuiness / The Clik Clik / Monkey Swallows the Universe/ Malcom Middleton / Kissaway Trail / Simple Kid - And more TBC

When it comes to new music there is no greater source then Club Fandango. Lauded among new music fans across the country and respected by some of the industry’s biggest names; CLUB FANDANGO has become the guiding light for A&R men and a veritable hot pot of new and exciting talent. Faultless with their bookings and forever pushing the boundaries their 6 six-year reign remains unsurpassed. Now with a host of regional gigs across the UK, a thriving label whose current roster boasts Ra Ra Riot, Misty’s Big Adventure and Cut Off Your Hands, and a soon to be launched monthly magazine – FAN-ZNE – Club Fandango has never be so rich or relevant as it is six years from its inception.

Those in the know have been heading down to the weekly night at Camden’s Dublin Castle for the last six years to see some of the very first live performances from bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc party, Polyphonic Spree, The Killers, Razorlight, British Sea Power, Dogs Die. Just a handful of the many who have trodden the Fandango boards and gone on to become today’s super-bands.

To celebrate their 6 years at the forefront of indie, this September will see them launch their most spectacular musical extravaganza to date: ‘A Fistful of Fandango’ - bringing Londoners six consecutive nights of cutting edge tips for the top, and bands to make your mouth water. ‘A Fistful of Fandango’ will thrust into the musical arena a unique hotbed of new talent featuring the finest line up of tomorrow’s stars. Six nights of music await kicking off at their spiritual home The Dublin Castle on Tuesday 4th September and finishing off at the much loved and laid back Constitution. Perfectly book ending four superlative nights of music at The 229 venue on Great Portland St this is set to be one memorable week of music.

Every evening from the 5tth-8th September at The 229 Venue there will be an astounding array of live acts running non-stop throughout 2 rooms. Continually alternating, allowing punters to see as many bands as possible, the four nights will include performances from the likes of Maps, Shit Disco, Electric Soft Parade, Friendly Fires, British Sea Power and Operator Please and this year’s Diesel U music winners-The Steers and Get Shakes amongst many, many others.

The large room will feature contributions from all of Club Fandango’s esteemed partner’s: Diesel U Music, BBC 6 Music, Fierce Panda Records, 7digital Indiestore and BMI who will be supplying the masses with a more than broad range of eclectic musical styles and vibes throughout the event.

The equally musical savvy second room will feature the very best as the feistiest neo-unsigned bands in the country take the stage as part of this very special birthday celebration.

Rounding the proceedings off on Sunday 9th September, The Constitution in Camden will be joining forces with Tapestry to host A Fistful of Fandango’s wind-down all dayer celebrating the very best in new singer-song-writing talent. Come and laze around in the sunny garden and get stuck into the sizzling BBQ action!

If you have even a passing interest in new music A Fistful of Fandango is a must. With each night as compelling as the next it’s probably best to write the week off and give yourself over to this truly exciting week of music.

FULL EVENT LINE UP:

TUESDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER
A Fistful of Fandango

WEDNESDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER
Maps / The Early Years / Fanfarlo / Monkey Swallows the Universe / Malcom Middleton / Fanfarlo / Royworld

THURSDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER
Shit Disco / Operator Please / Friendly Fires / Fight Like Apes / So So Modern / Simple Kid

FRIDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER
British Sea Power / Good Books / Pete & The Pirates/ The Steers / Get Shakes / The Clik Clik

SATURDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER
Electric Soft Parade / Misty’s Big Adventure / Absentee / Eugene Mcguiness / Tim Ten Yen / Kissaway Trail

SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER
A Fistful of Fandango wind down All-dayer

LISTINGS INFO:
http://www.clubfandango.co.uk/ / http://www.229thevenue.org/

Fistful of Fandango Warm Up!
DATES: Tuesday 4th September
VENUE: The Dublin Castle
PRICE: £10
TIMES: From 7pm
TICKETS: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/

Fistful of Fandango
DATES: Wednesday 5th September – Saturday 8th September
VENUE: The 229 Venue, 229 Great Portland St, London
PRICE: £10 per night
TIMES: From 7pm
TICKETS: http://www.ticketweb.com/

Fistful of Fandango Wind Down
DATES: Sunday 9th September
VENUE: The Constitution
PRICE: Free
TIMES: ……

Who are these kids?

2007-08-13T23:44:00.000+01:00

The Teenagers played at rough trade tonight. HSAH are very happy to see that Foals are playing there too soon. Rough Trade in the Truman Brewery is like Mecca. So very beautiful.

Field Day

2007-08-13T23:20:00.000+01:00

So by now everyone must be aware that Field Day was this weekend. HSAH am also sure that everyone must also no the problems that came with it like long queues - god damn those queues. How the weather was beautiful, the line up was superb and the burgers at the bbq were very tasty. They came with lots of salad too which is always a winner.

Sadly HSAH didnt get to see a lot of bands but caught late of the pier who were ravetastic! Liars' set started well but HSAH didn't stay for the whole set but crossed the field to see Justice only to be sworely disappointed. HSAH did take the above photo of her camera phone during their set - looks pretty neat.

Fingers crossed that next year's feild day will make more of the village fete theme.

Like English Hardcore?

2007-08-03T00:31:00.000+01:00

Checked out nottingham based Lovvers - if you can call them hardcore. they were more like a wall of noise. nice.

Catch up

2007-08-03T00:19:00.000+01:00

So last time i left you i was about to see DJ yoda at the scala, kings cross. I went with a friend and to be truely honest i can't say i was impressed. The idea - to try and classical music to a wider audience - was and is a good idea. However at times i felt the orchestra were messy and sounded painful. The track they produced were also quite boring and not very experiemental. I dont know if it was just me but I thought that it seemed that yoda was the main attraction and that the orchestra were his support, which he obviously didn't play up to. It was just merely that the orchestra wasn't as strong as he was. His timing - you couldn't fault!

Tonight on the other hand i went back to the scala for what i may go as far as to say was my favourite gig in a long time! The Scala played host to Of Montreal who were as every bit as glam as i had hoped. Think roxy music with new and improved technology. The show even featured three costume changes, men dressed head to top in lycra and lots of glitter. This would not have been as impressive if it wasn't for Of Montreal's quirky yet fantastic tunes! Even the 11 minute The Past is a Grothesque animal sounded beautiful in the hazy smoke filled Scala.

Overal a very enjoy night out even if my ipod frooze which gave me a mini heart attack. its all fixed now - thanks patrick!

Yoda

2007-07-25T23:43:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow evening I am off to see DJ yoda perform with the national heritage orchestra!

Noah and the Whale

2007-07-25T23:38:00.000+01:00

On monday i nmade the journey to the big chill house in kings cross. they are doing a month of gigs presented by the Mules called pick your own - the Mules headline each night. This night, last monday, also had Noah and the Whale and light speed champion playing aka dev from text icicles. This was the third time that i had seen Noah and the Whale and each time i love them more. If you little your twee indie folk they are the band for you. Light speed champion ended on at 7 minute song too - it was brilliant, possibly the best song of his set.

On another note, isnt straight to hell by the clash a fantastic song!?

2007-07-09T23:13:00.000+01:00

I think you should all check out Screaming Tea Party - www.myspace.com/screamingteaparty. Thank you.

to Be or not to Be

2007-07-09T22:57:00.001+01:00

So HSAH made it down to the plush Proud Galleries on Saturday night to check out Pete and the Pirates who are not totally unfamiliar to HSAH as HSAH had seen them at dot to dot and is death keen on Come on Feet!

It was good to see them in London and they certainly didn't fail to disappoint. They arrived on stage at about quarter past 11 which saved HSAH from further embarrassing herself by dancing like a clown on ice. Within minutes of starting PatP had the small but perfectly formed room they were performing in dancing. To some extent is unnerved HSAH as the floor seemed to be moving to the point that it became unnecessary to have to put in any effort to dance. However this made appreciating the music a lot easier and as the joyous vocals and the slightly shy like qualities of PatP one couldn't help warm to them even more.

Pete and The Pirates

2007-07-02T22:39:00.000+01:00

After much hype surrounding this band, HSAH (oh i never noticed but i could almost be called hash) visited them on Myspace and checked them out at dot to dot festival in Bristol. In a drunken haze they were very good, verging on brilliant. This weekend they are playing in London at proud galleries for a night called BE. Once HSAH saw Amy winehouse there...draw from that what you wish.

Seven Ages of Rock

2007-07-02T22:32:00.000+01:00

Now that the programme, Seven Ages of Rock, has come to an end one has time to reflect on the show. The show displayed different elements of rock music which conjured up feelings of nostalgia and after every show i did want to rush out and buy a CD by each of the bands featured on the show - even on the stadium rock show. You've got to love a bit of Bruce and his all American 501s!

Although I did feel disappointed with the show as it did not dig deep enough in the different area of my favourite music providing me with information that I did not already know. The punk music show, I feel, did not explore this genre as fully as it could have done. Whilst I did love watching highlights of the Clash, this show merely skimmed through punk's vast repertoire of bands and plays on preconceived ideas of punk. I was surprised this show did not show the progressive and ever changing nature of punk music developed into post punk. Maybe i shouldn't have read weighty a book on punk relatively close to the beginning of this show.

At least these shows examine a medium that is interesting and effects so many of us rather then being about another boring soap or American drama...gosh there are so many of them about at the moment. bah bah bah to them!

Liars Liars pants on fire

2007-07-02T22:08:00.000+01:00

Liars are playing White Heat tomorrow evening in London town. They are supported by These New Puritans - En Papier*. I wish I could go...

*Christine sings this song in her mind.

2007-06-22T16:57:00.000+01:00

This is the beginning of my posts. Be patient with me and we will have a fruitful relationship. Also please note that all spelling mistakes are accidental and I may make a few. I apologise in advance for this now.