Flying High

After being in the music business for over ten years, The Pigeon Detectives have managed to maintain their position as one of the stand out bands on the scene. Not only do they have a loyal following they have the musical credentials to back it up. Gearing up for another album release (as yet untitled), they show no signs of slowing down, and announcing yet another almost sold out tour for March 2017.

Judging by the new track, ‘Lose Control’ it is easy to see why fans and newcomers alike are getting behind this band once again. The track hints is nostalgic yet still fresh, still being true to their roots unlike other Yorkshire acts like Kaiser Chiefs who are adopting more electronics. The show tonight reflects the old school ethos of the band by them inviting along a brand new band to open for them. The support delivered in warming up the crowd for the headliners but it was the headliners that sold this show out months in advance.

As The Pigeon Detectives launch into their first song the venue comes alive with the dedicated fan base out in force tonight at the Welly Club in Hull. Singalongs are standard and mosh pits are many as the Leeds band unite the audience as one, with hit tracks, ‘This Is An Emergency’ and ‘I’m Not Sorry’. This is not The Pigeon Detectives come back but them carrying on flying high as an act to see as they hit the road next year!

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://thepigeondetectives.com/

Turnover In Town

Warming, humbling and baked with passion, Turnover serve up a delicious helping of emotional poetic songs all the way from Virginia Beach.

First act, Mathletics is a two piece who certainly have enough energy for five men with their hard hitting riffs and bold stage presence they, demonstrate their potential as they improve their craft. Second act on the rest of the tour is, Virgin Kids. whom again provided their own unique style to the night with some surf rock, perfect for driving down the 605 in California. Also they are awesome guys who were nice and accommodating to this journalist unlike some bands who “cant” even say a few words about their band. Back to the music of the night, it was Turnovers turn to grace the stage, complete with Will Smith back drops they stroll on and launch into their moving set.

Turnover may lack the rock star image or philanthropy that I and most others at a rock gig are used to. However, what they lack in exhibitionism they make up for in beautiful and honest tales of life as four brothers. Their set is composed of ‘Cut’, ‘Diaz’ and the awesome ‘Dizzy’ which closes the show in style.

This captivating set leaves the audience ready for more, but as this band grows this will be a rare occurrence in Hull as they play bigger venues, reaching wider audiences, similar to artists like Brand New or La Dispute.

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://www.facebook.com/turnoverva

Lets Twist Again

Twist on down again to one of the best festivals around, why? First the ticket price of £15 is the cheapest around and cheap price does not mean cheap acts. With Clean Cut Kid, Frankie & The Heartstrings and Eliza Shaddad being just a handful of the quality acts present across the five stages of the festival. This year’s festival keeps on growing the reputation of Twistrella festival and Middlesbrough as a whole and is certainly worth checking out in 2017.

 

The day of Twistrella arrived for me, filled with both excitement and dread I headed down to Middlesborugh. Excited about the amount of great acts but dread due to the amount of bands I wanted to see and interviews I had organised (8 in total) and after being fed and watered the madness begun. First off was the band I have been obsessed with since January, Clean Cut Kid. Playing a good length set they smash through hit after hit for the equally energetic audience. ‘Vitamin C’, ‘Pick Me Up’, ‘Jean’, the list is endless, so get learning the words now for their future arena tour.

As their set was closing at Teesside University, I raced over to WestGarth Social Club to check out the three piece that is, Tough Tits. Their wild chaotic melodies charmed the almost filled room. Unique in sound and style, these three girls are on the right path for “world domination” as they so rightly want. The Townhouse (The Keys) was the next venue on my trajectory, a place where I seen the 1975 perform, however todays act was more mod than pop in the form of Alistair James. A cool crooner, armed with a guitar blew away the crowd with a swaggering dose of rock ‘n’ roll. Acoustic sessions are usually hit or miss, Lunna who performed at TS one, acoustic stage certainly hit the sport with the beautiful angelic tones. While follow up, Zach Said failed to impress but was worthy of a listen especially to his surprising cover choice.

Back to the Westgarth and Trash completely nailed it as a future headline band with their own brilliant style. Tom Joshua and Drifts both equally shine with their confident and bold sets. Then a rather interesting set came from a band who are small but mighty, Mouses. After just seeing them last night in Hartlepool I was treated to their unique acoustic set over at Sticky Fingers a brilliant rock bar in Boro. The set it’s self was weird for the band to play yet still captivating and great as far as I am concerned. I then carried on with some interviews as I headed over to Teesside University again to chat with Chad (aka cape cub) in all his glory. Being a home town show this was already going to be special for the band but equally special was the brilliant turnout for their set. I finally got see what all the hype was and they were not wrong, a brilliant set delivered with pin point accuracy taking you into the world of CC. Another high quality act is the beautiful sounds of Eliza Shaddad, who travelled from London for the show today.

Marsicans unleash their energy once again, this time upon the Teesside audience. As ever they serve up a good helping of delicious melodies with a side order of smiles, making everyone in the room feel welcomed into the Leeds bands new found family. Two bands close the night for me at Twistrella festival, first off is Frankie & The Heartstrings with the iconic back catalogue of tunes, brilliant sound and brilliant guys. Second and finally is the lovable duo again, Mouses who closed the show at Teesside University. Once again they break down the barrier between audience and crowd by having a stage invasion and playing like their lives depended upon it. Pure heart at the centre of their music, which will ring out until their next tour.

Thanks to everyone for setting up interviews, playing wild shows and giving me the time of day to say hello. An epic festival with heart and soul, deep routed with the music scene. I for one cannot wait to see what they will pull out the bag in the future, so check out the links below to see what the future holds.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://www.twisterella.co.uk/

More Than A Squeak

After working in the industry for quite a while I have had the great opportunity of listing to many great new acts, and this next act is no different. Making more than a squeak on the scene, Mouses’ have seemed to come out of nowhere with their debut album and hit the ground running. Their debut album, entitled after the band, has been back by many critics whilst gathering fans from across the nation. From track opener ‘Bryl’ to closer ‘Pope’ it serves up a beautiful portion of rock n roll drizzled in energy. The album is a reflection of the live, both exciting and wild and surprisingly one of my contenders for album of the year.

The live show is certainly one I wanted to check out, so was surprised when they announced a show two days prior to me coming home, in Hartlepool. Naturally I jumped at the chance and headed down. The first two acts were good, 'Kick Yrself' are a two piece still finding their sound while second act, Dressed Like Wolves provides a beautiful set of acoustic emotion. As time progresses to the headline act, the little café fills up more to witness the two piece in action. Sure enough they are on top form tonight playing their debut album almost in full, with standout moments coming from new single ‘Hollywood’ and balled ‘Icarus’. As ‘Icarus’ is the quietest part of the set the audience find it important to show their support by sitting down and relishing in the more relaxed part of the show. However, no one stays quiet for long as the energy is cranked back up to close the set in style.

A brilliant show in a tiny café, one which am sure will become stuff of legends once they are playing bigger shows.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://www.facebook.com/mousestheband

Beans On Toast, Small Talk

Beans on Toast, do you want to introduce yourself and tell us your talents? What have you been up to today?

Good morning, I'm Beans on Toast drunk folk singer from Essex. I've just woken up. I'm on tour across the pond right now and currently in Chicago. Which is very nice indeed, a great city and I'm playing at a place called the beat Kitchen tonight.

When was the last time you had beans on toast, what is the perfect beans on toast (type/presentation/etc)?

They don't have Beans on Toast in the USA, which is a pain cos nobody understands my name out here. Wasn't long ago since I had it, but if I'm honest I do prefer spaghetti hoops, that just didn't have the same ring to it.

You are going out on a huge long tour playing around the UK, what are the personal essentials you pack for tour, any lucky mascots?

No much to be honest, I like to travel light. T shirt, pants, guitar, phone, wallet. Don't need much else to tour.

Are you heading out on this tour alone?

No i"ll be with my long time touring partner and right hand man Mr Bobby Banjo and where possible my wife Lizzy Bee will join us. On the tour is also the band Tensheds, a fantastic duo from Hebden Bridge and Sky Smeed a Country singer from Kansas, Sky will be jumping in the van with us aswell. He's a blast.

Do you have any bad travel or tour stories from the past?

Bad stories?? Not me officer. It's all good out here. Never been one to complain.

You are heading out on tour in preparation for your new album, ‘A SPANNER IN THE WORKS’ which sees you take a new direction including electronics. How did you come to start experimenting with this new sound?

This was my 8th album, I like to make each one with a different person in a different place and decided to do this one utilizing the incredible array of sounds you can make on a laptop computer, I wrote the whole album on guitar then set about to record them without guitar at all. We put the whole thing together in a few sessions. It was fun and I'm really proud of the record.

You collaborated with Scampi Dan on this album did his decisions influence how the album turned out?

Dan's a really good old friend of mine, so was a pleasure to work with. It was actually him that suggested doing a record without guitars so that was a big influence.

Are we expecting more loops at the shows turning you into a punk Jack Garrett?

Not at all. Live shows will stay with the guitar, banjo, harmonica set up. Thats who the songs were written. Not gonna start bring a laptop on stage, that not my vibe.

Can you pick one song to sum up the album?

Probably Afternoons in the sunshine which will be the next song that people hear from the record. It's got bass heavy samples, interesting drum loops and some live trumpet. Which gets the idea across.

Final last words?

Just be nice and keep it real x

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://beansontoastmusic.com/

Successful sessions

Successful sessions

The weekly live music night at The Polar Bear, entitled The Sesh will sorely be missed by me as I leave Hull this year. After discovering it with my better half over three/two years ago at Linnet And Larkin I have made an effort to come and see what Hull and unsigned artists have to offer.

Tonight is no different with the night being woken up by, Wake Up In Vegas. Local lads that pen international music, soaring choruses which dream of grander stages. Next up is Marsicans, a band I had heard of but not listened too, which is a shame since their brilliance is transpired through showmanship and quality song writing. The talent has been recognised locally and nationally with them playing many festivals including Glastonbury. They seamlessly breakdown the barrier between audience and stage by making everyone feel welcome and involved with the show. The music is fresh, exciting and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Marsicans debut physical EP is out now, so don’t be absent from the party any longer, pick up this gem of a record.

As the night comes to an end it can only be left to now local legends, The Hubbard’s to close the night in style. With their perfectly crafted rhythms and unique vocals they fire through a much too short set of captivating tunes, from ‘Dog Bite’ to ‘Alison’. Before closing the show and this packed out room, they play the title track ‘Cold Cut’ off their debut EP. The track is a good example of what they have to offer and helps bridge the gap for their new material which should be coming soon, your new band for 2017, City Of Culture will be The Hubbard’s so check them out now before it is too late. 

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://www.theseshhull.co.uk/

Kings of Millennium

The stars are finally aligning for this GOLD standard band, moving them from King No-One to King Someone.

Three support acts were enlisted tonight to warm the crowd up for the showmanship of headliners, King No-One. First of is a local solo artist who fancies himself the next Jack Garrett with more tunes he could be as for now it was a decent show to pass the time. Before new act The Queen Riots hit the stage with an audacious style, raw and edgy. There act is captivating, mainly thanks to their unique vocalist and certainly ones to watch, call it a gut feeling but with the right tuition these lads can cause a riot on the scene. Final support, The Waviers, definitely make a scene with their set tonight, complete with audience participation like, singing their songs back to them. A perfect set and one King No-One had to try and better.

However, as always there is no need to worry as the lights go down the tension comes up. The anticipation from the audience to this band’s debut UK headline tour could not be more exciting, as this is a chance to show the nation they are in this for the long haul. With support flaring up all over

social media from fans and critics alike it is hard to escape the excitement of the band in their foetal stage. King No-One have everyone gripped from the opening of philosophical all the way to closing cords of millennium, In my opinion this was their tightest show as a band complete with crowd pleasing moments and a fine body of work (“hits”) to date. This band are larger than life and after following them for about 2 years I think they are finally making their way to the throne.

This tour demonstrates that King No-One can become King Someone, with their growing fan base and catalogue of hits am sure it is only a matter of time.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://www.kingno-one.com/

Government Approved

The saying goes good things come to those that wait, and waiting me and my other half have, almost four years knowing each other we are finally on the last leg of being together in the same country as equal citizens (almost). Personally, the excitement is almost too much to contain as the final month approaches.

The final part of the visa application was the US embassy interview, scared as I was I made the long trip down again to London, this time taking in a sight or two. Arriving in London I headed straight to Camden market to see the sights and check out the various shops. After picking up a few Christmas presents, I stumbled across the peculiar sight of a brilliant interpretation of the mad hatter (from Tim Burton’s world), truly brilliant, as he would say. Before a great gig at The Borderline, I hunted down a takeaway and come across the famous Harry potter musical in all its glory, maybe one day it will tour state side. After an okay sleep in a restless hostel, I high tailed it over to the science museum to check out the moth and Amy Johnson exhibition being based in Hull it’s good to see how far the legends spreads. 

Then the time had come, the interview which would change the rest of my life was imminent. Entering through security I accidently left in a pair of scissors in my bag from work and boy did it take me a good ten minutes to find them with security watching my every move, scary as I found them I was ushered into the building. After meeting the dated waiting room and sitting down, I was greeted with some USA national tour guides interesting they may be they didn’t have one for Wisconsin, gutted!

The first time I was called up was to check my paperwork, while waiting for the second time, I stared out the window and noticed a state flag outside the window, curiously, and it was the Wisconsin state, my home with my home girl. Three hours and twenty minutes later I approached the window and raised my hands, after a few questions and confirmations, I heard the words, you’re approved. I could have fell to the ground and wept as my pain, our pain was almost over... I left the embassy and welled up as I knew the next chapter of our lives was only about to begin. Now time for a pizza and a beer to celebrate.

PS new drop dead store looks awesome, although needs more stock.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

The emerald of Emarosa

A lot can happen in five years, with a lot changing in the music industry its hard to stay afloat as a band. Kentucky band, Emarosa have managed to keep gears going by releasing another great album (131) and returning to a well over due UK tour. Although the shows might have decreased for the band the passion and excitement has not.

First up treating the audience tonight is Grumble Bee, a talented solo artist who occasionally swaps his acoustic guitar for an electric to play with his band. A great exposure tour for him as he premiers new and old songs, a must on anyone's playlist.

Next up is a fresh pop trio from London, who have been wowing crowds over on the Vans warped tour. Their sound is diverse and refreshing, delivering catchy music to get everyone involved.

Final act tonight is what most people have come for the return of the USA kings. Delivering a hit filled set, the boys pour through their back catalogue of albums and some new ones to sweeten the deal. Although their current guitarist is currently on sick leave his replacement steps up to the mark. A brilliant set which is both exciting and emotional, thanks for returning, see you soon Emarosa.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://www.facebook.com/emarosa/

The best free festival ever!

New location, new artists, same great festival, Hull Trinity Festival returned with local and national acts for your musical taste buds, welcome to the City of Culture 2017.

The best part about this festival is the very basis of which it is built on, the discovery and promotion of new and exciting talent. There are a few national touring acts however, the majority of acts are local, allowing them the chance to have their time in the lime light to wow the crowds. The local scene has some diverse yet all-star and unique sounds, one of these comes from the raw and visceral punk band, Life. Their performance is just one dimension to this talented city.

The Saturday starts with The New republic finding their feet on this big stage. Next up, two piece Chambers provide a diverse and exciting set. Streaming lights, fail to get the party started with their electro pop. The Froot 67, take everyone back to the 1970’s with their progressive rock, destined for bigger stages. Avalanche Party show how far they have come as artists by taking the stage by storm. It was then left to Fire (TUF) to keep the energy level high, however, they stepped it up even further, getting everyone from the front to the back involved. Surprise guests Life do what they do best, put on an unforgettable show before Black Delta Movement prove why everyone is talking about them at the moment. Final act and headliners, Clean Cut Kid, I have followed since the turning of the year and for good reason. They have been playing a zillion shows across the UK over the past year and are building a strong fan base with their super infectious rhythms and lyrics. Tonight, they prove why they got signed so early and why they deserve to headline the show. Hailing from Liverpool, they still manage to pull in a large audience and even have a sing along to new hit, “We used to be in Love”. What you waiting for check them out now!

Still sore from the epic Saturday, many soldiered on to the Sunday event which seen The Hoosiers headline. Although I was not present, from the pictures and feedback I have seen online they drew one of the biggest crowds to Hull. Before the headliners though was the brilliant local scene, including new singer, Yasmin Coe and funky band, Young Jack both of which demonstrated what Hull can muster from a free festival, check out more online now and get ready for the biggest year yet in 2017.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

 https://www.facebook.com/HullTrinityFestival  

GLA

Standing proud of their roots the Scottish band are back with their anthem filled, fist pumping, chart stomping new album, GLA.

Twin Atlantic’s fourth album is steeped in Glasgow and Scottish passion from the word go, the album itself is named after the city’s airport, GLA international. The lyrical content reflects aspects of the cities party vibe and of the sport team proudness. The opening two tracks, “Cherry aligator...” & “No Sleep” are certainly a step away from pop directed last album (Great Divide), as they supercharge the album into a mosh pit of an opener. Indeed these tracks are also electrifying live, when picking up the album I decided to head down to Leeds for an album signing and free live show. The band played five tracks from the new album, all be it pretty tamely it was great to see new material in an open forum, the free poster and guitar plectrums were a good bonus also!

Back to the album, Twin once again prove they can write an anthem fit for stadiums with the song correctly titled, “EX-EL”. A song which might see them take their shows XL. Most tracks like, “Valhalla” & “The Chaser” are heavy yet still tailor to the masses by displaying an underlining, dare I say it groovy baseline. Again reflecting the cities culture of having a great time. Closing track “Mother Tongue” signs off the album in the most poetic style, one of my favourite songs of all time, a must listen.

Through both the lyrical and musical content the album represents Glasgow and indeed Twin Atlantic through a positive light, showing they are worthy of bigger stages. Overall, the album tailors too many genres and is one of the best albums of the year, showcasing passion and talent whilst having fun.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://www.twinatlantic.com/