With Just A Hint Of Mayhem

Music reviews, gig reviews, fun trivia and extra added random stuff!

Wooze – Fulford Arms – Sunday 5th November 2023 November 28, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 7:43 pm
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I love it when a gig comes up and includes at least one band that I have never seen before. and tonight it is Wooze‘s turn. Additionally, I had never seen the opening act Joe Haydon and the Ghost Ship before either. In the first part of their set, I was getting a kind of Beatlesesque, the Coral and Zutons vibe. But after that, they went down a wonderfully funky road, like Haircut 100 with heavier rock credentials. “Evergreen” was a fabulous track, especially the full-on guitar wig-out at the end. Ghost Ship is a mesmerisingly good band that defies genre boxing completely. The rhythm oozes funk and the guitarist could give Ernie Isley some competition. I will definitely be checking out their new album when it hits the streets.

Next up it was the rather immaculate Hærtstrings, Fulford Arms Battle of the Bands champions 2023. This was just their fifth gig and given that their first was heat 1 of the Battle of the Bands it would be played five and won two! These lads are another band that defy genre pigeon-holing too. So much do they defy it that I wonder if we need to create a brand new genre just for them. They have slam poetry, jazz, punk, funk, heavy rock, disco (yes!) and much more. Almost everything but opera, at least not yet anyway. For a band that has only existed for 4 or 5 months, they are incredible. I believe that the future will be so bright for Hærtstrings we won’t only have to wear shades, but possibly a radioactive-proof onesie. Every song was a banger but for me “Continue” and “Talk It Out” were particular highlights.

Finally, it was time for London-based Wooze to hit the stage. Three members of the band were masked and that added a dark element of generic menace to proceedings. Their sound was grungey, punky and occasionally there was a feel of peak power Devo. Vocally it was a delicious splice of Andrew Eldritch and Tin Machine era David BowieWooze know how to put on a show. This was a stupendous performance and possibly one of the loudest sets that I have experienced at the Fulford Arms. There were some stand-out moments. “Good Old Fashioned Fan” was like Iggy Pop fronting Duran Duran in a weird and warped alternative universe. At the end, the crowd demanded one more song and Wooze delivered with a horror disco glam stomper that had beats big enough to raze Dracula’s Castle to the ground. So this is perhaps another band that is difficult to genre-ise, but I will try. Goth Funk Punk, is that a thing? It fucking is now!

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‘The Inevitable Rise Of ……. The Exceptional Mr. Hyde’ November 8, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 11:52 pm
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The Exceptional Mr. Hyde release their new album on 10th November, and it has been on rotation here in Mayhem Towers for a while. It is an album that bears repeated listening, and with each spin, it seems to build more power. It starts with “Burn” with magnificent riffing and screaming guitars. It carries a dark and angry mood. The lyric “heads up your obsequious arses” definitely conveys an angry contempt for someone. There is a dark gothic disco feel to “Steal” which leans toward a heavier Sisters Of Mercy sound. The album moves into almost ballad territory with “She Cries” a tune that might be perfect on the soundtrack of a classy British horror film. Speaking of horror, “Falling Down” is one of the best tracks on the album, but listening to it on headphones in the dark it has a sometimes disturbing tone with the potential to scare. The guitars on “Crashland” have quite a jaunty pop style, but Phil’s vocals add a more sinister vibe to it.

The riffage on “Sleeping Bag” is truly mountainous and the vocals suggest Lemmy in a nightmare. The drums here drive the track perfectly. The sound belies the title as there is no way you could fall asleep to it! The synths are sumptuous and I assume they result from the credited wizardry of Karl Marsden. The recent single “Solemn Power” is an absolute banger and in a recent singes review I said “Is this electro dance or heavy rock? Actually, it is both. If Hawkwind began in the 21st century it might sound like this” I stand by that opinion, the song is the perfect blend of electro dance and thumping heavy rock. Weirdly drum ‘n’ bass tones make an appearance on “Control” and they are highly effective. Is there an argument for a new genre here, Goth ‘n’ Bass anyone? The synths on “Control” suggest the early industrial-style stuff from Gary Numan. The album closes with “Another Picture” which I think is another film soundtrack contender, maybe a Sci-Fi/ Horror classic. It has everything but the kitchen sink and the whole band is on fire here. After four or five listens this is the song that has stayed in my head. If you love good music you need to check this album out!

Lead vocalist Phil Montgomery also told me the rather intriguing story of the cover. He did say it might be too long for this piece, but personally I found it too interesting to leave out or precis. He said “The background photos used are from a derelict, abandoned 1920’s hotel and destroyed complex in Croatia that I explored a few years ago. The story is really interesting and a tale of scandal and debauchery. As a hotel it was used by the rich and famous, boasting working hostesses that were called the guests ‘pets’, the swimming pool was rumoured to have been filled with champagne at one point. Then it slid into decline followed by civil war breaking out. It became populated by refugees that stripped it bare of its luxurious furnishings. Then the soldiers moved in and used it as a base, finally being attacked from the sea by the opposition. It’s very close to Dubrovnik. It’s fascinating, walls destroyed by shells and peppered with bullet holes. The front cover is one of the internal rooms in the hotel. To Mr Hydes left, if you zoom in, is a woman depicting innocence (holding a lamb and a baby), to his right is The Trickster, a Loki type character. The electricity is supposed to be their influence on his character. The background portrays the world, his playground. 😀 The rear cover depicts the world burning in the sky, this relates to the global warming/current deforestation/threat of extinction of species etc. The derelict buildings are from the same hotel complex as the front cover and relate to the greed and debauchery of the past, decline and war. The tank hovering in the back represents the ever present threat of war, power and control. The man in the suit represents money or governmental power with the head of an eyeball linking to big brother tactics. The electricity demonstrates how the men in the suits/power make us not only dance to their tune but enjoy it without abandon at the same time“.

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“No Caffeine” – Marika Hackman October 30, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 2:30 pm
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Talented English Singer and multi-instrumentalist Marika Hackman released a new single last month, “No Caffeine”, which is a taster for her fourth album ‘Big Sigh’ which is due out on 12th January 2024 on Chrysalis Records. The single bags up anger, hope, confusion, and love in an intricate musical path in which Hackman deals with anxiety and panic attacks. The opening verse sets the scene perfectly and will be very close to home for anyone who has experienced anxiety or panic attacks. It certainly brought the experience back to me. The new album will be a contender for the album of the year 2024 if the rest of the tracks are as good as “No Caffeine”. The video has a real edge to it and enhances what is already a wonderful song. She also released another new song a couple of weeks ago, “Hanging”, an incredibly dark, haunting, and beautiful ballad that seems to be about loss and suffocating relationships. It has shades of Kate Bush as it heads towards its climax.

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Mayhem Singles Round Up Part 6 – The York Special October 27, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 4:22 pm
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It has been a while since the last Mayhem Singles Round Up so I thought how about one that focused on bands and artists from or based in York? This post contains songs from eighteen different artists and showcases the diversity of styles, the strength of music, and the depth of the music scene in my adopted city of York. All these tunes were delivered into the world by the magical music stork in the last few months. OK fact fans, three of these acts have a link to the school that I currently work at, can you guess which ones? Click here to take a listen to a Spotify playlist of all eighteen tracks, which is more than an hour of fab music! In case you are interested, the order of the songs was simply drawn out of a metaphorical hat 🙂

“G.U.N.N.E.R” – YouVee YouVee get proper heavy on this blockbuster of a tune. Shades of early Kasabian and even Black Sabbath abound!

“Start A New” – Bull – This is a band that moves closer to perfection with each release and “Start A New” has the makings of a Bull classic. The harmonies are good enough to melt even the hardest of hearts with the genius of adding a school choir too.

“Make Up” – Pennine Suite – I reckon this is Pennine Suite’s finest song so far. It has power, awesome vocals, and a chorus that sticks around in your head for quite a while.

“In Ecstasy” – Shed Seven featuring Rowetta – York’s musical titans the Sheds are back and with an absolute banger featuring the unmistakable vocal support of the magnificent Rowetta.

“Break In The Weather” – Benjamin Francis Leftwich – A gorgeous ballad of heartbreak that shows the emergence of buds of hope. Potentially a real tearjerker.

“Rebellion” – Anthea Drive – Is this Anthea Drive’s heaviest tune yet? I think so. Full of mountainous, immaculate riffs and roaring vocals.

“Your Mind’s Closed” – Offbeat – A delicious slice of indie pop that will get everyone moving a indie nights everywhere. I felt like the ghost of Altered Images haunted this tune a couple of times.

“Said And Done” – Fendry and Liv North – British rap is alive and well and Fendry might one day be at the forefront of it. This delightful collaboration with Liv North has parallels with some of Eminem’s work with female vocalists like Rihanna. Ace beats and rap that bleeds feelings and passion.

“Alive” – The Apocalypse Disco – If the apocalypse is truly on its way then this bunch must be on your end-of-the-world soundtrack. This joyous slice of electro does make me want to stay alive though. Dance to it and tell the four horsemen of the apocalypse to fuck right off!

“Marionette” – Vaquelin – a deep, dark tune from one of my favourite rock bands, Vaquelin. As usual, the guitar sound is immense as are the vocals. But the stand out is the drumming which would give Bonham and Moon a run for their money!

“Kelly’s In The Garden” – Heavy Bloom – A wonderfully chilled indie-style pop tune, like Air with added guitars. This will be on my summer playlist for next year.

“Tomorrow” – Fervent Red – This hits you like a hard-edged Beatlesy Brit Pop tune. It has a slight psychedelic vein running through it and a rather nifty chorus.

“Solemn Power” – The Exceptional Mr. Hyde – Is this electro dance or heavy rock? Actually, it is both. If Hawkwind began in the 21st century they might sound like this. This bodes well for their upcoming album!

“Last Train To Selby” – PERCY – Those West Yorkshire Superheroes are definitely back on form. A song that only PERCY could deliver. A great singalong that highlights a ghost on the train lyric. Check out the excellent video below.

“On My Mind (Radio Edit)” – CHAZ – A pounding piano-led house anthem that would move even the comatose. Dance music is alive and well in York as this debut single from CHAZ proves. The vocals are brilliant too.

“Save Your Time” – Rosettas – This captures some of the energy and power that the Rosettas have on stage. A great tune from a great band and every member is on top form.

“How Can You Be” – Everything After Midnight – My favourite Everything After Midnight song from the first listen. It has been aired live in a different form. But now it is an all-round close to perfect tune. The guitars smack you in the face in a good way while Steph’s vocal is close to heavenly.

“Fixed Point” – Heartsink – Those cheeky pop-punk chaps Heartsink have another great tune for our delectation. A little more acoustic than usual, at least initially. But a song that turns the riffage and passion up to 11 towards the fade.

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‘Things Lost’ – Suncharms October 25, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 7:36 pm
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The latest release by the Sheffield band Suncharms, ‘Things Lost’ crashed with a bang into my inbox last week. If you’ve never heard of the Suncharms they describe themselves as an indie/shoegaze band from
Sheffield and are made up of Marcus Palmer on Vocals, Matt Neale on Guitar, John Malone on
Guitar, Richard Farnell on Bass, and Chris Ridley on Drums. They formed in 1989, inspired by indie and pop, and within a year were supporting the likes of Curve, Catherine Wheel, and Cranes. With two successful EP releases in 1991 followed by a Peel session early in 1992, it looked like the band would go from strength to strength. Sadly they played their last gig in 1993 and luckily for us punters, they got back together in 2021.

The album kicks off with “3.45” which unsurprisingly lasts for 3 minutes 45 seconds. It opens with
what sounds like the crackle of a vinyl LP, slightly scratched, creating a glorious feeling of nostalgia.
Are they suggesting something about their nostalgic return after many years? The track bursts into a
meaty guitar riff, and for a minute, I thought I was listening to Bill Nelson. It was either Matt or John
this time, and it sounds bloody brilliant! The tuneful 6-string guitar blends seamlessly with Marcus’
whispery vocals accompanied by solid and simple drums and bass, courtesy of Chris and Richard.
Next up “Satanic Rites”, a laid-back track, soft and more dominant vocals drive this melodic piece of
pop music. Few jangles, little distortion, literally no effects, and definitely not a classic shoegaze style
expertly demonstrates their talent and capability of straddling a number of genres.
“Things Lost”, the title track returns to The Suncharms’ familiar style. Reminiscent of Ride and even
early Blur, it’s dreamlike, it deliciously swirls around and is punctuated by neat guitar work. The off-
beat drums work a treat, being a drummer myself, I can probably appreciate this more than others.
About 3 minutes in, the sound is stripped back, then builds layer upon layer, finishing with a sweet
Hammond keyboard sound.

“Whitby” is the next track on the album, maybe inspired by the album cover or vice-versa, explodes
with punchy drums and distorted guitars, accompanied by Marcus’s soft vocals. Together with some
well-placed harmonies, the whole ensemble encourages you to get lost in the mood. A powerful Wall of Sound opens the next track, “Daylight is Here” and not too dissimilar to the opening of “Just Like Honey” (The Jesus and Mary Chain). Deftly matched with a melodic guitar riff being echoed by a soft walking bass line and wonderfully layered guitars. The result is a more stripped-back sound than we’ve heard so far and manages to give you space to absorb the floating melodies and airy vocals. A powerful and jangly guitar riff opens “Red Wine Kisses”, swooping you off your feet and transporting you back to a moody and atmospheric sound. Marcus’s vocals together with the lush harmonies, and solid percussion from Messrs Farnell and Ridley, propel this track along nicely and before you know it…it’s over and we launch immediately into “Dark Sails”. This track takes us on a truly melodic trip! More layered guitars, sumptuous harmonies, vocals, and expertly crafted guitar riffs. The finishing flute at the end is sooo “Strawberry Fields Forever” to further add to the trippiness!

Next up is “Demonic Eyes” a song which quite simply sums up everything the Suncharms are about. The trademark vocals, the meandering melodies, sweet angel-like harmonies, poignant guitar mastery, and second-to-none percussion and bass. It’s indie pop, it’s shoegaze, it’s C86 generation…it’s awesome!
The penultimate tune called “Torrential Rain” has a Roses feel, familiar yet nostalgic. The track builds
gradually to its finale, the emphasis being on the instrumental prowess of the lads and leaving the
vocals early on to speak for themselves. The closing track “Last Tram” brings this musical masterpiece to an end. Marcus asks us if it ‘Is it really time that we say goodbye’ and I’m afraid it is. The spoken word towards the close adds a certain interest as we haven’t heard anything like this before. I am
Looking forward to these chaps going on tour, and living in North Yorkshire I hope to be able to see
them once or even several times. Don’t take my words as read, listen to The Suncharms for yourself on Bandcamp and you’ll see what I’ve been going on about.

Written by Juan Brooks

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How To Build Your Own Record Processing Plant – Steve Spithray October 22, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 2:43 pm
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This book is the true story, documented sporadic diary style, of Press On Vinyl in Middlesbrough. Steve Spithray’s excitement and enthusiasm oozes from the pages and is wonderful to feel. When my review copy of ‘How To Build Your Own Record Pressing Plant’ arrived through the post my wife said, based on the title, that is the most boring book you will ever read. She is always right, at least she always was up to that point, I read the book in around three days. It has everything. Science, business, nerdiness, geekiness, vinyl and obviously, music.

Press On Vinyl was set up by David Todd and Danny Lowe from an initial idea which arose in a chat, just like so many wonderful ideas, but this one took flight in a huge way. Steve Spithray clearly has a great relationship with not only David and Danny, but also with pretty much everyone who played a part in getting this amazing venture off the ground. To have a new pressing plant in the UK at a time when the vinyl revival is in full flow is very special indeed. The highs and warts and all lows are documented eloquently and my interest in this story never waned once. Now I need to get myself up to Middlesbrough for a visit! As a footnote I also loved that there are a couple of people, places and bands mentioned that I actually know. Step forward Vinyl Eddie (York’s finest record shop), Avalanche Party (Possibly one of the best bands on the planet right now) and a special mention for Avalanche Party front man Jordan Bell. The book is out soon (3rd November), if you love records, love music or simply love a tail where a potential underdog reaches the top, get it. You will not be disappointed. It is published by Butterfly Effect, click here to order it via Bandcamp.

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Live At Leeds In The City 2023 – Saturday October 14th October 21, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 6:00 pm
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Live At Leeds often throws up a myriad of dilemmas, particularly which bands I choose, knowing that it is impossible to see all of them unless I had a TARDIS. Alas, I don’t have Dr. Who’s contact details so I had to make do with just fourteen acts on the day as the Soundsphere Team (Myself and ace rock photographer John Hayhurst) rushed around Leeds. Click here to check out my review and John’s excellent pictures on Soundsphere! A big thank you to Soundsphere for getting us there!

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“Witch” – Delilah Bon featuring ALT BLK ERA October 12, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 3:55 pm
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The release of a new Delilah Bon track is always a big event for me. Delilah Bon (super alter ego of Lauren Tate) is by far one of the world’s most talented and passionate performers today. The new song is “Witch” and it stems from Delilah researching the Salem Witch Trials some months ago. After a few listens, it feels like a song that parallels the infamous witch trials with the misogyny that is so prevalent today. The power, anger, and passion are full-on and that is one of the things that makes it such a great track. Can this be the springboard to burning misogyny at the stake and heating things up so much that the glass ceiling will start to melt? Let’s hope so. Delilah Bon is at her very best here and this, in my opinion, is her best single to date. I have said that before and every time she throws something even better to the world. Not only is Delilah at peak performance but she is supported by none other than the rather amazing ALT BLK ERA. If ever a match was made in music heaven it is this one. Get “Witch” in your ears and on your playlists now! Tell your mates, everyone needs to listen to this.

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Absolute Bowie – The Crescent, York – Friday 22nd September 2023 September 27, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 9:10 pm
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I have never been a huge fan of tribute acts and I have only seen a handful over the years. Some that were very good and many that, let’s say politely, weren’t. As far as David Bowie tribute acts went I really wasn’t interested, but then I went to Fibbers in York in January 2017, a year after David Robert Jones’ death to see Absolute Bowie. Let me be completely honest, I really didn’t want to enjoy it, but I did. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I have now seen Absolute Bowie four times including this 2023 show at the wonderful Crescent in York. To paraphrase the words of the Dame himself I had drunk a lot (well a couple of glasses) of wine and I was feeling fine and ready for a night of Bowie nostalgia. I was lucky enough to see the real David Bowie 13 times. That is never going to happen again, so I am happy to accept a classy show from Absolute Bowie, fronted by one of the best Bowie tributes in the world, John O’Neill.

This tour consisted of two sets. The first was a celebration of fifty years of Ziggy Stardust, a character that Bowie famously, or perhaps infamously, killed off back in 1973 and the second was a a great selection of mostly 80s hits. The costume changes in the first set were truly spectacular and included facsimiles of many of Ziggy’s weirdest and most extravagant costumes. All the classic Ziggy period tunes were there. Highlights for me were “Moonage Daydream”, “Time” and “Life On Mars”. The Spiders costumes were spot on too, especially Mick Ronson a.k.a Andy Marr. But it wasn’t just Marr’s costume that was perfect, so was his emulation of Ronson’s greatest riffs. I have never been the biggest fan of Bowie’s 80s output, although I do own everything he ever released, so I wasn’t expecting to be wowed as much as I was by the second set. Kicking off with “Look Back In Anger” was a master stroke. Even “Blue Jean” sounded very special. But my favourite part of the whole night was “Young Americans”. The singalong opportunities with that classic from 1975 almost brought a tear to my eye! I would urge any Bowie fans who feel negative towards tribute acts to get yourselves along to an Absolute Bowie night. We know it’s not the real thing, but it is certainly the closest you are ever likely to come. A truly maximum rock ‘n’ roll night and immense fun remembering the Dame in all his glory!

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‘Freak Show’ EP – ALT BLK ERA September 12, 2023

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 4:23 pm
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Nottingham sisters Nyrobi and Chya a.k.a. ALT BLK ERA are rapidly becoming Mayhem favourites. This follows them being included in the Mayhem Virgins series, a review of their incredible BBC Introducing Stage headline set at this year’s Leeds Festival, a brief interview with them in a noisy press tent at Leeds in August, and an appearance in the Mayhem charts. Well in amongst all that action, they released their first EP, ‘Freak Show’ which contains five stupendous tracks, some of which have been heard before, along with some excellent new stuff. The opener “I’m Normally Like This” has been available for a while and is a sublime anthem for those who dare to be different. This is for all the misfits, the misplaced, the weirdos, and the oddities, We love you all! ALT BLK ERA is the perfect support act for Delilah Bon. Compatible tunes and parallel passion! “Misfits: SOLAR” has been out there a little while too and is another perfect ode to the outcasts and the unaccepted. This is your call to arms, embrace your originality and shout a big FUCK YOU to the world if they don’t accept who you are!

The title track “Freak Show” does exactly what it says on the tin and so much more. It has shades of full-on dark industrial rock, gorgeously twisted vocals, and hooks that stun you into submission and would not be out of place on the soundtrack to a Tim Burton movie. Perhaps a sequel to ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. The alternative version of the previously mentioned “Misfits”, known as “Misfits: LUNAR” is the synth and string-laden take of the tune which oozes Gary Numan’s darkest moments and achieves a stygian dark mood that Trent Reznor would be proud of. The EP closes with “Oggy” which on paper should not really work, but on record, it is petrifying in its horrific, twisted beauty. As a live track, it is unsurpassable. That “oggy oggy oggy” chant possibly originates from Devonian Tin-miners’ wives or pasty sellers who apparently shouted it to their men, mostly miners. The firm response from any hungry miner was allegedly “Oi Oi Oi”. Is there a merch opportunity for ALT BLK ERA pasties? Maybe not, but pastry-covered meat treats aside, this is a monumentally fucking awesome EP. ALT BLK ERA has the potential to become planet-straddling huge rock stars!

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