This is an exciting moment for me. We have a new writer joining the With Just A Hint Of Mayhem team for what I hope will be a long-running but very controversial series of articles. The content may lead to a lot of abuse and negativity, so the new writer will be using a pen name, Buffy Frobisher Smythe Esquire. Check out Buffy’s profile on the ‘Meet The Team’ page. Buffy requested this mission, and the task is to take apart the deities of rock. All the big names will be included eventually if we can continue through the volume of likely complaints, moans, hurt feelings, and whinges. The series will be titled ‘BUTCHERING AND BURNING ROCK MUSIC’S SACRED COWS’. I understand from Buffy that a “crappy little beat combo from Liverpool” will be the first on Buffy’s Butcher’s block. I am very nervous about this, but at the same time, I can’t wait! Are we 4 real with this? Are we taking the piss? We will let you be the judge of that. I will close this post by wishing Buffy all the luck in the world, they’re gonna need it! Buffy has thick skin, a hard hat, chain mail underwear, and a transplanted rhino horn for protection.
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I am sure you know that Rage Against The Machine have cancelled all their current European dates, including the Reading and Leeds Festivals. The bad press that their replacement as headliners, the 1975, are getting is a little OTT and unfair in my opinion. However, this change does present me with a dilemma. If Rage Against The Machine were still on the bill it would be no contest. But one of my most favourite bands, a band that I have seen more times than any other act, Avalanche Party will be playing a headline set at the Crescent in York on Friday 26th August, which is the night the 1975 will be headlining the Leeds Festival. I am not camping at the Festival site, so I will be driving home to York each night. Also, I don’t have a press pass, I am a paying punter, so therefore beholden to no one. My problem is do I drive back to York for the Avalanche Party experience? I have already bought my ticket, which was just a quid in advance, how good a deal is that? If I do drive back I will definitely miss Beabadoobee and possibly Pale Waves, two of the bands I mentioned in my Leeds Festival preview a few days ago. Weighing it all up I have decided to drive back to York to see Avalanche Party on Friday night. It won’t change my mind, but I would love to know what you would do. On the same night, Ginger Wildheart is playing the Fulford Arms in York. So in fact York has a better set of headline acts on the Friday than the Leeds Festival does. So apologies to Beabadoobee and Pale Waves but there ain’t no party like an Avalanche Party, right?
Here is what you could have had
Here is what you have
Here is what you want, and what you will get!
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This was my first gig in August, how did I almost miss the first two weeks? I have no idea but I am glad I came to this one at the fabulous Fulford Arms in York. The Palava were headliners and strangely this was the first time I had seen them, were they any good? You will have to read on to find out because first there were a few support bands. First up was a band with a simple yet brilliant name, Poundlad. They fuse punk, post-punk, and metal. Just when you think they are heading towards something formulative or derivative they surprise you. The members of PoundLad have many talents, the drummer is stunningly good with the energy of Keith Moon and the control of Charlie Watts. I also love the three guitars, no bass, riff assault. How many bands have written a song about a broken banister? Not many is my guess, but PoundLad has and it is damned good. They finished with a mad and manic cover of a Girls Aloud song. A great band indeed!
PoundLad
Next, it was City Snakes who were a late replacement for As Catie Goes. This was the third time that I have seen them and the first time without their ready-made audience of school/ college mates. They stormed it like they were headlining and absolutely smashed it, I reckon the sadly relatively small crowd was easily won over. City Snakes are shaping up to be a truly great British rock band. They have power, volume, an abundance of musical talent, and some great songs. Once again the drummer showed an obscene level of skill with the sticks. The band incorporates punk elements, funk elements (a la Red Hot Chili Peppers), and heavy rock (a la Def Leppard). This is a band that deserves to be huge and if they continue to progress the way they have since I first saw them back in February this year.
City Snakes
The third band to take the stage was Flash Daddy who gave us full-on rock ‘n’ roll all the way from Reims in France. These lads know how to rock and they rocked it fucking hard! There was a touch of Led Zeppelin, especially the Bonhamesque drums, the Black Crowes, the Kinks, and the Strokes. This was a truly magnificent set from a powerhouse of a band. They have some cracking tracks up on Spotify, check them out.
Flash Daddy
Finally, it was time for the Palava who gave us very funky punk with an infusion of 60s psychedelia and a pinch of 90s Indie. This is a supremely tight and well-rehearsed band and they seemed to be loving every moment on stage. The current single “What’s That Sound” is pretty darned good, but in a live environment it doesn’t just blow the cobwebs away, it fucking napalms them. The cover of the Amy Winehouse classic “Back To Black” which under their care became a banging rock anthem. Is there another rock band around that could do that with this song? I don’t think so. After one set from the Palava, I am most definitely a fan!
The Palava
All pictures, except the gig poster, were taken by me using my very cheap Chinese Android phone. The videos were found on YouTube. If the video is yours and you would like a credit or for it to be removed please let me know.
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When I first approached With Just a Hint of Mayhem and was accepted into the fold, I knew I would be expected to review a whole spectrum of musical styles. In the past, I would never have listened to Beabadoobee’s style of music until now – and what a treat it has been. Born in the Philippines and raised in London, Bea Kristi began recording music back in 2017. At 21 years old, she already has a debut album and five EPs to her name, while also receiving a BRIT Award and BBS Sound Of nominations. Her second studio album, ‘Beatopia’, boasts 14 tracks, richly diverse in style and all are a remarkable tonic for the ears. The album takes you on a musical rollercoaster of alternative rock, psychedelia, folk, singer-songwriter, emo, and full-on pop. Whilst enjoying this thrilling ride you also get a peek into her mind and soul, ‘Beatopia’ is so much more than a collection of tracks. Collaboration on this album has been integral and Bea remarks that “It was the first time I really appreciated everyone around me instead of despising everything…I thought I should utilise the hell out of the fact that I have so many good people in my life”. Working closely with guitarist Jacob Bugden, who Bea describes as her “best mate” and with co-production from Iain Berryman (Wolf Alice, Florence & The Machine, Arcade Fire) ‘Beatopia’ makes its debut after 12 months of production.
The album opens with the track, “Beatopia Cultsong”, and has been likened to The 1975’s opening track on their 2013 album, ‘The 1975’. It has a dreamy psychedelic feel and hints at Elizabeth Fraser from the Cocteau Twins as it builds layers of sounds, friends chatter, and clinking bottles. Gradually building in crescendo with cleverly crafted guitar picking, synth strings, and Bea’s voice crashing in. “Is it me or recently, time is moving slowly” fills the piece accompanied by tuneful bongos and shakers. It reaches its peak and starts to fade to where it started. It is followed by “10:36”, bursting through the speakers. It has shades of pop rock, skater music, and Cerys Matthews all rolled into one. It couldn’t be more different from the opening track and that’s what makes this album so special. Bea says of the track “It was called “10:36” because that was the time I finished writing it. It’s basically about how I have this weird dependency on human contact to sleep.” Listen out for the unexpected guitar break about halfway through. “Sunny Day” is a track inspired by her love of pop artists such as Nelly Furtado and Corinne Bailey Rae. The video sees her take a trip into a mystical woodland, falling into its magical curiosities and making friends with its unusual inhabitants. Musically, I thought I heard the opening line to Weezer’s “Buddy Holly”, the melodic acoustic guitar, but that’s as far as the comparison goes. Talking about the single, Bea says: ““Sunny Day” is a song that I’ve always wanted to make but something that I’ve never done before”. Her sweet, dulcet voice beautifully carries the track along, its dreamy composition swirls around the verses, while the chorus delivers a catchy and downbeat interlude.
“See You Soon” seems to flow seamlessly from the last track – a trippy number that ebbs and flows, a little like some 90’s shoegazing tracks. Think of an acoustic Lush and that’s the sound we get. What follows is “Ripples”. Described as having Baroque orchestral flourishes “Ripples” is a folk-inspired song with the benefit of some songwriting help from lead singer Matthew Healy of The 1975. Bea oozes versatility and originality and you never quite know what’s going to come next. And that’s why ‘Beatopia’ is such a brilliant and powerful album. Up next, is “The Perfect Pair”, a Bossa Nova accompanied by some very tasteful orchestral strings. Bea executes this Latin style with true panache, retaining her silky sweet and melodic vocals. The musical style may be different from everything else on the album, but it’s still Beabadoobee, no doubt. “Broken CD” treats us to some subtle acoustic guitar, wind chimes, and drum echoes. It gradually builds to a delicious crescendo and all the while Bea’s soft and whispering vocals are the backbone of the track, ending with some shiny shimmering synths. “Talk” brings us back to earth with a bump, with distorted guitars – it’s upbeat, bounces, and gives you a sense of making the most of life while you can; a polished piece of pop music is what you get. “Lovesong” was written about Bea’s long-term boyfriend, which she passes off as “just another love song“. Far from it, you instantly become immersed in a blissful and sweet melody being reminded all the time of Bea’s angelic voice. “Pictures Of Us” follows up with a tuneful hit of indie and meandering guitar noodling. Co-written with and featuring vocals from Matt Healy from The 1975, the song has a cinematic and wholesome feel to it.
“Fairy Song” is bouncy, happy, and chilled all at once. The middle of the track makes way for a bit of a psychedelic interlude using effects pedals to their max, often sounding like something from Sgt. Pepper. Next up is “Don’t Get The Deal”. Punchy drums and gentle acoustic guitar picking are peppered with Bea’s airy vocals and distorted guitars; the track ebbs and flows, in true indie style. “Tinkerbell Is Overrated”, features PinkPantheress of TikTok fame, delivers a familiar country style, Telecaster sounding guitar, Bea’s sweet and youthful sounding vocals; backed by a distinct electronic beat. Bringing what could be described as the Beatopia trip to an end is “You’re Here, That’s The Thing”. The song skips along, unmistakable sweet and airy vocals sitting perfectly on top of some silky smooth accompaniment. This album is unpredictable, thoroughly enjoyable, lyrically clever, and musically diverse, and I can’t wait to hear what she does next.
Bea has toured across the world, supporting the likes of The 1975 and Clairo, and to celebrate the release of the album, Bea embarks on a headline tour of the UK this October. Tickets are on sale now from: www.beabadoobee.com
OCTOBER Tue 04 DUBLIN Olympia Theatre Wed 05 BELFAST Ulster Hall Fri 07 BRISTOL Academy Sat 08 NORWICH UEA Mon 10 NOTTINGHAM Rock City Tue 11 NEWCASTLE NX Thu 13 MANCHESTER Academy Fri 14 SHEFFIELD Foundry Sat 15 GLASGOW Barrowland Mon 17 BRIGHTON Chalk Tue 18 SOUTHAMPTON Engine Rooms Wed 19 LONDON Brixton Academy
Written by Juan Brooks
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This is the first post in what I hope will be a regular, although maybe occasional series. I plan to share some great cover versions here and as a special bonus to all of you who bother to read this stuff, the first one features three covers. My ideal cover version is one that has a different slant from the original rather than just a facsimile style cover. So the generic boy bands are probably never likely to feature, but you never know, right?
OHP
First up is Oren Halmut a.k.a OHP an LA-based metal head who gives a full-on metal take on Harry Styles’ 2022 pop hit “As It Was”. This is a superb tune and with a heavy hammering like this it takes on a fabulous new lease of life. I am now a definite OHP fan. Check out the OHP YouTube channel there are some excellent covers there.
The second is Deer Scout with a Kate Bush cover, “Suspended In Gaffa”. The song was the fourth single to be lifted from Kate’s ‘The Dreaming’ album from 1982, although it was released in Europe and Australia it wasn’t a single in the UK. Deer Scout is the brainchild of Dena Miller (vox and guitar) who is very well supported by, Zuzia (cello/harmonies), Joanna (drums), and Liz (bass). This takes Kate’s original a drives it in a weird dreamy folk direction and I love it!
The third and final track for this post is from another LA-based artist, singer-songwriter Mini Trees‘ version of Radiohead’s “Let Down”. It is more lo-fi than Thom and the boy’s track from 1997’s ‘OK Computer’ and Mini Trees cover has an angelic, ethereal vocal which mesmerised you and eases your pain, well that’s what it did for me anyway!
Feel free to recommend any songs that you think should be included in Under The Covers With Mayhem. I want to stear clear of the mainstream ideally, but off the wall covers by major artists might work too 🙂
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Huge apologies to all the bands, singers, and PR companies that continue to send us some ace music. We will never catch up and review every tune that gets sent to us here at Mayhem Towers, but we will do our best to feature as many as possible. Earlier today while trawling through the hundreds that have been sent in recent months I chanced upon a gem. It is called “Rex Mundi” and it is by Newcastle’s happy, indie funsters, Cat Ryan. It is a song that cannot fail to make you smile, it has some delightful hooks and the production is quirky but crystal clear. “Rex Mundi” has huge levels of energy and generates mega happy vibes. This track needs to be on your soundtrack for summer 2022. Apparently, the song is about an Irish Greyhound called Rex Mundi, which completely threw me, I thought it might relate to the book of the same name by George Sims, which clearly proves how little I actually know. However, I do know that this is a wonderfully crafted tune that needs to be heard!
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I know that right now there is a lot of negativity towards the 1975 after they became last-minute replacements for Rage Against The Machine who have sadly cancelled all their remaining European date, including the Reading and Leeds Festivals. I am not a huge 1975 fan, but give them a break. If you only bought a day ticket to see Rage Against The Machine, go along anyway and check out some of the other great acts that will be taking to the numerous stages. As usual, there are a number of acts that I don’t want to miss and as per usual I am sure some of them will clash meaning that I will have to take the hard decision as to who to choose.
My must-see acts for Friday at Leeds (Sunday at Reading) are Pale Waves on Main Stage East (I am still not sure about that split main stage idea, it doesn’t work for me). Ashnikko and Dylan look good on the Radio 1 Dance Stage. Dylan was exceptionally good at Latitude a few weeks ago. But my headline choice for Friday is easy, Beabadoobee on the Festival Republic Stage.
On Saturday at Leeds (Friday at Reading), I will definitely not be missing Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes on the Main Stage East, the same place I will probably catch Dave’s headline set. I am still not sure about Megan Thee Stallion, but I might be tempted. Meg Ward will be banging on the Radio 1 Dance Stage and I don’t want to miss Cleopatrick, Kid Kapichi, and Fever 333 on the Festival Republic stage.
The Leeds Festival Sunday (Saturday at Reading) lineup looks fantastic. Arctic Monkeys, Wolf Alice, and Fontaines D.C. on the Main Stage East coupled with Bring Me The Horizon, Enter: Shikari and Poppy on Main Stage West. OK, I confess the twin main stages look like they will work on Sunday! On the Radio 1 Dance Stage, Police Car Collective will be very special. As will the Skinner Brothers on the Festival Republic Stage. Obviously across all three days, I will check out the BBC Introducing Stage regularly. I want to get a huge festival music fix once again. Who are you looking forward to most?
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The Fantastic and Fabulous Fulford Arms is most definitely one of York’s first-class music venues. (Other music venues in York are, of course, available!) If you enjoy intimate, sweaty gigs in a 150-capacity venue you will love this place. Regular readers know that I go there a lot, in fact, I will be there later this evening for what I am sure will be another great gig. The staff are wonderful, welcoming, and fun. Steph and Chris know how to run a great venue. On your way in don’t forget to check out the legendary Zac’s Shack, manned by Heartsink’s heartthrob Zac Roughton. I am proud to say that With Just A Hint Of Mayhem now has a page of Fulford Arms gig reviews on the Fulford Arms web page. I have had some great times at gigs and reviewing gigs at the Fully Arms and many other venues, but to get my reviews posted in this way is something that I am immensely proud of. Check out the reviews here, but more importantly get yourself along to the Fully for a gig or two, you won’t regret it! Support your scene good people!
Check out one of my favourite bands, Avalanche Party playing the Fulford Arms six years ago, blimey they look young don’t they?
Sweet May rocking the Fulford Arms earlier in 2022
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Kate Nash really is a wonderful human being, I met her once when she had one of my favourite bands the Tuts, who are sadly no longer together. Kate struck me then as a human with integrity, empathy, and a stack of talent. Her new single, “Wasteman” proves that she still has all three. It is a song that is typically Kate Nash and I mean that in a good way, there aren’t many people like her. It is a rolling kind of tune that shares anger, finding oneself, and ultimately realisation and redemption. The realisation part of the lyric is sublime “Took me some time to see, You’re actually shady. You fucking take the piss. I must have been crazy”. The lyrics are simple, to the point, and bloody good. With a chorus hook as good as “I’m not about it, I’m on my own shit” this song should be a huge hit, and although it probably will be big, it won’t sadly, be played on mainstream radio. “Wasteman” hangs around in your head long after the first listen and the video, starring British icon Danny Dyer is rather ace. It also stars the obscenely talented Gaby Diaz and an appearance by Danny’s daughter Sunnie. Check out the video below and get this tune in your life! The world needs Kate Nash!
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Earlier today the Kut released an awesome video for the last track on their rather excellent album ‘GRIT‘ which was launched earlier this year. The tune is “And 1 More..” It is a melodic grungey punk track with hooks to die for and mesmeric riffs that won’t leave you alone. Joan Jett would be proud of this tune. I recommend playing it loud and doing the same with the album. The Kut‘s album made it to number one in the Official UK Rock chart, can we get this tune to the top of the singles chart, rock or otherwise? The colourful and potentially iconic video was directed by Mike Gripz at God’s Own Junkyard. I can’t wait to see the Kut live now!
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With Just A Hint Of Mayhem 