Palma Violets Live At Chinnerys

TT has seen hundreds of bands since its inception, many, who, on record have created far grander tracks. However, we would give that all up for a band like Palma Violets because they are a band which hopes and dreams can be pinned to and in Southend last night, that’s exactly what a packed Chinnerys did.

It’s easy to see why the NME fervently champion this band. Every note is played with reckless abandon and each lyric is sung in an attempt to change the world. Whilst Chilli and Fryer bare a striking resemblance to the Libertines on stage, this is no tribute act. In the bloody carved words of Richey Edwards, Palma Violets are ‘4 Real’.

They are tighter than ever on stage which is reflected in the audiences impassioned and frenzied responses to every song. This is clearly a gig for which the younger members will cling affectionately to forever.

New single ‘English Tongue’ is treated like an old favourite and the old favourites, such as ‘Best Of Friends’, ‘Step Up For The Cool Cats’ and ‘Johnny Bagga Donuts’ are promoted to the status of classics.

Many music magazines and websites will say they lack originality or diversity. Tell them to fuck off. Nothing is purer than when rock n roll and punk music combine with this much passion. There are 40 dates left on their current tour, get to one, you will not regret it.

The Charlatans Live At The Roundhouse

The Charlatans returned in January to release their new album ‘Modern Nature’, their first since the passing of drummer Jon Brookes. Last night at the Roundhouse, was the final leg of their UK tour before they head off to Japan. So, was it a night of nostalgia or could the indie veterans forge a path of relevancy once more?

They opened with the full length version of ‘Forever’ which, was met with rapturous applause. Has there been a better comeback single? This is immediately followed by classic ‘Weirdo’ and has the audience dancing like no-one is watching.

Then came the test for any band of their stature, could they get the new material across to the audience without them all pissing off to the bar. The honest answer for tonight’s gig is, yes and no. The slower paced numbers such as ‘Talking In Tones’, ‘So Oh’ and ‘Lean In’ sadly fell flat outside of their diehard fans.

However, the crowd are lifted and then some with new tracks ‘Trouble’ and ‘Let The Good Times Be Never Ending’. Introducing two incredible backing singers and two of Dexy’s brass section transformed ‘Trouble’ form a good album track to a gospel-cum-indie belter.

Moreover, current single ‘Let the Good Times Be Never Ending’, became monumental. Everything was heightened, quickened, and played as though it would be the last thing they ever did. In 15 years of gigging, this writer has never witnessed a standing ovation for so long, especially during the middle of a set.

The rest of the set is made up of, what seems like, endless classics. ‘The Only One I Know’ is still the greatest baggy anthem for our money, ‘ How High’ has the beer flying and perennial set closer ‘Sproston Green’ is still a colossus force of nature.

Despite the dizzying heights the band have already achieved, this standard single/album promotion tour feels like a triumph. Getting the new album from the band after they lost Jon was great, but to see them with this much passion and love for what do once more was a joy to behold.

Get Inuit – 001 EP

Get Inuit are a 4 piece from Sittingbourne in Kent. They are being championed by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and have featured on XFM as well. They are a hugely refreshing slice of guitar pop music and here is our rundown of their new EP.

Dress Of Bubblewrap

This record sounds as young and carefree as guitar pop music can. This is sure to soundtrack school leaver’s summers everywhere and will make those with joint pain reminisce about those halcyon days.

It takes the quirkiness of New York’s Vampire Weekend and turns it into an English sounding record. The regular bursts of escapist guitars could, in essence, only come from their hometown Sittingbourne, a typically behind the times English town

Coping With Death In A Nutshell

What a great indie record this is. It’s a simple 4minute indie-rock pop song with catchy verses, distinct alternative vocals and a guitar hook which will forever rattle around your brain.  

Cutie Pie, I’m Bloated

This is as contagious as pop-punk can be. It’s so refreshing to hear an English band make this kind of music with their natural accents coming through. So many adopt an American style which leave you feeling empty.

I Would

With the deftly delivered bassline racing through this track, it is without question the most intense offering on the EP. The changing up of tempo throughout the song signifies there is more to Get Inuit than just great singles.

The Charlatans – Modern Nature

When tragic news broke in August 2013 about the passing of The Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes, many questioned whether the remaining memebers would call it a day. With Brookes very much in mind, they returned at the end of January to release ‘Modern Nature’.

Whether the band approached the track ordering with fans in mind remains to be known but, to open with the solemn ‘Talking In Tones’ was spot on. It allows the listener to approach with caution and gradually be coaxed into yet another new era for this great enduring band. The new found electronic production on this track would suggest hanging out with Grumbling Fur has had positive effect.

The secret weapon of ‘Modern Nature’ is the subtle and underlying groove that flows through its veins. Former single ‘So-Oh’, stomps (with a small s) along so pleasantly its impossible to not be completely in awe of the affection it dishes out. Add Burgess interchanging from his classic deep gravel vocal and his ‘Wonderland’ falsetto beautifully and you have a classic on your hands.

‘Come Home baby’ is another fine exponent of this new groove. The piano loop ties this track together, which, in turn allows the ‘Tellin Stories’ country-blues chorus comes crashing in. This is sure to be a live sing-along favourite on their March tour.

Their love of New Order not only resurfaces, but to the same high quality of ‘Mistakes’ and ‘Misbegotten’ from their ‘You Cross My Path’ album. This time round, ‘Emillie’ trickles along like something from ‘Get Ready’ but with far more elegance. Meanwhile, ‘Let The Good Times Be Never Ending’, the track dedicated to Brookes, combine the free flowing nature of New Order’s guitar playing with some 70s disco production to conjure the highlight of the album.

Not everything works on ‘Modern Nature’, the stripped back ‘Keep Enough’ fails to spark any emotion. However, reflecting upon the grief and pain the band went through (and probably still are) to make this album, you have to stand up and applaud.

The Charlatans have never been afraid to try new things but who among us would have not forgiven them for sticking to a tried and tested formula on this offering? Instead, they launched a new era for The Charlatans and begun, yet again, to change people’s viewpoints on what their archetypal sound is.

Bon Voyage Zane Lowe

Zane Lowe has been a part of my life ever since he joined Eddy Temple Morris on Up For It on MTV. On as kids got home from school initially, with Zane as the secondary presenter, it gave great spotlight to bands. It also got guests to use tracing paper to shade their 6 packs or lack off, it had it all.  

It was however, when he took over the evening session on XFM that Zane cemented a place in my heart. 7pm the jingle would hit (‘he comes on everyday…) and the top 7 at 7 would come on and feel like the most important chart in the world.

His enthusiasm is legendary and it was here that he would use those bigger singles from White Stripes  The Streets and Libertines to keep me listening and eventually discovering some gems from Duke Spirit, Nada Surf and the daily sessions. That’s right, daily sessions. Pull your finger out XFM, bring them back!

As Steve Lamacq’s time as Radio 1’s Evening Session host was coming to an end, the rumours were rife that Zane was set to replace him. At this time, and after a debauched Electric Ballroom gig watching D4, Hot Hot Heat and The Caesars, this writer met Zane Lowe at the after party. Being drunk, I asked him straight off the bat, ‘are you leaving XFM?’ It was a douche move, but, Zane, as listeners of the Chris Martin interview will know, is a warming and encouraging guy. He proceeded to talk with excitement at the prospect of taking his XFM show to a national audience and you couldn’t help be excited either.

He will always be remembered for his time at radio 1 and rightly so. Here, he became a national treasure. Correction, he became a fucking national treasure! He flew the flag for bands which Lammo fans had become accustom to but more importantly, gave hip hop a push like never before and he brought drum n bass to the forefront of popular music. DnB is as English as Morris Dancing no matter where the tracks come from. Getting fucked up and letting loose at a club or a festival to DnB is in the Magna Carta right?

12 years at the top is incredible and to be honest, he could have done another 12 and kept things as fresh. The unwavering enthusiasm perked up Monday to Thursday every night and Annie Mac has some shoes to fill.

So, we have two things left to say. Good luck to Annie and thank you to Zane.  

New Band Spotlight: Gengahr

She’s A Witch

Their new single is a clear indication to why most critics tipped the North London outfit to succeed in 2015. The dreamy vocals float along in this Modest Mouse meets the The Cure number. You wouldn’t call this anthem but it’s not far off as it slowly builds layer upon layer into the warped guitar solo.  

Powder

This was the band’s debut single in late 2014. For anyone wanting some middle ground between The Vaccines guitar playing and Alt-J’s studio wizardry, well, look no further. The guitar solo will have Graham Coxon dribbling over its simplicity, fuzz and confusion.

Bathed In Light

Slow verse and a euphoric and catchy chorus. What’s not to like?!? The production on this track is the best of the three here. The track really is as simple as they come but listen after listen (we’re pushing about 70 now) you will notice something new. There is the odd trippy Horrors guitar lick and the crescendo has some keys which sound like a LSD trip at a Blackpool pleasure beach. Well played.

New Band Spotlight: Hooton Tennis Club

Hooton Tennis Club are a 4 piece from Liverpool who are currently on tour of the U and everyone should be champing at the bit to see them and here two reasons why (tracks can be found via this Spotify link Hooton Tennis Club – Jasper / Standing Knees ).

Jasper

This single is packed with driving guitars reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub. There is a good dose of Pavement aswell but, make no mistakes, this is a very English song. It has that overcast sense of gloom throughout which, when combined with their clear talent for guitar melodies creates a glorious pop single.

Standing Knees

This is a fuzzy and slightly twisted take on the new garage scene which has been on the underground in recent times (with Ty Seegal in every band it seems). The lo-fi vocals have a brilliant ‘anyone can do this’ attitude and the spiraling guitar solo around the 2minute 20 secs mark maybe short but, is incredibly powerful for such a fledgling outfit.