Souljacker live at the Temple Bar Oxford review

Souljacker

One of the best things about discovering bands and listening to new music online is when you can turn what initially begins as a virtual experience into a live music experience. The first time that I heard Souljacker was on their Myspace page after I was tipped off by a friend to check them out …

Souljacker

One of the best things about discovering bands and listening to new music online is when you can turn what initially begins as a virtual experience into a live music experience. The first time that I heard Souljacker was on their Myspace page after I was tipped off by a friend to check them out. I really liked their sound and had to wait about three weeks to see them play live at the Temple Bar in Oxford, England – and last Saturday the wait was finally over.

The Temple Bar has been around for quite a few years now, and in the “old days” was a place where a lot of musicians would gather and hang out. Over the years, there hasn’t been much going on there and I never really heard anyone talking about the Temple Bar – good or bad.

Things are different now. New owner Barry has opened the doors to musicians and has set up an open mic night on Wednesdays and live music on Saturday nights. There’s a great atmosphere, the bar staff are friendly and you can’t beat Barry’s enthusiasm toward live music and helping bands and musicians hone their craft, while entertaining the punters.

It was good to see the room begin to fill up as Souljacker started their set. They play guitar rock – originals that sound like old classics (“Jimmy Drank My Tea”), along with classic covers by bands like Free, Motorhead and Jimi Hendrix Experience. They even played a funky cover of “Ghostbusters”, which caught me by surprise. The crowd loved it.

Souljacker played two sets – and for each set, the crowd was engrossed. The band is full of confidence which, considering how young they are, is refreshing to see. Singer/guitarist Patrick Burley (and his soulful vocals) is entertaining and interacts with the crowd like an old pro. Same goes for guitarist Hamish Denny. The guitar solos are stand-out and drummer Josh Catling is incredible. As a unit they’re tight and sound like they’ve been playing for years.

I think that it’s easy to forget that while the area (Oxford) tends to be over-saturated with indie bands, that there are other styles out there. Saturday night proved to me that the public is hungry for something else.

If steered in the right direction, Souljacker could reach many more people who have missed hearing new rock bands on the scene. They are definitely a band to watch out for, and if they’re playing in a town near you, I highly recommend going to check them out.

Souljacker Band Members:

Patrick Burley – Guitar/Vocals
Hamish Denny – Guitar
Rowan Mayo – Bass
Josh Catling – Drums
Robbie Moore – Keyboards

For more information and live show dates go to:

Souljacker on Myspace

Photo Credit: Dave Tommo

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Transfer interview

Transfer

San Diego, California based band Transfer has, lucky for us, caught our attention here at Band Weblogs. The boys have managed to write and record one of THE BEST songs that I’ve heard this year. Read the interview! […]

Transfer

San Diego, California based rock band Transfer has, lucky for us, caught our attention here at Band Weblogs. The boys have managed to write and record one of THE BEST songs that I’ve heard this year. That song is called “You Are The Wolf”. Of course their other tracks are spectacularly superb, like “Bring A Knife” and their new single, “Sinking, Sailing”. The vocals, musicianship and songwriting that Transfer brings to the table along with mouthwatering chords and changes within songs, is tight, polished and top notch. – Jenny May

Transfer was gracious enough to take the time out between recording and preparing for a UK tour for an interview with BandWeblogs.com.

Compiled by: Dave Tommo

Dave Tommo: I hear you’re recording at present. How’s it going and what distractions are there in L.A.?

Transfer (Jason Cardenas): Ahhh.. the bright lights, the scantily clad celebrities, the seemingly endless supply of party drugs. We actually keep our noses to the grindstone in the studio. So far, the recording process has been pretty spectacular for us… we have the chance to work with a solid producer at a good studio, so we’re definitely taking full advantage. Lucky for us, we have a lot of friends in LA so after the work day we can always knock off and party at a buddy’s house (saves money that way).

How did Transfer come to be?

We all met through our mutual friend, Merlin Olsen. Apparently we had in common a love of leather bound books, the smell of rich mahogany, and making sweet music. Three years later, here we are.

What influenced your latest album/EP (Faded Signal/Sunken Eyes)?

I think the new Sunken Eyes EP has a much more aggressive sound than Faded Signal. I think the influence comes mainly from within on this one. Spending a lot of time together as a band, being cooped up in a van driving up and down the coast, eating rats on tour… I think it all added to writing some grittier tunes.

Transfer

Where does the name Transfer come from?

It was actually the name of one of the first songs every written as Transfer. We felt that the title summed up the feeling at the time – we were in a very transitional period, both musically and personally. Of course, in hindsight we would have named the band something else… the name doesn’t really lend itself to a google search.

What’s the favorite drink(s) on the road?

Pre-show: Pabst Blue Ribbon
After-show: Jack and Coke
After-after-show: Absinthe

How do you entertain yourselves when traveling from gig to gig?

We have various methods of entertainment while traveling in our vansion – attempting to build perches out of gear and sleeping bags, drawing spot-on caricatures of bands we play with, drawing penises on the foreheads of passed out mates… lots of drawing. We’re very artistic, I guess.

What do you do when not on tour or playing music?

We go back to our pods, re-insert our feeding tubes, and hibernate until the next tour.

Where is the best place to gig?

We primarily gig the West Coast and Southwest in the US. For me, the best gigs are at sweaty dive bars that have open bar tabs for the bands. You set up your gear on the ground, play way too loud, and get really drunk. The band plays for drinks and the money at the door…that’s fu**in’ rock n’roll.

What is your recording procedure in the studio?

We usually have a real clear-cut idea of the material we’re recording and how we will record it… we’re very big on pre-production to save time and cost in the studio. We dial in tones starting with the drums, then lay down the basic tracks focusing on drums and bass. Then comes the magic…layers upon layers of sounds. We believe in laying down way too many tracks, then whittling this down during mix. This can be a real pain in the ass, but it’s definitely worth it.

Who is your favorite monkey?

Dr. Zaius, of course. That cold-hearted monkey son-of-a-bitch.

What musicians inspired you to form a band?

Too many to list in this interview… our musical inspirations run the spectrum of genres. Anything honest inspires us. Unfortunately a lot of new music today sounds pretty fake. Give us the real shit, man!

Can you tell us some of the guitar effects that you use?

Lotsa reverb, my man…big hall reverb! I usually use a combination of effects at any given time, reverb, slap back delay, backwards echo, tremolo, midgets beat-boxing… we try to run the effects gamut!!

What music are you listening to at the moment?

Music that gets the most plays in the vansion: The Besnard Lakes, Band of Horses, Tapes n’ Tapes, Led Zeppelin, The Shins, Wilco, Black Sabbath, M. Ward, ABBA.

How do you come up with your video concepts?

We haven’t delved that deeply into videos really… At this point, we’re fortunate to have some really talented friends who put together video ideas and setup of the shoots. We just roll along with the ideas. Recently, we’ve been coming up with some different video concepts we want to put together, but nothing that has come to fruition just yet.

I love the song “You Are the Wolf”. How do you conjure up such a sound?

Ahh yess, conjuring sound… we channeled the ancient spirits for that track!! Again, lotsa reverb. That was one of those songs that just about wrote itself…We jammed it out during some off time while touring in Washington. It’s one of those rare songs that was written very quickly, and hasn’t really changed at all from the original conception.

Do you get spooked out when you listen back to music that you’ve just recorded?

I think spooked may be the wrong word… analytical maybe? Hopeful? Embarrassed? I dunno…

Have you ever had a spiritual occurrence in the studio while recording?

Our drummer Cooper was once possessed by the spirit of Keith Moon while recording…He didn’t really play the drums at all, he just passed out and defecated himself. He claims he was possessed. Not sure if I buy it, though.

Transfer band members are:

Jason Cardenas (guitar/vocals)
Matt Molarius (vocals/guitar)
Jeremy Chambers (bass)
Mike Cooper (drums)

Transfer will be on tour in the UK with Leeds band Vib Gyor from October 18th – October 27th, 2007.

For more information go to:

Transfer Official Website
Transfer on Myspace

Super Furry Animals Hey Venus! “Run-Away” single, video + tour dates

Super Furry Animals

“Run-Away” is the second single to be taken from the Super Furry Animals’ latest and highly acclaimed album, ‘Hey Venus!’ and is set for release in the UK on October 29, 2007 on Rough Trade […]

Super Furry Animals

“Run-Away” is the second single to be taken from the Super Furry Animals‘ latest and highly acclaimed album, ‘Hey Venus!’ and is set for release in the UK on October 29, 2007 on Rough Trade. A clear stand out from the start and drawing praise from many an LP review, it boasts a chorus worthy of any home stereo, festival soundsystem or radio playlist.

The single comes complete with new tracks “These Bones” and “That’s What I’m Talking About”.

“Run-Away, a regretful admission of reluctance to confront troublesome situations, is a fine piece featuring the Spector-esque dynamic of Rhys’s harmonies tumbling through the chorus, over a block of declamatory drums, tambourine, percussion and massed guitars.” **** The Independent

With universal love for this band not showing any signs of easing up, taking in an extremely prolific 11 year career, SFA continue to go from strength to strength offering up a wealth of musical craftsmanship and inventiveness many would give their right arm to possess.

“In an exhibition of quality control almost unparalleled in modern music, Super Furry Animals have never made a bad album. Into this enviable back catalogue Hey Venus! Arrives as the band’s most immediate, accessible record yet.”Sunday Times Culture

Super Furry Animals

Watch Super Furry Animals – “Run-Away” video:

Windows: Low | High

Real: Low | High

Having put in the hours at this year’s summer festivals, Super Furry Animals live showdown continues apace. Their ‘Hey Venus!’ 2007 UK tour begins on October 16 and climaxes at two shows at London’s Roundhouse in early November.

Super Furry Animals tour dates:

Dates could change! Go to Super Furry Animals’ Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

October 2007

16th Dublin – Vicar street
17th Belfast – Mandela hall
19th Liverpool – Carling Academy
22nd Nottingham – Rock City
25th Southampton – Guildhall
26th Oxford – Carling Academy
28th Birmingham – Academy
29th Bristol – Academy
30th Leeds – Town Hall

November 2007

2nd London – Roundhouse
3rd London – Roundhouse

Some further praise for ‘Hey Venus!’:

“‘Hey Venus!’ is a fantastic pop record. It squirts at the seams with many of the greatest moments of the Furries’ career – a career that could still be yet to peak. Today and for years to come, people will discover ‘Definitely Maybe’ and ‘Everything Must Go’ and fall in love with the bands that made them. But while it’s hard to imagine your younger sibling going nuts for Oasis after hearing ‘Don’t Believe The Truth’, melodies on ‘Hey Venus!’ are certain to ensnare new hearts in a way hardly any bands who’ve been around as long as the Furries can.” 8/10 NME – Album Of The Week

“Intricate and optimistic with the sunshine cut by delicious clouds of questioning melancholy, (Hey Venus!) reaffirms SFA’s position as one of the few genuinely populist, genuinely cult acts in the UK”Plan B

“These Welsh super heroes continue to shame lesser outfits with their fluency, imagination and easy depths…if ever there was a record to restate the loveliness of the Furries with loud punctuation, Hey Venus! is it” Observer Review – Album Of The Week

Super Furry Animals Official Website
Super Furry Animals on Myspace

King Creosote and Ruarri Joseph review – Carling Academy Oxford

King Creosote

Last night I went to the King Creosote and Ruarri Joseph gig at the Carling Academy in Oxford. It was a great night of entertainment. Read the review! […]

King Creosote

Last night I went to the King Creosote and Ruarri Joseph gig at the Carling Academy in Oxford. It was a great night of entertainment.

First to address the new Carling Academy Oxford. This was the first time that I had been back to the venue since the renovations that took place over the summer were completed.

Some people that I’ve spoken to about the new ownership of the club still refuse to call it anything other than The Zodiac. I can understand that, since it had been “The Zodiac” and locally owned for a few years.

It always takes time to adjust to change – especially when a large establishment “takes over” a venue and local bands might be affected by the change. Hopefully there will be plenty of nights that will cater to local bands there, as well as opportunities for them to have support slots for bigger acts that come through.

The show was held upstairs with half the room closed off, which made for an intimate evening of music and entertainment. I’m not sure if it’s always closed off up there now, but either way, there was enough room to move for a Monday night out in Oxford.

Cornish based singer/songwriter Ruarri Joseph opened the night with an acoustic set which included singles, “Patience” and “Blankets” off of his latest album, ‘Tales Of Grime And Grit’ out on Atlantic Records.

Ruarri has a very soulful voice and his stage persona is charming. I enjoyed his banter in between songs and there were a few times when he was singing that I thought of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens). The crowd was receptive – and seemed to enjoy his music, as did I.

Ruarri Joseph Official Website
Ruarri Joseph on Myspace

King Creosote from Fife, Scotland closed out the night beginning the set with an acoustic number and then the band came on – guitar, drums and bass.

(Read the King Creosote interview!)

I was quite excited to see King Creosote, or Kenny Anderson as he’s known. Maybe the fact that his brother Gordon, who was a founding member of The Beta Band, and is currently in one of my favorite bands The Aliens, had something to do with it. I love musical connections and this is a pretty cool one.

The songs varied from slow ballads to rocking out as a four piece band. The musicians were good – the banter was funny. You could tell they were having a good time. Anderson mentioned he had a late night out on the lash in Oxford the night before and ended up in some hotel room – which would have been an interesting night, I’m sure. The audience laughed quite a bit at his humor and honesty when he mentioned low record sales. He’s certainly not shy and it’s easy to warm to him immediately.

There were times when the music was tinged with an American folk feel – and when Kenny put down his guitar to play the accordion, it added a nice layer to the set.

The closer of the night was – go figure – a cover of The Aliens’ high energy single, “The Happy Song”. I loved it.

King Creosote will be playing a few more gigs in the UK on this tour. Go see them if you can!

King Creosote Official Website
King Creosote on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Stephen Fretwell ‘Man On The Roof’ out now + UK tour dates

Stephen Fretwell

Stephen Fretwell is the real deal. With his latest release, ‘Man On The Roof’, out on Fiction Records, he brings to the table a classic sound, sometimes reminiscent of early Dylan and even Joe Strummer – but he’s his own man and is certainly not a carbon copy of anyone […]

Stephen Fretwell

Stephen Fretwell is the real deal. With his latest release, ‘Man On The Roof’, out on Fiction Records, he brings to the table a classic sound, sometimes reminiscent of early Dylan and even Joe Strummer – but he’s his own man and is certainly not a carbon copy of anyone. I’m digging his voice – so refreshing, and whether acoustic or with a full band, the music and the songwriting accompanying it is superb.

I think he would be a brilliant act to see play live, and luckily for his fans and people new to his music, Stephen Fretwell is set to tour the UK, with dates scheduled for this month starting October 9th, 2007 in Cardiff.

Here’s just a handful of what people are saying about Stephen Fretwell:

“One of Britain’s finest new singer-songwriters”**** Q magazine

“Man on the Roof…teams with wit, originality, sharpness and pathos, with stand-out tracks including Darlin’ Don’t, Funny Hat, She and San Francisco Blues. Wonderful”**** Sunday Times Culture

“reaffirm(s) his disarming ability to squeeze beauty out of fuzzy headed regret”**** Mojo

“A superb storyteller”**** The Times

“a gifted musician from the same school of delicate strumming that gave us Ryan Adams and Harry Nilsson.”**** London Lite

“(the songs are) delivered with such soft passion that you believe them, because you believe him”**** The Fly

Stephen Fretwell UK tour dates for October 2007:
With support from Simone White and Lazybones

Dates could change! Go to Stephen Fretwell’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

9th October, Cardiff, Point 02920 230130
10th October, Birmingham, Barfly 0870 907 0999
11th October, Brighton, Digital 01273 606312
13th October, Oxford, Zodiac 0870 771 2000
14th October, Bristol, Thekla 08713 100 000
15th October, London, Cadogan Hall 020 7403 3331
16th October, Nottingham, Rescue Rooms 08713 100 000
18th October, Liverpool, Barfly Theatre 0870 907 0999
19th October, Sheffield, Leadmill 0870 010 4555
20th October, Manchester, Academy 2 0161 832 1111
22nd October, Glasgow, Classic Grand 0870 1690 100
23rd October, Newcastle, Northumbria Uni Stage 2 0191 227 4757
24th October, Leeds, Irish Centre 0113 2444 600
24hr cc hotline 0871 2200 260 or buy online at www.gigsandtours.com
26th October, Belfast, Limelight £12 0818 719300 or www.ticketmaster.ie
27th October, Derry, Nerve Centre £12 Box office as above
28th October, Dublin, Sugar Club €15.50 Box office as above

For more information go to:

Stephen Fretwell Official Website
Stephen Fretwell on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Augie March & The Aliens on tour + One Crowded Hour video

Augie March - One Crowded Hour

Augie March and The Aliens are on tour together! They happen to be two of my favorite bands at the moment, and at some point I want to go out and see them play live […]

Augie March - One Crowded Hour

Augie March and The Aliens are on tour together! They happen to be two of my favorite bands at the moment, and at some point I want to go out and see them play live. Currently they’re playing shows from the east coast to the west coast in the US and Canada. Tonight they’re in Washington DC.

I’ve mentioned before how much I like The Aliens’ song, “Robot Man”. Augie March’s “One Crowded Hour” is also a brilliant track. It’s one of those songs that when I listen to it, I get that feeling in my stomach…that’s hard to explain. A rush of adrenaline? Basically, it’s a good feeling and it’s because of the tone of Glenn Richards‘ voice, the choice of chords they’re using as well as the melodic happenings within the song. Lovely.

Watch Augie March – “One Crowded Hour” video:

Augie March hail from Australia. Band members are: Glenn Richards (Vocals/Guitar/Songwriter), David Williams (Drums), Edmondo Ammendola (Bass), Kiernan Box (Keyboard) and Adam Donovan (Guitar).

Augie March is set to release their latest album, ‘Moo, You Bloody Choir’ on October 8th, 2007 in the UK.

The digital single “One Crowded Hour” is set for release in the UK on October 1st 2007.

The Aliens and Augie March 2007 tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Augie March and The Aliens’ Official websites for the latest tour dates and information.

Friday September 21 (9:30 PM) Washington, DC, Rock and Roll Hotel
Saturday September 22 (10 PM) Toronto, ONT, Lee’s Palace
Monday September 24 (9 PM) Detroit, MI, Magic Stick
Tuesday September 25 (9 PM) Chicago, IL, Schubas Tavern
Wednesday September 26 (8 PM) Minneapolis, MN, Varsity Theater
Friday September 28 (10 PM) Denver, CO, Larimer Lounge
Monday October 1 (9 PM) Vancouver, BC, Richard’s On Richards Cabaret
Tuesday October 2 (9:30 PM) Seattle, WA, Crocodile Cafe
Wednesday October 3 (9 PM) Portland, OR, Doug Fir Lounge
Friday October 5 (9 PM) San Francisco, CA, Slim’s

Augie March Official Website
Augie March on Myspace
“One Crowded Hour” YouTube video link

The Aliens Official Website
The Aliens on Myspace

By: Jenny May

Garrison Starr interview

Garrison Starr

Garrison Starr is a talented singer/songwriter and musician who graciously took the time out to answer a few questions for BandWeblogs.com. She’s currently on the road, touring around the US […]

Garrison StarrGarrison Starr is a talented singer/songwriter and musician who graciously took the time out to answer a few questions for BandWeblogs.com. She’s currently on the road, touring around the US.

Garrison’s voice and melodic songs are enchanting to say the least. She’s recorded albums released by Geffen and Vanguard Records, with her latest, ‘The Girl That Killed September’ set for release on October 18, 2007 by Media Creature Music/12×12. ‘The Girl That Killed September’ was produced in Nashville by Neilson Hubbard, who also co-wrote on the album. Garrison Starr has performed with artists such as Melissa Etheridge, Steve Earle, Melissa Ferrick, Mary Chapin-Carpenter and played on the Lilith Fair tour.

Garrison Starr interview with Band Weblogs
Compiled by: Dave Tommo

Hello Garrison. How are things on the road at the moment?

Hideeeeeeehooooooooooe my friends. Things on the road are going well except for the fact that I’ve done something to my back and I’m a little gimpy at the moment. Never a dull moment. You should see the way we’ve rigged up the car so I can recline and take the pressure off my back! It’s pretty funny. Alice (Peacock) has been so sweet – she’s driving all the time and taking really good care of me.

We’re liking your video for your song, “Understood” with Chewbacca. Is this influenced by body dysmorphic dysfunction and what are your thoughts on this illness – or are we reading too much into the video?

Hahahahahahahahahahaha!! That’s funny. Margaret Cho was the brainchild behind this video, so you’ll have to ask her for the deeper meaning.

How and where did you meet Neilson Hubbard and what sparked your musical relationship?

Neilson and I met in college, and we had a mutual friend who was playing in his band at the time. The band was called “spoon”, but they had to change their name for obvious reasons. So, of course, they changed it to “this living hand” because, well, that was much cooler. We hung out some and I ended up playing drums in the band and singing background vocals. I would also open for them solo. We’ve been rolling in it ever since, and have become very codependent.

Are the musicians in your band session musicians or friends that you’ve met along the way?

No session players… I like to be keeping it real.

What are your favorite websites?

www.stephaniemiller.com, youtube.com, google.com!!!

Is there really extraterrestrial life out there?

I certainly hope so.

How many guitars do you have and which one do you like the most?

Hmmm. I have three acoustics and four electrics at the moment, and I must say my favorite is my 72 tele custom. She’s black and very sexy. That guitar never goes out of tune. It’s badass.

Do your guitars have personalized names?

Uh, absolutely not.

Do you have any pre-gig rituals?

Not really. I do try to just hang and not think about the gig at all. I like to relax.

Who is the best band or artist that you’ve seen lately?

I have to say I can’t think of anybody at the moment. I don’t get out much.

What makes you laugh out loud?

The Stephanie Miller show.

What is a good definition of freedom?

Feeling good in your skin.

Do you have a favorite painter/artist? If so, who?

I don’t.

Who would be the one musician that you would love to play with someday?

It’s interesting. When I was younger, I would have been able to answer this question with no hesitation at all. Now, though, it’s so different. There are a lot of artists out there I would love to play with. Tom Petty, Bjork, Annie Lennox, Butterfly Boucher, Heart, Peter Gabriel, Justin Timberlake, I mean, just to name a few.

Any plans for a tour in the UK?

Not at the moment, but I’m determined to get over there on this record.

Thank you!

No, thank YOU!! My pleasure.

Garrison Starr tour dates are as follows:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Garrison Starr’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

September 22 2007 Private Event, St. Charles, Missouri
September 26 2007 Hendrix College, Conway, Arkansas
September 28 2007 Workplay Theater, Birmingham, Alabama
September 29 2007 Mucklewain Festival, Pinewood, Tennessee
October 5 2007 Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, SoHo, New York
October 12 2007 Hi-Tone Cafe, Memphis, Tennessee
October 20 2007 The Tin Angel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 21 2007 Jammin Java, Vienna, Virginia
October 22 2007 Club Cafe, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
October 23 2007 The Lizard Lounge, Cambridge, Massachusetts
October 24 2007 The Living Room, New York, New York
October 26 2007 The L Club, Raliegh, North Carolina
November 9 2007 Eddies Attic, Decatur, Georgia
November 10 2007 40 Watt, Athens, Georgia
December 7 2007 The Basement, Nashville, Tennessee
December 8 2007 Eddies Attic, Decatur, Georgia

Garrison Starr on Myspace
Garrison Starr Official Website

By: Jenny May