So these were taken a long while ago and I can finally put them up. First ever press pit experience and still a lot to learn at this stage looking back on them now. These were also taken with my old bridge camera, before I upgraded my camera and equipment but wow what an experience. Learnt a lot at this gig… and what a gig!
The Doctorates – Sorry Love mix
Line Up
Nick Tompkins – (Vocals/Guitar)
Addi (Addison) Williams – (Bass)
Josh Marden – (Drummer)
The Doctorates are a local three-piece Indie band originating from the Canterbury area who are fairly new on the scene. However, reading the words “new”, do not perceive this to mean that they are an unpolished rookie band starting out, with a long journey ahead before they are worth your time. Far from it… and yes I can say from experience. I first watched/listened/photographed these guys at a small Showcase Monday gig at RokanRolla venue in Folkestone back on 21st January this year (2013) and yes, to be honest although they were good, they did not stand out at that time. They were very pleasant to listen to but it was obvious that they were new and starting out. Confidence and stage presence were lacking at this time, although the sound that they produced was good, meaning that they did present to me as having potential. So fast forward a month… well 5 weeks bar a day to be precise and wow what a difference a few weeks can make. You wouldn’t think it possible for so much progression in such a short amount of time, but I guess a few more gigs can make all the difference if you have the drive to succeed and the passion for what you do.
So fast forwarding those 5 weeks to the 24th February and I saw something completely different. For a start, The Doctorates were not playing a small Showcase Monday gig for new acts… they were headline support for the mighty Van Susans (a super cool Indie band with just shy of 36,000 followers on Facebook) at the well renowned Beercart Arms venue in Canterbury. I will not harp on about this gig as I have already written a review of the night and all bands (including The Doctorates) which clearly says all that needs to be said on the progression of this rapidly up and coming band (Please see here for review and photography).
ABOUT THE BAND
So I’ve already introduced The Doctorates as a three-piece Indie band but I haven’t told you much about them and how they came about. The line up consists of Nick Tompkins (Vocals/Guitar), Josh Marden (Drummer) and Addi (Addison) Williams (Bass) and all three are still at school currently doing their A Levels. Nick and Josh have been playing together since they were 11 years old when they barely knew what to do with their instruments – starting out by playing basic instrumentals of Ramones songs. Addi didn’t join the line up until much later, when the lads turned 17 and decided to make a real go of it by starting to trial lots of different singers and guitarists… none of which worked out. They felt that they needed a singer to progress and Nick decided to “have a go” himself and attempt to overcome his embarrassment and lack of confidence in his own ability. It was at this point that he started to show the guys songs that he had written and this was the start of their original material sets that you can now see them play. They do still perform some covers, mostly from Kings of Leon, The Black Keys and Bombay Bicycle Club but the large proportion of their performances are from entirely original material.
The current line up have now been together for around 18 months.
So far The Doctorates have been putting their energy’s into gigging as much as possible, which is evident from their confident and well rehearsed performance. They have taken part in a radio interview on the Dave Shepherd Show – Radio Cabin and recently received a fantastic review of their debut 5 track EP Sorry Love from Banned Reviews.
Having seen this band live I’m fairly sure there’s not a single doctor between them. They have supported Oasis’s Bonehead however so maybe they have some medical skill. Either way their debut E.P Sorry Love is well worth your attention. The Folkestone based indie band have laid five tracks down like a row of colourful musical shots ready for your ears.
Click here to read rest of their EP review
Sorry Love can be purchased for a mere £4 by contacting the band through Facebook (links to follow) or by going and seeing them live at a gig and purchasing directly. Their next gigs to date are 9th March at Hampton Inn followed by 20th May at The Black Griffin in Canterbury.
If you love Indie, I would highly recommend that you get along to one of these gigs and check them out. Give their Facebook page a like as they regularly update it and will add any new gigs to their events page.
Hear track The Doctorates – Sorry Love mix
Find band on Facebook
Website
Twitter
Hear them on SoundCloud
Related posts:
Beercart Arms – 24.02.13 – Van Susans – The Doctorates – Moccasins – The Alamo – Lonnie Storey
RokanRolla – 21.01.13 Al Morrison – Hours to Destroy – Nylon Tiger – The Doctorates
INDIE/BLUES TRACKS
Article and gallery Photography by Sarah Quinn (GIGgle Pics)
Sunday night at the Beercart Arms in Canterbury saw a most wonderful night of Indie music. Below the Radar Events and Promotions moved out of their usual genre and comfort zone and put on their first ever Indie gig at the Beercart and wow what a treat. The line up was absolutely first class and the audience were treated to 5 – yes 5 bands/artists, with a headline act that blew everyone away. Putting aside the headliner, all 4 other acts were extremely strong and alone would have left the audience feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. As it was, everyone leaving was heard to be praising the line up and evening in general and inquires were made as to when the next will be (which I might add is next Sunday, 3 March when the amazing Electric River play their only Kent gig on their current tour – for details please click here)
First on the lineup was the lovely Lonnie Storey as a solo act. From the start it was clear that Lonnie is used to the comfort of his fellow band members from Loaded Pistola, as he did appear slightly uncomfortable and nervous at first, of course this could also be due to being first act up which is never an easy slot. He also experienced some minor technical sound problems during his set but this did not detract from his very credible and enjoyable performance. Nerves put aside the voice and guitar skills were very evident from the off and Lonnie got the evening warmed up extremely nicely with a set of covers and original material, slightly adapted from his band. He set the tone very nicely for the acts to come and gave us all a sneak peek as to what the evening was going to offer. I’d personally be very interested in hearing him play with the full line up of Loaded Pistola and will be keeping an eye out for them at future local gigs.
Next up The Alamo was a very last-minute step in and wow, what a replacement. A young acoustic band with musical influences from Foo Fighters, Mumford and Sons, Ed Sheeran and Led Zeppelin, they recently performed a cover of Californication for the increasing popular Live in the Living Room YouTube channel. Having only recorded demo’s so far these lads are just finishing the mixing of a recording that I will be able to bring you hopefully within the week. Judging by their performance last night I would highly recommend you check back to hear their track. This band performed an extremely tight set with vocals and harmony’s that blew the room and myself away. I will definetely be keeping an eye out for these guys in the future and hoping to catch them at a gig really soon.
The third band of the evening was one that I have had the pleasure of seeing/photographing before, Moccasins. Another very last-minute lineup change, agreeing to play with only a couple of hours notice, this group of local lads never fail to impress all those that see them. The energy and immense sense of fun on stage shows how much these guys love what they do and they produce a very interesting and slightly different sound of rock indie. Very well positioned on the lineup, their lively set upped the tempo of the evening at just the right point, setting the tone for the last two acts to come. These bands have obviously played a considerable amount of gigs and their stage presence and way with the crowd wins over even the most reluctant of members of the audience. You cant help but smile when these guys play. I highly recommend you check them out at a gig near you!
Fourth was another band I have heard/photographed before but I’m not going to say too much about the band themselves as I am about to write a feature article on them. I will say that they are a 3 piece band from Canterbury called The Doctorates that play a mixture of covers and original material. The first time I saw them play was very, very early on in their beginnings and I just have to say how far they have come as a band in such a short space of time. I would almost say that apart from the sound produced being vaguely familiar, they were almost unrecognizable from what I had seen before. Their performance and confidence has jumped ten fold and they certainly deserved their support slot on the lineup. This band is definitely one to watch and if you are into your Indie music I am pretty confident that you will love these guys. The lead singer/guitarist Nick Tompkins has really found himself on stage with both strong vocals and visual performance to boot. In all this is a band I feel sure is going places and can only grow from strength to strength.
Well now, onto the headliners, the most awesome Van Susans. Now I have to say that I had heard a fair amount recently about this band, in fact they seem to be surrounded in hype right now. Having heard they were headlining this gig I looked them up on Facebook and if I’m completely honest was a little skeptical. At only a few shy of 36,000 likes I started to do a little research and soon discovered that they have an extremely credible line up of musicians. In fact their violinist Holly McLatchie (also vocals) has an extensive musical background and has performed for Prince Andrew during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Putting all this aside I still held off on my opinion and refused to listen to any of their music until I had heard them live. I’m very glad I did… they totally, utterly and completely blew me a way. I found them mesmerizing to watch in performance, finding it hard to tear my eyes away and actually concentrate on photographing the band. The unique blend of instruments carrying across the venue transported me into a place that made me completely forget that tomorrow would be a miserable Monday morning, that it was snowing and freezing cold outside and I had a long drive home ahead. Smashing out songs from their old EP and their new album entitled Paused in the Moment, these guys clearly love what they do, performing is a passion. I would also like at this point to state, that they have the happiest, smiliest drummer I have ever had the pleasure to photograph, which does however mean that the band tends to turn to him on a regular basis due to his enthusiasm… which is great, expect when you are trying to get photographs of all members facing front. That however is the only complaint I could possibly make about this band and I hardly think that counts as criticism. At one point the guys put down their guitars and broke out the drums with such energy I was surprised that they had any thing left to finish their set, but finish they did with a song called Cha Cha Bang, even getting audience participation of clapping along at the right points. I can honestly say that having brought home their album and EP I have listened to it on loop today… this is a band you need in your life!
Here follows a very, very small amount of the evenings photography, for all photo’s please go to my Facebook page, this gig only
Van Susans – Served Cold – from their Debut Album
Find them on Facebook – already at just shy of 36,000 likes
Official Website – Debut Album can be purchased here
These lovely people are offering you a FREE DOWNLOAD from their Debut Album “Paused in the Moment” – CLICK HERE
The Doctorates – Sorry Love mix
Find them on Facebook – Contact them to purchase their new EP
Official Website
On SoundCloud
The Alamo – More To Learn
Find them on Facebook
So a freezing cold Thursday evening saw a night of Punk and Rock hit the RokanRolla, Folkestone’s only dedicated music venue. Now this was the first time that the RokanRolla venue had seen a full-on line up such as this and it was an evening that did not go entirely smoothly. Writing reviews for gigs can be extremely rewarding but equally at times it can be difficult. The whole point of reviews is honesty, otherwise there is no point and to be honest I would be discredited pretty quickly if I was anything but. This is one that I’ve not looked forward to writing because it involves a venue and bands that I work or have worked with on several occasions. I’ve had to put some real thought into this and I think in fairness I will keep details to a minimum and try to focus on all the positives of the evening.
So first band up was Tres Camaradas, a local Rock/Punk band that is very new on the scene. In fact last night was only their fourth ever gig but had I not been told this, I would never have known. They performed a really tight set for a band that have performed so few gigs and if this is where they are at now, I can only say that the future holds bright things for them! One to keep an eye on.
Next up were The Half Wits, another local band of pure Punk! These guys have a devoted following on the scene already and it showed. This was not the first time I’ve photographed this band and I’m pretty sure it will not be the last. Always exciting to work with as their aggressive Punk lyrics see their fans hit the floor in a big hard way… producing some amazing photo’s and an insight into the world of Punk. On first glance you would be forgiven for thinking that these guys and their fans are foul mouth yobs out to cause trouble (foul mouth may be right when it comes to the lyrics of course)… but this is exactly the type of generalization that gives certain genres an unfair and misunderstood reputation. In fairness its hard and brutal music with even more brutal moves on the floor but this does not mean that it follows through in general. These guys are awesome at what they do and if you are into your pure Punk… check them out!
Next followed The Eyes, a band that I can only describe as more Rock than their Hard Rock genre. I’ve photographed this band on a few occasions now and they are exactly what they say on the tin… they also know how to party just as hard as they perform. Being completely honest and they admitted this themselves, last night was not their best performance, seeing technical problems with equipment among other issues, but as Rock goes these guys know exactly what they are doing and always put on a full on show well worth watching!
Now to the headline band Insult… well as the photo’s will show these guys were unable to play on the night. As I mentioned earlier, the evening did not go off without incident and I will try to pass over the details as much as possible. However, the fact that there was an altercation cannot be ignored as it was partly the reason the headline act was unable to play due to time running out. It is not for me to pick apart the what’s and why’s of events, I have attended many a gig in the RokanRolla with no problems, I have photographed the bands on a few occasions, never with any problems… sometimes things just happen. On this occasion Rock and Punk did not mix!
However, any problems were over extremely quickly and handled impeccably by door security, for which he should be commended. Everyone involved calmed quickly and I feel it was no reflection on those involved… it was just a real shame.
Insult are a local Old School Punk band, in fact the lads are from Folkestone and had a fair following of fans waiting to see them perform, so there was much disappointment all around. For myself, their sets always produce great photography and so does their crowd. In the interest of fairness, as I wasn’t able to get any photographs of them on their headline night, I will still place their track, link to Facebook and links to previous gigs photography I have done of them. Again, if you are into your Punk, you must check these guys out as they really no how to do it in style!
As usual, here follows a very small amount of the evenings photography. For the full evenings photo’s please go to Facebook, this gig only (well worth a look, lots of photo’s of both the fans and bands… Insult made it into the fans photo’s!)
Hear track Tres Camaradas – Sink
Find them on Facebook
Download their full demo for free from soundcloud
Hear track The Half Wits – SOCIETY
Find them on Facebook
Hear track The Eyes – Gravytrain (studio version)
Find them on Facebook
Hear track Insult – Face in the Mud
Find them on Facebook
Find photo’s of these guys at previous gigs I’ve photographed here: Bar Below gig – Beer Cart Arms gig – Platform 5 gig
HEAR FIRST SINGLE TRACK FROM NEW ALBUM
Crashgate – As One
Yes you lucky people, Crashgate have given me their first single from their debut album for you to sample!
Band Members
Craig Sheridan – Vocals
Brian Andrews – Guitar / Screaming Vocals
Toby Dorman – Guitar / Backing Vocals
Shaun Roche – Bass
Richard Keeler – Drums
So this would be a perfectly timed feature article on Crashgate as they are launching their debut album “Crude Jokes Death Notes & Unicorns” in style with an album launch gig… all details to follow so no point me harping on about this when I have a poster that does it all for me. All I will say is there are rumors that this gig is going to be all kinds of special… what I will do right here is give you the link to the Facebook album launch gig event which also includes details of a competition to win 2x tickets to the Album Launch – Crashgate t-shirt – Crashgate EP – Crashgate Album and a one off print of their album artwork signed by all the band.
So I have a lot of info from the band to come… this band is one of the most motivated local bands around right now and that in itself should be enough to get them places, BIG places. I could just place all the info they have sent me here, but I like to make things personal… otherwise what is the point? So you are going to have to put up with me putting a bit more of my two penny worth in for a tiny bit longer.
I’ve actually only photographed Crashgate themselves as a band once so far (fairly early on in my gig photography career and pre equipment upgrade) with another gig for Below the Radar Events and Promotions at the Beer Cart Arms on 25th April 2013 already booked in. I have also photographed Craig Sheridan (Vocals for Crashgate) performing an acoustic set for his solo project Craig Sheridan Musician Facebook and I have to say what an awesome bunch of lads they are. Down to earth, always have time for their fans, do a lot of fund-raising for charity and extremely driven at promoting themselves. Now musically I’m not going to say a lot about the track (see top of page) as I’ve passed the track over to Banned Reviews for a professional write-up. I’m merely concentrating on the band itself… although I will add that I think this track is all kinds of awesome and am excited to hear what else they have to bring on this debut album!
The first single from Crude Jokes Death Notes and Unicorns is As One. A live favourite from their sets, this has received some studio treatment from Oz Craggs at Hidden Track Studios. From the moment you press play a chunky riff hits you right in the…
For full track review click here
Now a bit from the band themselves
Biography
Crashgate were forged in early 2011 from well established musicians in and around Deal,
Kent. After some very shaky startings with a few lineup changes the band started
churning out music like no tomorrow and are closer to a family then just a band. Playing
every show with a passion and desire for what they do shown on stage, off stage, in their
writing and as people in general. Playing some amazing shows supporting bands such as
Orestea, Malefice and Unearth and playing some amazing London venues including
Nambucca Bar.
After releasing their debut EP on the 4th of October 2012 Crashgate have had worldwide
interest in their music and look to continue this trait indefinitely .
Crashgate aim to play as many shows as possible in Kent and have on occasion played
shows in London. Looking to spread their wings as far as feasibly possible to spread
their sound and please everyone.
Since October we played shows plugging and selling our Debut E.P., in November 2012 we went into the Studio with Oz Craggs of Hidden Track Studios in Folkestone and spent 9 days with him recording our Debut Album which was both interesting and a lot of fun but at the same time very testing at times to get things how we all wanted them and sounding great. You can see the studio diary on our YouTube which should be quite entertaining.
After that we have spent the last 2-3 months organizing and planning our Album Launch at the Astor Theatre from Buying Merch, Organizing some basic stage plans and the show itself to promoting it as much as possible, where possible, specifically with the release of the First Single from the Album ‘As One’. Its been a lot of time, effort and money on our part but looks like it is going to be very much worth it on the night and for some considerable time afterwards.
Obviously you already know Craig who is well established in his own right as a solo artist but this defiantly brings his more bad, aggressive and energetic side out. As for the rest of the band there is Keeler, our drummer, who has been with the band since the very early days with myself and Craig and we have worked endlessly keeping the rhythm part of the songs as tight, catchy and interesting as possible. Myself, Shaun being the Bass player again working very closely with Keeler for that tight rhythm that ties songs together. Brian and Toby who are the guitarists, who it took a little while at the very beginning but we found two committed and amazing lads to fill the slots of guitarist and are now both well into being in the band over a year and will continue with us on our journey together. There is no specific lead or rhythm guitarist as they both share these jobs in the writing and split everything for who would work that part of the song in a better or more interesting way.
All in all we’ve been going as a band for 2 years in March and this is what it’s all been towards and working for, an album that we can all be proud of that gets music into everyone’s ears to appreciate and in general be happier.
Any show offers or people who know of shows we could potentially be part of the bill for
please feel free to contact us below and have a chat.
Contact through
Hotmail- Crashgate@hotmail.co.uk
Gmail- Crashgate@gmail.com
http://www.Twitter.com/Crashgate2011
http://www.ReverbNation.com/Crashgate
http://www.Facebook.com/Crashgateofficial
Official Web site
Crashgate Big Cartel
Videos
Official Music Video
Official Youtube w/Live Videos & Studio Diary
Well this gig at the Beer Cart Arms in Canterbury, was both epic and tinged with sadness. Every single band that played at this gig totally smashed it and put on an awesome show but it was the band Left of the Right Side last ever gig which made me (and many, many others) very sad.
First off credit has to go to Below the Radar Events and Promotions for getting a spot on line up, all bands complimented each other well and any briefly encountered technical issues from the last couple of gigs were no where in sight! Now onto the bands…
First up where Escape the Ocean, a band that plays Progressive/Math Rock and although I have only seen and photographed them as a full band on two occasions (also once as an acoustic set) they never fail to impress. The band has an incredible amount of energy on stage, so much that they actually wear me out just watching them, let alone trying to keep up with them with a camera. Vocalist/Guitarist Lee Morrison manages to fling himself around the stage and almost eat the microphone (literally) without so much as breaking out a sweat.
Escape the Ocean
Next up was the awesome Left of the Right Side. The best I’ve seen them perform but this is not surprising as it was their last gig and they were pumped for it. A Rock / Pop-Punk / Progressive band they belted out a full set and had they not been allowed to perform an encore track, I fear there would have been a lynch mob or riot. The crowd was well up for this set and both sang along to familiar tracks with smiles all over their faces and got some movement going on the floor. The screaming, chanting and clapping at the end of the set and demand for “one more song, one more song” only showed how much this band was/is loved. A little surprise for their last ever gig was also on the cards which I was lucky enough to get photographic evidence of… guitarist Shaun Taylor and drummer Matt Downes switched things up for one song… or part of a song and actually swapped instruments. This left Matt shoe less on stage playing a guitar and Shaun drumming like a loon, both of which extremely credibly I have to say. Shaun did in fact admit to me today that it was the first time he had ever drummed in front of anyone other than the band and he was terrified… you would never have known so all credit where credit is due guys. The band is splitting due to work commitments only and are still firm friends. Some of the lads are looking to start a new project in the future and I wish them all success with this and look forward to running a feature on that new project… stay in touch lads, you’ve been a joy to work with!
Left of the Right Side
So moving onto Wheres Billy, an amazing rock band that traveled from Tunbridge Wells to play this gig. They performed at the Beer Cart Arms back at the very beginning of October 2012, when I was just starting out and I didn’t really manage to get any decent shots of them, not this time I’m so very glad to say! I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed their set and they were a pleasure to do photography for. Some real powerful, strong songs and vocals came off stage with stage presence to match and great interaction with the crowd.
Wheres Billy
Last but not least, as they say, was the evenings headline act, I.R.I.S. An Alternative Rock / Post-Hardcore band from Deal signed to Engineer Records these guys never disappoint. I’ve only photographed them on two occasions, one of which was in fact last night and wow… couldn’t possibly be bored in any way because despite working with them only a couple of weeks ago, they introduced new tracks into their set last night. Nicely performed, the energy these guys exude on stage is evident from the sweat produced and seen in the photo’s. The crowd love these guys and it’s really not hard to see why, I highly recommend you get along to a gig to see them because even the photo’s will not do their set justice!
I.R.I.S
OK, OK I know I’ve rambled a bit here tonight and this has been much, much longer than usual, but being a last ever gig and an awesome lineup and top evening, it needed a few more words than usual… so let’s get down to the stuff you expect, music, links and pics!
Here follows a very, very, did I say VERY small amount of the evenings photography. For full evening, all sets please go to the Facebook page, this gig only
IRIS – Lie For Me
Find band on Facebook
Official website
Record Label Facebook
Escape the Ocean – Exit Wound
Find band on Facebook
Official Website
Left Of The Right Side – Skyward
Find band on Facebook – they may have played their last gig but these lovely guys are bringing you one last song from their EP so keep an eye out on their page!
Wheres Billy – Aches, Pains & The Quiet Life
Find band on Facebook
And one of their music videos 🙂
Showcase Monday at Folkestone’s only dedicated music venue, RokanRolla saw an incredibly strong line up of bands and acts. Crowds flocked in to see the RokanRolla’s very own Sophie Metcalfe accompanied by Simon Giles play a strong set of covers, with people dancing along. However, opening the evening was the talented singer/songwriter/DJ Mitch Emery who warmed the crowd up in a big way. At one point he even grabbed an assistant out from the crowd up on stage to the delight of the audience.
Following Mitch, Sophie and Simon was the extremely talented Charlotte Rose Ellis, who put on a stunning set of keyboard and vocals. Charlotte recently auditioned for the esteemed The BRIT School and the rapidly growing hype around this young girl was evident with JNG Records attending this gig.
Last but not least was a talented young band Hey Joni who are obviously already very popular judging by the following that came along to see them. Playing what they class as an Emo set, the music was not what I expected when they first turned up and the gig was timed perfectly for the release of their EP yesterday. This band had a lot of energy on stage and despite the odd broken string and pick they put on a credible set.
Here follows a very small selection of the evenings photography, for the evenings full photo’s please go to our Facebook page, this gig only . Like what you see and hear? Check the artists out, find them at a gig near you and get down and support them!
Hear track Charlotte Rose Ellis – Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
Find Charlotte on Facebook
Hear track Hey, Joni – Jack’s Song
Find them on Facebook
Hear more on Bandcamp
Mitch Emery – Find him on Facebook
Topaz – Lonely Boy
Just a small selection of photography from a cold February Sunday morning photo shoot with Topaz
So, a valentines evening at the RokanRolla just proved how popular this venue is now becoming, visually you couldn’t ignore the numbers in the crowd or the standard of artists/bands performing. First up was Karl Higbee, member of metal band Mistiksin and radio DJ for 105.9 Academy FM, he performed an amazing acoustic set of both covers and originals, setting the standard for the night.
Next up was the awesome Alie Cotter from Blaise Paisel, a band that is more than on the up and of course she didn’t disappoint. With a distinct voice that carried around the large venue, her set was very much enjoyed with her band members joining in on some songs from the audience.
Then followed The Lightworker… a two man set of acoustic/pop music saw the duo smash out a set despite both being riddled with germs. They blew me away enough to check out their tracks on SoundCloud this morning and it didn’t disappoint.
Lastly was Elle Rayenne. These guys say they have not gigged much recently but wow… you certainly wouldn’t have known it. Their energy on stage just drew you in and it was clear these guys were having fun. I downloaded their free EP this morning and have already listened to it twice… link to which will follow.
So here follows a very small amount of photography from the evening. For the full evenings photo’s please go to Facebook, this gig only
Hear track Elle Rayenne – Rayguns
Find them on Facebook
Download their 4 track EP 🙂
Hear track The Lightworker – Writing on the Wall
Find them on Facebook
Hear track Blaise Paisel – Magical
Find them on Facebook
First up
Pic by VJ Von Art
OK, so I’ve had the real privilege to attend and photograph a gig at the Beercart Arms, in Canterbury in November 2012 that was put on by Below the Radar Events and Promotions in which Generation Graveyard headlined. The line up this night was pretty damn awesome, featuring 4 bands in total. Kicking off with The Eyes, Wild Child, Wires Faulty (now sadly splitting, with their last ever gig at The Ivy, Sheerness – 23/02/13) and ending with the mighty Generation Graveyard. My blog post dedicated to that entire gigs photography, can be found here
This was one of my early career gigs, the days before I upgraded my camera equipment but I can honestly say that, this gig was one that gave me the passion for what I now love, live and breathe, gig photography and hoping to help promote bands, gigs and live music in general. At times force feeding it down people’s throats with my incessant blogging and pushing bands tracks and photo’s in people’s faces. Why, because nights like 22 November 2012 are what it’s all about, people need this stuff in their lives, even if they don’t yet know it.
Generation Graveyard have what I would class as some of the most energy I’ve ever seen on stage, whether that be a tiny little stage in a pub or a large venue with loads of room to move about. These guys sure know how to party both on and off stage and their set ended with instruments being thrown about the place in real METAL style… the sound produced nearly brought the roof down at times and all I can say is… you need to get to one of their gigs… SOON! Having just supported The 69 Eyes and supporting MISFITS at O2 Islington Academy, Wednesday 3rd of April 2013 you can be sure that any gig you go and see them at, will be more than worth your while.
Any way, enough of my ramblings… I’ve been lucky enough to have been asked to review a couple of their tracks and sent some stuff for their new project MUST DESTROY (following on after). I don’t really do reviewing, but I know a guy who does, its his specialty So I’ve handed the reigns for this over to him and the link for his review will follow below. I figured that I would run a feature spread on the two bands, with links to all their stuff, tracks, info, YouTube etc and let Banned Reviews take care of the music part!
HEAR TRACK: Generation Graveyard – Deleatist
See official music video for this track – YouTube Deleatist
Living your music takes a lot of skill if you’re a band that combine hardcore, metal and punk. You have to drink hard, play hard and even play your songs. The songs have to sound dominating live and equally speaker tormenting. Generation Graveyard have all of this. Not only are Generation Graveyard finishing the mixing and recording of their new record, they’re also playing shows with local boys Artemis Redeemer and the mighty 69 Eyes.
Little teaser of the review from Banned Reviews…. for full track review, click here
HEAR TRACK: Generation Graveyard – The Empty
See official music video for this track – YouTube The Empty
Track three on the new record, The Empty gives you no time to prepare. Pounding drums and a riff that sounds more like a call to arms come at you instantly before you’ve even …
Another little teaser of the review of this track from Banned Reviews… for full track review, click here
“Inspired by urban isolation, substance dependance and social upheaval, Generation Graveyard are not ones to mix their words and refuse to be pigeon-holed. Mixing together a myriad of influences from hardcore, black metal delivered with vicious punk venom – GENERATION GRAVEYARD”
| Influences | Amebix, Killing Joke, Skitsystem, Amen, Iron Monkey, Dead Boys, Darkthrone, Warrior Soul. |
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Tour video report : YouTube
NOW I BRING YOU MUST DESTROY – BAND MEMBERS FROM GENERATION GRAVEYARD’s NEW PROJECT
So being a new band I have to confess I have not seen these guys live or had the pleasure of photographing them yet. Something I wish to rectify as soon as possible. Again I leave the reviewing of tracks to Banned Reviews, although this is now just one track due to technical issues. I was given the track BULLSHIT PROPAGANDA but it was not in a playable or convertible format so has had to be dropped. Instead we have the track UNDERDOGS which is on MySpace and I will include the link so you can jump over and give it a listen. A shame because I would have loved to have got this track on the blog. However, this blog is all about promoting bands and artists as well as my photography so … does it matter where you hear it? Not really… as long as you do!
With the line up this band has, it’s got to be worth checking out at a gig … about sums up my thoughts on this one!
Hear track UNDERDOGS on MySpace
Studio projects can accidently grow into some of the best things, like the Foo Fighters. So when Arno of Generation Graveyard and Szymek who is now in Mortad started one that grew into a band it has to be good. The line-up has changed but the music and the concept of Must Destroy remain the same. Must Destroy are a black metal band that much like the evil rise of the Furbee have grown more than anyone expected.
For full review of this track, please click here
BIO:
Formed in some dark basement in the south of London on a cold winter night of January 2010 by Arno ( of previous bands VISIONS OF WAR , GIVE UP ALL HOPE and RETCHER) and Szymek (Also of MORTAD later on) , respectively on guitars and drums, what would become MUST DESTROY was originally meant to be a 2 piece Black Metal studio project , with different people joining for live performance, in the vein of bands like Satyricon.
Having toured Europe plenty of time with previous band GIVE UP ALL HOPE ,as well as Mexico and Australia,
Arno felt its was time to move on from the more Punk Metal scene and concentrate fully on a more brutal and professional concept.
Szymek’s impressive drumming skills were the perfect match for it, and after numerous inebriated talks about their mutual love for the more obscure and darker side of Metal, the project entered the rehearsal studio.
However, with the arrival of Max (Also front man of the mighty GENERATION GRAVEYARD) on bass and vocals the following summer ,it was clear that we were onto something special and that MUST DESTROY was becoming a whole band, the 3 members not only being very friends but also sharing the same thirst for heavy, dark elaborated music and the Rock n’ Roll lifestyle that goes with it…
Straight away it felt so natural for them to compose, rehearse and play gigs together that it became clear that no one else was needed for the band, and instead decided to let MUST DESTROY goes wherever it wanted to go musically, not trying to follow any pre settled musical goals..
Later on Szymek left the band the band and was replaced by Jorge Alleycat.Daniel Made a brief apparition on bass as the band performed a few live shows.Arno having joined GENERATION GRAVEYARD the band is slowing down its live performances whilst new material is being written, but will be back very shortly with a vengeance!
The perfect soundtrack to a descent into hell.
The band had a spirit of its own, and there was no point to try and tame the beast.
The energy that come out of it is often pointed out by fans after gigs.
I would just personally like to thank Arno (in both bands) for being given the opportunity to review/run a feature article for both of his projects and wish GENERATION GRAVEYARD and MUST DESTROY all the success of the future.
See you at a gig soon guys … with my camera of course 🙂 – Sarah Quinn – GIGgle Pics ©
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