Spring Offensive curate Beard Museum - St John the Evangelist Church, Oxford 15th June 2013

Having previously played in a variety of quirky venues from living rooms to museums, a beautiful church in East Oxford seemed the perfect setting for a musical extravaganza hosted by local lads, Spring Offensive. With so many great releases coming out of Oxford lately, an evening of Oxford bands was sure to be a good one (it's worth checking out Seb Reynolds' musical guide to the city here).

The evening began with acoustic sets in the chapel of the church - a tiny room that made for an intimate environment. With The Ruby Kid acting as a compère, the audience were treated to some spoken-word poems, and despite only a few admitting to being hip hop fans, it was clear the crowd appreciated his impressive ability to spout such powerful lines so charismatically. 

The musical proceedings got under-way with the unconventional looking Sweet William. With his wild mop of ginger afro, I'm wasn't to sure what kind of music to be expecting, but he lived up to his name, with soothing vocals and an unassuming persona. Coming into the centre of the crowd to perform one of his songs was a nice touch, and I instantly warmed to his reserved and gentle, but nonetheless powerful music. 

Adam Barnes continued in much the same fashion with melancholic songs, and dulcet melodies, and yet the differences between the two singers were clear. Barnes, joined by a keyboard, sang with an assurance that exuded his confident, but humble manner. Playing acoustic versions of tracks off his latest EP, his stripped back set was refined but elegant, perfectly matching the ornate setting. 

The final band of the acoustic section was Salvation Bill, a western/country trio, whose energy was infectious. Littered with eccentricities (including a fake crow attached to the guitar strap of the lead singer), their set was one of the most fun I've witnessed in a long time. Dedicating a song to their neighbour's dog, they sang of a dog who howls throughout the night, even inputting some spectacularly accomplished howling into the song. 

Pixel Fix's set in the main body of the church marked a definite change in the tone of the evening, with their heavy guitars and sample pads. Despite being utterly charming (the lead singer repeated on numerous occasions what 'a pleasure' it was to be playing there), their music had an angrier edge to it, and a raw sound that was exhilarating and refreshing at the same time. They were clearly young lads, but their music was accomplished and assured, and they had a confidence which made it seem like they had been around for years - they're definitely one to keep an eye on in the coming year.

After the excitement of Pixel Fix's set, Peter & Kerry seemed a bit dreary in comparison. Whilst their songs had catchy melodies and pretty harmonies, it was all a bit too twee for me, and it was hard to distinguish one song from another.

By the time Spring Offensive took to the stage, the venue was packed not only with loyal Oxford fans, but fans from further afield as well - a testament to the success they have had in recent months and their increasing popularity as they finally gain the recognition they deserve. Lead singer, Lucas Whitworth, was the perfect front man - he had good banter with the crowd, and commanded the stage like a master conductor, though when you're well over 6 foot perhaps it isn't so hard to do..!

Opening with the beautifully haunting No Assets, the band instantly captivated the audience, and set a high standard which they maintained throughout their set. Playing Synapse to Synapse to a live crowd for the first time that evening was a daring move, but it paid off - the melancholic vocals fit perfectly in the majestic setting of the church, and it wasn't hard to see why they'd chosen that particular venue for their set.
Not Drowning But Waving closed their set, and despite having to restart after Matt Cooper accidentally pulled out his guitar lead, it was a stunning finish to a wonderful evening of Oxford music.

For more photos from the evening visit the NotAnotherRainySunday Facebook page

Review: Don Valley EP - We Aeronauts

EP: Don Valley

Label: Beard Museum

Best track: Out of the Don Valley

Rating: 7/10 

Now that summer's just around the corner, what better accompaniment could there be than We Aeronauts' jangling indie-pop? Despite numerous lineup changes over the past few years, and band members living in various parts of the country, they've overcome the odds to produce a wonderful new EP with Oxford's Beard Museum.

Through the Door is a gloriously upbeat start to the EP. It perhaps verges into 'twee' territory at times, however, the rich layers of guitar help anchor the track, and give it an edge to prevent its sugar sweet vocals from taking over. Chestnut Tree continues the summery vibes with its infectiously catchy melodies. The mix of vocals from Anna Wheatley and James Cunning seems reminiscent of Belle and Sebastian, whilst still retaining its own unique blend of poppish melodies and rich layers of instruments, that make the song such a joy to listen to.

The second half of the EP takes a simpler, more laid-back approach - a wise choice, as four tracks of chirpy, overly happy vocals could have been over the top. Instead, Distance Learning, has a more soothing quality, perfectly capturing the peacefulness that summer can bring, as well as the sunshiny happiness that the earlier tracks seem to paint. However, it's not until the final track that the band really show the true strengths of their musical ability. Out of the Don Valley has a refreshing innocence, starting with only ukulele whilst Wheatley sings with such clarity, and even when the song builds up with Cunning's intertwining vocals, its simplicity is not lost amongst the instrumentation. The trumpet solo, rather than sounding too overpowering, complements the paired back nature of the track, and is a welcome addition.

Across the whole EP, We Aeronauts harness a genre of pop that's incredibly catchy, and although this makes for easy-listening, it would perhaps be a trial to listen to a full album of relentlessly upbeat melodies. Yet, for four tracks, the tone is just right - the perfect summer EP. 

Single review: Calling Out Your Name - The Epstein

10/10

Out today on Zawinul Records is The Epstein's beautiful new single, Calling Out Your Name. Starting with Olly Wills' gentle vocals, the track gradually builds up with violins and drums to a spine tingling finish with gorgeous harmonies and rich layers of guitar. Wills sings with such a determined sincerity, it's not difficult to believe him when he sings 'If you walk away I'll search the whole earth', and that's much of the charm of the band - the lyrics convey such genuine emotion it's clear Wills believes every word he utters. It's a stunning effort, and here's hoping it finally gets The Epstein the attention they deserve. 

The Epstein will be playing in Oxford on 27th June and London on 30th June. 

For more information visit:

www.theepstein.com

Introducing: Half Moon Run

With their debut album, Dark Eyes, receiving widespread praise in Canada last year, Half Moon Run have now announced it will be released in Britain on 1st July. Having been compared to both Mumford and Sons and Radiohead, it's fair to say  their music occupies a number of different genres - jangling basslines are juxtaposed with three part harmonies creating a beautiful raw sound that's wonderfully earnest and refreshing. Half Moon Run are currently touring in the US and will be playing at various British festivals throughout the summer.

 halfmoonrun.com

Introducing: The Scholars

Oxford band, The Scholars, have recently released the video for their new single, Spooks. Formed in 2008, the band have gained a following locally and nationally for their alt-rock sounds, having been championed by BBC Oxford Introducing, as well as receiving airtime on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6Music, and it's no surprise why. New single, Spooks, is a song of great contrasts. It opens with a stunning simplicity as frontman, Adrian Banks, sings with a sombreness that is beautifully juxtaposed with the rich layers of guitar and vocals that follow. Spooks is free to download from The Scholars' bandcamp page.

www.facebook.com/thescholarsofficial

I've Been Listening To...

If I Died... - Sweet Baboo

Stornoway at The Forum - 27th March 2013

The jangly pop of support band, Pale Seas, was the perfect antidote to the bitterly cold wind outside, and proof that despite the cold weather we're currently experiencing, summer can't be far off. New single, Bodies, is infectiously catchy with simple and yet stunning harmonies of 'If she won't sing for me, will she sing for the devil?'. Frontman, Jacob Scott was charming and funny in equal measures, recounting a story of One Direction, a security guard who looked like 'John Bishop with no neck' and a service station; whilst drummer Zealah Izabella Anstey almost rivalled Metronomy's Anna Prior for the title of 'world's most awesome female drummer'.

Dan Croll

Second support act, Dan Croll, carried on the summery vibes which on occasions sounded like a more electronic Fleet Foxes. With its African drumbeats and Croll's crystal voice ringing out with such beauty and clarity, Compliment Your Soul proves why the singer has been garnering so much attention lately, and we're sure to hear much more from him as the year progresses.

Stornoway's set started with Susie Attwood on violin crescendoing into the new single, Knock Me On The Head, romantically lit only by moonlight (albeit an electronic alternative!). The visuals of crashing waves projected onto the back of the stage added to the haunting atmosphere created by the song as frontman, Brian Briggs, sang 'a woman dangles from a bridge on a thread of silver mercury'.

Brian Briggs

Having recently released their second album, Tales From Terra Firma, there were other new additions to the setlist. Hook, Line, Sinker was certainly the most exhilarating song of the set. The physchedelic visuals of
speeding traffics and headlights matched the slightly frantic tone of the song, and the rhythm section particularly seemed to lose themselves in the music, at one point seeming that bassist, Oli Steadman, was going to crash into the drums as he spun around the stage.

It's a testament to Stornoway's stagecraft that they can move from such an energetic number to an unplugged, acoustic one with such ease. November Song saw Briggs unaccompanied on stage, without even a microphone to project his voice - not easy in a venue with a capacity of over 2000. Incredibly, this didn't seem to phase Briggs, whose voice soared across the room with such a power and intensity it was easy to forget that this was an acoustic version. The audience remained silent throughout the song, enraptured by the stunning simplicity of the moment.

Oli Steadman

The newer songs were intertwined with those from their debut album, and it was with much appreciation and applause from the audience that both Here Comes The Blackout and Zorbing were performed. It seemed wise that the latter was not reserved for their finale. Bands often fall under the curse of being known for one particular song, and the strategic position of Zorbing in the middle of the set meant that whilst the crowd were able to hear their favourite, the band were not playing up to the expectation of 'that band from Oxford who sing that song, Zorbing'.

Although Tales From Terra Firma is a somewhat wiser and more mature album than their debut, Stornoway certainly haven't lost their sense of fun. Briggs' stage banter was on top form, and a ghost story recounted from the tour was accompanied by ghoulish piano chords, haunting basslines and appropriate drum rolls and cymbal crashing at suspenseful moments.

The encore started with an epic drum solo from Rob Steadman, with an African vibe reflecting his early Zulu influences. Starting with just bongos, gradually the whole drumkit was incorporated, with bass and keys being added before Briggs took to the stage for a rendition of I Saw You Blink. The night finished with another crowd favourite, Watching Birds. With a slowed down second verse, Briggs played up to his inner Johnny Cash, and the confetti falling above the crowd as the trumpets began to play was the perfect ending to such a colourful evening of music.

Despite this not being the first time I've seen the band play live, their set was fresh and showed their impressive ability to return each time with new arrangements to make each gig memorable in its own right. With their audiences ever increasing as they gain popularity, it'll be interesting to see how the band retain their vitality and sense of intimacy in bigger venues in future years.

To see more photos from the evening, visit the facebook page

You can also read NotAnotherRainySunday's interviews with Oli Steadman (bassist) and Rob Steadman (drummer)

Jon Ouin

New Video: No Assets - Spring Offensive

Spring Offensive have always been skilled at creating innovative music videos (see Worry Fill My Heart) and their newest offering is no different. Created by mounting 12 iPhones to 12 dancers, the video shows a choreographed dance filmed from 12 different angles, and is the perfect visual to accompany the haunting harmonies of the song.

Spring Offensive will be supporting Gaz Coombes on tour in April. 

Read my interview with Spring Offensive here 

www.springoffensive.co.uk 

I've Been Listening To...

The Sea - Swim Deep

Album Review: Tales From Terra Firma - Stornoway

Album: Tales From Terra Firma

Release date: March 11th 2013

Genre: Indie-pop

Record Label: 4AD

Rating: 9/10 

3 years after the roaring success of their debut album, Beachcomber's Windowsill, Stornoway have returned with a sumptuous follow-up in Tales From Terra Firma, and during that period the band have certainly achieved a lot. Main stage appearances at both Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight Festival; a separate Zulu side-project comprised of Oli and Rob Steadman (bassist and drummer) and friends; and even being an answer to a question on University Challenge, have ensured that the band has picked up a large following since the release of their first album. 

With a name like Tales From Terra Firma, you'd think the band would have moved away from the maritime exploits that feature so heavily on Beachcomber's Windowsill, however it's clear that the seasickness hasn't set in for them quite yet. Based on Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Knock Me On The Head, shows the Stornoboys as delirious lost explorers. The lyric, 'I saw a feathered silhouette on the crest of unforgiving waves, it hovered over salty air and I couldn't tear my eyes away' shows a certain amount of romanticism in keeping with the 19th century poets who seemed to have so heavily influenced the songwriting.

In fact, Tales From Terra Firma sees a deeper lyricism causing Briggs to describe it as '"an album of stories about rites of passage". Writing about birth, marriage and death, Stornoway have grown older and wiser since their debut. As an opener, You Take Me As I Am, is a delightfully upbeat, but nonetheless moving account of a wedding day, and in true Stornoway fashion, demonstrates Briggs' ability to make even the simplest of moments sound like Shakespearean love sonnets.

With an opening reminiscent of Wild Beasts' Loop The Loop, Farewell, Appalachia is a stunning ode to the mountainous American landscape. The haunting vocals and lyrics of 'I dreamed of rising up beside you among the galaxy and stars' adds to the "sense of escapism" on the album that Briggs is so keen to refer to. He has a point though - from the Appalachian mountains to the almost Japanese feel to the start of Knock Me On The Head, the band seem intent on exploring faraway lands, so foreign to their hometown of Oxford.

The more reflective, The Ones We Hurt The Most, is stunning in its simplicity, whilst on November Song Briggs' voice rings out with a real sense of sincerity as he sings 'I won't be afraid of the darkness a coming while I know a love that is as sure as the morning'.

Hook, Line, Sinker is definitely the most psychedelic Stornoway have ever been, and it's probably not often 'Stornoway' and 'psychedelic' appear in the same sentence. With an almost alien, electronic sound, it's an interesting new departure for the band whose first album so firmly rooted them in the folk genre.

The overriding sense of the album is one of a band who have stuck to the basis of doing exactly what they want with little interference from the record label. For many bands, the second album can be a tad contrived, especially when their debut has had success. However, for Stornoway, this hasn't been the case. Recorded in churches, and the garage of the Steadman brothers, it's very much a  home-grown affair.Their attention to detail, as always, is astounding, with multi-instrumentalist, Jon Ouin, bringing new and exotic instruments to the songs, which gives the album such a personal and vibrant feel, and makes it such a joy to listen to. With a Spring tour taking them around the UK, Europe and North America, the release of Tales From Terra Firma marks a new stage in the band's musical voyage.

Read NotAnotherRainySunday's interviews with Oli Steadman (bassist) and Rob Steadman (drummer)

For the full list of tour dates, and to pre-order Tales From Terra Firma, visit www.stornoway.eu