I've Been Listening To...

Harpoon Land - Owiny Sigoma Band 

Interview: Sweet Baboo

With the release of his fourth album, Ships, earlier this year, it has been a busy few months for Sweet Baboo (AKA Stephen Black). As well as playing his own gigs and appearing at numerous festivals, he has recently supported Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit on their UK tour. However, despite the busy schedule, Black took some time out to answer some questions for NotAnotherRainySunday. Line-up his gloriously upbeat melodies on the stereo, and read about the origin of 'Sweet Baboo', the Welsh music scene, and his musical recommendations. 

Let's kick off with the basics - where did the name Sweet Baboo come from?
I heard it used in the Charlie Brown cartoon when I was younger and thought it would be a good name for a band. It's a term of endearment in America. I've often thought about changing it to something more manly in recent years but I think we may have been through too much together.

I've noticed you also have a version of 'If I Died...' written in Welsh. Do you notice much of a difference writing in Welsh to songwriting in English?
This is an easy one to answer. Unfortunately I find it very difficult to write in Welsh, so much so that my friend Huw Evans (a.k.a. H.Hawkline) translated the lyrics for me I'm a fluent Welsh speaker but my vocabularly is not great. Welsh is such a lyrical and romantic language that I wouldn't have done the translation justice. Huw used artistic license in the translation and did a much better job that I would ever have done.

You've stated that you're a fan of fellow Welsh band, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, and have also worked with said band's leader, Euros Childs - how do you feel the Welsh  music scene fits into the British scene as a whole?
I'm not sure if I know much about the British scene really. The Welsh music scene must fit somewhere but I have no idea where. All I know is, to me, Wales makes the best pop music, oh and I'll extend that to the
rest of the world too. 

Both 'Let's Go Swimming Wild' and 'C'mon Let's Mosh!' have previously won BBC 6Music's weekly 'rebel playlist' competititions. How important do you think exposure on the radio is in reaching a wider audience in comparison with the internet?
Any exposure is good. If people hear you on the radio or read about you online and then come to a gig or buy an album then I can't complain.

On top of performing as Sweet Baboo you've also toured with Slow Club and Cate Le Bon in their live bands - do you prefer playing in groups or working individually? Do both have their benefits?
I think I like them equally. I suppose I put more pressure on my gigs, you know, hope that people will come, enjoy themselves, there's more to worry about but I get the same enjoyment out of playing in front of people no matter what band I play in really.

With the release of your fourth album, Ships, back in April, do you think your sound has changed greatly since your debut?
In some ways it has, it's a lot louder and, this album especially, a lot more brass heavy but I think the lyrical topics are similar and I can see similar bits and bobs running through all my albums really.

What are some bands we've probably never heard of, but that you'd recommend?
At the moment I'm mainly listening to Alex Dingley who's a singer from West Wales and the Oliver Wilde album which is out on Howling Owl records from Bristol. If you haven't heard of them then I'd recommend both.

I know you're currently in the midst of festival season. How do your festivals sets compare with the approach to your own tours? What can we be expecting when you tour in the Autumn?
We've been lucky enough to have a brass section for most of the festivals, something we're not able to do on tour so much. So festival sets have been louder and there's been a whole lot more of choreographed dance moves.

Sweet Baboo will be touring the UK in November. For more information visit www.sweetbaboo.co.uk

Introducing: Port Isla

Port Isla - there's something about the romantically dreamy name and maritime connotations which instantly gives away a clue to what their music sounds like. Reminiscent of Fleet Foxes, the soulful vocals and punchy drumbeats provide the perfect injection of summer into their richly layered songs - guitars and pianos weave in and out of each other creating a sublime ocean of sound. If you're looking for a song to soundtrack a lazy summer's day spent in the garden, Sinking Ship could just be the answer.

Murmurations - The Epstein

 

Album: Murmurations

Label: Zawinul 

The Epstein have returned with their second album, Murmurations. Although there was no official release date for the album in the UK (it was previously released in Benelux by PIAS), it has already attracted widespread praise from fans and critics for its refreshing take on country music.  Despite dramatic line-up changes over the past few years (when I first saw the band play in 2011, they were missing a rhythm section) the band has steadily been gaining support here, but also particularly in mainland Europe, where numerous festival appearances and tours have cemented them as a fond favourite.

Alongside the line-up changing, The Epstein's original country vibe has also greatly evolved over the past few years, and in Murmurations, has found a new sense of sophistication. The tracks are refined whilst still retaining a slight rock'n'roll edge, showing that the band have truly found a niche for their music.

To read more of my thoughts on 'Murmurations', head over to Artrocker's website to read my review of the album launch earlier this month.

I've Been Listening To...

Man I Need - Jagwar Ma 

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