SeeSound Saturday @ Peter Parker's Rock and Roll Club

I'm just home from the first ever SeeSound Saturday up in Denmark Street and I'm presenting you with another non-review.

Up first were Shiva who we all quite liked, the low point of their set was definitely their choice of covers (which is a pretty good thing really) and the upside of their set was that they had some really nice sounding songs (much better songs than The Libertines write, which is what they covered, if that's not obvious). I'd be glad to hear more from them.

Next on was our man Benjamin Shaw. He'd been promoted from opener to second on due to some technicality, we assume it was his presence reeking of importance and star power. Benjamin was typically terrific, playing a lot of dynamite new material, the title track off his "I Got the Pox, the Pox is what I Got" E.P and his number 1 super hit "When I Fell Over In The City" and other favourites. He got a lovely response though some of his references to blown diaphragms, filling up with babies, creamy skin holes, limbs in freezers and crowbars to necks made a few people squirm, in a sweet way.

After the set some supercool guy came over and BOUGHT HIS EP (we promptly had an Al Gore Celebration) and said that he'd like to book Benjamin Shaw in New York. How cool would that be?! Bagsy I'm Joey Ramone if we go, or Patti Smith.

We then went for lunch in a smug place near a sex shop. I accidentally ate a tiny bit of meat, which was a nuisance. Pretentious food all looks the same. The whole thing was quite nice though, especially the glorified chips with a bit of spinach on. I felt we should have gone for noodles and I definitely stand by this.

On the walk back we went to 'SNOG' (eurgh) for frozen yoghurt. That stuff is bad. So bitter! Is it a cool place to be 'seen'? I don't believe anyone actually likes eating it. That being said, I was the only one to finish mine. Yesterday I also had the worst 99 ice cream cone from a van opposite the London Eye, it's been a bad period for mindless icy indulgence.

With a sour taste in my mouth I made it back to Peter Parker's Rock and Roll Club for The Outdoor Types. They've just had a pretty good album out through I Blame The Parents Records, who I like very much, so I was glad for the chance to see them. They do a kind of glamorous folky rockabilly (or something) and put on a fine show. Their bassist is a character.

My feet were now getting sore.

Now we had The Cellophane Flowers. These guys put on a nice show, their lady singer was quite charming and seemingly had the first two rows showing off for her (cringe) but there were good songs in the mix and a lot of skill. Hard working bunch too, they've got it together.

Lowering the tone, as ever, were The Extradition Order. The Warrington Wags screeched through a set of new and old with their new drummer who has put 'ROCK' back on the menu for them. My highlight was former SeeSound.co.uk video of the week "Peter Grimes". Their album is well good too.

Last of the night were the ever corking Paul Hawkins & The Awkward Silences. If you read this cheaptrick of a blog or our nuisance of a twitter, you'll know that I *love* this band. The band started relatively tamely but as time went on the mood changed and the whole thing got shockingly intense. By the time "I"ve Had My Fun" comes along I'm flapping my stupid hair all over the place and shouting the words back at the Shakin' Hawkins who's jittering around the crowd. "I"ve Had My Fun" is totally the best song ever. I need to go see this band more often.

Anyway, it was a great night. Benjamin Shaw did beautiful things, the day's DJ was Martin/Indie Dad of I Blame The Parents Records who played some great stuff (MELVINS \m/) but the heroes of the day had to be SeeSound.co.uk who really put their money where their mouth is and pulled off a great gig and brought a lot of DIY minds together today. They packed the bloody place out too!

Their next gig is at The Wilmington Arms in Farringdon on August 21st: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100919689963150&index=1

Recommended!

Also, register with www.SeeSound.co.uk as it's a great place for artists, labels, promoters and music fans to come together and share, promote and communicate. It's delightful.

Good night!

Jamie - Audio Antihero

x

Audio Antihero's "Never Say DIY!" Radio Vol.3!

Afternoon, here be volume 3 of Audio Antihero's NEVER SAY DIY RADIO!

Audio Antihero's "Never Say Diy!" Radio Vol.3 by Audioantihero on Mixcloud

Hopefully some of you schmucks will actually listen to this one!

Playlist:

1. Tangled Hair - Just LIke That (link to free mp3 included in the show)
2. Benjamin Shaw - When I Fell Over In The City (Order the EP and T-Shirt: HERE)
3. Lovage (feat. Jennifer Charles, Mike Patton, Dan The Automator & Kid Koala) - Pit Stop
4. Nosferatu D2 - The Kids From Fame (free mp3 included. Order the album and t-shirt: HERE)
5. Cuddly Shark - Jamie Foxx On Later With Jools Holland
6. Eden Maine - Cold Light
7. Eddie Floyd - Knock On Wood
8. Paul Gardiner & Gary Numan - Stormtrooper In Drag
9. Los - Sinnerman

Never Say DIY!
Jamie - Audio Antihero: Specialists in Commercial Suicide
www.audioantihero.com

1234 Shoreditch Festival

I just had the most wickedest day ever.

The Shoreditch 1234 Festival is really quite awesome for something that happens in Shoreditch (that place is hell in high heels on earth with a cigarillo).

I saw, in order:

ACTION BEAT! This was really fun, four guitars, three drummers, one bassist and no singer - the Noise Band from Bletchley opened the day really well. Trivia: I was interning at Southern Records when they were recording their album downstairs, bloody noisy bunch.

INVASION! Seeing them for the second time, they're a really good live band (scratch that, they're a really good band). I own pretty much everything they've done and will continue to do so. 'Soul Metal' they say. Vocalist Chan is a gorgeous lady with real presence, drummer Zel is pretty dynamite and the ripping her top off trick still seems to help win over the less gentlemanly in attendance and guitarist Marek does an insane amount with so little. Wicked.

SHARKS! A nice surprise in the reassuringly packed Artrocker tent. Recommended to all you punk kids who read our blog on a daily basis.

VON HAZE! I was really not enjoying this...but then something changed and I really was. They're on my shopping list, with their very very very strange droopy NYC art rawk.

A GRAVE WITH NO NAME! Really pleasing lo-fi grunge (Mascis vein) noise. I'll be re-looking into these guys. I had to head off just before the end though to see....

DUM DUM GIRLS! I loved this. Seriously foxy cool and most affecting. Plus due to early sound problems some people ran off meaning I got in really close. Shazam.

PETER HOOK performing UNKNOWN PLEASURES! I nealy wept, this was just spectacular...Joy Division were THE band of my late teens and it meant a lot to me to see this. Being at the front got me especially giddy. Rowetta (Happy Mondays/X Factor) showed up, which I was a little apprehensive about...but she really nailed it. It was absolute Heaven, frankly. Lights are flashing cars are crashing, getting frequent now.

WAVVES! They were really good and really fun, though a bit cheeky with the ol' soundmen. I'll definitely be looking into more of that sunny noise.

THE SILVER MACHINE! This supergroup was probably the low point for me, but I can't say it wasn't a decent bit of rockin' and everyone else seemed to enjoy it too. It was quite nice seeing Glen Matlock live again, it took me back to my 14th birthday party, which was essentially going to see The Sex Pistols at Crystal Palace Park with friends. Rock on teenage me, you are superior in every way (teenage me went with a foxy girl, 23 year old me went by himself).

FUCKED UP! This was insane. Seriously. There was blood all over the place. If it hadn't been for Peter Hook stealing my heart, this would have been the set of the night. The vocalist touched my face. LOVED IT.

I was very sad to miss: BO NINGEN, ROLO TOMASSI, LA SHARK, BRETON, THESE NEW PURITANS, VIVIAN GIRLS, HATCHAM SOCIAL and others. I had some nice noodles and sweetcorn fritters though.

This has been another uninformative non-review from Audio Antihero about a gig I was at.

Never Say DIY! and Get Out More! (today's lesson learned),

Jamie - Audio Antihero: Specialists in Commercial Suicide

www.audioantihero.com

Download: Nosferatu D2’s “Springsteen”

I’m just making some new technology my bitch and thought I’d test it with a free song:

Nosferatu D2 - Springsteen

From their album “We’re Gonna Walk Around This City With Our Headphones On To Block Out The Noise”.

Never Say DIY!

Jamie – Audio Antihero: Specialists in Commercial Suicide

www.audioantihero.com

Audio Antihero's "Never Say DIY!" Radio Vol.2!

Welcome all to the second addition of our barely listened to "NEVER SAY DIY!" Radio...

Audio Antihero's "Never Say DIY!" Radio Vol.2

It's a similar batch of racket and ramshackle as before in Volume 1 but there's plenty more to be excited about. There's a terrific song from Nosferatu D2 that didn't quite make the album, an aching Benjamin Shaw murder ballad, Immortal Technique one of the world's best rappers makes mincemeat out of some of Ennio Morricone's greatest compositions and several other old or future classics.

Playlist:

Nosferatu D2 - Older, Wiser, Sadder (Non-LP)

Wilson Pickett - In The Midnight Hour

Frankie & The Heartstrings - Fragile

Neil & The Shocking Pinks - Payola Blues

Benjamin Shaw - Chocolate Girl

Paul Hawkins & The(e) Awkward Silences - I Believe In Karma

Immortal Technique (Feat. Breez Evaflowin) - Land Of The Gun

William Shatner - It Hasn't Happened Yet

Tune in and let us know what you think. If there's anyone you want us to consider for the next one, then drop us an e-mail!

Never Say DIY!

Jamie - Audio Antihero: Specialists in Commercial Suicide

www.audioantihero.com

Tangled Hair @ Brixton Windmill (17/07/2010)

Again, not a review, but just to say that I had a great time seeing Tangled Hair for the first time yesterday. They were really excellent and had some moments of serious beauty.

They feature core members of the excellent COLOUR and pick off *sort of* where they left of, but there's a unique frailty to Tangled Hair that makes them perhaps even a little more special. I don't know but if your 'math pop' jittery, noisy and megamotional - then you should listen to Tangled Hair.

They have a free EP available from - TangledHair.bandcamp.com

Give it a listen.

Also as the final notes rang I ran from the Brixton Windmill to make it to East Croydon's Green Dragon to see The Jonbarr Hinge (featuring Ben Parker of Nosferatu D2, which you should know by now) who were also really good.

Rock on everyone, Never Say DIY!

Jamie - Audio Antihero: Specialists in Commercial Suicide

www.audioantihero.com

The Jonbarr Hinge play The Green Dragon, Croydon tomorrow (17/07/2010)

Ben "The Musical Mountain" Parker's wonder crew (it isn't actually his band but we love him so much we can't help but give him an exaggerated amount of credit at all times) are playing their second gig tomorrow. Head over to The Green Dragon in Croydon. I assume it's going to be free as well.

Jonbarr Hinge on Myspace - HERE!

Gig info @ Songkick.com

In addition to Parker's famous deadpan (he was in Nosferatu D2 don't you know? And he's in Superman Revenge Squad! Whoa mama, etc) I'm most excited about hearing Sam's (Ex-Wilderness Years) wail and seeing Feezal's (Ex-KTD) very intense facial expressions.

Good band.

Beforehand, Benjamin Shaw and I will be record shopping in London and hoping to see Tall Ships & Tangled Hair at the Brixton Windmill's 'Alcopop Alldayer'.

SEE YOU IN THE PIT! (i.e Croydon...)

Jamie - Audio Antihero: Specialists in Commercial Suicide

www.audioantihero.com

Frankie & The Heartstrings?!

Frankie & The Heartstrings might be the future.

Now I'm fully aware that I'm fully behind the times all the time every time BUT I saw them yesterday at The Wichita Records 10th anniversary night with Johnny Foreigner (awesome!) and Los Campesinos! (wonderful!) and they really, really, really, really brought out a childish glee in me. I felt shockingly teenage, it was like a Subverse all-ages matinee gig all over again. I didn't even mind clapping during the instrumental bits!

They all looked like they should have been in different bands...but it was pretty perfect.

I recommend getting out and going to see them.

Lord knows what the future will hold or what their records are like (I bought everything I could find though!)...but for 30 minutes at least they were arguably the best band on the planet.

Go Frankie!

Listen out for a song from them on the next installment of Audio Antihero's "Never Say DIY!" Radio.

Jamie - Audio Antihero: Specialists in Commercial Suicide

www.audioantihero.com

P.S I was looking fly in my Nosferatu D2 t-shirt and someone even spoke to me.

Audio Antihero's "Never Say DIY!" Radio Vol.1!

It seems that my fifteen minutes of mumbling fame on Propaganda Radio's 'Audio Antihero takeover' (Listen again: HERE) has put the blood in the water and I'm a wee bit hungry for more of this radio lark.

Consequently I've put together:

AUDIO ANTIHERO'S "NEVER SAY DIY!" RADIO Vol.1!

Audio Antihero's "Never Say Diy!" Radio Vol.1 by Audioantihero on Mixcloud

There's no talking in the first installment, just awesome music। Which is almost certainly for the best!

Tune in for an old Stax classic, some Audio Antihero highlights, some stuff from some of our wonderful UK indies (I Blame The Parents, Copro, Southern/Rif Mountain) and possibly even a hint at a couple of future Audio Antihero releases... (shhhh!)

Playlist:

The Dramatics - Get Up And Get Down

Wartgore Hellsnicker - Ten To Two

Extradition Order - Islington Creeper

Benjamin Shaw - Somewhere Over The M6

The Owl Service - Katie Cruel

Earthtone9 - Star Damage (For Beginners)

Nosferatu D2 - Springsteen

Desertersdeservedeath - Love. Is. Terminal.

Fear Of Pop (Feat. William Shatner) - In Love / Still In Love (Unknown Remix)

Feedback is welcome.

Never Say DIY!,

Jamie - Audio Antihero: Specialists in Commercial Suicide

http://www.audioantihero.com/

Paul Hawkins & The(e) Awkward Silences

Paul Hawkins & Thee Awkward Silences are probably one of the best bands on the planet (how's that for an unbiased opening line?) and recently there has been a bit of news about them. I am here to update those who aren't smart enough to be on their mailing list.

Firstly, they're now called Paul Hawkins & The Awkward Silences.

Secondly, they're parting ways with Jezus Factory Records.

Both of these things make me sad. The first one because it makes my awesome t-shirt out of date (I don't really mind, it makes me retro) and the second one marks the end of a very wonderful chapter.

With Jezus Factory, Hawkins & Co released two of the best british albums in recent history "We Are Not Other People" and "Apologies To The Enlightenment" and a slew of utterly fantastic singles. Seemingly joined at the hip since their inception, I will be sad to see them part - but know that neither party will disappoint with their future antics.

You don't write songs like 'I've Had My Fun', 'Evil Thoughts', 'I Believe In Karma' or 'The Battle Is Over' by fluke and so I've no doubt that Hawkins will continue to ply his trade to excellent effect.

Jezus Factory are one of those unstoppably badass DIY labels and they've got a stacked roster of courageous musical deviants and they'll keep on "pushin' units" no doubt! They're a lovely bunch actually, they were kind enough to stock the Nosferatu D2 album & Benjamin Shaw EP (and our heroes The Extradition Order's LP) - we ought to return the favour someday soon.

If you want to see Paul Hawkins & The Awkward Silences live with the aforementioned Benjamin Shaw and Extradition Order then your ship has come in.

All three will be playing at SeeSound.co.uk's 'SeeSound Saturday' on July 31st at Peter Parker's Rock N Roll Club:

Facebook invitation: HERE.

But yes, I'll be awffy sad to see these DIY demons continuing on separate paths, but ultimately it's just good news that they're still out there and providing a racket.

Jamie - Audio Antihero: Specialists in Commercial Suicide

www.audioantihero.com

A message to the Music Industry from Audio Antihero...

No, we're not at all above using silly pictures from the internet that everyone has already seen.

Suck our dicks, we are sharks.

P.S You will of course need to click on the picture to get the full effect as blogspot is obsessed with proving its inferiority at every opportunity.