by
If you think the views of the NME and Melody Maker are gospel you might as
stop reading now and go and listen to your Blink182, King Adora and JJ72 CDs.
Hmm now I’m left with people who can actually make their own opinions I’ll
start.
nopassingphase will be a monthly(ish) column where I’ll write about little
known bands/artists that produce magnificent music. They probably won’t be
“the next big thing” as their music isn’t bland enough for daytime radio,
they’re not prettier enough to be on TV, oh and they actually have talent.
Despite them knowing there not going to make their millions making music
they’ll continue to entertain people around world just for fun or for the
satisfaction of making someone cry/smile/piss their pants.
Pop Threat - Pop Threat's first release was on Fierce Panda's 'Otter
Than July' compilation back in the summer of 1999, they then released a single
in April of this year called 'Amarantal Meltdown' on Mook. Their songs have been
played on both John Peel's and Steve Lamacq's shows on Radio 1 and received rave
reviews from fanzines. Since the release of their debut single, guitarist Rob
has left the band due to personal differences, the band have continued as a
foursome and recently played "their best gig ever" with Urusei
Yatsura. After Rob left they also went into the studio and managed to record six
songs, the new recording shows that they haven't lost any of their edge and that
they're one of the best British bands around at the moment.
Their mix of Sonic Youth experimentation, repetitive Urusei Yatsura-esque
twangy guitars and beautiful layered vocals à la Kim Deal/Tanya Donelly, is
Glorious you’ll love them.
*Recommended MP3: *D
4th S
*Websites: *Official or
Little Joe Zero – LJZ’s strength is their variety, The CD is a
bizarre collection of Radish-esque Grunge, cheesy stadium rock, acoustic numbers
and extremely funny (in an immature sorta way) Surf-rock. I’m not too sure
whether they’re trying to be funny but I can’t help but laugh. If you like
power chords, shouty vocals and a laugh you’ll probably like these Essex lads.
Recommended MP3: Down To
You
Websites: People
Sound
Herrod - Don’t worry there not a Mogwai tribute band, Herrod are
more like Seafood or Caretaker in that they combine schizophrenic angular
post-rock noise with emotive lyrics. The only downside to their music is that
the American influence is a bit too noticeable when their vocalist James Whipp
steps up to the mic. The only release so far is their amazing four track demo
which you can get from their website, but there due to feature on a few
compilations soon.
Recommended MP3: Sat
Down Beside Her
Websites: Official
Teflon Monkey - Teflon Monkey is also known as Rhodri Viney, an 18
year old from Wales. He started playing guitar to relieve the boredom of living
in a little village called Bargoed, and his first album was aptly titled
‘Bedroom Boredom’. His second album was called ‘Singing Daffodil’
which both Super Furry Animals and Gorky’s loved, Gorky’s got him to support
them for the Reading warm up gigs and SFA are due to release his debut EP 'Now
wash your hands' on
their Placid Casual label. His heart melting acoustic folk is reminiscent
of Bobby Conn, Nick Drake or Stephen Merritt. I wonder what would of happened if Bargoed
had a news agents that stocked porno mags?
Recommended MP3:
Websites: Official
San Lorenzo – Argh what can I say? San Lorenzo are a three-piece
from the Black Country (it’s south of Birmingham) they’ve been around since
1997 when their previous band Fused split. They’ve released two singles and an
album as well as playing a total of 27 gigs all over the UK including support
slots for Idlewild, Unwound and Hirameka Hi-Fi. Their highly regarded album
‘Nothing New Ever Works’ had fanzines comparing them to Karate, Fugazi, Yo
La Tengo, The Delgados, Joan of Arc, Rainer Maria, Seafood, Sonic Youth, Mogwai,
Nirvana, Shellac, Radar Brothers and Quickspace, not bad huh? Their next gig
will be the Bearos Spectacular the Custard Factory on the 26th where they’ll
be selling their marvellous new single ‘Sports Biscuits’ which has to be a
contender for single of the year.
Recommended MP3: n/a
Websites: Official
So that’s that, if you download a MP3 or if you want to recommend a band
please leave a comment. If you’re a Blink182, King Adora or JJ72 fan... why
are you still reading? and please don't make a fool of yourself by saying they
produce deep and meaningful music and I’m gay for not liking them **
