Portsmouth club night Beats & Swing has this week released details of some Easter treats which, I know, seems a wee bit early given we're not out of January yet (I blame Cadbury's, my local corner shop had Creme Eggs in stock whilst I still had my Christmas tree up). However, given the line-up thus far announced, you'd be advised to get your tickets early before they up and disappear.
Traditionally Maundy Thursday is when HM The Queendispenses alms to deserving citizens (and civil servants across the land spend an afternoon in the pub), this year though it also sees Madame Electrifie, the alter-ego of Techno DJLittle Jo, take control of the ones-and-twos at Southsea's premier bijou art space, the Coastguard Studio. Little Jo has played some of the UK’s leading venues in the near 15 years she's been behind the decks, including legendary clubs Turnmillsand Ministry. Support on the night comes from Wesley Brown and The Feel Good. After such an entertaining opener it's lucky that Good Friday provides ample opportunity for a recovery lay-in (and/or a restorative beverage or two) before the doors of the Coastguard open wide again. The second night of the Easter Weekender is headlined by chap-hop originator, the wax moustachioed MC straight out of Cheam, the one and only Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer. If you've not encountered chap-hop before any explanation I could give would pale in comparison to hearing it the first time. Trust me, you're in for a treat. Support on the night comes from Bass-playing troubadour Grant Sharkey and Portsmouth singer-songwriter Dani Uziel.
Tickets go on sale at 10am prompt tomorrow morning, Friday 25th January, via Book.Events. A Weekender pass is available, providing access to both nights, priced at a very reasonable £18 or, alternatively, tickets for either night can be purchased separately for £10 each. And yes, I think this will sell out well ahead of time.
Albert Road will be alive with the sound of music this weekend; if Sunday's charity event at the Wedgewood Rooms is the feel-good coda, Saturday's Dials Festival is the magnum opus. Dials 2018 takes place across five venues on Southsea's favourite thoroughfare, all conveniently within ambling distance of each other, with a hand-picked selection of acts performing. The organisers' sterling efforts have produced a line-up that is fair full to the brim with aural delights and, after some poring over the event's Clashfinderthis week, I think I've just about worked what my pick of the pops are (one of whom, Yassassin, have unfortunately had to withdraw under doctor's orders), so without further ado here are the bands I'm looking forward to seeing at Dials 2018: Temples of Youth (The Wine Vaults, 1330-1355) Jo Carson and Paul Gummaare Temples of Youth, purveyors of moody yet delicate electronica that combines gorgeous vocals, synthesizers and guitar. They've received airplay locally via BBC Introducing and nationally on both BBC Radio 1 (Huw Stephens) and BBC 6 Music (Steve Lamacq). Did I mention that they're excellent? No? Oh, well they are so you should make sure you're at the Vaults in plenty of time to see them.
Dani Uziel (Bar Acapulco, 1400-1430) Portsmouth singer-songwriter Danihas played several of the city's smaller venues over the past year, garnering plaudits and gaining fans along the way. Lauran Hibberd (The Loft, 1445-1520) If, like me, you like a mix of snarky lyrics and fuzzed-up guitar, you should direct your feet to The Loft (above The Kings pub) for Lauran Hibberd's set. Whilst her earlier material had a more delicate, folky feel the newer material rocks out a treat (will there be moshing during Call Shotgun? Hopefully).
Curxes(The Loft, 1700-1730) At first listenCurxes' sophomore album, Gilded Cage, appears to be a mellower affair than 2015's Verxes. Yet, as the album unfolds, it soon becomes apparent that a dark and melancholic heart beats beneath the gorgeous synths and crisp production. A soundtrack waiting for an as-yet-unmade Netflix dystopian sci-fi fantasy? Definitely.
Krush Puppies (The Loft, 1900-1930) London's Krush Puppies have a line of grungy fuzzed-up rock that's hard not to like, catch them at Dials ahead of their set at The Great Escape's FirstFifty gig in Hoxton next month. Of course, one of the things about festival is the clash and, yes, Krush Puppies clash with... Horseflies (Bar Acapulco, 1900-1930) Take a pinch of Deluxe Flamingoes, add a soupçon of Attack! Vipers! and what do you have? Horseflies. Lovely lovely Horseflies. Bokito(The Wine Vaults, 1930-2000) Once the clashes start there's no stopping them; so it is then that Bokito, hirsute suppliers of memorably quirky indie pop, are on at the same time as another band I'm hoping to see. Will Bokito have the edge as they appear to be named after a somewhat anti-social gorilla? Possibly. Vinyl Staircase (Edge of The Wedge, 1930-2000) Is there much to do in Dorking after dark? I don't know. I do, however, know that a vinyl staircase sounds very much like the kind of interior design that I'd splurge on should I ever win the lottery. Therefore the sound of Vinyl Staircase, which has a roll to its rock, appeals to me.
Fröst(Edge of The Wedge, 2030-2100) Skipping gently past the three-way clash that is the scheduling of Lice, Breath Paneland Thyla(a clash which might require a roshambo to make a decision on) we arrive at Fröst. This Brighton-based duo have received national airplay on BBC 6 Music, with their glacial electronica finding favour with Guy Garvey, Gideon Coe and Lauren Laverne. So, I really don't to sell that one, do I?
Estrons(The Wedgewood Rooms, 2100-2130) I must confess that I'm somewhat on the fence when it comes to Estronswhich, given my appalling centre of gravity, makes for wild teetering between love and hate feelings towards them and their brand of indie. Whilst singer Tali is, frankly, devastatingly good in the vocal department I do wonder if, without her presence, the band would just be another indie outfit. Harsh? Possibly, though I'm still keenly looking forward to hearing the album.
Art School Girlfriend (The Wine Vaults, 2130-2200) The Margate-based Art School Girlfriend (known to her chums as Polly) is preparing for her headline set at the Vaults tomorrow by a sold out show at St Pancras Old Churchtonight. This is a set I'm very much looking forward to, a dark and atmospheric way to end my Dials experience (well, until I get a second-wind and head back to the Wedge for Tigercub).
And there we have it, a selection of bands that I'm really looking forward to see (and, in some cases, see again) at Dials 2018. That isn't to say that the rest of the acts on the packed line-up aren't to my taste, far from; I'm also hoping to see Mystic Peach, Fake Empire, Los Bitchos, Grace Savage... err, maybe I need to rework my recommendations? Oh dear. Regardless of who you or I see all of the artists on the bill are deserving of our support, as is the festival itself, and if I could splice myself into several clones I'd see all of the bands on all of the stages. Perhaps one day it might be possible, for now though I'll have to be that guy scuttling between the stages, Clashfinder clutched to sausage-fingered hand, trying not to miss any of the wonderful music. I can't wait.
The lovely folks behind Dialshave announced some additions to the bill of their multi-venue one-day festival. Rounding out an already packed line-up of new music are London bands Yassassin and Krush Puppies, Brighton synth-pop duo Fröst, singer/beatboxer Grace Savage and Portsmouth singer-songwriters Megan Linford and Dani Uziel. All this and more for the bargain price of just £16? You'd be silly not to really.
In keeping with my 'festival as a feast' metaphor, if Friday was the appetiser and Saturday the main course, Victorious' Sunday line-up is a large, heaped dessert trolley accompanied by an epic cheeseboard, full as it is with succulent musical treats and savoury moments. In fact, so large in number are the options available I've had to split my recommendations list in two. First up, covering the best things to see from gates open until seven o'clock, is the sweet selection.. Me & The Moon (Common Stage, 1215-1245) (Seaside Stage, 2130-2200) If you're feeling a wee bit jaded after yesterday's festival fun, suffering after one too many expensive pints of lager, the mellow indie-stylings of this Guildford duo are the very thing to start your Victorious Sunday (alternatively, if you're seeing them later in the day, they'll help calm your nerves after Keith Flint has scared you)
Fugitive Orchestra (Showcase Stage, 1230-1300) Fugitive Orchestra, the pseudonym of James Tattington, is not so much a one-man band as a beat-boxing, guitar-looping philharmonic.
Gomez (Common Stage, 1315-1400) In the 20 years since Gomez won the Mercury Prize(yes, it was really that long ago) the Southport posse have released another 6 studio albums, toured extensively and, in the process, added a large American contingent to their fan-base via the US college circuit. The band are celebrating the 20th birthday of Bring It On the band with an anniversary tour, on which their Victorious appearance is a stop.
Soul 45 (Beats & Swing Tent, 1415-1515) (Soul Circus Tent, 2020-2140) Southampton's premier vinyl only suppliers of funk, soul and dance music. Prepare to swing your pants..
Jerry Williams(Castle Stage, 1500-1530) A few years ago, at The Great Escape, I left the dark depths of Sticky Mike's with Kassassin Street ringing joyfully in my ears, and stumbled across a talented singer-songwriter playing in a yard across the way. It was Jerry Williams and, liking what I heard, I ensured I caught her afternoon slot in a tent on the Old Steine later that day (where, to an audience that included her Mum, she played a jaw-dropping cover of Bump'n'Grind). Since then Jerry has plugged away, touring further and wider, refining her craft and growing her legion of fans with every gig. Fingers crossed she makes it back from her mini tour of Europe (!) in time...
Marika Hackman (Common Stage, 1520-1550) 2017's I'm Not Your Man was one of my favourite long players of last year, pitching exquisite vocals with wry lyrics and catchy melodies, so this is a set I'm very much looking forward to (although, as much as I hope to hear her Nirvana cover, I think I'll be disappointed).
Sink or Soar (Real Ale Stage, 1530-1600) Rising like from the ashes of the excellent (and much missed) B of The Bang, Sink or Soar feature Wit's unmistakeable vocals and playful lyrics.
Dani Uziel (Acoustic Stage, 1550-1620) Is it just me or, of late, is Portsmouth excelling itself at producing talented singer-songwriters?
The Orielles (Castle Stage, 1600-1630) Over the years the minster town of Halifax has given much to the world; John Noakes, Big Daddy, Sarah Blackwood, Quality Street, Ed Sheeran (yes, I know) and even one of the Thompson Twins. All from Halifax. The latest delight to come from that part of West Yorkshire are The Orielles. H'mm, there must be something in the water up North...
The Bluetones (Common Stage, 1620-1650) Purveyors of melodic indie tunes, Mark Morriss and chums have been resident on the alternative music landscape for a long time. If memory serves they're no longer recording/releasing new material, so expect an uplifting set of old favourites.
Gengahr (Castle Stage, 1700-1730) Apparently take their name from a poison Pokémon, really, this London four-piece produce a satisfying blend of pop and psychedelia. I like both of those, and I like Gengahr.
The Amazons (Common Stage, 1720-1805) Ignoring the leather and long hair clichés for a second, these Reading rockers have been feted by the likes of the NMEand BBC Radio 1. To be honest their a bit of a wildcard entry on mny list...
Tuba Libres (Beats & Swing Tent, 1730-1815) Trust me, you never realised it but there is a tuba-shaped hole in your life. A talented bunch of chaps from Southampton who will most definitely put a smile on your face.
That's it for part one of my Victorious Sunday preview, part two should (!) be appearing tomorrow so be sure to pop back. Now, go make a nice cup of tea and have a sit down, you need to be ready for the weekend.
