Royal Blood - Live Review

Royal Blood - Riverside, Newcastle (28/10/14)

Callum Thornhill

A number one debut album? Yes.

Sold out the full UK in under two minutes? Yes.

Supported Arctic Monkeys? Yes.

How can just TWO men make so much noise? My honest answer is I don't know.

Royal Blood brought their combination of just a drum kit and bass guitar to the Riverside, Newcastle, last night and made one hell of a noise.

These tickets were possibly the most sought after this year and I was lucky enough to get one.

There is a very small chance that I'll ever get to witness Royal Blood playing in such an intimate venue ever again so there was no way I would sell mine, regardless of the fact that they were being touted for FOUR times the face value!

Supported by Turbowolf, who have also supported Pulled Apart By Horses, it was always going to be a very hot and sweaty gig.

Mike Kerr (bass/vocals) and Ben Thatcher (drums) opened with Hole (B-side to hit Little Monster) and as the night progressed they stormed through their debut album.

Hole was followed up by Come On Over - the first record of theirs I bought. Unreal scenes in the crowd as the combination of instruments flowed perfectly.

34 channels were used by just TWO band members, crazy to think that! However, it was clear to see how by the amount of effects that were present within both Kerr's vocals and bass.

Little Monster and Loose Change were included in the set list but the highlight of the evening was Careless. Easily my favourite by Royal Blood due to the fact it is such a foot tapper - the music entices you and you don't have a choice whether you dance or not.

Ten Tonne Skeleton was the most well received by the Newcastle crowd though. Possibly the song of 2014 went down a treat and folk were still singing it while we were waiting to meet the band post-gig.

It was with Out Of The Black that Royal Blood wrapped a perfect performance that will leave my ears ringing for a long time. Kerr extending the outro with a killer bass solo allowed Thatcher to go crowd surfing.

It was all fun and games until someone stole his shoe!

(He later got this back after tracking the 'thief' down via Twitter).

Overall, Royal Blood were phenomenal and I'd love to see them again. However, I can't see them coming back to Newcastle or the north east anytime soon. Shame!

Were you there? Are you seeing them this tour? If so, let me know your thoughts via Twitter here

Ed Sheeran - Live Review

Ed Sheeran - Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle (25/10/14)

Callum Thornhill

How does a man with just ONE guitar manage to fill a full arena? Simple answer; because he is one of the best British talents of a generation.

Ed Sheeran came to Newcastle for the first time since his 2012 tour. Last time he played the City Hall - a suitable venue considering he had only just released his first studio album.

This time however, he played the famous Metro Radio Arena - a capacity of 11,000. Understandable seeing as since his last visit, Sheeran has sold out arenas worldwide.

On a night where the north east of England played host to Sam Smith, John Cooper Clarke, Lisbon, AND Little Comets it was Ed Sheeran who played to the highest crowd and oh boy was it worth missing poetic genius Cooper Clarke for.

Supported by the massively talented Saint Raymond (who I saw at Leeds festival) and Jamie Lawson (who I had admittedly never heard of), these set a very high standard for Sheeran.

Opening with I'm A Mess from latest album X, the night was sure to be a success.

Combining hits from X with debut album Plus, Sheeran used his typically crowd engaging presence to fill the full stage that had been played on by Paolo Nutini the night before. A great two nights for music in Newcastle!

'Breakthrough hit' The A Team was included in the set list along with massive hits Lego House and Drunk from Plus. The more heartfelt Kiss Me was requested by a member of the crowd and Sheeran proceeded to play it - another way he continues to please his fans.

This tour was mainly to showcase X and the setlist consisted of hits like Tenerife Sea, Don't, and Thinking Out Loud - where he encouraged fans to ballroom dance like he does in the music video. Fantastic scenes.

As always, Ed Sheeran's penultimate track was You Need Me, I Don't Need You. The extended version that seems to last an eternity was of course performed by the fiery haired musician.

It was the comebacks single Sing that closed the show. Accompanied by only his loop pedal to create the backing instrumentation it was to my sheer delight to catch this live.

Ed Sheeran is a real performer who never fails to put on a mind-blowing show - both through his music and the visual display behind him. Always a pleasure catching him live.

Here is a snippet of Give Me Love that I recorded last night...

The Turning - Settle For That

The Turning - Settle For That - album review

Callum Thornhill

The Turning are the latest mod inspired band aiming to make a hit within the music industry.

The West-London four piece have already toured with The Strypes as well as playing live shows in Ireland, Belgium, Spain and France.

However, it is their mini album Settle For That that the band are hoping will help them musically conquer the world.

The lead single of the same title as the album was released 15th July 2014 on BBrat Records. Combining both edgy instrumentation and witty lyrics, it is clear to see the energy and passion displayed by lead singer Luke McLaughlin.

The full album consists of tracks that would sound phenomenal live, in particular track 6 Shake. This drum based foot tapper brilliantly demonstrates the band's ability to perfectly compose their music.

There is a very 'sixties' feel to every track and the guitar performances from McLaughlin and David Bardon compliments Ruben Kenton-Harris' drumming. No band though is complete without a slick bassist - Louis Gilbert fills that hole for The Turning.

No tracks are over three minutes long, this allows to band to leave their music short and sweet. Listeners are also left pining for more this way. The shortest track is I'm Out at just 2 minutes and 8 seconds whereas the longest is Clear Of My Mind at a slightly longer 2 minutes 45 seconds.

It is evident that The Turning have toured with fellow Irishmen The Strypes. Settle For That has a very similar feel to The Strpes debut album Snapshot.

 It is very difficult for any band inspired by the 60's mod and 70's punk to create a unique sound and not be compared to bands of the same genre. However, The Turning have done a great job at trying.

For a debut album, not one song can be criticised and listeners shouldn't skip a track on Settle For That.

Overall, I feel that The Turning are an exciting prospect for British music and I imagine that you will be seeing them on tour before long.

Contacts from UK, USA, France, and Japan are all massively interested in The Turning and have all planned gigs for 2015. If they play near you, I strongly advise going to see them before they become massive and you miss out!

The band are always maturing and will only get bigger!

Listen to single Settle For That now HERE

Doctor Martens

Dr Martens

The most iconic brand of footwear to add a certain style to an image.

Doctor Martens are something that I have always wanted but never really had the cash nor confidence to get a pair.

However, a couple of weeks ago I decided to risk it and invest in a pair. The decision of which ones to buy was a toughie.

Do I go for the simple black or ox blood shoes? Do I get a bizarre pattern? Do I get a vibrant colour?

The possibilities were endless.

It was only when looking on the official Doctor Martens website that I found the most beautiful pair of shoes I've ever seen (image above).

I knew then that these shoes were going to be my first ever pair of Doctor Marten shoes. It made it even better that they had been reduced by £35 in the sale to £75. Absolute bargain.

I quite like my psychedelic art so these shoes were ideal. Another ideal factor was that they are weatherproof. Considering I only have suede shoes, Doctor Martens are a great addition to my never ending collection of shoes.

Do you have a pair of Doctor Martens? If so, share your thoughts on them and how you wear them with me on Twitter - @CAL4EVEREVER

Jake Bugg - Live Review

Photo by Hudson Taylor

Jake Bugg - First Direct Arena, Leeds (19/10/14)

Callum Thornhill

Jake Bugg for £15 a ticket in an arena. It would be rude not to go to for that price, wouldn't it?

Traveling to Leeds for the first time since the festival, this gig was the perfect excuse for me to return to the city.

This was the first arena I've been to since seeing the Who last year and I didn't know what to expect seeing Jake Bugg in a 13,000 capacity venue. I certainly wasn't disappointed though!

Supported by Hudson Taylor (who were phenomenal) and Skinny Living (who I missed), £15 seemed too good to be true for this event.

It was 100% genuine though!

Playing tracks from both the self titled debut album, and hits from latest LP, Shangri La, the arena was packed from bottom to top.

How has Jake Bugg sold out the First Direct Arena? Simple answer - because he is the best British talent we've had for a long time.

Ballad Of Mr Jones being played was the highlight of my night/life. Easily my favourite track by Bugg, closely followed by opening track Messed Up Kids.

The gig was going from strength to strength with classics Seen It All, Two Fingers, and Song About Love being performed.

The moment most fans had waited for was the final song of the night. Lightning Bolt. The crowd were singing along, dancing, and hugging each other. Marvelous scenes.

The 5 Best Opening Tracks To An Album

Five best opening tracks...

With an album, it is the opening song that can either bring in or lose an audience. A musician has three minutes or so to make an impact.

Here I have decided which five opening tracks make this impact the best.

5) The Cribs - Hey Scenesters! (The New Fellas)

One of the greatest 'indie' tracks and bands of a generation. The opening track of Hey Scenesters sets the standard for the rest of the 2005 release from the Wakefield band.

With hard hitting instrumentation combined with the witty lyrics, it is hard to pick faults with this album, and Hey Scenesters in particular.

4) Oasis - Rock n Roll Star (Definitely Maybe)

Being more than a band, Oasis were a representation for a generation and their debut album Definitely Maybe gave lyrics for the working class to relate to.

Rock n Roll Star is no exception, symbolising living for the weekend and being a musician in your spare time then going back to your 9-5 weekday job is shown here.

Being one of many tracks where Liam supplies the vocals, it is impossible to dislike this opening track.

3) The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now (Libertines)

The best British album of all time? Perhaps. In my opinion it is a truly flawless album and opening track Can't Stand Me Now showcases the brilliance of the Pete Doherty's lyrical ability.

Admittedly, any track from the 2004 recording would have been a mind-blowing opening but Can't Stand Me Now is brilliant. Being released as a single prior to the album release, the fans knew exactly what they were getting when checking the track list before listening.

2) The Smiths - The Headmaster Ritual (Meat Is Murder)

The Smiths. The best band of all time in my opinion.

Talking about Morrissey's experiences from school, The Headmaster Ritual is a track that has the ability to relate to listeners from the same era who also attended schools ran by 'belligerent ghouls.'

Before diving into the classics of 'Nowhere Fast' and ' That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore', the opening is phenomenal as you'd expect from the Smiths.

1) The Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored (The Stone Roses)

From the opening note, the album becomes a real 'foot tapper' and it is almost impossible not to get the urge to dance along to the Stone Roses.

This is no doubt the best debut album of all time so I guess I Wanna Be Adored is the best opening track ever as well. In their baggy dress sense it is saddening to think about all the live gigs the Stone Roses played in the early days since the 1989 release of this marvelous album.

John Squire's guitar playing is ridiculously brilliant, playing second fiddle only to Johnny Marr as the best British guitarist of all time.

These are, in my opinion, the best openings ever.

Can you think of any tracks that open an album better than these?

Arctic Monkeys? Oasis? The Beatles? 

Let me know your thoughts on these on Twitter - @CAL4EVEREVER

My favourite albums

My favourite albums

I am quite an easygoing guy when it comes to music. However, there are certain bands that I love and others that I simply can't stand. This post focuses on my five favourite albums of all time, in reverse order...

5) The Strokes - Is This It

 The Strokes have always been one of them bands that people have raved about on social networking. I find though it is impossible to let others describe a band to you until you've heard it yourself.

From the opening chord to the final fade out, the Strokes have here released a phenomenal record that should never have a track skipped.

My personal favourites from this release are 'Someday' (cliche, I know), 'Barely Legal', and 'Alone, Together'.

4) Catfish and the Bottlemen - The Balcony

Am I allowed to add a band who only released their debut album last month to my favourite ever albums? If not, tough. This is a 'strange' album. Strange in this instance meaning that I had heard eight of the eleven tracks on The Balcony before it was released.

However, it was the three tracks (Hourglass, Business, and 26) that I hadn't heard that are incredible.

I have seen Catfish and the Bottlemen three times already this year and seeing them again in November. This is as well as having booked to see them four times in 2015.

My personal favourites from this release are 'Cocoon', 'Business', and 'Tyrants'.

3) The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten

I first discovered Handwritten during an advert just before the release of the album. It was kind of a 'wow, I don't know who they are but I love that sound.'

After finally finding it was the Gaslight Anthem, I bought the album on iTunes for a bargain of £4.99 after receiving a £15 gift card for Christmas. Very useful.

Since then it has been the album that I can listen to at any time, place, or situation. The album must be played in full for the listener to get the most out of it.

My personal favourites from this release are 'Mulholland Drive', 'National Anthem', and 'Howl'.

2) The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses

I imagine that the Stone Roses' debut album will be the favourite album of millions of people up and down the country. I am no different and find this album sublime. Not one song is a flaw to the 1989 album and there are few things better than listening to the album in full.

Considering this band are the reason that Oasis formed it is clear to see how powerful this release was.

Being able to dance to every track is a real treat and the music truly does inject itself into your limbs from the first note of I Wanna Be Adored.

My personal favourites from this release are 'Bye Bye Badman', Shoot You Down', and all eight minutes of 'I Am The Resurrection'.

1) The Smiths - Hatful Of Hollow

This is a compilation album. I am well aware of this but it is the first smiths record I ever bought and I have been in love with them ever since. Combining single versions and John Peel session versions it is impossible to dislike any track on this album.

The Smiths are undoubtedly my favourite band of all time so I felt it only right to select Hatful Of Hollow as my number one album. I would describe this album as 'the record for any occasion.'

This somehow only reached number seven in the charts after the 1984 original release. A clear number one in my eyes...

My personal favourites from this release are 'This Charming Man (John Peel)', 'Still Ill (John Peel)', and 'How Soon Is Now?'

I hope you have enjoyed discovering more about my music taste.

If you have any comments, or want to tell me your favourite five albums, you can Tweet me them - @CAL4EVEREVER

Sound It Out

Sound It Out Records

Without a doubt my favourite shop in the north east of England.

Regardless of what music you're into, there is always a wide selection for you at Sound It Out Records, Stockton.

Personally I love the older pieces that the shop offers.

My star buys from there is an original Hatful of Hollow by the Smiths, 1989 pressing of Stone Roses' debut LP, and the more recent release of Mirror Kissers by the Cribs.

Vinyl is something that I am passionate about and having a record store between my hometown and university is wonderful. Sound It Out is on the bus route so when I have free time (and spare cash, of course) I find myself in there.

The staff are wonderfully friendly and all sorts of crazy characters tend to come and go. There is always a strange music choice being played over the speakers, 99% of the time I've never heard it.

If you're ever in the north east I highly recommend coming here - you never know what gems you'll find.

Down in the tube station at (not quite) midnight

London Tube

I managed to get this shot on the London Tube last December.

Considering I only used an iPhone 4 camera I think it turned out pretty well...

Gigs

Gigs - a must for live music enthusiasts

Photo by Deanna Barlow @ Courteeners, Shepherds Bush

I have a fair few gigs coming up for the end of 2014 so I thought I'd do a very brief explanation why I am going to them...

I'll explain my 2015 gigs in another post later.

Jake Bugg - 19th October, Leeds

After seeing Jake Bugg at Leeds Festival this year, I HAD to see him again. When he announced a gig in Leeds for £15 I knew that this was the opportunity to see him again. I rather ambitiously put a Tweet out asking someone to buy me a ticket. To my astonishment someone actually did. This was wonderful. I am actually going to see the greatest guitarist since Johnny Marr again!

Ed Sheeran - 25th October, Newcastle

My brother bought the tickets for this gig. We saw him in Doncaster in 2012 and he was phenomenal, it'll be fantastic to hear his new album on this tour. However, on the same night Little Comets, John Cooper Clarke, and Lisbon are all playing in the north east so I'm a bit gutted about missing those. Saint Raymond is supporting Sheeran, I saw Saint Raymond at Leeds and he was great, his new single I Want You is amazing. Should be a great all round show.

Royal Blood - 28th October, Newcastle

The gig of the year. In years to come people will wish they went to this gig. I was lucky enough to blag a pre-sale code so didn't have to struggle on general sale. Very fortunate as the full UK sold out in less than two minutes. For a two piece these create a lot of noise. I'm very much looking forward to hearing their number one debut album in the flesh.

The Kooks - 3rd November, Newcastle

My friend managed to get me a ticket for this so it is very last minute. The Kooks were one of the bands that I listened to a lot growing up so finally being able to see them live will be no doubt one of the highlight of my life. Both the classics and the new album will sound amazing - I missed them at Leeds Festival to see You Me At Six (no regrets at all) so this gig is a definite must! 

Courteeners - 6th November, Newcastle

Without a doubt one of the best live bands I've ever seen. I have already saw them three times and they constantly get better. First time I saw them was in Shepherds Bush, London after traveling 250 miles down on a cold December Tuesday. Well worth it, someone even set a flare off inside the venue! Then I saw them two days later at the Middlesbrough Empire (my favourite venue in the world). Since then their new album Concrete Love has came out and I've saw them at Leeds Festival. Very excited.

Catfish & the Bottlemen - 15th November, Newcastle

My favourite band in the world. After listening to Homesick a very long time ago I feel like I have also been on the journey with the band. Seeing them four times already in 2014 and having gigs booked for them in 2015 at Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, and London it is clear that I am a dedicated fan for this band. Their album is fantastic and the response will be unreal. This is another sellout - well deserved.

Temples - 11th December, Newcastle

I have waited for a long time for Temples to come back to the north east. As soon as it was announced I knew I HAD to go. This was an unmissable, their album Sun Structures is easily one of my favourites and it is one of the few where it is impossible to skip a track. I hope to meet James Bagshaw after the gig. I can tell it is going to be amazing already.

Bombay Bicycle Club - 12th December, Newcastle

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't only going because Peace are supporting. Yeah, Bombay Bicycle Club are great and everything but I've only just started listening to them. Peace however have had my long time admiration. I suppose I better listen to more Bombay songs. Everyone I went to Leeds with went to see them and said they were the best band of the weekend. This is going to be interesting.

 

Charity Shops

The most underrated type of shop in the world

Image from http://www.21stcenturychallenges.org/

You say thrift shop, I say expensive charity shop.

They are pretty much the same sort of shop. You pick up vintage items that make you look hip and cool. The only difference is that charity shops cost a hell of a lot less.

My hometown of Hartlepool (in the grim north east) is full of charity shops. You find the wackiest clothes in there - especially Epilepsy Outlook.

I picked up this fur collared coat just after Christmas from there for a cool £3. Without a doubt the best purchase I have ever made.

You also find band shirts for everyone and anyone. I got a Goo Goo Dolls (had that Iris song that has been covered a ridiculous amount of times) 2006 tour shirt for £3.

Why pay more just because the shop is advertising itself as a thrift shop but selling the same sort of clothes as charity shop? Help out a local cause and get some groovy clothing in the process.

This Harrison Koisser-esque fur coat is something I spotted when in town earlier. At a bargain £20 you won't find a fur coat cheaper than this in the whole UK (probably). Although it was on the women clothing rail I'd be very tempted to wear it myself..

Recently more people have discovered the joys of charity shops and creating a more vintage look to their appearance. Personally I love them, always have since the days of being a bairn and going down with my uncle on a Saturday morning and buying toys for next to nowt.

Nowadays though, it is the clothing that is found in there that is more appealing to me. I attended Leeds Festival this year and was worrying about ruining my clothes. Problem solved. Go rummaging through all the charity shops and buy a full suitcase of clothes.

I managed to get a cagoule and endless shirts to take. I wasn't worried about them being spoiled. Panic was over and I could enjoy the festival in full.

Peace

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the two new Peace records, fully signed by the band.

If the first two singles, including B-sides 'Flirting USA' and 'Fur'  are standard setters for the new album I'm very much looking forward to hearing it. Sadly however, unlike previous singles the records weren't released onto picture discs. Shame.

Money and Lost On Me were able to be listened to just before their May/June tour this year so fans were able to hear them showcased there. Festival goers (including myself) had the chance to hear magnificent live performances since Peace officially put them out there.

Both singles portray the groovy vibe that Peace always give off but include a feeling of maturity that has been developed since the days of their In Love LP was released. Admittedly, I wasn't massively keen on Lost On Me at first but ordered it almost instantly as I knew I'd fall in love with it. Obviously I did. Money though was an instant hit and I've found myself singing it (badly and loudly) in the shower most of the time.

The fact that these records are signed makes me very happy. Very nice of the guys at Peace to do this.

Hopefully they'll do this with the new album too.