soundCHECK 37 – March 11th 2010

Like innumerable others, my working day is serenaded by BBC Radio 1.

This is not out of choice. The stubborn old work radio only tunes-in to two stations: the aforementioned mindless-pop-merry-go-round, and Classic FM. And while the soothing strings and polite presenters of Classic FM create a refreshingly peaceful work environment, there’s only so much baroque harpsichord a man can take.

What I should be doing is listening to BBC 6 Music. That’s more my cup of tea. But I fear that by the time the work-Gods answer the prayer for a shiny DAB Digital radio, 6 Music will have been taken off air; slain by the Beeb’s money-saving cull.

I don’t get it. 6 Music reportedly costs £5 million a year to run. They’ve just saved £6 million a year by axing Jonathan Ross. Why not use that money to fund 6 Music? At least then it could be proved once and for all that Ross’s time on our screens wasn’t a wedundant waste of time.

Or how about doing away with Radio 1 altogether? The immolation of the nation’s second favourite radio station would easily prompt enough savings to fund 6 Music and its partner in the stocks: The Asian Network. It would mean an end to days filled by the aural horror show that is Lady Gaga, and it would free up Fearne Cotton to get back on her bike and cycle down to North Devon to take up a post as my PA.

Those that share a daily digest of Radio 1 will notice that Mumford & Sons are a favourite on the playlist. If you like what you hear, you will be pleased to know that they have been announced to play the ever-brilliant Eden Sessions on July 2nd, supporting Doves. Tickets went on sale a few days ago.

Turning to local action, this week fires a barrage of gigs. Baltic Sirens support London synth-kids Live Like Lions and Bristol-based Locarnos for Generator at Inn On The Square on Friday (12th); clashing with the beefed up synth-punk of The Dead Betas at Appledore’s Social and the bluesy swagger of Tied Loose at The Olive Branch; but The Dead Betas are good enough to do their bit for the dilemma-struck local music fan and play again on Saturday (13th) at The Old Barn in Bickington with Volcanicore.

Tequila Rockin’ Bird play at The Palladium in Bideford, also on Saturday (13th); and if you fancy a little out of town action, Breaks Collective play at The Phoenix in Exeter as part of the Vibraphonic festival on Monday (15th) and Jonny:Black head to The Perfect 5th in Taunton next Thursday (18th).

Happy Mother’s Day, you Mothers!

soundCHECK 18 – October 29th 2009

It’s Hallowe’en on Saturday. Most of you will either be preparing to shower minors with sweets in deference to their empty threats as they trick-or-treat their teeth away; desperately trying to squirm out of the icy clutches of fear long enough to batten down the hatches in a bid to stave off fiendish spirits; or trying hard not to laugh as you adorn your over-excited offspring with some preposterous Hallowe’en get up.

For those of you that don’t fall into any of the above categories, Generator Promotions are offering an appetising, though appropriately Hallowe’en-esque alternative.

Forego your fiendish endeavours and get to Inn On The Square where Locarnos, The Volt, 4 or 5 Magicians, and G. Rat And The Alley Cats are all performing a live musical concert for your aural and visual pleasure.

Counting The Futureheads among their growing legion of fans, and with recent high profile gigs supporting The Subways, The Volt’s strident brand of indie-rock-laced-with-Bluesy-goodness features a compelling vocalist and is custom-built to whip YOU into frenzied appreciation.

Meanwhile, apart from suffering from an apparent inability to confidently estimate crowdsizes, 4 Or 5 Magicians ply a quirky but infectious variety of lo-fi, feel-good indie, replete with highly literate and engaging couplets that cascade from vocalist Dan Ormsby’s mouth-bits.

Hallowe’en fancy dress is pretty much essential and, if last year is anything to go by, it will be a quality night. Doors are at 8pm, 16+, £4 on the door.

Exhibiting an admirable passion for getting linguistically creative, though with questionable results, are The Village Inn in Lynmouth who are jumping head first into the Hallowe’en spirit by hosting an “Open Fright Night” on
Saturday 31st. I’m assuming this is a cunning renaming of their standard “Open Mic Night”, and not an open invitation for revellers and wrong-doers to take it in turns to try and terrify a pub full of punters into a crippling fear.

Come to think of it that does sound quite fun, maybe I’m onto something…

Happy Hallowe’en!