.jpg)
Happy New Year and all that gumph. Since it’s 2011 and I now am the proud owner of an awesome new Flip HD camera (thanks so much Faridah! x), I thought it would be a good time to resurrect my much loved (by me at least) live video blog Strike A Chord UK.
So expect far more frequently updated live videos of all the best UK punk and hardcore bands from the DIY circuit for your enjoyment! I'll post a dozen or so videos I have from the last three or four months of 2010 that I’ve yet to post too.
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
I'm switching the blog over to Tumblr so follow me and keep watching (for more regular updates, I swear!)
Thanks!
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Saturday, 11 September 2010
ROOFTOPS Book For A Crook
Bristol The Lanes (Punk N Bowl 5)
August 15th 2010
I love how into it Rooftops are on this video. Blasting out their passionate post-hardcore punk, they're a great live band. Hailing from London/Bristol they've only got a couple of releases but hopefully there's more on the way soon.
This track is from their self-released EP (I think), which you can get from them at their shows.
myspace.com/rooftopslondon
August 15th 2010
I love how into it Rooftops are on this video. Blasting out their passionate post-hardcore punk, they're a great live band. Hailing from London/Bristol they've only got a couple of releases but hopefully there's more on the way soon.
This track is from their self-released EP (I think), which you can get from them at their shows.
myspace.com/rooftopslondon
DIVIDERS Me. You. Len on a boat. Falariki '09
Bristol The Lanes (Punk N Bowl 5)
August 15th 2010
Yes, it's another long overdue update! Right, I'm going to write less and try to update more. Honest. Anyway, thanks to Greg and Cara for the first Punk N Bowl in Bristol. It was another awesome day with the creme de la creme (that's right!) of the UK punk scene. Here's a few of the highlights...
Dividers are a new(ish) band from Swansea and this new song (I think it's from an upcoming split) shows they've got a bright future. If you're into the likes of Get Bent and Latterman then you'll love them.
This track isn't from it but they've got a great demo available to download from their MySpace and you can buy it on CD or tape from them at shows too (the former with a slow lorris on and the latter a pug. That's win, win).
myspace.com/dividersuk
August 15th 2010
Yes, it's another long overdue update! Right, I'm going to write less and try to update more. Honest. Anyway, thanks to Greg and Cara for the first Punk N Bowl in Bristol. It was another awesome day with the creme de la creme (that's right!) of the UK punk scene. Here's a few of the highlights...
Dividers are a new(ish) band from Swansea and this new song (I think it's from an upcoming split) shows they've got a bright future. If you're into the likes of Get Bent and Latterman then you'll love them.
This track isn't from it but they've got a great demo available to download from their MySpace and you can buy it on CD or tape from them at shows too (the former with a slow lorris on and the latter a pug. That's win, win).
myspace.com/dividersuk
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
CALVINBALL Has Anyone Seen My Self Respect?
Kingston Fighting Cocks
July 28th 2010
Calvinball have become one of the UK punk scene's favourite gruff punk bands and they haven't let the fact that they live in different places now stop them releasing great records and playing loads of gigs. This headline slot at the Fighting Cocks was the last show of their UK tour with Leagues Apart and Cynics and had a typical Calvinball party atmosphere!
This song is taken (I think) from the upcoming split 7" with Madison Bloodbath, out soon on All In Vinyl.
myspace.com/thisiscalvinball
July 28th 2010
Calvinball have become one of the UK punk scene's favourite gruff punk bands and they haven't let the fact that they live in different places now stop them releasing great records and playing loads of gigs. This headline slot at the Fighting Cocks was the last show of their UK tour with Leagues Apart and Cynics and had a typical Calvinball party atmosphere!
This song is taken (I think) from the upcoming split 7" with Madison Bloodbath, out soon on All In Vinyl.
myspace.com/thisiscalvinball
BANGERS New Villains
Leeds Royal Park Cellars
July 30th 2010
First off, sorry you can't really hear any guitar here. Don't know why. It's obvious that Bangers had been on tour for a few weeks in Europe, they've got ridiculously tight and even more awesome. This was their first show with Good Luck and this opening song set the tone for the night with band and crowd going off. Amazing.
This song is from their sold out split LP with Break The Habit and is also available on their new compilation/debut CD 'Dude Trips', which you can get on CD here or as a download here.
myspace.com/bangersbangers
July 30th 2010
First off, sorry you can't really hear any guitar here. Don't know why. It's obvious that Bangers had been on tour for a few weeks in Europe, they've got ridiculously tight and even more awesome. This was their first show with Good Luck and this opening song set the tone for the night with band and crowd going off. Amazing.
This song is from their sold out split LP with Break The Habit and is also available on their new compilation/debut CD 'Dude Trips', which you can get on CD here or as a download here.
myspace.com/bangersbangers
THE DON RAMOS PLAYERS As The Sparrow
Leeds Royal Park Cellars
July 30th 2010
The new EP from The Don Ramos Players shows the band evolving and spreading their wings and this sprawling, atmospheric track is the perfect example of that. Bringing to mind Small Brown Bike, it's a powerful post-hardcore track. With their new line-up (Lloyd shifting from drums to guitar/vocals and Addy from Bastad! Rats! joining as their new sticksman)and a denser sound, their live sound is more impressive than ever.
This song is taken from the band's new six-track EP 'History And Geography' on BH9!
myspace.com/thedonramosplayers
July 30th 2010
The new EP from The Don Ramos Players shows the band evolving and spreading their wings and this sprawling, atmospheric track is the perfect example of that. Bringing to mind Small Brown Bike, it's a powerful post-hardcore track. With their new line-up (Lloyd shifting from drums to guitar/vocals and Addy from Bastad! Rats! joining as their new sticksman)and a denser sound, their live sound is more impressive than ever.
This song is taken from the band's new six-track EP 'History And Geography' on BH9!
myspace.com/thedonramosplayers
PACER Circles Around A Square
Leeds Royal Park Cellars
July 30th 2010
Okay, so I've already filmed this song and I did film another one too but I deleted it by accident so pipe down. Anyway, this song, which they opened with, is a belter! Featuring ex-members of The Steal and influenced by everything from Osker and The Bouncing Souls to Guildford Heat and The West Wing, their hardcore-infused pop punk is a damn good time. They're playing some shows with Off With Their Heads then are off to play The Fest in Florida in October. Party!
This song is going to be (I'm pretty sure) on their upcoming debut 10" EP, due out on Chunksaah in September. Can't wait!
myspace.com/wearepacer
July 30th 2010
Okay, so I've already filmed this song and I did film another one too but I deleted it by accident so pipe down. Anyway, this song, which they opened with, is a belter! Featuring ex-members of The Steal and influenced by everything from Osker and The Bouncing Souls to Guildford Heat and The West Wing, their hardcore-infused pop punk is a damn good time. They're playing some shows with Off With Their Heads then are off to play The Fest in Florida in October. Party!
This song is going to be (I'm pretty sure) on their upcoming debut 10" EP, due out on Chunksaah in September. Can't wait!
myspace.com/wearepacer
WELL WISHER Party Emotional
Leeds Royal Park Cellars
July 30th 2010
Well Wisher are a band from Manchester that I think have been going for a bit but I've only heard of since my friend Sean joined them on bass. They play energetic and intricate emo punk that's stunning live and, in fact, is quite well described by the name of this song. This was my (and quite a few people I know) first time seeing them and I was really impressed. The way all the band seem to shout and give it everything is pretty powerful. They've been in a load of other bands but now Well Wisher are set to become one of your new favourites. Just check it out!
This song is unreleased but the band have a couple of 7"s (and next year a 12") on the way.
myspace.com/wellwisher10
July 30th 2010
Well Wisher are a band from Manchester that I think have been going for a bit but I've only heard of since my friend Sean joined them on bass. They play energetic and intricate emo punk that's stunning live and, in fact, is quite well described by the name of this song. This was my (and quite a few people I know) first time seeing them and I was really impressed. The way all the band seem to shout and give it everything is pretty powerful. They've been in a load of other bands but now Well Wisher are set to become one of your new favourites. Just check it out!
This song is unreleased but the band have a couple of 7"s (and next year a 12") on the way.
myspace.com/wellwisher10
CYNICS Stones I've Thrown
Kingston Fighting Cocks
July 28th 2010
It's the title track of his EP but it's not on his EP. Weird. Pure Giles. Love him. This is a great acoustic punk song. He said of the song:
"Where I used to live there was a Royal Mail at the end of my road which is where I used to meet Tom Hawes to skating in Waitrose carpark and chat shit."
Bromantic. This song is unreleased but already seems to be a live favourite.
myspace.com/ihatecynics
July 28th 2010
It's the title track of his EP but it's not on his EP. Weird. Pure Giles. Love him. This is a great acoustic punk song. He said of the song:
"Where I used to live there was a Royal Mail at the end of my road which is where I used to meet Tom Hawes to skating in Waitrose carpark and chat shit."
Bromantic. This song is unreleased but already seems to be a live favourite.
myspace.com/ihatecynics
Monday, 9 August 2010
DIVIDERS Reckless Is My Middle Name
Kingston Fighting Cocks
July 28th 2010
First up, thanks so much to Dividers and Angela (who put on this awesome show - check out Poprocks And Coke shows) for getting this exciting new band over to Kingston so quickly. One of the best new bands I've heard for a while, this song is a big sing-along with shared vocals, awesome guitar and bass lines, a perfectly timed 'woo!' and getting Scott up in the air crowdsurfing while playing guitar! This Swansea quartet all seem like really great dudes too and partied hard at the New Noise club night with us after the show. Fun times! Someone called Ben apparently described them as "Get Bent meets Gavin and Stacey". That is brilliant... as was their Get Bent cover! Roll on Punk N' Bowl 5 in Bristol next weekend!
This song is taken from the band's awesome 'Demo 2010', which you can download for free from their MySpace page. They might still have a couple of the second batch of CDs left too. They have a slow lorris stretching on the cover. Nice.
myspace.com/dividersuk
July 28th 2010
First up, thanks so much to Dividers and Angela (who put on this awesome show - check out Poprocks And Coke shows) for getting this exciting new band over to Kingston so quickly. One of the best new bands I've heard for a while, this song is a big sing-along with shared vocals, awesome guitar and bass lines, a perfectly timed 'woo!' and getting Scott up in the air crowdsurfing while playing guitar! This Swansea quartet all seem like really great dudes too and partied hard at the New Noise club night with us after the show. Fun times! Someone called Ben apparently described them as "Get Bent meets Gavin and Stacey". That is brilliant... as was their Get Bent cover! Roll on Punk N' Bowl 5 in Bristol next weekend!
This song is taken from the band's awesome 'Demo 2010', which you can download for free from their MySpace page. They might still have a couple of the second batch of CDs left too. They have a slow lorris stretching on the cover. Nice.
myspace.com/dividersuk
LEAGUES APART I Thought You Meant Wales The Country
Kingston Fighting Cocks
July 28th 2010
The Salford party punks are clearly loving playing in Kingston, but then it seems that they love playing full stop. What more can I say? Catch them at No Fest in late August in Peterborough, with Off With Their Heads in Derby in September and on tour with The Menzingers around the UK in November! Good times...
They have a new CD out called 'To Anywhere' but this track from the rousing four-piece is from the Sea Shepherd benefit 4-way split 7" with This Business Is Closed, Rooftops and Sammy's Fatal Mistake. Order your copy now from the band's online shop and help save whales (but not Wales. Maybe whales in Wales. I don't know).
myspace.com/leaguesapartmusic
July 28th 2010
The Salford party punks are clearly loving playing in Kingston, but then it seems that they love playing full stop. What more can I say? Catch them at No Fest in late August in Peterborough, with Off With Their Heads in Derby in September and on tour with The Menzingers around the UK in November! Good times...
They have a new CD out called 'To Anywhere' but this track from the rousing four-piece is from the Sea Shepherd benefit 4-way split 7" with This Business Is Closed, Rooftops and Sammy's Fatal Mistake. Order your copy now from the band's online shop and help save whales (but not Wales. Maybe whales in Wales. I don't know).
myspace.com/leaguesapartmusic
THE DAUNTLESS ELITE Energy Kids Rule Forever
Kingston Fighting Cocks
July 23rd 2010
In my eyes, this song is a UK punk future classic. I hope that makes sense. A rousing song that tells it like it is and was the thrilling highlight of The Elite's triumphant 2004 debut EP 'Security?', anyone who has seen Dauntless (especially in their hometown of Leeds at the much missed Out Of Spite festival) numerous times can probably understand why I love this song. Everyone else down the front at this gig probably feels exactly the same, if the air punching and singing is anything to go by. It's punchy and the dual vocals are amazing. Also, it makes me want to grab Mike and sing every word in his ear...
This song is taken from the EP 'Security?', which was released through Plan-It-X but is now out of print. It was awesome. Hopefully Steve can get it up as a download on his This Music Is My Life blog!
thedauntlesselite.com
July 23rd 2010
In my eyes, this song is a UK punk future classic. I hope that makes sense. A rousing song that tells it like it is and was the thrilling highlight of The Elite's triumphant 2004 debut EP 'Security?', anyone who has seen Dauntless (especially in their hometown of Leeds at the much missed Out Of Spite festival) numerous times can probably understand why I love this song. Everyone else down the front at this gig probably feels exactly the same, if the air punching and singing is anything to go by. It's punchy and the dual vocals are amazing. Also, it makes me want to grab Mike and sing every word in his ear...
This song is taken from the EP 'Security?', which was released through Plan-It-X but is now out of print. It was awesome. Hopefully Steve can get it up as a download on his This Music Is My Life blog!
thedauntlesselite.com
SSSSNAKES Fuck This Place
Kingston Fighting Cocks
July 23rd 2010
Featuring members of The Arteries switching instruments and the legend that is Pugs on bass, Ssssnakes are Descendents, Dead Milkmen and The Marked Men lovin' garage/pop punk straight outta Swansea! This was the last song of an energetic set that included a song dedicated to Steve called 'Microphone Head', a summer 'hit' called 'Pina Colada' (a video to be posted in the near future) and lots of leaping around. Jamie clearly loves taking on the frontman role and this song - full of microphone eating, crowd surfing and Steve helping out with vocals - shows the fun and chaos of their set. Fuck this place, this place sucks!
This song is probably from their split CD with Bangers but you can't get it anymore. Everything sucks. Apparently their debut LP is on the way very soon...
myspace.com/thessssnakes
July 23rd 2010
Featuring members of The Arteries switching instruments and the legend that is Pugs on bass, Ssssnakes are Descendents, Dead Milkmen and The Marked Men lovin' garage/pop punk straight outta Swansea! This was the last song of an energetic set that included a song dedicated to Steve called 'Microphone Head', a summer 'hit' called 'Pina Colada' (a video to be posted in the near future) and lots of leaping around. Jamie clearly loves taking on the frontman role and this song - full of microphone eating, crowd surfing and Steve helping out with vocals - shows the fun and chaos of their set. Fuck this place, this place sucks!
This song is probably from their split CD with Bangers but you can't get it anymore. Everything sucks. Apparently their debut LP is on the way very soon...
myspace.com/thessssnakes
CAVES The Sad Year
Kingston Fighting Cocks
July 23rd 2010
Bristol's finest hit Kingston to support the mighty Good Luck, along with The Dauntless Elite and Ssssnakes, making it one of Steve's best gigs to date. Getting the night off to an anthemic start, the three-piece blasted through their Discount-esque tunes and were clearly having fun.
This song is taken from their four-way split 10" with Pure Graft, Big City Plan and Calvinball, out now on ROIDH. It's sold out now on the label's website, although the bands might still have some. Happy hunting!
myspace.com/wearecaves
July 23rd 2010
Bristol's finest hit Kingston to support the mighty Good Luck, along with The Dauntless Elite and Ssssnakes, making it one of Steve's best gigs to date. Getting the night off to an anthemic start, the three-piece blasted through their Discount-esque tunes and were clearly having fun.
This song is taken from their four-way split 10" with Pure Graft, Big City Plan and Calvinball, out now on ROIDH. It's sold out now on the label's website, although the bands might still have some. Happy hunting!
myspace.com/wearecaves
Thursday, 22 July 2010
OUR TIME DOWN HERE New song
London Shoreditch Old Blue Last
July 19th 2010
Will, the singer of OTDH, has strong views on bands progressing and making every release different and I think that's pretty cool. Before this song he explains this and tells the crowd that lyrically it's about "the awkwardness of breaking up with your girlfriend", admitting it's "a bit of an emo song". It's in the vein of Lifetime and early Saves The Day (who they covered to finish their set!) though, so it's all good.
A new song that shows that they're determined to power through and keep changing, it's an exciting glimpse of what's to come. Catch them on tour for the next couple of months (see the MySpace for the gig listings), buy one of their awesome new Bill Murray t-shirts and ask Will about Deadly Circus Fire.
myspace.com/ourtimedownhereuk
July 19th 2010
Will, the singer of OTDH, has strong views on bands progressing and making every release different and I think that's pretty cool. Before this song he explains this and tells the crowd that lyrically it's about "the awkwardness of breaking up with your girlfriend", admitting it's "a bit of an emo song". It's in the vein of Lifetime and early Saves The Day (who they covered to finish their set!) though, so it's all good.
A new song that shows that they're determined to power through and keep changing, it's an exciting glimpse of what's to come. Catch them on tour for the next couple of months (see the MySpace for the gig listings), buy one of their awesome new Bill Murray t-shirts and ask Will about Deadly Circus Fire.
myspace.com/ourtimedownhereuk
THE ARTERIES Turn Of The Tide
London Shoreditch South Of The Border (Everything Sucks club)
July 16th 2010
Having taken the summer to concentrate on finishing uni (in some cases) and writing and recently recording their eagerly anticipated second full-length (in all cases), Wales' finest are back and we were so excited to have them playing at ES. Safe to say it was one hell of a party, as always with Arteries gigs, and much singing, dancing and crowd surfing was had. Blasting through three new songs, it sounds like they're becoming more varied and drawing on a wide range of influences - a good thing for sure. Mixing an AC/DC riff with hardcore energy, as Miles yells, "I'm never gonna crack!", it's a beast. I can't wait to hear the new record. Lets just hope that Jamie doesn't launch the mic stand at anyone next time!
It's taken from the upcoming second album, 'Dead Sea', that the band are hoping to have out in time for their US tour in October.
myspace.com/thearteries
July 16th 2010
Having taken the summer to concentrate on finishing uni (in some cases) and writing and recently recording their eagerly anticipated second full-length (in all cases), Wales' finest are back and we were so excited to have them playing at ES. Safe to say it was one hell of a party, as always with Arteries gigs, and much singing, dancing and crowd surfing was had. Blasting through three new songs, it sounds like they're becoming more varied and drawing on a wide range of influences - a good thing for sure. Mixing an AC/DC riff with hardcore energy, as Miles yells, "I'm never gonna crack!", it's a beast. I can't wait to hear the new record. Lets just hope that Jamie doesn't launch the mic stand at anyone next time!
It's taken from the upcoming second album, 'Dead Sea', that the band are hoping to have out in time for their US tour in October.
myspace.com/thearteries
THE DON RAMOS PLAYERS The Gloss And The Grey
London Shoreditch South Of The Border (Everything Sucks club)
July 16th 2010
Featuring plenty of ex-members and with a couple of releases under their belts already, it's good to have Don Ramos back. Their first album came out in 2007 but now they're back and their sound is a bit more post-hardcore, more varied and a little darker in my opinion. Anyway, it was cool to have them play ES and with Lloyd stepping out from behind the drumkit to thicken up their sound by adding a second guitar, with Addy (also of Bastad! Rats!) joining as their new tubthumper, they're sounding better than ever.
This song is from the Southern band's new EP, 'History And Geography', hopefully available soon through the band's own BH9! Records.
myspace.com/thedonramosplayers
July 16th 2010
Featuring plenty of ex-members and with a couple of releases under their belts already, it's good to have Don Ramos back. Their first album came out in 2007 but now they're back and their sound is a bit more post-hardcore, more varied and a little darker in my opinion. Anyway, it was cool to have them play ES and with Lloyd stepping out from behind the drumkit to thicken up their sound by adding a second guitar, with Addy (also of Bastad! Rats!) joining as their new tubthumper, they're sounding better than ever.
This song is from the Southern band's new EP, 'History And Geography', hopefully available soon through the band's own BH9! Records.
myspace.com/thedonramosplayers
APOLOGIES, I HAVE NONE New song
London Deptford Bird's Nest
July 14th 2010
One of London's finest punk bands (even if Josh does joke then admit that they're not the best band in the world. Everyone knows that's Huey Lewis And The News, right?), A,IHN just seem to get better and better every time I see them. This gig was free and was a total blast, with the guys treating us to a couple of new songs, including this one. It's typically uplifting, sing-along stuff. The angle may not have been the best to film from on reflection but I've always thought that the back of Josh's head is underrated. Enjoy!
This song is as-yet untitled and, according to vocalist/guitarist (on the far side) Dan, "it's still in the works a bit at the moment!" Well, it's sounding pretty damn awesome at the moment (especially how it builds to an epic instrumental crescendo) so hopefully it'll be on a new release soon.
myspace.com/apologiesihavenone
July 14th 2010
One of London's finest punk bands (even if Josh does joke then admit that they're not the best band in the world. Everyone knows that's Huey Lewis And The News, right?), A,IHN just seem to get better and better every time I see them. This gig was free and was a total blast, with the guys treating us to a couple of new songs, including this one. It's typically uplifting, sing-along stuff. The angle may not have been the best to film from on reflection but I've always thought that the back of Josh's head is underrated. Enjoy!
This song is as-yet untitled and, according to vocalist/guitarist (on the far side) Dan, "it's still in the works a bit at the moment!" Well, it's sounding pretty damn awesome at the moment (especially how it builds to an epic instrumental crescendo) so hopefully it'll be on a new release soon.
myspace.com/apologiesihavenone
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
NEIL SUTHERLAND & FRIENDS This Town Ain't What It Used To Be
London Deptford Bird's Nest
July 14th 2010
Neil Sutherland is a treat for any fans of uplifting anthemic folk punk and this song is a belter, even though it's more about how high streets seem to be becoming more and more homogenized. His story telling, passionate songs and infectious choruses deserve your attention, especially if you like Defiance, Ohio or Apologies, I Have None. On this tour, Neil's friends included PJ impressing everyone with his drumming (also of PJ & Gaby, Rooftops and A,IHN) and Kyle (also of imadethismistake) on bass. Not even a blown guitar head could stop the fun for long!
This song is taken from Neil's 2008 album 'Build Our Own', his first release which was full band rather than acoustic.
myspace.com/neilsutherlandandfriends
July 14th 2010
Neil Sutherland is a treat for any fans of uplifting anthemic folk punk and this song is a belter, even though it's more about how high streets seem to be becoming more and more homogenized. His story telling, passionate songs and infectious choruses deserve your attention, especially if you like Defiance, Ohio or Apologies, I Have None. On this tour, Neil's friends included PJ impressing everyone with his drumming (also of PJ & Gaby, Rooftops and A,IHN) and Kyle (also of imadethismistake) on bass. Not even a blown guitar head could stop the fun for long!
This song is taken from Neil's 2008 album 'Build Our Own', his first release which was full band rather than acoustic.
myspace.com/neilsutherlandandfriends
PORCHES Punktastic Is Stoked
London Deptford Bird's Nest
July 14th 2010
Porches are one of about five bands (including Serf Combat and Wegrowbeards) that the awesome bearded party dude Fun Alf is playing in at the moment. He's the dude singing and playing bass. If you love Dillinger Four, The Lawrence Arms, partying, burritos, pandas and The Fest, then you're going to enjoy the hell out of this. This is sing-along gruff pop punk with great male/female vocals and plenty of energy, not to mention a title with a nod to the O Pioneers!!! song 'Punknews Is Stoked'. Here's to the good times - Punktastic should be stoked!
They've just recorded a 4-track EP and this is from it. It's out July 27th on Alf's BooFrod Records!
myspace.com/porchestheband
July 14th 2010
Porches are one of about five bands (including Serf Combat and Wegrowbeards) that the awesome bearded party dude Fun Alf is playing in at the moment. He's the dude singing and playing bass. If you love Dillinger Four, The Lawrence Arms, partying, burritos, pandas and The Fest, then you're going to enjoy the hell out of this. This is sing-along gruff pop punk with great male/female vocals and plenty of energy, not to mention a title with a nod to the O Pioneers!!! song 'Punknews Is Stoked'. Here's to the good times - Punktastic should be stoked!
They've just recorded a 4-track EP and this is from it. It's out July 27th on Alf's BooFrod Records!
myspace.com/porchestheband
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
