Anger Management

I have a quick chat with Bradford Punk/Ska band, Random Hand,  before they teach the occupants of yet another venue how to move themselves - fast.

Interview with: Joe Tilston (Bass, Vocals) and Robin Leitch (Lead Vocals, Trombone)

The UK has seen another recession; student fees have nearly tripled and the coalition have set its sights on the benefit system. The blood of all those feeling the pressure is turned up from simmer to boil, and as usual, the forever immortal medium of music gives voice to the masses.

The UK’s Punk scene first reared it misshapen safety pin ridden head during the social strife of the 70’s and 80’s. It acted as a group therapy for every angry thought dwelling at the back of your mind, and for every drop of poison on the tip of your tongue.

Equally Ska prevailed as a happy endorphin replacement to coincide with the anger management of Punk. As the gyrating spit spewing faces of the ‘pogo’ appeared atop the crowds of punk gigs, so did the knees to elbows of ‘skanking’, accompanied by up-strumming bar chords and a reggae bass line.

Over the last few years we have seen the rise and fall of the King Blues and their anthems of revolution such as “Whose Streets” and “Lets Hang the Landlord”. As well as witnessing the growth of fusion bands utilising the stage platform to combine contemporary music styles with an old school Punk ideology such as Sonic Boom Six. We now have such a blossoming variety of music not so closely associated to a rigid genre but instead in its own field, where the gleaming idea uniting them is their ability to care about what is happening to them; and care enough to shout about it.

This brings me to the single most exciting band I have experienced in some time. A group of lads from Bradford, West Yorkshire, known to all of those screaming back their lyrics amidst an array of sweat and elbows, as Random Hand.

Ten years after “our first gig in our mate’s cellar” Joe Tilston (Bass, Vocals) and Robin Leitch (Lead Vocals, Trombone) sit for a chat before their set. The Maze is an intimate venue a five minute walk from Nottingham city centre. I arrive to find an atmosphere recognisable only to patrons who like to attend shows where moving your feet is happily compulsory.

After touring and playing with bands such as: Real Big Fish, The King Blues, The Skints and Sonic Boom Six, Random Hand have rubbed shoulders with bands on all fronts of the contemporary Punk scene. Despite their association with a genre known for breeding strong political views and brutal commitment to ideology, Joe and Robin remain true to their agenda, of no agenda.

Robin: “I have no interest in preaching to people at all... I don’t get on stage to go, ‘you should think this way’. It’s quite simply not our place to do that”.

Joe: “In any band having any content of a vaguely political nature, people attach to that what they want…they just assume that what our message is, is a strong one…it’s just us writing about our lives, we come from a working class town, we are affected by these things.”

It is clear as the conversation progresses that their Punk and Ska labels are happily accepted but not essential to their success, as they seem to have mastered the balance between the expressions of themselves and that of their audience. In return their fans seem to latch on to their passion (shared with other bands previously mentioned) rather than the greater collective of Punk and Ska as genres.

They discuss their ethics regarding lyrics and band influences, constantly enforcing an unchanging ideal to portray themselves as they are, as well as being unforced or false.

Robin: “…the only thing we make sure we do, is make sure we’re honest....as long as I'm putting a genuine feel down on the song and not just sort of going into territories that I know nothing about or just inventing things to feel…”

Joe: “I wouldn’t want to go on stage in this band and write about robins failed love interests and things like that. Not that he has failed love interest” (both laugh) “that’s not what we are about; we’re not that group of people so that’s why you get us being angry about the political situations in our town.”

As we continue to talk about their move to Bomber Music and the Release of their third album “Seething is Believing” in 2011 and the loss of founding member Matthew Crosher in April, it’s clear that this is a tight band that has taken each step forward for the last ten years holding on to their values. And I honestly don’t believe they would have been interested in having it any other way.

When all of Robins peanuts are gone and I have thanked them over and over for their time (one chance to look cool in front of one of your favourite bands – pathetic!) and they head off to get ready.

Stage lights up, the trombone leans out across the heads of the crowd. There was sweat, there were elbows but much to the satisfaction of the shameless grin on my face, there was Random Hand.

Be Vigilant: EDL Presence in Leicester

For those of you that don't know the English Defense League or EDL are a group who's sole ambition is to erase Islam from England. Claiming that this is a defense of England's sovereignty, national identity and beautiful heritage.

Well I am not quite sure where I shall begin my ruthless dissection, with the level of ignorance in that statement.

I don't need to highlight to anyone reading my blog the illogical, fundamentally flawed and ignorant nature of a racist ideology. I take it for granted that for at least the few people who may come on here to read my views  do so knowing and fully understanding me. Or as a bare minimum having had me reel off my opinions on such matters after a few pints of Thatchers. Therefore the EDL to claim that these "policies" have any credibility is a farce and a monumental error. What these words are, that they flaunt under the banner of politics for a better England, is the thoughts of a few ageing middle aged men. Men who after trying to vent their aggression on Pakistani twelve year olds in the 80's, when they needed a scapegoat for their inability to find work, are now finding their sons have the same problem. Once again with unemployment on the rise, people too proud to criticise themselves, seek to demonise a minority.

Anyone else getting a bit bored with their lack of originality?

Although we have to admit that Islam was the obvious scapegoat. Al Qaeda's association with Islam made mainstream Islam a target so easy to demonise it must have made the EDL visibly salivate. But as such to claim that Al Qaeda's views are like that of mainstream Islam is similar to claiming that I am a Nazi down to some rock hard evidence...I and Adolf Hitler have both wore shoes at least once in the past...

So with the presence of the EDL now announced in Leicester for early February I am presented with the opportunity to protest. To stand for what I believe is right and just and to uphold my moral code for which I live every second of my life because I am proud to do so.

But what of my fellow protesters? Will they do the same? Will there be many? The EDL are famous for their violence as well as their quite remarkable levels of ignorance. They will arrive in great numbers, their enemy clear to them, testosterone running high, a formidable opponent. Especially to someone with my delicate frame...

So the first question to ask is do I really believe that there will be none among those that gather to appose racism on the day, that wont have their own thirst for violence. I doubt it. People are right to be angry, they can no doubt see in the brush stroke of this group the same driving force of racism that will have been present in any racial or religious discrimination they have ever received themselves. So whilst acknowledging the presence of a violent force on the side of the opposition I must also be mindful of a similar beast on my side of the chasm.

I feel that violence on the side opposing racism simply can't be present. There must not be pictures strewn across the papers of EDL fists meeting those of UAF supporters. Not that I advocate standing idle whilst you are beaten purely for exercising your right to protest. But I make this plea to those attending to let that only be the case because of failed policing, not due to someone poking the metaphorical lion with a stick through the bars of a frail wire cage.Because those doing so will be responsible for a victory for the EDL.

Secondly, in spite of the dangers, I ask protesters to be bold, be brave and proud to uphold these beliefs. There are worse times ahead for the battles against discrimination. This is not as bad as it gets. So get the thirst for activism and the deep sense of moral reward that is their for all who attend to receive, at least while the numbers are still minimal. There are patterns in history and adding that to the frequent extremes we witness as a result as of cultures crashing together on all fronts, we would be childish to assume that these ill informed and shameful 'representatives' for England are the worst that racism, as the evil and cowardly beast that it is, has to throw at Leicester.

So when the EDL step off their coaches, be there. But represent a self aware, humble, and better educated body of people that are unified by their love for a humanity we all deserve and frankly, will give all that we have to create and defend.

I hope I see you there x

Tory MP Revolt Against Gay Marriage

This morning in the 'i', it was revealed that there is a plot within the Conservative parties back benchers to revolt in one of the largest of its kind in recent history. The revolt being against same sex marriages.I immediately became enraged. Once again rendered furious at man-kind's refusal to recognise their own ignorance and to realise their own illogical discrimination towards a group of people who on this subject, only desire the facility afforded to all same sex couples, to unite themselves formally as a couple. "I must protest!", I thought instantly, my  mind reeling, searching for links in my social spectrum to London, to activism, searching for a vehicle to begin a protest and send out this message of defiance.Whilst this anger had been so quickly spread throughout me, I had to question my willingness to exert all this energy on this, instead of far more pressing infringements on the rights of gay people and the rights of people all over the world. Ugandan politicians in office still feel that homosexuals deserve death for their love. Trans gender people are forced to be sterilised in Sweden. Punks are being declared a "social cancer" before being sent to "re-education camps" in Indonesia, yet why am I ready to draw swords so quickly. Because whilst marriage for me is still a liberty granted to heterosexuals and therefore should be available to all, it is hardly as pressing a matter as the witch hunting for gays in Uganda.

This was highlighted by a close friend of mine, he himself being gay along with his keen interest in politics has given him a far more in depth understanding and familiarity with this kind of prejudice. And also its urgency with regards to other inequalities in the world. At first I felt silly, and a bit stupid for flying off the handle so quickly  on the issue of same sex marriages, given that in other countries a gay person cant leave their house without being beaten abused and in some cases tortured.

But, in a situation where there is inequality, even the smallest discrimination prevents equality. Being passionate about gay marriage doesn't deserve less of your attention just because there are worse things happening. If you believe that to be the case then Rosa Parks was just being stubborn about her bus seat. The point is there is no bad discrimination and not so bad discrimination, there is only discrimination. None of which should be tolerated. The only point to discuss after that is to what extent you can help. Because everyone can.

If there is a couple with a new born baby in London on a low income, its hard for them to drop what they are doing to d-lock themselves to the front of the UN to raise awareness for the people in Uganda. But they can very easily spend one afternoon and the evening before to paint some witty words on a bed sheet then walk it in front of the commons with any one else that is passionate about equality and freedom and against this vote. Don't be put of by the severity, obviously if you had to choose, you would aid those who may die as a result of having their human rights withheld. But if the only thing you feel you can do is to protest against this form of prejudice, then do it, and give it everything you have.

So get scribbling on those bed sheets.

Post No. 2: Moscow Drug Club at The Golden Lion (Bristol 19/05/11)

Before I begin I need to credit the Golden Lion in Bristol with knowing that the perfect way to watch and listen to the Moscow Drug Club is on a stool, at a barrel, by candle light.

I arrived early at the Golden Lion last night after a badly timed departure and estimated time of arrival from my flat a couple of miles away. I sat down at the bar with a pint of Guiness and reminisced over the last time I saw the Moscow drug club in the Canteen in Stokes Croft. They placed a deep vibrant trance over their mostly seated audience and baffled all with their intensely cool vibe and intricate riffs from every member of the band. This resulting in a far less seated selection of audience members and a lot of donations in the bucket.

When the set start time began to draw near I moved to the previously mentioned barrel and eagerly anticipated musical splendor. Liken to a painting or a poem you can only try to remember the way the Moscow Drug Club's music makes you feel, but as hard as you may try, you cant ever simulate the feeling with which you are filled, when the double bass riffs roll forward and the short and precise chord strokes from the guitars meet with the perfect tone held by the violinist. That's the sound check over.

The smokers and stragglers outside at this point had heard what they had all been waiting for and began to establish bases as near to the front as possible. Moscow Drug Club didn't sound check then leave the stage and all there fans craving the start of a set they know will exceed every expectation they previously had. Neither did they let the new comers sit bleary eyed unaware that this level of musical quality will be upheld with ease for the duration of their evening. They struck up soon after. During the first song a very interesting spectacle happened - the violinist nearly melted my face (metaphorically speaking), with a solo that simply blew me away leaving my jaw on top of my barrel nearly getting burnt on the candle. Whilst this was a display of amazing talent that left me and all of those around me that I shared a few glances of surprise and admiration with baying for more, I couldn't help but wonder whether an explosion of talent had been detonated too early. It wasn't logical to assume that you could comfortably top that throughout the remainder of the night.

Wrong.

My early obtained seat was soon surrounded by standing and dancing supporters keen to get as close as possible to the front so they could watch the effortless dancing of spider-like fingers flawlessly navigating scales, plucks and pull-offs from the four man string section. Whilst also enjoying the imagery of the extremely cool and relaxed persona of the lead singer who you constantly expect to see emerge from a cliche cloud of cigarette smoke holding notes for as long and as delicately as the violin. Whilst the double bass layers each song with the presence of excellent rhythm, the two guitar extraordinaries take it in turns to leave audience members hands red from clapping after each solo, each of which was completely individual to the last. I don't believe I need to say anything more about the violin, only that he did last night what I have spent my few years as a guitarist tying to do with a guitar. He communicated not only his love for the music and playing but a distinctive emotion for each song boldly and with complete clarity.

Once a torrent of applause's had ended (only after and encore that was unanimously requested), there was a very pleasant taste left in my mouth from a beautiful set consisting of musical talent beyond technology, beyond fx pedals and amp make. Because in the end if the whole world was to fall apart tomorrow and we were sat in fields with the scout leaders of the world (being the only people who know how to make fire) creating bonfires freely without having to worry about fire regs, Moscow drug club would be sitting round a roaring fire, wood crackling in the night air, reminding us all of where music came from and what it is about.

Thanks so much Moscow Drug Club for letting me have a picture of you all. on three! One, two, three Moscow Drug Club!!! They are lovely people, try and get to see them, they have a large list of gigs coming up please check out their myspace and they are on facebook!

Thank you once again for an amazing evening.

First Post, Bristol Music: Muff Said

For my first post I would like to pay tribute to one of my favourite bands to see live (and I have seen quite a few bands). Muff Said are an awesome Ska band based in Bristol, their set consists completely of their own energetic works (with one cheeky and very good cover of "All that she wants" by Ace of Base thrown in).

Muff Said have a great following (lovingly dubbed "the Muffians") comfortably taking up the majority of space in all the venues they play in and around Bristol such as Mr. Wolfs & The Croft. For those of you who like to combine music with a moral grounding in charity and equality Muff Said have taken part in charity events to raise money for an array of charities and causes, in fact a charity event at Left Bank in Bristol is where I first saw them and was awed by their amazing sound.

Now after that brief introduction, onto the music. When I first saw Muff Said I stumbled in by chance whilst stolling toward Stokes Croft (best place in Bristol) with a friend. At the time they were doing a sound check and instantaniously I was wowed by a wall of horns and tight drumming. Then added to this the perfect acompanyment of some brilliantly ska bar chords from a telecaster, intricately funky bass lines and the very unique vocals of their female lead singer (I only mention sex at this point is due to vocals being the only thing really affected by the sex of a person). I had a chat with the drummer and found that they werent playing for another couple of hours so I got my hand stamped and proceeded to wander down to the shelter for a few drinks before returning at about ten.

This requires a new paragraph. I walked in and bought a beer along with my friend and sat wiggled forward in a stagebound direction (actually there's not exactly a stage but you get the idea) ready for the start. I must admit I was expecting maybe one or two fairly similar songs to the taster I had recieved earlier (which was fine by me) and maybe a couple of reinvented ska classics (I am hearing ska bands kill the specials frequently at the moment - they need to stop). However I was completely blown away by a full set of originals where each was as brilliant and energetic as the next. It was sweaty skanking mayhem at the front of the small space in left bank but the intimacy that everyone talks about in relation to small gigs was very, very apparent. The lead singer's polite and enthusiatic correspondance with the crowd is a key ingredients to the friendly environment of the Muff Said gig as you are encouraged to take part in going down - on them (you need to go to understand that one). With the seriously tight drumming and the huge sound from the horn section (currently consisting of trumpet and sax having lost their trombonist for a while) you will be jumping up and down and skanking until you are so wet with sweat you  will look like you just got thrown in a pool! After that, all that is left is to enjoy the lyrics and ska guitar while the big smile on your face gets everso much larger!

That concludes my first post, please please go have a listen if you can, you can find them on facebook!