Kilmarnock Calling

May 24, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

The Bellfield Tavern

I had been meaning to get across to Kilmarnock for some time to see a gig in The Bellfield Tavern. There are regularly plenty of not to be missed great gigs on in the venue. Unfortunately, up until recently I had missed every single one of them. Hmmmm. I rectified that recently and vowed not to be a stranger to the quality wee venue.

I finally managed to get along a couple of weeks ago to see a fantastic punk triple bill – Fife’s Crimedesk, West Lothian’s Heavy Drapes and all the way from Belfast, The Defects.… Read the rest

VoiCeX DeBuT GiG ReVieW 18/05/18 – Hector Heathcoat Guest review

May 22, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

A Guest Review

Something new for the blog – a guest reviewer!

You may have seen me mention Voicex in previous blogs. The post punk “supergroup” is the brainchild of Scars guitarist Paul Research alongside Coco Whitson of Boots for Dancing, Colin Bendall of Matt Vinyl and the Decorators with vocals from poet Suky Goodfellow, and the band played their debut gig in Edinburgh last Friday (18th May).

Unfortunately I couldn’t be there. However, man of mystery Hector Heathcoat was in attendance and shares his thoughts below. By all accounts I don’t want to miss the next one.

All words by Hector Heathcoat.… Read the rest

Free Gig Tickets – Reservoir Droog’s gigs

May 22, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Free Gig Tickets

I’m sure that heading has got your attention…

Fellow blogger (Reservoir Droogs), lover of music, vinyl, books & film, gig promoter and all round good guy Alex “Mainy” Main is keen to ensure those who love live music aren’t disadvantaged by their circumstances.

He is introducing an initiative with gigs he is promoting (and spreading the word amongst other bands and promoters) to allow music lovers who might not otherwise have been able to attend, to go to a gig they may really want to attend.

I asked him to share some information about this and allow the word to spread….… Read the rest

Britrock Must Be Destroyed – May 19th, Glasgow

May 20, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

May 19th 2018 – a date to remember

So apparently today is some sort of big day. Something involving a ginger (small g) bloke and a (bad) actress celebrating a good feeling? Oh, and a number of games involving 22 blokes kicking a spherical object around for 90 minutes to try to win some silver things.

All that pales into insignificance, none of it really matters as the main event is happening in the O2 Academy. There is some premier 90’s rock to be had for the discerning Glaswegian punter. Anticipation has been building for this event for some time. The great and the good will be in attendance for this not to be missed event, only the select few will get this opportunity.… Read the rest

Red or Dead – UK Publicity Machine – review

May 15, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

You may remember I reviewed Red or Dead’s album a while back.

The folk punks with a conscience are back. The UK Publicity Machine is inspired (inspired sounds too positive – disheartened maybe?) by events surrounding this weekend. The wedding that no-one can escape no matter how hard you try.

The wedding and the constant publicity around it is more of a distraction from the real problems going on in the world. The obscene expenditure is something the taxpayers can ill afford. Especially when you consider the flipside of the events in Windsor this weekend and what the money could be used for.… Read the rest

Mental Health Awareness Week 2018

May 14, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Today marks the start of Mental Health Awareness week (14th – 20th May 2018), so I couldn’t let it pass without a blog.

You’ll know by now if you’ve read my blogs that I’m passionate about raising awareness of mental health, a passion that stems from my own experiences.

My own mental health and that of others has been fresh in my mind in recent days and weeks.

From a personal perspective events have conspired to test my resolve. Events that in years gone would have seen me crumble, letting my negative thoughts in and letting them win. A time where I would have catastrophised every situation visualising the worst possible outcome, filtering out all potentially positive outcomes to paint a bleak picture of the future.… Read the rest

Cyanide Sundae – Nothing to Lose EP review

May 7, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Not a new release but one of these “new to me” bands that I have been listening to over the weekend.

Nothing to Lose EP

Nothing to Lose is a 4 track EP of sonically appealing gravelly vocalled melodic hard rock, with well-structured and thought out songs. They appeal to the side of me that loves The Yo Yos, Wildhearts, The Main Grains, Therapy?, Zodiac Mindwarp – rock music that dips its toe into a bit of punk attitude.

Lead track, What Can I Do?, the track which provides the name of the EP, is all driving guitar, pulsating bass and crashing drums.… Read the rest

The Vulpynes – EP review

May 7, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Vulpynes

One of the most exciting bands I’ve seen or heard in recent years is a two-piece from Scotland – Jo and Nicky Darc of The Twistettes.

There must be something in the Celtic water as I’ve just experienced the debut EP from cousins in spirit from across the water. Dublin 2-piece The Vulpynes (Maeve Molly – vocals & guitar & Kaz – drums).

Like the Twistettes, Vulpynes make a supremely loud and eminently listenable racket for a 2 piece eschewing the need for un-necessary additional members.

The four tracks on the EP showcase the bands obvious talents. Maeve providing sophisticated dirty, grungey garage rock guitar licks while Kaz does a mighty fine job as rhythm section with intricate tight pulsing drumming, a perfect foil for the rich vibrant vocals provided by Maeve.… Read the rest

ILL – We are ILL – album review

May 7, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

ILL vs Music Today

I like music to inspire, to excite and invigorate. To take me off in unexpected directions and escape reality, or at least give me a different take on reality. I like my music to provoke thought but not be too po-faced. Music is for enjoyment, it can be fun even if you’re trying to make a point.

I can’t stand the unending conveyor belt of beige, insipid, uninspiring bands (groups?) that appear in droves these days. On one hand I blame reality shows like X Factor. All because a similar group/pretty boy with a guitar released an instantly forgettable ditty that became massive.… Read the rest

Ginger Wildheart Interview

May 1, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Ginger – Ghost in the Tanglewood

Ginger Wildheart has recently released his latest solo album, Ghost in the Tanglewood, recently reviewed on my blog. Personally, I found the album to be inspirational. I wanted to talk to Ginger about the background to this very personal album, much of which focuses on his own battle with depression.

While people are more open about talking about Mental Health these days, there is still too much of a stigma around it. The more people like Ginger are willing to share their personal experiences, the further society can progress. It can only help in understanding and supporting those who do battle depression and other Mental Health issues.… Read the rest