How To Destroy Angels – An omen EP

An omen EP_ is the brand new release from How to destroy angels_ (Mariqueen maandig, Trent reznor, Atticus ross, Rob sheridan). You can download it directly from us at store.destroyangels.com

Watch the new video for “Keep it together” at howtodestroyangels.com and preview the full EP on Soundcloud.

An omen EP_ is also available on 12″ vinyl and on iTunes, Amazon, streaming services, and your local record shop.

For the latest updates, follow HTDA:
Twitter: @destroyangels
Facebook: /howtodestroyangels
Soundcloud: /howtodestroyangels
Tumblr: blog.destroyangels.com
Instagram: @destroyangels
Vimeo: /destroyangels
YouTube: /howtodestroyangels

 

Release The Bats… : The History Of The Greek Dark Alternative Scene

The long awaited book about the Greek Dark Alternative Scene is about to be published soon.

The author of the book, Nick Drivas, knows the history of the scene first hand, since he was/is an active part of it…(click HERE for more details about Nick).

Our intelligence informs us that it covers the era 1980-2010, with details about each band, coloured album covers, photos and… a 17 track CD featuring some unreleased material.

“Release The Bats… : The History Of The Greek Dark Alternative Scene” is written in Greek and will be published by Art Nocturna, someday in November 2012.

Here is a video that will give you an idea.

 

The Rope

The Rope is a rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 2010 by Jesse Hagon (Vocals), Michael Browning (Guitar), Sam Richardson (Bass Guitar), and Matt Evans (Drums).

In the spring of 2011, The Rope released their six-song debut EP on their self-operated label, Late Century Records. The band has since launched European distribution via Spiralchords in Germany, and has been played on multiple college radio stations and in clubs throughout North America and Europe.

Most recently, The Rope released an official video for the EP’s single, “Water to Wine,” directed by Michael Minehart.

The Rope is currently in the process of recording their first full-length record, scheduled for release on Late Century Records in late 2012.

 

 

Berlin Black and the Shades of Grey – It’s Only Natural

Photo © Dave Shaw 2012

Are you into Post-Punk ?

If so, you shouldn’t miss the new Berlin Black and the Shades of Grey Ep titled “It’s Only Natural”.

Formed by former Screaming Banshee Aircrew and Luxury Stranger Guitarist/bassist Chris Tuke, they released their debut E.P. “Burn it Down” in 2010.

Berlin Black are continuing to impress, producing one of the freshest sounding E.P.s in 2012: “It’s Only Natural“.

A five track E.P. where they are mixing elements of Gang of Four, Siouxsie and the Banshees, XTC and Bauhaus this E.P. is certain to please fans of post-punk and new wave.

There is a glam rock flavour on every song of this release (especially on the mix of “The Only Ones”) which leaves a sweet taste to the listener.

The band will open for O. Children on October 17 at York.

The band members:
Chris Banshee
Thomas Mclean
Jo Violet (Jo plays the bass for March Violets too)
Alex King

You can read Chris Tuke’s interview HERE.
You can buy their E.P. from HERE

 

Skafish – Bootleg 21-35

I still remember how impressed I was when I first saw Skafish on “Urgh” the movie, in
the early 80s.
Skafish was a Chicago punk/avant garde band formed in 1976.

The band released two albums through I.R.S. Records, “Skafish” (1980)
and “Conversation” (1983) and two singles: “Obsessions of You“/”Sink or Swim“(1980)
and “Wild Night Tonight“/”Secret Lover & Lover In Masquerade” (1983).

I found a very interesting interview of the leader of the band, Jim Skafish, on youtube,
regarding the recent release of “BOOTLEG 21-35“.
The release was recorded in 1977 and appeared as a guest on WJOB on September 6, 2012.

Among other topics, Skafish talked about the history of his band and being a bandleader,
his pioneering days in Chicago as the city’s punk/new wave/alternative and indie Godfather,
and his role as a co-creator of these art forms internationally.
Skafish also discussed his relationship with IRS Records chief Miles Copeland.

For more info on the bootleg and purchasing options, visit http://www.skafishbootleg.com/

 

Psychedelic Furs – Unreleased Photos from the 70s

Back in 1979 a friend of mine came from London and had a bunch of goodies with him.

He had been studying at a film school and in order to find a little extra money he used to work as a sound engineer in concerts…

He came back with photos from many bands he had worked with, acts such as The Police, Nazzareth, Sad Café, The Girls, The Boys, John Otway, and many others.

There was one more band he worked with.

The Psychedelic Furs.

So I kept these photos cause in the years that followed this was one of my favorite bands…

 

A kind of guide to DV8 Fest

The following is taken from the official DV8 Fest site…

Start off small or make a big splash?

That was the choice we had in late 2009 when the idea for DV8Fest came about. Originally it was to be a gig to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the …Deviation clubnight but it soon grew. Founder, Chris Sherrington, decided it would be great for to have a festival which celebrated all areas of the alternative scene. He wanted an event where it was possible to see everything from goth to industrial to punk bands altogether, mainly because he enjoyed all the different aspects of alternative music.

In his words “I want a UK festival where you can meet up with like-minded people during the day and enjoy the music you like, whatever it is, in the evening.”

So it was that the idea of using two venues came about and after talks with York’s biggest music venues, Fibbers & The Duchess, the plan was hatched. Why not a 3rd stage at Stereo? and why not burlesque on another stage at The Duchess? As you can see it soon became obvious that we were going to be making a big splash.

In the end DV8Fest 2010 saw us have 42 bands perform at 3 nights of live music at The Duchess, Fibbers and Stereo, Clubnights over 4 nights, Traders & a Bring & buy at The Park Inn, Burlesque acts at The Duchess as well as City tours of York and discounts off The Dungeon, Jorvik, Haunted, Dig, Barley Hall and The Yorkshire Pass!

In 2011 we then made an even bigger step by having a special Music Legends show featuring Gary Numan at York Barbican as well as 3 stages of music featuring, The March Violets, Specimen, Utah Saints, Uk Decay, Grendel, Anne Marie Hurst, Voltaire, Vince Ray, Mesh and more!

In 2012 we are heading back to our original manifesto of putting big names in local music venues and we are particularly proud to be hosting a Great British line-up in 2012 with only artists from Great Britain performing

Special thanks must got to all the bands and performers from 2010 and 2011 and to all the traders at the alternative market & the local attractions who offered discounts and welcomed a load of goths to York, particularly York Dungeon, Jorvik, Barley Hall, Haunted,Yorkshire Pass & also, York City Council.

Many were impressed at how smoothly the festival ran & for this I must thank the great DV8Fest crew, DJs & stewards,who I will forever have a debt of gratitude to.

The biggest thanks, however, must go to the hundreds of people from across the community who have joined us to make it such a great event. Finally, thank you for reading this & I hope you take a moment to find out more about DV8Fest & join us next July inYork.

Cheers,

The DV8Fest Team

Our Saturday night at DV8Fest has an amazing mix of acts with some music legends mixed in with upcoming talent and again we will be welcoming the guys from Hobgoblin to keep you all refreshed

Saturday Night Includes

THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS – THE DUCHESS – HEADLINER

Many pay homage to the legendary music of the Furs. Led by front man and songwriter Richard Butler, the Furs won over fans and critics alike by combining poetic lyrics, innovative rhythms and melodies driven by an aggressive, punk desperation. Scoring major hits with “Love My Way,” “Pretty In Pink,” “Heaven,” “The Ghost In You,” and “Heartbreak Beat” they are one of the most influential alternative bands to rise from theUK

EMF – FIBBERS – HEADLINER

Best remembered for the international smash “Unbelievable” and incendiary live shows, the British dance-rock quintet EMF formed in Cinderford,England in October1989. In2012, EMF decided to perform some shows again which will honor their smash hit debut album, Schubert Dip and will be performing the legendary album in full, many of which haven’t been played for over 20 years.

PROFESSOR ELEMENTAL – STEREO – HEADLINER

Professor Elemental Is a Steam Punk musical artist and one of the pioneers of “Chap Hop.” While not the first to mix hip-hop with steampunk, he is apparently the first to put the unique British spin on it that has become known as chap-hop although other performers at DV8 may argue….

RED LORRY YELLOW LORRY – THE DUCHESS -MAINSUPPORT

Returning to the scene to pummel their way into your consciousness once again and for this year’s 30th anniversary the band have worked on new material, some of which will be premiered at DV8 Festival. Front man Chris Reed + original guitarist Dave Wolfenden are re-united to shape their unique sound to full effect once again. It is time to share their rebellion.

GLOBAL CITIZEN – FIBBERS – MAIN SUPPORT

Recently described as an AntiChrist Supergroup during a live show review, Global Citizen have emerged as stars on the UK alternative scene and are regarded as one of the most powerful dark electronic bands around with their dark, moody, twisted, sexy and often downright perverse music with striking imagery to match.

JORDAN REYNE – STEREO – MAIN SUPPORT

Bloodthirsty celtic rock, with steam-era machine noise, and Grimms fairytale-esque lyrics. Amidst tales or salt, steam and iron,Jordanblends celtic folk melodies with dark facts and folkore and the sounds of the industrial revolution, using loops to build layers of dark and moving music

SIIIII- THE DUCHESS – 2ND SUPPORT

After 29 years, you can’t pin Siiiii’s music down. If you mentioned swamp-punk-tribal-experimentalism (and reeled off those terms with enough shameless chutzpah) you’d be, if not bang on the band’s target, then at least in the same windswept derelict warehouse…

TERRORNATION- FIBBERS – 2ND SUPPORT

They don’t need an empire – An injection of fresh blood into the alternative electro scene – Terrornation are an instantly accessible fusion of dirty beats, haunting vocals and grinding guitars

RELEASE THE BATS – STEREO – 2ND SUPPORT

Sometimes ugly, sometimes beautiful but always fully charged, possessed rock ‘n’ roll by four guys living their lives like a Carry On film but with better hair, naturally.

BERLIN BLACK AND THE SHADES OF GREY – THE DUCHESS – FIRST ON

Glitter and Glam, and some serious rock ‘n’ roll, Berlin Black have quickly become one of the UKs best live acts and will be releasing their new EP at DV8Fest to mark the 2nd anniversary of their first ever live performance at the first DV8

NULL WHITE- FIBBERS – 3RD SUPPORT

Bass Heavy dystopian sci fi influenced Industrial dance music. Dropping bass heavy beats and rhythm’s to a dystopian science fiction inspired backdrop.

BOXCAR ALDOUS HUXLEY – STEREO – 3RD SUPPORT

An anachronistic cacophany of Bristol musicians, with a strong moral message. Vast consumers of whisky and snuff.

CAPITAL X – FIBBERS – FIRST ON

A fearless duo and synth smack-down machine, pushing to take over the city with their gang of digi-rock n’ roll trailblazers. The original bad girls of ’85 – The beat will make you stronger

THE SAVOY BALLROOM – STEREO – FIRST ON

York’s very own unique mix of swing that creates a sound unlike anything you have heard before. They pride themselves on their luscious four part harmonies accompanied dizzying instrumentation…

(I couldn’t find any vids for the last two…sorry)

Line up for each stage is as follows

DUCHESS

THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS

RED LORRY YELLOW LORRY

SIIIII

BERLINBLACK AND THE SHADES OF GREY

FIBBERS

EMF – 21ST ANNIVERSARY SCHUBERT DIP SHOW

GLOBAL CITIZEN

TERRORNATION

NULL WHITE

CAPITAL X

STEREO

PROFESSOR ELEMENTAL

JORDAN REYNE

RELEASE THE BATS

BOXCAR ALDOUS HUXLEY

THE SAVOY BALLROOM

Tickets are £25 advance from WWW.DV8FEST.COM/TICKETS or WWW.THEDUCHESSYORK.CO.UK or from the Duchess

Ticket exchange on the day will be at NCEM from 10AM – 4:30PM or at the DUCHESS from 5PM to 10PM

Ticket allows you access to all venues for the entire evening!!!!!!!

So you can pick and choose which bands you want to see.

ALL SHOWS 14/15 WITH GUARDIAN

16+ WITH ID

Check out the official DV8 site for more HERE

 

NightPorter – “Holy Island Baby” Part 1

Post punk band NightPorter from Newcastle upon Tyne, recorded their gig on Sat 19/05/12 at “The Barn” at Beal.

In order to give their friends a taste from that night, the band made available for free downloading, the first part of these recordings, titled “Holy Island Baby” Part 1.

Featured tracks are: “Blood Rite”, “Trust Us”, “Golden Chains” and “The Greatest Evil” (studio versions of these tracks can be found on the album “Alarming but Charming”)

The EP gives a good idea of NightPorter’s powerful stage performance and their unique sound.
Haunting guitar moods and atmospheres, tight rhythm section and passionate vocals are all mixed together in this EP that can be downloaded for HERE

If you’d like to get more information about NightPorter click HERE.

The band members:

I’l Dottore- Bass Guitar
Raven- Vocals
Zee- Guitar
Steve- Drums

Holy Island Baby Part 2 is coming soon….

 

Chimera: The new O. Children single

O. Children’s new single ‘Chimera’ out on 11th June, the video’s on the way too.

O. Children play the following shows this weekend at Great Escape:

Saturday 12th May – The Great Escape – Urban Outfitters, Brighton, 1.45pm
Saturday 12th May – The Great Escape – The Hope, Brighton, 11.30pm

 

Jim Skafish – I want my Skafish Bootleg

The first time I saw Skafish, was on “Urgh! A music war” back in the early 80’s.
I found them interesting and exciting.
After that, I lost traces of this Chicago band…
Thanks to internet I found Jim Skafish again when I read THIS post about Sid Vicious.

Skafish made his first record in 1970, has released 6 LP’s, toured/performed with the Police, Ramones, Iggy Pop, XTC, UB-40, Stranglers, Ultravox, English Beat, Sha Na Na, Scorpions, & U-2.

Today, Jim Skafish is “trying to release the 1977 live bootleg of his 21st birthday concert in Chicago! It is edgy, subterranean, and really “out there.” Please help fund it and get very cool rewards in return! Check out the video and sound samples.”

Follow the next link for details: i-want-my-skafish-bootleg

You can either check the Skafish blog as given above or the Official Skafish website HERE