The world of Axis Mundi

A friend introduced me to this very interesting 5 piece band from Midlands, Axis Mundi.

They were formed in 2008 and soon were rated as one of the top 5 upcoming bands in the UK from a group of over 12,000 other quality acts.

On their bio they mention that “During 2010, the band worked closely with bestselling science author and NewScientist writer Michael Brooks during his election campaign against Hinckley and Bosworth MP David Tredinnick. Tredinnick has made claims that surgeons should not operate on a full moon and that scientists were “racially prejudiced”. Axis Mundi support science in politics and believe that in the age of technology, politicians have a responsibility to acknowledge scientific data when making decisions.”

In 2011, Axis Mundi produced the video “Eden Alive” and by October 2001, they released their debut album “Chapel Perilous“.

You can hear their album free HERE

 

Meet Alithia from Melbourne

Alithia is a band at the forefront of a new movement in music known as Astral Space Core. More than simply a genre of musical tag, Astral Space Core taps into the chakra and connects the cosmic consciousness of its listener. More than just words and musical strokes, Astarl Space Core reflects a world we live in where unlimited possibilities of the mind are being explored. Influenced by post modernism, Alithia incorporates a vast array of sounds, and philosophies into its ground-breaking sound.

Alithia’s music is a celebration of life and death, darkness and light, confusion and clarity. It’s sound based on personal and spiritual experiences which has become an open vessel for all who wish to join them on their journey. The result is an authentically unique sound that combines ambient, melodic, psychedelic, electronic and punk rock music. Alithia plays from the core of its being, conjuring aetheric moments in time and space inspired by the beauty of the mysticism of the universe.

Alithia are a Melbourne based band which formed in 2004 and has since experimented to establish its current sound. Many artists have come and gone, but through these shared experiences, the group has gained strength and musical diversity. The core members – John Rousvanis, Danny Constantino and Mark Vella – have evolved and honed Alithia’s craft into ever expanding musical boundaries and have now established its musical maturity.

Alithia’s live shows are an undeniably atmospheric and hupnotic experience. The music flows openly and freely, taking the listener on a journey of shared self-expression. The costumes, theatre and energy in an Alithia performance stimulates all of the senses and takes the listener to another plane and makes them part of the experience.

Alithia are a band leading the Astral Space Core musical movement.
Unique, personal and honest, Alithia does not bend to the whims of fashion. Regardless of passing trends, Alithia is committed to crafting songs like spells – a bewitching sound and sonic vibration that echoes through time and space.

The band released the albums “Tower Of Babel” in 2008 and “A Realm O Nul” in 2011.
The band’s next single “Fallen Times” will be released in April as Alithia will be toured across Australia in May.

Click HERE for their Myspace profile.

 

Works and days of NightPorter

The first NightPorter song I’ve ever heard was a Pixies cover.

I said to myself “oh, it’s an alternative band”.

The next song was “Riders On The Storm”, so this confused me a little…so I started searching on the internet in order to find what this band is all about…

It was on a dark cold Belfast in February 2009 that NightPorter first emerged as an idea, the original idea was a band that release tracks, videos and live streamed web performances and using all aspects of modern technology to get their message of post punk fundamentalism out to the world.

Back in their native Newcastle upon Tyne, they set about putting their plan into action. In keeping with their Post Punk DIY ethic, all material would be written, played and produced in house. From the very early stages, the band wanted total control over everything they wrote and performed. This extended to artwork, graphics and video; this meant very few compromises had to be made with their sound.
April 2009 saw NP’s first demo release,”Victoria“. The accompanying video, a haunting sepia stained homage to the era of German expressionism quickly gathered a cult following on YouTube and the band’s fan base began a rapid expansion across the world.

This led to the inclusion of a rough demo being hurriedly included on a NightBreed compilation and a bootleg video of the track appearing on YouTube. A few weeks later, an unreleased cover of the Doors’ “Riders On The Storm” would also find its way onto YouTube, the unique reworking proved a favourite with viewers and fans although the band themselves had never intended for it to heard.

With interest growing in NP live performances, the original idea of the band mutated and the monster lurched out of the studio and onto the stage. The initial live line up comprised Il Dottore on Bass, Raven on Vox and Dr Ordinaire on keyboards and new recruits, Zee on guitar. Early gigs were played with a rhythm track providing the drums but this proved too limited for the band and the search was on for a drummer.

Ade, a superb sticks man and long time partner in crime of Il Dottore stood up to the plate but due to touring and recording commitments had to step down after several blistering live shows throughout summer 2010. With an important show at the 2010 Batcave reunion looming, the band had to find a new drummer and fast The Preacher was quickly drafted in to fill Ade’s place and NightPorter were London bound for two gigs in a row.

The Friday night date at the Gaff in north London was played as a warm up for the following Evening’s Batcave reunion playing alongside seminal Goth Glam band The Specimen and Gene Loves Jezebel. The band played a blinding set and won themselves a new audience in the process. A psyched out cover of Pink Floyd’s “Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun” circulated on YouTube for a while, its heavy psychedelic redux impressed even hardened Floyd heads.

Returning to Newcastle saw further line up changes. Dr Ordinaire had already stepped into the background to concentrate on Video, art work and writing whilst The Preacher would also depart after several gigs with band. With a clutch of gigs under their belt, it was time for the band to go back and do what they originally set out to do and get the debut album, wrote, recorded and released.
This was an intense time for as well as working under the NightPorter banner, they also recorded under the production team name, The Laboratory Obscure producing several covers and original tracks. This side project became known as The Maldine Square Tapes which included “The Box” and “The Black Lodge” as well as covers of The Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind” and the Open Mind’s “Magic Potion”

So its 2011 and NightPorter finally have a stable line up with the addition of Joe on drums, he has a natural flair and style that is totally in keeping with the band’s sound. They interrupt their recording with a handful of local gigs and a side project or two but then its back on track, The band release a reworked version of an earlier favourite, “The Sickness” 2011, it’s the first taste of what the new album will sound like, a brutal video accompanies the track and somehow its now more relevant after a series of riots and protests have swept the country.
By now, NP was getting a lot of international attention with interviews appearing in several magazines and Radio shows. As they prepare for the launch of their long awaited debut album, “Alarming But Charming” and on the 20th of August, they made their triumphant return to Slimelight in London for the launch party. The live set goes down a storm with the crowd and the album is officially launched in style.
The following Monday sees the album released to excellent reviews, written, produced and paid for by the band, it’s a throwback to the old days of Punk and the beginning of the Independent era. Comprising of 10 original compositions, the album is a riot of social commentary and observation over a collage of melodic power and intricate rhythms. Many reviews (click here to read the Tribe4mian review) make note of the originality of the sound and the diversity of songs on the album, this reflects the wide and varied influences that NP have soaked up.

To summarise, NightPorter are a high octane mix of melody and raw power. They combine the best elements of Alternative Rock, Psychedelia and heavy Post Punk to create a blistering wall of sound of their own. Think Killing Joke going toe to toe with The Doors while Joy Division sticks the boot in and you have the NightPorter sound. It’s the dark end of the street, part melody, part menace but very infectious.

You can buy “Alarming but Charming” here.

 

SciFi Mafia cd launch..

I’m attending the launch of the NEW Scifi Mafia cd tonight and hope to get some excellent shots from this gig!!
Here is a sample taste of things to come!!

Jez

 

Devilish Presley. ‘ The Dark Triad ‘

Devilish Presley. ‘ The Dark Triad ‘

May 9th sees Devilish Presley unleash their 5th and most terrifying studio album to date ‘ The Dark Triad ‘. One of the most hard working band’s around serve up a blood chilling delight that will make your ears bleed and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up on end after listening to 12 tracks of pure vocal and guitar power. Just when you thought they were dead and buried they rise again after trials and tribulations within the band that nearly led to it’s very demise. They have re emerged stronger than ever!! This album bears testament to that…

‘ The Dark Triad ‘ is a monster of an album, fast loud and punchy to say the least with an average track time of just under 3 minutes. Starting off with ‘ Happy As Saturday ‘ which is the lead album track and throughout the pace hardly slackens.

Jacqui Vixen has taken over on lead vocals and guitar after injury forced her to stop playing bass in the band. ( A great shame ) She has been working with vocal coach Stevie Vann best known for her work with none other than Def Leppard and AC/DC. The results can be clearly heard. Her vocal range is now broader with increased power and direction while on ‘ Dance Floor Ghost ‘ it takes on a more haunting quality too. This is an emotive track dedicated to, as is the whole album to the duo’s friend Fee who committed suicide in Berlin 2 years ago.  A stand out track by far.

Johnny Navarro provides backing vocals while wielding chunky lead guitar riffs around like a possessed mad axeman, in fact, people have almost had their heads cleaved in two by the said guitarists axe wielding type antics at gigs!! ‘ Kiss Kiss Apocalypse ‘, ‘ Down Where you Belong ‘ and ‘ Zurich Psychological Club ‘ being fine examples of this. The next time your at a Devilish Presley gig and Johnny runs into the crowd guitar in hand, be afraid, be very afraid!!… ( Failing that, wear a hard hat )

The first single release from the album ‘ The Beast Must Die ‘ video has been creeping it’s way rightly so up YouTube’s ratings. Hand written lyrics, signed with a DVD version of the video released by the band has SOLD OUT!! Buy a physical cd version of ‘ The Dark Triad ‘  and there are 2 bonus tracks to be had, ‘ Don’t Come Any Closer ‘ and ‘ The Murder Parade ‘.

Narcissism, Machiavellianism & Psychopathy are the 3 personality disorders to which the album refers. The monsters they sing about refer to those of the self made variety. How many of us can say we don’t have any of those?!  This is a far superior album than the band’s last release ‘ Flesh Ride ‘. It is superior in every way. The songs are loud and in your face, the production is a hell of a lot better and the 12 tracks flow together to give what is no doubt their best album yet. Introspection after personal trials always seem to bring the best out in many a musician and band. ‘ The Shakers ‘ track alone show’s this is the case here from London’s Horrorbilly Punks. Monsters, rock n roll and death, it’s all here.

With Jacqui’s vocals now having a better, broader range and benefiting from increased confidence whilst Johnny being given a free murderous range out on guitar Devilish Presley have risen from the dead and evolved into one of the finest counter culture bands around with arguably this their best work to date in my opinion. You can’t keep this band down. HELL YEAH!!! Jez

‘ The Dark Triad ‘ track listing;

1. Happy As Saturday

2. City Of Dreadful Night

3. The Beast Must Die

4. Cocaine Joe

5. Down Where You Belong

6. Dance Floor Ghost

7. Is There Anybody There

8. Kiss Kiss Apocalypse

9. I Created A Monster

10. The Shakers

11. Horror Movie Head

12. Zurich Psychological Club

Bonus Tracks. ( Cd version ONLY )

13. Don’t Come Any Closer

14. The Murder Parade

Devilish Presley are;

Jacqui Vixen: Lead Vocals & Guitar

Johnny Navarro: Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals

http://www.devilishpresley.com

All photographs Copyright Jez Keefe Photography

http://www.jezkeefephotography.com

 

All NEW Devilish Presley video “The Beast Must Die”

 

Hammer, Horror, Glamour!

Venturing forth across the bleak Yorkshire moors, the light  fades and thick fog descends on the costal town of Whitby. By day a picturesque Victorian town, at night with dense fog all around, people are walking the streets in Victorian attire in celebration of the Whitby Goth weekend. Eerie…

 

It is hardly surprising then that Bram Stoker gave birth to the most celebrated prince of darkness here… Dracula. The most famous protagonist being that of Christopher Lee, an actor who made the character come to life in the cult Hammer Horror movies and who can make anyone’s hair stand up on the back of their necks.

 

Every Goth’s dream, every goths nightmare, and what’s more it’s Halloween.

 

And so the scene is set…..

 

It’s been two years since Devilish Presley  last played the Resolution Hotel for the launch of their acclaimed album ” Flesh Ride ” and so we return.

Times are hard these days for everyone, not least bands with musicians trying to scratch a living, trying to survive and get their own particular brand of music out there. None are more hard working than Devilish Presley. Over the past few years they have gigged relentlessly clocking up the miles throughout the UK and venturing into Europe as well. As others have found nothing comes easy, it’s hard work and commitment that are carrying them through. Even after critically acclaimed album reviews the going is tough! All this being independent and self financed as well. Taking time out and  also record a new album, the gigs have of late have been few and far between. There are other changes too. This is a new version of Devilish Presley. Gone is the real drummer and back is the bigger, badder and better drum machine. Fronted by Jacqui Vixen & Johnny Navarro for the past few years, Jacqui gave Devilish Presley one of the dirtiest bass sounds around. However after years of playing and sustaining an injury she has now had to give up the bass. ( such a  great shame too, she was up there with our favourite bass players ) Jacqui and Johnny are as ever open, friendly and approachable and are quick to introduce us to the next line up change. Polski Pete.The new bass player. Dzien dobry. Pete Vincent has made an immediate impact within the band, traveling to the gig he was nearly arrested for relieving himself up against a wall that turned out to be none other than a wall of a police station!! ( We like Polski Pete )

 

DEVILISH PRESLEY

 

It’s show time…

 

The set starts at a rip roaring pace with ” Trucks ” followed by ” Black Glitter ” and then a new song ” Happy As Saturday ” ( nice for those who don’t have to work it!  ) This is the first outing of material from the NEW album ” The Dark Triad ” which is set for release in 2011. Johnny as ever is full of energy, a real driving force for the band. Pete adds a deep bass sound releasing Jacqui in her new role as lead singer. She is gaining in confidence with each passing gig using her vocal shriek to great effect. A real Halloween Queen. Pete adds to the visual dynamic of the band and goes head to head with Johnny in banter. Before the set Dave dons his hard hat after being told by Johnny where to stand. ” This is a hard hat area! ” Dave has been whacked by Johnny on the head at several gigs with his guitar, Johnny has a new guitar. It has to be christened and he wants to make sure he doesn’t miss!! Other older favourites such as ” Billy Rattlestick ” ( which saw Johnny in the audience, guitar in hand, a bit of back line climbing and running around like a headless chicken ) and  ” Black Leather Jesus ” followed by more new tracks including ” Down Where You Belong ” ( Down at the front of the stage of course ) Plus the new single ” Cocaine Joe ” which is exclusively covered mounted on a compilation cd on the magazine Devolution which is available now!!

JACQUI VIXEN

It’s a fine performance from the new line up which goes down well with the crowd at a packed Resolution Hotel but it is over all too soon. Visual and energetic, Devilish Presley more than make the grade. Back is a big bad ass bass sound adding to the high octane guitar and spine tingling vocals. An evolution in the bands line up that will hopefully bring Jacqui, Johnny and Pete success ( which they thoroughly deserve ) in their next endeavour ” The Dark Triad “. With an already fine back catalogue of music including the albums, ” Flesh Ride “, ” Disgraceland “, ” Memphisto ” and ” Rust Garden ” ( which is SOLD OUT ) Visually and musically tighter than the previous line up we look forward to the next album release with bated breath. Counter culture music like this gives corporate control a damn good kick in the bollocks and we’re all for that. Bands like Devilish Presley have the freedom to express themselves in a way that the music execs will never understand. Instead, music execs feed us the bland and the mundane that infects the charts the world over purely in the name of profit. Bands like Devilish Presley give the UK and the rest of the world music scene such a rich, diverse seam of talent which is ultimately what music is all about. Freedom of expression. We’re glad to say Devilish Presley have that in abundance!!

JONNY NAVARRO

We bid our farewells to the band and not forgetting Brian the hard working roadie ( who has ambitions to be a film star some day ) We head off, back onto the moors and into the thick fog armed with garlic and wooden stakes to fend off any vampires who cross our path but all we see is the ghost of a Christmas tree! Eerie, err no! Weird…

 

Jez n Dave.

The Pogo Crew.

ARE YOU READY TO RAAAWK… HELL YEAH!!!

Devilish Presley are:

Jacqui Vixen /  Vocals

Johnny Navarro / Lead Guitar / Vocals

Pete Vincent / Bass

 

Catch a ride with these Hitch Hikers From Hell…

 

http://www.devilishpresley.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Devilish-Presley/402539820712

http://www.myspace.com/devilishpresleynovembertenthrecords

twitter.com/DevilishPresley

http://www.reverbnation.com/devilishpresley

 

 

 

The time of Morka

This is taken from their myspace link:

During the difficult years of the dictatorship in Greece (1967-1974), a band was formed which was the origin of Morka. This group, founded in late 1970 by John Jungemann and Dorian Kokas, was called Stone Deep. It set the trend of the basic characteristics of Morka, which was a four-part harmony band.

Stone Deep comprised a group of fellow-students at ACS (American Community School). They released a private-pressed single containing the mellow electric folk songs “Winter’s here” and “Judy“.

Dorian Kokas and Mike Moraitis formed Morka after the other members of Stone Deep returned to their homes in the USA. The name MORKA comes from MORaitis-KokAs and the duet continued the tradition of melody and harmonies, adding more psychedelic tinges.

In late-1971, Polydor released a 33 rpm EP containing both the Stone Deep tracks as well as two new duet’s songs : “I see” and “She shouts“. For these specific tracks german drummer Reiner Rathe participated as a session musician. All four tracks appeared under the Morka moniker.

That same year, after the departure of Moraitis, Kokas kept the Morka name alive with the participation of Michalis Orphanides, George Tambre, Antonis Bravos, Paul Papadeas and Pamela Leake. With this line up was that Morka became recognized by the public and took a turn in a more professional innovative direction. Many appearances followed in the clubs of Athens and endless gigs with other important bands of the greek underground scene.

In 1972, the single “Giati? (=Why?) / And so she flies“, also released by Polydor. The first track was the lone attempt by the American, Canadian and English members to sing in Greek.

In the first weeks of 1973, Morka recorded a demo-tape distinctively more mature, still emphasizing the importance of their mellow psychedelic folk roots but in a more progressive music style. No doubt, Morka was ahead of its time.

Shortly after this recording, the band broke-up, following the fate of the Greek rock bands of that era. The material of the demo-tape had never been released to this day.

In 1986, there was an ephemeral reformation of Morka with the basic line up of founder member Kokas and Orphanides and Leake. They recorded one more demo tape and afterwards the final split came.

2006 and Anazitisi Records, officially released all the recordings of Morka in a limited, to 400 copies, vinyl album entitled “There was a time…”.

 

No Man’s Land – Down By the Riverside

I found this rare video today.

No Man’s Land are still active today and their latest release was in 2008, titled “No Man’s Land”.

The video was on the Greek national tv, during the summer of 1990 with the band on a short interview and performing the song “Down By the Riverside” (taken from their debut album “Zallion” in 1988).

I suppose that was one of the last appearances of Evi Watson Hasapidou with the band, before she leaves to form her own band, Echo Tattoo.

You can check past posts about No Man’s Land here and here or you can have one more taste of their sound by clicking here

With the Greek underground rock scene experiencing a neo-psychedelic revival in the late 80’s, No Man’s Land managed to become one the top neo-psychedelic bands of the country.

 

A Quick Fix of “Purple Overdose”

I believe that Purple Overdose must be the most well-known psychedelic band from Greece nowdays.  They’ve been around for 22 years releasing their trippy sound through Greek and foreign record labels, reviving the 60′s and 70′s psychedelic music.

 

From the first days that this Athenian band was formed by singer/guitar player Costas Constantinou in 1987, Purple Overdose was having a hard time finding a steady line-up.  Musicians would join the band, only to leave after a few months, urging Constantinou to become not only the guitar player, but also the singer, as well.  Lots of credit must be given to bass player, George “Sugar” Papageorgiadis, and the drummer, George Nikas, who were both members of the band, No Man’s Land, and helped their friend keep the spirit of the band alive.

 

Costas Constantinou was a talented musician, and a former member of the garage bands “Poison Pen” and “Frog’s Eye“.

 

A few months before recording their debut album, “Exit #4“, Nikas was replaced by jazz drummer Christoforos Triantafyllopoulos, and a fourth member joined, keyboard player Michalis Vasiliou (who would later join the band Echo Tattoo for a while).

 

Right after the release of the album, George “Sugar” Papageorgiadis was replaced by Andreas Andriopoulos who is the band’s bass player through today.

 

Two of the songs that didn’t make it to the album were featured in a compilation tape which was given free with the magazine, Psychagogos, in the early 90’s.

 

The ground was ready and their fans craved a new release.  A new album came out two years after the first one, titled “Indigo“, and carried a blend of strong psychedelic music which revived the 60’s and gave a cult status to the band.

 

The unreleased material of the “Indigo” sessions, recorded in 1989, would be released on a vinyl album during June 2004, and since 1989 seemed to be their most productive year, the German label Nasoni Records would later release in 2006 another album.  “A Trip To Purpleland” came out as a double vinyl LP and double CD and featured live recordings from back then.

 

Back in the early 90’s, before once again undergoing line up changes, Purple Overdose went on a string of gigs all around Greece to promote the “Indigo” album.

 

In 1993, the band released a limited edition single, titled “You Lose It/2008 Old View”, in 1000 copies.  “2008 Old View” was a remixed outtake track from “Indigo” while “You Lose It” was a new recording.

 

In 1994 their third album was released by the title “Purple Overdose” while their first two albums were re-released on coloured vinyl.  The album cover, as well as the poster that came with it, was made by Iliana Noea.  Again, the band mesmerized Greek and foreign critics who welcomed the album as one of the finest psychedelic pieces ever.

 

During December 1995, the band went in the studio for new recordings.  These recording sessions ended up three months later, with the band experimenting on prog-rock music forms.  Their song structures became more complicated and their acid melodies took over.  So, in 1996, the “Solemn Visions” album was released.

 

The year 1998 found the band with a new record deal with another independent record label.  Their next album would be their first CD release.  The concept album, titled “Reborn”, received a review in the Spanish magazine Atropos, which ended with the following line: ”…probably is the best psychedelic band in the world. But what a pity!  They are not from England…”

 

In 1999 the band played at the Rockwave Festival in Athens with Mercury Rev and Deus.  After that, during 2000, they went on a number of electric and unplugged performances which were recorded and released a year later on a double box set album titled “The Salmon’s Trip Live”.

   

 

Purple Overdose is the perfect example of how much some people love music.  After all these years, with all the difficulties raised from here and there, the band is still active today, playing their well-established psychedelic sound – maybe not as often as their fans would like, but, they are still here, hopefully for many years to come.

 

Click here for their MySpace profile.