Max Tundra - Halloween night
I should have plugged this before now, but just a reminder that Max Tundra is playing the Menagerie, University St, Belfast, tomorrow night, doors 8.30pm, dress freaky, £7 on the door. He will be playing a live set with Becky Jacobs, presumably concentrating on his new album 'Mastered by Guy at the Exchange' (Domino). Support comes from Clone Quartet (live set) and Jupiter Ace (DJ set). Looks like I'm going to miss it, which is a shame....
Culture?? What culture?
As you may have noticed in the news today, Belfast has failed to make the shortlist for the European City of Culture 2008. Despite being an early bookies favourite, Belfast lost out to Birmingham, Bristol/ Bath, Liverpool, Cardiff, Oxford and Newcastle/ Gateshead. The obvious reason seems to have been the ongoing sectarian violence and collapse of the power-sharing executive, but the committee must surely have been aware of the flipside to the much-hyped Cathedral Quarter/ Waterfront Hall story. The closure of the Arts Theatre, the lack of decent rehearsal space for bands and artists, the absence of major art galleries, theatre companies and the inability to see a film in the city centre after 9pm on a weeknight were surely contributory factors in the decision.
Everyone that lives here knows that there are a lot of good things about the arts and culture in Belfast. The fact that most of it remains at a relatively underground level is a shame though. One piece on the television even used Van Morrison to illustrate Belfast's culture, and while I don't expect them to latch on to the latest unsigned bands I should expect them to at least have heard of David Holmes!
If the powers that be ever decide to bid for this again let's hope it's not as blinkered and highbrow as this attempt.
28 Days Later Q+A at the QFT
This Northern Ireland premiere of the latest Danny Boyle movie was well worth the effort. Without wishing to spoil it for people who have yet to see it, the movie is set in a plague infected Britain where most people are either dead or zombies. It is certainly not an easy view and in the wrong hands it could have been a disaster, but it's a credit to both Boyle and the screenwriter Alex Garland that it succeeds. In fact the deserted central London scenes are near-genius, an empty capital revealed to the soundtrack of 'East Hastings' from Godspeed You Black Emperor's first album. Boyle, Garland and the two stars (Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris) all hung around afterwards to answer questions and give us a bit of insight into the making of the movie. Tales of early morning filming in central London and remote locations in the Lake District, the influences of Nicholas Roeg, the Dogme school and George Romero, and a detailed denial of why the title isn't connected to the menstrual cycle (you can always trust a Belfast audience to ask an odd question!). However, it was noticeable that Boyle and Garland didn't seem that comfortable together and perhaps their blending of disparite influences hasn't led to a happy working relationship. Whatever, it turned out fine in the end, go and see it.
Wednesday, October 23, 2002
28 Days Later- Special Screening
The eagerly awaited new movie from Trainspotting director Danny Boyle will get a special preview screening tomorrow night at the QFT in Belfast. Both Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland will be taking part in a Q+A session afterwards. Booking is essential as less than 30 tickets were left at lunchtime today. More details here
The eagerly awaited new movie from Trainspotting director Danny Boyle will get a special preview screening tomorrow night at the QFT in Belfast. Both Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland will be taking part in a Q+A session afterwards. Booking is essential as less than 30 tickets were left at lunchtime today. More details here
Thursday, October 17, 2002
Would you buy a used car from Belle and Sebastian?
Belle and Sebastian singer Stuart Murdoch is selling his classic Ford on eBay! All proceeds to Friends of the Earth. The auction link is here.
Belle and Sebastian singer Stuart Murdoch is selling his classic Ford on eBay! All proceeds to Friends of the Earth. The auction link is here.
Wednesday, October 16, 2002
A slight update - and some Chris Morris news
Some reviews added to the database - not one but TWO Embers reviews, an updated Olympic Lifts page, and the long-awaited Brian Wilson review which have people have been regularly googling their way here to read. The wait is over!!
Interesting news from Warp Records about the latest Chris Morris adventure. His short film "My Wrongs Nos 8245-8249 and 117" will be shown at the London Film Festival on November 14 and 15. More details on the Warp website.
Some reviews added to the database - not one but TWO Embers reviews, an updated Olympic Lifts page, and the long-awaited Brian Wilson review which have people have been regularly googling their way here to read. The wait is over!!
Interesting news from Warp Records about the latest Chris Morris adventure. His short film "My Wrongs Nos 8245-8249 and 117" will be shown at the London Film Festival on November 14 and 15. More details on the Warp website.
Wednesday, October 09, 2002
How indie are you?
This seems to have turned into a news-based front page rather than a journal of rambling self-indulgence. To try and redress the balance a bit I took the 'How Indie are you?' test, here's the result!
i am a scenester!
How indie are you? test by ridethefader
You are so indie it hurts. You hang out with the coolest people in your city. It doesn't even bother
you that none of them know your name. You know lots of bands personally, you know a couple of
guys from We Hate The Mainstream Records, and you blag your way into getting almost
everything for free. That fanzine you write gives you extra kudos. You probably don't
even care that non-scenesters think you're a pretentious fuck.
(ha!)
[mrs thrills fared somewhat differently!.....
i am not indie at all!
How indie are you? test by ridethefader
Who are you trying to fool? Just because you own a couple of Weezer albums
doesn't mean that you're uberindie. Indie people don't hear about cutting edge
new bands from MTV. At least the ignorant don't know what they're missing...]
This seems to have turned into a news-based front page rather than a journal of rambling self-indulgence. To try and redress the balance a bit I took the 'How Indie are you?' test, here's the result!
How indie are you? test by ridethefader
You are so indie it hurts. You hang out with the coolest people in your city. It doesn't even bother
you that none of them know your name. You know lots of bands personally, you know a couple of
guys from We Hate The Mainstream Records, and you blag your way into getting almost
everything for free. That fanzine you write gives you extra kudos. You probably don't
even care that non-scenesters think you're a pretentious fuck.
(ha!)
[mrs thrills fared somewhat differently!.....
How indie are you? test by ridethefader
Who are you trying to fool? Just because you own a couple of Weezer albums
doesn't mean that you're uberindie. Indie people don't hear about cutting edge
new bands from MTV. At least the ignorant don't know what they're missing...]
Thursday, October 03, 2002
Cornershop statement
They're still very much an active group according to this statement released to the NME.
More news on the Hydropnic night on Sat 12th Oct at the Front Page, Donegall St, Belfast. Admission £8 / pay at the door 9:30 - 2:30
It features Cornershop: Exclusive DJ Set + Braille Acoustics (Live) + Hydroponic DJ's.
From the press release...."Cornershop main man Ben Ayres will be performing for the first time in
Northern Ireland. He will be mixing up a set of all the genres that
have influenced the band, including funk, house, breaks, dub and electro."
Should be a good one.
They're still very much an active group according to this statement released to the NME.
More news on the Hydropnic night on Sat 12th Oct at the Front Page, Donegall St, Belfast. Admission £8 / pay at the door 9:30 - 2:30
It features Cornershop: Exclusive DJ Set + Braille Acoustics (Live) + Hydroponic DJ's.
From the press release...."Cornershop main man Ben Ayres will be performing for the first time in
Northern Ireland. He will be mixing up a set of all the genres that
have influenced the band, including funk, house, breaks, dub and electro."
Should be a good one.
HOWL - back in a new venue
From 4th October, HOWL will take place in The New Orpheus (University St) on the first Friday of every month. Their press release says
The premises may have changed but the HOWL ideology remains the same. HOWL still inhabits a universe a million light years from the commercial gay scene. HOWL is a space for queer folk and their friends who get off on a different kind of beat and a much more left of centre attitude.
Our agenda is simple.
To hell with the "pink pound" sheep mentality - create your own imaginative queer culture.
The vibe will remain an eclectic mix of indie, rock, funk, hip hop and a bit of whatever, brought to you by people who love the music as much as you do. On top of that there’s the free HOWL zine, bringing you the best in avant garde nonsense with a queer bent.
HOWL - Alternative Music Queer Club
Friday 4th October
The New Orpheus, University St, Belfast
9pm - late, £4
From 4th October, HOWL will take place in The New Orpheus (University St) on the first Friday of every month. Their press release says
The premises may have changed but the HOWL ideology remains the same. HOWL still inhabits a universe a million light years from the commercial gay scene. HOWL is a space for queer folk and their friends who get off on a different kind of beat and a much more left of centre attitude.
Our agenda is simple.
To hell with the "pink pound" sheep mentality - create your own imaginative queer culture.
The vibe will remain an eclectic mix of indie, rock, funk, hip hop and a bit of whatever, brought to you by people who love the music as much as you do. On top of that there’s the free HOWL zine, bringing you the best in avant garde nonsense with a queer bent.
HOWL - Alternative Music Queer Club
Friday 4th October
The New Orpheus, University St, Belfast
9pm - late, £4
Wednesday, October 02, 2002
Cornershop dropped
The NME reports that Cornershop have been dropped by Wiiija. A full statement is expected soon, but it seems this was a less than amicable split. They're still DJing at Hydroponic at the Front Page in Belfast on October 12 though.
The NME reports that Cornershop have been dropped by Wiiija. A full statement is expected soon, but it seems this was a less than amicable split. They're still DJing at Hydroponic at the Front Page in Belfast on October 12 though.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
David Grubbs, Belfast, tonight!
I can't believe I forgot to plug this during the week, but David Grubbs is playing a solo show in Auntie Annies in Belfast tonight (29th). Support comes from Barry Peak (Backwater/ Torgas Valley Reds), £4 on the door. We interviewed David Grubbs once y'know.
Radio 2 week is all over now, the highlights for me were undoubtedly Suede and James Yorkston, and the gig I wished I had gone to see would have been Somedaysbetter. A 'digested' round-up of the shows we went to see will be online on the next couple of days.
I can't believe I forgot to plug this during the week, but David Grubbs is playing a solo show in Auntie Annies in Belfast tonight (29th). Support comes from Barry Peak (Backwater/ Torgas Valley Reds), £4 on the door. We interviewed David Grubbs once y'know.
Radio 2 week is all over now, the highlights for me were undoubtedly Suede and James Yorkston, and the gig I wished I had gone to see would have been Somedaysbetter. A 'digested' round-up of the shows we went to see will be online on the next couple of days.
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
Radio 2 so far....
Halfway through Radio 2 week in Belfast, still quite a lot of shows to get though. The highlight so far was undoubtedly Suede who played a storming set on Sunday night in the Limelight. I was half expecting a showcase of new material with a few old tunes at the end, but I was proved wrong as they mixed the new tunes with old classics - even 'My Insatiable One'! The encore is available to watch on the Radio 2 site.
Also worth a mention are the Amazing Pilots, who played a fine show in Katy Dalys on Saturday.
Tonight is a bit oversubscribed with Desert Hearts, Kidd Dynamo and Corrigan in the Limelight and Indigo Fury, Go Commando and Panda Kopanda in Katys - I suspect there will be a bit of venue hopping going on. Both events start at 9pm and are free.
Halfway through Radio 2 week in Belfast, still quite a lot of shows to get though. The highlight so far was undoubtedly Suede who played a storming set on Sunday night in the Limelight. I was half expecting a showcase of new material with a few old tunes at the end, but I was proved wrong as they mixed the new tunes with old classics - even 'My Insatiable One'! The encore is available to watch on the Radio 2 site.
Also worth a mention are the Amazing Pilots, who played a fine show in Katy Dalys on Saturday.
Tonight is a bit oversubscribed with Desert Hearts, Kidd Dynamo and Corrigan in the Limelight and Indigo Fury, Go Commando and Panda Kopanda in Katys - I suspect there will be a bit of venue hopping going on. Both events start at 9pm and are free.
Friday, September 20, 2002
Weblogger doesn't post for a whole week...
I've a good excuse this time as the back bedroom (where the slowthrills computer lives) was flooded and had to be abandoned. We've since got a new ballcock and all is back to normal.
Last week's Butterflies of Love/ Desert Hearts show was a helluva good night though, and whilst I enjoyed the Butterflies, I think everyone agreed that Desert Hearts blew them offstage.
Not much else happened in the rest of the week but the next seven days are busy busy busy, largely due to BBC Radio 2's visit to Belfast. All events are free, but all the larger ('On-Air') events are sold out and only people with tickets can attend. The smaller 'fringe' events will be filled on a first come first served basis.
The bands that interest me are...
Sat 21st The Amazing Pilots, Katy Dalys, doors 9pm show 10pm
Sun 22nd Suede + Electric Soft Parade + Goldrush, Limelight, 7.30pm, free - advance tickets only
Sun 22nd Robyn Shiels (supporting Veronica Rivera), Auntie Annies, 8.30pm, free - first come first served
Tues 24th Somedaysbetter (supporting Invinyl) Katy Dalys, 9pm, free- first come first served
Wed 25th Desert Hearts + Kidd Dynamo + Corrigan, Limelight, 9pm free- first come first served
Wed 25th Go Commando (supporting Indigo Fury), Katy Dalys, 9pm, free- first come first served
Thurs 26th James Yorkston and The Athletes + Stephen Hero (ex-Kitchens of Distinction), Errigle Inn, 8.30pm, free- first come first served
All information is based on the Radio 2 official listings, and don't forget that there are a lot more events on than I've mentioned on this site.
I've a good excuse this time as the back bedroom (where the slowthrills computer lives) was flooded and had to be abandoned. We've since got a new ballcock and all is back to normal.
Last week's Butterflies of Love/ Desert Hearts show was a helluva good night though, and whilst I enjoyed the Butterflies, I think everyone agreed that Desert Hearts blew them offstage.
Not much else happened in the rest of the week but the next seven days are busy busy busy, largely due to BBC Radio 2's visit to Belfast. All events are free, but all the larger ('On-Air') events are sold out and only people with tickets can attend. The smaller 'fringe' events will be filled on a first come first served basis.
The bands that interest me are...
Sat 21st The Amazing Pilots, Katy Dalys, doors 9pm show 10pm
Sun 22nd Suede + Electric Soft Parade + Goldrush, Limelight, 7.30pm, free - advance tickets only
Sun 22nd Robyn Shiels (supporting Veronica Rivera), Auntie Annies, 8.30pm, free - first come first served
Tues 24th Somedaysbetter (supporting Invinyl) Katy Dalys, 9pm, free- first come first served
Wed 25th Desert Hearts + Kidd Dynamo + Corrigan, Limelight, 9pm free- first come first served
Wed 25th Go Commando (supporting Indigo Fury), Katy Dalys, 9pm, free- first come first served
Thurs 26th James Yorkston and The Athletes + Stephen Hero (ex-Kitchens of Distinction), Errigle Inn, 8.30pm, free- first come first served
All information is based on the Radio 2 official listings, and don't forget that there are a lot more events on than I've mentioned on this site.
Thursday, September 12, 2002
Butterflies of Love gig
The excellent Butterflies of Love make a welcome visit to Belfast on Friday 13th September when they play the Menagerie as part of their UK and Irish tour. More details here. A old gig review from Notting Hill in 2000 is in our archives.
It looks like being a great night as Desert Hearts and the Language of Flowers are also on the bill. Desert Hearts debut is one of my most listened to records of the year, and although Language of Flowers are new to me, their website is pretty good with some MP3s which are worth a listen.
The excellent Butterflies of Love make a welcome visit to Belfast on Friday 13th September when they play the Menagerie as part of their UK and Irish tour. More details here. A old gig review from Notting Hill in 2000 is in our archives.
It looks like being a great night as Desert Hearts and the Language of Flowers are also on the bill. Desert Hearts debut is one of my most listened to records of the year, and although Language of Flowers are new to me, their website is pretty good with some MP3s which are worth a listen.
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
Yakuza - new split single launch night
this from Jamesy from the band....
"Yakuza will make their debut on a genuine slab of waxy vinly next week with the release of a split 7" with Scottish post-hardcore yelpers Mercury Tilt Switch through Per Piranha/1970 Recordings. Featuring two tracks from each band, the single has already received positive reviews from the Irish News and the Belfast News and will be distributed througout the UK and Ireland next sometime this month, there is a distributor I just can't remember who at the moment. Anyway, we are launching the record with a gig on Thursday 12th September at The Front Page in Donegal St, Belfast as part of the Invasion Earth club night. The line-up is:
Yakuza (duh!)
The Coldspoon Conspiracy (awesome lo-fi blather from Dublin)
The Killing Spree (killer screamo-core from Belfast)
Linus (from Belfast hammering their Nine Inch Nail with a giant Tool)
It all kicks off at about 10pm and costs £3 in."
If you can't make it or can't find the record in the shops it's available by mail-order through the band's website
this from Jamesy from the band....
"Yakuza will make their debut on a genuine slab of waxy vinly next week with the release of a split 7" with Scottish post-hardcore yelpers Mercury Tilt Switch through Per Piranha/1970 Recordings. Featuring two tracks from each band, the single has already received positive reviews from the Irish News and the Belfast News and will be distributed througout the UK and Ireland next sometime this month, there is a distributor I just can't remember who at the moment. Anyway, we are launching the record with a gig on Thursday 12th September at The Front Page in Donegal St, Belfast as part of the Invasion Earth club night. The line-up is:
Yakuza (duh!)
The Coldspoon Conspiracy (awesome lo-fi blather from Dublin)
The Killing Spree (killer screamo-core from Belfast)
Linus (from Belfast hammering their Nine Inch Nail with a giant Tool)
It all kicks off at about 10pm and costs £3 in."
If you can't make it or can't find the record in the shops it's available by mail-order through the band's website
Friday, September 06, 2002
The Feline Dream - new EP and London gig
Hot on the heels of their best release to date - the 'Fashion Music' EP - the Feline Dream return to the Fan Club at the Verge, Kentish Town on Saturday 7th September. More details on our pop-up infested message board or at the Feline Dream site. You can buy the new release from the website as well.
Hot on the heels of their best release to date - the 'Fashion Music' EP - the Feline Dream return to the Fan Club at the Verge, Kentish Town on Saturday 7th September. More details on our pop-up infested message board or at the Feline Dream site. You can buy the new release from the website as well.
Thursday, September 05, 2002
Bright Eyes to play Belfast!
Well, I had seen all their London gigs so far, but I thought I would have to give this tour a miss. Happily not, as Witchita Records have confirmed dates in Ireland in November.
Bright Eyes play Belfast Queens University on 8th November, Dublin Whelans on the 9th. Not to be missed!
Well, I had seen all their London gigs so far, but I thought I would have to give this tour a miss. Happily not, as Witchita Records have confirmed dates in Ireland in November.
Bright Eyes play Belfast Queens University on 8th November, Dublin Whelans on the 9th. Not to be missed!
Wednesday, September 04, 2002
More Godspeed news...
Apparently Godspeed you Black Emperor! have their music used extensively in the new movie from Trainspotting director Danny Boyle. The movie, entitled 28 Days Later is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie wioth an original screenplay by Alex Garland. I'm not sure how much GYBE material is used in the movie, or even if it will be exclusive tracks, but it will receive a UK cinema release in early November. More details are found here, including some reoprts from test-screenings. One comment is The first twenty minutes are absolutely superb, including some amazing footage of an empty and ravaged London set to the music of the Canadian group Godspeed You Black Emperor. Judging from the first 20 minutes, this film has the potential to be the best British science fiction film in many, many years. Can't wait to see the whole thing!". I'm certainly looking forward to it.
Apparently Godspeed you Black Emperor! have their music used extensively in the new movie from Trainspotting director Danny Boyle. The movie, entitled 28 Days Later is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie wioth an original screenplay by Alex Garland. I'm not sure how much GYBE material is used in the movie, or even if it will be exclusive tracks, but it will receive a UK cinema release in early November. More details are found here, including some reoprts from test-screenings. One comment is The first twenty minutes are absolutely superb, including some amazing footage of an empty and ravaged London set to the music of the Canadian group Godspeed You Black Emperor. Judging from the first 20 minutes, this film has the potential to be the best British science fiction film in many, many years. Can't wait to see the whole thing!". I'm certainly looking forward to it.
Tuesday, September 03, 2002
News of some forthcoming albums...
Firstly, some relief for those of you who keep hitting this site when you're looking for details of the new Godspeed you Black Emperor! album. I mentioned in a recent live review that it may be called 'New York' but this was only a rumour, as the title has now been confirmed as 'Yanqui u.x.o'. Recorded with Steve Albini, and released in Europe on November 4, 2002 (coincidentally my birthday!). More information and cover art can be found at Constellation Records, as can their 'map of evil' artwork.
Secondly, the Delgados have finished recording their new album 'Hate'. It'll be out on October 14, but on Mantra Records - NOT on their own label Chemikal Underground! I realise some of our indier-than-thou readers may have fainted at that news, but for a full explanation (and track listing) read the final instalment of the Delgados diary.
Firstly, some relief for those of you who keep hitting this site when you're looking for details of the new Godspeed you Black Emperor! album. I mentioned in a recent live review that it may be called 'New York' but this was only a rumour, as the title has now been confirmed as 'Yanqui u.x.o'. Recorded with Steve Albini, and released in Europe on November 4, 2002 (coincidentally my birthday!). More information and cover art can be found at Constellation Records, as can their 'map of evil' artwork.
Secondly, the Delgados have finished recording their new album 'Hate'. It'll be out on October 14, but on Mantra Records - NOT on their own label Chemikal Underground! I realise some of our indier-than-thou readers may have fainted at that news, but for a full explanation (and track listing) read the final instalment of the Delgados diary.
Sunday, September 01, 2002
The 'new content' initiative was halted by my relocation, but I'm back to regularly uploading material. In the past couple of days gig reviews of Mum, Ten Benson, Sophia and Oxbow have all been uploaded. Check the index or the links in the column to the left for more. The plan is to get things up-to-date before I switch to the new hosts.
Also, I'm introducing a CD reviews section as I've been sent a few good ones lately. I'm particularly interested in self-released stuff, and the first installment is likely to feature the Feline Dream, the Embers and Robyn G Shiels, amongst others. Email me if you want our postal address.
Also, I'm introducing a CD reviews section as I've been sent a few good ones lately. I'm particularly interested in self-released stuff, and the first installment is likely to feature the Feline Dream, the Embers and Robyn G Shiels, amongst others. Email me if you want our postal address.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
One thing I thought I might miss when I moved from London to Belfast was the amount of gigs happening. I've been proved wrong, as I've not only seen to great shows in one week - Go Commando and Guided By Voices - but there are tons of shows taking place in September. The best source of information on this is the gigs page at Fastfude, so go there and see for yourself.
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