Sandon Fields Festival 2018: Ones to Watch

With Sandon Fields Festival just around the corner, we cast our eye over the acts that you need to be checking out this weekend. There are still a limited amount of tickets for the festival available here.



Saturday 9th June

The Relights - Big Sounds Stage 12:20pm
A band born of frustration, The Relights began blasting away the monotony of day-to-day routines, stale hometowns and lifeless music back in early 2015. Since those early days, the band has performed across the country, winning over music lovers with their honest brand of no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll. The Dunstable based four piece have been favourably compared to the likes of Cast, The Charlatans and Oasis and we can’t think of a better way to kick off the weekend.


The Scruff - Main Stage 5:05pm
The sartorially elegant (their words not mine) Bedford four piece have been making a name for themselves over the last 12 months. Towards the back end of last year their single Her, a towering emotional epic about love and loss, gained national airplay on Radio X, 6 Music and Radio 1 whilst this year a run of live dates for This Feeling to promote latest single White Flag has thrown them into the consciousness of music fans up and down the country. The sheer energy and raucousness of a Scruff live set is not to be missed.

Courts - Main Stage 7pm
Basildon four piece Courts have previously been described by MTV as having “Every quality needed to become the next big phenomenon in music” and have been endorsed by the likes of Nile Rodgers and Sir Elton John. The band combines a variety of influences such as disco, grime and funk to create a sound that is both original and exciting. Their latest single Tonight is one of the most uplifting tunes we’ve heard in years and we can’t recommend these lads enough.



Waste - Main Stage 7:55pm
Waste are a four piece rock band from Stevenage who have previously been described as “rocking in a kind of Arctic Monkeys vein and with some crazy riffs”. The band’s live shows are a loud, dynamic and tight knit experience and this reputation has previously earned them support slots with the likes of Frankie & The Heartstrings and Childhood. Not to be missed.

The Rifles - Main Stage 9:55pm
Having burst on to the scene more than a decade ago, The Rifles have outlasted most of the contemporaries from the time. Now five studio albums into their career, the band have not let lack of radio play and media coverage hold them back and have instead forged a reputation as a great live band with an immensely loyal fan base. The Londoners are currently promoting a singles compilation album, so expect to hear mod tinged indie anthems from throughout their back catalogue such as Local Boy, Heebie Jeebies and the crowd favourite Romeo & Julie.

Sunday 10th June
Sarpa Salpa - Big Sounds Stage 12:30pm
Northampton’s Sarpa Salpa have been making a name for themselves of late with a string of well received local gigs. 2017 saw the youthful four piece release a single She Never Lies that was nothing short of indie pop perfection. With a new release imminent, catch these boys before they’re playing bigger festivals. Perfect tunes for a sun soaked Sunday afternoon.

J.W. Paris - The School of Rock Stage 3:30pm
J.W. Paris are a London based three piece who have supported the likes of The Vultures, The Amazons and Yonaka. Their ballsy new sound builds on their influences ranging from B.R.M.C, The Rolling Stones, Blur and Suede, which in turn gives them a raw anglo-american, alt-rock swagger with the vocal delivery, phrasing and harmonies that wouldn’t sound out of place in the Britpop hey day. The band have had plenty of great live feedback from fanzines and bloggers, and as a result of this are being tipped as ones to watch in 2018.


Dodgy - Main Stage 5:20pm
Dodgy made their name in the Britpop era of the mid 90s with a string of successful upbeat singles including Good Enough and Staying Out For The Summer. They close the festival on Sunday evening so expect a selection of hits and treats from their six studio albums.

Sandon Fields
Poplars Farm
Roe Green
Sandon
Hertfordshire
SG9 0QG

IDLES - Colossus (Single Review)

In 2017 no other debut album lay down a marker quite like ‘Brutalism’.  A punk attitude, rock record which radiates social commentary.  Giving a fresh and honest reflection of the harsh realities of everyday life, and a need to survive.  It’s a war cry in the heat of battle.  With the band having won that battle, it’s time for the war.

‘Colossus’ strides into view, trampling cars, tanks and swatting away helicopters with ease.  Joe Talbot’s masked passion and razor sharp wit are still at the forefront of the intensity, which has grown twofold since their last release.  This is a monster that cannot be destroyed by conventional weapons.  Growing in strength with every note.

Just when you think you have the measure of this beast, the scene freezes and you are suddenly seeing through the mind’s eye of Colossus.  Told to a full-throttle punk standard, we discover it’s more than brawn.  Sharing empathy with Jesus Christ, Evil Knievel and Fred Astaire.  It’s apparent that this is one big hearted, light footed, daredevil.  With some complex character depths.  

When getting things off your chest, is there a better analogy than a golden-era WWF superstar? “I’m like Ted DiBiase, I win no matter what it cost me”.  It’s big talk, as there is no price too high for the Million Dollar Man.  What Idles have cannot be bought.  This band are priceless, and will soon unleash what will be one of the albums of the year.  In hard times we need bands like IDLES.

 

Review by Ben Barry.

 

Transmission episode 3: Vandalism and future rock royalty

Transmission episode 3: Vandalism and future rock royalty 

Luton fanzine Vandalism Begins At Home and Kettering kings Monarchs are our two featured interviews as Transmission returns tonight (May 30) for a third thunderous instalment on Diverse FM.



Our boys Matt Crawley and Danny Buckley will be spinning more tunes from local, unsigned and up-an-coming artists in their quest to introduce you to your next favourite band - and Monarchs next in line for the throne with new single ‘You Got Me’. 
We caught up with them for an exclusive chat at Bedford Esquires on Friday, the day they released their desert rock-infused stomp. 
Tune in as the trio also discuss Nick Cave-inspired lyrics and their love for Arctic Monkeys, with a view on why the Bowie-esque album from Alex Turner and co won’t be fully understood and appreciated until 10 years down the line. 




We also have a local music love-in with Ben Barry, who is one half of Vandalism Begins At Home’s self-styled co-conspirator duo, along with Dave O’Brien. 
A man very much after our own hearts, when it comes to local music and arts, Ben discusses why 2018 was the right time to revive the fanzine, 10 years after its first incarnation. 
Busy planning the third edition of the free music and arts zine, Ben gives us the lowdown of what you can expect when it drops in a pub near you from June 8. 

Also, on Transmission this week, which airs on 102.8fm in Luton or available online from anywhere at www.diversefm.com via a listen again feature, get your gig fix with our round-up of the must-see events for the next fortnight, plus hear bangers from the likes of The Barratts, Trampoline, Black Honey, Luton’s Rylands Heath and our Track of the Week from King Purple. 

And, if you want to get in touch with us, you can email Transmission on transmission@gmail.com or find the show on Twitter, Facebook andInstagram and their Spotify show playlists if you search Transmission on Diverse FM.  

MONARCHS - You Got Me (Single Review)

Kettering based 3 piece MONARCHS returned on Friday with their latest single You Got Me, an exhilarating, riff heavy, three and a half minutes of rock brilliance.

MONARCHS have gained a lot of recognition on the local scene in the last 18 months or so with a headline show at Bedford Esquires and support slots with the likes of Gazelle and The Amazons, and this latest effort will further their cause immensely. You Got Me draws musical parallels with the likes of Royal Blood and Feeder whilst the lyrical themes of domination and submission is reminiscent of Dangerous Animals by Arctic Monkeys. Singer, guitarist and chief lyricist Sam Amos admits he doesn't write happy songs but You Got Me enhances the reputation the band have for making dark, brooding rock that they established on previous singles 'Eyes, Lies' and 'Darker Shade of Black'.

All in all You Got Me is well worth your attention, as is the fact that MONARCHS embark on "The Royal Tour" with fellow Northamptonshire band King Purple, starting tonight in Newport Pagnell and taking in the likes of Bedford and Corby (full list of dates below) so go check them out, you won't regret it.

 

PARQUET COURTS - Wide Awake (Single Review)

With a hop, skip and a mighty jump, 2016 saw Parquet Courts become the indie darlings of both the critics and fans alike with their 5th album ‘Human Performance’. A record that whilst still influenced by their obvious love for The Modern Lovers, elevated the band into a creative zone all of their own. One that I’m happy to report continues.  

‘Wide Awake’ is such a funk-punk fuelled art attack, you may as well be shot in the face with a paint gun at point blank range by Neil Buchanan. “This is an ART ATTACK!” BANG!

What started as a quiet night out, has quickly escalated to throwing shapes you never knew you had to this ESG homage.  You’re paint splattered and taking it to the floor with a classic children’s TV presenter, without a care who’s watching.  Perhaps even with Pat Sharp getting in on the action. For now groove really is in the heart and the rhythm is gonna get you in this fun house.

Chucking whistles, cowbells and the funkiest of kitchen sinks into the mix, these New York dwellers leave nothing behind.  Clocking in at just over two and a half minutes, this track makes use of its time with style and substance in equal measure.  It’s also the title track of Parquet Courts recently released new album, which does not disappoint.  Explore it yourself and see where it leads you.

 

                                                                    Words by Ben Barry

TOM GRENNAN - Barbed Wire (Single Review)

The last couple of years have seen Bedford singer-songwriter Tom Grennan experience a meteoric rise. From lending his distinctive vocals to a Chase and Status single to having a song appear on the opening credits of Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage, it seem’s nothing can stop Grennan’s ascent to superstardom.

The 23-year-old’s latest single Barbed Wire is another well-timed leap in the right direction. A hugely soulful number, bristling with the charismatic confidence we’ve come to know and love from Grennan.

The title is a metaphor, says Grennan, “a thing you shouldn’t go near or touch, a path you shouldn’t tread, a girl you maybe shouldn’t kiss...” but the chorus is anthemic and uplifting with the listener being urged not to settle for second best. “Don’t let people hold you back/Gotta stand tall and aim higher/don’t touch the barbed wire”. Fitting sentiments coming from Grennan, whose lofty career ambitions should inspire up and coming musicians everywhere.

With a video for Barbed Wire filmed in the Californian desert due imminently, a debut album Lighting Matches released in July and a headline gig at Brixton Academy on the horizon, it’s difficult to see Grennan getting held back by anything (barbed wire included) any time soon.

Words by Danny Buckley

KING PURPLE - Stuck in the Rough (SINGLE REVIEW)

On May 11^th King Purple released new single ‘Stuck In The Rough’ produced by Ryan Pinson at RML Studios in Wolverhampton.

The song takes you on a swirling journey of early 90s shoegazing tones with the Corby three piece alt-rock band led by the vocals/guitar of Callum Connachie, Luke Carscadden on bass and Frazer Beattie on drums. Comparisons with Soundgarden and The Verve can be found, and that is never a bad thing given that bands like Shame and DMAs are bringing the sounds we loved back then a fresh twist and King Purple are doing the same.

King Purple are definitely ones to watch in 2018, having already supported Transmission favourites RedFaces, Dream Wife and Husky Loops in 2017. 

The are heading out on a joint headline tour with Monarchs kicking off on the 26^th of May at The Swan Revived in Newport Pagnall ending with a hometown show at The White Hart in Corby on the 29^th of June.

A list of tour dates are in the picture below. They are playing loads of local shows so no excuses not to check them out live. 

LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE

Words by Matt Crawley