PETER PERRETT – Botanique, Brussels – 17 November 2017
Despite the fact that British legends THE ONLY ONES emerged in the explosive, but quite short era of punk and new wave their characteristic, amplified power guitar pop brilliance
hadn’t much to do with the revolutionary DIY scene at the time. The London band featured bloody good, experienced musicians and with Peter Perrett, their charismatic frontman and singer/songwriter they had a troubled genius who wrote black-pitch stories about death, drugs addiction, and tormented love that hit countless souls. His dark desire for
all sorts of tragic human themes was obviously inspired/caused by his heroin abuse.
His intriguing, melancholic voice matched their dazzling, electrical melodies hauntingly perfect. The band released three albums – Even Serpents Shineis my all time favorite – between 1976-1982 and scored a knockout classic single with ‘Another Girl, Another Planet’ back in 1978…
Enough about last century. Back to the present. Last June, the now 65-year-old Perrett released his first proper solo album ‘How The West Was Won’. Simply the most touching record I heard all year. A highly affecting work of moody passion with several emotional songs about his eternal love for his wife of many years, Zena, but also gripping musings about his turbulent past and striking reflections on his current state of mind. Overall this soul-stirring longplayer is about the one and only essential drug in life: LOVE.
Yesterday the man landed in Brussels. Assisted by a splendiferous 5-piece ‘children‘ band, featuring two of his sons and two cool ladies (electric violin/keys & tambourine/keys), Perrett moved us all intensely with a striking performance for heart and soul. Of course, they played that Only Ones masterstroke but this spellbinding concert was mostly about now, about how Perrett feels today, about ‘How The West Was Won’ and that is something quite special. From amplified lullabies to mind-blowing jams led by brilliant guitarist Jamie Perrett taking the jubilant audience to an ecstatic level. And yes, the veteran’s magnetic voice is still spot on and, most remarkably, he enjoyed every single second of the entire show and looks really like a genuinely happy survivor, still highly capable of enrapturing people, off and on stage. Unlike the late Johnny Thunders once sang ‘You Can’t Put Your
Arms Around a Memory’ I’ll embrace this memorable evening forever…
Here’s the magnificent HOW THE WEST WAS WON in full…
Last year was SAVAGES year. The forthright all-female 4-piece powerhouse led by charismatic frontwoman Jehnny Beth scored big time with their second LP ‘Adore Life‘.
But today I wanna hear/see/experience that amazingly powerful live rendition of mind-boggling steamroller FUCKERS (a live version was released on a 12″ along with a cover
of Suicide’s ‘Dream Baby Dream’ back in 2014 – both tracks were recorded live during the band’s November 6th, 2013 performance at London’s Forum.) at Glastonbury Festival 2016. Menacing, staggering and breathtaking. Here’s the awesome 10-minute volcano.
Los Angeles” infamous red-hot pop punks Kelly Ogden & Luis Cabezas aka THE DOLLYROTS released their 5th longplayer Whiplash Splash‘ last March. Another steamy collection of contagious crackers to start and end all 24-hour parties. To keep the madness going they just launched a sparky clip for one of the standout tracks ‘JUST BECAUSE I’M BLONDE’ . Time to get out of your lazy couch and move your ass. Here’s some jubilant rawk ‘n’ roll
to go bananas to…
Sonic vibes that thrill us in a way we want to scream out loud…
Band: MODERATE REBELS (London, UK) Who: Up and coming peculiar quartet “trying to create conditions where the songs could write themselves with minimum resistance, an automatic writing situation. The point was to remove ourselves, our beliefs and our intentions as much as possible; to just let it happen. It’s never been about us, we want to make music that aims at being more important than that.” Track: WHEN THE COST HAS NO VALUE – “a load of overheard pub conversations,
squashed into one song” according to the band… TUTV’s experience: ‘here’s a deadpan roll-call of neologisms’ narrative about the troubled times we live in. The ongoing spoken word/singing duet is pretty magnetizing while the jingle jangle melody creeps slowly but surely under your skin. To hell with the super rich here are some sonic rebels ready to act in their own special way. Press the button…
.
The band will release their debut longplayer THE SOUND OF SECURITY on 8th December.
I had the opportunity to hear it and I’m sure MODERATE REBELS will infiltrate your world
easily. Below is the album’s front cover and all info on the record here on Bandcamp.
NEWMOON is one of those rare bands that turn a musical genre from the past into something challenging for today’s ears. They produce an immense wall of shoegaze electricity and inject it with sensitive and appealing melodies. Their approach and interpretation of Kevin Shields‘ sonic vision and of like-minded musicians’ legacy is quite special. The colors of this Belgian five-piece generator are brighter and, yes, more human than I heard before from the last century’s feet staring pioneers. THEIR noise will take you to a higher, more emotional level. THEIR noise causes goosebumps. THEIR noise is one with a beating heart and a caring soul. Frontman Bert Cannaerts will tell you all and more you want to know about a band on its way to conquer Europe. Let’s start the acquaintance with this imposing masterstroke from their debut LP ‘SPACE’. Here’s ‘Head Of Stone’…
I guess we’re all ready now for a Q & A with Bert, who communicated with me straight out of the band’s van somewhere on a road in Europe…
NEWMOON rose up out of the ashes of a hardcore band. Tell us what happened. “We basically were just done with what we were trying to do. Hardcore/punk really feels like an “in the moment”-thing to me. We just didn’t want to become forced our stale in any way. I’m super proud of what we did with ‘Midnight Souls‘ but if was just time for us to quit. When the passion isn’t there anymore there’s no need to drag it out longer than necessary. I think the same thing goes for Newmoon. It’s all about being passionate and honest.”
What’s the story behind the band’s name and who came up with it? ” ‘New Moon‘ is the title of an Elliott Smith album. Even before starting Newmoon I always thought it had a nice ring to it. When Newmoon started becoming a real band we needed a name and it was the first thing that came to mind. Everyone in the band is a huge Elliott Smith fan so it made sense.’
Elliot Smith: inspiration for the band’s name…
When did you know “this is how we want to sound, this is us”? “I don’t think we ever really discussed this. We started writing music and things gradually fell into place. We think more in terms of vibe and atmosphere. It’s important to us to write songs that project our own feelings the way we want to. There are definitely bands that have inspired us but that list goes from bands like The Cure to bands like Sunn o))).”
When I heard highly praised debut album SPACE for the first time, ‘My Bloody Valentine’ came to mind, but with more heart and soul. Not ‘Loveless’at all. What sentiments came in to play when writing/recording? “My Bloody Valentine is such an important band. Whenever people compare anything we do to them it’s probably the biggest compliment. That being said we never really tried to sound like them. I think some of the biggest references for Space were The Cure, The Smashing Pumpkins and Slowdive. When It came to finish the album we listened to a lot of different kinds of music and production was not really based on one certain genre.”
Who designed the front cover for the album and what does the image stand for? ‘Everything was designed by our friend Nick Steinhardt. He’s an incredible designer and really captured the essence of Space. He’s worked for artists like Deafheaven, Austra, Tom Waits and more. We’re so lucky to have him on our team. The art is a literal exercise in defining space in color and structure. We asked him to create something abstract that would feel more like a painting that just an album cover. And he absolutely nailed the entire concept.”
On your Bandcamp-page I read ‘we are real poets, man’. Sarcasm or love for poetry? “It’s kind of sarcastic haha. I’m a big fan of writers like Bukowski and Ginsberg and both have definitely influenced some of our lyrical content. But we also really like being sarcastic and don’t try to take things too seriously.”
A couple of weeks ago when playing my hometown Ghent you had a touching message for the audience: “in the end it’s all about love”. What was on your mind at that very moment, Bert? “Honestly, I feel like it’s something that could and should be expressed more. I’m kind of bored with artists who just ask people how they are doing. So many people have to deal with difficult things and I just want to tell those people that we care. It’s so important to take care of your fellow human beings. This past year I’ve seen the effect this has on people in my immediate environment and I think people just forget. People forget to ask their loved ones if they’re okay just because everything looks okay on the outside. When we play shows there are all these people I don’t know but they somehow feel connected to our music. So I want to tell them that everything will be okay and that we care. Because we do.”
Keywords for NEWMOON’s work: passion, honesty and love…
Opening track HELIUM immediately sets the tone. What does the label ‘shoegaze’ actually means to you? “I like a lot of bands that get put under the shoegaze-umbrella. I love the emotion you find in bands like Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine. I always look for that emotional expression in music. Whether they’re shoegaze or not isn’t really that important to me.”
Any rituals before and after a show? “Usually we’re just trying to relax before a show. Giel and me should really do some vocal warm-ups before we play but instead we’re usually just drinking. After the show is pretty much the same most of the time. We try and unwind from the rush of playing. Basically, both scenarios involve a lot of drinks and some friendly shit-talking to each other”.
Live the band generates an overwhelming wall-of-sound turning at times into mind-blowing jams. Was it a natural development as the band moved on or a conscious choice from the start? “It’s something that happened very naturally. We play our set in a way that flows well and sometimes we start jamming to make things more interesting. We’ve played these songs so many times so it’s fun to let them evolve over time. I think most of our songs have changed in small ways since recording them.”
Turning up the volume on stage…
What’s on the van’s stereo when driving through Europe? “I’m typing this as I’m sitting in the van, so here are some albums we’ve been listening to. Post Malone – Stoney Communions – Blue Ho99o9 – United States of Ho99o9 Mayhem – Chimera Liam Gallagher – As You Were Phoebe Bridgers – Strangers in the Alps“
Who’s your number one artist/band to go on a world tour with ? “Probably The Cure. Slowdive or The Jesus and Mary Chain would definitely be incredible too. The absolute dream is probably Oasis, but we know that will never happen.”
If you could travel in time what artist would you choose to jam with? “I don’t know if we’re the type of band to jam with other people. I’d travel back in time to see Elliott Smith work on music and to give him a hug.”
Which movie would you pick to visualize your music on a big screen when playing? “That’s such an interesting question. Maybe Wong Kar Wai‘s Fallen Angels? It’s a movie about the criminal underground in Hong Kong. The whole look of the movie is very moody and dark. All of the neon and the futuristic vibe of Hong Kong give it this really unique atmosphere. It looks like a drunken night out in the city.”
Soon on a stage with Newmoon…
My Bloody Valentine or The Jesus and Mary Chain? “Loveless is better than any album JAMC ever put out, but they are just so much cooler. I love the attitude and aesthetic of The Jesus And Mary Chain. ‘Happy When it Rains’ is one of my favorite songs. I’m going JAMC on this.”
And here’s another pair of brothers…
Slowdive or Ride? “Slowdive. Not even close.”
Vinyl, cassette or compact disc? “Vinyl. I love buying records and it feels like vinyl is the perfect format for music. The artwork is nice and big, there’s this collectible aspect to it and it turns listening to music into more of an experience. Flipping over the record, physically dropping the needle into the groove, hearing the little imperfections. I love it.”
Social media: a blessing or a pain in the ass? “It definitely makes things a bit easier for bands these days. Setting up tours is so much easier and faster than it used to be. However, it’s important to remember that social media is a curated version of reality. It’s not always a reflection of what things are really like. That being said we don’t take it too seriously and like to joke and goof around on Twitter and Instagram. So give a follow to @newmoontheband people!”
Best album/track you heard so far this year? “Phoebe Bridgers’ A Stranger in the Alps is definitely up there. I’ve been listening to the newest Chelsea Wolfe album a lot and she never disappoints. The new Oscar And The Wolf album has some absolute bangers on it.”
Is playing in a band actually the best job one can imagine? “Playing in a band is great. I can’t believe some of the things we get to do through music. The people in Newmoon are my actual best friends so getting to do all unique, weird and inspiring things with them is a dream. That being said it also takes a lot of work, sacrifice and time. It definitely puts pressure on significant others and family. So it’s not always easy.”
What’s NEWMOON’s ultimate ambition? “I think by now we’ve accomplished so much more than we ever could have hoped for. We want to keep this beast going for as long as possible, as long as it’s fun. Maybe play Japan one day? We love that place and I want to go back so badly.”
The band’s wishes for 2018? “Be kind to other people.”
Many thanks to Bert for this interview. May the road rise with NEWMOON.
Fasten your seatbelts now ’cause…. Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in Space…
DUDS – Kinky Star, Ghent (Belgium) – 13 November 2017
Yesterday turned out to be another blue Monday as usual until I finally decided to go out, have a drink and enjoy some live music in one my favorite hometown clubs, the Kinky Star. My oh, my! Hallelujah! What a revelation. The, for me earlier unknown, programmed band DUDS, was nothing less than a sonic sensation. A six-piece collective out of Manchester, blew me and actually all present off our socks with a stupendous post-punk/new wave turbulence related to the 70s/80s, but translated triumphantly in a 21st century’s caustic turmoil that really pumps your adrenalin’s stream up towards an ecstatic level. It seemed like so many bands from the great British alternative past were just there on that small stage having a steamy jam. Here are a few names to get the picture: A Certain Ratio, Pigbag, The Pop Group, The Mekons, The Fall and Delta 5. Yes, I know, that bloody stellar. Their knife-edged, explosive and cutting eruptions fueled by a striking trumpet duo vitalized all of our senses. This sextet’s non-stop crazed funk punk flurries made heads spin in all directions. Gloriously deranged havoc that kicked Monday right in its boring face. Here’s a taster to give you an idea why the temperature rose to sweaty degrees yesterday night…
I guess your really hungry now to hear their newest,
excellent album OF A NATURE OR DEGREE …
‘Wicked Game’ covered by Kymberley Kennedy Original by Chris Isaak (1989)
I’m pretty sure that at least half of our planet know CHRIS ISAAK‘s most famous and best-known hit as ‘WICKED GAME‘ is a pearl that appeals to millions. Touching melancholy at
its very best. A recognizable heartbreaker to many. Over the years I heard several covers from different artists, but nobody even came close to the original, until right now. Indeed, Leeds born singer KYMBERLEY KENNEDY‘s version is something special. With her towering voice she pushes the track to another, amazing level. Perfectly assisted by a splendiferous band Kennedy‘s vox turns the ballad into a soul song, rather than a song for the heart. A magnificent goosebumps rendition with a spiritual touch. Experience the splendor here…
ALL MUSIC wrote: “While the goth scene in England was picking up commercial steam in the mid-’80s, the “Sisters of Mercy” may have seemed quiet, but they roared back with ‘Floodland’. Opening with the driving two-part hymn “Dominion/Mother Russia,” Sisters leader Andrew Eldritch (along with bassist Patricia Morrison) creates a black soundscape that is majestic and vast. While the earlier Sisters releases were noisy, sometimes harsh affairs, ‘Floodland’ is filled with lush production (thanks to Meat Loaf writer/producer Jim Steinman and the New York Choral Society) and lyric imagery that is both scary and glorious. A definite milestone.”
Turn Up The Volum!: says: ‘Floodland’ is a massive electrifying goth pop machine…
Three Top Tracks:This Corrosion / Dominion-Mother Russia / Lucretia My Reflection
