The Temperance Movement and Graveltones- BETA, Copenhagen March 15th, 2014

I was not at all sure I would know anyone at this show tonight but I wanted to go and check out the Temperance Movement. I had read a lot about them in Classic Rock Magazine and bought the double vinyl record. My friend Anders is working at the club so he was there and later Freddy (Fuzz Manta) and Morgan (Shiva’s Nat) showed up but other than them I knew few people. It was nearly sold out this show so a lot of people (120 or so).

          At 22 the Graveltones hit the stage. They are a duo of drums and guitar and from the UK. I think they played 35mins or so and just now have their debut album out. The singer/guitar player has a cool guitar tone and he had a lot of pedals but stuck with this gritty sound and an octave sound he used in like three songs. I really liked the lyrics to his songs and he was really passionate. The drummer was a heavy set guy and really pounded his kit and had great dynamics. They were tight even though I wanted them to be more loose and jamming. I enjoyed the set but still don’t understand and never will why these bands choose not to have a bass player. It can only be better, not worse if they choose the right person and it opens up your options of what you can do so much more. I heard others say they reminded them of the Black Keys (I never heard them) and White Stripes.

Set List: Bang Band, Off Shelf, St. Lucia, Money, CMOTF, No Good, Newby, I want your Love, Boom Boom

All the gear was setup for the Temperance Movement (no moving of amps or changing the drum kit) and the band did not come out for over 30mins. The crowd was more than ready for their 2^nd show here in Copenhagen. They played KB18 last year, apparently. 23:05 they hit the stage. They opened up with Pride and it seemed a bit extended with a longer guitar solo from the short haired guy on the left. Singer has a great voice a bit like Chris Robinson meets Joe Cocker or something. He was a bit hoarse or sick tonight and you could see he struggled a bit. The band has some great bluesy grooves and you can really get pulled in at times but they also use all the predictable sing alongs (“hey, hey.. oh..oh.. etc..) and stick very close to their record. I had read in Classic Rock they like to mix things up and jam but it was not really apparent to me at this show, where if the singer is not doing well, what better chance to give him a break and do some longer jamming and play less songs. They did two songs in the middle of the set where the singer played acoustic guitar. One, the guitar player on the right, he did a really nice longer solo. The singer, he really seem to get into the last couple of songs but otherwise he was pretty boring as a frontman but he sang his heart out. Anyway, it was a fun show but not sure I would go see them again unless I check out some shows on line and find out they are jamming more but I guess they will go in a more not less mainstream sound after this. Let’s hope not..

Set List: Pride, Ain’t no Telling, Midnight Black, Fight with a Smile, Know for Sure, Smoldering, Lovers and Fighters, Chinese Lanterns, Only Friend, Take it Back, Serenity (Battle Lines was on the set list but the singer said he needed to rest his voice so they did not play it). 

The Movements- Like Elephants 2 (Crusher Records CRCd014)

 About 6 months ago, this psychedelic rock group from Göteborg released the first part of this two part series. This CD is only 37mins long and although they could have combined it into one, they split it into two records. This one has 11 tracks and starts off with Six Feet Under, which is really spacey to start and then it floats into the beautiful track with wonderful vocals, acoustic guitars and nice synthesizer complementation.  Stolen Love reminds me of a track from Baby Woodrose and includes a short psychedelic guitar solo. Ice Cold is a short ballad with acoustic guitar and piano (at the start). Give it to Me reminds me of the US artist Phideux, except the drum sound is more raw. Everybody needs Something is a more uptempo and dynamic psych track. I just love this guys singing. Man, he is so expressive and cool. Again, it reminds me abit of Phideux, the way he sings sometimes. Redemption is an mellow track with some pedal steel now and then that gives it this slight country flavour. Yesterday, Now and Forever picks things up and this track features some brief slide guitar parts to compliment the sound before the farfisa solo takes the lead. Like Elephants 2 is a bit droney and has this feeling for winter and one you could play at Christmas!  Winter’s Calling has a very cool bass groove as the band jams it out a bit. I hope they play this one live. What would happen if I Tried ends the CD with a relaxed track with organ, shaker, acoustic guitars and a nice build into a psychedelic ending..   Another cool record..

http://www.crusherrecords.com

Electric Moon- Mind Explosion (Sulatron Records st1402-2)

This is a new live release recorded at the cool club, Graf Hugo in Feldkirch, Austria last September. It features 4 intense jams over 70mins and is released on CD (500 copies) and a double vinyl in 1000 copies. The recording is very raw and in your face but great. The opening track starts mellow with some keyboards but then it just builds into a screaming psychedelic guitar freakout like you have never heard by EM.. This is going more into the direction of the Heads, Acid Mothers temple direction. Dave eventually departs from freakout mood and plays some more melodic parts. Very intense drumming and repetitive bass lines help to create the intensity of the track. The keyboards return at the end. Kaleidoscopeephole starts slowly with some delay guitars as the 22min trip begins. The mid-section the band are trying to find a new path but eventually head back to the tried and true very heavy riffing space guitars with lots of effects before the track reaches its end with a nice come down. The Picture continues with more heavy, repeated and stoned riffing as Dave experiments with what other effect combinations he can come up with to blow your mind… The last track Mind Explosion starts with some keyboards, layers of effects from Lulu and Dave before it attempts to turn it all up a bit higher with the intensity and the band burning up and collapsing on the stage… Maybe….

http://www.sulatron.com

BONG vs the Bots (Fuckin’ Amateurs 83)

This is a new cassette release from BONG and the Bots. IT was made in an edition of just 30 copies (I have #17). The BONG side is recorded in Newcastle in Oct 2013 and is one long jam, with not the best sound quality. There are much better quality ones out there but the vibe is heavy and stoned as ever and this is supposed to be the debut of the new record (Stoner Doom?). At the end of the track, there is an interview of BONG by one of the guys from the Bots. A very intense sound on this recording and some crazy guitar. I like this new direction of BONG.. Yes......

http://www.ritutalproductions.net

Schnauser- As long as he stays perfectly Still 7" /Schnauser- As Long as he stays perfectly Still 7" (Fruits de Mer Records)

 Schizo Fun Addict- theme from Suspiria 7” (Fruits de Mer CRUSTACEAN48)

                This is a new band for me but they were the labels first band back in 2008. The 72 contains two tracks for a total of under 8mins and starting with the Theme from Suspiria ( I love Argento and the Goblin soundtracks for his movies).  The special Susperia organ sound that you will recognize right away is kept but then layers of wild and crazy stuff are happening in the background to make is pretty psychedelic but sadly it ends at 4mins, just as I was totally into it. The B-side features In the long Run (from a Russ Meyer’s movie, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls). The vibe is totally different now with this strange psychedelic funky soul track. I liked both tracks and they would fit into these movies for sure..

http://www.fruitsdemerrecords.com

Schnauser- As long as he stays perfectly Still 7” (Crustacean 46)

This is a very cool and interesting 7” with a Soft Machine cover (from Vol 2) and Yes (from Time and a Word). By the Bristol based band Schnauser. Astra Traveller starts things off and it is a pretty cool rendition and it is different enough to be interesting. Covering YES is no easy feat. The band says this is a fun one to play live. Next up  is the title track, an old Soft Machine track from their 2^nd record. This one is a bit more psychedelic and has a nice guitar solo section.

http://www.fruitsdemerrecords.com

Mindwarp- Mindwarp EP (Acid Cosmonaut Records ACD-004)

There was not a lot of information about this band in the promo sheet except they were formed in 2012 and are from Brindisi, Italy and play instrumental heavy psych. Ok, so I just cranked the 4 track EP to see what it revealed.. Haarko-Haari starts things off and the band really seem to be in search of a direction on this track with it all finally coming together towards the end. Check out this video: 

 Adrenochrome is pretty simple stoned riffing and like the first track without any real solos by the guitar, just switching riffs and in search of a groove, which they occasionally hook but again not that interesting of a track until the wah guitar at the end but this section was far too short. Excuse Me, I have to go to Space Now is by far the coolest track on the EP with some really beautiful music leading up to the heavy rocking section. Iramocram ends this 20min EP. It has the heaviest groove of any of the tracks but not much that really grabs you. I guess this band is pretty new and clearly still searching for where to go with their melodic stoner rock. I would say this is not psychedelic at all and not very heavy either. Check them out and make your own decision…

http://www.acidcosmonautrecords.blogspot.com

Crystal Jacqeline and The Honey Pot double 7” (Crustacean 47)

There are 7 tracks, 6 of which are covers from very famous bands. Some of the cover versions are credited to Crystal Jacqueline and other The Honey Pot. Things get started with Pink Floyd’s Remember a Day. Jacqueline has this airy dreamy voice which suits this song well and this is a very cool version with lots of unique elements tossed in. Wow… It’s Raining (Icarus Peel) is an uptempo and happy track and features Crystal (the man of the group!) on lead vocals and features a really psychedelic section of music before returning to beauty. White Rabbit (guess who?) is served up in a quite extended version of nearly 5mins and this is really fantastic as well with an almost like Spanish music vibe where they repeat the lyrical section again. Tick Tock (The Fleur de Lys) has a very funky vibe and somehow sounds familiar. Egyptian Tomb (Mighty Baby) also has a quite dreaming feeling to it but also is a very happy and uplifting track. Puppets (Curved Air) is another beautiful track. The double 7” ends with I had too much to Dream Tonight. I highly recommend this record. Every track is totally skilfully performed and delivered in this group’s own unique but also accurate renditions.

http://www.fruitsdemerrecords.com

Planes of Satori 7” (Who can you Trust)

Not sure where this band is from but I guess the San Francisco bay area since it contains members of Golden Void, Parchman Farm, Voices and Cousins The 7” starts off with Son of A Gun, which has a guitar line that steals a bit from the Flower Travellin’ Band and reminds a bit of Satori (just a little). The sound production is quite strange with the drum toms mixed quite high. Cool song. Dichotomies changes the vibe totally and is more laid back and wandering, in a way but still pretty spacey. This band is one that needs longer times than this 7” gives them in order really create a good trip for you. It simply just ends too quickly! Enjoy..

http://whocanyoutrustrec.bandcamp.com http://whocanyoutrustrec.wordpress.com/   

Bronco Bullfrog- Time Waits for Norman (Regal Crabomophone 15)

 Another totally new band for me and one that the label says is channeling the vibe of England circa 1966/68, which sounds like a cool thing to me. The 7” contains two original tracks and one 60’s cover of a band called Sands. It starts off with Time waits for Norman and it retains the vibe of the Beatles meets the Kinks but with a more modern sound production. It fades out when it sounds like the band is going into a more improvised jam or something.. I wonder if we ever hear the full version? Rocking Horse Mender (inspired by Kaleidoscope) is only 2½ minutes of 60’s music but without the psychedelic edge. Listen to the Sky (Sands) is a catchy track about listening to the Sky…  Enjoy..

http://www.fruitsdemerrecords.com

Admiral Sir Cloudsley Shovell- Black Sheep 7” (Rise Above Records RISE7/174)

The nasty rock and roll sounds of ASCS return with two new tracks that precede their new record due out later this year. Black Sheep starts things off with an uptempo rocker with a catchy head bobbing riff and groove and a short guitar solo. This must be one of the bands shortest songs ever as it just went by way too fast…  Elemental Man has a really dirty guitar sound and riff and starts off with a guitar solo. Reminds me a bit of the Groundhogs, a band these guys surely dig.

http://www.riseaboverecords.com

Us and Them- By the time it gets Dark (Regal Crabomophone WINKLE 14)

Us and Them is really Britt and Anders (Sweden). They start the 7” off with the Sandy Denny song that is the title track of this 7”. It is very serine and dreamy and clearly difficult to sing and capture the original Sandy magic. A Donavan song is next and is quite cool and really does evoke this creepy story by Lewis Carroll. The 7” ends with a band original called Do I Know You. This track is 6½ minutes and also very beautiful and magical in a way with just simple instrumentation to start but then the drums come in and flute, etc.. Perfect track to start the Sunday morning!

http://www.fruitsdemerrecords.com

Deamon’s Child- S/T (Zygmatron Music ZYG1)

This three piece band hails from Northern Germany and plays a strange punky rock music. The band has a female bass player/singer who sings in German, which is very unique. She also has a very special voice. There are 9 tracks in 30 mins as this record tends to fly by. The songs remind me of Melvins at times with these crazy changes going on all the time but the production is far to clean and produced. I have no idea what they sing about if it is political, funny, serious, or what. Missu sometimes plays some pretty cool guitar parts in different songs while Tim, the drummer, is the real driver of the rhythms and is mixing things up all the time. I don’t know what more to say.. Just check them out……

http://www.deamonshome.de http://www.zygmatron.de

The Hedgehogs- You make me wanna Cry 7” (Levitation Records LR010)

The Danish psych band from Aarhus are back with a new 7” release mixed and mastered by Tony Reed (Mos Generator). The title track starts things off with a standard baby Wodrose like strummed guitar riff. The lead guitar line runs a melodic thread through the entire track while the mid-section really picks up with the organ more prominent in the mix. The harmonica solo comes a bit later as the track gets more and more psychedelic. Can’t Find Myself continues in a very similar vein as the first track with a mid-pace and catchy combination of organ and guitar melodies that would fit perfect back in 1968… While the band is really lacking in original ideas, they play 60’s garage psych really well and if you are into that you will probably dig cranking this 7” up. I believe it is pressed on 200gm vinyl in 500 copies so it will be around for a while.

http://www.facebook.com/levitationrecords

Sweet Times- Volume 1 7” (Who can you Trust)

This is a 7” that plays on 33rpm and contains one track from 4 different bands. I believe these are all exclusive to this 7”. The first band up is Hot Lunch with the track called Love is all around Me. This track is totally sounds like it was out of the early 70s. Glitter Wizard is up next with a track called Siren. It is a really fast track and it sounds like they have a different singer but the music is freaky space rock punk (nearly). Flip the record over and Dirty Fences have a short uptempo catchy melodic punky rocker. Ouul changes the music radically even though the tempo is quite similar. Ther track, Jeewolf Awakening is a bit more aggressive and low fi in nature and a bit psyched out at the end. An interesting compilation and the first in a series of 10 all pressed in 600 copies.

http://whocanyoutrustrec.bandcamp.com http://whocanyoutrustrec.wordpress.com/   

Blackberry Smoke- 02 Academy, Islington, London March 3rd, 2014

It has been 5 years since Sue and I saw are current favourite Southern Rock band, Blackberry Smoke. The gig has been sold out, actually, the bands entire UK tour sold out. Some friends of BBS, Cadillac 3, who happen to be in town playing opened the show with a short like 25min set. They were an interesting 3 piece of drums, guitar (who did the lead vocals), and pedal steel, who also did a lot of singing. Sadly, the pedal steel was mixed way too low in the mix and you only herad him in the more quiet sections, which were few as this was big heavy southern riffs, almost like a stoner southern blues with no solos. They played Tennesse Mojo and their new single, which is not out yet called South but I don’t remember the title of the other three short songs.

Million Dollar Reload

After a 20min break, Million Dollar Reload, I think they were called hit the stage. They clearly had some fans in the area where we were standing but they were really average. A bit of AC/DC, Guns and Roses and 80’s rock and roll, ala Hanoi Rocks but we had heard it all before. Good energy and average sing along rock songs. I was pretty bored and just wanted to see BBS like everyone else.

I had seen the set they were playing on this tour and it was really heavy on the Whippoorwheel, which was only just released in the UK and Europe on Earache records, despite having been out like 1½ years in the USA. Anyway, they opened with the hard rocking, Leave a Scar and into Like I Am from the bands little Piece of Dixie record. Turns out they would only play tracks from these two records with nothing from their debut or the more country, Honky Tonk Ep. The set went by pretty fast as the songs are played very tight and exactly like on the record except for Sleeping Dogs, where they have a bit of fun with a jam in the middle with a bit of Midnight Rider by the Allman Brothers and back into the song but even this is done with picture perfection as they do it like this every night for the last many years. People really got into Up in Smoke, which would have been a perfect one for them to jam out and one of the few where Paul gets to do a guitar solo but they kept it short. I really wish they would jam it out a bit more. The bass player and drummer looked like they could have fallen asleep during the set a few times, while Charlie and Paul were clearly having a ball playing. I shouted out Train Rollin (a song from the first album) but Charlie said that was a Deep Cut and they could not play it because Paul could not remember the words! The first encore was a brand new song, called Livin in the Song, and it was a quite a short commercial track. I did not particularly like it but you know their songs grow on you… They were pressed for time so a quick version of Shake your Magnolia and they were out the door in about a 95min set.  Fun show for sure…

Set List: Leave a Scar, Like I am, Six Ways to Sunday, Good One Comin’ On, Pretty Little Lie, Crimson Moon, Sleeping Dogs, She’s Mine, Whippoorwheel, Holy Ghost, Up in Smoke, Ain’t got the blues, Freeborn Man, Restless, One Horse Town, Ain’t much Left of Me, Livin in a Song, Shake your Magnolia

http://www.blackberrysmoke.com