Mr Peeps Big Fat Christmas Party

I've been looking forward to the enigmatic Mr Peeps Big Fat Christmas Party for quite some time now, so when it came to setting out for Gullivers in Manchester's Northern Quarter I was full of great expectations...and wasn't to be disappointed.  This was the second of the Mr Peeps events (the first was in The Castle Hotel, Manchester back in August) and featured three local bands plus one from Grimsby. Thanks as always to Trust A Fox Photography.






First band up to a nearly full crowd, Grimsby's finest Kismet Ryding.  I was first introduced to their sound through The Online Festival about 18 months ago and what a difference a year and a half makes. 





A thoroughly engaging, full on set with charismatic front man Mike Freeman hitting the stage running like the bastard child of Captain Beefheart and Tom Waits while Jazz White on Drums and Tom (bass) & Josh (guitar) Humphreys providing musicality of the highest order.  From 'Last Nights Stains' to 'Hope & Glory' they grabbed the ever growing audience by the proverbials and didn't let go. Live music doesn't get any grittier than this!

Next up Transition, Baby! a band I'd caught in The Dry Bar, Manchester last year at an Online Festival gig. They've been taking a bit of a break from gigging, however that didn't show as they bounced into a 100 mile an hour set that had the crowd jumping.  Their track 'Manners Are Wasted On You' (the first track on their debut EP) was a real crowd pleaser and I hope that this is the return to regular gigging for these lads.

Third set came from the ever reliable Stolen Haven. Again I'd caught them at The Dry Bar last year and they played a storming set then. Tonight was no different as they had the crowd bouncing. They never fail to deliver and Andy Brides rock steady vocals a treat as always. 

Solid back up from his brother Andy on drums with bassist Matt Edge and guitarist Jimmy Gardener were on fire. 2014 is going to be their year if they keep up this standard of live performance, garnering new fans at every gig.

Final set was the third of the Manchester bands, and boy were the Velocets pumped up for this one, despite the fact that drummer Dom was announced as leaving the band. With tracks like 'Sophie' and 'Naked' (prophetic track as the pictures will prove) pounding out these young lads whipped the crowd up into a frenzy.  

By the time they finished the set with 'Secrets' the crowd had invaded the stage (including Mr Peeps) and the proverbial good time was being had by all!  Word on the street is there's another Mr Peeps night in the offing, so take my word for it, it'll be a night not to be missed!

Ralph's Top 10 Blogged Band Chart - 5.9.13

OK bands you know the score.....

the more hits your blog gets by the fans..... 

the higher you go.....

So Tweet it, Facebook it.....

and generally expose yourself.....

Now Mr Snuggles and me have been sitting with our heads down counting the hits on each bands blog to see who's got which place.  

So here it is.....

The Top Ten Blogged Band Chart .....

No 1..... Graham Marshall

I was sent a You Tube video a few weeks ago that not only made me laugh but also renewed my faith in seeking out unsigned indie music.  It was self-made by Graham Marshall who three years ago tried to make a living in music but had to do the unthinkable – go back to a 'real job' as a truck driver for ASDA. Almost giving up hope of a musical career he now boasts a trophy awarded by the panel of the Barcelona International Film Festival and a newly released EP.

No 2..... Red Sails 

If you're looking for well crafted, melodic tunes in a Steely Dan sylee then you've come to the right place because Ralph's been listening to Red Sails from Liverpool and it's time you did too!  Their tracks sound simple but are actually complex well written musical gems that soar, taking you on highs and lows with their lyrics and melodies.

No 3..... The Winter Tradition

Back in December of last year I took a look at The Winter Tradition when they released 'Tides & Telegrams' and said - "They'll be one of the 'must listen to' bands of 2013".  I was right - so it seemed like a good idea for Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry to cover their headline show in Edinburgh's Liquid Rooms on Friday 23rd August with support from the previously reviewed Book Group and the relatively newly formed The Lonely Together.  Malcolm takes up the story.....

No 4..... Lumin Bells

Bucking the trend for raucous Indie thrashings Ralph's been playing the Lumin Bells track 'Somehow The Same' with reasonable regularity on his Radio KC Sunday Show these last few weeks.  It's a gentle, reflective tune with hints of the early Moody Blues (I'm trying to avoid the obvious Nick Drake comparisons) or the subtle vocalisations of America and it's been received with no small amount of favourable feedback.

No 5..... John Mackie

A singer/songwriter originally from Glasgow but now residing in Greater Manchester John Mackie's inspirations are from a wide range of varying sources, but his talent for touching, emotive lyrics and ear for melody give him a style that makes him stand out from the crowd. John has been in various bands as creative influence in his career, notably The Broadcast, but no

No 6..... Born Thief

Having played the soon to be released Born Thief  single 'An Inch Of Doubt' on Ralph's Radio KC Indie Show it seemed like the ideal time to take a closer look at the group who have a similar vibe to Liverpool's Tea Street Band. 

Born Thief are - Jake McGrath (vocals), Sam Wilson (Guitar), Greg Jones (Bass), Luke Haran (Guitar) and John Fitzpatrick (Drums) who formed recently from the ashes of Yorkshire band Sharp Darts.

No 7..... Kismet Ryding

Having kept an eye on The Online Festival over these last good few months it's no surprise to me that Grimsby band Kismet Ryding would be on the verge of releasing an EP.  It's called - 'Look.See.Don't.TRIP.' - has six tracks and it's released on Monday 26th August. 

No 8..... The Mutineers

Ralph briefly had a look at The Mutineers back in May of last year, but after their first album things went fairly quiet due to personal projects (bassist Iwan Gronow playing for Johnny Marr for instance) and a self imposed 'hiatus'.  The good news is, they're back with a vengeance.

With the release of the new single 'Tell Me Why' and a mini-tour planned for October/November, The Mutineers mighty music machine is back on the road.

No 9..... The Darlingtons

After Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry gave a glowing report of Somerset band The Darlingtons set when they supported The Bedroom Hour recently in Bathgate, it seemed only right and proper to investigate further.  Theirs is the usual 'mates at school, formed a band in college' story, except for the fact they've done it with more than a modicum of success.

No10..... Wullae Wright

Everybody likes to make a comparison about artistes and Ralph's old man is no exception. He heard Wullae Wright's 'Halo Effect' playing on my laptop and next thing he was wiping the dust of his collection of vinyl, dug out Led Zeppelin I and stuck it under my nose 

Ralph's Top 10 Blogged Band Chart - 30.8.13

OK bands you know the score.....

the more hits your blog gets by the fans..... 

the higher you go.....

So Tweet it, Facebook it.....

and generally expose yourself.....

Now Mr Snuggles and me have been sitting with our heads down counting the hits on each bands blog to see who's got which place.  

So here it is.....

The Top Ten Blogged Band Chart .....

No 1..... Graham Marshall

I was sent a You Tube video a few weeks ago that not only made me laugh but also renewed my faith in seeking out unsigned indie music.  It was self-made by Graham Marshall who three years ago tried to make a living in music but had to do the unthinkable – go back to a 'real job' as a truck driver for ASDA. Almost giving up hope of a musical career he now boasts a trophy awarded by the panel of the Barcelona International Film Festival and a newly released EP.

No2..... John Mackie

A singer/songwriter originally from Glasgow but now residing in Greater Manchester John Mackie's inspirations are from a wide range of varying sources, but his talent for touching, emotive lyrics and ear for melody give him a style that makes him stand out from the crowd. John has been in various bands as creative influence in his career, notably The Broadcast, but now feels it's the right time to 'fly solo' and venture forth.

No 3..... Red Sails 

If you're looking for well crafted, melodic tunes in a Steely Dan sylee then you've come to the right place because Ralph's been listening to Red Sails from Liverpool and it's time you did too!  Their tracks sound simple but are actually complex well written musical gems that soar, taking you on highs and lows with their lyrics and melodies.

No 4..... Marina Rolnik

At the recent TMTATC gig in Glasgow's Nice 'n' Sleazy, first support on the night was singer/songwriter Marina Rolink from Glasgow. Ralph's man in Scotland Malcolm Parry was there to check out GingerBeardMen who were sharing the night and took the chance to have a chat with Marina.....

No 5..... Cullan

Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry first saw SAMA award winner's Culann live in Edinburgh back in April while they were on a double header tour with Mechanical Smile. Unfortunately not a great turn out which was a shame as he really enjoyed their set's, so much so when the band announced a headline show in Glasgow he had to go and see the mighty Culann again.

No 6..... Kismet Ryding

Having kept an eye on The Online Festival over these last good few months it's no surprise to me that Grimsby band Kismet Ryding would be on the verge of releasing an EP.  It's called - 'Look.See.Don't.TRIP.' - has six tracks and it's released on Monday 26th August. 

No 7..... The Darlingtons

After Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry gave a glowing report of Somerset band The Darlingtons set when they supported The Bedroom Hour recently in Bathgate, it seemed only right and proper to investigate further.  Theirs is the usual 'mates at school, formed a band in college' story, except for the fact they've done it with more than a modicum of success.

No 8..... Lumin Bells

Bucking the trend for raucous Indie thrashings Ralph's been playing the Lumin Bells track 'Somehow The Same' with reasonable regularity on his Radio KC Sunday Show these last few weeks.  It's a gentle, reflective tune with hints of the early Moody Blues (I'm trying to avoid the obvious Nick Drake comparisons) or the subtle vocalisations of America and it's been received with no small amount of favourable feedback.

 No 9..... Wullae Wright

Everybody likes to make a comparison about artistes and Ralph's old man is no exception. He heard Wullae Wright's 'Halo Effect' playing on my laptop and next thing he was wiping the dust of his collection of vinyl, dug out Led Zeppelin I and stuck it under my nose 

No 10..... Sisteray

With a lo-fi start kicking in to a catchy beat and a slightly ska/pop/punk bounce 'Happy Endings' by London band Sisteray seems to be promising all things to all people.  It's the 'B' side from their latest release alongside 'A' Side 'Take It Away'.  It's an infectious floor filler guaranteed to be a favourite with their burgeoning army of fans.  If as heralded, they're on a Mod 'trip' then it's in a more 'Summer Holiday' stylee - lighter than their Scottish counterparts Modern Faces but no less listenable.