Millar Jukes

Strictly speaking Ralph concentrates on unsigned UK Indie music so when Aussie band Millar Jukes debut single 'Love Me All Night' was brought to my attention, the first reaction was to pass it over to Sydney music blogger Something Gold Something New.  On digging deeper however it turns out that Millar Jukes (aka David Jukes) is the brother of Vigo Thieves (who Ralph's previously blogged) vocalist/guitarist Stevie Jukes, so I was intrigued and took up the baton myself.








Millar, originally from Wishaw but who now lives in Melbourne started making music after listening to American singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne and got together with some like minded musicians to take his sound to a wider audience.  





Building on the Americana folk/rock influence (very much like Scottish band The Holy Ghosts) they've produced a foot stompin', country/bluesy sound (overlaid with his distinctive 'Southern Comfort' vocals) in the new single Love Me All Night'. Millar along with Jasmin Fiske on bass, Ty Noble on drums, Matt Sandilands on lead guitar and Si Facius on keys has developed a very listenable, current folk/rock sound and judging by the recent reviews ('Melbourne's best kept secret and with more good tunes than you can shake a hay fork at') of their single launch night, will be going on from strength to strength.

Ralph's Top 10 Blogged Band Chart - 20.9.13

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.....TiTORS iNSiGNiA

St Helens band TiTORS iNSiGNiA have released their latest single 'Freedom Fighter' to help raise funds for ABF The Soldiers Charity.  The single and video was launched in The Cinema Bar, St Helens to a full house including a number of local celebrities.

No 2..... 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 3..... Vigo Thieves



Being an equal opportunity Jack Russell, Ralph's added to his squad (OK there's one guy) of reviewers in Scotland.  What better occasion for a first time review than to send photographer Kate Johnston into the fray for the first time than Vigo Thieves sold out headline show in The Arches Glasgow.  Vigo Thieves are on the verge of greatness yet remain unsigned, but not for long with such a strong live set and a list of stellar performances.

No 4..... 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 5.....The Holy Ghosts

Having previously blogged Edinburgh band The Holy Ghosts it seemed only right that Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry caught their headline show in The Voodoo Rooms recently. The Holy Ghosts are Jack Sandison on acoustic guitar/vocals, Jon Mackenzie electric guitar/vocals, Rory Penman drums, Jonny Rapeseed bass/vocals and Andy Barbour on harmonica/keyboards and pedal steel.







No 6.....Kat Healy



Back in January of this year I blogged Edinburgh singer/songwriter Kat Healy and had this to say - "It's not often a voice stops Ralph in his blog writing but  a track came on and it wasn't until it had finished that I realised I hadn't been typing, just listening. The track was 'The Haunting' by Scottish Kat Healy.  Now being inquisitive by nature I went in search of more and lo and behold was on her new album Be Still Gentle Kind".



No 7.....Modern Faces



Ralph's inbox has been buzzing this week with new releases and none more welcome than the new single (official release date 30th September) and accompanying video (out now) of 'Lufthansa' by Scottish 'modsters' Modern Faces.  It's already on the Jim Gellatly Podcast and Ralph'll have to give it a spin too on Radio KC!

No 8..... Eight Rounds Rapid

What do you get when you mix Talking Heads 'Psycho Killer' with Dr Feelgood's 'Roxette' and chuck in a Blockheads-esque vocal? The intro to Southend on Sea outfit Eight Rounds Rapid track 'My Mate' which was the first track of theirs I'd heard and it got me hooked.  

So it was with some interest that news came into the kennel they're releasing a new single and vinyl debut and it's a limited edition 7" vinyl release (500 copies) - and the only format that 'Writeabout' will ever be available on. The flip side Steve is a crowd pleaser and fan favourite.

No 9..... 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 10..... No One Sun

It's not often that an album is released without having played any gigs, but No One Sun have done just that! Back in 2011 Nick Noone and Jamie Hewson met in a practice room in Manchester. They hit it off and, both having done some songwriting found that they worked well as a team. Whilst gigging in covers bands they worked hard on putting together an album and the result is  'All We Rely On Is Stolen'. 

Ralph's Top 10 Blogged Band Chart - 12.9.13

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 Holy Ghosts

Having previously blogged Edinburgh band The Holy Ghosts it seemed only right that Ralph's man in Scotland, Malcolm Parry caught their headline show in The Voodoo Rooms recently. The Holy Ghosts are Jack Sandison on acoustic guitar/vocals, Jon Mackenzie electric guitar/vocals, Rory Penman drums, Jonny Rapeseed bass/vocals and Andy Barbour on harmonica/keyboards and pedal steel.






No 4.....Kidsmoke

Kidsmoke are Lance Williams, James Stickels, Tomas Hassall and Chris Trow and despite being long time friends they've only formed as a unit in early 2013.  That being said they've come up with a solid, eminently listenable debut EP.  The lead track 'Higher' kicks off with an almost psychedelic/60's California vocal and guitar which goes into shades of Prefab Sprout  and I'm hooked. 

No 5.....TiTORS iNSiGNiA




St Helens band TiTORS iNSiGNiA have released their latest single 'Freedom Fighter' to help raise funds for ABF The Soldiers Charity.  The single and video was launched in The Cinema Bar, St Helens to a full house including a number of local celebrities.

No 6..... Vigo Thieves

 Vigo Thieves are on the verge of greatness yet remain unsigned, but not for long with such a strong live set and a list of stellar performances including Wickerman, T in the Park and two sell out shows in King Tuts. They were supported on the night by Dundee band Model Aeroplanes and the aptly named Glasgow band Arches.

No 7..... 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 8..... Eight Rounds Rapid

What do you get when you mix Talking Heads 'Psycho Killer' with Dr Feelgood's 'Roxette' and chuck in a Blockheads-esque vocal? The intro to Southend on Sea outfit Eight Rounds Rapid track 'My Mate' which was the first track of theirs I'd heard and it got me hooked.  

So it was with some interest that news came into the kennel they're releasing a new single and vinyl debut and it's a limited edition 7" vinyl release (500 copies) - and the only format that 'Writeabout' will ever be available on. The flip side Steve is a crowd pleaser and fan favourite.

No 9..... 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 10..... No One Sun

It's not often that an album is released without having played any gigs, but No One Sun have done just that! Back in 2011 Nick Noone and Jamie Hewson met in a practice room in Manchester. They hit it off and, both having done some songwriting found that they worked well as a team. Whilst gigging in covers bands they worked hard on putting together an album and the result is  'All We Rely On Is Stolen'. 

Haddowfest - 11th & 12th October 2013

One of the biggest - and best - music events in Edinburgh takes place over two days on October 11th and 12th as Haddowfest makes it's return.

The Rifles

The Holy Ghosts

It's bigger, and better than ever as it retains the usual multi-venue format but is now over two days instead of just a Sunday.







Haddowfest 2013 will see The Rifles and The Holy Ghosts (who Ralph's blogged and recently put up a review of their Edinburgh, Voodoo Rooms gig) as the main acts on Friday night. 

Dry The River

We Were Promised Jetpacks

Dry The River and We Were Promised Jetpacks are headline acts for the  extended Saturday all-dayer.








Needless to say there's the usual Haddowfest mix of the known and the more up and coming Scottish artists (again a fair few of whom Ralph's blogged) over the two days. With such a stellar line-up this year it promises to be two nights to remember!


 

With much more to be confirmed  over the next few weeks you can check the Haddowfest Website for regular updates but the confirmed line-up so far is.....


Friday 11 October (at the Picture House, Maggie’s Chamber, Sneaky Pete’s, Cabaret Voltaire and Whistlebinkies).

The Rifles, The Holy Ghosts, The Nature Boys, Hagana, Death Ape Disco, The Rahs, Penny Black, Six Stories High.

Starts 6:30 pm (curfew 11pm) £17 - Age restriction: 14+

Saturday 12 October (at The Picture House, Maggie’s Chamber, Sneaky Pete’s, Cabaret Voltaire and Whistlebinkies).

We Were Promised Jetpacks,  Dry the River, Catfish And The Bottlemen,  Anderson McGinty Webster Ward and Fisher, Hector Bizerk, Brown Bear & The Bandits, OK Social Club, Arches, The Birthday Suit, Young Kato, The Merrylees, The10:04’s, Jon-Paul Palombo, The Litigators, Blindfolds, The Phantoms, DARC, Steve Heron, Casual Sex, Echo Arcadia, The Last Battle, Misty Miller, Donnie Willow , Sunset Abbey, Jack Rowberry and Have Mercy Las Vegas.

Starts 1 pm £17 - Age restriction: 14+

"Everytime we play Scotland the crowd are always 100% behind us, singing every word and enjoying themselves, so we always look forward to coming back." - The Rifles

“We like rock n roll and we like you” -  The Holy Ghosts

“Pumped to get back to Edinburgh for Haddowfest ! The city has always treated us so well. We opened for Plan B at the Picturehouse way back in the very early days of Dry the River and have toured all over the country as far as Ullapool, Stornoway, and Aviemore. Pete actually lived in Scotland for 3 years so it's exciting to be back in the capital to headline!”   -  Dry the River

“we were really happy to be asked to play Haddowfest again and really enjoy playing at the Liquid Room having grown up going to loads of gigs there. This will be our last show in Edinburgh for a while as we will be concentrating on writing and recording our third album. Hope to see you there !” - We Were Promised Jetpacks