Showing posts with label lumin bells. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lumin bells. Show all posts

Friday, 13 September 2013

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 WickermanT 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

Born Thief’s avatar

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


no one sun’s avatar

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'. 


Thursday, 5 September 2013

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



Born Thief’s avatar

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



MUTINEERS - TELL ME WHYRalph 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 





Friday, 30 August 2013

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.