2012 is going to be a really exciting year for Manchester, there's lots of interesting stuff going on in every direction, bands/artists and labels all getting on with their own things, creating their own sounds, all which are unique and individual but make the whole area alive with with energy...
Sways, the Salford label, or cultural regeneration project as they prefer to be perceived, have not only put out the brilliant and long awaited 7" single by Money but continue to put on stella gigs, moving from the Kings Arms in Salford to their full time home/rehearsal studio lovingly refereed to as 'The Bunker'. The quietly notorious first gig hosted at the beginning of February saw Money play with The Louche and new Manchester band 'Greatwaves' who's howling, two- piece, dry ice drenched ive show has captured the eyes and ears (and some hearts!) of those lucky enough to catch them so far. Check out the photos from The Fuehrer bunker exhibition 001 here: http://www.mabvision.com/2770083/Money-Great-Waves-Louche
As well as the bands there's also the promoters, BETA continue to put on brilliant (and free) gigs every week, bringing the best in buzz bands to Manchesters door. Last week we saw Captured Tracks band Blouse play a crowded back room at the castle supported by the prolific Temple Songs - a four piece woozy psych pop band who are definitely one's too watch, listen to their latest offerings and download for free here: http://templesongs.bandcamp.com/. They'll be supporting Canada's, Zane Lowe approved, Hooded Fang at the Castle on Monday 7th May.
It's not possible to talk about great Manchester promoters without mentioning NOW WAVE who are constantly bringing the most interesting and forward thinking acts our way. Just a few offerings coming up include gigs from Brown Brogues, Willis Earl Beal, Sleigh Bells and also Gross Magic this Friday 24th @ Trof Fallowfield. Be sure to get down early for Shinies who's one and only track - a fuzzed out 3min 30 pop jam 'Spent Youth' - has got tongues wagging far and wide.
NOW WAVE also have an amazing line up sorted for 'Sounds Of The North' which see the enigmatic 'No Ceremony' come out from their hiding places for a debut show in a disused office space:
http://futureeverything.org/tag/spinningfields/. They dropped new track 'Heartbreaker' yesterday along with an errie video. http://www.noceremony.com/eyes/ With all female newcomers 'Pins' on the line up this is another not to miss.
Following on the trend for interesting gigs in unconventional places Patterns are set to play the Grade I listed Victorian Gothic masterpiece that is John Rylands Library on April 5th. With a live video feedback experiment taking place and support from Jewellers this one should be unforgettable. More details here: http://www.facebook.com/events/378600218836684/
- Andy Moss - Melodic
Here in Manchester at aA HQ we’re busying ourselves for a series of what we, at least, consider some excellent releases – Vaporous Light, Beat The Radar, Driver Driver Faster & Plank! The Vaporous Light stuff is seriously low key, not playing live - their album is just out now all soundtracky, tuneful & well worth checking out. A totally different kettle of fish are Beat the Radar who are readying a pop smash called ‘Eyes’ for release in May which Patterns have done a mega mix of (but not a mega mix in a mega mix kind of way though that might be interesting). Anyway we’re very excited about this one.....the tune, hooks & production could make it prick some ears up & open some eyes, album will follow after. Plank! debut album is finally being finalised as we speak and a prog-kraut instrumentalist masterpiece. Following last year's Open House LP, Driver Drive Faster return with a new single called... er 'To Return' which we ll be sticking out on coloured vinyl and foiled blocked artwork with our good buddies Static Caravan. http://www.akoustikanarkhy.co.uk/
- Will Lawrence at aA
Watch out for aA and Melodic doing someit special at the Great Escape in May.