Having never experienced live music within the small surroundings of The Volks it was hard to contemplate how an act that refuse to play gigs confined to one spot would conduct their famed set. It takes a venue with a special kind of attitude to accommodate the chaotic maelstrom these guys create, as expected all three members stripped down to their underpants and warmed up by arranging genitalia and cranking the amps to full output! Read more >

Saturday September 11th 2010, gates 10am
Newstead Village (nr Nottingham)
Adult tickets £30 Get Tickets
www.headstockfestival.com

This weekend a brand new festival kicks off which comes about thanks to a BBC One and Big Lottery Fund backed scheme to help lift mining village Newstead’s community from deprivation. With a focus on bringing people together this one day event costs a mere £30 and has a great eclectic line up including Nick Harper, The Clay, Edward II, Gypsy Fire and headliners Ash.

To find out more about Headstoock check out our festival preview >

I like this term, finding it twee and slightly sneery which is the way I feel about this particular sub genre. Although I do probably feel this way as I’m no longer a teenager by a long shot. Anyway, for this type of thing, Holy Vessels were very good and I’m sure they will find much success (and screaming teenage fans).

Speaking of screaming teenage fans, on to the main act of the night The Maccabees (a smooth transition between bands there I think you’ll agree). As ever the adopted Brightonians were excellent, playing a seamless live set after entering to Sam Cooke’s Summertime. They played mainly second album songs with a totally new song which hinted to a more soulful sound for their new album.

The band must be doing alright as they can now afford to have a brass section live, which made their second album stuff sound complete and let them play a ska-ish version of First Love off their first record.

Written by Jack Cassidy

Photos by Richard Julian Jones

Sadly the final summer bank holiday is over, and winter feels a bit too close for comfort! Alas we are back tomorrow night to offer a gentle wind down from the weekend, providing more local tallent for you to enjoy.

Performing Above Audio will be Jade Hopcroft who has a unique ability to create music that is deeply textured, combining her distinctive vocal style, impressive range, and haunting use of harmony.

www.myspace.com/jadehopcroft

Also taking to the stage will be Atmosphere and the Dot Dot Dot’s Adam Brown who will serve up a selection of solo work

Described by BBC Southern Counties as having ‘absolutely towering songs’, Lostaura have been touted as one of the bands to look out for in 2010 by BBC Introducing.

Lostaura formed in 2007 and have toured across the South East with other buzz bands like Band of Skulls, The Airbourne Toxic Event and Everything Everything, buildinga strong following and garnering enthusiastic radio support from BBC Essex, BBC Southern Counties, BBC 6 Music and XFM.

The name ‘Lostaura’ comes from Princess Aura running away with Flash Gordon. At the start of ‘Flash’by Queen you hear the phrase ‘Im lost Aura.’

http://www.myspace.com/lostaura

also performing will be:

May Day:

May-Day are an acoustic duo from the south coast of England, their music has hints of folk blues and pop music drawing influences from artists such as Paolo Nutini, Jason Mraz, Seasick Steve, Bob Dylan and Ray LaMontagne to mention a few. The duo have a broad and eclectic music taste which comes across in the range of sounds and different styles used in their original music to date. May-Day have been encouraged on their work so far by The Rev (ex Towers of London and Prodigy now with Dirty Harry) who said – ‘great tracks guys, guitar sounds great nice picking and the voice has great depth! good job boys!’

http://www.myspace.com/maydaymusicuk

Brighton four-piece Ramona will have just finished an extensive UK tour to support the release of their debut 7” single ‘How Long” through Bullitt Records on September 6^th. They will be having their launch party at Brighton’s infamous Prince Albert this coming Tuesday.

Their recent tour kicked off with a rapturously received show at London’s leading day festival Wireless, where they shared the bill with the likes of Pink, Gossip and The Tings Tings, before a few regional shows, and onto the mighty T in the Park.

Fronted by the irresistible Karen Anne, Ramona have caused a huge stir in their local musical circles (and beyond) with their modern take on the classic new wave sound (early comparisons have included Blondie, Siouxsie and the Banshees etc). Their early recordings and live shows have earned them a dedicated, fast growing fanbase who have waited patiently for this first, official Ramona release.

Shearwater are not the trendiest of bands. However, what they lack in throwaway gimmicks and angular haircuts they make up for with intelligent and deliciously delivered music. Tonight’s set draws heavily from most recent release, the atmospheric and panoramic ‘The Golden Archipelago’, a record that was released earlier this year to little fanfare, unfortunately under the radar of much of the record buying public.

Read more >

After a stonking Summer Terrace Party on Saturday we have another amazing line up to spoil you with at this weeks Acoustic Sessions!!

Daniel marcus Clark – www.myspace.com/danielmarcusclark

Formally a member of Brighton band The Hat, Dan creates and tells stories with soundtracks and plays & sings self penned songs of life. It is a unique treat to have Dan play for Brighton Calling so be sure to make it down to experience something a little different!

Lloyd Davis – www.myspace.com/lloyddaviesmusic

We have been lucky enough to have Lloyd play one of our Summer Terrace Parties where he wowed the crowd with his stunning voice and fantastic guitar playing. To get a taste of what Lloyd is about check out his recent video with BalconyTV – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uyhaxl90nM&feature=player_embedded

L’a Rebours – www.myspace.com/larebours

Another Terrace Party hit this lovely lot have a penchant for Paris and take influence from The Harmonic Minor, Chat Noir, The Beatles, The Kinks and The Decadent Movement.

It’s going to be a cracking show, hope to see you there xx

Sun, Sea, Sand and Shimmy Shake!!! This bank holiday weekend couldn’t be kicked off in better style than a pole and burlesque comedy striptease cabaret!

The world famous Sirens team bring you an exhilarating evening of dancing and mayhem. Be thrilled by extraordinary burlesque boys and girls who will tease and amuse you with their hilarious antics. Prepare to be enchanted by the amazing death defying tricks of irrepressible pole dancing acrobats. Dance the night away with wonderful D.J’s and their fabulously kitsch tunes. Your charming hostess, Miss Utopia Blossom, will gently take you by the hand and guide you smoothly through the most marvellous night of your life!

Photo by Tim Griffin

Monday September 6th 2010, 7pm
The Volks
Get tickets >

Despite having the plug pulled four songs in to their last UK performance (at the Pavement curated ATP festival), Monotonix are back with a full tour in September. Notorious for their riotous live performances, it takes a venue with a special kind of attitude to accommodate the chaotic maelstrom that the Ami Shalev (vocals), Yonatan Gat (guitars), and drummer Haggai Fershtman create. Their refusal to sit still, or even leave the drums in one place for more than a song or two, is a part of their charm — the other parts include balls-out rock and roll (sometimes literally!) and a bottomless desire for good times…read more and watch our favourite Monotonix video >