On The Radar : Fryars

I guessed it was about time I should touchdown on home soil musically, as lately I've been travelling (not literally) the world on a wave of indie-pop from Australia, America, Norway and Sweden.

Into the big smoke of our capital city reigns Radar act Fryars (real name Ben Garratt, 22 years young) a natural poetic genius of the 21^st century gathering speed through an off the cuff bet by the NME and Zane Lowe causing mass hysteria though his next hype.

If anybody remembers Dave Grohl and his keynote speech at this year’s SXSW you’ll remember him grabbing his guitar along with 2 tape decks and recording himself, Fryars is the true example of this. Self recorded and self released, gaining attention far and wide.

Take a metaphorical stirring pot and add the ingredients of the fingers of Gold Panda, the vocals James Blake, the more emotional Jack Penate and the musical dust that Dépêche Mode leave in their absence. You should be left with something that creates Radar track ‘On Your Own’, a plethora of emotion, a brick wall of lust, like that punch to the stomach when you see the person you can’t gather the guts to speak to, yes, that feeling.

You can see Fryars at London’s St Pancreas Old Church on 2^nd of May or Leeds Holy Trinity on 7^th May.

‘On Your Own’ is set for single release on 13^th of May 2013.

News Hit : The Strokes release new track 'One Way Trigger'

Earlier this week I found myself reading NME’s ‘Album A&E’ featured was The Strokes album ‘First Impressions Of Earth’ the angle grinder of the 5-pieces masterpieces, bring us back to real time 25^th January 2013 at around 7pm and new track ‘One Way Trigger’ bursts into a life, out of the blue.

Casablancas vocal are somewhat missing from the track, taking the prince approach, hitting the higher notes. The influences of the bands last release ‘Under The Cover Of Darkness’ is present throughout with a keyboard ensemble, Hammond Jr’s ever present guitar strum partners a Moretti drum beat on the backline at fast pace.

What can we expect from this, recording was in motion but a release so soon?...We await word from The Strokes camp to confirm more.

EP Review : The Planes - On Demand

How many bands do you know that is ½ formed by twins? Other than The Cribs, possibly not many. Portsmouth born and bred (we are making a habit of this), previous Wedgewood Rooms showcase finalists, previous ClubNME under-cards and all round talented 4 piece The Planes are imminently planning their first audio assault into the music world with debut EP ‘On Demand’.

This 4 track smash starts with the aptly named ‘See You Next Tuesday’ ode to the girl that’s led you on, to the guy that’s across the bar giving it some or the surrounding area, as you please. The Planes have matured since their showcase days, there is a much tighter edge to who they are and what they want you to hear, such is the age they are, we should all stand up straight and listen.

From the onset mid-noughties influences shine through, these youngsters were teething around the sounds of previously mentioned Cribs, The Kooks and The Strokes. The jangly-garage rock ensemble is perfected, vocally on form with not a note out of time. ‘Lose it’ follows with a foot tapping beat, a lyrical commentary from lead singer Mike Smith describes the moments of regret any male or female has felt in sight of the ex, or the girl/boy you lust for on a daily basis. The pent up sexual tension marred with pure emotion shines through the lyrics, these boys are growing up, with every page written (or ripped and thrown) the daily troubles of a teenager in the 21st century is ever present.

Title track ‘On Demand’ is the flagship in the first sail of The Planes maiden voyage, the all cannons blazing balls out indie love-esq song with duel vocals, the common twang and catchy riff partnered with a breakdown to add. The Planes fuse themselves within the local scene so easily, with room to flower in a bed that’s continuing to grow and prosper, age is a huge strength, picking the right opportunities they could well be on to bigger things in the near future.

Closing track ‘Stay The Weekend’ winds us up and out of this teenage angst ridden ride, another story based on the rumour mill of The Planes social surroundings, from the wrong decisions followed by the Chinese whispers. Like any boy should, it’s shrugged off like it will come out in the wash. They are musically tight and lyrically strong, young and ready to take on the world, well dressed and meaning business and The Planes first outing ’On Demand’ is a jab and roundhouse knock-out.

ClubNME : Two Wounded Birds preview

After the roaring success for Rolling Stone cover artists The Sheepdogs back in May, ClubNME Portsmouth returns once again to The Wedgewood rooms.

Headliners on Saturday 28th July are lo-fi, enthralling Margate 4 piece Two Wounded Birds. A band who have been bustling around the musical radar sporting compilation appearances, EP releases and most recently a self titled hit album.

Formed of Johnny Danger, Ally Blackgrove, James Shand and Joe Stevens they bring a Last Shadow Puppets viciously corrupted by The Beach Boys sound, receiving BBC Introducing acclaim and a very close relationship with 2011 surf pop band The Drums.

Supporting Two Wounded Birds on the night our are very own indie city dwellers Guilded Youth, formed of brothers Harry and Ben alongside friend Dan they’ve recently played Guildfest and Glastonbury. The Guilded Youth sound spans from Kasabian to Kings Of Leon around the block to The Hollies crossing The Beatles, The Kinks and Stone Roses.

As always the night will be sound tracked by ClubNME DJ’s who’s experience span over 20 years and knowledge is infinite. Tickets for the night are available from The Wedgewood Rooms box office situated just inside the venue doors or online here (link) for a bargain price of 4 English sterling with doors opening at 10pm sharp.

ClubNME : The Sheepdogs preview

You could probably count on you’re hands the amount of bands who have played The Wedgewood Rooms AND graced the front cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, Now we can add The Sheepdogs to the list.

The Canadian 4-piece headline the ClubNME stage Saturday (12th May) sounding of what can only be  likened Psychedelic-Boogie-Rock. Described by Kings Of Leon front man Caleb Followill as ‘timeless from song to song’  alongside being mentored by every bodies favourite rocker Kid Rock, an endless line of plaudits transpires on.

It’s not always been plain sailing for The Sheepdogs, 6 long tough years has nurtured a flawless sound which has now paid off and led to tours with Kings Of Leon, appearances at numerous festivals (Coachella, The Great Escape, Bonnaroo) and gain television exposure across the America and worldwide.

Album ‘Learn and Burn’ has won Juno awards for ‘Single Of The Year’ ‘Best Rock Album Of The Year’ and ‘Best New Artist’ and have also just toured Australia.

If you are looking to be able to say ‘I saw them before…’ then this is certainly that band.



Support comes from local Portsmouth rockers Kassassin Street, a 5 piece band formed in 2010 who have supported the like of 2.54, Art Brut and The Big Pink. Exposure comes nationally from BBC Introducing and Amazing radio and they are currently recording a new EP ‘In a barn in the middle of nowhere’.

ClubNME DJ’s play between and after bands, tickets are available from The Wedgewood Rooms box office(Or click to website) at the bargain price of £4 and doors are at 10pm.