On The Radar : DoubleOSessions

Sometimes all the best things are right under your nose, even then you don’t pay attention to them, I certainly smelt what was cooking this time.

Last Wednesday, as a part of ‘Big Jugs Wednesday’ at The One Eyed Dog (Portsmouth) DJ Lemon cast his net out for all the best local talent from all genres, a massive challenge in itself, and he came out with some bangers, one of them came in the form of DoubleOSessions.

DoubleOSessions are a 2 piece from Portsmouth, going under pseudonyms K.O and Oh Kay. Influences are what feel like the chilled out vibes of A Tribe Called Quest, the licks of Jurassic 5 and ‘Ill Communication’ Beastie Boys.

Radar Track (and only track released) ‘Hit’Em up’ has the old school hip hop style while sounding fresh, social commentary is spot on and I’m not the biggest connoisseur of hip-hop and rap or fully in touch with the UK scene, but I’m feeling DoubleOSessions going from strength to strength in the near future.

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.

EP Review : Kill Kasper : Stuck Between The Devil & The Blues In Drop C

In this small town of fakers and hopeful makers, we boast a mighty lot of hope upon certain genres of music. Certain crowds will attend certain gigs, friends will support and the local rag will slate and embrace in any way they feel fit. One band to stick to their proverbial guns with more regenerations than Doctor Who under their belts are Southsea rockers Kill Kasper, who have officially released EP ’Stuck Between The Devil & The Blues In Drop C’.

The 3-track smash slams in with ‘Start The Revolution’ the ever dulcet tones of The Kolonel wade in and the drums frenzy around anthemia rock and roll guitars. What’s clear from the word go is the two clear fingers if you disagree with what you are hearing, attitude backed with experience leaving you in a ludicrous position to argue any kind of point.

Speak to Kill Kasper personally and they will tell you the EP is a long time coming, but once heard you can excuse them with good reason. Kill Kasper do what they do in such a manner, with such technique and in such gentlemanly fashion that it all adds up and turns everything to 11.

Nobody within the city of Portsmouth do what Kill Kasper do as well as they do it, ‘Rock This City’ begs lyrically nationwide, in a ‘go and clean your ears out’ fashion or a ‘switch off the tele and turn on the wireless’ kinda way. Duelling guitars are once again prominent backed up by heavy bass line and drums, no faults here. It just goes on.

Closing track ‘Who Lied’ is a 7 minute ode to everything that has ever fucked you off, or fucked off the Kolonel…Here at SouthSolarCity, we aren’t 100% sure. Pounding drums around  the ever present Kill Kasper vocal mirrored by the swirling guitars build before a outright shattering chorus and immense solo licking bridge. One very emotional ride.

The first official EP outing for Kill Kasper is a roaring success ‘Stuck Between The Devil & The Blues In Drop C’ boasts future with the right amount of the past, everything they can be with not just a foot in the door but being able to swing it both ways. They’ve got the key to a big blue box, they’ve got a timeless sound and the attitude to boot, Kill Kasper are coming. I for one hope the world is ready.

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.