So that was...March

After a quietish February, March kicked off with not just the March hares and white rabbits in fine form, but me too, finding myself with not just one, but FIVE gigs all going on in town on the same night. Not even I could stretch myself to that.

So, after syphoning off two to later tours, and not having heard enough of the third band to be sure I wanted a whole set's worth, that left me with two. Fortunately both being in the same locale near enough, I managed both, with a quick pace and a blown amp delaying the start of the second.

First up was Safari at Proud. I have mentioned them previously in posts here as I do really feel they have a rather good sound. Their double A side single released in February No Doubt /Are We Ready touched on both Delphic and Clock Opera in its danceable electronic feel. Sadly, I had to dash before the end of their set, but liked what I caught and looking forward to getting back and seeing the full thing. A run down Camden High Street, brought me back to the Wheelbarrow again (where I had in fact started the evening). This was one of Mark Beaumont's regular Geek Out nights, and although I missed the other acts, the aforementioned amp malfunction did mean that I caught yet another whole set of the amazing Citizens! Hadn't seen Mark in awhile, and was nice to catch up with him, and hear of his recent excursion to Paris with the band for a piece that was coming out the following week in NME. A great set from the guys in what is another of those very up-close-and-personal venues, and where sweat pours off walls. Yay, atmosphere!

And talking of up-close-and...back to see Citizens! again a few weeks later, this time at The Shacklewell Arms (see review here http://littleindieblogs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/citizens-joseph-coward-live-review-at.html ), where one inebriated punter took the meaning a little to the extreme, interrupting Lawrence (synths) midway through True Romance to ask him where the toilets were and engage in a conversation. Whilst I was trying to pull him away, all credit to Lawrence that he managed to continue without breaking, whilst looking bemused at me (who of course was in fits of laughter - it was that sort of night!), with a kind of 'What's all this about?!' expression on his face.

Also got a chat in with Citizens! frontman Tom Burke for an upcoming interview, a few days after the band had returned from playing in Istanbul. Lovely interview - watch out for it soon in Hooting & Howling magazine. And to top it, their debut album Here We Are (released in May on the Maison Kitsune label) arrived in my inbox. Ah, excitement. Eleven tracks, and all bar two of them, I had heard live over the last few months. The real surprise for me was hearing one of those I hadn't: I Wouldn't Want To. This touches on a slightly different refrain, certainly vocally, and I have to admit made me a little teary on first listen! Alex Kapranos has done a fair job on production (the synths on 'Know Yourself' are superbly sparkly) and the sound is clean and polished, though of course doesn't quite compete with their immensely watchable and fun live act.

Another pleasure of March was Clock Opera's debut album, Ways To Forget. Since I first saw them last September, they have become a big love of mine, and one of the few bands that I have returned to see on a number of occasions. Their star is very much in the ascendancy right now, and this album serves only to enhance their reputation and the quality of Guy Connelly's work. I guarantee this album will figure highly in many end of year 'best album of 2012' polls - yes, it IS that good. Read my review here at Shout 4 Music: http://www.shout4music.com/albums-eps/clock-opera-ways-to-forget

Other gig highlights included the wonderful Chairlift, playing a little party affair at 100 Club for their Young Turks label, prior to their official London date the night after at the Borderline. I'm not a great fan of female vocals in the main, but Caroline Polachek can do no wrong for me. Their Something album released in January was a cracking affair, and live they are equally dynamic. This night also gave the opportunity to see the much talented multi-instrumentalist/producer Kwes, who is surely set to become a major player.

Much music came by my ears over the month - some of which have already been chronicled here in blogs via the weekly 'Hot Ones' or on the playlist. Credit has to be given to John Kennedy and his truly admirable Monday - Thursday X-posure radio show on Xfm (11pm - 2am), and from where, it has to be said, a lot of my music comes from. This is the man with the dulcet voice of a young 'Whispering' Bob Harris and the record collection that the late John Peel would be proud of. Such is my addiction to the show, that even if I am out for the evening, I make a point of getting home in time for the last hour at least. Though on occasion, when in the middle of transcribing or writing, I do have to force myself not to tune in ("No, John, I'm sorry. Not tonight!") as I know it is inevitable there will be at least three or four songs that I haven't heard before, and so will necessitate my spending the rest of the night tracking down sound links and playing again. A must-hear show for all that is new and upcoming. Check out his recent playlists. http://www.xfm.co.uk/onair/shows/xposure/xposure-playlist

Strangers, an excellent little band who I have mentioned before, have their new single Shine On You out on April 16 - and are recording a session for the above-mentioned JK show, which is set to go out on April 12. Be sure to tune in, and meanwhile have a listen and watch here:




And The Ghosts release their next single Ghosts on April 18 (pre-order now on iTunes). Love these guys - and I think I can lay claim to having been one of the first to start talking about them last autumn and hailing them as a tip for 2012! Listen out for them on a radio airwave near you, and have a look at the new video too: