The debut EP “Witches” from Loz Bridge and the Box Social kicks off with the stomping sing-a-long title track whose memorable and resonating chorus has the immortal line: “I hate! I hate! I hate my job!”
Loz Bridge’s song is the natural anthem for the frustrated musician who needs a day job to survive and has to suffer the pain of the 9 to 5.
The former Suburbian singer wrote it from the heart and office chair and it is naturally an audience favourite although in this time of financial crisis I am sure many people will be singing along while hoping that the boss doesn’t hear their true feelings.
The second song on the EP is the set opener China on which Andrew Foster on banjo and Matt E on drums drive it along with a true head nodding vibe.
Its a perfect EP to re-create the live experience and any new fan will be delighted with the purchase.
But for me this collection wins with the two songs that some people seem to causally pass by. Both “November” and “Sarah and the Wolves” are classic songs that ooze a blues/jazz feel yet hold a commercial edge.
They are also a place where Loz’s piano and Andy Booth’s double bass can add their charms.
Maybe its the age I’ve reached that sees me leaning towards these tracks but there aren’t many people writing with this kind of feel and, if I had a record company, I would be pleading with Loz to deliver an album full of these songs.
However it is unlikely I could persuade him as the forcing of songs into straight jackets is something he did with Suburbian and now he says: “I made a contentious choice not to go in that direction. I’m keen to go in whatever direction is appropriate for the song. Either people like it or they don’t.”
Either way you’ll love this EP and, if you do hate your job, you’ll have something to hum as the boss walks past.
The good news: I’ve been invited to see Dlugokeckisupport the Proclaimers at the South by South West music conference in Austin, Texas.
Unfortunately I am not going by plane, boat or courtesy of Rolling Stone magazine: it’s the virtual world of Second Life that’s calling and I’m off to a bar called The Blarney Stone.
If you are unaware of Second Life then think of it as a computer generated world in which you control a character that can interact with all the other inhabitants.
You can buy land, buildings and clothes and it has become established enough for a few small countries to open embassies.
Early this Sunday morning (3am) you can take your character to the Blarney Stone and watch a live feed of Dlugokekci’s gig which, according to the organisers, is a first for South by Southwest.
However live music in Second Life is nothing new and it’s thought a dozen or so similar events happen every day.
But it is an apt reminder that keeping on top of technology is a must for musicians and followers alike.
The virtual world will not replace real, in your face, gigs but you need to find an audience at least Second Lifers are pro-active.
In this case where band and fan part company will be the start time and possible graphic card limitations on the computer.
But it won’t be long before bands will be adding Second Life accounts to their portfolio of Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube.
Birdpen first came to the original Showcase’s attention when we received the compilation “The Coming of The Railways” – the best of the south coast’s bands [search on ebay]
Collections like that are an ideal resource and, as the artists are from the same area, give a great musical snap shot of the local scene.
This Sunday we’ll be playing three more songs from the album which, for £10, you get 22 bands of varying styles but definitely a high standard. Visit www.wight-trash.co.uk to buy your copy.
Every time I meet a band for a Showcase session I am always uplifted and inspired by their art and craft.
With Southampton based Subgiant I was also really surprised at the quality of the sound they produced and also the energy that exuded from their performance.
We squeezed them and their equipment into studio 2 and no matter how many technical gizmos you have; to stand out you need the tunes and Subgiant have them in bucket loads.
They played two songs in the session “Filthy” from the album Global Control and “Stunt Driver” which is a new download.
And if you are a collector of CD’s then get Global Control as Subgiant will only be releasing single pieces of music for a while.
This is “a response to what’s happening in the industry.” Bass and keyboard player, Olly Maw, told us. “It means we can talk to the fans more regularly rather than one big build up.”
This makes a lot of sense. Hours of time and effort are put into making and promoting an album and once released momentum is hard to maintain.
So for bands on Subgiant’s level a track once in a while keeps interest ticking over and continues building the fan base they are picking up from all the festivals they play.
This Sunday they are in session on the original Showcase after 6pm and live at Endorse it in Dorset, main stage, 15:00, Saturday 9th August.
