LivInTheLimelight

Innate Rock Senses Revived By... 10 Reasons To Live

Thanks to my Rock-music-obsessed dad I've recently received very detailed information for the reason why, according to him, I'm so much into classic rock and hard guitar sounds. Apparently, my parents went to a concert by German rockband 'Silly & Tamara Danz', which probably contributed to me being born too early and my shortness in size. Very explanatory. 

However, for all those of you who haven't had the pleasure to be rocked by Eastern German Rock beats in your mum's belly, but have had similar experiences, or simply like Classic Rock - not necessarily for the guitar elements-, you should get down to Korova this Saturday and watch

10 Reasons To Live

About seven years ago 10 Reasons To Live jumped on the bandwagon for an epic journey, whether it was touring the U.S. or playing a charity concert in front of 20,000 people in Mosambik. With BBC radio legend Billy Butler's words, through 'having the highs and lows' 10 Reasons to Live have matured and entirely left behind their former boyband image to write 'quality stuff', which raised Westlife's. Unfortunately, our Irish Pop Princess Sparkles weren't lucky enough to grab any of the quality material.

Coming back to their phenomenal sound. 10 Reasons To Live have opened a new chapter, particularly with frontman Ste McNally's joining in 2009. McNally, who's been in business for more than ten years, lives up to any expectations one could possibly have about a vocalist. In McNally's case it's, right to refer to the not very original, but still true phrase: 'Experience does matter.' In the beautifully string-accompanied song 'Breathe' ('In These Times' EP), McNally truly manages to connect with the audience via tender, thoroughly chosen dynamics outshined by his wide vocal range, without him sliding into the unnecessary cheesiness and sumptuous garnishments we usually get in ballades. 

If 'Breathe' reminds you of the great days of Rock, wait until you have listened to 'Come Alive', a song destined for musical rockery. Rather classic? Yes. Like anything we've heard before? No. Irritations might come up with the title and its analogy to Bon Jovi's 2000er hit 'It's My Life', but that's about it. Fullstop. If I were in mum's belly again, 'Come Alive' would probably induce labour more than two weeks before the expected date. Being edgy is key! Rough, pinching guitar sounds accompanied by cut-throat bass lines that collaborate in sonor unity with Craig Smith's precise, yet forward-pressing drumbeats that break with the traditional concept of Classic Rock. 

I am very much looking forward to seeing these guys perform live. Not only do I hope to have my innate Rock senses revived, but, first and foremost, to be given this 'and all to quickly it's over again'-feeling.

>> 10 Reasons To Live will perform @ Korova, this Saturday. Support comes from the fabulous Mission Babies and Eighth Wave. Email jen@fiercemanagement.co.uk to get in for 3, instead of 5 precious pounds.

 

Completely Captivated by... CHEW LiPS

Admitted. My brain feels smashed today. My last week of marathon-gig-watching seems to demand its tribute, but nevermind...  This isn't going to hold me back from giving you my newest blurbs on one of this week's absolute highlights and most likely our last 'affordable' chance to see this perform before goes MAJOR!

CHEW LiPS

Newly hatched on 24th January 2010, CHEW LiPS' brand-new album 'Unicorn'( by Family) has made a dramatic entrée in this week's iTunes Album Charts, currently positioning itself on No. 20. 

 

'Unicorn' truly speaks up to its name, opening a door to CHEW LiPS' ultrasonic universe with its avant-garde minimal tunes underlined by subtle pop beats as well as classic elements, framed by Tigs' edgy, yet intriguing vocals, like in 'Play Together' (released on 18th January 2010).

Chew Lips - Play Together

Piano Song, on the contrary, completely captivates one's senses with its beautiful, mellow piano arrangements and Trig's powerful, multifarious voice. 

Ranging from edgy basslines, twitched string sounds to classic drumbeat and 80s synthesiser elements, CHEW LiPS 10-track-album is a masterpiece, destined for timelessness and yet, truly capturing today's Zeitgeist.  

>> CHEW LiPS will perform @ Korova this Friday. 5adv. Tickets are still available. 

 

Wanted!!! Keyboard/Piano Player - The Mission Babies

Hey people, I've just received this message from The Mission Babies: 

'The Mission Babies are looking for a Keyboard/Piano player to join the line up. If you are interested in auditioning or you know anyone who may be interested then please message jen@fiercemanagement.co.uk or inbox me ASAP. We look forward to hearing from you! Kenny'

You've always wanted to play with one of Liverpool's finest? You're ready to rise to the occasion? Then this is your chance!

PS. The Mission Babies are also going to perform @ Korova this Saturday. 

 

UPDATE!!! Must-Go Events for this Week! (25/1/10-31/1/10)

I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves last week. I know February is already approaching, but these last few days have definitely made my gig season start into 2010 perfect. Believe it or not, there are many more to come...

This week we've got some mind-blowing talent like Codeca, Hippys On The Hill (free EP on MySpace), Mannequins, Escalades, Free Peace, The Targets and Oceansize on offer (Most of them for ONLY 5adv!!!).

Plus, the London trio Chew Lips is ready to make our heart rates accelerate with their groovy electro tunes on Friday, just in time to get ready for CIRCUS this Saturday. 

Feeling like your diary is going to explode?! Here's this week's overview. Time to get organised and call up your mates.

I) The Masque 

Thursday - Oceansize, And So I Watch you from far, The Vessels... 10adv

Saturday - Circus with Yousef, Vitalic, Tiefschwarz, Tim Green, SOS, Lewis Boardman, Scott Lewis, Demi, Desyn Masiello and Omid 16 b... 14adv

 

II) Mojo (Free Entry!)

Tuesday - Codeca, Zuprowski Connection, Brassneck, The Death Trucks, Liberation Hollywood

Wednesday - Free Peace (feat. Edgar Jones), The Boo Weevils, The Albany, Cedar Falls, The Liberty Vessels

 

III) Korova

Thursday - The Targets, The Mono LPs, Bleak Hill, Shout In Caves and The Fall Of Kings... 5adv  

Friday - CHEW LiPS... (New Album 'Unicorn' now available online!) 5adv

Saturday - 10 Reasons to Live, The Mission Babies and Eight Wave...3adv / 5 door

 

 
 

IV) O2 Academy

Wednesday - Revolution Club Night

Friday - Hippys On The Hill, Mannequins, Escalades, Pink River Dolphins, The Articles... 5adv

  

V) Williamson Tunnel Heritage Centre

Saturday - Midlake... 15adv

 

VI) Liverpool John Moores University

Saturday - The Idles... 2adv

 

VIII) Bar Samui (NEW!)

Friday - Lazy Genius: Purple Riot, The Free Love Band, Streetpunk Drunks, Low Level Fears, Lazy Genius DJs... 4/3 NUS

IX) Magnet

Thursday - Me Nan Loves... Haiti... Fundraiser, with live shows from ASM, We, The Undersigned, James Whitehouse Band, Fieldhouse & DJs: Jess, Buddha, Dalema and Fade ASM... £3 

 

X) Zanzibar

Thursday -'Broken Bones Mathilda' presents: Fake Union, Friday Night People, Magnum Bass, Weird Band Orchestra, Mono LPs

 

PS. Battle of The Band is commencing its 2nd week at Hannah's Bar! Come over and support the bands every Tuesday night.

 To be continued...

Coming Up: Staggering Sounds by... The Targets

It is W-E-E-K-E-N-D!!! And Liverpool's just boiling up. That's right we got an amazing bunch of gigs coming up for the next couple of days. Check back with the Must-Go Events' post!

On top of that, next week's gig plan looks, to be blonde, amazingly hot! It's time to get out that air guitar and let your hair down because 

The Targets

are going to pay us a visit at Korova next Thursday.

These three young gentlemen already won over their home county Cheshire as well as Scotland and the North East. What else could one expect after listening to absolutely staggering songs like Lazy Sunday, Time or Wake Up?!

I don't think, I'm being too bold if I say that The Targets have great potential to turn into a first-class crew with their Subways- or, to go at little back the time, Sex-Pistols-inspired sound. Very classy Indie tunes with a slight bluesy taste. Watch out for those knock-out drum beats a la Carl Palmer (well, eventually)! 

Hands down. The Targets definitely guarantee a fantastic night of excessive crowd-diving and head-banging. Risk of Infection: High! 

>> The Targets, next Thursday 27/1/10, 7.30pm @ Korova including support from The Mono LPs, Bleak Hill, Shout In Caves and The Fall Of Kings.  

>> Tickets are still available online! 5 adv.

Just a THANK YOU Note...

Please allow me to give a big THANK YOU to The Idles for last Wednesday. 

I, as well as my partner-in-crime, the legendary Miss T., were literally moved by your song dedication and by 'moved' I mean that I almost managed to ram my behind into a sharp table edge... (Very much to the amusement of the Bob Dylan blender behind me. Douchebag.)

Thanks a lot, you guys! Was a fantastic night already, but you put the cream on top of the cake!

xoxo Miriam

  

UPDATE!!! Must-Go Events for this Week! (18/1/10-24/1/10)

Good everyone who's finished with exams, about to finish (like myself), or all those of you who are masters/mistresses in procrastination. This week is filled with a bunch of fantastical gigs and club nights:

I) Hannah's Bar (All events are free!)

Tonight - alternating Jazz and our newest addition the Cover Cats (6 piece band drums,bass,guitar x 2,sax,singer)& Acoustic Richie upstairs 

Thursday - James house (drums,bass,sax,keyboard and guitar) and dj chris upstairs 

Friday - house dj up and down 

Saturday house dj up and down (motown, funk and old skool mix) 

Sunday - Open mic with ogo

 
 

II) Mojo

Tonight - The Idles (10pm), Mission Babies (E.P. launch!) and Minion TV --> Free entry!

 

III) The Masque  UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!

Friday  - Mellotone and The Maque present: Delta Maid, 5 adv

           - Shockwaves NME Awards Special with Sound of Guns, Bicycle Thieves and Morning Parade, 7 adv

Saturday - Chibuku - Residents' Party at The Masque, 6 adv

 

 

IV) Kazimier

Thursday - Delphic LIVE with support from the Mirrors

Feel free to post other events in the comment section! I'll enhance the list as soon as more Tweets come up. 

 

Shooting the Moon with OK Go

Bloody hell, time's running out fast and I soon have to get ready for Miss T.'s bday celebrations. Revolution at O2 Academy maybe... but that's up to Miss T. 

Anyways, that isn't the reason why I'm throwing this post last minute at you. For all those of you who haven't heard / haven't got tickets / haven't gone completely nuts about it. TADA...

OK Go 

are going to hit Liverpool this weekend!

Damian Kulash, Tim Nordwind, Dan Konopka and Andy 'Rusty' Ross are going to rock at O2 Academy this Sunday. Having celebrated the release of their new record 'Out of the Blue Colour of the Sky' (Capitol Records) in London yesterday, they're now on their way up North. 

The band's latest single 'Shooting the Moon' (New Moon OST) already gave us a little taste of their new style. 

One thing is for sure: OK Go have certainly left behind their pop rock roots and are on the best way to become invincible.

'Out of the Blue Colour in the Sky' subtly strives through the experimental spheres of legendary combos like The Jimmy Hendrix Experience, or Prince' electric 80s sound. With this record OK Go can easily measure up with Yeah Yeah Yeah's or Electric Six - if not overhaul them with their dirty guitar chords and Kulash's sultry voice. 

Still don't believe me?! Well, then check out 'This Too Shall Pass' and 'WTF'...

OK Go_This Too Shall PassOk Go_WTF

Melting the Ice with Miike Snow

As promised earlier gig lovers won't come short in 2010. Starting out this month with one of the most buzzed-about newcomer bands of last year, 

Miike Snow

The Swedish trio (Andrew Wyatt/Christian Karlsson/Pontus Winnberg) was formed in 2007, but its members have ruled the industry for a while. Karlsson and Winnberg collaborated as Bloodshy & Avant on tracks with Madonna, Sugababes, Kelis, Passion Pit, Kings of Leon, Vampire Weekend and many more... 

The hype about Miike Snow started with the release of their first track 'Animal' (10/08/09) that had been aired on the American series Gossip Girl beforehand. Finally, on 12th May 2009 their self-titled debut album 'Miike Snow' (Downtown Records) hit the Swedish record stores followed by a global release (Sony Entertainment) on 23rd October 2009.

05 - Miike Snow - Animal

'It's intelligent pop music that has the ability to cradle taste-making purists and reach anthemic heights.' (Guardian.co.uk)

The album offers an eclectic mixture of fragile, subtle Electropop tunes, which are most likely to be compared to a-ha or Animal Collective. Miike Snow, however, stands out with its elaborate concept of melancholic, thrilling experimental arrangements painting the cool landescape of Scandinavia.

>> Mike Snow will be performing at the Masque Theatre on 9th February 2009. Tickets are available online! 

Battle Of The Bands

It's so good to be back in Liverpool! 

I've missed strolling around Bold Street. There's a whole lot to blog about, so let's get started with one of my absolute highlights for the next eight weeks. 

Hannah's Bar, famous for its fresh talent and delightful open mic nights, is hosting the next

Battle of the Bands. 

Starting on 19th January the bands will face their toughest jury - you, the audience. With weapons made of rough guitar riffs, dashing drum beats and get-under-your-skin lyrics combined with the sticky, sweaty feel of living in the limelight, it'll be up to the bands themselves to claim power over Liverpool's infamous music scene. They'll have to show that they deserve to get into the next round by playing four originals and two covers. The battle won't be over until one of them has proved itself to be the rightful winner who'll claim the prize of 1,000 pounds. In the end, there can only be one.

>> Battle of the Bands is going to be held from 19th January until 28th February at Hannah's Bar, featuring numerous bands who'll be ready to prove that Rock'n'Roll is very much alive!

Mark McNulty... Framing Liverpool Sound City 2010

It is official. This year's Liverpool Sound City festival is going to be artistically framed by no-one else than Mark McNulty. 

The Liverpool-based music & fashion photographer regularly works for the Philharmonic Hall, O2 Academy and has published his second (!) book 'Pop Cultured' in 2008. 

'Pop Cultured' offers a wide range of intimate portraits of bands and singers, but also a various moving concert shots. The entire display was collected over the last two decades and - at least I think so - provides us with an excellent outlook for Liverpool Sound City 2010. 

 
 

 
 
 

 

 

New Year, New Sound... By The Idles

Hey, sorry for being a little less wordy during the last two weeks, but I literally got absorbed in the big sparkly hole I call German Christmas celebrations. Sixty inches of snow, six very stuffing Christmas meals, one exhausting move and several drinks (NYE...) later I'm back on track and awaiting my comeback to Liverpool next Thursday. (At least I hope so because right now, all I can see is a big pile of snow in my driveway.)

In the meantime, let me give you the latest update on The Idles... 

 

I've personally been waiting for this since their brilliant performance at The Masque Theatre three weeks ago, but now I can promise you this...

Monday is going to be D-Day!

'Arrogance Through Ignorance' (by Forty-Six Records) - the band's debut EP will be available for downloads from 4th January onwards. 

Simply visit the iTunes store or Amazon and enjoy some of Liverpool's finest, new talent.

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