Back in April, Roo Panes released a digital single ‘My Sweet Refuge’. Its sparse and haunting qualities drew comparisons to Nick Drake from many, partly due to the songs fragility, but also it’s obvious Englishness.
Three months on, Roo has released a new video. ‘Sketches of Summer’ is taken from his 2018 album ‘Quiet Man’ which was released via CRC Records in June.
It’s been a busy, but polarised, couple of years in YesWorld since bassist and founding member Chris Squire passed away. The “official” branch of the Yes tree have continued to tour with bassist Billy Sherwood filling some massive shoes and have released a couple of enjoyable live CDs.
Meanwhile, ex-members Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman have been working hard on the live circuit, also using the Yes name – presumably easier with Squire no longer able to threaten legal action as he previously with Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe in the late 80s.
The 2017 Star Shaped Festival events were special. In London, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham, the all-day events allowed Britpop lovers to come together in a wave of nostalgia, watching great bands and forging new friendships.
While the big draw for many was the four shows by the unexpectedly reformed Sleeper, The Bluetones were on great and funny form, Space showed everyone how great they are in the live setting – a band much deeper than a couple of overplayed singles – and My Life Story’s Jake Shillingford demonstrated a fantastic command of a crowd.
It’s been a busy couple of years for Strange Majik (aka David Pattillo). Starting with the release of 2016’s ‘Raised On Rock ‘N’ Roll’ (Real Gone’s favourite album of that year), Strange Majik began an exploration through various retro rock, blues and funk jams that reached fever pitch last year with two angry and politically charged EPs.
This summer, he embarks on his first European tour which is followed by the release of an anticipated new full length entitled ‘Channel T’.
Before the album’s appearance in September you can get a taste for Majik’s new jams, since a new single is available right now and streaming in full below.
Following a five year hiatus, Sheffield doom/sludge metal band Naisian have returned…and they’re ready to destroy you. A new EP, ‘Rejoinder’, is released on July 6th and is everything you ever wanted from the band. It’s got some of the biggest riffs this side of the new Morag Tong album.