When I first started writing for Sean here at BIYL, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the site would develop to the stage it has now. Most of this is down to the hard work Sean put into building the site in the early days. The last few months have been a real juggling act as the live music nights have seemed to have devoured lots of my time and energy. Friday night was the culmination of all that work, as we were lucky enough to host the very first night of what promises to be an exciting link up with this state of the art venue. Situated in the very heart of the City of Norwich, the facilities and sound are second-to-none in the Eastern region.

I’m not sure who was the most nervous – myself or young Jack Evison who had the honour of taking to the stage and opening our show. Thankfully, both of us overcame our pre-gig nerves and he delivered a competent set of acoustic numbers from his songbook. By the time Jack had finished, the venue was filling to a decent level. With all my promotional duties fulfilled, I finally had some time to mingle with the crowd and gauge reaction to both the venue and the artists. Earlier in the evening, Lee Vann – who was due to be the main support – had kindly offered to give his slot to Chasing Tigers as he had his own headline show at the venue on 28th April.

Lee never fails to give anything less than a 100% whenever I have caught him live, and although his newer songs are better suited to the full band experience, he brought the crowd to life with some pretty neat fretboard work as he showcased songs from his debut EP and some newer material. I particularly enjoyed ‘Sell It Off’, a well thought out composition with more serious subject matter than some of his more fluffy, pop-orientated material. By the time Lee had finished, the venue was buzzing with anticipation, and to my relief full of people enjoying the evening!

I have long admired the work of James Eliot Taylor. The first time I caught him live with his band in April 2010, his set blew me away. Cleverly structured melancholic tales of woe and hope in equal measure allow James to build you up and crush you within a few lines of a song. Having been busy flitting between his hometown of Cork in Ireland and working on a debut album, his gigs have been sporadic as of late.

It’s unfair to call the exquisite musicians James has assembled a backing band, as every one of them add to the texture and complexity that embodies his live show. The musical accompaniment seemed to slip effortlessly between Americana and Blur at their best. As always his set both captivated and moved me in equal measure.

A pumped-up Chasing Tigers took to the stage with guest guitarist Lee Vann and received a rapturous reception. With lead singer Laurence seeming to be somewhat of a pin-up boy amongst the gathered young ladies at the front. The crowd by this time were ready to party.

Feeding on the audience reaction, they tore through an adrenaline-filled set of indiepop with great aplomb. Chasing Tigers are now starting to reap the rewards of playing the smaller gig circuit around the region relentlessly. Watching the ever-widening grin of bass player Dylan during the set was worth the entrance fee alone.

As Billy Lockett stood backstage, his band suitably worked the crowd until he bound on stage. The guy is hotly tipped as one to follow in 2012, and as the crowd warmed to his well-crafted, credible brand of pop and easygoing stage demeanour, he soon had them both clapping and singing along. For many of the throng that gathered at the front of the stage, it was the first time they had heard a lot of his set.

Both of the uptempo singles ‘Balance’ and ‘Don’t Wait up’ saw people dancing from the front to the back of the packed hall. As is par for the course with me, my highlight was the somewhat more introspective ‘Hold On Hope’, written about his Dad who was in the crowd. Lyrically, it belies his tender years. Standing near the back glancing around, pretty much everyone seemed as transfixed upon the stage as I was.

With the crowd eager for more, Billy took back to the stage playing a track I had not heard before, called ‘Sideways’. I have to admit that what followed next was not meant to be in the script, but whilst checking Billy out on YouTube I had stumbled upon a killer acoustic cover of Foster The People’s ‘Pumped Up Kicks’. I kind of felt guilty in cajoling him into playing it live for the first time. With the whole crowd still clapping and singing as he left the stage, it brought down the curtain on a memorable evening in the most perfect fashion.

There are many people to thank without going into Oscar mode: all the staff at Open, from the welcoming door staff through to the box office and bar staff. All the management team at Open for their support, in particular Rick Lennox. The sound crew headed up by Mark Gallant, and Stewart Harrington for his excellent stage management. Many thanks to Robert Powell for the photos – please credit him if you reproduce any. Obviously a big thank to all the acts who played, but most of all to each and every one of you who came and supported the launch night. I look forward to welcoming you all back on April 6th for our next event.

[See post to listen to audio]
Billy Lockett – Balance

https://www.facebook.com/evisonmusic

https://www.facebook.com/chasing.tigers

https://www.facebook.com/jameseliottaylormusic

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lee-Vann/116790071730498

https://www.facebook.com/billylockettmusic

The first time both Sean and myself heard Louise and the Pins last January whilst judging the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Contest, we were blown away. We were proud to be able to champion their cause right through to the live final at Pilton. Although the girls did not win in the end, they put themselves firmly on the musical radar. They have since gone from strength to strength, with the debut release Melancholy receiving great critical acclaim.

This reworking of the live studio version of ‘Bell Jar’ – which we ran last May as an exclusive on the site – takes what was already one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard to new heights. The subtle production and backing vocals only serve to enhance the heartfelt, deeply personal delivery from Louise.

The accompanying video – featuring David Bradley – moved me to tears on a first play. It’s obviously a very personal song to Louise, but as with all great songs of this nature, you can interpret the lyrics to your own personal situation. The more uptempo b-Side’Falsest Start’ again shows that there are many faces to these girls. They are just as capable of getting you dancing as they are of bringing tears to your eyes with a classic torch song.

This drops on April 9th again on Chess Club, and the girls take to the road playing several dates around the release including a London headline show at St Pancras Church on April 4th.

[See post to listen to audio]
Louise & The Pins – Bell Jar

https://www.facebook.com/LouiseAndThePins

It was my absolute pleasure to be invited to the Bicycle Shop in Norwich on Wednesday for the opening night of Ned Younger’s headlining tour. Bizarrely, it was my first visit to the basement venue tucked away under the bustling restaurant on St Benedict’s street. It’s certainly a venue I look forward to revisiting on a regular basis, and a perfect setting for an artist who’s lyrics are such an integral part of the music.

Although giving the impression of being quite shy on stage, the softly-spoken Ned took time to interact between each song during the set. The crowd were impeccably silent, I’m guessing for many it was the first time they had witnessed the almost hypnotic awe he creates with simple chords that allow you to focus intently on the poetic prose delivered. The set – although pretty short – showcased all the tracks from his beautiful EP Tongues, which is accompanied by a book of photographs that inspired the songs.

The highlight, of course, was ‘Dear John Letters’, my favourite track of 2011. This was delivered faultlessly, totally unplugged in the middle of the room. Chatting with Ned, he told me a new single is imminent, plus some pretty exciting plans for the Summer months. If you get a chance to catch him in one of these intimate venues on the rest of the tour, I’m certain you will be as enthralled as we all were.

[See post to listen to audio]
Monument Valley – Plans

http://www.monumentvalley.co.uk/blog/

Remaining tour dates:
march 5th – red rooms at rescue rooms, nottingham
march 6th – hare & hounds, birmingham
march 7th – louisiana, bristol
march 8th – the slaughtered lamb, london
march 10th – the hope, brighton

Here at BIYL towers one of our favourite weekends of 2011 was spent at Playfest. The welcoming vibe around the campsite led to many of the artists having impromptu jamming sessions and as a result many-a-new friend was made over the weekend. It hardly seems possible that nearly a year has passed us by! Building on the positive feedback and making the shortlist for Best New Festival of 3,500 or less was no mean feat in itself. If you thought last year’s lineup was staggering for a first year festival, the line up this year has raised the bar considerably.

Ash has been announced as the Saturday night headliner with main support from both Pigeon Detectives and Reverend and The Makers. All three acts deliver a live set sure to have the punters up on their feet. The quality does not stop there, with The Big Pink sure to bring the house down.

This is one festival where I kind of have an insight into the planning and preparation that goes on behind the scenes. I’m sure that many of you out there feel as blasé as I used to be about the logistics involved. Last year the guys did an amazing job with only a few months to book and plan from the inception in February till festival time at the end of May. For this year the wheels started turning only a few weeks after the the last of the bleary-eyed Monday afternoon stragglers left the site. The meticulous thought and effort into making sure that it delivers a festival that will both be bigger and better, yet still retain the one big family feel seems to me to have paid off.

With so many festivals out there all after your hard-earned hard cash, why should you choose Playfest? For one, the programming of both the Main Stage and the Big Top give it an all-encompassing feel. Sure, you have the bands who will play the anthems to send you back singing late into the night on the campsite. Choosing Craig Hill from Tilting Sky to curate the Big Top this year is a stroke of genius, as there are not many people who have more knowledge of what’s hot in the Eastern Counties. With artists such as Alloy Ark, Rory McVicar and Eyes in the Big Top on Saturday, it could be hard to drag myself away. On Sunday I will definitely be catching the SXSW bound Kamilla Lovett, who I’m pretty certain will be snapped up by a major label in the next twelve months and riding high in the charts. Both Deers and Ill Murray will be a must for me as well. Sunday over on the mainstage, I’m so pleased to see Spector booked. If you caught the Jools Holland performance you had to be blown away.

The Asylum Stage will feature local up-and-coming artists, and there are a lot of them out there. I particularly hope that the likes of Tom Pearce and Daisy Vaughan get to showcase their amazing talents there. For those of you inclined, there is a pretty hot dance arena as well, though to be honest, at my age when the main stage finishes at 11.30pm, I enjoy the campsite camaraderie, which last year was there in abundance. Throw in the fact that tickets weigh in at only £80 for full weekend camping with a student special (that includes travel), I think it’s one of the best pound for pound value for money festivals out there. I’m guessing that many of you agree, as the early bird tickets priced at a credit crunch-busting £65.00 were snapped up within days. Admittedly, my opinion is slightly biased, but equally I’m really proud that after years of being considered a musical backwater, Playfest is doing more than its fair share to put my home county of Norfolk firmly on the musical map.

For more info – including a great two-part payment plan – visit the website:

www.playfest.co.uk

P.S – This year my mission is for a golf buggy pic with Ash!

James Vincent McMorrow took to the sold out Art Centre stage in Norwich rather like a rabbit caught in the glow of a car’s headlights. I almost expected him to turn and run from the stage, half-size guitar in hand. His rise to fame through the medium of television advertising is not uncommon in this throwaway society, as there seems to be a craving to turn folk into overnight popstars. None of this, of course, is the fault of James himself. I did, however, wonder how many came to the venue on the back of that one cover version of ‘Higher Love’. If his spell-blindingly fragile performance turned some of the crowd onto the music of his peers as well as the man himself, then I can forgive the advertisers.

Despite the fact that he told us it was the first time he had done six back-to-back shows, both the main man and his band kept us captivated in an atmospherically-charged venue. The mood lighting provided an almost sinister visual to match McMorrow’s falsetto rising to considerable heights on ‘Sparrow And The Wolf’. The full 90-minute set at no time seemed too long, as he switched between full band and both piano and guitar solo moments. Indeed, at one stage he played keys with one hand, a drum with another, and still delivered a faultless vocal. As our photographer Steve remarked, his voice is – if anything – better live than on record. As the evening wore on he seemed to grow in stature, exchanging banter and stories with the crowd and even chastising the single-hand clap man.

There are shades of everyone from Bon Iver through to Fleet Foxes in McMorrow’s work, yet there is something distinctly unique about the man. There is much more to him than many of the leftfield twee-folk acts who have struck lucky. I have a feeling that this is just the start of his rise way up the musical ladder. His star will burn brightly long after those who found him via his appearance on the Gossip Girl soundtrack have moved onto the next en vogue act. This was a special night and one I was privileged to be part of, hell he even nailed Chris Issak’s ‘Wicked Game’!

Many Thanks To Steve Hunt for the photos!

http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/

[See post to listen to audio]
James Vincent McMorrow – Wicked Game (Chris Issak Cover)

Lee Vann is another artist I have watched develop for some time. Though his music has not always been 100% to my taste, his personal drive has made me take note of him. One thing is for sure, Lee is a talented musician, as he plays every note himself on this self-released debut EP. I can fully understand the appeal of the opening track ‘Broken Wave’, and it seems to be a firm favourite amongst his considerable, growing following. It’s a competent pop song, though it lacks that certain something to set it apart from the crowd. The great thing about music is that it is totally subjective, and I’m sure that many of you will totally disagree with me on ‘Broken Wave’. Something I like about Lee is the fact that he asked me to review the EP, knowing I’d offer an honest appraisal.

So moving on to track two, ‘I Sing You Sing’, which for me is where things start to kick in. Though paying something of an homage to Ed Sheeran, there seems to be more of Lee shining through here. It’s another live favourite, with some nifty guitar work and an infectious chorus. The EP really starts to become interesting when we get to ‘Money’, which is a complete musical departure from all that came before. Incorporating a Hendrix riff from the outset, it kind of sets the tone with a dirty bass & muddy vocal. I actually didn’t believe it was Lee when I heard a demo version back in the summer. The final track here is what I hope indicates a future direction for Lee’s music, as it is by far and away the strongest track lyrically. The serious subject matter of ‘Sell it Off’ is what sets it apart from the rest, and it comes across as truly heartfelt.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lee-Vann/116790071730498

Sell it off by leevann

When I was preparing this album review I realised that I am in my fifth year of writing for various sites – a pretty scary thought! The reason this sprung to mind was that back in 2007 was the first time I wrote about The Kabeedies. It seems strange to think that they have really been around that long. I have always had a soft spot for the band, especially in the live arena. In the early days and on the debut album they were almost like a guilty pleasure, but they have slowly matured as people and artists, from the gangly, somewhat awkward call-and respond-band into a fully fledged outfit you ignore at your peril.

There is one damn good reason I have put The Kabeedies on my sound of 2012 list, and that is their new album Soap, their first for Fierce Panda. Sure, at times it’s unmistakeably old-skool Kabeedies, but all the best bits, as on ‘Elizabeth’. Make no mistake, this is a clever, catchy pop record with a twist. As you move further into the record you’ll encounter ‘Bones’, one of the most haunting tracks I have heard in a long while. ‘Santiago’ won the rebel playlist on BBC6 Music last year, and its fusion of Latin beats and horns will surely shine bright over many-a-festival stage again this summer. This is the track that probably best showcases the band’s live energy best, alongside ‘Come out of The Blue’. Some may find this a slight, bubblegum pop track, but I would suggest you actually listen closer to what is going on – loads of harmonies and percussion abound throughout.

The lead single ‘Eyes’ carries on in a similar vein, and the band have made a fantastic video with the very talented Spindle Films, which you can watch below. ‘Underfloor Lover’ is fast becoming one of my favourite tracks on the album, however as good as it is, there is something so deeply personal about the album closer ‘LT’ that takes the whole record to a higher echelon. With its lo-fi sound, it closes another chapter in the ever-evolving journey of a band that’s proved so many people wrong. I take my hat off to the band, as this album achieves what so many strive for but fail to create – an epic pop record of both substance and credibility.

This drops Monday, 23rd January on indie tastemakers Fierce Panda. The band take to the road through February, see website for details.

[See post to listen to audio]
The Kabeedies – Bones

http://www.myspace.com/thekabeedies
https://www.facebook.com/thekabeedies

This is my alternative list to the BBC’s Sound Of’, which always seems to me to feature artists who have pretty much broken already. That may sound pretentious of me, but I can assure you that’s not my intention. I never forget the privileged position I have of hearing lots of great artists ahead of the curve. The price I pay tapping away at a keypad every evening & listening to every promo that hits the mat seems a small one, and I still get a real buzz from seeing & meeting emerging artists in small venues.

This year, the artists I have chosen – after careful consideration – cover a pretty wide spectrum of genres. They are all artists that have wowed me live or on record when our paths have crossed.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the whole host of PR companies I deal with, but especially Matt Brown and Ellie over at Stay Loose, Ed over at Mudhut, Giovanna Ferin, all at Charm Factory, Anorak & Cannonball. Finally, a big thank you to Sean for giving me a platform, and to everyone of you who take the time to read my ramblings and comment!

#1 Daughter

Site favourite Elena Tonra with her now expanded band recording as Daughter will be a star if there is any justice out there!

http://ohdaughter.bandcamp.com/

#2 Monument Valley

Responsible for my favourite EP in the form of Tongues and my favourite track of 2011 with ‘Dear John Letters’. This guy is stunning live.

http://www.monumentvalley.co.uk/

#3 Kamilla Lovett

This young starlet in the making is Kate Bush meets Lily Allen with a twist of Kate Nash.

https://www.facebook.com/kamillalovett

#4 Trophy Wife

I loved both releases in 2011 by these talented Oxford-based indie songsmiths.

http://www.myspace.com/atrophywife

#5 Ryan Keen

I’m going to feature four artists who have toured with Ed Sheeran last year, with the first being Ryan. Just an amazingly talented singer/songwriter.

http://www.ryankeen.co.uk/

#6 Lester Clayton

Pop songs with a social conscience, infused with a reggae vibe. Lester’s music wowed me on the Ed Sheeran Tour and also when he played a headlining gig for us in November.

http://www.myspace.com/lesterclayton

#7 Kal Lavelle

The voice behind the recent ‘Artful Dodger’ single , Kal Lavelle was recent iTunes single of the week and her EP is a stunning collection of songs.

https://www.facebook.com/kallavellemusic

#8 Saint Saviour

One of our tips for 2011 and I see no reason not to include her again! Truly outstanding artist with a debut album to come in 2012.

http://saintsaviour.co.uk/

#9 Lucy Rose

Such an amazing voice! I first saw her as support on the Bombay lads acoustic tour as the opening act.

http://www.lucyrosemusic.co.uk/

#10 Beth Jeans Houghton

Quirky yet extremely listenable, and her last single ‘Liliput’ blew me away.

https://www.facebook.com/BethJeansHoughton

#11 Bastille

One of the best potential breakthrough indie/electro acts out there. One man band Dan will break through in 2012.

#12 Solko

A local act to me but they racked up over 2,000 plays for their lastest upload to Soundcloud in three days. Look for bigger things in 2012.

http://solko.bandcamp.com/

#13 James Vincent McMorrow

Just the latest in a line of talented singer/songwriters I came across last year.

http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/

#14 Paul Thomas Saunders

I ran an introducing post on this guy late last year and have not been able to stop listening to his breathtaking music.

http://www.paulthomassaunders.com/

#15 Louise and the Pins

These girls were site favourites in 2011 and we went all the way to the Glastonbury ETC final with them. I still hold true to my belief that they are stunning on record and live.

http://www.myspace.com/louiseandthepins

#16 The Kabeedies

Having signed to Fierce Panda to release their difficult second album, The Kabeedies were one of my tips for 2011, and the new record Soap – dropping 23rd Jan – should win them a new army of fans.

https://www.facebook.com/thekabeedies

#17 12 Dirty Bullets

I love these guy’s the real sound of indie as it should be – no landfill just pure rock’n'roll!

https://www.facebook.com/12dirtybullets

#18 Danny Mahon

No need for an introduction for Danny, if you know me you know I think it is a travesty that he is not selling bucketloads already! Maybe 2012 and his debut album will change that.

https://www.facebook.com/dannymahonmcr

#19 The Phoenix Experiment

These guys were on my list in a previous incarnation in both 2009 and 2010. The 66 split and they have been cooking this up for the last year. 2012 is going to see the beast unleashed!

https://www.facebook.com/TPEONLINE

#20 Tortoise Family Connections
Their mini-album made my top albums of 2011 list, and with the right exposure they could go all the way to the top next year.

http://tortoisefamilyconnections.bandcamp.com/album/tortoise-family-connections-ep

I would also like to give an honourable mention to Axel Loughrey, who’s debut album I will be featuring on the site. Many of you will know Axel is a good friend of mine, and I felt I could not include him on a list like this without feeling I was being biased. I wish him and all the other great acts currently making the Norwich scene so happening – like Alloy Ark and The Broken Seas – all the best for 2012.

My album of the year for 2011 is a collection of songs I have pretty much grown to love over the last three years. The fact that the tracks on this album still excite me as much as when I first heard many of them in 2008 – in their fledgling form – would be enough reason to make this my album of the year. The fact is, if you come back and ask me in 2020 for my twenty albums of the decade, I am certain it would still feature on any list I compiled. For all of the reasons above and the ones explained in one of the longest album reviews I have ever written, my album of the year for 2011 is The Joy Formidable’s The Big Roar.

Read Mark’s original review

Now that I feel that burden is lifted, here are some of my favourites from the past year (most of them I have reviewed; those that somehow slipped the net I apologise for).

The Big I Am – Collecting Skies
Read Mark’s Original Review

Luke Rathborne – The Dog Years
Read Mark’s original review

Josh T Pearson – Last Of the Country Gentlemen
Read Mark’s original review

The Horn The Hunt – Depressur Jolie
Read Mark’s original review

Pete Lawrie – A little brighter
Read Mark’s original review

Benjamin Francis Leftwich – Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm
Read Mark’s original review

The Flowerpot Sessions – Communion
Read Mark’s original review

She Keeps Bees – Dig On

Danny and The Champions of The World – Hearts and Arrows
Read Mark’s original review

Puro Instinct – Headbangers In Ecstasy
Read Mark’s original review

Beirut – Rip Tide
Read Mark’s original review

Marcus Foster – Nameless Path
Read Mark’s original review

Ben Howard – Every Kingdom
Read Mark’s original review

Tortoise family Connections – Extra Terrestrial Kestrel
Read Mark’s original review

I can’t finish this post off without mentioning several albums that slipped through my reviewing net, mostly due to time constraints. The biggest one being P.J Harvey’s Let England Shake, which is truly stunning. Others worthy include the latest offerings by M83, Bon Iver, Adele, Airship, Other Lives, Young the Giant, and finally Wilco. So all that is left for me to do is wish you seasons greetings from a rainy, windy UK! Take care of yourselves but most of all take care of each other. Peace, Mark.

P.S – thought it only fitting to leave you with my single favourite track of 2011!

[See post to listen to audio]
Monument Valley – Dear John Letters

Things around here have been rather slack on the posting front, and that is kind of my fault! I apologise, there has been so much going on with the promotional side of things that it’s been hard to keep up. Having pretty much booked our nights at various venues through to April, I’m looking forward to getting back to the bread and butter of BIYL. Without the site we have nothing; likewise without all of you reading – wherever in the world you may be – the whole process would be pretty pointless. So as a massive thank you for your continued support in the last year.

I put together ten of my favourite tracks from the last year for our good friends over at Mudhut Digital. This is the third time in the last year we have joined forces and it’s always a pleasure. I hope you enjoy the podcast. It’s not necessarily my definitive top ten tracks but they are all corkers. There are one or two that are regional to me and may well have affected me more because I have heard them live several times. I’m proud of the work we do here at BIYL, and I like to think we give genuine, considered opinions on the new music that comes our way. I don’t claim to be a clever journalist or even as knowledgeable, musically, as many of my peers. I could never have imagined four years ago when I first put pen to paper that I would get to meet so many of my musical heroes. What gives me the greatest pleasure and makes it all worthwhile is to watch artists we introduce go on to bigger and better things. That’s why all the artists on this podcast are bands you’ll have read about on the site at some stage this year, though most of them will not be household names – that stuff I leave to the big bad music press!

You may well be surprised that there is no Joy Formidable on the podcast, don’t worry there will be plenty of column inches devoted to our favourite band both in my albums of 2011 post and highlights of 2011 round up. Below are links to all the artists featured on this podcast.

Mud Hut Music Podcast 027 – BATTERY IN YOUR LEG’s Top 10 tracks of 2011 by Mud Hut Digital

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monument-Valley/164381576950455

https://www.facebook.com/vintagetrouble

https://www.facebook.com/dannymahonmcr

https://www.facebook.com/kallavellemusic

https://www.facebook.com/benhowardmusic

https://www.facebook.com/benjaminfrancisleftwich

https://www.facebook.com/kamillalovett

https://www.facebook.com/BethJeansHoughton

https://www.facebook.com/THEBROKENSEAS

http://tortoisefamilyconnections.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MudHutMusic