With Battle of the Bands mere weeks away, and a well advised ‘one cover’ rule in place, I was thinking about what makes a good cover. The mistake that pub bands seem to make again and again is trying to replicate tunes rather than pay homage to them. A good cover version should bounce away from the original, choosing a tangent that gives the song a new edge. Continue reading ‘How to play a good cover’
Orkneys biggest Island is set for a host of homegrown and southern talent on the 26th as The Stave Natives, Dazed and Scottish band Runt Hornet play what should be a memorable gig. Runt Hornet as their name suggests have a raw but infectious sound, and are definitely worth a listen. Continue reading ‘Gig A-Hoy: Runt Hornet’
Yes thats right its what every guitarist and his drummer have been waiting for, Battle of the Bands has been organised and heats drawn. It’s been two years since the last Battle of the Bands when Peters Finger stole the show with their tight performance and much loved covers. There are very few names from the last one, with noticable abscences from the likes of Hivida and the James Bishop Band, who remain highly active. Continue reading ‘It’s Here! Let the battle commence…’
Edinburgh band The Mars Patrol are playing Fusion next Wednesday, backed by local favourites Hivida. They say: “By facing problems head on, guitarist Ross Nelson assures The Mars Patrols sonic dogma of no pussyfooting around, getting straight-to-the-point, and total raw energy will put them in good stead for the future: We work hard; we put 200% into everything we do.” Continue reading ‘The Mars Patrol & Hivida’
Complete with the necessary ‘out-there’ name and blurry picture of fiddles, New York’s gypsy klezmer punks Luminescent Orchestrii are playing Woodwick as part of their Scottish tour, heading north “for a month of good chocolate, good beer and good whiskey.” The night promises gypsy melodies, punk frenzy, salty tangos, hard rocking klezmer, and my personal favourite, “unexpected harmonies”. Continue reading ‘Luminescent Orchestrii’
Upbeat indie rockers The Bees from the Isle of Wight are hitting Orkney, playing Fusion on August 4th as part of their highlands and islands tour. They are a decent retro throwback band, complete with cheery tracks, instrument swapping, beards and wooly hats. Continue reading ‘The Bees play Kirkwall’
