Back in 2010, we saw White Swallow play the Mad Ferret. We were very impressed and the review was glowing. Needless to say, we are very big fans of the band that Sam and Bobby built, so when we heard that they are part of another band, it made us very happy.

Cactus Knife are a five piece who have impressed us to the same extent. They are ferocious and passionate and describe themselves as blues surf rock. Buze is a slow burning rhythmic track filled with arpeggios and it best highlights the sort of song that Cactus Knife can do which White Swallow simply could not.

There are many demos available on the internet (linked at the foot of this page) but we’re dying for a fully-fledged release. Enter Brock n Broll records, who are White Swallows label. “Them lot are recording our 3 track single for us (very kindly)” they tell us. That’s not the end of the good news. A label called On The Grind wants to distribute the single to shops like Piccadilly Records.

This is always an exciting time of year because we get to see some of our favourite acts being approached for festival appearances. Do Cactus Knife have anything planned? “Yes we do” they say “We got a couple of small ones booked such as Reeferstock Festival. We have had emails off a few others such as Strummerfest and Solfest, exciting stuff”. These smaller festivals are a great stage for bands such as Cactus Knife.

Not that they’ll be making their music for the success. We asked if seeing Rae Morris doing so well motivates them. “We’d love the success” they say “But we would only ever make the music we love. We’d like to class our music as underground so judging a level of success can be difficult. She’s great and it’s fresh to see someone local doing ace. If she’s reading, we fancy you!”

They have been practicing 2-3 times a week as well as playing their gigs and it has paid off. Just like White Swallow, they have yet to receive a single bad review. Not that they would be afraid of any negative press. “If it was a magazine then that’s fine” they say humbly. “Cos it makes interesting reading I guess. If it was at a gig and someone said something nasty we would probably shout back and throw something at them”. Think twice hecklers, a cymbal to the face can hurt. We presume.

Most of the members have played in other bands but they are confident they are onto something special with Cactus Knife. “People really watch, which is a first” they say. “Usually in all our other bands we get blank or scared responses”. We don’t entirely believe that, but things are certainly going well for them. Keep an eye on Cactus Knife.

Cactus Knife’s Bandcamp

Black Manila

11^th May 2012

Rook and the Ravens are the headline band on a night of consistently fantastic music in the Mad Ferret. The five-piece tear through a brilliant set led by the Jack White-esque vocals of their frontman (one of three) who is, unfortunately, seated. It would be better if we could see more of him as it is quite hard to identify the source of such a powerful voice. Penultimate song Little Rib is the strongest on the setlist and the crowd were pleased once again by Rook and the Ravens who are quickly becoming a well known name on the Preston music scene.

India Mill (or Indian Meal) are equally good. Their stage presence is flawlessly laid-back and the songs as strong and well practiced as you would expect from a band with their experience. They do have to start one of their songs again though, which seems to agitate them for a couple of songs. We’d advise anyone to Google “Muse, Dom messes up” to see that it can happen to the best of us. They are at their best when joined by a violin player and new song Caribesque is a particular highlight although they can’t engage in the dancing displayed in the video when playing guitar; a real shame.

French Wives came all the way from Scotland to play songs from their debut album Dream of the Inbetween. The latter half of their set is excellent and Younger is a stand out song overall. They bemoan the fact that they are usually a five-piece and unfortunately had to leave their violin player behind. This could be why the first half of the set is a little underwhelming and they would probably sound fantastic live with their violin player.

Johnny5thWheel is without his cowards tonight as he plays a solo set. There are no nerves from being on his own as he plays a short set armed with only his acoustic guitar and some incredibly loud shoes. Opener WhereDidISleepLastNight is as brilliant as it has ever been when performed solo, although it’s a shame there was no duet performance of ConversationsWithYouWhenYou’reNotThere. The rest of the songs all sound solid enough with the full backing band and it was a real treat to see him perform a solo set.

Hurts – Wonderful Life

Interpol – Untitled

My Bloody Valentine – Only Shallow

Echo & the Bunneymen – Crocodiles

Joy Division – Dead Souls

Neu! – Isi

Spiritualized – Hey Jane

The Black Angels – Doves

Brown Brogues –  Anyone But You

Deerhunter – Lake Somerset

Wooden Shjips – Lazy Bones

Novella – The Things You Do

TOY – Motoring (Peaking Lights remix)

Kraftwerk – The Model

The Specials – Gangsters

Iceage – White Rune

DZ Deathrays – No Sleep

The Chameleons – Nostalgia

Siouxsie & the Banches – Dazzle

La Femme – Sur La Planche

The Cure – A Forest

Radiohead- Lotus Flower

Metronomy – The Look

Alt-J – Breezeblocks (No Ceremony remix)

College Ft. Electric Youth – A Real Hero

Binary – Prisoner

New Order – The Perfect Kiss

Joy Division – No Love Lost

The Horrors – New Ice Age

Primal Scream – Swastika Eyes

The Stone Roses – Don’t Stop

Peaking Lights – Birds Of Paradise

Tame Impala –  Skeleton Tiger

Django Django – Default (Tom Furse remix)

TOY – Left Myself Behind

The Smiths – How Soon Is Now

Dum Dum Girls – Comin’ Down

The Jesus and Mary Chain – Cracking Up

Friends – I’m His Girl

White Rabbits – Temporary

The Who – I Can’t Explain

The Cure – One Hundred Years

Joy Division – She’s Lost Control

10^th May 2012

A large crowd had braved the weather outside and congregated inside the hub of the area’s music scene, the Mad Ferret, to watch American indie-pop outfit Crocodiles. The noisy five-piece, famed for their prowess on the live scene, are always popular headliners round these parts and they found a gap in their tour with The Cribs to entertain the Preston crowd once more.

Prior to that though, London three-piece Black Manila took to the stage and kicked off their set as they meant to go on, a heavy drum beat fused with a hypnotic bass line that had the crowd captivated before they exploded into a wall of affects on guitar. Black Manila are set to tour with Italian’s Piatcions who impressed the Ferret crowd a few months ago, with this similar brand of mesmerizing instrumentals and occasional bursts of frenetic noise. Ten minutes into the set, the bassist, sweeping his Cobain esque hair to one side, finally added words to the repetitive music. The vocals were alternated between the three members though and this was demonstrated as the lead guitarist led the way into new single Fiasco, a song that draws obvious comparisons to the likes of The Strokes and The White Stripes.

Black Manila closed their set on single b-side England, an eight minute patriotic epic in which they passionately delivered the words “I’m an Englishman” – a song worthy of finishing a really enjoyable set from the three-piece.

There was a tangible excitement in the air as main support PINS arrived on stage. They have exploded onto the music scene in the last six months and have been blessed with a certain amount of hype. This could be because before a note had been played or a word ushered, they look effortlessly cool on stage. Packed with deep bass-lines, jangly guitars and fast-pace drums, PINS pack a punch and they are the perfect support for the energetic Crocodiles to come. Midway through the set PINS reached their peak, with guitarist Lois McDonald taking the reigns on vocals for this one, and the set came to life. Filled with soaring guitars and a thrashing drum beat, this tune was impressive. It could be said that PINS’ set as a whole lacked a touch of variety, however they finished their slot solidly with two songs available for download from their website

Dressed predominately in black, the dark stylish four-piece played the short sharp Shoot You, followed finally by Eleventh Hour, probably and predictably the set highlight. The harmonies worked well on this one and the rhythmical drum beat remained throughout the song as they finished in style. Perhaps not the finished article just yet, PINS have bags of potential to be yet another great band to come out of Manchester.

As much as the knowledgeable crowd no doubt enjoyed the support acts who were both excellent, Crocodiles were undoubtedly the main event and whom the majority of the paying Preston public were here to see tonight. Not many Mad Ferret gigs demand an entry fee at all, so £8 on the door reflected the sort of band you are dealing with. With new album Endless Flowers on the horizon and set to embark on a tour with The Temper Trap it is quite a coup for the Ferret to keep enticing the Americans back for more.

Playing tunes from the album Sleep Forever and new songs from soon to be released album Endless Flowers, they set out to bring their intoxicating blend of fuzzy guitars and lo-fi noise pop to the Ferret once more. And it wasn’t long before the crowd were brought to life by the five-piece and the infectious energy of frontman Brandon Welchez, as they played Stoned To Death and new single Endless Flowers. The former is a great new tune with its dreamy melodic vocals as the bridge leads into the repetitive chorus “Our endless flowers will grow”.

As is synonymous with Crocodiles, they play deafeningly loud, and the riotous crowd at the front were enjoying every second of it as they danced their way through usual crowd pleasers I Wanna Kill and Mirrors. The sheer disappointment as Crocodiles leave the stage is evident only to be greeted by a rapturous reception as they return for an encore. At this point they have two songs left to shatter the ear drums of the Preston crowd, as they kick off once more with Hearts Of Love which has the trademark Crocodiles big chorus. The American’s performance is backed throughout by lighting that only further enhances their thrilling live show. They bring their set to a climax on the cover/remix of the Deee-Lite dance tune Groove Is In The Heart and pack it with screeching guitars and majestic synths to bring this night to an epic close.

The crowd tonight certainly got their monies worth and no doubt left with a slight ringing in the ears after Crocodiles scintillating performance. If anyone was in any doubt, tonight confirmed that Crocodiles are the best thing to come out of San Diego since legendary TV news personality Ron Burgundy, and this is one band who certainly are, kind of a big deal.

Let’s hope all three of these bands are not strangers to Preston as this was a line-up that promised a lot, and delivered more.

We’re expecting this to be a busy so please guarantee a place with an (e)-ticket: http://www.seetickets.com/Event/ANTICS-WITH-TECHNIQUES/Mad-Ferret/639192

LIVE MUSIC: 

*** T E C H N I Q U E S ***

From the ashes of The KBC comes this electro-pop outfit merged together by James Mulholland. Techniques began last year by touring with Example playing venues such as Shepard Bush (London), Manchester Academy and Preston’s 53 Degrees. Since then Techniques have spent some time doing mixes with Pete Tong and Mark Ralph (ex Filthy Dukes and producer of new Hot Chip album amongst others) in their London studios.

Patience is the key factor with this project as time was taken out for James to learn new production techniques leading to a massively dance driven set which will hit the Mad Ferret for the very first time.

Techniques have live ve a special live video and tracks that will be unleashed soon but until then people will have to come and hear the music live at Antics.

*** E M B E R S ***

This new Mancunian four piece comes to Preston for the very first time in June. They played thier first gig at the begining of the month at The Sounds of the other City Festival in Salford and are fast becoming a topical noise of the blogosphere.

Embers  formed at the back end of 2011 and have released a sprinkle of demos online, one of which – Tunnel Vision (see video)  was made John Kennedy’s ‘X-posure Hot One’ on XFM. The same tune has had airplay by Mary Ann Hobbs (XFM) and Amazing Radio. Embers are set to support DZ Deathrays this month in Manchester and will be releasing debut material in the near future.

Embers’ Soundcloud

*** T H E    Y O U T H    A N X I E T Y ***

http://www.theyouthanxiety.bandcamp.com/

Influenced by Biffy Clyro, Radiohead and The Smiths, and have had comparisons ranging from Interpol to Avalanche City.

*** The Ark Preston DJs Vs DJ Garage Flower ***

The Beatles // The Cure // The Horrors // Joy Division // Foals // Bowie // Interpol // Echo & The Bunneymen // The Maccabees // Radiohead // Tame Impala // Primal Scream // Django Django // The Black Keys // The Smiths // The Yardbirds // Iceage // Miles Kane // TEED // Arcade Fire // Siouxsie & The Banshees // Caribou // The Kills // The Who // Friendly Fires // New Order // Crocodiles // Django Django // The National // Pulp // Jamie XX // Tribes // Chapel Club // Suede // TOY // Foster The People // Warpaint // Iggy Pop // Mystery Jets // The Rapture // Metronomy // The Ramones // Gold Panda // No Ceremony // Moody Blues // Black Rebel Motorcycle Club// Alt-J // LCD Soundsystem // S.C.U.M // The Beach Boys // Yeah Yeah Yeahs // Tom Vek // The Kinks // New Order // White Lies // Sleigh Bells // Crystal Fighters // Delphic // James Blake // Yuck // Little Dragon // Cut Copy // Ghostpoet // Everything Everything // Crystal Castles // Mamas & Papas // etc

*** DRINK OFFERS ***

Premium bottled lager £2 // Jager bombs £2 // double vodka & mixer £2.50 // selected shots £1**

*** ENTRY ***

Entry is £3 all night.

* subject to license
** drink offers begin at 23:00

“We must tour our balls off so that no one forgets we’re alive.

“…I believe that a few surprises will be coming along for August.”

Following in the hallowed footsteps of David Bowie and Iggy Pop, rather than The Ting Tings: Crocodiles decamped toBerlinto record their third album, which some press are calling the most anticipated of the year.

The San Diego nu-psychedelic punk outfit return to Preston this week, as part of a tour which could make them the band to look out for this year.

Crocodiles have evolved and particularly as it isn’t released until June, there is an overwhelming amount of anticipation toward Endless Flowers. Surely there must be more pressure than the first two albums but is there any surprise? We spoke to guitarist Charlie before return to the Ferret on Thursday (10^th May): “I am not surprised because I know that our two new record labels have the ability to kick up a fuss. With that being said, I am also not jaded or indifferent to the accolades we get. Brandon and I are feeling very relaxed and extremely creative at the moment. Once you’ve finished one album, starting to write the next one can be a healthy distraction in that period of new press demands.”

It seems that Crocodiles now have the platform and duty to keep intelligent guitar based music alive, as more bands feel they have to become radio friendly: “The only duty we feel is that as artists we must continue to record albums that satisfy ourselves and as musicians we must tour our balls off so that no one forgets we’re alive.”

Unfortunately, they aren’t playing many British festivals this year, when asked if this was a conscious decision, Charlie explained they went through a period of business relapse. “We had no label and no timeline. As a result many things fell through the cracks. I believe that a few surprises will be coming along for August however.”

This album could lead them to a wider audience and it seems the band is on a label that can trust the strength of their unique music, rather than forsake integrity. “We are wholly supported by them and I think as long as they allow us to be as strange as we want to be then this period for us will be productive and successful.”

The San Diego group are strange alright, in that the second single is drenched in feedback and rather than go for the obligatory remix B-side which seems to be the standard these days, they opted to cover Picture My Face by Canadian punk band, Teenage Head. “We’re big BIG fans. B-sides are an opportunity to give people a clue into what we listen to at home or on the road.”

Some of their new material could be influenced by My Bloody Valentine. Would they consider working with Kevin Shields or if there are other artists they’d rather work or collaborate with? “Collaborations can be a very delicate endeavour. Producers can sometimes not work out but we have been lucky.” Very lucky indeed as James Ford, (producer of Arctic Monkeys and Klaxons) worked with them for the album. “He settled in nicely between Brandon and I. We became BFF and he became a member of the band for two weeks. I can’t say whether it would go that smoothly with someone else.

“Who knows who will come in to our orbit in these coming years. I think someone like Richard Gottehrer (Dum Dums), (punk visionary legend) Richard Hell or Richard Dreyfuss (erm..Jaws?) could be a good fit.” Not THAT Richard Dreyfuss, surely?

The dynamic of the songwriting and recording process has progressed significantly since they started so it’s a wonder if some members push further for an idea more than others. “The song writing has always been done by Brandon and I. When we decamped to Berlin with our live band to record this record some of the songs, because they were written on acoustic guitars, they needed some smoothing out so naturally having the members there was a positive influence. They had a say on a few things. It was very relaxed and fun.”

Charlie and Brandon have a unique sense of humour which comes across in interviews as well as on stage. Some regions get their witty rapport more than others but they have always felt comfortable in Preston. “Every region gets our banter whether they like it or not but Mad Ferret is our most comfortable venue.”

Endless Flowers is released on the 4th June and they play the Mad Ferret this Thursday.

Tickets can be purchased here 

***

TEED – Garden
Carbiou – Sun
Hot Chip – Night And Day
Metronomy – The Bay (The 2 Bears remix)
Justice – Phantom pt ii
The Chemical Brothers – Hey Boy, Hey Girl (Soulwax Remix)
Crystal Castles – Alice Practice
Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx – Nightcall
New Order – Blue Monday (12″ version)
Joy Division – Isolation
Heaven 17 – Temptation
Foals – Miami
The Black Keys – Gold On The Ceiling
The Maccabees – No Kind Words
Mystery Jets – Half In Love
Babyshambles – Killamanjiro
The Horrors – Count In Fives

***

The Stone Roses – Fools Gold
Ocean Colour Scene – The Riverboat Song
The Streets – Fit But You Know It
Arctic Monkeys – Library Pictures
The Smiths – Bigmouth Strikes Again
The Cure – The Lovecats
Joy Division – Transmission
Oasis – Cum on Fee The Noize
Radiohead – Street Spirit (Fade Out)

Open Mic nights are often filled with one or two singer songwriters who seize the opportunity to play outside of their bedroom, bands who often try a tongue in cheek approach to music and/or young musicians see it as the perfect opportunity to get live practice. One summer’s night in 2010 at the Mad Ferret, the whole pub and ourselves were silenced and stunned by a young 17-year-old girl fromBlackpoolwhose extremely shy and timid stage presence was contrasted with a powerful yet beautiful voice.

This was of course Rae Morris and we’re now on the way to see her at her ‘dream venue’ – The Empress Ballroom (Blackpool) – supporting Bombay Bicycle Club – one of the country’s biggest guitar bands. “Playing the Royal Albert Hall the other week was the most incredible experience. And two nights ago I played at Alexandra Palace in London with Bombay Bicycle Club; that was beyond anything else I have done. But I think playing at The Empress Ballroom in Blackpool will always be the most special and wonderful place I have ever played. I had never even dreamt that I would get to be up there on that stage. So many gigs I’d been in there and stared at it’s beautiful ceiling and wondered what it must be like to be up there before everyone. It was unbelievable and very emotional.” Rae said.
Rae took to the stage in front of a very busy Empress Ballroom, you could tell this was more than her local fans, friends and family as again people’s jaws locked open as she performed. The former Cardinal Newman student has certainly improved as many musicians do through age/practice, however between songs she’s very much the same girl we spoke to two years ago. “I remember meeting with you guys and being so nervous. Everything was so new to me and I genuinely didn’t expect anything more to come of it all. I’ve always had this thing where I just appreciate the moment and what is happening now in case nothing more comes of it and I’m going to continue to think that way. I am so lucky to have been able to do what I’ve done and I thank my lucky stars every single day.”

Rae is still only 19 and has gone from open mic nights to world class venues. This would fill most teenagers with mass confidence but Rae continues to be the same down to Earth Lancashire girl. “I don’t think my feet will ever leave the ground to be honest, I’m too much of a worrier and I suffer from a lack of confidence in myself if anything. But living at home with my parents reminds me who I am. My family are the most important thing to me and they come everywhere, plus my brother Will is my tour manager and he keeps me grounded; there are no divas allowed on his watch!”

The sky’s the limit for Rae at the moment, having just finished her first headline tour – selling out on certain dates, she has upcoming events such as Live at Leeds, Great Escape festival, Dot to Dot Festival and Kendal Calling. On top of this she has just come off support slots with Bombay Bicycle Club as well as Noah and the Whale. From what we witnessed at the Ballroom, Rae is generating more and more fans – Don’t Go (see video) proved a real tearjerker on teen series Skins as it soundtracked the last scene in the series finale this year. It sounded so crisp in the Ballroom, each word bellowed out by Rae with real passion. She really does give everything but one thing to note is that her she always seems to give 100 percent no matter what venue or audience. Rae still loves Blackpool and still tries to live her ordinary lifestyle and this was evident tonight. “Not a lot of normality has gone to be honest. I think the biggest thing that changed was leaving education and starting to do my music full time. Apart from this, I am still very much a boring, normal teenager! I’m going to stay at home in Blackpool for as long as possible to keep normality in my life. I think the more exciting things get, the more I crave to remain who I am.”

Click here to get a free ‘Blueprint Demos’ EP