So this is the New Year!

So only 3 more days and 2009 is over! I can't remember the majority of it but some of the things I can remember

1. Moving out into my lovely apartment with my best friend and her lovely boyfriend.
2. Finally starting driving lessons.
3. Spending far to much money on Cd's.
4. Download and Reading!
5. So many gigs!
6. Reviewing for Brumlive!
7. Discovering loads of new bands!

So 2009 here we go

Top Albums

1. Alexisonfire- Old Crows/Young Cardinals
2. Manchester Orchestra- Mean Everything to Nothing
3. Bury Tomorrow- Portraits
4. Biffy Clyro- Only Revolutions
5. Thursday- Common Existence
6. Enter Shikari- Common Dreads
7. AFI- Crash Love
8. Billy Talent- III
9. Sights and Sounds- Monolith
10. Every Time I Die- New Junk Aesthetic
11. Thrice- Beggars
12. Dance Gavin Dance- Happiness
13. Chuck Ragan- Gold Country
14. mewithoutYou- It's all crazy, It's all a dream,It's all false It's alright!
15. Kevin Devine- Brothers Blood
16. In Fear and Faith- Your World on Fire
17. 30 Seconds to Mars- This is War
18. Moneen- The World I Want to Leave Behind

Biggest disappointment of 2009

Brand New- Daisy

Most anticipated 2010

Jimmy Eat World
We Are the Ocean
My Chemical Romance
Lostprophets

Favourite Songs of 2009

Manchester Orchestra- I Can Feel a Hot One
Kevin Devine- Another Bag of Bones
Enter Shikari- Juggernauts
mewithoutYou- Timothy Hay
Thrice- In Exile

Favourite Shows of 2009

Eastpak Antidote tour (Alexisonfire, Anti Flag, Four Year Strong & The Ghost of a Thousand) Birmingham Academy- 20/10/09
Alexisonfire- Lock Up Stage- Reading Festival- Aug 09
Manchester Orchestra/ Kevin Devine- Hare and Hounds- 19/07/09
Slam Dunk Festival- Leeds University- 24/05/09
Brand New- Old Birmingham Academy- 26/06/09
Rise Against-Old Birmingham Academy- 26/02/09

Favourite TV Shows of 2009

Flashforward
Top Gear
How I Met Your Mother
Gilmore Girls

Favourite Movies of 2009

Star Trek
Watchmen

So heres to 2010, let the music play!

Must be Santa

So Christmas has come and gone! A whole two days of work, wow! Pretty chilled out affair this year went back to the parents for a yummy Christmas dinner cooked by my excellent dad! I love my house at Christmas its really cosy and Christmassy with a huge tree in the corner and the fire on constant! Got the usual fare for prezzies and some money to buy a new camera, I have my eye on this one (purely because Kevin Spacey does such a great job at advertising it!)


As we all know Rage's Killing the Name is Christmas Number one, so on Christmas day we all watched the end of Top of the Pop's to see the video. My 70 year old Grandma then chips in with 'You actually enjoy listening to this kind of music?!' ummm yes, yes I do!

My Dad is more of a fan of the traditional Christmas songs with Bob Dylan 'Must be Santa' being his favourite and it not appearing on a single countdown of the 'best' Christmas songs he actually paid 20p for the video for 24 hours! Check it out its not too bad!



Next year watch out, my best friend and I are doing our own Christmas song!

Merry Christmas!!

Killing in the name

Rage Against the Machine are number 1.

Awesome

That is all.

Brooklyn Boy

Last night I went to see Kevin Devine for my first review for Birmingham Live!, I was very excited and very nervous and but it was amazing gig plus was on the guestlist oh yeah!

Here's my review

Christmas has come early for those at the Academy 3 tonight as the Big Scary Monsters Christmas Tour stops off in Birmingham bringing with it Shoes and Socks Off and Kevin Devine both signed to the independent record label. Its stripped down, festive affair tonight with all the acts playing acoustically and with crackers being pulled and paper hats being worn with pride!

The first support is already playing when I arrive, being 5 minutes late and only thinking there was 2 bands playing tonight things seem to be running annoyingly time due to the 9.45 curfew. I learn midway through the set they are called Henry’s Children a local band playing an acoustic set. With 3 members, 2 guys, one girl they play a good set, the lead has a great voice and the piano with it’s simple melodies adds that extra something and with some great harmonies provided by the female singer complimenting the singers voice nicely they put on a pretty good show.

Next up on stage is Shoes and Socks Off; it’s one man, a beard and his guitar. With no introduction and pretty much no crowd interaction Toby Hayes powers through his short set with sparse guitar and vehement lyrics. He has been described as being anti-establishment and that definitely shines through tonight but for all the wrong reasons as he manages to annoy the entire audience during Kevin’s set by talking really loud at the bar. It’s a shame really because he was something a bit different, not your average run of the mill singer songwriter.

Its 8.20 and Kevin Devine is wandering around the venue trying to find the sound guy who seems to have gone AWOL! However it’s not too long to wait and Kevin takes to the stage with no introduction and goes straight into ‘Brothers Blood’, it’s a hauntingly vulnerable rendition and even when not using his microphone he voice travels tantalisingly across the crowd. He then introduced himself ‘Hi I’m Kevin Devine and I’m from Brooklyn, New York’ he then heads straight into ‘Brooklyn Boy’. He plays a varied set including ‘Cotton Crush’, Yr Husband’, ‘Tomorrows Just to Late’ and ‘Carnival’.

Kevin Devine is very good at interacting with crowd and is a very funny guy getting a few laughs after revelations that his views on climate change are that it’s ‘scary and real!’ and pulling crackers with members of the audience after being told what to do with one! ‘Bag of Bones’ is pretty spectacular and with covers of Neutral Milk Hotel’s ‘Holland 1945’ and ‘The sun will come out tomorrow’ thrown into the mix his amazing vocal talents are shown off. Closing with ‘Lord, I know we don’t talk’ the crowd have witnessed something a bit special tonight the only down point being the rudeness of a small minority of people speaking over him, why go to a gig, especially an acoustic one if your going to talk through the entire set?

Kevin Devine seems like such a genuine guy, making the effort to come and speak to fans plus I managed to get a limited edition split cd single with 'Splitting up Christmas' and 'Holland 1945' limited to only 25 copies which is pretty cool! All in all a great night!

What makes a man

I don't what it is but it's something about a beard that makes a man just look more manly! Facial hair whether some humble stubble or a fully fledged beard it just makes a man!

This is by no means a definitive list but here's a few of my favourite beards in 'ROCK'! In no particular order

Andy Hull- Manchester Orchestra

Dave Grohl-Foo FightersSimon Neil- Biffy ClyroGeorge Petitt-Alexisonfire

Dan O'Connor- Four Year Strong

Schuylar Croom- He Is Legend
Brent Hinds- Mastodon

This is absolution

So last night was Taste of Chaos! A great line-up with Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Every Time I Die, In Flames and Killswitch Engage. We got to the academy just in time to see Maylene and the Sons of Disaster fronted by He Is Legend singer Schuyler Croom due to Dallas Taylor being absent from this tour and their previous tour! Not that you would have guessed that Schuyler was just filling in. He did a pretty spectacular job, getting the crowd going and singing his heart out a a lot of respect has to be given to the guy!

Next up where Every Time I Die, having only just started listening these guys after hearing their latest effort New Junk Aesthetic I couldn't wait to check them out live and they didn't disappoint, it was blistering loud hardcore with a southern rock edge. Keith Buckley's vocals are intense and songs such as 'Ebolarama' and 'Roman Holiday' powered their way across the crowd. They got a great crowd response and with minimal interaction they let the music speak for itself.

In Flames were next, I can't say I'm particular fan of their music, I have at least 5 albums on my computer and thought I'd give them a listen before the show but with not much variety in their songs I didn't hold much hope for them live. They did not convert me and I will probably never listen to them but they did put on a good show with paint by numbers metal I couldn't fault them.

Finally Killswitch Engage took to the stage all sporting white tuxedo t-shirts, very smart! It was quite clear who everyone had to come to see with horns raised high from the front to the back. Opening with My Curse with the crowd singing along to every word it clear from the word go that they were to here to have a good time. Howard Jones ever the charismatic front man and Adam Dutkiewicz 'bringing the cape back into metal' was on form bounding around the stage and cracking jokes between songs. Bathed in a red light for the majority of the show and an impressive stage setup Killswitch cranked out the hits, with 'My last serenade', 'The end of heartache' and 'Starting over' off the latest self-titled album all getting an airing. With an encore of 'Holy Diver' and with the crowd baying for more they left the stage to rapturous applause and I left with a smile plastered to my face.

Reckoning

I'm off to Taste of Chaos tonight!! Woooo!

Monument

This is my festival for Sony Fantasy Festival on Last-FM, pretty awesome line-up if you ask me!

In exile

Great video of Thrice playing 5 songs off the new album 'Beggars'. These songs sound great live! Plus a hauntingly beautiful stripped down version of 'Ive got friends' by Manchester Orchestra

Alexisonfire have donated a rare, signed 'Old Crows/Young Cardinals' album artwork print for auction to help with the medical costs of Chi of the band Deftones. It can be found here http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/BenefitForChi/catalog_items/109101 it's already at $525 which is incredible! If only I had that kind of money!

Subway Funeral

6 gigs in 6 weeks. Number 6 was Thursday at the Academy 2 Birmingham. A band that have been going for 10+ years and with 5 full-lengths under their belt and only a few people show to see them, what's going on there? Currently on tour with Rise Against and Poison the Well this show is a day off for them and I for one am thankful they came to Birmingham! The first support act a 'Telegraphs' were let down by the poor sound and even poorer crowd with only about 20 people standing around. Poison the Well fare much better, it seems that a lot of the crowd have come just to see them and they a play a solid set, its brutal and it's loud and you can't help but move your feet. Having never listened to them before I really liked them and I even recognised one song 'For a bandaged iris' but yet again they were let down by the poor sound with the clean vocals completely lost to the guitars.

Then came Thursday, I for one was really disappointed at the poor showing for such an established band but it didn't seem to affect them with Geoff joking that people must have thought they were Metallica with the amount of people that showed up! Touring their current album Common Existence they opened with 'Resuscitation of a dead man' and then went on to play a varied set taking in all 5 albums, more of a greatest hits show! Highlights included 'Division Street', 'Signals over the air' and 'Jet black new year' with the crowd singing along to every word and Geoff mincing around on the stage acting as if he was playing to a full room. The only down point was once again the sound, being right down the front you could just make out the singing and he seemed louder when he wasn't using the mic! Sort it out!

Signals over the air

Thursday tonight wooo! Going on my own though which sucks! Oh well!

Gig number 5 was Dance Gavin Dance (supporting A Skylit Drive) at the Academy 3. Dance Gavin Dance a band that evolves with every record and with songs you can't help but move you feet to came on to Tree Village off the latest album Happiness. Overall it was a great set but there seemed to be some sound issues with Will Swan (Guitarist) asking for more guitar and vocals in his monitor between every song they didn't seem to impressed but pressed on! Kurt Travis' vocals on record are flawless, less can be said live but after a few songs he seemed to get into the swing of things and after a major faux par greeting the crowd 'hello London' (cue booing from the audience!) they got into their own with Kurt jumping into the crowd to get everyone moving and superb rendition of 'Rock Solid' to end the set and leaving the crowd wanting more. Not much can be said for A Skylit Drive a fairly mediocre band with a lead singer with a ridiculously high voice, we left after about 2 songs as my brother had a headache. They did pull in a crowd though with gig a sell out.

Kings and Queens

Thirty Seconds To Mars - Kings + Queens - HD

30 Seconds to Mars | MySpace Video

Diamonds on a landmine

Continuing from the previous thread Billy Talent were up next. Another brilliant Canadian band! Supported by Canterbury and Cancer Bats. Cancer Bats did a great job of warming up the audience and are defiantly good at what they do but not really to my taste. Then came the main event, Billy Talent had pulled out all the stops for this show. Ben's voice was flawless and the new album sounds sooo good live! It was absolutely crushed at the front and I came out soaking wet but with a massive grin on my face! They were immense!


So onto gig number 4 and Biffy Clyro probably one of if not the best British Band at the moment! It was the release date for the new album Only Revolutions and they played an intimate show at the HMV in Birmingham unfortunately didn't go but I was there for their sold-out show at the Academy. Supported by Pulled Apart by Horse who didn't impress me and the spectacular Manchester Orchestra and band that needs to be seen live to experience the mightiness of their songs! They go from so still and quiet to rocking out in an heartbeat and their keyboard/percussionist Chris Freeman is a one man moshing machine. But it was Biffy's night tonight and a 24 song set did everything anyone could have asked for! A stripped down affair compared to their last tour which included a string section, the songs spoke for themselves a beautiful rendition of Mountains with Simon aided by the crowd and a spazztastic rendition of There's no such thing as a jaggy snake. Biffy Clyro one of the best live bands and I would have expected nothing less!

We are the sound

So a month and a half without the Internet! And a month and a half in the new flat!

So what have I been up to, well I've been to 5 gigs in 5 weeks probably some kind of record! First we had Enter Shikari who shock the foundations of the new Birmingham Academy, absolutely killer gig! Up next was the Eastpak Antidote tour with Alexisonfire, Anti-Flag, Four Year Strong and The ghost of a thousand. This was quite possibly my most anticipated gig ever and my god it didn't disappoint. The Ghost of a Thousand (a band I could probably like if I took the time to listen to them) were good. Next up were Four Year Strong with their epic songs and killer breakdowns were amazing it was a shame about the poor quality sound but I wasn't complaining after singing into the mic! Then there was anti-flag, I'd made my way to the front for this and they were great, good quality punk rock plus the drummer moved his entire kit into the crowd and played a song in the pit! Epic. Then came the main event Alexisonfire blew it away, a band that play every set like it's the most important one of their life. The amount of energy they create together is immense! George was on fire, prowling the stage and Steele was all over the place like a mad man! Plus a surprise appearance by Cancer Bats singing Hail Destroyer it couldn't have got any better. Set-list: Heading for the Sun, Boiled Frogs, We Are the Sound, Drunks, lovers, sinners saints, No Transitory, Young Cardinals, Rough Hands, Born and Raised, This Could be Anywhere in the World, Accept Crime, Accidents and Happiness by the Kilowatt.

quality!

I never said I was brave

Kanye West is a Douche!

On the other hand mewithoutYou are awesome been listening to them a lot recently and they constantly surprise! You think you know which direction a song is gonna take then they hit you in the face with pure brilliance!

Tomorrow should be good, a designated pub day!

I need to do something to change my life completely because I have been myself for so long it seems as though I have had a personality change and I hate it. I want the old Hannah back.

I'm losing all my friends

My brother the gun

I'm off to Arts Fest today! Should be good fun, the music not really my scene but its free and I'm sure drinking will be involved so it shouldn't be too bad, plus I haven't been out in ages! I'm listening to bit of Mariachi El Bronx (The Bronxes alter ego) at the moment, it's great, saw them at Reading and their a really fun band I do recommend you listen to them!


I'm very torn at the moment I really, really want to go see Rise Against and Thursday in November but they are playing nowhere near me and the only options are Manchester or London which sucks. There is also the problem of finding someone to go with :(.

On another note I have started driving lessons, I thought being 22 it would probably be a good time to start and It's great fun. I've 3 lessons so far and I can't wait till I have my own car, lots and lots of road trips will be on the cards!

Memphis will be laid to waste

Before start I have to get one thing off my chest Reading Festival is not a fucking fashion parade! (well it is sort of!) Stupid girls in tiny shorts and kitted out in top to toe in Topshop should be refused entry! My only gripe with Reading Festival is the number of twatty, immature people who go. There needs to be an age limit of at least 18 possibly 21!

Anyway rant over.

All in over the 3 days I managed to clock up watching a grand total of 26 bands! The majority of which great! Bands of the weekend have to be AFI for an absolutely stellar performance, I was right in the pit for this four rows from the front and nearly touched Davey Havok!!
Alexisonfire in the Lock-Up no words can describe how good they were, they have so much passion and put so much effort in, with the whole crowd singing every word to every song and a hauntingly beautiful version of Happiness by the Kilowatt I couldn't have asked for anything more! Surprise of the festival had to be Gallows straight up hardcore punk they know how to put on a great show!

Honourable mention also goes Funeral For a Friend who played a blinder of a set even when the sound went off halfway through and it was absolutely pissing it down, quite possibly the best time to watch them with a greatest hits release on the horizon the set list won't disappoint! Brand New a band that probably should have played in the tent were great although a very short set, would have liked a lot more! The Gaslight Anthem, Lostprophets, Billy Talent and Thursday all spectacular. Rise Against were immense with punters spilling out of the Lock Up tent! I also enjoyed The Bronx will definitely be listening to a lot more of them! Manchester Orchestra were also great! With the crowd loving the keyboardist and percussionists mental moshing!! Best/ stupidest mosh pit goes Middle Class Rut, great band, dickhead kids!


Theres some great footage on http://www.bbc.co.uk/readingandleeds/2009/videos/

I'm still recovering now going to work this week was not a fun prospect but a nice day off tomorrow!

All Walks of Life

Reading tomorrow!!!!!









woooo can't wait!!!

The end of a dark campaign

On Wednesday I turned 22, not very exciting really! Another year older. Got a few cool things driving lessons off the rents, Billy Talent Tickets off my brother and the new special edition version of Billy Talent III. Also got some new Seinhiesser headphones off my best mate Chrissy and her rents!

Going to London tomorrow to celebrate with my mates should be good! Also have tickets for The Taste of Choas tour!! So many gigs to look forward, good times!

In this legacy

Watched Anvil-The Story of Anvil last night very good documentary on the metal band that never made it! Had me laughing and crying. Just four guys who just want to make music and the highs and lows or a music career that never really got off the ground playing to crowds of 5 people just for the love of music. Tensions run high, a very emotional story, highly recommended!

Also watched Freedom Writers this morning, a very moving story which had me fighting back the tears! Racial tensions a plenty this is a great film with some great acting another must watch!

Brand new are back with the brand single off their upcoming album release 'Daisy'- At the Bottom. Quality song Brand New seem to be following in the footsteps of their previous release The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me.

And finally a very funny video

Fanfare for the conscious man

Fun times at work today had the hiccups for over an hour! Not good when dealing with customers all day.

Off to London for my birthday on Saturday, can't wait! Get to catch up with people I haven't seen in a long time!

You know when you hear one song by a band and you just fall in love? It doesn't happen very often but after hearing The Funeral by Band of Horses the other I just had to get their albums so I went to Tempest yesterday and bought Cease to Begin and Everything all the time!

Also new pictures of Davey Havock, all I can say is omg he no longer looks like a girl, hot!! With the new album 'Crash Love' coming out soon A.F.I. have posted the track listing and other treats at http://crashlove.afireinside.net/

For Winnie xx

They drew their swords

Flat hunting is officially not much fun, its official! After viewing lots of places some very nasty other's lovely we have finally found the perfect apartment! And fingers crossed the references will go through and I will finally be able to move out!

In other news, Manchester Orchestra are supporting Biffy Clyro in October which is great news! Plus Four Year Strong are replacing The Fall of Troy on the Eastpak Antidote Tour, I can't wait!

The Funeral

I'm feeling very reminiscent, looking through old photos, listening to Band of Horses and wishing I could go back in time! I need more fun in my life and I want a guy, well no I just want a long and lingering kiss, the perfect kiss, is that too much to ask?

I miss him

I know I shouldn't



...but I do.

Your just jealous cos we're young and in love

This is going to be a super duper update! It starts a while back

• Download Festival- Amazing weekend, great music, great weather couldn't have asked for more! Highlights for me were in no particular order, ADTR, Limp Bizkit!, Fei Comodo, Gaymers Cider, Pip in general, WATO, People in Planes, getting so stoned I couldnt move, drinking far to much red thounder (effectively red bull but half the price! 2 before 10am was my motto!) the sun and Slipkont. Lowlights included Marilyn Manson, Sunburn and going back to work!

• Brand New- Absolutly mind blowing having been a fan for years finally getting to see them properly (saw them support Incubus in '04) was something special. They played a great set The Shower Scene, The quiet things, The no seatbelt song, Sic Transit Gloria, Okay I believe you, Jaws Theme Swimming, Play Crack the Sky, Sowing Season, Millstone, Archers, Jesus Christ, Luca, Degausser, You Won't Know plus and encore with Jesse singing Soco Amaretto Lime. I couldn't fault them the only down point was some prick behind me claiming to be a huge fan and then talking pretty much through their entire set, rude twat!

Next are the CD's I have purchased in no particular order

• He Is Legend-It Hates Me- This is ablum is a step away from their post-hardcore effort I am Hollywood having a more rocky edge, Its a good album all in all some songs a bit long in places and with less variety in the vocals it can get a bit boring!
• Alexisonfire- Old Crows/ Young Cardinals- This being their 4th album and most accomplsied by far they seem to have found their sound and what a sound that is! 'We are not the kids we used to be' sums it up in one sentance, Alexisonfire have grown up and their not afraid to shout about it, Georges vocals have improved 10 fold and the interplay between the 3 vocalists is great especially on songs The Northern and Midnight Regulations. The drums are also supurb shining through on the majoirty of the tracks! Quite possibly the album of the year!
• Dance Gavin Dance- Happiness- A truely fitting title for a great ablum, the songs just make you want get up and dance like an idiot, its groove ridden with great vocals and some snazzy guitar work!
• Killswitch Engage- Killswitch Engage- From the first couple of listens it's very promising need to listen to it more though!
  

• I have been in a very chilled out mood recently so have been listening to a lot of mewithoutYou, Manchester Orchestra, Kevin Devine, City and Colour and Never Ending White Lights. Plus I have lots of gigs lined up including A Skylit Drive with Dance Gavin Dance supporting, Biffy Clyro, Enter Shikari, Alexisonfire and Reading Festival!!

I can barely breath

Its been a while so proper update needs to be posted when I can bothered. This post will mainly concern last nights amazing Manchester Orchestra gig!

So after a quick bus ride into Kings Heath we entered the Hare and Hounds. Pretty cool little pub got ourselves a couple of drinks and sat outside enjoying the sun! Had a chat with a couple from Norwich and watched a family get harassed by some random drunk guy! Doors opened at 7:30 and it was about 10 mins later we were asked to have I.d as it was apparently an over 18's gig, lots of protests especially from me as Francis is 16 and there was no way I was missing the gig! Thankfully they sorted it out and upstairs we went into the sold out venue, nice and intimate very narrow and long.

Kevin Devine was supporting, having seen him not that long ago supporting Brand New and not paying much attention he blew me away with the opening song the majority of which sang without a microphone his voice carrying perfectly over the crowd. This guy can sure sing and is much better live then on record. Also a very funny man, interacting with the crowd and remarking on the politeness, funniest point was when he misheard edgbaston as edgbastien saying it sounded like a posh cousin! He had the crowd eating out the palm of his hand.

Next up where the much anticipated Manchester Orchestra who did not disappoint coming on to a song about 50 cent which was hilarious! They played a great varied set playing songs from their debut and their newest release Mean Everything to Nothing including, I've got friends, Wolves at Night, I can barely breath and The River. My highlights was excellent rendition of Where Have You Been? including an appearance by Kevin, and the finale The Only One sung hauntingly by Andy Hull who thought a voice so amazing could come out of someone so hairy, spectacular!

If songs could kill, this ones for you...

Its only two weeks to Download, in fact I will be sitting in a field with around 70,000 other people this time in two weeks! I'm very excited, went shopping for supplies yesterday which is always fun. The full line up has now been annoucend and there's at least 19 bands I will be wanting to watch which isn't to bad, I'm very happy We Are The Ocean are headlining the Red Bull Stage as they were awesome at Slam Dunk and it means I don't have to endure Trivium or Def Leppard!

Also more additions to the Reading lineup, 2 sets by Alexisonfire, New Found Glory, Fightstar, Manchester Orchestra, Frank Turner and In Case of Fire! The line up just gets better and better!
Also great news Moneen and Kevin Devine are rumoured to be supporting Brand New, my excitement is rising!

The bird is the word

Its been a tiring couple of days but yesterday was so worth all the stress! I was on the Mega Bus at 7 on my way to sunny, sunny Leeds for Slam Dunk Festival! Spent a very frustrating couple of hours wondering trying to find a hotel with no luck, managed to hook up with my mates though after lots of texting and helpful answers to the question 'where are you?' such as 'at a fork in road'! Bloody welsh people! We got our drink on in Yates beer garden where I spotted the drummer for Silverstein chilling out! Managed to find a place to stay in this proper dodgy hotel with what looked like a serial killer behind the desk! Grabbed something to eat (best burger and chips ever at this placed called The Lounge) we then made the long trek to Leeds Uni.

First band I watched where The Audition, I was pleasantly surprised only knowing a few of their songs but they definitely won me over, also some daredevil stunts from the lead singer as he jumped from the balcony into the crowd! Went to check out Hollywood Undead next who were also good, the definitely would win the competition for most band members, most of whom seem to rap the occasional word but the crowd loved it!

Next up were We Are The Ocean who for a band who are yet to release their debut album pulled in a hell of a crowd. This band have so much energy with the singer/screamer jumping round the stage like a mad man whipping around the mike and throwing shapes. They definitely got the crowd going and singing along, immense, they kind of remind of Alexisonfire which definitely isn't a bad thing.

It was then a short wait until Silverstein who one of my bands to see and they didn't disappoint! I wasn't getting my hopes up because you never know but they were awesome if a bit unorganised there were long breaks in between the songs and calls for requests. Award for the biggest circle pit goes to these as well but it just seemed most of the people were in it just to beat the shit out of other!

Highlight of the whole day though was definitely Hundred Reasons waiting for them to come on the room was empty so I made my way to front hoping more people would show! They had some tough competition though with both Anti-Flag and You me at Six playing at the same time but the room soon filled up! And they absolutely killed it! These guys having been doing this for years and they know how to put on a great rock show, they had the whole crowd singing along to Falter which was immense! I only saw these guys like a month ago but they do not get old, they are amazing live band and so underrated, they are one of the best British rock bands out there and I recommend you catch them if you can! Managed to grab a drumstick and set list as well!


I was physically shaking by the end, been up since 5:30am was loaded with energy drinks and pure rock energy! I absolutely love live music and this was festival was awesome! The only down points being the place was like a maze and it was soooooo hot inside but who's complaining not me that's for sure!

Welcome to my broken home

Just a short one today because I'm uber tired. Finally managed to sell my spare ticket for Slam Dunk Festval! It's been a right headache but now I can look forward to going altough I'm still yet to buy my train tickets and have nowhere to stay but we shall cross that bridge when I come to it. I'm looking forwad to We Are The Ocean and Silverstein. I also have bought 2 tickets to see Manchester Orchestra in June so hopefully someone will want to come with me! I also need to buy the new mewithoutYou album a trip to Tempest Records is definately on the cards!

A pistol to my temple

Not feeling the greatest at the moment the weather is definately reflecting my mood. I'm very much in a rut at the moment :(. But enough of that, Rise Against, Thursday and Posion the Well are touring in November which I am so up for, just got to find someone to go with. Also just watched the making of video for the new Alexisonfire single Young Cardinals, its shoot on the Maid of the Mist which takes you around Niagra Falls which is a pretty cool concept! I wasn't sure about this song on the first listen but it's grown on me now and I love it especially the drum fills! http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1054542

There's so many albums coming out soon and the anticpation is rising! Theres the new mewithoutYou, Alexisonfire, Brand New and A.F.I albums to look forward too, can't wait. It's also only 29 days to go to Download and even less till Slam Dunk Festival!

Listened to Sigur Ros last night and man are they good, it's such simple melodies but when the drums kick in its epic! Currently listening to Scary Kids Scaring Kids who rock!!

The road to hell is paved with good intentions

Had a day off today so I took a wonder into Birmingham. Had a very productive shop, spent far too much money but it was all defiantly worth it! Bought myself some new headphones seeing as though my (not so) old ones have decided to only play music into the left ear it was must. I feel very alone without listening to music when I'm out, I defiantly like to the cocoon of music makes me feel less conspicuous although my choice of headphone defiantly doesn't make me look less conspicuous! My last pair where some skullcandy ones, they looked cool and were furry which helped to keep my ears warm! This time though after wandering for like an hour I finally decided to get some Siennheiser HD205, I was looking for a smallish pair of over the head headphones because I can't wear in ear headphones mainly because they either fall out or cause pain. These definitely sound like their going to do the job and although a little bulkier then I would have like they sound good and really comfortable which is all I want really.

Had another trip to Tempest Records bought Manchester Orchestra- Mean Everything to Nothing and In Fear and Faith- Your World on Fire. I'm really loving in both these albums Manchester Orchestra I've mentioned previously but In Fear and Faith are another Last FM find. I first heard Your World on Fire and really like it reminded me of a heavier version of Chiodos and Craig Owens provides guest vocals for The Road to Hell.... All in all a great album which needs alot more listens!

On another note the cute guy who works in Freespirit liked my outfit, we exchanged hellos and how are yous and then he comes out with that bombshell! I said thank you and on that note I'm going to listen to some A Day to Remember and then retire to my bedroom.

Different names for the same thing

Bought my tickets for Slam Dunk Festival! Can't wait, just hope I can get the time off work. I imagine I'm probably going to one of the oldest people there but oh well! Also great news on the festival front looks like Alexisonfire are playing two sets at Reading one on the main stage and then the Lock-up stage! Plus another 17 bands to be announced this bank holiday Monday for Download, not going to be holding my breath for that one!

I broke my drinking ban the other day, not that I drink much anyway but I made a big effort to meet someone for a drink and thought it would be a bit of a waste if I just drank a coke! Had a good session the other day with my best mates Chrissy and Winnie and Chrissy's boyfriend Dan! Got a bit drunk and extremely loud, very fun though. Seems like I barely go out anymore which does suck lots!

Other than that not much else going on. I'm chilling at me grandparents for the weekend, doing lots of exciting things like walking the dog, going for food, watching t.v and going to my grandma's church for this thing they had put on *yawn*. I did get to see my little cousins though they are so funny, Robbie who's 2 does the funniest things, he was obsessed with this little black girls hair and was pushing this little chair round like a rickshaw going 'Chinese, Chinese', something he had picked up from Kung Fu Panda, cracked me up! Kids eh?

Not been listening to much music this weekend mainly due to the fact my stupid headphones are playing up! But when they do work I have been listening to Death Cab For Cutie -Plans, I love that album!

Jimmy, he whispers

The Lock-Up lineup has announced and I couldn't be happier! Billy Talent, Alexisonfire, Rise Against, Thursday and The Polar Bear Club. Reading is shaping up to be one hell of a weekend! I can't wait!

Currently listening to Manchester Orchestra, I'm loving their latest effort Mean Everything to Nothing, Indie Rock doesn't get much better then this. This band are another Last-FM find and thanks to Spotify I can listen to it for free! Really need to get the Internet sorted in my room though because using my Dad's computer is a pain in the arse.

Other then that I'm very bored I've tried watching TV and playing Splinter Cell on the Playstation but nothing seems to relieve it! I just want the festivals to start now!

Anything can happen in the next half hour

So I went to London for a couple of days to catch up with mates from uni. Much fun was had, we did Camden, Hyde Park among others. I even spotted Eddie Izzard which was pretty cool! Plus there are so many hot guys there! Why are there none in Birmingham?

Not much going on on the music front I haven't bought any new stuff but have been loving Fightstar's- Grand Unification which is a quality album, need to give their new album- Be Human a proper listen though. We also had another announcement for Download Festival, 17 bands with 3 I defiantly will check out; A Day to Remember, We Are the Ocean and Middle Class Rut. The majority of the line-up this year is not really to my taste, a whole load of classic rock and Nu-Metal. On the other hand the Reading Festival line-up is looking killer, Deftones, FFAF, AFI, Enter Shikari, Brand New, The Gaslight Anthem and Lostprophets. And if it couldn't get any better Rise Against, Alexisonfire, 36 Crazyfists and Sense Fail all rumoured to play it's looking to be my perfect line-up for a festival ever! I can't wait!

Burned out in a jar

It's days like today I wish I was back in Bangor, chilling on the front lawn blasting out some death cab! Had a good chat with Ffi today, was informed that someone thinks I have bad music taste! Which I find hilarious, she's a bit of scene kid and a very pretentious one at that! Maybe she's just jealous as me and her boyfriend share a similar liking in music! Man why do people always need the drama, just living is enough! There is no need to create extra drama! Losers!


Took me a good two albums to fall asleep last night. First we had Moneen- The Red Tree, that album continues to surprise me. Its pretty much all I've listened to since I bought it and I'm loving it! Especially 'The day no one needed to know' with it's anthemic breakdown which I can't help sing along to even when walking home from work with my headphones one, also 'the frightening reality that we will all die one day' with its killer intro and for a final song on an album you can't get much better than 'The song I swore to never sing' with it's simple melody and lyrics it's hauntingly brilliant.

Then I listened to He is Legend- I am Hollywood, it's thanks to Last-FM playing me 'Dinner with a gypsy' that fell in love with this band. That song has the most awesome intro and outro very jazz influenced it even got a nod from my dad which is a lot! This album has more riffs than you can shake a stick at, sort of reminds me a little of Hundred Reasons. Schuylar Croom has such a great voice the clean vocals are faultless and the screams are immense what more can you ask for?

Currently checking out a bit of Polar Bear Club and I'm liking them! More listening needs to be done there playing a show in brum in May and they're also playing Slam Dunk Festivals which looks like something I need to go!

Rock Solid

Where has april gone so much for booking time off to go to London and meet friends! Fuck! Went to Tempest Records again, bought He is Legend-I am Hollywood, excellent album. Also just read on the download forums they're bringing out a new album in June, can't wait! Also a new tune from Dance Gavin Dance plus a new album from them in June, doesn't seem that long ago since their last album but its all good because I do love them so! Heres to a U.K tour!

A Shipwreck in the Sand

So I never managed to get tickets for Alexisonfire, here's hoping they do a proper U.K tour (London is not the only place on this god-forsaken rock). Looking forward to their new album 'Young Cardinals' though, I like the title, tis cool!

I managed to squeeze a trip into Birmingham the before work the other day, its amazing how much money I can spend in like half an hour! Bought my self a groovy pant and vest set and a yummy mambo purple check shirt from this cool surf style outlet store!

Also made a productive trip to Tempest Records got two Moneen records, 'the red tree' and 'are we really happy with who we are'. Also picked up the latest Silverstein record 'A shipwreck in the sand' and on first listen it sounds pretty awesome, I know it's something of a concept record which doesn't always work but so far so, so good.




On a slightly more depressing note I can't believe I never got round to buying tickets and booking time off for Give it a Name. Now it's sold out and I really wanted to see both Thursday and Taking Back Sunday. Damn! Having only just got into Thursday the fact that they were in the U.K was amazing but now I can't bloody go!

With this song I will destroy myself

So post number one, I'm still not sure what direction this blog is going to take so I shall start off slow!

Today started off none to well I managed to set my alarm for the wrong time and after putting it on snooze twice I realised it was 6:54 and I started work at 7! Thankfully my lovely father gave me a lift so was only 15 minutes late, my boss seemed OK, it wasn't till 20 minutes before the end of my shift that I was given an evil, evil job to do so I ended up getting out 30 minutes late!

Other than that my day has been pretty chilled watch some of the OC season one (which I have watched so many times yet it never gets old!) and the Gilmore Girls (yes I am a bit of loser!).




On another note I'm debating over going to see Alexisonfire at the London Underground because they are playing 3 dates, but what with it being so close to Download I'm unsure plus I have no one to go with. On the other hand they are quite possibly my favourite band and I'm all about the live music! Hmmmm decisions....

I also feel like a trip to tempest records soon is on the cards as I haven't bought any new records in ages and I do really like that record store. I'm listening to Moneen at the moment hence the title of the blog, streaming it on Spotify (quite possibly one of the best things to come off the internet! Thankyou Dad for introducing me to the wonders of it!).