Sunday 26 February 2012

Review: Rock In Your Pocket- Gutterdub release date:5th March

Rating: ****

Rock in Your Pocket were first brought to my attention when I wrote this introducing piece for thegirlsare, based on hearing their single 'Doubtbox'. I was undeniably impressed with what I heard and felt their sound was something refreshing in a sea of mild mannered women singers that seem to be overplayed and overrated at the moment. So when singer Charlie gave me the opportunity to listen to their debut Gutterdub it was an offer I couldn't refuse.

'Doubtbox' was a mere scratch on the surface of what Rock in Your Pocket are capable of. The band are only a three piece but judging by Gutterdub, have the sound of a much larger outfit. The album is dirty, raw and rocking throughout. My immediate comparison is to Queen Adreena, but I by no means want to sell this band short as despite my comparison I feel the band has an original and fresh sound. I am yet to witness Rock in Your Pocket live, but if this album is anything to go by, I feel like it would complete the experience.

Asides from 'Doubtbox', I'm also particularly drawn to 'Nobody's Bitch But Mine', a track that feels empowering and also anthem like, a perfect driving start to this album, that is well worth taking time to check out.

The band play gigs regularly, and their next gig is their album launch party which is taking place on Friday 2nd March at the Jubilee at the Barfly in London.


I think there is a real lack of heavier, guitar based female fronted bands at the moment that aren't in the vein of bands like Nightwish and Lacuna Coil. Some are starting to emerge to a great reception for example Wild Flag. Is it time we saw even more girls rocking out? Why are these amazing bands more in the spotlight instead of the likes of Adele and Lana Del Ray?





Monday 20 February 2012

Robots in Disguise@ The Lexington 10th Feb 2012





well the other week I went to see Robots in Disguise, for the fifth time, and this time by some very lucky fate I also got to interview Sue and Dee just before the show. It was very brief but well worth it! The interview and the review of the gig will be up on The F Word very soon, but I thought I'd share some of the photos I took...






















Sunday 5 February 2012

Wild Flag @ The Electric Ballroom London 1st Feb 2012



It's fair to say I have been listening to Wild Flag's debut self titled album pretty much non stop since I bought it, and the more I listened to it the more I fell in love with their unique sound. It has the best album I have bought for quite some time. When I first read about them, and realised they were in essence a Riot Grrrl supergroup comprising of members of Sleater Kinney, Helium and The Minders (as well as the other bands they all had been part of too) and of course I had high expectations! I wasn't disappointed. As soon as I saw they had a gig in London, I had to witness it! I just hoped I wouldn't be let down when I saw them performing.

The support act was Peggy Sue who I had seen previously as a Ladyfest in their former carnation as Peggy Sue and the Pirates. Their music is very bluesy and folk influenced rock.

You could feel the anticipation in the packed out room as Peggy Sue finished their set and we waited for Wild Flag to emerge. When they did they did, they did in style starting off with 'Black Tile'. The set consisted of the entire album and a few new tracks. But Wild Flag don't just go through the motions of playing song after song, oh no, this is one band I highly recommend, in fact I COMMAND you go and see live as soon as you can, because even though the album is amazing, it really makes it special to hear it live. The band put so much energy into their performance, jumping around the stage, doing AC/DC style guitar moves. They also extended 'Racehorse' so it had a Jimi Hendrix style breakdown in the middle with a mass crowd clap along to the bridge "pony up pony up", ending with a very rock n roll finish.

They of course ended with single 'Romance' before they returned to do an encore that featured covers of Television's "See No Evil" and The Patti Smith Group's "Ask The Angels".
I left the venue feeling elated, feeling I had witnessed the evolution and resurrection of the Riot Grrrl Movement.