Issue #3 Oct

So. There's tons of things that are going on in the next couple of weeks so I thought I'd write about it.  As always - looking for photographers, writers, bands, venues, anyone really with interest to get involved. Hit me up on Facebook @ jay.jenkinson.12@facebook.com or on soulcraft1@msn.com.

EP releases are happening this month (and one from last month) everyone's had their summer, got fucked up at festivals, ate burnt burgers and got hella tan lines and now things are flying out from bands.
 Ok first up is a band I covered a bit last issue. Solemn Promise. Their first EP release "Worse Than Death" will be released on the 5th of October. There is a release show on the 4th up at Big Noise Studio in Northampton. Not to be missed because this is going to be insane. Bring your own booze, £3 on the door, the set is being filmed for a video, all ages and of course a fucking heap full of bands playing this show. Bands include Revelations, Twisted Path, Outta' Luck, Tigerstyle and Oracle. Doors are at 6. 

Waiting for these guys to drop this since they recorded in March but like I said they seem to be grafting all the time. Tours, shows, merch, they've always got something going on. Recorded at Studio 6 in Swindon I believe and from the sound of the tracks up on the bandcamp it's going to sound sweet. Pick this up and help these guys out they definitely deserve it and the future looks very promising (ah) for these guys. 

https://www.facebook.com/SolemnPromiseMusic

http://solemnpromise.bandcamp.com/album/worse-than-death

4th Oct EP release show HERE

The Atrocity Exhibit have just released a split 7" with Catheter.
I haven't really been on the Grind scene for very long, but something clicked a few months ago that made me think "Yes, I fucking dig the shit out of this kind of music." Don't ask me why. Anyway, Atrocity have been around since 2006 and have a hefty back catalogue of EPs, splits and compilation appearances.
 They boast playing festivals such as Hammer Smashed Fest this month, Damnation Festival and Grind Fest in France and were main support
for Napalm Death for the MK show and the 
London show. 

Definitely give these guys a spin or catch them at a show, these guys are masters of their trade in the Milton Keynes/Northampton circuit. For fans of grind/doom/sludge, Acid bath, Pig Destroyer and Brutal Truth.
Their next show is on the 5th of October up at Birmingham's Fearfest.  Three day festival  at The Asylum Venue. Weekend tickets are £25 day tickets are £10. Shit loads of bands playing 3 day genre specific event.

• Fri 4th Oct - Crust / HC Punk
• Sat 5th Oct - Grind / Hardcore
• Sun 6th Oct - Doom / Stoner

Hot food, music market, merch, distros, prize draws. Tons of stuff going on, looks like it will be a sick weekend. 

Buy the new Atrocity Exhibit / Catheter 7" and other releases and merch HERE 
Listen to them if you're poor HERE
Stick your thumb up at them HERE


Ok, keeping on the doomy theme locals Crossburner have finished their EP. Highly anticipated for around 2 years due to line up issues and a small hiatus with a fresh mix around and name change I can say they have come along way in sound and as dudes too be honest. Stepping away from the metallic hardcore sound an into more crust, D-beat, punk, hardcore but fuck the labels, they play fast, angry and stupidly groovy.  All out assault frankly. Heavily driven by Boss HM-2 pedals you can hear the "swedecore" being chucked into your face like a brick.

So yea, I got sent a copy by Andy the other night and I knew I was in for a treat. 6 tracks long and clocking in at a nice 18 minutes. Everything on this EP is done by the band, it's mastered beautifully. The tones that come out of this record stand next to full studio releases, low ends cutting through, stereo fielding. Lovely to listen to.  It opens up to "Burn The Saint" a 3.42 kick to the face. As soon as this kicks in you're hit by blasts. Just a barrage of 16ths. Like I said the balance from each instrument is mixed very well, no sloppiness here at all. The vocals come in and you can tell these guys mean business, pure aggression throughout. D-beat takes hold and your head starts banging. Now, I used to fucking love shit black metal when I was at school, and when the 2 minute mark comes, if you're anything like me, you throwback to Cradle of Filth/Dimmu days. I fucking love that bit. Not because of the girly CoF screams or anything, just go dig out Cruelty or anything pre-Nymphetamine, or Dimmu with Nic Barker. Fuck it, just look up Nic Barker. Straight back into the D beat pulse and bridged with a half time break with many a mic grabbing opportunity. Brilliant opening track.
Next up is "Crossburner". Again, the no-fucking-about-16th-notes burst though you. I know I keep going back to this but you really need to hear it, the depth that is put out from this band is incredible. Matt's guitar work on this track is really something, heavy, but not droney. I've heard bands use the HM-2 before and sometimes it's hard to make out what's going on really, but he is on point. The riffs are big and fast and they keep you listening - nothing repetitive or overused and a nice mix up of battery and technical flair. Again, you can hear the death/black influences leak through on this track.
"Chaos Reigns" picks up the pace again, this is a track where the art of mixing good guitar work pulsed by good bass comes into play. Do not neglect your bass player people. Starts off nice and fast then the tempo is stripped to a sludgy Hang the bastard / Brutality Will Prevail-esque down tempo break. Again, the bass coming up trumps. I'm pretty sure Andy puts the HM-2 on his pedal board aswell and the undercut bass buzzsaw work very well.
A slower tempo start for "Wet Mary" than the rest but it kicks in with perfect 2 step section. Callum's vocals instigating lick after lick. I like the fact that on this record there is always something in the songs to catch your ear that makes your listen out for, be it a drum fill a bass or guitar lick or a vocal cue. Theres always something to keep your ear interested. This is the longest track on the EP coming in at almost 5 minutes with the middle break - a real dark groovy instrumental - again on the doom/sludge area. Then into a doomy break that just begs your head to nod. Callum's way of saying the word "vultures" on this section does funny things with my ears, and that's what I mean about there always being something you're listening out for. My favourite track of this record for sure. 
To finish up is the track "Demonic Forces" which has been up on their bandcamp since August. This is the song that has the tiny break in-between riffs that always catches my headbanging out the first time. Builds this EP up to a end with the final riff being heavy and sludgy. 

Solid release from the the Crossburner boys and we knew it would be. Holds it own and stands out well. In my eyes, it's a good enough release to be put on the Holy Roar distro. So distros, labels, dudes with presses, get on to these guys. I'm personally waiting for a 7" with my name on it to pop up as this will be a nice addition to my collection. 

A release date is not set in stone but the boys say around November time. Keep a eye out for a release show!  

 Test presses of the new EP will be available at the XIBALBA show on the 3rd of October which is their next show at Craufurd Arm in MK. Doors are £7... Supports are Heirophant, Let it Die and Crossburner 

They play Unicorn down Camden on the 5th of Oct. So you got choices to make next weekend..  Free entry. Bands include Anxiety Disorder, Unfixed, 100% Beefcock And The Titburster (:/), Discophobia and Greed force. 


Go to the show and burst tits HERE
Thumbs up stuff HERE


Outbreak happened in the middle of the month, and I hear back that it was crazy. Videos and pictures are coming out now. The new venue looks amazing and it looks like this fest is only going to get bigger. Heres a video of Turnstile smashing it.



Down in Hastings my boy Kris is putting a few shows on. 

Distance to Fall, Solemn Promise and Wolf Parkingson White.

Free Entry because students need money for shots. 


No event on facebook but here's the venue linkzza 

https://www.facebook.com/flairz.hastingsvenuebar











If you're a fan of pizza and pop punk then Flairz in Hastings on the 29th of October has USA band Direct Hit!
Free entry
Bands include The Priceduifkes, Summerslam 88 and the Muskets.

Pizza and red cups HERE!

 Faults reunion show.
Emo, Touche Amore-esque band from MK and all over, are playing again.

This one's not free, £2 on the door bands include

Dont Disturb Dave, Metal Scrolls, Our Kingdom and Bastard Eye Scream.


Event page  HERE

This looks like a good one. DIY Hardcore Fest on the 5th of October down in Cardiff's Fuel Club.
All day event, first band on at 2.30. ADV tickets £10 £15 on the door, Doors 2. Ruction distro. Bands include Murder Circuit, Hardout, Resurrection, Forrest, The Dead Man's Chest, Tempers Fray, Outrage CC, War Charge, Astroid Boys, Forsaken, True Valiance, Bleak Reality, Bun Dem Out and a secret support band announced on the night.
 
I hear tickets are selling fast and there is no guestlist.


Facebook event page HERE

On the 19th of October (moved from the 10th) Biohazard are playing the Craufurd Arms Milton Keynes. Take Offence support. Other support TBA
£14 ADV more on the door. 14+

Tickets available
www.thecraufurdarms.com
www.wegottickets.com
www.seetickets.com


Facebook event  HERE

Thursday the 3rd of October Xibalba play Craufurd Arms Milton Keynes


£7 ADV more on the door.

Doors 7.30         14+

Bands include. Heirophant, Let it Die and Crossburner.


Tickets available
www.thecraufurdarms.com
www.wegottickets.com
www.seetickets.com


Facebook event  HERE




As a little shameless self promotion, my band Beard Punch has a demo out soon, currently being mixed and mastered. Lack of money and time means we recorded it with one mic, but it's a very raw demo. Fans of fast skate punk. Floorpunch, Reproach, Losin' it. Details soon.
Click up in HERE

As we are on the subject of doom sludge grind.. and Hastings... check out this band called Wizard Fight.

Listen to their demo HERE

Thumb them up HERE

Last note.. I have a Facebook page thing now so hit me up on that and thumb me...  HERE

Issue #2

OK. Fuck the every two week or monthly thing. Just isn't doable with my schedule, so it will be more or less when I can. Right, Milton Keynes has been a little quiet over the past few months, guess due to exams and things like that. Few bits of news - mostly name changes and things like that. As always looking for photographers, writers, bands, venues, anyone really with interest to get involved. Hit me up on Facebook @ jay.jenkinson.12@facebook.com or on soulcraft1@msn.com.




After the write up on Legions last time they have only gone and changed their name. 
There now playing under the name Crossburner.
Same line up but a new name and the same writing style. Their facebook said this 
"Ok guys and girls, after much urrming and ahhghing, debating and backandfourthing we have decided that it is time for us to have a change of idenitity. Not only have we began to notice how many bands there are out there called Legions and Legion, some of them are covering a similar musical territory to us too, but we feel that with the imminent release of a new EP upon us now is a good time to close the chapter that has been Legions. 
We will be now writing, recording and performing under the name Crossburner, the line up is the same and we will still be writing the same style of music, we just feel that a change of name will help for a fresh start from this upcoming release onward.

For those who still want to follow the band please follow the below link and like us -https://www.facebook.com/crossburnerband
We will also be uploading tracks to our new bandcamp page -www.crossburner.bandcamp.com

And you will be able to contact us via email on - crossburner666@gmail.com
Thank you to everybody who has supported Legions over the last few years, we hope you will continue to do so.....
Hail Satan!
Crossburner"

They have just released a track on their Bandcamp called Demonic Forces, from their new release. I've heard this live and it smashes. Can't tell you a date just yet but I know it's on the final stages. I've heard a sneaky peek from Andy, you're in for a treat. 
Their Bandcamp is HERE
They're playing Northampton Racehorse on the 24th for Bleaurgh! Fest 2 with bands such as Burden of the Noose , Earthmass and Foetal Juice  

Bleaurgh! Fest 2: Son of Bleaurgh!

Dashwood recently changed their name to Sob Story, I asked Alex the reason for the name change and he told me "We originally just wanted to detach from all the old stuff we had done and Dashwood was a name chosen quickly that didn't suit our sound."

Unfortunately what I didn't realise they have just recently split. Even with such a strong demo and a very strong fan-base. I wish them all the best. 

Some members of Sob Story are part of a band called Blind Authority for fans of Think I Care, Infest and a little bit of Mind Eraser.

They are playing the Outbreak Fest pre show with  Born Wild, Your Move, The Flex and Urban Spirit on Friday 13th of September up at Millwright Street Practice Rooms in Leeds  £5 

They also have a tape out but it has sold out on Self Acceptance. Possibly pick one up at this show.   

Their 4 track demo is up for free download Here

Sob Story 3 track demo is here:  free music for broke punx 

You can pick up their last release under the name Dashwood here: Dashwood - My Disobedience

Solemn Promise 

I first met these boys about a year ago when they opened for my old band, and fuck me did they set the bench mark that night. Each and every time I catch this band they're on point, super tight, super happy and it's an all-round fun time. They've had a few issues with line-ups over the past year but that hasn't stopped them playing shows. I swear they never stop. 

They have just come back from tour with Twisted Path, playing some dates with Desolated and No Second Chance. They stopped off in Leeds, Norwich, Heerlen, Gorinchem and Selby. 

They've got a 3 track offering from the upcoming EP "Worse Than Death". To me their sound is a metallic hardcore kinda sound - First Blood, Full Blown Chaos, Sworn Enemy kinda deal. 

They have it all. Gang chants, two step, breakdowns. Everything.   

The first track they offer is the title track Worse Than Death. Intro is perfectly executed to get your ass off that seat and stomp the fuck around. Flows well into a groovy 2 when the verse kicks in. The tone Sam has got out of his guitar as really nice not overly dropped so you can hear the notes and not too distorted, lows cut through well. Dan's vocals are on form on this and remind me of Terror.  

Like I said this band is super tight and work non-stop. I think it's all starting to pay off, as soon as their EP is released I will review it all properly but go and have a listen. They've recently been put on the Hardcore Still Lives compilation with bands such as Set Astray, War Charge, Trial & Error and Offender.

Listen here  Hardcore Still Lives

They are playing DTF next Friday (6th) with Crippler LBU, Proven and Outta' Luck.  18+, £5 on the door.

Just heard back from Sam of Fake Gold. After losing their bass player a few months ago somebody's stepped in and they're just waiting to jam together as their drummer is coming back from the US. Unfortunately they might split around December. These guys are super happy kids and always a good laugh, know of any shows? Hook these boys up.   

They have a 3 track up called Cold Eyes recorded at Fit Dog in Northampton. In my eyes this release does not do these guys justice. Simply for the fact I know Sam lost his voice just before recording and powered though like a trooper. They have no gimmicks, no breakdowns, no popular shit. Just straight up hardcore punk, with a touch of melodic in there which is really nice. They put all they can in at shows, with Sam climbing on anything or anyone, and they all do it with a smile and a laugh. Good vibe, good music and you can enjoy a beer after with them :).  
Like I said hook these guys up with shows and if they do split their last show will be super fun.

Listen to Cold Eyes HERE

On a last note my homegirl Onyx is sorting out a bring and buy sale and a half dayer down in Southampton for vinyl's, art, zines, merch and stuff.  Bands that are playing are CB6, Off Balance, Splitknuckle, Like Home, Courtyard, Grove Street Families and Gnarks.   

Tickets are £1.50 between 2pm-5pm (Just for the bring & buy sale) £6 after 5pm, or £7 for an all day wristband.

Tickets can be purchased from www.joinerslive.co.uk  

Facebook event HERE

Sweet. look out for the next one, because I have no idea when it will be done.. :)

Rise of the DIY

OK, OK, time to get this little thing rolling a bit. Soon this little online blog will transform into something a lot bigger and better. Wagamama and time are working against me right now. Hopefully it will all work out. Looking for photographers, writers, bands, venues, anyone really with an interest to get involved, no holds. By the end of it hopefully we will have a little something in this community we can all share and have a part of. With reviews, interviews, shows, news of releases, new bands blah blah. You get the idea. But like I said any ideas, or if you want to jump on board hit me up on Facebook @ jay.jenkinson.12@facebook.com or on soulcraft1@msn.com. Right. lets go.

In the past few months there's been a huge increase in local music in and around Milton Keynes, new venues new bands, new faces. But also there's been a rise in politics too. Some good some bad, but I'm sure I will touch on this later on. The days of the Pitz are long gone for sure, not caring what band was playing, not paying over the odds for entry. A place to hang out, find new bands, make new friends. This is slowly but surely popping up again in Milton Keynes. Last week there were at least two or three venues with a good show on. This was not the case about two years ago. So what's going on at the moment? 

Heavy Hitters Reborn                    

      

Legions are back on the rise. With a little mix around on members, their back to cutting through your gut.  With buzz saws. 

Legions brought back the crust last Friday with their comeback show at the Buszy run by the DTF boys. All I have heard is that this show went off. 

Their riffs are huge. A really nice mix between speed and technical sections

With influences such and Trap Them, Dismember, Discharge and Disfear.You know you're in an all out face assault when that first riff is set.

Callum's vocals makes your fist clench with every word. I've known him for a long time and he is the soundest guy you could meet, and when that mic is in hand his presence and pure aggression are released. This band have the experience, drive and technique to make a name for themselves.

I've heard talk of a split soon so look out for that. The second EP from the four piece is on free download here. Legions EP 

Their next show is with Freebase, Outta Luck and THE PROJECTIONIST on the 20th of April at the The Craufurd Arms Milton Keynes. Doors are at 7.30 and its fiver.. can't go wrong really. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Legions-MK/178234491397?fref=ts



                                                                     The Return of UKHC

MK beatdown is back aswell. Formed by past members and current members of Milton Keynes bands, such as Myth and Seethe. This four piece hits hard. With only four shows (soon to be five on Saturday) under their belt this band have a steadily growing fanbase and a demo that wipes anything called a "demo" out of your head. 

Catching them last week at DTF they opened for a LBU take over. A respectable amount of people showed up to catch them open and they definitely set the standard that night. With a release only hours old I certainly had lyrics and grooves in my head to shout along to. Eager to impress they definitely delivered that night. With a thumbs up from Crippler LBU and pat on the back from Pelbu they found themselves on a Rucktion Records show in May at 12 Bar. 

Outta Luck's first demo was recorded DIY with Legions bass player Andy Findlay in his parents' house. Despite what you may think to that sentence this release shits over sound of a lot of demos I have heard in engineered studios for £200 a pop. I can not fault the sound of this, it even holds up in a Peugeot 205. 
It's all go as the Intro starts with a blisteringly heavy stomp to set you up for the bass intro in the next song 'Daylight Robbery'. Something that hardcore is missing a lot of at the moment in my opinion is bass intros and bass breaks . You get smacked in the face with James' vocals when they come in. They are delivered with conviction and truth. Along with pacemaker Jack and Dan providing pure chug'n groove. The middle section of this song steps up with galloping quads and then back to the bounce. The next song is probably the stand out track on this 4 track release. 'Don't Back Down' has everything you'd expect from an "insert town initials" HC band, gang chants and lyrics towards local "scene politics" makes this a very shout back worthy track. Wanting more, you're chucked straight into a tempo change from the rest of the demo for the last track 'Two Faced Treachery'. This track goes hard. Everything about this song is just nails. As if it's just been ripped straight out of London this is the track that shows what this band can do. Breaks and tempo changes keep you on the edge and lyrics like "its a punch in the face with cold hard honesty" beg for movement.

Solid release from a band that hasn't been around long. Also available for free download on the bands Bandpage. Their next show is also with Legions, Freebase and  THE PROJECTIONIST on the 20th of April  

Followed by there 12bar show with Honour Your Pain, Protect Ya Neck, Stuck In a Rut and Dishonour The Crown. £5 with flyer £6 on the door. Doors at 8 on Denmark ST WC2.

https://www.facebook.com/outtaluckmkhc


DTF Promotions MK

DTF Promotions is a DIY venue in Central Milton Keynes close to the train station and just a walk away from the pubs and clubs. Located just above the old bus station next to the Buszy skatepark. These lads have done everything off their own backs using their own equipment as house equipment. The place is huge compared to some places with no pillars or anything annoying in the way. The bar is at the back so nobody is getting in the way on their way to the bar.

The sound is good for a DIY venue. Mr Andy Findlay is at the helm some nights (he has his fingers in many a pie). 

                            

Sound bunch of lads and are happy to help you out if you need anything. They have only put on a handful of shows at the moment but are making marks on the scene already. Come down and help this venue gain a following like the Pitz days. Don't support WonderWorld. Go to a show. Drop them an email or facebook them if you're looking for shows. 

Buszy , mk91lr Milton Keynes

Phone	07598 888584
Email	dtfpromosmk@gmail.com

  

Next two weeks I'll be covering Fake Gold, Solemn Promise and the new Craufurd Arms Promo Foundation. 

Like I said any ideas or if you want to write. hit me up.  @ soulcraft1@msn.com  and jay.jenkinson.12@facebook.com 

Cool, like and share this if you think its any good. Facebook page up soon. 

Jay.