Current Happenings

Hello all,

The past few months have been busy and exciting;

I've recorded a few tracks with my London band which we should be sharing with the public soon. It's heavily influenced by bands like Thee Oh Sees and Ty Segall. We're really happy with the sound and I'm looking forward to playing some shows with the guys soon.

In terms of compositions, I made a few tracks for a friend's

 short film. It's kind of apocalyptic, kind of ambient, kind of a soundtrack. I'll share it here once the film's out!

For other work, I had a pleasant surprise in August when I was asked to help out Hail! The Planes for their EP launch and several other gigs. It's been great playing with them again (I was one of the founding members when we all moved to Cardiff together in 2007) and their new stuff is fantastic too.

As well as a 12" Vinyl on sale, there is also a music video featuring Holly. Check it out below:

Love

Up Close

After having spent the last month recording whatever I could find. I thought I'd showcase it all in a different way.

Please enjoy some colour coordination from the last 4 weeks with added music and memories!

Dorking

My housemate recently started a new job in Dorking about an hour or so drive from our place.

Recommended Listening - Volume 3

In my current job, I have to commute 30 miles a day to get to work and back.

This gives me just over 2 hours a day in my car to listen to music and enjoy the ride.

Today's recommendation list comes from the CDs that have been featuring on my commute the most.

1.

Death Grips - The Money Store

This album is brilliantly aggressive. Certainly Zach Hill's greatest project yet. His instantly recognizable, off-kilter drum grooves are ever present.

2.

Braids - Native Speaker

This album is so beautiful. Braids have a talent of shifting tempo so well in their songs that it's seamless. The whole album is a standout but it was Same Mum that made me fall in love with them.

3.

Twin Shadow - Forget

I first heard of Twin Shadow via Grizzly Bear sharing the music video for Slow on their Facebook page. I was in Japan when I first heard that song so I didn't buy the CD and subsequently forgot about it until I came back to the UK last year.

The rest of the album is not as "My Bloody Valentine" as Slow but more of a New Wave journey with sick basslines.

In a Good Way

Last weekend, I went to Cologne with a dear friend to watch some beautiful music and admire the surroundings. On the Saturday, we had some fun with chalk. I made a short film showing some of the time we spent on one particular piece.

A Firm Attachment To His Country

I went to a family get-together in Leicester over the weekend. I hadn't seen most of my family in over fifteen years.

It was good seeing everyone. We all drank a lot and I spoke to my nephew about Minecraft.

I got to Leicester a few hours earlier than the rest of the family so, I took a walk around the surrounding area. I went to the Richard III exhibition and also bought Idlewild's "Captian" for 99p, result!

On my way to Leicester Cathedral I went through a graveyard and came across some amazing gravestones. There was one in particular that grabbed my attention:

"Beneath are deposited the remains of Richard Braginton, Quarter Master Serjeant of the South Devon Militia; who expir'd suddenly in this Town on his march to Nottingham, in the night of the 15th of February 1812 after retiring to rest in perfect health;

Aged 60 years.

He served 40 in the said Regiment, with unabated Zeal, diligence, and Loyalty to his King; and firm attachment to his Country;
While his private conduct was equally commendable.

For Rectitude, Probity and Sobriety; He was esteem'd by his Officers, and beloved by his fellow soldiers. 

To perpetuate the remembrance of his worth, This stone was caus'd to be erected By his Colonel Lord ROLLE.

Reader, may this additional Example of the awful uncertainty of Life, prove a warning to thee to prepare for a similar fate by a faithful discharge of the duties of thy station; and by an humble reliance on the merits of thy Redeemer."

The words on this gravestone - particularly the last paragraph - really brought the gathering of my family into perspective.

I loved this gravestone so much, that I've written and dedicated this piece of music to Richard.

Window

The seasons are changing and my garden now looks like a jungle!

Compared to a few months ago the landscape has changed dramatically, I love it.

Here's a little video showing its current state.

Also there's a shovel in there somewhere.