9.29°C This editorial currently features in the September 2011 issue of The Colchester Circle, available throughout the town right now.
Keep Colchester Cool recommends…
Here are just some of the events taking place this month that you can attend, safe in the knowledge of hearing some great music.
Ben Howard
IntoTheNorthSea are gaining attention for all the right reasons. They were selected to play Colchester Free Festival, and their ambient dance sound, driven by thoughtful lyrics, has attracted strong reviews. The LP Project said, “If you want to see something a little different from the norm, then catch this band while you can.” You’ll get that chance at Tin Pan Alley on Thursday, 8 September, when they play the weekly Vietnam Invades night.
Dead Air Recordings, founded by Lee Ashcroft, releases and promotes new recordings on so-called “dead” audio formats. Fortunately, with Dead Air Live, you won’t need to track down a MiniDisc or 8-track cartridge to hear their output. DAL08 at Slack Space on Saturday 10 September promises an evening of noisy folk and folky noise, featuring Fuzzy Lights, Doomsday Apocalypse Special, Bangstick and Lost Harbours. Film screenings of Sygnok & The War For Radical Computer Music and Stretch complement the live music.
The Soundhouse at The Bull hosts Essex Rocks on Saturday 17 September, with Drive Through Therapy – who absolutely rocked the Essex Rocks stage at Kelvedon Free Music Festival this year – deservedly headlining. Support comes from London’s The Manic Shine and Colchester’s Meet Me At The Border, with additional acts to be announced.
Black Cat Bone plays Pat Molloy’s on Tuesday, 20 September. Formed by accident five years ago, the four-piece has been described by the Gazette’s Neil D’Arcy-Jones as “one of the most respected blues bands in the county”. Their full electric line-up features a twin-guitar sound blending early blues influences with 60s licks and a modern funk twist. Their stripped-back acoustic outfit, Black Cat Bone (Stripped), also performs regularly.
Nineties indie fans will remember hits such as “Olympian” and “For The Dead” by Gene. The band split in 2004 after achieving ten Top 40 singles. After a seven-year break, lead singer and songwriter Martin Rossiter has recorded his debut solo album and brings his UK tour to Colchester Arts Centre on Tuesday, 27 September.
I’m back DJing at Twisters Bar on Friday, 30 September for the High Fidelity night. After having DJ Huffle as my guest for the last two events, we’re now joining forces regularly under the name Howard and Huffle High Fidelity. With an anything-goes approach to track selection, you’re guaranteed a few musical surprises throughout the night.
Finally, it’s worth recognising the latest venues in Colchester that are beginning to host regular live music. The Judge and Jury, The Britannia, The Foresters Arms and The New Inn have all joined the growing list of gig venues. I wish them every success – it’s a positive reflection of just how strong the Colchester music scene has become in recent years.
