Interview: DOE

I wrote about London pop-punk scamps DOE for the NME, didn't want to repeat the same boring words on here, asked them some questions instead.




Who plays what instruments?

Nicola plays guitar and sings, Jake plays drums and sings, Alex plays guitar. We don’t have a bass because we can only just about bear each other.

Who writes the songs?

Nicola and Jake come up with the main ideas, then make each other’s ideas better, then we all get together and work on arrangement and finishing touches.




Which one band did you bond over most when the band was starting out?

Helium was the first band we chatted about when we started putting the band together; we properly bonded over a shared love of Weezer in those awkward early days though. (We’re still awkward and we still love Weezer).  

What's good about London?

There’s just so much going on all of the time, you can do whatever you want. The people we’ve come across on the DIY scene since starting out have been so lovely too, just great people who are all super supportive and passionate. It’s a great place to be in a band and make friends and have loads of fun.




What's bad about London?

People that walk slow. And pigeons.

Which three bands from London and beyond should people be listening to right now?

No Ditching are an excellent band from Durham, we played with a band called Cousin in the Summer too who were ace. Playlounge (no brainer).






Do any of you play in other bands or do stuff outside of music?

Jake plays in The Exhausts who we’re good friends with, we’ve played a shit ton of shows together and all love each other a disgusting amount... all the guys have seen each other’s balls far more than is necessary too. He also does a tiny wee label called Keroleen Records which we put our Summer tape out under. Nicola’s just started an all-girl punk band which is super exciting, so watch out for that. 

What stuff are you hoping to do in the next 12 months?

We've got some shows coming up in London and further afield over the next couple of months, we’re recording for a split 7" with Canadian band Taxa as well as for a tape/zine release on Keroleen, and we’re almost done booking a UK tour which is happening in April. I’m sure there will be loads more stuff later in the year too. We’re kind of incapable of not doing stuff constantly.

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Lone Omi

Lone Omi is Joss formerly of London shouty-punks Yucky Slime. Lone Omi is considerably less shouty-punk than Yucky Slime. Lone Omi is dark, intense, sparse, dense, unsettling, but absolutely beautiful.

Four tracks on SoundCloud or my pick of the bunch below.



SoundCloud | Yucky Slime Bandcamp | Yucky Slime Twitter

Giant Burger

London's Giant Burger kind of defy genre and description. There are vocals and drums and guitar and bass and keys. There are melodies and there is noise. It's kind of experimental but it's also kind of pop at the same time as being kind of rock and prog and punk and blah blah blah. But then, being made up of a good few members of the now deceased BAANEEX, this kind of skullfuckery is to be expected really.

All that really matters is that I like their songs and hopefully some people who frequent this blog will do too. 'Trapped In Egypt' sounds like the kind of song you might expect to soundtrack a kids' horror TV show, while new track 'Fridges' (taken from a forthcoming four-track cassette on London's Odd Box Records, I think...) hears them at their most self-assured and well-recorded to date. A band increasingly comfortable with their place in the corner of the room with no friends, and I admire that.





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Sauna Youth - False Jesii Pt II / Oh Joel

Sauna Youth's 'Dreamlands' was without doubt one of my favourite albums of 2012 (better than Dirty Projectors, Animal Collective, and Grizzly Bear in my opinion, which isn't bad going) so an email about a new single from the London band was always going to be a pretty great way to start the day - especially when half of the single is a cover of Pissed Jeans.

'False Jesii Pt II / Oh Joel' is set to be released on 7" single through Static Shock Records on 21st January and sees the band taking a somewhat surprising step towards indie pop. Where debut 'Dreamlands' was full of largely aggressive, energetic punk songs (albeit sometimes aggressive, energetic punk songs that went on for 10 minutes...) with vocals from drummer Rich, the new single hears lead vocals handed to usual backing vocalist Jen and a definite switch in sound. Gone is the immediate punk sound, replaced with a more melodic and noisy pop-oriented core - though somehow with none of the punch and magic of Sauna Youth lost. This is mighty good stuff, I think.





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MYSTYRYS

Given their name, you'd be excused for thinking that MYSTRYS were another one of those bands going for the whole anonymity thing to create a sense of, well, mystery. They're not, as it happens, but that's not to say the internet is awash with information about the London band. Though folks like The 405 first posted about them last November - and though they have support from Soft Arrows and Rough Trade DJs at their upcoming single launch party for Normals/Shadows (released through Psychic Healing Network on 27 August) - the three-piece seem to play their cards pretty close to their chest.

Not that any of that guff really matters. What's important is, of course, their music - and it just so happens to be good. While 'Shadows' is an urgent, scuzzy, guitar-led ditty that brings to mind post-punk bands like Killing Joke and Bauhaus, 'Normals' sounds a bit more 'Tom Vek' in its slightly funky feel and unusual song structure. It's noisy, energetic, and all a little bit mucky - and I like that.







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Black Seas

Black Seas are a London band who have been "playing around south east london for years". They have two songs on their SoundCloud page. They have no hint of a Facebook page. They have a Tumblr with just two posts - one of which is a song posted a fortnight ago, the other of which is a YouTube video 'removed by the user' posted on 1 March. They have a YouTube channel with their two songs on. They seem to have a fondness for aged pictures of naked women and skeletons. And that's pretty much all I know of them.

That's not strictly true. I also know that their songs - which they describe as "emotional and manly", and others might describe as 'doom pop' - are worth a few minutes of your time. 'Black Seas' is all whirring guitar noise, bouncing bass lines, and distant, Torches-like vocals; while earlier track 'Trembling' hears the emotive, baritone vocals brought to the front with jangling guitars gently providing the melodic backdrop. While it's still a little rough around the edges ('Black Seas' doesn't seem to have been mastered yet), it's still very much enjoyable and impressive stuff for a band that not many people seem to know too much about.





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Yucky Slime

Most people won't like this. It's not the best way to start a blog post, but it's true. There's lo-fi, there's noisy, and then there's Yucky Slime bringing it to a whole new level. For those that can handle the fidelity (these demos were recorded in a shed...) and the feedback and the shouting, though, there's lots to love about the London band. For instance: it's fun, it's urgent, it's exciting, it's energetic, it doesn't really give a shit, it'll make you want to jump up and down and spin round round round, and - much like Jay Reatard or Wavves - below the noise you'll find some ace hooks and melodies. Plus, I can rarely resist a sing-along "wooh-ooh-ooh-ooh" (see: 'Battlegasm').

Again, most people won't like this. But then, most music is shite and this isn't, so who cares?







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Yola Fatoush - Celine

Starting out as what could be the intro to an M.I.A. song, London two-piece Yola Fatoush's 'Celine' turns into something far more dreamy and ethereal as it progresses - blending experimental electronic beats with delicate vocal layers to interesting and strangely trance-inducing effect. It's taken from a 7" due for release through Parlour Records on June 25. Here's hoping the other three tracks to feature on the EP are just as good.



.co.uk | SoundCloud

Entertainment

Judging a band by one song alone is a bit of a risky business. Granted, judging them on two recordings isn't much better, but hearing that second song does give you a better feel as to how they sound, as well as easing any fears of a lack of consistency.

I first heard London's Entertainment when they sent me 'You're Still In Me' a month ago to the day. Apparently only a demo, it's that same kind of distorted, fuzzy pop we've been hearing (and, indeed, I've been blogging) a lot of in the past few years and - for a band who barely seemed old enough to have even decided upon a name - it was certainly a strong introduction with a really nice chorus.

And last night came 'Shine' - more of the same in terms of the noisy, 90s-ish, guitar-led sound but already a step up in quality, it's a really assured sound for a band so young. And I'm always a sucker for the "oohs". Hear both tracks for yourself below.





Edit: fixed SoundCloud embeds.





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Splashh - Somethings New

If you haven't heard of London three-piece Splashh yet, that's fine, they are very new. But now's the time to wait no longer - with new effort 'Somethings Here'.

Following on from the Art Is Hard Pizza Club-released 'All I Wanna Do' - the excellent lo-fi introductory track that led to them receiving over 500 likes on Facebook in just over a month - 'Somethings Here' shows they're likely to live up to the hype that's building around them. Energetic, catchy, and bloody well exciting fuzzy garage rock. "Hey, hey hey."



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Show: Torches / PINS / Playlounge - 13 March, Kingston

Basement Fever and HorrorShow Tunes are teaming up again under the Zeitgeist banner to present our fourth show.

We're very excited to be bringing Torches, PINS, and buddies Playlounge to Kingston's The Cricketers on March 13 - for £3.

One of London's hottest up-and-coming bands, Torches will be healdining for us on the back of their split release with the excellent Crushed Beaks. Expect distorted, atmospheric textures combining guitar,electronics and delightful vocals. Listen to the excellent 'Towerblock Confetti' below.



Supporting them will be PINS, a mysterious four-piece from Manchester who we're tipping for big things over the next 12 months. Although none of their tracks are online, the band have recently supported the likes of Veronica Falls and Alt-J - you can hear an eery preview of the moody, echoing sounds that they have to offer on their website.

And completing the bill we have noisy London duo Playlounge - expect lots of guitar reverb, loud drums, and distorted vocals resulting in a sound comparable to the likes of Japandroids. Hear new track 'dye' below.



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Show: run,WALK! / Saturday's Kids / Ono Palindromes - Kingston, 17 February

Working again with Nathan Horrorshow Tunes under our Zeitgeist banner, we'd like to present you our third show - and our first of 2012.

We wouldn't call our last two shows tame. We enjoyed them alot. But in comparison to our forthcoming third - again taking place at Kingston pub The Cricketers, on Friday February 17, for £3 - they could seem it a little. We're taking things a little 'heavier'. Guitars will be louder, voices will be angrier, and the audience probably smellier.

Headlining the show we have noisy two-piece run,WALK, of whom Nathan says: "Probably the loudest two-piece you'll ever meet. These guys are one of the heaviest, surprisingly melodious and best live acts around and we're really pleased to bringing them in to headline the show. They'll be playing some cuts from their sure to be super-great forthcoming album."



As main support we have Saturday's Kids who are most definitely one of Cardiff's best band. Expect youthful post-punk angst. And on first, Exeter's Ono Palindromes, influences by the likes of Shellac, mclusky, and Nirvana.



Let us know you're coming on the Facebook event, and like our page to keep up to date with future stuff.

Show: The Black Tambourines / Joanna Gruesome / Playlounge - Kingston

Following the success of our last show under the Zeitgeist banner, Nathan Horrorshow Tunes and I have decided to do it all again (only this time without the lugging of a heavy drum kit across Kingston, twice).

This time we've booked three of the most exciting UK bands (as opposed to just the two last time), bringing The Black Tambourines, Joanna Gruesome, and Playlounge. All three will play at The Cricketers in Kingston on December 14 for just £2 on the door. Come along, it'll be fun.

The Black Tambourines - 27 - 25 Blues by Art Is Hard Records


Joanna Gruesome - Lemonade Grrl

Playlounge - Orange Friends

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Playlounge

Whether a sneaky attempt to make sure their music is listened to, or a genuine note of interest, new bands letting you know which other bands they're friends with does seem to work in some roundabout way. On contacting me for the first time a few weeks back, Playlounge noted that BF had recently covered their friend's band YRRS. How could I not listen? YRRS are ace. And so, as it just so happens, are their good old buddies Playlounge.

The two-piece from London make a loud, melodic racket - sounding a lot deeper than you'd expect from just guitar, drums, and vocals. It's catchy pop fun with plenty of noisy guitar - so all you kids too ashamed to say you listen to pop can still get away with it. Oh, and they even follow Dolfinz on SoundCloud. Maybe I should introduce them to Joanna Gruesome, too.

Playlounge - Orange Friends

Playlounge - Friendshift

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Le Pécheur

The world of music blogging is an odd and fickle one. Should I care that Altered Zones blogged about Le Pécheur before I managed to? No, of course not. If anything I should be happy that a band I like are getting the attention that I feel they deserve. But I do care. I'm sorry. I do.

I suppose what I'm actually annoyed at is my own laziness to not post it sooner. Still, listen to the excellently psychedelic and interest sounds of the London/France artist now and try to forget that Altered Zones got there first, if you can. And buy their album, out through Azbin Records when it comes out next month.

Voodoo by Le Pécheur

Torture by Le Pécheur

Apocalypse by Le Pécheur

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New: Peepholes - Tunnels

Peepholes have announced news of an upcoming LP - Caligula will come out through Upset The Rhythm on November 28. To anyone who has heard the dark electronic sounds of the Brighton/London duo before this will be good news. Those less aware of their work need simply to hear 'Tunnels' - the excellent lead single to come from the upcoming release.


Peepholes - Tunnels

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New: Die Jungen - Cold Night

Die Jungen recently promised news on album details were to come soon - and with that promise came this little free to download teaser. 'Cold Night' follows on nicely from the Southampton-based artists' work to date in its gloriously retro, fuzzy vintage-pop charms - a gentle drum patter underlying the semi-spoken word vocals and that simple but utterly delightful bass-line. This is excellent.

COLD NIGHT by die jungen

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Show: Woman's Hour / Yoofs - Kingston, November 16

Myself and Nathan Horror Show Tunes have decided that Kingston-upon-Thames could do with some more gigs, and we've taken the responsibility on ourselves - under the name Zeitgiest (feel free to go 'like' us on Facebook to be kept up to date with future shows).

Our first show will take place in Kingston, at The Cricketer's pub, with Woman's Hour and Yoofs on Wednesday November 16.

Of Woman's Hour, Nathan said: "the bordering-on-tropical melodies and subtly arresting vocals can only inspire one thing, total adoration." while of Yoofs I've previously spouted: "Ramshackle, fun, catchy, scruffy pop songs - if there's any justice in the world these will 'go somewhere'".

And if you don't believe us, listen for yourselves below.

Jenni by Woman's Hour

JOHN ACTOR IS MONKFISH by yoofs

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New: Youthfall - Guard It Like A Fortress

'Guard It Like A Fortress' is the latest dreamy and transfixing lo-fi ditty from London twin-brothers Youthfall, following on from 'Secular Child' (which we heard a few weeks back). Panda Bear-ish echoing guitar sits above synth, whilst minimalist percussion sounds click gently along to the distorted vocals - coming together seamlessly and beautifully.

Youthfall - Guard It Like A Fortress

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Pandr Eyez

Dropped today via the consistently excellent Cascine is the first single of London boy-girl duo Pandr Eyez. Entitled Eyes On You, it's a captivating and fascinating piece of work - interweaving dark synth sounds with some eery electronics and hypnotic dubstep-ish bass, topped off with vocals that'd sit pretty comfortably (by no means in no derogatory way) on daytime Radio 1. It feels like biting into a crisp apple, taking a sip from a cold can of Coke, stepping off the train late at night into a dark and deserted platform. Watch out for a full EP, also out through Cascine, October 25.

Pandr Eyez - Eyes On You