Samuel & The Dragon

I'm really struggling to find time to right something coherent on this here blog, so here is a quick missive that addresses 2 points I'm trying to find to write something inteligent about.

#1 is some great bands for 2010

#2 is about how sick I'm getting of derivative bands, bands that seem to exist as a sound before substance

Samuel & The Dragon intrigue me greatly. In one respect they're stylization should be off putting, but musically, it seems brave and dark. Well, that's how "Diamonds On A Boat" sounds as that is the only song I've managed to hear. The moment of silence half way through gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

They're supposed to be playing A Nation Of Shopkeepers tomorrow night (Sat 13th Feb), I look forward to seeing what else they've got

Samuel & The Dragon Myspace

Soundtrack to this post: Massive Attack, Lawrence Arabia

Friends Before Glory

I'm putting plans in motion to step up the Honour Before Glory activity in the coming months. Not actually stepping it up yet, as I'm still snowed under with a few bands I've recorded over the last month, but planning to.

First off, in preperation for returning to the studio over the festive period, I'm giving away Broken Bottles, Empty Hearts via download when you join the Honour Before Glory mailing list

FREE DOWNLOAD - Broken Bottles, Empty Hearts

Secondly, I'm putting the band together, which is exciting and daunting at the same time. The friends who I want to be involved are all busy people, so it an Honour Before Glory gig will be a rare occurence, but hopefully a special one.

We'll be playing our first gig in March, but to warm up, I'm hosting an evening at Nation Of Shopkeepers in Leeds. Fran Rodgers will be playing her own set, and we'll be joined by other people who contributed to the tracks I recorded, and playing some special versions of Honour Before Glory songs. Sam Airey will open up - I've been recording his EP recently and it's very special.

Details in full:

SUNDAY 24th JANUARY

A Nation Of Shopkeepers, Leeds

Honour Before Glory + Fran Rodgers + Sam Airey + Special Guests

Free Entry / early start : early finish

Last.FM event :: Facebook event

Soundtrack to this post: Leftfield, Dananananaykroyd, Department Of Eagles, Beach House

FC Lokomotv / BSM 5-a-side

So, it's that time of year again, when renowned independent label Big Scary Monsters hosts it's annual 5-a-side football competition. 

Since last year's competition, FC Lokomotiv have been slugging week in week out in a Football Mundial 6-a-side league - the season finishing this coming Monday with a dead rubber against the champions. We're guaranteed a respectable 8th placed finish.

The core of last year's team (pictured above), will be the same - Geoff 'Poo Poo' Punshon has hung his gloves up for the last time, and so regular keeper Fezz 'The Cat' Phelan will be between the sticks. Brudenell Social Club, Nation Of Shopkeepers / Good Form Club, I Like Trains and Forward Russia will be just some of the northern institutions representing, aiming to better our semi final appearance last year

The tournament takes place at The Linford Christie Sport Centre, Wormwood Scrubs, London. Follow the build-up on the official website HERE

Soundtrack to this post: Wimbledon