ZIBRA announced for It's All Indie's Christmas show! 17th December at The Portland Arms

This year we're celebrating Christmas with a very special show with Blisseyes headlining, the art-rock quartet will be joined now by ZIBRA. This'll be Blisseyes' first Cambridge headline show and will also be ZIBRA's first ever Cambridge show, having only formed a few months ago.

The festivities kick-off at 19:30 on the 17th of December will a couple of very special guests to be announced soon too!

Tickets are £5.50 (inc booking fees) - but we have 10 cheap tickets at £4.40 going too! Click below to buy one!

Tickets / It's All Indie @ The Portland Arms, 17th December - With BLISSEYES and ZIBRA

Interview with... Blisseyes

We caught up with Crosby of Blisseyes to see what they've been up to this year, their plans for the rest of the year and Echo & The Bunnymen.

So you've had a good year so far, some good shows dotted around your home-towns, what was the best show so far you've played this year?

We have actually only played two shows in 2014; we have been a little busy in the studio and have kept rather quiet. We enjoyed playing with Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs in March, they are a really great band and cool chaps. We also played a sold out show up in Norwich which was a fun night. Both of those shows were basically opportunities for us to play new material and see how the new songs were forming live, we actually played 100% previously unheard material at those two gigs. It seemed to go down really well, certainly exciting to perform new songs. 

I hear Blisseyes have some new material in the pipe-line, care to share any juicy details of it?

Yes, we have been busy; and still are. We went into the studio in January, initially for a week, to record three new songs. But, while we were in there we started experimenting and began to uncover a lot of exciting things. Subsequently we re-wrote everything and began writing again from scratch, perusing this new aesthetic we had found. The new material is a lot more true to us and our influences, and certainly a lot more thought out and composed, more mature perhaps. It has been a fascinating journey of exploration and discovery. We are looking to be finished very soon, I cannot really say what we will come out with in terms of quantity or volume of music, but expect to hear some very new sounds from us in the very near future.

Do you have any shows planned for the rest of the year?

We have a couple of small festival announcements in the pipeline and a few low-key shows dotted around over summer but we are hoping to hit the road intensively as soon as we are out of the studio. We miss it. 

What albums/EPs have you been enjoying since the year turned?

I’m really enjoying Connan Mockasin’s record which came out last year, I’m still finding subtleties with every listen, and Klaus Johann Grobe’s new material is also sounding great, they are a groovy Swiss duo. Other than that I’m not certain I have listened to an awful lot of music released this year; we have had a lot of artists like Silver Apples, Shocking Blue, Pink Floyd, The Pretty Things, Pulp, and Jacco Gardner on in the studio, alongside composers like Reich, Berlioz, Stockhausen, and Parmegiani — so there is certainly a nice mix of flavours swimming around us at the moment. 

If you could put together a 3 band line-up (including yourselves) who would be on the bill?

I think David Bowie would headline, but as for which era Bowie I would want I could not say . . . I would leave that down to him, I trust his judgement. There is nothing wrong with current-era Bowie though, ‘The Next Day’ was great! July would be next. They are just one of my favourite groups from the 60s; they embody British psychedelic music and have so many fantastic tunes. They are actually reforming at the moment! I guess that leaves us next if we have to be on the bill. But if not, I’d choose Astral Pattern. I saw those guys live recently and was really impressed, I noticed they played a show with Damo Suzuki from Can not too long ago which I’m really disappointed to have missed! 

Also, one last question, The Smiths or Joy Division?

Echo & The Bunnymen.

Thanks to 'Crosby' for the interview, what a charming charmer he is. Expect to see Blisseyes playing a show towards the end of the year, and if you see them play a show near you GO TO IT! But while you wait, check out a few of their songs below.

Buy / Blisseyes  - Manson/HOLD (Digital Only)
Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Single of the year 2013 // Blisseyes - Manson/HOLD

We were not prepared when Blisseyes broke out and dropped their début release, not just that but it was a turning point for the band as they finally settled upon a name so they could put something out!

The reason why I picked this was purely down to being blown away on the first listen, you can listen to the single once again, along with a teaser of new material and a stunning remix N.O.N. done for them. This is by far one of the best début releases I've heard in a long time, the four-piece have homed in on their talents and have outshone the competition of fellow Post-Punk/Garage bands, they'll be around for a long time if they keep up this level of quality within their tracks!

Their new AAA-Side single "Annabelle" is due for release early 2014.

Buy / Blisseyes  - Manson/HOLD (Digital Only)
Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Musicians Tips for 2014 // Featuring tips from Strangers, Holden Girls, Kreuzberg, & The Centurions and Blisseyes

In a new yearly segment we chat to some of our favourite bands about artists they're tipping for 2014.

Oh Boy:
Picked by // David Maddox-Jones of Strangers

"They're really good friends of mine and have a really good 90's grunge vibe going on. They've got an EP coming out early 2014!"

Mr Fish:
Picked by // Jens Holme-Hansen of Kreuzberg

"I think Mr Fish will get big, they've got a David Bowie sound about them!"

Sleaford Mods:
Picked by // Connor Browne of Holden Girls

"Their music transcends any trends that anyone like the NME or Pitchfork can control. Their recent album, 'Austerity Dogs', was a sparse, uncompromising set; gritty tales of Jason Williamson's Nottingham set to looping sampled basslines and drums, uncluttered and allowed to breath by the production. "Keep Your Eyes Slit" is the first song the duo have put out from their forthcoming album scheduled early 2014. They're the kind of band that will split opinions, but aren't some product of a major label with a polished sound and enormous PR backing. As honest and vital a band as you will hear, finally with people taking notice as they hit their stride. Put simply: bloody great stuff."

Fé:
Picked by // Vish Mhatre of & The Centurions

"Well I've got my eyes set on a band called Fe, they are awesome! They have this one awseome song called "She-Came", you need to check it out! Even Lauren Laverne of BBC 6 Music loves it!"

Telegram:
Picked by // William Crosby of Blisseyes

"Telegram have a really classic sound and one of the best vocalists I've heard in a long time. They are raw but not primitive in composition or production, a real gem of a band. Their debut 7" has already become a collector's item; I'm certainly looking forward to their next release"

 




Klaus Johann Grobe: 
Picked by // William Crosby of Blisseyes

"Their first EP was great and so was the other single they released in 2013. Their music transcends a really unique sonic, with strong nods to Silver Apples, and many of the classic Krautrock bands of the 60s & 70s. I unfortunately missed them on their UK tour but remain excited to hear further music next year and see their profile increase!"

Sounds of 2014 - #10 - Blisseyes

Blisseyes may have only been roaming around the zone of obscurity for a just under a year, but after a sudden burst onto the live circuit earlier this year they've generated quite the buzz around them. Following in the footsteps of many 'buzz bands' they're ready to explode onto the blogosphere. Following some great support slots with Coasts, Casablanca, Loom, Fair Ohs, Kilto Take and As Elephants Are they are certainly on the path to be signed!

When we saw the Cambridge based four-piece back in January we knew that they were going to do big things this year. After picking up some die-hard fans after their latest shows they kicked off the set with a Post-Punk track vocals reminiscent of Ian Curtis and Tom Fleming. Their shows are full of incredible drumming and some amazing guitar riffs. They're playing a plethora of new material in their upcoming shows, so be sure to check out their new single "Anabelle" when it drops!

With only the release of a AA-Side single earlier this year they've done really well for themselves. And this is by far one of the best début releases I've heard in a long time, the four-piece have homed in on their talents and have outshone the competition of fellow Post-Punk/Garage bands, they'll be around for a long time if they keep up this level of musicianship!


Buy / Blisseyes  - Manson/HOLD (Digital Only)
Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

N.O.N. remixes Blisseyes and Haus

One of our favourite remixers has remixed two of our favourite up and coming bands. N.O.N. has taken the gothed out track by Blisseyes - "Manson" and has turned it all around into a dark and ethereal track that focuses on Cook's vocals.

He has also tinkled with Haus's latest track "Token". The track is now nearing seven minutes long and now sounds like a track that would sound like it's taken from a Kitsune Compilation CD. The track now is more electronic and focuses on the guitar more.

 
BOTH are freely downloadable, so go grab yourself two stunning remixes!

Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Track of May 2013 // Blisseyes - HOLD

So we have the winners of the vote for 'Track of May 2013' - and we're pleased to announce that it's our good old friends at Blisseyes. We had their AA-Side single as the track of the week, but we've chosen "HOLD" as the track to put forwards the final because of the sheer amount of plays it's got on soundcloud.

They're one of the buzz bands for 2014, so give them a vote if you fancy their sound (or because they're your friends).

CLICK HERE TO VOTE IT FOR TRACK OF THE YEAR 2013

And an extra teaser of their new material

#IAININE - The Summer Delights Issue // FREE MIXTAPE!

We've got over Glastonbury now like an ex-girlfriend, we've done with all of the bullshit of not being there and now we're ready to plough through into the next chapter of the year in style! We've pulled out our fingers out of our arse and have compiled the 11 most exciting tracks from to come out of the UK in the past 6 months.

We bring together Art-Rock, Acoustic, Shoegaze, Indie-Rock, Indie-Pop and everything in-between to make the most exciting mixtape ever!

To find out who is in the mixtape, just flick the scroller on your mouse downwards.

 #IAININE - The Summer Delights Issue:

1. Blisseyes - Manson
2. Youthblood - 100 BPM
3. Port Isla - Sinking Ship
4. Moats - Show
5. Only Shadows - Many A Mountain
6. Lupo - Deadly Paradise (Demo)
7. Haus - Yankee
8. Holden Girls - A Western
9. James Farmer - Seville
10. Jonny Stemp - Mind
11. Blisseyes - HOLD 

[DOWNLOAD HERE]

Disclaimer:
All tracks have been given to us by the bands themselves via their management/themselves. Also, I still have a girlfriend, that was metaphorical.

Blisseyes to donate 50% of all profit from single release to kidney charity

The ever so kind and ever so loveable guys at Blisseyes are going to be pressing (or making) 50 cassette tapes of Manson/HOLD to celebrate it's official release.

Blisseyes are donating a portion of the profits from their début single to Kidney Research UK and/or Addenbrooke's G5 Transplant Ward. As a band, this charity is very close to their hearts and they wanted to do every little bit they could to help out. The first official sale is going to happen at their gig supporting Fair Ohs next week in Cambridge. The  other 50% of the profit will go to help fund their next release.

You can check out out review of their début single here and download the single below in the info section. A stream is available at the bottom of the post too!

Live dates:
11th June @ Portland Arms, Cambridge (Supporting Fair Ohs)
14th June @ The Square, Harlow (Supporting LOOM)

Buy / Blisseyes  - Manson/HOLD (Digital Only)
Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Track of the week... Blisseyes - Manson/HOLD

Blisseyes may have only been roaming around the zone of obscurity for a couple of months, but after a sudden burst onto the live circuit earlier this year they've generated quite the buzz around them. Following in the footsteps of many 'buzz bands' they're ready to explode onto the blogosphere and we're pleased to announce them as our 'Track of the Week'. Well we say that, but we're in love with their AA-side single so much that we're breaking the mould and having BOTH tracks as the feature this week.

Having recently supported rising Indie favourites LOOM, Kilto Take, Coasts, and Casablanca they're now ready to over-take them and be even bigger, and it all starts with their début release. "Manson" starts out very gentle as a guitar and Cook’s vocals welcome you into the track, a bit deceptive really as it then explodes into an epic Post-Punk track with captivating vocals, big and bold guitars, and rushing drums. The sudden euphoria of the chorus is just the beginning of their compelling track, if you imagine the vocals of Tom Fleming (Wild Beasts) combined with Ian Curtis then you're right on the money. The track ends on a high with the chorus being played out one last time before everything stops and you've just got the wash of noise coming to a stop.

This is now why we had to give the whole single release a 'Track of the Week' billing, ‘Hold’ is the AA side to their début release, and much like the A side, this track starts off with Cook’s ever powerful vocals welcoming you into their world, with howling going on in the background this reminds us of a certain WU LYF demo that was being played a lot a few weeks ago by the staff here. Blisseyes on the other hand are not a copy-cat band, as proven when it hits the chorus, the screeching guitar by Crosby dominates the track as you can hear the Bassist (Parker) and Drummer (Collin) do what's needed to be done to compliment Crosby and Cook to create a track that's up there with the best! This is by far one of the best début releases I've heard in a long time, the four-piece have homed in on their talents and have outshone the competition of fellow Post-Punk/Garage bands, they'll be around for a long time if they keep up this level of musicianship!

Live dates:
11th June @ Portland Arms, Cambridge (Supporting Fair Ohs)
14th June @ The Square, Harlow (Supporting LOOM)
12th July @ St Peter's Church, Ely

TBC July/August @ Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London

Follow / [FACEBOOK]
Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]

Gig Review... Blisseyes @ Camden Barfly, London, 11th March 2013

When we saw the Cambridge based four-piece back in January we knew that they were going to do big things this year. After picking up some die-hard fans after their latest shows they kicked off the set with a Post-Punk track vocals reminiscent of Ian Curtis and Tom Fleming. This show is by far the lads biggest to date, with the opening act of the show bringing a strong amount of support from down the M11 they played their set to a scene of mates, music journalists, friends and Coasts fans who couldn't believe what they've just listened to.

They kicked off the set with their latest track "Waterfalls" which showed off the band as how they want to be portrayed as. With lots of people eager to see them this was the perfect way to start off what was going to be a great set! Drunken Scots were dancing along to "Male" when it was played out and the drunk even grabbed me and complimented them by saying "They're fucking great, like Radiohead", maybe not that big yet but certainly on the way to stardom. 

Although it was two months in-between me seeing them I can already see them progressing as a band, Cook is more comfortable in-front of the crowd, more interaction and overall his vocals are growing more deeper and brooding. Be sure to check them out when they announce more shows!

Blisseyes played:
Waterfalls
Manson
Delicate
Hold
Male
Aggro (Ivory Dress)
--encore--
Graves

Follow / [FACEBOOK]

Gig Review... Blisseyes @ The Nest, London, 12th January 2013

January marks the start of the year, and in a lot of cases a fresh start on most aspects in your life. But the 12th was the day Blisseyes played their debut show, they've played a warm up show in a Cambridge flat for their fellow uni students but today was for the to show London town they meant business!

Lead by Cook on Vocals, Crosby on Guitar, Parker on Bass and Collin on the drums we knew that they were going to be an energetic band as we've been along to one of their rehearsals. They kicked off the set with a Post-Punk track vocals reminiscent of Ian Curtis mix that with pounding drums and a lively bassist and you've got yourself quite the eargasm. But as soon as Crosby got onto the Guitar the faces of the audience lit up!

The highlight of the set was their penultimate song "Aggro", throughout the gig Cook was captivating the audience with his presence and this was made more-so with this track. The vocals mixed with the rush of guitars was amazing, they have really settled into a great groove here, filling in that niche spot of the 'Indie' genre that bands are afraid to go into. It is really hard to pigeon-hole them, but if you think of Wild Beasts vocals mixed with Joy Division, Guitar rhythms of Radiohead/The Cure, the fast plucking of the Bass and with the amazing pulsating drumming of Collin (god knows how he doesn't pass out!), you pretty much have them!

You HAVE to see them to hear anything, as no media exists as of yet (this was their first gig after all).

Blisseyes played:
Manson
Hold
Male
Delicate
Ivory Dress (Aggro)
--encore--
Graves (Cook Solo)

Follow / [FACEBOOK]