Behind the scenes with School of Seven Bells

Sounding slightly bewildered by the border between Essex and Suffolk, and loss of favourite lipstick, Ben, Alejandra and Claudia take us behind the scenes. I still want to know if that is a permanent tattoo on Ben's chest, and what does it mean ?

Where to buy signed records

Just spotted this place http://www.recordstore.co.uk/  who are doing over HERE what Newbury Comics are doing over THERE - making you want even more to buy CDs and vinyl by having it ready signed by the band. Saves all that hanging round stage doors.  They've got stuff by Best Coast, Wavves, Vaselines, Blood Red Shoes and more. Be still my beating wallet

My last album purchase was signed vinyl from that other purveyor of fine records, Pure Groove who are carrying on in online guise until they get sorted with bricks and mortar again. What did I buy? Oh, this http://www.puregroove.co.uk/itemview.aspx?item=1424 and it is both absolutely excellent and, yes, a signed copy. I just love SVIIB and their new album. On vinyl, it comes as a double LP ! yowzah..

I'm not on commission with any of these places, I'm just happy to see someone finding a way to keep record stores going in some guise or other

Maria and the Mirrors

As a follow up to 1-2-3-4 Shoreditch

1.  I am gutted that we missed an afterparty with Rolo Tomassi and Fucked Up! Did that actually take place ?? Mind you, we were eating pizza and drinking beer in Hoxton Square, so it's all good.
2. Someone videoed the performance by Maria and the Mirrors that we enjoyed so much, here it is in all its glory. It's hard to get the vibe from a vid of a live performance; watching on 13" laptop screen at home really does not in any way convey the intensity or energy or sheer LOUD of being there.   But it's a well made audience vid, so here it is. I don't know if this band can ever actually be appreciated without being there, but we'll give it a go. They're playing the Old Blue Last on 30th August, will have to see what I can do about getting myself along to that

Upcoming.....

.....gigs that is

This seems to be what I am likely to be in the front row for, over the next few months. I am sure it'll change... (it just did in fact)


Tues Aug 24th - Joana and the Wolf, Favela, Shoreditch

Thurs Aug 26th - Warpaint, Camp, London

Weds Sept 1st - Stars, Heaven, London   This one trumps ALL others

Weds Sept 15th - The Like, ICA, London

Weds Sept 29th - Blonde Redhead, Shep Bush

Thursday Oct 7th - Blood Red Shoes, Elec Ballroom

Thurs Oct 14th  - The Joy Formidable, Koko, London

Friday Oct 15th  - Crystal Castles, Roundhouse, London

Monday Oct 18th - Soap and Skin, Union Chapel, London

Friday Oct 22nd - Crystal Castles, Academy 2, Manchester (yes, yes, twice in a week, I know. We LIKES them, OK?)

Thurs Oct 28th - Warpaint, Scala London

Tues Nov 30th - Joseph Arthur, The Tabernacle, London (it's gotta be done)

Videos, videos - Joana And The Wolf

I should be listening to the new Arcade Fire album, instead I am watching yootoob vids of Joana and the Wolf. I will have to go and see this lot live, they look a bit compelling