The last day of the festival began for FFS at the Garden Stage. Spirits were high –conditions underfoot were dramatically improved from the night before and the sun was showing its face once again. The Wave Pictures performed an accomplished and lively set which saw lead singer David Tattersal accidentally insulting his mother before dedicating scrumptious pop fiesta ‘Love You Like a Madman’ to her. I’d have forgiven him. There followed drum, lead and bass solos to showcase the not inconsiderable talent of this three-piece. Indeed, bassist Franic Rozycki’s solo was so good that Tattersal could not help but declare his surprise. Stand-out songs included ‘Now You’re Pregnant’ sung by drummer Jonny Helm, which featured these delightfully funny lines on the death of Johnny Cash: ‘And you say “It’s not like Elvis” / and you would be right’. For we sleepers-in, this was the perfect way to begin our Sunday. (Keep your eyes peeled for appearances from the members of the Wave Pictures in the ensuing account of the day. They really do get about a bit). [HT]
Festival Review: End of the Road – Saturday
As thousands of bleary eyed festival-goers awoke sweating in their tents as the sun beat down on them, still harbouring the muddy wellingtons and rain-lashed clothing from the day before in their porches, it was clear the second day of End of the Road was going to be an absolute belter. Welcoming the Indian Summer onto the main stage from midday were the warm, deep vocals and slow paced soothing tunes of London five-piece Absentee, who briefly burst into more stompy, upbeat rock to showcase the sound of their new album Victory Shorts, due out on September 22.
Festival Review: End of the Road – Friday
For FFS, End of the Road kicked off with Peter and the Wolf and this reviewer was alone among her cohorts in enjoying his set, from his rambling tales about New York rich kids who walk across America to his story-telling old-school folk. He was swiftly followed by Laura Marling who, in the couple of months since FFS last saw her headline, has grown into her pageboy crop as well her stage persona. Her inter-track chat leaves you wanting for exactly the intimacy her songs deliver. My Manic and I was a particular highlight as was Cross Your Fingers b-side ‘Blackberry Stone’ which features the lyrics ‘I’m sorry I never did hold your hand as you were lowered’ a reference surely to the boy with black curly hair, Charlie Fink from Noah and the Whale. Marling was supported by her usual band, including drummer Marcus Mumford and bassist Ted Dwane from Mumford and Sons, whose were booked to play later in the evening, but cancelled because they had to fly to the US for the Marling/Flynn tour.
It Hugs Back kick off UK tour at Brixton Windmill
Dreamy Kent popsters It Hugs Back kick off their UK tour on Tuesday 30th September at Brixton’s Windmill.
Folk the south: Winchester Live
Winchester (incidentally For Folk’s Sake hometown) is to play host to a plethora of folk favourites at the inaugural week-long Winchester Live festival.
Brian Wilson records Black Cab session
Übergod Brian Wilson has recorded a track for Black Cab Sessions.
For Folk’s Sake Interview: The Wave Pictures
The Wave Pictures frontman Dave Tattersall fought through near exhaustion for one last interview before the band’s final night touring with anti-folk legend Jeffrey Lewis.
Marling album sales rocket after Mercury nomination
Alas, I Cannot Swim sells four times as many copies since being shortlisted in the annual awards.
Peggy Sue to present Halloween show at Brixton’s Windmill
Peggy Sue will curate a ‘Horror Movie Marathon’ gig at The Windmill on 31st October. The duo (/trio depending on whether the drummer boy is permanent…) will be playing along with Slow Club.
Adem, Slow Club and Russ Alsop to play one-off Reading show
On Saturday 27th September South Street Arts Centre will play host to a one-off show featuring UK folk troubador Adem. Support comes from Russ Alsop and FFS favourites Slow Club.
Jay Jay Pistolet finishes EP, announces headline tour
For Folk’s Sake’s favourite interviewee so far, Jay Jay Pistolet, has finished his new EP with the track ‘Hooked Up On Us’ produced by Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit bassist Adam Beach.
Mountain Goats/Kaki King EP nearly ready
Mountain Goats frontman John Darnielle, has been secretly working on a six-track EP with US shoegazer Kaki King.
Marling and Flynn perform antifolk classic ahead of US tour
Leading lights of British folk record classic Jeffrey Lewis track Travel Light ahead of their attempts to crack the states.
Folk stars surprise west London gig-goers
A capacity crowd was treated to more than they bargained for at Mumford and Sons headline Blue Flowers gig at George IV in Chiswick on 7th September.
Alas she did not win: Laura Marling at the Mercurys
For Folk’s Sake favourite Laura Marling missed out on the top prize at the Mercury Music Awards on September 9th.
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About us For Folk’s Sake is a new website run by two music-loving writers from London. We aim to bring you news, reviews, listings and interviews with your favourite folk-influenced artists from London as well as tidbits from around the…
Slow Club extravaganza at Union Chapel this Xmas
Slow Club have announced a Christmas show at the Union Chapel in London.