Tag: foxymoron

I’ll Tell You What I’m Most Looking Forward to at Bradford Roots Festival, Opinions May Vary!

The longer I gaze in awe at the lineup for this year’s Bradford Roots Festival at the Wiltshire Music Centre the more tempted to break hibernation for an expedition to Bradford-on-Avon I get, even if it means in Robert Falcon Scott style. If it’s Antarctic conditions out there on Saturday 20th Jan, I’m hiring huskies!

Billy in the Lowground

Four stages of the crème de la crème of locally sourced music under one purpose-built roof ensures it’ll be warm inside. Bradford Roots Festival is a who’s who of local talent, more music convention than festival, and I don’t know if they took heed of some suggestions I made or we’re simply singing off the same song sheet, but, just, wowsers!

Frankisoul

One thing before waffling on those I do know, there’s much more that I don’t know, yet, which is equally gurt lush, and hope to shed some light on those once done and dusted. For now though, let’s virtually trek stage-by-stage, kicking off with the main stage. Graham Dent Jazz Trio I caught last year and look forward to, Be Like Will aren’t much after and we love those guys, but Trowbridge’s upcoming soul hero, Frankisoul is a must for me. Reviewing his debut EP left me at loss for a local comparison, and while I’d never use Otis Redding lightly, such is the strength of Frankisoul’s vocals I did, and that’s the highest compliment I can reward, surely?! Though I’ve yet to catch him live, I’m putting him on a pedestal I’m certain he won’t kick over.

Nothing Rhymes With Orange at Devizes Street Festival

Wild and Woolley stage speaks for itself, Mark Green’s Blues Band are worthy of attention based on last year’s stunning performance. Yet it’s the gen z takeover in the latter half of the day down there which is really going to go off. Foxymoron, Melksham’s finest The Sunnies, and Devizes homegrown sensation, Nothing Rhymes With Orange, are all must-sees. Nestled between them is Bristol’s Life in Mono, who, though slightly older, I’ve only heard great things about.

Courting Ghosts

Newly formed but brimming with experience and talent, Courting Ghosts are unplugged as a finale at the bar stage, which will be something else. It’s also grand to see one third Lost Trader Phil Cooper on the list, Phil was the mc last year, and one rising acoustic magician I beg you to catch, Chippenham’s Meg.

Meg

There’s another stage I can’t even remember them having last year, The Golden Gudegon, kicked off by Trowbridge’s incredible Americana artist Daisy Chapman, followed by the impressive force which is Swindon’s Joel Rose, and though the rest are new to me, Ruby Darbyshire is rightfully on that list, and I recommend you find the stage for these. 

Ruby Darbyshire

And that’s just Saturday! Though unless I win the lottery, or suddenly invent commercially viable cloning technology within a fortnight, Sunday, I’ll sadly miss it. Though Becky Lawrence, Billy in the Lowground, Karport Collective, and Ed Dyke are the ones I’ll be most sad to have missed.

Karport Collective

And there’s my take on it, I’m sure you may have a different opinion and can name drop a whole other set on this stunningly extensive lineup, that’s your prerogative, and I’ll always heed of your recommendations. But one sure thing, Bradford Roots Festival is on, and is a wonderful thing. Fundraising for Parkinsons UK, the Music Centre’s Trust and their inhouse Zone Club, a monthly music-making project supporting the creativity of learning disabled young adults. The Zone Club presents their work on the main stage at 11:30.

Becky Lawrence

Beer from Kettlesmith Brewing and plenty of food and drink. Tickets are just £32 for the weekend or £22 for Saturday and £17 for Sunday only….snap them up, it’s worth it for one of those acts recommended alone…or maybe two, maximum!

Tickets HERE

And the Full Line Up too!

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Devizes Arts Festival Rules, OK?!

Alas, it’s been a long week since the Devizes Arts Festival called time. It feels a little like when my Dad would take the Christmas…

Nothing Rhymes with Orange at Devizes Corn Exchange

By Florence Lee. Images by Kiesha Films.

Booking Devizes’ most prestigious venue, The Corn Exchange was mighty ambitious for newly formed promoter Lost Monkey Productions, but to say that Nothing Rhymes with Orange was a marvel last night would be an understatement. They completely enthralled the whole hall and captivated the attention of everyone listening…..

Image: ©Kiesha Films

Last night kicked off with OverStory, a band only created earlier this year. They had a mix of exceptional covers and originals which were both extraordinary. They even brought on a female voice, which added diversity and elevated their performance. Their relaxed music created a chilled out mood that the audience enjoyed. You couldn’t tell they only called themselves a band early this year. These boys go to Bath College studying music and call their music phenomenon ‘messing around.’ I look forward to seeing Overstory ‘mess around’ again.  

Image: ©Kiesha Films

OverStory then handed the baton to Foxymoron, who exceeded all high expectations. They delivered originals, all with a unique sound that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed. Foxymoron portrayed both great charisma, and a natural ability to perform. Their song ‘signs’ was compelling to watch and listen to; I hope they release their music soon. The audience was enchanted with the band and was hanging on to every note. Their fan base is ever expanding with each performance and everyone is hoping to witness their flourishing successes.  

Image: ©Kiesha Films

As soon as Nothing Rhymes with Orange walked onto their stage, the audience was buzzing with anticipation. NRWO started their set with their new single ‘Butterflies’ whilst the crowd belted out every word, even though it was only released at the end of May. The dedication of their fanbase to know every lyric truly reflects how NRWO has a committed growing audience, which enjoy both their company and music. They continued their set and continued to amaze all that were there to witness it. They produced an astounding cover of the Kings of Leon’s ‘Sex on Fire.’

Image: ©Kiesha Films

The place was absorbed by the energy from the audience and the band’s connection with each other. Continuing from that remarkable cover, NRWO performed more originals and unreleased music, which had the audience engrossed in their show. They performed nearly all their released music, including ‘Creatures’ and ‘Chow for Now’ as well as their unreleased song ‘Monday,’ which was played on BBC Music Introducing. The fluidity between their own songs and a few covers was incredible and well practised. Their individual performances and characters are starting to develop as well as maturing into a tight band. Their bright guitar, interesting riffs, unique voice and insanely fast and technical drumming gives them an individual sound which separates them from the boy bands of this day in age. The love for their own music and the music of the other performers is projected through the interactions with both. It is clear to see that Nothing Rhymes with Orange appreciate the growth that their band is rightfully getting. 

Image: ©Kiesha Films

Nothing Rhymes with Orange shows the coming generation of musical talent in an amazing light. They are kind to their fans, respectful of everyone who helps them and show appreciation to any support that they receive. They are not only a band, but friends of the audience, which shows as they feel at home on stage. Coming from a local school, it shows that ‘ordinary’ people can create something which inspires and includes the people around them.  I can’t wait to see what all the bands come up with next. 

Image: ©Kiesha Films

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Talk in Code are All In for New Single

Swindon indie pop virtuosos Talk in Code released their brand new single, All In, Yesterday, via Regent Street Records. And We. Love. Talk in Code…