Glasswerk presents Pink Crudge Caravan, Geoff Raggett, The Lightwing, The Fleas

 

SHIBUYA CROSSINGS

in the glory years of angle-hungry weekly music papers, it would have been a publicist’s dream: a band of young guys playing well-written, melody-rich songs, each of the members hailing from a different country. But in these file-sharing days of pan-global collaborations and instant international connectivity, does having such a diverse makeup still mean enough to impact a band’s sound?

“It definitely does in some respects,” says Shibuya Crossings singer and guitarist Declan Harrington. “But, more than that, I think what helps give us an interesting sound is that we all come from different places musically.” And it’s true: Though they also all share many of the same influences, each of the members brings a different sonic sensibility: Declan, who grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during “the troubles,” is steeped in classic and indie rock; bassist Rob Toshman was raised in the UK on hard-edged punk; and Filipino drummer Ian Escario leans toward contemporary pop.

Yet it’s the seamless way in which these varying styles mesh that gives the London-based group its unique but timeless sound. A sound that shines through brightly on DOYA, the band’s second album of addictively edgy, guitar-driven rock ’n’ roll.

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GEOFF RAGGETT

Talented troubadour now with a full band behind him, who played a storming set for Glasswerk recently at the Camden Enterprise.

THE LIGHTWINGS
These South East Londoners are causing hysteria in the music clubs of our capital city. Their passion for Merseybeat, Britpop and Motown delivers a fresh new sound for 2011; they call it Beatpop! Their rock 'n' roll rhythms and infectious melodies never fail to stir up a frenzy with all the Boys and Girls.

THE FLEAS

The Fleas, according to the P.R, are a five-piece - and if you like it timeless and tuneful then you're in for a treat.

'Something or Nothing' is all acoustic guitars, plonky pianos, heartfelt sentiments, soft funky bass and sweetly harmonised vocals. Nice!

'Dreadful Blonde' is a little bit darker but despite those undertones still made me chuckle....flat mate's nightmare girlfriends being the subject - "I can't breathe with her around...she's always on my play-station...and she don't put things back where they're found"

This guy has a beautiful voice....plain and simple, fractured and fragile and framed so well in 'Downer' and 'Rain' with it's ever so slightly latinoesque rhythms.

There are some great tunes and plenty of interesting narratives to boot.

I was bit...bit by the fleas....