Flawless

Since their sterling debut album I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose, Crouch-End based Bombay Bicycle Club have gone on to achieve critical acclaim like no other. With an inaugural collection of songs that truly epitomized indie cool, the band have not only gained a series of accolades but a long legion of loyal fans.

Their latest offering entitled “Flaws” is a considerably more acoustic affair and perhaps marks a notable change in their direction. The beautifully written and complex album is testament to this band’s musical ability, while their whirlwind calendar of tour-dates this summer (from major music festivals to gigs at churches and arts centres) prove these boys are no doubt a force to be reckoned with….


So tell us about your new acoustic album Flaws…
Well making acoustic music is something we’ve always done; the album probably started with what we thought was a b-sides session that my dad was producing. Over the next year or so the album was finished in Jack’s bedroom, it was a pretty informal process, which was a nice change after the intensive sessions for the first album. The whole thing has just been reinvigorating for us I think.

Can I ask, what’s with the church tour? Is there a symbolic reason behind this?
Well when you’re playing quiet music it’s important that people are quiet, otherwise you end up not being able to hear the music, in a church you’re not going to talk loudly.

How has your life changed from doing basement gigs and support acts to massive festival arenas?
Not really, I write this from my parent's living room. Being in a band is definitely all about extremes, either you’re playing gigs and recording or sitting around doing absolutely nothing.

Where do you see your sound going from here?

Well the next album is going to be electric again, though might have one or two acoustic songs on it. I probably see the next album carrying on from songs like always like this and the giantess. After the next album who knows though, maybe another acoustic album or maybe something completely different.

Their new single, ‘Rinse Me Down’ will be released on September 20th.

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Magic In The Air

"A bee kept trying to get into my mouth in the first song.... so that was a little disconcerting", proclaims Luke Temple of Brooklyn quintet, Here We Go Magic as he takes a large gulp of water. It's the height of the summer and as the sun drenches the Suffolk countryside to the hum of guitar strings, all of Latitude is reveling in the quintessential festival atmosphere.

In the dressing rooms behind the main stage, the band are relaxing after playing a crowd-pleasing set to the music hungry fans. But momentary sit-downs are rare and few for this hard-working band, who the very next day were jetting-off to Chicago to play at Pitchfork festival after a whirlwind tour of Europe. "Yep, it's just TOUR TOUR TOUR TOUR, at the moment", the band reveal with a laugh.

With world-wide domination under their belts thanks to an old-school drive of pulling in the fans through a multitude of incredible live gigs; it's not bad considering this indie collective began little over a year ago. Originally, Here We Go Magic was the 4-track project of vocalist and guitarist Luke Temple, before his gang of talented friends entered the equation.

"I had been playing with Pete (Hale, drums), just kind of jamming. Then all of a sudden some shows came around, so I had to put a band together", reminiscences Luke. " So we decided to turn what we were doing into Here We Go Magic". Shortly after that, the musical duo were joined by Michael Bloch on guitar and Kristina Lieberson on the keyboard. Finding a suitable bass player however, took a bit of time; "We had a different bass player on board originally, but that didn't work out. Jen meanwhile had seen a few of our shows and was probably our only fan in the world. Then one night, we ran into her at a party and she was like 'If you you ever wanna jam-and I'm not asking to be in the band-but just if you ever want to get together and play, I play bass'. So we got her to come round the next day and that was it! The band formed and we've been on tour ever since".

Despite their hectic schedule on the road, the band have some how managed to produce a follow-up to the self-titled Here We Go Magic, Luke's debut which has been touted as a "Stream-of-conscious lyrics and swirls of psychedelic, lo-fi noise" . The latest offering meanwhile, the obscurely named Pigeons, is a beautiful collection of hypnotic tracks fused with dense yet sweet harmonies all rolled together with an ethereal blend of heightened repetition.

"We were really into Krautrock when we were making this album", Luke explains, " We listen a lot to these German bands from the 60's. That's a sort of running theme for us." Indeed, this heavy influence from the experimental music scene from the last century is evident in their latest repertoire. With Krautrock submerging the music industry at a time where iconic bands strived living on the road and lived for playing to live audiences, it appears the movement not only inspires Here We Go Magic musically, but their rock'n'roll work ethic too.

So with two epic albums to their name and having threaded the main stage of some of the world's biggest music festivals, what's next for this band of talented friends? "More tours!", they exclaim. Begs the question really doesn't it, do Here We Go Magic ever sleep?

Sounds Of The Summer

From its humble beginnings as a birthday barbecue, Standon Calling this year celebrated its tenth anniversary by proving that it’s bigger and more colourful than ever. Set in the rolling countryside in essentially founder Alex Trenchard's backyard (complete with swimming pool...); this boutique festival relishes in its non-corporate philosophy and this year pulled out all the punches in making it the ultimate independent festival of Summer 2010.

Striving on a level of authenticity fused with a certain whimsy, this year's offering not only included a killer musical line-up but also served up the quintessentially apt murder mystery theme of Murder On The Standon Express. Featuring such wonders as a Sweeny Todd's Barber Shop, an abandoned cinema, and a night club in a cowshed (as you do), the site alone provided fancy dress clad punters the perfect setting to revel in this devilishly delightful world of debauchery.

Fully expressing this particular narrative throughout the course of the three days, it was however, the Saturday night that truly became the epicentre of an alternative universe as the site became invaded by the likes of the cast of Scooby Doo as well as some rather literal interpretations of the classic Cluedo characters.

Musical highlights from this momentous weekend included headliners Liars and Etienne De Crecy whose phenomenal sets drew the masses to the main stage; while Orchestre Buena Vista Social Club rounded up Sunday night’s excursions in typical spectacular fashion. Meanwhile over at the Twisted Licks Tent, British Sea Power and Delorean where hot favourites, providing majestic anthems to the eager crowds who packed out the Baker Street Station inspired stage.

In all, Standon Calling 2010 was an epic affair and one we hope retains its personal edge. It may not be the biggest festival in the world, but with a line-up that boasts quality over quantity, an over-whelming friendly atmosphere and an added bonus of random quirks; this is a festival whose charm grants it the best-kept secret the UK festival calendar has to offer.

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Summer of Music

At Seventh Man we're not just about fashion. We’re rather keen on music too.

With Glastonbury having kicked off the festival season in the UK in its usual spectacular glory, we take a look at the hottest music festivals that the rest of the summer has to offer.

Get ready for the summer of music…

Hop Farm

Location: The Hop Farm, Kent.

Dates: 2nd- 3rd July.

Headliners: Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Blondie and Ray Davies.

Other Notable Acts: Mumford & Sons, Pete Doherty, Laura Marling.

The Lowdown: Hop Farm is perhaps the definitive old-school music festival that summer 2010 has to offer. Shunning corporate sponsorship and branding in favour of a “back to basics” philosophy; this festival well and truly encapsulates what music festivals are all about –the music fans and of course, great live music.

www.hopfarmfestival.com

Latitude

Location: Henham Park, Suffolk.

Dates: 15th-18th July.

Headliners: Florence and the Machine, Belle and Sebastian, Vampire Weekend.

Other Notable Acts: Here We Go Magic, The Maccabees, Dirty Projectors, Mumford & Sons, The Horrors.

The Lowdown: If you want a festival minus the pulsating dance tent and bleary-eyed punters, Latitude is for you. Yes, this boutique festival is the ultimate chill-out experience. With a line-up consisting of cool ambient acts, the festival also features everything from cabaret, theatre, comedy and film to arts, crafts, literature and poetry.

www.latitudefestival.co.uk

LoveBox

Location: Victoria Park, London.

Dates: 16th -18th July.

Headliners: Dizzee Rascal, Roxy Music, Grace Jones.

Other Notable Acts: Bombay Bicycle Club, Chase and Status, Chew Lips, Mystery Jets, Noisettes, Empire of the Sun, Mark Ronson & The Business INTL, These New Puritans, O Children, New Young Pony Club, Jonny Woo.

The Lowdown: Now in its seventh year, Lovebox is one the most prolific festivals to take place in London’s Victoria Park. With an eclectic musical mix from folk and disco-punk to hip-hop and electronic, Lovebox is an atmospheric urban happening that’s well and truly got its finger on the pulse.

www.lovebox.net

Wimbledon Calling

Location: The Watershed, London.

Dates: 18th July.

Headliners: Dogs, New Young Pony Club, The View.

Other Notable Acts: British Sea Power, The Automatic, Dead Cassette

The Lowdown: This festival may only last a day, but it’s not short on its line-up. With leading indie acts drawing in the crowds, this festival also offers the very best in new bands who quite simply, personify cutting-edge cool.

www.myspace.com/wimbledoncalling

The Secret Garden Party

Location: Huntington, Cambridge.

Dates: 22nd-25th July.

Headliners: Gorrilaz Sound System, Mercury Rev, Marina & The Diamonds.

Other Notable Acts: Death Metal Disco Scene, The Crookes, Caravan Palace

The Lowdown: Secret Garden Party is an eccentric festival to say the least. With seemingly mythological tales from previous years, such as a stage on a pirate ship that promptly exploded after the last act’s performance; this fantastical boutique festival has developed a cult following quite like no other.

uk.secretgardenparty.com/2010/

The 1234

Location: Shoreditch Park, London.

Dates: 24th July.

Headliners: F***ed Up, Dum Dum Girls, Wavves, The Silver Machine, Peter Hook.

Other Notable Acts: These New Puritans, A Grave With No Name, Action Beat, Dark Horses.

The Lowdown: Brought to you by legendary promoter Sean McLusky, The 1234 presents the best new underground music alongside inspirational international artists set deep in the heart of London’s most creative and cultural quarter. The 1234 festival manifesto is to provide a platform for the very best musical talents from East London and the best emerging talent from around the globe.

www.the1234shoreditch.com

Kendal Calling

Location: Lowther Deer Park, The Lake District.

Dates: 30th July- 1st August.

Headliners: Doves, The Coral, Calvin Harris.

Other Notable Acts: The Futureheads, OK GO, British Sea Power, Erol Alkan, Dub Pistols and High Contrast.

The Lowdown: Kendal Calling is an innovative, independent festival based in the beautiful Lake District. Fusing contemporary music and art with traditional rural entertainment, this festival is now in its fifth year and has gained a popular following what with the early-bird tickets being snapped up in just one minute!

www.kendalcalling.com

Standon Calling

Location: Standon, Hertfordshire

Dates: 6th-8th August

Headliners: Buena Vista Social Club

Other Notable Acts: British Sea Power, These New Puritans, Casiokids, Egyptian Hip Hop, Lulu & The Lampshades,

The Low down: With three stages, numerous tents, secret areas and a nightclub in a cowshed, Standon Calling has gained a reputation for supporting the very best new bands and DJs. Judging from the talent currently involved in its battle of the bands style competition, The Road To Standon, this year’s festival is bound to serve up future headliners in the making.

www.standon-calling.com

Reading/Leeds

Location: Richfield Avenue/Bramham Park.

Dates: 27th-29th August.

Headliners: Guns ‘n’ Roses, Arcade Fire, Blink 182.

Other Notable Acts: The Libertines, Dizzee Rascal, The Cribs, Mystery Jets, The Futureheads, LCD Soundsystem, Mumford & Sons, Two Door Cinema Club, New Young Pony Club, Foals, The Drums, Los Campesinos!

The Lowdown: Originally known as the Carling weekend, Reading and Leeds are two achingly cool music festivals that take place simultaneously over the August Bank Holiday and share the same bill. This year’s offering sees the granddaddies of the UK music festivals return to their roots with a line-up brimming with some of the industry’s most iconic rock acts.

www.readingfestival.com

www.leedsfestival.com

Bestival

Location: The Isle of Wight.

Dates: 9th-12th September.

Headliners: Dizzee Rascal, The Flaming Lips, The Prodigy.

Other Notable Acts: Bookhouse Boys, Chase and Status, Dub Pistols, Egyptian Hip Hop, I Blame Coco, LCD Soundsystem, Lulu and the Lampshades, Memory Tapes, Mumford and Sons, Neon Indian, New Young Pony Club, O. Children, Simian Mobile Disco, The xx

The Lowdown: Often touted as one of the best festivals the music calendar has to offer; this year, Bestival is guaranteed to live up to its stellar reputation. Offering a gargantuan line-up of the biggest names in the music industry, the boutique festival also adds to the fun with an eclectic mix of a Farmer’s market, a burlesque tent and even a toboggan run, all set in a colourful world of utterly random fancy dress.

www.bestival.net

End of the Road

Location: Larmer Tree Gardens, North Dorset.

Dates: 10th-12th September.

Headliners: Modest Mouse, Yo La Tengo, Wilco.

Other Notable Acts: The Mountain Goats, The New Pornographers, Here We Go Magic, Ladyhawk, Pulled Apart By Horses,

The Lowdown: Rounding off the summer of festivals quite nicely is the intimate affair that is End Of The Road. Set in the beautiful Larmer Tree Gardens, this chilled out music fest prides itself on providing unexpected touches. From wandering peacocks and parrots to encouraging impromptu artist collaborations, this festival ‘s unique style is a perfect way to end the season.

www.endoftheroadfestival.com