The new me

I went to see post-rock (or instrumental/orchestral/chamber noise, whatever you fancy) septet The Monroe Transfer play at the Union Chapel yesterday. I hadn’t seen them play since I left the group about a year ago, so it was a real pleasure to see them in what seemed like their native habitat -  the Union Chapel, what a venue. New guitarist Peter Williams is a worthy replacement… and their new stuff is sounding really, really good. They’ve recorded a new album, which will have a lot of the new stuff on it, and they’re working with graphic artist Consumer Revolt on the packaging and artwork, which is looking amazing -  I heartily recommend getting a copy when it’s out in January.

In another nostalgia-inducing episode, Michael Caines (no, not that one) very kindly linked to The Sound of The Ladies Lounge on the homepage of his band, The Spirit of Play. Michael has a number of musical projects, as well as being a talented actor and arts journalist (makes you sick, right?), but the reason I know him is that he gave me my first musical break. That is to say, about ten years ago marked my debut public vocal performance, singing “Stars of Track and Field” by Belle and Sebastian in his band at the Jericho Tavern in north Oxford. You could very well blame him for all that’s happened since. In any case, he is a very talented writer and musician, and I would warmly encourage you to check out his music.

So, enough looking back. I have to write a set of songs about space for December’s Bright Club, so it’s futuristic all the way from now on. At least for the next 2 weeks. See you next decade!