Alan Partridge’s favourite Beatles album is ‘The Best of The Beatles’, with that in mind we’re about to talk about the best stuff to come out of the Universal Thrift Club Recording Studio in 2012.
Camp Stag
BBC Introducing have recently included Camp Stags ‘Sirens’ in their playlist for 2013. A majestic achievement for the 4-piece who also recorded a 4-track extended pig at UTC which got 99.9% of Stoke excited, the only people non-plussed about the shoegazing accountant types are deaf!
Have a cheeky listen to ‘Sirens’ The Big in Brooklyn Edit, remixed by our own fair hands.
Bong Idle
It’s not very often that things get released on cassette these days but Bong Idle released their 3-track debut EP ‘Night of the Living Blunt’ in that format, because that’s the kind of guys they are. It’s rare that something makes us go WOW, but Bong Idle do, love ‘em or hate ‘em they’ll certainly spark debate, which is better than no one giving a shit. We love ‘em! Peter Andre described ‘Paramoia’ as sounding like it had been recorded in a rain-storm, which disappointed the 3 piece. They wanted it to sound like it had been recorded in Brian Wilsons kitchen, which of course it wasn’t.
Wray’s Nephew
Following on from his debut single ‘Talk About It’, Wray’s Nephew upped the ante in June with his second release; ‘It’s The Company You Keep.’ One of the biscuits (that’s a song, for those of you not up on UTC slang. Ed.) of the year without question! The eccentric Eastern European successfully married synth-pop electronic wizardry with dramatic orchestral tones and melodic New Order-esque vox, that’s not something you hear everyday! We’re all in.
Jaywalker
Producer and MC ‘Jaywalker’ blew off our heads (not literally of course, although rappers do have a reputation for this kind of thing) in November when he strolled into the studio with a berserk Drum & Bass beat and proper hooky vocals to match. Check out ‘About To Blow’. Part of the Slew on Them Crew, it’s not the first time Jaywalker has impressed, but this one is seriously next level. Mixtapes are what rappers call their albums and EPs we do believe and his promises to be monumental. It should be available this coming year.
Radicals Rising Presents The Rebel Bear Band
The year concluded with more of an event than a recording session. It proved to be something we we’re really proud to be involved in. Joe Gilligan was a talented young drummer who was tragically struck down with cancer in 2008. The Joe Gilligan Trust was set up in his memory to raise money to support people affected by the illness, as well as supporting young musicians. ‘The Rebel Bear Band’ was formed by Radicals Rising presenter Lee Barber to write and record a Christmas single from which all proceeds would go to the good cause. There were more musicians in the studio that cold day than most people of had hot dinners! In fact, artists from 8 different local bands feature on the song UNITE which turned out to be undeniable success. You can watch the full video below.
Looking forward to 2013
2013 promises a hell of a lot. 3’s A Riot, (who already have 2 cracking jaffas under their belt) promise to enhance their reputation even further with another single being recorded early in the new year. As well as Neon Rouge and Moscow who have already earned many admirers, even in their infancy! What promises to be the talk of 2013 however, is the debut album from psychedelic benders Vellocet. Their 9 track album is half way recorded (yes, 4 and a half songs nailed!) If we were any more excited about their debut release we might just burst.
Happy New Year, you pigs!