As regular readers will know, every now and then our intrepid photographer, Andy M , and I will occasionally go on a road trip outside the area to something special and then report back on it.
Last week, we had our first this year and it certainly was special with a super group of musicians performing a legendary album in full plus loads more.
So, our first addition this week is from the band’s new live album!
Looking locally we have two more additions – from a Reading band playing in the town soon plus a musician/producer from the Berkshire area.
To hear our selection, head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.
There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
Lust For Life Band – Neighbourhood Threat
What a show we saw last week at O2 Academy Islington in celebration of Iggy Pop’s classic album, Lust For Life.
We arrived as doors opened and caught the impressive support acts – Fifteen Lions, Suzanne Cook, Maniac Squat and a wonderful talk from Suzi Ronson, wife of the late great Mick Ronson from David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust band. That was fascinating.
Then it was time for the Lust for Life Band and as soon as they hit the stage it was clear that we were going to get a couple of hours of some of the most fun and exciting live music around.
The band were tight and powerful which is no surprise when comprised of Clem Burke of Blondie, Glen Matlock of Sex Pistols, Kevin Armstrong of Bowie’s band, Luis Correa of Earl Slick’s band and Florence Sabeva of Heaven 17’s touring band.
Fronting these incredible musicians was Katie Puckrik, best known as a presenter on Channel 4’s The Word in the 1990s. A strange choice to be performing the Iggy role you may think, but that’s where you’d be wrong. Katie was a revelation.
The excitement and passion she put into her performance was amazing as she showed herself to be the perfect choice. Absolutely stunning. Following a great performance of the whole of the Lust For Life album we were treated to more Iggy classics as well as songs from Bowie, The Sex Pistols & Blondie before a rousing closing version of The Stooges, Search and Destroy.
It was all so good and such great fun that it took a few days for the smile to leave my face.
This song is from the band’s new live album out now. – https://www.facebook.com/lustforlife1976
The Dianas – Domestique
Closer to home, here’s a Reading band who will be live at a Club Velocity show in their home town at Rising Sun Arts Centre on April 26. The band were formed in 2011 but having been inactive for around 10 years they have been well and truly back recently with the release of several impressive singles last year showcasing their shoegazing indie dream pop sound – https://www.facebook.com/theDIANAS.band
A Better Life – The First Light
Now for something a bit more chilled with the wonderful sound of A Better Life.
Their first album was great but producer, Phil Daniels, has raised the bar even further with this new single.
It features guest vocals of Holly Taymar which fit perfectly with the chilled grooves, guitar and keyboards to produce a single that you just want to play over and over. That’s certainly what I did. – https://abetterlifemusic.com/
I See Orange – Love Me Too
Here’s a band from Swindon with their 90s inspired grunge pop rock. This is a great song from their Lonesome Joy EP – https://linkr.bio/ISEEORANGE
The Mezz – Now I Found You
Indie poppers from Oxford, The Mezz, with an uplifting power pop anthem from their new EP – https://found.ee/slYBM
TV Yellow – Friday
Here’s another very good new melodic indie band and they will be live at Wokingham Festival in August – https://linktr.ee/tv_yellow
The Nations United – Confidence
You can see this exciting new Reading band supporting The Dianas at the Club Velocity show mentioned above – https://linktr.ee/thenuofficial
Country Chicks – Country Chicks (Theme Tune)
Here’s a Berkshire band who will be performing classic country at Wokingham Festival – https://countrychicksuk.wordpress.com/
The Meteors – 40 Days a Rotting
Here’s those kings of psychobilly, The Meteors, who will be coming to Reading Face Bar on March 29 – https://www.facebook.com/themeteorsofficial/
Violet Origin – So Many Years
Here’s a new three-piece band from Newbury who will be at Wokingham Festival in August. This is from their latest EP – https://linktr.ee/violetoriginuk