Off The Cuff// World Book Day.

In case you hadn't noticed the literary rain outside your window, today is World Book Day. 


Off The Cuff//World Book Day

I've been writing a lot recently and feeling quite proud of myself as a result. There's an annotated list of tasks shaded in various colors to indicate how urgent or not they are on my desk and I'm working my way through it pleasantly. As anybody with the task of writing in whatever capacity will tell you it's important to have a routine and definite game plan when creating and that is never more evident  than on World Book Day. There many authors in the world writing in thousands of languages and hundreds of styles and to have a worldwide day devoted to them is very satisfying.


Books are sometimes considered like CD's in their popularity yet I believe that the book will never truly die. They are products of nature both physical and intellectual and when one is put in front of most of us we tend to look at it's page count and internally shudder at the time it will take to read it. But reading is not a sport just as the creation of books is only limited by the mind and publishers deadlines. 


I recently read an extract from Henry Miller's musing on writing and found some interesting food for thought. As technology has advanced so have the tools for reporting and making books possible. The printing press was the major source of the book movement but now digital production has the power to produce as many batches of one's publication as is needed on comparatively short deadlines. When the e-reader was announced much was said about it taking the place of the well bound book but I see no sign of that happening yet. 


The role of the book has changed somewhat as well, with past associations of evil, magic and controversy slowly fading away in to the modern light. But despite these changes in society and use the journey has not changed one bit. It starts with an idea, fills one then many blank pages and hopefully completes itself. Once that has happened the creator of the work can only feel proud to have fulfilled the old saying about there being a book in everybody. If you're very lucky there will be many books in you and it's true that once you have written one another can't help but appear in some form. 


So on this World Book Day sit down and enjoy a book in whatever form you can. Somewhere there will be an author smiling as they realise that somebody somewhere is reading their words. 


Sebastian Gahan. 

Art Review//Lost Properties!

Just when I was looking for something new in the Liverpool art scene along comes this excellent show housed in a former passage way to a car park on Liverpool's Renshaw Street. 

Art Review//Lost Properties

Once you've deleted your Google history, your next step should be to pay a visit to Renshaw street and view true freedom as a once empty space, shuttered up and forgotten is revived with some interesting artwork. Featuring the work of local artists Tomo, Koti, Delphine, L Spar and Even it makes an interesting alternative to the flashier art installations found in more contemporary venues.  


Upon entry the first thing you notice is a bank of cardboard box enshrouded televisions showing the street outside and it is a remarkably fascinating piece all the more impressive for the fact it blends in so well.  Further exploration leads to street art style pieces created on found materials, walls that have eyes and much more besides. Notable pieces include Even's thought provoking pictures. The image of a flock of doves flying from a council dust bin is very striking and makes you want to see more of his work . That is easy as there is a lot more of his work to see as well as that of Liverpool art Prize nominee Tomo, whose posters are as ever humourous and thought provoking in the extreme. 


A trip up the cloth curtained steps leads to the other rooms of the building and there is much fun to had in seeing what's behind the doors. Some doors are bricked up behind creating a effect that is rather disconcerting and others open leading to the bathroom where cubicles have been converted into art. A television perches upon one toilet showing an art film, the walls have prints displayed on them from Tomo and other artists and it is fascinating to see the definition of toilet art put into perfect practice.  


But this show is one that begs to be seen to truly appreciate it so head on down to 63 Renshaw Street before March 8th to catch some excellent work. 


Sebastian Gahan. 

Music Feature//Tokyo Jihen - The End of Incidents.

Tokyo Jihen announced their imminent parting of ways in January 2012 after almost a decade of making music together. Formed by Shina Ringo in 2004 the band produced six studio albums together, including their last mini album entitled Color Bars released in January 2012. In addition there were numerous DVD releases, singles and a live album.
Tokyo Jihen - The End of Incidents.

A statement released on the bands website, which reportedly broke down under heavy traffic in the wake of the announcement, reported that the band will officially end it's life on the 29th February when their final tour "Domestique Bonne Voyage" ends at the Nippon Budokan. 


Doubtless, there will be more to come from the various members, most notably from Shina Ringo and the ever present J-pop producer and writer Kameda Seiji, but how have the fans been taking it? Over at the Electric Mole Forum, pages were mounting fast as regulars and not so regulars were mourning, discussing and in some cases expressing relief at the announcement. In Japan the mourning was somewhat less noticeable for the reason that there was still a packed schedule 


But in the run up to the 'break up' date there was no shortage of Tokyo Jihen related product to keep you occupied. First there is the, as the band may very well put it,'au revoir' mini album Color Bars at a record store or digital supplier near you right now. After that comes the DVD and Blu-ray of their Discovery tour followed by Tokyo Collection in the middle of February. The latter kills two birds with one chart busting stone by being a live best of album that may well divide the more critical camps of the considerably sized fan base world wide. 


Previous Incidents


With all the farewell releases it's easy to forget there are a wealth of previously released albums from the band to enjoy. 


教育
Back in 2004 when it was announced that Tokyo Jihen were to release their debut album there was a tangible feeling of excitement in the air and by and large the album fulfiled expectation. Beginning with an energised version of the song that closed the initial stage of Ringo's solo career 'Ringo no Uta' it is an often Ringo-centric album despite the band format and it shows in both the production and song writing styles that owe more to her solo work than a band production. It is never the less a stronger than average debut that owes much of it's class to the seasoned talent of it's musicians and staff.  


大人
Also known as Adult album number two and the final as 'Phase 1' of their career is a more sonically relaxed affair with the jazz influences hinted at on Kyouiku more apparent and a distinctly more mellow look out. Perhaps coincidently it's seen as a career high point. With favorites Tomei Ningen and Shuruba included it's timeless quality is notable and the intricacies of the production make for a different experience upon each listen.


娯楽
Also known as Variety the third album is often cited their least satisfying by fans and critics alike. Perhaps this is because it's so different to it's two predecessors. With all of the band on song writing duties there is a more scattered narrative to the album and it is notably less subtle generally. Despite this there is some excellent material though. Notably the uncharacteristic rhythm of Osca, the first appearance of the band on vocals on Botomin and the J-Pop like Killer Tune. 


スポーツ
For Sports the well placed energy of the debut album returns bringing a freshness that is instantly noticeable. From the a capella intro of 生きる/Ikiru to the catchy J-Pop styled production of 電波通信 /Denpa Tsushin - perhaps the most successful track on the album - it's a whole lot more accessible than most of their material thus far. Many said that it was perhaps too much on the commercial side citing the R'n'B influnced スイートスポット/Sweet Spot and  閃光少女/Senkou Shoujo as examples of the bands diluted sound. But with the band invigorated there is better to come... 


大発見
Unbeknownst to most listeners Daihakken was to the bands last full album and in retrospect it shows to a degree. With their energies fully recharged and various download singles released in between it was obvious they were back on form and with song after song of energised but still more commercial tracks on offer there is barely a weak track on offer here. The obvious highlights are the funky 恐るべき大人達/Osorubeki Otonatachi, 空が鳴っている/Sora ga Natteiru and 新しい文明開化/Atarashii Bunmei Kaika and even the slightly odd swing out 女の子は誰でも/Onna no Ko wa Daredemo doesn't feel too out of place.


color bars 
The final mini album from the band is in many ways their most experimental yet although temperamental could also be a relative adjective. beginning the uber-Jihen 今夜はから騒ぎ/Konya wa Karasawagi  which was was also their final promo video, hinting at their end with various visual clues, it lurches into the foreboding 怪ホラーダスト/Kai Horror Dust then the relatively successful Kameda Seiji written ballad タイムカプセル/Time Capsule. The final two tracks though depart brilliantly from the pallet book thus far and give us disco and almost industrial J-Rock on sa_i_ta and ほんとのところ/Honto no Tokoro.


Words by Sebastian Gahan. 
Review of Color Bars.
Review of Daihakken
Review of Sports

Book Flashback//Rackgaki: Japanese Graffiti

When you look at the streets around you, what do you notice? The people, walking along relentlessly in the pursuit of happiness only to be disappointed? The dying plants neglected by the council? The trash thrown on the ground by careless individuals with no care or concern for the environment around them or the generations ahead who will suffer as a result of their laziness? How about the unabashed creativity on the walls in the from of graffiti? Me, that’s what I notice.  That and a lot more, but as an artist myself art can't help to catch my eye!


Book Flashback//Rackgaki: Japanese Graffiti

I believe that if there were more art in the streets we’d all be happier and more positive. Color is a theraputic thing and the best graffiti art is both educational and creative. In this spirit I’m reviewing Rakugaki: Japanese Graffiti . This gem of a book is a photographic record with some interviews and snippets scattered throughout of the wonderful and different world of the Japanese graf scene. Rather than just picking up on the tags and smaller pieces that litter every conceivable surface of the Yamanote line circle stations it wisely goes beyond the confines of Tokyo and out to the true capital of graf in Japan, Osaka. The pieces selected are well chosen representations of the artists involved and please the eye as well as the artist.

The DVD that comes with it brings extra dimension to the book giving us a filmic look at the works we’ve seen previously only in photo form and gives a funky time as well, with some great music used in the background by local DJs and artists. The section on the disused hospital in Kanagawa is particularly effective and apart from some astounding works that defy explanation make you want to jump the fence and visit yourself. Unfortunately, however, the exact location isn’t revealed. The Tokyo streets section is my favorite simply because after viewing this DVD I saw the very pieces myself in the back streets of Tokyo with my own eyes. True genius is found in dark areas indeed. The interviews are revealing and provide a deeper look into the psyche of the taggers behind the works, although the necessarily anonymous voice only aspect is actually a positive feature here.

The book wisely chooses to give the art space to breathe rather than smothering it with too much text and benefits from being this way. There aren’t that many books available on the market about graffiti , especially the Asian side. This book remains a favorite of mine and continues to inspire me in my own work, although it is only on canvas as of yet. File this along side Banksy’s Wall and Piece as the best look at modern graffiti available so far. If you’re looking for more Japanese graffiti check the sometimes published magazine, Kaze. The magazine is only available in Japan, but they have a good website that’s worth a look!

Review by Sebastian Gahan. 

http://seba-rashii.blogspot.com/

Music Review//The Van Susans - Bricks Not Sticks or Straw

Touring soon in support of the slightly renamed Beautiful South, (dropping the Beautiful and becoming merely The South, if you go looking) The Van Susans are kept even busier with a new single as well. It's title is Bricks Not Sticks or Straw and we have a listen below.


Music Review//The Van Susans - Bricks Not Sticks or Straw

Opening with the half-rhyming tongue twister of a title track it's a promising start with a soaring chorus offering hope to a precious somebody, with words coming out clearly over the indie-pop backing. The conclusion to the song offer some happy endings with it's closing declaration 'You and me are going to be just fine' in twist to the usually dark love story of songs in this genre and despite this reviewers usually love of darkness in music this was an excellent surprise that refreshed my thoughts completely. Note should also be made of the rather nice guitar solo in the breakdown.


Closing the double header is the more upbeat yet acoustic lead Disappear which pulls the listener in with the rain referencing and wind blown chorus that leaves us with some nice metaphors to contemplate whilst the backing keeps a relaxed but effective frisson of excitement going. The bars of piano that close the song are certainly an excellent closer to a tight but emotionally open double header that should bring the band may more fans.


Review by Sebastian Gahan.  

Archive//Convenience or Bad Luck?

Yesterday, whilst on the bus we were stuck in a long traffic queue and when I was looking out of the window I saw a row of shops that made me laugh like a hyena.


Convenience or Bad Luck?

On the end was an off license which shared an entrance to a Bookies. A death trap if ever there was one, I must say! Next to that was a cheap supermarket, which was just there really, as is the nature of such bland environments. But next came the coincidence, there was a bridal shop that looked rather neglected in this moral-lacking suburb, a shop selling kids clothes, a sweet shop to throw you off the scent slightly, a disabled equipment shop and finally a solicitors that dealt, among other things, with divorce. It was written in big black capitals as if to tempt you in for your sins. The best thing was, if you crossed the road to the next block there was a Funeral Parlor.  

Unfortunately there was no church nearby to actually get married in, so the street wasn't fully equipped for a life of sin, sex, and legal affairs just yet. If I lived here, where ever this godforsaken place was, I would be worried. It's as if the shop keepers decided to get together to offer a trail of life's woes and issues in one three minute walk. Does anybody else know of any other streets like this? I really want to visit more places like this and take pictures before they burn in 2012. 

Seba Rashii. Image as credited. 

Coming Soon//The Portico Quartet - Remix Single

The Portico Quartet,notably featured on these pages before, are back with a remix single following the release of their excellent self-titled third album in January 2012.


Music Preview//The Portico Quartet - City of Glass (LV Remix)/Window Seat (Will Ward Mix) 

The opener of the double header single is a remix of City of Glass by LV and it is a pleasure to hear such sonic delights coming into the world. Throwing the cheap associations of the word remix right out of the window this is a perfect companion to the original with squeaky clean beats enhancing the originals atmospheric grace to great effect. There is an almost melancholic edge to the mix with the breakdown bringing to mind a particularly good evening out in it's playful fizzes and beeps.


The Will Ward (of Circle Traps) remix of Window Seat is a subtle one that begins with a heartbeat like drum rhythm and merges brilliantly with the ethereal keyboard riffs that characterize the original so well. The sound is slightly off kilter and this makes for a listening experience in itself, with the perfectly formed distortion of the synth and found sound base track adding an icy chill to the proceedings that makes the haunting original even more appreciated. 


If you enjoyed their latest self-titled album then this must surely be a logical next step.


Listen here: 
http://soundcloud.com/realworldrecords/sets/city-of-glass-lv-remix-window/

Reviewed by Sebastian Gahan. 

Interview Flashback//Volcanoes.

Volcanoes are unique. If any statement is more true this year, then I'll eat the pixels they take up on this screen. 


Yes, this gang of - in the best possible way - weirdos are crazy, amiable, possibly prone to delusions and partially from the creative hub that is Sheffield. But just because they're from Sheffield, don't pigeonhole them yet, because they may get rather angry and hypnotize you into doing things that may be illegal.  


Yet, despite the band name there were no explosions, volcanic or otherwise , in the course of this intensive grilling and I am proud to be able to provide you the answers to just how the band describe their brand of music, why they possess a blow up snow man, just what they would do if lava overwhelmed the world and why we may not hear their album for a while yet...



Music Interview Flashback//Volcanoes 

How's life with Volcanoes?

Very good taa, we did a gig in Liverpool last week and I managed to play one of our songs in it’s entirety a fret down from the rest of the band. Other than that we’re belter.

Did your name come from being incredibly explosive or is there another explanation?

We were very close to being called ‘Shirles, Bed and the Volcanoes’ based on the acoustic act we’d evolved from. I guess we just cut the crap.

Is there something about the water in Sheffield that produces musicians or is it just a big coincidence that many bands have come from there?

Sheffield has a fantastically varied and thriving music scene. The Tramlines festival this year showcased loads of local artists all over the city. Sheffield completely buzzed that weekend and every venue was packed, it really is fizzing with talent right now. I’m sure there are quite a few bands from the region that are going to get much more attention over the next year, hopefully including us.

How would you describe your music?

Laserbeamed Indie Jungle Juice. We sing about anything and try to make it entertaining and great. We’re like an anti Snow-Patrol.

You're based between Sheffield and Leeds. What is the best thing about the Sheffield and Leeds music scenes and why?

The best thing is that it’s pretty easy to find musicians form a band and get gigs. This is also the worst thing as it’s a nightmare trying to compete with 10+ other gigs on any given night. 

How did you all meet and when did the band come about?

I knew Boa from 6^th Form College in Hereford we went our separate ways at Uni but he got a call one morning and I asked him to take up bass guitar and help us out and he immediately obliged and moved from Nottingham to Sheffield and good lad Shirles, I met at Uni and we formed an acoustic band called Shirles and Bed that later became Volcanoes. Ash we downloaded from the internet when we needed a drummer.

Do you have an obsession with Ping Pong or is it just the photo shoot?

Both Shirles and Boa represented Great Britain in their teenage years, weird.

How's the album coming along and what can we look forward to hearing on it?

The album huh, well to be fair we could lay one down tomorrow if we thought it would sell. We’re well aware that this whole music industry is a bit of a game and there’s no point releasing something that no-one’s going to hear about. Yeah we could shift about 300 copies but we’d kind of like to move on from that when we release an album. So I guess what I’m trying to say is for now we’ll save an album until we get some decent backing, until then we’ll aim to raise our profile with further EP releases.

What are your less obvious influences in making music?

OCD – I had a rancid time with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder a few years back. Although it left me feeling a bit shitty from time to time, one theory is that OCD is a twist on an overactive imagination so I got quite good at coming up with song ideas.

Tell us something about Sheffield that is just plain odd and surprising.

It is the birthplace of The Queen of Sheeba and was once part of Atlantis.

A review of your E.P. suggested that the world will soon be covered in molten lava it was that good. What would be your first act upon discovering the world covered in lava?

I’d check my pants to make sure that it was actually lava and not the result of a bad Kebab. After discovering (to my relief) that it was indeed lava and not poo, I’d shed a tear for my lost brethren and then return to the space battleship Ziashiivek for conquests a new. 

To Boa, is Boa Internationale your real name, or are you possibly lying to us?

I never lie.

What's your process for writing songs? Your lyrics for a start are quite unique...

Thank you very much for listening to them, I honestly put a lot of effort into them and try to make them er….good. I bet most folk never listen to them, and just dance to the beat.One thing I hate is bands/musicians who just sing about fucking relationships and how confused and difficult it all is. I don’t believe for one minute that anyone really analyzes their love life that much and I think they just want to sell records or they are tedious fools with no actual point…..sorry about that.

Life is actually excellent and we try to write about it from all sides. Obviously some tunes are a bit shady so we’re not super happy all the time. I approach music from the Beatles angle, our music isn’t incredibly complex but we have songs and not just tunes. Know what I mean? 

Can you use words alone to force me to buy your favorite album? (i.e. Convince me to buy your favorite album!)

My fav album of all the time??? OK here it goes. Look into my eyes, not my eyes these words, these words look into these words, these words and SLEEP. When you awake you will go into a record shop and purchase ‘Room on Fire’ by the Strokes, you will then pick a card at random…..(Actually I already have that album! - Seba.) 

You say that you enjoy the thrill of making music. Which is the best part, the writing or the recording?

The whole sheebang, it’s mint watching a idea take form and even better when it only takes one practice from idea to hero tune. Recording is satisfying too because we work a lot harder on the tunes that are due to get recorded so they tend to get a bit better in the run up.

Do you have any rituals or lucky objects that you do before or keep on you during live performances?

We used to have a blow up snowman but it pissed me off to be fair. I’ve also worn a Snakeskin belt on two occasions when we’ve had a really shite gig, so I can’t wait to wear that again.

Who would be in charge of the world if you could have such a person and why?

Michael Flatley – come on….he’s quality.

If you could play a gig anywhere in the world, where would that place be?

Right now, I’d like a gig at Koko in Camden but I don’t know if I can be arsed asking again. Dude without us having to lick any nuts, just give us a gig and if we’re shit don’t invite us back. What a world. 

Do you believe in the theory that every action has an effect and what effect would your music have on the world ideally?

Yes I believe in that. Right now I hope we’ve inspired one or two youngsters to pick up a guitar and start off their own story. I hope that we can give many more folk a chunk of the good times if we get a bit better known xxx .

Finally, any last words of wisdom for our beautiful readers?

Yes.

Er...Thank you Volcanoes!