Barfly

For the third year in a row, Zane Lowe’s Gonzo is leaping off its sticky brown sofa and touring the UK’s Barfly venues with a choice selection of the best and most exciting emerging bands in indie rock.

If you want to champion the bands NOW that everyone else will be fawning about next year, take note. Previous Gonzo On Tours have included sets in 150-capacity venues from then little-known bands such as Franz Ferdinand, The Kaiser Chiefs, Kasabian, Maximo Park, Razorlight, Futureheads, The Go! Team, Willy Mason, Hope Of The States, Funeral For A Friend and Hot Hot Heat… bands and artists who as we all know have gone on to be massive. With a heritage like that, you’d have to be blind drunk, laughably misguided or at her majesty’s leisure to miss this year’s Gonzo On Tour.

Zane and the Gonzo team have hand picked a mouth-watering line-up of hot new talent including Editors, be your own PET, Arctic Monkeys, Nine Black Alps, The Rakes, The Morning After Girls, Field Music, The Subways, Kubichek!, Boy Kill Boy, Duels, The Heights and the you-try-saying-it-after-you’ve-had-a-few Test Icicles.

The Gonzo tour bus will hit Birmingham on the 14th October and then lurch into Cardiff, London, Liverpool and York respectively before finally collapsing in Glasgow on October 23rd.

The MTV2 cameras will be filming each of the gigs for broadcast in never on November 12th. Viewers can also see the best gigs from Gonzo On Tour 2003 and 2004 all week from November 7th on MTV2. Gonzo On Tour 2005 will undoubtedly deliver an intimate experience never to be forgotten. It’s going to get hot, it’s going to get sticky and it’s going to get messy – don’t dress up!

’My Demise’, released by Sanctuary records, contains typical metal hooks and a harrowing bass line that give Gardner’s vocals a base from which to explore life and its troubles: chaotic, dark, blasting metal/rock with twisted but humorous lyrics about bogeys and girls with thin legs and fat faces.

It's clear there's a spark in this band which could quite easily burst in to a long-burning flame. Take cover - Engerica may strike when you least expect.

Jason Ensa is back in town, he continue's his cool retro feel, wonderfull tones and harmonies, sounding like Crosby, Stills, Nash Jamming with the beach boys, Birminghams Bright Light

Dark and Disturbingly atmospheric i introduce you to .... Theatre of the absurd

The amazing voice of Gemma Quarterman debuts Barfly, described as 'Stunning, could make a grown man cry....' Exceptional talent.

Now with a new drummer in the form of Mathew Priest from Dodgy, ESP are ready to take their show on the road and with over 100 songs written in the last year, we know they will pack a punch with an intensely interesting live set.

Hailing from Oxfordshire and featuring brothers Henry (lead-guitar) and The Lords (bass), plus Skewie (drums), the band have carved local and minor national ripples over the past few years for a small succession of handsomely penned EPs and mini-releases, yet are now going at it all-guns-a-blazin’.

Being produced by Gang Of Four’s Andy Gill (also the production-head behind Killing Joke, The Futureheads and early Chili Peppers) helps, as does a diary packed with imminent (and recently aired) performances alongside fellow upstart hopes for the year impending – namely, Maximo Park, The Immediate, Tom Vek, Editors and Youth Movie Soundtrack Strategies. And then there’s the tunes. Of which, ‘Weekdays & Bleakdays’ has already become a cult web-hit, after having been included on the recent Queens Of Noize ‘Best of 2005’ iTunes release. Not so much ‘nifty’ as ‘revelatory’. Would we lie to you?

www.rockfeedback.com

Ricky played in numerous bands throughout his teen years, but began his professional musical career as the rhythm guitarist in New Model Army. After their disintegration, the young guitarist went on to found The Almighty in his native Glasgow, Scotland.

In 2002, Ricky embarked on a solo career and recorded his first release, Tattoos & Alibis. Recorded in Dublin, Ireland, Ricky collaborated with Peter O’ Toole of Hothouse Flowers and Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy fame. This album brought about a much different feel than his past efforts with The Almighty, with Ricky drawing from his influences such as Steve Earle, Johnny Cash, Ramones and The Clash. Released in September of 2003 through Sanctuary Records, Tattoos & Alibis was produced by Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott.

Just a few short years later and we find Ricky gearing up for his much anticipated sophomore effort. On Love Many Trust Few, due out on Sanctuary Records in the Spring of 2005, he has co-written songs with Irish singer/songwriter Kieran Goss, famed Nashville writers - Sharon Vaughn (Willie Nelson, Reba McIntire, Oakridge Boys) and Rob Crosby (Martina McBride) as well as Del James (Guns N’ Roses). Guest appearances include Joe Elliott and Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard.

LunarMile's style is unique, yet contain clear rock influences from bands from Led Zeppelin and The Stones to Queen. Fronted by Toni-Marie Iommi daughter of the Black Sabbath guitar legend their music is a breathtaking kaleidoscope mix of classic, modern, heavy rock and pop music.

Blackballoon are a four-piece Birmingham based rock band that write, compose and produce all their own music. Drawing on such influences as The Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20, Vertical Horizon, Dream Theater and Muse. Blackballoon are one of the UK’s premier unsigned bands going from strength to strength, with support from legends such as Richie Kotzen and Jeff Scott-Soto, they hope to get your support too.

Come and rock the day away with some of the best bands to grace Birmingham and indeed the rest of the world in recent times!

Fresh from supporting Kaiser Chiefs on part of their UK tour; Japanese rockers POLYSICS will be headlining this day of music and mayhem - bring your friends it's going to be brilliant!

The Ripps "As catchy as bird flu, as much fun as a bouncy castle and as cute as kittens." - Media Assassin. "High energy Ramones flavoured chops to English psychedelia, via Mexico, Morricone & Madchester." - Fused Magazine. "The Ripps are a sharp, snappy trio that bring a much needed sense of style to the table and by any rights you'll see them on Popworld in the next few months." - Blowback. Now for a bit of shameless name dropping! The Ripps have played shows with Maximo Park, Editors, Dead 60's, The Research, Towers Of London, The Duke Spirit, The Noisettes, 10,000 Things, El Presidente, Archie Bronson Outfit, The Rifles, The On Offs, Thee Unstrung, Selfish Cunt, Misty's Big Adventure, Merz to name but a few.....

Scratchy shambolic riffs, and powerful addictive rhythms running underneath a distinctively strong, yet laid back vocal is the key formula in Pint Shot Riot's impressively delightful unit of sound...

THE PEAKZ began life as Melys Bass player Rich Eardley gathering some friends to record a few demos for £50 at a local studio. This Demo of Conwy Valley Love Song was picked up and played numerous times by the late, great, John Peel.Its rammed full of bizarre plot twists, action, violence, robbery, fire and welsh organic mud!
Yet unlike all the L.A. make-believe, the events in this story are ALL TRUE.

Tickets for this show will go on sale at 4pm on FRIDAY 8th SEPTEMBER.

Howling Bells possess a sound reminiscent of another town, another time. They'll take you to a place far eerier than Twin Peaks. They'll spirit you to the abandoned Old West, to a town shrouded in snowfall, illuminated by campfire. In this town the beguiling melodies of this five-piece will reel and roll about your head like desire and anticipation - the twin themes of their forthcoming debut album.

Just as vocalist Juanita Stein's silky and sultry voice effortlessly traverses bouts of sudden calm, creeping rage and perfect pop, so too does their music. Lurching from blues-fuelled rock to country-folk lamentations, the buzzsaw melancholy of "Velvet Girl" and the barbed longing of "I'll Wait" are pitted against the unadulterated garage blues of "Low Happening" and the saloon-swagger of "Broken Bones." Then there's "The Bell Hit" - a song in possession of a carousing chorus within a simple yet poetic refrain. Of all these songs, one thing rings true - the Howling Bells will haunt and return to you.

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Dead Letter Office are an alternative/progressive rock band from near Birmingham in the UK. BBC Birmingham Live describe them as
"Intelligent lyrics delivered with passion and backed by haunting instrumentation. Shades of The Cure but with much more feeling. During their set I warmed to Dead Letter Office immensely, a truly talented and unique young band."

MISTRESS (UK) Birmingham’s own bastard sons of old Swedish styled death metal grindcore.All round good lads,who play an incinerating live set.A recent U.K. tour with MUNICIPAL WASTE proved successful.Signed to Earache Records,and drinking bars dry throughout the land…………..

Rising from the ashes of bands as diverse as Innate, Tenfoldtruth, Farfallen and Delerium Tremenze, State of Serenity are here to tear it up. Combining the fast metal riffing of bands such as Killswitch Engage and As I Lay Dying with the crushing beatdowns of Hatebreed and It Dies Today and adding a pinch of melody akin to Poison the Well and Caliban, State of Serenity have sound and an energy all of their own.

Breaking musical boundaries and changing perceptions of what hip-hop or indie or rock can be, with Gym Class Heroes, what you see isn’t always what you get. Though the overall feel of their album ‘As Cruel As School Children’ is bright and breezy, McCoy’s personal, playful lyrics can often be peeled back to reveal hidden layers of emotion and introspection, notably on songs such as the first single, The Queen and I.

“It’s a personal song,” Travis says, “about girls who fancy alcoholic beverages, girls who like to have too much of a good time. I have weird underlying issues with females and alcohol. This song is kind of like closure, though you’d never get that vibe listening to the song. It’s fun to do things like that, make music that’s fun with a really poppy vibe, but when you listen to the lyrics, it’s like, ‘Holy shit, that dude just said…’ If you’re not paying attention, you think it’s just another radio ditty that sticks in your head, but then when you really listen you see it’s a whole lot more.”

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The MID-L-MEN - formed in 2003 are a hip hop duo from Birmingham (here in downtown UK) comprising of Acrosoma and F.Y.B.A Optyk.

Fused together by two of the rawest talents ever to grace Earth - Acro & F.Y.B.A. Optyk are here to cause devastation throughout the music industry.

Birmingham based band Murdoch are currently riding a wave of media and fan attention. The UK's second city is championing them as the city's shining light putting their tracks and faces all over the new international marketing campaign for Birmingham and TV and radio stations clammering to land an interview and air the tracks.

Oneyesblue, recently described as the "Sweethearts of the Rodeo", deliver a piece of jangly yet powerful, Bluegrass indie-pop. Blending sea shanty-esque verses with powerful, 4-part harmony chorus' to great effect. Oneyesblue have recently supported the likes of The Thrills, The Zutons, Maximo Park, Hal, The Shout Out Louds, The Raveonettes, Biffy Clyro, The Warlocks and Longview

See the hotly tipped Welsh emo / punk / pop group FREE!

With songs more infectious than the common cold, The Automatic have created quite the stir with their debut singles Raoul and Monster.

Having just released their album Not Accepted Anywhere we've booked in Rob, Pennie, Frost and Iwan for your personal pleasure -they're playing an intimate and exclusive set for us at the Birmingham Barfly on Friday 21st July, and YOU could be there...

Just text 'AUTOMATIC' to 80908 and then tune in to see if you've won. Texts cost £1. Good luck!

Opportunities to share the stage with bands such as Korn, Sevendust, Nonpoint, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Voodoo Glow Skulls, POD, Soulfly (to name but a few), has allowed the band to build a rapidly growing international fan base. With songs like Nobody, Set It Off, Pressure and Selector this band is so far apart from the pack that any attempt to describe or categorize them is an exercise in futility. If Barrington Levy joined Pantera, where Bounty Killa met The Police, where Sublime met System Of A Down, you would find the sonic landscape Skindred calls home.

You'll have to look far & wide to find a band that encapsulates so many diverse styles, and unites different schools and cultures of music under one roof. In a desperate time where music fans are tired of the medio-core, starved for something new & striking, Skindred are the force that could sweep all generic adversaries aside.

Purplemelon are Tom Hill (lead vocal, guitar), Eric Joyce (bass), Windsor McGilvray (drums), Owen Barry (guitar) and Dominic Ferris (keyboards). Only fully-formed two months ago, they are making Birmingham their launch-pad for the thrusting future of a magnetic band popular with the girls. Expect hip-shaking rhythms, deep ballads and great fun.

Oneyesblue has been recently described as 'The Sweethearts of the Rodeo' with 'ambition, drive and a stage performance that you can not keep your eyes off!' They deliver a raw 60s Basement Blues sound, fuzzed out guitars, pounding drums and harmonised vocal melodies.

Oneyesblue, although under two years old, have some great achievements to boast. The band have recently supported the likes of The Thrills, The Zutons, Maximo Park, OK GO!, The Crimea, Hal, Shout Out Louds, Two Gallants, Mohair, The Raveonettes amongst many others.

DESPITE THE BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS TONIGHTS SHOW IS STILL GOING AHEAD AND WE DO STILL HAVE TICKETS FOR SALE ON THE DOOR. HOWEVER THERE WILL BE NO CLUB FOLLOWING THE GIG - THE VENUE WILL CLOSE AT 10PM

Asbury Park, NJ is Bruce Springsteen’s town. There’s no two ways about it. So when The Bouncing Souls moved there to write what would become The Gold Record, Bruce’s old ghosts, spirits which permeate the area, were almost sure to appear. It happens to anyone who’s ever been to a rock show at The Stone Pony, Asbury’s most famous jaunt. I’ve seen it time and time again. Shit, I’ve even seen the Souls cover Springsteen at the Pony. Anyway, in 1999 Springsteen made it into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame for the songwriting abilities he honed on the Jersey Shore. In 2006 it’s fitting that the Souls create their latest album on the same hallowed streets. The result is undoubtedly the Bouncing Souls greatest achievement in songwriting and what will be one of the best albums of the year.

Once again Virgin Mobile Union bring you the best in new music in the form of excellent new bands and DJs.

Join us for the first Virgin Mobile Union club night of the new year!

More DJ's to be confirmed soon!

The nice people at Virgin Mobile have teamed up with Barfly to give away a limited amount of free tickets for this show. The first 10 people to email gemma.breen@barflyclub.com with their full postal address will receive two free tickets each. So get writing!

Strictly over 18's ONLY. Photographic ID will be required.

PLEASE NOTE DESPITE WEATHER CONDITIONS TONIGHT'S SHOW IS STILL ON.  

...Not many musicians influenced by punk, hardcore and metal are also well versed in poetry, literature and comparative religion. Then again, not many musicians are in Senses Fail.

While dozens of their peers continue to create soul-rendering music about the girls who shattered their hearts and ruined their lives, the Bergen County, New Jersey five piece takes a more intellectual approach to sonic catharsis.

Mayday were brought up on Britpop along with a bit of Queen and some soul music too. But then they got bored of that so they decided to listen to a bit of 60s intrumental jazz prog and a little bit of Dizzie Rascal to wet their musical whistles.

All those influences have gave birth to this monstrous IndieDanceArtProg child called Mayday who hangs about in sweaty pubs with a group of people called the Mayday Mob.

DEEP within the dark black smoke of the Black Country, 4 young men from the little known town of Walsall formed a band called The dARLINGS. At a mere 6 months old the band have already built a huge following across the West Midlands, Manchester and London. Their live show engulfs crowds with their killer bass lines, powerful riffs, pumping beats and wry lyrical content. Each member is a performer in his own right. THE MAN ON THE STREET'S FLUSTERED GIRLFRIEND SAID, "Its not just a gig you get with The dARLINGS it's a right experience!"

Casino Twist started out at the end of 2004 when four guys quickly made a name for themselves on the gig circuit as a high energy indie rock act with a love for entertaining. After the departure of their original drummer, the band strengthened their sound with the arrival of a new drummer and second guitarist. Bens powerful deliverance on the mic, backed up by supercharged riffs, mean and moody bass licks, and precision drumming creates a sound that wows audiences every time.

Strictly over 18's ONLY. Photographic ID WILL be required.

Nick Harper is a highly accomplished guitarist to whom the term virtuoso truly belongs, yet his guitar playing is only a part of his skill. As well as a distinctive and soulful voice, Nick is the kind of artist who reaffirms faith in the art of original songwriting. Nick was first heard in 1983 when he appeared on his father Roy Harper's collaboration with Jimmy Page. Following that, his first solo release was the ‘Light At The End of The Kennel’ EP in 1994. Nick soon supported Squeeze front man and songwriter Glenn Tilbrook, who was so impressed he offered Nick a job playing with Squeeze and promptly signed him to his own label, Quixotic Records. Following tours across the UK, USA and Japan, wowing audiences from New York to Glastonbury, Nick has developed a reputation for creating great audience rapport, with songs that are both intense and emotionally charged. All this puts him right on the crest of a new wave of Brit acoustic troubadours.

Vijay Kishore is a singer/songwriter from Birmingham,England whose reputation is steadily building with every gig he plays .Likend by many to everyone from Jeff Buckley and Thom Yorke to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan,PJ Harvey and Freddie Mercury these high grade comparisoms are not lost on Vijay (indeed he is an admirer of many of these artists work)but the fact of the matter is Vijay has been busy defining and refining his own particular take on the highly emotive,expressive and extraordinarily soulful troubadour,fusing aspects of his western upbringing with his eastern roots to concoct a heady brew which makes for a unique experience. Vijay broke out of the local gigging circuit in Birmingham in early 2005 where he had been plying and learning his art and frankley hasn't looked back supporting the likes of the legendary Ray Davies,Nizlopi,Sebastien Tellier,Blackbud,Karine Polwart and Keisha White whilst playing alongside the likes of Jamie T,Keith,Scott Matthews,Tiny Dancers and Declan O'Rourke(plus two U.S jaunts under his belt) .A wide and varied selection of artists which in turn reflects the wide appeal of Vijay Kishore's music. Although at the moment still unsigned Vijay has begun to attract the interest of record labels and has recently been in the

Fresh to the London acoustic scene, Jim Gipson bears his heartfelt lyrics with a voice that demands your undevoted attention. Jims songs, pure and simply amaze your very ears, peirce your heart, and with a unique vulnerability he keeps you hanging on his every word.

Strictly over 18's ONLY. Valid photographic ID in the form of a UK driving license (provisional or full) or a valid passport will be required on the night.

The nice people at Carling are getting into the Christmas spirit and have decided to give away a very limited amount of free tickets for this show. If you fancy your chances then copy and paste the following link to see if you've won.

http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_midlands&query=schedule&venue=barflybirm1&month=11&day=14&year=106

1990's are a couple o' guys from The Yummy Fur, one from V-Twin, a guitar, a bass and a drumkit...what more do you need?

Tickets Available on the Door for tonights show

THE MYSPACE BLEEP BLEEP TOUR

GoldenVoice and Leading Lifestyle Portal Take New Bands on Nationwide Tour

Pull Tiger Tail have been attracting much attention with their single “Mr 100 Percent” and are building up a huge onsite following. Signed to B-Unique, the label that founded the Kaiser Chiefs, Ordinary Boys and The Automatic, Pull Tiger Tail are set to become this year’s biggest indie commercial breakthrough band. Those who are particularly interested in finding out about these roaring felines should visit www.myspace.com/pulltigertail to find out more.

Support at all other venues will come from indie disco darlings I Say Marvin, who have recently relocated from their Cornish hometown to take on the Brighton scene. Their irresistibly catchy power pop is sure to win over the crowds, and they can be sampled at www.myspace.com/isaymarvin.

The MYSPACE BLEEP BLEEP TOUR will include more than just a set of live gigs. Fans will be encouraged to post their images, videos, and reviews of the nights on site at www.myspace.com/liveintheuk to create a virtual mirage as the tour progresses.

Full Time Assistant Bar Manager Wanted Barfly, 78 Digbeth High Street, Birmingham, is looking for an enthusiastic assistant bar manager. Applicants must be available to work flexible hours, have a love of live music, be a leader and team player.  Tasks will include cash handling, paperwork, rotaring, problem solving and day to day duties. Management training can be given. A D.P.S. (Designated Premises Supervisor) Licence would be an advantage, bar experience essential. Pay is negotiable subject to the successful candidate's experience and capability. Email CV’s to rachel.hill@Barflyclub.com

 Deadline: Monday 22nd January

Isis create their own universe and rules, they are compromisingly heavy, slow and brutal, but apply a deftness of touch that so many other bands using the quiet/loud dynamic miss completely. They are hard to categories, but all the more interesting for it, using vocals sparingly they approach the idea of a voice as another instrument in their cannon, they want to bludgeon you but they also want you to see the inherent beauty in all that is ugly and while you imagine that a band playing ten minute slow burning epics would be boring to watch they are hypnotising and entrancing and above all exciting.

http://www.capsule.org.uk

In the brutally cold world of Big Rock Biz, there’s something very comforting about just knowing that a band like L.A.’s Silversun Pickups exists. That feeling derives from the group’s searingly sumptuous music, sure, but it has a lot to do with knowing their rather humble origins and super-admirable raison d’etre.
Silversun Pickups, you see, rather than being just another fiercely determined young band willing to claw and scrap their way to the top of the rock heap, genuinely appear to be far more like a gang of real, true friends who happened, quite fortuitously, to meet as a result of their mutual love of — shock horror! — music, and who seem to enjoy each other’s company as much as they like playing their own brand of ravishing rock noise.

Born in Birmingham in 2004 Dirty Soul consist of Jamie Clayton vocals & guitar, James Payne Guitar, Andrew Evans Bass and Peter Gillett Drums. We hope you enjoy what you hear, leave us feedback and come and check us out sometime. 'Spine-tingling' The Fly

STRICTLY OVER 18's ONLY - valid photo ID in the form of a UK driving license (provisional or full) or a valid passport will be required on the night.

Zane Lowe once again hits the road with Gonzo on tour showcasing the best bands in live music - number one selling Welsh rockers Funeral For A Friend come to Birmingham Barfly for their most intimate West Midlands gig this year.

THIS EVENT IS STRICTLY FOR PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 18, YOU MUST BRING VALID PHOTO ID ON THE NIGHT (E.G.:PASSPORT, DRIVING LICENSE, PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENSE, PORTMAN CARD). IF YOU DO NOT PROVIDE PHOTO ID AND IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 WE WILL NOT ALLOW ENTRY INTO THE VENUE. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN. THIS IS NOT NEGOTIABLE.

The only way to obtain tickets for this show is to listen to Kerrang 105.2fm or visit their website: www.kerrangradio.co.uk

Good Luck!

Over 18s only. Photo ID will be required on the night.

TICKETS AVAILABLE ON DOOR

STRICTLY OVER 18's ONLY - valid photo ID in the form of a UK driving license (provisional or full) or a valid passport will be required on the night.

With a heavy-handed approach and a sound that crashes like thunder, HIGH ON FIRE has put the power back in 'power-trio.' Less a band than a supersonic exercise in conquest by volume and sheer heaviness, the band has burned the metal rulebook and forged a new archetype.

HIGH ON FIRE was formed by guitarist Matt Pike in late summer 1998; a scant six months after the breakup of his previous band, the enigmatic stoner-metal legend SLEEP. Formed out of the need to simply play guitar again, Pike jammed with settled on a line-up of powerhouse drummer Des Kensel and longtime guitarist friend George Rice, who made the switch to bass to round out the trio.

HIGH ON FIRE are a supersonic exercise in conquest by volume. Equal parts molten metal and earthquake panic, HIGH ON FIRE's MOTORHEAD-meets-SLAYER roar is outrageously loud and absolutely punishing. With their latest release, "Blessed Black Wings", guitarist / vocalist Matt Pike (ex-SLEEP) unleashes a devastating combination of bombastic guitar and howling war cries, weaving fantastical tales of supernatural beasts, forgotten battles and rivers of blood over an unstoppable bass and drum assault. HIGH ON FIRE are a class unto themselves, manhandling rock music while locking into grooves that transcend time.

Glorious blues rock with moments of velvety softness, then a cannonball of guitars and drum fury (served by a guy with the greatest 'dreads in music)...with a Texas twist. In all seriousness this is a seriously good band. Why the hell hadn't I heard of them before? I guess that's what these night are all about. If you love The Doors, Deep Purple, Cream...that whole late '60's early 70's classic rock era, you'll love...and I mean love...Velvet Texas Cannonball. - Hearing Aid 07'

The only way to obtain tickets for this show is to listen to Kerrang 105.2fm or visit their website: www.kerrangradio.co.uk

Good Luck!

Over 18s only. Photo ID will be required on the night.

Five young(ish) men from east London - but hey, don't let that put you off.

Founded out of the frustration of previous failed musical ventures, a love of 90's dance music (although crucially NOT the Shamen) and rock n' roll bands like The Stooges, The Stones and The Scream, we decided it was time to kill hum-glum wafer thin indie music and create a racket all of our own. Far too many people play it far too cool these days, don't ya think?

Time to turn those frowns upside down, uh-huh yeah. So, knowing that the music industry is terminally screwed we started releasing records ourselves, starting with “Leave Your Body” on our own Dead At Thirty imprint. One more 12” and several shambolic shows later we run out of money and shut up shop. Then Wall of Sound came a knocking waving contracts (but rest assured, not ca$h) and we thought we'd give it a serious blast. We lied to WOS, telling them we had a finished album ready for release and they seemed to go for it. We managed to hold them off for about six months but they finally saw through our cunning ruse. In comes Jagz Kooner to make sure we finish the job and after much blood sweat and tears we get there! “We Are Not The Infadels” came out in January this year and we've been touring it ever since. Happy days.

Misinterpreted by some but loved by many, we continue the job of doing our insane shows and writing the best songs we can. Hard work makes the world go round after all.

Still, many seem think we are loutish, lager boys who are screaming, shouting and vomiting our way round the UK and Europe . We'll have you know that this is an unfounded lie…apart from the vomiting.

So there you are.

Kaiser Chiefs

They've conquered the charts and now pack the crowds in at massive stadiums, but luckily for us (and you) they've agreed to play an exclusive intimate gig.

Since the release of their latest album 'Yours Truly, Angry Mob' the Kaiser's already busy schedule has reached a new level of hectic with the band packing out larger and larger venues, their catchy single 'Ruby' also gave them their first number one.

In a few months time Ricky and the guys will headline the Isle of Wight Music Festival and play a massive stadium gig at Elland Road in their hometown of Leeds. However before all that they'll be playing an intimate 400 capacity gig exclusively for us in Birmingham.

For a chance to win tickets visit http://www.brmb.co.uk/Article.asp?id=581748&spid=354 and listen to BRMB Radio! 96.4FM for competition giveaways and more info! (especiallty after 7pm ;-)

This show will take place at The Yardbird Jazz Club. Paradise Place Birmingham B3 3JH.

 "Delivering very personal songs probably closer to the late great Sandy Denny than, for example, Sarah Vaughan; Gwyneth Herbert has found her voice – and an exquisite one as well.  Compacted, narrative jewels rub shoulders with bittersweet balladry, all rich with mood and weathered texture.  "Superb music ... brilliantly original, full of space and isolated detail." – MOJO.

Tickets are available from ticketweb.co.uk or from the Barfly office mon - fri 10am - 6pm. RIng in advance on 0121 633 8311

All tickets are now valid for the new date of June 26th.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Refunds are available from point of purchase

So what exactly is Tokyo Police Club? Perhaps EYE Weekly summed it up best when they wrote "[Tokyo Police Club] are undeniably catchy and raw, marrying danceable hooks with talk of robot masters and global emergencies, providing an upbeat soundtrack to our troubled times." Somehow, the deeply innocuous subdivisions of Newmarket, Ontario have hatched a four-headed beast of tunefulness.

Late Of The Pier was created somewhere in the mists of 2003, born from the warped minds of Sam Eastgate and Ross Dawson somewhere in the mists of G.C.S.E's. No-one can remember exactly how it happened but lets just presume it went something like… 'Lets start a band' 'OK' …ignoring the fact that neither Ross or future guitarist Faley had only ever touched their instruments once at this point. (Ross had a knock-about on Sam's drums one evening, Faley skipped school to get stoned in Sam's attic and make a song 'Wasted Intellectuals'... probably LOTP's first song).

LOTP found a home in Way Out West and it's all-ages gigs, their feelings reciprocated by the new generation. Stuck mid-way between an older generation of somewhat static crowds and a younger generation of hyper-active kids, LOTP gained a dedicated following in the younger generations through myspace.com and for the energy of their live shows and in the older generations for the music itself. The Klaxons/NME had just coined the phrase 'Nu-Rave' and Late Of The Pier's ideas of live music began to become popular with the mainstream. With this came more interest from the music industry… NME and Radio1 quickly picked up on the band, noting them as one of the bands to watch out for in 2007 and music industry king-pins and affiliates soon became regular attendees to London gigs, often for pleasure instead of business.

DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS SHOW HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY 16^TH JULY, WE APOLOGISE FOR AN INCONVENIENCE.

DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS SHOW HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY 16^TH JULY, WE APOLOGISE FOR AN INCONVENIENCE.  

DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS SHOW HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY 16^TH JULY, WE APOLOGISE FOR AN INCONVENIENCE.

DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS SHOW HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY 16^TH JULY, WE APOLOGISE FOR AN INCONVENIENCE.

DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS SHOW HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY 16^TH JULY, WE APOLOGISE FOR AN INCONVENIENCE.

 DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS SHOW HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY 16^TH JULY, WE APOLOGISE FOR AN INCONVENIENCE.

DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS SHOW HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY 16^TH JULY, WE APOLOGISE FOR AN INCONVENIENCE.

Sun Kil Moon is the project of singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek, best known for his previous band, Red House Painters. Sun Kil Moon sees Kozelek undertake the writing, composing, singing and guitar playing accompanied by Tim Mooney and Anthony Koutsos on drums, and Geoff Stanfield on bass.

The band is named after Korean bantamweight boxer Sung-Kil Moon.

Sun Kil Moon's debut album, Ghosts of the Great Highway, first released in 2003 by Jetset Records, contains several songs concerned with true-life stories of deceased boxers, such as featherweight champion Salvador Sanchez, flyweight Pancho Villa, and also Duk Koo Kim.

Ghosts of the Great Highway was re-issued as a double CD on February 6, 2007 on Kozelek's own label, Caldo Verde. The second disc features six bonus tracks, including the cover of "Somewhere" written by Leonard Bernstein.

The band's follow-up Tiny Cities was released on November 1, 2005 on Kozelek's Caldo Verde Records. The album covers eleven songs by the indie/alternative group Modest Mouse.

Sun Kil Moon's third studio album is called April and was released April 1, 2008. It features guest vocals from Will Oldham and Ben Gibbard.

The Wedding Present have had eighteen UK Top 40 hit singles, not bad for a band that has, from its inception, stubbornly refused to play the record industry’s game. That was back in 1985 when David Lewis Gedge boarded a National Express coach in London with 500 records packed into a pair of his mother’s suitcases. In this fashion, the debut single GO OUT AND GET ‘EM BOY! was collected from the pressing plant, delivered to the distribution company, and The Wedding Present was born. That pioneering spirit has been at the core of the band’s philosophy ever since. From GEORGE BEST, “an unmitigated delight” [NME], the first full-length release on their own Reception Records onwards, the band has charted an appealing, if often eccentric, course of its very own.

As we limp from our washout of a summer into the long, dark days of autumn, fear not, we bring good news. MTV TWO’s Gonzo On Tour is gearing up for its annual romp around the UK.

An event that has become as synonymous with October as Halloween itself,
Gonzo On Tour reigns supreme in any avid music fan’s calendar. This year promises big talent in little venues. We will be cramming headliners, Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, The Automatic, Mystery Jets, Foals and Glasvegas into teeny-weeny venues. Why? So you can get up close and personal with your favourite performers. A far cry from the blips-on-screen you may have squinted at the festivals, you will literally be able to shower in the sweat of your idols!

A cracking support line-up: Iglu And Hartly, Noah And The Whale, Late Of The Pier, Esser, Friendly Fires and Magistrates, are all confirmed for the UK-wide tour.

Hosted by Zane Lowe and supported by Topman, the Gonzo Tour bus will land in Liverpool on Friday 10th October to kick off the revelry.

Gonzo on Tour has always been about the best of new talent...nurturing little known bands that have gone on to be huge. Previous Gonzo on Tour alumni include Franz Ferdinand, The Kooks, Snow Patrol, Biffy Clyro... the tour has also provided Maximo Park, Razorlight, and 2008 headliners, Kaiser Chiefs, with their debut TV performances.  

Reeling from last year’s 5th Birthday celebrations, culminating in the still talked about Queens Of The Stone Age bash, the Gonzo team have delivered once again in securing this year’s stellar line-up. In addition to plucking hot new thangs including, Iglu And Hartley and Noah And The Whale, Gonzo veterans, Kaiser Chiefs and Bloc Party pay homage to their favourite brown couch to headline the London and Glasgow dates respectively.

MTV TWO cameras will be filming at each gig and will capture backstage interviews and mayhem to air from Friday 14th November at 7pm.

But the fun doesn't stop when the bands come off-stage.  No sirree - we're bringing you an official Gonzo after party!  Zane Lowe will be taking to the decks for one of his justifiably legendary DJ sets and the Gonzo team are cooking up a host of other shenanigans and surprses to keep you up WAY past your bed time.

The Big British Sound: Best of the Festivals is a celebration of British music and fashion coming together to create a style uprising.

In support of new musicians who continue to influence so many by pushing the boundaries in the spirit of our modfathers, Ben Sherman is handing the limelight over to the brightest emerging talents from the Summer's festivals with a series of gigs, hosted around the country in four locations.

Formed near Munich as a hardcore punk band, the Notwist gradually began to embrace a fusion of classic '80s indie-pop songwriting and scruffy electronic backings indebted to Oval and Autechre. The quartet is comprised of brothers Markus and Micha Acher (on vocals/guitar and bass, respectively) plus programmer/keyboard player Martin Gretschmann and drummer Martin Messerschmidt. Their self-titled 1989 debut and 1992's Nook were rough-and-tumble punk LPs. Third album 12 marked the group's first flirtation with electronics, though the chord structures and vocals of Markus Acher marked the nowtist more as an alternative band. The band then gained an American distribution deal with Zero Hour, and after 12 was reissued, fourth album Shrink appeared in 1998. Gretschmann has also recorded on his own as Console.

Your last chance to get ‘early bird’ Gigbeth festival tickets

Gigbeth 2008 has a limited amount of ‘early bird’ tickets for all the city’s music fans who want to be at the front of the crowd at this year’s festival.  

Gigbeth’s ‘early bird’ tickets are priced at £20 for the entire weekend, allowing you to see over 200 bands and DJs in 10 different venues across Birmingham.

 Clare Edwards, Gigbeth organiser, says: “The early bird tickets are a way of saying thank you to everyone who wants to guarantee their place at this year’s festival. It also offers a cheaper alternative to the overall weekend ticket price which will make the event more accessible and encourage people to see a wider range of artists over the entire weekend.”

 Gigbeth ‘early bird’ tickets will only be on sale until October 15^th.

 Standard Gigbeth 2008 tickets are priced at £15 for Friday, £18 for Saturday, or £25 for the entire weekend (booking after 15^th October).

 Tickets are available from www.theticketsellers.co.uk, www.tixmob.com, Marketing Birmingham and by ringing the official Gigbeth Box Office on 0844 888 3883. 

 For further information on Gigbeth 2008 please visit www.gigbeth.com

Reagan babies, missile fears, and international blues. Cold War Kids started with jangly guitar, hand claps, and a Harmony amp in a storage room atop Mulberry Street restaurant in downtown Fullerton, CA. Dreaming the American dust bowl and British maritime. On the restaurants roof the sound and feeling was cultivated and burned, built and hallowed out, painted and stripped to the primer. Cold War Kids make songs about human experience in orchards and hotel rooms, laundromats and churches, sea ports and school halls. Using songs of Dylan, Billie Holiday, and the Velvet Underground as a road map, they strive to manipulate, structure, and style their music with honesty.

Howling Bells possess a sound reminiscent of another town, another time. They'll take you to a place far eerier than Twin Peaks. They'll spirit you to the abandoned Old West, to a town shrouded in snowfall, illuminated by campfire. In this town the beguiling melodies of this five-piece will reel and roll about your head like desire and anticipation - the twin themes of their forthcoming debut album.

Just as vocalist Juanita Stein's silky and sultry voice effortlessly traverses bouts of sudden calm, creeping rage and perfect pop, so too does their music. Lurching from blues-fuelled rock to country-folk lamentations, the buzzsaw melancholy of "Velvet Girl" and the barbed longing of "I'll Wait" are pitted against the unadulterated garage blues of "Low Happening" and the saloon-swagger of "Broken Bones." Then there's "The Bell Hit" - a song in possession of a carousing chorus within a simple yet poetic refrain. Of all these songs, one thing rings true - the Howling Bells will haunt and return to you.

Of course, when all this began in 1996, in a garage near Bayonne – South East of France – under the GODZILLA moniker the motivations of the Duplantier brothers (Joe on guitar/lead vocals and Mario on drums) and their band fellows Jean-Michel Labadie (on bass) and Christian Andreu (guitar) were less than sophisticated. But even through the thinnest booklet of their first demo cover issued under the predictable title “Possessed” still emerged the first signs of their future emancipation.

GODZILLA might have been a big green monster smashing down cardboard buildings, taken from Japanese science-fiction films from the 60s deemed out of style today, but it was also a metaphor about the threat of nuclear weapons with which man plays, unconscious of the consequences…

Due to legal rights, GODZILLA changed its name to GOJIRA right before their first album. GOJIRA is in fact the Japanese translation of its original name. Even though the music had already changed, the way of doing things stayed the same. So call it whatever you want: an ecological thought, a politically correct speech, a 50% new age and 50% hippy mentality…the band, itself, remains the same since birth.

Today, there is much blabbering about how to take care of our planet and watch over its well-being. There is idle talk about the future shortage of petrol, about the ozone layer or even about the extension of the webbed footed rabbit of Uzbekistan (why not?!). But nothing is done about it. Nothing at all!

Though proud to be spawned in the death and extreme metal scene, the boys’ influences aren't just the ones normally associated with the style of music they create. The Rotted’s take on the genre comes from a completely different angle; It’s not the genre or style, it’s the attitude and delivery. As fans of classic rock, hardcore, punk, death, thrash and black metal, musical inspiration for ‘Get Dead Or Die Trying’ can be found in pretty much any decent guitar-based band of the last 30 years.

The line-up reads like the role call at an alcoholics meeting, Ben McCrow on vocals, Tim Carley on guitar, Gian Pyres on lead guitar, Wilson on bass and former IDF tank unit sergeant Nate Gould on drums.

Since starting life in 1997 under the name ‘Gorerotted’, the band have always done things their way and let the music write itself. They do what they want, when they want to do it. Nothing contrived, no gimmicks, they’re music is honest and from the heart.

Having released 3 albums on Metal Blade and Relapse Records the boys felt it was time for fresh blood and a fresh approach. It was decided, partly as a mark of respect to previous members and for the original idea and motives behind ‘Gorerotted’ that the name should change. The band has been known for many years by friends and fans as “The ‘Rotted” so it was right to choose that as the name.

Playing their first UK show in over 8 years and their first Birmingham show EVER, Saturday 6th December BOSS HOG come to ColdRice!!

Boss Hog is the punk blues super group led by the husband and wife duo of ColdRice friends Jon Spencer and Cristina Martinez.

Jon and Cristina go way back to Jon's first band Pussy Galore in the eighties and first formed to play a cancellation at CBGB's earning instant notoriety when Cristina performed naked.  Guitarists Jerry Teel and Kurt Wolf, bassist Pete Shore, and drummer Charlie Ondras completed the line-up for 1989's cassette-only Drinkin', Lechin', and Lyin'. In the wake of 1990's Cold Hands, Spencer formed the Blues Explosion, forcing Boss Hog on the backburner; by the time the group returned in 1993 with Girl +, only Martinez and Spencer remained from the original lineup, with ex-Swan Jens Jürgensen assuming bass duties and Hollis Queens joining on drums. The record's success in indie circles resulted in a deal with major label Geffen which yielded a self-titled 1995 LP; little was heard from Boss Hog throughout the remainder of the decade (although Spencer and Martinez had a baby), but in early 2000 the group finally resurfaced with Whiteout, featuring ex-Goats keyboardist Mark Boyce.

Providing support at the request of Boss Hog is ColdRice soul power fanatics COPTER, making their one and only UK appearance until next year.

All this plus the fabulously handsome Coldrice DJs playing rock 'n' roll, punk blues, garage trash, 60s soul electric and eclectic til the early hours. Get involved!

You're coming, right?

JUST THE FACTS:
--------------------------------------------

Saturday 6th December

BOSS HOG
COPTER
and ColdRice DJs

£1 shots
£1.50 VK bottles
£1.20 Carlsberg bottles
£1.50 vodka/whiskey/gin & mixer

£7 in PLUS! Ticket holders get free admission to Indiscretion 'Birmingham's most diverse club night'.

http://www. coldrice. com
http://www. myspace. com/coldriceunderground
http://www. intheredrecords. com/pages/bosshog. html
http://www. myspace. com/copter
http://www. coptercentral. com

tickets also available from
venue box office
Swordfish Records

Black Diamond Heavies descend on Barfly to unleash their punk-ass blues on the crowd at one of the now legendary Coldrice parties.  Their music is urgent, raw and full of ass-shaking soul. The live show has been described as both "Pentecostal"and"Demon-Possessed". Most of the material is original, although covers are sometimes thrown in as tribute to gods, generals, heroes, and vampires such as John Lee Hooker, T-Model Ford, Muddy Waters, Nina Simone, and Tom Waits. 

All this plus the fabulously handsome Coldrice DJs playing rock 'n' roll, punk blues, garage trash, 60s soul electric and eclectic til the early hours. Get involved!

www.coldrice.com 

Remember the Decade that brought you the likes of; Zig and Zag, Lily Savage, The Fresh Prince, Some ginger prat by the name of Chris, and errmmm Mr Blobby? Remember Jarvis showing Jacko what he really thought of him at the Brits? Or how about a crazy blue hedgehog giving you sweaty thumbs for hours and hours… !

Well dust off your inlines and skate your way down to Barfly where we’ll be mixing it up across 2 rooms with the very best in cheesy pop anthems. You won’t be able to touch this with MC Hammer, the are no limits with classic dance hits from mould breakers 2 Unlimited, Liam and Noel will be clashing heads, and we‘ll have you singing mmm bop for days!!! .

Let’s fall back into the 20th Century and Jump Around!

Entry is £1 before 11pm with flyer/nus (£3 after)
Drinks start from £1

Expect to hear: Deee-lite, Vanilla Ice, Spice Girls, Blur, MC Hammer, Oasis, Steps, Suede, 2Unlimited, Pulp, Happy Monday's, Shed7, Shamen, Prodigy, Will Smith, Nirvana, Take That, House Of Pain, Scatman, Chesney Hawkes, East 17, Massive Attack, 5ive, Eminem, Barenaked Ladies, Blink 182, Hole, Britney Spears, Proclaimers, Shaggy, Apachie Indian, Hanson, Puff Daddy, Seal, Ricky Martin, Ini Kamoze, Beck, Stereo MC's - and so many more!

STRICTLY OVER 18's ONLY - PHOTOGRAPHIC ID WILL BE REQUIRED

FROG. Birmingham – A Rock n Roll Party.

London’s Biggest rock n roll party comes to Birmingham.

AND FOR OUR 1ST PARTY WE HAVE A LIVE SET FROM 1990s!

FROG. London’s infamous rock n roll party has announced that it’s coming to Birmingham Barfly, giving us Brummies a weekly party Every Friday. 

FROG. is a weekly party in the centre of town - two rooms of quality music from residents and guest DJ's playing the best in music; new and old, indie and punk, new wave and no-wave, rock n roll and kitchen sinks... it's got absolutely nothing to do with amphibians, however, every week there is a live band booked for your listening pleasure. 

11pm til 4am EVERY FRIDAY@ Barfly - opposite Coach Station
78, Digbeth High St, Entrance on Milk St 

For those of you not already acquainted with FROG, it is a massive weekly Party every Saturday at Mean Fiddler, London’s central venue next door to the Astoria. It prides itself in having the best cutting edge bands, that are already synonymous with the DJ’s decks, playing every week. Already a cult clubnight in London and the UK, it has seen bands such as; The View, The Fratellis, Bloc Party, Klaxons, Jamie T, We Are Scientists, Larrikin Love, the Holloways and many more already grace their stage in the past few months. Some people may also remember the Babyshambles’ tour that they organised with The Noisettes and The Holloways in support.

 BANG! BANG! DJs will be taking control of the backstage area making this 2 rooms of the Best DJs this side (and the other side) of Watford Gap!

THERE ARE NO ADVANCE TICKETS FOR THESE CLUBNIGHTS. ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!

Birmingham's only REAL Alternative Indie Night.
FORTNIGHTLY SATURDAYS @ BARFLY

Featuring the best in Indie/Alternative anthems and Soul Pop Classics

2 rooms of music for the alternative generation:
'We Get Kicks' in the main room will have the best in indie alternative coming from our resident DJs: Maz (Chicks Dig Jerks) and Maxi (Panic!)- and we will of course be adding 'Special Guest DJs' for your audio pleasures.

in the backstage area, will be soul pop disco classics, with resident DJ Adam Adam.

Entry is £2 with flyer before 11:30pm / £3 nus / £5

DRINKS PROMOS:
Vodka/Whiskey/Gin & Mixer - £1.50

VK Vodka Bottles £1.50
Shots from - £1
Bottle of Carling - £1.20

Don't forget to visit the club's official Myspace:
www.myspace.com/wegetkicks

STRICTLY OVER 18's ONLY - PHOTOGRAPHIC ID WILL BE REQUIRED

Strictly over 18's ONLY. Photographic ID WILL be required.

Following on from the Jet MTV2 Gonzo show, party the night away with the Don of New Music.

NEW YEARS EVE! ROCK PARTY with SUBCULTURE

We are pleased to announce that for the first time ever we will be holding a 100% Subculture New Years Eve party on Sunday December 31st.

100% Subculture means no indie at all guaranteed so it is exactly what the core subculture audience want or the biggest night of the year.

The night will be held here at The Barfly with the main room being mainstream rock and the smaller second room being dedicated to harder rock and metal all night.

Tickets are priced at £10 and are available from our online shop (see buy ticket link). Tickets will also be available from Swordfish Records and from Subculture onstage at the Academy every Saturday night from Nov 18th. There is also no booking fee if you get it from Subculture. Usual Barfly club night drinks prices apply so there will be plenty of cheap options available.

Obviously as The Barfly is a smaller venue than the usual Subculture venue there are fewer tickets available so we strongly advise you to get your ticket pretty damn quick so you are not disappointed on the big night.

Also, we are planning to make this a real party to see the new year in so watch out for a few nice surprises on the night and we guarantee you will be smiling when the clock strikes 12!

Drinks Prices: Carling Bottles £1.00, Carling Pints £1.50, House Vodka/Whiskey/Gin + Mixer £1.50, VK Vodka £1.50

We will be mixing up the night over two rooms ensuring you can hear the best in new music as well as your mainstream classics.

In the mainroom will be your favourite local rock star DJs Timmo, Jim, and Adam, playing you the best in real music

In the backroom will be a mash up of the obscure, the obscene and the beautiful with resident DJs Lil Matt and Ike

Add in some fantastic drinks prices starting from £1
£2 entry with a flyer before midnight
AND a 4am finish, every Friday is now a party at Barfly

“For those looking for a more traditional cuppa Copey, we heartily recommend the magical mind-bendiness of Misty's Big Adventure. No doubt about it, Grandmaster Gareth and his far-out Brummie nontet's new LP, The Black Hole, is the best Julian pastiche EVER." - (Rolling Stone)

ENVY & OTHER SINS

“Envy & Other Sins are the Monty Python's Flying Circus of rock 'n' roll. Visually, they're a gang of eccentric mentalists.

Braces? Check. Neckerchief? Check. Early 1900's 'Biggles' aviation headgear? Full house. Throw in some fairy lights and a Mary Poppins vintage coat stand and you're halfway to their day-glo sepia Bethlem.

Musically, however, EAOS are the dog's bollocks. Cheeky, catchy, Dexys-meets-Talking Heads huge, stomping, rock 'n' roll. Join the fun.” – The Fly

“…from the bands visual image i dropped the phrase 'world of twist' into my response. Well, never judge a book etc. This is full on prog pop with totally over the top instrumentation and all manner of excellence as well as a totally radio friendly hook - the barking mad full length 5 minute version is the one to kill for. look for the limited 10" debut.” – Ireallylovemusic.co.uk


-------------------------------

Add into the equation our Barfly Resident DJs providing you with the anthems to dance the night away.... indie/alt/electro/beats/punk/rock we have all bases covered to ensure you bring the New Year in, in style!

Johnny Truant roar from the starting blocks like an enraged cheetah, before abruptly curtailing a tangled web of riffs and rhythmic tics and descending into a sonic swamp of blackest ambience. They share a sound not to dissimilar to US extremists Converge, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Botch. With a new album being produced by Killswitch AXE man, Adam Dutkiewiez, they combine hardcore,noise and grooves, and now and then, chuck in a melody or two. Having recently toured the UK and Europe with Emanuel and Alexisonfire. JT are back and ready to make your ears bleed (NO EXCUSES!)...

DJ Format AKA Matt Ford's debut album “Music For The Mature B-Boy” is one of the slowburn success stories of 2002. An album of soulful, funk fuelled hip hop packed with infectious beats and lyrical dexterity, it delivered in spades on the promise of his early releases for Mo' Wax and Bomb Hip Hop. Received with quiet acclaim in the press it quickly became a word of mouth triumph, going on to establish itself as one of the most successful debut artist album’s in UK hip hop/alternative urban/dance scene. The campaign was successful for a number of reasons not least it’s supporting batch of three incredible music video’s all directed by then unknown Ruben Fleischer. The most famous of these will undoubtedly be the rap and breakdancing costumed animals of ‘We Know Something You Don’t Know’ featuring the vocals of Chali 2na and Akil of Jurassic 5 - played out by a shark and tiger respectively on the big screen it is an unforgettable piece of feel good hip hop. “Music For The...” also led to Matt supporting Jurassic 5 on their European tour, and through subsequent touring in 2003 establishing Format & Abdominal as one of the hottest live hip hop tickets in town culminating in triumphant appearances at the Reading & Leeds festivals of 2004 and worldwide touring taking in the whole of Europe, North America and (most recently) Australia.

Gigbeth Festival kicks off with MTV2 Spanking new music in Birmingham Barfly on March 24, where MTV2 will run things, with the following rock, alternative and indie outfits: iForward Russia!, Larrikin Love, Fields, The On Offs and ex Libertines star Carl Barat’s new band Dirty Pretty Things. Your host for this one is… a special guest.

Many Spanking New Music Week acts from previous years have since blossomed into giants, thanks to MTV’s Spanking New foot-up. These include Bloc Party, Natasha Bedingfield, Kasabian, Editors, M.I.A and Mystery Jets.

It’s time. Armed with sublime songs from their up-coming brand new album Make It Happen, Nizlopi are bursting out of the studio and taking to the road to get people up onto their feet. With their thrillingly intimate live shows Nizlopi are a revelation, a musical revolution, set to the soaring melodies of Luke Concannon’s powerful vocals (Tracy Chapman meets The Streets), and the dirty beats of John James Parker’s jazzed up double-bass and human beat box. ‘When were you in a gig last where the people smiled so broad that the reflection from their teeth contributed to the acoustics?’ bbc ‘The most exciting hip- hop, acoustic, double-bass shit going down’ Mojo Collections.

Signed to their own label, provocative and inspiring, their groove-driven beat-based songs are a mix of soul, folk, jazz, hip hop and everything in between. Get up, stand up. Love the place you live. Shake the thing your mamma gave ya.

‘Monstrously melodic….absolutely mesmerizing’ Musicweek. Get involved.   

‘nizlopi are the real thing’  the guardian

‘the missing link’  the independent

‘astounding’  irish world

‘raw talent’  the sun

‘intense, angular and beautiful’  Colin Murray bbc radio One  

With Friends 62Pennies, The Highscore and with Big Bren's Vocal Arrangements leading you through the night Its not to be missed

£1 entry!

The amazing sound of the band is created by combining two voices with two striding guitars and a reassuring bassist, though perfectly fitting in the chaos, giving to Suffrajets a unique sound.

Their live performance will blow you away. If it doesn’t maybe there’s something wrong with you. These girls transmit so much energy you must fall in love with their music.

After an interim of over twelve years, Buckler, inspired by the current crop of upstarts and buoyed by his loyal fan base returned to the stage in September 2005 with his band ’The Gift’, the name of which is both a nod to the final Jam album, yet also signifies that it is his own personal gift back to his fan base for their unerring loyalty.

Enlisting the talents of ex Maximum High musicians Russell Hastings (vocals/guitar) and bassist Dave Moore, Buckler and his band have been playing Jam songs, (some receiving their first live airings for over a quarter of a century) which has both enabled the group to establish themselves within the live circuit and also allowed them to hone their skills as a powerful three piece. Headline news in the NME has resulted in sell out shows in London and the recent spate of warm up concerts played to emotional and euphoric audiences has steeled the band for a major UK tour in the New Year. Impressed by the group’s credentials, keen ambition, and stunning live performances, Ludwig Drums, Merc clothing, Lonsdale and All Mod Icon Magazine have all added their names as official sponsors of ‘The Gift’. Buckler’s return to the music scene has already been described by Scootering Magazine as ‘a Richter Scale shaking bang’ and by All Mod Icon Magazine as ‘the rightful return of one of our finest and best loved drummers’.

The label has proven itself time and time again as unafraid to move out of their niche markets to branch out into something more interesting and innovative. With JR Ewing, the label has taken a chance on a group of Scandinavians pushing something far more complex and interesting than the pop hooks of the Hives. The result is an intense record with a clear and distinct sound, an assault on mainstream "emo" vomit as well as redundant underground hardcore.

But there is hope for the traditional lineup of hardcore bands- don’t get me wrong. Just look at J.R Ewing. Two guitars. A bass. Drums. A vocalist. 13 songs that are over in little more than half an hour. It’s all here. The brilliance and intensity of a band on a mission to pulverize eardrums through the tropes of traditional hardcore, but different somehow. Perhaps it’s more melody? Or the fact that they’re Norwegian? Who knows? And more importantly, when the music is this good, who cares?

Realising that they were onto something pretty damn special they came up with a manifesto as brilliantly simple as it was simply brilliant: 'Give it a year and if we're not signed, we'll head off to Tibet to become monks.'

They'd better be pretty sturdy because with this much fire in their bellies, this band pack an allmighty punch!

Birmingham's only REAL Alternative Indie Night.
FORTNIGHTLY SATURDAYS @ BARFLY

Featuring the best in Indie/Alternative anthems and Soul Pop Classics

2 rooms of music for the alternative generation:
'We Get Kicks' in the main room will have the best in indie alternative coming from our resident DJs: Maz (Chicks Dig Jerks) and Maxi (Panic!)- and we will of course be adding 'Special Guest DJs' for your audio pleasures.

in the backstage area, will be soul pop disco classics, with resident DJ Adam Adam.

Entry is £2 with flyer before 11:30pm / £3 nus / £5

DRINKS PROMOS:
Vodka/Whiskey/Gin & Mixer - £1.50

VK Vodka Bottles £1.50
Shots from - £1
Bottle of Carling - £1.20

Don't forget to visit the club's official Myspace:
www.myspace.com/wegetkicks

STRICTLY OVER 18's ONLY - PHOTOGRAPHIC ID WILL BE REQUIRED

The morning after girls started playing in and around Melbourne, Australia almost three years ago, and now reside in the city of Sydney. Their engulfing stage presence and hazy melodies pull you right into the world of the morning after — a moment they characterize by a dreamy grogginess, a discord of transient yet striking memories and sounds, nostalgia; a yearning to go back to last night…

The morning after girls have written songs that stand as an illustration of a band’s journey to. It’s own brand of psyche-pop. When seeing the band live, their audience can feel an influence spawned from the time of Warhol’s Factory. This is a band that really does not fit in anywhere, and for that they receive our warm embrace. It’s elegantly wasted psychedelic pop fuzzy rock with obligatory raucous and anguished vocals that retain a smoldering edge…and that warrants repetitive listens.

Scorching, deafening, powerful gut-punch rock 'n' roll band from the wild west midlands. Ladies and Gentleman... The Big Bang !!
A group of three individuals united by the desire to create rock music than can be brutally simple and simply brutal. Make your mood, bang your head and shake your ass!

"The Beyond" was released in early 2003, to critical acclaim. Cult of Luna proved categorically that they were now ready to bring their soundscapes to a much wider audience. After the release of "The Beyond", Cult Of Luna toured Sweden with The Haunted and the UK with Isis.