Heroes not zeroes

Brave Yesterday are Alex Pitt (bass and vocals), Chris Nutter (vocals, guitar and percussion), Craig Farrell (guitar and vocals) and Shaun Jacob (drums and percussion). Brave Yesterday rocked the Asylum launch night and they’re back again. They write and perform original songs with anthemic choruses and gorgeously melodic arrangements, exhibiting very sophisticated musicianship.

The Speedways are Tim (guitar, synth and vocals), Louis (vocals, guitar and synth), Warren (drums) and Dan (bass). The Speedways were a busy band in 2008. They supported Simian Mobile Disco and Evil Nine at the Watersplash, and played at the Blue Note among other venues. Their brand of angularly funky guitars-and-synth pop is a triumph of intelligent music coupled with emotional power. With arrangements melding influences of minimal no wave punk funk, anthemic power pop and Britpop social commentary, it is with skillful economy that they craft their catchy songs.

Jaded Things are Chris Herbert (bass guitar), Neil Pickles (guitar), Josh Gillard (drums) and Nick Styran (vocals and guitar). Something of a local super-band made up of musicians from other well known and successful rock bands Bothered Face, Moog and Repeater. Jaded Things have had this lineup for about a year, and were drawn together by a need to make melodic noise. Their first gig was in a tiny bar in Callac, Northern France towards the end of 2008. Second gig was at the Townhouse with The Speedways which was a good show with an enthusiastic audience. They’re looking forward to playing a lot more in 2009 and writing some more original material with a view to recording in the spring.