Crushing Beaks Is Grim

London duo Crushed Beaks impressed last year with their Close-Ups/Sun Dogs 7", but they also put out a split with Torches a little while back that fell through the SM cracks a bit, which is a shame because it was pretty sweet. So I'm not missing the boat on 'Grim', a one-off digital track release through Paint It Black. It's a bit more up front garage pop with some tropical flourishes, rather than a wall of noise, and Matt Poile's vocals are more noticeable this time around, which is a refreshing change of pace. This is hook filled heaven too - a great way to kick off a Sunday.

The two-piece will celebrate the unveiling of ‘Grim’ with a series of shows, including dates at London’s Old Blue Last on 21st June and an appearance at Sheffield’s Tramlines Festival. Expect to see the dusty remains of crushed beaks around the street corners as 2012 steers towards a close.



And here is Crushed Beaks' contribution to their earlier split, a cover of Torches' 'VTOO' - its pretty rad too - download it!

Vale Not Cool...Or Lazarus From The Grave?

Last month one of my favourite, most underrated bands in London, Not Cool, announced their split after only a couple of years destroying everything. They were to play their last ever show at the Old Blue Last on Friday February 3 alongside other great bands such as Warm Brains, Colours, Weird Dreams and Dignan Porch. Alex Kapranos (yes, he of Franz Ferdinand and culinary snipes) was providing the turntable toons. Sounded like a fitting farewell. I was so gutted by the news that I pretty much ignored the emails from the trio, preferring to play there Rugged Raw release until my ears fit that description also.

Then last week I mentioned another great UK band, Colours, and their Drip Haze 7". And it took me a while, but it sunk in that I saw the words "not" and "cool" in consecutive sequence somewhere on their press release. And lo and behold! They are supporting Colours on their 7" launch, also at the Old Blue Last, TONIGHT! So will this be the end? Or a new beginning? Please put me out of my misery! (Only if the answer is: "Yeah man, Not Cool are totally together, forever! Didn't you know? Douche!" I would cry a little, but overall I'd be damned happy...

Either way, GET THERE!!!