JAILHOUSE ROCKS
Lizzi Armstrong interviews The Talons, Gossamer Albatross and The Bayonets at The Jailhouse April 15th.
The TalonsThe Talons are a fresh new instrumental band who ‘will surely go on to bigger things’ say Retro. Formed of six young Herefordians, this nine month old band is a huge hit on the local music scene. Previously called The Kites, the band changed their name to Talons as they ‘were being sued left right and centre!’ When balancing music with their other obligations, Talons said Facebook and lots and lots of text messages are the way they make it all happen. The group don’t just work well on stage, the camaraderie between the six is obvious. When asked what they liked to do other than make music they said they like playing rounder’s and American football together.
Talons desert island playlist included Frisbee, Pelican, Fleetwood Mac, Weezer, The National, Get Up Kids and Sonic Youth and they would choose to go on tour with either Duran Duran or Death Cab for Cutie. The band is looking forward to a summer full of gigs across the country and are eagerly anticipating their gig in London on May 6th. The musical blast that is this band is unique, surprising and different, with an unstoppable rhythm and an inspired mix of sound. Talons sonic tea is worth a sip, and they’re definitely a band to see live with the crowds energy contributing to the atmosphere. Also the quirky costumes aren’t to be missed- they were dressed in diving suits during their set at the jailhouse, complete with snorkels.
Gossamer AlbatrossThis refreshingly different Hereford based band are an eclectic mix of young musicians - some classically trained, some not, but all talented. The contrast of cello and violin against strong veering vocals work in a totally unique way to create an audio explosion. The band has spent the last month rehearsing with their new six-piece line up, who exclaim ‘Gossamer Albatross isn’t just another rock-emo band, we have a cello!’. With the growth of the internet, the band don’t think coming from a rural town affects their music career, ‘the MySpace generation find your music no matter where you are.’
The groups advice for young musicians in Hereford is ‘to practice a lot and go out and play music, because if you’re lazy you’re not going to get anywhere’ and they say that one of the best things about Herefordshire is the music made and played here. Gossamer Albatross’ desert playlist included music from The Walkman, Radiohead, The Clash, Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes and Animal Collective and given the choice would tour with Bjork or The National.
Gossamer Albatross take their quirky name from a human-powered aircraft one of the band member’s grandfather invented. With their up-tempo tunes and enchanting melodies, Gossamer Albatross won’t be just a small town band for long, despite their prediction that in five years time ‘they will still be right here in Hereford!’
www.myspace.com/gossameralbatross
BayonetsThis exhilarating four-piece band defines their music as ‘Loud Awesome Rock’ which fits their sound perfectly. ‘Wishes and Wishes’ – the band’s debut album, is going down a storm on the music scene, with punktastic.com describing it as ‘one of the best debut releases by a UK band in quite some time’. The band are currently gigging around the country to coincide with the new album release, but still say the best gigs are the ones right here in Hereford, with the jailhouse being the first choice for a set.
Bayonets don’t think coming from a rural town has affected their progress, and may even benefit them, as in Hereford it’s easier to make a name for yourself, whereas in larger cities you’re just one of many bands’. Bayonets, who took their name from a Mud Brothers lyric, when asked who they would love to go on tour with, replied ‘Manchester Orchestra, the American band- not the symphony orchestra from Manchester, although that would be fun! The best thing about Herefordshire is that ‘there’s such a diverse range of music being made by talented young people here’ say the group, and they think ‘if young people can make music, they should go and actually do it!’ Bayonets are charging forward into success, and with the new album out now, they should be blasting through national radio in no time.
