Tag: england

Shame Live at The Teragram Ballroom

Words and photos by Isabelle Jonsson

Hailing from London, Shame’s post-punk spirit and frenetic performance left me and my concert buddy in a daze, as it was nothing like our expectations from having heard just one of their songs. Their authentic London flair, pure enthusiasm and the charming demeanor of lead singer Charlie Steen as he talks with the crowd can persuade any audience into really embracing their music.

Shame will always be adored in the local music scene and welcomed in Los Angeles. Their shows are a wild ride and you won’t want to miss them the next time they’re in the U.S.!

 

 

Listen to Shame here!

Advertisement

New Music Radar: Sugarspun

Words by Quite Great Communications

IMG_4743 (3)

Word of mouth counts for a lot and this is certainly the case with Sugarspun. Despite no releases other than a handful of Soundcloud demos, they have forged an army of fans from coast to coast who have bombarded them with requests for more tracks and who have turned up en-masse to sell out venues they have played. Having developed from a two-piece acoustic outfit to a full-on 5-strong indie juggernaut, they capture the triumphant euphoria of prime Stone Roses and the classic 60’s song-writing chops of The Faces and early 90’s acts like The La’s.

SoundCloud Link to Spaceman Dreams

Spaceman Dreams artwork

Formed in the unlikely rock n roll hotbed of Carlisle in Cumbria, Sugarspun started out as an acoustic duo, comprising vocalist Jamie and Steven (guitar), though rave reviews emanating from their BBC Introducing plays and feverish fan support at their live shows caused the pair to revise their plans and expand to a much larger vision in all senses. Having recruited the members who now complete their line-up – Michael (rhythm guitar); Luke (bass) and Andy (drums) – from their local music scene, they moved away from acoustic tracks and bedroom demos to their first studio-recorded work: “Spaceman Dreams” and “Hide”.

“Spaceman Dreams” is the antithesis of the trend of gloomy introspection and negativity, with hooks flying around like hand grenades and the chorus racing in at speeds Virgin Trains can only dream of. With a message to never give up on your dreams, however distant they may seem, this is the perfect launchpad for a band who remind you how 90’s indie changed the musical landscape by combining musical talent with optimism, irreverence and fun.

IMG_4750 (2)

Keep up with Sugarspun!

Soundcloud
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

The Sherlocks’ Last Night in America November 9, 2017

Review and photos by Lilli Banks

November 9, 2017
DC9 Nightclub, Washington, D.C.

From Sheffield, England, The Sherlocks took a trip to North America to promote their new album. Their indie alternative music has thousands of people shouting the lyrics to their songs and selling out venues throughout United Kingdom. Building their fanbase, they opened for bands such as Kings of Leon and The Libertines and soon to open for Liam Gallagher on his European tour in 2018.

After seven years of being a band, the two sets of brothers released their debut album, “Live for the Moment” in mid-August of this year. The album featured singles from years prior and new tracks that hit #6 in the UK charts.

With the success of their album, they set off on a UK, European, and North American tour. They performed in the US back in March of 2016 for SWSX in Texas, but their first headline tour was this November, starting in Toronto.

The band kicked off the set with their song, “Last Night” and the crowd was immediately enticed. Although it was the last night of tour, they never let their energy falter. Their tunes “Blue” and “Will You Be There?” roared through DC9 Nightclub bringing those from the downstairs bar and staff.

“Turn the Clock,” arrived on the setlist and the acoustic guitar was brought out. The crowd was thrilled to hear a slower song that showed another side of the band.

Kiaran, the lead singer and guitarist, took a moment to say, “We’re ending our first tour in Washington, D.C. just how we wanted it,” which made the crowd yell with happiness and cheering.

As the upbeat songs came back, pairs of friends danced in the crowd with the beer in their hands. An older adult was front and center, mesmerized by the band. Andy, the bassist, had a huge smile on his face seeing how the crowd was reacting to them.

The band knocked the night and tour out with Chasing Shadows. Soon enough, this band will be filling venues of the USA and we’re excited to see them progress!

The band will be returning to the USA in January 2018 to the West Coast. The first date on January 16th in Los Angeles at The Echo.

You can find tickets and dates for their return here.
Their debut album streams on Spotify and iTunes/Apple Music.

Follow The Sherlocks on social media!

Instagram
Twitter
Facebook

Review: Sundara Karma

April 14th at Songbyrd Cafe: Sundara Karma on The Advanced Placement Tour with 888 and Coast Modern

A Review by: Jada Moore

With their first visit to DC after releasing their debut album, “Youth Is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect,” Sundara Karma definitely put on a show not soon to be forgotten! Sundara Karma, an indie band hailing from Reading, England; made up of lead singer Oscar “Lulu” Pollock, guitarist Ally Baty, bassist Dom Cordell and drummer Haydn Evans, sure know how to put on a good show! After waiting for years it was finally time to seem them! Waiting all day at the venue was definitely worth it all. Not only did I meet Oscar and Ally, but I was front row and had such an amazing view and experience. Not to mention each member’s way talented, smart and down to earth. Talking to each member and really getting to know the band, you can just tell just how humble and gracious they are but also how aware they are of the issues currently affecting the globe. April 14th was definitely a night worth reliving!

7:00 pm
The stage was illuminated by the luminescent glow of white fairy lights, with a blue guitar sat on the stage waiting. The room was dark with anticipation, and out of my peripheral view the setlist sat on the stage called to me. The sound of clapping caught my ears, it was time for the show to begin!

First up was their hit single, “A Young Understanding.” From the strums of the guitar to the sweet melody of Oscar’s voice, the crowd was pumped and excited for the night!
image9

Next, the pounding of the drum along with the start from Oscar’s powerful vocals. Lyrics beating “Oh no, Olympia says she loves me,” comes out of his mouth. With its catchy beat and lyrics, this was definitely a song that had me in my element. I think everyone enjoyed themselves especially because this song (being an older single) had an evoking moment of nostalgia for the audience.

image1image6

Following came the funky and dreamy beats of: “Fleshbloom,” “Flame” and “Watching from Great Heights.” Definitely the songs of the night that had everyone in the audience screaming and dancing in joy. I know my friends and I were dancing our heads off!

image4image2
Next all I heard was, “She said I don’t wanna go out dancing….” and mentally something in my head and body immediately clicked! I realized that my break out dance song was being performed right in front of my eyes! I honestly was so excited and having so much fun and I knew that sadly their set was soon coming to an end (insert frowny face.)

image7image8

The soft melodious chords to “Happy Family” began. As soon as the beat dropped my friends started a bit of a mosh and man was that great, the cheerful beat of the song definitely had everyone feeling nostalgic and cheerful. One of my favorite songs, if not my favorite from the album as the song evokes happy memories in my head and I felt at ease dancing the night away.
As the chords to the last (but not the least in anyway) began, I think the crowd was having the best songs. Shouting out the lyrics to “Loveblood,” while also dancing the rest of the night away the whole audience was captivated. I just remember shouting and dancing along with my friends and having the best time. As the song came close to an end, with the soft “ooohs” I just closed my eyes and was taken away. As the finishing lines continued I don’t think I had ever been having so much, I remember my friends and I all dancing and bumping shoulders. That moment had to be the best one of the night.

Follow Sundara Karma:

Spotify

Instagram

Twitter

 

Video Interview: Blossoms

Interview by Coco and Kayla Fernandez | @corynnne @snappedbykay

September: Music You Need In Your Life

Is it us, or has the year gone by incredibly fast? This year has boasted an abundance of incredible new musicians and material, prompting us to pick out some of our favorites. While there have been several talented artists in recent months, Declan McKenna and Banes World have made such an impression here at Lucid Dreams. Hopefully you give these musicians some love and enjoy them as much as we do.

Read below for more info on the artists.
1. Declan McKenna

Singer/songwriter, Declan McKenna, is a Hertfordshire native, with musical abilities well above his ripe age of  17. You may recognize McKenna’s upbeat indie banger, Brazil, which has amassed to somewhat of a summer anthem due to an incredible amount of radio play. More recently, Declan released a new single titled, Isombard, which touches on US law and order during the age of the #blacklivesmovement. It is refreshing seeing young artists, such as Declan McKenna, who aren’t afraid to speak about today’s issues. Not only do his songs reveal poignant messages, but they are blissfully accompanied by lively composition. Isombard, for us particularly, has subtle Wes Anderson film vibes brought to you by a welcomed ping pong match between keys ands guitar. Being a musician is hard enough, but McKenna, who mind you is ONLY 17, has the extraordinary capability to relay a story along with seamless sounds. If we haven’t convinced you enough already to listen to this guy, give him the old follow on Twitter; his humor alone, will make you a fan!

Make sure to catch him on tour !

2. Banes World


Shane Blanchard, rather known as, Banes World, hails from Long Beach, California. Anyone who is  a sucker for soft hazy tunes to accompany woeful nights,  is bound to be smitten by Shane’s music; he epitomizes the essence of dreamy synth. A personal fave of ours is Valentine’s Curse, but we would highly recommend you start off with Still Lovely and float through the rest of his discography.With his uniquely composed synth pop tunes, there isn’t anyone in the game quite like Banes World. What makes the wistful songs even better are the endearing lyrics, and their notion to pull you in with a faint whisper. If you’re anything like us, and have a soft spot for the hopeless romantics, you most likely will find solace in his song, Gorgeous, in which he collaborated with artist,Temporex. In terms of similar sound, it is like if  Mac Demarco and Blood Orange had procreated, and he was their infamous love child. We COULD NOT go this whole post without being a little punny and also summing up how we feel about Blanchard, so here it is folks, “BANE’S WORLD. PARTY ON. EXCELLENT!”

Follow Banes World:

Twitter

Instagram

Soundcloud