Eastzone Underground launched

May 8th saw the launch of the Eastzone Underground label, a spin-off of NR One Records, with a gig at Norwich Arts Centre and a give-away four-band sample CD.

The aim of the label is to provide a platform for some of the area's heavier bands and four bands provided a sample of the label's style for the launch gig.

Hunt in Packs kicked off the evening. Featuring Paul Dewbery and Lee Bowyer, from now defunct UH OHs, and Ash Collins on bass, they played an interesting set. I personally think that they need just a little something extra to make them a bit more exciting and memorable.

Next up were Claw Of Panther, a rock band from Lowestoft. Not really my taste in music, but they brought a considerable entourage of fans with them (who left immediately after their set!).

Main support came from Death Of Death Of Discotheque (pictured below in a photo from their MySpace page), who play an excellent mix of inventive and exciting sounds. Vocalist Jason Barsby provided a colourful and vibrant focus to this four-piece, who should not be missed.


The Brownies headlined the evening. One of my favourite bands for the last two or three years, they were playing what will probably be their last gig for many months, mainly because drummer Mike Sheils is now working with Dinosaur Pile-up (who were excellent when they played the NAC a few months ago).

The Brownies promise to be back with us in one form or another, but in the meantime try to see Dinosaur Pile-up live, to experience Mike's excellent drum skills.

Sennen - 'Age Of Denial' released

Norwich band Sennen released their third album, "Age of Denial", this week on Hungry Audio Records. The title track was also released as a single in March.

The album, recorded in autumn 2009 with Primal Scream/House of Love producer Pat Collier, is available to download from various sites, including emusic.



The band will be launching the album at Norwich Arts Centre this Friday (April 9th), when they headline a WombatWombat night -- and will also be introducing new bassist Tim Kelleway (brother of the band's Rich) who replaces Rew Horner, who has left the band because of family commitments.

Support for the launch gig comes from London based shoegaze/drone/krautrock band Kontakte and Norwich's Olympians (formerly Hair Traffic Control).



Sennen have also had considerable exposure of Xfm, with tracks from a studio session being aired during John Kennedy's nighttime show last week.

A busy April in prospect

After a rather quiet March, April is going to be a busy month for me, with several interesting Norwich gigs.

First up is Fever Fever's "Monster" single launch in the crypt bar at Take 5, Tombland. The single is released by Cherryade Records on 7in vinyl some time in April (although I can't actually find a release date). Hopefully promo CDs will appear on Ebay shortly after as well!

Another record launch occurs the following Friday, with Sennen showcasing their new album, "Age Of Denial", as headliners of a WombatWombat night at Norwich Arts Centre. The album is released through Hungry Audio Records on April 5th.

And the same weekend, the first of three TweeOFF! gig promotions (all at the Arts Centre) is on Sunday 11th, with Tennessee band Royal Bangs topping the bill on the UK leg of a European tour.



April 20th sees London electro-poppers Chew Lips appearing, closely followed by the second TweeOFF! night, with New York duo Shy Child headlining.

Still at the Arts Centre, Sunderland's Futureheads kick off their nationwide tour there on Monday 26th and the next night Times New Viking (from Columbus, Ohio, and nearing the end of an extensive European tour) are the main band at the final TweeOFF! gig of the month. Nice to see a band named after a typeface!



To round off the month, although I haven't got a ticket yet, an appearance by legendary New Order bassist Peter Hook, with "An Evening Of Unknown Pleasures" at the UEA on Friday 30th, sounds interesting. We'll have to see how far finances stretch!