Latest News
ABoF News April 2014: Press, Podcasts ’n’ Playlists!
It’s been a while since our last newsletter and the reason for that is that we’ve been so bloody busy we’ve not had time to stop and tell the world what we’ve been up to.Our bands are doing better than ever with exclusives, reviews and features appearing in NME, The Line of Best Fit, Q, MOJO, Earmilk, Artrocker, Kerrang!, Clash, Rock Sound and many more since the start of the year. Bands and labels wanting to find out more about our services can check out our website or our Facebook page, where we update individual press links and scans daily. Or alternatively, send us an email - info@abadgeoffriendship.com. If you’re sending us music, please send us stream links only - cheers!
We’ve also started our monthly A Badge of Friendship podcast. The podcast features us chatting nonsense in the office whilst working away plus you get to hear some of the bands we’re working as well. Our second and latest episode reveals Claire’s distain for twee indie films, sandal wearers and a general discussion about her love of Bicentennial Man (!). And we debate what’s actually creepier - answering the door topless or wearing a t-shirt and nothing else?
Episode one featured chat about illicit cake touching, Russian Porn and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Check it out on Soundcloud now!
Our playlists are back! Our first this year was the aptly titled ‘ABoF Rocking Your Face Right Off Your FACE!’ and featured some of the rock and metal bands we’re currently working with, including: Scary People, Fat Goth, We Came From Wolves, Shambles In A Husk, Deathbells, Algernon Doll and The Fire And I. Watch out for more coming soon, all of which will be updated on our ABoF blog.
That’s all from us for now. If you’ve got time, do check out our brilliant roster, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter or contact us via our official website - why not come and say hello!
Scary People release free download ‘Crush The Bug’!
Scary People today release free download track, 'Crush The Bug', taken from their forthcoming EP, Chicago!, due for release on 7th April 2014 via RedRoom Recordings.
The band follow up their free download of 'Chicago!' with another rocking tune - distorted, off kilter singing is flanked by technically superb drumming and heavy guitars - as Scary People continue to hone and craft a rock-laden sound that marks them out as ones to watch.
Download 'Crush The Bug' for free via our SoundCloud page.
Hot on the heels of their debut EP Smoke, Scary People demonstrate from start to finish their raw, take no prisoners brand of rock and roll with the intense opening title track ‘Chicago!’ leading a glorious assault on your speakers.
Scary People are a powerhouse of technical prowess, with tunes that force you to intently listen, with few moments of quiet reflection - each track ups the ante until explosive closing track ‘Crush The Bug’ as it culminates in a shower of pure, unadulterated foot-stomping noise.
Having recorded and produced both EPs independently, Scary People maintain their fiercely independent and strictly DIY ethic towards all of their creative outlets; including promoting their own shows, directing their own videos and printing their merchandise by hand. They’ve already gained outstanding coverage from the likes of Artrocker Magazine, BBC Introducing and a UK Artist Of The Week feature on the US website The Vinyl District.
For the chance to attend the launch show on 5th April in Dundee, pre-order your copy of Chicago! from the band's official bandcamp site. Tickets are limited and will be won on a first come first served basis.
Chicago! is due for release on 7th April 2014 via RedRoom Recordings.
Universal Thee release free download of ‘A Million Voices’
Universal Thee release the free download track, 'A Million Voices', taken from their forthcoming debut album, Back To Earth, available 31st March 2014 via Eventual Heirs Records.
In a departure from their usual buoyantly traditional indie style, the band illustrate their versatility with a lo-fi, acoustic track evoking memories of Belle and Sebastian and Sebadoh's quieter moments.
You can download 'A Million Voices' free from the ABoF SoundCloud page or from the embed below.
The album is a daydream of upbeat guitars and vocals, created by the band's free and easy, non-restrictive approach to songwriting that sees them explore every aspect of their own creativity, with more than a healthy nod to influences such as Weezer and Pavement. As a result, the band's sound is hard to define, with tracks such as "Wolves Of The Netherworld" and "Bone Collector" very much channelling the sense of fun that was inherent in a lot of late 90s college rock, while tracks like "Feeling Fragile" and "Down" tell a more personal story. There is no concrete template for Universal Thee - they play what they feel, which is something that some might say is missing in today's ultra-media savvy musical landscape - perfectly highlighted by their first download track 'Aranis Natas'.
Producing a fun, refreshing, genre-defying sound that gives every member of the band the opportunity to showcase their unique tastes, Universal Thee are yet another shining example of the delights Scotland's music scene has to offer. With this in mind, why not catch the band as they play their launch show at Citrus Club in Edinburgh on 28th March.
Back To Earth is released March 31st 2014 via Eventual Heirs Records
Penguins Kill Polar Bears release second free track: ‘Lungs’
“…should get the pulse racing…”
- The Line Of Best Fit
Penguins Kill Polar Bears have released 'Lungs', the second free track for you to enjoy from their debut album Building Homes From Broken Bones. Download and stream it from the band's SoundCloud page.
You can also stream and download 'Scarce', the first track taken off the album, absolutely free on SoundCloud.
The album is an atmospheric genre bending masterclass that fans of Mogwai, Aereogramme and Explosions In The Sky would happily have in their personal collection. Each song flows effortlessly into the next with the boys taking their songwriting to a new level, smoothing out the rougher edges of their previous EPs and transforming their sound into something more intelligent, thoughtful and esoteric.
PKPB have already played sold out shows with The Twilight Sad, And So I Watch You From Afar, The Xcerts and British Sea Power, even ‘the curse of the merch stand’ hasn’t put them off playing a blinding live set; every time they’ve set out on tour their merch stand has either been robbed or set on fire!
Now the line-up is complete with Gregor Graham taking on bass and vocal duties, the Linlithgow lads - Ben Proudlock, Fraser Sanaghan and Kieran McGuckian - are ready to represent as one of Scotland’s finest young exports.
Building Homes From Broken Bones is released 7th April via So Say We All.
Rue Royale to support Bon Iver’s S. Carey in May!
Rue Royale have just been announced as the main support on S. Carey's forthcoming UK tour in May. To celebrate the announcement, the band released this hypnotic Heart Island remix video for their track 'Pull Me Like A String'. The video premiered on Clash last week but is now available to watch via the Sinnbus YouTube channel.
The original video for 'Pull Me Like A String' is also available to watch on YouTube now.
Rue Royale will be touring Europe extensively this year, heading to the UK in May. Check out the full list of tour dates below:
8th May - Brighton Fringe @ The Brunswick - Brighton
9th May - B Bar - Plymouth
10th May - Miss Peapods - Penryn
16th May - Wardrobe - Leeds
17th May - RNCM - Manchester
18th May - CCA - Glasgow
19th May - Sage Gateshead - Gateshead
21st May - Arts Centre - Norwich
22nd May - Village Underground - London
You can pick up Rue Royale's album, Remedies Ahead, on iTunes and the band's official site, or you can stream it on Spotify.