Allo Darlin'

Event information

ALLO DARLIN' (Fortuna Pop)

Allo Darlin s self-titled indiepop debut of 2010 not only courted universal critical accolades, but demonstrated why they are the band most likely to, in terms of crossover appeal, following in the footsteps of the likes of Belle and Sebastian and Camera Obscura. The reasons are multifold- a succession of killer pop singles in the likes of Dreaming (now an established Popklubb dancefloor filler), Polaroid, and If Loneliness was Art, are contrasted with stripped down romantic paeans; things of great beauty which can disarm you with just Elizabeth Morris s voice, and a sole ukulele or steel guitar.

Recent years have seen them championed by, and recording Maida Vale sessions for, BBC Radio 6, tour the USA four times, and make audiences swoon at the SXSW and Indietracks festivals.

The band were very keen to play the cinema, having heard so much about its special atmosphere from close cohort Darren Hayman (check out Elizabeth s and Darren s recent wonderful duet I know I F*cked Up for starters). Allo Darlin s propensity for making their live shows witty, fun, and not shy of a bit of dancing and a good singalong, should make for a memorable and intimate night.

Touring in support of a new single, and forthcoming album in 2012, this is a gig not to be missed !


"The 10 songs on Allo Darlin's self-titled debut album don't rewrite the formula for wistful bedsit charm as much as show that it can still be carried out masterfully." Pitchfork

A smile is never far from Morris's mouth and nor is a killer melody. 'Polaroid' and particularly 'Dreaming' turn my mood from early festival optimism to something near universal love for humanity. Drowned in Sound

http://allodarlin.com/

MILKY WIMPSHAKE (Fortuna Pop)

(From Fortuna Pop, My Funny Social Crime, release):

A potent mixture of fizzing pop tunes, punk attitude and protest folk have made Milky Wimpshake one of the UK s best loved indiepop bands. They ve released numerous singles and compilation tracks on assorted indie labels, along with three albums, 1998 s Bus Route To Your Heart released on singer Pete Dales s own legendary Slampt label, 2001 s Lovers, Not Fighters , issued on the ultra-hip Troubleman Unlimited label (Erase Erata, Rogers Sisters) in the States, and 2005 s Popshaped , the latter two both on Fortuna POP! in the UK and Europe. For many Milky Wimpshake are the spiritual godfathers of the now-thriving North-East music scene, and as überlord of the Slampt label Pete was responsible for launching a hundred fanzines and as many bands, The Yummy Fur and Kenickie included. In the last couple of years the band have headlined both Indietracks Festival and London Popfest.

Obvious pop hits include previous single One Good Use For My Heart , a heartfelt ode to remaining in love; the insanely catchy Cherry Pop ; and a duet with Amelia Fletcher (Talulah Gosh, Heavenly, Tender Trap) on Eyeball To Eyeball . And if there are less politics on this album than previous efforts Pete gives it both barrels on Murder In London . As well there are two covers that show the breadth of the band s influences in The Monitors Motown classic Share A Little Love With Me and a version of Riot Grrrl band Kicking Giant s Fuck The Rules . While most songs adhere to the classic Milky Wimpshake sound buzzsaw guitar (think Ramones, Buzzcocks), simple bass, garage-y drums, throwaway humorous lyrics there are moments of real tenderness in Itchy Feet On A Tuesday Night , Patchwork and Changing Shape .

Milky Wimpshake are the perennial and much loved underdogs of the indie pop scene, they fly the flag for old school indie with a slight punk twist. GOD IS IN THE TV.

My Funny Social Crime is an instantly brilliant indie-pop classic that should sit somewhere between Hefners' The Fidelity Wars and Ballboy s A Guide for the Daylight Hours on your shelves. Pete Dale's straight-to-the-point lyrics on unrequited love and the general confusion of modern life, coupled with the 'Shakes way with a tune, make My Funny Social Crime a joyous thing to behold. Utterly unmissable. No joke.
(Soundblab 9/10)

& more TBC ..

Stepney Bank, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2NP