MAMMOTH PENGUINS
In a special edition of our regular Cambridge Sound feature, we ask movers and shakers on the local music scene which Cambridge acts are destined for big things next year
SIMON BAKER
Simon Baker runs independent music promotions company Green Mind Gigs, he thinks Mammoth Penguins are destined for greatness next year
They’re not new, but my tip is Mammoth Penguins. According to Spotify’s regional map of musical tastes, Cambridge came top for indie pop and the essence of this is superbly distilled in Mammoth Penguins. Their credentials are impressive: Emma Cooper was in indie darlings Standard Fare, Mark Boxall (known by some locally as ‘the guy in all the bands’) is in local psych pop wonders Violet Woods and was in local tweecore heroes, The Puncture Repair Kit. Their music is spiky, witty and melodic with just the right amount of wonky charm. Points of reference are Blur, Courtney Barnett, Alvvays, (Norwich lo-fi heroes) Bearsuit, Jeffrey Lewis etc. I don’t know if they’ll be massive and I don’t care. There’s something joyous and life affirming about their gigs and, in true indie pop style, word seems to be spreading via word of mouth and constant gigging.
Also worth checking out are Prison Whites, Lunacre, Alicia Catling, Biscuits For Bears, Control, Amber Gambler and Matty & The Bullsharks. Cambridge’s scene is probably in the rudest health I can ever remember.
THE TRAVIS WALTONS (BRAINCHILD OF DANIEL FLAY)
NEIL ‘BUGS’ ROGERS
Neil ‘Bugs’ Rogers runs Half-Ton Studios in Milton and has over 20 years’ experience performing and engineering. His one to watch is Daniel Flay
I see a lot of bands and solo artists come through the studio and I’ve been lucky to work with some really talented people over the last few years. With this in mind, it feels very hard to choose one act to talk about – not to mention unfair on some of the others! However, an artist I feel deserves to receive some more recognition is a songwriter called Daniel Flay, who is the brains behind a band called The Travis Waltons. I’ve worked with Dan on two albums now and his first album – Your Neck is Bleeding – gets mentioned by so many bands I meet at the studio that I’m still surprised it didn’t make more of a splash when it was released. The songs Millionaire and Canned food and shotguns are essential listens if you appreciate the noisy, but melodic, side of the indie rock genre.
DANIEL FLAY (BRAINS BEHIND THE TRAVIS WALTONS)
As well as being able to make a wonderful racket with his band, watching Dan perform a solo show with an acoustic guitar is a strangely affecting experience. The slight vulnerability of Dan as a character and the songs’ themes lend themselves perfectly to a more intimate setting and allow Dan to show off his voice without having to shout above a band. His most recent album – Separation Season – saw Dan indulge himself by featuring guest vocals from the likes of Charlie Simpson, Jamie Lenman (Reuben), S H Davidson (Tellison) and Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids). The fact that all the guests gave their time willingly to perform on his record speaks volumes for the quality of the songwriting. Although a resident of Bristol now, Dan is still a regular performer in Cambridge and is well worth checking out if you can. Oh and also watch out for ex-Broken Family Band singer Steven James Adams’s album, which is out early next year. I’ve just finished mixing it and it really is quite special!
PRISON WHITES
JORDAN WORLAND
Jordan Worland is the founder and editor of Cambridge music website Slate The Disco. He tips Prison Whites for success
Prison Whites is a trio of recognisable faces from the Cambridge DIY scene, boasting some former members of prolific bands like Ill Murray.
Only formed in March 2015 these guys have found a sound of punk unbounded, both structurally and emotionally, filled with brutal musicianship and lethally perceptive lyrics. After an impressive debut EP released in 2015 alongside some high-profile support slots with the likes of The Wytches, VANT and Yung, 2016 is set to be a big year for Prison Whites. Prison Whites are the sound of a grimy sweat drenched late 80s basement show, playing rattling early Replacements and Husker Du influenced punk rock with a Fugazi-esque melodic edge.
Armed with a serious amount of tenacity, a sugar-coated pop sensibility and an unmistakably punk attitude and energy, Prison Whites will hit 2016 at a sprint with no looking back.
(Jordan also writes a monthly music blog for Cambridge Edition, which you can find here)
GOLDSTAR
TIM WILLET
Tim Willet is a local music promoter and presenter of The New Music Generator on Cambridge 105. His pick for 2016 is Goldstar
I should probably be honest and tell you that my pick for 2015 appeared to curse the act I chose rather than push them on to greater things – they disbanded earlier this year! Here’s hoping my choice for 2016 won’t follow in their footsteps, or I won’t be asked to write this again next time.
My selection is Goldstar, a group who have been on the circuit for several years but one I feel has been bubbling away under the surface and 2016 is their time to break through. Their stadium dance sound is unlike any other, it’s ‘dance music written by rock stars’ and I defy anyone not to be drawn in by their infectious live performances, which promise to be even more impressive on their return. To date they’ve released three free mix tapes and received airplay from BBC 1Xtra.
2015 saw the group release a concept EP with singer Grace Sarah but next year stunning lead vocalist Lee Morris returns alongside Geoff Smith (guitar) and David Gane (drums) as the band unleash their debut EP and prepare for their live stage return in March. Having heard a preview of what’s to come, fans of this band won’t be disappointed.
Cambridge 105 New Music Generator
