Music from Rainy Skies

21^st August saw converted music shop Sound Control host the We Can Do What We Want Forever festival, bringing the perfect close to a Manchester summer. With The Sunshine Underground headlining and over twenty supporting acts, including some of Manchester’s finest, this alternative festival was the perfect way to spend a mid-August afternoon.

Syd Bozko kicked off the day with their enticing main stage performance, drawing in a crowd with their exclusive alternative indie sound. Their erratic performance styles kept the audience on their toes with no two songs sounding alike.

Their first performance opened with screeching guitars giving the false impression of a heavy metal or screamo band, but once the vocals kicked in the audience were greeted with a coarse yet harmonious voice. The song effectively built up to an ecstatic dubstep-esque drop, resulting in the uncontrollable desire to dance.

Their second song took the much more subtle approach; light guitar riffs gave them a much more melodic and controlled sound, miles apart from the frantic nature of the majority of their set.

Although Syd Bozko’s lyrics are catchy, they deal with extremely trivial themes. “Getting waste tonight,” although perhaps the perfect lyrics for an alternative party anthem, fall a little flat. Incorporating some more mature ideas would certainly give them a greater depth to match the complexity of their sound.

The audience reaction Syd Bozko received was somewhat disappointing, they deserved much better, but as they were such an early set it’s difficult to expect more.

Although I can’t help but feel like the band are still struggling to find their feet, I am certain that they are a band to watch out for over the coming months.

Syd Bozko are going places, and quickly.

Turrentine Jones

The rivetingly brilliant three man band Turrentine Jones were one of the highlights of the day, previously described as ‘Animalistic, thrilling and utterly confined,’ they definitely live up to their name.

The band purposefully create something incredibly unique with their combination of guitar, keyboard, vocals and drums. Their sound is as addictive as it is professional; mixing instrumental solos with toe-tapping choruses they keep their audiences lively and enthused from start to finish.

Turrentine Jones have the ability to completely change the tone of a piece at a split seconds notice, one moment the band are playing laid back Johnny Cash style blues, and the next they are giving off devilish-organ-sound-induced- feel-good-vibes that would put the likes of Toploader’s ”Dancing in the Moonlight” to shame.

Their ability to diversify their music and create such a developed sound with so few instruments is impressive, and although some of the songs are considerably stronger than others, I’m convinced that this band is a magnificent work in progress. Comfortable to listen to, and resoundingly entertaining, a sublime addition to the festival- this band comes with the highest recommendations to any music lover.

As one of the closing acts for the festival, progressive rock band The Hidden Revolution really drove the crowd wild with their brilliantly euphoric sound. Melancholic and macabre, they prudently prod the audience with delicate guitar licks, keeping the listener hanging on every beat, every note, and every word.

Repetitive drum beats and echoing melodies make this band easily comparable to the likes of Placebo or Portishead but there is a definitive quality that makes them stand out. The vocals resonate high above the other instruments, infectiously engaging their audience in a way that so few bands can.

The Hidden Revolution

The Hidden Revolution’s songs explore anguish and despair in a celebratory manner, their lyrics and sound alike show appreciation and passion for every aspect of life and music. Their music induces the most intense of emotions, making them the perfect band to listen to alone on a lonely night, or with friends in a crowded festival.

Songs like “Bloodlines” draw the listener in gradually, repetitively adding in new sounds and offering titbits of musical genius throughout. All of the songs are ever so slightly bizarre, but that’s what makes this band stand out. There is something about their sound that you cannot quite place your finger on, and it only leaves you coming back for more.

I found The Hidden Revolution to be inspirational and revolutionary, definitely the most the most promising act, I have no qualms with stating my confidence in their ability to succeed.

For more information on the acts visit their websites at:

The Hidden Revolution: http://www.myspace.com/thehiddenrevolution
Syd Bozko: http://www.myspace.com/sydbozko
Turrentine Jones: http://www.youtube.com/turrentinejonestube

Words: Calum McSwiggan
Photography: Innes Morrison