FFS’s favourite festival, End of the Road, has announced the first few acts for 2010.
Diane Cluck, The Mountain Goats, AA Bondy, The Low Anthem and The Wilderness of Manitoba join headliners Wilco in what is already a highly exciting line-up.
Emmy the Great to support The Decemberists
On Thursday 19th December, Emmy the Great is set to support one of the past decade’s most supremely wonderous bands, the Decemberists at The Coronet, Elephant and Castle.
Slow Club announce Christmas EP
Here at FFS we’re doing our best to space out the Christmassy news, what with it being November and all, but this frankly miserifying weather calls for a bit more cheer. We are therefore delighted to announce that Slow Club have announced a Christmas EP for 2009.
Live: Daniel Johnston, Laura Marling, The Wave Pictures @ Union Chapel, London
We arrived at Union Chapel to catch the end of The Wave Pictures’ earlier-than-advertised slot. The Leicestershire band delivered an assured performance, and have certainly come along way since FFS last saw them at End of the Road 2008. When they close with the brilliant Strange Fruit For David, we see why The Wave Pictures are so well-loved by established alt-folkers like Jeffrey Lewis and Darren Hayman, with whom they’ve appeared on stage.
Live: Willy Mason and Friends — St Giles in the Fields Church
From the importance of the local folk community inhabited by both he and his parents, to his preference for playing concerts in fans’ living rooms rather than ‘proper’ venues, Willy Mason is a man who understands the power music has to bring people together and share something special between them. Stood in front of the altar of St Giles church – a disconcertingly peaceful spot in the heart of bustling, grimy Soho – he allowed the congregation into his world as he stood alongside numerous fellow musicians for an inclusive night of shared sounds.
EP: Draw Me Stories — The Sky and the Mirror
Already spurred by critical acclaim from their first album and their stonking live performances, the Cardiff trio have released The Sky and the Mirror, an impressive collection of four songs infused with rock, a dash of funk and lashings of folk.