Monte Grisa’s Resurrection EP showcases the Darlington based post punk band at their very best with four meticulously crafted tracks that encapsulate their dark and moody sound.
The EP opens with “A Confession” driven by dark ominous synths reminiscent of groups such as Joy Division during their darker moments. The lyrics repeat a self-deprecating mantra, acting as a nice metaphor for the struggles of having low self esteem and setting the brooding tone for the rest of the record.
Next “Deep” begins with a sharp drum machine section that builds anticipation. The synths enter as the song progresses, accompanied by an ethereal chorus of backing vocals, which act as unheavenly choir enhancing the gothic atmosphere. The track breaks down into an engaging guitar riff, which keeps the listener on the edge of their seat with it’s interesting structure.
The third track “Regression” discusses the declining standards of society, with frontman Josh Cowey expressing his shame and apathy towards it to excellent effect with an introspective set of lyrics.
The excellent “Shotgun” ends the EP with a driving rhythm section and Cowey’s passionate baritone vocals, which bring a beautifully dark energy to the song. The emotion in the vocal delivery, paired with the descending guitar line, creates a compelling finale.
Overall, this EP is an excellent offering and should not be missed if you’re a fan of dark and gothic post punk with deep meaningful lyrics and well thought out, clever song writing which makes the EP well worth a listen. You can check it out here.
Freshly returned from their transatlantic odyssey, The Peevie Wonders are ready with new music and big plans for the future.
After a slew of shows in Austin, Texas, the group is back on home soil and ready to continue to build the hype, which has attracted the attention of the likes of BBC Radio One.
I caught up with frontman Mark Wilson to talk about their amazing experiences in the USA, as well as their exciting new track “Big Eczema Energy”, which features a solo from fellow North Shields resident Sam Fender, as well as production from Fender’s bandmates, Joe Atkinson and Dean Thompson.
The track showcases all that is good from the band, bringing big energy and unique lyrics. You can check it out here.
Bringing humour and terrific post punk energy, the track combines the wit and surrealism of bands such as FEET with the infectious energy of groups such as Shame. This addition to the growing catalogue of excellent singles released by the North Shields’ band so far further solidifies their status as ones to watch.
Sharing his thoughts about the new single Big Eczema Energy as well as working with Fender, Thompson and Atkinson, frontman Mark Wilson stated this: “This was the most fun I’ve ever had recording music. They are all good friends of mine, and it was class seeing professional musicians chipping in with writing and production on Big Eczema Energy.
They really brought it to life and helped us out beyond our expectations. It was a real North Shields collaboration. Sam’s solo was pretty much an improvisation, and if you haven’t heard it already, I would have a listen and prepare for a face melting rock n roll experience.”
The track builds upon the group’s influences, which can be heard throughout the group’s music, which mixes excellently crafted tunes with comedic lyrics often about the banality of everyday life. Past targets include the big shop at Morrisons, indie boys and gym lads, with the group delivering a unique twist on post punk.
I asked frontman Mark Wilson, about who and what inspired their uniquely brilliant music:
“Lyrically, artists like Johnny Cash, Tenacious D and John Cooper Clarke have been huge influences in the way they can add humour and make people laugh with the words they choose.
As a young boy, I was obsessed with Spike Milligan’s poetry, it’s so daft and surreal yet the stories spark something inside me that inspires me to this day to write something amusing. I love rough and raw music and The Fall are massively inspiring in how they break rules and the recordings can sound a bit shoddy and home made.
My music taste can only be described as Dad Rock, which isn’t really the sound that I have gone for, but if you break our music down the classical rock elements are all there, hidden beneath noisy guitar riffs and ranty vocals.”
These are all things which can be heard from what the group has put out so far. Since their formation in 2020, the band has gone from strength to strength. I asked Mark Wilson about what made them start The Peevie Wonders:
“I had COVID during the pandemic, and being locked in my room. I started messing around with some guitar ideas, which then progressed into songs. This was the first time I’d ever had vocals on a track, which was a weird experience whilst I was trying to find my voice. I’m still looking!
I asked Ben, who is my best pal, to get involved and help with some lead guitar. Before I knew it, we were in a rehearsal room playing these songs that were created during my self isolation.
To start with, we had my computer plugged into the PA, which had backing track drums and bass. The hardest part was having to play perfectly in time, and then pause the track at the end of the song.
The natural progression was to get some real humans to join the band. This is where Ollie and Joe were introduced. We practised quite regularly and I was adding new songs in for us to play. Our first gig was in Sunderland at The Independent, we played 5 songs and it was a lot of fun.
The band was started as a bit of a joke, the nature of the songs shows that. The first track I wrote was about people who don’t put butter on their bread when making a sandwich… The lyrical nature has only got more and more ridiculous as the band has aged and this won’t be changing anytime soon.
I have tried and failed to write about more traditional things such as love and relationships but that doesn’t ever come into fruition. I really struggle with that sort of stuff so I may as well write about the things that I have observed and find funny, it’s all I can do really.
I had never expected the music to take us to places such as Texas or BBC Maida Vale studios, and it still blows my mind as to how we have even been invited to have such amazing experiences. It hasn’t been easy and a lot of work has gone into this, but as long as it remains fun and exciting, I want to keep progressing and see what else us idiots can get up to.”
The Peevie Wonders’ unique approach led them this year to be invited to play SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. The group participated in the boycott due to the sponsorship of the festival, however still managed to play some unofficial shows in venues around the city, who supported bands participating in the protest:
“CoCoTexas is absolutely mental, everything is bigger and worse for your health, which for a week was very nice to indulge in. I was crying out for some broccoli by the end of the trip. The reception was great, and we decided to keep the set pretty much the same as our home shows.
We took the dad joke book and the shopping scanner, which both went down a storm. We were playing to a brand new audience every gig so it was integral that we showed off what we are all about and didn’t hold back on any of the performances.
My advice to anyone going over there and playing their music would be to stay true to yourself. People will either love it or hate it, that’s the nature of the game, so you may as well remain unchanged and have fun with it.
After playing Big Eczema Energy one day, I had a member of the audience pull me aside after the show. They explained that they had been a dermatologist for 20 years in Texas, and we had a lovely conversation about moisturiser and steroid creams. That was fun.”
The group is keen to take advantage of the momentum, they have gained from their US experience. Over the course of the past few years, the band has attracted the attention of BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music as well as a handful of prominent support slots, I wanted to know what the future held for the band:
“We have our debut EP titled “Big Eczema Energy”, which will be 4 and a half songs. I think… That will be a huge box ticked for me, as this was one of my goals at the start of The Peevie Wonders.
The EP has very similar sounding songs on it which I have been very keen to do with very rocky and energetic sounding music, which will hopefully make for a body of work that will soundtrack your morning runs or drive to McDonalds on a Sunday morning.
I also have a few unfinished tracks which I am working on. I really want to write a 7 minute ballad which I’m hoping to sit down and finish, which will probably never see the light of day and is more for my own entertainment. We will see what happens with that.”
In addition to an upcoming EP the group have some exciting gigs in the pipe line:
“We are playing A Stone’s Throw Festival on the 25th May in my hometown of North Shields, and have a few more gigs that we can’t talk about yet. With our debut EP planned for early summer, we will of course be gigging to celebrate that around the North East.”
With all that to look forward to, you can check out The Peevie Wonders’ Instagram here, as well as their new single “Big Eczema Energy” here.
On Saturday night, 15th March 2023, The Bunker in Sunderland played host to an exciting lineup of bands across various genres, treating the audience to a memorable night of local live music.
Headlined by post punk group The Black Rain, the night showcased just some of the great talent, that the region has to offer.
Adastra kicked off the night with a mix of originals and impressive covers, delivering them with high energy and confidence. From stellar covers of the likes of All Time Low and Foo Fighters to an incredible rocked up rendition of the Spice Girls’ Wannabe, the group brought electrifying grunge energy to the evening.
Their Spice Girls cover showcased the remarkable synergy within the band, bringing vibrant energy and personality to their set.
The stage chatter between band members highlighted their tight-knit camaraderie, enhancing the overall performance. You can catch them at the The Independent in Sunderland on May 4th at Roulette Fest or at Downcast Studios later that month.
Next on the bill were Breakaway-NE, an indie rock three-piece hailing from Newcastle, who delivered a set filled with bluesy originals.
Featuring stunning guitar work, their set featured recent singles “Whirlpools” and “Secrets” amongst other unreleased tunes such as “Beesting”. The aforementioned track illustrated the bands ability to construct a catchy melody. Having only heard the song once, the chorus is still going around my head days later, which is always a good sign.
The band’s versatility was evident as they seamlessly transitioned between songs, maintaining interest throughout. Notably, the intriguing guitar effects in “Secrets” added a unique touch, while other tracks evoked bands like The Police in their sparse soundscapes and more bass-driven moments. Overall, it was an enjoyable and diverse set from a group of phenomenal musicians.
Breakaway-NE in performance at The Bunker, Sunderland
Next up were Even The Tides, who delivered an amazing set of indie bangers drenched in heart, chorus and reverb. Their set fizzed with energy with incredible guitar lines and some really excellent tunes which came in quick succession.
The group’s sound is akin to a blend of Muse and Sam Fender, characterised by a reverb heavy melodic core complemented with intricate, crunchy riffs. The result was a truly excellent show, the only shame was it wasn’t longer.
The band’s new single No Regrets released the night before went down a treat with the audience adding to the group’s catchy catalogue.
Make sure to check out the band who are playing a number of North East dates over the next couple of months including a show with Dual Rouge on the 20th of April at The Globe in Newcastle.
Next up was the headliner The Black Rain, who were playing their first show at the rehearsal space, where they have honed their craft. The Bunker is a charming rehearsal space and venue in Sunderland, which is well worth checking out if you’re a local band from the area and haven’t somehow not already heard of it. The Black Rain are one of its numerous alumni so where better to get started.
The Black Rain in action live at The Bunker, Sunderland
To say this was their first gig is insane. The band seemed like a group who had gigged together for years delivering their set with energy and precision, which many groups take years to perfect.
The band’s post punk and goth sound is reminiscent of groups such as Joy Division, with baritone vocals and driving riffs. However, there is also a darker element to the group with a definite influence coming from the more heavier The Killing Joke creating a moody distorted atmosphere to the music.
Their set flew by with a whirlwind trip through the group’s excellent catalogue. Tracks, like “Dutch Dreams” highlighting the their ability to take their influences and make something new with them.
Make sure to check the band out on Instagram where they have some preview of some of their tracks.
Their set closed out an incredible night of live music, which traversed various genres, each delivered excellently. I look forward to seeing each one of these bands later down the line.
Humbug North East 