IPO Liverpool 2018
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Artists From Liverpool
Alex and The Boss Jockeys – As the guitarist for The Cubical, Alex has traveled the world, and met some very talented and interesting people, but when you boil it down, he’s a grown man still pretending to be Del Shannon/Buddy Holly/Brian Hyland et al but still not David Essex (and a damn fine singer/songwriter/producer in his own right!) His latest EP, La La La Lucy, the prelude to a full length album, will appeal to vintage pop fans of all shapes and sizes! He’s also the producer and one of the main songwriters for the just released Liverpool album by Belgian band Mademoiselle 19, which combines elements of ‘60s psych pop with power pop, and is mostly in French! Quite a talented gent indeed, and he and the Boss Jockeys are gonna rock!
Reid Anderson – A singer/songwriter from Liverpool who played IPO several years ago, fronting Revenge Tragedies! While the band’s style veered towards the eccentric and theatrical side of pop, Anderson’s exudes a bittersweet euphoria for life that is both haunting and captivating.
Scott Beckett – Liverpudlians my recognize Beckett, as he has been making a name for himself as a regular fixture, plying his trade at various bars and clubs around City Centre, including a residency at The Cavern Club. The artfully woven sounds of his acoustic guitar, poignant lyrics, and the rich mellow quality of his vocals will appeal to fans of James Taylor, Harry Chapin, and Ed Sheeran. Check out his recently released EP, Teach Me To Fly, and his IPO showcase to see and hear for yourself!
By The Royal – This duo have been getting quite a bit of a local radio airplay on BBC Merseyside, and with good reason, as their simple country folk harmony pop style never fails to touch a welcome nerve in the hearts and minds of many a listener! If you love all the great country duets: Johnny Cash & June Carter, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, etc, then you will want to make a point of catching By The Royal when they take the stage at IPO!
Rob Clarke and The Wooltones – This Liverpool lad and his bands channel some of the coolest vibes of the ‘60s and make them their own! Their blend of Mersey beat and garage with some warm West Coast psychedelia has earned them comparisons to Gene Clark and Neil Young mixed with The Beatles. On their latest album, Are You Wooltoned?, “[t]he Wooltones pull off some incredible twists and turns. Imagine Donovan writing for early Cheap Trick – or, perhaps, vice versa.” (Goldmine Magazine) Come see and hear for yourself why they rose to the top of last year’s Kool Kat Musik Import Best Sellers list!
The Gentle Scars – They feature catchy angular pop goodness laced with punk pop, space rock, shoegaze, and garage undertones in equal measure on their Invaders EP and in their live set. Cool, quirky, inventive, and hard not to like, they’ve also been building up a reputation as an amazing “not to miss” live band: dirty, sexy, raunchy, and an uncompromising, edgy feast for the senses!
The Grande – One of the Liverpool’s most mesmerizing acts, The Grande pour their collective hearts into every performance. Well steeped in Americana and Alt-Country influences, their songs blend the best of Fleetwood Mac, Ryan Adams and CSNY, complete with breathtaking harmonies, while retaining a uniquely Scouse edge. Their recently released self-titled album adds a touch of soul to their classic “Anglicana” sound, and is definitely their best yet!!
Sue Hedges – If it isn’t remarkable enough that she has met Prince Charles and has performed on bills with Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris, this Liverpool lass has been blind almost since birth! But there are many sides to the prolific Miss Hedges – she’s been known to display her rock diva persona, throw in a jangle-pop song, a bit of country twang, a heartfelt ballad, and then belt out some soul all in the space of a single set! Her title of her latest album, Strong, typifies both the woman and her work: “…catchy, feminine, full of beat, scorn and promise in one all consuming package” (Ian Hall, Liverpool Sound and Vision), and her powerful vocals on this one have earned some well-deserved comparisons to greats such as Barabara Streisand and Carly Simon!
Hijinx – Hijinx are back at the IPO again with their fizzy mix of power pop and big chords. Built on a foundation of strong bass lines, sweet lead guitar licks, and a whole lotta energy, they serve up killer hooks and three part harmonies worthy of their influences – Kiss, Cheap Trick, Nick Gilder and The Sweet!
KingFast – It is very apparent on listening to KingFast’s music that there is a fusion of several genres but seemingly most prominent is a cross between soul and pop. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Belfast (which is where the name comes from) before settling in Liverpool, KingFast melds all of his influences from this varied upbringing on his debut EP, Dream World. His spine-chilling vocal range and tone has been stunning audiences regularly throughout the UK since 2012. Fans of Michael Jackson, Prince, and Stevie Wonder should definitely check him out!
Ladies – A sunny indie pop outfit sure to put a smile on your face, Ladies’ music has been described as “delicious jingly jangly indie pop” (GigSlugz). Their second single “Trigger for Love” was released in November, and was quickly voted #1 in The Pentatonic‘s Top 50 Tracks of 2017, so you know they’re also incredibly catchy! Fans of The Partridge Family, The Archies, and The Brady Kids cartoons will dig them!
Lloyd and Daly – Dave Lloyd of The Suns has teamed up with talented singer/guitarist Lauren Daly to play some stripped-down easy listening ‘70s classics, with a few gems from The Suns thrown in for good measure. Lloyd & Daly’s IPO Liverpool show will definitely be one that fans of The Suns and IPO regulars will not want to miss! Long time fans will also not want to miss The Suns’ new album, Time To Burn, which is now available on multiple digital outlets!
Joe Symes & The Loving Kind – Symes specializes in captivating songs dealing with different everyday issues such as politics; life relationships; friends; heartache; and what’s going on in the world today. A tireless performer and promoter, he and the band are constantly gigging all over Liverpool and beyond and spreading their message on the internet. Their cool brand of edgy power pop and Symes’ powerful vocals are sure to please fans of every age and genre, as evidenced by the worldwide airplay and positive press for their debut self-titled album. Their long awaited second album, recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Solid State Logic Studios in Oxfordshire, is finally due out this summer!
Watchtower – A psychedelic rock n’ blues juggernaut, Watchtower will appeal to fans of artists from McCartney to Creedence Clearwater Revival to The Traveling Wilbury’s to Hendrix…to name but a few!! But as if that wasn’t enough, their power pop hooks and spot on vocal harmonies give them an even greater appeal, and their live shows are simply incendiary! We were terribly bummed when they decided to call it quits after their IPO show in 2015, so we’re especially thrilled to welcome them back and can hardly wait to see and hear them play!
UK Artists From Outside of Liverpool
4 Brothers – A South Wales based brotherhood whose music evokes the rich country harmonies and spirit of a sound that has influenced generations. Their interest in melody and harmony makes for an interesting blend of styles and a truly uplifting live performance experience. Fans of Crosby Stills & Nash, Tom Petty, and Neil Young will want to check out their debut album, These Are The Ghosts!
The Aim – A 6-piece band from London who do things their own way: a bit of mod, rock, indie, ska, and blues, and a lot of soul…but they can also do orchestrated pop ballads when they choose! Fans of artists from Paul Weller to The Clash to ELO and The Partridge Family will appreciate their latest album, Days Like These!
Amoeba Teen – Founded by critically acclaimed songwriting team, Mark Britton and Mike Turner in the dying embers of the last century, Amoeba Teen meld lush harmonies, hooky melodies, the odd sample and overdriven guitars. Hints of power pop can be heard: Teenage Fanclub, Jellyfish and Big Star spring to mind. But Turner’s raucous guitar and reverb soundscapes keeps the vibe punky and a little dirtier. They reformed in 2016 after a three year hiatus, and are better than ever! One of Stourbridge’s finest!
The Bad Losers – This Bristol-based quartet were brought together by a shared love of ‘60s garage and Freakbeat, and that love is clearly evident in their songs! Although their latest album, Easy, was recorded in a garden shed as opposed to an actual garage, it perfectly captures the appropriate lo-fi ambience to complement their sound. Fans of The Monkees, The Creation, and The Move will want to be sure to catch both of their IPO sets!
Jack Bartlett – Do you like mod rock? How about ‘60s rock n’ roll? Or maybe a little ‘90s Britpop? Well so does Jack Bartlett, and he does all his influences proud! Whether as a solo acoustic performer, playing around his home in Cornwall or in Devon as part of the duo The Dulcet Tones, or as the leader of his own 5-piece band, influences from The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Phil Spector to Bryan Adams and Oasis shine through!
The Beat Movement – A guitar driven outfit from Greenock, Scotland, who build on the influences of many, many bands, ranging from the great London acts of the ‘60s and infusing those influences with soul, R&B and the greatest Britpop and indie bands of the modern music era. With jangling ‘60s style guitars, contagious melodies and an upbeat swagger, The Beat Movement made some waves with their latest EP, Another Piece Of The Puzzle, and continue to do so with their foot stomping sets! They’ll also be pulling out some unreleased songs for said sets at IPO Liverpool, and we can hardly wait to hear ‘em! For those of you watching in black and white this one is in techni-colour!!!!
Erin Black & The Devil’s Hand – If you didn’t think it was possible for a single artist to channel Joan Jett, Aretha Franklin, Prince, David Bowie, Gwen Stefani, and Jimi Hendrix in the space of one song, then think again! This Londoner and her band put on a glam soul funk rock extravaganza that is not to be missed!
Bob of The Pops – Although IPO usually does not feature cover artists, when they’re this good, we just have to make an exception! “Bob” is otherwise known as the alter ego of Robyn Gibson (of one of our favorite bands from Leicester, The Junipers!), and those that know him also know that “Bob” is a big, big, BIG fan (not to mention a highly knowledgeable collector!) of ‘60s and early ‘70s psychedelic soft pop. His solo project is an expression of his love for the genre, in the form of a collection of covers – mostly obscure, with just a few well-known ones thrown in – as only he can do them, plus a few originals in similar vein, so we’re very much looking forward to his IPO sets!
Brave New World – Three songwriters? A left-handed bass player? This sometimes five/sometimes four- piece, Cheshire-based outfit blend psych, new wave, and folk-rock to create their own distinctive sound. Their recently released Baby Blue EP contains songs akin to early Pink Floyd, a little bit of Blur, and some Fleetwood Mac, that are hard to pin down to a single genre, but will leave you wanting more!
Campfire Social – North Wales based collection of broken toys and purveyors of messy Indie-pop, Campfire Social, are a refuge from the wild woods all around. Their incandescent, melodic songs take the intimate heartbreak of Elliott Smith and embellish with golden harmonies borrowed from The Beach Boys mixed with subtle hints of their personal love for post-rock and the mid ‘90s emo scene. “Nothing Nowhere Never Now,” the first single off last year’s Wellbeing EP, was selected for the A-list by BBC Radio Wales, and continues to get regular airplay. Come see them at IPO Liverpool before they become huge stars worldwide!
Darling BOY – Self-proclaimed as “The World’s Greatest 21st Century Musical Polymath That No-One’s Ever Bloody Heard Of….Yet,” Darling BOY is a self-taught singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/actor, who has starred as The Clash’s Topper Headon alongside Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ Joe Strummer in the feature film London Town, and has played Ian “Mac” McLagan in the West End Small Faces musical, All Or Nothing. He has also recently released his debut EP, In Flames, featuring complex harmonies, punchy guitars, and catchy hooks that should be on the radio!
The Deep Six – Comprised of ex-members of Makin Time,The Upper Fifth, The Threads and The E Types, this Medway area quartet have played in various bands and permutations over the years, and songwriters Mark (Syd) McGounden and Marty Street have been writing both together and separately since the early ‘80s! Their music is influenced by the likes of Bowie, The Move, The Small Faces, and The Pretty Things, and has been featured in Heavy Soul Modzine! Said music is also finally available in recorded format in the form of their debut album, Introducing The Deep Six, on Heavy Soul Records!
The Dream Factory – Some may remember this Tamworth-based combo (which includes Mark Mortimer of DC Fontana and The Know Escape – see below) from their heyday in the mid-‘80s, but alas, their trajectory to international stardom was blown off-course by the rise of the Manchester scene. Despite their “almost-made-it” status, they were the archetypal proto-indie group of that time, releasing two records on staunchly independent northern soul label, Inferno, and building up a huge and loyal fan base of scooterists and mods. The band’s first ever demo recording – “The Haze” appears on Another Splash of Colour, a Cherry Red compilation of ‘80s psychedelic music, alongside other songs from artists as diverse as The Cure, Julian Cope, The Prisoners, Robyn Hitchcock, the Monochrome Set, and The Barracudas, to name but a few!
The Dying Lights – More than a solo project or band, The Dying Lights are meeting of musical talents from Wistaston formed to breathe life into original material: neo psyche, new wave and whatever else strikes their fancy. Fans of the ‘80s Paisley Underground bands will dig it!
Edgar Road – Having won several Scottish Battle of the Band competitions, and having had many of their songs featured in the New Music Scottish Chart Top 40, Edgar Road bring their charismatic performance to IPO Liverpool! The depth of Edgar Road’s sound comes from the combination of keyboards, 2 electric guitars, drums, bass, vocals and backing vocals with the occasional use of acoustic guitars and samples, blended into melodic and anthemic songs with a feel good vibe that can be somewhat contagious! Check out their recently released Looking Glass EP and their IPO showcase to hear what we mean!
The Electric Stars – “The Electric Stars are back with a new single. Anyone familiar with this Mancunian outfit will be aware of their ‘beautiful music for beautiful people’ strap line. Well, this new offering is certainly not beautiful. With its twisted lyrical tale of obsession & rock star infatuation, ‘We Love You’ rips into a dark place. A place filled with voyeurism & teenage masturbation. A place we have all been before, thrilling & dangerous in equal measure. Woven into this sexual fantasy is a ferocious soundtrack. The filthy cocksure guitars eat into you within seconds. Great rock & roll music has never been safe, politically correct or low in volume. This is a 4 minute orgasm, so play it loud & remember – beauty is in the eye of the beholder!” (Buck Rodgers Reviews)
The Elms Estate – They’re lead by one Marc Johnston, known to some at IPO as the former lead singer of one of Leicester’s finest bands, The Junipers, so you know they’ve got to be good! Look forward to lots of harmony, psychedelic folk jangle, and subtle chord changes reminiscent of artists such as Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, and The Byrds. Their debut album, The Electric River, is due out soon, and we can hardly wait to hear it!
Emperor Penguin – Rising from their own ashes after a 16 year hiatus like a penguin shaped phoenix, Emperor Penguin have reformed and revived themselves, and set about rehearsing, recording, and performing again, with just one aim: to bring their pure power pop to the ear candy deprived masses! Their recent Rum Pop Engineer album has been described as “…intellectual UK jangle pop brimming with harmonies ‘n’ hooks & goosed consensually by a garage punk energy” (The Unherd Music). If you don’t believe these Londoners could possibly be that good, then come to their IPO showcase and hear for yourself!
Escapade – The insanely catchy Britpop sounds on their debut EP, Stepping Stones, can be heavy and driving, or jangly and uplifting as the mood requires. Fans of Oasis, Stone Roses, George Harrison, or Crowded House should be sure to catch their IPO showcase! One of Leicester’s finest and a young band to watch out for!
The Firewalkers – A Hammond-driven 4-piece straight outta Tamworth and Staffs, playing original funk n’ soul just how we like it! If you’re into Parliament, Sly and the Family Stone, or James Brown, you will certainly dig their IPO sets and soon to be released debut 45!
Mark Frith & The Mayflowers – A multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, artist, guitarist, and poet, and main man of Liverpool greats, The Troubadours, Frith now makes his home in Manchester, and can do everything from heartfelt ballads to perfect radio-friendly pop songs. His song, “Istanbul” was chosen in 2015 as the opening theme for One Night in Istanbul and the 10th anniversary celebrations for Liverpool Football Club’s historic victory in the 2005 Champions League Final. He has toured across the UK and Japan, and for IPO will be joined by Japanese power poppers The Mayflowers (see below) to give his songs an extra punch!
Luke Gallagher – If you thought mod and folk-pop were two different sub-genres, then think again! Gallagher effortlessly blends the two so seamlessly, you’d think this is just how it’s always been done! Come check out this Wrexham-based gent at his IPO showcase, and see and hear what we mean!
The Gallerys – A young trio from Kent who put their own spin on the classic mod meets Britpop influences courtesy of Oasis, The Who, and The Jam. They craft original songs around innovative guitar melodies and driving bass lines, held together by punchy drumming to achieve the unique sound on their recent Paisley EP. All band members add harmonic vocals blending the classic sound of the ‘60s with ‘90s Britpop influences. They’ve received rave reviews based on their appearances on Mod Radio and the BBC Radio Introducing, but are passionate about performing live, and have been doing so practically non-stop over the past year, opening for the likes of The Sherlocks, Madness, and The Rifles. Their highly anticipated next EP, It’s Up To You, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, is due out soon!
Micah Gilbert – Based in Uig, Highland, by way of Athens, Georgia, Gilbert’s songs have been appreciated on many levels for their distinct and memorable melodies, skillful, well crafted, intelligent lyrics, vivid images, catchy subtlety, and fine details. Fans of Todd Rundgren, James Taylor, and George Harrison are sure to appreciate his latest album, Tales of Love, as well as his back catalog!
The Gold Needles – Hard to pigeonhole, The Gold Needles wear their eclecticism on their sleeves – fusing power pop with psych and prog. Sometimes compared with The Church or Be Bop Deluxe with hints of The Byrds, the songs on their recently released PEARLS album will also appeal to fans of Crowded House and XTC. One of our favorite new bands from Hull!
Alison Green – A fine acoustic singer/songwriter from Canterbury (but currently living in Sweden) with a distinctive voice and quirky folk pop hooks. Fans of Norah Jones, Edie Brickell, and Joni Mitchell should check her out her Whiskey Ginger Johnson album and her IPO showcase!
Honeybug – Since their first appearance at IPO in 2006, Honeybug has been one of the highlights of the festival, and their main man Ni has been a ubiquitous and welcome fixture on the scene. Ni’s brought 13 other musicians to IPO over that time – most of them several times – and has also played drums (Mini) and sung backing vocals (Fun of the Pier) with other bands at IPO. Masters of self-reinvention, Honeybug has been everything from a three-piece acoustic lineup to a big seven-piece production with seven vocals, and we can’t wait to see what Ni has up his sleeves for this year’s performance! There’s still no CD this year as Ni’s been very busy teaching songwriting and other music-related subjects to the next generation at Edinburgh College where he’s lectured for the last 19 years, so if you want to hear his latest creations – as well as old favorites – you’ll have to catch Honeybug at their IPO showcase!
The Icon – A band with a difference: young, quirky and energetic with a ‘60s vibe, an incredible live performance and superb vocal harmonies to match. Originating from Stafford / Wolverhampton, the four lads (aged 16 – 19 years), first became a band in 2015 after a musical theatre concert in which they played a medley of songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s featuring their idols The Beatles and also The Jersey Boys. Since that time, they’ve appeared on live local radio in The Midlands, as well as on BBC Merseyside, and at last year’s Beatles Week. They’ve released 3 singles so far, with more on the way, and we’re excited to welcome them to their first IPO Liverpool!
The Know Escape – The post-DC Fontana project of Mark Mortimer and Donald Ross Skinner, with songs that display a vivacious desire for freedom, and speak of love and loss in a frank way. The Know Escape promise songs that are more lysergic than before, that will blister and soothe in equal amounts. A debut album is in the works, so watch for it!
Kontiki Suite – Kontiki Suite hail from the isolated outskirts of the Lake District in England’s “Deep North”. Their 2015 album, The Greatest Show On Earth, furthers the band’s collective love of melody, harmony, psychedelia and country, displayed on their critically acclaimed debut, On Sunset Lake, and takes it to the next level! Fans of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Big Star, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Beachwood Sparks, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – to name but a few! – will love these guys!
Last Breath – A band from Blackpool including brothers James and Tom Parkinson, who specialize in intense modern rock influenced by Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Black Stone Cherry, All Time Low, Paramore, Volbeat, Blink 182, Green Day, et al…but more melodic than any of them. The songs on their Heads Or Tails album are instantly addictive, and have us really looking forward to seeing them back again at IPO Liverpool to do their thing live!
The Last Fakers – A band from the Northeast of England who believe in big songs with big choruses, a sentiment with which IPO can most definitely agree! Mod, soul, and rock n’ roll all in one super catchy package – fans of Oasis, The Jam, Stone Roses, and The Commodores will dig ‘em! Hailed by Unsigned Revolution as their 2011 “Band of The Year,” they’re back and better than ever!
The Lost 45s – IPO is thrilled to welcome back one of our favorite bands from Leeds for the 2nd year in a row! Influenced by ‘60s beat, psyche & pop, classic soul, blues & R n’ B and all their bastard offspring, they were the quintessential champions of the Leeds mod/psyche scene before going on hiatus to pursue other projects. Their classic album, What Time Do You Call This?, is available for download from Detour Records, and their recently unearthed “lost” track, “Outta Sight,” has been made available as a Rowed Out Records 7” vinyl! We can’t wait to see them do their thing live again!
David Luke – The keyboardist from Nine Violets (see below), stepping out and doing the solo singer/songwriter thing! He plays IPO on the heels of the release of his brand new single, “In The End,” and has big things planned for later this year. Fans of Billy Joel and Elton John should check him out. One of Wakefield’s finest!
Lauren MacKenzie – If you like a little country with your pop or a little pop with your country, then you owe it to yourself to check out the music of this Inverness-based singer/songwriter/lyricist. Fans of Dixie Chicks, Dylan, Lady Gaga, and The Dykeenies will want to make a point of catching her IPO sets.
Magic Seas – The sweeping melodies and gently layered harmonies of this indie rock meets dream pop band from Chelmsford will quickly have you drifting away in a sea of musical bliss as if by magic! A very aptly named band indeed! Their debut single, “There’s a Feeling,” is out now!
Midland Railway – All aboard! Arriving as scheduled on a stage near you this IPO is Midland Railway, on track with a carriage full of noisy guitars, 3 part vocal harmonies, quirky lyrics and barrel-scraping train related metaphors. This 3-guys-and-a-gal quartet originally departing from Manchester have timetabled a back catalogue of tunes on varied topics ranging from online football management, Pokémon, exes, currents, never-weres and punk clichés. Expect feather boas, glitter, eyeliner and stage banter you too can join in on if your voice goes louder than a microphone does.
Carl Morris – A popular figure on the local Mod & Scooter scene, Carl has played at many events and there are plenty more in the pipeline for 2018/19. Highlights include Manchester’s “March of the Mods,” helping to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust, two weekly residencies at A Tavola restaurant in Reddish (EVERY Thursday since January2017) and The Snipe pub in Audenshaw (EVERY Sunday since February 2017), and past performances at legendary clubs such as Manchester’s Night & Day Café and Band on The Wall, The Jacaranda in Liverpool, and an exclusive club night hosted by Inspiral Carpets’ musician and DJ, Clint Bloom! He’s continued to amass a large catalog of original material in addition to covers from some of his favorite artists, and we’re glad to welcome him to his first IPO Liverpool!
mylittlebrother – “There is something happening in the Lake District that is really rather special” (Louder Than War), and these Cumbrian indie-poppers are a big part of that. Their music is a mixture of ‘60s harmony pop, experimental Britpop, and folk pop that will appeal to fans of Fairport Convention and Brian Wilson – in fact, their latest EP, We’re All Gonna Die!, was produced by longtime Brian Wilson band member, Scott Bennett! A second full length album is due out this summer, and we can hardly wait to hear it!
Olly Neasham – An engaging singer/songwriter from Bolton who has captivated pop fans from Liverpool to Chicago and up and down the American West coast in his previous IPO appearances, first as the leader of A Foreign Town, and more recently as a solo artist and member of The Grande (see above). His work has always had a pleasing indie-pop-folk style reminiscent of Neil Finn or Crowded House, but his solo music adds a more personal touch: part Bob Dylan, part Bing Crosby…and totally enjoyable!
The Newds – An alt-pop sextet from Bolton whose passion for what they do is evident in their songs. “It’s as if The Newds have stumbled across a musical jumble sale and they’ve picked up the threads of melody dropped off by the obvious greats like Harry Nilsson, Simon & Garfunkel, Lennon and Heather Mills’ ex-husband…” (Austin Collings) If this sounds too good to be true, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of their Ready EP and keep an eye out for a new release soon, as they’ve been hitting the studio cooking up more melodic goodness that we can’t wait to hear!
Nine Violets – The hooks and harmonies of this Yorkshire-based sextet will instantly embed themselves in your brain! If you like The Beatles and ELO – and, let’s be honest, who reading this doesn’t? – you will dig Nine Violets!
David Novan – As the drummer for Midland Railway (see above), he brings the glam and the beat, but in case you didn’t know, he’s also a talented singer songwriter in his own right, and has been plying his trade on the Essex pub and open mike circuit, and now brings his quirky melodies to IPO! Imagine a cross between Bowie and Neil Finn, but with better hair…or better yet, just come see and hear him at IPO!
Tim O’Connor – A singer-songwriter from Tottenham, London, O’Connor is influenced by The Beatles, The Kinks, REM, and Elliott Smith, and uses intricate guitar work and urgent melodies to complement the depth of his vocals. He’s preparing to record his first album later this Spring, and if it’s anything like his EP, cheekily named Promotional Material, then we’re in for a real treat!
The Orangutans – A band of three mates from Leeds – all self-taught musicians, and all excited to bring their super catchy soulful brand of pop to the masses! Fans of artists from Michael Jackson to Stone Roses, The La’s and The Verve need to check them out!
The Oxides – The latest project fronted by the musical machine that is Jake Bolt, who has graced IPO Liverpool both under his own name, and with his former band The Boosts. Combining alt- rock, punk pop, and grunge into their own brand of hook-filled mayhem, The Oxides are sure to appeal to fans of Nirvana, Oasis, and Blink 182. One of Inverness’ most engaging bands!
Andy Palmer – A London-based gent whose new album, Take Courage, combines elements of mod with orchestral pop, psych pop, new wave, and all kinds of good stuff in between! Imagine Burt Bacharach taking a wild ride with The Jam, Elton John, Echo and The Bunnymen, Tears for Fears, and Stone Roses…and then turn it up loud!
The Ragamuffins – They’re a six-piece indie/pop group now based Manchester (but who made their reputation in Liverpool), renowned for their emphasis on harmonies, clear arrangements and catchy melodies. “[E]xactly what British indie pop needs right now; charm, originality, but most of all, damn fine song writing” (Preston University Press). Their jangly, frenetic pop style and groove takes in elements of Northern Soul, Ska, Rock n’ Roll, ‘80s Electro Pop and ‘60s British Invasion, all wrapped up in a dark, witty but uplifting lyricism, owing much to profound pop and indie greats such as Elvis Costello, Morrissey, Lloyd Cole, Ian McCulloch, and Stuart Murdoch. Check out their latest disc, Cause of Causes, and you’ll hear what we mean! One of our favorite bands each year at IPO Liverpool!
Marco Rea – Fans of The Wellgreen take note: in addition to being one of their main men, Rea has also branched out with a fine crop of songs under his own name. The sunny melodies and ‘60s influences are there to be sure, but mixed with a refreshing touch of whimsy! Fans of Burt Bacharach, Randy Newman, Brian Wilson, and (of course) The Wellgreens will love this! One of Glasgow’s most prolific and gifted singer songwriters!
The Rising – A Southampton seven (and sometimes eight)-piece who have many influences which they unashamedly wear on their collective sleeves, ranging from the Hammond driven sound of the ‘60s, the chaotic late ‘70s punk scene and the ‘90s Britpop era. Their debut self-titled CD earned so many rave reviews from various blogs that it attracted the attention of Detour Records, who have made a re-release available with bonus tracks. Their recent double A-side single, Olympus/I Want You (I Need You), provides a taste of what’s to come on their forthcoming album, as they keep getting bigger and better! The eighth Rising is actually none other than Scott Howells, past IPO performer and leader of The Broken Vinyl Club, who adds some cool eastern psychedelic sitar flavour to some of the tracks. We really are looking forward to their IPO shows and their new record!!
Michael Roberts – A Swansea-based artist who merits a listen (or two, or three…) by any self-respecting fan of ‘70s pop! His debut album, Suspended In This Space features dynamic hooks garnished with dreamy lyrics that will take you to a magical place of Utopia, fantastically produced into a joyous experience, leading us to predict that he will be one of the favorite discoveries of many IPO attendees!
Rogue Frequency – Stockport based IPO veterans, Rogue Frequency are a three piece with classic, prog and alt rock influences that generally write music that appeals to the darker side of the human psyche. They have, to date, written and self-produced three albums and their fourth, a concept album, is near completion. Original, big sounding classic rock influenced anthemic songs that sound greater than the sum of its parts.
Rogue State Circus – By turns driven, melodic, melodramatic, widescreen and a even little bit noir in places – the happy-sad tunes of the Rogue State Circus will soon make themselves at home with you like old familiar friends. Formed in 2009 in Northampton UK, Rogue State Circus quickly developed a distinctive eclectic, energetic and passionate brand of song-led indie folk-rock power pop, mixing acoustic, electric and electronic sounds and twists of flavour from classic rock, folk, new wave, alt-country, funk, jazz and even progressive rock. The songs on their Songs From The Sea of Serenity album have drawn comparisons to XTC, Big Star, and Squeeze, but live is where they live…so come join them at IPO and go Rogue!
The Ronains – A filthy breed of classic rock, glam and grunge with a controversial twist has the music world talking about Glasgow’s The Ronains. Their recently released second album, Love, Drugs & on The Dole, will appeal to fans of Heart, No Doubt, and The Clash to name but a few!
Searching For Sylvia – This South Yorkshire-based band has evolved from its folk/country/indie roots in to create a body of work which can be best described as an eclectic mix of guitar-driven, rock with true pop sensibilities. Their sets include all manner of frothy pop tunes: A well observed mix of ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s pop/rock that echoes American acts such as Big Star, Gigolo Aunts and The Gin Blossoms, UK bands such as Teenage Fanclub and Be-bop Deluxe and takes in newer influences along the way. Melody is king here and whether it’s a ‘dumb as you like’ rocker or a jangle pop ballad, you’re never more than a few seconds away from a tasty hook!
The Shudders – With energy, driving rhythm and heartfelt melodies, The Shudders combine their melee of musical influences to produce a refreshing brand of indie-country-rock on their latest CD, No Angels in the Slipstream. Vocal harmonies, screaming guitar, warm acoustic and a commanding rhythm section weave a rich tapestry of noise cut from a cloth made up of Crazy Horse, Bright Eyes, and Wilco! One of Swindon’s finest!
Sleuth – Essentially the nom-de-plume of bookish indie-popster from Woverhampton, Christopher Taylor-Ashcroft, Sleuth’s gentle piano pop and catchy melodies have been called both “lyrically thoughtful and musically enticing” (Songwall). The March 2017 issue of Ryan’s Gig Guide used Sleuth’s latest EP, Coming Up For Air as the cover with an article and review hailing the EP “truly remarkable” and “excellent songwriting”. With this sort of praise, you owe it to yourself to check him out!
The Speak – Formed in 2013 by singer/songwriter Nick Conroy, The Speak is a power pop rock band from Brighton. Nick’s philosophy is “The key to all success is to do simple things well.” The Speak is founded on this and building on the tradition of classic, British rock, deliver songs with a deep richness. The classic guitar, bass and drums line-up of The Speak takes up where the late sixties left off – tasteful harmonies, catchy lyrics and thumping rhythms deliver a blistering live show. After an extensive year of live shows, culminating in supporting ‘90s band Dodgy, The Speak are preparing to release their second EP, Say Yeah, which may be available by the time you read this!!
Split Sofa – Historically a recording project (with a rather lengthy and impressive back catalog of EPs and albums), but more recently converted to a live band, these gents from Derbyshire have developed their own fresh new sub-genre of pop and prog that they like to call “Sofa Rock.” Influences include: Pink Floyd, Love, The Doors, Caravan, Gong, Kula Shaker, The Beatles, & music from the late ‘60s early ‘70s prog/rock/pysch. Their latest EP, Threadbare, provides an hypnotic slice of 21st Century Life with tinges of late ‘60s psych!
Spygenius – Inspired by bands like The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Robyn Hitchcock, Spygenius offer ultra-melodic music with a light ‘60s influence. The London-based four-piece play original guitar-based pop for people with an appreciation for harmonies and clever wordplay….and who among us can’t appreciate that!? A fifth Spygenius album is under development, but in the meantime, you can experience their unique brand of jangle pop madness on their two-song digital album, Highway Code Revisited, or the recent Big Stir Records US release of their fourth album, Pacephale. As good as they are on record, they are truly at their best when live, so don’t miss their IPO showcase!
Squ!re – Yes, this is THAT Squ!re….the London band that has been cranking out perfect pop gems since the late ‘70s, and has shared the stage with such legends as The Jam! Their sound ranges from psychedelic mod to Beatle-esque jangle to straight on power pop, often with lush instrumental arrangements, and always full of energy and harmony. Check out any of their albums, and you won’t be disappointed! We are truly honored to have these guys back at IPO Liverpool again!
The Strangest Feeling – A Birmingham-based quirky pop trio, The Strangest Feeling specialise in short punchy songs with strong melodies, adventurous harmonies, lush backing vocals and intricately-crafted arrangements. Fans of The Kinks, The Zombies, Love, and The Who should check out their self titled album and their IPO showcase!
Suncharmer – Formerly known as The Crew, Suncharmer are a guitar-based indie band from Kent, consisting of 4 long-haired, tea-addicted, instrument-wielding plebs who have developed an infectious, hard-hitting sound that pulses with sharp riffs and shimmering surf guitar. The band sculpt their songs with colourful melodies and psychedelic poetry that draws influence from Jimi Hendrix, T.Rex, David Bowie, Arctic Monkeys, as well as many new artists such as Black Honey and Blossoms. Prepare for an onslaught of psychedelic sight and sound!
Sunshine Bloom – A progressive power pop quartet from Birmingham in the fine tradition of artists such as Jellyfish, Big Star, and Wings! Their sophomore EP, Power Pop Is Dead, proves that it is anything but, as it sees them expanding their sonic pallet with rich textures, harmonies and melodies, drawing comparisons to The Knack and ELO! We very much look forward to seeing them again at IPO!
The Telmos – A classic power pop trio from Sheffield, led by singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Andy Pickering, whose back catalog of solo output draws comparisons to everyone from The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and The Kinks to Dodgy and Paul Weller. The Telmos self-titled EP pairs a lost world of honest analogue sound with classic pop!
The Theme – A South London fusion of Britpop and post-punk Mod rock, The Theme are not trying to re-invent the wheel, but are focused on playing quality rock n’ roll. This is not ‘60s flower-power, it’s hard-hitting rock music in the best traditions of bands such as Ocean Colour Scene or The Who. Their Hit The Sky EP won “Best EP for 2014” from Galaxy Entertainment! Their latest, Changes, is the first featuring new singer, Chris Daley, and they’ve got a couple more new music on the way! They’ve become one of the most powerful and exciting live bands around, so don’t miss their IPO showcase!
Toxic Melons – Sprung from the mind of Newcaste-Upon-Tyne-based singer/songwriter/producer/arranger, Pablo Melons, the “band” is comprised of a revolving cast of musicians from all over the world whom he brings in to play on his songs. Said songs are heavily influenced by ‘60s/’70s pop with some ‘90s West Coast flavour! Fans of Jellyfish, ELO, and Elton John will surely appreciate latest Toxic Melons EP, Four Play!
Turner – Salfordian singer/songwriter Louise Turner already enjoys a successful career as an in-demand session singer with a string of collaborations and guest appearances on tunes featuring Primal Scream’s Denise Johnson, Manc poet/song-writer Edward Barton, indie outfit Bluebird Kid Clark, as well as being a regular guest with The Electric Stars (see above). “With her platinum bob, panda kohl eyes and expressive voice…Part Dusty/ part Debbie Harry, she’s very adaptable to many styles and sounds” (No Other Press). Her debut mini album, This Is Turner, showcases the many sides of Turner, all part of her vintage charm, one minute classic Dusty, the next epic Scott Walker style ballads & just for good measure a track that could easily fit into the next Bond Film.
Twister – An energetic pop/punk/rock band out of Durham, who are quickly exploding beyond the confines of their local area. They write strong, hook-laden melodic rock, shifting seamlessly from anthems to more garage/blues influenced numbers. Fans of Motion City Soundtrack and Oasis should check out their latest album, Combined State of Mind, and their IPO showcase!
Tytania – Described by many as a cross between One Republic and Lawson, Tytania have amassed a loyal and dedicated following by taking their undeniably infectious and upbeat live show to every major town and city throughout the UK. Their debut album, Higher, showcases not only their upbeat anthemic rock style, but also the Leeds-based band’s awesome harmonies!
Ulysses – Praised in major publications from The Guardian, Shindig! and Classic Rock Magazine, Bath’s rock upstarts deliver quirky pop delights and to die for big riffs with what is fast becoming Ulysses’ own distinct sound – a nether land between psych, glam and rock, guitar stroking and pop sheen. Their latest album, Law And Order, bursts in equal parts with great harmonies and glam rock swagger that fans of T Rex, The Rolling Stones, and Thin Lizzy will love! Their explosive live show will make you think Isle of Wight!!
The Viewers – A Cornish rock four-piece who found the world lacking in the kind of music they wanted to listen to themselves, so they did something about it, and we are certainly glad that they did! They play ‘60s-influenced original music, inspired by iconic names such as The Beatles, The Byrds, The Kinks and The Hollies. Their recent Let Light In album is a must have for jangle-a-holics everywhere! Their third album, Universal Sky, is more driving in its intensity, while losing none of the jangle and harmonies!
WHY NOT NOW – Their sound has American Heartland rock written all over it, despite the fact that they hail from the North-West of England! The songs on their new self-titled acoustic EP have the powerful vocals, wistful melodies and crunchy guitars reminiscent of Petty, Mellancamp, and Cash, mixed with just the right touch of anthemic Brit rock!
Jack Woodward – A young singer-songwriter from North-West England who writes and performs catchy and intimate songs in indie and pop genres. All three songs from his recently released second EP, Higher, have received airplay on Amazon Radio and BBC Introducing and have been featured on Gigslutz, Fresh on the Net and Unsigned Music Awards. “Fans of Mike Snow and Tom Odell – take note…One to watch for 2018” (BBC Introducing).
Thee Wylde Fuzz Show – The latest project featuring “Thee Wylde Jonny,” who many IPO fans will remember as the main man of Leeds’ The Ace. Thee Wylde Fuzz show is…well, “Wylder” and “Fuzzier” while retaining Jonny’s penchant for penning mod garage rockers, and cranking the harmonies and hooks up a notch or three. Their recently released EP, Cortina of Fuzz, will appeal to fans of pop and garage punk as well as fans of all things Freakbeat!
Non UK Artists
A View of Earth From The Moon – Building on a career that spans over 17 years with a history that includes Seattle, New York City, and everywhere in between, Jon Fickes proudly debuts his most ambitious album yet, Closer to a Ghost. The album, a release by his newest musical endeavor, A View of Earth from the Moon, he claims is “everything I’ve always wanted a record to be.” The album’s twelve songs exhibit everything from blind irreverence to crippling obsession; from selfless love to complete emptiness; from boundless joy to unshakable regret. Recorded in Seattle and mixed in L.A., Closer to a Ghost is meant for an audience that likes loud and unapologetic rock n’ roll!
The Arcadeans – Take Phil Lynott’s energy, Eric Clapton’s melody and Keith Richard’s subtlety, blend for four minutes and add course helpings of Nic Cester’s (Jet) vocals and you get The Arcadeans, a four-piece melodic rock and indie blues band from Cork, Ireland. Fans of KISS and AC/DC will also appreciate their recent Another Day EP!
Las Auténticas – A quartet of young ladies from Benicassim, Spain, who mix the sweet sounds of late ‘50s/early ‘60s girl groups with surf pop, harmony pop, and power pop. Their debut EP, En Invierno de las Osas, will appeal to fans of Dusty Springfield, Frankie & Annette, Wilson Phillips, and The Bangles, to name but a few!
Autos Detroit – Their name might make you think they’re from the Motor City, but think again, as these power popsters are actually from Barcelona, Spain! Their latest Second Best album blends classic power pop influences from the ‘60s to the ‘90s, and is a fine addition to the record collection of any fan of the genre!
The Belmondos – A Parisian quartet of false brothers and sons, brought together by their combined love of the musical heritage of the ‘60s and desire to distill it with the best of today’s modern rock – think The Remains, The Sonics, or The Zombies combined with Tame Impala or Arctic Monkeys. Their latest album, Good Mistakes, is a perfect example of their unique sound: pop and melodic in writing, rock and energetic in interpretation!
B. Suite – Part of the Lennon’s Bar Spanish Music Exchange programme, B. Suite make their home in Mieres, Spain, and have come to Liverpool to share their ‘80s influenced rock with the masses. Fans of Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, and The Clash will dig ‘em!
Caper Clowns – A quartet of young Danes from Odense who made an immediate splash on Danish radio and the world wide power pop blog underground with the release of their debut The Buca Bus late in 2016! The lead single “Pockets” was immediately chosen as the “weekly hit tip” on Danish national radio station DR P4, and has continued to receive airplay on a daily basis ever since. With multiple comparisons to the likes of McCartney and ELO, it’s understandable why they rose to the top of several 2016 year end “best of” lists and were an obvious choice to invite back for their second Liverpool!
Carry On Tale – A country/harmony pop duo made up of Annalisa Zapparoli (vocals) and Paolo Bonazzi (guitar – harmonica – mandolin), who sometimes expand to a trio or full band. Fans of artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Simon & Garfunkel, Peet Seeger, and Neil Diamond will surely appreciate their recent full band CD, For My Love, and their IPO showcase. One of Mantova’s most charming duets!
Dragon Rapide – Based in Clemont-Ferrand, France, Dragon Rapide loves American independent rock from the ‘90s and this subtle mix of melodies and distortions combining the freshness of pop with the energy of punk. Their recently released debut album, See The Big Picture, is a “must have” for fans of artists such as Teenage Fanclub, Nada Surf, and The Lemonheads. On stage, Dragon Rapide give it the works, so don’t miss their electrifying IPO showcase!
Jose Estragos Band – A singer/songwriter from Madrid, Spain, along with his band, who have become a much anticipated fixture at IPO Liverpool for the past five years, and are back to do it again! Their songs are heavily influenced by Lennon-McCartney and other Merseybeat greats, and their on-stage energy and obvious love for what they do is infectious! Check the merch tables for a copy of their latest Jose Estragos vol 3 album!
The Fiscus – Amsterdam-based quartet who blend roots rock, guitar pop, and a bit of jazz, fused with a hook-filled intensity designed to get you out on the dance floor. Their recent double A-side single, Virtue and Vice, will appeal to fans of artists from CCR to The Libertines.
Deborah Henriksson – A Västerås-based artist who brings her ethereal voice to songs ranging in genre from singer-songwriter to folk to world to Celtic with a little scent of country and pop. Her fifth (and latest) album, Near and Far, was selected for the first round of the American Grammys in the category “Best Pop Vocal Album” and has received brilliant reviews in the United States, Sweden, the Netherlands and Australia. Her songs “Whisper” and “Face Your Fears” both placed number 1 for 15 weeks on the Swedish Independent Chart! “If you’re in need of something magical, look no further – Near and Far will have you under its spell in no time.” (Skope Magazine)
In Deed – Their roots go back to the flourishing Swedish indie power pop scene of the ‘90s and early ‘00s, and they are among the true exemplars of what many among us have come to love as one of THE best power pop scenes of all time! Their first album in 16 years (!), Everest, is quite a disc, as it’s a fine combination of softly rockin’ power pop (not a misnomer), and a few harder edged tunes. Hooks, harmonies and cool chord changes abound, amid a bit of psych, with many of the tunes sounding like they could (or should) be on the radio. One of our new favorites from Uppsala, and we’re honored they’re making IPO Liverpool part of their first UK tour!
Jengi – A band from Biel, Switzerland, featuring Christof Schmid (who some IPO Liverpool audiences will remember as one of the main men of Carnation). Expect a combination of classic rock swagger, power pop hooks, and a touch of garage and Blues. Fans of The Rolling Stones, Jet, and Rod Stewart (who is the subject of one of their songs) will dig these guys!
The Jeremy Band – The eponymous band led by one of the most genuine, nicest people on the pop scene, as well as one of the most prolific pop artists around. His gentle, John Lennon-influenced pop is as spiritual as it is melodic, and you can hear this for yourself on all of his CDs. This Kalamazoo resident and his band can stake their rightful place in the IPO Hall Of Fame! Note: we dedicate this IPO Liverpool to the memory of Jeremy Band bass player and friend, Todd Borsch, who sadly passed last month.
Johnny Remember Me – A sextet from Hannover, Germany, who pride themselves not on producing songs, but rather, on producing sugar-coated bullets that aim straight for your heart. Their debut album, No One Is Ever The Same After, accomplished this task quite nicely, as it blends influences from ‘60s baroque soft pop to Beatle-esque harmonies, and modern indie pop. Sure to be a new favorite among many at IPO Liverpool!
Ken Kurson (of The Lilacs) – Though Kurson currently makes his name as a writer, he is still better known in some circles as one of the frontmen – along with David Levinsky – of one of the classic Chicago power pop bands of the ‘90s! The Lilacs were given their name by none other than Material Issue’s Jim Ellison, who produced their debut 7” record, The Lilacs Love You! Their debut full length, The Lilacs Rise Above The Fifth, garnered much play on college radio for its “witty, post-adolescent, rock and pop originals…[and]…sprightly ‘70s-styled youth-pop.” (Ira Robbins, Trouser Press). IPO is honored to have him join us for a solo set at IPO Liverpool, on the heels of a rare performance with the band at IPO Chicago!
Felix Langstieh – A professional musician/music educator from Shillong, India who runs his own music institute, Andante Institute of Contemporary Music (AICM), which he founded in 2000. He is the proprietor as well as the only instructor and to date he has taught around 3000 students in guitar, keyboard, bass & drums! He is also a regular performer himself, and apart from the usual stuff of rock, pop, metal, jazz rock, blues, etc., he is also a Gospel musician and blends into both worlds with ease. So don’t be surprised if you find him doing rock/pop, heavy, soft, acoustic, head banging, shredding, etc. in a gig one day and performing in Church/for the Church on another day!! Sometimes BOTH on the same day!!
Tommy Lorente & la Cavalerie – Whether backed by his Biarritz-based band, Le Cavelerie, or armed with just an acoustic guitar, Lorente has always worn his love of power pop and American heartland rock clearly on his sleeve, while allowing himself to explore eclectic influences from heavy rock to folk pop and express a wide range of melodic pop styles in his songwriting. His brand new album, Stupefaction, will appeal to fans of artists from Big Star to Tom Petty and Cheap Trick!
The Maureens – If you like all things “west coast pop” and ‘60s inspired power pop, you will love this band from Utrecht, Netherlands! The Beach Boys-like vocal stylings combined with the jangly power pop of bands like The Posies on their debut self-titled album will blow you away! Their latest album, Bang The Drum, feels somewhat more personal, powerful and upfront, with the spirit of bands like Johan, Teenage Fanclub and Jayhawks added to the already rich mixture that defines The Maureens. They’ve been writing and rehearsing new material, and we can hardly wait to hear it!
The Mayflowers – They’ve been hailed by Powerpopaholic as “the most famous power pop band in Japan” with good reason! Their sound is upbeat and catchy – sounding at times like The Lolas and at other times like Farrah or Fountains of Wayne, and they’ve shared the stage with luminaries such as The Records, The Rubinoos, and Bowling For Soup. Their latest album, Wild One, mixes their penchant for power pop hooks with some down and dirty rock n’ roll that fans of The Rolling Stones, Jet, or Arctic Monkeys will love!
Meadowlake – A young indie band from Groningen, The Netherlands, who making the trip to IPO Liverpool just days after the release of their debut album. Their reverb-drenched dream pop will appeal to fans of Beach House, Sigur Ros, Slowdrive, and Interpol. Check them out!
Mean Frequency – The duo of Massimo Antenucci (vocals, guitars, bass guitar) and
Federica Merli (drum, percussions, vocals) is the result of a long-term musical friendship and a bunch of ideas deeply-rooted in a mutual love for British indie pop. Their debut album, All Your Lives, ranges from Beatle-esque jangle to new wave to shoegazer pop that will captivate your heart! Another fine band from Piacenza, Italy!
The Men – IPO is proud to welcome this “supergroup” from Lund, Sweden, back to IPO Liverpool! Formed out of four classic Swedish pop-garage bands: The Sinners, The Girls, Thee Expression and Colubrids, they got together in early 2000 to form the ultimate live-band, explosive, stylish, tight, groovy, cool and fun (No shoegazers!) -a band the members themselves would love to see! Their latest album, Sunburst, is filled to the brim with new details to discover and sounds to devour. “A thrilling experience, and Sven Köhler’s fantastic voice is even more to the fore than ever!” (Håkans Pop-blogg, Sweden) As good as they are on record, live is where they really shine, so this is one show you will not want to miss!
David Minchin from The Innocents – Though he’s now based in Berlin, Minchin will forever be known among the power pop cognoscenti as one of the main men of those Tasmanian power pop devils, The Innocents. From their early Pop stardom as Beathoven in Australia (best new group 1978) to their current incarnation as ageing hippies with a weekly wage, The Innocents continue to be true to their roots. David has also been recording solo material, produced by the venerable Michael Carpenter, and look for a release soon!
Dawn Oberg – We’d like to thank Leisure McCorkle (who played IPO Liverpool last year) for introducing us to this very eclectic and electric pop chanteuse from San Francisco! With an engaging storyteller’s gift for lyrics (some of which are subversively witty, so you’ll definitely want to pay attention!) and a wide range of musical influences – everything from jazz, R&B, and pop to punk and country – her songs will seem instantly relatable and catchy to just about everyone! Check out her IPO showcase, as well as her recent EP, Nothing Rhymes with Orange!
The Parson Red Heads – In a career spanning 15 years, the band moved from Oregon to LA – where they were influential in a burgeoning Silver Lake music scene still seduced by the specters of Love and Buffalo Springfield – and back again to Portland. Their latest album, Blurred Harmony, is musically diverse – it is a distillation of the sounds and styles they love. It is the overdriven jangle of Teenage Fanclub and Big Star power-pop, the skewed psychedelics of the Paisley Underground, the bittersweet energy of New Zealand’s “Dunedin Sound” movement, and the muted twang of Cosmic Americana, all crammed into 44 minutes. Over the years, they’ve also earned a reputation as a dynamic and uninhibited live act, and we’re very excited to welcome them to their first IPO!
Johnny Penicilina – Part of the Lennon’s Bar Spanish Music Exchange programme, Johnny Penicilina is here to rock. Their irrationally unstructured angry pop is inspired by ‘60s garage and ‘80s college rock. His latest album, Y Yo En El Medio Como Un Mongol, will appeal to fans of Weird Al and The Troggs.
Christine B Phelan – As lead singer/writer with indie band Parallel, Phelan released two studio albums, after which she set forth as a solo singer-songwriter. Her debut EP, Sapphire, consists of elements of folk, blues, pop and country, depicting influences such as Gillian Welsh, Lucinda Williams, Imelda May and Sheryl Crow. “Phelan has put together a wonderfully whimsical collection of songs that are loaded with passion and spirit….a smooth and accessible blend of pop and blues….energetic and infectious”(Dave Simpson, Pure M Magazine). Mind Games, the second EP from this Cork County, Ireland, songstress adds a touch of gypsy whimsy that fans of Fleetwood Mac will love!
Picnic Republic – An ensemble from Aix en Provence who characterize their music as a cross between The Beach Boys and The Pixies. True to their influences, the songs on their recent self-titled EP are pure sunshine pop with a hint of power pop and garage that fans of The Beatles will also love!
Alain Pire Experience – The lefty guitarist Alain Pire received a PhD for his thesis on ‘60s British psych music – he continues his devotion for that period with his psychedelic trio from Marchin, Belgium. Their aim is to restore the spirit of psych bands from the ‘60s such as Cream, Tomorrow, Beatles circa ‘66/’67, Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd, Blossom Toes, The Syn, The Open Mind, etc., and their latest album, Songs From The 13th Floor, does so quite nicely!
Matt Purcell – Purcell had played in a number of bands in his former home of Sydney, Australia, before stepping out under his own name. His latest album, Silver Man, is the first he’s made solo and was recorded in his home studio in Tiperary. His music combines influences from folk rock to power pop. The debut single from the album, “Carry Me Home,” has received a favourable review by Hotpress Magazine in Ireland, and will appeal to fans of Wilco, Big Star, and traditional Irish folk!
Dave Rave – He began popping very powerfully indeed a near quarter century ago as part of the legendary Canadian bands Teenage Head (who have reunited) and The Shakers, and has often been referred to as “The Canadian Nick Lowe.” A recent CD, Live With What You Know, was nominated for a Grammy, as was one of its songs, “Anne Marie,” and he’s recently shown his enduring love for quirky ‘80s-style pop on Indicator, his latest release with The Governors! From 2010 to 2014 he played 50 IPO festivals in a row (yes, you read that right), and he still plays many of them…and we look forward to many more. Thank you Dave, and big congrats for your upcoming entry in The Canadian Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame!!
Olivier Rocobois (ALL IF) – The leader of this Parisian baroque indie pop outfit ALL IF treats us to his own brand of piano pop. Raised on cult albums (Ram by McCartney, Giant Steps by the Boo Radleys), ALL IF developed an eclectic taste for the refined and the organic. If you like heady melodies and songs with bridges, you are in the right place. The name of their latest album, Absolute Poetry, is a reference to the marriage made in heaven that was never to be between Monty Python and the Beatles of the late ‘60s. Picture it… The album is a journey, full of tricks and traps, but when you reach your final destination, the reward is beyond compare.
Saraude – Part of Lennon’s Bar Spanish Music Exchange programme, Saraude are a new band from Asturias, Spain. They’ve been in the studio cooking up some rock n’ roll and are excited to come to Liverpool to share it!
Benjamin Schoos – When he’s not running the brilliant Freaksville label, Brussels-based Benjamin Schoos is concentrating his efforts into producing lush, string-laden, melancholic and very French pop. The dandy crooner has produced, composed and arranged a whole host of songs for a variety of cult figures including Lio, Marie France, Chrissie Hynde, Alain Chamfort, Laetitia Sadier, Miqui Puig. His latest 7” creation, “All Night Every Night/Je ne vois que vous,” will appeal to fans of late ‘60s/early ‘70s French film soundtracks and all other manners of psychedelic lounge pop!
The Seasongs – A powerpop band from Madrid who add a mixture of folk, garage and psychedelia to their sound, influenced by bands like The Who, The Kinks, The Beatles, David Bowie,The Byrds, Small Faces, The Creation, Led Zeppelin, Supergrass, Ocean Colour Scene, etc, etc…it’s no wonder that the songs on all of their work, including their most recently released full album, Buscando el Sol, bring to mind the British pop sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but mixed with a sunny Spanish flair! Their brand new 4-track album Dias y Noches, was just released by Clifford Records on colored vinyl that is almost as beautiful as the songs on it!
The Shades – Made up of five hardworking, accomplished young musicians from Dublin, and taking inspiration from artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, as well as various Motown and Garage groups, The Shades are on their way to bringing their raw rock n’ roll inspired sound to the mainstream. They won ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Pure M Awards 2015, and have supported The Strypes at a sell¬out event in Dublin. With new music in work, a large catalogue of diversely influenced songs at the ready, and a thrilling live show, The Shades are an act not to be missed!
Rafa Skam (The Yellow Melodies) – IPO is glad to welcome back the leader of this indie power pop band from Murcia, who last played IPO Liverpool back in 2012! They’ve been going strong since the late ‘90s, with 7 albums, several singles and EPs on different labels (Cloudberry, The Beautiful Music, Bubbletone, Clifford, Edition 59, Jabalina, Discos Imprescindibles) and songs included in many compilations all around the world. Their latest album, Life, is a delicious slice of their sunshine psychedelic pop that can’t help but put a smile on your face!
The Stanleys – Meeting and forming the band over Myspace, Australia’s Mark Di Renzo (Gigantic) and Jamie Horsburgh collaborated with Norway’s Tomas Dahl (Turbonegro), eventually hitting studios in Oslo, Paris, Perth and Sydney to track their first generation of songs. Their long awaited self-titled debut (available in the US on Pop Detective Records and in Europe on Rock Indiana) is an infectious slice of power pop that will appeal to fans of classic bands such as The Cars and Cheap Trick!
Stootsie – Some of you may recognize this gentleman from Salzburg, Austria as the main man of The Seesaw, who have played many an IPO festival and who achieved major label success in their home country! As a solo artist, Stootsie carries on the band’s trademark quirky chord changes and fun, upbeat pop melodies! One listen, and you’ll see why he and the band achieved so much success back home!
The Top Boost – To assemble The Top Boost, singer/songwriter Hunter Gogo searched for musicians who shared his love for catchy melodies and vocal harmonies informed by classic ’60s groups like The Beatles, The Byrds and The Zombies. He found drummer Greg Johnston and guitarist Kirill Yurtsev, and together they are the perfect modern psychedelic garage pop power trio! Able to seamlessly incorporate classic sounds into their music without ignoring contemporary influences, they are creating something that is both familiar and distinctive. Their debut EP, Turn Around, recorded and mixed in Vancouver and mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, is a kaleidoscopic sound collage driven by jangly guitars, pounding drums and wistful harmonies. They are so good, we just had to make the single from the EP, “What If She Loves You?,” the lead off track on the IPO Vol. 20 CD Compilation and invite them to join us for Liverpool!
The Trip Takers – They describe their interests as “‘66 or nothing,” and that sentiment pervades everything they do! Their sound starts on a foundation built by mid-‘60s by bands such as The Beatles and The Byrds, to incorporate psychedelic atmospheres that expand the sound, making it addictive, thanks to organ and sitar on the front line. The instrumentation used and a recording technique deliberately far from the digital, but more inclined to the effects produced by the analogic, give a birth to a debut vinyl disc that, even if fresh and immediate, is far from contemporary productions to create incredibly authentic vintage atmospheres. They’ve just released a brand new 45” single, and these boys from Messina are set to take you on a wild musical trip you will never forget!
Jesse Vaz and The Velvet Reign – Vaz was the lead singer and co-founder of LA’s Tramps In Stereo, whose recent Perfectly Broken CD melded ‘80s new wave influences with classic guitar rock. His solo project with his new band, The Velvet Reign, is even better, offering up an unabashedly retro feel-good blend of power pop and glam that fans of T Rex, The Beatles, and ELO will surely enjoy! We can’t wait for a debut CD!!
Vermu – One of our favorite new indie folk bands from Albacete, Spain! Their debut self-titled EP, released earlier this year on Flor y Nata Records, mixes elements of folk, indie rock, and even flamenco (!) with power pop hooks and harmonies into a dynamic and unique sound that can be mellow and relaxing, and yet rock when it wants to.
The Vinylos – These islanders who hail from Tenerife (in the Spanish Canary Islands) are passionate about the sounds of the first half of the ‘60s. They swing between beat, mod, garage, and R&B, staying faithful to the era they admire, but giving their songs their own identity. Their recent Clifford Records self-titled CD will appeal to fans of The Sonics, The Kinks, Small Faces, and the Motown girl group sound!
viseMenn – viseMenn are a Norwegian alternative rock band that plays atmospheric and melodic dream-rock. Characteristic for the band is their diverse song material, soulful melodies and virtuoso guitar playing. Sonically they belong somewhere between U2, Sigur Ros, Coldplay, Mogwai and Radiohead. Having released two CDs with lyrics in their native Norwegian language, the band is now working on material for their third album, where the lyrics will be in English…check out the latest single, “Begging You Please” for a taste!