PENNY BROADHURST

It has been a busy old time of late. On the 13th of January, Emil, Si and I headed over to Hull to record an acoustic session for Raw Talent. Now, I'm not an acoustic act. I've never played an acoustic gig, but we had rehearsed a lot and the excitement was every bit as present as the nerves. Producer Katy Noone and presenter Alan Raw were very welcoming, and the session went well. It was fun trying to get Emil's trumpet not to deafen everyone (in the end he played across the mic) and, unbeknownst to me, my mic wasn't working for the first part of my interview with Alan. Si played acoustic guitar and mandolin beautifully. My singing went fine, though I felt very exposed.

Alan Raw:

Then to the Atrium on Thursday 17th to play for Tiny Cat. Tiny Cat is an ace DIY night where anything goes and often does, and there was free gingerbread. Adam John Miller evoked early JAMC and Sonic Youth, with help from Eddy Downdime. Then we went on, with the debut of Emil's new (old) cornet for the solo on Beautiful Nonsense. Despite a pure and lovely soundcheck, we had lots of on-stage sound problems, as did Kristofski who followed us (monitors are important and so often let us down), and the odd technical glitch. The set generally went fine though and was well-reviewed by Leeds Music Scene. Bonsai Kittens with their unstable feet and banter finished the night and the company of all those I spoke to that evening was a real highlight of my week. I love passionate people, people who love what they do and talk about it eloquently. The night made me want to write zines again. This is a good thing. Leeds Music Scene review of the gig.

Finally we drove through the rain to Sheffield on Saturday 19th to play Coughs & Sneeze Spread Diseases for the marvellous Lola & The Cartwheels at the Red House on Solly Street. Not many people even in Sheffield know where this venue is, which is a shame. It's just like someone's front room. In a good way. Not like the Cardigan Arms in Leeds pre-refurb with dodgy wallpaper and a sticky floor. No, excellent décor, comfortable and a wonderful atmosphere. Plus a plump and friendly black cat. There were great stalls, good Djs and again some ace people to talk to, especially pop's own Ste McCabe. Uh-Ohs had some shimmering sounds. Violet Violet would have had me running for cover on description, because in theory I don't like shouty rock, but were amazing. I've come to think that for me, you can make whatever noise you like as long as you have memorable and distinctive tunes and all the songs sound different. Plus they had moustaches for merchandise, which is adorable. I enjoyed our extended set, despite having been kept up half the night by our noisy neighbours, but the drive home was a bit hairy through flooded roads and diversions. Thanks to Em, Cara and the rest of the Lola gang, plus Ste, Ad and more. See photos below...