Sky

Last year, the enrollment fee was 45, and you get a hundred tickets to sell for the event. After you sell your first fifty, you get to keep a pound from each ticket that you sell. Until you sell ninety-five tickets, you're gonna be out of pocket. On top of that, unless you're very crowd-pleasing rock, you won't get very far in the competition, as the crowd won't vote for you. (I merely make this remark because I gather Project: Ven-Hell aren't really in the vein of crowd-pleasing rock.) Also, playing early is the kiss of deathno allowance is made for the fact that the first few bands on have vastly fewer audience members to vote for them than the later acts.

I don't think it's too long, per se, I think it's actually three tracks in one. Of the three, I think the first is the weakest (start until about 1:50)it sounds very early nineties electronica, and not in a particularly fantastic way. Having said that, I never really was a big fan of that style. The second section (1:50 until about 3:30) is much stronger overall. I like the burbling bass in it a lot, and the percussion is more subtle but better for it. Of all the sections, though, I most like the third. It's definitely the most ambient of the three, and the percussion is the most interesting. The other sounds are given more room to breathe in this section. If I was you, I'd take out the third section altogether, and make it a standalone track, and develop it in this context.

Slim to none. A' date=' B and C are all incorrect; however, D is a distinct possibility.

You've obviously never read The Wire.

Stripey is, and has several MP3s up on his website and they're of a high calibre. Also recommended is XY:XX, though not for the faint-hearted.

It should be a good gig, and it's for a good cause, so what more could you want? (Other than a slightly better disguising attempt at a bump than this.)

I'm very impressed. I really like the "grit" of "Hope Diminished". I like "1" even better, especially because of the startling tonal passage that cuts in it just before the two minute mark; it's quite a pretty-sounding passage on it's own, but the juxtaposition of it against the abrasiveness of the track as a whole really makes it stand out. As Buckley said, the thickness of the sound is impressive, and a deeper bass-end may work on some tracks, but I feel the two already up function perfectly without one. Overall, I'm very, very impressed, and look forward to hearing more of XY:XX.

I'm extremely impressed by these, especially the ambient wash that opens the first sample ("b") and wavers from side to side, before giving way to a much busier, more energetic arrangement. Also, I was especially impressed by the simple but effective drum programming that underpins the track. I'd really like to see more experimentation along the ambient, almost drone, line explored at the opening of this trackunless I'm mistaken, isn't Eastern music very interested in the power of drones and repetitions? Track two is also good, in a more conventionally jazzy way. When can we expect to hear more?

jsmith beat me to it; I was about to recommend Claire Hamilton as well. She has a website with MP3s available for download on the Media, andmore importantlyan utterly fantastic voice. She's playing in 17th July at Drummonds for a massive all-day charity gig, alongside: Gerry Jablonski Alan Davidson (of the Kitchen Cynics) Phil Rae Reasons Are Red Little Kicks Delaware The Beard Lorenzo Snow Collective Kathryn Sawers I can strongly recommend Kathryn Sawers and Alan Davidson/The Kitchen Cynics from experience; Kathryn has a really good voice/piano combination, and Alan Davidson is extremely clever with his lyrics. Prices and times for the gig have yet to be confirmed.

A fantastic gig overall. Marissa Nadler is utterly fantastic, and her album hasn't left my CD player since Friday. I did feel the synth was underutilised thoughusing it as a pseudo-organ does it no justice. Kathryn Sawers impressed me, but I felt many of her songs ended too abruptly. Claire's performance was much more relaxed than usual, and I really think she's becoming more comfortable in a live setting. All in all, a fantastic night. Thanks to Interesting Music, the Tunnels and the artists.

Claire Hamilton fronts a band from time-to-time, though usually plays solo. Some of her tracks are available online at her website.

I'd agree with that. gtis Byrjun was a fantastic album' date=' [i']() was slightly poorer, and Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do was very disappointing indeed. I haven't heard Von yet, so I'm unable to comment on it. I can't really decide just why they've been getting progressively poorer with each release, but it seems to be a pattern they're following now, and it is a real shame. Perhaps they'll improve, perhaps not.

Claire Hamilton will be playing two half-hour sets in a lunchtime session at the Tunnels this Friday (8th of April). She's onstage about 1PM, entry is free and there are food discounts on offer. Several MP3s are available on the Media page of Claire's website. This gig is presented by The Tunnels in assocation with Clear and Bright Records.

The gig was fantastic; Claire said she felt it was the best gig she'd ever played, and Lady Mercedes were very good. Anyone know if they've got an EP/single/album out? Many thanks to Hen, Jenny and all the staff at the Tunnels, and to everyone who attended.

The gig's tonight everyone. How often do you get to see five acts for free?