THE LEN PRICE 3 – Pictures

This is not what I had in mind when I saw the album cover, what a great surprise- the opening track “Pictures” has so much energy and an incredible dated sound like that of The Beatles combined with The Kinks and almost a bit of a punky Ramones feel mixed in, overwhelming none the less. Typically British and successfully so, my first impressions were nothing but positive. “Keep your eyes on me” proves that The Beatles must have been a huge influence for these guys. I love the fast pace and the almost honest sounding vocals along with “After You’ve Gone” it really does persuade the listener that they’ve travelled back- although has a slight hint of Oasis, which I must admit, I would usually say was the furthest thing from successful in my eyes, however The Len Price Three have made it work for them.
Then onto the steady beat of “If you live round here” which swings more into 2010, however my more negative feel towards Oasis does rear its ugly head here (sorry I can’t help it), you know the Oasis video with the guy in the suit and the coffins? Well it is oh too familiar to that and I’m not sure I enjoy this so much- but hey! Every album has its downfalls (in the least harsh way possible). On a lighter note “Jack in the Breeze” is lovely, a sweet and simple slower number with beautiful vocals and harmonies in each verse, as well as soft sounding strings throughout as it begins to pick up in the chorus- easy listening and peaceful too.
To end on a tough, strong and memorable point The Len Price Three have “Under the Thumb” which has the incredible input of a harmonica, along with continuously aggressive yet fun lyrics- which include the truthful “every time we speak you piss me off” a feeling I think we all know far too well. This is shortly followed by the final track “The Great Omani” which although slightly calmer is a little more idealistic but just as British! Giving “Pictures” a lively but soft ending, I do however apologise for the brief dismissal of Oasis, they’re just one of those pet hates- “Pictures” is a fine album and will hold a well deserved place in the summer of 2010 for me.

2009 – How was it for you? Part 3

Bemis (Gareth Howells – Vocals, Guitar)
www.myspace.com/bemisuk

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
For Bemis, 2009 has been a brilliant year – we’ve continued our climb onto the festival circuit, got our first album on itunes and other digital distribution, had a rave review in a national magazine, got an award for our impression on Dorset (which is particularly gratifying because of the risk in playing out of town so much) and played some amazing support slots. We have expanded from a duo after 3 and a half years into at least 3 people (sometimes 4) which has had a dramatic (and exciting) effect on our writing. The year was dominated by the making of our second studio album which will be finally finished in January – pretty much a year after we started it. We have finished the year off with a sell out gig at the Cellars and a live “official bootleg” album that finally makes Jeff an official part of our future. 2010, in fact, looks very rosy, with more festivals, more recordings planned, more great supports lined up and that amazing feeling that our reputation is really growing and we have many people behind us giving their thumbs up.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
What have I been listening to this year? The Men They Couldn’t Hang and the Levellers came back with their first album in ages – and they were both fantastic. I have been listening to masses of stuff, but those two are the most recently released.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
The one thing I would have changed over the last 12 months would be encouraging Gavin, our drummer, to play with us sooner, as he is a perfect match for us and is easily the best drummer I have ever worked with.

Do you have a message for our readers?
Happy Christmas everyone!

Officer Kicks
www.myspace.com/officerkicks

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
It was brilliant, we have played a hundred gigs all over UK and Europe and supported some mega big bands, written an album we really very proud of.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
A guy called Alexander Wolfe has released a record that is second to non. Loved hearing that. Was Fleet Foxes released this year? Thats great. Spotify has meant i cant even begin to tell you how many things i have heard this year. Im like a kid in a candy shop.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
On a personal level nothing, its been an amazing year. Dont want to get deep but the list of things i would change in this trouble filled world would prob be a novel.

Do you have a message for our readers?
NO. Erm…yes. Dont listen to rock singers giving messages of hope or charity.

The Len Price 3 (Glenn Page)
www.myspace.com/thelenprice3

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
Busy. We spent most of the first half of the year recording our new album ‘Pictures’ – due out on January 18th. In amongst all that, me and Neil been having babies. Not together you understand – it’s not that type of band. Our wives did the difficult bits.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
Lots of the usual Who, Kinks, Beatles and the Clash but I’ve also been liking the first album by The Saints and Triple Distilled by Graham Day and the Gaolers.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
I wish we could’ve got the album out sooner – i.e. a 2009 release. It’s been done and dusted on the music side since about May or something but it’s been caught up the machinations of agreeing artwork, getting the promo side of things sorted and other such matters.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
Launching our new album. (Did I mention that it’s called ‘Pictures’ and it’s due out on January 18th?)