Gig Catch-Up

Oh man why do I even bother trying to blog when I forget to post everything? Haha. So a select few photos from gigs since November. Apparently I had good luck and got to the front for all three!


Jimmy Eat World back on November 19th in O2 Academy Bristol was a bit of a last minute one as it sold out the day tickets were released and I only confirmed that I had entry on the day of the show! The girl I bought my ticket from turned out to be really nice, and she even dragged my right to the front and centre so we had the best view possible even though we arrived late!


Skipping forward to 6th December at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, we have Biffy Clyro.


I was a bit too close to get photos of the whole stage, but got some nice shots anyway! I wish they'd played more old songs, but at least they played Justboy (I think I cried a bit when they started playing it haha).


And lastly, Yellowcard, on December 11th at Bristol O2. Although I don't know their stuff very well, and have seen them twice before, this was my first time seeing them in a smaller venue...I couldn't even see the stage the other times! I'm glad I went along since it was their last tour and therefore the last chance to see them live.

The end of this year has been a busy one for gigs! And travelling too, I guess. Also went to Worcester to visit Sophie earlier this week, but I failed at getting photos so I can't really blog about it...epic fail!

Record Store Day 2015

Any of you who were following any Record Store Day updates this year will already know why I had to put myself through it all again. Biffy Clyro's album Puzzle has finally been released on vinyl! I needed it!


As such I donned my Biffy Clyro shirt, hoodie, & tartan toasties for the occasion. Excuse how messy I look, we got up just before 5am for the occasion and this was taken when I got home at around midday.


We arrived at Rise Bristol just before 6am. The queue wasn't too big, and we ended up being tickets 50 and 51. Had to get a pain au chocolat and hazelnut hot chocolate since they sounded delish (and they were).


We were also given goody bags!

I'm not sure what time we got into the store. They opened just after 8am, so I guess half hour or so after that. I panicked when we got in there, struggled to find things. Luckily Rob helped a lot (as well as only being there to drive me so I didn't have to wait up all night in town ♥). Couldn't find any Tears For Fears, talked myself out of We Are Scientists and Placebo, and Foo Fighters sold out pretty much instantly.


So aside from Puzzle I caved and bought records by The Used and Daughter/Warpaint (this one is mostly for dad). Probably not worth the early start and waiting, but it wasn't all that bad and I didn't want to risk missing it (though it turned out there were loads of copies...).


We went for a little wander afterwards and I finally found Jeffrey Campbell shoes in T.K.Maxx! They had 2 pairs in my size, but the other ones were ugly white patent heels. These JC Play beauties were only £20 ♥ just hope I actually get wear out of them!

We then found a little food place that sold everything for 99p and I had a panini. Would definitely go back as cheaaaapppp.

Bit worn out now, but not as much as my wallet is! At least I didn't have to work this afternoon as I worked last night instead. I wonder if there will be any good RSD releases next year? I kind of hope there aren't as Rob said he wouldn't take me again!

Pink Purchases!

I started writing this post a whole month ago, but was too lazy to add the photos until now so it's out of date. Sorry!

Since I just turned in my last essay and finished my degree on the 22nd of May, I treated myself to some new things! They arrived before I finished, but that doesn't matter ;P

I'd been wanting a 3DS for a while as the next Pokémon game won't be playable on the DS. I kinda feel like I'm cheating on my DS though...I've had it since Pokémon Diamond and Pearl came out!


I searched specifically for a pink one this time! I ended up getting this one secondhand for £56 with a game card with 20 games and a DS game case. Unfortunately it has a scratch on the touch screen even though the seller said they'd replaced the screen, and the stylus is missing (they sent a new one but it took almost a month and is visibly chewed). The parental lock was also on when I received it and it would have been a pain to contact Nintendo to crack it, but thankfully I guess the pin really quickly as I figured the previous owner's kid's birth year was a good place to start!


My only games at this point are Super Pokémon Rumble and the new Mystery Dungeon! I'd played the Wii trial version of Rumble before and while it's easy and probably not a very long game, it is really cute. The Dungeon one is somehow even slower than the old ones, but thankfully with fewer flashbacks. Rob bought it for me as a congrats on finishing present. I want more games, but not really sure what. I am tempted by Animal Crossing as everyone keeps going on about it, but it's expensive and honestly I think it look boring...


This is my case for it at the moment, from ArtsCow for $0.99. It was supposed to be for my make-up, but I'd rather use it for this now...*swoon*


Lastly, my Dreamy Horoscope skirt! It cost £60 secondhand, and while I felt that was quite a lot for an unpopular print/colourway combo I didn't want it to slip away. I love this shiny kind of material even if it may be looked down on by many lolitas. Of course, it's also super short! I can't wait to wear it, although that will be difficult now that I'm back home. Going to try to be brave enough to wear it at the weekend though (my mum HATES lolita and calls it ugly and children's clothes and generally bullies me about it...in addition to my being fat and useless, of course).

So I finally made a post! A lot has happened since I last posted. I have moved back home which is hell, having difficulty finding any jobs that I'm qualitfied enough for, etc. It does look like I'm on track for a 2:1 grade in my degree though, which is great as it was looking shaky at one point!

Mon the Biff!

On 22-3-13 I saw Biffy Clyro for the 4th time \(^u^)/

We left quite early but I guess we got caught up in traffic on the way to Cardiff as we didn't make it to the venue until around 8pm, so we completely missed City and Colour. The venue was really odd - we had seating on the balcony at the back which turned out to only be 3 rows of seats and the floor was super sticky! And we had grumpy old folk behind us who yelled and swore at me when I stood up when the band came on...wow seriously? It's a ROCK GIG for one of the best British bands, you can't just sit and watch!!

Obviously they were brilliant, as always. I have kinda patchy memory as I had vodka with me and was drinking it straight, but I don't mind that as it means I was uninhibited and had tons of fun! (Plus if I'd have been sober the people behind would have guilted me into sitting and I'd have been grumpy and pissed off the whole time, but when I'm drunk idgaf). Even if I did probably make an ass of myself too...I seem to remember shouting 'SIMON I LOVE YOUUU!' and then turning to see Rob giving me evils haha.

Soooo...photos!


Grays Bar? Eheheh.





I actually ended up with 135 photos on my camera, but most of them were trash as my camera is really old and I continued to jump around like a mad thing while taking them! In the end only around 20 were any good haha. But as you can probably see, the set was amazing and so were the lights.

Here's the setlist:


I'd been worried looking at the European setlists that there wouldn't be any older songs, so it was great to hear some. Justboy is one I've always wanted to hear live as I love the ending where they all share the singing, and Jaggy Snake was the first song of theirs I heard so that was great too! And makes me look forward to April 1st as that's when Biblical is released (BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT).

We got lost trying to leave Cardiff as the signs are too frigging big thanks to every place being written on them twice, so it took a while to figure out where the motorway was! The journey back was nice though, I think Sophie fell asleep in the back but Rob and I sang the whole way back.

Wish I could do it all again! Trying to get a ticket to the Bournemouth show, and failing that I'll try to get one for London. But failing both, there's always Reading. WOooooooOOh!

Biblical

The release of this video took me completely by surprise the other day. I was just checking Facebook in my dissertation break in the comp lab, and the announcement popped up at about the same time. Which was great as I got to watch it on a widescreen HD computer rather than my crappy little laptop.


If you have't watched it, you really should. It's a clever little video in my opinion (I especially like how the twins were used in it, can you spot them?), the song has grown to be one of my favourites from the album, and I admit I almost drooled when watching this eheheh (¬u¬)

In other Biffy-related news, they're releasing a live version of Modern Magic Formula for this year's Record Store Day, which I'm really excited for! Jimmy Eat World is releasing something too, and probably lots of other cool bands. Gonna have to get down to my local store to have a look on the day (because I finally found a store here!).

Biffy Clyro - Opposites

Ever since it was announced, I've been waiting patiently (and recently, not so patiently) for this album to be released. I pre-ordered it mid-September, and it arrived Tuesday morning (a day after release, much to my dismay), and am only just listening to it for the first time now. After reading other people's reviews I have mixed expectations, hence delaying listening to it. The band are incredibly happy with the album but I've seen quite a few reviews shit on it, although those people don't seem to know what they're talking about. A lot of the positive reviews I could say the same for, with someone describing the music on it as 'grunge' (err, what? They may have arguably been borderline grunge in the nineties and early noughties, but come on).

But enough babble, here it is:


I bought the all-singing, all-dancing boxset version. It smells damned good, although the £45 price-tag was somewhat steep (but still cheaper than the Muse boxset).


Alongside the double vinyl, there was a lyric book, guitar tab, leaf & film cutting, play-along disc, and the deluxe edition of the album (2 CDs and a DVD).

The Sand At The Core Of Our Bones


Before release, I'd actually heard 8 of the 10 tracks from this disc. 7 of those were from live or radio, the remaining one a friend sent to me when he got his review copy and I listened to so as to not hurt his feelings!

First track Different People is a fair opener, followed by the lead single Black Chandelier which I don't doubt is being overplayed on the radio right now. Sounds Like Balloons is a little edgier, although I still prefer the way it is played live as the riffs sound beefier. The Joke's On Us was one I loved when I heard it live, and I think it has translated very well to disc (shame the shoutier bits were left out, but I know they'll be back in March!). Biblical seems to be getting a lot of love from those on Tumblr, this being my third listen I'm definitely preferring it more now although I can't dismiss people's comments that it is ridiculously pop (still rocky and progressive though...?). A Girl And His Cat has a great electronic-y intro and is much more like classic Biffy once it kicks in. The Fog is the first track that's new to my ears, nice and slow, although I miss Simon's older, more fragile, falsetto. The crescendo is great on this track though (although it's reminding me of Muse a little, perhaps due to the classical influence I'm sensing). Little Hospitals is the real kicker on this disc with ridiculous lyrics, thumping bassline, heavy guitars. The Thaw is the closer, also a nice little track although it reminds of something else I can't quite put my finger on (the ending of the song sounds so...emo, I don't know haha).

The Land At The End Of Our Toes


From this disc I only knew 3 tracks previously, and only 1 of those had I heard the studio version of. So this disc felt rather like adventuring into the unknown.

The best-known song of course was Stingin' Belle, which has grown on me a lot after all the listens, although the extra section in the album version is somewhat jarring on first listen due to the unfamiliarity. Modern Magic Formula is another I'd loved hearing live, again sad that it isn't as shouty as it could have been, but could have been a lot worse (my friend had me worried by saying it sounded really different!). Spanish Radio has the mariachi band, I was expecting something a bit more 'out there' from this song to be honest...also I recognise this song and I don't get how, unless it just really sounds like something else or it was used in a video I've seen. Victory Over The Sun is another I'd heard live before, not a lot different on the record which is great as I'd worried that the backing vocals may have lost a bit of emotion in translation. Pocket I was curious about as apparently it has been in the works for a long time, but Simon was never happy with it. I personally think it would have benefitted from being slowed down considerably. Next track feels a lot more like older Biffy stuff (in places, at least), Trumpet Or Tap. Some nice riffs in there too, although it feels like an odd song to me, probably because of the strings. Skylight is another slow track, some very nice sounds in there but it just doesn't feel like Biffy really. Perhaps it's because I woke up quite early, but starting to get a bit bored by the track Accident And Emergency. Some great guitar sound on Woo Woo (although again reminiscent of something else). Last track Picture A Knife Fight wouldn't seem out of place on Puzzle or Lonely Revolutions (possibly because it just sounds like several other songs of that Biffy era unceremoniously smushed together). It provides a nice positive end to the album however, with the repeated ending line 'we've got to stick together'.

Overall I enjoyed the first disc, but part way through the second had a sense that the album is lacking something and that it is definitely too mainstream pop for my tastes. Which I didn't think I'd have a problem with, but there's something about it that just seems a bit forced and unimaginative, which isn't what I was expecting from the interviews I'd read leading up to it. I know my opinion will change and it'll grow on me as I get to know it better, and there are some really great songs on this. But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone as a first Biffy album to listen to. Even though it will be that for a lot of people I'm guessing, what with it looking good for being number one album in the UK this week.

I'd really liked the concept of the album, with the first disc being more negative and the second more positive, but the themes weren't particularly evident to me while listening, which was a shame. I had expected Sand to be slower, darker, quieter, more strings, and Land to be louder, faster, more aggressive. Instead both are mixed. I'll have to pay closer attention to lyrics on my second listen.

I should probably point out that at this point I'm tired from an early start and in a bad mood, which is probably affecting my judgement of the latter portion of this double album. I guess only further listening will tell. Afterall, it took a lot of listens of Blackened Sky for me to like it, and it's one of my favourite albums now.

Meanwhile, my vinyl copy of Black Chandelier is lost to the world, having been dispatched two weeks ago and no non-automated reply from HMV since they went bust in that time. Have had to reorder from Banquet as they only had 2 copies left, so basically I've made a £6 loss which is a pain in the butt.

Update:// Second listen through and my opinion is a lot more positive already. Helped along by the fact that I'm listening to it at twice the volume!

Tattoo Time!

For a while now I have been debating with myself over whether to get a tattoo or not. I'm a very fickle person by nature, but I figured why not? It doesn't have to be big, and it can be somewhere hidden. I already have to live with the hundreds of ugly moles all over my body, so what difference will a bit of ink make haha.

So I decided to get something small just in case it really hurt! A puzzle piece in fact. Which I like because I'd considered a puzzle piece before I was even old enough to get a tattoo, but had forgotten about it until I saw it on Simon Neil.


So yeah I guess I kinda got a band tattoo. Guessing that's what everyone will assume anyway, which is fine by me. But it means more than that. Coz life is pretty much like puzzle. You think you've got it all figured out, and got all the pieces together. But then you find out you were wrong, and it can all fall apart again! So this is a reminder to just keep trying, I guess.


BOOBIES! And yeah just after it was done. I was really surprised because everyone says that's the worst place to get a tattoo but the pain really wasn't too bad. Some bits it hurt more, but most of it was absolutely fine.


Close-up. I hadn't realised how lumpy and fatty my back was before but oh well! The tattoo isn't perfect by any means, but hey it was free (my cousin did it for me) so I'm not really that bothered. I don't think it notices unless you look really close up anyway, and since it'll usually be covered it doesn't matter xP

As for whether I'll get any more, I don't know. I had a few bits in mind (some lyrics, and the swallow from Poetry of the Deed), but while it was okay the pain made it really drag and it was only a tiny tattoo that took 5 minutes. I'm not sure I would want to put up with much more than that! Plus I'd want to get any more done properly and I really don't have money at the moment.

OPPOSITES

Finally, the full details concerning Biffy Clyro's forthcoming album have come to light!


The double album is called Opposites, and the track listing is as follows:

The Sand At The Core Of Our Bones
1. Stingin' Belle
2. Sounds Like Balloons
3. Biblical
4. The Joke's On Us
5. Black Chandelier
6. A Girl And His Cat
7. Opposite
8. The Fog
9. Little Hospitals
10.The Thaw

The Land At The End Of Our Toes
1. Different People
2. Modern Magic Formula
3. Spanish Radio
4. Victory Over The Sun
5. Pocket
6. Trumpet Or Tap
7. Skylight
8. Accident Without Emergency
9. Woo Woo
10. Picture A Knife Fight

Click the titles to go the webpage for that disc!

The first disc has a negative, 'it's over' theme whereas the second is more positive and has 'a sense of resolution'. After reading the article in this week's Kerrang! magazine I'm probably most intrigued about the song 'Little Hospitals' as there's a verse entirely in kazoo which is...unusual, to say the least!

While it isn't out in the UK until the 28th of January, you can preorder it now from http://opposites.biffyclyro.com/. I personally just blew £50 on the limited edition boxset because I'm a bad (but very over-excited) girl!

And then of course there should be a tour next year too. Can't wait! Especially since it seems I haven't won iTunes festival tickets...

Stingin' Belle

Just in case you missed it, the new Biffy Clyro video! A track from the upcoming double-album 'Opposites'.


And since I'm here, might as well make a brag - fully signed copy of 'Many of Horror'!


Aaaaahhhhh *fangirls wildly*

Also very pleased with this beaut, which is my first Biffy Clyro LP.

Shinyyyy!

A great week for music!

I AM SO EXCITE I AM OVERFLOW.

Ahahaha so those of you that watched the opening ceremony will have seen FRANK FUCKING TURNER play. I'd heard rumours, but it was still amazing that he got to play in front of such a huge international audience. If you missed it:


Also since the Olympics have kicked off I keep hearing Muse's Survive everywhere and the song has grown on me a lot now! So I'm starting to look forward to The Second Law, since even if I hate it on the first listen it's likely to grow on me the same way that The Resistance did.

Next news, Stingin' Belle (a new Biffy Clyro track) will be played tonight on Zane Lowe's show some time after 7.30, and then the music video will be up for 24 hours for Team Biffy members from 9 (Source).


And lastly, I saw earlier on Tumblr that a new Frank Turner song will be unveiled Friday, which I thought was cool. Upon listening to the interview first hand (here) it became clear that it will actually be a song from his name-yet-to-be-revealed hardcore side-project. OH MY GODDDDD I hit excitement overload at that point and did a little jig and freaked out a bit.


And of course, there's the fabulousness to look forward to the rest of the year. In August I see Frank Turner and go to the Reading festival, and my vinyl copy of Emily Barker featuring Frank Turner Fields of June will be dispatched. September brings the new Muse album. In October I see Muse live. In November Emily Barker plays locally, although I haven't bought a ticket yet as I don't know if anyone will come with me. December I see Frank Turner again. And somewhere in there a double Biffy Clyro album will probably be released, and then a new Frank Turner album in 2013. Aaaand the mysterious side project will be releasing stuff and touring (apparently this Summer?!! But very hush-hush) and as soon as I find out more about it I'll be getting in on that action too \(^u^)/


Update:// Soooo Stingin' Belle is a pretty cool track as far as I can tell from one listen (BAGPIPES). I was a little disappointed with the video, Simon's moustache creeps me out haha. Double-album Opposites not out until January, but pre-order opens the same day the single is released, 17th September (the same day The Second Law comes out!).

Recent merch buys!

I thought I'd share a few recent 'normal' clothing buys that I'm happy with!

I've been really getting back into music again recently, and so I have started buying band tees again with mixed success.

A while back I bought a ton of Frank Turner merch. This was a Wembley set I bought which included...


a tee,


a scarf,


a poster, and a book.


I also bought this badge set.

Annoyingly despite buying the smallest tee size, it's massive and is essentially useless for girls because it's a total man shape. Haven't decided whether to alter it or sell it yet.



These two tees were from ebay and I love them both!




I already own a plethora of Muse tees, but this is my first hoodie (appears to be a Knights of Cydonia one). Sadly it also suffers from chronic hugeness and man shape. It almost comes down to my knees and my hands don't even reach the cuffs...but it's really snug and warm! However, Muse has somewhat fallen out of my favour recently. I just spent £130-ish on two tickets to see them later in the year, but the album teaser was crap and the Olympics song is crap too. Damnit!



My Jimmy Eat World tees! I wasn't too sure about ordering them at first as the website had no sizing chart and no contact emails or anything, plus shipping from America (plus customs and Royal Mail handling fee) was expensive. But they're one of my favourite bands, and the lilac tee is so my style anyway! I got the blue one too as it was only a few dollars and the shipping fee was flat anyway. Thankfully they fit me perfectly despite the fact that I had to completely chance it.

As for band merch I want...I still want the Frank Turner zip-up hoodie as I wear my pullover one an awful lot. I would like a Million Dead tee although obviously they're few and far between since the band split it 2005 and so seem to be either crap condition or overpriced. I'd also like a Biffy Clyro tee as they're one of my favourites at the moment!


And I couldn't resist this Avengers tee from Qwertee.

MON THE BIFF

Soooo on Thursday I made the rather last minute decision that I wanted to go see Biffy Clyro on the Friday in Swindon's Oasis, even if I had to go on my own! I had to buy my ticket on Ebay, but luckily it only cost me £35 (which once booking fees and postage were added onto RRP isn't too far off the price it would have cost originally).


My ticket (photo to come later, forgot to take one Dx lol)! In the end I didn't get it until a few seconds before entering the venue. I thought I was meeting the seller there (and I got badly lost on the way...stupid Swindon and lack of road signs!) but they'd been waiting for me at the station and I was freaking out! But it all turned out fine, thankfully. The wait wasn't nice as I was stressing out and it was cold and a bit wet and everyone else was in friendship groups. Need to find friends with the same taste in music as me Dx

I found a spot at the side of the hall and stuck there for most of the time, although I got a Bulmers from the bar when I first went in. I didn't have enough money to buy a t-shirt...I'd wanted the 'Biffy says relax' one.


The support band was called Pure Love. I'd never heard of them before, but apparently the singer was in a band called Gallows before who I have heard of. They were actually pretty good!


And then Biffy Clyro themselves! This was my third time seeing them, but first time in a small venue and with them as headliners. They were brilliant \(^u^)/

More photos!







Very much looking forward to their new album(s) later in the year now. Should be good!


Quick snap of my outfit I took on the way out of the venue. I love these boots, but my feet were already sore and rubbed from earlier in the week and I now have a really REALLY bad foot (I had to walk almost 2 miles to the train station, the venue was almost a mile from the station there and on the way I doubled that or more from getting lost, standing for the whole thing, and then the same back...)


And I did my nails to say 'MON THE BIFF' although I did it in a rush and made a mess of it.

Sorry about all the music posts recently, I am really into my music again at the moment! I'll try to get back into making lolita-related posts it's just that it hasn't held my interest so much recently OTL.