Welcome To Gallipoli Records – a retrospective
Gallipoli records is no longer operational. The last message from the founder was:
Things will soon be coming to a close here at Gallipoli HQ ; the shop will remain open for a few months more; but I can categorically state that there will be NO MORE new releases on the label. I won’t go into the spiel about why we’re stopping or anything; just that we are and there will be no more new stuff as of now.
Obviously, I would like to thank everyone who has ever visited the site and/or bought a cd from us, it’s been a lot of fun and we’ve had the extreme pleasure of working with a lot of fantastic bands. I hope we’ve introduced some of you to some new and exciting music, that what we had set out to do anyway.
Anyway, I have further reduced a few things in the shop to clear them out so please help yourselves to a bargain or two… When they are gone, they are gone.
As a tribute to the record label and it’s bands and artists, the website is being kept going, for information purposes only.
Rock n’ roll always had a place in my heart
Since I was a little kid, I listened to rock music and through my childhood; the guitar riffs became the soundtrack of growing up. Both of my parents are responsible for this.
My dad grew up in the late 70’s and early 80’s when he was really influenced by big stadium rock bands; but then quickly got into the developing metal scene. During this time, he became a lifelong Iron Maiden fan. He started working as a car mechanic when he was in his late teens, so I guess this type of music, loud and rebellious, really suited his lifestyle and he never got bored with it.
My mom came from a completely different background and got involved in visual arts as a photographer during high school; but still adored alternative rock, mainly Pink Floyd, the Genesis; as well as similar artists.
Two of them and fell in love and sure enough..
In 1988; just one year after they got married; I came along. In the subsequent years, I grew while the cassette deck, and then a CD player blasted rock tunes. I always appreciated rock. But I never thought about playing or getting involved in it in any other way.
Then, just as I was beginning my second year of university, my dad got sick. In a matter of months, his state deteriorated and in a blink of an eye, as it seems to me now, I was holding his hand on a hospital bed, wondering is tonight the last night we will ever talk? On one of these nights, he confessed to me that he always dreamt of being a bass player in a cool rock band, even though he never mentioned this to me. We joked about that a little while; and then he fell asleep and I went home.
Tomorrow morning, we got the call that he passed away. At his funeral, all I could think about was the fact that I need to buy a bass guitar. I did it the same afternoon; buying a cheap Fender model and immediately began teaching myself to play it. It was my way of saying goodbye to my dad, I guess.
The first song I learned was “The Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden, and I started practicing with a fervor like I never felt before. More oddly, I was pretty good. In less than a year of regular daily practice, I could jam as well as the next guy my age in any small rock band.
Spontaneously, I got into a band with my friends Pete, Mike and Sarah.
We made a grunge rock band, with Pete on the guitar, Mike on the drums and Sarah as the lead vocals. Aside from the base, I got to sing backup vocals. All of a sudden we decided to call ourselves The Repository and we all really got into it, playing in Pete’s garage. After a few months, we had a solid lineup of seven original songs and a few covers of A Perfect Circle; which we all really loved.
The garage suddenly became a bit cramped for our ambitions, and we decided to try to get a small tour going. In a week, Mike picked us up in a crummy van and we set off on our very own central UK tour, covering Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and finally York. It was not a real tour, but more a string of gigs we managed to get. But to us, it felt like mainlining the Glastonbury Festival. We even got noticed by the press; which decided to mention us, all thanks to our agent “Gallipoli Records”.
During the tour, I had the best time of my life. Sure, we slept in run-down motels by the road and played in every dump of a club we could find. Many of these had completely destroyed sound systems, drunken sound technicians and audiences that numbered less than 20 people.
We got paid barely enough to cover the gas money
But we always somehow managed to get enough to buy a lot of beers and have a fantastic time after the show. I knew that drinking was bad for everyone; but it was the essential rock lifestyle; including the hauling of equipment so heavy that made my arms tremble for hours. Aside from all of this, it was still a rush to get on that stage, each and every time. Deep down, I felt that my dad wanted me to experience this and learn how awesome it is to be a part of a rock band.
But, our tour came to an end and we got back home. Soon, Mike, who was older than the three of us, got a job and moved to Australia. Pete decided to try to become a semi-professional dirt bike racer and somehow, The Repository as a rock band simply stopped existing. Yet, Sarah and I kept in touch and often spent time together.
One night, after a walk by the beach, we shared a kiss and became a couple. Now, we live in London together, married and happy. I work as a software engineer; while Sarah is finishing medical school. She is pregnant and our baby boy is about to be born. As a matter of fact, I am nervous about becoming a dad, even though I am certain that I will try my best to teach him to be a good man; just like my dad taught me. Therefore, I do not know if I will succeed in this; but I know which song I will play to him first.
“The Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden, of course.
Recent Posts:
Limbic Riot
Limbic Riot were formed in Stockport at the end of 2002 by original guitarist Nick. Influenced by British heavy metal and sludge titans Black Sabbath, Iron Monkey, Raging Speedhorn and Charger, their sludge-core style feautred dense riffage and agonizing vocals. The band went on to record a 5 track demo in the summer of 03, positive reviews were given in Rock Sound Magazine (Issue 54), fanzines and several webzines (Raw Nerve, UK Base, Stoner Rock).
The track ‘Crushing A Fake’ appeared on the Psychophonic Records’ compilation ‘Kill Your Management 5’. After the demo the band shared a stage with high calibre acts such as Narcosis, My War and Murder One. Nick and vocalist Pete then joined the newly formed I-Remain and after some time Nick stayed whilst Pete was fired. However, the band then experienced some major line-up changes whilst also evolving their sound. Currently the band is Pete on vocals, Ben on guitar and Matt on drums. Nonetheless, the band play a style of sludgecore that incorporates blastbeats and beatdowns.
Kokura
Kokura, as humans, all come from lovely sunny Pembrokeshire in South Wales, maybe you’ve visited there, maybe you stayed in Kiln Park – “A caravan paradise!”. If so, go away, we dont like you. Sorry.
Jakob and Luc were previously in the quite superb and compellingly silly Jamstart! But had to quit as the pressure of fame became too great; (they were once recognised in a pub during food service hours). Press ganging the bass manipulation talents of a long bodyied hippy called Craig (Nobel prize winner for pioneering research in the painful field of using Imac to shave your face) and coaxing the all mind pervading genius of Phil on guitar they set about making some music that was pretty and cheered them up. From this came Kokura, a demented combination of bi-polar influences, conflicting normalitys and a nagging boredom with society; they found a name from watching the History Channel like all good artists (Captain Beefheart, Madonna and Slade to name; but all three…)
“Kokura: A Japanese city that was the primary target of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. On that morning, Kokura was shrouded in bad weather, and the mission’s commander decided to drop the bomb on the secondary target.”
Armed with this knowledge of a twisted irony
This encapsulates all of man kinds failings (and sounds cool) they toyed with “The Kokuras” as any good loose association of money hungry culture sluts would, as well as perverse suggestions from various cohabiters (e.g. “Eifion O’Cottage and The Thatched Roof’s” or “Stupid Crap Band”) before returning to our original favorite.
These newly named merry men of rock then set out to relocate in a glittering new world civilization, where their artistry and moaning would be appreciated; but only got as far as Swansea University (closest university to the sea in the world – official). They are vocal supporters of the local binge drinking culture, prefer to attend lectures telepathically and waste most days worrying about upcoming gigs.
But in all seriousness we are looking forward to gigs over the summer with masochistic abandon, honest, and with Jake’s dedication to the further refining of the ancient art of home recording things are starting to look rather interesting…or boring, depends on your personality really.. Anyway, take your eyes and have a look round our lovely website and its twisted bounty of information and crap.
– Luc
P.S. We don’t really hate you if you’ve stayed in Kiln Park…We’re just bitter at their numerous (and not all justified) prejudices against us.
JC’s Revenge
We have been formed for about a year, we are Mike Green: Vox, Gtrs Sam Christie: Gtrs, B/Vox Richard Morgan: Bass Tim Dutton: Drums Our sound is something similar bands such as Weezer, American Hi-fi, Fountains of Wayne, Ash etc. Since we have been together we have recorded 2 Demo CDs, the first of; which was named as a demo of the week on channel four teletext and a song from it (Daphne Blake) was released on a compilation CD by Matchbox Recordings.
Nonetheless, we gig as often as we can, mostly locally; but have played around the country in the last year. More information, downloads etc can be found on our website www.jcsrevenge.co.uk
Iron Hearse
Ask any self-respecting heavy metal fan to define stoner doom rock and invariably you’ll hear the words ‘big’, ‘slow’, ‘heavy grooves’, ‘psychedelic’, ‘Black Sabbath’ etc.
Swindon’s very own purveyors of the genre – Iron Hearse – encompass all these things and more, and are fast becoming one of the most respected acts in the area.
The band; which comprises Grant Powell (guitar and vocals), Chris Young (drums) and Liam Khan (bass); have carved their own niche on the local scene. And songs such as ‘Trident of the Aqualord’, ‘Chronovisor’ and ‘Apollo 666’, have brought them to the attention of the underground metal press around the country; who have raved over the handful of demos they’ve released thus far.
Hotel Wrecking City Traders
Ben plays drums and handles the occasional vocal. Toby plays guitars and also handles the occasional vocal. HWCT have a lot of love for riff-based Rock n’ Roll. Not to mention, the ‘HWCT’ sound can be traced back to the early teenage years of two kids discovering their passion for Rock n’ Roll. Nonetheless, they sought out music from anywhere they could get it. They smoked pot, traded mix tapes, jammed and listened to just about anything that moved them in some way. Therefore, the desire to create something musically representative of their heroes and louder than what you’d expect out of a drum kit and a guitar was the common interest.
Opting to create songs that transcend traditional structures and formulae, HWCT use minimal instrumentation and achieve maximum rock. The history of the band spans many countries. Having collectively spent time in Hong Kong, the UK, the U.S.A and Canada since kids, both members were born in Australia and now reside in Melbourne.
HWCT has now permanently set its feet firmly in Australia. The band is currently writing and rehearsing with plans for recording and shows in 2005.
You can contact HWCT by emailing to band@hotelwreckers.com and make bookings through bookings@hotelwreckers.com.
FREEZERBURN
“FREEZER BURN”
sylvia plath, motown, white noise, cold wave music
“From the people who bring you genuine cool, FREEZER BURN have
panache” – Black Velvet Magazine
Loui (guitar/vocals) met Kat (drums/vocals) in a hospital when they
were both very young. Through a link in the Eastleigh musical society
they were joined by Simon (bass).
FREEZER BURN taught themselves to play instruments 2 years ago when
they were booked to play their first show. They have since gone on to
support Ikara Colt, The Rapture and Miss Black America amoungst others.
FREEZER BURN play the music in their heads and not the musik that they
hear. Songs about love and hate and hating love and loving hate
combined with passionate noise and obscure song structure.
Their first homemade demo tape was passed to Stu Campbell (JJ72,
Lowgold). Impressed by their live shows, he took them on a trip to
Conversion Studios to record new songs ‘Candela’ and ‘Into Your Arms’.
Distribution of this cd has won them an array of new followers, glowing
reviews in the media, airplay on HEL and AIR radio and accompanying
interest leaving each listener left crying over everything they’ve lost
and smiling upon everything they’ve left behind.
Fake Bad News
Fake Bad News’ influences range from traditional rock ‘n’ roll to more modern day indie-rock styles. Then the band played their debut gig at the end of January 2004. Since then, they have appeared at venues including the Cardiff Barfly, The Oz Bar, as well as The Toucan Club, and Toad at the Exhibition and Walkabout; (all Cardiff city centre venues.)
In July 2004, Fake Bad News were booked for their first gig in London, at the Trinity Bar in Harrow.
El Camino
This is the short; but vital story of the Camino dudes.. el Camino started up the rusty engine as a band sometime during 2002-03 in the sleepy town of Nässjö, Sweden.
Since the first day el Camino have been the tool for our passion, heavy music. The Camino members have been part of / around in other bands such as: The mobile mob Freakshow, The Leftovers (Fueled up Rec.) and Vermin (No fashion rec.).
The road was long; but finally the songwriting and rehearsal were in action, and the rusty engine hade became a shiny roaring V 12 … Therefore, the aim was set direct for heavy and groovy hard-rock. Our influences Are from a very wide spectra, from early seventies such as Black Sabbath & Thin Lizzy to the more modern music as Fu manchu & Down. After playing live at a local festival in -03; we got some great response and decided to get even more “deadly serious upon our task”.
A result of this are our self produced “Promo -04”, recorded during some days in March -04. During the spring/summer of -04 we will concentrate on writing some new songs. Do some live appearances and later hopefully do some recordings.
// el Camino
Ditchliquor
Not only does the name Ditchliquor evoke images of gritty, derelict waste, the Portland quartet’s music equally renders slothful burnout with similar charm to sludge-rock progenitors Flipper.
Ditchliquor’s hard rock attack is filtered through an array of psychedelic effects, producing a polished local metal act pleasantly devoid of irony or kitsch.
…Dirty, almost chaotic, almost pleasant, almost vibrant… The violence of Ditchliquor is completely authentic and the listener leaves, after listening to this little gem, completely turned upside down. Turned upside down, astonishing, completely outside of it’s time, furious, completely outside of paths already taken and really true….
De-alamaine
Trowbridge based metal group; De-alamaine are something a bit different. In a world saturated by homogenous music, De-alamaine’s songs appear to go against the grain. A definite slayer feeling can be derived by the overall beat and rhythm; but with a more modern influence over the whole sound.
Our style may not suit all tastes and we are not particularly experienced; but we are progressing and hoping that we can get in touch with our true music style and hopefully create something worthy of Pantera listening to and enjoying. You never know! From a guitar point of view the sound is distorted and low frequency (Drop A Tuning) there’s quite a bit of speed and Palm-muting as well as some rather bouncy metal riffs; but I suppose the only way to find out is to listen for yourself.
Bass accompanies the guitar quite frequently at drop A using some pretty complex bass lines to create a full-on metal sound, slapping is a must! The drums in De-alamaine fill the empty void with blasting double-kick beats and a highly aggressive sound to add a sense of velocity to the overall sound. Vocals which are somewhere in between Phil Alselmo and Tom Araya make for quite a heavy package and is complemented by the more mature style that some of our songs take, at one point.
However, the vocals are harmonious, both singing over quite a slow and clean riff before breaking into something worthy of a moshpit. I would say that our music style is somewhere between slayer, Pantera and S.O.D with a slight air of maturity around the whole sound.
Darksunn Rising
The 5 members of Darksunn Rising, based in Wells, Somerset, have been working with each other on various musical projects for nearly 10 years; but it wasn’t until the realization, in spring 2004, that the combination of all their contrasting influences could create the intricate necessities and the power to create something special.
A lot of time has been spent experimenting with various songwriting techniques; as well as fine tuning their own ‘Darksunn’ sound, mixing various individual influences to forge an infectious heavy rock groove.
At this point in time, the band are making fast progress; which is due to their exhilarating live shows; which are renown to be anything from downright ludicrous to brutally aggressive and never anything less than 100%.
Core of the Earth
Core of the Earth hails from Colorado, playing a unique mountainous combination of slow as molasses grooves, as well as full throttle punk rock. Not to mention, the band consists of Andy Malishenko on bass, Chris Garrow on guitar, and Bailey Cecil on drums/vocals.
However, the three piece has been together since 1999, playing alongside Jucifer, Weedeater, High on Fire, Thrones, Place of Skulls, Earthride, Meatjack, Black Lamb, and many other local talents. Appearance’s at 2002’s Stoner Hands of Doom Festival in Phoenix, AZ., and the 2003 Spirit Festival in Kansas City,MO. In addition to over 50 local shows in Ft. Collins and Denver covering the span of 2002-04.
HEAVY is the best adjective to use when describing Core of the Earth. Reminiscent of Black Sabbath, Melvins, Misfits, Ween, and Electric Wizard, their live set is always aimed at flooring the audience with their home-grown sonic thunder-crushing brand of rock music. Bring your earplugs and bang your head to the crust rock that is Core of the Earth.
Cold Morning Colours
Cold Morning Colours perform Alternative melodic power pop with energy and excitement, fusing both the complexities of British alternative with the eloquence of melodic power pop and rock. They formed there musical alliance in late 2004, the singer (Jet) left his old band (4 hour drive); and reunited himself with his former bass player (Jay).
Without a doubt, they got straight to work, creating complex anthems such as “World Without You” and “Almost” However, they had the tunes; but need a band! College was an ideal place to find “like minds“, sure enough not long into there first year Jet and Jay formed a strong friendship with guitarist (Beany) who posed the same drive and determination, fusing a musical bond impossible to ignore. CMC started gigging with drummer (oil) who left to peruse a different genre. Notorious for intense and explosive performances CMC were not defeat by there drummers decision, and it was no more than a month before drummer (Max) joined.
He brought all the little bits that were missing from CMC and more, with charismatic stage presence, and the ideology possessed by the others, Cold Morning Colours were stronger than ever. With a 6 track mini album “Photographs for Faces” and their electrifying performances, it was not long until CMC became a local house hold name! Come along to a gig near you, and lose your self in the shout out choruses…2006 here we come! stay tuned; and remember, spread the word.
Caldera
Let’s face it, we are a few dudes from Wiltshire currently throwing a three peice set on stage. This is because we sadly lost a band member a while back. But we have carried on relentless, and Caldera is an ever growing constant barage of noise, sounds and intricate harmonious riffs.
Mostly our influences come forth from our weed drenched inspiration and continuous love of our instruments and music! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – we are currently looking for a new guitarist; so if anyones interested send some stuf about urself to caldera_musique@hotmail.com.
Buzztone
However, we play fast melodic skate/punk based loosely on bands like Autopilot Off, Lagwagon and Consumed. We’re based in Wiltshire, England and have been together since 1998 with an original line-up of Si, Matt, Wiz and Woody. Justin replaced Woody in 1999 and Wiz left for pastures new late Spring 2002 and in-stepped former ninety-nine % front man Si as bass player.
We have played with a number of the UK’s top punk acts; including King Prawn, 4ft Fingers, Skirtbox, Captain Everything!, Farse and the B-Movie Heroes as well as Big D & The Kids Table from USA. And we know this makes us sound like stuck-up wankers; but we’ve got to put something on the website!
Bumsnogger
Sometimes you just can’t let a name stand in the way of musical enjoyment; and never has a statement been so apt than with noise oiks Bumsnogger. Formed at the start of 2002, Bumsnogger are fast becoming one of the most talked about bands in the UK underground metal scene.
Hailing from Nottingham, Bumsnogger were conceived in a drunken haze with the sole aim of playing riff frenzied ferocious metal. Tipping their collective hats in tribute to the likes of sludge giants Iron Monkey and Charger as well as more traditional noise – Black Sabbath and Motorhead – Bumsnogger’s meaty slabs of metal are giving current trends and scenes a severe kick up the arse (every pun intended).
Their debut mini album ‘…And Destroy All That Come Before Us’ was recorded in a matter of days at Pristine Studios and produced by former Bivouac mainman Paul Yeadon, and former Pitchshifter axeman Johnny Carter (the pair also produced the critically acclaimed efforts from Murder One, My War and Helvis).
From the opening punishing riffs of ‘Dutch Fisting’
The bludgeoning ‘Being Fucked Over’ to the sonic bowel wrenching assault of ‘Murdering The Homeless’, Bumsnogger display all the characteristics to more than satisfy the most die-hard metal fan to the more booze-sodden stoner/sludge fan. The EP was also self-released under their own label, Ape Of Thoth Records.
Clocking up a hefty amount of shows around the country with the likes of Cathedral, Orange Goblin, Mistress, 3 Inches Of Blood, Paradise Lost and Send More Paramedics; the ‘Snogger’s blistering live reputation is growing faster by the second.
The current line-up sees Podge (formerly of Excelsum Superbum) on drums and Mars (formerly of Jesus Of Spazzareth) on 2nd guitar, joining the core of Andy (vox), Chris (guitar), John (Vox) and Richard (bass). Songs are being written and rehearsed for the next record, due in 2005.
Just remember – there is more to a band than a name…
Bumsnogger are:
Andy – voice
John – voice
Chris – guitar
Mars – guitar
Richard – bass
Podge – drums
Bomb The Sun
Swansea based groove laden rockers. Junxion 17 ep review below…
It’s no secret that the band Kyuss have been hugely influential on a lot of current bands, although very few have managed to capture “that” expansive desert rock sound to a high level of competence. Step forward, Bomb The Sun. Therefore, the six colossal tracks here are spread over a whopping 45 minutes, highlight for me being “Not Waving, But Drowning” which sounds like it could have come straight from the groundbreaking “Sky Valley” album; but there’s not a bad song on this disc and fans of the aforementioned should be dropping everything and getting themselves a copy of this immediately.
Battlewitch
Battlewitch bring together elements of four other bands to form a monolithic monster fuck sound. A sound that combines modern nu-metal with throw back 80s and 90s thrash.
A diverse range of influences; including Metallica, Machinehead, Testament, KSE, Iron Maiden, Rush, Pink Floyd and many more; create a set which is as varied as it is heavy.
Live Battlewitch are at their best, with a well rehearsed and constantly evolving set, and a growing support. Battlewitch have been well received and highly commended on their live performances and music.
Bastard Of The Skies
Bastard Of The Skies was formed at the beginning of 2004 with the intention of ripping off The Melvins and burying Blackburn’s limp wristed, indie pop inclined local music scene in a sea of sonic sludge.
The live experience of Bastard Of The Skies is something to behold: a crushing wall of noise punctuated by screams, feedback and a thunderous rhythm section. This formula has won the band a horde of local fans as well as a fair number of those scared and suspicious of their ferocious might.
After a few rough, practice room, recordings the band entered the studio in June 2005 to produce their first proper demo with a view to generating some interest in the band from labels/zines/other bands etc.
Be that as it may, the band plan to return to the studio in the near future, to record a new four song ep, and to continue to gig locally as well as starting to spread our wings throughout the UK and beyond.
Anti-Climax
First off, the name AntiClimax first appeared when Ceri (drums) and Greg (guitar and voice) recorded a rough six song tape, when they then distributed to their friends in the tail end of 2000.
AntiClimax became a band in July 2002, when Yan joined on bass guitar. The three piece, all from Swansea, in South Wales, U.K began working on new songs and giving the old songs a complete overhaul. During this process, a heavy doom dimension was brewing within the band.
However the first gig was in February 2003, opening for BlackEyeRiot, and have since gone to play with bands such as Orange Goblin, Sloth, Taint, and Army of Flying Robots. The first full band recording took place one day between gigs in December 2003. Then the second recording (At The Mountains Of Noid) following in May 2004. Comparisons to other bands include Eyehategod, Paradise Lost, and Extreme Noise Terror.
AntiClimax intend to keep gigging, progressing, writing and recording for many years.
Amber
Amber (formally known as Full Service History & HOAX) is a 6 piece rock/indie band from the South-East England.
The Band consists of Singers David Barrett and Nick Webber, Lead guitarist James Goodliffe, Bass guitarist and Trumpet player Dan Newton, Pianist Alex Novo Tellado who also plays keyboards, synths, saxaphone and clarinet and finally drummer/percussionist of the group Tom Goodwin.
Then, the band got together at College and have experimented with various kinds of music. Their main influences can be linked to bands such as Belle & Sebastian and Coldplay.
Agnosis
Agnosis is not a band that lends itself to comparison. Nonetheless, the band defies the concept of the traditional metal or rock band. Agnosis presents a sound that synthesizes elements of expansive doom metal, groove-heavy stoner rock, speed metal, and plenty more. However, the band’s uncompromising anti-image is the exact opposite of today’s whiney emo bands and corporate nu-metal bands that dominate the airwaves with their all-style-no-substance music.
With major influences ranging from the fathers of doom metal Black Sabbath and other doom leaders such as Saint Vitus and Cathedral to the newer metal bands of New Orleans (Crowbar, Soilent Green, Acid Bath, Superjoint Ritual) to grunge icons Alice In Chains, Agnosis creates a sound that is both raw and sophisticated. Featuring a terrific sonic density considering the sparse instrumentation, Agnosis’ music drips with old school attitude and uses complex harmonic and melodic structures and a knack for meter shifts to create a music that will tear your face off and engage your mind at the same time.
Formed in the fall of 2002 in New York City
Agnosis was the brainchild of guitarist Robin Koytcheff and bassist Andrew Jude Riotto (ex-Black Moon Rising). Koytcheff’s unique grunge-metal guitar sound quickly gave the band direction. Riotto and Koytcheff have shared songwriting duties since the formation of the band. However, the band is rounded out by frontman Aerik Von (of Black Moon Rising/Rampage fame) and Mike Pezley. The band previously included vocalist Austin Lunn (Unto Others, ex-Hollow Point) from Fall 2002 until Summer 2004, drummer Brent Cramer (Cramer) from Fall 2002 until Spring 2004 and drummer Max Senchak (Long Drag) from Spring 2004 until Fall 2004.
When asked about the music, each of the band members shares his insight about what makes the Agnosis sound so unique. Von, a fan of Agnosis before joining the band, states, “Agnosis is a band that understands how to access the deeper places of the musical psyche. It’s very sinister as it deals gently with those things that aren’t so gentle. It is very wrenching in many ways, unlike a lot of metal that is lost in tough guy posing”. Riotto adds, “Agnosis is heavy metal without the cliche; there is nothing artificial or fake about the sound”.
Throughout their short career, Agnosis has made phenomenal progress. Nevertheless, the band has headlined numerous shows throughout the New York region and Agnosis was honored to open for The Misfits on Halloween (10/31/03) at L’Amour in Brooklyn. On February 25th, 2004, Agnosis released their first official studio recording,Welcome to the Monkey House (EP). In the Fall of 2004, Agnosis released Demo 2004 through Unsung Heroes Records. The band also released The Fallout EP: Demos, Rarities & Extras in January 2005, and in February 2005, they released their first full-length album, Zero
SHARP END FIRST
SHARP END FIRST was formed by Jay SEF in autumn 2004 working on making live the demoed material written in 2002/2003 whilst living in London. Since the summer of 2005, after doing only a handful of shows since their debut in March’05, SEF have gone through a line-up change and regeneration period with Simon Arblaster entering the frame on Bass, and Flit (ex-Indica vocalist) stepping in on vocals.
These changes have seen SEF become a much stronger band and further intensified live performance. The recording is now completed for the forthcoming debut EP ‘songs for the betrayed; which will see it’s official release on Glasstone Records.
About Gallipoli Records
Gallipoli is a non-profit record label. By non-profit, we mean that any money that is made from sales of cd’s is ploughed straight back into the next project/release. This is why our pricing “strategy” is simply this – all cd’s (apart from “Get Involved”) are to be sold around the £2 mark, packaged in clear plastic sleeves. Unlike 98% of the music industry these days, we’re not doing this to make any real money for ourselves. As a matter of fact, we’re doing it for the LOVE of music; while that may sound fairly sweet and innocent to some people; we are more interested in helping bands and getting their music out there than worrying about whether we can shift enough “units”.
It must also be stated at this point that since we are non-profit, we will not be paying for any bands to go into the studio or anything. If you come to us with a finished recorded product then we will look at what we can do with it for you. As you’ve seen from our discography page, we’re doing what we hope is the first of many releases in conjunction with internet radio station “The Volts Show”, another excellent vehicle for unsigned talent.
In terms of actually selling the cd’s
We will have our online shop set up shortly and we also have been slowly setting up agreements with various shops up and down the UK to stock Gallipoli releases. We’ve also inherited a database of “media contacts” that hopefully will get some of the bands working with us a bit higher up the ladder. This is the plan.
Be that as it may, we will respond to anyone who wants to send us something, a few bands already have commented on how surprised they were when we came back to them within a few days!. Like I’ve said, we’ve been in bands, we know how annoying it is never to hear back from anyone. We’re also happy to sell outside releases by bands through our shop, please get in touch if that interests you.
Soooo, if you’re primarily interested in working with a small label, not making great pots of cash and retaining all of your own copyrights, then it might be worth getting in touch with us. We’ll leave it up to you for now…
Cheers,
Kev, Mazz & Mark.
GALL55 – Mother Trucker – Electric Blacksmith
Find many killer reviews of the cd here!!!
Mother Trucker from Birmingham, UK release the follow-up to 2005’s self-released “The Last Ride Of Dr Sanchez” via Gallipoli Records in the form of the impressive brand new mini-album “Electric Blacksmith”. After months of writing new material whilst still supporting their debut release throughout the year they stepped into The Zoo Recording Studio in November 2005 to record again with producer Carl Harris (Mistress, Bullgator) what would become “Electric Blacksmith”.
Mother Trucker who are Charlie Butler (Guitar), Tom Moffat (Bass), Chris Scrivens (Guitar) and James Davison (Drums) pride themselves on stepping away from the standard formulas and try to mix their influences with their own ideas in order to create something they hope is truly original.
With influences coming from a wide range of bands like Black Sabbath, Kyuss, Mogwai, Tool, Slint, Red Sparowes, Pelican & Isis; Mother Trucker blend together the harshness of metal, the ambience, texture and lulling nature of post-rock, the groove and rolling rhythms of stoner rock and the gruesome dark feelings of doom with the aim of fusing all this into one as a truly cohesive sound.
Having played with the likes of 27 (Hydra Head Records), Boris (Southern Lord), Truckfighters (Fuzzorama) & GU Medicine (Undergroove) Mother Trucker have built up a strong fan base based on their live performances and the plans for the future are to play more gigs around the country, keep writing more and hopefully aim to lay down their debut album sometime in the not too distant future.
Track Listing Of “Electric Blacksmith”:
- Horn Of Edwards
- The Russian
- The Taking Of Planet 55
- Dark Destroyer
- Kings Of Kabaddi
GALL10 – The Conspiracy – Caged
Review from “Die Shellsuit, Die!” ; This says everything that needs to be said!
The Conspiracy – Caged
Gallipoli records
You remember me mentioning The Conspiracy in the Gallipoli Records Sampler review that was on here a while back. If you don’t (why would you read a review of a sampler after all) I said;
“The Conspiracy’s “Flirt” follows, coming off with a reminiscence of early nineties quiet guitar pop a la Scorpio Rising, tinged with an edge of mid/late nineties Blur. It’s good,; but feels slightly empty to me, making me wonder if there was a better track choice. Want to check out more? Yes I do.”
The label have seen fit to send me such release to review
I’m glad they did too, because what is stored on this release is pure brilliance.
This album is like a look back at the past 20 years of pop music. There’s such a diverse range of style and influence that it’s impossible to categorize as anything other than indie. For a start there’s your bog standard alternate rock, sounding a fair bit like Scorpio Rising, in opener “Flirt”, “Number 12” has a stoner rock approach (complete with cowbell), “St. Colombia” has a folk/country styling completely different from the disco and electronic motions of “Black Hole”. Now, if you’re prejudice, you would say that this album shouldn’t work, feeling like a hodge podge job that’s been slapped together. Christ, how wrong you’d be.
There’s an unmistakable quality in this album
You can put it on and you can guarantee not to get bored at any point. This could be attributed to it being written over 7 years (or so I’ve been told), making it like a collection of highlights from the bands material. There’s also a hefty sense of humor, several short tracks such as “Colin” and “What?!” break up the more ‘serious’ material with chatter taken from the sessions it was recorded over, giving it an edge over many other release by taking away the clinical clean cut approach that comes across on CD.
It’s an experience similar to listening radio, minus crappy adverts, adding a sense that the band truly enjoys what they do. There’s also credit to be given to the producers, you can hear every instrument and note with crystal clear quality meaning there’s no down mixing to hide any doggy vocals or out of tune instrument, not that any exist on this slab of sonic superiority anyway.
In an age where many releases sound like they have the same song rehashed ten or twelve times, or worse on repeat for the same amount, this is a glowing example of how things should be. The mainstream pop artists should take note and so should you. A must have.
Track Listing:
- Intro
- Flirt
- Black And White
- Colin
- St Columbia
- Red Bird
- What?!
- Black Hole
- Motives
- Pasties
- Caged
- The Buck
- Olde Wives’ Tales
- Letter To Matt
- Cackling crows
- Safe?
- Number 12
- Rainbow D’Attente
- Against Me
- 70’s Y/Club D/Tek
- Accordion To Gerald
Score = 8/10
GALL09 – Drift – Drift
Humungous riffs, brutal and heavy as f**k. Drift rule.
“This sounds damn impressive. Drift could fall under the umbrella of bands influenced by Tool, except in Drift’s case, it’s more focused on the Opiate EP and doesn’t go any further than Undertow. Drift have simple yet direct riffs, pounding at a mid-tempo rhythm with enough melody to keep you interested.
Vocalist/guitarist Joe Shipton prefers to bellow, or, in the case of “Brushhogg” bark hoarsely. I got a Sevendust vibe from some of the tracks. That’s not a slur – I think Sevendust had some solid songs before they started chasing a dying pop culture trend. In fact, any of the four songs on the Drift demo ought to be on the radio, sandwiched between whatever trite the major labels are cramming down our collective throats. Hearing them would be a welcome reprieve from mass market mediocrity.”
Somewhere in the wasteland between Youngstown, Ohio and Sharon, Pennsylvania
“This modern rock four-piece was spawned. And “modern rock” is no insult here – this is what should have come out of the mid-‘90’s post-grunge, post-hardcore morass. A little bit of Quicksand, some Man Will Surrender, a bit of Alice In Chains, and a whole lot of busted blood vessels, and you’ve got a band that could bridge the gap between Godsmack and Jawbox fans. Drift’s not-so-secret weapon is Joe Shipton’s bloodied larynx – this guy sings straight from the balls,with an intensity that leaves my throat sore.
The rest of the band is right behind him with big open chords and huge, stomping rhythms. “Willis Ward” is the standout track, with a hook that simply refuses to let you ignore it. “Broker” grooves with an infectious energy that mops the floor with a whole cadre of mopey alt-rock whiners. “Brushhogg” comes the closest to being stoner rock, with its meaty riffs and relentless swinging chug. Not the hippest band you’re ever going to hear; but who gives a damn? Drift rocks.”
Tracklisting:1. TB 2. Brushogg 3. Broker 4. Chiromancer 5. Money $hot 6. The Gift 7. Hurry Up 8. Sweetest Of Angels 9. Willis Ward 10. Half Way Home
GALL07 – Kaytu – Obstacles EP
Due to be re-released on October 30th, due to high profile radio play “demand”!!!
Tracks
OBSTACLES
SHE’S WALKING IN TO THE SEA
KEEP ON RUNNING
***REVIEW FROM JUNXION 17 MAGAZINE***
This debut offering from internationally based six piece Kaytu simply doesn’t fail to impress. However, the title track is an attractive spiderweb of Celtic tinged folk rock that ensnares the listener with a series of fragile layers of melody before applying the knockout punch of a both inspirational and rousing chorus.
The quality levels are maintained on the other two tracks also – the strum happy “She’s Walking Into The Sea” and my personal favourite, the explosive “Keep On Running”; which is punctuated with a particularly aggressive guitar riff in the chorus; which suits the song perfectly. This is a terrific collection of songs by an excellent collection of musicians – well worth a look.
GALL05 – Tarmark – All The Fun Of The Fair
Debut full length album from our first “proper signing”!!! OUT NOW!
Initial pressing to be on special limited edition VINYL CD’S!
Recorded over three seperate recording sessions with Joe (Janes Addiction) Gibb in Mighty Atom Studios, Swansea, the album contains 13 sexy tunes; 11 brand new songs recorded throughout 2005, as well as two re-mastered old favorites from the “F-2003 GA” EP.
Track Listing:
- Noddy Holder
- Cadillac Jack
- Make My Day
- Godz Waiting Room
- Punch Drunk
- Self Destruct
- Get On The Ride
- Head Of Breaven
- No Way Jose
- Promotional Cigarette Girl
- There’s No Stopping Me Now
- Dutch Courage
- Super Strength Hell
Here’s what some other people have said about TARMARK…
Kerrang! “Energy, feedback and destruction…A better live band than Kiss!”
Demoland “Friday night essential… Stand aside if names are Andrew WK, Kiss, Motley Crue, hell just take a listen to Tarmark and realise what you’ve lost over the years!”
SWEP “Excellent!”
Go! “Motorhead inspired biker fests, stomping on the skulls of those in their wake”
GlamPunkSuicide “Fantastic…Rough and raw hardcore(ish) punky music with plenty of original ideas. Listen out for this lot!”
Biting Bullets “Heavy, intense, angry, yet has a big element of groove and off the wall construction…The whole c.d. is of the highest order and cannot really be faulted…will go far”
UKBase “Excellent band … Fudge Tunnel, Mudhoney and a little Fu
Manchu…. Instantly memorable riffing and slightly rough dry vocals”
Peoplesound “4.5/5- YOU ARE FUCKIN ACE MAN!”
Chickenhawk – Piglosaur EP
Review from ninehertz.co.uk
This three track effort from Leeds-based Chickenhawk is an interesting one. Borrowing heavily from the Melvins, Mike Patton and punk rock, this could be seen as a joke; but taken as intended, it’s a dumb, balls-out selection of tracks from a band who seem to pride themselves on stupidity.
The tracks vary in style even in the fifteen or so minutes the demo lasts for, the first track “piglosaur” starts with feedback and guitar squeals; before descending into a fast fuzzed-up rock workout. The vocals here are screamed and yelped at irregular intervals and makes for a great introduction to this group of obviously mentally unstable people.
The track ends with a desert-rock style drift
It grinds to a halt before “dr fellatio” shows much more promise and really shows what they can do; its squealing guitar intro giving way to a very stoner riff, reminiscent of a more slapstick High On Fire. The vocals here are again the screamed ones; which sound like the kind of stuff Mike Patton has done in his numerous side projects over the years; before going into an American-style drawl that really suits the bands’ sound.
The last track “kerosene” is like a dirty tramp bothering you for change with intent, sticking his grubby fingers a little bit too close to your face, fast and so stoner it hurts, its defiantly a belter. With whispered; as well as whiskey soaked vocals; it shows this band aren’t all about silliness, they can write a mean song as well; even the scale-mashing solos don’t matter. Therefore, the track continues at a similar pace until it stops suddenly and you’re left wondering what just happened.
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