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Section 25 – Part-Primitiv / Nature + Degree / Retrofit / Dark Light

I was thrilled to learn recently that Factory Benelux are to give four late period Section 25 albums their first vinyl release. The Blackpool bands post-punk Factory Records origins and later Bernard Sumner produced electro triumphs have been well documented in recent years, and it is now time for their later work to receive the attention it so richly deserves.

This often overlooked period in the bands history swings between triumph and absolute tragedy, resulting in some of the most beautiful and challenging music of their career so far. Here I take a brief look at each of the albums in question, in an effort to shine further light on this most special of bands.

Part-Primitiv (2007)

After the gradual dissolution of the original Section 25 line up in the late eighties, 2001 saw brothers Vincent and Larry Cassidy reconvene with Jenny Ross to work on demos in preparation for a possible new album. These plans were rocked by the tragic passing of vocalist/keyboardist Ross in 2004, and it would be another three years until the band were ready to step back into the fray with Part-Primitiv.

An up-front, raw post-punk album at its heart, Part-Primitiv is an uncompromising, cathartic work of art. Tracks like Cry and Can’t Let Go see Larry Cassidy seemingly dealing first hand with the loss of his former partner in both music and life, whilst the inclusion of two of Jenny’s own demo recordings adds real beauty and another layer of heavy emotion to the album.

Nature + Degree (2009)

Nature + Degree saw the Cassidy brothers joined by Stuart Hill and Steve Stringer for what was a far more electronic affair than its predecessor. The need for a female vocalist to complement this change of direction lead to the band reaching out to Larry and Jenny’s daughter Bethany, who stepped up bravely to the task. Her voice and spirit brings the album to life, and is the perfect counterpoint to her Father’s beautifully weathered ruminations.

Highlights include the pure electro-pop of Remembrance, the driving kosmische of Garageland, and my personal favourite Mirror, where Beth reinvents a long lost Section 25 original and brings it slap bang into the 21st century.

Remembrance

Retrofit (2010)

Carrying on the trend of reinventing the bands history, Retrofit saw the band reimagine nine Section 25 classics, with Beth and Larry sharing vocals. In these new arrangements Looking From A Hilltop shimmers with new pulse and purpose, Beating Heart re-emerges as a beautifully fractured pop gem, whilst Girls Don’t Count marries the contrasting vocal styles perfectly, with the devastatingly powerful push-pull that results possibly serving as the highlight of the entire set.

Towards the end of the recording sessions for this album, the band were rocked by the sudden loss of Larry Cassidy. Despite this latest tragedy to befall them, the decision was made to continue, and the inclusion of solitary new track Überhymn hinted at a future yet to be written.

Looking From A Hilltop

Dark Light (2013)

After the release of the sparkling Invicta EP in 2011 which included the perfect pop of Colour, Movement, Sex & Violence, the band pulled together to record Dark Light, a full bodied, wondrous electro-pop joy. This album saw the band joined by new family addition Jo Cassidy and producer Outernationale, and holds up as one of Section 25’s very finest albums.

My Outrage speaks of finding the purest joy in the smallest moments, Pitch Black Box’s twitching techno pulse deals with the darker side of internet connection and our online worlds, whilst the heart-achingly poignant Early Exit still has the power to make me cry ten years on from its original release. This album stands tall as a triumph over the toughest, cruelest of adversities and is a testament to the enduring power Section 25 possess.

As of summer 2023, the band are working on a new album as a duo of Vin Cassidy and Steve Stringer, whilst Bethany Cassidy is now a part of vital new Manchester based electro-indie act Sea Fever. I truly hope that the wonderful work Factory Benelux are doing with the reissue of these four albums will help further spread the word about the rare, beautiful magic of Section 25.

‘How can we be found, if we never get lost?’

MORE INFO/PURCHASE LINKS:

https://news.factorybenelux.com/2023/07/section-25-4x-vinyl-albums.html?m=

https://burningshed.com/artists/section-25_artists

FULL SECTION 25 BIO (recommended:)

https://www.factorybenelux.com/section25.html

Now – And Blue Space Is Burning Noon

I have been regularly singing the praises of Now ever since I was handed a tape of Will Smith and Oli Lipton’s marvellous Saturday’s Child album earlier this year. Recent live shows have seen the band showcasing fresh material with new bassist Hannah Forrester, and our collective Summers can now be lifted with the release of And Blue Space Is Burning Noon, their first album to be pressed to vinyl, courtesy of Sloth Mate Productions.

From the off it’s clear that Now have gone through the gears for this release. The production is tighter than ever before whilst keeping the raw energy of previous releases fully intact. Opener Wind Was builds slowly, with guitars and drums rising in unison, locking into a groove with the help of some seriously fluid bass work. After a tension building first few minutes it bursts into a beautifully melodic coda, which sets the scene for all that is to follow across the next forty or so minutes.

Stand out moments are plentiful as wave upon wave of beatific guitars dance amongst what has to be one of the tightest rhythm sections the Bay Area has to offer. Roses After H.D.’s soaring melody and retro keys dazzle with psychedelic wonder, Loose Strand showcases Will’s lyrics and vocals at their purest and most joyful, whilst the closing title track takes us on an unexpected but enthralling trip into the kosmische. Both lyrically and musically the overarching theme of this album seems to be one of reaching out beyond the everyday, in search of the magic we so often neglect.

Listening to Now is like hearing every song you’ve ever loved all at once, for the very first time. This is the most immediate album I have heard in a long time and its soaring psychedelic pop is an absolute thrill from start to finish. It’s the kind of music that enhances every emotion and makes just about anything seem possible, and we all need a little bit of that at the moment right?

Available now via Sloth Mate Productions.

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UK orders via World Of Echo: https://worldofechomusic.com/collections/new-releases/products/now-and-blue-space-is-burning-noon?_pos=1&_sid=95324a14a&_ss=r

Sea Fever – Dilemma

Sea Fever are a Manchester based band fronted by Iwan Gronow (Haven, Johnny Marr) and Bethany Cassidy (Section 25), with Elliot Barlow and New Order’s Tom Chapman/Phil Cunningham completing the line up for what is an absolute powerhouse of a group.

I have been listening to latest single Dilemma a lot these last few weeks, having been blown away by it’s freshness and urgency. To take such rich musical heritage and shape it into something this new is no small ask, and the passion and energy bursts out of the speakers with every play.

A large part of that energy comes from Cassidy’s vocal, which delivers a sweetly melodic but razor sharp cool that is completely her own. Gronow in turn provides an earthy counterpoint as the band swirl and build around them in unison, until the whole thing becomes a relentless juggernaut of unique electronic wonder.

The inherent mystery and power that is embedded within the finest Manchester music is of course present and correct, but Sea Fever harness that power and use it to drive themselves boldly forward. With so much knowledge and talent at their disposal I am truly excited to hear what comes next from this gifted, brilliant set of musicians.

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7” available here:

https://seafever.bigcartel.com

Drawing inspiration…

Emma Lucy McArthur is an Artist and Printmaker based in Bristol, UK. Her book The Body Tarot was published in 2022 and she recently showcased a selection of her work at this years BS4 Art Trail.

Some time ago, a life drawing teacher shared with her his love of using music to shape and influence the creation of art, citing the ambient/avant-garde works of the likes of Jon Hopkins and William Basinski as inspiration.

Whilst listening to my second heavymetalkids.uk radio show for Ship Full Of Bombs, Emma decided to apply these teachings in a more pop setting, creating the work featured here in real-time response to Cindy’s A Trumpet On The Hillside.

I absolutely love the concept of one art form influencing another so directly, with a new kind of hybrid being created instantly as a result. When I look closely at these lines, I can’t help but wonder if some of the magic I can’t find the words to describe is somehow captured within.

You can find this piece and more of Emma’s wonderful work at:

https://instagram.com/emmalucymcarthur?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://emmalucymcarthurart.square.site/s/shop

Helpful People – Bugs From Below

I knew something was afoot when the same few reliable voices all started whispering the words Helpful People to me in unison, and it only took a few seconds of hearing Bugs From Below to know that this would be the latest Bay Area sound to sweep me off my feet.

Helpful People features the brilliant Carly Putnam (The Oilies/The Mantles) alongside the higher janglelord himself Glenn Donaldson (The Reds, Pinks & Purples/Vacant Gardens) and theirs is a whole ocean of chemistry to bathe in.

This first single from forthcoming album brokenblossom threats hits that same sweet spot that fellow San Francisco dreamers Flowertown so excel at; hazy and romantic, like the last embers of evening sun collapsing over the Bay.

There is something about this music from that place that just shimmers it’s way straight to my heart every single time, and with one gentle kiss of a song Helpful People already have me in the palms of their hands.

Pre-order now via Tall Texan (Vinyl) or Burundi Cloud Music (Digital)

LISTEN/BUY/SHARE:

https://talltexan.bigcartel.com/product/helpful-people-brokenblossom-threats-lp (I’ll update with UK/EU links as soon as they become available.)

Ship Full Of Bombs ep.2

My second radio show (featuring Karina Gill) is now available for streaming/download: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-mmiig-145a6a2

Alternatively, you can visit http://www.sfob.co.uk and scroll down to the widget at the bottom of the page.

Lastly, you can find the show by searching for Ship Full Of Bombs at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer, Mixcloud and all other leading podcast apps.

Playlist: Monday 17th July

1). Cindy – Party Store

https://cindytheband.bandcamp.com/album/1-2

2). Current Affairs – Right Time

https://currentaffairs.bandcamp.com/album/off-the-tongue

3). The Tubs – Wretched Lie

https://thetubs.bandcamp.com/album/dead-meat

4). Melodiegroup – Neither Nor

https://melodiegroup.bandcamp.com/album/i-need-you-i-dont-need-you-and-all-of-that-jiving-around

5). The Tumbledryer Babies – It’s All For You

https://thetumbledryerbabies.com/album/its-all-for-you-ten-years-of-the-tumbledryer-babies

6). Flowertown – Natural Light

https://flowertownsf.bandcamp.com/album/s-t

7). Present Electric – Snurr-Skivan

https://paisleyshirtrecords.bandcamp.com/album/present-electric

8). Now – Left Hand Sister

https://nowww.bandcamp.com/album/saturdays-child

9). Cindy – A Trumpet On The Hillside

https://cindytheband.bandcamp.com/album/why-not-now

Karina Gill chat part 1

10). Cindy – The Price Is Right (demo)

https://paisleyshirtrecords.bandcamp.com/album/standard-candle-demos

Karina Gill chat part 2

11). Skip James – Cypres Grove Blues

12). Violent Change – Mr.Leigh

track unreleased, most recent EP: https://slothmate.bandcamp.com/album/s-t

13). Apostille – Saturday Night, Still Breathing

https://apostille.bandcamp.com/album/prisoners-of-love-and-hate

14). Sea Fever – Dilemma

https://seafeverband.com

15). lightheaded – Black Oil Skies

https://areyoufeelinglightheaded.bandcamp.com/album/cowboys-and-constellations

16). Linda Smith – There’s A…

https://lindasmith2.bandcamp.com/album/till-another-time-1988-1996

17). The Gabys – Emotional Range

https://allgonelabel.bandcamp.com/album/s-t-2

18). Mister Baby – Moonlight Racing

https://misterbabey.bandcamp.com/album/sidewalk-pop

19). Ironic Hill – Easy

https://ironichill.bandcamp.com/album/ironic-hill

20). Whitney’s Playland – I’m A Dreamer

https://paisleyshirtrecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-day-at-the-fair

21). Yes Today – Too Far From

https://yes-today.bandcamp.com/

22). Kevin Shields – City Girl

Violent Change – s/t

I first became aware of Bay Area band Violent Change when I caught a friends Instagram video of a recent live performance. When a couple of weeks later one of the coolest people I know mentioned them to me I knew it was time to properly explore their gritty, vital back catalogue.

With treasure in abundance dating back to 2012 and a new album very much close by, I decided to write a few words about the self titled EP that was released in July 2020 via Sloth Mate Productions. It’s exactly the short, sharp shock of creativity and wonder that I’m living for these days, and it grabbed me from the very first note.

Opener Squandered is a revelation in its combination of groove and fractured, distant harmonies. It sounds like the band used the cheapest, dirtiest time machine imaginable to travel back to 1979 and capture the best post-punk disco track you’ve never heard, on the foggiest, murkiest day of the year. Utterly glorious and completely essential.

For this release Violent Change were operating as a duo combining core member Matt Bleyle with former RAYS man Stanley Martinez, and shades of the latters current Children Maybe Later project can be found in third track Open Space. This tune incorporates the spirit of Sixties garage psychedelia, but shot through with all the weirdness and weariness of trying to navigate life as it is today. By somehow looking both backwards and forwards in their ambitions and intent, this band keep the listener firmly in the here and now.

This is music to escape into, in search of the fragments of melody or rhythmic pulse that you know are lurking beneath layer upon layer of lo-fi haze. Production Life regularly collapses in on itself as it tumbles along, never letting you get too comfortable within its continuously shifting dynamics, and closer Dreary Example takes all that has come before and moulds it into a (fairly) cohesive whole to wrap up a truly wonderful EP that doesn’t stand still for a single second.

I am only just discovering what has come before and I’m already excited to hear what’s coming next. The Bay Area never fails to deliver us the most intriguing, beautiful music and there is no sign of that changing any time soon.

Out now via Sloth Mate Productions.

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Ironic Hill – s/t

Very recently via Twitter I found the music and musings of Ironic Hill, or maybe the music and musings found me, in all honesty I’m not too sure. One moment this strange beautiful music wasn’t in my life, the next it was, and it’s compelled me to write this piece to hopefully get the word out just that little bit further.

When you first discover Ironic Hill you soon realise it’s more than just the songs. There is a blog containing short stories and beautifully descriptive gig reviews, and a Twitter account showcasing sketches and lyrics in addition to the intriguing, shimmering music that I write of here. Details on the creator of this work are scarce. There’s talk of struggle leading to eventual breakdown, and attempting to rebuild better, cleaner and stronger. It is clear from the off that this anonymous project is a massive part of that process.

The album itself is packed with sweetly melodic stories of domesticity and day to day existence, laced with the reality that such stories often carry with them a ton of baggage and confusion. The music is DIY in nature but not particularly lo-fi in sound or feel. A mixture of intricate guitar lines and barely contained feedback dance beneath plaintive but affecting vocals, providing just the right contrast between craft and fuzz to keep both songwriting purists and those in search of something a little weirder happy.

Highlights abound as the album progresses. Easy serves as a reminder of how often we can be our own worst enemy when faced with times of trouble. Mess provides a particularly poignant metaphor for the mental baggage we accumulate as we navigate life and its continuously shifting complexities, whilst Wish is a beautifully fragile anthem for anybody still trying to wrestle with any kind of dream as life does is best to wake you, often violently, at every turn.

Having this mysterious artist in and around my life somehow makes everything seem a little better for a little while. In these strangest of times when life can seem like an almost insurmountable struggle, it is a comfort to find music such as this to prove we are not struggling alone.

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Present Electric – s/t

Kevin Linn is at the heart of so much of the great music that comes out of the San Francisco underground. His label Paisley Shirt Records is awash with incredible outsider sounds, he lends his instrumental talent as and when it’s required, and puts out gloriously skewed DIY-pop with his own Sad Eyed Beatniks project.

Present Electric was an unfamiliar name to me when it landed on Bandcamp this week, but it only took a few seconds of the first released track Snurr-Skivan for me to work out who was behind those elastic-like guitar lines and beautifully fractured beats. A slow trawl back through Bandcamp revealed more of this dark chaotic anti-pop and it soon became apparent that this alter ego was yet another way for Linn to express the creativity that seemingly bursts from his every pore.

Whilst heavier and a few shades darker than his Sad Eyed Beatniks material, this vital, urgent music could only have come from the same wonderfully open mind. Raw and uncompromising, and rough at it’s centre let alone around it’s edges, Present Electric provides yet another pathway through the ever evolving Bay Area underground. In the battle between finesse and feeling there can only ever be one winner for me, and these sprawling experimental soundscapes feel like exactly the kind of place I want to be right now.

Pre-order now via Paisley Shirt Records.

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