Mike’s Magic Trip – With My Headphones In

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard For the better part of the last year guitarist and songwriter Mike Meinke (most well-known as frontman of the Buffalo Huddleston band) has been travelling Europe working on the music he has now released under the rather suitable name of Mike’s Magic Trip and an album called With My...

Lord Vapour – Semuta

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Two and half years ago, already with a formidable live reputation, psychedelic hard rock trio Lord Vapour put out a debut album, Mill Street Blues, that hinted at great things to come. Since then it’s seemed they’ve been on stage somewhere every weekend (including a tour in Europe) and...

The Honest Crooks – Crook, Line And Sinker EP

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Over the last few years The Honest Crooks have made their now formidable reputation almost exclusive off the back of their live shows (with the exception of a couple of fairly lo-fi demo tracks which have since been removed from circulation). Throughout all that time there has often been...

BLAKALASKA – Joyride EP

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Three years ago, having gained an impressive reputation through their live shows, electro-rockers BLAKALASKA unleashed their debut EP, Machine, with much fanfare and praise. Since then the band have been comparatively quiet, though they’ve still found opportunity to complete a couple of mini-tours of the south of England and...

The Honest Crooks EP Launch and ‘Office Christmas Party’ – The Vault – 08/12/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Honest CrooksThree days on from the launch of Kiya Ashton’s debut EP, and in the midst of a month packed with new music release from Guernsey based artists including Lord Vapour, Insurrection, BLAKALASKA and more, The Honest Crooks released their first EP proper, Crook, Line And Sinker, with...

Kiya Ashton EP Launch with The Cor Damme Lars, Gregory Harrison and Elisha Horsepool – The Doghouse – 05/12/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Kiya AshtonAfter the previous week’s mid-week show at St James it was time for another Wednesday night outing, this time at The Doghouse to celebrate the release of Sweet Decadence, the debut EP from 15-year-old musician and songwriter Kiya Ashton, along with support in the night from The Cor...

Kiya Ashton – Sweet Decadence EP

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Over the last couple of years Kiya Ashton has gone from attending the shows organised by Sound Guernsey to being one of the most interesting performers at them. As well as this she has appeared at both Chaos and the Vale Earth Fair while becoming a recognisable member of...

Baghdaddies, The Recks and The Cor Damme Lars – St James Concert Hall – 28/11/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Baghdaddies at St JamesIn recent years at least, mid-week in Guernsey has, when it comes to music, largely been reserved for more low-key events like acoustic showcases or open mic nights. So, when St James announced a show with Newcastle’s Baghdaddies along with perennial party starters The Recks and...

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: November 2018 – Kiya Ashton in session and The Honest Crooks

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Kiya Ashton and The Honest CrooksClick here to listen to the show On the November 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey I was joined in the studio by a band an artist preparing to release their debut EPs. Kiya Ashton has been gigging for a couple of...

Havoc Events Metal Night – The Fermain Tavern – 17/11/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Gentle Suburban BoysA decade ago Guernsey’s metal scene was a place packed with heavy metal bands, with the likes of Iron Cobra, Astral Casket, Ferox and more regularly gracing stages. Staging shows for theses bands, amongst others, were Havoc Events, made up of Martyn Brown (now seen non guitar...

Gay Army and Thee Jenerators – The Vault – 10/11/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Thee JeneratorsHeading into The Vault in St Peter Port on Saturday night one might be forgiving for thinking there’d be a nostalgic air to proceedings as this line up, Gay Army and Thee Jenerators, is one that has happened more than a few times over the years and, one...

Burning At Both Ends – Hail Apathy

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard A little over two years ago, and after only a short time together as a band, Burning At Both Ends released a debut album that marked them as a band to watch. Since then their reputation has grown considerably not just through a series of stand out performances at...

Sound At St James – St James Concert Hall, Guernsey – 27-28/10/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Of Empires on the main stageFor as long as I can remember St James, the impressive looking former church on the main road into St Peter Port, has been the home of classical music in Guernsey with rarely anything even bordering on pop gracing its impressive main hall, or...

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: October 2018 – Havoc Events and Out Of The Box

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Havoc Events and Graham DuerdenClick here to listen to the show On the October 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey, after a packed summer of live music, I featured a couple of things a little different. First I spoke to Graham Duerden, more well-known as drummer from...

Guernsey Photography Festival Closing Party – Old Tax Office – 20/10/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Richey Powers of The RecksThe past few years have seen the Guernsey Photography Festival take over different, empty and abandoned, spaces around St Peter Port to exhibit a wide range from works from photographers of various styles with collections from all over the world (including Guernsey). 2018 was no...

Out Of The Box – Various Artists

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Every few years it seems someone strikes on the idea of releasing a compilation album celebrating something of Guernsey’s music scene. From the Guernsey Rock Album in the early 1980s through Twist Records GBG series they have acted as a glimpse into what’s happening in the island’s ‘scene’ at...

The Honest Crooks vs Clameur De Haro – The Vault – 05/10/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard With the summer festival season now well and truly in the rear view mirror it seems to have become a bit of a tradition for The Vault to put on a particularly great night as we move into autumn. Last year it came from SugarSlam and Granite Wolf, and...

2018 Summer of Music in Guernsey

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Honest CrooksI’m sure it’s a trend I’ve mentioned in the past but more than ever the ‘summer festival season’ in Guernsey is, like it’s larger counterparts in the U.K. and Europe, getting longer and more packed each year. Barely a weekend went by without some event happening and...

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: September 2018 – Robert J Hunter live

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Robert J. Hunter Band at The Long Road Festival (BBC Music Introducing)Click here to listen to the show While it might be well and truly autumn I continue to revel in a packed summer of festivals on the September 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey –...

Guitar Music Is Dead – The Fermain Tavern – 22/09/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RiskPresented by the possibly fictional record label L’islet Records, Guitar Music Is Dead! was something of an ironic name for this event at The Fermain Tavern, as it featured four bands spanning a wide range of unarguably guitar based sounds. The first of these was a rare outing...

Citizen-X – Giant Steps EP

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard For a few years the being known only as Citizen-X has been marking out a groove both in his local scene and in the wider, if somewhat niche, world of iOS produced electronic music. In that time he’s played most of Guernsey’s main festivals and events as well as...

Sark Roots Festival 2018 – 14-16/09/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Sark Roots FestivalFor a third year a field at the north-eastern most point of the tiny island of Sark was converted for the weekend into one of the most relaxed and convivial festivals sites I’ve ever encountered, for the Sark Roots Festival. Once again the event featured three days...

Robert J. Hunter – Say What? (live)

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard With four full length albums and a few EPs already under his belt, Alderney born bluesman Robert J. Hunter has taken the slightly unconventional (for an independent artist at least) step of releasing a live album, capturing his and his band’s live set as it stands in the summer...

Vale Earth Fair 2018 – Vale Castle – 25-26/08/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Imperial Leisure at the Vale Earth FairFor the second year in a row the 2018 Vale Earth Fair, marking the Channel Island’s longest running music festival’s 42nd year, was split across two days with the first day again being run by Sound Guernsey and the second being the long-established...

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: August 2018 – Savage Sons

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Savage Sons in the studioClick here to listen to the show With summer festival season in full swing BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey for August 2018 featured a live session from Savage Sons, a band who’ve been steadily building their reputation at those festivals as well as recently releasing...

Joe Corbin – Brixton Sky EP

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard A little over a decade ago, when I first began reporting on music in Guernsey, one name was going round as being the next big thing to watch, particularly as a guitarist, Joe (then going by JJ) Corbin. At the time ‘JJ’ was fronting The Spitshine Blues Band and...

The Recks present… – The Fermain Tavern – 17/08/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksWith one mini-tour, a set at Latitude Festival and several of the Guernsey’s main summer festivals behind them, The Recks returned to The Fermain Tavern for a rare indoor summer show with three of the island’s top up and coming bands. It may not mean much to many,...

Vale Earth Fair at Rocquaine Regatta – 04/08/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Vale Earth Fair at Rocquaine RegattaFor as many years as I care to remember the Rocquaine Regatta has concluded with a barbecue in the field opposite the iconic Fort Grey with live musical entertainment provided by the Vale Earth Fair. After last year’s somewhat dampened event, summer 2018 has...

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: July 2018 – Joe Corbin and The Recks at Latitude

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Joe Corbin in the studioClick here to listen to the show On the July 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey I had another show packed with exciting new and live music. First of all we were joined in the studio for a session and chat by Joe...

Japanese Invasion Night – The Fermain Tavern – 21/07/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard PUNiKTwo years ago Japanese punk rockers PUNiK made a huge impression with their performance at the 12th Chaos weekend and right away talk of their return to the island began. It’s taken two years but on Saturday night that’s what happened at The Fermain Tavern as PUNiK returned along...

Lord Vapour and Coastal Fire Dept. – The Vault – 14/07/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Lord VapourThere’s something about the combination of a hot and sweaty summer night, a small bar and loud music that makes for a great combination and that was certainly in evidence on Saturday 14th July 2018 as Lord Vapour and Coastal Fire Dept took to the stage at The...

Mudstock 2008 – Pleinmont, Guernsey – 12/07/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The pit kicking off at MudstockAnother flashback from my archive originally written for BBC Guernsey Unsigned (the forerunner to BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey) going back a decade to one of Guernsey’s more minor ‘festival’ style events, Mudstock. This was a biker party of a sort with a lot...

Savage Sons – Howlin’ EP

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Savage Sons emerged onto the scene about a year ago as a full band and quickly set about bringing their own take on the blues to Guernsey’s pub circuit. Now they have released their debut EP, Howlin’, and continue that trend on record. The band combine a classic blues...

Chaos 14 – Pleinmont, Guernsey – 29/06-01/07/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Now in its 14th year I think it’s safe to say that, after the Vale Earth Fair, Chaos (aka Chaos Weekend or Chaos Festival) is one of the most established events in the Channel Islands music calendar regularly attracting visitors from Jersey, the U.K. and mainland Europe. Over that...

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: June 2018 – Arts Sunday Lookback

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show For the June 2018 edition BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey its a bit of a special looking back at our stage on Arts Sunday earlier in the month. With that in mind there are live sets from Kiya Ashton, Ukuladeez, Track Not...

Tiger Army – Dark Paradise EP

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard As Tiger Army albums tend to come along only every once in a while an EP from the band two years after their last full album, V…, is always going to be something for fans to celebrate. With that in mind the band held a pair of special shows,...

Dolmens and Track Not Found – The Golden Lion – 22/06/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard DolmensWith the exception of a one-off event featuring Brunt last autumn it’s been a long a time since the downstairs bar at The Golden Lion has welcomed any of Guernsey’s original hard rock acts. So, when they announced a weekend of the heavier stuff, there was some sense of...

Seigneur Hedge Veg – Eggs And Honeycomb

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard This latest band on Guernsey’s (sort of) folk scene also seem to be, in one sense, it’s most enigmatic. Seigneur Hedge Veg are a band whose name I’ve heard in vague mentions for a little while but had never heard anything from until, a few weeks ago, their leader...

BBC Music Introducing at Arts Sunday 2018 – 10/06/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard UkuladeezFor a fourth year BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey was part of Guernsey Arts Commission‘s Arts Sunday event on 10th June. The event, this year focussed on the theme of ‘Express Yourself’, took over the St Peter Port seafront from 10 until 4 and featured a showcase of pretty...

Sound In The Market – Market Square, St Peter Port – 02/06/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard KingsIn the past there has been something of a tradition of energetic live music performances in the heart of St Peter Port. From the likes of My Generation being famously photographed in Church Square in the 1960s to the Market Rock events in the 90s there was often a...

Of Empires – Suzie

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Hot on the heels of double a-side Waist Up In Gold/Gunslingers in March, Of Empires are back with another single, Suzie. While it remains firmly placed in the 60s retro stylings of their last few releases, Suzie sees the Brighton based rock ‘n’ rollers in lighter mood with much...

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: May 2018 – The Recks and Arts Sunday preview

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksClick here to listen to the show On the May 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey I welcomed The Recks into their studio as they launched their debut album, The Beast From The Sea, and took a look at the bands playing our stage on Arts...

The Recks launch The Beast From The Sea – The Fermain Tavern – 19/05/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksTo say there was a sense of anticipation and expectation at The Fermain Tavern on Saturday night would be an understatement as, for the second time (by their own admission, you can find out about that first launch show here), The Recks were staging a special show to...

Guernsey Literary Festival present David Hepworth: Uncommon People – St James – 13/05/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Hepworth on stage at St JamesEvery year since its inception the Guernsey Literary Festival has included a musical cross over element to its programme from the punk poetry of John Cooper Clarke and Attila The Stockbroker to the comedy songs of Neil Innes or more straight musical performance for...

Music on Liberation Day 2018 – Albert Pier and The Mariners – 09/05/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Space Pirates of Rocquaine on the Albert Pier stageIt’s something I’ve said before but something that seems to feel truer every year that, on Guernsey’s Liberation Day, amongst the various forms of celebration and commemoration it’s music that brings it all together and allows us to feel truly...

The Recks – The Beast From The Sea

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Formed over a cold dark winter on the tiny island of Sark more than half a decade ago The Recks have had a tumultuous history that’s seen them go from local pub The Mermaid Tavern, to Boomtown and Isle of Wight festivals, to a near devastating break up to...

Guernsey Gigs Unplugged Club 4 – The Golden Lion – 01/05/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Gregory HarrisonA few months ago I posted a blog about a new regular event taking place on the first Tuesday of every month, organised by Guernsey Gigs, and mixing the ideas of an open mic night with a social ‘club’ kind of atmosphere. Now four months in the event...

Sound Guernsey – The Fermain Tavern – 27/04/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard BruntOver the past year and a half Sound Guernsey has not only given the island’s youngsters a chance to experience live music but also provided a platform for them to play as new bands emerge. Their April 2018 show at The Fermain Tavern then was a bit of an...

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: April 2018 – Kings in Session

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Eli and Casey of KingsClick here to listen to the show BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey for April 2018 had three main themes to it. First was our live guests, Eli and Casey from pop band Kings. They played an acoustic session for us featuring the first three singles...

Track Not Found – Science (Gone Wrong) – Record Store Day Single

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Track Not Found (l-r Grace, Emma and Maisie)Hot off the heels of their debut EP, The Only Way Is Lost, released a matter of day before Christmas, teenage trio Track Not Found return with a new single to help mark Record Store Day, Science (Gone Wrong). While releasing a...

Guernsey Gigs Podcast #3

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen through the Guernsey Gigs website Following their appearance on the March edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey (which you can find out more about here) the Guernsey Gigs team returned the invitation as I was asked to appear on the third episode of their...

Problematic and Dead Steady – The Vault – 07/04/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard ProblematicThe last couple of years has seen something of a resurgence of young bands in Guernsey. This can be largely put down to the appearance of a new breed of music school and, for wont of a better description, youth music organisations equipping youngsters with the tools to make...

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: March 2018 – Guernsey Gigs and Apocalypse Studios

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show On the March 2018 edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey, broadcast on Saturday 31st, I presented something of a Guernsey Gigs special. On the show I spoke to the Guernsey Gigs team as they launch their new website, designed to be...

Toby Falla – Watch This Space EP

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Over the last few years Toby Falla has built quite a reputation for himself on Guernsey’s live circuit for his solo shows where, and Ed Sheeran like, he uses an acoustic guitar, his voice and a loop station to play a mix of his own songs and covers to...

Vale Earth Fair DIY Disco – De La Rue – 09/03/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Over the years the Vale Earth Fair has held occasional events opening up the decks (be they vinyl, CD or digital) to anyone wanting to play a set of tracks of their own choosing. Most famous and successful of these have been the John Peel Tribute events every October...

Of Empires – Waist Up In Gold/Gunslingers Double A-Side

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Brighton based and Guernsey born retro-rockers Of Empires have just completed their latest mini-tour of the UK, including their much delayed first foray north to Manchester, and to cap it off have released their new ‘double A-side’ single Waist Up In Gold/Gunslingers (oh for it to be a real...

Sound Guernsey present The Young Ones, Vol. 2 – The Fermain Tavern – 02/03/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Track Not FoundFor two and a bit years Sound Guernsey have been giving young music fans in the island the chance to experience live music from both established and new bands. From this, as well as the work of music schools like Thirst and School Of Popular Music (amongst...

Stormbringer and Granite Wolf – The Vault – 24/02/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Granite WolfIt may have been threatening ice and snow outside on Saturday 24th February 2018, but, with around 100 crammed into the ‘cosy’ surroundings of The Vault in St Peter Port and geared up for some heavy metal, that was very easily forgotten. Granite Wolf got things going in...

The Robert J. Hunter Band – Self-titled

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard A little over a year ago Robert J. Hunter was in something of a reflective mood as he released his third album, Where I’m From. Now though, a year on and many more gigs under his, and his band’s, belts all over the UK and he’s to be found...

BBC Music Introducing Guernsey: February 2018 – Robert J. Hunter and Toby Falla

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Robert J. Hunter and Toby FallaClick here to listen to the show On the February 2018 show for BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey I caught up with two artists from the island who are releasing new music while taking to stages around the UK. Robert J. Hunter has been...

Tantale album launch with The Recks, Lord Vapour and Flexagon – The Fermain Tavern – 10/02/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard TantaleOn Saturday 10th February Tantale launched their third album, Tightrope (read my review here), with a special show at The Fermain Tavern. With the venue redecorated as a kind of post apocalyptic garden by Tyler Ayres of Ghosthaus, Tantale were joined by Lord Vapour, The Recks and Flexagon for...

Tantale – Tightrope

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Two years ago when Tantale released their second album, Just Add Vice, I said they were a band who felt somewhat overtaken by the scene around them, now though, as they release they third full length record, Tightrope, it seems they’ve found their place. Rather than this making them...

Guernsey Gigs Unplugged Club – The Golden Lion – 06/02/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Richey PowersWith open mic nights happening weekly at the De La Rue (Mondays), Cock and Bull (Tuesdays), The Golden Lion (Wednesdays) and The Vault (Thursdays), as well as the monthly Folk Club open sessions it might seem that Guernsey Gigs have stepped into a well over subscribed arena with...

Vale Earth Fair Unplugged – The Fermain Tavern – 03/02/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Rectory Hill Skillet LickersIt might be the name of another of the Guernsey’s big musical events but ‘Chaos’ is a word more easily applied to this annual kick starter for the Vale Earth Fair than pretty much any other regular show on the island. With eight acts, across...

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: January 2018 – Tantale and Track Not Found

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Tantale and Track Not FoundClick here to listen to the show BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey started the new year with a look at two new releases by band’s from the island. First was Track Not Found who released their debut EP, The Only Way Is Lost, just before...

Sound Guernsey present Static Alice, Cosmic Fish, Isle Stone and Zak Trimmer- The Fermain Tavern – 26/01/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Zak TrimmerSound Guernsey started off their new year with a packed show at The Fermain Tavern featuring five acts, including a unique set from headliners Static Alice. Things started out with Zak Trimmer who has made a few appearances at Sound over the last few months and each time...

Guernsey Gigs Jam Night #3 – The Fermain Tavern – 19/01/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Nick Farnham Experience RelivedTwice last year Guernsey Gigs put on nights that presented something entirely different to a normal gig under the banner of their Jam Nights. For the first of the new year the format remained the same with musicians being invited to put their name in...

Live music highlights – Guernsey Press – 18/01/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Against Me, Thee Jenerators, Rancid and TeaspoonriverneckAs part of an ongoing series of articles I was asked by The Guernsey Press about my favourite live music experiences both on the island and off. Choosing my favourite shows away from the island was relatively easy as a couple have long...

To The Woods, Burning At Both Ends and Dolmens – The Fermain Tavern – 29/12/17

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard To The WoodsOn the last weekend of 2017 The Fermain Tavern welcomed the return of ‘lairy’ rock ‘n’ rollers, To The Woods for the a special one-off show. They were joined in rounding off the year by pop punkers Burning At Both Ends and new grungadelic four-piece Dolmens. You...