Pete Simonelli / Felix / Insect Ark / Rattle - Feb 25 2012

DAMN YOU! & GRINGO RECORDS PRESENTS:

A lot of people we've spoken to have said that Enablers at Chameleon was their gig of 2011. Can't disagree with that. They enjoyed themselves so much that vocalist Pete is coming all the way back again for this solo show with a stellar supporting cast...

PETE SIMONELLI

"In addition to being the vocalist and co-founder of the San Francisco-based band, Enablers, Simonelli is a published poet, writer, and playwright. A native Californian, Simonelli spent eighteen formative years in San Francisco, documenting, observing, drinking, reading, loving, betraying, working, and writing--- attributes and setbacks that, over the years, have led to many a Second Chance, for which he is very grateful. And call it birthright, boon, or bane, but as one who too often veered in westerly directions (much to the amusement of his friends and bandmates), Simonelli moved east in 2008 and now makes his home in Brooklyn, New York. These shows will see Pete reading from his past book 'One Brittle Nerve' and he will also have new material on offer."

If you saw his spoken-word performance at Lee Rosy's just over a year ago you'll know you're in for a rare treat.

www.lancashireandsomerset.co.uk


FELIX

Felix is the musical pseudonym for Lucinda Chua, joined now (in classic power trio style) by Neil Turpin (Yann Tiersen, Bilge Pump, Quack Quack, Enablers) on drums and long-time collaborator Chris Summerlin (Lords, Kogumaza) on electric guitar.
This 3 piece line-up has just recorded the second Felix record, entitled Oh Holy Molar to be released on the Kranky label in April 2012 after which the band embarks on a US tour with Yann Tiersen.

www.felixtheband.com


INSECT ARK

"INSECT ARK (NYC) is the brand-new solo project from Dana Schechter (Bee and Flower, Angels
of Light, American Music Club). Drawing from her decidedly more aggressive and experimental
musical side, INSECT ARK is composed and performed as an analog-electronic hybrid: one
woman, a sampler, a bass, a lap steel, and a keyboard. Just off a Fall 2011 European tour with
Enablers, she is currently recording her first EP"

http://insectark.tumblr.com/


RATTLE

If the idea of a band consisting of just 2 drummers brings to mind a hippy bongo nightmare then you've obviously never heard Rattle. Comprising of 2 of Nottingham's most unique and recognisable drummers (Theresa Wrigley of Fists and Katharine Brown of Kogumaza) and aided by Kogumaza's Mark Spivey they create a hypnotic and danceable music form that recalls This Heat or ESG even whilst remaining completely their own.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rattle/196974100379051?v=info


What a line up eh? We're going to decide on running order on the night. The thinking is to perhaps have Pete's spoken word going on throughout the evening between bands or to somehow mix it up differently to a normal gig. We'll keep you posted on that one.

As usual, we're keeping this cheap and cheerful so it's FIVE POUNDS ON THE DOOR.

DOORS ARE AT 8.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Shield Yr Eyes / I'm Being Good / Grey Hairs - Jan 20 2012

Damn You! & Gringo Records present a true winter warmer to kick off 2012 with

SHIELD YR EYES

With a tireless workrate that sees albums flying out seemingly by the week and constant touring, SYE have built up a deserved reputation as one of the UK's most remarkable bands. Centred around the dizzying interplay between the scattershot rhythms of drummer Henri and the bizarre, unique guitar style of Stef the results are truly impossible to classify. Yeah, their rhythms are crazy and yeah this is hard to play but it's never math rock. Underneath the complexities beats a heart of genuine beauty that infuses the urgency and clatter with a sense of epic-ness (in the original sense of the world) that recalls Neil Young.
True story - first time I saw these guys was at The Chameleon. I went down the front figuring I'd last a few mins, it'd be OK but it'd probably not be my thing. They blew my mind. Afterwards I pestered Stef to tell me how he did certain tricks on his guitar like a nervous kid. I've never seen anything like it before or since. I have every confidence they'll blow you away the same way too.

http://functionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/volume-4

I'M BEING GOOD

A welcome return to Nottingham for Brighton's premier noise rock outfit, now celebrating their 408th year in the business. IBG are most frequently compared to contemporaries like Trumans Water or Polvo but recent LP Mountain Language (Gringo) sees them draw out their addictive riffing and make time elastic. If you dig it when Harvey Milk tease out the greatest songs at glacial pace then you'll dig I'm Being Good in their current 2 guitar and drums formation. Not just heavy but HEAVY. Man.

http://imbeinggood.bandcamp.com/album/mountain-language

GREY HAIRS

Ex-members of Pissy Leg, Skulltanker, Harvey Half Devoured, Nerve Bomb and Reynolds (and Fists, Cult Of Dom Keller, Fonda 500, Lords) play slightly-too-loud, slightly-too-fuzzy rock music that steals riffs from Skull Kontrol, Nirvana and Status Quo. They should probably know better.

http://vimeo.com/31950012

All this starts usual time on a Friday at Chameleon so we're looking at 8pm for doors, maybe 8.40 for first band? You know the drill. It's a mere £5 on the door. Get there early.