MUSIC | REVIEWS 80 THE LIST 1 Feb–31 Mar 2019
SPACE ROCK HOLY HOLY Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, Sun 10 Feb
There will never be another David Bowie. His impact on music, art and fashion helped shape modern pop culture. A chameleon who transformed before our eyes, he left behind a body of work that will resonate through the decades. As a member of The Spiders From Mars, drummer Mick ‘Woody’ Woodmansey played with Bowie through one of the most creative periods of his career. In 2014 Woodmansey teamed up with frequent collaborator Tony Visconti (who produced 14 of Bowie’s albums) on bass and Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17) on vocals for Holy Holy, a celebration of Bowie and Ziggy Stardust.
The trio will perform The Man Who Sold the World (1970),
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), and a selection of hits from the era. ‘The Man Who Sold the World was the first big Bowie step into rock’n’roll and I think he did an amazing job of making that transition,’ explains Woodmansey. ‘We then streamlined it for Hunky Dory and Ziggy. We definitely approached it from the idea of: what would rock’n’roll sound like in the future? This was without losing the roots of rock’n’roll but projecting forwards to make it sound streamlined and more space age, which is probably why it still sounds like it could have been made last week.’ Now in his late 60s, sadly Woodmansey is the last surviving
member of The Spiders From Mars, but he overflows with stories about his life and working alongside a rock icon. ‘He would say anything, do anything, wear anything that fitted the message he was trying to put across. He didn’t just have a musician or a writer’s viewpoint: he took us to the theatre and showed us lighting, took us to the ballet and showed us choreography. So we were all on the same page when it came to putting the show together. The man was a bit of a genius.’ (Henry Northmore)
INDIE VALERAS Broadcast, Glasgow, Sat 23 Feb; Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, Sun 24 Feb
Having met in 2013 through Reading Rock Academy, a School of Rock-type charity music programme, Valeras have grown immensely in both sound and experience since. Formerly known as Area 52, the five-piece have had a storming year following the release of their debut EP Knives & Flowers and subsequent singles ‘Louder’ and ‘Painkiller’. The band’s latest release ‘Intentions’ is a heady mix of audacious guitar riffs, powerful vocals and melodies that latch on without giving way. Lead vocalist and bassist Rose Yagmur believes this is down to their overall progression since the EP release. ‘We were really excited about releasing Knives & Flowers because we had just changed names. People were very supportive of our new name and new sound, and it was pretty much like starting all over again. We were really lucky to still have that support.’
As the main songwriters in the band, Yagmur and George Parnell (lead guitar) aren’t inspired by solely one genre, which certainly shows in elements of Valeras’ music, whether it be a Latin- influenced guitar line or vocals with a more typically pop structure. ‘As well as getting older, I think we’ve just brought a new sound to it all,’ Yagmur continues. ‘I think deep down there are still some connections to our early music. The roots are still the same but we definitely have new influences.’ Beyond their upcoming tour, Valeras certainly have exciting plans for 2019. ‘We’ve definitely been
working on some stuff. I don’t know about an album as such, right now we’re just focusing on taking it as it comes. I think that’s the best way to make the most of it.’ (Arusa Qureshi)
INDIE WILLIE J HEALEY Sneaky Pete’s Edinburgh, Thu 21 Feb; McChuills, Glasgow, Fri 22 Feb
When Lauren Laverne, trusted doyen of new music, holds an artist in high regard, you should probably pay attention. Willie J Healey appeared on Laverne’s show in 2017 following the release of his debut album People and Their Dogs, and has since become a regular on 6Music playlists. Over the past year, the Oxfordshire singer-songwriter has been busy touring with the likes of Slaves and releasing more music in the form of his follow-up EP 666 Kill. Healey completed the EP himself using a home studio, writing and recording the tracks in record time.
‘I saw it as an opportunity to learn because I knew quite early on that my situation with my record label would change,’ he explains. ‘I thought that if I learned all this now, I could still record regardless of whether I have a label or not. I’m glad I did it because instead of paying for studio time, I paid for equipment which I still have now.’
‘666 Kill is a lo-fi and melancholic EP that takes a step away from the playful nature of People
and Their Dogs, taking a more gothic theme throughout. ‘I didn’t think about it too much and that’s maybe why I’m happy with it because I just went for it and suddenly it was finished.’ Healey's tour to support the EP includes a date at Sneaky Pete’s and headlining the Yala! Records
club night at McChuills. Fans can also expect to hear more new music later this year, with Healey noting that he’s ‘75% through album two. I think it’s quite different. It’s probably a bit like if you put the album and the EP together. It’s like a middle ground between those two.’ (Arusa Qureshi)