The August September

* PLEASE NOTE THIS REVIEW REFERS TO THE BAND BEFORE THEIR NAME CHANGE FROM 'BLACK VOX' TO THE AUGUST SEPTEMBER' *

In Camden Town yesterday, I came across a man with a pair of headphones. He asked if I wanted to listen to his band, so I did, and was very impressed. That evening I changed my plans to make time to go to their gig, and didn't regret it one bit. The band are called Black Vox *, and they have been playing together since April. The band consists of just two people- Matt (vocals and guitar) and Brit (vocals and a bit of drums). I had a chat with Brit after their set, and she explained how the band worked. The two of them live together and practice hard every evening. They both have day jobs and are saving up to move to London, where things happen for people who deserve it. To enhance their double act, Matt records a track onto reel-to-reel tape which rolls throughout the performance, accompanying the duo.
Black Vox * were full of passion, and every ear and every eye in the small audience was intently focussed on the band's theatrical performance. Brit said she hadn't had much experience with stage performance before her time in Black Vox *, but I would have guessed otherwise.
The video for 'I Cherish The Way You Left Me' apparently got the band enough attention to get them round London, and to New York. - Nadine's Musical Express

In the next of our series of exclusive Chester Rocks interviews, we have Matt & Brit. from Chester band The August September

1. First up, I have to ask you about coming to Chester Rocks! Are you
looking forward to playing in Chester?

Yes, we are very excited. Chester is our home town but we don't play there very often so we are really looking forward to it!


2. Have you played Liverpool before? Any memorable performances/venues/events?

Yes we play Liverpool quite allot these days. The best Liverpool show was probably the last time we played The Shipping Forecast. That is a great venue. We are playing there again supporting ALL THE YOUNG on the 19th July.


3. We're really looking forward to your set. Can you give us an idea
of what we can expect?

Minimalist rock and roll, feuding vocal harmonies, lo-fi attack.


4. Are you a Beatles fan? Any particular favourite songs?

Of course. Matt - Favourite track would have to be Tomorrow Never Knows.

Brit - Happiness is a warm gun.


5. How about football? Liverpool, Everton or Chester fan while you're nearby?

Our guru Martin Ellis is a huge Liverpool fan so we always want Liverpool to do well.


6. Which musician do you most admire, and why?

Matt - Julian Casablancas. Just effortlessly cool.

Brit - PJ Harvey. Her music is so raw and simple yet really powerful.


7. What was the first album or single you bought (be honest!)?

Matt - The Doors. L.A. Woman, on a recommendation from Dad.

Brit - The Veuve. History


8. Have you ever been told you look like anyone famous?

Not really.


9. Tell us about a great band we might not have heard of...

We put on gigs in Chester and we have had some amazing bands on including Morain, Munich, My First Tooth and Hey Sholay to name a few.


10. What was your most embarrassing moment?

Accidentally pulling the lead out of our drum machine mid gig.


11. What do you do right before you go onstage?

It would be good if we had some sort of tribal ritual but no... we just try and get into a head space that lets the songs take over.


12. What's the funniest thing on your rider?

We don't usually get much. There is nothing extravagant. The funniest thing we have seen on another bands rider was pickled gherkins.
- Liverpool Echo

Single of the year so far (2010) - Wombat Wombat Promotions, Norwich

The Kills via Joy Division - Bugbear Promotions

I have to say I was a little bit knocked out by just how good they were. - Mike Hughes Photography