Volcanoes

Anyone with a passing interest in the beautiful game knows that wearing golden boots is a bit of a statement. David Beckham could; Tomas Brolin not so much. So when Volcanoes frontman Sam Bedford rocked up on stage in aureate sneakers, the chunk of this reviewer’s brain that is forever football curled a metaphorical lip, as if to say ‘Think we’re good, do we? We’ll see about that’.

Which only goes to show how warped and cynical the f.f. part of my b. has become, because the Yorkshire four piece had class enough to spare. Bedford, guitarist Kevin Shirley, drummer Chris Hall and improbably-named bassist Boa Internationale gave Camden a set made of pure grade indie goodness, with songs such as ‘She’s On Me’, ‘What You Came For’ and the excellent ‘Temple’ showcasing their funky hooks, tight guitars and clear, Arctic-Monkeyesque vocals. There’s also more than a smidge of The Coral’s psychedelia in Volcanoes’ make-up, as the second song of the evening, ‘Lucy Lambado’, made evident.

However, none of this quite puts the finger on Volcanoes’ ingredient X, that nebulous quality that makes a group stand out from the good, but ultimately forgettable, bands that you can hear every night in pubs and clubs across the country. Perhaps it’s that Volcanoes have a breath of fresh air feel about them; a bunch of likeable guys playing catchy, inventive indie pop and having fun while doing it. At the risk of getting all hagiographical ‘n’ shit, Volcanoes gave us a full-length set that seemed over far too soon. Gentlemen, you can wear whatever shoes you like. - www.shout4music.com

It's early on a Tuesday morning. Bleary eyed, I pick up an email from lead Volcano Samson Bedford.

'Dude – we've been asked by a small label to play for them at the Grapes tomorrow,' it begins. As I read on, it dawns on me that tomorrow is actually now today. 'It would be ace for us if we could do the interview tomorrow evening at about seven-ish,' it continues. I resign myself to missing the Champions League football on television in favour of a trip into town.

Later that evening I arrive at the Grapes, and am pointed in the direction of The Volcanoes' mountainous drummer Chris, who is shooting pool alone. It transpires that the rest of the band are stuck on the parkway, but will be here any minute. We chat away idly, and true to their word, the rest of the band - Samson, guitarist Kevin and bassist Boa – arrive a few minutes later. I discover that Boa is also a teacher by day, and we take a moment to say a few bad words about Ofsted Inspectors. It's only then that a problem arises.

We learn that tonight's headliners, who shall remain anonymous, have pulled their tour and returned home. Needless to say, the record company won't be in attendance either. As last minute additions to the bill, The Volcanoes haven't brought their own drum kit, and so the decision is made to pull the gig. To their credit, the news doesn't seem to disappoint the band, least of all Chris, who seems pleased to be able to make his eight-thirty meeting after all (he's an accountant). After a few hasty goodbyes, he departs, leaving the remaining Volcanoes to field any questions I might have.

Repairing to the cosy tap room, we get the ball rolling. Immediately, it's clear that Samson is the spokesman as well as frontman. Looking every inch the indie poster boy with his angular brown fringe and fashionable get-up, he's confident, keen to talk and instantly likeable. I begin by asking for a brief history of The Volcanoes. His bandmates have no problem in letting Samson kick us off ('Do it all!' jokes Boa).

'I was in a band with Boa when we were in sixth form,' he begins. 'After University I joined an acoustic act, then we got some extra musicians and that became the Volcanoes. As soon as I got together with Kev, I started writing much better music than I ever had. I'd always been quite cheesy before that. It made me start listening to other music, and I got loads of new ideas.'

I ask what he was listening to during the 'cheese' phase.

'I was very uneducated musically,' he answers. 'I didn't really like anything apart from what I did. My girlfriend, who is now my wife, broadened my horizons massively.'

So what influences you now, I probe. For a moment, Samson fishes for an answer.

'Most British bands – Maximo Park, Arctic Monkeys....And American bands like the Strokes, Kings of Leon.' I tell him that I skipped Maximo Park at Leeds a couple of years back, in favour of Pearl Jam on the main stage, and ask him to try and pigeonhole his band's sound.

'We're definitely indie, and it's an amalgamation of everything we like. We don't try and keep to a set thing – it's really important to us to try and sound as diverse as we can.' He cites 'She's On Me' and 'Lucy Lambado' as two tracks that define The Volcanoes; the latter is lifted from their recent 'Fruits of the Fuzz' EP, and owes no small debt to the bands Samson just listed as influences. The former greets visitors to the band's website, and is driven along by some funky drum and bass interplay that underpins Samson's powerful vocal superbly.

We muse on the meaning of the word 'indie', and how it has come to define a sound rather than an approach to making music. I am disappointed that there are no secret black metal fans amongst the band, and say something to that effect. Kev interjects that he grew up on a diet of Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana, and in his absence, the mention of Chris's love of Queen raises a few smiles. So is there a degree of the theatrical about the average Volcanoes live performance? Is Samson a cat suit wearing closet Freddie Mercury? Not really, it turns out. We move on to talk about events in the band's history.

'Early on, the people around us were telling us, “This is really good stuff – you've got to put your heads down and go somewhere”. Our second ever gig was with the Arctic Monkeys at an unsigned night, but we didn't have a clue who they were. Looking back, we weren't ready for that type of thing – there were three hundred people there. After that we just gigged loads of new songs.'

I'm interested to know how the band approach songwriting. Samson explains that there's been a shift towards a more 'jamming' led approach in recent times, with him turning up with 'less of a song, more of an idea'. Rehearsals have yielded enough material for several EPs, but there's no plan for an album as yet. Samson avoids 'writing too many songs about girls', preferring 'bands that can sing about anything'. Practises are twice-weekly, with at least one gig thrown in. A new EP is planned for February, on which the band plan to experiment with a brass section.

It sounds like they're busy boys. How do they balance band commitments with their demanding day jobs?

'You don't sleep,' jokes Samson initially, before changing his tone. 'No. With the greatest of ease. Our jobs rarely get in the way of anything. We regularly drive to London after work, gig, and then drive back.' I'm also impressed with the story of their slot at GuilFest – they'd played a gig in Carlisle on a Friday night, Leeds the following Saturday, and headed down to the Surrey-based gathering for an early afternoon slot the day after. Upon arrival, they spent the little time they had giving out flyers, before playing to a sizeable crowd as the day's opening band.

'People say, “How do you do it?”' interjects Boa. 'But they forget that we actually enjoy it. Some people go for a night out – we play music.' He later hails the 'road trip' experiences of gigging in places in the back of beyond, like Cockermouth. 'It's brilliant,' he enthuses. 'If it weren't for the band, why would you ever go to Cockermouth?' As a veteran of several Lake District camping trips, I explain that the Jennings brewery is worth a visit, and that Fletcher Christian of 'Mutiny on the Bounty' fame was schooled there. The band don't seem impressed with my Cumbrian market town trivia.

'Was it Cockermouth with the boobs?' asks Samson, changing the subject. There then ensues an anecdote recalling breakfast in the company of an amply-chested lady. 'That's why we do it!' the band joke, referring back to their hectic work-practise-gig schedule. When pressed for more amusing gig-based stories, I am introduced to the origins of the term 'vooney' by Boa, which is apparently a hybrid word describing an occasion when both vagina and mooney are displayed simultaneously by a female member of the audience. Only one known sighting has ever been confirmed – during a gig in Scotland – and is difficult to tell whether the band would welcome further vooneys to future performances. Suffice to say, the mention of it raises a few laughs.

We discuss the band's long term objectives, and Samson is quick to point out that commercial success is a goal that he believes will be fully realised. I ask if there is a sense of frustration when things don't seem to be going according to plan despite the hard work.

'Sometimes I think that it's all to do with what circles you mix in,' he complains. 'We don't really know any other bands on friend terms and we try not to get involved in cliques. I'm pretty sure that works against us. It used to really bother me that we didn't have a deal. Now I just think, “If it doesn't happen then at least we're really enjoying it”. But if you're not in with the 'it' crowd....that's where all the attention's drawn, no matter how good you are.'

There is something about the way they talk about what they do, their down-to-earth intelligence, that I can identify with. You know what - they're right, I find myself thinking. Why try to force your way into something you don't want to be part of, just for the sake of appearances? I also find it refreshing to talk to musicians who aren't opinionated about what people should and shouldn't be listening to, which is a flaw all too apparent in many music lovers, myself included. I get the impression that if I'd have told them I was Cliff Richard's biggest fan, they would've at least shown an interest and found something kind to say about him. I later worry that their good nature and apparent unwillingness to be drawn into anything controversial could be to their detriment when it comes to the ruthless, fickle music business. I hope not – surely we need to develop this idea of music being purely about what we enjoy listening to?

Our musings are interrupted by an older gentleman who wants to know if we can wrap things up, so he can put the juke box on. After suggesting that he put on some Volcanoes, or maybe some Slayer, we decide to wrap things up with a final thought from Samson.

'Come and see us. I think the songs are really good, and you can see a band that is free from pretentiousness. Some folk might see it as just a bit of fun for us - yes, we're thoroughly enjoying it, but we're deadly serious about making music that we're proud of, and we're quietly confident that we can make this band successful.'

Interview by Jon Cooper
Photography by Brendan Docherty - Sandman Magazine

The first track 'Long Live My Enemies' is very catchy. The song is built on a smooth, clean guitar riff with a motoring rhythm. The chorus lifts the song to the next level and the whole experience is very enjoyable. The second track, 'Gunter the Shooter' is again really good listen and together they make a really good E.P - Leeds Music Scene

"Headliners Volcanoes overflow with energy and enthusiasm. Their passion for performance and their belief in their music are total. Funky bass lines and upbeat rifts provide a great bedrock onto which a beefy rhythm section builds infectious feeder size choruses, while Samson Bedfords vocals at times recall both Maximo Park's Paul Smith and Kings of Leons Caleb Followill. Volcanoes catchy fast-paced guitar pop will continue to court fans and their live shows will always be worth catching." Kind words by K.Fildes - Sandman Magazine

The Volcanoes are a highly acclaimed four piece from Sheffield and Leeds. The 'Shake That Brass EP' out October 26th, features five tracks and presumably is to whet the appetite for an album release in the early part of 2010.

Opening track 'Temple' is perfectly sums up the entire EP. A catchy mix of brash youth ala 'The Arctic Monkeys' but jazzy and much funkier with a melody that you'll find yourself whistling along to for hours on end.

The entire EP features this melting point style and the opening riff to 'What You Came For' would definitely not sound out of place if it had featured on the last Chili Peppers album.

It's this blend of genre's and ideas that gives the Volcanoes a good chance of standing out from the crowd. Elsewhere on the EP, 'Eagle Eye' and 'Oliver Charles Darwin' showcase the band's ability to write the type of catchy indie Britpop that made 'Space' famous in the nineties.

'Conventional' clearly isn't a word in the Volcanoes vocabulary and the band use this to their advantage. 'Shake That Brass' is a mischievous, multitude of ideas that for the most part, works. It will be interesting to see if they can pull off an entire album though. - Get Ready To Rock

Raw Talent meets the Volcanoes
Martha Mangan: Blast Reporter

By Martha Mangan
BBC Blast Reporter

Guitar plugged in
The Volcanoes get ready for their Raw Talent session

After playing their live session for Raw Talent on Sunday 2nd August we have become very fond of The Volcanoes.

One of the happiest bands we have had in for a while. The four piece were nervous but impressed us.

I decided to probe into the life and workings of The Volcanoes - Boa on Bass, Kevin is lead guitar, Chris on drums and Samson on lead vocals.

The band are recording new tracks later this year and have launched their new website.

"Nerve-racking but then very fun, afterwards I felt much better."

The band got together whilst at university and has subsequently played gigs everywhere including Sheffield, Leeds and London. Describing their sound as 'a bit like Queen with Hip Hop', this band should have no nerves when it comes to live performances which is where they shine. "We don't try to m
The Volcanoes
The Volcanoes in session at the Raw Talent studios

ess around it's just natural to have fun while we are doing it." explains Samson.

Chris adds "As long as us and the audience have a good night that's all that matters."

It's obvious that their friendship really cements the make-up of the band. They enjoy what they are doing and this comes through in their music. Kevin and Samson are the writers but the whole band works the songs together. Fans will be happy to hear that you can soon purchase their songs.

"Shaking That Brass is our new EP. It's released in October with a big launch and all sorts of downloads.

Then back in the studio in November and we're probably going to do another six or seven songs, so a good year." says Samson.

The band has a MySpace and Facebook group, also up and running is their spanking new web page volcanoesband.co.uk.

Boa "Really?" Surely the band members would have been informed and seen their own webpage Boa.

"No I haven't seen it, why wasn't I told!"

The guys explain what Boa and you can expect from their webpage. Chris says "It has a picture of us playing ping pong."

"Yeah something for the ladies" Kevin jokes but Forest Gump has nothing on them. Looking like the rejected extra's from a Fame revival the bands sense of humour sets them apart from the many bands and artists who wo
Volcanoes drummer
Drummer Chris keeps the beat

uld never be seen dead in short red gym shorts.

Samson tells us "We like our funny photo shoots, we just enjoy ourselves."

I hit the guys with my silly 'Top of the pop' style questions and I receive some of the strangest answers to date.

Who would win in a fight between the band?

Kevin/Boa/Samson: Chris! - He'd eat us alive.

Who would you love to go on tour with past or present?

Kevin: Beatles, I don't think there is any question.

Samson: Yeah either the Beatles or…

Chris: Wham?

Samson: No, Daniel Bedingfield

Didn't he have a nasty car crash?

Kevin: Yeah but he is okay now, thank the lord.

Chris: I'd say Girls Aloud.

Samson: Actually my wife likes Girls Aloud and they are on my iPod, as most played

Kevin: Top 25 played.

Samson: Yeah Biology… hmm, I'm on the spot now…

We all wait for Samson to recount his top favourite Girls Aloud tracks- this takes some time and he doesn't get many.

What would you have on your rider?

Kevin: Some nice food and some drink.

Okay, could you elaborate?

Chris: Coca-Cola - because I can't go anywhere without it.

Samson: Scalextric.

Boa: Sushi.

Kevin: Yeah some good quality sushi, even a sous chef.

Boa: Sushi presented on a naked lady!

Samson: Margaret Thatcher!

Chris: So they can discuss politics?

Samson: No I just want to eat my food off a naked Margaret Thatcher, nothing weird about that.

Are you guys going to any festivals this year- as a band or festival goers?

Samson: We are doing the smaller festival scene at the moment...but, well we are hoping to headline Glastonbury next year. We have been asked but we are thinking it over.

I was very happy the band took my questions so seriously! The Volcanoes turned up at BBC Humberside and looked decidedly eclectic and rightly so. The band is certainly enjoying their time but their focus is fervently on their music, resulting in a catalogue of tracks which need to be experienced lived.

As I end the interview Samson is still trying to recount some more Girls Aloud tracks - Raw Talent is nothing if not rock 'n' roll. - BBC RawTalent

Volcanoes, Plug
A BIG crowd welcomed the
Volcanoes on stage for the
launch of their latest ep
Shaking That Brass. Since
forming as an acoustic duo
some 4 years ago and
eventually developing into
the tight feelgood outfit they
are today, they have
supported many high profile
bands like Arctic Monkeys,
now sadly defunct Little
Man Tate and Hot Club De
Paris, but now is their time
to headline a tour in their
own right and tonight’s gig
showed the support they
can command.
Fronted by confident and
charismatic Samson
Bedford, who hails originally
from Liverpool, the Sheffield
/ Leeds based Volcanoes
have an original, highly
melodic and times quite
quirky sound that’s been
moulded around some
excellent lyrics written and
impressively delivered by
Samson, that are
interspersed with some
tasty licks from Kevin
Shirley’s talking guitar.
A high energy 45 minute
set featuring a human
dynamo on bass, in the
form of the wonderfully
named Boa Internationale,
the Volcanoes have a strong
catalogue of alternative
indie songs that they are
now touring the length and
breadth of Britain with.
Their ep is more like a
mini album of 5 tracks with
the promise of a full album
early next year. The pick of
an excellent set for me is
the encored Making
Progress, with spat out
rapping vocals about a
struggling band getting poor
reviews and being bottom of
the bill, obviously a work of
fiction going by tonight’s
headline set, rapturous
crowd reaction and the two
encores !
Sean Bruce









- Sheffield Star

After the recent release of Volcanoes' EP 'Shaking That Brass' with four new songs from the Leeds/Sheffield four piece, their live performance was anticipated with some curiosity. It is always interesting to see if the band can deliver a live performance that is akin to the quality of a produced CD. In the case of Volcanoes, I am pleased to say that they could play live; and well too.

Oporto was a fun place for the series of bands to play and it was concerning to hear the previous band's over-loud noise and bored looking lead singer however, when Volcanoes took the stage, it was a different matter entirely. Taking sure note of the notice behind the bar 'stage-diving at own risk', which would have been interesting as there was no raised platform to launch oneself on, the band opened with 'What You Came For.' Immediately they rocked out with lead singer Samson Bedford giving quite a performance with a hip-wiggle that Elvis would be proud of.

Other highlights were the songs 'Temple', also on their latest EP and 'King of the Hill.' Temple gives the band the chance to add a twist to the normal menu of guitar rock and coupled with Samson's strong voice, you can get very involved with the song for a good few minutes. King of the Hill adds a bit of humour as the band perform about their other pastime, snowboarding, and you can imagine yourself carving down a mountain with these guys playing on your iPod. Volcanoes gave a credible performance and it is a wonder they haven't been signed to a label yet. They are worth seeing live, they can play and perform good quality indie rock that you can pick out from the rest, let's hope they are offered more dates in Leeds. - Leeds Music Scene