Rewind The Film: New Video Released by the Manic Street Preachers

21 years ago the Manic Street Preachers were desperate to escape the lonely isolation of their small Welsh town, Blackwood. They took us far away as they possibly could in order to make a name for themselves, even taking us as far as the bright city lights of Tokyo in 'Motorcycle Emptiness', losing themselves in the crowd.  Now more accepting of their Welsh heritage, The Manics are now looking back with contemplative nostalgia at their small town roots, swapping the bright lights of Tokyo for the dim bulbs of a Bingo hall.

 Richard Hawley lends his vocals to the acoustic track of Rewind The Film  as the video follows the everyday life of a senior citizen in the small Welsh valley. The video features no traces of the famous ego of the Manics but instead artistically portrays the alienation and urban decay of working class life. Wire, Moore and Bradfield demonstrate to us just how far they have matured as a band via the melancholy use of acoustic guitar and the brooding vocals by Hawley. However I am glad to say that Bradfield has not lost any of the  passion in his voice as he joins in the chorus.

Rewind The Film contains all the ingredients that made the Manic Street Preachers stand the test of time as a band; thoughtful, brooding lyrics with political undertones combined with talented guitar work, but yet it ushers us gently into a new era of the Manics which will come with their new album release later on this year.

On a sidenote, I purchased tickets to see the Manic St. Preachers perform their new album at the O2 Shepherds Bush empire in September. Excited is not a big enough word!

Exclusive Interview with Doncaster's hottest band, The Kavaliers

Rawness, originality and a whole lot of kicking attitude are the three things that determines what gets played on my iPod these days. Therefore when I came across The Kavaliers I was instantly taken with the energy which blasted through my speakers. It was the guitar solo by Matthew Brewin in the intro to 'Clouds' which made me sit up and pay attention to this band from Doncaster and as soon as the Richard Ashcroft-esque vocals (courtesy of Tom Statham)  kicked in, I was an instant fan. 

The lovely lads from Doncaster (Tom Statham, Jordan Booth, Liam Ambrose and Matthew Brewin) were even kind enough to grant me an interview so I could find out what they're all about. 

First things first, how long have The Kavaliers been on the Doncaster music circuit? 

About 5 years* but the current line up is relatively fresh with the new bass player present for 18 months and the new guitar player for about 7 months. 

How influential has your hometown been on the music you've produced?

Quite, one of our songs 'Shotgun Town' is about Doncaster. One of the only good things about the town is you can get a couple of tunes out about it. 

You have listed Oasis and The Stone Roses as your main influences. These two bands put Manchester on the map in regards to music and did much to challenge the London Music Scene. As you guys are based in Doncaster, do you reckon there's still a north/south divide in today's music? 

No, not really. The people we've met appreciate good music regardless of north/south divide

You've played The Polish Festival Doncaster, how important are festivals to the British music scene? 

Very, they give the bands the opportunity to reach a wider audience and network with similar artists in places they're not necessarily from. 

You've shared a stage with Pete Doherty, is he a fan of The Kavaliers?

I don't think he'll remember much of that night haha! 

Will you ever take a jaunt down to London to play a live set for your Southern based fans? 

Absolutely, if a gig offer comes in we'll be straight down! 

Finally, are there any plans for a future album release? 

We plan to record an ep of material in the coming months but if you can't wait pop down to a show. 

If you would you like to know more about The Kavaliers, head over to their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter

*ooops, I'm a bit late to this party