"All of my prophets were singers of sad songs..."

First new tick of the year in the bag within the first week, and my oh my was it a beauty! I've been wanting to see Waxwings for years. Not only are they absolutely captivating and stunning there is also an excellent band from the 90's  I absolutely loved by the same name (see One For the Ride and For Madmen Only). Also, they look pretty damn punk rock too!

Needless to say it was probably the most undignified bit of birding ever when they report came through via twitter that there was a small 'Museum of Waxwings" in the rowan trees outside KFC on Newport Road of all bloody places.

I sat in work crying into a cuppa knowing they would be gone by the time I could get away...

Luckily I managed to knock off a bit early and get there just in time to see them in all their glory before they vanished.

I can now finally dust off my RSPB Waxwing badge I have been avoiding wearing as I hadn't yet seen one.

There's an epic video of the occasion on YouTube here which isn't mine.

Goodnight sweet princes...

A Thousand Arrows

The other night, one of my favourite UK bands of the past few years hung up their boots. I think I loved them so much because four people with often very different music tastes, but a shared common ground, and it was reflected in their sound. They take elements of At the Drive In, Refused, Quicksand, Helmet, yet when they play together, you can here all of their own individual influences, coming together to form their unique sound.

I have many fond memories of the band, namely playing with them/putting them on at Halloween, they dressed as Zombie Nurses, we played as dead sailors, our dear friends Attack Vipers! also played that night too.

Also playing travel scrabble on the way to support AC4 in Bristol.

Their last gig was at The Full Moon in Cardiff and they went out in style, I think Daf's writing style and guitar sound is also what gave them an edge.

Fave song on the night: Anchorite

If you haven't already check out their album Defaillance

They will be sorely missed. RIP ATA