I obviously haven’t been paying enough attention to certain parts of the UK music scene as these two bands had passed me by, with certain parts of the BBC taking notice. I am, however, hoping to rectify the situation right here, right now.
First a little bit about the label SONS ltd out of Stoke-on-Trent. SONS stands for Soul of North Staffs and they are a pretty small UK indie label with only a handful of artsts on their roster. But quite a collection that is, with The Novellos and Raphael being my two favourites.
The Novellos [buy] remind me of Razolright in their early days with all that chaotic energy crossed with the occasional trumbone being used to great effect reminiscent of the Rumble Strips. This is indie rock at its best and catchy as fuck. The ballad “Song for someone” further demonstrates their song writing skills which shines through even with such a simple structure and melody and beautifully rough production.
The Novellos – This Lady is not for Turning
The Novellos – Song for Someone
Out of the same stables comes Raphaels [buy] who manage to sound even mor rough and ready than their label mates, not that such a thing could be a problem. Their strumming and strutting rock/pop sensibilities a shown perfectly in the b-side “Lady” which could have come from the Libertines back when they were good.
Raphaels – Charming Man
Raphaels – Lady
Two bands and one label to keep and eye on in 2009.
cracking choice of subject for a blog I must say.Being from Stoke, I’ve followed SONS from the beginning; A true grown from the roots labels. Stabling acts like the ones you cherry picked here I have no doubt in my mind SONS is flying to success. Its no wonder they’ve been dubbed Factory records of the naughties. I’d recommend any one reading this to check out This is Seb Clarke off the label. A phenomenal clash of punk rock and northern soul. Something to be seen!
Come on the Stoke!
Good work Blue Walrus
You’re absolutely right about people needing to check out the rest of the bands roster on SONS. Listen through their back catalogue was a great way to spend my Sunday afternoon. So many gems from such a small label.
…and to think I can’t remember the last time I went to Stoke
I go to keele uni, coming from manchester i am used to a thriving music scene, stoke is certainly no exception, it does not dissappoint, there are some great bands in stoke at the moment and the two mentioned are really top of the tree, the novellos sound vintage with a extremely modern edge, there live performances at intimate venues are as good as the Libertines guerilla gigs, and having seen them on the big stage in the SONS showcase there set came alive and invited the massive crowd to come alive with it. the raphaels are a little darker in style and slightly more lyrically based. these two bands are definately ones to look out for. probably the best band on the night in october was This is Seb Clarke an incredible twelve piece band with great soul.
Check these bands out now. I defy you not to beleive me my son.
We at SONS would like to say thank you for the lovely write-up, and give apologies for the belated reply! It’s good (excellent!) to know that people are enjoying the sound. We have quite a few releases coming out in the coming spring months – hopefully people who enjoyed prior SONS singles will enjoy 2010’s even more. Thanks again. Cheers!