The Higgins Brothers

Sunny days over crashing waves, cheeky seagulls floating on the breeze and an island lost in time. This is the world of The Higgins Brothers and the inspiration behind their music.

Hailing from the Isle of Man and now based in Bristol, their sound and the new album are influenced by the rhythm of life by the sea, of days on the beach and nights round the campfire, creating fun, folky, sing-a-long pop.

Brotherly inspiration

But it’s not just the sea n’ surf that drive the distinctive personality and tone of the music, this primarily acoustic duo are brothers. Both Robin and Toby write music and lyrics for the band, either one might catch an idea from a cloud and throw it in The Higgins Brothers musical mixing pot. The songs are a combination of life experiences and journeys to the sky and beyond.

The brothers play guitar and cajon and both sing vocals, giving their harmonies a richly-blended quality. For the album, they invited Ruari Floyd to join on bass. They also include an array of different percussion instruments including a Cuban tres as well as some organ.

Transatlantic influences

The variety of instruments reflect the travels and musical backgrounds of each of the brothers - from Dartington College of Arts in Devon to the Instituto Superior del Arte in Havana where they got to grips with Cuban-style guitars, the cajon and the tres.

Currently gigging at live venues across Bristol, the duo are preparing to spread the sunshine, sea and sound of their new album at next year’s summer festival circuit. They’ve put together a mix of songs that’ll take you on a mini adventure. They advise: “Get on the sky wine, hold on tight and let The Higgins Brothers lead you on the vibe to another place.”

Their debut album ‘Pop Coloured Funshine’ is available on CD from the shop.

Chris Flood

Chris Flood was born in Newport, Isle of Wight in the UK and moved to the Isle of Man aged just 11, where his musical journey began. Growing up in Douglas, the Island’s capital, he listened mainly to the alternative music scene of the late 90’s and early 00’s before learning to play guitar. As a self taught vocalist as well, he has used these talents in the last few years to write his own material, which has culminated in his debut album, “Opinion is not a substitute for reason”, available in the shop on the Section 5 site.

Chris has been working hard on new material since 2010, which will see a release of a second album in 2011. In the lead up to that, a limited release, download only, taster EP was released in March 2011; ‘The Jam Sandwich EP’.

Having strayed away from the bulk of the live music scene on the Island, there are plans for the Chris Flood Band to make a return of some form to back up the release of the new album and to perform the new tracks to audiences who have waited patiently enough!

Slimpig

Like these guys need any introduction! They formed in the early 2000′s and made a massive impression on the local music scene; their debut album ‘Slimming With Pigness’ sold over 3 thousand copies and many tracks such as Go Away, Superstitious Politician and Constructathon became anthems in their own right.

Unfortunately this great band came to an end after their very last gig at Willstock 2008. A lot people missed out on their limited-edition second album ‘Concrete Floors and Broken Jaws’.

Section Five Records was due to release a one-off album compiling all their best tracks – chosen by the band – from both albums, along with some amazing covers by local artists Chris Flood, Anna Goldsmith, Duke Ukem and Suspect Package, as well as Isle of Man-runaways Swound!. It was also due to feature original artwork from local illustrator Adam Berry.

Unfortunately the album still hasn’t come to fruition, however there are still plans to release this one day.

You can still download free MP3 of the track ‘Lifestyles’ off their first album ‘Slimming With Pigness’ for free. Visit the Downloads page for the link.

Suspect Package

Manx ska punk legends Suspect Package have been going for nearly eight years now, occasionally taking a break here and there, but not for long as the appeal and excitement of gigging is way more fun. Their sound has evolved over the years, coming from punk rock influences like Bad Religion, Rancid and Suicide Machines to ska bands like Streetlight Manifesto (minus the brass), Capdown and King Prawn and takes in every psychobilly, skacore and acoustic act along the way.

Before one of their biggest diversions from band life (a good year and a half), Suspect Package recorded an album of their best songs (and some new, as-yet-unheard-live ones) and gave it away for free.

They took a break following the release of the self-titled album during 2007-2008 to take time to travel around the world and work on various other projects, eventually returning to the scene at the tail-end of 2008.

The band have played a number of shows around the Island and even visited the UK to play. Since 2011 there have been no further plans for gigs.

I Blame You

I Blame You were the band everyone was calling “a metal-punk band from the Isle of Man”.

Featuring Matty (Brave Matilda) from Sakura and Uchiha Clan on some bass with Keith Harris (Big Foreign Keith) from the mighty Slack bringing the loud bashing noises and ethnic charm, followed by Alan (Alan Sick) from Suspect Package shouting over the noise and new-comer Bones (Bon Satisfied) bringing the bedroom guitarist’s sharp frettery, I Blame You forced themselves upon you.

Although they have now split, you can still buy their album in the shop for a bargain, and stream tracks at the sites below.

This Years Winner Is

Not much comes from the Isle of Man. Not many people can even pinpoint where the Isle of Man even is, so to expect to find a five piece pop punk band looking to climb the ranks of UK scene is, at best, adventurous. But built from friendships, a love of music, the summertime and a dislike for the humdrum of a nine to five environment is This Years Winner Is, and they could be your new favourite band you’ve never heard of.

With vocalist Elliot Kinrade, guitar and vocalist Ben Wilde, guitarist Ethan Grubb, bassist Stuart Bedford and drummer Darren Shields they have a fierce following on the Isle of Man and are now looking to take there energetic pop songs from the Island to the UK.

The newest release ‘Always Goes Down Smooth’ had its digital release through Section Five Records and has had plenty of positive reviews, though since it’s release the then vocalist Tim Tonks has left the band. Elliot Kinrade has since joined, and are hitting the road in July. If they follow their own advice keep hold of those four leafed clovers who knows what the future may hold for them!

Check out reviews of their debut EP ‘Always Goes Down Smooth’ on Punktastic, New Reviews and RockStopScene.

This Years Winner Is departed Section Five Records at the start of 2011 but you can keep up to date with what they’re up to on their Facebook page.