Best Friends

Four years ago the Gods of music, no doubt on a drunken night out in heaven's answer to Sheffield, sent down to earth four young men. Since that fateful day these four demigods have been blending into Sheffield side streets, slowly learning our ways and above all making some bloody good music. Now the group, who call themselves Best Friends, are ready to take over.

As the cold of January set in, who came out of hibernation to save our freezing ears? Why it was Best Friends of course! A deep orange sun rose over frosty carpets of dew bringing with it the news that the band had signed to Fatcat Records. 

Some say birds could be heard singing a new song that morning. The song in questions was quickly recognised as 'Shred Til You're Dead', a wholehearted indie banger released along side the morning's exciting news. On the first single to be released on their new label guitars are most definitely shredded and combined with a phenomenally catchy chorus, it is without a doubt a winner.

This recent flurry of activity is by no means the first we've heard of Best Friends, although its been a while. In 2013 the awesome 'Happy Anniversary/Nosebleeds' 7" was released on Art Is Hard records. The Single showcased the band's undeniable talent for writing infectiously catchy garage rock.

 Past videos show us there is more to this band than great music. Whether they are dressing up in drag in the 'Happy Anniversary' video or writing songs about a zombie apocalypse in the form of the epic eight minute long 'Hawaii 666', there is always something madly amusing going on when Best Friends are around. 

This playful attitude to making music, combined with a reputation for a raucous live show and songs as strong as 'Shred Til You're Dead' make Best Friends one of the most exciting young bands around right now. Who knows, 2015 might be the year they begin their climb back up to the musical paradise from whence they came.

An Interview With... The Black Tambourines

It's impossible to deny that the South West is home to some great bands, none greater than The Black Tambourines. Their blistering garage rock sound has made the four piece the poster-boys of Falmouth's thriving music scene. It's crazy to think that their self titled debut album was released as long ago as 2013 as one of Art Is Hard Records first LP releases. I spoke to the band about the fantastic west country scene of which they are an integral part.

Who makes up The Black Tambourines? How did you meet and what made you want to start the band?

The Black Tambourines are a small group of musicians from cornwall. we met at truro college and took it from there. 

Do you think being in the South west has influenced you as a band?

I think the southwest doesn't influence us at all which makes it easier to do your own thing. Being around barely any bands at the start of our career made it easy to do exactly what we wanted to. 

Are there any bands from the South west who you are particularly into at the moment?

We love the Red Cords and Lost Dawn. They're our main bros, but theres a few more sweet bands emerging, like the Golden Dregs, Holiday Ghosts. Were pretty much in all of these bands tho. Spankees. Spankees.

Why do you think Falmouth has suddenly become one of the UK's best places for music?

Is that what people think? Thats really awesome. I'm not sure, theres a lot of good bands here, and a lot of Arty students around to appreciate them. Among locals. 

Do you think outside of Bristol there is a lack of really good venues to attract bands to the area?

Anywhere can be a venue, and people need to realise this and start putting on more shows in random places. 

Could you sum up the South west's music scene in one sentence?

A big family of Rock.