MUSIC SCENE
We never thought we would achieve what e have and we couldn't be prouder of the music that we're leaving behind
PETE GOW & THE SIREN STRINGS Square Tower, Old Portsmouth Friday, September 20 squarerootspromotions.co.uk
Pete Gow, frontman of the acclaimed American act Case Hardin, is stepping out on his own for the first time. His debut album Here There’s No Sirens was released on April 5 on Clubhouse Records, and now he’s playing in Portsmouth as one of only four live dates. A storyteller at heart, Gow conjures up a modern day classic that wraps itself around your heart while penetrating the soul. The album was produced by Dreaming Spires’ multiinstrumentalist Joe Bennett at Farm Music Studios in Oxfordshire. It was recorded late last year with Pete and Joe joined by Fin Kenny on drums. ‘This, for me, is an opportunity to take my writing out of its comfort zone,’ Gow reflects. ‘There are large parts of this record that are uncharacteristically up close and very personal, and that was a considered choice. ‘But as the project started to take shape there came the inevitable second-guessing of those choices that led me to redress the balance with a bit of depravity here, a bit of unremitting darkness there... a slightly crude attempt to throw folks off the scent and a cynical one at trying to keep the base happy. ‘I asked Joe to make this sound unlike any record I had previously made, so listeners can be assured, from the outset, they are hearing something uniquely different. ‘Joe was the perfect foil. He politely appeared to tolerate that ridiculous mandate, working to nurture, develop and realise this new direction, all the while knowing precisely when to say that “change for change’s sake” isn’t always the best policy.’ Pete’s band will be joined by a fivepiece string section on the tour.
MALLORY KNOX Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea Monday, September 16 wedgewood-rooms.co.uk
Alternative-rock band Mallory Knox have announced that they are calling it a day at the end of their 23-date UK tour, which kicks of this Sunday. The Cambridge-based act released a statement on Tuesday letting fans know this would be their last chance to catch them live. ‘After 10 years, four albums and countless tours it's time to announce that Mallory Knox has come to the end of the road. ‘Unfortunately we've reached the point where we feel we've taken Mallory as far as we can both professionally and personally.
‘This isn't an easy decision for us to make, ending something that we started when we were teenagers, but we’re grateful to all of you that have granted us the opportunity of a lifetime. ‘We’ve decided that this tour is not only the perfect opportunity to promote what is our final record but also celebrate what has been an incredible decade with you all. ‘We never thought we would achieve what we have and we couldn't be prouder of the music that we're leaving behind. ‘Let's go out with a bang, see you on the road. ‘Much love Sam, James, Joe & Dave’ The band had released their self-titled fourth album on August 16, their first as a four-piece since original singer Mikey Chapman left in February 2018.