What’s On

13th Chime formed in 1980 in the small London over-spill town of Haverhill in Suffolk. Born out of the British Punk scene: Vocalist Mick Hand, guitarist Gary O’Connor and drummer Ricki Cook were previously in The Antix while bass player Terry Taylor, played with the hard hitting three piece The Wynd-ups. The band released three independent singles: Coffin Maker, Cursed and Fire, and disbanded circa 1983.

After discovering the three independently produced 7” singles by the 13th Chime, Caleb Bertron of Sacred Bones Records, made it his mission to track the band down and released whatever material they had, on his Brooklyn based record label.

This sparked a renewed interest in the band, which inspired vocalist Mick Hand to form a new lineup that went on to tour Europe, the US …and remarkably an evening in St Petersburg, Russia.

October Drift have gained a strong word-of-mouth following since exploding onto the music scene.

Despite the early success of their incendiary debut singles – receiving support from Steve Lamacq, John Kennedy and Q magazine to name but a few – and a string of sold-out gigs, this band still remain something of an enigma.

October Drift’s music is similarly ambiguous, characterised by their signature wall of sound guitars, soaring, ponderous vocals and driving, urgent drums.

The band have gained a reputation for delivering blistering, high-energy live shows, and we can’t wait to welcome them back.

Price includes a 50p venue levy

Bands TBC

Keeping up traditions of years gone by The Ouse Valley Singles Club return to the Portland Arms Cambridge on Friday 18th April.

If you are not familiar with The Ouse Valley Singles Club or have yet to catch their live show then you are in for a treat. They are one of, if not the, most original outfits currently playing the live circuit.

Fully self-promoted with the aid of their online videos and huge social media presence, the Ouse Valley Singles Club are one of the hardest working bands around, having gigged almost every weekend over the last 10 years honing their craft and building a massive following of loyal Fans as they go.

Influenced by the long forgotten sounds & traditions of 1950’s Skiffle (Google it) they combine this sound with the energy of Punk and the swing of Rock and Roll, whilst occasionally dropping some Reggae flavour into the mix. Then layering this with hilarious Folk-like story-telling, often crossing the parameters of what is deemed to be politically correct but keeping it very tongue in cheek. In doing this, they have created a truly original & highly entertaining sound that has been dubbed “New Wave Skiffle” and they have been described as ‘George Formby meets The Clash’ where Vaudeville music Hall meets Working Men’s club.

The scourge of the Metropolitan Liberal Elite’ The OVSC put on a show that gives a hysterical observational account of everyday tales of woe with a razor-sharp observational narrative whilst rocking the crowds with their infectious ear-worms.

Having packed out the main arena’s to capacity, they have headlined Peterborough Beer Festival and opened to several thousand revellers on the main stage at Bedford’s River Festival (second largest free festival in the UK) as well as being a regular feature at events such as Cambridge’s Strawberry Fair, The OVSC are no strangers to the Festival Circuit. Festivals they have performed at are; Boomtown, Bestival, Rhythmtree, Nozstock, Mosley Folk and Lunar Festival, Truckfest, Rhythms of The World festival, Lodestar, Henry’s Little Big Gig, Harlequin Festival, Maui Waui, Green Meadows and Glastonbudget among many others.

Highlights of their musical journey came when they supported luminaries Chas and Dave on their 2014 tour, warmed up for Sir Bob Geldolf and The Boomtown Rats in the main arena at the Great British Alternative Music Weekender at Butlin’s Skegness as well as providing warm up for the likes of Pete Docherty, The Wonderstuff and the poetical musical comedy genius KATG. Clearly illustrating their flexibility and appeal to audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds going down a storm and building their following at every gig they play.

‘You can’t scoff at a Prophet Of Doom’

Versatile barsman Vitamin G and prolific producer Mr Slipz unite on future classic ‘Prophet Of Doom’; an ambitious and expertly crafted collaborative LP across 18-tracks.

Meticulously engineered by Slipz and absolutely bodied by Vitamin G across wave-after-wave of flows and schemes, ‘Prophet Of Doom’ has all the hallmarks of a golden-era record; Slipz’ signature style and cuts courtesy of Ram One backed by movie samples and skits; pitch perfect foundations for Vitz’ unique deliverables.

£1 from every ticket will be donated to Cam Skate, who run Cambridge’s only indoor skatepark, run entirely by volunteers.

BIG|BRAVE’s music has been described as massive minimalism. Their fusillades of textural distortion and feedback emphasize their music’s frayed edges as much as its all-encompassing weight. The potency of the trio’s work is their singular artistry combining elements of traditional folk techniques and a modern deconstruction of guitar music. Gain, feedback, and amplitude are essential.

BIG|BRAVE achieve their colossal sound through minimalist approaches, a deft understanding of dynamics and an inventive employment of percussion and distortion. The trio reconceptualize what it is to be heavy or minimal, challenging perceptions with their illumination of painfully overlooked perspectives. BIG|BRAVE’s sound has blossomed, harnessing potent emotions with their unparalleled arrangements and intricate economies of space.

In benefit of Strawberry Fair.
Bands TBA

Tickets on sale from Friday 7th Feb at 10am

For their hometown show on their 3rd UK headline tour, Strawberry Lace will be returning to The Portland Arms along with some special guests for a massive live show.

Strawberry Lace are an alt-rock powerhouse that deliver a dynamic punch of sound with their live performance. The four-piece break boundaries between genres, expertly mixing alt-rock edge with infectious funk rock flair, anthemic lyrics, blistering guitar solos and explosive drums to create their own unique style. With specials guests on the night TBA, this will be a huge night of live music not to be missed.

The UK’s BEST Stone Roses Tribute return to the stage to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the eponymous Stone Roses gig at SPIKE ISLAND! If you love I Am The Resurrection, Made Of Stone, Fools Gold, Waterfall, She Bangs The Drums and many more then do not miss this exclusive opportunity to hear your favourite Stone Roses anthems performed live by the UK’s finest tribute!

CHINA SHOP BULL – The punk hip-hop apocalypse that is China Shop Bull has gained the hearts and respect of people around the world on the back of years of consistent touring on the festival, punk and party scenes, and through the success of multiple album releases.

Fusing the worlds of electronic and live music, spanning countless styles and genres – drum & bass, hip-hop, ska and dub – all mixed up and spat out with an intense energy, punk ethos and attitude, China Shop Bull are bringing their hard hitting party vibe back to Cambridge!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqtz2UBzW_I

FIDGET AND THE TWITCHERS – Brass-fuelled Bristol based skapunkery! A hot sauce mix of punchy beats, a pinch of irony, and a whole squeeze of social absurdities!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrAa_g3bKS4

LAST GANG DJs – Punk and beyond…
http://www.facebook.com/LastGangInTownUK

Cillirion – A Tribute to Fish-Era Marillion

Stephen Perse young perfomers.

This is a multi-genre gig consisting of around 10 acts of large bands and solo artists.

Bands TBC

TBC