Brighton Rocks #38 : Anzahlung

Anzahlung initially formed as a side project to legendary band The Cravats, the duo made up of The Shend and Joe 91 today released their second album What You Think is All You’ve Got, and are on the bill for ex-Kraftwerk member Wolfgang Flur’s gig at the Concorde in October. We caught up with them on a sunny day in Saltdean to quiz them about their Brighton

What’s the best thing about Brighton?
Joe : Brighton is the only place I’ve lived apart from Welwyn Garden City, which is a big C and small c conservative commuter town. Brighton is the complete antithesis to Welwyn; it’s still the only place in the world (that I’ve visited, at least) where I’d feel safe holding my boyfriend’s hand. It also has the most pubs per square mile than any other place in the UK, apparently. Convenient.
The Shend : Anything goes

Who are your favourite local bands?
Joe : Lambrini Girls. One of the most chaotic, energetic and occasionally absurd live bands I’ve seen in ages. Slum of Legs, sadly almost defunct but they’ll always have a special place in my heart. I’ve just discovered R. Dyer’s music, magical stuff.
The Shend : Human Leather, Arxx, Red Deer People

What’s the best venue?
Joe : We’re not short of decent venues in Brighton but the bulk of my favourite gigs have been at Green Door Store. Me and The Shend have played some exceptionally fun gigs there with our other band The Cravats.
The Shend : Concorde 2

What’s the best rehearsal space / studio?
Joe : Brighton Electric. Staff are super lovely, the facilities are second-to-none and they serve decent beer. Under The Bridge deserves a mention too, Anzahlung have rehearsed there a couple of times, it’s friendly and affordable and they do lots of great community work too.
The Shend : Brighton Electric

What’s the best club?
Joe : I don’t frequent a particular club that often but there are plenty of great club nights in Brighton right now – Mi Piaci, Farmageddon, Traumfrau, Polyglam to name a few.
The Shend : Stay Sick

What’s the best record shop?
Joe : Resident is my go-to for records and has been since I moved here in 2013. Lovely place and glad to see that it’s still thriving.
The Shend : Across The Tracks

Where’s the best places to eat?
Joe : Too many to choose from! Recent highlights have been Adelfia, Khambis, Planet India and Alushi.
The Shend : Grubbs Burgers

What’s the best pub?
Joe : Prince Albert. Usually frequented by an assortment of types but never any hassle, decent venue upstairs and a giant Dot Cotton mural out the back.
The Shend : Prince Albert

Who’s your favourite Brighton celebrity?
Joe : I feel obliged to say The Shend… but I’m going with Ben Wheatley. Sightseers is one of my favourite films.
The Shend : David Thomas

When was the last time you had any Brighton Rock?
Joe : I don’t eat rock, my teeth are knackered enough as it is! I do have a Throbbing Gristle stick of rock under my bed, purchased at their 2006 reunion gig in London. I wonder what state it’s in now.
The Shend : Never

 

Brighton Rocks #21 : Guru

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What’s the best thing about Brighton?
Simon: Most definitely the people here, it’s hard to find another place where you instantly feel so comfortable and vibe off other people. The sea is alright as well.
Ferg: I like how small it is too. Some people don’t like that but it’s nice being able to walk from one end to the other in half an hour. I don’t like public transport Continue reading

Brighton Rocks #20 : Ex-Display Model

A few months ago, a new account appeared in Instagram suggested people to follow section. It was in the name Ex-Display Model, but it didn’t have any posts, or any follows. Thanks, but no thanks Instagram. It popped up again a few weeks later, followed by a few music accounts that I follow, but still with no posts, so this time I thought maybe I would start following it myself. Then a few weeks later a single picture was posted, which looked like it might have been David and Ed from Fujiya & Miyagi, but I wasn’t 100% sure.  And then in August, Ex-Display Model put out their first single Immaculate Rip. A couple more tracks were drip fed out, then last Friday their self titled debut album was released with no great fanfare, slipped out for people to discover themselves. I got in touch to ask if they fancied doing a Brighton Rocks, but it turned out that AKDK are on tour in Brazil for the next few weeks so Ed wasn’t about. David was keen to strike while the iron was hot though, so he arranged for a stand in and the photo shoot went ahead anyway: Continue reading

Brighton Rocks #17 : LibraLibra

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What is the best thing about Brighton?
BETH: It’s a very open and accepting city, it’s a place where you come out of your shell and be your true self. I think what’s really telling of this is how the Brighton art/music scene is flourishing, there are some crazy talented bands / musicians / artists left right and centre. It’s an exciting place to be right now. Continue reading