Mark Simpson (New Age Jam) and I recommend The Master Colony!

(And Alli is a month older than... my son. 18!)

The Master Colony are a talented group of individuals who come from the north east. They consist of three members; Alistair Sheerin (Song-Writer/ Lead vocals/ Rhythm & Lead Guitar/Piano), Lewis Mondal (Bass Guitar/Vocals), Joseph Smithson (Lead Guitar/Vocals) and Adrian Neal (Drums & Percussion).

Their sound echoes some of the founders of modern popular music with strong influences from The Who, The Small Faces, The Rolling Stones and of course like most musicians those musical figureheads; The Beatles. This 60’s R&B sound combined with a more edgy northern rock influence, taken from the likes of Oasis, creates a spectacular sound. Alistair Sheerin’s lyrics pay homage to the storytelling talents of Paul Weller and Kelly Jones with stories of growing up and the monotony and excitement of everyday life. The Bands image derives mainly from the mod scene of the 1960s in both attire and attitude. They create an atmosphere when on stage of freedom, individuality and almost violent determination and Sheerin sings his songs with such conviction that you cannot help but be captivated by the sheer energy of the performance.

The band itself was formed in 2002 as a school boy 3 piece. Since then there have been some changes to the original line up as a result the songs have changed and developed over the years. This is down too, to Alistair’s growth and developing maturity as a song writer and the bands ever improving musical talents. The band name was formed by the Master Colony’s original line up. Deemed as ‘modish’ and appropriate, an encyclopaedia quotation was adopted as the bands name and over the years has seemed to become ever more appropriate for a band whose colony of fans is constantly increasing.

The Master Colony have achieved much. The original line up entered their first serious competition and won the thousand pounds prize at the Teesside steel gala. Since that massive achievement the band has gone on to succeed in other talent contests, coming runners up in a Middlesbrough college talent contest and winning a hundred pounds prize money in another. Their latest achievement was winning a national battle of the bands ‘The Liquidisco Academy Awards’ where they were crowned the best under18 unsigned band in the U.K They have had numerous recording sessions and recorded an EP and more recently an 11 track album ‘Suburban Stories’.

Over the years the band has notched up a fair few live performances all of which showcase their talent perfectly. With an energy that only true rock stars can create, The Master Colony show young talent at it’s best and with such incredible songs and musical ability this band can only ever be destined for big things.

They are playing The Dublin Castle in Camden On wed Aug 26 and will hopfully be supporting Twisted Wheel @ Stockton in Nov

Five songs on myspace

The music scene at the minute is in a sad state of affairs.. However, in the midst of all this tight jeaned, Peaches Geldof loving hysteria, there lies a tiny glimpse of hope in the shape of four undiscovered boys from Middlesbrough. The Master Colony may not have entered the big leagues but the potential is there. Whilst they may give off a certain Gallagheresque vibe and sport haircuts that that ponse Weller would be proud of, there’s certain integrity to their music. You get the impression that despite the blatant influence of Mod and Madchester, this music is still their own. There’s no desperation to emulate, more an inherent need to pay homage to their musical inspiration.
As with every great band, the leader is apparent. As he struts around, playing the charismatic front man and belting out the surprisingly intelligent lyrics, Sheerin seems much older and more experienced than his age should allow. His band members all fulfil their individual roles perfectly. Bassist Lewi Mondall nonchalantly wanders around looking every inch the effortlessly cool style god, whilst guitarist Joe dons Thunderbird chic providing the ‘one your mother would like’ effect. Adrian Neal, banished behind the safety barrier of a drum kit, bashes away, apparently unaware that this is a performance, turning up in what I’m lead to believe is his usual attire of Bermuda shorts. Perhaps he’s sensitive to global warming and I suppose it is warm for November.

The songs are an eclectic mix, from a definite bluesy feel, to country, mainly focusing on good old fashioned British guitar rock that I find myself craving in a sea of keyboard and tinny electronic sounding bands ponsing aroung in face paint masquerading as artistic. (Even Bowie struggled to pull that one off!) Whilst it may not be revolutionary but it’s good. After all, aren’t all the best fashions recycled?

Despite the honest influence, it feels new. Sheerin’s lyrics are at times, outstanding and his view on life makes even the mundane interesting. It’s difficult to tell exactly what is different about these boys but there’s definitely something. Maybe it’s that they don’t claim to be some new revolutionary genre that nobody’s ever heard of and rightly so. Britain should be proud of its musical heritage. We are not a country that can relate to gangster rap, contrary to beliefs of people from ‘the block’ (Yes Cheltenham is full of ‘Ho’s’ so I hear), nor are we a nation of vaguely angry soft rockers. We are nation that is quite frankly, a bit dull. We like tea, and chips and watching light entertainment on a Saturday night so shouldn’t our songs say that!? If someone can sing about all that crap and still hold my attention by backing it with some damn good melodies, well then that should be applauded and upheld as the talent of this nation because I can guarantee that every teenager in the land will see themselves in those lyrics, and every adult will remember just how crap, painful and exciting being a British teenager was.
Not since the likes of Kelly Jones had Britain had so much song writing talent. So if you want the anthem for your youth, or just to listen to genuine, un-compromised brilliance, then you should check out The Master Colony.

Best wishes
Mark