CrazyFace & Siren Fanzine

03/05/21 • 63 min

Series 1 Episode 6 of the podcast covers the work of CrazyFace as well as looking back at Siren fanzine. Thanks to the wonders of technology, It features host Dean Vernals ‘in conversation’ with Matt Almond & Pete Moth from the band as well as Tracey Howell who was both their manager and 'copy editor' for Siren.
CrazyFace were a five-piece band formed in 1996. and as well as Matt & Pete featured Simon Pearce on vocals, Jim Perkin-Ball on bass & a selection of different drummers during their time together. Amongst the highlights, they made an appearance at Glastonbury on the 'new band' stage, as well as obtaining a distribution deal for two singles with Bearos Records. Matt, Pete & Tracey have selected three tracks to play from the CrazyFace collection: Software, Brickwall & Free Coke.

Siren Fanzine was first published in December 1994 and featured countless Interviews and reviews of both signed and unsigned bands. Tracey made a point of always including a local unsigned band on the cover and looking back now, it is a valuable record of the Birmingham music scene during that era.

If you remember CrazyFace or were in a Birmingham band between 1985 & 2005 and would like to take part in a future episode, then get in touch at: [email protected]. You could also follow the podcast on Twitter – just search for whenthenightcomespodcast to see some archive photographs of the bands featured.

· To view the promo video Chris Randall directed for the band click here: Brickwall by CrazyFace

· You can follow Siren Fanzine on Facebook to view old copies or click here for a sample: Siren fanzine volume 2 Issue 6

· To view the promo video Chris Randall directed for the band click here: Brickwall by CrazyFace

· You can follow Siren Fanzine on Facebook to view old copies or click here for a sample: Siren fanzine volume 2 Issue 6

Previous Episode

Rachels Basement

Series 1 Episode 5 of the podcast covers the work of Rachels Basement (Yes..the apostrophe omission is deliberate!). It features host Dean Vernals ‘in conversation’ with their singer and main songwriter Daniel Rachel. We also discuss his early days as a writer, as well as the solo work recorded after the band split-up. Daniel has since become a best-selling author and his first book ‘Isle of Noises’ about great British songwriters, was a Guardian & NME book of the year.

Rachels Basement were formed in 1993 and there were two different four-piece line-ups of the band. They played to sold out venues on several nationwide headline and support tours, as well as being courted by many record companies. Despite this, a deal would remain elusive.

Daniel has selected four tracks to play from the collection: Our Russian Flame, Quit Your Lowdown Ways & Too Much High Living by Rachels Basement as well as Pearl from his solo album ‘A Taste of Money’.

If you remember Rachels Basement or were in a Birmingham band between 1985 & 2005 and would like to take part in a future episode, then get in touch at: [email protected]. You could also follow us on Twitter – just search for whenthenightcomespodcast to see some archive photographs of the bands featured. More information about Daniel’s books can be found at: http://danielrachel.com

Finally, if you get chance, rate & review us on iTunes - thanks for listening!

Next Episode

The Laurels

Series 1 Episode 7 of the podcast covers the work of The Laurels. It features host Dean Vernals ‘in conversation’ with Mark Butler & John Bonehill who both played guitar and shared vocal duties in the band.

The Laurels were a four-piece formed in 1986 and as well as Mark & John, the core line-up featured Trevor Walsh on bass and Fintan O’Hallorhan on drums. Dean first became aware of them sometime in the late 1980s, when he was passed a demo tape by a musician friend. He digitised it during the first lockdown in 2020 & set about locating members of the band, with the hope of persuading them to take part in the series. He struck lucky after spotting a post on the Birmingham Music Archive Facebook page and discovered that he wasn’t the only one who has good memories of their music!

Mark & John have selected three tracks to play from the Laurels collection: Do You Believe in Me?, The Sound of Rain & Watershed. They also share a track they have written together and recorded since the break-up of the band - ‘Falling Away’.

If you remember The Laurels or were in a Birmingham band between 1985 & 2005 and would like to take part in a future episode, then get in touch at: [email protected]. You could also follow the podcast on Twitter – just search for whenthenightcomespodcast to see some archive photographs of the bands featured.

Finally, if you get chance, rate & review us on iTunes - thanks for listening!