Salvation Jayne at Create Festival 2015

Having lived in Ashford all my life, I know as well as anyone else that there isn't really a lot to look forward to in the town, let alone anything to do with music. But one thing that makes living here just the little bit more bearable is the annual Create Festival, held at Victoria Park. The weather yesterday was appalling, with no break in the clouds and miserable drizzle all day, but there was one band I was determined to see play live- Salvation Jayne. Headlining the Right Track Music tent at 6:15pm gave me enough time to psych myself up to see them play for the first time. I knew would be an amazing performance, and I definitely wasn't disappointed.

Just hearing their sound check gave me goosebumps, and standing right at the front meant I heard the
full intensity of what the band were capable of. With introductions to each song from singer Amy Benham, the band exploded into their set with the dirtiest blues around.

The set was mixed, with songs from the band's most recent EP, I'll Be Damned, including the title track as well as favourite "Black Eyes", as well as covers of Etta James' "I Just Want To Make Love To You" (yes, the Diet Coke advert song) and Bonnie Raitt's "Love Me Like A Man". 

With each song came more power, and the chemistry between the members was undeniable. The way Benham and guitarist Holly Kinnear work together in harmony with Dan Lucas' bass and Lucy Foster's drums gives the band that sought after stage presence only found in the greatest artists and I found myself in awe of how truly incredible Salvation Jayne are live. 

The highlight of the set for me had to be when the band played their newest song- a cover of Tom Waits' "Chocolate Jesus". This is a song that was originally quite quiet with not a lot of meat to it, but Salvation Jayne really pumped it up and gave it a completely new sound. Heavier and dirtier than ever, they really gave their all to this song and made it sound awesome. The band are recording the song tomorrow (July 28th), so look out for it.

All too soon the set came to a close, leaving the audience wanting more. An encore of "I Know A Place" finished what has to be one of the best gigs I've been to.

I've said it before when I reviewed their EP, and I'll definitely say it again: it really is surprising that these guys aren't more well-known. So show them some support and go and catch them at their upcoming gigs! They'll be playing at:

The Windmill, Ashford on August 7th, 

The Neptune , Broadstairs on August 9th and 13th

The Northwood Club, Ramsgate on August 28th.

Head over to their Bandcamp page to hear their EP's.

The Corteener's Frontman Liam Fray Receives Honorary Degree from Salford Uni

Picture credit: Richard Meftah, University of Salford

This isn't music news as such, but seeing as Salford is one of my choices for when I apply to university and the alumni has yet another legend, it deserves my attention!

As a part of the university's annual graduation ceremonies, The Corteener's Frontman Liam Fray received an Honorary Doctorate or Arts earlier today (July 16th). He attended Salford in 2004, first studying Economics and then Creative Writing before leaving during his second year to start his music career.

Receiving the honour at The Lowry on Salford Quays, the Manchester-born singer said:
 "It's so very humbling, and somewhat surreal, to be thought of and awarded a Doctorate of Arts by Salford University. When I left my Creative Writing course to dedicate more time to writing music, I never imagined I'd be coming back for something like this so soon. I feel like I'm accepting on behalf of all our fans, so massive love to all of them. And of course, kudos to Salford University for recognising such talent."