Worcester Music Forum

Well it's that time of year again - we've had Glasto and T-in-the-Park

- if you were at either why not let us know about it? But it's time now for weatherman Paul Damari to come into his own - he did well for us at the wonderful Wyeside a couple of weeks ago - so keep it going for this weekend's Nozstock mate - featuring tonight's mouthwatering selection of local talent. But don't forget that Nomad 67, And What Will Be Left Of Them?, The Donns, Mars Bonfire and The Anomalies are also on the bill over the weekend - when I expect them to give imports Hayseed Dixie and the Utah Saints a run for their money - quite right!

Time last week for a taste of the new Thursday night Marrs Bar promotions - only two bands on show on the night though but I'm really chuffed I caught Passengers from Evesham as they're the brightest three-piece I've seen for some time. Brian Marr spotted them at one of the regular Wednesday open mike nights and offered them a gig - good move! Under-describing themselves as just regular indie-rockers this trio have been cutting their teeth at Evesham's own Battle of the Bands at the Railway Inn (ouch that's opened a can of worms!) Soundwise Passengers (not The Passengers) are a blend between Snow Patrol and the not so confident Dandelion Killers of a year or so ago. What they also have in bucketloads is original tunes with a very Richard Thompson-ish bitter-sweet edge in numbers like 'Welcome' and 'Come In Get Out'. I'll be expecting much more of this bunch this year!

Mudball from Kidderminster have to be the most tattooed outfit I've seen for quite a while. While knocking out an emo-ish blend of RHCP and QOTSA riffs the product is weirdly similar to Hereford liggers Frantik's own Blink 182-ish blastings. Just got the feeling that if they lightened up a bityou never know

I was lucky at Nozstock last year - catching the dry Saturday with Tastyhead, Pencil Toes and the Anomalies on fine dry form - hope it shines a bit as I know Pete's put a lot into this year's event. If you have enjoyed Nozstock then why not check out a similar festival near you in the next few weeks? Upcoming we've got The Jamstand at Ross-on-Wye with DLK and Sol, The Gun Tavern all-dayer in Worcester with The Donns and Smokestack, The Worcester Festival with another Friday Session OB and too many bands to mention and don't forget the Little Hellfire Club all-dayer with tombola, Splat-the-Rat and quite probably another plethora of the great local talent. All we need is a bit of sunshine - how about it Paul?