New reviews

The first reviews of the new tracks have been received at Witches HQ:

Mischa from Backlash Magazine said:

With exquisite arrangements and clear production these five songs are an epic, breathtaking taster of what’s to come. They all sound quite different, but the variation just highlights exactly what this six-piece are capable of. Bring on the album!

Trigger from Alternative Vision said:

Witches were a complete new band to me until I gave this cd a listen and I have to say that I am very impressed with them, they are a really ambitious band who know how to write perfect sounding songs, the songs are full of passion and emotion and the band have such a strong creative edge as each song sounds different from the last. A lot of great bands have come out of Oxford and hit the mainstream and Witches have the potential to be the next if they continue in their creative ways.

Owain from God Is In The TV said:

Final track 'B.O.K.' sees the band inherit the insistent indie style of Clinic over growling synth, and they wear it well; in fact, as a whole this could be the album's strongest track. It's delightfully arch lyrics singing 'Momma I don't wanna go to school today, some people are waiting for me by the gates.' As the guitar starts being strummed more insistently, the drumming clatters, the synth rises towards the close accompanied by trumpet you start to feel a bit frustrated that this track is cutting itself so short when it could easily become a glorious The Who-style rock opera.

Thank you to Mischa, Trigger and Owain for their positive vibes. Go check out their sites!

Also, following on from Nightshift's review of our Halloween gig, we have a new review of our Holiday Special gig.

Joby from The Fly said:

The sheer strength in numbers of the audience at the packed Wheatsheaf is surely some sign of the respect that is held for this sextet not only by the citizens who live among the spires of this famed seat of learning but increasingly outside.. what's certain is that Witches have once again put us under their spell.

Thanks to Joby and to everyone who's supported us this year. Onward into 2009!

-Dave G

Witches in 2009

January's going to be a crazy month - we have three London shows and one in Oxford too - then we're back in the studio again, working on the new album.

On Saturday 3rd January we'll be returning to The Windmill in Brixton, one of our favourite venues, to warm up the new year alongside the best of London's up-and-coming new bands.

Then on Tuesday 20th January we'll be playing our third show for ace promoters Club Fandango, this time at the legendary Dublin Castle in Camden.

Finally, on Saturday 31st January we'll be heading over to the Fox and Firkin in Lewisham to play our first gig for 2Bob promotions - ace venue and promoter - we've been after this gig for ages. Hopefully we won't get lost on our way across London.

As well as playing as many festivals as humanly possible, we'll be playing lots of supports in Oxford and Bristol in the new year, starting out with a support for Monday Morning Sun (him of Xmas Lights in new project) at The Wheatsheaf in Oxford on Friday 16th January. Organised by ace promoters Swiss Concrete, this should be an top night.

There'll be a new album as well next year - the release date depends on how quickly we get it finished. Most of the songs are written, but there's plenty of work still to do. Plenty more news to follow in the new year, so watch this space!

PS don't forget to come to the Oxford Carling Academy for Your Song on NYE. It never fails to satisfy. We'll be playing alongside a whole bunch of other Oxford bands, including Smilex and Nine Stone Cowboy. A warm welcome awaits you.. armed with hard liquor.

-Dave G

New photos + Witches Holiday Special

Big thanks to Johnny Moto for another excellent set of Witches photos - this time from our Halloween gig. You can view them in our Myspace photos and Flickr photostream.

Don't forget it's the Witches Holiday Special this coming Saturday (13th December). I know it's cold out, but we'll have warm snacks and great music from the likes of Borderville, McDowell and, well, us lot too :)

All the Witches back catalogue is now available to listen for free via Last.fm so go check it out. See you on Saturday.

Dave G

The Witches Holiday Special

..not to be confused with The Star Wars Holiday Special. For those who haven't, don't, I'm never getting those two hours back.

It's our annual Christmas gig (or, at least, I'm hoping to make it an annual event), and this will be taking place on Saturday 13th December at The Wheatsheaf. Usual stuff, doors at 8pm, about £5 on the door etc etc.

We'll be playing, with excellent support from local heroes Borderville and ace Bristol export McDowell. Both bands are well worth coming down early for.

I know it's cold and dark and everything, so we're putting on free mince pies and Christmas snacks, and there'll be a lucky dip - who knows what you'll find in there (if you find my house keys please let me know).

I also made a poster. All I can say is sorry. Very very sorry.

Don't forget you can now listen to all Witches releases for free on Last.fm. We'll also be at the NYE Your Song on 31st December - more details on that nearer the time.

See you on 13th.

Cheers

Dave G