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the Ilfords

Ever wondered what music your favourite band listens to? What songs inspire the best songwriters?

In this feature, we’ll speak to some of HOT VOX’s favourite new artists on the gigging scene and find out what songs shaped them to be the musicians and artists they are today and what’s on their Spotify Playlist.

Today’s playlist is curated by The Ilfords

The Ilfords are a raucous, ‘characterful’, unsigned alt/indie rock outfit out of Ilford Road, Newcastle, with a sound drawing comparisons to Arctic Monkeys, Foals, the Maccabees and Palace. They hit the Newcastle music scene hard at an early age, subjecting countless Tyneside crowds to their high-energy alt-rock formula from 2012 to 2017, but then life forced the boys apart. Now, after a long hiatus, the Ilfords are reemerging.

Having sold out show after show on their 2022 UK tour, they’re quickly becoming hot property once again. Expect crunch, energy and sh*t hair in spades, and as good a live show as you’ll see (at least a day or two either side, depending on who else you see and when).

17 Aug

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The Ilfords

Who are The Ilfords?

We are an unsigned alt/indie rock outfit out of Ilford Road, Newcastle. We started 10 years ago and we’ve been away for a few years but we’ve kicked back off this year and we’re loving it. Our music unashamedly draws from Arctic Monkeys, Foals, the Maccabees and Palace with some other bits and pieces thrown in there. We like playing live. Come and see us. Recent reviews:

“I swear the drummer gans to bed with those sticks” – Wylam Brewery kitchen Porter

“couple tunes there like marra” – Jack’s pal

“wow. I can’t see” – F. Gill

“jack mate you should really stick to DJing” – anon

“yeah ok phil it sounds really good well done” – Phil’s mam

“W⚓s” – a man called Ray on our Facebook

 

Two of us are taking on these questions: David (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Finlay (drums).

 

Song from the first album you ever bought/listened to?

David: Still Take You Home – Arctic Monkeys

Finlay: Bonkers – Dizzee Rascal

 

A song you wish you had written?

D: Arguing With Thermometers – Enter Shikari. Makes me want to punch a wall.

F: Howdon Aldi Death Queue – Sam Fender. We’ve covered this on tour for a reason.

 

A song that inspires you?

D: Where the Sky Becomes Sea – Palace. Palace have a way with chords like no other and this almost biblical song describes the desire to recapture love from something that faded a long time ago. They make me want to practice guitar.

F: Lingus – Snarky Puppy

 

Last song you purchased?

D: Lumberjack – Tyler, The Creator. Tyler is the greatest. That is all.

F: Organ Donor – DJ Shadow. Bought the album for my Dad last year. Timeless.

 

A song that makes you feel nostalgic?

D: Sweater Weather – The Neighbourhood. Proper school summer vibes. American Apparel and unrequited love.

F: Why Does it Always Rain On Me – Travis. Scottish parents.

 

Your favourite sing-along song in the shower?

D: World of Our Own – Westlife. First gig I ever went to. 7 year old me would be proud that I still know all the lyrics.

F: Our Velocity – Maximo Park. One of the finest bands ever to come out of the north east, Our Earthly Pleasures is criminally underrated.

 

A song that confirmed your love for music?

D: Angels/Your Love – Mr Jukes, BJ The Chicago Kid

F: I Got The – Labi Siffre. Cool as you like, funky as anything, sampled by Eminem. Full circle.

 

A song you put on when getting ready for a big night out?

D: Lazy (feat. David Byrne) – X-Press 2

F: My High – Disclosure, Slowthai. Shout out to Frank, he knows. This slaps.

 

The song do you put on repeat if you’ve just had your heart broken?

D: Hey – Pixies

F: Our Song – Radiator Hospital

 

Your worst guilty pleasure song?

D: Girls – Calvin Harris. Awful lyrics, awful song, can’t stop listening.

F: Whatcha Say – Jason Derulo

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