Popular Music has travelled so far over the past hundred years. From the early Blues, seen as the Devil’s music played in the Juke joints of Louisiana to the 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll explosion to the 60’s sounds to the 70’s Glam and Punk and on and on and on, there has always been a diverse and ever-evolving scene with experimentation and sub-cultures.
Here in the North East, we celebrate all sorts in all forms which makes us a major hotbed for talent. Which brings me to one of our featured NE artists for this month, Split Threadz.
I have two confessions before we begin this article, firstly before James, the lead vocalist, explained to me what Hardcore Sludge was, I didn’t have a clue about it. It is very much, in my opinion, a love child of the classic 70’s punk combined with the metal scene, dare I say the harder end of metal. The result being an incredibly hard and throaty explosive sound. That brings me to my second confession, this isn’t my bag at all. Saying that, I am in my sixties and happily wallowing in Blues, Rockabilly and Folk which many will contribute to me being an old fart. But don’t take that as any critisism on our lads today, it’s just me.
However, I am very open-minnded to all genre’s and will dig in and give each a fair shake. As much as I wanted to really hate the genre, I find myself paying attention and getting where the guys in ‘Split Threadz’ are coming from.
So on with the article. ‘Split Endz’ are all sons of the North East. On vocals is Hartlepool local, James Hudson. I have watched James’s music career grow further and further since the Lock down. Readers may recall the local band in issue 4, ‘Dead By July’ which featured James on Bass.
Since then he has battled hard to develop his sound with a new band finally landing with ‘Split Threadz’.
Brandon features on Bass who has worked with James in a previous band. and has drawn his influences from Hardcore Punk, Sludge and Death metal. Brandon is the only stringed player in the band taking on the role of rythym and lead. Quite a task.