OUR NEXT event looms ever closer. Yes Rogue’s Victorian Ball is less than a fortnight away, and boy are we excited! A Dickensian theme, games, DJs and three of the mightiest acts to grace the stages of Hitchin – plus you get in for next to nothing if you dress the part! To get you in the mood, we’ll be kicking off with the first in a series of band profiles – this time the mighty Lowki & Miss Twist who just happen to be playing on the 21st November at Club 85. Miss it, miss out!

Miss Twist’s lightning vocal delivery makes for a pleasant.. err… twist on the largely male-dominated grime scene. Backed up by the half-step bass-onslaught of Lowki’s dubstep productions, this is bang-up-to-date underground dance music from Hitchin via Brighton. Twist tells us to expect a really eclectic set (a good thing, because that’s what we like here at Rogue Towers) and even mentioned digging out her guitar for a number or two! Expect the unexpected…

Check it: http://www.myspace.com/lowerdubs

The ROGUE Collective are proud to present our next event on 21st November 2009 at Club 85, Whinbush Road, Hitchin SG5 1PZ. This one will have a Victorian carnival theme and we expect our guests to be dressed accordingly.

BANDS: Chaos Baby | Droome | Lowki Vs. Miss Twist

DJs: Max Wisker | Dog Latin | Danny G

DOORS OPEN: 8pm ’til 1am

PRICE: £3 in fancy dress | £4 streetwear

16+ bring ID.

FACEBOOK EVENT | MAP

We’ll be telling you more about it soon, so watch this space!

Mars changed zodiac sign last Friday, moving from Cancer into Leo.  Rogue’s astrologer guides us through the twists and turns of the months ahead!

Yes, the god of war has dried himself off and is back in more familiar territory – albeit still feeling slightly washed-up but happier nevertheless to be ashore once again, basking in the light of the Lions sunny kingdom! Cancer, you see, is a water sign and Mars, ruling Aries, is of the fire element. It doesn’t take a genius to fathom that fire and water don’t mix; they tend to have a detrimental affect on one another. This change is good news for Cancers, who can now relent from the steaming rage of the last 2 months. Leo’s too should be receiving a boost with Mars on their side; fire and fire is a much more reciprocal mix but can go BOOM if not tempered. So watch out for that.

Ye olde astrologists saw Mars as a predominantly ‘malefic’ planet in terms of its effects and therefore believed that it only ever portends bad tidings! These days, and since the advent of modern psychological astrology, our perception of any planet lends more to our own free will. Mars can indeed be a right nuisance if you let it but, if you take the bull by the horns, as it were, it’s energy can be put to good use. Mars represents our urge towards action, it pushes, achieves and get things done and is quite physical. Sports people tend to have a strong Mars in their charts (much research has been done on this) but on the shadow side so do tyrants and murderers as Mars can be violent, aggressive and downright belligerent if not handled correctly!

In terms of events in the world at large, the ‘energy’ of a planet as it moves into a new sign always seems more potent than during its general transit. Almost as if it’s making a song and dance of it’s arrival to a new domain. In Mars’ case there’s somewhat of a crash-bang-wallop effect, especially now, what with the sign in question, Leo, being of the same element (they also make good singers/dancers). I distinctly remember the last time Mars moved into Leo, about seventeen months back. There was a broad-daylight stabbing on Oxford street amidst the crowds of shoppers and commuters; Mars is traditionally associated with Ares, the god of war (violence?) and even rules sharp Implements (knives?); Leo is like the actress, craving the limelight and centre of attention (broad daylight! Hmm?). Here you can see, incidentally, how this blending of archetypes was played out. What about this time around? On 16 October 2009, the very day of Mars’ ingress in to Leo, you may have seen reports of a woman who became victim of an apparent IRA car bombing. Hello, Mars in Leo – Mars can also play usurper in a conflict – this time a bold (Leo) yet underhanded explosion (Mars). Bastard! No one ever said astrology was pretty.

Mars has decided to take an extended vacation in Leo, making lions of pussycats at the very least. Due to an astronomical anomaly known as ‘retrogression’ he will in fact spend a whopping seven months in this sign, compared to the usual two! Since the shift happened more than a few days ago now, it’s effects are already becoming apparent. I certainly felt it like the proverbial smack to the face, just as anticipated, but the way in which it will affect us all largely depends on our predisposition and where in each of our own skies Mars is reeking havoc:

And now for some cryptic fortune cookies – laced with stardust and baked at one billion degrees centigrade in an oven which also happens to be the beginning of time itself!

Aries
Fold your arms and stamp your feet all you like; rules is rules! Anyway, sport’s suppose to be fun, unless you’re pregnant!

Taurus
There’s no place like home, especially when deserted by kith and kin, eh? Where do you get the temerity?

Gemini
Rocket-boots is Mars’ gift to you. Socially you’re in good stead so put another pair on your Christmas list!

Cancer
As quickly as you’re calming down, you’re becoming a bit of a show-off. Fair enough, flaunt it! Money burns holes too.

Leo
If ever there was anything as scary as a lion on fire, check yourself! Grrr. But if it gets the job done…..

Virgo
Like a pressure-cooker that needs to let off steam, but trying to locate your nozzle causes you to spin, which in turn makes you dizzy!

Libra
The future is a white-hot poker; be careful where you sit. Tsssss!

Scorpio
You’re going straight to the top! Whether there’ll be anyone left to constitute a hierarchy when you’re through is your call.

Sagittarius
Leave the big philosophical why’s and what for’s ’til the day you meet your maker. In the meantime, why not take a holiday?

Capricorn
Settle a fiscal feud with your beloved with a compromise and build your own porn empire! The bank might get behind you too! Ooh, ménage à trois?

Aquarius
People suck! But of course they care, it’s just for the next seven months they’ll have a funny way of showing it.

Pisces
Someone’s pissing in your pond! It’s time to get ill. The government can save you now with a free swine-flu vaccination!

- Dan

Slick-haired guitar hero Sancho Banchez spills the beans on the best beards around the world. We’re too good to you, we really are…

10. DAVID BECKHAM (footballer), circa 2009

A new beard that has come to my attention after watching the footie the other night. An interesting messy/neat situation that looks like it might be being prepped for some mad beard idea, so could go up in ratings soon. I particularly like the apparent squares on each cheek – Nice.

9. CRAIG DAVID (musician (sic.)), circa 2002 – 2006

A beard cut so fine it’s almost not there! I like this beard for it’s minimalist qualities and the fact that the guy from Bo Selecta! has mentioned to me that it’s actually drawn on with a marker to make him look like he has a beard. Trendy.

8. KERRY KING (guitarist), circa 90’s – 00’s

There is nothing quite so American as bald men with big beards, and here the Slayer Axeman gets my vote as the best example. I have written to Zakk Wylde suggesting that he shaves his head to get on my list, but an angry reply from his publicist informs me that I should not be questioning his Style. I disagree. But Kerry (who I recently met in London) has let me touch his beard so there you go. Fruity.

7. MATTHEW DICKS (star bloke), circa 2003 – Present

It all started with a trip to China, and his whispy beard has now become part of the Dicks family…He really wouldn’t be himself with out it – in fact, to those who say he should get rid, get told to fuck off. Respect.

6. MEL GIBSON (actor, racist), circa 2000’s

A strange beard case here that definitely gets my attention. Normally seen with no beard at all, obviously Mel Gibson. But as soon as he’s seen out with a beard you’d  easily mistake him for one of Saddam Hussains look-a-likes. Nacho Bodega, an ex-Hussain double has informed me that Mel ‘may or may not have spent time in Iraq in the late 80s. Confusing.

5. JAVIER BARDEM (Actor), circa 1994

Fantastic, here we have a guy that suits beards and suits not having a beard! Unlike Gibson however, you call always tell that it’s him. I believe his beard was nominated for a ‘best supporting actor’ award in Spain before he made it into Hollywood. Prestigious.

4. MICKEY ROURKE/MICHAEL JACKSON (actor/recently deceased musician), circa whenever

Okay, a shared place here on the top ten. These two people represent beards that are clearly fake or just look like transplanted hair lined up in place. You just know that if a razor touched their faces they would just bleed to death, and that after so many facelifts their beards are now behind their ears. These are men so desperate to be on my beard list, I used to get hampered by Michael at least twice a day on bebo, so here they are. Glorious.

3. HOMER SIMPSON (reality TV actor), circa life

His beard grows back seconds after shaving, I’ve told him time and time again that he needs to let it grow and be free but apparently Marge gets bad stubble rash. Legendary

2. JAMES HETFIELD (singer, guitarist), Circa 88-93 & 96-98

Always a beard hero, he has consistently achieve the unachievable with his beard concepts. I have picked out two periods of his beard career that really stand out for me. His up and over years, no chin fluff, just big chops going into an up and over ‘tashe. So influential that that guy in Emmerdale Farm copied his look. Notorious

1.  BRIAN BLESSED (actor, man and legend), Circa ’60s ’70s ’80s ’90s ’00s

FIVE DECADES OF MAMMOTH BEARD ACTION. Truly a beard Hero that everyone can relate to. There are no words to write here, except to say that if you don’t own a Brian Blessed poster, you can actually order them online.

words by Matt Sanchez

Sonic Boom 6 15th October 09 – Relentless Garage Highbury and Islington.

The Skints

I’d heard good things about the Skints from various whispers around town but never actually heard them until tonight and I just wish I’d seen them sooner. With everything based around a modern rude-boi reggae style the band have a real slinky feel to them with each track floating along soon creating a crowd of nodding heads.

Each time I looked up to the stage the singer Marcia was picking up a different instrument starting of with Keyboard providing the reggae upstrokes and then to flute, saxophone and even melodica throwing each of these instruments into the mix to keep the sounds diverse.

I realised that for a reggae band the Skints do have a very streetwise and forceful sound nestling up against the Morcheeba like calm and its this juxtaposition that makes them so instantly likeable without them sounding like a bunch of punks playing a few upstrokes, They are carving out their own sound and its brought together a lot of influences in a very unique way.

The band who are on SB6’s Rebel Alliance records have got complete control over their music with well written songs hinting at slight elements of The Streets if they were really into reggae music, especially on the vocals and backing on ‘Contemplations of a modern rude boy’ a brilliant upbeat story style tune that you can download from rebel alliance.com alongside the other bands on the label.

It might seem strange to some that they aren’t a bit more abrasive or distorted and tend to ride the wave of calm slinky tunes throughout most of their set so if you like your tunes strictly punk rock this might not be the band for you but on most line ups a band like the Skints represent a welcome breath of fresh air and a new direction of reggae and ska roots.

Go and catch this band for a chance to get in some really silly dancing and to allow them to make you feel happy.

Sonic Boom 6

Sonic Boom 6 work so well combining the skanking riddims of ska with the ferocity of punk and cutting it neatly with well written songs, a mix of genres and a lot of great lyrics and choruses that bring you up emotionally when you listen to them. This is a band that can keep the crowd dancing in different styles through the set and keep the songs in your head after the show and that really is the mark of a great band.

 Each song of the set contains a killer hook of its own and a hint towards a number of different genres from hip hop, ska, dub and punk and it’s just a case of picking your favourite tonight. ‘Piggy in the Middle’ with its nod to the old school Capdown era ska punk is an obvious highlight tonight as is ‘Sound of a Revolution’ one of the bouncier tracks of the evening.

A special mention should be made of ‘An ode to DIY promoters’ a vitriolic blast of punk rock that last all of thirty five seconds and thanks all those who have helped put on shows for SB6 over the years just out of love for the band and the scene. Technically speaking the band are flawless and so well rehearsed and the set delivers everything the die hard crowd want tonight.

At the end of the set the band announce that guitarist Ben is leaving and that this will be his last London show so as a special treat Laila and Ben play the last song off the bands newest album together before the entire band rejoin them for a rendition of their first ever demo track which ties the night up nicely and gives all in the crowd a sense of the band’s history. It’s a shame to lose the original three way vocals of SB6 but it wont slow them down and will just take the band in new directions which has always been their strength.

Always a band to keep an eye on I can see Sonic Boom 6 continuing to do great things with their genre terrorism sound and DIY approach.

Matt Turner – freakofthepit@hotmail.com please contact for reviews & interviews

Go to rebelalliance.com to download the label sampler featuring cracking tracks from the Skints and SB6 alongside a dubstep remix of random hand and tracks from Mouthwash and the Babylon Whackers

Our very own falcon-haired gadabout, singer with Hitchin ska-core legends Weightloss, and purveyor of all things astral lets us in on his top 10 albums of the year so far…

10. RANCID – LET THE DOMINOES FALL

An earnest attempt from these now old-skoolers. Worthy of a good few catchy sing-alongs!

9. CHASE & STATUS – MORE THAN A LOT

One in a spate of albums in recent times to mix up drum’n'bass and dubstep in one sitting. This award winner’s laden with silky bangers!

8. ZOMBY – ONE FOOT AHEAD OF THE OTHER

Reminiscent of 8-bit Sega games dressed in aqueous tones and ‘wonky’ rhythms. It’s new but at the same time it’s nostalgic.

7. VARIOUS ARTISTS – DUB ECHOES

A crucial journey into Dub; from the grass roots of King Tubby to more contemporary incarnations. Complimenting the release of a DVD documentary by the same name.

6. ED RUSH & OPTICAL – TRAVEL THE GALAXY

Dark and dirty drum’n'bass reinvented by heroes of a seemingly flagging genre – here they answer its call!

5. NOFX – COASTER

Formulaic, melodic hardcore from ageing veteran punk-rockers. Same as it ever was, but if you like that, you’ll love this.

4. JOHN FRUSCIANTE – THE EMPYREAN

Traverse the unrelenting depths of a tortured yet sympathetic soul. Beautiful in places and stylistically unique.

3. PERE UBU – “LONG LIVE PERE UBU!”

An experiment in musical theatre, with a history lesson to boot. Pere Ubu are thoroughly entertaining.

2. FAT FREDDY’S DROP – DR. BOONDIGGA AND THE BIG BW

In my opinion New Zealand’s finest export, followed closely by Bret and Jermaine. Smooth and sexy drawn-out barbecue-dub!

1. DUBBLESTANDART – RETURN FROM PLANET DUB

Lee Scratch Perry’s modern army drop this double disc epic. A wobbling schism of traditional dub/dubstep.

We know it’s been a bit quiet round these parts lately, but believe us, it’s been bloody hectic up at Rogue Towers these last few weeks. A site revamp, a new event, the podcast, even a documentary and comic strip – we haven’t stopped guv really we ‘aven’t.

Anyway, just so you know, the cumbersome http://www.roguemag.wordpress.com address has now been changed to the much simpler roguemusic.co.uk so update your links!

The Rogue team has had a bit of a reshuffle too – we’re officially a collective now, with writers, events producers, filmmakers, artists and all that good shit running around making a nuisance of themselves. To introduce you to the team, each member’s been asked to come up with a top ten, which we’ll be publishing very soon.

Till then, we’ve got some top blinga coming up, so keep your eyes firmly placed on the space above this post.

Charlie & the Rogue Crew

Just a little dubstep mini-production we at Rogue have been mucking about with. We’d like to hear your productions too – send em our way, and if they’re decent they’ll appear on the up and coming Rogue Radio show!