User:Peteinterpol/Westfield Mining Disaster

Westfield Mining Disaster ...

Formed in 2006, The Westfield Mining Disaster play bittersweet jangle pop with a dark, country twist. Based near Bristol, the band have so far recorded singles for American label Cloudberry Records and German label Edition 59 and are currently preparing to release their first album in early 2010.

The band's founder Paul Towler has been making records since the 80's with his previous band 'The Hay...wains' who, endorsed by the late John Peel, released three albums and six singles worldwide. Today, drawing from those fiercely independent 'C86' roots, The Westfield Mining Disaster find added inspiration from a mutual love of old country, soul and easy-listening records, adding a modern twist to old-school indie-pop.

Bassist Stew Black previously worked with Paul in short-lived popsters 'The Casswells' during the late 90's, whilst drummer Mike Barker was previously a part of Bath based guitar-pop hopefuls 'Cruiser'. Singer Liz Black and guitarist Chris Bennett, another former member of The Haywains, have joined The Westfield Mining Disaster along the way, forming the current five piece line-up.

As time goes by, many long-serving musicians are happy to settle for the safety of reforming their old bands. The Westfield Mining Disaster by contrast, were formed to offer something more refreshing than just another vain nostalgia trip. A new band, a new sound and a clean slate isn't the easiest of options when you can just as readily get money for old rope these days! But, it's the band's determination to develop and improve their craft that offers a greater challenge than simply jumping aboard the mid-life crisis reformation bandwagon.

Music can be a powerful mouthpiece for the underdog, but where are today's protest songs? Sadly, today's mainstream careerists would sooner sit on the political fence than risk upsetting the safe ringing of tills. Likewise, a fashionable tide of loutish wannabes would sooner serve up dumb summer anthems for lad-mag subscribers than convey anything worthwhile. The Westfield Mining Disaster hope to stand up for the things they care about. So, if you cast your vote to the right, if you support blood-sport or you get your culture-fix from the fascist gutter press, please be warned - this band may not be for you. However, if you like pop music with something more to say than looking good on the dance floor and letching at girls, then why not give The Westfield Mining Disaster a listen? You may find they're not as grim as their name suggests!