EDIT – unfortunately major audio Gremlins crept into the recording works, so the original interview has disappeared down a digital plughole. However, on the flip side, this meant MPM headed westwards to Llanelli to catch The Now celebrate the launch of ‘Too Hot To Handle’ with an acoustic session at emporium extraordinaire The Second 45.
With a vibrant and hugely dynamic debut album in the form of ‘Too Hot To Handle’ literally hot off the press, in terms of release, Welsh attention-grabbing rockers The Now invite MPM’s Gary Spiller to a record store session for a second attempt at an interview with them.
There’s a first time for everything and it’s safe to say conducting an interview in a shopfront window, with an audience to boot, is a first without doubt. From a most secretive of locations to the very heart of Llanelli it’s all in a day’s productive work!
Comprising of Shane Callaghan (Vocals), Callum Bromage (Guitar / Vocals), Jay Evans (Bass / Vocals) and Will Scott (Drums) the quartet are a jovial instantly likeable bunch. Their brand of hard rock is described as hooky and most relatable and has featured as Planet Rock Track of The Week, on ITV, Johnnie Walker’s Rock Show (Radio 2) and Sky Sports. Clearly big things await this most deserving of outfits.
We chat about the top shelf instore material, Shane’s inadvertent melding of Kelly Jones and Michael Hutchence in his approach to his vocals plus a myriad of topics with laughter a constant presence. Sticking my neck on the line I compare my first listens of ‘Too Hot To Handle’ to first hearing the likes of fellow Welsh luminaries Those Damn Crows and Scarlet Rebels. In truth this is going to be one of THE best releases of 2024!!
With a UK Tour to be announced imminently The Now are heading London-wards for their headline album launch show at Islington’s O2 Academy on 7th March. The following two nights they have secured a prestigious support slot with Welsh legends Feeder at their Bristol and Cardiff Shows. On top of this there is a local festival appearance at the very well-respected Station 18 Festival at Swansea’s Hangar 18 venue.
“We believe ‘Too Hot To Handle’ really showcases our diverse range of writing and sound, we’re not to be pigeonholed into one way stylistically! Ultimately you can be who you want to be, make the music you believe in, and you shouldn’t care what anyone says about what you choose to do in life as it’s simply too short.” Join The Now and live in the moment.
Go to The Now’s official website to order ‘Too Hot To Handle’, available on CD and vinyl here – Home | The Now (thenowuk.com)
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