I found the blogs I wrote whilst writing the first 2 album efforts. They span from 2012-2020 and tell the up and down story of the band getting together and falling apart. They are only interesting from the view that is what I was up to a decade ago. Makes me a bit sad tbh.<\/p>\n
—————————————————————–<\/p>\n
We are an original rock band from Southport\/Liverpool. It is a studio project only at the moment but the idea is to get on the road if there is enough interest in the music.<\/p>\n
English Thorn is:<\/p>\n
Andy McCormack- Vocals\/ Guitars
\nGraham McCormack- Bass\/Vocals
\nDrums – Eddie Lane Jnr<\/p>\n
All music is written for the first album Europa and follow up Io. Now to finishing the recording. I have a lot done for Europa and I’m very happy with the songs. Most of the drum and guitar tracks are done. Europa is very ROCK!! whereas Io is a bit darker melodically with different textures but without losing the edge. Just got to start laying some of the vocals down. Music is the greatest gift possible.<\/p>\n
Update.23\/06\/12<\/p>\n
All drum and guitar tracks are down now for Europa. I have also recorded all vocal tracks. Some vocal bits I want to redo but now in the middle of moving house and I’ve developed a crazy bout of hayfever. It’s maybe due to the pollen from fields of Rape around Formby but it’s making singing very difficult unless I grow to like the Donald Duck effect. It’s taking weeks longer than expected but I’d like to be happy with the first offering. More soon. Andy<\/p>\n
Update 27\/07\/12<\/p>\n
Getting there slowly but surely. Laying down bass and overdubs at the mo. Settled in now to new house and got rid of all boxes and rubbish so can crack on. Vocal effects, compression and eq sorted. Have altered the key of one tune which means re recording all parts but it has to be right, I’ll do that after I’ve put most of Europa tunes out. Something will be ready in next few weeks at which point I’ll sort out a proper net presence. Really enjoying the journey. Peace out Andy<\/p>\n
Update 29\/09\/12<\/p>\n
Hi yall. It\u2019s taken me since February to get to this point getting to grips with the task, but I think I\u2019m just about there. I booked a week off work to get through the mountain of musical things I had to do. Trying to find time to produce songs whilst rehearsing a duo, a new covers band and a full time job is a momentous challenge. I\u2019ve had a productive week thank goodness.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve managed to upload the first two tracks from Europa to Reverbnation here.<\/p>\n
http:\/\/www.reverbnation.com\/englishthorn” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>www.reverbnation.com\/englishthorn” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”><\/p>\n
I\u2019m attempting to put the tracks in the order they appear on the album just for simplicity I think. They may not be the exact final versions mix and master wise, I\u2019m not sure yet. The first track \u2018Rock It Up\u2019 has a one take improvised guitar solo as rushing to get away to see my sister. I\u2019ve found in the past if I improvise and not listen to it for a while when I listen back it seems natural rather than many laboured and considered takes( I get the red light fever you know). So it may stay like that or may not, don\u2019t know. The second guitar solo on \u2018Good Day To Die\u2019 I constructed in about an hour. If anyone\u2019s interested in having a listen please do.<\/p>\n
Gotta run the missus is cracking the whip.<\/p>\n
Ta ra io!<\/p>\n
Update 7\/10\/12<\/p>\n
Hi yall.<\/p>\n
I managed to get another one up and running.<\/p>\n
It’s called ‘Sell Your Soul To Rock n Roll’. It’s one of the heavier ones I’ve got.<\/p>\n
http:\/\/www.reverbnation.com\/englishthorn” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>www.reverbnation.com\/englishthorn” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”><\/p>\n
Also re uploaded the first two with a slightly warmer guitar EQ and fatter snare sound. Slightly remixed as I thought vocals were too loud.
\nI\u2019m probably gonna for about six before I stick em on I tunes and then try to promote the album from the website I\u2019ve bought. Probably never gonna do anything but I just gotta get what\u2019s in my head out so bear with me if I may be so bold.<\/p>\n
Cheers x
\nAndy<\/p>\n
Update 14\/12\/12<\/p>\n
Hi yall. Have managed to upload another song called Fire Me Up. It has been a bit of a stumbling block as I wanted to change the key from D to B as I though B sounded a little weightier. I can forge ahead with plans to get more into music now. Cheers if anyone listens:-)<\/p>\n
Update 14\/03\/13
\nGot another one up called House of the Mad. My ear for what I want to do is improving now so I’ll Probably re mix the other tunes I’ve got. The rest should come thick and fast now. Tarario for nowio
\nhttp:\/\/http:\/\/www.reverbnation.com\/englishthorn” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>www.reverbnation.com\/englishthorn” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”><\/p>\n
Update 26\/03\/13
\nHiya got number seven up and running. It’s called Beware The Moon and came to me dozin after watching American Werewolf In London one night. It is probably the closest to fantasy I’m gonna come. Don’t be scared!!
\nhttps:\/\/soundcloud.com\/englishthorn
\nNumber six Voodoo Doll is missing a guitar solo but will be uploaded soon.
\nI have created a Logo for band. It is the Old English language letter ‘Thorn’ with some creative alterings.
\nLoving the journey even if it goes nowhere. Andy<\/p>\n
To follow on Facebook:
\nhttp:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/English-Thorn\/203464803103308<\/p>\n
For our Covers band see:
\nnwb.co\/hellrazer
\nor
\nhttp:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hellrazerband<\/p>\n
15-02-2014
\nWebsite back up and running! The band are just getting back on it’s feet after losing guitarist and bassist at the end of 2013. The good ship is back on course after new bassist jumped on board. Rehearsals are going well and we are writing new songs all the time. Which means album number two material is quickening into life. The new material is sounding great with a leaning towards shorter melodic punchy songs. A second guitarist is in the pipeline too which means we should be up a rocking very soon playing live in support of album Written In Stone. More news very soon.<\/p>\n
18-02-2014
\nSecuring second guitarist going well.<\/p>\n
26-02-2014
\nWe are very proud to announce that we are now featured in the April issue of Classic Rock Magazine(issue 195) out today. We have a song ‘Fire Me Up’ on the covermount CD and a posting about us on page 89. Here’s hoping it’s the first of many appearances. Many thanks to Ken at CR for contacting us.<\/p>\n
04-03-2014
\nOur intended second guitarist hasn’t come to fruition. However, the songs from second album are really taking shape. They include Big Bad Sky, Meet My Maker, You Make Me Feel So Real, Lover Of Gold, Throw Away The Key, Mutiny On The High Seas, Devil Has A Hold Of Your Soul, The Golden Rule and Put Up Your Dukes. Really shaping up to be powerful live punchy tunes.<\/p>\n
09-03-2014
\nWe will be putting down drum tracks and bass track for Big Bad Sky today in the studio. An accompanying video will be produced over the next couple of months whilst getting out and playing some gigs.<\/p>\n
20-03-2014
\nWe now have a publisher.<\/p>\n
22-03-2014
\nA decision has been made to remix the album Written In Stone before it’s physical release. The digital version out now will soon be no longer available. The back to strength band is getting tighter and more powerful with every rehearsal. The new songs are coming which gives us an indication the release of the second album may actually be later this year. Which all adds to the live show too!!<\/p>\n
24-04-2014
\nThe remixing is underway and can be heard on Soundcloud with most of the Written In Stone album having a sonic makeover, but it will take a while yet. The remix is intended to give the album an earthier feel. The video for Throw Away The Key is now available to view online in our video section. We’re really pleased with it, hope you enjoy it.<\/p>\n
06-05-2014
\nThe guys have been in the studio to rerecord Big Bad Sky to give it a punchier feel and also lay down tracks for new tune Put Up Your Dukes which will available on Soundcloud Very soon. Keep your ears to the ground. Also new song Mutiny On The High Seas is taking shape and promises to be our most epic yet. We’re enjoying the journey!!<\/p>\n
11-05-2014
\nWe will now move towards continuous single releases rather than batch releases with albums. We will still be releasing albums of course. Keeps us busy dontcha know!<\/p>\n
08-06-2014
\nGot some new acoustic songs coming to the boil at the moment. Love Shine Down will come to light very soon<\/p>\n
10-06-2014
\nUnfortunately Dave has had to leave due to family commitments. We wish him well. This will set us back trying to get ready for live dates though sadly. The search for another bass player continues!<\/p>\n
14-06-2014
\nNow looking for a bass player. Written In Stone has been removed from Bandcamp until it is remixed. Only House Of The Mad to go which will be have a different arrangement.<\/p>\n
15-06-2014
\nIt has been very hard over the past few months trying to get members together from their respective projects. Such is life as an independent artist. Head down crack on. So the next few songs should be One Way Street, Mutiny On The High Seas, Love Shine Down, Tower Of Strength and Lover Of Gold.<\/p>\n
02-07-2014
\nThe remix of Written In Stone is finished and will be available soon as possible. A few edits and additions here and there too. Two and a bit years in the making I am very proud of the effort but I can happily say it’s now onto the next album which should be a bit more personal. As WIS had a working title of Europa album number two Shall be called Io or io. That starts today with the intended opener Mutiny On The High Seas…….to the studio!!!! Should be on Bandcamp for a listen soon.<\/p>\n
20-07-2014
\nNew single Mutiny On The High Seas available for streaming and download today on the audio page. It is the first track from the second album. https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/<\/p>\n
Acoustic rehearsals are going well. Some songs are really suited to a stripped down treatment and the melody shines through. Some need the band behind them. It is possible these tunes may be omitted or some accompaniment may be used in order to do some solo gigs.<\/p>\n
01-08-2014
\nGetting a bit of interest from some original music minded guys interested in playing with ET, always nice. Trying to rework Written In stone lyric videos to singular full album video.<\/p>\n
03-08-2014
\nA song recorded a few months back has now been made available for download. It was intended for the second album release but some songs will be released as singles beforehand. You Make Me Feel So Real is available on the audio page https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/<\/p>\n
08-08-2014
\nRecorded a little you tube acoustic version of a few tunes which as I rehearse some solo material. Will record a few more over the next few weeks. Here is a little version of Written In Stone http:\/\/youtu.be\/81MPzLcVBKE Also getting a little magazine interest which is all good.<\/p>\n
20-08-2014
\nAforementioned full album lyric video http:\/\/youtu.be\/UZCH-Rmkbf8<\/p>\n
30-08-2014
\nBeen offered some decent gigs so it looks like getting the band back to full power is a must really. Also Lover Of Gold is going really well in the studio however pace really must pick up for releases. If ACDC can record a whole album in ten days where are we going wrong lol.<\/p>\n
07-09-2014
\nExcited about finding an avenue for physical distribution. This means all album releases will have a physical CD from now on. Written In Stone Should be available before October.<\/p>\n
14-09-2014
\nIn the studio today to put guitars down for Lover Of Gold. New tune coming to the boil also called Top Of The Mountain…absolute stormer in my humble opinion lol. So exciting. Have put ear to the ground for musicians to play a charity event happening soon. It is a breast cancer event set up after a close friend died recently so I’d really like to do it. We can hope\u2026<\/p>\n
20-09-2014
\nThe first physical album arrives in the post<\/p>\n
28-09-2014
\nSpent the whole week in the studio bringing the songs to life for the next album. The track ‘Tower of Strength’ starts with a very tricky heel\/toe single bass drum pattern which took me a few hours to master, but after that steady progress was made. There are now ten which may still expand slightly to eleven or twelve. I’ve been busy recruiting for live work with hope for future collaboration. Now just seeking the final piece or member in the jigsaw. Hopefully we can have some focus on live work soon. In fact that will be the main focus after the second album arrives as we’ll have more than enough material for a two hour show will a few choice Led Zeppelin, early Queen and maybe a Deep Purple tune thrown in for good measure. Bring it On!!!<\/p>\n
Second Album Tracklisting has changed from initial predictions. It now stands as:<\/p>\n
Mutiny On The High Seas, Lover Of Gold, Top Of The Mountain, One Way Street, Tower Of Strength, Shoot You Down, Love Shine Down, Black Cadillac, Voices, Devil Gotta Hold On Your Soul<\/p>\n
06-10-2014
\nHad a tune come to me whilst working on the middle 8 for Tower Of Strength. Unusual rhythm for English Thorn but it’s pretty cool. Been working on the title ‘Sleepwalk Into Oblivion’ for a few weeks and it all fell together really. So the album title track is born. Quite a few heavyish tracks on here, strangely after concentrating on some acoustic tracks for a while. May have to add acoustic based Love Shine Down to album to add a little light and shade.<\/p>\n
26-10-2014
\nBreast cancer charity gig Rock For Ribbons was played last night. Really enjoyed it. Played it solo as the band is yet to hit it’s stride. It was set up in the memory of dear friend Teresa Bradshaw who passed away last year. It is a fitting celeberation as she loved her rock music. Went down well. There is some mobile phone footage on the video page. Next one should be a full band affair. Here’s to the next gig!!!<\/p>\n
02-11-2014
\nA new tune came to the fore today. Cycle Of Pain is quite a heavy track. Quite excited about it…maybe enough to add it to this album, the style really suits the other tracks on it.<\/p>\n
23-11-2014
\nWell it looks like we have a full band back in action…more news on the new members soon. Been busy in the studio and the second track from the new album is now ready and will be available online this week. It is truer to English Thorn than the first album. Keep your eyes peeled for Sleepwalk Into Oblivion. All songs for the album are now recorded and just need overdubs, mixing and mastering.<\/p>\n
30-12-14
\nI’ve managed to get some freetime over christmas period to spend in the studio. River of Gold is now up and ready for streaming on the website. Hopefully another couple over next three days.<\/p>\n
05-01-15
\nEnglish Thorn has been accepted by Pledgemusic. This is exciting news as it opens the door to the possibility of physical merchandise, tours, videos and a host of other avenues bands with industry backers are party to. Gets the fans involved in the music. It even presents the ultimate goal of spending more time on the music than is currently possible.<\/p>\n
09-01-15
\nA new bassist stepped up to the mark last night at rehearsal. Hopefully the full band can start hitting full stride soon. The video for Throw Away The key is to be taken down from You Tube as an alternative version of the song, which has been coming together over the past few months, is really starting to shine. The old version isn’t really where English Thorn’s head is at the moment. Whether the old video will see light of day again is unclear but the latest version will appear at some point.<\/p>\n
19-01-15
\nA few more tunes coming to fruition for ‘Sleepwalk’ on Bandcamp. Not all final mixes probably. Take a sneak peak https:\/\/englishthorn.bandcamp.com\/album\/sleepwalk-into-oblivion-2<\/p>\n
Rehearsals Going Well
\nPosted on March 19, 2015
\nEarly stages of rehearsals going well. If all stays on course hopefully we can get some photos and videos shot and support \u2018Sleepwalk\u2019 album. As usual the album gets put farther back. Time permitting it will be out very soon. Watch this space for a Pledgemusic campaign.<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Finishing touches to album
\nPosted on April 4, 2015
\nThis weekend is steeped in pure studio. The finishing touches are going down. Some extra vocals, few tweaks and mixing. It\u2019s taken longer than expected but these things cannot be rushed. Good good news.\u2028Live we\u2019re gearing up for some pretty special times. The tunes now sounding powerful, tight and the dynamics are coming through. Keep watching this space!
\nPosted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
New Album Ready!
\nPosted on April 29, 2015<\/p>\n
The new album is done. Lots of graft in the studio, enjoyable but hard and time consuming work.
\nIn the new model industry virtual releases can\u2019t really have a \u2018release date\u2019 as such. Leaks are an issue for big artists but for small artists such as English Thorn without coordinated teams the deadline can be counterproductive to the creative process. So flexibility is key in the new way forward.
\nTrying before you buy is a must to most consumers and it\u2019s natural and sensible for music lovers as well. Where radio once primed listeners for album releases, streaming is the modern equivalent for small artists(radio is obviously alive but an inflexible industry). Album releases maybe becoming less relevant in the present day streaming environment but physical media is still needed by bands in the real world.
\nSo \u2018Sleepwalk Into Oblivion\u2019 will be made available for streaming and purchase electronically via bandcamp and iTunes as was the first album \u2018Written In Stone\u2019 and the physical release may be crowdfunded on Pledgemusic. Both physical albums will be available from the band at gigs. We are currently awaiting word from the cover artist on completion of the front cover but this will sorted in the next few days. So keep a look out for the new 13 song album on iTunes and Bandcamp over the next fortnight.<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Album Released
\nPosted on May 30, 2015
\nNew album \u2018Sleepwalk Into Oblivion\u2019 digital release out now on iTunes, amazon and bandcamp. Bandcamp pricing is band controlled so is cheaper and there is a choice of high definition file types too. Enjoy!!<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Instrument Switch
\nPosted on September 4, 2015
\nIt would be understating to say finding a bass player has been a stick in the spokes. After many many permutations it now seems the solution must be to change tack. Vocalist and guitarist Andy will now take on the bass role. This will allow the band play at least some shows in a reduced capacity as a three piece until a permanent suitable guitarist or bassist is found. Initial rehearsal went swimmingly and things should now quickly fall into place\u2026.<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
We Are Ready!!!
\nPosted on October 17, 2015
\nIt has taken an age. Glaciers have moved quicker than us. But\u2026..we are now ready to rock. Playing songs from our first two albums and some tunes by bands that have shaped who we are as musicians. We will be playing local shows asap\u2026.it\u2019s gonna be emotional! Keep your ear to the ground!<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Muchos Gracias to the Liverpool Bierkeller
\nPosted on December 8, 2015
\nWe had fun playing at the Bierkeller on sunday. The audience we\u2019re appreciative and in high spirits\u2026and we\u2019re just warming up the engines!! Cheers
\nKeep an eye out for more gigs soon.<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Great Gig In Altrincham
\nPosted on January 22, 2016
\nMany thanks to everyone who turned out for this gig.\u00a0 It\u2019s still early days for our live sound and we\u2019re short of at least one guitarist but we still managed to have a great time. The audience had a blast and so did we. Special thanks to Jimmy for putting us on giving THREE extra dates this year. Looking forward to them already!!<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Cracking gig at the Cask
\nPosted on February 13, 2016
\nWe had a ball on Sunday in Wallasey at Stanley\u2019s Cask. A cosy affair but we blew the walls out. A high energy affair indeed. Cheers for the great reaction\u2026\u2026\u2026..and mystery photographer who were you?<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
The creative juices have been flowing!
\nPosted on February 21, 2016
\nAlthough there is already five albums worth of material for us. Song ideas have been coming thick and fast recently. The amorphous mass of ideas have crystalised into something tangible and the embryonic formation of a new album is upon us. The studio should be fired back up in order to plough the mountains of material. It\u2019s gonna be a while though, maybe even early next year. The demons need to be exorcised. Carrying on from the previous two albums this will be a lot heavier and darker than the previous. Also as with previous efforts the working title will be Ganymede(Written in Stone-Europa, Sleepwalk Into Oblivion-io). In the meantime it\u2019s back to the gigging!!<\/p>\n
Great gig in Macclesfield
\nPosted on February 26, 2016
\nAndy Celebrates his birthday by rocking out at the Nag\u2019s Head. A great rock venue. Many thanks to Steve for putting us on. See you later in the year!\ufffc<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Lancaster gets hit by the Thorn
\nPosted on March 28, 2016
\nCracking gig at The Pub in Lancaster Friday 11th March. Many thanks to Debbi for putting us on. Honing the set nicely. See you later in the year.<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
We get a mention in this months Buz magazine
\nPosted on March 28, 2016
\nMany thanks to Frank Carroll for mentioning us in this months Buz magazine. The Buz magazine is an integral part of the live scene on the Wirral and keeps the music flowing. Frank mentioned us as one of his favourite bands. Muchos Gracias!!\u2028\ufffc<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Another radio show is crazy enough to play us
\nPosted on March 28, 2016
\nCheers to radio legend Chris Currie of Wirral radio for playing us his rock show. We had a great time listening!! Listen Here!<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Gig date changed!!
\nPosted on May 24, 2016
\nThe Lancaster gig date has been changed from the 4th to the 18th of June!! Just to annoy all you sinners!!<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News
\nExciting News Regarding Fourth Member!!
\nPosted on May 24, 2016
\nJust maybe\u2026just maybe\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Giggin in Wigan
\nPosted on July 13, 2016
\nRok Box 17 king street 3rd september. Spreading our wings!!<\/p>\n
Bass God Delivers us from Evil
\nPosted on August 8, 2016
\nWe are excited to announce the arrival of our fourth member James Gee on Bass. We have played with Jim before and can bear witness to his phenomenal power and skill. This truly will get the band firing on all cylinders. The first gig we are aiming for is Macclesfield on the 26th of August. It will take a few shows for full cohesion but it should be better from the off with more guitar work adding extra layers.\u2028Looking forward to it already.\ufffc<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
New Studio
\nPosted on September 24, 2016
\nWork has now started on a permanent studio facility which will serve as English Thorn\u2019s base of operations. The brickwork is in need of some alteration but it is still more than suitable for writing, rehearsing and recording. Although a few months away from completion still, the studio means we can increase our output massively. Currently we are releasing an album every two years this could change to one per year with numerous releases in between. Exciting times.<\/p>\n
T shirts
\nPosted on January 3, 2017
\nWe have now left the 18th century and decided to produce some band clobber. You may adorn yourselves in glory with the things of the shop.\u2028http:\/\/www.englishthorn.com\/store\/<\/p>\n
New Album Title
\nPosted on January 3, 2017
\nWell folks it\u2019s been a while coming but the new album has almost taken on a solid shape. The songs just need to be fleshed out. By hook or by crook it shall arrive this year. What is more\u2026we have a title \u2018Bread and Circuses\u2019. Political? Us? \u2026never. Google it before the X Factor comes on and the Dominos arrives. DIY is the new punk.
\nAlso the previous two albums are getting a spit and polish with heavier guitars\u2026oh yes!! Over and out.<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
Please don\u2019t buy our albums!!
\nPosted on May 3, 2017
\n\u2026for God\u2019s sake think of the children!!
\nIt has been four years since the release of Written In Stone. In that time there have been many studio upgrades in hardware, software and personal skill. The output has now increased to a quality level where it is desirable, if not entirely rational(..read potentially psychotic), to re-engineer the back catalogue. The songs deserve better treatment. It will probably take months but the 20 or so songs already released should be getting that spit and polish talked about. The new album is getting the best treatment and what is the point of being DIY if you can\u2019t take creative control.
\nI\u2019ve read Sting hates certain sounds on his early albums, many musicians probably do. David Coverdale re-releases old songs on later albums. Jimmy Page remasters every time Eastenders is on. Why? A musician\u2019s muse I suppose, wanting to do well by your creation. Nothing else will probably happen for us but at least we can be proud of our work.
\nIt will probably give a more up to date impression for bands that may wish to record at the studio too.
\nThe newer sounding tunes will appear on Spotify and and Bandcamp initially before being rolled out elsewhere. So in the meantime please steer clear of full purchase from iTunes or Amazon or similar.
\nCheers. Andy<\/p>\n
Posted in Uncategorized<\/p>\n
Spotify is now offline
\nPosted on May 12, 2017
\nAs previously mentioned the available songs will be removed and updated versions reintroduced. Our Spotify page is now offline for the time being. This is all gearing up for the new album which has some killer tunes on it, and a killer sound. Really gear man!!<\/p>\n
Spotify is Now Online
\nPosted on May 29, 2017
\nThe first tune remixed \u2018One Way Street\u2019 is back up and running. The others will be added as when they are finished. The Spotify page isn\u2019t going to feature all songs recorded. Just a decent snapshot, the \u2018Primal Cuts\u2019. Trying to speed things up a little as my song tally is becoming unmanageable. I have a list(I am sad that way) of songs I have written. Not counting collaborations I have now 107. Of about which 25 or so have been recorded so far. Gotta get a move on. Our best work I can say with confidence is definitely ahead of us.<\/p>\n
Cracking weekend of gigs
\nPosted on August 7, 2017<\/p>\n
Thanks to everyone who came to our Lancaster and Southport gigs. We had a blast. Hot and sweaty small hours of morning, if you were there you are a true rock fan.\u2028\u00a0\u2028We should be playing the Lomax pretty soon but the date is being switched around at mo so keep eyes peeled. Otherwise there is a little break on the cards live wise. We don\u2019t really gig that heavily so catch us when you can(next gig announced soon).\u2028\u00a0\u2028The next couple of months should be spent on recording, the list of songs to get through is ridiculous. With the attempted remixes it seems to slowing to crawl\u2026and we need to move forward. Especially with the flak from people who actually like the sound of the earlier stuff. Maybe a full albums worth is a little ambitious in the circumstances. Maybe baby steps are needed. Singles? or a few EP\u2019s to build up to an album release? When the studio is finished we can crack on till our hearts content but in the meantime it feels right to have at least something fresh to listen to
\n\u2026keep your ears peeled to the spotify playlist( there are some great rock bands on there too).<\/p>\n
or our dedicated English Thorn one<\/p>\n
If not I\u2019m sure the song will be embedded in some way on our website in time.
\nCheers big ears
\nAndy<\/p>\n
Studio update
\nPosted on September 3, 2017
\nIt has been a while coming but all brick and structural work for the studio is now complete. A LOT of hard work, sweat and powertools have brought us to this point. Now that bit is out of the way it should come together swiftly. Looking this week into an extraction\/ air supply system, hopefully bought tomorrow morning. All soundproofing has been researched and the final layouts and designs have been decided. Most of this should happen around the week of the 24th. Exciting stuff. Just Sayin\u2026.<\/p>\n
Posted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
We\u2019re still here.
\nPosted on April 24, 2018
\nIt\u2019s been a slog. The studio is nearly ready so recording will start soon.\u2028\u00a0\u2028So what is going down in chinatown?\u2028\u00a0\u2028It is no secret to those who know me that I love lots of music. My favourite writers range from Joni Mitchell to Chuck Schuldiner and beyond. Therefore I write in that range; if the Beatles, Queen and Led Zeppelin can do it, why can\u2019t English Thorn?\u2028\u00a0\u2028Well it seems we can\u2019t. The lighter stuff seems to water down the heavy and the heavy stuff is too out there for the melodic end. English Thorn was always meant to be a heavy rock band.<\/p>\n
It seems the music is fighting to go in two directions rather than one all encompassing thing. So it seems right to keep some of the lighter bluesy folky elements separate and release them as a solo project.\u2028\u00a0\u2028This allows ET to be fairly heavy, which is what I think people expect. I may be right I may be wrong but this is part of the journey that is music I spose.\u2028\u00a0\u2028So the next English Thorn offering will be consistently heavy rock.\u2028\u00a0\u2028The really, really heavy stuff will hopefully be released by our metal band Kontora(https:\/\/youtu.be\/LieKeL-FYYs), if we can get it together after so much time.
\nThe lighter stuff I will release under my school nickname of Badge. I started playing as Badge and most people I grew up with still know me as Badge, even the teachers called me it, my brother still calls me it. Musically, I have come full circle, for many reasons this will be the last thing I do creatively.
\nPosted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
We are now recording
\nPosted on December 13, 2018
\nBursting at the seams with tunes. Happy happy joy joy.<\/p>\n
A long time no hear!!
\nPosted on May 28, 2020 by admin
\nIt has been roughly 18 months since the last post. I thought I\u2019d cracked it but I had a lot more work on studio to sort. Also had some medical issues and some band issues. No one can say I haven\u2019t tried to keep a band together but it just doesn\u2019t seem to work. I don\u2019t think it is anyone\u2019s fault. It is just a lot harder later in life. People have other commitments.
\nSo English Thorn has been on hiatus for a while whilst I follow some lifetime goals with playing. Namely playing with my Dad who is 70 this year, as crazy as he is, he is still my Da. Also playing bass in a beatles band, which has been the happiest thing I\u2019ve ever done musically. Saying all that I never close doors and burn bridges. Everything I\u2019ve ever done is still open and only on hiatus. So hopefully there will be another fairly heavy English Thorn album released probably in 2021, even if it still just me.
\nIn the meantime I have been writing and recording, as I just have to. As previously mentioned some of my lighter stuff will be released solo. I will begin to release it in the next few days.
\nTo follow my solo efforts visit. www.badgemack.com
\nPosted in English Thorn News<\/p>\n
This is the end..beautiful friend…the end. If you managed to make it this far thanks for your comittment…I have been in many bands and English Thorn was the only one were things changed positively in my skillset and I felt I moved forward technically. I learned so much. It wasn’t all wasted time but part of my journey…it still is. Also in order to be happy, I had to get it out of my system.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I found the blogs I wrote whilst writing the first 2 album efforts. They span from 2012-2020 and tell the up and down story of the band getting together and falling apart. They are only interesting from the view that is what I was up to a decade ago. Makes me a bit sad tbh.… Continue reading Blog History 2012-2020<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=23"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67,"href":"https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23\/revisions\/67"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=23"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=23"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/englishthorn.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=23"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}