Ahh... the week that was. Sunday the 10th started with a hangover and that's pretty much all i can remember about it. Tuesday, however, was the day that we finally started to write some music together again. Writing is probably the best part of playing for me. it's like watching the birth of a small animal - an animal that has an unknown lifespan and the potential to become very familiar. After two days of labor, we gave birth to a healthy, fully formed tune, tentatively titled 'Both Sides are Even'. We are proud parents indeed. Subsequent pregnancies and births are imminent.

Thursday was the start of The Great Escape Festival down in Brighton. i did a panel with Mark Kelly of Marillion and Jeremy Silver for the Featured Artists Coalition (http://www.featuredartistscoalition.com) - an organization run by artists for artists. Some of the FACs many goals are to campaign for more artistic control and a fairer share of profits. It's a great group to be involved and associated with. Afterwards, me and my fellow band cohorts talked to a crowd about our experiences over the last few months as an unsigned band playing the ragtag music industry game. Our day continued with a quick trip to the Concorde 2 to see our friend and touring partner Fink play a few tunes from his superb new album. He has a voice that could melt butter and groove that could jar an old dear's hip replacement. The day ended watching another good friend, Iain Archer, play his very beautiful songs. Iain helps me to realize how bad i actually am at playing guitar!! It's a good thing we have Todd....!

Friday was Southampton Joiners and marked the first time in ages we have all been present for a pre-gig dinner. i thoroughly enjoyed the gig. i'm not quite sure what we were expecting, but it's always a joy to see a venue full of people... tiptop. Someone kept yelling out for 'Palisade'. Whoever it was don't get your hopes up. i think we attempted it live once about six years ago.

Saturday was our gig at The Great Escape. If a poll was to be started and maintained for worst ever venue load-ins i'd have to say that the Coalition in Brighton would definitely have a spot in the Champions League. Carrying equipment up and down stairs and the faint smell of sick aside, our late afternoon with friends on the seafront was great. Pre-gig we went to see The Joy Formidable, a band that i highly recommend. I love loud gigs when the 'loud' is good. With beers in hand we took to the stage just after 10pm. Yet another gig that i loved every minute of. I'm quote humbled by the fact so many people decided to come see us over all the other music that was going on that night....thanks all.

Alas, the week that was ended at 2am while loading our gear back into its cage in London. I feel like we got some good shit done.....

-nathan