Here is the second of the three videos by Made of Chalk of TTNG live from Chicago performing “Left Aligned” from the new album 13.0.0.0.0.

The Made of Chalk Sargent House Takeover continues! Here is the first of three videos to come from TTNG who just released their second full length album titled 13.0.0.0.0 earlier this year. The band is currently on tour with Tera Melos in support of this release. You can check out the remaining dates here! and see Tera Melos and Native videos in the take over HERE.

TTNG performing the song ‘Adventure, Stamina & Anger’ and Interview with our friends at Stop the Silence -  shot on February 12, 2013 @ B2 Club in Moscow, Russia.

TTNG will be heading out on tour with Tera Melos in the USA & CANADA starting April 18th - SEE ALL DATES HERE

Ever-burned into our musical conscious through his affiliation with alternative heavy hitters TTNG (formally This Town Needs Guns), guitarist Tim Collis is renowned for his technical playing style and effortless, progressive technique. Having played in the Oxford-based band for countless years, with records released through Big Scary Monsters and Sargent House, we caught up with Tim off the back of an EU tour to talk about his playing style, his vintage Fender amp, and his inspirations as a musician…

What was it that made you want to start playing music?

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TTNG spent last year re-imagining themselves as a band, pushing on to tour with an altered line-up. Where other bands would fall by the way-side, they’ve evolved enough to be firmly looking forward to a great future, and their recently released new album is the perfect hard evidence for it. James Fox had a chat with guitarist Tim Collis on where they’re at, and what’s in store next.

You’ve got a lot ahead of you it seems this year. But yesterday you had your new album out, 13.0.0.0.0, your first one as a three piece after Stu and Jamie left. How was the creative process this time?

It was pretty different, as you might expect with both Stu and Jamie leaving. Jamie was around for the writing of that album actually, and some of the basic ideas and riffs we started with had actually been around for a couple of years. So it was a bit funny – we had little bits from up to 2 or 3 years ago, some bits that were more recent to when the album was recorded, and quite a lot of parts that were just experimentation in the studio at the time. It was a weird process that combined all three ways, compared to the previous record where we just wrote a bunch of songs together, tried to grab what time we could, and recorded them pretty much as they were in rehearsal. It was a bit freer this time and it was more intense and definitely more serious. We’d flown producer Ed Rose over from the states so we knew it was a bit more serious and things had stepped up for us in some ways. It was a good process though.

The instrumentation on the record seems a little bit more adventurous?

Yeah, definifetly. We had a bit more time and a little bit more budget which is great because you can then obviously do things that are a bit more experimental. You’ve got the time and the ability risk it, and you’ve even got in a better a studio the means to do that with better equipment or different equipment. There are a few different flavours on there, some different instruments we tried out. There’s some really random stuff like wine glasses with liquid in them and making all sorts of noises with those. There are a few more effects. With the previous record it was pretty clean and it was just vocals, drums, bass, guitar and that was it. It was nice to try some new stuff out this time for sure.

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TTNG are happy to announce their upcoming USA & Canadian tour dates with Sargent House label mates Tera Melos.

SEE ALL SHOW DETAILS HERE

TERA MELOS & TTNG TOUR 2013
Apr 18, 2013 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
Apr 19, 2013 - Seattle, WA  @ The Crocodile
Apr 20, 2013 - Vancouver, BC  @ The Media Club
Apr 23, 2013 - Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium
Apr 24, 2013 - Minneapolis, MN  @ First Avenue 7th Street Entry
Apr 25, 2013 - Appleton, WI  @ Lawrence University
Apr 26, 2013 - Chicago, IL  @ Subterranean
Apr 27, 2013 - Detroit, MI  @ Majestic Theater/The Magic Stick
Apr 28, 2013 - Toronto, ON @ The Garrison
Apr 29, 2013 - Montreal, QC @ Il Motore
Apr 30, 2013 - Hamden, CT @ The Space
May 1, 2013 - Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
May 2, 2013 - Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
May 3, 2013 - Philadelphia, PA  @ The Fire - (early show) SOLD OUT
May 3, 2013 - Philadelphia, PA  @ The Fire - (late show) SOLD OUT
May 4, 2013 - Washington, DC @ DC9 
May 5, 2013 - Raleigh, NC @ Kings Barcade
May 7, 2013 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
May 8, 2013 - Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
May 9, 2013 - Miami, FL @ Bardot
May 10, 2013 - Ybor City, FL  @ Crowbar
May 11, 2013 - Orlando, FL @ Will’s Pub
May 13, 2013 - Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
May 15, 2013 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
May 16, 2013 - Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s
May 17, 2013 - Dallas, TX  @ Club Dada
May 18, 2013 - Austin, TX @ Red 7 
May 19, 2013 - San Antonio, TX  @ The Korova
May 20, 2013 - El Paso, TX  @ Low Brow
May 21, 2013 - Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock
May 22, 2013 - San Diego, CA  @ The Casbah
May 23, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA  @ The Echo
May 24, 2013 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Constellation Room
May 25, 2013 - San Francisco, CA @ The Bottom of the Hill
May 26, 2013 - Fresno, CA @ Star Palace Ballroom

The sophomore LP can present any number of obstacles for even the most surefooted band. Throw in member changes and the equation gets even a bit more fuzzy. But when you’re talking about This Town Needs Guns, the expectations even considering all of that are still present, if not also a tad tremendous. Nevertheless, the U.K. quartet turned power trio has returned with LP #2 in the form of 13.0.0.0.0, a slightly less poppy but arguably more adventurous offering than their previous album Animals. And for what they’ve been through in the years since that release, it’s a more than pleasant surprise that this record not only lives up to such heightened expectations, but completely obliterates them in the process.

Right off the bat, “Cat Fantastic” enforces a high level of musicianship from all three members that is carried quite effortlessly through the rest of the 12 tracks on the disc. Whether it’s ethereal tapping (“Havoc in the Forum”), free-flowing meters of strange proportions (“Triptych”) or the gorgeous chemistry of all involved (“Left Aligned”), it is simply astonishing at times what This Town Needs Guns can do. The tempos here fall a bit on the less pushing side, as the slower, acoustic lushness of “2 Birds, 1 Stone and an Empty Stomach” or the mid-tempo pulsing of “+3 Awesomeness Repels Water” feel just as good to the ears as earlier TTNG cuts that invoked more dancing than an actual vibe.

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Oxford, UK native trio This Town Needs Guns have named their latest work 13.0.0.0.0. The indie rock compilation features an assortment of uniquely titled tracks, all with an air of melodic serenity battling frantic instruments. Beginning with “Cat Fantastic,” the clear notes of vocalist Henry Tremain ring out over the lighthearted, technical style of playing that pours out of these musicians. Everything about their sound is understated, including their whimsical lyrics that in “Cat Fantastic” repeat, “You’ll be happy when you’re willing to share.” The vocals are bordering on being poppy at moments, while the instrumental work is unexpected and pioneers new territory.

On “Havoc In The Forum,” the group accentuate complicated time signatures with drums that occur without rhyme or reason, but somehow marry the combating musical forces. Even with an uncommon structure, the song has a memorable quality to it, as does the following cut, “Left Aligned.” Here the guitar playing takes a progressive turn, as the pace slows and the bass grows in volume. This song rides along with complex chord progressions as its backbone. An instrumental number takes the disc in a moody, gloomier direction, blending the individual pieces together. The unorthodox manner in which This Town Needs Guns arrange their music does not sway the listener from continuing on in the journey that 13.0.0.0.0 becomes.

“I’ll Take The Minute Snake” is super harmonic at first with its riffs and then soon following with a chorus that mimics the lead line beautifully. Once again, the song heads in a progressive and erratic direction. The fingerprint of This Town Needs Guns is a one-of-a-kind distinction from any other band within the confines of contemporary indie rock. Their technical, methodic performing allows their music to shine, unparalleled on 13.0.0.0.0.

In A Word: Profound

—by Alessandra Donnelly, January 7, 2013

Where did your band name come from and any regrets with that name in today’s climate?

Our previous singer Stu actually started the band when he was at uni and chose this name from a letter his friend once sent him. His friend had signed off the letter ‘This Town Needs Guns’ in reference to a bunch of scally-wags who had thrown a brick through a bus window at him.

Yes, we’re actually kind of regretful of the name at times but we hope that people realise it is just a band name and it doesn’t convey any of our views on guns or any other weapons for that matter. We’d hope people would take the time to listen to the music before basing their view of us just on a name.

How did you come to be in a band together and with what ambitions?

The band originally started like most bands - a bunch of friends just wanting to spend their time in a positive and fun way. We recently had a bit of a line-up change in that our singer left amicably to start a family and our bass player left to pursue a career in graphic design. Since Henry has joined us (undertaking both of these duties and more) we’ve still had the same outlook and just like at the beginning of the band, we’ve had no particular ambitions besides enjoying what we’re doing and taking what opportunities come our way.

How would you describe your sound for people yet to hear your music?

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This Town Needs Guns have faced their fair share of setbacks since the release of their debut album, ‘Animals’ over 3 years ago. Cutting numbers back from a foursome to a trio and replacing your vocalist is no easy task, particularly for a band whose signature vocals have made them a staple of the math rock community in the UK.

On ’13.0.0.0.0′ This Town Needs Guns return to form with what they do best; creative time signatures, beautifully translucent vocals and drumming that’s so tight it’s hard to believe it’s made at the hands of a human. The development of the band over the last few years all comes down to this.

Emphasizing Tim Collis’ unbelievable use of a guitar, in melodies so technically beautiful, ’13.0.0.0.0′ takes on its own character, with an ambition to prove themselves once again as textural instrumentals such as In The Branches of Yggdrasil and Nice Riff Clichard  will testify.

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Label: Sargent House
Release date: January 22, 2013

Progressing from their staple four-piece line up to a tight-knit trio, with Ex-Pennines front man Henry Tremain picking up where long-running vocalist Stewart Smith left off, This Town Needs Guns haven’t been without their share of setbacks. But with the announcement of a brand new record titled 13.0.0.0.0, the band – now currently consisting of Tremain alongside Tim & Chris Collis – are back, producing some of their most astounding music to date.

Kicking off this twelve track, ‘Cat Fantastic’ works as a delightfully apt opener; restoring and familiarizing the listener with the band’s differences and similarities from past recordings. The intricacies of masterful guitar, the impeccable groove-filled rhythm, the essential slick bass, it’s all here, like nothing has changed, yet with the addition of Tremain – both vocally and physically – This Town’s outlook feels different, sounds familiar, acting as a different entity.

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This Town Needs Guns have added a show on January 20th in London at The Old Blue Last to celebrate the launch of the new album - they will have the cds and vinyl for sale that night as well! Then, starting on January 31st they will head off for their headline Tour with Nate Kinsella’s new project Birthmark joining them on all shows.

Jan 20, 2013 - London, UK @ The Old Blue Last- ALBUM RELEASE show!

THIS TOWN NEEDS GUNS / BIRTHMARK TOUR - 2013
Jan 31, 2013 - Paris, France @ Les Combustibles
Feb 1, 2013 - Bielefeld, Germany @ AJZ
Feb 2, 2013 - Dortmund, Germany @ FZW
Feb 3, 2013 - Hamburg, Germany @ Astra Stube
Feb 5, 2013 - Denmark, Copenhangen @ Basement Show
Feb 6, 2013 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Kulturhuset Lava
Feb 7, 2013 - Oslo, Norway @ Kampen Bistro
Feb 8, 2013 - Kristiansand, Norway @ Pir 6 
Feb 9, 2013 - Copenhagen, Denmark @ BETA
Feb 10, 2013 - Prague, Czech Republic @ Klub 007 
Feb 11, 2013 - Giessen, Germany @ Muk Gießen
Feb 13, 2013 - Berlin, Germany @ Marie Antoinette
Feb 14, 2013 - Leipzig, Germany @ Werk II
Feb 15, 2013 - Aachen, Germany @ Musikbunker
Feb 16, 2013 - Enschede, Holland @ The Loch
Feb 17, 2013 - Leuven, Belgium @ Room 66 

SEE ALL SHOW DETAILS AND UPDATES HERE

If anyone’s reading this, it’s a pretty safe bet the apocalypse never happened!

Despite the good news of our continued existence, we still have to deal with a day of ceaseless tweets and Facebook posts, pointing out the absurdity of the End Days with asinine hashtags and irritating memes. But if we’re to live through such a humor-geddon, then there should be at least one bright spot of Doomsday-related talk worth consuming.

Cue Oxford-based math-rock band This Town Needs Guns. After their zoo-centric 2008 debut Animals, the band’s sophomore LP 13.0.0.0.0 focuses primarily on the end of the Mayan calendar. But rather than utilizing the doom and gloom aspects, drummer Chris Collis said the band explored the concept as a force for positivity and creative rebirth.

“The completion of 13 b’ak’tuns (occurring on 21st December 2012) marks the creation of the world of human beings according to the Maya. It is more the completion of a cycle rather than necessarily being a destructive event such as the end of the world which some people predict. It was this idea of completion and progression that we wanted to incorporate into the album and artwork.

The notion of change has been a large part of our band recently, having lost a singer and then a bass player. We felt as if a cycle had been completed with the old lineup and a new cycle was now starting with Henry (Tremain), our new singer/guitarist/bassist/wunderkid. It also contains the idea of progression as a band. Though Maya texts say nothing about what might happen at the 13th Bak’tun, we do know that the end of each bak’tun was considered a time of great change.”

And that upheaval has led to an album of intricate yet uncomplicated prog rock, encapsulated with the single “I’ll Take the Minute Snake”. Musically, the track facilitates a vibe similar to the limo scene from 2012: ceaseless forward momentum of crashing drums and slick guitar and bass grooves right into the ending refrain of glitchy noises. While it’s all destruction aurally, the lyrical content presents hope, with the protagonist longing for a re-connection amid the firestorm of sounds, aided in part by Tremain’s evocative yelps. Stream it below.

13.0.0.0.0 hits stores on January 22nd via Sargent House (pre-order your digital copy on Itunes here) and be sure to also check out the slightly mellower “Left Aligned”. story by: Chris Coplan

PRE ORDERS for Vinyl / CD from the USA STORE HERE
or
PRE ORDERS for Vinyl / CD from the EURO STORE HERE

This Town Needs Guns have just announced some new tour dates joining them on all shows will be Nate Kinsella’s solo project, Birthmark who are touring in support of their latest release on Polyvinyl. What a great pairing! So make sure to go see the lads and pick up their new album 13.0.0.0.0. which they will have with them on the tour on both Vinyl and CD. If they are not stopping by your city you can pre-order the album HERE too, comes out everywhere on January 22, 2013.

THIS TOWN NEEDS GUNS / BIRTHMARK TOUR - 2013
Jan 20, 2013 - London, UK @ The Old Blue Last * no birthmark
Jan 31, 2013 - Paris, France @ Les Combustibles
Feb 1, 2013 - Bielefeld, Germany @ AJZ Bielefeld
Feb 2, 2013 - Dortmund, Germany @ FZW
Feb 3, 2013 - Hamburg, Germany @ Astra Stube
Feb 6, 2013 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Kulturhuset Lava
Feb 7, 2013 - Oslo, Norway @ Kampen Bistro
Feb 8, 2013 - Kristiansand, Norway @ Pir 6 
Feb 9, 2013 - Copenhagen, Denmark @ BETA
Feb 10, 2013 - Prague, Czech Republic @ Klub 007 
Feb 11, 2013 - Giessen, Germany @ Muk Gießen
Feb 12, 2013 - Moscow, Russia @ B2 
Feb 13, 2013 - Berlin, Germany @ Marie Antoinette
Feb 14, 2013 - Leipzig, Germany @ Werk II
Feb 15, 2013 - Aachen, Germany @ Musikbunker Aachen
Feb 16, 2013 - Enschede, Netherlands @ The Loch

SEE ALL SHOW DETAILS AND UPDATES HERE
*Birthmark is not on this show

Since the departure of the previous members in 2011, the remaining members of This Town Needs Guns have had a fresh album on the horizon, ’13.0.0.0.0’, which is due out next year, and tonight will be a good insight as to what to expect from it.

Once the custom made speakers have been set up, This Town Need Guns decide to open with ‘Chinchilla’, where it’s clear that Pennines singer and guitarist Henry Tremain has taken the reigns well as new vocalist. After, he moves the band on quickly to introduce newer songs, ‘Cat Fantastic’, and later ‘I’ll Take The Minute Snake’, both of which show they’re taking a newly adapted approach to songwriting with the altered instrumentation in mind. Lead guitarist Tim Collis’ slippy and slidy guitar lines are all still present and correct, played with the accuracy and dexterity they are known for, whilst drummer Chris Collis is on powerful form behind them.

As their set comes to a close, they end with the classically TTNG twiddly ‘Baboon’ which, despite going down more than well, is followed up with jovial calls of six, seven or eight more songs. More realistically, the band take the novelty of heading to the back of the room before setting up in front of the merch table, book-ending their set with an acoustic version of fan-favourite ’26 Is Dancier Than 4’ whilst the audience sit around them quietly like children at a campfire.

This Town Needs Guns have persevered as a three piece for about a year. However, this is by no means a band bringing in other musicians to hold the cracks together, resting on their laurels by only playing their material of yesteryear without moving forward to something new. Nope. The fact the band can still manage to wow an audience like they have tonight is a testament to how, a year on, they’re still going solid and strong.  by - JAMES FOX