Various
Bristol Boys Make More Noise
Bristol's leading counter-culture publishers Tangent Books and Bristol Archive Records have joined forces to produce a photographic book, download and CD celebrating the Bristol music scene 1974-1981. The book, Bristol Boys Make More Noise is based on the work of John Spink one of the few photographers to capture the Bristol music scene from the mid 1970s to the early 1980s. John moved to Bristol from London in 1972 and fell in with the band Magic Muscle who lived in the communal 'Fun House' in Cotham' He worked as an occasional photographer for music mags as well as performing in some early shows by the surrealist Crystal Theatre. He pioneered a technique of processing black and white film using X-ray developer which enabled him to shoot in low light (such as clubs) without using flash. This collection not only captures the Bristol scene during these years as Bristol music moved from 70s rock (Magic Muscle) through punk (The Cortinas) to the experimental adventurers The Pop Group and The Various Artists but also showcases John's unique photographic style. In 1981, John left Bristol for New York where he worked for Caroline Records. He now lives in Northern California and works as a tour manager for a large music merchandising company. John's pictures are put in context by author Gill Loats who was at the heart of the Bristol music scene working as a DJ at the infamous Dug Out Club and watching live music most nights of the week. The release of the book is accompanied by the launch of a CD and download. The CD features 22 tracks including contributions from Magic Muscle, The Cortinas, Shoes for Industry, The Various Artists, The Ratbites From Hell, The Spics and The X-Certs.