Paul Draper, spooky ACTION live...

If Paul Draper had a TARDIS, he would be Doctor Wow, such is his successful regeneration as new star turn. Recently released and highly accomplished debut album, 'Spooky Action' (K Scope) is deservededly a hit on various charts (three disc box set sold out on pre order). In short, musically powered, Paul has arrived on his own terms as a new favourite of 21st century alternative rock fans. He rounded off September with a sold out, first UK tour, though for anybody who didn't get tickets, a February/March 2018 road show around Britain and Ireland has been announced. Tickets are available now from http://pauldraperofficial.com/tour-dates/

In the surreal way that TheZineUK's story twists, Spooky Action began on Planet Earth last Summer and weaved in.

We reviewed 'Feeling My Heart Run Slow' as "an EP that is stylishly brand new while instantly classic. With that standard needing no hype, there is a firm following of fans, industry and new media alike, who organically willed this release into existence."

Between then, and Paul actually being on stage (last week, at time of writing), seemed to be just as much about dream power as willpower. Pic; all gigs on this tour were packed out. The Scala is a landmark gig for London shows.

The tale unfolded. In February of this year I was chuffed and excited to be invited to the Mansun Convention, held perfectly in Liverpool's Parr Street Studios. While in conversation with host and all round legend, John Robb, we both went off tandem a bit, raving about a new band, The Blinders. This was with regards to the power of enduring rock music. Mansun were one of the 90's most compelling obsessions. They remain so for many.

It's been a while since guitar music has been so strong. In the middle of austerity, gentrification and the potential for humanity's demise to be inflicted by a deranged oompaloompa-skinned, game show host turned dime store hitler, Paul Draper could not have come back onto the scene at a better time. Fuck the old rules, nowadays a new music industrious is emerging. Our fresh faves are teens or life is beginning at 40 (see Eska, Sleaford Mods etc.) whatever. Just better bring SONGS and magick, is all.

At the Scala (a venue where, incidentally, I had bumped into Paul, who was out with some mates in June, while I was seeing The Blinders support CABBAGE), there was an intimate affection flowing back and forth between stage (some extra oxygene wouldn't have gone amiss, says a claustrophobic so called photographer who didn't dare go right to the front, ha ha) and the audience. It was like a giant front room gig.

I did notice that although most of the audience were over 30, so probably quite a few original Mansun fans, that there were also quite a few younger faces.

Either they've heard Paul's music growing up and got into the songs from 'Spooky Action', and/or the fresh tunes is just as capable of enticing brand new fans to the cause. It could also be curiousity from reputation and social media. Either way, I just papped these lovely ladies, after the show, cos I thought they looked so fab.

I didn't get right down the front like a real snapper would do (i.e. TheZineUK's Lorna Cort who was also there) I did however, manage get some snap shots of what was an amazing evening, with some loved friends that I don't see enough of. Bonus.

On stage, Paul Draper is a charismatic presence, and with uber cool star turn, The Anchoress, in his band, the scene was set for a mix of new, 21st century hits and 20th century faves that were greeted like long lost children.

People had travelled from all over, nationally, internationally and emotionally, to be there.

Just for a few hours of live music magic, "The News" disappeared, and it felt like all was well with the world...