REVIEWING THE SITUATION: HOW SHOULD JOURNALISTS JUDGE MUSICIANS?
The year is 1984. Hack documentarian Marti DiBergi is interviewing world famous band Spinal Tap about their reaction to the succession of dreadful reviews written about their albums. He awkwardly states, ‘The review you had on Shark Sandwich was merely a two-word review… “shit sandwich,”’ to the bemusement and horror of the band. They exclaim, ‘That’s not real is it? You can’t print that!’ Of course, the scene is fictional. But the scenario is not so far from... Read More
EP: HAL – Down In The Valley EP
It never really happened for Hal. Seven years ago they were being overshadowed by the Magic Numbers at their co-headline show at the Roadhouse (as most bands would have been). A few months later they released their exceptional début album to mass public indifference. And then they disappeared The band’s return now is something of a surprise. Their unchanged West Coast sound is not liable to bring them more success than it did last time round. And this 4-track EP does not... Read More
NEWS: DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF ACTS FOR 2012
Dot To Dot, the UKs only tri-city travelling festival returns for 2012 announcing its first salvo of must-see artists. Renowned in its seven year history for offering guaranteed crowd-pleasing bands alongside the first live glimpses of some of today’s biggest acts, which have included double Brits winner Ed Sheeran, The xx, Florence & The Machine, The Naked and Famous, Friendly Fires, Laura Marling and Mumford & Sons, this year’s multi-venue event will take place... Read More
LIVE: HANNAH ATKINS – 15/02/2012
– BAND ON THE WALL, MANCHESTER – Arriving into the bar something of an official event appears to be underway. Charity stands, flyers and poster art for sale isn’t the usual greeting at Band on the Wall’s entrance. The crowd also breakaway from the regulars. Noticeably older with more than a strong hint towards the kind of folk who like a herbal tea. As we mingle and check out the stands we’re being warmed up to a gig with a twist. Hannah Atkins might... Read More
NEWS: BEIRUT – REVEAL BRAND NEW VIDEO TO ‘VAGABOND’
Beirut are confirmed to play 2012’s Field Day Festival, at London’s Victoria Park on 2nd June and have released a brand new video for the track ‘Vagabond’. Taken from the acclaimed album, The Riptide, the video was again directed by Sunset Television “We were really excited when Beirut asked us to direct another video, and knew we wanted to make something completely different from “Santa Fe.” “Vagabond” tells the story of a group... Read More
LIVE: KILLING JOKE – 31/03/2011
– ACADEMY 2, MANCHESTER – Punk rock is supposed to be unpredictable, theatrical and ball-bustingly energetic, and if there is one band encompassing those elements with every fiber of their being, it is Killing Joke. Not only is their fourteenth and most recent album, Absolute Dissent, every bit as liable to strip paint from studio walls as their 31-year self-titled debut, but singer Jaz Coleman hasn’t lost any of his intensely abrasive zeal. Drummer, Paul Ferguson,... Read More
LIVE: DUM DUM GIRLS – 31/03/2011
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – I didn’t come to the Deaf Institute tonight to review the support band for Dum Dum Girls, but the music of Mazes is so good I feel compelled to let you know about them. All the songs feel ‘killer, no filler’. They play with boundless energy and come across as a combination of an edgy version of The Eels, Nirvana and Blink 182. Image wise I think they need guidance as the lead guitarist and the drummer look too similar and... Read More
LIVE: DUCKTAILS – 31/03/2011
– THE RUBY LOUNGE, MANCHESTER – I’m not overly fond of the Ruby Lounge as a venue at the best of times- it might be that it’s dark and dingy, or the strange design, I can’t put my finger on it, but when I walk in and see about six people in the crowd my heart sinks. My fear that no one’s going to turn out to see this relatively obscure American drone musician is assuaged when I realise I’m actually ridiculously early. I get a drink and peruse some of... Read More
LIVE: DEERHUNTER – 30/03/2011
– SOUND CONTROL, MANCHESTER – The band are ready, lead singer Bradford Cox talks over the Foals tune that can still be heard and amusingly comments on the audiences startling red faces. The result of heavy backlighting. Technical difficulties allow him to break the ice with his natural wit as he urges the crowd to get involved and not just stare at their shoes. Deerhunter start with ’60 Cycle Hum’, written partly during the sound check in Glasgow and finished... Read More
LIVE: NEW YORK DOLLS – 29/03/2011
– CLUB ACADEMY, MANCHESTER – As one of the true oddities of the New York punk scene in the mid 70s, The New York Dolls are considered to be the godfathers of American punk. The band imploded in spectacular fashion back in 1975, and articles in various music magazines, books and punk rock documentaries kept the NY Dolls legacy alive. It always seemed unlikely that the infamous group would ever tour again. Not until Morrissey – life long fan and one-time editor... Read More
