ALBUM REVIEW – HIGHSCHOOL: HIGHSCHOOL
The self-titled debut album by HighSchool, is not one to be ignored. Since releasing their debut EP in 2021, the pop-punk duo from Melbourne has put out hit after hit, snappy songs with an electrifying energy behind them, despite having a rather grungy and gothic sound throughout their music – a sound which so many bands have done yet is so synonymous with HighSchool. The album talks about plenty of different themes connected to today’s reality, including dealing with love... Read More
LIVE REVIEW – THE STRANGLERS + BUZZCOCKS: MANCHESTER APOLLO – 18/10/2025
When my Editor invited me to this event and stated that I’m in for a good night filled with original punk rock bands, they were not wrong! This gig couldn’t have been more perfect for my own comeback in reviewing, since moving into the outer skirts of Manchester I crave going back to the city. Driving through Ancoats, which was once a not so sought after place, I couldn’t help but think Manchester has changed. I’m not saying I’ve been out of the centre for decades but... Read More
ALBUM REVIEW – CUBZOA: UNFOLD IN THE SKY
There is a strong sense of place to Cubzoa’s debut album, ‘Unfold In The Sky’. Jack Wolter takes the listener to his current home (Brighton), his previous home (the Isle of Man), Barcelona and even outer space. In comparison with the more straightforwardly shoegaze based music that he releases with his sister as Penelope Isles, the palette has greater variety taking in electronics, synths and industrial noises as well as strings and horns. It makes for a richly textured... Read More
ALBUM REVIEW – FIELD MUSIC: FIELD MUSIC
Reissues are an ideal opportunity to take stock and evaluate a group’s career. It is twenty years since Memphis Industries issued the first, self-titled Field Music album. Over the ensuing period, the Brewis brothers have released 21 albums, either under the band name or in various solo guises. They have racked up a Mercury nomination (for ‘Plumb’), three albums that have made a minor dent on the UK Top 40 and some intriguing diversions such as producing a song set for the... Read More
INTERVIEW: THE LOVELY EGGS
There’s never been a band as triumphantly independent as The Lovely Eggs. A duo consisting of Holly Ross and David Blackwell who over the course of seven studio albums, and numerous EPs in the last twenty years have managed to bring their brilliant indie pop to the masses all on their own terms. Now with the release of the brilliantly titled ‘Bin Juice’ a collection of tunes and demos which didn’t make it on their last album ‘Eggistentialism’, and a tour... Read More
ALBUM REVIEW – THE LAST DINNER PARTY: FROM THE PYRE
A successful debut can often, wrongfully, define a band. It’s the blueprint of their sound, persona and everything in between. And it can unearth this hype which can haunt an artist as they move forward in their career. Pressure surmounts within the hope that what’s to come is as good as what’s been before. The Last Dinner Party observed this pressure and refused to let it command their abilities, with their second offering From The Pyre. With a sound which glides between... Read More
ALBUM ROUNDUP WEEK ENDING 17 OCTOBER 2025
Ko Shin Moon Sin From their Paris studio, Ko Shin Moon create otherworldly, hybrid melodies where psychedelia meets space disco to thrilling effect. Mozart Estate Tower Block In A Jam Jar Lawrence says: “This is an album for people who have never heard Mozart Estate or Go-Kart Mozart before – it’s for people who picked up the book (Street Level Superstar) and got into me that way. If you’re one of those... Read More
ALBUM REVIEW – CIRCA WAVES: DEATH & LOVE PT.2
Circa Waves complete the final piece to the puzzle with the second half of their upcoming double album Death & Love. The indie-rock veterans are now six albums deep and have the experience to create a record with deep emotional terrain where the themes of morality and connection intersect. Death & Love relishes its raw and honest themes thanks to the broad songwriting of Kieran Shudall at the helm, creating a record lyrically mature but sonically eclectic in its indie... Read More
ALBUM REVIEW – BROGEAL: TUESDAY PAPER CLUB
Blending traditional ‘Celtic folk’ and ‘Indie rock’, Brògeal are set to release their debut album ‘Tuesday Paper Club’. Stemming from Falkirk, Scotland the five piece are rejuvenating the genres with a reminiscent flair. Speaking to the Independent last year the band stated, ‘I feel very strongly about my country and culture, and so it’d feel like a cop-out trying to copy English bands.’ Identity is the focal point of the band wanting to show off their roots.... Read More
LIVE: THE WEDDING PRESENT – THE RITZ, MANCHESTER 10/10/2025
The Wedding Present are one of those bands who have soundtracked a vast part of my life, from dancing at indie discos as a teen to well pretty much doing the same around the kitchen at a recent 50th birthday do. It’s safe to say the huge crowd assembled in The Ritz tonight probably identify with that similar adoration for this legendary Leeds indie band. Celebrating forty years of heartfelt lyrics and melodic guitar melodies The Wedding Present take to the stage and launch... Read More
