LIVE: THE WAVE PICTURES – 20/02/2015

– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – It’s Friday night and what better way to start the weekend than visiting a sold-out Deaf Institute for some live music? Tonight’s visitors are The Wave Pictures, touring on the back of new album release Great Big Flamingo Burning Moon. The album was co-written and produced by Billy Childish. […]
– THE ALBERT HALL, MANCHESTER – No, not the ill-considered government policy, but rather the band from Philly, back for their second sold out gig at Manchester’s gorgeous Albert Hall. (And who needs that pale London imitation, right? Our Albert Hall bleeds royal blood.) If the support seem a bit, well, shit – kind of […]

LIVE: THE WAR ON DRUGS – 19/02/2015

LIVE: GIRLPOOL – 18/02/2015

– SOUP KITCHEN, MANCHESTER – Soup Kitchen is heaving tonight. That’s because we are about to watch Girlpool, the surprise package of 2015 who have inspired support from nearly every blog and quarter going, despite comprising of just two women with two guitars. This hype may seem perplexing to many, as unlike the breakthrough acts […]
– GORILLA, MANCHESTER – Talented is a word we often use when describing musicians, and rightly so. It is only right that we shine a light on the ability of those who put themselves out there for our entertainment. Anyone who has ever performed, or has even been around performers will testify that it takes […]

LIVE: GALLERY CIRCUS – 14/02/2015

LIVE – NISENNENMONDAI – 17/02/2015

– SOUP KITCHEN, MANCHESTER –  This is my 100th Silent Radio review, and I’ve still no idea what I’m doing. It’s only appropriate that I’m, typically, at an intimate gig for a band that I’d not heard of 2 weeks ago, until recommended by editor Simon Poole. Soup Kitchen is filling up nicely, as you’d […]
– ACADEMY 2, MANCHESTER – It’s probable the name John Evans means nothing to you, but he has an extraordinary story which was given a new lease of life by Gruff Rhys. Via his album American Interior with accompanying book, documentary and mobile app, the former Super Furry Animals frontman details Evans later life as […]

LIVE: GRUFF RHYS – 13/02/2015

LIVE: EX HEX / PRINCESS – 12/02/2015

– SOUP KITCHEN, MANCHESTER – By the end of their short five song opening set, South Dublin’s Princess have sensed, stalked and snared an initially passive Manchester crowd.  Ostensibly a two piece recording project, tonight Liam and Aoife are supplemented by a full band and are now equipped with the artillery to deliver.  Their approach […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – Last time Hiss Golden Messenger (HGM) graced the stage in Manchester, it was MC Taylor alone on a Sunday night, pacing the stage like a pent up prisoner in front of a measly crowd. Despite tonight’s venue being just a few minutes away from the Soup Kitchen basement, it […]

LIVE: HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER – 10/02/2015

LIVE: GAZ COOMBES – 11/02/2015

– GORILLA, MANCHESTER – Last time I was at Gorilla, I was watching Neneh Cherry kick out ‘Buffalo Stance’. Tonight it’s former Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, who begins his set with none other than, Buffalo. An apt continuum, indeed. Make no bones about it though – unlike Cherry who belted out a few former big […]
– THE ALBERT HALL, MANCHESTER – Those who are familiar with Manchester venues already know about the immense pleasure provided by experiencing a gig in the magnificent Albert Hall setting. For those who aren’t, the building is a former 20th century Methodist chapel with a strong gothic soul which has been recently renovated and turned […]

LIVE: INTERPOL / HEALTH – 08/02/2015