– FUEL CAFÉ, MANCHESTER – It’s a baking night in South Manchester, even as the band sound check, and set-up for a night curated by Cheesus Crust Records, DIY “label and gig putter on thing that will never be as memorable as Neck Deep”. They’re running 45 minutes late and a crowd of thirteen people […]
– MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL, MANCHESTER – I arrive at Manchester Cathedral tonight very much in the dark about Afghan Whigs. I’m aware of their music only from older friends’ enthusiastic recommendations, who champion them as soul and blues infected hangers-on of the sub-pop generation, related to – but not of – the grunge movement, and as […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – This evening seems somewhat of an exciting evening to be an Owen Pallett fan as he’s playing the first date of a long over due UK tour and today he just been shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, which is Canada’s equivalent of the Mercury. The Ontario based songwriter/ […]
– GORILLA, MANCHESTER – Slow Club are one of those bands that slowly (pardon the pun) but surely generate a loyal fan base throughout their music career. The multi-instrumentalist duo, Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor originate from Sheffield and have been around since 2006 with three albums under their belt. In fact, their latest offering, […]
– MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL, MANCHESTER – I love Cathedrals. I love their vastness and echoing potential for magnitude and sound. A reverence for something higher and benevolent. You’ve got to hand it our our own Manchester Cathedral for their welcome of the secular. This 1421 building appears regularly on our list of gigs to enjoy. A […]
– THE CASTLE HOTEL, MANCHESTER – For the second time in four days I’m at the Castle for some live music. Tonight’s lineup features Happyness with support from Manchester’s Butcher The Bar. Taking advantage of a warm evening, much of the crowd crammed into the outside area at the back of the venue awaiting the […]
– THE CASTLE HOTEL, MANCHESTER – It’s Tuesday night, the Castle’s selection of ales are flowing and we have four acts to look forward to tonight. Billed as a co-headline show for Literature Thieves and Natalie McCool, support comes from See Emily Play and The Bear Around Your Neck. Slowly making his way to stage, […]
– FIRST CHOP BREWING ARM, SALFORD – Young British Artists – or YBAs as they now prefer to be known – have kept us waiting. I’ve been lucky to catch them low down the bill at the odd festival in the six years the Manchester foursome have been together, and whenever I try and Google them […]
– GORILLA, MANCHESTER – I’ve been spending the past few weeks submersing myself in the superb new long player from Canadian punks Fucked Up. Glass Boys is the band’s fourth album, considerably shorter than their previous record (a four part rock opera entitled David Comes To Life) but still expansive in production and powerful in […]
– SOUP KITCHEN, MANCHESTER – Almost 3 years since I saw them play The Ruby Lounge, Wye Oak return to Manchester with a whole new albums worth of tunes to blend into their set. Despite the extra depth in the sound that runs through ‘Shriek’, the band continue as a duo – Andy Stack and Jenn Wasner […]
GIG GUIDE
Our gig guide is handpicked and every act has been listened to before making it onto the list.
See this month's guide
ALBUM ROUNDUP WEEK ENDING 6 FEBRUARY 2026SIL
ALBUM REVIEW - YAMILA: NOOR
ALBUM REVIEW - JD MEATYARD: THE MISSION
ALBUM REVIEW - MAYHEM: LITURGY OF DEATH
ALBUM REVIEW - THE MOLOTOVS: WASTED ON YOUTH
SINGLE REVIEW - PIPPA BLUNDELL: BIG BEAR
ALBUM REVIEW - CONGRATULATIONS: JOIN HANDS
GIG GUIDE - FEBRUARY 2026
ALBUM REVIEW - CORY WONG: LOST IN THE WONDER
LIVE REVIEW - WESTSIDE COWBOY: MANCHESTER GORILLA - 29/01/2026
