LIVE: SIX ORGANS OF ADMITTANCE – 03/12/2009

 – ISLINGTON MILL, SALFORD – This is my first visit to Islington Mill, the hub for creative minds in Salford is difficult to find in the dark. It is understated to say the least, in an ‘affordable for artists’ kind of way. Four bands are on the bill tonight, organized by WOTGODFORGOT. Irma Vep kick […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – Even though tonight’s temperature is plummeting quicker than Tiger Woods’ squeaky clean reputation, it’s good to see that the music lovers of Manchester are turning out early and in force. By the time the doors to the upstairs music hall are opened, the queue is stretching down the full […]

LIVE: I AM BLACKBIRD – 30/11/2009

LIVE: THE ENEMY – 29/11/2009

– THE APOLLO THEATRE, MANCHESTER – Derry trio, General Fiasco, have come a long way since opening up for Fighting With Wire at The Roadhouse a little over a year ago. Here, in an already heaving Apollo, Owen Strathern’s hooks have sharpened up considerably, each melody mercilessly jumped upon by his guitarist brother, Enda, with […]
– ACADEMY 3, MANCHESTER – It’s an intriguing experience going to see a band you’ve never heard of. You’re worried you might hate it, and as a reviewer, you’re duty bound to stay for the whole thing. Well it turns out I had heard of The Answering Machine, I just didn’t know it and I […]

LIVE: THE ANSWERING MACHINE – 26/11/2009

LIVE: SALFORD FILM FESTIVAL MUSIC DAY/ELBOW – 21/11/2009

– ISLINGTON MILL, SALFORD – Thankfully for me on this stereotypical rainy and windswept Salfordian lunchtime, the venue I’m attending is literally on my doorstep. As I leave the front door of the block of flats I live in, I barely have time to light my cigarette, look both ways before crossing the road and […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – The indie fashionista are out in full force as Brooklyn based act, The Antlers, roll into Manchester on the back of a wave of hype and critical acclaim for their current album ‘Hospice’. It’s a beautiful and haunting record, which masterfully explores themes of guilt, grief and isolation, with […]

LIVE: THE ANTLERS – 18/11/2009

LIVE: JAPANDROIDS – 14/11/2009

– MOHO LIVE, MANCHESTER – 6pm is any self-respecting gentleman’s favourite time of day. Tea time shows off the remnants of hunter-gatherer in the male psyche, and although I hadn’t gone out and clubbed anything to death, a Grade A spicy chicken broth had been defrosting on the kitchen top all afternoon, its inert heat […]
– ACADEMY 1, MANCHESTER – Manchester Academy feels different since its refurbishment in 2008; cleaner, brighter, with a shiny new frontispiece. Alice in Chains re-formed in 2005 with new frontman William DuVall, after the death of lead vocalist Layne Staley. I’m looking forward to watching them, but like the new Academy, I’m prepared for the […]

LIVE: ALICE IN CHAINS – 14/11/2009

LIVE: WHITE BELT YELLOW TAG – 12/11/2009

– THE RITZ BALLROOM, MANCHESTER – It’s Thursday night. It’s November and it’s The Ritz. Technicians potter about on the stage. Pow! They’re not techies – its the band with attention grabbing start! It’s a welcome sucker punch, and they slide effortlessly into the first number before we can recover. Looks like its going to […]
– THE ROADHOUSE, MANCHESTER – BY ANTHONY THORPE So then, what to say about Memphis born singer songwriter Jay Lindsay, otherwise known as Jay Reatard? Well the first thing is, his set tonight started way too early! Being onstage at 7.45pm until 8.30, when advertised for an 8 o’clock start is not preferred for starters! […]

LIVE: JAY REATARD – 12/11/2009