LIVE: BROWN BROGUES / ABJECTS / DIRTY HEELS – 20/12/2014

– THE CASTLE HOTEL, MANCHESTER – The traditional start to Christmas for many Mancunians these days is the first trip to the Christmas markets, sampling undercooked sausages and over-priced Gluewein.  But for the more discerning reveler the real spirit of Christmas is to be found at The Castle Hotel, where the Brown Brogues’ annual “Bro  […]
‘Underbart’, in Swedish, means something akin to enchanting, wondrous. It’s a word which would aptly describe any number of Little Dragon’s releases to date – their latest release (‘Underbart’ for those who hadn’t guessed) perhaps not. It’s slinking, sensual, and bass heavy, indicative of a slight shift in direction on latest album Nabuma Rubberband. Compared […]

Single Review: Little Dragon – Underbart

LIVE: KASABIAN – MANCHESTER ARENA, 12/12/2014

I’m starting to run out of superlatives to describe Kasabian as a live band. To many they are the best British live band around after conquering the Sunday headlining slot at this year’s Glastonbury festival. The group are sometimes criticised for their qualities on record but as a live act they really do come into […]
Close your eyes, and it could be 1983. It is exactly the kind of nostalgia that Mark E Smith hates, so I did not expect to be joined by him at the Ruby Lounge for the debut performance of Brix and the Extricated. And I wasn’t, despite my dreams of the former husband and wife […]

LIVE: BRIX & THE EXTRICATED – THE RUBY LOUNGE, MANCHESTER 13/12/2014

LIVE: THE XCERTS / KAGOULE – SOUP KITCHEN, MANCHESTER 12/12/2014

It feels nice to be stood in Soup Kitchen this evening, a pint in hand, knowing I have the weekend ahead and not much else on the agenda apart from watching bands and drinking beer. Sadly, Soup Kitchen seems a little on the quiet side as I eagerly await tonight’s support, Nottingham outfit Kagoule. It’s […]
I’m heading down Oxford Road and feeling festive. Students abound in Christmas jumpers, work do’s are spilling out of Kro and Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott are playing a charity* gig at Academy 2. Not even Scrooge himself could turn down a mince pie. The Beautiful South duo reunited this year for the underrated ‘What […]

LIVE: PAUL HEATON & JACQUI ABBOTT – ACADEMY 2, MANCHESTER 12/12/2014

LIVE: REN HARVIEU – THE RUBY LOUNGE, MANCHESTER 11/12/2014

I’m trying to place that voice. It’s smooth and buttery, and you can’t help but notice the audience swoon a little as Ren Harvieu gets on stage. It’s other era-esque, with Forever in Blue playing, the stage would be better off framed with heavy velvet drapes. There’s even the merest hint of Alison Goldfrapp here. […]
– SOUND CONTROL, MANCHESTER – Potential is a dangerous word for new bands. It’s nice to have the label but it’s how you react to it that counts. Coasts are certainly riding the crest of the hype wave (obvious pun, sorry) at the moment. I was originally all set to review their performance at Sound […]

LIVE: COASTS – 07/12/2014

LIVE: TEMPLES – 06/12/2014

– THE RITZ, MANCHESTER – 2014 has been quite the year for Kettering rock band Temples. They were a surprise choice for Rough Trade’s album of the year, recipients of public blessing from both Johnny Marr and Noel Gallagher while sound tracking a ubiquitous summer Strongbow advert.  Little surprise then their sold out Ritz show […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – A couple of years back some big music industry cheese declared rock music dead. This year they declared it undead. Now, although the first statement was utterly ludicrous, I must admit that 2014 has been the year of the Riff! There’s been an influx of great rock bands across […]

LIVE: TURBOWOLF – 02/12/2014