Like many other people of my generation, hearing bands from Zimbabwe, especially The Bhundu Boys, on John Peel’s radio shows in the 1980s was a revelation. It served as an introduction to music from around the world distinct from the Anglo-American diet that ruled the airwaves. The joyful guitars and rhythms were a marked contrast […]
I have great respect and enthusiasm for the music of Femi Kuti, and he and his band have definitely earned the name ‘The Positive Force’, for much more than the joyous and uplifting experiences I connect with their records and the live performances I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy. Femi and his family (including his […]
The seventh album by composer Rebekka Karijord has a multifaceted backstory that captures the imagination. Six years ago, she contacted the linguistics department at Stockholm University who undertake voice research with contact microphones used by people that have hearing and vocal disabilities. After the university made a few microphones for Karijord, she created a sample […]
Your Silent Radio correspondent for the tenth Manchester Punk Festival didn’t have a press pass and came home with more bruises than notes. My interactions with bands were limited to thanking them for their performances (and occasionally “bumping into them” in the pit or physically supporting them while they crowd-surfed!). I’ll just have to do […]
Listening to Deerhoof is the musical equivalent of watching a high-speed montage of the most physically impossible yoga positions. The tendency is to sit there thinking, “how on earth did they do that?” Free jazz drum patterns, sonic shards of guitar, oddball melodies mean that not only does each Deerhoof album sound different from previous […]
‘I can’t really describe how it felt watching someone you’ve known your entire life perform in front of thousands of people.’ Dial tone memories and party girl anthems stand proudly in place of a support act – because the only appropriate opener for a tour that is the musical equivalent of reading your diary out […]
Viagr Aboys is an album that takes you on a journey of what music is designed to be, fun! Launched via their new label Shrimptech Enterprises, it explores Viagra Boys’ charming humour and uniqueness as a band whilst maintaining their familiar post-punk sound. Delving deep within its lyrical architecture, the ‘supposed’ self-titled record explores frontman […]
In an elaborate yet glorious fusing of observation and honesty, paired with genre-blending musicality, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, AKA Self Esteem returns with her third album ‘A Complicated Woman.’ Exploring themes of self-confidence, societal expectations and feminism, Taylor continues to place topics which typically go unspoken, right in front of you. Its cover itself lending into […]
I would just like to start this off by saying, I am not a massive country music fan. The most country I will ever get is Taylor Swift’s first album. However, what I am is a Julien Baker fan. So, I was very excited to see what this new project with Torres would bring me […]
A slightly quieter week in the run-up to Easter and post-Record Store Day but there are still a number of new releases that warrant attention. Chime Oblivion Chime Oblivion New John Dwyer project featuring Dave Barbarossa (Adam & The Ants, Bow Wow Wow, Fine Young Cannibals, Third House), Weasel Walter (Flying Luttenbachers, Lydia Lunch’s Retrovirus), […]
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
BOOK REVIEW: MARTIN ASTON - FACING THE OTHER WAY: THE STORY OF 4AD
INTERVIEW - BCUC
ALBUM REVIEW - BCUC: THE ROAD IS NEVER EASY
ALBUM REVIEW - KILLERSTAR: THE AFTERGLOW
ALBUM ROUNDUP WEEK ENDING 20 MARCH 2026
ALBUM REVIEW: KIM GORDON - PLAY ME
ALBUM REVIEW - LUXJURY: GIVING UP
LIVE REVIEW - KEO: MANCHESTER RITZ - 07/03/2026
ALBUM REVIEW - NUBIYAN TWIST: CHASING SHADOWS
ALBUM REVIEW - GYDA VALTYSDOTTIR: MOTHER PEARL
