LIVE: GRUFF RHYS – 13/02/2015

– 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 […]
– 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 […]

LIVE: EX HEX / PRINCESS – 12/02/2015

LIVE: HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER – 10/02/2015

– 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 […]
– 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 […]

LIVE: GAZ COOMBES – 11/02/2015

LIVE: INTERPOL / HEALTH – 08/02/2015

– 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 […]
– THE CASTLE HOTEL / GULLIVERS, MANCHESTER – I forget that February is a really wintery month. Once January is out of the way it’s summertime right? Sadly not and it’s another chilly afternoon in Manchester, but luckily I can feel like it’s summer by attending an all dayer split between The Castle and Gullivers, […]

LIVE: NOT A SUMMER FESTIVAL – 07/02/2015

LIVE: HUDSON TAYLOR / SOUTHERN – 07/02/2015

 – ACADEMY 2, MANCHESTER – It’s a (Irish) family affair. The night kicks off with Dublin’s Jack Morris, whose solo acoustic performance clearly displays his main strength of being a seasoned songwriter. His ability to convey his own unique view of the world around him, teamed with strong melodies show why he is so respected […]
– THE CASTLE HOTEL, MANCHESTER – Brighton quartet Black Honey are tonight’s visitors to The Castle Hotel. Much has been written about the band since their songs first emerged on Soundcloud last summer, but despite that, the entry tonight is completely free. Along for the ride this evening are two bands from around these parts, […]

LIVE: BLACK HONEY – 05/02/2015

LIVE: VIET CONG – 05/02/2015

– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – It’s an interesting feeling going to a gig without knowing much about the band you’re off to see. Having enjoyed the singles and videos they’ve put out so far, but not knowing a huge amount about them, tonight I’m heading to The Deaf Institute to see Viet Cong. Following […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – Amber Run are in Manchester tonight to kick off their headline tour, ahead of the release of their debut album (coming out later this year). I saw Nottingham 5 piece Amber Run at this very venue at last year’s Dot to Dot festival, then again at The Soup Kitchen […]

LIVE: AMBER RUN / PIXEL FIX / THE BEACH – 01/02/2015