ALBUM: MATT CORBY – TELLURIC

I first became aware of Matt Corby when a friend send me his cover of the Black Keys’ ‘Lonely Boy’ on an Australian radio station. I was blown away by his musicality, as well as his vocal control and range. I began listening to more and more of his EPs and loved his soulful sound […]
Laura Gibson’s ”Empire Builder” serves as a memento of an individual in transformation. Showcasing themes around loss, loneliness and womanhood, this singer-songwriter’s second album relays the story of Gibson’s rebuilding of her own life after an explosion which destroyed her home and work. Blending traditional genres such as folk and country with indie influences creates […]

ALBUM: LAURA GIBSON – EMPIRE BUILDER

ALBUM: TELEMAN – BRILLIANT SANITY

I remember watching Franz Ferdinand on the Jonathan Ross Show about seven years ago. I quite liked them, but I remember my Sister saying “Hum….they’re quite neat aren’t they?” not exactly a massive insult but still, a band being ‘neat’ seems somehow, a little, boring? Why am I saying this? Well, in some respects neat […]
 – THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – There’s a young crowd here bright and early for WEDDING, but their overly enthusiastic dancing seems chemical fuelled, almost sarcastic. It’s not a great start. The band are definitely fans of the Ronettes, but even if ‘Be My Baby’ is the best song ever written, it’s OK to write […]

LIVE: NAI HARVEST – 29/03/2016

LIVE: SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA – 24/03/2016

– GORILLA, MANCHESTER – Pinning Submotion Orchestra down to one sound is near impossible. The Leeds seven-piece cross over the worlds of dub, jazz, ambient, soul, and I’m sure many more, with ease somehow avoiding the perils of over-complication. They were originally pioneers of the dubstep sound, forming only to play a huge live dubstep […]
– NIGHT & DAY CAFÉ, MANCHESTER – Tonight at Night and Day Café is introduced to us by Nev Cottee, he is calming and soothing with notes that are reminiscent of being at the beach, relaxing with the lapping of the ocean. Though between his deep voice and his music, it seems apt to query […]

LIVE: JEFF WOOTTON – 23/03/2016

ALBUM: LUST FOR YOUTH ‘COMPASSION’

If you’re looking for something new and exciting in the electronic music world, this album won’t set off any underlying alarms of uniqueness. However, if you’re fans of New Order, Depeche Mode and other influential acts of the 80s, then this may just tickle your pickle. Hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, Lust for Youth provide an […]
– GORILLA, MANCHESTER – “What the fuck’s going on?” asks a frustrated Zachary Cole Smith of a group of young, confused technicians as they continue to struggle to conquer the age-old technology of the DVD projector – supposed portal to the imagination of the Brooklyn darling and 21st century poster boy for rock-’n-roll tragedy. Following […]

LIVE: DIIV – 20/03/2016

LIVE: STIFF LITTLE FINGERS – 19/03/2016

 – THE RITZ, MANCHESTER – In a time when not all was glitz and not all was glamour, 1977 gave birth to a little punk band from Belfast called Stiff Little Fingers. Known for their highly political views and raucous attitudes, their music brought unity to those who never belonged and gave a voice to […]
 – THE CASTLE HOTEL, MANCHESTER – “Thank you so much for being here” shouts singer Jen Ahlkvist, almost out of breath, one song in, blonde fringe already thick with sweat. The modest audience bunch together to intensify the heat in the room. Perhaps they’re holding on for their lives, because there is something so visceral […]

LIVE: THE FRANKLYS – 20/03/2016