LIVE: PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING – 29/04/2015

– THE RITZ, MANCHESTER – The Ritz is decked out in spangled art deco. But in front, from a pulpit, dangles a rag. SF is picked out in gaffa taped juxtaposition. It’s the moniker of opening act Smoke Fairies; a five piece who richly deserve their mention. Two frontwomen harmonise in tones smooth enough to […]
– THE ALBERT HALL, MANCHESTER – Friday night is just beginning in Manchester as I approach the Albert Hall. I pass restaurants that are packed and bars filled to the brim on a pleasantly warm evening. I’m anticipating a similar atmosphere for Laura Marling’s sold out show. I ascend the stairs to the main room; […]

LIVE: LAURA MARLING – 24/04/2015

LIVE: REN HARVIEU – 25/04/2015

– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – Following an accident resulting in a broken back in 2011 that hindered the full-pelt launch of her career, it seems Ren Harvieu is firmly back on the musical radar and gigging circuit. It’s easy to forget, with her low-key presence and the absence of a second album in recent […]
– GULLIVERS, MANCHESTER – Psych purists may tell you that, if your guitarist adjusts the sound effect on his guitar slightly, you should probably consider changing your entire wardrobe and playing somewhere else. We’ll have none of that around here. Tonight’s 3 bands predominantly specialise in shoegaze and garage, with a multitude of influences in between, and they’ll be playing while bathed in […]

LIVE: DEAD RABBITS – 25/04/2015

LIVE: STEALING SHEEP – 24/04/2015

– BAND ON THE WALL, MANCHESTER – Band on The Wall has filled up nicely in the last few minutes as the anticipation for the first showing of Stealing Sheep’s well-received new album Not Real grows. Ironically, the Liverpool band open tonight’s set with what was potentially the most popular song off their debut album, […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – … so as it transpires, this gig will be one that lives long in the memory for anyone who was lucky enough the see all of it. Dan Mangan’s profile in native Canada is somewhat higher than over here, claiming numerous songwriting and album awards throughout his 6 year […]

LIVE: DAN MANGAN + BLACKSMITH – 24/04/2015

LIVE: SCREAMING FEMALES – 21/04/2015

– THE ROADHOUSE, MANCHESTER – This is a common Tuesday night. But this is also that kind of night in which you can have just a couple of beers so as to get away from the everyday paraphernalia or experience an inspirational eye-opener and realise that you should really follow your dreams. Let’s bet for […]
– GULLIVERS, MANCHESTER – Ryley Walker sits alone, the added instruments on his new album Primrose Green seemingly not in attendance. His guitar case is flung wide like an open top coffin reminding us that he is not here to stay, that this is just one whistle stop on a very long tour. It’s a […]

LIVE: RYLEY WALKER – 19/04/2015

LIVE: SLUG – 16/04/2015

– SOUP KITCHEN, MANCHESTER – I arrive to a bustling crowd outside the Soup Kitchen in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Very busy, I think, for a Thursday night. It turns out that a local artist is exhibiting his work in the big windows of the bar (all of which are giant replications of album covers from […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – Tonight the Deaf Institute is not the thermal pressure cooker that has become its trademark during its reign as the crown jewel of Manchester’s small music venues. It is more gently packed, still busy, but comfortable. The Leisure Society are repeat visitors themselves, and like so many before them, […]

LIVE: THE LEISURE SOCIETY – 20/04/2015