LIVE: JUNIP – 07/10/2010

– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – For those of you who don’t already know, Junip is the new / old band of Jose Gonzalez. Originally formed in 2000 with Tobias Winterkorn (Moog and Keys) and Elias Araya (Drums), however, Junip’s plans for world domination got firmly put on the backburner when Gonzalez’s solo career took […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – First off I would like to say that The Deaf Institute is a truly fantastic venue to go and see live music. I’m sure that many of you reading this will already know that of course, but I’m getting it off my chest regardless. The stage is the perfect […]

LIVE: THE STRANGE BOYS – 17/04/2010

LIVE: ROLO TOMASSI – 18/01/2010

– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – Bassless wonders, Waiters, are an utter shambles. It’s conceivable that they all got given their first instruments this Xmas, formed a band, booked a gig, and thought to Hell with the consequences. The frontman somehow has a voice like a baby crying, the drummer impassive as he taps out […]
– Deaf Institute, Manchester – This is my first visit to Manchester’s Deaf Institute, in the heart of studentsville, near The BBC. It’s a beautifully converted grade II listed neo gothic building with 3 floors to function as a café, bar and music hall. I walk into the full to capacity space just as the […]

LIVE: BROADCAST – 08/12/2009

LIVE: I AM BLACKBIRD – 30/11/2009

– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – Even though tonight’s temperature is plummeting quicker than Tiger Woods’ squeaky clean reputation, it’s good to see that the music lovers of Manchester are turning out early and in force. By the time the doors to the upstairs music hall are opened, the queue is stretching down the full […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – The indie fashionista are out in full force as Brooklyn based act, The Antlers, roll into Manchester on the back of a wave of hype and critical acclaim for their current album ‘Hospice’. It’s a beautiful and haunting record, which masterfully explores themes of guilt, grief and isolation, with […]

LIVE: THE ANTLERS – 18/11/2009

LIVE: MOUNTAIN OF ONE – 09/11/2009

– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – BY JASON BOARDMAN Sat pondering the Institute of Joy which is the Finglands boneshaker No. 43 on my way to the Deaf Institute on a cold Monday evening in Manchester (not always the healthiest signifier for a gig), surrounded by the inane crackle of students heading to their next […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MACHESTER – Ari Up looked magical, yet slightly kooky as she confidently bounced onto the warmly lit stage. With her eyes blazing beneath a huge shock of dread-locked hair that would make Heather Small weep with envy and wearing figure hugging gold lamé hot pants and tatty bomber jacket, the 50-year-old […]

LIVE: THE SLITS – 12/10/2009

LIVE: KITSUNE MAISON PARTY WITH CHEW LIPS / AUTOKRATZ – 17/06/2009

– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – To celebrate the seventh instalment of the much acclaimed Kitsune Maison compilation series, this ultra cool label have taken on a month long tour to spread the word. Starting and Paris and ending in Hamburg, it shall cover the U.K, Europe and even as far afield as Japan. Ever […]
– THE DEAF INSTITUTE, MANCHESTER – Sometimes a gig is just a gig, but on other occasions they can be much much more. Tonight’s sold out performance on the top floor of The Deaf Institute is by far, the latter of the two! Before Peter Wilson, A.K.A Duke Special and his percussionist ‘Temperance Society’ Chip […]

LIVE: DUKE SPECIAL – 25/01/2009