The Specials, one of the most electrifying, influential and important bands of all time, release “Encore”, their first new music for 37 years via UMC /Island Records on February 1st next year. 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of The Specials and the legendary Two-Tone label in Coventry, and also marks 10 years […]
The Louder Than Words Festival of music and writing grows louder each year. This year it will take place between Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November 2017 at the Principal Hotel, Manchester, and is now in its fifth edition; this remains the only festival that delves into our enduring love affair between music and the written word. […]
– THE APOLLO, MANCHESTER – So picture this. Mass unemployment, disappearing high streets, strikes and burning effigies of Margaret Thatcher alight in crumbling pit villages. No, it’s not 1980. It’s 2013, and The Specials have never felt more relevant. Given the political tension of the last few months, there’s a sense of adrenaline throughout the venue. […]
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
ALBUM REVIEW – BEVERLY GLENN-COPELAND: LAUGHTER IN SUMMER
EP REVIEW - NORMAL SERVICE: SONGS FOR SWINGING LOVERS
ALBUM ROUNDUP WEEK ENDING 23 JANUARY 2026
ALBUM REVIEW - TYLER BALLGAME: FOR THE FIRST TIME, AGAIN
FEATURE: RETROSPECTIVE - DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL - DUSK AND SUMMER: CAUGHT BY EMOTION
ALBUM REVIEW - THE HARA: THE FALLOUT
LIVE REVIEW - SUPERHEAVEN: MANCHESTER RITZ - 17/01/2026
ALBUM REVIEW - PLANTOID: FLARE
ALBUM REVIEW - LEXA GATES: I AM
ALBUM ROUNDUP WEEK ENDING 16 JANUARY 2026
