Live Review
Live: Skindred, Crossfaith, HedPe and Yashin, Leeds University Stylus
It’s a travesty, really, that bands with stature such as Crossfaith and especially Skindred aren’t playing bigger venues. However it has its advantages, because surely bands of such calibre, in such a small space can only be a really, really good thing. As Yashin take to the stage at the tender time of 6.30- to …
Say Psych: Live, Cult of Dom Keller, Liverpool PsychFest, 26/09/15
Cult of Dom Keller has been a favourite of mine for some years now. Two cracking albums and a series of enthralling live performances mean that I try to see the band whenever I get the chance. So I was really pleased to hear that they were Cardinal Fuzz Sonic Attack stage, and they did …
Live Review: Boogarins, Reflektor Club, Liege 01.11.2015
I spoke briefly to Rapha, the bass player of Boogarins after the gig, only long enough to ask him to describe their music in a few words if possible. He replied “Free Jazz Pop Rock”. It’s as good a phrase as any, but I would be doing a poor job, and the band a disservice …
Live Review: Tuff Love – The Victoria Dalston, 12 November 2015
If the crowd’s reaction to Tuff Love’s fuzzy indie pop at this east London pub is anything to go by, they could shortly be the band name on everyone’s lips. A lot of music writers are talking about Tuff Love, and rightly so, but you may not have heard of them. You will soon. 2015 …
Live, Killing Joke UK Pylon tour (Manchester & Leeds) 2015
The Gatherers are congregated, the candles are flickering on stage, the lights go down as the Blade Runner theme sets the scene for the next 90 or so minutes. The moratorium is over as Killing Joke launch into ‘The Wait’ unleashing, albeit slowly, the combined power of the band’s original line up (see my recent review …
Live Review: The Staves – The Roundhouse 9.11.15
School night out. Early start in the bar of the Roundhouse. Camden Brewery beer. Hot dogs and ale over the road at Joe’s. More beer back in the venue. Beautiful music from the Staveley-Taylors. Back into the bar for more beer. Urgh. And an über taxi home. Dirt. I think I’ve just about recovered and …
Live Review: Alex G – Sheffield O2 13.11.15
Of all the reasons I listen to the music that Alex G releases (and have so for a number of years), whether they’re covers or originals, well-written compositions or filled with creative hooks, it’s the honesty in her voice that keeps me listening. After seeing her live show in Sheffield last night, this was the …
Live Review: Ex Hex Live Review – The Scala, 02.11.2015, plus Gallery
Ex Hex tore through a set of rock ‘n’ roll that lifted the gloom of a Monday night in foggy London. As we’re standing outside the Scala on a murky night in Kings Cross Ex Hex drummer Laura Harris comes running towards us, carrying what looks like her cymbals, and is frantically ushered into the …
Live: The Unthanks at Hebden Bridge Trades Club
It took the Unthanks a decade, and many different guises, to produce a masterpiece like this year’s Mount The Air, but this stripped down 10th anniversary tour also showcases gems from their other projects. The Mount The Air Tour featured ten people, but tonight it is just the full time members so its the joyous …
Psych Insight: Live, Carlton Melton, Liverpool PsychFest, 25/09/15
In ‘Out To Sea’ Carlton Melton have produced one of my favourite albums of the year so far. I think that it is their most complete work to date, being more focused than previous outings, yet without losing that looseness and improvisation that marks out their sound for me. It is an album that can …