Music
Say Psych: Album Review, High Collider by Melting Hand
Melting Hand describe themselves as a ‘psych dirge’ super-group which sort of leaves me in a binary quandary; because to me ‘psych dirge’ sounds just excellent. But super-group? I’m immediately put in mind of ageing rock stars seeking out their last paydays from collaborations that provide ample evidence to show that they are mere shadows …
Tour News: Michael Kiwanuka
Most people will first have become conscious of singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka when he topped the BBC’s sound of 2012 poll. His rousing lead single ‘Home Again’ took him into the charts. The album of the same name followed on shortly after, and the rest was history. Four years on, and Kiwinuka is on the verge …
Track: Dr. Meaker – Dirt & Soul + exclusive Interview
Dr. Meaker are a Bristol based eight piece band, live instruments, samples, studio electronics and big voices create some heavy underground drum and bass covered in liquid deep soul. ‘Dirt & Soul’ is their debut album and it’s going to turn some heads. Already getting the crowds going at Glastonbury, Bestival, Boomtown Fair, Snowbombing, Isle Of Wight festival and …
Album Review: Various Artists – Chris Sullivan presents The Wag – 4CD remastered
David Bowie, Keith Richards and Joe Strummer were just a few of the big names to frequent Londons Hotspot club of the 80’s ‘The WAG’, a ‘haven for misfits’ that would attract such a following it would fill the floors seven nights a week with its various themed nights. Over the years The Wag would host a multitude …
News: Veteran punks Anti-Pasti to release first new album in 35 years
Eighties punks anti-pasti are set to release their first new material in 35 years with an album – Rise Up, out via Westworld Recordings on Friday 5th August. Set to coincide with the bands now bi-annual appearance at the Rebellion Festival, drummer Kevin Nixon commented “Drummer and spokesman Kevin Nixon commented, `we are thrilled to …
Album Review: Highasakite – Camp Echo
The inexorable march of Norwegian five piece Highasakite continues with the release of their second (at least internationally, pendants will no doubt note its their third) album, Camp Echo. Those that fell in love with their frankly astonishing last long player Silent Treatment, which some two years later is still skirting around the charts in …
Live: Hurray For The Riff Raff. Birmingham 29.06.16
The Rainbow is one of my favourite venues in Birmingham, a quirky pub has a discreet back door towards the toilets that opens into what appears to be a disused warehouse. The exposed beams (and wires) and brickwork providing a backdrop to a corner stage. Despite the shabby appearance, the sound is always good in the Rainbow. And even …
Meet: Clive Jones of The Train Set, and catch up with their live dates
A couple of highly regarded 12″s, much fawning including support from Stuart Maconie and a single of the week in the NME, and kind words from the likes of Noel Gallagher in the intervening years, but other than that Crewe five-piece The Train Set were just a footnote in the history of indie music. And …
Album Review: Mogwai – Atomic
I have to admit, it took me a while to find my way to Mogwai. Even after seeing them in 2004 during an ear-shattering assault that left a good friend of mine and I stunned and shell shocked at the Curiosa Festival I still just could never bring myself to dig deeper into these Scottish …
Meet: Ranch Ghost
Their debut album contains a track that tells the tale of a cat tripped out on magic mushrooms. I thought this sounded like a story I wanted to hear, so I delved a little deeper and discovered a band of shack dwellers from Nashville that play some super fine chilled out tunes just perfect for …