Music
Meet: Former Formes frontman Steven McNamara on his new solo project
Those of you that have experienced the tumult of a set by heavy psych doom band Formes will be somewhat surprised to listen to the new EP, ‘Wake Up Lie Down’, from the band’s former front man, Steven McNamara. The EP is very much a stripped back acoustic set of songs that in many ways …
Say Psych: Album Review, Magnetic Seasons by Mugstar
Normally when I review an album I sit down with it and really think about how it makes me feel, and generally just go with the flow. If I don’t like it, I don’t write about it…there’s enough cynicism in the world…right? When this new album from Mugstar popped into my in box I was …
Not Forgotten: Aretha Franklin – Aretha Live at Filmore West
When the Queen of Soul records a live album at one of the iconic live rock venues, things are never going to be anything less than interesting. Aretha Franklin, as ever, is a smart operator. She knows that not everyone attending tonight is her usual audience, so the set list is heavy with covers of …
Live Review: Escape The Fate, Manchester Club Academy, 28.1.16
If there is any band that have seen their fair share of problems, it’s Escape The Fate- prison stays, betrayals, drug problems and more line-up changes than are worth thinking about. Yet here they are heading out on the Hate Me tour, in celebration of their fifth album of the same name, and they’re doing …
Meet: The Caulfield Beats + Single ‘Acid Part I’
After the release of the ‘Mexican Smoke’ EP, which saw the Boiler Room favourite 90’s Love (Acid Pt II), Lawrence Northall and Molly Dixon bring us their follow up single Acid Pt I. A little taste of what’s to come as we anticipate their forthcoming album due out this year. But before Video let’s catch up …
Reissue: Julia Fordham – Julia Fordham
God, if this album was any more 1980s it would come with a free Ra Ra skirt and fluorescent leg warmers. But despite the overproduced tinny guitars, hideous fretless bass and synthesised keyboards, that are so redolent of the time, it is saved by Julia Fordham’s gorgeous smoky jazz tinged voice. Fordham was one of …
Not Forgotten: 10cc – Sheet Music
These days 10cc are primarily known for the glorious overdub overload that is “I’m Not in Love”, however that monster hit single was just the tip of an often misunderstood creative iceberg made up of pop experimentalism, intelligent hit singles, art-rock, lovingly crafted production, and the search for the perfect pop song. Although it’s tempting …
News: Tramlines 2016: First Acts Announced.
Tramlines has become the biggest day on the calendar for Sheffield residents. Every year it seems to get bigger and better, and people from further afield are travelling North to be part of it. Last year’s festival brought legends such as Martha Reeves, The Charlatans and Basement Jaxx to the plate. quite an act to …
Track: Essaie Pas – Retox, plus album news
What happens when you arrive back off a years worth of touring. Well, if your Montreal duo Essaie Pas, aka Marie Davidson and Pierre Guerineau, it coincided with eviction from their home and, separately, rehearsal space. Moving to a desolate industrial complex in the height of winter, they pair ran around corridors playing old acid …
Interview: Fearless Vampire Killers, 28.1.16
There really isn’t anyone quite like Fearless Vampire Killers around at the moment. Unapologetically committed to their art, it’s refreshing to see a band who will stick to their guns despite the odds. Following the release of their new six song EP Bruises, we caught up with Kier and Luke from the band to catch …