Music
Live Review: Hookworms, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, 19.11.14
I’ve seen Hookworms many times now, and I’ve seen them quite a few times at the always excellent Brudenell; but this felt like something different. This was the launch gig for the band’s second, excellent, album The Hum (you can read my review of it here) which, in my opinion, has cemented the band’s position …
A Buyers Guide to Warren Zevon – The Asylum Years
Warren Zevon is one of those songwriters who is unfortunately best remembered for one song which overshadowed the rest of his career. This is a great shame, as Zevon’s output is one of considerable depth which underwent repeated twists and turns in terms of commercial success which lead to a relatively stop-start career punctuated by …
Album Review: Polybius – Be Seeing You
It’s difficult to know whether Polybius were formed, or born, or indeed anything. Best to assume the Sheffield / Rotherham based duo were forged. Certainly the (musical) DNA of Warp and Voltaire and Clock DVA have played heavy on the duo, only known as EV and the Random (“our personal names are irrelevant”) and they …
Live Review: Claw Marks – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds 27.11.2014
If you got home from work/college/shoplifting that late that you were unable to get down to the Brudenell for the opening act last Thursday, well count your lucky stars. For you were saved the tortuous half hour or so the rest of us had to endure when London’s second most disgusting band turned up. Claw …
Live: The Heartbreaks, Bodega, 28th November 2014
The Heartbreaks are a band who know how to look after you. When I arrived at the Bodega in Nottingham last night, I found drummer Joe Kondras and lead guitarist Ryan Wallace telling staff how important it was they let me in. Great start, boys. The Heartbreaks are the first band I ever fell in …
Track: J. Mascis releases cover of Fade into You on Black Friday Record Store Day
Yes, you’re right, he’s fucking cool. J.Mascis, the Spinosaurus of Dinosaur Jr., is following this year’s solo LP “Tied to a Star” with a special single release. Timed for the special Black Friday version of Record Store Day, the 7” single on Sub Pop will be a cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” backed …
Live Review: James – First Direct Arena, Leeds 23.11.14
Sunday night saw James arrive in Leeds for the last gig of their 11 date tour. There was a definite buzz in the air. A James gig is always special, but for some reason tonight felt that bit more so. As they took to the stage this was confirmed by guitarist/violinist, Saul “This is our …
News: Screaming Maldini announce final album ‘Everything Unsaid’
With Screaming Maldini announcing the end to their journey last month, downhearted fans still have a few things to look forward to before the group disbands and moves on to future endeavours. Today, the band have announced the release of their second, and final, album. Titled Everything Unsaid, the album will feature songs from the band’s Monthly …
News: Of Mice & Men announce UK and EU tour for 2015
If bands who have managed to battle their way through the barrage of metalcore bands in their scene to come out as some of this generation’s rising stars is your thing- then Of Mice & Men may just be to your liking! If they already are your thing, and/or they interest you in any way, …
Not Forgotten – The Shins – Wincing the Night Away
It’s happened to me more times than I like to think – I discover a great band with a small but interesting discography, I’ve just missed them on tour, but great things are expected of their next album. So I patiently wait. And wait. Finally the album is released. It’s not quite as good as …