Music
Album Review: Bombay Heavy – Bombay Heavy
Reinvention of the self in the music world is nothing new. It’s been done, ad infinitum. Lennon, Bowie, Bono and Beyonce have all adopted alter egos at some stage in their careers. Reasons vary, as do results. Blur’s Damon Albarn was the unmistakable voice behind Gorillaz’ frontman “2D”, an inspired direction for Albarn heralding a …
Live Review: Wire – Unity Works, Wakefield 20.02.2015, plus gallery
I see plenty of live gigs, but I was especially excited about the prospect of seeing Wire in Wakefield last Friday. For starters, it’s been a while since I’d visited Unity Hall, (or Unity Works , as its now known) in Wakefield. Infact it’s been almost 30 years since I last made my way upstairs …
Album Review: CHAMPS – VAMALA
VAMALA is a word used by Isle of Wight fishermen for a certain type of dangerous storm that comes in suddenly off the sea. It is also the name of the new album from Isle of Wight siblings CHAMPS. released on 23rd February 2015 by Play It Again Sam. Thankfully for Michael and David Champion, their …
Not Forgotten: Guided by Voices – Motivational Jumpsuit
An overlooked rather than a forgotten classic, Motivational Jumpsuit was the first of two albums by Guided by Voices that were released in quick succession in the first half of 2014, before they once again called it a day last September. Less of a disorientating skip through Robert Pollard and Tobin Sprout’s collective muse than …
Not Forgotten: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – Hard Promises
For reasons that have never been explained to my satisfaction, the majority of rock fans this side of the pond never embraced Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers in the same way they did Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for this, both are acts steeped in …
News: Sworn In Unleash Album Details
Metalcore masters Sworn In have announced details on their new album The Lovers/The Devil which is set for release on April 7th via Razor & Tie. The album will be the follow up to their 2013 debut Death Card. Be sure to check out the tracklisting and artwork below. Track listing: 1. Sweetheart 2. Sugar …
Meet: A Conversation With Jon Kennedy
Being a music writer, I get the chance to hear and meet some pretty amazing artists. Just when I think I’ve heard it all here comes five other musicians that blow me away. Artists doing their own thing in a unique way. And not only that, but my eyes are opened to music and music …
Album Review: Ibeyi – Ibeyi
There’s been a fair bit of fuss about Naomi and Lisa-Kaindé Díaz, known to us as Ibeyi and to some as daughters of famed percussionist Anga Díaz. Their first album, a self-titled affair is out today (February 16th) on the XL label and is a joyous mix of their own roots – the French Cuban …
Live: Crown The Empire, Set It Off, Dangerkids and Alive Like Me: Leeds Mine, 8.02.15
The Mine venue, right in the bowels of the Leeds University Student Union, is the ideal place for an intimate show. Amongst the warren of different sized venues in the same building, this is the smallest with wood panelled low ceilings and a barrier within jumping distance of the stage. It’s perfect for tonight’s plethora …
News: Tramlines 2015 Line Up Announced
For one weekend every year the streets of Sheffield fill up as it turns in to the venue for one of the UK’s most exciting music festivals. As well as the outdoor stages, pretty much every pub and club has a live act to be seen. And that’s not to mention the performers on the …