indie live review

Live Review: Melin Melyn / KuleeAngee – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds 23.03.2025
Words: Jim F / Photos: Huw Williams / Jim FAfter working taxing six-hour Sunday (yes, Sunday) that left me drained and irritable, the prospect of attending a gig seemed daunting. Yet, the allure of Melin Melyn performing at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club was irresistible; had it been any other band, I might have opted for …

Live Review: Painted Places / Husk / Black Fern – NE Volume, Stockton 07.02.2025
My first visit to Stockton’s finest music venue, NE Volume, this year was an interesting choice, as tonight’s triple bill turned out to be a pleasing selection. Painted Places were down as headliners, and their finely honed brand of indie drew the crowd in, but they weren’t the only ones to entertain the masses. Starting …

Live Review: The Lottery Winners / The Covasettes / Jonny Blade – O2 Academy, Leeds 27.02.2025
Words and photos by Phil Wright Thursday, 27th of February, took me to the Leeds O2 Academy for a night with ‘The Lottery Winners’. The Mancunian quartet just keep going from strength to strength with brilliant catchy songs and Thom Rylance holding an awesome stage presence. Thom’s humour is so on point, taking the mick …

Live Review: Squid – The Leadmill, Sheffield 22.02.2025
On a chilly February night, a packed out Leadmill paid host to a dynamic show by experimental post-punk outfit Squid. The band seamlessly navigated through their diverse catalogue, blending together contemplative, hypnotic and energetic moments throughout their set. Ollie Judge’s (vocals/drums) urgent vocals and driving rhythms anchored the performance, while Laurie Nankivell (bass guitar/trumpet) and …

Live Review: The Bug Club / British Birds – Crookes Social Club, Sheffield 18.02.2025
Crookes Social Club buzzed with anticipation as a sold-out crowd gathered for an electrifying night of live music, provided by British Birds and headliners The Bug Club . Kicking the evening off was British Birds, a four-piece indie/power pop ensemble hailing from Chorley, UK. Their set was a masterclass in crafting instantly lovable yet slightly …

Live Review: Young Knives / Max Blansjaar – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds 7.02.2025
A near-capacity crowd packed into the Brudenell Social Club on Friday night, eager for a night of sharp-witted, high-energy indie rock. Support came from Max Blansjaar, who quickly won over the audience with his personable charm and endearing stage presence. His indie-rock set was tight and engaging, but it was his between-song patter that truly …

Live Review: C Duncan / Alwyn Jones – Hallamshire Hotel, Sheffield 1.02.2025
The Hallamshire Hotel in Sheffield, with its 1970s-inspired browns and oranges, provided an ideal setting for C Duncans autumnal yet lush indie pop as he arrived in the city as part of Independent Venue Week. The Mercury Prize-nominated singer-songwriter showcased tracks from his latest album, It’s Only a Love Song, released a week or so …

Live Review: The Magic Numbers / Rhiannon Scutt- The Foundry, Sheffield 25.01.2025
The Foundry in Sheffield was taught with anticipation as a packed crowd gathered to witness The Magic Numbers deliver an unforgettable performance, certainly for this first timer. The scene was set with an emotive set by singer-songwriter Rhiannon Scott, whose heartfelt melodies and poignant lyrics captivated the audience, setting a perfect tone for the night. …

Live Review: The Rockaway Beach Festival – Bognor Regis 03.01.2025 to 05.01.2025
Never underestimate the power of chaos theory. Okay, so a butterfly never fluttered it’s wings – in this weather, are you kidding?! No, the universe turned when, minutes after Rockaway Beach 2025 opened, a random bloke called Doug bought Backseat Mafia a couple of beers. It’s the…barfly effect. On such random acts of kindness, festivals …

Live Review: Skep Wax Records Night: The Gentle Spring / Sassyhiya / Pink Opaque – Hallamshire Hotel, Sheffield 24.01.2025
The Hallamshire Hotel, with its gloriously kitschy 70s charm, provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable Skep Wax Records night. Drawing a healthy crowd of indiepop fans, all eager to catch The Gentle Spring—former Field Mice bassist Michael Hiscock’s new band—it was an evening steeped in nostalgia and fresh promise. Opening the night was local …