Category: Live Music

Live – Hidden Herd All-Dayer at The Green Door Store

Posted in Event Gallery, Live Music, Review

Hidden Herd All-Dayer at The Green Door Store, Brighton, 6th July 2024

A day filled with music and a chance to see some class acts return to Brighton (or just pop down the road for the locals), as Saturday saw Brighton’s Green Door taken over by the latest Hidden Herd all-dayer. A prior commitment meant I sadly missed The Stanford Family Band and Room Service, though judging by how busy the room was when I got there, an early turnout seemed apparent.

Happily I made it in time to catch the inimitable Vanity Fairy for the second time in as many weeks, following their support slot for CSS at Chalk last Friday. Proof if needed that their performance is equally engaging in a small or large venue, and always a good fit for Brighton shows.

Vanity Fairy

Next up, Ladylike have certainly made a dent on the Brighton scene over the last couple of years, an appealing mix of soft vocals and thrashing guitars ensuring there are no lulls in the set and interest is held.

An excellent choice to follow on, Fraulein seem to constantly be gigging, the pay-off being that the two-piece are completely in sync with each other. I’ve never seen them play a bad show and, despite some technical issues on the day, that still stands.

Ladylike

Fräulein

Some more local talent in the next two acts, firstly it’s always nice to run into a cowboy as you navigate the curtained entrance to the live room at Green Door, and the inclusion of Trip Westerns on the bill facilitated this in style. With the strapline ‘Rock n Roll / Psych n Soul’, the band added an atmospheric splash of nostalgia while retaining a decidedly current feel to their tunes sprinkled with drops of surf rock, 6os soul and spaghetti-psychedelia.

And next up the ever popular Currls played their last gig with Jack on bass, giving a performance for him to remember. In turn his opening speech based around the lyrics of Bruce Springsteen formed an equally memorable point for those attending. Indie-grunge to the max and a skillful segue into the evening.

Trip Westerns

Currls

Just about squeezing onto the stage, Bishopskin took the penultimate slot with another of their trademark immersive performances. Instrument swaps coupled with complex compositions make their sets compelling to a level that somehow turns the crowd into a congregation – always an experience.

Bishopskin

Finally, the headline slot and the warmest of welcomes back to Brighton for the staggeringly good Adult DVD. They maintain that they don’t get this kind of reception in other places and seriously, if that’s true, other places need to step up their game big time. There’s an absolute buzz about this six piece from Leeds, industrial synths, dance beats and quick-witted lyrics coming together to provide sheer entertainment and an impromptu dance session for the whole room.

Alongside their increasing catalogue of infectious tunes, their set included just one of many deserved shout-outs to Jim at Hidden Herd for consistently putting on shows that draw in and showcase new talent – Adult DVD played across the road at The Albert for HH back in February, and many of those who were at that show were back for this one. The band promised to be back again – fingers crossed that will be sooner than later, what a way to end a fantastic day.

Adult DVD

Words and photos © Siobhan – 16beasleystphotography.com | Instagram

Published 24th June 2024

 

Live – Black Country New Road | Ugly | Tapir at Concorde 2

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music

Black Country New Road, Ugly & Tapir at Concorde 2, Brighton, 8th July 2024

Last night saw Concorde 2 packed to the rafters as a triptych of acts played a sold out charity fundraiser gig for Palestinian Medical Aid. Hosted by Form Presents, the crowd were treated to performances by Tapir, Ugly and headliners Black Country, New Road.

Gallery from Mike Burnell below.

Tapir

Ugly

Black Country, New Road

Photos © Mike Burnell (iso400.com)

Published 9th July 2024

Live – CSS | Vanity Fairy at Chalk

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music, Review

CSS & Vanity Fairy at Chalk, Brighton, 28th June 2024

Motorhead, Madonna and a most enjoyable evening as CSS brought their reunion tour to Brighton on Friday.

Opener for the night was the inimitable Vanity Fairy, shimmering gladrags and falsetto disco tunes capturing the imagination of the equally glitter-clad audience. Increasingly it seems that she is the perfect act to support a range of big names (Altered Images, Toyah, Electric 6 to name but a few). Always a happy crowd set up for what comes next, but don’t be surprised as she starts to pull the headline slot away with a sequinned leash as she surely will.

Vanity Fairy

And so to CSS – with their first live dates in the UK for over a decade, the huge wave of anticipation was met head on with equal amounts of energy, fun and ridiculously infectious tunes. From the moment they walked on stage to greet the crowd with CSS Suxxx, the pace was set and never faltered. Lovefoxxx, Ana Rezende, Carolina Parra and Luiza Sá have reformed CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy) to focus on live shows while celebrating their 20th anniversary as a band. Their camaraderie is evident, and the stories shared made it feel like everyone there was a part of the journey. Lovefoxx talked about going to band practice fearing she would be asked the inevitable ‘Can you name 3 of their songs?’ about her Motorhead T-shirt, though it proved never to be mentioned, with a Madonna cover instead on the cards. Kudos though to seemingly the one person in the crowd who was able to come up with 5 Motorhead songs off the top of his head, and received a beer and several chants of ‘Ian! Ian!’ for his efforts. We got the Madonna track too – Hollywood segueing nicely into City Grrrl and Teenage Tiger Cat. 

Almost 20 years down the line and perhaps their best known and still revered track Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death From Above unsurprisingly received a massive reaction, the floor bouncing on and off stage, then a triple whammy encore of I Wanna Be Your J-Lo, Art Bitch and Alala finished an outstanding night of music and frolics. Raise your glass to a reunion worth the wait.

CSS

Words and photos by Callum and Siobhan

Published 1st July 2024

Festival – GuilFest 24

Posted in Event Gallery, Festival, Live Music

GuilFest (Day 1),  29th June 2024

After a long hiatus, it’s great to welcome GuilFest back to Guildford Stoke Park. Yesterday saw around 5000 people enjoying the sunshine, and the eclectic mix of music and other festivities on site. Mike Burnell was there to capture the highlights of the day on camera…

Shaun Ryder’s Black Grape

Elvana

The Rock Choir

Lit Like Vegas

Nouvelle Vague

Spice Girls Experience

The Skints

The Blockheads

Urban Cookie Collective

Voodoo Radio

The Stranglers (and header shot)

From around the festival site

GuilFest

Photos © Mike Burnell (iso400.com)

Published 30th June 2024

Live – Bat For Lashes | Mui Zyu at De La Warr Pavilion

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music

Bat For Lashes & Mui Zyu at De La Warr Pavilion Bexhill

A stunning performance from Bat For Lashes in the iconic setting of Bexhill’s De La Warr Pavilion, with songs spanning her whole career up to latest album The Dream of Delphi. Sharing that the last time she was at the venue was to see Patti Smith, and that she loved being back on the south coast, the crowd were left hoping it wouldn’t be too long before she returns.

Support from Mui Zyu 
Gallery by Mike Burnell

Mui Zyu

Bat For Lashes

Photos © Mike Burnell (iso400.com)

Published 26th June 2024

Live – Dog Race | Media Giant | Paris Blue at The Prince Albert

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music, Review

Dog Race, Media Giant & Paris Blue at The Prince Albert, Brighton, 19th June 2024

Last week’s new music showcase at The Albert saw Hastings band Paris Blue take a trip along the coast to Brighton, bringing angular, catchy tunes to the stage. Lots of riffs, lots of melodies; they got the dancing in the crowd started early and set the pace for the acts to follow. Next up, Media Giant released their debut EP Market Research a little over a year ago, and continue to finesse their blend of experimental funk with a hint of punk. It’s a big sound and immediately infectious, and you can never have too much cowbell in the mix. Impressive stuff.

Their reputation preceding them, headliners Dog Race are creating quite a buzz on the new music scene. Hard to pin down, sonically they veer from spiky and slightly off-kilter at the start, to Katie Healy’s vocal progressing through to capturing elements of goth queens Siouxsie and Patricia Morrison – it’s no carbon copy though, and it’s what makes the band’s sound their own. Finishing with latest single It’s the Squeeze, Dog Race are not here to be ignored and look set for much bigger things.

Hosted by Hidden Herd

Paris Blue

 

Media Giant

Dog Race

Words and photos © Siobhan – 16beasleystphotography.com | Instagram

Published 24th June 2024

Live – The DSM IV | Owners Club | Jopy | Ringards at The Hope & Ruin

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music, Review

The DSM IV, Owners Club, Jopy & Ringards at The Hope & Ruin, Brighton, 12th June 2024

Another great evening at The Hope & Ruin from Hidden Herd, all 4 acts playing to the max. First up, Ringards have a distinctly new wave feel to their music, with punchy, catchy tunes from start to finish and surely a nod to Buzzcocks in there somewhere. Next, fronted by Jo Parnell, Jopy bring a jagged Cramps-esque vibe to the stage. And with the pending release of their debut EP on Goo Records, definitely ones to watch. Stepping up a gear since their last Brighton performance, Owners Club seem to be comfortably finding their place in the indie hall of fame. Not too leftfield to include a Venga Boys tribute though amidst the guitar rock poses; it will be interesting to see how things will develop for them moving forward.

Headliners for this one, the revered DSM IV. It’s been too long since I saw them last, and their stage presence is still as wide as their ties. Trips on the shoulders of the crowd and a cape crafted from the ceiling fabric were just a couple of the added visuals, Guy McKnight ever the entertainer. But this takes nothing away from the music – industrial beats with more than a sprinkling of electronica keep a heady gothic sound alive, and I am all for that. An accomplished performance and solid ending to proceedings.

The next Hidden Herd showcase brings Dog Race, Media Giant and Paris Blue to Brighton’s Prince Albert this Wednesday 19th June – if you’re quick you can still grab a ticket here.

Ringards

Jopy

Owners Club

The DSM IV

 

Words and photos © Siobhan – 16beasleystphotography.com | Instagram

Published 17th June 2024

Live – Richard Hawley at Brighton Dome

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music, Review

Richard Hawley at Brighton Dome, 9th June 2024

There are a few select artists who you could see at any point in their career and be sure that they’d never disappoint. Increasingly, Richard Hawley stakes his place as one such artist, his current tour showcasing his songwriting talent and velvet-smooth vocals in equal measure. He’s funny too, an added bonus. 

The opening trio of songs, She Brings the Sunlight, new tracks Two for his Heels and Prism in Jeans, set the pace nicely and just as the crowd start to relax into the set, he throws in big favourite Open Up Your Door. Hawley’s latest album In This City They Call You Love is well represented and seems popular and recognised already; he has the ability to make his sound pioneering and familiar at the same time, a depth of accomplishment disguising itself as effortless and breezy.

Plenty of space for the old songs too. Ahead of Just Like the Rain, he says, “This is probably the oldest one we do. I wrote this many years ago, on my 16th birthday in fact, which just goes to show I was a miserable fucker even then”. And after some back and forth with the audience about the failings of the government and Sunak’s absurd trip down national service lane, his announcement of, “Tonight Matthew… the streets are ours” receives an expectedly huge cheer.

Having already played for close to 90 minutes, the set ends but the lights stay down, and a 3 song encore ensues with People, I’m Looking for Someone to Find Me and Ocean. A serious display of talent from the whole band, an excellent night of music, and a reminder of why so many other artists cite Richard Hawley as an influence.

Richard Hawley

Words/photos by Callum/Siobhan

Published 12th June 2024

Live – Deap Vally | Dosiopath at Concorde 2

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music

Deap Vally & Dosiopath at Concorde 2, Brighton, 3rd June 2024

Playing their last tour before parting of the ways, Deap Vally  entertained Brighton for one final time last night at Concorde 2. Moving forward the pair have new projects in the pipeline; Lindsey has plans for a solo record, while Julie’s new duo Dosiopath with Solon Bixler (30 Seconds to Mars, Great Northern) was showcased as the support act.

Gallery from Mike Burnell
Hosted by Joy Concerts

Dosiopath

Deap Vally

Photos © Mike Burnell (iso400.com)

Published 4th June 2024

Live – His Lordship at The Hope & Ruin

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music, Review

His Lordship at The Hope & Ruin, Brighton, 30th May 2024

Following the release of their thundering self-titled debut album in January, His Lordship are back on the road (it seems they rarely take a break). Blending exceptional musical ability with an enigmatic performance, their show at The Hope & Ruin in Brighton Thursday was another runaway success, including all the by now familiar favourites and featuring a poignant new instrumental track written for Shane McGowan. An fusion of rock ‘n’ roll with punk undertones, the sound is all their own and getting slicker by the minute – a great night’s entertainment.

Hosted by Stay Sick  

Photos © Siobhan – 16beasleystphotography.com | Instagram

Published 3rd June 2024

Live – Low Island | ELI | Moon Idle at The Prince Albert

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music, Review

Low Island, ELI & Moon Idle at The Prince Albert, Brighton, 23rd May 2024

Amongst the relatively small stage at The Albert and huge chunks of equipment set out for the headliners, Moon Idle managed to carve a space to start the evening off with some delicate trip-hop tunes – a band seemingly growing in confidence and maturing with each performance. Joining the line-up next, singer-songwriter ELI brought a soulful leaning to proceedings. With a mention of wanting to move to Brighton, and a response suggesting this would be warmly welcomed, the set was polished and effortless. And completing the evening, lots of love in the room for Low Island and their electronic-fuelled catalogue. Playing sophisticated indie-pop, the quartet’s energy was infectious and left a happy crowd heading out with smiles on their faces. Gallery from all three sets below.

Hosted by Hidden Herd

Moon Idle

ELI

Low Island

Photos © Siobhan – 16beasleystphotography.com | Instagram

Published 29th May 2024

 

 

Festival – The Great Escape 24

Posted in Event Gallery, Festival, Live Music, Review

The Great Escape, Alt Escape and Independent Showcases, Brighton, 15th-18th May 2024

To be fair, Brighton is always full of live music. Take your pick of any night of the week, and you won’t have to walk far to find someone playing somewhere. Every May though, this amplifies many times over as The Great Escape, Alt Escape and multiple other shows open up at existing music venues, clubs and pop-up locations across the city. With so much to choose from, it’s never possible to see everyone on your wanted list but, from Wednesday to Saturday last week, we had a good go. Here’s the low down on who we saw, including some established favourites and lots of first time captures…

Wednesday15th May

A wildly strong opener from Baba Ali and a perfect start to the eclectic mix to follow, they command your attention without even trying to grab it. No frills, just an accomplished mix of synth, fuzzy guitars and dance beats, gaining some new fans by the end of their set for sure.

How to follow that? Well, it’s likely that Mickey Callisto could follow anyone and keep the crowd in the palm of his hand. Mickey has the voice, the moves, but seemingly no ego. With songs touching on themes of inclusion, togetherness and unity, and an unabashed rendering of Hey Jude, it was a great showcase for unsigned talent, and he made every stage he played his own (there were two more over the weekend). 

Left (and header shot): Baba Ali, Right: Mickey Callisto

Thursday 16th May

Splitting to take in different shows, the first of several sets for Vanity Fairy confirmed a voice on point, and an always eccentric but down to earth stance. Winning over audiences with sheer charm and infectious tunes, this is a feel-good act that never fails to leave the crowd smiling.

Elsewhere, some fine new discoveries with nostalgia-ridden folk from Woody Green, then Twst (think Welsh Grimes meets a hyper-pop Willy Wonka). Serious riffs and moves from New York’s Psymon Spine, and contagious indie-pop from Melbourne’s magnificently named The Belair Lip Bombs, took us deep into the afternoon. Squeezing in to see Bernard Butler (along with many, many other fans), we stumbled into the end of Slate’s lively set – a complete contrast to Bernard’s humble and understated performance, looking like he was loving the opportunity to play to a small crowd rather than impress the industry. An unplanned but fortuitous stroll along the road had the happy consequence of landing in the charmed world of Enjoyable Listens, melancholy and humour in equal measures. 

Top: The Belair Lip Bombs
Second Block Left: Psymon Spine, Top Right: Woody Green, Bottom Right: Vanity Fairy
Third Row: Bernard Butler
Bottom Row: Enjoyable Listens

Heading into the evening, Holiday Ghosts shone not only with their songs but also writing different sets to match each venue they played. Delivering the fan favourites, they powered through like seasoned professionals, showing exactly why they’re such a popular local choice. And speaking of popular choices, if you haven’t had the pleasure yet, do get to see Peter Xan if you have the chance – hard to put a finger on the genre as there’s a lovely blend of influences in there, and as their performance evolves there is more and more crowd interaction, forming a definite festival highlight.

Peter Xan

Friday 17th May

Post-punk artist Enola kick-started our Friday, followed by much hyped Cork band Cardinals – a solid set from them which sparked an interest to hear more, and it seems very likely that we will all be hearing more as the buzz around them continues to grow.

Left: ENOLA, Right: Cardinals

Friday night was a must for earplugs, starting with Lipworms – the latest and perhaps most rounded formation of the band’s members providing refreshing Can-influenced krautrock to get lost in. Another band high on a lot of people’s lists, Fcukers sat perfectly in a club setting; NY youth sounding like they maybe listened to a lot of British dance music, acid house and garage. Heavy on the backing track, but still a strong live performance – easy to see why their name came up a lot. Onto a UK band also causing a stir, Ebbb combine their experience in a variety of past collectives to fuse dance beats and relentless rhythms together for an almost tribal sound. Despite their pretty much non-existent online presence, they’re building support steadily and surely.

Left: Lipworms, Right: Ebbb

Saturday 18th May

Last day – still just about standing, and Faux Real managed to pack out their venue early in the day. With much of the singalong performance coming from within the crowd, it felt like a fun karaoke event, and the party atmosphere definitely rubbed off on the crowd. Next up, Dog Race provided some goth influenced riffs with a Lene Lovich-esque vocal. This obviously was to be followed with some Swedish pure pop – historically something that’s fared pretty well in Brighton – and a nice pick me up in the afternoon sunshine from Honey. Over at the Canadian showcase, a lovely vibe and some soulful songs from Witch Prophet and Kuzi Cee. 

Top row: Honey, Bottom left: Kuzi Cee, Bottom Right: Witch Prophet

With a cinematic feel and a band who excelled individually and as a whole, Clara Tracey captivated the audience with a strong set. And flying the French flag to finish the  festival for one half of us, PPJ were welcomed back with a hi-energy, dance inducing performance that jumped between styles and sounds, drawing people in tighter the more they played, and pushing the limits of what’s achievable live to create a really impressive set.

And for the other half of the team, a brilliant sign-off to complete proceedings from Brighton-based Polite Bureaux – only discovered them last year but already firmly on the favourites list, each live set and those broken beats getting better and better every time. If the show has to be over, this is the way to end it.

Polite Bureaux

************************************************************

Words / Photos by Callum / Siobhan

Published 24th May 2024

Live – Tenacious D | Dave Hill at Brighton Centre

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music

Tenacious D & Dave Hill at Brighton Centre, 13th May 2024

Proving that some actors should indeed jump into the world of making music, Jack Black and Kyle Gass put on a spectacular show at Brighton Centre last night, performing as the legendary Tenacious D. Ensuring the showmanship was set up from the start, comedian/musician Dave Hill provided support, joined for a song by Kyle.

Gallery from Mike Burnell here…

Dave Hill

Tenacious D

 

Photos © Mike Burnell (iso400.com)

Published 14th May 2024

Live – Keane | The Lathums at The O2 Arena

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music

Keane & The Lathums at The O2 Arena, London, 10th May 2024

2o years to the day since Keane’s chart-topping debut album Hopes and Fears  was released, they played the first of two huge shows at London’s O2 Arena. Safe to say the album, the band, and the rest of their now extensive catalogue of much played songs are still well loved and able to draw the crowds. A big stage for any support band, but The Lathums were well up to the challenge. Adam Hampton-Matthews was there to soak up the atmosphere, gallery below.

The Lathums

Keane

Photos © Adam Hampton-Matthews – Website | Instagram

Published 11th May 2024

Live – Enjoyable Listens | Cal Lynn | Scarlett Woolfe | Dogviolet at the Hope & Ruin

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music

Enjoyable Listens, Cal Lynn, Scarlett Woolfe & Dogviolet at the Hope & Ruin, Brighton, 8th May 2024

Absolutely love a midweek delve into new music, and this Wednesday offered the perfect opportunity to check out some acts new to me mixed with more familiar names. As ever, an excellent collective of talent and flair from promoter Hidden Herd, this time showcasing Enjoyable Listens, Cal Lynn, Scarlett Woolf and Dogviolet at one of Brighton’s best independent live rooms, The Hope & Ruin – shout out for the venue’s always on point sound and lighting, and also to a great crowd. Gallery here…

Dogviolet

Scarlett Woolfe

Cal Lynn

Enjoyable Listens

 

Photos © Siobhan – 16beasleystphotography.com | Instagram

Published 10th May 2024

Live – Elbow | The Waeve at Brighton Centre

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music

Elbow & The Waeve at Brighton Centre, 7th May 2024

Still adding to their monumental collection of songs, the mighty Elbow are out on the road with latest album AUDIO VERTIGO. Last night’s stop was at a deservedly packed Brighton Centre, with support from The Waeve – Mike Burnell went along to capture the night in pictures, gallery below.

The Waeve

Elbow

 

Photos © Mike Burnell (iso400.com)

Published 8th May 2024

Live – Editors at Brixton Academy

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music

Editors at Brixton Academy, London, 2nd May 2024

Rooted in London’s live music scene, it’s good to see Brixton Academy opening its doors again. Heading up a string of big name bookings, Editors were on stage last night playing to a packed crowd, before appearing at a run of festivals across the summer. Adam Hampton-Matthews was there to capture some great shots of the night, gallery below.

 

Photos © Adam Hampton-Matthews – Website | Instagram

Published 3rd May 2024

Live – 86TVs | Lizzie Reid at Concorde 2

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music

86TVs | Lizzie Reid at Concorde 2, Brighton, 29th April 2024

With their recently released EP You Don’t Have To Be Yourself Right Now gaining accolades from fans and fellow musicians alike, 86TVs’ rescheduled Brighton show made it to a crowded Concorde 2 last night. A show worth the wait, support was added by the brilliant Lizzie Reid.

Gallery from Mike Burnell
Hosted by Joy Concerts

Lizzie Reid

86TVs

 

Photos © Mike Burnell (iso400.com)

Published 30th April 2024

Live – Lonnie Gunn | Soft Top | Sasha Assad at The Prince Albert

Posted in Gig Gallery, Live Music, Review

Lonnie Gunn, Soft Top & Sasha Assad at The Prince Albert, Brighton, 25th April 2024

Another trio of talented artists showcased by Hidden Herd at The Prince Albert on Thursday night – first up Sasha Assad demonstrated a skilful mix of indie-rock with some serious riffs, a great start to the night creating lots of chat in the crowd from people heading off to find more of their music. Next on, Soft Top may look familiar, buying into my theory that if you’re in a band in Brighton, you’re likely in several Brighton bands. This formation led by the songs, musings and vox/keys of Miles Goodall, offers up hypnotic harmonies with a genre-mash of pop and folk rock – worth looking out for live if you get the chance.

Grabbing the soft rock mantle, Lonnie Gunn played for Hidden Herd at The Hope back in November last year, and returned to take the headline slot this time round. There were clearly many fans along for the ride in a by now packed room and, despite having had to rest her voice prior to the gig, the vocals were on point and the band, a very tight knit unit, gave cohesion to the overall sound. An unexpected closing version of Justin Timberlake’s SexyBack brought an accomplished evening of music to an end. Lots of good stuff going on in Brighton right now, and good to see the artists and independent venues getting this kind of support. Gallery below…

Sasha Assad

Soft Top

Lonnie Gunn

Review and photos © Siobhan – 16beasleystphotography.com | Instagram

Published 29th April 2024