Category: Review

Adam Thorn / Nick Thorn – The Globe at Hay, Hay-on-Wye, 18th January 2020

Nestled away in the foothills of the Black Mountains, the Globe at Hay features some of the best local and national unseen talent. On Saturday night it welcomed Adam Thorn, a Welsh singer-songwriter studying a popular music degree in Gloucestershire. Adam’s soulful and acoustic music taste is highlighted in much of his original material and it’s clear to see as he takes inspiration from the likes of Lewis Watson, Nick Mulvey and Lewis Calpaldi. In addition to his headline gig Adam invited his father, Nick Thorn, as support and it’s clear where Adam gets his talented musical genes from!

As Adam continues to write and perform as a solo act, he also produces the lead vocals and guitar for Northern Ruins, a Welsh band who recently took to the main stage of the famous Young People’s Village in the summer of 2019.

Check out our gallery from the evening here…

You can find more from Adam Thorn here

Words and photos by Andrew Barrell

21st January 2020

The Ninth Wave / Walt Disco, The Green Door Store Brighton, 17th November 2019

Over the years Glasgow has borne an illustrious list of musical talent and the tradition seems to be in no danger of stopping any time soon. Touring with their now complete two part debut album Infancy, The Ninth Wave arrive in Brighton bringing a slice of synth driven avant garde swathed in red lights and distorted strobes.

As an added bonus, support comes from their near neighbours Walt Disco. With a performance brimming with the glam and fervour of the 80s’ Blitz Kids, the band go from strength to strength live, adding their own brand of contemporary glittering new wave pop to the heady influences from the past. Finishing up with riff laden Drowning in your Velvet Bed, they receive the warmest of receptions. Not content with choosing between style and substance, Walt Disco have copious amounts of both, with a captivating vocal thrown in for good measure.

With their reputation building and live dates across the country selling out, The Ninth Wave are heading very conspicuously out from under the radar to grab the attention of fans and the music press alike. Their performance, like their sound, is dark and intense at first glance but there are undeniably lighter dance hooks beneath the goth-art density of tracks like Half Pure. With nostalgic nods to The Cure, Japan and possibly even Tears for Fears if they’d been up all night watching Klaus Nomi videos, the double vocal is hypnotic and urgent at the same time. With the crowd left shouting for more, their set is over all too soon and there is little doubt that they could be filling much bigger venues in the not too distant future. Theatricality aside, The Ninth Wave are developing a stockpile of strong songs and a presence that suggests greater things to come.

Get both of these bands firmly on your Christmas list… more from Walt Disco here and The Ninth Wave here

Words and photos by Siobhan

19th November 2019

LIFE / Night Flowers, The Green Door Store Brighton, 11th November 2019

With venues showing mixed fortunes in opening and closing around Brighton, it’s good to see The Green Door Store continuing to play host to some packed shows across differing music genres. Tonight is a great example of that with hazy dream pop quintet Night Flowers opening up for their sonically abrasive punk pals LIFE.

There’s a buzz around both bands and Night Flowers take the opportunity to treat the crowd to songs from their new album Fortune Teller, opening with some definite 80’s guitar influences on Lotta Love and the shimmery Merry-Go-Round. Think Fleetwood Mac via Soccer Mommy and Alvvays and you have a glimpse into the embracing warmth of Night Flowers’ sound. Despite their quip that ‘You can blame LIFE if you don’t like us’ there are no worries on that score as their songs are well received and it seems they may well have picked up some new fans along the way – their perfect pop harmonies are a welcome prelude to what’s to come later in the night. Night Flowers end their set with Fireworks – the vocal rather than pyrotechnic type but still a captivating show and a clear sign that it’s well worth checking out their recorded material.

As expected, things take a slightly more disorderly turn as LIFE take to the stage and change the tempo, kicking straight into Excites Me and some fine dance moves to boot. A lot of fans have clearly come from the IDLES’ camp but if you take the music at face value it’s more akin to the wrath of Dead Kennedys mixed with the cynical humour of Half Man Half Biscuit, and definitely has some depth amongst the plethora of angry post-punk that’s filling the current airwaves. That said, LIFE are not shy of adding a political tone or tackling social issues in their music with tracks including Half Pint Fatherhood and It’s in Your Hands prompting the inevitable mosh pit and expeditions from stage to crowd. It’s a strong performance and it’s fair to say that everyone goes home happy. Also with a new album on the table, take a listen to A Picture of Good Health for more.

Check out more from LIFE here and Night Flowers here

Words and photos by Siobhan

13th November 2019

Warmduscher / Lazarus Kane, Chalk Brighton, 8th November 2019

As intro music goes, Welcome to the Jungle is up there as a bold choice and as the opening riffs kick in, Lazarus Kane hits the stage at Chalk, Brighton’s newest venue risen from the ashes of The Haunt. With an immediate crowd reaction, and it’s a big crowd, it’s obvious that there’s a lot of anticipation for the support act tonight. Having recently released the mesmeric Narcissus through Speedy Wunderground, it’s a pleasure to see its live incarnation along with a set full of equally high calibre material.

With discernible nods to Talking Heads, New Order and a spoken drawl straight from Larry Hagman’s finishing school, the Lazarus Kane ‘family’ keep energy levels high with bouncing synths, guitars and drum machines. It’s a powerful performance and it surely won’t be long before they’re taking the headline spot on bigger stages; I’m very much looking forward to seeing what comes next. For now, they leave us with a sound recommendation, ”Who’s excited for Warmduscher? They got the slickest tunes and the slickest trousers I ever saw!” And you can’t say fairer than that. 

Warmduscher do indeed bring an array of slick trousers and with them a huge set of  tunes blending post punk and pulsating electro sleaze. Heading straight into Big Wilma, the party atmosphere starts and doesn’t let up for the next hour. Bringing their atypical new album Tainted Lunch on tour, the tracks are received with the reverence of old favourites with highlights in Midnight Dipper, Grape Face and the wonderfully titled Disco Peanuts. And there are some actual old favourites interspersed throughout the setlist too; the mix of thumping bass, rap and soul laden backing vocals of Standing on the Corner hard to beat.

Crossing over genres the way they do, it’s hard to define Warmduscher’s sound or style. In reality, all you need to know is that this is a band that have plucked the best elements of their past musical forays and melded them into a force of nature to be reckoned with. It’s less dirty dancing, more filthy disco – let’s hope there’s more to come. I’m always wary of slinging around the ‘gig of the year’ accolade but with these two acts in one night, this has to be a serious contender.

A double recommendation – click through for more from Warmduscher and Lazarus Kane

Words and photos by Siobhan

11th November 2019

Feeder, Portsmouth Pyramids, 1st November 2019

Tonight’s sold out show at Portsmouth Pyramids marks the start of Feeder’s UK tour in support of their new album Tallulah. There’s clearly still a lot of love on the south coast for the guys and I have to admit that, back in the day, I used to love Feeder. Seeing them play at HMV on Commercial Road to promote the single Crash back in 1997 was insanely good fun, and my mates and I never missed a show when they were in town. Though shortly after the release of their second album Yesterday Went Too Soon, both me and Feeder went our separate ways, and it would appear we’ve both changed since falling in love 23 years ago. But, 10 albums in, Feeder are still going strong and you know what? Fair play to them.

Back to the show though, and frontman Grant Nicholas announces that “Tonight is a night for new music!” A quick glance at tonight’s setlist torpedoes any hope I had of hearing an old classic such as Stereo World, Cement or W.I.T. but I’m probably the only one here who cares. Kicking things off with new album opener Youth, the set ticks along nicely enough at a steady pace. It’s only when they break into fan favourite Come Back Around that the crowd actually begins to move about a bit. Halfway through, they play Kyoto which is a lot heavier than anything else they’ve played this evening, and it’s a welcome relief from the slower material that’s come so far. Still, the end of the set draws on older material that seems to get everyone dancing (particularly Buck Rogers – the song about a CD player, player, player, etc.)

Tonight’s encore is rounded off with Just a Day, by which point teenage me feels a little sad that he didn’t get to relive those glory days by crowdsurfing to Tangerine. But, I can’t help leaving with nothing but respect for Feeder; after all these years, they’re still a great live band, and they do what they do well.

Catch the latest from Feeder here

Words by Ryan Howarth
Photos by Hannah Mesquitta

9th November 2019

ARXX / Run Into The Night / LIME, The Hope & Ruin Brighton, 28th October 2019

Local duo Arxx have clearly built up a strong live reputation and following to match – The Hope & Ruin is busy from early on in the evening as they return to Brighton to finish their tour on home ground. 

Opening act LIME have also been busy on the local circuit; coming together from different parts of the country but currently Brighton based, their mix of dreamy indie tunes tinged with 60s’ psychedelia gets things off to a great start. The band slot together well and their sound is experimental and cohesive at the same time. Maintaining their hard working live regime, LIME will be supporting Little Comets at Chalk on 6th November.

Breaking up the Brighton stronghold, Run Into The Night claim the middle set of the evening with a beautiful fusion of post-punk, blues and elements of Tarantino style spaghetti western. There’s so much good new music coming out of Glasgow right now and it would definitely be appropriate to add them to the list to watch out for. Another two piece who sound like there must be more of them, the band switch from Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ style indie-punk to the much slower paced recent single Mon Cheri with ease – seek out the recorded version for additional featured vocals from Martin Metcalfe (The Filthy Tongues / Goodbye Mr Mackenzie). Run Into The Night have new music and more live dates planned in 2020 – keep an eye and ear out.

By the time ARXX’ headline set comes around there is a real buzz in the venue and the crowd is not to be disappointed. Although they claim to be nervous, their performance is as confident and raucous as they come; don’t be fooled by the smiles and pastel boiler suits – these two are serious musicians and there are no holds barred as they sear between rock, country and grunge. Recent singles You Got What You Want  and Iron Lung would hold their own among much more established artists and their live show comes highly recommended. It might be a good idea to check out ARXX soon if you want to experience the intimate venue experience – bigger things are surely not too far away on the horizon now.

Words and photos by Siobhan

30th October 2019 

Bambara, Hyde Park Book Club Leeds, 23rd October 2019

Over the last few years the post-punk renaissance (should it surely not be post/post/post-punk by now?) has seen the emergence of many bands armed with strong basslines and shouty vocals, some creating some of the decade’s most vital noise, some unfortunately sounding resoundingly more derivative and pedestrian. The latter cannot be said of New York outfit Bambara who, whilst existing in this new post-punk arena, incorporate elements of noise rock and ambient music, resulting in something darker and more electrifying than many other post^x3-punk groups.

Their UK tour stopped off for a show at Hyde Park Book Club, an independent café and arts space in the student area of (you guessed it) Hyde Park, Leeds, where local group Polevaulter provided support. Whilst Polevaulter got the crowd warmed up and moving, some of their potential was sadly dampened by the high levels of bass and vocal echo which resulted in them sounding a little muddy, and any atmosphere attempted by the singer who draped the microphone lead around his neck, was lost by him singing almost exclusively away from the audience, often eyes closed or looking off towards side-stage.

As a crowd made up of 70% black leather filled up the basement space where the dimmed lights shadowed the exposed cracks in the ceiling, a bottle of tequila was placed at the front of the stage; Bambara were now preparing to perform.

I use the word perform, not in a derogatory sense in that anything about them is false but, that in Reid Bateh, Bambara has a frontman with presence, his lyrics read like southern gothic literature and he delivers them with such brutal conviction and energy. Probing and swinging the mic stand like a baton, he is often perched on the edge of the stage or writhing on the floor, resembling a young Glen Danzig all in black, handsomely dishevelled, as though it’s unclear whether he just got up, or hasn’t been to bed at all. 

On stage the group are a force of nature, the songs which are mostly taken from their 2018 record Shadow on Everything sound like an impending thunderstorm ready to crack down at any moment. Drummer Blaze Bateh, who is shirtless and relentless, pummels the kit throughout the evening against the battling guitars which colour tracks Jose Tries to Leave and Doe- Eyed Girl with wailing tremors and squeals, like something from a demented spaghetti western film soundtrack.

Set closer Monument was the final moment of anarchic catharsis, the array of black leather coats now too warm to wear adorned the front monitors, as more and more bodies began to pile together, limbs flailing in every direction, often stretching out towards Reid’s preaching frame. As the song began to reach its climax, my head crashed against his, locked in yelping unison of the refrain “I wanna see your Shadow on Everything, Shadow on Everything, SHADOW ON EVERYTHING”.

If IDLES, Savages or The Fat White Family are your bag then chances are you may very well have already heard of Bambara. If not, then I cannot recommend them enough, with this set featuring new tracks such as the blistering Serafina from their forthcoming album Stray (due for release in February 2020) it looks likely that Bambara will only continue to assert themselves as one of the more dynamic rock acts of the moment.

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You can watch the lyric video for Serafina below

Keep up to speed with Bambara here

Words and photos by Ryan Bell

28th October 2019

Thurston Moore Group / Rattle, The Wedgewood Rooms Portsmouth, 20th October 2019

It’s not every week you have a true rock ‘n’ roll legend like Thurston Moore grace the stage of your local music venue, but, there he is, standing tall in front of a packed Wedgewood Rooms introducing his backing band before playing a single note. He politely informs the waiting audience that the group will perform a single song this evening, but if you’re familiar with his latest album, Spirit Counsel – a two and a half hour record featuring three tracks – this shouldn’t come as a surprise.

First up though is tonight’s support band, Rattle, from Nottingham. The duo consists of two drummers (with some vocal harmonies thrown into the mix), and you might be fooled into thinking that this is some kind of gimmick, but their music is spellbinding and we were all left in a trance, hoping for more. Their set-up may be minimal, but vocalist Katherine Eira Brown is able to create a unique sound of her own that fits beautifully in and around the tribal drumming patterns. It’s hypnotic, strange and the music transports you to another place. Rattle’s simplistic approach is helping them to build a strong following, and it’s not hard to see why they are fast gaining a reputation as one of the best live bands around, which is thoroughly well deserved.

After nearly four decades in the music business, Thurston Moore is still producing some of the most interesting and accessible alternative/avant-garde rock music to date. His last solo record, Rock n Roll Consciousness, was a perfect hit for those of us still yearning for a Sonic Youth reunion (hmm), however, his latest offering takes a slightly less straight forward approach. Entirely instrumental, Spirit Counsel is a huge album (in both length and ambition), and it’s the first track from the album that we’re treated to this evening.

Alice Moki Jayne – named after Alice Coltrane, Moki Cherry and Jayne Cortez – is as inspiring as the women namechecked in its title. It takes many twists and turns throughout the performance, but for a song of this length, not once does it lose its way. It starts with Jon Liedecker creating some gentle electronic textures, before Thurston nods his head for the guitars to join in. Joining Thurston on guitar duties is James Sedwards and My Bloody Valentine’s Deb Googe, and together they create a lush wave of noise that makes your head swim. The wash of cymbals adds to this effect, and I can’t help but think of the intro to Pink Floyd’s Shine On You Crazy Diamond during the opening refrain. It’s beautiful and ominous at the same time, with the delays and drones in between the riffs adding another layer of intrigue to the song.

As the song progresses, the drums gather speed and the krautrock rhythm being played with military precision eventually gives way to an ear-splitting breakdown of guitar spasms, before a sledgehammer meltdown makes a few of those around me jump in surprise. This heavier section of the song sounds like the sort of all-out-sonic-audio-war that Swans have been championing since their reformation, and it’s absolutely brutal. The guitars are played with such ferocity that they’re knocked out of tune, but the song is nearly over and who’s going to care?

After 70 minutes everything gently slows to a halt, and you can hear a pin drop. There is a pause before someone shouts “fucking brilliant!” and the crowd erupts. Our patience is rewarded, our faith in music is restored and that was one of the most Pompey endings to a show ever! Good effort all round I say.

More from Thurston Moore and check out Rattle here

Words by Ryan Howarth
Photos by Hannah Mesquitta

28th October 2019

Richard Hawley / Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Brighton Dome, 18th October 2019

Brighton Dome has played host to many a legendary artist over the years and Friday night saw the ridiculously talented Richard Hawley return to its stage for the last night of his current tour; what better way to take refuge from the deluge of rain outside?

First up though, the opening set belonged to another stalwart of the music scene in Sam Duckworth, better known by his superhero pseudonym Get Cape Wear Cape Fly. Having seen him perform a party-worthy set with full band at 2000 Trees in the summer, it was good to hear the other side of his skills with a powerful acoustic performance – hard to pull off in a venue this size but achieved with ease and aplomb. Not averse to combining music with a social message, Duckworth could be a credible candidate as the Billy Bragg of the next generation.

To the (thankfully) minority of the crowd having a sit down chat through his set – please just stay in the bar next time, no-one cares what you said to Mandy from HR.

Richard Hawley’s career is well documented, from his first foray into music with Treebound Story to fondly remembered 90s’ outfit The Longpigs and everyone’s favourite cardigan wielding heroes Pulp, he has worked with and inspired a whole heap of artists including Duane Eddy and The Manics. Other collaborations include famously – Arctic Monkeys (on receipt of their 2006 Mercury award Alex Turner opened his speech with the immortal line ‘Somebody call 999, Richard Hawley’s been robbed’) and not so famously – All Saints (providing the guitar solo for their cover of Chili Peppers’ Under the Bridge).

In spite of this barrage of credentials, he retains an air of humility and a grounded sense of humour that makes his set entertaining in many ways. Striking a pose as he arrives on stage, the first three songs, Off My Mind, Alone and title track Further are clear indicators that his latest album is full of his deft mix of rock and balladry that gives his tracks that feeling of reassuring warmth. His rich vocal ranges from Iggy Pop to Scott Walker in a moment and there can be no doubting his guitar skills.

The set continues with songs old and new and lots of love shown for the eloquent Tonight the Streets are Ours, the simple beauty of Open Up Your Door and the heartfelt lyrics on closer Heart of Oak. Hawley makes it look effortless but there’s nothing easy about writing songs this good, singing with an intensity that hypnotises everyone in the room and then chatting to those same people like you were in the pub with your mates. Much appreciated but still vastly underrated, Richard Hawley seems to be master of all trades, jack of none.

You can check in with Get Cape Wear Cape Fly here and find all things Richard Hawley here

Words and photos by Siobhan

21st October 2019

Gary Numan / KANGA, Worthing Assembly Hall, 24th September 2019 

40 years on since he hit the album number 1 slot with The Pleasure Principle, Gary Numan is still selling out venues with his (R)evolution tour. With an army of loyal fans returning night after night, there is rapport and respect between artist and audience, creating a warm atmosphere on a cold, wet evening.

Kicking off with the dystopian My Name is Ruin, the set comprises songs spanning Numan’s various decades in the music industry; something for everyone without being reliant on the bigger hits, though those are smattered throughout the evening and inevitably draw a huge response. Despite the obvious showmanship from the frontman, this is very much an interactive performance from the whole band and classic tracks Down in the Park and Cars receive a robust guitar update to compliment  the well loved electronica base.

Proving that technology can beat us all, there are a couple of song alterations and delays accompanied by a knowing cheer of understanding as Numan berates having to rely on Apple products. He must be aware though that the crowd are on his side whatever course things take and that many have followed his journey through the rich and lean years. Closing the pre-encore set with the track that started it all, the instantly recognisable bars of Are ‘Friends’ Electric? are a stark reminder of just how important its release was back in 1979; it really did break boundaries and opened mainstream doors for a whole array of artists to follow, the influences of which are still apparent today.

A special mention goes to opening act KANGA, an LA based composer, artist, and music programmer. It’s unsurprising to find that she has also worked on films as the sparse lighting and frenetic performance scream futuristic cinematography. KANGA’s self-released EP Eternal Daughter is out now. Her supporting role on this tour will undoubtedly attract a new audience; a smart choice.

An evening full of energy and entertainment, Numan looks content and confident in his newer music; the tour has debuted a new track Intruder and another album is planned for 2020. Doubtless the Numan army will follow where he leads.

Check Gary Numan’s official website for more details on the album campaign and tour dates through to the end of October

Updates and links to KANGA’s EP can be found here

Words and photos by Siobhan

26th September 2019

Lucia, Bridge Of Allan Library Stirling, 8th September 2019

Far from the days of being hushed by the librarian, the brilliant Get it Loud in Libraries project brings live music to regional libraries, particularly in areas away from the usual big venues, allowing people of all ages to access some great music in a very different environment to the norm. The scheme also provides opportunities for young people to gain practical experience in the music sector by getting involved with the event management and marketing of the gigs.

With a keen eye for new talent, the project has put on an impressive roster of artists including BC Camplight, Fontaines DC and The Orielles. Yesterday the fabulous Lucia paid a visit to Bridge of Allan Library in Stirling. Alan Campbell was there to capture their performance amongst the paperbacks for us; gallery below.

You can find out more about Get it Loud in Libraries here

Connect with Lucia and watch their recent performance of Flames at Kendal Calling below

Photos by Alan Campbell

9th September 2019

Dry Cleaning / Social Haul, The Prince Albert Brighton, 8th August 2019

Having heard little of their music but many recommendations I finally had the opportunity to see Dry Cleaning on the Brighton leg of their tour. With so much hype surrounding a band it’s easy for expectations to fall short – that certainly wasn’t the case here.

I also have to confess to having been fairly ignorant about the support band, Social Haul. So as they took to the stage it was a welcome surprise to see that one third of the band was Leigh Padley,  also one third of the mighty Traams, whose Wikipedia entry ‘a British indie rock band which formed in Chichester’ I’ve always considered to be a line unlikely to be repeated. Social Haul’s 11 song set was packed with energy and short, piercing segments of post punk. The Albert was deservedly already busy and it was more than worth getting there early. I hope to see more of Social Haul and redress my ignorance.

And so to Dry Cleaning and a collection of articulate spoken word tracks with occasional inflections of caustic sarcasm, this is absorbing storytelling rather than pithy poetry. The juxtaposition of the softly spoken lyrics against a background of bouncy riffs is close to hypnotic and the by now packed crowd were suitably impressed. The band seemed genuinely surprised by the scale of the positive reaction but it really was more than warranted; they’ve managed to achieve something that stands out and it’s hard to think that they’ll be playing venues of this size for much longer. Look out for their new EP Sweet Princess due for release next week; currently available to pre-order on limited edition cassette on Bandcamp.

Dry Cleaning are touring across the UK throughout August, be kind to yourself and go along to see them.

For live dates and more information you can find Dry Cleaning here and the elusive Social Haul here

Words and photos by Siobhan

9th August 2019

The Howlers / Dog of Man / B. Spanks, The Hope and Ruin Brighton, 30th June 2019

Kicking off Sunday night at The Hope and Ruin, B. Spanks put on an impressive one man show, vocally reminiscent of the Pete Shelley school of sardonicism and with a definite nod to the nostalgia of DIY new wave – one to keep an eye out for.

Next on, Brighton locals Dog of Man brought infectious psych punk hooks, much laughter and talk of Stormzy and sweaty men to the table. If Violent Femmes had switched the xylophone on Gone Daddy Gone for an accordion it might have sounded like this. They’ll be back at The Hope and Ruin for their album launch party on 16th August if you want to hear for yourself.

Headliners The Howlers have been making waves on the live circuit with their aggressively energetic shows and have been on my must see list since catching them at Icebreaker and Portsmouth Psych Fest earlier in the year. Recent single La Dolce Vita has helped to cement their reputation as an important part of the new UK underground scene.

Desert rock, garage rock, call it what you will, The Howlers are a force to be reckoned with live, a heady mix of frenetic drums and twanging guitar befitting of a modern day western soundtrack – A Fistful of Reverb in the making perhaps.

There’s still a chance to catch the band on their current run of tour dates throughout July in Nottingham (5th), Manchester (6th), Sheffield (19th), Portsmouth (20th) and Hull (30th). Get along if you can and definitely watch this space – it looks like this is the start of something special.

Further details on live dates and other news from The Howlers here

Words and photos by Siobhan

3rd July 2019