While tech developments and access has changed how we consume our favourite albums the truth is, a body of work still remains important: how an artist connects with their audience may be continuously shifting but a great record will always rise to the top. Raising a voice and amplifying emotion is unequivocally powerful, to be […]
Tag: 2018
2018 IN REVIEW: Bitter Sweet Symphonies’ Tracks of the Year
The single is a certified staple, a digestible summary of what an artist can do, just enough to present an idea or style, a new voice or a familiar trope, but not as clear-cut or defining to brand an artist in a certain light. The solo song format is thriving in times of streaming and […]
In Conversation with… JESSE JO STARK
Far flung from the Hollywood veneer of excess and superficiality, this Los Angeles native has an earthiness of spirit that warms the soul, a soft demeanour hiding a fire within, a strength of character that inspires rather than simply attracts: Jesse Jo Stark is a musician of the next generation with respect for the past […]
LIVE PREVIEW: Year’s End Festival 2018
Two creative institutions are teaming up to host a festive shindig of unforgettable live entertainment and innovative vision: Manchester-based powerhouse, Scruff of the Neck and London-hailing tastemakers, Distiller Music. The collaboration configures a stellar light bulb moment, connecting a pair of prominent music venues with a bill of artists, noteworthy and compelling.
LIVE REVIEW: Off The Record 2018
2018’s edition of Off The Record underlined the festival’s fast-growing reputation as a key catalyst for spreading the awareness of and celebrating new music, with the conference taking place throughout the day on Friday 16th November and artists performing way into the night.
In Conversation with… KAWALA
It’s not often you see indie pop described as ‘interesting’ – but Kawala is a band to which it applies well. A vocal and strong acoustic core is amplified by afrobeat-infused drums, rhythmic bass and electric hooks, allowing for a beautifully layered listen.
EP REVIEW: Indian Queens – ‘You When I Close My Eyes’
Following up from their appearance at Robert Smith’s Meltdown Festival, Indian Queens’ debut EP ‘You When I Close My Eyes’ is a spectacular affair filled with gritty riffs and punchy vocals. Indian Queens reflect the abrasive and cynical nature of their East London home, making for a compelling listen, which only packs more punch with […]
LIVE REVIEW: Sam Fender at Soup Kitchen, Manchester
In Britain, it’s traditional to go see fireworks on November 5th, so that’s exactly what I did. Those fireworks, though more metaphorical than literal, were set off by rising star Sam Fender, embarking on the sixth date of his current UK tour, hot off the back of singles Dead Boys and That Sound. He and his band packed out […]
EP REVIEW: Melanie Baker – ‘Dreamer’
I reviewed Melanie Baker’s ‘False Fantasies’ last month, and I meant to give an update when the entire EP was released. Well, it’s more of the same. And that’s a very good thing. Continuing as she started in ‘False Fantasies,’ the rest of the Dreamer EP is a refreshingly wise and well-written retrospective on youth. […]
EP REVIEW: Afterbloom – ‘Lithic Sounds’
Well over two years since the release of their debut single ‘Duh,’ Afterbloom are back with the Lithic Sounds EP. Making use of strange, straightforward and totally out of this world noise, the West Midlands three-piece have spent the past two years crafting and honing their music into a masterfully made EP, which I’m sure is […]
LIVE REVIEW: Palace at Hoxton Hall, London
Walking into the intimate venue that is Hoxton Hall, we were met with a wave of excitement and anticipation as Palace were about to take to the stage.
In Conversation with… ALBIN LEE MELDAU
Music is deeply rooted in Gothenburg singer, songwriter and musician Albin Lee Meldau’s life history, his parents both have their own connections to music making and Albin himself has been working professionally for many years. Releasing his debut album earlier in 2018, ‘About You’ offers a rich yet candid portion of Meldau’s immersive artistry.
TRACK OF THE DAY: JC Stewart – ‘Like I Did’
Following his recent single Medicine, Northern Irish singer-songwriter JC Stewart has once again created a heartwarming and emotional song based on a friend’s personal experience in ‘Like I Did.’ Relaying the experience almost word for word in the lyrics; JC Stewart’s pure vocals, soft gospel-like harmonies, and entrancing guitar melodies fused together to create a stunning […]
LIVE REVIEW: Neighbourhood Festival 2018
This year’s Neighbourhood gathering brought epic highs and communal revelry to Manchester’s city streets and venues. The third edition of the festival installs Neighbourhood as a burgeoning institution, the music day out raises the bar with each consecutive outing defining a savvy brand, strongly engineered and thoughtfully delivered.
EP REVIEW: RUNAH – ‘Ghosts’
Sometimes as a listener you don’t get the music. But that’s also the reason you continue listening. You’re compelled to understand it. I can’t say I get RUNAH’s music. But I loved trying to understand it. Her new EP Ghosts was released on Friday 12th October.
EP REVIEW: flirting. – ‘This Would Be Funny If It Were Happening To Anyone But Me’
Everyone’s favourite anxiety-pop band have only gone and done it! flirting.’s debut EP ‘This Would Be Funny If It Were Happening To Anyone But Me’ has finally dropped, and, obviously, it bangs.
EP REVIEW: Seafret – ‘Monsters’
Our favorite boys from Bridlington are back after a two year hiatus with a brand new, shiny EP in anticipation of a second album. Tantalizingly mystic, Seafret emerges from the rolling fog of creative cultivation with the four track collection titled Monsters. With Jack Sedman & Harry Draper always at the helm, this new EP […]
In Conversation with… ALICE MERTON
Alice Merton released her breakthrough hit ‘No Roots’ in December of 2016, the debut song received a startling reaction from audiences across the globe—earning platinum sales statuses in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy and Poland, and achieving the number one spot in Billboard’s US Alternative chart (just a few of the many well-deserving accolades that […]
LIVE REVIEW: Freya Ridings at St George’s Church, London
It’s safe to say it has been a bit of a whirlwind year so far for singer-songwriter Freya Ridings. With her single ‘Lost Without You’ going viral after being featured on Love Island, touring across the UK and US, and her latest UK tour close to selling out, everything is looking up for the London […]
IN FOCUS // whenyoung
Youth is a sacred thing. While every human is destined to age and experience change over the span of a lifetime, the essential formative years ground a person and outline an impression for one to either follow or subvert. Fascinated by youth, Irish-born Aoife Power, Niall Burns and Andrew Flood set out on a journey […]