London
Live Review: Mandrake Handshake – No.90, Hackney Wick, London 28.02.2025
There’s that scene in the film High Fidelity when record shop owner Rob boldly claims he’ll now flog some records as he pops a Beta Band EP on the turntable. We watch in wonder as the vinyl heads become entranced by the music. These days that plot would surely feature a Mandrake Handshake record. So …
Live Review: Mogwai / Kathryn Joseph / Cloth – 02 Academy Brixton, London 20.02.25
Glasgow’s own Mogwai headlined Brixton Academy with ferocious musical insensitivity and some long guitar riffs. At the tail end of Britpop, the band quickly established itself as a cult favourite amongst starry-eyed fans. With a vast back catalogue of albums, they have been labelled as ‘post-rock’ because of their long instrumental tracks. ‘Mogwai ’ originally …
Say Psych: ICYMI – The Sick Man of Europe release EP Moderate Air Quality & March tour with Snapped Ankles
Emerging from London’s underground music scene, The Sick Man Of Europe is distinctly monochrome in its outlook. Each note counts in this climate–economical but played with absolute precision and conviction. Propelled forward by machines and seeking solace in repetition. There are echoes of the post-punk and European art rock pioneers at the cusp of the …
Live Review: Rise Against / L.S Dunes / Spiritual Cramp – O2 Academy Brixton, London 06.02.2025
‘Rise Against’ Rise to the occasion to bring an electric punk-influenced show to a sold Brixton Academy on the leg of their current European tour. Anticipation was high for my first outing to Brixton since the terrible accident shut the venue for many months. But now in full swing again, the queuing was snaking around …
News: lilo announce debut album and share ‘It’s Not the Same in Winter’
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from London duo lilo, whose last major release was 2023’s I Don’t Like My Chances on the Outside EP. Christie Gardner and Helen Dixon have since been at work on their debut album, and it’s been pencilled in for the end of March, after which the pair have …
Live Review: Deep Purple / Reef – 02 Arena, London 06.11.24
Ian Gillian, now in his late 70s, can still hold a note and pogo across the stage with Roger Glover as if they were still in their late 20s. Deep Purple filled the 02 Arena with joy, playing old classics and bringing in a sprinkle of fresh new songs taken from their latest album, ‘Equals …
Live Review: Jamie Cullum – Royal Festival Hall, London 22.11.2024
Jamie Cullum’s headlining performance at the Royal Festival Hall for the EFG Jazz Festival on November 22, 2024, was nothing short of extraordinary. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking album Twentysomething, the evening was steeped in nostalgia and innovation, showcasing why Jamie remains a trailblazer in modern jazz. The show was personal from the …
Live Review: Spints – O2 Kentish Town Forum, London 13.11.2024
Words and Photos by Henry Groves After an incredible year, SPRINTS were bringing it to a close with a UK tour, including their biggest UK headline show to date at O2 Kentish Town Forum. After releasing their debut album ‘Letter to Self’ earlier this year, there was a lot of excitement in the room. I …
Live Review: Darkwave alt-pop sensation – Artemas at the O2 Forum Kentish Town 11.11.24
I principally believe we are living in a post “one-hit-wonder” era where pop music is concerned, mostly owing to the space the online world has given artists. You can have an artist, completely devoid of songs you recognise, be unfathomably popular in a way you could never have realised. In this vein, I was invited …
Live Review – Bob Vylan/ Hyphen/ CLT DRP – o2 Institute Birmingham – 03.11.2024
Sparks fly as @BobVylan make their triumphant return to Birmingham with the ‘Humble As The Sun’ tour