Album, Single, EP and Live Reviews

Albums: Real Estate - Days (Domino)
Perfect follow-up to their stunning debut.
Posted on Nov 2nd, 2011
Live Reviews: Ben Howard / Lucy Rose / Rich Thomas @ Scala, London 26.10.11
Outside the Scala this evening the rain continues to pour. Traffic continues to get worse, and the queue for tonight's show is getting rowdier by the minute. This of course, is outside. Whereas inside, the electric vibe within the venue grows higher and higher as first support Rich Thomas (of the band Brother and Bones) steps onto stage. With his boots, (un)buttoned shirt, and jeans collaboration, Rich sits himself onto a stool and begins to play arena worthy tune â€˜(Just Another) Man In Needâ€™. His powerful vocals and attacking guitar strums blend well together for the stripped back version of his band's usually heavy, up beat ,foot stomping track.
Posted on Nov 1st, 2011
Live Reviews: Brainwash VI @ Brudenell Social Club & Royal Park Cellars, Leeds 15.10.11
The annual showcase of Leeds-based musicians (and a few special guests) that is Brainwash Festival has garnered much attention since its conception and is as highly anticipated this year as ever. So, with two days of bright sunshine to play with, what better way to spend it than in light-deprived ear-numbing happiness?
Posted on Nov 1st, 2011
Live Reviews: Cut Copy @ Manchester Academy 2 26.10.11
Whilst this small, dark Academy venue is a far cry from the damp, spacious surroundings of the Warehouse Projectâ€™s habitual location, Australiaâ€™s Cut Copy manage to get the crowd raving as if they were partying at 4am under Manchester Piccadilly Station. Perhaps itâ€™s the excitement from their latest LP Zonoscope. Or perhaps itâ€™s the fact that us Brits havenâ€™t seen them for three years since they toured In Ghost Colours. Whatever it is, weâ€™re quite happy to welcome the boys from down under with open arms.
Posted on Oct 31st, 2011
Albums: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Soul Time! (Daptone)
B-sides and rarities from the undisputed masters of retro soul/funk
Posted on Oct 31st, 2011
Albums: Maria Taylor - Overlook (Saddle Creek)
Her second band Azure Ray were consistently beautiful. Her debut solo album Invisible Ones was a sublime offering of excellent songwriting. Her ex-boyfriend was Conor Oberst. Maria Taylor is one of the coolest US artists I can think of, but you wouldn't believe it from her latest offering Overlook.
Posted on Oct 31st, 2011
Albums: Tori Amos - Night Of The Hunters (Deutsche Grammaphon)
Night Of Hunters is worth the persistence.
Posted on Oct 31st, 2011
Live Reviews: Yann Tiersen @ o2 Academy, Birmingham 25.10.11
With only a year's difference between Dust Lane and his new album Skyline, Yann Tiersen clearly has a lot to show in his recent productive flux.
Posted on Oct 30th, 2011
Live Reviews: Tellison / Fixtures / Jackhatch @ Moles Club, Bath 26.10.11
Local powerpop trio Jackhatch explode into their show-opening set tonight, assaulting the Moles crowd with a barrage of heavy rock riffs and frenzied basslines. Jackhatch seem rough around the edges, but this just adds to their charm - they aren't a polished mainstream act, they are a DIY band focusing on getting the crowd moving. Dripping with infectious licks 'Mindy' hints at a more mature New Found Glory and stands out as a definite highlight - the offbeat guitar and ska-tinged vocals from lead singer Chris Bunt showcase an unexpected side of the band. Jackhatch play uptempo, danceable rock songs from start to finish, ending their half-hour set on their self proclaimed â€œbiggest chart topperâ€.
Posted on Oct 30th, 2011
Live Reviews: S.C.U.M @ Academy, Manchester 08.10.11
The pressure of tonight, despite the small crowd size, would easily crush any other band. Itâ€™s particularly tense for S.C.U.M â€“ and frontman Thomas Cohen in particular â€“ where the tension of living up to your older brotherâ€™s shadow (The Horrors), must be nerve wrecking.
Posted on Oct 30th, 2011
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