Album, Single, EP and Live Reviews

Albums: Blitzen Trapper - American Goldwing (Sub Pop)
Helia Phoenix takes a look at Blitzen Trapper's sixth studio record.
Posted on Sep 26th, 2011
Live Reviews: Love Inks / Swimming / Hi-Fiction Science @ The Thekla, Bristol 21.09.11
A sparse crowd, upstairs aboard Bristol’s own boat that rocks are treated to an eclectic display of 21st Century guitar based gamesmanship. Three bands, three different takes on the post-indie, post everything, traditional band setup.
Posted on Sep 25th, 2011
Live Reviews: Beirut / Tune Yards @ Brixton Academy, London 16.09.11
It's not certain why it felt such a surprise that Beirut had drawn a sell out crowd at the 6,000 capacity Brixton Academy, yet it does speak volumes with regard to his critical acclaim and ear for a humble tune which he catapults in the realms of the anthemic via Mexican, Balkan and Parisian influences. Merril Garbus' tUnE-YarDs too assisted in this bustling, highly anticipated show; with her own brand of hiphop cum folk cum African beats hurled at the audience with an infectious, chaotic half yodel, half tribal wail. Her's was a voice that almost defied belief as it followed her girlish greeting to the vast crowd, while she looped it over upon itself amidst a melee of cacophonous drums, flanked either side by bassist and a duo of sax players.
Posted on Sep 25th, 2011
Live Reviews: Sissy & The Blisters @ Boileroom, Guildford 17.09.11
We've been fortunate enough to know Sissy & The Blisters from their conception, and it has always been clear that they're going places. From debut single 'Things May Change' to forthcoming release 'Let Her Go' on independent darlings Fierce Panda, the songs have been consistently excellent and the band have been consistently interesting. Watching them progress (and christ have they progressed) has been a pleasure, and this, the first gig of their Autumn tour, proved that this was only the beginning.
Posted on Sep 23rd, 2011
Live Reviews: Howling Bells @ The Plug, Sheffield 16.09.11
Right then Cold Specks. As okay as you were, the real attraction tonight is Australia’s Howling Bells.
Posted on Sep 20th, 2011
Albums: Hail! Hornet - Disperse The Curse (Relapse)
Pissed off? Need an outlet for your aggression? Listen to this record!
Posted on Sep 20th, 2011
Albums: Paul White - Rapping With Paul White (One Handed Music)
Harking back to the glory days of hip hop, Rapping With Paul White is a cracker!
Posted on Sep 20th, 2011
Albums: Amos and Fidjit - Legend Of The Ram (Northern Structure)
Trying to uphold a name for UK hip hop comes Amos and Fidjit
Posted on Sep 20th, 2011
Live Reviews: Junip @ The Gate, Cardiff 10.09.11
What does Jose Gonzalez do when he’s not being Jose Gonzalez? He plays in Junip, who despite having a far lower profile than the man himself, might just be one of those ‘side projects’ that turn out to be more interesting than the main event. Cardiff very nearly didn’t get to find this out – it was only the rescheduling of a cancelled solo date that led to the band coming to town at all. But few in the crowd can have been disappointed with the change of plan. While Gonzales as a solo artist is rightfully revered, Junip have a kick that Jose’s plucky plucking doesn’t quite deliver.
Posted on Sep 14th, 2011
Live Reviews: Low End Lowlife Presents: Outlook 2011 - Day 3 & 4
After another trouser sheddingly hot day spent floating in the Adriatic Ocean, with my liver capacity shrinking and shares in Neuf Du Pap '86 blossoming, it was time to return to the stages for another evening of overcrowded, uncoordinated dancing, this time with a particularly hip-hop flavour.
Posted on Sep 14th, 2011
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