We’re big fans of London’s STRANGERS, so it’s a real pleasure to be able to catch up with them again at LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY 2014. With some of the best electro tracks coming out of this country, the still criminally underrated band are appearing as a duo tonight at the rather strange choice of venue of Brooklyn Mixer which does not offer the best sound system but just about makes up for this in atmosphere. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – STRANGERS →

Off the back of their self-titled fourth album, Brighton duo BLOOD RED SHOES are in town and a hotly anticipated act at LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY 2014. Appearing at a stupidly late time on a weekday, past 1am on the Duke Street Garage pop-up venue lineup, the venue is only half to three-quarters full. This doesn’t put die-hard fans off, as they are committed and already swarming towards the stage before Laura-Mary Carter and Steven Ansell enter to rapturous applause. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – BLOOD RED SHOES →

We kick off our LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY experience with the phenomenal COURTNEY BARNETT. As we arrive at the Zanzibar venue, the crowds are packing in all the way back to the main door as we anticipate arguably one of the biggest buzz names of the festival. With her deadpan delivery and standout tunes, she’s about to face an energised crowd who are keen to see what all the fuss is surrounding this Australian singer-songwriter. Continue reading LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – COURTNEY BARNETT →

Leeds’ BATTLE LINES are gathering steam having returned from a spin at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and having recently released their 7″ Colonies.

Crashing the stage at Mello Mello as part of LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY 2014, the four-piece exit the stage to fans and supporters (including Alice Scott, bass player for another Leeds band POST WAR GLAMOUR GIRLS) congratulating them on their set. Continue reading BATTLE LINES mobilise at LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY – portraits of Carly Humphries →

ESPER SCOUT are somewhat of a phenomenon. Seemingly coming out of nowhere, the four-piece are gathering buzz in Leeds and beyond. Listen to the recordings, watch the videos, talk to them, and you know that there’s something magical going on with Rebecca Jane, Sarah Statham, Lou Brinn and Kirsty Morton. We have a determined and innovative band in our midst, and that is something to celebrate. Continue reading ESPER SCOUT: Leeds stage-smashers →

SHONEN KNIFE are celebrating their 33 years with new album Overdrive, and have been touring the UK and Ireland to a host of loyal fans, old and new. Championed by Kurt Cobain (“When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hysterical nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert.”), and having shared the stage with the likes of Nirvana and Sonic Youth, Shonen Knife has evolved its lineup over the years and has quite rightly maintained its reputation as one of the most enigmatic, fun and technically tight bands to see live. Continue reading SHONEN KNIFE on Overdrive across the UK →

On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August 2014, KRAAK venue in Manchester UK will play host to two days of celebrating female strength in musicianship and live performance as the ECLECTICA PROJECT launch event takes place over that weekend. The Eclectica team will present live music, DJs and guest speakers from across the UK and beyond, to officially introduce this new project designed to advocate equality for women and minorities in all industries. Continue reading ECLECTICA PROJECT launch 2-day event in Manchester: First wave of acts announced →

Having been urged by many to go see Danish singer-songwriter AGNES OBEL live, I find myself at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music, a perfect venue for sinking into your chair and absorbing live music with minimal distraction. Continue reading AGNES OBEL in Manchester: Excellently sublime →

On Wednesday 9 April 2014, two brilliant British bands DELOOZE and THE WITCH HUNT took to the stage to co-headline a special show at the legendary Castle Hotel venue in Manchester, to preview the upcoming ECLECTICA PROJECT designed to showcase female talent and leadership in the industries which is set to hit Kraak Manchester on 2-3 August. Continue reading ECLECTICA preview event: DELOOZE, THE WITCH HUNT, FACTORY ACTS, CHERIE BEBE →

It’s a fact: London-based MOLOTOV JUKEBOX are one of the best live bands in the UK. Led by singer-songwriter-accordionist and actress NATALIA TENA (Nymphadora Tonks in the Harry Potter film series, Osha in Game of Thrones), this six-piece bundle of instrumental energy never cease to draw a crowd and get them dancing – and this time with a full-size pineapple. Continue reading MOLOTOV JUKEBOX get Liverpool hot and sweaty →

Anybody who has seen GOLDFRAPP live would not hesitate to say that Alison Goldfrapp has the voice of a goddess. With an amazing vocal range, from the huskier depths to the operatic highs, she’s excellent live and it’s no wonder that their Salford show is a massive sell-out. Continue reading GOLDFRAPP storm The Lowry →

Saffron Sprackling, of ‘90s Britpop band REPUBLICA, is still to this day recognised as one of the most enigmatic and iconic lead singers to ever hit a stage. She’s back with her band and on tour, supporting Liverpool’s SPACE. Continue reading REPUBLICA: back to smash Manchester →

Taylor Momsen is in town. The 20 year-old American actress (Gossip Girl) and lead singer of THE PRETTY RECKLESS is promoting her storming new album Going To Hell, and tonight she’s opening for FALL OUT BOY. While TPR are renowned for delivering stellar live performances, with Momsen often letting rip with her eye-opening outfits and brilliant vocals, occasionally bringing members of the audience onstage for some music-backed gyrating, FOB are notorious for not delivering live, and so it’s with much noted irony and personal frustration that TPR are not headlining tonight. Continue reading THE PRETTY RECKLESS: Going to hell in the UK →

On Wednesday 9 April 2014, RED BALLOON MUSIC and SHATTERJAPAN will present DELOOZE and THE WITCH HUNT, two brilliant British bands who have been carefully selected to co-headline this intimate live show at the legendary CASTLE HOTEL in Manchester. Continue reading DELOOZE and THE WITCH HUNT co-headline ECLECTICA preview →

Louisa Osborn and Chris Mulligan make up THE WITCH HUNT, what we believe to be one of the most exciting new bands to emerge from the UK in recent years. Now having acquired drummer Ste Anderson, the band’s sound is bursting at the seams, allowing singer Louisa to be unleashed as the front lady whose haunting vocals are piercing to the soul and whose words won’t let you leave the venue without feeling just a little bit rattled. Continue reading THE WITCH HUNT burn intensity at Leeds Brudenell →

It’s International Women’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than to witness one of the world’s best living all-female bands smash a stage. Here at the sold-out Manchester Academy, the room is packed to the rafters with many a HAIM fan, as drummer Dash Hutton finally gets the show on the road after a lengthy wait. Continue reading Falling for HAIM in Manchester →