Tuesday 31 March 2015

Interview - She Makes War


Before her headline gig at Manchester's Wonder Inn on Friday night, we spoke to Laura Kidd, aka She Makes War, about her new album Direction Of Travel, the special guests on the record, her unique live shows, what it's like to be an independent artist and her plans for the rest of the year.

Monday 30 March 2015

Jane Weaver - The Silver Globe / The Amber Light (Deluxe Edition)


The Silver Globe was one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2014, including the coveted Piccadilly Records album of the year. We missed it around the time of the launch, but this timely reissue of the album after a series of celebratory live shows with an additional disc of material is an appropriate time to revisit it.

Ryley Walker - Primrose Green


Primrose Green is Ryley Walker's second album. It's a record full of contradiction. In parts its inability to stand still, stay in one place for more than a few seconds make it a difficult listen and will turn some people off it unless you stick with it and in others, the simple beauty of a guitar and voice make it chillingly intimate.

Sunday 29 March 2015

Blossoms - Manchester Gorilla - 28th March 2015


Twelve months ago Blossoms were playing third on the bill at the Ruby Lounge. Tonight they're headlining Gorilla, having supported some of the city's favourite sons on the way.  Like everything else that's been put in front of them in that time they take it effortlessly in their stride on an irresistible march to bigger things.

Saturday 28 March 2015

She Makes War / Louis Barabbas / Forgery Lit - Manchester The Wonder Inn - 27th March 2015



Ahead of the release of her third album Direction Of Travel in late summer, Laura Kidd, aka She Makes War is on a three-week tour of the UK previewing tracks from the album accompanied this time by a band rather than her solo set.  We caught her Manchester date at the rather lovely new Wonder Inn with support by local eccentric hero Louis Barabbas and Bristol's Forgery Lit.

Thursday 26 March 2015

Sleater Kinney / PINS - Manchester Albert Hall - 24th March 2015


There's two types of reunion, the bad sort where a band comes back, clearly disinterested in the music and hoping to make a quick buck and the good sort where the band rediscover their fire, their love for their legacy but also the urge to make exceptional new music. Sleater Kinney have done just that with their comeback album No Cities To Love and, at a sold-out Albert Hall in Manchester, they mixed tracks from that with crowd favourites from their back catalogue. Local heroes PINS were in support with tracks from their forthcoming album Wild Nights.

Track Of The Day : PJ Bond - The Better Option


The Better Option is the latest track to be revealed from PJ Bond's forthcoming second album Where Were You? due out on May 4 and showcases PJ's own brand of storytelling, love of classic guitar sounds as well as a bit of fuzzy feedback.

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Track Of The Day : Aurora - Runaway


Aurora is an eighteen-year old from Bergen in Norway who's recently released her third track Runaway. Her simple songs allow us to marvel at her incredibly emotive voice that paints the pictures behind her songs as it swoops and soars and controls the mood of the song throughout.

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Track Of The Day : Mt Wolf - Hamburg


Mt Wolf were one of the most blogged about bands back in 2013. Then it all went quiet until they recently re-emerged without singer Kate with a great comeback track Red. They're following it up with a six-minute epic Hamburg as a pre-cursor to the release of their Red EP in April.

Monday 23 March 2015

Morrissey - Glasgow Hydro - 21st March 2015


An evening of Manc music continues. After running from Glasgow's Stereo where The Slow Readers Club delivered a glorious set of new songs, I make it to Scotland's biggest arena to catch Steven Patrick Morrissey do the same, with only a handful of old favourites thrown in.

Track Of The Day : Some Kind Weather - My Demons


It's been quiet from one of our Tips for 2015 Embers. We've found out part of the reason - drummer Nathan has also been working on another project called Some Kind Weather. My Demons is the lead track from an EP that's being slated for a release later in the year.

The Slow Readers Club - Glasgow Stereo - 21st March 2015


An evening of firsts in Glasgow:  their first ever Scottish gig, the first date of the Cavalcade tour and the first live performance of some classic tracks from the new, eagerly anticipated album. As you’d expect, Even The Stars were there.

Sunday 22 March 2015

Jane Weaver / Horsebeach - Manchester Deaf Institute - 21st March 2015


Currently enjoying a renaissance, Jane Weaver sold out The Deaf Institute weeks in advance of this show, a sign that her star is in the ascendancy as the ripples around last year's The Silver Globe album become more of a wave as she prepares the release of an expanded version. Local heroes Horsebeach opened up the evening and enhanced the positive impact they've made so far.

Saturday 21 March 2015

The Lovely Eggs / The Orielles - Hebden Bridge Trades Club - 20th March 2015


The Lovely Eggs are a unique band with a unique philosophy. Insane lyrics sung or shouted in a Lancastrian accent, guitar and drums only, no fake encores and plenty of swearing. We caught the second date of their tour prior to the release of their new album This Is Our Nowhere at Hebden Bridge Trades Club. Support came from The Orielles.

Introducing - Scarlet


Liverpool-based five-piece Scarlet have been building up a formidable reputation around their home city based on their live shows and two demos they've revealed on Soundcloud. May 4th sees the release of their debut EP Fishes and the lead track from it, Anytime, is our tip on today's Shell Zenner Show on Amazing Radio. We spoke to lead singer Jessie to find out a bit more about them.

Friday 20 March 2015

Track Of The Day : The Slow Readers Club - I Saw A Ghost


I Saw A Ghost is the latest single from The Slow Readers Club due for release on March 30th ahead of the April release of their second album Cavalcade.

James : Laid / Wah Wah Super Deluxe Edition - The Extras


It's always been a mystery why James' back catalogue hasn't been afforded the same reverential treatment as so many of their peers, but Universal are putting this right with a series of expanded issues of their best-known albums, starting with a four-disc version of their critically acclaimed 1993 Laid album, accompanied by the improvised album Wah Wah, recorded in the same sessions but released a year later, a disc of mostly unreleased demos and jams and a fourth disc of b-sides, radio sessions and remixes.

We're working through the extras including a stunning book featuring an exclusive interview with the band about the making of the album and a whole hoard of memorabilia.

Thursday 19 March 2015

Track Of The Day : The Black Ryder - Let Me Be Your Light


Let Me Be Your Light is the latest single to be pulled from The Black Ryder's majestic second album The Door Behind The Door that came out last month. It's accompanied by a stunning video directed by Juan Azulay and with cinematography by Katelin Arizmendi.

James - Laid / Wah Wah Super Deluxe Edition Disc 4 (B-Sides, Radio Sessions And Live)


It's always been a mystery why James' back catalogue hasn't been afforded the same reverential treatment as so many of their peers, but Universal are putting this right with a series of expanded issues of their best-known albums, starting with a four-disc version of their critically acclaimed 1993 Laid album, accompanied by the improvised album Wah Wah, recorded in the same sessions but released a year later, a disc of mostly unreleased demos and jams and a fourth disc of b-sides, radio sessions and remixes.

We're working through the Super Deluxe edition, one disc per day. Today, we're on the final disc 4 - B-Sides, Radio Sessions and Live

Wednesday 18 March 2015

Track Of The Day : Sugarmen - Dirt


Liverpool four-piece Sugarmen have been on our radar for some time now. Finally, they're releasing their debut single Dirt on April 13 produced by Mick Jones of The Clash.

James - Laid / Wah Wah Super Deluxe Edition Disc 3 (Rehearsals, Demos and Jams)


It's always been a mystery why James' back catalogue hasn't been afforded the same reverential treatment as so many of their peers, but Universal are putting this right with a series of expanded issues of their best-known albums, starting with a four-disc version of their critically acclaimed 1993 Laid album, accompanied by the improvised album Wah Wah, recorded in the same sessions but released a year later, a disc of mostly unreleased demos and jams and a fourth disc of b-sides, radio sessions and remixes.

We're working through the Super Deluxe edition, one disc per day. Today, we're on disc 3 - Rehearsals, Demos and Jams.

Tuesday 17 March 2015

Trampolene : Pocket Album Two


Trampolene have been around for a couple of years now. After a couple of thrilling early singles, they released their first Pocket Album last year and are following it up with a second one, effectively a five-track EP. It retains all the chaotic thrills of their previous releases from their loud guitar assaults on the senses to a more sensitive battered and bruised reflection on life and love.

James - Laid / Wah Wah Super Deluxe Edition Disc 2 (Wah Wah)


It's always been a mystery why James' back catalogue hasn't been afforded the same reverential treatment as so many of their peers, but Universal are putting this right with a series of expanded issues of their best-known albums, starting with a four-disc version of their critically acclaimed 1993 Laid album, accompanied by the improvised album Wah Wah, recorded in the same sessions but released a year later, a disc of mostly unreleased demos and jams and a fourth disc of b-sides, radio sessions and remixes.

We're working through the Super Deluxe edition, one disc per day. Today, we're on disc 2 - Wah Wah.

Track Of The Day : Summer Cannibals - Something New


Summer Cannibals come from Portland, Oregon. Something New is the lead track from their second album Show Us Your Mind that came out at the start of the month. The accompanying video is one of those brilliant moments where the film completely captures the essence of the song.

Monday 16 March 2015

James - Laid / Wah Wah Super Deluxe Edition Disc 1 (Laid)


It's always been a mystery why James' back catalogue hasn't been afforded the same reverential treatment as so many of their peers, but Universal are putting this right with a series of expanded issues of their best-known albums, starting with a four-disc version of their critically acclaimed 1993 Laid album, accompanied by the improvised album Wah Wah, recorded in the same sessions but released a year later, a disc of mostly unreleased demos and jams and a fourth disc of b-sides, radio sessions and remixes.

We're working through the Super Deluxe edition, one disc per day. Today, we start with the album itself.

Cosmosis Festival - Manchester Antwerp Mansion - 14th March 2015 (Moon, Desert Mountain Tribe, Enemies Eyes, Purple Heart Parade, Saint Agnes, The Watchmakers, Dead Rabbits, The Vacant Lots, The Black Ryder)


Cosmosis Festival is an all-day three stage festival held at Manchester's Antwerp Mansion, a ramshackle building just off the Curry Mile, and titled as an Alternative Festival of Psychedelic Music And Arts. An impressive line-up of bands, both local and from afar, enticed us down and this is our tale of the day.

Track Of The Day : Keto - Change


Keto is the band project of Nottingham singer-songwriter Leah Sinead who has built up a strong local reputation as a solo artist. Their fabulous debut single Change showcases her haunting vocals with subtle atmospherics that allow her to use the whole spectrum of her voice to lead the song.

Friday 13 March 2015

Track Of The Day : Elephant Memoirs - Mug


Mug is the debut release by Gateshead trio Elephant Memoirs, available as a free download from their Soundcloud page. To our ears, it's a massive step-up from last year's demo tape with what they describe as "a driving powerful rhythm section, accompanied by melodic distorted guitar."

Thursday 12 March 2015

Track Of The Day : The Lovely Eggs - Magic Onion


The Lovely Eggs are back. Ahead of their new album This Is Our Nowhere, they've previewed their new single Magic Onion.  The album is out in May, although it appears limited edition vinyls will be available for Record Store Day on April 18.

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Coves / Lusts / Mary Joanna - Manchester Castle - 9th March 2015



We've waited a long time for Coves to come back to Manchester for a headline show and were excited by the prospect of hearing songs from a new EP they've been working on. They didn't let us down. Supporting were two exciting new acts - Manchester's own Mary Joanna and Leicester's Lusts - both of which more than exceeded pre-gig expectations.

Track Of The Day : Findlay - Wolf Back


Until last month it had been ages since we'd heard from Findlay. Then she dropped comeback track Electric Bones as well as a home-made EP that was only available on her Soundcloud over a weekend. She's now revealed her latest track Wolf Back, which will be released as a single in April, and which showcases a new side to her sound.

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Track Of The Day : Hartheim - When Did Your Last Rose Die?


Manchester's Hartheim have been quiet for a while, but they're back with a new single When Did Your Last Rose Die?  They've also announced their first ever headline show at Manchester's Soup Kitchen on April 8th.

Monday 9 March 2015

The Lucid Dream - The Lucid Dream


The dark, almost industrial sleeve of the new LP from The Lucid Dream doesn't give any clues to the joyous, colourful music found within.

Henry's Paw For The Dogs - Compilation Album


September 11 2014 was a night Manchester's dog lovers will probably remember forever. An arson attack at Manchester's Dogs Home saw more than fifty dogs killed. The city rallied round and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to assist with the rebuilding. Dog lover and music fan Kevin Brown came up with an idea of his own.

Track Of The Day : Wildwood Kin - Grace


Wildwood Kin are a three-piece Devon band featuring sisters Emillie and Beth Key and Meghann Loney.  They've just released their debut EP Salt Of The Earth and we've selected the lead track Grace as our Track Of The Day.

Saturday 7 March 2015

The Charlatans / Blossoms - Manchester Albert Hall - 6th March 2015


Enjoying a musical as well as a critical renaissance, The Charlatans are in the middle of a sold-out UK tour promoting their Modern Nature album. They're supported by Manchester's latest great hopes and Even The Stars favourites Blossoms.  We caught the second of what is as near to a hometown gig as they're going to get as The Albert Hall welcomed Tim Burgess and the rest of his band home.

Friday 6 March 2015

Track Of The Day : Du Dauphine - Celestial


Du Dauphine are a Huddersfield-based five-piece set to reveal their eponymous debut EP today. All three tracks display an impressive and imposing sound that few bands manage with their first release. Lead track Celestial particularly caught our ear.