TRACK OF THE DAY : Lanterns On The Lake - The Likes Of Us

Lanterns On The Lake today revealed The Likes Of Us, the first single to be taken from their fifth studio album Versions Of Us that will be released via Bella Union on June 2nd and accompanied by a UK tour in November and December including a home show at The Sage in Gateshead.

The Slow Readers Club - Interview

The Slow Readers Club released their sixth studio album Knowledge Freedom Power on Friday. An album full of the sort of uplifting anthems that we've come to know and love from one of Manchester's finest bands, it looks set to follow its predecessors into the charts. We caught up with Aaron and Kurt for a chat about the making of the record and the inspirations behind it.

The Covasettes / Bedroom High Club - Manchester Gorilla - 25th February 2023

The Covasettes played their biggest headline show on Saturday night at Gorilla in Manchester where they delighted a packed enthusiastic crowd with a series of old favourites, pointing the way to even bigger things in the future. Support came from Barnsley's Bedroom High Club.

Beam Noir - Manchester Yes Basement - 24th February 2023

Friday night saw Beam Noir's debut gig in the basement of Yes. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, the new outfit, formed from the ashes of an old favourite, had the room bouncing along to a set of songs and an energetic performance from front man Joey.

TRACK OF THE DAY : Lottie Gray - Daffodil Baby

Daffodil Baby is the debut single from Manchester RNCM student Lottie Gray.  An impressive first offering from the 19 year old marks her out as a voice to very much keep an ear out for in 2023 as she prepares the release of her EP due for release later this year.

The Slow Readers Club - Knowledge Freedom Power

Our championing of The Slow Readers Club predates this blog and there are good reasons for this; the main one being that they are exceptional songwriters and performers. 2023 sees The Slow Readers Club embarking on a big UK and European tour in support of their incredible new album Knowledge Freedom Power.

The Murder Capital - Manchester Albert Hall - 16th February 2023

The Murder Capital kicked off their UK tour in support of their second album Gigi's Recovery at Manchester's Albert Hall on Thursday night. Performing all but one track from the album as well as a selection from their debut When I Have Fears, the band demonstrated just why they're ready to take over the world.

Seb Lowe / The Guest List - Manchester Band On The Wall - 11th February 2023

Seb Lowe continued his seemingly unstoppable rise with a sold-out show at Manchester's Band On The Wall with a mix of tracks from his EPs and singles and an impressive raft of unreleased songs. With a new band line-up giving the songs new life and energy, he captivated a packed out room. Support came from the impressive The Guest List.

TRACK OF THE DAY : Dream Wife - Hot (Don't Date A Musician)

Dream Wife have released a new single Hot (Don't Date A Musician) as well as announcing the release of their third album Social Lubrication on June 9th featuring the single and its predecessor Leech as well as eight other brand new tracks. 

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls / The Lottery Winners / Wilswood Buoys - Northampton Roadmender - 6th February 2023

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls' Never Ending Tour Of Everywhere rolled into the legendary Roadmender in Northampton on Monday night for the 2,737th gig of Frank's career. A sold-out crowd revelled in a massive career-spanning twenty-six song set that ranged from frenetic punk rock to quiet acoustic touching most bases in between. Impressive support was provided by The Lottery Winners and Wilswood Buoys.

The Murder Capital - Cologne Luxor - 5th February 2023

The Murder Capital’s time is now. Strap yourself in for the ride because 2023 is going to be their year as they conquer every town and city in Ireland, the rest of Europe, the United Kingdom and, significantly, America.

The Slow Readers Club - Bury The Met - 5th February 2023

The Slow Readers Club played a one-off intimate stripped-down show on Sunday night in the Box Theatre of The Met in Bury as part of the venue's Independent Venue Week celebrations. A career-spanning set included a surprise cover of The Smiths' There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.

Mandy, Indiana / Moth Slut - Manchester Yes Basement - 3rd February 2023

Ahead of their trip to SXSW next month Mandy, Indiana played their first sold-out headline show in a packed basement of Yes on Friday night. Creating a huge wall of sonic distortion interspersed with Valentine's French lyrics set to lighting that veered from blinding to non-existent, they mesmerised a crowd that were drawn to the stage.

TRACK OF THE DAY : Brooke Combe - Black Is The New Gold

Brooke Combe today releases her new single Black Is The New Gold, a standout track from her recent live shows, and a song where she explores her heritage through a soulful song that really brings out her wonderfully evocative voice.

Sprints / Thus Love / M(h)aol - Manchester Yes Basement - 1st February 2023

Sprints, Thus Love and M(h)aol's sold out show in the cramped packed surroundings of the basement of Yes in Manchester showcased three extraordinary bands capable of headlining much bigger rooms on their own. Each coming with their own distinctive slant on their art, but with plenty of common defining themes and the aim of blowing the head off anyone within range, they combined to deliver a night that'll be talked about by those who attended for as long as the gig round the corner.