TRACK OF THE DAY : Wax-Tree-Cast - She

Wax-Tree-Cast release She, their first single of 2023, a tragic tale of a disabled younger sister being abused by an older sibling who's meant to be looking after her, a thought-provoking track with a twist.

Ist Ist - Protagonists

Ist Ist return with Protagonists, their third in three years, looking to capitalise on the chart successes of its predecessors and a raft of sold out dates across the UK and Europe. A linear progression from the previous albums, it's their strongest yet and a powerful statement from a band supremely confident in its own skin and direction.

Inspiral Carpets - Newcastle Boiler Shop - 24th March 2023

No one ever said it was going to be easy. When a good friend messaged me last autumn with the news that Inspiral Carpets would be touring this year, it came as a lovely surprise. It was unexpected, but welcome news and the prospect of seeing my favourite band again helped sustain me through a long winter. 

Self Esteem - Manchester Albert Hall - 23rd March 2023

Since the release of her Mercury Prize-nominated second album, Prioritise Pleasure, things have been nonstop for Rebecca Lucy Taylor (AKA Self Esteem). Having spent the majority of 2021 impressing on the live music and festival circuit, with career defining sets at Tramlines and Glastonbury, fan demand recently saw the Sheffield born singer-songwriter add a run of extra dates to her ’I Tour This All The Time’ tour – including a third night at Manchester’s Albert Hall, which made her the first artist not only to play, but to sell out three nights at the picturesque venue.

TRACK OF THE DAY : SKIES - Answer Now

SKIES return with their new single Answer Now, previewed at recent shows and the first taster of their debut album Is It All In Our Heads? that will come out later this year. 

Inspiral Carpets / Déjà Vega - Northampton Roadmender - 23rd March 2023

Inspiral Carpets made their return to the live stage after seven and a half years to promote their recent The Complete Singles collection. More importantly it was their first gig since losing drummer Craig Gill and they paid a fitting tribute to their friend.

TRACK OF THE DAY : James - She's A Star (Orchestral Version)

James have today announced full details of their Be Opened By The Wonderful - 40 Years Orchestrated album and revealed the first track to be taken from it, a version of their 1997 Top 10 single She's A Star. The album, recorded with Joe Duddell and a twenty-two piece orchestra and eight-person choir, includes twenty tracks from across their career including a brand new song Love Make A Fool and is released on June 9th after James complete a fifteen-date UK tour with orchestra and choir.

Brand New Legs / The Redroom / The Basement Collective - Manchester Night And Day - 21st March 2023

Brand New Legs launched their new EP Basement View with a packed out show at Manchester's Night And Day Cafe on Tuesday night, playing the EP in full, early singles, some unreleased material and a couple of showstopping covers. Support came from the equally impressive The Redroom and The Basement Collective.

The Strangerz / Diekaidie / Horse Mouth - Manchester Castle Hotel - 19th March 2023

The Strangerz celebrated the release of their new single Hit The Ground with a packed out show at The Castle on Sunday night, debuting new songs and confirming their position as the most exciting new band in town. Support came from Diekaidie and Horse Mouth.

SKIES / Daisy Valentine - Manchester 33 Oldham Street - 18th March 2023

SKIES returned to Manchester for the first time in over a year for a sold out headline show at 33 Oldham Street, giving us a teasing first view of their forthcoming debut album as well as delighting the crowd with a set rammed full of old favourites. Support came from a solo slot from Daisy Valentine.

TRACK OF THE DAY : The Strangerz - Hit The Ground

 

Hit The Ground is the third single from Manchester via Doncaster punk quarter The Strangerz. Describing themselves as "alternative, shouty feminist and punky with a modern twist", the single deals in the relatable urge to lie in bed and never move again.

The Slow Readers Club / Andrew Cushin - Manchester Albert Hall - 17th March 2023

The Slow Readers Club finished off their UK tour in support of their sixth album Knowledge Freedom Power with a sold-out hometown show at Manchester's Albert Hall, their first big Manchester show for three years. Playing a career-spanning set they reminded the city why they're one of the most important bands to emerge from here in recent times as an adoring audience hung on every word and note for an hour and a half.

Inspiral Carpets - The Complete Singles

To accompany their massive tour Inspiral Carpets release the most definitive and complete collection of their singles on a remastered double vinyl album and a 3 CD set with a whole host of classic and new remixes.

Lauren Ruth Ward / NXDIA - Manchester The Yard - 11th March 2023

Lauren Ruth Ward opened up her European tour on Saturday night at The Yard in Manchester. With a set split in two - the first half solo, the second accompanied by guitarist Lisa - she delighted a crowd that hung on every word of her deeply personal songs. Support came from an acoustic set by NXDIA.

Suede / Desperate Journalist - Manchester Albert Hall - 9th March 2023

Suede brought their sold out tour in support of last year's inspirational Autofiction album to Manchester Albert Hall on Thursday night. Mixing most of the album with both some of their biggest hits and some deep b-side cuts from their illustrious past they delighted an enthusiastic and euphoric crowd who hung on Brett Anderson's every word and move. Support came from Desperate Journalist.

The Slow Readers Club - Glasgow SWG3 / Aberdeen Lemon Tree - 6th/7th March 2023

In support of exceptional new album Knowledge Freedom Power, Manchester’s The Slow Readers Club visited Scotland earlier in the week for a double header, turning cold nights into massed celebrations. Stuart Ralston braved the snow and cold to report back from Glasgow and Aberdeen.

TRACK OF THE DAY : Ist Ist - Nothing More Nothing Less

As they jet off to Austin for their debut visit to SXSW, Ist Ist have today released Nothing More Nothing Less, the fourth single and the final one to be taken from their third album Protagonists ahead of its release on March 31st. To coincide with this, they've also announced two outstore shows in Leeds and Kingston in release week to accompany their biggest ever headline show at Manchester Ritz on release day.

Déjà Vega - Interview

Ahead of their UK tour that kicks off this Friday at the Brudenell in Leeds we caught up with Déjà Vega for a chat about their recent first international show, venues they're looking forward to playing at, touring with Inspiral Carpets and plans for album three.

The Slow Readers Club / Andrew Cushin - Leeds Stylus - 4th March 2023

The Slow Readers Club opened up their UK tour in support of their Top 30 album Knowledge Freedom Power with a packed out show at Stylus in Leeds on Saturday night. Mixing tracks from the new record with favourites from across their extensive back catalogue they delighted a crowd made up of a mix of Readers veterans and new fans. Support came from Newcastle's charismatic Andrew Cushin, serving his apprenticeship before he headlines venues of this size and bigger in the not too distant future.

Black Doldrums / Hey Bulldog / slab - Manchester Gullivers - 3rd March 2023

Friday night saw Black Doldrums open up their UK and European tour with a Deco Records night at Gullivers in the Northern Quarter in Manchester. A strong three artist line-up kept the audience entertained throughout with three excellent yet very different in their own way bands.

Inspiral Carpets - Interview

Inspiral Carpets are back after an eight year hiatus following the tragic death of drummer Craig Gill to promote a career-spanning The Complete Singles collection with a series of dates across the UK, Australia and New Zealand including a full festival season. We caught up with organ player Clint Boon for a chat about how the comeback came together, finding a replacement for Craig and excitement at pulling together a new full career retrospective with both front men.

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.

Del Barber / Lottie Gray / Mike Blue / Hetta Falzon - Manchester Retro - 30th January 2023

Del Barber's UK tour called in at Retro in Manchester on Monday night following his appearance at the UK Americana Week in London. He and his band performed songs from across his career and introduced us to what he describes as "Manitoba honky tonk". The supporting line up of Lottie Gray, Mike Blue and Hetta Falzon provide an excellent and varied introduction to the evening.

Meryl Streek / Products - Manchester Deaf Institute - 28th January 2023

Meryl Streek's 796 album was one of last year's most striking and important releases. Musically diverse, fuelled by the anger at the state of his native Ireland, the way religious and political power has corrupted society and its consequences. On Saturday he brought the album and his predominantly solo show to the Lodge of the Deaf Institute in Manchester supported by Products.

Charm Of Finches / Little Sparrow - Salford Sacred Trinity Church - 27th January 2023

Charm Of Finches returned to Greater Manchester after last year's shows in Manchester and Bury for an intimate sold out night in the inspiring surroundings of Salford's Sacred Trinity. Performing songs from their three albums to date as well as new songs from their fourth which they plan to record in Canada next month, the Australian duo had a reverent audience under their spell over two sets. Support came from closer to home in the form of Little Sparrow who reminded us of the majestic beauty of tracks from her debut album Wishing Tree and subsequent singles.

The Murder Capital - Manchester Piccadilly Records - 24th January 2023

As part of the promotion of their second album Gigi's Recovery which currently sits in the top 10 midweek album charts, The Murder Capital popped into Piccadilly Records in Manchester as part of a whistlestop series of acoustic sets and signings to promote the record.

Powder House - Dublin Workman's Cellar - 19th January 2023

Hailing from the West Coast of Ireland are Powder House. A three-piece folk, alternative, indie rock band who are threatening to create a stir in 2023. Ahead of The Murder Capital's launch shows for Gigi's Recovery in Dublin, Jason Wynne stumbled across Mayo’s next big thing at the Workman’s Cellar one bitterly cold evening where they played in celebration of the release that day of new single My Corner. 

TRACK OF THE DAY : New Divide - Delora

Delora is the second single by Manchester-based band New Divide, the follow-up to last year's debut All I Am. 

Mackay Hingley - Decades

2023 promises to be a busy year for Tom Hingley; next month sees the return of his post-Inspiral Carpets band The Lovers, plus extensive solo and band dates with his latest band The Kar-pets. But first, he starts the year with an exciting new project. Tom has taken time to record a new mini-album with his life long friend, former Hacienda co-worker and band mate from his pre-Inspirals beat combo, Too Much Texas, Gordon Mackay. It marks the first time they have recorded together in 38 years. 

The Murder Capital - Dublin Tower Records / Workman's Club - 20th January 2023

Album launch day for Gigi’s Recovery saw two shows in the space of three hours in their home city of Dublin which encapsulated the spirit and highlighted the continued rise of Ireland’s The Murder Capital.

Dirty Blonde / The Lotts / Barstaff / Ruby J / Overpass (This Feeling Big In 2023) - Manchester Bread Shed - 20th January 2023

This Feeling's Big In 20xx nights have often been a place for new bands to really make their mark before heading off to bigger venues and record deals. The Manchester leg of this year's series took place at Bread Shed with a massive line-up of seven bands, of which we caught the first five - Overpass, Ruby J, Barstaff, The Lotts and Dirty Blonde.

TRACK OF THE DAY : VLURE - Cut It

VLURE return with a new single Cut It, their first new material in almost a year since the release of their debut EP Euphoria.

Big Joanie / GHUM / Chemtrails - Manchester Deaf Institute - 17th January 2023

Big Joanie concluded their UK tour with a sold-out show at Manchester's Deaf Institute on Tuesday night in support of last year's second album Back Home. The Black Feminist Sistah Punk quartet ensured their messages of inclusion and empowerment were conveyed to a receptive crowd. Support came from GHUM and Chemtrails who impressed the audience with their sets.

The Murder Capital - Gigi's Recovery

When James McGovern declared “The evolution will not be compromised” in an interview ahead of the release of second album Gigi’s Recovery it raised a few eyebrows in some quarters. Alas, any fears the band may have lost their way can be immediately quashed with their brand new offering Gigi's Recovery. The follow up succeeds the pain and grief from their dark and abrasive debut, When I Have Fears, with a kaleidoscope of colour and melody whilst still retaining that intensity, honesty and beauty of the debut record.

Liam Fray / Rianne Downey - Manchester Ritz - 13th January 2023

To support the Greater Manchester Mayor's charity project A Bed Every Night that aims to help alleviate the homeless problem on the region's streets, Liam Fray headlined The Ritz with a one-off performance that included the whole of Courteeners' St Jude debut album as well as selected highlights from their back catalogue and a couple of covers. Support came from Glasgow's Rianne Downey.

TRACK OF THE DAY : Ist Ist - Something Has To Give

Ist Ist have today released Something Has To Give, the third single to be taken from their forthcoming album Protagonists, and its accompanying video.