“We’ve got two songs left and this is the happier one.” The Death of Pop’s frontman Oliver James says near the end of their set, but let’s jump back about an hour before we get to this. The walk to The Hope & Ruin was spent trying not to…
In an age of online media and instant gratification, discovering a new artist for the first time at a gig has become a rarity. Nevertheless, Radio X’s new music guru John Kennedy has attempted to do exactly that for the last few years. The DJ’s annual showcase involves a…
It’s incredibly easy to sink into a pessimistic outlook on the world when looking at mainstream medias and the dire position we all seem to be in. Iconic political singer Billy Bragg noted when I saw him last year that now is probably the best time in history…
Mark. E. Smith once described Brighton as “so middle class they put pebbles on the beach so they don’t get sand between their toes. Shit pubs. Shit atmosphere.” Returning to his favourite city, The Fall singer was in fine form as he angrily stumbled through an hour of monosyllabic…
Friday nights are always certain for success down at The Shacklewell Arms in Dalston, even on the nights when the miserable-as-hell rain lashes you in the face. Palm Honey were chalked in for tonight’s proceedings for no more than zero pounds, a band on the brink of a…
After reaching impossible heights throughout 2016, Declan McKenna has been vastly considered one of the young musical prodigies of this century. His music is unique, deeply insightful and offers a great indication as to the direction indie and pop music is heading towards. Tonight, at his sold out…
On a freezing and foggy January evening just before payday, it takes something a little special to pack a venue out to the rafters and something even more special to warm the hearts and souls of all in attendance. Thankfully, Martha Wainwright was in town as part of her…
“It was about ten years ago that we lived in London, we wrote a handful of these songs back then. It’s good to be back London.” This was the battle cry from Cage The Elephant frontman Matt Shultz as they arrived onstage on a sub-zero Friday night in…
The sleet was falling as I made my way to Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar. There was an almost Nordic feeling through town as people threw sleet-balls at each other and joked about ‘having a snow day’ tomorrow. As I neared Sticky’s the sleet turned to rain and everything began…
For anyone interested in lyricism, the annual Poets vs. MCs is a must-attend. Now in its 14th year, it’s a coming together of the two scenes that commendably broaden the horizons of both. Wrapped up as a combative experience, its first aim is to entertain – and this…