Doves returned to London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire for a triumphant, sold out gig with Andy and Jez Williams – for now Jimi Goodwin is absent from the tour lineup. The last time they played at this venue was in 2000. It was, like all the other nights on this tour, a long set with plenty…
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If you spent last month huddled under a duvet, Independent Venue Week at the end of January is always the perfect way to dive straight back into gig life. The #IVW initiative sheds light on the challenges faced by grassroots venues, urging us all to show support, ‘buy a fucking ticket’, shell out for some…
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W.H. Lung and Pem at Islington Assembly Hall, 21st November 2024. Even the capacious stage at Islington Assembly Hall looked a little too small to contain Joe Evans, W.H. Lung’s enigmatic vocalist. Whether launching himself over to the barrier or doing his sideways crab style dance manoeuvre, he’s a passionate, high energy front man. The songs…
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The closing Sunday at All Points East, on 25th August, was mainly dedicated to retro indie bands for a wander down nostalgia lane. Teenage Fan Club, The Lemon Twigs, Sleater-Kinney, The Postal Service/Death Cab for Cutie all played the East and West stages. The smaller stages at the centre of the park mostly featured rising…
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It was a beautifully sunny All Points East festival at Victoria Park for the final Friday – with Sofia Kortesis, Pixies, Joe Goddard, Newdad, Jockstrap, Nation of Language, Floating Points, Monobloc, Dove Ellis, Astral Bakers, Vagabon, The Kills and more. LCD Soundsystem headlined with a performance that combined power and emotion. All Points East festival,…
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The sun bathed the opening concert of the South Facing festival series in a golden glow. The crowd stepped up to the occasion bedecked in their finery, ready to party in the park to a run of DJs, with Grace Jones closing the evening with her visually and aurally stunning show. Much missed was Roisin…
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Photos from Kaleidoscope festival at Alexandra Palace and Park, north London. ‘R’ Voices Choir, Huey Morgan the Fun Lovin’ Criminal, Antony Szmierek, The Go! Team, Soul II Soul, Ministry of Sound Classical. At the Fringe Stage, Brian Blessed entertained the crowds. At Cloud 10, Kaleidoscope’s dance arena at the top of the Palace, pictured are…
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Sunday: Oneda, My Bad Sister, Clara Mann, Katherine Priddy, English Teacher, The Orb, Dry Cleaning, Bodega, Ferocious Dog, Dinasaur Jr.,Big Special, Desperate Journalist, Amyl and the Sniffers all played. The Bearded Theory ‘family Sunday’ tradition lives on, and those in fancy dress gather around the main stage for the judging (winners are awarded two tickets…
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An early highlight of the day was the set by BDRMM. They announced they were from ‘Sunny Hull’. Not Solihull as my friend misheard. Shoegazey and dreamy yet retaining an energy and muscularity, their set drew you into a hypnotic state. Watching BDRMM’s creative process unfold, and on the brilliantly accessible Meadow stage too, was…
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Ist Ist, LIINES, Bob Vylan, Bis, Jane Weaver, Meryl Streek, Pip Blom, The Big Moon, Chameleons, Marika Hackman, The Bar Stool Preachers, Dexy’s and Future Islands made Friday a very full day of great music. All the stages opened and the weather was looking promising. Manchester band Ist Ist were a highlight – Adam Houghton’s doomy…
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