Sweet and sad times: an interview with singer songwriter Luca Wilding
On the release of his debut single Heartachers, Luca Wilding took time out for an interview. Released today via Abbey Records, Heartachers is a poignant and emotional song with a strong depth of feeling. It is described as ‘dream folk’ which does go some way to pinning a genre on to Luca’s unique and thoughtful…
Read MoreInterview with Leeds art-rock band Fehlt
The first track I heard by art rockers Fehlt was Closure and it had an instant appeal. Liking that first listen can go one of two ways: it might stick with you or it might just be a brief flirtation. Fortunately it’s the former and the confident, expansive, soundscapey lushness of Closure, out now via…
Read MoreModern Studies: The Weight of the Sun
One Saturday afternoon last December I made my way to east London venue Studio 9294 for Fire Records’ chilled, friendly Christmas event called Outer Limits. With a roster of about seven performances, it unexpectedly turned out to be one of my top gigs of 2019. One of the new (to me) bands who were an…
Read MoreInterview: The Lounge Society
There must be something in the water, or the ale, in West Yorkshire’s Calder Valley these days, judging by the surfeit of young musical talent emanating from the craggy moors and valleys around Hebden Bridge. Other factors that play a part are a clued up, supportive network and a handful of local venues willing to…
Read MoreSea Change online festival
Take a trip, virtually speaking, to Devon and immerse yourself in Sea Change festival this weekend 25th and 26th April. The distinctive and independent event, now into its fifth year, had to be postponed, much to everyone’s disappointment. Sea Change have organised a special version of the festival. Taking part are: Yann Tiersen, Shirley Collins,…
Read MoreLatest release: Warm Digits Flight of Ideas
Another energy-filled album from Warm Digits. On Flight of Ideas Warm Digits “make a call to arms: when we all think our ideas are right, what are the costs of never believing you could be wrong?” And so the exploration begins, with the duo plus a selection of guest vocalists stepping back in time and…
Read MoreSparks announce a new album and European tour
Sparks are to release their 24th album in July with the digital release on May 15th – it’s called A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip. And a European tour will follow in autumn
Read MoreOne Day, After School new release
Out today is the impressive new release by One Day, After School entitled Are You Awake? It’s a melancholic track in which the vocals, left low in the mix, act like an anchor in the multi-layered composition. It starts from a solitary piano note through to a nervy clock ticking sound before the track starts…
Read MoreVan Morrison for Wickham Festival 2020
Wickham Festival doesn’t do things by halves. The lineup of the friendly, small 4‑day event has consistently aimed for the top, and this year has managed to secure Van Morrison for its Saturday headliner. Van’s the Wickham man Organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “This is absolutely massive for us – and for the village. It will…
Read MoreElephant Stone: powerful beauty of new album Hollow
Montreal psychedelic band Elephant Stone released their latest album Hollow on February 14th. I first saw them at The Lexington in 2011 and their stunning set remains etched on my memory, the powerful and hypnotic set closer Don’t You Know cementing an ongoing love for this band, and in particular, Rishi Dhir’s thrilling sitar playing.…
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