Tramlines, Sheffield, July 20- 22
For many free festivals quantity quickly comes before quality. Many start well before a quick downslide that leads to the likes of Razorlight sharing headline slots with Basshunter. Tramlines has had its share of ups and downs but now awash with underage teenagers and swelling with alternative acts it’s become a beast of its own. Small … Continue reading
Admiral Fallow at The Harley, Sheffield on May 10
For a few years a scene has been bubbling away in Scotland. Folk songs ring from the valleys as the likes of Broken Records and The Twilight Sad dash around the UK with wind instruments and unworldly lyrics. Admiral Fallow are the latest to this gang, although they have already received niche success with their … Continue reading
Ryan Adams at Sheffield City Hall on April 27
Any Ryan Adams fan is used to the usual comeback planned by the singer every three years. It’s usually combined with a vow of enlightenment and a ‘return to form’ (whatever that may be). However after 2009 that transition actually came true. Ashes and Fire combined with an insistence to play solo shows after a … Continue reading
of Montreal at Irish Centre, Leeds on April 23
When of Montreal first invented themselves as an all out, electro party band, many gushed at their feet. ‘Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?’ was a perfect parcel of lead singer Kevin Barnes’ breakdowns, fallouts and eccentricity. Coupled with multi-layered synths, wacky guitar solos and deeply personal lyrics it became the album to equally elevate … Continue reading
Graham Coxon at the Leadmill on April 20
In all Blur’s dormant years, it’s Graham Coxon who has remained true to the group. Failing to start up a cheese farm, run for MP or create an opera, Coxon is the only member who has continued creating music for the independent, alternative music fans. And when looking at Blur’s back catalogue it’s no surprise. … Continue reading
InMe, Lost Alone at Sheffield Corporation on March 8
InMe fans have a lot to be proud of. After financing the group’s latest album, they continue to pack out venues across the country, following the group around like a travelling roadshow. Earlier Lost Alone’s Motley Crue routine is given a harsh reception before bodies are thrust every direction for InMe’s anthemic intro. Throwing themselves … Continue reading
Adam Ant and The Good, The Mad and The Lovely Posse at Sheffield Academy on December 15
For any artists returning to the stage after a prolonged break, it is always received with an air of cynicism. Whether it be a reformation or an old popstar, each live show has to be treated with the upmost care. Many remember Adam Ant as the overnight success who, after releasing a handful of albums … Continue reading
The Streets/Brother at Leeds Academy, February 24
As one band grows stale it’s hard to not get caught up on the scrappy, ambitious new flame. Tonight as The Streets play their last ever gigs half of the audience stand attentively waiting for Slough’s Brother. Using the Happy Mondays aesthetic, each song contains a complimentary “ooh” and “ahh” only to be joined by … Continue reading
My Chemical Romance at Nottingham Arena, February 19
After surpassing their emo expectancy, My Chemical Romance are now stuck between worlds of teenage angst and rock pop. With Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco recovering, MCR have launched full throttle into a world of anthemic chorus’ and pink hair dye. Opener ‘Na Na Na’ brings boyband chanting and aggressive slogans to … Continue reading
Bright Eyes at Rock City, Nottingham, February 9
After a few questionable performances, that John Peel rant and a rather public breakdown, Conor Oberst’s indie credentials have been suffering of late. But with four years of silence, The People’s Key has brought a new lease of life to the lacklustre three piece. Tonight emerging clean cut Oberst brings the raucous crowd to a … Continue reading
God Bless The Music Press 