Just Jack Night and Day Café, Manchester Monday, March 9th 2009 One of a handful of dates to promote upcoming album All Night Cinema, this intimate gig at the Night & Day again proves that Just Jack deserves so much more than to be a one hit wonder. From the opening song (imminent single Embers), [...]
Music: Features
Your New Favourite Band! Part 13 – Xavier Rudd
Although he brings some tremendously innovative slide guitar playing to the table, along with more conventional upright methods, it’s Rudd’s use of the didgeridoo that attracts attention.
Live Reviews
On The Ragged Edge
Within minutes of coming on stage, the band are embroiled in a full-on psychedelic instrumental. Band members take turns on a large collection of electronic gadgetry, with vocalist Juanita hammering furiously on a tom tom.
Album Reviews
Zero Hour
Karen O gives a masterful vocal performance. She’s right on top of her game from her first staccato shrieks in opener Zero.
Live Reviews
Leaders Of The Pack
Fittingly, Elbow arrive to the sound of a fanfare which rises as high as the Empress Ballroom’s frescoed rafters.
Live Reviews
Stockholm Syndrome
Lay It Down sounds something like X rated S Club 7, and the chorus is bound to become a fans’ favourite: “# Hey, shut the fuck up boy / You’re starting to piss me off / Take your hands off that girl / You’ve already had enough #”.
Album Reviews
Band Aid
Under British law, Klara and Johanna Söderberg (born in 1993 and 1990 respectively) would barely be old enough to enjoy an alcoholic beverage in a bar. But it matters not a lot, as they have bigger and brighter ambitions than a wasted binge drinking youth. “We aim for the hearts, not the charts”, their MySpace profile cheerfully proclaims.
Album Reviews
And There Was A Boy From School…
A few tracks that sound like they were put together in a regional BBC recording studio for a newly commissioned kids 1980’s children’s TV show are all very well. But when three or four songs in, it becomes clear that this is going to be the prevailing instrumental trait, what is at first endearing can become a little bit irritating.
Live Reviews
Pretty Songs By Pretty People
It is hard to name any one moment that stands out. There is simply a stream of wonderfully delivered stories that could penetrate a heart of stone.
Live Reviews
One Hundred Million Satisfied Fans, One Puzzled Reviewer
Snow Patrol MEN Arena, Manchester Saturday, March 7th 2009 Predictably, the MEN is packed with young couples and middle-aged gig goers waiting, of course, to hear first dance at a wedding favourite Chasing Cars.