Polly Paulusma’s Wildfires: A Luminous Slow Burn in a World That Won’t Wait

Polly Paulusma’s album Wildfires exemplifies her poetic lyricism and intricate storytelling across nearly two hours. It thoughtfully explores love’s subtlety through a blend of raw acoustic elements and deeply human themes. Unlike quick-consumed art, Wildfires invites listeners to fully immerse in its emotional depth, reflecting the weight of personal experience in its narrative. Continue reading Polly Paulusma’s Wildfires: A Luminous Slow Burn in a World That Won’t Wait

Starsailor String Themselves Up for a Stunning Anniversary Show at Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium

Starsailor’s 25th anniversary celebrations began in style at Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium, where the band delivered a sold-out performance with the accompaniment of Joe Duddell’s string ensemble. In the intimate, acoustically rich setting, their music took on a new depth, transforming familiar songs into something grander, more expansive. The evening opened with Alcoholic, a song that, despite its ubiquity, was elevated by the lush orchestral arrangement. … Continue reading Starsailor String Themselves Up for a Stunning Anniversary Show at Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium

Bilk It Like Beckham – Essex Trio Bring Swagger and Chaos to Manchester

Bilk arrive at Manchester Academy armed with a potent mix of Britpop swagger, punk urgency, and hip-hop-inflected storytelling. Their new album, Essex Drugs and Rock and Roll, has solidified their reputation as a band unafraid to wear their influences on their sleeves—Blur, Arctic Monkeys, The Streets—but with a sound that remains distinctly their own. Launching straight into RnR, the trio set the tone for a … Continue reading Bilk It Like Beckham – Essex Trio Bring Swagger and Chaos to Manchester

“Ness-essary Magic: Hayden Thorpe’s Captivating Return to Liverpool”

Hayden Thorpe’s musical journey blends the familiar with the extraordinary, offering a thought-provoking experience across his solo career and with Wild Beasts. His latest album, Ness, draws from Robert Macfarlane’s book, exploring humanity’s connection to nature. Thorpe’s performances captivate audiences, showcasing his artistic evolution and profound creativity. Continue reading “Ness-essary Magic: Hayden Thorpe’s Captivating Return to Liverpool”

Modern Vampires of Manchester – Vampire Weekend’s Epic Return to the O2 Apollo

Sixteen years after their debut album introduced a unique blend of preppy indie charm and global influences, Vampire Weekend returned to Manchester’s O2 Apollo (for the first of two sold out nights) to remind us why they’re still one of the most compelling bands around. Continue reading Modern Vampires of Manchester – Vampire Weekend’s Epic Return to the O2 Apollo

Explore Elkie Brooks’ Musical Legacy with Live and Acoustic

Elkie Brooks’ Live and Acoustic is a fitting testament to a career that has spanned six decades, showcasing her ability to reinvent and reflect with grace and artistry. Recorded live in 2021 at the Landmark Theatre in North Devon, this 12-track album captures Brooks at her most intimate, offering a mix of cherished classics and thoughtfully chosen covers. For long-time fans, it is a poignant … Continue reading Explore Elkie Brooks’ Musical Legacy with Live and Acoustic

A Tale of Two Shows: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Live in Manchester and Birmingham

On a tour that feels like both a victory lap and a renewal, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are showcasing material from their latest album Wild God alongside career-defining classics. But anyone expecting a simple album promotion tour is missing the point entirely. Continue reading A Tale of Two Shows: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Live in Manchester and Birmingham