Gig Reviews

Pop essentials and a little bit more

THIS IS WHY YOU LOVE ME – Brian Jonestown Massacre Hypnotise A Packed Brixton Academy

February 26, 2025

Many music writers, this one included, have incurred the wrath of Anton Newcombe for daring to mention Dig! – the 2004 documentary which simultaneously made and purportedly buried Brian Jonestown Massacre.

Yet while friends and competitors The Dandy Warhols were portrayed as undisputed winners at the end of that film – it’s Anton’s band who marches on with a 20-plus album career and a fanbase big enough to comfortably fill Brixton Academy.

Live Review: Qymira Lights Up The Indigo at O2, London Supporting Boyzlife

February 13, 2025

Joining the legendary Boyzlife on tour, rising pop sensation Qymira took the stage at The Indigo at O2 last Saturday, delivering a stunning showcase of her latest hits. Riding the momentum of bangers like ‘Give It To Me’ and ‘Labyrinth of Life,’ she isn’t just releasing captivating pop songs – she’s demanding attention.

An Evening With The Woolfman: Intimate Jazz Meets Powerful Politics

August 15, 2024

Nestled in the heart of Soho at the intimate Jazz After Dark, The Woolfman delivered a performance that was nothing short of captivating. This narrow, dimly lit jazz bar, known for its cosy yet electric atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening that blurred the lines between music and message.

Holly Ross of the Lovely Eggs live in Hackney

EGGY THUMP! – The Lovely Eggs And Friends Whisk Up A Treat At Hackney’s EartH

June 11, 2024

For two people they make one hell of a racket

LIVE REVIEW: Dance-pop prodigy NADIA makes stunning live debut in London

April 11, 2024

Amidst a packed-out Paper Dress Vintage, Irish pop singer-songwriter NADIA made her live debut in London on Tuesday supporting the enigmatic D3LTA. Having garnered acclaim for her passionate, neo-soul meets dance-pop style, the artist hypnotized the audience with her soul-stirring vocals and rhythmic soundscapes. Weaving a spell with each number, the sold-out venue transformed into a luminescent dancefloor that left us instantly hooked and truly mesmerised.

An Evening With Rhodes

March 8, 2024

Last Friday I was amongst a lucky number of fans to get to hang out with one of the UK’s most talented songwriter artists. Rhodes’ new album dropped on March 1st and it was somehow apt that St. David’s Day was the album launch day for an artist named David who some would say has the voice of an Angel.

Black Grape Live at Camden Electric Ballroom, December 2 2023. Picture by Sam Wells

COME ALL YE FAITHFUL – Black Grape Preach To The Converted At Camden’s Electric Ballroom

December 6, 2023

It’s a freezing Friday night more suited to bobble hats than bucket hats as Camden’s Electric Ballroom gradually fills in anticipation for the arrival of Black…

LIVE REVIEW: SHAB Supports Mega Stars JLS

December 5, 2023

JLS, the perennial teenage heartthrobs, made a triumphant return, igniting arenas across the UK with their infectious pop anthems. With shows across London, Glasgow, and Dublin, we caught our musical spectacle took place at Leeds’ First Direct Arena, where the night unfolded with an unexpected burst of energy courtesy of the sensational pop queen SHAB.

Songs Through The Darkness at The Lafayette

October 18, 2023

There have been several instances in the life of Henry Grace where the light at the end of the tunnel was music, a beacon to hang on to when life became too much to comprehend and depression filled the void. This week at The Lafayette, surely one of London’s outstanding musical venues, he became that light as he not only starred in but organised a magical night of music featuring Jamie Lawson and Elles Bailey alongside his considerable talent.

SPECTRAL FEAST – PJ Harvey Enchants In Sell Out Show At London’s Roundhouse

October 2, 2023

On record PJ Harvey‘s I Inside the Old Year Dying is a knotty, fragile creation. Sparse and intense, it’s a difficult, but ultimately fulfilling…

Dave Wakeling of The Beat (left) and Annabella Lwin of Bow Wow Wow - picture by Sam Wells

LIVING IN THE ’80s: The Beat And Bow Wow Wow Party Like It’s 1982 At The Roundhouse

June 29, 2023

PICTURES: Sam Wells, WORDS: Matt Catchpole It’s a scorching Camden summer’s evening and we’re here to witness the return of the leaders of two…

This Weekend’s Black Deer Festival Was A Triumph, And Supporting It Might Just Save Music As You Know It!

June 21, 2023

There must have been something prophetic about the lyrics of a Drake White song back in 2016, when he sang “nobody’s talking but we’re all on the phone”. The song ‘Back to Free’ is a song from country artist Drake and he was one of the stars on Sunday at Kent’s ever more popular Americana, Country and Roots Black Deer Festival but I’m sure even he wouldn’t have foreseen the looming shadow of technology on music as well as our departure from the things that make life and making memories special.