Incubus - Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff - 5th November 2011 (Live Review)

Just half an hour before the gig Cardiff Castle’s annual fireworks held my eyes and ears hostage in awe struck submission. So due to the occasion, it came as little surprise to find the Motorpoint arena floor looking unusually spacious as I entered at 8.30, minutes before the house lights fell for the Cali five piece hit the stage. After all its Saturday and its Guy Fawkes Night, so it was lack of local knowledge or misjudgment from one such manager of the band to expect an arena full of people not to perhaps have other plans for tonight.

Written by: Owen Sheppard | Date: Wednesday, 09 November 2011

Fozzy (With Support From Jettblack) - Cardiff University - 4th November 2011 (Live Review)

Chris Jericho's band Fozzy kicked-off Guy Fawkes weekend with a bang last Friday, 4th November. Playing Cardiff University's CF10 Bar, the former WWE superstar led an enthusiastic set of riff-infused heavy rock'n'roll, following a fine supporting performance from fast-rising metallers Jettblack.

Written by: Jon Stickler | Date: Wednesday, 09 November 2011

Arctic Monkeys - Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff - 1st November 2011 (Live Review)

'Five Minutes with the Arctic Monkeys'. That was the title of their debut EP, way back in 2005. Yet here you are standing in Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena - craving their ever-increasing back catalogue of indie scene-setters – knowing you’re going to get more than just five minutes with the Arctic Monkeys.

Written by: Chris 'PJ' Martin | Date: Thursday, 03 November 2011

Jessie J - Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff - 29th October 2011 (Live Review)

It’s Halloween weekend in Cardiff city centre, and Jessie J is fitting right in. Swathed in dazzling white bandages with her trademark black bob, Jessie is channelling Cleopatra, post mummification. She stands with her feet too far apart and tells us in her gobby Essex accent about a recent trip to Poundland where she blew thirty-eight quid on mint Viscount biscuits, which she charmingly mispronounces as ‘Viss – counts’. She then tells us an anecdote about a pair of leggings and a bitchy shop assistant.

Written by: V O'Hagan | Date: Thursday, 03 November 2011

Steven Wilson – Shepherds Bush Empire, London – 31st October 2011 (Live Review)

A musician of undeniable talent, who has dabbled in such seemingly disparate fields as prog rock, extreme metal, trip hop and ambient drone over the years, Steven Wilson recently released what should go down as one of the most impressive records of the new millennium. 'Grace for Drowning' was a soaring combination of everything Wilson has become known for throughout his career with the likes of Porcupine Tree, No-Man and Blackfield, as well as introducing increasingly prominent influences from the world of jazz. By turns both his most daring and most complete record, its complex nature makes the fact that Wilson has decided to play his solo material live for the first time recently a surprise, albeit a very pleasant one.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Wednesday, 02 November 2011

Let Live - Pyramids Centre, Portsmouth - 22nd October 2011 (Live Review)

Supporting the great Enter Shikari on their first headline show in a number of years is no easy feat, but Letlive, the LA-based quintet, brought energy and focus in abundance to secure their name on our side of the pond.

Written by: Ryan Tinslay | Date: Friday, 28 October 2011

The Joy Formidable - HMV Forum, London - 14th October 2011 (Live Review)

You’d be forgiven for thinking that The Joy Formidable have more than a single album. This year has been absolutely massive for the trio. For most bands it takes years of graft and torment to reach the venue for tonight’s performance, The HMV Forum in Kentish Town. After opening the mainstage at the Reading and Leeds festivals during summer they’ve now packed out all available space inside tonight’s auditorium.

Written by: Matthew Williamson | Date: Monday, 24 October 2011

Tellison - Stereo, York – 17th October 2011 (Live Review)

It’s a shame that Tellison aren’t a bigger band than they are. Compared to the vast majority of their ilk, i.e. British alt/indie guitar bands, they have so much more character and vibrancy. Tellison look like they live and breathe their music, unlike so many of their all too comfortable looking and stale sounding contemporaries.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Monday, 24 October 2011

Scarlette Fever - 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff - 16th October 2011 (Live Review)

Cardiff got a little hot around the collar this week as Scarlette Fever paid the city a visit during her UK tour.

Written by: V O'Hagan | Date: Friday, 21 October 2011

Benjamin Francis Leftwich (With Support) - O2 Academy, Oxford - 18th October 2011 (Live Review)

Pop Will Eat Itself are playing in the same venue tonight on the upstairs level, and rarely are there two more different gigs going on in the same venue, and less than a year ago, it would be easy to decide which gig takes the bigger downstairs room. However, the sudden rise of Benjamin Francis Leftwich, a true tale of the popularity that can be gained by one man and his guitar, has dictated that about a week before this gig takes place, it is in fact announced that it is Ben who takes the larger downstairs room, and it nearly sold out too.

Written by: James Ball | Date: Wednesday, 19 October 2011

The Travelling Band - Ten Feet Tall, Cardiff - 17th October 2011 (Live Review)

Technical troubles and minor illnesses did not hinder the band in the slightest as they showcased their bucket-load of beautiful songs to a small yet appreciative Cardiff crowd.

Written by: Chris 'PJ' Martin | Date: Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Bombay Bicycle Club - Cardiff University - 14th October 2011 (Live Review)

Bombay bicycle club started life together at the tender age of 15 in London's Crouch End playing gigs at school and small local venues - three albums, 8 singles and many high profile performances later they've certainly made their name more famous than the chain of Indian Restaurant's it was taken from.

Written by: Anna Staples | Date: Tuesday, 18 October 2011

The Answer - Thekla, Bristol - 13th October 2011 (Live Review)

It was Bristol's historic venue Thekla that hosted a live performance from The Answer last Thursday October 13th, with the Northern Irish rockers rolling into town for one of many live shows on their current UK 'Revival' tour.

Written by: Jon Stickler | Date: Tuesday, 18 October 2011

Kids In Glass Houses - HMV Forum, London - 4th October 2011 (Live Review)

There have been people waiting outside the doors of the HMV Forum since midday waiting to be let in so they can get to the barrier for tonight’s headliners, Kids in Glass Houses. They’re all draped out in florescent colours and UV paint, at the band's request and, mostly, teenage girls, as Kids In Glass Houses brand of pop-punk/pop-rock so often caters to nowadays.

Written by: Matthew Williamson | Date: Friday, 14 October 2011

Manchester Orchestra - O2 Academy, Bristol - 2nd October 2011 (Live Review)

Manchester Orchestra, one of the world’s most misleading band names. Tell somebody you’re going to see the quintet from Atlanta, Georgia, USA and you’ll no doubt be quizzical stares as to why you’re into such a thing. Only when you’ve taken a listen do you appreciate the true nature of what Manchester Orchestra actually are. Tonight hundreds of people no doubt had to explain to friends and family that they weren’t underdressed for such an occasion, and that, in fact, the occasion is slightly less grand than they realise. On the opening date of their UK tour they’re at the O2 Academy in Bristol.

Written by: Matthew Williamson | Date: Friday, 14 October 2011

LaFaro - Upstairs At The Garage, London – 5th October 2011 (Live Review)

The UK is in healthy form for producing bands whose main desires centre largely on the impulse to create lots of unruly, unhealthy, unholy and downright nasty noise. Sadly the tiny venue upstairs at Highbury’s Garage venue indicates that only small amounts of the British listening public are fans of such desires, which is a real shame.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Friday, 14 October 2011

Aperture Presents: LTJ Bukem & MC Conrad - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff - 8th October 2011 (Live Review)

Some had been waiting for a decade to finally see him, some had been waiting years. Some may have not even heard of him. But you can guarantee by the end of the night, LTJ Bukem had become part of Cardiff’s and Aperture’s musical history, and a memory that no-one will forget.

Written by: Elliott Batte | Date: Tuesday, 11 October 2011

A Skylit Drive (& Support) - O2 Academy2, Birmingham - 30th September 2011 (Live Review)

After Californian exports A Skylit Drive's latest album 'Identity On Fire' received a rapturous reception, it was merely a matter of time before the post-hardcore outfit announced their first set of UK shows since April 2010. With a suitably promising line-up and the idea of a sold-out show at the O2 Academy2 in Birmingham, I was incredibly excited to see what each band had to offer.

Written by: Matt Turner | Date: Monday, 10 October 2011

The Crookes - 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff - 6th October 2011 (Live Review)

The Crookes entertained a small yet fair Cardiff crowd on Thursday night, showcasing a growing excellence in their upbeat song writing style.

Written by: Chris 'PJ' Martin | Date: Monday, 10 October 2011

A Night At Union Chapel – Union Chapel, London - 30th September 2011 (Live Review)

To celebrate their continued success in their field, art rock label K-Scope decided to bring together four of their top artists for a special night of stripped back sets at Islington’s wonderful Union Chapel venue. Such a move has clearly prompted a delighted reaction from the label’s supporters, as the venue’s pews are almost completely full on this warm Friday evening.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Thursday, 06 October 2011

Gruff Rhys - St David's Hall, Cardiff - 5th October 2011 (Live Review)

One of the most eccentric and innovative people in music, Super Furry Animals front man Gruff Rhys is now into his third solo album and the resulting tour rolled into Cardiff yesterday. ‘Hotel Shampoo’ was inspired by the collection of miniature bathroom bottles he’d collected through his years of touring. The resulting video of him building the hotel shampoo was typical Gruff and the live show, as you would expect is equally random.

Written by: Dave Ball | Date: Thursday, 06 October 2011

The Wombats - Guildhall, Southampton - 29th September 2011 (Live Review)

Unbelievably it’s been three-and-a-half years since The Wombats released their debut album, 'The Wombats Proudly Present: A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation'.

Written by: Daniel Clark | Date: Thursday, 06 October 2011

The Revival Tour - Dublin Academy - 29th September 2011 (Live Review)

Raucous, acoustic, folky punk rock 'n' roll was on the agenda at Dublin's Academy as a sell-out crowd welcomed the Revival tour to town. The pack of musicians, led by founder of the tour Chuck Ragan, included Gaslight Anthem's Brian Fallon, Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano and Dave Hause from the Loved Ones. The premise of the tour, according to Ragan is 'the camaraderie and the way people are drawn to each other' through music, and this was much in evidence throughout Thursday's show.

Written by: Daniel Lynch | Date: Wednesday, 05 October 2011

Matt Cardle - Koko, Camden, London - 3rd October 2011 (Live Review)

Just a year ago, Matt Cardle was about to start a journey that would, in a cheesy and clichéd way, change his life and help make his dreams come true. Now on the verge of his debut album release, Matt played his first full solo London show to a packed Koko in Camden. A crowd full of fans, family, friends, fellow musicians, and X Factor contestants past and present saw Matt preview some of his upcoming album tracks, as well as a few covers thrown in for good measure.

Written by: Katie Territt | Date: Wednesday, 05 October 2011

Somahigh, Stone Them Crows Arp Attack - Joiners, Southampton - 30th September 2011 (Live Review)

The Somahigh album launch party at The Joiners Arms, Southampton was quite an affair, packed with top notch unsigned talent. It was one of those gigs you could tell your grandchildren one day, you saw Somahigh, Arp Attack or Stone Them Crows before they were famous.

Written by: Lew Maclean | Date: Tuesday, 04 October 2011

Slow Club - Audio, Brighton - 29th September 2011 (Live Review)

The last time I saw Slow Club, it was on a snowy night in December 2009 at Union Chapel in Islington. The night was filled with beautiful, gentle, folky songs and mulled wine, and everything was played on acoustic guitars and the odd little piece of percussion. Tonight however, as we see Slow Club take to the stage in 2011 at Audio, the acoustic guitars have turned to electric, and they’ve added a bassist and drummer to the band. Opening up with ‘Where I’m Waking’ from their most recent album ‘Paradise’, its clear to see that this band have really matured in the last couple of years, taking control of the whole room from the first note, and looking like they’re loving every second of it.

Written by: Emma Newlyn | Date: Monday, 03 October 2011

Mr Big - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London - 20th September 2011 (Live Review)

Forget Nirvana – for a few moments at least – and think back 20 years to 1991… Remember it well? Maybe not, but it certainly mustn’t be forgotten that it was a great year for rock. OK, so that may have been largely due to the aforementioned Seattle grungers, but they aren’t the only ’90s rock band to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough album this year.

Written by: Rob Sleigh (Photos: Anthony May) | Date: Monday, 26 September 2011

Aperture Presents: Drumsound & Bassline Smith - Clwb Ifor, Cardiff - 23rd Sept 2011 (Live Review)

With a three week wait instead of the usual two, and a town choc-full of fresh Uni meat, Dan Aperture had a proper job on his hands putting together Friday’s Freshers night at Clwb Ifor Bach. And what a job he did do... the night turned into one of the most hectic and amazingly fun nights I (and I’m sure hundreds of others) have had at the capital’s number one club for drum and bass.

Written by: Elliott Batte | Date: Monday, 26 September 2011

Hard-Fi - Anson Rooms, Bristol - 25th September 2011 (Live Review)

Hard-Fi took their mini-tour to Bristol on Sunday and wowed the West Country crowd with an exuberant performance which showcased their terrific song-writing talents.

Written by: Chris Martin | Date: Monday, 26 September 2011

Young Guns - HMV Forum, London - 16th September 2011 (Live Review)

Just over a year ago Young Guns were headlining the Relentless Garage. Since then they’ve done a headline tour last winter, supported All Time Low on their jaunt of the UK and, today, in a culmination of yet another tour, they’re playing to 2,350 people at the HMV Forum in the capital, their biggest headlining show to date.

Written by: Matthew Williamson | Date: Friday, 23 September 2011

Arp Attack - Camden Proud Galleries, London - 7th September 2011 (Live Review)

There is still a rustic feel to the venue and neighbouring bar-stalls of Camden Proud galleries. The whole place was pretty much a nightclub in a former horse stable, with a bar. Shortly after I arrived Arp Attack burst into action. The trio are a zesty form of electro-pop rock and have magnetic stage presence. They have an intriguing mix of sombre and lively songs and blend them carefully into the set.

Written by: Lew Maclean | Date: Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Aperture Presents: Doc. Scott & Hamilton - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff - 2nd Sept 2011 (Live Review)

After weeks and weeks of heavy headline bookings, ridiculously good resident sets and an array of new and fresh DJs, Aperture was ready to bring the noise with its second headliner since young Dan Aperture was appointed chief.

Written by: Elliott Batte | Date: Monday, 12 September 2011

Muse @ Reading Festival 2011 (Live Review)

Muse just don’t play badly anymore, it’s a fact. For over half a decade they have been enjoying the universally acknowledged status of “big fat headline act” by tearing up festivals and stadiums around the world. But this set wasn’t just like any of the other hundreds of major headline acts. This set that closed Reading on the 28th of August went down to dedicate the tenth year anniversary of one of their founding albums Origin of Symmetry. To celebrate, Melvin Benn (Reading organizer) offered them a two hour slot, and from what we can see, a lorry full of cash with which to afford the most out of this world stage set of pyro and props that this prestigious festival has ever seen before.

Written by: Owen Sheppard | Date: Thursday, 08 September 2011

Don Broco @ Reading Festival 2011 (Live Review)

While 30 Seconds to Mars and Noah and The Whale were attracting some of the biggest crowds of the day on the main stages, it was the BBC introducing stage that offered rock fans with a more obscure taste, the chance to experience a rarer gem of a set. One of England’s most exciting upcoming bands, the peculiarly named Don Broco, had answered the call of the BBC to represent all things hardcore yet light hearted on this humble but well appreciated stage.

Written by: Owen Sheppard | Date: Thursday, 08 September 2011

Willy Mason - The Gate, Cardiff - 6th September 2011 (Live Review)

It’s been a quiet few years for Willy Mason. Since 2007’s ‘If The Ocean Gets Rough’ he all but disappeared but began his new mini-tour around the UK last night at Cardiff’s The Gate. The venue itself is an old church and the main hall consists of around 100 folding chairs on a floor in front of the stage, flanked on the remaining three sides by rising rows of pews. Altogether it probably only holds 350 people but the acoustics are fantastic with its high, curved ceiling.

Written by: Dave Ball | Date: Wednesday, 07 September 2011

Merthyr Rock, Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr – 2nd-4th September 2011 (Live Review)

Making its debut on the Welsh festival scene the inaugural Merthyr Rock finished up with a bang last night after a weekend showcasing the best local bands as well as some explosive sets from established headliners.

Written by: Dave Ball | Date: Monday, 05 September 2011

Taking Back Sunday - Academy, Manchester - 24th August 2011 (Live Review)

Taking Back Sunday formed back in 1999 by guitarist Eddie Reyes. Current members of the band are Adam Lazzara, John Nolan, Eddie Reyes, Shaun Cooper and Mark O'Connell. They have had many line up changes and former members include none other than Jesse Lacey of Brand New.

Written by: Kimberley Martinez-Meakins | Date: Thursday, 01 September 2011

Green Man Festival - Glanusk Park, Wales - 19th-21st August (Live Review)

Another year and another visit to what has surely become on of the best all-round festivals in the country. This year The Green Man Festival saw world class music, comedy and cinema alongside science and nature all crowned with glorious sunshine! Our first review of the festival gave an expanded look back at the music of Green Man, but you could spend a your whole weekend without seeing a single band and still lapse into a state of euphoria.

Written by: Rhys Morgan | Date: Wednesday, 31 August 2011

Lostprophets - O2 Academy, Bournemouth - 16th August 2011 (Live Review)

It’s been 10 years since Lostprophets debuted with the first album ‘thefakesoundofprogress’. A lot has changed since then, including the departure of founding band member Mike Chiplin but the nu-metallers from South Wales have kept hold of their most prized asset, high octane in your face rock and the ability to seamlessly cross over into pop friendly rock with tracks such as ‘Last Train Home’ and ‘Rooftops’.

Written by: Daniel Clark | Date: Wednesday, 31 August 2011

Green Man Festival - Glanusk Park, Wales - 19th-21st August 2011 (Live Review)

Glanusk Park,opens its land for camping for just one week of the year when the grounds are handed over for the annual Green Man festival. Having been named last years’ best medium sized festival and being based in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it’s fair to say it’s as spectacular a festival site as you’re likely to find anywhere in the World with the rolling Welsh hills surrounding stages strategically placed to bring the most out of the beautiful setting.

Written by: Dave Ball | Date: Wednesday, 24 August 2011

Alix Perez - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff - 19th August 2011 (Live Review)

Belgian bass-lover Alix Perez was yet another big name that Aperture has secured in the past few months, and is no-where near the last of the big names that will be coming later this year.

Written by: Elliott Batte | Date: Tuesday, 23 August 2011

Bloodstock Open Air 2011 - Catton Hall, Derbyshire - 12th-14th July 2011 (Live Review)

Better organised than many of the larger festivals on the calendar, it’s easy to see why Bloodstock Open Air is the event of the summer calendar for many metalheads. This 10,000 capacity event in the Derbyshire countryside focuses on the underground metal scene in a way that the likes of Sonisphere and Download never will. The atmosphere is also pleasant in a way that, again, many of the larger festivals never are and the layout is rather neat too with the exception of the fact that the acoustic Jagermeister stage is slap bang in front of the main stage, rather limiting its functionality. Over three full days, Bloodstock provides a major highlight for Britain’s metal calendar.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Monday, 22 August 2011

M-Fest - Darton Longfields Cricket Club, Barnsley - 6th-7th August 2011 (Live Review)

Set at Darton Longfields Cricket Club, this years M-Fest has returned to its roots.  There are five stages dotted around the huge grounds.  The main stage is massive, and the first one that you see as you enter the arena; the acoustic tent provides a chilled out atmosphere to the escape the occasional showers; the Burn Down the Disco stage heralds top quality indie bands from around Yorkshire; the Love Music Hate Racism stage provides an eclectic mix across most of the genres , and the Alternative tent is the perfect zone to get your mosh on.  

Written by: Sally Atlass | Date: Thursday, 18 August 2011

Morrissey - The Palladium, London - 8th August 2011 (Live Review)

The ageing rocker, famed for his asexual past and political staunchness, preceded his final show with a variety of music clips and interviews. Most notably, a blond-haired Lou Reed appeared on the huge projector, scoffing at a journalist’s questions in an infamous interview which saw him respond in monosyllables.  This paved the way to Morrissey’s cover of hit ‘Satellite of Love’ midway through proceedings.

Written by: Gemma Taylor | Date: Wednesday, 17 August 2011

Iron Maiden - O2 Arena, London - 6th August 2011 (Live Review)

The fact that British heavy metal’s finest band are still going after over thirty years is impressive enough...that they are still this good live is frankly incredible but then, that’s Iron Maiden for you. Their adoring fanbase has proved strong enough to sell out London’s biggest arena two nights in succession, at the conclusion of a world tour that has seen the band play nearly a hundred shows all across the world. Few bands have the kind of global appeal that Maiden have and even fewer bands find themselves at a peak of success shortly after releasing their fifteenth studio album. The thing is, Maiden are justifiably huge. They have earned their success by their persistence and dedication through good times and bad.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Tuesday, 09 August 2011

Sam Duckworth - The Lexington, London - 27th July 2011 (Live Review)

If you are in any way politically charged and love the Conservative Party in ways you can only love your mother (which, for the record, you are entitled to and this isn’t a politically charged review), then this gig probably wasn’t for you. Not for the quality of Sam Duckworth's excellent solo material, but more for the support acts protest songs intertwined with charming folk ditties. Most people in the Lexington watching this concert take place either didn’t care that their political stance was in question, or supported the messages going on, but this gig tonight, despite being very acoustic by nature, felt more like a rallying cry outlining the fact that democracy and free speech are still important.

Written by: James Ball | Date: Monday, 01 August 2011

Ed Sheeran - The Boileroom, Guildford - 20th July 2011 (Live Review)

Surrey is a county rarely associated with the popular music scene. Despite the decades gone by, The Jam are still the highest boasting point that this South Eastern county has to argue with. And despite being the home of the nationally recognized Guildfest, tonight’s venue The Boileroom, with only a couple hundred capacity, is the largest in terms of a real music venue that this city has to offer. You can imagine then, the buzz that surrounds this event as for a second night in a row, this cozy, intimate venue braces itself for a show from one of Britain’s most hyped and popular artists of the year.

Written by: Owen Sheppard | Date: Monday, 01 August 2011

ATP: I’ll be Your Mirror – Alexandra Palace, London - 23rd-24th July 2011 (Live Review)

Whatever you may have heard about the sound quality for gigs at Alexandra Palace, expel it from your mind because the almost certain negativity of such thoughts can now be banished...at least while ATP are in town. Some hard work has been put into ensuring that festival goers are treated to a Great Hall that, for a change, allows bands to sound their very best. With a weekend of quality music chosen by ATP and special curators Portishead, the “I’ll be Your Mirror” festival is located at one of London’s most charming venues and comes with a line-up that those with an eclectic taste will find truly delightful.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Monday, 01 August 2011

High Voltage Festival 2011 - Victoria Park, London - 23rd and 24th July 2011 (Live Review)

London's High Voltage Festival basked in glorious sunshine for the second year running last weekend, July 23rd and July 24th. Victoria Park once again hosting a memorable weekend that was crammed with stellar performances from some of the planets biggest rock acts.

Written by: Jon Stickler | Date: Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Truck Festival - Hill Farm, Steventon, Oxfordshire - 22nd - 24th July 2011 (Live Review)

I have been attending Truck Festival for each of the last four years. Pretty much ever since moving to Oxfordshire, and have always found it to be an essential weekend out in the countryside where everything is so homely, comfortable and exceedingly fair. I wrote an article, detailing the previous thirteen events on Stereoboard a few months back and now it was time to attend the hotly anticipated Truck 14 myself.

Written by: James Ball & Craig Willis | Date: Wednesday, 27 July 2011