Ben & Jerry's Sundae Festival - Clapham Common, London - 23rd July 2011 (Live Review)

Ben & Jerry’s Sundae Festival kicked off on Clapham Common on Saturday, with acts including Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Ash supporting headliners Ocean Colour Scene. 

Written by: Gemma Taylor | Date: Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Deaf Havana - O2 Academy, Oxford - 17th July 2011 (Live Review)

We arrive just as Southampton boys, Not Advised, take to the stage in the O2 Academy Oxford 2, their pop-punk reminiscent of Mayday Parade, We the Kings and the like. ‘The World’s Not Ready’ in particular goes down a treat.  However you always feel that they’re on the brink of something that could be outstanding. Maybe it’s because they’re only tonight’s support, and, taking that into account, the band’s set should’ve won them several new fans.

Written by: Matthew Williamson | Date: Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Noah And The Whale - ITunes Festival, Roundhouse, London - 24th July 2011 (Live Review)

A brass band performance of ‘Bohemian Rapsody’ was not the first thing I expected to hear at the beginning of Noah and the Whale’s set at 2011’s iTunes festival. While it seemed a little bizarre, the whole crowd was cheering and singing before the band even stepped foot on the stage – and eventually they emerged to an audience who seemed overjoyed at having won tickets to see them this evening.

Written by: Emma Newlyn | Date: Tuesday, 26 July 2011

2000 Trees Festival - Upcote Farm, Withington - 14th-t16th July 2011 (Live Review)

Situated in deepest Gloucestershire, 2000 Trees is a small festival with a capacity of around 3500. As a result it is infinitely more charming than the mega festivals that clog up the summer calendar. Its more intimate atmosphere is, of course, greatly aided by the fact that the site appears full of jolly nice people in an environment that is kept surprisingly clean in comparison to most festivals. Even the toilets are reasonably pleasant. The environmentally friendly message of the festival is enhanced by the dedication to booking exclusively British (or at least British based) bands, ostensibly to save air miles but, equally importantly, to put rising UK bands in the spotlight that they deserve. The four stages feature a wealth of British music excellence. The Main Stage has previously been headlined by the likes of Frank Turner and The Subways and features everything from hard rock to indie folk whilst The Cave, a new addition for 2011, sticks to the murky world of Britain’s heavy underground. The Leaf Lounge and The Greenhouse feature a large variety of folky acts in addition to anything else that does not fit on either of the two larger stages. With an almost perfect layout and cosy feel, 2000 Trees is ideal for those who are fed up with the overwhelming size of the UK’s largest festivals.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Friday, 22 July 2011

Dirty Jeans - Cedar Room, Barnsley - 3rd June 2011 (Live Review)

Barnsley favourites, Dirty Jeans, wowed their faithful fans on Friday 3rd of June with the official launch party of their third EP. The self titled recording has four tracks of the usual quality the quartet promise.

Written by: Sally Atlass | Date: Tuesday, 19 July 2011

Icicle - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff - 15th July 2011 (Live Review)

After speaking to Stereoboard last week, drum and bass producer Icicle told us that it was ‘all about’ the smaller raves. And on Friday night (15th), he showed us exactly why.

Written by: Elliott Batte | Date: Monday, 18 July 2011

White Lies/Naked And Famous - ITunes Festival, Roundhouse, London - 12th July 2011 (Live Review)

I guess I can say I was lucky enough to win tickets to two of these iTunes gigs. The other was the Manic Street Preachers and the review featured on Stereoboard last week. Next up then was the turn of White Lies, a band with nowhere near as much history as the Manics, but one with equally as high expectations. Coming just two days after Dave Grohl's furious ejecting of a fighting crowd member (the video for which has become a viral hit on Youtube) during his Foo Fighters concert, the Camden Roundhouse was under a spotlight. Thankfully, this night was thankfully free of such tomfoolery.

Written by: James Ball | Date: Monday, 18 July 2011

Judas Priest - Newport Centre, Newport - 15th July 2011 (Live Review)

As the curtain (eventually) dropped unveiling a huge stage dripping with chains and lighting rigs, Judas Priest kicked-off the UK leg of their hugely-anticipated 'Epitaph' Tour at South Wales' Newport Centre. If you couldn't make it to the show, be sure to check out the below images taken by our photographer Craig Thomas.

Written by: Jon Stickler | Date: Monday, 18 July 2011

Social Distortion - Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London – 7th July 2011 (Live Review)

It’s great to see a band like Social D touring Europe, even if, sadly, they only do one UK show. The Californian band has existed for over three decades, and having released 'Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes' two years ago, finally made it back to the British Isles.

Written by: Alice Pattillo | Date: Thursday, 14 July 2011

Jettblack, Rival Sons, Weezer, Biffy Clyro - Sonisphere, UK - 9th July 2011 (Live Review)

Saturday morning at Sonisphere is always a bit of an effort, however, when you line-up Jettblack as your band to scare away the hangover, things start to look up from then on in. Taking to the Jagermeister Stage shortly after 1pm, the much-hyped Jettblack delivered an enthusiastic set to an impressive crowd.

Written by: Jon Stickler | Date: Wednesday, 13 July 2011

Braids - The Prince Albert, Brighton - 11th July 2011 (Live Review)

Canadian band Braids describe themselves as ‘textural, groove based, aggressive pop’ and have already attracted a lot of well–deserved attention in their short time in the limelight. The four piece have been voted ‘band of the week’, and ‘band to watch out for’ in multiple respectable online and physical magazines, as well as receiving very positive reviews from the likes of the Guardian and the New York Times.

Written by: Emma Newlyn | Date: Wednesday, 13 July 2011

The Big 4 (Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer, Metallica) - Sonisphere, UK - 8th July 2011 (Live Review)

“SEEEK & DESTROOOOY” was the call I heard from one excited fan whilst trundling my gear across one of the many camp-sites at last weekend's Sonisphere Knebworth. This weekend was always going to be something special following the announcement that Metal's Big 4; Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica were booked to co-headline the Friday night of the festival. Of course, lets not forget Saturday night headliners Biffy Clyro and the much-hyped Sunday night reunion of Slipknot. Their first UK performance since the death of bassist Paul Gray. However, the Friday night was all about Metal's heavyweights and what an unforgettable few hours it was.

Written by: Jon Stickler | Date: Wednesday, 13 July 2011

T In The Park Festival - Balado, Kinross-shire, Scotland - 8th-10th July 2011 (Live Review)

T in the Park isn’t just Scotland’s very own Glastonbury; it has a distinct and undeniable vibe of its own. Perhaps it is the attendees’ virulent enthusiasm for any type of act on show, generally summed up best by the signature chant of “Here we f*cking go” cropping up every time there’s a hint of a break down. Like a Scottish fiesta, the 80,000 folk who’d trekked to Balado were here to have a good time, and to of course soak up that unique festival atmosphere of alcohol, sweat, urine and lots and lots of mud.

Written by: Jonny Rimmer | Date: Tuesday, 12 July 2011

Transfer - Koko, London - 8th July 2011 (Live Review)

It’s still early-ish days for Transfer, even after Q magazine tipped them to be the band most likely to emerge in 2011. Friday night’s KOKO gig probably isn’t signalling their breakthrough, but there were some promising sounds.

Written by: Chris Norman | Date: Monday, 11 July 2011

Manic Street Preachers - iTunes Festival, Roundhouse, London - 3rd July 2011 (Live Review)

As most of you know, iTunes and the Camden Roundhouse put on a bunch of free gigs with tickets drawn via random lottery to a few thousand lucky winners. Therefore, when I won tickets to this one, I thought I’d hit the jackpot. Having seen the legendary Manics performing live at a semi-secret gig last October, I knew I was in for a treat. Sadly, it just fell short of being one, but for a free gig, I guess I can’t complain.

Written by: James Ball | Date: Thursday, 07 July 2011

Foo Fighters - National Bowl, Milton Keynes - 2nd July 2011 (Live Review)

It's not very often that the National Bowl in Milton Keynes books someone hugely impressive, but when they do, they really don't hold back. This past weekend saw US rock heavyweights Foo Fighters sell out a two-night stand at the 65,000 capacity venue, and damn did they bring the goods! A mere 15min walk from my house, the Bowl's a pretty good place to have when there's a gig like this on, so on Saturday night I prepared my rock face to be blown off by what I knew would be a memorable show.

Written by: Katie Territt | Date: Wednesday, 06 July 2011

Glastonbury Other Acts - Glastonbury Festival, Worthy Farm - 22nd-26th June 2011 (Live Review)

For those who chose the comfort of their own home to a muddy field and a sweaty tent, Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage headliners tend to be the centre of television coverage. But England’s muddiest festival boasts an eclectic wealth of acts, from the Wombles to Wutang Clan, from Tinie Tempah to Paul Simon. It would be physically impossible to see everyone on the bill that took your fancy, especially for those who spent most of the weekend inebriated. But the headliners weren’t the only tricks up Michael Eavis’ sleeve.

Written by: Jenny Greenwell | Date: Tuesday, 05 July 2011

Glastonbury 2011 Headliners - Glastonbury Festival, Worthy Farm - 22nd-26th June 2011 (Live Review)

This years Glastonbury saw one of the most pop-influenced line-ups in the history of the festival. U2, Coldplay and Beyoncé were chosen by as headliners, notable for their mainstream popularity. For some, it was the last nail in the coffin, burying the festival six feet under commercialization; for others, it’s opened the weekend up to a shed load of new fans.

Written by: Jenny Greenwell | Date: Tuesday, 05 July 2011

Bright Eyes - Royal Albert Hall, London - 23rd June 2011 (Live Review)

Conor Oberst has become the poster boy for a generation, whether he likes it or not. For the sensitive teenager who yearned for escape in the early 21st century there was no better voice than Oberst and his Bright Eyes project. Nobody else had quite the knack for saying what you wanted to say about the girl you liked but were too scared to talk to and nobody else could express their disdain for the rampant consumerism and lack of care embodying contemporary society. Of course, this is all fairly inaccurate because lots of people write brilliant love songs and Oberst isn’t the most subtle singer of ‘protest songs’. What Oberst has done under the Bright Eyes moniker though, and this is beyond doubt, is bring simple folk music to a lot of young people who would never have listened to anything remotely similar otherwise. He has an earnest appeal that puts him head and shoulders above most of his contemporaries. Predictably, comparisons with Dylan have been frequent throughout his career and, in many ways such comparisons are becoming more valid over time. After all Oberst has expressed his desire to escape his past work under the Bright Eyes moniker and comes to the Royal Albert Hall having released a recent album that is largely led by electric guitars and keyboards rather than soft acoustic strums.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Monday, 04 July 2011

Big Tent And The Gypsy Lantern - Nettleton Beer & Music Festival - 26th June 2011 (Live Review)

Nettleton is a small village on the cusp of the Lincolnshire wolds. Sunday the 26th of June saw the quiet village transform into a louder village with the annual Nettleton Beer and Music Festival. Providing music and beer all afternoon and into the sweet summer evening graciously projected from the truck stage. The festival had been looked down on by the weather gods, the Lincolnshire brewed cider was sweet dry and strong. A gem for the week’s end.

Written by: Alice Findlay | Date: Monday, 04 July 2011

Godflesh - Kentish Town Forum, London - 16th June 2011 (Live Review)

It’s safe to say that there aren’t many bands comparable to Godflesh. When the terrible twosome (Justin K. Broadrick and G. C. Green) released 'Streetcleaner' back in 1989 they decimated the ears of an unsuspecting audience. For the brand of industrial metal that Godflesh provided may not have been fast and it may not have even featured a live drummer half the time, but it was more brutal and packed with more ferocity than even the angriest hardcore band. Derisory though some may make such a statement seem, Godflesh made Broadrick’s previous band (grind legends Napalm Death) sound vaguely pleasant and hopeful, with a vision of the world that can only be described as utterly nihilistic.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Thursday, 30 June 2011

Glee Live - O2 Arena, London - 25th June 2011 (Live Review)

With record viewing figures and huge record sales (including 25 singles in the US Billboard Charts at one time), it's no surprise that the cast of Glee are on a sold out tour of arenas around the country. From the moment Glee hit our TV screens, the phenomenon has erupted into something of massive proportions - hell, the word "Gleek" is probably being lined up for the next edition of the Oxford Dictionary!

Written by: Katie Territt | Date: Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Supernormals - Gypsy Tears, Cleethorpes - 24th June 2011 (Live Review)

The band are a 5 piece of tenacious, funk, electro, fused vitality hailing from Grimsby, and I tell you what they kick some velocity that should make you shut up and listen. During to the sound check the musical appreciation and capability of the band came through so much so it was captivating. Yes the sound check. They played hard, and came alive, dragging the soggy Friday evening to a warmer climate.

Written by: Alice Findlay | Date: Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Bon Jovi - Ashton Gate, Bristol - 27th June 2011 (Live Review)

Following a huge headline show for London's Hard Rock Calling at Hyde Park on Saturday, June 25th, Monday night, June 27th, it was Bristol's turn to host the multi-million selling Bon Jovi who unleashed a fantastic set of greatest hits to thousands of screaming fans at the home of Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Gate.

Written by: Jon Stickler | Date: Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Primal Scream ‘Screamadelica Live!’ – Eden Sessions, Cornwall (Live Review)

It’s probably more than likely that you are already familiar with the growing craze of bands performing one or more of their earlier albums in full – a recent tradition in which a well-known act will play a whole album in its entirety rather than the preferred method of playing the same old hits back-to-back, strung together by a lucky dip of album tracks. Upon the announcement that Primal Scream would be applying the same concept to their next tour, there was very little question of which of their nine albums they were going to choose. When it finally became the Scottish group’s turn to pick a particular favourite from their lengthy back catalogue, ‘Screamadelica’ was, of course, the obvious choice. Although 2000’s critically-applauded ‘XTRMNTR’ has become a modern classic itself, it was their third album that first brought The Primals to worldwide notoriety. Plus, it also happens to be the album’s 20th anniversary, so why not take it out on the road for one last run?

Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Sunday, 26 June 2011

The Killers - Scala, London - 22nd June 2011 (Live Review)

Scala in London’s Kings Cross has been many things. It has, at one point or another, been a temporary factory for airplane parts during the First World War, a children’s cinema, a very adult cinema and also nearly bankrupted by Stanley Kubrick.

Written by: Mark Richards | Date: Thursday, 23 June 2011

Foy Vance & Marcus Foster - The Emperor, Cambridge - 18th June 2011 (Live Review)

I'll be honest, I don't often listen to Dermot O'Leary's Radio 2 show, but something tells me that fate bought me & Dermot together last week when he had new boy Marcus Foster (pictured, below) on his show performing a couple of tracks. Randomly tuning into Radio 2 and being instantly drawn to the voice, I did a bit of investigating to find out who he was, and exactly a week later I was sat in the most intimate gig I've ever been to, discovering two amazing talents that I'm so glad didn't pass me by.

Written by: Katie Territt | Date: Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Primal Scream - Solus, Cardiff University - 20th June 2011 (Live Review)

There has never been much doubting the importance of ‘Screamadelica’ in the British music scene. After all, it won the first ever Mercury Music Award, is widely regarded as one of the greatest British albums of all time, it’s art work is so iconic it was one of 10 album covers selected for a run of commemorative stamps in 2010 and the majority of people reading this probably own a copy. Twenty years on, Primal Scream have joined in the new phenomenon of touring your best album.

Written by: Dave Ball | Date: Tuesday, 21 June 2011

CKY – Walkabout, Cardiff - 8th July 2011 (Live Review)

It is inevitable that Cardiff is doomed now that the Millennium Music Hall announced they were closing, well, gig-wise. Cardiff has really been dealt a soar deal this past year when it comes to gig venues and with both Music Hall and Barfly gone, there really is no mid-sized venue left, other than Clwb Ifor Bach, around the city centre.

Written by: Alice Pattillo | Date: Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Arctic Monkeys - Don Valley Bowl, Sheffield - 11th June 2011 (Live Review)

It was only six years ago that the Arctic Monkeys’ first single ‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’ caused mass musical hysteria. Now, in 2011, the band have come back to where it all began. The two homecoming gigs in Sheffield’s Don Valley bowl were all about coming home winners, reflecting on their last 6 years of phenomenal success. Having last played Sheffield in 2009 to a packed arena, their hometown rolled out the welcome mat in the form of a 10,000 capacity festival tent and a loyal and ecstatic crowd.

Written by: Jenny Greenwell | Date: Monday, 13 June 2011

Marcus Intalex - Aperture, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff - 3rd June 2011 (Live Review)

Marcus Intalex is a DJ with over 21 years of experience behind him – and it showed when the Manchester-based producer graced the prestigious decks of Aperture, Cardiff’s only 100% drum and bass club night, on the 3rd.

Written by: Elliott Batte | Date: Monday, 13 June 2011

The Kills - Camden Roundhouse, London - 3rd June 2011 (Live Review)

“I was trying to shift a load of Moby tickets last night. They wouldn’t budge.” The ticket-tout sucks furiously on his half-spent Lambert and holds up a fistful of Kills tickets. “But these are a different story…they’re ripping me bleeding hands off for ‘em!”

Written by: V O'Hagan | Date: Thursday, 09 June 2011

Stagecoach - Camden Barfly, London - 2nd June 2011 (Live Review)

Stagecoach, currently touring the UK to launch their new AA side single ‘Jonah Lomu’/Tony Hawk’, played an incredible gig at the Camden Barfly last Thursday June 2nd.

Written by: V O'Hagan | Date: Thursday, 09 June 2011

Slam Dunk Festival (South) - University Of Hertfordshire - 29th May 2011 (Live Review)

Slam Dunk South was back this year, consuming the last bank holiday of May. This year celebrates 10 years of Slam Dunk, after starting as a club night in Leeds (where Slam Dunk North is held). It’s constantly expanding with smaller versions of the festival being brought to Bournemouth, Glasgow and Birmingham. After South’s inaugural year last year the layout problems have been ironed out and everything seems to run infinitely smoother. Not to say that there aren’t problems, Mayday Parade being the notable casualty as their set starts 15 minutes late due to problems with the guitarist’s never ending pedal board.

Written by: Matthew Williamson | Date: Thursday, 09 June 2011

Kings Of Leon - O2 Arena, London - 1st June 2011 (Live Review)

Regarded as one of the planet's best venues, the O2 Arena has hosted a variety of shows from some of the biggest acts in the world. Gone are the grandad shirts, shaggy hair and grizzly beards as a packed-out crowd welcome Tennesee's more fresh-faced, polished Kings of Leon to London.

Written by: Jon Stickler | Date: Monday, 06 June 2011

Dot To Dot Festival - Manchester - 30th May 2011 (Live Review)

You know it's close to summer when the word 'festival' starts being thrown around everywhere. Dot to Dot festival has been going for the past six years and has grown from being a one day event to spreading over a full weekend with days in Bristol, Nottingham and Manchester, the latter being where I went down to see what it had to offer.

Written by: Liam Gascoigne | Date: Wednesday, 01 June 2011

Sparrow And The Workshop - King Tuts, Glasgow - 23rd May 2011 (Live Review)

Appreciation of a live gig is based on a number of factors, and that invariably includes the mood you’re in. Unfortunately for three-piece Sparrow and the Workshop, my disposition was not at its peak. Because of the high winds throughout Scotland on Monday, my usual 3 hour train journey to Glasgow (about an hour too long anyway!) took a frustrating 8 long hours. I was not a happy camper.

Written by: Jonny Rimmer | Date: Thursday, 26 May 2011

RUSH - LG Arena, Birmingham - 22nd May 2011 (Live Review)

RUSH have been filling the planet's biggest arenas and stadiums for years. What RUSH dont know about putting on an epic rock show, isnt worth knowing and things were no different on Sunday night, May 22nd, when a legion of fans decended upon Birmingham's LG Arena to see Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart live on a lighted stage!

Written by: Jon Stickler | Date: Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Taking Back Sunday - Camden Roundhouse, London - 20th May 2011 (Live Review)

"Have you met my friend John Nolan?" Adam Lazzara casually asks a feverish crowd of Taking Back Sunday devotees. Nolan? The original guitarist and backing vocalist who left eight years ago in acrimonious circumstances? Yes, I think we have actually. Getting the old band back together has drawn in many long-lost fans who were thrilled by their 2002 breakthrough album 'Tell All Your Friends', but there were plenty of fresh-faced youngsters who Lazzara has attracted with his more recent efforts as well.

Written by: Chris Jefferies | Date: Tuesday, 24 May 2011

Explosions In The Sky - Camden Roundhouse, London - 19th May 2011 (Live Review)

Robert AA Lowe may be the most over-indulged musician in the world. Anyone who gets a 35-minute support slot in front of 4,000 music fans and chooses to use it making deep moaning noises while his laptop plays a downright irritating looping melody over and over again, must have had accusations involving the words 'head' and 'arse' bandied around fairly freely. Lichens is an interminably indulgent solo project from the former 90 Day Men vocalist, and frankly the less said about it the better.

Written by: Chris Jefferies | Date: Tuesday, 24 May 2011

Riverside – Scala, London – Monday 16th May 2011 (Live Review)

In the last decade Riverside has become one of the most popular and well respected bands in the progressive rock genre as well as one of the few Polish bands to gain an international reputation. Although being one of the more notable acts to emerge from Poland in recent times may not be much to write home about, Riverside do have undoubted talent and there is a reason why they are able to celebrate their 10th anniversary with a major tour stopping off at London’s Scala. The warm affection towards the band from their fans is demonstrated by the celebratory atmosphere in the air at the Scala tonight.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Tuesday, 24 May 2011

Katatonia - Koko, London - Friday 6th May 2011 (Live Review)

One of metal’s most remarkably consistent acts over the years, Swedish titans Katatonia have become the latest act to jump on the ‘it’s an anniversary – let’s tour an album in full’ bandwagon. Whilst I’m certainly partial to bands I like playing albums I really like in their entirety, I must confess that the novelty factor awarded to such events is becoming somewhat lessened by the amount of bands taking to doing so. At least Katatonia have done something a little different, having elected to play the album they want to play rather than the one that is best known.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Monday, 16 May 2011

And So I Watch You From Afar - Scala, London - Tuesday 3rd May 2011 (Live Review)

Anyone who has seen And So I Watch You From Afar before will surely be aware that the Northern Irish quartet are one of the finest live acts in the country right now. Very rarely has the phrase “blood, sweat and tears” been more appropriate in regard to describing an act onstage. The blood is spilt as guitarists Tony Wright and Rory Friers throw themselves across the stage with totally reckless abandon. The sweat drowns the front rows of the crowd who split themselves neatly between the headbangers and the pogoing loons. The tears are tears of joy.

Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Wednesday, 11 May 2011

Pete Doherty - Junction, Cambridge - Sunday 8th May 2011 (Live Review)

Pete Doherty. A man so surrounded by hype, media hysteria and assumed negativity that his music and talent seem to fall by the wayside. He certainly knows how to split opinion, and those who sit on the love side of the fence helped to pack out Cambridge Junction on Sunday night for a sold out show on Pete's current solo tour.

Written by: Katie Territt | Date: Tuesday, 10 May 2011

Camden Crawl Day One - Camden, London - Saturday 30th April (Live Review)

London’s Camden is bathed in glorious sunshine and is ready to host a two day bender of brand new music. On the tenth anniversary of the festival, people have flocked from all over the UK to see their next big thing in some of the city’s smallest and most iconic venues.

Written by: Hayley Taylor | Date: Tuesday, 03 May 2011

Neville Staple - Koko Gorillaz, Cardiff - Easter Sunday 24th April 2011 (Live Review)

Voice of legendary ska anthem ‘Ghost Town’, Specials’ cheeky chappy Neville Staple graced Cardiff with his presence at Easter Extraveganza ‘Skanival’ at Koko Gorillaz in Cardiff on Easter Sunday. Koko’s a small venue, and lends itself to a crowd of friendly ska-loving folk.

Written by: Alice Pattillo | Date: Thursday, 28 April 2011

David Cassidy - HMV Hammersmith Apollo, London - 12th April 2011 (Live Review)

This concert followed an evening which gave fans the opportunity to meet David Cassidy for a birthday party celebration on the evening before his birthday. He was presented with a guitar shaped birthday cake, which was the actual size of a guitar.

Written by: Margaret Morley | Date: Thursday, 28 April 2011

Manchester Orchestra - Camden Stables, London - 13th April 2011 (Live Review)

Manchester Orchestra come on as Weezer’s Buddy Holly gets turned down, however that doesn’t stop Andy Hull from leading a rousing rendition through the chorus before the band, neither an orchestra or from Manchester, launch into ‘Pride’.  A suitable opener for tonight’s show in the Camden Stables as part of ‘Breakout’, Camden Proud’s band night.  The song slowly builds up into a fury, and the crowd go with it, many of them shouting every word.

Written by: Matthew Williamson | Date: Tuesday, 26 April 2011

The Descendents - London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, 25th April 2011 (Live Review)

Oh dearage. It was supposed to be so special - LA punk legends the Descendents making their big UK comeback after 14 years away. With the packed venue teeming with people from far and wide, all here to witness the first of the band’s two sold-out London dates, it seemed so likely that this was going to be a special event. However, it may have all turned out too good to be true.

Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Dive Dive - The Winchell Riots & Minor Coles - O2 Academy, Oxford - Sat 23rd April 2011(Live Review)

“Blessing Force” may be a term you’re aware of at this moment. Apparently it describes Oxfords current flourishing music scene led by bands such as Foals, Trophy Wife and Fixers, all of whom have seen mainstream coverage to some degree over the past months (and in the case of Foals, years). The problem is that Oxford is so much more than that, and these three bands, all home grown, are three of the biggest “local acts” in the town.

Written by: James Ball | Date: Tuesday, 26 April 2011