
Reviews

Śmierć haven’t set any boundaries for themselves, and it’s this which makes ‘Opór’ so compelling. Simultaneously authentic and forward-thinking, this is a record which we didn’t realise we needed, but trust us when we say that you need it too. Continue Reading

What a fantastic gig to end the year! The appropriately named Human Punk put on a memorable show with Ruts DC at the 229 in London, along with their special guests Witch Doktors and General Saint, to celebrate 45 years since the release of The Ruts debut album 'The Crack'.Continue Reading

I find out that Shake Some Acton will have put on a whopping THIRTY gigs by the time 2024 draws to a close! The Phobics were great when we saw them back in April at The Trinity in Harrow, and this time the Deptford quintet are back with a banger of a new album in ‘Gimme Cyanide’. We’re happy to report that Fantazmaz are still their usual deranged selves, and that Continue Reading

In a perfect fusion of music, architecture, and atmosphere, Richard Hawley’s performance at the Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield on 21st December 2024 was a joy to behold. His nostalgic sound, rich with lush strings, twangy guitars, and introspective lyrics, captured themes of love, loss, and time. For the many fans of Richard Hawley—or for anyone seeking a live Continue Reading

It’s rare that we’ve seen an opening band ignite a pit as large and chaotic as the one which bursts into action as soon as Rifle hit the stage. The Prize come across as both a band and a gang - how Nadine manages to simultaneously drum so maniacally and sing note-perfectly is beyond us, but ultimately, we’re too busy grooving along to the swoonsome power-pop of ‘Easy Way Continue Reading

Songs like ‘What’s Behind The Sun’ and ‘Affected Kid’ are proof that Spleen are already masters of the quiet-loud dynamic that was (yes!) grunge’s hallmark in its heyday, and a mid-set cover of ‘Making Plans For Nigel’ transforms XTC’s original into something fabulously fierce. By the time Yur Mum drop ‘Tropical Fuzz’ fourth song in, they’ve well and truly hit their Continue Reading

Hailing from Montreal, Canada, ‘H’ is No Real Hero's first release of new material since 2018. The band originally emerged in 2012 as a hard rock outfit, but have since progressed and gone through changes in both their line-up and their musical direction. ‘Where The End Is Never Near’ is a mid-paced effort with some maddeningly catchy guitar work and another great chorus, Continue Reading

Ah, the Vive Le Rock magazine X-Mess gig - it’s becoming a great tradition indeed. The Water Rats gets increasingly packed and sweaty tonight, and so it should; with four quality bands - and a raffle! - on offer, it’s a fine way to cap off another successful year for the publication - which is highly recommended by us! Janus Stark singer/guitarist Gizz Butt boasts serious Continue Reading

Chubby and the Gang's Charles ‘Chubby’ Manning Walker is - by his own admission - not a man of words. It matters little, because this time around, he’s armed with ‘And Then There Was…’ his band’s best album to date. Support from Jade Hairpins who mix styles like a teenage partygoer mixes his drinks, they barrel through their set with obvious relish, and leave us wanting Continue Reading

From Sutton in Ashfield, UK, Hung Like Hanratty are one of the most well-known, hilarious, fun punk bands around! They have played hundreds of gigs and released 5 albums; latest offering ‘Welcome to the Future’ was released on 5th July 2024. They still hold the record for the most people in one room at Skegness alternative festival! Overall, this album is absolutely Continue Reading