Symbolism alluding to the themes which pervade Phoenix singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrew’s 9th studio album Valentine – released just last month – bedeck tonight’s stage; there are three heart-shaped balloons, triple swells of pink lighting, and a series of dove…
Scott Hammond·
It’s been 28 years since Mogwai released their first album, the ferocious Mogwai Young Team, and just over 30 years since they formed. Though they have consistently flown slightly under the radar, the Glaswegian post-rockers have quietly built one of…
Sergio Sayeg (aka Sessa) is one of the most compelling figures in contemporary Brazilian music. Inspired by late-70’s Música Popular Brasileira (MPB) legends such as Erasmo Carlos, as well as esteemed luminaries from the Tropicalia movement like Caetano Veloso, the…
(Photo by Sky/Dean Chalkley) In the form of Oasis’ gargantuan reunion tour of last year, Pulp releasing their first studio album in nearly a quarter century, and Blur’s triumphant Wembley shows in the summer of 2023, recent years have ushered…
Scott Hammond·
Tonight is somewhat of an unconventional offering from South London’s avant-pop outfit Insecure Men. To the surprise of the audience, bandleader Saul Adamczewski arrives alone on stage. Kitted in a canvas cargo jumpsuit, reflective sunglasses, and cap, he sits down…
This must be a superb time to be a Steely Dan tribute, the band having become ever more trendy over the last few years. As a child spending hours listening to my mum’s records, it would have been impossible to…
Conal Dougan·
This Christmas, The Wardrobe Theatre is celebrating a decade occupying the back room at the Old Market Assembly – those who visited it’s previous incarnation in cosy space above the White Bear in Kingsdown will know full well why the…
Conal Dougan·
To reference an obscure fan club record from 1967 – and thus cement my bona fides as an insufferable Beatles nerd – Christmas time is here again. And, as per what is now a longstanding ritual, it’s that time of…
Scott Hammond·
As I stand amidst the crowd tonight, waiting for legendary acid-country supergroup Alabama 3 to take the stage, I can’t help but feel a little out of place. Borne out of the mid-90s Brixton acid scene, the A3 have been…
In the penultimate show on their UK tour, legendary supergroup Alabama 3 bring their unique fusion of country, blues, and trip-hop to O2 Academy this Friday. After forming in Brixton in 1995, the ten-piece have released twelve studio albums, garnering…
New York industrial noise innovators Model/Actriz are a notorious live force. Forming at the Berklee College of Music in 2016, they have only released two albums: 2023’s electrifying Dogsbody and this year’s more melodic – but equally urgent – Pirouette.…
Making ingress to tonight’s venue offers up a most unexpected utterance from a middle-aged lady walking in the opposite direction toward security staff at the entrance. “Hi, I’m here with my daughter and I’m a bit bored, do you mind…
Scott Hammond·