Skaters LIVE @ Dingwalls, Camden 5.3.14

Dingwalls may be the hardest place to locate in all of Camden but finding out where Skaters hail from is no such ordeal; there are references to New York city everywhere. I guess that when you’re from one of the hippest metropolises in the world – with the noteworthy exception of Hull guitarist Josh Hubbard – you’d ...

Gigslutz Interview: THE STRYPES

“It doesn’t matter what age you are, if you have the talent and are good at what you do, that’s the most important thing” Ross Farrelly, The Strypes It hasn’t taken long for Cavan lads, The Strypes, to conquer what every teenager wishes they had the chance to do – join a band and tour the world. But even though ...

FOR THE RECORD: Muse 'Showbiz' (1999)

Muse’s criminally underrated debut revisited The 2nd Law, The Resistance, Black Holes And Revelations and Absolution were all explosive UK Number Ones; Origin of Symmetry was so huge it was played in its entirety at Reading Festival back in 2011; Showbiz never gets a look in. Muse’s first album is all too often ...

Gigslutz Writers February Highlights

Me Sugarmen @ This feeling Elliott Homer The high point of my February was undoubtedly seeing Chicago group The Orwells play the Hare & Hounds in Birmingham. Seeing singer Mario Cuomo go toe-to-toe with former touring mate Alex Turner the night after his famed BRIT Awards speech and declare that “rock ‘n’ ...

Temples LIVE @ The Cockpit, Leeds 28.02.14

Gigslutz regulars may remember that I was a big fan of Temples’ debut ‘Sun Structures’ earlier this year, describing it as “one of those albums where it’s worth paying the extra to hear it on vinyl”. A statement I stand by, but for even less than the price of a big, black piece of musical plastic you can get a ...

Drowners LIVE @ The Old Blue Last, Shoreditch 26.2.14

“I’m pretty unconvinced, but my girlfriend made us come so yeah…” The anonymous man standing stage left’s comment goes a long way in describing the type of crowd that’s packed out the iconic upstairs room of The Old Blue Last in Shoreditch tonight. Drowners’ debut album was only released last month but the band ...

ALBUM REVIEW: Metronomy 'Love Letters'

“What’s your zodiac sign?” “I’m Aquarius” were the 2 tweets that ended the long silence from Metronomy in autumn last year. Their fourth album ‘Love Letters’ hasn’t gone far from their previous material but they’ve evolved and delved deeper into creating distinct tracks that will soon become huge hits. ...

The Orwells LIVE @ 100 Club, Oxford Street 24.2.14

The 100 Club is known for catering to an eclectic breed of the finest new acts to clamber their way onto the plinth of credible, new guitar music. So it seems only natural that the most sullenly appealing hallmark of all the new bad lad bands would take to its stage. It’s hard to believe that The Orwells are fresh from ...

Jake Bugg LIVE @ Edinburgh Corn Exchange 22.2.4

A couple of years back a friend posted a link on Facebook and declared “this guy is gonna be the next big thing”! My initial thought was heard that before but I proceeded to click-on the link and was more than pleasantly surprised. Comparisons have been widespread with Dylan, Donovan and Neil Young commonly name checked ...

George Ezra LIVE @ The Cluny, Newcastle, 23.2.14

The Cluny is one of Newcastle’s most loved small venues, not to mention the possibility of it being simply the most troublesome venue to locate in the city.  Tucked away in the heart of Newcastle, this prestigious venue has had the honour of nurturing some of the UK’s hottest acts to date (did somebody mention Arctic ...

Jake Bugg LIVE @ Royal Albert Hall, 21.02.14

The Royal Albert Hall. Grand, historic, bordering on palatial – there are few other venues that can match it for scale. Playing here also lends a certain sense of durability, of being taken seriously as an artist; let’s face it, I can’t see One Direction or Rihanna playing here any time soon. So it says a lot about the ...

Blood Orange LIVE @ The 100 Club, Oxford Street 20.2.14

On a par with that recurring nightmare of being in a public place then realising you’re naked is Dev Hynes aka Blood Orange pulling you on stage to dance – cue mixed mortification and elation. Luckily for my ego the crowd at the 100 Club are plucked one by one onto the stage for a mass dancey stage invasion and I am not ...

The Orwells LIVE @ Hare & Hounds, Birmingham 20.2.14

“Haven’t you heard?” asks Mario Cuomo, with a devilish glint in his eye, “Rock ‘n’ roll is dead.” Apparently all those US dates with Arctic Monkeys earlier this month didn’t teach him anything. Or perhaps it’s Alex Turner who skipped a lesson or two. The frontman with the impressive mane is addressing the ...

Cage The Elephant LIVE @ Electric Ballroom 17.2.14

By the enthusiastic queuing outside, it was clear from the outset that this was to be a gig for genuine fans; this only became clearer inside, when the majority of conversations seemed to be a competition of who’s seen Cage The Elephant more times. Support came from New York rockers, Drowners. There are no airs and ...

The Strypes LIVE @ Birmingham Institute 16.2.14

Standing outside in the freezing cold, amongst a line that stretched the full length of the road leading to the Birmingham Institute Library, it was clear that the venue was about to witness a full capacity, tightly packed audience. Becoming most noticeable as the room filled out were the diverse ages of people there. ...

Gigslutz Interview: FOSTER THE PEOPLE

You guys have been away for a while, is that because you’ve been focusing on the new album or did you take some time out beforehand? We took a little bit of time. After touring ‘Torches’ I did some travelling on my own, just to unwind. There were a lot of ideas that I was trying to tackle that ‘Torches’ had kind of ...

FOR THE RECORD: Duran Duran

Forget about the pastel suits and rolled up sleeves. Forget about riding the front of a yacht, playing Indiana Jones and being strapped to windmills. Forget, if you can, about every single monumental video that, when MTV began and the M stood for Music, transformed Duran Duran from back street Birmingham beginners to “The ...

The Family Rain LIVE @ The Garage 11.2.14

Ten minutes into The Family Rain's headlining NME Awards Show gig at The Garage and all the rumours about the band sprawled over the internet suddenly come to life. Of course they used to be in a band called 'Rock Pirates' with the ability to play over three hours worth of Rock covers, and 80% of the time that's exactly what ...

Foals LIVE @ 02 Academy, Birmingham 11.2.14

The 11th February, the happy 1st birthday of the beloved 'Holy Fire' and Foals celebrated the anniversary by simply destroying Birmingham town at the O2 academy. The night started with Cage The Elephant which was a significant sign of a good gig as frontman Matthew decided to crowd surf topless. Cage were only the support ...

Gigslutz Interview: PILLAR POINT

Pillar Points sound is at its core rooted in dance music while at the same time being ethereal and dark, attempting to crystalize emotions and work its way into the listener’s guts. The moody, melancholic electronica sound of Pillar Point is the work of Scott Reitherman, who previously was behind the indie-pop outfit Throw ...

Interview: THE TWANG

It’s been two years and Birmingham’s The Twang are finally back with their fourth studio album ‘Neon Twang’ released on the 10th of March! We’ve a lot to expect from this album as tracks such as ‘Larry Lizard’ and ‘The Wobble have given us hope for the album as The Twang are simply back. Luckily, we have been ...

Arctic Monkeys To Play An Acoustic Version Of "Do I Wanna Know"

This is a great year for Arctic Monkeys whose record breaking album "AM" is still surfing the wave of success. Since its release last September, the band have taken four singles out of it and a fifth one, "Arabella", will be released on March 10th. However, Arctic Monkeys have just decided to give their fans another ...

ALBUM REVIEW: 'So Long, See You Tomorrow' Bombay Bicycle Club

So Long, See You Tomorrow – Bombay Bicycle Club Bombay Bicycle Club have never been the band to label as predictable so you can’t be surprised when listening to their 4th album ‘So Long, See You Tomorrow’. It’s been the longest wait we’ve had for an album from the London 4-piece but 2 years dedicated to ...

Gigslutz Summer Festivals Round Up - Part 2

Following on from last weeks feature on the the larger UK festivals happening this summer, Gigslutz now brings you a round up of some of the smaller festivals this summer. Kendal Calling: 1st to 3rd August, Hackthorpe, East Cumbria ON SALE- £115 Adult camping, £60 11-15 year old camping and free for U10s (payment ...

ALBUM REVIEW: ‘Too Much Information’ Maximo Park

Retaining credibility after 10 years, half a dozen albums and a slew of overplayed singles is no mean feat for a band of today.  Maximo Park are a band who have never been far from our consciousness since their debut album ‘A Certain Trigger’ was nominated for a Mercury in 2005.  A steady stream of hit singles and ...

Gigslutz Interview: DEXTERS

For those who favour their rock ‘n’ roll rough, ready and sprinked with hints of the legends; meet Dexters. The East London five-piece (Frontman Tom, guitarists Chris & Ben, bass player Vincent and Chris on drums) formed in 2011,  during which time they’ve released two singles and supported numerous acts - The ...

JAWS LIVE @ The Borderline, Soho 28.1.14

Whilst 2014 will never match 2013 as a year when Birmingham bands burst into the limelight and public attention – see Peace, Swim Deep – it will certainly be one when those such bands cement the B-Town scene’s place in music. JAWS were the best of the rest last year, only falling short of the exposure their city-mates ...

Gigslutz Interview: John Butler Trio

Australia’s John Butler Trio release their sixth studio album, ‘Flesh And Blood’, next week. While they’re huge back home (with #1 albums and ARIA awards – like BRITs but Australian...), it’s more of a cult following over here, with smaller venues full of fans of the “white Rasta” and his band’s blend of ...

FOR THE RECORD: Hole

5th April 1994. Grunge lies dead in a lakeside Seattle home, a smoking gun resting next to a still-warm body. As of this moment, Courtney Love is no longer just the lead singer of a moderately successful band. She is now The Widow Of Kurt Cobain – for better or worse. That most inescapable of labels will inevitably eclipse ...

Gigslutz Interview: THE FRATELLIS

Hello John! First of all how are you? Little bit up, little bit down. What made you reform the band in 2012 after your hiatus? Really just to go out and play some gigs, really simple, making a record came afterwards. Good enough as anything. We’ve been enjoying your new album ‘We Need Medicine’ here at Gigslutz. Are ...

Gugslutz Summer Festivals Update - Part 1

With the January blues hitting hard and the weather being typically shit, we thought we would look ahead to the summer and give you an update as to whats happening with this summers festivals. In this first part we will have a look at the biggest UK festivals. Keep your eyes peeled to Gigslutz for follow ups to the smaller ...

The Rifles LIVE @ The Boogaloo, Highgate 23.1.14

It's not often your asked to cover an album launch party and when you are you never really know what to expect. Those 3 words often conger up mental images of top execs drinking cheap champagne while Z list celebs boost each other's ego with the band spending all the budget on things that can't be put through a legitimate tax ...

ALBUM REVIEW: Mogwai 'Rave Tapes'

Since their 1997 debut ‘Young Team’, Mogwai have always been a band who strive to push the limits of what rock music can be. Their dynamic sound effortlessly transforms tranquil atmospheres into mind melting noise and fierce guitar riffs. 2008’s ‘The Hawk is Howling’ and 2011’s ‘Hardcore Will Never Die…’ ...

ALBUM REVIEW: Temples 'Sun Structures'

Psychedlia takes a huge leap... well, not forward. That wouldn’t be very psychedelic. But a leap upwards, around and in between a rainbow-coloured solar flare with 'Sun Structures'; the debut home-made album from Temples. Recorded in the box room of front man James Bagshaw’s house, the album is a kaleidoscopic collection ...

FOR THE RECORD: Oasis

2005 saw Oasis re-stablished themselves as force to be reckoned with as a live entity, touring endlessly, off the back of the 6th studio album 'Don't Believe The Truth'. Many saw this album as a return to form with the new line up of Gem Archer and Andy Bell once again taking the helms of Guitar and bass respectively. The ...

The Class Of 2004 – Ten Years On

2014 already looks set to be another blockbuster year for new music, so we thought it about time to take a look back at the world’s biggest stars’ humble beginnings. 2004 was an unbelievable time for music with guitar bands rightfully ousting plastic boy bands from the upper reaches of the charts, exciting new acts ...

Gigslutz speaks to Cage The Elephant

Cage The Elephant first bounced on to the scene in early 2008, with their southern blues tinged garage rock sound, in fitting with the Black Keys and early Kings of Leon. Cage The Elephant may have dropped off the UK’s radar slightly over the past year or so, but they are well and truly back, with new album Melophobia and a ...

Gigslutz Interview With: Mark Morriss

Having fronted the Britpop band The Bluetones, Mark Morriss is no stranger to success. The band achieved thirteen Top 40 singles and three Top 10 albums in the UK charts in a career spanning eighteen years. Mark Morriss is now due to release his second solo album ‘A Flash of Darkness’, through Acid Jazz on February 24. ...

The 1975 LIVE @ Brixton Academy 11.01.14

Arriving at London’s infamous Brixton Academy (a favourite venue of mine), I knew that I was going to witness something special. I went to the third of three sold out London dates and they certainly saved the best for last. We got into the venue very quickly (thank God for the O2 priorities queue) and the first support ...

Gigslutz Guide To Bands to Look Out For In 2014

If you still haven’t got a New Year’s resolution set in stone yet, here’s one to start you off: start keeping up with these great new acts. A New Year always calls for a new itunes library, so why not let us give you a head start? Here are the ten artists to keep your eye on throughout the start of the year and to have ...

FOR THE RECORD: Nirvana

'Nevermind' was the album which kick-started a revolution; 'In Utero' was the ultimate – if unintended – end of it all; 'Bleach', however, was where it all began for a certain band from Aberdeen, Washington. This was the first the public would hear of Nirvana, yet it gave little clue as to how astronomical their rise ...

ALBUM REVIEW: Bruce Springsteen

“Don’t you know these days you pay for everything?” is the build up to the chorus of ‘High Hopes’, the title track of Bruce Springsteen’s 18th studio album, which is rather ironic considering that it can be streamed for free on The Guardian’s website. As marketing strategies go, it’s not exactly the most ...

Album Review: Warpaint 'WARPAINT'

If Warpaint’s first album, ‘The Fool’, felt like the band were swimming in a dazzlingly mystical lagoon then their self-titled follow-up feels like they’ve found their feet and are marauding through an enchanted forest. Their blend of shape-shifting guitars, flowing bass and trance-inducing drums creates a heady mix ...

Toy LIVE @ Banquet Records 7.1.14

In London in particular, Toy are a band that have managed to uproot themselves from the platoon of bands that nod their heads to 70s Krautrock and wear tight, black skinny jeans, ultimately shining more than their counterparts. Following the release of their critically acclaimed second album, ‘Join The Dots’, Toy are on ...

Gigslutz Interview with: NORTHSIDE

We’ve witnessed some cracking reunions over the last couple of years at Gigslutz. From the Stone Roses proving any doubters wrong to Happy Mondays wowing us with their Bummed tour we’re yet to see a bad one. Next in line is the reunification of Manchester legends Northside. Gigslutz caught up with frontman Warren Dermody ...

Best & Worst of 2013: Movies

Best Indie: “The Spectacular Now”: James Ponsoldt’s tender teen romance is not only a love story, it's a meditation on adolescence, devoid of formulaic platitudes. Even the supposed foundation of the story, the bad boy/good girl relationship, sidesteps cliché. This film masterfully captures the glimmer of time ...

Do Mods Matter? (any more?)

It was a fairly regular occurrence. 10.45ish, the bell rings and the landlord shouts “time at the bar please! Time at the bar!”. Rich and I knew what the script was. Furrow browed obstreporous young men looking for targets for their anger. Bedecked head to toe in brands. Upper half usually pastel Ralph Lauren, lower ...

2014 predictions

Predictions Tash Walker My music prediction for 2014 is more of FTSE, I haven't been able to get his song St. Tropez out of my head for weeks. Deep vocals and resonating beats, his tracks have the perfect amount of melancholy to get you hooked.   David Ham I'm no predictor by trade, otherwise I'd apply for ...

FOR THE RECORD: Primal Scream XTRMNTR (2000)

XTRMNTR – PRIMAL SCREAM (2000) To pick up just one essential album out of the entire Primal Scream discography is an impossible mission. Their entire back catalogue couldn’t be more schizophrenic and diverse. Whether you know them because you’re into drugs, in other words you do your naughty stuff whilst listening to ...

Gigslutz Best Of 2013 Playlist - LISTEN NOW

Gigslutz have sifted through the all of the releases from 2013 to bring you a comprehensive playlist of the best of 'em. Give your ears a Christmas present and have a listen... @gigslutz_steve

The Pogues LIVE @ Brixton Academy 20.12.13

Once again, The Pogues returned to Brixton to mark the end of their traditional Christmas tour. Proceedings were more emotionally charged this year due to the recent passing of guitarist Philip Chevron, who’s contribution was honoured in the best way possible: a completely unrestrained Christmas celebration. The setlist ...

Black Sabbath LIVE @ LG Arena, Birmingham 20.12.13

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. “Can you believe we’ve been doing this for 45 fucking years?”, frontman Ozzy Osbourne said with disbelief on the penultimate date of their tour in Birmingham; no one can quite believe it. The release of their 19th album ‘13’ earlier this year marked 35 years since the last studio album with ...

Tracks Of The... Year! 20.12.13

2013 has been filled with many a fantastic track… But, this week, in light of it being the end of the year and all that, I have scoured through my weekly reviews to pick out the ten that I have enjoyed the most. Radkey: ‘Romance Dawn’ Still in their teens, the Radke brothers have caused quite a stir over the ...

Gigslutz 2013 Writers Highlights

2013 has certainly been a busy year packed with musical highlights and a smattering of lowlights too. Gigslutz has had many highlights since launching in March of this year including getting a number of national news exclusives, being named Guardian Music ‘Blog Of The Week’  and in the process getting over a million ...

Gigslutz Interview With ALBERT HAMMOND JNR

AHJ, Albert Hammond Jr's five song EP released on bandmate Julian Casablancas' label Cult, has received great reviews and critical acclaim this year. Two months after it's release we catch up with him on the first day of his five date UK tour. How are you today and whereabouts in the world are you when you are answering ...

Placebo LIVE at Brixton Academy 16.12.13

As I take my seat, up in the eaves of the epic Brixton Academy, it takes me by surprise to see current leaders of the Shoegaze revival - TOY - on stage. And what a nice surprise it is. Off the back of new album, ‘Join The Dots’, they deliver a psychedelic, reverb-filled set complete with flashing lights and crunching ...

Gigslutz Interview. Amelia Ward Meets: PEACE

With widespread critical acclaim from the likes of The Guardian and NME, Peace were hotly tipped at the beginning of 2013 to have success headed their way. As we approach the end of the year we look back and see the band playing various international festivals, touring the world and hitting the UK charts with their debut ...

Haim LIVE @ HMV Forum 09.12.13

Saint Raymond - aka Callum Burrows - is tonight’s opener. Tipped as the next Jake Bugg, the 18 year old from Nottingham has been earmarked for big things. Against a backdrop of meaningful and often morose lyrics, his catchy and upbeat indie pop offers up an ebb and flow that gets the listener both moving and thinking. Live, ...

Primal Scream LIVE @ Brixton Academy 11.12.13

It’s impossible to offer an impartial and honest review of Primal Scream when my love for this band is unconditional and so personal. When I saw Bobby Gillespie’s pink suit on the Pyramid Stage last June, I honestly thought I could die happily. I’ve seen the rock’n’roll Messiah, the man who still raises his middle ...

The Gigslutz Alternative Christmas Playlist: LISTEN NOW!

Heads up 'Slutz! It's the holiday season so we've put together the perfect yuletide soundtrack for you. Forget Slade and Shakin' Stevens and get in the festive mood the Gigslutz way with this specially compiled playlist of alternative Christmas tunes! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at Gigslutz x

FOR THE RECORD: Ocean Colour Scene

As part of our retrospective look at albums that really meant something to our writers, albums that may have not got the credit they deserved, I headed straight for the vast library of Ocean Colour Scene albums on the shelf. To be honest I could’ve picked one of most of them, ‘Hyperactive Workout For The Flying Squad’ ...

Noel Gallagher slams Arcade Fire & Miley Cyrus but has praise for Kanye West

Noel Gallagher is no stranger to laying into anyone he lays his eyes on, and it seems the music of 2013 has given him plenty to complain about. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Noel set the tone by describing 2013 as a ‘dog-shit year’ before laying in to Miley Cyrus, Arcade Fire and Robin Thicke. Speaking of Cyrus’ ...

Peace LIVE @ Shepherds Bush Empire 7.12.13

Considering some people had been queuing since 11am, it was surprisingly short when we arrived at London’s famous Shepherds Bush Empire at 7pm (the same could not be said for the cloakroom queue, however). As we made our way into the standing area, I noticed that the crowd was a mixture of all ages and everyone there looked ...

TOY 'Join The Dots' ALBUM REVIEW

The first time I saw Toy was supporting the Horrors a couple of years ago and to be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed. I’d been expecting great things, but – and maybe it was nerves, or maybe they weren’t quite ready for the cavernous Brixton Academy – it was all a bit lacking in definition. Lost in translation. The ...

The Courteeners LIVE @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush, 03.12.13

You could breath adrenaline and positive tension in the air long before the show started as fans would sing ‘Are You In Love With A Notion?’, the latest single by the Manchester based band The Courteeners which is going to be released on December 9. In London for two gigs of their tour to promote their latest album, ...

Oribital Reveal Christmas Version Of Classic

Christmas songs are not to everyone’s tastes, it has to be said. For every decent festive number, there tends to be 1000 shite ones. It seems however that house legends Orbital may have stumbled across an ingenious way of getting the formula right Just take a bonafide  classic song that you have written and rerecord it ...

COMPETITION! Win Tickets To Two Door Cinema Club

Two Door Cinema Club will play their biggest ever headline gig at the 02 Arena, Greenwich next week on 13th December. and you could be there courtesy of Gigslutz.co.uk Gigslutz has 3 pairs of tickets to give away to the show and all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is head over to our Facebook page and ...

Competition! Win An American Apparel ABBEY ROAD T-Shirt

The Sunshine Underground LIVE @ XOYO 27.11.13

TSU are hardly prolific in their recording of new material. Despite releasing their first single in 2005, the Yorkshire based outfit still only have two albums to their name. With a third attempt planned for release in early 2014, a showcase of some new material combined with old favourites from debut ‘Raise The Alarm’ ...

Gigslutz Writers November Highlights

Bella Hutton   Enter Shikari headlining UK Warped Tour. The band preformed better than ever on the Sunday which left me which a lot of bruises and battlescars but was so so worth it! Also they play Solidarity which made me and a lot of other dedicated fans very happy bunnies!

Okkervil River LIVE @ Islington Assembly Hall 27.11.13

Formed in 1998 in Austin, Texas, Okkervil River has largely remained a cult act. Their sound takes indie rock and injects a healthy dose of folk rock, with lyrics that tell stories with heavy use of tragedy and irony. On Wednesday, they played to a sold out audience at the historic Islington Assembly Hall.¨ Originally ...

Peace Cover Wham's 'Last Christmas'

It's not even December yet but Peace are getting into the Christmas spirit nice and early. Today they have released a cover of Wham's classic 'White Christmas' along with a festive video to go with it! Watch below Harrison Koisser has this to say about the song “About a week before it's beginning, we realised our approa...

Rey Pila Interview

GS: For Our readers who may not have heard you, how would you describe your sound? RP: Hmmmm always a difficult question, but how does this sound? It's alternative with classic rock cues, sometimes a bit "dancy", guitar driven/synth laden extravaganza. GS: How has 2013 been for you as a band? What have been the ...

Bipolar Sunshine LIVE @ Elektrowerkz 20.11.2013

Dressed in a bright Hawaiian print shirt, Adio Marchant, the man at helm of the electronic/ indie pop project Bipolar Sunshine, calmly walks out on stage. A roar of excitement echoes throughout the crowded, dingy looking room as fists clutching Red Stripe cans rise into the air. Green lights dance as a deeply layered wall ...

Queens Of The Stone Age LIVE @ Wembley Arena, 23.11.13

Five years have passed between 'Era Vulgaris' (2007) and '...Like Clockwork(2013), a great amount of water has flown under the Queens Of The Stone Age bridge. It might be the time, the fatherhood, the surgery during which QOTSA’s leader Josh Homme nearly lost his life, but there’s no doubt that the Californian stoner rock ...

Skrillex LIVE @ Building 6, London 22.11.2013

It's not my intention to celebrate the importance of drugs during a nine hour long rave marathon, however a Skrillex show requires a lot of energy, stamina and resistance. Because the man himself is a non stopping machine that keeps going and going 'till the dance floor gives up. Which obviously doesn't happen on this kind of ...

Competition! Win A Pair Of Eightball Headphones

More Gigslutz competitions for you. This time we have two pairs of Eightball headphones to give away. For a chance to win, all you have to do is to follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook, then ‘retweet’ the competition tweet and ‘share’ the Facebook status. Good Luck! Winner will be picked at random on ...

Interview: Kate Tittley Speaks To Section 60

Section 60 are Sheffield’s most recent contribution to indie music.  They pride themselves on being Northern lads playing quality guitar music.  Sounds good, no?  Well, yes.  Buuuuttt we want to know a little more about them, like what makes one northern cool, unnecessarily moustached posh boys, the state of music and ...

Rock Star Quotes: Maz Healey Assesses What Makes Rock Stars So Eminently Quotable

Maz Healey assesses what makes rock stars so eminently quotable.   Rock n’ roll is not just known for its music but also the outrageous rock star lifestyle and the characters of its purveyors. Whether those characters are narcissistic, megalomaniacal, booze-ridden or drug-addled just adds to the value, mileage ...

Happy Mondays Interview

intro   Gigslutz: So let’s try and think back to going into the studio to record Bummed. How did it come about? Gaz Whelan: We had all the songs ready to go before we went into the studio. Usually we aim to go into the studio with 8 songs and do 2 in the studio but for ‘Bummed’ we had the 10 songs ...

The National LIVE @ Manchester Apollo 11.11.13

Brooklyn based band ‘The National’ are over in the UK for some much anticipated shows following the release of one of this year’s more exciting albums ‘Trouble Will Find Me.’ The opportunity to see them in the UK was too much to resist, so it was onwards and upwards to Manchester’s Apollo. I’m always ...

King of Creation - Elliott Homer speaks to ALAN MCGEE

Few people can lay claim to having such an enormous impact on British indie music as Alan McGee. As co-founder of Creation Records he oversaw the careers of some of the most seminal acts in music history including Oasis, My Bloody Valentine and Primal Scream to name only a few, bringing great music to the masses throughout ...

FOR THE RECORD - Lou Reed

Have you had enough of the endless re-appraisals of ‘Sgt. Pepper’s...’ or ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’? Well, we have so you can forget all that! In this feature Gigslutz looks back on some of the best albums you love that have been previously given short shrift. We focus our critical eye on the difficult ...

M.I.A. ‘Matangi’ ALBUM REVIEW

You either “get” M.I.A. or you don’t. There seems to be very little middle-ground with the often contradictory artist hailing from Hounslow via Sri Lanka. Her fourth studio album, ‘Matangi’, does little to appease non-fans and delivers an abundance of what original fans have loved – bombastic beats, mashed-up ...

Gigslutz Writers

Despite having been deeply immersed in The Jesus and Mary Chain’s back catalogue in preparation for an interview with former Creation Records boss Alan McGee (coming soon folks!), I still have found plenty of time for new music this month. Pick of the bunch has to be Fall Out Boy’s new EP. As throwaway as it may seem at a ...

Arctic Monkeys LIVE @ Echo Arena, Liverpool 28.10.13

I first saw Arctic Monkeys when they were on their frenzied, word of mouth, MySpace inspired rise, at the 300 capacity Cluny in Newcastle, in what must have been 2005. I have to admit that it didn’t really give me the hard on that others seemed to be getting about them at that time. They were good, yeah, especially after ...

Arcade Fire 'Reflektor' - ALBUM REVIEW

Music monsters Arcade Fire, hailing from Montreal, Quebec, hinted forth-coming album, ‘Reflektor’, back in August, with emblems adorning the mysterious phrase ‘Reflektor’, rumbling across the globe. 9pm, September 9th, revealed the emblems true cause. The cause was to let fans first taste the creative juices pouring ...

Gigslutz Interview with Pete MacLeod

Pete MacLeod is one of the handful of select artists signed to Alan MacGee’s 359Music label.  He’s been about for a while though, releasing music through his own label both here and in the States, gigging along side.  With new album Rolling Stone coming out, we at Gigslutz caught up with him to muse over life, music, ...

FOR THE RECORD - Foo Fighters

“A  formidable band lurks in the shadows…” - Rolling Stone, 1995. What an apt prediction from Rolling Stone upon first hearing Foo Fighters’ self titled debut back in 1995. Eighteen years and nine albums on and they are one of the biggest bands in history and Dave Grohl continues to carry the title of ‘the ...

The Top 10 Electronic Albums Of All Time

A couple of years ago, when electronic music had completed it's resurrection into the mainstream, many of our beloved genres seemed to be getting bastardised, without much consumer research. Major labels have a knack of praying on consumer laziness and enjoyment for being spoon fed. This was one of the main reasons for ...

A Night For Jon Brookes - Live Review

A Night For Jon Brookes “It’s all about the music, everything else is shit” Jon Brookes. This was an amazing, emotional rollercoaster of a night. It was an event put on in tragic circumstances but a fitting tribute to The Charlatans drummer, and all round top man, Jon Brookes. It was a night I’m sure the man himself would’ve totally buzzed off.

Wilko Johnson LIVE at KOKO 13/10/13

‘If I ain’t dead by the end of the year, it’s gonna start getting embarrassing” Despite being given six months to live back in January, Wilko Johnson seemed very much alive on stage at Koko on Sunday, as he propelled through phenomenal hit upon phenomenal hit. However, this didn’t take away from the emotional ...

Temples LIVE @ The Kazimir, Liverpool 15.10.13

There has certainly been a buzz created around Temples this year and they’re one of the names on the lips of the ‘cool kids’ and music press alike. Getting repeatedly bigged up by Noel Gallagher has done no damage on that front and has certainly helped get a few more along to their gigs. But how much of the buzz is ...

​Ralph Myerz 'Supersonic Pulse' ALBUM REVIEW

Norwegian maestro of electronica Ralph Myerz is back with his third album. If you're not aware of him but the music sounds familiar it could be that you heard it stealing cars & running people over. Myerz's track "The Teacher" was  included on the Grand Theft Auto IV in-game radio soundtrack; it is a remix of the hit ...

Gigslutz Interview: Amelia Ward speaks to VELVETEEN SAINTS

I once again challenge my inability to understand regional dialects by chatting to the very Glaswegian Tino from Velveteen Saints. If what he says about the burgeoning Glaswegian music scene is anything to go by we will all be hearing a lot more of the Scottish twang in the near future! So for people who aren’t familiar ...

Computer Blue - Gigslutz Focus On Trampolene

With precious little social media engagement, how do we know who the hell Trampolene are? And why is it so bloody hard to ascertain if discovering them is worth the investigation? Are they named after Julian Cope's song, Tinie Tempah's (less likely) or neither? What we do know is that the band is comprised of Jack Jones ...

Ryan Keen LIVE @ The Institute, Birmingham 12.10.13

Over the past few years Ryan Keen has toured extensively around the UK building up his fan base and he's landed himself firmly amongst the best of Britain's fresh talent including Tom Odell, Delilah, and his pals Newton Faulkner and Ed Sheeran. A nice sized crowd turned out on this crap-tastic rainy Saturday night to fill ...

Chase & Status 'Brand New Machine' ALBUM REVIEW

Words by: Wayne Baxter Follow @StagedoorFM //   The past 12 months have been fairly exciting for the UK dance scene; not only has Britain produced some of the biggest musical exports of the year (Rudimental, Disclosure and AlunaGeorge to name but three), but with a new wave of artists also appearing to ...

Gigslutz Interview with JOHN LENNON McCULLAH

At 15, my Rock n Roll ambitions extended to wanting to be Kate Hudson in Almost Famous, mainly because I wanted a nice coat.  Others, however, take music for the far more serious business it is a lot earlier.  Spotted on the road by Alan McGee of Creation fame and one of the first acts to be signed to his new label, 369 ...

Jay Z LIVE @ Manchester Arena 3.10.13

Without a doubt, this man is one the biggest name in hip hop and one of the biggest in music today.  A career spanning almost 20 years, 12 albums, numerous collaborations, billions of dollars in net worth, gets to touch Beyonce in the pants - he’s kind of a big deal.  But how does all the musical and lifestyle hype ...

Online. Off the Hook. Elliott Homer speaks to PETER HOOK

Peter Hook is unquestionably an icon of modern music. When you hear any band described as sounding like Joy Division, New Order or even Monaco, you can bet they mean they sound like Hooky. His innovative melodic approach to playing the bass has influenced any number of groups down the years. One of music’s great characters, ...

The Wailers LIVE @ Indigo 02, 30.9.13

Having insisted on playing reggae in the office all day on Monday (which may have worn thin with some) I was in the zone when I set off to North Greenwich, though it did feel slightly incongruous arriving at the O2, to see the Wailers on a Monday night. Of course the Wailers were Bob Marley's band, and together they sold ...

FOR THE RECORD - Radiohead

FOR THE RECORD - Radiohead 'Hail To The Thief' (2003) Have you had enough of the endless re-appraisals of ‘Sgt. Pepper’s...’ or ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’? Well, we have so you can forget all that! In this brand spanking new feature Gigslutz will be looking back on some of the best albums you love that have been previously given ...

Tracks Of The Week 27.09.13

French Indie-Pop collective, Nouvelle Vague’s vocalist, Melanie Pain, is now going it alone with the release of her album ‘Bye Bye Manchester’. The first single to come from this solo project is the eerily atmospheric ‘Black Widow’. The single has recently been featured on BBC 6Music’s rebel playlist, and has ...

Kid Karate Interview & Live Review @ The Macbeth 25.09.13

"You know that feeling on Christmas morning when it's not quite time to get up? That's probably the closest thing to how we feel before a show" says drummer Steven, running a hand across dark gelled hair. "I don't really get nervous anymore" adds guitarist and frontman Kevin, "I just really wanna get up there". These boys ...

Mani: "There will be a new Stone Roses album in 2015"

Stone Roses’ Mani was out in the Northern Quarter in Manchester on Monday night. Gigslutz caught up with him at Tim Burgess’ gig at Band On The Wall and after a star-struck picture request Mani spoke to us about a release date for new material. When asked about the reunion gigs of 2012/13 and whether or not money was ...

Oak On The Road: Episode 2 - WATCH NOW

Episode 2 of Oak On The Road! In episode 2 of Oak On The Road, Oak brings you EXCLUSIVE behind the scenes footage of the the new Tinnie Tempah video shoot at the 02 and rehersals of their new track. Keep you're eyes peeled for episode 3 as Oak takes on the iTunes Festival..! http://youtu.be/DocsD8t5iG0

Primal Scream LIVE @ Camden Roundhouse 20.09.13

FOR THE RECORD - Elastica 'The Menace' (2000)

Have you had enough of the endless re-appraisals of ‘Sgt. Pepper’s...’ or ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’? Well, we have, so you can forget all that! In this brand spanking new feature Gigslutz will be looking back on some of the best albums that you love that have been previously given short shrift. We focus ...

Preature Comforts - Gigslutz feature on THE PREATURES

With the combination of frontwoman Isabella Manfredi’s sexy hypnotic vocals and twanging guitars, there’s little wonder Sydney five-piece The Preatures have been building up quite a buzz for themselves in 2013. They’ve already had success Down Under winning the Vanda & Young songwriting prize for their awesome, ...

Festival Number 6 Review

Expectations, expectations…. With stylish, well thought out design Festival No 6 promised a lot with a classy, mature, well put together roster of acts in the incredible coastal location of Portmeirion in Wales. Walking through the village is a treat, a wonderful, eccentric vision of one man which was built over a 50 ...

Nirvana - 20 years of IN UTERO

In the PR and marketing obsessed world that is the music industry there is one method which has proven again and again to be a winner in the crowd approval and popularity steaks. And that method? Death. Yep, as drastic as it may be, if you want your album to be top of  the pile Sunday cancel that promotional slot on the One ...

Kings Of Leon LIVE @ Camden Roundhouse 11.9.13

Kind of underwhelming. Kings of Leon are one of those bands that make me want to drink whiskey and generally feel pretty awesome. This was more of Pimms occasion. I don’t know what it was, but if I was a betting man I would lay the blame at the door of the crowd.  Although Nathan’s Alan Partridge-esque leather ...

Remembering Camden’s finest: Amy Winehouse on the week she would have turned 30

On what would have been the week Amy Winehouse celebrated her 30th birthday, Ronnie Joice, who regularly bumped into the singer around Camden, remembers Amy's renegade spirit... It was the summer of 2005 and I was seeing a girl who had a flat-mate called Simian who looked exactly like her. I didn't like the girl (and ...

Cover my eyes!!! The worst ever album covers

In case you missed it earlier this week Prince announced the release of a brand new single titled ‘Breakfast Can Wait’ and the artwork is a corker! You can listen to it and check out the cover for yourselves here. Announced through the singer’s twitter account (@3rdeyegirl), the single’s cover features American ...

London Grammar

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, you’ll have heard of London Grammar. You’ll have seen their name on the festival bills, and (if the 1,000,000+ hits on YouTube are to be believed) you’ll probably have checked out one of the three singles they’ve put out in the last six months. You ...

Arctic Monkeys 'AM' - ALBUM REVIEW

For many the Arctic Monkeys will always be that skinny bunch of teenagers singing about girls on a dance floor. Indeed the video for their debut single beautifully captures the very essence of what it’s like to be young and discovering rock and roll; cockiness, attitude, energy and banging tunes. Following up that piece of ...

Nine Inch Nails: 'Hesitation Marks' - album review

Nine Inch Nails have held a special place in my heart since my mid-teens, when unnecessary, self-indulgent feelings of self-pity and social awkwardness were rife, and music was my best friend; a time when Trent’s pained voice, and The Downward Spiral would often accompany me on my own ‘downward spirals’, and ‘Hurt’ ...

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club LIVE @ 02 Academy Newcastle

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club What ever happened to my rock’n’roll? By Steven Wood I enjoyed myself tonight. That’s the entire point isn’t? Of Life? To enjoy those moments that take you away from the painful realities of existence. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club did that for me tonight. If I were to follow the ...

Belle and Sebastian 'The Third Eye Centre' ALBUM REVIEW

Indie pop outfit Belle and Sebastian have returned 3 years on from their last outing, 2010’s Write About Love, with a new compilation of outtakes and rarities titled after a defunct centre for art in the group’s native Glasgow that some of band members used to frequent. Originally conceived around songwriter-in-chief ...

Amelia Ward talks to Super Furry Animals

Cian Ciaran, keyboard genius from the Super Furry Animals is on the verge of releasing his 2nd solo album, which is due to be released on 23rd September. Gigslutz caught up with him and battled against accent barriers and bad phone lines to bring you the latest from the Ciaran camp! First of all we wanted to ask you, ...

Mercury Rising (Part 2) Gigslutz’s predictions for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2013 shortlist.

September 11th sees the announcement of a shortlist of 12 British albums in contention for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize this year. The winner will be chosen on 30th October. Following on from last week’s instalment of predictions spotlighting new artists, we’ve had a look at past nominees and found a selection still ...

Interview: Elliott Homer meets FRANK TURNER - Part 2

It’s here, the long-awaited second part of Elliott Homer’s mammoth interview with Frank Turner, folk-rocker extraordinaire! Last time we discussed the Reading and Leeds Festival and touring his latest album Tape Deck Heart, now let’s get Frank’s thoughts on crap crowds, making time for his side-project Möngöl Hörde ...

Oak on the road - Episode 1

Welcome to the first of our video blogs, featuring da main man Oak! Oak is Tinie Tempah's keyboard player and all round super super nice chap. Oak loves the Gigslutz ethos and has kindly agreed to do a fortnightly vlog whilt he's on the road with Tinie and as you can see, having a bundle of fun. So we hope you enjoy this ...

Mercury Rising (Part 1) Gigslutz’s predictions for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2013 shortlist.

On 11th September, the nominations for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize will be announced with the winner decided on 30th October. This year’s list of contenders will feature 12 of the best British albums released in the past year. Any nominee lucky enough to follow in last year’s winners Alt-J’s footsteps can be certain ...

Interview: Elliott Homer meets FRANK TURNER - Part 1

Back in July Gigslutz’s own Elliott Homer sat down for an epic chat with punk-folk troubadour Frank Turner to talk touring behind his latest album Tape Deck Heart, his fantasy festival line-up as well as his own upcoming shows at the Reading and Leeds Festivals. It was so long we had to split it into two parts! Here’s ...

Why 1989 was the greatest year ever for music

1989 THE NUMBER, ANOTHER SUMMER, GET DOWN, SOUND OF THE FUNKY DRUMMER, MUSIC HITTING  YOUR HEART, COS I KNOW YOU GOT SOUL, BROTHERS & SISTERS! (Chuck D, 1989) As we sit here in the middle of one of the hottest summers in years, in 2013 things are alright.  Don’t get me wrong, things aren’t bad. There is a wave of ...

Gigslutz interview, Amelia Ward speaks to DEXTERS

Quite fairly described as the “bastard child of the The Clash, The Jam and The La’s” London band Dexters have had quite a year so far. Gaining notoriety after a busy few months supporting top bands, headlining at various venues through the country and relentlessly working their way around the UK festival circuit, they ...

Steve Cradock 'Travel Wild - Travel Free' - ALBUM REVIEW

Straight away this record is a far cry away from Craddock’s day job work which is of course Ocean Colour Scene and lead guitar for Paul Weller. That said, it is not miles away from the vibes you get from his firsrt album 'The Kundalini Target' and album two 'Peace City West'. A quick description would be “Less rock n' ...

Gigslutz interview with LIZZIE AND THE YES MEN

LIZZIE AND THE YES MEN   Hello Lizzie and The Yes Men!  How are things?   Things are good, I think. We are currently writing new material for debut album, feeling rather cut off from reality, but  very focused and productive. So yeah, things are good.   Tell us about your new single ‘Unstopp...

A tribute to JON BROOKES

If you've ever had the pleasure of meeting Jon, you'd know how salt of the earth he is. An overused cliché but not in his case. He gave off the impression that he'd be happy to have a pint with you there and then and was never trying to get to somewhere a little more important. Actually, he probably did always have a pint ...

Stone Roses inspired clothing range by A.Four is launched

Clothing label A.Four Labs have released a limited addition Stone Roses inspired range. Ian Brown was seen sporting the gear at last summers V festival and will certainly see Roses fans having a ‘window’ shop. The temptation will probably end when they see the prices however. If you fancy attempting to pull ...

Palma Violets LIVE @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

The boys from Lambeth came rollicking into town after having been warmly received at Australia’s flagship festival, Splendour in the Grass. With them they brought the lion’s share of UK media-hype, generated of course by certain reliably excitable quarters. For all the accolades lauded upon them, it was time to peel ...

The Kissaway Trail 'Breach' - ALBUM REVIEW

Denmark. A country perhaps not best known for its music scene, but Copenhagen-based The Kissaway Trail released their first EP in 2006, followed it up with their debut album just three months later, and have been plugging away steadily ever since. I’d seen the name on festival line-ups without ever having heard any of their ...

MGMT unveil video for 'Your Life Is A Lie' - WATCH NOW

MGMT have released the video for 'Your Life Is A Lie' and is the first video from the bands self-titled third studio album. The video finds MGMT working again with Tom Kuntz, director of the band's 2010 mini-epic Congratulations who has also received wide acclaim for his ground-breaking commercial and short film work. ...

Edwyn Collins BBC Masterpieces LIVE @ Maida Vale Studios

In February 2005, Grace Maxwell returned home to find her partner, Edwyn Collins, lying unconscious, having suffered two devastating brain haemorrhages. Left on the brink of death, doctors weren’t hopeful of a recovery and Edwyn had to spend six months in hospital, having lost all movement in his right side and suffering ...

Katy B 'What Love Is Made Of' - Remixes Review

For the last few years Katy B, has been the marmite of the music industry, you either love her or you hate her and those that do love her are pretty loyal fans! Earlier this month, queen of rave Katy B, released, What Love Is Made Of, which saw chart success and had fans going crazy. She’s back with a remix EP, which ...

Swim Deep 'Where The Heaven Are We' - Album Review

Here it is finally, the debut album from Birmingham indie four-piece Swim Deep and it brings with it a mixture of excitement and trepidation. It’s not hard to see why. The group’s first single, King City, included here, originally surfaced way back in May last year. It’s a hell of a tune and it understandably generated ...

Jake Bugg LIVE @ The Metro Theatre – Sydney. 25.7.13

Upon entering possibly Sydney’s best venue for live music, I am immediately struck by the eclectic make-up of tonight’s audience. This observation is validated at the bar. Waiting patiently for an overpriced can of VB, I find myself wedged between a very young maiden who can’t have been much over the mandatory 18 years ...

Happy 70th birthday to Mick Jagger - a Gigslutz appreciation

Even though Jagger hit the big Seven - Nil on Friday, he still manages to be fit (as far as pensioners go), and somehow, even though the area of skin he possesses is disproportionate to his body size, I reckon he has maintained his coolness. If the Stones’ recent successes are anything to go by I’m not alone. Here I have ...

Aluna George 'Body Music' - Album Review

Over the past 12 months, one band has pretty much been on everyone’s lips….. well everyone within the music industry that is, so it’s exciting to see that the general public have warmly taken to Aluna Francis and George Reid as much as the musos have. Collaboratively, the pair go under the guise of AlunaGeorge – ...

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Dexters, IEPI, LIVE @ 100 Club, Oxford Street

Boy did we have trouble getting in. As I strolled down Oxford street aware that we may have to get in early to get stamped then leave for a pint, I saw a queue that must have been at least 50 yards long and then snaked round the corner up Berners Street another 50 or 60 yards! By the entrance to the 100 Club I saw Matt from ...

Gigslutz interview with Omar Lye-Fook

Omar Lye-Fook started his career in 1985 and went on to release a number of singles including 1988’s ‘You and Me’ which featured backing vocals from Caron Wheeler. His big breakthrough came with his instantly recognisable 1991 hit ‘There’s Nothing Like This’ which gave him worldwide recognition. It’s fair to ...

Yuck unveil new track

Yuck have unvieled the first track from their second album, due out later this year. The track sees Guitarist Max Bloom take lead vocals following Daniel Blumberg departure from the band last year. 'Rebirth' is shows Yuck moving into a somewhat more 'shoegazey' style from their previous offerings. You can listen below, or ...

Gigslutz Interview with RADKEY

Hello Radkey! Tell us about the new EP. Cat & Mouse is something that we’re very proud of. We had a blast recording it in our friend’s basement studio in Brooklyn. It was a super relaxed environment (we actually slept in the studio) and we think that you can really hear it on the record. You are all brothers. ...

5 underground bands you should catch at this years KENDAL CALLING - WATCH NOW

With this years Kendal Calling rapidly approaching, Gigslutz’ Amelia Ward gives you the low down of 5 acts who you should catch, who you  may not be aware of… Throwing Up With their debut album being released last week on Tim Burgess’ brilliant O Genesis label, Throwing Up are an ‘angsty’ DIY female ...

Richard Hawley LIVE @ Somerset House. July 14, 2013

Slinging on the first of many guitars, Richard Hawley looked genuinely taken aback by the grandeur of London’s Somerset House and the huge crowd ahead of him. “I can’t believe there’s so many of you. When we started out we played to no one!” he lamented before going all theatrical and demanding: “Let the music ...

THE WHIGS ‘Enjoy The Company’ - Album Review

Unlike the political party, American Garage-rock band –The Whigs – do not seem all that revolutionary, but certainly appear to have a rather laissez faire, rock ‘n’ roll attitude, and seem to be enjoying a similar wave of success to the radical group of the 18th century. Having been named as one of Rolling Stone’s ...

Gigslutz Blogs: Shakermake-up - should OASIS get back together?

With a new Oasis-related story in the news seemingly each week and the 20th anniversary of Definitely Maybe just round the corner, in August of next year to be exact, Allan Nersessian and Elliott Homer took sides to debate whether the brothers Gallagher should bury the hatchet and reunite. Should they be lighting up the next ...

Gigslutz Interview - Steve Aston speaks to NEW ORDER

GS: Hello Phil - how are you?  PC: I’m really good ta, how are you mate? Has your hangover gone?! GS: No! It’s still here man. I was ok Monday, yesterday it kicked in and today it’s in full force. I’ve got a burnt nose too. How is your hangover? PC: Haha! I fucking hate that mate. You know what, I’m ...

Gigslutz Interview with The Specials

It makes your job all the more worthwhile when you get positive feedback from those you write about. And that’s exactly what happened when The Specials picked up on our review of their recent Liverpool Olympia show. The day got even better when we were asked if we would like a chat regarding all things Specials by original ...

New Order & Johnny Marr LIVE @ Jodrell Bank 7.7.13

The Jodrell Bank ‘Transmissions’ for summer 2013 are ones which have been eagerly anticipated by us here at Gigslutz. Curated by headliners New Order, the line up for this year’s Transmission Number 5 had us eagerly counting down the days in anticipation for seeing a stellar line up of some of the most exciting new ...

Jay Z’s ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’ - Track-by-Track Album Review

Following last nights release of one of the most anticipated albums of the year, Jay Z’s  ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’ our very own hip hop expert Allan Nersessian set about giving it a track by track once over. Here is the verdict…  Holy Grail – as album beginnings go this isn’t what we’d expect from a heavy-w...

Gigslutz Blogs: Heaven Knows I

Nice doesn’t get you anywhere anymore. Cooky, outrageous and just plain dramatic does, as a very melancholy Mozza has proved time and time again. It wasn’t a quick task (the man has so much to say) but here are my fifteen favourites from the forlorn frontman. Heaven knows he’s miserable now… 1) “Long hair is an ...

Gigslutz Interview. Amy Bryant speaks to GOLDHEART ASSEMBLY @ Rough Trade East album launch

“Sorry it’s taken two years to make” jokes Goldheart Assembly’s front man James Dale from a pocket-sized stage. He is, of course, referring to ‘Long Distance Song Effects’, the band’s second album that informs tonight’s launch at Rough Trade East. This Brick Lane record store-come-live venue is so very ...

Jagwar Ma LIVE @ XOYO

In the three weeks that Jagwar Ma’s gig at XOYO was delayed by, a lot has gone in their favour. They have been showered with praise from the Gallagher brothers and received rave reviews about their debut album Howlin’. They are hailed as Aussie baggy revivalists and like their predecessors Happy Mondays and Stone Roses ...

New Order - 'Live at Bestival 2012' Album Review

New Order are more than just a band. They are more than seminal band even. They are pioneers and aren’t far off genius having repeatedly touched perfection with their stupendous back catalogue. I can sort of understand those that have never got into them. My Mrs for one has criminally likened them to sounding nothing more ...

Fat Freddy’s Drop LIVE @ Village Underground – 26.6.13

London town had the immense fortune of hosting the Fat Freddy’s Drop worldwide launch gig of their long awaited ‘Blackbird’ album. The seven-piece kiwi band brought the house down with a high-energy performance to 500 die-hard fans at the sold out Village Underground in East London. Getting tickets to this intimate ...

Glastonbury 2013 - Friday top 5 highlights - WATCH NOW

Sky Ferreira LIVE @ The Scala 27.6.13

It gets off to a rocky start tonight. Mistaking support act Gabriel Bruce for Gabrielle Bruce, I envisaged a sweet, female acoustic guitarist. What I got, however, was a slightly terrifying grown man with vocals so low he’d give Leonard Cohen a run for his money. A crowd of teenage girls, 20 something rockers and middle ...

Kanye West "Yeezus" - Album Review

Breaking bread with hip-hop’s statesman   Time and time again articles are written about ‘the state of hip-hop’, seamlessly regurgitating disillusionment and spite in the face of an ever-changing genre that never seems to satisfy critics and fans. Hip-hop is a beast that apparently needs taming, or rather it ...

Rihanna LIVE @ Sunderland Stadium of Light 20.6.13

As someone who long abandoned Radio 1 in favour of the 5 and 6 variety my knowledge of pop music is probably what you would class as “dad-esq”. Yet whenever I hear a pop song on the radio which I find catchy inevitably it ends up being Rihanna. Delving a little deeper it seems it’s impossible to understate just how big ...

Gigslutz Interview: Connor Mullins meets The Strypes

Backstage at the Evolution Festival on Newcastle's Quayside, there are a number of radio stations queuing up to speak to Ireland's latest rock ‘n' roll saviours. With an energetic live set playing a selection of covers, as well as original songs inspired by late ‘50s - early ‘60s R & B, The Strypes have crash landed ...

Tripwires - ‘Spacehopper’ Album Review

Although the title, ‘Spacehopper’, may evoke images of bopping about the garden on a giant, orange ball, it turns out that Tripwires gave their debut album this name purely because they liked the word for its own sake and comedic effect. Any images it may conjure of youthfulness and space-themed fun are simply an added ...

DRENGE ANNOUNCE RELEASE OF DEBUT LP “DRENGE” ON AUGUST 19TH

The visceral, opening one-two punch of “Bloodsports” and “Backwaters” announced Drenge as one of the best and most exciting new bands on the UK music scene right now. Even though only comprising of sibling duo Rory and Eoin Loveless, they play with enough raw enthusiasm and velocity, enough no holds barred energy and ...

Peaches LIVE @ Meltdown Festival

This year Meltdown Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary in style with an iconic artist and musician as its guest curator; Yoko Ono has developed a unique programme of music and events that showcase some of her favourite artists and influences. Tonight Jewish born Merrill Nisker is performing her UK Debut of Peaches ...

Jurassic 5 LIVE @ Brixton Academy

Jurassic 5 broke many hearts when they broke up in 2007, ten years after releasing their first record. They released 4 studio albums over ten years, and this year, at Coachella festival, they reunited. Those of us without enough pennies in the bank to hop over to LA for the celebfest hoped to hell that they'd follow it with a ...

M.I.A unveils new single

'Paper Planes' hitmaker M.I.A has finally shared her long-awaited new single, 'Bring The Noize', which she uploaded to Soundcloud this evening (June 17). She posted a link to the track via her official Twitter page earlier tonight and also treated fans to a promotional photograph. Zane Lowe played the track on Radio 1 ...

Bruce Springsteen LIVE @ Wembley Stadium 15.6.13

When my younger brother was born, the last of the parents’ children, my dad cunningly, premeditated to name him after his musical darling, signing his name with an addition to what he and my mother had discussed, ‘Bruce’. It is fair to say that my dad falls into the category of Springsteen super-fans, following him ...

Gigslutz Interview: Leanne Neale speaks to GLITCHES

Tonight’s nights venue is The Shacklewell Arms, noted as one of East London’s most popular haunts. Supporting the headline act Babeshadow - former warm up act for Florence and The Machine - are Glitches. The trio of twenty-something’s James Warner (Drums) Michael O'Neil (Guitar) and Robbie Parks (Vocals/ Keys) are based ...

James Skelly and The Intenders LIVE @ Dingwalls 12/6/2013

Camden’s Dingwalls seems to be leading the way in terms of the race to be among the finest small venues in Britain. Noel Gallagher played there recently with Jake Bugg as support and not too long ago Foo Fighters did an intimate showcase. Noel Gallagher, this time, however, was off duty and relaxing around the bar, and ...

Gigslutz Interview: Samantha Foley speaks to CHARLOTTE CARPENTER

Folk-pop starlet Charlotte Carpenter is the next one to watch, her last EP, Let It Go, stormed through the iTunes charts! We caught up with Charlotte to talk, festivals, Nashville, YouTube and more… CHARLOTTE ON HER JOURNEY I started with open mic nights and acoustic nights, I slowly started to meet other musicians from ...

Jagwar Ma “Howlin" - Album Review

As a proud Englishman, I have to say I am confused. Australian dance-rock outfit Jagwar Ma have delivered one of the best debut albums of 2013 and it has tripped some synapses, crossed wires in my brain and left me a quivering mess. Before you think that I’m exploiting one of the worst journalistic clichés in history i.e. ...

Gigslutz Competition – Win 2 Tickets to the Jaguar Skills album launch party @ KOKO – 22nd June 2013

To celebrate the launch of the new Jaguar Skills new compilation album, ‘Jaguar Skills And His Amazing Friends Vol 2’ Gigslutz is giving you the chance to attend the launch party at KOKO on 22nd June. All you have to do to enter is follow us on twitter and ‘retweet’ a daily competition tweet. A winner will be picked ...

Has Disclosure's 'Settle' reinstated the UK's love of house music? - Album Review

What ‘house music’ has become over the past few years really has been a convoluted affair. With genre off-shoots still falling under the ‘house’ moniker (dubstep, dance, EDM, even electro-pop etc), it’s become increasingly hard to identify what exactly should be classed as ‘house’ and evenmoreso, what should be ...

The Stone Roses: Made of Stone - Film Review

It’s been 17 years since The Stone Roses limped to their inevitable demise. In that time their legacy spiralled to the point where ‘What the World is Waiting For’ became less of a snappy sound bite and more of a demand. When the reunion was finally announced at a press conference in October 2011 collectively a genera...

Depeche Mode: Live @ O2 Arena 29.5.13

ODE TO THE MODE There’s a full house at the O2 tonight. That’s 20,000 Depeche disciples stood before a nonagan shaped screen and a stage thinly veiled in a purple haze. They’re a testament to how electro ages not and as the band arrive to a standing ovation, it becomes immediately clear that David Gahan doesn’t age ...

QOTSA Album Review - Like Clockwork

BANG ON TIME A drunken hit-man is still deadly. He may sway a little and his feet will look unsure but rest assured he will take you out using nothing more than the toe-nail clippers in your bathroom. Only the whiff of stale alcohol and your last cries will remain hanging in the air. If this all sounds a bit dramatic ...

James Skelly and The Intenders -

NO CORAL-ATION There's an obstacle to tackle before listening to 'Love Undercover', the debut album from James Skelly and The Intenders, and it's the acceptance that this ISN'T The Coral. Understandably, there might be some initial confusion as original members pepper the band with Paul Duffy on guitar, Ian Skelly on ...

BIG DEAL stream new album “JUNE GLOOM” - LISTEN NOW!

On the eve of the release of Big Deal's new album,  the band are streaming 'June Gloom' for your listening pleasure,  which premiered on Dazed Digital earlier this week. The follow up to their critically acclaimed debut “Lights Out” sees a dramatic expansion of sound.  Last year’s thunderous teaser ‘Teradactol...

MILES KANE Album Review - Dont Forget Who You Are

ROCK RESUSCITATION In the 1960s, Miles Kane was buried in a time-capsule along with a guitar, a razor-sharp wardrobe and a heap load of attitude. Under strict instructions, the capsule was only to be dug up in the event of Rock‘n’roll’s potential demise. The call came some 40-odd years later and Miles Kane was released ...

TOM ODELL - Live @ Electric Ballroom, Camden

Having often passed the Electric Ballroom witnessing queues flooding down Camden high street, I have wondered what lies behind the unassuming doors. I am here to see Tom Odell, the recent recipient of a Brit award and the crush of many a teenager – most of who are here tonight. The venue is a gem, set back from the busy ...

Gigslutz Feature - PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING

J. Willgoose Esq. of Public Service Broadcasting, enthusiasts of Wartime-era Blighty, purveyors of fine neckwear and one of the 2013's hottest acts sits down with Elliott Homer to talk endless touring, the pitfalls of critical success and the inspirations behind debut album Inform-Educate-Entertain. It’s Saturday 18th ...

STONED LOVE - My life with The Stone Roses

At the beginning of June, I’ll be watching The Stone Roses at FinsburyPark, 25 years after seeing them for the first time in a packed, sweaty club in South Manchester.   From that day on, I’ve been pretty obsessed with all things Roses but following the infamous Reading gig, John’s none too impressive solo career ...

Chet Faker - LIVE @ Cargo

Greeted with a sign reading 'No Breasts, No Requests' posted behind the DJ Booth, Cargo in Shoreditch has never been a favourite of mine yet I found myself back there due to the popularity of Chet Faker.  The original show was booked at the Sebright Arms but had to be relocated due to high ticket demand. Nicholas ...

The Specials - LIVE @ Liverpool Olympia

RUUUUDE BOY, RUUUUUDE BOY bellow the crowd in anticipation of the arrival of their ska heroes as sweat drips off the ridiculously high ceilings in the grand old venue that is the criminally underused Olympia. Although the place is rough around the edges it is perfectly suited for mid-sized gigs such as this and its depleted ...

Jam Luckhurst speaks to - DEL BARBER

With a beautiful folk voice and a concept behind every guitar note, Del Barber sings parables without preaching or political teaching, just pure stories of real people. Having come all the way from Canada, Del was a pleasure to meet on Brighton Beach and one of the loveliest people we have had the pleasure to interview. Del ...

Miles Kane LIVE - JD Roots show @ The Zanzibar

Having earlier in the evening played an impromptu acoustic show in Heebie Jeebies, a hundred yards down the yards down the road the Zanzibar is packed to the rafters to watch MILES KANE in the smallest venue he will have played in years. Given the fact the boy from ‘over the water’ will be gracing The Olympic Stadium, ...

The Stone Roses @ Finsbury Park - Support Acts Announced

It has felt like forever waiting to find out who will be on the support bill for The Stone Roses Finsbury Park shows. With just 3 weeks before the first date, Gigslutz can now reveal the fullline up for both nights...

Primal Scream 2013 - Album Review

So Primal Scream are back and what a relief it is. It’s been over 2 decades in since Bobby Gillespie rounded up his merry gang of space cadets, yet excitement for a new release is as still high as ever. How many other bands have gone on this long and still been not only relevant but also interesting, innovative and still ...

Gigslutz speaks to - THE TWANG

Birmingham rockers The Twang have recently returned with a great new album 10.20 and are about to embark on a joint headline tour with Cast. We caught up with lead singer Phil Etheridge to find out whats been going on in The Twang camp…. GS: Hi Phil, how are you doing? PE: Very well, thanks GS: Are you all set to ...

Gigslutz interview with - ITCH

Former King Blues front man and electro-punk MC Itch will be giving Brighton a taster of his hard-hitting, beats fuelled sound at this year’s Great Escape Festival. Performing two shows on Saturday 18th May, this will be Itch’s first solo outing at the festival since the split of his former band. Gigslutz caught up with ...

Liverpool Sound City 2013

With over 300 acts squeezed into 3 days, Liverpool Sound City is the king of metropolitan festivals. This was Gigslutz first visit to Sound City and we have to admit to being slightly apprehensive going into it. All our fears were put to bed as soon as we realised the press area had a free bar and the person next to me ...

Gigslutz Blogs: 2013 SUMMER FESTIVAL GUIDE

After this weekends Liverpool Sound City, and a bank holiday heatwave, here at Gigslutz feel firmly in the mood for festival season coming around. We therefore thought we would do you all a favour and give you a few pointers of our recommendations for the best of the summers events. Kendal Calling 26th – 28th July F...

Jam Luckhurst speaks to - THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES

Inspired by James Brown and leaking happiness from their songs including ‘Sunlight’ and ‘Turn The Music Up’ the Brand New Heavies new album ‘Forward’ takes you back to the 90’s with instrumental funk and jazz. This album invites everyone to dance, from house-addicted teens to jazz loving oldies’ and it can’t ...

Big Daddy Kane - LIVE @ East Village Arts Centre

As BIG DADDY KANE’S DJ warms the crowd with shout outs of “let me hear you” and “Liverpool, are you in the house” some pre gig enthusiasm starts to slip away. This pre planned nonsense which will happen regardless of city and regardless of venue or crowd noise in front of them seems to be pointless in this day in ...

Gigslutz interview with - PARLOUR FLAMES

After playing some of the biggest gigs of all time and 9 solo albums you would forgive Bonehead and Vinny Peculiar if they had decided it was time leave the music business all alone and put their feet up. Thankfully, these thoughts have not entered their minds. After getting together to work on an EP they decided to go one ...

Gigslutz Interview - Fossil Collective

Fossil Collective consists of multi-instrumentalists David Fendick and Jonny Hooker.  The two-piece have been working together for years, having previously been in successful Leeds band Vib Gyor together. Their debut album was released in early April and they are currently on a 21 date UK tour. The album is set for big ...

Noel Gallagher turns down X Factor role

Noel Gallagher has revealed that keeps turning down a job as an X Factor judge because he doesn't want to be on TV every weekend. The former Oasis man has regularly been linked to a role on the show but nothing has materialised. The Mancunian revealed that he has again been offered the chance to become a judge on the UK ...

Gigslutz Blogs: The Genius of NILE ROGERS

The older I get I have to admit that it gets increasingly difficult to keep up with what is de rigour in the ever changing moods of the hit parade / top 40 / download chart or whatever it is called these days. It’s therefore good to be given the odd pointer here and there as to what is ‘in’ and what is not. Therefore I ...

Gigslutz interview with - JOSH KUMRA

If you’re wondering where you recognised the name Josh Kumra from there is a good chance you have heard him as part of the number one hit ‘Don’t Go’ on which he appeared with Wretch 32. Since then the troubadour has been playing in front of 20,000 at the O2 in London and locking himself away finishing his stunning ...

Gigslutz speaks to - THE PIGEON DETECTIVES

With platinum and gold selling records to their name The Pigeon Detectives have in the premier league of bands over the last decade. After the initial furore of the mid 2000’s when everything en vogue meant heaving a guitar, skinny jeans, and punchy pop songs the Pigeon Detectives have stuck to their guns. Many of the also ...

THE HUNTER – Broken Feet, Ryanair Hijacking, Maggie T and Scoot The Thames.

Hello, Glad to be back; I hope you enjoyed the last blog. This one's mission is to give you something to smile about! Unashamedly. So Lloret De Mar came n went, freezing cold and I went home with a broken foot having acquired it by dancing around the room to Public Enemy brushing my teeth and 'stubbing' it. Still, we ...

The Wonder Stuff - LIVE in Nottingham

The Wonder Stuff take the stage. Miles Hunt smiling as ever, wearing a black shirt with a red necktie, guitar slung just about as low as possible, with violinist Erica Nockalls wearing a stunning red dress. Bassist Mick McCarthy looks a little more subdued, as do the duo of newcomers to The Wonder Stuff line up - Stevie Wyatt ...

Gigslutz Blogs - How Maggie Thatcher Influenced Music

So finally Margaret Thatcher has died. It is unlikely that any political figure will have split opinion as much as The Iron Lady did over her years in power and indeed since her controvertial tenure. Gigslutz sits firmly in the corner of those who took a half day off work to get shit faced in celebration of her death but this ...

New Beady Eye Album Confirmed

Beady Eye have announced the release of a new album. Liam Gallagher and Co. will unleash their sophomore effort 'BE' on June 10 in the UK. It will follow-up their 2011 debut 'Different Gear, Still Speeding', which hit No.3 in the UK charts upon release. 'BE' was produced by TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek and it was ...

Imagine Dragons & The Good Natured - LIVE

Liverpool o2 Academy 4th April 2013 Having heard The Good Natured songs on record but never actually seen them live I was apprehensive going into see the support band for the evening. Electro synth pop can be difficult to pull off in a large room which is half full due to the majority waiting for the headline act, but they ...

Gigslutz speaks to The Good Natured

The Good Natured have certainly been making the right noises recently with their 90’s rave pop inspired single ‘5 HT’ and with their album due for release later this year the only way it seems is upwards for the Hampshire electro trio. Gigslutz caught up with front Sarah McIntosh as she prepares to embark on a ...

PEACE

I have to admit to being quite a hard act to please when it comes to receiving a new record and taking to it straight away. It normally takes my suspicious ears a good few listens before they allow something to be accepted. It was therefore a welcomed rarity when Peace’s ‘In Love’ landed in my inbox. Produced by former ...

THE HUNTER - The Magic, Jimmy Saville vs Amanda Holden and Sydenham Rude gal

Yo! Since I wrote my intro blog, I've started reading a book called The Magic by Rhonda Byrne. It's doing me the world of good. It basically pushes you to be grateful for what you have and on the basis of Newton's law of attraction, you should receive more positive things in whatever their forms, because you are emitting ...

Johnny Mar - LIVE 02 Academy Liverpool

“What’s the point in encores anymore?” I stated to my mate at the end of Johnny’s Marr’s set, knowing he would be back on in a couple of minutes to play some crowd favourites. We agreed they’re a bit obvious and it’s loads better when a band / artist do the set and just “fuck off” as my mate eloquently put ...

The Sunshine Underground Speak to Gigslutz - New Material Confirmed

The Sunshine Underground (or TSU to their fans) burst onto the scene in 2005 with their single ‘Put You in Your Place’ and won a legion of followers with their full on grooves and electric live shows. They’ve been away for a couple of years but are due to burst back over the coming weeks with a headline slot at Stockton ...

The Strypes - LIVE!

As you will probably be aware, The Strypes are a four piece 60s infused RnB band from Cavan in Ireland with an average of 15. They have recently been signed to Mercury records and have had the likes of Noel Gallagher, Elton John and Paul Weller attending their gigs. It is fair to say they are probably the most hyped band ...

Twisted Wheel Interview

Mancunian rockers Twisted Wheel recently released their second album "Do It Again," which consists of music ranging from Rock ‘n' Roll to Punk. Sam Lightle and Connor Mullins caught up with them before they went on stage at The Cluny in Newcastle, the second date of their Spring 2013 UK tour, for a chat about their new ...

Stone Roses Documentary due for May Premier!

Shane Meadows has confirmed that the eagerly anticipated Stone Roses documentary will be premiered at the end of May. Meadows was allowed exclusive access to The Roses during their comeback tour from the first show in Warrington all the way through to Heaton Park and the summer festivals. He was also granted access to ...

Primal Scream & Andrew Weatherall United

Thank fuck Primal Scream are back. Not only is their new stuff sounding as good as ever, they have also got long standing foe Andrew Weatherall back to work his magic on some remixes. A new album is done and dusted and in line for a summer release. Whilst you wait for that, tuck into this brilliant Weatherall dub remix of ...

Hudson Taylor Interview

Having honed their craft at an early age busking in Dublin, the brothers – Alfie and Harry (Hudson Taylor is their surname) - still only 18 and 20 respectively, have become a word-of-mouth favourite with their energetic live shows. Their DIY work ethic led them to release their debut EP on their own label Craic Records and ...

George Harrison - Happy 70th Birthday To The Coolest Beatle

  In 2013, the identities of the fab 4 are now pretty much set in stone. You’ve got Lennon’s legacy of the long haired family man protesting to stop war and bigging up peace and love (and in the process glossing over some of his more dubious incidents). Then we have Paul who seems to have done everything in ...

Jake Bugg Live @ Newcastle O2 Academy

  The Star Inn, an hour before Jake Bugg is to take the stage at Newcastle's 02 Academy, is filling up with mods complete in their Parka's and Weller haircuts. It's clear that fans of Oasis and Arctic Monkeys like are here to see their new hero. Step forward Jake Bugg. The Clifton born country-folk singer ...

Gigslutz 2013 Brit Awards Review

  So the 2013 Brit awards are upon us again and Gigslutz are on hand to review the event for your reading pleasure. We decided to turn down the guest list and corporate bollocks this year and instead bring our findings to you sitting in our underpants watching it in HD on the box. So, let’s have a run down on ...

Skip & Die Interview

Skip & Die are making a big impact in Europe at the minute. They've just finished a sold tour, played all the major festivals and had a number of TV appearances. We caught up with them prior to their debut UK show to see what they're all about... Enjoy GS @gigslutz_steve http://youtu.be/6Kr8liHak8Y

Steve meets Frankie & The Heartstings

  Following on from their support slot with The Kaiser Chiefs the previous night at Hammersmith Apollo, Sunderland five piece Frankie & The Heartstrings hot footed it acrossLondonto the allegedly trendy Dalston to the Shacklewell Arms to headline their own Pop Sex club night.  Lead singer Frankie kindly ...