Rating: Returning to his indie folk roots, Carrie & Lowell – Sufjan Stevens’ seventh studio album – is one that will most certainly have you reaching for tissues and thinking up various allergy excuses for your watery eyes. Written after…
Until now, it’s unlikely that Bognor Regis would mean anything more to you than Butlins, or shoddy attempts at UK seaside holidays – and no one would blame you. It is now, however, that we have Bognor to thank for…
Claiming the title of the first artist signing to Howie B’s label, HB Recordings, Polish-born (but Glasgow based) Ela Orleans embodies all sorts of exciting talent and perfectly executed experimentation. Whilst you may be yet to hear about her, Orleans’…
Bringing together ex-members of Ice Sea Dead People, Great Cop and Grass Giraffes, the now London-based Spoilers bring together London, Glasgow and Georgia as one of the brilliant new bands on the garage-punk scene. Their first release, 3 Songs, contains three…
Shining through amongst the abundance of seemingly punk-influenced bands making themselves known at the moment are Winter Villains. It’s ethereal and otherworldly, and, in fact, a very welcome dose of peace. Described as ‘chamber pop’, the band combine classical influences…
With their debut album Away From The Water released last year, London psych-rockers Lola Colt quickly grasped the attention of the likes of The Independent, Q and Clash – and now ours too. Lola Colt are harsh and sinister in…
With March seeing the release of their latest single ‘Everybody’s Luck’, and their new album Dog on its way this year, …And The Hangnails are definitely ones to keep an eye on in the coming months. The York duo (Martyn Fillingham…
With the Reading and Leeds lineup rapidly growing it’s difficult not to notice the rather disheartening lack of female musicians on the bill: 9 female musicians so far appear on the bill of over 100 acts, some of which are…
With twinkling guitars, heavy drums, Kate Bush-inspired vocals and a Björk-esque quirkiness, Hawk’s Clock Hands EP is beautifully haunting. The title track is reminiscent of Haim, but carries an ambient, somewhat Hispanic-sounding backing; it’s simultaneously dreamy and powerful as Julie…
Whilst the bigger festivals often seem like the easy option – chances are you know exactly what you’re letting yourself in for and little research is required – there are probably festivals you’d prefer… You just haven’t heard of them….