There is almost the sense of the evangelical at an Embrace gig: there is a loyalty, a passion and fervour amongst the fan-base that is just about unequalled; it often gives the evening a religious-lik…
Gig Reviews
Gig Review: Set Your Sights at 02 Academy 2, Newcastle – 28/03/2018
Middlesbrough four-piece Set Your Sights are seemingly a collection of musicians who enjoy the virtue of energetic, in your face, pop-punk. They’re also a band in a productive creative roll which isn’…
Gig Review: Alabama 3 at 02 Academy, Newcastle – 22/03/2018
As enigmatic frontman Larry Love is wheeled on stage sporting a hospital gown and IV drip, it was then that I knew that we were in for a memorable night exploring the hallowed domain of Alabama 3. The…
Gig Review: Belle and Sebastian at Sage, Gateshead – 21/03/2018
Tonight, Belle and Sebastian performed at Gateshead’s iconic venue, The Sage, bringing some notable tunes on their UK and European tour. Following the release of arguably their most remarkable album i…
Gig Review: The Wombats at 02 Academy, Newcastle – 20/03/2018
It’s been just over a decade since The Wombats released their critically-acclaimed debut album ‘A Guide to Love, Loss and Desperation’ and, although they may not have reached the same heights since, n…
Gig Review: Gary Numan at The Middlesbrough Empire – 17/03/2018
Having released 20 albums in 39 years, Gary Numan is, if nothing else, prolific. Perhaps more inspiring than his level of output, however, what Numan has proved is that through dedication, talent and …
Gig Review: Turbowolf at 02 Academy 2, Newcastle – 11/03/2018
Bristol rockers, Turbowolf, has had their foot to the distortion peddle since the release of their debut LP in 2011. Originally tagged as a band intent on copying the deep groove of Led Zeppelin, Turb…
Gig Review: At the Drive In at 02 Academy, Newcastle – 10/03/2018
How to maintain a reputation as one of the greatest live bands of a generation can’t be an easy question to live with and yet it’s a one which seemingly At the Drive In enjoy as they return for their …
Gig Review: China Drum + Echolines at The Cluny, Newcastle – 10/03/2018
Newcastle’s Echolines are no shrinking violets, with their well-honed sound paying nods to the best of hard-driven 90s indie. Tracks like ‘MakeUMine’ are all big riffs and belted out vocals and are en…
Gig Review: The Fury Remains + Mr Treacle + Creature at TSOne, Middlesbrough – 08/03/2018
Middlesbrough’s best night for alternative music (Whirling Dervish) again showcased an eclectic mix of up-and-coming local talent. The Thursday night institution, held at TSOne, is an essential stop o…