When Bloc Party last took to the stage…

You've probably heard the news that Bloc Party have announced their first live shows since the summer of 2013.
We had the pleasure of seeing the band perform at one of their 2013 shows. Read our thoughts on this strange, sad yet wonderful set:


"#1: Bloc Party's last stand?
I guess the reason this set is so firmly etched into my memory is down to two facts: #1 Bloc Party live (enough said), #2 the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere their set in the German summer sun had. 
Let me explain: I was standing at one of Southside Festivals' (southern Germany) four stages with a friend who was just as excited at seeing indie royalty live as I was. Massively popular German rapper Marteria was playing on the second main stage, meaning that only “real” Bloc Party fans had made their way to see the London band. When a young presenter appeared on stage nobody was expecting to hear the news that Bloc Party had decided to split up for real this time and would end their time together after the festival season (it thankfully turned out to be yet another hiatus). Whilst Bloc Party made their way onstage everyone in the crowd realized that this would most likely be our last ever chance to see a band so firmly implemented into indie music as few others are. The first five songs of their set were quiet songs (“So Here We Are” etc.), which gave their opening an eery feeling. Suddenly the sad-faced and gum-chewing Kele raised his voice and told the crowd to liven up, not be sad and enjoy the day, as would he. Following this statement Bloc Party exploded into an energy packed “Banquet”, leading to the rest of the set being really upbeat and Kele not being able to stop smiling. I'd never experienced such a melancholic, disturbed atmosphere at a festival. And I'll never forget the sudden change of mood that Kele's short speed provoked that day."

Festival Review... Gathering 2013

To put it simply, Gathering Festival is a take on the Camden Crawl. Take this concept, apply it to Oxford’s Cowley Road, schedule in over 40 bands in 7 different venues all within a stone’s throw from the last and you’ve pretty much summed up the day.

Being a relatively new event on the music calendar – only in its second year – the festival introduces a variety of up-and-coming British bands mixed in with an ever-growing international line-up worthy of a major festival. This year saw the likes of London Grammar and Local Natives headline with other acts including Temples, Cheatahs, Waxahatcheeand Chloe Howl (to name but a few).

The day itself did not get off to a planned start after hiking out of the city centre to Cowley Rd in the pouring rain. The growing frustration of being very wet was not helped by the increasing queue outside the East Oxford Community Centre (wristband exchange). You couldn’t help but think that it should have been split between two centres or at a larger venue to accommodate such a large number of punters. Another downside being the intensity of the planned schedule with 44 bands to check out in only 10 hours – never an easy day (with most of the acts played within a 5 hour gap!).

Negatives aside, the music started on a good note as I took in an acoustic set from Fyfe – aka Paul Dixon. The short experimental acoustic set at the Truck Store brought glimpses of glitch-age crooning, a mix of folk-electronica and a hint of likeness to Patrick Wolf. The, now 24, Londoner was not short of fans as the intimate venue’s windows fogged with sweaty condensation – unsurprisingly with his back catalogue as David’s Lyre from 2010-2012. ‘Conversations’ and ‘Lies’ are delicate renditions which build with moody vocals to a spectacular climax, leaving the crowd wishing for more.

Another spectacular acoustic set followed at Cowley Road Methodist Church – this was thanks to songstress Denai Moore. The soulful musician played to a pin-drop silent crowd in the top attic which was weirdly a sublime setting allocation. The young Moore relayed tales of heartbreak and uncertainty in a raw, folk manner from her four released EP’s. Haunting opener ‘Wolves’ and equally poignant ‘Gone’ were serenely complemented by the intimacy that the venue fostered, with the best of all being ending the show - the stunning ‘Flaws’ which thumps bass echoes to hearty vocals. If you haven’t come across her before, I’d some her material up as a lovechild of the unpredictable pairing of Bon Iver and Lauryn Hill.

As queues stretched the length of two football pitches, I decided not to waste any time and had to skip headliners London Grammar. But with this I was lucky enough to encounter Dancing Years at the Bullingdon for the fourth time in their short existence (who started off as duo simply Joseph & David). Now they’ve recruited to become a six headed folk-pop outfit equipped with emotionally charged anthems that make you reminisce of times when Mumford & Sons weren’t commercial. The performance of one of my favourite tracks of the year, ‘Here’s To My Old Friends’, was the moment of the festival (personal opinion). Being larger and more hard-hitting live, the song has all the trappings of a glorious indie anthem but is richly layered with folk instrumentation, fragile lyrics and clear modesty.

LA’s finest Local Natives kicked off the later proceedings (post-nine o’clock) at the O2 Academy. The set burst into form from the offset with thunderous, throbbing drums for the excellent ‘Breakers’. The moustachioed Californian four-piece worked their way through a dynamic set with their characteristic harmonies synced to perfection (as is with ‘Warning Signs’). With two critically acclaimed albums to choose from, it was this year’s ‘Hummingbird’ LP which brought the highlights through easy slipping between tones – from the slow-burn touches of ‘You & I’ and the nostalgic ‘Columbia’, to the pacier temp of ‘Ceilings’ and ‘Three Months’. ‘Wide Eyes’ stood out owing to the most distinctive guitar riff intro mixed with rhythmic bass notes and tantalising percussion. Just like the former, ‘Black Balloons’ carried the addictive guitar into the live performance but this time with an extra intensity and mystery. As all four members sang lovelorn harmonies, drummer Matt Frazier shows his skills through predictable fan favourite ‘Camera Talk’, which sounded better than the original by bringing a summer reggae feel.

After I worked my way back to the Bullingdon backroom via a stop at the local kebab shop, I caught the last song of Cheatahsand what a raucous end it was. With a full room, the IAI favourites turned any uninterested crowd members into fan girls/boys with nothing more than pure talent, energy and showmanship. Drenge followed suit a while later (after a lengthy fix-up after technical problems) in the same venue. The Loveless brothers delivered a typical set of gutsy blues-punk with a side order of extreme sport like enthusiasm. To say the crowd weren’t up for it would have been an understatement – crammed in like sardines, it seemed all were alike sharks with a taste for blood. Months of touring self-titled LP has brought an edge to the live show and made them a formidable force exuding even more confidence and experience. Wave after wave of violent noise were spewed out from the wheel greasing of ‘Gun Crazy’ to the implosion ‘I Wanna Break You In Half’, resulting in a formation of a circle pit that engulfs almost half of the venue. Singles ‘Bloodsports’ and ‘Backwaters’ are a rabid, raucous scrap as always, which reach such high intensities that despite the non-existent security and barrier, many fans crowd surf through the mayhem (maybe to just get some fresher air). The demonic howls of ‘Face Like A Skull’ capped off a truly interesting trawl through Eoin and Rory’s primitive arsenal and untamed chaos.

My evening ended with Wolf Alice at the East Oxford Community Centre which boasted a small primary school-like hall as its vessel. Drawing a crowd too large for the venue, again I found myself in a room of unhealthy temperatures. The broad appeal of the band’s fusion of folk and grunge brought an array of interested fans, some hoping to hear the door-slamming frustrations (like that of ‘She’) and others the tenderness of ‘Bros’. Luckily for all, renditions of all songs pleased all audience members with new EP ‘Blush’ being played in full (not continuously in order, spread out over the set). A rapturous response is sustained throughout the 35 minute show as the London band played the sonically easy part of rock ‘n’ roll with soaring comfort. Frontwoman, Ellie Rowsell, oozed a feline cool that put her more than centre stage. However, Wolf Alice did not support the common misconception of female fronted bands which is that the lads at the back are often shuffling in the shadows – Joel, Joff and Theo were and are a unit that radiate a collective enticing sound and big stage presence. Storming angsty-rock prevailed with a tendency to send you back to (or continue) your bashful adolescence. The short but sweet set was brought to a close with the pop grunge racket of ‘Fluffy’ and with that the band, accompanied with Austin Williams (Swim Deep) and Drenge, head off to the clubs of Oxford to continue the party leaving behind a benchmark that only themselves will surpass in the future.

It was disappointing not being able to get to see Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs or Troumaca, but overall all Gathering left me feeling satisfied and eager to return. At around £20, a ticket offers value for money and with guarantees highlights and exhibitions from bands you may never have come across before.

Written by - Richard Maver

Festival Review...ACL 2013 Days 2 and 3

This past weekend I attended Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, Texas. It's one of my personal favourites because it generally has a decent lineup and reflects the fun and funky personality of Austin. If you ever get a chance to go, I would highly recommend it, you'll have a great time. Since I saw so many bands (including everyone from my Top 10 List) I figured I'd give you the run down on what all I got up to. The festival will be happening again this upcoming weekend with a nearly identical lineup. So here we go, Day 2!

I've tried to listen to Haim before but just couldn't get into them. I saw them live and loved them. The sisters are a force to be reckoned with and put on a great show. I'm really looking forward to getting their album and listening to them more. Silversun Pickups were okay, I went with friends and I just wasn't impressed. They're just an average indie band and many of their songs sound the same to me. They're good performers but the music just wasn't for me.

Grimes was great and her set was packed. Her ethereal vocals sounded great and I had a good time at her set despite not being especially familiar with a lot of her songs. Passion Pit are a decent pop-influenced indie set and they put on a suitably decent set. I don't particularly like or dislike them as a band, and felt the same way about their set.

Kendrick Lamar was a highlight of my day. While great on record, there is an intensity to him that comes across strongly when he performs live. At one point he addressed the audience by saying something along the lines of  "This isn't a rap show, this isn't a performance, it's an experience." He also tried really hard to get the audience involved which is always nice to see, and he sounded great as well.

Going into the festival, I was initially really excited to see The Cure. I enjoyed their set but I just didn't find myself enjoying it as much as I thought I would. I actually enjoyed Depeche Mode much more and I'm not sure if that's because Friday wore me out or what. It was a good set and they played tons of hits but I just wasn't especially impressed.

By the time Sunday rolled around, I was pretty exhausted. I didn't have much interested in staying for Phoenix, Atoms for Peace or Lionel Richie, but here's what I did get up to on Day 3.

The Mowgli's are an alternative rock band from California that I hadn't heard of before the festival. They put on a fun and spirited set that was quite enjoyable. I love going to festivals with friends because we end up taking each other to see bands we wouldn't usually see and it's always fun. Dawes are another a band I wouldn't usually find myself listening to, but I quite enjoyed their set. They're a folk act which usually isn't my style, but the country-folksy style went over great on a Sunday afternoon when you're in the mood for something chill after being at the festival all weekend.

Franz Ferdinand's latest album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action is just really great and I was so happy to get a chance to see them live again. They put on a fantastic show and the crowd got really into it, which was impressive for being the 4pm timeslot on Sunday which can frequently be tough. They played a mix of songs from their career, accented with their usual high kicks and great energy on stage.

ACL is a great festival, and this year was no exception. Maybe I'll see you there next year?

Holly Spidle

Austin City Limits is Canceled Today

Festival organizers announced this morning that Austin City Limits is canceled for today, Sunday October 13 due to flash flood warnings. There has been a lot of rain in the Austin area last night and today, and so the festival is being canceled for the safety of everyone involved.

C3 Presents, the promotions company behind the festival, has announced that all ticket holders will receive a refund of one-third the ticket price which will be mailed to the billing address used to purchase the tickets.

While it's unfortunate that the festival couldn't be held today, I think the refund is more than fair. Performers scheduled for today included Franz Ferdinand, Phoenix, Atoms for Peace and Lionel Richie. Click here for the official press release.

Holly Spidle

Festival Review...Austin City Limits 2013 Day 1

This past weekend I attended Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, Texas. It's one of my personal favourites because it generally has a decent lineup and reflects the fun and funky personality of Austin. If you ever get a chance to go, I would highly recommend it, you'll have a great time. Since I saw so many bands (including everyone from my Top 10 List) I figured I'd give you the run down on what all I got up to. The festival will be happening again this upcoming weekend with a nearly identical lineup. So here we go, Day 1!

Well, watching The Orwells' set was a memorable one for sure. I can now say that's the first time I've ever seen someone throw up/dry heave on stage and I'm pretty sure I could live without a repeat. I was really looking forward to their set, even though it was the very first one of the day, but after watching frontman Mario Cuomo stumble around and actively trying not to throw up I ended up leaving after about three songs. They're a band of 17 year olds from the suburbs of Chicago with a great punk sound, and if they can get it together they have the potential to go somewhere.

From there I headed on to FIDLAR. I was a little concerned going into it since their set time was noon, but I was pleasantly surprised. They're a skater punk band out of LA and I'm just totally in love with them at the moment. A highlight of the set was when the power blew out during the end of "Max Can't Surf," a song about the drummer Max Kuehn. The only thing you could hear was the drums, thus giving Max an impromptu solo on his own song. Their set was full of energy and I highly recommend you go see them live because it's an amazing experience.

I was pleasantly surprised by just how good Jimmy Eat World is. You're all probably familiar with a few of their songs, especially "The Middle," but I was really impressed with the fact that they're actually really great performers. I spent a pleasant hour at their set, initially dragged there by friends.

Arctic Monkeys have been one of my favourite bands for years, and they just killed their live set. I've seen them seven times since 2006 and I have to say that they haven't always been the best live act. The last few times I've seen them have been consistently amazing, and I'm excited to say they have grown into being a consistently good live act. Alex Turner even attempted some awkwardly adorable dance moves and pulled out a comb to fix his hair a few times and the crowd loved it. They sounded fantastic, even if a large portion of the crowd wasn't too familiar with the songs from AM. Arctic Monkeys in the States is a curious thing, except for 15 minutes in 2006 when they were so popular, they just haven't really moved beyond a moderately successful indie band here. I've seen them play ACL three times and they still haven't moved beyond a hour-long set in the middle of the day.

I caught a bit of Queens of the Stone Age and was enjoying it. It was great to see them rocking out but unfortunately their set overlapped with Depeche Mode who were absolutely fantastic. Dave Gahan's voice sounds exactly how it did back in the 80s, I was very impressed. What was especially interesting was how they updated the arrangement of some of their older songs to make them sound more modern, instead of sticking with the now-dated production. They're dedicated musicians through and through, and put on a great show.

Somehow, after all of that, I even managed to go to another gig! After each day of the festival there are several official ACL aftershows at different venues around Austin to give you an opportunity to either see people again or catch bands you may have missed. I really love FIDLAR so I jumped at the opportunity to see them and The Orwells play again. There'll be another post dedicated just to that experience.


All in all, this year's ACL was one of the best. I'd highly recommend this music festival in the future as it's a lot of fun.

Holly Spidle

What to expect at Gathering Festival 2013

After a storming outing last year, Gathering Festival returns to Oxford for its second time to present us with lavish musical gifts. This year taking place on Saturday 19th October 2013, the line-up is nailed to match the impressive wave of last year (2012 included Dry The River, Bastille, Peace and The Staves).

The city all-dayer is host to an array of talent running through a variety of wonderful venues including St. John the Evangelist, the Truck Store and the impressive O2 Academy. The whole day is at an accessible price of £25 and with such a remarkable line-up (depicted below), it is an event that should cement itself on your calendar. The day plays host to many internationally recognised bands as well as local circuit outfits, including the cinematic indie rockers Local Natives; neo-psychedelic rockers Temples; blissfully breezy guitar pop from Wolf Alice; and London Grammar’s captivating balletic balladry. Others include Drenge, Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs and Port Isla.

With many hard choices to be made on the day, here’s my pick of the five (maybe lesser-known) bands that should not be missed.

1. Troumaca
Named after a West Indian village on the island of St. Vincent, Birmingham based Troumaca mix both the best bits of the UK bass culture and great songwriting with the gospel musical space melting pot of the Caribbean. With an instantly loveable sound advertising soulful harmonies, tropical swing and technical cleanliness; this band are sure to make a big mark on the market. With an outstanding live show and a massive recently released debut album (‘The Grace’), this is one set I cannot wait to see.



2. Dancing Years
Leeds based five-piece Dancing Years deal less in upbeat and grooviness, more in soaring orchestral beauty drafting passion and sentiment. Their debut single ‘Here’s To My Old Friends’ is a perfect example of the gently building idea that grows into a raucous reality. Described as “stirring, melancholic campfire sing-alongs” by Q Magazine, this young band are one to tug at your heartstrings and induce even the most obscure to sing along.



3. Ruen Brothers
Think Roy Orbison vocals, Walker Brothers turtlenecks with a dramatic 60s wall of sound. All this amalgamates to give the Ruen Brothers (just as the name is an amalgamation of the Stansall brother’s names Rupert and Henry). Debut song ‘Aces’ is a tremendous display of twanging guitars and savage harmonica; with ‘Blood Runs Wild’ reaching Zane Lowe track of the week status. Signing to major label Universal-Island, they’ll soon be known so make sure you check them out before they get big.



4. Waxhatchee
2013 has already been a whirlwind for Katie Crutchfield. After the release of album number two under the signature Waxahatchee last month, she was met with immediate critical acclaim from Pitchfork and NPR. Katie is a natural writer, specialising in confessional pop and has a cultish following after creating many bands (most famous – P.S. Eliot) that signify the underground movement. Going alone under Waxahatchee brings lo-fi acoustic guitar-pop made for the UK market – this will be one hell of a performance.



5. Chlöe Howl
Filled with youthful enthusiasm and with a genuine sparkle in her eye, Chlöe Howl exudes Kate Nash levels of attitude attached with Calvin Harris’ creation and skill, a combination that simply cannot fail to provide a thrilling show. Drenched with personality, punchy, sweary lyrics and funky rhythms that are impossible to ignore, I guess she is going to go very far in the future, do not miss her appearance at Gathering.



Check out the site now - [SITE]

Written by Richard Maver

Top 10 Acts to See at Austin City Limits 2013

This year Austin City Limits has expanded to two weekends with nearly identical lineups. The first weekend is October 4-6 and is sold out. The second weekend is October 11-13 and at the time of posting tickets are still available. As this is one of my favourite festivals and I'm going first weekend, I put together a list in no particular order of 10 acts that I think you should see at ACL.

I make no guarantees but I will try and tweet while I'm at the festival, if you're interested you can follow me here! 

1. Arctic Monkeys
I love them to death and cannot wait to see them again. They've got a new album out that's quite good, they're at the top of their game right now, don't miss them. I know they're playing at the same time as Vampire Weekend but seriously that shouldn't even be a conflict for you. AM all the way.

2. FIDLAR
They're skater punks from California that will deliver a fast, frantic live show you really shouldn't miss. Also they're friends with Kate Nash and their friendship just makes me so happy.

3. Jake Bugg

A really great young singer/song writer and I'm so exited that he's touring America. He's incredibly talented and really worth a look.

4. Grimes

She's got a wonderful haunting vocal style with a cool electro vibe. I really love her quirky style and I'm excited to get a chance to see her.

5. Kendrick Lamar

There's always at least one or two rap acts at ACL, and they usually are smart picks that go over well. Kendrick Lamar is becoming a major force in the US rap scene, and he's got some great social commentary tracks as well.

6. Queens of the Stone Age

Josh Homme and co are back with a great stormer of an album. They're a truly great rock band and should translate well to a festival setting. Unfortunately their set conflicts with Depeche Mode but it's worth dropping by at least for a bit.

7. Depeche Mode

Why? Because it's Depeche Mode! They're legends and have inspired so much of the music we listen to today. Plus they're on at the same time as Muse, who I really dislike and play this festival all the time. You know what to do.

8. The Cure


A lot of the same reasons I used above also apply here. They're great, you know a lot of their songs, just do it. Plus they're at the same time as Kings of Leon, who let's be honest, really aren't that great. They've got a 2 hour set and I just can't wait to see what all they do with it.

9. Franz Ferdinand



Their new album is some of the best material I've heard from them in a long time, and their live shows are always fun. It seems like it's been a long time since we last heard from them, but I feel it was well worth the wait.

10. Haim

Personally, I haven't had much luck getting into their music, but I'm still going to recommend them. They seem like really awesome people and I'm going to try and drop by their set.

Holly Spidle

Ibiza Rocks confirm more names for shows!

The show that's ran in tandem with Mallorca Rocks has announced more names for the sun filled mini-festival.

Bands confirmed so far are Beady Eye, Biffy Clyro, Jake Bugg, Foals, The Vaccines, The Courteeners and AlunaGeorge, as well as new favepurites London Grammar along with breaking talent - such as Temples and Palma Violets.

Glastonbury announces 2013 line-up

Here is who they've booked so far!

Caitlin Rose announces headline show at Shepherds Bush Empire & UK festival dates

After a breathtaking performance at a sold-out Dingwalls last month where The Independent said “her gorgeously wounded voice is a thing of beauty... a never less than compelling set”, Caitlin Rose has announced she will play London's Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 12th September, alongside festival dates at End of The Road & Festival No.6.

UK Dates:
Sun 1 Sep End Of The Road festival
Thu 12 Sep London Shepherd's Bush Empire
Fri 13 Sep Manchester Ritz
Sat 14 Sep Festival No.6 Portmeirion

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Band of Horses announce Somerset House headline show!

Band of Horses have announced they will headline London’s historic Somerset House on 12th July as part of the venue Summer Series. The band, currently on tour in America in support of their critically-acclaimed fourth album Mirage Rock, will also headline The Green Man festival on Saturday 17th August.

Tickets for the Summer Series at Somerset House go on sale on Friday 15th March at 9am and are priced at £27.50 (plus booking fee) and are available from www.somersethouse.org.uk

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Deap Vally announce headline show at Scala!

Deap Vally have confirmed a London headline show for this May. Following last month’s superb, sold-out Dingwalls show, the band will return to play London’s Scala on May 22nd with support from The Family Rain.

The confirmation of May’s Scala show follows last night’s announcement that Deap Vally will appear on the Radio 1/NME Stage at this year’s Reading and Leeds Festivals.

Tickets for Deap Vally at The Scala on May 22nd will go on general sale this Friday (March 15th), at 9am, priced at £11, from the link at the bottom of the post.

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Tickets / Deap Vally @ Scala, May 22nd

Alt-J confirm themselves for Glastonbury 2013

At the Brits last night the band accidentaly spilled the beans on weather they'll be playing the festival, and as we know now they shall be gracing the fields come June. However, Glastonbury Festival is yet to officially confirm any acts for this year's even.

Check back in the coming days and weeks to find out more on Glastonbury 2013.

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Arctic Monkeys to be rumoured for Glastonbury 2013

The band could be set to play Friday night on the Pyramid Stage, The Sun has mentioned that they've been confirmed and the paper also reports that The Rolling Stones and Mumford and Sons are lined up to top the bill.

We shall announce it when it becomes official, so watch this space.

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Coachella 2013 announces line-up

The wait is over after Coachella announced its 2013 line-up overnight.

Friday night looks set to be the British double-header with The Stone Roses and Blur headlining along with performances from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Phoenix and The XX. Notable bands from Saturday include The Postal Service, Franz Ferdinand, Two Door Cinema Club, Bat For Lashes and Foals. With Red Hot Chili Peppers  headlining the Sunday bill with Vampire Weekend.

Pre-sale tickets are nearly sold-out, but if you are heading out to Coachella this April tickets will go on sale Tuesday 29th January.