I’ve just returned from the Edinburgh Festival, and it was the usual melee of lunacy, irritation and genuine beauty. On an average year, I’d cover thirty shows, but given my recent surgery, I managed a paltry five. The problem is this: despite the Free Fringe, there’s not any way for newcomers to get a chanceContinue reading “Festivals Are For Poshos, Part 2.0”
Category Archives: 2024
Lost In Music: Geneva Jacuzzi- Art Is Dangerous
Featuring cameos in the video from legendary artists of many disciplines- from Ron Athey to Drab Majesty- the new single from Geneva Jacuzzi is part manifesto,part cheeky deconstruction of art and its function in contemporary society. It’s sexy, smart and danceable. Based in Los Angeles, her work is multi-disciplinary, fusing music, visual art and performanceContinue reading “Lost In Music: Geneva Jacuzzi- Art Is Dangerous”
Album Review: Marcel Wave- Something Looming
This is a hell of a debut. Featuring members of Sauna Youth and CoId Pumas, Marcel Wave are a promising lot. Singer Maike Hale- Jones delivers witty, gobby vignettes on the state of Britain, flanked by Oliver Fisher and his bruising guitar, and organ from Lindsay Corstorphine. It’s in the grand tradition of UK post-punkContinue reading “Album Review: Marcel Wave- Something Looming”
Another Sequel..
That Nobody Asked For… Like a cup of warm vomit books by Richard Madeley, or that time that U2 gave away a free album to hapless *insert branded device here* owners , a sequel to Beetlejuice is finally upon us, apparently. Yay. Hold me back. O yes, it would appear that Tim Burton is releasingContinue reading “Another Sequel..”
Album Review: Indoor Pets- Pathetic Apathetic
Grunge influences and 90s alt rock nods are still around in contemporary music. Indoor Pets definitely channel the energy of Nirvana, Pixies and Jane’s Addiction, while retaining their own 2020s sound. It’s so well executed that it feels like a great big shot of adrenaline. ‘London’ and the title track are fuzzy, pile-driving songs asContinue reading “Album Review: Indoor Pets- Pathetic Apathetic”
Congratulations Switzerland!
Amid a political storm (Palestinian supporters were vocal in their protests outside the venue) and controversy (Netherlands artist Joost Klein was disqualified after allegedly “inappropriate behaviour” towards a camerawoman) Nemo, Switzerland ‘s entry, won with a great song and heartfelt, energetic performance. The Code, which tackles Nemo’s non -binary identity, won public and cross-continental votesContinue reading “Congratulations Switzerland!”
Steve Albini Was A Contrarian
Goodbye Steve Albini, you sonic wizard. The obituaries have rightly praised the music legend as a brilliant producer and musician. What I found most fascinating though, were his many contradictions. He wrote offensive lyrics and named his band Rapeman after the manga comic, but championed many female feminist artists. His music was pure punk; butContinue reading “Steve Albini Was A Contrarian”
Croatia For The Win!
Speaking of the Eurovision, I was sad to see Olly Alexander, the UK entry, get a kicking after the first semi-final (yes, there are two now, to prolong the agony) seemingly because of his “raunchy routine” and “wobbly vocals”. Personally, I don’t think a Trainspotting style toilet cubicle for a set helped matters much. TheContinue reading “Croatia For The Win!”
Drinking Boys And Girls Choir Are Touring!
Some exciting news from Damnably: “Following a successful 29-date North American tour supporting Otoboke Beaver, Drinking Boys and Girls Choir now have their own. Drinking Boys and Girls Choir announce thier first headlining tour in North America as their February KEXP session goes live on YouTube. https://youtu.be/rC893u7OH0Q?si=kX0NOY-C1bdBTloT Following a successful 29-date North American tour supporting OtobokeContinue reading “Drinking Boys And Girls Choir Are Touring!”
Album Review: Ora Cogan- Formless
The Canadian artist’s eighth album is a real labour of love, with contributions from Luz Elena Mendoza of Y La Bamba on the mellifluous, twisty duet’Ways Of Losing’ and LANKUM’s Cormac Mac Diarmada playing violin and viola on ‘Feel Life’. ‘Dyed ‘ feels like a folky jazz incantation with a psychedelic undertow and her newContinue reading “Album Review: Ora Cogan- Formless”
Hit The North 