GIG REVIEW – NOTHING BUT THIEVES – MANCHESTER VICTORIA WAREHOUSE – 14/10/21

It’s been a long time since live music was performed, at least to the extent of 3,500 capacity gigs. Only just coming back after over a year and a half of silence, concerts are anticipated and highly missed by the masses attending the events as quick as they come.

Yet, it seems these days, bands can just pick up a guitar, bass and some drums and think they’re a fully accomplished band. The thing is, there is a lot more to music than just the basis of instruments.

While harsh to say, AIRWAYS (4/10) performance was lifeless for a good four fifths of the set. No doubt they could play and sing, but is that all that makes a performance? No, its not.

Sadly, the quartet at first appeared as if they did not even want to be on stage, standing still and lifeless with the occasional movement from lead vocalist Jake Daniels, The music, while well played, came across as generic, unoriginal indie, the least they could have done is attempt to put on a show. However, this isn’t the end. With a bit of work and experimentation with stage personas, Airways can make themselves into a captivating live band.

Fresh out of the field and Covid-19 doesn’t help their situation in terms of performing and while they could have done better, it wasn’t entirely terrible. As their set progressed into their final two songs, the group finally started to come more into their element, exploring the stage more and interacting with each other much further than at the beginning of their set. It is just a shame it took a while for them to become comfortable enough to do this.

Next up, hailed as one of the UKs top rising rock bands was YONAKA (9/10). Rising through the industry in the last few years, it is easy to see how they have made it this far already. The Brighton-based quartet embraced the engaging eccentric performance they created, bringing full energy from the first second of their set.

Understandably, the crowd were hesitant to react to Yonaka, For many, this was their first large scale show in a full year and a half so getting back into the spirit of gigs is something most likely forgotten by a large proportion of the audience. Opening with ‘Seize The Power‘, the performance electrified the audience, despite the prior restraint and after three songs, its as if the hesitation never existed. . Mosh pits, jumping and pure energy throughout the entire set.

Rockstar‘ moved the crowd as a perfect way to close their set. While not as punchy and vicious as their penultimate track ‘F.W.T.B‘, the track instead brought a brilliant blend of melodic bounce, a wonderful way of bringing the crowd together for one last track.

Yonaka can control a crowd, be it the fitting light setup, the on stage connections or the fact they can perform brilliantly. Yonaka outshined the lineup and they are 100% a band to watch for certain.

Nothing But Thieves (8/10 have a clear fanbase. Selling out two nights back to back in Manchester, people knew what they were going to see.

Sadly, not every song appeared to be a hit to the audience. Aside from the obvious enjoyment for the band and music in general, energy for newer tracks such as ‘Miracle, Baby‘ left the energy lacking, both on stage and in the audience. While tracks off their latest LP ‘Moral Panic‘ went down with energetic ecstacy, unfortunately other tracks missed the mark.

Unperson‘ and ‘Phobia‘ translated much better to the stage than originally expected. From the audience, the energy, excitement and extravagance was obvious, the audience taking in every second of the concert. However, from the back it seemed almost as if something was missing from the performance as a whole. The quintet have ten years under their belt so they clearly have experience in performing, yet, there felt as if there was some unknown element they just failed to hit during the show/

The happy glances between bandmates was heartwarming to witness, the group clearly missed performing over the year, but on the other hand, the lack of humour and any sense of playful engagement made the show appear too scripted and added a lack of genuine happiness to be there. Humble thanks are always a guarantee from bands, but its the fun interactions and jokiness you often see in smaller shows that unfortunately loses its existence in such large gigs.

A long awaited concert for sure, its truly a sight to see so many eager fans connecting through music once again, especially after the lack of music as of late. Energies from the audience blew up beyond expectations during Yonaka and Nothing But Thieves, but it would have been nice to see more of a connection between the headliners and the audience together. It is something that will return with the resurgence of live music, and this was definitely one hall of a good start back into live performances.

GREYWIND – AM I ASLEEP – REVIEW

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Ethereal, atmospheric, tranquil. Irish alt-rock duo ‘Greywind’ have returned to the music scene with their brand new single ‘Am I Asleep’, four years after their debut album ‘Afterthoughts’ in 2017. Gaining a wide range of critical acclaim from their debut release, the pair took to focusing on their performances across the following years, before surprising fans with their new single in the last month.

Flowing with an openly ethereal sound, Steph’s vocals highlight a bold path, whilst still blending fluidly into the tranquillity Continue reading “GREYWIND – AM I ASLEEP – REVIEW”

11:11 ANNOUNCE UPCOMING SINGLE ‘JUST LIKE YOU’

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Macclesfield quartet 11:11 have just announced the release of their second single ‘Just Like You‘, set to drop on Friday 4th December 2020.

Slowly pushing themselves through the Manchester music scene, 11:11 have been making waves with their previous release ‘Closer’, also announcing the production of their debut release ‘Machiavellian‘ set for early 2021.

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FRACTURES IN THE SKY DROP ETHEREAL NEW ALBUM ‘INTO THE VOID’

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After creating the moniker Fractures In The Sky in 2018, musician Dan Cole has gone on to produce a plethora of music spanning the last two years, including a covers album before producing his new creation ‘Into The Void’. With the release entirely self-produced, the final product brings a thoughtful concept to the world, one of wanderlust and tranquillity.

Combining the elements of djent with the poignant components of progressive metal, Cole creates an instrumental release to keep listeners entranced for the full length of the release. Describing the track as “a love letter to the vast empty void of space”, Cole enthrals listeners into the reverie of the ‘void’, incorporating ambience and electronic aspects to truly explore the open themes of the album. Creating an entire universe for the listener to progress, there is much to be enjoyed throughout.

Albums don’t need lyrics to tell a story, “Into The Void” proves this without fault.

Check out Fractures Into The Sky’s “Into The Void” here!

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MOVEMENTS – NO GOOD LEFT TO GIVE – ALBUM REVIEW

movements

2017 debuted perhaps one of the best alternative-emo albums of the year. Movements’ ‘Feel Something’ made waves among the scene, paving the path for a successful string of tours and success in the years to follow.  Of course, following such a remarkable debut came with much doubt surrounding a follow-up of the same quality. ‘No Good Left to Give’, the second full-length release, certainly encapsulates the impact of the bands well acclaimed debut.

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ANNISOKAY – STFU – REVIEW

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlZ_f1KIGGE
The world is crazy now. Pandemics, fake news, you name it. Blended with a mix of emotions comes Annisokays new single ‘STFU’, first release since 2018’s ‘Arms’ (plus its instrumentals respectively) ‘STFU’ introduces Annisokay’s new harsh vocalist Rudi Schwarzer after the departure of Dave Grunewald in October 2019.

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GIG REVIEW – WATERPARKS NIGHT 2 – MANCHESTER – 30/01/20

If one night selling out in 2 hours doesnt surprise you, then perhaps 2 sold out shows in Manchester might. Returning to the UK after two years are American pop/rock/alternative neon collection of genres trio Waterparks, embarking on their newest album ‘Fandom’ tour. With night 1 appearing to be a sucess over social media, theres always a possibility of a lacking show. It is safe to say this wasn’t.

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HOLLOW I AM DROP BRUTAL EP ‘NEVERWAKE’

Nearly three years after debut release ‘Dead/sleep’, Utah rockers HOLLOW I AM are back with brand new release ‘Neverwake’.

With first single ‘Bloodletting’ setting an overall tone for the EP, the band truly “wanted to showcase a song that brings immediate chaos and energy when playing the first few notes.” – David Blake (Vocalist)

Make sure to listen to the track below and download their new EP available now!

GIG REVIEW – PRIMORDIAL SWARM – M2TM MANCHESTER 17/03/19

Primordial Swarm, one of Manchester’s growing underground slam bands are ready to spread gore across Metal 2 The Masses. Having lost two members in early February and the arrival of a new bassist, the dynamics of the band have been altered. Drawing the chance to headline and win the heat, PS are clearly ready to show you their new side.

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