…proof yet again that Brakes are possibly the most talented, versatile and (frankly) enjoyable band to slip under the general public’s musical radar.
The Rakes – Melkweg, Amsterdam 18 May 2009
The Rakes seem to be getting better with each passing year, which is a scary thought, because they’re a formidable force as it is. A force to be reckoned with.
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Charlie Parr – Roustabout
The cover drawing of a rooster is a very good visual indication of the music on this LP; namely feisty, direct, brazen and no-nonsense folk.
Skipper – Q-Bus, Leiden 22/04/09
It’s a shame for such a talented band as this one to show so little regard for stage-craft.
ATP vs. The Fans Part II: The Fans Strike Back Butlins, Minehead, Somerset, UK.
Looking back on all this fun, it’s amazing to think I managed to watch any bands. Yet, somehow, between making stoned jokes about Nazis, bellowing along to Pulp at 3 in the morning and receiving FIVE panettones on my chalet doorstep from persons unknown, I saw some pretty awesome stuff.
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Andromeda Express Mega Orchestra – Take Off!
I’m really not sure what the man behind the music, Daniel Glatzel, was looking for when he wrote the score for his very large and ‘eclectically instrumented’ band.
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Manic Street Preachers – Journal for Plague Lovers
Journal for Plague Lovers cannot help but feel like a victory, combining quiet bravery with a surefooted musicianship to fashion a classic yet contemporary sound.
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Bill Callahan – Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle
There can be few finer songwriters than Mr. Bill Callahan. It remains a source of constant wonder to me that he is not revered more highly than he is.
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The Hayley Faye Band – Baby Sleep Mode
And I’ll tell you something else, these are bloody good pop songs, simple direct, fearless and possessing a pop kick to knock you into next week.
Matteah Baim – Laughing Boy
Everything is slightly weird, and understated in its malice; Big Cat boasts the most chilling whistling committed to record…