The Mandigans, 1st July 2009, Manchester Arndale

Not the biggest or most popular venue in the city but that didn’t matter to the plucky lads from Manchester.




Playing to a shopping ‘mall’ is one of the more popular ways a young band can break Stateside so why not here in Blighty? As soon as The Mandigans started playing their track Girl Next Door anyone walking by had to stop and listen.

The boys played about six songs from their self titled debut album. The band's style of indie pop music didnt disappoint, especially with the younger fans. The boys formed in 2007 with initial members Henry and George Flint and over time grew in their number with the addition of four more. With influences such as Oasis, The Artic Monkeys and Kings of Leon it's possible that the lads are heading in the right direction and I can see them playing much larger venues in future.

The band can next be seen playing more conventional surroundings at Stoke House on September 5th in Stoke Newington, London.

www.myspace.com/themandigans

Words: Ibrahim Aziz

Photographs: Simon Lee

www.myspace.com/strangelovephotography

The Assassination Of..., 22nd June 2009, Liverpool Masque

The Assassination Of... are currently halfway through a national tour. I caught up with them at the Barfly. Or is it Masque now? The signs still say Barfly. It's all a bit confusing.

To add to my confusion I walked in to find some really young kids playing serious Slayer-style metal. Edge of Apocalypse really impressed me with their technical skill – despite being clearly too young to go to the bar they were pulling off some complex time signature changes and their guitarists were ripping it to shreds. They did drive off some of the less robust members of the crowd, but I think with a different audience they'd get a warmer reception. With time to hone their sound and stagecraft they could be really successful. Someone to keep an eye on for the future for sure.

I listened to The Assassination Of...'s myspace before the gig, and they sounded quite reminiscent of Alkaline Trio. Live though they ripped the place to shreds, straddling the line between Alkaline Trio and Helmet. They played with a palpable energy and tightness and their songs have a great mix of dynamics, the quieter parts just making the heavier parts more hard-hitting. They started the set with their heaviest numbers, a good choice since the crowd got right into it. I really liked Pain Is Done, one of their slower songs but it had some nice chuggy guitars and harmonies in the best emo tradition. The audience was somewhat sparse but I'm assuming that's a Monday night thing as they certainly deserve to be heard by a wider audience.

They played quite a short set as they've got a new drummer and he didn't know all the songs yet, which just means next time they're in Liverpool they'll be even better. Hopefully next time the home crowd will be out in full force.

I was pleasantly surprised by The Assassination Of, they've got great stage presence, they're all really solid musicians, and they whipped out some really tasty riffs.

www.myspace.com/taoprofile

Words and photographs: Niall Quinlan

Mission Babies, 13th June 2009, Liverpool Academy

The O2 Academy is remarkably empty on this Saturday evening which does surprise me even though I know that Mission Babies are a rather small local band…still – hopefully for not much longer though.

I haven’t heard much about them and all I know is that they are a Liverpool band. So the big amount of what are obviously friends, family and other people the band know seems natural.

When Mission Babies step on stage I am pleased to see a four piece band which – it might sound strange but it is true – looks refreshingly normal. They are all wearing causal clothes, bringing a beer on stage and just look so much like me and you that I can’t help smiling. They literally could be the lads from next door, who I would never expect to play in a band. Never go for looks though as we all know.

After a short welcome the band start off and within seconds I am as frenetic as their friends. The sheer immediate energy and power of their music takes me aback and I can only stand, watch and listen. No time for thoughts and first reflections on what I think about them. This will all follow after the gig when I fully realise what I have just experienced. Their music requires all my attention, all my senses and I find myself diving into a musical experience of some quality. Sheer energy and power wouldn’t cause me to drive into another sort of space though. It’s the melodic quality together with this very emotional and honest touch despite the raw power. This band is really passionate about every single note, every single beat and every single verse they play and sing, and that can be heard.

Singer Kenny Van Johnston sings with so much heart and emotion but still manages to sound like a rock singer. In fact this can be said of all members of the band. The guitar riffs and solos are as virtuoso as they are melodic and never stumble on the way through this difficult balance which could easily drift onto one of the two sides. The same can be said of the drum beats and I am particularly impressed by the bass lines. Playing bass myself I am very conscious about them and I am not disappointed. The lines are intelligent and not just consisting of four notes but still as rhythmic as you expect them to be of a bass player and I find myself just admiring them for a few songs. One song that particularly stands out is Hard To Find Love which sounds very much like a proper rock song at first but turns out to have a romantic quiet part as well just to become even more powerful and driving than before.

After a very good set and unfortunately without encore Mission Babies leave the stage to pack up and say hello to everyone they know. It’s a mixture between a very familiar and relaxed but nevertheless very professional atmosphere. How long they will be able to keep it like that, I don’t know. Mission Babies might well become very successful.

www.myspace.com/missionbabies

Words: Nadja Zink

Paolo Nutini, 11 June 2009, Preston 53 Degrees

Just witnessing the eclectic mix of people in the well sized, but cosy venue of 53 Degrees, Preston, illustrated the consistent and growing popularity of the Scottish Paolo Nutini. Paolo, after just three years has grown with considerable esteem. With two albums under his belt, the second Sunny Side Up (released on the 1st June) was showcased at the gig and it truly captured the mellow maturity and breaking away from his naive and angst first album. The songs themselves are undeniably seeped with influences of blues, folk and soul. The numbers are timeless capsules of a growing artist whose musical journey has only just seem to begun. From Sunny Side Up the audience, from the youthful fourteen year old girls, singing up to the star with great passion in their eyes to the middle aged couples towards the back bopping and mouthing the words, it is undeniable that the cool, deep tones of Paolo’s voice touches upon and brings together generations through his soulful endeavours.

As a performance, the gig was perfect. The 21 year old stuck to his timeless classics that achieved his founding success with the toe tapping: New Shoes, a newly spun: Jenny Don’t Be Hasty and the heart rendering yet original Paolo: Last Request. Paolo’s sundry of songs showcased a variety of sentiment: from the downright exuberant to the soul-rendering ballads, the singer/songwriter managed to engage his audience with his finesse and presence on stage. The mood throughout was one of lingering excitement and a great hubbub of electricity filled the room as Paolo and Co. jived with energy and passion.

Candy, the newly released single, was welcomed with open arms. The first taste of his album of transition instantly and simultaneously recognised by the audience, they prove that Paolo is not just a young man a great talent that has sought the limelight only to be washed up after a first attempt; but a more enduring, enchanting musician with a unique ability to affect so many despite his own forthcomings as a young man. Sunny Side Up showcased a lovely bundle. Instantly, the song Sleepwalking was feasted on and devoured by the audience, famished for more Paolo. They, in true gig fashion, demanded more of the slick tones and organic melodies and, as a true master of his art, Paolo gave it to them. The evening ended on a rolling high, filled with the philosophies of the Scottish singer, the lovestruck teenyboppers secured their set lists and the crowd hummed and chanted their way to the exits, not quite knowing what they were humming to, but knowing that it would definitely be one for the playlist.

http://www.paolonutini.com/

Words: Laura Richardson

Pictures: Hannah Dornford-May

http://www.hdminfo.com/

The Jacs, 6th June 2009, Liverpool Academy

While everything and everyone seems to be drowned in indie music nowadays The Jacs come from a completely different direction musicwise. The four piece band describe their music as original 60’s style and when they kick off their set shortly after ten everyone who didn’t know before definitely knows now. They certainly do not fit in any sort of contemporary genre: Their sound is proper old style.

Being a local band from Liverpool a lot of people are among the crowd who obviously know them and have heard them before even though they are an unsigned band. I can make out quite a few cheers calling names of the band members and everyone seems to be in a good mood – it’s Saturday night after all.

The interesting thing about The Jacs is that their sound could really come from the 60’s and if you listened to them on a record you probably wouldn’t even think about the possibility that this has actually been written in the two years since they formed in early 2007.

Michael Jones and Kieran Ferguson share the singer and guitarist position which is an enrichment – their voices being rather different. Ferguson’s voice reminds me in fact a little of John Lennon in certain songs but that might be a bit too much of a comparison with The Beatles – which inevitably pops up in my head and I am certainly not the only one. Coming from Liverpool and being compared to The Beatles, is that a compliment? Or the opposite? You may judge that for yourself, I am pleased to hear some differences as well. The Jacs may have a similar kind of sound but their songs are still different in a way that is difficult to describe. The songs are somewhat more psychedelic but still pop songs and don't really anything in common with rock’n’roll.

But let’s forget about The Beatles comparisons and focus on The Jacs and their set on this evening. They play a couple of new songs which keep in line with the style of their old and better known ones. Since they are playing a home gig many people know older songs like Every Now And Then and sing the lyrics together with Ferguson. This song is also one early highlight after which we get to hear Jones and Ferguson in two acoustic songs. According to Jones this is the first time they are doing this and I think they should be encouraged by this first time. A somehow melancolic but not sad mood accompanies these two songs of which Best I Can Do stands out particularly.

Then bassist Steven Penn and drummer Ian Bicker join the other two on stage again and we hear a few more songs of which I especially like If Only For You sounding very heartfelt and personal but not in any way cheesy. It’s one on of the last songs they play and after what can’t have been more than a good thirty minutes The Jacs thank the crowd with a “Cheers” and the four lads with long hair, striped shirts and a bass that – sorry I have to say it – looks like the one Paul McCartney used to play disappear behind the stage. The Jacs are definitely a rather unique band nowadays.

www.myspace.com/thejacsmusic

Words: Nadja Zink

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, 5th June 2009, Liverpool Academy

One reveller said to me on arrival “It’s like Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio from Black Sabbath, then throw in Jimmy Page from Led Zepplin – the best of metal - well this is the punk equivalent of those three greats”. I can’t vouch for that not being a big metal fan myself – but Me First and the Gimme Gimmes do have three of punk's greats in their band – Mike Burkett front man of NOFX, Chris Shiflett, Foo Fighters guitarist and the drummer from Lagwagon. Having got together in the mid-nineties to have a laugh and bring some fun back to gigging.

The band strolled on in their trademark Hawaiian shirts, lead singer Spike wearing aviators, a white dinner jacket, pinky ring and carrying what looked like a pina colada – to the announcement of “who wants to buy some coke?" This sent the audience crazy. The band are very giving of themselves – they have formed to have a laugh and you get the impression that they are enjoying themselves as much as the audience. Spontaneous hugs between band members, play fighting, taking the piss out of each other and heckling the audience.

They played 18 songs and three for the encore, usually announcing before each one “this is a cover” as if we didn’t already know. They sang everything from Over the Rainbow, Summer Time, Beach Boys numbers, Bond theme tunes, Simon and Garfunkel and the crazy thing is they all sounded like they were supposed to be sung that way. Often starting with the songs normal intro and then kicking in with the punk riffs, there was a healthy gaggle of moshing by track three. The atmosphere was amazing, Spike is an incredible show man – he would have you believe its chemically induced, due to his constant references to cocaine, “wanna dress as good as us, take cocaine”, of his white drink “this is vodka coke”, but this could all be clever rock and roll tactic to rile the audience and it worked.

They did give the audience everything they wanted in a gig, a piece of the band, the best songs from across every genre of music – and the obligatory Beatles cover (All My Lovin) essential when gigging in Liverpool. A fantastic gig, one I won’t forget in a long while.

http://www.gimmegimmes.com/

Words: Faye Boyland

Photographs: Niall Quinlan

Lost and Found, 30th May 2009, Manchester Night and Day

An evening plagued with unfortunate technical difficulties was opened up by No Flash, a four piece rock band from sunny Manchester. No Flash are well regarded in local musical circles, and tunes such as Cheap Champagne and Shadows were pretty impressive in terms of vocal range and bluesy guitar movements. The set was somewhat low key however, and arguably lacked a little in stage presence and energy, though this could perhaps be explained by the sparse early turn out - after all, who could blame the majority of the nation for staying in to watch Simon Cowell further swell his over sized coffers? I'd like to see more of No Flash, largely because I don't think this set particularly did them justice, and a larger, more interactive crowd might well bring out greater energy in their performance.

Lost Knives were next on stage, and lifted the tempo somewhat, displaying passionate and vibrant electro inspired tracks. For a band whose first gig was only two months ago, the set was remarkably well put together. All four band members contributed to an energetic set which contained some decent instrumental interludes and transitions from high to low tempo tunes. Out of Touch is a particularly catchy head banger, and the quirkiness of Lost Knives gives them the kind of edge which is important in making lasting impressions on audience members. A particularly decent set from them.

May 68's performance was unfortunately tarnished by technical difficulties, which neither the band nor the stage crew were able to resolve. Despite the issues which obviously hampered the electro pop group's performance, some wicked bass lines and funky dance-inspiring numbers were still churned out. This is the kind of band which is not out of place either at a rock festival in England or in a club playing only Belgian house music; the versatility of their sound is undeniable. The vocal range was wide, and the synthesis of pop and rock genres came across well despite the difficulties which arose, which made finding a flow between tracks impossible. May 68 are a good disco pop act - definitely worth a watch at one of their upcoming shows.

The evening was rounded off by Preston four piece Team Waterpolo, who were frankly superb. The set absolutely flew by, with all the charisma and high tempo beats which tracks such as Room 44 imply. Elements of electro greats Daft Punk and the Beastie Boys could be seen in Team Waterpolo's set, yet their own unique sound resonated well beyond the premature close of their set. With a summer performance at Glastonbury festival on the cards, I genuinely expect Team Waterpolo to continue getting bigger and bigger over the next few months. The crowd had been building up all evening until Night and Day was rammed for this performance, and their set demonstrated exactly why this was. Fred Davis led well from the front, and the new album will certainly be highly anticipated. Despite the fact that their encore was cut short, Team Waterpolo finished off a memorable evening with a truly impressive performance.

http://www.myspace.com/noflashtheband

http://www.myspace.com/lostknivesband

http://www.myspace.com/may68uk

http://www.myspace.com/teamwaterpolo

http://www.myspace.com/lostandfoundlive

Words: Edward Foster

The Jessie Rose Trip, Hungry Pigeon Festival, Manchester Mint Lounge, 24th May 2009

Around the corner from the indie kids on Oldham Street, something quirky and beautiful was evolving in the dark basement of the Mint Lounge. With all the savvy of a private party and a pricey bottle bar to match, a more thoughtful crowd sat on the floor and wooden tables, politely waiting for The Jessie Rose Trip to adorn the stage with flowers and tune up their strings.

The band already has the backing of the Manchester music scene, becoming firm favourites of the likes of Clint Boon and Badly Drawn Boy. Jessie Rose, an ex-casino singer in vintage garb and her band of cute misfits bring the crowd forward as they tinkle keyboards and bass through an amiable compere.

Rose’s sound is intricately bluesy, soulful and sweetly raw, sitting alongside the voices of Amy Winehouse and Adele as anomalies of their generation. The swirling trumpets and slapping basslines of Doolally would easily fit in a time of smoky bars, good whisky and Nina Simone.

The band play for each other as well as the crowd, exchanging doe-eyed glances as they work through swinging instrumentals, giggling as new boy Johnny ‘Tiger’ Thomson slips up on his Moog. They announce their recently released single, Forever and a Day. The track is a surprisingly soft choice for a band with a brassy sound but resonates well with harmonies from the whole of the band.
Like finding a dusty brooch in the attic, The Jessie Rose Trip has a junk-shop quality that would be difficult to manufacture. Even when they become more polished by slicker gigs, they will still have the tattered edges that make them all the more enticing to listen to.

www.myspace.com/thejessierosetrip

Words: Gill Ripley

Liverpool Sound City 2009, Liverpool, 20th - 23rd May 2009

Liverpool Sound City returned to Liverpool once again for a musical extravaganza spread out over four days throughout the city centre. With unknown acts, local bands, well established bands and even a Hollywood A List actress offering her musical talents ,all performing in venues as diverse as the music on offer, you would be hard pushed not to find someone to suit your musical taste. This really does make you realise why Liverpool is so synonymous with music.

I’ve already written about a few of the really big highlights of the Festival but just to recap, Kof, Juliette Lewis and The Zutons were absolutely amazing and it's fantastic to say that two of these are homegrown. I know it’s rare to see The Zutons and Juliette Lewis perform here, but Kof is one person who performs around Liverpool on a regular basis and is a must see for anyone with a love for live music.

As I said, there was so many gigs to try to fit in I’ve picked out a couple of what I consider the best of the rest.

To start with was Kav, a man who, to be fair, had a fair bit to live up to seeing as he has been touted as the “latter day Jagger” by a certain music magazine. I have to admit, he definitely wasn’t what I expected, there was no sign of tight pants and the pout, yes I know I maybe shouldn’t have had the full Jagger image in my head but it does tend to happen when he’s being compared to him.

Anyway, back to Kav. He plays mean moody rock with a bit of gruff blues thrown in for good measure. To say he’s Jagger-esque is definitely misleading, this man has the husky nasally tones of Bob Dylan for sure and his political yet poetic lyrics only enhance this. With a band that had only been together for several days (yes days!) they blasted their way through every track as though they'd been together for years. Special kudos to the multi talented drummer, who not only played his drums, but sang and played tambourine as well, even all at the same time when called for. Kav was playing Parr Street Studios whicha as a venue stood out the most with its laid back ambience and eclectic style. It also has an amazing history - some of the most famous bands in the world have recorded here over the years. This place should be checked out if you love accoustic sets from all genres (www.parrstreet.co.uk for those who are interested).

Of the other venues the O2 Academy had the most on offer. With Little Boots and White Lies both playing at the same time, it was difficult to decide who to see more. We ended up running up and down the stairs from track to track but I have to say I much preferred Little Boots and can see why she is going to be the next big thing, with a gorgeous voice, and exuding character, this girl really knew how to put on a show. With her dirty disco pop fuelled songs I dare anyone not to like her. As for White Lies, they were good and definitely put on a polished show, but with definite reminiscences of Joy Division and not much character coming from them I am glad I spent that little bit longer listening to Little Boots.

Which brings me to the worst bit, which I’m afraid happened at the Little Boots after show party. Having only just bought a pint, there really was no escape at all from what I was about to witness.

That was Chew Lips, a very strange threesome, with a female lead singer and two male guitarists/keyboard players. This had to be quite possibly the worst thing I have seen since I started reviewing for guestlist. With the two lads looking like they were playing Daley Thompson’s decathalon via the keyboards and the lead singer howling like a cat being skinned alive, I’m surprised I managed to finish my pint as quickly as I did as my ear drums went into shock, closely followed by the rest of me. Then just when I thought things couldn’t get worse they announced an album was being released. Will this horror never end. They can only be compared to true Eighties pop hell!

Thankfully it did end. With drink now gone I more or less sprinted out of there for the sanctity of decent music, which was, thankfully to be found everywhere else.

All in all, apart from the horror of Chew Lips, this was a fantastic if not tiring four days but so well worth it. If you have any love of music this is one festival that you should try to get to as well. I can’t wait till next year to do it all over again.

www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk

Words: Alison Lennon

Photographs: Tom Lennon

Photographs: Hannah Dornford-May

www.hdminfo.com

The Zutons, Liverpool Sound City, 23rd May 2009

Gaymers cider brought The Zutons back to their hometown on Saturday night as part of the Gaymers Grassroots Gigs and the closing night of Liverpool Sound City. This was a one off exclusive, intimate gig for a small crowd of just 600 fans in the city’s famous St Georges Hall.

It wasn’t just the crowd who were looking forward to this with eager anticipation as Dave McCabe, lead singer of the group comments, “It’s always a pleasure to play in Liverpool, the last time we played here was at Anfield and the Arena……….But I think this gig will be different ‘cos of the intimacy of St Georges………….it’s always fun to play smaller places, it’ll be interesting and a good one to be at.”

He was definitely right about it being a good one. St Georges Hall was an ideal venue for this gig as The Zutons kicked off their performance with firm favourite Why Won’t You Give Me Your Love. With McCabe’s trade mark gravelled voice and Abi’s full on dirty sax tones, this had the makings of a gig that wasn’t going to disappoint and they certainly didn’t.

From the word go the crowd were bouncing along and singing along to every song, one blonde haired lady on the balcony was especially energetic in this and even warranted a comment from McCabe, who dedicated a song to her, due to her enthusiasm. This was the only crowd interaction from McCabe who occasionally seemed a bit lacklustre at times, but the rest of the band certainly weren’t, especially Abi Harding who danced away with so much enthusiasm, even while playing the sax, it was clear she was enjoying every moment of the performance and quite possibly made the night.

They showcased old favourites from their first two albums, with Zuton Fever and the obligatory Valerie (still the far superior version) bringing the house down, they also played new tracks 2.0.4 and Just You Wait, which the crowd readily accepted and enjoyed. The final song for the night, Always Right Behind You, seemed to come along far too quickly but couldn’t have been a better choice and ?The Zutons definitely made the most of it with a full on dirty jazzed, guitar thrashing, drum beating finale, which just left you wanting more.

http://www.thezutons.com/

Words: Alison Lennon

Photographs: Tom Lennon

Lost Calm, 22nd May 2009, Hungry Pigeon, Manchester Dry Bar

In the midst of any inner city music festival, it’s commonplace to end up with a fistful of demos, badges and other pleading promotions from the hundreds of unsigned artists clamouring for an ear. It was therefore intriguing to find a couple of flimsy flyers placed discreetly on the bar by the relatively unknown Lost Calm.

The Oldham-based band drew a generous crowd to the second stage, an encouraging sign for a bar with three stages running simultaneously. Created from former members of The Cut and My Captive Audience, the lads appeared composed and self—assured, despite their fledgling status and a handful of live performances under their belts.

Their opening was well-received, as feet shuffled forwards to hear Forever Silenced. Wayne Welch delivered his lyrics confidently, focusing on the quality of his sound rather than pulling the high-kicks and japery of the more imposing frontman. Clocks Scream proved to be soaring yet melancholic, balancing a tightrope of brooding bassline with heavy and poignant lyrics.

The set concluded with The Butterfly Effects, a song which served to elevate the band above some of the more trivial content seen on some of the other stages so far. The crowd stayed until the end and with what they had heard. Intelligent, relevant and exuding cohesion beyond their time together, Lost Calm made a resonant impact at Dry Bar, even if their advertising didn’t.

http://www.myspace.com/lostcalm

Words: Gill Ripley

All the Kings Men, Hungry Pigeon, Manchester Urbis, 22nd May 2009

As URBIS opened its doors to the opening night of The Hungry Pigeon Festival, I was there to see All The King’s Men who, despite battling against the poor acoustics and lack of atmosphere in this ultra modern, open-spaced venue, won the battle and entertained and delighted all who came to watch.

This was a truly Mancunian night and from the opening South Of The City to the closing Leaving You For Manchester we laughed, danced, cheered and sang along to all the words, swaying arms aloft, hands complete with cans of beer while cutting Madness type shapes on the floor. The guy’s unique blend of ska / punk continued throughout delighting fans and new converts alike.

It's natural to be drawn to frontman Martin Mildenhall with his best party moves and cheeky banter with the crowd, but you can't ignore the other guys. There were four charismatic personalities each owning their bit of the stage, yet every one of them contributing to each other’s performance. They entertained and reached out to everyone in the room, and as the set continued the barrier between stage and floor seemed to dissolve into one big raucous party.

My only criticism of the gig is the venue, URBIS with its high open plan ceiling loses sound like a wire basket loses water, the lighting although not bright, didn't create any atmosphere but against all the odds All The King’s Men succeeded in turning the modern and ultra clinical URBIS into a dirty pub and bouncing room like only they can. I for one, and I'm sure I was not alone, left that night happier and bouncier than when I went in. I defy anyone not to come away from one of their gigs in a bloody good mood.

http://www.myspace.com/allthekingsmenweb

Words: Kim Etheridge

Photographs: Simon Lee

www.myspace.com/strangelovephotography

The Vortex, Manchester Moho Live, 22nd May 2009

Moho, stands in the shadow of one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks, Affleck’s Palace and was host to a rare Manchester appearance for one of her most iconic emerging bands, The Vortex.

Inside it was wall-to-wall bodies, and more sweat than a Swedish sauna filled the room as a pulsating instrumental, undeniably The Vortex, opened to an empty stage. All present hung on every loop, guitar riff and beat in excited anticipation and after what was a perfectly timed build up The Vortex swaggered on like superstars, bathed in search lights to the sound of air raid sirens, the atmosphere was electric.

Throwing the rule book away and kicking off the set with a new tune, Moondog, rather than a familiar crowd pleaser might have been considered a brave move and could easily have alienated the crowd, instead it was utter genius, it hooked us right in and kept us hanging there for the rest of the night.

They stormed through the rest of the set with relentless attitude and purpose to a sea of waving hands and swaying bodies cutting their moves on any tiny, cramped bit of available floor right through to a volcanic reception for the last song, Dirty Soul. And just when you thought you’d reached the epicentre of the vortex, out came the encore and we were taken kicking and screaming into Oblivions …. now if Dirty Soul didn’t register on the Richter Scale then Oblivions definitely did and it was fantastic to have the famous Mike Price Rap right back in there at the end!

Tonight The Vortex were visually awesome and maxed out with what has to be the most explosive sound system in Manchester so much so that they ran out of decibels, they put the ‘S’ in swagger the ‘A’ in attitude and the ‘C’ in cool with all the hallmarks of a world class band.

Comparisons have been made to past masters and the obvious Manchester music ancestry, but The Vortex have never been about retro. Even with the inclusion of Bonehead in the line-up, they are no Oasis wannabe’s … they are right here, right now and I strongly recommend that you check out their up coming tour and grab yourself your very own piece of history in the making…. oh and put yer dancing shoes on cos you’re gonna need em!

www.myspace.com/thevortexmanchester

Words: Kim Etheridge

Photographs: Simon Lee

www.myspace.com/strangelovephotography

Juliette Lewis, Liverpool Sound City, 21st May 2009

It's not everyday a Hollywood star comes to a university in Liverpool, nor would you expect a Hollywood star to come and sing at such a venue but we are talking about Juliette Lewis here. Formerly she was Juliette Lewis and the Licks, these days she is Juliette Lewis and The New Romantiques but the raw and edgy sound hasn’t dissipated.

Juliette, acting like a female Mick Jagger, dominated the stage and at times you completely forgot there were actually another 4 members of the band on stage with her. You can’t take your eyes off the jumping, leering and, at times, insane Miss Lewis. At 35 she was more energetic than someone half her age. Even though at times she seemed a little unsure to what type of gig she had turned up to and, at one point, asked the audience for confirmation that they had actually turned up to party and not stand around looking at “that women from dusk till dawn”!

Introducing a new sound to the set which, at times, was a little more mellow than we have become accustomed to, worked and didn’t lose the attention of the crowd for a second. At one point Juliette came down to the front of the stage to encourage everyone to kiss the person to their left on the cheek and even allowed some lucky people to kiss her cheek in response. All of which made the moment like a love fest from the 1960s

This, combined with a couple of blues numbers and more sedated sounds, showed a new direction. A sense that her lyrics and sound are becoming a little more rounded and robust with more thought and emotion being portrayed through the songs themselves

The old favourites from the days of The Licks were played, much to the delight of the crowd. Tracks like Sticky Honey, Hot Kiss going down an absolute storm and ending on the riotous You’re Speaking My Language this is one lady who may be criticised for being a Hollywood star wanting to be a rock star but definitely cannot be criticised for someone with no raw talent, stage presence and energy, all of which she has in abundance.

http://www.myspace.com/juliettelewis

Words: Alison Lennon

Photographs: Tom Lennon

Kof, Liverpool, 20th and 21st May 2009

This weekend provided a busy schedule for Liverpool’s Kof. Playing at Alma De Cuba, as part of Sound City Festival on Friday night and Hub festival on the Saturday afternoon , and as each venue was so different they provided a veritable showcase for this young man’s talent. Having already seen Kof play at the MAPS Festival at the beginning of May, to say I was looking forward to see what he had to offer in his own city was an understatement.

At Alma De Cuba we were introduced to his deep mellow voice that can melt even the coldest of hearts, with his own soulful version of American Boy, joined only by an acoustic guitar. Kof then cranked it up with some of the new tracks from his latest EP, The Kof EP. These tracks provided heavy bass and urban beats which bounced along in perfect synchronicity with the bouncing lyrical twists from Kof.

At Hub, we saw true energy from Kof, which seemed to pour out of every part of him. Surrounded by dancers on stage for his version of Jump Around. This gig was full on pulsating energy from start to finish and was loaded with hip hop beats and R’n’B tones. The crowd absolutely loved him and there is no disputing why. At 25, Kof has proven that he is a multi talented performer with his versatile vocals from mellow and melodic to free styling hip hop and with a massive personality to boot, he can put his own unique twist and lyrics to any song, even a Bros song!

With his EP out now and a debut album on the way in the Autumn, this is one Liverpool star who will be rising higher and higher. If you are in any doubt about this you need to get off that settee and get yourselves down to his next gig to see this true modern day performer for yourselves.

http://www.kofmusic.com/

Words: Alison Lennon

Photographs: Tom Lennon