indie live review
Live Review: Pixies / Big Special – Leeds O2 Academy 19.05.2025
Pixies and Big Special rolled into Leeds, and it was a night of both contrasts at the O₂ Academy: a blistering, opening set from The Big Special, followed by a masterclass in enigmatic cool from the Pixies. The Big Special opened the night with a performance that was nothing short of brilliant. The duo—Joe Hicklin …
Live Review: Panic Shack / The Pill – Yellow Arch, Sheffield 14.05.2025
Yellow Arch feels made for nights like this; a fine spring day and a courtyard full of anticipation as people wait to fill the main room and watch bands on the up and ready to deliver a frenetic evening of music. First up, The Pill in support. This duo from the Isle of White brought …
Live Review: Manic Street Preachers – Critical Thinking Tour, Manchester O2 Apollo, 2.5.2025
The Manic Street Preachers launched their much-anticipated ‘Critical Thinking’ tour with a sold-out show at Manchester’s O2 Apollo on May 2, 2025. Despite unforeseen delays due to a reported motorway fire and Glossop’s notorious traffic, which caused us to miss support act Honeyglaze, the evening unfolded into a triumphant celebration of the band’s enduring legacy. …
Live Review: The K’s / CVC /Passion Parade – Octagon Theatre, Sheffield 25.04.2025
words: Jim F / pictures: Huw Williams, Jim F Last Friday night saw a sold-out Octagon Theatre absolutely bouncing as The K’s headlined a blistering triple bill that left Sheffield reeling. Riding a wave of momentum, the Earlestown quartet proved exactly why they’re one of the UK’s most talked-about live bands, delivering a riotous, passionate …
Live Review: Melin Melyn / KuleeAngee – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds 23.03.2025
Words: Jim F / Photos: Huw Williams / Jim FAfter working taxing six-hour Sunday (yes, Sunday) that left me drained and irritable, the prospect of attending a gig seemed daunting. Yet, the allure of Melin Melyn performing at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club was irresistible; had it been any other band, I might have opted for …
Live Review: Painted Places / Husk / Black Fern – NE Volume, Stockton 07.02.2025
My first visit to Stockton’s finest music venue, NE Volume, this year was an interesting choice, as tonight’s triple bill turned out to be a pleasing selection. Painted Places were down as headliners, and their finely honed brand of indie drew the crowd in, but they weren’t the only ones to entertain the masses. Starting …
Live Review: The Lottery Winners / The Covasettes / Jonny Blade – O2 Academy, Leeds 27.02.2025
Words and photos by Phil Wright Thursday, 27th of February, took me to the Leeds O2 Academy for a night with ‘The Lottery Winners’. The Mancunian quartet just keep going from strength to strength with brilliant catchy songs and Thom Rylance holding an awesome stage presence. Thom’s humour is so on point, taking the mick …
Live Review: Squid – The Leadmill, Sheffield 22.02.2025
On a chilly February night, a packed out Leadmill paid host to a dynamic show by experimental post-punk outfit Squid. The band seamlessly navigated through their diverse catalogue, blending together contemplative, hypnotic and energetic moments throughout their set. Ollie Judge’s (vocals/drums) urgent vocals and driving rhythms anchored the performance, while Laurie Nankivell (bass guitar/trumpet) and …
Live Review: The Bug Club / British Birds – Crookes Social Club, Sheffield 18.02.2025
Crookes Social Club buzzed with anticipation as a sold-out crowd gathered for an electrifying night of live music, provided by British Birds and headliners The Bug Club . Kicking the evening off was British Birds, a four-piece indie/power pop ensemble hailing from Chorley, UK. Their set was a masterclass in crafting instantly lovable yet slightly …
Live Review: Young Knives / Max Blansjaar – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds 7.02.2025
A near-capacity crowd packed into the Brudenell Social Club on Friday night, eager for a night of sharp-witted, high-energy indie rock. Support came from Max Blansjaar, who quickly won over the audience with his personable charm and endearing stage presence. His indie-rock set was tight and engaging, but it was his between-song patter that truly …