Nadine Shah - Live at Kentish Town Forum, London - 22nd November 2024
The best things come to those who wait.
Coming off the back of her best album to-date, Nadine Shah has made infrequent live appearances in the UK in 2024.
During her towering performance at Green Man Festival in the summer, the songwriter made a point of saying that she hadn’t been booked for many UK festivals and – perhaps down to the sheer cost of touring – the final show on this leg of the tour is her only British show.
Regardless, the gig conclusively proves that bookers and promoters should hang their heads in shame.
It goes without saying what a superb voice Nadine Shah possesses, but just in case opener ‘Keeping Score’, with dense, throbbing verse and majestic chorus quickly reiterates the point before the jangling Fast Food gets bodies moving to kick off a perfectly pitched set.
Fifth album Filthy Underneath is deservedly earning its place on Albums Of The Year lists and is well represented; the matter-of-fact narrative of ‘Sad Lads Anonymous’, on which Shah relays a crisis of confidence in surroundings both domestic and external (‘Don’t tell me your secrets, I don’t want to know’) is cathartically percussion-heavy, while the modish skit of ‘Even Light’ snaps and bites.
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (Re-Assemble Edition)
The interminable wait for Larry Mullen Jnr’s recovery continues.
With no new album since 2017 – their longest ever gap – his U2 bandmates have found ways to keep themselves busy as they patiently await his recovery from back surgery.
In 2022, Bono released his autobiography with an accompanying tour, swiftly followed by the Songs Of Surrender album, where he and The Edge re-examined U2’s catalogue acoustically.
Most recently, there was the Las Vegas residency which saw Bran van den Berg step into Mullen Jnr’s shoes to commemorate Achtung Baby.
Fortunately, the Irish four-piece has a mighty canon to fall back on, and next in line for reappraisal is this album from – terrifyingly – two decades ago.
After their largely successful re-application for ‘Best Band In The World’ in 2000, U2 opted to seek a harder-hitting sound and, after a couple of false starts, they found a formula with Steve Lilywhite and Jacknife Lee behind the production desk.
GLOK/Timothy Clerkin - Alliance
While the lockdowns may be an ever distant memory (thank goodness), every so often a reminder rears its head, whether it’s seeing someone in a face mask, having a Zoom call or drinking at home. For Andy Bell, it seems to be every time he opens his laptop.
Despite completing two solo albums and a GLOK album (to say nothing of remixes) in those miserable eighteen months, it’s a well the Ride man can keep returning to, unveiling yet another pleasant surprise at regular intervals.
Four years on, fans are treated to another GLOK album, but one with a twist: on Alliance he joins forces with producer and Insult To Injury label boss Timothy Clerkin.
Bell’s GLOK label Bytes introduced the pair virtually (Clerkin provided a track for the Dissident Remixed album) before they met in real life at Andrew Weatherall’s funeral in early 2020.
How fitting that the much-missed producer, who always possessed a knack for hearing connections other people missed, is still bringing people together from beyond the grave.
https://www.live4ever.uk.com/glok-timothy-clerkin-alliance-review/
Primal Scream - Come Ahead
The last Primal Scream album was released in March 2016 which, as you may have noticed, was a vastly different geo-political world to the one we currently inhabit. Never one to hide his beliefs, Bobby Gillespie has a few things to say about the state of the world in 2024.
Not that the Scream were always going to be the outlet for it. Gillespie is currently undergoing the most prolific spell of his career, with an autobiography, a collaboration album with Jehnny Beth, numerous guest appearances with the likes of Lol Tolhurst x Budgie x Jacknife Lee, a soundtrack album and writing for Paul Weller all under his belt this decade. Yet the repetitive nature of Primal Scream work (album, tour, repeat) made him question whether new material was necessary.
Enter David Holmes, who sent Gillespie a piece music he couldn’t help but contribute to, and the Scream wheels were rolling once again for their first album since the death of Martin Duffy two years ago. Yet again, we should be grateful to Holmes, as Come Ahead has reinvigorated the band.
https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/primal-scream-come-ahead/
Thus Love - All Pleasure
Upon its release in 2022, Thus Love’s debut album Memorial made a lasting impression on those who heard its scratchy and lush indie sound, brimming as it was with catchy melodies and snappy hooks.
Since then, much has changed for the Vermont outfit.
Founding member and bassist Nathaniel van Osdol has departed, and Thus Love have bolstered their numbers to become a quartet.
Ally Juleen has stepped in on bass, and the sound has been expanded via Shane Blank’s addition on guitars and keyboards. As such, the sound on All Pleasure is fuller and rounder, but not to the detriment of the songs.
The riff on first single ‘Birthday Song’ is grittier, adorned with splendid guitar acrobatics, while the soaring, anthemic chorus (‘We’re still holding hands’) is an ode to friendship through good times and bad (‘Remember to breathe, it’s the worst it will ever be’).
A Place To Bury Strangers - Synthesizer
Aren’t bands supposed to get more polished as they progress through their career?
With a view to becoming more accessible, some compromises must be made to achieve further appeal, a price that many acts are prepared to pay.
However, compromise has never been part of A Place To Bury Strangers’ vocabulary. Seven albums in, if anything ‘New York’s Loudest Band’ (a title they seem unlikely to ever relinquish) get darker, weirder, scarier and – if anything – they seem newly galvanized.
The new energy can be put down to another lineup change; Oliver Ackermann remains the group’s key architect, but is joined here by John and Sandra Fedowitz, with the trio hitting the studio straight after the campaign for 2022’s See Through You was completed.
Not that A Place To Bury Strangers were ever lethargic, but – as anyone who saw their recent UK shows can confirm – there is a new sense of purpose and energy.
https://www.live4ever.uk.com/a-place-to-bury-strangers-synt-review/
Razorlight - Live at Strange Brew, Bristol - 24th October 2024
For the uninitiated, Strange Brew in central Bristol is a medium-sized, newish venue with psychedelic imagery on the walls and lava-lamp lighting.
There are no big brand names to speak of served at the bar, the toilets are unisex, the whole atmosphere is geared towards a left-of-centre, outside the mainstream independent venue.
The biggest name performing before Christmas is The Horrors, followed by Billy Nomates. It’s very cool.
Or at least, it normally is. Tonight, the clientele is all middle-aged couples, the sort who go to a couple of gigs a year, talk very loudly during the music and generally don’t know the decorum.
It’s perhaps unsurprising given the headline act is more than twenty years old, but as the cool kids gave up on Razorlight some years ago (somewhat unfairly), most of tonight’s audience most likely bought their second, self-titled album in ASDA in 2007. Because Johnny Borrell and company were that mainstream, for a while.
https://www.live4ever.uk.com/razorlight-live-strange-brew-review/
Interview - Joey Santiago
While not quite hitting the same prolific heights as in their first phase (an album a year from 1988-1991), in their second act Pixies are in something of a purple patch, with three efforts since 2019. Tenth album The Night The Zombies Came may not a traditional concept album – despite the title – but Charles Thompson IV has described it as a ‘movie in song form’, with certain reoccurring themes including druidism and apocalyptic settings, fittingly for an album which lands just before Halloween.
It also lifts the curtain on the new iteration of the band. Bassist Paz Lenchantin has moved on, to be replaced by Emma Richardson, formerly of Band Of Skulls, who steps immediately into the limelight, harmonising with Thompson on tracks such as ‘Mercy Me’ and ‘Primrose’, both of which capture the classic Pixies sound. Yet that’s just one element of a diverse album which fuses surf-rock, punk and 12th century poetry all put together in a melting pot which may be their most unique yet.
As well as their tenth album, 2024 marks 35 years of PIXIES activity and also 20 years since their reformation. Recently CLASH spoke with guitarist and co-founder of the band Joey Santiago to talk about the new album, the milestones and his own songwriting.
https://www.clashmusic.com/features/ignorance-is-bliss-sometimes-clash-meets-pixies/
Razorlight - Planet Nowhere
It’s perhaps hard now to process just how big Razorlight were for a few years back in the 2000s.
And not just for the music; frontman Johnny Borrell’s propensity to generate headlines was a boon for music journalists, whether by riding a motorcycle with then-girlfriend Kirsten Dunst, clad in full biker gear, or by comparing himself to legends (‘Compared to the Razorlight album, Dylan is making the chips, I’m drinking the champagne’).
His Gallagher-sized ego made him a figure of fun, which sometimes distracted from the success of his band.
And successful they were. Of their peers, only Kaiser Chiefs could also claim a number one single (Ruby for the Leeds act, America for the north Londoners) and few others headlined Reading Festival during the era.
Yet, on the flipside there is an argument to be made that Razorlight were the snowball for the avalanche of landfill indie that followed in their wake.
https://www.live4ever.uk.com/razorlight-planet-nowhere-review/
Humanist - Live at Dareshack, Bristol - 17th October 2024
Humanist by Katja Mayer
Exit Calm should have been a big deal.
Sonically a beautiful alchemy between U2 and The Verve, the Barnsley four-piece released two albums before disbanding in 2015 to the chagrin of a depressingly small amount of people.
Four years ago, guitarist Rob Marshall re-emerged with a solo project under the guise of Humanist..
Across two albums of electronic, atmospheric rock music, Marshall has been able to coerce an impressive roll-call of contributors including Mark Lanegan, Dave Gahan, John Robb and Peter Hayes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to provide vocals.
For obvious reasons, touring the Humanist albums requires changes, and for this run of UK shows Marshall has put together a band made up of Wendy Rae Fowler on bass, Exit Calm drummer Scott Pemberton and American singer/songwriter Jimmy Gnecco on vocals.
https://www.live4ever.uk.com/humanist-bristol-dareshack-review/
The Libertines - Live at the o2 Academy, Bristol - 9th October 2024
It never looked like it was going to be this way.
Somehow, against all the odds, The Libertines have their happy ending in becoming one of the UK’s most consistent indie rock bands.
In what has been a busy 12 months with the buildup to then release of their excellent fourth album All Quiet On The Eastern Eplanade, the boys in the band have just quietly gone about their business.
After a rather wonderful and random introduction by Creed Bratton (from the US version of The Office), Pete, Carl, Gary and John somewhat wrongfoot the audience by opening with B- side ‘The Delaney’ – a hark back to their early days – before a thumping ‘What Became Of The Likely Lads?’ (answer = they’re doing just fine) recentres the crowd.
Peter Doherty appears comfortable centre-right of stage, while John Hassall is largely static, staring out the crowd while in contrast Carl Barat paces around the stage, his hands doing as little as possible on guitar as ever.
https://www.live4ever.uk.com/the-libertines-live-bristol-review/
Maximo Park - Stream Of Life
Maximo Park occupy a rarefied place in the music scene.
Intelligent, well-read and therefore respected, the group have consistently released albums – and especially singles – of high quality indie pop, straddling the gap between literary and primal with their customary classiness.
To put it another way, in their now 20-year career, the group’s musical textures haven’t especially evolved which, for an act held to such a high standard, could ordinarily be construed as a criticism.
Yet Paul Smith and company transcend any possibility of such barbs by virtue of their quality control. Take the opening track on Stream Of Life, ‘Your Own Worst Enemy’, announcing it through a clatter of drums, powerful guitars and soaring chorus.
https://www.live4ever.uk.com/maximo-park-stream-life-review/
Blitz Vega - Northern Gentlemen
Northern Gentlemen is the tale of two men.
One is the legendary Andy Rourke, the iconic Smiths bassist – whose dexterous musicianship powered the likes of ‘Barbarism Begins At Home’ and ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ (to name but two) – was cruelly taken last year.
His image adorns the cover of this album, a tribute to the work and effort he summoned to finish as much of it as he could before his passing.
The other is Kav Sandhu, himself a musician with a storied career with stints in Happy Mondays and co-creator of the Get Loaded club night and festival. For more than a half a decade, Blitz Vegaa has been his sole focus.
https://www.live4ever.uk.com/blitz-vega-northern-gent-review/
Deadletter - Hysterical Strength
Formed in 2020, Deadletter have been gradually building momentum through a series of singles and EPs along with a visceral live show. Having refined their sound and style, this debut album promises to be the culmination of their hard work.
Firstly, a warning: your enjoyment of this album will depend on your tolerance of the saxophone. For many years now, the sax has been underpinning numerous bands’ output, but here it is front and centre of everything, either guiding songs or dominating them, often in lieu of a lead guitar. Although it’s an excellent mood-setter, in truth it does get wearing at points, but fortunately there is much else to digest.
https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/deadletter-hysterical-strength/
Ride - SWX, Bristol - 14th September 2024
It’s been a busy 2024 for Ride.
Following the release of their latest album Interplay back in March, Andy Bell, Mark Gardener, Steve Queralt and Laurence Colbert haven’t been off the road, hitting Europe, the United States, east Asia, and Australasia.
Indeed, following this UK tour they are heading back across the pond for some pre-Christmas shows, yet if they are tired after such excessive touring, there is no hint of fatigue on display during a buoyant Bristol set (September 14th).
While the crowd does take a while to warm up (likely due to the early start time because of a Freshers Night also booked in at SWX) it’s no reflection on the band, who open with a zippy, driving rendition of recent single ‘Monaco’ before the grizzled verse and glistening, dreamy chorus of ‘Portland Rocks’, both from Interplay.
Interview - Fat Dog
Image by Pooneh Ghana
South Londoners Fat Dog are in the eye of the storm right now. Their fine debut album WOOF. was released last week, after months spent cultivating their sound on the live stage.
This week, the five-piece are performing at record stores across the UK in what has become a key element of the promotional trail: a short performance followed by a signing session for all the delegates in attendance.
Sometimes, the amount of audience members surpasses three digits, and so – while it’s an excellent way for bands to connect with their fans – the whistlestop tour can also be quite gruelling.
Before their session and gig at Rough Trade Bristol, Live4ever was able to grab some time with three members of the group: saxophonist and keyboardist Morgan Wallace, Chris Hughes (keyboards and synths) and lead vocalist, guitarist and architect Joe Love. While the trio were in good spirits and happy to talk, it’s fair to say they were still suffering from the effects of the night before at Rough Trade East London.
Interview - Keyside
Keyside - Credit Unknown
Merseyside has done it again.
Stretching back even before The Beatles, the region has consistently been churning out great music, specifically great guitar bands. From Gerry & the Pacemakers to The Farm, Echo & The Bunnymen to The Coral, there’s also been something in that royal blue Mersey water.
Next in line is Keyside. While only two of the four-piece are actually from Liverpool (guitarist Ben Cassidy and singer/songwriter Dan Parker), their sound is quintessentially North-Western. More seriously, Parker’s lyrics cover matters which are horrifyingly prominent in the city but also across working-class areas in the UK.
The quartet – also made up of Max Gibson on bass and Oisin McAvoy on drums – release a new single today (September 6th). ‘Runaway’ is their most accomplished track yet, with an EP to follow in 2025. Recently they sat down with CLASH to give a bit of background on where they are now, and where they are going.
Fat Dog - WOOF.
‘I wanted to make something ridiculous because I was so bored,’ claims Joe Love, architect behind Fat Dog.
As a modus operandi it’s laudable for its lack of interest in po-faced, stifling sincerity, and based on the evidence of WOOF., Love has been true to his word. This debut album is truly ridiculous, in the most wonderful sense of the word.
Formed after lockdown – during which Love had been making demos to keep himself sane – he corralled Chris Hughes (keyboards/synths), Ben Harris (bass), Johnny Hutchinson (drums) and Morgan Wallace (keyboards and saxophone) for his band.
Fat Dog had two edicts: to be a healthy band who looked after themselves, and there would be no saxophone presence in their music. Kudos for both principles (particularly the latter) even if they haven’t stuck to them, but there is no way one can make this music without indulging in hedonistic pastimes.
Forwards Festival 2024
FORWARDS festival 2024, Photo by Eljay Briss
Now in its third year, Forwards Festival is slowly muscling its way up the food chain of the UK festival scene.
After eye-catching headliners The Chemical Brothers (2022) and Aphex Twin last year, organisers have once again delivered the goods with one old (LCD Soundsystem) and one new in the form of Loyle Carner for the 2024 iteration.
However, a gauntlet for weekend highlight is swiftly laid down by Hak Baker, whose skanking, knees-up ‘G-Folk’ approach sets out a stall, with the Londoner proclaiming the set his favourite of the festival season.
Considering he graced Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and many more, it’s high praise and a positive start, capped with a buoyant rendition of the powerful-but-fun ‘Windrush Baby’.
Over on the East Stage, witnessing Romy direct the audience in confident and strident fashion is a reminder of how far she has come; a world away from the shy, softly spoken pop star of 2010.
Her dusky, intimate vocals soar across the field, juxtaposed against the massive rave-up she orchestrates, including a blissful, sky-kissing ‘Enjoy Your Life’. Four Tet follows suit, striking a perfect balance of ironic, tongue-in-cheek remixes and his usual pulsating electronica.
https://www.live4ever.uk.com/loyle-carner-forwards-fest-2024-review/