Mike Ainscoe, Author at At The Barrier : Page 2 of 74

Mike Ainscoe

Mike has been photographing and writing about bands going back many years. A former writer and Reviews Editor on Louder Than War as well as several online music blogs, he also contributes to Fireworks and to Powerplay Rock & Metal magazines.

Jethro Tull – Under Wraps, The Unwrapped Edition: Album Review

By Mike Ainscoe on 27th May 2026 • ( 3 Comments )

Whatever the opinion of Jethro Tull, Under Wraps, Ian Anderson, Prog Rock etc, this is how to do definitive editions.

Kingfishr – O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester: Live Review

By Mike Ainscoe on 26th May 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

Kingfishr make a little corner of Manchester, right by Old Trafford, a piece of Ireland for a night.

Tim Bowness w/ Bruce Soord & Jon Sykes – Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room: Live Review

By Mike Ainscoe on 25th May 2026 • ( 3 Comments )

Burning Shed is 25 – Tim Bowness and the Butterfly Mind band with Bruce Soord & Jon Sykes party on in Liverpool.

Virginmarys – Beyond The House Of Fires: Album Review

By Mike Ainscoe on 20th May 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

Virginmarys subvert themselves in a collection of stunning new interpretations of their 2024 album.

Seth Lakeman – Freedom Fields 20th Anniversary tour, Leeds City Varieties: Live Review

By Mike Ainscoe on 19th May 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

Seth Lakeman and his band keep calm and carry on as the spirit of The Blitz takes over Leeds City Varieties.

Crown Lands – Apocalypse: Album Review

By Mike Ainscoe on 18th May 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

Crown Lands post their classic Prog Rock colours high on the mast.

Karnivool w/Intervals – Manchester Academy: Live Review

By Mike Ainscoe on 17th May 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

We catch Karnivool at the end of their European jaunt and learn that the future of exhilarating progressive music is in safe hands.

The Pillars Of Creation – be careful what you wish for: Album Review

By Mike Ainscoe on 11th May 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

The Pillars Of Creation offer up a cautionary tale with a sparkling and brassy soundtrack.

Stuart Anthony & Musicians – An Evening With Jacques Brel: Live Review

By Mike Ainscoe on 10th May 2026 • ( 2 Comments )

“Bet you’ve never heard the songs of Jacques Brel like that before…” A raw yet refined evening on the theme of aspects of love at The Gregson in Lancaster.