Nerve Star – White Hot: Album + chat
We have a natter with Chris, Matt & Joss from Nerve Star about their White Hot album that draws deep from the annals of Metal.
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.
Manchester Folk Festival – 5 Repeat offenders +1: Preview
A look ahead to the 2026 Manchester Folk Festival with some musicians who’ve been there and bought the T shirt.
Mogwai – O2 Apollo, Manchester: Live Review
Mogwai ingnite a bad fire and give a demonstration in Post Rock dynamics at Manchester’s O2 Apollo.
Neal Morse Band – L.I.F.T.: Album Review
Another Neal Morse fueled Prog Rock concept album – this time, you choose the meaning…
Hawkwind – Hawkwind: Album Review
First album from Hawkwind with add ons plus a dip into the Dave Brock tape archive.
Spiers & Boden – The Met, Bury: Live Review
We’re in at The Met right at the start of the Spiers & Boden tour. An evening of musical education and excellence.
IQ Weekender – The Met, Bury:
We’re at The Met for the 2026 IQ Weekender. Dominion in full plus a bucketful of IQ classics across two nights and almost five hours.
Andy Stuart – Woodcut, The Making And The Meaning: Book Review
Andy Stuart goes behind the scenes, digging deep into the creation of Big Big Train’s Woodcut album.
Massive Wagons – Parr Hall, Warrington: Live Review
We go Full Nelson with Massive Wagons at Warrington’s Parr Hall. Scarlet Rebels in support.
Big Big Train – Big Big Bits of Woodcut: Opinion
Big Big Train have a new album – progressive? – yes, concept? – YES. We find some more Big Big Bits on Woodcut.
IQ – Live From London: Album Review
The time tunnel takes a wobbly trip back to 1985. The days when IQ wanted to be, and were, magnificent.
A.A. Williams- The Deaf Institute, Manchester: Live Review
An idyllic evening of dark introspection with A.A. Williams at Manchester’s Deaf Institute.
Eliza Marshall – Eternal Birth: Album Review
Eliza Marshall adapts and preserves with a spiritually uplifting and inspirational set.
Beyond The Black – O2 Ritz, Manchester: Live Review
The first ATB gig of the year with Beyond The Black sets the bar almost impossibly high. Seraina Telli and Setyoursails in support.
Elles Bailey – Can’t Take My Story Away: Album Review
Ring the bell for the last call as Elles Bailey digs deep. Prepare for a ride that takes on a darker tone than usual.