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.
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.
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.
Stuart Anthony & Larry Beckett – Though We Have Only Love, The Songs Of Jacques Brel: Album Review
After a series of taster singles, Larry Becket and Stuart Anthony release the full power of Jacques Brel.
Big Big Train – Woodcut: Album Review
Big Big Train on a fully blown Prog Rock concept album. To lift from their own words, searching for perfection in what could be a masterpiece.
Joe Banks – The Visionary Songs Of Peter Hammill and Van der Graaf Generator: Book Review
Joe Banks takes on the challenge of looking into ‘the visionary songs’ of Peter Hamill via the excellent Kingmaker Publishing.
Trevor Horn Band – O2 Ritz, Manchester: Live Review
Forget the pantos. Trevor Horn and his star studded band bring their jukebox of hits to Manchester for an evening of seasonal delight.
Edenthorn – Year Of The Snake: New Single
Edenthorn return with an aptly titled new single to round off the Year Of The Snake.