Quick Takes – December 2025: Album Reviews
Our end of year Quick Takes with sounds swinging from Psychedelic Desert Rock and Gallic sheen to Psych infused Hindustan folk and warm Country.
Jan Akkerman – My Focus, Live Under The Rainbow: Album Review
There is little more exhilarating than an excellent live concert. Jan Akkerman showcases his guitar wizardry and a setlist packed with classic Focus tunes fits the bill perfectly.
Albums Of The Year 2025: Opinion
2025 has brought amazing music. Throughout the year, we have covered a wide range of bands and artists across a wide array of genres and styles. Our growing team of writers have nominated albums that they believe represent the year of 2025.
Reissues Of The Year 2025: Opinion
Whilst 2025 brought a whole host of great new music, there has also been a steady flow of retrospective releases. Here, we highlight a selection of reissues that were released during 2025.
Concerts Of The Year 2025: Opinion
As 2025 draws to a close, we look back at some of the best gigs the At The Barrier team has witnessed this year.
Photographs Of The Year 2025: Opinion
Here’s a small but perfectly formed little selection of images from our photographer team in the Live Review pages of 2025.
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.
Mediæval Bæbes – Stoke Minster: Live Review
Last gig of the year finds us in Stoke, in the Minster, with the Mediaeval Babes.
Marc Almond with Starcluster – Silver City: Album Review
A high tech collaboration which takes Marc Almond’s storytelling back to its glory days of sleazy synth pop.
Dan O’Farrell & The Difference Engine – The Fish That Learned to Drown: Album Review
Dan O’Farrell explores life’s dark waters, loss of family, faith, community and self-confidences – and more – on his 4th album.
Westminster Park – Round Trip: Album Review
For their 7th album, Westminster Park relive life experiences, including romantic mornings, insomnia and a special wedding anniversary.
Sian – Araon: Album Review
Inexplicably missed in action at the time, but never too late to remedy, a masterpiece in any genre from Sian
Ex-Vöid- In Love Again: Album Review
Never too late to experience another missed juggernaut, even if this striking band – Ex-Vöid – is no more.
Doves w/ Hayden Thorpe & ARKAYLA – O2 Apollo Manchester: Live Review
Doves return home to a rapturous crowd to deliver a stellar, career spanning performance of songs delivered with love and passion.
Clutch w/ 1000mods & Bokassa – Manchester Academy: Live Review
Clutch bring the Christmas cheer to Manchester with a stunning set of songs old and very new. 1000mods and Bokassa are also in celebratory mood.