WAVVES @ YES, Manchester. 17th February 2026

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Last week over 20 years of waiting, I finally saw Deftones and last night after waiting since 2009 to see them live, I FINALLY saw Wavves. I had tickets for a show in 2015 (I think) but couldn’t make it in the end, I was beyond upset so after YEARS of waiting, it finally happened. Was it worth the wait? It absolutely was. Did I leave the gig unable to hear anything? Again, yes!

Yesterday I wrote about the support act WHTVRMNS, and even though they only have 2 songs up online- I just knew that their live set would be something magical. I wasn’t wrong- they were perfect and it felt like they were playing the headline set at YES. In time (soon), they probably will to be honest because a band like that are destined for it. A gorgeous set which was a real joy to see. The way they play together on stage is a thing of beauty too because you can not only tell they love making music, but they totally adore each other too, and that’s part of why you cannot help but love the band.

Wavves hit the stage and part of me feels I’ve made a daft decision by standing SO close to the speakers- it’s a future me problem. The set was a strong mix of old and very new songs, and every single song was pretty much yelled back at the band. Pints were thrown, cigarettes and glasses (not the drinking kind) ended up on the stage. A bunch of crowd surfing too happened- all of which made this Tuesday night pretty damn special. Now if I’d ever seen Wavves live before, I’d have declared this as the best I’d ever seen them but sadly, I cannot declare that. I can, however, say that this was one of the most exciting shows I’ve ever been to. I knew it’d be rowdy and pints would be thrown in the crowd, but you know what? People weren’t arseholes about it. Everyone here bloody loved the band and was there for THEM and to not be total idiots. I’ve seen it happen a lot, but thankfully people were pretty cool last night.

For me, it was always going to be Green Eyes that would own my heart BUT the band played So Bored which was one of the first ever songs I heard by Wavves and it’s the song that got me hooked. Of course, King Of The Beach got one of the biggest reactions of the night but even new songs like Bozo and Goner were screamed back. Afraid Of Heights was right up there as one of my highlights for sure- lyrically this song has always owned a piece of me, and to see it live was such a great experience. Post Acid was a riot too- and everyone went nuts to this. It’s one of the best Wavves songs but seeing it live makes it mean so much more. Fucking incredible. Demon To Lean On claimed and owned my heart too. Man, it was such a joyful night. I’d love to be at a Wavves show every night. I mean, my body may hate me for it but the energy on and off stage was just beautiful. Definitely one of my favourite shows of any band I’ve seen in Manchester.

Proper Mancunian (or just delightful Northern humour) shone through when Alex was doing soundcheck, a few yelled to him that his fly was undone on his jeans which led to chants of “take it off!” Nathan also commented during the set that the zipper had been causing issues. Fly up or down, Alex is one of the loudest guitarists I’ve heard and is probably responsible for me not being able to fully hear today. Always worth it.

Nathan, Stevie, Ross, and Alex play like a bunch of kids in school who are best friends and living out their dream- and that’s why they are a joy to watch and listen to. For years and years Wavves have been a comfort band for me. There have been shitty times where I’ve used music as a crutch and their music has made it all a little better. Getting to see the songs that got you out of a rut live is always worth it. Especially when you’re stood right by the speaker and can’t hear well the next day. That’s always the sign of a good night! I really hope they don’t leave it so long for the next tour because THAT was some bloody show!

WHTVRMNS.

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Writing about bands who have only a couple of songs out can be tough but, BUT when they sound this good- it’s pretty easy to write about how great they are.

I’m on a serious gig comedown from seeing Deftones in Glasgow last week. My heart belongs to Glasgow. I don’t think I’ve ever fallen so in love so fast with a city before. Anyway, pining for a city out of the way- I need to write about a really cool and exciting band called WHTVRMNS. There’s only a couple of songs available online for you to fall helplessly in love with. They’re supporting WAVVES in Manchester tomorrow night, and honestly, there’s no better band to support them.

The two songs they have up on Spotify (yes, I know Spotify is bad) are killer. They’re the perfect introduction to the band and they make you feel like you’ve stepped back and forth in time. There’s no way you can pin a label on this band, and something tells me that their live shows will be just as ethereal as sitting listening to their gorgeous sounds through headphones. I’ve struggled to want to write about music for a little while, but when you find bands like this- something clicks.

Whatever Remains and Silence (Calling Your Name) are the two songs they currently have online, and whatever they grace us with next will also be a treat for the ears. Whatever Remains reminds me slightly of WAVVES which I guess makes them a solid choice for support but that aside, it’s a heavy anthem to blast as loud as you possibly can. I think the band are from Manchester which is probably why they are so good! The North know how to do it. They make the kind of music that makes you feel like you can close the world off for a bit and fall into your own mind and thoughts, then you come up for air, and all is okay again. That’s what I get from Whatever Remains, and I really cannot wait to hear more from them. You know instantly when you’ve found something to truly treasure, and I got that instantly from WHTVRMNS. Silence (Calling Your Name) has this early 90s Grunge feel to it, but not in a way that others have tried to copy. This feels different, and it sounds right. You can’t help but play it loudly, and on repeat. This band are doing something truly special here and if they can do it with just two songs then there is no telling what is next for them. A real joy to listen to.

There’s a lot to love and adore about this band, and I love the heaviness in their sound. I really cannot wait to see them tomorrow night. Always go for the support bands. Always, always make time for them because you may just find your new favourite band.

This won’t be the last time I write about the band for sure. I really cannot wait to hear more from them.

KÜKEN : PALERMO EP.

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Part of me was wanting to sort of stop writing about music for a little while, but a couple of days ago a band I am utterly obsessed with released an EP. Now, whenever KÜKEN release anything, I HAVE to write about it, and this EP is definitely worth writing about.

The new EP, Palermo is around 6 minutes long and in those 6 minutes you can absolutely hear why KÜKEN are one of the best around. It was a lovely surprise on Wednesday to get a notification that a new EP had been released and I’m still holding out for a UK tour. Maybe I should start playing the lottery so I can fund my favourite bands to tour! Anyway, enough of the dreamin.’  This EP is wild and it’s a beautiful way to start 2026. Let’s hope it’s better than 2025 because last year as fucking awful.

The 4 songs on the EP are perfect for those who have yet to listen to the genius and wonder that is KÜKEN, and for those of us who are already obsessed with them- well, it’s just bloody great to have the best band from Germany back. The title track smacks you right in the face, and my god it feels GOOD. For me, KÜKEN are a band I just need to see live because not only does their music mean everything to me, but I just also adore the energy their music has. They just have this way of making you feel like you’re watching them record these songs for the first time and it’s just you and them. But you know that their live shows are probably the wildest you’ll ever see. I can only liken that a KÜKEN show is probably like a Bruise Control show. Carnage and a joy to witness.

I’ve played the EP countless of times since Wednesday and although it’s around 6 minutes, having it on repeat is good for the soul and ears. For me, it’s all about Grass Green. This could be up there as being one of my favourite songs by them. The whole record makes you feel like you’re on a road trip with the band. Neither of you know where you’re going or how long it’ll take to get there, but who cares! That element of freedom in their sound is what’s addictive. They have such a distinctive sound and it’s so obvious on this EP, and their sound is one to constantly fall in love with. Split Mind is the band at their loudest and makes you feel like you’re riding a motorbike exceptionally fast (but safe) without a care in the world.

The EP ends with the sensational Ocean Breeze; I love how the EP feels like a holiday with the band. Palermo is the start of the trip, Grass Green and Split Mind are the events in the middle of the trip and Ocean Breeze concludes the getaway. In just 6 minutes, KÜKEN have created a beast of an EP and one I will be having on repeat for some time- they’re a band I always listen to, and sometimes when I want to get that love for music and to write about it, they massively help. If the EP is an indication to a possible new full-length album, then it will definitely make this year truly special.

Some bands right from the jump become a massive part of your life and record collection, and KÜKEN are easily one of those bands. The Palmero EP is the band at their very best and of course, at their loudest. Play it loud, constantly.

Palermo is out now via Alien Snatch! Records.

GIRLTEETH: Paper Hearts.

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This is going to be short because I’m pretty much typing with one hand. I sliced my finger right open yesterday when cutting a bagel open, and you know- it could have been a day off work if I put more effort into my injury!

Manchester is home to some incredible bands; we already know the bands from the past but let’s stop looking back for a bit and focus on new bands such as GIRLTEETH. I think there are 4 of them in the band (obviously member amount isn’t important) and they are all exceptional musicians. They only have one song out at the moment, but it’s this one song that will demand your time and ears. It’s meant to be played loud, and to probably annoy your neighbours if you want.

Paper Hearts is delicate and heavy in all the right places (I sound like I’m describing myself) and has this beautiful euphoric build-up; it’s the kind of song you’d play walking home in the pissing rain after a really shit day. The only thing that would make the day better would be listening to music you love and going to sleep. So whilst awake, you should probably listen to GIRLTEETH. This is a dream introduction to what’s to come from them, and to basically become obsessed with them. It’s an actual crime to not love and adore them. I don’t make the rules. It’s truly a gorgeous song, and the perfect introduction to such a divine band. There’s a lot of longing and heartache in this song, but it’s done in a way that could probably break the happiest person around. You can tell they’ve put their all into this song, and that’s part of the reason why they are such a great band to listen to.

The band will be playing The Eagle Inn on the 10th December in Salford, and you can get tickets here: https://eagleinn.co.uk/event/earbleed-inn-vol-2-humongous-fungus-moss-valley-and-girlteeth/

They are also playing a huge gig at the Peer Hat on the 14th December as part of Just Do The Thing presents The Thing: a transfem-centred fundraiser for Trans Mutual Aid Manchester and Yulia Trot’s solidarity fund. The night will have some BIG names playing but if you’ve not got tickets, then you’ve probably missed out because I am fairly sure it is sold out!

Paper Hearts is the perfect introduction to GIRLTEETH and I cannot wait to hear more from Manchester’s finest new band!

jasmine.4.t @Gorilla, Manchester. 16th November 2025.

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Anything I write about jasmine.4.t I have definitely written before, but she deserves all the praise in the world, and if that means I repeat myself- so be it!

Her show at Gorilla on Sunday was the last as part of her Tranarchy World Tour, and it was only right it ended in her home city of Manchester. The last time she headlined Manchester was back in May at the Deaf Institute, and it was of course, an incredible show but there was something incredibly special about the show at Gorilla. There was something about the show that made you realise just how phenomenal Jasmine and her band truly are. The lineup was slightly different but that takes nothing away at all. Basically, every single time, her band have been the absolute best of the best. No matter where they play or who is in the band- you won’t find a better group of people.

One thing you take away from a Jasmine show is the importance of community and feeling completely safe at her shows. The front row was full of queer kids having the best time- safe away from how brutal the outside world is. This just shows the importance of Jasmine’s music and the importance of community. Society will try to erase trans and non-binary people and try make you believe they are the ones to fear and hate. But it’s those in power…always those in power that are to blame. Seeing so many young queer kids have the most carefree time on Sunday gave me some hope. Some much needed hope because the world is cruel and cold to us.

What I adore about Jasmine and her band is that you can really feel how much they love being on stage, and how it is important to unleash these songs on stage. They are songs that NEED to be heard- they carry such importance. I wish I had this kind of representation growing up. It may have made growing up slightly easier but knowing that queer kids have someone like Jasmine to look up to is just so beautiful. There were two kids at the front, and I knew at their age I wouldn’t have had the money to buy merch, so I grabbed a set list from the sound desk and gave it to them. I hope they go it signed by Jasmine because you cannot put a price on that. The kids will be alright.

You can really feel it was the last show of the tour, and I think this was pretty much summed up by Emily climbing up the stage and also lobbing her bass across the stage as the last song, Did U No ends (I think the person on the sound desk was questioning their life choices after that.) Emily doesn’t go quietly, and that’s why we love her. Asher and Maxie are two new additions, and they are an absolute joy to watch- you can’t tear your eyes away from the stage, and you cannot help but be in awe of these 4 incredible musicians on stage. They are all remarkable. Obsessed forever.

There are many loud and rowdy moments on stage, but for me, it’s always going to be the tenderness of Roan that gets me. Jasmine’s vocals on this are angelic, but when you witness it live, it is truly something else. It is the most gentle and soothing part of the show. It feels like we are all transcending into something and part of you feels like you are intruding in something so personal, but you cannot help but watch. It’s such a grounding song, and the way Jasmine performs it just makes it so ethereal. She does exactly the same with Kitchen too. Both songs are so powerful and vulnerable. Nobody does it like Jasmine; there is something about her words that just get you right in the gut.

Jasmine’s shows are loud, passionate, the definition of safety and community. If you’re ever searching for those things- listen to her music, go to her shows. I’m pretty sure her and her band are the hardest working musicians this year has seen. They are all such a joy to watch, and they all truly shine on stage. For me, it’ll always be Did U No as THE most important moment of the shows but songs like Elephant (this will never not make me cry) and Woman that show exactly why Jasmine and her band deserve the world and more. To see the crowd absolutely belt out every single word to Guy Fawkes Teso Dissociation (I sing this to my cat) and Breaking In Reverse will never get old. I just want to live at a Jasmine show to be honest. I don’t think I can fully put into words how much her shows and music mean, but I reckon anyone who listens to her or has been to her show gets it.

Jasmine and her band rip right through the bulk of her debut record, You Are The Morning and also play some tracks off the YBT Deluxe version. This version is named after Jasmine’s close friend Yulia Trot who is one of the Filton 24, who are being held as political prisoners in the UK. You can find more about Yulia here: www.freeyulia.com and you can learn about how to support Yulia and the Filton 24 on Instagram: @freethefilton24 and the trial started this week. Free Palestine, always. Free the Filton 24. Free Yulia.

I just also want to mention because it is VITAL. Yulia is being held at HMP Styal. If you’re able, please call the prison on 01625 553000 and demand that they reinstate Yulia’s rights. To find out more, please go on Instagram and find @s_tax and look for the post from 5 days ago, and you’ll have all the info you need there. If you cannot contact the prison, please share the post. Thank you x

TURNSTILE @ Depot Mayfield, Manchester. 3rd November 2025.

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I think the happiest place on earth could well be a Turnstile show. Now, I’ve waited a ridiculous amount of time to see them live, and I’m just glad the venue wasn’t the Victoria Warehouse. If you ever make a list of shit venues- that one should be top. Anyway, the venue was alright last night. Stood at the back on a platform with a pretty much perfect view. The sound was solid, but the band were truly something else. Part of me wanted to cry because I was just so happy. But all I could do was stand and stare and just be in awe of one of the best bands around. They could easily sell out arenas over here, and maybe that’s next. But for now, these decent sized venues are it.

Turnstile start the show with Never Enough, and for the next hour and a half- the crowd are theirs. They are ours. Everything is alright in the world. The set is mainly the new record, but they through some gorgeous oldies in there, and it’s pretty much a perfect setlist. In an ideal world, Generator would be in there but who cares?! When you’ve waited what seems like an eternity to see a band you adore live, you don’t care what you see so long as you’re there. Every song played is screamed back from the crowd, and there’s not a still body in the crowd (apart from the person stood next to me for a bit who was with her partner- he was having a great time, but she was having none of it!) As far as crowds go, this one felt utterly safe and just full of love. You could really feel how much everyone loves the band, and every song just meant the world. You’ve got a band right up there in front of you, playing with everything they have and to see everyone around you give that same energy back was just divine.

Much like Amyl and The Sniffers set up- the projector on the screen shows the crowd on stage, and also the band. To see the amount of love and joy on everyone’s faces was just beautiful. I know some have said it was a shit venue, but maybe we got lucky from where we were stood. I think Turnstile may just be up there as one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live, and last night’s show is definitely in my top 3 favourite gigs of the year. It was just such a beautiful atmosphere, and it felt really safe. That’s all you can ask for (although, it should just be a given!)

The energy the band have is beautiful. Brendan leaps around the stage doing leaps and star jumps, and you just feel how much he loves being on stage. Meg is one of the slickest guitarists around, along with Pat. Franz is one hell of a bassist and Daniel is one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen. Turnstile are made up of the best of the best, and the way they play together on stage is honestly such a joy to watch. The just exude pure love for what they do, and for each other. I genuinely miss them right now and wish I was at a Turnstile show. I think I’m going to carry that feeling around for a long time, and I just know I’m going to get that same feeling next year when I finally (finally!!!) get to see Deftones. I’ve waited over 20 years for that; it’s going to be something else- I don’t think I’ve mentally prepared myself for it. But for now, I’m going to stay in the moment of being at a Turnstile show.

The only bad thing about last night was the cost of merch. A hoodie does not need to ever EVER be £100- especially when they are selling them on their merch online shop for £50. It doesn’t need to be that much at all. I got a bootleg one outside of the show for £30. Come on now, £100 for a hoodie is insane, there’s just no need for it.

Back to the show.

If you ever want to experience sheer euphoria and a sense of freedom, go to a Turnstile show. The crowd were just heavenly, and you could see how much it meant to everyone. Seein’ Stars is a billion times better live, and I feel when I listen to it on record now, I’ll just have to sulk because it isn’t live. Blackout and Mystery were a joy to witness. Closing the show with Birds was WILD. The amount of times I probably annoy my cat but picking her up and singing this to her is a lot! Turnstile are her favourite band. I’m raising her well.

Off the new record, Light Design was the one for me. There’s something about this song that just hits me and to see it live meant the world. Hearing old ones like Pushing Me Away was insane too, and it was just a dream to witness. I genuinely don’t think I can fully put into words how special a Turnstile show is. Like, I can try write about it but it’s one of those things where you HAVE to see for yourself. You can watch all the footage online or on YouTube but being there, being right there is something else.

Holiday saw a group of lads in front of us go absolutely apeshit, and it was wonderful. Just to see a band bring so many people together, and to see how happy everyone was….you can’t define that, ever. All you can do is soak it all up and truly be grateful for the band that mean the world, and so much more to you.

BRUISE CONTROL @SOUP, Manchester. 31st October 2025.

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I don’t think I can count how many times I’ve seen Bruise Control or written about them or told someone to listen to them but, I can tell you that their show at SOUP on Friday was a sight to behold. It was a night to remember because these angels of the north know how to put on a show.

As someone who believes in the mantra, “If I don’t leave a gig even slightly hard of hearing immediately or the day after, I probably didn’t enjoy it” I decided I had to fully commit to this notion on Friday. Was it a wise move? No. Did my teeth hurt from how loud it was? Yes. Was I stood right next to the massive speakers/amps? Yes. Yes, I was. Would I have stood anywhere else? Probably not. Side view of the stage and had ringing in my ears for a little while after (the morning after) was a dream. The show was a dream.

The band came onto the stage with Tommy (drummer) dressed as Richard O’Brien, and the rest of the band were in delightful jumpsuits, as contestants on the Crystal Maze. As the theme tune came on, I turned to my girlfriend and said “Casualty?!” Obviously, she corrected me and I was convinced both theme tunes sound VERY similar. Imagine if it was Casualty they walked onto the stage to? The costumes would have been wild. Tommy even treated us to a little ditty on his harmonica. Then it was show time. Then everybody in the crowd pushed forward and it was carnage from there. Jim had to call out some dickish behaviour in the crowd a couple of times. But that didn’t take away anything from the show they put on. I think Jim went into the crowd a few times, and the first time was a bit too much. People were a LOT. There’s no need to bash into people or touch people who don’t wish to be touched, y’know?

Every time I’ve seen them, they’ve just blown my mind (and eardrums) and Friday night just showed us all why they are one of the best bands around. I don’t think you can fully appreciate how great they are until you’ve seen them live. The way they sound together is just divine anyway, but live it is something else. Truly. The first few songs were played with NO break in between, and I have no idea where or how they get their energy. I was tired just watching them! Also, Tommy’s commitment to the Richard O’Brien costume was next level. I genuinely thought he was going to pass out from it. Obviously, Jim played in his little short shorts. I think it was a wise outfit choice at this point! But their dedication to each other, what they do, the crowd/fans and yes, Halloween outfits, just shows why they are such a joy to watch and to be a fan of. They mean so much to so many of us because they express the frustrations of daily life. Note- the frustration is with the government, taxman, and HMRC. It’s not the person coming to this country for a better life because where they are from is dangerous- it never was, and never will be. It’s those in “power” that are doing the damage and division. Pricks.

Anyway.

Bruise Control totally rip apart SOUP and blitz right through their set. They play some of their greatest hits, and also new one, Gone To Ground and a couple other from a new EP which should be with us next year. Their sound is distinctive and important. They are such an important band, and I urge anyone who gets the chance to see them live, to absolutely take it. Take some earplugs if you want, but go. You could see just how much the band mean to everyone in the crowd, and that’s been apparent every time I’ve seen them. I remember them supporting Amyl and The Sniffers at the Albert Hall a few years ago, and it could easily have been their headline show. One day, they will sell out Albert Show for themselves for sure. They just have something about them that makes them relatable, easy to love and to pretty much become obsessed with them. They are everything the world needs right now, and they go way beyond being a noisy Punk band. They are so much more than that. You can really feel how much it means to the band to have sold out SOUP, and I think it may be the most tickets they’ve sold for a show? I may be wrong, but let’s go with me being right because it’s such a beautiful achievement for them. The love they have and how much it means to them makes it that more important- hometown gigs always are, and that’s the beauty of seeing Bruise Control in Manchester. The crowd just get it more, and we’re all just really, really proud of this beautiful band.

Songs like Taxman and Useless are screamed back to the band, and that just shows the love and dedication Bruise Control fans have. They’re a band that you want to constantly see live because the environment they create at their shows is just beautiful. My hearing is back, and my love for this band remains great. I cannot wait to hear the EP in the new year, and for any shows that follow. They are easily Manchester’s fines

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS @ O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester. 22nd October 2025.

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I first saw Amyl and The Sniffers live back in 2019 when they played their first headline Manchester show at the Deaf Institute, and from being a fan of theirs for a while beforehand- I can tell you that excitement has been there every time I’ve seen them live. Following that show, it was the Albert Hall then it was the Academy last year. And last night, it was probably the worst venue in Manchester (if you like getting squashed and twatted in the face, it’s fine) the Victoria Warehouse. However, as awful as the venue is- it was perfect for the band. The sound was great and to see THAT many people enjoy one of the best bands around was a joy to see. It was one of the most diverse crowds ever, and that shows the power of music. The media will do all it can to divide people, but music does the opposite.

They played 21 songs, and I reckon they could have played 21 more if possible. Imagine if they did Stole My Pushbike or 70s Street Munchies just one more time!! I’d have lost my mind. They opened with Balaclava Lover Boogie which is the only way to open a set. They walked on to the stage to probably the best dance song of the 90s (I was 5 when it came out, and I was obsessed!) Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters. What a song to walk on to! Everyone was singing along, and I think that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the night.

A large portion of songs came from last year’s exceptional release, Cartoon Darkness and when you hear these songs live you really pick up on how important they are and also, how important this band really is. Every band last night (the support was SO good) used their platform to rightfully speak up about Palestine and how a ceasefire evidently is NOT happening, and we all know why. That’s how you use your platform, and more must do this. What I love about Amy Taylor is that she speaks about politics and how the world is and calls out the unfairness and the shitshow of it all in a way that you connect with. For me, she’s the best around and I think she is someone young people will look up to and start their own band or maybe just think, “Yep- that’s me!”

Every single song is greeted with this echo of noise that makes you realise just how loved this band are. If I could pinpoint a reason as to why I love them so, I really don’t think I could. There are so many reasons. Declan is one of the coolest and slickest guitarists around, Bryce beats the shit out of the drums and the sheer energy he has is a perfect match to Amy’s, Gus is the bass player every bass player wishes they were. They’re all in their own zone but together on stage, and it is such a joy to watch.

They rip through every single song, and it’s met with such love and devotion, and they give the same back. The band have been together nearly a decade (next year is 10 years) and they sound like they’ve been together longer, and with their strong sound and bond- I reckon they’ll be a band like Garbage and tour forever and just get stronger over the years. Their live shows are such a phenomenal experience, and you will always want more. The atmosphere they create is heavenly and you can’t help but be in awe of all their energy. You can absolutely tell they love doing this and they adore each other, and when you see this- it makes you believe in the music even more.

There are tender moments in the set, and it’s when Amy sings Knifey you can really hear every single raw emotion possible. They also play a sped up version of Big Dreams which just gives it more urgency and bite to it. When I first heard this one, it broke me but hearing it like this just makes it bigger in its own way. Seeing people lose themselves (and drinks, clothing, and shoes) to songs like Hertz, Guided By Angels and Chewing Gum is just a gorgeous sight to see, and it just shows again, how loved they are.

They get better each time I see them, and to see them go from playing a venue that holds 260 people to 3,500 is WILD. I know they play festivals etc, but this is them, on their own. Working their arses off and showing us all why Punk isn’t dead, and it will never die. They have such a solid and strong sound, and I honestly hope we get bands come out and say THIS is the band that have influenced them.

Amyl and The Sniffers are easily one the best and most exciting bands of our time, and their live shows are something that everyone needs to experience at least twice in their lifetime, then make it a habit to be fair! Also, having 3,500 scream the words “Wank! Wank! Wank!” during Jerkin’ will ALWAYS be wonderful.

Hearing songs like Maggot, U Should Not Be Doing That and GFY is big venues sounds just as divine as it does in small venues, which just shows that the band can, regardless of the size of the venue, beautifully rip it apart.

So, there you have it, as expected- the show last night was a true masterclass in all a live show should be. My hatred for Viccy Warehouse will always be there but my love for Amyl and The Sniffers will only ever grow. It was a truly special show, and they are so deserving of every ounce of success that they continue to receive. They are kicking open doors for every and anyone and are being the voice for those who may be scared to speak up. I’d happily go to their shows every single night if I could because the energy, they all bring is everything the world needs right now.

BRUISE CONTROL: Gone To Ground.

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One of the best bands around have a new single out, and I’m going to give you some reasons or thoughts as to why it may just well be the best thing they’ve done….so far!

My love for Bruise Control runs deep. Their live shows are truly something else, and I think everyone needs to experience it at least three times in their life to really understand it. For me, seeing them support Amyl and The Sniffers a few years ago at the Albert Hall still remains one of my favourite shows of all time. Their set felt like it was THEIR headline show, and I reckon it’s only a matter of time before these beautiful punks sell out venues like that. Until then, just make the most of them playing small venues.

Their tour starts in a few days’ time, and if you’ve not got a ticket yet then time is running out. As are tickets. Act fast!

So, the new single Gone To Ground is a typical Bruise Control anthem. It’s loud, it’s honest and it will smack you right in the chops. It’s the band at their very best, but even if they were at their worst- they’d still be the best. I just absolutely love this band and what they stand for. They ooze acceptance, community and calling shit out when it’s wrong. They are easily one of this city’s best bands and they make you proud to live here. Alright so the song isn’t even at the 3 minute mark, but those few short minutes absolutely nail that glorious Bruise Control sound. It’s heavy, it’s in your face and it’s loud. They make the kind of music that needs to be seen live, and trust me, their live shows are just as rowdy as they are on record. Their sound comes alive at their shows, and it feels like you are watching caged animals finally run free- it’s just a joy to watch and be part of. As a band, you will never find a tighter sound and Gone To Ground totally encompasses just how solid they are as a band. The drums? Insane. The bass? Slick as you like. The guitar? Will deafen you. The vocals? Vital. Put it all together, and you’ve got Bruise Control at their VERY best. Obviously they just get better, but this shows that they cannot be stopped. Or tamed. I just really fucking love this band so much and I feel this is what we need right now. I cannot wait to see them at the end of the month. I just adore them. Inject this song right into my veins and eardrums thank you PLEASE.

Gone To Ground perfectly describes how crap the world has gotten; from politicians lying to flag shaggers trying to divide communities. It’s a shit place to be, but there are people out there who know it’s all wrong and have some hope it may get better. The world needs more love and compassion. Go to a Bruise Control, and you’ll feel all the love and compassion you could need at that moment. I mean you may accidentally lose a shoe or have beer thrown on you, but the sentiment is there!

We all know the world is fucked, but when we have bands like Bruise Control speaking out and letting it all out- you feel less alone and, in a way, you have a bit of reassurance that it may get it better. You need hope because what else do you have? Gone To Ground is one of their strongest songs they’ve released, and you just know it will RIP on this tour. They’re playing some solid venues on this tour, including one of my all time favourites (and underrated) venues here in Manchester- SOUP on the 31st.

Tickets are available here: http://www.bruisecontrol.co.uk

*Photo by: @neilworthington_musicphoto

PINS @ Oporto, Leeds. 10th October 2025.

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Last night, I think I may have been in the world’s hottest venue. It was also one of the most cramped venues ever too. Was the sweat and small space worth it? Absolutely! PINS are currently touring the 10 year anniversary of their record, Wild Nights. I remember being at the album launch for it 10 years ago, and to hear the songs a decade later and them still feel brand new was so cool! It just shows how great the band are.

Now, I’ve seen PINS play about 10 times over thew years and last night as my first time seeing them play in a venue in the north. Location isn’t everything, but Oporto was a great place to see them. PINS have a sound that’s unlike anything else, and when you see them live you really feel the music and can really appreciate their sound. Sadly, there were the usual pervy men in the front zooming in on body parts and filming the band- especially during the last song when a few of the crowd were on stage. I used to see this happen years ago in London, so it looks like this breed of human sadly occurs everywhere. It’s just wrong, and it makes me so mad. Imagine if someone was doing it to their daughter? Idiots. Anyway, back to how solid the show was!

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone on stage with as much energy as Lois. It was so cool to see that same energy from years ago is still there. I really don’t think anyone loves being on that stage as much as she does; a real joy to see. Faith’s voice is as powerful as ever, and on delicate songs like Got It Bad you can really hear the power in her voice. The addition of Abbi on the drums adds some extra loudness to the sound and Kyoko may be one of the slickest bassists around. Is it the best PINS have ever sounded? Of course. The tightness of the band is there and hearing how Wild Nights has developed and got stronger over the past decade is a real joy to witness.

Every song off the record is played along with new single, I’ll Be Yours and the classics- Serve The Rich and of course, Girls Like Us. For me, hearing Dazed By You (which in my humble and biased opinion, is one of the best modern love songs around) live again just made me so happy. I genuinely thought I was going to cry out of happiness hearing it live again but instead, I just sang along and had a lovely time. There is something about a PINS show that leaves you feeling like you can take on the world. There are delicate moments in the set (Got It Bad and If Only) but there are these sensational ferocious parts where you know you are absolutely in the presence of one of the best bands to have ever come from Manchester. I love the rage in Too Little Too Late that I just love so much. You can proper shout a long to this, and I think it’s partly why my throat hurts today! House Of Love and Oh Lord are divine live too. The whole record is just timeless, and I’m so glad they have celebrated it by putting on these shows.

Although this was my possibly 11th time seeing PINS, it really felt like I was seeing them for the first time last night. It’d been too long, and I hope they play more shows now because they are one of the most exciting bands to see live, and I just adore them so much. I love how when you’ve loved a band for so long, you can really hear how their sound has grown- especially in a live setting. The celebration of Wild Nights was a thing of beauty, and hopefully we can celebrate it again in another 10 years. Although, I’ll probably need to be seated for that!

The shows ends with the anthem that is, Girls Like Us. Faith brings a number of people onto the worlds smallest stage for such a big moment. Seeing the love and happiness of everyone on the stage summed up exactly what PINS are about and why, although they are criminally underrated, they are one of the best around. No one will ever do it like PINS and last night totally proved it.

One final thing- they are selling posters on the tour for Kinder Relief to support the people of Palestine. Go to the show and buy a poster or two. Anything left over will be up on their Bandcamp page after the tour.