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.
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
If I can make this make sense, then I’ve done what I needed to do. Otherwise, it’ll just be an emotional/passionate rant about my love for Self Esteem.
I’m 38 years old; I don’t queue to be at the front for bands anymore. I stand where I can, and hope I can see. Yesterday was different and a solid use of annual leave. We queued from about half 5, and there were 4 others in front of us. That bloody front row was happening. My knees are feeling it today.
If you’ve ever been to a Self Esteem show, you’ll probably think you know what to expect. I thought I did. I saw her two years ago with my mum at the Albert Hall and it’s still up there as one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to. However, this tour is something else. There’s more healing here, there’s more love, there’s more need to be heard and to be seen. There’s more of a community feel. It felt like everything slotting into place in a messed up world. For that hour and a half, the outside world didn’t matter. The safety you feel at a Self Esteem show is something else, and it’s a feeling most (unless you’re a hateful prick) deserve.
The set opens with I Do And I Don’t Care. Rebecca Lucy Taylor stands front, and center and I am trying not to cry. I’ve got this, I’ll be alright. Truth is, I didn’t have “it,” and I absolutely was not alright. The second everyone on stage sings, “If I’m so empowered, why am I such a coward? If I’m so strong, why am I broken?” I absolutely go. I cry as if my cat Mary has run off and will never return. It all comes out. Surely, I won’t have anything else left for later on?
After the emotional ride of I Do And I Don’t Care, we go right into Mother followed by the healing Lies (part of me was clinging onto Nadine Shah coming out, but my heart is hoping it happens in Sheffield!) What has you hooked the whole time is not just Rebecca’s incredible stage presence and her ability to make you feel like you’re less alone with all you’re carrying but it’s her group on stage with her. That’s more than a group- it’s a family and the love they all have for each other truly shines. There is not one person on that stage that you cannot stop looking at and in being in awe of. The way they move, dance, sing and just pour their heart out on stage is divine. Everything is left on that stage. It’s healing. It’s home. It’s being free of every burden you carry.
69 live is wild. I can confirm hearing the line, “If you beg, I will peg” live is beautiful especially when everyone else is shouting this song as loudly as they can. It’s such a liberating song and my god the choreography for it is insane. During the whole set, it’s not just the vocals you are stunned by. It’s the movements on stage. It’s the way it has been produced. It is easily one of the best put together gig I’ve ever been to. It flowed so perfectly and ended all too soon. I want every night to be a Self Esteem show and to break my own heart to certain songs. It felt like home, and as someone who feels unsettled a lot- it was exactly what I needed.
Logic, Bitch! sees RLT use a banana as telephone and although the song is very vulnerable- adding this element to the performance makes you less inclined to cry like a baby (this is just my experience.) And also, it’s very practical as it means she has a little deserved snack break.
I genuinely thought The 345 was going to have me a crying mess again, but I did alright- was this progress? No, no it wasn’t. I think I cry the most during If Not Now, It’s Soon because there’s a line in the song that my Gran used to say, or very similar to one of her many sayings; “And whatever is right for you, will guide you through.” And it’s something I miss hearing her tell me but luckily my mum reinforces it. The iconic Julie Hesmondhalgh appeared for the song for Sunday’s show but for Night 1 and Night 3, we all just cheered as if she was there anyway. But imagine being there on Night 2 and Julie appears?! I’d have lost it.
It was also during this song that a lovely person stood behind me handed me a tissue because I was a mess. That person was an angel, and I hope she never has bad days and always knows joy. The tissue served me well!
Whatever I write about last night doesn’t do the show justice. RLT and her gang know how to put on a show, and everyone has their moment to truly shine. You can feel the love, respect, and devotion from the stage to the crowd. It’s in the beautiful and tender moments where the band hold each other after certain songs and it just makes you really appreciate everything and more that goes into these shows. The first run of these shows are done, and the tour picks up again on Friday. The last show will be in the finest city in the UK- Shefield at the Arena. And from seeing the show last night, it was destined to be on the biggest stage possible.
The encore consists of I Do This All The Time and Focus Is Power. I’ve said it many times before, but I Do This All The Time is healing in song form. I remember hearing it for the first time years ago, and I felt like I was 13 years old hearing The Trick Is To Keep Breathing by Garbage. For me, RLT is on the same level as Garbage for me. The words are a safety net when the world isn’t. The crowd was beautiful in every way, and every single word to every single song was sung back at RLT with such devotion and passion. I truly hope she knows how important her words are and how much of a difference she has. The way she gets right to your gut with her words is phenomenal, and we’ll never know anyone else quite like her.
Of course, the show ends with a conga line on stage to Shirley Bassey’s This Is My Life, and it will never ever get old. As the band leave the stage, and the lights come up- the Academy is still full of people dancing like the last ones at a wedding without a care in the world and that pretty much sums up the joy you get from a Self Esteem show.
Last night was all I needed and more from a show. Maybe I’ll cry less at the Sheffield show or at least bring tissues this time! If you’re looking for a space to feel safe and to truly be part of something inclusive- go to a Self Esteem show. It just sums up all the good in world.
The world is terrible, but PINS are back! One of my favourite bands from Manchester are back. Listening to their new single, I’ll Be Yours is making me feel exactly the same way I did when I first heard them back in 2011 or 2012. It was either Shoot You or Luvu4lyf that got me hooked. I felt like I had found a band that were going to make me love a city that I loved even more and truly appreciate the music there. It made me want to leave where I was living at the time. I made that move in 2018, and I’m still here. Music makes this city. As do the people. Home is where the music is.
Alright, soppiness aside- I’ll Be Yours is PINS at their very best and my god how I’ve missed them. It’s been around 5 years since their last record (Hot Slick) was released, and this year marks 10 years of the divine and delicious Wild Nights record. I urge you to buy tickets for this, as this band are wonderful live.
The new single sounds like how The Shangri- Las or how The Crystals would sound if they were around now and had a heavier sound. In short, PINS have that beautiful 60s Girl Group sound that I love so much but have added this heaviness to it that just makes it so exciting. I’ve missed this band so much. I can’t put into words how much it means to have them back. Who needs Christmas or birthdays!? This is what we need.
The guitar on this insane, and you just know it is going to be a dream to hear live! PINS are a band that absolutely need to be seen live. Every show I’ve been to, they’ve just sounded better and better. I cannot wait for the tour, and to hear these songs again. Oh, I’ve bloody missed them.
I’ll Be Yours is a gorgeous number to have on repeat and waste the day away too. It’s everything PINS are in 2 minutes and 6 seconds. If you’ve never listened to them before, start with this and go back. Go back and get lost in their stunning and powerful sound. They’re the best of the best, and I’m so glad they are back.
Tour starts in a week, and you can get tickets here: PINS Tour
This wasn’t so much a review but me going on about why this band are bloody great and a call for you to get tickets for the tour.
There aren’t many bands/singers I will bawl at the second I hear their voice or pay attention to the lyrics. One in particular goes against this, is the beautiful and just wonderful human being- jasmine.4.t.
I’ve written about Jasmine a few times, and her music means so much. Her words mean the world- it’s like feeling at home or safe in the person you are. She’s just amazing and seems to always know what to say. She’s just incredible.
Rather than me tell you why her new single, I Can’t Believe I Did This Without You is incredible and go into detail why, I want to use this to show why this song is important using Jasmine’s words. Anyone can listen to the song and hear it’s importance, but I want to share why it is such a vital song and the importance of the deluxe version of You Are The Morning (which is out on Friday.)
Read carefully, and please support Yulia in any way you can. Free Yulia. Free Palestine.
“This deluxe version of my record is dedicated to political prisoner Yulia Trot aka YBT. I met Yulia at the first queer event I ever attended. It was six months after I had come out, and I was still living in Bristol but staying with friends in Manchester. Yulia and I became really close – she taught me how to do my makeup over FaceTime, supported me through my marriage ending, and when I became homeless I moved onto the sofa of her one-bed flat in Manchester until I found a room. She stayed by my side through the toughest times of my life, giving me the strength to carry on through my transition, and in time we became each others’ chosen family. When I started performing as Jasmine, she would come on the road with me as roadie/security. There were a few times when she put herself between me and men twice her size who wished to harm me.
As the project grew, Yulia continued touring with us, running the merch stand and selling her handmade friendship bracelets for the benefit of Trans Mutual Aid Manchester, an organisation that supports members of my community with essential costs. She became a close friend of the whole band and a vital, supportive and reliable member of our community.
One evening in November 2024, while we were recording a live session for 6 Music, we heard news that Yulia had been arrested that day in a violent raid on her home. She is one of the Filton 24, arrestees alleged to be connected with a group of actionists entering the UK headquarters of Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit systems in August 2024, where £1m worth of damage was said to be caused. This included killer Israeli drones that have been reported to target Palestinian children in Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Our beloved Yulia was initially arrested under terrorism law in a gross misuse of legislation that allowed heavy-handed police powers. She was then charged with the non-terror offences of burglary and trespass, but transferred as a political prisoner to a maximum security private prison on the other side of the country, away from her family and friends, where she will be held on remand for a total of two years until her trial. As with several other protestors that the state wishes to make an example of, she was kept in the rehab wing so that she would experience sensory torture from the constant screams of inmates experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The prosecutors’ details were shared with Israeli state officials in a breach of judicial independence. The United Nations have intervened in this case, stating that anti-terrorism legislation “may have been used to circumvent procedural safeguards in relation to detention, and as a specific and general deterrent” in a serious breach of human rights standards. Several international humanitarian law firms have cosigned a letter (https://eldh.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UK-Filton-18-Statement.pdf) warning that this case signals a serious backslide of democracy and the rule of law.
Since her arrest, Yulia’s chosen family and friends have been regularly visiting her at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey and supporting her financially while in prison. Her absence is felt deeply and the visits to the prison carry an enormous emotional toll for us all. It terrifies me to see how my best friend’s mental health has deteriorated – she is autistic and is really struggling on the inside. There have been several periods where we have worried about her not surviving until her trial.
Entering the prison as a trans woman is terrifying, knowing how trans women are treated in prison. The first time I visited I was groped, and the second time I visited one of the guards made a joke about sexually assaulting prisoners. Though Bronzefield is the largest “Woman’s Prison” in Europe, several inmates there are transsexual men who are forcibly detransitioned on entry and denied access to their testosterone. Recently a trans man died in custody there – he was one of Yulia’s friends. This all happens while pride flags are displayed in the visiting hall. These daily traumas are wearing down on Yulia to the point where she thinks she is no longer herself, and will never be the same again.
Since my record was centred around themes of queer solidarity, queer friendship and queer love, three things that I believe Yulia personifies, it made sense to dedicate this deluxe version to her. These are some of the songs that she loved the most and often requested live, in particular “Did U No”, which was her favourite. I visited Yulia in prison during the recording session for this track, and I remember crying, screaming, and channeling my rage at the state into the vocals when I returned to the studio that evening.
We had planned to record “Did U No” for the album originally, as it was also a favourite of Phoebe’s, but sadly we ran out of time in LA. It is such a joy, now, to be able to finally get it down. It is joined by “Find Ur Ppl”, which was the second song that I wrote after coming out (following “Woman”). “Find Ur Ppl” is a song about meeting Yulia and the Manchester community, which feels vitally important given how many young trans people are in danger, isolated and in need of the safe haven of queer camaraderie. “I Can’t Believe I Did This Without You” and “I Don’t Think Anyone Else Could Hold The Same Place In My Heart” are two new songs on this release that I wrote during the LA recording sessions for the album, up on the roof of Sound City Studio between takes. I recorded five songs as demos and sent them as a thank you to my bandmates and producers after returning home to Manchester from LA. It’s nice to have more polished versions of these two. The remaining song, “Please Can We Hold Each Other Yesterday,” is a more recent ode to lost time with loved ones. I demoed this track on my phone and Steph Marziano (the awesome producer of these new tracks) liked it so much, as it was, that she suggested we didn’t re-record it and release it as is. I love how these tracks have turned out, with the help of Steph and the incredible band lineup that I have been playing live with this summer – Phoenix Rousiamanis on violin and keys, Maeve Westall on drums and Emily Abbott on bass.
Now when I sing these songs, I am singing them to my best friend, my mother, my sister, my daughter – the political prisoner Yulia Trot. Of all the things that I have lived through, nothing has felt as big as losing her. I hope that one day she will be able to hear these recordings. I hope that one day she, all of her co-defendants, and all of Palestine, will be free.
Please support Yulia’s friends and family with visit costs and read more at freeyulia.com and follow @freethefilton24 on Instagram.”
Jasmine will be on tour in the UK and Ireland in November:
11th Nov – Scala, London, UK 12th Nov – Thekla, Bristol, UK 13th Nov – The Art School, Glasgow, UK 15th Nov – Academy 2, Dublin, IE 16th Nov – Gorilla, Manchester, UK
Beat In My Bones. 