Tag Archives: Manchester

GOLD CUP.

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I’m going to assume people have known about Gold Cup longer than I have. I only really listened to them just after they were announced as the support for Crocodiles, and STUPIDLY missed them by minutes at the Low Four x Sour Grapes recording earlier in the month. What an idiot!

Alright, errors aside- it’s time to really tell you why Gold Cup are one of the most exciting bands around and why you need to see this band play any chance you get. I’ve been very lucky to see them support two great bands- Crocodiles and Gee Tee. Imagine being in a band, and you get to support those bands?! Life would surely have peaked, right?! They’ll be headlining soon enough but for now, I want to do my best to tell you why they are incredible.

On record, they are everything you could want from a band. They are noisy, they make a racket and it’s a joy to listen to. Is it the same live? Yes and no. Yes, because they are loud. No because the experience of seeing them live is way more heightened than on record. At their live shows, the three of them play with this energy that makes you wish you could watch them every single night. I wish I could. They just exude everything I want from a band and more. I feel like I’m 13 years old and listening to The Cramps for the first time. They’ve got this sound that would probably scare your neighbours but within a few hours, they too would be fans.

Their debut full length record has yet to arrive, but when it does, I have every faith in it being one of the best things we will hear. Their new single, I Feel Incredible is the true essence of sheer Garage Rock ‘n’ Roll and they sure as shit take you on another wild ride! There are bands you can liken them to but let’s be honest- Gold Cup are evidently in their own league. They remind me fair bit of a band from L.A. called Girl Tears. The band don’t make music anymore, but when I tell you I was obsessed with them- I am putting it mildly. Gold Cup have that same feel, and it’s just so great to hear.

There are some bands I love, and when I listen to them, I think, if I made music- that’s how I’d want to sound or be influenced by. Gold Cup are a band to add to that list. If you’ve seen them live, you will know that they play with all that they have. I have never seen a drummer like Tomas before. I’ve not seen anyone make the bass look as cool as Dan does, and Josh is a master on that guitar. Put all three of them together and you have something truly phenomenal and well worth becoming obsessed over. If you are ever presented with the chance to see them live, you better take it. Bands like this don’t happen often. Manchester is the home to some incredible bands, and Gold Cup are in some solid company.

They’ve been around for a few years now, and with the EPs they’ve released so far, it’s pretty safe to say that they have a clear indication of their sound, and that confidence is what makes them stand out. They’re a band you could never get bored of, and I reckon when their debut full length record hits, it will definitely show the world something it hasn’t heard before. Their live shows will leave you in total awe of them. Songs like Stuck On Repeat and The Piss Has Been Taken are insane live. I just really love this band!

Go listen to them, go to their shows, and go nuts!

CROCODILES @ The Abbey, Manchester. 12th July 2026.

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I have seen Crocodiles live more times than I’ve probably seen some family members. Crocs are family anyway so it’s fair. However, on Sunday I went to see them at one of Manchester’s newest venues (but a pub from back in the day) The Abbey. As a pub, it’s a solid 10/10 and as a gig venue it’s still a 10/10 even though I am pretty sure I have never ever sweated that much at a gig before. Sweat was in my eyeballs, back of my leg, my back, my eyeballs again. Hotter than Satan’s bumhole, but my god the gig was incredible. It always is!

Crocodiles were supported by one of the best Manchester bands around- Gold Cup. I’m going to do a separate piece on them but let it be known that they are one of the best live bands around. They’re supporting the equally great GEE TEE at Yes on the 25th July so if you can- go! There’s also air con in Yes so if that doesn’t sway you, I don’t know what will. In short, Gold Cup are where it’s at. Incredible live. I missed them by SECONDS at the Low Four x Sour Grapes recording a few weeks ago. How foolish!

I’ve been a fan of Crocodiles since 2009, and I love telling the story of how I found their music. Have you got a sec? Alright so, 2009. I’ve moved back home after finishing uni and my first girlfriend had broken up with me. One day, I go to HMV (I also worked there and it was the best job ever) and I’m looking through the records, and I spot Cold Cave and Crocodiles. Cold Cave I was aware of, so I picked it up. Crocodiles I knew nothing of, but I grabbed it anyway because the cover got me. I took the records home, and that was it. The past 16 years or so they have been my solid. I just adore them and any chance I can get; I will tell someone to listen to them. Even my mum loves them!

Alright, story time done. They open the set with Love Beyond The Grave. I think? Sunday was nearly a week ago and my memory isn’t too great, but I know they played it! They played a strong mix of old and new songs, and I can confirm that I Dream Of Genet live is beautiful. It’s got that same feel as Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9) that real dreamy number that makes you feel like you’re floating away. That’s exactly what you get from a Crocs show. You always feel like you’re going off into another world. You can’t help but be in awe of them. It’s the way Charlie holds his guitar like it’s a weapon but at the same time you know you’re in safe hands. Is he the best guitarist around? I’ll always say yes. Diego beats the shit out the drums, Atef is the coolest bassist around and Brandon’s vocals have never sounded better. Put that altogether and you truly do have one of the best bands around.

Songs from the new record sound incredible live, and for me it was all about Time Is Wasting Me. It’s one of my favourites from the new record, and it’s great live. I can’t talk about their show without mentioning their cover of 1969. This has become a staple in their live set now, and it’s a joy to see live. What I love about the cover is that they really do make you feel like it’s THEIR song and you’re experiencing it for the first time. It’s one of my highlights of a Crocs show for sure.

It all ends with one of the finest songs ever, Mirrors. I’ll always have a soft spot for this one, and it never ever gets old seeing it live. It never gets old seeing my buddies live. They just know how to put on a show even if we are all frying in the venue!

I love that even though the band have been around for a while people are potentially only seeing the band live for the first time, and you can see how much they love the band and how much it means. All I can say is, welcome to the cult! Irrespective of my biased opinion, it was a great show as always and Gold Cup were also a real joy to watch to. I firmly believe you should end your Sundays by watching some great live, loud bands. Last week was no exception!

CASUAL DRAG @ The Peer Hat, Manchester. 3rd July 2026

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After waiting years to finally see them and after writing about them loads, I got to see Casual Drag play possible THE hottest venue in Manchester- The Peer Hat. I’ve been to a fair few gigs there, and I don’t recall it ever being that hot. I think my eyeballs were sweating.

I also cannot hear out my right ear, so I’m assuming a good night was had!

As short as their set was, they played with all the passion and fury you would expect from a band as great as this. It was truly lovely to see so many people there to see them, and also bands from Scotland just play with slightly more bite.

What drew me to their sounds a few years ago is truly captured in their live shows. I knew it was going to be loud, but I didn’t expect to fully lose my hearing in my right ear (I’m going to see Bruise Control later so hopefully that’ll put everything back into place!) Man, they ripped right through their set last night. We got all the hits, all the jams! They played The Master, I Like It, The Talk, Out Of Sight and many more. They were just a joy to watch.

They played Johnny too which was INSANE! I think that may have been my favourite one, but it’s hard to choose with a band like this.

The energy they have is unreal, and I honestly have no idea how Matt (drummer) didn’t pass out. Richard’s vocals are as crisp as they are on record, and his guitar is a weapon you don’t want to cross. Dominic is effortlessly slick with the bass. And they just play in a way that makes you truly back them, and just love them more than you already do. The way all 3 of them play is just a delight to watch, and I’ve honestly not seen someone play the drums as intensely as Matt does. All 3 of them play as if their lives depend on it, and I guess when you’re in a band that make music as hard and as furious as this, you kind of have to. I’d say I’d watch this band play every night, but I doubt my ears would be grateful for damaging them. But hey, if you’re not a little damaged after a gig- have you had a nice time? Probably not!

I really love finally being able to see a band I’ve loved for son long play live, because everything you first loved about them just gets heightened in that moment. It doesn’t matter the size of the venue; it just matters that you finally get to experience it. I’d honestly urge anyone who gets the chance to see Casual Drag live to absolutely take it. Maybe wear some earplugs though or don’t stand so close to the front. Thinking about it, maybe this is my own fault….

What I love about their live show is that they sound exactly the same as they do on record. They’ve been doing this a while now, and they deserve way more than they get because they truly are something else live. It is an injustice that they aren’t massive, but it’ll happen. So many incredible bands have come from Glasgow, and Casual Drag are easily in the Top 5 for sure. Everything always seems louder when you witness it live, and that’s part of the charm. They have something to prove, and my god they did just that last night.

Casual Drag have that raw basement DIY Punk/Garage sound that does own my heart (and ears) and not only are bands like this vital for the scene in general, but they are so important to real grassroots venues like The Peer Hat. Live music is so important, and that importance was truly felt last night.

PINS @ Bootleg Social, Blackpool. 15th May 2026.

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I realised last night that after seeing PINS play a hell of a lot of times, I’ve never seen them play in our home city of Manchester. It’ll happen one day, and when it does it will be bloody beautiful. Instead, it was a trip last night to the seaside to see them play the Bootleg Social in Blackpool. This is a brilliant venue, and you can really tell it is such a vital part of Blackpool and it’s very easy to see why. You get a really community feel the second you step in, and you never want to leave. An incredible venue.

The band take to the stage at 9pm and start with Baby Bhangs. 10 years on, and it still feels like you’re hearing it for the first time. What I loved about this set is that we got a mix from every record. Baby Bhangs is the perfect way to open the set, and it sets the tone perfectly. Family of the band were in the crowd last night, and of course ended up on stage for Girls Like Us. Faith tried to get us up there, but I was way too shy. We compromised by me holding her mic until she got back onto the stage. I could have had my real moment there to belt out a number but 1- I cannot sing and 2- I cannot sing. When Faith said back to the band, “They don’t want to come up!” Lois replied with the wonderful, “We’ll take it to them!” And oh boy they did! I’ve seen PINS play many times with different members, but I can honestly say that this lineup of PINS is an absolute dream to watch. They play so well together, and you can really really feel the love on the stage, and it fall perfectly into the laps of the crowd.

I think I’ve said it every single time I’ve written about their shows, but you will not find anyone love being on stage as much as Lois. The way she bounces around on the stage and sings every word into the crowd even when it isn’t her part is adorable, and I think that is one of the many reasons as to why this band are so easy to love and quite clearly  go see every show you can wherever you can! I’ll be holding out for a Manchester show for now!

The setlist was a slice of heaven and then some! For me, it was the surprise of hearing All Hail live. I didn’t expect it to make an appearance and to finally see it live was insane! Trouble is ALWAYS a dream to see live as is Too Little, Too Late- which I think I may have hurt my throating singing along to! Dazed By You will ALWAYS own a piece of my heart, and getting to sing along to this with the person I love the most stood next to me meant a lot. It’s the most perfect, dreamy song.

On the drive home, I said it should be a crime how underrated and how underappreciated PINS are. They are one of the best bands to not only have come from Manchester, but in general. I just absolutely adore them. They’re one of those bands that you don’t get tired of listening to or seeing live. There’s a handful of bands I love that I would happily see play live every night, and PINS are easily in that list. Top 3 for sure! There’s something really special about seeing a band play who you can tell love each other and being on stage together, it’s truly inspiring stuff. I’ve probably said it before, but I really hope some young kid sees PINS play or hears their music and is inspired to make their own noise too. They have that about them, and that is something to be treasured.

Every song on the setlist deserved its place from Serve The Rich to Young Girls to If Only. I will say that If Only is a song that over time, I’ve felt more connected to. The lyrics are so pure and hit you right in the heart. Much like the delicate Got It Bad. The love in the songs and the observations are another reason as to why PINS will always own a piece of my heart. I just love them, and I am so happy that they are still out there touring. They deserve to sell out every venue they play and are a band that you’ve just GOT to see live.

I was in my own world last night as I watched them play. Nothing mattered outside of that room, and that’s how live music should be. PINS play with this effortlessly slick and cool energy, and even though I’m older than them- when I grow up, I want to be as cool as PINS.

BRUISE CONTROL: Record Release Shows 2026

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ALL ABOARD THE BRUISE CRUISE!!!!

Where do I even begin writing about the Bruise Control record release shows? Over the weekend they played Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester. I went to two out of three. VERY Nearly did them all but didn’t.

The first show was at Crash Records in Leeds on Saturday just gone. About 15 of us (maybe less) were cramped in this excellent record shop. How on earth could a place so small contain the sound of Bruise Control? Well, to be fair it didn’t. Jim marched up and down the shop, he even opened the front door and sang to the good people of Leeds. When I say sing, he absolutely screamed at them, and it was beautiful. Maybe he scared someone at the bus stop with their shopping or maybe, they became their new favourite band. Let’s go with the latter because there is nowt scary about the Bruisers! There was a very slight incident where a beer was spilt on the floor and Jim nearly blew the place up (total exaggeration but go with it.) In the end, Jim did most of the set at the back of the shop whilst stood on the counter. He couldn’t cause any mischief up there (he absolutely could and he did, and this is why we LOVE Bruise Control.) At the end I told him it was like the NPR Tiny Desk Concerts gone wild. Hopefully, the owners at Crash Records have forgiven these angels. You don’t book a band like Bruise Control and expect nothing rowdy to happen. It was such a joy to see them play to such a small crowd, and it’ll definitely be the last time they play to such a small number of people because they deserve to be selling out every stage possible. A sound so big cannot be contained and neither can their energy. The way they are with each other is just gorgeous too. I’ve never seen a band with such a bond with each other and such love for everyone around them. Their stage presence is next level, and that’s the Manchester charm through and through.

Now we move onto Monday nights show. The band played the Basement at YES. It holds around 60 people give or take. I’ve never been to this part of YES before and it pretty much became my favourite venue. A real dive bar with such a stunning atmosphere. My favourite venue is the Shacklewell Arms, and I miss that place so much, and for the past 8 years of being in Manchester, I’ve been trying to find a venue that I hold that dearly. The Basement at YES does this and more. I could happily be there every night!

The band are on stage at 8 and are done by 8.45. We’re home by half 9. This is BLISS. There is no better way to spend a Monday night than seeing the band you absolutely adore rip apart a venue. The crowd were a dream too, and honestly, Bruise Control fans are pretty much the kindest and best people you’ll ever meet. What I love about Bruise Control shows is that, although they are beyond rowdy and loud- you will feel so safe there. The world outside doesn’t matter at all, and sometimes (most of the time) we need that. We need that safe space and to just let it all out. Jim sprinting into the crowd a couple of times was also a highlight! He cannot be contained- let him be free!

Niall’s dad was at the show, and I remember seeing the band support Amyl And The Sniffers at the Albert Hall in 2022- it felt like their show, and I remember Jim’s mum (I think) on the balcony a row in front of me singing along. It was so beautiful. You can’t help but be proud of this band. They are everything Punk should be. They are everything a community should be. Writing about them and getting to share how much I love them brings me so much joy. And I hope someone out there who may not have heard of them before, goes and listens to them and falls in love with them like I did back in 2022.

The new songs are INSANE live, and of all the times I’ve seen them- the show on Monday was IT. I thought their show at SOUP last year was it, and nothing could top it. But this was something else. 60 of us in a dark basement on Monday night- the ideal setting for the best band around.

They all truly shone at this show. Tommy is an INSANE drummer, Niall is an unreal guitarist, Jim is THE best frontman around and Ruby makes you wish you could be as cool as her; she makes playing bass look so effortlessly easy. They’re all exceptional at what they do, and they are easily one of the few bands I could watch play every night and just never ever get tired. My ears may hate me, but who cares!?

UP THE BRUISERS!

BRUISE CONTROL: Bruise Control EP.

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The best band from Manchester are BACK with a bloody delightful EP and let me tell you- it will make your day brighter, louder, and so much better. Last night I had a nice, gentle, and delicate time at NoSo’s incredible show and now it’s time for some balance. That delicious grit. That decadent loudness and effortlessly slick sounds of Bruise Control. Something to add some spice to my Friday afternoon. And also, will be my soundtrack to the gym later on. Even though right now, I’d LOVE to go have nap for 12 hours.

This EP is 6 songs and 16 minutes long. This weekend they are celebrating the release by doing some special shows in Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester. I’ll be at 2 out of 3 of them, and I cannot wait. By Tuesday, I will be a shell of a person and probably unable to hear yet again. Last time I saw the Bruisers, I was stood RIGHT by the speaker and couldn’t hear properly until the following afternoon. Cannot wait!

Alright, so the EP is clearly a work of art. It’s brilliant and perfectly sums up why the Bruisers are the best around. The best at what they do. Nothing and no one comes remotely close to this band, and I just bloody love them. I feel that everything I could possibly write about this band has been done and I’d just be repeating myself but, sometimes you need to repeat yourself in order to be heard! So, for the (let’s exaggerate) MILLIONITH time, Bruise Control are excellent. They really are. That’s all there is to it to be honest. I just adore this band and all they stand for. I just love that you can tell how much they love what they do and how much they love each other. If you’ve ever been to a Bruise Control show, you will know how rowdy it can get but also how silly and full of love it is. It’s a beautiful environment to be in. Yeah, sure people are sweaty and slamming their bodies into each other, but it’s done with love and respect. Someone falls down, you pick ‘em up. Don’t be a dick.

The self-titled EP is a great into for those who may have never listened to the band before but it’s also a reminder for us obsessives that this band aren’t messing around. Bands like this are rare. They genuinely love what they do, and you truly sense that on this EP. The band sound so strong on this record, and that’s right from the jump on the opener Be Like You. That yell from Jim lets you know you are home. You’re right where you need to be. You’re listening to the band you should be listening to. Every single song has this beautiful snarl to it. My cat is currently sat next to me as I play the EP loud for the god knows how many times today. She’s not fussed. Little Mary is a Bruiser too! Be Like You is a solid way to start the record, and from there on in you are body slammed into some insane anthems. Left Behind will RIP live. There’s no way that anyone can stand still for this one!

On the EP are also the hits Spinners Mill and Gone To Ground (this live is unreal!) and these are moments again where the Bruisers truly shine. That’s all they ever do. Every song feels like you’re being thrown about and smacked upside the head, and you’re anything but angry about it. It’s like they are waking you up and making sure you truly feel alive. The EP was also co-produced by the band’s guitarist, Niall which makes it extra special.

In 16 minutes, they give you 6 very good reasons as to why they are the best band around. The EP is fast, loud, raw, and unapologetically in your face. Everything a solid record should be. It’ll wake you up for sure and it’ll make you feel alive. It’s the kind of record you stick on repeat and shout every single word to. They’ve outdone themselves once again, and it’s just further proof that these Bruisers get better every single time. The future is theirs to grab and do whatever they want to it. What a bloody band!

What I love about the band is their way to get across the pains of daily life. Those frustrations that are caused by corrupt scumbags in power, who are painfully out of touch with the world around them. Thank god we have bands like Bruise Control. Put them in power!

The band are doing some in-store shows this weekend and also headed out on a bigger tour. All dates can be found here: UPCOMING GIGS | Bruise Control – Punk/Garage/Indie from Manchester.

Go see ‘em and go have your mind fully blown (as well as your eardrums.)

VIVA BRUISE CONTROL! Free Palestine. Protect the Trans community. Be fucking nice to each other.

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.

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