Tag Archives: Manchester

jasmine.4.t : The Deaf Institute, 31st May 2025.

Posted on by

Sometimes you listen to a record, a song or find a singer and you just know that they are going to impact your life in a way that will stay with you for a long time. A band in particular for me that first gave me this feeling was Garbage back in 1995. Fast forward 30 years, and I get the same feeling with the Angel of Manchester- jasmine.4.t.

Her debut record, You Are The Morning is an ode and celebration of Queer love and community. She lets us in delicately on her journey as a transwoman, and that is something to truly treasure. I’ve been to a lot of gigs in my time but I can honestly say that Jasmine’s show last night at The Deaf Institute was the safest I’ve ever felt and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one. I want to mention briefly (and I will be writing about them separately soon) the support acts from last night Ether Mech and Lucas Assagba. Both acts were divine, and the perfect way to start the night.

There are many reasons as to why the show was so special last night- but the two worth noting are, it was homecoming show for Jasmine and her band. They sold out The Deaf Institute! One of the most iconic and best venues in our beautiful city and it was sadly drummer Eden’s last show with them. Sadness and joy- the two things I felt a lot of last night! I knew in my gut I was going to feel every feeling possible last night, and being in the eyeline of the setlist made me prepare myself slightly. But the second Jasmine and Phoenix stepped to the stage, any mental preparation I did went right in the bin. I saw a few videos on Instagram this morning of the set, and in some of them you can see my little head just staring at the stage with this ridiculous grin on my face. The show felt like home, and I was SO proud to see Jasmine.

For me, I thought Elephant was going to be the one that broke me but instead, I cried out of sheer happiness. To see a room so full of love, kindness, acceptance, and safety really got to me. It’s awful right now for those of us who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and it’s extra fucking hard on our trans siblings, and to be in a room for those few hours where how we identify doesn’t mean we are at risk felt like being home. I really hope Jasmine knows exactly what she’s done and keeps doing with her music, because it’s so powerful. It’s beyond music, she’s beyond being a singer.

The set opens with Jasmine and Phoenix stepping up to the stage to play Kitchen, and they then treat us to Bobby (and Alex G cover.) These quiet moments showed just how tender music can be. Jasmine then introduces Eden and Emily to the stage where they rip the venue apart with Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation. This live hits you in a way a record cannot touch; it’s also a song I’ve sang/yelled at my cat many a time (I’m so sorry Mary, I do it because I love you.) Skin On Skin and Highfield nearly bloody break me as does Breaking In Reverse, but I kept it together because I was just happy to be in a room so full of love and joy. For me, the tenderness of Roan truly cemented just how gorgeous a musician Jasmine is. It was such a quiet moment, and nobody moved. We all just stood in awe of her. The song is beautiful anyway, but you truly feel how much it means to Jasmine when you see it live.

I think a lot us who went last night will agree that the performance of Woman was one of the most precious moments of the show. Jasmine split the crowd so her gorgeous friend, Bola could dance whilst they sang such a vital song. After the hate and hurt that comes from the UK Supreme Court Ruling (and the world in general being hateful), having the crowd chant “Fuck the Supreme Court” felt GOOD. Another person simply cannot police how you identify. Another person NEVER EVER has the right to make you feel small or make you feel like you should hide who you are. Queer people have ALWAYS been here. Trans people have always been here and they always will be. Non-Binary people have always been here, and we’re going nowhere. I never felt more proud of who I am than I was last night, and feeling secure in that is down to the home I have found in Jasmine’s music.

The band rip through Did U Know (which NEEDS to be recorded) but the set ends with an INSANE cover of Toxicity by System Of A Down. We all know that Jasmine has a delicate voice, but have you heard her properly scream and belt out a song? MY.GOD. I loved Emily’s stagedive during this, and the way she launched herself back onto the stage and play her bass as if nothing happened! Everything was left on the stage last night, and it was an honour to see it. I’m just so proud of Jasmine, and to be there for her sell out homecoming show was just extra special. I feel I could write thousands of words on why this was one of the most important gigs I’ve ever been to, but I think, if you’ve listened to her music- you will really get why it means so much. On record you can feel the emotion, but when you see it live, it feels so different. Songs like Roan live felt different and you could just see the love pour out of Jasmine as she sang this. Everyone on that stage last night (support acts too) gave their all, and in return, they received all the love in the world back.

The setlist I took from the stage last night is now signed, framed, and hangs above my record player in my room. It’s more than a setlist. It’s a sign to keep going and to be proud of who I am. I think aged 38, I’ve finally got there.

Jasmine has just announced another tour for later in the year, so if you missed out this time- you’ve got a second chance. I simply urge you to go see Jasmine live because you will truly know what it means to feel safe and seen. And hopefully there will be more System Of A Down covers.

I cannot write this without mentioning Yulia- Jasmine’s friend. If you follow Jasmine on social media or have been to her shows, you will know who Yulia is and how important she is. She is currently in prison because quite simply, like anyone with common sense, believes in a free Palestine. Please read and support Yulia here: https://www.freeyulia.com/info/ It is a heavy read so please be careful.

jasmine.4.t : You Are The Morning.

Posted on by

On Friday, one of the most pure and honest records will be released. This is a record that holds so much weight in the most divine way possible. It is vulnerable and vital. It’s a record I wish I had growing up so I could navigate being queer better than I did. I think most of us wish for that and thank god this record exists because it gives so much hope. The hope is in the title of the record. The hope is in all the songs, even the sad songs. I hope anyone who is LGBTQ+ that listens to this record finds a home in it and feels safe and loved. Because you are. You absolutely fucking are- don’t let anyone ever make you feel different.

Passionate rant over. Well, maybe not.

A few months ago, I heard Elephant by jasmine.4.t and my god the way I cried when I heard it. I sobbed. I wasn’t an adult listening to the song. I was a little queer teen who didn’t know what was going on listening to it, and every emotion possible came flying at me. Now, I listen to it with a lot less tears. The tears are reserved for the rest of Jasmine’s debut record. I think if the songs don’t make you cry, then you’ve not given it the attention the record deserves. If the title track (You Are The Morning) doesn’t break you or if Breaking In Reverse don’t make you sob, then god knows what you’ve been listening to!

I’ve played You Are The Morning a number of times, and every listen just gives you so much reassurance and hope. There is so much love on this record, and it represents queer friendship in the most delicate way possible. Jasmine has dedicated the record to queer friendships, and they saved her life. There are moments of love, joy and hope on this record- and given how brutal the world is at the moment, our community need this record more than ever. There’s so much innocence but hints of hurt on the record. Best Friend’s House will ruin you. It defines finding safety and acceptance and just being able to be. That’s all we want- we just want us to be. It’s not even a minute and a half long, but the song is SO powerful. The whole record is powerful, and I hope Jasmine knows just how much of a powerful record she’s made here.

Before I touch on other songs, I want to highlight the importance of the closer, Woman. On this song, Jasmine is backed by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, and much like our Jasmine, they use their voice to elevate the trans community. The song defines knowing who you are and being secure, and happy in that. That’s all any of us can hope for. It’s what we all deserve. It’s the perfect way to close the record, and it’s the perfect ending to make you play the record all over again. And again.

I thought I could find words to sum up just how wonderful this record is, but honestly? I don’t think anything anyone writes about this record will do it justice. No words are good enough. You just need to sit and listen to it. I absolutely LOVE Jasmine’s vocals on Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation. Her vocals on this are raw. The whole record has a DIY/lo-fi feel to it. And sure, snobs out there will say “THIS ISN’T PUNK!” But they’re idiots. Punk is more than a Ramones record, and they probably would have said the same. It’s going against what’s expected. It’s about not being a sheep or being how everyone wants you to be. It’s about being secure in who you are and being unapologetically yourself amongst other things. At the heart of it, this is a Punk record for the queer community. We need it. My god we need it.

There are so many tender moments on the record, and it really comes alive on New Shoes, which is the oldest song on the record. The song was originally made for Jasmine’s ex-spouse. It touches on problems early on in a relationship but has optimism to it. It’s such a beautiful song, and when the guitar hits with the piano? My god. The goosebumps! Another tender moment is Roan. It’s such a gorgeous song. The whole record is beautiful in every single way.

I’d be utterly foolish to even try tell you what the best song on this record is, I couldn’t do it. I don’t see how anyone could. It’s just an open book, and it’s the purest record I’ve heard in a long time. I honestly don’t think we’ll get anything as fragile as this record again- it’s such a rare record. It’s the kind of honesty that stops you. I’ve tried to listen to the record whilst at work and do whatever I need to do, but my attention goes straight to every word that Jasmine sings. What I’m trying to say is- this isn’t a record you stick on and go about your day. For the first few listens, let the record just totally take over you. Don’t do anything. Just sit and listen to it. Play it to someone who means something to you. Make them listen, and maybe they’ll understand. I’ve got so many thoughts about the record, and I don’t want to be too personal because no one needs to hear my thoughts ha! Not even I want to hear my thoughts most of the time! Elephant and Breaking In Reverse are the ones that really hit me in the gut. They’re the ones I know I’ll lean into the most. God help my cat when the record arrives this week and I blast it out- she’s going to want to leave. Sorry little Mary, you’re getting You Are The Morning on repeat!

I love how the tone of the record is set with the soft opener, Kitchen and that softness stays throughout the whole record right up to the closer, Woman. I feel this is the type of record that, when I listen to it again in say, 6 months time, I’ll still feel this way about it but something new will hit me. I can only liken it to the record by NoSo (Stay Proud Of Me) with how sensitive and joyful it is. There are sad moment, there are joyful moments. It is a masterpiece. A tender masterpiece that gives you so much hope. Skin On Skin is up there with being the most paper-thin songs I’ve ever heard; it’s gorgeous. I love everything this song represents. And it goes right into the hauntingly sensitive Highfield- truly one of the most beautifully created songs we will ever hear.

When Jasmine came out as trans to those close to her, some accepted her. Some didn’t. I will never understand how you cannot accept someone for being who they are, but maybe that’s because I don’t believe in loving someone with conditions. And maybe it’s because I’m lucky to have a very accepting mum. But I’ll never understand how you can turn your back on someone just because they are being themselves. Anyway- it’s THEIR loss. Always.

The record may have stemmed from dark moments in Jasmine’s life, but my goodness she has created something so full of love, full of hope, full of joy and full of light.

I feel I have so much more to say about the record, but I think it’s best to wrap it and mention that Jasmine is a huge supporter of Trans Mutual Aid Manchester. They do amazing work here, and if you want to support them to, please go here. They do brilliant work in our community, and they are a joy to support. Thank you.

*(I think Breaking In Reverse may be song that owns my heart because I’m too sensitive for my own good!)

THE HORRORS: YES, Manchester. 3rd December 2024.

Posted on by

In 2005 I found a band that instantly won me over. I listened to them religiously. 2006 I went to uni, and this band became EVERYTHING to me. I had their posters on my wall, I had cuttings from magazines of them on my wall. They got me through my first year when I felt homesick. They became everything and more. They got me through a lot, and as luck would didn’t have it- I never saw them live. No correction- I never saw them do a full set. I saw them once support Florence And The Machine at Ally Pally a good few years ago, and I cried. But last night was IT. Last night I saw them in a tiny venue in Manchester. No other venue could hold them like YES. No other venue would be better- well actually, SOUP would have been amazing. ANYWAY. I was absolutely beside myself to FINALLY see them live.

Sure, the line up isn’t the original but who cares? The songs are what matters here. They play a solid range of old and new (nothing from Strange House sadly!) The set had all the hits from Primary Colours and Skying of course. Hearing everyone belt out the words to Mirror’s Image (this song was my LIFE at one point) and Still Life was so beautiful. The newer songs were loud, and unreal. They were like a drill to the skull and released everything you’d been keeping locked in. Whiplash opened the set, and you knew right away you were in for the best night possible. The smoke machine and stage lighting did overtime last night, it was perfect. Faris reminds me a little of Lux (The Cramps) with how he towers over the crowd and throttles the mic stand. Rhys’ face paint kept making an appearance throughout the intense smoke machine and lighting. Also, is there a better guitarist in this country than Josh?

To see the band that I’d essentially grown up with and go through my teenage years into adulthood was something really special. I still don’t know how I managed to get tickets to this one, and it may just be the best purchase I ever made! That and the £30 I spent when I got my cat! Three Decades and Mirror’s Image follow each other, and they honestly couldn’t have made a better setlist. Well, maybe, if they gave us something from the Strange House record. I’d have probably passed away to be honest. Hearing songs like Little Victories live would have blown my mind! I don’t think I’d recover.

On record, The Horrors ALWAYS sound fantastic- you cannot fault them at all; you can hear the hard work and passion that goes into what they do. I had no idea what to expect in a live setting, especially with the slight lineup change. Whatever I was expecting was exceeded a billion and one times over- I just don’t think I’m going to feel this way about a gig ever again now, am I? They’ve ruined it, in the best way possible.

The new songs that they treated us to are divine live! More Than Life, Trial By Fire and The Silence That Remains are exceptional live. The Silence That Remains is haunting as hell live- it’s one of those songs that when you hear it on record, you are left a bit speechless because you can’t get your head around what’s going on. But when you hear it live, it doesn’t something else. Every single song was heightened by how brilliant the band are live. Amelia’s vocals on The Silence That Remains really make it as haunting as it is, and it’s one of those songs that when you witness it live, it massively changes how you appreciate it on record. Going by these 3 new songs from Night Life, I reckon it may just end up being the best record of 2025 and maybe THEIR best record.

I can’t write about last night without mentioning how euphoric and healing it is to hear Sea Within A Sea live. I remember where I was when this was released. I was in the house I was living in during my 3rd year in Stoke on Trent. I had their website open counting down to the video as it was a live stream of the music video, and I made sure I was home to watch it. I sat and stared at the screen for 7/8 minutes as this song was playing and this hypnotising video was taking over my brain. I felt something shift in my head. I knew I was facing a LOT of change in 2009 (some good and some bad) and this song became my comfort blanket. I’d play it over and over, and everything would be alright. I still feel that way about it. It’s that one song I can play and just zone out to. It’s honestly one of the best songs of all time. Witnessing it live was like a dream where you feel utterly weightless and safe. Floating through space and time without a care.

Still Life needs mentioning because again, another masterpiece. I don’t think the band are given enough credit for their ability to create such heavenly music but in a heavy way. Still Life is a gentle song, and again, is another comfort song. Everything feels better and safer when you listen to this.

Faris is an exceptional frontman. He doesn’t need to talk endlessly to the crowd with pointless chat at all. He says something between songs, and only an idiot would disagree: “Free Palestine, and fuck anyone who thinks otherwise.”

The encore consists of Endless Blue and Something To Remember Me By; and what a beautiful way to wrap up the most perfect gig. I honestly have no idea how I’ve managed to sum up last night as clear as this, but when something makes an impact on you, you find the words. From messaging Faris on MySpace in 2006 to see if I could interview him for my first ever article at uni (he did!) to seeing them play YES, and seeing their career grow and grow. I couldn’t be prouder to be a fan and to have been in that room last night.

Last night was The Horrors at their very best, and if you’ve got a ticket for this tour then you are very lucky (in every sense of the word!)

THE BATTERY FARM: Dark Web.

Posted on by

Some bands are put here to make a difference. Some go beyond making a difference, and you wonder how we managed to get this far without them. The Battery Farm aren’t just a band; they’re something else. Something that we need, something we’ve needed for so long.  There are messages and meaning in every single song. You don’t need to be told what they are, use your ears to work it out. You’ll get there. I don’t think they realise how powerful they are. There are some bands that just make a difference- think of bands like Benefits. The messaging is clear.

Dark Web is a fighter of a record. It’s rowdy. It’s angry. Really angry, and we’ve got a lot to be angry about. Ben’s vocals on Hail Mary start soft in comparison to how gritty his vocals usually are, but you can hear the rage. You pick up on that rage. The whole record feels like a smack in the face but also a call to change. His vocals really kick in on this song, and it’s that raw and gnarly tone that really pricks up your ears. You HAVE to listen.

You can really sense that this was a cathartic record to make, and you feel it may have taken a fair bit out of them to make. It’s a record that HAS to be heard live, I don’t think it was made for any other purpose other than getting it heard by as many people as possible wherever they can. Dark Web starts gentle, like Ben’s vocals are light on this but the last 30 seconds or so- his voice is still light, but there’s something really menacing about it- and it’s so beautiful.

Icicles is the oddest sounding song on the record, and I mean that in the best way possible. Musically, its brilliantly all over the place. The guitar has NO business sounding that slick and that good on the record- you can move to this one. But the heaviness of the lyrics creates this collision of worlds and what you get is a song that just stops you. You have to really sit and listen to this one; it pulls you in different ways and that’s not a bad thing at all.

For me it’s all about the passion, fury and honesty on the record. The most open song on this record is It’s A Shame, Thanks A Lot. The way Ben speaks about his experience and his mental health on this really, really hits you. I’ve had to stop and start this one a few times. Anyone who has had to carry around having really shit mental health will get why this one hits the gut very hard. I don’t see a need for me to write about this song because it is SO personal and so vulnerable. Just, there was a time where this song would have summed up everything I was feeling, and I’d have turned it off. I think the band have created something here that will help so many.

As far as second records go, they’ve nailed it and then some. They’ve surpassed all they did on their debut. Dark Web shows us exactly what they band are made of. How loud they can do, how fearless they are musically and lyrically and how much they have grown from then to now. They’re a band that Manchester is proud to have and claim. They’re just everything we need, and so much more. This is The Battery Farm at their finest, but we know they’ll keep getting better.

Bands that challenge their fans and those who listen are to be treasured, and we need to treasure The Battery Farm with all we have.

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS: Manchester Academy, 9th November 2024.

Posted on by

Last night I saw again, the best band of my generation, live. I’ve been thinking about what makes Amyl and The Sniffers so great and it’s down to the live shows. It’s the energy, it’s the band, it’s the fans. From seeing them at the Deaf Institute in 2019 to last night at the Academy; I can safely say that every time I’ve seen them, it’s made you feel like it won’t be long before they become a band that play stadiums. Their sound is THAT big. Their energy is even bigger.

From the second the band step on stage to Mobb Deep’s CLASSIC Shook Ones Part II (any band that walk on stage to that are excellent!) you know that you are seconds away from greatness. Amy steps to the mic and tells the crowd to pick anyone up who falls, don’t touch anyone who doesn’t want to be touched and to get rowdy. I think we can apply those rules to daily life. The setlist consists of 22 songs, and you feel it isn’t enough. You want more and more (I’ll ALWAYS want Stole My Pushbike back on the set along with 70s Street Munchies!) but the new record live is insane. They start with Doing In Me Head which is one of the best moments of Cartoon Darkness. They absolutely rip through the new record, and it’s that energy that is so rare, is what makes the night.

One of the things you spot at an Amyl and The Sniffers show is that there are no age limits- the crowd is so diverse and I think the older people in the crowd lasted longer in the pit than the younger ones. It was so beautiful to see. Amyl and The Sniffers are beyond being a Pub Rock/Punk band; there’s something else there, and it honestly above any words I or anyone could write down. You know what was the seller for me? Having the show projected on a screen behind the band because this short-arse can’t see anything! But I saw it all. I got the tickets as a birthday present to myself, and I think, even though I dislike my birthday, celebrating it like this was alright. Mainly because it wasn’t ON my birthday, but you get my point.

There are tender moments in the set such as Knifey and every female person sang that song as if their life depended on it. I remember hearing it for the first time, and I bawled. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been moved by that song. Bailing On Me nearly had me crying, but I remembered being told that no one is worth crying over so I stopped myself. It felt good. For me, hearing Motorbike Song live was all I wanted. That was the new song I was looking forward to the most. It’s so loud, it’s fast and it’s just a dream of a song. Of course, songs like Hertz, Guided By Angels and Security are belted out by everyone- how could they not be? They all created beautiful moments, and show why Comfort To Me is one of the greatest records ever made. However, I reckon every record they ever make will be the greatest so we’re fine. This is a band to put all your faith, love, and energy into. Pretty sure I had goosebumps from the second they stepped on stage to the very end of the set. The encore was Balaclava Lover Boogie and GFY- excellent way to end the show! There are SO many moments during the show that just blow your mind. Me And The Girls live absolutely dicks over the album version. The song rips anyway, but live? My god!! U Should Not Be Doing That holds a very special place in my heart as does Chewing Gum. Oh man having Maggot and Some Mutts in the setlist is a dream too! Every song deserves its place!

I adored how everyone was having the time of their lives last night. Sure, drinks were being lobbed across the room and being dropped, but that’s because everyone was busy dancing and screaming along to the words. A personal highlight for me was someone coming up to me to tell me something but I had no idea what they were saying, so they then said “Don’t listen to me, I’ve just got me tits out!” And that pretty much sums up the night. Freedom for all. Fun for everyone. It was a blast, and I hope they come back soon because their live shows really do give you a kick up the arse.

The new record hasn’t been out long, but everyone knew every single word and shouted along with Amy. Her voice has become so much stronger over the years, and I think you really hear it on songs like Chewing Gum and Big Dreams. As for Dec- show me a better guitarist right now, because you absolutely won’t find one. He’s something else. Gus is THE coolest bassist. Bryce is just exceptional. Together they show exactly why Amyl and The Sniffers are the best band around. This band are for us underdogs, the weirdos and the ones who do not want what you’re selling.

I’d like to end this by saying a very personal highlight of the night was me turning to my best mate during Jerkin’ to try tell him something important and he stopped me because he HAD to shout “WANK WANK WANK” during the song. I’d have been disappointed if he didn’t. The joy on his face was heavenly!

If you’ve never been to an Amyl and The Sniffers show, you are missing out. It’s as simple as that. I adore everything they stand for and how they treat their fans, and also- how the fans treat them. Amy Taylor has that Patti Smith quality about her, and I hope when Amy gets to 75, she’s still shouting the words to Jerkin’ every night in a different city. We need bands like this so badly- especially at the moment. At the start of the show, Amy gave a little speech about the state of the world and how shit it is, and the words hit. The world is absolutely terrible but there is more of us that want to do good and help, and we just have to be a lot louder now.

So, in short, this was an amazing show and the atmosphere was beautiful. If I could go to an Amyl and The Sniffers show every night, I bloody well would.

PS- This is one of the lamest reviews I’ve done but I hope you take away from this that Amyl and The Sniffers are the best live band around. Thanks!

BRUISE CONTROL: Left Behind.

Posted on by

Writing about Bruise Control is a dream. It’s a luxury. It’s something I’ll never get bored of because I just bloody love this band with all I have. I’ve seen them play small sweaty venues and I’ve seen them rip the roof off the Albert Hall whilst supporting Amyl and The Sniffers (if you were there, you’ll know how special that gig truly was!)

Manchester’s finest are back with an excellent new single and video to match. Left Behind is a perfect Punk anthem. That’s what Bruise Control are about- writing perfect anthems that sum up the fury and frustrations of daily life. They let it all out, and in turn, we shout the words back at their shows. They are one of the most exciting bands around- and I don’t just mean in Manchester. I mean in general. My love for this band is massive, and I could write you a full on thesis on why they are the best but I’ll save that for the next record. I’d say that Left Behind is Bruise Control at their very best, but anyone can tell that they are ALWAYS at their very best- it’s dead easy for them. Their sound is theirs, and theirs alone. No one else out there sounds like them, and that’s why they are such a joy to listen to.

I adore the chorus of the song, and it massively sums up the pains of living in a city that seems to want to build ugly high rise glass buildings. Green space is a myth. Community spaces are turned into pretentious coffee shops. It’s a drag to see, and it’s happening everywhere. It’s happening here in Manchester, and it’s heartbreaking because not only are these glass buildings ugly as fuck; they’re painfully expensive. Nowhere should cost that much to live. It’s vile. Anyway, I’m going to end up ranting so I’ll stop. I’ll save the rants for when I get a taxi because local taxi drivers LOVE to talk about how awful these buildings are, and I’m totally here for it.

Learn the chorus, and shout along with the band.

We desperately needs bands like this, and when you find them- cling onto them. Sometimes you just need to find something in a band like Bruise Control because they let it all out.

Their biggest headliner show is in a few weeks at YES in Manchester on the 29th November. Buy a ticket, learn the words. Have a lovely time!

JASMINE.4.T: Elephant.

Posted on by

For the past few months or so, I’ve been obsessing over a singer that is based in the city the city that I too, call home. I should have written this months ago, and now I’ve got a list of records I want to write about that’s longer than I intended to have. I’m not one for prioritising things (life is too short for order and structure) but this should have been done months ago. I guess the best time to do it is now. On a Tuesday afternoon as my cat has another nap next to me, occasionally moving when she thinks a bird is flying past.

Jasmine.4.t is everything you could want from a singer/songwriter. She’s honest, relatable and has a beautiful way with words. For the most part, I listen to music that could be loud enough to wake the dead but we all need balance. Jasmine is that balance, and she does it in the purest way possible. She recently supported the equally stunning Tom Rasmussen at their Manchester show last week (I couldn’t go and I feel I will regret this forever) and you can only imagine how beautiful that would have been. Jasmine’s voice is there to comfort anyone, but there’s something else to her beautiful sound that feels like home. Her voice is so delicate, so gentle; you cannot help but feel connected to the words she sings and how she sings. How can someone so wonderful create such beauty? Turns out, pretty easily. Her voice feels like the comfort you need when everything is really heavy. It’s like a protective cloak.

Jasmine’s new song, Elephant was released today and if you listen to it in passing, you’ll just think it’s a really good song. That’s absolutely fine, but if you want the meaning, here you go: “I wrote ‘Elephant’ very early in my transition about my first t4t love. It’s about when it hurts because you’re trying to be friends but you both want to be more. My life in Bristol fell apart when I came out and, having no safe place to live, I was staying on queers’ sofas in Manchester, traumatised and in no place to start a relationship.” When you read that, it changes how you hear the song in the best way. It shows this vulnerability that we may not get often, and I guess that’s why you really feel every word, right? No one should ever feel unsafe, and I think as Queer people, we do find it hard to feel safe and when you find a safe space- you cling onto it. I think that’s why I stay home a lot- my safe space is wherever my cat is. I cried when I played Elephant earlier because it is such a beautiful and honest song. I keep using those two words to describe Jasmine’s music, but I don’t think there are any other words right now I can think of. Initially I was going to write about their music in general, but Elephant is too an important song to not give attention to. There’s light and heaviness on this song, and in Jasmine’s sound in general. The tender moments are to be treasured and the louder moments are there to be truly felt and be turned up. You get a real sense of community in her music, and that feeling doesn’t come around often. It is to be treasured and to be kept close.

The video shows Manchester in all its glory, and why it’s such a beautiful city. Even when it’s pissing it down (all the time, we get it. We hear it all the time!) it’s still the best place, and it’s still home. I’m so happy that Jasmine calls this city home and feels safe here.  It’s important to mention that Jasmine’s band are also trans, and having that support on tour for each of them must be such a relief to know you always have someone there who understands and again, keeps you safe.

Jasmine’s debut record, You Are The Morning will be out 17th January. The last song on the record, Woman sees Jasmine backed by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles. I reckon that’ll be the song that makes me cry like an absolute baby. If Elephant is anything to go by, I’ll probably weep listening to the whole record anyway! I am SO excited to hear the record and to see what’s next for Jasmine and her band (Phoenix Rousiamanis and Eden O’Brien.) They deserve the world and more.

I also want to mention that Jasmine does a lot of work for/with Trans Mutual Aid Manchester. They’re a grassroots organisation based here, and they do amazing work in the community. If you have a few minutes to spare (which you do, because you’ve read this! Please read up about the work they do and how you can help here: https://linktr.ee/tmamcr )

CROWS: The Deaf Institute, Manchester. 10th October 2024.

Posted on by

Last night I went to my first gig of the year. I tried to work out why I’d left it so late in the year, but I don’t think I wanted to see anyone so far. Everyone I want to see is towards the end of the year, so I guess it worked out. It was also the first gig I’d been to in 7 years totally off sertraline. After 7 years, I stopped taking it in May. There were days where I forgot to take it, then I decided I didn’t want another summer of sertraline sweats! I know you’re not supposed to just stop, nor would I tell someone to do what I did, but it worked for me. I went to the Crows gig last night, and I felt. I felt more than I had in a while, and it felt like every bit of work I’d put into myself to “get better” had finally paid off. But that doesn’t mean all is okay; nothing and no one ever fully is, and that’s absolutely okay. It’s more than okay. Sometimes you need to go see your favourite band play in one of your favourite venues and listen to the songs that fixed parts of you no person or medication could ever touch.

Before I get into it- let it be known that headline bands starting at 8.30pm is delightful. More of that please! Home by 10.30pm- BLISS! I mean I’m still tired now, but it was absolutely worth it. It always is.

The band glide onto the stage and immediately annihilate the room with the opener, Reason Enough. That song live something else, truly. This band live are something else. You don’t just see them once and feel it’s enough. The setlist was divine, and of course in an ideal world they’d start at 6 and do all 3 records, but we don’t want to tire them out! The setlist is all I could want. Hearing songs like Room 156 and Healing live will ALWAYS make everything better. I thought they’d be the songs that would make me sob like a child that’s lost its favourite toy, but I held it together. If any song was going to ruin me, it would have been Vision of Me but again, I held it together. I think hearing Vision of Me live takes you to a different place where it doesn’t hurt so much to hear it, you know? If anything, it was an honour to see the new songs live and hear them the way they should be. Each of them owns the stage in their own way, and at times you don’t know where to look. For the most part I think I had my eyes closed and just took everything in. It felt like home, and it’s a hard feeling to find and keep. Music is always a constant. It’ll always be there.

High praise needs to be given to Jack Milwaukee for his exceptional sound talents. I’ve never heard a band so loud at this venue, and as soon as I got home, I was fully aware that my hearing was not that great. Would I sleep through my alarm in the morning? Nope. But the worry was there. If you don’t leave bruised or slightly broken, and in this case, unable to hear- than you’ve had a good time. The sound was so good! It was so slick, so loud and just perfect.

There are so many moments during the gig where you can’t believe you’re witnessing a band so bloody good play a room so small. These songs would sound perfect in a stadium with us all belting them out, but you also feel at home in these small venues singing your heart out with a few hundred people, to the songs that have saved you many times. And continue to save you. Just before they played Every Day of Every Year, James gave a little speech about having anxiety and it getting better; I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated something so much at a gig before. It was one of those things you needed to hear at that moment; and it made a world of difference. I think that’s part of why I love this band and why their songs mean so much. Also, I forgot just how divine Wednesday’s Child is live. Holy shit! James’ vocals on this are unreal, and live? Live it is INSANE. They all make this song sound so big live. When James shouts “Blame me for all your mistakes” it just takes you on this wild ride. It’s up there as being one of the best songs I’ve seen live. Demeanour was insane live too. Under 2 minutes of chaos- perfect!

 A couple songs into the set and he goes wandering round the crowd and at one point later in the set, he extends the fancy mic (you know the one!) to someone in the crowd for them to sing into. Tiny moments stick with you, and my god James’ voice is STRONG. Anyone who has seen them live knows how slick their set is and how strong they all sound together- but maybe it was down to Jack being an exceptional sound/tech person, but they sounded heavenly last night. Sometimes, you go to a gig, and you want to stay in that moment for the rest of time because it’s so comforting- last night’s show was exactly that. Way more than that.

There was a solid mix of old and new songs, and every song just felt like a rush to the body. Like you were being jolted back to life. I know I’ve mentioned it, but I’ll never get over the power Room 156 and Healing has live. With every listen, regardless of the setting, those two songs just seem to mean more and more to me. I think I feel the same about Every Day of Every Year; there’s reassurance in those three songs that you cannot get anywhere else. You’ve got the classics such as Slowly Separate, Garden of England and Closer Still; but when you witness The Itch live- my god! Something hits you. There is something about this song live that can correct every uneasy feeling you have. You can’t help but allow your eyes dart across the stage when this song kicks of- Steve goes wild on the guitar, Sam destroys the drums, Jith makes the bass sound like a demon and James brings it in with his vocals. This happens on every single song, but The Itch live does something else to the mind and body.

The night ends with Is It Better? I don’t think there’s a more fitting Crows song to end the gig with. It’s hopeful but cautious, and I think because it has so much power live- it makes you want the gig to start over again and you witness and feel all of this again and again. They aren’t a band that you see once and that’s it. Absolutely not. They’re a band that you keep seeing because watching them grow in every way is joy to witness and hear.

I’m doing this all again on Tuesday evening, and it cannot come round quick enough.

BRUISE CONTROL: Deaf Institute Lodge 24th February 2024.

Posted on by

Before I get into this, I just want to say- if you are ever given the chance to see Bruise Control… TAKE IT. Sure not everyone loves the kind of music they do, but anyone can appreciate the energy they give off and their talent. The most exciting bands around, and a reason to declare Manchester as the best city.

The first time I saw Bruise Control live, they supported Amyl And The Sniffers at the Albert Hall. To open for a band like that is one thing but to do it in a venue like that is something else. I think when I wrote about the show, I said it felt like Bruise Control were headlining. This band know how to put on a show regardless of the venue size. Bruise Control have the power to be as big as those they have supported, and last night they absolutely proved that.

They hit the stage a couple of minutes before 9 and are done about half past. But it didn’t stop there. Given that they blitzed their way through their set, they did a couple more and that included their delicious cover of Sabotage by the Beastie Boys. We know how precious I can be with covers, but trust me- this cover is ridiculous. Everyone goes ape shit to it. The crowd are handed the mic to scream and the best part is when someone is handed it, and they say “absolutely not.” Amongst the loudness of the music, this is met with gorgeous laughter and shows the love and community in the room. I’ve never felt so safe at a show. It felt like home.

They play all the hits from HMRC, No More, Dead on Arrival and so much more. I was just absolutely enamored by the whole set. This band can really really play. There is something about them on record that has you hooked but live it is truly something else. Jim crowd surfing in the shortest of shorts and his socks was insane. I reckon if anyone else did it, they’d look lame but Jim is the soundest of them all. The band are utterly ferocious pros at what they do, and the passion they have is so beautiful to see; for me it’s the way Jim is so grateful for everyone coming out to see them (as if we’d want to be anywhere else!) This band have a proper following here in Manchester, and it makes me so proud to call this city home. Watching the sea of bodies in front of me move to every sound and scream is just heavenly. Bruise Control deserve the world and more, and I hope they get it because they are SO deserving of every positive opportunity that heads their way.

Aside from the Sabotage cover being an absolute killer of a cover and a joy to watch, for me it was always about Dead on Arrival. That song is Bruise Control at their most powerful, and it truly shows how phenomenal they are as musicians. I honestly could watch them every night and not get bored; they have something that we’ve yet to see in other bands and I know their sound isn’t for everyone but my god they can put on a show. And you know what else is magical about it all? Their fans aren’t dickheads. Sometimes at shows like this you can encounter some real idiots in the crowd, but here there was none of that. It was a truly beautiful experience. I urge anyone to go see them live.

Manchester is home to some of the most incredible band and our pals in Bruise Control are leading the way. I could not be prouder of them. I think anyone there last night will probably feel the same too.

PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS: O2 Ritz, Manchester 30th September 2023.

Posted on by

Every time I write about Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, I always feel like I find something new to love about them. On record, they are one of the most thrilling bands around yet, after being obsessed with them for so long, tonight was my first time seeing them live. Whenever I had a ticket, something or someone would get in the way. Whether it be a clash of plans I couldn’t get out of or having a panic attack and having to miss out again- you name it, it’s stopped me from going. Reluctantly. Tonight, I finally got to see them. I’ve never felt so content at a gig. It was so loud, so beautiful and just out of this world.

Before I get into the show, I want to state that Matthew Baty is THE most powerful front man of any band around right now. The way he struts round the stage in his vest and shorts (I sound like I’m talking about a PE lesson from school when you’ve forgotten your kit!) like one of The Bushwhackers (if you’re a WWE fan you’ll get it.) A phenomenal band through and through.

I’ve been to enough loud gigs to last me a lifetime but trust me- this is up there with being one of the loudest. The love for this band is felt throughout the venue. I’m stood right at the back with a perfect view of everything, and the atmosphere is something else. Every single song is cheered with unifying admiration. This band have been together for around 11/12 years, and to see them play a venue like the Ritz is incredible. Matthew mentioned that the first time they ever played Manchester was in some warehouse, and now they are playing venues like this. They are a band that deserve to be heard, and like Matthew said- maybe now the music industry will take them seriously. Let’s be honest here, what the music industry thinks about Pigsx7 means nothing- all you need to do is go to their shows and you’ll see exactly why they are the best around.

The show is sheer justification of why they are the most entertaining and hypnotising bands around. They don’t do encores which personally, I am in favour of. Either stay on the stage and a play a few more or just leave!

The setlist rips from start to finish. You want loud? You’ve got it and so much more! They end their set with A66, and it felt like every song felt like a lead up to that moment. My god this setlist, this show- out of this world. Reducer? Insane! GNT? Mind-blowing. You got the hits and so much more, and even though it was my first time seeing the band it will definitely not be my last. Far from it! They opened with the face-melting Mr Medicine, and that was enough for us to all quickly realise that this was going to be one hell of a night. My ears hurt the morning after, but that’s what you want from a band like this. Beautifully loud. There is something really magical about this band, and their live shows truly show how incredible they are. Every single song is delivered with this euphoric passion that makes you question how you’ve got through life without experiencing this before.

For me, it was all about finally seeing World Crust- this one just blew me away. I’m pretty sure I had this weird grin on my face throughout the whole show, but this one was next level. I felt proper joy at this show, and it’s a joy I didn’t think I’d feel but turns out, I can! I guess all isn’t so bad afterall. The comfort I find in this band is like nothing else, and their live shows are an extension of how phenomenal they are. I urge anyone and everyone to see them live. Even if this isn’t your type of music, the atmosphere alone will change your mind and probably like me, you’ll want to be at their shows every night.