Tag Archives: Music

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.

CROTEAU: Silent Sound.

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What do YOU know about the Isle of Man? Let’s be honest, not a lot. Not a lot happens there. Not a lot to do, nowhere to go. I grew up there, and I have a love/hate relationship with the place. There are some stunning beaches there but if you want to feel shit, then walk round Douglas town centre. HOWEVER, I will say that there have been and there are some brilliant bands that have come from the little rock in the middle of the Irish Sea, and I am SO happy to write about the debut record from the best band around from there- Croteau.

Croteau have been around for a few years and fun fact, and also a way to make me feel old- I went to high school with guitarist Ali’s mum. Croteau are everything you could want from a local band who are evidently going places. Their sound is pretty much unlike anything else around, and it’s that rage and level of ferociousness in their sound that makes them so appealing.

What I’ve really loved seeing the lead up to the release was the band sharing music and books that have inspired the record. A lot of it includes books and bands I was listening to from like 14/15 and still do. Knowing that writers like Camus, Bukowski, Burroughs and of course the greatest- Ginsberg are being shown to younger generations still gives me a lot of hope. Punk ain’t dead- it’s everywhere. Some bands that inspired the record are New York Dolls, TJAMC, Fugazi, The Stooges- come on now! You can hear it right in the record, and it is so fucking cool. I always thought my uncle was the coolest person on the Isle of Man and was in the best band from there (The 13th Pillar closely followed by The Bastinados with THEE coolest of ‘em all, Raz) but Croteau are definitely up there. They’re the best new band from the IOM for sure and absolutely the loudest. I really hope some UK promoters get hold of them and get them over to the UK because there are so many venues that their sound could beautifully destroy. YES Basement or The Castle in Manchester would be ideal for them. Alright, so praise aside for everything they do. I need to go into the record. Buckle up.

13 songs. 13 perfectly crafted Punk anthems. These are the songs that some kid in Year 7 or 8 on the Isle of Man is listening to as they walk the corridors waiting for the day to end because the walls at school trap you. I say this as someone who had the worst time in high school. Music was my escape. Some kid trying to find their way is going to be listening to this record as they go about their day and it’s going to grip ‘em, and by Year 9 they will have found their people and started their own band. It may not be this year; it could be in a few years. But they will find this record when the time is right for them, and they’ll have their mind blown and eardrums ripped wide open and ruined in the best way possible.

Every song needs to be played loud and maybe go louder than you think with this one. I absolutely love the song Mandy- it’s one I keep going back to, and what I love about this record is that I feel like I’m finding bands like the Ramones or The Stooges or MC5 for the first time, and I’m being sucked into this world where anything is possible but I’m also angry at how fucked the world is. Every song is an anthem just crying out to be screamed back at the band. Fragile Piece? Genius. Loaded Gun? Work of art. Manic? 34 seconds of angst-ridden BLISS. The whole record oozes rage in all the right forms, and the want for change but also knowing the world is corrupt. There are no tender moments here. There is nothing but beautiful loudness and urgency.

Play this record loud enough to disturb your neighbours, and your neighbour’s neighbour and beyond. Throw your body around to Get Nowhere. Get those frustrations out. They’re the most dangerous band on the Isle of Man, don’t you know! This is the kind of danger we need. That bite and that passion in the music.

If this is how they sound on their debut record, then there’s no telling what their future holds. They’ve got IT man. Whatever you want a band to have, Croteau have got IT.

The kids are gonna be alright. It’s adults that are the problem.

CROCODILES: Greetings From Hell.

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Tomorrow my buddies and also one of my all time favourite bands release their 9th record (that’s if we don’t count the three Shitty Times records.) What can they do on record number 9 that they haven’t already done?!

Well, EVERYTHING. What I love about Crocs is that even though they have a distinctive sound (it’s in Brandon’s voice, and it’s in Charlie and Brandon’s guitar style- always) but they also manage to give you something you’ve not heard before. I remember finding their music in 2008/9, and I hadn’t heard anything like it before. That feeling is there with every record they put out and they’ve truly excelled once again on Greetings From Hell. The title for the record makes me think of The Cramps, who are according to me and those with good taste, are one of the best bands of all time. I’m only two songs in but I can tell you this is my record of the year.

Let’s Be Strangers is going to be up there as one of my favourite songs of the years. It’s a got a fuck you/fuck off feel to it, I’m always down with that. There are so many things to adore about this record, and to make you truly fall all the way back in love with Crocodiles all over again. It’s only been 3 years since their last record, and in that time they’ve both continued to work on their equally great side projects (Crush of Souls and Psychic Pigs- both are different from each other, and just phenomenal.) I do have some fear inside that they’ll stop making records as Crocodiles one day, but I hope that day comes when Charlie and Brandon are like 90 years old, and need a rest. Let’s not think about it, ha! So back to the record.

I Dream Of Genet is a billion percent a title of a song that Patti Smith would love, right? It’s a real catchy number and I hope they do this on tour because it will be a joy to witness. That’s one of the things I truly love about Crocodiles- it’s their live shows. I saw them last year in Newcastle, and I can honestly say that out of the 20+ times I’ve seen them- THAT was their best show for me. There was something about the venue, the company, the setlist and everything in between- it was just an honour to be in that crowd that night. I obviously feel a huge sense of pride when I listen to Crocodiles, and that feeling is very much there for this record. Every record is them at their very best, and this is truly one of the best things they’ve ever done. I know my opinion is hugely biased but, in this case, I know I’m right.

Brandon and Charlie met nearly 30 years ago in San Diego at an antifascist gathering (always on the right side of history these two, and will ALWAYS speak up for what’s right) and you can really hear their bond on this record. They may live on opposite sides of the world (Paris and Los Angeles) but that doesn’t stop them from making the most perfect record every single time. I guess distance does make the heart grow fonder. The 10 songs on this record are a prime example of why Crocs are the best at what they do. If you’re someone who has never listened to them (firstly, where have you been?! My own mother loves this band!) Greetings From Hell is a great starting point and work your way backwards. There’s something really special about their music, and every record for me, is right there when I need it. Music is that best friend that’s always there with no condition or expectation. That’s why I really love this band- they’ve been there through the good and bad, and I couldn’t imagine a world without their sounds!

Every single song on this record has been crafted in the most delightful way you could imagine. Listening to a new Crocs record is like going home, or having your favourite meal or drink, or hanging with your favourite person and/or cat. It’s familiar and it feels like home. For me, the band are home. The ultimate safe space. The ultimate band. The record is Crocodiles at their very best and songs like Whips and Chains are MADE to be heard live. The record picks up from where Upside Down In Heaven left off, and that’s something I love about Crocodiles. Every record picks up from where the previous left off, but always ALWAYS gives you something new and a reason to keep on fallin’ back in love with them.

I don’t normally do this, but I want to dedicate what I’ve written to a very special and cool person who we sadly lost this week- Gregg Foreman. Gregg was such an important person to music and to those who love music. From his work with the Delta 72 to Cat Power to Gossip to L.A. Witch and to Crocodiles. Not forgetting Lydia Lunch too. There’s many, many more he worked with. Everyone loved him, and now- everyone will miss him. So much about Gregg reminds me of Raz, and that’s why this loss hits harder than it may have done. Every day Gregg would post his gratitude list on Instagram, and I’d look forward to it every day because you knew he meant every word and the world around him meant so much. I hope wherever he is now, he knows how loved he is and is at peace. And I hope he’s up there creating the best band in the world with Johnny Thunders, Rowland S. Howard and Lux. Imagine the noise. Forever our Moth.

Greetings From Hell by Crocodiles is out tomorrow via Invisible Hits, and like their last record is produced by the excellent Jonah Falco.

You can order the record here: https://crocodilesband.bandcamp.com/album/greetings-from-hell

Play the record loud. Hug your mates. Go see Crocodiles live.

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!

CLUB LEX.

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So, if I was to pin down my dream sound in a band it would be something along the lines of the smoothness of Sade, the energy and style of The Cramps and The Gun Club, the slickness of Ritchie Valens, the essence of the Ramones and the delightful strangeness of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Put that altogether and you’d have my ideal sound. I’ve found it in many bands I’ve written about (or not yet written about) and in bands I absolutely adore. In everything, I look for the same feeling I got when I heard Seventeen Seconds record by The Cure and Psychocandy by The Jesus And Mary Chain.

I only heard of Club Lex a couple of days ago where I saw they were playing a show with Divorce Finance (insane band!) and wanted to check them out. I am SO glad I did because I THINK I have found my new favourite band. The capture everything I love about music, everything I’d want my dream band to sound like. They are just perfect. I think the drummer is the lead singer so that’s another cool thing about them! They absolutely do sound a bit like The Cramps which is always a good thing. They have a sound that resembles the A Date With Elvis, which is fine by me! It’s up there as one of my favourite records. Club Lex have (I think) one release out, and it’s an EP from last year called Welcome To The Club.

Welcome To The Club is a perfect introduction to the band, and these 5 songs were made to fry your brain and hypnotise your mind and body. These 5 songs are bloody powerful, and they do make you feel like you urgently need more. We all have to be patient here. It’s such a strong record, and the whole thing feels like it could be the soundtrack to a really twisted film. Shirley definitely feels like it could be on the soundtrack to a questionable and creepy film. The best songs give off that feeling and Club Lex do it so, so well. Although they are a relatively new band, their sound does make you feel as if you’ve experienced this before. You feel like maybe in a past life, you heard this band. Bands like that are so special, and I really cannot wait to hear more from them.

Their music is like a glorious whirlwind. Like you’re in an old Western film and you’re trying to escape far far away from your surroundings. Every song is delivered with such urgency and passion that you want injecting into your soul. I love what I’ve heard so far, and I really cannot wait to hear more and more from them. A sound like this is hard to perfect and to just nail. They’ve made it sound so easy and if they sound like this on record, then I’m pretty sure their live shows will be equally as impressive and intense.

So, if you’re looking for something to throw you back and forth in time. Something that makes you feel like you’ve ended up somewhere you shouldn’t have or you just want something so beautifully weird to adore and listen to- then Club Lex are the band for you. I know nothing about this band and there’s nothing about them online, which is absolutely fine! It just means you’ll always be seeking this band out, waiting for them to appear in a town near you. And when they do, you must simply go see them because they are truly something else. I could write thousands of words on this band and why their sound just speaks to me, but the music does all the talkin’ here. I’m hooked; I’m all in.

They have this sound that I cannot quite describe but I know it’s just got that something I always look for in music. They’ll terrify you; they’ll make you buy whatever it is they are selling and you will thank them for it. Honestly, one of the most exciting bands we will hear all year. I’ve fallen in love. I am HOME!

NOSO @ Band On The Wall, Manchester. 19th February 2026.

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Nearly 3 years ago (March 2023) I saw NoSo play their first ever Manchester show at Yes. Last night, they played Band On The Wall and let me tell you, THAT was some experience.

It’s pretty obvious how much I adore NoSo’s music and the way they capture every emotion possible. What leaves me in awe even more so, is how Baek and his band just take the songs to the next level in the live setting. There is only one flaw to a NoSo show- they aren’t long enough. I know we’ve only got 2 records but play them on repeat a few times ha! But in all seriousness, it’s not just the beautiful tone to Baek’s voice, it’s the way they play guitar. I think I spent most of the set just watching them play the guitar and not taking everything fully in. Criminally underrated guitar player and certain songs definitely show you how wonderful they are. I could watch Baek play Sugar and I Feel You ALL day.

The set is a beautiful mix of songs from Stay Proud Of Me and When Are You Leaving? During the set I text my mum to tell her I was out, and I told her what show I was at and she replied with that she had just listened to Nara and loved it. NoSo is for everyone- especially the mums! It was really beautiful to see such a lovely mix of people in the crowd, and in front of me were a (I think a couple) and one of them just danced all the way through and was having the time of their life. That’s what it’s about, and when you can see how much it means to other people and you can see it means the world to them like it means the world to you- you kind of have some hope that maybe it will all be okay.

Baek has a gentle and shy presence on stage and truly lets the music do all the talking. The way Baek and their band play their hearts out and, in a way, mend yours, is just a joy to watch. If I could be at a NoSo show every night I’d be happy and I’d probably be super calm too! There are many highlights of the set but for me it was Suburbia and Let It Die. Let It Die is a sheer euphoric moment from the new record, and I just knew it’d be something really special live. When you see certain songs live, it can change how you feel about them and it just make me love the song a hell of a lot more. I honestly thought I was going to cry at some point during the show just because of what Baek’s music means to me and how their music feels like home, but I was all okay. Or maybe it’s because the one song that would break me wasn’t played! Either way, it was just a beautiful show and to see how loved NoSo is in the UK gives me some hope that we may get more shows and not have to wait 3 more years! But hey, it was absolutely worth the wait, and I strongly advise that if you are ever able to get to their shows- you go. Grab that opportunity and experience something so ethereal and gentle.

For the encore we very nearly got a cover of Hot To Go but settled on Who Made You This Sweet? Lyrically the song will rip your heart out, but when you see it live, you just appreciate the beauty within in. I first found Baek’s music in late 2021 and round about then I was working out stuff and realised I was Non-Binary. It was rough, it was lonely and it was something I mentally had to go through alone. I was using music as a way to navigate my way through, and NoSo’s music felt like someone was holding my hand through it. When you get to see the songs live that were your crutch, it just means a hell of a lot more doesn’t it? You find your home wherever you can, wherever you want and in your own time.

There are certain shows you go to where you feel like you could stay in that moment forever and I absolutely got that last night. I just utterly love NoSo’s music and experiencing it live is something that goes beyond the words I’ve written or could ever write. My words do not do it justice at all but know that once you go to a NoSo show, your heart and soul will never be the same again.

WAVVES @ YES, Manchester. 17th February 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHTVRMNS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

KÜKEN : PALERMO EP.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Palermo is out now via Alien Snatch! Records.

GIRLTEETH: Paper Hearts.

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

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

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

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

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

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