This is going to be short because I’m pretty much typing with one hand. I sliced my finger right open yesterday when cutting a bagel open, and you know- it could have been a day off work if I put more effort into my injury!
Manchester is home to some incredible bands; we already know the bands from the past but let’s stop looking back for a bit and focus on new bands such as GIRLTEETH. I think there are 4 of them in the band (obviously member amount isn’t important) and they are all exceptional musicians. They only have one song out at the moment, but it’s this one song that will demand your time and ears. It’s meant to be played loud, and to probably annoy your neighbours if you want.
Paper Hearts is delicate and heavy in all the right places (I sound like I’m describing myself) and has this beautiful euphoric build-up; it’s the kind of song you’d play walking home in the pissing rain after a really shit day. The only thing that would make the day better would be listening to music you love and going to sleep. So whilst awake, you should probably listen to GIRLTEETH. This is a dream introduction to what’s to come from them, and to basically become obsessed with them. It’s an actual crime to not love and adore them. I don’t make the rules. It’s truly a gorgeous song, and the perfect introduction to such a divine band. There’s a lot of longing and heartache in this song, but it’s done in a way that could probably break the happiest person around. You can tell they’ve put their all into this song, and that’s part of the reason why they are such a great band to listen to.
They are also playing a huge gig at the Peer Hat on the 14th December as part of Just Do The Thing presents The Thing: a transfem-centred fundraiser for Trans Mutual Aid Manchester and Yulia Trot’s solidarity fund. The night will have some BIG names playing but if you’ve not got tickets, then you’ve probably missed out because I am fairly sure it is sold out!
Paper Hearts is the perfect introduction to GIRLTEETH and I cannot wait to hear more from Manchester’s finest new band!
Anything I write about jasmine.4.t I have definitely written before, but she deserves all the praise in the world, and if that means I repeat myself- so be it!
Her show at Gorilla on Sunday was the last as part of her Tranarchy World Tour, and it was only right it ended in her home city of Manchester. The last time she headlined Manchester was back in May at the Deaf Institute, and it was of course, an incredible show but there was something incredibly special about the show at Gorilla. There was something about the show that made you realise just how phenomenal Jasmine and her band truly are. The lineup was slightly different but that takes nothing away at all. Basically, every single time, her band have been the absolute best of the best. No matter where they play or who is in the band- you won’t find a better group of people.
One thing you take away from a Jasmine show is the importance of community and feeling completely safe at her shows. The front row was full of queer kids having the best time- safe away from how brutal the outside world is. This just shows the importance of Jasmine’s music and the importance of community. Society will try to erase trans and non-binary people and try make you believe they are the ones to fear and hate. But it’s those in power…always those in power that are to blame. Seeing so many young queer kids have the most carefree time on Sunday gave me some hope. Some much needed hope because the world is cruel and cold to us.
What I adore about Jasmine and her band is that you can really feel how much they love being on stage, and how it is important to unleash these songs on stage. They are songs that NEED to be heard- they carry such importance. I wish I had this kind of representation growing up. It may have made growing up slightly easier but knowing that queer kids have someone like Jasmine to look up to is just so beautiful. There were two kids at the front, and I knew at their age I wouldn’t have had the money to buy merch, so I grabbed a set list from the sound desk and gave it to them. I hope they go it signed by Jasmine because you cannot put a price on that. The kids will be alright.
You can really feel it was the last show of the tour, and I think this was pretty much summed up by Emily climbing up the stage and also lobbing her bass across the stage as the last song, Did U No ends (I think the person on the sound desk was questioning their life choices after that.) Emily doesn’t go quietly, and that’s why we love her. Asher and Maxie are two new additions, and they are an absolute joy to watch- you can’t tear your eyes away from the stage, and you cannot help but be in awe of these 4 incredible musicians on stage. They are all remarkable. Obsessed forever.
There are many loud and rowdy moments on stage, but for me, it’s always going to be the tenderness of Roan that gets me. Jasmine’s vocals on this are angelic, but when you witness it live, it is truly something else. It is the most gentle and soothing part of the show. It feels like we are all transcending into something and part of you feels like you are intruding in something so personal, but you cannot help but watch. It’s such a grounding song, and the way Jasmine performs it just makes it so ethereal. She does exactly the same with Kitchen too. Both songs are so powerful and vulnerable. Nobody does it like Jasmine; there is something about her words that just get you right in the gut.
Jasmine’s shows are loud, passionate, the definition of safety and community. If you’re ever searching for those things- listen to her music, go to her shows. I’m pretty sure her and her band are the hardest working musicians this year has seen. They are all such a joy to watch, and they all truly shine on stage. For me, it’ll always be Did U No as THE most important moment of the shows but songs like Elephant (this will never not make me cry) and Woman that show exactly why Jasmine and her band deserve the world and more. To see the crowd absolutely belt out every single word to Guy Fawkes Teso Dissociation (I sing this to my cat) and Breaking In Reverse will never get old. I just want to live at a Jasmine show to be honest. I don’t think I can fully put into words how much her shows and music mean, but I reckon anyone who listens to her or has been to her show gets it.
Jasmine and her band rip right through the bulk of her debut record, You Are The Morning and also play some tracks off the YBT Deluxe version. This version is named after Jasmine’s close friend Yulia Trot who is one of the Filton 24, who are being held as political prisoners in the UK. You can find more about Yulia here:www.freeyulia.com and you can learn about how to support Yulia and the Filton 24 on Instagram: @freethefilton24 and the trial started this week. Free Palestine, always. Free the Filton 24. Free Yulia.
I just also want to mention because it is VITAL. Yulia is being held at HMP Styal. If you’re able, please call the prison on 01625 553000 and demand that they reinstate Yulia’s rights. To find out more, please go on Instagram and find @s_tax and look for the post from 5 days ago, and you’ll have all the info you need there. If you cannot contact the prison, please share the post. Thank you x
I don’t think I can count how many times I’ve seen Bruise Control or written about them or told someone to listen to them but, I can tell you that their show at SOUP on Friday was a sight to behold. It was a night to remember because these angels of the north know how to put on a show.
As someone who believes in the mantra, “If I don’t leave a gig even slightly hard of hearing immediately or the day after, I probably didn’t enjoy it” I decided I had to fully commit to this notion on Friday. Was it a wise move? No. Did my teeth hurt from how loud it was? Yes. Was I stood right next to the massive speakers/amps? Yes. Yes, I was. Would I have stood anywhere else? Probably not. Side view of the stage and had ringing in my ears for a little while after (the morning after) was a dream. The show was a dream.
The band came onto the stage with Tommy (drummer) dressed as Richard O’Brien, and the rest of the band were in delightful jumpsuits, as contestants on the Crystal Maze. As the theme tune came on, I turned to my girlfriend and said “Casualty?!” Obviously, she corrected me and I was convinced both theme tunes sound VERY similar. Imagine if it was Casualty they walked onto the stage to? The costumes would have been wild. Tommy even treated us to a little ditty on his harmonica. Then it was show time. Then everybody in the crowd pushed forward and it was carnage from there. Jim had to call out some dickish behaviour in the crowd a couple of times. But that didn’t take away anything from the show they put on. I think Jim went into the crowd a few times, and the first time was a bit too much. People were a LOT. There’s no need to bash into people or touch people who don’t wish to be touched, y’know?
Every time I’ve seen them, they’ve just blown my mind (and eardrums) and Friday night just showed us all why they are one of the best bands around. I don’t think you can fully appreciate how great they are until you’ve seen them live. The way they sound together is just divine anyway, but live it is something else. Truly. The first few songs were played with NO break in between, and I have no idea where or how they get their energy. I was tired just watching them! Also, Tommy’s commitment to the Richard O’Brien costume was next level. I genuinely thought he was going to pass out from it. Obviously, Jim played in his little short shorts. I think it was a wise outfit choice at this point! But their dedication to each other, what they do, the crowd/fans and yes, Halloween outfits, just shows why they are such a joy to watch and to be a fan of. They mean so much to so many of us because they express the frustrations of daily life. Note- the frustration is with the government, taxman, and HMRC. It’s not the person coming to this country for a better life because where they are from is dangerous- it never was, and never will be. It’s those in “power” that are doing the damage and division. Pricks.
Anyway.
Bruise Control totally rip apart SOUP and blitz right through their set. They play some of their greatest hits, and also new one, Gone To Ground and a couple other from a new EP which should be with us next year. Their sound is distinctive and important. They are such an important band, and I urge anyone who gets the chance to see them live, to absolutely take it. Take some earplugs if you want, but go. You could see just how much the band mean to everyone in the crowd, and that’s been apparent every time I’ve seen them. I remember them supporting Amyl and The Sniffers at the Albert Hall a few years ago, and it could easily have been their headline show. One day, they will sell out Albert Show for themselves for sure. They just have something about them that makes them relatable, easy to love and to pretty much become obsessed with them. They are everything the world needs right now, and they go way beyond being a noisy Punk band. They are so much more than that. You can really feel how much it means to the band to have sold out SOUP, and I think it may be the most tickets they’ve sold for a show? I may be wrong, but let’s go with me being right because it’s such a beautiful achievement for them. The love they have and how much it means to them makes it that more important- hometown gigs always are, and that’s the beauty of seeing Bruise Control in Manchester. The crowd just get it more, and we’re all just really, really proud of this beautiful band.
Songs like Taxman and Useless are screamed back to the band, and that just shows the love and dedication Bruise Control fans have. They’re a band that you want to constantly see live because the environment they create at their shows is just beautiful. My hearing is back, and my love for this band remains great. I cannot wait to hear the EP in the new year, and for any shows that follow. They are easily Manchester’s fines
I first saw Amyl and The Sniffers live back in 2019 when they played their first headline Manchester show at the Deaf Institute, and from being a fan of theirs for a while beforehand- I can tell you that excitement has been there every time I’ve seen them live. Following that show, it was the Albert Hall then it was the Academy last year. And last night, it was probably the worst venue in Manchester (if you like getting squashed and twatted in the face, it’s fine) the Victoria Warehouse. However, as awful as the venue is- it was perfect for the band. The sound was great and to see THAT many people enjoy one of the best bands around was a joy to see. It was one of the most diverse crowds ever, and that shows the power of music. The media will do all it can to divide people, but music does the opposite.
They played 21 songs, and I reckon they could have played 21 more if possible. Imagine if they did Stole My Pushbike or 70s Street Munchies just one more time!! I’d have lost my mind. They opened with Balaclava Lover Boogie which is the only way to open a set. They walked on to the stage to probably the best dance song of the 90s (I was 5 when it came out, and I was obsessed!) Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters. What a song to walk on to! Everyone was singing along, and I think that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the night.
A large portion of songs came from last year’s exceptional release, Cartoon Darkness and when you hear these songs live you really pick up on how important they are and also, how important this band really is. Every band last night (the support was SO good) used their platform to rightfully speak up about Palestine and how a ceasefire evidently is NOT happening, and we all know why. That’s how you use your platform, and more must do this. What I love about Amy Taylor is that she speaks about politics and how the world is and calls out the unfairness and the shitshow of it all in a way that you connect with. For me, she’s the best around and I think she is someone young people will look up to and start their own band or maybe just think, “Yep- that’s me!”
Every single song is greeted with this echo of noise that makes you realise just how loved this band are. If I could pinpoint a reason as to why I love them so, I really don’t think I could. There are so many reasons. Declan is one of the coolest and slickest guitarists around, Bryce beats the shit out of the drums and the sheer energy he has is a perfect match to Amy’s, Gus is the bass player every bass player wishes they were. They’re all in their own zone but together on stage, and it is such a joy to watch.
They rip through every single song, and it’s met with such love and devotion, and they give the same back. The band have been together nearly a decade (next year is 10 years) and they sound like they’ve been together longer, and with their strong sound and bond- I reckon they’ll be a band like Garbage and tour forever and just get stronger over the years. Their live shows are such a phenomenal experience, and you will always want more. The atmosphere they create is heavenly and you can’t help but be in awe of all their energy. You can absolutely tell they love doing this and they adore each other, and when you see this- it makes you believe in the music even more.
There are tender moments in the set, and it’s when Amy sings Knifey you can really hear every single raw emotion possible. They also play a sped up version of Big Dreams which just gives it more urgency and bite to it. When I first heard this one, it broke me but hearing it like this just makes it bigger in its own way. Seeing people lose themselves (and drinks, clothing, and shoes) to songs like Hertz, Guided By Angels and Chewing Gum is just a gorgeous sight to see, and it just shows again, how loved they are.
They get better each time I see them, and to see them go from playing a venue that holds 260 people to 3,500 is WILD. I know they play festivals etc, but this is them, on their own. Working their arses off and showing us all why Punk isn’t dead, and it will never die. They have such a solid and strong sound, and I honestly hope we get bands come out and say THIS is the band that have influenced them.
Amyl and The Sniffers are easily one the best and most exciting bands of our time, and their live shows are something that everyone needs to experience at least twice in their lifetime, then make it a habit to be fair! Also, having 3,500 scream the words “Wank! Wank! Wank!” during Jerkin’ will ALWAYS be wonderful.
Hearing songs like Maggot, U Should Not Be Doing That and GFY is big venues sounds just as divine as it does in small venues, which just shows that the band can, regardless of the size of the venue, beautifully rip it apart.
So, there you have it, as expected- the show last night was a true masterclass in all a live show should be. My hatred for Viccy Warehouse will always be there but my love for Amyl and The Sniffers will only ever grow. It was a truly special show, and they are so deserving of every ounce of success that they continue to receive. They are kicking open doors for every and anyone and are being the voice for those who may be scared to speak up. I’d happily go to their shows every single night if I could because the energy, they all bring is everything the world needs right now.
One of the best bands around have a new single out, and I’m going to give you some reasons or thoughts as to why it may just well be the best thing they’ve done….so far!
My love for Bruise Control runs deep. Their live shows are truly something else, and I think everyone needs to experience it at least three times in their life to really understand it. For me, seeing them support Amyl and The Sniffers a few years ago at the Albert Hall still remains one of my favourite shows of all time. Their set felt like it was THEIR headline show, and I reckon it’s only a matter of time before these beautiful punks sell out venues like that. Until then, just make the most of them playing small venues.
Their tour starts in a few days’ time, and if you’ve not got a ticket yet then time is running out. As are tickets. Act fast!
So, the new single Gone To Ground is a typical Bruise Control anthem. It’s loud, it’s honest and it will smack you right in the chops. It’s the band at their very best, but even if they were at their worst- they’d still be the best. I just absolutely love this band and what they stand for. They ooze acceptance, community and calling shit out when it’s wrong. They are easily one of this city’s best bands and they make you proud to live here. Alright so the song isn’t even at the 3 minute mark, but those few short minutes absolutely nail that glorious Bruise Control sound. It’s heavy, it’s in your face and it’s loud. They make the kind of music that needs to be seen live, and trust me, their live shows are just as rowdy as they are on record. Their sound comes alive at their shows, and it feels like you are watching caged animals finally run free- it’s just a joy to watch and be part of. As a band, you will never find a tighter sound and Gone To Ground totally encompasses just how solid they are as a band. The drums? Insane. The bass? Slick as you like. The guitar? Will deafen you. The vocals? Vital. Put it all together, and you’ve got Bruise Control at their VERY best. Obviously they just get better, but this shows that they cannot be stopped. Or tamed. I just really fucking love this band so much and I feel this is what we need right now. I cannot wait to see them at the end of the month. I just adore them. Inject this song right into my veins and eardrums thank you PLEASE.
Gone To Ground perfectly describes how crap the world has gotten; from politicians lying to flag shaggers trying to divide communities. It’s a shit place to be, but there are people out there who know it’s all wrong and have some hope it may get better. The world needs more love and compassion. Go to a Bruise Control, and you’ll feel all the love and compassion you could need at that moment. I mean you may accidentally lose a shoe or have beer thrown on you, but the sentiment is there!
We all know the world is fucked, but when we have bands like Bruise Control speaking out and letting it all out- you feel less alone and, in a way, you have a bit of reassurance that it may get it better. You need hope because what else do you have? Gone To Ground is one of their strongest songs they’ve released, and you just know it will RIP on this tour. They’re playing some solid venues on this tour, including one of my all time favourites (and underrated) venues here in Manchester- SOUP on the 31st.
Last year I wrote about one of the best bands from Japan- Angel Face, and tomorrow sees the release of their new record, Out In The Street. The title fits this record. This is a record to play whilst wandering the streets, whilst doing a bunch of nothin’ in the streets. It’s a record to kill time to, and it’s a glorious Punk record that feels like something the Dead Boys could have churned out decades ago. It’s a fantastic record, and I have to tell you all about it!
Alright so what you need to know that there’s no second record curse here. This is a record that’s as tough as old leather and stands out, and stands up. I’ve started noticing more when I listen to new records if my friend Raz would have like it or not, and I’m pretty sure he would have been into Angel Face. I’m playing the record pretty loud, and my cat is happily sleeping through it and I always think that’s a pretty sure fire way of judging how great a record is. If she doesn’t like something, she finds a way to let me know. So, this record is Mary approved. Do you need to know anything else? Probably.
Something to really love about this record is how raw it is, y’know? You feel like you’re listening in on a band practicing and you feel you need to be quiet so you don’t disturb the atmosphere. It’ll make you want to jump around and throw things about. It’ll make you wish you could go to their shows and really feel what the band are about. I like bands that make you feel like their live shows could absolutely transform how you listen to them, and Angel Face do exactly that. Listening to the record and knowing they’ve been together a short amount of time, and have put out (nearly) 2 records is just so cool! Their sound is everything I’d want from a record- not just a Punk record. It’s got a real DIY feel to it, and these 10 songs were made to be played loud and this a band that know how to play one way and that’s FAST. Okay, maybe FAST and LOUD. Thankfully there are no sloppy, slow love songs here. Just unfiltered Punk- how it’s supposed to be.
In just 10 songs Angel Face let you know yet again who exactly they are. They’ve all played in some really great bands prior to what they do as Angel Face, and when you take that experience and make something new- you end up with a bloody mammoth of a record like this. Out In The Streets. For me, it’s the record you put on and do nothing to. Go out for a walk and waste your day however you want, but make sure this is your soundtrack. I standby everything I wrote about Angel Face last year, but you can happily increase my love for them for sure. This is great second record, and like I said, they’ve played in some amazing bands too, so I guess it’s expected that they’ll always put something brilliant out. I just love the snarly vocals and how it makes you feel like you’re listening to Punk for the very first time. You can just imagine how wild their live shows are!
Out In The Streets is a strong record, and irrespective of it being record number 2- hell, if it was record number 5 it’d still be this great! It firmly shows you exactly what Angel Face are made of, and just how effortlessly slick their sound is. It’s a record that you’ll have on repeat and in about 10 years’ time you’ll still be talking about how good it is! The Punk scene in Japan is clearly something that needs more attention, and we need to bring bands like Angel Face over to the UK to tour. There’s so many venues here that they could tear the roof off of. I just know that their shows would be something else! But, until that day happens- we’ve got the music.
For me, the best tracks are…well… all 10 of ‘em! But I think right now, Wastin’ Time is my favourite. It’s the one that totally nails the Angel Face sound fully and makes you want more and more. This is the one you need to play the loudest. It’s got a little Ramones kick to it, and it’s just a real joy to listen to. The production and the sound of the record is just a real delight- you can’t get enough of it!
The new record is out tomorrow (10th October) and is being released by Slovenly Records. Buy it and play it really, really loud.
The second album curse. Is it a myth? Is it for real? Well, one listen in on the new Sprints record, and it’s clear that this myth has passed them by. That myth looked at Sprints and knew better. It knew not to mess with them.
Letter To Self was one of the best records of 2024, and it was one of the most captivating debut records we’ve had in a while. It’s not fair to compare the two, but it’s fair to say that All That Is Over shows exactly what years of touring and working your arse off can do. Letter To Self was the starter. All That Is Over is the main event. It’s the one that grips you in a different way. The record opens with Abandon, and the way Karla’s voice grips you is unreal. It makes you feel like you are somehow listening in on something really private- almost voyeuristic in a way. You feel you shouldn’t be listening in but my god you are glad that you did. It’s the perfect way to start the record off and it truly grips you in ways the first song on a record should. Also, the drums on this are unreal.
You get your ears beautifully destroyed on To The Bone and this is one of the many moments where Karla’s voice shines. There’s this power (I honestly can’t think of a better word) in her voice that’s always there and she uses it to the fullest on this.
There are so many moments on this record that just make you think, “Oh shit this is THE BAND.” Like, this is the band you need to be pouring all your attention and love into. I’m seeing them play a small venue on Sunday here in Manchester and I just know it’ll be the perfect setting for them. Then, a few days before my birthday they’ll be playing the Albert Hall here and that’s my favourite big venue here in Manchester. I don’t there this a more fitting venue for them and to hear this record. It’s not a record that can be contained. It’s not a record that you stick on in the background. It’s a record you have to pay close attention to and let it grip you so tightly. The first song we got from the record was Descartes back in the summer and that pretty much summed up the feel of the record. Dark, heavy, poetic and addictive. It’s a stunning record and I feel that my words just don’t do it justice. This is a record that demands to be heard.
The latest single, Need is wild. I love the ending of it, and if you pay attention, you’ll hear Karla say, “I need you to leave me the fuck alone.” Perfect. I think most of us probably want this on a t-shirt or something. It’s fast and rowdy number, and I’m pretty sure seeing this live will be almost biblical. I think seeing them live will be just that to be fair. The more I listen to this song, the louder I want it. You want it louder and faster. It’s addictive. I’m pretty sure I’ll play this at the gym and feel I can take on the world.
Something’s Gonna Happen has claimed my heart. I could have this on repeat for hours, and with every listen, I’d find another part of it to adore and call it home. There’s an eeriness to it that would fit perfectly in like, a Norwegian detective drama series. It feels sinister. And you know, the whole record has this dark and sinister feel to it, but you don’t feel threatened. You feel quite safe, but you do feel on edge and that’s what they’ve done with Something’s Gonna Happen. You feel on edge, like it’s going to kick off and fuck me when it does kick off on this- it goes. It absolutely GOES. And I cannot wait to see this live. I just know the live version of this will be intense, and you can hear changes in Karla’s voice as she approaches the edge of the song- and that is the moment where you know you cannot escape your love for this band. It’s the anticipation that holds you so closely. You feel on edge- should you feel safe, or should you try run? As if you’re going to run. Don’t be a fool.
Every song on this record is a prime example of why Sprints are the most vital band around. You feel like you’ve found someone’s diary when you pay close attention to the lyrics, but you also fee like you’ve found a home. There’s a line on Pieces that got me in the gut; “Home is where the heart is, so where’s my head? For the last one who loved me, left me better off dead.” Oh, come on now! What a line! I’d have related to that well over a year ago, and it would have probably made me bawl. Now it just makes me feel silly for feeling that way. There’s always better and I found it. It’s a furious number, and again, is another example of why this record is made to be witnessed live. There is nothing calming about this record in the typical sense. As someone who finds security in loud songs and feels uneasy with the quiet, this record definitely feels good for the soul. It is comforting and its home. It’s just perfect.
Lyrically, this record is Sprints at their most honest and tender. Better is a solid example of the tenderness and it’s definitely got the potential to break the hardest of hearts. It’s one of the slower moments on the record and shows a different side of heartbreak in a way. There’s a healthy mix of rage, heartbreak, and disappointment on this record and Better sums up those emotions in the most perfect way. Sam and Karla’s vocals on this are just divine. I love their voices together anyway, but on Better you really hear how gorgeous they are together.
The record ends with a 6-minute dream of a song, Desire. I compare everything I listen to to the greatest song of all time- A Forest by The Cure. If a song can make me feel like I did when I first heard that aged 13/14, then I’m hooked. It goes without saying that feeling is there throughout All That Is Over but its comes alive on Desire. The last minute of this song feels like Karla is unleashing every single demon she’s ever known and giving it to the world and letting go. That’s how the whole record feels, and that’s how you feel when you listen to the record. Every ugly and intense feeling you have, that you have no idea what to do with is let go of when you listen to this record and for me, that’s what makes Sprints and this record such a joy to listen to. It’s like an exorcism of sorts. It’s a cathartic record and you get a real sense of it having that feeling during the creation of it.
The band in general on this record sound like gang. There’s not just one band member here to focus on- it’s all of them. Jack is a real threat on the drums, and there are a lot of moments on this record where the drums just take your breath away. The addition of Zac adds something that compliments the sound of Sprints in a way you didn’t think could exceed Letter To Self and previous, but Zac’s nailed it- that ferocious guitar sound feels like fireball approaching. Sam is probably one of best bassists around- the way he and Jack create this unique and thrilling rhythm on every song just leaves you in awe. Karla’s voice (and guitar) has never sounded so powerful. She has this tone to her voice which reminds me of my two favourites- Shirley Manson and Patti Smith. Writing this makes me feel like I have found Garbage for the first time aged 6 or 7, and that is what I get with Sprints. The power in their music reminds me so much of Garbage and my heart is so full of love for that. I pretty much could have cut out a thousand words here and just kept that in to sum up this record!
The whole record exposes the bin fire that is the world right now, and you feel less alone listening to the record- especially when you feel so fucking helpless. The world is heavy, and this record explores that heaviness in a way that has you hooked from the start. The production on this record is again flawless (I mean, it’s Daniel Fox- of course it’ll be perfect!) What was done on Letter To Self has been heightened and something entirely new has been birthed. It’s ripper of a record, and one you cannot get tired of. Sprints won’t shrink themselves for you to feel comfortable, and that’s one of the most wonderful things about this band. The hard work, the passion and the drive is right there. It’s always been there, but this record unleashes something entirely different, and you want it to be poured into your eardrums constantly. You simply cannot get enough of it.
All the best records are dark, intense and creep you out a little bit- All That Is Over does all this and more. If this is what they can do with just two records, then imagine what they’ll be like 5 or 6 records in. Dublin’s finest. Ireland’s finest. Just the best. I couldn’t praise this record more if I bloody well tried. It is like a thousand punches to the gut and head. A freight train to the soul. A mirror to yourself. It is perfect.
If you are in need of a record to break or fix you. If you’re looking for a record that puts you on edge but also makes you feel safe. If you’re looking for a beautifully created masterpiece. If you want a record that makes you feel like someone has stepped into your head and exposed all that you think and feel. If you’re looking for something you’ve not heard or felt before- then this is the record you need. It’s a masterpiece and it is a joy to listen to, and to be consumed by.
I don’t think I have ever written about a record in such detail before. Nearly 2,000 words about a record. I didn’t think I had it in me, but sometimes you hear something so important- you just have to let it all out. So, thank you Sprints. Thank you for creating one of the most important records of the year and for making something that feels like home.
There aren’t many bands/singers I will bawl at the second I hear their voice or pay attention to the lyrics. One in particular goes against this, is the beautiful and just wonderful human being- jasmine.4.t.
I’ve written about Jasmine a few times, and her music means so much. Her words mean the world- it’s like feeling at home or safe in the person you are. She’s just amazing and seems to always know what to say. She’s just incredible.
Rather than me tell you why her new single, I Can’t Believe I Did This Without You is incredible and go into detail why, I want to use this to show why this song is important using Jasmine’s words. Anyone can listen to the song and hear it’s importance, but I want to share why it is such a vital song and the importance of the deluxe version of You Are The Morning (which is out on Friday.)
Read carefully, and please support Yulia in any way you can. Free Yulia. Free Palestine.
“This deluxe version of my record is dedicated to political prisoner Yulia Trot aka YBT. I met Yulia at the first queer event I ever attended. It was six months after I had come out, and I was still living in Bristol but staying with friends in Manchester. Yulia and I became really close – she taught me how to do my makeup over FaceTime, supported me through my marriage ending, and when I became homeless I moved onto the sofa of her one-bed flat in Manchester until I found a room. She stayed by my side through the toughest times of my life, giving me the strength to carry on through my transition, and in time we became each others’ chosen family. When I started performing as Jasmine, she would come on the road with me as roadie/security. There were a few times when she put herself between me and men twice her size who wished to harm me.
As the project grew, Yulia continued touring with us, running the merch stand and selling her handmade friendship bracelets for the benefit of Trans Mutual Aid Manchester, an organisation that supports members of my community with essential costs. She became a close friend of the whole band and a vital, supportive and reliable member of our community.
One evening in November 2024, while we were recording a live session for 6 Music, we heard news that Yulia had been arrested that day in a violent raid on her home. She is one of the Filton 24, arrestees alleged to be connected with a group of actionists entering the UK headquarters of Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit systems in August 2024, where £1m worth of damage was said to be caused. This included killer Israeli drones that have been reported to target Palestinian children in Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Our beloved Yulia was initially arrested under terrorism law in a gross misuse of legislation that allowed heavy-handed police powers. She was then charged with the non-terror offences of burglary and trespass, but transferred as a political prisoner to a maximum security private prison on the other side of the country, away from her family and friends, where she will be held on remand for a total of two years until her trial. As with several other protestors that the state wishes to make an example of, she was kept in the rehab wing so that she would experience sensory torture from the constant screams of inmates experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The prosecutors’ details were shared with Israeli state officials in a breach of judicial independence. The United Nations have intervened in this case, stating that anti-terrorism legislation “may have been used to circumvent procedural safeguards in relation to detention, and as a specific and general deterrent” in a serious breach of human rights standards. Several international humanitarian law firms have cosigned a letter (https://eldh.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UK-Filton-18-Statement.pdf) warning that this case signals a serious backslide of democracy and the rule of law.
Since her arrest, Yulia’s chosen family and friends have been regularly visiting her at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey and supporting her financially while in prison. Her absence is felt deeply and the visits to the prison carry an enormous emotional toll for us all. It terrifies me to see how my best friend’s mental health has deteriorated – she is autistic and is really struggling on the inside. There have been several periods where we have worried about her not surviving until her trial.
Entering the prison as a trans woman is terrifying, knowing how trans women are treated in prison. The first time I visited I was groped, and the second time I visited one of the guards made a joke about sexually assaulting prisoners. Though Bronzefield is the largest “Woman’s Prison” in Europe, several inmates there are transsexual men who are forcibly detransitioned on entry and denied access to their testosterone. Recently a trans man died in custody there – he was one of Yulia’s friends. This all happens while pride flags are displayed in the visiting hall. These daily traumas are wearing down on Yulia to the point where she thinks she is no longer herself, and will never be the same again.
Since my record was centred around themes of queer solidarity, queer friendship and queer love, three things that I believe Yulia personifies, it made sense to dedicate this deluxe version to her. These are some of the songs that she loved the most and often requested live, in particular “Did U No”, which was her favourite. I visited Yulia in prison during the recording session for this track, and I remember crying, screaming, and channeling my rage at the state into the vocals when I returned to the studio that evening.
We had planned to record “Did U No” for the album originally, as it was also a favourite of Phoebe’s, but sadly we ran out of time in LA. It is such a joy, now, to be able to finally get it down. It is joined by “Find Ur Ppl”, which was the second song that I wrote after coming out (following “Woman”). “Find Ur Ppl” is a song about meeting Yulia and the Manchester community, which feels vitally important given how many young trans people are in danger, isolated and in need of the safe haven of queer camaraderie. “I Can’t Believe I Did This Without You” and “I Don’t Think Anyone Else Could Hold The Same Place In My Heart” are two new songs on this release that I wrote during the LA recording sessions for the album, up on the roof of Sound City Studio between takes. I recorded five songs as demos and sent them as a thank you to my bandmates and producers after returning home to Manchester from LA. It’s nice to have more polished versions of these two. The remaining song, “Please Can We Hold Each Other Yesterday,” is a more recent ode to lost time with loved ones. I demoed this track on my phone and Steph Marziano (the awesome producer of these new tracks) liked it so much, as it was, that she suggested we didn’t re-record it and release it as is. I love how these tracks have turned out, with the help of Steph and the incredible band lineup that I have been playing live with this summer – Phoenix Rousiamanis on violin and keys, Maeve Westall on drums and Emily Abbott on bass.
Now when I sing these songs, I am singing them to my best friend, my mother, my sister, my daughter – the political prisoner Yulia Trot. Of all the things that I have lived through, nothing has felt as big as losing her. I hope that one day she will be able to hear these recordings. I hope that one day she, all of her co-defendants, and all of Palestine, will be free.
Please support Yulia’s friends and family with visit costs and read more at freeyulia.com and follow @freethefilton24 on Instagram.”
Jasmine will be on tour in the UK and Ireland in November:
11th Nov – Scala, London, UK 12th Nov – Thekla, Bristol, UK 13th Nov – The Art School, Glasgow, UK 15th Nov – Academy 2, Dublin, IE 16th Nov – Gorilla, Manchester, UK
Well, it’s happened. I’ve broken my word to myself where I vowed to never buy tickets to a show at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. It’s a 5/10 minute walk from my flat but it’s also the worst venue in this city. I’ve not seen some bands there because I hate it so much BUT Amyl And The Sniffers are playing next month, and I cannot ever not see them. I saw them at a small venue in 2019 and to see them play a place like this is just WILD. Deserved but wild. Also, the support bands are insane. The Menstrual Cramps were a band that Raz loved so I’m partly going for him. And my girlfriend is desperate to see Amyl And The Sniffers too- I don’t think anything I tell her is going to fully prepare her for the experience!
Alright so, here’s a bloody great band from Helsinki for you-SLICERRR. Their debut EP came out in February and trust me it’s a ripper of a record. No part of it sounds like a debut record- it sounds like something a band deep into their career would make. It’s a fantastic record, and it’s one I am proudly obsessed with. If you can’t play a record on repeat relentlessly, then why bother?! This is everything I want from a record and more. It’s a proper rowdy Garage Punk record. It’ll make you want to down cans of lukewarm beer, throw empty cans at passing cars and run off into the night (I don’t advocate for throwing shit at people, but you get my point!) It’s a record to waste the day to and it’s a record that’ll make you wish you could go to their live shows every night. The energy throughout the record is divine.
I don’t know what the Punk scene is like in Helsinki but if there are more bands like SLICERRR out there- send them my way. This is incredible. The record touches on tough subjects such as the difficulty of modern life all the way through to the hectic nightlife of Italian cities (as a slightly more than half Italian human being, I welcome this!) The EP is a work of art; it’s just everything you could want from a record and these 5 songs are made to played loud and on repeat.
The record opens with Losing My Grip which perfectly sets the tone for the record and is a perfect introduction to the band. You really feel immediately what the band are about and right away fall in love with their sound. There’s probably a bunch of bands I could liken them to, but that’s not fair and comparisons serve no one at all. All you need to know is that the last minute of this song is a furious and shows you exactly why SLICERRR are one of the most exciting bands around. In some ways though, the song reminds me a little of Bored by Crows and that’s probably why I love this band so much. That’s the only comparison that’s needed, and I think it shows exactly how and why SLICERRR are so good! I know I say this a lot, but if I had ANY musical talent, I’d want to be in a band that sound like this. They just have this perfect Garage Punk/Garage Rock sound, and it just makes you want to MOVE. I feel like SLICERRR can only add positive things to your life and record collection. Who do I need to ask to demand a UK tour?! This is the kind of sound I absolutely adore with everything I have.
The EP is a perfect insight to the band, and I’m so excited to hear what’s next from them and to just get more and more music from them. SLICERRR are a joy to listen to, and I really hope that if you listen to them, you love them as much as I do. They deserve any and every bit of success they get because they really have such a strong sound and it’s a sound I can’t get enough of. They’re an incredible bunch of musicians and definitely deserve your attention, and love.
If you’re a fan of Küken- then you’ll love SLICERRR. Both bands have the same urgency to their sound and it’s just divine! (Sorry about the comparisons I said I wouldn’t make!)
Thursday night was my 20th Crocodiles show (it was also the bands 100th show with their current lineup) and it was without a doubt; the best I’ve ever seen them. Of course, my view will be entirely biased because I love that band a hell of a lot, but others at the show said the same thing so, I reckon it’s a fair comment!
The night before, my girlfriend and I had been in Edinburgh to see Chappell Roan and that was something else. Getting back to the hotel at 3am was not the same magical experience and we spent most of Thursday asleep. I think the pizza from Scream For Pizza cured me though. Hands down best vegan pizza I’ve had. I’ll probably say this throughout- but Zerox is my favourite gig venue. My heart does belong to the Shacklewell Arms and I think the Brudenell in Leeds is next level BUT Zerox has something else. It has something I can’t quite describe but it was the perfect place to see Crocodiles for sure.
If you’ve never seen Crocs before, then you may not be sure what to expect. However, don’t do what I did and stand right at the front next to the speaker. It’s been 2 days and my hearing in my right ear is slowly coming back. Anyway, if you’ve not injured yourself in some way at a show- have you even had a good time?! Charlie gently placed a Palestine flag on the stage before the band started, and it just reinforced my love for the band. Crocodiles are for the people. They are for those who get overlooked and they will always speak out. Sometimes they speak louder than most, and it’s why I adore them.
The hour and a bit that they are on stage is what sheer joy feels like. They play all the hits such as Wait Until Tomorrow, Love Beyond The Grave and Upside Down In Heaven but for me, it was Brandon dedicating Mirrors to little old me. I didn’t expect it and I felt like a little kid. The last time someone did this was probably around 8 or 9 years ago, and it was Tall Juan covering Chinese Rocks by the Ramones. I felt so cool! That feeling came back around and was the perfect way to make show number 20. There is something so special about seeing a band you adore live, and being able to see them in a new city is always good too (even if you did feel half dead beforehand!)
Since Raz died, I have honestly found it tough to write about music. I’ve got a lot that I probably need to listen to and write about, but I think seeing Crocodiles has slowly brought that love back and the love for writing. They always get me through. Their set was incredible and I’m pretty sure that when I turned to my girlfriend during the start of their cover of 1969, she probably thought something was wrong with me (more than usual!) It was a ripper of a cover and I hope they keep playing it. There was once a video on YouTube of their take on I Wann Be Your Dog but I’ve searched endlessly for it, and it’s gone. I hope their cover of 1969 makes it online somewhere because it is SO good. They ended the night with another cover- Jet Boy, Jet Girl which always goes down well. They sure know how to make classic songs their own. It’s part of what makes them great. The crowd were gorgeous in every way too and it was so good to see people appreciate Crocodiles in a way that they absolutely deserve. They have my heart for sure!
There’s a handful of bands that I love that I could happily watch play every night, and Crocodiles are one of them. It was easily the best show I’ve seen them play and I think maybe part of it was due to the venue and how you could sense a true feeling of community there. The venue wasn’t rammed but it was definitely full of love for the beloved band from San Diego.
Hearing a large chunk of songs from their latest record Upside Down In Heaven (2023) was so good and it’s safe to say that songs like I’ve Become What I Fear Most and Surfing With Death live are unreal. It makes you appreciate the record even more. They’ve released 9 or 10 records, and each one shows just why they are one of the best bands around and you can truly tell they love what they do when they are on that stage and the bond, they all have with each other is just a joy to watch. Seeing Charlie swing that guitar of his around like a machine gun will never ever get old!
I hope they play Zerox again because I will happily use annual leave from my job to travel to see them. An incredible venue.
Also, it’s vital to say that Jade Hairpins were on before Crocs, and they were gorgeous. Jonah from the band donned Charlie’s slick long leather jacket during Crocs setlist and stood at the front which was one of those “you had to be there” moments. If you weren’t there, then you missed out! Jade Hairpins played an incredible set too, but what do you expect when you’ve got members from Fucked Up there, right?!
In short, the show was just a dream. A wild and sweaty dream, and one I’m going to remember for some time.
Beat In My Bones. 