Steve B
@wordsbysteve.bsky.social
Occasional mutterings mainly on music, books and sport
Massively enjoyable evening of acoustic goodness. Elanor Moss played a lovely (if brief) in-store at Rough Trade Denmark Street to mark the release of her spectacular debut LP, followed by a short hop to see Sir Richard Bishop's mesmeric performance at St Pancras Old Church. Great stuff from both.
Odd capital letter related double header tonight, MEMORIALS at Stranger Than Paradise and then HAAi at the Courtyard. MEMORIALS stripped back set was excellent, proving they are an absolute joy live in any circumstance. HAAi was superb too, euphoric and emotional. Sore legs incoming.
My Bloody Valentine at the Royal Albert Hall were nothing short of incredible tonight. The acoustics of the hall made for a very different sound experience than at Wembley last year, vastly clearer but still teeth clatteringly loud. Quite simply, one of the best gigs I've ever seen.
My first time seeing Mogwai and whilst they were a good, beyond the expected aural assault, it felt a bit underwhelming, the atmosphere not being helped by a lot of empty seats. In support though Craven Faults was absolutely superb, a really immersive performance, great lighting/visuals.
Heavenly were as joyous as ever this evening on my first visit to Sidney and Matilda (indeed probably my first Sheffield gig in 30 years). An excellent mix of long time faves and songs from the new LP, Deflicted and Excuse Me sounded particularly wonderful. Really enjoyed Tulpa's support set too.
An absolutely wonderful evening watching Meilyr Jones play his first gig of the decade at SJQ in Dalston. The new excellent new songs played tonight hopefully mean an album is not far away and on tonight's showing, that will be something very special indeed. An utterly triumphant return.
Absolutely incredible album launch show from Iona Zajac at the Social tonight. So many highlights, Dilute, Bang and an utterly gripping version of Anton. One of the standout gigs of what's proving to be an amazing year of live music.
Not that this should come as a surprise to anyone, but my bloody valentine still make the most joyous racket (in what I think was my first arena gig since Rollercoaster).
Perfume Genius were absolutely excellent at the Roundhouse tonight. I've been really enjoying this year's Glory LP, but tonight strongly suggests a need for me to properly revisit the older albums, Otherside going into Describe was simply stunning.
McKinley Dixon at the Lexington was easily one of the best gigs I've seen this year (despite a frustrating 15 minute technical stuff up towards the end). An energetic, hugely engaging performance with a joyous 'We're Outside, Rejoice!' and a visceral 'Mezzanine Tippin' highpoints.
The Loft split just before I started going regularly to gigs, so it was lovely to see them in fine fettle tonight at The Moth Club. Great renditions of their older songs (Winter sounded particularly good), with lots to like from the new/debut LP. Autocamper were reliably fantastic in support.
Absolutely loved Lande Hekt at the Lexington tonight. Lande's songwriting is a lovely blend of melancholy and joy and next January's LP promises to be rather special. Hopefully there will be more shows then. The always fun Sassyhiya and Perfect Binding were both really good as support too.
Robert Forster was wonderful tonight at the Union Chapel. Brilliantly chosen setlist covering plenty of solo and Go-Betweens tunes. His Swedish Band excelled, with Peter Moren's guitar just superb. Getting to hear Spring Rain live a massive treat.
Utterly joyous, life-affirming celebration of Edwyn Collins at the Royal Festival Hall last night, genuine privilege to be there. Edwyn on great form, truly beautiful on Low Expectations in the encore. James Kirk and Steven Daly joining for a triumphant Felicity/Blue Boy finale was a delight.
I was starting to worry that The Cords debut LP couldn't live up to expectations, and dear me if it doesn't end up going way beyond. Utterly perfect pop music backed up by a blindingly good set at the Betsey Trotwood tonight, genuinely very special. Would-be-Goods were excellent as support too.
Clara Mann was superb in the Royal Albert Hall's Elgar Room tonight. Rift has been one of the very best albums of the year and songs from it were beautifully performed with perfect accompaniment from Owen Spafford. Great to have a handful of new songs too. Lovely support from Watch Paint Dry.
Saw Black Country, New Road at the Albert Hall last night. What a fantastic venue with a great audience completely into things including Titanic who were excellent as support. BCNR were wonderful live, inventive and engaging. Forever Howlong is an LP that repays regular listening.
Ben Watt & Tracey Thorn at the Moth Club were magical last night. A deep dive into their solo and EBTG songbooks, beautifully performed with Rex Horan and son, Blake. Seems unfair to pick highlights but Winter's Eve and Bridget St John's Song To Keep You Company were superb. Just a lovely night.
Great Lost Map records showcase at the Shacklewell Arms last night as part of Label Mates festival. Sara Wolff's solo set was fantastic, and Dominie Hooper was excellent, looking forward to the LP to be released on Halloween and full band show at the Moth Club. Both promise to be rather special.
Heavenly were on excellent form at Islington Assembly Hall tonight, a cracking set with a sprinkling of great sounding new songs which went down a storm. Very much enjoyed Lightheaded's set too. Coming home with a couple of fanzines and a 7" feels pleasingly familiar too.
Blown away by how good Poor Creature were this evening at Rough Trade East. Spellbinding performances of songs from their fantastic debut LP 'All Smiles Tonight. They have a beautiful but slightly out of focus quality which is quite magical. @poorcreaturemusic.bsky.social
Hugely enjoyable Daylight Music show at St John's in Leytonstone. Wonderful performance from Faith Eliott, beautiful, wry, deeply affecting songs, far to say I absolutely adore them. Dryas is a truly brilliant LP. Fell were great and Owen & The Eyeballs the party band I didn't know I needed.
Kassi Valazza was utterly magical at St Pancras Old Church this evening, a wonderful band performance and an amazing voice. Highlights were Kassi performing solo accompanied by the 10pm church bells and an exceptional version of Matty Groves in the encore. Magnificent stuff.
Really enjoyed Cassandra Jenkins at Koko tonight, a great band all round but I particularly liked Adam Brusbin's stellar guitar work, equally good when gentle and angular. Magical support set from Anna B Savage, who is a phenomenal live performer.
What a night at Signature Brew Haggerston! Kristin Hersh was totally mesmeric, an absolute privilege to see her so close up. Memorials are my favourite live band right now, skronky kraut pop, right up my street. Graham Reynolds mix of unhinged percussion and cinematic piano an excellent start too.
Where to start with Wide Awake, so many highlights. Daniel Avery, Marie Davidson, Gurriers, Acopia, English Teacher all superb. Emotionally though Jasmine.4.t, particularly a beautiful and utterly poignant rendition of 'Woman' hit hard. Great day out, long may it continue.
Lovely to catch up with the super talented Fran, now performing as Mezanmi at SJQ this evening. Great short set supporting Mariam The Believer, new song sounded brilliant. Tickets for what promises to be a special headline show at the same venue in October released today.
Massively enjoyed Jenny Hval at Islington Assembly Hall last night. Loved the stripped back presentation which really allowed the songs and Jenny's incredible voice to take centre stage. Both in her own right and as Lost Girls, she's put together a stellar run of albums over the last five years.
In terms of overstuffing a 1of100 Modern Musette, I can't say I'd recommend trying to carry home seven LPs and four back issues of Disco Pogo from the Independent Record Market, but here we are... 😬 @weare1of100.bsky.social @discopogo.bsky.social
