Esquires is a grimy dyed in the wool rock venue that has hosted many of the aspiring greats over the years, including Coldplay, Oasis, Dodgy and Richmond Fontaine to name but the few I have seen (Oasis may have been the Angel – life’s journey has had some impact). So, The Magic Numbers on a … Continue reading “The Magic Numbers, Esquires, Bedford, 18th May 2018”
This courageous and beautiful new album from The Magic Numbers rocks in ways perhaps unusual for this band, which, early on, drew a large following due largely to the beauty of its melodies. This departure is apparent from the opening notes of the first song, ‘Shotgun Wedding’, a bass-heavy rocker. The album is aptly named. Two … Continue reading “The Magic Numbers “Outsiders” (Role Play Records, 2018)”
From their imminent new album Outsiders comes this single from the Magic Numbers, wherein they layer their sound and channel their inner Crazy Horse. Very good it is too.
From their new album Tall Grass, out on March 18th on Bull Pup Records and produced by Romeo Stoddart of The Magic Numbers, this is the rather good Goat Roper Rodeo band. They’re on tour from today too and well worth catching if they’re in your neck of the woods.
We have been literally (OK not literally) drowning in news of festivals with an americana “bent” in 2018 and here’s another one to add to your money woes. Music Makers is a 2-day London-based independent music festival which will be taking place at The Half Moon, in the heart of Putney, on October 6th & 7th 2018. … Continue reading “Music Makers americana festival returns in October”
It’s no exaggeration to say that Alan Tyler has probably done more than just about anyone in the UK to keep the torch of americana music burning since the early ’90s. Alan and Steve Pulford of the Arlenes got some richly deserved recognition at the Americana Music Awards in January when they were awarded … Continue reading “Interview with Alan Tyler”
The Lexington near Kings Cross in North London has great appeal in the current heat wave as it has one of the best air conditioning systems on the London gig circuit and it proved its worth tonight as we were treated to an expansive set from Eileen Jewell and her slick band delivering some 25 … Continue reading “Eileen Jewell + Michelle Stodart, The Lexington, London, 6th August 2018”
The Hanging Stars brought the sound of summer to the Victoria pub in Dalston on an otherwise cold and dismal February night last Thursday. Launching their sophomore release, ‘Songs for Somewhere Else,’ The Hanging Stars were appropriately accompanied by a mindbending liquid light show from Innerstrings which acted as a perfect counterpoint to their music – … Continue reading “The Hanging Stars, the Victoria, Dalston, London, 22nd February 2018”
Probably the best value americana festival in the UK lands again this year just after Easter so you can boogie away those calories – The three-day indoor Ramblin Roots Revue music festival returns to High Wycombe for a second year from 6-8 April, in association with americana label Clubhouse Records. The bill boasts more than 25 roots, Americana, … Continue reading “Win tickets to Ramblin’ Roots Review with AUK”
The band Summerhill are reuniting for a series of UK dates next month, in celebration of their 30th Anniversary. There’ll also be a deluxe double-disc reissue of their debut album “Lowdown” which will be released to coincide with the tour. Summerhill brought together the folky jangle, sonic exploration and country influences of The Byrds in one … Continue reading “Eighties “roots rockers” Summerhill return with UK dates”
