live review

Live Review: Wolf Alice, The Plug Sheffield, 22nd Sept 2015

/ James Fenney

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Everyone needs something new and exciting in their life once in a while. The most new and exciting act in music this year has undoubtedly been Wolf Alice. They took their time to create an exemplary debut which is proving to be one of the finest albums of the year. It’s incredibly diverse and well crafted, and having wowed crowds at Glastonbury and Reading they’re also one of the top live acts in the country. So naturally it was worth the journey to go and see them up close and personal. Continue reading →

Live Review: Florence + the Machine, Sheffield Arena, 12th Sept 2015

/ James Fenney

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After being the first British female headliner at Glastonbury so far this century, the queen of peace herself Florence Welch took her machine on the road. With their latest chart topping album ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’ bringing a fresh style, scope and warmth to their repertoire, Florence + the Machine have reached new dizzying heights. Having been recently converted to Florence’s music and immediately fallen for it, I was ready to take my place in the audience, dive right in at the deep end and see what the water gave me. Continue reading →

Live Review: Barn on the Farm Festival 2015

/ James Fenney

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Eager for my first summer festival experience I decided to start small. To be honest I don’t think I could’ve picked a better place to start. This welcoming little gathering has an astonishing record for discovering new talent and it’s hardly surprising that it has won awards for best independent festival. With a line-up that for me was beaten only by Glastonbury, I set out under the glorious summer sun to see some old favourites and discover some new incredible music. Continue reading →

Live Review: Fleetwood Mac, Leeds, 30th June 2015

/ James Fenney

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Few bands can truly be called timeless. Few bands are so beloved by every generation in the way that Fleetwood Mac is. ‘Rumours’ is one of the finest albums ever made and it is a grand jewel in the crown that is their glorious discography. After renowned vocalist and keyboardist Christine McVie’s triumphant return to the band after a hiatus of over 15 years, the classic line-up has embarked on a gargantuan world tour to celebrate. I consider myself truly blessed to have been in attendance. Continue reading →

Live Review: Handmade Festival 2015

/ James Fenney

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Right when I was about to burst from stress, with only the prospect of the summer’s music keeping me going, a free pass was dropped in my metaphorical lap. Leicester’s ever growing genre-bending independent music festival was just the weekend I needed. I headed down to the O2 Academy representing LUSH Radio and it was the first time (though hopefully not the last) that I entered a venue with my name legitimately on the press list. It could technically be considered my first festival experience and I was determined to make the most of it.

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Live Review: Seasick Steve, O2 Academy Sheffield, 16th April 2015

/ James Fenney
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Photo Source: Kevin Wells

There are two things in music, and indeed life in general, that are hard not to love: an underdog and something that breaks away from the norm. A former hobo in his seventies that plays the blues on instruments made from junk certainly fits in both of those categories. Against all the odds Seasick Steve has been one of the leading figures in the latest blues revival and become a much-loved public figure. I caught this colourful character on his latest UK tour in support of his new album ‘Sonic Soul Surfer’. Continue reading →

Live Review: Lonely The Brave, The Scholar Leicester, 7th March 2015

/ James Fenney
Source: lonelythebrave instagram

Source: lonelythebrave instagram

There are two kinds of concerts. There are those you dream of, those you save up for and bubble over with excitement. You wait with bated breath to finally catch a glimpse of your musical idol. The ticket will be on your wall and the photos will be plastered as the background on your phone for years to come. Then there’s the second kind, concerts of convenience. Some band that you may only be vaguely aware of are playing nearby and tickets are cheap, or a friend has invited you along, or you are just in need of a night out. This was the latter, I went in as a blank slate. Continue reading →

Live Review: The War On Drugs, Nottingham Rock City, 1st March 2015

/ James Fenney

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This cult band have recently emerged from the woodwork and into the spotlight. Their latest release ‘Lost in a Dream’ was the most critically acclaimed album of 2014 and has been chosen as album of the year by numerous publications. The more you listen to it the more the music grows on you. Their brand of ethereal Americana tugs at your heart and it has led to comparisons with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. I made my way to their gig in Nottingham, braving illness and torrential rain, to witness the magic first hand. Continue reading →

Live Review: Ryan Adams, De Montfort Hall Leicester, 21st Feb 2015

/ James Fenney

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American rocker Ryan Adams is probably one of the hardest working musicians in the business. His long career has recently culminated in his latest eponymous release (his 14th solo album), which has received critical acclaim and resulted in 3 Grammy award nominations. I was pleasantly surprised to find he was touring the UK and far more surprised that he had decided to grace Leicester with his presence. Naturally, I had to get a good spot front and centre for his performance. Continue reading →

Live Review: Little Big Town, The Ritz Manchester, 11th Feb 2015

/ James Fenney

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(Guest Author: Ailish Barker-Brown)
American Country band, Little Big Town, had an extremely successful 2014 with the release of their sixth studio album, ‘Painkiller’ of which the lead single, ‘Day Drinking’, went on to reach number 2 on Country Airplay. They also won Vocal Group of the Year at the CMA (Country Music Association) Awards in November, beating Lady Antebellum, and were invited to join the Grand Ole Opry by country legend Reba McEntire. They’re all set for a successful 2015 too, beginning with their UK ‘Painkiller’ tour and the release of their latest single, ‘Girl Crush’. I was lucky enough to get a ticket to see them perform at The Ritz. Continue reading →