Cameron Wright talks to the relatable and brutally honest comedian about classism, anarchy and embracing her wildly untethered life
February may have been full of excitement as the MOBO Awards made a historic appearance in Newcastle, but that doesn’t mean March is looking any less compelling. This month usually signifies the start of touring season, and artists are certainly ramping up their forays across the country, with Spring tours dropping in to venues up and down our fair region. As always, you’ll find a tonne of worthy events in our Previews section, and who knows – you might just discover your new musical obsession. It’s not just live music that’s ramping up, as evidenced by our cover star this month. Comedian Louise Young is having quite the moment; from tours supporting Alan Carr, Tom Allen and Russell Kane, to rave reviews at Edinburgh Fringe, her forthcoming debut hour at Tyne Theatre & Opera House will be a must-see – find out more in our middle pages. Also this month, there’s film festivals in Berwick and the Tyne Valley, neurodivergent podcast chat, a trans-tastic festival, off-the-cuff comedy and, of course, more music than you can shake a stick at, with highlights including Benefits, Rachael McShane, 90BRO and Barry Hyde. The only challenge is deciding what to see first! We hope you enjoy whatever you spend your time on this month.
Editor
David Saunders
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Cover Image
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Live Photography
Tracy Hyman / Adam Kennedy / Victoria Wai
Contributors
Phoenix Atkinson / Jade Mia Broadhead / Iam Burn / Caleb Carter / Jonathan Coll / Rory Cuthbert / Laura Doyle / Lee Fisher / Mark Grainger / Michaela Hall / Paul Jeffrey / Ben Lowes-Smith / Matthew McDonnell / Lena Moss / Robert Nichols / Niamh Poppleton / Kate Relton / Ben Robinson / Damian Robinson / Laura Rosierse / Dominic Stephenson / Sarah Storer / Dawn Storey / Robin Webb / Ali Welford / Cameron Wright / Matt Young
PREVIEWS
4 HIGHLIGHTS
Some of the best events in March, plus what’s online at narcmagazine.com
6 PREVIEWS
Live shows from David Grubbs, Ruth Lyon, Anna Erhard, Honeyglaze, Ruby Kelly, White Denim, Bis, Boo Hewerdine, Snapped Ankles, Antony Szmierek, Weathership, Badly Drawn Boy, David Gray, Ferocious Dog, Jules Reidy and many more; there’s comedy courtesy of Jake Donaldson, Spencer Jones, Joel Dommett plus more at venues across the region. Enjoy Gem Arts’ Holi Festival of Colours in Gateshead and Caravan Gallery in Sunderland; or head to the stage for Carousel at Northern Stage, Bay Tales at Whitley Bay Playhouse and more!
Reports of live shows from Du Blonde, Emily Barker, CVC, David O’Doherty, John Bramwell, Tapir!, Dunes, Brian Jonestown Massacre and more
48 TRACKS
Reviews of local singles and EPs from Valentine Charlie, Camel Island, Conor Michael, Midnight Jazz Club, Middle Management, Anthony Pears (feat. NATO Northeast), Baker Island, PØRTERS, Carl Green In Particular, Machine Music, Moon Glider and Isabel Maria
DEMOS
Demo reviews of AMZ, The Symptoms, Crane House, Smiley People and Adam George Brown 51 ALBUMS
Featuring new releases from The Darkness, The Horrors, Hotwax, Benefits, Welly, Greentea Peng, Throwing Muses, Bob Mould and more
54 MIXTAPE
North East live music promoter Graham Grundy of Down By The River picks some of his favourite tunes
PREVIEWS
MARCH’S MAIN EVENTS INCLUDE TINY ORCHESTRAS, GIGGLES IN A TUNNEL, YOUTH ARTS BRILLIANCE AND MORE…
EVENTS WED 12 MAR BORN LIPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL
Born Lippy return with their joyful monthly celebrations of the finest toon talents; from poetry, comedy, spoken word and more. They are teaming up with community group Wor Lasses in aid of platforming women’s voices, including Evrah Rose, who will share her poignant work around identity, society and unseen struggles.
Embarking on the brilliant Create/ Disrupt programme (supporting aspiring artists who have not attended university), a ragtag group of like-minded artists have come together to share and celebrate their diverse, interesting and unique work at their final showcase exhibitionmake sure you pop in to see what they’ve been up to.
The NewBridge Project, Newcastle www.thenewbridgeproject.com/ whats-on
ART & LIT
SUN 2 MAR
CORPSE FLOWER: BOOK LAUNCH
Johny Brown is hosting an explosive party to launch his new book, Corpse Flower. Think poetry from Johny himself - but then add electronic experimentalist Jono Podmore, dancer Laura Edwards and psychedelic band Arcane Allies - and you’ll have Sunday 2nd March. Intrigued? Get yourself down to The Engine Room.
The Engine Room, North Shields www.terns.co.uk
365 DAYS OF GIRLS, THEYS AND SLAYS CHOIR
Join the musical fun and celebrate a whole year of the wonderful community choir: The Girls, Theys and Slays! This event is bursting with joy, including iconic renditions of your fave songs and sneak peaks of their upcoming original musical, followed by a party in the bar - don’t miss out!
The bizarre and curious Ozric Tentacles emerged from visionary and multi-instrumentalist Ed Wynne, melding together trippy blends of progressive, psychedelic rock with dance and unusual soundscapes. Now in their 40th year and 17th album, the band will delight audiences with their unique sound that will be incredible to experience live.
Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle www.ozrics.com
MUSIC
FRI 14 MAR
THE SAFEST PLACE
Johnny Bond and Louis Adams are The Safest Place, an electric duo of longtime friends from North Shields. Having spent a year in the studio crafting their own darkly cinematic, punchy sound, the pair are ready to take back to the stage on a long-awaited Friday 14th March. Expect to be impressed.
The Cluny, Newcastle www.linktr.ee/inthesafestplace
MUSIC
SAT 15 MAR SAMUEL MOORE
Samuel Moore, the king of modern Flamenco, is coming to Durham - and what a privilege it will be for attendees to catch him at Claypath Deli, when he’s rather familiar with the likes of Carnegie Hall. Together with Mark Boden (who studied Flamenco in Seville, Spain), this isn’t a night to miss.
Exceptional Arts collective Celebrate Different (a group of young artists aged 13-25), have curated a special exhibition exploring important themes that matter to them. From Environmental issues to the internet to gender, this exhibition shines a light on the essential voices and insights from young people in the North East.
Arts Centre Washington www.sunderlandculture.org.uk
MUSIC
THUR 20 MAR AMPLIFIER
Progressive space rock legends Amplifier are back as a duo promoting their new album GARGANTUAN. Loving what they do to the core, the band bring heavy, addictive riffs, bouncing grooves, raw energy and an impressive back catalogue of atmospheric rock classics which you will not want to miss!
The Cluny 2 www.amplifierband.com
COMEDY
THUR 20 & SAT 22 MAR
FRANKIE MUNROE
Yorkshire’s biggest bastard Frankie Munroe brings alternative quirky comedy and side-splitting silliness to the NE this month. Born from the darkly comic mind of Joe Kent-Walters, this rising weird star brings a flavour of The League of Gentlemen and Reeves and Mortimer in a zany world of tricks and trowels.
The Stand Newcastle & Arc Stockton www.frankiemonroelive.com
COMEDY SUN 23 MAR
SILLY BILLIES COMEDY IN A VICTORIAN TUNNEL
The unpredictable amalgamation of all kinds of joy that is Silly Billies Comedy is going underground; the Victoria Tunnel will be hosting their wild antics. Expect hilarious guests, strange occurrences, and unexpected singalongs, all on a Sunday night, in a tunnel under Newcastle. If that isn’t exciting, I don’t know what is.
Victoria Tunnel, Newcastle www.linktr.ee/sillybillies
MUSIC
FRI 28 MAR
BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA
A two person orchestra might sound impossible, but Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington will prove you wrong as they flit between a ‘musical space station’ of instruments including guitars, mandola, omnichord, vintage synthesisers & more. The multi award winners take to The Forum’s stage, where they’ll have company from witch-pop support act Shannon Pearl. The Forum, Darlington www.theblackheartorchestra.com
29- SUN 30 MAR
STRANGE VICES & BLOODY BLADES
Italian giallo films of the 70s and 80s: if those words intrigue you, buy a ticket for either day (or both) of this two day film festival in Newcastle and get watching! Stylish, sleazy murder mysteries, plus guest speakers, a free zine, and a giallo bingo card. Film heaven.
Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle www.starandshadow.org.uk
NARC. E-ZINE
Issue 14 of the NARC. E-ZINE is here! The latest edition of our antidote to doom-scrolling is packed full of exclusive playlists, videos, mini-documentaries and much more, continually updated throughout its lifespan – check back regularly for new content!
NARC. TV
Check out live performances and chat from North East bands and musicians on our magazine-style programmes + ALSO THIS MONTH…
BUNCH OF FIVES: BETWEEN THE SALT AND THE ASH
Poet and writer Jake Morris-Campbell tells us his top five favourite places to visit in Northumbria ahead of the launch of his book, Between The Salt and the Ash, and related talks at Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick and The Common Room, Newcastle.
We catch up with Alphabetti’s new Artistic/Executive Director Ed Cole to chat about his first season of programming at the Newcastle theatre.
MUSIC ANNA ERHARD @ THE CLUNY
Words: Ben Lowes-Smith Wandering Oak are once again bringing some of the best international talent to Newcastle; in this instance Swiss-born, Berlin-based Anna Erhard. Having diligently released three albums since 2021’s Short Cut, Erhard caught the collective ears of BBC Radio 6 with her latest record, last year’s Botanical Gardenand it’s lead single 170: built on a Tina Weymouth-esque groove with conversational lyrics about a debate over height. It’s this charming attention to detail that has seen Erhard compared to writers like Jonathan Richman - her songs are plainspoken vignettes about the everyday from a decidedly askew perspective. Her song Spa details passive aggressive interactions when all she wants to do is relax with her mother, B.M.G. Group pontificates on the confounding popularity of the Blue Man Group, and earlier
single Campsite is a cut-and-paste account of childhood nostalgia which beautifully straddles the tightrope between incredibly specific and eminently relatable. Musically, Erhard’s compositions recall Odelay-era Beck in their playfulness, with groove and melody sitting front and centre of these deceptively simple, beautiful pop songs. Her show at The Cluny 2 on Wednesday 12th March is an intimate opportunity to see one of Europe’s best songwriters, and not one to be passed up before she starts playing bigger rooms. www.annaerhard.com
MUSIC L.A.D.S @ COBALT STUDIOS
Words: Lena Moss
Want to see more women behind the decks? You’re not alone. Addressing the industry-wide gender imbalance in DJing, Ladies and Decks (L.A.D.S) have been hosting events encouraging and celebrating women DJs in
Newcastle for several years. Their regular Open Decks and Social evening returns to Cobalt Studios on Wednesday 5th March for women and gender non-conforming individuals that are already into DJing or would like to give it a go. With a mission of “empowering community, support and creativity”, L.A.D.S is a safe space to learn or improve your mixing skills, whatever your current experience level, or simply chat to other music lovers about getting more women behind the decks. Bring your own USB or vinyl (both decks are available) or just yourselves, for a mix, ideas sharing, support and inspiration.
Tickets are available on a pay as you feel basis (suggested donation £5), helping make this session as accessible to as many women as possible. All ticket income helps to cover costs and ensure L.A.D.S are able to continue putting on more valued events like these. www.cobaltstudios.co.uk
Anna Erhard by Noel Richter
MUSIC
EEVAH @ THREE TANNERS BANK, TYNEMOUTH
Words: Matt Young
Electrifying alt-indie powerhouse EEVAH is set to light up the region as part of their highly anticipated UK headline tour, celebrating the upcoming release of their second EP, I Didn’t See It Coming (out March 2025). Known for their anthemic rock hooks, driving synths, and emotionally charged lyricism, EEVAH is a band for lovers of CHVRCHES, Wolf Alice, The XX, and HAIM - and even ahem…yacht rock leanings! Fronted by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Nicole Hope Smith, alongside guitarist and producer Richard McNamara (Embrace), the duo thrives on a DIY ethos. Since their breakout debut EP, Simplify Life, EEVAH has carved a niche with their distinctive blend of moody atmospherics and infectious, stadium-sized anthems. Now, with I Didn’t See It Coming, the band is showcasing their most personal and raw material yet. Fans can expect to hear some of their biggest tracks, including Say It’s Just Us, One Of Those Days and Take Me To Bed, alongside new songs which expand their fast-evolving sound. With a reputation for dynamic, emotionally charged performances, EEVAH’s show promises to be a night of powerful indie anthems and raw, heartfelt storytelling. Don’t miss your chance to catch one of the UK’s most exciting new indie acts live at Three Tanners Bank on Friday 21st March.
www.eevah.co.uk
STAGE
LORT BURN SPECIALS @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE
Words: Steve Spithray
A new evening joining books, music, poetry and politics together in Newcastle archly named the Lort Burn Specials comes to Alphabetti Theatre on Saturday 1st March. Put together by authors Alex Niven (The North Will Rise Again), Peter Mitchell (Imperial Nostalgia) and journalist Leigh Jones, Lort Burn Specials is a new series of occasional talks and cultural nights that will draw on the spirit of Newcastle’s countercultural past and a shared commitment to radical futures.
The first event will play host to Helen Charman, one of Britain’s most important emerging radical writers whose debut book, Mother State: A Political History of Motherhood, was published in 2024 and was immediately acclaimed as “a sorely needed politicised history of motherhood … and a tender love letter to her own mother’s knees”. As a writer on the politics of sex and gender, as a critic and activist, Charman has drawn comparisons with the likes of Jacqueline Rose, Angela Davis and Denise Riley. Charman will be joined on the night by Alex Niven to discuss motherhood, family and the welfare state. The evening will also include poets Sam Telford and local counterculture veteran Tom Pickard, with music in the bar from art/noise/drone purveyor and guitarist Lucy Valentine. www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk
ART & LIT COOPER ROBSON POETRY BOOK RELEASE @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS
Words: Niamh Poppleton
Newcastle-based poet and stand up comedian Cooper Robson has hit a new milestone with the publication of his debut poetry collection Robson and Marras, which will be launched on Saturday 1st March. The collection has been described as “jam packed with the phattest poems and most saucy and salacious artwork”. He incorporates stand-up comedy into poems with a primarily political motivation. Raw and brutally honest: his poems are a conversation with social issues, performed with fervour and colloquial beauty.
The self-described “gobshite, poet and stand-up comedian” Robson has won an array of awards, including being the winner of the 2023 Geet Muckle Slam and placing third in the 2024 Felt Nowt New Act of the Year. He has also been featured on BBC Radio Newcastle discussing his poem ‘Tyne & Tyne Again’ - a commentary on the consequential impact of mankind on the world around us through the history that resides within the River Tyne. In celebration of the publication, supported by “poet and professional waffler” Rowan McCabe, an intimate book launch will take place at The Cumberland Arms in Newcastle, containing passionate and personal readings along with book signings.
Robson and Marras will be launched on Saturday 1st March at The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle.
www.thecumberlandarms.co.uk/events
EEVAH by Simon Walker
MUSIC BIS @ POP RECS LTD.
Words: Cameron Wright
Last year Scottish indie pop band celebrated their 30th anniversary. 30 years of dance breaks, shameless funk and unrelenting punk euphoria.
Bis create infectious ear worms, with LPs and EPs including hits like Kandy Pop, Eurodisco and, of course, the undeniable force majeure which is the Power Puff Girls theme tune. The synth-heavy band have spent 30 years prioritising the same fun-fuelled excitement that harks back to The B52s or Devo. Touches of riot grrrl and Britpop all wrap into the tight and giddy package which is Bis. With on-and-off careers, each return has been met with sell out shows and fantastic, elated sets, as well as a slew of singles. Having toured with bands ranging from Foo Fighters and Pavement to Bikini Kill, Bis are no stranger to a good time or a good show.
Making their Sunderland debut at Pop Recs Ltd. on Saturday 29th March, the band will no double perform the classics from their 1999 staple Social Dancing, as well as tracks from their 2022 project, Systems Music For Home Defense. They’ll be joined by local noise rockers Fashion Tips and Edinburgh’s Devo-inspired electro punks Hens Bens. www.bisnation.com
STAGE
NIGHT CLASSES @
VARIOUS VENUES
Words: Isabel Johnson Unfolding Theatre presents Night Classes, an eye-opening theatrical experience designed to spark your curiosity and challenge society’s perception of independence. Featuring one deaf performer and two hearing performers, Night Classes is performed through a mixture of BSL and spoken word (though all content is
interpreted, and there is a heavy emphasis on inclusivity: everyone is invited, and everyone is welcome).
Night Classes is an 80 minute epic exploring the boundaries of self sufficiency and interdependence – it asks important questions like ‘what is independence, really?’, and it opens them up into a joyous, immersive atmosphere. Inspired by real, profound insights from disabled people, the show unites award-winning creatives, including but not limited to co-writers Lisette Auton and Becci Sharrock, director Annie Rigby, designer Lady Kitt and performers Alex Elliott, EJ Raymond and Harrison Rowley-Lynn.
After premiering at ARC Stockton in March 2024, Night Classes is now touring a year later. Catch the experience on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th March in Newcastle at Gosforth Civic Theatre, or head to Sunderland’s Seventeen Nineteen on Saturday 15th March. The only question left for Night Classes to ask is: are you ready to learn?
www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk
ART & LIT
COME AS YOU REALLY ARE @ NORTHERN GALLERY FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
Words: Laura Doyle
“There is a vulnerability in sharing something so personal, which often happens in private spaces around the responsibilities of daily life.
But there is also a tremendous power in sharing collectively, which is at the heart of this project.” Hetain Patel had an interesting vision with his latest touring exhibition, Come As You Really Are. It began last year in Croydon with a collection of 14,000 trinkets and miscellany made by people for the simple reason that they wanted to. No financial incentive, no function or purpose, simply a hobby that someone out there wanted to participate in. With that success, Patel working in collaboration with Artangel has taken the transformative exhibit on the road. Existing artworks will be showcased alongside new
additions from participants in the area, adapting the collection on every stop on the tour to reflect the skills and interests of the location. The North East’s personalised exhibition will settle in at Sunderland’s Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art from Saturday 22nd March-Sunday 6th July for all – including contributors of the artwork themselves – to see. We, like Patel, “hope people join us in this celebration of the unstoppable nature of self-expression that is demonstrated by our hobbies.”
www.sunderlandculture.org.uk
Images from the inaugural Come As You Really Are exhibition, The Hobby Cave at Grants, Croydon, London
MUSIC
BOO HEWERDINE & ELAINE PALMER @ ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL
Words: Isabel Johnson
Attention Middlesbrough: you’re in for an absolute treat on Friday 28th March, as two of the UK’s finest singer-songwriters are heading to the lavish setting that is St Mary’s Cathedral, where you’ll get to spend your evening tuning into their beautiful melodies and painstakingly well-crafted musings. Boo Hewerdine and Elaine Palmer are incredible in their own right, but their artistic collision at St Mary’s Cathedral will be one for the ages. Hewerdine – who you might be aware of as The Bible’s inimitable lead singer – is something of a national treasure for both his work with the band and on his lonesome. This show will present a careful combination of songs from his latest full-length record, as well as a number of favourites from his rich
back catalogue.
Palmer hails from North Yorkshire, but has passed by many a year travelling to see her family in Phoenix, Arizona. Her songs are influenced by both of these environments, with music being something that has surrounded the singer-songwriter since youth. Having played with the likes of KT Tunstall, Patty Griffin and Paolo Nutini, this is your chance to see what all the fuss is about. Two great songwriters, one great night - don’t hesitate. www.boohewerdine.com www.elaine-palmer.com
POETICAL OUTLAWS @ DIEGO’S JOINT
Words: Mack Sproates
Calling all swashbuckling spoken words artists, poem slingers and those with a creative cutlass! Poetical Outlaws is a brand new monthly spoken word and music night
with fun, DIY vibes and inclusivity at its centre, which will be unleashed at Diego’s Joint in Sunderland on Thursday 20th March.
Hosted by local punky performance poet Gary The Hat, Poetical Outlaws is a night where rebellious artists and audiences alike can share a safe space to try out new work and express themselves alongside other like minded folks. Plus there is an open mic slot and a mini-slam where outlaws can go head-to-head in a poetic duel with the audience deciding their fate...
The night aims to provide a spotlight for those of all backgrounds, genders and sexualities, which is so exciting and essential. The usual suspects on this line-up are bursting with local talent from experimental performance poet Pip McDonald, poet and comedian Cooper Robson and That Clare, a folky punk singer who gives a voice to trans and queer rights. At a time when diverse voices need to be heard more than ever, Poetical Outlaws offers a chance to be a part of the building blocks of a new creative community. www.diegosjoint.co.uk
Boo Hewerdine
STAGE CAROUSEL @ NORTHERN STAGE
Words: Cameron Wright
Those familiar with Ivo Graham will know of his rambling routines, eloquent command of language and his obsession with nostalgia. Anyone who has followed his career, through his hit podcast or celebrated tours will know of his love/hate relationship with the past, how he giddily clutches to bygone events, eager to
reminisce.
His love of the music, football and items that constructed his formative years are well documented through his hilarious stand-up –yet Carousel makes a very deliberate and conscious shift from the Ivo Graham we’ve come to know. Performed at Newcastle’s Northern Stage on Wednesday 19th March, Carousel feels inevitable, a long in the making theatre piece which sees Graham confronting the past, and in turn, the future. Structured around 10 items he can’t throw out, the performance weaves in personal anecdotes that surround the concerts, the memories and
the crux of the man himself. Soundtracked by the music connoisseur, Carousel explores grief, heartache and survival with a shocking honesty and self-reflection.
The self-lacerating performer places more emphasis than before on his pen, conjuring up graphic imagery and emoting simply and earnestly. Although this may not be the show for someone after a quick chuckle, Carousel is a magical and dismal study on the performer and the performance.
www.ivograham.com
MUSIC POLLY PAULUSMA & JON THORNE @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS
Words: Nat Greener
Polly Paulusma takes to the stage to celebrate her latest album Wildfires, accompanied by the incomparable Jon Thorne (Lamb, Yorkston Thorne Khan) on upright bass. A mesmerising performance that weaves together deeply emotional songs and spoken word poetry, Wildfires is an extraordinary two-hour opus produced by the legendary Ethan Johns (Laura Marling, Ray LaMontagne, Ryan Adams).
Released on One Little Independent, Polly’s haunting voice, combined with Jon’s masterful basslines, creates an immersive experience that resonates long after the final note. At their Cumberland Arms gig on Tuesday 25th March they will traverse the rich landscapes of Paulusma’s six studio albums, with a particular focus on the breathtaking narratives of Wildfires.
Audiences can expect a night of profound emotional depth, exploring themes of love, loss, grief, and philosophical reflection. Yet, amid the intensity, Polly and Jon’s signature bawdy humour and candid anecdotes bring lightness and laughter. www.pollypaulusma.com
MUSIC JULES REIDY @ COBALT STUDIOS
Words: Lee Fisher
Jules Reidy has been pushing the envelope, guitar-wise, for more than a decade now, and has just released the woozy, oneiric single Ghost (from the also recently released Ghost/ Spirit album on Thrill Jockey). It’s a disorientating but wonderful track that’s a highlight of a career full of them and leans into the pop inclinations that are an unexpected but integral part of their process, perhaps not what you’d expect from a guitarist and multihyphenate artist who works with fellow travellers like Oren Ambarchi and claire rousay. There’s a vast amount of inclusive, melodic but forward-thinking music emerging right now, from artists like rousay, more eaze, Water Damage and the like, and with these new releases Reidy is definitely taking her place front and centre. And the good people of Cobalt are maintaining their well-deserved reputation for bringing us all the good stuff by hosting Reidy on Friday 7th March as part of a mere three UK dates (with London’s Café Oto and Glasgow’s Glad Café either side). This is a bit of a coup for Cobalt – and for the city – and with a supporting bill of highly regarded experimental guitarist Nina Garcia and local improviser Adam Soper, this is set to be an essential evening of cutting edge experimentation and smeary ambient pop. www.julesreidy.bandcamp.com
COMEDY LOU SANDERS @ TYNE THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE
Words: Lee Fisher
Lou Sanders is one of the most impressive comedians we’ve got right now, an always-watchable collision of nervous energy, with a frank, in-your-face approach and jokes that are often as endearing as they are abrasive. She’s been a circuit regular since the noughties and these days is a TV and radio/ podcast regular (from winning Taskmaster to appearing on Dancing On Ice) and has had a very eventful few years personally and career-wise.
All of this will doubtless feed into the material for her new show No Kissing In The Bingo Hall, which comes to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Friday 7th March as part of a lengthy UK tour. Sanders has promised that the first half will be some mad collision of chat show, game show and gags, with the second half a more traditional stand-up set. Sounds intriguing. www.lousanders.com
Polly Paulusma by Lina Jusevičiūtė
STAGE RUPTURE @ VARIOUS VENUES
Words: Ben Robinson
A new one woman show from celebrated theatre company Open Clasp tours the region this March. Rupture focuses on the flawed criminal justice system in the UK, keeping the audience on tenterhooks throughout the performance about what the fate of the focal
character, Destiny, will be. When she eventually makes her escape onto the prison roof, what will be her next move for survival?
Rupture was made in partnership with Durham University and NEPACS and Criminal Justice, Social Harm and Inequalities Research Group. The performance highlights crucial issues around motherhood and incarceration that are current and relevant, tugging on your heartstrings throughout, as you are taken on one woman’s heartbreaking journey. An after-show panel discussion with industry professionals and experts working in the
women’s criminal justice system will further bring the subject matter to the spotlight. After opening at Newcastle’s Live Theatre in celebration of International Women’s Day from Wednesday 5th-Saturday 8th March, the show will be performed at Gala Theatre in Durham on Wednesday 12th, ARC in Stockton on Thursday 13th and West End Women & Girls Centre in Newcastle on Saturday 15th March. www.openclasp.org.uk
BY JOHN GODBER
LITTLE DRAMATIC GEM FROM THE PEN OF JOHN GODBER’
British Theatre Guide
ART & LIT
STEPNEY WESTERN @ NEWCASTLE CONTEMPORARY ART
Words: Mack Sproates
Stepney Western is an ambitious new exhibition by Sunderland based filmmaker Harry Lawson, celebrating Newcastle’s rich culture of horse riding, opening on Saturday 15th March at Newcastle Contemporary Art.
As soon as I came across the idea - which is to recast Byker as the Wild West - I was hooked! Featuring archival photography from a bank of talented artists, alongside Lawson’s experimental documentary film, Stepney Western is set to shine a light on one of Newcastle’s most wonderful hidden gems; The Stepney Bank Stables.
A group of young inner city horse riders at the stables make up a charity who aim to provide disadvantaged young people with skills in horse riding, socialising and positive well being. The documentary consists of a selection of archival footage and iPhone clips from the riders, as well as Lawson’s own unique and bold footage
which presents a contemporary look on the western genre. Featuring original music by local favourites Jayne Dent (Me Lost Me) and Richard Dawson, plus unique sound design by Omar McCutcheon (Batu), this exhibition will be a wonderful and special way to celebrate this community and their stories, and it’s definitely worth checking out. Stepney Western will open with a launch event on Saturday 15th March and will run until Sunday 27th April at NCA, featuring a programme of arts workshops for young people throughout the month. www.visitnca.com
Harry Lawson, Stepney Western (2025). Courtesy of the artist and Newcastle Contemporary Art
MUSIC RUTH LYON @ THE CLUNY 2
Words: Laura Rosierse
Incredible north east-based singer, songwriter, and rock artist Ruth Lyon is heading to The Cluny 2 on Saturday 29th March, following a string of UK dates. She and her band have outdone their live performance every single time I have experienced them live, and this show will undoubtedly be no different. Lyon is a power figure who always makes for a mesmerising live show with her incredibly infectious alternative rock tracks such as Trouble, Stone and Paper Aeroplane. Despite being a wheelchair user since the age of 21, Ruth has forged an unstoppable career fronting her rock’n’roll band in countless basement clubs across Europe!
She’s been captivating audiences with singular sound, in which she expresses herself authentically and documents her own introspective journey. Ruth Lyon crafts unique and mesmerising songs built with an incredibly
muscular groove, while lyrically she moves between the abstract, the archetypal and the naked truth. Transportive, vulnerable and honest, above all Lyon preaches beauty and self-acceptance in the face of loss, heartbreak and the mess of being human. Her show at The Cluny 2 will certainly be another for the books! www.ruthlyonmusic.com
ART & LIT
BAY TALES @ PLAYHOUSE WHITLEY BAY
Words: Sarah Storer
Bay Tales, Whitley Bay’s crime fiction festival, is back for its fourth year on Saturday 1st March.
The one-day festival, held at Playhouse Whitley Bay, will feature numerous panels, crime discussions and signings from crime fiction authors from up and down the country. Vera author and patron Ann Cleeves will
conduct a talk with William Shaw, who writes the Dungeness-set DS Alexandra Cupidi series; other panels include talks from publisher Pan Macmillan, featuring authors Sarah Hilary, Gateshead-born Tracy Whitwell, and Ellery Lloyd, with the panel moderated by Steph McGovern, ahead of her debut novel releasing later in the year.
Publishing house Orion will also host a discussion featuring the crossover between day jobs and writing crime fiction, featuring authors Emma Kavanagh, John Sutherland and Anna Mazzola, who have worked as a police and military psychologist, a police officer, and a criminal justice solicitor respectively.
There are also some fringe events happening across Whitley Bay over the weekend of the festival, including Voices of the North East, held at Whitley Bay library, which hosts four local authors discussing how the North East has inspired their writing. www.baytales.com
Ruth Lyon by Tash Barker
MUSIC WEATHERSHIP @
TOWN HALL COURTROOM
Words: Steve Spithray
Fresh from the release of their debut album
Splendid Beast in November last year, Teesside’s Weathership are back with a very special intimate live performance at Middlesbrough Town Hall’s stunning Courtroom
venue on Friday 7th March. They will be joined on the night by indie soul trio Church, Honey and up-and-coming singer songwriter Robyn Errico for what promises to be a very special evening of local talent. Weathership’s music is a masterclass in emotional depth, combining raw lyrics and haunting melodies to explore the full spectrum of love and loss, offering something truly special for fans of experimental and deeply emotional rock music - for fans of trucker caps, mountain views and log cabins upstate. Taking influence from the likes of The National,
The War On Drugs and Manchester Orchestra tracks such as The Swimmer and Through The Fog could have been written for the stained glass ceilinged venue.
Having already gained praise from the likes of Absolute Radio and Music For The Misfits (as well as yours truly) 2025 is already promising to be the band’s best year yet, with another date already confirmed for Newcastle’s The Cluny in April. And where better to start than in the Town Hall’s wonderfully ornate setting? www.weathership.co.uk
MUSIC DANNY & THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD @ GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE
Words: Isabel Johnson
Danny & The Champions of the World return from their six year hiatus for a show at Gosforth Civic Theatre on Saturday 22nd March, courtesy of Jumpin’ Hot Club, which will be exciting news for the legions of fans of the intensely personal rock band.
Their highly anticipated seventh studio album You Are Not A Stranger Here was released in Autumn 2024, showcasing the surprising and remarkable new sonic world in which Danny and his Champions have stepped into. It platforms a band at their absolute peak through well-crafted, beautifully presented musical arrangements, and continues to highlights some of the rawest, most reflective lyrics to be penned thus far by frontman Danny George.
This Newcastle date is one jigsaw piece in an extensive puzzle of UK dates all throughout March – and you can expect the five-piece to smash it out of the park (or, at the very least, the theatre). You Are Not A Stranger explores Danny’s unpretentious search for truth, and it’ll likely be palpable in this show as they bring their trademark infectious, moving energy.
www.dannyandthechamps.com
STAGE UNRULY @ VARIOUS VENUES
Words: Niamh Poppleton
Punk. Empowering. Revolutionary. Written and performed by Vici Wreford-Sinnott, featuring award-winning musician Beccy Owen and directed by Bex Bowsher, Unruly is a tale of grief, nostalgia, and the impact of a deep connection between friends - embarking on a national tour to various North East venues this March.
Following Marina and Suze, who were best friends from childhood, Marina reflects on their friendship and riotous journey through the disability activism movement. In the aftermath of Sue’s death, it raises the question: can you choose to do nothing in the face of barbaric and severe injustice?
Intertwining punk and folk songs that illustrate the show musically, this disabled women-led theatre piece embodies the nature and true essence of punk activism. To promote accessibility, integral captioning and audio description (which is written into the script) are included, along with BSL interpretation on selected shows.
A passionate call to action and a powerful piece of theatre: Unruly offers a commentary on womanhood and societal expectations, disability rights, and the power of friendship. This compelling, fiery show is one not to be missed.
The national tour of Unruly will begin at Arc Stockton on Thursday 6th (Including BSL interpretation) & Friday 7th March, Live Theatre on Saturday 22nd March and Darlington Hippodrome on Friday 28th March. www.littlecog.co.uk/unruly
COMEDY JAKE DONALDSON @ THE STAND
Words: Nat Greener
Newcastle-based Jake Donaldson is back with his brand-new show Spectacle, which tackles life’s blurred lines with razor-sharp wit and a keen sense of irony. Partially blind, Jake explores the humour in the everyday challenges of visual impairment; from awkward encounters to navigating a world designed for the fully-sighted, expect candid anecdotes, brilliantly crafted punchlines and a refreshing take on disability that never resorts to pity or clichés.
Hailed as one of Huffington Post’s Must See New Acts at the Edinburgh Fringe, Jake’s star is undoubtedly on the rise. His credits include appearances on NextUp Comedy and Amazon Prime, and he’s been nominated for the BOP Emerging Talent and Visually Impaired Excellence Awards. Critics are full of praise; Ed Fringe Comedy called him “phenomenal”.
Catch Spectacle on Monday 31st March at The Stand in Newcastle and enjoy an evening of top-class anecdotal comedy that will leave you roaring with laughter, and perhaps seeing the world a little differently.
www.linktr.ee/jakedonaldson
Danny & The Champions of the World by Simon Weller
MUSIC DAVID GRAY @ STOCKTON GLOBE
Words: Cameron Wright
2025 has given us a new David Gray album, and with it a new opportunity to see the decade-defining songwriter in Stockton. Dear Life is the latest record from the lyricist who gave us the immovable White Ladder over
two decades ago. With hits like Babylon and Sail Away mixing with potent tracks from the new record, his show at The Globe on Friday 21st March promises to appease fans of any loyalty or experience.
Where his earlier releases have had a monumental influence of the shape of British songwriters to follow, with Ed Sheeran, Adele and Hozier all citing Gray’s blend of sombre introspection and bigger vision pop as an influence, his latest album continues to show an experimentation and evolution that the artist has consistently displayed throughout
CHAMPION
his career.
Dear Life is a positive reflection on all the little things that make it all feel worthwhile, cherishing moments with family and growing up. The love letter to himself is an uplifting undertaking for Gray’s 13th album; each track is a smooth listen, as electric beats are ordained with gentle acoustic guitar melodies and Gray’s bold rasping vocals crooning over the top, culminating in a heartfelt and euphoric release.
www.davidgray.com
Image by Robin Grierson
MUSIC HEATHER FERRIER TRIO & FAYE MACCALMAN @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS
Words: Ali Welford
Why settle for one virtuoso instrumentalist when you could enjoy two on the same bill? Certainly, nobody attending this show – at The Cumberland Arms on Sunday 23rd March –ought to feel shortchanged, as two of Newcastle’s most creative musical maestros come together for an evening of genre-bending adventures in sound.
A singular presence in the city’s thriving alt. folk sphere, accordionist, composer and clog dancer Heather Ferrier is well-versed in the trappings of traditional music. Hers, though, is a palette untethered from its restrictive roots, realigning the tools at its disposal with a richly melodic, imaginatively arranged flair as showcased on her Engine For The Sound and From The Ashes EPs. Live, these explorations manifest via the Heather Ferrier Trio. Backed by guitarist Alasdair Paul (Pons Aelius, Jordan Aikin, Quercus) and drummer Adam Stapleford (Ponyland, Yes! Grasshopper), expect to find this magnetic accordion marvel rounding out a short Northern tour at her exuberant, captivating best!
Faye MacCalman, meanwhile, ranks firmly among the region’s most respected performers; an in-demand composer, multi-instrumentalist, collaborator, and leader of supreme jazz trio Archipelago. As though that wasn’t enough, she also commands an equally absorbing solo ship, where dreamworlds for saxophone, clarinet, voice and electronics voyage far and wide
beyond their jazzy foundations. Essential, enchanting listening!
www.heatherferriermusic.com www.fayemaccalman.com
MUSIC RNS MOVES WITH RAPASA NYATRAPASA OTIENO @ THE GLASSHOUSE/ MIDDLESBROUGH TOWN
HALL
Words: Steve Spithray
RNS Moves is a unique, inclusive ensemble featuring disabled musicians and nondisabled members of the Royal Northern Sinfonia originally formed in 2018. While the ensemble rehearses and perform at The Glasshouse in Gateshead, the group’s mission was always for RNS Moves to perform more regularly, and to work with national and international partners on larger collaborations and commissions work further afield than Gateshead.
Now this unique collaboration with Kenyan folk legend Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno will not only perform at The Glasshouse on Saturday 15th March but also a seminal show at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Sunday 16th March. RNS Moves was always intended to explore what it might look like for disabled and non-disabled musicians to work closely together and learning to work in new ways, and this collaboration is an extension of that by incorporating world music into their repertoire. www.theglasshouseicm.org
ART & LIT BEHOLD; WE WILL DO A NEW THING @ NEWCASTLE ARTS CENTRE
Words: Mack Sproates
Bold. Punky. Vivid. Imaginative. If any of those words strike a chord with you, then you simply cannot miss Behold; We Will Do A New Thing… A brand new exhibition running until Saturday 15th March at Newcastle Arts Centre.
Legendary punk artists Chris Morton and Paul Harvey have teamed up for a one of a kind collaboration, exploring the complex line between fine art and graphic design. Morton, famed for his work as director of Stiff Records, produced some of the most recognisable and iconic record covers for bands like The Cramps, Dire Straits and Siouxsie and the Banshees; contributing massively to the punk rock creative art scene. This inspired the likes of Harvey, an acclaimed, masterful painter in his own right, whose work explores the Stuckist art and Punk movement.
Together, their work is a DIY, punky match made in heaven; a melding pot of magical, zany pop culture and music paintings, record covers and posters. It’s bright, colourful, contrasting and striking; creating its own unique, radical style.
An exciting Q&A will take place on Saturday 15th March, where you can hear more about this collaboration – proving to be an absolute rare treat for any punk fans in the Toon! www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk
Heather Ferrier Trio by Megan Savage
ART & LIT
THE CARAVAN GALLERY
@ NORTHERN GALLERY FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
Words: Mack Sproates
Back in 2015 creative hiveminds Jan Williams and Chris Teasedale were the artists, photographers and curators behind one of the most iconic exhibitions to ever open in
Sunderland; The Caravan Gallery. The exhibition sought to celebrate Sunderland in all of its mundane glory; featuring wacky, weird and wonderful photography that captured the beauty, joy and humour in one of the most overlooked cities in the North. Now, nearly ten years on, the Caravan Gallery is back for another outing – and it’s looking more brilliant and bizarre than ever!
Seeking to open up gallery spaces to those who might not usually access them, the exhibition features brightly coloured, fun and captivating imagery, with a hint of surrealism, capturing everyday moments of life in Sunderland. Aside from the elements of
nostalgia and humour, the curators pose a much deeper meaning behind the work; offering social commentary on the way we live our lives and asking the viewer questions around Pride of place, change and loss. Along with forgotten spaces, memories, potential ghost sightings and kebab shops, the Caravan Gallery invites you to experience the unique documentation of one of the most characterful places in the UK.
The Caravan Gallery runs from Saturday 22nd March until Sunday 11th May at Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sunderland. www.sunderlandculture.org.uk
MUSIC HONEYGLAZE @ THE CLUNY 2
Words: Cameron Wright
Honeyglaze’s album Real Deal was released towards the end of 2024, and it was the album that hoisted the alt. rock South London trio up the ladder, cementing their reputation as one of the UK’s sharpest new acts.
Their self-titled debut released in 2022 was a portrait of songwriter Anouska Sokolow’s youth; capturing anxiety, self-loathing and the isolation of the pandemic, it locked into an emotion and a confusion that resonated with many people. Real Deal is angrier, more raw, and digs even deeper, with no sense of apology. Real Deal wades into the ugliness of life, standing triumphant in the guts and blood of adolescence, surviving. There is a delicacy to the songwriting, a beauty and a subtle morose sense of foreboding that shimmers over the storytelling, a glimmer of vulnerability that decorates the battle cry which consumes the record. It’s more mature and human than first
listen may suggest, and more delicate lyrically than the guitars may imply.
Coming to The Cluny 2 in Newcastle on Sunday 2nd March, this is your opportunity to see Honeyglaze in their early stages, as there is every indication that this is a band who are seconds away from exploding. From the lilting melodies of Ghost, to the violent urges that are barely quelled across Don’t – Honeyglaze are sure to deliver a fantastic performance that will only become more poignant live.
www.linktr.ee/honeyglazemusic
STAGE
NEUROTYPICALS DON’T JUGGLE CHAINSAWS @
GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE
Words: Mack Sproates
Stand-up poet Kate Fox and speaker and educator Nic King are combining creative forces to bring you their hilarious, warm and
informative podcast Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws live at Gosforth Civic Theatre on Thursday 6th March.
Listening to the podcast is like getting to sit down and drink your favourite tea with your two best mates, absorbing their thoughtprovoking conversations as they delve into what it’s like to navigate everyday life as a neurodiverse person. Laugh along with their frank stories, learn about new experiences and relate to familiar ones – with many brilliant tangents along the way. Listeners have applauded the podcasters for their honesty and openness – sometimes even just a ‘OMG my brain does that too!’ moment is enough to help someone feel like they are not alone. Especially suitable for neurodiverse adults and teens, late diagnosed or self-identified, or for anyone who wants to support a neurodiverse person in their life, this podcast is a fantastic tool to help platform important conversations around Autism, ADHD and neurodiversity, and advocating for us to do all we can to help make our society a more inclusive and kind one. www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk
Honeyglaze by Kalpesh Lathigra
COMEDY
JOEL DOMMETT @ NORTHERN STAGE/ GALA THEATRE
Words: Laura Doyle
Before he was the silver medallist/jungle heartthrob of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and the fancy-suit-wearing host of Saturday evening telly on ITV, Joel Dommett
was best known as a comedian who had only dabbled in the small screen. With those good looks and all that charisma, it’s really no surprise that he did eventually find success in mainstream media. (Indeed, we congratulate it and its bill-paying abilities.) But it is lovely to see him go back to his roots on the stage doing comedy for the masses at Northern Stage on Friday 7th and Gala Durham on Saturday 8th March.
Dommett used to do the awkward, self-deprecating shtick, but will his usual repertoire make for a good match with his new
found glory? After all, he’s got that burgeoning TV career going for him now, and he’s got a new baby too which brings with it all the trials and tribulations that come with first-time fatherhood. But at heart, Joel Dommett is still just a nerdy guy with Pi tattooed on his bicep – even if that bicep is much more jacked than it was in those early years. I have no doubt that he’ll still find a way to make a fool of himself for our benefit.
www.joeldommett.com
Image by Matt Crocke
MUSIC DAVID GRUBBS @ STAR & SHADOW CINEMA
Words: Lee Fisher
David Grubbs is one of those artists who has wandered between projects for forty-some years, causing seismic shifts in what ‘rock music’ can do as he goes. You can follow him, from the frantic teenage punk of Squirrel Bait (Skag Heaven is an underappreciated gem), through essential post-hardcore bands like Bitch Magnet and Bastro onto the jazz-inflected avant garde brilliance of Gastr del Sol, as well as a vast array of collaborations along the way with the likes of Red Krayola, Loren Connors, Will Oldham and Pauline Oliveros (somewhere along the line he picked up a PhD too!).
His recent Whistle From The Above album on Drag City grew out of lockdown time spent reacquainting himself with his guitar and is a wonderful collection of absorbing, angular experiments with a host of carefully chosen guests. It’s this material he’s going to be showcasing on his UK tour, which brings him to Newcastle’s Star & Shadow Cinema on Monday 17th March (courtesy of those fine Unit Ama chaps). Support for the evening will be The Horse Loom, Steve Malley’s solo, folk guitar project recently and necessarily revived, which feels like a particularly appropriate match. This is going to be a special one, folks. www.davidgrubbs.bandcamp.com
EVENTS GEMARTS’ HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLOURS @ BALTIC
Words: Ben Robinson
On Saturday 15th March GemArts present the Holi Festival of Colours at Baltic in Gateshead. From food stalls and creative workshops, to dance and music – the festival has something for all ages and interests.
The one-day event brings together communities and people from across the North East to mark the Hindu festival which celebrates spring, love and new life. A packed programme of events allows everyone to get stuck into the festival, with creative workshops, henna stations, live dance performances as well as music and food to keep the party going. The venue will be taken over by some thrilling emerging and established artists, and there will be tours throughout the day to take you on a journey to explore the South Asian art which will be scattered around the building. The festivities will conclude with a vibrant colour-throwing celebration at 3pm. With the venue providing powder pigment for the exciting display. Be sure to book your free tickets for the event to guarantee a space. www.gemarts.org
MUSIC RUBY KELLY @ THE SHIP ISIS
Words: Laura Rosierse
Sunderland-based fast-rising singer-songwriter Ruby Kelly heads to The Ship Isis in Sunderland on Saturday 15th March for her first headline show, with support from Isabel Maria and Daniel Maple. The Welsh musician has already supported The Levellers, The Futureheads and Ferocious Dog, as well as performing at the first Aelius Alternative in Newcastle. She brings open, honest and unadorned pop songs, with a strong voice and great, poetic songwriting skills.
Having released her debut EP King Of The World in 2021, she almost instantly garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike, appearing on the bill for incredible shows that will have undoubtedly led to a steady fanbase for the young artist. At the Sunderland show, she will be supported by Isabel Maria, who was hailed as BBC Introducing One to Watch for this year and won the Alan Hull Award last year. Also performing will be North East-based singer songwriter and guitarist Daniel Maple. Sunderland’s The Ship Isis has in recent years started to improve their profile within the live scene by booking artists from across the UK, as well as hosting regular buskers nights. The pub will be the perfect setting for Ruby Kelly’s first of many headline shows.
www.linktr.ee/rubykelly.music
David Grubbs by Julien Sitruk
MUSIC
WHITE DENIM @ WYLAM BREWERY
Words: Cameron Wright
I remember first discovering White Denim in 2018 off the back of their Performance project. At that point they were already seven albums in, with their sound fully cemented. The influences were rife, getting plucked from every direction; splashes of jazz littered the chord progressions, while 70s funk drenched the rhythms, all while wrapped in a cosy bow of 60s whimsy. As a more relaxed, approachable extension of certain Frank Zappa projects, the journey from sound to sound was fluid and exiting.
Digging back through their catalogue, the listener is confronted with a kaleidoscopic romp through musical greats, as Beatles, Beefheart and George Benson can all be seen flashing sparks of inspiration throughout their discography. Touches of Wilco, glances of Pere Ubu and a smattering of Prince all contort around each other to make a beautiful tapestry, rich with different palettes, decorating the various projects of White Denim.
Their latest project, entitled 12, sees White Denim make yet another step into uncharted territory. Now with lush, soft, embracing production, the tracks wrap around you, driving gently into sunsets and across stunning landscapes.
Returning to Newcastle on Wednesday 5th March, White Denim will be bringing their signature freewheeling sound to Wylam Brewery.
www.whitedenimmusic.com
MUSIC ANTONY SZMIEREK @ BOILER SHOP
Words: Steve Spithray
Manchester-based poet, writer and producer Antony Szmierek comes to Newcastle for a show at the Boiler Shop on Saturday 8th March in support of his debut album, Service Station At The End Of The Universe, as part of an extended UK and European tour this spring. With an engaging Northern narrative and his trademark lyricism delivered with genial charm, fans can expect an evening of deep dancefloor poetry including Antony’s breakout track The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Fallacy. The writer’s new material has also seen him producing moments of downbeat, dark poignance, co-produced by Szmierek and his long-time collaborators Robin Parker, Max Rad, Louie Fulford-Smith along with new Mancunian talent Yves Jones for an infectious journey through pop, melodic hooks and thumping dancefloor arrangements.
Following a busy festival-filled 2024, which included Glastonbury, praise from The Guardian and NME as a festival highlight, as well as playing to packed crowds at Truck, Latitude and Boardmasters (not to mention a headline slot at Stockton’s The Gathering Sounds Festival in September last year) 2025 promises to be his best yet so catch him now while you still can. www.linktr.ee/antonyszmierek
MUSIC FEROCIOUS DOG @ THE GROVE
Words: Laura Rosierse
Hyper energetic celtic punk / folk rock outfit
Ferocious Dog return to the North East for an undoubtedly exciting live set at Newcastle’s The Grove on Thursday 20th March! They’ll be bringing a special acoustic show out on the road throughout spring this year; the tour will bring a fresh and stripped back sound as they present a new side to the politically charged album ‘Kleptocracy’. They’ll dive deeper into their back catalogue, and pay homage to traditional folk songs that inspired the band from their very beginning. On ‘Kleptocracy’ we hear more heavy rock and celtic influences, which is what we’ll see and hear on this tour and their show at The Grove.
Ferocious Dog will excite and inspire with an up-close and personal experience driven by powerful political anthems with folk twists that go back to their roots. Themes of struggles, resilience, resistance and rebellion will be touched upon in a new and alternative way that most won’t have experienced from this hyper energetic folk rock band before. The band are looking forward to connecting with their fans in a way that feels both nostalgic and new, drawing from the power of folk traditions to keep the spirit of resistance alive!
Catch Ferocious Dog at The Grove on Thursday 20th March.
www.ferocious-dog.co.uk
White Denim by Charlie Wienmann
ART & LIT
HELIOS @ SEATON DELAVAL HALL
Words: Ben Robinson
Seaton Delaval Hall will play host to an exciting new sculpture this spring. The National Trust has commissioned artist Luke Jerram to create Helios, a spherical sculpture named after the Greek god of the sun. Internally illuminated, the piece will depict the dynamic surface of our closest star on a 1:200 million scale – offering a truly mesmerising visual experience. This installation offers a rare opportunity for visitors to observe the mysterious star up close. What is normally too bright to view becomes an awe-inspiring spectacle for visitors to marvel in.
John Orna-Ornstein, the Trust’s Director of Access and Conservation, expressed enthusiasm for the new project: “Working with Luke has been such a natural fit for the Trust. Both passionate about the climate crisis and
ensuring that as many people can access the arts and culture as possible, Helios presented the ideal opportunity to collaborate.”
Seaton Delaval Hall has long been a historic marvel of the North East, the large house stands over the landscape with some of the finest architecture in the region, and they’re no strangers to hosting world-class art. Now you can catch the breathtaking Helios there from Wednesday 19th March to Sunday 6th April. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
MUSIC BADLY DRAWN BOY @ BOILER SHOP
Words: Cameron Wright
For decades now, Badly Drawn Boy has had the British music scene wrapped around his finger. His ever-changing mixture of genre and timbre shift around the one constant in his music: tender, intimate songwriting. Lost in the swirling sounds of Damon Michael
Gough for so long, Badly Drawn Boy has become a cultural icon. From crafting the wistful About A Boy soundtrack to a hundred gentle ear worms, it all started 25 years ago at the release of his debut The Hour of Bewilderbeast.
The debut was a roaring success, there was a quaintness to the 18-track extravaganza, as it weaved charming instrumentals in with an array of different indie soundscapes. The whole package felt flimsy and precious, but deliberately so. The Hour of Bewilderbeast has always been British at its core, with wonderfully apologetic and beguiling lo-fi tracks that latch onto the heart.
Now, 25 years later, it is time to remember where it started, as Badly Drawn Boy is back on tour performing the album in its entirety.
Promising a night covered in hits from across his career, Gough and the band are heading to Newcastle’s Boiler Shop on Wednesday 26th March and you will not want to miss it. www.badlydrawnboy.co.uk
TOUR DATES: TOUR DATES: Newbiggin Sports & Community Centre, Northumberland Sunday 30 March, 6pm Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle Sunday 13 April, 7pm (BSL interpreted by
MUSIC
SNAPPED ANKLES @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE
Words: Steve Spithray
Now settled in fertile East London, Snapped Ankles maintain the feral energy of the forest where the mysterious post-punk four-piece claim to have coalesced. Employing primal motorik rhythms mixed with the rush of white noise and post-punk agitation – an aural onslaught played out on homemade log synths, electrified guitars and sticks beating hell on taut animal skin.
Snapped Ankles first rose to prominence in the warehouse and squat party scene of the capital, having formed in 2011 before moving onto performance art collaborations with filmmakers and shows in unlikely locations such as barber shops, games arcades and the forests they once called home, where their original blend of performance art and art rock gained them critical acclaim. However, the
band members’ identities remain unknown due to the fact that the group performs in ghillie suits.
Now signed to The Leaf Label, the band will tread the boards at The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Thursday 13th March in support of new album Hard Times Furious Dancing, a concept album inspired by the Alice Walker book of a similar name. Support on the night will come from London post-punks, The Sick Man Of Europe. www.snappedankles.bandcamp.com
FILM
DAVID LYNCH: DREAM WEAVER @
TYNESIDE
CINEMA
Words: Matt Young Step Into the Strange. Few filmmakers have bent reality quite like David Lynch. With his signature blend of dreamlike atmospheres, small-town secrets and surreal horror, Lynch created worlds where innocence is never
untouched by darkness and the mundane exists on the brink of madness. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer ready to dive into his occasionally nightmarish wonderland, this timely retrospective of the late director’s films will guide you through the eerie, the absurd, and the downright unexplainable.
With screenings running from February to April, Tyneside Cinema is showcasing every movie from the aptly straightforward The Straight Story through the gateway of American suburbia and white picket fences Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me into seedy worlds and neo-noir territory. Take truly terrifying adventures down the rabbit hole of weirdness with Lost Highway, Eraserhead, The Elephant Man and the classic lost identities nightmares of Mulholland Drive or Inland Empire.
Lynch was a singular auteur, a storyteller whose unparalleled production visuals have become a byword for the unexplained and off-kilter. He remains the world-building master of uncanny cinema. We may have lost the man but his films remain artefacts to enjoy and explore like no other director before or since. www.tynesidecinema.co.uk
Snapped Ankles by Louise Mason
INTERVIEWS
LOUISE YOUNG
CAMERON WRIGHT TALKS TO THE RELATABLE AND BRUTALLY HONEST COMEDIAN ABOUT CLASSISM, ANARCHY AND EMBRACING HER WILDLY UNTETHERED LIFE IMAGE BY WE ARE THE TWINS
Louise Young is embarking on the next step of her comedy career which is already littered with increasing highs, from supporting Alan Carr and Tom Allen on their tours to gaining rave reviews for her Best Newcomer nominee show at the Edinburgh Fringe, Young is making her mark on the comedy scene. No stranger to the circuit, it is now time for the comic to unleash her debut hour to the world, and thus begins Feral, the tell-all introduction to the crazy life of the Geordie comic. As soon as we start chatting it becomes very apparent that
Louise Young isn’t one to mince words or beat around the bush. It takes a moment before a question is asked, as the comedian is busy reminiscing about bygone haunts across Newcastle, and we share a pang of nostalgia thinking back to Gotham and swapping stories of the Ouseburn.
There is an instant familiarity to our conversation; a safe space to rant, rave and put the world to rights, as Young carries with her that quintessentially Northern sense of comradeship. For a moment you have to remind yourself that these kind of
COMEDY
ramblings are the profession of a seasoned comic, that instant likeability and surplus of relatable and articulate observations are the trade of someone who’s comfortable in changing situations.
Louise admits that the relatability is ever changing: “It completely changes, place to place. Even just a woman swearing can turn a few heads in the posher areas, and you have to really readjust a routine in the moment. I sometimes feel myself adapting to wildly different audiences; you go from a stag do to some Southern audience that see me as an affable Geordie cartoon character, waiting for me to shout about Alan Shearer, it’s constantly juggling and tweaking from room to room.”
Ahead of her fast-selling set at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Friday 14th March, Young (who now lives in Liverpool) talks with glee about returning for a hometown show. “I moved back to Newcastle from London and I was nervous for the smaller comedy scene, but it can be so saturated in London, you end up playing to one old man in a pub for no money. Newcastle has a more lively scene, we know everyone and there’s people wanting to come see good comedy, every week. It’s a much better atmosphere to play.” There is also a palpable sense of relief about the return, as she continues: “Everyone gets it. They know, they understand. You can be so much more colloquial, the nuances come out. We’re all in it
I THINK I’LL SHOOT MYSELF IN THE HEAD IF I HAVE TO WALK ON ANOTHER SOUTHERN STAGE AND MAKE A JOKE ABOUT GREGGS
together at home, I don’t have to ramp up any aspect of myself. I think I’ll shoot myself in the head if I have to walk on another Southern stage and make a joke about Greggs.”
Feral, which sold out throughout the 2023 Fringe, is Young’s bombastic entrance to the headline slot. It’s an hour of honesty that is filled with anecdotes about anarchy, classism and an unconventional, untethered lifestyle. “I realised doing the Fringe that there were a lot of people manufacturing stories or putting themselves in situations just so they could get an Edinburgh show out of it. I was watching it and thought, I’ve got actual experiences weirder than this. My actual past is more feral than some of these artificial ones, I’ve got too many stories, so they’re in the show.”
From growing up in Newcastle, to coming out and living life to the max, Feral is jam packed with a smattering of formative and ridiculous stories that have led Young to the place she is now. Alongside garnering five star reviews, Young has recently been acting as tour support for Alan Carr and Tom Allen on their most recent tours. After years playing bigger rooms than the circuit would allow, Young quips: “It’s mental, and think I’d be having heart attacks every morning now I’m playing bigger rooms if I hadn’t had that confidence pushed into me doing those support sections, you are watching two masters every night just nail it in front of their audience, it’s a completely different muscle to those nights trying to heat up a cold room.” What is instantly endearing about Young is her endless desire to better herself; there is a constant drive to become the best possible comic. While she touches on the gruelling nature of life on the circuit, there is always a bubbling enthusiasm underneath as she discusses the lessons she has learnt from delivering jokes across a vast array of venues, sizes and audiences. When she talks about the fear she feels when opening for comics like Russell Kane, there is always wisdom with it; an excitement that comes from lapping up each experience and how every moment has helped hone her craft. Her drive is palpable, and she has a monumental ambition to deliver and best her own performances. With every gripe about driving for hours to a gig that pays less than the petrol, the relentless social media and admin, there is still a luscious passion for the craft.
Louise Young wants to be more than the token Geordie on the circuit, she feels a responsibility to address the struggles and constantly make the road into the arts easier for the next wave of comics. “It’s classism I feel the most driven to talk about,” confesses Young, as she opens up about the mounting difficulties less experienced comics have to face. “You’ll always be a working class comic in this game, like even if you’re over the line, you’re still in it. You don’t have the same opportunities or liberties, it’s always an uphill struggle. Even the simple things, like I’m expected to just do 10 minutes on steak bakes and Cheryl! You’d never expect a comic from Milton Keynes to only do comedy about whatever happens there – it’s bizarre.”
Louise Young performs at Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle on Friday 14th March. www.linktr.ee/louiseyoungcomedy
BARRY HYDE
ALI WELFORD SPEAKS TO THE FUTUREHEADS STAR ABOUT HIS BRAND NEW SOLO ALBUM, MINERS’ BALLADS
“When you’re from the North East, nine out of 10 people you pass on the street will have some kind of family heritage in the big industries,” says Barry Hyde, whose new solo venture is an oral history of perhaps the most prominent of them all. “Coal mining is one of those industries that nobody really wants back. It was a dangerous and unhealthy environment to work in, but the legacy it’s left gives us an insight into the incredible community spirit it engendered; all the rights, rituals and cultural high points created in the face of adversity.”
Commissioned by Sunderland City Council, new album Miners’ Ballads sees the Futureheads member delve deep into that heritage; from the ordeals endured by putters transporting coal to the pit eye, to the vanished pit ponies likely turned to glue or dogmeat.
“I didn’t know what it was going to be at first. I knew I wanted to record, produce and play the instruments myself, but I didn’t know whether I was going to write the songs from scratch, adapt traditional numbers or do some kind of conceptual soundscape.”
In the end, all these elements feature in some form or another, in a collection less concerned with genre than weaving an authentic historical narrative. Crucially, whereas contemporary reflections primarily document the industry’s decline, Barry –via resources such A L Lewis’ lyric book Come All Ye Bold Miners and the recollections of retired miner Jim Morelandsought to capture an industry and culture at its height: “to
I INSTANTLY FELT MORE CONNECTED TO THE HERITAGE THAN I’D PREVIOUSLY REALISED. IT BEGAN TO FEEL LIKE A PERSONAL ARTISTIC PROJECT
honour that community spirit and offer the broadest possible perspective.” Suffice to say, this is a Thatcher-free zone.
An especially poignant moment arose when he dug into his own family history. “I spoke with Keith Gregson, who’s a close friend and a retired history teacher,” he recalls. “He found out that some of our ancestors owned circuses, while another part of the bloodline was involved in coal mining in Trimdon.”
Moreover, his research revealed that two of Barry’s relativesThomas (13) and Joseph (14) – were killed in the Trimdon Grange explosion of 1882, a disaster which claimed a total of 74 lives.
The album’s final track, Trimdon Grange 1882, is dedicated to their memory. “I instantly felt more connected to the heritage than I’d previously realised,” he reflects. “From that moment this became more than a commission; it began to feel like a personal artistic project.”
Elsewhere, Barry was so struck by Lloyd’s The Collier Laddiean unrequited love song in which a rich land owner offers a local woman riches beyond her wildest dreams, only to be rejected for a humble collier – that he penned it a de facto twin. Hewn from a stray piano piece, Last Dance (At Londonderry Ball) picks up the tale from a landlord’s perspective – namely Charles, the sixth Marquess of Londonderry, notorious for evicting the entire village of Silksworth, Sunderland in 1891.
“It’s about power and the greed which stems from it,” Barry details. “I felt the original song embodied the humility of the time – but also the reality that there was a lot of exploitation going on, and that many of the rights we have now stem from the trials and tribulations our forebearers endured.”
Miners’ Ballads is released on Friday 21st March. www.barryhyde.co.uk
Image by Amelia Read
MUSIC
SAM SLATCHER
DAVID SAUNDERS CATCHES UP WITH THE FOLK ARTIST TO DISCUSS PASSENGERS & PIONEERS, A MUSIC AND POETRY ALBUM THAT CELEBRATES 200 YEARS OF THE DARLINGTON AND STOCKTON RAILWAY
This year sees the people of Darlington and Stockton, as well as railway and history enthusiasts around the world, get onboard with the bi-centenary celebrations of the world’s oldest passenger railway. And what would a celebration be without music? This is where folk singer Sam Slatcher comes in, with his brand new album Passengers & Pioneers - which looks at how this historic railway line changed the shape of the region, the country and the world.
In true folk style, Sam informs me that this isn’t his first project inspired by the past. “Yes, it’s always been from a place of curiosity. Who lived here, when was this built, who dreamt in this space, who walked these streets? I’ve managed to weave everything from the lives of the northern saints in the 7th and 8th century to the roots of socialist Britain and community organising in the late 19th century into the music, somehow!” On the album, Sam sees his songs complemented by poems from Lizzie Lovejoy, Carmen Marcus, Rowan McCabe and Harry Gallagher. I ask how that collaboration came to be. “Lizzie and Carmen’s collaboration came about through Tees Women Poets as I was really keen we’d have some representation of local Teesside-based poets. I’ve shared gigs with Harry and Rowan before and really like their attention to human stories, so I ended approaching them… they added so much colour, and at times, humour, which I think adds nicely to the more reflective folk songs.”
In 2023 the artists on the album gathered inspiration by travelling the line from Bishop Auckland to Saltburn and
I’VE MANAGED TO WEAVE EVERYTHING FROM THE LIVES OF THE NORTHERN SAINTS IN THE 7TH AND 8TH CENTURY TO THE ROOTS OF SOCIALIST BRITAIN AND COMMUNITY ORGANISING IN THE LATE 19TH CENTURY INTO THE MUSIC, SOMEHOW!
talking to passengers and turning what they heard into music or poetry, but there was also a great deal of historical research that went into the album, as Sam explains. “We spent a lot of time talking to members of the Friends Of The Stockton & Darlington Railway, a preservation group made up of historians, archivists and archaeologists who have been uncovering stories of the origins of the line for well over a decade.”
Despite the old influences, the songs and production on Passengers & Pioneers have a more contemporary sound, reminiscent of artists such as Nic Armstrong, Badly Drawn Boy and Fleet Foxes. They draw inspiration from a boy’s letter, news reports, and workers’ testimonies from the time, as well as passengers’ journeys and experiences. It takes you on a smooth and mesmeric journey filled with intriguing soundscapes and stories from the haunting, spacious track Pioneers to the rhythmic Set The World On Track with its gleaming Americana guitar sounds and light harmonious chorus, to the tender piano-led reminisce of Take Me Home featuring the waltzing poetic flow of Lizzie Lovejoy.
Sam has utilised his creative license at times to bring the album to life. “They’re all based on real characters, although some of them have been fictionalised. So for example a song like Sleepers is probably the most testimonial, almost oral history-like in its presentation. The lyrics are very closely based on an interview with an amazing 95 year old woman called Margaret who used to work as a station clerk at Heighington station in the 1960s. Probably my favourite story of all the songs! Then, there are pieces like Stranger on a Train and Passengers (Dreaming in September) that reflect stories I’d heard but were composites of a few characters.”
Passengers & Pioneers is released on Friday 14th March with a unique performance at The Common Room as part of the Community Rail Network’s national awards ceremony with Railway200. A summer tour is also set to be announced. www.samslatcher.com
Image by Rob Irish
Listen by Eri Makihara
BERWICK FILM & MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL
STEVE SPITHRAY DELVES INTO THE MYRIAD OFFERINGS OF ENGLAND’S MOST NORTHERLY FILM FESTIVAL
Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival (BFMAF) celebrates its 20th anniversary this spring with four days of transformative cinema, exhibitions, and dynamic conversations, all taking place across England’s most northerly town. With the help of some funding from Arts Council England, North East Combined Authority, the National Lottery and Northumberland County Council, the festival is committed to dynamic curatorial practice while steadfastly grounded in its values and intentions.
Festival Director Peter Taylor has spoken in glowing terms of the festival. “Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival is a perpetual work in progress rejecting labels that might restrict how we see, understand, and experience cinema. Instead, we embrace pluralist ideas and fluid modes of production and presentation, culminating in a kaleidoscopic, transformative programme of film and conversation, instruments of liberation.”
For its twentieth iteration, Japanese filmmaker Eri Makihara will be the first Filmmaker in Focus - and this marks the first time Makihara’s films will be exhibited outside of Asia. Makihara’s work is based on film and installation and focuses on the physical sensations of people communicating primarily through sign language. The work seeks to bring to light the social structure of our world and its inherent oppressive mechanisms. Elsewhere, artist and researcher Conal McStravick curates a rare screening of Kaposi’s Sarcoma (A Plague and its Symptoms) on the subject of AIDS by video artist and gay rights activist Stuart Marshall, previously presumed lost and unseen for almost forty years.
On the other end of the spectrum, also showing is a newly commissioned work by London-based artist and writer Morgan
Quaintance. Partnered with sociologist Laura Harris in Tokyo, Quaintance’s Available Light explores notions of home and belonging in contemporary society through interviews with workers at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, as well as fragments of conversations with renters in both Tokyo and London. Black And Arab Encounters On Screen is a hybrid talk and live video essay by Abiba Coulibaly exploring parallels, strains, convergences and ruptures in on-screen encounters between Black and Arab characters, and the off-screen realities from which they emerged.
The New Cinema Awards will include new works by numerous contemporary boundary-pushing filmmakers and artists, including When The Phone Rang by Iva Radivojevic, which investigates dislocation and the nature of remembering in the context of 1990s Yugoslavia through the eyes of an eleven year old girl. Memory is also central to Hope Strickland’s A River Holds A Perfect Memory, a multilayered work tracing diasporic memory and family migration between the UK and Jamaica through archival footage, newly shot 16mm film, and LIDAR scans. Invention, directed by Courtney Stephens, is a remarkable microbudget drama exploring the process of grieving a complicated parent in which filmmaking itself becomes a part of the process. And finally, family expectations, class difference and psychological isolation are at the heart of Isadora Neves Marques’ My Senses Are All I Have To Offer, a subtly sci-fi film envisioning a reality where other people’s sensations can be accessed from a distance through a new technological invention, sensory pills.
While all this might sound like a lot to take in, BFMAF strives to understand the optimal exhibition conditions for artists and filmmakers’ work within the resources and contexts it has available. As an extension of this, the accessibility of audiences and communities that it is involved with, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, are of utmost consideration within the festival: it is a fully inclusive event for all.
Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival takes place at various venues from Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th March. www.bfmaf.org
90BRO
THE DARK VASTNESS OF SPACE IS A SCARY CONCEPT. IT’S VERY MUCH HOW I FELT AS A CHILD. LOST AND ALONE. THERE’S A FREEDOM
IN THAT ALSO
DAVID SAUNDERS TALKS TO THE SUNDERLAND HIP-HOP ARTIST ABOUT HIS MARVELLOUS SPACE-INSPIRED NEW ALBUM THAT TAKES LISTENERS ON A VOYAGE OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND
Sunderland rapper 90BRO is set to launch his conceptual rap album ORB09, a cosmic odyssey that fuses spacey, ambient, and electronic tones with profound themes of reflection and inner child healing. The album’s title is more than a clever play on his name spelled backwards; it symbolizes Pluto - the ninth orb astrologically. “Pluto is associated with power, transformation, and rebirth,” he explains. “It seems fitting that this is the time to release this body of work, especially as 2025 is a 9 year in numerology.”
His journey into music began at age 11 and for the past decade he has been pushing the frontiers of the evolving North-East hip-hop scene. “Not only have I seen the change but I’m proud to say that I have been the change. I was blessed to be a part of the new North East movement, marrying unapologetic northern lyrics with sonically experimental music. We united many of the aspiring artists at the time.”
His new album ORB90 is a voyage into his subconscious. The album begins with S0N, narrated from his inner child’s perspective, and traverses various stages, struggles, and traumatic events, culminating in radical self-acceptance. “In this body of work, the universe is an allegory to my inner verse,” 90BRO muses. “The dark vastness of space is a scary concept. It’s very much how I felt as a child. Lost and alone. There’s a freedom in that also.”
Asking how this latest release differs from past work, he adds, “I’m probably rapping less words on this project than previous releases. That’s not to say it isn’t a hip-hop record. I made it a point in the making of this record to say as much as possible in as few words. My flow, tones and delivery change with the music. It’s a syncopated symphony. It’s my most concise release to date and I believe it will be palatable to not only hip-hop fans but fans of music and poetry in general.”
INNER HEALING
Working with the futuristic sonics of producer San-T the album fuses ominous Kubrick and Lynchian synth sounds with stellar snaps that propel 90BRO’s impassioned and effortlessly delivered rhymes, mirroring his internal journey. Songs like Re:Fuse tackle bullying, starting with taunts he endured as a child. Mowgli delves into themes of betrayal, lust, and loneliness, while Gibbous uses lunar phases to parallel toxic relationships and the refugee experience, “both sides staring at the same moon seeking its guidance.”
Recording wasn’t without its challenges. “Multiple times I was breaking down when confronting very emotional topics,” he admits, referencing the track Launchpad. Yet this catharsis was essential. “This is a turning point for me musically, creatively, and spiritually. I’m at a point of acceptance and understanding within myself.”
As for live performances, 90BRO is planning something truly immersive for the album launch show. “We will project visuals that match the tone of what I’m speaking of while performing,” he reveals. “I won’t say too much - I need to leave something to the imagination. That is the space where the magic happens.”
90BRO hopes ORB09 offers healing to listeners embarking on their own journeys. “It won’t be a comfortable listen for some, particularly if they’ve been affected by similar issues,” he acknowledges. “We are all on a journey of self-discovery. I hope sharing the reflections I’ve made on mine can help empower you on yours.”
90BRO plays The Klurb, North Shields on Saturday 29th March with the album ORB09 following on Saturday 5th April. www.facebook.com/90BR0
RACHAEL MCSHANE & THE CARTOGRAPHERS
LAURA ROSIERSE TALKS TO RACHAEL MCSHANE ABOUT SELF-RELEASING HER ALTERNATIVE FOLK TRIO’S BRAND NEW ALBUM, THEIR PLANS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD, AND HER PERSONAL JOURNEY THROUGH MUSIC SO FAR
Rachael McShane & The Cartographers are a northern alternative folk trio who are about to release their new album Uncharted on the 28th of March, followed by an extensive UK tour. Uncharted is the band’s first release since the release of 2018’s When All Is Still on Topic Records.
“I’ve been playing and singing since I was a kid. My biggest inspiration would be my dad, there was always music playing in the house and I was taken along to folk festivals as a child. I play fiddle and viola in this band, and I also play cello.” The influences and inspiration she’s taken from her upbringing have worked their way onto the album, a product she’s enjoyed creating because; “when making an album you can truly get into the nitty-gritty of things, it is quite easy to get into that really focused mindset, because we know each other quite well it makes for a nice way of working.”
“A lot of the songs on the album are old traditional folk songs, there’s also some new songs that were written with the band as well. All the instrumentation is very much part of the folk scene, viola less so but I’ve always played fiddle and cello and it felt like it was a nice thing to add to the mix.” They’ve created a powerful alternative folk sound that weaves together the old and the new, and together with their quirky ways and aim to stand out, this is what makes the group a special one.
“A big part of some of the videos we’ve created is a bit of a
IT’S JUST BEEN GREAT TO PUT SOME MUSIC TOGETHER THAT MAKES US FEEL GOOD. WE LOVE TO PLAY TOGETHER AND WE LOVED MAKING THE ALBUM
reaction to a lot of folk artists that stand on a beautiful hillside with flowers in their hair and I wanted to get away from that to get a bit of silliness.” They bring this silliness onto the stage with them when they are on tour, as Rachael is lucky to work professionals she also considers friends. “I’m lucky because I know a lot of the people that work in the industry, and people that play on the record - they’re all people that I know really well.” Most of the people in question she’s met by going out and immersing herself and the band within the local folk scene.
“There’s a lot going on at The Glasshouse, and a new club that started at the Newcastle Arts Centre for which we played the first one!”
On the album and its inspirations, she adds; “This album is a result of the last couple of years. We’ve gone through some challenges, and it’s just been great to put some music together that makes us feel good. There’s a little bit of a theme of getting through things as life goes on. The main thing is that we love to play together and we loved making the album. We are going on tour in March and hopefully people will enjoy it live as well.”
“I love how every day is different on tour, touring with the band is a joy, we make each other laugh and we think we take that laughter onto the stage and bring it to the audience. The gigs we do tend to be quite varied, you never know what venue you’re going to be at and what’ll happen on stage!” And to get your own idea of Rachael McShane & The Cartographers live, you’ll simply have to go and experience it!
Rachael McShane and the Cartographers’ album Uncharted releases on Friday 28th March, with a UK tour to follow. rachaelmcshane.co.uk
Image by David Hall
TRANSTOCK
LAURA DOYLE TALKS TO JADE MIA BROADHEAD ABOUT HER BIG PLANS FOR NEWCASTLE’S FIRST TRANS AND NON-BINARY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Newcastle is breaking new ground with its first all trans and non-binary music festival. Transtock Festival is the brainchild of singer-songwriter, frontwoman of trans-punk riot grrrl band Dinky Bossetti. “[The idea for Transtock]’s been in my head for a while.” Jade told me. “I wanted to do something to raise money for local groups who are constantly seeing funds being cut. [Trans support charity] Be was the perfect choice - they’re trans-specific and helped me a lot when I was struggling with early transition. I wanted to give something back. There’s also a wealth of trans and non-binary artists out there so it’s a lovely chance to say, ‘Hey, here’s some of us, come check us out!’ Of course, with the current climate, things will have a political edge but I want it to be more of a celebration of trans talent.”
Transtock gives binary gender nonconformity a space to be expressed without threat or fear - something that it is often not graced with. “Over the last few years I’ve been both pleasantly surprised and disappointed by certain organisations, promoters and venues. A current frustration amongst me and some of my LGBTQIA+ musician friends is the increasing move away from having actual queer artists – particularly trans - at Pride events. It’s hard enough for queer acts to break through to the mainstream. Now we’re seeing Prides being overrun with ‘ally’ acts. Allies are great. We need them. But our safe spaces and opportunities seem to be decreasing, which is a big concern.”
Build it and they will come! So, Jade has made space where her trans and non-binary musical fellows can simply exist, celebrate their artistry and represent themselves without the pressure of representing their entire community - while raising money for a good cause. “The bill consists of acts I’ve come to know personally through gigging, both as a solo artist and with Dinky. All acts are performing for free to maximise the amount we can donate to Be. I’ll be eternally grateful to all the acts for agreeing
THERE’S A WEALTH OF TRANS AND NON-BINARY ARTISTS OUT THERE SO IT’S A LOVELY CHANCE TO SAY, ‘HEY, HERE’S SOME OF US, COME CHECK US OUT!’
to that - being in a band is often committing to a financial struggle. I knew I had a festival when I secured Gaydar, they’re a wonderful band and are doing some great things. When Mel [from the band] told me they were in, I was over the moon! Amasing is travelling up from London, Beth Warburton is coming from Chester and Alexx Munro will be travelling down from Glasgow. That just blows me away!”
I wondered if Transtock Festival would become a regular event in Newcastle, as the North East’s premier trans music festival, by trans people, for trans people - and everyone who wants to be a real ally to the community and Jade was keen to elaborate on future plans for the festival. “I’ve already booked a date for next year as close to Trans Visibility Day as possible without it being the actual day to avoid a clash with Be’s own event. For next year I want to look into the possibility of grants and funding so I can pay the artists, and I’d love to put a compilation album together to commemorate it too. Next year I’ll go full on and be trying to entice the likes of Laura Jane Grace and Kim Petras to our little city! We could also maybe someday do a summer event and take it outside, but I think the name T In The Park will be copyrighted!”
Transtock takes place at The Globe, Newcastle on Saturday 15th March from 3pm. www.theglobenewcastle.bar
Gaydar
DECREPIT YOUTHS
STEVE SPITHRAY
TALKS TO THE NEWCASTLE ALT. ROCKERS ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THEIR DEBUT EP
Having only formed in May 2023 and already championed by Radio 1’s Alyx Holcombe, things have certainly moved pretty fast for Newcastle’s Decrepit Youths. The band have previously held no bones at being compared to such hard-hitting contemporaries as Don Broco, Architects and You Me At Six; as the ambitious hard rocking five-piece prepare to release their debut EP, singer and guitarist David was keen to elaborate. “We are pretty much going with the flow at the moment and seeing what works. We have been releasing singles for the last 12 months now, so we thought it would be cool to package a few together and see what feedback we got. So far it’s looking really promising as all three singles on the EP offer something different for the listener.”
For so long rock music, particularly at the heavier end of the spectrum, existed in an insulation of its own making, forever harking back to the riffs of the 70s and 80s with seemingly little desire to push things forward even as nu-metal floundered and industrial experimenting reached an evolutionary cul-de-sac. However, at some point a sapling sprouted between the branches of metal and techno, where crunching riffs could co-exist with drum machines. Decrepit Youths’ Love Psycho Kill Machine EP is a deft mix of melodic metal and crunching riffs with more than a touch of theatrical flair that suggests there is a concept or at least an ethos behind their sound. “We just write what we feel is right at the time.” David continued. “Obviously we have a core of rock running through each song but we have all been heavily influenced by so many genres and I think you can hear that in our music. EDM, drum and bass and even orchestral elements are featured in our songs.”
Indeed, the synthetic drums on the EP are also a hint at
WE ARE DEFINITELY IN AN EXPERIMENTAL STAGE OF THE BAND AND SEEING WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN’T
something more progressive, at least within the broader rock genre, so it was already obvious that it is important for Decrepit Youths to push things forward stylistically. “We are definitely in an experimental stage of the band and seeing what works and what doesn’t. We like to mix between real and sampled drums because it gives it a more contemporary sound.”
David and fellow singer and guitarist Connor (the band is completed by bassist Tim and drummer Lee) lived together before Decrepit Youths coalesced as a band, which feeds into the organic evolution of the group. “We started writing songs together, which is something we have wanted to do for years, but now that we were in a creative space together it just flowed naturally. Once we had a few songs under our belt we decided to make a project of it and Decrepit Youths was formed.”
With things moving so fast my final question was as obvious as my first, and David was equally keen to tell me what the band have got planned for the rest of the year. “Our main focus this year is growing our social media and doing as many shows as possible. It’s time people heard our music on a live stage.” Amen to that!
Decrepit Youths’ debut EP, Love Psycho Kill Machine, is released on Friday 21st March. www.linktr.ee/decrepityouths
BENEFITS
ALI WELFORD TALKS TO THE POLITICAL TEESSIDE DUO ABOUT THEIR EYEBROW-RAISING NEW DIRECTION
Benefits’ second album Constant Noise will surprise many –just don’t mistake its replacement of blastbeats and white noise with bass-heavy dance grooves and ambient textures for a band being muted. “The anger doesn’t stop,” asserts the Teessiders’ mouthpiece, vocalist Kingsley Hall. “The shitty policies don’t stop. Wars don’t stop. Cruelty towards the public doesn’t stop. People have to be held to account, whatever colour tie they’re wearing. You’ve got to keep biting.”
“It would’ve been boring to just do [debut album] Nails Part II,” states bandmate and electronic maestro Robbie Major, on their departure from the sound behind viral assaults such as Flag, Empire and Traitors. “The themes on this record are a progression of what we’ve done before. It’s stupid to expect artists to simply limit themselves to one thing.” Kingsley concurs: “If you go into the lyrics and their intensity, I’d argue this one’s even more angry, just in a different way – it’s just less cartoonish and obvious.”
Whereas Nails’ eviscerating extremity stemmed from an impulse to counter aggressive right-wing narratives blow-for-blow, Constant Noise’s message is communicated with measure and poise. No longer ripping through his vocal chords, Kingsley nonetheless surveys a flagging nation, its poisonous discourse and bad-faith actors with undiluted candour and unflinching clarity. Neglected post-industrial towns and communities vulnerable to populist snake oil remain the principle focus, yet the likes of Lies and Fear and Missiles speak to a wider purview, broadened with reflections on foreign wars and western privilege. There’s space for outside voices toofrom Middlesbrough rapper Shakk’s explosive cameo on Divide to the eerie single Relentless, featuring an unlikely appearance
from formative influence Peter Doherty.
It’s Constant Noise’s sonic turns, however, which are bound to raise the most eyebrows – from the hedonistic, distinctly ‘90s-tinged grooves of Land of the Tyrants, The Victory Lap and Blame, to a ruminative closing salvo awash with ambient and avant-garde influences.
“Reminiscence and nostalgia are key themes on this album, so when I’d suggest making a song sound like The Grid, Underworld, Leftfield or whoever, it wasn’t just about the aesthetics – it was an intentional sonic decision to mirror the lyrics.” Kingsley reveals. “We all hold a rose-tainted view of our youth and bygone ages,” he continues. “The more right-wing centric mind might harken back to the Blitz, ‘when men were men’ or when they didn’t see foreigners on the street. It’s easy to be snooty about it, but left-leaning people like us do the same thing. We’ll turn on some Channel 5 documentary called Remembering Britpop, or the 00s-themed stuff they make now, and we’ll often gloss over the bullshit – the rampant misogyny, the racism, the shitty politics which were rampant at that time.” Some targets, though, remain difficult to empathise with. “We had Prince Fucking Charles [sic] in Middlesbrough the other day,” Kingsley vents. “The council – a Labour council – decided it was time to tidy up the town. Scrub graffiti, power wash the promenade, plant flowers. Everyone knows councils are underfunded, but you can’t cry about having no money, then spring into action when this arsehole turns up for 15 minutes.”
“He should come unannounced on a random Wednesday afternoon, to see the real Middlesbrough.” Robbie suggests: “… and maybe stop charging the NHS for all that land while he’s at it.”
Benefits’ new album Constant Noise is released on Friday 21st March via Invada Records. Benefits play Middlesbrough’s Unit 41 on the same date.
www.benefitstheband.com
Image by Tom White
BAKER ISLAND MUSIC
ALI WELFORD CHATS TO THE FUZZ POP MARVELS ABOUT DOUBLE ALBUMS, THEIR NEW EP AND A RECORDING ETHOS INSPIRED BY THE FALL
The last time I sat down with Sean Dodds, the mastermind behind Newcastle fuzz pop marvels Baker Island, his band, like the world at large, was in a state of flux. It was the summer 2020 inter-lockdown reprieve. Eat Out to Help Out – helmed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, at that point Britain’s most popular politician – was at its ill-advised height (no revisionism here: we took full advantage) and our conversation centred on Baker Island’s stalled comeback, some three years since their last show. With neither a fixed line-up nor venues to play in, it was a relaunch staged without a launchpad – not that that did anything to dampen Sean’s aspiration. “I remember saying we’d be doing a double-album, because we had so much recorded,” he recalls sheepishly.
Not entirely surprisingly, that sprawling opus never quite materialised. This time, though, Baker Island are back for real, with a settled, dynamic five-piece line-up – Sean (vocals/guitar) joined by Chris Old (bass), Emma Reynolds (drums), Jemima Short (keys) and Matt Weaver (guitar/backing vocals) – with a year of live shows under their belts, and the brand new Stone Age Riot EP ready to roll. “I decided we didn’t need to be quite so self-indulgent,” Sean admits. “We’ve homed in on a single album’s worth of material, but didn’t want to just throw it out there after being away so long. We wanted to put out something shorter first – if only to say ‘Hello! We’re still here!’”
The maiden release on Tenth Ave. Records, a new imprint from local stalwart Rob Savage, Stone Age Riot presents five typically ramshackle remnants from the original monster album, alongside one cut, the title track, set to feature on the completed full-length.
“[The song] Stone Age Riot is about the death penalty,” Sean reveals. “I wrote it after Brexit, when social media was becoming flooded with mental right-wingers. One particular post stuck with me. Somebody did something bad but then this guy commented that ‘Any decent human
I
KNOW I’M CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGED TO SAY
‘THIS IS THE BEST THING WE’VE EVER DONE…’ BUT I REALLY DO THINK THIS IS THE BEST THING WE’VE DONE!
being would want you to suffer,’ and it made no sense to me at all. You can’t wish that upon someone and still call yourself a decent person!”
A vintage Baker Island nugget loaded with distortion, wry lyricism and, despite the subject matter, ebullient melodic charm, it’s a glorious appetiser for the as yet unscheduled main event. “I know I’m contractually obliged to say ‘this is the best thing we’ve ever done…’ but I really do think this is the best thing we’ve done!” Sean insists. “It feels like a return to the spirit of [debut] Bobby Hundreds, which was a bit all over the place and stupid at times. It’s not like we’ve turned into John Cale, but I found it more interesting than another standard rock record.” While both EP and album were recorded between line-ups (“we basically turned into The Fall and whoever happened to be there at the time played on it!”), Sean is keen to see where this new, settled iteration leads. “A friend once told me that all the best bands have dictators. I kind of get what he means, but also don’t want that to be me!” he insists. “The new stuff we’ve written has been more collaborative, We’ve played some of it live already and I’d love to start recording, but it already feels like we’re catching up with ourselves. We don’t want a continual backlog!”
Baker Island’s Stone Age Riot EP is released on Saturday 1st March with a show at Two by Two Taproom, Newcastle. www.bakerisland.bandcamp.com
Image by Adam Kennedy
TYNE VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
Byker
IF YOU LIKE…
GETTING AHEAD ON NEW RELEASES
The festival is showing a number of previews and a UK premiere. The Oscar-nominated film Flow is shown on Sunday 16th March ahead of its wider release a week later. The Latvian animated film is about a cat whose life is affected by a gigantic storm, and is up for two Oscars, including Best Animated Feature. The Return, starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, is a retelling of The Odyssey, which previews on Sunday 23rd March before a wider release in April. And finally, Swiss drama The Courageous will have its UK premiere on Wednesday 26th March having previously premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. The film focuses on a rebellious mother who risks everything to keep her family together.
All three films are showing at Hexham’s Forum Cinema.
DISCOVERING LOCAL ARTISTS
Some films this year are accompanied by live music from musicians across the region.
Iconic Jim Carey movie The Truman Show will be opening the festival on Friday 14th March and is accompanied by live music from rising alt. rock artist Melanie Baker. Springsteen fans can enjoy the 2019 jukebox musical Blinded By The Light at the Tannery Pub in
FILM
WORDS: SARAH STORER
The Tyne Valley Film Festival returns from Friday 14th-Friday 28th March for two weeks of film, live music and panels in various venues across the valley and beyond. The festival, now in its fifth year, is hosting 33 screenings across 23 venues, ranging from its main hub at The Forum Cinema in Hexham, to Allendale, Corbridge and even as far as Newcastle’s Star & Shadow Cinema.
Over the years, the festival’s aim has been to make up-andcoming films more accessible for people in rural areas, as well as keeping it affordable for young people, with tickets for those aged 25 and under costing just £3, and festival passes for £30 allowing viewers to see all the screenings at The Forum Cinema. This year’s festival features a mixture of premieres, interactive screenings and re-releases, as well as collaborations with local musicians and clubs. Here’s a look at what’s coming up… www.tynevalleyfilmfestival.com
Hexham on Thursday 27th March, when musician Chris Kelly will be performing a mixture of Springsteen covers and originals. Kenneth Anger’s 1972 cult classic short film Lucifer Rising will be screened at Newcastle’s Star & Shadow Cinema on Saturday 22nd March, featuring a live score from band Boy Latex. The experimental film focuses on Egyptian Gods trying to summon Lucifer.
LEARNING MORE ABOUT REGIONAL HISTORY
The Hexham Photography Group is hosting a screening of the 2023 documentary Tish, about the social documentary photographer and trailblazer Tish Murtha. The film will be followed by a discussion of Murtha’s work, as well as that of other documentary photographers, at Hexham Library on Wednesday 19th March. At Ovingham Reading Room on Friday 21st March, the Young Women’s Film Academy will screen a collection of short films by their members alongside the 1972 dramatised documentary Byker, which was built around Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen’s photographs depicting life on the Byker Wall at the time.
Tish
Lucifer Rising
KATE FOX
MACK SPROATES HAS A WARM, HONEST AND INSPIRING CONVERSATION WITH STAND-UP POET KATE FOX
Kate Fox is busy. With podcasts, one woman shows, book commissions, creative writing, course leading and more, Kate is one of the most exciting, empowering and much needed creative voices opening up conversations on neurodiversity in the arts. I got the chance to chat with the stand up poet ahead of her two upcoming events in the North East; a live recording of her acclaimed Podcast; Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws and An Evening With Kate Fox.
Describing herself as a “quirky, Northern, funny wordsmith with a subtly subversive undertone,” Kate told me she is inspired by funny poets such as John Hegley, and unequivocally by her socio-economic experiences of growing up in 1970s northern England. Kate’s work opens up new worlds and experiences in ways that are accessible, fascinating and fun. Her last show and book, Bigger On The Inside, explored the parallels between Doctor Who and neurodiversity (I was pleased to hear that Kate’s fave Whovian aliens were The Master and Missy!). Kate’s career since has rocketed; exploring book commissions on themes such as The Sycamore Gap, climate change, and is “ongoingly writing a lot about, and from, neurodiversity”. This leads me to her excellently named podcast, Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, co-hosted with educator and speaker Nic King. Billed as two northern lasses having open and honest conversations on autism, ADHD and neurodiversity, the podcast is proving to be a vital platform in helping many listeners feel seen and heard, as well as a way for neurotypical people to learn about different brains and perspectives. Kate
loves working with her co-host Nic. “I get to have conversations with a fellow switched-on neurodivergent person who just ‘gets it’. I don’t have to explain myself.”
Discussing the importance of having these conversations, Kate pointed out. “There’s still hardly any happening in public - still hardly any autistic voices speaking for themselves. I’m talking to people every week - especially late-diagnosed autistic women, who’ve only been exposed to stigmatising, pathologising stereotypes.”
Staging neurodiverse voices are essential in helping society to become more accessible, understanding and caring, and Kate’s voice is a powerful one indeed. She describes her upcoming show An Evening with… at The Lit & Phil as: “A sort of greatest hits of poems and pieces - A funny, thought provoking, warm evening. (They’re the adjectives people most often use about my performances so unless I entirely change personality between now and then, I reckon it’ll be that).” Inspired by her work, I was excited to ask Kate about what advice she’d give to neurodivergent creatives who might want to start working in the arts industry, to which she offered. “Find solidarity with other neurodivergent creatives. Join a union. Be aware of the pressure for creatives to overwork.”
Kate’s work is a breath of fresh air in a continually stressful, pressurised and loud world - making room for important conversations in a way that feels safe, gentle, and offering space for you to be exactly as you are, with a few giggles along the way.
Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws will take place on Thursday 6th March at Gosforth Civic Theatre, and An Evening With Kate Fox on Thursday 13th March at The Lit & Phil in Newcastle. www.katefoxwriter.wordpress.com
MATT REED
LAURA ROSIERSE CHATS TO THE NORTH EAST FUNNYMAN ABOUT HIS ENERGY FOR STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS COMEDY AND HOW HE WORKSHOPS IT ON STAGE SO NO TWO SHOWS ARE THE SAME
Teesside-born comic Matt Reed is back where he belongs, on a big stage talking about anything and everything, and random encounters during his day-to-day life. Matt is due to make his return to the iconic Tyne Theatre & Opera House where he previously performed some of his favourite shows and with over a decade of experience in the theatres under his belt it’s due to be… A belter!
Matt told me how he first got into comedy in 1999 after an encounter with Arnold Brown, who co-wrote many of the sketches of The Young Ones. Matt was asked to try out stand-up and fell head over heels in love with it. From this gig in front of 30 people he started getting more gigs, kept building, and kept getting better, he had the advantage of a more communitydriven scene that wasn’t yet brainwashed by five-second video clips and short attention spans which has brought him to where he is now. “Comedy has become a massive business now, while it used to be a bunch of absolute weirdos, doing comedy because they’re quite frankly unemployable. Nowadays it’s become very admin-heavy and if you don’t have fifty thousand followers, it’s much harder to reach your audience.” Luckily, Matt has found his audience, and they’re a wonderful bunch. “A day after I did my first gig at the Tyne Theatre they called me to see if I’d want to come back the next year because they’d broken records at the bar, yeah, that’s my crowd.” And, his crowd, indeed, showed up again. “It’s always been very special to get support from your hometown. One of my other favourite gigs ever is the first time I ever did Reading Festival, Adam Crowe was on and I was just before Ed Byrne, the tent was rammed, this was the first time I’d performed in front of another agent, he’s quite hard to get a hold on. Everything worked, the crowd was in a good mood, the weather was good and the tent was full. After the show I felt the applause, that’s when I knew how good it can be, this is all I’m doing now
COMEDY HAS BECOME A MASSIVE BUSINESS NOW, WHILE IT USED TO BE A BUNCH OF ABSOLUTE WEIRDOS, DOING COMEDY BECAUSE THEY’RE QUITE FRANKLY UNEMPLOYABLE
forever.”
Having been working on a career as a stand up comedian, Matt of course also performed some slightly less life-affirming shows. “Stag and hen dos aren’t anyone’s dream to perform at, it’s basically having a 20-minute argument.” With time and experience has come the ability for Matt to be able to adapt and perform any gig nowadays. “The only gigs I won’t do are those where it’s impossible to get to, because I don’t drive. I’ve got this rule; if I was financially successful I won’t do Scunthorpe on a Thursday anymore.”
His success comes from the way he writes and performs his shows. “I’m a stream of consciousness comedian. I’ve always been wishy-washy with ideas, rather than writing ideas down I will workshop it on stage, that can lead to large gaps between punchlines but the punchlines are better, because it’s happened there and then. People come to see me, because I work with the crowd which means that a gig will never happen again in the same way. As a comic, you’ve got to be of the time, I could do stand-up as long as I live, I absolutely love it!” In fact, there are plans for a storytelling podcast, and a reworking of his 2014 show Stalked, ensuring Matt is in no danger of tightening the belt just yet.
Matt Reed’s The Plot Thinnens is at Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle on Friday 21st March. www.mattreedcomedian.com
LISTINGS
THE BEST OF THE REST… EVEN MORE ALTERNATIVE MUSIC, THEATRE, COMEDY, ART AND FILM TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST THIS MONTH
SATURDAY 1ST MARCH
COAL FACE STUDY DAY
Gain a fascinating insight into the creative process behind the Coal Face exhibition through two Q&A panels with its lead artists // Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
DARREN KIELY
The Irish singer-songwriter plays folk-infused pop music // Newcastle University Students Union
EVERYDAY ALGORITHMS
Exhibition curated by Shelley Knotts features textiles, choreography, poetry and more highlighting the role humans play in creating code. Runs until April // NewBridge Project, Newcastle
JOSHUA BURNSIDE
Experimental folk singer, songwriter and producer with support from Myles McCormack // The Grove, Newcastle
LORT BURN SPECIALS
The first of a series of talks and cultural nights exploring radical futures hosted by Helen Charman // Alphabetti Theatre
PARASTATIC
February’s cover stars play as part of their album launch tour, with support from Late Girl // Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle
SAW TAKE OVER 2025
Shieldfield Art Work’s annual celebration of emerging talents running until 26th March // Shieldfield Art Works
STRUGGLE BUGGY
The original Americana band showcase their unique blend of blues, jazz, and old-timey vibes // The Peacock, Sunderland
THE AVELONS & MORE
The Avelons, Rob Harvey & The El Muerto Band, Leazes and Camel Island put on a special multi-genre show // The Bunker, Sunderland
THE MOTH
Elysium Theatre company presents a powerful new play exploring a chance meeting between a black British activist and journalist and Marius, a white South African ex-soldier touring across the NE // Various Venues
SUNDAY 2ND MARCH
ALI WATSON QUARTET
Quartet comprising an all star band of Glasgow musicians // The Globe, Newcastle
TUESDAY 4TH MARCH
FEATURED //
An Evening with Boff Whalley
Playwright, political activist and one of the founding members of Chumbawamba presents his new book // Pop Recs, Sunderland
YOU ME AT SIX
The rock royalty band’s farewell tour // NX, Newcastle
WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH
POETRY READING: S.J. LITHERLAND & MARILYN LONGSTAFF
Two key figures from Vane Women poetry collective read from their newest publications // Collected Books, Durham
SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE LAST ACT!
A one man play detailing Sherlock Holmes’ life after Watson’s death // Bishop Auckland Town Hall
THURSDAY 6TH MARCH
FEATURED // Conscious Pilot & Bikini Body
The punk and funk bands co-headline, with support from Bitchfinder General // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle
JACKDAW & CLOSE CALL
An evening of great music from two rocking bands in support of the Newcastle Food Bank and Tynedale Hospice at Home // The Globe, Newcastle
KATHRYN TICKELL & AMY THATCHER
Tickell’s Northumbrian pipes, fiddle and voice paired with Thatcher’s accordion, voice and clog dancing // The Witham, Barnard Castle
LUCY PORTER: NO REGRETS!
A hilarious comedy show all about regrets // ARC, Stockton
NAPALM DEATH
Grindcore vanguards play the 2025 version of their Campaign For Musical Destruction tour show // Newcastle University Students Union
FRIDAY 7TH MARCH
ALBERT LEE
The renowned guitarist plays songs from his latest solo album // ARC, Stockton
AVALANCHE PARTY
The band bring their ‘sonic exorcism’ of a new record to Newcastle, with support from Gaydar // Zerox, Newcastle
DIGGING UP NEWCASTLE
New one-act comedy play exploring society and culture // Alphabetti Theatre
FEATURED //
Dutch Criminal Record
Chichester indie surf band with support from Sugar Roulette and Rushbonds // Three Tanners Bank, North Shields
THE BISCUIT FACTORY SPRING PREVIEW
The venue launches their upcoming Spring exhibition with headline artist Fiona Sturrock // The Biscuit Factory
TRASHION SHOW
A family event where young makers present their DIY fashion where creativity and passion collides // TCR Hub, Barnard Castle
SATURDAY 8TH MARCH
A WORLD OF INSPIRATION
A fascinating speaker event followed by viewings of two exhibitions – 20 Historical Women by Chinwe Russell and Inspiration Women of County Durham by Jilly Johnson and Marie Gardner // Bishop Auckland Town Hall
DAVID KUSHNER
Viral singer-songwriter from Chicago, with support from Jenna Raine // NX, Newcastle
DEAF RAVE
Unforgettable celebration of deaf culture, creativity and community with performances, DJ workshops and more // Newcastle Contemporary Art Centre
IDA PELLICCIOLI: FROM SOUTH TO VIENNA
A journey from Spanish keyboard music to the Viennese Classic Style through the work of a forgotten composer – Manuel Blasco de Nebra // The Witham, Barnard Castle
LAUREN PATTISON: BIG GIRL PANTS
The two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Lauren Pattison comes back with a show that is bigger, braver and blonder // ARC, Stockton
MOREISH IDOLS
Off-kilter, quirky indie band // Zerox, Newcastle
SUNDAY 9TH MARCH
JOHN WILLIAMS FILM GALA
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra celebrate John Williams and some of the greatest film soundtracks ever created // Sunderland Empire
ZHENYA STRIGALEV
Jazz artist known for his intense and memorable playing with a unique sound on his saxophones // The Globe, Newcastle
TUESDAY 11TH MARCH
LUCY STEEDS ON THE ARTIST
The author discusses her debut novel - a sun-drenched mystery, The Artist // Collected Books, Durham
WEDNESDAY 12TH MARCH
NAOMI BOOTH ON RAW CONTENT
Naomi Booth discusses her novel raw content, which is all about motherhood as a new, disastrous form of love // Collected Books, Durham
THURSDAY 13TH MARCH
CRY ON COMMAND, CLAUDIA & POLYFILLAS
An evening with three emerging bands // The Globe, Newcastle
GAY BOY
A provocative account of a gay man working as an English Teacher in South Korea // Alphabetti Theatre
RUPTURE
A play about the experience of mothers in prison, created with women from HMP Low Newton // ARC Stockton
FRIDAY 14TH MARCH
ALASTAIR GORDON
Rich baritone and creative guitar and harmonica, with support from Bethan Robinson // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle
FLUFF
Darkly comic play exploring memories, choices and puzzles, 14th & 15th March // Alphabetti Theatre
SATURDAY 15TH MARCH
ENGINES OF EMBERS
Community participatory project exploring rage and power using sound and movement inviting audiences to get involved // ARC Stockton
ESHAAN AKBAR
The comedian returns with his new show Can’t Get No Satisfakshaan // ARC Stockton
THE PALE WHITE
Local rock legends // Domain, Northumbria University
THE WAVE PICTURES
Tees Music Alliance presents DIY classic rockers // The Georgian Theatre, Stockton
SUNDAY 16TH MARCH
ARQ
Multi award-winning quintet led by bassist and composer Alison Rayner // The Globe, Newcastle
LESLEY ROLEY
An afternoon show with the beloved singer-songwriter // The Globe, Newcastle
MONDAY 17TH MARCH
CARL HUTCHINSON: TODAY YEARS OLD
A comedy show rich in observations and exaggerated physical comedy // The Fire Station, Sunderland
ELLEN KENT: LA TRAVIATA
An award-winning opera production with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv // Empire Sunderland
TUESDAY 18TH MARCH
CASABLANCA
The classic favourite film is brought back to the big screen // ARC Stockton
WEDNESDAY 19TH MARCH
SHED
Northern Rascals’ brand-new project that uses visual art, spoken word and performance to raise awareness of the issues young people face with their mental health // Bishop Auckland Town Hall
THURSDAY 20TH MARCH
LUCY ROSE ON THE LAMB
The author discusses her debut novel, a horror based on women’s anger, desire and animal instincts // Collected Books, Durham
SEALSKIN
Playful storytelling with puppetry and live music uncovering the old selkie tale of the sea // ARC Stockton
FRIDAY 21ST MARCH
MASCARA’S LIES
The energetic duo play with support from Sulphide, Cavello & Quiet, The Art // The Georgian Theatre, Stockton
RAT RACE
Knockout improv comedy game show presented by Boho Arts // Alphabetti Theatre
SOAPBOX
Glasgow four-piece with support from HMRC // The Engine Room, North Shields
THE DSM IV
Combining psychedelic house, art-house leanings and punk spikiness in pursuit of goth-pop glory // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle
SATURDAY 22ND MARCH
CHARLES MOOTHART & THE FAST BAND
Garage rock Multi instrumentalist and singer songwriter brings an interesting blend of tunes to the toon // Zerox, Newcastle
DEATH OF GUITAR POP
The full 9 piece band hit the road for a big ska party // Newcastle University Students Union
HALINA RICE
Immersive electro dance musician // NX, Newcastle
NOSE PEDDLER, MORWELL, STEVIE WHAT?
Symmetrical electronic guitar duo present electro acoustic music plus support // Cobalt Studios, Newcastle
PETER DOHERTY
The musician plays tunes from his new solo collection Felt Better Alive // ARC Stockton
THE BRACKNALL
The alternative indie rockers head out on their Falling Out Of View album tour // Domain, Northumbria University
SUNDAY 23RD MARCH
CARA DILLON: COMING HOME
The folk artist goes on tour following the release of her album, and a book of the same name // The Fire Station, Sunderland
HOUSE OF ALL
A co-founder of The Fall, Martin Bramah returns, with support from IRKED // The Cluny, Newcastle
LOUIS DUNFORD
The singer-songwriter tells stories with unflinching emotion // NX, Newcastle
TUESDAY 25TH MARCH
FEATURED // We Will Doc You: SOUND IT OUT
Screening of a documentary portrait of one of the last surviving vinyl record shops in Teesside // ARC Stockton
XIAOLU GUO ON CALL ME ISHMAELLE
Xiaolu Guo discusses her novel which reimagines Moby Dick from the perspective of a cross-dressing female sailor // Collected Books, Durham
WEDNESDAY 26TH MARCH
LOIS SHEARING ON PINK-PILLED: WOMEN AND THE FAR RIGHT
The journalist and writer shares their daring investigation into the radicalisation and recruitment of women online by the far right // Collected Books, Durham
THURSDAY 27TH MARCH
OUT OF YOUR HEAD
Celebrate three years of this fantastic poetry and spoken word night // Cumberland Arms, Newcastle
TICK TOCK WHENEVER
A steampunk odyssey exploring time travel and self discovery led by Spectrum Theatre Group // Northern Stage
FRIDAY 28TH MARCH
BETTER JOY
Vivid indie pop songs compared with the likes of The Cure and The Smiths // Zerox, Newcastle
CHESNEY HAWKES
One of the UK’s biggest pop stars of the 90s // Anarchy Brewery, Newcastle
GENGAHR
Hackney indie rock band // KU Stockton
LOOK AFTER YOUR KNEES
A new solo performance by Natalie Bellingham that celebrates the messy business of being human, sprinkled with joy and ridiculousness // ARC Stockton
THE LOFT
The original line up of Pete Astor’s band embark on their first ever UK tour, with support from Gem Andrews // Cluny 2, Newcastle
SATURDAY 29TH MARCH
MATT LIDDLE MCGHEE
Local songwriter blending folk, indie and acoustic rock in an intimate setting // Old Cinema Launderette, Durham
THE VOYD
A big hometown show for the fast-paced indie band, with support from Swindled // Independent, Sunderland
SUNDAY 30TH MARCH
JAMIL SHERIFF TRIO
The group play music from Sheriff’s brand new album, with support from Nadim Teimoori // The Globe, Newcastle
SOUTH OF SALEM
Bournemouth based horror rockers // The Newgate Social, Newcastle
MONDAY 31ST MARCH
COURTING
Fun experimental pop music // The Grove, Newcastle
REVIEWS
EMILY BARKER @ CLUNY 2, NEWCASTLE (28.01.25)
Words: Phoenix Atkinson
I love going to The Cluny (2, to be specific). and going to see Emily Barker was no exception. lt’s a classic venue in the heart of the Ouseburn that has showcased some truly legendary artists.
I entered a packed Cluny 2 to be greeted by a brilliant support: Liz Stringer, an Australian singer-songwriter with beautifully personal songs and an incredible ability to express storylines through music. She ended on an excellent song, The Metrologist, which both almost made me cry and introduced me to a new job title.
Then came Emily Barker, who was absolutely remarkable. She made an excellent contrast to Stringer, who also joined in the set for a couple of songs. Barker showcased an excellent connection to the captivated audience, through her brilliant skill to tell stories between songs without losing a single touch of momentum. She gave the Cluny 2 audience a wonderful display, including a solo section with a cover from Bob Dylan and a self-written poem. The standout of the night, in my own opinion, was Fragile As Humans, a touching song about the idea that we are most shaped by the people we have loved.
Altogether, it was an incredible showcase of two artists that have more than earned every accolade they have received. They both know how to use an audience to their skills’ advantage, and are remarkable musicians in their own right.
DU BLONDE, BIGFATBIG, MELANIE BAKER @ CLUNY, NEWCASTLE
(24.01.25)
Words: Ben Lowes-Smith
Melanie Baker’s songs are touching and vibrating with imagery, so it’s always a joy to see them in a stripped back context where the essence of the song is front and centre.
Her humorous meditations on the mores of the modern day are astute and articulate, and she has a knack of elevating the everyday with her terrific writing. Her songs are charming, memorable and cathartic. Bigfatbig are a power-pop tour de force - dealing beautifully in tasteful 90s nostalgia - enhanced tonight by a barnstorming Cheryl Crow cover
- and lead singer Robyn’s joie de vivre is delightful and infectious. This show has been something of a long time coming for Du Blonde, with COVID-related cancellations seeing the show kiboshed. In the interim, they have put out their terrific new album Sniff More Grittywhich most of the set draws from. It’s a fuzzy, hook laden blur, for the best part - though a highlight comes when Beth plays a solo version of Coffee Machine, and a heartbreaking new song about letting opportunity slip through one’s fingers. What is striking, is the amount of love in the room- and it is touching to see such a special songwriter feeding off of that love on home turf. A life-affirming and memorable evening.
DAVID
O’DOHERTY:
TINY PIANO
MAN @ TYNE THEATRE, NEWCASTLE 01.02.25)
Words: Laura Doyle
A 25-year career in comedy is enough to turn anyone into an egotistical maniac - unless you’re David O’Doherty. The Irish comedian needs no fanfare as he walks out onto a stage, empty except for a chair, microphone, tiny piano, and the initials DO’D etched out onto the back curtain with white masking tape. His show is split into two halves (with a blessed interval for fans of ice cream and pee breaks): the first O’Doherty hails as the ‘chill’ section featuring a smattering of comedy ditties, a reflection on comedy hunks taking over the industry, and deliberately zero crowd interaction (he prefers to write his own jokes.) David O’Doherty’s self-depreciation skills are second to none, but with exceedingly talented parents like his, it’s understandable. We learn more about them in the second half. His mother, a professional tennis player. His father, a session jazz musician who toured the world with top-billing names. Their professions interested him little when he was younger, but when world pandemic opened his eyes to the transient nature of life, he dove deeper into his parents’ impressive resumes. Despite O’Doherty Jr’s regular TV slots and similar globetrotting schedule, the Tiny Piano Man may never feel like he’s lived up to his parents’ expectations. However, he certainly lived up to ours.
Du Blonde by Victoria Wai
CVC, SARAH JOHNSON, THE RANSOMS @ KU, STOCKTON (30.01.25)
Words: Robert Nichols
It was truly astonishing to see the Church Village Collective (CVC) playing their seventh show in Stockton. KU is now a real home away from home for the band from South Wales, now - so a real must for their Independent Venue Week tour of Britain. Young Darlington guitar band The Ransoms kicked things off, teasing us with Devil’s Temptation, an excellent catchy, rocky number to launch us into their set and kickstart the night with a bang. Moving onto Sarah Johnson - she has to be one of the most accomplished songwriters and performers in the North East right now. Back in her hometown, it was a triumphant return spearheading a ridiculously talented band. Sarah’s music melds elements of jazz, blues and lounge to alternative rock, all delivered with a stylish, soulful voice. CVC first caught my eye (or ears, even) with their exceptional 2023 debut LP, Get Real. There was a sprinkling of newer material at the KU Bar, including recent single The Lowrider, but still plenty of album favourites to get the crowd moving, cheering and singing along. By switching instruments and lead singers, CVC are certainly not your average band. They demonstrate a unique psych pop sound that draws as much inspiration from Frankie Valli (and the Four Seasons) as Welsh valleys. And it is totally infectious. This band of mates put a smile on the audience’s faces and a warm glow into the hearts of their northeastern friends.
JOHN BRAMWELL @ THE COMMON ROOM, NEWCASTLE (01.02.25)
Words: Dawn Storey
What finer place to spend a Saturday afternoon than in a room full of sunshine and stained glass, being serenaded by the unmistakable tones of John Bramwell? This matinee show is his first of the year and so eager is he to make a start that he only remembers to remove his furry hat once it’s spent the opening song threatening to slip over his eyes. After that there’s no stopping him. His musicianship and mischievous humour are both on point as he remarks how unnerving it is to see his audience in daylight. No doubt the exquisite surroundings are a
welcome distraction from our faces and, for us, hearing his crystal-clear vocals fill the high-ceilinged hall is an equally beautiful thing. He tells touching tales of writing two musical tributes – Time’s Arrow, dedicated to his mum, and an unreleased tune inspired by his friend Bryan Glancy. Also in the mix is the entertaining story of how his dog, Henry, was the unexpected conduit for Meet Me at the Station. It’s a lovely location in which to listen to these songs, tracks from recent album The Light Fantastic and of course some I Am Kloot favourites – most notably, the ever-gorgeous Northern Skies and Proof.
TAPIR!, ARDENT @ CLUNY 2, NEWCASTLE (02.02.25)
Words: Matthew McDonnell
I had first discovered Tapir! when they opened for The Golden Dregs at the same venue two years ago, only this time they had taken up the mantle of headliner and with it the blessing (or indeed burden) of anticipation. First up were Ardent, a decisively aloof yet capable threepiece whose songs are awash with reverb and a sense of melancholy. Swampy overdriven guitar glides alongside the fuzzy bass riffs, occasionally brief flashes of virtuosity will surface, only to be pulled back under by the steadfast power of the rhythm. Tapir! provide an all together different experience. There is a meditative, serene quality to their music: beautiful, intricate and highly attuned, like the inner workings of a watch. Singer, Ike Gray, has the audience on tenterhooks with the ease and clarity of his falsetto and the focus of tracks like Swallow and My God, around which the rest of the band orbit. They sail through wistful, breezy melodies on songs like On A Grassy Knoll (We’ll Bow Together), to the intimate, almost spiritual song Eidolon, not only a showcase of Ike’s full range but also the virtuosity of his guitar playing. Ultimately it was a night of perfect contrast; Ardent, thrashing and restless, Tapir!, like ripples on a lake, expanding into complete stillness.
CVC by Tracy Hyman
WH LUNG, TOM SHARKETT @ TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY SU, MIDDLESBROUGH (13.02.25)
Words: Rory Cuthbert
Opening act Tom Sharkett whose amalgamated retro-futuristic tracks had are essentially a continuous mix with myriad 80’s drum samples and modern hardware synths all sequencing in perfect unity. Mightily impressive.
Still riding high on the release of last October’s Every Inch Of Earth Pulsates album, Manchester fivepiece indie/dance/rock and roll powerhouse WH Lung are a tight and well-rehearsed live entity, each playing to a click track in order to keep the live and sequenced drums in perfect, throbbing synergy. And it really is the rhythms that give the band its life blood. Tribal and assertive, complemented by live and programmed bass, excellent dark wave derived guitar lines and male/ female vocal harmonies sent from the heavens. There are elements of 80’s, 90’s and 00’s dance in their sound and they certainly have a live swagger. It’s not style over substance either because, thankfully, they have the tunes to back it up as they played their more powerful and immediate songs early on, allowing the second half of the set to unfurl more naturally. All in all though, WH Lung as a live band are greater than the sum of their parts. Go and see them if they’re in a town near you, buy their record from their merch stand, and experience the same euphoria at home…
Upstairs in Zerox is becoming more and more of a recognised place for the type of perfect, dirty, sweaty, rock that we find ourselves drenched in tonight. Kicking off a considerable line up, it’s Hijack Mantis who are up first with their sonic attack paired with high intensity rock moments. They’re the perfect warm up for second and third acts, Kraken Waker and Nottingham’s Damn Craters who both maintain the evenings energy and the noise with really hard, and really loud, doom/punk/heavy rock. Damn Craters, headliners themselves in other venues, are particularly
impressive tonight and carry on building their ones to watch reputation. However, it’s headliners and local favourites, Dune, who are in fine form following comprehensive touring of their new album Land of the Blind. Maintaining their reputation for being an excellent live trio, the hour long set is a fine demonstration of riff-heavy, fine stoner/progressive/ heavy rock. New songs, How Real Is Real, Northern Scar and penultimate track tonight, Tides stand out in a non-stop set which pushes and pulls momentum in a well stage-crafted performance supported by fine musicianship. Bang on curfew it’s all over, the band, and audience, dripping with sweat and having seen four excellent bands play four excellent sets. As always, Dunes are flawless.
BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE @ NX, NEWCASTLE (9.2.25)
Words: Damian Robinson
It’s a busy night tonight at the NX, showcasing the strange sensation that a band some 30 odd years into their incarnation can continue to become more and more popular the less and less they court attention. Playing tonight with seven players (including the vibes man, and essentially the American ‘Bez’, Joel Gion) the Massacres take slowed down, spaced out psychedelia to a whole other level. Excelling musically, the Jonestown riff out some Neil Young, Byrds and Grateful Dead inspired twelve string guitar Americana folk, doubling down on the more strung out elements of Doors/Love. Wistful in places, heartbreaking in others, near 60 year old Anton Newcombe leads his collective across some of the darker elements of his vast back catalogue; When Jokers Attack, Pish and Anemone combining to produce a sound whose rolling guitar loops give off the feeling of a man searching for meaning. An almost two hour long set, spoiled slightly by an endless changing of guitars in the second hour, builds out an almost twenty song setlist complete with both recent and hidden treasures. Sad in places, upbeat in others, the Massacres continue to look forand find - heartbreak everywhere they look. Natural headliners.
WH LUNG by Victoria Wai
TRISTWCH Y FENYWOD, BULBILS, DAWN TERRY @ THE LUBBER FIEND, NEWCASTLE (09.02.25)
Words: Ali Welford
Tonight’s proceedings resemble a spooky woodland gathering as much as a conventional gig and nobody’s more invested in its eerie ambience than Dawn Terry.
Amid a dusting of dried leaves, the accordionist’s earthy, sonorous drones are transportive and primal; unflinching hedonistic reminisces, simultaneously cathartic and they are mournful. Richard Dawson and Sally Pilkington’s Bulbils, meanwhile, has morphed from an impractically prolific lockdown-era curiosity to an intermittent live delight. Tonight’s impeccable improv once again displays their intuitive grasp of sonic space and beauty in restraint – a rich seam of comfort and escapism, even five years down the line.
If Bulbils’ modus operandi is to soothe, every aspect of Tristwch y Fenywod – spearheaded by the distinctive shrill twang of Gwretsien Ferch Lisbeth’s dual zither - seems tailored to jar. Leila Lygad’s electronic snare is harsh and industrial in timbre.
Sidni Sarffwraig’s deconstructed basslines seldom exceed a pair of recurring, relentlessly ploughed notes. Even Welsh speakers are engulfed in the impenetrable aesthetic fog, with Gwretsien’s vocal a distant, ghostly chime barely piercing the blanket swathe of reverb. It’s a challenging proposition for sure, yet these queer gothic folk rituals hold a stark, oddly compelling resonance. Certainly, a packed-out room dawn by last year’s cult debut is all the more enthralled for tasting this hypnotic brew in person.
From Hamish Hawk’s high kicks and delicious baritone to support act Amelia Coburn’s bewitching tales and mellifluous vocals, tonight’s gig can be summed up as, mesmerising. It’s a delight to hear Coburn’s mandolin accompanied by a full band and to be reminded that, alongside her gorgeous voice and charming Teesside vowels, she also has an endearing confidence onstage - whether it’s elaborating on how her love of the macabre inspired See Saw, or why the risks of using Tinder in
Middlesbrough resulted in her writing the wonderful Nodding Dog. Hamish Hawk is a master of his craft and a compelling frontman – all wide eyes and long limbs with the occasional arched eyebrow – but each of his bandmates plays just as vital a role. The addition of Lizzie Reid on bass and backing vocals for this tour is a bonus allowing Oliver Brown to add some synths to his repertoire, while Andrew Pearson is always a spectacular stage presence wielding his guitar. It’s a gig of two halves, where the grit and intensity of latest album A Firmer Hand gives way to Hawk’s killer grins and more playful side on older favourites, and seeing him break out some moves like Jagger for a cover of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction makes for the perfect finale.
HEARTWORMS, SHE’S IN PARTIES @ THE CLUNY, NEWCASTLE
Words: Dominic Stephenson
(16.02.25)
The tour support grants an introduction to a band that otherwise might not have happened and this was no different with She’s In Parties. The Colchester quartet specialise in a sultry indie-pop strain of retro shoegaze, with soaring honeyed vocals providing the focal point for their tunes.
Following the release of her debut single in 2022, an NME garnered hype surrounded Heartworms. Now with a barbed and byzantine LP out, that early-day noise has come to fruition. The solo outlet of Jojo Orme and flanked by her Tim Burton-ish troupe, opener Just To Ask A Dance is a mighty cinematic entanglement of goth rock and synth-pop. A distillation of darkwave-adjacent flavours that swell and flourish within Orme’s specific and striking vision. Her fascination with military history is conspicuous in both aesthetic and lyricism, the cardinal moments of the set appearing on Extraordinary Wings and Warplane; Orme’s ghostly sirens echoed through the caverns of the former, while the surging gospel of Warplane is a solemn ode to a young Spitfire pilot. She’s also not afraid of utilising silence, the chilling spoken word passage of Beat Poem produced a breathtaking pin-drop moment, before winding down with the spindly guitars and grungy tonic of Smugglers Adventure. A natural vessel for melodramatic flair, although she’s sacrificed some organicness for theatrics (think choreographed march-dancing), there’s nothing histrionic about the thrilling macabre waltz that she’s brought to life.
Heartworms by AdamKennedy
TRACKS
(PLEASE TRY TO GET IN TOUCH 8-6 WEEKS AHEAD OF THE MONTH OF RELEASE)
ISABEL MARIA MISSING
Words: Laura Rosierse
North East-based singer songwriter Isabel Maria is taking large strides within her musical career and takes another with the release of Missing. This soft alternative pop single makes for a soothing listen, bringing surprising hooks and colourful elements of dream pop to make every listen an exciting one. The young musician was chosen by BBC Introducing as their Ones to Watch for this year, and with Missing she’s already shown us why that was well-deserved. Her shimmering and eclectic pop sound mesmerises on this addictive new release.
Released: 06.03.25
www.linktr.ee/isa6elmaria
ANTHONY PEARS FEAT. NATO NORTHEAST LET’S DANCE
Words: Matt Young
Let’s Dance sees the Geordie duo of Anthony Pears and NATO Northeast reunite again, this time for an energetic, hardcore homage to UK rave and house scenes. It’s a throwback to a classic era and style underpinned by a contemporary grimy bassline that gets the body moving and the head nodding. This definitely wouldn’t be out of place at the height of the rave generation first time around. The catchy vocals and synth stabs demonstrate producer Pears’ immersion in the music and period but avoid mirroring that era’s hits directly. It’s a deft production with subtle changes in character that ebb and flow as the beats bite and the melodies bounce along gleefully with an expedient joy.
Released: 01.03.25
www.anthonypears.bandcamp.com
CAMEL ISLAND LITTLE HEART
Words: Isabel Johnson
With the first Camel Island release in over a year comes a fresh, evolved sound, and Little Heart is a strong demonstration of that. It’s less a tune, more a decadent tasting platter of all their influencing genres - that being said, it holds up pretty darn well as a tune, too.
It comes to a swift start with the pounding of a drum kit, followed in sequence by a distinctive lead vocal and a guitar sound that every indie rock band dreams of having. Believe it or not, this is a DIY offering, built by the trio and their mate Quinn between houses and Sunderland’s Birdland Studios - very rock and roll, may I point out, and so is this track. Hopefully it’s only the beginning.
Released 07.03.25
linktr.ee/camelisland
PØRTERS RECOVER
Words: Iam Burn
What do you get when you stumble into a bar and a chance meeting with four like-minded individuals at an open mic night? Why, you get PØRTERS, of course. Named after the bar that ultimately spawned them this five-piece alt-rock band are ready to make a scene.
The opening bars of Recover immediately take the listener back to 70s prog rock territory, before a more nuanced metal sound from the same decade emerges to compliment the sonic soundscape. It isn’t long before its very alt. rock essence seeps from the speakers, accentuated by a slightly haunted female vocal. In fact, the excellent vocal harmonies could give The Futureheads a run for their money. A band with potential me thinks.
Released: 28.03.25
www.linktr.ee/weareporters
Image by Howy White
MIDNIGHT JAZZ CLUB OBELISKS EP
Words: Steve Spithray
While the band’s name may conjure a more laid-back refinement, Midnight Jazz Club’s Obelisks is equally rarefied if sophisticated instrumental speed metal is your thing. Opener Crystalline is a slow burner where changes of pace and time signatures are the currency of choice, until a crunching Sepultura riff leaves the track on the brink of soaring off into full-on maximalist territory.
Elsewhere on this EP Refraction is more motorik and repetitive but no less frantic while centrepiece The Obelisk (the longest of the three tracks at over 10 minutes) is much darker thanks to a surprise goth influenced piano intro, before exploding into speedy doom metal theatre. Pass the Thunderbird please.
Released: 14.03.25
www.midnightjazzclub.bandcamp.com
MOON GLIDER SPINNING OUT
Words: Laura Rosierse
Spinning Out is Moon Glider’s eruptive new alt rock single, driven by bouncing classic hooks and soaring vocals. The track introduces us to the sound of this emerging alternative pop artist and his unique way of telling short stories through musical soundscapes. Spinning Out is a captivating one from the hand of Luke, the mind behind Moon Glider, and he proves that creating music in your bedroom can sound just as well mastered and produced as it is when done in a professional recording studio. He takes it back to basics and mesmerises fans old and new in the process!
Released 01.03.25 www.instagram.com/moongliderband
MACHINE MUSIC HIKIKOMORI
Words: Steve Spithray
Progressive sample heavy electronic post punk may sound like a mouthful of a genre but there is plenty to chew over on Machine Music’s latest track Hikikomori. The Darlington-based father-son duo are very much from the 80s pop philosophy of thought and this sample heavy, 808 beat driven track simply bounces around, managing to include funky guitars, spiky synths and proto-rap rhymes just before the first chorus. Keen to serve up a smorgasbord of styles, the lo-fi vocal melody of the chorus is an immediate earworm followed - of course - by something reminiscent of Wham Rap before a cute breakdown and fade out means at just over two and a half minutes long listeners will be going back for more.
Released: 22.03.25
www.facebook.com/themetalmachinemusic
VALENTINE CHARLIE STOLEN DAYS
Words: Mack Sproates
Stolen Days is a reflective, dreamlike and tranquil track by North Shields band Valentine Charlie. The listener’s attention is immediately grabbed by a defiant drum fill, followed by an alluring hook that draws you in close; with misty, echoing vocals, mournful keys, while the rest of the band hold an overall hopeful and grounded atmosphere. There are some lovely moments on a hazy lead guitar and I’m a big fan of the bass on this track which calmly yet firmly illuminates the sound throughout. Stolen Days delivers an entrancing and multilayered exploration of peace, whether it be attained through chemical substances or through authenticity and nature, through some lucid visuals painted in the lyrics, ensuring another hit for Valentine Charlie.
Released: 01.03.25
www.facebook.com/ValentineCharlieBand
MIDDLE MANAGEMENT INFLUENCER INFLUENZA
Words: Michaela Hall
Do you ever feel like you can’t get away from the hashtags, stories and celebs telling us what we should buy and everything being online nowadays? Well, we have just the anthem for you. Influencer Influenza, as evident from the title is a punchy powerful exploration of social media and its impact on the subject of the song who has the influencer disease. The track advises you to “wash your hands of these crowd pleasers” with a playful tongue in cheek approach to what is a big debate. Despite its serious undertones the track is raw and real and makes you want to join Middle Management in putting a middle finger up to the pressures of social media.
Released: 07.03.25
www.facebook.com/themiddlemanagement
CARL GREEN IN PARTICULAR MUNDANITY AND MUSTARD EP
Words: Iam Burn
This nation of ours has produced its fair share of eccentrics. Enter Carl Green In Particular. From the home of the friction match, Stockton-on-Tees, he presents his latest EP, Mundanity and Mustard. Four tracks of unique alt-pop goodness for your delectation. At a smidge over nine minutes, this is a whistlestop tour. Cherish The Mundane has a depressed fairground feel which you could waltz to before you expire. AI-XYZ blends 80s style computer bleeps intertwined with a creepy childlike voice. Bones hits you like a truly disheartening company work song. French Mustard completes the quartet with slightly jarring synth sounds which barrel along with interspersed French speaking female voices smeared on top like a tasty tapenade. Vive les excentriques anglaise!
Released: 07.03.25
www.carlgreeninparticular.bandcamp.com
CONOR MICHAEL LAND OF THE GREEN
Words: Michaela Hall
Teller of stories Conor Michael is back with his new track, Land Of The Green, which is characteristically full of joy and singalong worthy. The track is a love letter to Ireland, opening with Conor telling us he can hear it calling in his blood, the land he dreams of. Land Of The Green possesses all the joy and power to get you moving you associate with live Irish music and is crafted beautifully.
The care and sentiment behind the track is obvious and the musical composition effortless. This is one of those songs you save for a bad day, to pick you up instantly and give you a bit of sunshine!
Released: 14.03.25
www.instagram.com/conormichaeluk
BAKER ISLAND STONE AGE RIOT EP
Words: Matt Young
From the immediate bouncing bass and raucous guitar chimes of Baker Island’s Stone Age Riot EP’s opening title track it becomes clear that this five-piece wields ambitious musical creativity. Literate songs are packed with dense, dark narratives, “It’s my artistic choice to hang my brother / He did make someone suffer / And I’ve got no hesitation that blindness is good for us all.” They explode with creative colour on Lassiter’s Complex and Eternal Affairs, playing with tempo and mood. These elements glue the closing track, Roman Pines, together; shredding guitars, cooing keyboard melodies, and vivid lyrics sung with charming gusto. Baker Island is a fascinating band that deserves your attention.
Released: 01.03.25
www.bakerisland.bandcamp.com
DEMOS
WE WANT YOUR MUSIC!
IF YOU’RE AN UP AND COMING BAND OR MUSICIAN, AND WOULD LIKE YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED IN OUR DEMO SECTION, EMAIL A TRACK TO NARCMEDIA@GMAIL.COM AND TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF!
Smiley People – Allen Ginsberg And Smiley People Hang Out At The Love Ranch
If you’re wanting a track to get you up and moving that you can go a bit crazy too, this is the one. From the psychedelic mind of Mark Gibson who makes music under the guise of Smiley People and it’s characteristically quirky and wonderful. Written, recorded, mixed and mastered by Mark, it’s a treat of sampledelica and transports the listener straight into a festival full of colour, movement and sounds, and is something you can’t ignore and can’t help but press repeat on. And what about that title, well apparently it’s not so much a title as a cosmic status. If you’re looking for something nu-disco and totally original be sure to check it out. www.instagram.com/markmansongibson
AMZ – Headlights
Headlights from AMZ feels like a galactic pop adventure. Soft yet powerful vocals alongside futuristic tones makes the piece feel very enchanting and unique, it’s one of those songs that is a pleasure to the ears – relaxing yet exciting. The lyrics speak to us about now being able to finally see after being like a deer lost in the headlights and this reflects the hopeful and optimistic undertones of the piece. AMZ is the solo project of Middlesbrough’s Amy Smith who has been making multi-genre music for 11 years. This is the sort of music you can imagine accompanying so many different stories and blockbuster moments in movies, it’s one of a kind. www.youtube.com/@amz9406
The Symptoms – Scratch The Surface
Hexham based duo The Symptoms are hitting us with a new punch of attitude with their demo Scratch the Surface. The track is so many things at the same time and a real
journey for the senses, its punk, pop, party, disco, rebellion and 80s all at once. If you want to release your inner headbanger and blow off a bit of steam, this is for you. It’s alternative and its raw and there’s no doubt that at a gig, this would come even more into its own. One that everyone can get immersed in no matter their usual taste. The Symptoms are also gigging regularly throughout the Tyne Valley area so if this sounds like your thing go check them out.
www.thesymptomsband.bandcamp.com
Crane House – Her
Dreamy cottage core and folk lovers assemble for this one. Newcastle based alternative folk group Crane House’s Her will likely be one of the most atmospheric pieces of music you will have heard in a long time. The dual fronted fivepiece’s sound is driven by rich female harmonies and storytelling lyrics, with intricate guitar and fiddle melodies woven throughout. Her is gentle and magical and soothes the soul, the harmonious vocals match the emotional and touching lyrics beautifully as it transcend the listener into a
whole new world. It’s like all the therapy we didn’t know we needed in a song and want more and more of as we listen.
www.instagram.com/cranehousemusic
Adam George Brown – Time Is Of The Essence
Adam George Brown is transporting us to outer space with his demo Time Is Of The Essence. His interest in planets and all the associated big questions is undeniably obvious with the dramatic segments of otherworldly sounds. The music is full of suspense, highs and lows and builds an attention span up in the listener that allows for getting lost and pondering the things on your mind. Adam has been a musician for 20 plus years, gigging and writing music and it shows. The music is cinematic at its core and brings vivid imagery that you could only normally get from a big screen space exploration film. It’s storytelling through music.
www.facebook.com/adamgeorgebrownmusic
WORDS: MICHAELA HALL
DEMO OF THE MONTH
ALBUMS
3.5 / 5
THE DARKNESS DREAMS ON TOAST (COOKING VINYL)
Words: Ben Lowes-Smith
Why do I care about The Darkness in 2025? What has compelled my ears towards this record, at the age of nearly 36, from a band I dismissed as being trite when I was just 14? Perhaps it’s Justin Hawkins’ new role as an effusive enthusiast finding value in most music on his YouTube channel. Perhaps it’s the realisation that, perversely, those singles from Permission To Land have aged really well. Perhaps it’s that the irony of the whole affair was overshadowed by a palpable adoration for the music they were making pastiche of, making it an altogether totally authentic affair.
It’s Hawkins’ position as an enthusiast that’s front and centre here as this record is more indebted to 70s MOR and AOR than previous releases. Hot On My Tail and Don’t Need Sunshine are akin to the same era McCartney, marinating in melody and harmony. Lead single I Hate Myself takes a Status Quo’s twelve bar blues template and dollops it with deranged brass and Hawkins’ histrionic voice in a way that is thoroughly entertaining. The Longest Kiss is pure Jazz-era Queen: a band the Darkness have consistently, wholeheartedly demonstrated their love for. There are, as to be expected, a couple of mis-steps. The Battle For Gadget Land is a clumsy slice of social commentary, which sonically jars with the softer, more AOR vibe of the record. Rock And Roll Party Cowboy (the only song stretching past the three-and-a-half-minute mark) is an interesting mission statement - reeling off a list of nostalgic, decadent rock and roll cliches which embodies a sort of sadness (The Darkness, as much as anyone, are aware that cock rock and late stage capitalism are uncomfortable bedfellows).
The band were a throwback in 2003, so goodness knows what they are in 2025 however the real beating heart of the band is an obvious love for the tunes they are making and emulating and, especially apparent on this record, incredibly refined melodic chops. It’s tasteful nostalgic pop, with a lot of heart, and little in the way of irony. What it lacks in originality it makes up for in purity and unselfconsciousness.
Released: 28.03.25 www.thedarknesslive.com
ALSO OUT THIS MONTH
Patterson Hood - Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams (ATO Records 21.02) // Squid – Cowards (WARP Records 07.02) // The Sherlocks - Everything Must Make Sense! (Teddyboy Records 21.02) // Heartworms - Glutton For Punishment (Speedy Wunderground 07.02) //Sam Fender - People Watching (Polydor 21.02) // Love Is Noise - To live in a different way (Century Media Records 14.02) // HONESTY - U R HERE (Partisan Records 07.02) // HACHIKU - The Joys of Being Pure at Heart (Marathon Artists 28.02) // Lacuna Coil - Sleepless Empire (Century Media 14.02) //Bikini Beach – Cursed (La Pochette Surprise Records 07.02) // Sam Moss – Swimming (Clandestine 07.02) //Koyal - breathe in. breathe out (Funk Sway Records 28.02) // Michigander - S/T (Totally Normal Records 07.02) //Saya Gray – Saya (Dirty Hit 21.02) //The Velveteers - A Million Knives (Easy Eye Sound 14.02) //Panda Bear - Sinister Grift (Domino 28.02) // Alessa Cara - Love & Hyperbole (Def Jam Recordings 14.02) //Helen Ganya - Share Your Care (Bella Union 07.02) //Architects - The Sky, The Earth & All Between (Epitaph28.02)
4.5 / 5
STONE FOUNDATION
THE REVIVAL OF SURVIVAL (100% RECORDS)
Words: Paul Jeffrey
Studio album eleven from Stone Foundation is another giant leap forward for a band that continually pushes the musical envelope. The band might be labelled as a soul band but that’s a bit like saying Bowie was only a canny vocalist. They consistently draw on a plethora of disparate influences to keep their sound fresh. The introduction of synths, vintage drum machines, a choir, guest vocalists – Omar. JP Bimeni, Laville, Sherree Dubois, Carmy Love, and a new member, Style Council’s Mick Talbot – lends the album a sensational late 70s twisted disco vibe. With The Revival of Survival Stone Foundation have delivered one of the albums of 2025.
Released: 28.03.25 www.stonefoundation.co.uk
4
/ 5
KEDR LIVANSKIY
MYRTUS MYTH (2MR)
Words: Ben Lowes-Smith
For those more familiar with Livanskiy’s clubbier work, Myrtus Myth may seem like a considerable left turn, though there are threads which link this record to her earlier work - the shimmering choral vocals so embedded into Liminal Soul define the aesthetic quality of this work. Described by Livanskiy as a meditation on the collective pain of the last couple of years Myrtus Myth is meditative and melancholy utilising organic instrumentation in exciting and unorthodox ways. Lead single Anna is 70s AOR rock refracted through a prism, Night Trains exists in the same world as Burial’s Untrue with its skipping 2-step beats and fragments of sound. What is remarkable about Myrtus Myth is that it’s both Livanskiy’s most direct and most understated record.
Released: 07.03.25
www.kedrlivanskiy.bandcamp.com
Image by Simon Emmett
4.5 / 5
BENEFITS
CONSTANT NOISE (INVADA RECORDS)
Words: Ben Lowes-Smith
Benefits morphing into a two-piece has opened up a whole new sonic palette to their oeuvre; it’s a more nocturnal, and dare I say it, celebratory. Robbie Major’s intricate compositions lend an atmosphere that allows Kingsley Hall’s lyrics to be more impressionistic. Not that the subject matter has changed drastically - bipartisan betrayal and institutionalised disappointment hang heavy here - but Kingsley is writing in a more articulate and long-form way. Missiles sounds like something off the second half of Bowie’s Low, the post-club atmosphere of Land Of The Tyrants gives the very contemporary lyrics a hauntological sonic context. At nearly an hour long Constant Noise is a world to get lost in but there is a density of feeling and texture that rewards immersion.
Released: 21.03.25 www.benefitstheband.com
HOTWAX
HOT SHOCK (MARATHON ARTISTS)
Words: Robin Webb
Skirting the edge of punk rock this indie trio hailing from the south coast wield a savvy guitar fuelled force of energy honed into a polished offering for their spirited debut album, Hot Shock. Anthemic highlights Wanna Be A Doll, In Her Bedroom, Dress Our Love and the noble Chip My Teeth For You should maintain their well earned reputation for sweat filled boisterous get togethers. Slickly produced by contemporary luminaries Catherine Marks of Wolf Alice and Steph Marziano from Let’s Eat Grandma they bring out the honesty the band clearly possess in their music, its dynamic, strong, and controlled aggression sparkles with heaviness whilst their songs expose a vulnerability that is both captivating and rebellious in equal measure.
Released: 07.03.25 www.hotwaxofficial.com
4.5 / 5
THROWING MUSES
MOONLIGHT CONCESSIONS (FIRE RECORDS)
Words: Robin Webb
A touching glimpse into the Muses’ obfuscated kaleidoscope view of an America; banal yet beautiful, off kilter, dissonant and consummate. Their art has been crystallising for decades and the love effused from each song is thoughtful and still as original as the day they first strummed those strings, sang those songs and beat those rhythms. Moonlight Concessions is a heartfelt melancholy, a disciplined belligerence, an impression of their world window obscured by swamp gas and a glaring west coast sunlight, blinding and choking with understated emotion You’re Clouds being a personal favourite developing from a lightness that belies its aggressive climax. As a whole it’s a welcome addition to the canon of one of America’s finest, earning an earnest hat tip. Released: 14.03.25 www.throwingmuses.bandcamp.com
WELLY BIG IN THE SUBURBS
Words: Matt Young
Welly’s indie-pop debut Big In The Suburbs is wry, bursting with homespun suburban satire and big dreams. Evoking the specifically English parochial lineage of songwriting reaching back from Ray Davies to Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker or Alex Turner they paint vivid pictures of small-town life on the brink, where ambition collides with mundanity. Big In The Suburbs exudes tongue-in-cheek, surf-rock swagger, while tracks like Shopping, Soak Up The Culture and Deere John mix wit and wistfulness, nodding to Blur’s storytelling and sharp melodic pop instincts. Welly’s debut radiates enormous charm, humour, and unfiltered heart. It’s a love letter to the absurdity of everyday life, proving that sometimes ordinary places hold the most extraordinary stories, even if modern life can still be rubbish. Released: 21.03.25 www.worldwidewelly.com
4 / 5
THE HORRORS NIGHT LIFE (FICTION RECORDS)
Words: Matt Young
For nearly two decades The Horrors have shape-shifted through garage goth, psychedelic rock, and industrial soundscapes. Now led by a core duo of Faris Badwan (vocals) and Rhys Webb (bass), they return with Night Life embracing a raw, nocturnal energy that blends melancholy and euphoria in equal measure. Ariel sets an atmospheric tone before diving into the propulsive rhythms of Silence That Remains and the grizzled ferocity of Trial By Fire. Hypnotic epic “Lotus Eater” captures a fevered descent into insomnia-fueled paranoia, while LA Runaway is a cinematic sweep of melody and longing while producer Yves Rothman pushes the band into experimental realms, Night Life is a bold evolution but unmistakably The Horrors - moody and deeply immersive.
Released: 21.03.25
www.thehorrors.co.uk
BRIA SALMENA BIG DOG (SUB POP)
Words: Matt Young
Bria Salmena’s Big Dog is a raw, immersive debut that chronicles transformation through resilience and collaboration. Best known as the frontwoman of FRIGS and a vocalist in Orville Peck’s band, Salmena steps into her own with commanding intensity. Her voice is ethereal and visceral and anchors a soundscape blending hypnotic krautrock, shimmering shoegaze, and pulsing darkwave. Co-created with longtime collaborator Duncan Hay Jennings, the album’s emotional depth shines through tracks like the haunting Twilight and the brooding Stretch the Struggle. With contributions from Lee Ranaldo and production input from Graham Walsh and Meg Remy, Big Dog is as intimate as it is expansive. At its core, it’s a testament to vulnerability, community, and stepping fully into one’s power.
Released: 28.03.25
www.briasalmena.com
4 / 5
GREENTEA PENG
TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY (AWAL)
Words: Jonathan Coll
Bermondsey’s Greentea Peng has one of the most impactful voices in UK soul music. Of course that’s largely a matter of personal taste, but Greentea Peng’s new album, Tell Dem It’s Sunny, makes an incredibly persuasive argument. She flits from spitting bars to bluesy, laid-back jazz vocals as the record builds. As Tardis melts into recent single One Foot, this remarkable level of talent comes to the fore. The album’s instrumentals provide the perfect platform for such an impressive vocal range, with Greentea Peng featuring heavily in the production and playing bass on several of the tracks. It’s an expressive, confident album which takes the best elements of her debut and runs with them.
Released: 21.03.25 www.instagram.com/greenteapeng
THE WILDHEARTS
SATANIC RITES OF THE WILDHEARTS (SNAKEFARM/INTEGRAL)
Words: Mark Grainger
Four years after their last album The Wildhearts are back feeling like a new band and not just because frontman and songwriter Ginger has assembled a new set of players following a nuclear fall out with the classic line up. It makes Satanic Rites Of The Wildhearts contentious in some quarters, but musically it serves to free the new material from what came before. By turns throat-shreadingly heavy, imbued with glam pop stomp, and always catchy as hell, Satanic Rites… feels like a band (or songwriter) stretching out and seeing where the songs take them. Only Hurt People Hurt People feels like a misstep, as it is too earnest by far, but the likes of Kunce and Eventually will rattle around your head for ages.
Released: 07.03.25 www.thewildhearts.com
SPELLLING PORTRAIT OF MY HEART (SACRED BONES RECORDS)
Words: Caleb Carter
If pop punk had a throne in 2025, it would be adorned with the stuff of bedrooms: a pillow of plans, sequins of selfish thoughts with solo dance stitching. So, Spellling, whose interstellar orchestration usually resides between Orion and Mars, was the last name I expected to see vying for its seat. Portrait Of My Heart is a guitar myth whose riffs, drones, wah-wahs and solos soar from My Bloody Valentine to Queen, Aerosmith to Turnstile to Bad Brains and back. And often, dare I say, comes for their throats. Spelling is the solo project of Oakland’s Tia Cabral and on a relisten I even think I heard her ashen wings nick Olivia Rodrigo’s neck on the way down.
Released: 28.03.25 www.spelllingmusic.com
JAPANESE BREAKFAST FOR MELANCHOLY BRUNETTES (& SAD WOMEN) (DEAD OCEANS)
Words: Kate Relton
Sometimes you just need something you can count on. Reliable. Familiar. Comforting. If you’re a fan of Japanese Breakfast, this album is going to hit just right. An ethereal meander through a soft-focus landscape, every track delivers another facet of Michelle Zauner’s trademark gentle, unassuming charm that draws you to her like a dancing light in the mist.
From Here Is Someone, with its delicate and playful instrumentation, whatever angst you’re carrying, there’s a mood for you here, bringing you back to earth with a soft landing in Magic Mountain. Every bit of cinematic blurry drama you’d expect from an indie film – a soundtrack to all the questionable choices, spirals and shifting epiphanies of a messy life. www.japanesebreakfast.rocks
MEMPHIS MAY FIRE SHAPESHIFTER (RISE RECORDS)
Words: Laura Doyle
My metal detector is going mad! Texan outfit
Memphis May Fire have jam-packed new album Shapeshifter with meaty metalcore melodies driven by deep bass breakdowns that rumble in the ribcage. But quite unlike the genre’s stereotypes, its soulful, squeaky clean vocals are more lightly peppered with the screams and growls you’d be expecting. Memphis May Fire aren’t afraid to mix it up. Recent single Overdose sounds like it’s straight out of The Prodigy’s recycling bin, with that same delightful electronica that made the Firestarter’s tunes so addictive. It’s rare that you get an album so overwhelmingly satisfying to listen to, but I’ll be damned if they haven’t done it with this one. Sink your teeth in. www.memphismayfire.com
BOB MOULD HERE WE GO CRAZY (GRANARY MUSIC)
Words: Jade Mia Broadhead
Bob Mould’s legacy as the frontman of Hüsker Dü and Sugar is already written but he’s in no mood to rest on his laurels. This is a blistering set of tracks that finds Mould as energetic as ever on the likes of Breathing Room… not bad for a 64-year-old. Neanderthal’s biographic rage would not have sounded out of place on a Hüskers record. The ferocious Fur Mink Augurs is a stand out, remembering the bleak Minneapolis winters of his childhood with intensity, whilst the acoustic Lost Or Stolen recalls the raw vulnerability of Hardly Getting Over It. The politics here are personal, it’s a record of finding hope in relationships and loved ones, summed up perfectly in the beautiful finale, Your Side. www.bobmould.com
MIXTAPE
WORDS: GRAHAM GRUNDY
As Down By The River I promote live music throughout the North East. DBTR gigs are not-for-profit and all ticket and door sales are paid directly to the musicians. I’m quite eclectic in my taste and over the years I’ve featured everything from gypsy jazz to cutting-edge electronica to blues, folk and garage rock. Even though a lot of the musicians I book are relatively unknown I like to think that anyone coming out to my gigs will get to see something interesting. All of the music featured in this Mixtape is by artists I have promoted, or I’m in the process of promoting. Listen on Spotify at www.tinyurl.com/dbtrmixtape www.downbytheriver9.com
CHRIS CHAVEZ THE OBSERVER
Where it started. In London in the mid 1990’s I was active in artist management, primarily with American musician Chris Chavez. Chris released this song in 2007, produced by Clif Norrell who has worked with everyone from Springsteen to Jeff Buckley. To my mind this is Chris Chavez’ finest four minutes. He continues to make music and teaches yoga worldwide.
SAMUEL
MOORE
BOCETO ANDALUZ
Where it’s at. On Saturday 15th March flamenco guitarist Samuel Moore will be performing at Claypath Deli in Durham. This track is taken from an album featuring Samuel and classical guitarist Michael Christian Durrant called Guitar, The Heart of Spain.
GEORGE BOOMSMA
2 + 30
I’ve promoted several gigs featuring George Boomsma and he just gets better and better. This song is taken from his 2024 album The Promise of Spring. BBC Introducing once said of George «If it were possible for Nick Drake and Thom Yorke to collaborate, it might sound something like this.» That’s exactly what 2 +30 sounds like to me.
with Katherine and invited her up to Durham for a gig. It’s great to see Katherine’s progress and I’m really looking forward to seeing her at The Glasshouse in Gateshead on Thursday 20th March.
CEITIDH MAC RHYTHM
One of the most innovative musicians I’ve worked with. Ceitidh Mac, who fronts her band on cello, re-defines what folk music can be. Edgy doesn’t need to be loud.
NEV CLAY NINE DART FINISH
I’ve got a gig with Nev booked in for May. His live performances are a joy, for his between-song chat as much as his music. Great to see Marc Reilly championing his album on BBC 6Music.
HECTOR GANNET BLUE MURDER
Aaron Duff performs both solo and with his band. I love this cover of Alan Hull’s Blue Murder. Aaron handles the song with care, his Tyneside accent adding to the richness of this superbly produced recording.
MARINA JOSEPHINA FOOL LIKE ME
In 2018 Gideon Coe played Wolf on his BBC 6Music show and I was instantly hooked. I subsequently made contact
I love soul music and this is a perfect example. Possibly the only soul song ever to include the word shite! Teessider Marina has talent to burn and I’m pleased to say I’ve had the privilege of promoting her live a couple of times.
NEEB
BRIGHTER DAY
I’m yet to promote a NEEB gig but vocalist Jasmine Weatherill has played a couple of DBTR shows. I love the summery feel of this tune. Makes me dream of warmer climes.
HENRY PARKER & DAVID IAN ROBERTSCHASING LIGHT
I did a couple of gigs featuring solo sets by these two young folkies. One at Claypath Deli in Durham and one at The Engine Room, North Shields. I was transfixed and this, the title track from their 2024 collaborative album demonstrates the warmth of their playing.
DEEP SIX BLUES MA RAINEY
I do a monthly Sunday afternoon get together at The Georgian Theatre in Stockton called Blues in the Bar. I’m really hoping on Sunday 16th March Deep Six Blues bring Ma Rainey with them.
GOOD HABITS
SUNDAY
As well as promoting gigs as DBTR I programme The F Word at Newcastle Arts Centre. One of the most exciting new folk duos to come out of the UK are Good Habits and they will be F word headliners on Thursday 6th March. Their genre-fusing sound has received international acclaim and they have performed at Glastonbury and WOMAD so this should be a good one.
KATHERINE PRIDDY WOLF
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