NARC. #215 April 2025

PALE WHITE CHERRY BLUR THIS IS MIDDLESBROUGH LAURA & RACHEL LANCASTER NARC. COMPILATION ALBUM #19

28 THE PALE WHITE

Cameron Wright talks to the alt. rockers about their upcoming second album and how a return to their roots (and supporting Pixies on tour) has renewed their drive and ambition

Hello dear Constant Readers, and welcome to issue 215, which marks our 19th birthday. By hook or by crook we’ve made it this far, and while 19 years isn’t to be sniffed at, I’m already thinking a year ahead, as we’ve got grand plans for our 20th – all will be revealed in due course! When it comes to this milestone every year, I probably have the same mixture of emotions; a confused mash-up of pride, incredulity and apprehension. I’m a firm believer that we’ve made it this far because we’re unique in our content coverage and ethos, and our amazing team of writers are dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable about their subject matter. Over the last 19 years we’ve weathered economic crashes, austerity, a worldwide pandemic and major life shifts (for me, as well as our team), and while the future is never certain, when it comes to whatever lies ahead, a dedication to the vibrant, weird and wonderful alternative scene of the North East is always at the forefront of our minds. And so! Onwards with April 2025, and this edition features our annual free downloadable compilation album, interviews with musicians, artists and creatives, a tonne of event previews, reviews and opinions, all just waiting for you to get stuck into. Enjoy!

Editor

Claire Dupree

info@narcmedia.com

Assistant Editor

Steve Spithray

Editorial Assistants

Isabel Johnson / Mack Sproates

Website

David Saunders narcmagazineonline@gmail.com

Creative

El Roboto

Advertising

Claire Dupree info@narcmedia.com

Cover Image

Liam Maxwell

Live Photography

Victoria Wai / David Wala / Sam Wall

Contributors

Neil Ainger / Phoenix Atkinson / Caleb Carter / Jonathan Coll / Laura Doyle / Emily Elliott / Lee Fisher / Chloe Glover / Kai Goulder / Nat Greener / Michael Hall / Lee Hammond / Jamie Huntley / Tracy Hyman / Ben Lowes-Smith / Simon Lunt / Matthew McDonnell / Amelia Neri / Robert Nichols / Michael O’Neill / Ikenna Offor / Niamh Poppleton / Lily Pratt / Kate Relton / Ben Robinson / Damian Robinson / Laura Rosierse / Elodie A Roy / Joe Sharples / Cameron Wright

PREVIEWS

4 HIGHLIGHTS

Some of the best events in April, plus what’s online at narcmagazine.com

6 PREVIEWS

Live shows from Kamasi Washington, Little Comets, Ichiko Aoba, Wolf Eyes, Mark Eitzel, Jane Weaver, HotWax, Scruffy Bear, Chuck Regan, Bicurious, Sari Schorr and more; there’s comedy courtesy of Stewart Laws at Alphabetti and Nerds Just Wanna Have Fun at The Stand among others; stage productions include Kim’s Convenience at Northern Stage, Mr Funbles’ Sunday Portal cabaret at Alphabetti, Brainstorm of Gosforth Civic Theatre, RUM at ARC, Dregs Opera at Arts Centre Washington and Kylie Jenner’s Private Jet at Dance City; plus exhibitions from Ali Cherri at Baltic, That Was Then This Is Now at Neuro Art Gallery and much more.

INTERVIEWS

Reports of live shows from She Drew The Gun, Richard Dawson, The Bug Club, Doves, Parastatic, White Denim, Napalm Death, Max Cooper, Transtock, Antony Szmireck and more

Reviews of local singles and EPs from OUTRI, ivies, Mat Hunsley, noah ajc, French Exchange, Earth Farm, The Hat Band, Glad Town Ghost, MC Halo, Keane Baldwin, Labyrinthine Oceans and Louise Mountain

Featuring new releases from Black Country New Road, The Golden Dregs, Marlon Williams, Anika, Mekons, Employed To Serve, Ben Le Jeune, Samia, Self Esteem and more

Snaz Craig from United In Music festival tells us about some of his favourite songs by artists performing at this year’s event

PREVIEWS

APRIL’S MAIN EVENTS INCLUDE VIDEO GAME NOSTALGIA-FESTS, CHEEKY LITTLE CHUCKLES, INDIE ROCK STARS OF THE FUTURE AND MORE…

MUSIC SUN 6

STAGE WED 2 EVERYWHERE

Tiata Fahodzi presents a triple bill of new plays by British-African writers: Yusra Warsama, Magero and Anyebe Godwin. Commissioned to spark conversation, curiosity and diverse ideas, the plays cover everything from displacement to maternity. If you’re after three remarkable think-pieces for the price of one, head to Live Theatre.

Live Theatre, Newcastle www.live.org.uk

ART THUR 3

COLLECTIVE PULSE: ART IN ACTION

Pink-collar Gallery is to present a series of exhibitions up until July, with 16 artists creating works inspired by a range of themes. This month’s theme is environment, and showcases work by Kasia Parker, Kerry Lowes, Stephanie Pau and Dean Turnbull. Runs until 5th May.

Hills Art Centre, Sunderland www.pink-collargallery.com

MUSIC

FRI 4

LOST LOT

The inimitable indie folk rock pioneers headline Sunderland for the first time at the cosy Ship Isis. Their personal and cleverly crafted songs will be introduced by two equally remarkable supporting talents - Welsh folk legend Ruby Kelly and incredible soft folk power duo watersmeet. A night for fans of folk and great songwriting! The Ship Isis, Sunderland www.instagram.com/lostlotband

MUSIC

SAT 5

STATE OF SATTA

Sunny seven piece reggae band State of Satta will bring good vibes, high energy and superb stage presence in celebration of the release of their new album. This super fun night features support from terrific Tex Johnson and a mega after party with Coalescence Sound System DJs.

Cobalt, Newcastle www.stateofsatta.com

ALEKSANDRA OLA

Join unique singer-songwriter Aleksandra Ola for an exploration into Polish/English heritage through mythical, experimental musical styles like English folklore and Slavic traditions. Plus, experience a one of a kind chance to unlock freedom, power and confidence in your own voice via a workshop hosted by Ola. The Cluny, Newcastle www.linktr.ee/olakarpiuk

COMEDY

THUR 10

SUSIE MCCABE & LINDSAY SONTARO

Fancy some big belly laughs? Catch this devilish double bill of two fantastic works in progress. Top of her game Susie McCabe will recite some of her most chaotic life catastrophes through her charismatic storytelling, while trailblazer Lindsay Sontaro provides a hilarious hour of mischievous wit. The Stand, Newcastle www.susiemccabe.com www.lindseysantoro.co.uk

EVENTS

FRI 11-SAT 12

NOWT SPECIAL FOUR QUARTERS TAKEOVER

NES Nerd or Sega All-Star? Whether you love battling Eggman, Bowser, Blanka or Metaknight… You’ll definitely be a winner at Nowt Special’s Takeover at Four Quarters! Bursting with exhibitions, merch, music and more - unleash your inner gamer with some of your favourite retro arcade machines. Lets’a go!

Four Quarters, Newcastle www.facebook.com/nowtspecialncl

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

MUSIC

FRI 11

CAMEL ISLAND

The high energy indie rock trio head to Newcastle’s iconic Newgate Social for a night of catchy melodies, driving guitars and dynamic levels of talent your ears won’t be ready for. Camel Island headline, with support from fellow rising indie stars Ryder and Slate Label.

Newgate Social, Newcastle www.linktr.ee/camelisland

STAGE

SAT 12

LUKE WRIGHT

Lightning sharp wordsmith Luke Wright serves a selection of poems examining what pure joy looks like in your 40s. Hear tender and poignant observations on longing for the happiness of youth, alongside stories of health scares to abseiling vicars, told through charming mixtures of comedy, wisdom and wit.

ARC, Stockton www.arconline.co.uk

FILM

SUN 13

MARLENE DIETRICH DOUBLE BILL

Star & Shadow Cinema are known for their eclectic double bills of films you’ve always wanted to see on a lovely silver screen, and this one is for fans of classic Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich. First will be Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950s film Stage Fright, and to wrap up the evening will be Billy Wilder’s ‘57 classic, Witness for the Prosecution. Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle www.starandshadow.org.uk

MUSIC

THUR 17

L.T. LEIF + LUCE MAWDSLEY

An unmissable co-headline from two fantastic figures in folk. Glasgow based L.T. Leif creates personal and reflective experimentations in music, and Luce Mawdsley is a non-binary composer and guitarist from Liverpool, creating work which surrounds themes of neurodivergence, mental health and queerness.

The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle www.ltleif.com www.lucemawdsleymusic.com

MUSIC

SAT 26

KOMPARRISON

Wonderful indie pop sensations Komparrison are saying their goodbyes with a farewell show, featuring a new release named Jane as a parting gift. Though bittersweet, this night is bound to be a blast; a chance for fans to boogie and celebrate DIY grassroots music at its best.

The Georgian Theatre, Stockton www.facebook.com/komparrison

MUSIC

TUE 29

AXINE M

A co-headline from incredible DJ, songwriter and all-round talented musical vessel Axine M and power duo Bridget Ferrill and Áslaug Magnúsdóttir. Ferill is a composer, engineer and synthesiser builder, and Magnúsdóttir is a programmer and self-coined ‘sculptor’ of instruments. Support comes from experimental performer Toi Guy. Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle www.axine.net

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…

SIX OF THE BEST:

NADEDJA

Brazilian-born, Newcastle-based alt. songwriter Nadedja conjures up a Six of the Best in celebration of the release of her new single, Twilight

INTERVIEW: PINKCOLLAR GALLERY

We find out about the Sunderland gallery’s exciting series of exhibitions which tackle themes around the environment, community, neurodivergence and identity

KEEP UP WITH WHAT’S GOING ON VIA OUR SOCIALS

Image by Amelia Read

Image by Jeremiah M. Carter

MUSIC THE MOLOTOVS @ KU BAR

Words: Nat Greener

Punchy rock duo The Molotovs are gearing up for their highly anticipated UK headline tour in 2025, following the release of their debut single ‘More More More’, the band are headed to Stockton for an unmissable gig at KU on Saturday 12th April.

Known for their high-energy performances and sharp songwriting, The Molotovs have built a fierce reputation on the live circuit, and this tour promises to be no exception. The Molotovs’ gritty, anthemic sound draws from punk, indie, and garage rock influences, with blistering guitar riffs, driving basslines, and dynamic vocals forming the backbone of their distinctive style. Their debut single ‘More More More’ channels this raw energy, blending catchy hooks with an urgent, rebellious spirit. Fronted by two magnetic performers, The Molotovs have already garnered attention

from major music publications and festival slots, setting them apart as one of the UK’s most exciting new acts. Fans can expect a visceral, high-octane live show that captures the intensity and raw emotion of their studio recordings.

This is bound to be one of 2025’s most electrifying upcoming tours, so don’t miss the chance to catch The Molotovs live at KU, Stockton on Saturday 12th April as they make their mark on the UK music scene. www.facebook.com/TheMolotovsLondon

STAGE

JAMES ROWLAND: LEARNING TO FLY @ ARC

Words: Isabel Johnson

Do you like theatre? Do you like comedy? Do you like music? If you’re reading this, there’s a high chance you like at least one - so you’re bound to like James Rowland and his new

show Learning To Fly, which comes to Stockton’s iconic ARC venue on Thursday 10th April for an hour of inimitable, critically acclaimed storytelling.

Learning to Fly follows the story of an unexpected friendship. The friendship in question is one between a lonely and unhappy teenage James and the “scary old lady” who lived over the road from him, in the street’s unspoken “spooky house”. The power of friendship - despite its conventions, or its obstacles - is something that defines this show, alongside the idea of love versus time, and the healing power of music. It’s also about wishes - and this scary old lady’s last wish was in fact to get high - just once - before she died.

Expect to feel uplifted - Learning to Fly doesn’t just represent James Rowland’s wit and on stage talent - it also represents his big-hearted ideas. And if these big-hearted ideas also have you in stitches, what’s the harm in that? I see none.

jamesrowlandtouring.com

The Molotovs

MUSIC AELIUS ALTERNATIVE FESTIVAL @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Laura Doyle

Praise be! We’re getting a second Aelius Alternative Festival. The North East music festival debuted last year to great success, and now it returns in a new expanded form, taking place across a variety of venues in Newcastle on Saturday 5th April.

Local legends of the future are at the top of the bill for 2025: Crowley bring the occult-infused hard rock – hardly surprising with a name taken straight from Thelemic tradition; they might have been pipped to the post by psychedelic punks TV Death, however; and dark alt. indie group Wolfred rounds out the headliners. They’re leading the charge on a jam-packed roster which also includes Nadedja, Rushbonds, White Collar Rebel, Bear Park, Amateur Ornithologist, Citrus, Cat Ryan, Jeremy M, Snakes With Tits, Vice Killer, Tahmina Ali and many more. Beyond a rockin’ line-up, this year we also get a delightful mix of spoken word artists for a touch of class, and an alternative comedy stage carefully curated and hosted by Adrian Hanlon to give your eardrums a bit of a break.

On top of everything else, Aelius are collaborating with international promoters Sofar Sounds on a stage with a secret line-up – sign up quicksmart to be part of this exclusive audience. With Aelius Alternative Festival spanning so many genres, it’s shaping up to be a true celebration of alternative artists across the region and beyond.

www.aeliusaltfest.com

ART &

LIT

ALI CHERRI @ BALTIC

Words: Phoenix Atkinson

Baltic presents the first major UK exhibition for Lebanese artist Ali Cherri; How I Am Monument comes to the Gateshead gallery from Saturday 12th April-Sunday 12th October.

The artist presents newly commissioned work which is inspired by archaeological artefacts and the natural world, including Toppled Monuments 1-6 (2024), a piece that reflects on imagining a better future through the depiction of empty plinths of monuments of deposed leaders or controversial historical figures; Sphinx (2024) is a hybrid sculpture created from mud and bronze which evokes Assyrian and Egyptian statues; while the films Of Men and Gods and Mud (2022) follows the workers constructing Africa’s largest hydropower plant in Sudan, and The Watchmen (2023) looks at the military divisions between the Greek and Turkish communities on Cyprus. Related sculptural work, The Seven Soldiers, features a series of sleeping heads with haunted expressions on their faces.

Cherri’s work reflects on colonial histories, nationhood and cultural loss, drawing parallels between the damage political violence can inflict on the natural and cultural worlds, as well as on people’s bodies.

Ali Cherri comments: “With How I Am Monument I reflect on the processes through which historical and cultural narratives are constructed and transformed, the fragility of power, and the shifting nature of collective memory…re-evaluating our shared history is crucial for understanding the complexities of the present.” www.alicherri.com

MUSIC KAMASI WASHINGTON @ THE GLASSHOUSE

Words: Caleb Carter

Kamasi Washington is something of a quiet titan. Many were first introduced to the saxophonist through his compositions on Kendrick Lamar’s exalted TPAB that rolled out the red carpet for his appropriately titled debut The Epic (featuring an astonishing rendition of Claire de Lune), and he hasn’t stopped impressing since.

His performances exist midway between a plainchant and the boxing ring, and his most recent work, Fearless Movement, features full-bodied funk and hip-hop, decked in colourful collaborations with the likes of George Clinton and Andre 3000. Still, he often permits himself to completely undo his own meticulous weavings with powerful wails and riffs, putting him at the very forefront of artists still engaged in the brisk winds of play. While contemporaries might spar through contrail clouds, Washington seems to mount a hoof-angled renaissance with an entire round-table of precisely loosened musicians. His is big, big, band breath, somehow a decorated gong that never loses its fighting talk, and jazz that promises to be so pulse racing live when it’s performed at The Glasshouse on Saturday 5th April. www.kamasiwashington.com

TV Death

MUSIC

HOTWAX @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE

Words: Phoenix Atkinson

The UK has a tendency to tip off independent bands as ‘The Next Big Thing’, but with HotWax that might just be correct. The three friends have recently released their debut album Hot Shock to critical acclaim, and come to The Georgian Theatre in Stockton on Sunday 6th April determined to make their mark. They’ve been creating since teenagers, with vocalist and guitarist Tallulah Sim-Savage and bassist Lola Sam writing together since the age of twelve, and meeting drummer Alfie Sayers a few years later.

They’re a hard-working trio, having performed over 150 live shows in the last 18 months, including the festival circuit and touring as support for bands including Royal Blood, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Deap Vally. After

one of their signature energetic performances, they were approached by producer Catherine Marks, who has worked with Boygenius and Wolf Alice, and who offered to record their next album, saying that “it needs to sound like a party”, putting together an all-female team to record Hot Shock. They more than succeeded, as the band’s riotous alt. rock stands loud and proud on a record that begs to be played live. www.hotwaxofficial.com

COMEDY

NAME OF THE DAME @ LAURELS

Words: Laura Rosierse Fast paced comedy-two-hander Name of the Dame left audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe in stitches and is hitting the road with a duo of shows on Saturday 26th April at Laurels, Whitley Bay. The hour-long play is written and performed by comedians Kate McCabe and

Adam Perrott who’ll be portraying dames, detectives and car chases using stylish hats… It’s a parody of the film noir genre and has got a gag rate that fires faster than a Tommy Gun, and is marginally less painful. If you like Airplane, the oeuvre of Mel Brooks, dicey puns and sight gags, this show is for you.

The show’s core objective is entertainment, and makes a promise to teach its audience nothing, nor will it induce personal growth or important revelations. Pure and utterly mad humour is what Name of the Dame will be bringing to Laurels. It previously received the labels ‘silly’, ‘daft’, ‘hilarious’ and ‘highly entertaining’ which is all we would ever hope to find in a comedy play. Name of the Dame promises to be a workout for the laughing muscles, and who doesn’t want to be distracted from the drudgery of everyday life for at least an hour?  www.laurelswhitley.co.uk

HotWax by Jude Harrison

MUSIC KACKALA @ THE CLUNY 2

Words: Isabel Johnson

What’s better than music? Music fronted by four incredible vocalists and backed by a girl power idealism, that’s what. Kackala (pronounced kotch-kolla) are bringing this energy to The Cluny 2 on Thursday 10th April

with support from the North East’s very own vocal harmony supergroup Kissed. Overall this forms a refreshing all-female line-up perfect for lovers of strong voices and empowering music. Kackala create self-described “mad girl, bad girl, and sad girl original compositions” which bring a cappella to a whole new level of dynamism and excitement.

The group consists of Hilary Binder, Lexa Walsh, Eva Plocek Kubešová and Katerina Kubešová, a power quintet of four unstoppable vocalists from Czechia and the US. Their compositions are designed to inspire, bringing complex

arrangements and dynamic harmonies together to form something that lifts up audiences to a whole new experience entirely. Kackala’s debut UK tour will bring more than just a cappella to the table - expect a daring, impressive production with homemade choreography and joyful, theatrical flair.

When paired with Kissed - another all-woman supergroup whose love for singing is infectious and plain to see - this Kackala show is bound to be truly unique and unmissable. www.kackala.bandcamp.com

ADAM BLANSHAY PRODUCTIONS AND PARK THEATRE PRESENT

PREVIEWS

MUSIC

MATILDA MANN @ THE CLUNY 2

Words: Laura Rosierse

Beloved pop icon Matilda Mann is due to touch down at Cluny 2 on Monday 28th April as part of her debut album release tour. Following a precocious few years in music, it feels fitting now for Mann’s debut album to start at the beginning. Named Roxwell after the cherished street of her childhood home, the album is a tender ode to her formative years. Her softly spoken pop pleases the ears of many, and soon she will be bringing her accessible pop to many of the UK’s grassroots venues. With her music she aims to bring a calm among the waves, creating hazy pop anthems driven by shimmering soundscapes and her iconic warm voice.

Matilda Mann will be supported by Jo Hill, whose journey began in the small village of Cheddar, a place where everyone knows

everything about everyone. She crafts equally pleasing pop songs inspired by artists such as Queen, The Beatles, and Simon and Garfunkel. Mann and Hill make for a great line-up that will certainly have Cluny 2’s audience swaying from side to side as the pair bring their atmospheric and cinematic pop sounds to life. matildamann.com

STAGE

BRAINSTORM @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Mack Sproates Award winning theatre company Mortal Fools are back with their Ensemble Young Company’s galvanic new performance, Brainstorm, which creatively explores the inner workings of the teenage brain, touring at various venues: Gosforth Civic Theatre on Sunday 13th and Monday 14th April and Arts Centre Washington on Wednesday 16th April. The concept is unique; opposed to a

traditional script, Brainstorm is a blueprint (co-created with neuroscientists and Company Three) where young people can input their own experiences and ideas. This offers young people the chance to share what matters to them at this stage of their lives, in this moment of time.

Mortal Fools have a superb track record of creating empowering, bold and cutting-edge theatre, and Brainstorm is no exception. It’s a fresh, exciting, imaginative production that challenges the stereotypes placed onto teenagers and their brains, including all of the joys, and all of the tricky stuff - as well as lived experiences of neurodiversity and growing up in the North East. I love Mortal Fools’ ability to actively listen to young people and offer a unique platform to explore ideas, and this show offers crucial insights which might otherwise go unheard. Devised for other teenagers and the adults who support them, Brainstorm will certainly be a special one to see live.

www.mortalfools.org.uk/brainstorm-2025

Matilda Mann by Katie Silvester

COMEDY

NERDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN @ THE STAND

Words: Laura Doyle

How does a panel of comedians all doing a deep-dive into a niche, potentially academic topic sound to you? If your answer was a resounding, “Good heavens, that sounds like an

absolute rave!” then I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is that you’re probably a bit of a nerd… The good news is that you’re the perfect audience for The Stand’s expedition into all things a little geeky – because Nerds Just Wanna Have Fun!

Newcastle comedian Neil Harris conjured up the concept of a monthly comedy panel show featuring a careful mix of comedians and experts all weighing in on a hot topic, mixing stand-up, games and playful debates to try and get to the bottom of the issue. April’s theme is engineering, and everything that comes with

design, invention and problem solving. Taking to the stage on Monday 7th April will be offbeat comedian Elaine Robertson, actual PhD holder/ stand-up guy Matthew Wheelwring, Felt Nowt Act of the Year winner Kelly Edgar, and actual engineer-turned-funny-man Anthony Morrison. Their useful knowledge may be variable, but their can-do attitude to solve the problems at hand is equalled only by their ability to make a joke about it when they (almost) inevitably fail to do so.

www.thestand.co.uk

MUSIC BICURIOUS @ ZEROX

Words: Laura Doyle

If you think a musical outfit called Bicurious is just going to be chaotic, slightly confusing noise, then you’d be pretty on the money. Gavin Purcell and Taran Plouzané are connoisseurs of carefully crafted instrumental post-rock tunes that don’t depend on lyricism to provide structure. Instead, they build up their music live with fancy tech like guitar loops and sample pads. Add in spoken word snippets ripped from political speeches and popular culture, and they manage to tell unexpectedly pertinent stories derived from the most unexpected of places. Bicurious have their roots in Dublin, but the past seven years has seen the duo spread and blossom across the UK and Europe thanks to their engaging soundscapes and math rock riffs and their penchant for touring the continent at every chance they get. Despite their extensive touring schedule, it’s taken them this long to finally make their way all the way over to Newcastle, where they take to the stage at Zerox on Tuesday 29th April. If they put on as cracking a show as they usually do (and promise to try and make a habit of it), we’re sure we can find it in our hearts to forgive them.

www.bicuriousbandofficial.com

MUSIC

OPERANT @ THE LUBBER FIEND

Words: Phoenix Atkinson

Is it a club night? Is it a gig? Is it a plane? Okay, Operant is probably not the last. But you never really know.  They play a mix of industrial, noise and techno, and keep breaking the genre boundaries of the club scene. The Berlin outfit come to The Lubber Fiend on Saturday 19th April to showcase their ability to keep outside of expectations, and bring their explorations of gender, body morphology and the ability to be changed through violent reconstruction. Their live shows are a mix between machines and the body, using power tools, noise, synths and dual vocals distorted to a surreal level. The duo are comprised of Luna Vassarotti and August Skipper, whose method of creation is utterly unique and highly engaging; dark, a bit confusing, chaotic and fun.

Joined by d-beat noise punks Urin, subversive sound artist Nic Krog and exhilarating live performer Kiik Amor, this hybrid event has to be seen to be believed. Get your (dark) glad rags on and enjoy this special club night. Wait, gig. Wait… www.facebook.com/operant

STAGE KIM’S CONVENIENCE @ NORTHERN STAGE

Words: Phoenix Atkinson

Kim’s Convenience, the play that inspired the hit TV series, comes to Northern Stage from Tuesday 29th April-Saturday 3rd May (and returns to the region at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 24th-Saturday 28th June). It’s a touching family drama that has the relationship between Appa (played by James Yi, who played the part in the iconic Netflix series), and Janet (played by Caroline Donica) at its heart. Uplifting and poignant, Kim’s Convenience looks at the relationships between a Canadian-Korean family, investigating generational divides, identity and belonging. Yi and Donica’s on-stage dynamic is one of the key draws of the performance, showcasing the push-pull of first generation immigrant values and the ambitions of the younger generations, a theme that is consistent during Ins Choi’s award winning play. The production debuted at Toronto Fringe Festival in 2011, winning Best New Play and the Patron’s Pick, and has only been on the up ever since.

Donica has said: “I can’t wait to bring Janet Kim to life alongside such a talented group of artists in a story with universal themes of family, growth, and cultural identity. This is going to be an unforgettable experience!“ www.kimsconvenienceplay.com

MUSIC

POLICE DOG HOGAN @ HUTTON RUDBY VILLAGE HALL

Words: Cameron Wright

Police Dog Hogan are a rare thing. Even in the quiet, there’s something dangerously exciting about them. In the hushed harmonies, the tight, tender musicianship there is a

shimmering, beautiful quality that raises its head in each track. Walking a line along a road of Americana that feels undeniably British, there is no wonder they’ve garnered a legion of hardcore fans. Police Dog Hogan pen truly authentic songs that harness the prowess of their influences but with something bright and new. The West London folk act sing with a candour and a calm that is ever shifting between hopeful and forlorn. They feel true, dirty and unafraid to show the scars that come with life, bleeding it out into raw, honest songwriting.

The group’s 2024 album, Lightning Strikes, is one of the finest tributes to the Nashville greats you will find this decade with talent oozing out of each musician, as a love for the craft is undeniably at the forefront of each beautiful track and the opportunity to see the band at Hutton Rudby Village Hall on Thursday 3rd April is a guarantee to see a live act fully rejoice in the sounds and traditions of the past. Carrying with them the spirit of true troubadours, this is a gig for anyone with an appetite for folk music in its purest, most elated form.   www.pdhogan.com

Blooming Lovely Live Music

Wednesday 16 April

BBC Introducing From The Glasshouse: Lizzie Esau

Wednesday 23 April

Joan As

Police Woman

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

Friday 2 May

Benefits plus Hang Linton

Saturday 3 May

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

Saturday 10 May

Patrick Wolf

Friday 23 May

Grace Petrie

Check out all our gigs: theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on

COMEDY

STUART LAWS @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE

Words: Cameron Wright

Stuart Laws might now be better known for his work offstage than on, but don’t let that fool you for a second. Having produced and directed ITVX’s Stand-Up Specials for many of your favourite British comics, including James

Explore Experiment Exchange

Acaster, Fern Brady, Nish Kumar and even Steve-O - Laws has written for Netflix, BBC, Lad Bible, Channel 4, Prime and any other reputable source of comedy in the last decade. He has won awards from across the nation and has embedded himself as a comedian’s comedian.

Performing at Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle on Wednesday 16th April, Stuart Laws Has To Be Joking is the latest output of the cryptic comic. Mixing an intrinsic merging of wordplay, absurd flights of fancy, observational comedy

and outright lies the live act is ever expanding and constantly darting in any direction you least expect. Stuart Laws Has To Be Joking is the confessional routine of a man coming to terms with a recent autism diagnosis, revisiting the relationships he’s created in his 40 years and discusses everything in between from farm animals and toilets. Stuart Laws is a mastermind comic who is deceptively meticulous and sophisticated, while ultimately just painfully silly.

www.stuartlaws.com

Image by Ed Moore

Greentea Peng by William Spooner

MUSIC GREEENTEA PENG @ BOILER SHOP

Words: Joe Sharples

With a distinctive aura, stacks of soul, and sprinklings of psychedelia, Greentea Peng lands at Newcastle’s Boiler Shop on Wednesday 30th April, celebrating the release of her third album - Tell Dem It’s Sunny. Her spiritual, contemporary sounds have turned their gaze inwards for this latest release, in contrast to her one-of-a-kind debut album, Man Made. Themes include identity, growth, and raw humanity, in a project which expands on Greentea Peng’s already established musical talent.

Greentea Peng has successfully forged her path in the ever-condensing world of neo-soul over the last few years and her diverse genrehopping creates an exciting but laid back sound, touching on a variety of musical styles including jazz, reggae and dub. Boasting collaborations with the likes of Goldie and The Streets, and as a seasoned live performer,

Greentea Peng’s neo-soul and psychedelic R&B are married to a vibrant earthy image and unique on stage aesthetic. As you may have guessed, green is her favourite colour but you will be sure to see her sporting a array of brightly coloured outfits, gold jewellery and distinctive tattoos to complement her sound. Supported by her band, The Seng Seng Family, Greentea Peng is sure to bring the energy to Newcastle this spring. www.instagram.com/greenteapeng

MUSIC BBC INTRODUCING: LIZZIE ESAU @ THE GLASSHOUSE

Words: Joe Sharples

BBC Introducing have recently launched a brand new North East partnership, with the aim of boosting the undeniable wealth of music our region has to offer through collaborations with local venues: Sunderland’s Fire Station, Middlesbrough Town Hall, and Newcastle’s

Glasshouse Centre for International Music. The venues are hosting a series of events which hope to provide exciting opportunities for up and coming musicians to play local gigs and get themselves heard. The events are all pay what you feel in an effort to make local music even more accessible and allow you to support talent however you are able.

The first showcase - on April 16th - is with indie rock singer songwriter Lizzie Esau at the Glasshouse, as part of the ‘From the Glasshouse’ series. Lizzie is definitely one to watch, having already amassed an impressive two million streams, played at festivals including Glastonbury and Boardmasters, and received notable support from BBC Radio 1’s Greg James.

Lizzie is certainly in the next wave of standout artists, so she is the perfect musician to kickstart this new and exciting BBC Introducing series. Be sure to get yourself down, support your local music scene, and who knows - you might be watching your new favourite artist, or the UK’s next big festival headliner… linktr.ee/lizzieesau

MUSIC CHUCK RAGAN @

THE CLUNY

Words: Isabel Johnson

Having played his first solo show over 30 years ago, if you’re after a seasoned, successful performer, Chuck Ragan is your guy. Tuesday 29th April is your chance to watch the

inimitable “ultimate folk troubadour, punk pioneer and fly-fisherman extraordinaire” in the flesh at one of Newcastle’s most beloved venues, The Cluny. This show is part of Ragan’s 11 date headline tour all across the UK – and he’s not from this neck of the woods (or this continent, for that matter) so you might want to make sure you catch him while he’s here. You might know Ragan from his years cofronting punk act Hot Water Music, and rest assured he’ll be exhibiting the same amounts of power and talent on stage with his solo

project. His involvement in both Hot Water Music and his softer solo work is a true testament to the kind of musician Ragan is: capable, open-minded and downright unstoppable. Love And Lore, released in 2024, is the musician’s first solo collection in over ten years; and it’s worth seeing live, as at The Cluny the Californian powerhouse will blend Americana, folk, indie and rock sensibilities with his signature dense, unflinching commitment to authenticity. www.chuckraganmusic.com

Image by Lindsey Byrnes

MUSIC MEGSON @ ARC

Words: Ben Robinson

Critically acclaimed folk duo, Megson, are set to take the stage at ARC Stockton on Saturday 12th April. They bring with them their unique blend of soft vocals, climactic harmonies, and rhythmic guitars. The husband and wife duo have built a strong following with their modern take on folk music. With multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominations, Megson’s music captures a new sound within British folk music while still infusing it with the sounds that have captivated audiences across history. Their songs, often inspired by the everyday, love, and working class history, are both deeply personal and still a feast for the ears. Whether they are performing songs from their soul, or energetic tracks filled with modern twists, the duo’s harmonies and infectious stage presence make for an unforgettable live experience.

Audiences at ARC Stockton can expect a night of intriguing sounds of the old and new, a gripping stage presence, and heartwarming storytelling. With an ever-growing career and energy, Megson’s live shows are a testament to their skill of blending the old and new. So, whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this is a gig which you’ll want to see.

www.megsonmusic.co.uk

STAGE DREGS OPERA @ ARTS CENTRE WASHINGTON

Words: Mack Sproates

Dregs Opera is an ambitious new theatrical production exploring queerness, discrimination and historical atrocities, all told through the voices of marginalised people, opening on Friday 4th April at Arts Centre Washington.

This powerful production is presented by innovative and empowering theatre company Twisting Ducks and performed by the talented Sunderland Platform Theatre group, which is led by artists who are autistic or have learning disabilities. The play explores the heartbreaking tale of local historical figure Alonzo Johnson, who was wrongly ostracised from society, deported to Australia and condemned to death by the authorities because of his sexuality. Adapted from Gay’s Beggar’s Opera and Brecht’s ThreePenny Opera, this examination of the past told through a lens of marginalised voices makes the play an even more powerful, important and emotive feat; only highlighting how these themes are still frightfully prevalent in today’s society.

This story is creatively told through bold performance, alongside direction from prolific theatre veteran Janwillem Van Den Bosch and featuring incredible live music by members of The Wild Women of Wylam. Dregs Opera is shaping up to be an impressive and unique piece of theatre and a chance for you to experience a powerful message that is not to be missed. www.thetwistingducks.co.uk

EVENTS CURIOUS ARTS FUNDRAISERS @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Laura Rosierse

North East-based charity Curious Arts champion and develop LGBTQIA+ arts, artists and communities and are hosting a fundraiser to help pay the rent for the charity’s headquarters. Fundraising through a series of elaborate events, audiences can enjoy a dazzling Catwalk Extravaganza at Alphabetti Theatre on Friday 4th April, and a fabulous brunch at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Saturday 5th April.

The catwalk extravaganza in Newcastle promises to be a joyful and jam packed evening of fundraising hosted by ‘fully qualified therapist disguised as a drag queen’ Niche Lorraine. With special guests, games and a Catwalk Extravaganza judged by Ghetto Fabulous, they are truly going all out to help continue their work to support the queer community within the North East. On the same weekend, Curious Arts and Pride In Tees Valley join hands to present Brunched Up In Boro! Join Niche Lorraine, Skankii Kandl and Monarchy for the brunch of a lifetime, where the queens will serve you a healthy portion of cabaret, lip syncs and games, whilst special guest Ghetto Fabulous serve up a feast of fashion and dance.

www.curiousarts.org.uk

Megson

STAGE RUM @ ARC

Words: Chloe Glover

Masculinity, mental health and addiction in the building trade will be put under the spotlight in a new darkly humorous and powerful play, RUM, which takes to the stage at Stockton’s ARC from Thursday 24th-Saturday 26th April (returning to the region on Friday 6th-Saturday 7th June at Live Theatre in Newcastle). Actor/ writer Joe Mallalieu’s one-person tragi-comic show is centered around the character of plasterer Danny, who glistens with stories of bravado and late night escapades yet struggles to deal with emotional situations and his own mental wellbeing. As the clock ticks by to finish a big job and give the speech of his life, how will he deal with unsettling childhood memories until now pushed away and avoided?

Created in partnership with Andy’s Man Club, a men’s suicide prevention charity who offer free peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18 across the UK and online, the show is a plea to encourage men to begin to emotionally open up to each other, and to start tackling the men’s mental health crisis. Winner of the Broadway Baby’s Bobby award for the Edinburgh Fringe premiere of the show, it promises an entertaining, moving and polished story. www.arconline.co.uk

MUSIC POLITE BUREAUX @ ZEROX

Words: Ben Robinson

Polite Bureaux are everything you can want from a northern band, gritty, powerful, but still music that comes from the soul. They pride themselves on providing true honesty in their music, something which has captivated listeners across the UK. Originally formed in Bradford the trio have gone on to release an album and are now making waves as they tour the country, bringing their show to Zerox in Newcastle on Thursday 10th April.

From electro bangers to indie dance beats, the group bring an energy to the stage which makes you get lost in the music. Their recent debut album was filled with songs which transport you to their world; a world where they want to shake the system and create music which resonates with people.   Now, as they take their set on the road, Newcastle’s Zerox is set to become the next stop on their journey. Known for its intimate yet high-energy atmosphere, the venue provides the perfect backdrop for the band’s exhilarating sound. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this is a show not to be missed - a night of pulsating beats, moody rhythms, and the unfiltered northern passion that makes Polite Bureaux one to watch.   www.politebureaux.bandcamp.com

COMEDY GEET NORTHERN SHOW @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE

Words: Mack Sproates

From the makers of the local legendary cult comedy shows Sketch Slap, comes a brand new hoot-filled night: The Geet Northern Show! Presented by theatre maker Rhian Jade, this cabaret promises to delight folks with wonderful Northern quirkiness on Saturday 12th April at Alphabetti Theatre.

The night champions marginalised voices including folks who are queer, neurodiverse, disabled and ethnically and racially diverse – all of whom have vital and exciting new work to share and experiment in a safe, nonjudgemental space. The show will summon a band of gifted up and coming comedy performers, knitted together as a terrific troupe guaranteed to bring audiences riotous joy across many different art forms; plus there’s a guest spot for some of your favourite local comedy stars.

From sketch comedy, poetry, dancing, music and so much more, this cabaret is set to create a marvellous, side-splitting night that celebrates the North East’s plentiful bank of diverse voices, in a space that is warm and friendly; uniting performers and audiences in pure Northern joy that will have you grinning ear to ear.

www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

RUM by Grant Archer

MUSIC WOLF EYES @ THE CHAPEL

Words: Lee Fisher

It’s always inspiring to see people make excellent things happen in unlikely places, and this is certainly the case with Industrial Coast, the North Yorkshire distribution / tape label run by Steve Kirby. It has expanded almost by accident to become the promoter for any number of acclaimed but underground noise / power electronics / hardcore / etc artists looking for gigs in the North East. Industrial Coast is also, as Kirby wryly points out on his insta, probably better known for its Nirvana-referencing t-shirt (‘noise lovin’, refugee huggin’, community buildin’, racism hatin’, leftist scum’), which serves as a manifesto of sorts (and which I’d be wearing right now if it wasn’t thoroughly sold out). Anyhow, as part of a stacked programme of gigs this year - including JK Flesh, Cut Hands and Demdike Stare - Industrial Coast is bringing back Detroit noise pioneers Wolf Eyes for another Middlesbrough show, this time at The Chapel on Wednesday 9th April after last year’s ripper appearance at the Town Hall Courtrooms. Wolf Eyes have been active for about 30 years, with literally hundreds of releases under their name if you count all the cassettes, CD-Rs and oddities, yet remain exciting and essential in their current duo form (John Olson and Nate Young). Supports are yet to be announced but are bound to be interesting, and Industrial Coast gigs always offer affordable ticket options for the skint, as per their leftist scum agenda. www.wolfeyes.xyz

MUSIC

LITTLE COMETS @ POP RECS LTD.

Words: Amelia Neri

The well-loved and home-grown DIY indie band Little Comets will be returning to the North East to grace the stage at Sunderland’s Pop Recs on Saturday 5th April. The gig will be the penultimate show of the band’s UK-wide Spring tour, and will see the Jarrow natives perform an arsenal of their best material, from classic crowd movers to fresh new bangers. Little Comets will bring their usual sense of devotion, energy and honest oblivion to their set, which will no doubt feature established fan favourites such as Dancing Song, Bridge Burn and Worry. Their sound is typified by ebullient guitars, singer Rob Coles’ thrilling vocals and a lyricism that veers between self-described “kitchen-sink drama” and the burning topics of the day, all topped off by post-punk edged indie rock vibes. The set will also feature new tunes Prawn, and HIJKL, a jubilant indie anthem with strong loud/quiet dynamics that is reminiscent of The Strokes’ early discography.

Having delivered uproariously catchy hooks since 2009, Little Comets are true veterans of the scene, and the local legends are poised to drop their fifth album later this year, making now the perfect time to jump on board – or to reconnect – with the lads. www.littlecomets.com

STAGE

MR FUNBLES’ SUNDAY PORTAL @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE

Words: Mack Sproates

What a time to be alive… With so many classic movies and TV shows getting a reboot in this century we have also been blessed with the return of the ethereal, metaphysical being and variety host, Mr Funbles, who will be reopening his portal into whimsical clown buffoonery on Saturday 26th April at Alphabetti Theatre.

Described by audiences as “the sublime meets the ridiculous”, this bizarre take on the classic variety night is made for those with a flair for the surreal, silly, and… snails. Mr Funbles’ gang of goofs will be providing hysterical hi-jinks as a joyous escape from everyday life; packed full of laughs and strange surprises that may arrive in the form of sketch, stand-up, theatre, circus, drag and more.

This playful, wondrous and experimental night celebrates all things alternative, noted as a “cosy home for weirdos”, and inviting audiences into a world of bizarre and curious cabaret acts. With nonsensical echoes of Monty Python and Aunty Donna, Mr Funbles dreams big and welcomes everyone into a kind space to try out new ideas in a safe, wholesome, relaxed atmosphere; which will have your faces aching from smiling, and brains warped from the weird. Let’s just hope Funbles actually turns up this time… www.linktr.ee/mrfunbles

Wolf Eyes

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DAMN TALL BUILDINGS

@ THE CENTRAL BAR

Words: Laura Rosierse

Folk bluegrass band Damn Tall Buildings will be making their way over to the UK from New York for an intimate show at Gateshead’s The Central Bar on Friday 11th April bringing their eclectic and soulful melodies and intricate instrumental compositions mixing swing and old-time foot stomping music. The Brooklynbased trio have eleven years of dedicated touring and recording experience under their belts and bring that to their audience in the form of heartfelt lyrics and a tapestry of masterful fiddle play, guitar, banjo, and bass playing.

Embodying a blend of Americana, roots and contemporary musical finesse from over the pond, Damn Tall Building’s musical journey figuratively and literally transcends borders. From intimate local venues, such as The Central Bar, and large venues and global festival stages, their magnetic sound captivates audiences and leaves an indelible mark on their fans old and new. The enigmatic touring outfit have already hooked us with their recorded work and will undoubtedly do the same when they hit the Central Bar stage. Damn Tall Buildings will be supported by What Humans Do, duo Philippa and Max, who play a haphazard mix of bluegrass and sad Americana who make a great addition to the bill. www.damntallbuildings.com

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SCRUFFY BEAR @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE

Words: Steve Spithray

Hailing from a tiny village in North Yorkshire, blues rockers Scruffy Bear more than make up for humble beginnings in their bold take on soulful fuzz rock and the four-piece will grace, what is surely their spiritual home, Stockton’s The Georgian Theatre, on Saturday 5th April in support of their most recent EP.

In their own words, accepting influences from all genres of music and walks of life, the band is made up of Georgy Eaton, Ryan Hunt, Jack Wild and Sass Lafferty but it’s Georgy’s signature powerful vocals for fans of Tina Turner and Janis Joplin that has been turning heads. Scruffy Bear don’t believe in floating along through life, they believe in carving out their own path. Already veterans of Stockton Calling and Tracks Darlington’s Noisy Daughters project, after a run of singles and EPs since 2020’s lockdown debut Pebbles, Good Intentions of a Grumpy Sun was released last September to rave reviews for its twist on the classic rock blueprint.

Loud and raw yet able to embrace a depth of influences, Scruffy Bear are passionate about their vision and having already played shows up and down the country, promising a string of festivals in the summer - make sure you catch them now while they are hot. www.scruffybearband.com

STAGE KYLIE JENNER’S PRIVATE JET @ DANCE CITY

Words: Nat Greener

Newcastle based surrealist duo Pelican Theatre bring their debut full length production - Kylie Jenner’s Private Jet - to Dance City on Thursday 3rd April. Combining movement, comedy and theatre, the show explores all of the complex emotions surrounding the climate crisis: guilt, powerlessness, frustration, and dread: and it does it all through a sharp, darkly humorous lens.

Set against the backdrop of Gen-Z’s climate anxiety, Kylie Jenner’s Private Jet asks how we’re supposed to face the overwhelming reality of environmental collapse while being told it’s all our fault. The show delves into the contradictions and irrational decisions we make under pressure, using dry humour to balance the bleakness and keep despair at bay. What power do we really have as individuals when celebrities and corporations contribute to environmental damage on an entirely different scale? Pelican Theatre navigates this uneasy question with a surrealist approach, blending inventive movement and biting humour to examine the futility - and occasional absurdity - of personal responsibility in a broken system. www.pelicantheatre.co.uk/kylie-jennersprivate-jet

Damn Tall Buildings

Saturday 12th April.

DO I LOVE YOU? @ GALA DURHAM

Words: Isabel Johnson

Shows don’t often sell out for no reason, and John Godber’s stage show Do I Love You? is no exception. Following a completely sold out 2024 tour, the much anticipated show heads to Gala Durham for two days on Friday 11th and

The show follows a trio of vivacious twenty-somethings who are developing a passion for the music and dance movement of Northern Soul, and the people involved with that movement. Characters Sally, Nat and Kyle develop their college project into something they really truly care about, finding their path into new places, experiences and successes. It follows the group dancing their way through life, even though the world is all over the place: what with strikes, closures, and a lack of

hospitality. Do I Love You? represents the dancefloor as a place of solace, and joy, and hopefully for attendees of the show on the 11th and 12th of April, the Gala will represent that too.

All this soul combined with the substance of topics like rising costs, unemployment and the general difficulty of modern life - particularly small town life - makes for a joyous affair that’ll have you laughing and dancing your way home afterwards.

www.galadurham.co.uk

Image courtesy John Godber Company, Ian Hodgson

MUSIC ICHIKO AOBA @ THE GLASSHOUSE

Words: Cameron Wright

Back in 2020, the phenomenal multiinstrumentalist, Japanese folk sensation Ichiko Aoba released Windswept Adan, an album that redefined and continues to redefine modern folk standards. It is a sublime creation, with her haunting vocal lilting over pristine melodies and lush orchestration in a way that is perfectly idyllic. It is so still, it is so tender, it is serenity epitomised. For my money, it is the greatest album of the 2020s, but I’ll admit that may just be me.

Before this masterpiece, she released a series of fantastic folk albums that revolve around her hushed, intimate songwriting and classically inspired guitar compositions while her latest album returns to her recent tradition of stunning orchestration and vivid imagery. Inspired by the Ryukyu Archipelago, Luminescent Creatures is an album about the ocean, about space, about the planet and about

connection. It is so vivid and so pure, it rises and falls, ebbs and flows and is a stunning, articulate journey throughout. It sounds like oceans; it moves like water and it is incredibly emotive.

Taking her album onto the road, Ichiko is on her biggest world tour to date and will perform at The Glasshouse, Gateshead on Friday 4th April. The spellbinding songwriter is playing her latest album in full, as well as a collection of other bewitching tracks from her catalogue. www.ichikoaoba.com

MUSIC

AIDAN BAKER @THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Nat Greener

Lauded experimental drone and doom metal artist Aidan Baker (one half of Nadja) brings his hypnotic soundscapes to The Cumberland Arms on Sunday 6th April, in collaboration with Cruel Nature Records. Known for his genre-blurring approach that fuses ambient textures with slowcore and metal undertones, Aidan’s

multi-intrumental performances are immersive; drawing listeners into a deep sonic trance. Calling on influences from the likes of post rock, jazz, neo-classical, shoegaze and more, Baker’s solo work explores the interplay between delicate guitar lines, layered feedback, and brooding atmospherics, creating an evocative and enveloping live experience. Joining Baker are two standout acts: A-Sun Amissa and Sulk Rooms. A-Sun Amissa, the project led by Richard Knox, blends haunting post-rock instrumentation with ambient drone, crafting melancholic yet captivating soundscapes. Their dynamic, textural approach makes them a fitting complement to Baker’s reflective sound. Sulk Rooms, known for their ambient minimalism and subtle intensity, round out the bill with an emotive set that explores space and silence as much as sound.

The Cumberland Arms’ intimate setting promises to heighten the hypnotic atmosphere, allowing audiences to fully absorb the rich, layered compositions. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience an evening of immersive, boundary-pushing sound on Sunday 6th April. www.aidanbaker.bandcamp.com

Ichiko Aoba by Yuichiro Noda

MUSIC SARI SCHORR @ ZEROX

Words: Ben Robinson

Sari Schorr is a talent to be reckoned with; a vocalist with a staggering five-octave range who effortlessly navigates the various sounds of rock, blues, and soul. With every note Schorr is known for captivating audiences across the world, and now she brings her incredible talent to Newcastle, performing at Zerox, Newcastle

on Sunday 27th April. Her music is steeped in the rich sounds of blues and rock, infused with a modern edge that sets her apart. Schorr has been described as a talent who makes the audience feel close to her, using her intense, soulful, and passionate sounds to draw them in. In fact, Schorr feels so close to her fans that her UK shows this spring will allow her fans to get a first listen to her new album out Friday 1st August.

On her inspiring approach to music, and the

industry, Schorr says. “I am putting my live audience first this year. My new studio album is the best thing I’ve done but rather than chase chart numbers, I want the people who support live shows to hear it first.” If you want to be one of the lucky first listeners to Schorr’s album, and get lost in a night of blues music, then get yourself down to Zerox this April.   www.sarischorr.com

DOGS ON THE METRO

By EMILIE ROBSON

Image by Rob Blackham

Directed by MARIA CROCKER

MUSIC

MARK EITZEL @ GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE

Words: Lee Fisher

American Music Club were one of those bands who never turned critical acclaim and a slavish but compact fanbase into much commercial success, but those of us who cottoned on to quite how brilliant they are will still gather in small groups and talk in excited tones about the baroque swoon of Johnny Mathis’ Feet. Much of the San Francisco band’s appeal was the magnificent baritone voice of Mark Eitzel, which when paired with his often insightful, witty but bleak lyrics, was a thing of wonder. American Music Club called it a day in the early nineties before a new burst of activity in the noughties, and Eitzel has managed a sporadic but often impressive (and very varied) solo

career since. But he’s been quiet for nearly a decade, which is why it’s a thrill to find out he’s including Newcastle on a short run of UK dates this month (part of a fairly hefty European tour). He’s bringing his Evening With Mark Eitzel show to Gosforth Civic Theatre on Sunday 27th April and promises a solo acoustic set covering his whole career (although presumably not the electronic stuff).

www.markeitzel.com

MUSIC

JANE WEAVER @ POP RECS LTD.

Words: Laura Doyle

Jane Weaver has had over 30 years of music-making experience – it’s been her life since she formed her first musical ensemble Kill Laura when she was still attending Sixth Form. It’s been over 20 since she went solo as

the folk pop singer-songwriter she’s best known as today, and still she’s able to blow the critics away.

Her latest album Love In Constant Spectacle was widely acclaimed, and featured in both Rough Trade and MOJO’s top albums of 2024. Even though it’s reaching its own first birthday, the hype surrounding it has yet to die down. And who can argue that those ethereal folktronica grooves don’t deserve all the love and attention they can get? No one we know. Weaver is taking this record and the rest of her back catalogue out for a nationwide spin this Spring, featuring a stop at Pop Recs in Sunderland on Thursday 3rd April for an intimate celebration of the inimitable sound and poetic vision that has defined her artistic career. She’ll be joined by label mates Memorials for a touch of panoramic pop from the Canterbury-based surrealist psychedelic folk duo.

www.janeweavermusic.com

Mark Eitzel by Mark Holthusen

MUSIC THE HANDOVER @ COBALT STUDIOS

Words: Joe Sharples

Described as ‘defying the laws of physics and floating skywards’, The Handover are a trio who are part jazz, part folk, and most heavily inspired by the ‘ritual rhythms of the Egyptian countryside’. Violinist Ayman Asfour, keyboardist Jonas Cambien and oudist (the Middle Eastern stringed instrument, akin to a lute) Aly Eissa will be sure to hypnotise and transfix, when they play Cobalt Studios on 4th April.

Their critically acclaimed, eponymous 2024 release was recorded live in Egypt, and blends traditional Egyptian sounds with modern styles, compositions and twists, such as jazzy improvisational passages and atmospheric electronic synths, which elevate their music to an almost otherworldly level. Despite the lack of any traditional percussion, the trio’s driving instrumentals provide all the rhythm required, whilst allowing their melodies to freely flourish above. The record has been praised as one of the best releases on the Sublime Frequencies record label, which focuses solely on ‘obscure sights and sounds from modern and traditional urban and rural frontiers.’

Their sound is experimental but traditionalist, and with support from Polish multiinstrumentalist, producer and composer Jerzy Maczynski, this is sure to be a unique exploration of contemporary sound, in one of Newcastle’s most unique and beloved venues. www.the-handover.com

MUSIC THE GLASSHOUSE STUDIOS

Words: Emily Elliott

From Wednesday 23rd April, Gateshead’s Glasshouse are opening exciting new opportunities to learn songwriting and music production.

The courses, which run over four months, are led by supportive and experienced industry members who encourage collaboration in a practical environment and aim to cater for a wide variety of abilities, from beginners to those more advanced; singer-songwriter and instructor at The Glasshouse Studios Frankie Jobling has stressed there is room for everyone: “Whether you’re here to experiment, develop your craft, or take steps towards a music career, these courses are about unlocking your potential.”

Courses available include a 10-week Introduction to Songwriting programme, as well as Intermediate Songwriting designed for more seasoned writers. Similarly, Music Technology and Production has three stages, offering progression through the levels. The latter course involves using a range of software such as Logic and GarageBand, and involves techniques with outboard hardware equipment as the course becomes more advanced. The most advanced course allows students to achieve professional quality mixes. The main goal, as Frankie says, is about being part of a like-minded community. “Whether you’re here to experiment, develop your craft, or take steps towards a music career, you’ll walk away with the confidence and skills to make your ideas a reality.” www.theglasshouseicm.org/makemusic

ART & LIT

THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW @ NEURO ART GALLERY

Words: Emily Elliott

Installation artwork exhibition That Was Then, This Is Now runs at the Neuro Art Gallery from Thursday 27th March-Thursday 17th April, and showcases the work of Kate Harrison and Molly Thompson.

The Newcastle gallery was founded last year and is based on the fourth floor at Curtis Mayfield House in Carliol Square. Its aim is to support and represent neurodiverse artists across the North East.

Harrisons’ work explores concepts relating to location. She encourages people to reflect on the built environment that is so often the site of her work. She “celebrates the plaster board, the ceiling tile and the exposed wires”. Her work links to the values of the interconnected spaces humanity shares, and encourages contemplation about the ‘invisible’ labour that affects our cities.

Thompson, a sculptor, uses objects she has found to imagine the previous lives they may have had. Many of these objects tell stories of her home in the West Midlands. However, she articulates themes of ‘home’ in a broader sense by exploring the familiarity society places on objects. Through theory wise deconstructionism, her work links reality to fiction through creative storytelling and repurposing. The sculptures encourage a sense of nostalgia that will take visitors to relatable and meaningful places in their past.  www.neurogallery.co.uk

The Handover by Kafrawy

INTERVIEWS

THE PALE WHITE

CAMERON WRIGHT TALKS TO THE ALT. ROCKERS ABOUT THEIR UPCOMING SECOND ALBUM AND HOW A RETURN TO THEIR ROOTS (AND SUPPORTING PIXIES ON TOUR) HAS RENEWED THEIR DRIVE AND AMBITION IMAGE BY SAINT SOPHIE

If there’s one thing that comes across when talking to Wallsend trio The Pale White, about to release their second album, The Big Sad, it is their drive. What was once just a local collective of brothers and friends has grown into the band behind one of the most ambitious rock releases of the year thus far. This drive is apparent immediately upon meeting them. “We just want to keep running and running, working and releasing, we’ve maybe been standing still for too long, but not anymore!”

This inferno of ambition is the reason some may be surprised to

learn that the upcoming record is only the second album from the band. Anyone familiar with Newcastle’s music scene should already have an understanding of how tenacious the band have been, tinkering away for the better part of the last decade, constantly writing, releasing and playing increasingly dynamic shows. And it is the scope and magnitude of The Big Sad that is set to impress.

“It’s easily the best material we’ve put our mind to.” Singer and guitarist Adam Hope told me (the band is completed by

MUSIC

drummer Jack Hope and new bassist Dave Barrow). “It can feel pretty easy to give into the road tested rules of a rock band –pigeon holing yourself into a sound. You can be expected to cater for a certain type of rock, or whoever the powers that be are, but this record is undeniably true to ourselves.” Stepping away from a record label, The Big Sad is the independent release that sees the Newcastle trio return to Wallsend, coming home and making a record for themselves. “There’s a comfort with coming home. There’s a routine and a familiarity that helps free you up creatively. A major bonus to being home is having our vinyl collections at finger distance [and it] means we can spend all our free time reacquainting with old favourites and taking influence.”

They are influences woven beautifully throughout the record, with a passion for music as vast as it is forensic, none of the inspirations feel shoehorned or violently apparent, they are peppered in with a lust for all the nuance that made those classic records classics for so long. Evident Beatles fanatics, the inclusion of mellotrons and strings throughout are subtle nods to the sixties. “We’ve spent a long time making each sound the right one for the song, there’s maybe five or six different basses across the album, each with a different sound serving the sounds differently. You could argue we spent too long, constantly tinkering but I think it’s paid off.”

WE WANT TO BE AN ALBUMS BAND, NOT EVERY SONG SHOULD BE A SINGLE AND NOT

EVERY TRACK SHOULD BE 30 SECONDS ON TIKTOK

That constant scrutiny and reassessment of songs has resulted in a beautiful, textured album that hits an unexpected multitude of emotional highs. “There is all the loud, energetic moments but it’s littered with deeper moments, certainly deeper than we’ve gone before.” The songs have been recorded for over a year and the band are keen to finally be able to play them live and see the crowd reaction. “Playing them live has actually been a more emotional experience than we’ve ever had, both for us and the audience. The longer you sit on something, the more you can pick it apart, trapped in a vacuum but as soon as these songs were tested in front of a live audience you get that reassurance, that instant kick and reminder of how you felt a year ago. Then it’s back to writing, and we’ll need that same reassurance next year and so it continues.”

If you haven’t seen The Pale White live, there has never been a better time to. With lead single Lost In The Moment acting as a new starting point for the band they are building up more and more momentum. Their latest string of shows saw them supporting American alt. rock legends Pixies on their tour, followed by opening on Frank Black’s solo tour, in which they played the The Big Sad in its entirety. “They were the first people to hear it, the people waiting for Frank, it was an insane way to get it out there. I mean, it goes without saying but they are just cool as fuck. I think we’ve all seen The Pixies 35 plus times now and they’re just one of those bands where the music speaks for itself. There are no gimmicks, no pyrotechnics, it’s just the best music played loud, night after night. I don’t think there is a better band for us to support - we owe so much to them.”

The Big Sad sees The Pale White as they always wanted to be seen. A tenacious, loud, live rock band with consistently good albums. Fully formed, coherent narratives. “We want to be exactly that, an albums band, not every song should be a single and not every track should be 30 seconds on TikTok. We all listen to albums, we devour albums. We want this one to be a grower but it’s definitely a full vision, beginning to end and that’s what we want to keep doing with everything in the future.”

As the conversation draws to an end the trio wax lyrical about each song, diving into the influences and ideologies behind each. They talk about the guitars of Manic Street Preachers, the fluidity of Danny Elfman, the swooping theatrics of Scott walker and the slightly demented “Willy Wonker” ooze of David Bowie’s Velvet Goldmine. They weave a vivid tapestry of different influences echoed throughout The Big Sad. Paying particular attention to another album track, Final Exit, which perfectly sums up the album as a whole. That feeling of coming home, learning to love the little things and reacquainting yourself with an appreciation for life.

The Pale White release The Big Sad on Friday 18th April. www.thepalewhite.com

COMPILATION

WORDS: PHOENIX ATKINSON / NAT GREENER / ISABEL JOHNSON / MACK SPROATES / STEVE SPITHRAY

YEAR’S SELECTION! SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT OUR BANDCAMP PAGE TO DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM. WWW.NARCMAGAZINE.BANDCAMP.COM

90BRO - LAUNCHPAD

Newcastle poet and philosopher 90BRO has made a name for himself as a conceptual rapper on a cosmic odyssey. Launchpad represents the start of that journey as the artist tries to make sense of his place in life and how to seek positives and rise up inwardly. “It’s a song about hitting rock bottom after a break up from which I launch myself back up. It’s an open letter to myself reflecting on how and why things were and are. I’ve chosen it as it reflects a raw and vulnerable side of me that I needed to express in order to heal from.” (SS) www.linktr.ee/90bro

AMATEUR TREPANNING MOVING TO A CITY (TO TAKE THE EDGE OFF IT)

Moving To A City is a fascinating song with a hypnotic rhythm and a unique vibe, featuring phone calls and a powerful instrumental. There is a strongly individual feel about the entire song as Amateur Trepanning’s Ben explains. “It’s about my own frustrations regarding perceptions of success. I think it’s also about an unshakeable sense of imposter syndrome people feel in certain situations, and anxieties around developing provincial attitudes as a matter of course. For a song about opportunity, or lack thereof, I think it’s quite positive – there’s an underlying sense that the grass isn’t always greener.” (PA) www.amateurtrepanning.bandcamp.com

ABNORM - PETALS

An idiosyncratic track from an idiosyncratic band, Petals is taken from the ABNORM’s debut EP and is a melting pot of thoughtful lyrics, powerful vocals and strong instrumentation alongside a tender meaning, equal parts moving and catchy. “Petals is a song about embracing self-prioritisation after experiencing heartbreak. It was the song from the EP that we worked on the most collaboratively, expressing our unity as a band. This track serves as a gentle reminder to reflect on our own personal growth journeys, and emerge from challenges stronger, more resilient and mindful.” (IJ) www.linktr.ee/abnormband

AMELIA COBURN - SANDRA

From her debut album Between The Moon And The Milkman, Amelia Coburn’s Sandra blends acoustic folk and baroque pop into a tender tribute inspired by her French landlady. The song’s delicate ukulele and subtle orchestration evoke both sorrow and quiet resilience. Coburn explained: “Sandra is one of my favourite songs from the album, inspired by the life of my French landlady, who I’m still close to today. I wanted to release it as a single to carve out a special space for her story. Her life held a lot of tragedy, but she never let it define her.” A pure heartfelt tribute. (NG) www.ameliacoburn.co.uk

Image by Adam Kennedy

Image by Mike Sreenan

BITCHFINDER GENERAL SLASHER MOVIE

If a name like Bitchfinder General isn’t enough to turn a few heads then the conceptual darkwave synth pop of Slasher Movie should do the trick. Conjuring low budget horror imagery along with a hide-behind-the-sofa intensity, the Newcastle DIY punks succinctly summed the track up: “Slasher Movie is a song inspired by classic slasher movie tropes and how the final girl is the only one who doesn’t take off her clothes in the strip poker scene. Be hot, but not too hot, be innocent, but not too innocent – that’s how you make it to the credits, easy!” (SS) www.bitchfindergeneral.bandcamp.com

ELLIE SCOUGALL - MOOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’

Moovin’ And Groovin’ is a collaboration with Irish vocalist MIMI. A lively dance track, it is inspired by both the 90s and the 00s eras of house music – though its exciting nature still holds its own now. Ellie explains: “This track represents my personality and brand as an artist the most: it’s fun, full of energy and makes you want to dance. We wanted to create an impact with this record, being two women who come from under-represented cities in dance music, we wanted to put Newcastle and Dublin on the map.” (IJ) www.linktr.ee/elliescougall

GAYDAR - JAN GOT HER TITS DONE IN TURKEY

Newcastle’s queer agit punks Gaydar trade on situationist social discourse and Jan Got Her Tits Done In Turkey is, firstly, a satirical swipe at the current fashion for cheap foreign cosmetic surgery but, secondly, a damning opinion piece on the social media misogyny that drives it or, as they say: “A true story about someone we know who went to get a boob job in Turkey and the surgeon told her they were just going to remove some fat from her back but she woke up [with] her kidney removed and stolen! And the riff goes hard…” (SS) www.gaydarband.bandcamp.com

DEXTRO - IN MEMORY OF THE ALWAYS ALREADY

A sublime, high-powered instrumental track packed with mesmerising layers. Some elements create feelings of euphoria, with emotive guitars and lovely tones carried throughout the instruments. Yet underneath is an uncanny sense of building dread, refusing to relent with intriguing rhythms and haunting keys. Together, these elements create a touching unique track that evokes a sense of something much bigger than the self, which is not an easy feat to achieve. Dextro main brains Ewan Mackenzie explains: “[It’s] an ode to all that comes before us, and to all the beauty and magic that is in the world despite us.” (MS) www.dextro.co.uk

END CREDITS - I NEED TIME

End Credits deliver a captivating blend of indie, post-punk, funk, psychedelia and a touch of old school house rhythm in I Need Time. The track’s energy and innovative fusion of genres highlight their evolution since rebranding as End Credits, cementing their reputation as one of the North East’s rising acts. “I Need Time is all about the concept of how we never have enough time, life is finite and why it’s important to live in the present moment. We’ve picked this song as it’s our most popular released track as of yet and is a great representation of our sound as a band.” (NG) www.endcreditsuk.com

LABYRINTHINE OCEANS - PINCH

Expertly mixing dream rock, grunge, psychedelia and shoegaze for fans of Wolf Alice et al, the Newcastle/ London four-piece’s track Pinch confronts head-on lead singer Julia’s struggles with difficult issues such as derealisation, self-harm and suicidal ideation and that it is okay to not be okay. “It’s a powerful song that really marks out the direction we’re moving towards. It’s been our most well received single so far and it’s great to see people connecting with it, both online and at gigs – it’s also super fun to play live and quickly became our favourite way to open a show!” (SS) www.labyrinthineoceans.com

Image by Nostalgia Kid

Image by Rueghaa

Image by @andichrist19

MELANIE BAKER DOUBLE DECKER DEATH MACHINE

Geordie Courtney Barnett, Melanie Baker’s ode to Arriva unravels into a slacker rock paean to the loneliness of the night bus and the hopefulness that can still be found on the back seats there. Lovely stuff. “I wrote this song after spending a lot of time on the bus. It’s a song about questioning who you are and what you want in life. I’d been reading a lot of Patti Smith’s work at the time and her words of wisdom really inspired a new spark of creativity within me to take a new journey with my music.” (SS) www.melaniebaker.net

RIVKALA - CHESS

Newcastle-based neo-soul vocalist, songwriter and bandleader Rivkala is something of an enigma, however her track Chess, while initially entrenched in a metaphor so tactically complex, is actually a simple call-to-arms to those also navigating their local nightlife for the first time.

“Chess was one of the fastest and most fun songs I’ve ever written,” Rivkala says. “I’ve had the misfortune of multiple encounters with a sleazy man on the prowl. Well now I get to use the idea of him as a vessel to make myself laugh, and hopefully other people too, whilst calling him out on his questionable behaviour.” (SS) www.linktr.ee/rivkala

RUBY KELLY - ST ELMO

A country-inspired anthem with a strong vibe from the start, Ruby Kelly introduces St Elmo with an ear-catching rhythm and a strong voice. It keeps its story going expertly and never drops the characterisation. There’s something special about this song that keeps it fresh all the way through. According to Kelly: “This track not only shows an exciting story of a crazy woman madly in love, it also shows how far we have come in today’s world and is a credit to women of the past who have fought and struggled to have a voice.” (PA) www.linktr.ee/rubykelly.music

PERFECT CHICKEN - TRAUMA

This band is stupid. Beastie Boys stupid, Vic and Bob stupid and Goldie Lookin’ Chain stupid. They are also the most original band to come out of Teesside since Benefits. I’ll leave the rest to them... “We’re just some hazmat-clad, balaclava’d boys drowning our sorrows with sweet tender fried beets. For one night only we have been asked to handover one of our most precious chicken tenders suited to the name Trauma. Are you pent up inside? Futures past and you can’t hide? Dodgy memories by your side? Then this is the song for you.” Quite. (SS) www.linktr.ee/perfectchickentheband

ROBYN ERRICO - DEEP SEA DIVING

Ambient, ethereal chamber pop from Darlington’s Robyn Errico, showcasing the scope of her singer-songwriting ambitions with a finely realised and provocative piece with lyrical explorations around loneliness and long-distance relationships. Robyn says of the track: “[It] uses the imagery of the ocean to capture the feeling of longing that comes with searching for something or someone. The whistle motif was inspired by whale song, which can travel thousands of miles before reaching the ears it was meant for. Like whale song, I hoped this song would travel across the void to reach those who may find some catharsis in its sound and message.” (SS) www.linktr.ee/robynerricomusic

SHANNON PEARL - MOUNTAINS

Mountains is a love letter to precious wild places told through folk pop wonderment. Painted through raging yet gentle guitars, drums that gather momentum towards an unyielding chorus which unleashes mighty, powerful vocals full of gorgeous range, force and emotion.

“Mountains is the first track I submitted to NARC. as a solo artist. I am inspired every day by the creatives at work behind such publications and how they give their time and effort to elevate and highlight others. This song is an ode to you and the mountains you have helped me overcome in my music career so far.” (MS) www.linktr.ee/shannonpearl

Image by Ben Hughes

Image by Adam Kennedy

STOCKTON CALLING

IF YOU LIKE…

LIVE EXTRAVAGANZAS

Get yourself down to the front for these thrilling live propositions… There’s hard-hitting indie punk with flashes of shoegaze from The North; prolific multi-instrumentalist Harriet Rose presents a powerhouse blend of indie Americana; enjoy infectious and riotous psych pop courtesy of Honey Motel; guitar and drums duo GANS offer up hard-hitting lyrics and electronic flourishes; Liverpool’s Wull promise dark pop post-punk; expect unbridled energy and addictive grooves from Alien Chicks; Baby Said bring fresh attitude and big tunes; expect a punchy Madchester-inspired set from indie rockers Marseille; there’s incredible dance rock from six-piece Adult DVD; the Spitfires pull inspiration from electronic, jazz, 70s punk and ska; and Sheffield’s Bromhead’s Jacket will prove why they’ve got a fearsome live reputation for their garage rock sound.

THE NEXT BIG THING

Your new favourite band could be right here… Sister Madds’ catchy hooks and pop rock anthems come with a punk ethos and arch lyricism; there’s summery lo-fi goodness from Nature Kids; rabble-rousers The Velvet Hands bring their bolshy punk; electrifyingly experimental, Waldo’s Gift blend jazz, rock and electronic sounds; there’s rich and brooding vibes from Imogen & The Knife; Currls’ sound encompasses raw-edged rock, grungey garage and driving punk; Home Counties present a playful and ramshackle combination of 2000’s dance pop and furious post-punk; experience Cherry Seraph’s narcotically drifting dream pop;

MUSIC

WORDS: LEE FISHER / KATE RELTON / STEVE SPITHRAY

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again…festival season! Traditionally one of the first multi-venue shindigs to take place in the region, Stockton Calling takes over the Teesside town on Easter Saturday (19th April, to all you heathens). We say it every year, but that’s because it’s true – the line-up is a belter! If big-name headliners are the yardstick you measure events by, consider this one a whopper. Topping the bill are Tyneside’s thrilling indie rock hit-factory Maxïmo Park; introspective grungy folk artist Melanie Baker; gospel, soul and punk rock duo Big Special; Yorkshire’s nu-punk five-piece The Paddingtons; emotive indie pop artist Finn Forster; confessional pop rocker Lizzie Esau; socially-aware rapper EV; glam-tinged, melodramatic rock band Picture Parlour; and Manchester’s muso elites Rolla. Read on to get a taste of what else is in store and check the website for more... www.stocktoncalling.co.uk

and Arkayla mix angular and snarly vocal power with dirty Brazilian rhythm to get you dancing.

LOCAL TREATS

The North East’s artists always deliver… Witness the anthemic rousing indie rock of Darlington’s Blackout the Arcade; Hayley McKay teams up with David Neil Crabtree for North Riding’s Americana-tinged set; there’s biting honesty and powerful melodies from Frankie Dobson; Lottie Willis’ evolving sound is likened to Phoebe Bridgers and Kate Nash; Stockton’s Rare Breed are lovers of noughties pop-punk; Bitchfinder General offer a joyful, multi-media, dayglo-and-chainmail queer punk explosion; Look Terrified are a riot of neon, beats, frank lyrics, pop chops and a whole lot of confidence; there’s expansive dualling guitars and reverb-drenched emotive vocals from Weathership; Sunderland scamps Dead Wet Things have a thrilling punk sound; Teesside alt. rockers Mr Bigfoot present anthems for millennial life; there’s hard-hitting tunes from neo-riot grrrl outfit Dinky Bosetti; Parissa Zarifi’s improvised violin loops and haunting lyrics have made her a rising star; Sunderland’s synth pop duo CHAT are all your guilty pleasures come true; Isabel Maria’s vulnerable lyricism and quietly beautiful voice is utterly beguiling; songwriter and pianist Liz Corney’s music is irresistibly joyful; veteran feral rockers Avalanche Party always deliver a great set; expect pure pop dynamics and searingly honest lyrics from Loren Heat; there’s jazz and neo-soul from SwanNek; while Marina Josephina brings Teesside-flavoured soul and R&B.

Maximo Park

Picture Parlour by Briony Graham-Rudd

Finn Forster

PUBLIC RECORD

ISABEL JOHNSON CHATS TO MUSIC LEGEND AND FUTUREHEADS MEMBER ROSS MILLARD ABOUT HIS INVOLVEMENT IN A NEW SUNDERLAND MUSICAL THEATRE EXTRAVAGANZA PUBLIC RECORD

WE HAVE LOTS OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE TELLING SNIPPETS OF DIFFERENT STORIES, THEIR OWN STORIES

Heading to the Fire Station for four unmissable shows between Friday 25th and Sunday 27th April is Public Record, a new showstopper of a collaboration between the National Theatre, Sunderland Empire and Sunderland Culture. Whether you love culture, music, dance or even just Sunderland in general, this is a gem of an all-rounder to catch at the city’s iconic Fire Station. With such huge organisations coming together to form Public Record, it almost feels like a miracle that’s come out of nowhere, but Ross Millard explains how the idea for the play was actually initiated. “Public Acts is the National Theatre’s external programme where every year they’ll go to a different part of the country and work on a show with a large number of community participants. But Sunderland is the first time we’re creating the show ourselves from scratch, without any kind of adaptation.”

“Emily Lim (director) and Dan Canham (co-director and choreographer) first came up to Sunderland over a year ago now,” Ross shares. “It was then that they decided they wanted to make a music-based show about the past, present and future of the city.” Since their visit, Sunderland has deservedly been named an official member of the Music Cities Network, proving Lim and Canham’s vision right.

“The idea is that we are making an album about the city. The audience will come in and it will feel – in a slightly deconstructed way – like they are walking into a recording studio. Everyone in the room on that particular night is there to make an album about Sunderland.” So if you’ve ever dreamt of making the perfect album, make sure you grab yourself a ticket

for guaranteed success with what Ross describes as “a live session meets a piece of musical theatre”.

When shows say they have ‘something for everyone’, this one really means it. Audience members certainly won’t be lacking in terms of special guests and thrilling cameos either; Ross lists an array of stars including himself, Sarah Hayes and Field Music superstars David and Peter Brewis as the house band, a handful of We Make Culture’s Young Musician’s Project attendees, local youth dance troupe Dance Jam, his very own Futureheads bandmate Barry Hyde, Sophie Lisa Beresford, DJ Infinite and many more. With over 100 community participants, there are too many to name – all the more reason for you to go and watch the show.

Alongside Stuart Pringle’s writing of the play itself, Ross is writing the songs and the music for Public Record – no small feat indeed. But it shines through in conversation how passionate Ross is about the city and its cultural communities. “Because [with The Futureheads] we’ve been making music for a really long time, there were a lot of opportunities along the way to get out of the North East, but being from Sunderland is a massive part of our identity and who we are,” Ross expresses.

“When it got to the point where we could actually do things in the city to help support other stuff and platform other people, we really started to prioritise that.”

To leave you on a tempted-to-buy-tickets note, Ross (after lots of pondering) shares his best bit about Public Record: “The thing that I like about it the most is that it’s all these different moving parts, tiny little cogs whirring in tandem to make this thing run like it should. What’s going to make it work is that we have lots of different people telling snippets of different stories, their own stories.”

www.sunderlandculture.org.uk

Image by Mark Savage

PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS, PIGS

STEVE SPITHRAY CHATS TO MATT AND EWAN FROM THE NEWCASTLE RIFF WIZARDS ABOUT A NEW IMMEDIACY TO THEIR SOUND, AND AN UNLIKELY COLLABORATION

As a heavy music fan in the early 90s I wrestled with my love for both the post-hardcore of bands like Quicksand and Helmet, and the doom metal incursions of Trouble and trailblazers Sleep (and why never the twain shall meet) with friends even ridiculing me for embracing heavy music of all denominations. Five albums deep, however, Newcastle maximalists Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs have finally found that glorious sweet spot with their latest offering Death Hilarious. I caught up with singer Matt and drummer Ewan who told me how a long bout of touring left them wanting to capture their live sound on record this time around. “We weren’t writing anything as we were touring but we were a pretty cohesive unit coming out of that cycle, so coming into this album we were ready,” they shared. “So, we just went away for a week in Wales living in each other’s pockets to get all the ideas thrashed out.”

Five albums in it is still important to the band to keep evolving their sound, Matt tells me. “Sam [guitar] produces the albums as well so he has another layer to his thinking, developing a picture of how he wants the record to sound in terms of the character in a sonic sense, and he wanted to be a bit more aggressive with a more immediate sound to things.” Ewan: “He also had some new equipment he wanted to use! Adam [lead guitar] and Johnny [bass] also write stuff and there is a social dynamic to the writing.” Matt: “It’s a really exciting process for me as we walk in at the start of the week with an album to write and then four or five days in we’ve pretty much got our whole album. I like how immediate that process feels and how fresh and exciting it is.”

It certainly feels like there has been a shift away from the maximalist ethos of old on this record with more thought to the spaces in between the riffs - even including the appearance of some synths - while lead single Detroit was also a bit of a departure sonically. “The label threw us a curveball when they came back with Detroit first because that’s quite an abrasive

IT’S A REALLY EXCITING PROCESS FOR ME AS WE WALK IN AT THE START OF THE WEEK WITH AN ALBUM TO WRITE AND THEN FOUR OR FIVE DAYS IN WE’VE PRETTY MUCH GOT OUR WHOLE ALBUM

song,” Matt shares. Another track, Glib Tongued, even features a guest vocal from Run The Jewels’ El-P. “Johnny had an odd riff that we were playing around with some ghost beats and things, not the way we would normally write music...” says Ewan. Matt adds “Ewan started playing this tight beat with a closed high hat which created a lot of additional space around things to rhythmically play with. We drew up a wishlist of MCs and rappers, El-P was top of the list and we took the classic shy bairns get nowt approach!”

Death Hilarious is released at the beginning of April followed by an extensive UK tour which culminates in a three-day Star & Shadow takeover dubbed the Hometown Weekender in Newcastle. Given the band’s penchant for all things at the heavier end of the sonic spectrum they told me how they were keen to make the event a diverse few days. Matt: “Adam is obsessive about films so we are using the cinema room for a film each night before the show. We will have pop-up food with DJs afterwards, including Dev from Idles. There will also be support from Melanie Baker, Smote and Marlene Ribeiro…” Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs Pigs, Pigs release Death Hilarious on Friday 4th April via Rocket Recordings followed by a Hometown Weekender at the Star & Shadow, Newcastle on Friday 25th – Sunday 27th April. www.pigsx7.com

Image by Ellen Dixon

SPLIT THE TICKET

DAMIAN ROBINSON TALKS TO THE NEWCASTLE INDIE ROCKERS ABOUT THEIR LASER-FOCUSED NEW EP

Releasing their second EP quickly after their debut, and juggling university studies in-between, local indie rockers Split The Ticket are nothing if not focused. And, as it happens, the term ‘focus’ might not only apply to their behaviours. Tight, controlled, and with some killer guitar lines, their new EP Cornerstone is immediately heavier than their debut, and sees the band exploring more mature ideas and musical textures. Cornerstone is both musically and lyrically more mature than its predecessor. This is a focused EP.

“We were on a bit of a good roll before we had to stop the band for a while and go to uni,” Oisin confirms, “but we knew we had good songs and more material that we wanted to get straight back to.”

“I think we also started to listen to heavier influences,” adds Finn, “and those influences started to impact how we were writing and what we wanted the sound to be when we got in the recording studio.”

Released as a four song EP, the band have already released two of the tracks (Unreadable and Let Me In) with both showing different styles of indie rock, though maintaining a common thread of emotional maturity throughout. “There’s definitely a theme to the EP,” confirms Oisin, “the sounds may be slightly different, but the songs work together as they’re all focused on growing up, working through different relationships, in some ways moving on.” Both of the two unreleased songs, Months Have Passed and Losing It, maintain that feeling; there may be a heavier, rockier element to the band, but perhaps that’s driven

THE SONGS ARE FOCUSED ON GROWING UP, WORKING THROUGH DIFFERENT RELATIONSHIPS, IN SOME WAYS MOVING ON

by the weight of the lyrics.

“The sequencing of the EP was also important to how we wanted to present the band,” confirms third and final member Lachlan. “We wanted to put the track listing together in the way that the songs were written and recorded, meaning that in some way the songs and the content get heavier as the EP grows. Although it’s only a small detail that was really important to us and how we wanted to explain ourselves.”

Braced for a headlining EP launch at The Cluny on Sunday 13th April, the immediate next step for Split The Ticket is to let others hear the new material and then get straight back to thinking about new songs, as Finn confirms. “We can’t wait to play what we have, to get the new EP out, to do some gigs, but we’re already thinking about new songs and new ideas.” Oisin agrees: “That is where we want to be. We’re really happy with the new sound and the new heavier influence, but we think we can go even further. And that’s exciting.”

Split The Ticket launch Cornerstone EP on Sunday 13th April at The Cluny, Newcastle. www.splittheticket.bandcamp.com

LAURA AND RACHEL LANCASTER

MACK SPROATES LEARNS ABOUT THE FASCINATING PROCESSES AND IDEAS BEHIND REMEMBER, SOMEWHERE, THE FIRST MAJOR EXHIBITION BY THE IDENTICAL TWIN PAINTERS

Identical twin sisters Laura and Rachel Lancaster are embarking on their first major exhibition together; Remember, Somewhere – a series of captivating paintings which invites the viewer to examine the crossovers and contrasts between the two prolific artists’ work.

Hailing from the North East, the sisters share a studio together in Ouseburn. They each have a distinctive, fascinating painting process that explores the breakdown of imagery by recreating them in paint. Chronicling each other’s work, Laura noted: “I would describe Rachel’s work as layered, luminous, intriguing,” and in return Rachel offered: “Laura’s work is process led, intuitive and expressive.”

Delving into their individual practices, Laura relayed her fondness of anonymous, analogue photography and how it informs her work. “The images I use were created at a time when people were more selective about the moments they chose to record as there was a finite amount of shots on the camera film,” she continued: “This lends the images a pathos and sense of coming from the flow of life which I’m drawn to.” Laura carefully wipes away paint in a more spontaneous manner, explaining her process as “very much about action and reaction.”

In juxtaposition, Rachel describes her process as a lot slower by “building up lots of thin layers of paint over time to build up a surface of marks.” Rachel sources imagery from overlooked 80s and 90s films, citing VHS tapes as inspiration which she absorbed growing up. “I deliberately choose imagery which you can’t pin down to a specific film as I like the imagery to be ambiguous/open.”

WE WANTED THE WORK TO DEVELOP NATURALLY AND COME OUT OF OUR IDEAS ABOUT PAINTING’S PHYSICALITY, ITS ABILITY TO BREAK DOWN AND REMAKE AN IMAGE

Despite the sisters’ magnificent, distinct styles, Remember, Somewhere is a conversation; a dialogue between them, and the bringing together of the two artist’s paintings displayed side by side, divulging into the interlaps of their work. The work feels alive, there’s a sense of flow and movement, delicately communicated through careful brush strokes, bold colours and use of light. Laura remarks: “We wanted the work to develop naturally and come out of our ideas about painting’s physicality, its ability to break down and remake an image.” Rachel added: “Both of our practices are concerned with ideas around paint as paint, and paint as illusion – and the playful relationship between them.”

It’s an intriguing notion to ‘rescue’ an image – whether it be forgotten memories on photographs or overlooked filmic imagery that moves between “clarity and blurriness of memory”; the sisters present the imagery as new to a viewer through their unique lens.

On the grandness of their first exhibition together, they both conveyed an excitement to have their work seen by Baltic’s wide audiences. I invited the painters to share any advice they would offer to young artists or anyone who’d like to work in the industry, and Laura expressed: “Don’t wait for ideal conditions to make work – find a way to keep working as best as you can on whatever scale works for you to keep pushing your ideas.” Rachel suggested: “Be adaptable and open minded. Let your ideas take you where you need to go, and follow them. Great quality documentation of your work is key!”

Remember, Somewhere is an unmissable chance to experience the outstanding art by two immensely talented artists and siblings. The exhibition runs at Baltic, Gateshead from Saturday 12th April-Sunday 12th October. www.instagram.com/laura__lancaster www.linktr.ee/rachellancaster

Image by Kuba Ryniewicz

THIS IS MIDDLESBROUGH MUSIC

CLAIRE DUPREE TALKS TO HENRY CARDEN ABOUT THE NEWEST MUSICAL CELEBRATION TO HIT TEESSIDE

You can’t have too much of a good thing, so a brand new all-day event in Middlesbrough showcasing some of the most exciting local and touring bands on the circuit is welcome indeed. This Is Middlesbrough takes place at Teesside University on Saturday 5th April, and has been organised by those behind the incredibly successful Twisterella, which celebrated its 10th anniversary with its most successful event to date last year. Co-promoter Henry Carden explains his desire, alongside fellow promoter Andy Carr, to offer music fans even more: “We decided that rather than growing the existing festival, we’d build on the blueprint with a new Spring edition. We’re launching this year with three stages but the long-term aim is to have five or six stages across multiple venues.”

While Twisterella (and hopefully This Is Middlesbrough) pull in the punters for a one-day event, there’s no denying that Middlesbrough can be a challenging environment for gigs. Closures of places like the Westgarth and Base Camp have hit the scene hard, but Henry’s full of praise for the likes of Industrial Coast, Toft House and Play for continuing to bring artists to the area. “The dynamics have shifted massively over the last few years – Tory (and now Labour) austerity policies, venue closures, changing habits after lockdown, the ‘cost of living’ etc., have all exacerbated the challenges that Teesside always faced.” Henry comments. “There’s always been an appetite from local audiences to discover new music and we’re very grateful for them putting their trust in us. Our first This Is Middlesbrough line-up features some of my favourite emerging artists from across the country and while they might not be household names, they’ll put on incredible performances and will no doubt pick up fans who’ll go see them on their next tours and follow their careers closely from here on in.”

This Is Middlesbrough’s debut line-up includes headline acts October Drift, whose epic indie rock has seen them gain international acclaim; the hedonistic art pop Krautrockers

THERE’S ALWAYS BEEN AN APPETITE FROM LOCAL AUDIENCES TO DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AND WE’RE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THEM PUTTING THEIR TRUST IN US

Mandrake Handshake; and self-described alt. indie pessimist Brodie Milner. The supporting cast includes hotly tipped artists like orchestral post-punks Martha May & The Mondays, fast-rising Scottish punks Soapbox, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Leif Coffield, noisy indie rock artist Indoor Foxes and soaring indie folk duo Lilo among others. The North East’s hottest acts also take starring roles, with sets from Pit Pony, Perfect Chicken, Dossers, Shakk & The NE Collective, We Tibetans, Robyn Errico, Northern Hospitality and Isabel Maria. Henry explains how important regional artists are to the line-up: “It’s important to note that any locals who play are there on merit, not because of their postcode. We genuinely believe they can go toe-to-toe with the best national and international emerging artists.”

Twisterella alumni have gone on to perform at other respected festivals like The Great Escape, Deershed and Dot To Dot, not to mention pick up management deals, national press and 6Music sessions after being tipped by the tastemaker team, and Henry’s proud to be able to help forge connections and ensure both artists and audiences have a great experience. “Most importantly, local artists get the opportunity to play to a full room of music lovers and they also get the chance to meet and make connections with some of the best emerging artists out there.”

www.twisterella.co.uk/boro

L-R, T-B: Indoor Foxes, Pit Pony, Irked by Victoria Wai

CHERRY BLUR

STEVE SPITHRAY TALKS TO THE NEWCASTLE VIA BELGIUM SINGER ABOUT HOW SHE HAS ALREADY ACHIEVED SUCH AN ACCOMPLISHED SOUND AHEAD OF HER DEBUT HEADLINE SHOW

A common gauge of talent is to be described by lazy journalists as ‘arriving fully formed’, so naturally brimming with creativity and performative ideas that it seems impossible to have not been honed over years. Of course it does happen. Durham brat poppers Zela’s debut headliner was a sold out Georgian Theatre show after releasing a couple of singles online during lockdown while Teesside newbies Perfect Chicken put on their own festival last year after a very small handful of shows of their own. Now step forward Newcastle’s Cherry Blur. Having only just released her debut single, Cool About It, in August last year the alt. popper and alter-ego of Isabel Rommen steps up for her first headline show this month ahead of third single, Sweet Treat, due out in early May. Isabel was keen to tell me more about the track from her forthcoming debut EP. “Sweet Treat” is my favourite song [from the EP] but I wanted to time it with the sun being out so I could sing, hear and play it with that summer vibe. It’s an alt. pop indie track about fancying someone, I guess!”

I asked Isabel about her musical background and unsurprisingly she has a pedigree stretching back to childhood. “It feels like I’ve been working towards this my entire life. I started singing lessons at four years old and since then I’ve never really considered any other options. I did some classical opera singing with the National Opera Choir in Belgium where I grew upwhich was really interesting and I learned a lot - but I always just wanted to sing pop music. I moved to Newcastle to study music in 2020 but spent not much time actually making music, so the last two years I have tried to make up for lost time by making as much music as possible.”

MUSIC

IT FEELS LIKE I’VE BEEN WORKING TOWARDS THIS MY ENTIRE LIFE

With a sound already so realised I was surprised Isabel found the music course stifling. “Music has always come quite naturally to me but as soon as I had assignments [to write music] it didn’t come as easily. However, now I feel like I’ve returned to my seven year old self writing songs on the playground. Uni gave me a solid foundation of how to make music and how the music industry works but I think the most important thing is talking to other people and understanding where these opportunities come from. There are a lot of people really wanting to help musicians and the grassroots venues here are really willing to help artists. My band is incredible and we’ve really been rehearsing this set. Every time I play it I want it to be better than the last time. I’m very big on faking it until I make it!”

So, what else can we expect from Cherry Blur this year, I wondered. “I’ve got a full album of demos ready but I am just figuring out how to actually fund the recording - but the thing with the right now is that I have no idea what will change with each release and performance as new opportunities could come and people start to notice me and feel connected to what I am putting out there…”

Cherry Blur plays Newcastle’s Cluny 2 on Thursday 3rd April. www.instagram.com/cherryblurmusic

NEWCASTLE PUPPETRY FESTIVAL

IF YOU LIKE…

GETTING CRAFTY

If you’re keen to get hands-on in the puppet making process, there are plenty of ways you can give it a go. There’s a two day Whirl-a-Bird Puppet Making Course run by Chloe Rodham, or, if you’ve more time on your hands, the six-day course exploring and creating a beastly puppet character, inspired by “gurning gargoyles, creatures from folklore, ancient tales, mythology or your own dreams and imagination.”

You can even explore the more experimental, darker side of puppetry, with a range of adult-geared workshops taking on more serious themes and ideas.

LEARNING ABOUT THE ARTS

You can learn more about the amazing experts behind the projects brought to the Newcastle Puppetry Festival, by attending Q&As with local animator, puppeteer and model maker Chloe Rodham; Yorkshire-based puppeteer and producer William Steele; and Dutch theatre legends t’Magisch Theatertje (who are performing and UK-premiering Panta Rhei II and Cantos Animata at this year’s festival). These sessions will provide the perfect opportunity to learn more about the secrets behind the craft, and ask those burning questions you will certainly have.

STAGE

WORDS: JOE SHARPLES

From Saturday 19th-Sunday 27th April, you can get your puppetry fix (if you knew you needed such a thing), as the Newcastle Puppetry Festival returns to the city. With a varied programme which includes shows, workshops, talks, films and outdoor theatre, it’s very much aimed at adults as well as families and children. From giant puppets roaming Northumberland Street (including a Jabberwocky and accompanying accordionist), to faux magic comedy shows and Q&As with the puppeteers to learning how to make your own puppet, there is something for everyone in this week-long festival which is certain to have you on strings and prove that puppetry is not just for children. www.movingpartsarts.com

LIVE PERFORMANCES

One of the main offerings of the Newcastle Puppetry Festival is the extensive collection of live shows. With themes ranging from the whimsical to the woeful, the playful to the profound, and the silly to the suggestive, there is undoubtedly a show for all interests.

Performances include: the adults-only Moving Parts Puppet Cabaret, bringing puppet-based mayhem; the UK premiere of Panta Rhei, which promises to carry you away in a world of magic and dreams; The Stuff of Life, another adults-only show which tackles “the very fabric of existence” via kitchen paraphernalia; Cantos Animata, a UK premiere combining puppets, masks, music and movement to explore a story open-to-interpretation; and a faux magic comedy show featuring puppetry, camp surprises, absurdism, hip-hop, deluded illusions, singing and dancing. Most of the live performances take place between Northern Stage and Great North Museum: Hancock.

Opening the festival on Saturday 19th April will be a series of free outdoor theatre performances on Northumberland Street, where giant puppets will take over Newcastle’s busiest street. And be sure to catch the Toon Underground community parade, happening at 2pm; it will feature 150 local residents and artists, and celebrate all things ‘underground’ in Newcastle, including the Metro network, burrowing creatures and mushrooms and fungi.

Jabberwocky by Rag and Bone

Toon Underground Parade

Panta Rhei II by t’Magich Theatertje

FUTURE COLLABORATIONS

AutismAble is a service aimed at helping people with Autism Spectrum Conditions, to enable, empower and enrich the lives of its members across the North East. I spoke to Service Development Director Andrew Forster about Future Collaborations Festival, an annual showcase event that brings together neurodivergent and neurotypical people, as well as established artists and young students from AutismAble’s music tuition programme, in an inclusive environment that provides crucial learning and development opportunities for its members.

“Future Collaborations is a Youth Music-funded programme that we have been running since 2022. It is essentially a grassroots music tuition programme that encourages both neurodivergent and neurotypical participants to enrol and collaborate, often in shared learning groups,” explained Andrew. “The idea for a festival originally emerged from course lead tutor Ian Black [aka multi-instrumentalist and weird-pop artist SLUG]. He suggested expanding the programme into a larger-scale event that would bring together established musicians and bands alongside neurodiverse artists who had participated in the programme. We then spoke to music promoter David Littlefair, who suggested that the Arts Council might be interested in this work and he then supported us with

WE HOPE THAT SOME OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED WILL TRANSITION INTO EMPLOYMENT WITHIN THE INDUSTRY, WHETHER AS MUSICIANS, EVENT COORDINATORS OR TECHNICAL SUPPORT STAFF

the application, which was successful.”

This year Future Collaborations comes to Pop Recs Ltd. in Sunderland on Saturday 26th April and will feature Warm Digits, Me Lost Me, Camel Island, OldMan and Samuel Frame, alongside bands that have formed through the programme such as Token, Erratics and Ophir, and The AutismAble Youth Music Group. As well as the music, the festival also offers its members invaluable opportunities for events and music industry experience in areas such as stage management, sound and lighting, ticket sales, road crew support, ushering, health and safety, marketing, refreshments, artist liaison and clean up.

Going forward, the festival hopes to raise awareness within the local music scene and with local music venues and promoters to ensure more opportunities for people who are neurodiverse to perform, in environments that can perhaps be challenging and problematic. I asked Andrew what he and AutismAble’s hopes were for Future Collaboration Festival in the years to come.

“Our goal is to establish Future Collaborations as an annual event, continuing to create positive experiences for all involved while increasing awareness of autism and neurodiversity within the wider community. In the long-term, we aspire for the festival to become financially self-sustaining through ticket sales. We hope that some of the young people involved will transition into employment within the industry, whether as musicians, event coordinators or technical support staff.

“Ultimately, our ideal vision would be to hand over the festival’s leadership to our students, allowing them to take full ownership of the event as a grassroots festival, with Ian and myself stepping into supportive advisory roles where needed.”

www.instagram.com/futurecollabfest

L-R: Me Lost Me by Amelia Read, Warm Digits by Victoria Wai

LISTINGS

THE BEST OF THE REST… EVEN MORE ALTERNATIVE MUSIC, THEATRE, COMEDY, ART AND FILM TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST THIS MONTH

TUESDAY 1ST APRIL

GURRIERS

High energy Irish guitar quintet // The Cluny, Newcastle

NERYS JOHNSON: DISABILITY AND PRACTISE

Exhibition celebrating the and work of local artist whose work explores Nerys’ lived experience of rheumatoid arthritis and the subsequent impact of disability // Laing Art Gallery

THURSDAY 3RD APRIL

DANGER: DIABOLIK

Film screening: this crime caper based on a comic book, a master thief and his lover pull off various heists while evading cops and criminals // Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

EDDI READER

A welcome return to The Fire Station for the inimitable BRIT-winning Scottish singer Eddi Reader, with support from MG Boulter // The Fire Station, Sunderland

FRIDAY 4TH APRIL

ENCHANTÉ

New drag show by Phoebe LaReine starring local drag talent from Sweet Boy, Pebble Dash and Veggie Stripper // Prohibition Cabaret Bar

FRANKLAND QUARTET & DOV GOLDBERG

Lunchtime concert with four of the UK’s most experienced chamber musicians now living in the North East. They are joined by clarinettist Dov Goldberg // The Lit and Phil, Newcastle

PIT PONY

Fuzzy garage rockers head to Sunderland for the first date of their new album tour // Pop Recs

POST ROME

The four piece head to Sunderland with support from Red Remedy and more TBA // Independent, Sunderland

LESLEY ROLEY

Local singer songwriter providing moving soulful vocals and folk pop melodies // Prohibition Cabaret Bar

SATURDAY 5TH APRIL

THE SUGGESTIBLES

Comedy show where the ingenious team has no script, no score, and no idea what they are about to do. Expect an edge-ofyour-seat joyride made up of hysterical theatrics all inspired by your suggestions // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle

Q&A SIDES WITH TIM BURGESS

Fans of The Charlatans are in for a treat this April with Q&A Sides with Tim Burgess, an intimate evening of acoustic music and conversation // The Fire Station, Sunderland

SUNDAY 6TH APRIL

HANS ZIMMER & FRIENDS: DIAMOND IN THE DESERT SCREENING

The film captures an extraordinary live performance of some of Zimmer’s most revered compositions, including music from Dune, Gladiator, Interstellar, The Lion King, and much more // The Fire Station, Sunderland

PATRICK MONAHAN

High energy comedian brings his new show

The Talkinator, where he attempts to out-talk chat bots and robots // The Stand, Newcastle

SHALALA

North East five piece specialising in jazz, funk, swing and ballads // Prohibition Cabaret Bar

SUTHERING FOLK DUO

Beautifully matched singers with perfect harmonies bring fresh, luscious folk songs with an important message // The Hearth, Newcastle

THE BAD SEED

Film screening: before Patrick Bateman there was Rhoda Penmark: an eight year old girl with pigtails who isn’t going to let a little murder stop her from smiling // Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

TUESDAY 8TH APRIL

EMPIRE RECORDS

Film screening: Joe runs Empire Records, a beloved indie store. When slacker Lucas loses store money gambling, the staff bands together to save it from corporate takeover // Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

WEDNESDAY 9TH APRIL

ANATOLE MUSTER (TRIO)

Talented young Swiss London musician brings a unique, diverse and modern approach to jazz // Cluny 2

THURSDAY 10TH APRIL

FAST BLOOD

Newcastle punk rockers are joined by a class line up of darkwave duo Holly Braille plus noise rock from Zilch Patrol // The Cumberland Arms

ONLY THE RIVER FLOWS

Film screening: a police captain is sent to lead a murder case in a remote hamlet where the homicide unit is run from an old cinema // Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

FRIDAY 11TH APRIL

BAYBOARDS

The electric Manchester band head up to the North East // Zerox, Newcastle

DIEDRE O’KANE

Comedic fireball mercilessly mines hilarity from the human condition // Northern Stage GANS

The band bring their Something Else tour to North Shields, with support from TV Death // The Engine Room, North Shields

MARK CARROLL AND PAUL TAYLOR

A lunchtime concert with two inimitable harpsichord and piano players // The Lit and Phil, Newcastle

RIVERSIDE RAGAS: AMRITA KAUR

Magical soulful Punjabi folk singer brings a sparkle of Bollywood to the stage // The Glasshouse

FEATURED //

Top Flight Time Machine

Andy Dawson and Sam Delaney bring their nonsensical and witty hit podcast to a live audience which covers a range of topics from football to ghosts to coins and more comedy silliness. From 11th - 13th April // Pop Recs, Sunderland

SATURDAY 12TH

APRIL

IMELDA MAY

Celebrated Irish singer, poet, actor and activist brings intimate, stripped back versions of some of her works spanning from blues, rock, soul and jazz // The Glasshouse

JOHN MOUSE

Welsh musician and songwriter celebrated for his inventive blend of indie-pop, alternative rock, and more recently, electronic music // Independent, Sunderland

MARISA AND THE MOTHS

Rising artist with powerhouse vocals known for her unique alt rock exploring mental health, trauma and sexuality // The Grove, Newcastle

NOTHING IN RAMBLING

Naming themselves after the 1940 Memphis Minnie penned song Nothing in Rambling, Sister Suzie and Andy Twyman will be taking us on a journey through Mississippi and Louisiana, with support from Ani Sandwith // Claypath Delicatessen, Durham

SUNDAY 13TH APRIL

THE LAST TIME

The indie pop four piece hold a hometown show to celebrate their debut single Feel It Now // The Ship Isis, Sunderland

KARL PHILIPS AND THE REJECTS

Hard hitting fast paced punk ska band visits Newcastle with support from singalong skate punks Melodic Disaster and high octane garage punksters The Unnamed // Trillians

WEDNESDAY 16TH APRIL

EX-VOID

Flat Four Record and Portions for Foxes presents the stylised indie rock band // The Cumberland Arms

THURSDAY 17TH APRIL

AN EVENING WITH THE MAGPIE ARC

Folk rock supergroup bring some unique solo sets followed by a groovy set by the full band // The Glasshouse

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Film screening: told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, the groundbreaking rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar explores the last days of Jesus in Roman-occupied Jerusalem // Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

FRIDAY 18TH APRIL

FEATURED // Gabriel Moreno

The Gibraltarian songwriter and poet returns to Hartlepool after a previous sellout. The travelling troubadour will play songs from his sixth studio album, Nights In The Belly of Bohemia // Nursery Inn, Hartlepool

LITTLE BUILDINGS CHARITY GIG

A Good Friday event with 7 incredible bands: Priapism, Gods Of Hellfire, Carousel, Bad Smell, Hijack, Mantis and Meet The Byker Bigfoot // Little Buildings, Newcastle

MIKE GARRY

An extravaganza of expression with the Mancunian poet on Good Friday // The Engine Room, North Shields

SATURDAY 19TH APRIL

FEATURED //

Twin Peaks - Who Killed Laura Palmer?

Screening of season 2 part 1: it’s been 25 years since Laura Palmer died, now find out who killed her with the classic episodes leading up to the shocking revelation // Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

SUNDAY 20TH APRIL

A ZOMBIE FILM FOR EASTER - HARD ROCK ZOMBIES

Film screening as part of a Star and Shadow Easter tradition: a band rises from the grave for one last show. Also features a werewolf grandma, Secret Hitler, and some glorious mullets // Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

TUESDAY 22ND APRIL

GHOST STORIES

The terrifying, haunting west-end hit full of twists and turns brings terrifying spooky tales to the toon, the ultimate love letter to horror imagined onstage. From 22nd - 26th April // Theatre Royal, Newcastle

WEDNESDAY 23RD APRIL

DAVID HALDANE IN CONVERSATION WITH ED WAUGH

Ed Waugh chats to David Haldane, who has been a topical and political cartoonist for 50 years // The Lit and Phil, Newcastle

THURSDAY 24TH APRIL

THE MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN

Film screening: Maria embarks on a career that enmeshes her in the psychic and economic rebuilding of the country // Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

OUT OF YOUR HEAD

A night celebrating the regions multitude of poetry talent // The Cumberland Arms

WELLY

The indie-Britpop-rockers are back up North East for more // Three Tanners Bank, North Shields

FRIDAY 25TH APRIL

HMRC

Multi genre post punk with support from Beano and Perfect Chicken // The Common Rooms, Newcastle

VASILIS XENOPOULOS & PAUL EDIS

A fantastic pairing at this Lunchtime Jazz concert with Vasilis Xenopoulos (saxophone) and Paul Edis (piano) // The Lit and Phil, Newcastle

SATURDAY 26TH APRIL

Lightning Threads

Electrifying high energy trio fusing vintage blues with a modern rock edge, with support from surf rock legends, The Milk Lizards // The Cluny, Newcastle

Name of the Dame

Name of the Dame is the fast-paced, comedy-two-hander that left audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in stitches. The hour-long play is written and performed by comedians Kate McCabe and Adam Perrott // Laurel's, Whitley Bay

THE HOT SEATS

For 22 years, The Hot Seats from Richmond Virginia have gained a reputation as purveyors of goodtime American roots music. Support from Bertie Armstrong and Niles Krieger // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle

ROSES IN DECEMBER

Geordie alt rock madness, with support from Idle Hands // Three Tanners Bank, North Shields

ROMANCE TO REALITIES: THE NORTHERN LANDSCAPE AND SHIFTING IDENTITIES

Exhibition exploring 200 years of landscape painting in Scotland and the North of England, closing April 26th // Laing Art Gallery

SUNDAY

27TH APRIL

KELSY KARTER & THE HEROINES

Aussie-British rock & roll band // The Grove, Newcastle

THE JAZZ JAM SANDWICH

Hosted by Rivkala, Mollie Nature and Liam Oliver host an event for musicians and audiences to connect through music // Prohibition Cabaret Bar

SCAFFOLDING

Explosive new show exploring the power of strength, love and community following the journey of Sheridan, who is navigating the closure of her church and the grasps of adult social care // The Hearth, Newcastle

MONDAY 28TH APRIL

FEATURED // Kate Butch

This comedy crossdresser will delight audiences with a glorious take on Kate Bush anthems with the new show

Wuthering Sh*tes with support from comedian Ciara O’Connor // Dance City, Newcastle

TARTINE DE CLOUS + POWTES

Melancholic francophone traditional song trio with support form alt. folk group Powtes // The Cumberland Arms

TUESDAY 29TH APRIL

PIG HEART BOY

The story of a school boy who yearns for a normal life despite having a pig’s heart. Running until 3rd May // Theatre Royal, Newcastle

REVIEWS

LOU SANDERS @ TYNE THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE, NEWCASTLE (06.03.25)

Words: Lee Fisher

The trouble with being a Stewart Lee fan is that it leads to you analysing and second guessing everything other comics do: was that slip up planned? Is this random tangent actually a carefully constructed device? It can get in the way of just sitting back and enjoying the show, and this is particularly true of Lou Sanders, whose current show No Kissing In The Bingo Hall feels loose as hell, and barely structured at all. But she’s a veteran stand-up who surely knows exactly what she’s doing?

The first half of the show was a lovably shambolic ‘chat show’ as she coerced three punters onstage to perch on an unwieldy inflatable sofa and answer questions about jobs, pets and wank socks. Sanders’ warmth and easy way with people shone through, as did her admirable willingness to think “is this gag going too far? Ah, fuck it…”. The second half was more of a standard set and covered solid topics like ageing, confidence, dating and pissing yourself on Dancing On Ice (okay, that’s not so standard). Everything felt so loose it seemed more like a WIP show than a big tour, the material only just hanging together and her ditzy, breathless style sometimes serving to undermine some of her punchlines. But it was a lot of fun nonetheless and finishes with a brilliant visual gag that I shan’t ruin.

THE BUG CLUB, GETDOWN SERVICES @ POP RECS LTD., SUNDERLAND

Words: Lee Hammond

From past experience The Bug Club always have excellent support bands and tonight was no different, the brilliant Getdown Services took to the stage in rather exuberant form. With songs like Get Back Jamie, Caesar and Crisps, they’re a difficult band to describe, but sit somewhere between Sleaford Mods and The Streets. It’s an excellent way to open the night, paving the way for The Bug Club to take the stage on equally fine form.

The Bug Club fly through their set in typically wonderful fashion; their distinct brand of driving indie rock lends itself to these raucous short

tracks. They lean heavily on latest record On The Intricate Workings Of The Inner System, however these tracks feel like old favourites straight from the off, with A Bit Like James Bond, Lonsdale Slipons and War Movies all highlights of the night.

Marriage, Clapping In Time and Short and Round all provoke the perfect crowd reactions. The Bug Club are a band who like to have fun, and you can tell they’re not there to take themselves too seriously. They appear to be feeding off the crowd’s energy as their set flies by in almost a blink of an eye, they’re a band on top of their game right now with yet another brilliant record and are equally impressive live.

SHE DREW THE GUN, PAIGE KENNEDY, FAITHFUL JOHANNES & NEOCIA @ THE GROVE, NEWCASTLE (18.02.25)

Words: Tracy Hyman

She Drew The Gun welcome us to their room, albeit a large room with a stage, a lamp and a few hundred watching eyes. The five-piece play songs from all four studio albums, interspersed with Louisa’s poetic song introductions.

First up are Faithful Johannes and Neocia with their nostalgia-filled tracks, spoken word flowing effortlessly over electronic beats and synths. Quirky yet very relatable, Faithful Johannes hands out advice slips at one point; apparently, I need to check my Vitamin D. The delicate ambiance fills our heads along with tales of cleaning up used needles for Tesco, sneaking out of the house and being raised by TV. Paige Kennedy is firmly on my ‘must see again list’ after this performance. They usually play with a band, but with just Paige this was still a fully immersive move your feet experience. Delightfully wonky synth pop, the songs ooze infectious energy.

She Drew The Gun are no strangers to the North East. They resonate with the room, laughing in all the right places, shouting back Who’s Next On The List when required. There’s a strength in the words, both in the spoken interludes and in the lyrics within the songs. The social commentary of the everyday, of coping and existing, interweaves throughout. It’s a cathartic togetherness that only She Drew The Gun can bring.

The Bug Club by Victoria Wai

MAX COOPER, BECKY WOODCOCK @ THE GLASSHOUSE, GATESHEAD (28.02.25)

Words: Damian Robinson

There’s chilled out club-vibes on The Glasshouse concourse tonight on entry courtesy of a DJ set from Becky Woodcock. Setting the perfect scene, Woodcock’s selector skills are bang on for tonight’s downtempo trip-hop from electric pioneer Max Cooper. Playing to clearly a favourable crowd, Cooper plays a varied set as he matches his electronic soundscapes to a kaleidoscope of stunning 3D visuals. Reminiscent in parts of Kraftwerk’s audio-visual extravaganza Minimum Maximum, it’s the heavier, more DnB moments that are most impactful tonight; combining heavy breaks with stunning social science and behavioural economic visuals, subtly referencing social media addiction, mindless capitalism and urban landscapes.

Set across a range of techno/breakbeat moments, Cooper’s two-hour set shines by framing his music inside visual stories including human fragility and ecosystem collapse – it’s a stunningly ambitious project which pays off hugely on both the musical and visual fronts. Kudos to the technical and staging prowess of The Glasshouse and their ability to maximise the show’s audio and visual moments. As one show ends another begins, and it’s left to Becky Woodcock to return to the concourse and play us out with more ambient and mellow moments. A great show and some great curation from The Glasshouse.

RICHARD DAWSON, FAYE MCCALMAN @ THE LUBBER FIEND, NEWCASTLE

(19.02.25)

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

Faye McCalman is an extraordinarily good jazz musician, tonight she demonstrates playful, imaginative and technical saxophone and clarinet, augmented through loop pedals effects. The three pieces she performs are truly transportative; melodically rich, texturally gorgeous and profoundly imaginative. Whether or not these songs happen to be about an alien fish travelling through time or not, they are mesmerically engaging.

Rich(ard) caveats his set at the start by telling us that he is a bit under the weather, but you wouldn’t have known. Drawing mostly from his

exceptional new record, End Of The Middle, these songs showcase what he is tremendous at – dextrous, idiosyncratic guitar playing and beautiful writing. He’s in fine form conversationally in spite of ailments; his surreal, candid sense of humour punctuating a set of wonderful songs. The set opens with Polytunnel, truly a succinct summation of everything he does well, heart-breaking, commonplace lyrics that take on a form of impressionism, and a litany of melodic twists and turns. Gondola is one of his best ever songs, while the genuinely exceptional The Question ends with some colourful improvisation. Boxing Day Sales provides a dose of musical, if not lyrical, levity, and Richard closes the set with old favourite Ghost Of A Tree. The familiarity of it all does not obfuscate how special an artist he is.

PARASTATIC, WATCHERS, LATE GIRL @ STAR & SHADOW CINEMA, NEWCASTLE (01.03.25)

Words: Lee Fisher

I’ve seen Late Girl a few times and the set is always so different, notwithstanding some sounds and sequences being repurposed. Tonight it was heavy on the malfunctioning machines, electronic glossolalia, fractured rave and heavily processed samples (is that rave stab a thumb piano? A guitar?). Anxious urban overload visuals add to the intensity, and in the middle of the maelstrom, Late Girl being calm and considered. Her voice is even stronger too, whether declaiming, keening or almost chanting.

Watchers really aren’t for me. It’s stadium indie – competently played, the dynamics textbook – but the influences are too obvious: a New Order riff, a Coldplay climax, an Arcade Fire vocal, lots of Echo & The Bunnymen. It’s like they’re trying too hard to be anthemic.

Parastatic were unreal tonight. Even Neil from the band admitted it might be the best they’ve ever played. The return of original drummer Jonnie is a key factor – things are undeniably more thunderous – but it’s the addition of Late Girl/Laura that took this gig to another level, kinda punk as fuck but also a still centre to the waves of glorious Kraut/ post-rock Parastatic were sending out. When Neil and Jon’s guitars intertwine it’s sheer bliss and the whole thing builds and builds (but never goes for the easy climax). Where Parastatic go next I don’t know, but right now they’re absolutely at the top of their games.

Richard Dawson by David Wala

DOVES, WHITE FLOWERS @ BOILER SHOP, NEWCASTLE (27.02.25)

Words: Michael O’Neill

White Flowers may not initially seem like a wise match for the post-Britpop titans, but once the duo (augmented by a phenomenal drummer) kick into their opening set, it’s clear they’re a force to be reckoned with. The live drums and guitar interact brilliantly with the huge washes of synth, providing a marvellous sound-world for the powerful and gloriously melodic vocals, making for a great introduction to a phenomenal night of anthemic glory.

Doves’ frontman Jimi is naturally missed on stage as he takes time out for mental health reasons, but Jez (guitar) and Andy Williams (drums) do a phenomenal job of stepping up to the task of leading the band, with Jez taking on the majority of lead vocals. The result does some solid justice to one of the finest songbooks in the British guitar-rock pantheon, with a setlist that mixes the obligatory anthems (Pounding, Black and White Town) with classic deep cuts (the immaculate Sea Song and the profoundly moving Cycle of Hurt). The live band flesh out the sound in Jimi’s absence, with his gloriously fluid basslines being expertly replicated and the addition of a second guitarist providing a solid wall of sound. All in all, it’s a welcome victory lap from the majestic Mancs.

NAPALM DEATH, CROWBAR, FULL OF HELL, BRAT @ NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION (06.03.25)

Words: Jamie Huntley

Napalm Death are back in town with the tour that keeps on giving. The legendary grindcore band are treating us once again with the Campaign For Musical Destruction tour, which has survived for over 30 years now thanks to its consistent delivery of extreme metal acts and this year doesn’t disappoint. The pioneers of grindcore are joined by Brat, a New Orleans-based female-fronted grindcore band who aren’t afraid to drop a Britney Spears sample as an intro, which works surprisingly well. Full of Hell, an American grindcore band who mix electronics and guttural vocals, plus New Orleans’ sludge metal band Crowbar, who deliver a more slow doom metal-style sound crossed with the aggression of

punk.

Eager fans were ready for the iconic Napalm Death after such an excellent set of bands. Vocalist Barney Greenway’s energy erupts on stage and it’s mirrored in the crowd who clearly feel the presence of the band up on stage. With a huge set list of 24 songs, fans were left satisfied with tracks from the band’s debut album Scum through to more recent tracks such as Contagion. Songs interspersed with Barney’s positive political messages was actually pretty nice to hear and could change a few people’s preconceived notions on death metal. The band’s relevance and strength shines through, and the great turn out of new and young fans speaks volumes. Long may the Campaign For Musical Destruction continue.

WEATHERSHIP, CHURCH HONEY, ROBYN ERRICO @ TOWN HALL COURTROOM, MIDDLESBROUGH (07.03.25)

Words: Steve Spithray

Fitting that a venue with a literal glass ceiling should be the one where Weathership metaphorically break through it. However, as beautifully curated as the venue, tonight’s line-up is led by a resplendent Robyn Errico who opened court chambers with her piano-led pop and orchestral flourishes, with Robyn herself acknowledging the effect of the setting on her music. Next up, Church, Honey incorporated a New York-themed theatre show into their set of singer-songwriter folk, and while the subject matter might be a little lost the songs certainly stack up; with a little finesse the three-piece may have a fine conceptual show on their hands.

Sailing in on an ocean wave, though, are Weathership, who hit the sea paddling with fan favourites Lost At Sea and The Blue, which sound weirdly muggy in the high ceilinged venue but, props to the sound guy, The Swimmer and newie Broken Health (heavier and featuring singer Jim and lead guitarist Snowy dualling lead guitar duties) sound majestic. Elsewhere, Through The Fog and For The Dark Is Beautiful are as epic as ever, uplifting and odes to living life to the full, because beyond all the dramatic atmospherics and nautical touchpoints it’s Weathership’s time to fly.

Doves by Sam Wall

ANTONY SZMIEREK, GETDOWN SERVICES @ BOILER SHOP, NEWCASTLE (08.03.25)

Words: Jonathan Coll

Antony Szmierek has come a long way and it’s little surprise that his career has gone from strength to strength in the last 18 months. Nowhere was this more apparent than at Boiler Shop tonight. Supported by the effervescent Getdown Services, an anarchic, silly Bristol-based duo and excellent warm-up for Szmierek’s bouncy, disco- inspired spoken word bangers. Taking the stage, he kicked off with some fan favourites including the outstanding Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Fallacy, before easing into some of the (relatively) older crowd pleasers. Working Classic is a beautiful tune, but the undoubted highlight was a tremendous curveball when he pulled out a cover of Robbie Williams’ Feel. His sets are a whole lot of fun and he’s become an incredibly accomplished performer in no time at all. His musical stylings do feel somewhat better suited to the rough and ready surroundings of smaller venues he has played in the city previously. His new album sounded brilliant but it takes a lot for that to translate into a much bigger venue. Sadly, on this particular night, some of that secret sauce was missing. This has little to do with Antony as a performer, and his latest album is undoubtedly the finest work of his nascent career but instead reflects the necessary growing pains of a contemporary British artist as they move up our musical food-chain.

WHITE DENIM, PLANTOID @ WYLAM BREWERY, NEWCASTLE (05.03.25)

Words: Damian Robinson

It’s a frightening good start from tonight’s openers Plantoid, as the experimental rock band jam and weave their way around an early start at Wylam Brewery. Fierce, musical and carving an ability to open it right up or tighten it right in, the band are an ideal warm-up for the technically outstanding White Denim. Filled with bursts of energy, White Denim use their five-piece combination well, propelling moments of classic, heavy rock to the highest of highs. Technically excellent, the set ebbs and flows across their two-hour circa 30 song show, making guitars shine as they take bluesy, groovy, elements (At Night In Dreams, Moves On, You Wanted To)

and combine them with gentler, but still proficient, moments (Take It Easy) which still burst with 70s style grooves and falsettos. Appearing to improvise both the set, and the outros and jams, as they go, White Denim are on spectacular form tonight and there are genuine moments when you can’t help but be astounded by the interplay of the five musicians and their ability to perform with such wizardry. There’s a point towards the middle where, seemingly having warmed up fully, they open Thank You right up with such a deep groove and subtle guitar proficiency you could be sure you were watching Prince and the NPG. You really can’t get better than that. Thank you indeed.

TRANSTOCK @ THE GLOBE, NEWCASTLE (15.03.25)

Words: Mack Sproates

Euphoria is the only word to describe the magnificent Transtock. With a jam-packed line-up and sold out crowd, I was in for the greatest treat of my queer punk dreams.

Opening act was the wonderful Jade Mia Broadhead, her presence fierce yet warm with her signature blends of political and personal jams. AJ Mckenna brought humorous and daring poetical musings, whilst Alice Skye recited endearing, reflective poetry, beautifully channelling pain into something powerful. Beth Warbuton radiated joy; her highly evocative vocals carried lovely melodies throughout some really special original songs exploring trans love. That Clare was magnetic, launching into courageous catchy folk punk tunes with driving guitar riffs and gorgeous, dreamy vocals. Alexx Munro was pure pop-punk brilliance – a fantastic, funny performer whose gleeful energy lit up the room with roaring lyrics and massive riffs with a tinkly edge. Hearing Dinky Bossetti’s trans anthems live for the first time was extraordinary, rocking the stage with their irresistibly fun, fiery energy which had the whole room bouncing. Last up were the radgy grunge bandits Gaydar, who dripped with ferocious dirty riffs, glorious battle cries and addictive grimy punk tunes.

Transtock was a triumphant celebration of the power of queer, DIY grassroots community, and a reminder to stay hopeful, defiant and kind in the face of hate. Next year can’t come soon enough!

White Denim by David Wala

TRACKS

(PLEASE TRY TO GET IN TOUCH 8-6 WEEKS AHEAD OF THE MONTH OF RELEASE)

MC HALO FEAT. 90BRO 4AM

Words: Lily Pratt

4AM is a hauntingly raw and electrifyingly melancholic track by Sunderland artist MC Halo featuring 90BRO. The track conflates rap with hypnotic, electronic bass to negotiate the politics of loss and addiction. 4AM reminds us that pleasure and pain, whilst seemingly separate entities, are often entwined. The despairing track is marked with a feeling of anger that love is not the most powerful substance, and ultimately culminates in a complex resignation of human doom. The song possesses powerful qualities of storytelling, lamenting on a girl’s descent into addiction. “I fell in love with the idea of you… never worship false idols, but she was the truth.” With a release date of April 12th, 4AM blends grit with dynamism to weave a tale of personal grief.

Released: 12.04.25

www.linktr.ee/mchalo88

FRENCH EXCHANGE

SPEAK FRENCH

Words: Laura Rosierse

Speak French is an angelic new alternative pop release driven by hazy vocals that blend English and French like they’re the same language. Indie pop duo French Exchange shared an irresistible and tongue-in-cheek track with us about the allure of a foreign accent. Its vocals and narrative are supported by a softly thumping soundscape which seamlessly combines elements of commercial electro pop and soft indie hooks. Steadily building on a mix of spoken and sung vocals, the song is a refreshing listen, standing out from others within this modern musical landscape by mixing charming vocals with an eclectic synth-driven pop sound. Or as they put it themselves; “radio-friendly wonky pop with addictive melodies”.

Released: 03.04.25

www.linktr.ee/frenchxchng

IVIES I DON’T WANNA CARE

Words: Niamh Poppleton

Indie-pop band ivies’ most recent release, i don’t wanna care, comments on the struggles of being a chronic people pleaser and the commonality of selfconsciousness in the digital age. The track combines emotionally vulnerable lyrics with an upbeat musical facade, the composition represents the very nature of being a people pleaser: hiding your true feelings behind a happy disguise. Throughout the track, a seamless blend of drums and guitars create an almost summer-like feeling. The Durham-based band shares a musical likeness with Beach Bunny and 90s American indie bands such as Madder Rose, while saluting artists like The Backseat Lovers, Peach Pit and Billie Eilish. i don’t wanna care is a poignant mix of sorrowful truths and cheerful energy.

Released: 04.04.25

www.linktr.ee/ivies

NOAH AJC HAZARD

Words: Amelia Neri

Energetic, catchy and authentic, Hazard is the introspective new offering from Teesside-based soloist noah ajc. Blending influences from both pop and indie icons such as Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Griff and The 1975, the young artist effortlessly creates vibrant, danceable tunes that demand to be heard. And at just fifteen years old, his music is already worth the hype. From managing self-esteem, to living with ADHD, Hazard sees the Redcar native take a deep-dive into personal musings on life as a modern-day teenager. Well composed, with bubbly effervescent synths bouncing over melodic piano motifs, Hazard is a passionately crafted, from-the-heart piece that is as personal as it is relatable.

Released: 04.04.25

www.noahajc.co.uk

MAT HUNSLEY JUST THE FAMILY INSIDE

Words: Amelia Neri

The latest offering from alt. folk soloist Mat Hunsley is a delicate, grounded and sweetly intimate ode on love and marriage. The Newcastle native invites us on a roller-coaster ride down memory lane as he recounts the turbulent build-up to his wedding during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the prevalent themes of uncertainty, Hunsley’s reassuring guitar melody and lilting strings help assuage any rising anxiety, mirroring the artist’s compassion towards his bride. Hunsley’s silvery vocals dance over mellow, flowing instrumentals, giving the track a hypnotic quality that soothes like a lullaby. Much like Hunsley’s wedding itself, the track symbolises peace, triumph and hope amidst chaos. It is the slice of heaven in the middle of hell, reminding us that bad times never last forever.

Released: 16.04.25

www.linktr.ee/hunsleymat

LABYRINTHINE OCEANS EVERYONE WAS ALIVE EP

Words: Joe Sharples

everyone was alive, the new EP from Newcastle-formed Labyrinthine Oceans, soars through a grungy but heavenly soundscape, defined by dreamy melodies and loud walls of noise. Ethereal vocals flutter above it all in places, whilst anchoring it down with grit in others. When the group aren’t floating through 90s-inspired rock, they’re shredding out impressive guitar solos on lost to the colour or smashing the overdrive in untitled. Their dreamy aura is supported by instrumental coordination between driving bass, electric guitar and rolling drum passages. Contrasts aren’t limited to being between songs either; each piece is a sonic journey in itself, building up before crashing back down to reality, forming an undulating EP exploring dark themes of depression and grief.

Released: 25.04.25 www.labyrinthineoceans.com

EARTH FARM ALWAYS SICK

Words: Laura Rosierse

Earth Farm have once again shared a powerful and enigmatic alternative rock release with strong vocals and deliciously slick riffs. Always Sick is their first in a series of new releases, cementing the band’s position within the regional music industry. Earth Farm’s raw and gracefully unrefined live shows always leave quite the impression, and so does this new release which captures that raw live energy, bottles it up, and spits it out, demanding to be listened and bopped along to. The single is a playful jab at a fictional character, and a reminder that we all get a little sick sometimes. Since they already have a great reputation as a live act, Always Sick will get them their well-earned rep as recording artists, too!

Released: 04.04.25

www.linktr.ee/earthfarm

LOUISE MOUNTAIN SUNBEAMS

Words: Simon Lunt

Sunbeams is book-ended with ethereal vocals which scoop the listener up for a harmonious, melancholic and introspective journey before dropping them off gently, feeling pleasantly warmed up. Fans of First Aid Kit will soak up the approach of Louise Mountain who manages to layer a simple acoustic bed, complimentary percussion and a beautiful voice whilst resisting the urge to sing in a mock American accent which helps Sunbeams to remain authentic throughout. Building on the success of her first single Reminds me of you, if this single is a sign of how brightly Louise will shine over the next few years then you may want to stock up on the factor 50 now.

Released: 04.04.25

www.linktr.ee/louisemountain

OUTRI FEAT. RUTH LAMBERT SKYLARK

Words: Niamh Poppleton

The fifth single by OUTRI, Skylark, marks a one-off collaboration with Ruth Lambert, a classy and versatile jazz singer. OUTRI is a solo bass project by Ian Paterson, who has described it as being borne out of a love of jazz, folk, electronica and found sound. The imagery of a songbird serves throughout as a commentary on hope and the impact of the human desire for love. Lambert is vocally reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald, though subtle elements of Billie Holiday shine through. These stunning vocals meet bass, creating a similar dreamy musical atmosphere to Hepburn’s Moon River. Skylark is an enchanting fusion between jazz and the sounds of 50s and 60s blues, and a powerful tale of the search for love.

Released: 04.04.25

www.dodgebass.co.uk/outri

THE HAT BAND YOUR VERY BEST LIFE

Words: Michaela Hall

From their sixth album in only five years together, impressive four piece The Hat Band are back with their new single Your Very Best Life. The track is intriguing from the get go with instrumental tones that build up anticipation before bursting into a soulful mix of toe tapping rhythms mixed with vocals that are reminiscent of 80’s Madness Ska.

We are told “You can fly in the sky or sail in the sea but you must do what you need to live your life…to live the very best life whenever you can.” This is a hopeful, reassuring and indulgent piece of music that allows us the permission to live our lives, a love letter to living and music that we all desire.

Released: 11.04.25

www.facebook.com/thehatbandne

GLAD TOWN GHOST THESE WITCHING HOURS EP

Words: Michaela Hall

Glad Town Ghost (the solo project of Cleveland songwriter Dale Husband) is here with new EP These Witching Hours. Described as ‘melancholic by nature & hopeful by design’ the EP demonstrates a meeting of gentle campfire style music with wonder and a confrontation of the big things in life through its five tracks.

From Big Coats to La Da Da Da, the whole of the EP carries a timelessness in its masterful use of instrument and tone; it feels brand new but also historic, and each track possesses the ability to conjure up multiple scenarios and times in our imaginations. This is a lesson in indie folk and the power it can hold.

Released: 01.04.25

www.facebook.com/dalehusbandmusic

KEANE BALDWIN IN SPITE OF EVERYTHING EP

Words: Lily Pratt

Newcastle student Keane Baldwin is a musician whose first EP In Spite of Everything is a bittersweet rumination of loss, grief and - most poignantly - love. Inspired by the prolific Elton John, Baldwin uses the piano as a vessel of pensive and sorrowful hope within the tracks, such as State of Mind and What’s Next To Unexpect. The EP’s longest track, The Farewell Man, is six minutes long and - whilst detailing the tragedy and heartbreak of goodbye - still nurtures an indomitable spirit of happiness. This happiness is accentuated through the gentle yet enduring piano keys which convey the fragile yet enduring optimism of the human spirit. In Spite of Everything is Baldwin’s underscore to the resilience of dreams.

Released: 04.04.25

www.instagram.com/thekeanebaldwin

The Glasshouse Studios

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Unlock your sound, master your craft and create something unforgettable with songwriting and music production courses at The Glasshouse. Courses start on Wednesday 23 April.

ALBUMS

4.5 / 5

BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD FOREVER HOWLONG (NINJA TUNE)

Words: Lee Hammond

Black Country, New Road are not a band to stand still. Forever Howlong reveals a completely new side of the band, one where genre is once again thrown out of the window, with musical styles coming and going almost at will. With the current musical landscape awash with miserable, mediocre post-punk, they stand out for all the right reasons. Forever Howlong grabs you from the off; Besties opens up with a flourish, demanding attention. This spritely track sets an excellent tone for the rest of the record, you can hear classical elements peeking through alongside more folky tones. It’s followed by The Big Spin, which feels like an embodiment of the carnivalesque; there’s an inherent excitement and flow to the track that equally feels so effortless.

There is so much nuance baked into Forever Howlong; the songs are intricate and delicate. Two Horses morphs around a multitude of sounds, building to something wonderfully far away from its Americana beginnings. Happy Birthday twists through a gentle opening before developing into something altogether more euphoric. However, this complexity is compounded on Nancy Tries To Take The Night, the gentle lengthy instrumental opening bursts into life with a slew of almost medieval lyrics depicting what feels like the breaking down of walls and the development of a relationship.

The blending of three female voices that occurs frequently throughout Forever Howlong is another of its many strengths. For The Cold Country is where this truly comes alive, the harmonies set against the initial delicate instrumentation allow this track to explode.

This is a record packed with incredible songs, which, when brought together, flow effortlessly whilst retaining their own individual character. Each one of these tracks has something different that will draw you in and demand your attention. Forever Howlong is something you’ve never heard from Black Country, New Road and judging by their past albums you will never hear anything like this from them again, which is what ultimately makes their records so exciting. The more Black Country, New Road grow and expand, the better they become.

Released: 04.04.25

www.blackcountrynewroad.com

ALSO OUT THIS MONTH

Cloth - Pink Silence (Rock Action, 25.04) // William Tyler - Time Indefinite (Psychic Hotline, 25.04) // Natural Information Society & Bitchin Bajas – Totality (Drag City, 25.04) // Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals - A City Drowned in God’s Black Tears (Phantom Limb, 04.04) // Sweet Williams - Four Five (Wrong Speed Records, 04.04) // Heavy Lungs – Caviar (FatCat Records, 18.04) //Prima Queen - The Prize (Submarine Cat, 25.04) // Yann Tiersen - Rathlin from a Distance | The Liquid Hour (Mute, 04.04) // Scrounge - Almost Like You Could (Ba Da Bing!, 18.04) //Miki Berenyi Trio – Tripla (Bella Union, 04.04) // Spin Doctors - Face Full Of Cake (Capitol, 11.04) // Sumac and Moor Mother - The Film (Thrill Jockey, 25.04) // Royksopp - True Electric (Dog Triumph, 11.04) // Buffet Lunch - Perfect Hit! (Upset The Rhythm, 04.04) // Craig Finn - Always Been (Tamarac Records, 04.04) //Stereophonics - Make ‘Em Laugh, Make ‘Em Cry, Make ‘Em Wait (EMI, 04.04) // Dead Pioneers - Po$t American (Hassle Records, 11.04) // Femi Kuti - Journey Through Life (Partisan Records, 25.04) //Patrick Wolf - Crying The Neck (Apport / Virgin Records, 25.04)

5 / 5

THE GOLDEN DREGS GODSPEED (END OF THE ROAD RECORDS)

Words: Matthew McDonnell

What a pleasant surprise it is when something not only lives up to your expectations but exceeds them. Such was my experience listening to Godspeed, the newest album from South London alt. rock outfit, The Golden Dregs. The first track, Big Ideas, opens with Benjamin Wood’s low, soulful baritone, which is hushed and intimate, almost confessional in its sincerity. This privacy is broken with the introduction of shimmering synths and thumping bass guitar that ushers the song to a dramatic close. The Weight of It All is another stand-out track; provocative and self-assured, it grows, rising like a tidal wave only to crash under its own weight. Godspeed feels like a home run, exceptionally polished and refined; the final result is a testament to the band and their dedication to their craft.

Released: 25.04.25

www.thegoldendregs.com

3.5 / 5

MARLON WILLIAMS TE WHARE

TIWEKAWEKA (SELF-RELEASE)

Words: Matthew McDonnell

Never let it be said that Marlon Williams doesn’t walk his own path. His newest release is written and performed entirely in Maori, acting as a vehicle to develop both his music and a greater understanding of his own heritage. The opening track, E Mawehe Ana Au, is performed a cappella (personal, by its very nature) and acts as a declaration of his commitment to learn despite his purported naivety. Ma Uana Ke feels instantly full and rich by comparison, seamlessly blending both traditional acoustic instruments like shakers and drums with electronic instruments like guitar and keyboard. The result is a fitting blend of old and new, coming together to create something beautiful.

Released: 04.04.25

www.marlonwilliams.co.nz

Image by Eddie Whelan

5 / 5

EMPLOYED TO SERVE FALLEN STAR (SPINEFARM)

Words: Laura Doyle

It’s been too long since we last heard from Employed to Serve, and I for one feel balance has been restored with the release of Fallen Star. One of metalcore’s finest and fastestrising bands, they’ve always been able to bring the most decadent, rich riffs to the table, and this album is no exception.

Justine Jones remains the crowned queen of unclean vocals: her higher pitch bounces off her band’s hardcore backdrops to create a contrast so sharp that both are brought into focus by their differences. Even in the tracks which feature guest vocalists (like mosh-ready lead single Atonement ft. Lorna Shore’s Will Ramos), Jones reigns supreme. Just when you thought ETS couldn’t get any better, Fallen Star proves that they’ll only ever keep climbing.

Released: 25.04.25 www.employedtoserve.com

JOE KELLY & ROYAL PHARMACY CAST ME DOWN (DIRTY CARROT RECORDS)

Words: Kai Goulder

On Cast Me Down, Joe Kelly is experimental yet deservedly confident. Indie Americana runs throughout, but is more subtle than in his debut. Instead, stirring psychedelic infusions help to unshackle the emotions he’s now releasing into his music.

An electric organ emits a theatrical chill across his second album but adds to the funk on Little Fears; on Living Daylights, Kelly emulates the enchanting ambience of a Richard Ashcroft track and an affinity for rhythmic anecdotes like Bob Dylan; while Fill My Soul blends jazzy, classic rock with sweet guitar flicks and trance-inducing drumbeats.

Joe Kelly and The Royal Pharmacy break into smooth, satisfying jams too (Holding on Streaming, Doomscrolling) which, overall, makes the album feel raw and original whilst impressively nostalgic.

Released: 11.04.25 www.facebook.com/joekellyofficial

SAMIA BLOODLESS (GRAND JURY MUSIC)

Words: Isabel Johnson

Three albums in, and Samia is proving far from a one-hit wonder. Her new album Bloodless showcases perhaps a more idiosyncratic, darkly detailed side of her compositional nature; at times it’s descriptive to a macabre extent, guttural meanings hidden in a juxtaposed limbo behind her beautifully breezy vocal line.

Produced by Caleb Wright of Samia’s favourite band, The Happy Children, and her Minneapolis neighbour Jake Luppen of Hippo Campus, Bloodless is an indie folk pop force of nature. Deeply dynamic in nature, the music is stuffed full of ideas and brimming with ups and downs - at moments remarkably catchy, and at others left artfully spacious, allowing room for every important thought. Refreshingly unexpected but undeniably Samia.

Released: 25.04.25

www.samiaband.com

BEN LE JEUNE A STRANGER TO YOUR CITY (MISSING DOOR)

Words: Steve Spithray

Former The Creature Comfort frontman Ben Le Jeune’s highly anticipated debut album is ten tracks of timeless mid-Atlantic rock and roll escapism. On first listen you may be mistaken for thinking that this is a record mired in fuzz and reverb for fans of the likes of The Velvet Underground and White Lies. Love You In The Morning takes its cues from Nick Cave’s dark and dramatic romanticism, while Formentera and All Is Better On A Friday are more upbeat and optimistic, even if the Friday metaphor is a little tired. And that is A Stranger To Your City’s principle problem: so keen to celebrate its influences it forgets to stamp any influence of its own.

Released: 25.04.25 www.benlejeunemusic.com

MARIA SOMERVILLE LUSTER (4AD)

Words: Elodie A. Roy

This is Maria Somerville’s first album for 4AD, following her 2019 self-released debut All My People. The Irish NTS Radio DJ makes slow dream pop – music inspired by other times. Luster lingers like an afterimage – harking back to the cool minimalism of Virginia Astley, Anna Domino and the early days of shoegaze.

Somerville sings in a swift, sweetly whispery voice. Like a spider weaving its web, fascinating in its own way. She writes immediately familiar music. I’ve heard it one hundred times before but it doesn’t matter: I long to hear it again.

With Luster, Somerville manages to bring something new to the past. She creates difference rather than repetition. It is a troubling, unusual feat.

Released: 25.04.25 www.mariasomerville.com

ANIKA ABYSS (SACRED BONES RECORDS)

Words: Elodie A. Roy

It is always winter when Anika sings. Over the years the Berlin-based artist (and former political journalist) has perfected her own dispassionate, declamatory style of singing. She coldly registers what goes on. She remembers what was there before.

Abyss was recorded at Berlin’s Hansa Studio – very near where the Wall and the no man’s land used to be. Anika speak-sings about distance and division. About history repeating itself. Abyss is a cold, cutting album. A portrait of a woman sinking. A musical nod to Ulrike Ottinger’s 1979 film Ticket of No Return – a drunken drift through the city. At the same time, Anika is also going back to her early inspirations – post-punk and grunge – and there is a promise of fire, somewhere beneath the coldness and the gloom.

Released: 04.04.25 www.anika-music.com

4

/ 5

SELF ESTEEM

A COMPLICATED WOMAN (POLYDOR)

Words: Claire Dupree

A Complicated Woman bears all the hallmarks of 2021’s universally acclaimed Prioritise Pleasure; uplifting vocal choruses, huge string sections and stadium-sized pop sit alongside a gamut of emotions.

Themes of vulnerability, fear and disappointment battle with anger, arousal and empowerment. The string-laden confessional spoken word opening of I Do And I Don’t Care makes for quite an opener; first single Focus Is Power affirms amid a chorus of voices: “I deserve to be here”; while Lies’ clamour of anxiety-inducing synths and an almost show-stealing vocal performance from Nadine Shah culminates in a screamed crescendo.

Finale The Deep Blue OK is an intensely personal stream of thought which steadily builds momentum to erupt into a glorious string section and joyful affirmation.

Released: 25.04.25 www.selfesteem.love

4 / 5

THE NIGHTINGALES

THE AWFUL TRUTH (FIRE RECORDS)

Words: Robert Nichols

Old dogs with new tricks aplenty, perennial post-punk angular agit-popsters The Nightingales snap back again with an album as important and demanding of your ears and minds as the last one. They play the Same Old Riff, mining Bowie glam to deliver a punchy drunk on power-chords attack on right wing populism – musing sarcastically the powerless are the problem, as if, as if...

So many great lines and titles, and why wasn’t Giddy Aunt a Lloyd song years ago? No soft centre with the reflective Just Before before going back all in. Princess and the Piss Artist sees Baritone Bob Lloyd’s digging deeper than a Lee Marvin’s Wand’rin’ Star parade. A sizzling expose. Brilliant and catchy. Quite simply a great album.

Released: 04.04.25 www.thenightingales.org.uk

5

VIAGRA BOYS

VIAGR ABOYS (SHRIMPTECH ENTERPRISES)

Words: Ikenna Offor

Raucous and unflaggingly wry, Viagra Boys’ fourth LP deliver a heady jolt of subversive grit and absurdist humour suffused with the Stockholm sextet’s potent post-punk swagger. Ever the pawky wit, frontman Sebastian Murphy aptly forgoes the overt agitation of 2022’s Cave World for a darkly playful, if no less searing, prism. “Overweight freaks ride around on wheelchairs motorised by…motors made by goblins…overseas”, he deadpans on Man Made of Meat, setting the tone for an album that revels in its own giddy puerility while skewering societal foibles.

Elsewhere, The Bog Body and Store Policy further flaunt the band’s knack for infusing distorted grooves with acerbic commentary, while unexpected moments of tenderness –see piano-driven closer River King – hint at a newfound vulnerability.

Released: 29.04.25 www.vboysstockholm.com

QUADE THE FOEL TOWER (AD 93)

Words: Robert Nichols

From tender beginnings to soaring strings, these nature-loving Bristol boys have handcrafted an album of careful, quiet introspection which also bursts with breadth and vigour. The album is named after the water level control tower of a Welsh reservoir near their remote valley studio, and like the Foel Tower Quade are at the controls of musically driven moods and emotions.

Doomer, ambient, folk and post-rock are all terms thrown at a sound that has depths of sadness ebbing from its core. But amongst the punctuating field recordings and tumultuous tensions of thunderous noise there is great beauty and an abiding appreciation for the gliding black kites, clattering and chattering Canada geese and the awesome great outdoors.

Released: 18.04.25

www.quadebanduk.bandcamp.com

DEERHOOF NOBLE AND GODLIKE IN RUIN (JOYFUL NOISE)

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

For the last 20 years or more, Deerhoof have been one of the best rock bands on the planet, known for their particular knack of finding a gorgeous melodic sweet spot between the accessible and the obtuse, and beautiful sonic consistencies have threaded through all of their releases.

Noble And Godlike In Ruin clatters away on the outskirts of their sonic universe, there are shades of neo-classical and no-wave sitting side by side; opener Overrated Species Anyway is practically baroque in parts; Saul Williams arrives for an entertaining cameo on the chaotic and danceable Under Rats, but it’s with the politicised and motorik Immigrant Songs that Deerhoof exude some of their career-best form. An excellent addition to a nigh-immaculate canon.

Released: 25.04.25

www.deerhoof.website

MEKONS HORROR (FIRE RECORDS)

Words: Lee Fisher

Almost 50 years into their drunken, spirited campaign against the forces of capital, Mekons are also the only band certain to survive the increasingly imminent nuclear war. This was one was recorded in a fairly ad hoc fashion in Valencia, with a thread running through the lyrics about colonialism, imperialism, slavery, seafaring and love in the face of horror. As with all Mekons records, the lyrics can be gnomic, the historical settings slippery, but the meaning still lands. Opener The Western Design could have made it on to London Calling, Sad & Sad & Sad is a defeated sea shanty, Fallen Leaves a country lament, Mudcrawlers just rocks. Bloody but unbowed, and always magnificent, the Mekons keep on keeping on, and you should too.

Released: 04.04.25 www.mekons.bandcamp.com

MIXTAPE

WORDS: SNAZ CRAIG

During my eight years of booking gigs and events in the North East as Afterlight Management, I’ve been able to support emerging artists from the region and further afield. This curated Mixtape features various artists who will be performing at the second year of my grassroots acoustic event United in Music Festival, which returns to Station East and the multi award-winning Microbus Gateshead in the thriving Gateshead Railway Quarter on Saturday 12th–Sunday 13th April. www.facebook.com/unitedinmusicfest

AURA MAE AMBER

The UK-based composer and visual artist blends minimalist piano, evocative melodies and subtle jazz harmonies. Amber is a reflective piano piece that captures the warmth and fragility of memory. Composed in honour of Aura’s grandmother, it weaves gentle melodies and rich harmonies, evoking the shifting light of the Baltic Sea and the many shades of amber found along its shores. Catch Aura’s solo set, followed by a silent film showcase, on Sunday at Station East.

AURORA ENGINE

MINIATURE SELF

With accolades including Artist of the Week in Scotland on Sunday and Single of the Week on the Afternoon Show on BBC Radio Scotland, Aurora Engine performs on Sunday at Station East. Miniature Self is a heady mix of intricate vocals and soundscapes that are sure to intrigue and delight festival goers.

HELS PATTISON ON THE HORIZON

Returning to headline this year’s festival, songstress Hels Pattison is a leading light in the North East music scene. Swathes of story-driven lyricism are set to a soundscape of folk guitar melodies, resulting in On The Horizon sounding like a sonic hug of emotion. It’s a personal favourite of Hels’, who will be performing alongside her partner and all-round amazing musician Zac Savage on the Sunday.

IVIES

SEMI-DETACTCHED

North East emerging band ivies present a kaleidoscope of shoegaze guitar melodies and dazzling vocals. Semi-Detached is reminiscent of Wolf Alice, with a reflective, emotionally-driven vocal swathed in dreamy piano tones and guitar patterns. Catch their joyous headline set on Saturday at Microbus.

JOE GOODALL

TREAT

YOU BETTER

Scottish singer-songwriter Joe Goodall is being praised as one of the country’s most exciting emerging artists. The first of two artists supplied by Off Axis, Joe showcases a lively arrangement of melodies and stadium worthy upbeat vocals that are both fresh and stunning. He plays at Microbus on Sunday.

J.W. DARWIN

JENNY MOVES SLOW

Debut single Jenny Moves Slow by emerging songwriter J.W. Darwin breezes along with relatable lyricism weaved in a tapestry of vivid melodies and storytelling that flow from Darwin’s velvet vocals. Catch him performing at Microbus on the Sunday.

MOUSES GREEN

A familiar name on the North East festival scene for many a year, punk duo Mouses bring their boundless energy and socially aware lyrics to Station East on Saturday. Their track Green is a firm

favourite of mine! Another brilliant choice by Tyne & Queer, who I am honoured to be working with this year.

PERFECT CHICKEN COMET

Also selected by Tyne & Queer, the zany punk trio will set your adrenaline levels sky high – and that’s before they play a single note! Their track Comet gives a hint at what to expect… Brace yourself for their bonkers set at Station East on Saturday.

SHADY QUID DOGTAIL

Dogtail by Newcastle Americana blues band Shady Quid is steeped in sensational, 60s-style grooves with a modern twist, boosted by Liam Whyatt’s magnetic, on-stage charisma. Shady Quid will close the festival with a stunning headline set at Station East on Sunday, which promises to be a total delight!

SOANNESO TWO

I was fortunate enough to be introduced to French solo artist Soanneso at Un-Convention, last November. Having made her debut Sofar Sounds NE performance, Soanneso returns to the North East with a sensational set at Microbus on Saturday. Standout track Two features both jaunty classical piano and enchanting, crystal-clear vocals throughout.

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Art

Ali Cherri: How I Am Monument

Laura Lancaster & Rachel Lancaster: Remember, Somewhere

DJ Sets

Paul Smith (Maximo Park) & Ross Millard (The Futureheads)

Pizza & Drinks

Served fresh & hot until the last slice is gone

Book free tickets at baltic.art/party