Today marks the exciting return of Reading's The Amazons as they unveil details of their forthcoming new album entitled '21st Century Fiction'. Unveiling Pitch Black, the record's latest single, we get an exciting taste of what's to come through empowered vocals and charged-up percussion as it sets alight its backdrop of anthemic guitar swinging melodies. With the LP described as "their darkest and most heartfelt record to date" fans are in for a treat as they begin paving the way towards its release on May 9th, 2025. The record “comes from the frustration of being in that place where my 20s were ending and being really cognisant of that,” says Thomson, of that spot where the adolescent dream collapses under “self-flagellation; always wondering what’s around the corner, always scolding myself for not matching up to some unattainable ideals of what it means to be a successful band or even just a man.” Take a listen to Pitch Black for yourselves below.
21st Century Fiction Track Listing
1. Living A Lie
2. Night After Night
3. (Panic) (Interlude) 4. Pitch Black
5. My Blood
6. (Shake Me Down) (Interlude) 7. Wake Me Up
8. (Intermission) (Interlude) 9. Joe Bought A Gun
10. Love Is A Dog From Hell
11. The Heat! pt.2
12. Heaven Now
13. Go All The Way
Liverpool singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Esme Bridie has today unveiled her latest single, ‘Boys In Bands’. Following on from her debut EP ‘Something In Your Teeth’ in 2023 and recent single ‘Propranolol’, the new direction sees soft vocals and dainty guitar melodies quickly dissipate to its towering and expulsive choruses that strike with a bold energy. Speaking about the the single she goes on to say “I wrote this song about my experience of turning up to gigs and being the only woman on the bill! I had a lot of fun playing around with the story -telling in the verses and the tongue in cheek chorus. It’s to be taken with a pinch of salt!”. Take a listen for yourselves below.
The Vaccines - Cardiff University Great Hall, 3rd November 2024
Touring in support of their sixth studio album, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations, The Vaccinesmade their very welcomed return to the Welsh Capital for their first performance in the city in 5 years, a show that promised to be a showcase of nostalgia and fresh direction.
T Truman
Arriving early, lucky fans got to see a familiar face in T Truman as he took to the stage in his signature suit, tie and sun glasses attire. The disguise weren't fooling anyone. With a roller-banner featuring a replica image of him posed with a QR code, looking like it was lifted straight from the office cubicle, the stage design was complete with an old tape player and vintage synthesiser. The Vaccines guitarist Tim Lanham has shared a string of single's and EP's over the years and has recently released a debut album in to the world. A true concoction of 70's retro pop and modern age indie, the set is a delight as he worked through the LP's biggest hits and smoothest numbers. "Who here's heard of the friend zone?" he exclaimed. "I'm sorry for that.... But I wrote a song about it" - a consoling thought for many inside. Switching between guitar and keys Lanham has mastered the art of transcending bedroom-pop to the big room and it's almost tangible on "Rock 'n' Roll" as he belted out the melodic crooner in the suavest of fashion. Guaranteed to Shine is a record that'll sure garner him the attention deserved.
Delivery
With the room now suitably filled, Delivery were next up. Hailing form Melbourne, the five-piece have recently announced their forthcoming second album, Force Majeure, and are continuing to build heavy traction in the UK. Known for infusing their performances with a raw, frenetic vibe, the band brought together the energy of bands like The Chats and Amyl and The Sniffers, blended with their own quirky, genre-blending twist. Wasting no time, they readily launched in to their fast-paced garage-punk as they were quick to get the crowd moving through buzzing guitar solos and thrashing percussion. Crafting a genuine party atmosphere, where their driving riffs and sing-along anthems kept the audience engaged from start to finish, it was clear to see why they're making waves in the music scene with their energetic and playful live shows. Evidently displayed on the tempo shifting “Operating At A Loss" as its excitable execution and quirky lyrics kept fans hooked. From switching lead vocals and between synths and guitar, Delivery's shows are all about rocking out, with this reputation they've built for packing a punch with their three-guitar setup, tight rhythm sections, and catchy melodies, I'm sure they'll be back on our shores in no time.
With the crowd suitably amped, pumping out ABBA, Paul Simon and Paul McCartney ahead of their arrival was a sure-fire way to get the crowd exactly where they wanted. And The Vaccines certainly aren't amateurs in the game. As the lights dimmed it paid off as ecstatic screams and cheers bellowed throughout.
From the outset, frontman Justin Young commanded the stage with a charisma and touch of swagger that only he could finesse, kicking things off with "Love to Walk Away" from their recent LP. What came next was an expulsion of high energy hits from their beloved debut album What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?. Songs like "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)" and "Post Break-Up Sex" ignited the room, with fans passionately singing along to every word. This early choice of crowd-pleasers served as a brilliant hook, drawing the audience into a show that was both a trip down memory lane and a journey into The Vaccines' more recent explorations.
With not a bad song in their catalogue, the band had little time to chat between songs as they churned out their jangly guitar anthems with the highest calibre. Drawing from all six albums to curate a sprawling set-list of pure jubilation, the band expertly transitioned into tracks from their latest record, an LP that showed a more nuanced and mature side to their sound. From "Discount de Kooning (Last One Standing)" to "The Dreamer", their soulful croons and anthemic choruses drove each track forward with infectious energy.
Concluding with "If You Wanna" and "All In White" the band had fans revelling in their throwbacks as each track was greeted by roaring applause and spirited sing-alongs, underscoring their talent for creating tunes that instantly resonate with fans.
As they returned to the stage for a 4 track en-core, the band gave thanks and adorations to the crowd as they showed genuine appreciation to the city. There was even time for a fan request as Young reached out and took their sign pleading for "A Lack of Understanding".
With the final chords of All My Friends Are Falling in Love ringing out, it was evident that The Vaccines had delivered an unforgettable show, solidifying their reputation as one of indie rock's most electrifying live acts. With irresistible melodies, relentless energy, and heartfelt passion, they demonstrated exactly why, six albums in, their fans remain deeply loyal.
Ultimately, their Cardiff performance highlighted the band’s comfortability evolving whilst remaining true to their infectious, upbeat style that brought them acclaim. This is truly a band at the top of their game.
Taken from their new album Death & Love Pt.1, out Jan 31st, 2025 via PIAS, Circa Waves recently shared their latest single American Dream. Following on from last month's ecstatic We Made It, the band's latest track is a trailblazing effort that sees soaring crescendos and euphoric choruses detail the pursuit of success. “American Dream is about the pursuit of what we believe success is,” explains frontman Kieran Shudall. “A yearning to get somewhere because we think the grass is greener on the other side only to find that happiness doesn’t lie there. Sometimes you need to fly across the world to gain a true love of home.” Take a listen for yourselves below.
Live Dates February 2025 14th Birmingham, O2 Academy 15th Nottingham, Rock City 16th Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom 18th Cambridge, Junction 19th Norwich, UEA 21st Newcastle, NX 22nd Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse 23rd Bristol, Beacon 25th Leeds, O2 Academy 26th London, 02 Academy Brixton 27th Southampton, The 1865
March 2025 1st Liverpool, Olympia
Death & Love Pt. 1 - Track Listing 1. American Dream 2. Like You Did Before 3. We Made It 4. Le Bateau 5. Hold It Steady 6. Let;s Leave Together 7. Blue Damselfly 8. Everything Changed 9. Bad Guys Always Win
Today sees Swedish pop sensation Boy In Space (Robin Lundbäck) return with his brilliant new single Too Much To Lose. Written about the complexities of a forbidden romance, the track's towering pop sensibilities and infectious hooks prove to be another hit as he continues to build on past successes. Sharing more details he goes on to say “‘Too Much To Lose' talks about the sensation of wanting someone you’ve been with but knowing it would just make things so much worse if you would cross that line. And what it's like dealing with that, going back and forth in your own head.” Take a listen for yourselves below.
Hot on the heels of their new single announcement this week, Wigan's finest The Lathums have today unveiled details of their third studio record entitled Matter Does Not Define, set for release on Fri 7 March 2025. Coinciding with the news is a massive 12 date UK tour set to kick off at Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom before culminating at Manchester's O2 Apollo. Moore goes on to say: “We’ve had a lot of fun creating album three. Though only a couple of years have passed since our last album, it feels like we've matured immensely as musicians. One of my favourite lyrics on the album is from track three, ‘Reflections of Lessons Left’. “When will they learn that it’s not matter that defines a being? It’s the reflections of the lessons they leave” was actually the first lyric I wrote for this album, long before we even started planning it properly. It felt powerful and important to the times we live in, and I wanted it to resonate with others. That lyric became the catalyst for the whole album, setting its tone and message. “Recording ‘Matter Does Not Define’ felt like coming full circle. We worked on it with our good friend and old college tutor, John Kettle, which brought us back to our roots. The process felt organic, without the pressure to cater to industry demands, and it allowed us to really explore creatively. It was like being back in college, free to make music without constraints. Like,(drummer) Duzeven plays a frying pan in 'Stellar Cast’, a random touch you might not expect. Album three is real, raw, and everything we hoped it would be.”
Released on multiple formats, including standard and special edition vinyl, CD, cassette and digital, Matter Does Not Define was written by the band, comprised of Moore, Scott Concepcion (guitars, piano and vocals) Ryan ‘Duz’ Durrans (drums) and Matty Murphy (bass and vocals), in their native Wigan before recording at Kempston Street Studios, Liverpool. They completed their new masterpiece of equally introspective and pulse-quickening indie in the company of both Kettle and producer, Chris Taylor.
The track listing for The LathumsMatter Does Not Define has been confirmed by the band as:
1) Leave No Stone Unturned 2) Reflections Of Lessons Left 3) Stellar Cast 4) Heartbreaker 5) Dynamite 6) Unrequited Love 7) No Direction 8) Until Our Bitter End 9) Knocking At Your Door 10) The Jester 11) Surrounded By Beauty 12) Long Shadows
Tour Dates Thu 13 March 2025 -Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom Sat 15 March 2025 -Newcastle, NX Newcastle Mon 17 March 2025-Stoke, Victoria Hall Tue 18 March 2025 -Sheffield, Octagon Thu20 March 2025 -Nottingham, Rock City Fri21 March 2025 -Birmingham, O2 Academy Sat22 March 2025 -London, O2 Academy Brixton Mon 24 March 2025-Southampton, O2 Guildhall Tue 25 March 2025 -Bristol, SWX Thu 27 March 2025 -Belfast, Limelight Fri 28 March 2025 -Dublin, The Academy Fri 11 April 2025 –Manchester, O2 Apollo
Tickets for all dates go on general sale to fans at 10am on Fri 8 November 2024 via links on the band’s website at www.thelathums.com
Melbourne five-piece Delivery have today shared their latest single ‘Only A Fool’, taken from their forthcoming second album, Force Majeure, which is out on Heavenly Recordings on Friday 17th January 2025. A real first class arrival, the track sees the band carve out their catchy guitar melodies and angular riffs to great effect as it culminates in to a meteoric jam. Talking about the track, the band said: "‘Only A Fool’ might just be the most uninhibited moment in capturing this album's all-in dynamic at full steam. Lisa brought in the guitar chords, vocal line and lyrics, and then gave everyone free rein to do their thing which means everyone’s individual flare gets a moment across the track. Also might explain why this song features Delivery’s only ever jam-out ending". Take a listen for yourselves below.
The band are currently supporting The Vaccines. They
have also today announced a headline show at London’s Moth Club in March
next year. Further U.K. headline shows for 2025 will be announced
shortly. The full list of dates is as follows:
29.10.24 – Middlesbrough Town Hall – MIDDLESBROUGH
30.10.24 – The Spa – SCARBOROUGH
31.10.24 – Wulfrun Hall – WOLVERHAMPTON
01.11.24 - JT Soar Festival Warm Up Party - NOTTINGHAM
02.11.24 – O2 Academy – BOURNEMOUTH
03.11.24 – Cardiff University – CARDIFF
04.11.24 – The Forum – BATH
08.11.24 - The George Tavern - LONDON (headline show)
09.11.24 – Mutations Festival – BRIGHTON
Tragic Sasha has today returned with her tender new single Prototype. Despite it's stripped back energy the track's swirling synth melodies, and chiming piano keys serve as the perfect backdrop for her afflicting introspection. Written as an intimate look into her experience as a woman in the music industry, she goes on to say “Prototype is one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written. It’s about being a woman in the music industry and feeling like you constantly have to reinvent yourself to succeed.” Take a listen for yourselves below.
As The Lathums reflect on a huge summer with arena tour dates supporting Keane and a 12,000 strong sell out homecoming show at Wigan’s Robin Park, the band have today returned with their brilliant new single Stellar Cast, bringing further speculation on what might lay ahead on album number 3. Written following one of singer and lyricist, Alex Moore’s unexplained dreams, the track's ska-inspired sound is brought to dazzling life with its catchy guitar riffs and infectious vocals. Sharing more details about the single's inspiration he goes on to say: “I got the inspiration for this song after one of our early gigs at the Brudenell in Leeds. We were joined by a stellar lineup. It was one of the rare times I’d had a bit too much to drink before going on stage. That night on the bus back, I had a crazy dream, probably fuelled by all the Jamaican ale I refer to in the song. In the dream, there was a strange figure at the end of my bed that I couldn’t get out of my head for a long time after. When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time writing my own comics and stories, and that’s probably where my love for songwriting really started. This song is about someone who gets completely drawn in by this mysterious, almost otherworldly figure. They leave the person with more questions than answers, but it’s the kind of obsession they can’t shake, even if they tried. The figure feels like a mix of everything. Part-friend, part-foe, maybe even a lover. There’s something intoxicating about them, like the Jamaican ale, burning bright but disappearing just as quickly. Even with all the confusion, the character can’t help but hold on to the obsession, not wanting to let go.” Take a listen for yourselves below.
The Lathums continue to raise funds and awareness of their own Chance To See Fund, a charitable venture to bring creative opportunity to young people in and around Wigan. Donations from fans, the band and through special projects arranged with participatory arts charity, Curious Minds, saw the total available to local individuals, groups and projects hit £25,000earlier this year. The band and Curious Minds joined together with the shared aim of bringing music, theatre and other artistic projects into the lives of people with no other way of accessing them. Individual donations to the Chance To See Fund are welcome via the Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/chancetosee.
Friday saw Welsh outfit Manic Street Preachers announce details of their fifteenth studio album alongside news of a UK tour to accompany it. Coinciding with the album, entitled 'Critical Thinking', released on Columbia on 31st January 2025, the band have shared the record's latest single Hiding in Plain Sight. Manic Street Preachers’ Nicky Wire on Critical Thinking: “This is a record of opposites colliding - of dialectics trying to find a path of resolution. While the music has an effervescence and an elegiac uplift, most of the words deal with the cold analysis of the self, the exception being the three lyrics by James (Dean Bradfield) which look for and hopefully find answers in people, their memories, language and beliefs.The music is energised and at times euphoric. Recording could sometimes be sporadic and isolated, at other times we played live in a band setting, again the opposites making sense with each other. There are crises at the heart of these songs. They are microcosms of skepticism and suspicion, the drive to the internal seems inevitable - start with yourself, maybe the rest will follow.” Take a listen to the new single below.
UK Tour Dates April 11th - Glasgow Barrowland April 12th - Glasgow Barrowland April 18th - London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire April 19th - London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire April 25th - Wolverhampton The Civic at the Halls April 26th - Bristol Beacon May 2nd - Manchester O2 Apollo May 3rd - Manchester O2 Apollo May 9th - Swansea Arena May 10th - Swansea Arena
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