• For David Pajo (1968-)

    February 13, 2015 - By 

    Over a decade ago now, I discovered the music of Elliott Smith on a Nirvana messageboard. Looking back, it was most definitely a potent catalyst for everything I have looked for in music – and elsewhere – ever since. Someone recommended I check out ‘Tomorrow, Tomorrow’ from XO as a starting point, so I did. I was immediately infatuated; like a giddy moth to a burning flame, instantly seduced by the mournful turns and phrases of Elliott’s words and chords. Without hesitation, I threw myself into his varyingly exceptional discography, listening to nothing else for days on end in the depths…

  • Stream: All Tvvins – Thank You

    February 11, 2015 - By 

    Having received its premiere on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 programme last night, All Tvvins are streaming their debut single, the totally triumphant ‘Thank You’. Last month we summed up the track – namely a live version released last year – as “A charming and bewitching math-pop track released as a live video from the post-Adebisi supergroup. Whip-smart in the composition, and beautifully restrained in the delivery, it is a wonderful dichotomy of heart-warming melodies and existential uncertainty, sealed with searing, aching swell guitar.” The recorded version is just that and more – truly sublime.

  • Watch: More Than Conquerors – Red

    February 11, 2015 - By 

    Both in terms of songwriting and sheer work ethic, Northern Irish alt-rock quartet More Than Conquerors have always stood out from many of their music-making peers. Have entered a new phase of their journey to date, the band seem more intent and enthused than ever, something the earworming ‘Red’ goes some distance in confirming. The Belfast-based band’s first single of 2015, the track is a self-proclaimed “strange elegy and a strange right to understanding. It’s our reason to continue what we’ve started and to play harder than we ever have. When death comes it brings a strange atmosphere to life and music. It…

  • AAA: Ed Zealous Farewell Show @ Voodoo, Belfast

    February 10, 2015 - By 

    Featuring support from A Bad Cavalier and the Wonder Villains, Belfast-based quartet Ed Zealous bowed out in fine fashion at their sold-out farewell show at Belfast’s Voodoo on Saturday night. Our photographer Joe Laverty was there to capture the band’s (decidedly sweaty and cathartic) swansong.

  • Playlist For Kanye: Beck’s 20 Best Songs

    February 10, 2015 - By 

    Kanye, we’re gon’ let you finish but Beck is easily one of the most innovative, exciting and singular artists of our generation. We love you, Kanye, we really do, but Mr. Hansen has consistently churned out some of the most downright exceptional sounds – party-starting jams, neo-psychedelic throwdowns and brooding odes –  over twelve studio albums, three EPs, forty singles, fourteen soundtracks and thirty-nine genre-spanning  collaborations. He’s good, Kanye – he’s very good – and to prove it, if you’ve got the time in your very busy schedule, here’s a playlist comprised of Beck’s 20 best songs. It took us ages…

  • Making Monsters w/ Support @ The Bar With No Name, Belfast

    February 10, 2015 - By 

    Redbeard’s latest showcase took place at Belfast’s The Bar With No Name (AKA Auntie Annie’s – RIP, etc.) at the weekend. Headlined by fast-rising Derry band Making Monsters, the show also featured blinding sets from Molar Bear, Axecatcher and MAW. A connoisseur of all things heavy and local, our photographer Liam Kielt was down to capture the action.

  • Villagers announce European tour

    February 9, 2015 - By 

    Ahead of the release of the highly anticipated third album, Darling Arithmetic, Villagers have announced a run of dates across Ireland this May. Starting in Rotterdam on Saturday, April 11, the tour will conclude at Belfast’s Mandela Hall on Monday, May 25. Check out the full dates below. Sat 11 Apr ROTTERDAM Motel Mozaique Tue 14 Apr BRISTOL St Georges Wed 15 Apr FALMOUTH Pavilions Thu 16 Apr EXETER Phoenix Fri 17 Apr BRIGHTON The Old Market Sun 19 Apr LIVERPOOL Epstein Theatre Mon 20 Apr MANCHESTER Concert Hall Tue 21 Apr LEEDS City Varieties Thu 23 Apr PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood…

  • A Bad Cavalier @ Lavery’s, Belfast

    February 9, 2015 - By 

    And So I Watch You From Afar guitarist Niall Kennedy’s A Bad Cavalier will play our first free live show as part of our weekly stint at Belfast’s Laverys Back Bar on Tuesday, February 24. Also featuring tunes from yours truly until late, the intimate performance will be followed be a draw for two tickets to Slane 2015. Just turn up on the night to be entered. Go here for the show’s Facebook event page and check out A Bad Cavalier in action below.