• The Guide To: In The Court Of… Tom Ravenscroft

    September 24, 2013 - By 

    Spectacularly curated by the comprehensively cultured Duke Special last year, the annual In The Court Of… showcase at Belfast’s The MAC returns this week in the trusty hands of one of our generation’s most informed and sonically attuned broadcasters, Tom Ravenscroft. Running from September 24 to September 28, Ravenscroft – son of the late, great broadcaster, John Peel – has compiled an unmissable five-day bill of music, dance and comedy featuring international artists and performers as well as the very best in local musical talent. With the mini-festival of sorts kicking off this very evening, below is our guide to all things In…

  • TTA Session #001: Bellos

    September 24, 2013 - By 

    It might go without saying but we’re pant-wettingly passionate about local music here at the Thin Air. Just another side to our collective desire to get the very best in homegrown talent out there and duly recognised, we are pleased to kickstart The Thin Air Live Sessions in the company of Belfast-based alt-rock three-piece Bellos. Fronted by Luke Bowen (once described as having “the best scream in Northern Irish music”), the band have gone from strength to strength over the last few months having released their self-titled debut EP back in June. In July we interviewed the band as part…

  • Reuben’s Jamie Lenman announces solo album, unveils video

    September 23, 2013 - By 

    Iconic frontman of sorely missed English alt-rock heroes Reuben, Jamie Lenman has delivered a Monday blues-banishing one-two by announcing that he will release a double-album in November as well as unveiled the video for the release’s bloodthirsty lead tracks, ‘Fizzy Blood’ and ‘Pretty Please’. With Reuben having been inactive for the last five years, Lenman will return with a solo double album, Muscle Memory, on November 4 via Xtra Mile Recordings. Announcing the album on his new-fangled Facebook page, Lenman wrote: “I’m writing to tell you all that I’ve recorded an album and it’s going to be released with my old…

  • Chasin’ The Trane: A John Coltrane Playlist

    September 23, 2013 - By 

    On what would have been his 87th birthday, the towering musical stature of American jazz saxophonist and composer John Coltrane could not be any more set in stone. One of a small handful amount of musicians to irrevocably transform the landscape of a music contemporary music – both during his lifetime and down the years through the sheer influence and clout of his legacy – he embodied a revolutionary spirit that permeating the length and breadth of his staggering back catalogue as a sessionist, collaborator, bandleader and solo artist. To pay small tribute to the man and his music, we have…

  • Album stream: Ciaran Lavery – Other People Wrote These

    September 22, 2013 - By 

    Having already released an album and EP of his own material – the exceptional Not Nearly Dark and You Will Be A Stranger Now respectively – Aghagallon singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery has unveiled an EP of cover versions, the aptly-titled Other People Wrote These. Produced by Mike Mormecha of Mojo Fury and featuring superb additional instrumentation by Joshua Burnside and Rachael Boyd, Lavery’s re-imagining of tracks from artists as diverse as Talking Heads, Pat Benatar, Lionel Ritchie and Cyndi Lauper bring another dimension of the singer-songwriter’s huge talents, effectively confirming his status as one of the country’s finest artists. Ahead of…

  • Album stream: Squarehead – RESPECT

    September 22, 2013 - By 

    The follow-up to their 2011 debut album Yeah Nothing, Dublin trio Squarehead have unveiled their second studio album, RESPECT, as a pay-what-you-like release. A shimmering and occasionally raucous eleven-track blast of the band’s ever-distinctive brand of indie pop, the album was produced by Les Keye at Arad Studios at the end of Summer 2013 and produced by Liam Grant. Truth be told: it’s already shaping up to be one of our favourite releases from an Irish act this year. Stream or download (for free, if you like) the album below.

  • Everything They’ve Learnt: More Than Conquerors

    September 23, 2013 - By 

    As eagerly anticipated local album releases go, the debut full-length effort by Belfast-based alt-rock four-piece More Than Conquerors ranks right up there. Two years in the making and countless breathtaking gigs since their formation four years ago, the release of Everything I’ve Learnt will surely mark a new chapter in the band’s climb to the top. Ahead of the album’s launch at Belfast’s Limelight 2 tonight, Monday, September 23, we talk to Kris Platt and Danny Ball from the band about where More Than Conquerors have come, where they are and where they want to go. Two years in the making,…

  • Gig of the week: Cut The Transmission

    September 22, 2013 - By 

    Our gig of the week this week will see some of the best riff-fuelled band’ – both homegrown and from across the water – assemble to bid the finest of farewell to Derry alt-rock heroes Fighting With Wire. Taking place through the day and night of Saturday, September 28 at Derry’s The Venue, Cut The Transmission – headlined by Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls – will feature performances from And So I Watch You From Afar, Future Of The Left, LaFaro, More Than Conquerors and more. See below for the full poster. Tickets for the event are £20 and available…

  • In Review: Culture Night Belfast 2013

    September 23, 2013 - By 

    With the dust having settled on just about one of the most absorbing nights of art, culture and music that Belfast has ever seen, we gather the thoughts and verdicts of various people who experienced Culture Night Belfast 2013. If the following short selection impressions and opinions isn’t a glowing testament to the power and need for such an annual event, what is? Congratulations to all the participants, organisers and volunteers. We can’t wait for next year already. Andrew Lemon, The Thin Air reviews editor and freelance music writer: “The official attendance figure for this year’s Culture Night stands at 42,000. It’s impressive…

  • Culture Night Belfast: Ten Must-See Events

    September 20, 2013 - By 

    With 250 events set to take place across 100+ to over 30,000 people this evening, it’s safe to say we’re spoiled for choice at this year’s Culture Night Belfast. With an understandable leaning towards the more musical end of the spectrum, we have scratched our heads to no end to whittle down the plethora of happenings to a mere decad worthy of your consideration. See you in the streets, rooftops, cathedrals, etc. 1. 101 Sessions Some of Belfast’s finest musicians will quite literally congregate at the wonderfully intimate church on 101 Donegall Street from 7.00pm. As well as music from…