• Peace, Superfood – Limelight 2, Belfast

    July 11, 2013 - By 

    With the era of Pagers and Kenan & Kel back in fashion of late, tonight is a night that plays host to two tight bands with their fingers very much in the 90s pie. Up first is Birmingham quartet Superfood (below), whose brand of alternative rock is filled with catchy and rigid melodies, combined with lovely sharp percussion, strongly reminiscent of Cake (these food references aren’t intentional). Sporadic, unconventional harmonies are provided seemingly on a whim by the guitarist which are slightly unusual but spice things up nonetheless. Superfood round off their intriguing warm up set with a self titled…

  • Alabama 3 – Mandela Hall, Belfast

    July 2, 2013 - By 

    It has been an interesting time for Belfast in terms of some of the gigs hosted here in the last couple of weeks. The Breeders entertained Limelight recently, with Kim Deal announcing her departure from the Pixies the day before. Now it is the turn of Alabama 3, who are playing at the Mandela Hall just a few days after the death of James Gandolfini, star of the Sopranos, which helped introduce the band to millions by using their song in the credits. But before we experience the diverse palette of Alabama 3, it is up to the last minute…

  • Bhi Bhiman – Black Box, Belfast

    June 26, 2013 - By 

    The Black Box’s Green Room with curtains closed and candles lit is the intimate setting as Bhi Bhiman takes to the stage looking casual, sporting the confidence of a guy enjoying plenty of praise at the moment. His first song, ‘Kimchee Line,’ gives you a pretty good idea of what Bhi is about; a sound plucked straight from his native San Francisco’s cherished old blues, and lyrics which paint a picture of destinations from around the world – in this case North Korea. Bhi has said in interviews before that he tries not to sound like someone impersonating others, at…

  • Lau – Black Box, Belfast

    June 11, 2013 - By 

    A packed Black Box awaits the arrival of Lau, the atmosphere imbued with excitement and a sort of jovial expectancy. The band’s growing faithful are very much out in force tonight, as fervent applause greets them and the lights fade. Before long they burst into some stern, accordion laden folk. Approving glances go left and right from the guitarist at his band mates as they work their way through a pulsating opening number. The band have a good rapport with the crowd, sharing carefree quips in-between songs which are met with plenty of ironic claps and hearty giggles – particularly…

  • Malojian, Robb Murphy, Kat Hepworth – Black Box, Belfast

    June 4, 2013 - By 

    The lights dim and all of a sudden a big, yet soft voice comes from nowhere; so begins a lovely song by tonight’s first support act, Kat Hepworth, called ‘New York’. Each song that follows is just as honest and pure, the guitar finely picked, and all with a modest quirk and charm. In all, a fine start to the night’s proceedings in the Black Box. Next up, Robb Murphy and his band; their steady whimsy doffing a cap to the Lisa Hannigans of this world, they are happy to let their songs build steadily. Damien Rice meets Belle &…