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Franklin Mint – Hoo Ha

There are times when you want to hear music that is instantly enjoyable and can put a smile on your face. Well here we are with Franklin Mint’s third full album Hoo-Ha. These guys, who hail from Bristol, continue with…

Isobar – Isobar III

I first came across the core of this band when they were known as Metaphor, a rather quirky prog group with unusual songs, and their fourth album, The Pearl was very enjoyable. Just as I was getting interested, they split…

Haken – Fauna

Since Haken’s last album, 2020’s Virus, the band have parted company with long-standing keyboardist Diego Tejeida. The reason given was the standard ‘musical differences’ cliché, albeit worded as “very different musical visions”. As a result, Fauna, Haken’s seventh album, is…

Leprous / Monuments / Kalandra

O2 Ritz, Manchester Thursday, 9th February 2023 It has been a while since I attended a concert with such an atmosphere. As soon as I walked into the 02 Ritz in Manchester I sensed the excitement and anticipation from a…

Long Distance Calling / Pil & Bue

Boston Music Room, London Wednesday 15th February 2023 It’s been a ridiculous seven years since Long Distance Calling last played in the UK, and it was at this venue, the Boston Music Room in London. There are probably a number…

Sterbus – Solar Barbecue

Cardiacs, eh? Some of you out there must like them – hands up! One, two… three. A few more at the back. That’s good, but those who do like the band know wholeheartedly that you can’t just ‘like’ Cardiacs; once…

Miriodor – Elements

Firstly, an apology to the band. This review has sat half-finished, or half-started depending on your point of view, for about 4 months now. My muse is an elusive creature these days, I’m afraid. Call it what you will; chamber…

Mogwai / Brainiac

The Great Hall, Cardiff University Thursday, 16th February 2023 Over the last few years I’ve gone deeper down the road directed as ‘post-rock’, and even though Mogwai apparently don’t care for the term, the trails invariably lead to them. And…

Edenya – Another Place

Around March 2021 we received an invitation from French ensemble Edenya to review their full-length debut album Silence, released the previous year. Having taken a listen, and liking the album’s multifaceted opener, The Promise, I earmarked the album for an…

Silje Marsh – Whispers

Here’s some music that’s worthy of your attention. It’s by Silje Marsh — formerly known as Silje Leirvik. Although Aware, shown in the above video, was apparently on YouTube back in 2020, the song appears on Whispers – Silje’s third…