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Live Review: BEN POOLE @ STUDIO FIVE LIVE (KEIGHLEY, BRADFORD) 12/10/2024

Performing blues rock with a liberal dusting of soul and his own unique style, Ben Poole has been making waves on the European circuits for the last decade or so and when I saw he was performing locally, I grabbed the opportunity to go and check him out. As a musician Poole is astounding, but add to that his vocal and songwriting abilities, plus Steve Amadeo on bass and Ollie Dixon on drums, it makes Poole a musical tour de force.
13
October 2024
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MONSTER MAGNET / MARGARITA WITCH CULT – KK’S WOLVERHAMPTON   24/9/24 

What an absolutely absorbing experience, I really took a shine to ‘Margarita Witch Cult’ and being local I’ll look out for them again. But Monster Magnet were off the scale, a spectrum of music that covered their early albums with visual effects and head storming artistry.      
26
September 2024
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KICKIN VALENTINA / MIDNIGHT DEVILS / WHITE TYGER – KK’s STEEL MILL  30/8/24 

The new album ‘So Hard It Hurts’ only came out in July and they rep it with the post punk offering ‘Get Laid’ and ‘Left Leanin’ which delves into a barrage of glamtastic chanting. Sam remains on his chair, getting punters to join in with the performance and sing along whenever they can, what an original and fun packed show. Also off ‘Something Bigger’ from 2018, is ‘Memphis Mile’ a stunning intro by Chris leads into a full blown piece of solid rock and roll. This causes more chaos on the floor and it’s been a while since I’ve seen an audience getting involved and enjoying themselves so much. Full credit to The Midnight Devils, that was something else.
03
September 2024
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Vanitas @ The Flapper

If you've never seen Vanitas before, they are well worth checking out for any lover of metal, and you should definitely try and catch them as they work their way round the UK on their upcoming tour and various festival appearances.
09
August 2024
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SOS FESTIVAL / WHITTLES@TOKYO OLDHAM – Sunday  7/7/24 

Sunday already and it’s time to head down to Whittles for the last instalment of SOS. It’s been incredible so far, friendly crowd and decent food stalls. There’s a couple of Jewellery sellers as well, couldn’t help buying some new earrings ! The bar’s are quick too, no hanging about in a long queue for a drink and the coffee is so addictive. Not long after I arrive it’s time for the first band, who are outside and there’s already a hoard of folk mingling about in the Oldham sunshine. 
22
July 2024
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SOS FESTIVAL / WHITTLES@TOKYO OLDHAM – Saturday  6/7/24 

I survived the night in Oldham and I must thank Simon, who I’d spotted earlier in his ‘Wicked Rivers’ bucket hat, for sharing a taxi back to the hotel. It’s a biggie today, 13 bands are playing and again there’s a decent mix of genres to keep us all happy. After saying hi to the ‘Kinstrife’ lads, who were already set up indoors, I went outside to watch the first band of the day. 
18
July 2024
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SOS FESTIVAL / WHITTLES@TOKYO OLDHAM – Friday 5/7/24 

I decided to take the train to Oldham, which turned out to be a bit of a trek from Telford. The Metro from Manchester to Oldham was easy enough though, even if some of my fellow passengers were, shall we say, ‘interesting’ characters ! In the end I found a taxi and reached my hotel, with a few hours spare to adjust and get ready for the opening night of SOS 2024. My first time in Oldham and for this festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Three days and 29 bands, 30 if you count the after show gig by the crew on the Saturday night. So many to watch and despite there being no clashes between the outdoor Viking stage and indoor Skull one, I didn’t catch the whole performance of every band so apologies if I missed your favourites. 
17
July 2024
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Review: Download Festival 2024 (Part 1)

Could I name a single song? Absolutely not. Could I google any lyrics? Also, no. But will the feeling of their set stick with me for a long time? Very much so.
25
June 2024
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ASHEN REACH / ‘THE FEAR’ – EP LAUNCH with FALLING BELOW/EUROPA REIGN – GIFFARD 17/5/24  

I’ve been looking forward to this EP launch for quite some time. Ashen Reach are one of the new bands I follow, who have raised the bar, with their contemporary and innovative way of producing music. The debut ‘Homecoming’ was very special and my album of the year for 2020, it brought another aspect into modern metal and led the way to encourage bands, to break down barriers and move outside boxes.
24
May 2024
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THE BLACK CROWES / JIM JONES ALL STARS – WOLVERHAMPTON HALLS 18/5/24

I couldn’t resist the chance to see The Black Crowes in Wolverhampton, at the new refurbished Halls tonight. After bumping into an old friend and getting my pass sorted, it was up to the circle for a front row view. Must say the venue is looking good, with an added balcony to increase the capacity and some plush upgrades. After getting a drink and finding my seat, it was only a short wait before the support band came on stage.    
20
May 2024
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