What’s On

TBC

The Deadlians – The Deadlians are a Dublin based band with a cult following
playing folk songs, punk rock, psychedelic segues. With thumping drums, a
humming synth, evocative guitars and inventive vocal ornamentation, The
Deadlians come together in catchy arrangements. They are looking to create their
own identity in the alternative folk music scene. Their music is phenomenal. With
melodic and rhythmic tunes, their sound evokes a faintly darker edge to a new
generation of Irish alternative trad/folk groups performing today. Dublin man Sean
Fitzgerald, singer, balladeer, songwriter, poet, storyteller and musician fronts The
Deadlians started in 2017 as a four piece are now an Irish trad rock five-piece. One
of Ireland’s best kept secrets.

https://youtu.be/vbXAZ6t0oG0?feature=shared

Bandcamp – https://thedeadlians.bandcamp.com/album/rid-the-land-ofgreedy-
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As one of the most influential players in the UK scene as a solo artist, one-quarter of The Four Owls and founder & CEO of High Focus Records, Fliptrix continues to ascend.

From a basement studio in Camberwell to living off-grid in the Portuguese mountains, Fliptrix has always manifested his dreams in the music he makes. His many adventures across the world and standout collaborations with a long list of like-minded music makers such as DJ Premier and Greentea Peng are significant highlights, however, they were always part of the panorama; Fliptrix’s dedication and laser-guided focus key pillars of his ongoing legacy.

Having recognised music as an extremely powerful medium from an early age, Fliptrix seeks to spread positivity and light through his creations; with messaging and meaning taking centre stage at every turn. He writes songs to further himself as an individual, expanding his knowledge album-on-album, with the aim of making a difference to the lives of those who listen.

£1 from every ticket goes to Cam Skate, who run Cambridge’s volunteer run indoor skate park

Wigan band, the Stanleys arrive at The Portland Arms, fresh from supporting Richard Ashcroft, Cast and Shed Seven across the UK – and their recent headline show at the 950 capacity Manchester Academy 2, which sold out in minutes!

Having also been on the road with the likes of The Libertines, The Lathums, The Sherlocks, Jamie Webster, The View and Inspiral Carpets, it’s only a matter of time before the Stanleys are as well-known across the UK, as they are across Manchester and the North-West.

“Well thought out musicianship” and “well on the way to making
something special” – BBC Radio Manchester

Support comes from two bands destined for a big future, Afterdrive and The Portland.

Afterdrive
In just a short time, Ipswich band, Afterdrive have already become admired for their perfect blend of pop and indie music and receive regular airplay on prestigious national platforms like BBC Radio 1 and Radio X.

The Portland
The Portland are definitely one to keep an eye on. With influences as diverse at The Pixies and Bill Callahan, The Portland are going places.

Rock night

Their recent single, “Stages”, featured Peaky Blinders’ Cillian Murphy doing a voiceover on the track; with The Franks & Walters you never know what to expect next, but you know it will be a bit quirky and great fun. Formed in Cork, Ireland they have been spreading joy and happiness with their indie-pop music for over 30 years.

“The Franks” became famous in the 90’s Indie scene and have a catalogue of hundreds of songs from seven studio albums. They still play sold out gigs all over Europe.

Miki Berenyi Trio are Miki Berenyi on vocals/guitar (Lush), Kevin ‘Moose’ McKillop on guitar (Moose) and Oliver Cherer (Gilroy Mere, Aircooled). The three musicians first worked together during Piroshka’s 2021 tour, Miki and Kevin being founder members, Oliver coming in on bass to replace Mick Conroy (Modern English) who had moved to the US.

When the global pandemic made touring impossible, Miki spent the lockdown months writing her memoir, “Fingers Crossed”, released in 2022 to widespread acclaim. To provide some musical accompaniment for the string of book events and signings, Miki Berenyi Trio was formed.

The band has developed a momentum of its own, touring with the Wedding Present and Gang of Four and sold out London co-headline show with Aircooled.

Price includes a 50p venue levy

EP release celebration show.

TBC

TBC

‘Prima Queen’s ethereal sound, which shimmers with delicate vocal interplay and glacial instrumentation, takes them to regal heights’ NME

Transatlantic indie experts Prima Queen announce debut LP ‘The Prize’, packed with effusive, empathic melodies, ‘The Prize’ represents a fresh era for a band primed and ready to truly assert their individuality. The songs of Louise Macphail and Kristin McFadden play like a love letter to the radical power of friendship; to the fans who have revelled in the band’s bitingly charismatic storytelling, qualities which are showcased vividly throughout their entire debut record.

Described, accurately, by McFadden as an album that ‘screams empowerment and strength,’ ‘The Prize’ uses the pair’s fateful connection as a North Star for their shared journey towards growth. Tapping into the shimmering pop sensibilities of Haim and Jenny Lewis, an openness of spirit defines the 12 tracks, partly inspired by the euphoria the group experienced on stage over the past year while touring with the likes of Olivia Dean, Wet Leg and Whitney.

Having built a glowing live reputation through appearances at the likes of Glastonbury, SXSW and Pitchfork Paris in recent times, Prima Queen have already attracted plaudits from all corners of the press landscape (The Guardian, The I Paper, The Independent, The Times, NME, DIY, Dork, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash), whilst their previous five singles have all landed on the BBC 6 Music playlist (Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens, Lauren Laverne, Craig Charles) to widespread praise.

Hard to believe we know but it is true, Kirk Brandon has now been leading SPEAR OF DESTINY for over 40 years.

SPEAR OF DESTINY were formed in 1983 after the demise of Kirk Brandon’s post punk iconic rockers THEATRE OF HATE. (Brandon had also, before TOH, been the main man in every punk rockers favourite band of that era, The Pack)

The current line up of Spear is the longest serving to date and features Adrian Portas (New Model Army / Sex Gang Children), Craig Adams (Sisters of Mercy / The Cult / The Mission) and Phil Martini (Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind )on drums. During 2019 the line up was boasted by Saxophonist Clive Osborne. Long time Brandon collaborator Steve Allen-Jones completes the band line up on keyboards..

Post Pandemic has seen SOD play some fabulous club shows and festivals including sell out shows at the iconic 100 Club in London, Manchester Ritz and Glasgow Oran Mor. SOD’s performances at Sign of the Times, Rebellion and Kubix festivals have heralded fantastic reviews “Festival Stealing Dream set” wrote The Northern Echo.

Late 2024 will see Spear take to the road with long term friend Richard Jobson who will fronting a revitalised line up of the much loved Post Punk Heroes THE SKIDS. This amazing line will be playing close to 30 shows across the UK in November and December 2024, NOT to be missed.

For SPEAR OF DESTINY 2025 will be the year of ‘Janus”. Janus The Recordings are the choicest cuts from the band’s two biggest selling albums, Outland & The Price You Pay. 24 tracks re-recorded and re-imagined, beautifully packaged and presented on Double Vinyl, Extended Double CD and Download. Janus The Tour will pull a set list from these fantatsic new recordings.

The BBC’s Jeremy Vine says, “@kirkbrandon is one of our greatest musical geniuses”

John Robb’s Louder Than War “Spear of Destiny are criminally underrated and are one of Britain’s best, Boys Own, punch the air, grandiose Rock’nRoll bands.”

Mojo wrote: “Kirk Brandon is on of the UK’s best kept secrets”.

On SOD’s previous studio album ‘31’(Thirty-One).
BBC Radio’s Jools Holland: “possibly [Spear of Destiny’s] best album in 20 years”

Louder Than War: “9/10 Brandon puts his all into every song with epic bombast, coming across as a tragic rock n roll anti-hero. He is the Wagner of rock n roll. And the haircut’s still pretty cool”

Aberdeen Voice: “Forty years together makes for flawless musicianship, a unique sound, and some remarkable riffs and harmonies”

Shonen Knife’s front girl Naoko was inspired to form the band by Beatles, Ramones, Buzzcocks etc. in Osaka on December 30, 1981. The origin of the band name is an old brand name of a pencil sharpener knife.

Their first album “Burning Farm”, released on Zero Records in Japan in 1983, was reissued on legendary American label K Records in 1985.

Their one and only unique sound got popular in North America, UK and Europe; and their first major album “Let’s Knife” was released in Japan, the US and UK in 1992.

Shonen Knife keeps on releasing their rockin albums and touring constantly worldwide!

Wrong Jovi are the UK’s newest and finest tribute to rock legends Bon Jovi. Described by tribute band expert (Channel 4’s The Convention Crasher) and TV celebrity Justin Lee-Collins as “the best Bon Jovi tribute band in the world”, Wrong Jovi features some of the UKs finest professional musicians. With a set list crammed full of sing-along anthems, live favourites and rarities, audiences are guaranteed the ultimate Bon Jovi experience.

With attention to detail in sound and performance, The Wrong Jovi show is second to none.