What’s On

Spring 2025 sees the UK’s Amplifier release their 8th studio album GARGANTUAN and a return to playing live shows following a hiatus since 2019. This tour – Amplifier’s first ever as a two-piece – proves that their passion for the core activity of making music is clearly undiminished.

“Our main value is just do what you love for the love of it. If you do that, then anything that comes along with it is just a bonus.”
You can expect to climb aboard the good spaceship Amplifier and ride the titanic waves and grooves of triumph.

https://youtu.be/NOc7j5-7sSo?si=GUzIVIIz6O0TtoOR

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1lCspmd05bYpPS814xw5nl?si=7qe3M8abSE-AK-MtR5LT8Q

“He’s in league with the devil” WILL SERGEANT | ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN

“Fantastic; it takes some courage to do what he does” BADLY DRAWN BOY

“Taking on a crowd that is only here for the music is something to see in itself; the bravery to contend with the rowdy punters and win them over single-sleight-of handedly takes nerve but when you’re good, and you know you are, it’s just another night” JOEL GION | THE BRAIN JONESTOWN MASSACRE

“I am an unashamed fan of the skill of a good magician, not dissimilar to that of a good musician, and The Magic Mod is up there with the very best and always doing it in style” STEVE WHITE | THE STYLE COUNCIL

THE MAGIC MOD – aka Ben Taylor – is a card magician and entertainer of huge esteem who can proudly count himself as a member of the exclusive Magic Circle fraternity. Born in Crawley in South London, he now lives in Belfast and has previously supported The Libertines, Paul Weller and The Brian Jonestown Massacre on tour, all people he can call friends alongside the likes of Liam Gallagher, Shaun Ryder and Rick Witter.

Ben has appeared on Sky Sports Soccer AM, considers journalist and broadcaster Eamonn Holmes as a friend and fan (“I’ve met David Blaine and Dynamo but, for me, what he did was the best I’ve ever seen”) as well as former Fulham and West Ham United footballer Tony Gayle (He’s good, the boy’s good, but can he head a ball?) and makes a cameo appearance on the Paul Weller album On Sunset.

His act astonishes, perplexes and entertains all those who witness it and is a performance wrapped in warmth and humour. Which is why people endlessly return to see him perform and why his audiences are growing with every tour, as evidenced by his sold-out run throughout the UK late last year.

Reflecting on his journey into performing magic, Ben says:

“I first got into the art of magic at the age of six when my Mum and Dad bought me a Paul Daniels magic set and I tried to learn at least one new trick every day. I became a professional magician when I turned 20 and was doing card tricks that I never knew I would be capable of. I practice up to four or five hours a day, sometimes more if I’m really in a rush to learn a new trick.”

Expect to see a modern take on the magic tricks of Tommy Cooper and Paul Daniels performed by a fella who really wouldn’t look out of place in the best rock n roll band in the world.

Vraell (real name Alessio Scozzaro) is a classically trained London-based musician who has been releasing music under the ‘Vraell’ moniker since early 2019, rapidly building up an online audience for his ethereal sounds. His songs such as “Between” have recently become viral sensations as well as being used by BBC Earth.

Radiator + supports

TBC

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-
toads

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