Tuff Love – ‘Resort’

Tuff Love’s ‘Resort’ is a collection that shows progression, depth and longevity. Compiling Tuff Love’s three EPs (‘Junk’, ‘Dross’ and ‘Dregs’), ‘Resort’ is a perfect starting point for those who have somehow missed the Glaswegian duo as they’ve slowly but steadily been building up a head of steam over

Pretend Happy – ‘Tired Eyes’

Pretend Happy’s ‘Tired Eyes’ is an accomplished, assured debut from a young UK band. These three guys from the small town of Barnstaple in the South West have produced a record they should be extremely proud of and one that puts them right up there with bands like Moose

New Design – ‘Far From Home’

If you like big, anthemic, slow-burning emo then ‘Far From Home’ is going to make your day. The debut record from Brampton, Ontario based New Design is a mature, professional and realised effort from this young band. With Kenny Bridges (of Moneen (sorry, .moneen.) fame) at the desk, ‘Far From

End of Year Review: Conor Mackie

GIN WAR – ‘Piece of Moon’

If you like plodding indie rock with a lot of heart, GIN WAR are for you. ‘Piece of Moon’ is five honest and emotional songs for fans of bands like Cheap Girls, Weezer and Lemuria. The New Jersey outfit’s sophomore release builds on the solid base ‘Half of a

Light Years – ‘I’ll See You When I See You’

Light Years’ sophomore release provides more of the same, not that that’s a bad thing. ‘I’ll See You When I See You’ continues in the vein of their debut, except this time around the four-piece from Kent, Ohio provide a more mature, more focused record. Right from the opening octaves

Allison Weiss – ‘New Love’

Allison Weiss has always been severely underrated (in the UK, at least) for reasons unknown – her vocals are so strong, her songs are so catchy, her lyrics are so heartfelt. This comparable unknown won’t last for long. With her sophomore release, ‘New Love’, Weiss has made a perfect pop

INTERVIEW: Moving North [Sept 2015]

So, Kieran Kelly, how’s it going? You’re pretty big time these days, booking huge shows left, right and centre but I think it’s really nice to see you stripping ManchFESTer back a little for 3.5 and scaling back the line-up. What inspired this move? Was there just too

INTERVIEW: Da Iawn Fest [August 2015]

We have a chat with DIY Cardiff ahead of Da Iawn Fest this weekend! This is the first Da Iawn Fest! What made you want to put on an all-dayer? Do you want to make this a yearly thing or will you see how this first one plays

Big Awesome – Party On

Party On, the debut record South Carolina’s Big Awesome, is a wonderful, accomplished record full of energy, emotion and enthusiasm. This band has produced a real gem with this 10-track emo record. The chorus on ‘What Grows Up Must Get Down’ will go round and round in your head,