Lightspeed Champion
This topped my Gig of the Year poll for 2008. A superb celebration of one man’s tranformation from a schizoid fuzzball rock oddbod to a heart-melting revolutionary. Simply brilliant. Date: February […]
Author Archives: philviles
Stars
This band were being mentioned in the same sentences as their Canuck peers Arcade Fire and the Besnard Lakes et al, so I struck while the iron was hot and […]
CSS
This gig showcased the band in their prime, a clash of vibrant colours, festive spirit and shimmering pop. Unfortunately for them, it seemed to be the peak of the stardom. […]
The Fray
Sometimes you have to take one for the team. Or, in this case, the other half. It was her who enjoyed their sickly chart-romper How To Save A Life, and […]
The Twang
Back when they were good, The Twang were the Brummie lad-rocking heirs to the Happy Mondays’ thrown before becoming a parody of themselves. I took my then girlfriend along to […]
Super Furry Animals
How could I miss the opportunity to review one of my all-time favourite bands? If only my word count had been bigger I could’ve properly explained their inherent madness. Date: October 22, […]
Los Campesinos!
Twee – yes. Ace – yes. Los Campesinos! are another one of my favourite live bands. There appeared to be a rugby match taking place elsewhere as well. Topical. Date: […]
Vinny Peculiar/Miles Hunt
On a damp Sunday night in October, not many people had bothered to come and watch former Wonderstuffers Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls. In fact, you could literally count the […]
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Bands don’t come much darker or much noisier than this sorrowful lot. But their bloody good… Date: July 21, 2007 Venue: Rock City The four dark figures which emerge in […]
The Crimea
Probably one of my earliest reviews this actually. This band never quite made the quantum leap they were destined for. Date: February 22, 2006 Venue: Bodega It’s a travesty that […]
Stage Times 