Wunderhorse @ O2 Academy, Liverpool
Jacob Slater took to the Liverpool O2 Academy stage wielding his iconic Fender guitar back in October, there was a palpable feeling in the air that Wunderhorse might just be a generational talent. Jacob spoke a single word that sent the room into instantaneous rapture. “Midas" he snarled, the name of the night's opening number, a jumble of four chords being thrashed in a furious barrage. This first track immediately lit the fuse, making the crowd explode in a fit of sprawling bodies. Jacob executed the choruses with glee, revelling in the opportunity to ad lib the lyrics and launch himself enthusiastically about the stage.
The setlist favoured the recent record with all but one of the album tracks featuring on the setlist. Arriving early in the evening, 'Emily' was greeted with a hushed reverence by the audience, its mechanical verses receding to a haunting refrain. Drummer Jamie Staples filled the tender pockets with gargantuan symbol crashes and industrial style fills. The amps were cranked back up to eleven for ensuing cuts 'Purple' and 'Rain', the latter number sparking raucous amongst the audience during which the performers slink off stage.
There was a sense of unfinished business when the quartet came back from behind the curtain following desperate calls for an encore. The rhythmic chimes of 'Teal' illuminated the room to a wild reception, the crowd readying themselves to bellow every word of Wunderhorse’s most emotive hit. The euphoric singalong was quashed by the seething Grunge rage of 'July' as Jacob stood awash with strobes as he roared one final lament.
Words by George Wainwright
The Cheap Thrills @ Liverpool Olympia
When Liverpool's cult Indie favourites The Cheap Thrills took to the Liverpool Olympia, frontman Lewis Pike set the tone with a nod to the theatre’s wild history: “The Olympia, ay—from the elephants to Houdini to the f*cking Thrillers!”.
The stage was adorned with homemade signs bearing messages like ‘All Roads Lead to Olympia’ and ‘Flying Down County’ - symbols of local pride and tribute to the band’s roots in Walton Vale. Each song amplified this sense of homecoming, especially as they launched into ‘Last Orders’ and ‘Home (I Want You Forever)’ crowd favourites that sparked massive sing-alongs. And when they played a track inspired by nearby Anfield stadium, just a mile and a half away, the entire theatre pulsed with the unity and hometown pride.
The crowd reached fever pitch and became even more animated during ‘Escape’ a playful acoustic number that had people chanting the letters of the title anthemically. As confetti showered down, Lewis laughed, “Take some of that confetti home, have it on your dinner or something”. The band took full advantage of this high-energy moment, diving right into the newer tracks, before throwing it back to the perfect trifecta: ‘Saint or Sinner’ ‘Reborn’ and ‘Party’ each met with ecstatic applause.
With each song, it became increasingly clear that The Cheap Thrills had something extraordinary. It was their fierce passion, their love of one another and their camaraderie that made the night electric.
Words by Lucy Holden
Bob Dylan @ M&S Bank Arena
How many times can you say you’ve been in the presence of a genuine cultural icon? Just to be present at a Bob Dylan show is joy enough for even the casual listener but witnessing one of the most influential musicians of all time in a city that considers itself more than well-acquainted with cultural demi-gods was an absolute blessing. To enjoy Bob live you have to take an objective view of the situation. At the ripe age of 83 Bob doesn’t shake a room anymore, but he can still hold any venue of thousands in the palm of his hand. It turns out, the old adage is true – class is permanent. He kicked things off with delightfully moody, bluesy version of ‘All Along the Watchtower’, and even squinting from near the back row, we can still feel the buzz. A true chameleon, Bob has changed his performing style to suit his many remaining talents. The voice is deep and gruff but the understated joy of performing shines through. The crowd, young and old together, are encapsulated.
Bob reserves the right to rattle through newer tracks, many from his 2020 album 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' and no one minds a jot. There’s no doubt we’d love a greatest hits setlist but Bob could sing you happy birthday and it would still be worth a Grammy nomination. That being said, the few old classics he does pull out are amongst the highlights, specifically ‘Desolation Row’, a near ten-minute rhapsody which is frankly still enchanting. The crowd goes wild when around track 5 Bob whips out the mouth organ. He doesn’t play his guitar live anymore, but he wails on the harmonica as well as he ever has. During these moments, you realise that it’s 2024 and you’re witnessing something truly surreal. Nearly two hours fly by and there is one singular takeaway to tell your friends. If you ever get the chance to see the great man live, for God’s sake don’t pass it up.
Words by Neil Williams
Yard Act @ The Invisible Wind Factory
As Yard Act took to the stage, their bigger live set up was instantly apparent and it was wholly appropriate given the sound of the new record. Every element of ‘Where’s My Utopia?’ is bigger, more layered and more dramatic than their debut so we couldn’t wait to see how the addition of synths, brass and backing singers would elevate the live sound and capture the absurd cinematic grandeur of their new album…. And it did not disappoint!
The added saxophone accompaniment really brought tracks alive when they entered the trademark Yard Act finale. As the vocals cut out, the band often entered into a high intensity freak out with soaring brass lines, frantic guitar playing and dance-worthy grooves, typical of the new record. These moments would not have been as vibrant and rich in flavour without these new additions and you could feel how the privilege of having these extra layers allowed the original band members to get even more stuck into their own grooves and explore the tone of their instruments, pushing everything they played right to the edge. These instrumental finales on numerous tracks were some of our favourite during the night.
Overall, the night perfectly captured the feeling of ‘Where’s My Utopia?’. It was big, bold, euphoric and contemplative. It had people dancing, it had people teary eyed with their arms around their loved ones and most of all, it had people being in love with live music. If you get the chance to see Yard Act this year, do not miss the opportunity!
Catfish and The Bottlemen @ Sefton Park
Sefton Park was flooded with 40,000 fans for a much anticipated comeback gig for one of the UK's all-time Indie heavyweights, Catfish and the Bottlemen. Opening with 'Longshot', the crowd erupted, and it was clear that they were back in full force. Van McCann’s commanding presence, reminiscent of icons like Liam Gallagher, captivated the audience as he engaged in a string of energetic antics, swinging his microphone around and throwing his huge head of hair up and down. The opening quartet of songs, which included fan favourites like 'Kathleen', 'Soundcheck' and 'Pacifier', set the tone for an electrifying night. Van’s interactions with the crowd, filled with declarations of "Liverpool, we are f****ng back" were a testament to the band’s genuine enjoyment and newfound energy following their hiatus.
The performance of 'Fallout' was a standout moment, with the crowd passionately singing along to "See I, I was a test-tube baby that’s why nobody gets me” which even elicited beaming smiles from the band. As the band performed '7' the crowd erupted into a singalong, marking the pinnacle of the evening. The audience passionately echoed, "And I'd beg you, but you know I'm never home. And I'd love you, but I need another year alone". The energy was palpable, making it a night that will be long remembered. They wrapped up the show with their signature song 'Cocoon' delivering a performance that thrilled fans new and old. Van McCann's sincere declaration, “Liverpool, we love you” as the final note played, signalled the triumphant return of the band.
Words by Lucy Holden
The Amazons @ District, Liverpool
Liverpool’s District, a former art gallery in the Baltic Triangle, has long been a cornerstone of the city's vibrant independent music scene. This December, the venue's atmosphere surged to new heights as The Amazons took the stage for a high-octane headline show promoting their upcoming album '21st Century Fiction'. Opening with their 2024 single ‘Livin’ a Lie’, the song’s driving rhythm and sense of anticipation immediately pulled the audience in. Throughout the evening, the group introduced fresh material that showcased their evolving sound. ‘My Blood’, from their upcoming album, was met with cheers as it was revealed. The track blends intense vocals, ambient guitar, and a female vocal layer, while still capturing the band’s familiar energy. Matt Thomson shared that '21st Century Fiction' is the first album the group truly felt compelled to make, signalling a shift toward deeper themes and a more introspective approach.
They revisited some of their earlier hits, including fan favourites like ‘Ready for Something’ and ‘In My Mind’, with the crowd’s energy remaining unwavering throughout. As the set came to a close, chants of “one more song!” filled the District. The band reemerged for a stunning encore and ended the set with one of their most iconic songs, ‘Black Magic’, which sparked a massive response from the audience. Matt Thomson crowd-surfed across the venue and the night wrapped up with an explosive instrumental outro, culminating in an impressive drum solo that drew wild cheers as the band exited the stage for a final time. The performance expertly blended their new musical direction with the electrifying excitement fans have come to expect, proving The Amazons’ mastery in connecting with their audience.
Words by Liv Gatrell
Crawlers @ Manchester Gorilla
Liverpool Alt Rockers Crawlers have had a huge year that has brought so many milestones, namely the release of their debut album 'The Mess We Seem To Make'. As we entered Manchester's Gorilla ahead of their album tour the impact that they have had on their cult following was immediately evident. Fans has queued for hours before doors opened and as they poured into the venue you could see waves of Crawlers merch and even some Crawlers tattoos appearing around the room. Many fans were also adorning LGBTQ+ and Palestinian flags, highlighting that the Crawlers community has become a safe space for fans to express their identity and strive for equality and justice while also enjoying some kick-ass Alt Rock anthemics.
These heavy-hitting anthems were in good supply on the night! As they stormed through angsty, swagger-filled bangers like 'Kiss Me' and 'Messiah', the room was shaking. What was most striking was the performative style of frontwoman Holly Minto. She commanded the stage with a mysterious yet powerful aura, tossing her hair around, using the mic stand as a symbol of performance and acting out every emotion that is packed into their poignant lyricism. Intimate moments such as the stripped back 'Golden Bridge' added to this emotive impact of the set and allowed the band to connect deeply with the audience, both with literal interaction and with a shared inner feeling. Whether it was these emotional moments or the times when raucous energy took hold, Crawlers left a lasting impression on everyone present.
Jamie Webster @ Sefton Park
Scouse superstar Jamie Webster took to the stage for his biggest headline show to date on July 12th as part of the In the Park Festival. Opening with ‘Voice of the Voiceless’, his down-to-earth nature and relentless optimism shone through his set, bringing the crowd together immediately. Following in this same vain, he also brought beloved actor Ricky Tomlinson on stage throughout the show who spoke of love and supporting each other whilst celebrating his hometown. Affirming the tone for the evening, Tomlinson said: "Home to me is 30,000 Scousers in a field in Sefton Park" which was followed by an eruption of cheers and applause, mirroring Jamie's love for the city.
The first part of his performance showcased several of his politically charged songs such as ‘Davey Kane’ and ‘Something’s Gotta Give’, highlighting adversity and celebrating the ordinary. His live debut of ‘Dolly Bird’ and ‘Breadline’ moved focus onto his latest album ‘10 For The People’ which was released earlier this year.
Partway through the show, he performed several covers of songs alongside notable musicians. Brooke Combe, Dave McCabe from The Zutons and Ian McCulloch from Echo & the Bunnymen joined him to revisit timeless classics, several of which have left valuable marks on Liverpool’s music scene. The energy of Jamie's performance grew with every song which became particularly notable during ‘Going Out’ and ‘Something In The Air’ in the latter part of his set as a feel-good atmosphere radiated through the audience.
Finishing his set with some of his most well-known anthems, Jamie united the crowd in an immensely powerful display of Liverpool pride. ‘This Place’ reflected Webster’s adoration for his hometown, with the crowd belting "My city, my people, my heart". His final song, ‘Weekend in Paradise’ then saw him become one with the crowd as all were emotionally gripped by the sensational atmosphere. The singer’s Sefton Park performance delivered a grounded tribute and call to his community, making an unforgettable Friday night for thousands.
Words by Eve Waterhouse
Festival Highlights
Kendal Calling
Over four sunshine-y days, forty thousand festival goers gathered in the Lake District fields to revel in the magic of Kendal Calling for an unforgettable weekend. The festival site was bubbling with energy from start to finish as fans of all ages enjoyed a heady concoction of anthemic headliners Paul Heaton with special guest Rianne Downey, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Streets and Paolo Nutini, summer singalong nostalgia with iconic acts such as Kate Nash, Keane, Sugababes and Feeder as well as a vast array of the UK’s most exciting new wave of artists including Mercury Prize 2024 nominated CMAT and The Snuts, who rocked the main stage on their return to Kendal Calling, the place where they made their first ever festival appearance.
Photo Credit: Nat Argent
Whether the weekend was spent enjoying a brew in Tim Peaks Diner, wandering the woodlands of Lost Eden or bouncing around down the front of the main stage – it was a sensational Kendal Calling which intrigued, surprised and entertained attendees all ages.
Liverpool Sound City
As Liverpool Sound City returned to its much loved multi-venue, city centre format, we joined the fun to hop skip and jump from venue to venue, sampling some of the most exciting new music from Merseyside and beyond. The festival, combined with ComicCon and the May bank holiday madness, brought a visceral vibrancy to the city which was instantly exciting, not to mention the array of live acts on offer. Sound City 2024 was a triumphant showcase of a new music from the UK and internationally that shone a light on Liverpool's music heritage while welcoming diverse talent from all corners of the world.
Highlights came in the form of the joyous Desert Indie energy of local legends Red Rum Club, a host of breakthrough sets from this year's hottest new acts including Home Counties and Alex Spencer plus the perfect festival headliner, The Snuts who had the whole festival bouncing.
BOOT FEST
We couldn't not give our own brand new festival a mention here! Back in June we hosted our first ever annual BOOT FEST in the Future Yard garden in Birkenhead for a full summer Saturday showcasing the very best new music from the North-West. The dark clouds above cast an ominous sign but it didn’t dampen our spirits one bit. Georgia Johnson kicked things off with some angsty ballads, almost putting the weather back in its place as she stomped around the stage with a fierce Rock n Roll energy. Her tender, emotional songwriting was amplified by her full band backing that added a power to every track. Toy Car then followed, turning up the energy-levels even more with their high-octane set that channeled a pure Indie Rock spirit ready for the mosh pit.
At this point we opened the BOOT FEST fair with a wide selection of vinyls on offer from Dead Air Records and official BOOT FEST 2024 tees which were screen printing live by AGAIN, the amazing sustainable merch project. Sefeltt then took to the stage, blending more melodic, Indie Pop bops with grittier angst-fuelled performances that channelled retro Grunge and heartfelt vocal deliveries that ring of modern Post-Punk. The Sukis played a tremendous penultimate set, suited and booted as is their trademark. Everything about them is sharp, slick and laced in nostalgia and this performance was no different; it even got people dancing in the rain.
Finally, our 2024 headliners Shefu blew us away once again! As people hid under coats and umbrellas, they barrelled through their playful early singles and a slew of unreleased anthems that, even on first listen, you feel are already your favourite songs. Energy pushed to the max and some gorgeous guitar work on display, it’s everything we could have asked for to close our first ever BOOT FEST.
Local underground
Luvcat @ LEAF on Bold Street
UK indie newcomers Luvcat have gone from playing pub gigs in London to headlining iconic UK venues in less than a year. To celebrate the wild 2024 that the Scouse/London outfit have had, they returned home to Liverpool to headline Leaf on Bold Street for an intimate Christmas show. Walking on stage in suits and angel wings, singer Sophie Morgan opened the show covering Frank Sinatra’s ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ before smoothly transitioning into unreleased track ‘Lipstick’. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, bass, cello, keyboard and drums this was a more stripped back show compared to Luvcat’s usual circus of sound performing to an attentive audience amongst the Christmas lights.
Having taken TikTok by storm in the first half of 2024, teasing debut single ‘Matador’ and garnering a loyal following of fans, Luvcat played the infamous track early in their set. Retelling the tale of pining over a cold lost love, Morgan’s voice bellowed throughout the room as she sang “I wanted love, but you wanted gore” in time with the audience singing every word back to her. Latest single ‘Dinner @ Brasserie Zédel’ began with an acapella rendition where the crowd once again joined in harmonising the line “when are you gonna make me your baby?” before building into the full arrangement.
Performing 13 songs with 2 of them being Christmas tunes, the band closed the show with the first couple verses of The Pogues’ ‘Fairytale of New York’ which came shortly after an original Christmas song titled 'Merry Christmas, I’m Leaving You' where Morgan sang that her love interest was like “Shane MacGowan with twice the teeth and half the talent”. Morgan’s vision for Luvcat as a group is well thought out and she knows exactly who she is and who she makes music for. Taking the indie music world in its arms in 2024, 2025 will see the group embark on UK and European headline tours where the stars will undoubtedly break through to mainstream.
Words by Rae Charlea
Oh Mother @ The Jacaranda
Taking to the famous Jacaranda stage with a cool elegance and heaped in polished style, Oh Mother laid out groovy, Classic Rock vibes from the very beginning while keeping the show interesting with a mixture of different styles throughout their set. Tight guitar work blended with the atmospheric and smooth vocals of frontman and guitarist, Matteo Tondi, led to this band and their performance oozing with elegance.
A major highlight of the show was the impressive guitar solos, each time, they had a serious impact on the music and brought the song together to create a vibrant feel, one solo in particular being very reminiscent of a young Jimmy Page, creating this 70s-style classic rock feel to the track. Another area of note was the tight harmonies between Matteo and bassist Clara, the harmonies between Matteo’s atmospheric style and Clara’s softly nostalgic vocals made for a beautiful listening experience.
Throughout their performance we saw the saxophone being donned by lead guitarist Igor, this not only added a new level of interest to their music but it elevated their performance and stage presence to a new height, keeping the show fresh and constantly changing.
The climax of the performance saw the suave rockers play their debut single ‘All I Need’, a track that has immense danceability and saw the band showing off their greatest strengths, a culmination of their finest hours. Joined on stage by a guest saxophonist who blew the roof off with his performance of the track's highly powerful saxophone solo to conclude the song and set. A genuinely enthralling and exciting track that should make big noise in a musical world that wants more eccentric and individualistic music.
Words by Cameron Arbuthnot
Astles @ Liverpool Philharmonic
Astles and the Balloon Moon Orchestra delivered a soul-stirring performance at his 5th Annual Christmas Concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic, transforming a chilly December evening into an intimate celebration of warmth, family, and shared stories. The music room’s legendary acoustics provided the perfect setting for an event that blended heartfelt storytelling with lush musical arrangements. The evening opened with Abby Meysenburg, whose dreamy shoegaze-inspired performance set a contemplative yet uplifting tone. Her solo guitar and vocals, bathed in warm red light, offered a mix of grunge guitars and tender musings. A standout moment was her reflection on her hometown breaking her heart, which resonated deeply. Abby described the night as “an escape from everything” a sentiment that carried beautifully into the headlining set.
Taking the stage with the 10+ members of the Balloon Moon Orchestra, which included a harpist, Astles immediately established an electrifying connection with the audience. His set wove together songs that felt like cinematic snapshots of life, filled with heartfelt nostalgia and grounded in a distinctive Mersey sound. Astles has a rare gift for capturing the extraordinary in the everyday, whether through the wistful lyrics of ‘Any Kind’ or the deeply personal ‘2 and a Bit (Song for a Brother)’, an anthem for sentimental siblings grappling with the passage of time.
A particularly poignant moment came with ‘Good Night God Bless’, a tribute to Astles’ late grandmother. The lilting melody carried a bittersweet mix of grief and celebration, bringing tears to many. Family was at the heart of this performance, symbolized when his grandfather joined him onstage for ‘Gerry’s Ferry’ a heartfelt and humorous reflection on mortality and legacy. The banter between the two provided levity, with his grandfather quipping, “I don’t want to be a celeb” before leaving the stage to laughter and applause.
The night closed on a euphoric note with a cover of The Waterboys’ ‘Whole of the Moon,’ a crowd-pleasing finale that encapsulated the evening’s sense of togetherness and joy. Astles also announced his upcoming debut album, ‘Songs for the 82 Bus’, inspired by a cassette tape from his uncle, promising more of his signature earnest storytelling.This gig was a perfect send-off to the year, here’s to 2025 being the year for the earnest.
Words by Em Wills
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