written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Bank dealing with “the largest balance sheet risk time bomb ever assembled in history”. RBS has announced a loss of £2bn for 2011, nearly double the £1.1bn loss the bank made in the previous year. It is the fourth annual loss the bank has posted since its government… [Read more…]
February 23, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman New data released by IoD reveals many of Britain’s top bosses fear double-dip. A third of Britain’s top businesses fear there is a “high or very high” risk of a double-dip recession this year, according to data published this morning. The Institute of Directors (IoD) have released results… [Read more…]
February 23, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Picture of GOP candidate made entirely from pornographic thumbnails. Rick Santorum has had a lot to say about the rights of gay people. He has openly denounced homosexuality, strongly opposed gay marriage and called for gay people to be excluded from the American military. According to the sweater-vest-wearing… [Read more…]
February 23, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Another fine performance from the president. Following on from his version of Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together in New York last month (see below), President Obama has now moved on to the blues. Last night at the White House he gave us another impromptu song, performing Sweet Home… [Read more…]
February 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman – Star Spangled Staggers blog President opens up lead against all Republican candidates in key battlegrounds. The re-election of Barack Obama may well be back on. After watching the economy tank and the president struggling to make his promised sweeping reforms, many American swing voters were in a… [Read more…]
February 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman – Star Spangled Staggers blog Former Governor of Alaska promises to do “whatever I could to help”. Sarah Palin has thrust herself back into the spotlight by claiming she could yet play an integral role in the Republican presidential nomination race. What exactly that role will entail is… [Read more…]
February 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman News International claims “this is our moment”. News International (NI) confirmed last night that the Sun on Sunday will be launched next weekend. The new title will replace the News of the World, the newspaper closed down last July following revelations of phone hacking malpractice. NI chief executive… [Read more…]
February 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman ONS data shows retail sales have increased at fastest rate since April 2011. High street sales rose in January, up 0.9 per cent compared to December 2011, according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics this morning. The monthly numbers, which caught analysts by surprise, also… [Read more…]
February 20, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman “May prove to be little more than a temporary bounce.” UK consumer confidence is at its highest level for five months, according to data released on Thursday. The survey conducted by Nationwide and covering 1,000 people, shows that the consumer confidence index is up nine points to 47… [Read more…]
February 16, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Worst unemployment figures since 1995 as squeeze on pay continues. Unemployment in the UK has risen by a further 48,000 in the three months leading up to December, with official figures now showing that 2.67 million people are unemployed in Britain. This represents 8.4 per cent of the… [Read more…]
February 14, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman TV broadcasting agency sets new rules on the amount of foreign television programmes that can be aired. China’s media regulator has imposed new restrictions on television programming by banning foreign programmes during prime time slots, state media reported on Tuesday. All foreign TV series are now capped at… [Read more…]
February 14, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Fifty-four times Scottish Champions face £49m HMRC bill. Rangers Football Club are set to enter administration as the club battles with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at a tribunal over a disputed tax bill of £49m. They have submitted a notice of intent to appoint administrators and the… [Read more…]
February 14, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Partially state-owned bank to close offices in Newcastle, Romford and Scunthorpe. Lloyds Banking Group has announced the closure of three of its offices, resulting in 990 lost jobs. Lloyds, which is 40.2 per cent owned by the taxpayer after it was bailed out in 2008, has overseen more… [Read more…]
February 13, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman IMF and eurozone insist on further cuts in exchange for £110bn bailout fund. Athens was plunged further into crisis this weekend after Greek ministers passed a fresh austerity package in exchange for a £110bn eurozone and IMF bailout aimed at avoiding the government defaulting on its debt and… [Read more…]
February 12, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman A total of six English clubs make up the top 20 but Spanish giants remain in pole position. Real Madrid’s revenue of £401m for the 2010/11 season means they remain top of the Deloitte European Money League for the seventh year in a row as football continues to… [Read more…]
February 12, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Social networking site unveils plans for $5bn IPO. Facebook, the world’s largest and most popular social networking site, has announced it will sell shares that value the company at $100bn. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) is expected to be the largest since Google’s in 2004. Twenty-seven-year-old Mark Zuckerberg,… [Read more…]
February 12, 2012
written by Robert Pollard for New Statesman Fastest rise in factory output prices for 9 months. The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) released on Friday morning have shown that UK producer prices rose 0.5 per cent for the year to January 2012. It represents the largest increase in a single month… [Read more…]
February 12, 2012
written by Robert Pollard – for New Statesman Social network now boasts 145 million users as revenue doubles. LinkedIn, the social networking site that allows professionals to connect, has seen significant growth in revenue and users during the final three months of 2011, as 14 million new profiles were added and revenue reached £106m. The… [Read more…]
February 4, 2012
written by Rob Pollard for New Statesman Increase in listeners for BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. According to the latest batch of audience figures released by Rajar, the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 has had a surge in listeners. The influential news programme presented by John Humphrys now commands an audience close to its… [Read more…]
February 3, 2012
written for New Statesman by Robert Pollard Social networking site unveils plans for $5bn IPO. Facebook, the world’s largest and most popular social networking site, has announced it will sell shares that value the company at $100bn. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) is expected to be the largest since Google’s in 2004. Twenty-seven-year-old Mark Zuckerberg,… [Read more…]
February 3, 2012
written for New Statesman by Robert Pollard Chancellor’s obsession with spending cuts could cause ‘lasting damage’ to UK economy. The fears of those who feel the government’s economic policy is flawed have been echoed by the director of the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR). Jonathan Portes, who served in the Cabinet Office… [Read more…]
February 3, 2012
written for New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard Xstrata and Glencore in talks over merger deal. Xstrata and Glencore, two giant raw materials firms, are in talks over a possible merger that if successful would create a new company potentially worth £50m. The two Swiss companies have urged caution, claiming talks over an all-share… [Read more…]
February 3, 2012
written for New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard Former Labour Chancellor disapproves of government move. The decision to strip Fred Goodwin of his knighthood has been criticised by former Chancellor Alistair Darling, who described the move as “tawdry” and taken “on a whim”. Darling led a chorus of discontent from various high-profile figures who… [Read more…]
January 31, 2012
written for New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard Unemployment figures increase as debt crisis continues to engulf the region. According to the Eurostat agency, unemployment across the eurozone hit record levels at the end of 2011, with the jobless rate standing at 10.4 per cent at the end of December. With 16.5 million people… [Read more…]
January 31, 2012
written for New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard French President ready to implement a financial transaction tax and hopes move will encourage other countries to follow. Nicolas Sarkozy is ready to resist pressure from France’s finance sector and introduce a 0.1 per cent tax on financial transactions. The French president proposes to introduce the… [Read more…]
January 31, 2012
written for New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard Downing Street says “We are not going to micro-manage bonuses”. David Cameron will not force any RBS executives to turn down bonus payments, despite growing calls for government intervention on executive pay. On Sunday, RBS chief executive Stephen Hester announced that he will not be accepting… [Read more…]
January 29, 2012
written for the New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard Rise of mobile internet access set to spark sharp rise in G20 web value. Over the next 4 years the total value of the web economy in G20 countries will almost double in value, a new study has claimed today. The report suggests that the… [Read more…]
January 29, 2012
written for the New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard Japanese game makers announce sharp drop in quarterly profits amid emergence of new gaming platforms. After a sharp decline in quarterly profits, Nintendo are now forecasting a loss of £370m over the next 12 months. It is thought that the company’s traditional videogame approach has… [Read more…]
January 29, 2012
written for the New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard Cabinet office publish list of 277 people who rejected OBEs, CBEs and knighthoods over the past 40 years. The names of people who have rejected honours from the Queen has been released after Cabinet Office officials were forced to publish the information. LS Lowry, CS… [Read more…]
January 22, 2012
written for the New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard Former RBS head could lose his knighthood as Cameron talks tough on executive pay. David Cameron has called for the removal of Fred Goodwin’s knighthood after formally asking the honours committee to revoke the award. The former head of RBS was given the honour as… [Read more…]
January 22, 2012
written for the New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard Interest rates set to remain low until 2016 as fears of double-dip recession continue to grow. A leading economic think tank has claimed that growth will remain so low for the next four years that the current base rate of 0.5 per cent will remain… [Read more…]
January 22, 2012
written for the New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard £279.5m deal agreed for Robert Wiseman Dairies after swift negotiations with German company Müller. German dairy company Müller Group have agreed a deal with Robert Wiseman Dairies which will see the Scottish company bought for £279.5m. The deal represents a 60 per cent increase on… [Read more…]
January 22, 2012
written for the New Statesman – words by Robert Pollard Tom Harris causes further embarrassment to Labour after uploading spoof video of Alex Salmond. Labour MP, Tom Harris, has quit his role as internet advisor for the Scottish Labour Party after posting a video depicting First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond as Hitler. The… [Read more…]
December 31, 2011
written by Robert Pollard It’s time for the ‘Passions Just Like Mine Best Album of 2011′ award, and this year’s winner is, of course, Laura Marling for her superb 3rd album A Creature I Don’t know. See if you agree with the list below…. Laura Marling – A Creature I Don’t Know Beirut – The… [Read more…]
December 31, 2011
written by Robert Pollard As another great year for music draws to a close I thought it only right that I join the legions of other people who have compiled their ‘Best Of’ lists. Below are the best songs of 2011 in my opinion. 1 – Laura Marling – Sophia 2 – Anna Calvi –… [Read more…]
November 10, 2011
written by Robert Pollard Every now and then an opportunity arises to make seismic changes to the social, economic and political landscape. The last time this truly happened in Britain was when Thatcher strode into power, where, after years of economic hardship, she decided that the way to deliver prosperity was to deregulate our banks,… [Read more…]
October 29, 2011
written by Robert Pollard Manchester Cathedral, a stunning, centuries old church that sits proudly in the centre of the city, opened its time-worn doors to the public once more as Laura Marling continued her tour of British cathedrals. This beautiful building is fast becoming the most popular music venue in the city, with its outstanding… [Read more…]
October 29, 2011
words by Robert Pollard – photography by Sam Ellis For a long time now Beirut have astounded many of us with the quality of their output. They have an unerring ability to write songs that capture the past beautifully, and in Zach Condon they have one of the most talented musicians of this generation. They… [Read more…]
October 23, 2011
Ed Miliband’s first year as leader of the Labour Party has been severely hampered by caution, with his reluctance to define his political ideology frustrating for many. A lack of clear narrative has been largely responsible for his failure to inspire his own party – and indeed the wider public – all of whom are… [Read more…]
September 23, 2011
written by Rob Pollard Last night’s Radio 2 In Concert featured Laura Marling playing an intimate gig recorded at BBC Maida Vale studios in London. It was a beautiful performance and one which can be heard on BBC iPlayer for the next seven days. It is difficult to write about Laura without using endless clichés… [Read more…]
August 16, 2011
words by Robert Pollard written for High Voltage Zach Condon has been somewhat quiet of late but this month sees the release of The Rip Tide, Beirut’s third full-length musical foray. Their last studio album was the superb Flying Club Cup, released four years ago to much fanfare and triumphalism, it built upon the success… [Read more…]
August 11, 2011
words by Robert Pollard photography by Luke Chase After a week of riots across England that have caused untold distress for many people, it seems wholly necessary for the government to carry out a full exploration into the factors that triggered the horrendous scenes. Whilst the actions of the looters have been despicable, to write… [Read more…]
July 28, 2011
written by Robert Pollard Passions Just Like Mine will be attending some truly mouth-watering gigs in the coming months. With Anna Calvi and Laura Marling both playing live at the Cathedral and Beirut set to play the Academy, Manchester is playing host to some of the greatest names in the music world. Details of the… [Read more…]
July 28, 2011
words by Robert Pollard The current economic strategy being implemented by George Osborne came under further scrutiny this week after Britain’s latest set of growth figures made for very depressing reading. Mr Osborne’s dogmatic insistence that austerity measures are the only remedy for our economic woes looks increasingly ill-judged after figures for the second quarter… [Read more…]
July 18, 2011
words by Robert Pollard Ed Miliband’s decision to wage war on Rupert Murdoch and his News International colleagues could prove to be, not only the boldest, but the shrewdest political move of his career to date. Ever since news of the scandal broke, Miliband as been ahead of the game, time and again outmaneuvering his… [Read more…]
July 4, 2011
words by Robert Pollard Andy Murray exited Wimbledon at the semi-final stage for the third year running after a 5-7 6-2 6-2 6-4 defeat to defending champion Rafael Nadal. It was a bitterly disappointing performance from Murray who looked in control early in the match before capitulating badly, allowing Nadal to seize the initiative and take… [Read more…]
June 11, 2011
Words by Rob Pollard Andy Murray booked his place in the final of this year’s Aegon Championships after a vintage display in his semi-final against Andy Roddick, sweeping aside the four-time champion 6-3 6-1 in a match lasting just 59 minutes. Murray gave a masterclass in how to play grass court tennis, with a comprehensive… [Read more…]
June 5, 2011
written for High Voltage Beirut will release their new single ‘East Harlem’ on Monday 6th June, right before their world tour begins in earnest. This is one of the year’s most eagerly anticipated releases and anyone who has seen the song played in recent live sets will be excited to hear the recorded version. Underpinning… [Read more…]
May 7, 2011
written for High Voltage words by Rob Pollard These are exciting times for Twin Shadow. Currently supporting Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, they took a breather from the tour in order to play 2 tracks on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, their first ever TV performance. Links to ‘Castles in the Snow’ and ‘I… [Read more…]
May 1, 2011
This week I spent a few days in Parliament shadowing my local Labour MP Kate Green. I had full access to Westminster for three days and it gave me a real insight into political life. Politics fascinates me and to see it at close quarters was bloody interesting. On Tuesday I sat in on my… [Read more…]
April 24, 2011
written for High Voltage Kurt Vile’s latest LP ‘Smoke Ring For My Halo’ has gone down a storm with fans and music critics alike. Intensely personal and full of beauty, it’s a record that looks set to make the end of year ‘Best Album’ lists. Kurt and his band The Violators are now embarking on… [Read more…]
April 23, 2011
written for High Voltage Woods have announced the release of a new album entitled ‘Sun & Shade’ which will be available in the UK from June 13th. Their inimitable style means any Woods release is an intriguing prospect. Their tendency to jam and incorporate strange electronic sounds with unusually fuzzy guitar tones makes for a… [Read more…]
April 17, 2011
Andy Murray exited the Monte Carlo Masters at the semi-final stage after a 6-4 2-6 6-1 defeat to world number one Rafael Nadal, leaving the Spaniard on course to win his seventh consecutive Monte Carlo title. Nadal was pushed hard by Murray who produced some of his best clay court tennis to date, eventually succumbing… [Read more…]
April 6, 2011
written for High Voltage One of the world’s greatest ensembles are back and ready to embark on some exciting live performances. Beirut, the brainchild of the significantly talented Zach Condon, have announced a fairly hefty set of tour dates for 2011, stopping off in Manchester, as well as Hyde Park in London where they will… [Read more…]
April 1, 2011
written for High Voltage It has long been acknowledged that Deerhunter are one of the most enterprising bands in the world, with their influence on other contemporary musicians already highly noticeable. We can now add ‘consummate professionalism’ to their growing list of attributes. This performance at Manchester’s Sound Control was highly impressive, once again demonstrating… [Read more…]
March 19, 2011
written for High Voltage Manchester’s Deaf Institute played host to three bands tonight as Woods, Spectrals and The Doozer were each given an opportunity to impress a room full of organic food lovers and long beards. Each band had their own approach and each band had differing fortunes on the night. First up was The… [Read more…]
March 14, 2011
written for High Voltage Woods are set to drop by Manchester’s Deaf Institute this week as part of their short UK tour. The New Yorkers’ lo-fi psychedelic folk should work brilliantly inside Manchester’s best small music venue and tickets for the event are still available. Woods have earned a reputation as a fine live act,… [Read more…]
March 14, 2011
written for High Voltage Tickets for this year’s Latitude are available to buy from Monday 14th March at 7pm, with the first line-up announcement for the event also taking place at the same time. The festival runs from 14th-17th July 2011 Since the inaugural event in 2006, Latitude has quickly become one of the most… [Read more…]
February 23, 2011
written for High Voltage Fresh from their truly wonderful performance at Manchester’s Deaf Institute, Twin Shadow are now set to complete a whistlestop tour of Europe this May. Masterminded by George Lewis Jnr., Twin Shadow are making a real name for themselves right now, with their brilliant synth-based music proving irresistibly listenable. Full tour details… [Read more…]
February 23, 2011
written for High Voltage Deerhunter are set to release ‘Memory Boy’, the second single from their critically acclaimed album ‘Halcyon Digest’. Available digitally and as a limited 7” single from April 11th, it will be accompanied by a new song ‘Nosebleed’. The band played their new single live on the Letterman Show last night, with… [Read more…]
February 7, 2011
4AD are proving to be masters at signing high-quality music acts, and Twin Shadow is the latest to emerge from their offices. Twin Shadow is the moniker adopted by George Lewis Jr., a Dominican-born singer who makes synth based music layered with ingenuity. Manchester’s Deaf Institute was sold-out as locals clamoured to assess his credentials… [Read more…]
February 3, 2011
written for High Voltage As previously reported on these pages, Brooklyn’s Animal Collective are set to curate this year’s ATP Festival in Minehead, running from May 13th-15th. If that isn’t exciting enough the band have now announced a European tour straight after ATP, including a dates in the UK, Belgium and Holland. Animal Collective are one… [Read more…]
February 3, 2011
written for High Voltage Since their inception at the turn of the millennium, The Walkmen have become known as an underachieving band, struggling to fulfill their early promise. Tonight they proved why success has thus far eluded them with a lacklustre and uninspired performance at the Central Methodist Hall in Manchester. The Walkmen are, quite frankly, an infuriating act.… [Read more…]
December 21, 2010
Revered by left and right-wing commentators, and seen by many as one of the most astute economic brains this country has ever produced, Vince Cable’s stock has suddenly plummeted after being duped by two Telegraph reporters posing as Liberal Democrat supporters. After approaching Mr Cable at his surgery in Twickenham, the journalists managed to extract… [Read more…]
December 21, 2010
Deerhunter have had an amazing 2010. The release of the wonderous Halcyon Digest has proven beyond doubt that they are one of the world’s leading bands. 2011 looks set to be just as exciting with a string of live dates to look forward to. Passions Just Like Mine highly recommends attending one the gigs listed… [Read more…]
December 12, 2010
1 – Laura Marling at the Lowry, Salford This was a truly spectacular performance from one of this country’s most gifted artists. Laura Marling’s stunning arrangements and incisive lyricism left her audience at the Lowry amazed at the depth of her talent. Later nominated for a Mercury (which she was cruelly denied), 2010 has offered… [Read more…]
December 5, 2010
It is fair to say that almost every person living in Britain is concerned about the impact that the savage cuts being made the Con-Dem Government will have on them and their families. Headed by Prime Minister David Cameron, the coalition appears intent on seriously damaging the lives of ordinary people in order to reduce… [Read more…]
November 21, 2010
If this tour really is to be the last hurrah for LCD Soundsystem then they will leave behind a large void in the music world – as well as some very disappointed fans. It hardly seems believable that they will disband since they possess such an incisive ability to translate impressive studio work into marvellous… [Read more…]
November 6, 2010
Animal Collective released their most recent album, Merriweather Post Pavilion, to universal acclaim. Heralded as a modern-day masterpiece by almost every major music publication, the band are now seen as a leading light, with their genre defying sound and penchant for fascinating experimentation proving to be a truly exciting mix. With the band sure-footed and… [Read more…]
November 2, 2010
written for High Voltage Spectrals may not be the most well-known band around at the moment but expect that to change very soon. They have long been heralded as one of the most exciting new bands in the UK and their career is now starting to take off. Their stylish brand of short and sweet… [Read more…]
November 2, 2010
written for High Voltage Marina Diamandis has had a very successful year indeed. She sits proudly in the pantheon of new-wave female pop-singers and projects a clear desire to stay there. With her first big tour nearing its conclusion and her following growing rapidly it seems safe to say that her success will continue. However,… [Read more…]
October 27, 2010
Mumford & Sons are currently one of the biggest selling artists in the UK. Their success so far has been quite amazing, with double platinum album sales and a Mercury Prize nomination coming on the back of a solitary LP release. Founders of the modern London Folk scene, it would seem that Mumford & Sons… [Read more…]
October 25, 2010
Formed in Los Angeles back in 2004, Warpaint are an ambient rock group that combine experimental tendencies with post punk rhythms. Having undergone various changes in personnel, the band’s progress had been somewhat stifled in the past but anyone inside last night’s sold-out Deaf Institute gig would agree that they are now set to become… [Read more…]
October 21, 2010
written for High Voltage Within the space of two studio albums, Yeasayer have managed to accrue a string of first-class hits. Although these albums display dramatically different sounds, the quality of each is undeniable. Tonight, at Academy 2 in Manchester, they delivered a set containing the very best songs from their career to date and… [Read more…]
October 11, 2010
written for High Voltage Arcade Fire, arguably the finest ever Canadian export, have announced the release of ‘Ready to Start’, the second single to be taken from their highly revered album ‘The Suburbs’. Released on 11th October (via Sonovox), ‘Ready to Start’ is yet another highly listenable offering from a band that are carving a… [Read more…]
September 20, 2010
written for High Voltage The Palace Theatre opened up its well-worn doors for an evening of top-class folk music tonight, as Roy Harper and Joanna Newsom combined to create a wonderfully inspiring evening. When a legend of music and a true modern-day great share the same bill it usually makes for a terrific spectacle, and… [Read more…]
September 8, 2010
written for High Voltage Atlanta’s finest musical export Deerhunter have released the official video for ‘Helicopter’, a track taken from their superb new album ‘Halcyon Digest’. Frontman Bradford Cox is the brains behind the video, marking the band’s first foray into the ‘audio-visual’ world. ‘Halcyon Digest’ is a truly wonderful album that consolidates Deerhunter’s position… [Read more…]
September 7, 2010
written for High Voltage Madder Red is the third single to be taken from Yeasayer’s magnificent Odd Blood LP, and it is arguably the best. Yeasayer pride themselves on creating wonderful vocal melodies; but even with their supremely high standards, this track exceeds expectations. Madder Red is the pinnacle of the band’s new-found pop approach,… [Read more…]
September 3, 2010
written for the Sep/Oct High Voltage Magazine Atlanta’s finest musical quartet Deerhunter are back and their latest LP Halcyon Digest is an absolute cracker. The record’s greatest achievement is its ability to more than match the wonderful Microcastle, the previous Deerhunter album that set a supremely high standard which the band had to meet. When an… [Read more…]
August 20, 2010
written for High Voltage A successful third album has seen American dream-pop specialists Beach House receive resounding critical acclaim. Their first two albums were enough to secure them a cult following, but their latest effort ‘Teen Dream’ is a more focused piece of work, pulling together many different influences to create a beautiful and accessible… [Read more…]
August 17, 2010
Andy Murray’s grip on the Toronto Masters title remained firm as he successfully defended the title he won in Montreal 12 months ago. He defeated Roger Federer in the final, completing a 7-5 7-5 win after a rain-hit match. It was a sensational week for Murray, who also defeated Rafael Nadal, David Nalbandian, Gael Monfils… [Read more…]
August 17, 2010
written for High Voltage Vampire Weekend are one of the most talked about bands on the planet. After the success of their second album ‘Contra’, the New Yorkers are embarking on a special UK tour during November/December this year. An extra date at the spectacular Alexandra Palace in London has now been added due to… [Read more…]
August 9, 2010
written for High Voltage Yeasayer have had a breathless start to life as a band. Their live performances and two studio albums have received high praise from music critics and they have an ever-increasing fan base. High Voltage caught up with singer and multi instrumentalist Anand Wilder to get his thoughts on the bands next… [Read more…]
August 6, 2010
written for High Voltage The Wu-Tang Clan are the absolute embodiment of true hip-hop. Despite some shaky record releases during their time, they continue to shine like a beacon of authenticity when compared with their contemporaries. There was a time when rappers were political activists and serious thinkers but the hip-hop world has become increasingly… [Read more…]
July 23, 2010
written for High Voltage The music industry has become an increasingly fickle entity. Record labels are now far more inclined to drop underperforming artists, making musicians seem disposable and temporary. Stories of record labels showing blind faith in a band they have a passion for seem a distant memory, with most music acts now lucky… [Read more…]
July 6, 2010
written for High Voltage The Wu-Tang Clan are the finest hip-hop act in history, and they are set to reunite for three very special UK performances this August. This brief tour could turn out to be one of the major talking points of the year, with many of the original line-up taking to the stage… [Read more…]
June 23, 2010
written for High Voltage Much hype has surrounded The Drums in recent times. Earlier this year their successful ‘Summertime!’ EP warmed the hearts of many and their live shows began to be spoken about in glowing terms. Soon enough big-name heroes like Morrissey began to attend their gigs and a glut of television appearances ensued.… [Read more…]
June 19, 2010
William Ellis is a renowned music photographer based in Manchester, England. In 2008 William was commissioned by the Bridgewater Hall to document the artistic goings-on at Manchester’s finest music venue. William has captured a multitude of different shots, with some pictures demonstrating the grandeur and immensity of the performance area itself, and other more intimate… [Read more…]
June 8, 2010
written for High Voltage ‘Nice Guys’ is the second single from We Are Scientists’ new LP ‘Barbara’ and it should act as the vehicle for the band’s demise. It is dull, uninspiring and lyrically annoying, and in the eclectic music world that exists currently, this kind of tripe will surely not last five minutes. The… [Read more…]
June 8, 2010
written for High Voltage Parisian popsters Yeti Lane have returned from their brief hiatus a member down, but the duo that remain have still managed to create some wonderful sounds on their new EP ‘Twice’. There are remnants of the old Yeti Lane, with the majority of the new EP still offering indie-pop delicacies, but… [Read more…]
June 4, 2010
Hungry Pigeon 2010 turned out to be an enormous success and Manchester can be proud to have hosted such an impressive event. Around 150 bands played over the three days and it allowed a large audience to assess the credentials of many aspiring music acts. With so many bands performing, there was inevitably going to… [Read more…]
June 1, 2010
Andy Murray limped out of this year’s French Open with a disappointing defeat to Czech player Tomas Berdych, losing 6-4 7-5 6-3. It was an unsatisfactory end to a campaign that had thrilled and delighted for the first three rounds. Murray looked disjointed, but credit must go to Berdych for the way in which he… [Read more…]
May 29, 2010
Andy Murray deserves a lot of credit for this excellent third-round performance at Roland Garros. His opening match was an epic five setter, followed by a second-round encounter that was hit by large rain delays, meaning the game was stretched over two days, denying Murray the crucial days rest needed to aid recuperation between difficult… [Read more…]
May 29, 2010
Andy Murray defeated Juan Ignacio Chela in the second round of the French Open despite severe rain delays interrupting the match and meaning it stretched over 2 days. This was the second time in recent weeks he has defeated Chela comfortably and he now he takes in place in round 3 where he will play… [Read more…]
May 27, 2010
Andy Murray produced a superb comeback in his first round match at this year’s French Open, coming from two sets and a break down to beat Richard Gasquet of France 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1. Both players produced some superb tennis during the 4 hours 4 minutes on court, with Gasquet showing the kind of… [Read more…]
May 27, 2010
written for High Voltage Manchester’s Hungry Pigeon swoops back into town this weekend and it looks set to top last year’s inaugural event. It is an amalgamation of all things creative, with music, film, fashion photography and art coming together to create a special spring bank holiday weekend festival in Manchester. Athlete are the headline… [Read more…]
May 24, 2010
written for High Voltage An expectant audience packed into Manchester’s Mint Lounge to witness the regional premiere of ODDSAC, the new ‘visual album’ from Animal Collective. It’s an hour-long spectacle which marries together new Animal Collective tracks with eerie and psychedelic visual artistry. It is a piece 4 years in the making and offers fans… [Read more…]
May 20, 2010
It would seem that the ATP World Tour has come to life in recent weeks. The two Masters Events in Rome and Madrid have ignited what has been an otherwise tepid start to 2010 from some of the game’s biggest names. Andy Murray’s form has picked up considerably, while in Madrid this week, Rafael Nadal… [Read more…]
May 15, 2010
Last Friday saw the official launch of I Am Blackbird’s fantastic new EP ‘This Town’ at the Night & Day Cafe in Manchester. Recently named Piccadilly Records’ ‘Record of the Week’, a truly deserved accolade, the EP is excellent and there is a review available on Passions Just Like Mine for anybody not familiar with… [Read more…]
May 13, 2010
written for High Voltage Friday 14th May sees the regional premiere of ODDSAC, a new ‘visual album’ from Animal Collective, which is the result of 4 years worth of collaboration between the band and filmmaker Danny Perez. The hour-long spectacle was premiered back in January at the Sundance Film Festival and should provide thrilling viewing.… [Read more…]
February 23, 2012
0