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Teenage Nostalgia & Clearing Blocked Noses
In three words: glittering garage rock The whole set: I recently saw the greatest artist you’ve probably never heard of: Du Blonde. Geordie-born Du Blonde’s latest album is a pop-punk paradise. It’s packed with nostalgia-inducing riffs and is titled ‘Sniff More Gritty’, which she swears is literally about clearing a blocked nose. Her album cover doesn’t do this assertion…
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Very Funny Ha-Ha, courtesy of Angel Comedy
In three words: copious, compact comedy The whole set: You know that ‘what’s in and what’s out’ trend that’s been doing the rounds on social media? I can’t stop thinking about how a CEO on LinkedIn had ‘laughing’ as one of his ‘what’s in’s’ for 2025. But I’ve booked myself three comedy shows this month already… I…
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High Notes & High Spirits: Piculet, a Consort of Five Voices in Exmouth Market
In three words: beguiling charming harmonies Bring on the whole set: There’s no better way to kick off the festive period than a gorgeous (and gratis) choral concert. Piculet, a London-based ensemble of five singers, offers thoughtful commentary on the best of Western classical music in a central location. Programmed by lead soprano Alice Beverley, Piculet’s ambition…
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Sleazy Slithering: The Dare at Electric Ballroom
In three words: new noughties nostalgia Dish the goss: Staccato synths. A startling ‘yoooow’. Then, the lyrics: ‘I like the girls who do drugs, girls with cigarettes at the back of the club…’ Could it be a Calvin Harris track from 2007? It could be, but it’s not. It’s Harrison Patrick Smith, aka The Dare and he’s…
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Caroline Rose at the Barbican is a lesson in catharsis
Image credit: Martin Bannister In three words: moving, exquisite, raw Bring on the whole set: Caroline Rose delivers a heart-aching performance at the Guildhall’s Milton Court in collaboration with composer Lena Simon and the London Contemporary Orchestra. Despite being simple in its staging, the 90-minute spectacle brims with unadulterated emotion and begets a cinematic quality, with poignant moments and endearing interruptions. The prestigious concert hall is at…
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Ghetts at Glastonbury
It’s Sunday night at Glastonbury festival, and halfway through his set Ghetts tuts at a crowd semi-broken by the fifth and last day of the music marathon: “I had to take my in-ears out just to hear that clearly”. Despite the cheers that are more feeble than his punchy performance deserves, Ghetts has attracted noticeably…
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Smiles & snarls: Anna Erhard at Oslo Hackney
Anna Erhard photographed by Noel Richter In three words: groovy, definitely rewarding. I’m stepping into the crisp October air after the sold out Anna Erhard gig; an experience that has left me feeling jazzed, to be honest with you. I’m also pretty confident that our girl Anna had one hell of a wholesome childhood. Her witty…
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