Chimeo

Albums: Franz Ferdinand - The Human Fear

Franz Ferdinand - The Human Fear Audacious; Everyday Dreamer; The Doctor; Hooked; Build it Up; Night and Day; Tell Me Should I Stay; Cats; Black Eyelashes; Bar Lonely; The Birds (Domino) In 2004, when Franz Ferdinand released their self-titled debut album, guitar bands were no longer in vogue.

Albums: Thin Lizzy - Acoustic Sessions

Featuring 10 of their choicest songs, the album sees the original studio vocals by Phil Lynott partnered with new guitar parts by Eric Bell. Acoustic Sessions showcases the key songs in a very different spotlight. Their newfound intimacy beautifully showcases the real depth of their songwriting.

Classical Music: Resonance

In her latest album, trumpet virtuoso Matilda Lloyd explores the multifaceted concept of resonance through a compelling journey across diverse 20th-century compositions. This meticulously curated collection reveals Lloyd's exceptional artistry and profound musical intelligence.

Classical Music: Busoni Fantasia Contrappuntistica, For Two Pianos

The album's centerpiece, Fantasia contrappuntistica, emerges as a profound musical statement. Donohoe is joined by concert pianist, lecturer, and broadcaster, Karl Lutchmayer, for a collaborative performance that reveals the work's intricate contrapuntal architecture with remarkable clarity and intellectual depth.

In Conversation With Harriet

Often compared to the legendary Karen Carpenter, storytelling songstress Harriet is set to celebrate ‘70s nostalgia as she kicks off her extensive 2025 UK headline tour later this month, having completely sold out all her live shows last year, and with 2024 culminating in three special Christmas shows in London as special guest of former Pop Idol winner Will Young.

Albums: Tremonti The End Will Show Us How

He appears to possess a talent for crafting melodic rock tunes with a hint of Black Sabbath and contemporary bands like Nickelback, Black Stone Cherry, and, predictably, Alter Bridge.

Classical Music: Anna Lapwood

The recording showcases a choir operating at exceptional levels of musicianship. Under Lapwood's direction, their sound is characterised by immaculate tonal control, masterful dynamic balance, and phrase-shaping that would impress in any context, let alone from young performers.

Classical Music: Dvořák Symphonies 5 & 6

If this release is any indication, the MSO's complete Dvořák cycle promises to be a significant addition to the catalogue, offering fresh perspectives on these less familiar symphonic landscapes.

Classical Music: William Walton Complete Song Collection

Here, rising soprano Siân Dicker and pianist Krystal Tunnicliffe present a compelling case for Walton's overlooked contribution to the English art song repertoire.

From Pop Idol To Producer: Gareth Gates Takes Centre Stage In A New Chapter

Group Editor Andrew Palmer caught up with Gareth Gates at York Barbican ahead of two new shows he is bringing to the north. Twenty-three years after shooting to fame on Pop Idol, Gareth Gates is embracing a new role behind the scenes—while still commanding the spotlight.

Classical Music: The Brüggen Project - Lucie Horsch

What sets this album apart is Horsch's extraordinary deployment of fifteen different period recorders – ranging from sopranino to tenor – each bringing its own distinct voice to the carefully curated repertoire. The inherent fragility of these historical instruments adds an element of dramatic tension; some pieces could only sustain two complete takes before risking damage to these precious artifacts.

The Wombats & Ocean Colour Scene Announced To Headline 'At Trentham'

Trentham has announced that The Wombats will headline the opening night of a brand-new concert series, At Trentham, on Thursday 29th May 2025. The concert series forms part of the Stoke 100 celebrations, they will be joined by Pale Waves and Red Rum Club, delivering an unmissable night of live music against the stunning backdrop of one of the Midlands’ most iconic outdoor venues.

It's Easy To Love Life With Opera North

Opera North's production of Weill and Lerner's Love Life has opened at Leeds' Grand Theatre. With all the classic showbizzy razzmatazz you might expect of a Weill and Lerner piece, this one allows Opera North to let its collective hair down and explode with American cheesiness.

King Effers &The Puncturists Heading For Sheffield

In 2019, having got fed up with censorship and silly social media algorithms, Sheffield’s long standing politico-punks The F*kwits changed their name to King Effers, perhaps a little easier on the tongue. Mr Keef and Chris (The F*kwits) were joined by Tank (Freekspert) on drums, and Muzz (Artery/Faerground Accidents) on bass.

Heinous Whining Presents...

And now for something completely different! What a way to start my live music adventures for the year, taking in a Heinous Whining Presents event for the first time. I’ve been aware of the Heinous Whining events for a while but had not been to one. As a goal for the year, I went to Wharf Chambers in Leeds in the freezing weather for the first event.

Albums: Crossbone Skully - Evil World Machine

While the album is described as a concept album, each song stands up in its own right, from the title track, which also comes with the deep drum sound of Def Leppard, to the Alice Cooper-like Ima A Bone Machine.

Classical Music: Wolf Hall - Wolf Hall - The Mirror And The Light

How does Debbie Wiseman do it? Her scores are always alluring, drawing the listener into the heart of the story. She manages to capture the essence with compositions that seem to radiate presence and make time stand still while at the same time having an immediacy.

Classical Music: Busoni Violin Sonatas & Four Bagatelles

Lombardi’s dynamics in the 'Andante piuttisti grave' are perfectly judged, and as she lifts her hands from the keys, Dego rounds off the short movement with aplomb. The pair masterfully expresses the quiet ending.

Classical Music: Brahms early & Late Piano Works

Brahms early & Late Piano Works Llŷr Williams Klaviersonate in f minor Op. 5; Klavierstücke Op. 118; Fantasias Op. 116; Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann Op. 9; Drei Intermezzi Op. 117; Klavierstücke Op.

Classical Music: Schubert Piano Works, Vol. 7

Playing a Steinway Model D (578 346) concert grand, he captures the spirit of the sonatas, delivering each one’s character with meticulous dynamics, lyricality, and vitality

Magnum To Play Northern Show In Tribute To Their Late Guitarist And Songwriter

Few great bands can be identified in the first few bars of their songs. With their unique melodic skill, their tasteful instrumentation, the right balance of depth and catchiness, and, of course, that charismatic voice, Magnum falls into this category of rock royalty. The British rock band was eFormed in 1972 by songwriter/guitarist Tony Clarkin and singer Bob Catley.

Classical Music: Franck Symphony In D Minor

There are some lovely sounds from the Berlin Philharmoniker, as the musicians bring out all the colour in this wonderful symphony through Barenboim's focus on tempi, allowing a number of beautiful moments with a warm depth to permeate.

Classical Music: Mozart: Viola Concerto & Sinfonia Concertante

The textures of Mei's viola and tone, which are obviously different from the solo instrument Mozart originally wrote it for, offer a sound that is no less full of colour, and the vibrato adds another dimension.

Top Gigs Of 2024

This has very much felt like a bit of a vintage year for me, gigs-wise. Totting up and reflecting back has been an exercise in revelling in the enjoyment of live music that I’ve experienced across 2024.

Best 60 Albums of the Year 2024 - 20 to 1

2024 has seen the debate of chart relevance sparked once again. With numerous albums having seen several songs peak in the Top 10 of the Singles chart due to streaming figures in their initial week, many have deemed the charts redundant. Whether you agree with those discussions or not, we thought we would share our own chart for you.

Top 60 Albums of the Year 2024 - 40 to 21

Top 60 Albums of the Year 2024 - 60 to 41

Although a 2023 release, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess has not just dominated our playlist, but everyone's playlist in 2024. While it does not qualify for our countdown, it would have certainly been in the upper echelons had it been released this year. To celebrate, here is one of the stand-outs.

Toyah And Robert Fripp Impressive Musical Legacies

Toyah and Robert Fripp boast their own impressive musical legacies; however, as a result of a lockdown silly video, the married couple saw their personal partnership thrust into the viral domain. Alongside the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Joe Wicks, they became an escapist treat during one of the toughest periods the world has known in recent years.

Brand New Heavies Funk-Driven Partying

Formed almost a decade prior, the Brand New Heavies had enjoyed fleeting chart success at the start of the 1990s; however, it was with their third studio album—Brother Sister—that they soared to #4 in the UK Album Charts.

Classical Music: Benjamin Britten The Prince Of The Pagodas

Wong eloquently highlights each intricate detail with clarity and remarkable impact. An orchestra at the top of its game brilliantly portrays the colour with vibrancy and liveliness.