Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 21/08/2026Massively enjoyable evening of acoustic goodness. Elanor Moss played a lovely (if brief) in-store at Rough Trade Denmark Street to mark the release of her spectacular debut LP, followed by a short hop to see Sir Richard Bishop's mesmeric performance at St Pancras Old Church. Great stuff from both. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Odd capital letter related double header tonight, MEMORIALS at Stranger Than Paradise and then HAAi at the Courtyard. MEMORIALS stripped back set was excellent, proving they are an absolute joy live in any circumstance. HAAi was superb too, euphoric and emotional. Sore legs incoming. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 27/03/2026My Bloody Valentine at the Royal Albert Hall were nothing short of incredible tonight. The acoustics of the hall made for a very different sound experience than at Wembley last year, vastly clearer but still teeth clatteringly loud. Quite simply, one of the best gigs I've ever seen. 020
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 26/03/2026My first time seeing Mogwai and whilst they were a good, beyond the expected aural assault, it felt a bit underwhelming, the atmosphere not being helped by a lot of empty seats. In support though Craven Faults was absolutely superb, a really immersive performance, great lighting/visuals. 030
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 21/03/2026Heavenly were as joyous as ever this evening on my first visit to Sidney and Matilda (indeed probably my first Sheffield gig in 30 years). An excellent mix of long time faves and songs from the new LP, Deflicted and Excuse Me sounded particularly wonderful. Really enjoyed Tulpa's support set too. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 02/03/2026An absolutely wonderful evening watching Meilyr Jones play his first gig of the decade at SJQ in Dalston. The new excellent new songs played tonight hopefully mean an album is not far away and on tonight's showing, that will be something very special indeed. An utterly triumphant return. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 27/11/2025Absolutely incredible album launch show from Iona Zajac at the Social tonight. So many highlights, Dilute, Bang and an utterly gripping version of Anton. One of the standout gigs of what's proving to be an amazing year of live music. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 25/11/2025Not that this should come as a surprise to anyone, but my bloody valentine still make the most joyous racket (in what I think was my first arena gig since Rollercoaster). 030
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 11/11/2025Perfume Genius were absolutely excellent at the Roundhouse tonight. I've been really enjoying this year's Glory LP, but tonight strongly suggests a need for me to properly revisit the older albums, Otherside going into Describe was simply stunning. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 20/10/2025McKinley Dixon at the Lexington was easily one of the best gigs I've seen this year (despite a frustrating 15 minute technical stuff up towards the end). An energetic, hugely engaging performance with a joyous 'We're Outside, Rejoice!' and a visceral 'Mezzanine Tippin' highpoints. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 19/10/2025The Loft split just before I started going regularly to gigs, so it was lovely to see them in fine fettle tonight at The Moth Club. Great renditions of their older songs (Winter sounded particularly good), with lots to like from the new/debut LP. Autocamper were reliably fantastic in support. 020
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 15/10/2025Absolutely loved Lande Hekt at the Lexington tonight. Lande's songwriting is a lovely blend of melancholy and joy and next January's LP promises to be rather special. Hopefully there will be more shows then. The always fun Sassyhiya and Perfect Binding were both really good as support too. 020
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 11/10/2025Robert Forster was wonderful tonight at the Union Chapel. Brilliantly chosen setlist covering plenty of solo and Go-Betweens tunes. His Swedish Band excelled, with Peter Moren's guitar just superb. Getting to hear Spring Rain live a massive treat. 020
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 05/10/2025Utterly joyous, life-affirming celebration of Edwyn Collins at the Royal Festival Hall last night, genuine privilege to be there. Edwyn on great form, truly beautiful on Low Expectations in the encore. James Kirk and Steven Daly joining for a triumphant Felicity/Blue Boy finale was a delight. 050
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 26/09/2025I was starting to worry that The Cords debut LP couldn't live up to expectations, and dear me if it doesn't end up going way beyond. Utterly perfect pop music backed up by a blindingly good set at the Betsey Trotwood tonight, genuinely very special. Would-be-Goods were excellent as support too. 020
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 25/09/2025Clara Mann was superb in the Royal Albert Hall's Elgar Room tonight. Rift has been one of the very best albums of the year and songs from it were beautifully performed with perfect accompaniment from Owen Spafford. Great to have a handful of new songs too. Lovely support from Watch Paint Dry. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 14/09/2025Saw Black Country, New Road at the Albert Hall last night. What a fantastic venue with a great audience completely into things including Titanic who were excellent as support. BCNR were wonderful live, inventive and engaging. Forever Howlong is an LP that repays regular listening. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 02/09/2025Ben Watt & Tracey Thorn at the Moth Club were magical last night. A deep dive into their solo and EBTG songbooks, beautifully performed with Rex Horan and son, Blake. Seems unfair to pick highlights but Winter's Eve and Bridget St John's Song To Keep You Company were superb. Just a lovely night. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 18/08/2025Great Lost Map records showcase at the Shacklewell Arms last night as part of Label Mates festival. Sara Wolff's solo set was fantastic, and Dominie Hooper was excellent, looking forward to the LP to be released on Halloween and full band show at the Moth Club. Both promise to be rather special. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 19/07/2025Heavenly were on excellent form at Islington Assembly Hall tonight, a cracking set with a sprinkling of great sounding new songs which went down a storm. Very much enjoyed Lightheaded's set too. Coming home with a couple of fanzines and a 7" feels pleasingly familiar too. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 14/07/2025Blown away by how good Poor Creature were this evening at Rough Trade East. Spellbinding performances of songs from their fantastic debut LP 'All Smiles Tonight. They have a beautiful but slightly out of focus quality which is quite magical. @poorcreaturemusic.bsky.social 033
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 12/07/2025Hugely enjoyable Daylight Music show at St John's in Leytonstone. Wonderful performance from Faith Eliott, beautiful, wry, deeply affecting songs, far to say I absolutely adore them. Dryas is a truly brilliant LP. Fell were great and Owen & The Eyeballs the party band I didn't know I needed. 001
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 26/06/2025Kassi Valazza was utterly magical at St Pancras Old Church this evening, a wonderful band performance and an amazing voice. Highlights were Kassi performing solo accompanied by the 10pm church bells and an exceptional version of Matty Groves in the encore. Magnificent stuff. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 11/06/2025Really enjoyed Cassandra Jenkins at Koko tonight, a great band all round but I particularly liked Adam Brusbin's stellar guitar work, equally good when gentle and angular. Magical support set from Anna B Savage, who is a phenomenal live performer. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 06/06/2025What a night at Signature Brew Haggerston! Kristin Hersh was totally mesmeric, an absolute privilege to see her so close up. Memorials are my favourite live band right now, skronky kraut pop, right up my street. Graham Reynolds mix of unhinged percussion and cinematic piano an excellent start too. 020
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 03/06/2025Did someone mention Patchwork? youtube.com/watch?v=IgEo...youtube.comTindersticks - 01-Patchwork (live MTV Studios)YouTube video by Mehr Licht! 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 24/05/2025Where to start with Wide Awake, so many highlights. Daniel Avery, Marie Davidson, Gurriers, Acopia, English Teacher all superb. Emotionally though Jasmine.4.t, particularly a beautiful and utterly poignant rendition of 'Woman' hit hard. Great day out, long may it continue. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 22/05/2025Lovely to catch up with the super talented Fran, now performing as Mezanmi at SJQ this evening. Great short set supporting Mariam The Believer, new song sounded brilliant. Tickets for what promises to be a special headline show at the same venue in October released today. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 22/05/2025Massively enjoyed Jenny Hval at Islington Assembly Hall last night. Loved the stripped back presentation which really allowed the songs and Jenny's incredible voice to take centre stage. Both in her own right and as Lost Girls, she's put together a stellar run of albums over the last five years. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 10/05/2025In terms of overstuffing a 1of100 Modern Musette, I can't say I'd recommend trying to carry home seven LPs and four back issues of Disco Pogo from the Independent Record Market, but here we are... 😬 @weare1of100.bsky.social @discopogo.bsky.social 293
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 10/05/2025Absolutely absorbed by the Necks performance at Cafe Oto this afternoon, incredible to watch the interplay between three remarkable musicians building layer upon layer of their two long pieces. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 03/05/2025The Pogues were joyous at Brixton Academy for the 40th anniversary of Rum, Sodomy and the Lash (and of my first seeing them at the Leadmill). Guest vocalists were all fab, highlight for me Iona Zajac's superb performance of I'm A Man You Don't Meet Everyday. Lots of aching bodies in the morning. 031
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 29/04/2025A magical evening with the incomparable Rich(ard) Dawson at Clapham Grand. I'm not at all ashamed to say I've started to cry at gigs in a manner not dissimilar to Keith on the Pottery Throw Down, Gondola setting off my third gig blub in a week. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 25/04/2025Breathtaking performances at the Old Church tonight from Pefkin and The Declining Winter. Absolutely adored Pefkin, mesmeric music to get completely lost in. The Declining Winter were utterly compelling too, great to hear songs from the Last April LP presented in a full band setting. 051
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 23/04/2025A wonderful performance by Clara Mann at a packed Stoke Newington Old Church tonight, with fantastic accompaniment from the hugely talented Owen Spafford. Rift is an exceptionally good record, I hope it gets the audience it so richly deserves. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 10/04/2025Fat White Family and Mozart Estate were both utterly magnificent as supports. First time seeing FWF and blown away by them, energy, mayhem, noise, just exceptional. Mozart Estate were glorious and the songs from the forthcoming LP were heavenly pop hits, one and all. Lawrence looking fab too. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 10/04/2025I know it's not fashionable to like Primal Scream anymore, but I snagged a cheap resale ticket for the Hammersmith Apollo tonight and thought they were really good. Andrew Innes on great form and the songs from Come Again sounded much better live than on the LP. That said... 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 24/03/2025If that was how good the Delines are having just got off a plane, I'm supremely jealous of anyone who has tickets for their tour. An absolutely magnificent hour at Rough Trade West tonight. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 21/03/2025Anna Erhard at the Bush Hall was exactly what I needed at the end of the roughest of weeks, she's a wonderfully dry storyteller with a brilliant live band. A lovely reminder of the restorative power of live music. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 20/02/2025Magnificent set by Anna B Savage and her exceptional band at the Union Chapel tonight. Particularly loved Joe Taylor's drums, just fantastic. Deeply personal songs, beautifully played (even a stop/start version of Donegal complete with filthy joke diversion whilst retuning...) 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 16/02/2025Absolutely loved the Ex-Vöid album launch at the George Tavern last night. In Love Again is such a brilliant record and a treat to see it performed live. Really great support from Starter Car and the incomparable Garden Centre, top night all round. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 09/02/2025I realise that my sporadic posts here are all slight variations on 'Int Live Music Brilliant', but that's because it is... as proven by doubling up with Nadia Reid's great acoustic set at Rough Trade West and then the mighty Field Music at the Union Chapel, songs from the new LP sounding magnificent 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 24/01/2025The most joyous celebration of the music of the Kane Gang at Dingwalls tonight, Paul and Martin remain simply great singers and their voices still work so well together 40 years on. You could see how much the audience reception meant to everyone involved and the sheer fun of playing together. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 17/01/2025On an absolutely stacked first big release date of the year, Little Oso, Gentle Spring, Jasmine.4.t, Weather Station, Blue Lake, Prism Shores, all sounding really good, but this is the first truly great record of 2025. ex-void.bandcamp.com/album/in-lov...ex-void.bandcamp.comIn Love Again, by Ex-Vöid10 track album 110
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 12/01/2025Great night of Winter Sprinter fun at the Lexington. Sassyhiya were fab, songs that stick in your brain as soon as heard. Autocamper have distilled 40+ years of indie pop into something very much their own. Sacred Paws were a joy, perfect performance to round things off, new songs sound amazing. 010
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 10/01/2025Up and running gig wise for the year with a Winter Sprinter night at the Lexington, great to see Holiday Ghosts on the back of their two cracking recent LPs and absolutely loved Suep's fun, infectious set. 120
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 22/12/2024Somehow Heavenly have managed to bookend my 2024 gig going, from Rough Trade East in January to the Lexington in December! Add in seeing Swansea Sound twice and it's been quite the year. Both utterly magnificent every time and a great way to finish an incredible year of live music. 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 09/12/2024I'm coming up for forty years as a fan of Stephen Duffy's music, so a real treat to be at Rough Trade tonight for a hugely entertaining Q&A and a handful of songs. I can cope with not being the most handsome Stephen in this photo... 000
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 09/12/2024Three fab performances at the Lexington last night. Annelies Monseré (perfect Autumnal music, slow, close and beguiling) Robert Sotelo & Mary Currie (lovely experimental tunes) and Nightshift (superb spiky pop songs from the Homosapien LP, making a late dash for my top ten albums of the year) 110
Steve B @wordsbysteve.bsky.social · 04/12/2024Concluding a run of gigs in larger venues with 2 1/2 magnificent hours of Vampire Weekend at Hammersmith Apollo. I'm not the biggest fan of long sets, but with the exception of Sunflower, I wouldn't have wanted anything dropped. Even enjoyed the wonky covers encore, helped I knew it was coming. 020