By Jeni Gough It was almost cathartic to see Car Seat Headrest perform live, an American indie/rock group currently on tour with their supporting act Naked Giants, a trio from Seattle. I use the word cathartic because despite how obnoxiously depressing the songs actually are, everyone was genuinely enjoying themselves. Admittedly, it was a little disappointing to wait an hour for the supporting band to … Continue reading Live Review: Car Seat Headrest at Tramshed, 05/11/18

By Max Modell On their Rebel Hearts tour, First Aid Kit came to CardiffÔÇÖs Motorpoint Arena and captivated the audience with their Americana folk sound which had the ability to make the audience smile, laugh and cry. From their trademark sad slow songs, to angry protest songs and a couple of more psychedelic numbers which really allowed the girls to rock out, First Aid Kit … Continue reading First Aid Kit Dazzle Motorpoint Arena, 06/11/18

By Rachel Nurse An 80s legend who famously sings ÔÇÿTogether ForeverÔÇÖ, ÔÇÿCry For HelpÔÇÖ, ÔÇÿTryÔÇÖ and a whole set list of songs youÔÇÖve probably never heard unless youÔÇÖre a die hard Astley-Admirer. Most of us were there for one thing – and thing only. The highlight of the show was when 5,000 fans belted out the lyrics to ÔÇÿNever Gonna Give You UpÔÇÖ in unison. … Continue reading YouÔÇÖve never been Rick Rolled like this before – Astley wows Cardiff

By Izzy Wright I didnÔÇÖt know what to expect of Echo and The Bunnymen when I signed up to see them. Although widely known as a post-punk 80s band, theyÔÇÖve been churning out music pretty consistently since their first album in 1980. Their new album The Stars, The Ocean and The Moon is mostly a revamping of their old songs, but also includes two new … Continue reading Live Review: Echo and the Bunnymen at St David’s Hall, 15/10/18

By Munro Page The palpable buzz that filled the air of The Globe as the packed room awaited the arrival of New York Hardcore band Turnstile was electrifying, as were the opening moments of their raucous, loud and thoroughly exciting set. The oval-shaped room was filled with music fans of all kinds – far beyond the punk influences the band are built upon, spectators sported … Continue reading Live Review: Turnstile at The Globe, 23/10/2018

By Max Modell There are few things more cathartic than dancing in a classical concert hall or somewhere you feel as if you shouldnÔÇÖt. However, these opportunities are few and far between, after all, if you felt you could dance there all the time it wouldnÔÇÖt provide the same thrill. Last night at St DavidÔÇÖs Hall Caro Emerald provided the audience with that opportunity, with … Continue reading Caro Emerald Gets St DavidÔÇÖs Hall Dancing

By Max Modell Guitar solos, the use of a sampler, hilarious gags, Joan Armatrading to be the support act, the new album to be played in full and a rainbow themed light show; these are all things I didnÔÇÖt expect from Joan ArmatradingÔÇÖs Cardiff solo show that she nevertheless delivered. In a meta-commentary on the standard gig structure, Armatrading appeared as her own support act, … Continue reading Live Review: Joan Armatrading Live at St Davids Hall, 17/10/18

By Georgia Mae Evans After listening to his album,┬áNotes from an Island, on repeat the week leading up to Blair DunlopÔÇÖs gig, I had high hopes for the performance. If youÔÇÖre after an evening filled with excellently executed British folk, you need a ticket for this tour; I was blown away┬áby┬áthe most intricate melodies, tongue in cheek lyrics and raw emotion with which the album … Continue reading Live Review: Blair Dunlop at Acapella Studios, 07/10/18

By Max Modell My anticipation for Dermot KennedyÔÇÖs Cardiff date has been clear to see for months. The gig made the Local Music Watch section in our first print editions of Quench this year on my instance. I canÔÇÖt say whether that article had an influence on attendance, but to my delight, Y Plas at Cardiff Student Union was sold out with a young and … Continue reading Dermot Kennedy Live at Cardiff Student Union, 15th October 2018

By Laura Stevens ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre coming home when itÔÇÖs light from the night before…ÔÇØ the room moves in unison as The Sherlocks erupt into sound.┬á The bandÔÇÖs opening track ÔÇ£Last NightÔÇØ sets the mood for an evening of uplifted voices and spirits in the Cardiff venue, forming the second night of The Sherlocks current UK tour. Following the bandÔÇÖs sellout success of their debut album Live … Continue reading Live Review: The Sherlocks Live at Cardiff StudentsÔÇÖ Union, Thursday 11th October 2018

By Max Modell To be able to carry a gig on your own is a unique skill. The limitations of this set up can lead to the set becoming stale due to stylistic similarities, it takes a true craftsman to keep an audience engaged despite this great hurdle. This is the task Nick Mulvey set himself on his current In Your Hands Solo Tour, where … Continue reading Live Review: Nick Mulvey Solo show at Tramshed

No Violet seemed completely at home at┬áGwdihw┬á- quirky caf├® by day and creative hub by night. The supporting acts set the tone; from wacky tunes recalling the tales of microwaves courtesy of Head Noise to heartfelt indie punk rock perfectly executed from Adelaide. By the time the up and coming No Violet graced the stage, you would struggle to swing a cat in the venue. … Continue reading Live Review: No Violet at Gwdih┼Á

By Max Modell While it is complex to sum up my feelings about my evening watching Catherine McGrath perform the first night of her first ever headline tour at The Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth every trail of thought leads me to one word, cute. From the set design with fairy lights and paper lanterns, to McGrathÔÇÖs unbelievably cute Irish accent and stories of night terrors … Continue reading Live Review: Catherine McGrath at The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth