CMAT - Leeds Stylus, 21 November 2023 (LIVE REVIEW)

Continuing the trend of women taking over as the driving force in pop music, behold the sudden emergence of the inordinately talented Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson. CMAT (for short) is a sharp-witted flame haired Irish singer songwriter fast becoming one of the hottest live tickets in town. The Dubliner is behind a string of startlingly accomplished country-tinged pop singles including the beautifully expansive ‘I Wanna Be A Cowboy Baby!” and ‘Where Are Your Kids Tonight?” the latter featuring John Grant on backing vocals. 

Bob Vylan - Leeds Stylus, November 13th 2023, (LIVE REVIEW)

Fiercely DIY and independent driven, London duo Bob Vylan have chosen their own supports for this tour. (First on are fellow Londoners ‘Kid Bookie’ - seething metallers, champion swearers and besties with Slipknot’s Corey Taylor. Rap-rock and nu-metal will never totally be eradicated judging by this display. Cardiff’s ‘Panic Shack’ are the antidote. Four fifths female, an authentic punk snarl mixed with a keen sense of fun and most importantly, a breath of piss-taking fresh air on stage.  

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard 'Therapy' (SINGLE REVIEW)

PHOTO: Charlie Harris

Powered by an infectious pulsating groove, ‘Therapy’ is the latest single from Cardiff power pop outfit ‘Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard.’ Continuing the quartet’s migration from their Pooh Sticks influenced sun-drenched pop to an edgier, meatier, more industrial sound, first heard in previous single release ‘Chew,’ the new song’s cathartic subject matter influenced by lead singer Tom Rees’s personal experience.