Jonah Tolchin - 'Clover Lane'

The swinging blues and lulling acoustics of New-Jersey-native Jonah Tolchin’s upcoming LP Clover Lane are a far cry from his self-confessed “rebellious” childhood. Or are they? They can hardly be described as head banging, guitar smashing music, but Jonah’s mellow blues are armed with a rugged edge. Having lived a tumultuous youth as a high school drop-out and criminal law-breaker, Tolchin found himself in a whirlwind depression. Turning to music as an outlet, it was the blues of Mississippi that granted the youngster the ultimate solace. Blues masters Buddy Guy and Freddie King became heroes for Tolchin, and hints of their slow rolling style seeps through his own take on the genre.

Alvvays - 'Alvvays'

More than two thousand miles separate Toronto from the SoCal coast, but its pop culture influence still saturates every millimetre of this self-titled debut from T.O. quintet Alvvays. Produced by Canada’s indie sweetheart Chad VanGaalen in Calgary and mixed by John Agnello, it’s an altogether prettier sound than one would expect with those two at the helm, dripping with stolen glances and sunsets set to irresistible melody. 

Pixies - Manchester Castlefield Bowl

For once, the North West has come up trumps with some idyllic summery weather. Manchester is basking in glorious sunshine and this superb venue - Castlefield Arena (aka Castlefield Bowl) - plays perfect host for this eagerly awaited appearance by the legendary Pixies.  This will be no nostalgic trip down memory lane just to line the pockets either. Pixies have come roaring back with their first new material in 23 years. Having lost one, dismissed one, then gained a new bassist and now finding themselves headlining festivals to help soothe the pain of their loyal army of world-wide fans who have missed them so much.

Beacons Festival Preview

For our Beacons Festival preview, run down of 2013 and 2012, and all the information you need regarding tickets etc, please click on our official Beacons preview page in the tabs above

Wunder Wunder - Everything Infinite

Soaked in mixtape nostalgia and bleached by Cali sun, Everything Infinite is the forthcoming album of Australian dream-pop duo Wunder Wunder. Producers Aaron Shanahan and Benjamin Plant collaborate on their debut record not only with each other, but with the changing tides of Los Angeles suburban dreamscape. Having abandoned their native Melbourne, Australia, the pair’s contentment with palm tree littered skies and idyllic horizons bleeds through much of their music; Wunder Wunder explores LA summer life with fresh eyes.

Gulp - Season Sun

Having missed their 2012 debut EP, and knowing only that one of them used to be in the Super Furry Animals, of whom I’ve never been the biggest fan, I was prepared to be underwhelmed by this release by Gulp. Whilst I’m sure the SFA connection will draw in some listeners, for me it was almost enough to put me off. Almost. Thankfully I rarely listen to myself; otherwise I would have missed on the most intriguing releases of the year so far...

Tuneyards - Leeds Cockpit

Merril Garbus and her playful, brightly dressed and colourfuly painted crew  certainly appear to share quite the love affair with Leeds, as they wow us with their African/Haitian rhythms and wonky pop/folk-esque tribal delights. The lengthy applause and fanatical cheering that greets the end of each and every song by Tuneyards tonight is akin to that usually reserved for a band disappearing off stage for the final time. Although, the Cockpit periodically throw Merril off track with a bit of polite heckling. Her beaming smile breaking into fits of laughter at a few timely shouts from the crowd. Though a young lady's request of marriage is met with a firm 'er...no!'.