Smiling – ‘Why Are You’ album review


Having started as a solo project of Oslo-via-Malmo based artist Johan Hansson Liljeberg, Smiling is now a full band completed by Johan Arvid Ingvarsson (Mary Anne’s Polar Rig, New Banke), Julia Wiklund (New Banke), and August Glännestrand (LAV SOL, Liv Andrea Hauge Trio). They’re now set to release their third album ‘Why Are You’, a…

Wild Pink – ‘Still Coming Down’ album review


Wild Pink return with sixth album ‘Still Coming Down’, a record that finds John Ross blending existential tales with celestial stories and bringing to life some charismatic characters while also poking fun at the listless nature of consumerism. He also takes inspiration from the grunge movement that soundtracked his teenage years, recording the album in…

Man/Woman/Chainsaw – ‘Cannonball’ album review


A high school band that emerged as one of 2026’s most anticipated acts, Man/Woman/Chainsaw release their debut album ‘Cannonball’ on 7 August via Fiction Records. Recorded with Seth Evans (Geordie Greep) and Margo Broom (Big Joanie), the record finds the six-piece (Billy Ward, Clio Starwood, Emmie-Mae Avery, Lola Cherry, Billy Doyle and Vera Leppannen) navigating…

Cheekface – ‘Podium’ album review


Los Angeles trio and Spectral Nights favourites Cheekface return with ‘Podium’, their sixth full-length album on 28 July. The album retains the band’s trademark wit and hooks as they offer musings on everyday life as the world burns around us – the central theme being a caring person in an uncaring society. The album opens…

The Cave stage tent at 2000trees festival 2026

2000trees Festival 2026 review


Blistering heat and brilliant bands collided in style at 2026’s 2000trees Festival. A highlight of every summer – we really can’t wait to see what they pull out of the bag for next year’s 20th anniversary – there’s so much to enjoy at Upcote Farm every July. Will you find your new favourite band, or…

Life – ‘ABSTRACT/NATURAL’ album review


Life are making a welcome return with ‘ABSTRACT/NATURAL’. The Hull band’s fourth album, it started life in a poetry book that frontman Mez had been writing while exploring the great outdoors. These musings on nature, landscapes, love and acceptance found Mez transforming hills, ridges and landmarks into incredible characters in what he playfully described as…

Embrace – ‘Avalanche’ album review


Embrace return with ‘Avalanche’, the Yorkshire band’s ninth studio album. Released via Cooking Vinyl, Danny McNamara says the song is one that looks for joy in the simple moments: ‘Real, deep, honest-to-God joy doesn’t live in the big, dramatic moments we’re all taught to chase. It doesn’t live in huge, unattainable goals or impressive, life-changing…