Outsider inventor-musician Thomas Truax attempts an experiment too far with the LP version of his song-a-month project.
Author Andy Johnson
The Megaphonic Thrift – The Megaphonic Thrift
While never as explosive as their live shows, the studio comeback for Norway’s supergroup-of-sorts the Megaphonic Thrift sees them expand their noise pop palette.
Fixers – Imperial Goddess of Mercy
It’s out with the UFO cults and in with a somewhat sketchy set of songs for Oxford fivepiece Fixers writes Andy Johnson.
Mat Gibson – Forest Fire
Returned from two years absorbing the sights and sounds of Quebec, British Americana man Mat Gibson releases a new mini-album. Andy Johnson reviews.
Manic Street Preachers – National Treasures: The Complete Singles
It’s been 25 years of culture, alienation, boredom and despair for Manic Street Preachers. 38 singles in, it all still stacks up.
Festival Diary: Ley Lines, Oxford, 15 October 2011
Brand new urban festival Ley Lines kicks off in Oxford with sets from the likes of Catherine A.D., Alt J and Theme Park. Andy Johnson reviews.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich + Monument Valley + Daughter – O2 Academy Oxford, 18/10/11
A rude and noisy crowd ruin performances by Monument Valley and tipped singer-songwriter Daughter – Benjamin Francis Leftwich needs no help. Andy Johnson reviews.
Visions of Trees – The Jericho, Oxford, 20/10/11
An under-attended gig puts no fear into the hearts of London electro duo Visions of Trees, writes Andy Johnson
Catherine A.D. – Communion
Taken as first polished release by a still-developing talent, Communion is an intriguing listen rather than essential purchase. Catherine Anne Davies releases a debut mini-album which might just hint at greatness to come.
Richard Warren – The Wayfarer
At some point along the road, Richard Warren “got tired of lengthy, expensive studio trickery”, feeling that “life’s too short”. Even if this sounds like an unlikely sentiment coming from an experienced producer, a listen to Warren’s second album absolutely confirms that he spent very little time on smoothing over the sound. In fact, parts [...]
“One million percent serious”: TLOBF talks commitment with Florian Lunaire
Talented songwriter Florian Lunaire plans to release an EP per season for as long as he lives – he recently answered TLOBF’s questions about the project.
Dot-to-Dot organisers launch new Oxford festival
The team behind Dot-to-Dot festival have announced a new one-day indoor event for Oxford. Launching on October 15, Ley Lines Festival will take place across five stages centred on the city’s O2 Academy.
Cassettes Won’t Listen – Evinspacey
Dropping a “K” to please Kevin Spacey wasn’t enough to make the new Cassettes Won’t Listen LP meet its potential writes Andy Johnson.
Festival Diary: Summer Sundae, Leicester, 12-14 August 2011
In its eleventh year, Summer Sundae again provides three days of quality live entertainment, featuring Warpaint, Toots & the Maytals and Blood Red Shoes.
Danny & The Champions of the World – Hearts & Arrows
Bruce Springsteen looms even larger than frontman Danny Wilson on the Champions’ third LP, but that doesn’t take anything away from their stronger heartland tunes.
The Japanese War Effort – Surrender to Summer
James Scott of Conquering Animal Sound wraps himself up in pseudeonyms and fuzz in a bid to conceal an EP of deeply underwhelming lo-fi pop. Oh dear, writes Andy Johnson.
