Destroyed by Madness

GARLIC BREAD CLUB #13 Saturday 11th November 2023 Nexo / Other Half* / Jackals / Deadwax / The Mustard / Dead Animals* Crisp November air is pierced by the sunlight from a thrillingly blue autumnal sky across the afternoon of Garlic Bread Club, the city’s worst best-kept-secret for those in search of a visceral live music experience. For its 13th edition, full-throttle speed-punks Nexo make the trip over from Copenhagen to close out an exciting and eclectic lineup. Heading down the familiarly sticky steps at Retro, a rumble of bass seeps underneath the door before it swings open and The Mustard reveal themselves in full widescreen glory. There’s a real positive-energy onstage as the band blast out speedy pop-punk nuggets smothered with lashings of saucy breakdowns and a generous helping of skate-punk inspired backing vocals. The band are a tight unit, with Sara’s Latin flair infusing the vocals with a passionate and playful air. After a quick trip to the bar I’m down at the front for D...

DÉJÀ VEGA  w. Idle Hours The Ferret, Preston 21st October 2023 The short trip to Preston is always a delight of anticipation when a visit to The Ferret is the order of the day. It’s a place where I’ve never had a bad night and was recently saved from the hands of developers by fundraisers, the Independent Music Venue Trust, and a helping hand from Preston City Council. The venue delivers a glorious rock & roll dive bar aesthetic with a friendly atmosphere, crisp and clear sound-system, and a thirst-inducing selection of drinks. Oh, it even serves food and has a nice beer garden for those wishing to catch some fresh Lancashire air. It’s a perfect location to start my birthday weekend celebrations! So… to the music. Dripping with a myriad of references to post-punk, late-80s indie, driving shoegaze, and slacker rock, Idle Hours shoot out a well-paced set to warm the Ferret’s belly. Starting with a steady trio of uptempo psych-motorik songs to draw you into the zone, the band seem...