Pages of Espresso

Microwave have always been a difficult band to pigeon hole. Effortlessly transitioning from punk to alt rock to shoegaze to indie pop, always with an emo heart, they are true genre-benders, and that continues with their excellent fourth album. Opening with an uncredited female vocalist on “Portals”, the album starts in ethereal fashion, which only… Continue reading

Friday 26th April 2024King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, GlasgowSupport: Junk Pups, Demo I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better live band currently gigging in the UK than Soapbox. This, the second time I’ve seen them live was one of the most energetic, chaotic and downright enjoyable shows I’ve seen recently. And that’s… Continue reading

Glasgow punks Soapbox have been making a name for themselves in Scotland for their politically charged songs and ferocious live performances. After a string of well received singles, “Hawd That” is their first EP. And it is a scathing attack on the state of the country under the Tories. “Private Public Transport” is an anthem… Continue reading

Completing the So-Cal legends’ “Double Album” project is this EP which was recorded at the same time. For a band who are embarking on a marathon “last tour” and planning on calling it quits in the near future, they sure can still turn out a great song. This EP is short, snappy and full of… Continue reading

Almost thirty five years and twelve albums into their career, Pearl Jam are still producing quality music. “Dark Matter” is probably their most coherent and consistent album since the mid nineties, showing that they are growing older extremely gracefully. Opening track “Scared of Fear” sets things up wonderfully, a stirring alternative rock anthem that immediately… Continue reading

Wednesday 17th April 2024Òran Mór, GlasgowSupport: Sick Joy Atlanta’s Microwave are making a name for themselves and with good cause. Their math rock tinged emo doesn’t stick to one genre, and it’s all for the best. This is a great live band who really know how to put on a show. Opening with the keyboard… Continue reading

Belmont have a lot of energy and the Chicago trio have put it to great use on “Liminal”, the band’s third full length album. High energy pop-punk is the theme of the day and they are very good at it. From the very start, “Liminal” will have you bouncing. “SSX Trickmont” opens the album in… Continue reading

Strung Out have been pedalling their metal infused skate punk for thirty five years now, and this, their tenth full length studio album is another excellent addition to their discography. Vocalist Jason Cruz is in fine form, with his distinctive voice carrying the twelve fast paced songs that make up “Dead Rebellion”. Opening track “Future… Continue reading

Matt Hunter has created an emo record in the vein of the late 90s greats such as Modern Baseball, Jimmy Eat World and American Football on his debut full length as For When You Can’t Breathe. But while it harks back twenty five years, this album still sounds fresh and exciting. It’s a tremendous piece… Continue reading

There’s a chaotic energy to the debut album from genre defying young Scots Dead Pony, and it rubs off on listeners in the best possible way. Over sixteen tracks that range from frantic punk to electro tinged rock to even trap hip hop influenced, this is a magnificent album that is as thoughtful as it… Continue reading