INTERVIEW: We catch up with London based alternative duo BLUE VIOLET ahead of the release of their new record and Winter UK tour....

Ahead of their UK tour were they’ll be supporting the mighty ECHOBELLY, Steve from musomuso caught up with Sarah and Sam from London based alternative duo BLUE VIOLET.

They chat about the forthcoming tour, their sophomore album Faux Animaux which lands on January 24th 2025 (pre-order available NOW), the London launch party, collaborations, influences and much more…

Razorlight’s explosive return at Bristol's Strange Brew: A night of indie nostalgia and new energy

On the eve of their fifth album release, Planet Nowhere, Razorlight took to the cozy stage of Strange Brew in Bristol, a venue that’s as intimate as it is vibrant, turning heads with its colorful decor and art-laden walls. When I first heard they’d be playing here, I thought it was a misprint. Razorlight, once topping charts and playing arena stages, now delivering their new and classic songs in such a close-knit space? It felt like a gift, one that any fan—new or old—could hardly believe they were unwrapping.

The evening started with Zoe Hayter, a captivating singer-songwriter, who brought her raw, folk-infused performance to the stage. Armed with tambourines strapped to her Dr. Martens (other boots are available) and bells around her ankles, Zoe seemed just as thrilled to be there as we were. She filled the room with autobiographical songs from her EP, Raw, blending delicate tales with foot-stomping percussion. Her song Ageing Clown stood out, a heartfelt tribute to her Irish grandfather Paddy Hayter, and by the end, she had us all singing along to the catchy refrain, “A rocking chair’s pretty good, but you can't keep a good clown down.” Zoe was the perfect opener, grounding the night in authenticity and storytelling.

Then, it was Razorlight’s turn. The energy in the room was electric as fans, both loyal and new, buzzed with excitement. Johnny Borrell and the band wasted no time, exploding into the set with Rip It Up and its irresistible opening line: “Hey girl, get on the dancefloor, that’s what it’s there for!” It was the perfect invitation to let loose, and from that moment, the crowd was hooked.

In the Morning was a huge crowd-pleaser, sounding just as majestic and infectious as it did in its early days, with the entire room singing along as if on cue. But it was Zombie Love, the lead single from Planet Nowhere, that truly showed us Razorlight’s enduring strength. The track flowed seamlessly from the old hits, feeling like it could have been plucked right from the band’s breakout era. This new album doesn’t just nod to the past—it blends it with a punchy, energetic sound, refined by the band’s time recording in Spain, and brought back to life on stage tonight.

With each song, Razorlight showcased the full spectrum of their influences, from the jittery, post-punk edge of Talking Heads to the riotous spirit of The Clash. Songs like Scared of Nothing embodied this range perfectly, with Johnny’s powerful, feverish delivery as he declared, “This is the sound my insides make,” before letting loose with a cacophony of feedback and flailing curls.

By the time they got to Cool People, Johnny was drenched in sweat, denim jacket off, proudly sporting a Planet Nowhere badge. It’s one of the album’s sharpest tracks, a cheeky rebuke of “phony” indie cool, with Johnny spitting lyrics like, “There aren't cool people in this band… What do you want me to do, turn up in shades and pout?” It’s a biting, refreshing anthem that instantly had everyone in the room hooked.

The new songs and old favorites flowed together effortlessly, with the crowd responding just as enthusiastically to each. Razorlight have found a groove that mixes nostalgia with innovation—a sound that feels vintage yet fresh, familiar yet surprising. April Ends showcased Andy Burrows’s frenetic drumming, pushing the song to a fever pitch and solidifying it as one of the night’s standout moments.

They saved some of the best for last, with an encore that kicked off with Vice, a scuzzy, relentless anthem that embodies Razorlight’s swagger and grit. But it was America, of course, that closed out the night, bringing the room to a nostalgic high and reminding us all why we fell in love with Razorlight in the first place.

As I stepped out of Strange Brew, hoarse from singing and with Zombie Love firmly lodged in my head, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just witnessed something rare. Razorlight’s new era feels like a rebirth, a testament to their ability to evolve while staying true to the sound that made them unforgettable. Planet Nowhere is bound to bring them back to the bigger stages, but for one unforgettable night, we got to witness them up close, alive with the same spirit that’s kept them going all these years.

Words and Pictures by Matthew Barnes

NEWS: Del Amitri’s triumphant UK return – Learn more about their December 2024 tour

After two years of global touring success following their 2022 Top 5 album Fatal Mistakes, Del Amitri, Glasgow’s iconic rockers, are back for their first full UK tour in four years, bringing both nostalgia and new energy to audiences across the country this December. Known for their storytelling lyrics, heartfelt ballads, and catchy rock tunes, the band’s performances consistently blend authenticity with showmanship, promising an unforgettable experience for fans old and new​.

The tour launches on December 1st in Newcastle and will sweep across major cities like London, Leeds, and Manchester before concluding with two eagerly awaited, sold-out shows on December 22nd and 23rd at Glasgow’s legendary Barrowland Ballroom. Following a recent string of arena performances with fellow Glaswegian legends Simple Minds, Del Amitri have honed their live set to perfection and are sure to bring the house down with classic hits and fan-favorite deep cuts alike​

Formed in the 1980s by Justin Currie and Iain Harvie, Del Amitri became a staple in rock with albums like Waking Hours and hits such as “Nothing Ever Happens” and “Roll to Me.” Their songs capture the bittersweet aspects of life and relationships, often weaving in Currie’s wry humor and poignant lyrics. After a hiatus beginning in 2002, the band reunited in 2020, much to the delight of fans, and delivered their critically acclaimed Fatal Mistakes in 2022.

As they tour, Del Amitri’s knack for balancing rock anthems with reflective, lyrical pieces continues to resonate, making them a band that spans genres and generations.

To prepare for the tour, here are five essential Del Amitri tracks that capture their unique style and lyrical depth:

1. “Nothing Ever Happens” – This classic shines for its introspective lyrics on modern life’s routine and melancholy.

2. “Always the Last to Know” – An emotional rock ballad that showcases Currie’s gift for raw and relatable storytelling.

3. “Roll to Me” – Known for its catchy melody, this is one of the band’s most internationally popular songs.

4. “Kiss This Thing Goodbye” – A fan favorite that brings upbeat rhythms and heartfelt lyrics together.

5. “Driving with the Brakes On” – A beautifully crafted track about struggle and resilience, embodying Del Amitri’s lyrical and musical prowess.

Del Amitri’s December 2024 tour promises to be a celebration of timeless rock, filled with energy, memories, and a passionate audience. Grab your tickets, rediscover these tracks, and prepare for a night with one of Glasgow’s finest.

All tickets are available to purchase HERE

December 2024
Sun 01 - Newcastle, Boiler Shop
Tue 03 - London, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Wed 04 - Leeds, O2 Academy
Thu 05 - Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall
Sat 07 - Norwich, The Nick Rays LCR, UEA
Sun 08 - Bristol O2 Academy
Tue 10 - Liverpool, O2 Academy
Wed 11 - Manchester, Albert Hall
Thu 12 - Sheffield, Leadmill

ALREADY ON SALE: 
Wed 18 - Aberdeen Music Hall    
Thu 19 - Perth Concert Hall    
Fri 20 - Edinburgh Usher Hall  
Sun 22 - Glasgow Barrowland      
Mon 23 - Glasgow Barrowland   

Cardiff's Himalayas Gear Up for the Next Big Leap with Explosive New Single ‘What If…?’

Cardiff’s rising rock powerhouse Himalayas are back with a vengeance. This Friday (October 25th), the four-piece will release their eagerly awaited new single, ‘What If…?’ via Nettwerk Music Group, and if early indications are anything to go by, it’s set to pack all the punch and swagger fans have come to expect. Produced by Pete Hutchings (Royal Blood, Nothing But Thieves, Skindred), this latest track marks yet another significant milestone in the band’s rapid ascent, cementing their status as one of the most vital acts in the UK rock scene today.

Ahead of the release, Himalayas are primed to deliver an explosive single launch show at Camden’s iconic Underworld on Wednesday, October 23rd.

Known for their razor-sharp live performances, this launch is set to be a showcase of the band’s high-octane energy and driving sound, giving fans a sneak peek of what promises to be one of the year’s most talked-about tracks.

‘What If…?’ encapsulates everything Himalayas do best—punchy, taut rock with a visceral edge. Channelling the muscular intensity of acts like Death From Above 1979 and Royal Blood, the track is packed with crunchy riffs, pounding percussion, and infectious hooks. Produced by Pete Hutchings, whose work with some of modern rock’s heaviest hitters is well-known, the song is a tight, punchy anthem that feels ready-made for massive crowds and festival stages. It carries the signature Himalayas grit while leaning into their uncanny ability to blend raw power with slick, dynamic production.

The band has consistently proven that they can move effortlessly between the gritty, no-nonsense rock that grabs listeners by the throat and more nuanced, melodic elements that bring depth to their sound. ‘What If…?’ is expected to expand on this, offering a rollercoaster of relentless energy and undeniable grooves, perfectly suited to the larger stages they’ve started to dominate.

Himalayas’ upward trajectory has been nothing short of dizzying since the release of their debut album From Hell To Here in 2023. The album, which has already racked up over 93 million streams, marked them as a force to be reckoned with, earning widespread acclaim for its raw intensity and tightly coiled sound. With influences reminiscent of rock heavyweights like Royal Blood and Queens of the Stone Age, Himalayas have positioned themselves at the cutting edge of UK rock.

One of the most exciting developments in the band’s recent history was the opportunity to collaborate with rock legend Brian Johnson of AC/DC on their single ‘V.O.V’. Co-writing with one of the genre’s most iconic voices is a testament to the level of talent the band is working with, and it further solidified their standing among rock’s elite. If that weren’t enough, they were also invited to support the Foo Fighters at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium this summer—an experience that surely introduced the band to thousands of new fans and solidified their place in the UK rock hierarchy.

As they take the stage at Camden’s Underworld on the 23rd to celebrate the release of ‘What If…?’, Himalayas will undoubtedly be riding high on the momentum of their recent successes. Known for their electrifying live shows, the band has built a reputation for leaving it all on the stage, and the Underworld crowd is set to experience that first-hand in what promises to be a raucous night.

But this is just the beginning. Following their single launch, Himalayas will embark on a full UK tour in November, supporting Welsh alt-rockers Kids In Glass Houses. It’s a fitting match, with both bands representing the best of what modern British rock has to offer, and the tour is sure to be a major highlight for fans. Additionally, Himalayas are gearing up for a huge show in December when they’ll support Those Damn Crows at Cardiff Arena—yet another indicator of the heights this band is destined for.

With ‘What If…?’ poised to solidify their place as one of the most exciting bands on the UK rock circuit, Himalayas are well on their way to carving out a permanent spot at the forefront of the genre. Their ability to fuse raw, ferocious rock with dynamic, thoughtful production has already set them apart from their peers, and their ever-growing list of achievements only underscores their potential.

Himalayas are more than just another band in the crowded rock scene—they are a vital part of the new wave of UK rock, one that has the ability to capture imaginations and inspire the next generation of fans. As they continue their rapid ascent, the release of ‘What If…?’ this Friday is yet another stepping stone toward even greater things. If you haven’t already tuned into their journey, now’s the time—because Himalayas are just getting started, and their rise shows no signs of slowing down.

Don’t miss the single launch at Camden’s Underworld on October 23rd, and be sure to catch them on their UK tour this November—this is a band you need to see live.