Mick Birchall Reviews

This gig has been on the cards for a while now. Having got the tickets back in 2020, the excitement I felt for this show was palpable. Hatari appeared on my radar, like most, when they performed at Eurovision 2019. Where they made quite the statement. Hatari is one of those acts that you have to just stop and think about why you want to listen to them. For me personally, their music is very well produced with powerful statements interweaved through their lyrics and music videos. The performance art collective makes music as artistic performance pieces so I was very curious about how they would translate that to a show in a small basement club in Manchester. How do you take the showmanship and bombast of an artist that makes artistic statements and condense that into a nightclub rave? Actually surprisingly well as it turns out. Before I talk more about Hatari’s set. Let’s take a quick moment to talk about the opening act. I’ve been to 100’s of concerts and festivals and seen countless v...

I've wanted to write this article for a little bit now. This year we got the third studio album from Italian metal-force that is Moonlight Haze . Since 2018 this band has been pumping out some of my favourite songs of their respective year. Their albums always seem to worm their way into my end-of-year "best of" lists and the new record Animus is much the same. So I wanted to grab a small corner of the internet to really jump into their music. If you happen by this blog then I would recommend going to Spotify, Amazon Music or whichever streaming platform tickles your fancy and listening to them. As, for one, it will make the blog an easier read and, two, introduce you to one my current favourite heavy metal bands. Founded in 2018 by vocalist, Chiara Tricarico and drummer/keyboardist, Giulio Capone they put together and powerhouse lineup that would bring unique elements that would all elevate the music to the next level. Alessandro Jacobi on bass from bands like Elvenk...

  It's been a long time since I darkened the doorstep of Manchester Academy. I used to be there every other week before the unspecified virus took over the world. So coming back to the venue felt like coming home in a sense. I couldn't think of a better show to go to than the man himself Brian Fallon. There has always been a kinship between Brian and the Manchester audiences, with the banter, the laughs and out-loud sing-a-longs. It all feels so comforting and wholesome. Although the odd curse words get thrown around it's always in good jest. I will say walking down Oxford Road to the Academy just felt right, it felt natural, it felt like the warm embrace of an old friend and seeing Brian on stage, it felt like the clocks had turned back. Along for the ride on this great show were singer-songwriters Chris Farren and Jesse Malin. On paper, this was looking like it was going to be one hell of a night.   Taking the stage first was Jesse Malin . A performer that I have admired ...

Holy cow! I know I haven't posted in a hot minute but sometimes I hear something and it compels me to start writing. I cannot tell you how much I've wanted to hear this album. Ever since it was announced I have had a mighty need for it. Now it's out on their Bandcamp, I immediately purchased it and put the full thing on. Yeah man, this one was worth the money, I wasn't waiting for this record to hit streaming platforms. A Sound of Thunder just lit a fire in me that I don't think many bands can touch. Their new album The Krimson Kult is such a stellar effort from all involved. Inspired by real events this album takes you on a journey. With commanding vocals, well-performed musicianship and tight production, The Kirmson Kult keeps you hooked from start to finish. Opening on the atmospheric "Orb Weaver" had me hooked from the opening notes but nothing could prepare me for the album we were going to get. The second track "The Rise of the Krimson Kult...