The Decemberists have finally decided to be themselves on their seventh album

Elizabeth Rushton talks to Slaves about the mainstream, the NME tour and the rise of bedroom producers

Richelle / Soup Kitchen / 7th February / £5

The ‘All About That Bass’ hitmaker impresses with a well-crafted debut

Canadian up-and-comers Alvvays manage to charm their sold-out crowd

The innovative post-folk outfit surprise and delight

Editor-in-chief Aidan Gregory saw out 2014 in typical Sankeys style

David Rodigan is a cut above the rest

Love Inks bring their slow and groovy blend of indie to Soup Kitchen

Metronomy’s live show has come on leaps and bounds

Alister Pearson talks with producer Gordon Raphael about turning down the chance to join Nirvana, producing for The Strokes, and veganism

The cavernous space of Club Academy dampens the expertise of Greg Wilson

Stevie Wonderland’s second birthday is to be celebrated by hosting the first ever roller disco in Academy 1’s history, starring Parisian DJ Breakbot.

Cast bring their UK tour to a close with a commanding, anthemic performance

The Smashing Pumpkins dial back their world-beating ambitions to deliver a solid modern rock album

Bloc. returns

Cordelia Milward speaks to Emmy the Great about writing songs in Hong Kong, finding hope in the direst of situations and controlling emotions

Hi Ku pull out three fine bookings for their birthday bash

Angus & Julia Stone perform a dully repetitive set

Augustines blow everyone away