Winner of the Resident Advisor 2011 Live Act Poll, Nico Jaar, sells out a dangerously packed Sound Control.

“No Phil Lynott, no Thin Lizzy.” The classic rockers visit Manchester to prove everybody wrong, and bring the storming Clutch with them.

The fact that this is the last date of a lengthy tour does nothing to dampen the energy and enthusiasm displayed.

The raw passion that fuels Rodrigo y Gabriela’s live performances is diluted by lengthy and elaborate instrumental excursions.

As gig experiences go, this one weaved in and out of sublime and mundane.

Frontman and founder of I Am The Avalanche, Vinnie Caruana, answers some questions shortly before their show at Moho Live earlier this month.

Skrillex may have been dubbed the most hated man in dubstep, but there are nearly 2000 people in Manchester alone who’d disagree following this performance.

Not an astounding effort from the pop punk quartet but impressive enough.

Mutual appreciation between band and audience make for a memorable night in Academy 3.

Phoebe Clarke chats to the big man himself about his new album and outside-of-music business ventures.

Angelic voices, folky tones and complex harmonies make up this choir of 3 young sisters’ sound.

Thurston Moore’s new album, Demolished Thoughts, has been lost somewhat in the live translation.

As lovely as gigs in churches can be, Lisa Hannigan’s set needs less restriction and more sweatiness.

Dan Jones takes a look at the album that shot soul icon Otis Redding to the top of the charts in 1965.

A record that ultimately changed the face of rap as we knew it.

Marcus Foster may be old friends with twinkly vampire Robert Pattinson, but don’t let that put you off.

They may not be re-inventing the wheel but The Vaccines have managed to create their own distinctive sound, popular with so many.

For fans of MGMT, Empire of the Sun and Miike Snow.

Exit Ten are a band that have only matured with age, making them a band certainly worth keeping an eye our for next festival season.

That difficult second album cliché proves its truth this time around.