This overlooked British outfit still know how to produce some of the most gutsy and infectious rock music around.

A step-down from their last Mancunian venture at Academy 1, The Maccabees prove that it’s not where you play but how you play that matters.

Think Frankie Cocozza’s the most badass, rock n roll knobhead you’ve ever seen strutting his stuff? You’ve clearly never seen The Darkness then.

Poetry and drum cymbals set alight? This isn’t your usual gig. This is a King Blues gig.

The Dum Dum Girls manage to achieve the rare feat of recalling Joy Division in a manner that isn’t jarringly obvious.

You can’t doubt Rise Against’s passion and stamina but as far as live experiences go, this one was a little disappointing.

A modest but devoted crowd greet Brooklyn band The Antlers.

A feeling of missed opportunity for the lack of a smashing set that the regulars at WHP have come to expect.

Now Wave presents…Spectrals, Girls and Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks.

Strikingly-named Bass Drum of Death play in one of the more unlikely Manchester venues.

Two 4 star reviews of Corgan and co. Just because.

Warning: article contains a half-naked photo of Brandon Boyd. Don’t say we don’t give you anything nice to look at.

Very much an overlooked venue, Joshua Brooks provides a 5 star worthy night of music.

In becoming more confident, the songs lose the nervous emotional intensity that made them so endearing.

Dog Is Dead: nothing that you’ve not heard done better a dozen times before.

James Birtles talks to Staind frontman, Aaron Lewis, about the new album, fans and Staind’s greatest career moment.

German friends, Digitalism, know how to put on a memorable and exciting set.

Lingering, delicate and hauntingly beautiful. It can only be Bon Iver.

A solid record full of punchy choruses and energetic integrity.

Laid bare and unremarkable, Leftwich’s set cries out for accompaniment.