The Hold Steady’s spontaneous, heartfelt delivery falls on disinterested ears

There is something genuinely awe-inspiring about Swans’s ability to completely transform a space through sound

Ruby Hoffman talks with The Virginmarys about their recently released debut album, the importance of live music and the best Travelodge they’ve ever stayed in

Like a silky-voiced shaman weaving her magic through a spiritual connection, Birdy transported the crowd to a place only she knew of

Back in intimate confines, Bring Me the Horizon’s live show continues to diversify

Conor Oberst’s post-hardcore side project finally made their Manchester debut

The kiwi synth-popper played tracks from her sophomore LP at Academy 2

This is about as blistering a live show as you’re going to find in 2012.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the majority of this gig was spent waiting for ‘that song’.

Hold Steady frontman, Craig Finn, talks to Paul Frame before his show supporting Felice Brothers.

The answer to rock n roll’s drought or just one more revival?

He may sound good as a soundtrack to your M&S meal for two but a live performer he is not.

Sleigh Bells give the unwavering impression that there’s nothing in the world they’d rather be doing that performing for us.

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

Bassist Matthew Leone’s fight for his life last year has only made Madina Lake more appreciative of what they’ve got.

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

A short but sweet set from the Swedish songstress.

Danish rockabilly quartet, Volbeat, more than make up for last year’s tour cancellations.

If the thought of who the coolest man on the planet is has ever crossed your mind, step this way and let Tom Hickman help you out.

“It seems like everybody’s smiling tonight,” notes frontwoman Ninja after opening with the frenetic T.O.R.N.A.D.O., “is it a Northern thing?” You can’t really blame her for forgetting – after all, it has been a full three years since The Go! Team’s last UK tour and even longer since they last played in Manchester. Judging by the quality of their superb third album, Rolling Blackouts, and the way it translates live tonight, it certainly seems to have been time well spent.