The Travelling Band’s songs are polished, well written and at times anthemic

The Menzingers’ live show is an energetic, emotional spectacle

Parallels could be drawn to Jeff Buckley in Sital-Singh’s performance

The unofficial guide for thinking outside the freshers’ pack

As one of the world’s great music cities, Manchester is packed with great venues. Here’s some of our favourites…

Lo-fi legend wigs out at Gorilla

Fenech Soler and NYPC have Gorilla dancing all night

Gold Panda successfully brings live electronic music into an evening show context

Jamie Bulman picks Pokey Lafarge’s brain as he picks at Southern fried chicken in the green room of Manchester’s Gorilla.

Washed Out’s summery chillwave doesn’t cut it on a cold Tuesday night in Manchester

Patrick Hinton speaks to Mount Kimbie about life on tour, the ubiquity of ‘Made To Stray’ and collaboration with other artists – including the legendary DJ Koze

In a live setting their songs are reworked into elaborate constructions involving any number of guitar pedals and synthesizer settings; the effect is thrilling.

Newest BRIT school attendee Rainy Milo gives a disappointing performance at Gorilla.

Portico Quartet are now all but unrecognizable from the buskers huddled on the pavement of the Southbank just a few years ago

Madchester revivalists Jagwar Ma delight young and old ravers alike

These New Puritans display their diverse blend of aggressive and mellow electro at Gorilla.

Looking to escape the madness of Freshers’ Week? Check out some of these bookish venues

One of urban music’s most exciting voices talks progression, diversity and choosing his own path

The hotly-tipped local youngsters have matured losing their sense of fun in the process

The man behind the Harlem Shake brought his polished live show to Gorilla