Cosmo Calling are buoyed by a receptive audience and play a bright, enjoyable set, writes Callum Oliver

The industry influence casts a dark pineapple-shaped cloud over the Indietronica wunderkinds disappointing set, writes Ben Rout

Is pop punk dead? Meg Roberts takes a trip down memory lane at the State Champs’ gig

A punky reggae party is just what the doctor ordered in 2017, with The Wailers bringing classic Jamaican fun to rainy Manchester in an entertaining night at The Academy, writes Alex Corns

The xx’s flowing melodies, succinct beats and incredible tightness in live performances make them one of the best British acts of current times, writes Will Bain

New York indie rock three-piece Highly Suspect arrive in Manchester, but noise level doesn’t always equal entertainment, writes Alex Corns

The world’s only Elvis-fronted tribute to Nirvana is a glorious mongrel that works better than it should, writes Oscar Talbot

While the dancefloor thankfully stays murder-less, Sophie Ellis-Bextor still takes care not to kill the groove, writes Lewis Thomas-Hargreaves

Amy Matthews is captivated by Hampshire trio Blaenavon’s breath-taking performance as main support for Indie rockers Sundara Karma sold-out show at the Albert hall

The Italian soul singer seems awkward and lost in translation in a disappointing show, writes Hugh Morris

The Riot Grrrl veteran returns to Manchester with band in tow and plays a show that refuses to rest on the laurels of past successes, writes Cassie Hyde

Rounding off the year on home turf, Shura’s catchy dance-pop is unfortunately let down by a static performance that lacks variety, writes Cassie Hyde

VANT’s energetic live performance as main support for Nothing But Thieves have the audience roaring for more, writes Amy Matthews

With their refreshingly modest and empowering performance, Honeyblood are ones to watch, writes Nancy Colbert

Megan Harvey reports on seeing the comedy science duo in front of a live audience at the Museum of Science & Industry

Messy, chaotic, dangerous, and something we don’t see enough of anymore: It’s classic Peter Doherty

Matthew Whitaker’s album launch may have lacked a defining artistic sound but the potential shown was undeniable, writes Liam Killeen

A poor choice of songs gives an unflattering impression of the folk-punk fourpiece — but they play with unbridled, endearing energy to an enthusiastic crowd, writes Joe Casson

The transgressive art-pop legend brought her critically acclaimed show to Manchester, whipping audiences into a frenzy — Jack Ashworth bares all

Bugzy Malone gets a hero’s welcome bringing grime to the Albert Hall, writes Harrison Kersey