Music Reviews

19th November 2024

Kaitlin Butts (Live Review) - Drying Those Tucson Tears

Butts launched into a performance that was equal parts grit and grace. Her voice—soulful and commanding—cut through the room like lightning striking the Saguaro desert, capturing the attenti...
20th October 2024

Magnus Berg - A Throbbing Performance

Berg’s sheer musical talent is breath-taking to watch and his guitar work is exceptional..
10th October 2024

Hello Mary (Live Review) - Something To Say

The beautiful Camden Town evening light cast a warm embrace around the wide-eyed crowd assembled outside The Roundhouse, who appeared as though they hadn’t seen the light of day for quite s...
25th September 2024

Kid Congo And The Pink Monkey Birds (Live Review)...

In a mind bending, blistering support slot for Kid Congo, Martin Savage and the Jiggerz raced through no less than 14 songs, pulling off a feat of which The Ramones would have been proud. ...
12th September 2024

HEATHEN APOSTLES (Live Review) - Sailing Into Hell

Have you laid eyes on the Heathen Apostles before? Neither had I, so I tightened my corset and braced for the spectacle as The Lexington's stage morphed into a grand theater. The band took ...
8th September 2024

Cold In Berlin (Live Review) - Intimate And Epic

Cold In Berlin teeter between the ethereal and the savage, evoking an image of Andy Warhol in the press pit with a Super 8 camera.
7th September 2024

The March Violets (Live Review) - Once We Were All...

The queue for this evening’s entertainment at The Garage forms early and is distinctive by the participants’ collectively black and grey attire; but what is more noticeable is the varying a...
6th September 2024

RUSSELL DICKERSON (Live Review) - Lighting Up Kentish Town

With a strong reputation for being an engaging, energetic, and effervescent individual, can Russell Dickerson really live up to every syllable of the hype that surrounds him? It's true, he...
1st September 2024

RANDALL KING (Live Review) - A Honky-Tonk Hurricane

King, backed by a killer band—three guitars, keys, and drums—delivered a set that was as tight as it was explosive.
26th August 2024

CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL 2024 (REVIEW) - True To Its...

Always the most wonderful of festivals, Cambridge Folk Festival is something we at 1st 3 Magazine genuinely look forward to every year. Staying true to its roots and not too big for its bo...
9th August 2024

DRAKE MILLIGAN (LIVE REVIEW) - The Heat Is On

Milligan’s audience, their lips quivering with excitement, buzzed with eagerness for his performance.
8th August 2024

NAUT (Live Review) - Delicious In Its Darkness

NAUT - Gavin Laubscher, Jesus in a sequinned jacket, lets out primal scream that introduces song 2...
24th July 2024

Emily Portman (Interview) - An Enchanted Folk Journey

Emily Portman takes time out to reflect on her her journey into the world of Folk Music
6th July 2024

Emily Duff (Interview) - Sylvia's Mother Says.....

Emily Duff ends her UK tour with a twang at Green Note Camden - She tells how her genre-bending music, forged from a chaotic childhood and eclectic influences, fuels her relentless passion f...
29th June 2024

Maddelena Ghezzi and Ruth Goller (Interview) - Exploring The...

Maddelena Ghezzi and Ruth Goller step out from their EP launch to chat about jazz, Dead Kennedys and how it feels to be water...
11th June 2024

Teenage Dads (Live Review) - A Quirkily Frisky Dose...

TEENAGE DADS make us all tingly with a truly memorable evening of chromatic, kaleidoscopic live performance......
1st June 2024

49 Winchester (Live Review) - Satisfaction Ponies

49 Winchester's Electrifying Sell-Out Show at Koko, Camden
27th May 2024

James Riley (Interview) - All About The Vibe

We hit the Green Note in Camden and dive into some vegetarian snacks and also the multifaceted world of James Riley, an artist whose music defies easy categorization.
11th May 2024

The Paper Kites (Live Review) - Stirring The Soul In...

Well, it was a good night. Nobody died, and The Paper Kites lit up The Forum like an Arizonan roadhouse at sundown.
4th May 2024

akua naru (Live Review) - The Sound Of Love

akua naru rubs in a sonic balm at The Jazz Cafe, London - It's a poetry thing!
28th April 2024

Hollow Coves (Live Review) - Finding their Feet

HOLLOW COVES bring a performance as strong and bright as the Aussie sunshine to a rather gloomy London town...
6th April 2024

Fanny Lumsden (Interview) - An Optimistic Approach

Award-winning Fanny Lumsden takes a quick pause with us during her whirlwind of a life.
4th April 2024

RESTLESS ROAD (Live Review) - Wild As Ring-Tailed Buckaroos

RESTLESS ROAD saddle up in London (Live Review)
20th March 2024

Sophia Scott (Live Review) - Happy To Be Here

Tequila sharer, guitar player and silky-voiced storyteller, Sophia Scott sparkles in London
12th March 2024

Alexandra Streliski (Live Review) - The Beauty Ends All...

Alexandra Streliski casts a beautiful spell over The Royal Albert Hall
3rd March 2024

Hello Cosmos (Live Review) - Futuristic Reckless Abandon

HELLO COSMOS give us a musical experience of intergalactic proportions down at The Lexington
7th February 2024

RUBIKON (Live Review) - Getting Better With Age

Rubikon gave us a freshness on the palate to accompany that well-loved charcuterie and cheese perfection. RUBIKON serve it up in London
4th February 2024

Hannah Rose Platt (Live Review) - A Therapeutic Soundbath

Hannah Rose Platt envelopes us in a thrilling and rewarding sonic embrace.
1st February 2024

Our Man In The Field (Live Review) - A...

Our Man In The Field takes the road to Highbury - "the three string instruments are playing together in a glorious sonorous blend"
14th January 2024

TWINNIE (Live Review) - An Unwavering Flame

Twinnie gives us impeccably painted toenails and an epic last show of 2023... yee haw
6th January 2024

SWEET UNREST / THE SILENT ERA (Live Review) -...

A gothic holy grail and some frantic ju-ju tambourine get us over excited in Dalston...
2nd January 2024

FREYA BEER (Live Review) - Embracing The Shadows

Freya Beer live in Dalston - all we can do is watch, listen, and admire.
27th December 2023

Murray A. Lightburn - (Live Review) A Sweet Heavenly...

Murray A. Lightburn and warm chocolate embraces take the chill out of the pre-Christmas London air.
16th December 2023

The Pale White - (Live Review) A Tyneside Triumph

More than just a sloppy coat of Elephant's Breath - We get wet pants and The Pale White paint London Town red...
12th December 2023

DEKKER - (LIVE REVIEW) What's Behind The Mask?

We delve into a woven tapestry of percussion, melody, and lyrics with Dekker and Low Girl at The Lexington
5th December 2023

PET NEEDS - (Live Review) The Number One Thing...

All cocks safely trousered, PET NEEDS explode in St Albans...
5th November 2023

Ché Aimee Dorval - Taking You To Church (Live...

Ché Aimee Dorval takes us to church for a night that captured the quintessence of live music.
30th October 2023

Teenage Werewolves - Some New Kind Of Kick? (Live...

TEENAGE WEREWOLVES terrorize London - Bewildered onlookers, ensnared in its psychedelic vortex, can only gaze in awe.
30th September 2023

BILLY BOB THORNTON & THE BOXMASTERS + BUBBLES &...

Benny Hill meets Bad Santa at The Garage, Islington
5th September 2023

Sons Of The East (Live Review) - All Is...

Surf's up in Shepherds Bush with those Sons Of The East
20th August 2023

Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 (Review) - An Odyssey of...

Once again, Cambridge Folk Festival delivers of all fronts
5th August 2023

Heathen Apostles ~ Sarah Vista ~ Kelley Swindall (Live...

The echoes of the soul-stirring fusion of Gothic Americana and Country and Western reverberated through The Lexington. This was courtesy of Heathen Apostles, Sarah Vista andKelley Swindal
24th July 2023

Fanny Lumsden (Live Review) - From Glasto' To The...

We share in the joie de vivre and the positive buzz around Fanny Lumsden
16th July 2023

Andrew McMahon (Live Review) - The Power to Heal,...

Andrew McMahon live at O2 Academy Islington - an immersive narrative of resilience, transformation, and the cathartic power of music.
10th July 2023

Danielle Nicole Band (Live Review) - Together Through Music

We are set free by an evening with the Danielle Nicole Band - captivating our hearts and minds..
2nd July 2023

AMIGO THE DEVIL & FRIENDS (Live Review) - Ever...

A weird, wild, whiskey soaked evening with Amigo The Devil and Tejon Street Corner Thieves...
25th June 2023

LUKAS NELSON (Live Review) - A Show As Fine...

Those pesky kids - Lukas Nelson and Elles Bailey cause a kerfuffle at The Forum.....
20th June 2023

NOGA RITTER (Live Review) - Music Can Connect Us

Noga Ritter album launch at The Forge, Camden. "Noga becomes her music; her performance is as natural as breathing."
18th June 2023

INDOCHINE (Live Review) - Santé à Toi

Indochine get support from Coach Party and we get free wine and offers of casual sex.... bonjour!
15th June 2023

ERIC WHITACRE (Live Review) - Ten Rules Of Kings...

Eric Whitacre performs at Kings Place, London and gives us a gift more precious than money...
3rd June 2023

The Great British Tattoo Show 2023 - Colourful Concepts...

The London Great British Tattoo Show 2023 - the shared experience of being part of something that celebrates individuality, creativity, and the enduring human spirit...
27th May 2023

TYKETTO (Live review) - A Night of Unforgettable Resonance...

Tyketto's Triumph: When Unyielding Fervour and Virtuosic Melodies Commandeered the Night
22nd May 2023

Ne Obliviscaris (Live Review) - Your Own Personal Jesus

Ne Obliviscaris unleash the unholy and the wretched among us here tonight are comforted....
18th May 2023

ERIC BIBB (Live Review) - Keep Your Skillet Greasy

ERIC BIBB live at Kings Place - giving a voice to those who did not have one.
12th May 2023

Alexandra Streliski (Live Review) - Keep Your Heart Open

We are transfixed by the beauty of the sound, the emotion of Alexandra Streliski
22nd April 2023

JACK BROADBENT / DOM GLYNN (Live Review) - An...

Broadbent and Glyn give us a night of unrivalled talent, connection, integrity and warmth.
16th April 2023

BOB LOG III (Live Review) - All Rise

We share a holy experience with BOB LOG III at The Lexington
31st March 2023

Jorge Aragão (Live Review) -Primping In The Powder Room

Jorge Aragão excites Islington with his treacle, aged whiskey and honey, sexy, and gorgeous voice.....
11th March 2023

Left to Die (Live Review) - A Thunderous Rebirth

Left To Die skin us alive and leave us reborn..
5th March 2023

JESSE MALIN (Live Review) - Making A World Together

A night of celebration - Jesse’s live performance has lost none of its energy, power and stellar quality.
22nd February 2023

The Paper Kites + Maro (Live Review) - Custard...

The Paper Kites paint celestial and slightly sinister soundscapes at KOKO
14th February 2023

Frank Turner and Co - Rock 'n' Roll will...

Frank Turner takes us for a dip in a hot pool of rock and roll....
3rd January 2023

BEANS ON TOAST - A Taste Of Christmas Past

Beans On Toast sings a new set of values.
23rd December 2022

Skinny Lister (Live Review) - A Shanty Punk Infusion

SKINNY LISTER - an explosion of energy, joy and ultimate fun.
16th December 2022

BLANCMANGE (Live Review) - Still Raising Us Up

Neil Arthur has us wrapped around his finger - BLANCMANGE play Islington
3rd December 2022

BERRIES (Live Review) - A Real Hotdog Of A...

Berries chalk up success in Islington.
16th November 2022

THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE (Live Review) - An Assault On...

The Birthday Massacre provide a blinding atomic eruption at The Garage
30th October 2022

Beth Nielsen Chapman (Live Review) - Some Sloane Square...

Beth Nielsen Chapman lights up London on a bleak October night.
16th October 2022

THE DEARS (Live Review) - A Powerful Aura

The Dears... oozing into every corner - Live gig review.
17th September 2022

SONS OF THE EAST (Live Review) - Kinky Pomp...

Pomp and posturing from Sons Of The East - Gig Review
4th September 2022

BILLY BRAGG LIVE REVIEW - Getting Woke At Folk

Billy Bragg brings the woke to Cambridge Folk...
14th August 2022

Cambridge Folk Festival 2022 Review - Coming Home

Cambridge Folk Festival 2022 -Bringing it all back home.
26th July 2022

JACK VALERO - A New English Guitar Hero

Jack Valero - Interview with a guitar hero....
1st July 2022

MORGAN WADE - She's Got The Power (Live Review)

Morgan Wade - Vanquished demons and the power of E. LIVE REVIEW
29th June 2022

LEAH BLEVINS - A Collage Of Feelings (Live Review)

Leah Blevins proved to be a stunning opener for Morgan Wade in London - Live Review
22nd June 2022

BLOOD RED SHOES - Effortless Cohesion (Live Review)

Blood Red Shoes - A well played game at The Garage - REVIEW
18th June 2022

Black Foxxes - An Emotional Climax (Live Review)

BLACK FOXXES build up to a climatic finish at Islington Assembly Hall
16th June 2022

Fatherson - In Safe Hands (Live Review)

Fatherson play old London Town and fill the house with joy.
13th June 2022

WOLFMOTHER - Loud And Invigorating Down In Brixton

Wolfmother take Brixton by storm - Live review
28th May 2022

The Great British Tattoo Show 2022 - Embracing The...

The Great British Tattoo Show 2022 - REVIEW
4th May 2022

Joshua Radin - In Love With Next Time

JOSHUA RADIN - Live review of a golden evening of insightful and richly rewarding music
4th May 2022

Rachael Yamagata - A Warm Connection

Rachael Yamagata performs some devastatingly dark and sad music - Live review.
24th April 2022

Less Than Jake, Millie Manders & The Shutup, Skinny...

Less Than Jake, Millie Manders & The Shutup, Skinny Lister and The Toasters - Live Party Review
23rd April 2022

The Hara - All Fired Up (Live Review)

THE HARA - Fabulous and theatrical: Live Review
13th March 2022

JORDAN RED - Pumping It Up

Jordan Red work up a sweat at the O2 Islington.
11th March 2022

With A Bright Light He Came - BOB...

BOB LOG III - All dressed up like an Evel Knievel from hell.
27th February 2022

The Fin De Siècle - ESPRIT D’AIR

Esprit D'air make a dramatic return and the music spoke for itself.
6th February 2022

Overdrive Engaged - CAT SFX @ SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE

CAT SFX - louder than a party at Downing Street.
24th December 2021

In Full Flight - AIRFORCE

AIRFORCE take to the skies...
12th December 2021

A Roaring Good Tour - BRITISH LION

Hat and gloves time. MT snaps BRITISH LION
12th December 2021

Stuff One In A Stocking - GREBO

We review GREBO! The Loud & Lousy Story of Gaye Bykers On Acid and Crazyhead
5th December 2021

A Perfect Slice Of Indie Goodness - The Wedding...

The Wedding Present’s Seamonsters 30 year anniversary tour - It was a line-up of three generations
21st November 2021

KEEP CALM AND CRABULON - Evil Scarecrow / Inthewhale

Evil Scarecrow / Inthewhale - Whooping it up for a real good time
7th November 2021

Filthy Beast, Mr T Bathes In The Blood -...

Cradle Of Filth - 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵....
3rd November 2021

As Rockabilly As They Come - Lady Luck Lexy...

Lady Luck Lexy and the Riverside Boys bring some showy Las Vegas rockabilly to an inky London weekend
17th October 2021

A 12th Century Romp - Rochester Castle Concert 2021

Rochester Castle Concert - Some merry prancers indeed.
25th September 2021

The Real McCoy - HRH GOTH

GOTH - A genre that refuses to die. HRH Goth reviewed
30th August 2021

A Slight Hometurf Return - SLEEPER + The Bluetones

Sleeper and The Bluetones return to 90's indie stomping ground
24th August 2021

Cramping Your Style? - Yungblud

Yungblud - Reborn maggot or Teenage Werewolf?
22nd August 2021

Defying Categorisation - Traverse The Abyss Interview

Traverse The Abyss - Eric Abyss talks about vocals, revenge and Spongebob Squarepants.
13th August 2021

Getting Connected - Matter Of Mind Interview

Matter of Mind combine dark lyrics, heavy guitar melodies and big, big choruses. Lead singer, Jordan has a word.
18th July 2021

Meeting The Challenges - Emily Wolfe Interview

Emily Wolfe - Shredding, challenges and sobriety.
12th July 2021

Norway Playing To Win - DIM GRAY INTERVIEW

Dim Gray - Lifting the lid on Folk, Doom and Phil Collins
7th June 2021

An Accidental Cure - PINKFIZ

Pinkfiz dismisses the naysayers and says it like it is.
6th March 2021

Meticulous Flip Flopping - Coral Palms

Coral Palms. "Echoes" is lyrically conversational, engaging, and at times confrontational
23rd April 2020

Malevolence – The Other Side

The Sheffield quintet have made no attempt to cut corners
4th April 2020

One Step Beyond - Beyond Creation

Mr T dodges the virus and the circle pit
29th March 2020

Richie Ramone - The Ramones

Why Marky Ramone is not a very good drummer and why he loves Camden Town
28th March 2020

London Got Decapitated

Forced to curtail the musical onslaught as the Coronavirus spread
8th March 2020

Gunn Shots - PVRIS

Lyndsey Gerd Gunnulfsen (PVRIS) - An International Woman
5th March 2020

Redder Than The Fucking 100 Club - Vex Red

Sweeping sounds that were more moods than songs
28th February 2020

Joywave Trip The Switches

An impressive set from Somebody New to Tongues
13th February 2020

Puppy Love and Supernovas - Brett Eldredge

Brett Eldredge hit that stage as if launched from a trebuchet.
4th February 2020

Blondes Have More Fun - VANT Resurrection

Mattie touched hands with the faithful as he roamed the front of the stage
21st January 2020

Chase Rice

The show just came out and slapped you around the face
5th December 2019

Chewing Up A Storm - The Dead South

Breathing their whiskey soaked fumes back into bluegrass,
5th December 2019

Election Blues - Billy Bragg Keeps The Faith

The old Clash fan retains his youthful energy to change the world,
4th December 2019

This Is A Warning - Lucifer Is With Us

Be warned - The beast will be unleashed