Reviews
Merzbow (2002)
Amlux
Dynamic and aggressive electronica from the uncompromising Merzbow
Related
Interviews
Alan McGee
Interview
Alan McGee was the Glasgow-born owner and founder of Creation Records, Britain’s most important music label of the 1980s and 1990s. Anthony Strutt talks to him about his label, his musical career and life in the record industry.
Cabaret Voltaire
Interview
One of the most important bands of the late 70's, Cabaret Voltaire were a massive influence on both Joy Division and Nine Inch Nails with their unique brand of electro punk. Guitarist Richard H. Kirk talks to David McNamee about their unique legacy
Cranebuilders
Interview
Described as "the most important unsigned band in Britain", Liverpudlian band Cranebuilders have just released their third EP 'Just Idleness'. The group talks to Anthony Strutt about their career to date, and their search for the right record deal
Hazel O' Connor
Interview
Hazel O' Connor was one of the first important female singers of the 80's, and her film 'Breaking Glass' was one of the classic rock films. John Clarkson talks to her about coming to terms with her past, and her new album 'Hidden Hearts'
Idiot Son
Interview
Idiot Son have just released one of the small indie albums of the year with the melancholic and thoughtful 'Lummox'. Frontman Andy Thompson talks to John Clarkson about the album and why the London roots of the band have proved so important
Lost Brothers
Interview
Cila Warncke chats to Oisin Leech from Dublin-based folk duo the Lost Brothers about his influences and the things which are most important to him
Mike Grogan
Interview
With the success of Mike Grogan's recent album 'Make Me Strong', Owen Peters discusses his plans to tour and why history is important
Thalia Zedek
Interview
One of the most influential and important singers and guitarists in American indie rock, Thalia Zedek has a long musical career that expands across four decades and nearly twenty five years. After moving from Washington to Boston in the late seventies,
Interview
Steve Kilbey, the frontman with Australian post-punk band The Church, talks to Cila Warncke about the places that have been most important to him and new album ‘The Hypnogogue’.
Profiles
Granite Shore
Profile
Malcolm Carter reflects on Distractions' guitarist and Occultation Recordings' boss Nick Halliwell's band the Granite Shore's debut album ‘Once More From The Top’ which, out in May, he believes to be 'one of the most impressive and important albums not just of this year but the whole decade'
Idles
Profile
Adrian Huggins reflects on ‘Joy As An Act Of Resistance’, the triumphant second album from Idles, one of the most important current UK bands.
Sarah Records
Interview with Matt Haynes and Clare Wadd 1
One of the most important independent record labels if all time, Sarah Records put out exactly 100 perfect pop releases and then stopped. In the first part of a two part interview, Julia Willis speaks to owners Matt Haynes and Clare Wadd
Live
Idles
Riverside, Newcastle, 23/10/2018
Adrian Huggins watches Bristolian ‘not punks’ Idles take to the stage in Newcastle and show why they are one of the most important British bands in 2018.
Nils, GC5, Angels, Saints and Heroes, Th
Dominion Tavern, Ottawa, 10/5/2003
"The most important Canadian band of the 80's", the Nils recently reformed. Andrew Carver finds the infamous Soria brothers playing "an entertaining set of rock’n’roll", but, with a set of almost entirely new songs, avoiding matching their legend
Mogwai
Barrowlands, Glasgow, 19/10/2003
Mogwai's complex form of Maths rock has as many detractors as it does fans. Peter Liddle at the Glasgow Barrowlands finds them continuing to "deliver a sound unlike any other band" and argues that that it is this why they are so important
Features
Comment
Small venues pack a big punch when it comes to supporting live music. They are important for audiences and essential for musicians. Nicky Crewe examines one of the best, Cafe No. 9 in Nether Edge in Sheffield.
Departure
Dirty Words
The Departure's 'Dirty Words' will be one of the most important releases of the year. While it is not due out until June, Anthony Strutt gives it an early preview
Soundtrack of Our Lives
Lows and Highs with Feeder
In the latest in our series, in which our writers write about the impact of music at important times in their lives, Paul Raven tells of how with everything against him and his life in mess Feeder's single 'High' provided comfrot and help
Film
9 Songs
'9 Songs' has created much controversy as it is the first UK made film to be passed uncut to feature full-on hardcore sex. Anthony Strutt argues, however, that it is equally important as it is the first to depict the indie music lifestyle
Soundtrack of Our Lives
Starting Over with the Flaming Lips
In the latest in our series, in which our writers write about the impact of music at important times in their lives, Neil Palmer tells of how the Flaming Lips' ‘Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots’ helped to salvage his marriage at a time of crisis
Ian McNabb
The Gentleman Adventurer
'The Gentleman Adventurer' is Ian McNabb's 7th solo album, and is being self-released as an internet only release. Anthony Strutt examines a prolific record by one of Liverpool's "most important and under rated songwriters"
1980
Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Continuing our series where Pennyblack contributors discuss ten songs that are important to them, Dave Goodwin brings together an eclectic mixture of tracks from 1980.
Thoughts on 2001
Feature
I have been doing some thinking about the year ahead in British independent music. While I don't think there will be many major changes, here are some of my thoughts and predictions on some of the important independent music events that will affect t
Soundtrack of Our Lives
Teenage Life and Sonic Youth
In the latest instalment in our 'Soundtrack of Our Lives', in which our writers write about the effect of music at important times in their lives, Dominic Simpson tells of his teenage discovery of Sonic Youth
Will Romano
Prog Rock FAQ: All That’s Left To Know About Rock’s Most Progressive Music
In 'Raging Pages', her monthly book column, Lisa Torem examines Will Romano's important and fascinating new book, 'Prog Rock FAQ, All That’s Left To Know About Rock’s Most Progressive Music'