Cesarians
The Cesarians have been getting a lot of favourable reviews for their debut single, 'Flesh is Weak'. Olga Sladeckova finds them focusing too much on theatre, and not enough on music at the London Water Rats
Richmond Fontaine
At the Luminaire in London, Olga Sladeckova watches Willy Vlautin do a book reading from his debut novel 'The Motel Life', before bringing on his band Richmond Fontaine to play a thunderous set of country rock
Viarosa
At the Borderline in London, Olga Sladeckova watches rising alt. country bands Viarosa and Hey Negrita, the latter playing its first gig in a new line-up, play stunning sets
Headlines
The Headlines are a new five piece band from Manchester. At a support date at the Fierce Panda and Pointy Records-sponsored Club Fandango at Dublin Castle in London, Olga Sladeckova finds their music radiating with energy
Julie Doiron
After going to three of their shows in the space of just over a week in London, Olga Sladeckova realises that for her there can never be enough Primal Scream
Primal Scream
...while Olga Sladeckova narrowly avoids dehydration during a vibrant set from support act Primal Scream
Robin Guthrie
Ex-Cocteau Twin guitarist Robin Guthrie has recently released a second solo album of instrumental music,'Continental' and to promote it recently played a cinema tour of Britain. Olga Slaeckova is impressed at a show in London
Miscellaneous
Little Man Tate recently played a sold out show at London's 100 Club on their first big national tour. Olga Sladeckova is impressed by energetic sets from both them and support band the Repomen
Primal Scream
Late to a show by her favourite band, Olga Sladeckova nevertheless finds Primal Scream worth the hassle when she goes to see them at the Astoria in London
Viarosa
Alt rock band Viarosa have been meeting with increasing acclaim over the last year. Olga Sladeckova watches them play a powerful set at the Luminaire in London
Moly
Olga Sladeckova almost becomes lost while looking for the elusive Islington Academy Bar, but when she finally gets there is enthralled by a stunning set from Guildford-based instrumental post rockers Moly
Sunshine
Czech band Sunshine have drawn comparisions with Primal Scream, the Damned and New Order, but Olga Sladeckova sees little in the way of originality at a recent show at the London Barfly
Stone Roses
The Complete Stone Roses are the best known abd the most successful Stone Roses cover band to date. At a show at the London Mean Fiddler Olga Sladeckova finds herself on an unique trip back in time
Primal Scream
At a special charity gig with Spiritualized as support, Olga Sladeckova at her third Primal Scream gig of the year suffers for her art and is bitten by a fellow member of the audience
Richmond Fontaine
Portland-based Americana act Richmond Fontaine recently returned to Britain for the second time in a year. Olga Sladeckova watches them play a triumphant set at the London Borderline
Primal Scream
Few things can be depended upon, and life can be unpredictable and disappointing. One of its few certainties, however, Olga Sladeckova finds are Primal Scream, who, as always , play an impressive show, this time at the London's Shepherd Bush Empire
Dandy Warhols
The Dandy Warhols have played gigs all over the world, but until recently never the Czech Republic. Olga Sladeckova watches them make up for lost time time at the Roxy in Prague
Richmond Fontaine
With their fifth and latest album 'Post to Wire' having put them firmly on the map, Americana act Richmond Fontaine toured the UK for the first time in May. Olga Sladeckova sees them put on a stunning performance at the London Spitz
Jesus And Mary Chain
Former Jesus and Mary Chain star Jim Reid rarely plays gigs these days. In what is possibly his last performance , Olga Sladeckova sees him affect a in-part JAMC reunion with former drummer John Moore at the tiny London 12 Bar
John Squire
At a show at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London, Olga Sladeckova watches John Squire relying a lot on songs from his Stone Roses back catalogue, but finds that much of his new solo material more than matches up
Applecraft
In Northampton, Olga Sladeckova watches Lupine Howl offshoot Lupine Howl work their way through a fiery, but seductive set
Edison Woods
An intriguing mix of lo-fi, orchestral, and even classical music, New Yorkers Edison Woods' first British show was at the London Spitz. Olga Sladeckova watches them take perfomance art to new levels
Primal Scream
In London Primal Scream blast their way through a set to promote the release of their Greatest Hits album, 'Dirty Hits'. Olga Sladeckova gets her very own special dose of medication
Broken Family Band
At London's 100 Club Olga Sladeckova finds much acclaimed country group the Broken Family Band growing on her with each new song in their set
Goblins
In one of London's more obscure venues, Olga Sladeckova watches headliners Bitter Springs and two other local bands, Stained Glass Heroes and the Lazarus Effect, deliver tight, but impressive sets
Rothko
Olga Sladeckova watches strongs sets by three of London's best bands, Rothko, Kelman and Moly, in the small, but intimate setting of the London Arts Cafe
Repomen
The Repomen have never played London. Olga Sladeckova, therefore, decided to make the trip up to their hometown of Sheffield to catch their latest gig, but finds it definitely worth the four hour journey
Miscellaneous
At an evening put together by the Bella Union label to showcase three of their newest bands, Olga Sladeckova enjoys strong performances from Jetscreamer, Duke Spirit and Bikini Atoll, the first of whom were making their London debut
All Else Failed
At Pop, London's latest designer venue,Olga Sladeckova watches new grunge band, All Else Failed, who are about to release their first single, perform a vigorous set
Bikini Atoll
Drawing comparision with Joy Division and Nick Cave, Bikini Atoll are of the rising acts on the London scene. Olga Sladeckova watches them play an impressive set in London's Balham Bedford
Baptiste
Sunday evening is usually a tough evening for gigs but ex-Baptiste man Wayne Gooderham in his first solo performance still manages to make an impact in a short set at London's Buffalo Bar
Lazarus Effect
Having moved down from Sheffield last year, the Lazarus Effect have become an increasingly steady presence on London's music scene. Olga Sladeckova catches a most "special" band in action
Dirty Three
At a storm-ridden night at London Shepherd's Bush Empire, Olga Sladeckova watches the Australian instrumental trio give a show of barn storming brilliance
Reuben
Olga Sladeckova had never heard Aldershot punk trio before going along to see them at the London Garage, but comes away completely commited to their cause...
T Factory
Former JAMC star Jim Reid's band Freeheat recent show at the Camden Monarch, headlining the Track and Field label's "Pow ! to the People' festival, was their first London gig in over a year. Olga Sladeckova finds them to be on vibrant form
Baptiste
Recent stars of the first Pennyblackmusic night, Baptiste have decided to call it a day and split up. Olga Sladeckova watches them perform their last ever gig at the London Underworld
Medium 21
Recently signed to new major label Temptation records. Indie guitar band Medium 21 have just finished playing a major British tour. Olga Sladeckoba watches them and support band the Capes on its last night both play energetic sets
Delgados
The Delgados' recent tour found them with nine musicians on stage. Olga Sladeckova at a show at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire, however, concludes that less is often better than more
Primal Scream
Olga Sladeckova watches Primal Scream, out on the road to promote their new album 'Evil Heat', play an awe-inspiring set at London's Brixton Academy...
Girlinky
Energetic and vigorous, Girlinky are one of the rising indiepop bands on the current London indepedent scene. With vocalist and keyboardist Sarah away in New Zealand, Olga Sladeckova finds them finding a unique way of dealing with the problem...
The Silver Surfer
One of the highlights of the recent Pennyblackmusic Night, Silver Surfer played the second date of their British tour at the London Half Moon. Olga Sladeckova watches the Portland, Orgegon shoegazers play another sparkling set
Baptiste
In early November, Baptiste launched their debut album 'Nothing Shines Like A Dying Heart' at the London Art Cafe. Olga Sladeckova was there to watch them play one of the highlight gigs of their career
Rosenbergs
Rothko's recent London show found Mark Beazley, the group's only permanent member, accompanied on stage by Michael Donnelly from Delicate AWOL. Olga Sladeckova watches them both on bass guitar play a set of "dreamy" beauty
Suicide
In Britain to promote 'American Supreme', their first album in 10 years, Olga Sladeckova finds the influential new York electro punks to be on dangerous, but exciting form at the London Mean Fiddler
Czars
One of the most popular bands on former Cocteau Twins' guitarist Robin Guthrie's Bella Union label, Denver's the Czars recently played an extensive tour of Europe. Olga Sladeckova catches them on a hot night at the London Borderline
Baptiste
Olga Sladeckova describes a further set of driven thoughful rock from Pennyblackmusic favourites, Baptiste
Baptiste
Olga Sladeckova enjoys a short support set of brooding, thoughtful rock from Pennyblackmusic favourites, Baptiste
Primal Scream
With their sixth album 'Evil Heat' on the way at the end of July, Olga Sladeckova watches her favourite band of all time, Primal Scream, play an "amazing live show" at London Shepherd’s Bush Empire
New Order
Despite near storm conditions, and getting absolutely soaked, Olga Sladeckova reaches near "boiling point" with excitement at New Order's only outside concert of the year
Baptiste
Baptiste are back after an enforced two month break in which their drummer, Marc Gooderham, recovered from breaking his wrist. Olga Sladeckova finds the London indie guitar rockers on impressive form at the Metro
Ikara Colt
Three of the rising new punk bands in Britain, Ikara Colt, the Parkinsons and Eighties Match Box B-Line Disaster, recently completed a sixteen date tour. Olga Sladeckova describes the packed final night of the tour at the London Garage
Timo Tolkki
After nearly a year of delays, Freeheat finally released their debut EP 'Retox' in Britain in February, and to celebrate the band went out on the road to play a three date British mini tour. Olga Sladeckova writes about the band's London gig
Dressy Bessy
Denver bubblegum pop group Dressy Bessy recently finished a brief tour of Britain. Olga Sladeckova describes the tour's last night at the group's label Track and Field's own pub-club, the Betsey Trotwood, in London.