'I don't celebrate anything': Sleaford Mods’ Jason Williamson on porn addiction, politics, and staying angry
Jason Williamson discusses sobriety, self-doubt, online backlash, and the making of Sleaford Mods’ most expansive album to date.
Posts by: Greg Wetherall
Yusuf / Cat Stevens at Glastonbury 2023 review | Wise soul taps into Worthy Farm’s spiritual roots
★★★★☆
There’s something cleansing about witnessing Yusuf/Cat Stevens wander onto the stage in his 75th year and strum through his soulful repertoire. It’s an experience that triggers an emotional response.
Guns N’ Roses at Glastonbury 2023 review | A carnival float of ‘80s excess and hard rock cliché
★★★☆☆
Amid tech and vocal difficulties, Guns N’ Roses put on a hit-and-miss display that felt as though it belonged to a different era – albeit with some worthy headline moments, writes Greg Wetherall.
But Here We Are review | Foo Fighters work through grief on tremendous latter-day album
★★★★☆
Written and recorded in the wake of the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins and Virginia Grohl, But Here We Are is a heavy album, both in lyric and sound, which lends it a tremendous power.
Tim Gallagher: ‘My mindset to just keep going has been the most important thing’
Tim Gallagher might now be labelmates with Headie One and Bad Boy Chiller Crew, and boast a significant online presence, but he’s more than paid his dues to get there.
Makoto Shinkai on Suzume: 'I'm at the peak of my career. My physical abilities are declining'
Greg Wetherall sat down with anime master Makoto Shinkai to talk about his latest anime masterpiece, Suzume.
From Nothing To A Little Bit More review | The Lathums’ sophomore album doesn’t quite hit the heights of their debut
★★★☆☆
Wigan outfit The Lathums have grown a reputation for wearing their hearts on their sleeves and belting relatable tunes. Yet whilst From Nothing To A Little Bit More doesn’t always hit the same strides as their chart-topping debut, there’s still plenty to admire.
Reverend and the Makers at Islington Assembly Hall review | Write them off at your peril
★★★★☆
Sheffield outfit Reverend and the Makers rolled back the years to deliver welcome upbeat indie at Islington Assembly Hall – and even took to the streets to do so.
What’s Rock and Roll? review | The Reytons answer their own question on sophomore album
★★★★☆
Released fully independently, The Reytons’ second album, What’s Rock and Roll?, might be imitative of others in parts, but has plenty of guitar-heavy strength in its own right, writes Greg Wetherall.
Never Going Under review | Circa Waves deliver festival tent anthems on their fifth album
★★★☆☆ Establishing a strong sense of identity can haunt bands as much as it haunts individuals. Dig beneath the sparkling veneer of Liverpool’s indie-pop tunesmiths Circa Waves and you’ll find it is a conundrum that ails them too as they stride into their second decade.
First Aid Kit at Hammersmith Apollo review | Stunning sisterly harmony to see off a UK tour
★★★★☆ On the final night of their UK tour, First Aid Kit played Hammersmith Apollo, reeling off tracks from their latest record Palamino as well as old favourites. Greg Wetherall reviews.
Premonition review | White Lung give a defiant, thrilling, dizzying farewell
White Lung's first album in six years seems set to be their last. If this sadly proves to be the case, it's a terrific way to bow out. Find our Premonition review below.
Kasabian at Alexandra Palace review: Serge shines bright as the frontman
★★★★☆
It’s been just over a year since Kasabian first took to the stage following singer Tom Meighan’s sudden and controversial departure. Meighan’s best mate, sidekick, and, not to mention, creative foil Serge Pizzorno was always a magnetic onstage presence, but the ease in which he has assumed the role as de facto frontman has probably been a little to everyone’s surprise.
Anna Calvi: ‘I always think visually when I write’
We caught up with critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Anna Calvi to discuss preparation for her fourth album, why she uses a Fender Telecaster and the advice Nick Cave gave to her.
Kurt Vile says Caroline Polachek’s ‘Bunny Is a Rider’ is one of his favourite modern songs
Kurt Vile has expressed his love for experimental pop artist Caroline Polachek. Although he was due to play All Points East festival on Friday on the supporting bill for The National, Vile arrived a day early to catch Polachek’s set from the side of the stage.
Pixies: ‘This album has given us that same excitement as Doolittle’
We speak to Pixies drummer David Lovering about the band’s forthcoming album, Doggerel, their split and later reuniting, and going out for dinner in Manchester with David Bowie.
Courtney Barnett: ‘Songs grow just as much as people do’
“It’s been really nice to get back into the world and play again,” reflects Courtney Barnett from her portal cabin backstage at BST Hyde Park. The 34-year-old is about to wrap up her first clutch of European dates since 2019 with a prestigious supporting slot on The Rolling Stones bill and she’s in a relaxed mood.
Max Pope: ‘The music business wants you to hurry and make your mind up’
The story of Max Pope – who ditched his management, dropped out of the music biz, exchanged musical equipment for gardening tools before coming back stronger – is one of wiping the slate clean, tearing up the masterplan, and doing things on his own terms.
Paul McCartney at Glastonbury 2022 | A Pyramid Stage performance for the ages
★★★★★
Some experiences in life are almost too overwhelming to do justice through words. Maybe it is meant to be that way, as though having the audacity to even attempt it is a transgression in itself – an act of dilution, detracting from the moment of majesty and turning it instantly into something more prosaic.
