In the midst of the harsh winter elements, there’s perhaps no better time for The Boxer Rebellion to release their third effort The Cold Still: an album that boasts a frosty ambience and sends a chill right to the bone. This time around, the international four-piece have opted for a more minimalist approach, one they momentarily hinted at on preceding album, Union.
BY CHRIS JOHNSON
Few bands have had such fickle infatuations with commercial recognition as the Manic Street Preachers. Using only the writings of tragic ex-guitarist’s Richie Edwards as lyrics on last year’s Journal for Plague Lovers, the Manics, were for one last time, a 4-piece: The end result was a sprawling criticism of the human condition, their most musically accomplished album in years, but by no means an album tailored for wholesome, chart-topping acclaim.
BY CHRIS JOHNSON
In contrast to their stark sophomore project Neon bible, Arcade Fire have started painting in bright colours again to bring us The suburbs; a mammoth album from humble origins, written from Win and William Butler’s perspective of growing up in Houston, Texas.
BY CHRIS JOHNSON
The Open House Festival comes rolling into Belfast this Autumn with its most impressive line up to date. The 12th annual incarnation of the Festival will take place from 7th – 12th September 2010, throughout the arts & cultural flavoured Cathedral Quarter. The main festival venue will be the new 2,000 capacity festival marquee in Custom House Square – the biggest music marquee ever to be erected on the site.
BY CHRIS JOHNSON