Spring Offensive - Live At St Pancras Old Church, London

Oxford has long been a breeding ground for exciting new music and the city prides itself on its rich musical heritage. Its credits include Foals, Radiohead, Stornoway and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, to name just a few. Tonight's performance goes to show that Spring Offensive are clearly one of the best new bands to come out of the city and will be added to Oxford's hall of fame. St Pancras Old Church provides a stunning setting for tonight's gig and one that suits Spring Offensive's sound perfectly. Following a captivating and refreshingly original support set from fellow Oxfordians, Count Drachma, the headliners are ready to take the stage. Dressed in shirts and smart sweater vests, in classic Spring Offensive style, the boys look as though they've come straight from the office. They open the intimate set with their latest single 'Not Drowning But Waving'. Its dark narrative fuels the tension that the band create and frontman, Lucas Whitworth's, fixated, vacant gaze adds to the stirring energy coming from the stage. They powerfully end the track without any mics, chanting the mantra-like lyric "I will be blamed for this". Spring Offensive manage to convey such emotion in their performance it's impossible not to connect with their music - and not to liken them to recent breakthrough, and Sony-signed artists, Dry the River. Whitworth, himself, is also intriguing. He has an air of awkwardness about him, yet his enviable voice seems to flow from him with such ease. Continuing along the water theme, Spring Offensive play out a rousing version of 'I Found Myself Smiling'. The jolt of the rhythm is entrancing, coupled with menacing guitar riffs and bitter lyrics it's impossible not to be swept along with the dark tone, "As the water rose around my knees, I found myself smiling". Perhaps it's the setting but new, acoustic track 'Red Oak' seems to have a strangely Christmassy feel to it as the boys' gentle harmonies fill the room with warmth. Whitworth announces that they're going to "make use of the acoustics" and the band files down off the stage. To their credit, the impressively attentive crowd falls absolutely silent as they arrange themselves around the band members. 'Carrier' begins with just the aid of an acoustic guitar and the atmosphere becomes so delicate and beautiful that it's breathtaking. The church setting couldn't be more perfect for this staple-moment as the intricate decor is illuminated by soft candlelight and each individual voice resonates around the building. The guitars bounce, the drums pace and "Oh me, oh my" fills the room. 'Worry Fill My Heart' re-awakens the crowd and is followed with the atmospheric '52 Miles'. At times it's frustrating to see the band's seemingly formulaic approach to songwriting. The same elements appear time and time again, which has led to the tension/release technique becoming their signature style. Despite this, each track still evokes such a strong emotional response and has a clear narrative that they manage to find their own identity. And hey, if it ain't broke, then don't try to fix it. Words by Sarah Williams Photo by Alexa Gibben

Sonic Visions 2012 - Rockhaul, Luxembourg

If you go down to the woods today you're in for a pleasant surprise... Well, only if you've never visited the fairytale-esque, slightly eerie and heavily woodland-surrounded nation of Luxembourg that is. The festival in question is Sonic Visions, and if you recall our review from last time round (of course you do), you'll understand the kind of, perhaps, lesser-known quality waiting to be uncovered. However, the festival organisers do ensure they book their crowd pullers. This year they appeared the form of gloomy '80s something-or-other sound-a-likes The xx and also with the French four-piece turntable disco group C2C, who, with France being right across from the Rockhaul, seemed to summon half their nations gig-goers to change their surrendering ways and invade the Sonic Visions venue, such was the mass of people queuing out the door to catch a glimpse. Although to be honest, it wasn't really to our taste, and after about two-to-three "songs" worth of head-pounding base, it was time for a visit elsewhere. Back onstage, and before the C2C crowd had the chance to invade, Oscar and the Wolf were the first act to get the press pencils scribbling and punters' toes tapping with their smooth, gliding electro beats, not to mention a lead vocalist whose voice remarkably resembled that of Glasgow's own Tommy Reilly (remember him!?). In a similar ilk, Canada's Austra came with a further fusion of shape shifting electronica, the female lead vocalists seducing everyone in sight and pulling shapes from the most stubborn. One thing was becoming increasingly clear early on in Sonic Visions 2012 - fans of this genre were going to be spoilt for choice. The peculiar and intriguing sounds of Elektro Guzzi were picking the dancers up off the floor where C2C had left off. On Saturday we were told to expect a much smaller turnout for the festival - fine by us, given that one of the UK's most hotly tipped new bands Django Django were on the bill for later, and we had every intention of seeing first-hand what all the fuss has been about. Prior to that, Luxembourg's very own Monophona proved to be another unexpected surprise of Sonic Visions 2012, albeit one we were actually told to watch out for – their lead singer was a kind of visual cross between French actress Melanie Laurent and Swedish songstress Emiliana Torrini for a start, and the band themselves offered a more relaxed alternative to most other goings on around Sonic Visions. Feeling almost ready for bed, there was just enough time to down another drink and make a dash for the Rockhaul Café to catch Say Yes Dog, another unexpected and welcome addition to the home-grown Luxembourgish talent here, playing as they did strange but infectious set full of weird little dance songs, a little bit Hot Chip and a pinch of the last Liars record, complete with a towering and hilariously "normal" looking frontman. As the night drew to an end and that 10am flight back to the UK loomed ever closer, Django Django were already tuning their instruments for the steadily growing crowd in the Rockhaul's Club arena. Much has been already said and written about this mish mash of ex art school students, a fact that's an immediate turn off in itself, and now was the time to decide whether one was in fact "with" the critics or against them.  The term "unbearable lightness of being" springs instantly to mind when thinking about Django Django and their live performance; translated, they were faultless. Songs which would ordinarily take four or five listens on record immediately adapted to a live setting, recalling moments of artists like the Archie Bronson Outfit or the Beta Band in their prime. It would be crude to use the word "fun" when describing a band such as Django Django and how they came across, however that's exactly what they were, and more to the point, they had the tunes to match. It only took a trip to Sonic Visions to find out, one of many worthy excuses.  Words by Ray Jackson Photos by Gill Gordon

Alanis Morissette - Live At The O2 Arena, London

Whatever your opinion, 'Jagged Little Pill' was a phenomenal monster of a pop record. An album based on the end of an all-encompassing, wholly unhealthy relationship became both a burden and a virtue in equal measure. One that millions upon millions continue to buy, making it one of the biggest-selling records of all time, still, some seventeen years after its initial release.    The purpose of this handful of tour dates is to promote 'Havoc and Bright Lights', her eighth studio album and the first since the birth of her child, since she shook off the last of the bad boyfriends and met her husband. One that she wrote feeling happy and "over it". Tracks within it, such as 'Celebrity' and 'Woman Down' are reflective on ex-lovers and life as a celebrity on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and pointless parties, but no longer from a disgruntled stance.  Perhaps this is a naïve and predictable admission, but I saw tonight's gig as a rare opportunity to relive an album I loved and listened to on cassette probably hundreds of times in the nineties, unwise about most of the subject matter and not fussed in the slightest that the song 'Ironic' should really have been called something like 'Sod's Law'.   It would be safe to assume that most people are here tonight to hear the hits, too - from the thirty-somethings in commemorative '90s t-shirts, to the young fans who might have been handed down the album; a large proportion of people in the room are here, willing her to sing the big hits that are full of angst-ridden howling and the slanderous put downs to an absent perpetrator. You can't help but feel that if the new out-weighs the well-known in the set list, the mood could turn decisively sour.   The opening song indicates that we are in for a learning curve, as it is new track, 'Woman Down', a feisty number that exudes some of the Alanis we know, but not enough. The second track sees her get down to business: 'All I Really Want' including the harmonica solo that brings her to her knees, and the song has everyone rapturously singing along, the front row waving tissue paper hearts at her, welcoming her back into their broken teenage hearts. Alanis is sporting that trademark mountain of wavy hair that she swishes and swings around during instrumentals, galloping about the stage in a child-like manner, losing track of time for the call and response in 'You Learn'. It is a good ratio of newbies to hits, with only a few of the former, like 'Receive' and 'Woman Down' from 'Havoc and Bright Lights'. The final few bars of 'Mary Jane' consist of an ever so slightly cringe-worthy, barometer-spanning set of histrionics but, most pleasingly, the ultimate 'Jagged Little Pill' bangers such as 'You Oughta Know' get us all involved in a giant, cathartic wail-along. Across the arena, the crowd eagerly guessing the outcome of each cryptic intro that evolves into their favourite track. And she seems just fine about it.  Words by Chloe Warnock

Ben Howard - Live At O2 Academy, Brixton

It's been many a moon since this Clasher saw Ben Howard strut his musical wares in the pubs of Cornwall. A humble presence who could play guitar with a thousand times more precision then many other bedroom poets, it's good to now see that the wider world has taken notice too. A sell-out tour and signing to Island has led to this: three sold-out nights at the O2 Academy, Brixton, and a staggering amount of screaming.  First, however, is American singer-songwriter Willy Mason, a great choice of support whose laid back blues and country numbers help attendees ease into the evening. 'Oxygen' gets huge cheers while other quieter numbers are lost in a roar of banal conversation. An unfortunately common fate of being support, but we presume the chatter will die down soon. A short break is taken and a strange instrumental is blasted out before Ben Howard and cohorts appear accompanied by an ear-bleeding level of screeches. It's clear the crowd is leaning towards a female-heavy demographic, and there is a tangible air of Beatlemania going down. Things have gone well for this man. The band explodes into action, Howard a far greater prospect in a live setting than on record. The sheer intensity of his guitar playing is jaw-dropping and made more impressive by the fact that over half of the set is played on an acoustic guitar. At this early stage in his career nearly all of his material is played, the plus being no favorite or roof raising single is missed. 'Only Love' and 'The Fear' go down particularly well, Howard's voice a nice mix of heartbreaking angst and mumbled soul. Still, between charming lyrics such as "Give me shelter or show me heart" we hear "Susan wants us to go to Marrakech next spring." Clash puts it down to bad choice of standing area and - with other annoyed parties - move gradually away, to be treated with a conversation on the pros and cons of vodka and cranberry. With horror we realise it's unescapable. While the man on stage bares his soul during 'Old Pine', hundreds, nay, thousands conduct entire conversations throughout. Every delicate moment, every pinched harmonic is lost in a sea of natter. Even the sincere amongst the crowd ruin things by screaming uncontrollably during the song's sadder moments.  Ignoring this unprecedented and truly baffling display of rudeness (to both artists and fans) 'Keep Your Head Up' shines through, a true sing along moment bringing huge wafts of countryside nostalgia and ending in a truly awesome crescendo. Top grade performance over, and Ben returns for a couple of acoustic encores, giving the newer EP 'The Burgh Island' an airing, and brings the band back for the very last number. "When I first started playing I used to be able to talk to people," says Ben, "now it's a bit hard, look at the size of this place!" Trust us Ben, engaging the crowd in conversation may not have been a success. A bitter-sweet night for many, a world class performance from the star.  Words Sam Walker-Smart Photos by Natalie Seery

Watch: Frightened Rabbit - 'HERE'

Shot in the Scottish Highlands... It is, without doubt, one of the most dramatic settings in Europe. Working on their fourth album, Frightened Rabbit decided to test out their material by heading North. Organising a tour of the Scottish Highlands, the band swapped O2 Academy venues for town halls, local pubs and ageing theatres. Along the way, Frightened Rabbit were accompanied by Hand Held Cine Club. Shooting live footage, interviewing the band and soaking up the Highlands' beautiful scenery the results are gathered on a new short film. 'HERE' is a visually stunning document, with Hand Held Cine Club seeming to capture every hue, every details in the landscape. Containing some intriguing revelations, it's a loving portrait of a band who just seem to get better with age. Watch it now. - - - Frightened Rabbit's new album 'Pedestrian Verse' on February 4th.

Massive Attack's 3D In Terry Callier Tribute

Massive Attack producer 3D has pointed fans to a mixtape he has made in honour of late soul singer Terry Callier. Terry Callier was one of those rare, utterly idiosyncratic performers that only the 60s seemed to produce. Equally at home in a folk den and a soul club, Callier's effortless delivery was matched by a songwriting ability informed by Coltrane, Stax, Dylan and more. Sadly passing away earlier this year, tributes immediately flew in for the charismatic performer. Now Massive Attack producer 3D has pointed fans towards a new mixtape, containing material recorded with Terry Callier at a studio in Bristol. "Me and Euan reloaded the Terry Callier tapes from 2005" he wrote. "It felt right to honour the short time we had with him in Bristol. We created a 'mix tape' of the pieces I worked on with Neil and Terry.I also took the liberty of stripping them back to a more personal space and cut in alternative vocals and chuckles, in an attempt to share a little of the spirit of the great man". At times quite intimate, the mixtape showcases Callier's wonderful voice. Opening in sheer blues style, the clarity of the arrangement lends a powerful sense of emotion. Ending with a glimpse of 3D's electronic background, it points towards the potential for a great lost album. Listen to it below.

Mark Stewart - Exorcism Of Envy

Throughout the thirty years since fronting rabble-rousers The Pop Group, Mark Stewart has never been backward in his forward-thinking approach to experimentation. Indeed 'Exorcism Of Envy' is in actual fact a radical - but only partially successful - reworking of his previous solo album, this year's 'The Politics Of Envy'. The new version of the 'Stereotype' single (now entitled 'Sexorcist') welds brilliantly ravaged electronic beats to Factory Floor's intense paranoia, while 'Gustav Says Dub' is now a furious Goth disco banger. However, 'Attack Dogs' (morphed from 'Automania' and still featuring Primal Scream) is stripped of its previous viscera and rendered toothless. An interesting experiment. 6/10 Words by JOHN FREEMAN

The Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness

Remastered, repackaged and revisited some seventeen years after its original release, an album that stands as the band's defining contribution to contemporary music. A hugely ambitious project that could so easily have fallen into disregard for its sheer pomp and dramatic weight; it was very much Corgan's creation, although James Iha's contribution should not be underscored, despite the rejection of most of his own material. The epic opus of the final project was a multicoloured mammoth, with the band broadening their instrumental scope significantly, using both strings and piano to great effect throughout. Whilst there is a clear journey of imagery on the album, Corgan denies that it was a concept album, merely a tale of two halves. The diversity of material is hugely commendable: the heavily orchestrated melodrama of 'Tonight Tonight', the fragile beauty of 'Galapogos', the compelling charm of '1979', the hard-driving self-loathing of 'Zero' and the sheer brutality of 'Bullet With Butterfly Wings'. An exhausting and thoroughly absorbing set. The revamped release comes on five discs, including demos, alternate takes and remixes plus a further DVD of a live performance. Also available on four-disc vinyl, the ambition of the release meets that of the original concept. Having sold over ten million copies in the States alone, it is a record that everybody should own. Meticulous, majestic, momentous. 9/10 Words by TC

Listen: Natural Self - Red Wire Blue Wire

Natural Self has unveiled plans for pop-heavy new album 'Red Wire Blue Wire'. Think you know Natural Self? Think again. The Tru Thoughts mainstay has developed a certain sound, an identity which announces itself almost from the first note. Now, though, the producer has opted for something rather different. Working on a new album, Natural Self has opted to assume a more traditional songwriter role. "It's the most pop thing I have ever done - it's more pop than I ever thought I would do actually", Nathaniel Pearn explained. "It just started happening… I had the beat, I started fooling around with the synth to get that crazy arpeggiated sound. I thought it had a cool retro-ish sound… I knew it was going a little bit pop in a way, and a big bit of me was thinking "I don't know" … but I just did it." Demonstrating his intentions, the upcoming full length is being trailed by free download track 'Red Wire Blue Wire'. Opening with crackly beats, almost like a radio being tuned, the track contains a soulful vocal from Nathaniel Pearn. Building into a remarkably wonky pop document, it's a neat, concise introduction to where Natural Self is heading right now.

The Human League - Live At The Royal Albert Hall, London

There are few venues in London that could provide electro-pop legends, The Human League, with such a bizarre contrast to their Blue Peter-style space gadgets and Jetsons fancy dress. The Royal Albert Hall appeared unperturbed by this invasion of eclectic electro nik-naks, welcoming long-standing fans in from the rain to squeeze into every single seat - not that this hardcore following would be needing them! Tucked behind what appeared to be a huge Mac keyboard, the Sheffield poppers opened with 'Sky' from their most recent album, 'Credo'. White double-tiered keyboards, slutty synths and more attitude than a Thursday night in Shoreditch, Philip Oakey is the original Dalston Superstar. With mad-professor goggles and an understated black hoodie, Oakey has lost none of his stage presence, even if his hair has fallen by the wayside over the years. For the boppers and swayers in the crowd, it seems that life does not indeed go on.  We were all in the eighties, back in a simpler time when lyrics rhymed and fans did not spend hours googling the deeper meanings behind them; it seems that they could even get away with "Your arms embrace, I love your face". Still, at least in these good old pre post-lyrical days Oakey could wear his hoodie in central London without the threat of embrace from over-zealous politicians. Vocal-wise, The Human League still sound as good as they ever did. Highlights for us were classics, 'Tell Me When' and a bassier, thumping 'Night People', another under-rated gem from 'Credo' that would more than hold its own amongst more musically complex, modern offerings. The set was an enjoyable mixture of the old and new, all stripped down slightly to create a more intimate experience in such a vast space. Both Oakey and Sulley chatted with the audience, Sulley pointing out in her candy-pop way that if the Stones can make it to fifty then they certainly have fifteen more in them, much to the delight of fans. By the time 'Together in Electric Dreams' sent us back out into the rain there was an air of friendliness native to the band's northern roots. Multiple outfit changes, keyboard-come-keytars and a dollop of good old fashioned charisma; these guys know how to put on a proper shin-dig. And, in the spirit of old-school entertainment, the hit that simultaneously captured the imagination of end-of-the-night  disco chancers and hatched cringe-inducing chat-up lines for cocktail waitresses everywhere was saved for the encore. We couldn't help but sing-a-long, despite our best efforts to resist. They may be celebrating thirty-five years in the industry, but if the shimmying human sea of bodies hanging onto every electronic bleep and buzzing vocal is anything to go by, these ageing-synthers are still in a glitter-filled league of their own. Words by Kate O'Sullivan Photos by Tom Armstrong

Girls Names Line Up Second Album

Belfast four piece Girls Names are set to release their new album 'The New Life' through Tough Love on February 18th. Girls Names are a band out of place. An indie pop band straight out of the Sarah Records handbook, the band perhaps more in keeping with the current Brooklyn school than most of their British contemporaries. Recently sharing a split seven inch single with Weird Dreams, Girls Names confirmed that they were working on a new album. Now the Belfast group have broken cover, announcing the release of 'The New Life' through Tough Love on February 18th. Produced by singer and songwriter, Cathal Cully, the new material is seemingly darker then their debut album with Girls Names possessing a psychedelic edge. Cully explains: "'The New Life' is not an over night change for Girls Names - just over two years in fact. Dead to Me literally was dead to us by the time it was committed to wax. But it's a learning curve. We started moving on as artists the moment we finished that recording session, maybe even before. Not to dwell on the past, 'The New Life' is what happens when you reset everything back to zero and start again, but try to perfect. It starts back at zero the minute the needle hits the groove but we're also starting back from zero once the needle lifts at the end of the record. Ad infinitum. 'The New Life' is what follows now." Fancy a preview? Find album cut 'Hypnotic Regression' HERE. 'The New Life' is set to be released on February 18th. Girls Names are set to play the following shows: February 20 Belfast The Menagerie 21 Dublin The Grand Social 22 Leeds The Cockpit 24 Glasgow Broadcast 25 Manchester The Castle Hotel 26 London Sebright Arms Click here to buy tickets for Girls Names!

Pusha T Announces Album Title

Pusha T announced the title of his debut solo album on G.O.O.D Music with plans for an early 2013 release during a show in New York today. Taking a famous quote from 'The Wire' character Marlo Stanfield the rapper has titled his first solo LP 'My Name Is My Name'. The title is quite appropriate seeing as that's how Pusha T first got heads bouncing, rapping about the hustles of the drug game alongside his brother Malice as Virginia rap duo the Clipse. As soon as the announcement was made the hip-hop community was buzzing on Twitter. Since signing to Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music label Pusha T has been one of the standout artists on the label, which is quite amazing when you look at the roster: Common, Q-Tip, Yasiin Bey (better known by his former alias, Mos Def) and John Legend. He also has plans to drop his 'Wrath of Kane' Mixtape before the end year. If he continues to drop tracks like 'New God Flow', 'Trouble on My Mind' and 'Alone In Vegas' we can't wait to see what he's got in store for us with 'My Name Is My Name'. In addition to that, how about another Clipse album with good old Neptunes Production? That's definitely we'd love to see. In the word's of Pusha T "Who else could put the hipsters with the felons and thugs?".  Pusha T - 'New God Flow' Marlo Scene: Words by Jerry Gadiano

Alex Smoke Prepares 'Wraetlic' Album

Watch a preview now... Scottish producer Alex Smoke has unveiled plans for a new studio album under his Wraetlic moniker. No stranger to this website, Alex Smoke has been pushing boundaries for some time now. Yet the Scottish producer never allows himself to rest on his laurels, continually launching himself into fresh projects on a near weekly basis. Recently unveiling his Wraetlic moniker - meaning "Wraith-like" in Anglo Saxon - Alex Smoke seems to be working at the more bass heavy end of the spectrum. Those trademark techno flourishes are still there, though, with Wraetlic boasting a heavy Basic Channel feel, while also nodding towards the producer's other projects including classical work with The Scottish Ensemble. Completing work on a new album, the Wraetlic project will reach long form early next year. Self-titled, the album will be released on February 4th and finds the producer seething at the essential emptiness which sits at the hearts of so much Western culture. "I'm fascinated by the sense of separation between ourselves and society" he mused recently, "and a sense that it doesn't represent us … there's also a more personal strand to do with my own relationships." Ahead of the album's release, ClashMusic has been granted a special preview. Wraetlic track 'Rats' has been given the video treatment by visual artist Vokoi, who has forged an ongoing partnership with the Scottish producer. Watch 'Rats' below. - - - 'Wraetlic' is set to be released on February 4th. 'Rats' will be available on ten inch vinyl from December 17th.

Mark Lanegan x WhoMadeWho Split Single

Mark Lanegan and WhoMadeWho are set to trade covers on a new single. Returning with his first solo album in some eight years, 'Blues Funeral' saw Mark Lanegan burst prominently back to life. Spending the year on the road, the American artist now plans to see out 2012 with a very special single. Striking up a relationship with WhoMadeWho, the twin parties have agreed to share a split single. Mark Lanegan will record 'Below The Cherry Moon' while WhoMadeWho are set to have their wicked way with 'Deep Black Vanishing Train'. Musing on the project, Mark Lanegan said simply: "I think they're really great. They've made some great albums and I'd consider myself a fan." For their part, Copenhagen trio WhoMadeWho were clearly delighted to be involved with Mark Lanegan. Guitarist and co-vocalist, Jeppe Kjellberg, added: "It's a great honor to get this kind of respect and recognition by a musician you admire. I was very moved the first couple of times I heard his take on one of our songs. His deep voice and this authentic American accent highlights the feeling and lyrics even more." The tracks will be given a limited vinyl release, with 1,111 copies set to be pressed on red wax. The hand numbered vinyl will be shipped in a custom made envelope that will stress that you should not open the package and spin the record before Christmas day. 'Below The Cherry Moon' b/w 'Deep Black Vanishing Train' is set to be released digitally on December 31st. Photo Credit: Sam Holden

Listen: Julio Bashmore - Pelican

New cut emerges... Julio Bashmore has pointed fans towards new cut 'Pelican' - the flip of upcoming single 'Husk'. Everything Julio Bashmore touches right now seems to turn to gold. The Bristol producer is a host on Radio 1, with his bass-saturated house sound providing the template for countless new producers across the UK and beyond. Upcoming single 'Husk' could well be his biggest track yet. Adding a pop touch, the recently unveiled video caused a minor web hurricane with its surreal, weight-lifting inspired visuals. Now Julio Bashmore has pointed fans towards the flip side. 'Pelican' is slightly deeper, with those snare cracks matched by some dubby effects and a typically contagious rolling synth riff. Bound to cause absolute mayhem on the system, you can listen to it below. Just for fun... here's 'Husk'. 'Husk' is set to be released on December 3rd. Meanwhile, Julio Bashmore has confirmed four headline shows. Full venue / line up details are as yet unknown, but the dates are as follows: February 8 Bristol 16 London 22 Leeds 23 Manchester

Coldplay Working On Sixth Studio Album

Coldplay singer Chris Martin has revealed that he is already sketching out material for the band's sixth studio album. Communication, as always, is the key. Coldplay recently played a show in Australia, with singer Chris Martin telling the crowd that the band planned to take a three year break. Almost immediately sparking extreme speculation, the frontman was forced to clarify his statements during an interview with the Daily Star. Asked about the comments, Chris Martin explained that although Coldplay would take a break from touring they had no plans to stop working on fresh material. ''I've been writing songs and I'm so fired up about the band's future" he told the tabloid. ''I'm fortunate to do what I do and no way do I want to stop. This three-year break idea only came about because I said at a gig in Australia that we might not be back there for three years. ''That's probably true, but that's just how a world tour works. No chance are we taking a three-year break.'' Coldplay recently released new concert DVD 'Live 2012'. Featuring footage from the band's shows at Paris's Stade de France, Montreal's Bell Centre and the band's triumphant Pyramid Stage headline performance at Glastonbury 2011 the package was matched by a number of bonus items. Here's 'Paradise' live from Paris.

The Rolling Stones Return To O2 Arena

The Rolling Stones returned to the O2 Arena last night (November 29th) for the second of their '50 And Counting' shows. In a year dominated by enormous, set piece sporting events, the return of The Rolling Stones is something to cherish. Reaching the ripe old age of 50, the group organised a series of concerts on both sides of the Atlantic. Confirming plans for two shows at the O2 Arena, tickets sold out almost instantly. The first concert took place on Sunday, and witnessed the return of former members Mick Taylor and Bill Wyman to the Rolling Stones fold. Last night The Rolling Stones returned to the O2 Arena, with the band once again inviting a number of guests onstage. Original bass player Bill Wyman joined the show, while Mick Taylor again added his guitar to 'Midnight Rambler'. Florence Welch was on hand to take Merry Clayton's part during 'Gimme Shelter'. Wearing a stunning velvet dress, the singer was able to match the compressed emotion of Clayton's much loved original vocal. Opening with 'Get Off My Cloud' the band then went into Lennon & McCartney penned single 'I Wanna Be Your Man'. Speaking to the crowd, Mick Jagger said: "blimey that's an old song. It's ancient. Back then, the price of a pint of milk was three pence, the price of a loaf of bread was sixpence and the price of a concert ticket was... I'd better not go there..." Later, Mick Jagger spoke of his connection to the Greenwich area. "It's close to where Keith and I grew up in Dartford, but it seems a long way from exchanging records at the station" he told the crowd. "Have you still got that Bo Diddly record Keith?" Eric Clapton appeared onstage to add his guitar to the blues standard 'Champagne And Reefer' - also recorded by Muddy Waters, whose son Mud Morganfield actually dropped past the Clash Magazine office earlier this week. The encore saw the band joined by a choir for 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' before ending on 'Jumping Jack Flash' and 'Satisfaction'. Set list: 'Get Off My Cloud' 'I Wanna Be Your Man' 'This Could Be The Last Time' 'Paint It Black' 'Gimme Shelter' 'Lady Jane' 'Champagne And Reefer' 'Live With Me' 'Miss You' 'One More Shot' 'Doom And Gloom' 'Honky Tonk Woman' 'Before They Make Me Run' 'Happy' 'Midnight Rambler' 'Start Me Up' 'Tumbling Dice' 'Brown Sugar' 'Sympathy For The Devil 'You Can't Always Get What You Want'  'Jumping Jack Flash' Satisfaction'

Track Of The Day 30/11 - Leopard Of Honour

In just over a week's time we'll be having our final Clash Magazine issue launch in Manchester for 2012. We'll be back next year but in the meantime we're going out with a bang, or a distorted electronic blast. For just £6 at The Soup Kitchen you can see Bristol's live dance band The Other Tribe as well as getting the new DOUBLE SIZED end of year edition of Clash, plus catching one of the first performances ever by Mancunian Electronic producer Leopard Of Honour. The LoH alias comes from a track by Canadian artist Destroyer. The man behind the name, David Roocroft, began by remixing other notable musicians – How To Dress Well, Toro Y Moi – before going on to craft his own electronic textures. In 2011 introductory single 'Palais Royal-Blue/Good Wives was released on Transparent Records, gaining attention from the music press straight away. This was then followed by debut EP 'Gas Giants', an equally unpredictable and infectious release furthering a nascent repertoire of distinctive tunes. From the EP is today's track 'Non Fiction'. It's an infectious beat pulling together aspects of experimental R&B rhythms with hazy vocals and an ear for pop structure. Already The Guardian have heralded him as being the UK's answer to Ernest Greene, and 2013 looks set to be even more promising. The Leopard Of Honour live show has very much been an underground phenomenon recently, something that's been worked on for a long time. This will be only the second time fans have been able to catch a glimpse of the relatively enigmatic man bringing his electronic experiments to life. Don't miss out! TICKETS Words by Simon Butcher

Patrick Wolf – Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays

10th anniversary celebration... Having recently chewed the fat with Patrick Wolf, we here at Clash are full of innovative ideas and what a great idea it was to watch him kick off his UK tour at Salford Quays, the media hub of the North.  With a venue named after possibly one of the best artists to come out of the North West, it was rather fitting that Patrick embarked on his 10 year anniversary tour at The Lowry.  Turning up at the correct venue on time counts for a lot in this industry, and thankfully Clash's timekeeping is spot on, so much so that the talents of supporting act Abi Wade were fully appreciated. Being a multi-instrumentalist is a talent in itself but having the vocals to enhance the performance further brings talent to another level. Abi Wade certainly possesses all these factors – her haunting vocals reverberating around the theatre amongst a deafly silent crowd. Yes, you heard correctly, a silent crowd for a support act – something you don't come across very often.  Her cello playing was captivating, used as a percussion instrument with drumsticks and the bow itself thumping against the body to create a complex web of sound whilst her fingers created the bass that complimented her vocals so very well. Holding similarities to Wolf, her modesty, musical ability and personality it is easy to see why Patrick has her as a supporting act. Think Florence Welsh without a Machine using acoustic instruments and you've just about got it. Alas, with the Wolfpack out in force it was time for the Wolfman himself to grace us with his presence. Extravagantly dressed and sauntering toward the glossy grand piano, anyone could have been mistaken for thinking a musical was taking place. How wrong they would be, opening up about the difficulty of his teenage years and interacting with the audience about his musical struggles, we see a different side to Wolf, relaxed, at ease and jovial between songs.  The ninety minutes was awash with atmosphere, emotion, and the deep and, at times, dark vocal we have all become accustomed to, taking hold of the theatre and the audience within it.  Crowd favourites such as; Hard Times, Oblivion, and Wind In The Wires are stripped of their electro-pop roots being reinvented on the plethora of instruments that Patrick so effortlessly plays.  The raging spotlight of yesteryear seems to have faded, but Wolf seems as content as ever with his current situation and tonight that shone through with the stunning vocal and instrumental performance he gave. The Wolfpack may be trudging home through the unforgiving Mancunian weather, but each one of the knows they have seen something special and as another decade beckons who knows what lies ahead for Patrick Wolf. Words by Ben Gilligan

Preview: Audio Doughnuts Toast 2nd Anniversary

Audio Doughnuts are set to toast their second anniversary with a special party at the Upfront Project tomorrow night (November 30th). Deeply independent, Audio Doughnuts know when to stick to their guns. Providing clubbers in London and beyond with special events since late 2010, the team recently expanded and began releasing new music through their own label. At heart, though, Audio Doughnuts likes to stick to what it does best. Returning to South London's Fire complex, the promotion team are set to celebrate their second anniversary with a special night as part of Upfront Project. The bill is typically eclectic and includes appearances from MK, Zed Bias, Will Saul, Leon Vynehall, Salva, Two Inch Punch, Ossie, Funkystepz and more. Headlining the night will be two genuine electronic music legends, with Roy Davies Jnr and Marshall Jefferson set to appear. Promoter Henry Moller was clearly overjoyed at the prospect of spending the night in the company of such esteemed producers. "Marshall, MK & Roy have really pushed things forward with house music, its always been about feeling for them, and it seems so much less about the new way of thinking and much more about just creating something different, not caring about boundaries. Its an honour to have all three of them on the line up for this Friday. Its even more of an honour to think that this is the first and last time that these 3 will probably never play at the same party together ever again." As a special bonus, Audio Doughnuts are giving away Xaao & Solarris' 'Live Remix' of '& It Was U' by How To Dress Well. Grab it below. - - - Audio Doughnuts 2nd anniversary party takes place tomorrow night (November 30th). Ticket link.

Reading & Leeds 2013 - Early Bird Ticket Details

On sale in the morning... Early bird tickets for next year's instalment Reading and Leeds festival go on sale tomorrow morning. One of Europe's biggest festivals, Reading and Leeds remains a landmark on the summer calendar. Returning next summer, organisers have already confirmed appearances from Deftones, Mercury Music Prize winners alt-j and Sub Focus. Fans will be able to grab tickets to 2013's event tomorrow morning (November 30th) at special early bird prices. Frozen at this year's prices, if you buy passes for Reading and Leeds you'll be eligible for entry into a new competition with the following prizes: 2 x VIP packages, which include the chance to watch a band from the side of the Main Stage and five cases of Tuborg. 4 x Backstage tours, plus a Spotify premium account for three months and a Reading & Leeds T-Shirt. 10 x Backstage tours. 20 x Reading & Leeds merchandise bundles. Here's a statement from Melvin Benn. "This is a dynamic time for the festivals. Not only do we have a fresh look for next year, but we are also adding to the fans' experience of the festival with the introduction of more stages and genres of music, which also inevitably means an increase in the number of artists playing across the weekend." "The addition of the hip-hop stage and the extension of the dance line-up to a three day stage - whilst not losing the essence of what Reading & Leeds Festivals are about across the existing Main, NME/Radio 1, Festival Republic and Lock Up Stages - are the things that really excite me. The Reading & Leeds festival goers listen to a diverse range of music and with the likes of BBC Radio 1 offering specialist shows focused on rock and dance and BBC Radio 1Xtra - now a station in its own right - this broad spectrum of musical genres reflects what the fans are into and what Reading & Leeds represents." "I'm really thrilled about the additions we have planned and I'm committed to ensuring Reading & Leeds remain the highlight of the festival season for many years to come." Reading and Leeds runs between August 23rd - 25th.

MTV Reveal 'Brand New For 2013' Nominees

The shortlist of 10 nominees have been announced for the 'MTV Brand New For 2013' award, with the winner set to be announced on 1st February next year. In the last 5 years the award has picked out several nominees who have gone on to have pretty successful careers including Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Adele, Florence + The Machine and Tinie Tempah. This year's shortlist will be put to a public vote on January 14th and amongst their number is Ebony Day, who beat over 500 other unsigned artists to secure her place in the competition. The nominees for the award are a pretty diverse bunch, withe the list featuring Angel Haze, Disclosure, Haim, K Koke, Gabrielle Aplin, Kodaline, Little Nikki, Rascals and Tom Odell, along with the aforementioned Ebony Day. Rascals and K Koke are appearing alongside DJ Fresh at the launch party at The Kentish Town Forum tonight and two more live shows will take place in January that will showcase more of the nominees. When the voting opens on January 14th head HERE to cast yours.

Watch: Radiohead Live At Roseland Ballroom

Produced by fans... A professional quality, fan made video of Radiohead performing at the Roseland Ballroom has emerged online. To fans, each Radiohead concert is a deeply special event. Live, the bond between band and audience is evident, with the Oxford group building a fan base which is both completely devoted and highly tech oriented. Both attributes which are evident in a newly uploaded concert film. Radiohead played New York's Roseland Ballroom earlier this year, and a group of fans have gathered footage from the event into a lengthy concert film. The two hour film features soundboard audio donated by Radiohead themselves, while the footage has been gathered from numerous sources. The quality is impressive, with the team behind the video dedicating the project to Scott Johnson - the drum tech who was killed in a stage collapse earlier this year. Placed on YouTube, the film is free to watch but the team behind the video recommend that you make a donation Oxfam's Haiti Earthquake fund, the Red Cross' Hurricane Sandy relief effort, or Doctors Without Borders. Watch it below. Tracklisting: Bloom Little by Little Staircase The National Anthem Feral Subterranean Homesick Alien Like Spinning Plates All I Need True Love Waits/Everything in Its Right Place 15 Step Weird Fishes/Arpeggi Lotus Flower Codex The Daily Mail Morning Mr. Magpie Reckoner Encores: Give Up the Ghost Myxomatosis Bodysnatchers Supercollider Nude

Numbers & Dedbeat Present Pleasure Principle

Numbers and Dedbeat are to join forces on new weekend long event Pleasure Principle. Two influential forces in dance music, Numbers and Dedbeat have long been sparring partners. Now the twin organisations are set to team up on a very special weekend long event, taking place in Newquay, Cornwall next year. Running between April 26th - 28th, Pleasure Principle promises some very special performances. Numbers are toasting their 10th anniversary, and the event features some raucous hip hop from HudMo x Lunice project TNGHT. Elsewhere, Rustie will be taking part while house legend Omar S is set to appear. Other names confirmed for Pleasure Principle include Robert Hood, Legowelt, John Talabot, Just Blaze, Rinse resident Ben UFO and Numbers own Jackmaster. Sam Reid of Dedbeat recalls the early days of the Dedbeat x Numbers partnership: "We had a lot of fun in the early days since there was nothing around really like it. The intention was always to bring it back in a new form but with the same music standards. And since Numbers are old friends who we first met through Dedbeat, the new association for Pleasure Principle has genuine meaning." Meanwhile, Numbers view the event as a great way to toast their anniversary with old friends. "This weekend is all about combining music and the life-affirming pleasure of escaping the daily grind. It has always been an ambition of ours to put on a festival and to be doing this with Dedbeat, a crew we looked up to when we started Numbers nearly a decade ago, makes it even more special for us." Pleasure Principle runs between April 26th - 28th. Line up: TNGHT (Hudson Mohawke x Lunice) Rustie Omar S Joy Orbison Jackmaster Just Blaze J-Rocc Robert Hood Blawan Ben UFO Levon Vincent DJ EZ Oneman Loefah Floating Points Redinho Legowelt Space Dimension Controller Move D Deadboy Maurice Fulton John Talabot Spencer Koreless Sophie Ron Morelli (L.I.E.S.) Norwood Soul Patrol EDMX's 'Fresh Up' Boogie Selection Aba Shanti-I Bleep DJs Rubadub DJs The Trilogy Tapes DJs Dollop DJs Livin' Proof DJs Public Information DJs & more to be announced

Listen: Throwing Snow - Aspera

New EP streaming online... Throwing Snow is streaming his new EP 'Aspera' online - listen to it now. 250 birthday cards. Count 'em... When Throwing Snow played the Clash cousin night East Not East it coincided with the producer's birthday. Rather than let this event pass us by, the team asked each member of the audience to sign their own, personalised birthday card. It's probably a sign of the way fans connect with his music. Real name Ross Tones, the producer matches a warm, womb like bass covering with flecks of electronics which writhe and wriggle with a rare sense of intelligence. New EP 'Aspera' is a case in point. Out on December 3rd, it finds Throwing Snow entering new climes while retaining the sparse atmospherics which made him such a stunning introduction earlier in the year. Featuring four tracks of what could loosely be termed exploratory house, you can find it HERE. 'Aspera' is set to be released on December 3rd. Tracklisting: 1. Aspera 2. Melum 3. Lingerwell 4. Behest

Track Of The Day 29/11 - Tom Odell

Does the world need another solo songwriter? After all, it's not as if we're suffering from a shortage. There they are, strutting around with their beards and waistcoats, clutching an acoustic guitar as their final line of defence against a severely wounded heart. What we do, need, though, is a bit of passion, a slice of sincerity. Thankfully, Tom Odell has those attributes in spades and is on hand to turn expectations on their head. Prodigiously talented - he's barely out of his teens - the songwriter recently tied up a deal with Columbia. Hailing from Chichester, Tom Odell really found his voice in Brighton, where he flung himself head first into the city's close knit music scene. "I just didn't stop writing songs for an entire year" he mused recently. "I used to stroll around Brighton with this massive keyboard and just go to these open mic's all around town – and it was so demoralizing, but also really good for me". Debut EP 'Songs From Another Love' is the result. A powerful, tantalising glimpse of what Tom Odell is capable of, it has already won fans across the country with its mature arrangements, sensitive lyrics and gentle honesty. Taking part in 'Later... With Jools Holland' this week ClashMusic have been gifted a demo version of 'Stay Tonight'. Raw, slightly less polished than its studio counterpart, it's a glimpse of the talent which graced those open mic stages in Brighton.

Listen: Night Engine - Seventeen / Treat Me Like A Baby

Night Engine release their debut double A-side single 'Seventeen / Treat Me Like A Baby' on February 18th 2013. Having formed earlier this year, the four London lads have already caused a stir, selling out their debut live show at new talent hotspot The Sebright Arms. Critics have been quick to compare them to a broad range of artists as they try and find a pigeonhole for them but judging by the lyrics to 'Treat Me Like A Baby' this doesn't impress the band. "How many times have you heard 'That's been done before...', as if we're too young to know or understand? Don't patronise us. Each generation must discover music for themselves." Night Engine play their last show of 2012 at The Barfly on 13th December and will also be playing in support of the single launch on 20th February at the Borderline. Both tracks on the double A-side are available to listen to below and 'Treat Me Like A Baby' can be downloaded for free.

Roots Manuva Prepares 'Banana Skank' EP

Roots Manuva is set to release his new EP 'Banana Skank' through Big Dada on January 21st. Roots Manuva may not be visible, but that doesn't mean he's silent. Holed up in his Tottenham base, the MC has been working on new material, with rumours of an icy, sparse sound running through some of his latest work. Now he's breaking cover. New EP 'Banana Skank' is the producer's first forward step in almost 12 months, with the title track finding Roots Manuva re-working a cut from his acclaimed 2011 full length '4everrevolution'. WAFA takes charge of production, while Rodney Smith himself helms a stripped back remix. Elsewhere, Roots Manuva spars with Banana Klan rapper Kope on 'Natural' and 'Party Time'. Listen to 'Natural' below. - - - 'Banana Skank' is set to be released on January 21st. 100 copies have been specially produced for sale at the Independent Label Market on Saturday (December 1st). Tracklisting: 1. Natural Featuring Kope (Clean Edit) 2. Banana Skank (Wafa Remix) 3. Banana Skank Part 2 4. Party Time Featuring Kope (Clean Edit)

Rolling Stones To Be Joined By Clapton, Florence Welch

The Rolling Stones are set to be joined by Eric Clapton and Florence Welch at their second London show this week. The Rolling Stones are in town. The legendary rock band are celebrating their 50th anniversary in style, and recently announced two enormous shows at the O2 Arena in London. The first show saw former members Mick Taylor and Bill Wyman appear onstage, while Mary G Blige added guest vocals to 'Gimme Shelter'. Now the band have confirmed plans for a few additional guest appearances at the second date. Blues guitarist Eric Clapton will appear onstage with The Rolling Stones, while Florence Welch is also set to take part. In addition to this, Mick Taylor and Bill Wyman have confirmed that they will reprise their roles at the second instalment of '50 And Counting'. Fancy reading our verdict on the Rolling Stones first O2 Arena show? Click HERE. The Rolling Stones return to the O2 Arena tomorrow night (November 29th).

Golden Grrrls Announce Debut Album

Finally. Golden Grrrls are set to release their self-titled debut album through Night School on February 25th. Golden Grrrls... not just an exquisite pun. A trio from Glasgow, Golden Grrrls are Eilidh Rodgers, Ruari MacLean and Rachel Aggs. The trio are responsible for a string of immaculately formed singles, all noise gradually distilled into flecks of perfect pop ripe for the most discerning of ears. Slotting into the indie pop sphere only due to the lack of any real tag to place on them, Golden Grrrls have now confirmed plans for their debut album. Containing eleven tracks, some have already appeared as singles - step forward the still-rather-sublime 'New Pop' - while others will be familiar from their live set. All, though, glisten with a rare sense of invention. Not even reaching the three minute mark, 'We've Got...' is all rattle-crack-snare and feedback soaked guitars, malfunctioning amps and perfect harmonies. Listen to it now as a special preview on ClashMusic. ...and just for fun: here's the video for 'New Pop'. 'Golden Grrrls' is set to be released on February 25th. Tracklisting: 1 New Pop 2 Past Tense 3 Paul Simon 4 Think of the Ways 5 Older Today 6 Take Your Time 7 Time Goes Slow 8 Wrld Peace 9 Never Said Enough 10 Date It 11 Weve Got.....

Low Confirm New Album

Low are set to toast their 20th anniversary with the release of their new Jeff Tweedy produced album 'The Invisible Way' next year. Has it really been 20 years? When Low first emerged, the band helped to pioneer what would become known as slowcore - producing a number of drawn out, dream-like, elegiac hymns in the process. Gradually evolving into something stately, serene, Low are now looking to toast their 20th anniversary with a new album. Jeff Tweedy has stepped in to assist the band, with 'The Invisible Way' set to be released through Sub Pop next year. Here's an album trailer. Out on March 18th, news of 'The Invisible Way' coincides with the release of a free EP. A six track document containing a wealth of live material, one time touring partner Ben Gibbard pops up at one point on guest vocals. Download it below. - - - 'The Invisible Way' is out on March 18th.

Introducing... Rick Redbeard

The Phantom Band's Rick Anthony has formally unveiled his new solo project Rick Redbeard. Funny word, timeless. When applied to music, it generally comes to mean an adult-oriented blancmange of half-inched rock 'n' roll riffs or the odd gesture towards Southern soul. In the hands of Rick Redbeard, though, it comes to mean something else. Part of The Phantom Band, Rick Anthony's new solo project is a daring advancement. Rick Redbeard seems to act as a focal for music of the elements, from the bare landscapes of the Mid West to the soaring heights of the Cuillins. Debut album 'No Selfish Heart' is timeless, in the sense that it escapes any defining sense of era. Flourishing, extremely natural music, Rick Redbeard seemingly assembled the material in various locations across Scotland. Pieced together, the results flirt with the imaginary, other worlds of Alasdair Gray or the Southern gothic of Cormac McCarthy with 'No Selfish Heart' boasting songs that are in turns tender and macabre, melancholic and life affirming. Sayeth the man himself: "I've always been attracted to comforting music; for me, Leonard Cohen's music is never depressing, it's soothing. I want people to hear my songs in the same way I've heard certain music over the years: like kind words from an old friend." ClashMusic has been handed 'Cold As Clay (The Grave'). Savage yet under stated, it's a neat primer for Rick Redbeard's forthcoming full length. - - - 'No Selfish Heart' is set to be released on January 25th.

Kraftwerk For Sonar 2013

Kraftwerk are set to take their 3D to Spain, with Sonar announcing the first names on its bill for next summer. Located in Barcelona, Sonar has long fostered a reputation for eclectic, forward thinking line ups. Gaining acclaim across the continent and beyond, the festival has grown to launch events in South Africa, Brazil and more. But Sonar's heart remains in Barcelona. The festival is preparing for 2013's event, and this morning announced the first names on its line up. German pioneers Kraftwerk are set to play a very rare live show at the Spanish festival. The band will bring their 3D set to the event, matching ground-breaking visuals to their peerless back catalogue of musical innovation. Elsewhere, British synth pop legends Pet Shop Boys are to perform at Sonar, while Two Door Cinema Club are also planning to take part. Lindstrøm and Todd Terje will bring their collaborative set to the festival, with other names on the line up including Vatican Shadow, Fantastic Mr Fox, Hot Natured and Bradien + Eduard Escoffet. Reduced price tickets are on sale until January 10th. Full details HERE. Sonar runs between June 13th - 15th.

Listen: Nicolas Jaar & Theatre Roosevelt - The Ego

New collaboration emerges... Nicolas Jaar and Theatre Roosevelt have pointed fans towards new collaboration 'The Ego'. For Nicolas Jaar, 2012 has been a year of gradation rather than graduation. Working on his live show, the producer has played a number of stunning sets, while Jaar's label Clown & Sunset has delivered some thought provoking electronics. OK, his idea to release music as a cube didn't exactly take off but overall, 2012 has been a success. Ending the year in style, Nicolas Jaar recently pointed fans towards a free download designed as a quick Thanksgiving present. 'The Ego' opens with a distorted spoken word sample, before something approaching a hip hop beat asserts itself. All bass belches and snare cracks, the track has a stillness which moves between patience and something altogether more unsettling. Ending with a flurry of near tropical synths, 'The Ego' is both wonderfully pretentious and great fun. It's yours for free in the following embed...

Wild Beasts To Play 'Smother' In Its Entirety

At intimate London show... Wild Beasts are set to play their album 'Smother' in its entirety at a one off London show next month. Part of Britain's art-pop lineage, Wild Beasts are one of the year's strangest mainstream propositions. Yet third album 'Smother' has broken out beyond their cult fan base, winning acclaim from some unexpected quarters. Spending the year out on the road, Wild Beasts have gradually built their profile to play some massive venues. Now the band are set to take a step backwards, organising an extremely intimate show at London hot spot The Lexington. Taking place on December 7th, the band will perform 'Smother' in its entirety. A one off show, Wild Beasts are aiming to use the performance as a warm up for their slot at All Tomorrows Parties the following night. As tickets for this one-off event are extremely limited, Wild Beasts are offering all their fans an equal chance to purchase them by applying via the following link: http://bit.ly/wildbeastslexington. Randomly selected winners will be given the opportunity to purchase tickets after the process closes on Monday 3rd of December at 9am. Here's 'Albatross' . - - - Wild Beasts are set to play the following show: December 7 London Lexington Click here to buy tickets for Wild Beasts!

Björk Takes Biophilia Show To Paris

Björk will be undertaking a 6 night residency in Paris next year, bringing her 'Biophilia' live show to the French capital. The first four performances will take place at Le Cirque En Chantier, situated on L'Ile Seguin, an island in the middle of the Seine. Le Cirque En Chantier is a specially contructed circus tent that allows no audience member to be more than a few metres from the stage of the intimate setting. The two further shows will be at Le Zenith, where Björk will be become the first ever artist to perform in the round at the legendary venue. Björk's 'Biophilia' project has brought together app developers, scientists, writers, inventors, musicians, and instrument makers to create a unique multimedia exploration of the universe and its physical forces--particularly those where music, nature, and technology meet. The 'Biophilia' album that Björk released in 2011 is only part of the project, in addition to the live performance, Björk will also present her 'Biophilia Educational Program'. Featuring interactive science and music workshops for school children, the series leads students on an intensive study of the scientific concepts at the core of Biophilia's songs, including crystalline structures, lunar phases and viruses. Students will also learn to use the 'Biophilia Apps' as tools for music composition and delve into the study of how musicology relates to nature. The dates in full are available below and tickets can be purchaed from December 10th HERE. February 21, Le Cirque En Chantier February 24, Le Cirque En Chantier February 27. Le Cirque En Chantier March 02, Le Cirque En Chantier March 05, Le Zenith March 08, Le Zenith

Indians Announce UK Tour Dates

Indians have lined up a series of UK tour dates, designed to coincide with the release of debut album 'Somewhere Else'. Led by Copenhagen-based Søren Løkke Juul, Indians are a near immaculate conception. Formed only a few short months ago, the Danish group have signed up to 4AD and won themselves some rather intimidating levels of praise. Debut album 'Somewhere Else' is set to be released on January 28th, allowing fans to bask in their dream-like pop and assured yet delicate songwriting. Currently on tour with Other Lives, Indians recently announced plans for a series of headline shows. Opening at Holland's Eurosonic event, the band have confirmed four British shows. Opening in Brighton on January 30th, the dates then hit Bristol and London before drawing to a close in Manchester's Trof Fallowfield on February 2nd. Tickets are on sale now. Here's Indians 4AD Session. - - - Indians are set to play the following shows: January 30 Brighton Prince Albert 31 Bristol Louisiana February 1 London The Lexington 2 Manchester Trof Fallowfield Click here to buy tickets for Indians! Photo Credit: Piper Ferguson

Download: Rudimental feat. Angel Haze - Hell Could Freeze

Rudimental seem to have a happy knack of picking guest vocalists that are matching their own upwards trajectory. The John Newman vocal on their summer smash 'Feel The Love' made the track a festival staple throughout the summer with it's simple hook and sing-along potential, eventually taking the track to the top of the charts. On their latest song they've enlisted the guest vocals of one of the hottest female rappers around, Angel Haze, to spit fire over 'Hell Could Freeze'. With Nicki Minaj seemingly having opened the floodgates, there's now a whole heap of female MC's jostling for chart positions. Azealia Banks had been almost omnipresent in 2012 and in the last year even Kreayshawn is getting millions of views on YouTube. Angel Haze is one of the most accomplished rappers of the new breed, relying less on style and swagger and more on lyrical content and flow. 'Hell Could Freeze' chronicles the endgame stage of a relationship, where one person is still striving to save it but the other isn't receptive.  You can listen to the track below and download it for free HERE.

Andrew W.K. Releases Statement On Cancelled Bahrain Trip

Andrew W.K. has issued a strongly worded statement about his cancelled trip to Bahrain. Even in the world of Andrew W.K., this week has been especially strange. The singer revealed that he had been invited to travel to Bahrain, working as an ambassador on behalf of the U.S State Department in the Middle Eastern state. Then, just as suddenly as it broke, the news was dismissed. The U.S. State Department moved to squash the reports, with Andrew W.K. last night issuing a statement to explain his side of the story further. Seemingly, the singer was approached last year after the organisation noted his positive, can-do attitude. Set to perform in the Middle Eastern country, Andrew W.K. was left fuming after the U.S. State Department claimed he "didn't meet their standards". Read the statement in full below: "I'm disappointed and puzzled by their change of heart and last minute decision. I was personally invited to take this trip by The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain over a year ago. They came to me. The first email they sent me is dated September 13th, 2011 asking me to give a motivational lecture in Bahrain. I was overjoyed and accepted their invitation immediately. We moved forward and completed their extensive approval process, background check, booked all the flights and travel, and had numerous phone calls with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office in Manama, Bahrain, who were handling the details. I was scheduled to fly to Bahrain on Saturday, Dec. 1st, 2012." "We received our official itinerary from the State Dept. at 5:58am, on Monday, November 26th, 2012. Less than six hours later, we received an urgent telephone call informing us that the entire trip had been canceled, due to some higher level controversy. We couldn't get any more information or answers as to why this was suddenly canceled at the last minute. When I was originally invited by our contact, it seemed everyone was aware of what I stand for with my positive attitude. They were aware of how I look and my high-energy rock music. They were excited to bring my message of living life to the fullest to the people in the Middle East. I was thrilled at the opportunity to represent my country and the spirit of inclusive and open-minded freedom that makes our nation so special and inspiring". "So, for a Department of State representative to say Andrew W.K. 'doesn't meet their standards' after they invited me and planned my trip for a year… well, that doesn't meet my standards either. You can't judge a book by its cover. I would've done a great job and represented our nation with dignity and pride. Despite all these challenges, I still would love to go and I vow to continue partying, and working everyday to to unite our human race through the power of positive partying."

Track Of The Day 28/11 - Harry George Johns

Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold. "Over the course of one single week in December 2011, I lost my girl, my house, my job and pretty much my mind. I was sat in The Well in Leeds with a bag of clothes and my skateboard trying to figure out not what went wrong, but simply where I was going to sleep that night" testifies Harry George Johns. "Drinking and drugs and all that stuff had taken over during the run-up to me losing everything. I knew I had to finally go talk to the doctors and therapists people had spent months urging me to see." "If there was anything that was going to help me pull through what looked to be the most heartbroken, poorest new year so far it was a handful of friends that let me sleep on their sofas, eat their toast and play their guitars" he continues. "It was my time spent with hometown-friend Matthew Wright in his humble home studio that we created 'Post-Breakdown Blues'. This record is just some of the soundtrack to my breakdown, my loneliness, introspection and just trying to get fixed." There's not a lot to say beyond that. Harry George Johns previously worked with Dinosaur Pile Up whose feral, fetid take on post-hardcore made them cult heroes. 'Post-Breakdown Blues' is a departure, but anyone familiar with Johns' previous work will no doubt see a common thread. Honesty. Humanity. A directness that is difficult to avoid. Here's 'Hospital Blues'. Listen to it now... Grab it HERE. Right click, 'Save As...'

Jamie Lidell One Off British Show

Solo, unaccompanied... Jamie Lidell has announced a full world tour, including a special one off UK show. Jamie Lidell is in the mood to go it alone. Confirming plans for his new, self-titled studio album, the electronic producer cum soulful showman has now announced a full world tour. Dates stretch around the globe, focussing primarily on the continent and North America. However the shows start with a one off British date. Returning to London, Jamie Lidell is set to take to the stage at Heaven on March 8th solo and unaccompanied. Stripping back his live show, Jamie Lidell intends to do something quite different on his latest tour. "I'm coming full circle," as he puts it. "Coming back around to astound with that solo sound." "I'm revving up the boxes to push more buttons than your average electronic bear. Bringing the burning machine funk back to the floor so you can get your dance on. Digging into that bag of hooks so you can get your sing on. Aaahhhhhh push it!" Push it real good. Tickets for all shows go on sale 9am Friday 30th November. Here's the first track to emerge from Jamie Lidell's new album, 'What A Shame'. - - - Jamie Lidell is set to release his self-titled album on February 18th. Watch out for the following date: March 8 London Heaven Click here to buy tickets for Jamie Lidell!

The Weeknd - Live At The Supper Club, London

Having just re-released his trilogy of mixtapes to the masses in a legitimate three disc box-set (as opposed to a free downloadable zip file), online sensation The Weeknd played an intimate, one-off show at a tiny venue tucked behind Portobello Road market on Sunday night. Feeling like the meeting of a secret society, a suitable level of hype grew around the gig within the 48 hours fans were given to apply for tickets - with mystery continuing to build around the location details that only came to light at the very last minute. Possessing a cult-like following of mega-fans, The Supper Club was packed out with a varied clientele - from excitable teenage girls, whose parents probably thought they were at a sleepover, to the calm and collected grown-up types nodding their heads at the back – but regardless of stereotypes, it felt like everybody was there for one reason: Abel. As the 9 o'clock stage time approached, the packed venue became hungry, and right on time, there he was. The entirely white surroundings turned from opulent to bleak the moment the hauntingly ethereal noises of opener 'Lonely Star' blasted from the sound-system and Abel's falsetto began to echo around the walls. Flowing easily from one song to the next, the venue was never left in silence and a medley of tracks from all three mixtapes blended seamlessly into one another in a well-rehearsed wall of noise. The set included nearly every track from first mixtape 'House of Balloons' - with the crowd losing control at the first note of narcotic influenced love anthem 'What You Need'. Abel's voice is incredible. High-pitched noises I had assumed to be the result of a vocoder - or at least manipulated in the studio - rang out pure and true straight from his mouth. Whilst singing he was an intriguing and interesting front man, working the audience and the stage easily – and at one point inducing near-hysteria by searching for and singling out a female member of the crowd who'd been screaming for him. In between sets, he spoke quietly and shyly and was endearingly introverted and in his way was reminiscent, in both talent and mannerisms, of Michael Jackson. He performed for an hour with a very talented live band, who came into their own at multiple points in the performance – notably during 'Crew Love', where Drake's verse was replaced by an up-tempo and very well placed drum solo. Famous for the range of digital and unidentifiable white noise on his records, the live instruments added deeper levels to some of the more menacing tracks such as 'Wicked Games', 'The Knowing', 'Next' and 'The Zone' whilst equally upping the excitement on the few and far between light-hearted tracks such as the aforementioned 'Crew Love'. Treating the crowd to a performance of barely released 'The Smiths' sampling song 'Enemy', which he reveals he wrote and recorded only a couple of weeks ago in a New York hotel room, the lyrics are yelled back at him with expertise as if it's his greatest hit - but it's not, and it's more than certain that his greatest is yet to be seen. Words by Hayley Brown

Paul Kalkbrenner - Guten Tag

Something far more immersive than the disposable quick fix you might have expected Kalkbrenner's fondness for the metronomic thud of the kickdrum threatens to derail 'Guten Tag' and consign it to the fate of being merely a passable techno record that lacks euphoric climaxes. However, as the balance improves, you start to realise that the electronic arrangements are delicate and teeming with melancholy, and you're left with the interesting juxtaposition of the reflective with big beat. From then on, 'Guten Tag' takes on a different guise - is it an allegory about the shallowness of life as a superstar DJ? Probably not, but Kalkbrenner has created something far more immersive than the disposable quick fix you might have expected. 7/10 Words by JOE RIVERS

Crosson And Merveille - DRM Part 1 And 2

A trio of new tracks complete the 'DRM Pt.1' and 'Pt.2' EPs; to date a six-track journey of atmospheric after-hours scores. The bird-like synth twitters of new track 'Nymphean' awaken the collection; flashes of debayashi kabuki burst from 'No Hassle'; and 'Escale' demonstrates the production values as well as 'DRM's' heart of the work - composition and syncopation in motion. Freeform jazz and the ability to transcend 6am back to peak dancefloor with spirited afro-latin rhythmic house and tech fusions marks this as a groove of a different colour. 'DRM' could find love with pop fans exploring experimental fringes, and the mixed tastes of leftfield dance lovers. 7/10 Words by ALEX BURDEN

Mogwai - A Wrenched Virile Love

'Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will' was Mogwai's most successful album thus far and, whilst not a complete departure, held a desire to explore outside their usual sphere. Here then, that exploration is furthered by those from the other side, with a set of remixes. They all offer up something of a fresh identity to the songs, with 'San Pedro' the standout track on both albums; its penetrating beats here given a full frizz by 'The Soft Moon'. One wonders if the venture should have reached out to the band's full catalogue, but it remains an adventurous extension for those who hold them dear. 6/10 Words by TC

Pretty Green Swear Against Fur Use

Liam Gallagher's label joins campaign... Liam Gallagher's label Pretty Green has confirmed that it is to join PETA's list of fur free fashion brands. Once a fashion staple, fur is now viewed with a certain degree of horror by many in the style world. More and more brands are swearing against its use, with some even going as far to make the inauthenticity of faux-fur on their garments explicitly clear. Liam Gallagher's label Pretty Green has enjoyed enormous success since its inception in 2009, opening outlets around the country. Now the brand has decided to join the anti-fur campaign, signing up to PETA's list of fur-free designers. Going further than this, the brand has confirmed that it has a no-fur policy and that it is now labelling any faux-fur trim on its garments. "Only the truly arrogant can ignore the suffering of minks who go mad from being confined to small cages and foxes who chew off their own limbs to escape painful steel-jaw traps", says PETA's Senior Programme Manager Yvonne Taylor. "We are delighted to add Liam to the list of truly talented visionaries and trendsetters who are able to design stylish, fashionable and popular clothing without the use of fur." Liam Gallagher, meanwhile, is back in the studio. Beady Eye have kicked off sessions on their second album, with famed American producer Dave Sitek overseeing the recording process. There's currently no timeline on the project, but the partnership has caused no end of speculation.

Bryan Ferry Announces 2013 Tour

Bryan Ferry has announced a series of UK tour dates, focussing on his recent album 'The Jazz Age'. The Jazz Age remains both immediately familiar and tantalisingly out of reach. Unlike most other decades in popular culture, the innovators and stars of the time are not able to join the Golden Oldies circuit, rendering the music of the time contagious and quite alien. Bryan Ferry recently chose to indulge his inner Gatsby with new album 'The Jazz Age'. A curious experiment, it has seen the legendary lounge lizard re-work some of his finest hits with a lavish orchestra informed by music current to the 20s and 30s. Watch out for an interview with Bryan Ferry on the site later this year, with the singer today announcing plans for a lavish tour. Taking place in 2012, the singer will be joined by the Bryan Ferry Orchestra for the nationwide shows, some of which re-trace earlier steps from his career. Opening in Manchester on October 26th, the tour focusses on concert halls and other historic venues. Bryan Ferry returns to the New Theatre in Oxford where he first performed there with Roxy Music in July 1972 and to the Brighton Dome and the De Montford Theatre in Leicester, 2 venues Roxy Music performed at during the 'For Your Pleasure' and 'Stranded' tours in 1973. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday (November 30th). Bryan Ferry has confirmed the following shows: October 26 Manchester Salford Lowry Theatre 28 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall 29 Ipswich Regent Theatre 31 Cambridge Corn Exchange November 1 Leicester De Montford Hall 3 Oxford New Theatre 4 London Royal Albert Hall 6 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 7 Sheffield City Hall 9 Gateshead Sage 12 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 13 Edinburgh Usher Hall 14 York Barbican 16 Bristol Colston Hall 17 Southend Cliffs Pavilion 19 Birmingham Symphony Hall 20 Cardiff St David's Hall 22 Brighton Dome 23 Plymouth Pavilions Click here to buy tickets for Bryan Ferry!

Eels Announce March Tour Dates

Eels are set to trail new album 'Wonderful, Glorious' with a series of British tour dates in March. Eels seem to swing between two poles: black as night material with a sardonic sense of humour, and light, life affirming material with a sardonic sense of humour. Judging by the title of their new album, 'Wonderful, Glorious' could well signal E's return to sparkling optimism. Due for release on February 4th, 'Wonderful, Glorious' is set to be accompanied by a lengthy period of touring. Eels are set to hit the road, with E set to be joined by guitarists The Chet and P-Boo, bass player Honest Al and drummer Knuckles. Opening in Dublin on March 15th, the shows hit the mainland with a Manchester date on March 17th. Hitting Glasgow, Eels are then set to play shows in Leeds, Bournemouth, Brighton and more. Hitting London on March 21st, the band will play historic rock stop off point Brixton Academy. Ending in Birmingham on March 30th, tickets for all shows go on sale at 9am this Friday (November 30th). Fancy a preview of 'Wonderful, Glorious'? Album cut 'Peach Blossom' arrived online earlier this month - listen HERE. - - - Eels are set to play the following shows: March 15 Dublin Olympia 17 Manchester Academy 18 Glasgow 02 Academy 19 Leeds O2 Academy 21 London O2 Academy Brixton 23 Bournemouth 02 Academy 25 Brighton Dome 26 Norwich UEA 27 Nottingham Rock City 29 Bristol O2 Academy 30 Birmingham O2 Academy Click here to buy tickets for Eels!

Richard Hawley - Live At St John-At-Hackney Church, London

Gigs are pretty special at the best of times, but, occasionally, you get the chance to see someone mega in a place that's small, ambient, weird and wonderful. This is one.  The Little Noise Sessions for Mencap have been putting on such gigs for a few years now and, last year, moved from Islington's Union Chapel to the Church of St John-at-Hackney. What's special about St John's, and different to Union Chapel, is that this is still a church first and a venue second. One day there's Gary Barlow, the next there's zumba! On arrival, we see clergymen in dog collars checking out their patch, making sure everything's okay and, hopefully, looking forward to some tunes. Tonight is a very special line up with headliner Richard Hawley no stranger to the Little Noise Sessions, having played a few years back with special guest Alex Turner. There's a different feel to his set tonight, which follows in the different mood to his latest, Mercury-nominated album, 'Standing at the Sky's Edge'. It's louder, it's edgier, it's more of a band performance than Hawley strumming his acoustic interspersed with some good chat (oh, and Hawley always has good chat). With the church filled with smoke, Hawley's guitar unleashes screeches and screams of reverbed notes, echoing off every pillar and stained glass window like a gig in a giant swimming pool. It's a huge sound, lifted to dizzying heights by his superb band. Hawley's guitar takes the place of the messiah tonight. "This is a 1963 Rickenbacker played by a 1967 geezer singing songs written in 2012," Hawley exclaims, looking every inch the vintage rocker in his '60s leather jacket. His album's title track is epic and captivating while 'Don't Stare at the Sun' - a song apparently inspired by flying a kite with his son… on acid – has his audience swaying with eyes closed, engrossed in the psych harmonies and marching drums. There's little left of Hawley the crooner here. That's not to say his back catalogue is dismissed. 'Tonight the Streets Are Ours' from 'Lady's Bridge' and 'Open Up Your Door' from 'Truelove's Gutter' get rapturous applause from a crowd who may prefer his older stuff to the new rockier direction. 'Down in the Woods' ends the main set, easily trickling into ten minutes, as many of his songs did tonight, but he's brought back by stomping feet to play 'The Ocean' from 'Coles Corner', a beautiful song met with massive appreciation, although slightly missing its easy listening roots among such guitar frenzy. But, of course, the night wasn't all about Hawley. Sweden's lushously-mained sisters First Aid Kit, joined by pedal steel legend BJ Cole, brought some of their favourite songs to the mix from their last couple of albums and EPs.  Their harmonies were as perfect as ever and their playing, despite some occasionally nasty keyboard sounds, was simple and without fault. Being joined by a band instead of just the two voices and their instruments padded out their sound but, actually, lost a little of their folky wonder. However, 'America' was loud, stark and great and 'Emmylou', a song about their inspirations, was sweet and twee for all the right reasons. These girls are slowly becoming the Swedish lady version of Fleet Foxes, with the intricate harmonies to boot belted out – slowly, because they've been playing since they were just kids, but are suddenly getting the crowds and recognition they deserve. Then there was King Charles, big hair piled on top of his head, weasel moustache adorning his top lip. He's cool, but a great talent too, bringing his Vampire Weekend-esqe blend of surf pop, West Coast and folk with a London edge and a twinge of the power ballad. 'St Peter's Gate', 'Mississippi Isabel' and 'Love Lust' were wholeheartedly welcomed by his fans, but it was a shame more people hadn't turned up for this first set of the night – they missed out. Words by Gemma Hampson

Kwes Prepares 'Rollerblades' Single

Listen to it now... Kwes is set to release his new single 'Rollerblades' through Warp on January 21st. This time last year, Kwes was a little known (but hugely respected) London musician whose production work had seen him work with some of British music's most important names. The past 12 months, though, have seen the soundsmith step confidently out under his own name. Releasing a fantastic EP, Kwes followed this by collaborating on a mixtape with Micachu. Now the producer has revealed plans to open his account for 2013, with new single 'Rollerblades' set to be released on January 21st. Available on seven inch vinyl, the track comes equipped with B-side 'Rosab'. Beautifully surreal sounds matched to simple word play that pulls at the heart strings, 'Rollerblades' is available to stream below. - - - 'Rosab' meanwhile has yet to emerge online, although we are told that it is "a messed up, oneiric instrumental ode to his bike. Which in a funny sort of way makes absolute sense... Kwes is set to release 'Rollerblades' on January 21st.