Live music is back on Poole Hill in Bournemouth, courtesy of The Vault venue and Coach Party, one of my new favourite bands from the past few years, who headlined the first ‘gig’ put on here, in what is primarily a nightclub. Some of you may remember this venue as being The Winchester around 10ContinueContinue reading “Me and the music”
Author Archives: Liam
Comfort in Sound revisited
Last week I went to see Feeder play their 2002 album Comfort in Sound live in full at Brixton Academy. The jury continues to be out for me on whether album shows ‘work’. I’ve seen quite a few over the past couple of decades, some just don’t convert from record to the stage, that wasContinueContinue reading “Comfort in Sound revisited”
Tech Futures at the National Oceanography Centre
It’s a privilege to be in a position where I regularly have days away from my desk to listen and learn from others. This isn’t lost on me on these occasions and yesterday was no exception. At a time when H.I. (human intelligence) appears to be somewhat lacking in society, education feels like an antidoteContinueContinue reading “Tech Futures at the National Oceanography Centre”
Two much perspective
Last night Sam and I went to see Spinal Tap II, a sequel 41 years in the making. The film deals with the legacy of the ‘band’, which has a fictional take in the narrative but can’t be separated from the real word impact they’ve had. https://youtu.be/wMQZG9u4Sjg?si=RNZK9ojnh7c6pT43 Back in July we visited Stonehenge (the subjectContinueContinue reading “Two much perspective”
September 2025 Mixtape
Tracklisting: 01. Militarie Gun – B A D I D E A02. The Starting Line – Circulate03. Dear Boy, Rocket – After All04. Ash – Which One Do You Want?05. crushed – oneshot06. Of Monsters and Men – Ordinary Creature07. Hotel Pools, Brothertiger – Black08. Twin Shadow – Dominoes09. Hayley Williams – Glum10. The BethsContinueContinue reading “September 2025 Mixtape”
Celebrating 10 years with Grapevine
Today is my 10th anniversary aboard the good ship Grapevine. Time is sailing by, but it actually does feel like it’s been 10 years when I think back to 2015 now (something big happened in the middle that I’ll refrain from reminding you of by naming it).A decade ago I worked at Bournemouth University, runningContinueContinue reading “Celebrating 10 years with Grapevine”
30 years of Less Than Jake’s ‘Pezcore’ and more
Pezcore, Less Than Jake’s debut full length was released in the US, 30 years ago today. The first release was via Dill Records, the predecessor to Asian Man Records, both run by Mike Park, formerly of San Jose, California ska band Skankin’ Pickle (keep reading for more on him!). I’m enjoying revisiting these Less Than JakeContinueContinue reading “30 years of Less Than Jake’s ‘Pezcore’ and more”
August 2025 Mixtape
Tracklisting: 01. Lewis OfMan – Seoul Disco Night02. Georgia – Wanna Play03. Purity Ring – place of my own04. Chicane – In The Moment05. Faded Paper Figures – Forget All The Days We Died06. Tennis – At The Wedding07. HAIM – The farm08. Daisy The Great – Dream Song09. Good Charlotte – Stepper10. Pool KidsContinueContinue reading “August 2025 Mixtape”
10.08.05: Braking Fast at Mr Kyps
20 years ago today I played my first gig at Mr Kyps (RIP) in Poole. Two decades should feel like a long time but a few things make this day feel like it was yesterday.1. The bands who inspired us at this time are still going strong (I just saw Million Dead’s 20th anniversary lastContinueContinue reading “10.08.05: Braking Fast at Mr Kyps”
7,231 days later: The Million Dead returnth
This week I got to be in the room for the early 2000’s UK post hardcore band Million Dead’s first show in 20 years. The room in question being the same one where they played their ‘last’ show in September 2005; the legendary Joiners in Southampton. I wasn’t there for the previous show, looking atContinueContinue reading “7,231 days later: The Million Dead returnth”
July 2025 Mixtape
Tracklisting: 01. The All-American Rejects – Easy Come, Easy Go02. ugly ozo – Onto A Winner03. Motion City Soundtrack – She Is Afraid04. illuminati hotties – Skateboard Tattoo 05. The Beths – No Joy06. White Reaper – Honestly07. Yumi Zouma – Blister08. King Princess – RIP KP09. Jessica Winter – Aftersun10. Holly Humberstone – MissContinueContinue reading “July 2025 Mixtape”
Beer Tours: Honourable Mentions
North East Full Circle Brew Co, Hoults Yard, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2HL North West Buxton Brewery, Unit 4A & 4B, Staden Lane, Buxton, SK17 9RZ Buxton Brewery Tap House & Cellar, The Old Court House, George Street, Buxton, SK17 6AY RedWillow, 1 Cavendish Circus, Buxton, SK17 6AT South Dark Revolution, 3 – 5 LancasterContinueContinue reading “Beer Tours: Honourable Mentions”
Liam Toms 