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”
Author Archives: Liam
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”
Collect Responsibly – Gamifying the pursuit of good beer
In the era of craft, Untappd serves as a journal and compass for the avid beer tourist.
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”
Nostalgia or the norm? Unpacking the curious case of vinyl’s long play
“Vinyl’s back!” those of us over the age of 30 still casually proclaim in conversation, blissfully ignorant to the fact that it’s been back for over a decade now. Some might argue it never really went away. One of four of my 7” vinyl boxes, collected through the 2000s vinyl ‘dark age’. “A decade! Surely that can’tContinueContinue reading “Nostalgia or the norm? Unpacking the curious case of vinyl’s long play”
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”
Wild In Art’s sculpture trails make the fun of collecting accessible to all
If you’ve lived in the UK during the past 15 years you’ve probably seen, at the very least, one in a series of sculptures curated by Wild In Art. The business works with local partners to create public art trails, using identical sculptures painted by a range of artists. Embedded in the concept is the spiritContinueContinue reading “Wild In Art’s sculpture trails make the fun of collecting accessible to all”
Beer Tours: Honourable Mentions
North Black Sheep Brewery, Wellgarth House, Masham, Ripon, HG4 4EN Theakston Brewery, Red Lane, Masham, Ripon, HG4 4HH The White Bear, Gun Bank, Masham, Ripon, HG4 4EN 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 BreweryContinueContinue reading “Beer Tours: Honourable Mentions”
Liam Toms 