The Lemon Twigs/The Stones – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds – 23rd May 2026

The Lemon Twigs/The Stones – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds – 23rd May 2026

New York power pop sensations The Lemon Twigs return to the Brudenell for a sold-out 2-night stand promoting their 7th studio album ‘Look For Your Mind!’. Brothers Brian & Michael D’Addario have been crafting the perfect harmony-soaked tunes for more than a decade now, and with a now stable four-piece lineup, completed by bassist Danny Ayala and Uni Boys singer/guitarist Reza Matin on the drums, it seems The Lemon Twigs have hit their peak musically, sonically and maybe even commercially on their new opus.

Their brand of jangly, harmony-filled tunes evokes the best of The Beatles, The Byrds and The Beach Boys. For me, they bridge the gap between Redd Kross and the much-missed Jellyfish, and they are a band that is renowned for their energetic live performances. This was a show not to be missed.

First up, though, we have fellow New Yorkers The Stones. Who, apart from choosing the worst band name ever and having no online presence that I could find (try Googling The Stones!), are actually pretty tasty. The four-piece is about as retro as you can get, but not in the same way as the headliners. The singer channels early 90’s Chris Robinson so well, he could front a Black Crowes tribute band, while his guitar-wielding bandmate goes for an early 2000s Strokes look.

Their brand of ramshackle rock n’ roll fits the bill nicely, coming across like a heady mix of The Faces and The Libertines. They certainly have a swagger, and with an energetic and confident performance that goes down well with the packed crowd. I’d like to hear more…if only I could find them!

The Lemon Twigs are the real deal live. What we have here are four lead singers/multi-instrumentalists playing a set of songs so well crafted and so well played that they are just timeless. The sound from the PA tonight is great as well and benefits the multi-layered harmonies and jangly guitars. The opening salvo of recent single ‘Look For Your Mind’ and the glorious ‘My Golden Years’ sets the pace. It’s a great mix of classics and soon-to -be classics.

Both brothers take lead vocals on their respective written songs, and band members switch instruments for certain songs. So, you may get Brian on bass, Danny on keyboards and Reza and Michael swapping instruments at some point. There is more ‘jump-shot’ action than a classic Van Halen show, which is unexpected given the laid-back approach of the songs, but it sure keeps the photographers on their toes. The brothers laugh and joke with the crowd and amongst themselves, everyone is having a jolly good time. Michael even suggested we all “go get cheesy chips after the show”.

When The Lemon Twigs do rock out, they do it well. ‘Bring You Down’ rocks the house like The Beatles in Berlin, and main set closer ‘Rock On (Over & Over)’ is a Bolan-esque glam rock stomper to be proud of.

Brian returns with just an acoustic for his usual solo section. In recent times, it’s rare to silence a crowd during the quieter moments of a set, there are always some idiots who continue to chat, but you could hear a pin drop during his stunning rendition of ‘Joy’ from the new album. His very own ‘Blackbird’ probably gets the biggest reaction of the set so far. He follows it with the twee falsetto-drenched ‘Corner Of My Eye’, before calling back the “rest of the group for a few more numbers”. As Michael plays the riff to the Bobby Fuller Four’s ‘Let Her Dance’, you know it’s the perfect moment for those down the front to let their hair down and dance like no one’s watching, before the band bow out with the sun-drenched anthem ‘How Can I Love Her More’.

While it’s easy to pigeonhole the likes of The Lemon Twigs, they do seem to literally be a band out of time. While sometimes their melodies may drift a bit too close to their heroes for some, they do that multi-layered harmony thing perfectly. For me, they are a band that just gets better and better with each album. At the end of the day, a good song is a good song, and The Lemon Twigs have loads of ‘em!

I’ve seen them twice now, and they are fantastic live, and I would not hesitate to see them again.

Author: Ben Hughes

Pillarstone – ‘Mono Lit’ (Pillarstone Records)

Pillarstone – ‘Mono Lit’ (Pillarstone Records)

Coming out of Waterford, Ireland, Pillastone have a love for gentle lilts with fiddles and a waft of Americana running through their music. Think a gentler, less drunken/troublesome Green On Red and a lot of the good stuff, maybe some Jesse Malin and Ryan Adams for good measure. The album opens with the first single ‘Run Fox Run’, an electric run through the louder moments, whilst ‘September Sun’ is the gentler side with those fiddles and acoustic guitars cut up with some rim shots and lush melodies leaning into the countrier side of the Waterboys. Very well produced and superbly delivered and arranged. It’s rooted in the themes you might expect call it playing safe if you like but if you deal in Americana with some wholesome rock n roll then thats who you are and the amps are turned up for ‘Wait In This World’ maybe a dash of Brian Fallon is present jammign on some Mellencamp there are polenty of reference points jumping out all over the place and a late evening summer sunshine record it might be but the performances on show are excellent and the arrangments let the music shine bright.

‘Fog Of War’ is some roots rock n roll with a great sound and production, but it never all out breaks free from the restraints of the acoustic and lush, fulsome bass groove, but it does have a very nice guitar solo raging quietly. I also like ‘Wise Up’ and the more uptempo ‘Cry’, but the standout track is ‘Like A Fool’ with its picked acoustic guitar like a less miserable Ryan Adams, and the barroom piano dropping in and out lifts the track.

The loudest track has to be ‘Hammer That Nail as the band veers into Drive By Truckers territory, and it’s something they do really well. The closing track is ‘Call For Mercy’ which paints an upbeat vibe and closes off a very impressive record proving that light and shade are required in one’s palette and this worked really well on a Sunday morning or a late night listen. Go check ’em out.

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Jack Grisham And The Life Undone – ‘Jack Grisham And The Life Undone’ (Lost in Berlin Records)

Jack Grisham And The Life Undone – ‘Jack Grisham And The Life Undone’ (Lost in Berlin Records)

Jack Grisham and the Life Undone is a new project by Jack Grisham and Lars Triesch. Grisham is known as the frontman of TSOL and The Joykiller. He has been active for over four decades—in literature, film work, and most importantly, independent music—with more than 70 million streams and over 2,000 live shows under his belt. Grisham remains a constant figure in and beyond the American punk scene. TSOL were and are one of the finest bands to have been birthed from the 77 punk scene in the USA.

Triesch comes out of the German ’90s punk and hardcore scene, later moving into indie with his band Profession Reporter. A fella that hasn’t appeared on my radar until now.

The power of this here interweb came into play, and Jack and Lars had many a Zoom meeting working on tunes that can now be heard on this magnificent album. Firstly, there would be no point in Jack making a new TSOL record with cats from another continent. This is most definitely not a TSOL record, even if Jack’s distinct tone is front and centre. This record leans on melodies and soundscapes not often ventured into by his band. This record from the first play is one hell of an earworm as the sonic assault takes hold, pianos tinkling here, there and everywhere over subtle melodies and layered vocals with lush guitars on big backing vocals. This is a huge-sounding record that fills your heart to bursting, then explodes in colour. Take ‘These Things’ as an example. Could and should be a huge global hit. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. The album opens with ‘Pain Goes Around’, which is effectively a summer pop song with a mega hook and lush Bvs and a melody that just screams joy. Worry not, it all fits perfectly, it’s not a record that will have you recoiling in horror, just the opposite to be honest. The second track is full of boundless energy and a wicked riff, ‘Piece Of The Sun’, with a chorus to die for.

If this sounds like one of those right-place-at-the-right-time things, it is. Jack sounds happy, and this record has no weak links. The songs are all well-crafted and sound amazing. Easily one of the best records I’ve heard in ages.

After the boundless energy of the previous track, ‘John Says’ is more dreamy and laid back with such an infectious melody and vocal from Grisham.

Grisham and Lars are joined by Trevor Lucca—a guitarist known for his onstage work with Dick Dale and T.S.O.L.—and the whole project was guided by the production team of Kurt Ebelhäuser and Michel Wern.

Thirteen tracks were laid down in ten days—the bulk of the album—and additional vocal and keyboard recordings were done in Los Angeles at Kitten Robot Studios, engineered by Paul Roessler, and this is a record they should be so proud of making.

We have acoustic guitars and cellos for ‘Loser’ and the stunning ‘Angel Funeral’ where Grisham wrings every bit of emotion out of his well-worn voice. The flip side is the full tilt rocker of ‘Lazing In The Bed All Day’, which is more familiar territory and a full-bloodied riff, but it’s the night and day as the record seemlessly shifts from light to shade where the magic lies.

‘Black Ties’ has a Bowie feel to proceedings with the distressed snare roll and lush strings, showing a wonderful, darker side. This is a record that needs to be listened to with a clear head and given undivided attention to fully appreciate how fuckin good it is. ‘Phone Call’ sounds menacing and dark, with the strings and soft acoustic guitar, with Grisham almost whispering into the speakers. Then the record finishes off with the broad acoustic chords of ‘Darker Side Of Nowhere’. This record won’t be for everyone, but I instantly got drawn in and can’t get enough of it. Being a big fan of Graham’s work with TSOL, Joykillers, Tender Fury, and Manic Low, the guy has never put a musical foot wrong in my eyes or ears. It’s great to hear him spread his wings and deliver a different flavour of alternative rock n roll and do it so well on what I can only describe as a magnificent album packed with magnificent tunes, and every play drags out a different reaction to the previous play. Get this album in your ear and let it take hold. You’ll be delighted you listened. Buy it!

Buy here at some point

Author: Dom Daley

Show Pony – ‘Show Pony for the Masses’ (Dream House)

Show Pony – ‘Show Pony for the Masses’ (Dream House)

Some bands just have ‘it.’ There is a rush for me when I hear those bands for the first time, and it happened here in a big way. I heard the band thanks to my finely tuned YouTube algorithm knowing to show me new music videos by new bands. Show Pony’s songs turned into one of those nights where the songs went on repeat multiple times. They have released their debut EP, serving up a five-song platter of excellence.  Hailing from Winnipeg, Show Pony have brought together ingredients from different genres to create a sound that is both fresh and familiar. The band are a trio who manage to create a full sound with just one guitar and drums.

Opener ‘Dead and Gone’ provides a great introduction to the album with hypnotic vocals in the verse working perfectly with the guitar riff and drums. It builds into an explosive chorus that will stick in your head. I described the band’s sound to someone as hints of punk, guitar rock, pop hooks, and a scoop of new wave. All those influences come together here. Lyrically, these songs hit hard and deep as they dive into the stages of grief and honestly remind me that I am still working through some of these from losing my Dad last year. Next up is ‘Lightning’, possibly my favourite from the album, where I can feel some early Blondie combining with X. This song has hook after hook throughout it. There are subtle nuances in the vocals that really elevate the song. Closing out the first side of the vinyl, ‘Makes No Difference’ brings in some great backing vocals in the chorus, and the musical change through the chorus provides a great change in tempo. The urgency continues to build in the song and leaves the listener feeling the train move faster and faster.

‘Superstar’ snaps out of the speaker with a killer guitar riff and reminds me a bit of 90’s bands like Fur, NY Loose, and the Goops crossed with some hard-hitting Brit-Rock flourishes a la Grand Theft Audio and a dose of Wargasm UK as the vocals remind me a bit of Milkie Way. ‘You Just Know’ closes out the album with another great rocker coated with extra sticky earworms.

At five songs, the band experiences the one criticism you probably don’t mind as a band… I simply wish there were more songs here. It provides a great introduction to the world for the band. Musically, this is timeless, and, years down the line, we hopefully get to look back on this EP and consider how the band evolved over the years. Definitely recommended!

‘Show Pony for the Masses’ is available now. Buy Here

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

Ricky Warwick returns with ‘Fire & Vengence’

Ricky Warwick returns with ‘Fire & Vengence’

Ricky Warwick returns with ‘Fire & Vengeance’, the explosive new single and title track from his forthcoming album coming out September 4th via Earache. The album will be available across multiple colour vinyl variants, signed editions, exclusive bundles and more via Earache Records, with special early bird pricing available for fans who pre-order early.

Speaking about the track, Ricky says, “‘Fire & Vengeance’ is a song about not knowing when you’re beaten… and refusing to let the politicians, the pressure, or the noise grind you down. It’s about standing in the wreckage with your fists still clenched and your spirit still intact.”

The accompanying video captures the reality of life on the road – candid backstage moments, travelling, stage walks, live crowds and the grit and camaraderie that fuel Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts night after night. Watch the video here.

Driven by raw guitars, defiant energy and Warwick’s unmistakable voice, Fire & Vengeance captures the spirit of resilience and rebellion that has defined his career for decades. The album also features special appearances from Phil Collen (Def Leppard), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake / The Dead Daisies), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) and Darren Holden (The High Kings).

Speaking about the album, Ricky says, “I wanted to make an album that captures everything I love about rock’n’roll – its power to bring people together, to make us dance and connect with one another, even in a world that often feels consumed by fire and vengeance. At its core, this record is about finding hope and unity in the chaos.

“A huge thank you to Phil Collen, Doug Aldrich, Charlie Starr and Darren Holden for bringing their musical talent to this record. I was also honoured to work on all of the songs with my good friend Keith Nelson once again – if you think we played all of our cards on my last album, ‘Blood Ties’, think again!

It’s a record that showcases a musician at the very peak of his powers, able to switch from tattooed blue-collar anthems to Stones-y balladeering and even the traditional Irish music that surrounded him growing up in County Down, Northern Ireland. Lyrically, he’s up there with the very best – a working-class poet whose songs combine the autobiographical, the observational, the political, the cynical and the heartfelt.

From fronting The Almighty and leading Black Star Riders to his acclaimed solo work alongside Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts, Ricky Warwick has remained one of rock’s most respected and enduring voices and one of rock’n’roll’s last true rebels.

Having spent almost 40 years marching to no beat other than his own, Fire & Vengeance comes just 18 months after the #25 UK album Blood Ties, a record that saw Warwick return home to his native Northern Ireland after almost 20 years living in California.

Working quickly has given the 10 songs that make up Fire & Vengeance their undeniable energy. “I’m not one of those guys who needs to disappear into a cabin in the mountains with all this fancy gear,” Warwick says. “All I need is a room and a guitar, and the ideas come. It’s a working-class thing, something I had instilled in me when I was a kid.”

To celebrate the release, Ricky Warwick will hit the road across the UK and Ireland this November.

Ricky adds, “I cannot wait for you to hear ‘Fire & Vengeance’ in full. Thank you for rocking with me all these years – here’s to many more together!”

For tickets and more details please head to https://www.rickywarwick.com/

FIRE & VENGEANCE TOUR – NOVEMBER 2026
Thu 5 Nov        Limerick – Dolans
Fri 6 Nov          Dublin – Grand Social
Sun 8 Nov        Belfast – Limelight 2
Tue 10 Nov      Edinburgh – La Belle Angele
Wed 11 Nov    Wolverhampton – KK’s Steel Mill
Thu 12 Nov     Nottingham – Rescue Rooms
Fri 13 Nov       Manchester – Gorilla
Sat 14 Nov       Newcastle – Anarchy Brew
Wed 18 Nov    Southend – Chinnerys
Thu 19 Nov     London – 100 Club
Fri 20 Nov       Norwich – Waterfront
Sat 21 Nov       Cambridge – Mash
Sun 22 Nov      Bristol – Thekla
Wed 25 Nov    Portsmouth – Kola
Thu 26 Nov     Trecco Bay – Planet Rockstock

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