My year in music

2017 has been a funny year. Here in the UK we dealt with sickening revelations and political turmoil. Our so-called 'special relationship' with the US seems more laughable than ever.

Back to music... I think it's fair to say that it's been a pretty mixed bag. On the one hand, we were presented with beautiful albums from the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Enter Shikari and The National.

On the other hand, many of my favourite bands have been irrecoverably condemned to the 'do not listen to' pile. What will it take to stop those in power from abusing it so?

While I struggled to understand the upsetting news stories, I did get to attend over 20 gigs this year and discover some great new artists.

I'm happy I stumbled across October Drift, Japandroids, and The Smith Street Band. I definitely rank the latter in my top 5 favourite artists, and am planning a trip to Australia to see the group out there. 

My most memorable gig of 2017 has to be Los Campesinos! at London's KOKO in May. The group has such an infectious energy, and it was great to be a part of it.

I also finally got to see The Killers and Future Islands, two bands I've loved for a long time. 

I have high hopes for 2018. I have my fingers crossed for a UK Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile tour, and cannot wait to see The Front Bottoms and The Smith Street Band in London in February.

Wherever you celebrate the new year, I hope you have a good one. Here's to 2018!

The Front Bottoms & Smith Street Band European Tour

For those who missed their tour with Blink 182 this summer (or who just can't get enough), European fans of the incredibly named indie rock band The Front Bottoms will be excited to hear that they're coming back over to see us early next year.

What's more, my favourite Australian rockers - The Smith Street Band - will be joining them. Could a gig get any more perfect, I hear you ask? Well yes, Brick + Mortar will be the other support act.

It is impossible to ignore the fact that TFB have changed a huge amount since their angsty early releases (for example Swimming Pool, Father). Fortunately, Brian's distinctive vocals still steal the show.

Having tragically missed them no less than three times during my university years, I finally saw TFB when they played at Kentish Town in December 2016. They certainly did not disappoint.

This tour will be our first opportunity to hear TFB's new album, Going Grey, live. With the album set to be released on 13th October, this gives fans plenty of time to know each lyric by heart. No pressure...

What makes me so excited about this tour is the support. I love The Smith Street Band and, after their incredible performance at The Garage in June, I'll certainly be attending February's show at Camden's Roundhouse.

Tickets go on general sale on 13th September. See you there?

For all dates and ticket info, click here.

And we're as happy as ducks in a storm drain: The Smith Street Band, London, 12/07/17

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, The Smith Street Band formed in 2010, originally under the name Wil Wagner and The Smith Street Band, in a nod to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. In 2011 the rock band changed its name to signify a whole-band songwriting style.

The band is currently made up of four members; Wil Wagner, Lee Hartney, Michael "Fitzy" Fitzgerald and Chris Cowburn. To celebrate the release of their 4th studio album, More Scared of You Than You Are of Me, The Smith Street Band have been touring in Europe.

I first discovered The Smith Street Band through the magic of Spotify. While stalking the band on Facebook, I came across a picture of a fan's tattoo which made reference to Ducks Fly Together, my favourite single, and realised just how much of an impact this band has on its fans.

As seems to be a trend with musicians I admire, The Smith Street Band's lyrics focus heavily on depression and heartbreak, and the intensity of the music both heightens and alleviates the sadness. There's something incredibly addictive about the band's style, and also I'm a sucker for an Australian accent.

Seeing The Smith Street Band live was an incredible experience, simultaneously exactly what I expected and 100 times more. Firstly, the venue (The Garage, Highbury Islington) was intimate, while providing enough space for dancing. They sold cider/beer in two pint glasses which certainly set the scene for the night.

Support came from Shit Present (who I unfortunately missed) and The Bennies, another Australian rock band who are slightly more punky than Smith Street. They were so energetic and got everyone ready for the evening. While waiting for The Smith Street Band to start, I noticed someone wearing a Los Campesinos! t-shirt and another with a Modern Baseball jumper. I was clearly in the right place.

The Smith Street Band!

Each song the Smithies (I'm getting more casual now) played got me more and more excited. I love loud rock music, when the crowd starts jumping and screaming together, and this is exactly what I experienced. It was beautiful.

Being conscious that I don't want to fangirl too much, I'll list some of my favourite songs for those who haven't had a chance to experience this band yet.

Calgary Girls, Forrest, Ducks Fly Together, Shine, Song For You, Passiona

I'm even more in love with The Smith Street Band than I was before, so much so that I'm considering a (permanent) trip to Australia to see them more regularly... Until then, I'll content myself with the great t-shirt I got from the show and the music.