26.11.2025 - Dry Socket/Uncertainty/Seconds Out/Contentment - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

 

Last minute decision to go as I hadn't felt great all day but I had already bought my ticket a week or two before hand!

Wasn't a particularly busy night at the Lubber, but enough for the mosh. Not sure if there was anything else on that night other than the Cast gig at the NX.

Contentment opened up with their noise rock, no saxophone this time though! Still great stuff, though for some reason I thought this band may be done as sure I had read that they had so many gigs left and then they were done for good?! Hopefully, this will not be the case!

Seconds Out were playing in replacement of Lights Out who pulled out. Funny to think that I saw the American Lights Out play with the Manchester/Liverpool Seconds Out at the Dog and Parrot years ago! 

Seconds Out were ok, not a massive fan of beat down hardcore, hard to take some bands serious when they go,"Gonna knock you the fuck out", when they look like they couldn't knock a wank out...Though the kids were into it and were throwing shapes to it.

First time hearing Uncertainty, Queercore from Bristol. Really good live, enjoyed their set.

Good political hardcore, a band that has something to say and isn't afraid to say it!

Dry Socket are from Portland, fast hardcore punk, blazing set that didn't give up. Kids in the pit were loving it!
Would definitely see again if they came back like!

Picked up Dry Socket's 'The First Five Years' CD which is raging!

Was a decent night bar from someone trying to mug me on my way home (they got fuck all off me!)

16.11.2025 - Unified Action/Reap/Save Your Breath/Sinecures - The Little Buildings, Newcastle

 

Not sure if it's me getting older but it was a cold night to be going to a gig where the venue isn't any warmer in the gig room!

Burnt Body were to play this gig but pulled out for reasons I think are just stupid, though not that it mattered as the night was decent enough without them.

First up were locals Sinecures, I had thought this was their first gig but it wasn't. They had been described as sounding like Unwound, to which I haven't heard a lot of so can't compare but in parts I did think it was a bit like Codeine mixed in with a lot if the early to mid 90's emo. Was a really great set and liked the short sound collages between songs. Definitely looking forward to their album which should be out maybe next year?

From the Wirral were Save Your Breath, class fast angry hardcore sort of like Infest. Like bands like this, no messing around, short, fast sets!
Also singer is part of the Tied Down podcast which is also worth a listen.

Second time seeing Reap play, this time as a three piece, still loud as hell and again nice short and fast set, 14 songs in around 11 minutes!

Again, no fannying around and just getting into it!
Closing the night were Unified Action, straight up hardcore, nice Infest and Negative Approach cover.

Some good points from Lins doing the set about the North East scene, that no one seems to show up for locals that have been doing this for decades.

I've notice over the years that some shows don't pull in the crowds while some get packed out and you see people at the packed shows that don't bother with the local stuff, this shit kills the scene as if you don't support the local scene, there won't be one for the "bigger" bands to come to. Also, certain parts of the scene being weird about other people's jobs but ignoring some proper wrong'uns that make the scene unsafe...

Was a great night for the Dog and Cat Shelter as a fair amount of canned food was donated for there, though if this happens again I will remember to get them from the shops near me as trying to find tinned dog or cat food in the shops that are open in town on a Sunday evening is stupid as all I was finding was the pouch stuff until the last shop I tried had a 6 pack!

06.11.2025 - Wormrot/Deadguy/Gag/Ingrown/Plastics - The Grove, Byker

A pretty wild line up for the Grove! Early start too with the first band having been penned to play at 6:50pm!

Though when I got to the venue my mate who is part of Byker Grave mentioned that GAG were two hours late and were still not there!

Was a bit worrying as I had been wanting to see them the most, plus their bass player was there, he had came when I had just arrived at the venue. Overheard him say he flew in so assume he had came straight from the States and wasn't on the other Gag dates. The rest eventually turned up so everything was good!

First up were Plastics, who come from Brighton, fairly decent hardcore band and canny set.

Second up were Ingrown who I think are on tour with Gag, a three piece from Idaho. Had been told they were a metal band off someone, their bandcamp has them down as straight edge hardcore. Live they sounded more like a powerviolence/grind band, think the way the guitarist/vocalist played reminded me a bit of Pretty Little Flower.

Started to heat up now that Gag played! They absolutely killed it, not often I go near the front for gigs as I'm too old and prone to injuries but I went and enjoyed myself. Kids stage diving and moshing like maniacs! Was a joy to behold, not so much when I saw a lass take an elbow to the eye like! Interesting cover of Aphex Twin's Come to Daddy as well!

Wasn't familiar with Deadguy's music, had heard the name but not the music. Had been told they were mathcore/metalcore, members have been in bands such as Lifetime, Rorschach and Mouthpiece amongst others. Pretty decent live, was a nearly a fight between some of the younger kids and the older crowd when they were getting a bit too daft in the mosh pit.

Last time I saw headliners Wormrot, it was only one original member in them and their set was probably the worse out of the times I've seen them. Not tonight though! As we finally had all three OG members back!!!!!!!!! Back to form and just great raging grindcore! Even made a songs from Hiss sound a lot better or at least I thought so.

Crowd went ape for them, so many stage dives and some kid managed to crowd surf for about five minutes from the front to the back and then back to the front! Again, great set and a millions times better than the last time I saw them!
Was one arsehole who got up on stage and looked like he was taking photos but then appeared to maybe filming (or livestreaming?) himself with the band and it was annoying. Someone got on stage and dragged him off when he went to stage dive! But he got back on the stage again, so Arif kicked in off the stage though again he got back on and Stu one of the promoters dragged him off the stage and kicked him out which got a round of applause!

Was also cool to see Nick from Bones Brigade Records again as well a couple of people I hadn't seen for ages!

Cracking Night

03.11.2025 - Autechre/Mark Broom/Russell Haswell - Digital, Newcastle

Didn't think I'd ever see Autechre play live, had missed them the last time they played Newcastle, though to be fair didn't know they had played then. Knew they had played a boat on the Tyne with Wolf Eyes back in the 2000's which sounded fun!

Only thing that irked me about this gig was how crap promoters f45 are! Not much info from them since they booked the gig and announced it back in February(?) and didn't find out that Russell was supporting when they shared an Instagram post of set times on the day and even then, that post was by Brave Exhibitions and not f45.....

Short set by Russell Haswell, was not aware of his music beforehand but enjoyed his set, nice mix of harsh beats/drone and noise. It reminded me of past nights at the Sound Room or even Morden Tower and the noise gigs that used to happen there! Would like to see him play again for a bit longer and maybe try track down some of his releases.

Next up was Mark Broom, again wasn't aware of his music but he is a techno DJ and producer, got about an hour long set of him playing a mix of techno/dance(?) tracks. It was alright, probably wouldn't be something I'd go out my way to see again though. The crowd was weird as thought there would be more people maybe dancing but vast majority were just standing.

Finally, Autechre came on stage, there were signs up regarding their performance, that the set was going to played in the dark and requested no one had their phones on during the performance unless they needed to move around or go to the loo etc then they could use the torch on their phone. Also, if anyone needed help, they could use the touch and wave in the air, and someone would come to see/help them.

The sign said they would play for 80 minutes but sure they played round about 90? A very enjoyable set, maybe seats would have been good as could feel myself nearly nodding off. I liked the set, usual nice IDM stuff from Autechre, think with it being in the dark and no flashing lights etc it made you want to absorb the sound more without distraction. My back, knees and ankle however didn't thank me later as I could barely move but it was worth it like!

One thing I could have done without, the person who kept crop dusting their eggy farts, they were vile!

26.10.2025 - Smote/Knyf/SL Walkinshaw - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

Nice Sunday night at the Lubberfiend, though slight change up as Ekstasis had to pull out.

Their replacement was SL Walkinshaw, who opened the night. Nice drone/tape loop stuff, very ambient stuff maybe verging a bit on musique concrete, or at least I thought so in parts as it reminded me a bit of Luc Ferrari in places. Enjoyed the set and now need to find some of his releases!

Haven't seen Tom do a Knyf set for a while, and it didn't disappoint. Bit heavier drone/noise from what I can recall but none the less good! Don't think he has put any other releases out bar the tape that came out maybe 10 years ago(?!).

Headliners Smote were on form as always, was the final night of their tour for their recently released album, "Songs from the Free House". Great set and constantly releasing great albums, doesn't feel like it's been that long since their double LP, "A Grand Stream" was released. Though still need to catch Dan doing Smote solo which I'm told is also great live.

20.10.2025 - Higher Power/Existence/Test of Patience/Dissent- The Grove, Byker

 

An alright night to spend my 41st birthday at a hardcore show!!!

No Sense were supposed to be on this bill for their first show but pulled out. To be fair not sure they even exist anymore?!

Locals Dissent opened up with their debut show, members of Wise Up, Dead Stare and Finish What You Started. Only had four tracks from their demo but fairly decent set of beatdown hardcore. More likely see them at a lot more upcoming shows in the future.

Test of Patience come from Glasgow, again playing beatdown hardcore, quite heavy. Watch a couple of songs but it really wasn't my thing. Though it may have been over when the singer nearly hit the deck when she tripped over something on the stage. Luckily, she was alright and carried on.

Existence were really good, from Sweden and ex-The Hammer/Neighbourhood (not sure if both or just one of those bands) who I have seen before a few years back. Though a lot more metallic hardcore then those. Crowd enjoyed it, I enjoyed it, we all had fun! Well, I stood at the back being safe!

Not sure what to think of Higher Power live. I did like their set but sometimes the vocals were dogshit then would be good. Think it was mainly the vocals that put me off, the music was decent enough on a kind of bit Turnstile sound to it. Gentle hardcore I would say.
Was an alright night and saw some mates I hadn't seen in a while.

09.10.2025 - Puffer/Couture/Diall/Thrak - The Head of Steam, Newcastle

Nice sold out gig on Thursday night in Newcastle, if I hadn't bought a ticket for this I more likely would have been seeing Hibushibire at the Lubberfiend, one day I will see them! Newcastle was quite busy this night, had clocked that 90's indie band Sleeper were playing the NX and there was an England game on...

Locals Thrak opened up with their Lord of the Rings Orc inspired powerviolence, nice fast and short set.

Crowd got going for Diall, and in the Head of Steam which is quite a small venue it got a bit messy! Think there were a couple of new tracks played tonight!

First time seeing Couture, who are from Hull. Sure I've seen some of the members in other bands but I cannot recall which ones!

Really good hardcore/powerviolence, even a cover of local hardcore band Break It Up's 'Break It Up', which surprised me a bit though also hilarious as Lins and Sean who were in BIU were there and Lins didn't clock his own bands track!
Puffer's set was rad, singer had broken three ribs the night before so was taking it easy but bet it was awful and think they have a few more dates on the tour to go!
From Montreal, Canada play punk'n'roll, maybe slight garage punk? Whatever, it was a brilliant set and the crowd were going wild, did see a couple of people slip on their arses due to spilled beer!

Ended up picking up their LP, Street Hassle and the Demo+EP 12".

Again, a very good night and good for Max putting it on!

One weird incident was being asked by a random stranger if I knew anyone selling any what I first heard as "taco" so said there was a Taco Bell in town, but not he mean 'talc' as in cocaine...

27.09.2025 - Marzuraan/Horse Loom/Ballpeen/Culver - Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

A night to celebrate and remember Pete Burn, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Only knew Pete from gigs and spoke to him a handful of times over the years but he was a big part of the Newcastle noise/rock scene playing in bands like Marzuraan, R.Y.N. and End Now amongst others. He also had connections to bands around the world, doing artwork for bands and bringing bands over to play in Newcastle.

Believe he put on Braid and The Get Up Kids in the Stout Fiddler, or at least I know his band Curtis supported them.

He had recently been doing the Destroy Before Listening Podcast which was excellent and worth your time to go a listen to, some interesting stuff.

Culver opened with his usual drone electronics and as always a great set from Lee.

Next up were Ballpeen who were playing their first show in two years and also their last one. Probably the best I've seen them as they were pretty amazing for a band that hadn't played for ages! Got a but of a Sunny Day Real Estate vibe in places, Graham later told me they had been suggested to do a Torches to Rome cover set which would have been class if they did!

First time seeing Horse Loom, Stephen Malley's solo project, not sure why I never checked this out earlier as was very impressive solo guitar work, did in my mind, sound a bit like Richard Pinhas/Steve Hillage  on the noisy/out there parts but then some nice straight up electric folk playing.

Up last was the final ever Marzuraan gig, Stu, Rob and Lee were joined by Jerome and Graham on guitar in Pete's place. Also Dean was a part of this set on electronics (closest we may get to him doing another Romance set!). A great mix of noise rock and slow doom  and near on an hour set which was a fitting send off for them and for Pete.

Was a really good night, saw a lot of people I have seen for a while and all Rob who organised the gig managed to get around £700 to donate to Marie Curie.

03.09.2025 - Water Damage/Smote - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

Only two bands tonight but it was something special to witness!

Smote are always great live, great 45 minute set of dreamy drone folk psych, absolutely astounding to hear live. Just want to lie down and drift off.

Very much looking forward for their new album, Songs from the Free House to be released in October 2025!

Had only heard a few bits by Water Damage who come from Austin, Texas. Had been recommended them by my mate Jack and glad he did!

8/9 member kraut rock-esque collective, think the line up changes a bit depending on who is available? 

For tonight's gig, they had all the members of Smote join them in a near hour long drone sermon, wonderful stuff.

Wasn't till half way through their set it clicked that I knew I had seen the drummer, Thor before, saw him twice when he played in Swans! Mean, could have also clicked when there were LP's for sale for his solo stuff too like....

Picked up the first two Water Damage LP's and noticed their set had been recorded by the dude doing the merch so hopefully a digital release of the set at some point would be nice!

29.08.2025 - Bootlicker/Rat Cage/Ruined Virtue/Spit - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

A nice sold-out gig at the Lubberfiend, very warm as well, was glad when I could slot myself under one of the air cons in the venue to cool down!

Red Rocket and Burial Plot had pulled out but were still left with four decent bands for the night. Though do believe Burial Plot have split or coming to an end as one of the members is moving away?

Up first, were locals Spit, couple of new tracks played which should hopefully be coming out on a new tape this year?
Ruined Virtue seemed a lot more fast/heavier than the last time I saw them, good stuff and has also reminded me I need to pick up their 7" at some point.

Great set from Sheffield's Rat Cage, class d-beat punk. Love how this is a solo project, and line-up changes a bit when they tour. Proper relentless stuff live!

Bootlicker were excellent live, nice d-beat/hardcore. Pretty much straight to the point punk, great stuff!

16.08.2025 - Self Immolation Music/Dawn Terry/Contentment/Christie Chan Duo - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

 

Very warm night at the Lubberfiend, so in between bands trying to get myself under one of the air conditioning vents to cool down!

The Christie Chan Duo opened up the night, drums and sax free jazz, really good stuff. It reminded me a bit of Borbetomagus without the guitar, though when mentioning this later was reminded Borbetomagus didn't have drums (just saxophones and guitar!) which I'm not sure how I forgot as I've seen them live!

Saw Christie drum as another duo at the Shit's Christmas gig, and he is a very talented drummer, hoping there is more from this duo to come in the future.

Next up were Contentment, locals playing their third or fourth show? Nice mix of noise rock and no wave and should be releasing a demo soon so will be looking forward to trying to score a copy when that happens.

Dawn Terry's set was fantastic bar the knackers who had to be told to shut the fuck up or leave during her set by Dawn.
Great drone/folk with looped vocals, hopefully a new release as it's been a few years since her last release.

Headliners, Self Immolation Music were class as always, amazing mix of shoegaze and psychedelic rock, if you like Spacemen 3/Loop you will love Self Immolation Music. Their self titled LP is class and worth tracking down, I managed to pick up their flexi that Donor Records put out so was happy with that!

07.08.2025 - Stiff Meds/Irked/Dead Stare - The Grove, Byker

I wasn't feeling 100% at this gig, I ended up leaving before Angel Du$t played as I hoyed up in the toilets.

Though to be fair, not that into them, they do have some ok songs, but the way I was feeling I was more likely to spew my guts up in the venue if I stayed!

Second gig for Dead Stare, nice short set. Wouldn't think it was their second show, kinda like a band that has been around for a while, hopefully more gigs lined up for them.

Was happy to finally see Irked play, nice sort of post punk, want to say they reminded me a bit of X-Ray Spex a bit and another band that I can't recall their name?!

Really good stuff and definitely want to see them play again. I do have their 12" and 7" I need to get round to playing!
Great to see Stiff Meds again, proper smashing it as always!
Was also great (bar being ill) having a show be full on a Tuesday night and during summer when a lot of people are away!

02.07.2025 - Destiny Bond/Big Laugh/Fentanyl/Diall/Spit - The Grove, Byker

Good sets by locals Spit and Diall.

Spit haven't really played much this year, think this is their third gig of the year and waiting on their 7" to come out at some point.

Daill have just recently came off a Euro tour.

Wasn't really into Fentanyl, thought the singer was a bit of a second rate Justin Pearson.

Big Laugh were awesome, was great to see them play again. Was a bit of a technical hiccup as one of the guitarists had to change some strings but nothing major and the band carried on playing when he sorted it.

Wasn't too sure about Destiny Bond, hadn't heard anything by them until a few hours before when I checked some live videos on YouTube. I still wasn't too sure after seeing that but seeing them live for real was totally different. They were fucking awesome, great hardcore and full of energy.

They were impressed by the Newcastle scene and assume everywhere they have played on their Euro tour which is always good, shows that no matter how bad things are, there are at least places we can all go and just enjoy a show and feel accepted etc...

24.06.2025 - Necron 9/Louse/Knome/Börda - Lubberfiend, Newcastle

Another night at the Lubber!

Börda's third gig and canny d-beat punk!

Knome are from Glasgow, noticed the bass player is the singer from the excellent Bleaks. They were class, nice fast hardcore punk, started off with a half cover of Feeder's Just a Day before hitting into their own stuff and ending with a SSD cover!

Picked up their demo tape, worth checking out or if you can catch them live do it!

Some scum rock noise from locals Louse, always gets the crowd riled up a bit!

All the way from Milwaukee is Necron 9, nearing the end of a Euro/UK tour, think after this gig they have Glasgow then Dublin left to go.

Elliott from Börda, who put this gig on had seen them at Brainrotter Fest and had said we were all in for a treat and he wasn't wrong.

Some brilliant old school hardcore in the same ilk as The Fix. No fannying around and to the point which was very enjoyable!

Made sure to pick up their LP, 16/17 minutes of raging hardcore, what's not nice to like about that?!

16.06.2025 - Terror/Jivebomb/No Relief/Dead Stare - Digital, Newcastle

A no barrier hardcore show at Digital!!!!!!!!

Dead Stare's first gig, short and sweet as they only have 4 songs and only recently released a demo.

Ex-Mortsafe and believe current member/s of Finish What You Started, decent heavy hardcore.

From Brighton, we had next up No Relief. I thought they were a bit shit to be honest, not the kind of hardcore I would listen too, but the majority of the crowd were digging it.

For some reason I had thought Jivebomb were from Brighton or London, but they come from Baltimore. They were pretty decent live, mean probably not a band I would listen to on vinyl/CD. Did think that one of the guitarists looked a bit like Mike Vest!

Again, not a massive fan of Terror, in that I have only heard a handful of songs etc but fucking hell they put on one hell of a show!

You would think with a name like Terror they might be a bit of a macho bullshit band but nah, they want everyone to be a part of the positive energy in their show.

So many stage dives and people just getting into it without any fights or ego. Really enjoyed their set, did feel the urge to get up and stage dive but I decided to be sensible and stay at the side and then at the back.

Also enjoyed the gig being done and dusted before 10pm! No rushing to catch the last bus or metro home which is always a plus!

Even though I'm in my 40's, I don't think I'll ever get sick of going to shows!

14.06.2025 - Smote/Penelope Trappes - The Cluny, Newcastle

Had left this pretty much last minute and got a ticket on the Friday before, lucky there were still tickets available!

First time seeing Penelope Trappes and had only gave her a quick listen in the morning before the gig! 

A really a amazing set by her, vocal stuff over dreamy ambient electronics, she used two microphones so assume one was lined into pedals to layer her vocals(?), I'm not 100% sure, she was backed up by Mark from Vorpor, again playing cello. I was really taken back at how class it was, I can't really compare her to anyone, I did want to say a mix of Zola Jesus and Julianna Barwick, but I don't know.

Third time seeing Smote, despite them having been a part of the local scene for a good chunk of time, sure every time I have seen them, their line up slightly changes too.

One of the best live bands around to see, a lovely mix of prog and krautrock I think, they have quoted Träd, Gräs & Stenar as a big influence and all the bands before Träd.. and that is clear to see.

Great night and think Smote are playing the Lubberfiend in September so will be at that. Picked up the Smote live album, not sure if it was a tour release but they had it down as an unreleased live album so maybe not and it could be out soon. It is on Rocket Recordings though can't find any info on it yet...

13.06.2025 - Vorpor/Christian Alderson/Mothlight - The Cumberland Arms, Byker

A warm Friday night in a small room at the Cumberland! 

Knew it would be a decent night, when getting off the metro at Byker and walking past a bloke battering 5 blokes outside the pub for some reason or another!

Complete opposite of The Get Up Kids from the other night, which was fairly packed out, this was quite a small gathering of people, reminds me of the normal noise gigs of a few years back which were poorly attended, but always good!

First up was Mothlight, second gig for him. Interesting stuff, as he has a few homemade noise boxes and gizmos for his set up.

Was a bit in between with his set, was some parts I wasn't into and felt like it wasn't going anywhere, then you would have parts that were amazing! Not trying to knock him and it was only his second show, but think he will be one to watch over the next few years as can see his set probably getting more and more complex etc...

Next up we had Christian Alderson of The Unit Ama/Archipelago doing a solo drum set. Wasn't expecting what I saw and heard!

Think I was assuming it was just going to be jazz drum solos, but it was a lot better than that! A lot of different percussion instruments used alongside his drumkit. He asked the crowd to pick a number from 1 - 33 and think that each number had been indicated a piece of music. Some wonderful droney/ambient stuff infused with drumming, was nice and relaxing. The only thing that spoilt this set was someone calling my mobile (it was on silent) three or four times! Turned out to be workmates who were outside in the beer garden....

Finally came Vorpor, a duo of Lee Stokoe (Culver) and a lad called Mark. A collaboration of keyboard/tape drone and cello, also believe this was their second gig as well. Really good stuff, wish the seats had been better as I wanted to lean back and just drift off into the void! They do have one CD-R out at the moment and hopefully some more releases to come.

Was a decent night and saw a lot of people I hadn't seen for ages!

10.06.2025 - The Get Up Kids/Lakes/Dikembe - Northumbria University, Newcastle

Dikembe was a late addition to the line up, they were due to play the Cluny the same night with Suds but for some reason that never went ahead.

They are from Florida and play emo/indie rock. They were ok, not a band I would go out my way to see like but not bad.

Second up, were Lakes. For some reason I thought were from Ireland, I was sure I read that, but they are from Watford!

From what the singer said, they are normally a six piece but one of the members was unable to play tonight's gig so their set had to slightly change. A bit of alternative rock with a bit of an 80's feel in places, still trying to think of the band I thought they sounded a little bit like but it's not coming to me. 

Again, thought they were ok, but don't think I would see them again, maybe give them another listen to hear them as a full band, could maybe change my mind then!

Did feel a bit bummed out for the two openers as the venue didn't feel busy.

Finally, The Get Up Kids got up onstage and played a great set. Played the whole of Something to Write Home About for it's 25th Anniversary. 

Was saying to a mate before they played it's funny that the last time them played around here was in 1996(?) with Braid and that it was probably £2/3 on the door!

Definitely worth the wait to see them and as part of their encore got to hear, Stay Gold Pony Boy and Shorty!! Two of my favourite songs by them from the first album.

Nice night out and saw some mates I hadn't seen for ages. Though, this morning I feel like I can barely walk as my legs and back are kicking me!

31.05.2025 - Ramleh/The Shits/Louse/Skintern - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

Soon as this got announced I was pretty siked to see Ramleh again, especially as a four-piece band doing their noise rock work as opposed the last time I saw them 15 years ago as a duo doing power electronics (which as also very good!).

Night kicked off with Skintern, not sure where they are from, maybe London?

A nice mix of noise rock and hardcore punk, they had a film showing in the background which I'm surprised no one moaned about, guess if it was at the Star and Shadow maybe...film was a bit of BDSM stuff on a loop. It added to the performance as could imagine this sort of stuff when Ramleh were playing in their early days or any early 80's power electronics band.

There was a bit where someone got on stage and cut the guitarists forehead and blood got everywhere, again part of the performance and not done in spite. Though where I was in the crowd, I thought the bloke had a bit of his hair cut, not sure why!

Look forward to picking up any demo or release this band may do and would see a again. 

Been a while since I've seen Louse play and they have just recently come back from short Euro tour with Brak.

Also been busy releasing stuff as think in a period of a year they have put out an LP, 12" EP, split 10" with The Shits and a split tour tape with Brak.

Good to hear the newish stuff live, sleazy noise rock!

Callum from the Shits had been busy this gig, having drummed for Skintern and Louse and now up on vocal duties for The Shits.

Honestly think the majority of the crowd were here for them to be fair. I like the Shits, don't like having the shits...

Think a couple of new songs were played, know the new album has been recorded and will be out some time soon.

A bit of a late start to Ramleh's set but that didn't matter as they were phenomenal live. Think I would say this was better than the last time I saw them! Cracking noise rock and looking forward to the new album by them.

I did have to go before them finished for the last metro but saw nearly an hour of something rather magnificent! 

One gripe I did have, was the cunt who kept talking all the way through the set. I moved a couple of times to get away from him and his mates and he seemed to be behind me everywhere I went! If you want to talk to your mates, then fuck off outside?

27.05.2025 - Shove/Aperture/Fast Blood - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

Final gig of the "Road Dawg" event where three bands that played Noise Annoys, played the Lubberfiend.

Wasn't a busy night, day after the Bank Holiday so assume a lot of people were wrecked after the weekend or skint...

Locals Fast Blood opened up with their melodic pop punk style. Enjoyed their set, second time seeing them and they have been around in other bands for at least 20+ years. Still need to pick up their LP.

Aperture were on second, great grind/hardcore, definitely one of the good bands of the new generation I think and hopefully get some more releases from them.

Had went to this gig not knowing anything about Shove bar them being an Australian band. Decent hardcore, fast and loud!

Cracking set, again, hopefully get to see them play again one day.

Ended up getting their LP as they have come all the way from Australia to play to a small crowd on a Tuesday night in Newcastle. Did overhear the guitarist say that it was a decent turn out for a band that may be no one knew much about.

I kind of think, it's good to see bands like this or any touring band as it may get harder for bands to come with having to pay for visas/work permits etc (may be the same for UK bands here going to the States or mainland Europe).

22.05.2025 - Public Acid/Tramadol/Tormented Imp - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

Like the Muro gig this was part of 3 gigs with bands that were playing the Noise Annoys fest in Sheffield!

Noisy punk from Sheffield/Leeds lot Tormented Imp, nice stuff!

Great to see Tramadol again, ex members of bands like No Form/Bad Manifest/The Wound etc... recently put out their first EP which rips like.

Canny mix of d-beat and fast heavy hardcore, despite having the demo tape, I've decided I need to get the demo tape on 7" which Crew Cuts released a year or so back....

Hadn't heard much of Public Acid but when I saw a picture I joked either from Portland or Richmond! And was right, they are based in Richmond now! 

Nice fast and chaotic hardcore, they blitzed through their set like!

20.05.2025 - Muro/Mother Nature/Diall - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

Feel a lot of people missed on this, mean Earth was playing the Cluny the same night and think there was something else on?

Diall putting in another set of New Wave of Newcastle Hardcore before hitting the Mainland of Europe for a summer tour, think a new song got played too!

A blinder of a set by Mother Nature, recently dropped their LP on Static Shock which is worth picking up.

From Bogota, Columbia are Muro. One of the best sets I've seen this year, raging raw fast punk.

So much energy! Think it's fucking awesome that we get to see bands like this play here, may not understand much Spanish but I appreciate a band coming across from the other side of the world to play a set like that! Punk is universal man!

Picked up their LP which is cracking as well!

Wish I had went to see them play at Noise Annoys as heard they smashed it even more!

19.05.2025 - Throwing Muses/Fred Abong - The Cluny, Newcastle

I felt like the youngest person at this gig and I'm 40 years old!

Sold out show and it was heaving; first time I've seen the merch stall outside of the gig space and in the area where people normally have their scran!

Fourth time seeing Fred played and same as always, great set. Just gets on and plays without much of a break or much talk between songs. Guess double paycheck as he also plays in Throwing Muses - he was in the early line up back in 1980s.

Was great to see to See Throwing Muses, was disappointed I didn't get to hear Hate My Way, but to be fair the lineup has changed a lot since then. Thought it was cool that Kristin's son was playing bass for them.

Enjoyed what they played, a bit different from earlier stuff, maybe more mellow with the cello player they had?

Picked up a nice screen-printed tour poster that was signed by Kristin, also bottled it after the gig when outside talking with Richie and Jonas as thought about getting the other members to sign it! 

18.05.2025 - Time X Heist/Supernova/Without Love/Spit/Thrak - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

Sunday night hardcore! Early start and early finish due to the metros going off at 9pm.

Lord of the Rings inspired Orc powerviolence with Thrak kicking things off, just dropped their demo on Conviction Records.

Thought they were decent, some intense heavy drumming which made me think of MITB and Gasp in parts.

Spit return after a couple of months off gigging, they had just finished recording that weekend for hopefully their 7" to come out at some point this year. Great set as always!

Had wondered where Without Love came from and it's Sheffield, may have said the last time I didn't know where they are from, but I do now.

Really canny melodic hardcore, some good riffs and catchy tunes. Wish I picked up the tour split 12" they did with Time X Heist now.

I was really impressed with Supernova, straight edge hardcore from London, really wish I picked the demo tape up when Conviction dropped it.

Class  Project X - Straight Edge Revenge cover as well!

Colorado's Time X Heist were decent too, more straight edge hardcore on their first UK/Euro tour.

During their set the singer asked if someone in the crowd was in the band that had played the night before with them in Liverpool, as apparently that kid had said some bad shot about the Columbine school shooting. It wasn't the kid, and the singer said it was nearly awkward as assume he was gonna give him shit! Though, I just want to know what the kid in Liverpool said as I am a nosey cunt!

This was also Connor from Conviction Records birthday, so he got a birthday cake think just before Time X Heist played. Well-deserved as he has been putting on some belting shows and releases over the last couple of years and hopefully for more years to come!

16.05.2025 - Chiens/Horse Bastard/Reap/Ripped Out - The Head of Steam, Newcastle

Been a while since I've been to the Head of Steam for a gig, it hasn't really changed much, though wish it wasn't such a fanny on to go to the bogs as you need a passcode to access it. Though believe this is to stop people using it to shoot up/trash the place...

First up, were Ripped Out, local beatdown hardcore crew. Wasn't really into it as it felt a bit slow compared to the other bands on the bill.

However, I assume they haven't been playing gigs much so will probably end up getting better with more shows under their belts.

First time seeing Reap, local powerviolence band with ex-Eyeteeth/Geist members. Short and sweet set of under 10 minutes, blasting two bass noise a la Man is the Bastard. Look forward to the demo/7" or whatever is in the pipeline.

Been at least ten years (maybe longer or less?!) since I last saw Liverpool's Horsebastard. They seemed to have gotten a lot faster I think, some nice technical grind, their drummer proper smashed it like. A lot of movement on the Head of Steams tiny dancefloor!

Chiens from France were unbelievable fast grind/slight powerviolence, short set but really great.

Think I helped and I use the word help quite loosely put out their split with The Afternoon Gentleman...

Great night and an early finish so got home well before 11:30pm!

9.05.2025 - Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso UFO/Monde UFO - The Common Room of the Great North, Newcastle

A warm night in Newcastle to see Acid Mothers Temple play!

The Common Room of the Great North used to be known as the Mining Institute, has had a bit of a make over with a bar being downstairs now. Can't remember what was actually there before that.

Anyway, decent venue and perfect for tonight's gig I thought, last time I had been in the room where the gig is was when Silver Apples played over 10 years ago, I think? It may have been Gnod, but again I'm not 100% sure!

Opening up were Los Angeles trio, Monde UFO. A bit of a mix of music, bit electronic, bit jazz and a bit of psychedelia and space rock. That may sound a bit of a mess, but it works. Really enjoyed their set, wish I had taken more money out to pick up their LP's they had on sale, though should be able to pick them up online no problem. 

A lot of people missed out on their set which is a shame as think they would have loved them, though did think maybe the band were also wrecked as they mentioned they had been touring the UK via train and they had some of them cancel, not a nice welcome to England like!

Monde UFO

Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso UFO were awesome as always! Played for over an hour and a bit but it felt like they hadn't played for that long! Noticed they now have the bass player from Bo Ningen in their lineup, though sure he also plays in Mainliner or did when I saw them play?!

Did laugh when they started to play Pink Lady Lemonade as saw my mate leave straight away as he isn't a fan of that song, remember last time I saw AMT play at the Star and Shadow he said if they played it he was fucking off for a tab!

Acid Mothers Temple

Nice enjoyable night, could have done with more seats as I'm getting too old to be standing about, did think about sitting on the floor but there was a woman close to me who was all over the place dancing like a loon!

08.05.2025 - TS Warspite/Blow Your Brains Out/Almighty Watching/Wits End/Burial Plot/Börda - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

Six bands on a school night, two international bands as well!

Blow Your Brains Out from Tokyo, Japan and Almighty Watching from Connecticut, USA.

Another great line up and gig present by Conviction Records, go check here for upcoming shows and releases.

Opening up was local d beat punks Börda, playing their second(?) gig, nice short and to the point set. Look forward to their demo once t gets recorded.

Burial Plot were up next, recently just dropped their demo on Conviction Records, heavy hardcore and going from strength to strength. Felt like halfway through their set they went up a notch and it got louder and heavier!

Not sure where Wits End are from, assume with the members, from Leeds/Manchester, made up of people from the Flex/TS Warspite.

Really good 90's style hardcore, wish I picked their demo up when everyone was posting about it!

Almighty Watching played a similar style to Wits End, 90's style hardcore. I thought it was ok, not going to lie I wasn't really feeling it but I was starting to feel tired (I had been up since 5:30am), they did have a couple of songs that did slap like!

Always great to see TS Warspite, first time I saw them was here at the Lubberfiend and was blown away at how class they were live. Last saw them last year supporting Spy at Newcastle Labour Club where they were definitely the highlight of that gig. Absolutely smashed it again, the kids going mad in the pit and a couple of new songs that hit hard! TS Warspite are definitely top tier of the UK hardcore scene like!

Tokyo's Blow Your Brains Out play New York style hardcore, heavy with slight beatdown vibes? Knew as soon as the drummer kicked in they were going to be class! They gave it 100% like, really good stuff, like when it comes to Japanese punk I'm more in the d-beat/noise punk stuff which is always amazing but Japanese version of hardcore is tight!

3.05.2025 - Rival Schools/Oversize - Digital, Newcastle

Waited 23 years to see Rival Schools! 

Back in 2002 they supported the terrible band A. I really wanted to see Rival Schools, but no one wanted to go, then A had a hit song and blew up and then everyone I knew at the time wanted to go see them but by then it had sold out!

First time at Digital next to the centre of life, I thought I had been there but mixed it up with Think Tank which is above it.

A decent sized venue and I had no problems seeing the bands from wherever I was. Could have done without a pint cost £7.40, bit steep that!

Also, had a bloke go past me and go nice checky shirt...just weird has had someone a while back say I had a nice hoody; someone mentioned a Throbbing Gristle t-shirt. Worried if I go take a piss someone might say, nice boxers or something!

Oversize

Not sure where Oversize are from, think I read South West England? Fairly decent band, though I thought the vocalist’s microphone could have been turned up slightly as to me it felt as if it dipped a bit, or his vocals got drowned out by the rest of the band in places.

Would say they were maybe similar to Basement, I did overhear the singer after their set described his band as a bit of Slowdive meets Ride.

Can see the Ride parts but not the Slowdive parts.

Rival Schools

Enjoyed Rival Schools set very much, definitely worth the wait! Not that they have much out, two albums a split and a lost album LP, was hoping they may have released an EP of newer stuff, though did finally pick up the lost album, "Found". Their merch guy was having a nightmare as don't think the wi-fi was good as his machine was playing up a lot!

It has made me also wonder if Walter may bring Quicksand over for more gigs round the UK or at a push hope for a Gorilla Biscuits tour but guess that is wishful thinking!

Used for Glue

21.04.2025 - Stress Positions/Anti-Everything/Börda/Seconds Out - The Lubberfiend, Newcastle

Bank Holiday Monday night fun at the Lubberfiend!

First show for locals, Seconds Out, not to be confused with the old Seconds Out from Liverpool from a few years back.

They were ok, not going to lie, I'm not really into the beatdown style of hardcore that they played but always good to have new bands coming into the scene and keeping the North East hardcore alive and kicking.

Another debut show for Börda, d-beat punks with ex-Sulfur and pH People members and added Anti-Cimex cover!

Enjoyed their set and hopefully they get to play more and get a release out at some point.

All the way from Trinidad & Tobago are Anti-Everything.

Really great set, mixed a bit of their Caribbean roots with melodic hardcore. Not often you see steel drums being used in punk!

Awesome to see bands from different parts of the world come and play, we may be separated by oceans and continents, but we all have the same issues etc

Regret not taking cash along as would have picked up their tape and 7" they had on sale.

Stress Positions headlined, from Chicago and they play some fast hardcore!

I kind of got Los Crudos vibes from them but think that was more on the vocals (despite not being sung in Spanish). An enjoyable set of fast chaotic hardcore.