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Jan 20, 2025 | 
louderthanwar.com | Natalie A. Royle
The Verve: This Is Music: The SinglesLPAvailable 24 January hereThe Verve release their iconic This Is Music for the first time on vinyl – reviewed by Natalie Royle. The Verve’s This Is Music: The Singles 20th Anniversary Edition is a comprehensive celebration of the band’s ground-breaking influence on alternative rock, Britpop, and indie music. Originally released in November 2004, the album has been a pivotal document of the band’s journey.
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Nov 21, 2024 | 
louderthanwar.com | Natalie A. Royle
Unspectacular by Zaq BakerPublished by Zachary Baker – 25th January 2025Unspectacular by Zaq Baker is a compelling debut novel that intricately explores the struggles of adulthood, self-discovery, and the pursuit of creative and personal aspirations. The story centres on Mae Strand, a singer with a complicated relationship with the truth, her parents and her own identity, and Ajay Chadhana, an immigrant balancing the demands of a software career with his passion for drumming.
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Oct 21, 2024 | 
louderthanwar.com | Natalie A. Royle
From Heaven to Heaven New Order Live The Early Years (1981 – 1984) at Close Quarters by Dec HickeyRemastered 2024 EditionPublished by Dambooks 7th November 2024Dec Hickey’s From Heaven to Heaven: New Order Live – The Early Years (1981-1984) offers a deep dive into one of the most transformative periods in the history of Manchester band New Order.
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Oct 18, 2024 | 
louderthanwar.com | Natalie A. Royle |Neneh Cherry
Alice Cooper | Primal Scream | The MeffsAO Arena, Manchester17th October 2024Fresh from the success of his latest album Road, rock icon, pioneer and rock and roll Hall of Fame inductee Alice Cooper is back in the UK for the first time since 2022 on his Too Close For Comfort arena tour. Louder Than War’s Natalie Royle caught him at Manchester’s AO Arena.
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Oct 10, 2024 | 
louderthanwar.com | Natalie A. Royle
Mancunian poet Dr Mike Garry chats over Zoom with Louder Than War’s Natalie Royle about his new album Handwritten Miracles and also the importance of reading, stepping outside your comfort zone….and Bullseye. Read on…. Louder Than War: Congratulations on the album, it’s an amazing piece of work. Tell me a bit about it and how it came about?
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Sep 26, 2024 | 
louderthanwar.com | Natalie A. Royle
Mike Garry: Handwritten Miracles Vinyl | DLAvailable now hereCheersTa PublicationsMancunian poet, librarian and educationalist Dr Mike Garry, best known for his live performances and books, has released a collection of his work – Handwritten Miracles – on vinyl, accompanied by The Cassia String Quartet.
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Aug 15, 2024 | 
louderthanwar.com | Natalie A. Royle
Ray LaMontagne: Long Way Home Vinyl | CD | DL Available 16th August hereRay LaMontagne is back with his 9th studio album, Long Way Home, reviewed by Natalie Royle. Recorded and produced by LaMontagne in his home studio, the follow up to critically acclaimed Monovision pays homage to the journey of life that LaMontagne has been on so far and also everything that’s coming up ahead, delivered in his unique blend of Americana, folk, rock and blues.
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Aug 4, 2024 | 
louderthanwar.com | Natalie A. Royle
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds | Andrew CushinPiece Hall, Halifax1st August 2024Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds made a welcome return to Halifax’s Piece Hall after last playing here 2 years ago. The sun blazed down on the stunning historic venue, providing a picturesque backdrop for the concert, which coincided with Yorkshire Day, adding to the festive atmosphere.
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Jul 21, 2024 | 
louderthanwar.com | Natalie A. Royle
Richard Ashcroft | CastRobin Park, Wigan20th July 2024Richard’s homecoming concert at Robin Park Arena in Wigan was a night to remember. Its been 26 years since the former Verve frontman last played in his hometown at the height of the band’s fame in 1998, and despite the torrential rain that poured, this promised to be something really special – a celebration of Ashcroft’s hometown, which he has said has the potential to be a hub for the arts in the North West of England.
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Jul 13, 2024 | 
louderthanwar.com | Natalie A. Royle
James | Johnny Marr | Inspiral Carpets | The Magic Numbers | The KairosLytham Festival7th July 2024Sunday night sees James headline the final day of the hugely successful Lytham Festival, set right on the seafront at Lytham St Annes against the backdrop of Lytham Green, complete with the iconic windmill in the distance. Merseyside band The Kairos kick off the day’s performances, playing as the gates open and the crowds begin to arrive.
