The National Review

A phenomenal band. I first saw The National live when they performed in Birmingham back in 2008.

The National are an indie band from Ohio. By no means new, this band has been around since 1999. From then until now they have released five albums; "The National," "Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers," "Alligator," my personal favorite "Boxer," and "High Violet."

Although this band has released little since their last album "High Violet," (2010) they did recently debut three  of their new upcoming singles; Lola, Sullivan and Prime. They have also just announced that later in the year they will be releasing an LP (dates tbc).

Although their material is labeled as dark and melancholy, I find their songs to be hugely thought provoking and uplifting. Seeing these boys live is pretty special - although far from a crazy and wild night, the gig will leave you feeling both satisfied and content. During one of the shows in which I got to see the perform live, Matt Berninger jumped into the crowd mid song and continued his performance submersed into the crowd - it was awesome!

Something that stood out to me while watching Matt Berninger, Aaron and Bryce Dessner, and Scott and Bryan Devendorf is how good they sound both on and off record. Lead singer and frontman, Matt Berninger has such deep distinctive vocals it is clear why this band has managed to capture such a worldwide following.

I really urge you to see these guys live. I have been thoroughly impressed each time I have seem them live, and would definitely jump at the chance of seeing them again (for a 4th time!).

Tour Dates:
21-24th March. Brooklyn Academy of Music - Brooklyn, NY
5th June. Barclays center - Brooklyn, NY

For further information regarding tickets and/or tour dates, check out: http://www.americanmary.com/tour.php

Frightened Rabbit

If Biffy Clyro, The National or Gaslight Anthem are your calling than so are these.

Frightened Rabbit are a Scottish indie rock band from Selkirk. To date this band have released three albums, "Sing the Greys," "The Midnight Organ Fight," and "The Winter of Mixed Drinks," and a new EP "State Hospital."

The band is made up of lead vocalist Scott Hutchison, backing vocalist and drums, Grant Hutchison, and backing vocalist and guitarists, Billy Kennedy, Andy Monaghan, and Gordon Skene.

In terms of live reviews, this band has received some mixed ones. Don't be put off however as the negative reviews mostly originated in the earlier stages of their career. Now, despite singing more 'deep and meaningful' singles about drinking too much, and spending a lot of time alone, their shows are very good and surprisingly energetic! In particular, lead frontman Scott Hutchison consistently is able to create great banter between himself and the (usually sold out) crowds. If you are looking for an evening of entertainment, and are a fan of indie music than this is the perfect gig for you.

Tour dates:
9th February. HMV Institute Birmingham - Birmingham
11th February. Wedgewood Rooms - Pourtsmouth
12th February. Brighton Concorde 2 - Brighton
13th February. The Forum - London
16th February. The Fleexe - Bristol
21st February. Nottingham Rescue Rooms - Nottingham
22nd February. Manchester Gorilla - Manchester
23rd February. O2 Academy Liverpool - Liverpool
25th February. Sage Gateshead - Gateshead
4th April. Terminal 5 - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: UK dates and US dates

Kate Nash Music Gig

I have seen many great bands perform over the years. For every gig that I go to I go through the same feelings of excitement and anticipation beforehand. I love to see how each gig varies by the type of crowd it attracts, who is supporting, how good the band is live, and whether they can work a crowd or not.

I have experienced many gigs, from moshing to the Fratellis, standing in an intimate gig watching The National, to standing in a crowd of 100,000 to watch Faithless. Despite all these great experiences however there are the occasional disappointments, one being when I saw Kate Nash live at Glastonbury.

I really liked Kate Nash's debut album "Made of Bricks" as it included many great songs like Birds and Foundations. After the release of this album, Kate Nash continued to release a number of great tracks and personal favorites like Merry Happy and Mouthwash. However after the tour of her first album, it was reported that Kate Nash had a "proper breakdown." Since her return at the end of 2009, Kate Nash seems to have not only changed her appearance, but the style of her songs. I am not really keen on her new songs or her second album "My Best Friend is You."

When I saw Kate Nash live she mostly sang songs from her second album which was the first disappointment for me. Next, I disliked how Kate Nash constantly swore and repeatedly told the crowd to wake up, and at one point even told us to not be so "F****** shy" - not the best way I feel to work the crowd!! In addition to this, I found her performance very uncomfortable to watch as she seemed to shout her songs, rather than sing them.

Overall I would have to say give this gig a miss!

Nash is currently touring around the UK. To see her tour dates visit: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/94689/Kate_Nash.html