The Ocelots, Junction J2, Cambridge, 11 May 2026

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Jessica Grace opened the show with tracks from her recently released EP ‘Unfolding’; her voice weaving around gentle guitar with a calm and captivating effect.

With their relaxing demeanour and musical chemistry The Ocelots were a winning combination. The fine vocal harmonies and subtle instrumentation brought the songs to life; aided by the various blending of guitars, harmonica, banjo, flute and piano. Anecdotes and introductions framed many songs from their latest album ‘Everything When Said Slowly‘, as well as a brilliant cover of Neil Young’s ‘Harvest Moon’ to end the show.

The Ocelots – Everything, When Said Slowly

unfolding | jessica grace (bandcamp.com)

Lande Hekt, NCI Club, Cambridge, 10 April 2026

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Emma Kupa opened the show with a solo performance, featuring a backward chronology starting with tracks from the last Mammoth Penguins album ‘Here’ back to choice cuts from her 2020 collection ‘It Will Come Easier’. As always Emma’s sensitive lyrics interweaved with her melodic guitar to sublime effect.

Lande Hekt has a new album, ‘Lucky Now’ which featured strongly in her set, from the jangly pastoral delights of ‘Rabbits’ to the bittersweet politics of ‘A Million Broken Hearts’. Her live voice sounded even more resonant than it does on her recordings, backed with echoing electric guitar and framed by warm interactions with the audience.

It was a really enjoyable evening, a great showcase for two fine singer songwriters.

Lande Hekt

Music | Emma Kupa (bandcamp.com)

Leicesterval, 28 Feb/1 March 2026 at Firebug, Leicester

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The Marlinas were a last-minute addition to the Saturday bill, with spiky commentary in their well-constructed songs. Trust Club were a power trio full of noise and presence, followed by Velvet Crisis with no compromise in their strong messaging. Oxford band Junk Whale were a heady mix of texture and emotion while Autocamper had a retro-timeless full band sound.

After the break White Town (singer-songwriter Jyoti Mishra) played a fine set with guitar and backing mixes including the famous hit ‘Your Woman‘. Local legends Yeah Yeah Noh (originally formed in 1983) showed they still can command a stage with their intense ‘unpop’ tracks, before the evening ended with the pure indie-musical embrace of Jetstream Pony, featuring the golden vocals of Beth Arzy.

Band illnesses caused the Sunday line-up to be reduced and moved back upstairs at the Firebug, with Boilers crashing the stage first, full of the spirit of punk rock and direct connection with the enthusiastic crowd. Knitting Circle bristle with sharp guitar pop, full of angst and protest. Bugeye stepped up to headline with their frenzy of electro-disco indie rock, soon to be fully realised on their upcoming second album.

It was a great music weekend, another success for Leicester Promoters ‘Sweeping The Nation’…

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Chloe Foy, Portland Arms, Cambridge, 25 February 2026

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Alex Francis opened this all-acoustic show with his confessional tales of love and relationships, driven by rhythmic guitar and his warm personality, followed by Fran Lusty with a gently compelling performance subtly embracing the audience.

Chloe Foy is working on a new album and many of the songs were previewed tonight along with gems from her stunning previous collection ‘Complete Fool’. Accompanied by violin and occasional keyboard to enhance her guitar there were many highlights, especially the opening ‘Where Shall We Begin’ and a beautiful version of ‘Spare’.

Chloe Foy

FRAN LUSTY

Home | ALEX FRANCIS (alexfrancismusic.com)

Kula Shaker, Junction J1, Cambridge, 8 February 2026

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This long sold-out show started with the high-energy raucous psychedelia of Norwich-based Floral Image. With their intoxicating look and powerful instrumental sound they made the most of the opportunity and fed off the positivity radiating from the enthusiastic audience.

As musical trends have fluctuated Kula Shaker have continued to co-exist in their alternative universe, building an appreciative following and renowned for their top quality live shows. Tonight they delivered in full, opening with ancient hit ‘Tattva’ and never letting up as the music and back oil-wheel projected images flowed. With a strong new album to feature there was a great depth and richness to the choice of songs especially the new title track ‘Wormslayer’. The encore featured crowd-pleasers ‘Hush’ and ‘Govinda’ leaving the devoted crowd completely satisfied.

https://kulashaker.co.uk/

https://floralimageband.com/

The Orielles, Portland Arms, Cambridge, 30 January 2026

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Brighton-based Ladylike opened this sold-out show; the four-piece were mainly previewing their upcoming EP. Their sound is thoughtful and relaxed, somehow being absorbed into the air and gently persuading the listener. With intricate guitar work and subtle vocals the band made a fine impression.

The Orielles occupy an undefined space between experimental ethereal grooves and more conventional indie rock, but the trio are always driving forward as multi-layers of guitar, effects, vocals and impatient drumming blend together to create something very special. Their fourth studio album ‘Only You Left’ is due in March this year.

https://www.facebook.com/theorielles/

https://www.instagram.com/ladylike.band/

Sassyhiya, NCI Centre, Cambridge, 29 November 2025

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First on were felicity perpetua, with effects-drenched guitar and vocals the duo were augmented by extra bass. Their style varied from full-on wall of sound to ethereal and experimental but always hypnotic. Celebrating ten years since their album ‘Healing Centre’ was released, Cambridge institution Model Village delivered an energetic set of their more uptempo tracks, laced with acerbic lyrics and instrumental twists.

Sassyhiya play compact sharp pop, mostly drawn from their excellent debut album. The quartet extract the lyrical goodness and spiky tunes from opener ‘Boat Called Predator’ and the surprises of ‘Puppet Museum’. There were new songs, as well as highlights like ‘I Had A Thought’ and the delicious ode to ‘Kristen Stewart’. The idiosyncrasies of their cat ‘Crayon Potato’ is a memorable singalong with a dexterous lyric and full-on rocker ‘You Can Give It (But You Can’t Take It)’ brought the show to a raucous end.

https://sassyhiya.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.facebook.com/modelvillagers/

https://nosoapworld.bandcamp.com/album/tape

Indiepop All-dayer, Blue Moon, Cambridge,15 November 2025

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Five new songs and two extra musicians gave Cambridge favourites Mammoth Penguins a flying start to the sold out all-dayer, with a sparkling high powered set. In contrast Huia Fun Club were all about quieter introspection as were And Yet with gentle harmonies. London quartet Goalies featured a sparse crystalline sound and played many strong songs from their 2025 EP ‘Meant To Be’. There was a hypnotic electronic feel to duo Mumble Tide who brought the first half of the day to a stylish end.

Nathy SG kicked off the evening with their rocking heartfelt tracks, later for some members to reconfigure the line-up into the equally punchy bright sound of Fortitude Valley. In between there was the highly energetic and show-stealing performance by Twat Union, their strong messages delivered with humour and verve, especially on the brilliantly catchy ‘Singer Of The Band’.

As a duo the magnificent Just Joans played an acoustic set to end a fine day of music. From nostalgic new single ‘Here Come The Rugby Boys’ to the wistful wisdom of ‘Bellshill Station’ all human life is there in the lyrics, delivered with deadpan beauty to a devoted audience.

https://www.facebook.com/MammothPenguins/

https://huiafunclub.bandcamp.com/

https://goalies.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mumbletide/

https://nathysg.bandcamp.com/

https://twatunion.co.uk/

https://fortitudevalley.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/thejustjoans/

Vic Allen, Voodoo Daddy’s Show Room, Norwich, 2 November 2025

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Beth Keeping was first on stage at this atmospheric underground venue. Her songs are full of story and imagination, from her ambivalent feelings for the city of ‘new york’, the rush of ‘Plane Tickets’ and the poignant family memory of ‘known you better’. An accomplished guitarist and keyboard player, she was later to reappear on stage with Vic.

Vic Allen also threads confessional lyrics through her country-pop songs, to great effect in the classy opener ‘Enough’. Following on with the evocative ‘Mexico’ and ‘Barcelona’ and the melodic ballad ‘Confetti’ showcases her range of original compositions. She is a good communicator, explaining the stories behind the songs. A cover of ‘Dakota’ by Stereophonics and a sensitive version of Beth’s ‘Two Seats Down’ fitted neatly into the set. Many of the tracks feature on Vic’s album ‘Some Place I’d Rather Be‘, including the autobiographical ‘Suitcase’ and the pounding country-rock of ‘Drive-Thru’ bringing the set to a spectacular close.

https://www.vicallenmusic.com/

https://www.bethkeeping.com/

Suzanne Vega, Corn Exchange, Cambridge, 27 October 2025

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A sold-out Cambridge Corn Exchange welcomed Suzanne Vega to the venue for the fourth time in her celebrated career. Opening the show was Katherine Priddy, with a short set of her thoughtful original songs. ‘A Boat on the River’ is a gorgeous melodic meditation then ‘Eurydice’ has a more sinister and dreamlike atmosphere. New single ‘Matches’ recalled the persecutions of women in medieval times while the final two songs had more personal stories attached. It was a fine performance from an upcoming indie-folk talent.

Suzanne Vega draws on a rich catalogue and has the relaxed performing style that brings the tales to life. Starting with ‘Marlene on The Wall’, complete with black top hat Suzanne’s voice is in fine form. She was accompanied for this show by her own acoustic guitar and additional electric guitar and occasional cello to give texture to her quite varied song styles.

Many familiar tracks featured as well as material from her acclaimed new collection ‘Flying with Angels‘, including the superb Dylan tribute ‘Chambermaid’. Finishing the main set with the timeless ‘Luka’ and ‘Tom’s Diner’ we were then treated to an encore including ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ and the beautiful ‘Galway’ ending the show on a high.

https://www.suzannevega.com/

http://www.katherinepriddy.co.uk