Festival review: The Long Road festival - Lutterworth, 22-24 August

If you thought last year’s Long Road Festival was unforgettable, 2025 just cranked it up a notch. From the moment you set foot on the lush festival grounds, you could feel the energy buzzing - country, Americana, and a dash of rock ’n’ roll blending into one giant, boot-stomping celebration.

The line-up was top notch this year. Headliners Drake Milligan, Midland and James Bay had the crowd singing at the top of their lungs, while up-and-coming acts brought fresh vibes that kept everyone on their toes. Highlights included sets from First Time Flyers, Elles Bailey and Birds Flying Backwards. 

Whether you were front and centre by the main stage, chilling at the Front Porch Sessions, or discovering hidden gems at Buddy’s dive bar, there was never a dull moment.

Food? Absolutely next level. From smoky BBQ brisket to loaded mac ’n’ cheese, plus more craft beer and cocktails than you could possibly sample in a weekend, there was something to fuel every dance move and late-night singalong.

Cowboy boots, glitter hats, spontaneous line-dancing, and a whole lot of smiles - the sense of community was unbeatable. The festival nailed that perfect balance of wild fun and laid-back charm, making it the ultimate summer escape.

If you missed Long Road 2025, you missed the party of the year. But don’t worry - 2026 is already shaping up to be even bigger. Mark your calendars, dust off your boots, and get ready to ride again. 

📸 @photosbychloeh

Live review: The Dead Daisies, Tramshed Cardiff, 19/08/25

 

Tramshed in Cardiff became the venue for an unforgettable rock-fest, as Dan Byrne, Scarlet Rebels, and The Dead Daisies delivered the goods. 

First up, Dan Byrne, complete with his signature large-brimmed hat, set the tone with an affable, stage-commanding presence. His show felt like a communal gathering of mates, driven by rhythmic grooves and anecdotes. His gravelly rock vocal cut through the room with raw power, giving every chorus grit and emotion in equal measure.

Next, Scarlet Rebels brought their Welsh grit to the stage with a soulful energy. It was palpable fun; the guitarist, hair flying, anchored the performance with intense riffs as if holding the whole show together. They wear their working-class roots proudly, exuding the infectious joy of honest, unpretentious rock.

Then came The Dead Daisies, combining old-school vibes with a nod to classic road-warrior fandom (bassist Michael Devin sported an Eagles “Long Road Tour” tee). Their set was an all-night rock ’n’ roll assault - heavy, nostalgic, and unapologetically honest. Think sweat-soaked riffs, thunderous beats, and a collective energy that transported you straight back to the golden age of hard rock. The band gelled effortlessly, particularly drummer Tommy Clufetos, who looked like he was treating the kit as workout therapy.

The energy throughout was raw and joyful. From Byrne’s playful start, to Scarlet Rebels’ blue-collar anthems, to the Dead Daisies’ all-night rock assault. The show felt like an unfiltered celebration of what rock music should feel like: fun, gritty, and full-throttle.

Live review: The Dead South, The Beacon – 17/03/25

 

Words by Mark Williams

 Do you enjoy foot-stomping, folksy, blue-grass, roots-based storytelling country and rockabilly? If so, this All-Canadian show will probably be right up your street.

Support act, renowned Canadian country artist Corb Lund (pictured below) kicked off the second evening of this six-date UK tour with a very impressive set. After all, this guy has released an impressive twelve albums. He and his talented band provide an eclectic mix of anecdotal lyrics and flamboyant, energetic rhythm with some aplomb. He is definitely worth checking out.

The Dead South was formed in Saskatchewan in 2012 and have released four studio albums (and one live album) to great acclaim. This tour is promoting the latest studio offering Chains & Stakes. 

The stage is particularly impressive on this tour, consisting of a theatrical looking set of western style frontier buildings accompanied by some clever lighting, which adds some real atmosphere to the show. 

Vocals are shared between Nathaniel Hilts, Scott Pringle and Danny Kenyon, all fine vocalists, with Danny specialising in the more tender side of the spectrum. The sublime harmonies and impressive musicianship are a joy to behold. 

The band has the (very near) sold out audience in the palm of their hand from the first song to the very last, with plenty of keen audience sing-along participation. Although, at one point, Nathaniel did mention that he was worried the audience was quiet between songs, something they’re not used to…however, he needn’t have worried.

The 20-song set swings between the melancholic, raucous and downright catchy songs and instrumentals that this enthusiastic audience were expecting this evening, including six songs from the new album. And, of course, fan favourite In Hell I'll Be in Good Company, which is probably the track that first stirred public interest in the band. If you’ve not seen the video, catch it online. It’s great fun.

Live review: H.E.A.T / Art Nat / Chez Kane - Fleece Bristol, 28/01/25

 

Photo credit: Richard Bolwell

A triple threat of ‘80’s inspired rock hit the Fleece in Bristol tonight, starting with Welsh rocklet Chez Kane, she is bringing the Cher vibes with her impressive outfit and with vocals ten times her own size. Song after song of inspired by the decade of decadence, she is really getting things started.

The already heaving crowd are now treated to some melodic rock from Gothenburg’s Art Nation, showing the Swede’s really know how to do it right. Having played with Europe, Twisted Sister and Dokken, they have some experience under their winged shoulders. They’re putting on a great show and whetting the appetite for what’s coming.

H.E.A.T arrive on stage shortly after, bringing nostalgic rock vibes in spades – it’s a full sensory overload with dry ice, lasers and one powerful rock screech from lead singer Kenny Leckremo.

They’ve understood the assignment – they know the audience wants something more than the everyday and what they’re offering is beyond spectacular. Kenny’s childlike playfulness adds a sense of wholesomeness to proceedings. He’s beaming throughout but with a devilish twinkle in his eye. This is like a green musical smoothie that’s been spiked with rock ‘n’ roll tequila.

They are absolutely keeping rock alive and well, as cliched as it is to say. This is honed talent, years of experience equalling a live show that stands up as good as any recording.

The set list ranges from ‘Dangerous Ground’ and ‘Disaster’ just crying out to be stadium-bound, to ‘Back to the Rhythm’ and ‘Beg, Beg, Beg’ that have the crowd chanting along.

In the words of drummer Don crash – “this ain’t no disco man, this is rock n roll. Turned all the way up to 11.” 

EP review: Tremendous - ‘Transcendence on the Cheap

 

Birmingham rock band Tremendous have just released their latest EP ‘Transcendence on the cheap’, which is a stripped, down acoustic 6-track box of delight.

This is elemental British rock to its core (even their name suggests that, surely?!) Being an acoustic offering allows a gritty, rawness that adds to the purity of the bands vibe. You could happily jaunt through Camden (or ‘Innocent Soho’ as one of the tracks suggests) with this in your ears and feel every bit the bonafide dandy of the underworld. 

A softer-set sample then their previous release, but all the more makes you want to investigate what they’re capable of when they let loose. 

This EP is a beautiful listen, perfectly put together with thoughtful lyrics. In some parts it has a little bit of U2 about it. Ideal for a long and contemplating relaxation session.

Ugly Kid Joe - The Fleece Bristol, 10/3/24

 

Photo credit: @ashleybarrymedia

Is there anything better than stepping into a stalwart music venue, the familiar smell of stale beer and the warmth from fellow music fans packing in like sardines, to watch a band that you know are just going to be amazing? 

 

Ugly Kid Joe have come back to Bristol and they do not disappoint on any front. With support from The Virginmary’s, who are giving us a heady slice of northern rock mixed with stories from back home. Considering their duo status, they really pack a punch and the crowd is revved up and ready.

 

Greeting fans as they make their way to the stage (via behind the bar), vocalist Whitfield Crane, followed by his band mates including long-time guitarist Klaus Eichstadt, get straight into things with V.I.P from 1995 album Menace to Sobriety.

 

This is followed with Neighbor and a perfectly curated jukebox of UKJ favourites like So Damn Cool, Milkman’s Son and of course, Cats in the Cradle. There’s also an outing for a new song Kill The Pain, which is performed with ease and seems an instant hit.

 

There is an obvious bass-shaped hole that’s been left by Cordell Crockett’s absence, but the guys are having fun on stage and the audience is lapping it up. Especially during the banter between Whit and Klaus when he steals lead vocals for Another Beer and Mr. Recordman.

 

With an encore of Black Sabbath’s Symptom of the Universe and Motorhead’s Ace of Spades, the night is confirmed as one for the books for any rock purist.

 

Filled with the joys of 90’s rock and teenage angst – in a good way – the evening comes to a close with the ever expected ‘I Hate Everything About You’, sounding pretty well exactly the same as it did when it was released. If it’s all the same UKJ, we feel the opposite and can’t wait for next time.

Philip Sayce - The Fleece Bristol, 19/11/23

 

Photo credit: @neodraconian

Words: Alaina Henderson 

The Fleece and Firkin in Bristol should change its name to the Funk and Firkin tonight, as the sold out crowd gets a high voltage injection of blues-groove from the fret-fumbling guitar mastermind Philip Sayce.

 

Up first to warm proceedings is Troy Redfern, a singer, songwriter and guitarist who knows his way around a slide. Acknowledging the fact that the room is filled with guitar nerds, he keeps the chat short and the music coming. This really is a quick masterclass in raw technique, influences worn-on-sleeve mixed with a uniqueness that is the heartbeat of the performance.

 

Philip is up next and dives straight in with his signature moves on his well-worn Fender – including employing the structural pillar on stage to help with his strumming. There’s no denying he is in any doubt that his shows are all about the guitar, so he lets it do all the talking. Judging by the sounds of absolute awe that are audible all around, it’s working.  Anecdotes in between songs include the fact that he has Aberystwyth on his passport as his place of birth – not that far from Bristol – and then launches into the namesake song from his album Steamroller.

He mixes old and new, with tracks from his upcoming release The Wolves Are Coming like Oh! That Bitches Brew, allowing his Hendrix / Stevie Ray styles to shine through.  Sometimes abandoning the microphone altogether, favouring letting his euphonious tones work their magic by projection alone – it’s a magical thing to witness. 

 

A highlight of the set includes a rare cover from Albert King As The Years Go Passing By, which is mesmerising. Speaking of which, it’s been too many years since Philip last played in this city; and while that only added to the excitement in anticipation of the evening, here’s hoping for another show very soon.