Therapy? with support from The Membranes @ The Plug

Last week Therapy? made a welcome return to Sheffield, playing The Plug with support from influential punk band The Membranes.

Although I'd seen front man John Robb with Goldblade before this is the first time I've seen the charismatic bass player / lead singer with the re-formed Membranes. Although a fairly short set they did a great job of engaging the audience and warming up want had been a pretty chilly room. Very much liking what I heard I made a mental note to check out their back catalogue as well as the new album 'Dark Matter / Dark Energy'.

This tour sees Therapy? playing their third major album 'Infernal Love' in it's entirety. Originally released almost 21 years ago, Infernal Love took a disturbing look at religion, sex and death. This along with Andy Cairns struggling with his own inner demons at the time makes for an album that goes to some very dark places.

After a quick break Therapy? returned to the stage to play a few tracks from the latest album 'Disquiet' before launching into a bunch of long standing Therapy? classics from Nurse, Troublegum and their early E.P.'s, time for yours truly to go get sweaty in the mosh pit.

As always a fantastic, intense performance. I've been following these guys for over twenty years and they never fail to deliver.

Optical Delusions #2

I fell in love with the Peak District around the same time I first started riding motorbikes. I learned how to handle a bike on the twisty single tracks and came to value the importance of a good set of brakes when surprised by the odd cow / sheep / tractor around the bends. I never get tired of camping, walking and riding out here all year round.

It's no surprise that when I got into photography that the Peaks became a natural choice for capturing some great landscape images. These are some of my favourites from last year.

One of the best views in the Peaks. Monsale Dale and Headstone viaduct.

The River Wye at Bakewell 

Getting a little off the beaten track in Derwent Valley.

Derwent Valley again on a Winters morning.

Freebies: Folk America - Altco Recordings Compilation #1

I seem to hear the term Americana used with increasing frequency these days. Although it has been around for many years there is certainly a growing interest in this genre here in the UK.

Alto Recordings, started in 2013 by Stevie Tombstone, has become home to some excellent artists, encompassing various forms of American roots music including Country, Blues and Folk.

This ten track sampler is a great introduction to Altco and provides a taste of what you will find here. You need to register to get the free download but it's well worth the small effort.

Download here