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Livesphere is an online music magazine led by a female collective united by the love of music, dedicated to bringing you the latest music news, reviews, live photos and insights, predominantly in London and the UK as well as throughout Europe. Whether you're a fan of rock, metal, alternative, pop, or indie, we’ve got you covered with in-depth features on artists, album releases, concert reviews, and industry trends. With engaging articles and content, and a passion for all things music related, Livesphere is your go-to destination for staying in tune with the music scene.
And don’t forget to check out the Live Events section to stay updated on what’s to come!
gigreviews
REDHOOK | THE LOWER THIRD, LONDON | 25 APRIL
There can't be a person alive whose heart isn't immediately warmed by the sound of a friendly Australian accent declaring "You legend!" You'd have to be dead inside for that to not lift your spirits. At The Lower Third in Soho, Sydney mosh royalty RedHook provided a uplifting therapy session for a 250 strong capacity crowd.
In support were a couple of corkers. First up, Eville, a band firmly on message of their Brighton brat metal genre, asked the gathered who was ready to 'fuck the system' before storming through the wild and hectic 'Ballistic'
Singer Eva Sheldrake, gripping her mic with a knuckle duster accessory, exuded aggressive nu-metal mastery. Showcasing new and unreleased tracks; 'No Pictures Please' and 'Get With Me' (Out on 9 May) Eville is a band making noise, making waves and making moves.
Flanked by the orange flames of gothic candelabras, Defences followed with vocalist Cherry Duesbury telling the room "I'm gonna need to see some movement," before an atmospheric 'Gold In The Dark'. The band melded perfectly together with William Alex Young providing keys and guttural, growling screams from the background of the stage.
SOCCER MOMMY| HACKNEY CHURCH, LONDON | 8 MAY
NEW!
The anticipation was kicking in as Soccer Mommy, the project of singer-songwriter Sophie Allison, was given a wild welcome to the grandiose setting of Hackney Church in front of an almost sold-out crowd. The historic venue, known for its beautiful gothic architecture and intimate ambience, provided a fitting backdrop for Allison's introspective indie rock.
After settling in, the London audience was introduced to the opening act of Bored At My Grandmas House (Amber Strawbridge), who delivered a carefully-curated setlist weaving together elements of shoegaze and bedroom pop. From her 2024 album Show & Tell with the tracks ‘Inhibitions’, ‘I Like What You Bring Out In Me’ and the album title track ‘Show & Tell’, to some of her early works such as ‘Detox’ (2022) and ‘Showers’ (2020), Strawbridge offered about 30 minutes of captivating performance, a perfect start to an evening of raw indie music.
Soccer Mommy emerged onto the stage right on time moments later to deliver an electric performance of ‘Abigail’, immersing the audience in her signature blend of introspective indie rock. Then followed the fan favourite ‘circle the drain’, which got the crowd screaming as soon as the first notes resonated around the venue, and ‘Driver’ from her most recent record, the band wasted no time setting a moody atmosphere, awash in reverb-heavy guitars and dim lighting.
ALBUMreviews
TOBY SEBASTIAN - EYES LIGHT UP | 4 APRIL
Emotive, soulful, warm.
If you wanted to sum up Toby Sebastian's new album, this would be a good place to start. Eyes Light Up is an eleven track road trip through the various expressions of love, the jubilant, the sincere and the raw alike.
Although the album has taken two years, seeing Sebastian teaming up with long-time collaborator - Matty Benbrook at his studio in Bethnal Green, the back story of the album stretches much further, the completed work becoming the musical equivalent of the tip of an iceberg. Toby's soul lies beneath the surface in the songs and passion he has poured into this offering. It's easy to get a sense that he approaches albums not like a task but as a naturally occurring collection of his influences and flow of ideas. There is nothing forced here.
The joyful 'Heaven is the Backseat of a Rental Car' released as a single on 20 March is a real highlight, an optimistic, light-hearted romp through hazy summer days.
In fact, the whole album is a perfect soundtrack for someone who is looking to romanticise their life this summer. Listen to 'Light Years' while staring into the sunset after a blistering day on the beach. Dance with a loved one to 'Oona' in a sudden downpour. The album flows from one song to the next maintaining the heady heights of a blissful summer of love.
HIMALAYAS - BAD STAR | 25 APRIL
NEW!
HIMALAYAS’s second album BAD STAR is a record that sees the Cardiff quartet, formed in high school 10 years ago by Joe Williams (vocals/guitar), Mike Griffiths (guitar/vocals), Louis Heaps (bass) and James Goulbourn (drums), expanding far beyond the indie-rock of their first works. The band are on an unstoppable rise since the release of their debut album From Hell To Here back in 2023, achieving over 93 million streams and supporting the Foo Fighters at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium last summer.
With themes delving into the complexities of human nature and self-inflicted chaos, embracing the present and human connection, BAD STAR is a ten-track journey that drives a message that undoubtedly everyone can identify with.
The first song ‘Beneath The Barrel’ is a slow-burn opener, building crescendo with heavy guitar riffs kicking off halfway through the track, setting the band’s intentions from the start. Then follows ‘Hung Up’, a track that emphasises the punchy rock element of the album with a wall of exhilarating guitar riffs and slick vocals, channelling high energy. As far as influences go, Arctic Monkeys comes to mind on these first couple of tracks, notably through the similarities between vocalist Joe Williams and the Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner.
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THIS WEEK’S FAVOURITE TRACK
We can’t get enough of the debut single from brand new mystery band PRESIDENT, released May 16.
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We are an inclusive, independent, non-profit publication led by a fully female collective launched out of sheer passion for live music and all things music related.
Founder, Executive Editor and Photographer: Florelle Servageon
Contact: florelle@livesphere-magazine.com
Editor and Photographer: Eva Grant
Contact: eva@livesphere-magazine.com
Contributors: Imogen Bird (Lead Writer), Bia Vismara (Writer), Justyna Serafin (Writer and Photographer)