Courtney Barnett, The Haunt, Brighton, 6 December 2014

A mix of Jenny Lewis, The Breeders, The Stone Poneys on a rocking bluesy bed.

Courtney and the rest of her powerful band looked like they were having a blast on stage. The rang into and over each other in top-notch style. A really enjoyable set.

Plank, Audio, Brighton, 6 December 2014

Truly a "greatest riffs" set from a band we'd heard exciting things about. 

Combining some driving guitar rhythms with powerful drumming, an opening bass solo on "Luna" and unexpected use of keyboards, this may sound like a classic rock set. In fact this is like nothing we've seen before. Why? No singer. And absolutely no need.

Monsters Build Mean Robots, Sticky Mike's Frog Bar, Brighton, 6th Dec 2014

A band worth catching live to really "get" what they sound like.

An engaging set with interesting melodies and rhythms and friendly crowd interaction.

Fujiya & Miyagi, Haunt, Brighton, 6 December 2014

Dancing on a Saturday afternoon is an oddly pleasurable experience. Fujiya & Miyagi treated a mellow and enthusiastic audience to some up-tempo funk infused beats. With hints of early Depeche Mode, disco beats and synthy art pop their set was accomplished and, most importantly, good fun. The full crowd jigged along to their Collarbone track ("the knee bone's connected to...") and went out into the late afternoon Brighton sunshine in buoyant spirits.

Broadbay, Sticky Mike's Frog Bar, Brighton, Sat 6th Dec 2014

Only caught the last two songs but liked what we saw. A rocking trio with a heaviness quotient similar to Biffy Clyro or the Foo Fighters. Songs brought to mind Dinosaur Jr. or Idlewild. 

Played tight, accomplished grungy rock that deserved a bigger crowd than the dozen or so in the bar. But that elite crowd loved it. 

Can't think of many better ways to spend 2pm on a chilly Saturday.

Blood Red Shoes, Fri 5 Dec, Bleach, Brighton

Punchy, scringy rock that a sweaty, enthusiastic young crowd lapped up. 

Sounded like the White Stripes would if they were fronted by Meg rather than Jack.

British Sea Power, All Saints Church, Hove, Fri 5 Dec 2014

A beguiling performance. Felt as if we were watching the band rehearse rather than that we were being performed to.

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra added depth to the sound.

Closed on a real highlight with Carrion and an extended ending section.

It Hugs Back, All Saints Church, Hove, Fri 5 Dec 2014

Melodic guitar rock in the vein of Lemonheads, Ride, and Teenage Fanclub. 

Good sound complemented the harmonies and drumming, and a great Mascis guitar moment. Some excellent guitar and keyboard interplay on the closing song.