Monthly Archives: February 2025

Radio Anorak / Rememberer

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It feels like only last week that Radio Anorak played their debut gig. Back in the middle of last December the band first arrived on stage, supporting the New Eves, and then there was a second gig in January supporting Big Long Sun, both times joined by a handful of other musicians drawn from the two bands that they’ve supported. Fast forward to last week and a single, Sword of Moses, appeared without any prior announcements, or even any press to introduce the band, and now today, less than three months after they first appearance, and album has dropped. Rememberer was recorded over a number sessions in a cabin in Lewes – in just over half an hour it takes in drum breaks, field recordings, synthesisers, strings, found instruments and half sung poetry. It’s not quite like anything else – at it’s most energetic it stretches to Krautrock, but Mother Death (Father Beast) is beautiful folk, and other tracks are experimental art pieces or ideas recorded quickly before they evaporate.

You’re tuned to Radio Anorak. Don’t touch that dial.

Rememberer is out now to buy as a cassette or download at Bandcamp, or at the usual streaming services

Hope & Ruin Tenth Birthday, headlined by The Four Horsemen (or was it Lime Garden?)

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Happy Birthday Hope & Ruin! The venue in it’s current form opened it’s doors for the first time ten years ago this week, and the birthday celebrations kicked off last night with a free gig fronted by the mysteriously named Four Horsemen. A few crumbs had been dished out on social media that the previously unheard of band was actually local heroes Lime Garden, who’ve had their heads down recently working on new material. Their set was a first airing for some of these tracks as well as some old favourites, and – since it was valentines day – a cover of Careless Whisper where they were joined by Alfie Beer (from goodbye, formerly in Fliptop Head) on trombone. They were ably supported by Ladylike and Harper for a packed out show at the venue which has more than established itself as a corner of the local scene. The fun continues tonight with another free gig featuring How Long You Been Driving, Wimp, Francis Pig and That Band Called Susan.

Brighton Rocks #42 : Opal Mag

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On a bright but chilly day earlier this month we popped down to the beach with Opal Mag to chat about Brighton and also her new single Love to See You Shine, which is out today:

What’s the best thing about Brighton?
Being able to live by the sea for sure! It’s so calming. Also, being able to walk everywhere within an hour, it’s a city but with a small town feel.

Who are your favourite local bands?
I think Lime Garden, CIEL, Ellis D, Hutch and Moon Idle are all great, also goodbye, who are supporting me at the end of the month at the Hope and Ruin. There’s so many amazing bands that come out of Brighton, it’s hard to choose!

What’s the best venue?
Green Door is a classic but I was really impressed with the new venue Alphabet, it looked like a speakeasy.

What’s the best rehearsal space / studio?
I like to rotate between Brighton Electric and Southlanes Studios to rehearse, but just recently I had a great time recording in 17b studios in Kemptown.

What’s the best club?
I don’t go clubbing but I like a Hope and Ruin/Presuming Ed’s or a Great Eastern DJ night.

What’s the best record shop?
I sadly don’t have a record player but I’m dying to get one. I went to a live show at Family Records the other night which was super fun!

Where’s the best places to eat?
I’m obsessed with O’Shio, Goemon and Shaanxi.

What’s the best pub?
Great Eastern is a good vibe or The Basketmakers.

Who’s your favourite Brighton celebrity?
Reggae guy, he always walks around with a big boombox and cool outfit.

When was the last time you had any Brighton Rock?
I don’t think I’ve ever had one, I’d be running to the dentist for a broken tooth repair.

Love to See You Shine is out now at all the usual streaming places. Opal Mag plays a launch gig at the Hope & Ruin on 28th February supported by goodbye and Grace Equi