With all the hype and various in-store events surrounding the release of The Big Moon's debut album, 'Love In The 4th Dimension', the band headed to London's Village Underground for a hometown show. 

The four-piece have been hotly tipped, alongside the likes of Black Honey and Dream Wife, for quite some time but have recently come into their own and are predicted to go far. 

As the venue steadily reaches capacity, the feeling that it will be a night to remember lingers in the air of this sold out show tonight. The band have rapidly grown in popularity since forming a couple of years back from a bedroom in the capital. They then gigged at the-then little known Visions Festival in Hackney, before progressing to performing the festival rounds with the likes of Latitude, End of the Road and The Great Escape festivals last year. 

Support on the night comes from Jerkcub and a very joyous and jumpy Francobollo to get the crowd hyped and ready in participation for The Big Moon to come on stage.

Tonight everyone in the audience seems happy with a good vibe hanging in the air. As The Big Moon take to the stage they play as well as ever, with dangerous amounts of energy on the Village Underground stage, as they jump and throw their hair about. 

Starting their set with 'Silent Movie Susie', they then dig out a rarity in the form of 'Something Beautiful', which is a more slow and melodic composed ballad sung by Jules Jackson. 

The crowd bounce, sing and dance all over the Village Underground floor, especially when fan favourites 'Formidable, 'Bonfire' and the ever so catchy tune from their EP 'The Road', 'Sucker', comes on to round the night off in superb fashion. 

There's an ecstatic feeling amongst everyone as the crowd departs the venue. The band played at their best and it was certainly a brilliant and memorable show with ever-growing energy from all four of the band. 

Take a look at some of the shots of the night and anticipate what The Big Moon could bring next.

Words and photos Michael Hundertmark

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Earlier this month our photographer captured London faves The Big Moon as they played their debut album, 'Love in the 4th Dimension', at Rough Trade East - here's what went down.

All photos by Michael Hundertmark 

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The Big Moon's highly anticipated debut album, 'Love In The 4th Dimension', arrived last week ahead of plenty of critical praise and grass rooted hype; it certainly didn't disappoint. 

The album kicks off with the re-worked version of one of their earlier releases, 'Sucker', a track that grasps you tight and doesn't let go. The melodic riffs and playful vocals thoroughly exemplify what makes The Big Moon one of the best bands around right now. 

The album continues with a mixture of previously released tracks such as 'Silent Movie Susie', 'Cupid', 'The Road' and 'Formidable' and new tracks only previously heard in their live sets such as the explosive 'Bonfire' and sultry 'Pull the Other One'. Both tracks highlight the creative and irresistible songwriting ability of frontwoman Juliette Jackson. 

'Bonfire' will have you dancing and singing along until the sun comes up, whilst 'Pull the Other One' is the perfect accompanying track to your daily bus journey to work when the dew is hugging the grassy roundabout. 

The new tracks are just as strong as those previously released singles, making the album a shining example of a proper all killer, no filler debut album. As you move through the album each song feels individually brilliant, yet is also complimented by those that came before and after. 

'Silent Movie Susie' is the bouncy and comedic remedy to anyone's pre-first date nerves and 'Cupid' will be there for you on the grin-educing stride of pride. 'Formidable' is one of the best tracks of the last few years, it has a mature and powerful sound that sits proudly as the jewel in the crown of The Big Moon's instant classic.

There really isn't a bad song on the album, you can really hear the passion and energy every member of the band has put into each song and although it is unlikely to reach the same dizzying heights, 'Love In The 4th Dimension' is up there with the likes of Arctic Monkeys' 'Whatever People Say...' in terms of sheer quality. 

This is an album you do not want to pass you by, once it lands into your Spotify or onto your record player it isn't going to leave in a hurry. It is the perfect indie album. 

Words Ewan Atkinson

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A new wave of artists have been added to Sheffield's Tramlines Festival 2017.

The Big Moon and Primal Scream lead the new additions to the already-gleaming line-up but the party doesn't stop there. Kano, Jamie Isaac, Flamingods, Jerry Williams and Liberty Ship have also been added to the bill. 

These new names will join headliners The Libertines, as well as notable acts such as Loyle Carner and Metronomy. 

Tramlines will feature more acts than ever this year and is also set to be a fully outdoors festival. 

The festival will take place between 21st-23rd July in Sheffield. Full line-up information can be found here. 

Tickets are available now. 

Words Lauren Wade

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The release of The Big Moon's impending debut album 'Love In The 4th Dimension' is fast approaching and excitement is reaching fever pitch levels. 

The London four-piece have only gone and beefed up their already a hit track 'Sucker' prior to the album's April release date though.

Produced by Catherine Marks, the wonder woman behind the rest of The Big Moon's debut, 'Sucker' has been given a spruce up and is sounding better than ever. 

The track wasn't necessarily in need of a change, but we'll never say no to a Big Moon release. 

Get excited for the band's debut, which is out on 7th April and will undoubtedly sound ace. 

Listen to the new version of 'Sucker' below. 

Words Lauren Wade

@laurenlily__

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2016 has been filled with plenty of political unrest, celebrity deaths and a whole host of bad decisions, but the one constant has been the significant amount of decent tunes made and new bands discovered. In no particular order, we give our two cents on the best EP's to land in our laps this year.

Estrons - She's Here Now

Welsh newcomers, Estrons have released a steady stream of singles this year, but it was their November EP that truly saw them stand apart from the rest. 

'She's Here Now' saw the female-fronted group deliver biting lyricism throughout 'I'm Not Your Girl. Front woman, Tali spoke of the track saying: "It's a big song about insecurities and that cesspool of crap surrounding teenage emotions that still exist in your 20s and 30s."

The four-piece stand in good stead for 2017 and look set to continue the fury that propelled them throughout 2016.

The Magic Gang - The Second EP From

These Brighton babes have charmed their way to the top with their brand of throwback 50s-tinged doo wop. Their second EP was fronted by the smash single 'All This Way' and saw them bank another four slices of gold in their discography. 

There's whispers of an LP on the cards in 2017 but fans would be more than satisfied with another EP if it was anything like their last. 

Flume - Skin Companion EP l

By the time Aussie DJ Flume dropped the 'Skin Companion EP l' at the end of November, fans had long been hyping up the release. Were they disappointed? No. 

The EP picked up where Flume (aka Harley Edward Streten) left on his latest LP 'Skin'. The four-track release was only available on 12-inch vinyl and fans could only get their hands on a copy from independent record stores, adding to the appeal of offcuts. 

'Heater' was undoubtedly the standout track with high-energy, flashy beats and an absence of vocals. It was slick, stylish and subtle enough to work its way up as a contender for track of the year amongst many dance/electro fans. 

Look out for more sure-fire hits as Flume has expressed an interest in releasing more 'Skin' companion EPs in 2017. 

The Big Moon - The Road

It's been an exciting whirlwind of a year for North London's The Big Moon. Juliette, Fern, Soph and Celia who make up the four-piece have gigged relentlessly and built up a pretty impressive following in the procedure. 

They've toured with cult-indie British band, Mystery Jets this year, but it was their January EP release titled 'The Road' that saw them really come into their own. 

Tracks such as 'Sucker' and 'Eureka Moment' are packed with punch and promise. The foursome are now poised to hit the big time in 2017 with the release of their debut album 'Love In The 4th Dimension' which will undoubtedly continue to impress. 

Black Honey - Headspin

Brighton newcomers, Black Honey have proved themselves to be a thrilling addition to the new music scene. Their April EP release 'Headspin' is a unique collection of tracks that was released in a barn in Normandy over the course of a fortnight. 

Frontwoman, Izzy Phillips demands attention and serves as this generation's answer to Debbie Harry. Phillips and her bandmates are amongst the finest of female-fronted bands to grace 2016 and the title-track proves exactly why. 

With heavy rock elements at work, the four-track EP is full-bodies and energetic. 'All My Pride' was originally released as a stand-alone single but now serves as the EP's clincher. 

Words Lauren Wade

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London four-piece, The Big Moon have revealed details of their eagerly-anticipated debut album titled 'Love In The 4th Dimension'. The girl band have also revealed new single 'Formidable' in the build-up to the LP's April release date. 

'Formidable' was debuted as Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac's Hottest Record and will be released separately as a 7" on 13th January. 

The band recorded their upcoming album in London over the summer with Catherine Marks and the band's front woman Juliette Jackson co-producing. 

Speaking of the record, Jackson said: "We spent twelve gorgeous summer days in the studio hanging out with the brilliant producer and super babe Catherine Marks, experimenting and noodling and shredding and hitting things until all the right noises happened at once.

"We've been playing these songs for two years now, and it's a dream come true to finally immortalise them on record. It's like having eleven tiny babies all at once, all with their own little faces and voices and personalities, and now we're ready to throw them out of our nest and into your ears."

Previous tracks such as 'Sucker' and 'The Road' feature on the tracklisting but have been spruced up ready for the final cut to land in April. The album 'Love In The 4th Dimension' will also feature newer tracks including 'Cupid' and 'Silent Movie Susie'. 

Tracklist:

1. Sucker

2. Pull The Other One

3. Cupid

4. Formidable

5. Bonfire

6. The Road

7. Happy New Year

8. Silent Movie Susie

9. Love In The 4th Dimension

10. Zeds

11. The End

'Love In The 4th Dimension' will be released on 7th April 2017 via Fiction Records. You can pre-order it now here. 

             

Words Lauren Wade

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Midnight shows are often a risk bands take with crowds often consisting of bleary-eyed gig-goers or fans who have drunk themselves to excess waiting for the band to grace the stage. This wasn't the case at Sticky Mike's Frog Bar in Brighton when Liverpudlian trio Trudy and the Romance appeared at 12.30am. 

Liverpool's latest export are fast gaining a reputation for their brand of DIY alt-rock that channels hints of Mac DeMarco and The Magic Gang at times. Previously called just 'Trudy' the band were forced to change their name for legal reasons but have been on the rise ever since. Their recent support slot on The Big Moon's UK tour has helped improve their standing too and there's seemingly no stopping the three-piece. 

They may not have many songs in their discography to date but that didn't stop them from reeling through killer tunes like a 'Best of...' tracklisting. 'Behave' received the most phenomenal of responses and those in attendance never stopped throughout. 

'All My Love' witnessed mass jiving take place as if the dancing ban had just been lifted in the film 'Footloose'. Continuing to keep the buzz alive on 'My Baby's Gone Away', they reek of a band who have set themselves up for the big time and undoubtedly have the tracks to match. A real sense of euphoria fills the venue for the duration of their set and there's not hint of tiredness in the trio.

Trudy and the Romance are exactly the type of band who thrive in small, dark venues and Sticky Mike's was the perfect place to showcase tunes that already feel like old pals. Tonight's late show offered an exciting glimpse into the future of a band who just keep improving. 

Words Lauren Wade

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WE caught up with The Big Moon before their stellar set at Sheppy B's Bushstock Festival to talk all things festival, friends in bands and even drinking water that was once Michael Jackson's wee...

Are you looking forward to playing your set later?

Yeah definitely, I'm also really glad that we've got this covering as the skies are looking pretty threatening and there are these handy umbrellas, so maybe we could just take them, unhook them and hand them out to people. Hopefully, they'll use them afterwards if it rains, we don't want them to go in a skip. 

You've been touring a lot recently and we caught you play at The Great Escape, how were those performances?

They were awesome, The Great Escape was amazing! We played a show in the middle of the day at like 12pm, which felt more like a brunch matinee kind of show. We played before Mystery Jets in the evening as well. That was so sick and we're really looking forward to going on tour with them in October. Our shows were our first ever headline tour and it was really cool to see who showed up, especially when it's just your name on the ticket. 

Did you find the crowd for your show at Komedia any different to the one a few hours later at The Corn Exchange?

Yeah most of them were drunk in the evening and the show at Komedia was at 12pm. Everyone was probably having their first pint of the day at that gig. The evening was incredible, there were people on shoulders. I saw someone flash Mystery Jets, it was wild. 

Are there any artists performing at Bushstock that you'd recommend seeing?

Shura! She's playing after us, oh and VANT. There's loads of cool bands here.

Can you name your main sources of inspiration?

Beer, each other, love, pizza, space, friends in bands, friends in other bands, tents, the moon...lots of things! 

You played a gig at The 100 Club recently, what made it special?

For us that was the biggest headline show we'd ever done. That in itself was so exciting and the fact that it sold out. With The 100 Club there's so much history as well. It's so cool because the Sex Pistols played there and Jimi Hendrix. We played in the same place as Jimi Hendrix. 

Sometimes I think how weird it is that all the glasses of water you drink in your life have probably got molecules in them that were swallowed by Michael Jackson or someone because there's only so much stuff on the planet. Michael Jackson must have once done a wee and I must have drunk some water that was once some of his wee that's turned back into water.

Are you looking forward to playing Scala in a few months?

YES! Oh my God! My dream was always to support a band there, so when I found out we were playing there I was like 'we just skipped my dream!' Obviously this dream is better, I just needed to adjust for a second. It's one of those venues that we've always wanted to play. 

The Magic Gang are playing there too.

We saw them support Spring King there and they played like headliners, they always play like headliners, and then the next day they announced their own headline gig there.

Are there any new bands you'd recommend?

Abattoir Blues - they're so good. Truck Fest tweeted after seeing them play at The Great Escape, saying 'Oh Abattoir Blues really killed it!' and the band tweeted them back saying 'Great, book us then' and now they've been booked. It pays to be cheeky and hustle a bit. 

There's another band called Breathe Panel who played with us. They're playing Southsea Fest in Portsmouth, you should check them out they're really good.

Did you enjoy making your latest single 'Cupid'?

Yeah, we were so excited for that to be a single for so long, ever since we first played it in fact. 

Once festival season is over will you be heading back to the studio?

Hopefully we will have recorded at least half of an album by then, if not all of it and then it will be ready to go. We've been in the studio recently so there's more to come. It's all sounding really massive. 

Words Lauren Wade

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MULTI-VENUE city centre festivals have become more popular of recent and the bite-size Bushstock Festival held in Shepherd's Bush, in the heart of the capital, proved to be no exception. The sixth annual Bushstock Fest, organised by Communion Music, was all hit and no miss with a winning line-up of artists, new and those already established, who are championed by the label. 

Previous artists to have played the festival include the likes of Ben Howard, Nick Mulvey, James Bay, Hozier and Daughter to name a few. This year headliners included Bear's Den, Dan Croll and Palace and nobody was left disappointed. 

As the action kicked off in St Stephen's Church with Harry Foxx, a secret set was announced at the nearby Albertine Wine Bar. What makes Bushstock so unique and enjoyable is that all of the venues are so close, making it easier to rush from one artist's set to another. Luke Sital-Singh was the first secret set of the day and the venue reached capacity in no time, leaving many fans out on the street without a chance to catch his performance. 

Over the road at Defector's Weld, Brighton babes MarthaGunn took to the stage with their moving tunes. Tracks such as 'Heaven' hang gloriously in the air and receive a rapturous applause from the packed out crowd, quickly filling another venue to capacity. One crowd member is overheard saying their set made him feel "a bit weepy". 

At The Courtyard Stage Gillbanks keep punters entertained with subtle layers of zipping guitars and a dreamy dose of drums. The atmosphere of the intimate outdoor venue is buzzing with anticipation in the air and the majority of audience members are clad in trendy denim jackets. North London lad, Tom Prior showcases a setlist packed with soulful, catchy numbers a short while later whilst converting new fans by the second. It's pretty heart-warming stuff. 

An hour or so later the gravitational pull of The Big Moon draws fans in. The band are both mesmerising and commanding and it's clear this year belongs to them from the off. The four-piece all-girl group revel in their hit-packed set, which features effortless indie anthems such as: 'Eureka Moment', 'The Road' and the much-loved rework of Madonna's 'Beautiful Stranger' that bursts with playfulness. 

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the day belongs to The Big Moon through and through. They're certainly one of the most exciting guitar bands around at the moment and their next step is set to be incredible. They've found their stride and they're sticking to it and playing intimate venues like The Courtyard at Bushstock will soon become a thing of the past for The Big Moon. They are more than destined for bigger stages. 

Bushstock 2016 was truly a success, providing an opportunity to get up close and personal with the artists who will triumph in the future. We're already looking forward to next year's Bushstock, long shall it continue. 

Words Lauren Wade

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LONDON'S Bushstock Festival has been known to boast impressive line-ups in the past and this year is no exception. The one-day festival, which is located in Hammersmith, returns with yet another bill bursting at the seams with talent. The multi-venue festival hosted by Communion Presents promises to deliver the best up and coming sounds around and there's no doubt you'll find your new favourite band lurking around. 

Previous years have featured artists such as George Ezra, Hozier, Daughter and Jack Garratt gracing the bill, however there's a fresh bunch of bands to tickle your fancy this year; you'll certainly be hitting the repeat button on them soon enough.

The Big Moon

This London four-piece are practically on every festival billing this summer and there's no stopping their inevitable rise. Expect huge hook-filled anthems with their infamous Madonna cover thrown in for good measure. Their fun-packed sets never fail to live up to the hype and they're in good stead for the remainder of 2016. 

VANT

As the brainchild of frontman, Mattie Vant, VANT have been around for a while and their live show brims with bangers from the offbeat. They've gained themselves a huge following on the alternative scene and things are getting more exciting for the band by the day. The quartet blend distinctly political themes with angsty beats and raw vocals that go down a treat. 

Pleasure Beach 

Belfast dream-pop bunch, Pleasure Beach are hitting all the right notes and will continue to do so when they drop their eagerly-anticipated set at the festival. The five-piece have been compared to the likes of Circa Waves and The XX previously and they make a sound comprised of upbeat, jangly guitars and soft-edged vocals. Pleasure Beach provide the perfect soundtrack for your Bushstock experience. 

Flyte

Flyte are a London four-piece who make sounds similar to many much loved bands of the past - think The Kinks and Talking Heads. Having previously toured with bands such as Bombay Bicycle Club and Hinds, they've had plenty of opportunities to pick up tips on how to make bangers fit for a festival environment and they've done exactly that on their track 'Please Eloise'. Watch out for their brand of anthemic pop rock at Bushstock this year. 





Bushstock 2016 takes place in Shepherd's Bush, London on 18th June. For more information and tickets, please visit www.bushstock.co.uk 

Words Lauren Wade

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Latitude Festival located in the picturesque Suffolk countryside is always a summer highlight. This year the festival is back with a glittering array of artists for you to knock back a cider or two to and be consistently wowed by. Here's our round-up of who we think you should definitely be sure to catch over the course of the weekend. Thank us later. 

The festival has been running since 2005 and has continued to expand year after year. As one of the biggest and most popular festivals in the UK, the unique festival full of charm returns for another year boasting a stellar line-up with headliners The Maccabees, The National and New Order in tow. These three bands offer something for everyone and music fans will not be disappointed. Expect an attraction of edgy students in New Order's case, whilst The Maccabees will draw in quite the alternative crowd. 

The Maccabees' fourth studio album 'Marks To Prove It' was a spectacular return to form for the band, superbly followed by an extensive UK tour that reinforced why we fell in love with the Brighton-based quintet in the first place. Expect all the hits from fan favourite 'Toothpaste Kisses' to newer bangers such as 'Something Like Happiness' and the crowd pleaser that is 'Pelican'. 

The Lake Stage may be one of the smaller stages at the festival but the line-up is packed with exciting new artists that are ready to make some big noise. Dubbed 'stars of the future' Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens' favourites, Clean Cut Kid will take to the stage for a headline performance on Sunday evening. The Liverpool four-piece have racked up an impressive amount of gigging around the country recently and their rise is unstoppable. Think catchy beats blended with massive choruses and you're halfway there. Be sure to catch their set at the fest as Clean Cut Kid are a band who never disappoint - bonus points as they're undoubtedly one of the genuinely nicest bands around too. 

The Big Moon are a sassy girl band who command your attention with their hook-filled tracks that will have you hitting repeat in seconds. Get down the front for them for sure. Fellow Brighton babes, Fickle Friends are an electro-indie quintet who will provide your summer soundtrack with their shimmery indie gems and are always a treat to catch live. 

Head over to the DIY Alcove Stage to catch The Magic Gang in action with their music that has been described as 'very direct, very sexy, and very good' which is probably the most accurate description of the four-piece who make anthemic bangers ready to induce a mosh and/or sing-a-long session at any given moment. Check them out, they're seriously good. 

If music's not really your thing and you've been brought along by a friend or your partner, then fear not! There's a wide selection of comedy, theatre, dance, poetry, cabaret, film and so much more to please even the pickiest of people so you're in for a treat no matter what your particular tastes may be. 

Latitude Festival will run from 14-17th July. Tickets are available to buy now. For more info, please go to www.latitudefestival.com

Words Lauren Wade

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