Started as a top ten, although extended slightly as I start to search the video archive. Through my role with Mudkiss Fanzine I'm lucky enough to see a wide variety of live shows spanning numerous genres and not always those you expect which bring the greatest of pleasure and vice versa.
Jack White in Blackpool for instance, while certainly a great musician with excellent backing band, lacked the energy and unpredictability of his White Stripes days, failing to feature in the years highlights.
But these are the ones who did, in no particular order.
Amenra - Damnation Festival - Leeds University Student Union.
Undoubtedly the most intense performance of the year, incredibly powerful and ritualistic in nature, vocalist Colin Van Eeckhout, a man possessed, exorcising his demons. We should all worship at The Church of Ra, a truly awe inspiring live band.
Spires - The Judge and Jury - Colchester
I see no logical reason why Spires aren't one of the biggest metal bands in the U.K. Intelligently crafted, meandering symphonies, interweaving tenderness and brutality within a melodically metallic lattice. Definitely one of THE bands of the last few years. Based on the new tracks performed in Colchester, album number two cannot come soon enough...... hint, hint lads.
Bo Ningen - The Ruby Lounge Manchester
It's said the line between genius and madness is fine, Bo Ningen prove that exactly the case. The sheer energy which exudes from the stage as they rip the venue to shreds a pure joy to behold. Not seen them yet, you're missing a frenetic treat. Rectify it soon.
The Phoenix Experiment - Mudkiss Fanzine Show Case - The Railway Venue Bolton
I've followed the progression of The Phoenix Experiment since hearing the filthy blues rock debut "Cut You Down," slightly concerned that certainly worthy the headline slot at the inaugural Mudkiss Fanzine Showcase night, could they possibly transfer their sonic soundscapes to a live setting. Fear not, Mike Bee and friends producing an audio visual experience leaving NASA scientists fearing a meltdown of the known universe. Incredible night had by all.
Blacklisters - Damnation Festival - Leeds University Student Union
According to vocalist Billy, he felt quite jaded after three days alongside Pig Destroyer. God help anyone who stands in his way when full of the joys of spring. Chaos reigns when Blacklisters are around, along with a blistering set of hardcore brilliance.
Seamus Cater and Viljam Nybacka - Cambridge Folk Festival
Certain rules govern the bookings for The Den, the new music tent at Cambridge Folk Festival, no drums, no amps, no one over the age of twenty five. Seamus and Viljam broke every one, and weren't we pleased. Minimalist keyboard, accordion and harmonica, with restrained, unassuming rhythms, supporting in the main, narrative tales of eccentric characters and occasions from history. The perfect way to end a day of top drawer music.
Liz Green - Cambridge Folk Festival
A vulnerability surrounds Liz Green, completely quirky, with a darkly dry sense of humour straight from the heart of her native Wirral, more than capable of losing herself amidst songs, acknowledging a dislike of practise not especially helpful. The innocence and awkwardness only ensure her all the more captivating and engrossing however,
White Denim - The Ritz Manchester
I waited a long time to catch White Denim and they certainly lived up to the billing of one of the best, most exhilerating live bands around. A real musos outfit, with musical talent exhuding from every single pore.
Savages / Palma Violets - The Deaf Institute - Manchester
Don't believe the hype....ok in this case do. Described by the NME as two of the worlds most amazing before actually releasing anything, the Palma Violets double header with Savages a definite highlight of the year. Savages, intense, focused and downright sensuous, Palma Violets, loose, ragged and occasionally chaotic, a kind of slighly posher Libertines. Total opposites, but complementing each other perfectly.
No Ceremony /// - Salford Sacred Trinity Church
One of those events I approach with little expectation, electronic music not usually my thing and ultimately just blown away. Ideal venue at Salford Sacred Trinity Church for No Ceremony ///, the intimate and reverential surroundings providing a perfect backdrop for an understated, although thoroughly captivating performance,.the alluring nature both refreshing and exhilarating in equal measures.
Guillemots - Hard Rock Cafe - Manchester
Always a pleasure to see Guillemots, especially in an intimate venue like The Hard Rock Cafe. Fyfe holds centre stage maintaining the majority of the audiences gaze, although the strength in depth of the band take one of the UK's more eccentric quartets to another level.
The Miserable Rich - The Deaf Institute - Manchester
Sadly The Miserable Rich are currently taking an extended break, hopefully 2012 won't be the last year we see them perform. Gorgeously unique sound, baroque chamber pop with one of the most wonderfully controlled vocals you'll ever witness. The musical world is a slighly duller place without them.
2:54 / The Palma Violets - The Deaf Institute Manchester
I have to admit to being slightly disappointed by the debut album from , the studio unable to encapsulate their excellence. Delicately waiflike and etheral, although in front of an audience, additional spikier edges emanates. Live the best way to appreciate 2:54.
And support that night, it's those Palma Violets boys again.
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