January Reviewed

My monthly round-up of albums, songs and gigs.

Hey all. Here’s my little round-up of what was quite a big month. Hopefully there’s something you like!

Albums I Enjoyed in January

Only a couple 2026 albums made the favourites list and I’ll still be working my way through 2025 for some time longer I’m sure. Lots of great albums coming up though so stay tuned!

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Songs I’ve Shared in January

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Artists I’ve Seen in January

I’m gutted I couldn’t catch Mama Oh No, Yer Blooze and Empty Chairs, despite having tickets but I’m sure I’ll see them all very soon. Still, nine artists from four other gigs meant for a solid start to 2026.

10th January - The Allergies (DJ set), Norwich Arts Centre

The Allergies with DJ Fresh supporting

Last year, I saw DJ Yoda ambitiously catalogue 4 decades of hip hop, with synchronised video and Norwich-specific references, so any other DJ is likely to be an anti-climax. Indeed, I felt like I saw all of what they had to offer after just half an hour. I may have been alone in that view. Everyone else seemed to be having a banging time, dancing their way through the night. But was it just because it was a Saturday? And they had had a few rums? I reckon if they played Cotton-Eyed Joe, everyone would have had a great time. Not me though… I may well have remained a slightly grumpy git regardless.⍟⍟

17th January - Diving Deep with FEASTS, The Holloway

FEASTS with Whisky Lover Bass Boy Supporting

This is the fourth gig that I’ve organised and it’s impossible to not be biased about the whole thing. But it was amazing and I love them and the support act were also brilliant and everyone had a great time and everyone should come to my next gig with Eliza Delf & The Wilderness on the 7th February. ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟

28th January - Jim Ghedi, Voodoo Daddys

Ale Thieves

A duo that were greater than the sum of their parts. Nyree had a great voice and really got into character. Moan Red was an effortlessly cool guitarist. But together they had a chemistry that really lit up their quirky, original alternative folk songs. Wonderful stuff. ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟

The Feathered Thorns

A stunning array of sounds for a band of two. Both artists had gorgeous voices. Jason’s was smooth and strong, Polly's was breathy and beguiling. Pair these with some moody piano, electric guitar and the occasional musical saw and you get an intoxicating combination. Beautiful. ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟

Jim Ghedi

I loved how Jim shared folk songs from other artists, honouring the folk tradition of keeping stories alive. His falsetto voice was captivating and his delivery was sincere and confident. His accompanying fiddler friend, Owen Spafford, was stunning too. What a way to polish off a brilliant night. ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟

29th January - The Orielles, Norwich Arts Centre

ladylike

Each member was so good at their respective instruments that they created sounds that dumbfounded me at points. Whether it be the vocalist’s ability to play intricate acoustic guitar whilst singing, the 6-string bassist rocking out, the drummer mixing up the timings, or the synth/guitarist doing some electronic wizardry, it was a feast for the ears. Lots of locking in and going for it, which is always good. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

The Orielles

Super-human performance from masters of alternative rock. The drummer, particularly, astounded me with the complexity and variety of her rhythms. But the relentless bass and the spidery guitars definitely added a whole lot more. In my opinion the sound engineer put so much on the bass that I couldn’t hear as much of the electric guitar as I would have liked. Come to think of it, Ladylike’s vocals were very quiet. But these are to take nothing from the bands who were both excellent. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

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Coming Up in February

I would love to see Stealing Sheep on Wednesday but I have to see how my busy day goes. Otherwise, highlights include the Eliza Delf & The Wilderness gig and speaking on a music podcast!

Do let me know what you’re up to! Speak soon!