Opera + Classical Music Reviews

Parsifal @ Staatsoper, Schiller Theater, Berlin

by Keith McDonnell

‘Erlösung dem Erlöser’ – the Redeemer, redeemed. The themes of redemption and salvation form the crux of Wagner’s final opera, or ein Bühnenweihfestspiel (a Festival Play to Consecrate a Stage) as he called it, and…


Luke Haines: “I’m 44. Who the fuck wants to be in a fucking band at 44?R...

by Michael Hubbard
A fair bet could be made on there not being many people capable of writing a psychedelic concept album about the golden age of British Wrestling. Even fewer would want to attempt such a feat....
Luke Haines: “I’m 44. Who the fuck wants to be in a fucking band at 44?&#82...

Black Box Recorder @ Union Chapel, London

by Michael Hubbard
Black Box Recorder must like the Union Chapel. This is the second time in less than a year they’ve played here, having supported Smog in August 1999. This time, they are supported by a five-piece...
Black Box Recorder @ Union Chapel, London

Black Box Recorder – The Facts Of Life

by Michael Hubbard
As an experiment in corrupting teenagers, Black Box Recorder‘s second album, The Facts Of Life, works remarkably well. It features songs with sounds and arrangements which, with just a little more effort, could pass for...
Black Box Recorder – The Facts Of Life