Review
Honest reviews of Liverpool’s gigs, music, theatre, restaurants, bars, exhibitions and more — from trusted local voices.
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Dealer’s Choice Release Bold New Single ‘Apex’
Liverpool-based duo Dealer’s Choice continue to build momentum with the release of their second single Apex, a confident follow-up to their debut track Some Kind of Way, which generated early buzz across the Merseyside music scene earlier this year. Comprised of Irish cousins Joe McHugh and Barry Mullaney, Dealer’s Choice occupy an exciting space between alternative and electronic music, blending dancefloor-ready grooves with thoughtful, introspective undertones. With Apex, the pair lean further into their high-energy…
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Live Review: Gorillaz at M&S Bank Arena
Fresh from the release of their ninth studio album, The Mountain, Gorillaz put on a dazzling show, worthy of the 15 year wait since their last Liverpool performance in 2001. Jampacked with household classics and soon-to-be hits, the native, so-called ‘virtual band’ filled out the iconic M&S Bank Arena with fans young and old- proving the universality of their brand and music. Set during the peak of the newly released album, The Mountain, the tour with the aptly same name, celebrated…
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Mike Ryan and the Salty Oranges Reflect on Connection in ‘Talking Like an Elephant’
Wirral-based singer-songwriter Mike Ryan and the Salty Oranges return with Talking Like an Elephant, a quietly affecting single rooted in emotional honesty and understated storytelling. The release also marks the official naming of his band, The Salty Oranges – a playful detail that signals a new and more defined chapter, as the project evolves into a fuller band sound. A firm favourite in the local music scene, Ryan has gone from strength to strength in…
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KingFast Returns With Introspective New Single ‘Chains’
Liverpool artist KingFast returns with Chains, a soulful R&B release that leans into introspection while showcasing the warmth and depth of Paul Walker’s unmistakable vocal style. Built around a smooth, emotive groove, Chains explores the quiet realisation that the barriers we blame on circumstance are often the ones we create ourselves. The track feels both personal and universal, capturing the internal dialogue that many listeners will recognise. As Walker explains: “I have just noticed that…
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Live Review: Richard Ashcroft at M&S Bank Arena
Riding the wave of the public’s rekindled appetite for Britpop and everything that went along with the era, Richard Ashcroft took to the arena with the confidence of a man whose popularity has risen fivefold. Since his days in The Verve, Ashcroft has been recognised as one of the 1990s’ great exports – Urban Hymns is renowned as an indubitable masterpiece – but his profile as a songwriter hasn’t always matched his draw on the…
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GONDOLAS Unleash New Single ‘You Know That’
GONDOLAS are the fiery five-piece band from Liverpool delivering “dirty distorted rock straight to your face“. Belfast-born brothers Ben and Chris are joined by South Carolinian cousin Nick and Liverpudlian long-time friend Tim and Luke. The band combine influences of classic punk energy, naughties garage-rock grit and modern post-punk moodiness, creating a sound both fresh and nostalgic. You Know That is the band’s second studio single, released with Ameritz Music on 20th February. Inspired by the…
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Visions of Albion Return With Cinematic New Single ‘Avenues’
Liverpool’s ever-evolving music scene continues to produce artists who draw confidently from the past while carving out something distinctly their own, and Visions of Albion are a perfect example. Their new single Avenues, released today (13 March), is a beautifully layered track that leans into cinematic atmosphere while remaining rooted in classic songwriting craft. From the opening moments, Avenues establishes a sense of space and mood. There’s an unmistakable nod to the baroque pop sophistication…
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Live Review: Bleed From Within at O2 Academy Liverpool
Liverpool is known for its music scene. There’s usually a show on somewhere regardless of what night of the week it is. Amongst this there is a strong underground metal/hardcore scene but its not often that the bigger metal bands come through, often favouring Manchester. Tonight that changes as scottish metalcore giants, Bleed from Within, play at the O2 Academy Liverpool as a part of their Dying Sun tour. With them are Danish death metal…
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Ni Maxine’s Debut EP ‘Mother’s Arms’ Feels Effortless and Self-Assured
Ni Maxine’s four-track EP is the perfect introduction to Neo-Jazz. The Liverpool-based artist has created a sound rooted firmly in jazz tradition, with brushed drums, walking bass, and warm piano voicings. The instrumentation feels rich and unhurried, with rhythms that shift dynamically as each track develops. Maxine’s work effortlessly respects jazz tradition, while also pushing the genre’s boundaries. Guided by her vocals, which understand both the power of restraint and the impact of rhythmic innovation,…
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Cael Oak Wears His Heart on His Sleeve With ‘Precious To Me’
Liverpool’s thriving grassroots scene continues to produce artists unafraid of wearing their hearts on their sleeves — and with his new single Precious To Me, Cael Oak steps confidently into that space. The track is one of his most personal to date. Blending pop accessibility with acoustic warmth, subtle rock dynamics and a thread of country-inspired honesty, Precious To Me captures a moment many will recognise but few articulate so openly: falling in love with…
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Review: Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes at Liverpool Empire
A Stage Lit by Obsession, Beauty and Brilliance. There’s a particular electricity when Matthew Bourne arrives at the Liverpool Empire Theatre. Not polite anticipation. Expectation. Bourne doesn’t do decorative ballet; he does storytelling with teeth. And The Red Shoes remains one of his most psychologically loaded works. Inspired by the 1948 Powell and Pressburger classic, Bourne strips away any lingering romantic haze and gets to the bruise beneath the beauty. This isn’t a fairy tale about artistic destiny. It’s about…
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Review: The Spare Rib Galentine’s Burlesque Extravaganza
Something with a little spice. Tonight, I witnessed a very empowering and powerful evening of burlesque. I was warned before the evening starts that once you go to one show you will be hooked and I have to completely agree. I will definitely be going back. The evening was compared by the fun and fantastic Tilly Mint; who is co-producer of The Spare Rib Burlesque & Cabaret. Tilly kept the evening moving and had a…
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Live Review: James Arthur at M&S Arena
A far cry from his X-Factor beginnings, James Arthur packed the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Valentine’s Day with a sold-out show full of thousands of adoring fans. The energy from the crowd was consistently high, helped along by the nostalgic tunes and remixes of DJ Imbo – sporting some Arthur merch – with classics such as Call Me Maybe and Timber. There was even a little extra entertainment from some enthusiastic members of…
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Review: Under The Mersey Moon at Floral Pavilion
Under the Mersey Moon is more than just a musical; it’s a celebration of Liverpool’s unique cultural heartbeat, wrapped in the warm embrace of country music’s storytelling tradition. The production’s return to the Floral Pavilion this Valentine’s weekend feels like a homecoming, not just for the cast and crew, but for the audience who find themselves swept up in its infectious charm. The play follows the story of Danny an aspiring country singer trapped in…
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Motel Sundown Share Uplifting New Single ‘Watch Which Way the Wind Blows’
Motel Sundown’s latest single Watch Which Way the Wind Blows arrives as a radiant prelude to their Signs In The Rush of Light EP, due this Spring — and it’s a beautifully assured statement from a band whose songwriting is something genuinely compelling. The track pairs an upbeat tempo with the trio’s flawless harmonies, making for a listening experience that feels both buoyant and emotionally resonant. Lyrically, the song explores themes of loss and resilience,…
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Exploring Sincerity and Vulnerability: Sophie Grace’s ‘i still need you.’
Sophie Grace is an emerging artist on the North West music scene with her upcoming single i still need you. set to be released today (30 January). Based in Liverpool and currently studying at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts’ School of Music, Sophie Grace is at the centre of a city defined by its musical success, which is helping her find her own as a rising Indie Folk artist and producer. Originally from the…
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52 For 26 Poetry Project: Tom McClennan
A tender look at family, ageing, and the gentle freedom found in grandparenthood from one of Liverpool’s community storytellers… Tom McClennan is a Liverpool storyteller in every sense: a retired English teacher, a poet, a playwright, and a fixture in the local theatre scene. As chair of the Board of Trustees at Valley Community Theatre, his commitment to community art is as deep as his love of words. Valley Theatre itself is more than just a stage — it’s…
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Review: Kittel Doktor Faustus of the Third Reich
Kittel: Doktor Faustus of the Third Reich emerges from the pen of Charlotte Pickering — the alter ego of Liverpool writer and music tutor Catherine Harrison — whose earlier novel Messiah of the Slums marked her as a storyteller unafraid of moral complexity. This piece plunges audiences into the chilling true story of Gerhard Kittel: a brilliant theologian, a celebrated interpreter of Jewish scripture, and a man who willingly bartered his integrity to serve Hitler’s…
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The UK’s Biggest Japanese Film Festival Is Coming To Liverpool’s Picturehouse at FACT This March
Liverpool is set to welcome the UK’s largest annual celebration of Japanese cinema this March, as the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026 (JFTFP26) arrives at Picturehouse at FACT. Running from 1–31 March 2026, the festival brings an ambitious programme of films spanning classics, contemporary hits and UK premieres — including the UK premiere of a brand-new film by legendary director Takashi Miike. Exploring identity through Japanese cinema This year’s programme is curated around the…
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alright (okay) Hit Restart and Find Their Sound on decent (fine)
Some bands know exactly who they are from day one; others discover their voice through growth, experimentation, and time. Liverpool alternative rock outfit alright (okay) fall proudly into the latter — a band who’ve evolved steadily since forming in 2019, refining their sound through countless gigs, new ideas, and the creative spark that arrived in full force during their 2023 restart. That reboot sparked something real. Their live shows grew sharper and more unpredictable, picking…
From intimate gigs and bold new theatre to indie food spots, pop-up events and buzzing new bar openings. At Liverpool Noise, we’re here to capture it all with honest, insightful and independent reviews that celebrate the city’s creative and cultural energy.
Our “Review” section covers everything from live music and album drops to restaurant launches, exhibitions, fringe theatre and cocktails at midnight. If it’s happening in Liverpool and it’s worth talking about, we’re there — notebook (or phone) in hand.
Whether you want to know if a new venue lives up to the hype, what a touring band sounded like live, or whether a fringe play hit the mark, we’ve got you covered with real opinions from trusted local voices.
Music & Gig Reviews
Liverpool’s music scene is world-renowned — and it’s still producing magic every night of the week. Our gig reviews take you right into the crowd, capturing the vibe, the sound, and the stand-out moments from local and touring acts alike.
We cover:
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Intimate grassroots gigs and big headline shows
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Local band launches and EP/album releases
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Music festivals like Sound City and LIMF
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Iconic venues like The Cavern, O2 Academy, Camp and Furnace, Jacaranda and more
Expect honest, passionate write-ups that give you the flavour of each live performance, plus links to discover more from the artists we love.
Theatre Reviews
Liverpool’s theatre scene is as diverse as its music — and our team is there to review it all. From big-name musicals at the Empire to gritty new writing at Unity or fringe shows at Hope Street Theatre, we offer balanced and thoughtful reviews that celebrate creativity while holding space for constructive critique.
Our reviews highlight:
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Standout performances and direction
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Audience atmosphere and venue experience
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What worked, what didn’t, and who should go see it
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Representation, accessibility and relevance
Whether it’s comedy, drama, experimental work or family-friendly fun, our theatre reviews help you decide what’s worth booking.
Restaurant & Bar Reviews
Liverpool’s food and drink scene is thriving — and we’re always on the lookout for the best new spots to eat, drink and hang out.
Our restaurant and bar reviews include:
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New openings and pop-up concepts
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Vegan and vegetarian food spots
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Cocktails, craft beer, wine bars and hidden speakeasies
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Local independents and places doing things differently
We believe in celebrating good hospitality and shining a light on independent, creative businesses doing great things — especially those who bring something new to the table.
Each review shares:
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Atmosphere, design and service
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Dish and drink recommendations
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Price points and value for money
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Who it’s perfect for (date night, group meal, casual lunch, etc.)
Arts, Exhibitions & Events
From immersive installations to heritage exhibitions, Liverpool is home to a thriving visual arts and cultural events scene.
We review:
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Exhibitions at venues like Tate Liverpool, FACT, Open Eye Gallery and the Bluecoat
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Cultural events such as Liverpool Biennial
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Creative experiences including street art tours, installations and festival performances
Our goal is to help you engage more deeply with the city’s cultural offering — and support the artists and curators shaping its future.
Why Trust Our Reviews?
We’re Liverpool-based, independent, and passionate about the city’s creative life. Our team doesn’t chase hype or sugar-coat experiences — we focus on authentic, well-written reviews that give our readers a genuine sense of what to expect.
What you’ll always find in our reviews:
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Firsthand experience
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Clear, honest opinions
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Local insight and context
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A focus on indie, creative and community-led ventures
We believe that great writing helps people connect with the city in a deeper way — whether they’re a local, a student, or a visitor.