Author: admin

Tristwch Y Fenywod

Tristwch Y Fenywod is a band of three queer women – Gwretsien Ferch Lisbeth (Voice, Dual-Zither), Leila Lygad(Electronic Drums) and Sidni Sarffwraig (Bass Guitar) – who play Avant Garde Gothic rock with vocals sung entirely in the Welsh language (Cymraeg). Although originally from North Wales, Gwretsien (a member of “xenofeminist crisis energy rock” duo Guttersnipe, along with her solo projects The Ephemeron Loop and Petronn Sphene, plus other groups such as La Brea Pulpit, Swimming Wraith, Cletwisp, BAND and others) has lived in Leeds since 2013 where she soon met Leila (a member of “21st century moon musick” duo Hawthonn and more recently of folk/ritual/avant-garde group Hexham Heads). Both of them are long time prolific members of the Leeds DIY underground music scene. In 2018 Gwretsien and Sidni (originally from Canada, currently performing solo as Slaylor Moon and formerly of noise rock band Shearing Pinx and indie rock band The Courtneys) met and became a couple, then forming the experimental duo Two Form a Click. After a period of collective grief around various personal circumstances of loss and bereavement, they decided to form Tristwch Y Fenywod in early 2022, with the intention to use the Welsh language and Gwretsien’s memories of her formative years in North Wales to explore, without setting any particular limits, ideas such as sapphic love and desire, existential darkness, visionary use of psychedelics, political and environmental anguish/celebration, psychogeographic romance, pagan mysticism, imaginal explorations of Celtic history and myth, psychedelia and myriad other variations of reverie. They released a live recording of their first ever public performance in July 2022, to widespread positive reactions. After completing a small tour of Northern England and Wales in March 2023, the group recorded their debut album “Tristwch Y Fenywod” with engineer and producer Ross Halden at Hohm Studio in Bradford. In August 2024 they released their album through Night School Records to universal critical acclaim, having since performed at various UK festivals such as Supernormal and Supersonic, with plans to tour internationally set for 2025.

“An utterly addictive masterpiece of Welsh-sung queer goth folk, the debut recording by Gwretsien Ferch Lisbeth (Guttersnipe, The Ephemeron Loop), Leila Lygad (Hawthonn) and Sidni Sarffwraig (Slaylor Moon, The Courtneys) is among this decade’s most bewitching albums, bar none – unmissable for fans of Cranes, Dead Can Dance, Svitlana Nianio, Cocteau Twins’ ‘Head Over Heels’, The Cure’s ‘The Top’ era.” – BOOMKAT

The March Violets

Formed in the post-punk explosion of 1981, The March Violets emerged from Leeds as pioneers of the gothic rock scene, blending dark, driving rhythms with spiky guitar lines and haunting female and male vocal interplay. Known for iconic tracks like Snake Dance, Walk Into the Sun, and Turn to the Sky (featured in the cult classic film Some Kind of Wonderful), the band quickly became a defining voice of the era. After a long hiatus, The March Violets reunited in the 21st century, reintroducing their music to both devoted fans and a new generation of listeners. In 2024, the band released Crocodile Promises on Metropolis Records, their first album of original material in a decade, capturing the same essence of their early work while moving forward and embracing a modern edge.

“Despite forming in 1981, there is a youthful air surrounding post-punk/gothic rock band The March Violets. It’s a feeling that the band is reborn and ready to take on the world and with their latest album, Crocodile Promises, just released and creating ripples it seems there’s no holding them back” – Devolution Magazine

The Mission

A Message from Wayne Hussey

‘November 10th, 2026, will mark the 40th anniversary of the release of our first album, God’s Own Medicine. As part of our celebrations we will playing two nights at the Whitby Pavilion as headliners of the Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival. I have played in Whitby now a fair few times, both with the The Mission and solo (perhaps my personal favourite performance being with The Divine in 2019) and they have always been great celebratory occasions. We couldn’t think of a better place than the fabled, wind battered, cobbled streets of Whitby to spend what for us will be very emotional evenings.

Both shows will feature very different sets – we will be mixing it up – but one evening will be a performance in full of the album we’ll be celebrating, God’s Own Medicine. Fancy it? Come and sing along to all your fave Mission tunes and more…’

Wayne Hussey, Oct, 2025.

The Mission, formed in Leeds, England in 1986 following the departure of Wayne Hussey and bassist Craig Adams from The Sisters of Mercy. Joined by guitarist Simon Hinkler and drummer Mick Brown, the band quickly carved out a niche in the post-punk and gothic rock scenes. Their sound combined intricate atmospheric guitar work with Hussey’s emotive and haunting vocals to deliver a truly anthemic repertoire.

The Mission’s debut album, God’s Own Medicine, released in 1986, featured hit singles like “Wasteland” and “Severina,” propelling them into the limelight. Their follow-up, Children (1988), produced by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, further solidified their status, producing the much loved “Tower Of Strength.” The band’s music often explored themes of love, loss, and existential reflection, resonating with a broad audience and establishing a dedicated fanbase.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Mission maintained a prolific output, with albums such as Carved In Sand (1990) showcasing their evolving sound and featured the evergreen “Butterfly On A Wheel” and showstopper “Deliverance”. However, by the mid-1990s, the band faced internal struggles, leading to a temporary breakup in 1996.

Despite these challenges, The Mission regrouped in the new millennium, embarking on a successful series of tours and releasing fresh material. Albums like Aura (2001), God Is A Bullet (2007) and Another Fall from Grace (2016) demonstrated their ability to adapt while remaining true to their roots. The band’s music continues to resonate, marked by passionate performances and a fanatically loyal global fanbase. With their rich legacy and influence on the gothic and alternative rock genres, The Mission remains a significant force in the music world, celebrating almost four decades of impactful artistry.

Post Covid The Mission have toured extensively – the line-up being Wayne Hussey (guitar & vocals), Craig Adams (bass guitar), Simon Hinkler (guitar), and new-boy Alex Baum (drums) – with several tours of Europe (incl. UK), LATAM twice, and a couple of visits to North America under their belts.

The Mission will celebrate their 40th anniversary with dual headline slots at Tomorrow’s Ghost Festival in Whitby and four nights at London’s O2 Forum.

Evi Vine

Evi Vine, a British musician renowned for her ethereal vocals and captivating soundscapes, has carved out a unique niche in the alternative landscape. Born in Belfast but raised in London, Evi’s journey into music began in childhood, fuelled by a deep-seated passion for artistic expression drawing inspiration from artists as diverse as PJ Harvey to Cocteau Twins.

It wasn’t long before she found her own voice, though, blending elements of darkwave, post-rock, and ambient music to create a signature sound first heard in 2012 on her debut album, “…And So The Morning Comes”. Showcasing evocative singing and reflective lyrics, the album earned widespread acclaim within the alternative music scene. Hailed as “the underground gem of 2011” by Drowned in Sound, and championed by Simon Raymonde (Bella Union, Cocteau Twins), it was also revered as “one of my favourites of the year” by Wayne Hussey of The Mission. Vine was soon featured playing live on ARTE TV in Hamburg, followed by a sell-out first show in Germany. A year later Vine she appeared again featured in ARTE’s ‘Tracks’ show along with Ed Sheeran.

Continuing to push the boundaries of her artistry, Vine released her sophomore album, “Give Your Heart To The Hawks” in 2015, exploring themes of love, loss, and existential longing against a backdrop of brooding sonic landscapes. Co-produced by Richard Formby (Spacemen 3, Wild Beasts) and mixed by the legendary Phill Brown (Talk Talk, David Bowie, Robert Plant, Beth Gibbons) her second album was characterized by apocalyptic soundscapes and haunting vocals.
Brown enthused: “The album is intense – dark, layered, wonderfully atmospheric, fragile, and at times stripped bare. It’s an album to get lost in… and then surface with Evi’s haunting and delicate vocals and the endless space.”
Wayne Hussey then asked Evi to join with The Mission to sing backing vocals to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Across two tours Evi and her band also supported The Mission in UK and Europe. She subsequently contributed backing vocals to The Mission’s Top 40 album “Another Fall From Grace” and collaborated with Michael Ciravolo on the debut album from LA-based Beauty In Chaos.

As a solo artist, Evi continued to evolve and experiment. Her sound became heavier with post-rock elements adding to the intensity on third album “Black//Light//White//Dark”, featuring Simon Gallup, bassist with The Cure, and guitarist Peter Yates of Fields Of The Nephilim. Gallup recalled his part in the album: “Hammersmith… Me, drunk, meet Evi for the first time… I mumble that I’d love to play on a couple of tracks. Don’t hear anything for ages then an email out of the blue… Feel nervous but a day trip to the coast and I really enjoy the songs.” The album was produced by Dave Izumi (Nordic Giants, Ed Harcourt, Magic Numbers) and mixed by Phill Brown. In 2019 Evi toured the album throughout Europe and Scandinavia, playing in London in March 2020 supporting Insect Ark – the evening that Covid closed down live entertainment…

During lockdown Evi contributed vocals to The Mission charity version of “Tower Of Strength” (which also featured Gary Numan, Lol Tolhurst, Rachel Goswell, Budgie and Midge Ure among others). Of the new collective recording she reflected: “The power we have collectively is transformative… I love and admire Wayne and the band and the warmth and intention behind this release. I know the power of this song and I feel so honoured to have been invited to join so many celebrated artists, this is a beautiful star in the darkest of times.”

In 2023, as the world emerged from beneath the Covid cloud, Evi was heard again as a founding member of the post-rock collective Silver Moth, as vocalist and bass player alongside Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai, on their “Black Bay” album released by Bella Union/PIAS.

As she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, Evi Vine remains committed to creating music that speaks to the depths of the human experience. With her haunting vocals and emotionally charged compositions, she continues to captivate audiences and cement her status as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary alternative music.

Lol Tolhurst plays the songs of The Cure

Lol Tolhurst is best known as a founding member of The Cure – one the most influential, successful and critically acclaimed bands of all time. The musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee has also performed music with various projects, became an author with the release of his 2016 memoir Cured – The Tale Of Two Imaginary Boys, and co-created the podcast Curious Creatures.

Tolhurst first met childhood friend Robert Smith at the age of 5 while at school in the London suburbs of West Sussex. They would go on to found The Cure in 1976 with Tolhurst on drums, and toured the globe many times over in support of their groundbreaking albums Three Imaginary Boys, Seventeen Seconds, Faith and Pornography. Lol later moved to keyboards until departing the band in 1989, leaving The Cure after the recording of their masterwork, Disintegration.

The restlessly creative artist has since moved to Southern California and written, recorded and toured with his band, Levinhurst. Tolhurst also saw a momentous reunion tour with The Cure in 2011, performing together for the first time in over twenty years. Tolhurst then went on to write his first published book, Cured – The Tale Of Two Imaginary Boys, released via Hachette Books in 2016. The globally praised memoir drew together the threads of his life and art so far and saw him make over 300 appearances in cities across North America, South America, the UK and France. Similar to his time on the road with The Cure, the book tour gave Lol the chance to connect with his loyal fanbase again.

Lol’s creative journeys also recently continued after an unexpected meeting with his old friend Budgie from Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Creatures. In 2022, the pair teamed up to create the podcast series, Curious Creatures, where they explore post punk’s enduring legacy and contemporary relevance and welcome luminaries from all walks of life for revealing yet relaxed conversation.

Tolhurst has recorded new music again, this time with Budgie and producer Jacknife Lee (U2, Taylor Swift). Lol Tolhurst x Budgie x Jacknife Lee’s debut album Los Angeles features hard-hitting tracks that dive into freedom and slavery, beauty and decay, and hope and despair. The album also features an astonishing list of guest vocalists and musicians including The Edge (U2), James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem), Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse), Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream), Civil Rights avant-garde artist Lonnie Holley, Mary Lattimore, Starcrawler wild child Arrow de Wilde, Mark Bowen (IDLES) and more. The album was released and followed by a US tour in late 2023 to stupendous reviews.

Tolhurst released his second book, GOTH: A History, also in the fall of 2023 via Hachette Books. The new book features stories and anecdotes from Tolhurst’s personal memories as well as the musicians, magicians and artists, who made goth an inevitable and enduring movement. The fascinating deep dive into the history of Goth explores creative giants like The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, Joy Division, and additional artists that offered a place of refuge for the misfits of the 80s and ever since. The upcoming few years will be full of other artistic creations from Lol!

The Mission

A Message from Wayne Hussey

‘November 10th, 2026, will mark the 40th anniversary of the release of our first album, God’s Own Medicine. As part of our celebrations we will playing two nights at the Whitby Pavilion as headliners of the Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival. I have played in Whitby now a fair few times, both with the The Mission and solo (perhaps my personal favourite performance being with The Divine in 2019) and they have always been great celebratory occasions. We couldn’t think of a better place than the fabled, wind battered, cobbled streets of Whitby to spend what for us will be very emotional evenings.

Both shows will feature very different sets – we will be mixing it up – but one evening will be a performance in full of the album we’ll be celebrating, God’s Own Medicine. Fancy it? Come and sing along to all your fave Mission tunes and more…’

Wayne Hussey, Oct, 2025.

The Mission, formed in Leeds, England in 1986 following the departure of Wayne Hussey and bassist Craig Adams from The Sisters of Mercy. Joined by guitarist Simon Hinkler and drummer Mick Brown, the band quickly carved out a niche in the post-punk and gothic rock scenes. Their sound combined intricate atmospheric guitar work with Hussey’s emotive and haunting vocals to deliver a truly anthemic repertoire.

The Mission’s debut album, God’s Own Medicine, released in 1986, featured hit singles like “Wasteland” and “Severina,” propelling them into the limelight. Their follow-up, Children (1988), produced by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, further solidified their status, producing the much loved “Tower Of Strength.” The band’s music often explored themes of love, loss, and existential reflection, resonating with a broad audience and establishing a dedicated fanbase.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Mission maintained a prolific output, with albums such as Carved In Sand (1990) showcasing their evolving sound and featured the evergreen “Butterfly On A Wheel” and showstopper “Deliverance”. However, by the mid-1990s, the band faced internal struggles, leading to a temporary breakup in 1996.

Despite these challenges, The Mission regrouped in the new millennium, embarking on a successful series of tours and releasing fresh material. Albums like Aura (2001), God Is A Bullet (2007) and Another Fall from Grace (2016) demonstrated their ability to adapt while remaining true to their roots. The band’s music continues to resonate, marked by passionate performances and a fanatically loyal global fanbase. With their rich legacy and influence on the gothic and alternative rock genres, The Mission remains a significant force in the music world, celebrating almost four decades of impactful artistry.

Post Covid The Mission have toured extensively – the line-up being Wayne Hussey (guitar & vocals), Craig Adams (bass guitar), Simon Hinkler (guitar), and new-boy Alex Baum (drums) – with several tours of Europe (incl. UK), LATAM twice, and a couple of visits to North America under their belts.

The Mission will celebrate their 40th anniversary with dual headline slots at Tomorrow’s Ghost Festival in Whitby and four nights at London’s O2 Forum.