Band Spotlight

Maruja

Maruja are a band from Manchester who I have followed ever since I saw them at the YES Basement gig in 2022. Their music is a heavy mix of post pock/jazz/punk and they feel like a truly unique band, who aren't afraid to experiment.

They have a few EP's out one called Connla's Well which I did a review for last year Click here for full review of Connla's Well and another called "Tir na nog" which is a mostly improvised 4 song Jam session both available on spotify

They have a new album coming out titled "Pain to Power" out on the 12th Of September 2025. The Lead single from this is "Look Down on Us" which has a music video found here:

They are currently smashing it with an Asia tour on the back of a North American tour and then another UK tour. I can't wait for the new album and the Manchester show in November. They are one of the most exciting bands in the UK right now.

Their live shows are wild, full of energy with sensitive political messages that take no shelter within the chaos of whats unfolding on the stage and the world.

Crywank

Crywank are a lo-fi punk band who were originally based in Manchester.

I first saw Crywank in 2014 at The Crescent in Salford (Just in front of the river Irwell) . We all sat on the floor and lit some candles and I was hooked.

Usually called one of the worst named bands in the UK, but the only reason I went to see them was because they had a silly name.

The band have changed the live set up over the years from Dan playing a box to a full drum set and now have a bass player called Jules.

They have gained a cult following and over lockdown in 2020 gained a lot of new fans, which has allowed them to tour more extensively and in Australia which for a small DIY band is nice to see.

In 2024 Crywank played 16 Shows in 16 Cities across the UK for the record attempt of "Most Gigs in 24 Hours" 1 More than Frank Turner who only managed 15 a whole day later.

Check out "Tomorrow Is Nearly Yesterday and Everyday Is Stupid" and "Wearing Beige On a Grey Day" for some quintessential sad music