‘I’m closing my eyes until the colours appear’, sings Matthew Houck. As though he wants everything to change for the better, and we believe him. A hard hitting implication which has only previously been achieved by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy.

While Jesse Anderson Ainslie surprises us with tear-jerking, guitar solos, made to fit the whole experience with a sense of fragility. It’s easy to see how the actuality gains reliance from the crowd, as simple sways match an alluring, sweet and gentle lap steel echoing sound.

Read the full review here

Words – Ross Cotton
Images – Katja Ogrin

Phosphorescent live at ICA, London
(Rated 5/ 5 )

By Ben Walsh

Houck and his hairy cohorts appear ready for it – ready for all of it – playing this intimate venue like it’s the Albert Hall; with bravado and precociousness. Swirling, cinematic and plaintive folk-rock, blessed with Houck’s pained, gorgeously cracked vocals, which are tailor-made for country-and-western laments. 

Read the full review here
and see him live for yourself…

Saturday 5th June

Phosphorescent / Forest Fire / Rich Batsford
@ Hare and Hounds, Birmingham

Adv tickets here

After reading these stellar reviews of the new Phosphorescent album we’re getting more than a bit excited about his show on Saturday…

“…an undiscovered gem” Q Magazine

“…this is a really amazing album. Incredibly honest, very human, emotionally brave, musically coherent, with moments of real poetry. Thoroughly recommended, with a tear in the eye.” The Line of Best Fit

Saturday 5th June
Phosphorescent
Forest Fire
Rich Batsford
@ Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath
Adv tickets here