Live Review: Agerskow, Morden Tower, Newcastle, 16/03/2013

It's taken a while, but this week has finally seen a debut release from Agerskow, the creative alias of Yorkshire-born, Newcastle-based songwriter Kate Edwards. A double A-side featuring the tracks "This Train Terminates" and "Fast Hands," the single is the culmination of two years of work and acclaim, both of which have established the former Brilliant Mind member among the finest up-and-coming artists the North East has to offer. It's also one thoroughly deserving of its own launch night - something it was granted with this special gig in the intimate confines of Newcastle's Morden Tower; a turret in medieval city wall, packed to capacity with an audience of around 40.

Jukebox: Agerskow - "This Train Terminates" / "Fast Hands"

An adopted Geordie having relocated from East Yorkshire, Kate Edwards initially cut her teeth playing in local indie pop group Brilliant Mind before stepping out with her own creative vehicle. Formed in 2011, Agerskow as a project remains in relative infancy, yet it's already won Edwards plenty of plaudits, mostly on the back of live performances accompanied either by cellist Miriam Bennett or bassist John Edgell and drummer Narbi Price in a traditional band format. Now, with a full array of musicians at her disposal, the songwriter is finally preparing to unveil her first official release; a double A-side single featuring the tracks "This Train Terminates" and "Fast Hands," due on 18 March via Newcastle-based label Cottage Industries.

Live Review: Richard Dawson, The Head Of Steam, Newcastle, 1/4/2013

I'm too wrapped up in rigid routines to make any meaningful New Year's resolutions, so most of my pledges for 2013 bear a distinct theme of continuation. Among them is my will to catch as much live music as feasibly possible, a quest which began last Friday in the familiar setting of Newcastle's Head Of Steam, with a lineup consisting of two of the region's more promising up-and-coming acts alongside the slightly more established creature that is Richard Dawson. Grander, more prestigious events may lie in wait during the next 12 months, though as this gig proved the notion of a low-key, intimate performance can be a difficult one to beat.