Nothing makes us happier than seeing new, independent stores pop up in the north-east, and last month saw Effie’s become the latest to set up shop Ouseburn. Specialising in Y2k vintage (yes, the 2000s is now vintage!) Effie’s is all about bringing back…

This Teesside bunch take art-pop and skip hand-in-hand merrily with it down some very interesting avenues. Known for their instrument-swapping and chaotic live shows, they’ve bottled the essence of their DIY, mutant punk-funk here on a release which sees …

‘She’s the Best’ takes on the complete spectrum of queer pop ranging from pulsing floorfillers to sensual laidback tempos, all with a surprisingly vulnerable undertone. As well as celebrating the “She’s” in Sivan’s life – the messy yet authentic women who…