Without getting all conspiracy-theorist about things, the publication of the new edition of Nightshift seems to have coincided with a rare sweep of sunlight and warmth across Oxford. Putting aside the fact the previous editions’ publication dates have coincided with rain, snow and general misery, perhaps there’s something going on here? Let’s check in this time next month and see if they can do it two months in a row…

This month’s cover feature is a four-page special on the Nightshift Punt, which takes place in May. There’s also a hefty slab of news from the local music scene, as well as reviews of new releases from Secret Rivals, Pet Moon, Nikki Loy, Wild Swim, Kill Murray, Sanguine Hum, Grey Children, Bersicker/R.O.T.T.E.R and Children Of The Sun. There are loads of live music events listed in the comprehensive gig guide, and you can read about what’s already happened with live reviews including Desert Storm, Hot Hooves and lots more. There’s an introduction to The August List, a look back at what was going on in Oxford music five, ten and twenty years ago, and the usual two-page Demo reviews section. Demo of the month is from Montmartre, in the Demo Dumper is Go On, Do It, Jump.

Download the May 2013 issue here, and find loads of back issues here.