It’s ‘This Week’s 10 Must-See London Gigs’ and we have a sure-fire set of shows for you to see in the capital as we slope into the slightly less sombre month of February. Your failed resolutions may have been prematurely overruled, but hopefully any lingering disappointment will dissolve on seeing one of our exhilarating must-see recommendations. Now, here’s a game of Consequences with our selected artists, as is custom, which sees the little boy from Home Alone and a new media journalist bond over an insubstantial, and severely over-priced, fry-up…
(DISCLAIMER: All characters and events in this story – even those based on real individuals – are entirely fictional…)
(1) The charming (2) Kevin McAllister (3) met the pathological and free-spirited (4) Hermione Way (5) at the Little Chef on the A30 Sourton roundabout; (6) he gave her a Mithril Jacket (as it’s as tough as any armour man can make, but as beautiful as the most precious stone) (7) and said to her: “You were in my dream last night. I saw a baby panda running down the street and I phoned you, but you didn’t believe it at all. You are always so difficult to work with – even in my dream”. (8) She said to him: “I won’t let you, or anybody else, crap in my oatmeal anymore”; and (9) the consequence was that everything was forgotten and they had to do it all over again, and the world said, (10) “You must always rely on the kindness and talents of strangers.”
(NOTE: Click on the segment to listen to its author)
(1) Why not kick-start your Monday (Jan 28th) night by heading to Brick Lane to see THE HISTORY OF APPLE PIE play a Rough Trade East in-store. All you need to do is purchase a copy of the London fivesome’s debut album ‘Out Of View’ and you can lap up their self-produced, dizzying fuzz pop for FREE. Be wowed by the record’s adolescent jubilance from 7pm.
(2) The real lucky ones will then be able to hop on a tube to Oxford Circus to see ENTER SHIKARI, and French producer The Algorithm, play a celebratory intimate show at the 100 Club. Converse Gigs are putting on this mouth-watering night at one of London’s most prestigious venues for FREE and those who’ve already entered the competition will be finding out shortly whether they’ve won entry. The headliner’s website has all the details.
(3) Alternatively, the wonk-folk of Brooklyn-based Nate Kinsella, AKA BIRTHMARK, will be filling The Old Blue Last at the same time that night. If you, like us, have fallen for his skewed and sparse vision on new album ‘Antibodies’ (out now on Polyvinyl Records), then this will be totally unmissable. Visit Zine & Not Heard to book now.
(4) You may be initially unfamiliar with London popstress VALENTINA, but her spliced smoky vocals made Joe Goddard’s fidgety floorfiller ‘Gabriel’ one of 2012’s best singles. So on Tuesday (Jan 29th) we suggest you head to the Sebright Arms to see her support excellent New Zealand indie staples The Ruby Suns. Go to Bird On The Wire for tickets.
(5) However, South London quartet GAOLER’S DAUGHTER – who we previously featured in the very first ‘This Week’s 10 Must-See London Gigs’ – will also be playing future indie classics from their as-yet-untitled, fan-funded debut LP at The Lexington that night. If their collection of rousing singles – which have seen them bag four Hype Machine #1’s – isn’t lure enough, then they’ll be supported by jangly Goldsmiths College newcomers Good Dangers. WeGotTickets have more information.
(6) Spoilt for choice thus far? Wednesday (Jan 30th) is definitely more straightforward. We suggest you see Gilles Peterson-signed Brummies TROUMACA, who’ll be unveiling tracks from their tropical-tinged debut release ‘The Virgin Island EP’ (released Jan 28th) to a packed Birthdays. Exciting prospects Moats and new psychedelic trio Youthblood will provide a tasty aperitif to their sun-bleached, Stubborn Heart-ish mood pop and it can all be enjoyed, once again, for FREE.
(7) It’s a difficult choice between two enticing single launches on Thursday (Jan 31st). First up, Fatal Justice Records will be launching the scuzzy and infectious ‘Catch Me Up’ by ramshackle, Japanese noise-pop duo UMEZ at The Dalston Victoria. Once again, this one’s FREE and there’s also stellar support from Bo Ningen‘s Taigen Kawabe among other special guests.
(8) However, it’s a close call between that and London duo THUMPERS, who launch anthemic and ethereal first single proper ‘Dancing’s Done’ just down the road at the Trinity Centre that same night. Hear the debut 7”, available on February 4th via paradYse records, as well as other sharply-executed indie pop from the former-Pull Tiger Tail boys in this little school hall for just £6. There’s also rumoured to be “amazing” support, so visit WeGotTickets to book now.
(9) On Friday (Feb 1st), Toronto’s METZ (picture) headline a SOLD OUT NME Awards Show at Birthdays in Dalston. This will be a must for fans of the Sub Pop-signed, power punk trio’s eponymous first record and there’s thrilling support from The Wytches and Crushed Beaks. However, if you haven’t already got a ticket don’t fear, because you can still book tickets for the recently-added-due-to-demand Saturday (Feb 2nd) date via GIGSANDTOURS.
(10) Although, if you were reeled in by the sleek synth pop of last year’s debut album ‘The End’, then THE GHOSTS will also be an unmissable start to the weekend at the KOKO Camden. The brilliant London five-piece will headline Club NME with their lush, grandiose arrangements and contagious melodies – followed by the standard beery-eyed indie disco. TicketWeb have all the details you desire.
