Now that spring has actually sprung, rather than theoretically, the bands with big summer tunes are out with a vengeance. There’s a debut headline show at The Bodega, a Pre-Album launch show at a brewery and an evening full of new music at Rough Trade.
THURSDAY
THE HALF EIGHT have their first ever headline show on Thursday at The Bodega. The “Kiss me like you meaaaan ittt” four-piece who have changed their name a billion times (but are now definitely, I think anyway, stuck on The Half Eight), write some super catchy Pop songs with harmonies and punchy riffs galore. You can hear a teaser of their new track ‘Love in the Dark’ on their SoundCloud and you can already tell it’s just as catchy as their other songs.
Support comes from JOSH KEMP, the modern-day musical Robin Hood (he played Robin Hood in a TV pilot, he doesn’t actually rob rich people). Using simply his acoustic guitar and loop pedal, Josh creates a huge sound with honest lyrics with stories about heartbreak and hangovers.
HOLLY FALLON is also supporting on Thursday. With influences ranging from Oasis to Kelly Clarkson, Holly writes beautifully crafted songs with honest lyrics such as ‘Mirrors’ that talks about her struggles with body image. Her new single ‘Summer’ is a lovely little ditty for… well, funnily enough, summer. You can catch a live performance in her Future Session HERE.
The Bodega
Thursday 14th April
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £5 adv
SATURDAY
YOU WANT FOX are having their Pre-Album launch on Saturday, which means you can get your hands on the duo’s debut album ‘You Can’t Sit With Us’ five whole weeks before anyone else. Colette and Natalie formed YWF in 2014 and have since been creating some HUGE Grunge-esque Pop. Their single ‘Bad Girls’ is an anthem for independent women, with military-style drums and vocals to rival Suzi Quatro. AND the event is happening at beer festival, could it get any better? If you can’t make it to the Pre-Launch the album will be available from May 20th.
Support comes from THE X RAYS, who formed way back in 1994. After a short break the band are back with their “barely-in-control garage punk noise.” They’ve had countless releases over the 22 years with some unique titles such as “Double Godzilla With Cheese” and “Whores Are Cool”.
HAGGARD CAT BOTHDAY PRESENT will also be supporting. With genres ranging from Blues, Hillbilly and Math Rock, HCBP released their debut album ‘Charged’ in February 2013. The album was apparently made by accident, with the vocals recorded at The Orange Tree and the instruments tracked in one day on 1 hours sleep. Impressive stuff.
You can also catch support from HOWLIN BONES who make untraditional Rockabilly. Their debut EP ‘Housewives Choice’ is released on 1st September but you can get your ears round it now on their bandcamp. We hear they’re available for Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and Tupperware Parties (apparently they’re an actual thing).
Black Iris Brewery
Saturday 16th April
Doors: Beer Festival from 2pm, Music from 8.30pm
Tickets: £3
SUNDAY
Y Not Festival and BBC Introducing are hosting the 16th Faction at Rough Trade on Sunday, bringing you new artists AND it’s all for free.
THREE GIRL RHUMBA will be taking to the stage following their sold out show at the Camden Barfly at the start of the month. The four-piece make feel-good Indie songs with super energetic performances. They released their debut single ‘Minnie Driver’ at the end of 2015 which was described as a “veritable ear-worm, a contagious piece of melody that is quite irresistibly English” by Clash Music.
KETO, fronted by the super talented Leah Sinead, will also be performing. KETO formed in 2014, creating hypnotic Lo-Fi with elements of traditional Folk, mixed with enchanting atmospheric soundscapes and a captivating vocal. Quite a concoction ay? They’ll be releasing their debut EP ‘What We Do’ later this month.
SILVER WILSON will also be performing on Sunday. The three-piece formed late last year and have already booked shows across the country, sharing their huge Indie Pop songs, perfect for a bit of a sunny jig… but, you know, inside. Ya know what I mean.
Also performing are VYNCE from the Wirral.
Rough Trade
Sunday 17th April
Doors: 3pm
Tickets: Free
Yours In Love of New Music,
Katie Beard x
