KALLI ASHTON. Photo Credit: Unknown
Ok, so, first thing’s first (we’re the realist). Lol, sorry, couldn’t resist that one. But, seriously, we want to level with you guys – this week there is a r i d i c u l o u s number of awesome gigs in Nottingham. There’s basically enough awesome music to put together a Notts advent calendar and then treat yourself to a dose of local music everyday til Chrimbo. So we had to get our snazzy judging wigs out and be tough in our editorial court to decide the best three gigs of the week – which includes the soundtrack to the 2018 Quadrophenia remake, taking us on a Cherokee journey and making us quit our 9-5s to hit the road for an adventure.
TUESDAY
This Tuesday, JAKE BURNS is launching his EP, Human Magazine, at The Bodega. The EP’s title track has kept Jake’s distinct folksy guitar sound and added some electric vibes and a shoutier, angstier tone to his vocals. We’re feeling this new development in his sound, which makes us want to dance along with a cider in hand whoa-ing along to the melodies.
Support comes from PRETTY BABS whose music has got a rock n roll, folksy, at times even bluesy vibe. It’s really cool. The rough, raspy quality to the lead vocal and the punchy basslines are like a musical explosion to our ears. We’ll probs have to go to the doctor soon for pumping up the volume to these guys so much #healthwarning.
The Bodega
Tuesday 12th December
Doors: 7pm
Entry: £5.50
FRIDAY
KALLI ASHTON is also launching her new EP, Arrows, at The Bodega, with an all-female line up of Notts talent.
Kalli’s music has got a proper country vibe to it, with her sound being inspired by her Cherokee heritage. Songs such as ‘Battered and Bruised’ combine pretty country vocals with an interesting percussion, bringing country music into the 21st century with a modern sound.
Joining Kalli is TORI SHEARD, who did an incredible Nusic Future Session back in the summer. Her acoustic songs and haunting, eerie vocals are really beautiful and feel like the perfect soundtrack to watch the sunset on a snowy day.
The start of LAUREN APRIL’s ‘Stay Awhile’ has got a definite Tracy Chapman ‘Fast Cars’ vibe to it which will make your ears prick up. Then the chorus comes in and Lauren’s unique stamp hits our ears with her impressive vocal range and catchy lyrics.
The Bodega
Friday 15th December
Doors: 7pm
Entry: £5.50
SATURDAY
So… ASHFIELDS are only about to headline Rescue Rooms and possibly about to become the 10th Nottingham artist to sell it out since it opened in 2003. It is your duty to buy a ticket, sing your lungs out to their anthemic Indie Pop and watch a piece of Nottingham muscial history unfold in front of your eyes. Plus (!) you can see three other Nottingham bands grace the stage whilst you’re at it.
THE CHASE’s music will light a fire within you that will make you feel like you should quit that boring 9-5 job you’ve been hating since forever, hit the road with your mates and write tunes about all the adventures we have. It’s tight, it’s provocative, it’s catchy AF.
SHORT WEEKENDS are also gracing the Rescue Rooms stage. The combination of chilled, slurry vocals with synths and the strong driving drum patterns makes me think their music should be used as the soundtrack to a 2018 remake of Quadrophenia #patented.
Now, we all know an Arctic Monkey‘s comparison can be a bit of a cliché, but THE COLLIDERS have managed to capture the Rock n Roll distorted energy of the early Monkeys’ sound whilst keeping their own unique energy and regional charm. ‘This Town’ is a little banger that’ll have you dancing into the new year.
Rescue Rooms
Saturday 16th November
Doors: 6:30pm
Entry: £7.70
Yours in Love of New Music,
Joti Desour x
