By Darren Grayer.
The thought of clocks going back towards the end of October is always something I look forward to about as much as a trip to the dentist to have a filling. Dark mornings, short days and the possibility of storms that can be named after your best mate or Great Aunt heading over the Atlantic towards us can be a chastening thought, so let me offer a piece of light, even as we only just start our journey through winter’s tunnel.
If September saw our local music venues step on the gas a little in terms of bookings, then October would appear to see the throttle firmly on the floor. Such are the musical treats on offer, it’s impossible to as a music fan to feel anything other than totally spoilt.
Just a quick check reveals well over 100 gigs that cover a vast range of artists and genres, from the up and coming to more established, and tribute acts across the city’s main independent venues in the 31 days, so where to start?
Black Country duo Gans have rapidly made a name for themselves with their hi-energy post punk/krautrock tunes and it’s no surprise their show at The Joiners on Thursday (1st) sold out a few weeks ago. However, in a great start to a packed month for the venue, tickets are still available for Welsh four-piece The Tubs on Friday (2nd). The band’s latest and third album, Hard Life, has gained much critical acclaim, and their melodic indie rock nods toward former Husker Du frontman, Bob Mould’s Sugar outfit.
Saturday (3rd) sees Southampton duo Limozine make their debut headline appearance at the same venue. Describing themselves as part band, part concept, part failing business, you can expect dry British storytelling set to the sound of sharp, melodic guitar music.
Also on Saturday, Good Times – a tribute to the music of Nile Rodgers and Chic will appeal to many. If heading down the Top Rank was your thing back in the day, then it could be time to dust off the dancing shoes again and head to The 1865.Having said that, this is music that is totally iconic and there to be enjoyed by all ages.
Scottish outfit High Fade (pictured top) return to Papillion on Sunday (4th). Noted as one of the best three-piece live bands in the world, their sound takes in multiple genres. Rock, funk, disco, metal, jazz, soul and punk played with total precision that will whip any crowd into a wild frenzy.
Formed in LA, Tchotchke return to the UK to promote their second album, Playin’Dumb. The three women share a love of 60s girl groups, The Beach Boys, Hary Nilsson, Sparks and Dolly Mixture, so expect a night full of power pop harmonies the Lemon Twigs are noted for, that will absolutely grace Heartbreakers Bar on Monday (5th).
Versatile English collective Nubiyan Twist are another band with multiple influences that include jazz, funk, Afro-beat, dub and hip-hop. They visit The Brook on the 7th.
Staying with that venue, the unmistakable sound of Hayseed Dixie returns on the 15th. Celebrating 25 years since bursting on to the international scene with their hillbilly take on AC/DC and Motorhead songs, the band return to their country roots with high spirited banjo laden hoe down offerings.
If that’s not enough, the following night (16th) offers up world class blues artist Walter Trout and band for some guitar heavy tunes of the very highest order.
Promising local talent will be on display at The Joiners on the 12th as it hosts the Itchen College Showcase year 1 students’ musical skills, followed by Japanese math-rock/post -rock instrumental trio Paranoid Void on the 13th and explosive electronic duo Omega Nebula, who transcend the boundaries of traditional dub and reggae on the 16th. Now there’s diversity for you!
The Engine Rooms host a couple of nostalgia filled post-punk evenings on the 20th and 24th, with visits from Scottish legends Skids, with support from Kirk Brandon’s Theatre of Hate, followed by iconic Mancunians The Chameleons, whose 1983 Script of the Bridge album stands alongside the very best debuts. I may be doing the latter a disservice as they are still releasing new material.
Rounding up with a few more gigs at Heartbreakers, starting on the 17th, alt-punk outfit The Empty Page are a fiercely independent band who have released two albums on their own DIY label, and featured on BBC Introducing, BBC R1 and 6Music via Steve Lamaq, Gideon Coe and Tom Robinson, who described their single He’s Very Good At Swimming as ‘immensely powerful’.
The 26th and 27th see two nights of equally enticing alt-folk, Americana/Indie with Zurich based Pina Palau, who has opened for Courtney Barnett and Alex Lahey, showcasing her songs of warm vulnerability, heartache and dry humour. Expect excellent support from Southampton’s own wonderfully harmonious husband and wife duo Pegasuses.
Hollow Hand (27th) feature the song writing skills of Max Kinghorn-Mills and latest album Wish Road South is a beauty stacked with singalong Americana.
The amazing finger-picking guitar skills of Scottish folk artist Sam Grassie will mesmerize all who attend Heartbreakers on the 29th. Likened to Bert Jansch, Grassie has shared stages with Ralph McTell, Robert Plant and Ryley Walker, who describes him as “The Scotsman with the sick right hand”. Expect 60s influenced folk that is fuelled by raw emotion.
I think that’s probably enough to be going on with for now, but I would urge anyone to check the full listings of all venues because pretty much everything is catered for with any discerning music fan, and if you’re considering sending £200 to watch a certain gig in the future, don’t.
Support your local scene, it doesn’t rip you off with over-priced drinks and you can actually see the whites of the artist’s eyes, who in turn, will more often than not take the time to say hello and shake your hand at the merch desk afterwards.
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