Calexico
Shepherds Bush Empire
Tuesday 28th April
Two decades, eight albums and endless tours in and Calexico are still crossing musical boundaries, embracing new styles and gene splicing to create whole new genres. It might be easier to list what you aren’t going to hear in their music as, Dylan-esque country, tex-mex mariachi, ska, punk and soul all find a place creating a sound that is at once retro, modern and timeless, if you can imagine such a thing. It is easy to see why the current album, Edge of The Sun, is already being touted as a modern classic.
The Crunch
The Borderline, Soho
Wednesday 29th April
What do you get if you take ex-members of The Clash, Diamond Dogs, Lords of The New Church and Cockney Rejects? Either the most debauched party in musical history or a brilliant, edgy, power-pop-rock super-band. Thankfully The Crunch has opted for the latter. Not only big, memorable tunes, infectious riffs and football terrace choruses but a band that boasts key members of rock history. Secure a ticket early for this one.
Play It Forward East
Queen of Hoxton
Thursday 30th April
A nightclub that’s also a cocktail bar? Club nights that come with Noel Gallagher’s seal of approval? Clientele made up of native East Enders, the trendy set and musical pleasure seekers? It must be The Queen of Hoxton and proof that trendy and friendly do mix. The venue caters for all requirements but once the sun goes down it is all about cutting edge indie DJs and having a good time. Think of it this way, if the world was about to end, this is where the party would be.
The Courtesans + Plastique
The Lexington, Pentonville
Saturday, 2nd May
On paper The Courtesans may seem to be just another rock band trading on the sexuality of the all female line up. What they actually are is a musical blend of trippy doom-pop, gothic overtones, anthemic rock deliveries and an image that lives up to their name; dark, sensual, enticing, dangerous and alluring, but never blatant. Not just your run of the mill rock band but an exotic, erotic musical experience that feeds the head, heart and …well, you know. If I now talk about Brazilians it is only to mention that support band Plastique hail from that country and make music that is a clash of industrial strength electro and alt-rock.
Nick Cave
The Royal Albert Hall
Sunday 3rd May
It may be a cliché to save the best until last but Nick Cave at The Royal Albert Hall on Sunday is definitely the best show in town this week. In rare solo mode, and joined by long time collaborators Warren Ellis and Barry Adamson, the set will take in songs from his considerable back catalogue as well as recent Bad Seeds album Push The Sky Away. With the current vinyl re-issues underway and the recent release of the documentary 20,000 Days on Earth, there is no better time to fall in love with his finely-wrought and obsessive song-writing all over again. Tickets may be at a premium but beg, borrow or steal to get one.
originally published at dingo app.
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