Who: Django Django
Where: Koko, Camden High Street, NW1 7JE
When: Tuesday 19th May
Why: Clutching a newly minted second album, the psychedelic art-rock outfit continue their quest to sound like the perfect support band to a 1967 Pink Floyd show. Still employing a scattergun of musical references from the obvious psychedelia to less expected dream-pop and dance grooves, Django Django find themselves, along with the likes of Dutch Uncles, at the heart of what may turn out to be this years fashionable new sound. Get in on things early and catch Django Django unchained. (Well, don’t say you didn’t know we were heading for that pun!)
Who: Aldous Harding
Where: Rough Trade East, Brick Lane, E1 6QL
When: Wednesday 20th May
Why: Sounding like an Oxbridge professor, Harding is actually an Australian exile of the female persuasion that trades in a wonderfully gothic tinged, acoustic folk. With a beguiling voice and tunes that seem built from emotion and atmosphere rather than music and words, she creates a sound that is breathy and intimate and often as otherworldly as the fantastic scenarios and strange characters she sings about.
Who: Brandon Flowers
Where: Brixton Academy, Stockwell Road, SW9 9SL
When: Thursday 21st May
Why: There’s a killer on the loose! Anglophile, latter day Bruce Springsteen and consummate showman, Flowers takes some time away from The Killers for another round of solo outings. The extra elbowroom sees him shrug off indie coolness and convention and sees him referencing everything from Morrissey and Springsteen to Kings of Leon and Queen, proving that he is a national treasure on both sides of the pond. Grab your tickets for this one now as they are selling fast.
Who: Libertine Club Night
Where: Libertine, 4 Winsley Street, W1W 8HF
When: Friday 22nd May
Why: Billed as the place where the misfits and rule breakers come to party, Libertine in the heart of the West End offers an upmarket Commercial Dance experience. Part of the Chinawhite brand, the music is accessible; the dress code is cool glamour and the crowd cosmopolitan. Slip into your best togs and experience the London high life, after all the weekend is only just beginning.
Who: Ride
Where: Camden Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH
When: Sunday 24th May
Why: As one of the early break though bands for Alan McGee’s Creation label, Ride open the doors for the shoegazing scene that was to follow. Back together for their first live dates in 20 years they hit London enabling a whole new generation to bask in the shimmering haze, distant drone-wash and sonic vapour trails of the Ride sound. This could be gig of the year so don’t miss it.
(originally published at Dingoapp.com)
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