How many years does it take to make an overnight success? Hit The Road develop outstanding young musical talent, then take them on tour.
Previous Hit The Road acts include Lewis Capaldi, Man Of Moon and Be Charlotte, so as you can see they have form! This year’s crop of acts is a cracker, get down and take a chance to check out next year’s stars.
Xiu Xiu is the conduit for the uncompromising and unnervingly personal musical works of Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist Jamie Stewart, plus a roll call of collaborators both in studio and onstage.. Streaming forth a ceaseless torrent of releases, side projects, art offerings and extensive international touring since 2002, Xiu Xiu’s music has veered from damaged avant-pop to artfully orchestrated rock, squalls of black-hearted noise and most bases around and between, ever served with a bruising honesty and intensity that has ripped out the hearts of a legion of obsessive listeners.
Latest Xiu Xiu album ‘Girl with Basket of Fruit’ (out Feb 2019) is a rowdier, yet more stylistically splenetic offering than 2017’s ‘Forget’, with the usual eye-catching list of collaborators this time including Eugene Robinson (Oxbow), Devin Hoff and Haitian percussionists Emmanuel Obi and Ayo Okafor.
For 2019 live operations Xiu Xiu is manifest in the form of Stewart, Thor Harris (drums/percussion) and Christopher Pravdica (bass).
“effortlessly slick beach pop” NME
“their soundscapes evoke an exotic, dream-like state rife with tension and sexual danger” – Line of Best Fit
A Paris based trio who blend sweeping melodies, psychedelic reveries and a love of the song and story.
Founded by Lewis Lazar the painter and Christopher Willatt the mathematician, the two started writing songs together as childhood friends in Brussels before going on to pursue different things in different countries; Lewis explored poetry and song in New York and Christopher wrote and ran an underground venue in Edinburgh.
They reunited in Paris in 2017 to begin writing anew and reinvented themselves as the ‘Oracle Sisters’.
Julia Johansen, from Finland, who had just landed in Paris with her guitar and songs, joined them with harmonies and her secret talent on the drums.
Oracle Sisters soon attracted a family of artists and friends who helped shape and support their sound.
Their debut EP is due to be released in January 2020 before the band head to Mexico city to record their debut album.
The Micro Band is a constantly evolving entity built around the song writing and creative energy of Alex Auldsmith. Known for infamous late night party sets with a wild seven-member live show, the band are moving forward with a more intimate sound on their new Ep recorded at Abbey Road Studios.
The bouncing two piece indie-pop from the midlands are returning to Edinburgh this November! Be sure to grab a ticket for a taste of the summer!
There’s something in the water in Cardiff.
Out of the same scene that birthed our cool pals Boy Azooga, Himalayas are a harder-edges and more immediate prospect. Himalayas are all riffs, attitude and garage rock’n’roll with hits for days (and nights).
In our opinion, Alex Rex’s Otterburn is the best Scottish album of 2019. Its songs of love, loss and loathing meld genres unfathomably across swoonsome country balladry, primitive psychedelic funk and swampy cajun boogie.
Alex uses his uncommon and extraordinary voice to lyrically delve in the murky depths of bereavement, kink and cruelty. Alex ‘Rex’ Neilson is Trembling Bells’ drummer and songwriter and has toured and made albums with Bonny ‘Prince’ Billy. Alex’s songwriting and delivery is every bit that great man’s equal.
Magpie Blue embarks on her first headline tour this November.
Scottish Singer Songwriter and lyricist, Magpie Blue released her debut single ‘Just In Time’ on June 14th via Seahorse Music.
The track was produced in Edinburgh by Rod Jones of Idlewild and features drummer Michael Reid of Man of Moon and guitarist Louise McCraw of Goodnight Louisa.
“Lyrically, Magpie Blue delves into introspective yet sharply to-the-point subject matters from heartbreak to anxiety, investing her words with a raw truth. You get the sense listening to this number of an old head resting on young shoulders, of someone who has the emotional intelligence to channel real feeling into their art.
Having already gained comparisons at this early stage of her career to the likes of PJ Harvey and Anna Calvi, her Jeff Buckley-esque vocals inflect this number with a sense of raw melancholy. A husky, brooding start sets the track off on a low key, before her band, featuring the likes of drummer Michael Reid of Man of Moon and guitarist Louise McCraw of Goodnight Louisa, build proceedings to a mighty crescendo, subtle electronics adding an unexpected layer of depth. Production duties are confidently overseen by Idlewild’s Rod Jones, who brings his band’s keen ear for melodics to ensure this track remains firmly lodged in the ears after it’s finished.” – Bitter Sweet Symphonies
The artist uses her distinctive voice to illustrate her intriguing yet relatable lyrics, depicting heartbreak and the brutally honest inner thoughts of an anxious mind.
( “Magpie Blue AKA Millie Hanlon Cole debuts onto the scene with the phenomenal Just In Time. The Edinburgh-based singer/songwriter displays her unquestionable talent throughout this four minute track, allowing her powerhouse vocals to take centre stage.” – SAMA )
‘BBC Radio Scotland’s Singer/Songwriter of the Year’ Mike McKenzie takes to the Sneaky Pete’s stage for his debut headline performance since winning the inaugural award this year.
Alongside fellow Edinburgh based songwriters Mally Smith Music and You Are Lost Be Careful this collaborative evening of acoustic music is not one to be missed.
Doors at 7pm | £5 Entry | 14+
Tickets on sale now!
To find out more about the artists or to get tickets hit the link https://tinyurl.com/mikemckenzie-sneakypetes
Scruff of the Neck presents
Ivory Caves
Ivory Caves are a five piece indie/alternative rock band from Dunfermline comprising of infectious bass riffs, huge driven guitars and catchy melodies sang in three part harmony.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/IvoryCavesBand/
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0bihlwQnEVqoPaCce7fiTw
TWITTER: @IvoryCavesBand
INSTAGRAM: @IvoryCavesBand
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Velvet
If you are into shoegaze, dreampop or indie, you’re guaranteed to love this band to pieces.
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/velvetbandglasgow
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/5t7kD4ZZU03Gwg1Ea8CORp?si=Cnrb43XCQEiKip9UKzGC6w
TWITTER: @velvetband__
INSTAGRAM: @velvetband__
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Bronston return to Sneaky Pete’s for a headline show.
Support comes from
A Sudden Burst of Colour
FES
Deep Sea Creature
Bronston is a Scottish rock band formed in 2015 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Bronston released their first single, I Feel Safe, in 2016, showcasing their riff-oriented, synth- augmented, alternative rock style to a sold out audience at an accompanying show at Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh.
Their sound incorporates a variety of different styles and influences, taking inspiration from artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Tame Impala, Queens of the Stone Age, Foals, and Anderson .Paak.
Bronston’s music explores themes of external oppression, alternative realities, and anxieties about the future. Their lyrics link internal conflicts with notions of a future shaped by philosophical and technological advances.
Bristolian six-piece Cousin Kula met on the city’s progressive jazz scene and very quickly found themselves all living in a house together, rehearsing incessantly in their basement.
They bonded over their shared love for an incredibly eclectic range of music, all of which rear their heads in the band’s mind-bending fusion sound – at once sun-drenched pop and kaleidoscopic psyche with air-tight prog licks and infectious afrobeat-inspired rhythms.
We caught Cousin Kula at this year’s Great Escape Festival and had to pick our jaws up from the floor after their show. They are a seriously impressive band – one for the music ‘heads’ and the dancers.
For fans of Homeshake, D’Angelo, Shuggie Otis, Conan Mockasin.
Cool kids outta Brighton making woozy pop of the cool and danceable variety. We saw them at The Great Escape festival this year and were very impressed – one to see live!
SCOTTISH alt.blues troubadour Dave Arcari’s returns from his latest USA tour for this Edinburgh show.
His alt.blues sounds owe as much to trash country, punk and rockabilly as they do pre-war Delta blues and have been showcased via ten internationally-acclaimed solo CD releases.
Special guest tba
Imperial Wax are the final and longest-serving members of The Fall, minus Mark and with new tunes.
Anyone intimate with The Fall’s working method will know that the genus of much Fall music came from instrumental musicians, so it’s no surprise to know that Imperial Wax are absolutely brilliant.
“The best club in the UK for future rock & roll stars” – Noel Gallagher.
LIVE
The Lutras + more TBA
The DJs at This Feeling play (amongst many others).. The Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, Black Honey, Blossoms, Blur, BRMC, Cabbage, Catfish & The Bottlemen, The Charlatans, The Cribs, The Coral, Courteeners, David Bowie, DMA’s, Doves, Kasabian, The La’s, The Libertines, Oasis, Primal Scream, Pulp, Reverend & The Makers, The Rifles, The Rolling Stones, The Smiths, Stone Roses, Super Furry Animals, The Strokes, Suede, Supergrass, Temples, Trampolene, The Shimmer Band, The Verve, The Who, Yonaka + lots more including all the best new bands in the land
Yes! One of our favourite acts we hosted in 2017 and 2018 are back with an album ready to go. Real high-end indie pop with quirk, swagger and charm, these guys will go far.
Since last year they have been playing their biggest shows to date – in front of thousands as part of Bastille’s nationwide arena tour.
Ed Cares, one of west London’s most in-demand male nannies, was overheard humming a song he had written, by Katie, aged six, who persuaded him to form a band: “You’re probably my second favourite artist after Katy Perry.” Sourcing some neighbourhood musicians — Emma Topolski (bass), Rich Legate (guitar) and Glyn Daniels (drums) — Ed soon had an able band to perform with, and gave it the only logical moniker in the circumstances: CHILDCARE.
Organically formed, South Coast Band, Wild Front, aim to pair the unrestrained emotions of music with the capricious nature of life. It came as no surprise when the band formed, as the four boys had been musically working together for years.
Although 80’s rock and alternative indie is a love they all share, their primary musical influences are so different ranging from folk to hip hop. It’s this exotic mix that creates their unique and distinctive sound.
FOR FANS OF: Arctic Monkeys, JAWS, Marsicans
Edinburgh-based 5-piece The Wynntown Marshals formed in 2007 and have been described by the Metro as “arguably Scotland’s strongest band” and regarded by The Herald as “the best Americana band outside North America”. With three studio albums, several EPs, and a 10-year retrospective collection under their belts so far, the Marshals have recorded sessions for ‘Whispering Bob’ Harris’s BBC Radio 2 show, as well as BBC Radio Scotland sessions on ‘Another Country with Ricky Ross’ and an appearance on The Quay Sessions with Roddy Hart in 2018.
Their debut album “Westerner” was released in 2010 with the Belgian website RootsTime proclaiming it “the best alt.country album from Europe ever”, with the follow-up (“The Long Haul”) being placed at number 10 in the Sunday Herald’s list of the ‘Top 50 Scottish Albums of 2013’. “The End of the Golden Age” (2015) was awarded 8/10 in Uncut, referring to the band as “colonising the shadowland that lies between Tom Petty and Teenage Fanclub”.
In 2017, the band marked a decade together by releasing a 16-track retrospective entitled “After All These Years”, with Louder Than War awarding the compilation 9/10 and declaring that “The Marshals have been crafting songs of such high quality that they’re surely a national treasure”, and that they are “miles above the competition at this sort of thing”.
The Wynntown Marshals will play their first headline shows in over a year including a special date at Sneaky Pete’s on Thursday 5th December, where they will debut their new line-up as well as previewing material from their forthcoming studio album which will be released on Blue Rose Records in the spring of 2020.
NB: 14-17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. No refunds will be given for incorrectly booked tickets. The venue management reserve the right to breathalyse anyone under the age of 18. Refusal or failure of the test will result in entry being denied.
Zoe Graham
Over 14s (under 16s with an adult)
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There is an impressive maturity and attention to detail in Zoe Graham’s music that sets this accomplished young songwriter apart from her peers. On stage, you will find her either with band or fleshing out the instrumentation with loop pedals on solo outings.
But when Zoe pares it back to just a vocal and acoustic guitar, as she does on the achingly poignant The Anniesland Lights (from her recent Hacket & Knackered EP), that is when you know you’re in the company of someone very special indeed. Championed by BBC Radio Scotland‘s Roddy Hart and with multiple Celtic Connections appearances to her name, Zoe Graham’s understated charms will not stay below the radar for much longer.
Website: https://zoegrahammusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZoeGrahamMusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamzoegraham/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zoegrahammusic
Some gothic, unsettling, sleazy, loud and noisy dis- co funk for you. If Dale Barclay was still around to dance, he’d dance to this. Glasgow has always done a great line in frightening urban gothic and Franky’s certainly hit the mark. Ones to watch.
We are extra pleased to present this very special solo show.
Vetiver is the long-running stage and recording name of San Francisco’s Andy Cabic. ‘Up On High’ is his seventh studio album and the first since 2015. Vetiver has toured around the world on headline tours and supporting artists that include Wilco, TheShins, Fleet Foxes, Beach House, Bob Weir & Phil Lesh, and Vashti Bunyan.
Vetiver craft nuanced, understated songs that reward careful listening, building a rich duality; a space where sunshine is only a chord away from melancholy, an introspective lyric underlies an extroverted chorus and subtlety tries to be outgoing in an effort to connect the dots of life’s ellipsis.
‘Up On High’ was made with an extraordinary cast of musician friends who work with Father John Misty, Peter Bjorn and John, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, Kevin Morby, Cass McCombs, and Wild Nothing.
Mega punk 3-piece Lady Bird are Slaves’ fave new band and they might just be ours! Catch em tearing up Sneaks in December.
A comic critique of British culture from the inside looking out, if Mike Skinner had picked up a guitar and a bag of speed he might just have come up with this dark dancefloor tear-up riot. Well good.
Rascalton, a 4-piece indie rock outfit from Glasgow, are part of a new wave of Scottish acts that includes Declan Welsh & The Decadent West, Pleasure Heads, THE NINTH WAVE, and LUCIA. They are reclaiming the word “band”, bringing it back to its roots of self-expression within a community, of like-minded individuals sharing art as not only a means of enjoyment but of survival.
Spurred on by boredom and limited employment opportunities are carving out a new state of youth culture centred around local haunts like Stereo Cafe Bar and Priory Bar Sauchiehall Street. It seems where there is little distraction beautiful things are able to grow and blooming they are in Glasgow
Jack, Steve, Mark and Greig make up Rascalton, and like most bands of note, the project was spawned from the tinkerings in a garage which somehow became succinct and digestible. Those same nascent noises are now the fully formed, somewhat brutal ruminations on life and love in the city that have come to define the band, with tracks like “Lust” and “Alone” bringing them acclaim from London Town to East Kilbride.
One of the many qualities of Rascalton is their disinterest in what other people think about their music. So many acts are trapped in this idea that a band has to look a certain way or make a certain song to get to a certain point so they can actually start making the music they really wanted to make in the first place. This new Glasgow set seem to have rejected that idea, rather embracing the age-old philosophy of “If you like it cool if not also cool (but go fuck yourself)”. Whilst most other bands and remnants of scenes are drowning in inadequacy Rascalton and co have their feet firmly on dry land.”
Central Belters / Sneaky Pete’s presents an intimate Christmas show from Delta Mainline, fresh from the release of their 2019 sophomore album “Bel Avenir”. Support TBA.
DELTA MAINLINE:
Dubbed as gloriously out of step with the rest of Scottish music, Delta Mainlines unique mix of dream pop, shoegazing soundscapes, electronic experimentation, and psychedelia-infused garage rock has brought invitations to perform with Moon Duo, Micah P. Hinson, Jane Weaver, Elephant Stone, The Warlocks and The Telescopes, plus widespread critical acclaim.
Recorded at Chem19 and mastered by Geoff Pesche (Aphex Twin, Blur) at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, debut single Vultures included remixes by Miaoux Miaoux and Remember Remember. Vultures was licensed to Action for Children for their 2016 campaign, premiering on Glastonburys Pyramid Stage. Debut LP Oh! Enlightened was released through Rehab Sound (UK) and Halcyon Records (North America) to unanimous critical acclaim – notably from Uncut, Q Magazine, Artrocker, The Scotsman and God Is in the TV. The release was celebrated with a UK headline tour and BBC live session with Vic Galloway.
Further radio play has included Lauren Laverne on BBC 6Music, BBC Radio 1 and Amazing Radio, with the latters Jim Gellatly (the voice of new music in Scotland) previously championing Delta Mainline as one of the countrys finest live acts. This live sound was captured on EP In a World Full of Madness, the Simple Joy of Melody Can Pull You Through (mastered by CHVRCHES Iain Cook), as the songs cascade from gospel-tinged melodies to intense sonic experimentation.
Previously, the band were showcased amongst the cream of the guitar-based psychedelia-influenced crop (Drowned in Sound) on Strung Out Vol. 1 with Caribou and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Delta Mainlines 2nd album “Bel Avenir”, mixed by The Delgados Paul Savage (Franz Ferdinand, Teenage Fanclub), launched in May 2019 with support from Clash Music and Vic Galloway on BBC 6Music.
Frankly, The Smiths are a Scottish Smiths tribute act. The band have been together a short time, but have established themselves as Scotland’s premier tribute to The Smiths, playing regular shows across the country. The four piece delve deep into the indie legends’ back catalogue, performing lengthy shows that are sure to please both the casual and devoted fan. The band have gained a dedicated following, all of whom agree that this is the only tribute act to see for the ultimate Smiths experience. This will be their third appearance at Sneaky Pete’s, the last two of which were near sell outs, so be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!
Ethan is a 14 year old solo artist from Livingston, Scotland.
His music features a unique style of melodic rap vocals similar to The Lafontaines, huge guitar riffs much like Oasis and The Stone Roses, massive sounding drums and a whole lot more!
Quiet Houses are a Manchester based indie-folk duo made up of Hannah Elliott (vocals, violin, keyboards) and Jamie Stewart (guitar, vocals). After forming in early 2018, the pair started writing songs rooted in the wistful folk sound-world of Laura Marling and Fleet Foxes and the quirky lyricism of indie songwriters Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile.
For their first Edinburgh headline they’ll perform with Kieran Murphy (drums), James Cooke (guitar), Jacob Bentley (bass) and Karl Ziegler (keys).
Musicians Against Homelessness Present
PYRO · Shanghai Treason · Chris Greig & The Merchants · Fraser McLean Music
@ Sneaky Pete’s Edinburgh Wednesday December 18th
Raising money for Crisis Homeless Charity
Go To Girl play their first home town headline show at Sneaky Pete’s with support from The Girl Who Cried Wolf and The Gritty Kings. Prepare for indie pop goodness and a hint of festive cheer!
Tickets available now from https://gotogirl.bigcartel.com/
Romantic burnout, spiritual dereliction and existential sleaze served with a wry smile and cheeky sex appeal. Deliriously catchy saxophone melodies, a smattering of congas and some very funky wah-guitar abound.
Scottish alternative R&B artist Kohla announces her debut visual live show at Edinburgh’s Sneaky Pete’s on Friday 20th December, performing with a full live band and backing dancers.
Citing FKA Twigs, Grimes, Tinashe and Kate Bush as influences, Kohla has received critical acclaim from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Rapal, and Amazing Radio, along with music blogs worldwide: New York’s Obscure Sound, Austin’s Wonky Sensitive, Germany’s Stereofox, Scotland’s The Skinny, Tenement TV, Alive & Amplified, Love Music; Love Life, Mockit Music and Australia’s Stoney Roads & Acid Stag, among many more.
“STUNNING INDUSTRIAL AND MOODY ELECTRO-NOIR” – BBC INTRODUCING (Nicola Meighan)
‘INTRICATE, ELEGANT AND INESCAPABLY CAPTIVATING’ – THE SKINNY
‘DEEPLY MOVING & SUBTLY HYPNOTIC’ – TENEMENT TV
‘AN ARTIST WHO’S POSED TO RISE’ – New York’s OBSCURE SOUND
*****Please note that there are limited tickets for this performance due to extended staging*****
Choreography by Kohla, Natalie Divine and Natalie Bullions.
Sub Violet headline Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh on the 21st of December 2019.
Really excited for this show! It’s going to be mental! It’s set to be a sell out so get your tickets before they’re gone!
Buy tickets online and collect at the venue on the night of the event.
Tickets: https://subviolet.bigcartel.com/product/sub-violet-sneaky-pete-s
14+
Tickets £5
Doors: 7pm
Support TBC
“In this post-truth world where alternative facts get squeezed out via the distorted prism of social media, the simplicity of a band like JOHN makes for a refreshing tonic.” – Loud and Quiet Magazine.
AF Gang assemble for this one! John toured with IDLES this year, and are certainly one of the few 2-pieces that could match their fierce energy. JOHN is comprised of two blokes named John. From this simple premise comes a band who create a sound as punchy, pared down and to-the-point as their name suggests. Their live shows are utterly ferocious, leaning on tight, repetitive motifs and politically-driven lyrics that have been making crowds go wild.
Their live shows are utterly ferocious, leaning on tight, repetitive motifs and politically-driven lyrics that have been making crowds go mad. No wonder they’ve been sharing stages with the likes of IDLES, Metz and USA Nails.
Warm your post-Christmas blues with a triple bill of Scottish pop magic at Edinburgh’s Sneaky Pete’s on Saturday December 28th, 2019. Doors 7pm, Curfew 10pm.
All general admission tickets at £5.98 provide entry to full show.
Over 18’s
ANNA SWEENEY
“I can hear this all over Radio 1” – Vic Galloway, BBC Introducing
“Glorious” – Nicola Meighan, BBC Scotland
Anna Sweeney has had a special 2019. The release of singles “Way Back When” and “Change the Way I Dress”, both championed by BBC Radio Scotland, saw her take her first steps into an exciting new level of momentum. Her sparkling live shows rained hook-laden “proper pop” all year, including at Austin’s SXSW festival and King Tut’s Summer Nights Festival. Anna prides herself on skilful songwriting and attention to detail, and draws influence from pop heavyweights such as HAIM, Taylor Swift and Robyn. Catch her last show of the year at Sneaky Pete’s on Dec 28th!
NEON SEAS:
Neon Seas are an alt-pop band formed in Glasgow, at the beginning of 2018. Founded by members Davey Purdie, Samantha Kelly and Calum Brown. Dancing between different musical themes inspired by genres such as synthpop, shoegaze, electronica and post-punk, the band aims to bring something unique to the table.
MAN OF THE MINCH
“Forward-thinking folk music” – Rolling Stone
“Man of the Minch” is the aquatic alias of Glasgow based queer galactic folk-pop act and multi-instrumentalist Pedro Cameron. Drawing on lyrical themes of life and loves as a member of the LGBT community, the Man of the Minch sound blends sparkling electronic elements with rootsy Americana and traditional Celtic sounds. 2019 has been a bumper year for Man of the Minch, with the release of his double A side singles “Undertow” and “Better Off Alone” garnering extensive radio airplay and acclaim, including being named one the Top Country/Americana Songs to Hear Now by Rolling Stone magazine.
Domiciles
This album cries out to be played loud, it deserves to be, ensuring you give it your full undivided attention.’ Louder Than War
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/artist/29oO9t2oynl3dWiOKIldRZ
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/domiciles_band/
TWITTER: @domicilesband
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/domiciles/
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Kettle of Kites is an indie art rock band. It’s a soaring crescendo and then a simple folk melody. It’s a vast wide open space and then an intimate living room – a geometric maze to find your way through.
Their debut album Loan was formed through humble means – recorded in a dingy, sweaty Italian basement by Scottish frontman/songwriter Tom Stearn and then sent half way across the world to A Pocket Full Of Stones studio in Australia to be mixed. Embarking on the launch of their new sci-fi inspired studio album Arrows, the band’s somewhat dispersed members (Pietro Martinelli, bass – Genoa // Marco Giongrandi, guitar – Brussels // Riccardo Chiaberta, drums – London) combine their unique experience in their respective music scenes to sculpt new worlds, new images, new stories.
Their soon to be released second album Arrows is inspired by the sci-fi world of the author Isaac Asimov – Sumptuous Fleet Foxes- esque sunsets, roaring Grizzly Bear reverbs and cyclic classical guitar lines, with an undercurrent of minimal electronic drums and synth reminiscent of Radiohead.
Not always destined for a life in music, Georgie had a promising career in professional football looming ahead of her, but the sudden discovery of a guitar and her uncle’s record collection whisked her off the pitch and into her bedroom to hone her musical craft. She quickly mastered the art of blagging her way into pubs underage in order to play open mic nights, and it wasn’t long before her rich soulful voice and honest, reflective songwriting had earned her local notoriety – after one pub crowd demanded a fourth set from her in a single evening, she failed the next day’s history GCSE exam due to the exhaustion.
It wasn’t too long before her relentless graft paid off when her music caught the attention of local hero Jake Bugg, who took her with him on an intimate UK support tour. Since then she has fulfilled support duties for stars ranging from Blossoms to Jack Savoretti, and was flown out to Virginia, USA to record her debut single ‘Company Of Thieves’ with the legendary Matthew E White and his Spacebomb house band. Blending her British Grit with such an accomplished American Soul band resulted in a truly spellbinding single that earned Georgie spots on a whole host of watch lists.
Awkward Family Portraits are back rocking the Cowgate this January. Come and get loose!
Eastbourne is most commonly known as a retirement hub; an eden for the elderly, where life goes to notch down a gear. But just one listen to East-born and bred ROAM and it’s clear that not everyone in the southern town got the memo.
Though barely out of their college years, the quintet have made heady progress since their formation in September 2012, notching up a self released mini album, ‘No Common Ground’ (November 2012), and getting stuck into the national gigging circuit with commitment and rambunctious enthusiasm.
Their breakneck pace shows no sign of arresting either, with a sophomore release, 5 track mini-album ‘Head Down’ slated for release less than a year after its predecessor.
Positively bursting with infectious guitar licks and the kind of vocal hooks you may as well resign yourself to humming at regular intervals for the foreseeable future, ‘Head Down’ is a further leap for ROAM in their seemingly unstoppable forward march.
“Since we put out ‘…Common Ground’ we’ve been continually writing, trying out new songs live and changing parts until we felt the new songs were what we wanted,” says guitarist/vocalist Alex Adam; “Head Down is a collection of the best of those songs. We put a lot into them, and we think it shows.”
Completed by lead vocalist Costello, guitarist Sam Veness, bassist Matt Roskilly and drummer Charlie Pearson, ROAM have teamed up with Leeds based DIY label Pinky Swear Records (Neck Deep, Your Demise, Nai Harvest) for the physical release of ‘Head Down’.
“There’s a lot of people willing to sit back and let everything happen for them (or not as the case may be), and then they complain about the situation they’re in,” says Alex; “A lot of this EP is inspired by that bad mindset; it’s all about getting your head down and trying to do stuff yourself.”
The brazen and effortlessly cool duo Nova Twins are comprised of the bassist Georgia South and vocalist Amy Love.
Taking inspiration from all sonic corners via bands like N.E.R.D., Jack White, Missy Elliot, Princess Nokia and Rihanna, the best friends have captured fans of all demographics with their high-octane approach.
After a mega sell-out show in February, we’re putting on HAAi all night long at The Caves!
Having stamped her presence on the global scene through her own parties, radio shows, Phonox residency and unbelievable mixes, HAAi has proven she’s a force to be reckoned with. You know you’re in for a treat with this one – it’s going to go off!
“…catnip for fans of Protomartyr or The Fall…” The Ransom Note
The current wave of UK punk continues apace. Italia 90 have caught our eye a few times over the past couple of years, so we’re very pleased to finally be able to bring them to the club.
“…Very much rate this, and certainly don’t think that Wire, Alternative TV, Sauna Youth and Institute’s Catharsis LP are excessively flattering reference points…” The Quietus
“…The sound this four piece create, recalls those early Wire recordings, Joy Division cassettes and Gang of Four bootlegs at least one mate would own having sneaked a cassette recorder into the venue to record and listen to a few weeks later….” Louder Than War
Dreamy, scintillating and melodic shoegaze from Hundredth, whose album ‘RARE’ made it onto Sterogum’s best of 2017.
Tickets on sale Friday!
Dry Cleaning are a 4-piece from South London channeling post-punk and new wave pop with a side order of low slung Americana. Their upcoming 6-track EP ‘Sweet Princess’ is a kaleidoscope of images pieced together, where the everyday collides with the profound.
“Anyone concerned with the absence of theatrics in rock’n’roll should pop their head into a HMLTD show” – The Guardian
Following their recent return with the explosive recent single
‘LOADED’, London based five piece HMLTD today announce news of the upcoming release of their long-awaited debut album, West of Eden, due for release on 7th February 2020 via UK independent label Lucky Number.
The expansive, labyrinthine debut has been several years in the making; a daring collection of songs created to incite conversation about proposed new visions of masculinity, the decadence of western capitalism and the violence of insecurity and repression. Across its 15 tracks, the band’s artistic vision is realised in full technicolour, with all shades of their sonic palette used to create an album that is equal parts lush and abrasive.
Reflekter shine bright like the molten sounds of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Black Keys, Oasis, Echo and the Bunnymen and Kasabian distilled; a fiery melting pot of energy, melody and psychedelia and undoubtedly one of Nottingham’s hottest new prospects right now. With a sound that swaggers, woozes and transfixes the listener, latest single ‘Alright’ pays tribute to the band’s heroes without ever slipping into the realms of nostalgia.
Reflekter formed in Nottingham in May 2018. Four lads in a bar, watching Fontaines DC at dot to dot festival in Nottingham. The lead singer and songwriter James had been on the circuit for 3 years, with a previous band called Same Streets, loved by BBC introducing decided that it was time to get the music recorded and put the band together from the ashes of same streets, and recruit the best musicians to bring it all to life. The local recording studio heard the demos who sent them to Jason Hart who manages Jake Bugg amongst others, who hired a crack studio team to produce and mix a complete album, recorded and mixed in two months.
With their first single ‘Caught in a Storm’ organically clocking up over 20,000 streams in a week, it wasn’t long before BBC Introducing’s Dean Jackson was hot on their heels, placing them high on the coveted “ones to watch list 2019”. Now with a second track unleashed for public devouring, ‘Alright’ truly captures the essence of their fist pumping, riff-shredding rock’n’roll.
Based in Edinburgh, swim school are a 4 piece, indie-pop band made up of Alice Johnson (Vocals/Guitar), Lewis Bunting (Guitar), Nairn Milne (Drums) and Matt Mitchell (Bass).
Announced in 2019, but having originally formed at the end of 2018, swim school already host an eclectic collection of songs featuring the inspired tones of The Cure, PALE WAVES and Wolf Alice.
swim school dived into Scotland’s burgeoning indie scene with their debut single ‘sway’ which was released on the 22nd February. The release of ‘sway’ turned heads, attracting the attention of TENEMENT TV, The Modern Record, The Sun newspaper and radio DJ, Jim Gellatly.
It’s been an exciting start for the foursome as they have already played some of Scotland’s biggest music festivals such as TRNSMT Festival, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, XpoNorth and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Summer Nights to name a few. Alongside a trio of sold out shows with Indigo Velvet, Dancing On Tables and Scottish pop-rock giants The XCERTS.
“Edinburgh has another great indie guitar band in the making – so much potential” – Up and Coming Edinburgh
The Edinburgh indie-pop rockers’ released their second highly anticipated single ‘take you there’ on the 21st of June which has since been accredited by both Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland and The Afternoon Show with Janice Forsyth & Grant Stott with multiple plays on BBC Radio Scotland.
It’s exciting times for swim school as they join forces with The Xcerts for a second time on their 10th anniversary tour of ‘In the Cold Wind We Smile’ across the UK in November/ December.
swim school continue to write and record music in their studio as they prepare for the headline show at Sneaky Pete’s in February
TEMPERS are a NYC-based duo comprised of Jasmine Golestaneh and Eddie Cooper. The duo’s dark, ice-cold electronica blends a sinister slow static disco with danceable beats, a hinting of pop sensibility imprisoned in an almost gothic, industrial soundscape.
Their previous singles, ‘Eyes Wide Wider’ b/w ‘Hell Hotline’ produced by Damian Taylor (Bjork), ‘Strange Harvest’ and ‘Killing for Company’ (Swans cover) received coverage across the US and UK blogs including Pitchfork, The Fader, Noisey, V Magazine and Interview. Their debut album “Services” was released in October 2015, and their EP “Fundamental Fantasy” was released via The Vinyl Factory Feb 2017.
In November 2018 Tempers released JUNKSPACE, feat. Rem Koolhaas on BMG. A unique concept album based on the ground-breaking essay by visionary architect REM KOOLHAAS about the architecture of consumerism. On the following EU/UK tour they sold out shows in London, Berlin and Warsaw.
Glasgow’s Spinning Coin are a ramshackle quartet who make a singular indie pop sound. Since playing for us in 2016, they released belter album ‘Permo’ from Domino-affiliated label Geographic Music, run by The Pastels, and have supported Stephen Malkmus And The Jicks, Real Estate and Alvvays.
We can’t wait to have em back! Tickets on sale now.
For fans of Homeshake, D’Angelo, Shuggie Otis, Conan Mockasin.
Cool kids outta Brighton making woozy pop of the cool and danceable variety. We saw them at The Great Escape festival this year and were very impressed – one to see live!
One thing you won’t be able to avoid on Bambara’s Stray is death. It’s everywhere and inescapable, abstract and personified – perhaps the key to the whole record. Death, however, won’t be the first thing that strikes you about the group’s fourth – and greatest – album to date. That instead will be its pulverising soundscape; by turns, vast, atmospheric, cool, broiling and at times – on stand out tracks like “Sing Me To The Street” and “Serafina” – simply overwhelming
Bambara – twin brothers Reid and Blaze Bateh, singer/guitarist and drummer respectively, and bassist William Brookshire – have been evolving their midnight-black noise into something more subtle and expansive ever since the release of their 2013 debut Dreamviolence. That process greatly accelerated on 2018’s Shadow On Everything, their first on New York’s Wharf Cat Records and a huge stride forward for the band both lyrically and sonically.
The album was rapturously received by the press, listeners and their peers. NPR called it a “mesmerising…western, gothic opus,” Bandcamp called the “horror-house rampage” “one of the year’s most gripping listens,” and Alexis Marshall of Daughters named it his “favorite record of 2018.” Shadow also garnered much acclaim on the other side of the Atlantic. Influential British 6Music DJ Steve Lamacq, dubbed them the best band of 2019’s SXSW, and Joe Talbot of the UK band IDLES said, “The best thing I heard last year was easily Bambara and their album Shadow On Everything.” The question was, though, how to follow it?
To start, the band did what they always do: they locked themselves in their windowless Brooklyn basement to write. Decisions were made early on to try and experiment with new instrumentation and song structures, even if the resulting compositions would force the band to adapt their storied live set, known for its tenacity and technical prowess. Throughout the songwriting process, the band pulled from their deep well of creative references, drawing on the likes of Leonard Cohen, Ennio Morricone, Sade, classic French noir L’Ascenseur Pour L’Echafraud, as well as Southern Gothic stalwarts Flannery O’Connor and Harry Crews.
Once the building blocks were set in place, they met with producer Drew Vandenberg, who mixed Shadow On Everything, in Athens, GA to record the foundation of Stray. After recruiting friends Adam Markiewicz (The Dreebs) on violin, Sean Smith (Klavenauts) on trumpet and a crucial blend of backing vocals by Drew Citron (Public Practice) and Anina Ivry-Block (Palberta), Bambara convened in a remote cabin in rural Georgia, where Reid laid down his vocals.
The finished product represents both the band’s most experimental and accessible work to date. The addition of Citron and Ivory-Block’s vocals create a hauntingly beautiful contrast to Bateh’s commanding baritone on tracks like “Sing Me to the Street”, “Death Croons” and “Stay Cruel,” while the Dick Dale inspired guitar riffs on “Serafina” and “Heat Lightning” and the call-and-response choruses throughout the album showcase Bambara’s ability to write songs that immediately demand repeat listens.
While the music itself is evocative and propulsive, a fever dream all of its own, the lyrical content pushes the record even further into its own darkly thrilling realm. If the songs on Shadow On Everything were like chapters in a novel, then this time they’re short stories. Short stories connected by death and its effect on the characters in contact with it. “Death is what you make it” runs a lyric in “Sweat,” a line which may very well be the thread that ties these stories together.
But it would be wrong to characterize Stray as simply the sound of the graveyard. Light frequently streams through and, whether refracted through the love and longing found on songs like “Made for Me” or the fantastical nihilism on display in tracks like the anthemic “Serafina,” reveals this album to be the monumental step forward that it is. Here Bambara sound like they’ve locked into what they were always destined to achieve, and the effect is nothing short of electrifying.
Ever since we hosted this New York four-piece in Independent Venue Week with Heavy Rapids, we knew we had to have them back!
Public Practice harness the coolest funkiest bits of CBGB proto-punk with an astonishing textural awareness and sass. We are THRILLED to have them back in the club.
