Live Music Roundup - April
DeVotchKa gonna make it happen at King Tut's on 6 April
| 01 Apr 2008
Edinburgh
Snow Patrol a bit too limp-wristed for you? Fancy something a good, ooh, ten per cent more aggressive? Step forward Glasgow's Crash my Model Car, who play Henry's Cellar Bar on 3 Apr. They're anthemic, they've been featured on The O.C. and they're probably going to sell lots of records. Don't bother if: you can name the bassist from Cryptopsy.
London based troubadour Chris T-T hits up Cabaret Voltaire on 5 Apr. Expect him to spin witty and literate tales of life in Britain, warts and all. It may not always be pretty, but it's compelling stuff nonetheless and well worth a shout. Check him out if: you're a disillusioned 20-something and proud of it.
They've been off the radar (fucking ha ha) for a couple of years but Mystery Jets will crash back into your consciousnesses with a set at The Hive on 18 Apr. The old geezer on drums may be missing in action, but the Jets have lost none of their swagger or pizazz. Check them out if: you appreciate a British band that recognises the existence of a middle ground between being earnest bores and acting like a pack of cunts.
More recently famous for their guitarist's romantic exploits, The Kills take the stage at the Liquid Room on 15 Apr and will hopefully let the music do the talking. Obviously it's pretty contrived and all, but in the right light, and from a certain angle, this can be pretty exciting stuff.
Don't bother if: you've ever uttered the words "it's like Royal Trux never happened!"
Glasgow
Canadian electro-punks Holy Fuck tear it up at Stereo on 5 Apr. Dark, danceable and somewhat psychedelic, this posse of nonconformist noise-mongers have an enviable live reputation. This could be really very good indeed. Check them out if: you're willing to take a risk on something that could be fabulous.
Skinny faves DeVotchKa gonna make it happen at King Tut's on 6 Apr. Gypsy, folk, alt-rock - try and pigeonhole them all you want, Devotchka will surprise you every time. While peers like Gogol Bordello seem to be turning into caricatures of themselves, this band somehow just sound RIGHT. Nothing is forced, they've got real style and passion. Check if: you're sexually aroused by the sound of a sousaphone (and who isn't?).
No need to mention THAT band anymore, Future of the Left can stand up on their own merit, and Stereo will be battered by their brilliance on 9 Apr. Heavy without sounding hackneyed; humorous without being tits, FOTL are all about the tunes - and just about every one of them is great. Check them if: you know what's good for you.
¡Forward, Russia! round things out with a gig at King Tut's on 15 Apr. Deliciously unpredictable, one minute they sound like a slick emo outfit, the next they're crushing your ribcage with weapons-grade riffage and satanic wailing. They've definitely been polishing their pop skills, but they're still delightfully rough around the edges. Check 'em if: you like bands with ambition.
Snow Patrol a bit too limp-wristed for you? Fancy something a good, ooh, ten per cent more aggressive? Step forward Glasgow's Crash my Model Car, who play Henry's Cellar Bar on 3 Apr. They're anthemic, they've been featured on The O.C. and they're probably going to sell lots of records. Don't bother if: you can name the bassist from Cryptopsy.
London based troubadour Chris T-T hits up Cabaret Voltaire on 5 Apr. Expect him to spin witty and literate tales of life in Britain, warts and all. It may not always be pretty, but it's compelling stuff nonetheless and well worth a shout. Check him out if: you're a disillusioned 20-something and proud of it.
They've been off the radar (fucking ha ha) for a couple of years but Mystery Jets will crash back into your consciousnesses with a set at The Hive on 18 Apr. The old geezer on drums may be missing in action, but the Jets have lost none of their swagger or pizazz. Check them out if: you appreciate a British band that recognises the existence of a middle ground between being earnest bores and acting like a pack of cunts.
More recently famous for their guitarist's romantic exploits, The Kills take the stage at the Liquid Room on 15 Apr and will hopefully let the music do the talking. Obviously it's pretty contrived and all, but in the right light, and from a certain angle, this can be pretty exciting stuff.
Don't bother if: you've ever uttered the words "it's like Royal Trux never happened!"
Glasgow
Canadian electro-punks Holy Fuck tear it up at Stereo on 5 Apr. Dark, danceable and somewhat psychedelic, this posse of nonconformist noise-mongers have an enviable live reputation. This could be really very good indeed. Check them out if: you're willing to take a risk on something that could be fabulous.
Skinny faves DeVotchKa gonna make it happen at King Tut's on 6 Apr. Gypsy, folk, alt-rock - try and pigeonhole them all you want, Devotchka will surprise you every time. While peers like Gogol Bordello seem to be turning into caricatures of themselves, this band somehow just sound RIGHT. Nothing is forced, they've got real style and passion. Check if: you're sexually aroused by the sound of a sousaphone (and who isn't?).
No need to mention THAT band anymore, Future of the Left can stand up on their own merit, and Stereo will be battered by their brilliance on 9 Apr. Heavy without sounding hackneyed; humorous without being tits, FOTL are all about the tunes - and just about every one of them is great. Check them if: you know what's good for you.
¡Forward, Russia! round things out with a gig at King Tut's on 15 Apr. Deliciously unpredictable, one minute they sound like a slick emo outfit, the next they're crushing your ribcage with weapons-grade riffage and satanic wailing. They've definitely been polishing their pop skills, but they're still delightfully rough around the edges. Check 'em if: you like bands with ambition.