Stricken City @ Captain's Rest, 25 Feb

The cosy Captain's Rest seems an ideal venue to catch the critically acclaimed Stricken City. Hyped to the hilt, this indie-pop brigade sound quite unlike any of their peers. Sure, there are echoes of The Slits and The Sugarcubes but this London quartet are an altogether more sedate and huggable assemblage, evoking birds and neutral colours. Their floaty melodies combine catchy synth, uplifting bass, strident drums and gritty, jangling guitar. Rebekah Raa sings with hiccups and quavers, reminiscent of vocalists from the halcyon days of punk, only softer. Catch them now for an intimate gig before their popularity soars. [Georgina Merry]