O2 Love Music Column – March 2014

Preview by George Sully | 28 Feb 2014

If there was ever an artist that just got on with it, despite their circumstances, that’d be prolific albino reggae veteran Yellowman. Raised in a Kingston orphanage and surpassing initial prejudice for his skin – and even cancer in the 1980s – this dancehall king is responsible for over 50 albums in his 40 year career. Even if you don’t know reggae, you’ll probably recognise the iconic number Zungguzungguguzungguzeng and its trademark riddim. Catch him at the O2 ABC on Wednesday 5 Mar, alongside equally legendary Jamaican cohort (and controversial rasta rapper) Dillinger.

If reggae’s not your ting, you can catch a whole night of gee-tar at the NME Awards Tour 2014 (O2 Academy, Tue 18 Mar). Headlined by classy NYC rockers Interpol, this year’s tour will also be carting about this thrashy set o’ three: the Kettering neo-psych foursome Temples after their recent debut Sun Structures, bearded Brighton garage-rock duo (and the BBC Sound of 2014) Royal Blood, and Liverpudlian indie-pop up-and-comers Circa Waves. With the Americans at the fore, precedented quality is in the bag, but it’s the supporting acts that’ll make the night worthwhile.

For a calmer affair, head back to the O2 ABC on Sunday 23 Mar for a session with LA-born songstress Banks. With a similar ambient flavour to James Blake, The Weeknd, and SBTRKT’s work with Sampha, her sultry compositions have had input from producers such as SOHN, Jamie Woon, and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, and put her on many a one-to-watch list for 2014. Known for dark, stripped-down electronic R&B, her two EPs to date (Fall Over and London) suggest her upcoming (and as yet untitled) debut album could be an immersive gem.

Hailing from the Lanarkshire metropolis of Wishaw, the as yet unsigned Vigo Thieves bring their own spin on alternative indie to the O2 ABC on Saturday 29 Mar. If you’d like a cheeky bop to round off your month, this four-piece’ll show you how, with judicious synths, catchy melodies, and passioned vocals from frontman Stevie Jukes. It’s also apparently worth mentioning that one of their early videos featured John Leslie, for some reason. They’ve made their mark at both Stag & Dagger and T in the Park in recent years (although they famously turned down a slot at SXSW 2013 in favour of amping up their presence back home), and this brief UK tour coincides with their new single This Love, out 3 Mar. [George Sully]

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