Live music in Manchester this week: 1-7 Feb
With the arrival of February comes a decidedly juicier gig calendar, proven this week by the likes of Yasiin Bey – aka Mos Def – at O2 Ritz and Aussie singer-songwriter Carla Dal Forno at Soup Kitchen
We dive into the listings to bring you this essential guide to gigs in Manchester this week plus the latest news on festivals, tour announcements and more. Think we've missed something? Hit up jess@theskinny.co.uk with the details.
Wed 1
While co-frontman Josiah Johnson sits out the tour to focus on recovering from drug addiction, his fellow bandmates in
Thu 2 Feb
It’s waiting list only for Scruff of the Neck’s evening with Ist Ist, Sly Antics and Jekyll at Salford’s Sacred Trinity Church on 3 Feb; definitely worth a shot if you can elbow your way in on a ticket, but if not you can get your fix the day before when the promoters present Ctrl Club. This time it’s with
Fri 3 Feb
It’s been just over a year since the mighty Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) announced his retirement from music and film, following decades at the forefront of both American hip-hop – solo and as one half of Brooklyn rap duo Black Star alongside Talib Kweli – and political activism across the globe. Help send him off with a bang as Bey heads our way to perform classics from the Mos Def back catalogue for one last time. Sob. The Mouse Outfit Sound System stand in on support duties. O2 Ritz, 9pm, £20-£25.50
Meanwhile, down in the Soup Kitchen basement, Matthew and The Atlas – the project of British singer-songwriter Matthew Hegerty – will be firing up the alternative folk with songs from latest album,
Sat 4 Feb
Taking their motto “Everybody’s gotta be in a gang” from 1975 sexploitation film Switchblade Sisters, dark and anarchic LA outfit Death Valley Girls channel a compellingly revolutionary spirit and riot grrrl attitude into their tunes. Having released their sophomore album, Glow in the Dark, via Burger Records last year, they’re now hitting the road with a European tour. Aatma, 7.30pm, £8
Mon 6 Feb
Enjoy some fuzzy grunge from Brighton-based bros Eric and Jimi Tormey, joined by bassist Joe Hunt, as Gang stop by for Black Sabbath-style riffs and swirling psychedelia. Fallow Café, 7.30pm, £6
In association with Blackest Ever Black and Upset The Rhythm, Comfortable On A Tightrope proudly present the debut Manchester performance from Carla Dal Forno, the Aussie singer-songwriter serving up synthy echoes, rattling rhythms and minimalist vocals with her first album. Soup Kitchen, 7pm, £7
Now booking:
The Wytches, photo: Sam Huddleston
The ever-dependable Now Wave have announced they'll be bringing Brighton's The Wytches to Sound Control this April; get yourself a ticket if dark, flowery psychedelia and surf riffs straight outta 1950 are your bag.
You'll also all have noticed that this year's Parklife lineup has now been announced – and boy, is it a big 'un. Whether you're into the no-frills pop of Jess Glynne, classic hip-hop of A Tribe Called Quest or rising names like Loyle Carner and Cabbage, we've no doubt you'll find something on the roster that's up your street. Taking place this year 10-11 Jun, once again at Heaton Park, you can find out more about tickets here.