Mick Head
In the bleak midwinter, Getintothis‘ David Hall has the scoop on the latest Merseyside gigs to mull your wine, jingle your bells, and so on.
What with December marching on, Christmas closing in (we know, they kept that one quiet this year), and the pennies being pinched, we’ll be the first to admit that this isn’t a vintage week for Merseyside gigs.
After all, who can be bothered putting on, promoting or playing a gig when we’ve all already spent a month and a half’s wages on hastily purchased gifts for people we’re supposed to love and care for in the past week or so? Nobody has spare money for a pint, let alone a gig ticket.
But if you don’t celebrate Christmas, you can’t be arsed with its bullshit, or goodness forbid you’re actually organised and you bought prezzies months ago, you’re in for a treat.
There’s an air exclusivity about this week. We’re straight talking over here; we’re not trying to big up what’s not here, and we’re certainly not gonna try to con you that The Rolling Stones are coming to town.
But whether it’s local favourites or a select bunch of national tours swinging into town, stepping out this week will certainly feel special.
J Hus
J Hus: Invisible Wind Factory, Friday December 15
Frequent Stormzy collaborator Momodou Jallow, better known by his stage name J Hus is an English rapper with Gambian heritage. This year’s long-playing debut Common Sense – with its heady mix of grime and afrobeat – has received wide acclaim, and features guest spots from Mo Stack, MIST, Tiggs da Author and Burna Boy.
Unique singles like the afro-influenced Dem Boy Paigon and the free-flowing Did You See showcase Hus‘ talent, and his IWF show comes with support from Toddla T and Conducta.
Peach Fuzz
Peach Fuzz: Sound Food And Drink, Friday December 15
Rising local faces Peach Fuzz are curated by Evol for a headline show in the confines of Sound Basement, and bring along the Mysterines and Movamahs in support.
If you like it, or if you miss it, the band have announced the exact same lineup for an EBGBs gig in the new year on February 3 in celebration of their first sellout live show.
Mick Head at the #OurNHS gig
Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band: Invisible Wind Factory, Saturday December 16
Garnering critical acclaim from many quarters, Mick Head‘s long-awaited new album Adiós Señor Pussycat was released just a few months ago through his own label Violette Records.
His new backing group The Red Elastic Band join the scouse man and myth for their first work together since 2015’s double-A side Velvets In The Dark/Koala Bears. It’s sure to be a cracking evening in the company of the former Shack main man down in the docklands.
Paris Youth Foundation
Paris Youth Foundation: Buyers Club, Saturday December 16
Paris Youth Foundation were once called “Liverpool’s next big breakthrough band”, but don’t take our word for it. Actually, do, because that was us who said that.
Anyroad, the youngsters (or perhaps youthsters? Nah.) present a headline outing at Hardman Street’s Buyers Club to celebrate the release of their new single London. Check in on whether that earlier claim is coming true this weekend, with support courtesy of Black Pulp and Monks.
Blade Jogger – the new project by Austin Collings and By The Sea’s Liam Power
Blade Jogger single launch: Make North Dock, Saturday December 16
A unique proposition to say the least with the launch of Blade Jogger – Single of the Year 2049, new music from members of By The Sea and Bill Ryder-Jones. It’s a 22 minute 11 second single, apparently.
All the details you need are By The Sea play a 2049 2-piece set, plus Pure Joy …Go Galactic!, Austin Collings, D.A.N.I.E.L. and Beat Les all playing live, plus DJ sets from Nick Power, Vendel and War Room Records.
There’s a limited supply of 200 12″ Vinyl cuts of Blade Jogger, complete with illustrated colour booklet with artwork by Jason Vaughan and words by Austin Collings. The whole shebang features music from By The Sea and is produced by Bill Ryder-Jones.
More acts and screenings are to be added to the Regent Street party at Make, all for just £5 entry. Go with your instinct and be there.
Skinner’s Lane
Strings & Things – Xmas Charity Special: Studio 2, Sunday December 17
Strings and Things round out the year with their Annual Christmas Charity Special at Studio 2, with all proceeds going to help fund the Christmas Homeless Shelter in Southport.
Seegulls, VIDE0, Skinner’s Lane, Black Mountain Lights and Reid Anderson are all on the bill, plus a raffle, prizes given out for the best Christmas outfit on the night and festive fun all for a suggested donation of £3 entry on the door. Feel free to give more, people.
Ren Harvieu
Never fear, there’s still a clutch of good’uns for you to sift your way through as ever, with Getintothis‘ Gigbites:
- Otherkin: Studio 2, Monday December 11
- RedFaces: Sound Food And Drink, Tuesday December 12
- No Hot Ashes, Misfires: The Magnet, Friday December 15
- Zulu: Arts Club, Friday December 15
- Ren Harvieu: Arts Club, Saturday December 16
- Jordan Allen: Sound Food And Drink, Saturday December 16
Upcoming gigs to keep an eye on:
Beth Orton
Beth Orton: Arts Club, Wednesday February 7
Brought to us in a collaboration between Evol and Harvest Sun Promotions – the last time we can think of that happening was for their immensely fun Animal Collective show last year – Liverpool sees the return folktronica pioneer Beth Orton. You might recognise her plaintive vocals from The Chemical Brothers‘ Alive Alone on Exit Planet Dust and Where Do I Begin on Dig Your Own Hole.
But the Norfolk born, California based singer songwriter now has seven studio albums under her belt in her own right. Most recently 2016’s Kidsticks bigged up the electronic side to her sound, and was produced by Fuck Buttons man Andrew Hung. Orton has recently announced a super-exclusive seven-date UK tour, with Liverpool and Sheffield the only English cities visited outside of London. Tickets are on sale now, get ’em while they’re hot.
[paypal-donation]
