The discerning, original music buff is in for a bit of a treat this week with all sorts of left field and unique takes on songing presenting themselves around the various venues of The Grand Duchy of Swindon.
Thursday
Wasuremono, Familiars, Catgod @ The Victoria
Wasuremono are no strangers to Songs of Praise nights and have a wonderful way of mixing the high-concept and the commercial via a unique blend of otherworldly, melancholic shoegaze influenced, alternative pop and that isn’t just me who thinks so, Steve Lamacq is also a bit of a fan. Blimey! Joining their mercurial musical crusade are Familiars, widescreen, cinematic indie in all its piano-driven glory and Catgod a soulful trip-hop experiment with the sweetest harmonies you can imagine. If you are looking to re-ignite a love of new music, this is the place to start.
Moses Wiggins @ The Beehive
At The Beehive, meanwhile, you can catch a fantastic multi-media show. Video, story-telling and fine rootsy, acoustic music courtesy of the illustrious Moses Wiggins a musician of much renown and who bears more than a passing resemblance to Keith Thompson. Surely just a coincidence?
Friday
Professor Elemental, The Real Cheesemakers, Corky and Poetman @ The Victoria
And if you really want something original try this for size. Steam-punk rap. Neo-Victorian chap-hop. Comedic, musical time-travel. None of which truly capture the essence of Friday night’s billing at The Victoria. Professor Elemental has created a world where the spirit of the Victoria adventure and industry is merged with hip-hop rhyming and beats. Bonzo Dog-esque tunes come courtesy of The Real Cheesemakers, plus Corky and Poetman play the roles of the perfect acts to get the night underway.
Port Erin @ The Rolleston
And as always-original music is like busses meaning that there is a second option of unique sounds to consider and it doesn’t get more unique than Port Erin. With their latest album, Ocean Grey, having just gone live for pre-orders, this mercurial three-piece is back at The Rolleston. To describe them as genre-hopping is an understatement and their set embraces everything from space-rock to funk, progressive structures to commercially viable pop, bluesy, Zappa like experimentation and everything in between. Where the new album takes them is for you to find out.
Saturday
Stand Up For Cancer @ Level 3
The big ticket for Saturday is found at Level III with an event that brings a worthy cause and great music together. Stand Up To Cancer features a host of younger bands including the pop punk of Post 12, The Overload who do a neat line in commercially accessible pop rock, Getrz indie vibes and the heavy alt-rock onslaught of The Unguarded.
The Lagan @ The Beehive
The celtic spirit really takes over at The Beehive, snakes will be driven from the vicinity and glasses will be raised to Ireland’s Apostle and all of this to the booze soaked, gang vocal, stomping, folk-punk strains of The Lagan. Imagine The Saw Doctors in a fistfight with The Dropkick Murphy’s whilst Stiff Little Fingers hold the drinks. Not for the feint hearted.
Tuesday
Phil Cooper and Oli Norman at The Tuppenny
Ahead of Record Store Day, RPM Records, handily situated right next door to the venue will be announcing the list of the collectables, one offs and rare re-pressings that will be available on the day via their shop. It is a chance for collectors, fans and music buffs to get a first glance at the musical gems that will be available and pre-order those that they need in their life.
It will also be an evening of music, this time provided by the deft acoustic pop-tones of Phil Cooper and the more chilled and reserved lines of Oli Norman. Come for the music geekery, stay for the great music.
