When you take a look down this week's top gig listings, one thing is absolutely clear. We have the most astonishingly eclectic taste in music.
As you know by now, we welcome talent from all kinds of places and backgrounds. We listen to acts from around the world, all driven by different influences, sounds and styles. That's why this week's pick of the gigs has ended up featuring artists from the worlds of alt-rock, blues, psychedelic retro, mainstream pop and acoustic chill. If there's nothing you like here, you are one fussy music fan, my friend.
Let's take a look at the top talent taking to the stage next week. Here's our Top Five Emerging Icons Live...
Tuesday 22nd October
There is nothing misleading about our gig tip here- you have our word that if you head down to The Grapes next Tuesday, False Pretence will give your ears a right good seeing to. Bearing a proper sexy sounding brand of alt tuneage, the up-and-coming quintet will be rocking as hard and heavy as they can to let off some steam following the hard graft dedicated to getting their 'Falling Apart' EP done and dusted. As well as being able to get your mitts on a physical copy at the show, you'll have the chance to hear latest belter 'Faceless Faithless' in its full and undoubtedly sweaty glory in their explosive live set. It's the tune that's fully grabbed our attention, and we're sure it'll be the one to persuade all the riff monsters out there to give this lot a try.
Thursday 24th October
We all know Camden Town as the epicentre of London's alternative scene, but if you needed to pinpoint exactly where to head for a rocking night out, many will tell you that The Barfly's where it's at. It does, therefore, provide a fitting platform for one of the UK's most promising new blues rock talents to showcase his stuff with his immensely talented band. Johnny Ashby won't just appear on this iconic stage... he's gonna own it once he unleashes his delectable guitar-driven tunes on the public. With his influences including the great Joe Bonamassa and chart icon John Mayer, his music is a rich tapestry of pop melody and insightful musicianship all bundled up in one brilliantly accessible package. It's hard not to like this fella...
Thursday 24th October
Rain, heated football rivalry and soap operas aside; if there's one thing you can rely on Manchester for, it's a decent rock n' roll band. Given the nod by Steve Lamacq, Clint Boon and John Kennedy, we can safely say that Hey Bulldog are an act who are a perfect case in point, dishing out fresh retro riffing that'll hit the spot for any alt music fan. Next week's Sound Control date sees the local lads support The Electric Soft Parade- a sure-fire cracking show if ever we saw one. With their clear homage to the psychedelic sound of The Beatles and epic guitar action of Hendrix, they're a band that'll get the heads of even the least rhythmic of gig-goers nodding along to the beat. If you fancy a hallucinogenic trip with minimal complications to your health/the law, this is the show you need to get to...
Friday 25th October
While The Saturdays are busy popping babies out all over the show, there's some chart-dominating stilettos that are most definitely need filling right now- and we reckon Vanquish are the girl band who are just right for the job. Lucy, Becky, Lisa and Sophia are four ladies who have it all- talent, style, belting voices and dead lovely hair- everything your 21st century pop sensation needs. Had they been cobbled together on The X Factor they would no doubt have been the bookies favourite right now, but instead they're doing things the right way and keeping it real, getting out there and performing in the real world. You can experience their divine melodies for yourself at Kensington Roof Gardens next Friday- if you love a bit of pop you'd be a fool to miss it.
Saturday 26th October
The brilliant Sam Evans makes his way back to the Westfield Presents Emerging Icons stage in Shepherd's Bush next weekend. Joining a mind-blowing line-up that also features the talents of Mila Falls and Sam Williams & The Flock of Bats; the Bath-based singer-songwriter offers a fresh and uplifting pick n' mix of sound to offer a ray of warmth in what's rapidly becoming full-on woolly-wearing weather. This lad's knack for fusing the best elements of acoustic, pop and jazz inspires that toasty feel-good feeling... and it's yours for free if you can make it down for his set! He's on at 12pm- you'll be glad you made it down once you feel the smile creeping onto your face...
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