Written by Samantha Kauss
Dear Freshers of 2012, you are about to discover that Nottingham has one of the best music scenes the UK has to offer, if not THE best (we’ll just ignore London and Manchester for the moment…)
If you are here for your first year, second or third it is vital that you check out the gigs Nottingham has to offer during the first term of the year. To avoid missing out, take a look at this little list of the top ten gigs of this term and prepare to clear your calendar and dust off your dancing shoes…
Grizzly Bear – 29th August @ Nottingham Albert Hall
The four piece wonder who hail from Boston will be gracing the Nottingham Albert Hall at the end of August for all your early birds who cannot wait until October to get back to Notts. Inspired by the likes of Animal Collective and Sparklehorse, their music can be described as sort of psychedelic-indie-folk. A truly beautiful band performing at a truly beautiful venue, definitely not to be missed.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – 20th October @ Rescue Rooms
Everybody loves a guy with an acoustic guitar singing about love and sorrow don’t they? Well if you love a little cry to Bright Eyes every now and then (not saying I do…) you must see little Benny and his guitar at this intimate venue. Get ready to hold on to a stranger in the crowd and sing along.
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – 23rd October @ Rock City
Arguably the best dance act of 2012, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs are to hit DHP’s biggest venue after a long summer of performing at festivals across the world. You might recognise their song ‘Garden’ from an advert for Nokia, but they are much more than ‘that band who were on an advert once.’ Expect to be constantly dancing throughout their set which is a combination of ‘electro-pop, euro-house and 2-step beats.’
Little Comets – 31st October @ Rescue Rooms
Don’t be put off by the label of the ‘British Vampire Weekend’; Little Comets are not a regurgitated version of the chino clad, bright-jumpered indie foursome of 2008. Expect a set brimming with catchy indie songs to boogie the night away to. The band is sure to put a smile on your face, so grab a beer and let’s have a little dance shall we?
POLICA – 4th November @ Rescue Rooms
Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon stated in Feburary in an interview with the Rolling Stone that the psychedelic Polica were ‘the best band he’s ever heard’. Their debut album ‘Give You the Ghost’ truly proves their excellence and individuality, with strong electro beats and beautiful female vocals making it a pleasure for the ears from start to finish. Polica are set out to become huge, watch this space.
Frank Turner – 11th November @ Rock City
Yes, the Wessex Boy is back to grace Nottingham with his punky-folk anthems fuelled by nostalgia and memories of his youth, love and losses. If you’re one of the lucky few to be in possession of tickets to this sold out gig you’re in for an emotional rollercoaster of shout-alongs and men getting larey (in a good way). I don’t actually have a ticket so feel free to donate… (Long shot?)
Jessie Ware – 11th November @ Rescue Rooms
It seems that is not lost for those who aren’t attending Frank Turner on the 11th. After bursting on the music scene in 2010 after featuring on SBTRKT track ‘Nervous’, Jessie Ware has become one of the most recognised talents to emerge from the UK underground dance scene. Jessie’s subtle and touching vocals are very different to anything we’ve ever heard before and her performance is promised to be an eclectic mix of beautiful vocals over house inspired beats.
Pulled Apart by Horses – 12th November @ Rescue Rooms
Last time PABH graced Nottingham at this year’s Dot to Dot festival they caused havoc at Jongelours comedy club by crowd surfing and climbing to the top of the amps; hopefully they will repeat their antics and more at their gig at Rescue Rooms in November. Be ready to get sweaty and pushed around to their punchy fast-paced anthems.
Ben Howard – 22nd November @ Rock City
Yet another sold out Rock City gig I don’t have a ticket for (le sigh), but those of you who do, get to enjoy the blissful sounds of Devon’s answer to Bon Iver. Another gig which promises emotional sing-alongs and goose-pimples galore to hits from Ben Howard’s 2011 album ‘Every Kingdom’. Get ready to feel empowered and possibly have a little cry.
Admiral Fallow – 6th December @ Bodega Social Club
Influenced by the likes of Tom Waits, Rufus Wainwright and Bruce Springsteen, Scottish nu-folk six piece Admiral Fallow are set to perform their collection of feel good folk anthems at the intimate Bodega Social. If you love tweed, guitars and all things twee, this is the gig for you.
Here is a link to a Spotify playlist featuring these lovely bands, enjoy! – Platform
http://open.spotify.com/user/samantha.kauss/playlist/1p6XDBdMvlCZlkRdtTOQ1s
