Playlist: Best Winter Gigs In The North West

Massive Attack

The Christmas decorations have been taken down, the festivity is over, and the world looks cold and gloomy again. Is there any better way to escape the January drizzle than being in a warm venue filled with people, booze and live music? Vanessa Wheeler prescribes a selection of the best upcoming gigs to hit Liverpool and Manchester…

First up, catch neofolk band Daughter whose new album Not To Disappear is released today (15/01), followed shortly by their performance at the O2 Academy Liverpool (22/01). The band, led by frontwoman Elena Tonra, mixes heartfelt vocals with acoustics and electronica in a way that creates a serene yet slightly melancholic sensation; perfectly encompassing the winter blues.

“Notorious since the noughties for their heavy rock ‘n’ roll lifestyles pumped with drugs, sex and wild live sets”

See celebrated indie-rockers The Libertines at the Manchester Arena (23/01) play their rousing September album Anthems For Doomed Youth; their first studio record in over a decade. Notorious since the noughties for their heavy rock ‘n’ roll lifestyles pumped with drugs, sex and wild live sets, the band have an ever-loyal following of fans throughout the world. Despite their on-again-off-again past status, Doherty, Barât, Hassall and Powell are back for the meantime, so grab a ticket while you can.

Be sure to catch Bristol trip-hop duo Massive Attack, formed in the late ‘80s, whose hit albums Blue Lines and Mezzanine earned them a cult status and a spot each in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Daddy G and 3D, who make up the band, will be performing at the O2 Apollo, Manchester (28/01). Their last release, 2010’s Heligoland, was a critically commended comeback and thatGold in the UK. What better way to wave goodbye to chilly January than to dance all night at the best alternative gig in the North-West?

This is one for the millennials: popular YouTuber Gabrielle Aplin, who discovered widespread recognition after covering Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s The Power of Love in 2012 — which earned her her first UK Number 1  – will be performing at the O2 Academy Liverpool (29/01) . Alpin has since proved to be more than just a one-hit-wonder, as her hauntingly graceful voiced shows in second studio album Light Up The Dark.

“The four boys from Newcastle kickstarted their musical career by doing guerrilla gigs; that is, arriving unannounced at venues”

Described by critics as ‘kitchen sink indie’, which lead singer Robert Coles put down to their lyrics depicting social realism, and the fact that they use kitchen utensils as percussion, Little Comets play O2 Academy Liverpool in February (14/02). The four boys from Newcastle kickstarted their musical career by doing guerrilla gigs; that is, arriving unannounced at venues, plugging in their instruments, and just performing — no permission or prior planning needed.

Also playing the O2 Academy Liverpool two nights later (16/02): all-girl rock band PINS, influenced by artists such as The Jesus And Mary Chain and Beach House, are described by The Guardian as ‘the most Brooklyn band to ever come from Manchester’. Be sure not to miss their energetic and exhilarating live set.

“As the band cite their inspiration to the late, great David Bowie, this is sure to be a special performance”

Grammy-nominated US rock band, Cage The Elephant, will be at the O2 Academy Liverpool (18/02) following the release of their latest album Tell Me I’m Pretty in December. Produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, the album is diverse and emotional; and as the band cite their inspiration to the late, great David Bowie, this is sure to be a special performance.

If that doesn’t float your boat, see Icelandic former techno duo turned alt rockers Fufanu downstairs at The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool (25/02). When switching styles, the band didn’t abandon their techno roots; instead, incorporating guitars and drums with synth pads, creating a unique combination of sound, which will be best experienced at this intimate gig.

Lastly, Italian-English acoustic artist Jack Savoretti (O2 Academy Liverpool (28/02)), who last year sold-out London’s Shephard’s Bush Empire, performs the final show of his tour, celebrating fourth album Written In Scars. Earthly guitar melodies, husky vocals, and honest lyrics stemming from his previous occupation as a poet: What better way to wave goodbye to winter?

Vanessa Wheeler

Posted on 15/01/2016 by thedoublenegative