The National
July already? A month of absolute delights awaits, and Getintothis’ Steven Doherty is on hand to help us navigate those summer gatherings.
July then. Not the most interesting of months.
It’s very much an inbetweener.
Glastonbury and Leeds, football and no football, (except this year, when we are lucky enough to have the most unexpected hit of the year (bar Chernobyl), the splendid Womens’ World Cup, it’s ace), not quite the start or the end of summer.
That’s how it feels gig-wise this month. One-off festival warm-ups or big outdoor shows, the convential tour is very much on it’s summer holiday.
Thankfully, though there’s quite enough to get our collective teeth into, including the return of some all-conquering heroes.
Just one small moan, dear good folk of Manchester, when are those Regent Road roadworks going to finish?
The good folk of Liverpool (and its environs) are struggling to get to gigs on time. Sort it out.
Anyway, enjoy this month’s belters below.
Janelle Monae (Credit:JUNO)
Janelle Monae: Castlefield Bowl, July 4
A great coup for the opening night of the almost month long Manchester International Festival, which takes in a multitude of events around the city, Monae brings her critically acclaimed live show to town.
Based largely around tracks from last year’s massive hit album Dirty Computer, this is more of an joyous event than your normal run of the mill gigs, as she is now firmly on the path to superstardom that she deserves.
This is one of only three dates she is playing in the UK, outside of Glastonbury, during the whole of 2019, so this really is a must see.
Blossoms, The Coral, Cabbage, The Blinders, Fuzzy Sun: Edgeley Park, Stockport
Squid
Squid: Yes, July 5.
Following a successful time supporting Viagra Boys on their UK tour, and on the back of breakthrough single Houseplants, Squid are back with a sold-out show.
They are a band that a set to blow up following their various summer festival appearances, so gigs in venues such as this will soon be a rarity.
New material is also promised soon (although the new EP is “taking longer than we thought“), so keep an eye out for any spares that may crop up, or pat yourself on the back for getting in early.
The National
The National: Castlefield Bowl, July 10.
Continuing the run of outdoor gigs this month at the somewhat underused Castlefield Bowl, which also includes Kylie, and incredibly in 2019, The Kooks and The Wombats, the slightly more relevant The National return.
They are returning to these shores as part of the worldwide lap of honour after the success of their recently released 8th studio album I Am Easy To Find, which also saw them release a film of the same name.
Their recently announced December UK arena tour strangely omits the North-West, so this could be your only chance of seeing them again this year.
Hey Colossus
Hey Colossus: Soup Kitchen, July 12.
Following their performance at Glastonbury and to promote glorious twelfth album Four Bibles, Hey Colossus are in their form of their lives.
The heavy London six-piece are also playing Birmingham’s Supersonic Festival, and tonight is one of two warm-up shows.
They are picking up a new wave of fans due to the current vogue for something a bit noisier, so some long-awaited deserved success looks on the cards.
The Courteeners, James, DMAS, Pale Waves: Heaton Park, Manchester
Indoor Pets
Indoor Pets: Yes, July 13.
A one-off non-festival gig following a full UK tour earlier this year, Kent’s Indoor Pets bring their glorious noise to Yes.
Debut album Be Content is one of the most contagiously fun records of the year so far, and the live show takes this on to another level.
If you like your sing-along indie pop with no pretensions whatsoever (and who doesn’t?), it’s a guaranteed winner of an evening out.
Future of the Left
Mclusky: Gorilla, July 20.
Gig of the month. Or decade.
No-one thought it would ever be possible, but 90’s should-have-beens Mclusky are indeed back.
It’s not the original line-up (only singer Falco remains from the founding trio), but really, who cares about that?
If you are unaware of Mclusky (or for that matter, Falco’s current band Future Of The Left), then you, alas alongside most of the population, are missing an absolute treat. In fact, just click on the video down there and miss out no longer.
This will be sweaty, nostalgic, unadulterated joy. The best kind.
Shonen Knife
Shonen Knife: Night And Day, July 23.
Back in the country for what seems to be becoming an annual summertime experience, Japan’s finest bring their grunge attack back in support of recently released new album Sweet Candy Power.
Seemingly never getting any older throughout what is now a 38 year career, the band, often quoted as “Kurt Cobain‘s favourite band”, are a night of pure fun, songs about bisons, and polite song introductions.
Everyone should see Shonen Knife at least once, and for a whole extra amount of entertainment, check out their tour blog on Twitter and their website, it’s sweeter than a bag of Tooty Frooties.
Also this month:
The B-52’s: Apollo, July 3
Belle & Sebastian: Albert Hall, July 3
Elbow, Nadine Shah: Castlefield Bowl, July 9
Oxygen Thief: Castle Hotel, July 10
Gossip: Academy, July 20
Jenny Lewis: RNCM, July 28
Trevor Horn: Bridgewater Hall, July 31
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