Michael Head
After a blizzard of gigs swept through the city last week we look ahead towards a quieter week and Getintothis’ Simon Kirk takes time to draw a breath.
So, from last week where the gig chaos was at an all time high – and not just here but the crossover with Manchester was beyond ridiculous – to this this week. Tumbleweed. Well, not quite, but comparing the two isn’t exactly on the same spectrum.
There’s a story in this.
From October to the run up to Christmas the amount of International acts touring through the UK is ridiculous. People just can’t keep up. Not to mention the question of money and the festive period which is another story altogether.
Preceding these months, club shows make way for the summer of festivals. It’s always been like this and, to put it bluntly, it’s fucking bullshit.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the amount of events and artists gig-goers miss out on at this time of year is beggars belief.
It doesn’t just hurt us punters, either. Promoters and venues suffer, too. Perfect case in point. Steve Mason and Black Lips. Many would have attended both had these shows not been on the same night.
I’m sure promoters bled through the nose from it, too, with Black Lips playing the Arts Club Loft while Mason was subject to the bellows of the Substation instead of the main Invisible Wind Factory arena.
And before you jump the gun here, in no way shape or form are we dissing promoters.
They do their absolute best in the circumstances and we totally understand that they are taking what is offered to them. If it weren’t for the likes of the EVOLs, Harvest Suns and I Love Lives of the city then we wouldn’t be wasting our energy parting with these words. What they do for the city’s and new music is paramount. This derisive rambling is more a blight on the overall system.
The solution? Why isn’t the scheduling spread across the calendar year? Surely, that can only be a good thing? Again, there’s more of a story here but for now the kettle is boiled the soap box is flimsy.
Food for thought, though, people.
The pick of this week’s action.
Fat White Family
Fat White Family: Invisible Wind Factory, Tuesday November 26 Working Men’s Club
Having played Phase One earlier this year, the Fat Whites return to larger climes, this time taking over the Invisible Wind Factory on your Tuesday night.
Their latest album, Serfs Up! continues to garner acclaim and with the end of year mayhem of lists and so forth on the horizon, expect this album to feature.
Lightning Seeds
Lightning Seeds: Philharmonic Hall, Wednesday November 27
To get you geared up for Mick Head later in the week, Ian Broudie and the Lightning Seeds gang light up your Wednesday at the Philharmonic.
Expect a night jam-packed with material from the re-mastered version of 1994’s Jollification, which was re-issued in early October.
Mac DeMarco
Mac DeMarco: Mountford Hall, Thursday November 28
Everyone’s favourite goofball that is Mac DeMarco arrives with his latest album, Here Comes the Cowboy, in tow.
Please note that this event has been moved to the Mountford Hall. All original tickets are still valid with support provided by Los Bitchos and Phoebe Green.
To get you in the mood, have a read of our Mac DeMarco‘s piece, published earlier this week.
Pizzagirl. Photo copywright Neelam Khan
Pizzagirl: Phase One, Thursday November 28
Local artist, Liam Brown aka, Pizzagirl, hits Phase One for a headline show in support of his impressive debut album, First Timer, released through Heist or Hit Records at the beginning of October.
Those of you missing Depeche Mode, have no fear – Pizzagirl has you covered with his playful brand of synth-rock.
Mick Head
Mick Head and The Red Elastic Band: Invisible Wind Factory, Saturday November 30
Mick Head‘s annual pilgrimage takes place once again, this time at the Invisible Wind Factory where he played in 2017 in support of the brilliant Adios Senor Pussycat.
With Head‘s follow-up, New Brighton Rock, on the horizon, there’s a lot of chatter around the traps for Liverpool’s favourite son. Along with new material, be sure to hear a few ditties played from yesteryear, too. You know the drill by now.
METZ
Metz: Phase One, Saturday, November 30
Three-pronged Canadian noise-rocker, Metz, arrive for their Liverpool debut, ready to unleash audible chaos to the Phase One faithful.
Metz tour in support of their latest b-sides and rarities release, Automat. A new album is expected next year, too.
Getintothis’ Peter Goodbody spoke to the band several weeks ago. Check out the interview here.
The best of the rest this week:
- Parrjazz Jam Night with special guest Mike Smith: The Jacaranda Club, Tuesday November 26
- Mabel: Hangar34, Thursday November 28
- Palm Reader & We Never Learned To Live: Jimmy’s, Thursday November 28
- Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi: Grand Central Hall, Thursday November 28
- Sports Team: Arts Club, Friday November 29
- ENRG presents Amelie Lens, Baba Stiltz, Breakwave Liverpool: Invisible Wind Factory, Friday November 29
- Abandon Silence with Hunee: 24 Kitchen Street, Friday November 29
- Yung Sham: Sound Food and Drink, Friday November 29
- Skylights plus special guests: EBGB’s, Friday November 29
- The Stylistics: A Night Of Back To Back Hits: Philharmonic, Friday November 29
- The Wonder Stuff: O2 Academy, Saturday November 30
- Realm x Solotoko presents Gorgon City & Sonny Fodera: Bramley Moore Dock, Saturday November 30
- ENRG presents Warehouse Music with Mella Dee, Kettama, Blehrin: Invisible Wind Factory, Saturday November 30
- Parrjazz presents Dave McGarry and John McCormick: Ma Boyles, Saturday November 30
- Skinny Lister: Arts Club, Saturday November 30
- The Kendos: The Zanzibar, Saturday November 30
- China Bears, Venus Demilo, Gold Beach, Hollywood Eyes: The Jacaranda Club, Saturday November 30
- Ruins: Sound Basement, Venus Demilo, Gold Beach, Hollywood Eyes
- This Feeling presents The Clause: EBGB’s, Saturday, November 30
- The Mary Stokes Band: Cavern Club, Sunday November
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