NIGHT L I F E
Gig Guide f you’re on the hunt for new music to shape your 2020, February might hold what you’ve been hoping for. The Portland Arms hosts two bands who are poised to explode. Centred around two childhood best friends, Sorry (5th) were quick to develop a reputation as the most thrilling new band on London’s underground circuit. They have grown into a must-see live group, and their attention to detail across a slew of singles has earned the band their status as one of the most innovative new British bands. Also staking a claim for that title are murky post-punk outfit Dry Cleaning (20th). Their sound is direct, wiry and completed by spoken word, giving it a thoroughly modern edge. If your Valentine is crying out for slabs of noise, fuzz and distortion then local shoegaze outfits Lemondaze and Maud take over The Portland on the 14th. Also there this month are the hooky melodies of Wasuremono (6th) the excellent Vanishing Point (12th) and Mancunian all-girl indie greats Pins (22nd). There’s a busy month at Norfolk Street’s Blue Moon too, with Bellevue Days visiting the Cambridge pub on the 7th to celebrate the release of their debut album, It Can’t Possibly Go Wrong Ever . The Croydon-based sludge pop/alt-rock four- piece deliver melancholy in ways few others can. BBC Introducing-recommended singer-songwriter Anne-Marie Allen plays the Blue Moon on the 8th, bringing a distinct vocal tone that captivates audiences who enjoy soul, funk and blues with a hint of reggae and folk. Support comes from former frontman of Our Mutual Friend, Jack Goodall. Cambridge trio Kill Retro have a sound that mixes psychedelic, electro, grunge and blues, and they’ll launch their new EP on the 20th at the Blue Moon. Our final Blue Moon pick takes advantage of the extra leap year day with a three-band billing filled with modern alternative rock. Headlining are Stevie Jones and Wildfires joined by local outfits Alter The Sky and Bouquet of Dead Crows. Masters of hook laden, catchy indie-rock, Nada Surf return with their ninth studio LP this month. Their intimate J2 show on the JORDAN WORLAND FROM LOCAL MUSIC WEBSITE SLATE THE DISCO GIVES HIS TOP LIVE MUSIC PICKS FOR THE MONTH AHEAD
Progressive, post-grunge band Nada Surf play the Junction on 25 February. Powered by driving guitar licks, their witty, stylised vocals have always made them stand out from the crowd. Likened to Pavement and Weezer, their sound is something in between – in fact, their debut album High/Low was produced by former Cars frontman and Weezer producer Ric Ocasek. Their ninth album Never Not Together comes out on 7 February, so fans have time to get familiar with the new material before they rock up at the Junction. Tickets are £20. junction.co.uk NADA SURF
Jimmy Carr brings his acerbic, sharp wit to the Corn Exchange on 27 February. The star of 8 Out of 10 Cats and its sister show 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown has been getting worked up recently about some terrible things. The bad things that might have affected you or the people you know and love. But they’re just jokes. And don’t expect political correctness at a Jimmy Carr show. Now you know that, go buy a ticket. They cost £32.50. Suitable for ages 16 and up. cambridgelive.org.uk J IMMY CARR
25th is set to be a highlight of the year. The innovative, masterful musicians Portico Quartet are another Junction must-see this month – they bring their beat- fuelled, atmospheric jazz heat on the 24th.
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