Same Actor
by Alex
One of the most exciting figures on the UK electroacoustic music scene, Chris Cook's (also known as Remote and Hot Roddy) formidable works for sitar and electronic processing have seen the light of day in recent years via releases on Bip-Hop and Wrong Music. His lengthy album Sharp Edges, released in 2005, was nominated for a Quartz award for its stunning use of colourful timbres and densely layered string instruments in a stream of meticulous compositions. An incredible live performer, concert-goers can expect to see dazzling sitar and guitar playing, with a resulting wash of scrambled samples and beats. A must for fans of complex, beautiful, challenging music.
Alphabeat
by Neil
Hearing their debut single, Fascination, it might be easy to dismiss Danish popsters Alphabeat as another European one-hit-wonder, but it's their live shows that really make them stand out from the Euro-pop crowd. Glorious male/female two-part harmonies along with the band's catchy melodies and an infectious enthusiasm for performing live add up to an almost-perfect pop performance. If you can forget about acting cool for one night - Alphabeat's gigs aren't for poseurs - this band are definitely one (guilty) pleasure you shouldn't miss!
Micah P Hinson. Photo: Paul Heartfield
by Meg
A highly underrated songwriter, Micah P Hinson has kicked aside every hurdle that life has thrown at him to produce an extensive and critically acclaimed body of work, including 2006's highly-celebrated Micah P Hinson and the Opera Circuit and his most recent release, Micah P Hinson and the Red Empire Orchestra. Fans of Bonnie Prince Billy, Adam Green and Smog will appreciate his dry delivery and evocative imagery whilst traditionalists will enjoy the sprinklings of blues and Americana, influenced by Micah's home-state of Texas.
Green Man Festival
by Ben
My top pick from the forthcoming music calendar is the Green Man Festival taking place from 15th - 17th August in Glanusk Park, Wales. This excellent festival, now in it's sixth year, features a host of alternate bands, freak-folk acts and indie groups from the more interesting end of the spectrum and from both sides of the Atlantic. Personal recommendations include Black Mountain, The Cave Singers, School Of Language, Iron And Wine, 'close personal friends' The National and, of course, Sunday night headliners Pentangle, the reformed Brit legends featuring guitar-god Bert Jansch.
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