Thomas Truax at Hyde Park Book Club on 16 February
“Truax is shaping up nicely as one of the great rock eccentrics” – UNCUT
An experimental and imaginative musician creating sounds that sit in the space between art-rock, post-punk and his own distinctive brand of surreal Americana, Thomas’ tenth studio album sees the artist as innovative and inimitable as ever. He’s joined forces with his self-made mechanical drum machine Mother Superior and esteemed drummer Budgie to release ‘Dream Catching Songs. New single ‘Everything’s Going to be All Right’ – you can listen to HERE.
Mickelson at The Grove Inn on 16 February
The US alternative folk/rock artist is back with the brand new single: “Only Grey Matter Boiling In My Head” and a run of UK tour dates. The single is the product of teaming up with XTC legend Colin Moulding, who provides the track with its wandering bassline and production nous. Hallmarked with the humour, wit and ambition you might expect from a meeting of Mickelson and Moulding’s minds, “Only Grey Matter Boiling In My Head” offers a comical take on those moments of completely losing your cool…. Mickelson: “Only Grey Matter Boiling In My Head” is a humorous song dealing with anger management issues. This theme of self depreciation shows up in my lyrics from time to time. I am also extremely honoured that Colin Moulding played bass. We had several chats about the song and he also offered some great production ideas.”
Hundred Reasons at Leeds 02 Academy on 23 February
It’s been 15 years since their last album release. Now a new collection of songs in ‘Glorious Sunset’ is due for release on 24 February. It came out of the quartet having normal jobs and itching to start writing together again, just before Covid. They’ll be touring to support the new album, along with Hell is For Heroes and My Vitriol, with dates after Leeds in Glasglow, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and London.
Beans on Toast at The Brudenell on 11 March
Beans’ ‘Back out on the Road’ UK tour tickets are on sale HERE. One man and his guitar with songs to sing and stories to tell, UK fans will be able to catch him performing at 30 of the country’s finest independent venues throughout February and March.
Beans: “Folk music is an age-old art form, and it’s more relevant than ever in these wild and crazy modern times. You can expect an inspiring and entertaining gig, a relaxed and fun affair that leaves you feeling like you’ve met up with an old friend, and you’re all the better for it.” beansontoastmusic.com
The Answer at Key Club on 21 March
The Northern Irish rockers will be in Leeds just after the release of their studio album on 17 March, St Patrick’s Day.
‘Sundowners’ will be taken out on the road for the band’s first tour since 2017. This will be The Answer’s “greatest balls out straight ahead rock album ever’, eclipsing the debut of Rise for power, songs and sheer attitude.
Deaf Havana at Uni Stylus on 22 March
Deaf Havana’s UK headline tour begins in Leeds and continues in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham, Southampton, Oxford, Exeter, Brighton and Cambridge. Tickets are available HERE.
Their album The Present Is A Foreign Land was released in 2022, with 12 tracks written and performed entirely by brothers James and Matty Veck-Gilodi. These include previously released singles Nevermind, On The Wire, Kids and Going Clear. Listen to The Present Is A Foreign Land here.
(In 2020, Deaf Havana were ready to go their separate ways after a decade together, but then the pandemic hit and they had no choice but to stop. Despite the band making the tough decision to call it a day, Matty continued to write songs and it was this that brought him and brother James back together after a turbulent few months.)
Orbital at 02 Academy on 5 April
Orbital have released a stunning remix of their current single “Ringa Ringa (The Old Pandemic Folk Song)” featuring The Mediaeval Baebes by renowned Drum & Bass producer Breakage. You can LISTEN HERE The single is the second to be taken from Orbital’s new album Optical Delusion, out February 17 (pre-order), following the BBC6 Music playlisted lead single “DirtyRat”, an incendiary collaboration with Sleaford Mods.
Cover photograph: Deaf Havana.
