Sheffield disco-rockers The Spires pay a return visit to Norwich - this time stopping off at the B2. Plus The Kabeedies headline the latest Tilting Sky, the Raghu Dixit Project and hotly tipped Canadian acoustic outfit Po'Girl.
THE SPIRES
B2, August 6
The Spires were born at a mental asylum on the outskirts of Sheffield, where lead singer Matt Smith worked as a caretaker. Inspired by his surroundings, Matt put all his energy into riotous, lung bursting performances that soon established The Spires as a must-see live outfit in the Steel City.
With a batch of scratchy home demos and a string of impressive live shows, Matt and bandmates Matt Dacey and Matt Pike caught the attention of Embrace lead singer Danny McNamara who featured them on his BBC1 show. Support slots with Delphic and a bizarre gig with INXS that coincided with unprecedented flooding in Sheffield followed.
Teaming up with producers The Animal Farm they've produced three singles, which were each multi-layered, adrenaline-filled anthems that blur the boundaries between dance and indie, incorporating an insatiable disco-rock chorus over striking guitar licks.
They return to Norwich for this date at the B2 after a visit this spring. 'I guess it's progress. I used to clean up after the loonies. Now I get to play to rooms full of them', says Matt.
t Further listening: www.myspace.com/thespiresmusic
THE KABEEDIES
Waterfront, August 6
Taking a mid-summer break from recording their second album, The Kadeebies return to the Waterfront for another night organised by local promoters Tilting Sky promising a set tailor made for Saturday night fun.
Having been a favourite on the Norwich scene since their formation in 2008, the band — consisting of singer Katie Allard, guitarist Evan Jones, bassist Rory Hill and drummer Fab Bell — are being tipped to make a serious breakthrough at national level with the forthcoming album. And if we're lucky there will be some sneak previews as they road test new songs in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Last year the band — former winners of the Next Big Thing showcase whose sound is candy-pop, complete with boy/girl vocals — saw their song Come On picked up by Microsoft for their worldwide advertising campaign for their game Joy Ride, while their follow-up single Come Out of the Blue being featured on Radio 1, 2 and 6 Music and XFM.
Earlier this year in an act of generosity, they gave fans the chance to grab a copy of their excellent latest single Santiago for free — you can still hear it on the link below.
Special guests on this summer date are Dead Ends, who deliver techno-indie jangle, electro-rock outfit Twisted Piglet and The Commission.
t Further listening: wwww.thekabeedies.bandcamp.com
THE RAGHU DIXIT PROJECT
Norwich Arts Centre, August 10
Raghu Dixit has fast become a shining beacon in the burgeoning Indian independent music scene. His debut self-titled album went on to become India's highest selling non-film music release.
Having re-located to the UK for most of this summer, he has quickly won hearts and minds wherever he has played. His debut album will be released in the UK on September 20 by Wrasse Records.
With a towering voice fronting traditional Indian folk music, which is subtly infused with elements of western rock, Arabic, Latino and reggae textures and rhythms, Raghu's music transcends national borders and whatever language he sings in he always gets audiences singing and dancing with joy.
He says that it is his country, the Indian people, the colours, fragrances, food and languages that have helped to influence and shape his music. This influence can be seen on stage with the band adorning colourful Lungis (sarongs), anklets and beads.
With over 400 shows under their belt, the band has become an explosive live act bringing an entirely new genre to the forefront of the Indian music community. They scooped the Songlines Best Newcomer Award for 2011 and delivered a storming set at Glastonbury earlier this summer. Not to be missed.
t Further listening: www.raghudixit.com
PO'GIRL
Olives, August 10
Having played at some of the world most prestigious festivals Canada's highly acclaimed act Po Girl are the latest international band who are set to take to the stage at Olives Caf� on Elm Hill.
Formed in 2003 by Allison Russell they have released five studio albums and one live album, and appeared at amongst others the Winnipeg folk festival, Montreux Jazz festival, and the Massao world music festival to great critical acclaim.
Weaving a blend of musical influences, sweetness, grit and soul, part of appeal of Po'Girl's music is the dynamic bond shared by its two principal singers and writers, Allison Russell and Awna Teixeira. Hailing from Montreal and Toronto respectively, the interplay between the two is something to behold.
Describing their music as '21st Century roots music' they have previously played a sold out concert at the Norwich Arts Centre, and are playing at the more intimate surroundings of the cafe as part of a short low-key UK tour.
Joining multi instrumentalist Allison and Awna in the band are Benny Sidelinger and Mike 'Lightning' August on a range of instruments including gutbucket bass, accordion, banjo, clarinet, dobro guitar,
Tickets for the concert are �10 in advance on 07817 932304 or �12 on the door.
t Further listening: www.pogirl.net
SOUNDS IN THE CITY
August 5
Artrocker Club Night: feat. The Dying Breeds + more (indie) — Arts Centre
Emma Hall Band (soul/funk) — Brickmakers
Monkey Spanner (ska/reggae) — Blueberry
Mister Pink (rock) — King Edward VII
World's Apart (rock) — Walnut Tree Shades
Crumbs For Comfort + more (folk/indie) — Ten Bells
Honeydripper (blues) — Trowel & Hammer
Ale Worthy Beats: feat. Beddy Shoy (roots) — Rumsey Wells
Graham Chat — The Nelson
Terry Adams — Perseverance
August 6
Tilting Sky: feat. The Kabeedies + more (indie) — Waterfront
Flatpack Saturday (lo-fi/1pm) — Arts Centre
The Spires (electro/rock) — B2
Four Play (R&B) — Brickmakers
Replica (pop/indie) — Blueberry
Rock Alldayer: feat. Blind Tiger + more (charity) — King Edward VII
The Strollers (60s) — Arkwrights
Dan Star (easy/pop) — Angel Gardens
ABC Blues Brothers (pop/rock) — Quebec
The Radiants — The Marlpit
Alan Ley — Trowel & Hammer
Kevin Solo — Royal British Legion
Graham Johns — Kier Hardy Hall
August 7
The Greyhounds (rock/4pm) — Boundary
Devils Blues Band + more (blues/jazz/charity) — Walnut Tree Shades
Neil Daniels & Dave Morrison (jazz/country/2.30pm) — Brewery Tap
Robbed (rock/pop/4pm) — Lakenham Cock
Lee Vasey Big Band (12pm) — Brickmakers
Mid-Life Crisis (4.30pm) — Silver Road Cottage
Rob Charles (easy) — Heath House
Graham Johns — Royal British Legion
Celtic Session — Gatehouse
August 8
Stookey Blue (folk) — Micawbers Tavern
Brickies Session (open mic) — Brickmakers
Jazz N Jam: feat. Lee Vasey (jazz) — Blueberry
August 9
Derek Cubitt (jazz) — Rackheath Green Man
Brickies Blues Club: feat. Outathablues (blues) — Brickmakers
August 10
The Raghu Dixit Project (world) — Arts Centre
Po'Girl (urban roots) — Olives
Langtry Live: feat. Jack Pout + more (acoustic) — The Langtry
Track 3 Promotions (indie/punk) — B2
Live Lounge: feat. Pennybloods + more (acoustic) — The Langtry
Pure Acoustic (open mic) — Brickmakers
August 11
Play Some Punk Promo: feat. Dying Breeds + more (punk) — B2
The Thinking Men (folk/rock) — Rumsey Wells
Pandemonium (rock/indie) — Brickmakers
Ghostriders Western Club: feat. Jonny Rodeo and Billy Jack Band (country) — Royal British Legion
Tea (blues) — Walnut Tree Shades
Open Jam Night — King Edward VII
Open Mic — Wildman
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