DIRTY SUNBEAMS’ GIG OF THE MONTH:
Red Snapper, Golden Lion (Todmorden) – Friday 14th
Renowned for their pioneering and ever-evolving synthesis of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, Red Snapper embrace a dazzling array of genres – avant-garde jazz, funk, dub, post-punk and hip-hop – and do so with natural aplomb. Founded in London in 1993, the band released a series of groundbreaking albums on the now-iconic electro label Warp. Following a hiatus of several years, they reformed in 2007, finding a new home at Lo Recordings. Sloman Music have enticed the innovative crossover band to The Lion for a truly special night.
2. OZRIC TENTACLES, The Trades Club (Hebden Bridge) – Wednesday 12th
One of the most influential bands to emerge from the festival scene, Ozric Tentacles came together during the solstice at Stonehenge Free Festival in 1983 and have since become psychedelic staples at Glasto and a catalogue of other major UK weekenders. Primarily the creative vision of multi-instrumentalist, Ed Wynne, the Ozrics’ uniquely trippy soundscapes connect fans of progressive rock, psychedelia and dance music culture.
3. TUNNG, The Trades Club (Hebden Bridge) – Thursday 20th
The self-styled leaders of ‘pagan folktronica’ are back with a quite brilliant new album, Love You All Over Again. Noted for their use of unconventional instruments, including seashells and percussive electro samples, six-piece Tunng, led by Mercury-winning producer Mike Lindsay, forge a curiously delightful amalgam of digital glitch marks, ancient and ghostly folk-horror swoons and contemporary melodious pop charms.
4. MARIE FRANC + GROVES, The Grayston Unity (Halifax) – Friday 21st
Exciting, new Manchester-based five-piece, blending sultry pop vocals with intricate, genre-crossing instrumentation, drawing on folk, jazz, rock and country. They went down a storm when they filled a support slot at The Grayston last year – with Dilettante headlining on that occasion – and have been brewing up a cavalcade of fans in the Calder Valley ever since.
5. ZED BIAS, The Golden Lion (Todmorden) – Saturday 29th
Behold Zed Bias, the musical alter-ego of Manchester-based producer, Dave Jones. An innovative force in breakbeat garage, Bias is also widely recognised as a key figure in the early development of dubstep. Known for infusing soul and dancefloor energy into everything he creates, his distinctive productions have cemented him as a cornerstone of the UK club scene. In support, lay down your souls for the mercurial Suns Of Acid and Dawn Raid. All presented for your delectation by the most wonderful Dark Matter Promotions.
6. ELECTRONI KONGO, The Puzzle (Sowerby Bridge) – Saturday 8th
Kongolese techno band comprising arranger, bassist and guitarist, Mulele Matondo, and electronic musician, Ben Eyes. Mulele fled war-torn Kongo for West Yorkshire and met Ben in an attic studio in Leeds. The rest, as you might say, is Electroni Kongo.
7. SPIERS & BODEN, Halifax Minster – Friday 7th
Special candlelit show from the English folk duo. Spiers plays melodeon and concertina, Boden sings and plays fiddle and guitar, while stamping out the rhythm on a stomp-box. They were the founding members of momentous folk band Bellowhead.
8. WOT GORILLA?, The Blind Pig (Sowerby Bridge) – Thursday 20th
Hailing from our very own Sowerby Bridge, Wot Gorilla? – named after the Genesis song and featuring ex-members of The Lucida Console – combine elements of math, pop and progressive rock with heavy melodic breakdowns. They have developed a live set that is distinguished for its smart song structures, unusual twists and uncompromisingly jagged assertions. Gloriously mind-bending stuff.
9. KAL MARKS (USA) + THANK, The Puzzle (Sowerby Bridge) – Tuesday 18th
An ADRA promotions event. Your headliners are a much-loved heavy indie-noise rock outfit from Boston, summoning the off-kilter spirits of Trumans Water, Pissed Jeans and Pixies. In support, you also get Thank, a witty and danceable noise-rock combo akin to Chinese Stars and The Fall.
10. KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN, The Grayston Unity (Halifax) – Saturday 22nd
For over a quarter of a century, Kathryn and Sean’s partnership has proved personal, permanent and pivotal. From their early days in folk supergroup Equation to new album, Almost A Sunset, this multi-award-winning musical couple continue to exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary acoustic treasure.
For live listings, go to DirtySunbeams.com/Live
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