Words By Vicky Greer.
The age-old question: How many gigs can you go to in a week? Try as I might, I’ve never managed more than two (recently, it was the same band, when I saw The Damned twice in six days). I’ve tried many times, but something always gets in the way; the artist got sick and cancelled, I got sick and cancelled, I panicked about deadlines and realised that a night at the Joiners wouldn’t help me with my degree – the list goes on.
But if the stars are going to align and grant me a three-gig week, it’s probably going to be this month in Southampton. The calendar is packed this month with unmissable artists to keep your spirits high as the summer draws to a close.
Tuesday 3rd – Godsticks, Heartbreakers
Kicking off September are Godsticks, who come to Heartbreakers at the very beginning of the month. The Cardiff four-piece are bringing their metal-tinged prog rock to the stage following the release of their fifth album, This is What a Winner Looks Like, last year. With almost hypnotic vocals, flawless melody and 15 years’ experience on the stage, you’re guaranteed a great night with Godsticks. Expect sprawling guitar solos and stunning vocals that will light up the Heartbreakers stage.
More information here.
Thursday 12th – Pet Needs, The Joiners
This isn’t the first time Pet Needs have played Southampton this year, and it won’t even be the last. Back in April, they played a surprise three-piece set after their lead singer came down with norovirus and had to be left in a hotel in Birmingham. Where most artists would call it all off, but Pet Needs powered through and gave Southampton a night to remember. It was a once-in-a-lifetime set, but true to their word, the band returns for a full-band set this month.
Much loved in the punk community, they captured widespread attention when their third album Intermittent Fast Living made it into the Official Album Charts Top 20 – an impressive feat for an independent album release. If you miss them this time around, don’t worry: they’ll be back in a few months to support Laura Jane Grace at Engine Rooms.
More information here.
Wednesday 18th – Stand Atlantic, The 1865
Sandwiched in a wildly busy week for Southampton live music, Aussie pop-punk band Stand Atlantic will be arriving at The 1865 to dazzle the city with their bold, technicolour sound. Frontwoman Bonnie Fraser is a powerhouse of a vocalist with a voice that could fill just about any room. They’ll be playing songs from their new album WAS HEREthat saw them go all out on their pop-punk perfection. Get yourself down to the 1865 for an electric night.
More information here.
Sunday 22nd – Lauran Hibberd, The Joiners
Isle of Wight’s Lauran Hibberd is a steadfast Southampton favourite and no stranger to our local venues. With two albums and a handful of EPs, she’s played everywhere in town from The Loft to the Guildhall, as well as festival and stadium stages across the country, so her set at The Joiners is going to be an extra-special chance to see the grunge-pop sensation up close and personal.
Her most recent album, Girlfriend Material, was pop-punk perfection that covered just about everything, from grief to Gilmore Girls. Don’t miss her.
More information here.
Wednesday 25th – Boston Manor & Trophy Eyes, Engine Rooms
End the month with something a little bigger and heavier as Boston Manor and Trophy Eyes play Engine Rooms on the 25th. Both bands are huge names in the pop punk and metalcore scenes respectively. It’s going to be a powerful evening from both acts who have been making waves in the world of alternative music for years. Joining them are genre-bending nu-metal band Split Chain in the support slot.
More information here.
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