By Vicky Greer.
We’ve almost reached the rush of fresh gigs that arrive before the chaos of festival season. Soon enough, it will still be light when we leave our houses to head down to the venue, and we won’t have to worry about what we’re going to do with our coats. Well, maybe we’ll still have coats. It is England, after all.
This month, we have some very special events coming to Southampton – from buzzy instore events to a final goodbye, here’s what’s happening in the city.
Wednesday 12th – HotWax, Vinilo
This month, we’re starting off with a long-awaited instore from HotWax at Vinilo. The band are no strangers to Southampton, having graced the stage at The Joiners last summer. This time, they’re back with a slightly different experience, celebrating the release of their debut album Hot Shock.
Thought that instores were just for gentle acoustic numbers? Think again. This kind of frenetic, intense punk is always fascinating to hear in a setting like Vinilo. The record store has hosted its fair share of heavy bands over the years, and it’s always a riot.
Grab a ticket and album bundle here.
Thursday 13th – Melin Melyn, Vinilo
We’re staying at Vinilo, but totally changing up the vibe the following night as Melin Melyn bring their new album Mill On The Hill to our beloved record shop. The band are an absolute hit of festivals, combining surf-rock, psychedelia and prog-rock with Welsh folklore and language to create live performances that are out of this world.
On this album, it seems like they’re taking their world-building to grand new levels. Expect an immersive set at Vinilo.
Grab a ticket to the Melin Melyn world here.
Saturday 15th – You Me At Six – Southampton Guildhall
You’ll be hard-pressed to find tickets to You Me At Six at the Guildhall – it’s part of their farewell tour, and hundreds of grieving fans have already beaten you to it. Often hailed as one of the best British rock bands of the last 20 years, their story is alas coming to an end with a victory lap of the UK to say goodbye in style.
If you’ve missed out on the show itself – or you aren’t quite ready to say goodbye – you can head to The 1865 straight afterwards for the official afterparty as the band take over the decks one last time. YMAS will be paying tribute to the artists who inspired them, and their loyal fanbase can come together one last time to say their teary farewells.
Grab a ticket – before it’s too late.
Sunday 16th – Zeal & Ardor, Engine Rooms
The very next evening, you can make your way to Engine Rooms for a highly-anticipated metal gig from Swiss-American avant-garde band Zeal & Ardor. Combining black metal chaos with African-American spirituals, their music is unlike anything else on the alternative scene today. Have a quick listen to their top songs on Spotify and you’ll find a whiplash-inducing mix of genres and styles. A staple at rock and metal festivals across Europe, their appearance at Engine Rooms is a rare south-coast headline show destined to be an unforgettable night.
Don’t miss out – pick up a ticket.
Sunday 16th – bdrmm, Papillon
Black metal isn’t your vibe? That’s fine – there’s live music for everyone. Head down to Papillon for the dreamy, shoegaze stylings of bdrmm. Fresh from releasing their buzzy new album Microtonic, the band have been making quite the name for themselves with their new record garnering rave reviews from critics.
Tuesday 25th – Beans on Toast, The Joiners
A frequent performer in Southampton, cult favourite Beans On Toast (pictured top) returns to The Joiners this March as part of a tour of independent venues across the country. Performing classics from the back catalogue as well as tracks from his recent album Wild Goose Chasers, the songwriter will be supported by Australian folk sensation William Crighton.
Friday 28th – Gurriers, The Joiners
It wouldn’t be a monthly gig guide if I didn’t include an Irish band, now would it? This month, we’ve got the fantastic Gurriers coming to The Joiners to bring their riotous post-punk to the stage. Their album, Come and See, firmly established them as one of the buzziest acts on the island of Ireland upon release last year. Unfortunately, this gig is also a lesson in buying tickets when they’re announced – the show has already sold out.
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