ELEANOR FRIEDBURGER (London Netil House, 29/09/11)



Given poptastic synths are a major part of the charm of the Fiery Furnaces’ frontwoman’s solo album, I wasn’t sure how much I was going to enjoy this stipped-down set in the deepest, darkest depths of East London. But Friedburger’s got a understated, idiosyncratic charm which allows her to carry off the whole “singer with acoustic guitar” schtick, resulting in a thoroughly agreeable performance that held my attention from start to finish.

(Photo: NME)

I’M FROM BARCELONA (London Tabernacle, 20/09/11)



After a two year absence from these shores, I’m delightful to confirm the Swedish joy Collective retain their crown as the Most Fun Live Band In The World Ever. Their charming low budget take on the Flaming Lips (Balloons! Confetti! Co-ordinated singalongs!) is even more welcome now the real Flips have steadily succumbed to unbearable pretention, and it’s easy to forget how many insanely catchy tunes they have under their belt. New songs such as “The Game Is On” segue seamlessly into old classics, and Emmanuel remains one of the most likeable frontmen in music. I’m not a naturally religious man, but if I’m From Barcelona were a cult, I’d sign up without a second thought.

(Photo: John Gleeson)

HANDSOME FURS (London Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, 13/09/11)



The most electrifyingly passionate musical duo around return to London for the second time this year, producing a show not too dissimilar to their Lexington triumph but none the worse for that. Their energy and obvious love for each other never fails to endear, and “Serve The People” remains an absolute stone-cold beast of a song – although the demise of Wolf Parade will forever sadden me, it’s good to see its constituent members remain a force to be reckoned with.

(Photo: John Gleeson)

MAN MAN (London Cargo, 12/09/11)



Despite the world’s longest and most tiresome soundcheck pushing this performance an hour later than expected, it’s good to see everyone’s favourite vaudeville maniacs back on these shores. The first few songs were a bit underwhelming, mostly due to sub-par mixing but once they got into their stride, they were pretty amazing. Honus Honus seems to be channelling Tom Waits even more these days, and although “Black Mission Goggles” was sadly missed, there’s no beating the beautifully wistful, whisky-soaked singalong of “Van Helsing Boombox”.

(Photo: Rob Hakimian)

SCREAMING FEMALES (London Lexington, 09/09/11)



It’s been a while since a band I’ve known nothing about have blown me away with such panache as Screaming Females. Marissa Pasternoster may seem like an unlikely guitar hero with her conservative dress-sense, miniscule stature and unassuming demeanour, but man, she can sure rock the hell out with the best of them. If the Thermals sounded less like Green Day and more like Dinosaur Jr (with hints of Sleater-Kinney and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), they might sound as good as this. One of the most enjoyable performances I’ve seen this year.

(Photo: Kimberly Powenski)

PULP (London Brixton Academy, 31/08/11 & 01/09/11)



Let’s be honest, Pulp aren’t the greatest live band on earth. Their musicianship is adequate; their visuals par-for-the-course, their energy nothing out of the ordinary. But when you got some of the best songs ever written under your belt, and the charisma powerhouse that is Jarvis Cocker , that doesn’t matter one bit. Great to see they’ve added more pre-His ‘n Hers and post-Different Class songs to the setlists, and of course there’s no greater singalong on Earth than Common People. Fantastically good fun.

(Photo: Mark Reed)