ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE (London Corsica Studios, 15/10/13)

Acid Mothers Temple are one of the greatest psychedelic rock bands in history- but not even their formidable grooves could permeate the echo chamber that constitutes the back of an oversold Corsica Studios. Serves me right for getting there late, I guess.

MARIAM THE BELIEVER (London St. Pancras Old Church, 09/10/13)

It's always a pleasure to see Mariam Wallentin and her wonderfully distinctive, soulful vocals in action, even if her new project isn't as inventive as Wildbirds and Peacedrums (one of my favourite live acts ever). Good to see her husband Andreas in the band too- one of the best jazz drummers around.

THE OCTOPUS PROJECT (London Garage, 07/10/13)

Why has it taken 5 years for The Octopus Project to return to Britain? Whatever the reason, their blissful instrumentals, blistering drumming and theremin rockouts have been greatly missed. So much better than ostensible headliners Man Or Astroman?, who were very much a one-trick pony.

CHROME HOOF (London Lexington, 04/10/13)

Well, that was pretty incredible. I mean, I was clearly destined to love a band that's essentially GOAT meets Melt Yourself Down, but man- the costumes! The dancers! The techno-psychedelic-prog-rock-voodoo-space-jazz freakouts! Absolutely preposterous, but so much fun.

Also, since when has the Lexington had those funky multi-coloured lasers? I demand they're employed at all future gigs, regardless of appropriateness.

A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN (London Village Underground, 01/10/13)

Don't get me wrong, the music was lovely, the sound was fine and at least they closed the bar, but a swelteringly hot Shoreditch warehouse is NOT the right venue for a minimalist classical performance. Let's hope they play somewhere like Union Chapel or Kings Place next time.

POLYSICS (London Underworld, 25/09/13)

Japan's most enjoyable Devo enthusiasts always put on an energetic show, even if their songs are a tad one-note. Fun support set from mentalists the Telephones too.

BALMORHEA (London Bush Hall, 23/09/13)

Too tired and ill to enjoy this as much as I should have done, but I still managed to lose myself in the beauty of the Texan sextet's luscious instrumentals from deep within one of Bush Hall's surprisingly cosy sofas.