ORCHESTRE POLY-RYTHMO DE COTONOU (London 229, 31/05/17)

In a world where we tolerate artists with names like "Cabbage" and "Rat Boy", checking out Le Tout Puissant ("All Powerful") Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou could almost be seen as a sacred duty. The fact that the veteran Beninese afro-funk collective live up to their impressive name confirms that to be the case. A joyous brew of voudou rhythms, Fela Kuti-esque jams, Latino influences and even a touch of James Brown, they're a band that would go down a treat on the summer festival circuit.

OOIOO (London Kamio, 30/05/17)

Between the relentless sonic experimentation with Boredoms and her never-ending war against the Pink Robots, Yoshimi P-We must be pretty damn busy so it's great that she's found time in her hectic schedule to bring OOIOO over for a rare UK show. Their sound is pretty hard to pin down, but "Tricot's unhinged aunts" may give a taste of what to expect.

RAW POWER FESTIVAL (London Tufnell Park Dome, 26/05/17-28/05/17)

I'm far too old for the prospect of sitting in a muddy field sipping piss-weak lager to seem appealing in the slightest, which means that most musical festivals are now functionally off limits to me. Therefore Raw Power, which takes place in a nice air-conditioned venue in a well-located part of London is a bloody godsend. That Anthony and co. successfully pull out stellar line-ups year after year is the cherry on the cake, with the likes of Qujaku (a heavier, more operatic Bo Ningen), Afrirampo (kawaii avant-garde J-rock), Shitwife (synth-and-drum uber-party!) and Za! (anarchic Catalan duo) all delivering sets that'd put big name Glasto headliners to shame. If you like your music loud and experimental, there's few weekenders than can touch this right now.

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE (London Brixton Academy, 24/05/17)

Review: HERE