Jordan Worland, from local music website Slate the Disco, gives his top live music picks for the month ahead
A peak period for live music, October in Cambridge does not disappoint. There is a packed month at The Portland Arms, where Aussie mind benders Psychedelic Porn Crumpets play their first ever Cambridge show (21st). One of the buzziest new acts of 2018, PPC are renowned for their entrancing live sets. There’s more psychedelia, although this time mixed with pop, at The Portland courtesy of Flamingods on the 17th. The five piece’s unique approach to playing the many instruments picked up on various travels, combined with a far-flung collection of sounds, make for an incredible listen.
Japanese noise assassins, Melt Banana, make a welcome return to The Portland on the 31st. Expect blistering rockets of screeching, avant-garde hardcore. Other Portland shows of note include Murray A Lightburn (2nd) Sophie and The Giants (3rd) Josin (14th) and Snapped Ankles (16th).
Melt Banana
There’s a trio of shows at The Blue Moon this month, courtesy of The Pheromoans (11th) Jake Martin and Heartwork (18th), and Bit Shifter (28th). A busy October schedule at the Storey’s Field Centre includes the beautiful, stark sounds of Jesca Hoop (5th) who is in town promoting her album, Stonechild. The same venue hosts Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys (21st).
We’re looking forward to venturing to Mill Road’s Salisbury Club this month when it hosts Swim Deep on the 22nd. Following the release of their last record and a mammoth US tour opening for The 1975, Swim Deep took a self-induced hiatus. The band have returned this autumn with a steely confidence and a collection of their most fully fledged pop songs yet.
Bo Ningen bring their ferocious acid punk back to Cambridge on the 6th. Playing the intimate setting of the J2, this one is going to be loud. Elsewhere at the Junction in October, we have The Night Café (7th) touring their highly anticipated and dazzlingly catchy, perfectly indie debut, plus Amber Run (14th) bring their lush, cinematic pop to Cambridge in support of their new album. Other shows of note include Lucy Spraggan (10th) Lamb (20th) and Barns Courtney (21st).
