One of 2011’s lesser noticed events saw Death In Vegas return with their fifth album Trans-Love Energies after a period of seven years away. When we caught up with Richard Fearless earlier in the year he explained more about how the band decided to regroup and he plays a comeback show at the Electric Ballroom on Thursday. It's arguably the stand-out show in a week that sees the gig scene slow down somewhat in anticipation of the Christmas break. However, that's not to say there aren't several shows worthy of your attention.
Tim Wheeler and Emmy The Great join forces for a Christmas-themed show at Bush Hall on Wednesday, whilst Ex-Gorky's Zygotic Mynci frontman Euros Childs plays a solo piano show at the Vortex on the same night. Swedish duo Korallreven play from debut album An Album By Korallreven at the Shacklewell Arms on Monday and the North Sea Radio Orchestra play their uniquely beguiling, contemporary chamber music at St Olaves Church by Bank on Friday.
Elsewhere, AA Bondy appears at the Lexington on Tuesday in support of third album Believers and in a similar musical vein, singer-songwriter Dan Michaelson plays from current album Sudden Fiction at St Pancras Old Church on Wednesday. Dutch jazz songstress Caro Emerald appears at Shepherd's Bush Empire on Tuesday, Black Lips play a rescheduled gig at Heaven on Sunday and Zun Zun Egui promote acclaimed debut album Katang at the Nest in Dalston on Friday.
There are a few gigs that prefer to look back at past glories, the pick being The Lemonheads performing their classic It's A Shame About Ray and The Wonder Stuff playing Never Loved Elvis. Both take place at Shepherd's Bush Empire on Monday and Friday respectively, while Levellers play the whole of their second album Levelling The Land at the Brixton Academy on Sunday.
Also recommended:
Gallows - XOYO - Tuesday 13th December
Hundreds - Borderline - Tuesday 13th December
Being There - Bull and Gate - Thursday 15th December
Chad Valley & Jonquil - Corsica Studios - Thursday 15th December
Echo Lake, The History Of Apple Pie & Novella - Shacklewell Arms - Thursday 15th December
Komputer - Finsbury - Saturday 17th December
Just announced:
The line up for the 2012 Field Day festival was revealed this week and it contains the usual pleasing mix of indie big-hitters, familiar names and leftfield choices. Franz Ferdinand, Metronomy, SBTRKT, Zomby, Beirut, Gold Panda, Tortoise and Afrocubism are the highlights of the first set of bands to be announced. Get full details here.
In other news, the magnificent Dirty Three were added to the line up for the ATP I'll Be Your Mirror London show on 26th May next year, whilst The Afghan Whigs have reformed to replace Guided By Voices in headlining the final show on 27th May. Read more here.
