This week sees the return of The Shins to the live arena, who play two shows ahead of the release of new album Port Of Morrow. You can catch James Mercer and co. at the Kentish Town Forum on Thursday and Friday with support from Clinic.
Another high profile gig taking place in London this week sees Feist play the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday. Last year’s Metals won her even more admirers and this show will see her play selections from it with the assistance of M. Ward (who incidentally plays his own solo show at the Leicester Square Theatre on Tuesday ahead of forthcoming new album A Wasteland Companion)
Elsewhere, Spiritualized promote seventh album Sweet Heart, Sweet Light at the Hackney Empire on Monday, Los Campesinos! play the Electric Ballroom on Wednesday, while hyped Mancunian outfit Wu Lyf play two shows at Heaven on Thursday and Friday. Finally, Irish indie survivors The Frank & Walters play the Borderline on Saturday.
The rest of the week is packed full of taste-expanding, horizon-broadening live music shows.
Café OTO welcomes Thurston Moore for a special show on Tuesday that involving various collaborators that focuses on his twin loves of improvised noise and poetry. This is followed by an appearance by American percussionist Jon Mueller on Wednesday with support from Pimmon (Australian laptop musician Paul Gough). Read more here.
Not to be outdone, The Vortex hosts the Exotic Pylon festival from Wednesday to Saturday featuring performances from the likes of Andy Stott, Dalglish, Black To Comm and Alexander Tucker. Get full details here.
The Barbican is the setting for a special show on Thursday involving the music of Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood and Polish classical composer Krzysztof Penderecki, whilst earlier in the week on Tuesday Bang On A Can All Stars play specially commissioned music by the likes of Tyondai Braxton and Mira Calix. Tickets are still available for both shows. Finally, even the Borderline gets in on the experimental act as it hosts a showcase by Norwegian label Rune Grammofon on Monday featuring appearances from Jenny Hval and Phaedra.
Also taking place this week:
The Civil Wars – Shepherd’s Bush Empire – 19th March
Being There – Macbeth – 20th March
Pulled Apart By Horses – Borderline – 20th March
Talib Kweli – Forum – 20th March
The History Of Apple Pie – Madame JoJo’s – 20th March
Kindness – XOYO – 21st March
Summer Camp – Scala – 21st March
Sun Glitters – Rhythm Factory – 22nd March
Pop Will Eat Itself – Electric Ballroom – 23rd March
Just announced:
Sam Amidon – Westminster Reference Library – 13th April
White Rabbits – XOYO – 1st May
Shabazz Palaces – XOYO – 17th May
Liars – XOYO – 12th June
Hot Chip – Heaven – 13th June
Lianne La Havas – Village Underground – 17th July
Beach House – Roundhouse – 2nd November
