Stalwarts of the indiepop scene, having transcended movements and fashions,
The Lucksmiths formed in Melbourne in 1993 and have remained staunchly true to their independent ideals - self-managed and self-booked, the band operate their own record label in Australia (Lost And Lonesome) - and though they've never received much commercial recognition, they have built a strong underground following of fans and supporters around the world. Often referred to as the rightful heirs to the Go-Betweens or as the Australian Belle & Sebastian, critics continue to name The Lucksmiths as torchbearers of thoughtful, literate indiepop and their latest album First Frost, released last year on Fortuna POP!, was called "Best Indiepop Album of 2008" by Pop Matters website. Sadly the band have announced this will be their final European and UK tour, and that they plan to disband after a farewell tour of Australia in August. For their many fans in London this show will be one of the last chances to enjoy their ever-energetic, warm and engaging live show, which the band promise will be crammed with old favourites.
"No-one does great literate melodic Pop as effortlessly as The Lucksmiths." - Tangents
Gary Olson's list of musical credits are long. As a singer and trumpet player, he has fronted
The Ladybug Transistor since their formation in Brooklyn, NY, in the mid-90s. The band have since released several albums (for Merge Records ), their latest "Can't Wait Another Day" (Fortuna Pop) moving yet further away from their paisley-covered baroque indiepop, and closer to a cross between the Left Banke and Buckingham-led Fleetwood Mac. As a producer/engineer, Olson has made records with Mates of State, Crystal Stilts, I was a King and Soft Machine legend Kevin Ayers amongst many others. Currently on tour in Europe with the Lucksmiths, this special performance will feature Olson playing Ladybug Transistor songs accompanied by a few friends.
"The Ladybug Transistor's best work equals the best pop music made at any time in the past 50 years" (allmusic.com)
With two albums to their name,
The Chemistry Experiment's music encompasses genres as diverse as prog-rock, folktronica and disco against a backdrop of lush, orchestral pop and a pinch of Pulp's northern glamour.
'Strange, gargantuan rhythms, weird instrumentation and a singer who sounds like Kurt Wagner trapped beneath two feet of snow... as beautiful and crazy as The Arcade Fire' (NME)
Building dreamy noir-pop love songs like Alfred Hitchcock built suspense, Greenwich 4-piece
Still Corners create a kaleidoscope world around them, full of wintry melody, swirling organ, and big drums. Inspired by French film and sixties sound production and influenced by a range of artists from Serge Gainsbourg to Ennio Morricone as well as contemporaries the Cocteau Twins, Broadcast, and Camera Obscura, Still Corners continue to delight audiences across London.