Orla Foster once again provides a rundown on some of the best gigs happening in Liverpool this February.
Black Borough (Thursday 1 Feb)
Metrocola
Tickets
An unmissable line-up boasting some of the premier names in Liverpool hip-hop, from the award-winning Blue Saint to a headline set from Black Borough: a dextrous trio combining the skyhigh talents of MC Nelson, Dayzy and Starkey the Messenger. Expect big things from MC Nelson in 2024 – he’s almost ready to drop his debut album.
Sue Rynhart (Thursday 1 Feb)
Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room
Tickets
Forming part of Liverpool Irish Festival, vocalist and composer Sue Rynhart brings this musical reimagining of nineteenth century feminist classic The Yellow Wallpaper to the Phil. Dealing with themes of repression, gaslighting and patriarchy, the Dubliner’s original take on Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s novel is chillingly relevant.
Hinds (Friday 2 Feb)
FutureYard
Tickets
It’s been a while since Madrid’s most celebrated garage band touched down on these shores, so you can bet they’re going to make it count. The irrepressibly fun outfit – now a duo – can transform the greyest day into a full-on festival, and with their girl-group harmonies and searing boyfriend put-downs, will make a sizzling addition to FutureYard’s take on Independent Venue Week.
The Darklings (Friday 2 Feb)
Arts Bar Baltic
Tickets
Liverpool’s undisputed indie queen Zuzu returns up north to test-drive a mysterious new project with best mate Callum Crighton. Little yet is known about disco duo The Darklings, but a night of glamour and decadence is surely on the cards – publicity photos feature the pair lashing champagne on each other. Head down and toast their new endeavour.
Hotel Lux (Saturday 3 Feb)
EBGBs
Tickets
Hotel Lux are Portsmouth pub rockers who cut their teeth in the South London scene and recorded their debut album on the Wirral. Their artful, socially conscious songwriting takes in rail strikes, loan sharks and British identity, all voiced with a plainspoken candour harking back to Billy Bragg.
Smithdown Festival Takeover (Sunday 4 Feb)
Handyman Supermarket
Tickets
With IVW extending beyond the city centre, it’s the perfect occasion to zip across to Smithdown, where plenty of great acts are programmed for the day. Highlights include the grungy introspective sounds of Broken Down Golf Cart, and North Walian folk in the form of Courteous Thief, a fisherman’s son whose soothing compositions will balm the most hungover of souls.
Pip Blom (Tuesday 6 Feb)
O2 Academy
Tickets
The Amsterdam indie oufit are known for their uplifting shows, with fuzzed-out mega anthems and stage props fit for a kid’s birthday bash. Last year they collaborated on a track with Alex Kapranos, whose influence shines through the funk-driven stomp of the band’s newer tracks. Support on the night comes from retro disco auteur Vanity Fairy.
Mickey Callisto (Wednesday 14 Feb)
District
Tickets
Lacking a bit of sparkle in your life? You’ll find it in Mickey Callisto, a Sunderland-born, Liverpool-based pop saviour. Fresh from support slots with CMAT, the former chorister takes inspiration from Freddie Mercury and ABBA to create a feelgood intergalactic-themed show for the ages, complete with kitsch costumes and Italo-disco.
Gruff Rhys (Saturday 17 Feb)
Arts Club Theatre
Tickets
The new record from the much-loved Welsh musician makes no attempt to sugercoat his suffering, with subject matter ranging from loneliness to politicians to doomed caravan trips. But if misery loves company, this promises to be a great night, and Rhys always draws a formidable crowd in Liverpool. Best snap up your ticket fast.
Lime Garden (Thursday 22 Feb)
Jacaranda
Tickets
The Brighton housemates battled impostor syndrome and overbearing male industry types for years after first forming. But with their demons now conquered, they’ve cemented a sound which brings together fizzing pop hooks and witty lyrics – and you’re invited to the party. Pick up a copy of their debut while you’re there.
Orla Foster
