CityLife

Chris Gilliver's top five

SHOWWOMAN: Ida Maria

Crystal Castles @ Club Academy, a room full of mashed up kids being whipped into a frenzy by a maniacal, iconic lead singer, and some of the most exciting, subversive tunes to be squeezed out this year.  

Neil Halstead supported by Daniel Land and the New Painters @ The Sonic Cathedral - The setting, a church where the barman is also the vicar, 2001: A Space Odyssey lighting, pews pushed to the back, sitting on rugs at the feet of one of England’s most down to earth, and finely bearded singer songwriters. Great support act too! What more could you want?

Laura Marling @ Club Academy - The talent of this prodigious 18-year-old singer-songwriter is both upsetting and frightening, but she writes songs with the eloquence and experience of a 30 something year old. Songs that pull you apart with their directness and intensity, this is the only gig I have ever been to where every single one was an incredible experience in its self. 

Anti-Flag supported by The King Blues @ Club Academy - I’m not a big fan of punk, but you cannot beat an actual live gig with all it’s ferocity, and playful violence. You try writing a review from the middle of a mosh pit. The King Blues could just be The Clash resurrected.

Ida Maria @ Academy 2 - Granted, Ida’s recorded material is pretty forgettable, but there is nothing forgettable about her charismatic live performances every one of which is played like it’s her last.