DILLY DALLY
live
BARENAKED LADIES
Tramshed, Cardiff Tues 6 Sept Almost 30 years and 14 albums down the line and it’s more than likely that all you know about Barenaked Ladies is the following: a) They’re that quirky Canadian band who wrote that great song but you can only remember the line “Chickity China the Chinese chicken”, b) They talk and sing really quickly a lot of the time and c) “Our whole universe is in a la la la, 40 million years la la la la la WE BUILT THE PYRAMIDS!” OK, maybe that’s a terrible sweeping generalisation; maybe you’re reading this and are mega-excited that your favourite band of all time is coming to play in Cardiff, nay Wales, for the first time ever. And so you should be. Barenaked Ladies are a fun band: they want you to have a good time and they will go all out to make sure that happens. They’ll also have a good time themselves, to ensure that you can have an even better time. Their live shows are something to behold – the performances are energetic, tight and full of pitch-perfect harmonies and despite there being a set-list, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of improv moments, the occasional light-hearted rap battle and plenty of bants. If you like bants, you’ll love Barenaked Ladies. An ultra-rare show on Welsh soil by a seasoned band with plenty in their locker – highly recommended. Tickets: £28. Info: 029 2023 5555 (BG)
BUZZ 46
The Globe, Cardiff Tue 20 Sept This month will see The Globe playing host to Toronto band Dilly Dally for the first time since the release of their 2015 debut Sore. Dilly Dally were formed by vocalist and guitarist Katie Monks, who co-founded the band in 2009 along with her high school friend Liz Ball. Their music came about largely as a reaction to the indie-folk acts that were dominating the Canadian scene at the time, with the pair finding themselves more interested in pursuing a much heavier approach than their contemporaries. After getting drummer Benjamin Reinhartz and bassist Jimmy Tony on board, they set about making music together. Bringing in various influences such as the Pixies and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Dilly Dally’s indie-meets-punk sound quickly made them stand out in the Canadian scene. “Sore is intended to create change. It’s intended to promote sexual freedom, and empower those who struggle with mental health issues,” says Katie of the debut. “But spelling it out like that feels wack. It’s just a painting on the wall really, and it’s more effective if people discover it for themselves.” Since the album’s release they have toured extensively, but this will mark their first gig in Wales, introducing their sound to an even bigger audience. “This is a sacred time for me and the band,” Katie affirms. “Our dreams are becoming real, and we are empowering and inspiring so many people, and each other. Anyone who tries to fuck with that, I just don’t want them around.” Dilly Dally will be supported by fellow Canadian band Weaves, who released their self-titled debut three months ago after building up a buzz for quite some time. It was worth the wait, and their more experimental approach to indie will be an interesting contrast next to the headliner. Additional support will come from Brighton’s Abbatoir Blues, who’ll bring a heavier, post-punk influenced sound to proceedings. A great chance to see three promising new acts on the same bill. Tickets: £11. Info: 07590 471888 MATT LEE
HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Wed 28 Sept Coming to Clwb Ifor Bach this month is Chicago’s Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, who will be bringing their accomplished mix of jazz, funk, hip-hop and world styles. All seven members of the Ensemble are sons of Phil Cohran, himself an accomplished jazz musician who played in Sun Ra’s Arkestra in the 50s and 60s, and later with Earth, Wind & Fire. The brothers were taught by their father from a young age, and originally performed as the Phil Cohran Youth Ensemble. In 1999 they ceased playing with their father, and changed their name to Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. In the years that followed they’ve released nearly an album a year and collaborated with more famous artists than you can shake a particularly large stick at, including Ghostface Killah, Damon Albarn, Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen, and Mos Def. Their most recent album, Sound Rhythm & Form, is garnering all kinds of positive reviews and recommendations, and they’ve also recently collaborated with rapper Math Man on his newest album Hyp Hop. The HBE are known for their tight, energetic performances, and have performed at high-profile concerts around the world, supporting Prince & The New Power Generation on a tour of Denmark at Prince’s personal request. This promises to be one of the most exciting gigs of the autumn, and should be a real treat for all lovers of jazz. Tickets: £15. Info: 029 2023 2199 (DG)
LYNCHED
St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Tue 20 Sept; Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Wed 21 Sept The Irish and Welsh have not only had a deep musical vein that pumped passion through the hearts of their countrymen, but have had the luck of being steeped in harmonious tradition to boot. When the Celts came to Ireland, they brought what would eventually be encapsulated by the Gaelic as folk music. Two thousand years of consistent revamping gave the genre an insurmountable length of stamina to run with, but If there was ever a way to shake off the mid-week doldrums, it would definitely be exemplified by enjoying its next fresh breath. Dublin-based quartet Lynched are as thick in their roots as they are their ability to incorporate disparate genres into their catalogue. The Lynch brothers, Ian and Daragh, attended countless sessions across Dublin in the early 2000s in the project’s formative years, before being joined by Cormac Mac Diarmada and Radie Peat. Previous albums, Lynched and Cold Old Fire, have been widely applauded by a number of critics. While Lynched most certainly won’t be your next mainstream chart toppers, Daragh’s gravel-scagged vocals and the talented smatterings of this gifted entourage will most definitely leave you with a lasting memory and a timeless act to add to your repertoire. Tickets: £15.50/£14.50 adv (Cardiff); £14/£12.50 (Cardigan). Info: 029 2087 8444 (Cardiff); 01239 621600 (Cardigan) (NR)
MUSICIANS AGAINST HOMELESSNESS
Various venues across Wales Thurs 15 Sept-Sun 9 Oct Back in April, former Oasis manager Alan McGee launched a nationwide campaign called Musicians Against Homelessness, the twin aims of which are to raise funds for the homeless charity Crisis and provide gig opportunities for up-and-coming bands. Gigs for the campaign have been set up and promoted independently all over the UK, with four dates booked for small venues across Wales. The first of these Welsh gigs takes place at McGee’s own venue, the Tabernacle in Talgarth, on Thurs 15 Sept. The Dragonffli in Pontypool is then hosting a two-day event to raise funds and awareness for the campaign, with a full lineup of heavy rock bands playing from 7pm-12am on Fri 23 and Sat 24 Sept. Three Monkeys Music Promotions has organised three days of music in Merthyr Tydfil, from Fri 30 Sept until Sun 2 Oct. Friday’s event will be hosted at The New Crown Inn, headlined by Scott Howells [pictured], with the action moving to the Redhouse on Saturday and Sunday. The last leg in Wales sees the campaign come to Cardiff Bay where, on Sat 8 and Sun 9 Oct, bands including ska-pop outfit Upbeat Sneakers and The Oasis Experience, a tribute to the very band of McGee’s making, will take to the stage at Portland House on Bute Street. All proceeds from these gigs will go to homeless charity Crisis. Tickets: prices vary per event. Info: mahgigs@gmail.com (JM)