Gigs Round Up: January

While the party season may be over it certainly doesn’t mean that the live music scene has gone back into hibernation. Keep those January blues at bay with this month’s top gig picks.

O2 Academy – Hozier, 11th January

One of the breakout successes of 2015, Hozier continues his streak with what is set to be another sell-out UK tour. With a Grammy nomination, two Billboard Awards and an Ivor Novello under his belt, this show at the O2 Academy Sheffield is one you don’t want to miss.

Sheffield City Hall – Paul Carrack, 15th January

Legendary Sheffielder and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics, Paul Carrack takes to the stage at the City Hall as part of his 34 date UK tour of all of his favourite venues.

The Washington – Fargo Railroad Co. + Papa Legba’s, 22nd January

Local Americana songsmiths Fargo Railroad Co. perform a rare stripped back acoustic set this month, followed by a bluesy rock ‘n’ roll set form Papa Legba’s, which promises ‘to disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.’ This one’s free entry with clubnight Asbo-a-Gogo on ’til 3am afterwards, playing the best in rock ‘n’ roll, punk, reggae, ragga, dirty indie and council pop.

The Leadmill – Minus The Bear, 26th January

Seattle indie rockers Minus The Bear tread the line between playful yet complex music that flits between time signatures. The lyrics have become moodier as the band have matured – there are no more songs titled ‘Houston, We Have Uh-Oh’ – but the bouncy synths and guitar hooks are still present.

Plug – Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, 30th January

Selling over a million albums worldwide, the appeal these talented London siblings stretches far. With songwriting and music rooted in the tradition where songs are passed down among generations at family gatherings, this trio can play pretty much any instrument they are handed, resulting in eclectic live sets that draw upon R&B, blues, psychedelic rock, soul, country, jazz and ska.

Picture House Social – Night Flowers, 30th January

The Audacious Board of Equity Punks takes over the ballroom of the Picture House Social at the end of this month, presenting a trio of music with London dream pop quintet Night Flowers at the helm. Check out their new single ‘Sleep’ here. Support comes from modern punk outfit Sievehead and Sheffield’s own Bonetti.

The Rocking Chair – Lisbon, 30th January

2015 was a good year for Lisbon, with over two million Spotify plays and likenings to Foals, The 1975 and fellow north east comrades Little comets. They also recorded a live session at Maida Vale Studios for Radio 1 and had support slots with the likes of Eliza and the Bear and Saint Motel. Keeping the ball rolling, Lisbon are kickingoff the year with a 22 night UK tour, stopping off at the intimate surrounds of The Rocking Chair at the end of the month.