The Charlatans @ Leeds Direct Arena, Sunday 9th December

The Charlatans are a universally beloved indie-rock institution whose folk-inflected sound has proven to be evergreen for nearly three decades. They were founded in 1988 in the West Midlands, but they came to prominence at the height of ‘Madchester’ in 1990 and throughout the years have successfully adapted to various changes in the musical landscape. While The Charlatans have stumbled upon many challenges and obstacles too (such as the deaths of Rob Collins and Jon Brookes) they have never given up, showing incredible fortitude and persistence. On their 13th album, Different Days from 2017, they were pushing the boundaries once again and delivered one of their most enjoyable and energetic records to date. Don’t miss out and make sure to see The Charlatans live this week in Leeds!

Julia Holter @ Howard Assembly Room, Tuesday 11th December

Julia Holter is a Los Angeles based musician and composer whose intriguing blend of indie and electronic music can be both experimental and enjoyably simplistic. Holter’s latest album Aviary, from earlier this year, allowed the artist to stretch her creativity to the fullest – it turned out to be a deeply eccentric record, full of mind-bending compositions, reflecting the chaotic state of the world in 2018. Her latest material has also proven that Holter is an incredibly talented artist and a musician that is not afraid to evolve and take risks. Julia Holter is playing this Tuesday at the Howard Assembly Room, make sure to be there!

Lera Lynn @ Brudenell Social Club, Wednesday 12th December

Lera Lynn’s breakthrough came in 2014 after her appearance on HBO’s True Detective, but it’s Lynn’s solo material that can guarantee an amazing live show. Her debut album, 2011’s Have You Met Lera Lynn, was an introduction to Lynn’s vocal talent; the following record, 2014’s The Avenues gave her a chance to dabble in folk music, while 2016’s Resistor was a successful attempt at recording songs inspired by indie rock. Her latest album, Plays Well With The Others from earlier this year, cemented Lynn’s identity as a musician and an exquisite, unique songwriter. Looking back at Lynn’s catalogue, it would be a shame to miss her play live, so come down to Brudenell Social Club on Wednesday for what should be yet another amazing gig.

Natalie McCool @ The Library, Thursday 13th December

Natalie McCool is a rising indie and alternative pop artist whose brilliant eponymous debut album was appreciated for its forward-looking sound and slick songwriting. McCool’s collaboration with Bernard Butler from Suede on her song ‘Thin Air’ did not go unnoticed either and directed a lot of attention towards this young artist. So far, she has also written with Paul McCartney, performed with Boy George and dropped her sophomore record The Great Unknown (2016) in the meantime. If you’re curious what McCool might bring to the stage, then make your way to The Library this Thursday night!  

Mercury Rev @ Brudenell Social Club, Thursday 13th & Friday 14th December

Mercury Rev is an American psychedelic rock band formed in Buffalo, New York in the late ’80s, whose evolving sound and love for pushing the boundaries made them into one of the genre’s most celebrated acts. Yet, fame and recognition did not come quickly to Mercury Rev, but only in 1998 when they released Deserter’s Songs, an album which merged rock, folk and jazz, and is now considered to be a classic. The record changed Mercury Rev’s career drastically, pulling them out of obscurity and turning them into an overnight sensation  – they were praised by the critics and naturally, influenced many artists that came after. Their latest full-length album, 2015’s The Light In You, was a successful comeback after a few years of absence and most definitely a pleasant surprise for Mercury Rev’s long-time fans too. It should be an extraordinary show at Brudenell Social Club this week, be sure not to miss it!