Alexis Taylor
Hot Chip have always tweaked their back catalogue in their live shows. Founding member Taylor’s 2016 album Piano went a step further by reducing old tracks to their bare bones, while his new project Listen With(Out) Piano invites artists to interpret that album’s songs. All of which means his current live dates should be as intriguing and unpredictable as they are reliably soulful.
Half Man Half Biscuit
Even after Donald Trump unleashes his nuclear armageddon, you imagine it will still be possible to find a venue whose crumbling remains are hosting this Birkenhead band. Last year’s rarities collection, featuring gems such as Hair Like Brian May Blues, was a reminder of their comedic resilience.
Sunn O)))
As part of music, art and technology festival Convergence, the experimental metallers bring the noise to the Barbican along with a perfectly counterbalancing opener: Icelandic singer and cellist Hildur Guðnadóttir.
Thundercat
When you’re known predominantly for working with the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Kamasi Washington you might understandably feel the need to make a statement with your solo work. Hence last month’s Drunk, Thundercat’s futuristically funky 23-track treatise on the noble art of getting, well, drunk. What better gig to get tipsy at this week? Bristol, 22 March; Manchester, 23 March; Liverpool, 24 March; touring to 28 March
Car Seat Headrest
Alternative rock might be in the doldrums but the presence of sad lads in today’s pop landscape has arguably never been greater, with the likes of Yung Lean and Lil Peep bringing genres like hip-hop into the miserablist fold. Will Toledo’s soul-baring is more traditional – lo-fi rock is the weapon of choice – but his openness makes it refreshing. Electric Ballroom, NW1, 23 March; Gorilla, Manchester, 24 March; touring to 27 March
