Sunday Love, London
The people behind XOYO and The Nest are starting up this new Sunday series, held in their aspirationally shabby Islington boozer the Old Queen’s Head. Further down the pipeline are the likes of disco auteurs Daniel Wang, Daniele Baldelli and Ivan Smagghe, but first up are Marshall Jefferson and Jack Savidge. Chicago’s Jefferson made musical history when he started dicking around with the Roland TR-808, brought Phuture’s Acid Tracks into the world, and ushered in acid house, a sound that got a whole generation of Brits off their collective box, turning dance music into a UK pop-cultural standard. Savidge may not have quite the same pedigree, but as a member of Friendly Fires and DJ duo Deep Shit with Foals’ Edwin Congreave, he brings a euphoric sensibility to cosmic disco, classic boogie and sassy house. You may end up fist-pumping holding a Yorkshire pudding.
The Old Queen’s Head, N1, Sun
BB
Robert Hood, Manchester
“Gospel-as-techno” might not sound like the most appealing style clash, but Robert Hood wears his spiritual beliefs on his sleeve, especially when producing under his Floorplan alias, which draws as much inspiration from Detroit’s churches as its rich clubbing heritage. Tonight, though, Hood will be exploring the tough and minimal techno he’s been known for since his era-defining work in Underground Resistance with Jeff Mills and Mike Banks. Drawing from his own extensive back catalogue as well as his much-respected M-Plant imprint – which offers a home for similarly high-minded and heavy techno fare – Hood is a truly hypnotic DJ regardless of a crowd’s state of mind, focusing only on the raw, basic ingredients of his throbbing music in order to create the minimal techno funk he helped set the template for. Having originally sold out the intimate confines of Joshua Brooks, Selective Hearing has transferred this event to Sankeys, where Hood will be joined by ascending techno star Reflec.
Sankeys, Sat
GT
The Bug, Bristol
After the success of its annual festival, Simple Things continues to invigorate the Bristol club scene. Consistently bagging stellar headliners and putting them in innovative spaces, tonight sees the Bug take to the decks at Band Films Studios, a secret location until this week - the venue has never been used in this way before. This year the Hyperdub/Ninja Tune producer followed up 2008’s London Zoo with Angels & Devils, which sees him continue his infectious blend of dancehall, grime and dub. Here he’ll be joined by Flowdan, Manga and one-time Hype Williams member Inga Copeland. Young Echo alumnus Vessel supports, with his visceral, industrial-tinged performances becoming a must-see in the city.
Band Films Studios, Sat
SM
Idiot Savant, London
Despite the combination of reggae and Christmas reanimating the evil spectre of Boney M’s Mary’s Boy Child – and carnival tracks being as much a part of summer as drunken wasps – here’s a welcome festive flip on a Jamaican soundclash. The headliners are the awe-inspiring Channel One Sound System, who for more than 30 years have been defining the sound of Notting Hill carnival: heavy-stepping reggae with uplifting spiritual vocals. In support will be Crazy Cousinz, UK garage legend Artful Dodger and eight-strong Bristolian reggae band Laid Blak, who’ll play a blend of loping roots and dancehall stompers.
Bussey Building, SE15, Fri
BB
Bye Parrot, Glasgow
Glasgow throws up some of the most enlightened nights around, and this final goodbye for the main man behind the Cry Parrot crew, Fielding Hope, before he moves on to be senior producer at London’s Cafe Oto, is a stellar effort. Diagonal Records boss Powell plays live, accompanied by two of Scotland’s best underground bands. Golden Teacher are the Arthur Russell nerds on the Optimo label making chaotic live disco jams, while playful weirdos Sacred Paws maintain the city’s fine indie pedigree.
Stereo, Fri
LM
