Top pick: Jamie XX
Alexandra Palace, September 26, ticketswap.com
After a long break following the release of his critically acclaimed debut album, In Colour (2015), Jamie XX, below, has finally returned with a brand new album of staggering, blissful dance tracks. Ever a consistent fellow, the new album, In Waves, has been lauded by critics and looks likely to cement the musician as one of the biggest names on the British dance music scene. He’s headed to Ally Pally tonight to play it, and it’s set to be a belter. Tickets are predictably sold out, but try a last-minute TicketSwap
Pop Never Dies
The Lexington, September 28, thelexington.co.uk
Gutted to have missed out on Chappell Roan in Brixton last week? This is your next best option for screaming “Good Luck, Babe!” amid a frenzied crowd. Pop Never Dies, the beloved “chaotic” pop club night, returns to the Lexington in Angel this Saturday, continuing its run of increased popularity after recent guest appearances from Charli XCX and Bimini Bon Boulash. For those wanting to eke out the very last of brat summer, there are tickets on the door.
Love Remain
Pickle Factory, September 27, dice.fm
Up-and-coming DJ Love Remain is set to tackle a stonking four-hour set at Bethnal Green’s Pickle Factory tomorrow, a great pick for those fond of atmospheric, upbeat DJs like Fred Again and Barry Can’t Swim. Love Remain’s work acts as a love letter to London, from poetic vocals about the Thames to catchy anthems about hot girls from each borough of London. There’s a handful of tickets held for on the door, so get in there early.
Groove Armada
Ministry of Sound, September 28, ministryofsound.com
Everybody say happy birthday Ministry! The home of London dance music is turning 33 this year, and to commemorate the occasion it’s booked a suitably age-appropriate act, the inimitable Groove Armada. You can always expect this DJ duo to put on a good show, and Superstylin’ still hits just as hard as it did two decades ago.
Kurupt FM
Brixton O2 Academy, September 28, academymusicgroup.com
Spoof garage mockumentary icons turned actual-modern-day-garage icons Kurupt FM, above, are returning to the stage on Saturday to celebrate 10 years since it all began. Since the first series of People Just Do Nothing dropped in summer 2014, the lovable Brentford reprobates have wormed their way into the hearts of the nation, and now into our ears, too. For hopeful attendees, there are verified resale tickets on Ticketmaster.
October Drift
Rough Trade East, October 2, dice.fm
Missing your indie fix? Consider paying some attention to October Drift, a four-piece from the South-West who have been steadily cranking out shoegaze, grunge and indie rock for the past decade. They’re doing a live show and signing at Rough Trade East, so it’s sure to be gentle, intimate and indie as hell. Tickets on Dice.
Aurora
Royal Albert Hall, October 2, royalalberthall.com
Otherworldly Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora takes to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall next Wednesday, ready to bewitch the bodies and souls of willing Londoners. A new Nordic crown princess of ethereal, electronic folk music, the streets are saying she’s the next Björk. For a healthy dose of art-pop, tickets are available via the Royal Albert Hall website.
