Summer's festival season is firmly behind us. After a great month for Manchester's September gig scene, there's even more on offer for the tenth month of the year.
From the return dream pop cult heroes in Alvvays, to bone-shaking riffs with Inhaler, and sumptuous vocals of Gabriels, there really is something for everyone. We've had a hard time narrowing the shows down to the round, even number we've got, which is 16.
We were aiming for 15, but we couldn't cut another one. However, our top picks for you to try are Real Lies, Japanese Breakfast, and Angel Olsen.
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So, here we have it: the Manchester Evening News' top picks for the gigs you need to go to in October.
Alvvays — Gorilla — October 3
Canadian dream-pop darlings Alvvays return to Manchester after what feels like an ungodly amount of time away. That can be explained by the fact that there are two new members of the group, and border closures over 2020 and 2021 made it difficult for the five-piece to record their new album.
That new album, Blue Rev , is out on October 7 — so fans who pack themselves under the railway arch will hope to get a sneak peak of what’s in store. Already, singles like ‘Easy On Your Own’ have shown the group are staying true to their heritage of fuzzy guitars with innovative but emotive lyricism — but have evolved since their 2017 magnum opus, Antisocialites .
Sofia Kourtesis — Yes (Pink Room) — October 5
Take this as a warning: this will be your last chance to see Sofia Kourtesis — the Peruvian DJ, producer, and vocalist — at a venue as small as Yes’ Pink Room. Since her first release in 2019, Sofia has gone from strength to strength. Last year, ‘By Your Side’ soundtracked many a post-Covid reunification party, and her remixes of ‘La Perla’ also put her on the map.
If that’s not enough to convince you, Sofia’s also played the super-clubs and festivals. Living in Berlin now, she’s already played at Melt Festival — which can be loosely compared as the German version of Creamfields or Parklife — and the world’s most infamous venue, Berghain.
So, before she leaves the second city, catch Sofia — if you can — before she’s back in Berlin. Yes is a lot easier to get into than the Berghain.
The Amazons — Academy — October 8
The Amazons are on a high. Fresh from scoring their first ever top 5 chart position for third studio album ‘How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me?’ and a string of summer festival dates, the indie-rock outfit are preparing to embark on a triumphant live tour.
With stand-out tunes like ‘Junk Food Forever’ alongside their latest singles ‘Bloodrush’ and ‘Ready For Something’, the quartet hailing from Berkshire have garnered significant attention since forming in 2014.
Matt, Chris, Elliot and Joe have enjoyed support from music magazines and BBC radio play following an inclusion in the BBC’s Sound Of 2017 longlist.
The lads will visit Belfast and Dublin before taking to the stage at Manchester Academy on October 8 for the third night of their UK tour.
After a show at London’s historic Roundhouse on October 20, The Amazons will jet off for shows in Canada, before finishing the year with the North American leg of their tour!
Skegss - Gorilla - October 11
Aussie surfers Skegss celebrate seven years since the release of their first EP this month. But the Microsoft Paint-inspired artwork of this five-track album alone tells you this is a band that doesn't take itself too seriously.
The trio tour the UK in October with a penultimate performance pencilled in at Manchester's Gorilla. The 'anti-heroes' of Australia's rock scene announced the gigs more than a year after releasing their second studio album, Rehearsal , described as a '13-track thrill ride through modern disillusioned youth'.
The band certainly sounds youthful so you might expect a youthful crowd too. But their surf rock sound is simple with timeless tunes to suit audiences of all ages.
Their latest release, recorded with Grammy-award winning producer Catherine Marks of Wolf Alice and Foals fame, leans into this classic quality, by using vintage gear from the 60s and 70s on the record. Expect an energetic exhibition of silliness.
Arthur Hill - Night and Day - October 10
TikTok sensation Arthur Hill is bringing his soulful sounds from London to Manchester as part of his first ever UK headline tour. The 23-year-old, who has amassed more than a million followers on TikTok, began writing music during the first lockdown in 2020.
He uses the short-form video-sharing platform to showcase his talents, which include comedy skits - as well as his musical abilities. Following on from his festival debut at Barn On The Farm, Arthur released a string of singles including “Tiny Room” - his debut - and “How About Then”.
His latest release “F*** You” is a post-breakup anthem and hate letter in audio form, featuring tongue-in-cheek lyrics and angst. Expect an evening filled with funk, groove and pop at Night & Day this October.
False Heads — Night and Day — October 13
The three-piece from the capital released their debut, It’s All There But You’re Dreaming , in 2020. Their second effort will be out in the world on September 30, and is called Sick Moon .
Excitement for the punk/grunge group is growing, with their latest release of ‘Mime To The End’ featuring some ear-catching hooks and there’s depth on show with ‘Day Glow’, a single from April of this year.
Perhaps the biggest vote in confidence the group can have comes from who they’re signed to. False Heads are in the Scruff Of The Neck stable, Manchester’s independent label that has nurtured talents like Giant Rooks, and Ist Ist. Night and Day will be the perfect venue for the group — expect energy, electricity, and effervescence.
Real Lies — Yes (Pink Room) — October 14
There are few acts — let alone duos — performing in the UK right now that are as interesting or spell-binding as Real Lies. For the unfamiliar, here’s a potted history. Formed in North London in the early-10s as a three-piece, they released a criminally-overlooked debut called Real Life in 2015. Then, after a tumultuous period where one member of the group left, that caused an indefinite hiatus, Kev Kharas and Patrick King decided to have another crack as a duo.
That saw the pair release some exciting singles in 2020, before finally coming up with a sophomore album earlier this year. As part of their revival, they played Yes’ basement last year in a midnight show which was one for the ages, and then went one better at The White Hotel on the release of that album in April. Real Lies’ electronic beats are supported by some of the best songwriting available today, and a lyricism which is unique, awe-inspiring, and intelligent. If you can get a ticket, then go to the show.
Inhaler — Academy — October 15
We’re not too sure for how long we’ll be able to include Inhaler’s tour dates in our best small gigs guide. Whilst the Dublin-born band currently remain somewhat under the mainstream, sell-out shows across the country and an army of loyal fans means it won’t be long before you’ll see them on the Arena listings.
Having initially gained attention for having a frontman who also happens to be the son of U2 legend Bono, it is Inhaler’s plethora of stadium-worthy anthems like ‘Ice Cream Sundae’ and ‘My Honest Face’ that have earned them tips for huge success in their own right.
That path to success is one they are firmly following. The Irish indie rockers have previously played support slots for the likes of guitar music heavyweights Kings of Leon and Blossoms, but are now getting used to their name being at the top of the bill.
Upon returning from the States, Inhaler will play at Manchester Academy on October 15 before gigs in Glasgow and London.
Alice Merton - Gorilla - October 18
Alice Merton is an independent musical force to be reckoned with. The 29-year-old, who was born in Germany and raised in Canada and England, released her latest album “S.I.D.E.S” this summer - and like the rest of her melodies, it was entirely homemade.
Now based in London, Alice has had an illustrious career so far. Her music has accumulated a billion streams online, she has played the legendary Coachella Festival and she’s also a judge on the German version of The Voice.
Her sound, including singles ‘Veritgo’ and ‘Same Team’, experiments with touches of indie, electronica, alt-rock and synth-pop. Now Alice is embarking on a UK tour with a stop off at Gorilla.
Angel Olsen - Albert Hall - October 21
Touring her sixth studio album, the Southern-US singer-songwriter will take to the stage at Manchester's Albert Hall. Big Time, the first released since Angel Olsen came out as queer, has stronger country influences than its predecessors and is noticeably more personal, creating an expectation of an intimate live performance on this tour.
But tracks from previous albums, especially All Mirrors , will inevitably elevate the atmosphere. As will the artist's 'breakout' song, Shut Up and Kiss Me , an upbeat guitar-driven tune from 2016. Her stripped back sixth album is sweeter.
But Big Time does not sound as big as some of her previous work which has featured string sections and impressive orchestral arrangements. How this softer sound will influence the rest of her set remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, the mid-pandemic release of Whole New Mess , which features rearranged versions of songs from her previous album rerecorded in a converted church, proves even the biggest songs in her back catalogue sound lovely stripped back. What better venue to host her in our city then, than this ever-ethereal old chapel.
Jerry Paper - YES - October 22
Lucas Nathan, better known by stage name Jerry Paper, wears many hats; they're a musician, singer, songwriter and producer. Jerry, who's based in Los Angeles, began releasing music in 2009 and tends to explore the themes of identity - and why the world shouldn't be taken so seriously.
Latest album "Free Time" encapsulates exactly that, especially with tracks "Kno Me" and "Just Say Play" which combine funky riffs with witty lyricism. Expect a vibrant, comical with Jerry at YES this October.
Gabriels - New Century Hall - October 22 & 23
They're yet to release a full studio album, but Gabriels are already pros. Led by the luscious lead vocals of gospel singer Jacob Lusk, the LA-based group will grace the stage of Manchester's newest venue for two consecutive nights in October.
Fresh from supporting Cheshire's own Harry Styles on the Texas leg of his US tour, the soulful trio will return to the UK where they featured on a few festival lineups this summer including two slots at Glastonbury. Their second was scuppered by technical issues, but the band's eagerness for excellence shone through.
Expect exceptional vocals from the former American Idol contestant, supported by Sunderland-born producer Ryan Hope and classically trained Californian musician Ari Balouzian. Lusk's contagious energy will excite any crowd. He stunned Black Lives Matters protestors with an impromptu solo performance of Strange Fruit in 2020.
And together, the trio have won praise from the likes of Annie Mac, Gilles Peterson and Elton John. Intimate but powerful performances like these shows promise to be may soon become a thing of the past.
Japanese Breakfast - Albert Hall - October 24
Grammy-nominated band Japanese Breakfast are visiting Manchester all the way from Oregon, USA as part of a string of UK tour dates. A lo-fi, indie-pop dream, the group is headed by Korean-American singer and guitarist Michelle Zauner.
Japanese Breakfast’s latest album, “Jubilee”, was released last year and was named so as a celebration of the passage of time. Lead single “Be Sweet” is dripping in synth-pop magic and wouldn’t sound out of place on the Stranger Things soundtrack.
Poetic lyrics, grooving drum beats and smooth melodies are found across the whole of Japanese Breakfast’s discography - which is sure to translate to a sensational live sound.
Melts - The Castle Hotel - October 28
Manchester will be the final stop on Melts' UK tour before they return home to Ireland for one last show. And the Northern Quarter's Castle Hotel is set to be transformed into a spacey sci-fi soundscape by this psychedelic band.
Maelstrom , the debut album from the Dublin group released in the summer, comes five years after the five-piece first formed. The quintet's influences span from synthy space rock to punchy post-punk. This striking album can hypnotise listeners into a trance and could only sound better performed live on a stage.
Expect big toe-tapping beats, shoegazey guitars and spacey synths driven by cutting vocals.
Caroline Polachek - Albert Hall - October 29
It's been three years since Caroline Polachek released her third album Pang - and it's still making waves. The American singer-songwriter recently confirmed that she's working on her fourth LP, teasing a photo of herself at work in the studio.
In the meantime, the alt-pop performer is embarking on a five-date UK tour, including a gig at the Albert Hall. Tracks "So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings" and "Bunny Is A Rider" feature atmospheric electro-pop vibes and will most definitely get a crowd going.
A choir-girl at heart, Caroline lived in Tokyo, Japan between the ages of one and five - and says traditional Japanese music has influenced her melodies. She's worked on a whole host of projects; Caroline founded the band Chairlift while at the University of Colorado and also embarked on solo projects Ramona Lisa and CEP.
The New Yorker has also worked extensively with the likes of Christine and the Queens and Charli XCX and has even penned material for Beyoncé.
Two Year Vacation — The Castle — October 29
Musically, Sweden is known for one thing, and one thing only in the UK: Abba. That’s a tall order for anyone to follow — but Two Year Vacation doesn't seem to be fazed by that. They have an upbeat outlook, and some tracks — especially ‘Majored In Broken Hearts’ — are candidates for the inevitable Mamma Mia prequel which will be made at some point.
Comparisons aside, there’s a lot to like about this group. The Castle is a really strong starting point for them to play, and it won’t be the last time they play in Manchester.
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