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Monkeysuit Madness

Posted: Wed, 29 Jul 2009

Another two nights of pan-Berkshire fun from Monkeysuit, with London’s King Charles headlining in Reading and Oxford’s Cat Matador purring for your pleasure in Windsor this August

In Reading

Kings Charles have been called “unique” by Huw Stevens (is there any band he hasn’t commented on, this Huw chap?) and apparently theirlive sets and socially-aware lyrics about the complications of being in love have captured the imagination of not only the ubiquitous Mr. Stevens, but also Rob Da Bank. They’ve supported Laura Marling and Mumford and Sons, recorded a live session at the famous Maida Vale studio for Radio 1 and made appearances on the BBC Introducing stage at this year’s Glastonbury and Field Day festivals.

They’re supported by Dry the River, fresh from a triumphant Hjaltalin supportshow at South Street Arts Centre on 26 July, and who have been described as a suburban Fleet Foxes meets a secular Sufjan Stevens. Their powerful, emotive vocals and imagination-capturing lyrics make them a band not to be missed. A real Reading gem of a band in Josaka’s opinion.

Opening the show, acoustic/folk act Ute deliver songs that feature stripped down experimentalism, a mix of influences and warm vocal melodies. It's this style which has seen the band grow a loyal fan base in recent months. As well as playing shows with the likes of The Wombats, Fanfarlo and Broadcast 2000, the band has received airplay from Steve Lamacq on Radio 1 and made appearances at the Secret Garden Party and Truck festivals.

The Details

When: 9 August 2009
Who: King Charles, Dry The River and Ute
Where: Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street, Reading
Doors: 7pm, Free, 18+

In Windsor

Cat Matador are a 4 piece experimental indie band, based in Oxford, who specialise in creating swathes of sound that are original, memorable and well structured. The songs embrace their various influences, from the darker tones of shoe-gaze to more melodic, poppy songs. They mix delayed guitars, fuzzed-up bass lines, brooding beats and soaring strings to sculpt their distinctive sound.

“It seems like it really shouldn't work but makes it all the more pleasurable that it does, the sum being truly greater than the parts."
-The Fly

They are supported by Dry The River (see above) and Ascot based singer/songwriter SeptemberGun whose delicate songs are influenced by the likes of Bon Iver and James Taylor. His tune “OK Corral” recently saw him win the BBC Berkshire demo panel.

The Details

When: 15 August 2009
Who: Cat Matador, Dry The River and SeptemberGun
Where: Firestation Arts Centre, St. Leonard’s Road, Windsor
Doors: 8pm, £5, 16+