Eugene McGuinness playing in Hoxton tonight (Thurs 19th Dec)

Fresh from his spot supporting Emmy the Great at Pure Groove on Tuesday, Eugene McGuinness is all set for a special show of his own this evening. Admirers of this charmer’s ramshackle sound should pootle down to The Legion tonight for a Christmas treat, with support from Gold Teeth, Nick Harrisson and Cosmo Jarvis.

Still Flyin’ announce London shows

Californian 15-piece Still Flyin’ have announced three London shows for the new year.

The band, who have been joined on stage in the past by FFS-favourite Jens Lekman, are currently recording their debut record Never Gonna Touch The Ground, which is due for release in April.

Live Review: Conan Mockasin

Pretty much instantly, New Zealander Conan Mockasin invites curiosity. His vocals are pitched at the top of the range to strikingly childlike effect. The music is weird and ominous, like it hides some dark psychedelic secret. And he seems like he’s slightly out of it. Odd, yes – but it soon becomes apparent there’s a lot more to it.

The Handsome Family Band @ The Half Moon Pub

Last Sunday’s sell out gig at Herne Hill’s Half Moon Pub was opened by Danny George Wilson, aka Danny and the Champions of the World. Disappointingly, Danny’s champions in the event turned out to be a sole accompanying guitarist who looked incredibly uncomfortable. Other than occasional backing vocals in which his face demonstrated how much he wished he’d made it into another band, said champion’s presence on stage provided no more than we would have expected from a CD player. This lack of charisma was not entirely made up for by the man himself. Danny’s set was dominated by long indulgent guitar solos. When we did sing, it was hunched up over a microphone which appeared to be about 30cm too low for him, giving him an unfortunate likeness to a troll.