It’s that time of the year again where deadlines are nearly all done with and there’s a lovely instalment of the student loan left to spend frivolously. Well you could do a lot worse than go to our very own 53 Degrees over May as a host of the hottest musical talent in the country are set to take the stage by storm.
Seemingly fighting an uphill struggle after the demise of much loved pop-punksters Busted, Charlie Simpson transformed himself into the frontman of ‘post-hardcore’ outfit Fightstar and has earned credibility through a string of critically acclaimed albums. They have just released their latest record ‘Be Human’ to rave reviews and stop off at 53 on May 1st with In Case Of Fire and Lazuro supporting.
May 8th will bear witness to the NME Radar Tour with rising star La Roux headlining. Having just reached number 2 in the charts with ‘In For The Kill’ which has the disco groove of The Knife fused with the androgynous quirk of The Eurythmics. The supporting bill is set to include Italo-Disco revivalists Heartbreak and The Chapman Family’s unadultered rawness. Magistrates were a band that PR1 nominated as one of our ‘Ones To Watch’ and if there’s any justice singles ‘Make This Work’ and ‘The Inbetweens’ will soon see them getting the recognition they richly deserve.
The King Blues take to the stage on the 10th with a new single ‘Save The World, Get The Girl’ and a lofty reputation- described by Kerrang as “the most exciting live band in Britain”- it seems that this is a can’t miss opportunity to see them in such an intimate setting.
Similiar sentiments apply to Imelda May who has shared stages with the likes of Diana Ross, Elton John and The Supremes. However this time the sassy, burlesque-influenced singer is only accompanied by her band and an impressive catalogue of songs including latest single ‘Johnny Got A Boom Boom’.
The 18th May sees 53 Degrees launch its triple attack on the senses with The Sunshine Underground, Friendly Fires and Pendulum all arriving within eleven days of each other.
Having elevated themselves from a bustling Leeds music scene, The Sunshine Underground delivered one of the finest albums of 2006 in the shape of ‘Raise The Alarm’ which spawned dancefloor fillers ‘Put You In Your Place’, ‘Commercial Breakdown’ and ‘Borders’. Over the past few weeks the band have released demos of forthcoming songs for their new album including the fantastic ‘Coming To Save You’ which suggest they have lost none of their enthusiasm or spark and this undoubtedly rates as one of the most fascinating gigs hosted at 53 Degrees all year.
Friendly Fires have just been announced as a support act for Blur’s massive Hyde Park gig and who’s to argue with Damon Albarn’s taste in music. Certainly not us, and one listen to their eponymous debut album is more than enough to appreciate their sound. Whether it’s the incessant bombast of ‘On Board’ or the showcasing of an impressive pop sensibility on breakthrough hit ‘Paris’. Last time the boys came to Preston it saw singer Ed McFarlane jump in to the audience on the appropriately named ‘Jump In The Pool’.
As if that wasn’t enough, the only act threatening to take The Prodigy’s crown as masters of the dancefloor, Pendulum, arrive on the 29th May to close proceedings with a flourish. After the successful transition from underground adulation to commercial success with ‘In Silico’, Pendulum have become one of the most sought after live acts in the country. The gig, which is bound to sell out, will see 1500 people crowded into the confines of 53 Degrees raving to a set consisting of ‘Granite’, ‘Propane Nightmares’ and the frenzied rush of ‘Slam’. Unmissable.
And that’s not even everything, SeYes and Whole Lotta Led are two of the finest tribute acts around and with an army of devotees promise to deliver a standout homage to their respective artists. Mobo winning act N Dubz bring their terrifying popular urban sound and even more terrifyingly popular headwear to our fair venue on June 6th.
After rescheduling the date to June 11th Paolo Nutini stops off ahead of the follow-up release to the double platinum selling ‘These Streets’. Expect hits such as ‘Jenny Don’t Be Hasty’ and ‘Last Request’ to be mixed up with forthcoming releases from the 21 year-old’s new record.
Also recently announced are the Utah Saints and bringing with them their Summer of Love Rave at student night Promo, and the Bounce Heaven Bank Holiday Special along with a host of comedy performances at Stand and Deliver, 53 Degrees promises to be the hottest venue in town for the last term.
Tickets can be bought at the SU Reception without a booking fee with an NUS card and remember that all profits go straight back to you, the students. For more details visit www.53degrees.net
