REJOICE! The New Boots ‘Across The Border’ gig guide is back. We started this last year but it didn’t last (mainly because its writer kept forgetting to do it). Anyway, he’s promised to do better this time and we thought now festival season is coming to an end, it was worth bringing it back. Same idea as before – we love NN, but there’s some mega venues across the border who are putting on cracking gigs which deserve shouting about.
So, without further ado, here’s some things you should have your eye on which are taking place over the next seven days.
POTTERY / EGYPTIAN BLUE
Wednesday, August 28th
Esquires, Bedford
There’s tons of hype around Montreal five-piece Pottery and Brighton’s Egyptian Blue who both play Esquires this week. Pottery recently released The Craft, taken from their debut EP, No. 1, which was released in May while Egyptian Blue recently released their debut EP Collateral Damage. Doors 8pm, tickets £8.
BODEGA / WORKING MEN’S CLUB
Thursday, August 29th
Esquires, Bedford
Not content with one hugely hyped gig this week, Esquires also hosts New York art punks Bodega and Working Men’s Club on Thursday. Bodega’s debut album Endless Scroll was released to rave reviews earlier this year. Doors 8pm, tickets £12.50.
ERICA DRIVE / SLACKRR / BASEMENT LEAGUE
Thursday, August 29th
The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Yes, they’re playing at The Black Prince in Northampton as well, but if you can’t make that show, you’ve another chance to see Bournemouth emo punk five-piece Erica Drive, Basement League and Slackrr who are on a co-headline tour across the UK. Erica Drive’s latest single The Fall is out now. Support is by Lost Without A Cause. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £5.
HEAVY PETTIN’
Friday, August 30th
The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Heavy Pettin’ return to The Craufurd Arms to kick off part two of their Back On The Road Again Tour with special guests rockers Tytan. If you like 1980s Scottish NWOHM, this one’s for you. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £12. Another band who think they’re playing the Crauford Arms…
BEN WATERS BIG BAND
Saturday, August 31st
The Stables, Milton Keynes
Following a 30-year career, Ben Waters has decided to retire from public performances and will be joined by a line-up of top musicians one last time for a night of boogie woogie, rock ‘n’ roll and blues in Wavendon. Doors open at 8pm, tickets cost £18.50.
AN EVENING WITH RICHARD JOBSON OF THE SKIDS
Sunday, September 1st
The Stables, Milton Keynes
From school punk to modern day film producer, Richard Jobson has lived a full and colourful life. A harrowing incident as a child left him suffering with epilepsy but he was a mere 15 year old when he launched the punk rock band The Skids in 1977 with his songwriting partner Stuart Adamson. Support is by Bruce and Jamie Watson from Big Country who will play their own set before joining Richard for acoustic versions of his back catalogue. Doors 8pm, tickets £20.
THE SOAP GIRLS
Sunday, September 1st
Esquires, Bedford
Armed with unforgettable melodies and catchy choruses, punk duo The SoapGirls’ energy, rawness and authenticity has earned a formidable reputation. The French born sisters Millie and Mie been touring relentlessly since 2015 and released their latest album Elephant In The Room in July. They head to Bedford as part of their Sniff My Strap tour. Support is by Trouble County and Cuecliche. Doors 7.30 pm, tickets £10.
LIFESIGNS
Sunday, September 1st
The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Founded in Leighton Buzzard, in 2008, veteran keyboard player John Young realised he had never done a pure prog album. The band Lifesigns is the direct result of that realisation. John started writing the music for the album in 2008 working closely with sound engineer and next door neighbour Steve Rispin. The band has a modern sound with lush, multi layered keyboards. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £20.
INDIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
Wednesday, September 4th
The Stables, Milton Keynes
Folk duo Joseph O’Keefe and Cole Stacey return to The Stables next week. The pair use traditional instruments in contemporary styles, exploring diverse themes from Eastern Europe, Irish traditions and modern urban alienation. After releasing their debut album The Girl I Left Behind Me in 2015 they began extensively supporting and accompanying Midge Ure across the world. Doors 8pm, tickets £15.
