Across The Border is back with its second edition in consecutive weeks! If you didn’t see last week’s, it’s same idea as before – we love NN, but there’s great venues across the border who are putting on cracking gigs which deserve shouting about.
Fewer gigs this week, but here’s what you should have your eyes on outside Northants over the next seven days.
VALIS ABLAZE
Wednesday, September 4th
Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Valis Ablaze set out to provide an intriguing alternative to the progressive metal norm, low end grooves juxtaposed with soaring vocal lines, and atmospheric synths, all driven by intricate rhythm work and growling bass. Their sophomore album, Render was released in July. Support by Derange. Doors 7.30pm, Tickets £8.
IAN W BROWN
Thursday, September 5th
The Stables, Milton Keynes
Former pig farmer and Ivor Novello Award nominee Ian W Brown is headlining The Stables. Daniel Mays plays a better-looking version of him in the Fisherman’s Friends film and Gregor Fisher’s downtrodden manager character in 2003’s Love Actually may have been based on how he transported an ex-prog rocker to the top of the Christmas charts in real life in 2001, but folk’s favourite former farmer and secret hit maker Brown is on tour playing some of the songs which have graced the charts and many more that haven’t. Doors 8pm, tickets £10 in advance.
THE OUSE VALLEY SINGLES CLUB – LP LAUNCH
Friday, September 6th
Esquires, Bedford
The Ouse Valley Singles Club are launching their new LP Gammonista at Esquires. The five-piece band use sounds and traditions of 1950’s skiffle combined with the energy of punk and a splash of rub ‘n’ dub reggae to relay hilarious folk-like story-telling within their infectious songs, often crossing the parameters of what is deemed to be socially acceptable. Support is by Skimmington Ride. Doors 8pm, tickets £8.
KARIBOW
Friday, September 6th
Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
KariBow play neo-progressive melodic rock, with shades of Marillion, reflecting AOR giants such as Toto, Journey and Asia. With a string of award-winning albums, their latest LP Supernatural Foe Rebirth was released this year. Support by This Winter Machine. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £15.
THE DEKKERTONES
Saturday, September 7th
Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Members of Nine-piece ska reggae rocksteady band The Dekkertones have been involved in the ska scene for more than 30 years. Since forming in 2013, they have supported the likes of The Neville Staple Band The Dualers. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £10.
CREAM OF THE CROP – PUNK ALL-DAYER
Saturday, September 7th
Esquires, Bedford
Dozens of acts will be playing at the Cream Of The Crop All-dayer at Esquires on Saturday. Music is across two floors and will feature Peter & The Test Tube Babies, Infa-Riot, The Crack, East End Badoes, Arch Rivals, The Angry Agenda, Guitar Gangsters, The Warriors, Rat’s Nest, Murdaball, Jack The Lad, Feckin Ejits, Charred Hearts, Hazard, The Tendons, Dogtown Rebels, Terminal Heads, Out Of Order (Both British and Canadian bands), Bleach Boys, Subculture, The Mistakes, Spring Park, Johnny & The Mental Breakdowns and L.O.A.D. Doors 1pm, tickets £27.50.
GORDON GILTRAP
Sunday, September 8th
The Stables, Milton Keynes.
The recipient of an MBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honour List for services to Music and Charity, legendary British Guitarist Gordon Giltrap is headlining The Stables. Over five decades, Giltrap has graced the music business with his dedication to his craft. He will be playing songs from his latest album, The Last Of England. Doors 8pm, tickets £17.50.
DOUGIE MACLEAN
Wednesday, September 11
The Stables, Milton Keyes
Dougie MacLean is one of Scotland’s pre-eminent singer-songwriters and a national musical treasure. His performance during the closing ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with Kylie Minogue and Lulu was viewed by more than one billion people worldwide. Doors 8pm, tickets £18.50.
