Top Gigs for June 2014

Get ready to tap your toes, wave your lighter or hurl yourself around the mosh pit – it’s Sassy’s guide to all things musical in June. With artists hailing from Spain, France, UK and right here in Hong Kong, there is something to tickle everyone’s fancy and plenty of unique venues to explore. It’s time to turn the amp up to 11!

Your Mum presents Russian Red
Brought to you by the creators of Clockenflap, Your Mum is responsible for bringing exceptional alternative artists from all over the world to our little SAR and next month is no exception. Born in Madrid, Russian Red (aka Lourdes Hernández) is an indie folk artist with a hypnotising voice. Named after her favourite shade of lipstick (nice!), Russian Red has been coined the Spanish Feist, however her new album sees her exploring more of her indie pop side – think Blondie meets Laura Marling. Grab the girls, your lipstick and get ready to be swept away by beautiful melodies and haunting vocals.

When: Thursday 12 June, doors 8pm
Where: Music Zone, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: $360, tickets available here

Reflex
With Daft Punk taking over the world, it’s a pretty good time for French electro music at the moment and therefore great to see the likes of Reflex gracing Le French May this year. Producing and performing as Reflex, renowned DJ Andre Dalcan and singer songwriter Ludmilla Cassar together create an irresistible blend of electro pop to put a smile on your face and a shake in your shimmy. The perfect music for bringing in the summer, check out their remix of Daft Punk’s Doin’ It Right for a taste of what’s in store and get ready to dance your pants off!

When: Saturday 7 June, 11.30pm
Where: Kee Club, 32 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $200 with online registration (register here), $300 on the door

A New World If You Can Take It (ANWIYCTI)
Local Hong Kong band ANWIYCTI celebrate the launch of their self-titled album this June with support from label mates murmur and David Boring. Signed to local label Imagine Imagine Imagine Records, who represent the likes of indie groups The Yours and Fantastic Day, ANWIYCTI pride themselves on being the only alternative band in Hong Kong to play solely on bass guitars. Not for the faint hearted, their sound is experimental, dark and intense but if you are a fan of Mogwai, sonic youth or Placebo, this will be right up your street. Music aside, Hidden Agenda is also a great little venue to check out, but is also literally tucked away out of site! If you find yourself on a quiet street full of mechanics, believe it or not you’re in the right place.

When: Thursday 12 June, 8.30pm
Where: Hidden Agenda, 2A, Wing Fu Industrial Bldg, 15-17 Tai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
How much: Advance tickets are $149, $199 including CD, $299 including vinyl. Tickets available here

Deluxe
Another musical highlight from Le French May comes in the form of funk band Deluxe. The five-piece cut their teeth by performing on the streets of Aix-en-Provence in the south of France and are therefore as visually entertaining as they are a treat for the ears. With a blend of horns, strings, guitars and drums, the urban quintet are made complete by their singer Liliboy, who brings a little attitude to their groovy vibe. A perfect weekend pick-me-up, you can’t help but feel energised and entertained by Deluxe. It’s time to get your groove on!

When: Saturday 14 June, 8pm
Where: Hang Out, 1/F, Youth Outreach Jockey Club, 2 Holy Cross Path, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong
How much: $250, $300 on the door. Tickets available here

Looking ahead…

Slowdive
Songs for Children, another group responsible for delivering the best alternative indie bands to HK, present British legends Slowdive. If you were into alternative shoegaze music of the early nineties such as My Bloody Valentine, no doubt you’ll be familiar with these guys. Atmospheric, noisy and utterly irresistible, Slowdive reformed earlier this year, having dispersed in the mid-nineties and are so far only playing a handful of shows around the world, so it’s worth catching them NOW. Time to dig out your grungiest t-shirt and jeans!

When: Thursday 28 July, 8.30pm
Where: KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Earlybird tickets are $520, tickets in advance are $595. Get them here.

Fenella is a British expat from Hertfordshire (think Darcy and Lizzy!) eager to discover new sights and sounds in Hong Kong. Follow her musings on Twitter @fenelladale