in the city

The Old Romantic Killer Band: there’s something of a Ronseal approach to this pair, in that they sound exactly as the name suggests. They’re part singer-songwriter, part ramshackle little-Libertines and part lo-fi toe-tappers, though thankfully, they’ve left the nu-rave revival out of the mix, making them three quarters zeitgeist and one quarter sense.

See them at: They’ll be plying their wares at Bedlam on Monday 22 at 9pm.

Blind Archery Club: There is a rule in this office that you should always give a Scandinavian band a chance, because invariably, they’re entertaining. Kings Of Convenience, The Soundtrack Of Our Lives, I’m From Barcelona – worth a watch, every last one. Blind Archery Club are no different. They make epics, complete them with emotional guitars and a fair few handclaps and sound not unlike the Flaming Lips, but with better vocals.

See them at: They can be found at Squares on Sunday 21 at 6.30pm.

Tribes Of The City: Latvia isn’t the first place most people think they’ll find great new tunes, especially if Eurovision is anything to go by. But think about it. If we used that weird contest as a marker, Europe would think we all listened to Scooch… better to use this lot as your Latvian test product – majestic melodies, sweeping sounds and just enough Cocteau Twins wonderment to be immense. They’ll break your heart and that’s a promise.

See them at: They’ll be filling the insides of The Music Box with wonder at 10pm on Monday 22.

Boom Boom Satellites: Proving just how far and wide In The City’s tendrils reach, Boom Boom Satellites hail from Japan. It’s a long way to come if you’re not great. This lot, though, are worth their airfare. Their sound aims at The Prodigy but there are elements of Red Hot Chili Peppers thrown in just to spice things up, making it as ripe for a mosh-pit as it is for a shape-throw.

See them at: Decide which way to go for yourself at South Nightclub on Monday 22 at 10pm.

Little Birdy: It’s easy to push comparisons like Rilo Kiley or The Cardigans at any band that plays female-fronted pop-rock, but the truth is, when you hear front-woman Katy Steele surge into one of this Aussie band’s slinky, energy-filled choruses, you’ll stop caring who they sound like and just start grinning instead. The extra special treat is that Katy’s doing this one solo. It’ll be the last time you catch her short of the airfare for her band.

See them at: Catch them before they explode into the big time at Bar 38 on Sunday 21 at 8pm

The Margarets: a bunch of brothers and cousins who grew up on a tiny island off Norway, whose listening pleasures were brought to them by mail order by Margaret, the local postie (hence the name). They’ve mixed those black vinyl parcels into a tasty, brooding mix that’s like Interpol fronted by Lloyd Cole or a love-in between Puressence and The Sundays, depending on which direction you take to get to them.

See them at: They play two shows on Monday 22 – the first at the Attic at 5.45pm and the second at the Pitcher and Piano.

Cohesion: This Manc four piece have been plugging away for the last few years, ever tightening their tunes to come a sound that is definitely Manchester yet bristlingly vibrant and packed full with more than the usual influences, summed up by their roof-raising, foot-stomping anthem, Everafter. One thing is certain, they’re exciting enough to chase after The Courteeners towards the big time.

See them at: Get intimate at The Attic at 5.45pm on Sunday 21 or as part of the official showcase at 7pm on Monday 22 at Chicago Rocks

In The City runs at various venues around the city centre from Saturday 20 to Monday 22 October. Check the website for more details.