Tom Du Croz from LondonGigGuide selects his recommended gigs around town this week.
Monday 20 January
Spring Offensive, Sebright Arms, Bethnal Green
Spring Offensive are a five-piece from Oxford. This gig is to launch their new album Young Animal Hearts, and the track above is from that album. Event Details
Tuesday 21 January
Dean James, The Troubadour, Earl's Court
https://soundcloud.com/musicdeanjames/lifes-like-a-game?in=musicdeanjames/sets/dean-james-ep
This guy has an amazing voice. If you go to the gig you will get his excellent new EP for free. Dean is from Lichfield. Event Details
Claire, Madame JoJo's, Soho
https://soundcloud.com/claireofficial/pioneers?in=claireofficial/sets/clair-ep-all
Simply called 'Claire' this group is a collaboration between a singer-songwriter and three producers. The gig is organised by Whiteheat, who take over Madam Jojo's every Tuesday — always a good night. Event Details
Wednesday 22 January
Gerard and the Watchmen, Half Moon, Putney
https://soundcloud.com/davegerard/05-cureless-love?in=davegerard/sets/wooden-castles
This stunning track is this week's Shameless Favourite. It is from their latest album called Wooden Castles, which you can hear in its entirety on SoundCloud.com. Event Details
Rudy Blu, Old Queens Head, Angel
https://soundcloud.com/rudyblu/white-flag
Rudy is from Brixton. He's currently performing solo but is in the process of putting together a new band. Event Details
George Ezra, The Lexington, Angel
This is the title track from his most recent EP. George is a singer-songwriter from Bristol, so make the most of his visits to the capital and go see him at the Lexington. Event Details
Bruno Major, Slaughtered Lamb, Clerkenwell
https://soundcloud.com/mrbrunomajor/old-man
This event is promoted by Communion, a record label with a lot of clout. 'Raw talent' is a cliche used too often in the music press but it's very apt here. This guy's voice is amazing. Event Details
Thursday 23 January
The Rifles, The Boogaloo, Highgate
This track is two minutes of pure joy, and look out for some familiar Camden venues in the video. This is a huge band and we don't know how they and their fans are going to squeeze into the tiny Boogaloo — but it promises to be an amazing night. Event Details
Friday 24 January
The Mobbs, Fiddler's Elbow, Chalk Farm
They describe this as 'Garage punk' but we think 'Gentleman's punk' is closer. The Mobbs' new album is called Stiff Upper Lip And Trousers To Match. Expect cravats and well-trimmed moustaches. Event Details
My Bad Sister, The Magic Garden, Battersea
'Cabarave' is what they call it! Whatever you want to call it, it's an infectious beat. The group is two sisters and not all their tracks are gypsy inspired. Event Details
Saturday 25 January
Whales in Cubicles, Barfly, Camden Town
https://soundcloud.com/whales-in-cubicles/wax-feathers-radio-edit
These guys are playing as part of the XFM X-posure event. You get to see loads of bands over a full day for only £15, a mini-festival to brighten up your January. Event Details
Ordinary Noise, Hope and Anchor, Highbury and Islington
https://soundcloud.com/ordinarynoise-1/southern-electric-teddy-girl-1
A beautiful track — love it when the sax kicks in. This band are dripping with promise and 2014 could be a great year for them. Event Details
For more upcoming gig recommendations and to hear LondonGigGuide’s weekly radio show, visit the web site.