Strictly speaking it's not actually a panda, it's a record label. But it's called Fierce Panda, and it is indeed about to be let loose on London with a series of 11 gigs across town to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a cult label much beloved by music fans.
Fierce Panda helped launch the careers of plenty of bands who went on to great success. Ash, Supergrass, The Polyphonic Spree, Art Brut, Coldplay and Placebo are just a few of the acts thrust into the spotlight by the label, which was set up by Simon Williams in 1994. A few of its former pupils are returning to their alma mater with gigs in venues including the Lexington, the 100 Club and the Shacklewell Arms.
Acts include I Like Trains (tonight, 12 February, at the Camden Jazz Cafe), Goldheart Assembly (7 March at the Lexington) and Ultrasound (20 March at the 100 Club). Sheffield outfit The Crookes round things off at Dingwalls in April and you can watch their intriguing video for 'Dance In Colour' below.
'20 Years Of Fierce Pandamonium' runs until the end of April and the full line-up is below. Tickets are most easily found via website of Club Fandango, one of London's most laudable independent live music companies.
