Defender, Jonique, Hiding, Lex Vervain

DEFENDER As seen here last week supporting Fat Dog, we first fell in love with them as their only recording to date - Disgust Me - reminded us of Bran van 3000 thought the live set relies less on beats and possibly on even more craziness than those great Canadian mavericks from the 00s.

JONIQUE - Formerly of alt-rock duo Fräulein, Jonique writes music grown from the gut. Songs about memory, identity and belonging play out in front of you, each like a distinct scene from the world she’s carving out for herself. Her solo project - backed by a cracking band - retains the edge of alt-rock, while weaving in the atmospheric influence of 90s trip-hop and electronica.

HIDING - hazy, new wave Brixtin quartet

LEX VERVAIN - alt-folk with shoegaze elements and sharp words