The Understudies

The Understudies: Five years after the release of their debut album 'Let Desire Guide Your Hand', London quintet The Understudies bring their second album into a world far different from how they left it. With a move to predominantly piano-based songwriting there is a greater sense of atmosphere and sophistication in both their instrumentation and arrangements allowing them to explore new themes, both musically and lyrically, whilst also expanding on their guitar-led sensibilities. This is the first Understudies gig for 18 months, and the first time most of these songs will have been heard by anyone other than the band. Captain Handsome: Captain Handsome the solo project of Lily from Fightmilk create songs which sound pretty, have both a pop and minimalist vibe, and are about the kind of stuff you lie awake thinking about for years after they have happened, curdling with embarrassment. Influenced by Dolly Parton, Kirsty MacColl, and Mitski these are observations of the minutiae of life turned into lo-fi yet gigantic pop songs; an exploration of the musically weird and navigating the strange and sometimes difficult terrain of your internal world. Tom from Jessica's Brother: Jessica's Brother channels the spirit of the Brothers Grimm to create an otherworldly atmosphere, they weave their motley influences together making a rich and eclectic vision, with nods to Silver Jews, Jason Molina, Nick Cave, Richard Thompson and Neil Young. There are themes of joy, anger and silliness in a carefully crafted world with a colourful cast of characters.