There are some great shows coming up at the Liverpool Carling Academy, one of our favourite reviewing haunts. Here’s an eclectic mix of some of the best, coming your way soon…

KUBB

SATURDAY 22ND APRIL

Kubb’s debut album, MOTHER has already reached Gold status and their debut single, Grow went stright into the Top 20 – not bad for a band that’s been a long time in the making! You may recognize them from their track Wicked Soul, used to prop Kate Moss’s weary eyes open in a recent Rimmel TV ad. Led by the inimitable Harry Collier, many things have gone into the making of the singer/songwriter… some good, some bad, some just plain weird! Joining him is ex-Reef drummer Dom Greensmith, John Tilley (keyboards) and Adj Buffoni (guitar.) Kubb have already been confirmed to play this year’s V Festival, as well as their own headline tour. If you like bands like Keane and Coldplay, these guys may be right up your street.

www.kubbmusic.co.uk

Ticket price: Saturday 22nd April - £11.00 adv (Liverpool)

IN FLAMES + SEPULTURA

WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH

COME CLARITY is the brand new album and next big step for one of the most exciting metal bands ever, In Flames. It is everything fans could expect and more, 13 songs of timeless metal that will establish In Flames as one of the most important metal acts of all time. In Flames are joined by none other than the mighty Sepultura. Nearly six years have passed since the amazing Max Cavalera (Soulfly) left the band, but their impact on hard music continues to reverberate, as they massively influence other metal heavyweights. In other words, Sepultura’s legacy is ensured. At last year’s Download festival In Flames gave one of the most incendiary performances of the festival, finally winning our vote for band of the fest. Whatever your taste in rock, this show is one not to miss.

www.inflames.com

www.sepultribe.com

Ticket price: Wednesday 29th March 2005 – £15.00 adv

SECRET MACHINES

MONDAY 27TH MARCH

This New York based trio released their debut album NOW HERE IS NOWHERE in April of 2004 to a wave of praise which matched and drew attention to their already legendary reputation as one of the greatest new live bands around. As Mojo said, they were (and are) “Three men with the world at their feet”. The album was a firm favourite in NME, Q, Mojo and Uncut’s albums of the year, and in December they had a Top 40 hit with single Sad and Lonely, which was backed with unforgettable covers of Van Morrison’s ‘Astral Weeks’ and Dylan’s ‘Girl From The North Country’. In 2005, among many highlights, Secret Machines played a storming set at Glastonbury and supported Oasis at Milton Keynes Bowl before heading back to America to tour with Kings of Leon. Texas’ Secret Machines are brothers Brandon (vocals, keyboards, bass) and Benjamin Curtis (guitar) and Josh Garza (drums) and their brand new album is called TEN SILVER DROPS.

www.thesecretmachines.com

Ticket price: Monday 27th March 2006 – £12.50 adv (Carling Academy 2 Liverpool show)

DREADZONE

THURSDAY 13TH APRIL

Now in the their fourteenth year Dreadzone have seen many different trends come and go as well as an ever-changing line up which has ensured their sound has always stayed fresh and consistent in quality. Since those early days they have notched up in excess of 125,000 album sales, created a reputation for a stunning live show and garnered support from Annie Nightingale and the late, great John Peel. They were the originators of a unique sound that has left a lasting impression on an ever-growing fan base.

Now in 2006 founder member Greg Dread alongside Ben Balafonic, the unmistakable M.C Spee, legendary reggae vocalist Earl 16, the original bassmaster Leo Williams, and guitarist Steve Roberts continue to hold the stage with the awesome live show. Fusing technology, a live rhythm section and classic tunes both old and new, they delivered a new live sound formula for their fifth album ONCE UPON A TIME, which was released last September. Expect new album Elevate very soon…

www.dreadzone.com

Ticket price: £10.00 adv