The Music Factory: In The City 2007 Preview

The Colossus that bestrode its conception may be gone but In The City lives on in his memory – that was the message from organisers of the annual Manchester gig-athon earlier this year following the death of Anthony H Wilson. A testament to Wilson’s love of music, and especially the discovering of new acts, In The City now enters its fifteenth year – by day it is a discussion forum and chin stroking session for the industries leading lights while by night it is a platform for some the world’s best new musical talent to show their wares through the official showcases and fringe events.

In past years bands such as The Automatic, Hadouken, The Nosiettes and The Answering Machine have all been hailed as next big things after performances at In The City and no doubt this year will see the same claims being attached to a number of bands on the bill.

2007 sees a line up full of promise with the unsigned bills chock full of some of Gigwise’s favourite new bands while the more established acts are some the hottest touring draws in the UK at the moment. With such a stellar line up on show it can be something of a daunting task to choose exactly who you’re going to see so we’ve got our collective heads together to bring you a round up of the bands we believe are not to be missed at all costs.

Here's our top tips:

Bombay Bicycle Club – LISTEN

Very young, very good and named after a curry house in Hampstead, Bombay Bicycle Club came to prominence after winning the Road To V competition in 2006 – but don’t let that put you off. They release a new EP on the final day of ITC.

Sunday @ Music Box

Elle S’apelle - LISTEN

Hailing from Cheshire but predominantly based in Liverpool, Elle S’appelle come from the same scene that brought us Hot Club De Paris and goFASTER>> so expect plenty of winsome pop, harmonised yelps and scouse charm. Their debut single is released on Moshi Moshi in November.

Friday @ Night & Day
Monday @ The Studio

Grammatics – LISTEN

Comparisons to Arcade Fire might be a little premature but they’ve already made with Leeds’ upstarts Grammatics. They ply a trade of skewered pop and epic atmospherics that make them a million times more interesting than the usual skinny jeaned and pointy shoed kids with guitars cluttering up the airways.

Sunday @ Night & Day

Lovvers - LISTEN

Yet another band to be spawned from the death of The Murder Of Rosa Luxembourg, Lovvers are renowned for their incendiary live shows and spazzed out post-hardcore that comes at your direct and loud. If one show is guaranteed to get your ear drums throbbing at ITC it will be theirs.

Monday @ Studio