Subtle listings

Subtle are the result of a collaboration between six quite uniquely blessed Oakland-based musicians. Signed to reputable indy-label Lex Records they're fronted by the ever-animated, vocal anomaly that is Doseone (clouddead, Themselves, Deep Puddle Dynamics etc) and backed by, amongst others, the skills of the equally legendary MPC maestro Jel (Themselves, 13 & God etc). The rest of the act, Jordan Dalrymple, Alexander Kort, Marty Dowers and Dax Pierson (sadly not joining them on tour since an accident) bring a hefty mix of flute, tenor sax, bass clarinet, various winds, synth, voice, throat, harmonica, mouth percussion, synth, samples, drums, guitar and electric cello to the mix.

The group takes influences from the already eclectic leftfield hip hop associated with some of the members and combines it with, amongst other things, what could be probably be referred to as a mix of pop, electronica and indie. Since 2001 they have been continually reluctant to pander to a particular genre and have been repeatedly making critics the world-over twitter like the little girls with their ever-more diverse and unusual releases.

Their hooks are catchy and their sound is accessible but their songs aren't without depth, their latest offering is the final in a trilogy of concept-driven albums following a protagonist named Hero Hour Yes and is just as surreal and wonderful as their previous efforts. Released June 2nd over here this gig will be the second of a two-date UK tour to promote the album.

Quite simply one of the most interesting and inspiring live acts I've ever seen, I (as a fanboy, not just as the promoter) recommend coming along highly, especially if you've never seen them before. Its really not often there's chance to see them over here and dose's use of props and ever so individual method of deliverance helps to create a truly inimitable experience well worth seeing.

Support so far coming from local hip hop aficionado Ewan Hoozami with more to be confirmed.

Tickets- £7.50 plus booking fee available from The Croft and (very shortly) Bristol Ticket Shop