Spotlight on shows this month

Islington Assembly Hall is one of London’s most exciting live music venues, and this November we’re hosting a wide range of must see shows. From established acts to up-and-coming stars, there’s something for everyone on our diverse line up this November.

Gus Dapperton.

Date: Wednesday 8 November.

Genre: Alternative pop

Gus Dapperton is a 26-year-old American singer, songwriter, and producer. He is known for his quirky and eclectic sound, which blends elements of pop, funk, and soul. Dapperton’s past releases have been critically acclaimed and have been instrumental in building a loyal fanbase. He has also toured extensively, performing at major festivals such as Coachella and Lollapalooza.

His live show is a high-energy affair, with Dapperton dancing, singing, interacting with the crowd, and making full use oof the stage that he commands. He is a charismatic performer, and his shows are always full of fun and energy. The ‘Henge’ tour celebrates the latest album of the same name, along with the past favourites which have helped Gus build his ever-growing legion of fans.

Spotify: ‘Post Humorous’ Listen via Spotify

A sold-out weekend of shows with Azariah and Sultans of Ping (Friday 10 and Saturday 11 November). Make sure you don’t miss out in the future and sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know on new shows! Sign up to our email newsletter

Avantdale Bowling Club

Date: Friday 17 November

Genre: jazz, hip-hop fusion

Avantdale Bowling Club is a jazz-hip-hop project fronted by New Zealand rapper Tom Scott. The group’s music is characterized by its eclectic mix of genres, including jazz, hip-hop, soul, and funk. Scott’s lyrics are often introspective and personal, dealing with themes of identity, family, and relationships.

Avantdale Bowling Club released their debut album in 2018, and it was met with critical acclaim. The album won the Taite Music Prize in 2019 and was recognized as Album of the Year at the 2019 New Zealand Music Awards. Commercially, it debuted at number one on the New Zealand albums chart.

Youtube: Friday Night @The Liquor Store

Aqualung

Date: Saturday 18 November

Genre: Folk rock

In the time between the previous Aqualung album, 2015’s ‘10 Futures’, and the release of ‘Dead Letters’, Hales’ reputation as a songwriter and producer flourished. Collaborating with all kinds of artists – including Lianne La Havas, Bat For Lashes, Mika, Tom Chaplin, Jason Mraz, For King & Country and countless others – his hectic yet immensely rewarding schedule resulted in huge acclaim, including both an Ivor Novello and a Grammy.

Aqualung first came to attention in 2002 when the debut single ‘Strange & Beautiful (I’ll Put A Spell On You)’ became a surprise UK Top 10 after being discovered via a Volkswagen Beetle advert. While that song created a magnetic allure, the strength and versatility of Hales’ songwriting further enamoured audiences. The debut self-titled Aqualung album reached Gold status in recognition of over 100,000 domestic sales, while the brighter symphonic scope of his second album, ‘Still Life’, led to another chart hit with ‘Brighter Than Sunshine’. By the time Aqualung’s third album, ‘Memory Man’ emerged, glowing comparisons had been made with everyone from Bacharach to Radiohead via The Beach Boys, while his music has featured in ‘Twilight’, ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.

Youtube:  Strange and Beautiful

The Cult present – Death Cult

Date: Wednesday 22 November.

Death Cult returns. The storied post-punk progenitor to The Cult will headline a one-off 12-date tour across the UK and Ireland throughout November 2023, including many venues where they made their live debut as a band. The evening, while centered around Death Cult and their eponymous EPs, will boast a setlist that spans the three phases of the band, from Southern Death Cult, to Death Cult, and The Cult’s first two albums: Dreamtime (1984) and Love (1985). Southern Death Cult formed in 1981, releasing their sole, self-titled album posthumously in 1983. That same year, Death Cult formed, with Astbury joining forces with Duffy for a musical partnership that has endured for 40-plus years. The band released two 12-inches that same year, one being the Death Cult EP, which were subsequently combined and released as a CD. Death Cult is a vital transmission from the generation of Shamanic post-punk gothic futurists. Death Cult became The Cult in 1984. Releasing Dreamtime that same year and going on to experience a career that has seen the release of 11 full-length albums, as well as numerous international and U.S. gold and platinum certifications.

Stone Foundation

Date: Friday 25 and Saturday 26 November.

Genre: Soul

The seeds of British modern soul band Stone Foundation were sown in the early ’90s when Neil Sheasby and Neil Jones met. Over the years they’ve collaborated with Paul Weller, Nolan Porter, Graham Parker, Carleen Anderson, Mick Talbot, Kathryn Williams, Laville, Melba Moore, Hamish Stuart, Dr. Robert from the Blow Monkeys and more. They are known for their energetic live shows and their covers of classic soul songs. Stone Foundation have released several studio albums, all of which have been critically acclaimed. They have also toured extensively, performing at major festivals such as Glastonbury and Latitude.

Their live show is a must-see for any fan of soul music, with fans and music critics regularly referring to them as one of the best live bands in the UK.

Lanterns on the Lake

Date: Thursday 30 November

Genre: Indie folk

‘Lanterns’ are known for their delicate melodies and atmospheric sound, and a first-rate live show!

Lanterns on the Lake are a band from Newcastle Upon Tyne who combine dreamy, melancholic Indie rock with beautiful layers of texture and celestial melodies that thread around intricate instrumentation. Their latest studio album “Spook The Herd” (2020) was shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Prize and followed the critically acclaimed studio albums “Beings” (2015), “Until The Colours Run” (2013) and debut album “Gracious Tide Take Me Home” (2011). The band also recorded a stunning live album with the Royal Northern Sinfonia in 2016. Lanterns On The Lake have performed at Glastonbury Festival, SXSW, Blue Dot festival, End of the Road & Bestival amongst others, and played shows with Explosions in the Sky, Low and Yann Tiersen.

Their live show is a beautiful and intimate experience, with Lanterns on the Lake performing their songs with passion and skill.

Youtube: ‘The Likes of Us’ The Likes of Us

These are just a few of the many great live shows that are taking place at Islington Assembly Hall in November. Check out our full gig line up to see what tantalises your gig going taste buds!

Another great thing about seeing a great gig at Islington Assembly Hall is the array of tasty delights available on Upper Street for a spot of pre or post show food. Why not consider one of the below options to help fuel your night out?

• Ottolenghi Islington: Serene destination with a chic vibe offering a creative menu of Mediterranean dishes.
• The Blue Legume Islington: Breezy spot with exposed-brick walls serving Mediterranean food & juices from breakfast to dinner.
• Fig & Olive: Straightforward modern European dishes from the freshest ingredients.
• Llerena: Classic Spanish fare & provisions in a light-filled space with communal banquette & counter seating.
• La Petite Auberge: Bijou bistro decked with checked tablecloths and that ‘Je ne sais quoi’, serving homely, delicious French food.

You really are spoilt for choice on arguably one of Islington’s best streets for dinning, drinks, and damn good entertainment!

Venue Information:

• Address: Upper Street, London N1 2UD
• Phone: +44 20 7527 8900
• Website: https://islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk/
• Social Media:
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• Nearest Tube Stations: Highbury & Islington (Victoria, and London Overground lines), and Angel (Northern and Piccadilly lines) both stations are a short walk from the venue.
• Buses: Many routes serve the venue. Check tfl.gov.uk