What's in store for 2011 - Pt 2 (April)

It looks like April is going to be a killer live music month in Berlin. I've picked out another four gigs I really look forward to this year and it just happens to be that they all fall into April. 

The Kills - yes, hype can sometimes put you off a band. But really, The Kills are great on record but they are amazing live. Serious Rock'n'Roll, with a drum computer. Not possible? Is so! I love these two and can't wait to see them in April, new album in tow.

Belle and Sebastian - is there a more perfect group? The DIY attitude, the modesty despite considerable fame, the artwork and yes, the music. I once saw B&S perform at the Royal Albert Hall, and hand on heart, it's one of the most memorable events I have been to in my life. With their large number of band members and even larger number of instruments used, plus the persona of Stuart Murdoch, your attention is held until the very end. No time to go get a beer. You better do that beforehand.

Mi Ami - They played at Festsaal Kreuzberg in support of Black Dice. Now, I only remembered Black Dice from a Gravity 7" I've owned for many years. So my surprise when they had fully changed direction and had shed guitars in favour of electronic equipment only with which they produced ambient noise. Very good though. But the bigger surprise was the opening band. I actually bought a record after the gig and that happens very seldomly. Mi Ami are my soundtrack when I relax in the evenings but fit just as well on to my noise and dance compilations. They strike the balance just right between experimental noise and danceable ambient music. It's hard to explain - you'll have to listen for yourself. Either way, Mi Ami are very convincing on stage, so you should really go to this gig and be amazed.

The Dalaï Lama Rama Fa Fa Fa - French psychedelic music. In itself that really wouldn't get me off my couch. However, these kids play it poppy enough to dance to and experimental enough to appeal to the intellectuals among us. They're also cute. Nah, but seriously, I think this group will give a great live performance if online videos are to be trusted to give a hint of what's to expect.