Monday, 11th of February 2008 at 19:00

£5

Monkey Swallows the Universe are an acoustic indiepop band from Sheffield, centred around the original founding duo of Nat Johnson & Kevin Gori, who formed the band in 2004.

The band expanded in 2005 to include Catherine Tully on violin, Andy George on cello & Rob Dean on drums. In February 2006 the band released their debut album 'The Bright Carvings', on the independent record label Thee Sheffield Phonographic Corporation and released a single with Thee SPC in July 2006.

In the autumn of 2006, the band supported fellow Sheffield outfit The Long Blondes on several occasions during their tour, and have also previously supported Mercury-nominated Richard Hawley and Camera Obscura. They have performed sessions on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 6 and XFM. They have been variously described as "Delightful indiepop" (The Daily Telegraph), "big big news" (Rough Trade) and "boss" (Richard Hawley).

After signing with Loose at the beginning of 2007, there was a new single, Little Polveir released in April, and the band's second album, "The Casket Letters", is out now.

Here's what the music press have to say:
The Guardian "Sheffield's loveliest band"
The Sun "They stand on the brink of becoming the steel city's latest sensations"

Daily Telegraph "Delightful indiepop."

The Mirror "Roll over Charles Darwin and tell those musical evolutionists the news - there's yet more Sheffield Monkeys beside the Arctic variety."

Rough Trade "These Sheffield kids are big big news. They have a sound that transports you back to the days of the late 80's and listening to John Peel religiously every night. It sounds like a mix of The Siddleys, Belle and Sebastian and Sarah Records."

"We love monkey swallows the universe and so should you."

Stylus Magazine "Nat Johnson and Kevin Gori wrap [Nat's] humane insight in a richly melodic web of acoustic guitar (they’re the best acoustic duo since Simon and Garfunkel).

"This lot are something special."

Tasty Fanzine "Sometimes a band comes along and gives you a few smiles. Sometimes a band comes along and makes you excited. And sometimes a band comes along and sweeps you off your feet. Monkey Swallows the Universe fit into the latter category with ease."

Drowned in Sound "Capable of haunting, tear-prickling acoustic beauty...more than worthy of any - and everyone's respect and attention."

Sounds XP "These simians know how to soothe even the most furrowed of brows. Lovely."

Opening for Monkey Swallows The Universe are Gavin Gordon and The Graeme Mearns Band, both winners of our competition in association with Skinny magazine.

Imagine the bastard offspring of PJ Harvey and Nick Cave taken at birth by Mark E. Smith, schooled by Primus and sharing a flat with Tom Waits. Imagine he plays guitar like a post-punk Chet Atkins, with Jaco Pastorius on bass and John Bonham on drums...and that will be how The Graeme Mearns Band describe their sound.

First onstage will be Glasgow singer-songwriter Gavin Gordon.