Name: Real Estate, Sherperd's Bush Empire
Start: 2014-10-29
Location: Shepherd's Bush Empire

New Jersey jangle rock band Real Estate tour this summer, bringing their disarmingly melodic sound to the Shepherd's Bush Empire

Slack rockers Real Estate bring a slice of East coast nostalgia to the Shepherd's Bush Empire this October.

Despite having the most uninspiring name in the industry (apart from First Aid Kit, perhaps), Real Estate have become one of the foremost US indie bands from the last few years, cementing their success with third album Atlas earlier this year.

The Brooklyn-based band play woozy, jangling guitar-based pop music built around the twinkling lead guitar of Matt Mondanile and the spaced-out vocals of frontman Martin Courtney. Their strictly laid-back vibe recalls a great tradition of US indie bands like Pavement, Guided by Voices and Yo La Tengo.

Instantly gratifying, Real Estate’s clean melodies and poppy hooks recall endless summers - but hints of melancholia threaten to darken the sunny haze of each composition. Courtney’s nonchalant delivery of lines like “Toss and turn all night/don’t know how to make it right/crippling anxiety” in 'Crime' are incongruously gloomy over the innocent, hazy twang.

If the New Jersey quintet continue as they have been, then it won’t be long before they can join the pantheon with their great indie forbears.

What	Real Estate, Sherperd's Bush Empire
Where	Shepherd's Bush Empire, Shepherd's Bush Green, London, W12 8TT \| MAP
Nearest tube	Shepherd's Bush (underground)
When	On 29 Oct 14, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price	£18
Website	Click here to book tickets via the Ticketweb site

What the critics say

THE GUARDIAN

"...the excellent follow–up to 2011's Days is caught between a blissed-out Byrdsy summer of love and Deerhunter's gawky awkwardness, while shimmering slacker guitars heighten a sense of nostalgia. Atlas is elegantly produced, but racked with uncertainty in its lyrics..."

ROLLING STONE

"They're out for guitar bliss, like a lilting pop version of Sonic Youth or Television. Their third LP refines the approach with keyboardist Matt Kallman, allowing guitarists Martin Courtney and Matt Mondanile more curlicue time and adding a spacier vibe... It's six-string Xanax for white-knuckled indie rockers."

Practical

VENUE

Opening as a music venue in 1994, Shepherd’s Bush Empire has since seen some of the biggest musicians of the last 20 years through its doors. With a capacity of 2,000 it’s small enough to guarantee a decent view of the stage. Located in the heart of Shepherd’s Bush shopping area, you’ll be spoilt for choice for dinner and/or drinks before and after the gig.

NEIGHBOURHOOD BAR/ RESTAURANT

If you don’t feel like the bustle of Westfield Shopping Centre, Albertine Wine Bar at 1 Wood Lane, W12 7DP is a cosy alternative. Boasting over 30 wines available to drink by the glass and sourced from the owner’s worldwide travels, it’s recommended for its atmosphere and friendly staff. Handy if you’re hungry too: they serve bar snacks, cheeseboards and traditional pub mains.