Jamie xx
Carriageworks, December 8-9
Although fans have patiently been waiting for new music from the xx – it’s been seven years since the UK electro-dream-pop trio’s last album I See You – they’ve been able to take solace in solid solo albums from all three members, including producer Jamie xx’s cracking dancefloor-ready In Waves, released this year. Much like legendary Melbourne electronic duo The Avalanches, who feature on cracking In Waves single All You Children, Jamie’s shows are euphoric, can’t-miss dance parties designed to get you on your feet and keep you there.
Jack White
Enmore Theatre, December 13-14
A series of beloved albums with a ripping, no-frills blues-rock band, followed by stints in not-as-successful bands and a collection of increasingly experimental, not-as-beloved solo albums: former White Stripes frontman Jack White’s output has been patchier than a 16-year-old’s beard. There’s no shame in trying new things, of course, but White has thankfully returned to what he does best - ripping, no-frills blues-rock - with this year’s excellent album No Name. White will be putting his guitar wizardry on full display over two nights at the Enmore, which he’s bound to tear the roof off.
Jack White has returned to what he does best.Credit: David James Swanson.
Royel Otis
Hordern Pavilion, December 21
It’s been a big year for Sydney duo Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, whose debut album Pratts & Pain, a collection of propulsive, guitar-led indie pop, entered the top 10 of the ARIA charts in February. Since then, they’ve toured Europe and the US and bagged four of the eight 2024 ARIA Awards they were nominated for, including best group and best rock album. This will be their biggest Australian headline show to date, the gig being billed as a one-off homecoming show to celebrate a stellar year.
Other artists touring this month include UK rockers The Cult, US rappers MIKE and Ski Mask the Slump God, indie sleaze revivalists The Dare, Two Door Cinema Club, electro-funk legends Zapp, Tina Arena with Richard Marx, Wallows, Polish Club, Cold Chisel and Superchunk. Who will you be seeing? Let us know in the comments.