Tigers all set toroar

Electronic extravagzanza at Empire adfjhdsfjkhsdfh kjshdfkjhsdfhfh

The always-excellent Shizznigh Promotions return to the live gig arena tomorrow with an absolute banger of a night at the Empire in Belfast. With their raw energy of rock music, freedom of improvisation, and circularity of electronica, Three Trapped Tigers conjure the contained intensity of their namesake.

Inspired by artists like Aphex Twin and Autechre, Tom Rogerson (keyboards, electronics, vocals) formed the band in London with Matt Calvert (guitar, synthesizer, electronics) in 2007, aiming to capture the Warp Records vibe in a live format. The addition of Adam Betts (drums, electronics) solidified and completed the group.

Recording with Gordon Raphael (the Strokes), the trio debuted in 2008 with the simply titled EP, an alternately noisy and melodic collection of electronicdriven experimental rock. Two additional EPS followed in 2009 and 2010 finding the band further delving into art-mathelectro alchemy.

Three Trapped Tigers stretched out in 2011 with the release of their full-length debut, Route

One or Die and after spending the next five years gigging relentlessly – both as individuals with other projects, and as the trio – the band recorded new material written with the assistance of Brian Eno and Karl Hyde of techno legends (Underworld) for their sophomore album, 2016’s Silent Earthling.

Also on the bill tomorrow night is the imperious ambient talent that is Arvo Party, in addition to frenetic punk duo WASPS.

Tickets are £20 and available now via ticketmaster and at The Empire’s box office. HE’S responsible for one of the most recognisable tracks of the 15 years - but don’t expect to recognise Tom Baxter if he passes you on the street.

The singer-songwriter wrote Better, that ubiquitous single that Boyzone covered and featured on the soundtrack to Run Fatboy Run, and though both versions caused mere ripples in terms of chart positions those ripples are still in effect. Despite the Boyzone association, it’s actually a fine country pop song that could have been a stone-cold classic in the hands of someone like, say, Glen Campbell. Anyway, Better is just one song in Tom Baxter’s armoury - but it’s a neat example of his craft. Even better than Better, however, is Baxter’s new album The Other Side Of Blue. It’s a bit darker, even more contemplative perhaps, and age and heartache has served his voice well. Already a fine instrument, imbued with a natural warmth and alluring falsetto, now it has added gravel and gravitas.

So if Tom Baxter does pass you in the street, and you don’t recognise him, donm’t worry. He’s probably on his way to Belfast’s Black Box where he’s playing tomorrow.

Doors 7pm, tickets £16.50 plus booking fee from ticketmaster.ie and outlets, Katy’s Bar and there might be a couple left at the door. Better hurry...

SLEEPER HIT: Tom Baxter wrote Better which was covered by, top, Boyzone and featured in, above, Run Fatboy Run

PAWS FOR EFFECT: Three Trapped Tigers