May:  The month that's traditionally brings longer evenings, shorter sleeves and the start of a summer of washed out music festivals. It's much more than that too, as May is typically the month when bands come out of their winter hibernation/studios to regale us with their tales of love, loss and haircuts, through the medium of music.  Key Notes remembers one May - when he had much more hair and a worryingly large collection of corduroy jackets - that involved going to no less than 15 gigs.  Not bad for a lazy student but terrible for his studies as he also had exams that month. 

To help you decide what you want to see this month, Key Notes has compiled a list of his top five (and it should be stressed this is in no particular order) gigs/events over the coming month.   

Giveamanakick, Andrews Lane Theatre, Dublin, Friday May 2nd
What better way to start a month of gigs than with a free show?  To celebrate the launch of their new album 'Welcome to the Cusp' Giveamanakick are providing free entry - as long you turn up between 8 and 10 - with support from Dry County. 

Jamie Lidell, The Academy, Dublin, Saturday May 3rd 
A lot of noise has been made about Mr. Lidell over he past few years, but perhaps the strangest review he's ever received is from Elle magazine, which announced JIM, Lidell's record, as 'The best album Prince never made.'  That aside, and you're feeling in the mood for retro-soul, then Lidell is well worth checking out.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Academy, Dublin, Saturday May 10th 
Due to popular demand, as the expression goes, BRMC have had to add a second date to their Irish stopover.  This tour is designed to showcase songs from their new 'Baby 81' album an album many have said could yet make or break for the band.

Silver Jews, Roisin Dubh, Galway, Thursday May 15th
Ahead of the launch of their sixth album, 'Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea' David Berman and co. remind us all that Silver Jews are more than just a Pavement side-project.  Remember when Silver Jew used to refuse to play live? Get to see them before they change their mind.

Battles, Vicar Street, Dublin, Thursday May 15th
If you can't make it to Galway that night, things aren't so bad in the capital either.  Battles, whose 'Mirrored' album was released last year to critical acclaim, bring their unique brand of 'math-rock' to Ireland for the 3rd time in a year.  Expect trouble if the band don't perform 'Atlas' - the song which topped more end of year polls than any other last year.  Actually, have a listen for yourself to see did it deserve it:

 For an alternative look at gigs coming up over the next few weeks, check out Ian's excellent Gigs of the Fortnight section.