Forest Swords at The Deaf Institute

The Wirral’s Matthew Barnes has taken his time to reach the limelight, brooding and developing before releasing his first full-length album earlier this year on tasting making label (Holy Other, How to Dress Well, Clams Casino), Tri Angle. Engravings had critical acclaim showered upon it  – DIY summing things up with the comment that the LP “is electronic mastery at its very finest, because Engravings manages to make electronic music feel tactile, organic, and alive”. It scored high with Resident Advisor (9/10), Clash (9/10), Pitchfork (8.5/10), and many more. This just announced date is his first Manchester headline show – and promises to be one of the most significant performances of 2014. Expect jagged R&B hooks and hip-hop beats  teamed with a singular ability to evoke a depth of emotion, with a sound both intimate and ethereal. Reference points include Mount Kimbie, James Blake and Four Tet. Listen to The Weight of Gold. Support comes from Manchester’s psych barons and recent Guardian New Band of the Day, GNOD.

Sat 8 Feb, The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor Street, M1 7HE. Tel: 0161 276 9350. 7pm, £10.50, www.seetickets.com