Inception (2010), Ariadne: Why is it so important to dream? Cobb: Because in my dreams we are together. Much like the totem spinners in Nolan’s epic, we are entering the world of the dream here. Or even dreams within dreams. My Autumn Empire is the solo project of uber-talented instrumentalist and producer Benjamin Thomas Holton whose oeuvre covers ‘dream-pop’ to folk to 70’s guitar classics and post rock explorations with his other creative outputs. Ethereal, mysterious and surely the soundtrack to rainy days full of wondering thoughts or walks through the densest of woods. Unafraid to be pin drop quiet and floor shakingly epic often within one song, Holton paints his reveries with swathes of synth and lyrics lost in reverb but fuelled with vivid meaning. MAE are joined by Birmingham based The Mourning Suns, whose ‘Dreaming of an Island’ album continues the theme with intricate harmony and interweaving folk instrumentals; they have a real elegance to their songwriting and an ability to conjure up something deeply powerful in their performance. Laura Hocking makes a much welcomed return bringing her characterful, evocative songs and a voice that made a memorable mark with the Impact crowds at her last visit.
Tue 5 Apr, Hare & Hounds, 106 High Strret, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7JZ. Tel: 0121 444 2081, 8pm – 10.30pm, £3.

Tickets:www.skiddle.com