THE summer festivals are almost over, but music fans in the south can look forward to a bumper start to autumn with some exciting acts playing Southampton in September.

Joiners favourite Sean McGowan, who signed his first record deal in June and releases his debut EP Graft & Grief on Friday, ends his UK tour with his biggest headline show to date at The Loft on Saturday September 16.

Two weeks later local indie rockers Cassava – frontman Liam Cole, lead guitarist Torrin Rees, bassist Jared Plumb and drummer Scott Chambers – are top of the bill at the same venue. They’re tipped to draw a huge crowd after previously selling out The Talking Heads and supporting DMA’s and Millburn in Southampton.

Yorkshire indie stars The Sherlocks, one of the most exciting live bands in Britain, visit The 1865 on Thursday September 21 on their first tour since their debut album Live For the Moment smashed the top six of the official chart, the highest debut by a band for more than a year.

Kiaran and Brandon Crook and Josh and Andy Davidson are veterans of sold out gigs at The Joiners, The Talking Heads and The Wedgewood Rooms. Now they return for their biggest south coast show yet with support from local lads Costellos and Southsea’s Eyes To The Skies.

American punk rockers SWMRS are bringing their pacey anthems back to The Joiners on September 29. The Oakland band – guitarists Cole and Max Becker, drummer Joey Armstrong and bassist Seb Mueller - first came to town last year showcasing their latest album Drive North. They’re supported by The Regrettes.