@ Brudenell Social Club
By Cathy SimpsonFor those that don't know, The Brudenell Social Club is in grave danger. If money can't be raised for soundproofing then their licence will be revoked and this wonderful venue will be no more. So, in a kind of LS6 Live Aid, 22 bands came together for a great big tag-team, fast show of a gig, two songs each, three hours to get the lot in.
In effect it's like watching a compilation album, but unfortunately new meaning is brought to the old phrase 'stealing the show'. Because keeping to the 11pm curfew is essential to keep within licensing laws the night's final act, Mz Sojourn, are robbed of their stage time and have to go home without treating us to their beautiful, arty and clever brand of rock, which is really annoying.
It was always going to be a tight schedule though. Show opener Lee from The Seven Inches is the punkest act on the bill by far. His songs may sound like Belle and Sebastian but his attitude is punk to a T. 'Nah, I can't see my lyrics ' he declares after two previous false starts, so he grabs a chair and props the knackered bit of A4 on it, and he's finally off. He's got smart lyrics and cute melodies, and his second number is a little anthem about the Brudenell Social Club itself. It's a fitting start to a non-stop gig the like of which no promoter or venue has dared host before.
The highlights of the night come from Pifco (think British White Stripes, via Nirvana), Fran Rodgers (still easily the best singer and solo artist in Leeds), Paul Scaramanga (his performance of 'Helvetica' was bold and underlined, ho ho), Lee Seven Inches (little punk scallywag), The Farming Incident (this lot seriously look like serial killers) and lots of other bands that didn't introduce themselves.
But the night wasn't really about individual acts; it was about the Brudenell and keeping it going. Leeds needs venues like this to nurture the talent in this town, which has been proven tonight to be plentiful. Support the cause, fight the power, take a stand and, well, just chip in for the soundproofing!
