Stateless @ Brudenell Social Club
By Lewis Denby
First of all, the taxi is a rip-off. I swear the driver takes us round the backest of back streets on the way to the Brudenell Social Club for this month's edition - and the last before a summer break - of The Engine Room. Headlining tonight are the gargantuan Stateless, a band critically acclaimed around Leeds and beyond. Before them, though, two other acts with more than enough talent to do well.
Unfortunately for The Moth Lantern, they are ridiculously billed: a two-piece nice-pop group opening an evening otherwise comprising ambient electronica and progressive post-rock. They're talented enough, and the vocalist has a decent voice, but the songs serve more as pleasant walk-in music than anything else. Add to this that most of their songs don't seem to progress beyond two or three chords, and it's a fairly disappointing opening from a band who, potentially, have a lot to offer.
It's also rather unfortunate for The Moth Lantern that they are followed tonight by Vessels, who bravely open with a beautifully delicate electric piano piece before pounding into the rest of their set with more passion than seen in most of the main players of their genre. The sheer energy throughout the set, from pin-drop quiet ambience to blasting, heavy riffage - with, it should be noted, perfected dual vocals throughout - is nothing short of mesmerising.
They're a hard act to follow, but as predicted Stateless do so sublimely. It's a more commercial sound than the previous act, but delivered with the same passion and dedication that Vessels showcased a short while ago. The amalgamation of laid-back electronica with perfect pop sensibilities and, as has been a theme tonight, an astounding vocal performance, rightly goes down a treat with the audience, who offer the chance of an encore. Stateless lap up the opportunity, rounding off an excellent night of music with one final glimpse of what makes the Leeds scene so special at the moment.
