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Meaty yet melodic heavy rock from Bradford. Awesome vocals & devastating riffs.
Refreshing Heavy Rock from this Leeds based band! Rock yer f**king socks off!
Band Profile: Nature's Misison
alternative rock
Four piece rock/pop band hailing from Leeds.
alternative rock
Rock/Alternative/Metal
punk rock
indie rock
Four-piece rock band from Leeds
rock alternative
alternative rock
experimental post-rock
pop rock
ARMSTRONG, described by Kerrang! Magazine as "A Tornado of Infectious Pop-Rock Melodies", have cemented themselves as one of the most exciting bands in the UK thanks to a thrilling live show and chart success.
alternative rock
indie rock
Leeds-based rock band.
Archie Bronson Outfit: Der Dang Der Dang
This is the second album from the retro-blues rock group Archie Bronson Outfit. Hailing from the West Country before relocating to South West London, they studied art with, amongst others, members of The Duke Spirit.
The Ga Gas are being heavily tipped to be the next big 'rock and roll' band, following the likes of The Darkness and Velvet Revolver.
Hailing from York, four piece Kanuba crank out a kind of Red Hot Chilis-ish, Foo Fightersy racket, with some heavy riffage, some screaming and some funky moves.
The Riverside Happy: The Beaumont Sessions
Starting like some soppy mid 80s rock ballad, 'It Hurts' the first tack on this two track CD from The Riverside Happy, isn't sounding too good.
Authors of Malicious Code: Part 3
Authors of Malicious Code release 'Part Three', the third in a series of five free EPs and it's a rock n roll affair with a slightly darker side.
Cancer Bats: Birthing the Giant
Canada has given us some damn fine music over the years, especially it seems, in recent times. From Billy Talent to Alexisonfire right through to er...
Rock music. It's not that simple these days. Like a supermarket that has so much variety it's hard to know what to get, rock music has so many flavours, it's hard to pin down which flavour of rock music is rock music these days.
Burning Brides: Fall of the Plastic Empire
Focus on the first four tracks of this album and you have a belting EP, packed with chunky riffs, older than time themselves and meatier than the best kebab you can imagine.
The coolest and at the same time most disturbing CD cover I've seen in a while contains a gem of a rock track.
Band Profile: Number Crunchers
Number Crunchers sees core Dolores members Dave Pearson and Tom Lewis indulge their leftfield rock inclinations with the help of jazz drummer Jon Scott.
Band Profile: My Exploding Heart
A 4 piece rock band from Leeds, My Exploding Heart combine hard rocking beats and riffs with strong, melodic vocal lines.
Crash Cartel: Dirty Little Secret
Crash Cartel are a now defunct four-piece punk rock/grunge outfit, based around the University of Plymouth from winter '01 to spring 2003.
Serotonin (Hampshire): Untitled
To quote the band's press release, "Serotonin are exactly what their name suggests, a sudden rush of euphoria to the senses to put it simple, Serotonin ROCK." Well they are almost right, but I wouldn't have put the word rock in capitals.
I will admit on first listening of this CD I was a bit underwhelmed. It sounded a bit too samey, nothing original.
The Black Velvets continue with their brand of old school rock with their third single 'Glamstar' and the band are doing well for themselves with a slot supporting Motley Crue on their upcoming UK tour having already supported The Who.
Soul::Rock is how Indirah describe their unique sound which fuses old-school soul vocals with ferocious guitar riffs and frantic, exotic rhythms.
If Jet didn't exist then "I Believe" would be an all-you-can-eat buffet of rock but instead it's hard not to imagine those talentless wankers churning out their Vodafone song.
There's a band in front of you playing really good music, great pop music on guitars, with beautiful intertwining vocal melodies from a lovely lady and a lovely man.
The Dirty Soul: Perfection is bad for the soul
Indeed it is... perfection that is, but is the soul in question actually The Dirty Soul themselves? Not perfect but steady and steadfast, standing as they are on a blues and swaggering pub-rock foundation.
The Casanovas are an antipodean rock band, which should tell you something. Picture the big riffs (think ZZ Top), swagger vocals (Mick Jagger) and 80's rock drums.
Xposure? Hmmm, while images form of a shirt-bulging boy band or a nu-metal outfit, it's no surprise they were subsequently repackaged as Redwood.
You can't help but like sleazy, filthy rock and roll. Just slap it in your CD player, sit back and nod your head in admiration.
Fear Factory @ Leeds Festival 2001
Fear Factory must be doing something right if they still manage to attract thousands of young kids to their show, all donned in black t-shirts and all clearly intent on going fucking mental.
Pure Reason Revolution: The Bright Ambassadors of Morning
Sounding like the first half of someone's album, Pure Reason Revolution have quite an ambitious single here.
This demo from Leeds based "groove-metallers" ChasinJade kicks off with 'Kiss The World Goodbye.' This track features an impressive high of pounding drums, raw, live-sounding riffs and screamo vocals, proving right from the start that ChasinJade can deliver the goods when it comes to professional-sounding metalcore.
Hailing from Ireland, but sounding decidedly American, Drat are here to tide over all the Weezer fans who are tired of waiting for Rivers to get off his ass and write some more albums.
Hundred Reasons @ Leeds Festival 2006
This time last year Hundred Reasons were on the main stage with a huge advert behind them reading "Band For Sale".
Only 19 and thrashing their long locks around on the front cover of this new EP, Desert Monkey are clearly having a good time.
A: Hi-Fi Serious (with DVD Serious)
Hi-Fi Serious: a constant hi-octane buzz dealt from twelve tracks fired out at warp speed; gloriously unashamed mainstream UK rock, with heavy guitar riffs that emanate from an inherently delightful radio-friendly pop core.
Veil Cassini's debut EP proves that the Devon quartet have a hundred and one ideas when it comes to music, and for some reason they try to cram every last one of them into two songs, 'Silhouette' and 'Box & Cox.' Take almost any part of these musical mazes and you'll find enough off-kilter ideas to kit out five more songs.
Formed in Leeds in 2004, The Plight's first practice was in the particularly rock and roll location of an abandoned office block on the outskirts of the city.
Imaginative, Intelligent, Witty and Funky is how I would describe tonight's openers, Soulwax. However, there is one other word that sums them up.
Dressed like they never left the 80's, Honeycomb Love are loud, fun & sleazy as you like with their 80's metal style.
Various Artists: The Spills / Piskie Sits - split single
'Ghost of The Day' gets off to a shaky start, with front man Slater slurring his vocals over the sound of a single chord being plucked over and over again.
Yourcodenameis: Milo: They Came from the Sun
The cover art can convey many impressions about an album. Usually they are correct, as is the case here.
iLiKETRAiNS? Were these lot stoned when they thought up their name? According to their website, no! They do actually like trains.
Opening with a wave of fuzz and pomp filled riffs, three piece Relapse play dark rock. To use the word 'emo' to describe this band is risky, it's the equivalent of when neo-conservatives use 'liberal' to describe their opponents - however it's not a dirty word, and certainly in this case it's no bad thing.
This demo kicks off in encouraging style, with 'Thieves and Lovers,' a blend of innovative riffs, subtle hooks, genuinely heartfelt lyrics and slick drum rolls.
Out of all three bands playing at the Futuresound gig tonight it's obvious as the crowd disperses onto the dance floor which band most people have come to see.
The Nervous Shakedown: Untitled
Well known for their sleazy stoner rock The Nervous Shakedown have been spreading their own brand of guitar filth across West Yorkshire.
Amongst their list of influences Slice cite RHCP and Jurassic 5, and with this in mind they proudly wear their heart on their sleeve; their sound is a confident and expert blend of Funk Rock and Hip-Hop, though thankfully with their own accents not fake American ones.
The Super Insurgent Group of Intemperance Talent: Black Amplifier
Well this is as 'out of town' as any review I've ever done: The Super Insurgent Group of Intemperance Talent (or The S.I.G.I.T.
There's no doubt that Telegramme frontwoman Faye has a powerful voice. However, she also has an unusual habit of serving her vocals with a helping of random warbling noises and sudden high notes.
The Black Velvets: Get on Your Life
In an era when rock music is well and truly back, The Black Velvets are gonna settle in to a CD collection near you just nicely.
After reviewing rock bands for the last few months, it's an unexpected change of direction that sees me listening to this 4 track CD by dance trio Emmet.
It would be great if bands could review their own demos for a week or two. I wonder what kind of press-pack garbage would be submitted?
Opening up the evening, Diawara impressed me on two counts. Firstly they proved they were a decent little rock outfit, competent musicians and overall, sounded very good.
Nerve Engine: Underneath The Sprawl
This is the second release from the multi regional band and once again self recorded in keeping with their independent attitude.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Leeds Festival 2002
Listening to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club makes you want to lie down outside and watch the stars while you let yourself slip into a trance and soak in the grungy retro grooves.
4 Letter Holiday: Carefree Demo
Describing themselves as a no-nonsense rock band, 4 Letter Holiday hit the nail square on the head. It's always interesting to consider what any band's motives are in the music they write/record/release.
Yellow Stripe Nine: Look Sharp EP
Yellow Stripe Nine are a band I've heard of but never heard, until now, and on the basis of this CD I'm wondering why.
What a relief, The Xenith Sound appear to have finally found the "Sound" their moniker so proudly advertises.
You have to admire this 4 track EP from Manchester's Nun. Whatever you feel about music, this massive, sprawling mini-epic is worth a listen if not to see just how far they push things.
Baggage is unfortunately in possession of the dodgiest 5 second intro in music history and you generally have to stick to the rule that anything which reminds you instantly of The Darkness can not be a good thing.
Les Savy Fav record like a fucked-up Pixies and play live like complete mad bastards in an art-punk, post-hardcore vein, which is no surprise when they feature a front man like the bearded Tim Harrington.
To be honest I've never seen Downfall before, never heard a single note played by this lot before, I've heard good things, don't get me wrong, but I've never been to a gig to see them play, call it laziness I guess...
Imposing verses give way to thunderous monolithic choruses, as Fulc deliver yet another explosive lesson in how grunge rock should sound in a post-Nirvana world.
I have to start off by saying I was a touch disappointed before I'd even taken the CD out of its case.
Welcome to the dark side of the garage. Imagine, if you will, the sound of Iggy Pop wandering into The Strokes' studio and repeatedly battering them about the head with a mic stand while shouting "NO NO NO!
Wrestling Jacob: The Darkened Glass EP
Hmmmm... too much of this smacks of the one genre that strikes fear into the most hardened music fan, Christian Rock.
If you're not familiar with the story, Milburn are a four piece spiky indie band from the realms of Sheffield that are best buds with, you've guessed it, Arctic Monkeys.
Desert Monkey: Made Great By A Breeze
Starting off with the title track sounding like a rougher Kyuss with furious bluesy guitar riffage and fat drums, Desert Monkey are looking like quite the heads down, balls to the wall rock band.
Yet another band playing a part in putting Leeds on the rock 'n' roll map, The Glitterati are back with the second single to be taken from their self-titled debut album.
Local band Parva blast out any remaining hangover from last night and prove that Leeds can not only host a festival of this quality, but can also supply the bands that make it rock.
Fans of the late Mogwai and Sigur Ros albums are in for a treat. Recommended by a random person I met at Crash Records, this album is a must have for any post rock fans wish list.
Various Artists: The Velvet Orchestra / Solus Locus - split single
'The Creator' is a slice of prog-rock madness you're either going to love or not understand in the slightest.
Garon Shark are a young rock'n'roll four-piece from Huddersfield (what is it with that town?) I'm very impressed with their three-track offering, which suggests a band influenced by a variety of rock bands and styles and showcases an ability to write some excellent songs yet leaving enough room for improvement (without it being an insult to say so).
Orange Goblin @ Rio (Bradford)
With last week being the 50th anniversary of Elvis recording "That's all right mama" I've been kinda depressed.
Aarkle Hooman: Pink Gorilla EP
The Pink Gorilla EP is the dazzling debut from the bizarrely named Aarkle Hooman. An upbeat electro pop rock duo who were once a full band but then felt that they sounded better as a keyboard/guitar combo.
I am sorry again to The Dauntless Elite and Ruin You, who I missed because I was late with my tea. But I did catch You, Me and the Atom Bomb from Portsmouth, who were great, like skate punk with a harsh voice and catchy riffs.
With the likes of Dumb 41 and Blink 18Poo cluttering the air waves with their supposed comical take on punk rock, I was initially worried about listening to a CD by a punk band who had previously released an EP titled "Moshy Peas." Thankfully "The Upper Crust" is a musical dictionary of the various types of punk that are available to the people of the world.
If The Vine is less than half empty then The Terminals performance is anything but half-arsed. Singer Phil Privelidge teeters on one leg as his eyes bulge and his vocal cannon rains more blows on our ears, already battered to submission by the howitzer guitars and gunshot drumming.
It's always hard being the first band to kick off a whole festival and today it was the job of Icelandic melodic rockers Minus to win over a crowd of festival goers who probably had no idea who they were.
As another dark day descends upon the Leeds City centre, Dark Olive and The Boolean try to set some light upon this miserable day.
Story Of The Year: The Black Swan
'The Black Swan' is the new long awaited album from Story Of The Year. Having never really been into them, or really giving them a chance to be honest, I thought that perhaps I was missing out on something, especially as they seem to have a major following and this will be their third studio album.
This formulaic piece of Finnish Scandinavian rock metal offers precious little to tantalise the eardrums.
The tractor beam slow paced opening holds you just long enough for 'Slither' to explode into its main riff with some good old rock'n'roll "Hey"s before Scott Weiland's deep purr slithers atop of the bass and guitar's grunt.
Having had this band recommended to me, receiving an email from BMG with a sound snippet and then stumbling upon a lonesome copy of this EP I decided that it was fate and took the poor little blighter home with me.
Queen Adreena: Pretty Like Drugs
Katie Jane has long been a star, campaigning the right of the grrrl to fucking rock, her latest band replacing the awesome noisefest that was nineties band Daisy Chainsaw.
Graham Coxon @ Leeds Festival 2004
Soulwax are the evil, broodier incarnation of 2manydj's. But like their funk soul brother, they take their chosen rock template and run with it.
Aereogramme: Sleep and Release
What a strange album this is, it's quite hard to describe what this album is like, but I will try. Weezer-ish riffs go into piano/string -led ballads (are they?) and then crank it out hardcore style.
Biogs don't always play fair, a too well written biog can actually have an adverse effect - rather than promoting a band's worth it actually leaves you questioning whether your editor sent you the right one and didn't mix them up in the post.
Modey Lemon: Thunder + Lightning
Garage rock duo/trio Modey Lemon burst out of Pittsburgh to not only kick out the jams but to actually boot those jams firmly in their jammy balls.
Having formed only just over a year and a half, this four piece are already on their second, self produced, EP and have a sound which is far more accomplished than you would expect for their time together, a kind of catchy, technically solid, alternative rock with a feeling of credibility.
Electric Mud Generator @ New Roscoe
Electric Mud Generator play Lead Guitar-led heavy 70's rock with elements of blues and a whole lot of talent.
Coming dead last in the originality race (tied with Jet of course) is Kelly Jones and his now two-man band, Stereophonics.
Guitars. Lots and lots of guitars. Leather, screaming girls, sweat, passion, sex, sleaze, bourbon. Just some of the things that pop into my head when I think of the words Rock n Roll.
Only Los Angeles could produce something as cool and pretentious as Autolux. Dark art noise rock that gives the impression smiling is banned 'cause it is too passé.
This three-track promo CDR is awesome. No really. I didn't understand it at first but once my wife had taken over and proclaimed how much she loved the record after just one listen, I had to work out what it was that I had missed...
Geekgirl: May Contain Traces Of Boy
From Manchester comes the three piece band Geekgirl. A punk-rock-pop cross breed with numerous riffs and madcap grooves.
Dean Roy Holmes - lead vocals + bass Chris Kipper Summers - lead guitar Bryan Bell - rhythm guitar Phil Rhodes - drums From Pudsey in Leeds, 45 Revolutions formed in 2003 and have already played the many respected venues in and around the Leeds area including The Cockpit, Joseph's Well, Rios in Bradford and The Dry Bar in Manchester.
It's another night down at the Well and tonight we're in the presence of some nice ol' dirty rock. The night kicks off with Tricky Nixon.
The Tennessee Traincrash @ Royal Park Cellars
The irony is lost when the Traincrash (male) vocalist jokingly asks if his woolly hat makes him look like Nickelback, as his delivery smacks, quite sadly, of grunge wannabe throughout.
Interesting ways to sort out your band's musical direction number 341 - take the Kaiser Chiefs' sharp approach to indie-pop, add a dash of razorblade guitar riffs, some Stooges style onstage hyperactivity, stick a rocket up its jacksy and enjoy.
I get to the Mixo about 1 and a bit songs from the end of "unknown opener"'s set, so I can only comment as follows - it's a bit emo, a bit metal, a lot out of tune and a bit pretend standing still moshing at the front.
"Oh no!" I think to myself as I read They Made Me Do It's press release. We are a techno/dance/rock outfit and we recorded this CD in our bedroom.
Chris Helme came to most peoples attention as the singer in Jon Squire's post Roses flop The Seahorses.
Danny Yates - Vocals, Lead Guitar Jono Yates - Guitar, Backing Vocals Tom Emmett - Bass Guitar Nici Todd - Drums Jerico* are a mixture of post punk / indie rock.
It's splendid when a trip down to a nearby pub results in you getting nicely sloshed and seeing a good band.
The Fencott Disaster: Rome and Step On It
Four-track EP from these boys - 4 songs of NY garage influenced post punk, not a bad effort, some of the guitar work is quite interesting with the dual lead thing going on and with the bass rumbling away in the back makes for an ok listen.
Screaming their way all the way from Japan, home of lock n loll, Electric Eel Shock are here for your daughter.
Dirty Fakirs are a 6-piece from Hebden Bridge who have been bringing their unique style of super heavy northern grooves to audiences since August 2006.
Electric Mud Generator: Souls of Infinity
Appropriately with a name containing the word "mud" this is a dirty throaty blues rock stab from the Leeds outfit.
Phluid's "Iconoclast" EP, a three track CD, features the band returning to a much more raw, energy driven sound.
There's two of 'em, one plays guitar and one plays drums. And that's pretty much where any similarity to The White Stripes ends.
The Sugars only drink cola from those snazzy '50s-style bottles and rock harder than a seven nation army of Jack Whites greased up in pomade looking for a wrestle.
Last Temple Orchestra: Untitled
The debut EP from Leeds' Last Temple Orchestra begins in promising fashion, with the excellent 'Inside.' Its spring-heeled drums are tempered by echoey chords, giving it an interestingly ethereal edge.
This venue was the first place I ever came out to in Leeds and I can now appreciate what a find it is.
That Fucking Tank: Andrew/James
Spazzing two-piece avant-rockers That Fucking Tank return with this 7", released in conjunction with Spanish synth sound merchants Grabba Grabba Tape.
The Nervous Shakedown: Untitled
"Heavy Grooves & Fucked Up Blues" proudly proclaims the scrawled biog and ain't that the truth boy! Musically like taking a corner at full whack on a Speedway track, spitting mud over the crowd.
Naïve sounding rockers "Columbia Drive" are Newcastle based, with an international tinge in singer Louise Dal's CV.
A bunch of really hairy, middle-aged blokes are on stage playing rock and roll, having a shout at George Bush, and causing mayhem.
First on were Philadelphia band Burning Brides who kicked off with loud, messy, head banging metal. The trio included a female bassist; Melanie Campbell and frontman Dimitri Coats who hammered his way through the set with ragged vocals, raucous guitar riffs and big, curly Slash hair.
This Black Velvetine's latest release, the three track EP "Goodbye" reeks of all things sleaze, snot and debauched rock.
Its been twelve years since Californian based punk rockers AFI first decided to form a band in order to avoid to the real world, and they are finally being tipped to make that jump from underground to mainstream with their sixth album Sing the Sorrow.
Mullets. When did they become fashionable again? They're all around me. I nervously feel that I'm being punished for having a chuckle at mulletmadness.com a few days earlier, or perhaps I've been warped into a parallel universe where all the rock chick style guides insist on one.
Guitarist with Icelandic rockers Mínus (pronounced "Meenush") Frosti, has an informal chat with Gavin Miller about touring, singing songs in English and why Iceland is the hip place to be nowadays...
goad are in lower case. Even on gig listings the band tell me that they begin with a small 'g'. A warning perhaps, so that you don't make any mistakes.
Adrenaline Injected Punk Rock'n'Roll
Kram's previous efforts were not well received by Leeds Music Scene. One and half stars and a general roasting from reviewer Richard Garnett.
Unashamedly living the 1977 dream, The Voltaires are pure new wave rock and roll. You can almost smell the leather jackets and CBGBs t-shirts as you put this demo into your stereo.
Once again I found myself racing for the front barrier with roughly half the population of Leeds' High Schools in order to witness what has to be said, one of the most mind bogglingly unhinged extravagancies this city has held in quite some time.
I listened to this CD on the strength of a recent storming gig at The Rocket where I was impressed by the combination of the vocalist's swagger and the low slung guitars, two definitely admirable qualities.
This is the sort of record that it really should be very easy to dismiss as hapless retro-copyism. Ulster rockers The Answer don't so much wear their influences on their sleeve as practically have them branded on to their foreheads.
School age kids and those a little more, how shall I put it, mature - those that experienced punk the first time round - seem to have a fascination with France's most delectable garage punk export: les Flames!
The Dirty Skirts: Feeling The Pressure
First impression of 'Feeling The Pressure' is that it tosses together bits of indie and electronica and expects them to sound coherent with minimal effort.
It makes a change tonight that the Rocket is actually packed to it's brim tonight and it only helps that the music being played is deserved of such a crowd.
After debuting on a handful of live shows the band have a healthy C.V of support slots with Silver Ginger 5, The Jellys and playing with Terrorvision at their last ever gig (which incidentally was their first) Butterfinger are absolutely amazing.
In the field of heavy metal/ hard rock, some bands try their very best to push forward the template to an otherwise limited genre.
The Darkness: Permission To Land
You must understand, The Darkness are not a joke band. This is not the Electric Six playing it for laughs.
Billy Talent: 4 Piece from Toronto, they seem to be getting some really good press at the moment and look set to be the next "Big Thing" with the angst ridden pocket money wielding teenage Sum 41 fans out there.
The Xenith Sound: Fear is the Enemy
Xenith Sound are all about lovingly recreated classic rock with very meaty guitar lines cutting under Toff Banks' soulful and gutsy voice.
I was slightly nervy before reviewing this CD; the reason being that I'd heard a number of people comment adversely on it - at first I could see what they meant; but the more I've listened to it the more it has developed.
The aptly titled "EP One" is the first of 3 that will be released over the next twelve months from Brighton debutants Nothing.
I first encountered this artist on 'Later...' with a suave top hat on, singing in an aggressive yet intelligent manner in front of some of the most influential people in music and the genius that is Morrissey.
After the breakup of Leeds band Priority One in 2002, guitarist Joe Kemp and bassist Lewis Denby agreed to work together again in the future.
Dawn Parade @ Royal Park Cellars
Unison take to the stage sporting interesting T-shirts, boy band hair cuts and are apparently very new to the music scene; however, they don't actually show it a great deal.
Having J Mascis at the helm may bring illusions of driving guitars, messily fighting with themselves, but here he has returned to his first instrument, the drums, along with Dave Sweetapple (bass), and Kyle Thomas of feathers to create a sound far removed from anything they are well known for.
You're 25. You live with your mum. You work as a cleaner at the nearest supermarket. You sweat profusely.
Cry For Silence: The Glorious Dead
Britain has been producing some cracking talent lately. Aside from spitting forth a fair amount of punk rock royalty over the last 12 months in the shape of Gallows, The Plight and loads more, metal is also back on the agenda, as this cracking debut will attest to.
Captain Wilberforce: Mindfilming
The captain(s) in question are Simon Bristoll and Daz Battersby, a duo split between Leeds and Birmingham.
Creature With The Atom Brain: I Am The Golden Gate Bridge
After two vinyl-only EPs, The Snake and Kill The Snake, I Am The Golden Gate Bridge is the first full-length album from the bizarrely named Creature With The Atom Brain, the brainchild (no pun intended) of Aldo Struyf.
Moving Units @ Brudenell Social Club
Comparing bands is a funny business. You can say that a band are like the Happy Mondays, and mean it to be a good thing, but find that you are actually putting someone else off.
Narco are the start of a riot. Machine gun fire pings round my room and I duck for cover before the dirty grinding bass line of 'Hey You' kicks in like an exploding atom bomb on repeat.
Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite was responsible for several things. He pioneered the "Blur are Shit" t-shirts that were sported by several people during the mid 90's, much to the amusement of the NME.
Due To Debt: Stealing all the awesome
Ok, so the cover note with this CD states "Our music is intended to cross heavy rock with the emotion of blues and the aggression of metal along with melodies and feelings produced from the best songs we enjoy ourselves".
Charly Six: Get Drunk, Screw, Get High
The boys that once were Brass Monkey are now the men standing up to be counted as Charly Six. With a sound that has undergone several incarnations there has always been some question as to which C6 would be turning up.
The Prototypes: A Twist Of Fate
I can't fathom The Prototypes. A Twist of Fate comprises four songs each of which have their own unique style.
So here we are then, for another instalment in the Bright Young Things series, put together by Steve Kind.
Hidden behind a Wakefield office block lies the Snooty Fox. After a chance meeting with Xi, we get directions to the venue, which is to be part of Xi's whirlwind tour of the Mainland's shores.
"...bridges the chasm-divided demographics of indie-pop and post-punk excellently" www.drownedinsound.com
John Canvas of Humanfly is a man who has abandoned lyrics and singing in favour of screaming "YEEEEEAAAAAH!" in a tight voice.
Dead At 27: Scatter the Shrapnel
"Scatter the Shrapnel" is the second EP from this Halifax based band and featuring a wah guitar heavy, punked up version of the Grange Hill theme tune, this is a band who aren't as morbid as their name suggests.
Upon the first listen to this EP I would have sworn I was listening to a group of twee American rockers, however these lads are from Essex!
Tonight's showcase at Josephs Well was in aid of Link Community Development to raise money for the Leeds University Hitch hike to Morocco.
Dogged by guitar trouble throughout his set, The Lodger battles on with an aggressive guitar style juxtaposing nicely with the tuneful vocal melodies.
Band Profile: Unspeakable Easels
post-rap hip hop
Kings of Leon: Youth and Young Manhood
Three sons of a preacher (and their cousin) from America's deep south, all with snake hips, long hair, thick fringes, flares and most importantly (gasp) beards!
London trio Plastik are straight down the middle Indie pop-rock merchants, unfazed by scratchy angular scenes that no doubt surround them and standing tall on the back of well written tunes rather than the right look.
I Hate Kate: Embrace The Curse
Contrary to its gothic title, album-opener 'Bed of Black Roses' is a giddy blend of breakneck punk riffs and fizzy electro beats that sets the tone for I Hate Kate's début album 'Embrace The Curse.' Frontman Justin Mauriello, former vocalist of Zebrahead, has the perfect voice for this brand of helter-skelter pop-punk, his strident-edged vocals cutting clearly over even 'Bed of Black Roses' raucous punk chorus.
The Glitterati: Here Comes A Close Up
The second single as The Glitterati, and their major label debut, sees the Leeds five-piece complete the task of putting to tape their entire current set list.
The Xenith Sound @ Royal Park Cellars
The basement of the Royal Park pub is pretty empty as Nex take the stage, but it quickly fills up once the reverberations can be felt through the floor upstairs.
This Holiday Life hail from the States yet boast a fairly British sound. They use the tools of radio pop-rock wisely, including pretty harmonies and heartfelt lyrics to create the perfect 'drive-time' album.
Helica's demo is quite impressive. Soft guitars, rock songs with melodies, subtle drums and a gorgeous female voice.
Authors of Malicious Code: Part 1
I've been listening to this two track CD for the last 24 hours on and off, trying to find something to write about.
Electric Mud Generator @ New Roscoe
So tonight sees me journeying out to the outpost known as the New Roscoe to take in two local old-skool metal bands I've heard good things about.
The acapella intro of 'Velvet Prose' and immediate ska-like upbeat tempo make you want to keep listening to this song and quite right too because this is very, very good.
The name Demon Summer immediately conjures up images of Satan chilling on a beach in Cornwall while the sun beats down on his already fiery flesh.
I will make no apology for the lacklustre performance given by openers KENOSHA, who decided that the paying customers were not worthy of them playing a part in the proceedings.
Oh my gaawwwd, they've only gone and bettered themselves! Maturing fast into a psychedelic rock crossover act with huge prospects for the future, Leeds four-piece The Music have released an extremely impressive follow up to last year's debut single.
Greenland: The Prisons Of Language
Slick chase scenes, slow-mo Kung-fu and pivotal movie scenarios flicker through my wandering mind. No, I am not under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs but I am listening to Greenland's 'Prison's of Language' 4 track EP.
DUM FLUX The first band on in the New Roscoe pub was a rarity; a talented punk band. Their set included strong drumbeats, nice bass lines and good guitar chords and riffs to make it an enjoyable one.
Blue Sky Project: Masquerade EP
I have awaited more tracks from Blue Sky Project since listening to their last EP on MySpace (oh the beauty of the Web!) and thought they had potential, so naturally the next offering from them needed to exceed all expectations.
Emerging in the late 80s Senser were one of the first bands to bring us rap-metal. As innovators of the scene they were doing something new and refreshing.
Tonight's high profile appearance for US band Sleater-Kinney has moved. Its moved next door after the overwhelming response to the girl-punk rock band has left the Rocket Venue unable to cope - just short of 250 people are packed into the Cockpit for the bands first non-festival appearance in Leeds and the first gig on their Uk tour.
So here we have an "unsigned band showcase". Call me bitter, and even counter productive in the encouragement of fledgling bands but I hate these things.
ESCLAVAGE A rather melodic beginning for a band that seem ready to tear the new roscoe down. This song turns into a roaring mosh-fest in seconds with all members showing good stage presence.
Tonight was unlike the typical gig where, if you want to catch the first band, you have to rush your tea and give yourself indigestion running down to the venue for at least 8 o'clock.
It's a curious trait about us humans, we find release and fulfillment in a variety of different ways.
This long awaited punk festival finally arrives in Leeds, but not to the punters' disapproval. With doors opening at four, most people are expecting local band, 25th Cock (as Rich from Not Katies informs me) to be arriving on stage soon, but instead they don't even bother to turn up.
With the ample crowd salivating in anticipation it's finally time for the main event, and American rockers Ok Go fail to disappoint launching a violent tirade of killer hooks and candy floss anthems.
Is this night at the Mixing Tin proof that the traditional guitar / bass / drums / vocals band set up is dying out and becoming tired?
What an honour, reviewing 2 of my favourite bands in the world, as well as the added bonus of Harold.
Friday night, end of May, and we're down at Joseph's Well to see three top bands play to a 100+ audience.
Classic 70s/80s Rock sounds different from each side of the guitar. When your foot's on the monitor speaker those ringing power chords, the thrill of that stereo effect double lead solo, the surge of the harmonies and the deep judder of the rhythm section feel like the power to take over the world, if not a small section of the universe.
Ahhh, you can't beat a bit of a shuffle in the late afternoon, and this month Mr. Rob Paul Chapman's showcase again failed to disappoint.
The monthly TTS, or the Tea Time Shuffle, could soon become an institution. It's Friday, it's 6 o'clock, the Hi-Fi bar is well and truly open and 3 and a half of Leeds finest bands are playing before your increasingly Southern Comforted eyes and all for just a fiver.
It's been a funny few years for Incubus. From the dizzy heights of success with the mall-metal of their breakthrough album 'Morning View', to nu-metal's untimely demise and losing their bassist, the good looks of lead singer Brandon Boyd aren't the only thing that draws people to them any more.
Before going to this gig I had the vague impression that this night would be devoted to 70's rock and I wasn't far wrong.
AntiProduct @ Brudenell Social Club
If there was one thing that fatally crippled the "nu-Brit-indie" uprising of last year, it was the lack of general excitement and, more to the point, characters about the whole thing.
It's a wet Monday night in Leeds and the Swedes are here to rock us, alright! As steam rises off the unfortunates who have queued in the misery outside, winter blues are quickly vanished by the arrival of punk rockers Sahara Hotnights.
Cute Is What We Aim For @ Cockpit
The males in attendance tonight could be forgiven for thinking that they have walked into the wrong gig, such is the abundance of females pouring through the bar in anticipation of tonight's proceedings.
Leeds' latest progressive-alt-rock band, Blue Sky Project, show plenty of promise with this record yet generally fall just short in delivering the quality goods expected of a band fronted by enigmatic singer / songwriter / guitarist / promoter / label boss Lewis Denby.
It isn't every gig that ends with your correspondant being grabbed up onstage along with 20 or so other grinning loons to do backing vocals during the encore.
The Yards: The Devil Is Alive And Well And In DC
Years of songwriting isolation and hidden solo outings at North Yorkshire's famous rock recluse Blakey Ridge have done wonders for ex-Seahorse frontman Chris Helme.
10,000 Things are the band you wanted to be in when you were a kid. The Jim'll Fix It chance to play dirty sleazy riffs and wail boisterous, filthy lyrics until your lungs bleed.
Fahrenheit 451: The Catastrophe EP
Deeming themselves to be an explosive mix of Muse and early Manics, I approached this CD tentatively, with a mixture of doubt and excitement.
The Glitterati @ Fibbers (York)
After some initial confusion it turn out this is the Phluid I already know of, not a York band by the same name.
Shadow of Memories: Too Much Within
Darkly epic melodious doom-metal from the rock metropolis of Headingley, Shadow of Memories latest audio instalment is the two-track EP "Too Much Within".
Straight outta Norway and also seemingly straight outta the 80's. Surferosa blast out synth powered rock riffs in their longship of bright hooks and disco beats, all helmed by a mentalist, high kicking frontwoman.
After a week of assaulting the laser on my overworked CD player and my wife's ears through demo offerings from both these bands, I knew, before even walking through the Vine door this was going to be a fantastic showcase.
It's a Friday night at the Vine, it's 8 O'clock, Duels are about to start so where the hell is everybody?
On entering The Cockpit the support band (M.A.S.S I believe) are nearing the end of their set, after a brief listen we decide to stay in the bar and prepare to jostle for a position near the front of a packed crowd.
Imodiom are a young, energetic, underskilled, 12-year-old pop punk/rock band. OFM are a fantastic, under promoted, slack drummered, great frontmanned, beautifully written, lo-fi grunge band.
A good name, a good front cover, and a kudos-worthy work ethic, and oh boy it fits in my CD player like a penis in a vagina.
Marc Bolan & T-Rex: 30th Anniversary Singles
When music of the 70s is mentioned the word T-Rex usually follows. This highly influential glam rock band led the glam rock generation invasion and this collection of hits re-released on vinyl with exclusive b-sides shows their prevalence is still with us even after Marc Bolan's tragic passing.
'Oh Yeah' represents everything that is thrilling about The Subways; their beauty, youth and passion all rolled into just under three minutes of loud, racy punk rock.
There are plenty of things to like about The Plight's debut release. Whether it be the darkly themed artwork, the knowingly sarcastic lyrics or the old skool riffage, there is something here for everyone to get into.
The Longshots: Million To One EP
'Ex-Girlfriends' kicks off in incendiary fashion and sets the tone for the next eleven and a bit minutes of your life.
A five-track interactive CD, featuring a well-produced video and a complete photo gallery, with additional sound clips throughout, is the latest offering from Mr Dogg.
It's an oft-repeated fact that Therapy?'s bassist Michael McKeegan was in a Judas Priest tribute band before linking up with Andy Cairns to form Ulster's fiercest in the early '90s.
The Holiday Plan: The Wasting Time EP
The amount of shouty, disjointed emo grows bigger by the day, and it ain't about to die down any time soon.
Irish Ratbag Mickey Charbagaz resides round these parts, he touts his wares on myspace, has lots of cuties leave messages of love and adoration and he looks rock and roll...
MIZKARRAGE OF JUSTICE - for a first gig these guys did well! They opened their set with 'So What' by Metallica and surprisingly did well.
Pen Knife Love Life @ The Vine
The crowd at The Vine had previously been occupied in deep conversation throughout the blur of the previous bands and were now livened up and transported into the madness and vibrancy of this five piece up and coming rock/emo/death metal band from West Yorkshire.
Wrathstonbury is, believe it or not, one of the most important dates on Leeds' live music diary. Eighteen bands compete with beer for your attention.
The Glitterati @ Joseph's Well
I was too late for tonight's openers - I arrive and they say "thank you and good night" - just too late.
Firstly an apology. I'm going to get a bit nostalgic in this review. Please bear with me. Back in the crazy days of the Leeds Music Scene (circa 2001) I saw a band play several awesome gigs at The Well.
Young Heart Attack @ Joseph's Well
I'm starting to wonder if someone's put a curse on me which has condemned me for an eternity of always missing the opening act when I go to review gigs at Joseph's Well - this is no less than the third time in a row that it's happened.
It's Saturday night, the cellars are dark, and Steve Kind is bellowing for us to greet rock uber-beasts CATYLYST, and as they take the stage amidst the roar of two distorted guitars, I'm sitting on the edge of my seat with my fist poised for punching the air and I'm ready to rock.
We all know about the "difficult second album" phenomenon. I mean, it's featured every year in the Great Rock and Roll Clichés Annual, next to such chestnuts as "we write songs for ourselves and if anyone else likes them it's a bonus" (he said whilst looking nervously over his shoulder at the suits from his record company) as well as the whole kafuffle of throwing a TV in through a hotel window.
The bands are really packed in for this all-dayer organised by Bombed Out Records, Leeds' finest purveyor of melodic hardcore bands.
Ohio's finest are here at last. After two nondescript support sets The Black Keys take to the stage to a rapturous welcome from the Leeds crowd, who seemed a bit volatile tonight it has to be said, as even before the band had taken the stage, a fight had to be broken up by bouncers.
Sister Morphine: Sister Morphine EP
This four piece, hailing from Bristol, although new on the scene are no fledglings. Currently touring with Kasabian, it is clear to see why there is such a growing interest in this energy fuelled band.
Queens of the Stone Age: Lullabies to Paralyze
Does the Josh Homme-Nick Oliveri rift really matter? It has preoccupied most writers reviewing this record, and it has certainly provided plenty of column inches in the NME.
Capital State: Revolution Thoughts EP
You have to respect Capital State. They just keep coming back at you. Ever since I saw them at Leeds Festival back in 2001, I've been intrigued.
Chugging bass, airy guitars, respiring vocals and climactic songs at an andante pace, presenting Monomania's recent white label 006 promo.
What is there not to like about this trio of lads from Donny? Signed to the infamous Dance To The Radio label here is the first release by the band on 7" vinyl, an old school fashion which is coming back and making every trendy indie kid go out and get a gramophone.
Inspirita is one of those albums that get better with every listen. It's an album which draws all kinds of influences, from Metal to Jazz.
Portabello: Once Around The Sun
Portabello are a professional bunch. This CD is well produced, looks good and is being pushed through major retail chains nationwide from an independent base without using the usual distributors.
More funky house music? Oh yes. King Booty sound like some sort of cross between those endless 'chilled dance music' CDs you see clogging up valuable space in Virgin Megastores and the sound of French dance music from about 1998 - 1999.
Donning a pair of mucky old Converse Trainers - I headed down to Bad Sneakers, I felt, suitably attired.
It was with some trepidation that I approached The Mixing Tin last Friday as the bassist of reasonably new boys on the scene The High Chairs, had been sporadically emailing me and seemed like such an affable and friendly chap that I was absolutely terrified that the band would be awful and I'd have to say something negative about them and crush poor Roj's hope and dreams.
The Butterfly @ Brudenell Social Club
The Engine Room is made of metal this evening as the most entertaining DIY night in Leeds introduces us to three bands that are as heavy as led - The Butterfly, Mishkin and the wonderfully titled White Boys for No.10 Down Syndrome Street (more usually known as (the slightly more offensive) White Boys For Gay Jesus).
OFM @ Counting House (Pontefract)
"Doncaster's finest" reads the promo. Overzealous PR, or straight-laced fact? My mission - uncover the truth.
City And Colour @ Brudenell Social Club
City And Colour are a curious act to find in a place like this. To think that a member of an internationally renowned screamo outfit would bring his solo acoustic tour to the Brudenell sounds absolutely ludicrous.
Eureka Machines: Being Good Is Okay (But Being Bad Is Better)
Chris Catalyst appears to have had his sinister fingers in any number of Leeds-baked pies in recent years.
The Vine seems to have a cross section of every genre of rock 'n roll tonight, as we move through pseudo funk, light indie, Maiden-esque metal and then finally some anthemic indie stompers.
The Perfect Strangers @ Rocket
I almost didn't make tonight's gig. Having arrived early to interview Beat Route 62 I was called out from work and had to disappear back off home, luckily not too far away.
Rockadile play a set of familiar tunes with an uncommon competence and jovial showmanship. Yes, to repeat, it's well played and audience-friendly and gently bounces off of the evening and the environs with big hearted smiles all round.
Formed from the ashes of seminal 90s metallers Carcass, Arch Enemy typify the ferocious intensity that is death metal.
Pounding of drums and wail of guitar signifies that My Exploding Heart have come to the stage. Singer/guitarist Danny Carr thrashes out power chords like it's the last time he'll play a gig while faces of orgasmic exhilaration come from frantic drummer Mike Quarry.
Well, well, well (ignore the early bad pun) this is the first time that I have ever been specifically asked to do a review, so maybe I am doing something right, and what better place to do my review than at Joseph's Well?
Republic of Loose: This Is The Tomb Of The Juice
Sounding pretty similar to one of Josh Homme's myriad of side projects, Republic of Loose are actually closer to jazz/soul or Dr John-esque funk than dirty, scuzzy rock.
Mogwai: Happy Songs For Happy People
'I Know You Are But What Am I?' asks one of the tracks on Mogwai's new album. Well, I am an intrigued music buff and you are one of the finest records of the year.
I had not heard any of these bands before the day of the gig, so I wasn't really sure what to expect.
I've been waiting outside the Cockpit for about 30 minutes now stood here on my bill with nothing but a rock to keep me company.
Considering the torrential rain wiping out anything on the streets across Leeds, the Well was surprisingly full.
Viva Stereo: The Surface has been scratched EP
Sounding like the bastard love child of Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie and Death In Vegas' Richard Fearless, Viva Stereo are cooking up quite a sound.
Biffy Clyro: Singles 2001-2005
A cynical attempt by Biffy Clyro's former record label to cash in on the Scottish trio's newfound popularity?
Quite an eventful Saturday evening in the end. Firstly, I chatted away to Aeon prior to the Juno-2 gig at Royal Park Cellars - the interview should appear on the site in the next week or so - and then I bumped into Bella.
Ocean Colour Scene: A Hyperactive Workout For The Flying Squad
There was a time once when Ocean Colour Scene were nigh-on one of the biggest bands in the country. What were we thinking?
What a great opening. The first 35 seconds of "All our so called bad luck stories" are fresh young and just fantastic.
A popular place with the alternative crowd, the Bassment was an impressive half full as That Fucking Tank took the stage at 8 o'clock.
'Bone Garden' is the first single to be lifted from I Am Ghost's second album, 'Those We Leave Behind.' It sees them abandon the rock opera of their debut 'Lovers' Requiem' in favour of post-hardcore snarling, galloping drums and wailing guitars.
The Grates are a difficult band for a young man such as myself to review. Having seen them live I am aware of something which cannot fail to cloud my judgement of their latest record.
Stars Of Track & Field: Not Here To Shop
Having spent the last three years in Carlisle (at University) I watched the development of a local band by the name of Stars Of Track & Field.
The evening kicks off with MOJO PIN, a young band who I have not heard before. I was suitably impressed for a first hearing (normally I prefer to hear bands at least once before I review them); although the vocals were a little soft in parts and definition to the words would be an asset, especially when announcing songs.
For fuck sake, it's deafening in here. Irony is that I avoid suggesting to the soundman that it could be worthwhile him twitching his fingers in a general right to left and downward motion because, quite frankly, it is soooo loud he would not hear my request.
Juliette & The Licks: Got Love To Kill
Perhaps one of my biggest regrets of this year's Leeds Festival was allowing myself to get swept along with the hype and be all eager-beaverish, arriving early at the Carling Stage on the Sunday to secure a 'good spot' for young scamps, Arctic Monkeys.
'Intense and claustrophobic music from Bradford. Extra proof, as if anyone needed it, of the Leeds/Bradford axis of musical accomplishment. More edge than a very edgy thing.'
Spear of Destiny @ Joseph's Well
About 10 minutes before Catylyst were due on stage, I was asked by a certain gentleman if I'd review tonight's proceedings.
From Autumn To Ashes @ Cockpit
Mixed bills can (sometimes) be amazing. Other times however, they can kill any atmosphere that there may have been for any of the bands individually.
FINAL CONCLUSION - This was the fifth viewing of Final Conclusion for me and possibly the most powerful time I had seen them.
Remember those bands you had when you were in school? The one I was in, unfortunately, split up after a while, but I'm convinced we'd sound like this if we had kept it together.
Bilge Pump @ Brudenell Social Club
The Brudenell Social club played host to three bands, all helping to raise funds for the Asian Earthquake Disaster appeal.
The Ebb are about to reach make or break time. Ball-busting, tribally triumphant drums soundtrack the band's rock and Borrell swagger onstage, the supremely confident singer causally sauntering across the pit before thrashing himself into a Columbia sized riff.
A third sold-out Leeds date for the UK's latest finding, The Music, and this time it doesn't take a guest DJ appearance to bring in the crowds.
A Northern Chorus: Spirit Flags
I know this band. Well, sort of. I remember about a year ago, that someone was posting on the Sigur Rós message board talking about (because he was in) a band called 'A Northern Chorus'.
As readers will see from the by-line at the bottom, we are breaking our rule of not reviewing our own gigs.
The Distillers @ The Refectory
It was cold, it was raining and I had to queue up for like half an hour to get in... but to be honest that's the only real negative of the night; well there is another but I'll get on to that soon enough...
Occasionally bands with edgy names proclaiming gritty sounds can sell themselves short, others should be seriously checked under the Trade Descriptions Act.
Schizo Fun Addict: Atom Spark Hotel
As sensible as it is plain mental, as simplistic as it is complex, as delightfully naïve as it is pure genius.
Aces & Eights are one of the only recent bands who have not come directly from MySpace. Rather than relying on the support of their, admittedly, over 1000 "Friends" they've worked their way up through the grimy Leeds pubs to arrive, not quite signed and slightly tainted, at the Cockpit.