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The last time I reviewed QUICKLIME, from their demo tape, I complained about poor vocal qualities. Unfortunately, poor vocals were again in evidence tonight.
The very last Blue Star Music gig happens with possibly one of the busiest crowds, best bands and best mix of indie rock from the straight up young upstarts (Solo and Diawara) to the wit, charm and brilliance of the experienced Mama Scuba and Being 747.
Being first on the bill is never an enviable task. This point is emphatically made by the demonstrative display from tonight's headliners Chikinki, replete with the most hyperactive and manic lead this side of Axl Rose and Wayne Coyne's illegitimate love child.
Band profile for the band Solo
solo acoustic
solo indie
solo folk acoustic
solo indie
Andie Mills makes his fourth solo album available for free download
Andie Mills has this week announced the completion of his fourth solo album. The album, titled "East Pennine Rain / Tales from the Chestnut Tree Café", is a collection of six songs written over 2005 and takes a much more observational form than his previous CDs.
solo acoustic
Andie Mills to release his tenth solo album
Andie Mills, singer with BBC 6Music faves Monmon, will release a new album on his Joli Rouge record label.
solo acoustic
solo pop
solo acoustic
Band Profile: Hayley Gaftarnick
solo acoustic
solo indie
solo acoustic folk
Simon Wiffen is a solo acoustic singer/songwriter from Leeds.
Adem is currently touring his second solo album "Love and Other Planets" and we caught up with him at the West Yorkshire Playhouse where he was playing a headline slot as part of the Fuse Festival.
Leeds Solo artist performing acoustic versions of the songs he writes.
As lead singer, main songwriter and all around head honcho of The Argonauts, Daniel Fell is now going solo. He's playing in Leeds at Carpe Diem on the 12th February, so Gavin Miller caught up with the man himself to have a little chat about all things musical...
As imaginative as the title is, this most solo of solo projects (being entirely composed and played by Mr Evans) is a rather drab collection of naively written and flatly performed demos.
Manchester dwelling solo artist Garron Frith's debut, inspired by the likes of Ryan Adams, the late Elliott Smith and a several other usually cited solo artists has had much praise heaped upon him for his first demo release.
Mizkarrage of Justice @ Packhorse
Trash Heap Heroes A 3-piece band that looked that part and sounded it as well, heavily influenced by punk bands such as Blink 182 and Green Day they produced some well organised riffs and some very professional solos from the young guitarist.
acoustic rock folk
I am a solo artist based in the rolling hills of West Yorkshire. Currently I am holed up in the studio putting the finishing touches to my first solo release which will be coming out on BMR records soon(ish!) I play all the instruments that can be heard on my records and all sounds are made using just the instruments, amplifiers and effects pedals, I don't generate any of my sounds with a computer.
Jon Strong as a solo performer has toured with Ry Cooder, Van Morrison, Robert Palmer, Talk Talk, Danny Thompson, Clannad, Has done numerous major festivals including Cambridge, Cropredy, San Bernardino Folk Festival.
Leeds based Ralph played some gigs as a solo artist for about a year before starting Leeds Uni and jamming with fellow musos josh and will.
Lewis Denby: Lookout Posts and Telescopes
Serial miserablist Lewis Denby follows up last year's solo debut with a stripped back acoustic collection of new material.
Having defected from the tedium of eternal teenagers Ash for a full time solo career and having been prompted to do so on the basis of "enthusiasm shown by Ash fans for her writing" it's questionable whether Miss Hatherley is deserving of a solo career all together.
Band Profile: We're Not The Cool Kids
We're Not The Cool Kids is Mary Cook's solo project that goes from brutal beatdown hardcore to beautiful melodies.
Freed from the "funk" shackles of his band Eris, Rory Holl provides a mixed bag of pop rock on his first solo outing.
fuzzpop
The CD from Spring was quite a mixed bag because there were 10 tracks on here. The 1st track, "Not At The Same Time", was a blast from the past because at the start I half expected Mick Jagger to come out dancing!
acoustic experimental
acoustic
Things get loud when Hobo Jungle take to the stage after what was billed as an acoustic night at Mixing Tin.
School Of Language: Sea From Shore
You'll first realise that this album has got under your skin when you're getting funny looks in the check-out queue in Morrison's, as you've been intoning Uh-Ah-Um-Ee-Ah vowel sounds to yourself like some weird Buddhist chant.
Ian Cockburn is lead singer in the Seven Inches. Having accumulated a vast pile of unused songs in many styles, but lacking instrumental ability, he has embarked on an anti-solo project, where he works with various different other people under the umbrella name Ian Cockburn and The Whole World.
Singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist, described by Acoustic Magazine as "One of the world's most successful, gifted and inspirational guitar players"
Juxtaposition @ Brudenell Social Club
An inspiring solo piano performance kick starts the evening's proceedings, a 15-minute epic from, I believe, Will from Juxtaposition.
Band Profile: He Waits By The Tree
ambient electronica
Mutya, or Mutley as I like to refer to her, was once a member of the Sugababes. Did you know that? Course you did!
Singer songwriter, Neil McLarty, has known what he wanted to do with his life since he first picked up a guitar at the age of 12.
r'n'b jazz
I remember the first time I saw Jon play live - it must be going on three years ago in the Packhorse I think, quite a gangly fellow I thought, bit of a Goth maybe, would he start singing about powder paint and lipstick and have a big moan?
Snowdonia E.P available now from www.myspace.com/mechanicalowl
acoustic indie
The Breech blend a likeable enough mixture of soft-lad introspective indie with some classic pop/rock melodies to produce a relatively straight sound.
Former Leeds student, and Bootis former, now based in Brighton.
It's not often that I listen to a review CD as many times as this. Unyson's six track "Science Fiction" has some right good songs, played and sung with style and conviction.
Nikoli release new EP "Resigned"....
Leeds band Nikoli are about to release their new EP Resigned. This marks the first Nikoli recording as a "non-solo project".
Nic Armstrong walks on stage as a straight-faced telecaster-wielding singer songwriter who may be at best quite entertaining or thought provoking, but probably a bit dull and to think the worst, Badly Drawn Boy-ish.
acoustic blues
The Stranglers were probably the most out of place of the punk bands - tunes abounded, the drummer was as old as your dad and they had keyboards - weren't they banned?
Despite this being a real 'demo-sounding' demo, there's some really top songs bursting to escape from this particular CD-R.
The fact that all of the material is written by one person is astounding. Any further developments by Antony Arcuri should be followed in the future, as this demo proves - Carl Shooter - Shoot the Runner 2007.
Scott Matthews' second visit to Leeds since his debut album 'Passing stranger' was put out, took place at the University's Mine venue.
Band Profile: Christopher Stocks
Christopher Stocks has been the lead singer for the band The Good Die Young for the past 3 years. The band have played festivals and supported many acts including The Charlatans, The Twang, Milburn, and toured with Proud Mary's Greg Griffin and Paul Newsome.
Like many of today's music buying public I'm too young to remember The Jam as they were but like so many others I have a few of the albums in my collection and I can hum the classics.
Sometimes I hate writing reviews. I got into it because I love writing and love music. But sometimes you have to review something that you really don't enjoy and it's horrible because it's no fun slagging off bands that put their heart and soul into their music.
Accessible Prog/Psych/Jazz/Blues/Acoustic fun.
BYT bands are rocking the Crypt...
Sound checks and vocal warm ups came to the forefront this week as the first of the 15 bands taking part in Leeds Leisure Services 'Bright Young Things 2003', took to the stage for their debut in the Crypt of the Town Hall.
After our pre-drink sesh-on, at what was quite possibly the cheesiest pub venue that Leeds city centre has to offer, we felt bitter, confused, traitors to our good selves and to what we knew to be the real reason the city of Leeds has built its reputation as the capital of live music.
Orelio Sparks hail from Leeds. Formed in early 2008, Orelio Sparks are a breed of British rock and pop fused with reggae.
Last Night's TV: Quiet Storm EP
The opening song "Quiet Storm" will be on Last Night's TV's forthcoming album "Too Much in Doubt". The three other tracks, "Some Place to Go", "Shoes, Model's Own", and "Gone" (this last played solo) can only be found here.
Band Profile: Waking the Witch
acoustic
Your reviewer failed to make it in time for Matthew Hill or the Frankling Mint, but enthusiastic punters reassured him they'd been good.
Pint Shot Riot: Punches Kicks Trenches And Swords
Now I would have given the song title a little more punctuation, but that is how I received and therefore review this song.
Beach is one man - should you be wondering - and his solo mission is to push his optimistic 80's pop/rock into view.
Solo artists breaking free from a band and a fanbase they collected on their way to the top can be a lonely place.
More of a commercial sound than the last CD, which is noticeable from the outset. Whilst I have to admit I liked the kinda raw feel of "Too little Too Late" this could be a step into the right direction for the band.
Amber Headlights is the first solo record from Greg Dulli, ex-singer/songwriter of the criminally underrated grunge/soul outfit The Afghan Whigs, and founder of the excellent (and still together) Twilight Singers.
On this seven track CD "doh, ray, me" Andie Mills makes a strong case as a distinctive solo performer.
Fountains of Wayne: Stacey's Mom
Perhaps best known in the UK for 'Radiation Vibe' from their eponymous debut, Fountains of Wayne are ready to make a bigger impression with this first release from their third album 'Welcome Interstate Managers'.
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.
experimental electronica
Leeds-based misanthropic death/black metal
Bright Young Things 2003 line-up announced...
Here are the names of the 15 musicians and bands chosen for Bright Young Things 2003: SAMSA - SLY MR FOX - THE BLACKOUT BAND - THE 42 TONES - THE MIDNIGHT SHOPPERS - BLAKE - LEMONT SYLVESTER - DR STRANGEMOOSE - RHODE ISLAND - AMELIA & ME - EXIT - THE COUDERHAE CONNECTION - SOLO - ALL IT'S WORTH - ICABOD.
Third solo album for Kelli Ali, who must get sooo tired of only being known as the former singer for Sneaker Pimps (you know, 'Six Underground', you've probably got it somewhere), it must be a mixed blessing that since being asked to leave over 10 years ago neither party has been best known for their chart bothering.
Empress to release 7" single and album in the summer...
Hood collaborator Nicola Hodgkinson and her merry band (Empress) have two new records out this summer.
Charlotte Hatherley: Grey Will Fade
You can almost see the cogs at work. "I'm virtually guaranteed rock star rights for the next 5-10 years thanks to Tim Wheeler's pop dynamic sensibilities, the definitive Best of will be released soon giving me a pretty tasty cash flow and I am adored by all frustrated, sweaty indie boys aged 14-30, who find me sexy in a dominating, older woman type way.
Solo or with the Folk Theatre Partisans, Michael Rossiter does good work round the Leeds acoustic scene and beyond.
The name 'Market Harbour' for an album may just seem like a random name; not many albums out there with it, better than self-titled etc.
Richard Ashcroft @ The Refectory
After witnessing the dire becoming that is 'The Shining' a short while ago it was now time to see if any other remaining members of The Verve could still cut it.
Win a copy of the Bright Young Things 2003 CD...
The Bright Young Things 2003 CD is now available, and here at leedsmusicscene we have 25 copies available to give away to members.
Carole Eve Bell - Vocal Simon De Souza - Tenor Saxophone Naadia Sheriff - Piano Colin Sutton - Bass Timothy Brickel - Drums Back to my favourite, perhaps rather secret venue of late: The Grove Inn.
Josh Lees is a singer songwriter born in Southend (Essex) and is now based Bradford. After playing in various bands before, Josh started writing solo material in March 2008 and self funded the recording of his debut album 'I'll be with you' which was recorded in June 2008 in Woking.
Tim Canfer grew up playing guitar; a longhaired indie-kid in the throws of the grunge era. At the age of 18 he blagged a job teaching music at an American summer camp and, while there, decided against a career in the glamorous world of electronic engineering for the drudgery of Rock 'n' Roll.
Corinne Bailey Rae to re-release "Like A Star" on October 9th
Leeds solo artist Corinne Bailey Rae will re-release "Like A Star" (originally her debut single) on Monday, 9th October.
BBC Radio Leeds looking for artists for Live Sessions...
BBC Radio Leeds has been running live acoustic sessions for several weeks, every Sunday morning from 10am til noon on the Diana Luke show.
Ben Kweller used to be the frontman of mid-nineties US grunge-pop act Radish, a band he formed when he was just 12 years old.
Jon Gomm to release album "Hypertension" in February...
Singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Jon Gomm is releasing his debut CD on February 17th. It is a full-length album entitled Hypertension, and will initially only be available from his website.
Will Saunders heads out on European tour...
Will Saunders, writer and singer with the band Juxtaposition is playing a series of solo sets in Belgium, Holland and France this week.
'Give in' is the third single to be taken from Tina Dico's album 'In the Red'. Pretty voice, inoffensive song, but very forgettable.
Annika Line Trost might be best recognised for her exploits with electro pop outfit Cobra Killer, but the Berlin based artist's self-produced 2nd solo album Trust Me certainly deserves some acknowledgment.
Hugh Cornwell @ City Varieties
Not your normal run of the mill gig this. A half full venue, average age way above the norm and seats.
folk acoustic
acoustic rock
The Gift are a three-piece consisting of Sean (bass/vocals), Nathan (guitar) and Jon (drums). This three track CD runs in at just under nine minutes and in attitude and style alone sounds more akin to 1970s punk - perhaps more so than anything that takes that name today.
alternative DiY folk musician
When a comparison copout is available it is bound to be used lazily to speed up the record-in-review-out process, so if we were to tell you that The Please have all that made being Strokes-like cool, you would rightly start to wonder whether we had found an easy option and baled.
I always deem it wise to respect an artist's decision to go solo (rather than ask questions) and especially those who then decide to produce a solo album, all that despair, loss; love and heartbreak in one album must surely be an intense experience to put yourself through?
Elvis Perkins and backing band Dearland are the perfect band to get people in the mood for some folk.
Last Riot: Shoot For The Sky EP
Purple fiery dice adorn the front of the Shoot For the Sky E.P, suggesting a devil-may-care rock'n'roll attitude but there's also a hint of glam sparkle about it which builds up the fear that Last Riot might be as camp as KISS.
Colin Mounsey: The Hungry Pig EP
This vintage quality EP has five full-bodied songs from Colin Mounsey (aka The Hungry Pig). Colin is a recent solo arrival in Leeds as a fully-formed songwriter and performer with a lavish sense of musical adventure, having served time with Blue Planet and Anabasis.
Hell Is For Heroes: Models For The Programme
When the EMI axe fell last year, HIFH were one of several bands that found the rug pulled from under them and a frightening wilderness beckoning.
An American band with guitars and a violin will bring images of Hillbilly country rock. Add a hint of reggae and you'll be forgiven for thinking it's the Mad Hatters tea party.
No biog and no website means no information about Galactico, so it's only a guess whether the band is named after the super stars of Real Madrid.
Corinne Bailey Rae receives three Grammy nominations
Leeds-based solo artist Corinne Bailey Rae is up against Mary J Blige and James Blunt as the 49th Grammy Award nominations were revealed today.
The heroes of Live At Leeds have their new single, a song which on first inspection lacks the vivacity that drenched their performance at The Cockpit last month.
When the news first arrived that Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke was to release a solo record it came as a bit of a surprise, certainly considering Radiohead were currently in the middle of a tour and busy recording their highly anticipated seventh album, however, many felt Thom would go solo at some point...
"Nowhere to Hide" is a clanging bluesified rock piledriver with Americano vocal affectation in the style of Pub Rock, but no particular song.
acoustic indie rock
Buen Chico will release a single on July 7th
Buen Chico will release a Free Download single on July 7th. Following the release of their debut album in October 2007, the band have decided to give away their new single 'Tell Em!' for free.
Calvin Johnson @ Brudenell Social Club
"Well hello, my name is Calvin Johnson, thank y'all for being here. I'm just gonna do my thing baby and you do yours." And there he was, the main man of Dub Narcotic Sound System and Beat Happening, alone on the stage of a northern social club with only an acoustic guitar for company.
Bands wanted for WTP Battle Of The Bands 2007
Bands are now being sought for the WTP Battle Of The Bands 2007 competition that is scheduled to take place at the Snooty Fox and The Jockey venues in Wakefield over the next few months.
The Tamborines: What Took You So Long
Despite the misspelling, The Tamborines have a name as obvious as the day is long. Far more interestingly the 3 piece consist of two Brazilians (the nationality not the haircut) and one French drummer, which makes the wall-of-sound Indie influenced by the likes of Teenage Fanclub and The Jesus & Mary Chain all the more surprising.
More bands for Moor Music Festival...
The Moor Music Festival (19-21st August, Ilkley Moor) have announced further additions to their line up.
For Those Lost: This Is Our Fight
When a band comes to you promising to sound like Slayer, Mastodon and Sick of It All, as a metal fan you could be forgiven for getting over excited.
Dionysis: The Butterflies Cry EP
Relative babes on the music scene (7 months to be exact), Halifax's Dionysis show a wealth of potential in this hit and miss 3-song collection.
Andie Mills: Going Native for Dirty Pictures
A familiar face on the Leeds scene, Andie Mills is a veritable one man music industry. This is his 3rd solo release and is another sombre collection of introspective blues/acoustic rock.
Micky P Kerr: www.mickypkerr.co.uk / Dreamers Club
Micky P Kerr took the decision leave popular local Leeds act Jack Afro just after the band released their debut single on 1965 Records.
Unexploded Shells: Made In The Same City As You
It's been a lean time for music lately. I've been impressed by stuff, but hardly bowled over at the same time.
The Fiery Furnaces: Single Again
Coming on like a deranged DJ Shadow monkeyed off his eyeballs on uppers and downers, whilst various members of the Beta Band and the Delgadoes point and laugh, this is an eclectic yet energetic 218 seconds of mayhem.
Lisa Brown are a bit of a surprise. With that name you expect a solo female acoustic guitar type thing going off but it's nothing of the sort.
Royal Park Cellars secure national music magazine showcase...
LOGO have chosen the Royal Park Cellars for their first Northern showcase in their campaign to bring the magazine, already claiming a circulation larger than NME in the South, to Northern audiences.
rock electronica country
Alec Empire @ Leeds Festival 2002
From the Atari Teenage Riot ashes came Alec Empire's solo project: an electro-metallers dream; digital hardcore to the techno masses; just plain loud and scary to the uninitiated dope heads sprawled out on a massive festival field in the north of England; and a sound engineer's nightmare.
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.
As with every Ash album there's always a couple of laidback slow numbers to listen to. Over the years we've had Goldfinger, Oh Yeah and Sometimes.
The Hightones: The Attic Tapes
Oh yeah baby, bring back that rock and roll! Only - if they could play and sing that would be great, but with out of tune vocals and guitars throughout I must say that from listening to this first track "Till The Night Is Through" I am NOT impressed.
If you let yourself, you'll love this band to death. Only the fear of it not being Iggy Pop could stop you.
Andy Beverley: Swords in the Sunset
This is a brave thing to do. Andrew Beverley is not an accomplished singer or guitarist, but he has a pile of heartbreak and a real story to tell.
Leeds band The Kaleids consist of Ollie Dickinson (Lead Guitar & Vocals), Mike Robinson (Bass & Backing Vocals) and Rich Thomas (Rhythm Guitar), three lads who have decided to make an original acoustic sound.
23-year-old songwriter Misterook has been around a fair bit as far as music is concerened. Since the age of 13, he has played guitar and wrote with countless bands from funk, soul, rock/metal, solo folk artistes, right through to experimental live drum and bass projects.
Laish: Tan Hits And Trinkets EP
The product of Brighton based solo artist Laish (aka Daniel Green), the Tan Hits And Trinkets EP is a journey into lo-fi experimentalism with an eerie folk angle.
electroclash punk funk
Alec Empire: The Golden Foretaste of Heaven
Starting your own record label with an advance bestowed on you by another record label could either be a great example of "sticking it to the man", or being a supremely selfish narcissistic tit depending on your viewpoint.
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.
The upstairs room at the Cardigan Arms is a perfect place for an acoustic gig. With its small, dark room, the atmosphere is made even better by the dozen or so candles that are situated around the room, creating a very intimate feel to the whole place.
In a market that is becoming increasingly saturated with second-rate Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra imitators, it is refreshing to hear a troupe of young musicians making original, cutting-edge jazz music.
This is chilled nearly-dance music with some real and some ambient stuff mixing up a loving recreation of someone's Summer of love on a gentle acid come down some years ago.
Gruff Rhys @ Hebden Bridge Picture House
With his second solo album "Candylion", Gruff Rhys has produced one of the most charming records of the year and tonight is a chance to witness the Welsh genius at work in the flesh.
alternative acoustic
96.3 Aire FM continue to offer airplay to local bands via its Music Express show...
96.3 Radio Aire is continuing to show its commitment to the up-and-coming music scene in Leeds in 2005 with the continuation of a weekly Music Express feature.
Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins: You Are What You Love
'You Are What You Love': a beautifully heart-rending account of a life in which the persona of the song is in a strange sorta love with the wrong sorta guy.
Bifta Smoking Eskimos: The Columbian Cold EP
We now have a scoop the NME would love to get their hands on, Richard Ashcroft formerly of The Verve and currently enjoying a bafflingly successful solo career has sneaked over to Huddersfield and recorded an EP in secret, working under the name Bifta Smoking Eskimos.
First up tonight are 'The Humour' and, if you're reading this gents, I hope you live up to your name because I, err, missed your set.
The Lost 45s UK: What Time Do You Call This?
The Lost 45s UK nobly continue their campaign to make beat music a force to be reckoned with on this long awaited debut album.
Steve Sanderson: Time and Tide EP
"And now something for our older listeners....", a phrase that probably puts the fear of god into most of our readers, and a phrase that could quite easily precede Steve Sanderson's adult orientated northern folk blues.
Right from the word go, you can tell that Zealous are a force to be reckoned with. They describe themselves as "Modern rock with a dynamic twist", and yes, the modern rock part of the statement statement is just about true but the "dynamic twist" I'm not too sure about though.
Displaying their influences like a BUMWARS tattoo in BIG BOLD letters on their forehead, this EP is a real call to arms for punk-funk fans everywhere.
Wakefield is the place for sure. Here's another talented bunch with a future ahead of them. It's not fully realised in the demo, with its tendency to try and sound like a "proper record".
Two tracks of melodic punk from ex-members of 46 Itchy. Thankfully the band have forgotten about their cheeky ska past and graced us with 2 smashing tracks of hook laden melodic punk raawk.
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists: Heart Of Oak
Ted Leo is a famous man. Or so he seems. A stable in the US hardcore scene he fronted in many renowned bands, most notably CHISEL, until going solo with The Pharmacists in '97.
... A funny thing happened to me on the way to the refectory. Actually it didn't, I was just late. Almost as late in fact as the members of The Basement are for the Dylan bandwagon that they seem so keen to jump on.
Band Profile: Three Random Words
Three Random Words was formed, officially, in September 2003. Roger (vocals, guitar) and Danny (lead guitar) had been wanting to start a band for a while, the former having worked as a solo artist for some time, the latter never having had the opportunity to publicly express himself through music.
Nothing (Brighton): Splints & Oxygen EP
Dear LMS, I am writing to you to divulge the contents of my listening discomforts, circa the morning of October the 7th, 2005.
The Hazey Janes: Fire In The Sky
Between their two October appearances in Leeds, The Hazey Janes release as a download single the song 'Fire in the Sky' plucked from their album Hotel Radio.
Damien Rice: Live From The Union Chapel
The third album from Irish songster Damien Rice is a 2003 recording of an intimate gig at the Union Chapel in London.
Cheer Up Mungo Hump and the Daddy Special: Untitled
'Sonic instigator' opens this CD with an infectious guitar riff, funky bassline and a vocalist that can actually sing.
Bright Young Things 2008 live showcases announced
Leeds City Council's Bright Young Things 2008 (BYT) project is now well underway. The young musicians have now had their professional photographs taken and completed their time in the studio, laying down tracks for the Bright Young Things Compilation CD, which will be available for free with The Leeds Guide on 5th March.
Local bands have their chance of radio airplay
Ridings FM continues to show its commitment to the up and coming music scene with the Local Music Update, every Thursday evening at 9.15pm.
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.
Over fifteen years since Suede burst on the UK indie scene with their debut single The Drowners, frontman Brett Anderson releases his first solo album, the imaginatively titled Brett Anderson.
Off The Wall at The Irish Centre
An old school friend (in my case a Very Old friend) contacted me recently to see if I would like to see a Pink Floyd tribute band called Off The Wall at The Irish Centre in Leeds.
It's wrong to compare, but what first attracted me to this band was a rock rush, the crash of a song, in an unashamedly indie way.
Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames: Drop The Decade
Leeds' Dance to the Radio recruits Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames join the domination of New Yorkshire over the current music scene with latest release Drop the Decade.
The Masked Musician: Perfectionist Being
The Masked Musician is a Leeds based solo artist responsible for everything from writing to producing the songs.
Herman's Hermits for a new generation, Brendan Benson is deep in the suburbs of Kwellerville. "Metarie" is bourgeois, pointless, soulless, very cute, and very lavishly furnished with musical equipment and recording studio time.
Wild Beasts: Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairvoyants
It would be wholly unfair to say that the stir Wild Beasts have been causing on the Leeds scene of late was entirely down to the fact that they have a lead singer with one of the most unusual vocal styles around.
After the cool sounds of a local DJ stop floating around the packed Cockpit, a percussive wall of noise slowly builds up from the back of the crowd.
Town. Okay. Everyone knows where town is right? That's a good place to start. Now, make your way up to Park Row.
The Pocket Gods: Nub Country Flyby
The Pocket Gods are the brainchild of singer songwriter Mark Lee and despite the mention of "various guest artists" this is a fairly solo sounding affair - distorted vocals, distorted guitar over a cheap and particularly monotonous drum machine.
Susskind: The April Shower Demo
First of all I was going to blast them on the production here but, no, because it clearly states that it is a demo so I'll forgive Susskind for that.
Tom Napper & Tom Bliss @ Cock & Bottle (Bradford)
With this year's move to a new home, the world's oldest folk club is suddenly closer to Leeds than ever before, just when folk music is elbowing its way back into the general consciousness.
Benjamin Wetherill to release his debut album in July 2008
Leeds solo artist Benjamin Wetherill will release his debut album, the 'Laura' LP, on the Red Deer Club / Ba Da Bing labels on 28th July 2008.
Decoration: The Thomas Pink Session
A busy yuletide schedule forced this review into 2004 and subsequently stopped it being my unsigned CD of 2003 and yet although I am sure to receive many more CDs from eager young artists in the coming months, I am unlikely to receive many that better this!
CD Central @ Leeds Central Library - get your music heard...
Are you a solo artist or member of a band, and have you produced your own CD? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you can help yourselves and help CD Central Library get Leeds' musical talent out of the bedrooms and backrooms of the pubs, and out there into the city and beyond!
Even during the early stages of her career, Cara Robinson was writing and recording with notable artists from a huge range of musical genres, including David Holmes, LTJ Bukem and upcoming EMI artist, Corrine Bailey-Ray.
Daniel Pearson announces his song-a-week project, "The Blueprint"...
Leeds-based singer-songwriter Daniel Pearson has begun his 'songwriting experiment' The Blueprint, during which he will release a brand new song every week for the next 6 months.
It's always a risky option to quit a band to pursuit a solo career, due to it being a dangerous choice musically or maybe because of the sacrifices that have to be made throughout the transition, yet Harrogate's Tom Weldon, of trio Fantastic Alliance, has done just this and done it well.
International Trust: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' is an odd track to say the least. It's a perfectly crafted indie/pop song with radio friendly keyboard hooks and half decent production values.
Ashley Hicklin has been writing and performing in bands and as a solo artist for 6 years. From a UK tour, festivals, auditions and even dates in Sweden, his musical talents have travelled far and wide.
Ojos de Brujo, or wizard eyes in English, are one of the most important bands on the world music scene bridging the gaps between genres in ways mainstream artists can only dream of.
Fox & Newt, Friday night, it can mean only one thing ... the latest offerings from top local duo Living Thing.
Staerimto can be described as lush, poignant, quirky folk. In this DIY solo effort lead by John Perry there are moments of brilliance and also emptiness.
Bradford slacker rock outfit Harmacy are a bit of a find. I've never heard of them before but if they're gigging locally I'd recommend checking them out.
Cult chilled outfit Fridge have spawned yet another success with another 3rd of their ranks following in the footsteps of Four Tet and producing a damn fine solo project.
During the winter months most birds fly off to places with a warmer climate but not the UK's very own Bird who has recently spent the last year in the freezing cold country of Iceland.
Newton Faulkner: Dream Catch Me
"Every time I close my eyes, it's you". The opening few words of Newton Faulkner's new single are quite mysterious.
Easyworld @ Leeds Festival 2002
Since melting hearts at last years festival with their 'Better ways to Self Destruct' mini LP, Eastbourne's ace popkids Easyworld have been busy.
Bullet For My Valentine: Hearts Burst Into Fire
"This track is going to be massive" says Zane Lowe, a man I tend to trust, as he is usually right. And with the added backing of such Radio One heavyweights like Jo Whiley and Daniel P Carter, Bullet For My Valentine are set to take yet another step on their road to world supremacy.
On the second and fourth Thursday of every month, Leeds offers us a new acoustic night: "Stripped" at Baby Jupiter.
The Bluebirds: The Bluebirds Album
The unwritten law that states "All blues bands must attempt to have either the word blue or blues or some clever word play with the word blue in their name" strikes again...
Apparently Roe Sham Bo have had the luxury of turning down 3 record deals. One listen to their self-released album Serotonin will have you scratching your head and asking "Just who the f*ck were these record companies?" and did they come here in a time machine?
four day Hombre @ Barfly (Sheffield)
Call me old fashioned but the Barfly is just that bit too new and shiny for me. It definitely isn't on the Sheffield 'toilet circuit', and there's just something about those venues.
Interview: Charlotte Hatherley
Kate Zezulka meets up with Charlotte Hatherley to counteract the Spice Girls' comeback by spreading a little real girl power...
Band Profile: Blue Sky Project
Concocted deep in 2003 in response to a deficit of ambitious or interesting music, Blue Sky Project is the brainchild of Leeds-based solo artist and ex-Mr.
Kayla Kavanagh is a solo artist with a twist. The 29 year old Irish singer/songwriter performs live with an array of instruments, wires and technology, taking the audience on a journey from acoustic to full technology-led electronica.
DTTR set to release their third compilation album: 'Something I Learned Today'
Leeds-based independent record label Dance To The Radio have revealed the tracklisting for their forthcoming compilation album, their third compilation in as many years.
Full kudos must go to Dinosaur Jr for upholding the noble and valiant art of the guitar solo; almost every track on new album "Beyond" features at least one example of smartly-executed fretboard frivolities.
There's something inherently fishy about Days Of Worth's take on metal. There's an aspect of the whole product that's not quite believable - as if it's all a facade in order for a taste of the 5 minutes of fame pie.
It's usually the way that those who are the most lacking in self-confidence are usually the more talented with the least to worry about - take it as a good omen, then, that all of tonight's acts are surprisingly self-deprecating.
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".
With his 2004 solo debut "Homesongs", ex Four Tet member Adem Ilhan managed to break the hardest of hearts with his folk quivering and breathy songs that sounded so fragile at times it was hard not to fall in love with.
Last Night's TV: Nice to Have a History
Spencer Bayles and company have taken a big leap forward with this richly-produced single. Main song "Nice to Have a History" has a haunting tune and a warmer range of sounds than the customary Last Night's TV signature.
Del Scott Miller: My Timing Will Win Me Few Friends
After checking out some fantastic unsigned bands, I'm left with this CD on my desk staring up at me, expectant eye, awaiting a review.
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 then after months of waiting the night was finally here, our first chance to see the Academy. After an hour in Walkabout (who will do a roaring trade on a Friday night with two quid drinks compared to £3.20 next door) we got our first glimpse of the Academy and our first reaction was how busy it seemed.
Futuresound 2006: thirty bands given opportunity to play at Leeds Festival
Futuresound 2006 organisers have today announced the thirty bands that will take part in the annual event that will eventually see six bands selected to appear at this year's Carling Weekend: Leeds Festival.
Billed as a solo album, Skull Ring is actually a collection of different collaborations. In the 'Welcome' category, he teams up with The Stooges again, The Trolls and everyone's favourite bearded lady, Peaches.
Dave Cooke talks about life after Landspeed Loungers, Wrath Records, the local scene and the fortunes of his new band...
Accolade: Something In The Sky
There's a strong voice and some nice open tunes here. The simple chord changes are fluently done and a Radio 2 audience beckons.
The Storyville concept is sound. Excellent music kept simple enough to play live, and intelligent enough to reward repeated listening.
Kid iD: Broken Little Monkey EP
American styley alt-soft-rock-folksy voice boy Ralph Pelleymounter has emerged from the bottomless pit of solo acoustic performers and lends his sultry vocals to the backdrop of a full line up, thus Kid iD are born and henceforth comes this natty little EP.
The Bilderberg Group: Use Yer Head
Back in September 2001 I reviewed the "I Knew You'd Know I'd Know You Know" album from The Bilderberg Group.
I must admit, sitting in 'The Angel', (good cheap drinks here ladies and gentlemen), en route to 'The Roscoe' I was lost in the conversation from the other table - let's not go there but...
Richard Ashcroft: Break the Night With Colour
After two years away Richard Ashcroft returns again to fill our hearts and souls. His new single "Break the Night With Colour" was released on 9th January 2006 under his new label Parlophone and upon hearing the single for the first time, I sensed the feeling that his roots now lie along side new mates Coldplay.
This was perhaps my most anticipated gig of the year so far. Ever since hearing 'Daddy's Gone' I've been a big fan and having missed their last trip to Leeds at the Faversham I was not going to miss this one.
Picture the scene, playing a gig and someone comes up to you asking to review their CD. OK or so I thought!
Linus present a jazz tinged singer-songwriter compilation of songs by Chris Holliday, Chris Simmonds and Lee Johnson.
Herdwhite: Put Down Your Weapons
Andy Pegram sounds like more of a music lover and collector than a music creator. His solo digital empire runs to a lot of neat bits and pieces, lovingly spliced out of the earlier days of electronic dance euphoria.
Obsessive Compulsive: Crash EP
I was looking forward to listening to this CD, because it had a female vocalist, and I just love listening to bands with female vocalists and this was no exception.
The Playmates: Smash Hits / Jackie Wright
The Playmates just reek of scuzz. They've got scuzz seeping out of every orifice. They've got scuzz in places you don't even have places.
Velvet Revolver: Fall To Pieces
I'm starting to wish I'd been more into Guns n Roses when I was younger. I also wish I'd taken more notice of the advice that I'd like Stone Temple Pilots.
acoustic pop
Love with Arthur Lee @ City Varieties
With one brand new song and the Love band playing more confidently than ever, this was the Arthur Lee bonus gig to complement last year's triumphant tour.
Neil Cowley Trio @ Millennium Square
The Leeds Jazz festival has become an easy way for the average music lover to be exposed to a whole host of talented Jazz musicians from across the UK.
The opening bars of the mistitled "Orgasm" are beautifully done. A well controlled and very sweet guitar phrase leads into Anthony Slattery's very good vocal delivery on a big open song.
Rose Kemp @ Love Apple (Bradford)
Blank generation disco is the new monthly live music night at the Love Apple, Bradford, a venue that is well worth the train journey from Leeds, or wherever you may be coming from.
Capital State: Middle Of The Night
Capital State are making a lot of the running on the Leeds scene these days. High profile gigs, a growing following and this smart new 3 track CD commits them to the West Yorkshire Premiership, with a special award for pleasing the crowd.
The Palms really fit the modern day bill with their take on the current Indie rock / dance scene ala Kasabian, but one or too vocal production issues and an occasional penchant for misguided fret-wanking hold them back from hitting the full throttle.
Graham Jones - Bass Mark Priestly - Guitar Bruce Renshaw - Drums (dep) Ruth Coffey - Congas Caroline Standen - Flute/Alto Saxophone Alison Sheldon - Clarinet Paul Lee - Soprano/Tenor Saxophones Christine Smith - Tenor Saxophone Richard Scott - Baritone Saxophone Helen Mills - Trumpet Jem Dobbs - Trumpet Steve Etheridge - Trombone Rich Warrington - Trombone Throwing a party?
Having been brought up listening to all the 60's and 70's hippy-mod bands, it was a real treat to be sent this CD, all I can say is these guys have some talent between them, and a very decent producer.
Northern Theremonic @ Royal Park Cellars
I came tonight for only the second time to the Royal Park pub and I was indeed a Panama Virgin. I had heard good things about Steve Kind and his nights and was eager to find out if they were true.
Captain Wilberforce: Everyone Loves A Villain
This release is quite a confusing listen. The explosive, fuzzy power-pop 'gems' of Captain Wilberforce's previous releases set the tone, with a thoroughly tolerable, bubbly aim to please.
Yet another top night at Josephs' Well, to see two bands, or should I say acts because the first is a solo guy with but an acoustic guitar to his name, which is incidentally TOM GOURLEY.
You may recognise the name and remember Amy Studt as a hesitant yet flourishing teenage star. After her debut album sold around 200,000 copies and she gained 3 top twenty singles, she pondered stepping out of the world of music for good.
This Days Fury don't so much wear their influences on their respective sleeves as paint them in thirty foot high day-glo letters and carry them around on a rotating bill board.
Lou Barlow: Holding Back the Year
About to embark, or currently on - depending on when you read this - a pretty miniscule tour of the UK is alt rock granddaddy Lou Barlow.
The Unisex: Watching Traffic EP
It seems that when they are not busy making porn movies, the people of Sweden also like to produce top notch records for the rest of the world to enjoy.
John Parkes: Faithlessnessless
John Parkes is a singer songwriter in the most traditional of senses. One man, his guitar and his occasional harmonica is as much as is needed on this 12 song solo break from Whole Sky Monitor.
Daghdha @ Horsforth Social Club
Not many bands in Leeds will have played Horsforth Social Club, and I dare say not many bands will. It's a good-sized venue and is easy to find.
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.
An evening of contrasts at the New Roscoe was enjoyed by a pleasantly sizable crowd - given that it was a Wednesday night and clashed with the nation's prima donnas kicking a bag of wind with scant success - proof, if proof be need be, that live music at grass roots level is alive and kicking.
Felix Leiter: Lighter Than Leiter
"Lighter than Leiter" is a 2 track CD with "Ten to Seven" and "Learning to be Selfish" pushing out the word about this back to basics three piece band.
Milo was hosting Night Vision, an interesting mix of music and poetry. Playing first, a three-piece who didn't give their name gave a short mix of covers including and an innovative re-working of Frou Frou's "Let Go" and a somewhat less innovative version of Ryan Adams' "Oh My Sweet Carolina" (maybe they should've done the 'classic' "This Is It"), as well as traditional Irish folk songs.
Time for a bit of a honky-tonk jig, as Dubliner's 747s' catchy indie folk starts off, with tracks like 'Rain Kiss' and 'Leave Your Job Today', which employs an assortment of kitchen utensils and pans, adding to the plinky-plonk of the organs.
This, the farewell tour of Leeds' greatest outsider band Cud, is to be a blinder. Maybe not all the hits are here, but the setlist covers their five original releases with a bit of everything.
The Pattern: Fragile Awareness
What I like about the pattern is that after first listening I couldn't stand them. I listen 3 days later and I can't stop ...
The Ben Siddall Band: High On You EP
Ben Siddall's music is smoothly well made. It's the kind of non-committed generalised hobbyist pop that can only really exist on demo CDs.
Came across Astrid on the Roadworks Tour when she was one of the supports for Adam Masterson along with Bodixa.
Fifteen bands announced for Bright Young Things 2007
Fifteen musicians and bands from across the region have been given the chance to shine through Bright Young Things 07, the annual Leeds showcase organised by Leeds City Council that offers young local bands and solo artists the opportunity to work directly with industry professionals.
This is an interesting idea. Monte Carlo are filling three CD-Rs with songs, and giving them all away at live gigs and through their website.
Malcolm Middleton: A Brighter Beat LP
From the stark opening line of the album 'We're All Going To Die' you instantly form the impression that this album might not be as positive as the title would have you believe.
It's fresh, it's loud. It's the Alamo. Four bars, four beats, four songs, four kids. And they're doing a great enthusiastic blast of natural rock with no frills and no attempt to imitate anyone except themselves.
Decoy sit musically in a category that is most definitely not indie; probably more rock, with a tendency and concentration towards creating a guitar ambience.
Remo are from the growing collection of "alternative" rock bands hailing from the city of Bradford lately.
Calling all Leeds musicians, bands and filmmakers... 20/20/02Vision 2007 revealed.
20 Bands, 20 Filmmakers, 2 Weeks: details of the third annual 20/20/02Vision opportunity have this week been revealed and organisers of the 20/20/02Vision 2007 event are now looking for Leeds bands and filmmakers to take part in the exciting film and music festival, which educates and celebrates the raw talent within the UK film and music sectors.
Kings of Convenience: Riot On An Empty Street
Flashback a few years, and to Bergen, Norway. One of many Scandinavian towns and cities being proclaimed as new centres of cool, two guys released an album called 'Quiet Is The New Loud'.
Host Media Centre offering Leeds bands and musicians free studio recording time!
Host Media Centre in Leeds has today revealed that it will be offer free two-day recording slots to Leeds' unsigned artists throughout 2007!
I'm From Barcelona @ Brudenell Social Club
Buen Chico's lead singer Morgan delivered sharp yelps over bursts of pop-punk and wry explanations of song titles.
Liam Fray was known around the North West prior to the formation of The Courteeners as one of Manchester's most promising and popular songwriters.
Tonight is a very unusual night at the cockpit, for the first time ever I have seen tables and chairs set out in room 2.
Line up and ticket details for Moor Music Festival 2006 revealed
With yet more spectacular sounds promised and a fantastic mix of rock, blues, folk, bluegrass and acoustic music the Moor Music Festival returns for another year to showcase the best bands and artists the area has to offer.
When Ben (the tunesmith for The Lodger) released his first three-track demo as a solo project, it showed that his taste and song writing were spot on.
Beautiful Feet @ Hard Rock Cafe
This was my first visit to the Hard Rock and I was expecting great things. Apart from Jimi Hendrix's belt the venue disappointed slightly, but neither of tonight's acts did.
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.
If you like your music to the point and under 3 minutes then you might be better taking a wide berth around My Computer.
To some artists, the City Varieties would be a venue to avoid; its arcane stylings and intimate surroundings make it a much more unconventional settings for music in Leeds.
Muse have had huge success over the last year, with a hit album and a single that was on the radio so incessantly that, impressive though it was on the first few listens, eventually became white noise after being played to death.
The Scaramanga Six @ Royal Park Cellars
Sheffield noise mongers POLON pose a curious schizophrenia question. Just what is it that they want to be?
Imogen Heap: Speak For Yourself
Imogen Heap is, according to the Guardian, "the first download diva", views of her Myspace and downloads of the music seem to make her bigger than the Beatles.
The Belles: Never Said Anything
déjà vu : n. 1. (Psych) illusory feeling of having already experienced a present situation. 2. Something tediously familiar.
Promising name I thought. Very Jack Kerouac, but with cunning regional twist with the old M62 and that.
Support tonight is from fellow band member of Graham Coxon's band, however I didn't manage to catch his name.
Continuing on with the now established 'Wednesday... Whatever' nights, we had a bit of a disappointing turn out in all honesty, maybe due to the fact that there were only two bands playing or that the opening band's mates had school the next day.
Joff Whitten is a rather talented boy: a solo performer he mixes an acoustic guitar, a bass and wistful vocals, throws them all into a loop, swaps instruments, generates layer-upon-layer and comes out with some rather intriguing folk-pop.
The Reindeer Section: Son Of Evil Reindeer
The Reindeer Section have a good story, and you can find plenty of well researched articles and reviews in the professional press now that Album number 2 on Bright Star Recordings is out.
Calling Leeds musicians: Bright Young Things 2007 applications now accepted.
Leeds' hottest new bands and musicians are again being given the opportunity to shine in the annual Bright Young Things project.
First on was Math Hill & The Horrible Children. Previously advertised as medieval folk songs played to modern arrangements, the outlook was questionably dim.
For 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.
Viva Stereo: Optimism is Not a Curse
Yet more testament in the case against the well oiled machine that is the UK music industry and its super efficient scouting system.
For his first venture into solo work the Pearl Jam frontman has produced this soundtrack for close friend Sean Penn's film 'Into The Wild'.
Finally one of the most eagerly awaited albums is here, but have The Strokes returned with a modern day classic, or will "Room on Fire" leave fans asking 'Is this it?' Hyped for months by the music press, The Strokes' latest offering sounds aurally much like their last album, just with a few more ideas thrown in.
The main room of the Cockpit is heaving tonight so I have no chance of getting in to see Carus Thompson, usually of Carus and the True Believers.
How exactly do you "draw" silence then? Do you sit down with a crayon and a piece of paper next the National Institute for the Mute and wait for something non-vocal to grab your artistic muse?
As the stereo gobbles up its latest shiny donut of musical nourishment, I have to stop it mid-bite to check I've put the right CD in - the resemblance of Protein Shake's opening riff to the chorus of 'Fire' by the Jimi Hendrix Experience is uncanny.
Hot Club De Paris play Leeds on 1st June and release their new album on 16th June. Joseph Seager caught up with the band to ask them some questions.
Oui Bee's solo career began when she joined the 'Hydrogen Jukebox', an alternative Cabaret, music and comedy forum in Darlington, where she was quickly snapped up as the resident songwriter/performer...
Cardboard Cowboy: The Boxroom Tapes
There's a lot to like about this collection of four tunes, which are true testament to what can be done with home recording and some decent song writing.
Over the last few years we've seen the size of bands decline. Whether it be the bassless White Stripes or the vocal lacking Lightning Bolt it seemed bands couldn't get any smaller.
The old days when folk was seen as only for the "crusties" are gone. Thanks to troubadours like Willy Mason, Frank Turner and Get Cape,Wear Cape, Fly, folk is now in the lug holes of many young as well as old people.
Fleet Foxes @ Brudenell Social Club
Opening for the hotly-tipped troupe were seasoned performers Beach House. Appreciated by the hushed audience, Beach House played some very melodic tunes in this short set despite singer Victoria Legrand's largely indiscernible vocals.