Search for shame shame shame performed on Wednesday, 7th January 2009.
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We found the term shame shame shame in 270 articles.
As Green Day have been propelled into front runners of the pop punk genre it seems almost natural that a whole hoard of hero worshippers would crawl out of the woodwork to offer their tributes.
Farming Incident: The Flute of Shame
Collectors' item Farming Incident material without a pop hook to its name. Driving, insistent, nagging.
Band Profile: Shame About Haley
Band profile for the band Shame About Haley
Wakefield's The Old House are no ordinary band. Chris Billingham, Craig Newman Matt Knee and Paul Reid are fresh, enthusiastic and fizzing with ideas.
I was lucky enough to review Harmacy's first offering. They must have liked what I wrote because they sent me another one!
It's rare I listen to a CD and sense a lack of discernable musical talent but for some strange reason that's what struck me about "The First Drop".
The Smokestacks @ Cockpit (acoustic bar)
Mary Wanna Smile were a very solid, straight-forward rock band, performing some well crafted acoustic ditties.
Farming Incident: Our Glorious Five Year Plan
The black sheep of the Wrath Records family, Farming Incident have been ploughing (ouch) their trade in these fields, as it says on the tin, for five years or so.
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Mark B & Blade @ Leeds Festival 2001
"...running out of time..." - it's a shame that this lyric signifies the end of an awareness-expanding insight into how great hip-hop can sound when in the hands of musicians as talented as Mark B & Blade.
South: A Place In Displacement
One of those bands who seem to have been ekeing out a living as perennial outsiders despite a clutch of pretty damn good tunes over the course of their two albums so far ("Colours In Waves" and "Paint The Silence" especially), it's unfortunately difficult to see South's forthcoming third album changing things.
A teaser track from their forthcoming album, "Learning" begins with a fantastic guitar into; its not complicated but it certainly has attitude in a serious rock sense; a style they are not commonly associated with.
With the noise of American hardcore, driving, distorted guitars, but with indie vocals over the top, these Glaswegian lasses are similar vocally to Juliette and the Licks, minus of course the male Licks.
As the sun overhead blazes down over Leeds, most people either sit outside basking in the mid twenties sunshine or fiddle with their badly burned meat on their barbecues rather than venturing out to the local venues.
Electric Soft Parade @ Cockpit
Icelandic moodsmiths Lorien aren't exactly influenced by the Sex Pistols. No, Radiohead are probably more their bag.
Fi-Lo Radio: Cracked Bones Cheap Skin
It's a shame that the greatest thing about this single is when the chorus track crashes in on title track "Cracked Bones Cheap Skin" and bassist Jude screams the title at us.
Clearlake @ Leeds Festival 2001
"Everyone's gone to see Marilyn" wistfully opines lead singer Jason Pegg. He's right too. What should be a nicely brimming Carling Tent is not exactly chokka for Clearlake.
'I Keep The Faith' is taken from Billy Bragg's latest album 'Mr Love And Justice'. The single is sweet and mellow and does not take any risks.
It's a sub-zero crowd when MIA turns up which is an absolute shame as she drops beats and rhythms more precise than an army precession.
I was really excited to see this gig, cos we've all heard so much about Mozo, The Real Fucky Fucky sound crazy, and the preview of bop section in cops and robbers sounds really cool.
Three songs of pleasant strumming and little distinction from this Leeds based singer songwriter. All the songs show an ear for melody and are definitely in the Evan Dando bracket, track 2 "Love Burns" could easily be lifted from The Lemonheads' "Shame About Ray" era.
Roachville are a 4-piece metal/hardcore outfit from Swansea. With the current influx of Spock haired nancy boys coming from the valleys I was praying this was gonna rock, and rock it did!
Seattle trio who seem to have their fingers on several pulses, the 13 tracks here run through genres like a modern rock 101.
It's clear just how far Mr Shiraz have come in such a short space of time, and things just keep getting better.
All My Friends Are Dead: Untitled
Another group to add to the new movement of Leeds-based post-rock outfits, All My Friends Are Dead arrive with a three-track debut demo that, while showcasing a promising musical style, still feels a little unfinished.
Only 19 and thrashing their long locks around on the front cover of this new EP, Desert Monkey are clearly having a good time.
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.
Comedy nights are no joke at Royal Park
Panama Promotions have announced that Hyena Lounge Comedy Nights - planned for Thursdays throughout January, February and March, will not after all take place.
The Arteries' music is pretty much as you would expect with such an unpleasant name. The Welsh five-piece's aggressive punk almost verges on metal with its hard, powerful riffs backed by thumping rhythms topped by screeching vocals.
A lot of people will love Scout. I know my mum does. They're a cracking band, very talented with strong arrangements and a singer who sounds like Andrea Corr but so much better.
Ping Pong Bitches: Roc Ya Body
Ping Pong Bitches' forthcoming single 'Roc Ya Body' sounds like Goldfrapp, X Ray Specs and Karen O locked Girls Aloud in a dungeon and beat the crap out of the pop tarts then turned it into a record about wanting to shag teenage boys.
Beautiful Feet off to the Cannes Film Festival...
Beautiful Feet have agreed that Leeds based independent film company Carey Films Ltd can use their single "Headstrong" in their new feature length film scheduled for general release later this year.
Gallows: In the Belly of a Shark
When Gallows first released their debut album 'Orchestra OF Wolves' back in 2006, it was hailed by most critics (including myself) as the best British album in a decade, with prime slices of angry spazz-punk such as this permeating the release.
Paper Cuts: Born On A Slippery Slope
If any bands were to be related to the late At the Drive-in then Paper Cuts would the immature cousin from across the pond whom the family hate to visit at Christmas as they're the ones who get blind drunk and try to hit on your mother.
I'd never previously seen any of the bands I saw on Wednesday night but when I left at 11:15pm I felt like I'd heard three of them somewhere else before.
Cornershop @ Leeds Festival 2002
A welcome alternative to the glut of nu-metal bands currently filling the airwaves, Cornershop nonetheless disappoint slightly with a somewhat lacklustre performance.
It's a genuine shame that throughout the 4 songs on offer from Huddersfield's The Pretty Machine the kick drum infuriatingly sounds likes a wet fart being loudly let off in your ear.
On paper this was an impressive showcase line-up of cross-Yorkshire talent tonight courtesy of Sandman magazine.
Thirteen Senses: Thru The Glass
Well, it's a young guitar band on a major label. So let's be grateful. But not for the first time questions have to be asked about what made 'em pick this one for the big push.
Kaiser Chiefs: Everyday I Love You Less and Less
If the tactics seem familiar don't be too surprised: exposure, exposure, exposure, gig, gig, gig and then do it all again 10 times over, meanwhile progressively release every song off the album as a single although half of them actually aren't that good and eventually even your mum will be humming the tune to Everyday I Love You Less & Less and saying "these Clever Chiefs are very good aren't they".
Death in Public: Start a Fight
Lancaster's Death in Public's release 'Start a Fight' is an inventive three-track disc. The title track is full of energy and enthusiasm and sets the tone for the rest of disc.
Minotaurs: Anyone Who Had A Heart
Anyone Who Had A Heart is the debut EP from the South Shields based 6-piece, Minotaurs. Available on 12" vinyl only, this is solid collection of four potentially massive pop songs.
Mary Anne Hobbs could do herself a favour. We all cringed as she jumped up and down effing and blinding in an embarrassing attempt to look cool.
Having heard a lot of good things about The Ryes it was with great interest I loaded their CD into my iTunes.
What a relief, The Xenith Sound appear to have finally found the "Sound" their moniker so proudly advertises.
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.
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.
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.
It turns out that this is merely The Breech's last gig of the year, not their last gig forever and ever amen, but it's still a shame that we're not going to be able to see these fellas for a good long while now, because, boy, are they contagious.
Well, it ain't half as good as 'Lucky Lipstick', which I dug out the other day, subsequently finding myself in a hyperactive state of Chupa Chup withdrawal symptoms and ferreting around in my drawer for some glittery tights.
The 42 Tones: Sloppiness Counts
Ska. There's something about Leeds and ska music. The 42 Tones sit nicely right in the middle of that genre, and from all accounts these are a very young seven-piece band doing quite well for themselves.
Yet another indie/ rock four piece are here to stifle our souls. Hooray. This time it's Sleeve, a Sheffield formed band that "live in a dream." There's a bit more to them than the usual Oasis sound-a-likes.
Some misguided people out there might tell you that the post-Madchester pre-Britpop years weren't much fun to be growing up as an "indie kid".
Kram's previous efforts were not well received by Leeds Music Scene. One and half stars and a general roasting from reviewer Richard Garnett.
Scary Kids Scaring Kids: The Only Medicine
They hail from Arizona, they scream a lot. And I have no doubt if you presented this single to my 4-year-old nephew it would probably scare him.
Newton Faulkner: Hand Built By Robots
Quirky acoustic guitarists are not exactly redundant at the moment. So for something of this genre to be deemed 'important', in my opinion it has to be essential and most of all, interesting.
Can the quality of unsigned Leeds bands get any higher? The FutureSound 2000 has certainly opened a lot of people's eyes to the standard of music out there in Leeds, and if you think of the bands that aren't even playing...
Newly signed to Energy Records and about to sign off the live scene after several years' hard work to concentrate on recordings, Bodixa hit us with some intense feedback.
There comes a time for all bands to make a CD. Sometimes though, they tend to misjudge the right time to make one.
Only a handful of bands have lyrics that when cut bleed humour and wit, music that sparks involuntary bouts of movement resembling that of a seizure, an image gleaming like a 6ft neon sign that says 'now', a set void of a single poor effort AND who possess the ability to hold an audience even if they were doused in Kerosene and set alight.
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.
It's sort of reassuring to know that a propensity for sanctimonious songwriting can be found anywhere the world over.
Sea Wolf: Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low
Any band that implements "Wolf" into their name has to be either A: Brave. B: Stupid or C: Completely free of any sense of shame.
Counting Crows: Big Yellow Taxi
Had it not been for a spat with Top Of The Pops some 10 years ago when the band refused to lip sync debut single 'Mr.
My attention was alerted to this band when a live review likened them to Big Black and Cop Shoot Cop.
Peggy Sue and the Pirates @ Brudenell Social Club
Jaunty acoustic duo Peggy Sue and the Pirates played to a sparse audience of hangers-on and plus-ones at a subdued Brudenell Social Club, but their winning chattiness and lack of pretension set me up to like Peggy Sue before they even sent a jerky, charming mixture of grime, nu-folk and doo-wop echoing round the room.
Formerly known as Silence in D Minor on the Free to be me EP, "Violence" always has been a strong song.
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.
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.
Hmm... The difficult 4th single from the 2nd album, it's ok if you're Michael Jackson and have just made Thriller* but more often you can't hear the song for the sound of the barrel being scrapped.
Lemons and Limes: The Debut EP
Lemons and Limes, a new signing to Leeds-based GrooveStealer Records, get off to a great start on The Debut EP with opener Split Ends.
Somewhere there is a local pub that thinks The Tonic are the effing business and musically there is no denying it.
Support tonight was a band called Fields and to be perfectly honest, after I got my free badges from signing the mailing list I wasn't too fussed about them.
Johnny Poindexter: One of Three EP
You really should like Johnny Poindexter. It all comes in cute and playful packaging with a stick-man Johnny dancing across the CD.
Funeral for a Friend: Kicking And Screaming
Funeral for a Friend have been around for a good while now. When new album 'Memory And Humanity' hits the shelves on October 13th this year, it will be exactly five years to the day since their debut album was released upon the general public and their journey really began.
Okay, first up, confession time - due to the joys of the Leeds bus system, I didn't reach the venue until 9 so missed openers The Lucida Console's set.
Grand Volume: History / Fire Come Soon
More press bollocks comes armed with Grand Volume, this time literally. 'History' is not the "blistering prog-punk masterpiece" that we are led to believe.
Action Directe @ Cardigan Arms
'Vive Le Revolution' say Action Directe. Well if the topless, gyrating, hairy-backed fan in a CSKA Moscow scarf constitutes the revolution then the fat cats, fascists and fence-sitters, Action Directe so vociferously oppose, will sleep easy in the corridors of power.
The Chemical Brothers: Push the Button
The Chemical Brothers are back after a long overdue hiatus and have produced an album whose sound can only be described as well...
Random lost souls have asked me "what's the future of Rock and Roll?", I said "I don't know, does it matter?" This and that scene sound all the same to me, neither much worse or much better...
When I received this EP from Dave I knew absolutely nothing about Hatch or their music so this is a new experience for me!
The Mooney Suzuki in Leeds. The Mooney who?! Luckily, a few raw enthusiasts for this New York beat combo managed to rustle up a crowd barely reaching a hundred, a real shame for a band whose live reputation back in the USA is huge.
The Sunshine Underground @ The Vine
Walker's instruments are powerful: drums are hit, guitars are thwacked, bass is appropriately loud; 'tis a shame that the vocals can't cope/don't try.
It was when the drums kicked in that Palo Alto immediately demonstrated how phenomenal they are. Glances were exchanged with comrades, sat around one of the low tables at Leeds' newest and hugely promising full-time music venue Mixing Tin.
Taxi To the Ocean hail from the Netherlands, although it would be mighty expensive to get one there. There is a definite influence of Pearl Jam in there, especially with singer Just Posthumus' long locks and head swaying.
The Brute Chorus: She Was Always Cool
This is the third single from The Brute Chorus; scores of fans are greeted by this song commencing every gig.
Mod's back and comes in the capable hands of Leeds sharply cut Uptight. This four track EP is a gem of slicing guitar and nasal growling vocals.
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.
The Union Volts @ Joseph's Well
After support band sammyUSA have taken themselves and most of the audience up to the bar, its time for tonight's headliners.
When I arrived at The Cockpit for this evening's musical extravaganza, I was struck first of all by how quiet it was.
Fifty or so genuine Radio Aire competition winners and an army of press, liggers, blaggers and Leeds scene wannabes (people who don't have to be in work on a Friday afternoon) crowded into the Faversham.
The Music Roll Exchange: Untitled
The Music Roll Exchange (North London with Huddersfield connections) have their chief blurb-writer primed to start abbreviating the name (they shall be known as TMRE) before anybody has heard of their carefully chosen long name.
It's a shame that around only thirty people ventured over to the New Roscoe on Wednesday night because it really is a very well laid out venue, good acoustics and has a larger PA than venues such as the Rocket - although it was a little on the quiet side tonight.
I'll be honest. If this review stinks and subsequently I get annihilated by you good reader folks for not delving deeper, or trying to understand the songs or yabba yabba feckin' yabba then in this case, on this very occasion, it ain't my damn fault.
The Conway Story: Even when the wind blows
Whoever wrote these guys' press release must be pretty crap at making references. "Reminiscent of Keane and Coldplay" goes one line, making me fear the worst.
It may have been the 1st of April but there were no fools on display tonight. Kicking off proceedings were the highly energised Vatican Jet who ripped through a set of grinding riffs with a sharp British edge.
Smilex are from Oxford. They're inventive and spirited and should do a fizzing stir-fry of set at the Royal Park Cellars when they come to Leeds on November 1st.
Goose are a Live electro four piece from Belgium. Signed to Brighton-based label SKINT, Goose have become a regular name on the British Live circuit.
Paint It Black - US four-piece hardcore outfit featuring Dan Yemin and David Wagenshutz from Kid Dynamite / Good Riddance fame.
Jimmy Eat World @ The Refectory
Jimmy Eat World, if there were any justice in the world, should never be able to play Leeds. This isn't because they aren't deserving of a show in our fair city, it's simply because there's nowhere big enough for them here.
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".
Here up on the cliff tops, clinging on by their fingernails, the wind whistling eerily past, is where we find Squawkin' Justin Hawkins and his merry men in mid-2006.
Edison Medicine @ Joseph's Well
Seeing as Kate expertly reviewed Inertia Crisis, who I missed a lot of, I thought I'd review EDISON MEDICINE.
At risk of being derided on the Fracture forum for the rest of eternity, I'm going to try and describe what I saw and heard at the Bassment one night last week.
The Nervous Shakedown: Untitled
The White Stripes have a lot to answer for. Not only did they prompt the entire record industry to sign any band with a 'The' in the title, but they also made every label sign up the obligatory dirty blues riffage band.
Rob Nichols and his band plough through an impressive set which captivates the crowd. Although lyrically confessional the set reveals a variance of styles from poignant ballad "I Made A Simple Mistake" through to the rocking "High Times".
"It all kicks off around half past eight," Buen Chico's manager tells us as we stroll into the Met at the specified start time of seven o'clock.
Wire Happy: Short Cycles From A World Of Bumps And Swirls
'Short Cycles...' is a strange experience, which I must make that clear right now. As Kevin Mottram (aka Wire Happy) kindly points out it was originally intended to be a soundtrack to a game; and I can't decide if that admission was a good one or not pre-listening.
It's very hard to describe this album. Mainly because it is a hybrid of so many different genres, it's almost impossible to pin it down.
A well-made market-pitched record with little of interest for the music fan. The rather Coca Cola Championship song comes from Embrace's good friend Chris Martin.
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.
Dusty Not Digital: Solarise EP
In their list of influences on MySpace, Dusty Not Digital do a particularly good job of trying to draw you away from the truth.
I was fortunate to see Superelectric in action at the Circuit tour a few weeks ago, so knew exactly what to expect from their demo.
Band names get more elaborate these days. It's a shame the music they produce doesn't. Now It's Overhead are very dull to watch and listen to.
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.
The Hit and Runs: Set The Cameras Rollin'
"Pissed up in a nightclub, and I'll probably nip your arse and my mate will probably get his out..." Well whaddya know?
Jon Gomm @ Love Apple (Bradford)
I think we all know the story by now. A young sprightly reviewer who has never seen Jon Gomm before sits himself down and waits in anticipation.
I'm intrigued. Track three on this CD is called 'Reykjavik 101', which is a sort of name check of one of my favourite films ever.
Three long years I've been waiting!!! Finally Mover are back in town... hurrah!! I had never heard of the band before I saw them support The Bluetones in 1998 at the T&C but they completely blew me away.
Tonight sees the coming together of a trio of Leeds bands, including newcomers Living Thing, recent winners of the Bright Young Things 2000 competition Insense, and headliners Dionysus, the relative veterans on the night.
These guys are from New York and it's safe to say they are cool cats. Lump 'em in the same bracket as The Faint if you must - essentially, "electroclash rock band".
Warming up his vocals, one of The Blood Brothers' front men screams a few off shots into the mic and screeches his rendition of doing your scales into the mic.
Ex- Babes in Toyland Singer/Guitarist Kat Bjelland's three-piece band do the dirty in the dingy glow of Leeds City Centre.
Two things immediately spring out on the three-track demo CD from four-piece "atmospheric rockers" Lunar Camels.
The first act to play the bigger stage of the Cockpit tonight are Ins and Outs. The Leeds-based band stumble through a set of 'lager rock', accompanying two big pairs of lungs which concentrate on being as loud as possible, instead of the idea of tuning. What did entertain the crowd was probably more to do with their unique dance moves.
Pearl Jam @ Leeds Festival 2006
Another year, another chance for the great pillaging hordes of festival-goers to descend upon Branham Park for a weekend of music, debauchery and the chance to stick two fingers up at "the man" by paying three quid for a pint of beer.
Chevron @ McDermotts (Wakefield)
Wandering into McDermotts on Saturday night I noticed that tonight held the promise of music. Four bands whose apparent self-proclaimed musical leanings sounded tempting (if beer mat flyers are to be believed).
Is this night at the Mixing Tin proof that the traditional guitar / bass / drums / vocals band set up is dying out and becoming tired?
Every time I go to the Packhorse, Leeds seems to be in the middle of a hurricane or similar. The walk from the city centre up to Hyde Park is a blustery and soaking one, but once inside things start to pick up immensely, with one of the most impressive local lineups at the venue in some time.
Seismic Loveshift: Any Old Price
"sei'smic love'shift (n.) - geological earth movement akin to orgasm commonly occuring in West Yorkshire, created by the tumultuous confluence of crisp drumming, melodic bass, clean guitar and vocal mellifluence performing some of the most thoughtful, inspiring and haunting music of the twenty-first century" - SL.
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.
The Scaramanga Six @ Joseph's Well
Well blimey! I walk into Joseph's Well at about 3:20pm after standing in the pissing rain for 20 minutes outside the place (yes, you said you were opening at three!) but at least it gave me chance to sober up slightly seeing as I had been in Carpe Diem for the three previous hours and was somewhat jolly already.
Good old rock and roll that's what Vatican Jet dish out! Apparently standing in for Being 747, these lads did a great job!
'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.
One of the most underrated acts to emerge from the same Scottish scene as the likes of Idlewild and (obviously early) Snow Patrol, Seafood, through no fault of their own have just never caught on to the mainstream in a way that their combined talents have always merited.
I didn't have a clue who the support was going to be this evening, so I eagerly awaited the arrival of the support band: Captain.
Despite getting lost on the M621, I clawed our way back to Elland Road and skirted around the edge of the inner city road to Joseph Wells.
Death from above 1979 @ Cockpit
Hailing from Toronto, the first band of the night was the five piece Controller Controller. Minuscule singer Nirmala Basnayake took to the stage in a cheap black dress and fake pearls and shouted her way through a string of de-structured sequencer-laden dirty disco tracks from their forthcoming album 'History'.
I had high hopes for this one, their Mercury award nominated 'We Can Create' has been getting daily spins at Casa Stevish all through our so called summer and hasn't faded.
I never realised there were so many Candians in Leeds, I'm pretty sure they outnumber non Cannucks here tonight.
It has to be said, upfront, that The Panama Nights are probably the most enjoyable gig nights in Leeds.
It has been snowing all evening. From the centre of town, The Met is an uphill climb. It is icy. Falling is almost a certainty.
Considering there wasn't a lot of promotion for the showcase this evening at Leeds Mine this was one hell of a night.
Having settled myself down before soundcheck with - wait for it - a glass of water (not being one to skint the rock and roll lifestyle), I watched with interest as a varying and frankly baffling array of workshop tools, guitars, miniature drumkits and animal-print amps were wheeled onto the small stage by an equally delightful assortment of long metal hairstyles, arranged tent-like above the leather-jacketed Fobia, and the tie-and-shirt-type figures of headliners, Diawara.
All My Friends Are Dead @ Mixing Tin
I walk in to the Mixing Tin. It's just past nine o'clock and there's some movement on stage. Disconcertingly, Mr.
LES FLAMES! are in their element tonight: it's a decent stage in a big scruffy bar with a hundred plus smiling faces to hear their best shot.
Ambient, alternative music is on the cards tonight in the ridiculous upstairs room of the Atrium. Peasman, aka.
Kyte have been floating around for a wee while now, but with precious little in the way of released material.
It's hard to believe The Refectory has finally been refurbished. Swish new floors, blue LEDs in the ceiling, changing lights in the pillars, very snazzy.
When a record like this comes through the post, reviewers earn the right to get a bit overemotional. After having umm'd and ahh'd over whether it was slightly unreasonable to nab the opportunity to review The Pattern Theory again, my desperation to hear this overrode my better sense.
Hardly killing the buzz like their name suggests, these Leeds lads inject life into their brand of hardcore punk and 50's rock and roll with the addition of a sax and a trumpet, along with the odd "Oi".
Entering the Cockpit the first thing that hits you is the heat, the second is the fact that Brassy are already on stage.
Having arrived at the Well a bit late, I arrived to see the end of the first act, a duo performing what I'd probably call the most traditional set of the evening.
The Checks are one of those extremely rare bands whose musical output is far more advanced than they are in age - put simply, this fresh-faced New Zealand band were in the right place at the right time when talent was being, unequally, handed out.
"Do you think your weekend could get better?" Mike Skinner asks the crowd as opening track (also the opener, title track and latest single from his new album) Everything Is Borrowed comes to a close, and he is greeted with euphoric response from the crowd packed into the new (though you wouldn't know it from the state of the floor) Academy in Leeds.
A very fine evening of music was presented by Logo Magazine in conjunction with Leeds based Uglyman Music Ltd and Stuckup Music.
I missed the first couple of songs by Low's support act, My Latest Novel, due to a half hour frantic search for my ticket.
Paul Hartnoll: Patchwork Guilt
For the uninitiated amongst you, Paul Hartnoll was one half of the omnipotent Orbital, and dominated the early 90's world of (popular) techno/electronica alongside his brother Phil.
Sunday nights at Joseph's Well are rapidly turning into something a bit special on the Leeds music scene.
Its been four years now since The Dandy Warhols hit the Uk scene with their classic track "Every Day Should be a Holiday", which followed their self-titled album released in 1995.
Funkal Infection @ Highwood Hotel
A night of much in the way of atmosphere and possibly even musical talent and ability was delivered this weekend at the Highwood.
Electric Soft Parade @ Cockpit
Actress Hands have just released a split with the headlining band, having just toured with their fellow Brighton and Metway studio regulars British Sea Power.
OK, here's a strange one - a CD that comes with a disclaimer! Apparently it's "by no means EP quality and the songs aren't the finished article", but having enjoyed the USA live onslaught, I was keen for a listen all the same.
It's a Friday night at the Vine, it's 8 O'clock, Duels are about to start so where the hell is everybody?
The Young Knives @ Leeds Festival 2008
British Sea Power start the final day and drive away any remnants of the morning's deluge. Unfortunately the wind, or the Main Stage's volume limiter, conspire to also wash away the sound, so only the manic flag waving at the front gives hint to how good they are.
Saturday night saw a packed house at the Cockpit, where over 300 people were out in force to witness a three-band bill topped by Capital State.
The Search Map: Tiny Victories EP
Hearing genuinely talented musicians for the first time is something that I experience very rarely. The Tiny Victories EP by The Search Map gave me one such experience.
I'm BAFFLED. Totally and utterly baffled. Let me explain. My Northern Edge's first demo has 4 songs on it.
Opening proceedings tonight are local boys Infrasound. Coming across a little like Annie Christian or Delirious they specialise in riff heavy verses and more melodic, driving choruses.
Bad Beat Revue @ Joseph's Well
Let's get this over with. Western Suburbs have a female drummer. She's hot. Men stare, under the pretence they are watching the singer of course, but you can see their eyes wander slightly toward the back of the stage.
Four Planes in Four Days @ Packhorse
We are in the middle of a glorious transition, summer to autumn... the young 'un's are returning to school, and for the first time in my life, I'm free from all that bullshit.
Various Artists: Ali Whitton / Sarah Williams split single
The split single can look deceptively simple - two bands that stand up well in isolation can incur a musical car crash when unsuccessfully married on release.
Those of us braving the wind and rain on Sunday night were treated to a quality evening of unplugged entertainment as the Well played host to another Naked Bar Guitar evening.
For one night only, The Fenton was quite possibly the heaviest building on Planet Earth. Last night we had pop-rock masterpieces from Tempting Kate, but tonight in The Fenton we have metal at its heaviest.
As support band Sound Team launch into their brief but stunningly good set it is evident that this band are meant for big things, even despite the slightly dodgy name.
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.
One EP and one gig sums up Sky Larkin's musical contribution to planet Earth so far, yet for a band so young, there's a lot of promise locked away in the three piece as Gavin Miller explains...
Around 100 people are gathered for the first Its Gone Ballistic at the Rocket Venue - a decent turnout for what is essentially a new event, in the middle of summer, and in the middle of the week.
One of the most frequently heard phrases that you will hear from an artist of any kind is the following: "I don't mind criticism, as long as it's constructive".
Patience. Doctors have plenty of them, but alas the general music-buying public of today have very little.
Wildhearts @ Scarborough Castle
So this is what I missed Leeds Festival for then. Catching the train out to the coast first thing on a Saturday morning (well, halfway to the coast - due to trouble on the line I end up getting a bus from York) to see the last ever gig by both Wildhearts and Terrorvision, today has the omens of being a good day.
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.
Where to start with Wild Beasts? Their music is haunting and terrifying and oh so terribly exciting. And although admittedly, you'll most likely be freaked out to fuck at first listen, allow the Leeds/Kendal/somwherefarfromhere quartet work on you and thou shalt be thankful.
Queen Adreena: The Butcher And The Butterfly
Hate to sound so abrupt, but Katie Jane-Garside is weird. Is it that I personally don't understand her twisted world of sickly intense lyrics?
The first act on tonight's multi-cultural tour is the Icelandic beauty, Hera. Although not normally swayed by singer songwriters, finding them too introspective and mood dependant, Hera undoubtedly has a remarkable talent.
Flies are Spies from Hell @ Royal Park Cellars
For this sleep deprived reporter, the prospect of having to walk deep into Headingley on a Thursday evening, with an exam at 9 O'clock the next morning, was not a particularly inviting one, but none the less I upped the courage and made the effort.
The second night of the reborn It's Gone Ballistic, the weekly local band showcase taking place at the Rocket Venue on a Tuesday night saw a male-female split.
This Days Fury: Nineteen Days To Die
Recently, while looking for my inner soul, I got lost and ended up at an emo cult membership party. I spotted a pale young girl staring blankly out of the window.
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.
If Live & Uncut aren't an advertising sham, then they're a shambles - but let's talk more about the music.
Donning a pair of mucky old Converse Trainers - I headed down to Bad Sneakers, I felt, suitably attired.
How healthy/unhealthy must British music and the Leeds scene be right now if Boy Kill Boy can barely half fill the Cockpit second room?
On awaiting 'No Roots' I heard a rumour that it was a political album. This had me slightly worried as I believe music made with a political agenda often sounds awkward, forced, and artificial, although, I admit there are exceptions.
Okay let's be straight right from the start. We weren't exactly there for Athlete right from the start.
Erin's Third Incident @ Joseph's Well
Eukanuba (I think that's what they're called) look like your dad playing rock music, squeezed into tight leather trousers (disappointingly I already used the World of Leather comparison in a previous review, but it applies here, too) with too much hair in some cases, and not enough in others, and being festively plump from the seasons celebrations.
Come on guys! Where were you all tonight? Despite the abysmal weather, I can't believe than less than fifty people made the effort to get out to the Met Bar to see one of the UK's leading unsigned bands - and in their hometown gig as well!
Great my car is playing up, just in time for a drive to Leeds! I finally arrive at the Well to catch the last half of Shallowend's set.
What a day to pick as your headline slot at the Vine... 9-11 was host to some damn fine rock action tonight, and not the sort that usually has me in a spin...
A prolific indie band and a back-to-basics set from a folk-rock band interspersed with poems sung by a rather quirky young man to backing tracks on an iPod were always going to make for an extremely odd gig experience.
Yes! Finally! I'm in the elite crowd where you can claim you've seen a band where the number of band members outweigh crowd members!
Towers Of London @ Joseph's Well
Oi, Arctic Monkeys fans, listen up! Whether you like it or not, we're gonna flood your marketplace with THIS!!
The Queen's jubilee had offered many music events across the city, and I happened to wander in on the Anonymous Groove one at the dry dock.
To my shame, I can't remember the last time I've done this - turn up at a gig with almost no knowledge of any of the bands on the bill.
Well the night had a nice little twist right at the beginning on this occasion. I arrive at the venue all geared up to go on the hunt for the tour manager again (about 7.10pm) and get turned away.
International Trust @ Brudenell Social Club
I'm a prat. Got my times muddled and missed out on opening band Chops. Oops. I hear they were stupid but great, so that's that one hastily out of the way.
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.
I'll admit it, before this gig I had never heard of Scars On 45. We were mainly there to see Redwire, so when we got into the Cockpit and saw that the big room was open I was surprised.
"When you're on, yeah you're really fuckin' on!" yells the diminutive Jenny Lewis, singer and guitarist for Rilo Kiley, an odd looking bunch of misfits from the stable of Saddle Creek, the label started by one Conor Oberst and pals.
The Research: The Old Terminal
It may surprise some of my acquaintances, but I didn't always spend my spare evenings propping up the bar at the Faversham nursing a pint of Theakston and stroking my chin to the latest peripheral sounds.
If the names of the bands are anything to go by, this could be an interesting night of James Bond subterfuge, Pussy Galore and go-go gadgets.
L-shaped karaoke joint, The Vine, is the place to showcase bands without stroking their egos or firing them into major limelight.
Zombina and the Skeletones @ Bassment
I would like to start by saying that I wasn't going to do a review for this gig when I went, but in the Bassment they have these new drinks called 'Vodka Mudshakes'.
The Cockpit this evening is surrounded by more buzz than I've seen here before. But perhaps buzz is not quite the right word - it would be more accurate to say that there are more hormones flying around tonight than gigs I have previously attended.
It should be said tonight's performance resembles more of a metal gig than a watered down emo effort.
Metal is on a definite upsurge at the moment, what with Limp Bizkit topping the charts and Amen on the front cover of NME and so on.
Art Brut are undoubtedly one of the UK's finest musical treasures. Without exception when you first encounter Art Brut you will be forced to swing one or two ways - you will either 'get it' or you won't.
Ok so it's another wet dreary evening at Leeds and I have no idea where the Faversham is, that is until I realised that it was right behind the Uni which made me feel like a complete knobby creek.
On every single table this evening lies a small array of business cards, showing an acoustic guitar with a trilby leaning on its headstock at a jaunty angle - an instantly recognisable trademark of the alter-ego of Tristan Mackay, "The Bedroom Orchestra", one of this evening's acts.
The Pigeon Detectives @ Cockpit
Yesterday, The Pigeon Detectives did a little instore thing in Jumbo at 4pm. I nipped in at three-ish to rifle through a few bits, spend money I don't have and then drop things.
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.
Beneath Augusta: Mellonova 00-03
Something must be happening in Canada these days. From the nation that brought us such luminaries as Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, and the miserable Alanis Morisette, the country that sits atop the United States of America is quietly out-doing their southern neighbour for quality musical exports.
First onstage tonight are the Bradford-based quintet Seven Hours, who mix a dose of funk into their otherwise straight-ahead rock sound.
The Who @ Wireless Festival 2006
We are ferried at high speed towards said venue by Geldard's Coaches, allowing us time to fuel up on Heineken.
Luke Haines: Off My Rocker At The Art School Bop
It is 1993. Seattle is the centre of the musical universe and the Labour Party (RIP) has lost its fourth general election on the bounce.
It's Friday night and I think I might go out, have a few beers, and watch some bands I've never heard of.
Not many people are here to watch Buzzkill; a real shame, as they give it their all. Unfortunately there is a problem with the saxophone, meaning we don't get to see Matt Perrot strut his stuff, and this leaves half a brass section by the name of Ben Whittington, who's trumpet can barely be heard except during his fiddly solos.
Doubts over Alan McGee's sanity have become commonplace since his surrender of the once-great Creation Records to the likes of Mishka, Kevin Rowlands and the money men at Sony.
To release this double A side at any other time of the year than sweltering July would have been highly foolish.
Experiencing the sunshine mixed with alcohol and excessive loud noise is never good for the body after your stomach's feeling turgid from the day before.
Sucioperro: Random Acts of Intimacy
Competing for the youth of the nation's musical hearts and minds is no easy task. Sometimes you need a gimmick, a ruse that will make you or your band stand out from the many others who are all after the increasingly short and fickle attention span of the mainstream media and record buying public.
Aah, Ali Whitton. Complete with band and an adoring banner held aloft in the crowd, the smiley cherub began to play a nigh-on perfect cluster of gentle, isolated islands of songs, doing admirable battle with The Bloody Nokia Phone Tent blasting out the sounds of drunkards roaring "Foooooooooo Figgggghhhhhhhteeeeeeearrrrghhhsssss" as lions may well do during the mating season.
Strike Anywhere @ Joseph's Well
It's bloody freezing outside, it's a 5 o'clock kick off and it's nearly 6.30. Nice one Paul, you tit.
Us Anglophones seem reluctant to embrace le rock français. While we'll happily pose and mosh to Scandinavian garage, dance to French electronica and (reluctantly) acknowledge that our Gallic neighbours do the rap thing better than us, digging French boys with guitars appears to be a little beyond us us still.
Up first tonight are US based band Five O'Clock Heroes. Perfecting cheerful pop sensibility alongside dirty rock they possess a fiery sound, with each beat of the drum, each bouncy bass line and vocal melody perfectly executed to produce a catchy rock sound.
I wish I could start this review in the same way Polaris start this eponymous album of theirs. Because then you'd understand exactly what it was I was setting out to do.
Review featured with permission from www.whisperinandhollerin.com Upon walking through the front doors, the first thing you notice tonight is just how young looking 90% of the 300 strong crowd is inside the aircraft hanger like Cockpit.
Quick, someone call Tony Blair. If Saddam Hussein gets his paws on this lot we're all shafted!!!! Forget exocet missiles and hydra bombs.
On the second and fourth Thursday of every month, Leeds offers us a new acoustic night: "Stripped" at Baby Jupiter.
The Vine is hardly buzzing tonight, which is a shame I think - all three bands here tonight have some definite potential, and some support early on in their careers wouldn't hurt.
So here we are at the Refectory, the house lights go down and on comes Giant Drag. If you have never seen or heard of Giant Drag before then here is your first impression of them.
I enjoy acoustic music and being able to sit at tables is great (ok I admit it - I'm old... I like to sit down sometimes) I knew Danny Carr was playing, but wasn't sure what else was on.
OFM @ Counting House (Pontefract)
"Doncaster's finest" reads the promo. Overzealous PR, or straight-laced fact? My mission - uncover the truth.
Colour of Fire, acclaimed local(ish) alt-rockers, opened up tonight in front of a reasonable crowd. Having just finished a considerable UK tour, they didn't seem at all tired, or perturbed to back in their regular gigging territory.
Virginia Creep @ Joseph's Well
A night filled with highs and lows took place at Joseph's Well as three exceptional bands showcased their talents and one band were a disappointment to most concerned.
If on a Saturday afternoon you're in Leeds, and near the Corn Exchange, there's a chance you'll be one of two things.
Firstly I would like to begin by giving the woman on the end of the West Yorkshire Metro enquiries line a beating with a stick for knowing nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, about how to get anywhere in Leeds and particularly anywhere involving bus routes 51, 51a, 52, 52a, 53, 56, 74 and 95.
Manic Street Preachers @ Leeds Festival 2008
A night of torrential rain hasn't dampened anyone's spirits, although the ground is a little muddier than it has been over the previous 48 hours.
Well this was my first time to the new live venue on the Leeds circuit that is The Kirkstall Lites, and boy was I impressed after the night was over!
Parisman talk of influences, recording and their new EP...
Now I don't usually have many options on a Wednesday night, but with both Vampire Weekend and Black Lips playing on the same night I was torn.
By all rights Shatner really ought to be extinct. Given that the Big Brothers who quietly go about the business of corrupting the nation's youth decided to adopt the policies of Pol Pot somewhere around the late 90s, someone ought to have got round to sending Jim Bower & co to the glue factory by now.
The first band Giant Drag arrived on stage at around 8.30pm. The crowd were full of energy, evidently as 15 minutes beforehand they had been chanting away, clapping for the show to start and at one point actually stroking the security guards (they loved it and they know it).
Dave Sugden finds out why Aeon have a problem with drummers!
Even if he is unable to attend - by dint of incarceration, far-flung vacation or other indisposition - the embedded chronological awareness of any Leeds gig-goer will tell him at this juncture (6pm on the first Friday of the month) that he should be nestling within the subterranean catacombs of the Hi-Fi Club.
The Rakes @ Leeds Festival 2006
It doesn't seem like two minutes since we left the rubble and wreckage of last year's festival behind and dispersed forth to the safe haven of a soft floor and a properly plumbed toilet.
It's all just about to get a little bit Nasty. The great thing about dubbing yourself a 'festival of nu-wave' is that you pretty much have the leeway to put anything you want on the bill and slam the indiscriminate tag of 'nu-wave' atop and no-one will bat an eyelid.
¡Forward, Russia! @ Moor Music Festival 2008
The second day of Moor Festival and we are now fully equipped with the mandatory rain and mud. Squelching through mud traps and water logs would seem much less manageable if there wasn't the promise of exciting sets in each corner of the sludge-ridden field.
On a cold, wet and dark Tuesday night Gavin Miller talks with Ross Futureheads from the highly showbiz and rock and roll location of a Leeds Travel Lodge...
Tom Hingley - Madchester Man - Musician - Hat sniffer and a legend! Victoria Holdsworth asks the questions.
A gig in aid of 'A GOOD CAUSE' eh? (the 'good cause' in question being Wheatfields hospice). Thankfully tonite's gig and the Junction 47 II CD it is designed to promote owe more to the 'Help' album than they do to 'Live Aid' - bringing together genuinely good bands from Leeds to do what they do best - play quality music with scarce a lighter-waving ballad featuring a children's choir in sight...
Thursday @ Leeds Festival 2006
Saturday is all about the killer sequences, from the likes of Rise Against and Boy Sets Fire on the Lock Up Stage, to the incredible mid afternoon New Yorkshire mash-up on the Carling and ultimately to the two heavyweights jiving it out at the top of the bill for commercial indie supremacy.
MMMMBZZZZ goes the clock and I'm buzzing for pound a pint. I'm sat there, as per every pissing Friday afternoon, shooting the shit with Tommy B.
Mmmmm it's a bit nippy out! So I took the car, unfortunately the heater took so long to get going I was still cold (going blue actually) when I arrived.
Various Artists: DTTR: Something I Learned Today
After 'What Everyone Wants' comes what everyone really wants - the new long player from Leeds' most vibrant and diverse label of the moment; Dance To The Radio.
As another long night bleeds into another bright, sunny day, bleary eyed tent dwellers emerge from their probably now a little bit on the stale side canvas abodes to see out the last day of the festival.
Leeds' local punk, emo and ska promoters Strikepunks put on a veritable banquet of emo hardcore deliciousness this Friday, as the Cardigan Arms played host to four hot new bands playing the circuit for nothing more than that which is the greatest love of all, that wonderful love of music...
AntiProduct @ Brudenell Social Club
Sex, Drugs, Profanity, Leaping, Stripping, Heckling, Moshing, Exploding Equipment, Biting the heads off bats...
One Bullet Left @ Snooty Fox (Wakefield)
The Snooty Fox in Wakefield is slightly different to the majority of pubs that you'll will have no doubt drank in.
Victoria Holdsworth spoke to Luke Morley from Thunder before another sell out gig in Sheffield.
Sam Saunders spoke to Chris Helme of the Yards in January 2004...