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Kaiser Chiefs to release a new single and album in the New Year
Leeds bands Kaiser Chiefs have today revealed details of a new single, the band's first single release since "Modern Way" in November 2005.
New Year single release for The Music...
On February 17th, The Music will release The Truth Is No Words as the final single to be taken from their gold selling UK debut album.
Story Of The Year: The Black Swan
'The Black Swan' is the new long awaited album from Story Of The Year. Having never really been into them, or really giving them a chance to be honest, I thought that perhaps I was missing out on something, especially as they seem to have a major following and this will be their third studio album.
Hood to release album in the New Year...
Hood have announced that the recording of a new album is almost over: "Produced by Hood and Choque Hosein and completely devoid of title right now the new album should drop sometime in 2004 preceded by a yet un-named single".
Hot Club De Paris: Will You Still Be In Love With Me Next Year?
A little late with this one, a one off Christmas single from Liverpool trio Hot Club De Paris, a band name I always loved but which the music has never lived up to.
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.
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 Ivories release their second single "Heartstrings" on May 8th
Leeds band The Ivories release their second single on Monday, 8th May. "Heartstrings" is the follow up to the band's 2005 debut "Reduce The Temperature" which reached number 19 in the UK Indie Charts, and comes backed with "Long Way Home".
Yellow Stripe Nine release a new single "Trouble With Girls"...
Christmas comes early this year as Yellow Stripe Nine release their second limited edition single: "Trouble With Girls".
Piskie Sits debut album "The Secret Sickliness" to be released in the New Year
Wakefield-based band Piskie Sits have announced the release of the band's début album on the Wrath Records label.
Last Gang to release their debut single
Last Gang release their début single "Beat Of Blue" on Monday, 30th October. Self-released the single will be available on limited edition 7" format (500 copies only) and comes backed with B-side "Never Be Alone".
Ajanta to release a double A-side single in October
Having already shared a stage with renowned acts such as The Groundhogs, Stateless and Captain Beefheart's Magic Band, young Leeds virtuosos Ajanta release their debut single this October: a double A-side of 'Destroy The Voice' and 'Peanut Butter Sandwich'.
Nikoli to release their third single - "Stay Safe Tonight" - in September
Nikoli release their third single on 2nd September, the first of two to be released this year on their own East Park Records label.
The Pigeon Detectives to release their debut single on March 13th
Following on from the "What We All Want" compilation album (released 27th February), Leeds-based record label Dance To The Radio have announced that the next single to be released on the label will be by The Pigeon Detectives.
Cinerama release new single and live album...
The Scopitones label released Cinerama's new enhanced CD single this month. Having decamped from West Yorkshire to the West Coast at the start of the year, David recorded this new release with Steve Fisk in his new home town of Seattle.
Middleman to release their debut single on Bad Sneakers Records
Bad Sneakers Records have today announced that they will be releasing two singles by the Leeds-based four-piece Middleman.
The Rosie Taylor Project to release their debut single in September
Leeds label Bad Sneakers Records have revealed that their next single release will be the debut single from The Rosie Taylor Project.
The debut single from Heads We Dance will be released on April 28th
Leeds based pop group Heads We Dance will be releasing their eagerly anticipated debut single on April 28th!
The Old House to release a single on the Louder Than Bombs label
Wakefield indie-rock four-piece The Old House will release their latest single on the Louder Than Bombs record label.
Piskie Sits release a new single on August 21st
Wakefield band Piskie Sits have the announced details of a new 7" single, available from August 21st.
The Sugars to release a single in November and an album in Spring 2008
The Sugars will release their 3rd single on Leeds label Bad Sneakers Records on 19th November. Produced by Paul Butler from The Bees, and recorded by the band in The Bees' studio on the Isle Of Wight, "Way To My Heart" will be available on 7" vinyl, CD and digital download.
Wild Beasts to release a new single on Bad Sneakers Records
On 23rd April, Leeds band Wild Beasts will release their second single on the Leeds-based Bad Sneakers Records label.
The Glitterati to release debut single through Poptones label...
The Glitterati will release their debut single through the Poptones label in mid October. The track will be called "Do you love yourself?".
Kram to release a new single in March
Leeds three-piece Kram will release their new single through GrooveStealer Records on Monday 12th March. The double A-side 'Sides' and 'Where Were You?' will be available as a limited edition CD release, and as a downloadable single from all good online distributors.
The Cribs continue their musical blitzkrieg with a new single on 22nd August...
On Monday 22nd August, The Cribs release the third single - titled "Martell" (Wichita) - to be taken from their 2005 album "The New Fellas".
Various Artists: Maybeshewill / Her Name Is Calla - split single
The two bands that make up this 12" vinyl split single on Nottingham based imprint Field Records have already built quite a cult following throughout the year.
The Blueskins complete work on debut EP and release a new single in February...
The Blueskins start the New Year with a new single and an extensive UK tour. The band, who closed 2003 in fine style with a clutch of dates including an uproarious set at the Eat Your Own Ears Christmas Party in Islington, take to the road in the company of 10,000 Things, The Cribs and Fiery Furnaces through the course of January and February.
That Fucking Tank to release a 7" picture disc single
The astounding behemoth 2-piece rock riff outfit That Fucking Tank have finished recording sessions for their new release just this month to be released this year through On The Bone Records.
Bodixa to release new single and announce tour with Adam Masterson...
Bodixa are set to release their latest single - titled California (b/w Sleepless - early this year and head out on tour in support to Adam Masterson in February.
O Fracas to release a new single ("Follow Sue") in April
Leeds band O Fracas have announced details of the follow up to last year's highly rated and well-received "Zeroes & Ones/What Jim Hears" single.
iLiKETRAiNS to release their debut single on the Beggars Banquet record label
iLiKETRAiNS have today announced that their debut single on the Beggars Banquet label will be released on 26th March.
WhoresWhoresWhores and Omerta to release a split 7" single in July
Leeds bands WhoresWhoresWhores and Omerta have revealed that their split 7" single will be available in July.
Various Artists: My Awesome Compilation / Fall Out Boy - Spilt Single
On top of a tidy few dates in the UK then, not satisfied with just playing together these two transatlantic softcore bands unite to put out this split single via Sorepoint.
Working With Kenzi to release their debut single on GrooveStealer Records
Leeds four-piece Working With Kenzi release their debut single 'Magpie' on 4th December through the GrooveStealer Records label.
Sheffield over the past year has lost out on four tradesmen but gained yet another new name to add to their increasing list of bands that are discharging out of the city and becoming national, if not global names. No longer will it be know for its steel industry, but for its abundance of long haired, converse wearing, real life talking bands.
Cardboard Cowboy announce single and album releases...
Cardboard Cowboy released their debut album 'Unload Your Head' on Monday 5th July and will follow it with the single "Bless My Soul" on August 2nd - both via the band's own "Slapdash Records" label.
Voltage Union to release their debut single in January
Leeds four-piece Voltage Union have announced the release of their début single on Monday 15th January.
Lewis Denby will release a double A-side single in February
Leeds-based musician Lewis Denby has this week revealed details of his latest double A-side single scheduled for release on 19th February.
2006 + 2007 Futuresound finalists. Debut single Primadonna released 30 Apr 07 on Science Fiction Theatre Records Playing NASTY FEST @ Faversham on Sat 3rd Nov
Dave Sugden asks about their new record label and forthcoming single release
Various Artists: Stuffy and The Fuses / The Secret Hairdresser - split single
Wraths Super Sevens part deux bristles into life with their very own Stuffy at the helm and Steve Albini no less at the mixing desk.
Leeds band Kram release their new double A-side single through GrooveStealer Records on Monday 12th March. Rachel Wilson caught up with the band.
With Vib Gyor about to record their next single - "Secret" - Victoria Holdsworth caught up with the Leeds band at Beached 2006
Kate Zezulka talks music, venues and days off work with Leeds' i concur in the run up to the single release...
Part One of a two-part interview with Leeds band Chichino, who are set to release their new single "It Could Happen To You"
Fulc talk to Andy Roberts about single, tours, Kerrang and strippers...
"I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor", Arctic Monkeys' second single and first full-scale release, has shifted a rattling avalanche of around 33,000 copies thus far whilst simultaneously thrusting a very sharp, very painful spear labelled "Reality Check" up the rear end of the boring, apathetic public.
Young and upcoming Leeds band
Kaiser Chiefs sign to the B-unique label...
Leeds five-piece Kaiser Chiefs have announced that they have signed to B-unique, a label whose roster include the likes of Hot Hot Heat and Har Mar Superstar.
The Glitterati to release "Back In Power" ...
The Glitterati release their third single Back In Power through Infectious / Atlantic Records on October 11th 2004.
Even though Brooklyn-based duo MGMT have been around for the best part of six years, it's only been this year that they've really made an impact on the music scene.
Yes Boss to release "See It Through" on Dance To The Radio
Leeds-based record label Dance To The Radio have announced details of the new single from local hip hop / electro duo Yes Boss - "See It Through" will be available on 12" and Digital Download formats from Monday, 29th January.
The Pigeon Detectives to re-release "I Found Out" on November 12th
Leeds band The Pigeon Detectives are set to re-release 2006 single 'I Found Out' on Monday, 12th November.
The Sunshine Underground release "Commercial Breakdown" on January 16th...
The Sunshine Underground complete a very successful year with a NYE show at the Faversham and kick off the New Year with their second single on the City Rockers record label.
All bets are off. Vancouver Island quartet Hot Hot Heat will be your new favourite band by the end of the year.
The Pigeon Detectives to headline the White Air Extreme Sports Festival
The Pigeon Detectives will round off their summer of playing outdoors by headlining at the White Air Extreme Sports Festival on Sunday 20th September on the Isle of Wight.
Almost a year has passed since Tokyo Police Club's 'A Lesson In Crime' EP. The four-piece from Canada have appeared on Late Night with David Letterman and are definite crowd pleasers.
¡Forward, Russia! to release "Don't Be A Doctor" on limited etched 10" vinyl
Leeds four-piece ¡Forward, Russia! have revealed that their next single will be "Don't Be A Doctor" (DTTR Records) which is set for release on limited edition etched 10" vinyl from Monday 12th February.
The Pigeon Detectives: Take Her Back
Earlier this year someone said to me that the "New Yorkshire" scene is pretty much over, they were wrong for so many reasons and The Pigeon Detectives are one of those.
Yes Boss release a double A-side in June
It's World Cup year, and this summer Yes Boss will unleash their own anthem as a double A-side single on the Leeds-based Dance To The Radio record label.
This was always going to be an anticipated release, not just because it is the first single from new album 'Comfort In Sound' but, of course, to see if and how Feeder have coped with the tragic loss of drummer Jon Lee at the start of the year.
Vessels to release their debut album in the summer
Vessels have announced UK tour dates ahead of the release of their debut album, 'White Fields and Open Devices', which is due out in June this year.
The Subways: Rock & Roll Queen
It pains me to tell you this dear readers but it's disappointment time again. I'll admit that when I heard the Subways' previous single "Oh Yeah", I liked it.
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.
Dinosaur Jr: Been There All The Time
There's some grunge characters appearing again recently on these shores; Pearl Jam, Mudhoney, The Melvins, Smashing Pumpkins all playing this year (some last year too).
The Pigeon Detectives to release 'Say It Like You Mean It' on 20th October
Leeds band The Pigeon Detectives will release a new single, 'Say It Like You Mean It', on 20th October on the Dance To the Radio record label.
Saves The Day @ Leeds Festival 2003
Its hard to describe Saves the day without constructing a sentence containing the following words: Emo, high pitched, singer looks like a twelve year old.
Immune to release debut EP on April 5th...
Leeds five-piece Immune will release their debut EP Elek - awarded 5 stars by LMS - through Gizeh Records on April 5th.
les Flames! head out on a tour of the UK...
Straight from playing a storming gig at a rammed tent at Leeds Festival, les Flames! head out on tour in September to promote their two upcoming single releases.
Every since I first heard Formed A Band on Steve Lamacq's 6 Music show last month - and every week thereafter as it became - I'd been hankering to get my hands on it.
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.
Jon Jones and the Beatniks Movement: Freak Show
Is this a demo or a single? The sleeve insert has only the words Freak Show on it many times, around the wide-eyed face of one who has beheld something. The disc itself is a Maxell CD-R 52X with no ID for the musicians making such good use of it.
Kaiser Chiefs nominated in three categories at the Brit Awards 2008
Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs have been nominated in three categories at the Brit Awards 2008 - Best British Band, Best Live Act and Best Single (for 'Ruby').
After a shocking 9 year absence including prison, drugs, the excellent Amps, drugs, and crocheting, The Breeders returned earlier this year with the sheer work of genius that is their 3rd album Title TK.
Star Bodixa record tv and radio sessions for BBC
Quickly following last week's news that Star Bodixa have the highest selling single of the year at Leeds' premier independent record shop Crash Records, the band have just announced that an acoustic session and interview for BBC 6 will be recorded on Monday.
30 Seconds To Mars: From Yesterday
After a super incredible year, and being in the public's heads with single 'The Kill' not so long ago, Leto & co release track seven from their album as a single.
Test Icicles: Circle, Square, Triangle
I love hearing a song for the first time on the good ol' MTV2 and getting excited about it. It's reliably a tingly feeling that only comes around once every so often and should be embraced while you apprehensively wait for the credits to role to reveal the artist responsible.
My Awesome Compilation: Set to Go
Against earlier inclines My Awesome Compilation did in fact prove themselves to be quite a nice little band with debut full length effort 'Actions' earlier this year.
Badly Drawn Boy: One Plus One Is One
The latest instalment in Damon Gough's trophy cabinet is his 4th album One Plus One Is One, seemingly coming out of nowhere, with little fanfare or prior warning and only just preceded by the first single "The year of the Rat".
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.
I remember getting very excited about Parka when I first saw them at a gig at the end of 2006, and it's been a long time in the coming but at last they've released the high-octane track "Disco Dancer" as their second single.
Instalment four of Sarandon's four 7" 7-song mini albums is not an easy sentence to say when drunk. Through out The June Bride you can't help but wonder what some of these songs might have turned into had they not been governed by the strict rules of fitting onto a 7" single.
"Words & Numbers" is the first single to be lifted from Nichols' new album "Small beer". Handed the award for Open-Mic Performer of the year at this year's Independent Leeds Music Awards it might be fair to expect something a little more daring from this release.
It's happening, I can feel it in my waters, bubbling beneath the surface, a new genre will infest the radios, TVs and magazines of the UK in the year two 00 five, led by Franz Ferdinand, Razorlight and The Killers, this is the bastard offshoot of what came of The Strokes inspired NY explosion at the turn of the century, ladies and gentlemen feel free to dance again because indie dance rock is back and it's catching like a fire in a hay factory.
When a great band come together there are good odds on them coming from Manchester, so it is no surprise that Snowblind, a combination of Leeds' Jane Murphy and Liverpool's Paul Williams, claim a Manchester heritage.
Sorry to ruin the song for you folks - but am I the only one who thinks this, the lead off single from the reliably brilliant Reuben's new album, bears more than a passing resemblance to Slipknots 'Duality'?
Proving that the Finn's know gothic pop better than the rest of their European counterparts, The Rasmus come back with another single after their massive hit, and massively fucking annoying 'In The Shadows' (wouldn't it be great if that song was a tribute to Cliff Richard?).
Edward Harrington - Guitar, vocals Alex Greaves - Bass, vocals, percussion Robert Harrington - Drums, vocals, percussion When Edward, his brother Robert and their friend Alex decided to form a band in 2001, the then-young-teens could only have dreamed of the status and respect they would achieve within half a decade.
Last years phenomenally titled "Racecar is Racecar Backwards" saw Farnborough three-piece Reuben show a strong knack for indulging in some rather melodious pop-rock shenanigans.
Band Profile: The Pigeon Detectives
rock indie
Highlights of 2006: 12 months in the life of the Leeds music scene
Well, what a year! As we near 2007, we've been having a look back at what was hitting the news in the Leeds music scene in 2006.
How long has it been since we last saw The Darkness release a single? It must have been almost two years ago and there was almost no sign of them re-emerging!
Wrath Records announce Super Sevens singles club...
WRATH SUPER SEVENS - the aural equivalent of Reader's Digest, this singles club subscription will bring you a veritable smorgasbord of indie/rock/garage/punk mayhem in six highly collectable split 7-inch releases featuring the might of the Wrath roster plus some rather distinguished guests.
Leeds bands to feature on a new Dance To The Radio compilation album
Originally due to be part two of Dance To The Radio's last compilation, 'Out of The Woods And Trees' comes out a little later than intended and is the label's most ambitious compilation yet.
Vessels to release "Two Words & A Gesture" on November 5th
Vessels will release new single, "Two Words & A Gesture", on November 5th. The follow up to "Yuki / Forever The Optimist" will be available on limited 7" (500 copies) and download.
Johnson House @ Hard Rock Cafe
Johnson House?... who the hell are Johnson House you may ask. Well, not a band that blow their own trumpets, not a band you will be reading about every week on the LMS message board - or even in YEP.
Playmates in deep throat shocker!
Hailing from Ames, Iowa, but currently based in Streatham, London, The Envy Corps have had a difficult couple of years since forming in 2001.
UK five-piece (spunge) are proclaimed as Britain's answer to Less Than Jake, and even scored a top 40 hit with Jump On Demand - the fan's favourite also opens this strong album.
The Electric Cinema: Heat Exchange
Heat Exchange is the first single from The Electric Cinema's incoming album (due for release later in the year).
The Breech in free CD giveaway...
The Breech are giving away free CDs of their music and to obtain a copy email your name and address to thebreech@hotmail.com.
Better than Bono's receding hairline; Bell X1 are Ireland's pop rock supremos and their latest single Flame is no exception.
Kaiser Chiefs reveal album details and UK tour tickets
Following last year's announcement that the next single from Leeds' Kaiser Chiefs, their first in over a year, would be "Ruby", the band have this week revealed further details about their second album.
The Pigeon Detectives: Emergency
Perhaps the most sought after album of the year thus far. 'Emergency', the second album from The Pigeon Detectives, released 2 days short of a full year since their debut blessed the ears of indie rockers everywhere.
The Cribs release their debut album on March 8th...
The Cribs release their self-titled debut album (on Wichita Recordings) on Monday, 8th March. Recorded at Toerag Studios in about half an hour The Cribs is simply the catchiest 12 songs you're going to hear this year...
Brazil are probably the most over-underrated Leeds band not to come from Leeds. Tonight there are times in their set which opens up the night that are literally entertainment of the highest order, and at other times they drift off into a sort of in-between world where your mind wanders and you lose focus on what they are trying to do.
Glazed release new EP "For Love Nor Money"...
Glazed have finished recording their brand new single, the For Love Nor Money EP. Recorded in Zool Studios with producer Chris Holland the EP is the second recording Glazed have released this year after the Talk of the Town - Live in Leeds EP.
Stuffy and The Fuses: Where's The Captain?
I was disappointed by this to be honest. I've seen Stuffy and The Fuses live a few times around Leeds in the last year or so and their enthusiasm and attitude has always come across as a definite plus point to me especially in the current "taking itself a bit too seriously" indie climate.
A third sold-out Leeds date for the UK's latest finding, The Music, and this time it doesn't take a guest DJ appearance to bring in the crowds.
The Music to release a track from their forthcoming album...
The Music have announced details of the release of the first new material from their, as yet, untitled second album.
The Get Up Kids @ Leeds Festival 2002
The Get Up Kids are hailed by some as the only band worth the emo moniker. They do turn out catchy guitar laden tunes, but their sound is a lot poppier than strict emo and all the better for it.
The Wasp Factory: Nothing No More
I first heard The Wasp Factory being played on XFM earlier this year and their name stuck in my head as it's taken from the title of one of my favourite novels (by Iain Banks), so it seemed as good a reason as any to check out their latest single.
The Rosie Taylor Project: This City Draws Maps
It's that time of year when some of us hope to stumble across a blissful soundtrack to accompany the impending summer days.
four day Hombre to release a mini-album - "Fight Death" - on 4th December
Following on from their hugely successful debut album 'Experiments in Living' earlier this year, Leeds band four day Hombre release a new mini-album on the Alamo Music record label on 4th December.
The Bribes hit the headlines through Facebook hijacking
Unsigned Leeds band The Bribes hit the news this week as they duped over 4,000 people into joining their Facebook page by pretending it was a protest group against the London 2012 Olympic logo.
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.
Eighteen, taken from the excellent recent debut "Give Me A Wall" showcases a subtly different side to ¡Forward, Russia!
Huddersfield band Kava Kava included on TV soundtrack
Yorkshire band Kava Kava will have three songs on the new season's soundtrack to FX TV show Dirt (featuring Friends star Courtney Cox Arquette).
The Go! Team: Grip Like A Vice
Since bursting onto the scene in 2004 with Mercury Prize nominated debut album 'Thunder Lightning Strike', The Go!
With recent single "Further" catching the attention of ears across the nation Longview could be on their way to becoming the NME's latest darlings.
There was a time, albeit brief, when I lived the Oxford music scene, kicked around venues such as Zodiac and claimed bands such as Dustball to be my fave.
Originally scheduled for late 2006, you could say The Electric Cinema's self-titled debut album has been a long time coming.
Mark Ronson is that hip-hop guy who remixed "Just" by Radiohead last year. That song was fucking rad.
Leeds bands announced for V and Glastonbury Festivals...
With the announcements now coming through for the summer festivals across the country, a few Leeds bands have caught the eye.
10,000 Things have always had a reputation as a fearsome live band. Who am I to question that? The Things appear to be living out the sex, drugs and rock'n'roll dream to great success.
GLP annouce a soulful new release from Lara Rose
'Once Beloved,' the new single by Leeds-based Soul Diva Lara Rose will be released on Thursday, 15th February as a Digital Download.
The Cribs to headline the Radio One / NME Stage at Leeds Festival 2008
The line up for the Leeds Festival 2008 was revealed today, although it was not much of a surprise as one of the most-rumoured line ups of recent years was finally confirmed this evening.
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.
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 Parkinsons @ Leeds Festival 2002
Twelve months ago a rough looking, attitude laden and downright riotous Portuguese four-piece opened up the Carling Stage proceedings to a mere fifty people.
Well, I told you all about this gig - so those that didn't come along missed a real music treat! Johnson House are a real enigma of a band, and probably Leeds' best kept secret.
Having played a string of live events across the Midlands and South through June and July, Broken Dolls release their self-titled début album.
Blue Sky Project: Masquerade EP
I have awaited more tracks from Blue Sky Project since listening to their last EP on MySpace (oh the beauty of the Web!) and thought they had potential, so naturally the next offering from them needed to exceed all expectations.
The Somatics, or so it seems to me, are possibly one of the least talked about most talked about bands in Leeds.
The Sunshine Underground and ¡Forward, Russia! recognised in NME Album Of 2006 awards
Leeds bands The Sunshine Underground and ¡Forward, Russia! feature this week in the "Best of 2006" compilations put together by the writers and staff at NME.
The Dead Pets albums to finally hit the shops
The Dead Pets this week announced the release of their two albums ('The Revenge Of The Village Idiots' and 'Too Little Too Late') on the 10 Past 10 Records label, the first time the CDs will have been available other than at gigs.
Oh, dear, they used to be rather good. I had to force myself to read the script that came with this album.
Head Automatica: Beating Heart Baby
Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you the single of the year. Of course it won't win any award for being so, that will go to the next Pop Star puppet to come off Cowell's production line.
Rose Kemp was born into the music business. The daughter of Maddy Prior and Rick Kemp from British outfit Steeleye Span her first contributions were in 2002 on the album Bib and Tuck' by Maddy Prior And The Girls.
indie pop
les Flames! to play NME 'On' Night...
les Flames! play London Barfly at the end of November as part of an NME 'On' Night. The gig takes place on Thursday, 28th November and see the garage rock band support Burning Brides.
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.
The Charlatans @ Leeds Festival 1999
Well the year goes fast doesn't it? Another year and yet another festival at Leeds' Temple Newsam Park and yet again this is another one that we all enjoyed.
After reaching no 24 in the national indie charts earlier this year with their debut release on Siamese chinS Records ("Snow"), a single that also made the band Radio One's "Unsigned Session of the Week" things appear to be going from strength to strength.
Love with Arthur Lee @ Irish Centre
As I'm sat waiting for things to kick off, having a pre-gig pint, I reflect on the fact that Arthur Lee has been involved with Love for as long as I have been involved in breathing oxygen on my own.
Kicking off with 'Newborn', this show leaves no doubts about spiky-haired frontman Matt Bellamy's musical abilities.
Embrace to record the official England 2006 World Cup song
After much speculation, The FA has today confirmed that chart-toppers Embrace will record the official England World Cup song to be released prior to the World Cup.
Leeds Festival 2006 line up announced...
The line up for the Leeds Festival 2006 was announced this evening with a few Leeds bands amongst those appearing.
Band Profile: The Air Freshener Man
The Air Freshener Man, the alter ego of pretend music maestro Robert Dane, spent the early part of his life in middle-of-nowhere town Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, before ending up living in Leeds, via Scarborough.
Ok, so Slipknot may be nine idiots who thrash about in boiler suits and "scary" masks. They might have a back catalogue of songs so artistically titled "People = ****" and "Sic" and there might be a thousand people that hate them to one fan, but admit it, you have a soft spot for them don't you?
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.
New beginnings for Yorkshire's premier recording studios...
HD1 Studios, now in its 18th year, has an enviable reputation for producing music from local acts to international selling artists.
All Time Low: So Wrong It's Right
If you like your pop-punk to sound just like the early The Starting Line or New Found Glory with a pinch of pre fame Fall Out Boy songs, sweet summary vocals and hooks that could catch Moby Dick, then All Time Low are your new favourite band.
It has to be said, upfront, that The Panama Nights are probably the most enjoyable gig nights in Leeds.
Six By Seven @ Leeds Festival 2002
Six By Seven always guarantee an intense live experience, and today's display is no exception. Showcasing several tracks from recent album The Way I Feel Today, released earlier this year on Mantra Recordings, the band offer a dark display of searing guitars and atmospheric keyboard mastery that brings a chill to the bone of many in the crowded Evening Session tent.
A hot, rammed venue, filled with over 175 of Leeds' most fashionable rock'n'roll clientele, greets the return of young Leeds four-piece Orka, who set about to blast glam and fuzz rock in all directions.
Band Profile: Red Lorry Yellow Lorry
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry started properly in 1982, led by Chris Reed (mastermind and front man), as a vehicle to express his own particular intense and angst-ridden vision.
Kenosha, Kenosha, Kenosha, what a blast to get rid of the hangover that was still killing my head from Strangeways festivities the night before.
Stateless and Fulc selected for OneMusic Playlist...
Leeds' Stateless and Fulc have been selected by Radio One for their OneMusic Unsigned Playlist, two of only six bands selected nationwide.
Misty's Big Adventure: The Solar Hi Fi System
Here it is folks, the single most bizarre CD I've ever come across. Musically, it's impossible to label, as they have so many different guises and sounds on this record that you lose yourself trying to second guess where the album is going to go next.
Death from above 1979: Romantic Rights
First things first, they are now legally known as Death from above 1979 not Death from above after some sort of copyright battle with some New York company over their name.
Justin Myers interviews Felix Rodrigues, the guitarist from rising Swedish band The Sounds
Decoration: Pine / I Just Froze
Despite the glorious critical response to last year's long playing debut "Don't Disappoint Me Now", Decoration undeservingly remain very much a band worshipped by only a select few.
The Ghost Of A Thousand @ Cockpit
It's minus four outside The Cockpit, as the Atticus tour rolls into Leeds, bringing with it four of the UK's finest punk rock and roll bands, and for most of the already sweating, baying throng inside, it's not a moment too soon.
Many more bands announced for Leeds Festival 2006
Following the announcement for this year's Leeds Festival earlier this month, more bands have today been revealed for the three-day annual highlight in the Leeds music calendar.
After a two year respite, 3 Colours Red are back with their third album, The Union of Souls. Working with Funeral for a Friend producer Joe Gibb and signed to Mighty Atom I'd be interested to see how this has influenced their sound.
MGMT return to the UK in May for their biggest UK headline tour so far. They'll be building on the critical acclaim that has met their brilliant debut single 'Time To Pretend' and the staggering album 'Oracular Spectacular'.
Based in London but with a multi-national line up ranging from Chile to Canada, The Conway Story, named after 17th Century Philosopher Anne Conway, release their third and final single, 'Ghostwriter', before embarking on the recording of their debut album later this year.
Stephen Dale Petit: Guitararama
Even for willing listeners this album may challenge sustained concentration, but it's not short of highlights, and has real momentum on opening in quintessential electric blues style with 'Sacramento' and 'Alexis Korner Says'.
Six By Seven's story has always been one of numbers. In 2002, two long-standing members fell by the way leaving them as a bassless trio.
LCD Soundsystem: Sound of Silver
James Murphy is a man who owns lots of records, and judging by the influences present on Sound of Silver, it's clear to see that not only of the size of his record collection is enormous, the quality of it is too.
Tetra Splendour @ Leeds Festival 2002
Plundering the heavy riff cookbook, Porthcawl's Tetra Splendour sure make a better live proposition than on record (fine single 'Pollenfever' excepted).
The Völtz formed in late 2005 in Headingley, North Leeds. They played their first gig to a sold out Leeds Cockpit five weeks later.
The Whip have been around in various incarnations for a number of years now; with the rise in popularity of artists such as Digitalism, Justice, Soulwax and MSTRKRFT and other established indie bands such as Bloc Party embracing electronic music perhaps now is their time.
The release of "You are the Quarry" sees Morrissey's 7th solo album proper and a 7 year wait to follow up his last, virtually ignored release "Maladjusted".
Deja vu. Deja vu from the exact same time last year. Stuck in the same pokey Cockpit auxiliary room with an altogether comatose audience but nevertheless an incendiary performance from one of British rocks most talented outfits.
Bloc Party @ Leeds Festival 2008
The last day of the festival. It threw it down on Saturday Night but when The Blackout came to the main stage, they had a little battle with the elements.
Proof if there ever was that this is the best advice I can give to anyone who loves music. WATCH THE SUPPORT BAND.
Benjamin Wetherill: The Derby Ram
It would be quite easy to throw Benjamin Wetherill's name in the "freak folk" category often attached to the likes of Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom, Vashti Bunyan and Iron & Wine, but with Benjamin you always seem to get something refreshingly different.
Fulc have been hailed in the national press as one of Britain's 'brightest hopes' and after hearing .Embrace.Destroy.
Killswitch Engage: As Daylight Dies
Currently treading the boards Stateside in support of this, their fourth full-length album, Killswitch Engage are slowly but surely taking over the world.
Enter Shikari: Sorry You're Not a Winner
Metal guitars blended with euphoric dance lines? Surely this must be some sort of mistake, or possibly a mix from the Belgian brothers: 2 Many DJs possibly?
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.
Possible contender for the most innovative songs of the year, Imogen Heap's first single off her new album "Speak for Yourself" is possibly known among many hip, cool and trendy teens as the background music to the last episode of The OC.
I was first introduced to Midlands three piece, The Enemy, during their hastily arranged support of Kasabian at the Refectory last year.
Motley Crue: If I Die Tomorrow
In December last year cock-rock legends Motley Crue, well known for their drug overdoses and womanising, decided to reform to give music one more crack.
Whiskas caught up with Jarcrew on their tour with Million Dead ...
Ten Floors, a totally unique 4-piece piano-based indie/rock band, are an act that have successfully established themselves as one of the most exciting and dynamic unsigned bands today, sweeping a breath of fresh air over the North of England, and beyond.
In a parallel universe, the likes of Coldplay and Keane are touring University Unions, and Guy Garvey is the one with the Hollywood actress wife, whilst his band sits proudly atop the bill at Glastonbury.
Ahhh The Raveonettes. The first time I saw them was in May last year, mostly to promote 'Beat City', the final single from their debut mini-LP 'Whip It On'.
Maximo Park need very little introduction - to have missed the success of their debut album, A Certain Trigger, full of their own self-styled indie, would be a miracle.
...Emo... Damm! I bet myself I could get through this whole review without mentioning that word. Bugger.
Tonight, with James from Duels deputising for Rich (drummer, broken elbow), Leeds four-piece The Hair performed at the Brudenell Social Club supporting Good Shoes. Charlotte Oxnard managed to catch up with them for a few words afterwards...
Now here's a novel idea, a CD single (a format predominantly bought by a 11-16 girls) that contains the purest "adult" orientated rock I've heard in a long time.
Ida Maria: Drive Away My Heart
With terrestrial TV bosses having shelved live music from prime time, a spot on Jools Holland has become the musical equivalent of the Richard and Judy Book Club - the direct line to £50 man and his Amazon wish list.
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.
The best kind of pop music is pop music that knows it's pop music, and isn't afraid to tell everyone just how pop it is. Gavin Miller explains...
Just like the Klaxons themselves, lets make this as short and as sweet as possible. Klaxons are the best new band in the UK right now.
As anyone who repaired to the [insert current sponsor's beer brand here] Tent one gloriously sunny Friday afternoon in late August may remember, Glaswegian popsters Make Model are the kind of band it is very difficult for anyone to dislike.
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.
Grand Volume: Send Me Your Champion
Obviously not short of confidence, this trio from Manchester, as Send Me your Champion aspires to throw down the gauntlet to today's crop of rock bands and, on some levels at least, succeeds.
Say Anything: ...Is A Real Boy
Charisma, the attribute any individual needs to become a truly great personality. When you look through the annals of time at the so called legends of music they all exuded confidence and had the ability to attract the attention of the public with maximum ease and naturally keep them coming back for more.
I'm going to start this with a disclaimer - if you've recently enjoyed a seven-minute wildly creative single entitled 'Atlas', you needs to pick up the album by Battles, because I'd feel bad if any confusion in the names - combined with this review - would discourage you from picking up one of the albums of the year (Battles - 'Mirrored').
Elektrons: Red Light, Don't Stop
Kicking the album off is the single and club favourite 'Get Up' which absolutely provides an exciting introduction to the rest of the album.
Milf are a three-piece Bradford band and have been plying their trade for over 4 years now, since they were 14, and bring us a truly fantastic four-track EP.
Enter Shikari: We Can Breathe In Space, They Just Don't Want Us To Escape
Ever since Enter Shikari blasted onto the scene five years ago, their post hardcore compositions that involve smashing together trance, hardcore and screamo vocals shot them very rapidly to stardom.
The Darkness: One Way Ticket To Hell And Back
Don't get me wrong, I wanted to like this record. Like most rock fans wanting a break from the whole "distorted guitars and vocals which sound like the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street" schtick of yer Slipknots and Papa Roaches in 2003, I thought The Darkness were a breath of fresh air - a group with their eyes shamelessly set on selling out Wembley five nights in a row rather than just staring at their feet and being happy to be anchored to the toilet circuit.
The Music @ Roadhouse (Manchester)
Review featured with permission from www.manchestermusic.co.uk Not unlike the amount of feather boas and leopard print present for the Manic Street Preachers, or backwards caps for Limp Bizkit, the traditional demin clad bowlheads fill Manchester's Roadhouse for the most hyped band this year.
In a music scene as wide and varied as Leeds is at the moment, you're bound to get the odd one or two who just seem so captivating, so unique and so... "where the fuck did this guy come from?"
I never intended writing a review of this gig, especially as most of you were probably there anyway. But here goes ...
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.
indie pop
Rob Galloway Dubbed 'The Rebel of the Leeds Music Scene' ROB GALLOWAY describes himself as Beck meets Iggy Pop, creating an electric sound from dance beats, guitars, trip hop and punk rock
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...
Vincent Vincent and the Villains @ Brudenell Social Club
To say it lacked atmosphere would be understatement of the year, especially considering the reputation that North by South Best has.
There's always at least one band in your life that you love for no good reason, it defies the rest of your general taste in music and the rest of the peers in the aforementioned band's genre.
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.
Various Artists: Rough Trade Shops - Counter Culture 2007
Every year since 2003 there's been a Counter Culture - or at least, a Counter Culture that's been documented by Rough Trade on a Counter Culture compilation.
Limp Bizkit @ Leeds Festival 2000
2pm: Arrive for what is a very short day for me. I come for four bands in particular, Brassy after their amazing set when they supported Idlewild earlier on this year at the Metropolitan University, Soulwax, after an equally amazing set with Wannadies, and the two American bands Limp Bizkit and Foo Fighters.
If theatre was the chosen style then Loqui came right out and did it properly. Their cast of oddballs was choreographed around Rob Chapman (trombone, vocals and ego) and their music swirled, raced and bewitched.
A good crowd turned up for tonight's free Barfly sessions gig but there was plenty of room and it could have been promoted a little bit better because many of the genuine fans who would have paid to see these bands knew nothing of it.
Attic Lights: Friday Night Lights
Imagine The Beach Boys, throw in a little of The Feeling with a dash of McFly. Add in string arrangements provided by Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn & John and you get Attic Lights, one of the most promising new bands of the year.
2002 - How was it for you?
At the time of discovering that this particular tour was to take place I was convinced that Leeds (and the majority of the other cities involved) wouldn't see a stronger line-up (festivals aside) all year long.
A return to the city he calls home, for David Gedge, in his most famous incarnation, this was always going to be an emotional affair and a sweep through a 20 year-old back catalogue proved to be just that.
"Let's lay down some f**king hits" drolls The Blood Arm frontman and all round king of cool sleaze Nathaniel Fregoso on their new long player's opening number.
Vessels @ Brudenell Social Club
The Brudenell has played host to a number of extremely special shows in recent times, and tonight Vessels laid down a pretty good claim as to why this should go down as one of them. The homecoming gig of their UK tour, tonight showcased some of the very best in emerging talent from Leeds, culminating in one of the finest shows Radio One's favourite unsigned band have ever performed.
White Denim: Shake Shake Shake
Reviewing 'Shake Shake Shake' has allowed me to listen to Texan trio White Denim for the very first time.
Pretty middle of the road, harping back to 90's indie drawl here folks. It's not altogether that bad, I suppose.
New music promo company makes Leeds band centre stage
MezzoFilms has celebrated the launch of its new promo division - Poison Pen Films - with the release of The Pigeon Detectives' latest video.
The Silent Parade: Undercurrents
The Silent Parade are a Manchester quartet who, by their own admission, take influences from Muse, My Vitriol and The Mars Volta, as well as Manchester compatriots Doves and Oceansize.
The Glitterati @ Fibbers (York)
"We all wanna be big, big stars but we don't know why and we don't know how". So sang Counting Crows, which subsequently became their 'how'.
Whole Sky Monitor: Bland Bland Bland
There's such an obvious joke opportunity in the title of this record that I'm having to put a lot of effort into actually writing an honest review, instead of falling back on a cheap gag.
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!
Bradford based Dusty Not Digital are a relatively new band, formed in late 2005 by songwriters Luke Hirst and Lewys Rees, and have already won the Musicians Centre Battle of the Bands, followed by constant hard work and gigging.
This was the last night of The Dykeenies' latest tour, and by the time Figure 5 took the stage the big room in the Cockpit was already filling up in anticipation.
Having converted the many fans of We are Scientists and The Sunshine Underground as a support act on both these band's UK and Ireland tours late last year, The Blood Arm are back to try and win over some more followers with the second single from their new album, 'Lie Lover Lie'.
Talk to us about their stalker and news of a pending debut album...
Does an increase in age signify a decrease in dress sense? In the middle of a completely black-donned audience, whose average age is around 16, stands a balding 25 year-old.
What once was Parva is now The Kaiser Chiefs. With a brand new set and a brand new sound the band introduce their new selves to us with "Less Is More".
Mr Hudson And The Library @ Cockpit
I arrive late, but in time to catch the headline act's full set. The turnout is much better than I expected, the main room is full.
Mr Hudson And The Library: A Tale Of Two Cities
I first caught this band on the Jools Holland show some months ago and to say that I saw a group of quirky individuals would be a huge understatement.
Having toured with many large acts including James Blunt, Sheryl Crow and Joseph Arthur, Pallot's album 'Fires' is sure to be purchased primarily by fans she has won over with stunning live performances, myself included.
It's been a fair old trek for Chicago's darkpunk entrepreneurs Alkaline Trio since their incarnation in '96.
The Diawara frontman looks in his element as he energetically takes it upon himself to cover every square inch of the stage before the night is up.
Shock Defeat!: How Did We Make It So Angry?
The modern age, it's a killer ain't it? With the millions of infobytes each of us has to deal with every day why is it that music reviews are running longer and becoming increasingly verbose?
Raw, loud and unrestrained, the latest offering from the boy/girl blues trash outfit is the epitome of nicotine-stained scuzzy rock 'n' roll.
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.
Daryl Palumbo (formerly of Glassjaw) returns with his new band's second full length album after 2004's strong, if rather inconsistent, debut effort Decadence.
Piskie Sits: The Secret Sickliness
You may not realise it (because the NME hasn't told you so) but slacker-rock is about to make a timely comeback.
Yourcodenameis: Milo: Schteeve
Following their impressive Albini produced debut mini album, Yourcodenameis: Milo release their first single proper produced this time by Flood.
The Charlatans @ The Refectory
It's been six years since the Charlatans were on a stage in Leeds (festivals excepted) and there have been several major changes in that time.
Solo artists breaking free from a band and a fanbase they collected on their way to the top can be a lonely place.
Arctic Monkeys: Leave Before The Lights Come On
Despite being a firm believer that the hype surrounding New Yorkshire's success story, Arctic Monkeys, is entirely justified I didn't want to believe the latest hype surrounding them...
Interview: Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
Currently on tour with US space rockers Yo La Tengo, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci cohort Richard James gets grilled on playing live, record labels and where that name comes from...
We all know about the "difficult second album" phenomenon. I mean, it's featured every year in the Great Rock and Roll Clichés Annual, next to such chestnuts as "we write songs for ourselves and if anyone else likes them it's a bonus" (he said whilst looking nervously over his shoulder at the suits from his record company) as well as the whole kafuffle of throwing a TV in through a hotel window.
A year and half on from the first studio release of seven track CD "Stripes", five-piece Mojo Pin have developed a maturity and focus that sings out with real confidence.
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.
I was rather excited about getting tickets for this gig. Not only was I off to see one of my new favourite-bands-you-haven't-really-heard-of-but-will-soon, GoodBooks, I was going to a student only night.
Sunday Night Live @ The Met Bar, Leeds
Supporting the best in local Leeds bands - brought to you nby Leeds Met Students Union!
Girls Aloud: Sound Of The Underground
WAIT! Don't leave just yet. Lets give the girls a chance. Yes everything indicates that you should run screaming from this record.
Forgive me for my ignorance but I thought nobody actually gave a rat's arse about indie guitar bands any more...
Armstrong: Re:Invent the scene
With a veritable army of fans in tow at every turn, and the whispers surrounding their live performances starting to gain volume, I was a little giddy and had very high hopes for this single.
American bands are cool these days. What with this and adventurous promoting from Melting Vinyl, we have a healthy throng at Joseph's Well to see performance art-rock straight outta Chicago.
After appearing on a Maida Vale session for BBC Radio 1 earlier in the year and completing a hectic national tour schedule, I think it would be safe to assume that This Et Al are a band clearly going places.
The Hair @ University of Lincoln
You can take the band and the reviewer out of Yorkshire but you can't take the Yorkshire out... The Hair are an extremely tight outfit who have talent in abundance.
Joseph Arthur: Nuclear Daydream
Releasing two new albums simultaneously is a big ask of any artist, but when you see what Joseph Arthur has done and is all about, it's another step on an amazing journey for this man.
Things look very bright for the music scene in Leeds at the moment, and tonight is a great testament to that.
Interview: Funeral for a Friend
John Harvey talks with Darren from Welsh emo hardcore band Funeral for a Friend, who recently headlined the NME tour in Leeds...
Ah, the mighty Dance To The Radio night strikes again. Never a month goes past without another three bands more than worthy of headlining a show all by themselves being wheeled out and cast asunder to a crowd that in the most part aren't overly familiar with the talent on show but are more than willing to co-operate (or at least pensively listen) to what DTTR has to offer.
Now you know you're in for a good night when the stage is awash with cans of Guinness even before seven downtown LA agro Celt merchants take to the stage.
It is often said that 'genius steals', however he was usually 'round mi girlfriends' at the time and has ten or fifteen people willing to testify that he's 'a good boy, always in church on Sundays and would never steal so much as a middle-eight'.
Guitars. Lots and lots of guitars. Leather, screaming girls, sweat, passion, sex, sleaze, bourbon. Just some of the things that pop into my head when I think of the words Rock n Roll.
The Noisettes: Three Moods of...
"I hear those guys can really wail" says Garth at the prospect of seeing Crucial Taunt in Wayne's World.
Shallowend: Shining Brighter / Tigers
Back in May last year I reviewed Shallowend's first release "The Waterfall" EP and at the time made the point about the difficulty I faced in being objective in reviewing a band where I new one of the members quite well.
Infadels: We Are Not the Infadels (Live+DVD)
The album cover for We Are Not The Infadels led me to believe that Infadels were some sort of new wave electro-pop band of the To My Boy variety.
I have to admit that it's been almost six years since I last saw Ash live, since which they've been through the nightmare situation of trying to introduce a DJ to their live show as well as the successful introduction of second guitarist Charlotte Hatherley.
The Amazing Pilots @ Royal Park Cellars
Any band with a name containing the word "fury" give you a huge hint as to what they're going to sound like before playing a note, so it's no surprise that Two Wheel Fury provide a riotous, fun affair ranging from punk to alternative rock sounds.
"O Fracas those maracas!", "It's a Marac-attack!" and various other phrases soldering the art of off kilter guitar jittery with luminous fuchsia plastic percussion instruments welcome one of Leeds' favourite sons (currently the slightly underachieving one who's working in Asda) back to the live music scene with open arms tonight at the Packhorse.
Interview: The Sunshine Underground
Alex Denney caught up with The Sunshine Underground during their current UK headlining tour
The Twilight Sad: Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters
Epic, intense, dramatic, cinematic... just a few words you might use to describe this Glasgow-based quartet's debut album.
I must say I am a little late in reviewing Pop Threat and for that I apologise unreservedly to the delightful Juliet who cornered me after a Scaramangas gig at Ver Well one night last year.
Various Artists: United Sounds of the HiFi Club
This brilliant compilation showcases a whole music scene that a lot of the other parts hardly touch. American style funk, soul and R&B is not exactly leading edge these days.
Student feeding-ground by day, 'The Refectory' at Leeds University Union may not seem like the obvious location for a night of top musical entertainment, but I was certainly impressed by the sound and light show at the excellent Placebo gig here this time last year.
This was actually my first visit to The Faversham; well first time as a punter, I have actually done a few jobs for them.
Juliette & The Licks: Got Love To Kill
Perhaps one of my biggest regrets of this year's Leeds Festival was allowing myself to get swept along with the hype and be all eager-beaverish, arriving early at the Carling Stage on the Sunday to secure a 'good spot' for young scamps, Arctic Monkeys.
"Is this the Mighty Mighty Bosstones?" my mate said as soon as I put this CD in to play. "I used to love them." So what is it with Ska Punk?
Victoria Holdsworth talks to The Glitterati as they make a welcome return to their hometown.
Dashboard Confessional: Dusk and Summer
One time, on one of my regular bored trawls through the lower vestiges of the internet in search of some light entertainment, I stumbled across a semi-amusing game called "create your own em* band name".
When I heard the first Beirut album, 'The Gulag Orkestar', I thought that Rufus Wainwright had started singing with Romanian folk bands.
Funeral for a Friend @ The Refectory
The fans are soaked, the band are soaked, even the ceiling is soaked. Funeral for a Friend's support is nothing short of triumphant as the 5 self confessed Welsh Valley boyos evacuate the stage concluding a set of vibrancy, urgency and enjoyment I had not accounted for.
Do Me Bad Things: Time for Deliverance
Okay so I'm heading into this review with a kinda biased viewpoint of the band to begin with after seeing their piss poor performance at the Reading festival this year.
A hop skip and a jump into the next county and you will find these suave lads, who go by the name Ejectorseat.
The last time I came to the City Varieties was about three years ago to see Sigur Rós. It's good to see the place hasn't changed that much since then, as I'm sitting here waiting for fellow country men (and woman) Múm (pronounced "moom" for anyone unfamiliar with Icelandic).
Leeds Music Scene and Wintermute have a gossip about the new "Fun With Wizard Stencils" EP, managing along the way to incorporate some obligatory wizard magic.