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Luke Hirst: Songs for a rainy day
Luke Hirst gets off to a better start than most beginner singer/writer/guitarists. His guitar playing is crisp and well-recorded.
Def Leppard: Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
For over 25 years Def Leppard have been one of the UK's biggest rock bands, selling over 30 million records worldwide.
A great singer / songwriter / guitarist producing highly original guitar sounds in the acoustic power-rock and contemporary range, creating a solid foundation of his own original songs. It has been said that hearing Geoff is like 'being swept away by
Various Artists: Dream Brother - The Songs of Tim and Jeff Buckley
The point of a covers album? Mainly it's to get a fresh and exciting new perspective on old classics, but when those old classics are nigh on perfect, do we really need this album?
I was absolutely shattered when I went down to see Edison Medicine and Mr Dogg play at Joseph's Well on Thursday night.
hardcore metal
In the latest single to be taken from Ray LaMontagne's acclaimed debut album, 'Trouble', 'How Come' adopts a laidback country style.
funk rock
Impure: 42 Miles In This Direction
This first stab from Impure is everything to be expected from ones so young and nothing more: ideas, attempted emulation, poor musicianship, ambition, and naivety.
Enticed only by a cool name and a bit of a bravado, it was with anticipation I awaited the arrival of what was to be one of the most vital live sets I've seen.
Lucky Jim: You're Lovely to Me
"... you may hear echoes of Neil Young, Lee Hazlewood, Nick Cave, Van Morrison, Serge Gainsbourg, Arthur Lee, Leonard Cohen, Brian Wilson, Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan, Ewan MacColl, Phil Spector and many others ..." (Skint Records website) You may also find traces of nuts.
Fury of the Headteachers: You Took a Scythe Home
Fury of the Headteachers have come up with a unique style of punk music. It's hard, full of aggression and passion, but they never lose their sense of purpose.
After almost a year since their last gig, Dub City are finally returning to the Leeds scene. Following the arrival of their new guitarist, Jonathan Maude, in early 2003, the band have reinvented their style and sound and are now proudly producing heavier songs with a more rock-orientated feel.
hey! robot! cite their main influence as Kings Of Convenience though their overlapping shared vocal style reminded me of an acoustic Maccabees; though having got four members they've got a full rich sound that is strangely melancholy and uplifting at the same time.
You know the songs that conjure up emotions the first time you hear them, that order the hairs on your neck to attention, that stick with you and constantly tear at your emotions?
Kid Bombardos: Turnin' Wrong Demos
Ok, here's a bunch of French guys I'm sure you'll hear more of in '08. I have in my grubby hands a 5-track demo currently doing the rounds at their shows in their native Bordeaux, which has attracted the attention of the 'blogging community' - community here in Dr.
Fifth Goodbye were the first band of the evening's entertainment, and they had to put in a very solid performance to be able to stand up to the following bands, and a solid performance it was.
When listening to singer/songwriter Pete McGann, it's clear that he doesn't want to be pigeonholed into any particular genre.
Giant Drag: Hearts And Unicorns
There has been quite a lot of recent hype and attention surrounding this two-piece from LA after touring with The Like and The Cribs.
Experience dictates that all but a few outstanding songs ever last this longer than 6 mins 30 secs. Therefore it is with some trepidation I note Riser's average track time somewhere above this.
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.
Band Profile: The Dragon Rapide
avant-rock
New York based singer-songwriter Ian Love has created a pleasant debut album, but it doesn't quite hit the mark.
The Fencott Disaster: Rome and Step On It
Four-track EP from these boys - 4 songs of NY garage influenced post punk, not a bad effort, some of the guitar work is quite interesting with the dual lead thing going on and with the bass rumbling away in the back makes for an ok listen.
Juno 2 are a band I've heard a lot about but only seen play live once. They didn't particularly blow me away on that occasion, although I seem to remember thinking at the time that they had some good songs and could be great, if only they'd perform a little.
Friday night, end of May, and we're down at Joseph's Well to see three top bands play to a 100+ audience.
Chugga Chugga Chug, cheeky twidly solo, screamy bits, nice bits. It's a dynamic most of us have got used to since Killswitch Engaged released "Alive Or Just Breathing", but funnily enough, this Leeds-based 5-piece have some killer songs, some wicked riffs and this whole 5-track CD just works.
Band Profile: Judging Johnny West
funk rock
Well it's been three years since the good old The Xenith Sound formed and they are still forging ahead with that unique futuristic sound they managed to create a while back.
In the mid 1980's The Jesus and the Mary Chain exposed the world to its first tastes of fuzz music with the feedback and noise set so loud that the melody was lost below a constant squeal - needless to say it was not everybody's cup of tea.
Soledad Brothers: Voice of Treason
I'd like to draw an analogy if I may, (bear with me, this is going somewhere) between retro rock music and vintage clothing.
Fifth Goodbye put in a refined performance in front of an expectant crowd to promote their new EP entitled 'This Is My Impression'.
Playing acoustic guitar before Jon Gomm must be a rather daunting experience but Tim knocks out quite a strong set of songs with confessional and indeed rather poetic lyrics with fresh sounding strummy guitar.
Think early New Order or Joy Division, think Arab Strap, remember the Blue Aeroplanes and take a pinch of Echoboy for the backing tracks and you will be somewhere near the mark for describing Cosmonaut.
The first time that I've ventured into the Borders Cafe Bar and it's to see Pete and Annabelle, aka Living Thing, playing a free acoustic set to a crowd that is settling back and relaxing to the early evening entertainment.
Buen Chico are quite simply one of the best bands in the world right now. That sounds like a bold statement, but if you don't believe me go fucking listen to them.
Rounding up their U.K tour which has spanned over a month long, Milk 2 Sugars took the stage following the warm up sets of 2 of the North's best ska bands, first up, "Blinded by Ivan", a young band from Scunthorpe, followed by "Grown at Home" a highly infectious group, who had also been clocking up the tour dates over the summer.
The Gift are a three-piece consisting of Sean (bass/vocals), Nathan (guitar) and Jon (drums). This three track CD runs in at just under nine minutes and in attitude and style alone sounds more akin to 1970s punk - perhaps more so than anything that takes that name today.
Band Profile: Bedroom Gymnastics
Punk/indie band based in Bradford.
Aarkle Hooman: Pink Gorilla EP
The Pink Gorilla EP is the dazzling debut from the bizarrely named Aarkle Hooman. An upbeat electro pop rock duo who were once a full band but then felt that they sounded better as a keyboard/guitar combo.
The Lost 45s UK to release a new EP on November 5th
Leeds band The Lost 45s UK will release a new EP on Monday 5th November. "Experiments In Pop" will be available via the band's website for just £1.49 including P&P.
Instant Species: The Take Away EP
If I had my own way, Instant Species would write all of their songs in the style of the third track on their latest CD, "The Take Away EP".
Down at the Well on a Sunday is a relaxing end to one of the maddest weeks, and in such context I review this gig.
The Coral: Nightfreak & The Sons of Becker
The latest recording form The Coral is the product of improvisational sessions. I awaited the release of this CD with anticipation since I saw them in November and heard two of the songs live.
Singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist, described by Acoustic Magazine as "One of the world's most successful, gifted and inspirational guitar players"
My Chemical Romance: Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge
The inner movie style sleeve of this album describes it as "The story of a Man. A Woman. And the corpses of a thousand evil men..." This is punk rock with a dark side and ever present gothic undertones with passionate and often anguished lyrics focusing around death and heartache ("say goodnight to the heart you break and all the cyanide you drank..." from 'To The End').
Shed Seven - The Charlatans - Flowered Up - The Verve - aah, halcyon days indeed. These bands are almost certainly amongst the record collection of openers Silvertin and their facsimiles of the aforementioned bands in their songs are pretty spot on, if a little watered down.
This is an interesting idea. Monte Carlo are filling three CD-Rs with songs, and giving them all away at live gigs and through their website.
folk country
The Smokestacks @ Cockpit (acoustic bar)
Mary Wanna Smile were a very solid, straight-forward rock band, performing some well crafted acoustic ditties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktLwVzhgwSQ GO AND HAVE A LOOK!!!!!
They still look like extras from the rough council estate in The Bill but the 4 lads from Leeds have done pretty well for themselves in this their year of destiny.
Mr Shiraz @ Scullys (Heckmondwike)
The Agency Well I think this is the 3rd or 4th time I've seen The Agency. They play a kind of punked up ska, which is a refreshing change from what we hear all to often coming out of America.
Spitfire Charlie play laid back and lazy blues with a whiff of the contemporary (see The Libertines) and a hint of the old (see the great Led Zeppelin).
Sunday night in March at Joseph's Well and we're here to witness Fungus' latest tour, as they bring us their latest tongue-in-cheek, have-a-go single "A Fanclub Would Be Nice" and a genuine attempt to rock the venue ...
Jon Doe's: For Emergency Use Only
Having been around since 1998 it is hoped that Jon Doe's would now be at ease with their craft enough to have overcome all those painful mistakes synonymous with any bands early days.
Bastion 4: The Tale Of Gideon Strange
There appears to be an uncanny tendency for singles that are described on their press blurbs as "infectiously summer-sounding" to make their way into my possession when the weather is generously providing me with the chance to experience first-hand what it might be like to be drowned in a tidal-wave of piss whilst making my way through a Norwegian tundra.
Good Shoes: Think Before You Speak
I was slightly sceptical about how I would find South London quartet Good Shoes' début album, 'Think before you speak'.
This two tracker from The Outlines is a self-produced side step from the rock-pop formula adopted on previous releases.
El Perro Del Mar: From the Valley to the Stars
Whilst hardly expecting Swede Sarah Assbring to deliver a death metal album, the prospect of her combining with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra did promise a bigger, lusher sound than previous albums.
Interesting ways to sort out your band's musical direction number 341 - take the Kaiser Chiefs' sharp approach to indie-pop, add a dash of razorblade guitar riffs, some Stooges style onstage hyperactivity, stick a rocket up its jacksy and enjoy.
Halifax's Jacob give off a real sense of a band with all the right ingredients but just not quite ready to come out of the oven.
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.
Planet Of Women: Waking Up the Neighbourhood
"November spawned a monster" sang Morrissey back in 1991. Fourteen years on and this turn of phrase could be applied to some of the current wave of artists riding on the coat-tails of the glam rock/ cock-rock resurgence instigated by The Darkness.
Loudmouth Soup: Skydiver / Narcolepsy
Loudmouth Soup have long memories and some skill in their five-piece band. Here are two catchy pop songs of some quality.
Dogged by guitar trouble throughout his set, The Lodger battles on with an aggressive guitar style juxtaposing nicely with the tuneful vocal melodies.
The last time I reviewed QUICKLIME, from their demo tape, I complained about poor vocal qualities. Unfortunately, poor vocals were again in evidence tonight.
Screaming their way all the way from Japan, home of lock n loll, Electric Eel Shock are here for your daughter.
The evening kicks off with MOJO PIN, a young band who I have not heard before. I was suitably impressed for a first hearing (normally I prefer to hear bands at least once before I review them); although the vocals were a little soft in parts and definition to the words would be an asset, especially when announcing songs.
Band Profile: Astonishing Sod Ape
electronica
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Leeds Festival 2002
Listening to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club makes you want to lie down outside and watch the stars while you let yourself slip into a trance and soak in the grungy retro grooves.
It's difficult to know what to say about this music. Ever start telling someone a joke and forget the punch line halfway through?
Frankly, I'm surprised Breed 77 still have the energy for the music business. Not because they're not any good but it has to be said they're not the greatest band to walk the planet either, despite the ridiculous amount of the overtime they put in at the office.
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.
goad are in lower case. Even on gig listings the band tell me that they begin with a small 'g'. A warning perhaps, so that you don't make any mistakes.
Cube scare me. It defies all rules of rock when even the drummer is good looking. Yet it makes sense with the mirror-posing rock that they play.
Wakefield is the place for sure. Here's another talented bunch with a future ahead of them. It's not fully realised in the demo, with its tendency to try and sound like a "proper record".
Neon Neon @ Brudenell Social Club
It's the end of a very very long week and I'm shagged out. I'm at a gig that is packed to the rafters and I'm hoping that Boom Bip and Gruff can perk me up a bit.
Solo or with the Folk Theatre Partisans, Michael Rossiter does good work round the Leeds acoustic scene and beyond.
Graeme Stanton: I'm Not Perfect
Apparently our very own leedsmusicscene has once called Graeme "The next David Gray"... who said that?
The first band were STONEFISH who I'd never seen before. The things that struck me were the singer's amazing natural voice and the guitarist's energy.
Here's someone who can turn up anywhere in front of an audience who don't know what's coming - and the two sides of the arrangement find they're made for each other.
The Moonies: I would give it all up for your Love
If you sped the Buzzcocks up then you would have The Moonies. In the recent media frenzy of garage rock bands that regularly appear at the whim of the NME and their evil media empire buddies, to often the focus seems away from our shores - be it Sweden, Australia or the US, we overlook our own proficiency to turn out some darn' right great bish bash bosh guitar songs.
Band Profile: The Roman Empire
alternative country
It's relatively difficult to pick up the style and genre of Stillman from the first track "Foreword".
Over fifteen years since Suede burst on the UK indie scene with their debut single The Drowners, frontman Brett Anderson releases his first solo album, the imaginatively titled Brett Anderson.
There appears to be quite a few bands called Seed, this one however are two brothers from Leeds. Their brand of safe pop-rock is well produced and performed but lacks any real ingenuity.
This certainly sounds promising. An indie duo consisting of a female singer/guitarist and her husband drummer (who really can play nearly everything: drums, various percussion, keys, and - wait for it - a kazoo.
Vae Solis @ Royal Park Cellars
So, metal night at the Royal Park, and the turnout looks quite good as the first band, BEYOND REDEMPTION, take the stage.
funk rock
Misled Vision have come a long way since the last time I saw them, when they were a good band but were too inexperienced as musicians and as a band to make any real impact, but the fact that they played the Cockpit today shows how far they have come.
The Dirty Soul: Perfection is bad for the soul
Indeed it is... perfection that is, but is the soul in question actually The Dirty Soul themselves? Not perfect but steady and steadfast, standing as they are on a blues and swaggering pub-rock foundation.
Adam Green: Jacket Full of Danger
After recent support slot with fellow friends The Strokes and briefly having a diary in NME, Adam Green is back with his new album, Jacket Full Of Danger.
I remember the days when Charly Six were Brass Monkey and I was interested to see what they would be like after all this time.
This is the second time I have seen Gallo and I like them more every time. The female duo have a lot of talent between them and use guitar and saxophone to produce some lovely funky, jazzy, blusey medleys, topped off with an angelic, but strong voice that you have to notice.
These days you can't walk 20 feet without tripping over a band that from Merseyside that wants to be either The Coral, The Las or both.
Hey Negrita: Devil in My Shoes
It is a genuine mystery why some bands release singles, particularly when clearly they are so far from the sort of music that the single buying bracket of the public would actually listen too.
pop rock
Good old rock and roll that's what Vatican Jet dish out! Apparently standing in for Being 747, these lads did a great job!
This Et Al: Wardens / Rotary Queen
With a perhaps more accessible style than their mates Forward Russia there is just a chance that if they keep churning out this sort of quality, This Et Al could end up being the VHS of the relationship.
Why aren't Cope playing live more often in Leeds - or have I been missing something? This CD is pretty good you know, with an almost retro/indie rock feel to it.
The Wave Pictures: Just Like A Drummer
Following on swiftly from the release of their 13 track album "Instant Coffee Baby" The Wave Pictures are releasing a 6 track EP "Just Like a Drummer" that includes 5 new tracks as well as the title track, so they're obviously not short on material.
Easy Listening this is not. Opening with a demented Wurlitzer esque drone with sugar sweet female vocals daintily skipping amongst the disturbing synth sounds this could be the background to some B-Movie title sequence.
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.
The Charlatans: Up At The Lake
The first song on this album is the title track. It rocks and stomps, demanding volume. Burgess blends his natural voice, with the falsetto style he adopted on the 'Wonderland' album.
Sawthroat @ The Albion (Morley)
Tug Ether: Having not heard this band in the past I was quite cynical going into the gig about another alternative band.
Having J Mascis at the helm may bring illusions of driving guitars, messily fighting with themselves, but here he has returned to his first instrument, the drums, along with Dave Sweetapple (bass), and Kyle Thomas of feathers to create a sound far removed from anything they are well known for.
Metronomy are currently touring the country in promotion of their latest single 'Radio Ladio' as well as their 2006 album, 'Pip Paine (Pay the £5000 you owe)'.
More often than not, folk records come with a seasonal mood in mind, though in the case of Paul Marshall and his debut album 'Vultures' we have a record which seems to encapsulate all four seasons - equally as fitting for a frosty February morning as it is for a sun-drenched afternoon in July.
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.
The bastard offspring of the great Brit indie uprising of 2002 are back to give it another shot and by 'eck, we've missed 'em a bit more than we thought it seems.
The Von Bondies @ Blank Canvas
I hate Coldplay with a passion now. Why you may ask? Well let me tell you. It all began on the 21st April, me and my friends were waiting to see a band from Detroit called The Von Bondies.
Wednesday night's show at Joseph's Well was one of the best I've seen in the last three months. The two bands fit well together and each played good, rocking sets.
Despite going down to the Well to see all three bands I only saw the first couple of songs by openers Uma and Shallowend-playing-Pavement later on in the headliners set.
So, after intending to go down to see Terris, I thought I'd still pop down and check out the array of talent that had been put on to replace them.
One obvious disadvantage of calling yourselves Breakthemould is that reviews of your recorded output are inevitably going to query whether or not you do actually "break the mould" in terms of pushing new musical boundaries.
A trip down to Joseph's Well a while ago saw me coming away with a 5-track demo CD from York/Leeds band Blueryder.
Mullets. When did they become fashionable again? They're all around me. I nervously feel that I'm being punished for having a chuckle at mulletmadness.com a few days earlier, or perhaps I've been warped into a parallel universe where all the rock chick style guides insist on one.
First onstage tonight are the Bradford-based quintet Seven Hours, who mix a dose of funk into their otherwise straight-ahead rock sound.
An American band with guitars and a violin will bring images of Hillbilly country rock. Add a hint of reggae and you'll be forgiven for thinking it's the Mad Hatters tea party.
The Prototypes: A Twist Of Fate
I can't fathom The Prototypes. A Twist of Fate comprises four songs each of which have their own unique style.
Various Artists: Paul Marshall / Tascam Tapes - split single
A couple of names lately added to the ranks of Leeds acoustic singer-songwriterdom. The whole thing - quite deliberately a disc of two halves - begins with Paul Marshall's songs following a bass-and-snare drumbeat that gives way to some pleasing guitar-picking in a slightly hasty style for 'Oh Napoleon'.
What immediately struck me about this four-track CD when I first listened to it was the quality of the production.
Apparently trucker style baseball caps are now "cool". Well Grandaddy were wearing them long before the ponces and poseurs deemed them suitable to wear and continue to do so now they are, but for much different reasons I'm sure than the world's fashion victims.
Solo artists breaking free from a band and a fanbase they collected on their way to the top can be a lonely place.
Hamster Pizza: Okay, I am not going to lie, I wasn't expecting anything from this band. I thought it would be one to miss, but they were better than I expected.
Hellogoodbye: Here (In Your Arms)
Hello. I never really thought I'd be reviewing a song which could have easily walked last week's Eurovision song contest.
Clone, dressed in their shades, have an uneasy obsession with writing songs about the stars and planets.
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.
Ambient, alternative music is on the cards tonight in the ridiculous upstairs room of the Atrium. Peasman, aka.
The New Amsterdams: Story Like a Scar
Story like a Scar opens with two undeniably perfect tracks defining the album genre as mellow folk. The New Amsterdams incorporate country-style instruments such as a harmonica, banjo and stand-up bass for a brilliant effect.
Various Artists: Chickenhawk / I Breathe Spears / With Scissors - split EP
Leeds dysfunctional time signature merchants Chickenhawk open this split EP in style with Perpeptucoh parts i-iii and part iv.
Quick refresh on Recess. This Recess is not the "grunge Recess" that has been reviewed a couple of times in the live section over the past month or so.
The Tamborines: What Took You So Long
Despite the misspelling, The Tamborines have a name as obvious as the day is long. Far more interestingly the 3 piece consist of two Brazilians (the nationality not the haircut) and one French drummer, which makes the wall-of-sound Indie influenced by the likes of Teenage Fanclub and The Jesus & Mary Chain all the more surprising.
Gweedo @ Woodkirk Valley Country Club
Openers tonight were DayDream, a three piece who are unashamedly proud of their Beatlesque influences.
CAPRI - Leeds' very own powerhouse Funk band.
Electro Rap Core from Rome... sound enticing? Nope didn't think so. What does Electro Rap Core mean you ask?
Workout Holiday is a collection of re-recorded songs from the first two EPs by White Denim. This ramshackle three-piece from Austin have been causing a bit of a stir of late, and on this evidence it's fairly easy to see what the fuss is about.
The Sunshine Underground @ The Vine
The Printed Sound began proceedings on Friday night at The Vine, following their inclusion into the first Leeds HMV Showcase.
Whoa! Where did this come from? Like a rabid dog let out of its cage whilst on numerous class A drugs, The Lies are all about fast, loud, in your face songs.
Gamma Ray Sam: A Short Course in Long Term Happiness
I'd be surprised if the irony in the title of this album was lost on anyone who listened to it. As per usual the PR pamphlet that came along with said album tells me that it is 'highly acclaimed'.
Leeds is quiet tonight; most of the local bars are empty, probably due to the appalling Leeds weather.
The Bacchae @ Leeds Festival 2008
The Bacchae came onto the stage in costumes of various stripes. The band comprise Harriet Hyde doing vocals (a good line in slurred rock wastrel), Jockstrap Jim as the rock guitarist, Dave Vachon on bass and Rob The Fox playing the organ.
Tim Fletcher: Winter Into Spring
The seasonally-titled Winter Into Spring is Tim Fletcher's first professionally recorded CD. The unsigned singer-songwriter originates from West Yorkshire (though currently located in Sheffield), and cites impressive influences such as; Nick Drake, Neil Young, Bright Eyes and Devendra Banhart.
Spoonfish. Hmm. Interesting name. It's good. This Keighley four-piece band are definite contenders. They play energetic enthusiastic metal in a classic style (but claim to be NU).
This CD is bloody amazing! I was given this when we had just played a storming set at Josephs Well. I had the original "Wow Signal" EP from VISA, which I acquired from the Blue Star gig a couple of months ago.
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.
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.
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 an evening as hot as this, being stuck in a bustling gig is not a hugely appealing prospect. Passing out from over-heating - which, as soon as you walk in to the Cockpit, does seem likely or even perhaps inevitable - really doesn't strike me as much fun either, but this gig is certainly one worth suffering for.
Bright Young Things - a new showcase of talent - has hit venues across Leeds this past week and I caught up with the Leeds Met.
Helme / Banks / Fletcher... three of the best musicians in... er... to come out of Yorkshire... so ran the "glowing" introduction to the live debut of these three paragons of fine music.
The Polyphonic Spree: Soldier Girl (remixes)
So it's a single with remixes. This used to annoy me, but recently I've been looking forward to hear how my favourite electro (or not) artists mangle indie songs.
A Clean Incision is the official debut release from The Reverse. This North London based band formed in 2000, and have previously released one limited album and appeared on several compilations.
I arrive at the Cockpit just in time to see openers Captain take to the stage. They go on to set the tone of the evening with their shimmering, often delicate indie pop music.
The Hold Steady: Boys & Girls In America
From the opening chords that travel through heavy guitar and jangly piano riffs, this album feels like an old friend.
Another five-band line up at Joseph's Well marks another Northern Sound Exposure event. What makes these gigs so enjoyable from my point of view is that the organisers always try to feature new bands and it's the perfect opportunity to check out some of the potential bands of tomorrow.
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.
Having become rather disconsolate by seeing many unsigned bands who simply mimic their heroes, often succeeding in recreating the look rather than the sound of say the Libertines, Oasis and the Strokes, it was refreshing to see two bands for whom the music definitely came first at the Bassment.
This Holiday Life: The Fallout
This Holiday Life are almost too knowingly good. Only an American band, and a Californian band at that, could be so unashamedly mellow and well produced, while singing such nifty songs with such passion and style.
Tonight was unlike the typical gig where, if you want to catch the first band, you have to rush your tea and give yourself indigestion running down to the venue for at least 8 o'clock.
Ethan and Nathan Dickens, Stuart Morrison , Rob Soulsby and Tom Francis: Fierce Panda's latest punt into the unknown.
Three may allegedly be a magic number, but everybody at the Cockpit for Futuresound's third competition heat must have been doing too much calculus recently, accidentally multiplying three by something else and making the end result only distantly related to our original magic number.
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.
Dean Roy Holmes - lead vocals + bass Chris Kipper Summers - lead guitar Bryan Bell - rhythm guitar Phil Rhodes - drums From Pudsey in Leeds, 45 Revolutions formed in 2003 and have already played the many respected venues in and around the Leeds area including The Cockpit, Joseph's Well, Rios in Bradford and The Dry Bar in Manchester.
The Chiara L's kick off tonight's trio of female fronted bands each of whom bring their own distinct style and charisma to proceedings.
The Printed Sound: The Announcement EP
These days the term "Indie-rock" is enough to strike fear into the heart of even the most hardened, weathered hack.
Entering the cool downstairs bar of The Wardrobe I'm greeted by a sea of the city's most beautiful inhabitants.
Who is Imogen Heap? The place is certainly packed out with young, fashion conscious people, and there is a clear Perspex grand piano on stage.
Phoenix Bodies: Raise The Bullshit Flag
Jesus. This is sort-of the hardest review I've ever written. Ok, it could be a case of "if you like Converge and mean it, you'll like Phoenix Bodies".
Sarah Lawton takes to an empty stage with her acoustic guitar accompanied by Paul Bratt on congas with Hilary Jones on cello.
There are few bands on the local scene that are capable of producing a piece of work as accomplished as this.
Right, first things first, I hold my hands up and openly admit that I have no love for the style of music touted by Hatebreed.
Army Of Freshmen are like young kidults with limitless energy and their live show is exhausting to watch.
All My Friends Are Dead @ Mixing Tin
Two things struck me when All My Friends Are Dead started playing. Just where the hell did these guys come from, and what took them so long?
solo acoustic
Bloc Party had an amazing year in 2004 and it appears that their debut album is about to thrust them to the top and beyond.
Yndi Halda: Enjoy Eternal Bliss
Can anyone remember instrumental guitar-music (or, ahem, "Post-Rock") being in such robust health as of now?
Seven Nautical Miles: Every Ocean Reversed
Like six post-metal Viking Kings wandering in search of their riff Valhalla, Seven Nautical Miles' debut album is a densely layered, dark and brooding affair in the tradition of all great epic post-metal bands - namely, that crushingly heavy, glacial guitars are interspersed with delicate light arpeggios that glimmer like the aurora borealis (ok, enough Viking/Scandinavian clichés).
Tonight our two opposing bands compliment each other well. Both believe in experimenting and trying diverse, intriguing methods of song writing, which is always nice to hear.
Upon recent visits to The Vine I must admit to being impressed by the seemingly more coherent approach taken to choosing the line-ups for nights, with what appears to be more consideration given to how compatible bands are both in terms of their musical style and fanbase.
Fury of the Headteachers: Fables / What Does For You Will Do For Me
Packed with snotty energy this debut release from Sheffield's Fury of the Headteachers adds yet another name to the list of "ones to watch from Yorkshire".
Although I liked their early singles I failed to be inspired by Duels' debut album "The Bright Lights", hence it was more with interest rather than any actual desire that I approached this, their second album.
Dirty Fakirs are a 6-piece from Hebden Bridge who have been bringing their unique style of super heavy northern grooves to audiences since August 2006.
Electric Mud Generator: Souls of Infinity
Appropriately with a name containing the word "mud" this is a dirty throaty blues rock stab from the Leeds outfit.
It's impressive! - there have not been a straighter set of pub rock songs committed to record for a considerable time.
Before we get stuck into the review I feel it's necessary to have a whinge. Stealthman were supposed to be playing tonight but unfortunately the landlord decided to be a prick and ban them from the venue due to them being under-age, after they had lugged all their gear in and sound checked.
Adequate Seven @ Joseph's Well
WOW! What can I say about this band? They are brilliant, they have come on so much since the last time I saw them early in 2002.
A pair of beseated little smurfs and a big slutty rock vamp alight the stage in a cloud of barbershop-style harmonies.
The Prime Movers: Party Favours
This EP seems from what I can gather to be arty indie funksters The Prime Movers' debut, and from that angle I suppose it ain't half bad.
The Detonators @ Joseph's Well
Despite an interesting stage get up (bandit style scarves over their faces and shirts with military targets on them) the Detonators take their sound and pretty much every move they make straight out of 1979, and with such cutting edge opening lines as 'You middle-class wankers' they obviously mean business.
Elvis Perkins and backing band Dearland are the perfect band to get people in the mood for some folk.
The self-professed "punk rock gods" Liquidhead returned to Joseph's Well on Thursday with a forty-five minute set consisting of old and new material.
iLiKETRAiNS? Were these lot stoned when they thought up their name? According to their website, no! They do actually like trains.
It would appear YSN are now just YSN, and if you didn't know what it stood for before you now never will.
Having to work meant I missed (or didn't really listen to) either of the support acts. I was aware that they were happening and that they sounded like indie music but that's it.
I eventually got down (taxis eh, only an hour late) to Joseph's Well in time to see Sposh. Rumour has it that before the Sposh set, I'd missed a most excellent opening act called Mahwa.
Decoy sit musically in a category that is most definitely not indie; probably more rock, with a tendency and concentration towards creating a guitar ambience.
Now coming towards a conclusion for this year, Futuresound 2001 has been a useful platform for a number of Leeds bands wishing to showcase their music to the city, whatever their genre.
Whole Sky Monitor: Just Let Me Talk To her
Whole Sky Monitor's biog describes them as "Northern existential kitchen sink dramatists" but as no-one has any idea (or cares) what that means, time to try listening to the music.
Lets clear one thing up before I write this review. I love Bloc Party. I can find very few criticisms of them.
Leeds 5 piece Infrasound kick things off with the aptly titled "Fire in the City." Bringing the Happy Mondays' penchant for funky beats and mixing it with the earnest pounding of the Walkmen if only fronted by Ian Curtis, the band produce a nice line in giddy space epics.
Tindersticks: Don't even go there EP
Get warmed up for this Summer's album release and tour with four new songs from an effortlessly mature Tindersticks.
"Heavy as John Prescott's Wallet" Progressive/alternative metal - you decide!!!!!
Taken from the forthcoming 5-track EP, Take A Holiday is one of Juxtaposition's more accessible songs.
Rob Nichols has become a familiar face in Leeds of late after regular performances in the city, and he recently reached the final of the BBC's ReCovered competition with his acoustic take on Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart.
Opening with a wave of fuzz and pomp filled riffs, three piece Relapse play dark rock. To use the word 'emo' to describe this band is risky, it's the equivalent of when neo-conservatives use 'liberal' to describe their opponents - however it's not a dirty word, and certainly in this case it's no bad thing.
A year ago The Noise were sounding like a young and excitable pub rock band with a bit of a cheek. A new year, and a new release and they still have the same plunderous love of 70's bluesy rock and roll and much the same basic sound.
Fran Rodgers @ Royal Park Cellars
Ok, here's the bottom line - Fran Rodgers has a beautiful voice. Not just a good voice or an unusual voice, but an actual spine-tingling, tear-jerking voice.
"Lock Up Your Mothers" - an interview with The Sugars!
The Stations: This Globe Can Be Upgraded
With catchy songs, bold lyrics and raw vocals The Stations' second EP stands firmly in the category of "New-wave Indie", (as opposed to "Shoegazeing", 90s-style Indie).
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.
Spring have a smooth rock style that has not been much heard in the last twenty five years. Punk - first from America and then in its nastier English variant made it as good as compulsory to throw some tasty venom into each and every musical cake you could bake.
This is part of what should have been the "official" (i.e. Demolition was just a collection of demos in reality) follow up to 'Gold'.
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.
Rock, Paper, Indie: Charlotte Oxnard talks to Wakefield rock band The Humour.
Black Mountain College: Bright by the Sea
Having earned the prestigious title of 'Pick of the week' on C4 Teletext, Bright Mountain College arrive with a very nicely packaged CD, some epic songs and an ambitious, bold stance on things.
The Refectory was the venue for the legendary Mr Brown. No, not the famous soul singer Mr James Brown (RIP) but the ex Stone Roses lead singer.
The first instalment in what was to be another very memorable night. 10,000 Things arrived with a nice solid bass, wild guitar sounds, decent vocals, a sharp percussionist and some disappointing drums, but left me feeling somewhat thwarted by a distinct lack of thought.
The Labels @ The Bedroom (Wakefield)
Tonight at The Bedroom sees WEAREYOU (of Thursday night @ Carpe Diem fame) expand its reaches to Wakefield.
Mother Vulpine: Keep Your Wits Sharp
Like a musical energy drink pumped full of sugar and caffeine, Mother Vulpine rattle around these 2 songs like they are being shaken around in a box by some giant hands.
Sheffield's Dead Like Harry are a six piece with a strong folk influence. The press release that accompanies this CD bemoans the invasion of Pop Idol and the like upon our ears.
These 4 lads hail from Huddersfield, and are fairly embryonic as they formed in 2006. The time spent since has been put to productive use under the watchful eye of producer Steve Whitfield, resulting in this 3 track offering.
I regret to say that last night's show at Joseph's Well was possibly the most unsatisfying one I have seen so far.
I was really dubious about this album at first, I mean, just how many singing frontman (or woman) bassists do you know?
Mambo Jambo @ The Junction (Otley)
Mambo Jambo are, in fact, Pete and Frankie from Hull, they have been performing their own unique brand of world music for years too numerous to mention both abroad and in the UK.
Aaaaaghh I must cross the line forbidden to all reviewers and do the unthinkable....review someone I know!
With the likes of Dumb 41 and Blink 18Poo cluttering the air waves with their supposed comical take on punk rock, I was initially worried about listening to a CD by a punk band who had previously released an EP titled "Moshy Peas." Thankfully "The Upper Crust" is a musical dictionary of the various types of punk that are available to the people of the world.
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.
Rock. Or, if we're feeling particularly fruity, RAWK. Down-and-dirty, balls-fully-out Rock, fat of ass and fat of riff.
"We're the warm-up band" announces Cooper's entrance to tonight's proceedings. Following on from the previous night where we were entertained not only musically but also through an on-going dialogue with Four Day Hombre, we are again in conversation with tonights bands.
The Horrors: She Is The New Thing
"It's weird, because when we do gigs we just set out to play our songs and not annoy or wind up anyone - but we often cause loads of trouble in the process" says keyboard player Rhys 'Spider' Webb.
This band will be big. When trawling through the thriving yet generally unimaginative Leeds scene, dominated as it is by generic pop-punk and the occasional 'innovative' ska movement, it's a relief to chance upon something a bit different.
Tokyo Police Club: Elephant Shell
After reviewing 'Tessellate' a few weeks back, I was very much looking forward to 'Elephant Shell' hitting the shelves.
The Long Blondes have always been a band that I had heard of, had heard a couple of tracks, but could never quite match song to band.
The Packhorse is one strange venue. The gigs are held upstairs in the attic right out of the way and it almost feels as though it's a secret club only a few know about.
Modey Lemon: Thunder + Lightning
Garage rock duo/trio Modey Lemon burst out of Pittsburgh to not only kick out the jams but to actually boot those jams firmly in their jammy balls.
The Go! Team release another song from their ever imminent forthcoming second album 'Proof Of Youth', and if this second single is anything to judge by, it's going to be one hell of an album.
Although not advertised on the initial line-up, the appearance of Morassi caught my eye at last Friday's Joseph's Well HMV Showcase gig.
Last Night's TV: Better Than That
This CD was a challenge to me as I am not used to reviewing acoustic material but I thought I would give it a go.
This is a good CD. I'm told nothing about the band before I slot the disc in my machine, just a pretty piss poor name and a green CD/r.
Shadow of Memories @ Joseph's Well
Tonight is a 4 band line-up featuring Botulus Canis, Foruta, Eborsisk and Shadow of Memories. Due to my bus situation I arrive just at the start of the second band, Foruta; so unfortunately I can't review the first band.
Sound Asleep @ Woodkirk Valley Country Club
CUTOUT HERO This three-piece were the first band of the day that I saw as I was late. Playing a mellow sort of rock/punk with even a little bit of ska thrown in every now and then, they sounded pretty good for their age, and were reasonably well rehearsed.
After already being one up on the fact I had seen these girls perform all these tracks live, whilst supporting The Almighty in Sheffield, I was interested to see how well it sounded on more produced level because their set was pretty bloody good.
The problem with having seven people in your band, all wanting a bit of the musical pie and having their own bit of limelight, means that unless your influences are sturdily in place and stay there, everything can come across a little irregular for the listener.
Leatherhead are an alternative rock 3-piece from Leeds.
It was always going to be a little bit special. Buzz. Anticipation. Electric atmosphere. One song. Could have been twenty.
The night started with the metal soundings of "Nerve Engine". Metal Hammer praised this band not to long ago, so I was quite looking forward to the music and how good they were going to be.
When I got there I was not sure who was supporting the Donnas and had no great expectations of them. The room took ages to fill up and I thought that it may be quiet due to other gigs taking place in Leeds, but as the SAHARA HOTNIGHTS took to the stage the room was nicely filling up.
Stateless are: Jimi Sturdy, drums & piano, Chris James, vocals & guitar, and Jon Taylor, ex-Duran Duran, on bass & vocals.
d-koy have hair that has not been seen since Hundred Reasons first graced the stage all those years ago.
It was with some trepidation that I approached The Mixing Tin last Friday as the bassist of reasonably new boys on the scene The High Chairs, had been sporadically emailing me and seemed like such an affable and friendly chap that I was absolutely terrified that the band would be awful and I'd have to say something negative about them and crush poor Roj's hope and dreams.
I always deem it wise to respect an artist's decision to go solo (rather than ask questions) and especially those who then decide to produce a solo album, all that despair, loss; love and heartbreak in one album must surely be an intense experience to put yourself through?
Perhaps I'm biased because I like this band, but DAMN I like this band! This makes two times that I've seen Serotonin and both times I have been completely floored.
An ex-baseball player, originally from Canada, now based in Paris and with 'Square', his first release for a major, maybe the pioneer of 'A.O.H' (that's 'adult orientated hip hop(c)' to you and me).
Milf have advanced a lot since I first heard an early demo of theirs. The ear for melody and driving guitars which was evident back then has stuck with them and has developed into a rather appealing wall of sound.
Various Artists: The First Brainwash Compilation
A compilation can be such an artificial exercise, in so much as a collection of songs - of any merit or standard - plucked out and forced together will make an interesting patchwork but won't necessarily give the impression of a considered and unified entity.
The Couderhae Connection: Untitled
A five track demo from a new (to me) acoustic duo is a very pleasant end to a good weekend. Ben Wetherill and Matthew Loveday provide two guitars, alternating voices, a bass guitar and a cello to show off five delicate and (mostly) well-made songs.
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.
The 300 people having a good time at the Faversham (and paying good money) weren't going to worry over whether it was in response to a cultural phenomenon or a truly musical experience, as the avowedly 83-year old T-Model [James Lewis Carter Ford] Ford sat before them.
Well, another night of Bright Young Things bands down at Uncle Steve Kind's joint and tonight it is The Gordon Bennetts, Mutiny and Harold.
Nick Copland - vocals, keyboards, shouting and hitting stuff, Paul Farago - bass, trousers, Simon Wood - keyboards, trombone, knob-twiddling.
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!
Vocalist/guitarist Dan Pearce, bass player Pete Green and drummer Chris Smith are throwing their hearts into Zealous.
The Seven Inches @ Royal Park Cellars
Kaftans! Fezes! Transformers! Lambchop sidies! Spazzy dancing! For the best-kept secret on a saturated indie scene, The Seven Inches are about as inconspicuous as a meat truck at a Morrissey concert.
When a band includes ex members of Guns and Roses and the singer from Stone Temple Pilots it is impossible not to draw comparisons between those bands and the new one those members have formed Velvet Revolver.
"The female REM". No matter what I read, in either local or national papers, I cannot avoid seeing the wonder that is Leeds' Bodixa being described as a female version of REM.
Pussy Whipped have cooked up a quadruple helping of shoutyness lady style this evening with about 100 at the Bassment to witness the scenes.
For most bands, The Packhorse can be a difficult venue to play. There's no rise or platform, eliminating all majesty of "taking the stage", it's like walking to the other side of your living room.
Lily Allen, the 21 year old daughter of rock and roll legend Keith Allen seems to have caused quite a stir of late and The Faversham buzzed this evening with a sold out crowd comprising of quite a mixed bag of individuals - there were those looking to check out the potential 'next big thing', there were those who were probably fans of her father and saw her mentioned in The Observer, there were minor celebrities (Alex Carter from Emmerdale) and even the odd major one ( Ricky Wilson and Simon Rix of Kaiser Chiefs fame).
The Hoarse: The way we bring it down
Where The Hoarse bring it down is simply to your local pub jam night. With a proficient wibbly blues guitarist and armed with a bucket load of tried, tested and generally worn out pub-rock clichés this is the stuff the 12 pint fat bloke at the bar will tell you is the best band you've ever heard.
10,000 Things @ Brudenell Social Club
Time for the three kings to return to their kingdom, time for a superb local act to grab some of the glory and have some for themselves.
The Future Of Transporte: The Ulysess EP
It's all round improvement for The Future of Transporte, not least in the progression from one mic recording to something resembling a mixed record, but also in the songwriting and making an audible racket dept.
First of all this gig is criminally under attended, because all three bands are really good. Beards are a three piece who come on stage dressed head to toe in what look like nu-rave garden gnome outfits.
Opening up the evening, Diawara impressed me on two counts. Firstly they proved they were a decent little rock outfit, competent musicians and overall, sounded very good.
With 'Hey There Delilah' firmly planted in the Top 5 of the UK charts, this gig tonight is most definitely sold out.
More of a commercial sound than the last CD, which is noticeable from the outset. Whilst I have to admit I liked the kinda raw feel of "Too little Too Late" this could be a step into the right direction for the band.
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.
Canada seems to be producing some great bands of late with many beginning to enjoy worldwide acclaim, perhaps it's time The Dears got a piece of the action?
Considering there wasn't a lot of promotion for the showcase this evening at Leeds Mine this was one hell of a night.
Rock/Alternative/Metal
Whilst waiting for Lyca Sleep to take the stage I'm reading a fanzine which hails the band as the best live act of the year.
I was supposed to be going to Josephs Well tonight to see Brody, Sugarvalve and Catylyst. Unfortunately they cancelled, so I rang my friends and said, hey no problem I'm definitely coming to see you guys now, only to check the discussion board and see that it had been rearranged at Royal Park and was going ahead as planned aaaahhhhhh!!!
King Palooka: The Wellington Street EP
I had heard quite a lot about King Palooka from the infamous Leeds Music Scene message board, in terms of musical style.
Tonight brings together three fine, but different, bands for a Satellite magazine special at the Royal Park Cellars, and by the end of the night a decent sized audience has gathered, perhaps 50 or so, to see the headline act of Mir.
The first time I ever went to the New Roscoe the audience consisted of two men, a dog, and myself. It was like a completely different venue on this occasion, packed out almost to capacity, with a decent sound system and great atmosphere.
SAMMYUSA take a while to warm up, delivering a couple of songs that consist little more than controlled feedback - as well as the addition of a vocal sample in the opening instrumental.
Lock & Load returns to the Rocket Venue on a Sunday night, with promoter John Trueman brining four Leeds bands to the 60 or so visitors to the proceedings.
It's certainly an ambitious move to name your band after a bit of a left-field literary icon. As far as beat generation goes, old Jack is arguably the man and so you're always going to have to live up to that kind of expectation with those familiar with the object of your affection or demonstration of knowing cool.
I will say right at the beginning that this CD gets steadily worse as it goes along. It starts off in the average-to-good category, a mixture of punk-metal but unfortunately peters off, with the last two live tracks not too inspiring to say the least.
Garon Shark are a young rock'n'roll four-piece from Huddersfield (what is it with that town?) I'm very impressed with their three-track offering, which suggests a band influenced by a variety of rock bands and styles and showcases an ability to write some excellent songs yet leaving enough room for improvement (without it being an insult to say so).
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.
Starkitten: Cynic's First Choice
Starkitten serve up a peculiar mixture of straight down the middle Rock / "I know that riff from somewhere" Punk / Ride 'em cowboy Rockabilly and all with a clear Pop sensibility.
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.