Search for summer fly performed on Thursday, 8th January 2009.
summer fly
Your term - summer fly - is very common.
We have limited the results to 300 articles.
The name Demon Summer immediately conjures up images of Satan chilling on a beach in Cornwall while the sun beats down on his already fiery flesh.
Swansea's answer to the Bonsai Kittens return with an absolute corker of a song which, had it been released two months earlier, might just have been a smart outside bet for a surprise summer hit single.
Appropriately here is a review of a song called "Summer" just as the weather turns wet and cold... no hang on it's always been wet and cold.
After arriving home from my brief holiday in Iceland, it's ironic to find a song about summer waiting on my doorstep.
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".
Band profile for the band Demon Summer
My anticipation of this release has been huge. It would be safe to say that of all the releases in 2007, I was looking forward to this one the most.
Vessels to release their second single in the summer
Vessels have announced a full UK tour for July, with the icing on the cake being the confirmation of a slot on Huw Stephen's Lake Stage at the Latitude Festival.
Empress to release 7" single and album in the summer...
Hood collaborator Nicola Hodgkinson and her merry band (Empress) have two new records out this summer.
Summer comes early for Leeds music company...
Leeds-based music production company Joe Williams Music has teamed up with distributors AKM Music to release their new CD album Summer Party.
The Plight to release a mini album - 'Black Summer' - on 8th October 2007
Leeds band The Plight will release a new mini album, the aptly titled 'Black Summer', through the Visible Noise record label on 8th October 2007.
Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs will been confirmed as headliners for two shows at the O2 Wireless Festival taking place in London (Hyde Park) and Leeds (Harewood House) this summer.
"There is a potentially huge talent emerging in our midst - Roger Davies. His new songs tell of life in Huddersfield, amongst other things, and are all delivered with extraordinary, understated humour and delightful turns of phrase." Joe Grint (Tykes News, Summer 2007)
Bank Holiday Banter @ Sandinista!
Its going right off this week i don't mind telling you. The sun's shining, summer's here early so escape from the stiffledom of office hell and get down to Sandinista! and make the most of the outside seating area with a nice cold beer... or maybe try some of our new summer specials like duck and raspberry salad or a nice juicy steak sandwich.
This CD looks pretty enough, with a visual clash of romantic guitar in woodland, gurning space alien baby and splodgy studio snaps of the artists at work.
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.
iLiKETRAiNS to release a new single and album in the summer
iLiKETRAiNS have this week announced that the follow up single to their "A ROOK HOUSE FOR BOBBY" CD will be "TERRA NOVA".
Embrace to release a single and album at the end of the summer...
Embrace have announced the release of a new album in September, which will be preceeded by a single on 30th August.
Wild Beasts release their debut album this summer
Wild Beasts will release their debut album, 'Limbo, Panto' through the Domino Records label on 16th June.
Independent music festival hits Leeds this summer...
Over the weekend of August 19th, 20th and 21st the Moor Music Festival is set to take place on Ilkley Moor, Leeds.
Chichino to release their top ten summer dance track as a free download
Chichino are celebrating the success of their recent dancefloor hit "It Could Happen To You", by releasing it as a free download.
Band Profile: Beat Street International
Leeds-based professional party band for hire specializing in corporate entertainment, weddings, functions, summer balls and more.
Band Profile: The Ultimate Sound Of Dirty Dancing
Prepare to take a trip back in time to the summer of 1962 when Baby, on a summer vacation with her family at Kellermans Holiday Park, meets Johnny Castle, the dance instructor.
Jetplane Landing: What The Argument Has Changed
"Summer Ends" is the first feel-good hit for the summer, a buzzing guitar-pop mix of lo-fi indie, delicious melodies and "woo hoo hoo" harmonies packaged up into a two and a half minutes Pavement-meets-Ash adrenaline rush.
indie rock
The Holiday Plan: Stories / Sunshine
Summer is almost here. The sun is beating down and the ground is starting to slowly toast in the scorching heat.
Summer must be here even though it's raining outside. Indeed the sun might not be shining but The Lights are.
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.
As the daffodils open and the snow seems to have calmed down a bit, Kid iD's 'The Love is Demo' arrives and sets up the summer to come.
The 42 Tones: Sloppiness Counts
Ska. There's something about Leeds and ska music. The 42 Tones sit nicely right in the middle of that genre, and from all accounts these are a very young seven-piece band doing quite well for themselves.
The Sleepy Jackson: God Lead Your Soul
The timing couldn't be better for the return of Australian eccentrics The Sleepy Jackson as they release the first single to be taken from their forthcoming album 'Personality'.
Futures is the first single to be released from Zero 7's new album "The Garden" which is set to be released in May.
Band Profile: The New Delamores
Lee: guitar / vocals Barry: bass Scott: drums Formerly just "The Delamores", The New Delamores are from the outskirts of Leeds and Wakefield.
Masterpeace Festival comes to The Faversham on Sunday...
The Masterpeace Festival is going inject a slice of the ever popular growing National Festival scene into Leeds; this is Leeds very only summer time chillout festival and is hoping to establish itself nationally within the summertime festival network.
The Music to play headline show at T in the Park festival
The first festival date to be confirmed by The Music for this summer is T In The Park in Scotland. The band will headline the NME stage on Saturday 12th July.
Formed in Leeds in 2004, The Plight's first practice was in the particularly rock and roll location of an abandoned office block on the outskirts of the city.
emo indie pop
If a hazy summer's evening chilling out with friends could be bottled into a sound and made into a song, the third single to be taken from Leicestershire's My Awesome Compilation's album 'Actions', 'Awake' could very well be it.
The Argonauts: Telling Stories
What is it with the British? We complain in winter that it isn't summer, then when summer hits it's "too hot", then when autumn and winter roll around again, we release perfect summertime music.
Female Huddersfield duo The Moot sport seven tracks of their naïve home produced reggae on this sampler.
garage punk
Chichino celebrate a recording contract with London's The Junk Label
Chichino have signed a recording contract with London based, The Junk Label. The deal will see Chichino release a number of singles with the view to releasing an album.
EP, and gigs
Having already released this track once, Elektrons are throwing it out again to precede their debut album 'Red Light Don't Stop' which hits the stores the first week in August.
There must be something in the water down in Derby, as Umlaut recorded this three track EP down in the mid(ish)lands.
The contagious summer smile is amongst us, the festivals are selling the best flat beer money can buy, and the roads are melting beneath our feet.
After 'Everybody's Gone To War', 'Learning To Breathe' and 'Sophia', Nerina Pallot returns this summer with her new single 'Peg'.
punk rock
Instant Species release new EP "She Gives Me Nothing"...
The new EP from Leeds' Instant Species is now out. She Gives Me Nothing is a four song tale of p*rn, evil women and heavy metal and is the first release from the band's fifth album planned for release in spring/summer 2004.
La Russo release "My Indecision Is Final" single...
The new EP from Bradford-based La Russo (formerly Lapdog) is now out. Titled My Indecision Is Final the CD is an explosion of angst-ridden-guitar-driven-power-pop and is the first release from the bands forthcoming album due Summer 2004.
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!
Leeds-based 50s and 60s 4 piece covers band
Blame Dave began life in the summer of 2005. All original music from this 4 piece pop band. We got off the ground with 5 or 6 gigs this year including Unity Day, Grove Festival, Royal Park and the Primrose.
Band Profile: Of Trees And Stars
alternative metal
alternative rock experimental
Band Profile: Project New City
indie dance
Nikoli release double A-side single...
Nikoli will be releasing their new double A-side Take It & Go / She Asks Me at a free acoustic gig at the Cockpit's acoustic bar on Thursday, April 22nd, and the first 10 punters through the door will receive a FREE single!
The Voltaires' new video to air on MTV
MTV will be screening the video for the new track by The Voltaires, '(I Hate) Saturday Nights', from next week.
Lewis Denby to release 'Lookout Posts and Telescopes' in July
Leeds musician Lewis Denby has this week announced details of his new CD. Released on July 16th on the GrooveStealer label, 'Lookout Posts and Telescopes' is a seven-song stripped-down acoustic record.
For those so far unblessed by the sounds of Tunng here's a great place to start. One of the highlights of their beautiful second album, "Jenny Again" is summer in a can (or on a CD).
4 Letter Holiday release part one of their 'Contentment Is Happy Boredom' theme
Following the band's recent collaboration with Bradford-based IVOLV Media, Leeds band 4 Letter Holiday have posted the recorded material on their Myspace page.
rock metal
indie rock
Afraid of the Dark announce new recording plans
Afraid of the Dark are set to start recording new material in November, although details are sketchy at this stage.
ska punk
Fulc EP release and tour update
To coincide with Fulc's first national release, The Fallen EP, the band's website www.fulc.co.uk now has exclusive samples from the EP.
Deathretro hail from the Cumbrian fells, the band relocated down the A1 to Leeds last summer and have spent nine months playing and developing their blend of alternative rock smothered in dirty electronic grooves at venues, parties and festivals across Leeds and the rest of the country.
According to pretty much every review I read for Hood's latest LP 'Outside Closer', it's a very summery record, full of twee acoustic sounds, lovely glittering soundscapes and a general feel of upbeat loveliness.
The Downfall compilation and album recording news...
New track from The Downfall - Centre of Our Tension - will be released on a Positive Impact compilation CD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktLwVzhgwSQ GO AND HAVE A LOOK!!!!!
Funeral for a Friend: Into Oblivion (Reunion)
Nearly four minutes of the classic song structure. Build up your intro with strings, kick in with ear-splitting guitars, add a catchy chorus, repeat it minus a few instruments, before throwing everything out there for one last effort.
The Flaming Lips are one of those bands who seem to have reached a comfortable plateau mid-way between commercial success and critical credibility; cool to enough to be dropped into earnest conversations over Jack and Cokes in bohemian watering holes, mainstream enough to be a regular fixture on the lucrative summer festival circuit.
Bridewell Taxis re-formed after a 14-year absence with a triumphant hometown show in front of a sell-out crowd at Joseph's Well in October.
iLiKETRAiNS release a 7-track mini album on Monday 26th June
With their recent single - "Terra Nova" - reaching number 13 in the UK Indie Charts, Leeds' iLiKETRAiNS follow up with the release of a 7-track mini album on Monday.
Empress began life in the nineties when members from Boyracer and Hood combined with Chris Halkyn. Although the line up revolved around a core of Chris, Nicola, Stewart and Matty, it is now just Nicola and Chris.
Leeds Festival 2004 weekend tickets sell out in record time...
Festival organisers, Mean Fiddler, have announced that weekend tickets for this year's Carling Weekend: Leeds Festival have totally sold out in record time.
hardcore metal
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.
acoustic
Tunng: It's Because We've Got Hair
The most infuriating thing about Tunng is that they don't do B-sides, well they get other people to do remixes of the A-side but that hardly counts.
dub ska
Melodic, atmospheric indie rock and roll.
"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.
heavy metal
The Music reveal third album and third leg of their 'Four Cities' tour concept
Leeds band The Music have revealed that they will release their third, and as yet un-titled, album through Yes Please / Polydor in early summer 2008.
"Miracle" to be the first single taken from Ali Whitton's debut album...
Leeds based singer-songwriter Ali Whitton's debut single Miracle is released this coming Monday (19th July) through the artist's own label Sketch Records.
Band Profile: Seven Story Mourning
post-hardcore emo
Charlotte Hatherley: Grey Will Fade
You can almost see the cogs at work. "I'm virtually guaranteed rock star rights for the next 5-10 years thanks to Tim Wheeler's pop dynamic sensibilities, the definitive Best of will be released soon giving me a pretty tasty cash flow and I am adored by all frustrated, sweaty indie boys aged 14-30, who find me sexy in a dominating, older woman type way.
Band Profile: The Roman Empire
alternative country
Win a copy of the Bright Young Things 2003 CD...
The Bright Young Things 2003 CD is now available, and here at leedsmusicscene we have 25 copies available to give away to members.
Tim Canfer grew up playing guitar; a longhaired indie-kid in the throws of the grunge era. At the age of 18 he blagged a job teaching music at an American summer camp and, while there, decided against a career in the glamorous world of electronic engineering for the drudgery of Rock 'n' Roll.
Voltage Records to release The Downfall album and have signed a UK distribution deal...
Bradford's Voltage Records has now signed a UK distribution deal with Pro-Sonic/PHD. Current releases, Worm's debut album Integral Virus and the Gnarly Dude!
Indirah release their debut single on the 'net...
Leeds-based rockers Indirah haved released their debut single 'Still Have You' and have made it available for free download on their website.
indie rock
I'm tired and hot and I know it's time to get some sleep but what the hell, I'll bang the new The Acutes single on and give this review a bash.
The most striking thing about this single is how it takes seemingly disparate parts of guitar-based pop music from the last 25 years and turns them into a rolling, modern blast of a song.
Justin Myers talks to Eddie Sims, promoter of the Annihilation Nights in Leeds.
Band Profile: The New Jonny Saville Mystery Project
hardcore metal
Unsigned bands get another chance to play at Leeds Festival 2006
Yorkshire bands have today been provided with yet another opportunity for playing at this year's Carling Weekend: Leeds Festival.
Futuresound 2005 applications now open...
Applications for Futuresound 2005, the annual event that provides West Yorkshire's bands and musicians with the opportunity to appear at Leeds Carling Weekend Festival, are now being accepted.
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.
Biffy Clyro have been releasing stuff left right and centre over the past year or so, ever since album 'Puzzle' got great exposure and mainstream success.
Uptight to feature on US compilation CD 'Whole Lotta Shakin'
Rochester, NY USA: Whole Lotta Shakin is coming to CD. Not the great rocker that Jerry Lee Lewis scored with back in 1957, but the radio show which has been airing in Rochester, New York since 1984.
Mmm. You're My Flame displays perfectly everything I love about Zero 7, namely their ability to fuse luscious vocals (this time courtesy of long time cohort Sia Furler) with a simple electro tinged melody to create something truly sublime - chocolate for the ears.
Dorien Starre is not a fictional character... it so happens that facets of his bohemian life force are brought to life by his namesake guitar band.
Dead Disco announce new single details and launch party
Dead Disco have announced details of their new single, their first since signing to new label 679 Recordings / Warner Music.
Fran Rodgers wins Futuresound 2008 to play at Reading and Leeds Festival 2008
The winners of Futuresound 2008 were revealed this week with the judges choosing Fran Rodgers as their overall winner.
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 the album "The New Fellas" on 20th June...
The Cribs new album "The New Fellas" is released on Monday 20th June and formats include a special edition with a bonus 12-track live album recorded at the band's show in Leeds last month.
Arriving just in the nick of time for summer this breezy little episode is the perfect soundtrack to a Sunday afternoon of lazing in the garden as the sun rains down on your back probably giving you skin cancer.
Crimson Tide are a 5 piece metal/post-hardcore band from leeds with influences such as atreyu, funeral for a friend and metallica
indie pop
Duels to release their debut album on July 31st
Leeds' five piece Duels will release their debut album on Monday, 31st July. The 11-track CD, titled "The Bright Lights & What I Should Have Learned" (Nude/V2), includes the current single "Brothers And Sisters" as well as "Animal", "Pressure On You" and the band's 2005 debut single "Potential Futures".
The Boy Least Likely To: Fur Soft As Fur
The third single from the exclusive in the know club that is "The Boy Least Likely To". Those in the know apparently include the likes of Steve Lamacq, Clare Grogan and Rough Trade.
The Guests selected as a finalist in Road to V 2007
The Guests, a four-piece Leeds-based indie band have recently reaped big rewards. The four students have been whittled down from thousands of entries to become one of the 14 finalists in this year's Road to V unsigned band competition.
www.myspace.com/theweekendsuk
punk rock
Ether is a 3 piece stoner rock band, originally formed in early 2006. It is the brain child of Daniel Christie and Andrew Budby, who were later joined by Jamie Mooney and Andrew Candlish of Child Loses Arm.
Bradford's Water pleasingly don't fit the usual sweaty longhaired contingent of the city. This album is proficiently played by 3 talented musicians, produced by former Cure levels changer Steve Whitfield, has as much professionalism about it as you would hope, and 11 (that's eleven) songs that borrow a number of classic ideas...
Manchester residing trio I Am Kloot are currently experiencing a wave of resurgence after releasing their disappointing eponymous second album back in 2003.
LaRusso: Can't Let It Go / Seven Days
A two note guitar motif grabs your attention before a stop start vocal line slowly leads you into the pogo inducing chorus of 'Can't Let It Go'.
Malibu Stacey round off a whirlwind first year with the release of their debut album...
Malibu Stacey round off a whirlwind first year in existence with the release of their debut album and a Leeds gig at Royal Park Cellars!
Your Vegas sampler to be given free to Bloomingdale's (US) customers
New York (via Leeds) five-piece Your Vegas are to partner with Pan Am for the release of their Spring/Summer '08 collection of fashion accessories sold in Bloomingdale's stores across the USA and the band will this month appear live in-store at the New York launch event.
pop indie
Jonah Matranga's newest outfit it is then. A near legend in the, dare I say it, emo world - leading such bands as Far and Onlinedrawing to great success and also guest starring on many friends' and musicians' releases due to the respect he commands in his occupation Jonah is obviously very talented, let's put it that way.
Voxtrot: Mothers Sisters Daughters and Wives
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Voxtrot's "Mothers, Sisters, Daughters and Wives" EP is instantly addictive.
Viva Voce: Faster Than A Dead Horse
Viva Voce's latest single 'Faster Than A Dead Horse' is a psychedelic pop gem. Soak up the feel of the song and you'll think you're cruising through San Francisco in the mid-60's.
Bands wanted for WTP Battle Of The Bands 2007
Bands are now being sought for the WTP Battle Of The Bands 2007 competition that is scheduled to take place at the Snooty Fox and The Jockey venues in Wakefield over the next few months.
The Longshots @ Leeds Festival 2003
Having ventured over from watching Infrasound on the Carling Stage, impressions of the latter stages of The Longshots' set are good.
Although its now two or three years since nu-metal brought guitars and rock back into the mainstream, there has been a resurgence of interest lately with bands who are mixing the archetypal heavy rock sound with early nineties classic grunge influences.
Seattle's Modest Mouse have been sideline spectators on the scene for a good while now, quietly enjoying the flattering but financially lacking "cult" status.
Joan As Police Woman: Eternal Flame
Joan 'As Police Woman' Wasser has plenty of experience both in the studio and live by working with such acts as Nick Cave, Anthony and the Johnsons and Elton John.
Formed late summer 2006 as a two-piece jam band consisting of Damian Hughes & Joe Scotcher. Found suitable bass player in September 2006 - Luke Hay.
Leeds University BandSoc set up home at Royal Park Cellars...
The promotion team behind live music events at Royal Park Cellars has reached agreement with Leeds University Union's "BandSoc" to make it their "home venue".
With a planned debut release in the spring, Leeds experimental/improvisation outfit Gobi Wolves have given us a taste of things to come with an untitled 5-track demo that was recorded in the summer of 2006.
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.
Band Profile: An Invitation To An Accident
rock post-hardcore
Spitfire Charlie: Hard To Let You Go
The biog accompanying this release talks of "plans for the summer" but at the last report 3 out of 4 of Spitfire Charlie were heading for pastures new.
Thousands expected to watch Leeds bands for Breeze On Tour
A number of young Leeds bands will appear across the city this summer as part of the Leeds City Council Breeze events.
On a hot summer night would you offer yourself to the man in the silver foil suit...? It was a hot summer night at The Cockpit and the packed audience had been warmed up even more by a stunning set by impressive young guns The Alamo.
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.
The Faversham to host charity festival in August...
Get ready for ethical hedonism. Combining one of the best parties of the summer and raising cash for charity, "Our Festival" presents 14 hours of sensory joy with the best sounds in Leeds.
Sky Larkin will release "One Of Two" on the DTTR label
Youthful Leeds-spawned trio Sky Larkin have this week announced that their début single will be released on the region's Dance To The Radio record label.
Beautiful Feet: Something in Mind
Bluddy Stewdants always thinking ure so bluddy smart! Well yes actually these specimens are! Beautiful feet are advocates of the softly softly sweeping harmonies approach that is so suited to summer afternoons and drinks with friends.
Leeds bands sought for Bramley Carnival 2007
Organisers of the Bramley Carnival 2007 are on the lookout for local bands that would like to appear during the weekend-long summer festivities.
The Wave Pictures: Instant Coffee Baby
The Wave Pictures have got a very distinctive sound. Not that they're particularly unconventional, it's just that they're instantly recognisable to anyone who is familiar with their music, which is partly down to Dave Tattersall's idiosyncratic voice.
Maps is the bedroom product of James Chapman. He has cut quite a cult figure as his MySpace fan-base swells and this looks set to be another release that will further propel him towards a wider audience.
Rory Holl - Guitar and vocals Dave Watson - Guitar and backing vocals James Bornshin - Bass Guitar Stuart Cooke - Drums and percussion Formed in summer 2004, 9 Volt Shot, who were James, Rory, Stu and Tim, gigged around Leeds and Wakefield bringing a smile to everyones faces and a leak in their pants.
Grand Prix '86: Everybody's Dancing
For those that are familiar with 'I Can Count Music Volume 1' Grand Prix '86 might be a band that you are already fully aware of.
Band from West and North Yorkshire, with critical aclaim for both thier first EP and thier long-player in 2005, the talent of this band is boundless, expect expert piano and guitar parts with cutting bass and drum sections
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 Hair and Clark Elton win best music video at 20/20/02 Vision 2007
The 20/20/2 vision music video competition has drawn to a close for 2007 and the winners were announced at a sell out gig at The Wardrobe in Leeds.
Irrepressible Indie-Pop upstarts The Lodger return to the recorded arena after a brief sojourn writing songs and making badges to showcase a rather fine pair of well-penned ditties.
Rich (vocals/guitar) and Jonny (drums) played with Rick (bass) and Dave (guitar). They recorded an album called "Four" (released 2002).
Indie dance rock
The Thrills' latest album "Teenager" is an album filled with their trademark sounds. Songs "The Midnight Choir" and "Nothing Changes Around Here" both rely on the tried and trusted formula of early hit "Santa Fe", but they are also the standout tracks.
This is chilled nearly-dance music with some real and some ambient stuff mixing up a loving recreation of someone's Summer of love on a gentle acid come down some years ago.
Stephen Fox - vocals, guitar, piano Dayle Coe - guitar Jason Ripley - bass Matthew Roberts - drums Stephen Fox, Jason Ripley and Matt Roberts have played music together since their school days in the late eighties.
Hope of the States: The Lost Riots
It is never easy to be labeled "the next big thing" on the basis of a few singles and a handful of electrifying gigs, but Hope of the States have managed to overcome such a daunting task and also the tragic loss of a band member to land firmly on both feet.
Penny Broadhurst to release limited edition EP
Penny Broadhurst's limited edition "Allons-y!" EP will be released on Monday 24th September, following a successful summer of playing the Wireless, Latitude and Solfest festivals and working on new recordings.
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.
What happens when reviewers get together to form their own band? Do they right the wrongs of all the mountains of dross they have had to wade through in their time?
This isn't a bad little EP from this newly formed London ensemble; actually it's quite good although after reading their extremely long-winded blurb I got the impression they may be trying to be too alternative for their own good.
Futuresound 2006 offers Leeds bands the opportunity to play at Leeds Festival 2006
With the lineup for the Leeds Festival 2006 recently announced, tickets now sold out and with the summer just around the corner, it can only mean one thing for West Yorkshire bands ...
¡Forward, Russia! to release a new album in April 2008
¡Forward, Russia! have today announced the release of their second album and follow-up to their 2006 debut 'Give Me A Wall'.
"Give Me Rain" is Star Bodixa's debut offering since their 2001 signing to indie label Energy Records and is taken from the forthcoming album "And They Danced On Glass".
funk soul acid jazz
Sexed up Soul Funk for the modern age
Butch Cassidy Soundsystem: Butches Brew
Glasgow is so the new Kingston. Possibly. Glaswegian label Soma gives us Michael Hunter, AKA Butch Cassidy, who brings the sounds of the smokey sun all the way from the Windies to the Western Isles.
Futuresound 2005 winners announced to appear at Leeds Festival
The announcement for the six winning bands for the Futuresound 2005 competition was made last night. Throughout the summer, the Cockpit venue has hosted gigs featuring thirty of the area's finest bands and with the assistance of industry judges these thirty were reduced to just six, with the selected bands getting to make an appearance at Leeds Festival alongside the likes of Iron Maiden and Pixies.
Chapter Thirteen @ Woodkirk Valley Country Club
Following a surprise withdrawl by Josie's Turbulent World just days before the second heat of the Survival of The Fittest competition at the Strychnine Lounge, the night saw fierce competiton and a very close result.
On the surface of things, The Young Knives do not come across as an instantly likeable band. Their whole geek-chic image, seemingly meaningless moniker and ludicrously named bass player (The House of Lords, those of you who were wondering) make it easy to mark them down as achingly hip, annoyingly pretentious passengers on the indie scenester bandwagon where being able to pout is much more important than being able to play.
Samsa's new EP to be launched at the Hyde Park Picture House
Hyde Park Picture House is to host an unprecedented series of unplugged gig over the next few months.
Kings of Convenience: Riot On An Empty Street
Flashback a few years, and to Bergen, Norway. One of many Scandinavian towns and cities being proclaimed as new centres of cool, two guys released an album called 'Quiet Is The New Loud'.
Futuresound 2006 winners announced to appear at Leeds Festival
With the majority of the Topman Unsigned Stage line up revealed last week, attention turned tonight to the announcement for the annual Futuresound competition.
At first - average pub band, at second - a very credible culmination of UK rock stylings, at third - a rather immense experience plagued with the swerve and confidence of another very exciting prospect from Leicester's emerging indie scene.
Dandy Warhols @ Leeds Festival 2002
Two potential schools of thought here. A laidback and pretty stoner rock vibe is perfect for a sunny Summer afternoon on the Main Stage or could it be there's a pervasive sense of ennui because the Dandy Warhols have been hauling the dead gee-gee of 'Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia' around for just a wee bit too long.
Various Artists: Crash! Indie Anthems 1982-2004
1982-2004 22 years of indie? Did indie really begin in 1982? Who cares, don't let the title stand in the way of this rather good (but rather predictable) compilation.
Brightblack Morning Light: s/t
The product of two Alabama musicians; Nathan Shineywater and Rachael Hughes, Brightblack Morning Light's self-titled record was astonishingly recorded during a period of homelessness - living in tents within a National Park just north of San Francisco.
Designated Driver: Design At Edd River
Middlesex's Designated Driver do what a lot of modern Emo frat-party nu-punk rockers don't - they actually write songs that feel like they mean it rather than purely sounding good when you've got a skinful.
acoustic
Yes Boss to collaborate with Tom Woodhead (¡Forward, Russia!) on their next single
Leeds grime/hip-hop duo Yes Boss have this week announced the release of their debut album, "Look Busy", on Monday 30th October.
Whiskycats: Image N All The People EP
Amazing. Amazing. Okay I'll say it again: amazing. Not of course to go on about the unsigned thing at all...
The Pocket Gods: Nub Country Flyby
The Pocket Gods are the brainchild of singer songwriter Mark Lee and despite the mention of "various guest artists" this is a fairly solo sounding affair - distorted vocals, distorted guitar over a cheap and particularly monotonous drum machine.
The Black Velvets: Get on Your Life
In an era when rock music is well and truly back, The Black Velvets are gonna settle in to a CD collection near you just nicely.
On the road to Leeds Festival: thirty bands announced for Futuresound 2007 competition
Futuresound 2007 organisers have today revealed the thirty bands selected to take part in the annual band competition, with the ultimate winner of the competition set to appear on the Carling Stage!
As summer goes into slow-dissolve Bodixa bring us their first CD and an opening track called 'Goodbye Winter'.
The Needles @ Bar 1-20 (Huddersfield)
Poor old Huddersfield music scene, struggling manfully under the pressure of an audience made up generally of 16 somethings more concerned about which shade of black to dye their hair before their next bout of Emo, Screamo, Eskimo or whatevermo.
The Vessels (London): Don't waste your time
It always strikes me as funny as some bands find fame, fortune and celebrity girlfriend's easy to come by whilst others who provide music in a similar style and of equally, maybe greater, quality are only given recognition in the pages of magazines who employ journalists who actually know what they're on about rather than coke heads who want to look and sound cool, but invariably just sound like cocks.
More bands added to Wireless Festival line up
More bands have this week been announced for the 02 Wireless Festival taking place at Leeds' Harewood House on 24/25th June.
lo-fi rock
I first encountered this artist on 'Later...' with a suave top hat on, singing in an aggressive yet intelligent manner in front of some of the most influential people in music and the genius that is Morrissey.
A boiling hot summer's evening, I've got my best shirt on, and over the road there's a giant pool of water in which someone is sinking a giant mock-up of the Titanic.
It's sort of reassuring to know that a propensity for sanctimonious songwriting can be found anywhere the world over.
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.
Captain Wilberforce: Mindfilming
The captain(s) in question are Simon Bristoll and Daz Battersby, a duo split between Leeds and Birmingham.
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.
Jetplane Landing @ Leeds Festival 2002
There's nothing like a touch of band-bashing and crowd incitement to get the juices flowing, so when Jetplane Landing guitarist Andrew Ferris announces a desire to see poor, hyped 'industry' bands getting a good kicking from festival goers you immediately sense this will be the best-spent thirty minutes of the day.
Protectors is a 3 piece guitar rock band from Leeds.
The Hair to release 'Disco/Retro' on July 23rd
Leeds-based four-piece The Hair will release their second single on the 23rd July. Available through the Louder Than Bombs Records label, 'Disco/Retro' is four minutes of up front, raucous electro indie and follows the band's debut single 'Ghosts', which was released in March on Fierce Panda's Cool For Cats label.
Chichino to release their dancefloor hit "It Could Happen To You"
Chichino have announced details of their "Single Preview Party", which will take place at Mosquito (Greek St) on Thursday, 23rd August.
The PR scraps that came my way along with 'Saturday' promise that it captures the mindset of the British public, as they pine for the best night of summer weekend'.
Writing songs about writing songs can be a tricky business. Lord knows I've tried it when I'm either bored or suffering from writer's cramp, but somehow Chungking have turned it into some kind of beautiful hymn.
The debut single from Kaiser Chiefs is quintessentially British guitar pop. And loveably so. Keys - in whatever form - are prominent from the off, introduced via the almost single fingered tinkering of the intro, and at around 3 minutes in there's an "A Day In The Life" like moment, where all parties, including, paradoxically, quietly-screamed vocals, get to build up the sound before heading into a chorus repeat and then fade.
Unexploded Shells: Hexthorpe 1
A posthumous tribute, even if there is the occasional mediumistic tremor on Myspace. Neither too slick nor too coltish, Unexploded Shells' CD revives an old-fashioned tension in the listener over whether the band will make it to the other end of the performance tightrope without dropping off and landing on the self-destruct button.
'All killer no filler!' screams this current single from the Liverpudlian quintet and under a foreboding bass line, that's a good thing.
Nick Copland - vocals, keyboards, shouting and hitting stuff, Paul Farago - bass, trousers, Simon Wood - keyboards, trombone, knob-twiddling.
Band Profile: Japanese Fighting Fish
Japanese Fighting Fish: 3 fisherman sold their trawler bought new gear and made a band. It all began back in the winter months of 07/08, Paulito and Stevo made the decision to try and pull karlost from his inevitable demise living on the mean streets of LS6.
James Trevelyan (Lead Vocals) Anshul Kapoor (Lead Guitar) Alex De Boer (Keyboards, Vocals) Simon Fitzpatrick (Bass Guitar, Vocals) Greg Sykes (Drums) A shared passion for guitar driven, melodic rock inspired five Huddersfield University students to start making music together.
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).
Having deleted all-conquering debut single 'Crazy' after a mere nine weeks at number one, Messers Mouse and Green, poised as they were on the brink of a Bryan Adams/Wet Wet Wet-style public hanging, surely now deserve an honorary knighthood or a Buckingham Palace garden party invite at the very least.
Released on the Glasgow based Soma label, home of thinking techno and house; this latest release follows a well-trodden and successful path.
So summer is now over and it's time for Steve Kind and his Panama Promotions team to get back into the fray, but this time three times a week.
Rio's is a decent sized venue that looks well-suited to hosting live bands; when Kharma 45 opened their set with "Come On" there was only around 3 dozen people present yet their powerful sound filled the venue giving the impression of a far larger crowd.
Cardboard Cowboy: The Boxroom Tapes Volume 3
The latest release from Leeds' Cardboard Cowboy is their third slice of self recorded material straight out of the rehearsal room.
Andy Clare: Only in Your Glory
Andy Clare follows his three track demo with a consistently well tempered 6 track mini album "Only in Your Glory".
He clearly needs no introduction. If you don't know his name where have you been? He's the sound of '07 don't you know?
The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster: In The Garden
Orientating around Adam, Eve and the whole Garden thing they had going on way back when, The Eighties Matchbox B-line Disaster hit back with their new single.
acoustic rock
The Ting Tings: That's Not My Name
"That's Not My Name" is a punchy shot of girly spazz-pop, caterwauling its way through three and three quarter minutes of sparklingly riotous perfection.
The Strychnine Lounge's debut gig at the Packhorse saw London's GARLIC make the trip up North and my god am I glad.
The Cockpit to host a monthly unsigned showcase...
Due to the success of the annual Futuresound competition and the mounting climate of the local music scene Futuresound Music Ltd has decided to launch a monthly unsigned showcase.
Line up announced for Futuresound 2005...
Futuresound Music have today confirmed which thirty bands have got through to the next round of their annual unsigned competition, Futuresound 2005.
A real mixed bag here; think maybe "I Should Coco" era Supergrass fused with funky disco, throw in some West Coast summer pop harmonies and sprinkle on some heavy rock riffage.
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.
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 rock
Prismic were formed in late 2007. They are a three piece band who write and perform all their own material.
This debut album from Mr Noir is actually a compilation of his first 3 sold out EPs. Not one to strip the early adopters of their privileges, he has also stuck on 3 extra tracks.
Considering Bell X1's criminally under-rated record "Music In Mouth" passed under most people's radar a couple of years back, I was more than excited at the prospect of hearing their new offering "Flock".
Over 10,000 additional tickets made available for Leeds Festival 2005...
Following a meeting of the licensing committee of Leeds City Council today Mean Fiddler have announced that their application for an increase in the capacity of Leeds Festival 2005 has been successful.
Nu-metal has become increasingly popular over recent years, so much so that it can now be afforded its own place in the compilation CD market, no longer confined to an occasional Kerrang cover disk; one such recent compilation is the Supercharged album, a twenty track mix of nu-metal, pop-punk and primarily Americanised, now mainstream, rock marketed directly to the young kids at Garage and Star.
Dead Fly Buchowski @ Faversham
Imagine Johnny Greenwood screaming The Bends out at full blast through a 12ft wall of amplifiers. Then imagine he's playing it inside a giant washing machine that's on full spin at 10,000rpm.
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.
Empire Dogs are not here to change the world. Nor are they here to frighten the pants off us like next door's Rottweiler.
The Unisex: Watching Traffic EP
It seems that when they are not busy making porn movies, the people of Sweden also like to produce top notch records for the rest of the world to enjoy.
Farming Incident: The Swine Fever Diaries
Farming Incident are still doing their own experimental, art-rock thing. It's still lo-fi and it's still very strange.
Friday night, end of May, and we're down at Joseph's Well to see three top bands play to a 100+ audience.
Band Profile: The Seventy Sevens
It all started out about a year ago, when Sam realised he could sing, and that he couldn't really play drums all that well.
Carling Stage bands announced for Leeds Festival 2005...
Mean Fiddler have today announced the line up for the Carling Stage at Leeds Festival 2005, which includes local representation from ¡Forward, Russia!
Percy's three-track CD is a promotional collection of tracks released by the band; singles via Mook or Tenfoot Records.
Been looking forward to seeing The Stands play live since I got a sneak preview of their forthcoming album (on Echo Records) recently.
Super Furry Animals @ Leeds Festival 2004
The Super Furries always have to take it one stage further. Not content with having a bombproof techo tank at Reading in the late 90's, their dressing up escapades have reached a new height.
Smashing Pumpkins @ Leeds Festival 2007
Probably the luckiest thing that could've happened this weekend did actually happen. The sun came out.
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.
psychedelic rock
Strange one this. You'll probably remember this song from a couple of years back when it was an enormous house classic around the world for an artist going by the name of Grace.
Well hasn't someone been listening to The Stone Roses? Was it the guitarist? I think it was wasn't it!
Admit it, you thought they'd split up didn't you? For those who don't remember 'em first time around, Silver Sun were one of those bands who emerged around the tail end of Britpop specialising in bright and sparkly guitar-pop anthems.
The Raconteurs: Steady, As She Goes
Come on, hands up who out there is a cynic? Ha ha, I see a number of you putting your arms up! Nice and straight, eager to grab sir's attention, good, good!
Mates of State @ Cardigan Arms
Ok. So. Origami. They look kinda like Sleater-Kinney; they sound kinda like Sleater-Kinney but they get straight to the point where Sleater-Kinney dance around the kitchen table and they smirk and joke where Sleater-Kinney are over-intelligent.
Royal Vendetta: The Lost Cause
Wearing their influences firmly on their sleeve, or more like in a big day-glow t-shirt that says "our influences are:" Royal Vendetta are Leeds' answer to Kasabian, The Cooper Temple Clause and The Music...
Could the weather be any more miserable and dull today? Hard-Fi fit into that elite club of 'weather effected quality'.
Jimmy Eat World @ The Refectory
Jimmy Eat World, if there were any justice in the world, should never be able to play Leeds. This isn't because they aren't deserving of a show in our fair city, it's simply because there's nowhere big enough for them here.
Chichino: It Could Happen To You
Pop, soul, jazz, funk. Chichino are inspired by all areas of music, and it's paying off. Having played all over the UK, London, Manchester, Newcastle, and of course Leeds, gracing the airwaves of various radio stations across the land and supporting the likes of success story The View, this is the next song from the funk-a-riffic group.
Three Dirty Psychedelic Blues Dogs from Bradford! Shared the stage with many a fine artist including - We Are Scientists, Milburn, The Pigeon Detectives, Wolf & Cub, Hey Gravity! (ex. Dodgy guitarists new band), The Lovers (ex. Inspiral Carpets)
Lee Sounds Unsigned Stage line up announced for Leeds Festival
Mean Fiddler have today announced the selection for the 21 bands that will make up the line up for the Lee Sounds Unsigned Stage at this year's Leeds Festival.
These are rather depressing times in this country - as if the fact that no-one dares put their money within 50 miles of a bank account and that Norwich's county town may soon be Atlantis isn't bad enough, there's been barely the thinnest of smatterings of sunshine to brighten us up.
¡Forward, Russia! release "Eighteen" on 24th July
¡Forward, Russia! release a new single on Monday 24th July. Taken from their début album, "Eighteen" will be available on three physical formats, each with different B-sides, as well as on digital download format.
Rhode Island announce themselves with the borrowed voice of a court house judge from some seedy American backwater.
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.
The Somatics: Dynamo Mercurial
Insert the second album from Leeds' band The Somatics. Turn volume to a loud but enjoyable seven point five.
"Lick Your Ticket" is Chikinki's major label debut but is by the letter of the law their difficult second album.
Young Heart Attack @ Joseph's Well
Summer is on its way and if there is one perfect accompaniment to the smell of freshly mown grass, barbeques and cold beer, it's some good time rock and roll.
Band Profile: Laboratory Noise
www.myspace.com/laboratorynoise
dub rock dance
Stateless @ Brudenell Social Club
First of all, the taxi is a rip-off. I swear the driver takes us round the backest of back streets on the way to the Brudenell Social Club for this month's edition - and the last before a summer break - of The Engine Room.
Band Profile: Waking the Witch
acoustic
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.
The Reindeer Section: Son Of Evil Reindeer
The Reindeer Section have a good story, and you can find plenty of well researched articles and reviews in the professional press now that Album number 2 on Bright Star Recordings is out.
Close your eyes for just a second and imagine a world where the Crazy Frog is merely a jingoistic Sun headline and where Dido-lite chancers are banished to the bargain bin for eternity.
Arctic Monkeys: When The Sun Goes Down
Despite Arctic Monkeys' front man Alex Turner's antipathy for media comparisons to their Yorkshire (elder) cousins Kaiser Chiefs -and who can blame him, for they clearly do not sound alike- we should not forget the similarities in their meteoric rise in popularity and whilst they are still relative newcomers in age terms, both have achieved so, so much in just over 12 months; household names is termed not unwisely.
Alternative Pop & Rock act with a nod towards the more obscure...
Kinch to release their debut single on the Halo UK label
Kinch, a young indie-pop band from the Halton area of Leeds, has just been signed by London-based indie label Halo UK and expect their first single, the double A-side 'Old Fashioned Love' / 'Everybody's Talking About It', to be released in July.
Panama Promotions announce new gigs deal with Royal Park
After a lot of uncertainty over the Summer, Panama Promotions have finally agreed a new deal which will secure The Royal Park Cellars as a live music venue at least until the long-awaited pub refurbishment takes place sometime next year.
Another American singer songwriter signed up to One Little Indian's roster. The A&R guy there deserves a big pat on the back cos he's backed another winner here.
I just made it to Rio's in time to catch Cursed Diamond doing a pretty decent a cover of "Fell In Love With A Girl" for their final song.
The Needles: In Search of the Needles
Aberdeen's guitar-pop bashers The Needles have finally made it on to a long player, not that at 35 minutes it's that long!
2006 + 2007 Futuresound finalists. Debut single Primadonna released 30 Apr 07 on Science Fiction Theatre Records Playing NASTY FEST @ Faversham on Sat 3rd Nov
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.
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...
Four-piece rock band from Leeds
Although the particularly seasonal weather meant the theatre was not at capacity, the significant support of family-members and friends of those involved made up for the lack of numbers.
I'm intrigued. Track three on this CD is called 'Reykjavik 101', which is a sort of name check of one of my favourite films ever.
Ooberman, on the back of the recent Festival appearances, took the trip across to Leeds in order to grace the Duchess.
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.
Come on then. Let's hear it for the Yorkshire accent. This chunky, 'T'-dropping, broad wedge of a thing is ace; so sing in it.
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.
Those misguided by huge amounts of airplay and a marketing strategy based around the novelty of their hair and belt size, will tell you that the current kings of the sunny folk-indie scene are The Magic Numbers.