Search for taking time performed on Thursday, 8th January 2009.
taking time
We found the term taking time in 281 articles.
Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip @ Leeds Festival 2008
Saturday kicked off at the main stage again. I was going to go see Fran Rodgers but having walked around for a day in wellies a size too small for me, I wanted to do as little walking as possible really.
The Holiday Plan: The Wasting Time EP
The amount of shouty, disjointed emo grows bigger by the day, and it ain't about to die down any time soon.
ˇForward, Russia! @ Moor Music Festival 2008
The second day of Moor Festival and we are now fully equipped with the mandatory rain and mud. Squelching through mud traps and water logs would seem much less manageable if there wasn't the promise of exciting sets in each corner of the sludge-ridden field.
Sad times rule at the Well as the latest Monte Carlo incarnation comes to an end. Sad, but happily the tunes as just as fine as ever, as Carl's voice soars above the tight rhythms of his fellow Montes.
30 Seconds To Mars: From Yesterday
After a super incredible year, and being in the public's heads with single 'The Kill' not so long ago, Leto & co release track seven from their album as a single.
The Urbanizer started messing with sounds in 1993 and was soon drawn toward breakbeat/d and b. His style is a hard and twisted, tech d and b, though he does occasionally write the odd bigbeat/breakbeat/triphop track.
Conflict at Josephs Well May 4th
Conflict at Josephs Well It's a sad thing to say that I am old enough to remember when punk first hit the UK music scene and whilst it's been a very long time time since I went to a punk gig.
alternative
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.
You may get a surprise when you listen to the latest edition from Goldie Lookin' Chain. Why? Because it is very dissimilar from the rest of their releases.
www.myspace.com/theweekendsuk
The Pigeon Detectives: You Know I Love You
The latest band flying the flag for the Dance To The Radio label, The Pigeon Detectives' second single is a high quality slice of sharp, fast, angular indie.
Stealbackyourlife are a Brighton 3 piece, playing jarring, often jazzy math-rock, heavily influenced by At The Drive-In and Biffy Clyro among many others.
A curiously simple fragment of 80s Rock School homework, played straight-faced with no gratuitous virtuosity.
indie rock
Kaiser Chiefs to perform at the 2007 BBC Electric Proms
The BBC today revealed the first of more than 80 artists who will be performing at the 2007 Electric Proms.
Radiohead classic Creep immediately arouses the distinct, despair instilled vocals of Thom Yorke, the crashing moody guitars and drums and the utter lyrical hopelessness of Thom Yorke.
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.
The Dears look like a band on the run. Six disheveled Canadians take to the stage nervously clutching flutes, keyboards, 2 guitars, a bass and best of all, a recorder.
The Somatics: Dynamo Mercurial
Insert the second album from Leeds' band The Somatics. Turn volume to a loud but enjoyable seven point five.
Bands sought for Dog Fest '07 - Battle of the Bands
Organisers of a Battle of the Bands competition are now looking for local band to take place. Taking place at Batley Rugby League ground, and in aid of the Batley Bulldogs RLFC, the event will take place on 18th August.
I was looking forward to seeing The Wombats, and it being Star Wars day the usual obvious greetings were exchanged before we headed up to the venue.
i concur @ Brudenell Social Club
Perhaps it's the excessive rock posturing and lunging, but tonight Dinosaur Pile-up seem more of a rock behemoth than ever.
Jane's Addiction @ Leeds Festival 2002
It may be ten years since Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro last lit up a British festival, but today's performance is proof positive that they still have the power to grab you by the throat.
Knowing very little about the band Blowback, the CD went straight on and instantly I was given the (good) impression that the CD was going to kick ass, an American lo-fi sub-pop post-punk and seriously rocking affair, from the guitar intro to the introduction of drums and bass - then the vocals kicked in, the tempo lowered and I thought "Hmmmmm".
The Pigeon Detectives: I Found Out
Hurray for The Pigeon Detectives, about as cutting edge as a butter knife but about as much fun as you can have in two minutes.
How could any one miss this gig?!! No, I'm not talking about the fact that this gig is free. I'm not even saying how could anyone miss one of the best young acts in Leeds in Saving Lenny.
I Am Kloot are a stripped-down, intelligent slice of Manc attitude. This, their third LP sees them taking their winning formula of angular balladry into more brooding and questioning territory.
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.
Killswitch Engage: As Daylight Dies
Currently treading the boards Stateside in support of this, their fourth full-length album, Killswitch Engage are slowly but surely taking over the world.
Fast becoming THE British band to namedrop amongst Britain's indie intelligentsia, ˇForward, Russia! represent the new bastions of British art rock.
Quidrophenia 2 returns to rock Oporto in aid of Cancer Research UK
After the immense success of the inaugural Quidrophenia bandfest at Oporto it returns for a second time on Monday 1st May, May Day, to rock the foundations of Call Lane.
All girl three piece Brutal Tinkerbell may well be easy on the eye, but not so on the ears. It's sort of female rock in that lo-fi grrrl sense, but the pieces don't fit well together: "this lot are a little ropey" was the warning from the Well crew in advance of their first chord and half an hour later I leave with the same conclusion.
It may be taking one hell of a long time but there are slight signs Engerica may actually be making a dent in British rock.
What a relief, The Xenith Sound appear to have finally found the "Sound" their moniker so proudly advertises.
For some reason I always thought Pray For Hayden were a metal band. They've been about in Leeds for a while and I always see obvious student types wearing their t-shirts.
Despite several grumbles that the organisers had mistakenly billed him as Lawrence Of Arabia, the New Zealander and his band impressed with their five-part harmonies and several accapella breakdowns.
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.
The Union Volts @ Joseph's Well
After support band sammyUSA have taken themselves and most of the audience up to the bar, its time for tonight's headliners.
Hi fans. Last year (or in 2005, depending on when you read this) Supergrass made a bold and brilliant album called 'Road To Rouen'.
I started my day in a very groggy fashion indeed. I had already come to terms with the fact that my football team (Tamworth FC) will be slogging it out somewhere outside of the football league next season, and that I was flat broke after paying long overdue bills...
It's midweek and outside is an Arctic wasteland, let's go out! I got my woolly hat and crampons on. Filled the St Bernard with brandy and my pockets with dried fruit, switched off all my appliances at the plug (my kettle being switched off might stop it from getting colder outside, possibly, it's science) and set off like an explorer, an explorer looking to discover new musical landscapes, new Kings and Queens and peoples and customs.
Sawthroat @ Royal Hotel (Morley)
The Royal Hotel in Morley Bottoms, my local, last night saw one of its most musically intense nights to date.
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.
You have to feel a bit sorry for MoFo as they take the stage to an audience numbering approximately three.
The last time Watford went head to head with Leeds, the action took place on a football field and the results were a little different.
Okey dokey, it's Halloween, it's miserable outside, and I'm nice and warm tucked up in the Cockpit ready for a night of bouncy hooky punk rock.
Billy Talent: 4 Piece from Toronto, they seem to be getting some really good press at the moment and look set to be the next "Big Thing" with the angst ridden pocket money wielding teenage Sum 41 fans out there.
The Horror: First Blood Part II
The word of the day is Incendiary. The mighty Horror return from what seems an age to unleash a fresh strain of succulent thrash hardcore onto an eager public.
The Pipettes: We Are The Pipettes
It's been two years since The Pipettes appeared on the musical radar and were tipped as being one of the next big things to happen to pop music.
After reaching no 24 in the national indie charts earlier this year with their debut release on Siamese chinS Records ("Snow"), a single that also made the band Radio One's "Unsigned Session of the Week" things appear to be going from strength to strength.
Finch: Bitemarks and Bloodstains
"Now I'm stealing her body and taking her home". Nate Barcalow has issues. Finch mean business with 'Bitemarks & Bloodstains', lifted from already released album number 2 'Say Hello To Sunshine'.
Hundred Reasons: Shatterproof is not a Challenge
A British rock band that sound British? What? How novel! Failing to be swayed by the influx of rock acts at the moment that seem unable to retain any sense of their own accent Colin Doran sings and screams his way through this second album in a most definitely British voice, in much the way Gary Stringer of Reef has always done.
The latest of an intriguing eclectic mix of bands provided by the savvy Transmission team at The Vine sees The Black Helicopters take off on a tour of instrument butchery, covering the ear shredding big riffage of garage rock, via Sonic Youth, through to Lemmy era Hawkwind space drone.
Shock Defeat!: How Did We Make It So Angry?
The modern age, it's a killer ain't it? With the millions of infobytes each of us has to deal with every day why is it that music reviews are running longer and becoming increasingly verbose?
Alternative/Indie
Less Than Jake @ Leeds Festival 2003
Less than Jake are one of those bands who defined my teenage years. At first I didn't really feel the song s of isolation or a need to escape, but by the age of nineteen, this band were more than just anthem providers, they were taking things that applied to me, and putting them into song.
The main room of the Cockpit is heaving tonight so I have no chance of getting in to see Carus Thompson, usually of Carus and the True Believers.
'All killer no filler!' screams this current single from the Liverpudlian quintet and under a foreboding bass line, that's a good thing.
Pussy Whipped have cooked up a quadruple helping of shoutyness lady style this evening with about 100 at the Bassment to witness the scenes.
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.
Blacklands describe themselves as "a thrilling baroque rock monster now with searing violin and exquisite keys" on their Myspace page.
I know I shouldn't complain but what is happening? We've buggered it on the global warming front. Upstairs in The Fenton was the last place I wanted to be on this overly heated Friday evening, if it wasn't for the superb line up of melodic punk bands.
Up first tonight are US based band Five O'Clock Heroes. Perfecting cheerful pop sensibility alongside dirty rock they possess a fiery sound, with each beat of the drum, each bouncy bass line and vocal melody perfectly executed to produce a catchy rock sound.
Neurosis: The eye of every storm
After developing a cult following in the USA in the last few years it's a suprise Neurosis have never been a big name on UK Shores.
If your priorities when it comes to gigs include musicianship and not getting shoved around, then you probably shouldn't go to see The Cribs.
Screaming their way all the way from Japan, home of lock n loll, Electric Eel Shock are here for your daughter.
Extreme. Noise. Terror. Three superb words and once put together, one racket mungously loud outfit, and arguably the forefathers of Melt Banana, who have taken ENT's blueprint and booted it into outer space with extra electro madness.
The Psychedelic Breakfast: s/t
The Pyschedelic Breakfast charge in where most would fear to tread. They have a very rough grasp of the way that some of the Los Angeles/San Franciso musics sounded nearly 40 years ago, and the sleeve displays a fancy dress appreciation of the basic visual elements of hippy chic.
I'm sat at the Irish Centre, it's about 8.15pm, I'm lost. See, me being a complete tit I didn't think to check how to get to the Roscoe.
I was instructed by Cooler Green to write a review for their gig at the Rocket on Friday 1st February.
Band Profile: White Light Parade
Time to meet White Light Parade... singers/guitarists/songwriters the brothers grim; Danny & Jono Yates, bass player Tom Emmett & female drummer Nici Todd.
Yellow Stripe Nine @ Faversham
Going into battle dressed in his dad's golfing outfit and some vintage aviators, Yellow Stripe Nine's ringleader Pete Bott has taken on the guardian of jerky pop/disco choruses and won hands down with catchy bastards like 'I Want More', 'Hotel X' and (the deceptively uncatchily titled) 'The Boy who Desperately Wanted to be Struck by Lightning'.
Very Arcane look to be another promising fledgling Leeds outfit to watch, with this idea filled five-song debut being the proof.
It's a noble sight: performers fighting the flu and still giving an audience what they came for. The bug-victim count was fairly high on stage when Crosscut Saw battled their way through a couple of sets of fine stuff - even if it was as late as fifth song's guitar solo before the full spellbinding effect gripped listeners.
rock electronica dance
The New Drifters @ Denby Dale Festival
Whilst the V Festival as happening at Weston Park and Chelmsford and the Moor Festival at Ilkley, I chose to spend my weekend at the Festival at Denby Dale.
Full line up for Futuresound 2004 is announced...
Futuresound Music can now confirm which thirty bands have got through to the next round of their unsigned competition, Futuresound 2004.
Saturday night, and as usual I'm off to see some indie bands... for once however I know very little about the bands I'm going to see.
Effortlessly cool. Tunefully pure. This is iced peach sorbet for any music-glutted ear. Four Tet (on his fourth album for Domino) does digital cut and paste with beautiful instrumental samples and exotic percussion scrapes.
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.
Superelectric: Music For Joyriding
"10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-0-Do It!". The 16 second countdown of Go! is complete. Having listened to the Superelectric demo CD (absolutely amazing) and seen the live show a couple of times I could see a different direction on their free CD, Music For Joyriding.
Thomas Truax: Why Dogs Howl at the Moon
Thomas Truax, he's an odd one that lad. Tours around the country and continent on trains, accompanied by The Hornicator and Mary Poppins (who I think has replaced Sister Spinster on percussive duties), 2 made up "instruments".
Sometimes as a 'reviewer' you grope around in your big bag o' references and with rising sense of panic realise Gang of Four just isn't it this time and in those rare instances it's best just to hold your hands up and say where the fuck did that come from?
It's just like any other Saturday night. You're having a good ol' laugh with your mates down at the tin.
Colin Mounsey: Where Did Everything Go So Badly Wrong?
Colin Mounsey has issues: "This man created evil, this man created pain" just two of the accusations labelled at Daniel O'Donnell's favourite bearded man on 'Fuck You Jesus'.
Before going to this gig I had the vague impression that this night would be devoted to 70's rock and I wasn't far wrong.
Towers Of London: Blood Sweat and Towers
Or "the dangers of setting your stall too high" as this album should possibly be called. Don't get me wrong, this is still a good album.
Tonight showed just how much I enjoy spending my time down at Joseph's Well. Less than 24 hours after being played on national radio, a Peel Session no less, the Lorimer boys are out in force again; Chris on the doors as usual and Jock doing the sound.
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.
Receiving an EP from a band that lists influences ranging from Radiohead to Jeff Buckley to Nirvana, I had no idea what would greet me when I started listening.
The Faversham as always has a good mix of Indie elite with the odd middle-aged couple wondering just where their evening went terribly wrong.
"All songs written by Instant Species, except track 3 - written by some other guy" What the inlay is trying to say is that the third track on this CD is a cover of the well known country theme tune "The Littlest Hobo", rocked up and thrown back at you as a cheeky addition to a well produced CD.
Panic At The Disco @ The Refectory
With a platinum selling debut album, masses of emo kids following their every move, and now the abandonment of the '!' in their name, Panic At The Disco once again came to the city of Leeds and put on a show.
Having been told that Envelopes would be playing at the Warehouse, turning up there and finding it locked down and empty, I was a little confused.
The High Chairs: Second Thoughts On Dreams And Doubts EP
The High Chairs are taking on that increasingly daunting task of getting their name around as another unsigned indie band in Leeds.
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.
When Hot Prophecy first start their set, two things become apparent very quickly. The first being that the sound quality is very good considering the size of the venue and the second being that the band are clearly in love with what they're playing.
Cleverly deciding I was going to go to this at the last minute, I made it to the Roscoe just in time to find Beautiful Feet sitting down with their drinks and having a few pats on the back.
I don't know what it is about Joseph's Well, but even after numerous visits, I still can never remember how to get there.
Festival Republic Stage line-up announced for Leeds Festival 2008
The Leeds Festival organisers have today revealed the line-up for the first Festival Republic Stage (formerly Carling Stage).
From Autumn To Ashes @ Joseph's Well
As a way of celebrating some monumental Birthday, the city of Leeds has taken it upon itself to throw a massive party, and invite loads of bands from around the globe to join in.
I know it's highly unprofessional of a reviewer to get on stage with a band, and even worse to dance about like an arse and then throw himself offstage into the crowd, but I just couldn't help it.
If you like your music to the point and under 3 minutes then you might be better taking a wide berth around My Computer.
One thing I can never fathom about O Fracas is whether they're creative geniuses, or really rubbish. See, sometimes, all I can infer from the established Leeds four-piece's music is that they've had a load of particularly good ideas, but then decided to sack off rehearsal in favour of taking loads of drugs and piecing the sections together in a manner that seemed perfectly rational at the time.
The start time is really delayed, doors are at 7ish and Help She Can't Swim do not appear until 8.45pm.
The Adverts ex-front man TV Smith is supporting tonight. Armed only with an acoustic guitar he pounds out tracks that are real ear-openers at first, like 'Bring The Bull Down' and the slower 'The Lion And The Lamb'.
On our breaks at work we like to play a game. This is known as the 'mini challenge', where the first person to spot a mini in the packed supermarket car park wins.
Instant Species: Robert The Bruces Spider
First, a little story... It was at The Junction in York 2003 when I felt truly rock and roll for the first time.
Calling Leeds musicians: Bright Young Things 2007 applications now accepted.
Leeds' hottest new bands and musicians are again being given the opportunity to shine in the annual Bright Young Things project.
Calling all Leeds music lovers ... Quidrophenia returns
Quidrophenia, Leeds' increasingly popular bandfest, is returning to Oporto for the fourth time with another amazing line-up set to rock Call Lane on 18th February.
The second coming of Bridewell Taxis was given the official seal of approval by fans after a barnstorming set at Pudsey's Bien Venue.
4mornings is an ambitious project. Each of four songs is led in by a sound montage of one of the band member's morning.
As the stereo gobbles up its latest shiny donut of musical nourishment, I have to stop it mid-bite to check I've put the right CD in - the resemblance of Protein Shake's opening riff to the chorus of 'Fire' by the Jimi Hendrix Experience is uncanny.
Well, well, well (ignore the early bad pun) this is the first time that I have ever been specifically asked to do a review, so maybe I am doing something right, and what better place to do my review than at Joseph's Well?
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'.
The Charlatans @ Bingley Music Live 2007
As festival season 2007 draws to a close, I hopped on the train from Leeds for the 2nd day (and inaugural Sunday) of Bingley Music Live.
Entering the Cockpit the first thing that hits you is the heat, the second is the fact that Brassy are already on stage.
Female-fronted ensemble playing piano with auburn hair and vintage-style dress. No I'm not talking about Kate Nash but Rose Elinor Dougall aka Rose formerly of the Pipettes.
The old days when folk was seen as only for the "crusties" are gone. Thanks to troubadours like Willy Mason, Frank Turner and Get Cape,Wear Cape, Fly, folk is now in the lug holes of many young as well as old people.
Goldie Lookin' Chain @ Leeds Festival 2004
"That's my run", said Hugh Grant in Mickey Blue Eyes as explanation of his endearing, but unusual running technique - "I thought you were doing a funny run".
Candlelight set the scene at Joseph's Well for the new acoustic night. It is change from the usual mix of bands that are on the rest of the weeks.
This evening, there are 10+ gigs taking place in Leeds, showing the very healthy state of things at the moment.
THE BEGINNING At age 6, I started piano lessons and worked my way up to ABRSM Grade 8 at aged 15 with 142/150 marks, the highest in the country at the time.
The emo backlash has definitely started. 'Cooler than thou' kids in studded belts listen to metal, or 'NWOAHM' these days, but no one has told the masses of people queuing in the cold for this emo-tastic triple bill.
Go to a folk gig... what is that about? Well, I've been into Kate Rusby's music since I got her excellent album "10" as a present from a discerning music lover.
West Yorkshire / Bradford Unsigned CDs make a splash at SXSW 2007 in Texas
Huddersfield's Timeless Music Project is set to make another regional stir at the prestigious SXSW 2007 music conference in Austin, Texas later this month, as they once again take Yorkshire music, bands and labels across the globe.
Following their huge single Just For Tonight, their top 10 debut album Started A Fire, a sold out tour from January to March, North Yorkshire five-piece, One Night Only have announced a new headline tour for May.
Ladyfest Leeds is so much better than romance!
Usually, February is rubbish. You fail your resolutions, you stop going to the expensive gym you joined, you stop ringing elderly relatives and they cut you out of your will.
Scotland's sonic purveyors of progressive alt-rock return with their third album in as many years. Throughout this timeframe we have witnessed the bands initial fusion of cathartic pop/metal grow increasingly sophisticated, with the three-piece's latest offering Infinity Land being a great example of what may-or-may-not become known as "everything but the kitchen sink-Rock".
Damage Control provide us with all our laptop, triple decker and keys' wibble requirements. They also make a reasonable effort at buggering their backs in for the future, hunched as they are over their screens.
Saturday of the O2 Wireless Festival 2007 - Leeds
Due to the proverbial heavens opening the previous day, my pals and I strode forth into the grounds of Harewood house in a non-too-Utilitarian fashion.
Fran Rodgers @ Leeds Festival 2008
When I first read that Fran Rodgers had been chosen to play on the rather large Festival Republic Stage in a large marquee at the very early time of midday I was worried.
Due to various factors, I have had this album for quite a while now. This I am pleased about as I have a relationship with this album just as I have with all my albums that I have invested in and, due to this, I feel adequately prepared to review it.
The Who @ Wireless Festival 2006
We are ferried at high speed towards said venue by Geldard's Coaches, allowing us time to fuel up on Heineken.
The New Roscoe was filling up with a great B-movie collection of outsiders, drifters and weird characters.
The Duke Spirit @ Joseph's Well
Fact: good image + good stage presence + good songs + lot's of A&R men = getting a good record deal. ...And all this is true about Duels, the first band on tonight, at an absolutely jam-packed Joseph's Well.
It's a sub-zero crowd when MIA turns up which is an absolute shame as she drops beats and rhythms more precise than an army precession.
Kaiser Chiefs @ Wireless Festival 2007
Due to the proverbial heavens opening the previous day, my pals and I strode forth into the grounds of Harewood House in a non-too-Utilitarian fashion.
Bridewell Taxis @ Joseph's Well
If you're claustrophobic, then Joseph's Well was no place for you on Friday night, which saw the comeback gig of legendary Leeds scallies, Bridewell Taxis.
Coaltrain @ The Junction (Otley)
Every once in a while your evening turns out to be so very different from how you planned it. A normal routine might be to get home from work, undertake a little desultory housework, perhaps have a nice cup of tea; and then pop down to The Junction to shoot the breeze and leave just before the band takes the stage (well, perhaps "stage" might be exaggerating a trifle).
Prior to tonight, I'd heard approximately three Saosin songs, and to be honest didn't have a clue who was supporting them.
Imagine you've just accidentally walked into Doctor Who's Tardis. Easy enough mistake to make, there you are wanting to make a phone call to your mum to tell her to put the Sheppard's Pie in the oven when suddenly your find yourself trapped in a blue time travelling device.
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.
"What is love except a way to lose a friend? What is life except a means to an end? What are you except a reason for me to show a little hope?" Okay, okay, so I'm an over-emotional little soul; therefore, I will automatically take under my wing any waif-like 'singer-songwriter' (there are those heinous words again) with a tear stirring behind their eye and a pitiful rip in their denims, no matter if they're good, middling, or, quite frankly, rubbish, out-of-tune whine-bags.
The cross-over between the audience for tonight's gig and that for last week's visit to the same venue by the NME's "Indie Rave" tour is not great.
Sage Francis: Human the Death Dance
There was a bang-on recent summary of the average product lifespan of your typical mainstream band that I'll attribute to Dave Simpson from The Guardian.
Experimental Audio Research @ Brudenell Social Club
After 6 hours of a mix of all sorts of music at the Woodhouse Liberal Club, a benefit gig for Love Music, Hate Racism, it's time for the next gig just down the road from where I used to live.
"Let's rock 'til we drop" says My Awesome Compilation frontman Chris Driver to kick off tonight's proceedings, the 18th leg of this European Atticus tour, featuring the Leicester four piece as well as Americans Hopesfall and Tsunami Bomb...
It's nice to see former Neighbours star and sometime TV presenter Mark Little is doing well for himself, in a bizarre turn of events he appears to have given up shit-ass, late-nite, programs on ITV and 'found' feedback!
Review featured with permission from www.charmonline.co.uk Each time I see the classy Star*Bodixa, I see another step forward taking place before my eyes.
So it's a grey Monday morning and a nice lil' parcel arrives at my door, filled with a nice collection of new demos to get my tired juices flowing.
Monster Killed By Laser @ Packhorse
At gigs in pubs I usually turn up too late to see the first act, sadly today was not one of those days.
Panic! At The Disco are without a doubt a breath of fresh air and a much needed kick up the arse to that old 'emo' thing the kids are still frothing over.
After debuting on a handful of live shows the band have a healthy C.V of support slots with Silver Ginger 5, The Jellys and playing with Terrorvision at their last ever gig (which incidentally was their first) Butterfinger are absolutely amazing.
The Sugars: The Curse Of The Sugars
The Sugars appear to have been purveying their darkly sweet brand of rock 'n' roll to us lucky Leodensians for some time now, but this semi-eponymous long player is their debut full-length offering.
The Royal Park Cellars were decked out very differently tonight from how I have seen them previously.
Paranova @ The Old Cock (Halifax)
The Old Cock has recently been celebrating the renewal of is entertainment license, and a decent sized crowd had assembled in what is the town's temple of live music. The support slot was filled by a band new to my ears, a swampy rock outfit named The Roller 6ix.
Another heaving Saturday night down the Well saw some top local talent taking to the stage to show off their musical merits.
It has to be said, upfront, that The Panama Nights are probably the most enjoyable gig nights in Leeds.
Pifco are one of those bands you're either going to love or hate. The first potential deal-breaker is frontman Ste's habit of barking incoherently rather than singing, which will leave a good many people scratching their heads before switching 'Pifco A Go Go' off.
Two support bands. Why? Why oh fucking why? Maybe I need clarification, but I thought the whole point of a support band was to warm up the crowd for the main event, not take away all the time from them?
Okay let's be straight right from the start. We weren't exactly there for Athlete right from the start.
It about time the best band in Leeds came back to claim the unofficial crown from the local indie kids.
'Oh Yeah' represents everything that is thrilling about The Subways; their beauty, youth and passion all rolled into just under three minutes of loud, racy punk rock.
A forte of young bands tonight graced the Well on Friday night. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think there was one performer tonight that was older than 20 and many were under 18.
I have to start by saying that I really don't like the Mixing Tin as a venue, its cramped, cluttered and you can never hear a word anyone's saying.
There are few bands in 2004 that can quite captivate the listener in a complete contrast of emotions like Aereogramme, we speak to singer/guitarist Craig B about the release of impending mini album "Seclusion", touring the world in a beat up transit van and... skeleton xylophones
Wow. No. Honestly. WOW! After hearing their last major studio release '... Must Be Destroyed', most fans' hopes of The Wildhearts ever producing an album as good as 'Earth Vs.
First onstage tonight are the Bradford-based quintet Seven Hours, who mix a dose of funk into their otherwise straight-ahead rock sound.
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.
Andy Roberts talks to Brody ahead of their end of year festivities at the Royal Park...
For the uninitiated The Haunted are from Gothenburg, Sweden. Formed from the ashes of seminal metallers, "At the Gates", their music is that of unbelievable extremes.
Putting Air Traffic as the second band on the line-up is extremely misleading. The implication given to the unsuspecting audience is that their performance will be equal to that of a slapdash support slot; anyone expecting this kind of set is about to be proved wrong in the most spectacular fashion.
Future Of The Left @ Faversham
A locked Faversham at 10pm, what is going on? Eventually, we get in to wander the empty spaces, waiting for punters and atmosphere to appear.
In the fallout from Radiohead's The Bends I fell in love with this genre, big melodies from bands with lead singers who probably sent Jeff Buckley lyrics to their ex girlfriends to let them "know how they're feeling".
Picture the scene, playing a gig and someone comes up to you asking to review their CD. OK or so I thought!
Super Furry Animals @ Leeds Town Hall
As a talentless fool like Motty would doubtless say in his comedy commentating patter, "it's a game of 2 halves".
Neil Cowley Trio @ Millennium Square
The Leeds Jazz festival has become an easy way for the average music lover to be exposed to a whole host of talented Jazz musicians from across the UK.
It isn't every gig that ends with your correspondant being grabbed up onstage along with 20 or so other grinning loons to do backing vocals during the encore.
Having read on the Cockpit website that The Spinto Band were getting some press with features in NME and the Fly, I made sure I got there early on the off-chance that they'd sell out.
Backlash alert. You can find substantial evidence claiming Temecula, California's Finch's debut album 'What It Is To Burn' to be one of the finest pieces of post-hardcore/emo ever relayed to disc.
This long awaited punk festival finally arrives in Leeds, but not to the punters' disapproval. With doors opening at four, most people are expecting local band, 25th Cock (as Rich from Not Katies informs me) to be arriving on stage soon, but instead they don't even bother to turn up.
With O Fracas set to release a limited edition 7" single titled "Zeroes And Ones" on Monday 12th September, Will Ridge spoke to Alex, Ben and Jim to get the lowdown...
Duncan McFarlane Band @ New Roscoe
Hmm.... the New Roscoe you say? Isn't that where the tribute bands play? Well yes I suppose it is, but periodically they offer a night over to a group of performers who can really write songs and play them without pretending to be someone else.
Just as The Buzzcocks and more recently the Sex Pistols have celebrated their thirty year anniversaries, The Misfits and their horror punk are touring for their birthday.
I arrived at The Vine late to see there was a change to the original line-up for the night. Wakefield three-piece Soberskin had conceded their slot third on the bill to open the night.
We catch up with power-pop trio Kenosha who chat about fame early in their careers, rehearsing in Bridlington and almost having a 'we're not worthy!' moment with their heroes...
The Adventures of Loki: Feminine Side
I don't write reviews. I've rarely felt moved enough to bother taking the time to do it, and I categorically do not do pannings.
James Brown caught up with Leeds trio The Lodger midway through their nationwide tour with The Long Blondes
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.
In a market that is becoming increasingly saturated with second-rate Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra imitators, it is refreshing to hear a troupe of young musicians making original, cutting-edge jazz music.
DUM FLUX The first band on in the New Roscoe pub was a rarity; a talented punk band. Their set included strong drumbeats, nice bass lines and good guitar chords and riffs to make it an enjoyable one.
This was to be the first date of a weeklong tour involving four of MoonSka's most recent signings. It turned out to be a memorable evening, though not necessarily for all the right reasons.
Excuse me in advance. I may rant slightly in this review. First off the trains lashed up, severely. Forcing me and my able sidekick to go gig-goer hunting at Shipley train station in order to round up a posse who could get a mini-bus taxi with us instead.
What do you do when none of your mates will go to a gig with you? When Jon Gomm is on the bill, you go on your own!
Will Ridge interviews Tim Wheeler and Rick McMullen of the band Ash and tries to establish what the future has in hold for them now they have turned their back on the conventional album.
A Hawk And A Hacksaw @ Holy Trinity Church
Contemporary Music Network tours are usually pretty special. But this was extra special. This was my first time in the Holy Trinity Church, and whilst the architecture hardly resembles that of the York Minster or Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, I don't think there are any live venues in Leeds which can match this type of setting.
This Days Fury: Nineteen Days To Die
Recently, while looking for my inner soul, I got lost and ended up at an emo cult membership party. I spotted a pale young girl staring blankly out of the window.
Bonsai Kittens: The Big Laugh Happy Happy Joy Joy Album
It sounds just like the cover: cuddly, playful, pert, sharp clawed and perfectly miniaturised. That's all you need to know about this six-tracked litter tray of feline droppings from the Bonsai Kittens.
Tonight was a much-anticipated event. Visa had been away from the live scene for around 7 months, taking time to build a themselves a studio and record some fine tunes indeed.
If on a Saturday afternoon you're in Leeds, and near the Corn Exchange, there's a chance you'll be one of two things.
Last weekend saw the first Morley Battle of the Bands and proved to all that attended that this was not a one off event and that the future of the Morley Battle of the bands is secure.
Charlotte Hatherley: I Want You To Know
Ash albums were always a right old mess - tracks were either totally poptastic gems or just plain shit.
Taking my girlfriend to see her favourite band was a good choice. Not only did it gain me ace boyfriend points but it also let me go see Guillemots.
Entering the Leeds Irish Centre for the first time (after finding it with surprising ease) it was refreshing to find a large audience already gathered and paying attention to the support bands.
So here we have an "unsigned band showcase". Call me bitter, and even counter productive in the encouragement of fledgling bands but I hate these things.
A charity gig for the Asian earthquake appeal saw local men-of-the-moment Kaiser Chiefs headlining on the eve of their short tour in America, and saying a fond farewell to the Joseph's Well crowd that has championed them over the last year and more.
Sam Saunders chats with Mike Randle, a member of long established and mild mannered Baby Lemonade, who have a secret life as superhero band Love, playing alongside Arthur Lee on the "Forever Changes" Tour that hits the UK this month...
Stuffy and The Fuses: Join me or Die!
Stuffy and the Fuses crash in like a lump of hard coal through the window. There's a scary noise, some local damage, and a cold wind rushes in behind.
2manydjs @ Leeds Festival 2006
I think I'm getting old, or something, because it's taking me longer to recover from these festival things than it used to.
On the second and fourth Thursday of every month, Leeds offers us a new acoustic night: "Stripped" at Baby Jupiter.
Billy Talent put us straight on hangover cures and the fact that Canadian music's not all Celine Dion and Bryan Adams...
The Paddingtons @ Joseph's Well
Matt Knee is the smiliest drummer I have ever had the pleasure to watch! It made my night to see someone up there who was clearly enjoying every moment and who was not too ashamed to show his excitement.
Cansei de Ser Sexy @ Leeds Festival 2008
Turning up on Friday morning, swapping my piece of paper for my press pass, pitching my tent in guest camping and making my way to the arena, I was really pleased I'd been able to come to Leeds this year.
Wildhearts @ Scarborough Castle
So this is what I missed Leeds Festival for then. Catching the train out to the coast first thing on a Saturday morning (well, halfway to the coast - due to trouble on the line I end up getting a bus from York) to see the last ever gig by both Wildhearts and Terrorvision, today has the omens of being a good day.
A great concept for a night - no doubt. Let's drag some foreigners kicking and certainly screaming across those windy rain plagued hills separating the land and cram them into Leeds' "most intimate venue" to try and conquer a largely partisan audience, forced to miss the footie and demanding satisfaction.
"When you're on, yeah you're really fuckin' on!" yells the diminutive Jenny Lewis, singer and guitarist for Rilo Kiley, an odd looking bunch of misfits from the stable of Saddle Creek, the label started by one Conor Oberst and pals.
Another month, another Blue Star Music showcase and top of tonight's show are INSTANT SPECIES. You can never be too sure where these guys are coming from.
Have you noticed that it's getting harder and harder to tell bands apart from their roadies? This is not necessarily because of the lack of true rock stars we possess at the moment (© NME), rather that bands are employing their own 'posse' as opposed to the black-leather clad roadies of the last few decades.
Mr. Shiraz have everything you could possibly want in a band: a very well polished horn section, a mean looking drummer, hyper-singers (including an all singing all dancing version of Bez on acid) walking bass and funky guitar.
With a top ten single and a top ten album to their name in recent weeks, it is of no surprise that tonight's gig is sold out with the standard touts outside asking for any spare tickets.
Metal is on a definite upsurge at the moment, what with Limp Bizkit topping the charts and Amen on the front cover of NME and so on.
The Incredible String Band @ Hebden Bridge Picture House
"You may have gathered by now that we're a bit of a nostalgia act" quoth Mike Heron after a oddly banterless opening of two ISB classics, "you might say we are our own tribute band", well, yes, but I for one couldn't have asked for anything more.
I have to say I was pleased that this event was taking place, my 82-year-old gran had a full right mastectomy to fight breast cancer only 3 years ago, and I have lost an Aunt to cancer.
A night that promised to include feet shuffling ska-punk, long haired men running in circles and maybe even some politics produced a appropriately large crowd.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Leeds Town Hall
So then ladies and gents lets go back a couple of years when Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the Strokes and the White Stripes were unleashed on us surrounded by a haze of media frenzy and unadulterated cool.
The Tennessee Traincrash @ The Vine
The intimate carpet, curtains and ceiling lights of the Vine's upstairs room dispense a surreal good humour to all who have entered the packed-out space, up here on the edge of abnormality.
It feels a little weird and a little scary having to write a review of an album based on a natty, paltry album sampler of only four tracks - a bit on the stingy side, if you ask me.
Hugh Cornwell @ City Varieties
Not your normal run of the mill gig this. A half full venue, average age way above the norm and seats.
It seems that everywhere you turn these days, someone is writing a review or on TV or maybe just down the pub declaring the excellence of the current Leeds music scene.
There's not a great crowd down tonight, but there often isn't for opening bands so hopefully it'll fill up later.
Jesse Malin likes Leeds. Jesse Malin loves Leeds. In fact, he may even have said that he REALLY DOES INDEED love Leeds, but I can't quite remember.
Student feeding-ground by day, 'The Refectory' at Leeds University Union may not seem like the obvious location for a night of top musical entertainment, but I was certainly impressed by the sound and light show at the excellent Placebo gig here this time last year.
So it's my first time back at the Well since that whole unfortunate 'incident' when The Stills overran by about six hours or something.
The memories are hazy, the order of events may not be quite right but I know two things; beer flows freely in The Fav and amazingly it didn't rain, or at least certainly not enough to water down my Sol or to kill any of the musicians on stage.
Leeds Music Scene and Wintermute have a gossip about the new "Fun With Wizard Stencils" EP, managing along the way to incorporate some obligatory wizard magic.
The world is undoubtedly a better, not to mention considerably more interesting place with The Butterfly in it.
It was a brisk night, a cold night, a night that flirted with rain and hail showers. The Clue Machine - part bionic, part cybernetic, frivolously journalistic - suckled upon a cigarette in his car, digesting his prior investigation of the venue.
The Darkness: One Way Ticket To Hell And Back
Don't get me wrong, I wanted to like this record. Like most rock fans wanting a break from the whole "distorted guitars and vocals which sound like the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street" schtick of yer Slipknots and Papa Roaches in 2003, I thought The Darkness were a breath of fresh air - a group with their eyes shamelessly set on selling out Wembley five nights in a row rather than just staring at their feet and being happy to be anchored to the toilet circuit.
Daniel Powell and Alexisonfire's Dallas discuss everything from gig etiquette to the band's previous albums, and everything in between
Another Saturday, once again striving for that elusive intimate gig, the night that blows all the others out of the water, the Leeds hard rock fraternity, raise two fingers defiantly toward its heavily subscribed, yet vastly popular indie scene, and turn out in force to the one place they feel at home.
The Scaramanga Six @ Leeds Festival 2007
Hadouken! - Radio 1 Stage A heaving tent full of sweat and dubious amounts of day-glow welcomes semi-home-towners Hadouken!.
Interview: And None Of Them Knew They Were Robots
Dan Pullinger catches up with The Robots before their Out of Spite festival appearance...
Ricky Warwick was, and still is, the formidable front man for one of the heaviest rock acts the UK has ever seen. Victoria Holdsworth asks the questions...
Jerry Cantrell @ Rio (Bradford)
How influential were Alice in Chains? Maybe not as influential as their nineties grunge peers Nirvana, maybe not as highly touted as their glum superstar friends Soundgarden, but if you step back and look at the crop of bands that are now doing a piss poor impression of one of the heavier, yet more diverse Seattle bands from the grunge explosion, you'll realise how that most of these bands (Godsmack to name the most blatant copyists, even taking their name from a song from "Dirt") were losing themselves in the misery that was one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the 90's, 1992's "Dirt", rather than jumping around and trying to craft three chords into sub-Nirvana anthems.
Adem is currently touring his second solo album "Love and Other Planets" and we caught up with him at the West Yorkshire Playhouse where he was playing a headline slot as part of the Fuse Festival.
Various Artists: Big Tunes: Ministry of Sound
If you are part of the clubbing scene at the moment, you will either already be familiar with these tunes, or you soon will be as they continue to make waves in the clubs.
Guided by Voices: Human Amusement at Hourly Rates
I'd heard Guided By Voices albums are notoriously erratic with songwriter Robert Pollard obviously missing a prominent branch of musicians philosophy best personified by Creedance Clear Water Revivals John Fogerty: "It doesn't make it mo' betta when you add mo' junk".
The Blood Brothers are skinny, polite and nervous. When they perform however, a fairytale nightmare is cast upon the room, melancholy, bitter, estranged from reality and reeling with sarcastic vitriol.
Chicken Legs Weaver @ New Roscoe
First, a grumble. Tonight, there were three great acts on for a measly three quid, on a well though out bill, in a venue just outside the city centre, with probably the most consistently good sound in the city.
Victoria Holdsworth talks to The Glitterati as they make a welcome return to their hometown.
Daniel Powell interviews Fightstar, one of those bands that manage to inspire fiercely contested opinion.
So I'm waiting for my friend, in the freezing cold, who happens to be twenty minutes late yes that's you sara gill, I ain't even gonna bother putting your name in capitals.
Various Artists: Full Charge: High Voltage Sounds Compilation
What with all the exciting musical happenings occurring in our own backyard at the moment, we folk of West Yorkshire could be accused of having become ever so slightly introspective when it comes to seeking out our sonic thrills these days.
The Summerfield @ Joseph's Well
The room downstairs at Joseph's Well had been taken over by tables and chairs and subtle candlelight.
four day Hombre @ Joseph's Well
I believe change has to be accepted as an endearing facet of life in general, thus the exciting prospect of a mob-handed entourage of cello wielding students taking the stage in Joseph's Well already appeared enough to induce a clammy palmed curiosity.
The selling point of this gig seemed to be that Twisted Wheel have been given the NME seal of approval, to which I wondered is an NME seal of approval really what we are judging new bands now?
I enjoy acoustic music and being able to sit at tables is great (ok I admit it - I'm old... I like to sit down sometimes) I knew Danny Carr was playing, but wasn't sure what else was on.
Charlotte Hird caught up with Simple Plan when they supported Bowling for Soup at LMUSU
"Left foot, motion! Right foot, stand still! I don't need these words!" No, you do not, Sam Robson. You do these things with your legs involuntarily, as though possessed by a more sexually-frustrated John Travolta, only sporting a more scruffy nature of clothing, jeans dripping with condensation, an explosion of hair being thrown around your noggin.
Bright Young Things 2008: the 15 successful bands are revealed
Following an intense two-day judging process, the fifteen successful acts for Bright Young Things 2008 have been announced today.
Interview: The Dave Bakewell Plot
Andy Roberts finds out about the Halifax music scene...
Sometimes Annalee would venture into town to see live music in venues she'd never been to before... Time to reassess?
Far From The Dance @ Fagins Bar (Halifax)
What makes particular pieces of art, music and literature widely deemed as 'good'? I would muse that anything's worth is determined by how unique it is.
By all rights Shatner really ought to be extinct. Given that the Big Brothers who quietly go about the business of corrupting the nation's youth decided to adopt the policies of Pol Pot somewhere around the late 90s, someone ought to have got round to sending Jim Bower & co to the glue factory by now.
Andy Roberts heads round to The Somatics' house for a cuppa and a chinwag about their debut platter, local themes canal spotting and how prog will be cool once they release their new album...
Interview: Charlotte Hatherley
Kate Zezulka meets up with Charlotte Hatherley to counteract the Spice Girls' comeback by spreading a little real girl power...
MMMMBZZZZ goes the clock and I'm buzzing for pound a pint. I'm sat there, as per every pissing Friday afternoon, shooting the shit with Tommy B.
The Sunshine Underground @ LMUSU
Fans were gathering and touts were waiting even before the doors opened at 7 tonight. For this was to be the triumphant homecoming and tour finale of local (kinda) hero's The Sunshine Underground.
Victoria Holdsworth spoke to Luke Morley from Thunder before another sell out gig in Sheffield.
British Fiction: Twilight's Lost and Dreaming of Modern Peacocks
The NME brought its Carling Awards tour to Leeds on Tuesday night, meaning the city was buzzing with three different types of music lover.
Andy Roberts reaquaints himself with the punk pidgin-French world of Leeds' very own twisted firestarters: les Flames!
Foo Fighters @ Leeds Festival 2005
Sunday started like any other day. Apart from this Sunday I happened to wake up in a field with 30 odd thousand other bear soaked, bleary eyed, unwashed, desperate bladder controlling festival revellers.
The annual Bright Young Things showcase has been very much like a 'Kinder Surprise' over the last few years - yes you may look back fondly enough, but you'd rather have a 'Fizzy Cola Bottle' (Futuresound competition) or even a 'Flying Saucer' (local band nite at Joseph's Well) because, at the end of the day, while the 'Kinder Egg' promises much, open it up and a crappy toy that you play with for five minutes and then lose down the back of the sofa is all that confronts you.
For all of those about to read, if you know either of these bands then you will most certainly know what will be coming up in this review.
In the cavernous grime of the Well, it is forever night time. Forever a luminous green-tinged, stale tobacco-clad dark age.
'Twas a blustery wet night on Sunday 12th March 2006 when I forced my way into a packed out Cockpit in Leeds, to interview not only a legend, to all self respecting indie lovers, but also a rather splendid chap! In the immortal words of Take That would The Wonder Stuff be back for good?
One Bullet Left @ Snooty Fox (Wakefield)
The Snooty Fox in Wakefield is slightly different to the majority of pubs that you'll will have no doubt drank in.