Search for talented dj performed on Thursday, 8th January 2009.
talented dj
We found the term talented dj in 277 articles.
Band Profile: James Owen Fender
James Owen Fender might be the new boy on the musical block, but at just 25 years old he's got a bundle of songs full of catchy hooks that are currently getting everyone excited about this talented newcomer. He is signed to Island records and is currently recording his debut album
For someone who's not really a ska fan, I definitely enjoyed this show. No matter what your tastes are, sometimes you just need something that makes you jump.
Hamster Pizza: Okay, I am not going to lie, I wasn't expecting anything from this band. I thought it would be one to miss, but they were better than I expected.
rock pop
Wednesday nites is KMM @ The Lites...
KMM have secured a promotional deal with The Kirkstall Lites to bring original, talented, unsigned artists to the live music venue on Wednesday nights.
Lynchpin: In The Interest of Absolution
I do not proclaim to be an expert in the genre of metal by any standards, but listening to In The Interest of Absolution from North Yorkshire's nu-metallers, Lynchpin, it all seems very familiar, and I am doubtful that is because I have heard this particular band before.
Formed in 2006, Out Of Focus, were definitely going to be something different. Combined with their music, and crazy-ass attitudes; a new type of band was formed: a talented, mentalist, determined and frequent hospital visitor of a band.
KT Tunstall's position as one of the success stories of 2005 is now beyond doubt following the success of her last single "Suddenly I See" and the success of her multi platinum debut album "Eye To The Telescope", which has just spent 2 months ensconced in the Top 10 of the UK album chart.
alternative indie rock
Whilst in the presence of the allegedly toe-tapping show-stopping band The Feeling at Leeds University I did indeed get 'a Feeling'.
Mark B & Blade @ Leeds Festival 2001
"...running out of time..." - it's a shame that this lyric signifies the end of an awareness-expanding insight into how great hip-hop can sound when in the hands of musicians as talented as Mark B & Blade.
SAVING LENNY The first impression I got of this band was the noise. Two guitars can often be noisy and in this instance that was the case.
There is a marked progression between this record and the last supreme effort, 'Walking Lonely Streets': not only does the sound quality seem to fare far better, but it is in the musical arrangements and lyrics that the band truly prove their longevity.
Decoy proclaim 'This Is Disco', but sadly the title should perhaps be something more like 'This is a funky tea-dance'!
After a near-continuous onslaught of terrific gigs in the last couple of weeks, perhaps a breather was what was needed.
That Chris from Catalyst is a multi-talented lad, and this is ace. Five tracks of... errr... "techno-metal" I suppose you'd call it.
alternative rock
The winners of Zane Lowe's Fresh Meat (?!) award open the proceedings with some rock and roll. Brighton garage rockers The Lodge have a heavy twinge of The Stooges about them, and play simple but catchy singles 'Piece of Cake' and new tune 'Noose'.
Dan Pearson - Vox/Guitar Sean Hatherley - Lead Guitar Mike Neilson - Drums Scott Coutts - Bass/Vox The Signs are here to stay..four talented and charismatic musicians brought together by a love of soaring melodies, roaring guitars and seismic drums, the boys have a knack for creating radio-friendly choruses made to be sung around stadiums around the world.
Fighting With Wire: Machine Parts
Fighting With Wire are Derry's answer to the Foo Fighters. "Machine Parts" could easily figure on any Foo's album, rocking as it does with the same vigour and borrowing massively from the Grohl melody bank.
An appropriately named track, opening with an engine being turned on and then proceeds to take the listener down a musical freeway riding on a catchy beat with an acoustic guitar and a harmonica for company.
The common man's James Blunt, but with better lyrics is how I would describe Ali Whitton as he opened up a remarkable acoustic based night at the Mixing Tin.
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.
A year on from the debut from Leeds/Bradford's Stonefish and here we have a further six straight down the line rock tracks.
A lot of people will love Scout. I know my mum does. They're a cracking band, very talented with strong arrangements and a singer who sounds like Andrea Corr but so much better.
I had a lot of preconceived ideas about this gig, hair in the wind guitar solos and flying V's, my stereotypical preconceptions were true, although there was a number of surprises that slightly changed my small minded opinion of these American head bangers by the end of the night.
Scout come blasting back with this 4 track EP with more funk Jamiroquai would be shaking in their boots.
Although it is a blisteringly hot day outside in central Leeds, the locals have turned out in force for this Indy feast.
Feeder: Picture of Perfect Youth
Feeder have made the right decision here I think. Four albums into their career many bands (or record labels perhaps) would go for the cash cow 'Greatest Hits' album.
Ok, so Slipknot may be nine idiots who thrash about in boiler suits and "scary" masks. They might have a back catalogue of songs so artistically titled "People = ****" and "Sic" and there might be a thousand people that hate them to one fan, but admit it, you have a soft spot for them don't you?
Andie Mills: Going Native for Dirty Pictures
A familiar face on the Leeds scene, Andie Mills is a veritable one man music industry. This is his 3rd solo release and is another sombre collection of introspective blues/acoustic rock.
Anyone interested in the Leeds Music Scene will know that Joseph's Well is a hotbed of talent. What most people don't know is that on the other side of the infamous bar there is talent lurking in nearly every member of staff.
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.
Six By Seven @ Leeds Festival 2002
Six By Seven always guarantee an intense live experience, and today's display is no exception. Showcasing several tracks from recent album The Way I Feel Today, released earlier this year on Mantra Recordings, the band offer a dark display of searing guitars and atmospheric keyboard mastery that brings a chill to the bone of many in the crowded Evening Session tent.
Scatter remind me of Ten Pence None The Richer of Dawson's Creek fame. On 'Shallow' seemingly teenage angelic vocals from lead singer Amanda ring out over a picky, plucky, jangly chorus-laden guitar and a laid-back rhythm section.
Minotaurs: Anyone Who Had A Heart
Anyone Who Had A Heart is the debut EP from the South Shields based 6-piece, Minotaurs. Available on 12" vinyl only, this is solid collection of four potentially massive pop songs.
Sunday nights at Joseph's Well are rapidly turning into something a bit special on the Leeds music scene.
Protest The Hero: Heretics and Killers
At just 19, Protest The Hero have achieved a lot already and in listening to this single it's not hard to see why.
She's Not Dead: Bedtime Stories
Some very accomplished playing, programming and production work lifts this 3 song (2 and 1 remix) CD out of the "ordinary" category, but limitations in the lyrics and overall sound holds it back from moving into the "extra-ordinary" league.
Electric Soft Parade @ Cockpit
Actress Hands have just released a split with the headlining band, having just toured with their fellow Brighton and Metway studio regulars British Sea Power.
indie/rock
With a name like Lindy you might be conjuring up mental images of a 16 year-old girl wielding an acoustic guitar and a few teen ballads, but actually it's Icelandic in origin and belongs to a 10 foot tall blonde bloke from Canada, still wielding a guitar but thankfully minus the ballads.
New York Alcoholic Anxiety Attack: The Man With Four Tears
It would be easy to pigeonhole the New York Alcoholic Anxiety Attack as angsty post hardcore. I'm sure the word "post" has probably been overused; unfortunately I felt this is the only way to describe most of their CD.
Wakefield is the place for sure. Here's another talented bunch with a future ahead of them. It's not fully realised in the demo, with its tendency to try and sound like a "proper record".
Oxjam 2007 looking for volunteer Music Event Organisers
Oxjam 2007 is Oxfam's biggest, most ambitious music event ever and they are asking Leeds musicians and promoters to put on all kinds of music events during October 2007 to raise money for Oxfam.
Its been twelve years since Californian based punk rockers AFI first decided to form a band in order to avoid to the real world, and they are finally being tipped to make that jump from underground to mainstream with their sixth album Sing the Sorrow.
Support band tonight was a band called Grammatics. Little was known to me about this five-piece band from Leeds.
Around 100 people are gathered for the first Its Gone Ballistic at the Rocket Venue - a decent turnout for what is essentially a new event, in the middle of summer, and in the middle of the week.
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.
rock jazz blues
The Roots @ Leeds Festival 2004
After their legendary Glastonbury appearance of a few years back, Phily's finest returned to our shores to give Leeds another huge root down of live hip-hop.
d-koy: Nothing is what it seems
That's a nice looking lady, or is it a bloke, no it can't be, never, or is it? d-koy have returned again with another example of their zany mixture of pop, funk, metal and rock.
Mark Owen: Four Minute Warning
Awww, it's the cute one from Take That! For younger readers a little history. Robbie Williams was once in a boy band called Take That.
Decoration: The Thomas Pink Session
A busy yuletide schedule forced this review into 2004 and subsequently stopped it being my unsigned CD of 2003 and yet although I am sure to receive many more CDs from eager young artists in the coming months, I am unlikely to receive many that better this!
I was really dubious about this album at first, I mean, just how many singing frontman (or woman) bassists do you know?
Daniel Pearson announces his song-a-week project, "The Blueprint"...
Leeds-based singer-songwriter Daniel Pearson has begun his 'songwriting experiment' The Blueprint, during which he will release a brand new song every week for the next 6 months.
Staerimto can be described as lush, poignant, quirky folk. In this DIY solo effort lead by John Perry there are moments of brilliance and also emptiness.
The Lodger: The Lodger Sings A Demo CD
The Lodger is starting the Britpop revival as of NOW. His lyrics are honest and insecure at times but he ain't no bedroom melancholic, no no.
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.
Listening to the first track provided for me here in neat digital form I marvel at the fact that The Bayonets only formed a few months ago.
I first saw Aqute Couch live at Joseph's Well, and I must admit right now that I enjoy their 9-track CD even more than I liked their live show.
If Cardboard World carried the sub-title "Made for an American market only" then so many stereotypes on one record could be forgiven.
Alternative/Indie
Various Artists: I Can Count - Volume 2
Following the success of the 'I Can Count Volume 1' compilation (which gathered fans such as BBC Radio 1's Rob Da Bank and Huw Stephens) this independent label has treated followers to the aptly titled 2nd instalment: I Can Count Volume 2.
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.
Colin Mounsey: The Panda and Piano EP
Colin Mounsey is clearly undaunted by challenging trends and preconceived ideas about what songs should and shouldn't reside together on a record.
solo acoustic
"Space and Time" has gentle acoustic guitars underpinning a soft, soothing vocal with a chorus that induces goose bumps and a lump in the throat.
As part of series now stretching over a mammoth ten years, DJ Kicks now presents a mix from the German based techno DJ and artist Henrik Schwarz.
Ric Neale: Different Than Before
What a talented bunch of folk Leeds has got in its midst and here's another one. Ric Neale is from the singer songwriter class and on the evidence of this CD he could well be top of it.
The Hoarse: The way we bring it down
Where The Hoarse bring it down is simply to your local pub jam night. With a proficient wibbly blues guitarist and armed with a bucket load of tried, tested and generally worn out pub-rock clichés this is the stuff the 12 pint fat bloke at the bar will tell you is the best band you've ever heard.
acoustic pop
Despite what NME would have you believe the future of music is not all about "angular guitars". Nor, as The Guardian asserts, is Leeds simply the centre of the universe for Dark Metal and Goth musical inspiration.
Scout are summed up in one word. Impressive. Right from the packaging of the CD (which doesn't really count) to the sound of their material, which is likened to the earlier sounds of Blondie.
Tim Fletcher: Winter Into Spring
The seasonally-titled Winter Into Spring is Tim Fletcher's first professionally recorded CD. The unsigned singer-songwriter originates from West Yorkshire (though currently located in Sheffield), and cites impressive influences such as; Nick Drake, Neil Young, Bright Eyes and Devendra Banhart.
r'n'b jazz
Using a quote from one of the recent CD reviews, I was "suitably impressed" with last night's gig. It's Gone Ballistic yet again gave another three young bands the opportunity to impress in one of Leeds' finest live music venues - as Draco, Lunar Camels and The Gift were the people to rock'n'roll us through the evening.
The Dead Eyes Of Quint @ Cockpit
It's Wednesday and that can only mean one thing: making the hour-long journey from work to the Cockpit in just a little under thirty minutes.
deep house dance pop
Malibu Stacey: Cuatro discos de stomp
The first time I saw Malibu Stacey, I had no idea who they were but was blown away by their professionalism and purist punk rock style.
It's a simple idea - get a lot of bands and cram them into about 2 days (hours wise) of Joseph's Well indoor festival action.
The Cut @ Lawrence Batley Theatre (Huddersfield)
"Who needs Glastonbury when we've got Huddersfield!" announced the compère at the Noisebox Festival at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in the town.
Monotone: Nothing Lasts Forever
"Nothing Lasts Forever" is the recent demo from three-piece Monotone, who claim their influences include Jeff Buckley, Morrissey and Nick Drake, though I really can't see much of a comparison.
The last time I reviewed QUICKLIME, from their demo tape, I complained about poor vocal qualities. Unfortunately, poor vocals were again in evidence tonight.
The background listening I did for Hot Club De Paris, just in case I saw them, consisted of 'Shipwreck'; a jumbled scouse mess.
Lucky Number 7 for Quidrophenia at Oporto
With the March Bank Holiday almost upon us, this week has seen the announcement of the line up for Quidrophenia 7, the charity all-dayer taking place on Monday 24th March.
One Night Only: Started A Fire
Brian May reforming the original line up of Queen. Britney Spears performing on stage like her ball of a life isn't rolling down into the gutter.
Sarah Lawton takes to an empty stage with her acoustic guitar accompanied by Paul Bratt on congas with Hilary Jones on cello.
There's no doubt that Telegramme frontwoman Faye has a powerful voice. However, she also has an unusual habit of serving her vocals with a helping of random warbling noises and sudden high notes.
The Bandits: And They Walked Away (album sampler)
Well, at least I only had to suffer five tracks. If these are the best, God preserve me from the others.
When I arrived at The Cockpit for this evening's musical extravaganza, I was struck first of all by how quiet it was.
Itch: Well, Well, Well, Three Holes in the Ground
Itch's Mike Milner has the biggest mouth in Leeds. Not that he slags people off or anything. He just uses it to scream unbelievably, painfully, loud.
Corinne Bailey Rae @ The Refectory
First up Jack Savoretti - at 22 years old half English and half Italian, blessed with Latin good looks and a voice that many would die for.
The Blind Lemons @ Blue Bar (Harrogate)
Good lord. A decent gig in Harrogate. Might have known they were outsiders... We check out the fantastic but poorly-monikered Blind Lemons at the Blues Bar.
A pair of beseated little smurfs and a big slutty rock vamp alight the stage in a cloud of barbershop-style harmonies.
Sometimes I hate writing reviews. I got into it because I love writing and love music. But sometimes you have to review something that you really don't enjoy and it's horrible because it's no fun slagging off bands that put their heart and soul into their music.
Whole Sky Monitor: Bland Bland Bland
There's such an obvious joke opportunity in the title of this record that I'm having to put a lot of effort into actually writing an honest review, instead of falling back on a cheap gag.
Bringing rock and blues back to the people
The Culprit formed in mid 2005 from the remnants of dissolved bands. The four piece band has so far released two self produced EPs and with over 17000 plays on their MySpace page, they seem to be doing right.
Fran Rodgers: Let The Rain Fall
Fran Rodgers is making me cold. This room was warm a minute ago, in fact the thermostat says 23°C but my body is freezing because the inconsiderate woman is giving me a serious chill.
BYT 2003 looking for Leeds bands of tomorrow...
Young bands from all over Leeds are invited to submit demos for Bright Young Things 2003, Leeds Leisure Services' annual music showcase.
Shadow of Memories: Too Much Within
Darkly epic melodious doom-metal from the rock metropolis of Headingley, Shadow of Memories latest audio instalment is the two-track EP "Too Much Within".
Gweedo @ Woodkirk Valley Country Club
Openers tonight were DayDream, a three piece who are unashamedly proud of their Beatlesque influences.
More often than not, folk records come with a seasonal mood in mind, though in the case of Paul Marshall and his debut album 'Vultures' we have a record which seems to encapsulate all four seasons - equally as fitting for a frosty February morning as it is for a sun-drenched afternoon in July.
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.
Promising name I thought. Very Jack Kerouac, but with cunning regional twist with the old M62 and that.
A trip down to Joseph's Well a while ago saw me coming away with a 5-track demo CD from York/Leeds band Blueryder.
Joff Whitten is a rather talented boy: a solo performer he mixes an acoustic guitar, a bass and wistful vocals, throws them all into a loop, swaps instruments, generates layer-upon-layer and comes out with some rather intriguing folk-pop.
Modeliste @ The Royal Oak (Halifax)
Live music returns to Halifax town centre with the launch of "The Dog House", a new band night upstairs at The Royal Oak pub.
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.
There's a very good turn out for this winter solstice gig at Joseph's Well, and a distinct air of anticipation before Juxtaposition take to the stage.
Protest The Hero could have played this oh so simpler. Vocalist ... high pitched wail of a voice would no doubt have suited any number of identikit extremo songs that could have been cobbled together in a matter of minutes.
Joseph's Well is already half full by the time that Leeds' The 7 Inches open up proceedings, immediately jetting us back to the eighties with some old-skool indie in a Wedding Present style.
Apparently I called these guys jazz in an earlier review, and they got a bit mad. So, I sit with the new full length offering from the band spinning on my computer (us kids don't do CD players anymore y'know) with an open mind and my Miles Davis CDs as far away as possible...
The Couderhae Connection: Untitled
A five track demo from a new (to me) acoustic duo is a very pleasant end to a good weekend. Ben Wetherill and Matthew Loveday provide two guitars, alternating voices, a bass guitar and a cello to show off five delicate and (mostly) well-made songs.
"Automatic" is the third single to be released by Leeds über cool, all girl trio Dead Disco, their first on the well-respected label Fierce Panda, and the last single the label will ever release, concentrating solely on albums in the future.
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.
Mungo Hump sounded as proficient as they did interesting as they blasted through their first two songs but the set averaged out from that point onwards.
Three long years I've been waiting!!! Finally Mover are back in town... hurrah!! I had never heard of the band before I saw them support The Bluetones in 1998 at the T&C but they completely blew me away.
Quick refresh on Recess. This Recess is not the "grunge Recess" that has been reviewed a couple of times in the live section over the past month or so.
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. @ Cockpit
I completely missed Dartz; slack I know. I did get stopped at the door though, where I was stood queuing with non other that Get Cape.
As the sun overhead blazes down over Leeds, most people either sit outside basking in the mid twenties sunshine or fiddle with their badly burned meat on their barbecues rather than venturing out to the local venues.
Ex- Babes in Toyland Singer/Guitarist Kat Bjelland's three-piece band do the dirty in the dingy glow of Leeds City Centre.
London's Circuit magazine and Manchester's Charabanc Promotions have tonight arranged to bring Leeds three of the best bands from the top Northern cities of Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds.
Another five-band line up at Joseph's Well marks another Northern Sound Exposure event. What makes these gigs so enjoyable from my point of view is that the organisers always try to feature new bands and it's the perfect opportunity to check out some of the potential bands of tomorrow.
The Warehouse may be out on a limb, up there near the ring road, but if this is a precedent for future Friday nights - then it'll be worth every step.
Virginia Creep @ Joseph's Well
A night filled with highs and lows took place at Joseph's Well as three exceptional bands showcased their talents and one band were a disappointment to most concerned.
Joseph Arthur: Nuclear Daydream
Releasing two new albums simultaneously is a big ask of any artist, but when you see what Joseph Arthur has done and is all about, it's another step on an amazing journey for this man.
What we have here are two good voices and one mission to go spaced out and relaxed. Superficially it has Boards of Canada for the underlay and lite nu R&B as the deep pile upholstery.
Wakefield's The Old House are no ordinary band. Chris Billingham, Craig Newman Matt Knee and Paul Reid are fresh, enthusiastic and fizzing with ideas.
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.
I regret to say that last night's show at Joseph's Well was possibly the most unsatisfying one I have seen so far.
Local showcases are always unpredictable and without pretense thus making them top reviewing candy. Occasionally rousing, sadly more than often easily forgettable and very very rarely awe-inspiring.
Quite an eventful Saturday evening in the end. Firstly, I chatted away to Aeon prior to the Juno-2 gig at Royal Park Cellars - the interview should appear on the site in the next week or so - and then I bumped into Bella.
Former Leeds student, and Bootis former, now based in Brighton.
Another acoustic night at Joseph's Well and it's noticeable how popular these nights are becoming with around fifty or so sitting and standing in the candlelit venue.
Joseph's Well's regular clientele of students and office workers were besieged tonight by metal heads from across the county.
Violet, Indigo, Blue: Green, Yellow, Orange, Red. The colours of a rainbow when you stand on your head.
Forget The Darkness. The true kings of the classic rock revival have arrived. The howling screaming mess that is the The Black Velvets burst onto the stage in the slot normally reserved for the lowest of the low in terms of talent and stage presence.
Schadenfreude. I bet The Nearly Men do this a lot. To put it quite frankly, there's a hell of a lot of bands out there that are not fit to lick these talented bastards' shoes.
Demolition is essentially a greatest demos collection. The incredibly prolific Adams had 5 albums worth of material which he planned to release, yet has wisely decided to compile the best bits of all those different sessions into what is available from your local Virgin, Internet store or Sainsbury's now.
Stars Of Track & Field: Not Here To Shop
Having spent the last three years in Carlisle (at University) I watched the development of a local band by the name of Stars Of Track & Field.
The first wave of dance punk hit these shores in 2003. Flown in from New York in the wake of The Strokes, Interpol and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, it was depicted in typical NME fashion as the latest in a long line of movements to descend from the heavens and alter the course of music history.
Sometimes you can just tell a band's going to be good from their name. These guys call themselves The Budda Cakes so obviously they're gonna be brilliant.
FutureSound 2000 starts up at the Rocket Venue, and its immediately obvious from the amazing talent on show in the three bands battling it out tonight that the judges will be a difficult situation to decide which are the top six, the ones who will go through to the Leeds Carling Weekend Festival.
"We're in for a treat here," was my first thought when glimpsing this rather professional looking, although homemade, I'm assured, CD.
Enthusiasts of tonight's bands nervously surround me, uniting in small rival groups, all with a clear objective at hand, to support and more importantly, cast a vote for the devoted band of which they are acquainted to.
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.
Here are six recorded songs from a Halifax band with the same name as a tune by muso wonderbillies Dark Star.
I never realised there were so many Candians in Leeds, I'm pretty sure they outnumber non Cannucks here tonight.
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 Bilderberg Group: This Could Happen
The Bilderberg Group is the shop front for a one Lewis Sleeman who pulls no punches in making it a place to sell his own brand of pop product.
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...
What a welcome surprise. At the end of the first act tonight, a band who are billed just as "Special guests", comes the announcement that they will be playing The Strychnine Lounge on Friday.
If you love taut song writing, spring loaded guitar playing and adult emotions, go buy "The way I See It".
When the news first arrived that Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke was to release a solo record it came as a bit of a surprise, certainly considering Radiohead were currently in the middle of a tour and busy recording their highly anticipated seventh album, however, many felt Thom would go solo at some point...
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.
Goldie Lookin' Chain @ The Refectory
It's been a bit of a weird day. Walking towards Leeds Uni to interview Goldie Lookin' Chain I'm sure Eggsy walks past me.
Recently, there's been a contrast of sorts when going out - some nights can be spent bumping into some of the most passionate promoters and talented musicians the city can offer; people who have a genuine enthusiasm for the music scene in Leeds.
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.
Tony Bliar really has Britain under his spindly thumb. In the Red corner, weighing approximately 180 lbs, representing middle class Britain, we have James "The Boredom" Blunt.
Parting company with one's musical tastes takes a lot in today's tightly packed music world, but the styles of Vicious Cabaret and The Humour are two bands not of the norm and can hold their heads up high among the rest of the Arctic Monkey wannabies out there as they challenged listeners at The Mixing Tin in Leeds to a different style of music.
You may well have read us gush about these bright young protégés of Johnny Marr before on this site. Since seeing them simply pulverise the opposition at the In The City A&R bunfight of 2000, we've been waiting expectantly for this debut platter.
Yourcodenameis: Milo: They Came from the Sun
The cover art can convey many impressions about an album. Usually they are correct, as is the case here.
It was always going to be a little bit special. Buzz. Anticipation. Electric atmosphere. One song. Could have been twenty.
Punk glam rockers Phluid's debut LP 'Cynical Smile' does exactly what you want it to - plays loud, fast and with it's cross dressing, black-eyed, drug pumped heart on it's sleeve.
I'd never previously seen any of the bands I saw on Wednesday night but when I left at 11:15pm I felt like I'd heard three of them somewhere else before.
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.
It is a tribute to the Leeds' live music scene, its followers and local promoters, that tonight boasts four completely different bands, completely different styles and, for yet another Lock & Load event, a top gig.
acoustic psychedelic alternati
Leeds' latest progressive-alt-rock band, Blue Sky Project, show plenty of promise with this record yet generally fall just short in delivering the quality goods expected of a band fronted by enigmatic singer / songwriter / guitarist / promoter / label boss Lewis Denby.
There's a lot of competition for our attention in Leeds this evening, there's the Wannadies with Mommy and Daddy at the Cockpit, there's a whole city filled with vulnerable teens pissing mum and dad's money up the wall in fresh meat week, and best of all there's the episode of Eastenders before the one where Dirty Den comes back.
alternative rock
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.
Stuck halfway between Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake stands Benjamin Wetherill. Like his mentors, he makes beauty out of misery, armed with nothing but an acoustic guitar and the odd flutter of woodwind instruments and a cello.
Amiina (formerly Amína) are an odd band. Four Icelanders better known for their connection with Sigur Rós more than anything else, they play an instrumental music that is hard to classify.
Funkal Infection @ Highwood Hotel
A night of much in the way of atmosphere and possibly even musical talent and ability was delivered this weekend at the Highwood.
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.
The Search Map: Tiny Victories EP
Hearing genuinely talented musicians for the first time is something that I experience very rarely. The Tiny Victories EP by The Search Map gave me one such experience.
Ethan and Nathan Dickens, Stuart Morrison , Rob Soulsby and Tom Francis: Fierce Panda's latest punt into the unknown.
The Party Animals @ Highwood Hotel
Tonight, The Highwood saw 4 bands. I'll admit here that I'm not too sure who is who with this bill (in approximate terms).
Almost implausibly, tonight is the final of the Futuresound heats. All of the bands we've seen so far have been impressively talented in their chosen style, and tonight is no exception.
Pounding of drums and wail of guitar signifies that My Exploding Heart have come to the stage. Singer/guitarist Danny Carr thrashes out power chords like it's the last time he'll play a gig while faces of orgasmic exhilaration come from frantic drummer Mike Quarry.
At the time of discovering that this particular tour was to take place I was convinced that Leeds (and the majority of the other cities involved) wouldn't see a stronger line-up (festivals aside) all year long.
Micah P Hinson: Yard of Blonde Girls
Jeff Buckley drowned in the Wolf River in Tennessee on the eve of recording his sophomore studio album My Sweetheart the Drunk in 1997.
Opening proceedings tonight are local boys Infrasound. Coming across a little like Annie Christian or Delirious they specialise in riff heavy verses and more melodic, driving choruses.
The original line-up of this Collective AKA gig featured two more bands - the great J.R. from Doncaster (who play Jesus Lizard style rock) and the Informers from France, who last played Leeds 15 years ago with the Exploited!
Having reviewed his other album, I feel a bit apprehensive as to what Munkie's done with himself since.
Tom Hingley - Madchester Man - Musician - Hat sniffer and a legend! Victoria Holdsworth asks the questions.
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.
A more improbable and initially questionable palpitation in someone's musical career than Mr Frank Turner's there has never been.
It's another night of nervous expectation down at Joseph's Well, but maybe the uncertainty surrounding what's on show only makes the taste sweeter when things go right.
What is this? Another ska / punk night? It does seem like ska is taking over the underground scene and I know ska is a love it or hate it kind of thing, so will Melvyn, The Antibiotics and Bobby Six Killer be able to compete with all the other 10 a penny ska/punk bands in Leeds?
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.
Coming to gigs by yourself is never a lot of fun, but thanks to the army of apathetic student types that I call friends all wimping out, I'm here on my own.
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.
It's usually the way that those who are the most lacking in self-confidence are usually the more talented with the least to worry about - take it as a good omen, then, that all of tonight's acts are surprisingly self-deprecating.
Sweep The Leg Johnny @ Adelphi Hotel
I was really looking forward to this gig - I'd experienced 'Sweep' live before when we played an all-dayer with them in Wigan, so I knew the treat that was in store.
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.
Sure it is a hassle having to wait an extra hour for the venue doors because Seu was late for a sound check but from the strumming of the first exotic chord everyone's qualms disappear.
The greatest festival of nu-wave this side of anywhere, Nastyfest continues to be the crown jewel in the Faversham's sizeable repertoire.
Something's not quite right. As we walk into the Cockpit, I'm forced to dash behind the nearest jukebox as I hear a haunting "Exterminaaaaate" from behind me.
The Like: Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?
The Like are three extremely photogenic waiflike females who make self-confessed indie-pop. Unfortunately, their reliance on their own aesthetic appeal means the actual quality of the music falls by the wayside.
This was perhaps my most anticipated gig of the year so far. Ever since hearing 'Daddy's Gone' I've been a big fan and having missed their last trip to Leeds at the Faversham I was not going to miss this one.
Two Gallants: What the Toll Tells
In the world of the commercial mainstream Arctic Monkeys are being proclaimed as the Messiah himself, uniting the indie elite, the council estate hobbits, and even your mum and dad in the dawn of a new musical explosion.
The Queen's jubilee had offered many music events across the city, and I happened to wander in on the Anonymous Groove one at the dry dock.
International Trust @ Brudenell Social Club
I'm a prat. Got my times muddled and missed out on opening band Chops. Oops. I hear they were stupid but great, so that's that one hastily out of the way.
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.
Reviews depend on trust so I'll try and give it to you straight. This guy from Otherside works at my place.
Saving Lenny: Driven To Distraction
On receiving a lovely 7" sized plastic sleeve I eagerly anticipated the smooth black vinyl slipping out into my hand.
Yet another top night at Josephs' Well, to see two bands, or should I say acts because the first is a solo guy with but an acoustic guitar to his name, which is incidentally TOM GOURLEY.
The Trophy Cabinet: The First Xi
The Colour Blind James Experience, Robyn Hitchcock, Lloyd Cole, New Order, Edwyn Collins, Blue Nile, Yo La Tengo, Sin Ropas, Cosmic Rough Riders, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.
Tindersticks: Waiting For The Moon
Tindersticks are one of the UK's most talented, and rather unfortunately, overlooked bands of the past 10 years or so, and 'Waiting For The Moon', their latest LP, should go a long way to help give the band the attention they deserve.
9 Years ago I had the pleasure of seeing Adrian Legg performing in Manchester, a gig which changed my view of the acoustic guitar.
A few weeks ago I teased Kez, lead singer with local band Albeit, after they secured a support slot with Scottish rockers Idlewild at Bradford University.
Once again the well is full. The crowd seems slightly different from usual, there's a definite glitzy glamour and expensive smell about them.
Ten Seconds Of Chaos @ Joseph's Well
I attended this show not quite knowing what to expect as I had heard a mixture of opinions on several of the bands, but when I arrived to a relatively large anticipating crowd, I thought I might be in for a good night.
Mangled and angry, the new-look version of Instruction were just as raucous as ever tonight, but seemed to have lost a tiny bit of their sparkle since being rearranged.
Vessels @ Brudenell Social Club
The Brudenell has played host to a number of extremely special shows in recent times, and tonight Vessels laid down a pretty good claim as to why this should go down as one of them. The homecoming gig of their UK tour, tonight showcased some of the very best in emerging talent from Leeds, culminating in one of the finest shows Radio One's favourite unsigned band have ever performed.
Leeds' Stateless, after seemingly never ending games of label (hip)hop scotch, have finally released their long awaited self-titled full-length.
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.
Thursday: A City By the Light Divided
Thursday will forever be cursed with being tagged as the band that sprung the traps on the infamous genre of 'screamo'.
ESCLAVAGE A rather melodic beginning for a band that seem ready to tear the new roscoe down. This song turns into a roaring mosh-fest in seconds with all members showing good stage presence.
Deja vu. Deja vu from the exact same time last year. Stuck in the same pokey Cockpit auxiliary room with an altogether comatose audience but nevertheless an incendiary performance from one of British rocks most talented outfits.
The Sunshine Underground @ The Vine
The Printed Sound began proceedings on Friday night at The Vine, following their inclusion into the first Leeds HMV Showcase.
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.
Wildbirds & Peacedrums @ Brudenell Social Club
I like to think that one day Forest of Sound will make a mistake: they are clearly just too good at choosing the right acts to book for the right nights.
Doubts over Alan McGee's sanity have become commonplace since his surrender of the once-great Creation Records to the likes of Mishka, Kevin Rowlands and the money men at Sony.
The Fratellis @ Leeds Festival 2006
Day three: my, doesn't time fly? The sun's out too, which is a welcoming start to the day especially for those camped out near the Main Stage for the first of two Flogging Molly appearances.
There is laughter in the air tonight; people look determined to have fun. Young innocent faces rejuvenate my past and my Sixth Form days come flooding back to me.
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.
pop indie
Bilge Pump @ Brudenell Social Club
The Brudenell Social club played host to three bands, all helping to raise funds for the Asian Earthquake Disaster appeal.
When jumping, dancing and causing general musical mischief in the darkened venues of Leeds city centre, the rare spotted Steve Lamacq is a rare beast to sight indeed.
The Music @ Roadhouse (Manchester)
Review featured with permission from www.manchestermusic.co.uk Not unlike the amount of feather boas and leopard print present for the Manic Street Preachers, or backwards caps for Limp Bizkit, the traditional demin clad bowlheads fill Manchester's Roadhouse for the most hyped band this year.
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.
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.
Mr Neil, lead singer of The Playmates ostentatiously parades on and off the stage, needlessly brash and purposely demented, he bids to blow the sweaty-browed gathering to smithereens with his typecast ruffled rock star demeanour.
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.
So here we are at the Refectory, the house lights go down and on comes Giant Drag. If you have never seen or heard of Giant Drag before then here is your first impression of them.
Pulled Apart by Horses @ Moor Music Festival 2008
There are countless laudable aspects of the weekend that will have been taken away by all of the festival-goers, but arguably it's Moor Music Festival's inclusive eclecticism that deserves the biggest pat on the back.
Colour of Fire, acclaimed local(ish) alt-rockers, opened up tonight in front of a reasonable crowd. Having just finished a considerable UK tour, they didn't seem at all tired, or perturbed to back in their regular gigging territory.
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.
Youthmovie Soundtrack Strategies @ Leeds Festival 2005
"Hello, we've got a wake-up call for a Mr. Ramsden here. Yes, a bunch of tracksuit wearing oiks are waiting for you on the main stage, they said something about your mother looking for a pianist?".
For the uninitiated in things Nasty, Nasty Fest is the coolest, most fashionable festival in Leeds. This is the land of the true fashionista, where colossal hair for the boys; plunging neck lines for the girls and the most god damn cool clothing available to mankind are compulsory!
Downfall - those long-serving purveyors of rock speak to Andy Roberts on the hiatus surrounding their latest release, perfectionism and The Music...
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 Lodger @ Brudenell Social Club
The Bone is 1 year old today. No longer sucking at the mother's teat of gig promotion, it's now old enough and daft enough to stand on its own 2 feet.
Leeds Music Scene asks This Et Al some burning - or at least mildly broiling - questions in the wake of some storming dates in the North and in anticipation of the release of the Figure Eight EP...
Parisman talk of influences, recording and their new EP...
'The greatest records in the world can be put on in any situation: you can put them on at a party and they're going to sound great, you could put them on in a club and they're going to sound great, you could put them on on your headphones and listen in bed.
Now I don't usually have many options on a Wednesday night, but with both Vampire Weekend and Black Lips playing on the same night I was torn.
So, Royal Park Cellars has had a refurb, complete with new stage and drum riser (excellent, now I can see all the hard work normally hidden by the singers).
Interview: The Casual Terraces
Andy Roberts catches up with The Casual Terraces before their gig with Radio Clash...
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.
The first band Giant Drag arrived on stage at around 8.30pm. The crowd were full of energy, evidently as 15 minutes beforehand they had been chanting away, clapping for the show to start and at one point actually stroking the security guards (they loved it and they know it).
Interview: International Trust
When it came to getting a Q&A with Leeds Music Scene there was only one man they could turn to - the guy that misspelt their lead singer's name and alluded to the fact that he'd like to stone their heads in...
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.
After an interesting wait at a bus stop (involving a chance meeting with a young lady who would later attempt to kiss me), I finally boarded a bus, which the driver said would be heading past the Royal Park.
The Summerfield @ Joseph's Well
The room downstairs at Joseph's Well had been taken over by tables and chairs and subtle candlelight.
Youthmovie Soundtrack Strategies @ The Vine
Whiskas - Transmission promoter and tonight's doorman - is stressed. The doors are open, thirty punters are milling around already and The Black Helicopters are still sound checking.
Interview: The Bedroom Orchestra
I [Kate Zezulka] meet up with The Bedroom Orchestra to discuss the controversial new EP. Tristan Mackay is apparently "all mine" for this interview - yes, that is a scary thought...
Charity begins at home or so they say. Well I've never really understood what that means but charity was the aim of the nights over Monday and Tuesday this week at Joey's Well.
Sometimes Annalee would venture into town to see live music in venues she'd never been to before... Time to reassess?
Thursday @ Leeds Festival 2006
Saturday is all about the killer sequences, from the likes of Rise Against and Boy Sets Fire on the Lock Up Stage, to the incredible mid afternoon New Yorkshire mash-up on the Carling and ultimately to the two heavyweights jiving it out at the top of the bill for commercial indie supremacy.
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.
A generous crowd packed into The Vine on a hot, sweaty and very eclectic night. Though competing with The Blueskins playing at The Cockpit, and the perpetually popular Big Brother finale, tonight's gig was well attended and another success for the team at The Vine - a venue that has fast stamped its foot on the Leeds scene and continues to showcase some of Leeds', and as it turned out tonight, the UK's, best unsigned talent.
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.
"Being a promoter is terrifying" - Leeds guitar virtuoso Jon Gomm takes on the promoter-role as he brings his 'Leeds Guitar Night' concept to the Brudenell Social Club on July 6th.
"Don't call me PJ" - Gemma Hinchliffe caught up with Carina Round at Joseph's Well...
Charlotte Hird caught up with Simple Plan when they supported Bowling for Soup at LMUSU
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.
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.