Search for underground bar performed on Thursday, 8th January 2009.
underground bar
We found the term underground bar in 243 articles.
Interview: The Sunshine Underground
Alex Denney caught up with The Sunshine Underground during their current UK headlining tour
The Sunshine Underground to re-release "Commercial Breakdown"
Following August's re-release of "Put You in Your Place", Leeds four piece The Sunshine Underground have today announced that their single "Commercial Breakdown" will also be re-released on October 23rd .
The Sunshine Underground release "I Ain't Losing Any Sleep" on May 15th
The Sunshine Underground release their new single - "I Ain't Losing Any Sleep" - on the City Rockers label on Monday, 15th May.
The Sunshine Underground break into the Top 40 Singles Chart
Leeds-based four-piece The Sunshine Underground celebrate this week after breaking into the Top 40 Singles Chart announced yesterday.
Underground to return to Leeds as Academy announces second venue
The Academy Music Group has today announced plans for a second venue in Leeds, situated directly below the main Academy.
The Sunshine Underground and ¡Forward, Russia! recognised in NME Album Of 2006 awards
Leeds bands The Sunshine Underground and ¡Forward, Russia! feature this week in the "Best of 2006" compilations put together by the writers and staff at NME.
The Sunshine Underground: Borders
Borders is the fourth unique single (there have been a few re-releases!) to come from Leeds-based The Sunshine Underground on their indie label City Rockers.
I could tell it was going to be a good night, when a old guy who looked a little worse for wear, started to dance in a ballroom dance fashion to the music before the first band came on.
The Sunshine Underground @ Cargo (London)
Cargo, home of the Shoreditch Twat, overpriced chips, and bad service. However, tonight the service provided by The Sunshine Underground is - unlike the London Underground - First Class.
While many of Leeds' rock fans were the other side of town (Razorlight at LU) some of us were supporting local talent.
The Sunshine Underground to release 'Borders' on March 5th
Borders will be the next (and final) single lifted from The Sunshine Underground's debut album Raise The Alarm.
The Sunshine Underground release "Put You In Your Place" on 18th July...
The Sunshine Underground release their debut single - "Put You In Your Place" b/w "They Got A Hold Of Us" - on Monday, 18th July on the City Rockers label.
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.
The Sunshine Underground @ The Vine
Walker's instruments are powerful: drums are hit, guitars are thwacked, bass is appropriately loud; 'tis a shame that the vocals can't cope/don't try.
The Sunshine Underground @ Escobar (Wakefield)
Well, today was a wonderful day. Vinyl was bought, satisfying and exhilarating decision was made to quit godawful job, gig was attended.
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.
The Sunshine Underground: My Army EP
Well, *insert expletive here* me! I'm in love, or something... yes, I want to join their army, I even want a badge and everything.
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.
The Sunshine Underground @ LMUSU
The Hair, the hair, the hair. In all shapes and forms. Crammed into LMUs main room. Drinking, sweating and belching through the night.
The Sunshine Underground release "Commercial Breakdown" on January 16th...
The Sunshine Underground complete a very successful year with a NYE show at the Faversham and kick off the New Year with their second single on the City Rockers record label.
The Sunshine Underground @ Cockpit
So is this the beginning of the big time? You chat with some fool on the CDUK sofas. You are spotted on the high street in The Sun's Bizarre column.
Girls Aloud: Sound Of The Underground
WAIT! Don't leave just yet. Lets give the girls a chance. Yes everything indicates that you should run screaming from this record.
LCD Soundsystem @ Blank Canvas
The night starts of very well indeed, as I enter the Blank Canvas I notice that tonight we have guest DJs doing sets in between sets which I absolutely loved.
Various Artists: Elevate, 21 Pop And Indie Gems From The Underground
The beauty about underground albums like 'Elevate' is that they can really surprise you. There are no preconceptions about the artists.
The Sunshine Underground @ Faversham
Strange things are happening in the dance world. Warp records not only sign Geordie punk monkeys Maximo Park in a holyfuckthisisn'tthenewBoardsofCanada moment but they also release a white soul album.
The Sunshine Underground: Put You in Your Place
Well, bugger me. There was a moment a while back when I dared to wonder (gasp!) whether The Sunshine Underground could ever produce another song as gut-churningly ace as 'Commercial Breakdown' - I mean, come on, that's a pretty elephantine, Trojan-like task, right?
It may have been the 1st of April but there were no fools on display tonight. Kicking off proceedings were the highly energised Vatican Jet who ripped through a set of grinding riffs with a sharp British edge.
The Sunshine Underground @ Brudenell Social Club
It may be cold outside, but the atmosphere inside the Phoenix Club-esque venue is anything but. With fierce rivalry and bitter competition all too common in most "scenes", the camaraderie and genuine mutual respect among the Yorkshire bands playing this evening is heartening to see, and sets the tone for the night.
Arcade Fire @ Leeds Festival 2005
Sunday morning. Absolutely done in. Solution. I overdosed on twice the maximum intake for 24 hours of some energy stuff or other in the space of forty minutes.
The Sunshine Underground: Commercial Breakdown
It's here. It's black. It's got a whopping fluorescent neon logo on it. It's in a real plastic case - y'know, one of those that proper singles are packaged in when you buy them from huge chain retailers called things like 'HMV' and 'Virgin Megastores'.
Iggy & The Stooges @ Harewood House
As soon as you walk into the grounds of Harewood House, it hits you right in the face: this gig is as close to a sixties' "peace and love" throwback as you're likely to find in this day and age.
Hi im james from broken heart under ground band merchandisers
The Sunshine Underground @ Faversham
Maybe it was the prospect of seven hundred ("Seven hundred??!") people squishing like marinaded sardines into the Faversham with such proximity that all sorts of potentially frisky things could happen; maybe it was the atmospheric buzz zipping about visibly like an electric-blue bolt of lightning over an array of extravagantly-varied haircuts; or maybe it was the range of world beers on offer but, whichever way, The Fourth Festival Of Nasty proved to be one stonking, stamping, stage-invading beast of an event with antlers Pan himself would have been proud of pronged firmly up its derrière.
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.
Jamie Lidell @ Across The Tracks Festival 2006
Jamie Lidell is an absolute nutter. Appearing as a diamond geezer dressed in silken bathrobe with gold rope strung loosely, provocatively, around his torso, he headbangs and face-pulls like a schizo on strychnine whilst a masked figure with white wires and whiskers coming out its face lurks about setting up cameras and sending disturbingly delayed footage to the screen at the back before propping up a mannequin's dismembered hand (which is, nicely, impaled on a metal pole, just in case you weren't freaked enough) in front of Lidell's mad-scientist decks; then leaves it to turn, slowly, in a revolving, demented circle.
Elektrons: Red Light, Don't Stop
Kicking the album off is the single and club favourite 'Get Up' which absolutely provides an exciting introduction to the rest of the album.
Poor Embrace. Faced with the fact underground success will never be theirs and the acceptance of those wimpy looking skinny kids in tight jeans being even further away, they sold their collective soul to Lucifer with middle management demeanour himself - Chris Martin.
More Leeds bands feature in the UK Charts this week...
Leeds bands feature again in the UK music charts, with ¡Forward, Russia! and The Sunshine Underground both releasing new singles on independent record labels this week ("Twelve" and "Commercial Breakdown" respectively).
It's sort of reassuring to know that a propensity for sanctimonious songwriting can be found anywhere the world over.
Kiosk: One Day I'm Going To Go STRATOSPHERIC On You And, Chances Are, You'll Thank Me For It
This EP has the bestest title ever. Annoying to type out. Stupidly pretentious. Vastly ambitious. Impressive.
Tom - Bass Toyan - Percussion Craig - Guitars Richy - Vocals Inflicting a Noisecore assault on the Leeds underground scene for the past year, they have also been seen destroying the stage alongside the likes of HONDO MACLEAN, MINUS, MURDER ONE and PALE HORSE.
Many people believe the term "underground" doesn't really exist within music circles anymore. For the most part they are probably right.
Sounds of UK to release a DVD volume of Leeds bands
Available soon, 'Sounds of UK - Volume Leeds' is a fantastic DVD collection of 25 of the best bands from the area, presented as live video recordings, promo videos, and band interviews.
Brody complete forthcoming EP and announce launch night date...
Brody have completed their EP Torn from a warm place, which will be available at their EP launch night on Saturday November 1st at Joseph's Well.
Carling Stage line up announced for Leeds Festival
Leeds Festival 2006 organisers Mean Fiddler have today announced the line up for the Carling Stage, with local bands The Sunshine Underground, The Pigeon Detectives and The Research all making appearances.
psychedelic rock
Band Profile: Red Stars Parade
Rock/Other
Fallen Angel Promotions to create a new Leeds-based record label
Leeds-based underground punk and metal promotions venture Fallen Angel Promotions have revealed their intention to branch out, firstly with a small distribution network at gigs and over the internet and secondly as a new city record label.
If you haven't experienced the rather marvellous Pop Threat for a while, you'll be intrigued by the fact that they sound nothing like their earlier days.
FREE Festival - Sunday 18th June 2006
Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames to release "Drop The Decade" on the DTTR label
Leeds quintet Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames have revealed the details of their next single.
Insect Guide release their debut album
Compared to Spacemen 3, My Bloody Valentine and The Velvet Underground among others, Insect Guide's debut album '6ft In Love' is to be released on Monday 1st October.
Black Wire...
hardcore metal
Nerve Engine featured on "Ultimate Metal Vol 1" compilation...
Today Ultimate Metal Records have released their 'Ultimate Metal Vol 1' compilation, it is available to buy for £5 from www.ultimatemetal.com.
The Pigeon Detectives in at number 1 in the charts...
Leeds' The Pigeon Detectives hit the top of the charts this week with their latest single "I Found Out" which was released on the local Dance To The Radio record label.
Leeds bands feature on "In The City Unsigned 2005" compilation
Following successful live appearances at this year's industry showcase in Manchester, several Leeds bands appear on the official iTunes "In The City Unsigned 2005" compilation.
This is easily in my Top 5 records of the year. It's absolutely amazing. The Take are from Wales, they've put out a couple of singles that are ace and now they have this beast.
Dungeonfest III details and line up released...
For the third year running, the Royal Park Cellars plays host to the annual underground metal extravaganza that is Dungeonfest.
Engine Room Records announce new compilation CD and launch party...
The Engine Room (the guys behind some excellent gig nights at Brudenell Social Club) have announced the creation of an Engine Room Records label, with the launch party taking place on September 29th to coincide with a second Engine Room compilation CD.
The Yards: Forget Your Regrets
Man, The Yards really did draw the short straw when it comes to 'The' bands names didn't they? I can't think of many nouns that are left but 'The Yards'?.
If debut effort 'She's Got A Reason' was anything to go by, Dogs are a great band. Rough around the edges, average British lads causing a bit of a raucous but doing so, so loud and abrasively and with so much heart as so it is impossible to resist.
The Pigeon Detectives: I'm Not Sorry
As the latest members of the Dance to the Radio revolution, The Pigeon Detectives are a wonderful example of all that is great and glorious about playing your guitar fast, loud and angular.
Bradford to host UK metal Battle of the Bands...
SnakeNet Metal Radio in association with Sinister Heart Promotions and Oran Mor Productions are currently searching for unsigned extreme metal bands who would like to participate in the first ever UK National Battle of the Bands!
The Dauntless Elite are just one of those bands. Constantly heaped with praise, one of the most revered and respected punk bands in the UK underground scene, capable of consistently producing quality albums and slaying audiences up and down the country and more recently world-wide.
Band Profile: Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames
Fran (vox) Pat (guitar and backing vox) Dave (guitar and vox) Jay (bass) Sean (drums & percussion) Hurling dance beats and pained yelps through any soundsystem they can steal some wattage from, Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames have been terrorising feet into party moves since 2005, when singer Fran with Pat, Dave and Jay (guitars and bass) formed as Leeds Uni friends alongside Sean from the legendary Black Helicopters.
Punk rock's current poster boys Gallows have come a long way since their humble beginnings back in Watford.
Wire Happy: Problems of Everyday Life
This CD is a strange one. Basically Wire Happy is a guy called Kevin who sits at his fourtrack machine making recordings of very short length and fitting lots onto an album.
The Charlatans: You're So Pretty We're So Pretty
The Charlatans are back with singles collection 'Forever. The Singles' and the first offering from this collection spanning their 15 year career is a reworking of 'the classic that never was' in the eyes of many Charlatans fans, 'You're So Pretty, We're So Pretty'.
The Tennessee Traincrash @ Royal Park Cellars
The irony is lost when the Traincrash (male) vocalist jokingly asks if his woolly hat makes him look like Nickelback, as his delivery smacks, quite sadly, of grunge wannabe throughout.
The Television Personalities: My Dark Places
Well at least we know there's no chance of The Television Personalities' mainman Dan Treacy getting prosecuted under the Trade Descriptions Act for this album.
Swimmer One: Come On, Let's Go!
Swimmer One have made a perfect piece of pop to be released on December 1st. It has a beautiful video that could make you cry all on its own.
Brainwash Festival II revealed
19th-21st October will see the second Brainwash Festival take place at the Brudenell Social Club and Royal Park Cellars venues in Leeds, and once again all profits will be going to charity.
'Burn America Burn' is the second single taken from the Levellers' upcoming 'Letters From The Underground' album.
Band Profile: Send More Paramedics
rock metal
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Blank Canvas
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. They have a reputation of being, well, quite melancholy. The venue, or underground cave, we are standing in, should suit them perfectly.
The Bluefoot Project awarded "Best of British" in the USA...
For the second year running Chocolate Fireguard Music are celebrating: one of their releases has again been chosen by Virgin Megastores in the USA for their annual "Best Of British" campaign.
Band Profile: Under Darkened Skies
metal hardcore
Pre-gig opinions on The Somatics suggested they are a classic example of 'an acquired taste', and with a small, but loyal following in Joseph's Well on Thursday night you couldn't help but think that The Somatics will forever retain their cult, underground status despite signing to a significant indie label in Beggars Banquet.
The Cockpit is sold out tonight and the biggest challenge for me tonight will involve trying to get a brief glimpse of the band, as most of the Hundred Reasons fanbase seem to tower above the 6ft mark.
Can I start this by simply saying "Wow!". This is good. This CD is even better than good. Its bloody amazing.
The Composers: A Way Of Being Free
Apparently The Composers "thankfully don't sound much like most of the other bands in East London", thankfully indeed?
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.
As faKe, this band was heralded as "one of the underground metal scenes brightest prospects". This fact is drilled home throughout the promotional material with this CD, including reviews of faKe.
Indie Beat
The Kills @ Leeds Festival 2002
The recent media frenzy surrounding hotly tipped, Atlantic-spanning duo The Kills has all but proven that any 21st Century girl-boy combo will be pointlessly likened to The White Stripes, however tentative the links.
Leeds bands selected for In The City 2006...
Leeds bands Jack Afro and Pen Knife Love Life have been selected as part of the Official Unsigned bands for In The City 2006, the annual music conference held in Manchester.
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.
The Concretes: Lay Our Battle Axe Down
If you have yet to experience The Concretes then you can count yourself very lucky, why? Because with this compilation of their early EPs you have the chance to fall in love with them in the way they first intended you to.
Heavy on the Dinosaur, light on the Junior, dropout lifestyle gurus Mascis, Murph and Barlow return and it's not so much where you been as why are you still here.
30 Day Hex: Black Square : Yellow Square
30 Day Hex class themselves as "experimental rock" and bring us an 11 track album full of melancholic madness.
More bands added to the line up for Across The Tracks festival
More bands have been announced for the inaugural Across The Tracks Festival. Taking place on the weekend of 29/30th July at Granary Wharf in Leeds City Centre, the festival will feature four stages of musical entertainment and over 60 acts.
Little Japanese Toy: Calling Disused Numbers
This is a very nice single from the Star Harbour label. It tucks right into the New Art Underground as if Chicago or Montreal were just up the road.
Various Artists: Bilge Pump / Pifco - split single
Now this is going to be a noise fest. With these bands you just know it - two of the nastiest, brashest, craziest acts in the city.
Having already released this track once, Elektrons are throwing it out again to precede their debut album 'Red Light Don't Stop' which hits the stores the first week in August.
'A night of shoegaze.' Hmm. There seems to be some confusion over what shoegaze is. I mean...some of my friends don't even know and they're hip as fuck.
Sandinista voted Best Live Venue In Leeds!
After winning Best Bar last year, Sandinista are pleased to have finished runners up in the 2007 awards. With this award being voted for by the public, this is a great accolade from our regular customers. We'd like to extend a big thankyou to everyone who voted for us.
There are six tracks of home-made music-like stuff here. Track 6 is called "Danube" and it lasts for 17 minutes and 28 seconds.
Full kudos must go to Dinosaur Jr for upholding the noble and valiant art of the guitar solo; almost every track on new album "Beyond" features at least one example of smartly-executed fretboard frivolities.
Record label boss for Badly Drawn Boy, DJ, entrepreneur, sleeve designer, tea maker and generally good bloke Andy Votel has his own proper album out.
acoustic rock
For the most part, this Lincolnshire based folk-rock outfit, offer pretty ordinary acoustic picking/strumming tunes of the brand that will be eternally popular in pubs whose name begins O' or round the campfires of crusty festivals.
The:Hair are a Leeds Music Scene enigma, on record they've been cut to shreds (admittedly on demo reviews from a couple of years back) yet the write-ups of their live shows are consistently positive, occasionally bordering on the euphoric.
I am sorry again to The Dauntless Elite and Ruin You, who I missed because I was late with my tea. But I did catch You, Me and the Atom Bomb from Portsmouth, who were great, like skate punk with a harsh voice and catchy riffs.
Various Artists: Roger / Boys of Scandanavia - split single
It's a funny thing, electroclash. A few years ago it was considered the in thing, the hip new sound from the underground, the tipple of choice for people who wear ghastly 1980s clothing and cake themselves in make up.
This Holiday Life: The Fallout
This Holiday Life are almost too knowingly good. Only an American band, and a Californian band at that, could be so unashamedly mellow and well produced, while singing such nifty songs with such passion and style.
Boxjam '07 Electronic Music Festival - Sun 28th Oct
Boxjam '07 is an Electronic Music Festival with the focus on live performance. Part of the Oxjam series of charity fundraisers
I've been harbouring a prejudice for a long time now. To me, there is something innately distrustful about underground/unsigned bands who have that polished sheen of 9-5s spent in the rehearsal room about them.
Unsigned Stage to return to Leeds Festival for a second year
Last week we revealed details of the Futuresound competition, through which six local bands get the opportunity to play at the Leeds Festival (Bramham Park, August Bank Holiday weekend) and this week follows the announcement of the Lee Unsigned Stage, undoubtedly the success story of the festival in 2005.
Quack Quack: Mars / The Great Catsby
This EP of Quack Quack's is something of a schizophrenic: it's a little piece of black vinyl that can't decide whether it's the fey darling of the underground scene...
"like Sevendust battling it out with deftones and Metallica" - The Machine
The tongue twisting M83 are named after a Spiral Galaxy in a star-system far, far away. Now on their third album, they sound as grandiose as their inter-galactic moniker, merging rock, dance, instrumental mayhem and anything else they can find in the cosmic bargain bin.
Let me introduce Max, Christopher, JP and Leo: collectively known as GoodBooks. A highly anticipated debut album from a highly regarded band.
As I sit down to write this review I find myself remembering last night at The Cockpit watching a hundred young trendies letting themselves go crazy to tracks on this album such as Hey Scenesters!, Mirror Kissers and The Wrong Way To Be.
Mates of State @ Cardigan Arms
Ok. So. Origami. They look kinda like Sleater-Kinney; they sound kinda like Sleater-Kinney but they get straight to the point where Sleater-Kinney dance around the kitchen table and they smirk and joke where Sleater-Kinney are over-intelligent.
One of Leeds most promising bands of recent years have delivered their second album in order to broaden our education.
Did you ever notice how much Bradford is like Los Angeles? No, neither did I, but BD's Seven Hours propel me into the dark and dirty underground blues bars of LA's cinematic masterpiece 'Swingers' with a "You're so the money baby" and a blast of EA Hockey.
Having converted the many fans of We are Scientists and The Sunshine Underground as a support act on both these band's UK and Ireland tours late last year, The Blood Arm are back to try and win over some more followers with the second single from their new album, 'Lie Lover Lie'.
Talk to us about their stalker and news of a pending debut album...
Lee Sounds Unsigned Stage line up announced for Leeds Festival
Mean Fiddler have today announced the selection for the 21 bands that will make up the line up for the Lee Sounds Unsigned Stage at this year's Leeds Festival.
After touring and recording with New Jersey art-underground outfits such as Van Pelt and The Lapse, Chris Leo took a brief sojourn to write the novel "White Pigeons".
I bet Thee Virus House really get annoyed all the time with people printing their name The Virus House, because yes that wasn't a spelling mistake or typo, they are Thee Virus House.
Modest Mouse: Good News for People That Love Bad News
Modest Mouse aka Isaac Brock is a part of a curious story. He's been making, apparently great, music for over 10 years, back when Britpop was just starting to infiltrate our midst.
Interview: And None Of Them Knew They Were Robots
Dan Pullinger catches up with The Robots before their Out of Spite festival appearance...
Three Leeds bands announced for NME / Radio One Stage at Leeds Festival 2007
A trio of Leeds bands were last night revealed as part of Mean Fiddler's second line-up announcement for the Carling Weekend: Leeds Festival 2007.
Having originally burst on to the radar in 2003 with their brilliant and acclaimed demo "Subtractive", it has been too long before Anechoic produced a follow up.
Those of you whose interest in the rock press goes no further than Kerrang! might be a bit surprised to learn this but there is actually quite a burgeoning sleaze/glam metal scene underground in the UK at present.
Rock. Or, if we're feeling particularly fruity, RAWK. Down-and-dirty, balls-fully-out Rock, fat of ass and fat of riff.
From what I can figure the 's/t' stands for self-titled, an appropriate name for the widely anticipated debut album from The Leif Ericsson.
indie pop
Mogwai: Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait
Mogwai have always been seen as one of the rightful heirs to the upper echelons of the post-rock pantheon, their 1997 debut Young Team proving to be both a boisterous statement of intent and the warning shot that was fired across the bows of the bloated sub-Oasis-junk that was cluttering the mainstream hinterland of the time.
Distophia play cool lo-fi indie with franticly fast guitars and pop melodies. Lots of distortion and effects muddle the sound a little, and whilst they're a small-compact-venue-sort-of-band, ideal for the Fenton, there are what-would-that-sound-like-at-the-Well moments.
Fonda 500 @ Royal Park Cellars
If there's one thing I love its a bit of swagger in the face of adversity. A nice big "Fuck You" when things aren't going quite right.
The King Blues: Save The World - Get The Girl
The King Blues have gone from strength to strength after forming in the run down back streets of Hackney almost 3 years ago.
Leeds bands and music fans lose the popular BBC Raw Talent radio show
With immediate effect BBC Radio Leeds has decided to cease broadcasting Raw Talent, the weekly two-hour programme of new regional music presented by Hull's Alan Raw and produced by Katie Noone for BBC Radio Humberside.
Three Children Of Fortune: Scarlet Fever
Despite sounding like an early-eighties kids cartoon a la Mysterious Cities of Gold, Three Children Of Fortune are in fact a post-rock trio from Medway who specialise in creating a "visceral, angry and abrasive take on British guitar music".
Yndi Halda: Enjoy Eternal Bliss
Can anyone remember instrumental guitar-music (or, ahem, "Post-Rock") being in such robust health as of now?
Daniel Webster: While The Motors Are Humming Below Us
From the very start of the first track on this eleven song record, you realise that Mr. Webster knows his quirky pop music.
Various Artists: Shock Rock: Wall Of Sound
New rave. Makes you want to look away doesn't it? New talent being pigeonholed into genre specific straight jackets, and all as a sorry excuse for the latest scene or fad to grow and take hold of our vulnerable teens.
The Dharma: Can You Rely On Them
Upon receiving this CD, I thought - 'Looks promising, very slick. Maybe a better photographer could have made the live looking cover shot look a little less like they are performing at an open jam night to an empty pub.' 'Can You Rely On Them' is a tune that upon first listen seems to pull no punches, upon second or more listens you will be thinking 'what the hell is going on with these guys.' It is filled with lots of quirky little solos, which do showcase a lot of musical talent that is there, somewhere!
Leeds Festival 2007 to debut 'The Alternative Stage'
With over 150 bands already set to appear at the Carling Weekend: Leeds Festival 2007, organisers have today announced the debut of a new stage.
The Thermals: The Body The Blood The Machine
When they recorded their first album on a beat up old four-track in a local hotel room, Portland trio The Thermals and their label Sub Pop boldly stuck two fingers up to the industry and said "look we can have a hit record even with out all the expensive tweaks." Quite right too, More Parts Per Million went on to be an underground smash if there is such a thing and the tinny production only added to its joy.
Third solo album for Kelli Ali, who must get sooo tired of only being known as the former singer for Sneaker Pimps (you know, 'Six Underground', you've probably got it somewhere), it must be a mixed blessing that since being asked to leave over 10 years ago neither party has been best known for their chart bothering.
10 Days: The Future is Unwritten
"10 Days are one of the truly original bands on the underground currently." "Ten Days are a trio to be at the forefront of the next generation of alt.guitar bands in this city." With chronic press notices like those any band is going to struggle to make an impression.
Joan of Arc: In Rape Fantasy & Terror Sex We Trust
Joan of Arc's Tim Kinsella is one of those multiple-attached US artists who can sneak into the Leeds Fenton one May evening, en route from Paris to Dortmund via Glasgow and Manchester, and maybe 100 people know.
Redwire declare on their website to be "the most exciting band to come out of Bradford ever!" Considering at the minute the only other Bradford band I can think of are Embrace...
Kava Kava are a real band doing clubs and festivals with total commitment to the music they love. It's acid funk and it's live on stage with pounding drums, big guitar and wah wah pedals.
Various Artists: FOPP Award For New Music 2005
It's so refreshing to hear something that sounds totally unique to what you're used to. For me it means taking media player off random (which I keep hoping will find me some great B-side) and searching through the endless 'unsigned' band pages that litter the internet.
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.
Joseph's Well's regular clientele of students and office workers were besieged tonight by metal heads from across the county.
"O Fracas those maracas!", "It's a Marac-attack!" and various other phrases soldering the art of off kilter guitar jittery with luminous fuchsia plastic percussion instruments welcome one of Leeds' favourite sons (currently the slightly underachieving one who's working in Asda) back to the live music scene with open arms tonight at the Packhorse.
Band Profile: Unexploded Shells
Awkward indie noise-pop
Launches of various descriptions often seem to be the best way to stay relatively close to the pulse of any musical happenings while still hanging on to a sense of the familiar and supportive.
Death of Fashion: Hello Movement
New York City envelops and spits out another victim here, unable or unwilling to breathe under its weight of music past.
Various Artists: The New Indie (Alive & Amplified For 2005)
Over the past twelve months, indie music has shot from the depths of dark and dirty underground clubs into the limelight of the mainstream.
ARMSTRONG, described by Kerrang! Magazine as "A Tornado of Infectious Pop-Rock Melodies", have cemented themselves as one of the most exciting bands in the UK thanks to a thrilling live show and chart success.
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists @ Cockpit
Sometimes it feels like you're living through a repeat. Every few years a touring band circles back around and nothing much seems to have changed, even the merch table is pushing the same old shirts.
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.
I had high hopes for this one, their Mercury award nominated 'We Can Create' has been getting daily spins at Casa Stevish all through our so called summer and hasn't faded.
Another respected underground American punk band have popped into Leeds to take advantage of the Well's grand acoustics and atmosphere.
A good name, a good front cover, and a kudos-worthy work ethic, and oh boy it fits in my CD player like a penis in a vagina.
Adrenaline Injected Punk Rock'n'Roll
GF93: The Bloody Bastard Remixes
I have never heard of GF93, but I've met a lot of bastards in my time. You know the type, the ones who don't have a father.
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.
Leeds bands honoured at the first Independent Leeds Music Awards...
Leeds' diverse music community was honoured last night in the inaugural Independent Leeds Music Awards.
Last Letter @ Stinky's Peephouse
Having frequented Stinky's Peep House a couple of occasions before for a number of house/drum and bass nights, I must admit the venue did not register as the most obvious place where you would expect to find a rock gig on a Thursday night.
The Bronx as support. What a show. I last caught these guys on the Kerrang! tour earlier this year, where singer Matt Caughthran had broken his knee, which didn't stop him jumping into the crowd.
Waiting in the shadows, Yes Boss watched closely as others quickly burnt out on mediocre releases. They took their time, honing their skills.
Yourcodenameis: Milo @ Joseph's Well
This wet Sunday evening starts off with Kram, a Leeds-based trio whose name I've heard pop up in every second conversation this week.
alternative rock emo
It's a busy month for Leeds quintet Duels. A slot at T In The Park, two singles and the release of the band's eagerly awaited debut album, "The Bright Lights & What I Should Have Learned". Sophie Barnes asks the questions...
The Yards: The Devil Is Alive And Well And In DC
Years of songwriting isolation and hidden solo outings at North Yorkshire's famous rock recluse Blakey Ridge have done wonders for ex-Seahorse frontman Chris Helme.
Modest Mouse: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Modest Mouse are one of my best discoveries of recent times. They bring together abrasive, left field musical influences and pop inspired melody which turns into something strange, unnerving and beautiful.
The year is 1996. Suede release "Coming Up" and Louis Elliott appears to be contemplating his future with indie-underground band Kinky Machine, prior to his move to front Rialto; throughout this era of Britpop, four boys from Yorkshire are sitting together thinking of a name for their new band: "How about Brazil?" comes a suggestion.
Band from West and North Yorkshire, with critical aclaim for both thier first EP and thier long-player in 2005, the talent of this band is boundless, expect expert piano and guitar parts with cutting bass and drum sections
Ever since Pythagoras, the history of angularity has been one of sharp peaks and troughs. Musically speaking, those who favour the sharp edges seem to have found more success when the acute has been tempered, or even augmented, by the obtuse; where the willful confusion of your ears has been rendered palatable by the delivery of the odd hummable bass line or pithy lyrical couplet.
Victoria Holdsworth chats with Kava Kava main guy Pat Fulgoni.
Napoleon IIIrd @ Brudenell Social Club
The Engine Room's fourth birthday celebrations were always going to be something special. The Brudenell Social Club was absolutely heaving, filled with many a familiar face from Leeds' bands.
The Observations EP was good. The Bluefoot Project are awesomely professional. Chocolate Fireguard is a very cool label.
Rhode Island: Sunshine Skylark Bridge
Type the words "Rhode Island" into Google and you'll find websites on The Rhode Island Department of Transportation, The Rhode Island School of Design and The Official Web Site of the State of Rhode Island - Your gateway to information about living, working, visiting, and doing business in Rhode Island.
Underground rock mega-haven, The Vine, looks bare and empty tonight. A smattering of people enjoy their overpriced drinks in relative silence.
I had not heard any of these bands before the day of the gig, so I wasn't really sure what to expect.
indie pop
This collage of thrash/black metal bands laid on a good spread of vocals, gifted guitar riffs and good old-fashioned head-banging...
If God was Scottish and in a band (and some troubled FF fans think he already is), by divine right he would be signed to Chemical Underground.
Various Artists: Dance To The Radio: Leeds
Compilation CDs are by their nature an odd breed. Only really working commercially when the listener already knows and likes the majority of the tracks.
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.
Ever feel yourself losing control? Recently I've found myself thinking, almost hoping for someone to step just a little out of line and give me a reason to take a swing.
Where to start with Wild Beasts? Their music is haunting and terrifying and oh so terribly exciting. And although admittedly, you'll most likely be freaked out to fuck at first listen, allow the Leeds/Kendal/somwherefarfromhere quartet work on you and thou shalt be thankful.
A more improbable and initially questionable palpitation in someone's musical career than Mr Frank Turner's there has never been.
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?
Leeds 5 piece Infrasound kick things off with the aptly titled "Fire in the City." Bringing the Happy Mondays' penchant for funky beats and mixing it with the earnest pounding of the Walkmen if only fronted by Ian Curtis, the band produce a nice line in giddy space epics.
Tonight, with James from Duels deputising for Rich (drummer, broken elbow), Leeds four-piece The Hair performed at the Brudenell Social Club supporting Good Shoes. Charlotte Oxnard managed to catch up with them for a few words afterwards...
Protectors is a 3 piece guitar rock band from Leeds.
Band Profile: The Bluefoot Project
The Bluefoot Project are an amalgamation of urban heads fusing many different styles into a vocal-led, beat-driven, 21st century soulful funk with nods in the right direction to reggae, hip hop, gospel and leftfield.
Sheffield over the past year has lost out on four tradesmen but gained yet another new name to add to their increasing list of bands that are discharging out of the city and becoming national, if not global names. No longer will it be know for its steel industry, but for its abundance of long haired, converse wearing, real life talking bands.
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.
Black Nielson @ Brudenell Social Club
Review featured with permission from www.whisperinandhollerin.com EDIBLE FIVE FOOT SMITHS, denizens of the Adelphi in Hull were first on.
heavy metal
Well, another night of Bright Young Things bands down at Uncle Steve Kind's joint and tonight it is The Gordon Bennetts, Mutiny and Harold.
And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead: Worlds Apart
What's the future of rock and roll in 2005? With many bands filling the charts with standard indie ballads, a lot of people would say it's in a sorry state as the expressionism is lost and individuality is getting harder and harder to find, whilst maybe others would argue that the fact this music is becoming popular is a sign of the times changing, of "alternative" music making it big in waves, and that maybe the influx of younger (and older) fans turning to the genre can only be a good thing?
The Appleseed Cast @ Brudenell Social Club
A Swedish sauna? The surface of Mars? No, tonight ladies and gentlemen we are privy to the delights of live music in the Brudenell in mid-June.
Upon arriving at the pub, I purchased the usual pint of wife-beater and made my way down stairs. Sitting down in the rather empty basement room I was surprised that the first band was not already on.
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.
"Don't call me PJ" - Gemma Hinchliffe caught up with Carina Round at Joseph's Well...
Right kids, before music, it's time for a bit of history... Dance To The Radio (DTTR) is a Leeds based record label started by Whiskas (yep that's right, the ginger one out of Forward Russia, some people have all the luck...
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".
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.
I wish I could start this review in the same way Polaris start this eponymous album of theirs. Because then you'd understand exactly what it was I was setting out to do.
Various Artists: This Is The New (art/goes/pop sampler)
I love art/goes/pop: they found me when they went looking and proceed to send me top quality compact discs like this little gem which compiles some of their glorious little upstarts onto one disc.
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.
To my left a group of student girls are dressed as cats. I feel 'elf conscious and try not to stare. Instead I search behind, there's a chap who must be at least seven foot tall.
Fresh from having the accolade of 'Best Live Act 2008' bestowed upon them by no less august an institution than Q magazine, the Kaiser Chiefs arrive this evening - not only to kick off their autumn tour, but to christen their hometown's newest venue.
It would be easy for Samiam to be resentful by now. They've seen their supporting acts (Green Day, Blink 182, No Doubt among others) hit the big time whilst they've been left listless, waiting in the shadows.
Marilyn Manson @ Leeds Festival 2005
Before we delve into those cavernous vodka-marinaded archives of Leeds Festival 2005, I'll quickly make a short, sweet statement of truth.
Kava Kava are a turbo charged rocked out and funked up live dance rock act with soulful vocals, guitars, electronica, brass, strings and beats. Played live In the USA, Europe and China and featured in a load of film and TV.
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.
I was excited about this gig. I've enjoyed The Music's debut album and have been looking forward to tonight for sometime - tickets sold out about 4/5 weeks earlier so I was expecting an electric atmosphere inside this rather strange new venue under Leeds train station.
In the busy world of the Leeds Music Scene, there's always a few bands who slip quietly into the main arena. iLiKETRAiNS are one of these bands, playing their sometimes gentle, sometimes fierce, but always beautiful take on post rock theatrics.
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.
Interview: Pulled Apart by Horses
Pulled Apart by Horses are a new, sickening, rock-dirge act who seem to be getting a little bit of attention, even though they've only played about four gigs and have two tracks on MySpace. Chris Lowe asks this motley crew what the deal is.
Cathy Simpson talks to The Warlocks about drugs, music, guitars and groupies...
I arrived at the Cockpit at about 8.00 pm and was pleasantly surprised to see the venue very busy for that time of night and on a Monday.
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.
Duels @ Woodhouse Liberal Club
Dance to the Radio was an event. Is it possible to review an event? Even straight description couldn't get deep enough into the complexities and impossibilities of making such a thing not just happen but happen so brilliantly.
After 7 years of showcasing, label bashing and touring, four day Hombre have finally completed their first album. "Experiments in Living" was recorded at Black Box studios in France with Dave Odlum and is set to be an epic of many proportions, if their latest single "The First Word is the Hardest" is anything to go by.
First up, playing to a half empty square, are The Motorettes. These Geordie guys aren't half bad really, even though they fit the mould of typical indie rockers.
This review is really rather late, for which I apologise profusely. If I may, I shall explain how I came to be so rubbish at time-keeping, life-maintenance and being able to do stuff in general.
The greatest festival of nu-wave this side of anywhere, Nastyfest continues to be the crown jewel in the Faversham's sizeable repertoire.
Victoria Holdsworth talks to The Glitterati as they make a welcome return to their hometown.
Red Stars Parade: a refreshingly piquant slice dropped into Leeds' musical soft drink
In a full transcription of the interview that appeared in the May 16 issue of the YEP, Andy Roberts talks to Noble - guitarist from eclectic Bowie-esque soon-to-be superstars British Sea Power about growing up in Leeds and more...
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.