Search for upbeat pop performed on Thursday, 8th January 2009.
upbeat pop
We found the term upbeat pop in 218 articles.
Upbeat Goth Rock act
Band Profile: Vinnie & The Stars
Funky upbeat blues with a touch of hip-hop
The Bribes have a sound which can be described as quirky and upbeat. A driving sound which instantly grabs you by the lugs and kicks you in the stones, leaving you heaving in a pile by the side of the road waiting for another kicking.
The Dresden Dolls are often described as much in terms of musical theatre as those of contemporary rock music with genres such as cabaret-rock and theatre-punk being coined for them alone.
Amberman's five-track CD comes in a very well presented package with an equally well-designed CD cover; on the inside there is the message: "this is the eagerly anticipated first demo".
Captain Wilberforce: Mindfilming
The captain(s) in question are Simon Bristoll and Daz Battersby, a duo split between Leeds and Birmingham.
The debut single from Kaiser Chiefs is quintessentially British guitar pop. And loveably so. Keys - in whatever form - are prominent from the off, introduced via the almost single fingered tinkering of the intro, and at around 3 minutes in there's an "A Day In The Life" like moment, where all parties, including, paradoxically, quietly-screamed vocals, get to build up the sound before heading into a chorus repeat and then fade.
On many occasions throughout history a tiny crowd has witnessed a great miracle. Throughout musical history small numbers have seen something magnificent, which has transpired for the artist to go beyond these initial setbacks to playing huge venues and sell millions of albums.
Malcolm Middleton: Fight Like The Night
Aah, now to darken the mood somewhat as one half of sadly departed arch-miserablists Arab Strap releases his first offering since the dissolution of said act.
Buzzkill release debut album in March...
Rock'n'roll punksters Buzzkill have completed the recording for their debut album, titled Double Down set for release on In At The Deep End Records.
Xposure? Hmmm, while images form of a shirt-bulging boy band or a nu-metal outfit, it's no surprise they were subsequently repackaged as Redwood.
Adam Green: Jacket Full of Danger
After recent support slot with fellow friends The Strokes and briefly having a diary in NME, Adam Green is back with his new album, Jacket Full Of Danger.
Malcolm Middleton: A Brighter Beat LP
From the stark opening line of the album 'We're All Going To Die' you instantly form the impression that this album might not be as positive as the title would have you believe.
SoulTired, a four piece, have a clear objective. They aim to bring across their "frustration with life" via their common love for guitar music, and in so doing portray their discontentment with nice, clear uncluttered arrangements; in a way that the normal working class people can relate to.
Following on from the bittersweet electro of previous single 'Love Life', Manchester's Performance come storming back with another bouncy, glittering synth pop gem.
If you hadn't noticed, Franz Ferdinand have been rather successful these past couple of years. The Fallen is another Indie disco hit straight off the FF production line, stamped with their trademark optimistic upbeat swagger and containing a sure fire air-guitar moment for all the family.
Hailing from the same village as myself, Session X arrive on the Leeds scene and rip through four tracks of furious funk tinged soulful tunes, guaranteed to have either a foot tapping or a head nodding.
Grandaddy: El Caminos in the West
Just when you thought The Thrills had cornered the summery pop market we get this latest offering from Grandaddy.
Despite several grumbles that the organisers had mistakenly billed him as Lawrence Of Arabia, the New Zealander and his band impressed with their five-part harmonies and several accapella breakdowns.
The Long Blondes @ Escobar (Wakefield)
Word to the Louder Than Bombs crew for a quality line up, and the disappointed looks in a queue that from just 8.15pm had to sit out a one-in-one-out situation tells a story in itself!
Perceptions records Dopekick delivers the perfect party music for the young Leeds trendy. Clothes bought in over priced Leeds designer shop, drinks bought from over priced Leeds city centre bar, attitude borrowed from cool haircut kids all around.
Hillstomp claim to play a brand of North Mississippi trance blues... yep that's what I thought. But surprisingly this is a real musical gem.
Pushbike Army: Sleeping In The Ditch
Lets face it, music can transcend plenty of boundaries, but I for one didn't think that time and space was one of them.
Lightyear @ Leeds Festival 2002
The tent is packed with a loyal young following for ska-punk favourites Lightyear, and they don't disappoint with a frenetic, sing along performance that includes everything from stick dancing to the rowing of a cut-out boat across stage!
Interpol @ Leeds Festival 2003
The first time I saw Interpol, I was blown away completely. I was hooked. Their astounding album "Turn On The Bright Lights" is one of the best in my collection.
The six tracks on offer here feature 3 already released so it's a little bit like going over old ground.
Nathan Burton: It's Hard To Sell Your Home
Not the most inspiring of song titles, unless you are struggling to sell your home and want a theme tune by which to suffer.
The Caves: Polymorphic Light Eruption
The Caves second single release is an altogether rather jolly pleasant affair and is the kind of thing you'd put on the stereo to jump around to in a "Look I'm daft, me" manner to impress your embarrassed long suffering friends.
The Bellrays @ Leeds Festival 2002
Accompanied by the belting voice of tambourine-wielding Lisa Kekaula, The BellRays play their own brand of old school uptempo punky rock they fondly call 'maximum rock and soul'.
Easy listening but none the less entertaining. Starting like an upbeat Elbow song or one of the latest Athlete offerings - 'Speed' goes from strength to strength and isn't as linear as you first may expect.
This single is available as a limited press of 1,000 copies and features 'Hell Yes', from the new rarities compilation Remains, due out 29 January 2007.
Nutronstars: Melody Rules Everything (Handclaps and Fuzz)
If Carter USM had written theme tunes for midweek BBC family sitcoms, then it would have sounded somewhat like Nutronstars.
Sweet Jesus, where this came from, God only knows. A three-minute lesson in frantic power chords, deranged shouting, pounding four-to-the-floor beats and hammer horror organ grinding, 'Boa vs.
Any band that has no drummer, but a 'keys/ beats' man must be kind of interesting, right? Well, Turnbull ACs certainly think so.
It's hard not to think the worst when a band talks on their website about making "the big push" and send a proud-as-punch biog that name drops supports with James Blunt.
The Boy Least Likely To: Fur Soft As Fur
The third single from the exclusive in the know club that is "The Boy Least Likely To". Those in the know apparently include the likes of Steve Lamacq, Clare Grogan and Rough Trade.
After an oh-so-tender piano intro from Damien Rice, Lisa Hannigan has to move beyond the first phrase or two of '9 crimes' before you're convinced she's the vocalist and that Damien isn't exercising a bit of husky falsetto before getting into his own sound with built in purr-growl facility.
Soundtrack Of Our Lives @ Leeds Festival 2002
The second that Soundtrack Of Our Lives step onto the stage, the biggest conceivable raindrops begin to plummet from the sky.
Viva la Britpop! There's been a lot of talk lately about the resurrection of that old forgotten genre of Britpop.
The Cribs @ Leeds Festival 2006
Last year in the Radio 1 tent The Cribs gave a performance that completely won me over, becoming not just a band with good pop tunes but now the ability to deliver them in the live arena with the same quality they managed to capture on record.
Rachel Cook, the Musical Adventure that is, is perhaps best described as 'not just another acoustic act'.
The Common Redstarts: Killing Street
Edinburgh four piece The Common Redstarts have made a commendable effort with this release, their second single on Seeca Records.
You can't knock Kid Carpet. He's gone out, found a niche in the market for plugging in toys and singing about daily wows.
The Polyphonic Spree: Light and Day
Welcome to the 00's where image and gimmicks are everything and then you can tag some music on if you fancy.
Adam Snyder formally of Mercury Rev has struck out on his own with his debut album Across The Pond. Leaves of grass is the second single to be taken from this album and I have to say that it is the most upbeat alternative country anthem I've heard in a very long time.
Superkings are a North West four-piece (including piano, cello and guitar). They are an intricate, bitter-sweet piano-pop outfit, dealing in slow, darkly-melodic love songs as well as upbeat, jazz-imbued indie gems.
Hairstreak was not the German General in Allo Allo but it would perhaps be more interesting if this was.
Band Profile: Those Freeloaders
Those Freeloaders were founded in Leeds in late 2006 by four students from the College of Music, Bruce (bass), Petchy (guitar, vocals, piano and general northern abuse), Liam (guitar and vocals) and Sammy (drums).
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.
The Thrills' latest album "Teenager" is an album filled with their trademark sounds. Songs "The Midnight Choir" and "Nothing Changes Around Here" both rely on the tried and trusted formula of early hit "Santa Fe", but they are also the standout tracks.
'Burn America Burn' is the second single taken from the Levellers' upcoming 'Letters From The Underground' album.
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.
Shed a tear Leeds, wear a black arm-band and mourn. Galitza, Wrath Records secret weapon are soon to be no more.
Steve Sanderson: Time and Tide EP
"And now something for our older listeners....", a phrase that probably puts the fear of god into most of our readers, and a phrase that could quite easily precede Steve Sanderson's adult orientated northern folk blues.
Cube scare me. It defies all rules of rock when even the drummer is good looking. Yet it makes sense with the mirror-posing rock that they play.
Band Profile: Working With Kenzi
Working With Kenzi formed in 2004 in a moment of boredom-induced bedroom songwriting. Long-time friends Emily and Fliss, tired of writing parodies of songs they hated, set about writing a more serious tune.
With 'Hey There Delilah' firmly planted in the Top 5 of the UK charts, this gig tonight is most definitely sold out.
Down tuned guitars and bass - relentless drumming, raging eclectic vocals. I love this EP. First song "Glutton for Punishment" kicks off with a clean sounding guitar chord into some serious riffage.
Mutually parting company with your record company would probably knock the wind out of most bands' sails but not for Manchester trio I Am Kloot.
The Printed Sound: A Tale Of Two Cities
Nice name. Nice sound. First track 'A Tale of Two Cities' is a nice little stomp of a song, all plodding beats and clean, choppy guitar stabs.
Winging its way from Leeds 6 comes Blind Bear Records' latest 7" single, a split affair featuring the ska-tinged 'adrenaline-fuelled' rock from Buzzkill and a delightful insight into alt.country from Adam John Killip.
Winging its way from Leeds 6 comes Blind Bear Records' latest 7" single, a split affair featuring the ska-tinged 'adrenaline-fuelled' rock from Buzzkill and a delightful insight into alt.country from Adam John Killip.
Dogs Die In Hot Cars: Godhopping
Uh oh. The NME strikes again. This week, they are proclaiming that DDIHC are "one of the most exciting new bands in the UK".
Why aren't Cope playing live more often in Leeds - or have I been missing something? This CD is pretty good you know, with an almost retro/indie rock feel to it.
Six By Seven: Artists Cannibals Poets Thieves
I type this review having just had a quick scan of the website and find out that the band have decided to call it a day.
During the winter months most birds fly off to places with a warmer climate but not the UK's very own Bird who has recently spent the last year in the freezing cold country of Iceland.
The Go! Team release another song from their ever imminent forthcoming second album 'Proof Of Youth', and if this second single is anything to judge by, it's going to be one hell of an album.
Nevertheless are a student band influenced by Keane, Coldplay, Idlewild and Snow Patrol. Bios like this usually mean that they are basically a tribute act to these bands.
After 'Everybody's Gone To War', 'Learning To Breathe' and 'Sophia', Nerina Pallot returns this summer with her new single 'Peg'.
Band Profile: Frankie Eisenhower
country blues rock
Del Scott Miller: My Timing Will Win Me Few Friends
After checking out some fantastic unsigned bands, I'm left with this CD on my desk staring up at me, expectant eye, awaiting a review.
Ah, the singer/songwriter. Somehow they've taken over the world, via Radio 2 of course. Thankfully, unlike the other twenty thousand of them all vying for attention after the successes of Blunt, Tunstall, Powter, Fretwell, et al, this isn't too bad.
'All killer no filler!' screams this current single from the Liverpudlian quintet and under a foreboding bass line, that's a good thing.
I am in two minds with this CD - half of me quite likes it...no let me re-phrase that, half of me doesn't mind it!
Lily Allen, the 21 year old daughter of rock and roll legend Keith Allen seems to have caused quite a stir of late and The Faversham buzzed this evening with a sold out crowd comprising of quite a mixed bag of individuals - there were those looking to check out the potential 'next big thing', there were those who were probably fans of her father and saw her mentioned in The Observer, there were minor celebrities (Alex Carter from Emmerdale) and even the odd major one ( Ricky Wilson and Simon Rix of Kaiser Chiefs fame).
The Conway Story: Lunatic Perfume
Current music trends are always something you either ignore, or in this case, try to fit in as much as possible.
"Synth-punk", "funk punk" and "neo-trash-pop" is what they say, and it is true to say that Surferosa are more pop than punk, with a sound dominated by a synthesiser and Mariann's powerful, yet seemingly glitter-and-candy-obsessed girly pink voice.
Bit of an eerie feel about the Met tonight. Not sure if it's because of the approaching Halloween, or the fact that the tax dodgers have fled to their holiday retreats.
First of all, I have to report that The Young Professionals are not playing tonight, because the singer has been on a sesh since last Thursday, so just 6 days.
Despite his 14 albums, 2 number one hit singles, cult novel, industry awards and massive 90,000 people gigs, the chances that you have heard of Robin Auld are probably fairly slim seeing as all of the above took place in South Africa.
Lyrics. I've never been good in identifying quality lyrics. That is lyrics that others deem to be of any quality.
Liam Frost: Show Me How The Spectres Dance
At only 22 years old, Manchester's Liam Frost, with the accompaniment of The Slowdown Family, has received enormous praise for his brooding and thoughtful brand of acoustic-folk-indie, likened to Badly Drawn Boy, and hailed by some as Britain's answer to Bright Eyes.
Spitfire Charlie play laid back and lazy blues with a whiff of the contemporary (see The Libertines) and a hint of the old (see the great Led Zeppelin).
The Unseen Guest are duo Declan Murray and Amith Narayan. On this 10 song lavishly produced album (music and packaging) the pair broadened their horizons beyond the standard acoustic back bone of their music with some interesting eastern editions.
Mama Scuba: You're Long Time Dead So What's the Hurry
There can be few things more frustrating as an aspiring band than having an outstanding record ready to release and then having to sit on it while the wheels of industry slowly grind.
Easy Now All Stars @ Hard Rock Cafe
I hate to start anything on a negative point but... Flaming Lips! There. I got it out of my system. Not that it's a bad thing sounding like the 'lips, but it has to be a drawback when you realize that people could actually mistake your songs for unreleased 'lips tracks.
This February will have an extra day this year, as it's a leap year and all. But another day in that month which could indeed be good for the music industry is the 11th.
Saturday night saw the debut for new club night: Fake Hips upstairs at the Library Pub. Having arrived slightly late to see the full set from openers The Electricity In Our Homes, I can't say I regretted my tardiness from what I heard.
The first thing that hits me about The Start is the female vocalist. She (Aimee Echo) has a very distinctive voice that you'll either love or find that it grates you, ever so slightly.
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.
Malcolm Middleton: A Brighter Beat
Break and post break-up songs are great. Ask any disco fan. Or pop fan. Or country fan. Or folk fan...
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.
I like this CD. Very much. Reviewing acoustic bands is not really my strong point, but this CD just shouts out "play me, play me".
O Fracas @ Brudenell Social Club
As many of the city's music fans descended on to the capital for the Camden Crawl, the rest of the Leeds faithful shrugged their way through the slippery streets of Hyde Park to the Brudenell Social Club where O Fracas were launching their new single "Follow Sue".
"Is there an album and where can I get it?" These will be the first words out of your mouth after listening to just 30 seconds of "Stay Safe Tonight" by Nikoli.
Aarkle Hooman: Pink Gorilla EP
The Pink Gorilla EP is the dazzling debut from the bizarrely named Aarkle Hooman. An upbeat electro pop rock duo who were once a full band but then felt that they sounded better as a keyboard/guitar combo.
If someone asked me to name a decent band from Northern Ireland I would probably struggle. Ash are from around that area but they suck monkey nuts.
You know when a song just grabs you and won't let go? The music courses through your bloodstream and into your mind and your murkiest thoughts...
A packed HiFi on Friday night was the perfect place to preview two of the bands that will be attracting a lot of interest this year, Loudmouth Soup and King Creosote.
Following a very heavy touring schedule last year and the release of "Ghosts" in March on Cool For Cats, The Hair are back with their infectious and frenetic dancefloor tracks to make the perfect soundtrack to your weekend.
My day started off surreally, an early morning phone call from my old dear asking me if I've heard of a band from Sheffield, called Milburn?
Kings of Convenience: Riot On An Empty Street
Flashback a few years, and to Bergen, Norway. One of many Scandinavian towns and cities being proclaimed as new centres of cool, two guys released an album called 'Quiet Is The New Loud'.
According to pretty much every review I read for Hood's latest LP 'Outside Closer', it's a very summery record, full of twee acoustic sounds, lovely glittering soundscapes and a general feel of upbeat loveliness.
Hooks For Hands - The Carling Stage A packed out and excitable Carling Tent rips into a huge roar as unknowns Hooks For Hands take to the stage.
This CD has a five star production on some uncertain material. There's a terrific sound to it, recorded as it is in a "purpose built studio" (what other sorts are there?).
The Belles: Never Said Anything
déjà vu : n. 1. (Psych) illusory feeling of having already experienced a present situation. 2. Something tediously familiar.
Promising name I thought. Very Jack Kerouac, but with cunning regional twist with the old M62 and that.
Carietta White: No More Regrets EP
Leeds-based Carietta White's debut record offers an interesting example of a band who have undoubted talent, but are perhaps not playing to their strengths.
Some music genres never die. The recent wave of highly polished new wave music a la Stellastarr, The Killers, and even Fountains of Wayne is looking to get even bigger, especially with this neon nugget set to blow the charts skyward.
The very last Blue Star Music gig happens with possibly one of the busiest crowds, best bands and best mix of indie rock from the straight up young upstarts (Solo and Diawara) to the wit, charm and brilliance of the experienced Mama Scuba and Being 747.
How exactly do you "draw" silence then? Do you sit down with a crayon and a piece of paper next the National Institute for the Mute and wait for something non-vocal to grab your artistic muse?
I just made it to Rio's in time to catch Cursed Diamond doing a pretty decent a cover of "Fell In Love With A Girl" for their final song.
Farming Incident: Please leave the state in the toilet in which you would wish to find it
Farming Incident are by far and away the most challenging horse to ride in the Wrath stables. They share none of the immediacy of there stable mates and with good reason.
It's a tricky one, the remix CD. It can prove to be a bit of a pain in the rear sometimes, as your fans want the one they heard on the radio, not the 'DJ Killbot 12" extended techno-dub mix', but as evidenced here, sometimes it can prove to be a fruitful exercise.
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...
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.
Think early New Order or Joy Division, think Arab Strap, remember the Blue Aeroplanes and take a pinch of Echoboy for the backing tracks and you will be somewhere near the mark for describing Cosmonaut.
Neville Staple: The Rude Boy Returns
Admittedly, when I told leedsmusicscene I liked ska, I meant ska-punk (aka Capdown-esque, aka more hardcore on the punk, subtle on the ska).
The acapella intro of 'Velvet Prose' and immediate ska-like upbeat tempo make you want to keep listening to this song and quite right too because this is very, very good.
Field Music: Write Your Own History
The shining, swirling, sun-drenched pop with peculiar but often alluring percussion that made up Field Music's self-titled album is, unsurprisingly, the staple of this B-sides collection.
Those misguided by huge amounts of airplay and a marketing strategy based around the novelty of their hair and belt size, will tell you that the current kings of the sunny folk-indie scene are The Magic Numbers.
Screaming their way all the way from Japan, home of lock n loll, Electric Eel Shock are here for your daughter.
Two words: Unlucky & Resilient....for if you are to make it in this business you must expect the former and master the latter.
Hailing from Ireland, but sounding decidedly American, Drat are here to tide over all the Weezer fans who are tired of waiting for Rivers to get off his ass and write some more albums.
...Emo... Damm! I bet myself I could get through this whole review without mentioning that word. Bugger.
I've only ever seen Nursery once, on that occasion they were opening up for Icelandic outfit Bellatrix over in Bradford, but from all accounts I remember it being quite a memorable set.
The Hold Steady: Boys & Girls In America
From the opening chords that travel through heavy guitar and jangly piano riffs, this album feels like an old friend.
Football and music. Everyone knows the horror stories. The Anfield rap for instance, Del Amitri singing for Scotland, or even that atrocious butchering of 'Come On Eileen' that plagued every radio station and TV channel during Euro 2004.
There's something instantly familiar about opening track 'Chloe'. It took me a while to figure out what it was and then it suddenly hit me.
Instant Species: Tax Man, Funny Man
It's been several years since I last reviewed Instant Species and one of my first direct encounters with the band was when I promoted the band at a Blue Star Music event at Joseph's Well.
Every time I go to the Packhorse, Leeds seems to be in the middle of a hurricane or similar. The walk from the city centre up to Hyde Park is a blustery and soaking one, but once inside things start to pick up immensely, with one of the most impressive local lineups at the venue in some time.
Various Artists: Wrath Supersevens #11 & #12
Record shopping. It can be a wasteful and puzzling pastime. I've often found myself coming across albums around the house that I bought a month or two ago in a fit of spontaneity that fizzled out as soon as I actually got round to listening to them.
The Unisex: Pigs In Their Farms
Something's happening in Europe. I guess it was always coming, but after years of exporting nothing but throwaway pop trash, those wacky Europeans are finally delivering something great.
It's just like any other Saturday night. You're having a good ol' laugh with your mates down at the tin.
Sound Asleep @ Woodkirk Valley Country Club
CUTOUT HERO This three-piece were the first band of the day that I saw as I was late. Playing a mellow sort of rock/punk with even a little bit of ska thrown in every now and then, they sounded pretty good for their age, and were reasonably well rehearsed.
Instant Species: She Gives Me Nothing EP
You know those times where you're sure you've seen something before, but don't quite know what it is, and it pisses you off for the rest of the day trying to figure out it out?
The night begins as Dead Combo take the stage, and this electro-rock duo have a rather big challenge in front of them.
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.
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.
Motion City Soundtrack @ LMUSU
Support act The Matches' front man Shawn Harris boasted a flamboyant dress sense and quite a long tongue.
It was with a sense of trepidation that frontman Will South seemed to step out from the backstage with.
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.
I Hate Kate: Embrace The Curse
Contrary to its gothic title, album-opener 'Bed of Black Roses' is a giddy blend of breakneck punk riffs and fizzy electro beats that sets the tone for I Hate Kate's début album 'Embrace The Curse.' Frontman Justin Mauriello, former vocalist of Zebrahead, has the perfect voice for this brand of helter-skelter pop-punk, his strident-edged vocals cutting clearly over even 'Bed of Black Roses' raucous punk chorus.
While many of Leeds' rock fans were the other side of town (Razorlight at LU) some of us were supporting local talent.
Malcolm Middleton: Sleight of Heart
Middleton cracked into the public consciousness with the cheerily titled electro-pop single "We're all going to die", briefly in contention for Xmas number one status thanks to Radio 1.
For me the Tea Time Shuffle is both a blessing and a curse. The great thing is you get to see 5 decent bands and at the same time are provided with the opportunity to start drinking at 6pm.
The start time is really delayed, doors are at 7ish and Help She Can't Swim do not appear until 8.45pm.
Rhode Island: Happy Birthday EP
The first thing I noticed when this CD started playing was that ... it was amazing! I'm not just saying that to avoid being harsh to the band (which I have noticed happens too much), this EP is truly incredible.
It was always going to be a little bit special. Buzz. Anticipation. Electric atmosphere. One song. Could have been twenty.
Jesse Malin: Glitter In the Gutter
After owning 'The Heat' for some time now, I was really excited about the upcoming album from New York's Jesse Malin.
The foundation of this San Francisco band are Meric Long, a country blues finger picking guitarist who has studied West African Ewe drumming and Logan Krueber an ex-experimental metal drummer.
Two Wheel Fury @ The Refectory
This is the honest truth: I just got off the phone to a friend of mine and when I mentioned that I had been to the student union Battle of the Bands, she said "Oh, and did the winner of the event happen to be a metal type band who did some well known covers?" The formula is that obvious then.
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.
More of a commercial sound than the last CD, which is noticeable from the outset. Whilst I have to admit I liked the kinda raw feel of "Too little Too Late" this could be a step into the right direction for the band.
Things get loud when Hobo Jungle take to the stage after what was billed as an acoustic night at Mixing Tin.
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.
Rhode Island all come from Leeds. You will never have heard of them. This is because their current CD goes under a different guise.
It's a huge testament to Little Man Tate to state that most, if not all, of their material tonight is treated like some kind of greatest hits collection.
The Perfect Strangers @ Rocket
I almost didn't make tonight's gig. Having arrived early to interview Beat Route 62 I was called out from work and had to disappear back off home, luckily not too far away.
Having toured with many large acts including James Blunt, Sheryl Crow and Joseph Arthur, Pallot's album 'Fires' is sure to be purchased primarily by fans she has won over with stunning live performances, myself included.
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.
funk soul acid jazz
Various Artists: Across The Pennines IV
Another ATP compilation hits the doormat and, with it comes another predictably unpredictable clutch of northern sparkle.
Wrathstonbury is, believe it or not, one of the most important dates on Leeds' live music diary. Eighteen bands compete with beer for your attention.
Blank Space: My Day with the Astronauts
The opening track to this impressive CD is a polite mellow number with country tendencies. Mainly acoustic guitar and piano with beautiful vocal harmonies and subtle use of percussion, this track shows the talent of the singer songwriter, Alex Dew.
This is a third release from Batley's Itch. The passion, inventiveness and musical ambition of the 2001 debut "Spiralling Paper Planes" are still all there, with depth maturity and a surer sense of what Itch are all about.
Ali Whitton and the Broke Record Players: A Failed Attempt At Something Worth Saying
What have we got here then? Thoughtful acoustic pop, I'd say, and done to a pretty fair standard - from Whitton's lyrics sung in his quite striking voice with its often pleading tone, through to arrangements well handled by the Broke Record Players.
Bonsai Kittens: The Big Laugh Happy Happy Joy Joy Album
It sounds just like the cover: cuddly, playful, pert, sharp clawed and perfectly miniaturised. That's all you need to know about this six-tracked litter tray of feline droppings from the Bonsai Kittens.
Various Artists: New Slang Compilation
Bloody students, what do they know? They come to your city bringing their vital contribution to the local economy, eating an inordinate amount of take away pizzas, disturbing residents who have lived here for years and then some of them have the nerve...
The New Roscoe on a wet Wednesday night was a new experience for me. This was my first gig there and having never been in I was unsure what to expect but as a live music venue I was pleasantly surprised.
How healthy/unhealthy must British music and the Leeds scene be right now if Boy Kill Boy can barely half fill the Cockpit second room?
It's a harsh reviewer who criticises a charity album, you look like a complete git if you say anything honest that might be damaging to sales.
The Vine seems to have a cross section of every genre of rock 'n roll tonight, as we move through pseudo funk, light indie, Maiden-esque metal and then finally some anthemic indie stompers.
The best kind of pop music is pop music that knows it's pop music, and isn't afraid to tell everyone just how pop it is. Gavin Miller explains...
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.
Beautiful Feet @ Royal Park Cellars
I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that as much as anything else when it comes to gigs, the 'flow' of an evening's entertainment is as important as the quality of the music in catching and holding people's attention.
Salivating over the artists on show tonight, I was going to come here tonight regardless of whether I was reviewing the show or not.
All dressed in black; sultry with stiff motions, Mother Vulpine's heavy QOTSA style guitars lap over some gorgeous male to female harmonies.
Various Artists: The Velvet Orchestra / Solus Locus - split single
'The Creator' is a slice of prog-rock madness you're either going to love or not understand in the slightest.
Well the night had a nice little twist right at the beginning on this occasion. I arrive at the venue all geared up to go on the hunt for the tour manager again (about 7.10pm) and get turned away.
Kaiser Chiefs @ Leeds Festival 2006
An overnight deluge and a mixed weather forecast haven't dampened the spirits of the 65,000 festival goers, who return happy, but tired, for another joyous day at Bramham Park.
Themselves @ Brudenell Social Club
Mr. Whiskey and No Dice start proceedings with a DJ set that seems to last forever, but creates the atmosphere for Alias.
Adem @ West Yorkshire Playhouse
A barmy warm night and an audience that looks like a life-style magazine for relaxed funky living, a perfect setting for some Folktronica and old school hippydom.
Victoria Holdsworth catches up with Hull band The Bonnitts before they go on stage at Beach 2006 in Scarborough
The crowd gather nervously near the back of the room as The Pigeon Detectives open up the evening's musical jamboree.
Various Artists: Leeds Urban Fusion 2003
According to the liner notes here in the CD wallet of Leeds City Council's 'Urban Fusion 2003' album it says, rather cringingly, that this is a CD "born from hip hop, r&b and urban flavaz" although what 'urban flavaz' is meant to mean I have no idea.
Fulc talk to Andy Roberts about single, tours, Kerrang and strippers...
Not many people are here to watch Buzzkill; a real shame, as they give it their all. Unfortunately there is a problem with the saxophone, meaning we don't get to see Matt Perrot strut his stuff, and this leaves half a brass section by the name of Ben Whittington, who's trumpet can barely be heard except during his fiddly solos.
Ahhh The Raveonettes. The first time I saw them was in May last year, mostly to promote 'Beat City', the final single from their debut mini-LP 'Whip It On'.
A Northern Chorus: Spirit Flags
I know this band. Well, sort of. I remember about a year ago, that someone was posting on the Sigur Rós message board talking about (because he was in) a band called 'A Northern Chorus'.
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.
"George Harrison isn't dead" Well that's according to the pensioner who took it upon himself to stand by the speakers throughout the whole of Dakota's performance, waving his walking stick and strutting his stuff, heckling at the poor lads, putting fear into the lives of those who dared breathe let alone stand more than a couple of metres from his well-guarded stage front.
Guillemots: Through The Window Pane
If Guillemots could invite anyone, living or dead, over for a dinner party, the table would look something like this.
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.
Tonight is a very unusual night at the cockpit, for the first time ever I have seen tables and chairs set out in room 2.
It's 8pm and the Cockpit pit is already absolutely rammed. That's saying quite a lot considering there are only 2 bands on tonight, Idiot Pilot and The Seal Cub Clubbing Club.
"It may be hard to pronounce but if you learn it I'm sure you'll find it will pay". And so the confusion starts.
"100,000,000 Bon Jovi fans can't be wrong" declared the New Jerseyites' career spanning box set. Whilst there is no doubting that Bon Jovi have consistently 'shipped units' for over 20 years and won just about every music award going (along with Jon Bon Jovi's Oscar nomination for his solo work) there's a serious divide over the band's credibilty.
The Scaramanga Six @ Leeds Festival 2007
Wintermute - The Carling Stage Wintermute's prize for winning the Cockpit's Futuresound competition is the opening slot at the festival, 11.30am on The Carling Stage.
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.
As ever I'm late, it looks like I've already missed 2 bands and I've already missed the first song from Indicator.
Live music seems to be undergoing some kind of renaissance in Leeds at the moment, with several new venues popping up here and there.
The Vine is hardly buzzing tonight, which is a shame I think - all three bands here tonight have some definite potential, and some support early on in their careers wouldn't hurt.
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.
four day Hombre @ Joseph's Well
I was looking forward to this gig as I knew pretty much nothing about goad and Leafeater and hadn't seen four day Hombre for almost 10 months.
The last few years have hardly been a triumph for Embrace; set up as "the next Oasis" their debut album reached the number one spot and, while not selling 'shed loads' ('tent loads' anyone?), did seem to set them up nicely for future records.
The Scaramanga Six @ Joseph's Well
Well blimey! I walk into Joseph's Well at about 3:20pm after standing in the pissing rain for 20 minutes outside the place (yes, you said you were opening at three!) but at least it gave me chance to sober up slightly seeing as I had been in Carpe Diem for the three previous hours and was somewhat jolly already.
Student feeding-ground by day, 'The Refectory' at Leeds University Union may not seem like the obvious location for a night of top musical entertainment, but I was certainly impressed by the sound and light show at the excellent Placebo gig here this time last year.
So it's my first time back at the Well since that whole unfortunate 'incident' when The Stills overran by about six hours or something.
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.
Interview: Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
Currently on tour with US space rockers Yo La Tengo, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci cohort Richard James gets grilled on playing live, record labels and where that name comes from...
There's always been a place for humour in music. All the best bands had wit without being cheesy and over the top with it, and tonight proves that humorous observations and amusing asides don't mean you have to be the Grumbleweeds.
The first band to take to the stage tonight are the local three-piece punk-rock outfit Erin's Third Incident.
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.
Charlotte Hird caught up with Simple Plan when they supported Bowling for Soup at LMUSU
'Twas a blustery wet night on Sunday 12th March 2006 when I forced my way into a packed out Cockpit in Leeds, to interview not only a legend, to all self respecting indie lovers, but also a rather splendid chap! In the immortal words of Take That would The Wonder Stuff be back for good?