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The Paradimes present a mix of bright vocal and guitar melody with the backdrop of a tight and dynamic rhythm section.
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.
Requested personally by Swedish post-rock wonders 'Jeniferever' to be thier tour support, expect lush finger picked melodies ghosting underneath fragile vocal lines that place him somewhere between Nick Drake, Iron and Wine and Red House Painters.
It has to be said, I like this. A lot. The former Bingo boys have written an appealing, melody driven guitar pop CD under their new guise Be; a CD that fits nicely into a genre classification of classic indie pop with a clear dance undertone.
New York based singer-songwriter Ian Love has created a pleasant debut album, but it doesn't quite hit the mark.
LaRusso: Can't Let It Go / Seven Days
A two note guitar motif grabs your attention before a stop start vocal line slowly leads you into the pogo inducing chorus of 'Can't Let It Go'.
Martin Grech: March of the Lonely
'March Of The Lonely' is Martin Grech's third record, released on his own aptly titled label 'Martin Grech Songs' and recorded on Osea Island (a small island on the Thames just fifty miles from London).
Alternative. Alternative is a term used so often today that it begins to lose all meaning, but when I came across this track it was like it had become crystal, because that's exactly what this Leeds 6-piece are. It becomes clear that this isn't a band that just get together, knock out a few riffs and 'slap' a vocal on top.
Diverse: It's Making Me Crazy EP
Diverse. A word true to fact in this band, as five people from backgrounds ranging from members of senior choir to musical freaks come together and create a musical sound which is so new in today's scene with two vocalists.
Starting off like something from Morrissey's Vauxhall and I, The Gist develops into a carousel of a song, underpinned by swirling keyboards, a sprightly bass sitting at the forefront of the mix, and lyrics that go round in circles.
The Delgados: All You Need Is Hate
"Hate is everywhere, inside your mother's heart you will find it there." Cheery bunch the delgados. Much like Warren Zevon, the downbeat lyrics are countered by a bright and chirpy, melodic party, the kind where you feel all are welcome to sing and clap along.
Sky Larkin @ Leeds Festival 2006
With all 3 members adorned in bright yellow Sky Larkin add more sunshine to the afternoon with their rocked up pop tunes.
Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championships 2008 arrives in Leeds
The race is on to win a brand spanking new car as 2008 sees the return of the Vauxhall Beatboxing Championships.
The Features: The way it's meant to be
Never one to shy away from publically stating the bleedin' unobvious - some might say to leave our readers in a state of confusion - I'll say that for significant portions of The Features' new single The way it's meant to be they remind me of Mclusky.
Roachville are a 4-piece metal/hardcore outfit from Swansea. With the current influx of Spock haired nancy boys coming from the valleys I was praying this was gonna rock, and rock it did!
Michelle Branch: Are you happy now?
Back with a new album, "Hotel Paper", this is the first single to be taken from it. With a sterling backing band including Kenny Aronoff, Dave Navarro and Jamie Muhoberac it's a tight, punchy slice of pop rock.
Pete's Sake: If that's what you really want
CD single from this Welsh 4-piece, pretty straight up SoCal sounding pop punk. Complete with American accent.
Ethan Daniel Davidson: Free the Ethan Daniel Davidson Five
A chance encounter with a couple of drunken Americans leads to me receiving a few albums from Detroit's Times Beach Records for review.
Bradford has come under fire in the past for some of its local bands sounding dated, lacking ambition and creative inspiration.
La Russo's "fourletterword" starts with a big surge of rising chords and ringing guitar. The song itself is an open, yearning melody.
'More' starts off with a nice lazy beat, a bit of jangly guitar and then in comes Peter Bott with the vocals.
I'm going to cut pretty quickly to the chase, this debut album is pretty shocking. Or should I say becomes pretty shocking as after then first few bars I really thought I was in for a treat.
Smog: A River Ain't Too Much to Love
Minus his infamous brackets, Bill Callahan comes strolling back into town, with his only weapon an acoustic guitar.
Shlomo to direct World's first Human Beatbox choir
On 18th March, hundreds of music fans will witness a special performance of live music by 'Shlomo and the Vocal Orchestra', performed using only the mouths, lips, tongues and vocal cords of 15 singers and beatboxers.
Loqui: I Can't Believe It's Not Better
An ostentatious biography package accompanies this 'Greatest Hits' compilation from Loqui, which also encompasses their life as Vertigo Green.
Sam and Anna hail from the band "Crash Ride", and are the envy of most musicians, being able to play at this standard and still in their teens.
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.
A Silver Mt. Zion: Horses in the Sky
"Horses in the Sky" is the third and most expansive album to date from this collaboration of various artists from the Montreal post-rock scene.
Afraid of the Dark: The Sun Is Your Enemy
Smash, Smash, grrr, grrr, bang, slice, wham, dunka dunk, girly voice... hang on a minute! Girly voice??
The impact is immediate. As soon as you hear Brooke Dundas' voice you know this girl is something special.
The Fencott Disaster: Rome and Step On It
Four-track EP from these boys - 4 songs of NY garage influenced post punk, not a bad effort, some of the guitar work is quite interesting with the dual lead thing going on and with the bass rumbling away in the back makes for an ok listen.
Glissando to release a new album in June 2008
Gizeh Records have this week revealed that they will be releasing Glissando's new record 'With Our Arms Wide Open We March Towards the Burning Sea' on June 23rd.
The Pipers: Medicine Cabinet EP
Imagine, if you will, The Spin Doctors meet Pavement with Ray Lamontage as the lead singer. That's what we have here with this fantastic EP from The Pipers.
Tonight Matthew, Rosemary are feeling a bit catchy... So catchy in fact that they could turn Monty Panaesar into an expert...
Two tracks of melodic punk from ex-members of 46 Itchy. Thankfully the band have forgotten about their cheeky ska past and graced us with 2 smashing tracks of hook laden melodic punk raawk.
This latest release from Mud Hut new boys Mondo, left me wondering if there was more to this band than meets the eye.
Shakinouts: Time You Were Told
The debut single from Leeds four-piece Shakinouts is a bouncy indie pop number that sits very squarely within its genre.
Having never heard of the band Zurich I didn't know what to expect, but even with quite a cool metropolitan name I didn't really feel this record from the off.
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.
The Masked Musician: Perfectionist Being
The Masked Musician is a Leeds based solo artist responsible for everything from writing to producing the songs.
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?).
Possible contender for the most innovative songs of the year, Imogen Heap's first single off her new album "Speak for Yourself" is possibly known among many hip, cool and trendy teens as the background music to the last episode of The OC.
Great, the new 7" single from Pop Threat shows a rawer sound, one that I've not heard from the Leeds four-piece since their self-titled EP on Mook two years ago.
I was fortunate to see Superelectric in action at the Circuit tour a few weeks ago, so knew exactly what to expect from their demo.
School Of Language: Sea From Shore
You'll first realise that this album has got under your skin when you're getting funny looks in the check-out queue in Morrison's, as you've been intoning Uh-Ah-Um-Ee-Ah vowel sounds to yourself like some weird Buddhist chant.
The Boy Tate: In The Head Of The Ice Cream Girl
Well, thanks, Dave. 12 tracks, a terrible band name and an even worse title. I cursed the day the editor was born, reached for my trusty Star Trek phaser and set it to "snore".
Los Guys: La Noche De San Juan
Get yer fake afro on and don you best platforms. Los Guys have in "La Noche De San Juan" delivered what is a truly unique offering, a danceathon jazz fest which spins around your head like the supergran theme once did.
"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.
Band Profile: My Exploding Heart
A 4 piece rock band from Leeds, My Exploding Heart combine hard rocking beats and riffs with strong, melodic vocal lines.
The Japanaro line-up has changed since they recorded their four-track EP last year, boasting a new sound and a new vocalist.
Dogged by guitar trouble throughout his set, The Lodger battles on with an aggressive guitar style juxtaposing nicely with the tuneful vocal melodies.
Shearwater's 4th album "Palo Santo" sees existing band member Jonathan Meiburg rise from the shadow of Okkervil River's Will Sheff and take full command of the songwriting and vocal duties with positive results.
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.
Six By Seven: Ready For You Now
This is a right good conventional guitar/keyboards band doing a proper pop song with all the right ingredients and no artificial colouring.
Playfully messing around with choir-boyed Mark E. Smith vocal quirks, this is more big drum racket from Beachbuggy.
Currently shaking the foundations of assorted venues throughout the U.K. with building-sized basslines, Pendulum are three brothers with different mothers responsible for a slightly twisted take on drum-n-bass.
The Glitterati: Do you love yourself?
Poptones is steadily building up a healthy roster of artists with a fair range of diversity. From Martin Carr's Brave Captain to Cosmic Rough Riders via The Bellrays.
Sister Morphine: Sister Morphine EP
This four piece, hailing from Bristol, although new on the scene are no fledglings. Currently touring with Kasabian, it is clear to see why there is such a growing interest in this energy fuelled band.
Who is Imogen Heap? The place is certainly packed out with young, fashion conscious people, and there is a clear Perspex grand piano on stage.
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.
The Palms really fit the modern day bill with their take on the current Indie rock / dance scene ala Kasabian, but one or too vocal production issues and an occasional penchant for misguided fret-wanking hold them back from hitting the full throttle.
Leeds' own The Dharma (formerly know as Unyson) display a buried love of Freedom Rock on this 3 track demo, that's big choruses, hands in the air and the wind in your hair.
Le Loup: The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly
Inspired by the tale of a man's journey in a time of crisis, re: Dante's 'Inferno', The Throne Of The Third Heaven...
Blue Sky Project: Masquerade EP
I have awaited more tracks from Blue Sky Project since listening to their last EP on MySpace (oh the beauty of the Web!) and thought they had potential, so naturally the next offering from them needed to exceed all expectations.
Tom Napper & Tom Bliss: The Kelping
Not long before the Grove Inn launch of this second Napper and Bliss album, I was startled to hear of someone who didn't care too much for Tom Bliss's voice.
There's a scratchy fizzed up modemic start on the black notes of a Yamaha PS something or other. Then a breathily credible vocal track.
Band Profile: The Royal Park Orchestra
acoustic jazz folk rumba
The Bellrays: They Glued Your Head On Upside Down
This is the second single from the recent 'Meet The Bellrays' album and has rightly received A-list airplay and acclaim from national media.
"Five men, a large number of instruments" proclaims the press release accompanying Xi's latest magnum opus, the three track EP "Low".
Anyone up for electro madness?!
The album version of this track has been spiced up with drums, the tempo upped and tinkered with to make it more 'radio friendly' but fortunately that doesn't interfere with the heart of this song.
Band Profile: Unexploded Shells
Awkward indie noise-pop
It's not often that I listen to a review CD as many times as this. Unyson's six track "Science Fiction" has some right good songs, played and sung with style and conviction.
There are two songs on their debut single, lead track Factor 8 and additional song Spinning. With all records, there is always a song that you prefer over another.
When listening to singer/songwriter Pete McGann, it's clear that he doesn't want to be pigeonholed into any particular genre.
Hmmm, interesting. On first inspection Kaylium seem to be one to file under the "decent, but not a band to get your knickers in a twist over" section.
Band Profile: Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts
Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts are an exciting upcoming acoustic act, blending contemporary singer-songwriter styles with complex rhythmic arrangements to create a new kind of roots fusion.
Vessels: Two Words & A Gesture
Shoegaze and experimental music can be quite hit-and-miss. Some would probably argue, with more than just slight condescension, it's more often miss; but then it's these factions that miss out on some of the more interesting artistic visions on the music scene.
Frightened Rabbit @ Brudenell Social Club
When the two planned supports pull out last-minute, it would be very easy for disaster to strike, and this evening Yonderboy and Fran Rodgers are drafted in on very short notice to avert a possible catastrophe.
The Landaus look a bit of an odd bunch on stage. There's the Britpop esque bassist, Taylor Hawkins on the drums and two singing guitarists who help bridge the indie to rock gap whilst sounding at times like Caleb Followhill.
The Music: You Might As Well Try To Fuck Me EP
"You Might As Well Try To Fuck Me" is the debut release from Leeds' The Music on the Hut label, and, put bluntly, is a blinding tune.
Hot Club De Paris: Drop It Till It Pops
I was looking forward to hearing this album having heard Everyeveryeverything and missing them supporting Maximo Park because of an inability to read my watch.
Lapdog's second EP comes after their sold out "Now It Can Be Told" debut and has been achieving some recognition for the band since the launch in November.
This three-track promo CDR is awesome. No really. I didn't understand it at first but once my wife had taken over and proclaimed how much she loved the record after just one listen, I had to work out what it was that I had missed...
Royal Vendetta: The Lost Cause
Wearing their influences firmly on their sleeve, or more like in a big day-glow t-shirt that says "our influences are:" Royal Vendetta are Leeds' answer to Kasabian, The Cooper Temple Clause and The Music...
Billy Talent: 4 Piece from Toronto, they seem to be getting some really good press at the moment and look set to be the next "Big Thing" with the angst ridden pocket money wielding teenage Sum 41 fans out there.
A clumsy first intro and a lightly thin vocal sound from Singer John Roberts gave me a first impression that Spitfire Charlie were just another emo-esque double garage band from Adel.
Oh, dear, they used to be rather good. I had to force myself to read the script that came with this album.
Hayley Hutchinson: Independently Blue
York's Hayley Hutchinson has set up her own label, HayLo Media, to release this debut album of country tinged acoustic tunes.
Thai Bride: Non Contact Sports
Judging them on this release Thai Bride are a bloke's band. Not that they play blokes music as such, it's just that they sing about bloke's things.
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.
As names for bands go, Test-Icicles must be the most absurd I have heard this year. A close second though is DanMoFo.
Black Mountain College: Bright by the Sea
Having earned the prestigious title of 'Pick of the week' on C4 Teletext, Bright Mountain College arrive with a very nicely packaged CD, some epic songs and an ambitious, bold stance on things.
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.
The Blueskins to re-release their "Change My Mind" single
The Blueskins' "Change My Mind" will be re-released by Domino on 16th October. The track, which features on the band's debut album, "Word Of Mouth", has become an indie club hit since it was used on the recent Lynx advert.
Now, I don't think these are Mexicans that like drinking cola, but I have never met them to be sure. 'Come Clean' starts with a thumping tumble of dirty drumming, then leads in to a guitar riff, similar to Queens Of The Stone Age.
Formed in early 2008, The Parangle are a four piece rock band that aim to deliver music that draws influence from a wide range of musical styles while keeping their sound fresh and distinctive.
There are 3 things in this life guaranteed to make skinny white boys dance like a Jim Henderson inspired character.
Little Japanese Toy: Disused No 5
Well, first thing's first: Little Japanese Toy score a whopping 0/10 for presentation. The demo consists of a hastily scribbled on, almost unreadable CD-R.
I've got a lot of time for the Cardboard Brothers ... forced screamy voice notwithstanding. They are creating their own sound, and finding a genuinely distinctive corner of pop territory all of their own.
Cave In's swirling guitars mix with a post-hardcore edge to offer something a little more intelligent and creative than some of their pop-punk contemporaries from across the pond.
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.
Magnet is Even Jobansen, a Norwegian with a fine sense of melody. 'The Tourniquet' opens with with recent single 'Hold On', a plucked melody and some gentle programming throb in the background as Jobansen's vocal drifts along until the chorus comes washing over like a glorious sunshine.
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.
Now here's something you don't get very often - a band who like indie music but don't sound like The Stone Roses or Oasis.
Superface to release "State Your Business" on the GLP label
"State Your Business" is the brand new EP from alternative rock / pop band Superface, released on the GLP label (Groove Laboratory Productions).
Fightstar: One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours
On the initial listen to this album it doesn't seem to be the album that this band are capable of. Starter song '99' does nothing to move this band along in anyone's opinion whether good or bad, and the standout songs initially are track five 'death car' and track ten 'Tannhauser', simply for the bruising head bashing riffs.
Music people can get their stomp on to!
The Music: The Truth Is No Words
Taken from their eponymous album, The Truth Is No Words is the latest single release from The Music and includes DVD format, a live recording from their September 2002 appearance at Blank Canvas.
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?
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.
Liam Gallagher shows the world the side of him that so far only Nicole Appleton has been privvy to with this endearing little ballad.
Neil McSweeney: A Rope to Hang
From buskers sat on arse-numbing pavements to famous names gently rocking crowds to the land of nod in cavernous venues, performers who opt for the minimal approach of a simple acoustic guitar and tender vocal are ten-a-penny.
Joan As Police Woman: To Survive
Superbly serene yet gregariously graceful, the second album from Joan Wasser and Co. is a magnificent exercise in chamber-pop intricacy.
A Day Left: The pseudo post neo modern avante bassment garden rock EP
Two spelling mistakes in a pisstake title that takes no piss is not a good start. A sound check drum intro to a trying-hard-to-impress first track takes things down another notch.
metal punk
Geekgirl: May Contain Traces Of Boy
From Manchester comes the three piece band Geekgirl. A punk-rock-pop cross breed with numerous riffs and madcap grooves.
Disarm: By Any Means Necessary
What can I say about Disarm? This is a band of energetic musicians that makes a team Sir Alex Ferguson would be proud of.
Way back in March 2004 I had the pleasure of reviewing Kashmir's debut UK release in the form of the sublime Selection of 2 Lilies EP.
Sounding like five tracks fresh from the rehearsal rooms this demo announces another exciting project from Kevin McGonnel of And None of Them Knew They Were Robots.
When the majority of the band consist of Beth Orton's co-writers and you're friends with Aqualung, it's a safe bet there will be no three chord punk snorting on show.
Over the years all-woman bands and rock haven't always gone well together. They've either been too poppy and flowery like the Bangles or they go over the top like L7, but almost always forgettable.
The Wombats: Kill The Director
I'm sure I'm supposed to hate The Wombats because I hate Razorlight and The View. No way!! The Wombats are really good!
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.
Here we have three tracks that could be heard anywhere across the land. Grungy punk rock is the order of the day but there's neither the tunes nor the talent to match the enthusiasm here.
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.
The first time I ever went to the New Roscoe the audience consisted of two men, a dog, and myself. It was like a completely different venue on this occasion, packed out almost to capacity, with a decent sound system and great atmosphere.
These guys are from New York and it's safe to say they are cool cats. Lump 'em in the same bracket as The Faint if you must - essentially, "electroclash rock band".
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!
Achingly current, crossing Bloc Party with The Music and The Rapture it's like an NME journalists wet dream.
les Flames!: Mutley, 1, From Essex
"We've got the rock, we've got the roll, we've got the sounds to get you excited, we've got the rock, we've got the roll, come on let's go!" sing the les Flames!
Unity Studios rehearsal room offers
ryan@unitystudios.co.uk
Canada seems to be producing some great bands of late with many beginning to enjoy worldwide acclaim, perhaps it's time The Dears got a piece of the action?
When Russian Circles recorded this album they knew that it could never be a "disjointed batch of songs".
The Hi Fi Club is nicely full. Not heaving. Nicely full. It's a Friday, and the young and beautiful of Leeds have come out.
The Hair @ University of Lincoln
You can take the band and the reviewer out of Yorkshire but you can't take the Yorkshire out... The Hair are an extremely tight outfit who have talent in abundance.
Two things immediately spring out on the three-track demo CD from four-piece "atmospheric rockers" Lunar Camels.
The KBC: Sherlock Groove Holmes
Preston's Indie disco kids (literally) return with a download single... or in PR speak "digital release".
Last Night's TV: Too Much in Doubt
Last Night's TV bring us their 14 track album of laid-back chilled tunes. Mostly a progression on the acoustic material from their previous EP.
Mumm-Ra: These Things Move in Threes
I tend to be a little wary of bands like Mumm-Ra, who take up instruments with the sole purpose of being in a band to pass the time - something all the members of this group admit to.
Barnsley trio Mynas offer up three tracks of melodic, easy-on-the-ears indie with just enough undemanding hooks to make for enjoyable listening.
The first single to be taken from new album 'A Ghost Is Born', Wilco return with an uptempo melody powered by a driving guitar.
The Victorian English Gentlemens Club: La Mer
The accompanying press blurb is refreshingly stupid and "eeh, I'm zany me" in nature, and luckily the two tunes contained herein are up to the mark to denounce any zaniness over talent argument.
The first act on tonight's multi-cultural tour is the Icelandic beauty, Hera. Although not normally swayed by singer songwriters, finding them too introspective and mood dependant, Hera undoubtedly has a remarkable talent.
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.
alternative rock
So, Cumbrians, you wish to be pronounced 'mount' whilst being spelt Mt.: to be on the map, a landmark.
Gentleman's Pistols: Just A Fraction
Lizzylike, juicy, succulent and compelling, Chris Rogers's guitar snakes its way out of Adam Clarke's drumbeat to proclaim the moment has arrived for James Atkinson to let us have it with the vocal and find out what 'Just a Fraction' is all about.
Seismic Loveshift: Any Old Price
"sei'smic love'shift (n.) - geological earth movement akin to orgasm commonly occuring in West Yorkshire, created by the tumultuous confluence of crisp drumming, melodic bass, clean guitar and vocal mellifluence performing some of the most thoughtful, inspiring and haunting music of the twenty-first century" - SL.
I regret to say that last night's show at Joseph's Well was possibly the most unsatisfying one I have seen so far.
Jeremy Warmsley: I Believe in the Way You Move
Here comes at least one name you weren't expecting in a Leeds Music Scene review: there's something a bit Peter Skellern meets John Shuttleworth about Jeremy Warmsley, with a few Hegleyesque vocal tones, even.
A funky four minutes of cool and sophisticated pop that trips along a groove whilst Miss Winehouse flexes her vocal muscles with sass and soul.
The most striking thing about this single is how it takes seemingly disparate parts of guitar-based pop music from the last 25 years and turns them into a rolling, modern blast of a song.
The Research look like three students who have just put down their pot noodles and picked up the nearest instrument. This isn't necessarily a disadvantage. They are relaxed performers, casually introducing each song and smiling knowingly at each other when Sarah supplies another dodgy fill. It feels like they might call the whole thing off half way through a song. Thankfully they don't.
Ed Harcourt: All Of Your Days Will Be Blessed
Pumping organ, with squeaks of the pumps and all, start this first single from new album 'From Every Sphere' and continue to be the main force, pushing the song along.
The outstanding voice of Gary Briggs provides an instant reminder of why Haven are seen by many as the next big thing.
punk rock
On receiving Clarkesville's album 'The Half Chapter' (Clarkesville being Michael Clarke) I was highly impressed, part of the reason being this single.
This is the third album from Jeff Klein, a New Yorker relocated to Austin, Texas. It opens with the title track, with lullaby acoustic guitars and some truly beautiful, sparse, throbbing slide guitar.
Jon Gomm to release album "Hypertension" in February...
Singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Jon Gomm is releasing his debut CD on February 17th. It is a full-length album entitled Hypertension, and will initially only be available from his website.
This is an honest, brave and at times naive collection from the ambitious Mr Denby, an acoustic saunter through 10 tracks of heartfelt angst.
Rose Kemp: A Hand Full of Hurricanes
OK, hands up, how many of you initially thought Rose Kemp was a tongue-in-cheek novelty act based on former Eastenders hard-man Ross Kemp?
Annika Line Trost might be best recognised for her exploits with electro pop outfit Cobra Killer, but the Berlin based artist's self-produced 2nd solo album Trust Me certainly deserves some acknowledgment.
Coming across all Garbage crossed with Madonna is Harry with her second single from debut album "The Trouble With...".
The Maple State: We Swear by the Light Life
Shuffling in on a drum pattern begging to be sampled, the first few seconds of the song potentially herald an interesting listen.
"Stop The Clock" introduces us to Blind Jackson with a whiny little guitar riff that intermittently returns.
Dan Glendining is a song writer and musician whose previous band Headswim made a little progress into the national consciousness during the 90s.
The Twilight Sad: Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters
Epic, intense, dramatic, cinematic... just a few words you might use to describe this Glasgow-based quartet's debut album.
The Libertines @ Leeds Festival 2002
Seeing The Libertines live is a rather cosy affair. They're the boys next door who've invited you to their gig - playing in this more intimate venue definitely suits the band; the effect would have been lost on the main stage.
Radiohead classic Creep immediately arouses the distinct, despair instilled vocals of Thom Yorke, the crashing moody guitars and drums and the utter lyrical hopelessness of Thom Yorke.
On awaiting 'No Roots' I heard a rumour that it was a political album. This had me slightly worried as I believe music made with a political agenda often sounds awkward, forced, and artificial, although, I admit there are exceptions.
It may seem an odd follow up for Trash Aesthetics, the label that opened the eyes of the world to Bloc Party and The Rakes, to take a gamble with some country music but that's exactly what they've done.
Dashboard Confessional @ Leeds Festival 2006
Chris Carraba and his band entertain the main stage with their heartfelt, lyrically strong tunes, laden with rich melody and lush vocal harmonies.
My Chemical Romance @ Leeds Festival 2006
With cropped, dyed blond locks, singer Gerard Way leads My Chemical Romance through a rambunctious set filled with highlights from 'Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge'.
Ella Guru: 3 Songs from Liverpool
Key words. Exquisite. Pastoral. Oceanic. Delicate. Tender. Mellifluous. Treasured. Arboreal. Confiding.
Manchester Orchestra @ Cockpit
Hailing from Georgia, the Manchester Orchestra are an annoyingly young band of incredibly gifted musicians playing emotionally charged indie with a dark edged sugar coating.
Dinosaur Pile-up @ Leeds Festival 2008
Matt Bigland, guitar and vocals, Tom Dornford-May, bass guitar, and Steve Wilson drums are the relatively new Dinosaur Pile-up.
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.
Various Artists: Across The Pennines VI
The heightened sense of regional pride in The North can become a bit absurd sometimes. Then again, on the strength of the deeply Northern music on the sixth Across the Pennines compilation, perhaps a little superiority complex is allowed.
Micah P Hinson: We Won't Have To Be Lonesome
To call this a lovely little record sounds a wee bit patronizing, but the description isn't intended that way.
Fifth Goodbye put in a refined performance in front of an expectant crowd to promote their new EP entitled 'This Is My Impression'.
I never realised there were so many Candians in Leeds, I'm pretty sure they outnumber non Cannucks here tonight.
Acoustic/Indie/Folk
This is the second album from Belgian alt-pop outfit Sharko and yet from its 15 tracks there is a struggle to find any true stand out moments.
Rachael Kichenside: Like The Tides EP
After performing live sessions for the likes of XFM and the BBC and winning the hearts of the local press in her Manchester hometown, Rachael Kichenside seems intent on becoming a household name with her brand of polished folk-pop.
Taking Back Sunday @ Leeds Festival 2006
The New Yorkers upgrade to a main stage slot as they return to the Leeds Festival delivering a large portion of current album 'Louder Now' in live form.
Queen Adreena: Pretty Like Drugs
Katie Jane has long been a star, campaigning the right of the grrrl to fucking rock, her latest band replacing the awesome noisefest that was nineties band Daisy Chainsaw.
The Somatics, or so it seems to me, are possibly one of the least talked about most talked about bands in Leeds.
Jesse Malin: Queen Of The Underworld
Uncut's current flavour of the months introduces himself to the world with the opening track off of debut album 'The Fine Art Of Self Destruction'.
Field Music: A House Is Not a Home
Plinky-plonky: the immediate sensory awareness of Field Music's latest single. Two and a half minutes later, you're not left disappointed; this is plinky-plonky of the highest order.
Long long ago-go, Leo Sayer confirmed his worth with 'One Man Band' knowing he didn't refer to anything really extraordinary, so there'll be no fuss in this review about Ill Ease's music being the work of a single performer.
The Lost 45s UK to release a new EP on November 5th
Leeds band The Lost 45s UK will release a new EP on Monday 5th November. "Experiments In Pop" will be available via the band's website for just £1.49 including P&P.
Charlotte Hatherley: Behave EP
Charlotte Hatherley, you've shamed me and I deserve it. Having not got much from a first hearing some months ago, I misguidedly turned my back on a lot of innocent pleasure.
Invention Of Hands: Consider Yourself Denied EP
The first thing I noticed was the high standard of the artwork & packaging, which would not look at all out of place in the racks at HMV; however, the CD itself is plain and detracts from the overall appearance.
It's clear to see, or rather hear, why Repairman have become touring companions of both Gomez and Athlete of late.
Parisman: Responsible for Everything EP
Parisman's "Responsible for Everything" EP starts in a blaze of unabashed Geetar Rock-disco synthesiser fusion.
Polarize: Continuous Performance
It's amazing what clues are given away by the letter/biog that accompanies a CD. In the case of Polarize it's a one line letter scrawled in biro: "Here's our first 4 track EP, completely self produced...
Velvet Revolver @ The Refectory
7.00 PM and the gates to hell opened as an array of Velvet Revolver fans poured into Leeds Uni for a feast of pure rock n roll.
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...
"Nowhere to Hide" is a clanging bluesified rock piledriver with Americano vocal affectation in the style of Pub Rock, but no particular song.
Pearl Jam @ Leeds Festival 2006
Whilst some bands over the weekend will be dwarfed by the enormity of the main stage Pearl Jam seem to fill it just by walking out on to it.
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.
Ska tinged rock without the horn sections, verging into metal at times with growling vocals and guitars to match.
There's a band in front of you playing really good music, great pop music on guitars, with beautiful intertwining vocal melodies from a lovely lady and a lovely man.
Band Profile: Ellen and the Escapades
Formed after meeting at Leeds College of Music, Ellen and the Escapades originally performed acoustically as a two-piece; Ellen singing lead vocal and playing acoustic guitar, and Chris Quick keys and backing vocals.
Merchandise: Swallowing Curses
Welcome to my Casio hell. The programming here is not exactly inspiring and smells suspiciously like someone just hit the 'demo' button.
Viva Voce: Faster Than A Dead Horse
Viva Voce's latest single 'Faster Than A Dead Horse' is a psychedelic pop gem. Soak up the feel of the song and you'll think you're cruising through San Francisco in the mid-60's.
Jerry Cantrell @ Rio (Bradford)
How influential were Alice in Chains? Maybe not as influential as their nineties grunge peers Nirvana, maybe not as highly touted as their glum superstar friends Soundgarden, but if you step back and look at the crop of bands that are now doing a piss poor impression of one of the heavier, yet more diverse Seattle bands from the grunge explosion, you'll realise how that most of these bands (Godsmack to name the most blatant copyists, even taking their name from a song from "Dirt") were losing themselves in the misery that was one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the 90's, 1992's "Dirt", rather than jumping around and trying to craft three chords into sub-Nirvana anthems.
I thought I'd give Crystal Castles a chance as I was seeing their name all over the place, so new single 'Vanished' was the perfect grounding zone for a peek at their work.
Joan As Police Woman: Flushed Chest
There are a few high-ranking names you could try if asked who Joan Wasser makes you think of, but the piano says Nina Simone, even though 'Flushed Chest' uses several other instruments in a finished product that can still leave you feeling as if you've witnessed voice and piano in secluded emotional contact.
Having witnessed their insane live show, it's a good feeling to know that Animal Collective don't disappoint on CD.
Perhaps best known for the wonderful "Size Of A Cow" and their collaboration with Vic Reeves, The Wonder Stuff were a strongly supported band in their day.
Various Artists: Bright Young Things 2002
The Bright Young Things CD for 2002 is being distributed by Leeds City Council in April as a free addition to the glossy and widely available Leeds Guide.
This Et Al: Everything's irrelevant and no idea's original
The big art rock sound of This Et Al has plenty of variety and invention about it. There's a range of influences from Radiohead through Mogwai to Interpol and a vigorously accomplished approach to playing their instruments.
Joan As Police Woman: Eternal Flame
Joan 'As Police Woman' Wasser has plenty of experience both in the studio and live by working with such acts as Nick Cave, Anthony and the Johnsons and Elton John.
Kicking off with 'Newborn', this show leaves no doubts about spiky-haired frontman Matt Bellamy's musical abilities.
In the first fifty seconds of joyous simplicity, Micawba burst through all the barriers. "In all her dresses" is a shimmering song in a performance to put alongside "There she Goes" by the Las.
Steve Sanderson: Not For Mass Consumption
A clear lover of Bob Dylan, Steve Sanderson is one man and his guitar on this album of 11 songs of folk blues, ever so occasionally joined by associates on bass and adding a touch of harmonica and electric where appropriate.
Band Profile: The Resplendents
pop soul funk
I love this release. Maybe it's because 'What a Fool' is exactly the track you need to hear after a few days spent in a miniscule hospital with a fluctuating temperature.
The Belles are Christopher Tolle and Jake Cardwell from Kansas, a singer/guitarist and a drummer/percussionist.
Goldie Lookin' Chain: You Knows I Loves You
A humourous spoken intro kicks off this latest offering from Newport's favourite Hip Hop masters before a smooth piano led groove gets us underway properly.
Spitfire Charlie: Hard To Let You Go
The biog accompanying this release talks of "plans for the summer" but at the last report 3 out of 4 of Spitfire Charlie were heading for pastures new.
Medium 21: Killings from the Dial
It just gets tougher doesn't it? An album that would have been shockingly good three years ago is merely good at today's prices.
The Flaming Lips: At War With the Mystics
The Flaming Lips have achieved with their last 2 albums what evades 99.9% of all other 'successful' acts - whatever your criteria for classing that is.
Simple Kid @ Leeds Festival 2002
The Irish lad centre-stage normally peddles his wares on his own gives it a go with a full backing band in the Carling Tent.
Western Suburbs: The Borough of Western Suburbs
They may be slow workers, July 2001 being our last encounter with Western Suburbs but boy oh boy has it been worth the wait.
"In life, I'm excited by things that I don't understand" goes the opening line to Napoleon IIIrd's debut, a 7" single on the fast-becoming-legendary-already Dance To The Radio label.
hey! robot! cite their main influence as Kings Of Convenience though their overlapping shared vocal style reminded me of an acoustic Maccabees; though having got four members they've got a full rich sound that is strangely melancholy and uplifting at the same time.
Misled Vision: The Sound of Silence
With a band name like Misled Vision and a CD title "The Sound of Silence" a pundits paradise awaits...
If The Vine is less than half empty then The Terminals performance is anything but half-arsed. Singer Phil Privelidge teeters on one leg as his eyes bulge and his vocal cannon rains more blows on our ears, already battered to submission by the howitzer guitars and gunshot drumming.
"I bet you look at me and think I am a dumb blonde". No kidding, although some other choice phrases sprang to mind throughout Harry's sleazy whoring, errr re-working, of Salt'n'Pepper song Push It.
There are a few things you should know about this EP before we get started. Here's basically a run down of the few major facts that led to this EP being recorded by Sigur Rós.
Groove Rock? What's that then? Unpleasant... yes but more accurately it's a watered down Chilli Peppers ala The Spin Doctors.
Joan As Police Woman: Christobel
New Yorker Joan Wasser is the vocal sensation at the heart of Joan As Police Woman. Although with a mind for equal opportunities other band members are mentioned in the biography, it is her voice you will inevitably come back to.
Very rough and raw sounding (we even get a little laugh left in the vocal track) this a Dylan-esque little ditty that's verses are stronger than it's chorus.
folk country
The Reindeer Section @ Leeds Festival 2002
It's UK versus US in the Carling tent tonight. A little later, 25 robed Texans will praise trees, melt hearts and make the sun shine at night.
It's easy to be endeared to a band that describe themselves in their biog as having a "common love of strange cheeses, fresh vegetables and variety of pickles".
This 4 track EP released on Loog Records centres around "We can never say goodbye" which is taken from the band's recent album "Statues".
The Glitterati @ Fibbers (York)
"We all wanna be big, big stars but we don't know why and we don't know how". So sang Counting Crows, which subsequently became their 'how'.
'The English Way' is the latest offering from post-hardcore band Fightstar, which starts pretty much as you'd expect a song of theirs to go.
Volcanoes hail from the new Leeds (Sheffield). The four piece have a stripped back indie blues sound that although not devoid of influences, has a pretty strong personality of its own.
Allegedly with a half a million pound record deal freshly signed and most definitely currently being touted by the music press as 'the new Coldplay' Keane hail from Oxford.
In amongst the punks, skaters and frightening ska types in the local scene sit Beautiful Feet, an altogether more relaxed and calming bunch of guys, playing acoustic guitars and singing delicate songs about the brighter things in life.
With their debut release Sky Larkin show the skills and naivety that so far make up their charm. One of Two is slightly too long to be a real radio hit world beater.
Thirteen Senses: Thru The Glass
Well, it's a young guitar band on a major label. So let's be grateful. But not for the first time questions have to be asked about what made 'em pick this one for the big push.
You could describe all the bands that played tonight with the same sentence: A three-piece that fuses live guitars with electronic synths and beats, led by a strong male vocal.
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.
The first and best thing you notice about fsor is the passion they have for the tunes they're playing.
Formed around six months this Leeds based outfit have managed to pull together a 4-track demo, which features tracks taken from their usual set list.
Freed from the "funk" shackles of his band Eris, Rory Holl provides a mixed bag of pop rock on his first solo outing.
Experience dictates that all but a few outstanding songs ever last this longer than 6 mins 30 secs. Therefore it is with some trepidation I note Riser's average track time somewhere above this.
Grand Prix '86: Everybody's Dancing
For those that are familiar with 'I Can Count Music Volume 1' Grand Prix '86 might be a band that you are already fully aware of.
And None Of Them Knew They Were Robots: ANOTKTWR
It's always a surprise when something you happen to pick up because of the attraction of the band's name alone, turns out to be rather good.
I missed the first couple of songs by Low's support act, My Latest Novel, due to a half hour frantic search for my ticket.
Seth Lakeman: King And Country
Could a third single from Freedom Fields be intended to capture a market that's eluded the album and the previous two extracts?
Rounding up their U.K tour which has spanned over a month long, Milk 2 Sugars took the stage following the warm up sets of 2 of the North's best ska bands, first up, "Blinded by Ivan", a young band from Scunthorpe, followed by "Grown at Home" a highly infectious group, who had also been clocking up the tour dates over the summer.
Christopher May, guitar slinger for hire. Who? Chris Catalyst, that's who, erstwhile guitarist/bassist for The Sisters of Mercy, Anti Product, The Dead Pets, Ginger from The Wildhearts, amongst others.
"Lonely" imbeds itself in my head immediately. Unfortunately it's because it has the worst guitar lick ever.
Its been four years now since The Dandy Warhols hit the Uk scene with their classic track "Every Day Should be a Holiday", which followed their self-titled album released in 1995.
Various Artists: Dangerlust / Hinterland - split single
"Touch My Ass" eh? Well, if you describe yourself as a dirty, sleazy scuzzy rock band then I might have to pass on that - I might catch something.
So how does this work? Out of nowhere, a lo-fi, home recorded CD goes on the stereo after a hard day.
Sticking close to the original version by Massive Attack, this cover of the 1998 hit has Faulkner performing impressive percussive moves.
Counting Crows: Accidentally In Love
So the story goes, Adam Duritz got a phone call from Dreamworks asking him to write a song for the new Shrek film but with only one remit...
A bold effort from The Ga Gas here; their melodic rock sound has certainly set them in line to be pretty big up and coming.
Deadstring Brothers @ New Roscoe
Looking like Matt Bellamy and sounding like Mick Jagger, Kurt Marshke leads Deadstring Brothers through this evening's set with excellent vocals and some chirpy banter with a lukewarm crowd.
Sleeperbloke - if the Wener girl did just one thing for music in the UK, her legacy left us with such a useful term that could be wheeled out every so often to describe bands like Diverse.
lo-fi pop
Model 13's "California 4 Play EP" has now been placed in music collections in over 1,000 households, due to some clever band marketing, and is blatant melodic-punk in a Blink 182 style.
Deerpark: It made her look spidery
The slightest thing about this CD is the relative frailness of the songs themselves. The tunes are gentle modulations around a couple of notes that suit the singer's range.
Band Profile: Go Ahead Backup!
indie pop
indie
How long has it been since we last saw The Darkness release a single? It must have been almost two years ago and there was almost no sign of them re-emerging!
The first thing I notice about this track is that it has the same name as a great Feeder album track.
Right, first things first, I hold my hands up and openly admit that I have no love for the style of music touted by Hatebreed.
Pray For Hayden: As The Sun Sets
Post-hardcore, emo crushers Pray For Hayden are here to bleed you dry. I believe this natty little EP is a first, if so then it ain't a bad squeeze.
The Scaramanga Six: The Continuing Saga Of
Whatever they might get up to in Huddersfield, The Scaramanga Six are pretty big in the large city of Leeds.
Cartwheel: Man: In Love With Machine
With a name better suited to a lumbering set of Creation Records shoe-gazers circa 1993, imagine the surprise to find sweet tinged electronica drifting from the speakers.
Pure pop punkers The Needles hail from Aberdeen and yet despite such remote parts they've managed to lay claim to a "Tipped by the NME" tag...
"Through a mutual like of Ben Folds Five" is not a line that commonly crops up in a bands biog, but true to their word Melodyme serve plenty of pia-pia-piano.
Just as the simple album title so glaringly suggests, Jim is Jamie Lidell's most conventional release yet...
Fifth Goodbye were the first band of the evening's entertainment, and they had to put in a very solid performance to be able to stand up to the following bands, and a solid performance it was.
Florence & The Machine: Kiss With A Fist
London-based Florence & The Machine has Florence Welch at its core, with past collaborators including Dev Hynes (Lightspeed Champion and Test Icicles).
Dr Strangemoose: Lay of the Cutlery Shiva
Surely a better name for this 7 song mini-album would have been "...I presume" and you should always be wary of bands that use made up "Funk" words like "Shiva" and include song titles that sound like an Aztec ruin - exhibit A: "Ja Sam Nakaza".
What happens if you have Chris Martin fronting Athlete (first album) heavily influenced by David Gray and providing a soundtrack for people reading the Guardian whilst supping a Latte in Starbucks.
Various Artists: Rough Trade Shops - Counter Culture 2007
Every year since 2003 there's been a Counter Culture - or at least, a Counter Culture that's been documented by Rough Trade on a Counter Culture compilation.
Serena-Maneesh provide the latest update in the Scandinavian invasion of British-branded indie. However, unlike fellow countrymen the Knife and Love Is All, Serena-Maneesh are far less experimental and sound far more familiar to British ears.
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 may be taking one hell of a long time but there are slight signs Engerica may actually be making a dent in British rock.
Bodixa: And They Danced on Glass
On the back of their first single, "Give Me Rain", comes their debut album, "And They Danced On Glass".
Young six-piece De Novo Dahl come from Murfreesboro, Tennessee (population 68,816). Murfreesboro has been named the Most Livable Town in Tennessee.
I love gigs like this. You go down to some random (admittedly, in the case of the Faversham, glorified) pub on the outskirts of the city to see a band or two that you've never heard of and to be brutally honest, probably never will again.
Shed a tear Leeds, wear a black arm-band and mourn. Galitza, Wrath Records secret weapon are soon to be no more.
Fury of the Headteachers: Fables / What Does For You Will Do For Me
Packed with snotty energy this debut release from Sheffield's Fury of the Headteachers adds yet another name to the list of "ones to watch from Yorkshire".
Formed in mid-2006, Siren Lake have worked hard and fast to establish themselves as one of the most interesting young bands Yorkshire has to offer.
alternative acoustic
Loudmouth Soup: Skydiver / Narcolepsy
Loudmouth Soup have long memories and some skill in their five-piece band. Here are two catchy pop songs of some quality.