Search for vocal sounds performed on Thursday, 8th January 2009.
vocal sounds
We found the term vocal sounds in 278 articles.
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.
Various Artists: Sounds of the Rhubarb Triangle
Whilst the 'Rhubarb Triangle' historically describes that polygonaceae-rich patch of land between Wakefield, Rothwell and Morley, I suspect that this compilation celebrates the musical output of the first-named metropolitan outpost.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'More' starts off with a nice lazy beat, a bit of jangly guitar and then in comes Peter Bott with the vocals.
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.
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.
The first thing I notice about this track is that it has the same name as a great Feeder album track.
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.
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.
alternative acoustic
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.
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.
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.
The Masked Musician: Perfectionist Being
The Masked Musician is a Leeds based solo artist responsible for everything from writing to producing the songs.
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.
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.
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.
The Dance To The Radio stable this week wheeled out their latest offering in the form of Voltage Union, and with such stable-mates as Forward Russia and The Pigeon Detectives I was excited and eager to sample the label's latest release.
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!
King Creosote: Home in a Sentence
Upon uploading this CD to my iTunes library I was bemused to see the track entitled as 'The Track of My Tears' by 'Jimmie's Chicken Shack'.
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.
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.
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.
Sidearm are an ambitious and adventurous bunch. This idea-rammed CD of three songs shouts out "gi's a gig!" in a loud and convincing voice.
Schadenfreude. I bet The Nearly Men do this a lot. To put it quite frankly, there's a hell of a lot of bands out there that are not fit to lick these talented bastards' shoes.
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.
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.
LaRusso: My Indecision Is Final
Self recorded and self produced eh? Usually sounds like a recipe for disaster amongst local bands. Well, not this time, I suggest everyone ships out to Casa La Russo and asks them to work their magic on their own records.
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.
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.
For several years now we have been listening to records from Constellation, Fat Cat, or Temporary Residence in which slow burning harmonic shifts and crystal guitar sounds conjur up dreams of a cleaner and better world - even in the grimiest venues and the most broken down cities.
"Five men, a large number of instruments" proclaims the press release accompanying Xi's latest magnum opus, the three track EP "Low".
Receiving an EP from a band that lists influences ranging from Radiohead to Jeff Buckley to Nirvana, I had no idea what would greet me when I started listening.
Joan of Arc: In Rape Fantasy & Terror Sex We Trust
Joan of Arc's Tim Kinsella is one of those multiple-attached US artists who can sneak into the Leeds Fenton one May evening, en route from Paris to Dortmund via Glasgow and Manchester, and maybe 100 people know.
"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.
folk country
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 first-floor room at Milo's is, under normal circumstances, easily missed. You may have passed it en route to the facilities, but normally you'd be loafing around downstairs thinking that the (admittedly consistent) bar soundtrack was about as much aural stimulus as you'd require for an evening's drinking-cum-socializing.
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.
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".
Ah the theremin. Not since 'Good Vibrations' have I heard such magnificent use of the instrument. Opening track on this four track EP, and aptly enough the title track, 'Dandelion' thumps along with its array of kitsch 1960s instruments, its sleazy guitar riff and its myriad of churning organs, booming drums and a vocalist that sounds suspiciously like Jason Pierce.
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.
"Lonely" imbeds itself in my head immediately. Unfortunately it's because it has the worst guitar lick ever.
Stars Of Track & Field: Not Here To Shop
Having spent the last three years in Carlisle (at University) I watched the development of a local band by the name of Stars Of Track & Field.
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.
It's very hard to describe this album. Mainly because it is a hybrid of so many different genres, it's almost impossible to pin it down.
Sticking close to the original version by Massive Attack, this cover of the 1998 hit has Faulkner performing impressive percussive moves.
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!
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.
Viva Stereo: Optimism is Not a Curse
Yet more testament in the case against the well oiled machine that is the UK music industry and its super efficient scouting system.
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.
Dot Allison is famous for something or other. Afterglow it was called. She's got a self-produced album out called "we are Science" and she's label mates with Parva, Gorky and Saint Etienne.
Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins: You Are What You Love
'You Are What You Love': a beautifully heart-rending account of a life in which the persona of the song is in a strange sorta love with the wrong sorta guy.
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".
"Foot in Mouth" is a fine pop tune with a relentless four to the bar disco floor slapping whump of a beat-box noise.
Hailing from Detroit, Deadstring Brothers have delivered a fine album worth of songs that evoke thoughts of 'Exile On Main Street'.
What is there not to like about this trio of lads from Donny? Signed to the infamous Dance To The Radio label here is the first release by the band on 7" vinyl, an old school fashion which is coming back and making every trendy indie kid go out and get a gramophone.
Wrestling Jacob: The Darkened Glass EP
Hmmmm... too much of this smacks of the one genre that strikes fear into the most hardened music fan, Christian Rock.
"Rico sounds like the bastard child of Tom Waits and Kurt Cobain" - Q Magazine. You gotta love Q, once the epitome of cool, now an absolute joke.
The New Shapes: There's No Escaping You
It's strange to think that Mersey beat was the sound of the youth in the early 60s when today it sounds so restrained and unthreatening.
After the cool sounds of a local DJ stop floating around the packed Cockpit, a percussive wall of noise slowly builds up from the back of the crowd.
Mother Vulpine: Keep Your Wits Sharp
Like a musical energy drink pumped full of sugar and caffeine, Mother Vulpine rattle around these 2 songs like they are being shaken around in a box by some giant hands.
This is such a good idea, and such a good CD that everyone should know about it. Xi have self-produced a three track demo CD that shows exactly where the band have got to after four years of steady graft and four drummers.
Funk? That's the question isn't it!? Why funk? Is there something in the genes of white 16-18 year-olds, who when forming a non-"rock" band makes them think "I know, funk"?
I regret to say that last night's show at Joseph's Well was possibly the most unsatisfying one I have seen so far.
In World War II the average age of the combat soldier was 21, In Vietnam he was 19... ok it had to be done, of course this isn't a cover of the Paul Hardcastle's pop classic but part of ¡Forward, Russia!'s continuing plan to bring Numberwang to the masses.
Red Bee Society: When We Talk of Horses
Every so often a band comes out of nowhere and punches you in the kidneys before ripping out your heart and then skipping off down the pub laughing.
Last Night's TV: Better Than That
This CD was a challenge to me as I am not used to reviewing acoustic material but I thought I would give it a go.
This demo from Leeds based "groove-metallers" ChasinJade kicks off with 'Kiss The World Goodbye.' This track features an impressive high of pounding drums, raw, live-sounding riffs and screamo vocals, proving right from the start that ChasinJade can deliver the goods when it comes to professional-sounding metalcore.
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.
Colin Mounsey: The Panda and Piano EP
Colin Mounsey is clearly undaunted by challenging trends and preconceived ideas about what songs should and shouldn't reside together on a record.
With his 2004 solo debut "Homesongs", ex Four Tet member Adem Ilhan managed to break the hardest of hearts with his folk quivering and breathy songs that sounded so fragile at times it was hard not to fall in love with.
Last Night's TV: Nice to Have a History
Spencer Bayles and company have taken a big leap forward with this richly-produced single. Main song "Nice to Have a History" has a haunting tune and a warmer range of sounds than the customary Last Night's TV signature.
The Go! Team: Grip Like A Vice
Since bursting onto the scene in 2004 with Mercury Prize nominated debut album 'Thunder Lightning Strike', The Go!
I wasn't sure if it was because I'd just seen the picture that came in the CD sleeve that I thought this music sounded really sexy.
The idea behind mentioning Sigur Ros in the first line of their bio, was probably a vague effort on the part of Fell City Girl's PR team to try and draw off the inevitable tide of comparisons heading their way.
This sounds a bit like acoustic-folk versions of stadium rock songs. Fat choruses sit amongst some delicate arrangements of piano and guitar.
The Ladykillers: The Stars Of A Teenage Wet Dream
Having been exposed to The Ladykillers' live experience - and to be honest, not being overly impressed - I nervously accepted a request for a review of "The Stars Of A Teenage Wet Dream", their latest CD.
The Big Blue: A Small Drop In The Ocean
Summer is here. It's a beautiful Wednesday morning so naturally I am sat indoors playing Pro Evolution Soccer 5 - the "international cup" [come on EA hand over the licence] quarter final against Brazil.
"We're in for a treat here," was my first thought when glimpsing this rather professional looking, although homemade, I'm assured, CD.
Ahhhh, fuck. What the hell is that? After a few seconds of silence I was tempted to increase the volume on my speakers, little did I know that this was not a wise idea; the next thirty seconds were to be taken up with some chaotic, distorted and loud effects.
Milf are a three-piece Bradford band and have been plying their trade for over 4 years now, since they were 14, and bring us a truly fantastic four-track EP.
Having witnessed their insane live show, it's a good feeling to know that Animal Collective don't disappoint on CD.
Palo Alto is a city in west California known for its electronics industry. It has got together as a huge band of 55,000 members, elected Elaine as their lead singer, signed to Valentine Records and produced "Wades into Water" its second release on said label.
Johnson House @ Hard Rock Cafe
Johnson House?... who the hell are Johnson House you may ask. Well, not a band that blow their own trumpets, not a band you will be reading about every week on the LMS message board - or even in YEP.
Broadcast 2000: Building Blocks
I'll begin this review by thanking Broadcast 2000. This CD is like a breath of fresh air and perfect for chilling out and laying back.
Hearing the news that you've been asked to review a demo from a local acoustic singer/songwriter is enough to send shivers down the spine of even the hardiest of writer.
From Autumn To Ashes @ Joseph's Well
As a way of celebrating some monumental Birthday, the city of Leeds has taken it upon itself to throw a massive party, and invite loads of bands from around the globe to join in.
Having been brought up listening to all the 60's and 70's hippy-mod bands, it was a real treat to be sent this CD, all I can say is these guys have some talent between them, and a very decent producer.
r'n'b jazz
This CD is bloody amazing! I was given this when we had just played a storming set at Josephs Well. I had the original "Wow Signal" EP from VISA, which I acquired from the Blue Star gig a couple of months ago.
i concur @ Leeds Festival 2008
i concur's focussed songwriting and euphoric guitar sounds set them apart. They go to no great lengths to present themselves as individuals or as a band on stage.
Farming Incident: Our Glorious Five Year Plan
The black sheep of the Wrath Records family, Farming Incident have been ploughing (ouch) their trade in these fields, as it says on the tin, for five years or so.
Ludwig sound somewhere between Orbital, Boards of Canada, and, well, the rest of the Warp back catalogue to be honest.
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.
Charlotte Hatherley: I Want You To Know
Ash albums were always a right old mess - tracks were either totally poptastic gems or just plain shit.
Getting around to reviewing the four-track CD from Mozer - not to be mistaken with Mozzer... "We're not a Morrissey tribute band" - has been brought to the fore in the last few days due to dialogue with former Seahorses drummer, Andy Watts.
Dan Glendining is a song writer and musician whose previous band Headswim made a little progress into the national consciousness during the 90s.
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".
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.
They say that in every decade, there was some great music. It just takes us time to realise it. It took the 1980's years to recover from synthesiser pop which, was rebuked for its mechanical, recapitulatory ideals at the behest of the mainstream.
Nathaniel Green @ Joseph's Well
This New Years treat sponsored by Bombed Out Records filled the well for a day with 11 rockin bands. Non-stop good music at Leeds/Britain's favourite venue (tests have proved) where the beer flows like, er, wine?
Parisman: Responsible for Everything EP
Parisman's "Responsible for Everything" EP starts in a blaze of unabashed Geetar Rock-disco synthesiser fusion.
With a name that sounds like a computer game, York's Red:shift are politically and poetically minded post-punk rockers.
It's impressive! - there have not been a straighter set of pub rock songs committed to record for a considerable time.
An exciting mix of European promise. There should be more of this available in the shops. Creating polyrhythmic grooves, to fantastic effect every up and coming musician should study the scrupulousness in this tribal chant.
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.
Fury of the Headteachers: You Took a Scythe Home
Fury of the Headteachers have come up with a unique style of punk music. It's hard, full of aggression and passion, but they never lose their sense of purpose.
The Charlatans: Up At The Lake
The first song on this album is the title track. It rocks and stomps, demanding volume. Burgess blends his natural voice, with the falsetto style he adopted on the 'Wonderland' album.
With recent single "Further" catching the attention of ears across the nation Longview could be on their way to becoming the NME's latest darlings.
Kanuba are the fretboard funkateers looking to put the pork into York and the groove into West Yorkshire with their latest EP release.
The Search Map: Tiny Victories EP
Hearing genuinely talented musicians for the first time is something that I experience very rarely. The Tiny Victories EP by The Search Map gave me one such experience.
Subtle are a 6 piece collective from San Francisco and are formed around two core members known as Doseone (one of the founding members of hip-hop label Anticon) and Jel.
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.
The High Chairs: Second Thoughts On Dreams And Doubts EP
The High Chairs are taking on that increasingly daunting task of getting their name around as another unsigned indie band in Leeds.
Manchester DJ team Future Cut (Iyiola Babalola and Darren Lewis) and singer Jenna G. make up the Un-cut big sales pursuit squad.
Damien Rice's debut album 'O' saw him reach a great success, and as a result of this I couldn't wait to get my hands on '9' to find out what the Irish singer/songwriter had been doing for the past four years.
The Glitterati @ Joseph's Well
I was too late for tonight's openers - I arrive and they say "thank you and good night" - just too late.
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.
I bet Thee Virus House really get annoyed all the time with people printing their name The Virus House, because yes that wasn't a spelling mistake or typo, they are Thee Virus House.
Northern Theremonic @ Royal Park Cellars
I came tonight for only the second time to the Royal Park pub and I was indeed a Panama Virgin. I had heard good things about Steve Kind and his nights and was eager to find out if they were true.
The opening guitar induces a wince, the shaky drumbeat turns the wince into a grimace and as the vocals come in teeth grind until there's nothing but flesh.
Stylus are a heavy rock band from Cleckheaton. Their three track demo is available for download from the music section of their website.
Grannys4skin: Inventing The Pildo EP
With their abrasive, cartoonish vocals and shock-tactic lyrics, Grannys4Skin aren't going to be to everyone's taste.
The second night of the reborn It's Gone Ballistic, the weekly local band showcase taking place at the Rocket Venue on a Tuesday night saw a male-female split.
I can't believe how impressed I am with this CD. And not only do I get to listen to some cracking songs - and I mean cracking - I get a whole album of them through the post, a ten-track album I'd pay good money for.
Imogen Heap: Speak For Yourself
Imogen Heap is, according to the Guardian, "the first download diva", views of her Myspace and downloads of the music seem to make her bigger than the Beatles.
Shout Out Louds: Our Ill Wills
Back in 2005 Shout Out Louds released their debut album 'Howl Howl Gaff Gaff' which I was a big fan of.
This is essentially a standard 4-track demo, albeit a topsy turvey one. Two of the best tracks from the band's debut album A Song For Gill and 2 sneak previews from the forthcoming album Loved And Lost due out in the very near future.
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.
My first review for the site was really over indulgent in length, so I'll try to keep this one as short as possible.
The Wooden Spoons: Tales of the Professional EP
The Wooden Spoons are made up of identical twins with an ear (or four) for lush melodies and the gift of good storytelling.
Daryl Palumbo (formerly of Glassjaw) returns with his new band's second full length album after 2004's strong, if rather inconsistent, debut effort Decadence.
If I Were King are a six-piece group hailing from Halifax and Huddersfield who formed in 2004. Radio One recently commented that the band 'combine three-part vocal harmonies, dynamic guitars, keyboards, violin, bass and drums to create intriguing pop sensibilities'.
Scott Matthews: Passing Stranger
As contradictory as it sounds, 'Passing Stranger' is an album as worldly as it is firmly rooted to classic folk.
My Morning Jacket: Sweatbees EP
Ok, lets get it out of the way. The Flaming Lips. There, I said it. It's something My Morning Jacket are going to have to live with; people will always make comparisons.
Town. Okay. Everyone knows where town is right? That's a good place to start. Now, make your way up to Park Row.
The Psychedelic Breakfast: Untitled
Based in Newcastle, the Psychedelic Breakfast are wisely attempting to spread their wings outside their native city.
Despite all the bad press, Gay Dad still have the songs you can spin your gran round to. So, it was somewhat surprising to see the size of the crowd that had made the uphill trip to the Carling stage from the main arena.
The Futureheads @ The Refectory
Four blokes in a band with a passion for making a clever arty punk racket grace the stage tonight in a triumphant manner.
Eggs in one basket time - quite simply Nightmare Of You are going to be the biggest thing in rock come 2007.
Jeff Klein: Everybody Loves A Winner
After around Europe with One Little Indian label mate Jesse Malin, this is Jeff Klein's first UK release.
A half-filled room welcomed London-based three-piece The Primms onto the stage. Having heard the quite average two-track "Do You Know The Future?" EP (released on Destabilize Records), my hopes were less than high, and, unfortunately, the same blandness and mediocrity of their recordings was evident in The Primms' live set.
According to their press release, the three members of Seed are only 16. Blimey. At such a young age, it's fair to say that they have plenty of potential.
Although all of tonight's bands are relatively young, its safe to say that when Saving Lenny take to the stage and begin their first song, they're the pick of the bunch.
Fell City Girl boast drama. And I mean drama. The kind of textured melodies reminiscent of some obscure New Zealand pop exercise by the name of The Veils.
Anti-Flag are a 5-piece melodic punk band from Pennsylvania, USA. As their name suggests they are a band with some deep-rooted political ideals.
I always deem it wise to respect an artist's decision to go solo (rather than ask questions) and especially those who then decide to produce a solo album, all that despair, loss; love and heartbreak in one album must surely be an intense experience to put yourself through?
Various Artists: Chocolate Fireguard presents... Interesting Flavours
If, like me, you're sick and tired of the tedious monotony of modern rap and hip hop music, then you'll probably like to know about this CD.
Third solo album for Kelli Ali, who must get sooo tired of only being known as the former singer for Sneaker Pimps (you know, 'Six Underground', you've probably got it somewhere), it must be a mixed blessing that since being asked to leave over 10 years ago neither party has been best known for their chart bothering.
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 Psychedelic Breakfast: s/t
The Pyschedelic Breakfast charge in where most would fear to tread. They have a very rough grasp of the way that some of the Los Angeles/San Franciso musics sounded nearly 40 years ago, and the sleeve displays a fancy dress appreciation of the basic visual elements of hippy chic.
It's hard to put a finger on it, but whatever it is, Jonjo Feather has it, and he's got it in spades.
This Black Velvetine's latest release, the three track EP "Goodbye" reeks of all things sleaze, snot and debauched rock.
Ryan Spendlove is name to watch. He has a pretty face, a sharp-tongued soulful voice and the kind of snarly delivery that every generation likes to call its own.
What once was Parva is now The Kaiser Chiefs. With a brand new set and a brand new sound the band introduce their new selves to us with "Less Is More".
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.
Well to say it's my first gig of the year, it's a packed Mixing Tin, and how impressed was I this evening - VERY!
Lauren Harris: Calm Before The Storm
'Calm Before The Storm' is that most frustrating of things: an album lavished with effort, polished to within an inch of its life, and with an army of people contributing to each track (five people have a hand in 'Let Us Be') and yet, it's difficult to get excited about this album.
Jack Peat is a fairy. He used to be the drummer in Kram but as they were offered a record contract for one single he bottled out and wanted to focus on University.
After already being one up on the fact I had seen these girls perform all these tracks live, whilst supporting The Almighty in Sheffield, I was interested to see how well it sounded on more produced level because their set was pretty bloody good.
Sounding like coffee table jazz funk, but with a rougher Tom Waits on vocals, Seven Hours are a bit of a mixed bunch.
Various Artists: Valentine Records Sampler
As the inlays states this represents a "12 month rollercoaster of learning curves, guitar bashing, synth-thrashing and a 'no safety net' approach" and as with any rollercoaster there are some high and low moments throughout this 10 track offering from one of the countries most promising independents.
Two support bands. Why? Why oh fucking why? Maybe I need clarification, but I thought the whole point of a support band was to warm up the crowd for the main event, not take away all the time from them?
Stars Of The Lid @ Holy Trinity Church
What better venue for an evening of ambient music that Holy Trinity Church? Though it may not have the best sound for a concert in Leeds I would doubt anybody's claim for a venue with better ambience.
L-shaped karaoke joint, The Vine, is the place to showcase bands without stroking their egos or firing them into major limelight.
I've been harbouring a prejudice for a long time now. To me, there is something innately distrustful about underground/unsigned bands who have that polished sheen of 9-5s spent in the rehearsal room about them.
The first wave of dance punk hit these shores in 2003. Flown in from New York in the wake of The Strokes, Interpol and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, it was depicted in typical NME fashion as the latest in a long line of movements to descend from the heavens and alter the course of music history.
When faced with the prospect of the unknown I was hesitant on how I would find this album, having no experience of Alabama 3 I had no idea what to expect.
I have to start by saying that this sort of music is not my usual cup of tea, so I was very dubious about going but finally got talked into it, as few mates of mine were going to be performing.
The 'Well' quickly filled up with sweat, a good turn out. Pat on the back for everyone that turned up, especially the few sporting spiked Mohican's.
If plugged-in acoustic is about Tone and Feel as well as Volume, the rate of exchange can be a bit mean over how much V you have to accept for a bit of T and F. But in spite of the acoustic being electro-fortified for a small audience in a quiet venue, the Faversham's Sunday Session was good place to be, on an evening alluringly heralded by a poster comparing two young Leeds entertainers to Joan Baez and Leon Russell.
When a band includes ex members of Guns and Roses and the singer from Stone Temple Pilots it is impossible not to draw comparisons between those bands and the new one those members have formed Velvet Revolver.
It doesn't seem all that long ago that you would see a Kaiser Chief every week, most often behind a bar.
I arrived at the Mixing Tin just as Bracken were starting their set. Coming down the stairs I could already feel the Anticon associated bass thrumming up to meet me.
Clarkesville: The Last Chapter
A drop of rain was the final ingredient for propelling Travis into the major league of the UK's recording artists.
On our breaks at work we like to play a game. This is known as the 'mini challenge', where the first person to spot a mini in the packed supermarket car park wins.
The Scaramanga Six: Strike! Up the Band
Strike! Up the Band is a monster. The 13 songs, the two videos and the SIX SIX SIX count-in absolutely guarantee one hell of a good mood.
In truth I know nothing about the contemporary black music scene. I'm a stranger and lost with no bearings.
The Royal Park Cellars is a fine venue: a PA and sound engineer that rival Joseph's Well, great lighting effects and its own bar.
Motion City Soundtrack: Even If It Kills Me
There's been what some might justifiably call a pop-punk revolution, or revival, in certain circles since the end of the 90s - especially exposed to this are American four or five piece bands, most of which induce huge fissures between the believing faction and the less convinced audience.
As I'm standing about by the bar Ormondroyd wander around on stage checking instruments and wires, trying not to look too conspicuous as people like me stare at them.
Leeds Music Scene and Wintermute have a gossip about the new "Fun With Wizard Stencils" EP, managing along the way to incorporate some obligatory wizard magic.
Unexploded Shells: Made In The Same City As You
It's been a lean time for music lately. I've been impressed by stuff, but hardly bowled over at the same time.
Having arrived at the Well a bit late, I arrived to see the end of the first act, a duo performing what I'd probably call the most traditional set of the evening.
Chicken Legs Weaver: Street Cleaner EP
Royal Park Cellars' favourite Sheffield band Chicken Legs Weaver are unfeasibly good. Doing research on the band I have turned up virtually nothing.
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.
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.
Optimus Prhyme @ Joseph's Well
SWAMP DONKEY opened tonight's bill at Josephs Well. Two things that grabbed me about this band were the cool graininess to the singer's voice and the fact that they weren't that tight.
The Packhorse is one strange venue. The gigs are held upstairs in the attic right out of the way and it almost feels as though it's a secret club only a few know about.
"It all kicks off around half past eight," Buen Chico's manager tells us as we stroll into the Met at the specified start time of seven o'clock.
Ryan Shirlow and the Bloody Marys @ Fibbers (York)
I'm starting to feel like a York correspondent for LMS as I stroll down to Fibbers to catch one of Leeds' most talked about bands of the moment.
Funkal Infection @ Highwood Hotel
A night of much in the way of atmosphere and possibly even musical talent and ability was delivered this weekend at the Highwood.
Some time ago, March to be exact, I happened upon a band at Joseph's Well. That band was the Anti-depressants, and after being treated to the promise and potential of an all too short set, I have tried to keep an eye out for them.
Elle Milano: Acres of Dead Space Cadets
Irony is a lot like ironing, and more than just linguistically. You can look pretty darn smart if you can pull off either, but it's oh-so easy to botch up.
I've always liked The Primrose as one of Leeds' smaller music venues and I have always managed to catch some good bands there, tonight was no exception.
Rilo Kiley: Under The Blacklight
July 2nd 2007: Rilo Kiley's latest single 'The Moneymaker' hits the internet, and all hell breaks loose; it's like the indie apocalypse - who knew fans of America's cutest band could be quite so vicious?
City And Colour @ Brudenell Social Club
City And Colour are a curious act to find in a place like this. To think that a member of an internationally renowned screamo outfit would bring his solo acoustic tour to the Brudenell sounds absolutely ludicrous.
Johnny Foreigner: Waited Up 'Til It Was Light
Johnny Foreigner are a strange band in that they have consistently got great reviews including a 10/10 for their debut EP 'Arcs Across The City' on Drowned For Sound and an 8/10 for this their debut album from NME, yet they still remain an unknown quantity outside of their hardcore followers and have received little hype compared to what a lot of other new bands have.
Ethan and Nathan Dickens, Stuart Morrison , Rob Soulsby and Tom Francis: Fierce Panda's latest punt into the unknown.
funk soul acid jazz
Mmmmm it's a bit nippy out! So I took the car, unfortunately the heater took so long to get going I was still cold (going blue actually) when I arrived.
Do you ever find yourself boasting to chums about the time you saw some bloated stadium-fillers back in the day when they were bottom of the bill at Joseph's Well?
Interview: All My Friends Are Dead
Gavin Miller speaks with Leeds' newest post-rock prodigies All My Friends Are Dead
Sam Robson catches up with Leeds five-piece Vib Gyor following the release of new EP "The Stalker"
Organized by Eddy of Collective Management, tonight's "Annihilation night" gig at the Fenton promised to showcase some of the top metal talent from the local area, as well as one band from further afield.
Sounding like a hybrid of The La's accompanied by Beach Boys-esque style vocals The Restaurant open a mixed evening at the Vine in terms of style and quality.
Sonus are a tight guitar based three-piece I have not yet heard before. They seem to feed off each other well, and enjoy being on stage (small as it is at the packhorse).
Djevara: Third World War: Cast the First Stone
"Third World War", an opening track that explodes in your face, waltzes its way through a world of emotions, and politely passes you onto track two "The Death Of Cliff Richard".
Prior to tonight, I'd heard approximately three Saosin songs, and to be honest didn't have a clue who was supporting them.
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.
With the opening band, Glasgow's My Latest Novel, seemingly bent on provoking irritation, it was beginning to look like it could be a long night.
Instant Species: The Longer You Leave It, The Louder It Gets...
Lured by some professional quality graphics I bought Instant Species' "Home Alone" CD last year. I ended up a bit disappointed by what I thought of at the time as bleak plodding music.
Spring have a smooth rock style that has not been much heard in the last twenty five years. Punk - first from America and then in its nastier English variant made it as good as compulsory to throw some tasty venom into each and every musical cake you could bake.
Various Artists: No One Gets Out Alive
I don't profess to like metal or hardcore or any of that dark, hairy, sweaty stodge so I view this as an experiment.
Patrick Wolf: The Magic Position
"They send you off to hell in gasoline drawers and say 'Hey, while you're there, could you bring me back a chicken chow mein?'" Not one of mine, sadly, but of the eminently quotable Tom Waits.
Paul Hawkins & Thee Awkward Silences: We Are Not Other People
'Unexpected Error' makes no effort to ease the listener into the weird and wonderful world of Paul Hawkins & Thee Awkward Silences, as it opens with a blaring, Atari-esque sound effect that'll make you wonder whether this is, in fact, a comedy album.
This Days Fury: Nineteen Days To Die
Recently, while looking for my inner soul, I got lost and ended up at an emo cult membership party. I spotted a pale young girl staring blankly out of the window.
Various Artists: The Spills / Piskie Sits - split single
'Ghost of The Day' gets off to a shaky start, with front man Slater slurring his vocals over the sound of a single chord being plucked over and over again.
Ojos de Brujo, or wizard eyes in English, are one of the most important bands on the world music scene bridging the gaps between genres in ways mainstream artists can only dream of.
Lightspeed Champion @ St George's Hall (Bradford)
BD1 Live seem incapable of putting a foot wrong. This conglomeration of some of Bradford's busiest and brightest promoters and general musos has consistently bashed out successful night after successful night, and there's no uncertainty over what exactly to expect.
On an evening as hot as this, being stuck in a bustling gig is not a hugely appealing prospect. Passing out from over-heating - which, as soon as you walk in to the Cockpit, does seem likely or even perhaps inevitable - really doesn't strike me as much fun either, but this gig is certainly one worth suffering for.
It's another night down at the Well and tonight we're in the presence of some nice ol' dirty rock. The night kicks off with Tricky Nixon.
Ahh, the rigour of That Fucking Tank's riff-ravaged post rock is quite a detachment from the banality of everyday life.
A prolific indie band and a back-to-basics set from a folk-rock band interspersed with poems sung by a rather quirky young man to backing tracks on an iPod were always going to make for an extremely odd gig experience.
After such a packed night on Tuesday, it was a bump back down to Earth tonight with a much smaller crowd who'd come to see four very different bands, none of which I'd seen before, so I looked forward to each one.
It is often said that 'genius steals', however he was usually 'round mi girlfriends' at the time and has ten or fifteen people willing to testify that he's 'a good boy, always in church on Sundays and would never steal so much as a middle-eight'.
Various Artists: Attack!!!! Issue 9
Every track on Attack!!!! 9 is inspired by a piece of Dutch prose published in the previous issue of the accompanying Attack!!!!
I didn't have a clue who the support was going to be this evening, so I eagerly awaited the arrival of the support band: Captain.
A cold, dark and blustery Monday night in Leeds must have seemed like a million miles from Portland, Oregon but The Thermals did everything in their power to warm it up and a half full Joseph's Well was certainly appreciative.
LCD Soundsystem: Sound of Silver
James Murphy is a man who owns lots of records, and judging by the influences present on Sound of Silver, it's clear to see that not only of the size of his record collection is enormous, the quality of it is too.
International Trust @ Brudenell Social Club
I'm a prat. Got my times muddled and missed out on opening band Chops. Oops. I hear they were stupid but great, so that's that one hastily out of the way.
I'd never been to basement before as I kind of think of it as out of the way, and not somewhere I really want to walk at night, but I saw the note asking for a reviewer, realized it was going to be an electronica based night and then got told I could get into the club afterwards for free, once I had paid for the gig - SOLD!
"When you're on, yeah you're really fuckin' on!" yells the diminutive Jenny Lewis, singer and guitarist for Rilo Kiley, an odd looking bunch of misfits from the stable of Saddle Creek, the label started by one Conor Oberst and pals.
Send More Paramedics @ Cockpit
That tonight's event is rammed to capacity and is being held in the larger of the venue's two rooms, only demonstrates how well respected Send More Paramedics are around these parts.
Arctic Monkeys: Who the Fuck Are Arctic Monkeys EP
How many million sales exactly? It beggars belief, it really does. Sorry to break yer suit jacket and jeans-wearing hearts kids, but it's time someone said the truth about this - the Arctic Monkeys are simply Not Very Good.
I arrived at The Vine late to see there was a change to the original line-up for the night. Wakefield three-piece Soberskin had conceded their slot third on the bill to open the night.
Tindersticks: Waiting For The Moon
Tindersticks are one of the UK's most talented, and rather unfortunately, overlooked bands of the past 10 years or so, and 'Waiting For The Moon', their latest LP, should go a long way to help give the band the attention they deserve.
The Adventures of Loki: Feminine Side
I don't write reviews. I've rarely felt moved enough to bother taking the time to do it, and I categorically do not do pannings.
Clint Boon Experience @ Cockpit
Tonights support came from the Fuzz Light Years - their name sounding like it might promise Super Furry Animalesque psychedelia.
Various Artists: Digital Northerner III
If you procure Digital Northerner in the expectation of the latest bleepy electro-pop from the north of England then you're in for something of a shock.
The upstairs room at the Cardigan Arms is a perfect place for an acoustic gig. With its small, dark room, the atmosphere is made even better by the dozen or so candles that are situated around the room, creating a very intimate feel to the whole place.
I am loving the whole boy/girl vocal trend that seems to be kicking off at the moment. The Subways, Young Heart Attack, The Raveonettes all get the thumbs up from me for proving that rock 'n' roll is not gendered.
Uiscedwr @ Commercial (Cleckheaton)
There aren't many indications Cleckheaton is the place to be. Five minutes from Leeds on the westbound M62, the town sits unsignposted beside junction 26, where the distant Bronte zone and none-too-close Salt's Mill are announced.
The first band to be showcased were York-based Kanuba, a fresh-faced quartet whose funk-rock billing doesn't really reflect their versatility and ability to cause a stir with some heavy beats and bass lines.
The world is undoubtedly a better, not to mention considerably more interesting place with The Butterfly in it.
Upon recent visits to The Vine I must admit to being impressed by the seemingly more coherent approach taken to choosing the line-ups for nights, with what appears to be more consideration given to how compatible bands are both in terms of their musical style and fanbase.
The Scaramanga Six @ Joseph's Well
Review featured with permission from www.whisperinandhollerin.com Wrath Records are a new label in Leeds, based around 4 bands who have a lot in common.
She's Not Dead: Together We Are Strangers
Once upon a time (last July) in a land (not so very) far, far away (Manchester Piccadilly train station), two of my best and loveliest cohorts, Catie and Morena, and I stumbled across two male figures patiently sitting on the same lonely platform as ourselves.
Drifting, as they do, in a special dimension of their own, Galitza pulsate on a separate cycle to the ones we can normally understand.
After a week of assaulting the laser on my overworked CD player and my wife's ears through demo offerings from both these bands, I knew, before even walking through the Vine door this was going to be a fantastic showcase.
Tupamaros @ Royal Park Cellars
First - an apology to NONE OF THEM KNEW THEY WERE ROBOTS - as I trotted down the steps of The Cellars for this my first "Collective AKA" night, I heard the final chord of their set and saw the singer lie down on the stage.
Another month, another Blue Star Music showcase and top of tonight's show are INSTANT SPECIES. You can never be too sure where these guys are coming from.
Guitarist with Icelandic rockers Mínus (pronounced "Meenush") Frosti, has an informal chat with Gavin Miller about touring, singing songs in English and why Iceland is the hip place to be nowadays...
Firstly I would like to begin by giving the woman on the end of the West Yorkshire Metro enquiries line a beating with a stick for knowing nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, about how to get anywhere in Leeds and particularly anywhere involving bus routes 51, 51a, 52, 52a, 53, 56, 74 and 95.
The Scaramanga Six: Cabin Fever
"Glad you all could join me, on another pointless journey". So begins the 2nd album proper of Wrath's finest premium export The Scaramanga Six.
Tonight may be billed as 'Forest of Sound Vs Gizeh Records', but the musically complementary and socially affable dynamic between the two rooms, and quite literal musical-chairs of collaboration going on in the Packhorse, negate any connotations of rivalry.
Pretty Girls Make Graves @ Joseph's Well
This a belated review, for the simple fact I have been away in Edinburgh, breathing in clean Lothian air and sampling many types of whiskey since Tuesday, and amidst my general binging found no time to write the piece coherently.
Even if he is unable to attend - by dint of incarceration, far-flung vacation or other indisposition - the embedded chronological awareness of any Leeds gig-goer will tell him at this juncture (6pm on the first Friday of the month) that he should be nestling within the subterranean catacombs of the Hi-Fi Club.
The Summerfield @ Joseph's Well
The room downstairs at Joseph's Well had been taken over by tables and chairs and subtle candlelight.
Leeds' local punk, emo and ska promoters Strikepunks put on a veritable banquet of emo hardcore deliciousness this Friday, as the Cardigan Arms played host to four hot new bands playing the circuit for nothing more than that which is the greatest love of all, that wonderful love of music...
"Left foot, motion! Right foot, stand still! I don't need these words!" No, you do not, Sam Robson. You do these things with your legs involuntarily, as though possessed by a more sexually-frustrated John Travolta, only sporting a more scruffy nature of clothing, jeans dripping with condensation, an explosion of hair being thrown around your noggin.
Badly Drawn Boy: Have You Fed the Fish
Badly Drawn Boy's "Have You Fed the Fish" (AKA All Possibilities) is a recording project devoted to two questions: "who is Damon Gough?", and "how can he survive as an aspiring artist in 2002?".
In all the years of being a fan this was the first time I saw Marc 'live'. I had seen former associates of his from Vicious Pink some time back.
Andy Roberts heads round to The Somatics' house for a cuppa and a chinwag about their debut platter, local themes canal spotting and how prog will be cool once they release their new album...
Bands old and new played to an expectant Warehouse on Sunday, as legendary rock gig 'The Valley' resurrected itself from the ashes.
Truvine @ Tut'n'Shive (Wakefield)
So this is the location for Wakefield's newest acoustic night (featuring two non-acoustic bands tonight, just for the hell of it).
The Sunshine Underground @ Faversham
Maybe it was the prospect of seven hundred ("Seven hundred??!") people squishing like marinaded sardines into the Faversham with such proximity that all sorts of potentially frisky things could happen; maybe it was the atmospheric buzz zipping about visibly like an electric-blue bolt of lightning over an array of extravagantly-varied haircuts; or maybe it was the range of world beers on offer but, whichever way, The Fourth Festival Of Nasty proved to be one stonking, stamping, stage-invading beast of an event with antlers Pan himself would have been proud of pronged firmly up its derrière.
Before I start I'd just like to say that I've eaten the nicest tea I've had in ages tonight. It was a stir-fry.
Youthmovie Soundtrack Strategies @ Leeds Festival 2005
"Hello, we've got a wake-up call for a Mr. Ramsden here. Yes, a bunch of tracksuit wearing oiks are waiting for you on the main stage, they said something about your mother looking for a pianist?".
Part One of a two-part interview with Leeds band Chichino, who are set to release their new single "It Could Happen To You"