Runaround Kids/ IMP @ Nation of Shopkeepers, Leeds 11th April 2012

Runaround Kids/ IMP @

Nation of Shopkeepers, Leeds

11^th April 2012

Who likes free stuff, I can hear the child in you screaming me, me, me. Everyone does don’t they, it is even better when you get something for free that you think you should of paid for. That is what this particular gig felt like, probably not just for me, but also for the majority of people in the place.

IMPS took to the stage, and were infectious within the opening chords. Nation of shopkeepers is a small stage, so for a 5 piece band to fit on was quite an achievement. Each song is foot tapping, head nodingly good. This was my first time seeing the band live, and it will certainly not be the last.  

This was the Runaround Kids headline show, and what a show it was. Bouncing onto stage even though two of the members were playing in the previous support bands, fatigue was certainly not going to stop this trio. Song after song was outstanding, a band that show this amount of chemistry on stage, are certainly going to get far, but then we wouldn’t get these lovely free gigs for free if they did. During the songs when I was not engrossed in what I was seeing, I saw that the majority of the people knew the songs that they were singing, surely a sign of a bloody good band. I would have certainly paid to see this gig.

The Scandal Karolina – Single

The Scandal

Karolina – Single

Available - http://soundcloud.com/the-scandal-leeds

I love a good funky bass line. It actually makes me want to go out and shake my little ass off, no matter what time of day it actually is. Karolina is quite frankly amazing. So many bands now will not push the boundaries or even develop their own sound but The Scandal has, and what a sound it is. It’s fresh, mind blowing and most of all fun and funky. This is definitely a song I will be playing loud to irritate the neighbours with (well if I had any). From first listen I was hooked and I can guarantee that you will be to, especially with these infectious beats, sweet guitar riffs and smooth vocals. The Scandal are the shake up that the music scene is craving for.

Johnny Barr/Dom Pusey @ Escobar, Leeds 6 May

Johnny Barr/Dom Pusey

@ Escobar, Leeds 6 May

When you think of Charity music events what springs to mind, mindless pop drivel, with screaming girls. But fear not readers not all charity gigs are like that. Mencap showed that charity gigs don’t all have to be like the normal cliché. They showed that you could support a fantastic cause, whilst listening to good music.

Escobar played host to a wonderful acoustic night. Dom Pusey took to the stage armed with his guitar; he soon had the crowd engrossed. Pusey has a strong voice that captivates you, and makes you connect to the songs that he is singing. He plays his guitar like he is the only one in a room, creative sparks fly off it through every twist and turn. Whilst watching I couldn’t help but see and hear hints of Frank Turner. This is someone to certainly watch on the Leeds acoustic scene.

Headlining act Johnny Barr were next up. I love percussive guitar playing so I was sold within the first few chords. This mixed with remarkable finger picking skills made for a fantastic performance. As I had never seen him perform before I was just expecting to see him on stage, then halfway through the first song, a full band joined him on stage. This was a fantastic delight and added to his guitar playing and also his amazing vocals.

A fantastic night overall and for such a good cause, was certainly worth the £4 entry fee.

Rochelle Massey

Gannets / Post War Glamour Girls / Sly and the Family Drone @Brudenell Social Club

Gannets / Post War Glamour Girls / Sly and the Family Drone

@Brudenell Social Club

Leeds

On a cold winter night there is nothing you want more than to turn up to the Brudenell and listen some good music and have a few nice cold drinks. Sly and the Family Drone was first up on this triple bill. I have never experienced an act like it, and I think I never will. Suffice to say drone is the correct word and I will not be wasting anymore of my word count on it.

Post War Glamour Girls were next, something which I was very excited at, as they always put on a good show. They didn’t disappoint! Their songs have a dark and sinister sheen to them, which keeps you entranced into the set. ‘Suburban Barbarian’ is dark and powerful, rhythm picking up then drops again. Alice’s voice is something else on track ‘Ode to Harry Dean’, which is helped along by the vocals of James, before powering into the final verses. His voice demolishes the smooth melodic vocals, which will keep you on your toes. PWGG are a band that will keep twisting and turning in songs so be prepared to pull a muscle.

Gannets are the final act on stage, after taking a little longer to get set up than normal, they are raring to go. Safe to say again, it was not my cup of tea. It all sounded out of tune and that they were trying to compete with each other, to see who could make the most noise.

Rochelle Massey 

Young aviators ep review

Young Aviators

Hunting for heaven – EP

I have always made it known that I support these guys. It is no secret, they are quite simply amazing, on record and on stage. So the latest offering from these lovelies is something of a treat. Imagine being in a restaurant stuffed from a huge meal, but still not being able to resist the most sickliest dessert. If you can then you have 'Hunting for heaven'. No matter how full you are you will always have room for these guys.

'Hunting for heaven' opens this delightful 3 track EP, creating sounds so special that they will make you want to do a little jig on the spot when no one is looking. Sod it do it when they are. The best and most satisfying aspect of Young Aviators, is that as soon as you turn it on you know it is them. Having a sound so unique for a band that are making a name for themselves, is something of an achievement.

'Better Future' is something that screams out for people who are craving more from their lives. These guys write and play songs that actually matter to people. Songs that people can relate to are something rare and unheard of in this day and age.

'The question is' brings this short and sweet EP to a close. An epically fitting song, where you can hear passion and loyalties being sung. This has to be my personal favourite on the record. The way in which the tempo changes and keeps you engaged and interested in where it will lead you to next.

So again they have pulled off another great trio of tracks that will make you want to hear more form them. Young Aviators are a band worth watching, worth taking note of, as you will regret this when they grow.

Rochelle Massey

Arthur Rigby and the Baskervylles @ Oporto, Leeds 09 November 2011

Arthur Rigby and the Baskervylles @ Oporto, Leeds

09 November 2011

Arthur Rigby and the Baskervylles, have the most wonderful, intricate songs that have their own distinctive sound. So a free gig at Oporto to see them was one of my highlights of the week.

This band has their own Mini orchestra and for any of you that have been to Oporto you will have seen how tiny the stage actually is. So to see this in a small confined space is actually quite magical.

It’s classic folk music with poetic lyrics, a range of instruments and musical skill. Is that enough for you? Now folk music is on the up, and I love Mumford and Sons just like the rest of you. But there is more to new age folk than Mumford and bloody Sons. Baskervylles are just as good if not better than them. This performance tonight was spine tingling good with outstanding vocals from Ben. His vocals are note perfect and make the hairs stand to attention, whenever he sings a note.

Whenever you go to a gig you hope you’re going to get to see real musicians and not something that is like everything else on the music scene. Baskervylles are just that. Seeing them in this intimate surrounding I have now realised the extent of their talent, the extent that they are something special and not like anyone else. All songs that were played, were applauded and with cheers from the crowd. Their whole set was a breath of fresh air, during songs I found myself looking round to see if they were as deeply engrossed in this gig as I were. Of course they were this band put on one of the best shows I have seen in a long while.

They are hugely talented and make beautiful music, so they will be going far if they continue at the pace they are currently at.

Rochelle Massey

introducing Middleman

Middleman Introducing.

Sitting comfortably? You won’t be when you hear Middleman. Loud, bouncy and ridiculously catchy, have I got your attention now?

Leeds is the adopted hometown of these delightful young chaps. Who originate from the Midlands. Upon their time in Leeds they self produced a debut album, which reflects a hectic and overwhelming time for the band. This critically acclaimed band have used all the bad experiences mixed them up, thrown a bit of energy and sweat into it, and created something that is honest and true.

From the start, Middleman have had huge acclaim from established people in the music industry. Such as Huw Stephens, Alex Baker from Kerrang Radio and Chris Denman of XFM Live. From this they have established a loyal fan base, which has seen them play at both Reading and Leeds Festival. It has also taken them on a tiny trip, across the pond to Texas to play SXSW.

From the experiences of bad management, juggling day jobs with being a rock and roller and keeping hold of their control of the music, they have pulled off a pretty amazing debut record. Spinning plates highlights all the problems that these guys, have had and turned them into beats so powerful they will make your head burst.

This band are funkin’ awesome, driving riffs, thumping bass. I will say this to all those reading this. Listen to your first Middleman song, let it scramble your brain, then do one or all of the following: see them live, buy the album and then buy it for everyone you love. Or even merely people you just like, lovers, friend’s parent’s vicars, Christ even pets. This band is worth it.  

my 2011 album of the year

Album of the year.

Miles Kane – colour of the trap.

Colour of the trap has to be my album of 2011. The diverse amounts of songs that draw you in to the album are simply amazing. This album has not received the right amount of credit that I think it deserves. Miles will forever live to be “the other one of that projects Alex Turner was doing”, but this album is better than the age of the understatement. You can hear that he has drawn his influences that he put into ‘The Age of the Understatement’ into Colour of the trap, but here they are more dominant, and they are very much welcomed. ‘Inhaler’ is short, sharp and shouty, that delivers Kane’s vocals superbly making you want to sing along, and keep him in your pocket, as a little pocket hobbit. ‘Rearrange’ is the album stealer for me, the intertwined lyrics with, his harmonious voice and the amazing blues beats in the background. 2012 will be the year of Miles Kane if he keeps coming up with corkers like this.     

Frenetics single review

Frenetics

Ella – single

Available from = http://soundcloud.com/frenetics/sets/ella-single/

and as physical format in all independent shops

You have got to love a band that power at you with guitars and drums in the opening of any song. It gets you all hyped up and makes you think WOW. The latest offering from Frenetics is just that. 'Ella' powers at you until you give into it and let it take a hold of you. Produced by, Sean Genockey (Futureheads / Baddies / Manic Street Preachers) this short and overpowering single will have you quaking in your boots, making you crave more. Never has an unsigned bands single, taken hold of you as much as what ‘Ella’ will. Truly spectacular!

Rochelle Massey

Soul Circus single review

Soul Circus

The Myth

Single review

Anthem is possibly one of the best words to describe this sweet little single, from the Soul Circus boys. This is their debut single, and what a debut it is. Vocals beautifully harmonised, a beat so upbeat that will keep you smiling from start to finish. “The Myth” is certainly a single people should take time out to listen and enjoy. Straight to the point northern sound describes these boys in a second

Love among Mannequins Radial images Album review

Love among Mannequins

Radial images

Album review

                                                                                   

Love among mannequins, power at you with the heavy use of distortion pedals, like a bull in a china shop.

Radial images is the debut album from, this four piece. The opening track is more like 45 seconds of background noise, which probably should have been scrapped. So from this I didn’t really have high expectations but, I was wrong. The second track (to which I have no name for) launches you in to this marmite album. You are either going to love it or hate it, I for one love it.

Each song has powerful drum beats and, dirty guitar riffs. Apart from track 7 this slows the album down and gives you chance to rest, and to take in what the last part of the album has given you. Although half way through it picks up pace again so you have approximately 50 seconds of a slow melodic beat.

This is a splendid debut album. Track after track allows different ground breaking sounds to come through and pierce your ear drums. Radial Images is something special to the people who have the acquired taste for it. For the others just give it a few more listens, it is definitely a grower.

                                 

Rochelle Massey

Live Review of the Wind up birds

The Wind-Up Birds @ Oporto, Leeds

08 November 2011

I can’t help but shake the feeling that after listening to the various tracks by the Wind-up Birds that I am in for a Libertines tribute show, just with their own songs.

So I was fairly surprised when they took to the stage at stormed it.

They power through the set delivering high powered sardonic blast of indie punk that will keep you glued to the stage, only leaving to go get a refill of your drink. You certainly need to hear this band live rather than listen to the CDs, Demos or anything they have produced.

The Yorkshire twang that can be heard in the vocals is a wonderful tool to the powerful guitars in 'Good Shop Shuts', which is an instant crowd pleaser. The set does become a bit familiar after a while; you know what you are getting with The Wind-up Birds until the preview of their new Christmas song. It is a quirky and enjoyable Christmas song, which can not be said for any of the others that crop up at this time of year.

In all a good and refreshing gig to start but could have done with a shake up in the middle, but then developed towards the end. A good gig all in all and they are certainly worth a watch. So go and catch them playing over the coming months.

Rochelle Massey      

Volcanoes interview

Volcanoes

Interview

Imagine tricking your band mate into thinking that he was going to have to come to rehearsals and Christmas day, and not just or a little half hour, oh no a full four hour rehearsal. That would mean the missing of the Queens Speech and possibly the oh so exciting Eastenders Christmas special (and some years this can be your highlight). This was the case for the dedicated drummer of the volcanoes, and he was going to try his best to get there. Now that is what you call dedication.

I delved into the mind of Samson Bedford to get straight to the point of the making of the new ‘Mini Album’, find out that their next record could be their last and where they draw their influences. Also I find out whom he would have in his in his super group and if he would just like to be Bez from the Happy Mondays and how he would to twist the conventions of a summer festival. So read on and become immersed in the world of Samson Bedford and the Volcanoes.      

1.      You guys were previously an acoustic duo. How did forming the band as a quartet come about?

Kev (Shirles) and I were in an acoustic duo called ‘Shirles & Bed’ for about a year. Prior to recording our second EP we decided to get a percussion drummer to add a bit of depth to our tunes. One thing led to another and eventually we became a four-piece indie band and called ourselves Volcanoes. That EP became the Red Door EP.

2.      Your website has described you as mischievous Volcanoes. What is the most mischievous thing you have done to each other?

Ahhhh we’re generally nice to each other. Our mischief is in our music.

One little story does spring to mind though. Ash joined the band replacing our original drummer about 5 years ago. We we’re uber keen to get back on the gig circuit so we practiced pretty intensively for a few months. I remember pretending that we’d booked a four hour practice on Christmas Day. When we told Ash he looked really gutted but bless him he said he’d do his best to be there. Now that’s commitment.

3.      Vexihomp is a fantastic ‘mini’ album. How was the making of that compared to all you other records?

Thanks. Shirles writes a lot more these days so it takes a bit of the pressure off me and I think it gives the band a completely different edge. The record was good fun to write and it seemed to come together really quickly. We never try to give our CDs a theme, we just bang out a load of tunes and put them altogether. I think in some cases this is to our detriment as folk who like the first track might think WTF when they hear the second. We’re not at all bothered about that though. We just love pushing ourselves and going with as many different ideas as possible. Our next record (which may be our last) is going to have reggae / folk and gospel influences as well as indie. I hope we can pull it off.

4.      In many reviews people like to try and compare your sound. I personally think you have the unique balance of being yourselves. Who do you think you sound like?

It sounds corny but we’ve put a ridiculous amount of effort into trying not to sound like anyone else. We’ve scrapped loads of tunes in their early stages if they’ve sounded too this or that. Sure, individual tracks may have certain influences but they all have our stamp on them.

5.      If you could choose anybody dead or alive to be in your super group who would it be?

I’d happily give up the Vocals if Freddie Mercury wanted to join the band and perhaps give up the guitar if Lennon fancied a strum. I guess I’d just become a dancer.

6.      You pride yourselves on the live shows. What have been your best shows to play?

We’ve always had good nights at Dublin Castle in Camden and we used to love playing the Grapes in Sheff

7.      What has been the best gig that you have played to date?

BE @ PROUD galleries in London was probably our best gig

8.      If you could create your own festival, who would you have on your line-up and what would set your festival apart from the others?

Hmmmm.

Us ‘obviously’

Foals

System of a Down (headlining the naughty stage)

Super Furry Animals

Bassment Jax

Daft Punk

The Music (reforming)

Band of Skulls

Dinosaur Pile-Up

Bon Iver

All the bands would have to buy tickets but the public could come free.

Rochelle Massey