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