hannah rose platt
Brudenell Club, Leeds - 7th Feb 24
Review and photos - Levi Tubman
The Liverpool born singer song writer takes to a quite simple stage at the Brudenell this evening, with her acoustic guitar backed by the incredibly talented Freddie Draper on double bass, were in for an even more stripped-down version of her work.
Out on the road to promote her latest album, Deathbed Confessions, the night opens with its first track, Dead Man On The G Train, with its rhythmic train intro and melodic running bassline it's a gorgeous songthat just happens to be about murder, which sets the tone for the evening and her musical style!
Throughout the set Hannah asks us if we like things like horror movies, or the walking dead? Describing herself as the happiest goth we’ll hear standing on stage with pale blonde hair playing catchy melodic folk-esque music singing about murder, haunted train stations and terror, the perfect dichotomy between the dark lyrics and light music give her a unique edge weaving inky black stories while the music gets into your body with your feet tapping happily away.
On date night we briefly get a third member of the band, a tablet that plays a simple electronic beat, while Hannah, like 60’s Dylan, goes electric swapping out her acoustic guitar and winding the clock back to the 50’s for some beautifully inspired doo-wop both the music and her voice light and delicate as she sings about Kalma, Finnish goddess of death and decay on a night out on the town, showing just how creative and inspired her writing can be.
After a short tale on its origin were treated to The Kissing Room, a song about a haunted room at New York’s Grand Central Station where soldiers kissed their loved ones goodbye before going off to war relies heavily on a grand piano on the record, filled in tonight by Freddie working an electric bass harder than most pianos while Hannah’s voice is at its sweetest, soulfully smooth bordering on hypnotic you're transported back to a Smokey speakeasy the enraptured room is silent.
It is silent out in the crowd, lost in the music, eyes closed, Hannah is in as much of her own world as the audience, the sound of my camera shutter feels as loud as a shotgun going off with people near turning around to look, the room is so silent thorough out the set that even playing loud enough to fill the venue you can hear a pin drop, everyone hanging on every beautiful word.
While Hannah has the talent and right to play bigger venues tolarger crowds, the intimate venue just works perfectly, where you have to step down into the room, right up against the stage and you're able to hear her even without a microphone, hear the darkly creative stories from her beautifully perfect voice and for half an hour you're taken out of the world and into hers.
I struggled to get this review down, I couldn't seem to get the words to do her justice, I loved it and it could well be my favourite one of the year, her voice is alluring and her lyrical subjects are unique for her musical style, I'm completely hooked and left wanting more! My first gig of the year will be one of the most memorable.
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the libertines
The Wardrobe, Leeds - 15th Feb 24
Review and photos - Phil Wright
Thursday February 15th took me up the M1 to ‘The Wardrobe’ in Leeds. This amazing venue is celebrating its 25th year, and has gone all out to celebrate with some phenomenal acts!
‘The Libertines’ took to the stage with two, unsurprisingly, sell out shows. They brought with them the extremely talented support acts ‘Vono Vella’ and ‘Bear Park’.
‘Vono Vella’ opened the gig with a superb performance. The young singer/songwriters held the audience with their mellow sounds and superb vocals. They had a surprise guest appearance from Pete Doherty’s dog ‘Zeus’ who looked quite at home on stage!
We were then treated to the very talented Geordie boys ‘Bear Park’. Formed in 2019, these guys were super confident on stage and gave us all a cracking set which the crowd loved. (Zeus played a supporting role, yet again).
TIME FOR THE LIBERTINES! Even though Pete and Carl were standing with their backs to the crowd as they tuned up, the 400-capacity crowd still went crazy. We were hit with ‘Up the Bracket’, taken from their debut album of the same name.
After a couple of classic Libertine tracks, we were treated to ‘Run, Run, Run’ from their new album. The feeling this track gave thrust me back to 1997 and, with all these guys have been through, it was like the band had just formed, giving a fresh sound and giving it their all. The chemistry between Pete and Carl was amazing.
This gig was a masterclass of post punk at its best.
Check out dates for their 2024 UK and Ireland tour, supporting the release of their 4th studio album ‘All Quiet On the Eastern Esplande’, and do not miss being there to witness this powerhouse of talent.
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bombay bicycle club
O2 Leeds - 14th Feb 24
Review & photos - Mo Longfellow
Great songs, Great performance, great stage presence, crowd singing along to loads of your numbers, crowds leave the venue feeling great. These are just some of the signs that, as a band, you’ve played an amazing gig. Bombay Bicycle Club at The O2 Academy, Leeds on Wednesday the 14th February really brought the love (sorry)! and can be confident that they checked off all the above in abundance, and then some; they absolutely nailed it.
I’ve never seen them live before but have always liked them from afar so when I knew I was coming to shoot them I was more than just a tad excited. There’s always an air of anticipation about seeing a band for the first time; what are they gonna be like, are they gonna play the numbers you know and enjoy, are they gonna be a Larry let down? Well, Bombay Bicycle Club did not let down. From the moment they came on stage you knew you were in for a treat. The energy that front man, Jack Steadman, brings to the stage is impressive, and there’s a real festival vibe as he pops two confetti canons into the crowd.
The sound that they all produce is incredibly cool and the crowd are really into it from the first track, ‘Just A Little More Time’. They continue to power on with a wonderfully diverse feel to their numbers, pulling on the alt/indie influence as well as a more experimental, world music sound. All in all it’s hugely effective. Every musician on stage is clearly incredibly talented, a thing to behold.
Remember the crowd singing along to your numbers checkbox? Well that was ticked early on but the voices in the dark really get going when they play ‘How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep’. As ‘Can I wake you up? Can I wake you up? Is it late? Is it late?’ thunders out from the audience, you can feel the spirit and zest in everyone in the room rising to the ceiling.
Jack, having already proven he can lead the band, now stands alone, acoustic in hand, an eager crowd peering up at him as he tells us he’s gonna sing ‘Dust On The Ground’ and asks for everyone to join in. I don’t think you need me to tell you that everyone does, and in fine voice as well I might add - well done Leeds O2 academy goers, that Northern spirit shone loud and proud.
I bought a beer, sat and listened to this brilliant set, thoroughly enjoying it along with the rest of the crowd. The only disappointing thing was I didn’t know enough of the lyrics to join in….next time though, next time.
I can safely say I will definitely be going to another Bombay Bicycle Club gig.
Stellar work, Guys.
frank carter
O2 Leeds, 13th Feb 24
Review & photos - Liam McEvoy
On a cold and wet Wednesday night in Leeds, just one day before valentine's day Fank Carter and the rattle snakes brought the love to a packed O2 delivering an incredible set full of the energy the band are known for.
With this tour supporting the bands newest album Dark Rainbow Frank and the band wasted no time in playing the new material opening with a trio of tracks from the latest album, ‘Can I take You Home’, ‘Brambles’ and ‘Self Love’.
Known for their explosive energy Frank prowled the stage to the opening number like a coiled spring or perhaps a coiled snake waiting to strike and it wasn’t long before the band did just that. With ‘Devil Inside Me’ the band took off and from that point forward never really slowed down.
The band played a number of tracks from across their five studio albums such as ‘Kitty Sucker’, ‘Parasite’, ‘Wild Flowers’ and Cupids Arrow’. The atmosphere throughout was electric with mosh pits galore, crowd surfers and Frank performing his trademark head stand on top of the crowd.
After an explosive set list Frank and the band ended the gig with the fan favourites ‘Thunder’, ‘I Hate You’ and ‘Man of The Hour’. This had the crowd bouncing and moshing until the very end of the set and closed out what was gig full of the energy typical of Frank Carter & The Rattle Snakes.
Set List
Act I “Cloudy & Pink”
1. Can I Take You Home
2. Brambles
3. Self Love
Act II “Like Lightning”
4. Devil Inside Me
5. Kitty Sucker
6. Wild Flowers
7. Tyrant Lizard King
8. Honey
9. Parasite
10. My Town
11. Cupids Arrow
Act III “Redemption Arc”
12. Sun Bright Golden Happening
13. Crowbar
14. Go Get a Tattoo
15. Lullaby
16. Happier Days
17. End of Suffering
Epilogue
18. Thunder
19. I Hate You
20. Man of the Hour
sea power
Albert Hall, Manchester - 9th Feb 24
Review & photos - Neil Milner
Alternative rock band Sea Power played a blinder here at the wonderful Albert Hall in Manchester. This was the second date of a tour supporting a new edition of their wonderful third album Do You Like Rock Music?released in 2008 under their former name British Sea Power.
The stage was bedecked with the usual flora, celebrating their love of nature. Scott (Jan) Wilkinson generally sings most of their songs, but on this album, he shared vocal duties with his brother (Neil) Hamilton Wilkinson, notably on album highlight No Lucifer, and on Down on the Ground, A Trip Out, No Need to Cry and Open the Door.
They played the album in full and in order, and so it was interesting hearing their classic singles No Luciferand pro-immigration song Waving Flags played early as these are usually encore songs.
Unsurprisingly Lights Out for Darker Skies is about reducing light pollution and with its increased tempo from opener All in it helped get the audience going. Martin Noble is a great guitarist, and his time signature riff shift towards the end enhances the song and was brilliantly played tonight.
Canvey Island is a ballad and a poignant reflection on the 1953 North Sea flood disaster which caused thousands of deaths in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Belgium, including 58 in Canvey Island. It’s not often played live but was beautifully performed here.
The Great Skua always gets me. It’s mostly an instrumental but ends with a short and rousing choral ‘oah, oah oooh’, which the audience fully engages with.
I’ve enjoyed watching Sea Power over many years, and they’ve always been fantastic live. But there’s no doubt the addition of Philip Sumner on cornet and keyboards, and Abi Fry on violin enhances their sound. I was impressed on the many occasions Sumner was multi-tasking, playing cornet and keyboards at the same time.
For their encore they played three songs from their recent Everything Was Forever album including their sublime single Two Fingers. They also played early singles from The Decline of British Sea Power album Carrion and Remember Me. I was sitting on the first floor balcony and looked down enviously as the audience, ranging from 15-65 plus, went crazy for these two songs in a wave of unbridled enthusiasm.
They are that kind of band. What a show and what an evening.
Links
idles
Project House, Leeds - 22nd Feb 24
Review & photos - Anya Weston-Shaw
I never thought I would be following my album review with this. IDLES at Project House for a last-minute album launch event. I attended the second of the two shows. When I entered the venue, it hit me. I was going to be doing a review of the live performance of one of my favourite bands.
Needless to say, the whole performance was electric. Joe Talbot was mesmerising, charismatic and commanded the crowd with ease and strength. He whipped the crowd into a frenzy during songs such as ‘Mr Motivator’, ‘Rottweiler’, and ‘Hall & Oates’. He seemed to be conducting the room full of people as if directing an orchestra.
Talbot’s t-shirt also attracted a large crowd reaction from the room sporting a ‘Don’t Mess with Yorkshire’ slogan on it. Bowen also wearing the same t-shirt on top of his flowing dress. There were also moments within the set that held a poignancy, within songs such as ‘IDEA 01’ and ‘Roy’, fans were soft and still, and the atmosphere felt as if the hair had no choice but to stand up on your arms. It was all encompassing. The lighting and the gestures almost felt like a religious experience. Something I have only ever seen in Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds performances in the past. The whole band, especially John Beavis (drums) and Adam Devonshire (bass), held strong and their synchronicity and passion shone through throughout the performance.
In short, IDLES know how to whip the crowd up into a frenzy, creating an electric atmosphere and then simultaneously bring it all back down to earth and allow everyone to revel in the community and similarities between us all. Talbot did a speech towards the end of the set about their potential (now number one) charting album. In this he thanked fans and explained they wouldn’t be here without all of us.
I suppose in these situations where you are seeing one of your favourite bands, in a room with people who share that enjoyment and get it, you realise IDLES were right. Love is the fing.
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lust for life
O2 Ritz, Manchester - 3rd March 24
Review & photos - - Phil Wright
It takes something special to get a Yorkshireman to visit Lancashire on a Sunday night.
Sunday March 3rd, I travelled over the hills to Manchester for an amazing experience at the o2 Ritz to watch the unbelievable ‘Lust for Life’ Tour. This featured Glen Matlock, (The Sex Pistols), Clem Burke, (Blondie), and Kate Puckett, (journalist / tv presenter), along with Kevin Armstrong, (Iggy Pop/ David Bowie).
The opening act was ’15 Lions’ but this was just one man with his guitar. He had a very 80s sound about him and, if I’m honest, not my cup of tea.
Then it was time for Suzi Ronson, who was telling the story of how she first met David Bowie and then later became the hairdresser to the band on the Spiders to Mars tour. It was also on that tour that she fell in love and married Mick Ronson, David’s guitarist at the time.
I could have listened to Suzi all night, but it was time to be blown away.
I was excited, as this had the recipe for a very good night. You could feel the tension build as the band walked on stage to play entire album Lust for Life. With so much talent on the stage we knew we were in for a treat.
Glen, Clam, and the rest of the band looked so at ease playing together. It was a masterclass to watch. Kate was up front and, wow, you can absolutely see why! She never stopped performing for the full set, ploughing through songs like ‘Passenger’ ‘Success’ and ‘Fall in love with me’. Once the album had been covered, they moved on to likes of David Bowie, Blondie, and of course the Sex Pistols.
I was gutted I had leave before the gig was over but I only had £90 for parking! Manchester is so expensive. Look out for dates near you soon.
You’ll not be disappointed.
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beans on toast
The Brudenell, Leeds - 1st March 24
Review & photos - Levi Tubman
The hardest working man in modern folk, Jay McAllister, more commonly known as Beans On Toast is out on the road once again with his band and we went along to the mighty Brudenell Social Club to check them out. If you want to know the quality of his band well the 3 support acts where, The beans On Toast Band, The Beans On Toast band, oh and The Beans On Toast Band!
Up first is guitarist Memphis Gerald with his flavour of folk, beautiful and delicate vocals matched with intricatestrumming and plucking it’s a very popularand calming start to the evening. Following him with a spot of honky tonk is pianist King killership, who’s music has a lot more tempo and energy with his rich gravellyvoice, running his hands up and down the keys he really gets the crowd going especially when bringing on drummer Abbi towards the end. The night then really shifts sideways for the third support member, Bassist, Bassie Gracie, who instead of picking up her instrument picks up the mic and gives us a subline spoken word set, her poetry has just a touch of self-deprecation, poetic story telling of the world and her life, its very personal tinged with humour and presented with an eagerness and excitement to her voice, either of these three could headline on their own!
After a short break the whole band are back and Jay comes dancing onto the stage, hands in the air, skipping with the biggest grin on his face having more fun than anyone else in Leeds tonight and he’syet to utter a word and he has a lot of them to say. The band open up with the first song of the night, Back Out On The Road, its up tempo drums, running baselines with catchy riffs on piano and guitar,the opening numbers are musically so full of life and energy, the rooms dancing and singing along with his rich distinct voice, singing along to his words, words paradoxical to the music and the ever present grin as he and the band dance about the stage as he sings more of doom and gloom, about society’s downfall and its end in perfect discord
It’s a style that comes through in the set quite a bit, not all his stories and thoughts are happy and joyful, as not all life is happy, but the music is the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine he preachesgo down, to what at times mustbe called his congregation, but i fear he would hate the comparison.Despite that it does at time feel like a sermon, and if it is then he’s an urban street preacher, as he stands on his soap box at the front of the stage with his caustic tongue dispensing his words of wisdom, words are the core of the night, he shapes and works them to do his bidding, no doubt about it, the man is a true poet.
Now it wouldn’t be a gig in Leeds without the whole crowd chanting YORKSHIRE in unison, but tonight he prompts us for it, warning the next song mentions Yorkshire quite a bit so wants to get it out of us now before telling a tale almost as good as the song about playing a gig at a pub in Todmorden and the making of the video before launching into what could be the best number of the night, The Golden Lion, that should leave you planning to make a trip over to sample the best Thai food this side of Thailand.
With almost 2 decades under his belt as Beans On Toast not only does he have a large back catalogue but you can hear the changes in his life as he’s grown, giving the band a break he performs a mini acoustic set in the middle, just him and his guitar, treating us to the epic MDMAmazing a catchy tale of festivals, drugs and his old hedonistic life quickly followed up with a trio of songs about his young daughter including the hilarious The Dragacorn, a light hearted tale of a family man whosedaughter woke as a dragon, then quickly became a Unicorn before she created the mighty Dragacorn. He will always have songs criticising the government, war and the wrongs of the world its great to see how his music has changed with his life and how he’s grown.
The band round the night off with On AndOn after talking about how there is now less war and disease than there has been before, and as I look around the entire room is singing, there are groups with arms round each other shoulders, it’s a scene right out of the ending of a movie, you have to ask yourself has everyone met up before and secretly rehearsed beforehand?
It feels the perfect end to the evening and the set, and not something you should follow but after the band leave the stage and he once again faces us down the front with his guitar proclaiming he doesn’t think that sadly this is no longer true, and as he can’t leave it there we get the more sombre Against The War to the silent crowd with the briefest emotional silence as the last note rings out before exploding in applause and cheers.
The band gives a lively fresh edge to his music turning the night into a party but at the core are his words, he has a unique vast talent shaping them. Yes he thinks we can do better as a race, yes the world has too much hate, the government is too corrupt and incompetent, and yes there is too much suffering, but while we should do better and look after each other more its oh so very important to get busy, being happy!
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jason derulo
Leeds Arena - 9th March 24
Review & photos - Mo Longfellow
Jason Derulo brought the house down at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday 9th March with an electrifying performance. From the moment he burst up through the stage and into the spotlight, the audience was captivated by his charismatic and high-energy presence.
His smooth vocals and impeccable showmanship shone throughout the night as he entertained the crowd with his hit songs. The crowd were literally going wild to chart-toppers like ‘Talk Dirty’, ‘Whatcha Say’, and ‘Want to Want Me’.
I have to give huge kudos to the band who were playing in the shadows, some serious talent there too.
The stage production was top-notch, complete with incredible light displays, pyrotechnics and impressive choreography that added an extra layer of excitement to the performance. He has a real charm which makes everyone feel like they were part of the show and kept them on their feet for the entire show.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen thirteen thousand people be so up for it and dance as much as I did in the arena that night!
Overall, Jason Derulo's concert at the First Direct Arena was a night to remember, leaving fans thrilled and buzzing with energy long after the final encore. It was a perfect blend of music, entertainment, and pure showmanship that solidifies him as a true performer in every sense of the word.
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cast
O2 Leeds - 9th March 24
Review & photos - Levi Tubman
90’s indie Britpop icons Cast are back out on the road again, touring with their 7th studio album, Love Is The Call. While never quite hitting the heights of bands like Blur or Oasis, they still had some of the defining songs of the era, and I for one am very excited to see them out on the road again with new material, and not just because I’ve seen them play before with one of the wildest audiences going.
The opening chords are recognisable but something’s off, Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, John Power’s guitar tech runs back on busying around the amp while the band loop around the intro, and then there it is, that unmistakable guitar sound to go with the chords as the band launch into Sandstorm and with the drums and vocals joining you’re taken right back to the 90’s. I’d have expected this song in the encore, maybe the last one of the night, but they are starting off big here quickly followed by Fine Time, also from 1995’s classic album “All Change” and their first ever single, just like that they’ve pulled the fans in, happy in the knowledge that were getting the big hitters tonight not just all new material.
After treating us to their earliest work they follow this up with their latest, Bluebird, the opening track on the new album, and Love Is The Call, the albums namesake. Cast are not a band afraid of an acoustic guitar, with Bluebird a solo number, coming in at just 90 seconds long with Power on vocals and guitar, it’sa beautiful delicate performance, with his unmistakable rasp accent prominent. It also helps to show the talent in the new albums writingand that the bands edge hasn’t been dulled. We’ve no chance to cheer before were pulled out of the quiet appreciation before they seamlessly launch into the album’s namesake, with the upbeat energy of cast of old with a maturity of a band going for over 3 decades.
John doesn’t say much between the numbers, coming across almost a little shy, but excitedly talking about the new album and thanking everyone one who’s bought it in what feels like such a heartfelt and genuine way, and then the music starts. Now it’s a different person fronting the band, playing his acoustic guitar like it owes him money, you can see the marks on the poor instrument, with a roughness coming through his voice that really adds to the music, the whole band are full of life and energy you can really tell they are still doing this for the love of the music and not for tax man.
It’s not going to be a Cast gig without playing Walkaway, spending almost 2 months on the charts and pushing ¼ of a million sales, it really encapsulates the 90’s. Its slower and gentlerthan most of their songs but a huge fan favourite that gets an immediate reaction from the first chord, and while a big hit with the crowd I was disappointed by the sea of mobile phones. as half of the room filmed the song while they all sang along, when a band is playing to this level live you should live in the moment, be able to think back to the night you shared with other fans instead of watching it back on a small screen with you own voice louder than the band. Maybe I’mgetting grumpy in my old age? But I felt the band deserved better attention from us and while I don’t think they should be banned at gigs I can see why some frown upon phones at concerts.
I don’t remember the last band I saw do an encore, since covid bands tend to say pretend we’ve left and come back on and continue playing but John thanks us all for coming and wishes us peace before he leaves the stage shortly followed by guitarist Liam "Skin" Tyson leaving drummer Keith O'Neill and bassist Martyn Campbell creating a gorgeous wild sound as we get a rare drum and bass solo before they take their leave too. I’ve missed the good old encore if I’m honest, and you really can’t blame the band, they get a quick break while getting to hear a couple thousand people chant your name and we want more, I can imagine that never gets old, before surprise they’re back!
We get 3 more songs to round off the night second of which is History, again from the debut album, and for me it’s a real treat seeing them play the intro live on guitar, working effects pedals to get the strange sounds and of course they pull it off perfectly, but sadly it doesn’t quite get the crowd into the full encore frenzy, maybe they want something simpler and more upbeat but for me this technical wonder is one of the clear highlights of the night! There’s only one place left to go now and the room erupts before the first chord of Alright finishes ringing out and then we get the full encore frenzy and as they sing the line “Guess I’m Doing Fine” you have to think they’re doing more than fine and as the room sings and shouts the line along with them it’s a bit of an understatement.
Tonight’s set is filled with material old and new from start to finish, with the new songs fitting neatly in the mix, with the order expertly laid out, mixing it up rather than putting all the tracks from the new album together. This is a live review but I need to talk about the new album tracks played tonight from Love Is The Call. It’srare to get bands still writing after 30 years, but writing some of their best material is almost unheard of, there’s no filler here from this band who play and sound just as good live as they did the first time I saw them 27 years ago, if you get the chance get yourself down to one of the remaining dates.
Setlist
1. Sandstorm
2. Fine Time
3. Bluebird
4. Love Is The Call
5. Love You Like I Do
6. The Raid That Falls
7. Flying
8. Guiding Star
9. I’mSo Lonely
10. First Smile Ever
11. Faraway
12. Starry Eyes
13. Live The Dream
14. Tomorrow Call My Name
15. Walkaway
16. Free Me
Encore
17. Tell It Like It Is
18. History
19. Alright
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bill ryder-jones
Brudenell club, Leeds - 13th March 24
Review & and photos - James Fortune- Clubb
Last night's gig was Bill Ryder-Jones, founding member, lynchpin and guitar wizard with The Coral (on/off) up until 2008 and latterly critically acclaimed singer songwriter (7 albums in) and sought after producer - live tonight ibn one of the best venues in the country The Brudenell Club in Leeds.
Allthough I've seen The Coral several times over the years, both with and without Ryder-Jones, I wasn't that familiar with his solo output, so it's with an open mind and sense of anticipation that I approached the Wednesday night gig at the Brudenell - although I did do my homework and listen to BRJ's latest magnum opus , latest album 'lechyd Da' - reportedly his most ambitions yet. It's a great set of songs, at once intimate, emotional and moving - whilst at the same time, epic, cinematic and lushly orchestrated and I'm intrigued as to how these will transfer into a live setting.
It's a capacity crowd tonight and there's obviously a lot of love for BRJ in the room. Expectations are running high.
First up comes support from Jonny Woolnough with 4 piece band (the giants) from Leeds. Debut album produced by Bill I think? Indeed 1 or 2 tracks sounded as though they might have been The Coral outtakes?
Whilst it's a set that's well played, delivered and received, for me it lacked any real spark - ultimately underwhelming and if I'm brutally honest, forgettable. JW and band admittedly didn't seem to have the best sound (unusual for the Brudenell) - there's a definite lack of light and shade, or is that maybe just the way they roll?
Excitement and expectation mounting for the arrival of Bill and band, a cello and a mellotron have appeared on stage.. it's going to be an interesting night.
BRJ arrived on stage looking every inch the genial geography teacher, with his corduroy trousers and Kicker boots, his mind too preoccupied with academia to find time for a 'sensible' haircut.
Bill connects easily with the audience, he's amusing, friendly knows he's amongst friends and has the wit and character to pull it off in a natural and very uncontrived way.
The set includes songs from various albums, but quite rightly is dominated by a selection from 'Iechyd Da'. It's great to see the standard of musicianship across the whole band - slide guitar, cellist et al. The exuberance and enthusiasm for what they are creating came across really strongly and was great to see.
There's a brief solo acoustic interlude of 'Seabirds' which is excellent and there's a couple of BRB guitar solos that are so good, they almost hurt. But it's hard to pick any highlights from such a great set of songs, brilliantly delivered.
An outstanding gig then and it really does feel that as a solo artist, Bill Ryder-Jones is at the absolute top of his game right now. Not that I really needed converting, but I'm totally won over tonight.
I shall be purchasing 'Iechyd Da' forthwith and keeping an eye out for the chance to see BRJ live again in the near future.
As a footnote, it's nice to see Bill still uses an old hand decorated guitar strap (and presumably guitar?) from his time with The Coral - presumably and quite rightly proud of his pre solo musical achievements.
'Iechyd Da' indeed.
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cattle decapitation
Stylus, Leeds - 15th March 24
Review & and photos - Levi Tubman
It’s an American invasion in Leeds tonight, in the midst of their European tour Deathgrind band Cattle Decapitation are at the Stylus supported by Signs of the Swarm, 200 Stab Wounds and Vomit Forth, with reports of Metal fading and losing its popularity, the gig has been moved from the Keys Club to the triple capacity of the Stylus due to the high ticket sales and its full tonight. Cattle Decapitation have had a few different members in their time, whose music is often environmentally themed with songs about animal rights, the ethics of eating meat and the impact we have on our environment, They’re a band out with a message.
With a mixture of Deathgrind, Grindcore, Death and Black metal the supports are technical and quick, with vomit and Stab Wounds with a heavier older school feel, not afraid of putting a bit of a groove into mid sections of songs for a sea of heads all moving in time with the bass and drums rattling the room. Signs Of TheSwarm are more modern and at times a little too clinical with their strict sound and vocalist David Simonich screaming throughout the set for the crowd to kill each other, start a circle pit and make security fear them, while wild, the crowd didn’t quite respond, the music should get people going not orders, sadly they I’m not sure they quite hit the mark.
The Stylus has a great sound, tonight’s was no exception but with more a wall of sound stood back by the sound des down the front leaning against the stage for photos you get to hear the sound direct from the amps. The lead guitar is sharp and every riff stands out while the bass has a nice rattle on the higher notes before it's amplified by the PA with the top end rolled off. Don’t get me wrong, the sound out front is what I expected from the headliners, its brutal and intense with bass that eats up the low end and its fantastic and more importantly its clear when it’s easy to make it muddy, but it’sgood to hear the difference in sound and maybe more how they would sound in a smaller venue?
Formed in 96, albeit with a few changes in line-up, they have a professional maturity about them, this is a band who know who they are and how to work the stage, vocalist Travis dispenses with the stereotypical growling speech between numbers when addressing the crowd with a little cheek at times too many bands just play through the set introducing songs and what albums they’re from, with notes for between the songs on their set lists, it might seem small and nothing to do with music, but it helps the show run smoother and gives more time for playing.
It’s a brutal night, the style sound and volume is full on but they still manage to show off their atmospheric sound, coming through particularly in songs like We Eat Our Young and bring back the plague, a more musical number showing a different edge to the band, a band who’ve put their own slant on the genre, who manage to bring across different elements playing live, giving us militant drums and harsh staccato guitars followed by wide atmospheric smoothness, culminating in the epic Kingdom Of Tyrants with its classic Death metal start with almost Doom like middle section were given the whole set compacted into one song as the audience manages to find that extra level of madness.
A criticism could be that the set was a little short, but on the flip side we get 4 bands playing tonight, and pinned down to one spot for photos due to the sheer number of crowd surfers coming over the top the audience didn’t seem to care they were loving it.
It’s a night of big songs backed by excellent musicianship, not just loud or fast just for the sake of it, slow when the song calls for it with, they are a band out to show how well they’ve honed their craft while giving one hell of a show.
Setlist:
1. TerrasiticAdaptation
2. We Eat Our Young
3. Scourge of the Offspring
4. Dead Set OnSuicide
5. The Storm Upstairs
6. Bring Back ThePlague
7. Finish Them
8. A Photic Boom
9. Mammals in Babylon
10. Time’s Cruel Curtain
11. Pacific Grim
12. Kingdom Of Tyrants.
Links:
echo & the bunnymen
O2 Leeds - 22nd March 24
Review & and photos - Mo Longfellow
Formed in 1987 and with 13 studio albums under their belt, Echo & the Bunnymen are more than versed in the art of gigging. Their music has well and truly stood the test of time and their performance at the Leeds O2 Academy on Friday 22nd March proved this to be so.
The low light and fog on stage mirror the vibe from Ian McCulloch and the band as they open with ‘Going Up’. It’s apparent that Sergeant on guitar and McCulloch’s vocals are well and truly in synch. tonight. The atmosphere is big and evocative from the off, musically they are excellent.
They play through classics such as ‘Bring On The Dancing Horses’ and ‘The Killing Moon’, with a verve that would suggest they released these tracks last month let alone in the mid eighties.
On that note, they also treat us to two new numbers not yet on a record; ‘Brussels Is Haunted’ and ‘Unstoppable Force’. An indication we’re soon to see album number 14, perhaps? Whether they’re to be on a record or not, they certainly sounded great and serve as a reminder that this band are still as musically talented as they were back in the late seventies when they first formed - albeit with a different line-up from then.
Stood at the mixing desk (McCulloch opting not to let photographers in the pit), I’m able to see two things. One is that the crowd are really into this gig, the venue is packed and the atmosphere is great, I love hearing crowds sing along and there was lots of that. Two is that the Leeds O2 academy really is an amazing venue, the work the lighting guys and sound guys do to bring us these amazing shows is incredibly impressive, all too often forgotten, I raise a plastic cup of beer to these guys.
Echo & The Bunnymen proving their relevance even after all these years.
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judas priest
OVO Arena, Wembley - 21st March 24
Review - Andi Bridges
Due to a ridiculously early start on a school night, I only catch 3 and a half Uriah Heep songs. As I enter the arena, they are halfway through Hurricane from current release Chaos and Colour. The sound is muddy with only the keyboards and vocals having any clarity. The drums are lost somewhere deep in the mix. They follow this with Free and Easy from 2008. At this point singer Bernie Shaw chooses to inform the crowd that although this is a night dedicated to Heavy Metal, the Heep don’t consider themselves Metal, but they are at the heavier end of Hard Rock. The final two numbers are guaranteed crowd pleasers. Gypsy from their first album released in 1971 and they end with Easy Livin’ from 1972, both recognisable despite the poor sound.
After a 35-minute change over Saxon take the stage and they are a revelation. They open with the title track of their current offering, Hell, Fire and Damnation and the sound has improved immensely. Original vocalist Biff Byford and long-standing drummer Nigel Glockner have surrounded themselves with some noted musicians. The guitars have a bite to them when riffing and solos wail and scream, courtesy of Doug Scarratt and Brian Tatler, the latter no stranger to The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, having been a founding member of Diamond Head.
The set relies heavily on their 80’s output and we get treated to Motorcycle Man, And The Bands Played On, Power And The Glory. That said the newer tracks sit alongside those hits very well. Biff is a great frontman and his repartee with the audience really draws you in. An example of this is when he tells us he would buy a ticket to tonight’s event but as he’s a Yorkshire Man he doesn’t buy many tickets! Saxon have no qualms about being labelled Heavy Metal and end with the trio of Denim and Leather, Wheels Of Steel during which Biff tells us to stand up and sing, and to a person Wembley rises and starts to sing. They depart after playing Princess Of The Night and THAT riff, surely one of the finest ever written. What a superb warm up act.
Another 35 minute change around and it’s time for the Priest. The centre of the stage is adorned with a giant banner proclaiming – United We Stand, Divided We Fall, Defenders Of The Faith, For One And For All. The PA plays the intro tape, the Invincible Shield Anthem and the anticipation goes off the scale. Then the banner is whipped up into the air and the band are into Panic Attack from the new opus and bounding across the stage from the base of the drum riser. If I had one criticism, it is the drum toms are very ‘toppy’ it isn’t so bad when Scott Travis goes for a run around them, but when he plays the floor tom individually it sounds like a rifle going off. It never gets any better.
With their first album being released 50 years ago and the 19th being released three weeks ago there is a massive back catalogue to dip into. And they do dip into it. We get treated to all the classics; You’ve Got Another Thing Coming, Breaking The Law, Turbo Lover, familiar to the MTV generation. Rob Halford’s voice is in fine form, rolling back the years and hitting those screams like the frontman he was 40 years ago. Richie Faulkner stalks the stage throwing Axe Hero shapes. On the other side of the stage Andy Sneap is more reserved but he does an admirable job as a stand in for Glenn Tipton who retired from touring because he has Parkingson’s Disease. Bassist Ian Hill, the only remaining original member is in his customary place towards the back of the stage in front of the amps.
There are a couple of surprises in the set. We get treated to Sinner from 1977’s Sin After Sin and Saints In Hell from Killing Machine released in 1978. They perform a blistering cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown). And end the regular set with the 6-minute proto thrash epic Painkiller.
The band has barely left the stage before The Hellion starts up and just as on the album it is followed by Electric Eye, Priest’s pean to covert surveillance. Once again, the arena goes dark before being filled with the sound of a Harley engine.
Through the smoke Halford, in full Leather Daddy mode, in peaked cap with a riding crop between his teeth rides onto the stage and the band romp through Hell Bent For Leather. This normally signals the end of the show, however tonight Rob informs us they have a special guest as it’s the last night of the British tour.
He then brings Glenn Tipton onto the stage and I and 12,500 others find ourselves with a lump in our throats. The Priest give us Metal Gods and Living After Midnight, then they’re gone.
What a night to be a Metal Maniac (copyright Rob Halford)
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the total stone roses
Old Woollen, Farsley, Leeds - 23rd March 24
Review & photos - Mo Longfellow
Out of all the bands in the so called Madchester music scene, The Stone Roses have got to be up there as one of the best - in my view, definitely the best. As a lover of music and gigging, for some reason I never go to see them play live, which I’m gutted about. If you’re in the same boat as me, fear not!! The Total Stone Roses are real and are out there gigging all over the Country to give us a dose of full on Manchester vibing goodness, complete with swagger, bendy armed dancing (there must be a name for that) and enough Mancunian lingo to take you right back to the late eighties at the height of the scene.
The Total Stone Roses played to a packed house at The Old Woollen in Farsley on Saturday 23rd March. From the moment they took the stage it was obvious that they know exactly what they are doing. Each member of the band displayed incredible musicianship, the guitar riffs were spot on, even Squire himself would have been impressed (had he not have been playing a gig with some Gallagher or other only a few miles down the road). The bass and drums were super tight and literally never missed a beat. The singers vocals were on point, but it was his channelling of Brown’s swagger and attitude that really made the night for me.
They played all the classics; ‘I Wanna Be Adored’, ‘Waterfall, ‘Fools Gold’…actually, are any of there tunes not a classic? Anyway, they played them and played them incredibly well. The crowd joined in all the way in between dancing, cheering and generally, dare I say it……being mad for it (sorry)!
The Total Stone Roses didn’t just play the tunes, they embodied them, they transported us all back to an era where Joe Bloggs baggy jeans, tie-dye tops and bucket hats were the only thing to wear.
Overall, they put on a great show that paid homage to one of the greatest and most influential bands in British music history. If you’re a Stone Roses fan and never got to see them, or want to relive their music live once more, these guys are a must see.
On a final note, it was great to see so many folk out to enjoy this set, young and old.
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pendulum
Leeds Arena - 24th March 24
Review & photos - Mo Longfellow
It had lasers. Need I go on? IT HAD LASERS.
There were big screens as a back drop and running across the bottom of the stage that looked so cool as they displayed images from lush green countryside to the devil (I think). As a photographer, I cried inside as I watched tons of fog being pumped into the arena and into the stage, but it did look super cool.
Pendulum's performance was electrifying to say the least. They were fully immersed in the music and so were the crowd from the moment they started. The seamless blend of rock and electronic created a truly dynamic experience that was utterly earth shattering in the bass department. At the pit whilst shooting them I could literally feel if punching into my chest.
The light show and visual effects added another layer of excitement (did I mention they had lasers), enhancing the already intense atmosphere.
Pendulum's energy on stage was infectious, these guys seriously know what they’re doing, it was an electronic, musical journey via the vehicle of hypnotic melodies which created a unique, powerful and cohesive sound that filled every inch of the arena.
The energy on stage was palpable, and the crowd responded in kind, dancing and singing along to every song. Pendulum's live show was a true feast for the senses. What a great show.
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gallagher/squire
O2 Leeds - 23rd March 24
Review & photos - John McEvoy
They came, they saw, and they well and truly conquered!!
When 2 giants of the music world get together and can invariably end up being a complete car crash of an idea, but that certainly doesn’t apply to the Gallagher/Squire combo which delivered an epic set (albeit only an hour) to an unsurprisingly packed O2 in Leeds.
Bizarrely when their new album ‘Liam Gallagher & John Squire’ was released earlier this year, a lot of the reviews seemed to moan that this was nothing more than an Oasis/Stone Roses mash up.
Two thoughts immediately sprang to mind when I read them…
1. Well D’uh, what did you expect?
2. What's wrong with an Oasis/Roses collab
I for one was intrigued to see what this album was all about, and I have to say that I wasn’t disappointed in the least. From the opening track ‘Raise Your Hands’ right through to ‘Mother Natures Song’ this was a perfect for Gallagher to give a vocal performance, and I think his voice seems to be getting better as he gets older.
Squires guitar work throughout was on point, instantly recognisable, and sounded as good as any of his work with the Stone Roses.
It was also great to see that following the album, release they immediately announced a string of dates throughout the UK at small venues, tickets for which of course sold out instantly.
And so it as that on a spring evening in Leeds we treated to two of arguably the most influential musicians of recent times delivering their new album in its entirety with a lively encore of ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ to close out the evening.
You know when you’re onto a winner when the entire audience sings back the lyrics to all the new tracks, especially when the new album had only been out for less than a month.
From the start, with frontman Liam you know what you’re going to get, that distinctive rock ‘n’ roll swagger, arms behind the back, head tilted upwards and full blast vocals. Although it must be said that with age, he doesn’t seem to strain his voice quite as much, and he sounds all the better for it in my opinion.
John Squire is of course much happier in the shadows, letting his guitar do all the talking and from the opening track ‘Just Another Rainbow’ it was clear that he still knows how to deliver.
Interestingly throughout the show, Gallagher would take a step back to let Squires take centre stage, and his solo work on “Love You Forever’ with its Jimi Hendrix ‘Hey Joe’ feel was simply sublime.
It’s clear that they’ve struck gold here with their collaboration, and if they have the inclination there’s no doubt that they could easily fill arenas in the future.
If this mini tour was to test the waters, I have no doubt they will be pleased with the results, and judging from Gallaghers latest comments, they’re clearly not going to treat this album and tour as a one off.
It was interesting to read the early reviews of this tour, especially their Glasgow gig which accused them of being ‘devoid of chemistry’. Maybe that reviewer caught them on a bad night, as the Leeds gig couldn’t have been more different.
I did hear one or two comments expressing disappointment that there were no Oasis or Stone Roses tunes included in the set. But to be fair to Gallagher and Squire, they did make it crystal clear that this tour would only feature their new album.
The current run dates are now almost over, but if I were a betting man, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more of the same a little further down the line.
Catch them if you can!...
Set list:
Just Another Rainbow
Mars To Liverpool
One Day At A Time
I’m A Wheel
Love You Forever
Make It Up
You’re Not The Only One
I’m So Bored
Mother Nature’s Song
Raise Your Hands
Encore:
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
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the lottery winners & jack valero
The Old Woollen, Farsley, Leeds - 3rd April 24
Review & photos - John McEvoy
The best music venue in west Leeds, The Old Woollen in Farsley had done it again!!
They’d only managed to get The Lottery Winners to call in on their “This Is How It Feels’ tour which concludes with two sold out shows at the Blackpool Tower on the 5th & 6th April.
Firstly, special mention should be given to the support for tonight, Jack Valero, an up-and-coming artist who has clearly inherited his dads (Billy Bragg) skills in terms of penning a great tune and his rock/indie style was well received by the audience tonight.
Check out his latest EP ‘This Is A Nightmare’ here…
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The Lottery Winners were formed in Leigh back in 2008, they have certainly paid their dues, and with the release of their third album ‘Anxiety Replacement Therapy’ last year, which rightly got to No 1, their hard work is now well and truly paying off for them.
This is a band which is now at home playing arenas as well as smaller venues such as The Old Woollen, and it’s for good reason that they are hotly tipped to be one of the biggest bands around in the near future.
Fronted by the charismatic (and likeable!) Thom Rylance, their pop/indie style with infectious hook lines is going down an absolute treat with their increasing number of fans, and based on their performance tonight it’s easy to see why.
Opening track ‘Worry’ sets the tone for the night with its bouncing feel and call and response chorus.
Whilst Thom Rylance is very much the focal point of the band, the three other members, Katie Lloyd, Joe Singleton & Robert Lally play an equally important role, and the banter between themselves and the audience throughout the night is just one of the many highlights.
Indeed, both Katie Lloyd and Robert Lally assume lead vocals at times during the gig, and I thought ’85 Trips’ with Katie on vocals was a genuine stand out track.
Audience participation reached new levels as soon as the band kicked off with their version of The Housemartins ‘Caravan of Love’ and fair play to Robert Lally who sounded uncannily like Paul Heaton!
They are clearly on the cusp of going ‘big time’ and whilst it’s obvious that this band have the knack of writing catchy ear worms and their albums are well worth delving into, this is a band that come alive on stage, and you really need to catch their live set if you get chance.
Set list:
· Worry
· Favourite Flavour
· Meaning Of Life
· Sertraline
· Let Me Down
· 85 Trips
· Overthink Everything
· Emerald City
· Much Better
· 21
· Start Again
· Letter To Myself
· Burning House
Links:
caity baser
O2 Leeds - 26th March 24
Review & photos - Liam McEvoy
Off the back of her second studio Album Still Learning Caity Baser called in to the O2 Leeds to play a headline set that buzzed with energy and was a real pop extravaganza for everyone in attendance.
After tearing her way through the giant L, Caity Baser bounded onto the stage opening her set with the opening track from her newest album, I'm A Problem. Caity’s energy from the start the set was infectious and translated to the crowd who mirrored her energy.
Caity continued to play a number of tracks from her second album including ‘The Plot’ and ‘X&Y’ which had the crowd dancing along. Between tracks Caity’s energy did not wain engaging the crowd and working them like a seasoned pro showing experience way beyond her 21 years.
Tracks from Caity’s back catalogue like ‘STD’ and ‘Friendly Sex’ saw a phenomenal reaction from the crowd and the high energy from the start of the set persisted throughout.
Closing the Show Caity reverted back to her newest album playing two of the biggest hits from it ‘pretty Boys’ and ‘I’ll Be Here for You’. This closed the show in great style and eft the crowd wanting more.
This was a set full of energy that was reciprocated by the audience. With several dates left on her current Headline tour Caity Baser is an artist well worth seeing.
Track List:
1. I'm A Problem
2. Kiss You
3. The Plot
4. X&Y
5. Why Cant I Have Two
6. Leave Me Alone
7. STD
8. Choose Me
9. Everything Everywhere
10. Grow Up
11. Showgirl
12. 2020s
13. DILF
14. Bicker
15. Oh Well
16. Friendly Sex
17. Pretty Boys
18. I'll Be Here For You
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benjamin francis leftwich
Brudenell Club, Leeds - 4th April 24
Review & photos - Lewis Wolstenholme
It’s rare to see an artist nowadays without a crowd of people talking and phones recording every moment.
With a warming and intimate performance of songs old and new, Brudenell had been the quietest audience to be a part of which I was lucky enough to witness. Benjamin Francis Leftwich brought just this and more to the opening show of his tour for his latest album release "Some Things Break".
Celebrating his 6th studio album, Ben embarks on a tour around the UK which I attended on the 4th of April. He not only made the show feel like a solo tour from his living room (aided by the lamps and lighting on stage) but was a true insight into his music, the thought process behind his songs and the fun stories of his many years in the music industry.
The crowd was completely silent throughout, offering a truly close and intimate performance that is often rare to see nowadays, even having Ben turn the mic off for one song and go completely acoustic, where you could still hear his voice at the back of the room.
With heartfelt songs that the audience was clearly touched by, Ben’s music truly speaks a thousand words and has converted me to listening to his full discography whilst I write this. If you get the chance to see him live, it’s completely worth it!
You might even get to see a great support act too!
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