- Live Reviews
Since the demise of The Cockpit, the promoters around Leeds have been scrabbling to find alternative band venues, including The Wardrobe, The Library and The Belgrave Music Hall, and tonight it was my first visit to the newly branded Key Club.
A night of Southern rock and roll was promised from Nashville’s The Cadillac Three and support band Sky Valley Mistress from, er, Blackburn…
SVM had just taken to the stage as I was descending the steps into the basement club, and one hell of a racket they were making. Comprising the classic lead guitar, bass guitar, drums and singer lineup, my first surprise was how young they were (average age 25?), and my second surprise was how damn good they were.
Channeling a crunching classic rock sound, fronted by the wonderful Kayley “Hell Kitten” Davies, they ran through they criminally short set acting as a genuine warm up to The Cadillac Three. Check out their fabulously titled EP Rivals, Hounds & Rebel Sisters, and catch them on their own headline tour during March & April.
The sold out crowd in this new venue were well and truly ready for The Cadillac Three as they took the stage half an hour later, and they bowed their caps to the crowd and launched into Party Like You, new track from the UK only newly released EP Peace Love & Dixie. The band clearly were appreciative of the crazy reception they were getting and the ovation they got announcing that this was their first visit to Leeds and that this and the entire tour was sold out nearly took the roof off.
Favourites from their only album release so far, Tennessee Mojo, such as the title track and the sing along I’m Southern mixed with other new tracks from the ep kept the crowd bouncing and the temperature rising in this small cellar shaped venue.
Just under an hour and a half later, and The South closed the set with most of us baying for more. Unfortunately, the 10pm curfew to make way for a metal night meant that was it, and after visiting the merch stall, we left happy and drenched in sweat.
Hopefully the band will be back when album number two is released, and hopefully at a much bigger venue which will be no less than they deserve.
Keith @kjsmith4082
- Live Reviews
Mumford and Sons are back, and back with a new sound. All a bit last minute they protested, despite the show t-shirt and screen print on sale, as we were told to hand in our mobile phones for fear of being distracted by them. Not that they were not trusting enough of their fans not to hold their phone up throughout the whole show. A brave move.
Their show at Oslo promised to debut new songs from a change of direction record. They didn't disappoint. Opening with a guitar heavy, rock n roll track and then moving on to new single Believe. This is where it started to get a bit tricky. Believe was a song that never really got going which became the theme of the evening. Although it was a nice change to have iPhones hanging above your head, standing in a room that felt like a kettle, sweating like a mad man, only listening to songs no one knew AND not being able to check the football score, wasn't really what I signed up for.
Often bands debuting new material would at least play one or two hits in the encore, but last night they went through the motions demonstrating their slightly heavier new sound to a room of slightly bewildered people desperately waiting to hear something they knew.
The new songs however were classic Mumford & Sons, good singles with a lot of filler in between. It will be interesting to listen to the record when it's out, but until then hopefully they'll go hide in their cave and find some songs we want to listen to live right now.
Joe (@thejoeeley)
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There was a sense of exiting anticipation in the crowded small venue that is Oslo in Hackney London last night as we waited for Mumford & Sons to appear.
The crowd had come from all over the country and we met two brothers who had driven down from Newcastle for the gig. They were amongst the lucky few (375) to have got tickets when the sales opened at 9am that morning and sold out within seconds.
There was no support band and the two hour wait for the band to appear was unusual. It was like a throwback to the 80’s, as there were no mobile phones allowed, no eerie glow from all smartphone screens of people tweeting or checking of messages. Was this a social experiment to see who would crack first? We had all had to leave our phones downstairs in small black purses sporting white lettering with the words Mumford & Sons – Wilder Mind. These were given to us as a free memento of the night. I was hoping for a phone upgrade but it didn’t happen as I got my own phone back!
There were a few false alarms before the band appeared 45mins late. Someone asked what the football score was and Marcus replied 1 – 2 to Arsenal before apologising for the wait and sheepishly saying, not very convincingly, that that wasn’t why they were late.
They started with rocking new number from the new album. It was very good. Driving drums and bass guitar rhythms. Heavier than the Mumford & Sons of old. We don’t know what it was called as none of us had heard any of the numbers they played before and Marcus didn’t introduce them all. They played the new album, the whole new album and nothing but the new album, but not in order.
We thought they had rocked up their sound but the second number was slower. The new single Believe, which may them sound like a boy band picked up pace with some nice guitars towards the end.
You can hear it here with a cool video of driving around London at night HERE
Snake Eyes sounded good with a slow build up to a fast jam. Ditmus was very good with a catchy chorus and the potential to become an anthem. Monster with its syncopated drums was indeed a bit of a monster. For the last number they were singing in four part harmony like the band of old before again finishing with a good jam like session.
It was a great gig and a privilege to be there. The band mixed it up a bit and there wasn’t a banjo in sight. We’re looking forward to this new album Wilder Mind when it is released in May. It’s been a long time coming!
Ken (@kenjameswallace)
- Live Reviews
Back in 2008 Josh Tilman was the support for Fleet Foxes (for whom he was playing drums) at Nottingham Trent Uni. so we were aware of his singer/songwriter talent. Then in 2012 at the No Direction Home Festival I saw Father John Misty play tunes from Fear Fun and I was slightly in awe of his stage presence and fine song writing craft, so when his new album and Village Underground date were announced both were pre-ordered/booked knowing this was going to be something special.
But, nothing could have prepared me for the joy that unfolded at The VU! The album is already in my top 10 of 2015 (the gatefold, pop up, tune playing vinyl is a beautiful thing in itself; the horror on my husband's face when I confessed to the cost was priceless!)
The night opened with Birthday Boy Kieran Leonard playing some his new tunes, in front of an already attentive crowd, it was a genteel start for the Rock & Roll mayhem that was about unfold.
The band quickly took their places and FJM arrived, took the mic, teetered on the edge of the stage and ripped into Honeybear, which, as with every one of the tunes from the album, grew tenfold during this live performance. At this moment I thought he was going to play the album through, I would have been more than happy with this but he gave us a full set from both albums.
The variation in song style were highlighted in True Affection and The Ideal Husband (although guillemot-esque, in a good way) which almost raised the roof and it would be an appropriate time to say his supporting band are a class act. The VU stage is by no means large but it held the six of them plus FJM with room for ample strutting, and hip thrusting that had all totally mesmerised. When FJM took a sortee into the crowd there was NOBODY that did not want to reach out and touch him! So many fantastic songs including Strange Encounter, Smiling and Astride Me, Chateau Lobby as well as a Leonard Cohen cover "I'm Your Man" made for an incredible set.
But there is so much more to this guy than a few good tunes, his stagecraft makes for an outstanding performance. The movement encapsulating the mood of every tune, from standing on a drum kit, swaying with his guitar, to telling a few early clappers to "shut up" in a silent moment, which was humorous but with such an edge it was frightening!!
There are already two London dates announced for October and an appearance at the Green Man festival in August lined up although this was one of those gigs where this night may never be surpassed...... but then one should never say never!
Sally @sally_wally
- Live Reviews
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year the annual four newish and upcoming bands NME Awards tour arrives in Nottingham; a quick count-back reveals this to be my 14th attendance, the first of which was headlined by Stereophonics in 1998, which was probably the year some of tonight's audience were born.
The 2015 line-up features Palma Violets, The Fat White Family, Slaves and opening as a last minute replacement for The Amazing Snakeheads who chose the eve of the tour to split is The Wytches. The opening slot has had notable previous occupants Coldplay, The Coral, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, Mystery Jets and Florence and the Machine, and slightly less notable Fluffy, Theaudience, Mumm-Ra and The Drums, so it's worth getting there early for that “I saw them first” moment.
Tonight's audience decide to ignore the historical evidence as The Wytches are playing their bone-rattling Sabbath-style riffs to an half-full Rock City. The three piece's deep bassy psychedelic riffs were never quiet captured on the 'Annabel Dream Reader' album released last year, let's hope any new recorded material manages to better replicate their fine live performance tonight.
Next up are Slaves a two piece from Kent, Laurie Vincent (guitars/vocals) and Issac Holman (stand-up drums and shouty vocals) together produce a brutal, minimalist sound that sees the younger members of the audience erupt in a mohican strip of a moshpit from front to back of the standing area. Highlights include ' Where's Your Car Debbie' and new single 'Feed the Mantaray' the chorus of which is still stomping around your head long after it's finished. By the end both Laurie and Issac are shirtless and the standing area has turned into a thrashing bait ball. Slaves first album 'Are You Satisfied?' is out 1st June and should be on your wanted list.
The Fat White Family are introduced by a mystery man in a military jacket and flight goggles who rambles incoherently before throwing something into the crowd, the weirdness continues as the abstract noise makers arrive on stage. Lead singer Lias Saoudi looks a frail, meek character but the second he removes his shirt during the first track the devilish spirit of Iggy Pop appears to invade him as he writhes and contorts through every word of the performance. During crowd highlight 'Touch The Leather' Lias is in the audience lying on top of the front rows, by the time final track 'Bomb Disneyland' finishes he looks exhausted, on the verge of collapse. Fat White's music mixes lots of influences and their album 'Champagne Holocaust' isn't the easiest listening; however their energetic live performance is easier to digest.
Compared with what's gone before, tonight's headliners Palma Violets feel mainstream, nothing wrong or bad but nothing to get too excited about either. They thrash through tracks from their first album '180' at a terrific volume, Sam Fryer (in US Southern states preacher hat and long coat) and Chilli Jesson sharing and switching vocals in a The Libertines style. 'Best of Friends' and '14' get a great reception from the crowd who vigorously leap about throughout the hour Palma Violets are on stage. 'Danger In The Club' which is the title track from the new album released May 4th also goes down very well even though it's brand new.
So NME tour, always a good value ticket with four bands and you'll probably leave loving something you barely knew when you arrived. NME Awards Tour 2015, Nottingham Rock City, 24th February, 2015
Alisdair Whyte
- Live Reviews
Ryan Adams returned to London last night with his band The Shining for a gig at the Hammersmith (in old money) Odeon and a rock n’roll sad songs show was delivered in fine style.
Ryan is still a young man but with the back catalogue of a veteran. He could play five nights at the same venue and play five different sets without blinkin’ an eye, which makes it slightly strange that the set list on this particular UK tour has not changed that much.
Following his last magnificent acoustic tour, we have since last year been in rock n’ roll territory with the Shining (who follow the long missed Cardinals). I for one really like the ‘Ryan Adams’ album released in 2014 and with the current release of the 7" series of songs this man’s power to write great songs is undiminished. Proved still more by ‘I Ate Something Off The Street ‘ an on the spot improv last night after a muffled audience cry for, what song was it?
Last autumn’s shows with the Shining at the Shepherds Bush Empire, seem intimate compared to the wider expanses of Hammersmith and this is where the crowd came slightly unstuck. Ryan’s songs when being belted out by the band at full volume were auditorium filling. Once he picked up the acoustic guitar for some quiet songs, the bar and audience noise was so loud that it seemed like we were watching a support act with all the crowd chatter going on.
But this is Friday night, this is the dawn of the weekend, this is rock n’ roll! So enjoy this version of Ryan Adam’s world whilst it lasts because what comes next, a metal band or some heartbreakingly fragile acoustic songs?
A great night out, with a great band. Support Natalie Prass impressed greatly and received a cover song and a couple of major duets with Ryan during his set as well.
Pete
Set
Gimme Something Good
Let It Ride
Stay With Me
Dear Chicago
This House Is Not For Sale
Everybody Knows
My Winding Wheel
Dirty Rain
Magnolia Mountain
New York, New York
I Ate Something Off The Street
Kim
Two
My Wrecking Ball
I Just Might
I Love You But I Don't Know What To Say
Your Fool
(Natalie Prass cover)
Oh My Sweet Carolina
(with Natalie Prass)
La Cienega Just Smiled
Trouble
When the Stars Go Blue
I See Monsters
Come Pick Me Up
(with Natalie Prass)
- Live Reviews
Monday saw Bristol’s turn at hosting Portland’s The Decemberists as part of an 8 date UK & Ireland tour in support of new album What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World.
Looking exceptionally dapper in a 3 piece suit, Colin Meloy strides onto the stage solo with acoustic guitar strapped on and kicks off with the appropriate opener The Singer Addresses His Audience ; opening track from the new album. The rest of the band, equally suited and booted, then join him on stage and they up the tempo with Cavalry Captain and Down By The Water. The sold out crowd, including Bristol legend Big Jeff is now warmed up !
Unexpectedly early highlight of the set kicks in on the 5th track when they play the spine tingling Sleepless. This was The Decemberists contribution to the compilation charity album Dark Is The Night back in 2009, and doesn’t appear on any of their albums. Stunning.
Chat with the audience is funny and engaging, especially when the song Philomena is introduced and Meloy says it was nearly ruined for him when the movie of the same name staring Judie Dench was released.
Then comes the absolute highlight of the night for me when The Island, Come & See, The Landlord’s Daughter from The Crane Wife is played in all its 15 minutes or so glory. Magnificent, spellbinding prog rock !
The conclusion to the main set is the audience participative 16 Military Wives from Picaresque and O Valencia! from The Crane Wife, in which Meloy squeezes a couple of lines from This Charming Man.
The only bum note of the night for me was the choice of encores. Considering their magnificent back catalogue, choosing 2 songs from the new album didn’t seem the right choice and seemed to lose the band some momentum. This however was forgiven when the joyous The Mariners Revenge Song closed the night, all sing along, sway along style. A fabulous way to end.
Great to see you again Decemberists ; 2 fantastic hours that literally flew by. Just don’t leave it so long next time!!
Keith & Ali
- Live Reviews
On their last visit to Cambridge The Staves played the Portland Arms to around 100 people with scarfs wrapped around the mic stands as they delivered their sweet acoustic harmonies. Fast forward to, February 2015. A seven fold increase in the audience numbers, a six piece band and let's move venues to the Cambridge Junction.
The Staves have now matured into a very cosmopolitan, confident and professional band (a substantial touring schedule across the planet has no doubt helped) and one that you would not be surprised to find appearing on the cover of some up-market magazines any time soon.
The majority of songs from the new album were played last night containing a much more expansive sound than before; there is even a rockier edge to some of the material. Recorded with long-time friend Justin Vernon of Bon Iver at his April Base Studio in Wisconsin the songs are widescreen and mesmerising.
This was a very engaging set where everybody was soon put at ease, with the stage / crowd banter ("50 Staves of Grey") and with so many songs being new and unreleased; it soon becomes an intimate show when we are told that the only audience for these songs before this tour was their Mum & Dad!
Last night of the current tour, all three sisters Jessica, Emily and Camilla remain happy, humble and with their feet very much on the ground which is very admirable, as they will be going far in this musical world of ours!
Pete
New Album 'If I Was' is released on 23rd March
Set List
Blood I Bled
Steady
Open
Mexico
Horizons
Black And White
No Me No You No More
Let Me Down
Pay Us No Mind
Eagle Song
Make It Holy
Don't You Call Me
Teeth White
Winter Trees
Encore:
Facing West
Wisely & Slow
- Live Reviews
It was nearly two years to the day since Walk The Moon last headlined a show in London. Their 2013 show at the Scala was one of my gigs of the year so I was surprised to see them heading to (the much smaller) Dome in Tuffnell Park this time around. Still, a 500 strong crowd welcomed them with open arms as they took the stage.
Whilst the music they produce will never be ground-breaking, think The Killers on speed, they are always Fun with a capital F. With their second album, Talking Is Hard, coming out in May this show showcased their new catchy tunes that had a lot of the women around me doing their well-polished shimmy, which they have been practising for the past couple of years.
A lot of these songs, including new single Shut Up And Dance For Me, were very similar to the sound of their self-titled debut, however they do exactly what you want them to do. Get your foot tapping, and heading nodding. An hour and 20 minutes later, including an unnecessary Killers cover in my eyes, they had the room in the palm of the metaphorical band hand playing a good mix of new and fan favourite, old tracks.
If you're not a fan of synth indie pop, these guys won't be for you, but if want a bit of fun with your funky guitar riffs I can whole heartedly recommend you check them out.
Gig of the year, so far....
Joe
@thejoeeley
- Live Reviews
Sometimes in life you stumble across musical nuggets you don’t expect too like a Simple, genuine, upcoming singer songwriter. Tom Copson who is currently supporting the Rockgrass Gods Hayseed Dixie at the moment which because we turned up early to the gig, we were rewarded.
Almost apologetically slipping onto the quirky Brooklyn Bowl stage Tom Copson launched into a beautifully thoughtful version of the classic Heart of Gold. A clever move as it turns out as Hayseed Dixie crowds, used to alternative covers, are instantly appreciative of the musicianship and soulful effort. Only to be followed up with a killer acoustic version of Word Up that has everyone’s full attention.
Armed with nothing more than a guitar and longtime friend, and excellent percussionist, Peter Robbins playing Cajon Box, cymbal and homemade maracas, they are simply a fascinating act. After the warm-up covers Tom engages the attentive crowd with stories of world travels and girlfriend travails whilst playing some original tracks that clearly evidence a very accomplished singer/songwriter that as the set progresses has the swelling crowd raptured and entertained.
The final coup de grace being the announcement that they would be auditioning a bassist to close the set, only to bring out Hayseeds own Brother Jake to the first gig wide cheer of the night. Anyone that appreciates the quiet storytelling journeyman musician rebooted for 2015 audiences then this is for you, think James Taylor with an Oyster card.
An inspired addition to the Hayseed tour that I cannot recommend highly enough. Tom’s album Woven is available to buy from him at the shows and is certainly worth a few extra quid on the night, as it comes with the opportunity to speak to the self-effacing man himself.
Iain @docswallow
Set List:
Heart of Gold
Word Up
Hand Holding
Moments
Empty Can
Kiss
Cloud Not a Star
Afraid To Fall
Brave Man
- Live Reviews
A close to capacity crowd had made its way to the Brudenell on Wednesday in anticipation of some noisy rock and roll from Ex Hex, and we were not to be disappointed.
One member of the audience was Mr Steve “Lammo” Lamacq himself, who told me he had travelled up from London specifically to see the band.
Irish 5 piece Princess opened the night, and the music they produced belied their age and appearance. With the lead singer a spit for Harry Stiles, and the female guitarist looking about 13, they produced a tight, very assured Krautrock, Shoegaze 6 song set. One to watch this year for me.
Then it was time for the 3 Washington D.C girls that comprise Ex Hex to take the stage ; Mary Timony, Betsy Wright and Laura Harris.
They kicked off with Waterfall from Rips, their only album so far, (although they are already veterans of different bands between band, Mary was very recently part of Wild Flag with Carrie Brownstein, Rebecca Cole and Janet Weiss) then quickly went into 6 Music playlist favourite Don’t Wanna Lose which warmed the crowd up nicely.
Beast was just that - massively elongated from the album version by an electric guitar solo and even some bass/guitar duelling. The noise they were getting out of just guitar, bass and drums was huge, and the shapes they were throwing around the stage were good old retro 70’s style - feet on the monitors, back to back guitar playing and even some head banging.
With only a 11 track album to chose from, the band then played some tracks from a Boston band called The Real Kids. I’m not sure any of us present knew these next few songs, but it didn’t detract from the gig and the atmosphere as it was more of the same - ballsy, shambolic rock and roll.
The rest of the set was more from Rips, until the appropriately titled Outro ended the night ; just over an (exhilarating) hour on stage, and we were all done. Good old, no-nonsense rock and roll. We loved it.
Keith @kjsmith4082
- Live Reviews
Testify People, Testify!
A Hayseed Dixie gig is a quirky mix of Rockgrass party, political rally and a good ole Southern preacher’s call to arms.
Right from the off this was a wonderful celebration of all that is the Hayseed Dixie ethos of drinking, preaching and wonderfully eccentric hillbilly versions of rock classics. For the best part of two hours these 4 acoustic maestros blasted through rock standards playing nothing more than guitar, bass, banjo and mandolin. The venue was inspired too, the reasonably new Brooklyn Bowl at the O2 added to the ambiance with the band competing with waitresses delivering chicken and ribs, and the crescendo of 12 pin strikes.
The set is spiced with fans favorites from AC/DC, Black Sabbath. Queen, Motorhead and Eagles all served in the Rockrass style. Lead singer John Wheeler aka Barley Scotch taking time out time out between songs to praise the NHS, rue the traffic on the Dartford Crossing and confess that the secret to Rockgrass is "ethnomusicality on a metaphysical level". Second half of the set saw some genre crossing mashups amongst even more crowd pleasing standards. Hotel California remixed with Whams Careless Whisper and even some Britney and Abba for good measure.
Don’t take these guys for fools though, they are absolute consummate musicians, the obligatory dueling banjo’s turned into a four way battle of banjo, guitar, bass and mandolin that was fast powerful and spot on the money. There was even time for a few classical numbers and some euro faves sung in the original Deutsch.
I can only recommend that, dear reader, you find the time to see this band of desperado’s as they continue to tour the UK and on into Europe. You won’t regret it, not even the face ache you get from grinning through a two hour set.
Iain @docswallow
Set List
Hells Bells
Kirby Hill
You Shook Me All Night Long
War/War Pigs
Tolerance
Eye of the Tiger
Don’t Stop Believing
In The Backyard
Ace of Spades
Trinkmusik
Bohemian Rhapsody/ Paranoid
Schnapps
We’re Not Gonna Take It
Corn Liquor
She Was Skinny When I Met Her
Fat Bottomed Girls
Pour Some Sugar on Me
I’m Keeping Your Poop
Moonshiners Daughter
Merch Selling Song
Highway to Hell
Careless Hotel Whisper Rider
Full Euro dates are on the band's website
- Live Reviews
A freezing cold, wet winter night at the Brudenell in the middle of Studentville, Leeds was the host to this pair of Nashvillians armed with acoustic guitars and a pedal steel.
Although not officially a double-header gig, I got the feeling there were as many present looking forward to seeing the support of Andrew Combs as there were for Justin Townes Earle.
In support of new, fabulous album All These Dreams released on the equally fabulous Loose label, Andrew Combs strode onstage, top to toe in denim and confidently announced himself with a “Howdy”. ‘Month of Bad Habits’ opened the set, accompanying himself with acoustic guitar alone, as did the rest of the set. The half an hour truly sped by, mainly with songs off the new album, but also containing new song ‘Silk Flowers’.
The appreciative audience said goodbye and he then manned his own merch stall, where i got to say hello. He suggested he may be back towards the end of the year with a full band, which will truly do the new album justice.
After a quick break, It was then JTE’s turn onstage, accompanied by electric guitarist Paul, who also doubled as the pedal steel player. The tour is in support of his latest releases which comprises 2 albums released in close proximity : Single Mothers and Absent Fathers. Although mid way through the set he claimed his songs were not always autobiographical, it’s not difficult to work out the theme behind these two.
Again, the set seemed to speed along at an alarming rate, helped by the stories between songs which were a mixture of general chat (the worst place he’s ever lived was on the outskirts of Brooklyn), to explaining the background to songs (his apparent obsession with the weather as a theme). With Paul alternating between electric guitar and pedal steel, the absence of a full band was hardly noticed or missed, and the beautiful acoustic guitar picking took centre stage.
Another theme running through his songs, and set, was family. Another anecdote was told about his Mother who regularly cries when she hears one of his songs (Mama’s Eyes) aimed at his absent father Steve Earle. Hardly surprising considering the sentiment. His wife, grandfather and Billie Holliday were also sound checked throughout the evening, the latter before he played the gorgeous White Gardenias.
Worried About The weather from Single Mothers was a set highlight for me, I’m a sucker for pedal steel, and then Dreams and Harlem River Blues closed the night to a fabulous ovation.
Whilst JTE also revealed that he has never listened back to one of his albums after release for fear of producing the same again and again, I would suggest he has nothing to worry about. With these two releases, I would suggest he has finally reached his peak, and live and minimally played, the songs reveal themselves even more beautifully.
Keith @kjsmith4082
