Catfish and the Bottlemen – Leeds University Stylus, 9/11/2014 Live Review

Catfish and the Bottlemen – Leeds University Stylus, 9/11/2014 Live Review

                Their name has been tumbling off the lips of rock fans everywhere due to the plethora of media attention they’ve been receiving in the past year, so if you don’t know who they are yet, you should probably stick your nose out of the rock you’ve been hiding under every once in a while.

                Last time they were in Leeds, Catfish and the Bottlemen absolutely smashed the Festival Republic stage and it’s clear from the very second that the hordes of fans swarm upon the venue that expectations are high and tonight is going to be phenomenal.

                Brother and sister duo Southerners are the first to grace the stage with their blues fused rock and roll twang, and exceed all expectations that could be set of a family pair that have been in business for only two years – they’re confident, smooth, and the perfect composers of a crowd that are loving every minute of their set.

                Then, the lights drop and the soundtrack to of Pirates of the Caribbean thunders through the speakers, sending an electric pulse through the crowd that’s almost deadly. On walk Catfish and the Bottlemen, clad in their leather jackets and surrounded by a smoke of self-assurance as the crowd transcends into a wave of madness. The very first chord of ‘Rango’ sends the venue into a mental frenzy that lasts until the end of their set. Despite claiming that his voice is on its ‘last legs,’ frontman Van McCaan doesn’t hold back and performs every note to perfection despite being almost drowned out by the 1000 strong crowd. Sweat is dripping from every forehead five minutes into their set, shoes are being thrown everywhere and at least a half a dozen crowd-surfers have gone over the barrier already.

Perhaps the only flaw of the night is that it’s very much the Van McCaan show, with the rest of the band resigned to merely playing their instruments in their set stage places (though still playing excellently nevertheless), but Van’s interaction with the crowd and his dynamic energy fuelling the masses at his feet are more than enough to carry the crowd.

It isn’t just the hits such as ‘Kathleen’ and ‘Pacifier’ that get a roaring response, every song on the set list is reverberated off the walls. Penultimate song ‘Cocoon’ is the highlight of the entire evening, with the crowd chanting the chorus several times over to the point that it’s deafening. After an elongated and explosive rendition of finale ‘Tyrants’, it’s time for Catfish to leave the stage with the promise to return to Leeds O2 Academy next year. Amazingly, the energy continues to pulse through the venue as the crowd filters out into the tranquil Sunday evening that had been forgotten in the heat of the concert, proof that tonight has been one that verifies why Catfish and the Bottlemen deserve every ounce of praise they get. 

Framing Hanley – The Key Club, Leeds, 27/10/2014 Live Review

Framing Hanley – The Key Club, Leeds, 27/10/2014 Live Review

                Little has been heard of Tennessee five piece Framing Hanley since their last UK tour in 2011, but since then they’ve lost and gained a member, made an album and released a couple of singles. Support bands The Wilde and Hours are pleasant enough to listen to, but ultimately flop in igniting a spark of energy from the crowd, and the venue is pretty dead by the time Framing Hanley walk on stage.

Although opening song ‘Criminal’ is one of the belters from their new album ‘The Sum of Who We Are’, very few members of the crowd react to it. Other songs from ‘‘The Sum of…’ scarcely get a reaction, whereas hits from the first two albums, such as ‘You Stupid Girl,’ ’23 Days’ and ‘Back To Go Again’ get the less miserable fans singing the lyrics back to a band who are clearly worried at the small turnout. Despite a tiny stage and a largely disagreeable crowd, Framing Hanley play as excellently as they always have, with frontman Kenneth Nixon executing his vocals perfectly, blending soft tones with powerful belting choruses, and there’s an unappreciated energy coming from the entire band that would be brilliant if it was captured by a better crowd.

Unfortunately, the only way to drive fans out of their reverie was to play older tunes, which is pitiful for a band that have tried so hard to push ‘The Sum of Who We Are’. Their famous cover of Lil Wayne’s ‘Lollipop’ gets the crowd going a little too late, with less than a handful of songs left.

It’s clear that most people are here to relive the days of their early teenage years, and the band provide the nostalgia that fans have been sucking on all night with ‘Hear Me Now’ as their finale, the track that got them signed in 2006, which surprisingly lets the night end on a high.

It’s sad that such a passionate and talented band have been reduced to playing a mediocre venue to a flat crowd. Although the way the band handled this and played excellently despite it was admirable, after this reaction it’s uncertain what the future holds for Framing Hanley. 

Prides – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, 7/10/2014 Live Review

Prides – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, 7/10/2014 Live Review

            You’ll be hard-pushed to find a synthpop band nowadays that not only creates great dance music but that performs it as powerfully and as loudly as Prides, a Glaswegian trio that were only formed in 2013 and are already leaving their stamp on the music scene.

                About 150 people gradually packed into the quaint little venue, and opening act Polo, formerly GirlsOnDrugs, commenced the evening. Although their songs were primarily unknown to the audience and their set was quite slow and tranquil, a fantastic cover of Arctic Monkeys’ ‘Do I Wanna Know’ was enough to win over the opinions of the still crowd.

                Duo The Wild Curve played their third ever live performance to perfection, contrasting with Polo by playing tunes that were loud, brazen and full of flair. The two juggled a mixture of instruments, from guitars, to drums, to keyboards as well as vocals and there was a circus-like feel to their set that was entertaining and well-played.

                Finally, Prides entered the stage to an impatient crowd. ‘I Should Know You Better’ carried the energy and power that set the tone for the rest of the night and Prides just didn’t stop giving. ‘Out of the Blue’ was the peak of the set, due to it being released it on Spotify that same day and having a place on the FIFA 15 soundtrack. Sweat was flowing aplenty from both crowd and band; big, beltering choruses and an earth-shattering bass drum made the compact room seem to vibrate. Their cover of ‘Roar’ by Katy Perry went down a storm and finale ‘Messiah’ was an anthemic explosion. The entire gig was a mass of colour and dance, and both the crowd and the band loved every second.

                Prides are definitely ones to watch – having already supported Blink 182 alongside Neck Deep at the O2 Academy Brixton and headlined the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds Festival this year, we can expect big things from the Scottish trio. 

We Are The In Crowd - The Cockpit, Leeds 30/1/14 Live Review

We Are The In Crowd - The Cockpit, Leeds 30/1/14 Live Review 

It seems that We Are The In Crowd are never off UK soil and they kicked off 2014 by embarking on their third headline tour in two years, dragging along Newport rockers Save Your Breath and pop punk newbies Neck Deep along for the ride.

                Save Your Breath are first up and although it’s not a brilliant kick-start for the evening, their charm came from the knowledge that they wouldn’t have an enormous reception. Their witty stage-talk and catchy tunes win the audience over and frontman Kristian Richards has no trouble engaging everyone in clapping, jumping and creating mosh pits for the people in the audience with more hair than sense.

                Neck Deep grace the stage afterwards and remind everyone exactly why they headlined (and sold out) the very same venue a couple of weeks earlier. Ben Barlow’s loud-mouthed vocals are on point and bassist Fil Thorpe-Evans’ mini solo in Growing Pains gains an audible cheer from the crowd. Fan favourite A Part Of Me went down a storm, with Ben allowing the audience to sing the female parts in lieu of Laura Whiteside, but the greatest reactions were to new songs such as Crushing Grief (No Remedy) and Damsel In Distress (or as they liked to call it, Denzel in Distress). The energy radiating from the band and the crowd is unbelievable and a throng of stage divers ensued from the very first note of Neck Deep’s set, remaining that way until the end of the night. With the crowd pumped and kicking, the clock ticked down to the beginning of We Are The In Crowd’s headline performance.

                They enter in a cloud of smoke and kick off with new single The Best Thing, much to the pleasure of the audience who scream back every word with reverence. It’s a great start to a great show and the inclusion of five new songs adds an interesting twist to an overused set-list, although fans of Jordan Eckes may have been disappointed at his lack of vocals alongside Tay Jardine’s. It’s clear that WATIC have progressed dramatically in their two years since they released Best Intentions and the transitions between new and old songs seem like hiccups – the two eras of WATIC don’t fit so smoothly into one set and the central focus on Tay is a little off-putting on a small stage.

Tay ’s personal song Windows In Heaven was transformed into a powerful and moving performance with an explosive finale that captured the emotions that the studio version couldn’t and Long Live The Kids kept the crowd belting their hearts out, showing that this song was definitely meant for a live audience. Old favourites were performed, much to the delight of fans, and an acoustic rendition of For The Win offers a calming antidote from the overwhelming vigour that WATIC cast onto the crowd throughout the night. Tunes such as Kiss Me Again and The Worst Thing About Me are played to perfection, keeping the crowd on their toes with their fists in the air. Upbeat and vociferous finale Rumour Mill leaves the crowd on a high before they disperse, leaving a few girls to scan the floor in search of a fallen guitar pick.

                Although the venue wasn’t sold out, the night was a success and the line-up was impeccable – all three bands complemented each other yet offered something different. With the release of their new album Weird Kids, it’s likely that WATIC will headline a bigger venue on their next headline tour and rightly so - their live performances and musical progression deserve a greater reward than a stage overlooking 500 fans and a barman. 

Young Guns - Leeds Met Uni 16/10/12 Live Review

Young Guns – Leeds Met Uni 

16^th October 2012

     It goes without saying that 2012 has been Young Guns’ year as the band prepare to take to the stage tonight after returning home from their successful attempt at conquering America.

     Yorkshire-rooted band Marmozets enter the room with only one or two fans throughout the crowd and their set is disappointing to say the least. Dubbed as ‘the most exciting young band in Britain’ by Kerrang, the ‘family band’ fail to live up to this statement as the crowd remain silent and unmoving. Their substandard performance was not for lack of trying, but it is clear that Marmozets still have a lot to learn before embarking on any more                                                                                         live shows.

     With not a lot to outshine, Your Demise arrive on stage and immediately strike into action, much to the approval of the audience. Frontman Ed McRae jumps around being his usual, mouthy self and evokes movement within the crowd that tonight’s show so desperately needs. Launching himself into the mass of fans at his feet, his reckless attitude radiates throughout the crowd and encourages a flock of crowd surfers that set the tone for Your Demise’s set. Still, there isn’t much for Yankee five-piece We Are The In Crowd to outdo.

     The pop-punk band from Poughkeepsie receive an enormous reaction from the crowd as soon as they step on stage and there is no doubt that this band will finally bring something more to the night than just shouty vocals and give the performance of a lifetime. Kicking off their set with a popular song 'Better Luck Next Time' from their debut album 'Best Intentions', We Are The In Crowd clearly know how to please the audience and the revel in the reaction from the crowd. Female vocalist Tay Jardine conducts the entire set and eventually the band win over even the most sceptical minds with their catchy songs and charismatic stage presence. There is no doubt that We Are The In Crowd don’t have any other way to go than up and as they leave the stage, the atmosphere is thick with excitement to see what Young Guns have in store.

     As the lights dim in preparation for Young Guns’ appearance, the audience go crazy and the band begin their faultless set with 'Dearly Departed', a song from their latest album 'Bones'. The five-piece band from East London started their night as they meant to go on, flawlessly performing songs both old and new to perfection. The balance of tempo throughout the night was impeccable, with melodic songs such as 'You Are Not' and 'Broadfields' bringing a more intimate feel to the sold-out venue whilst still maintaining a heavier feel with songs such as 'Crystal Clear' and 'Towers' that drove the crowd wild. As usual, the band put on a show-stopping performance that outstripped their support acts by far and their enthusiasm and confident demeanour set the stage alight, leaving no room for speculation that they are one of the best British bands to date.

     Finally, as the night drew to a close, Young Guns unleashed the full force of their unquestionable proficiency upon their adoring fans and ended their encore with powerful hit single Bones that filled the room with its infectious chorus and ended the night on a complete high. 

Of Mice & Men - The Cockpit, Leeds 14/10/12 Live Review

Of Mice & Men – The Cockpit, Leeds

14^th October 2012

     Of Mice & Men are without a doubt one of the greatest metalcore bands to date and there seems to be no stopping the California five-piece as they embark on the most anticipated UK tour the band has ever seen.  Along with Secrets and Memphis May Fire, Of Mice & Men seems set to storm The Cockpit and there is an obvious sense of excitement from the moment that Secrets take to the stage.

     Beginning their set with only a few fans in a sold-out venue, Secrets seems eager to impress and frontman Xander Bourgeois immediately insisted on several mosh pits, much to the approval of the audience. Slowly gaining the approval of a few more heads within the crowd due to drummer Joe English completely tearing up his drum kit, Secrets were shameless and fuelled the anticipation for Texas band Memphis May Fire.

     It is clear from the moment frontman Matty Mullins steps on stage that their set will tear up the entire venue and as they jump immediately into 'The Sinner', Memphis May Fire revel in the overwhelming reaction from the crowd. The band pull out all the stops to deliver a performance worthy of a headlining act and secure their place as one of the greatest live bands this venue has ever seen. The crowd loved every minute of it and as the five-piece close their roof-raising performance with a fiery track from their new album, 'Prove Me Right', they leave with significantly more fans than they entered with.

     Finally, the agonising wait is over and the roar of the crowd is enough to quench any doubt that Memphis May Fire have stolen the show tonight. Launching into 'O.G. Loko', they tear up the venue with a presence so dominant that it’s impossible to deny the fact that Of Mice & Men have come back better and stronger since the departure of guitarist Shayley Bourget in February. In his place stands Aaron Pauley who finds no difficulty in establishing his title as a worthy replacement and fulfilling a role that not many others could achieve.  Chiefly playing songs from their latest album, 'The Flood', the band annihilate the stage and the reaction from the crowd is nothing less than what they deserve with frontman Austin Carlile completely smashing his vocal cords in a successful attempt of putting on one of the greatest shows of their lives. As they play hits such as 'Let Live' and 'Product of a Murderer', the atmosphere is unbeatable, with every eye on the band and not a single person standing still. Songs from their re-issue of 'The Flood' go down a storm and the crowd all gladly participate in crouching on the floor upon Austin Carlile’s demand for 'The Depths'.

     However, everyone within the venue knows that the best is yet to come and the wait for the encore in unbearable before Of Mice & Men set the place on fire with phenomenal hit 'Second and Sebring', bringing Austin Carlile and half of his fans to tears before exiting the stage to an overwhelming applause from the crowd.  It is clear that the night had been a complete success and things can only improve for a band that, as of yet, know no limits. 

Mayday Parade - The Cockpit, Leeds 8/10/12 Live Review

Mayday Parade – The Cockpit, Leeds

Monday 8^th October 2012

Embarking on their seventh tour in the UK since the band started in 2006, Florida five-piece Mayday Parade had quite a turnout at The Cockpit in Leeds.

     The night was kicked off by an almost unknown band, Natives, and the crowd were hesitant as to what to expect. However, Natives’ short-lived set had the crowd roaring within ten minutes, leaving a great anticipation rippling throughout the crowd for indie rock group For The Foxes. The band domineered the stage and had the entire venue cheering for them after vocalist Nicholas Dungo performed a heart-felt acoustic song that won the crowd over before ending their set with a rockier tune that left an eager audience for Arizonian pop-rock band The Summer Set.

     The Summer Set stormed the stage, kicking off their set with popular song 'Chelsea' that had every fan in the audience singing along and every person in the venue joined in with their catchy tune 'Fuck You Over', a song  that got the whole crowd moving and swaying to the music. The Summer Set left on a high, leaving the crowd roaring to go in the wait for the most anticipated act of the night, Mayday Parade.

     Mayday Parade began their set with 'Oh Well, Oh Well', a song from their latest self-titled album that sent a shiver of exhilaration through the crowd and continued their set throughout the night that consisted mainly of songs from their second album, 'A Lesson in Romantics'.  Of course, 'Miserable at Best' and 'Stay' conjured a few tears in the audience before the band  completed their set with explosive songs such as 'When I Get Home You’re So Dead' and 'Black Cat'.
    Overall, there could be no complaints to be made about the night. The support bands were definite crowd pleasers, Derek Sander’s vocals were flawless and the band as a whole  were charismatic and enthusiastic, making full use of the stage and manipulating its potential to create an atmosphere so  dynamic that the night was a complete success.