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. 

We Are The In Crowd – ‘The Best Thing’ Single Review

We Are The In Crowd – ‘The Best Thing’ Single Review

                After months spent slaving in the studio, We Are The In Crowd have finally given us a release date for their second album – 18^th February 2014 – and a teaser of what to expect with their second single from ‘Weird Kids.’

                Following on from ‘Attention,’ which they performed at Reading and Leeds Festival this year, ‘The Best Thing’ shows a grittier side of vocalist Tay Jardine as she sings of heartbreak (by All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth, I wonder?) and vents her anger with feisty lyrics such as ‘you ain’t nothing but a prick’ and ‘you’ll crack just like the rest when I break your fucking jaw.’

However, as bitter as this song may sound, it’s surprisingly one of the most uplifting and energetic songs in their discography, declaring ‘you’re never gonna hold me down’. Jaunty drum rhythms, peppy guitar riffs and an extensive use of synthesisers ensure that WATIC don’t lose themselves in angst and maintain the feel-good vibes that make them sensational live performers.

 ‘The Best Thing’ really is one of the best things to come from the Poughkeepsie five-piece. In fact, it’s so good that you won’t even notice the absence of Jordan Eckes’ usual vocals, demonstrating just how far We Are The In Crowd have progressed in the short time they’ve been around. It’s catchy, it’s bouncy, it’s aggressive and it’s bound to be phenomenal when they let it loose for the first time on their UK tour next year. 

Forever Can Wait – ‘Beauty&Grace’ EP Review

Forever Can Wait – ‘Beauty&Grace’ EP Review

Tracklist

1.  Beauty&Grace
2.  P&Q
3.  Rest
4. Release
5. Excuses
6. Hopes&Dreams

          Southampton based rockers Forever Can Wait are finally set to release their EP ‘Beauty&Grace’ on 27^th November after a busy year performing at Download Festival, Edge Fest and playing their first ever headline show as well as creating ties with MTV and Kerrang!

          The headlining track is a promising start to the EP with singer Tash Crump demonstrating her mind-blowing vocal abilities. Although she may lack the brutality and feistiness of other female vocalists such as Lzzy Hale, it’s evident that she doesn’t need an in-your-face persona to leave a lasting impression. ‘P&Q’ is undoubtedly the best song on the album with riffs that will get stuck in your head for days and catchy lyrics that you’ll be singing in the shower after you’ve had it on repeat for far too long. Debut single ‘Rest’ and second single ‘Excuses’ have been commended on Alex Baker’s ‘Kerrang Radio Unsigned Show’ and it’s clear why. Both tracks boast powerful instrumentals and Liam Baker’s talented guitar-playing skills take the limelight in ‘Excuses’, helping set the sober tone in the bitter love song. ‘Hopes&Dreams’ is an explosive finale to the EP and tells the world that they’re ready to conquer and they’re not going to take any of your bullshit. Rightly so.

         Forever Can Wait show definite potential with this EP and it’s difficult not to admire the band; they’ve created their own style of alt-rock with Tash’s distinctive voice and interesting chord structures that will help them carve their names in the music industry. All of this being said, there’s only one more question to ask – what’s with the lack of spaces? 

Kids In Glass Houses – ‘Peace’ Album Review

Kids In Glass Houses – ‘Peace’ Album Review

 Tracklisting:

1. Peace
2. Drive
3. Set My Body Free
4. V-I-People
5. Novocaine
6. Storm Chasers
7. The Runaways
8. Up All Night
9. Black Cloud
10. Night Crawler

After their 2011 release ‘In Gold Blood’ reached the Number 1 spot on the UK Rock Albums Chart, expectations for their new record have been higher than Lindsay Lohan, but Welsh quintet Kids In Glass Houses are back with a vengeance in the form of their explosive new pop album, ‘Peace’.

Opening with the title track, it’s unquestionable that Kids In Glass Houses have evolved into something phenomenal. Erupting with energy and instantly establishing itself as a masterpiece in the band’s extensive discography, ‘Peace’ is a rare gem that will lighten any mood and have you yelling the lyrics until you’re hoarse. It would seem that Kids In Glass Houses are aiming to release the guilty inner pop junkie in all of us and clearly they were not messing about when they said they ‘wanted to inject the fun back into ourselves’.

Unsurprisingly, the album does have an electronic underbelly and traces of computerisation can be found as vocalist Aled Phillips croons the infectious chorus to the ‘Drive’, the first single the boys released from the album.  ‘Set My Body Free’ and ‘V-I-People’ also consist heavily of electronic dance elements, but these songs would be nothing without the feisty guitar riffs and powerful drums that earned Kids In Glass houses their current status. All of these songs follow a similar route as ‘Peace’, with an energetic and robust kick to complement the catchy lyrics and contribute to the fun and carefree theme of the album so far.

Fifth track ‘Novocaine’ has a darker and more solemn undertone and, although the chorus is lively and loud, it helps to balance the pace of the album. This continues with ‘Storm Chasers,’ a powerful track that tells a tale of sorrow and regret and has vocalist Aled belting out his emotions with a passion.

Although the album picks up with ‘The Runaways’, it can be said that the second half of ‘Peace’ is a more serious yet relaxed side to the new Kids In Glass Houses. They’ve toned down the usage electronic synthesizers and reverted back to what alt-rock is all about – pulsating drum beats, powerful guitar riffs and earth-shattering vocals that aren’t just about dancing and having a good time. ‘Up All Night’ sings of a lost love, ‘Black Cloud’ is a tune that screams of defiance and determination and ‘Night Crawler’ is an anthemic and solemn finale full of torment and anguish.

With only ten tracks, ‘Peace’ is short but sweet and each track is worthy of being a top-selling single. All that’s left to tell is whether fans will appreciate the poppier sound of Kids In Glass Houses entering a new era.

Blitz Kids – ‘Run For Cover’ Single Review

Blitz Kids – ‘Run For Cover’ Single Review

‘Run For Cover’ is the second single that the Cheshire-born rascals have released under new record label Red Bull Records. Following from ‘On My Own’ which was released in April, this new single carries a more vengeful and bitter undertone as singer Joe James vents his anger with infectious chants and belting choruses that tell the tale of ‘getting blagged by your missus when you're out on tour with the lads, and the challenges that come with being in a relationship when you're constantly on the road’ as guitarist Jono Yates so elegantly puts it.

The song immediately seizes the attention of the audience with dulled instrumentals and tense vocals that secrete expectation with an infectious mantra of ‘lover lover, run run for cover’ before exploding into fiery guitar riffs and hammering drums and progressing into a passionate chorus that will undoubtedly warrant a roaring reaction from a live audience, with the vocals already being echoed by a crowd on the track itself.

As the song steadily reaches its culmination, the band coalesce the slick and sleazy melody of the leading guitar with the throbbing cadence of the rhythm guitar, impressively creating a solo worthy of The Killers in their ‘Hot Fuss’ era.

Overall, this track is a definite crowd pleaser and will tickle the fancy of most rock fans out there, so Blitz Kids can sit back, have a drink and bask in the pride they’ve earned with ‘Run For Cover’. 

Jet Pack – ‘Chasing Sunsets’ EP Review

Jet Pack – ‘Chasing Sunsets’ EP Review

Tracklisting:

1. Back To Life
2. Now I Know How John Locke Felt
3. The Heat Of The Moment
4. Chasing Sunsets (feat Lauren Pryke)
5. All I Need
6. This Is The End

      Jet Pack are a four-piece rock band erupting from Cheltenham and they’re one of those wonderful rarities that take your breath away upon impact. Jet Pack have successfully written an icebreaker that shifts effortlessly from an energetic and gripping introduction into a more intense chorus, complete with powerful vocals and subtle dramatic undertones courtesy of singer Dennis Cook. A hard-hitting combination of rhythmic drum beats and grubby guitar riffs ‘Back To Life’ perfectly and sets the standard high for the rest of the EP.

If You Me At Six and We Are The Ocean were to have a lovechild it would be ‘Chasing Sunsets’. It’s the ultimate blend of alternative rock at its best and it provides a rare opportunity to give inordinate attention to the diverse abilities of this band  - the EP fuses the upbeat and heavier element of Jet Pack in ‘The Heat Of The Moment’ with the placid and more dulcet nature of ‘Chasing Sunsets.’ The headlining number is predominantly acoustic which offers a break from the more vivacious songs on the EP and is perfected by the beautifully eloquent vocals of Lauren Pyrke that help add to the raw tone of the track and help extract the emotion that this song deserves.

There are no other words to describe this band other than exceptionally talented and it’s unsurprising really – they’ve been around since 2008. With five years of experience under their belts, the question is not their undoubtable music abilities - it’s how are they unsigned? 

Lost Trends – 'Buy the World' EP Review

Lost Trends – 'Buy the World' EP Review

Tracklisting

1. La La (Lies)
2. Takedown
3. The Pop Song
4. Buy The World

     Lost Trends are a wonderfully promising indie-rock band from York, releasing their debut EP ‘Buy The World’. Combining influences from Bloc Party, Sex Pistols and Joy Division, Lost Trends are destined to be in a league of their own with their original and innovative sound that is seemingly shaped by blending punk bass lines and jazzy guitar leads with viscous rhythms and a sharp Yorkshire accent worthy of Alex Turner. 

     Opening this brilliant EP is a song that sounds solidly like a track Kasabian constructed whilst on drugs – rhythmic and repetitive guitar riffs persist throughout together with distorted vocals and dynamic drum beats but there are also traces of techno and an unexpected historical-sounding lecture on the frequency of sound. The second track ‘Takedown’ is very similar and replicates the same elements of the opening track yet ‘The Pop Song’ has clearer vocals, presenting vocalist Stephen Green with an opportunity to demonstrate his choral and lyrical talents. ‘Buy the World’ is much more unique as it edges away from the funkier sounding theme of the whole EP and the guitar riffs are less profuse which unfortunately gives the song a weaker sound and isolates it from the more powerful tracks of the EP.

     Overall this EP is creative and unusual and the band have cleverly combined several musical elements to ensure a wider variety of listeners and as a debut EP, this should be very successful. 

Circle Of Reason – ‘These Hands and This Mind’ EP Review

Circle Of Reason – ‘These Hands and This Mind’ EP Review

Tracklisting:

1. Don’t Be Still
2. Home
3. Novel
4. Sleep
5. Themes Amongst Thieves

        Being compared to music giants Soundgarden and Smashing Pumpkins must be daunting for a little-known band that’s only been around since 2010, yet alt-rock band Circle of Reason are out to prove themselves again with their new EP, ‘These Hands and This Mind’.

       Their debut EP ‘A Favour For A Stranger’ received glowing reviews and certainly put the spotlight on Circle Of Reason, who haven’t disappointed in their latest killer release. The quartet have guilefully exhibited their expansive talents over the five songs on the EP, contrasting tracks of earth-shattering guitar riffs and thundering drums such as ‘Themes Amongst Thieves’ with the gentle and silkier rhythms of ‘Sleep’ and ‘Home’, which subsequently allows the entire record to flow mellifluously in fits of melodic vocals and ardent outbursts of instrumentals.  The entire record demonstrates divergence and every track contains its own uniqueness whilst still retaining an imprint of the unmistakeable sound that is Circle Of Reason, described as ‘merging considerate, visceral guitar parts, ear-shattering drums, and warm, alluring vocals’.

         Nevertheless, it’s possible to believe that Circle Of Reason are refraining from unleashing their full potential  but hopes remain high for the talented and indomitable four-piece from South-West England who will undoubtedly be causing quite a stir in the British music scene quite soon!

Neck Deep - Tramlines Festival 20/7/13 Live Review

Neck Deep -Tramlines Festival
20^th June 2013

For a band that’s only been around since April 2012, pop punk quintet Neck Deep have demolished barriers that would have crushed most bands of their age and experience – the most recent including earning their slot at Tramlines Festival, the biggest and best music festival in South Yorkshire that has seen the likes of Young Guns, The xx, Rolo Tomassi and The Xcerts honour their stages over the years since its birth in 2009.

                Playing the Skull and Bones Boys Club stage at The Corporation, Neck Deep didn’t exactly have their work cut out for them whilst playing for only half an hour in such a small and intimate venue, but nevertheless the band graced the stage with a meek humbleness that masked the reality of the vivacious and powerful performance that they had in store. Kicking off the set with ‘Up In Smoke,’ the robust and fiery debut track from their latest EP ‘A History of Bad Decisions,’ their audience wasted no time in involving themselves with the antics of singer Ben Barlow who bounded around the stage in a fit of energetic arousals and  trademark shouty vocals.

                Neck Deep upheld their powerful and vigorous presence on the stage throughout and cleverly combined popular singles such as ‘Over and Over’ and ‘What Did You Expect?’ that are saturated in typical pop punk angst with shorter, angrier songs such as ‘Kick It’ and ‘All Hype No Heart’ that suited the preference of every fan in the audience and obtained an alarming response for such a little-known band. Even during minor technical difficulties the band continued to entertain and every member of the crowd engaged in the not-so-pop-punk customary mosh pit founded by the demands of Barlow.

Regardless of the fact that thirty minutes is hardly enough for Neck Deep to truly portray their undoubtable talent, the boys from Wrexham certainly put on a show worthy of a headlining act and the world can only wait and see what the band have in store for us after the release of their forthcoming debut  album, ‘Wishful Thinking’.

Twisted Species - 'Genus' Album review

Twisted Species – ‘Genus’ Album Review

Track listing

1. Hold Me Down
2. Feed What You Crave
3. Don’t Wanna Die Again 
4. Blood Of Angels
5. Dead Behind Those Eyes
6. Divide
7.  Powerstruggle
8. Descended
9.  Innocence Lost
10. Slip Away

Hailing from the depths of the English Midlands, Twisted Species could one day be Britain’s answer to Black Stone Cherry. The opening track ‘Hold Me Down’ establishes the impression that ‘Genus’ is a product of hard-edged talent from a band of fortified rockers that know the value of choleric lyrics and smouldering guitar solos.

Vocalist Dave Gandon’s deep-toned and passionate vocals are effortlessly complemented by sauntering riffs and smooth bass rhythms that hide a subtle hint of coarsened blues grit, subsequently making the album sophisticated yet entertaining. ‘Slip Away and ‘Innocent Lost’ are both dripping in rich and fervent instrumental breakdowns that will illicit roaring responses from live crowds and ‘Feed What You Crave’ stands a track worthy of being released as a single.

Although independently each track on the album is brilliant, the grimy fusions and overly-aggressive vocals become increasingly overwhelming. A light relief from the weight of the continuous dark and sullen instrumentals arrives in the form of ‘Blood of Angels,’ a gentler song that decelerates the pace of the album yet in no way relieves the bleak and oppressing mood of the album.

Overall, Twisted Species may have a few issues to overcome as they mature and try to find a source of happiness but as a debut album from an unsigned bad ‘Genus’ is remarkable and it can be expected that we will hear more of the hard-hitting rockers from Market Drayton.

Fort Hope - 'Control' Single Review

Fort Hope – ‘Control’ Single Review

Constituted of four extremely talented members - Jon Gaskin, Andé D’Mello, Simon Rowlands and Jamie Nicholls - Fort Hope are well on their way to becoming a big name in the music industry. Having recently supported the likes of Never Shout Never, We Are The In Crowd and Jimmy Eat World, things are happening at break-neck speed for the melodic-rock band formed in January 2013.

                The boys released their debut single ‘Control’ on 24^th June and it can only be described as the phoenix that arose from the ashes of My Passion. Opening with Gaskin’s melodic and dulcet vocals accompanied by ominous and brooding riffs, the tone is set for the rest of the song – deep, full of anticipation and ultimately explosive. The chorus is a thunderous outburst of instrumentals and the entire song is irresistibly thick with heat and fiery passion; it’s undeniable that this song was born to illicit a roaring response from a live crowd. This debut track is saturated with undeniable talent and ability yet is also disappointingly predictable. Other than Gaskin’s well-defined accent, there is little to distinguish this band from so many others such as We Are The Ocean and Mallory Knox.

It’s clear that the guys have emerged from My Passion improved, matured and enhanced in their musical talents and this track leaves a taste in the mouth that is pleasant yet unsatisfying – there is a lot more to come of Fort Hope, and it’s going to be mind-blowing when it does.

Arctic Monkeys - 'Do I Wanna Know?' Single Review

Arctic Monkeys - 'Do I Wanna Know?'

      Just when you thought they’d fallen off the face of the earth, Steel City’s finest returns uninvited into the heart of Britain’s music scene with the spine-chillingly electric second single from their fifth upcoming studio album, ‘Do I Wanna Know?’

       Drummer Matt Helders immediately feeds a thread of strong and steady beats, enabling O’Malley’s bass and Turner’s ominous guitar riffs to speak volumes with their brooding and surly tone that ooze sex appeal and are sure to entice the hearts of thousands in a live audience. At once, it is clear that this is a song crafted with the intention of following a heavier and darker route for a more mature and experienced band that has surfaced from the depths of light-hearted songs such as ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor’ and ‘My Propeller.’ This is shown perfectly when the song climaxes into a chorus of ‘crawling back to you…’ complete with falsetto call-and-response from Helders and infectious twangs of Alex Turner’s guitar that hang heavy with subtle angst, artfully mirroring the tenor of ‘R U Mine?’, the debut single from their forthcoming album ‘AM.’

     Still, Alex Turner sticks to his Yorkshire roots with sullen colloquialisms such as, ‘do you ever get the feel that you can't shift the tide that sticks around like summat in your teeth,' - a reminder that yes, this is still the humble band from Sheffield that had a fast track to fame in 2005. 

     Consequently, this is a promising taste of the long-awaited album set for release on 9^th September. It is saturated in depth and torment yet is still easy on the ears with its infectious rhythm that will surely imprint itself upon the minds of many. This is a mellow and easy-going tune which may not tickle the fancies of everyone, least of all those who are still yearning for ‘the old Arctic Monkeys,’ but it is undeniable that Arctic Monkeys have more than proved themselves over the years and this end result is remarkable for the little band from Sheffield that have definitely earned their stripes. 

To The Bones – 'Emperor’s Ride' Single Review

To The Bones – Emperor’s Ride Single 

Tracklisting

1. Emperor’s Ride
2. Magazine

Being said to ‘rock like an absolute motherfucker’ by Rocksound Magazine and obtaining good reviews from various other sources, I had exceptionally high hopes for To The Bones’ new single ‘Emperor’s Ride’.  The track gets off to a good start with catchy bass rhythms that forebode a good, energetic tune worthy of Queens Of The Stone Age… but then, as they say, some things are too good to be true. Just when it sounded as if I was about to be blown away by brilliant vocals and fist-pounding choruses, vocalist Rhys G. Bradley squeals down the microphone and crushes any hopes that ‘Emperor’s Ride’ would be a good song. The drumming is brilliant and the guitars are perfectly competent but both are heavily overshadowed by the wailing and yowling that has the potential to summon neighbouring dogs and shatter a few windows in the process.

The second track from the single, ‘Magazine’, is only a minimal improvement from the headline track and is, once again, completely ravaged by the shrieks and bawls of the vocalist in an otherwise extremely talented band. Although howling and screeching may appeal to some of their Facebook fans, how these vocals managed to impress the likes of Kerrang! and Rocksound is a complete mystery. 

We Were Beautiful - 'This Town' EP review

We Were Beautiful – This Town EP

Track listing

1.     This Town
2.    The Wolves
3.    Death Do Us Part
4.    Jealousy

 After supporting the likes of Lower Than Atlantis and Deaf Havana, the bar was set high for Liverpudlian rockers We Were Beautiful’s debut EP but it’s fair to say that the band have easily outstripped expectations with 'This Town'.

                From the very first note of 'This Town', the record flows effortlessly in a string of upbeat choruses and beautiful lyrics that highlight the discernible influences of Biffy Clyro and Funeral For A Friend – a doubtful combination that works perfectly in crafting a masterpiece of a debut that will certainly charm fans of every genre. Fantastic heart-felt belter 'Death Do Us Part' juxtaposes brilliantly with 'Jealousy', a heavier tune that will induce instinctive head banging and have you singing it for the rest of the day.
                Not a single second of this superb record is simply average. It’s clear that We Were Beautiful have incredible talent and the future looks promising for the band who look prepared to pull out all the stops on their voyage to get balls deep within the heart of the alternative music scene. 

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.