Live at Leeds 30/04/2011
So it’s one of my most favourite days of the year, a dozen or so venues and over 100 bands to watch. I’d better have a plan…
…it’s a fine plan, maybe a few more “unknow” bands this year than I’m used to but lastfm helps decide. However, not the best start to the day, a combination of bus timings and a dodgy door lock at chez Ibis means I can’t get in to see..
Circles @ Nation of Shopkeepers
Instead I “listen” from behind a screen in the bar next door. Not a bad start, perfectly acceptable puchy indie.
Runaround Kids @ The Faversham
Finally I get to see The Runaround Kids, and I’m not dissapointed, theres a very heavy Cribs sound in there (and accent too) but a couple of standout tracks from the Kiss Chase EP
Let’s Buy Happiness @ Leeds Met
Next up is some female vocaled local indie music. Boy can that girl sing, really sing, sadly without being too familiar with the band it sounds like just the one song. By the third one in I’m starting to wonder if I’ve heard it before, suspect I need a bit more of a listen.
Just Handshakes, we’re British @ Leeds Met
Listed in the festivals line up as similar to the “Wedding Present” – so naturally I’m there. There appears to be some descrepency here, the lead singer is the chemical opposite to David Gedge in so many ways. Basically the problem is it’s impossible to hear the lead singer, her high pitched vocals are just to quiet, please Mr Soundman turn her up! Maybe I’ll watch them at the Long Divison Festival in Wakefield in June and try again.
Suzukis @ Leeds Met
Ok, lets have a something a little more angry, possibly a little punk – OK for a couple and then I have a wander…
…and look at some roadies at Leeds Academy…
…see the next band on are described as “Kassidy” apparently acoustic rock. I wander back to the Met.
Stalking Horse @ Leeds Met
So I’m about to witness the first gig of Leeds indie supergroup fronted by the ex-this-et-al frontman.
Quite enjoy it although it’s very “epic” sounding
Mazes @ Leeds Met
Really like these lads, lovely low-fi indie.
Let’s Wrestle @ Leeds Met
And so to one I’ve been looking forward to for ages, a personal fave album of 2010 In The Court of the Wrestling Lets and my first time so see them.
They were great and I end up jumping about at the front with the other fans, much much fun!
Futureheads @ Leeds Uni Stylus
Haven’t seen these guys for years, not since the NME tour with Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party and Killers. They certainly haven’t lost their edge.
Terrifically tight set, including crowd pleasing hits and an odd acapella folk song that sounded amazing.
Young Knives @ Brudenell social Club
It’s getting late and I’m getting tired, so the last thing I need is a 30 minute wait whilst the Young Knives set up. In all fairness I’m a “bit” drunk and shortly after they start I’m willing them to finish, this more much more to do with me being shattered and I can’t really be fair judge of the performance.
I’ll find another blog somewhere and find out if they were any good 