O Lovely Lie / John Budding / Falling Leaves

Pineapster Social @ Leicester Shed

The Pineapster Social events are getting a name for putting on some of the best local talent around and tonight wasn't any different. Up first The Falling Leaves, a band that knows how to write a powerful shoe gazer of song. A duo of guitars gives the band an excellent sound and it helps that they know when to use vocals and when to let the instruments do the talking. Their instrumental songs were just as appealing as those with vocals. They also had a washboard in there for good measure, which is always a winner.

Up next Leicester's very own singer-song writer John Budding playing tracks from his recently released EP. It seems that you can bump into someone playing a guitar while singing about their life just about anywhere these days but Budding is clearly a talented individual: taking on the harmonica, keyboard and guitar he produced quality, folk-inspired music. 'Colourblind' stood out for me as a song that could easily rival the more successful singer-song writers knocking around.

Nottingham's O Lovely Lie finished off the night with their heavy yet accessible music, perfectly straddling the gap between those really heavy shit bands and those really lightweight shit bands. They bring together the best parts of both to produce stand out tracks such as 'Fashionista.' Bother and sister lead singers Gemma and Rich belt out their vocals at each other adding to the intensity of their sound. This was a tight live performance from a band that deserved to be playing to a much larger crowd.

Mark Lovesey
Pic by Jennifer Simpson

The Hosts / Twisted Wheel / Skeletons / The Tivoli / Pavilion / Green Man Says Go

Sandman's 6th Birthday Party @ Sheffield Leadmill

To mark this beloved magazine's birthday, a formidable line up of rising stars on two stages were booked to make it a party to remember. Wakefield electro punks Green Man Says Go opened the gig on the main stage with their usual high tempo edgy sound warming up the early crowd with a strong set. Pavilion, another Wakefield band, opened the steel stage with their infectious melodic indie sound. 'Spoils Of War' a cracking early track, and their debut single produced by Crib Andy Jarman, got the crowd buzzing.

Next up Rotherham's finest rock band The Tivoli, fresh from a national tour, and driven by captivating front man Lee McMahon they raise the roof with a thundering set, closer 'Common Foot Soldier' set the bar high for those to follow. AvanGaad were up to the job though, after a US tour tonight held no fears. Some amazing stickwork from Shane and emotive vocals from lyricist Liam especially on the excellent 'Memories Of Brad' drive the crowd wild as several large figures can be seen doing a man dance.

Back to the main stage for band of the moment, Skeletons. After headlining Leeds / Reading unsigned stage they are clearly enjoying life and launch into a frantic set of quality music with a sound they have made their own. Singer Liam's remarkable voice is the highlight but the two Matt's one on keys and the other an amazing bass player are stars on the night too. Anticipation is high for much hyped Oldham band Twisted Wheel who headline the steel stage. They set off at 100mph and grab the crowd with a rowdy set highlighted by their debut single 'You Stole The Sun'.

Finally The Hosts gradually appear on stage to the sound of Shippers guitar and bringing up the rear is the amazing voice that is Tom Hogg. Their next stop is supporting Paul Weller then onto New York but tonight the guys treat us to a breathtaking set with some impressive newer material like 'Kissing The Gunners Daughter' and close with showstopper 'Comin Uptown'. Another great Sandman party with some of the best music around, roll on next year.

Sean Bruce

Kaiser Chiefs / Red Light Company / The Hair

@ Leeds Academy

The opening of the Leeds Academy was always going to be an exciting event. The venue chain with locations in London, Manchester and Sheffield to name a few has finally deemed Leeds worthy enough and it is up to the city's faithful to show them it was money well spent.

So when it came to opening nights acts there was only one real choice, and it fell on the shoulders of The Kaiser Chiefs to fly the flag of the White Rose. Before the indie pop kings made their presence seen however, it was time for a young up and coming Leeds act called The Hair to play us some tunes.

This lively electro act produced a snare fest of beats that got the feet moving and had everyone in the sell out crowd addicted to their sound. The combination of strong vocals and Bloc Party-esque Guitars produced an overall tempo that would have fellow Leeds dance champs The Music feeling proud. Before long the first act to ever play the Leeds Academy finished off their set with every member giving the drum kit a bash for good measure.

Next up was Red Light Company who brought a much slower element to the table. Their Cure like sound rarely got going and often got lost in the huge room. It all came across very bland and had no stand out sound to make you think. Think Embrace without any epic build-ups and you come pretty close.

So the time had come for the hometown kings to take their place, but first let me give you a quick insight into Leeds newest home for music. My first impressions of the surroundings were excellent. The upstairs balcony was modern and had a warehouse cool to it, whilst downstairs maintained a more traditional and retro ambiance. All in all, the entire venue looked classy, but not in a pretentious way. It maintained its music dignity and offered everything you want when seeing a band, yet also offered a few of the finer things in life, such as two gigantic oval screens that floated effortlessly above.

So the time had come for the main event to begin. The laree lads entered the stage in exceptional fashion to a lights show that would please even those super bowl folk. The crowd were going wild and playing to Ricky's ego before suddenly the sound kicked in and all hell was let loose. I would like to say it was all about the music, but when you go to a Kaiser Chiefs gig, it is really all about the showmanship. During his hour on stage, Ricky managed to surf the crowd, kick a bouncer, throw his mic stand around numerous times, battle his way threw the delirious fans, and finally end the show by climbing up a 20ft lighting rack whilst 'Predicting a Riot'. It was all very fun and all very good but unfortunately the new material just doesn't hold its own against their earlier gems.

The set was largely made up of their forthcoming album with a few well-chosen classics thrown in for good measure. It was, however, all of the 1st album tracks that really got me going, with very few of their new tracks stirring the emotions. The crowd seemed to agree by going insane to the likes of 'Oh my God' and 'Modern Way', before making a 'Ruby Ruby' Riot.

Whatever you say about their music, there is little denying that these guys are the true showmen of the current indie pop world, and put the likes of Scouting for Girls to shame. With Ricky as the messiah and his many fans as the disciples, they won't be leaving our lives any time soon. Yet they need to take their sound to the next level if they are to stir us music lovers in the same way as they did in 2004.

So the end of night one at the Leeds Academy is over and I would say it has been a standing success. The venue is fab, the crowd was great, and the entertainment was superb. Its now over to the 'Foals' to pass on the baton.

Matt Turner

Reverend And The Makers / Lords Of Flatbush / Paddy Orange Project / Park Brigade

@ Sheffield Plug

To celebrate their 3rd birthday Plug has assembled a great line up of local talent to make the sold out party a memorable one. Park Brigade open, formed by Jubby Taylor of Harrisons fame and playing only their 4th gig. They have a few loose harmonies to start then warm up and deliver some highly melodic tracks like 'Empty Vessel' and 'IEI' showcasing Jubby's excellent vocals. Early days, but there's a buzz about these boys.

Next up the wonderful Paddy Orange Project, with three new band members and plagued by early sound problems, they rise above it to play a top set. With Paddy manic as ever, his machine gun lyrics are perfectly complimented by Sophie's soulful vocals. Charismatic guitarist Dougie provides chanted backing vocals too on highlight 'Be Aggressive'. New songs with an edgier sound add something to an already impressive setlist.

Reverend And The Makers are not on last but no-one is in any doubt who the headliners are with a stunning set by Mr McClure and Co. Jon breaks things up with poems delivered ala John Cooper Clarke in between sets. Audience participation is almost mandatory as the crowd raise the roof to classics like 'Heavyweight Champion Of The World' and 'Bandits' plus the newer 'Professor Pickles' and the Rev's shadow boxing and arm gestures are copied en masse by an adoring homecoming crowd. A band obviously on top of their game.

A band with more of a clubnight vibe, and the talk of the industry, Lords Of Flatbush play in the early hours. Fronted by the wondrous vocals of Steve Edwards this band contains one of the most talented groups of musicians around and they prove it with some fine tracks like 'Stereo Lighting' and their anthem 'Flatbush Music'. They create the perfect party music atmosphere for revellers to continue into the night, shame it's my home time!

Sean Bruce

Aiden

@ Sheffield Academy

Aiden's current tour seemed a little bit unnecessary, playing for the sheer hell of it despite no album to promote. Playing in smaller surroundings to normal, Academy 2 wasn't even half full tonight, although that didn't deter those who turned up.

5 piece band Sign opened the night in style, playing a short set that drew plaudits from the crowd. The bands unique cover of Iron Maidens Run To The Hills was the standout from their set. Up next was upcoming band Slaves to Gravity, fresh of being dubbed best newcomer by Kerrang! They failed to hit the same heights that Sign did, although they did a pretty good job despite equipment trouble throughout.

Aiden are known for their energetic shows and this was no different. Playing for just over an hour, the band tore through their back catalogue including a cover of Misfits Die Die, My Darling and crowd pleaser One Love. Not bound by the restrictions of promoting an album, Aiden could do as they pleased, picking a set with a mixture of old and new songs. Biggest cheers of the night were reserved for Die Romantic, as well as the bands infamous wall of death [Aiden's take on a mosh pit] which saw the show have to be stopped due to injures. The show halted for five minutes, although it eventually resumed with lead singer wiL Francis apologising to the crowd. The show closed with the band inviting a crowd member to join them onstage to play guitar, an unconventional ending to an unconventional show. Aiden might not be high flying these days, but their live performances aren't going to plunge so quickly. If they keep up this calibre of live performances, their return to mainstream music will be swifter than Gordon Browns exit.

Tom Crowther

Previous Live Reviews

Live Reviews Archive