Wednesday 27 April 2016

LIVE AT LEEDS 2016 // ONES TO WATCH


The Live at Leeds line up is once again phenomenal. There's so many amazing artists and bands to catch on the day that you are going to be spoilt for choice. Spread out entirely across Leeds City Centre, including stages at the O2 Academy, Leeds Beckett University, a Dr. Martens stage and even a stage in a church- it promises to be an exciting day with some many incredible performers to catch. So to give you a quick low-down, I've give you the artists you need to catch on the day...

Circa Waves

These boys have been killin' it recently! The indie-rock band from Liverpool have had a very successful year following the release of their debut album Young Chasers last year, with songs including T-Shirt Weather and Fossils. Last summer they played Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds Festivals; I was recently left devastated when I was unable to get tickets to their sold out Newcastle gig.

You can catch Circa Waves at the LUU Refectory, 9.30pm. 



Cape Cub

I fell in love with this guy as soon as I heard his music- which only increased once I discovered he was from my neck of the woods. Cape Cub's indie-pop combination, with such singles as Keep Me In Mind and Swim, have vibes of Bastille and The 1975, yet has his own unique tones intertwined. He is definitely one to look out for in 2016.

You can catch Cape Cub perform at the Faversham, 5.30pm. 



The Hunna

It's pretty hard to believe that this band was only formed back in 2015, as they sound like they're totally there already! Which is reflected by their 14 date SOLD OUT UK tour. With a combination of exciting music, quirkiness and fresh ambition, the indie-rock four piece have successfully managed to craft their own sound in such a short time. So far this year they've already been added to the Reading and Leeds and BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend bill.  I can't wait to see the future of this band, I know it's going to be big!

You can catch The Hunna at the Leeds Beckett Second Stage, 8.15pm.




Natalie McCool

Let me tell- she's definitely cool. In fact she oozes everything I love in a female singer: a quirky style, a unique lyricist and a rough touch to her voice that compliments her music completely. Her alt-pop sound mirrors that of an old kind of pop, but with obvious modern influence to create this alternative- electronic crossover. Her work as been continously adored across the blogging platform, whilst she has also been recognised by BBC Radio 1, appearing on their Introducing Playlist and credited by Huw Stephens.

You can catch Natalie McCool at the Nation of Shopkeepers, 1pm. 




Sundara Karma

Already establishing themselves as one to watch in 2016, having already toured with the likes of Wolf Alice, The Wombats and Circa Waves. Sundara Karmas's honest music, passion and style is exactly what defines the fresh and exciting music coming out of this genre in 2016. With a string of festivals already planned for the summer, including Reading and Leeds, Kendall Calling and the Secret Garden Party, we are sure you'll be hearing a lot more of these guys in the near, distant future.

You can catch Sundara Karma at the Faversham, 9.30pm.


Fatherson

Alt-rock three piece Fatherson are probably one of the biggest bands of their genre who you've never heard of- until now, so keep listening. Not only do they produce some amazing melodic anthems, notably I Like Not Knowing and Lost Little Boys, they also put on a hell of a show. I particularly love the rough tones of lead singer, Ross Leighton's voice (not to mention his stunning Scottish twang). Their growing popularity can only be demonstrated by their successes, gaining fans such as Kerrang and Rock Sound, as well as significant airplary fromRadio 1, XFM and Amazing Radio. Fatherson have also supported some of the countries biggest bands, such as Panic! At The Disco, Enter Shikari and Twin Atlantic- not to mention they will be supporting Biffy Clyro the night prior to their performance at Live At Leeds.

You can catch Fatherson at Leeds Becketts Second Stage, 9.30pm. 





You can catch all of these as well as so many more incredible bands at Live at Leeds, Saturday 30th April.




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Friday 22 April 2016

CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN // DONCASTER DOME 09.04.16





Catfish and the Bottlemen are an amazingly underrated band. With their second album 'The Ride' lingering in the distance, I can guess these boys have so much more to give past our expectations.

I finally managed to catch them at the Doncaster Dome, after weeks of trying to track down tickets for their sold out tour. I must say it wasn't the most glamorous venue I've ever been to; I mean if you're needing a swimming baths, kids soft play, ice skating rink and music venue all in one, then this is perfect for you. But being greeted by the smell of chlorine isn't exactly how I start every gig off. Nevertheless, the Bottlemen have played many unique venues on their tour- certainly many away from the mainstream cities and venues that these types of bands would typically play. Yet I believe this says a lot about the band themselves- they are unique and they are passionate about their fans, even those in smaller cities would not usually catch a glimpse of bigger musicians such as these; which is of course what led them to sell out every single one of their dates.

The boys started their show with one of their best singles 'Homesick', along with a lot of jumping around and passion from lead singer 'Van' McCann. You can see his humbleness to play in front of such a lively, jam-packed crowd, whom throughout the show you can regularly hear chant 'YORKSHIRE' (which is expected at any gig held in the county of Yorkshire).

One thing I was wary about, with the gig being so close to their album release date, was being bombarded with lots of new, unknown songs. I love to sing and dance and jump around at gigs, which is a little more tricky when you haven't a clue about the music. Luckily enough, the Bottlemen played near enough their entire set from their debut album 'The Balcony'- one of my absolute favourite albums from 2014, including 26, Cocoon, Fallout and eventually finishing on an extended version of Tyrants. Nevertheless we were fortunate enough to hear a couple of their new tracks to get us excited for that ever close release date. It's obvious to anyone that this band is incredibly passionate and grateful to their fans; Van McCann even stopped the set at one stage to tell his fans to essentially fuck the bouncers and crowd surf to the front, proclaiming "it's your gig not theirs".

My motto is, if you leave a gig very hot and sweaty then you had a good time. And this was definitely a night to remember. Next stop for the Bottlemen boys is an album release and then a hell of a lot of festival spots this summer. So if you get chance to catch them playing near you, make sure you do!

'The Ride' is out in the UK on May 27. 


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SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APRIL 2016



 

 This month I've really enjoyed some of new music music being released, and very excited about some upcoming albums I've had to put in iPhone calendar! First and foremost I'm particularly excited for the new Catfish and the Bottlemen album that is due to be released May 27. I have a lot of love for these boys, which grew ever more after attending their recent tour (gig review: coming soon). Their new song '7' is phenomenal, and I expect great things to come with their upcoming release. On that note, I was reeling to find out the release date of Beartooth's new album; if you're a fan like me, you'll understand how exciting this news is. I first discovered the band when I took a trip to Slam Dunk Leeds last year, and since them, I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little obsessed; but after listening to their debut album one too many times, it's very exciting to know some new material is on its way- and just in time for their spot at Download Festival.

It can't just be me super excited for the Travis comeback, right?! After only a couple of years away, it feels like they've been gone forever! There's just nothing not to love about their new single 'Radio Song', they've definitely not lost their spark, and it's a song that will get stuck in your head for days on end.

I've been lovin' 'Cool Me Down' by Margaret this week. If you've never heard of her, check her out. As of yet she doesn't have many songs streaming on Spotify, but I predict big things for her. Such a catchy tune that you'll be bopping along to in your car, shades on driving to the beach- it's definitely a tune for the summer.

Last but not least I could not not include a Prince song into APRIL'S PLAYLIST. I, as I'm sure many others, were left devastated to hear the news of his passing last night. The world's music has truly lost an icon and a prince, let's make sure his legendary music lives on.
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