indie live review
Live Review: Prides at Brudenell Social Club, 20th October 2014
“LEEDS! How are we doing?!” The crowd roars in response as lead singer Stewart Brock addresses his fans. I quickly shouted “How are you?” and that caught him off guard. That’s the thing about bands; every night they greet a city like old friends but the crowd rarely get to ask the questions. Try it yourself …
Live Review: Billy Lockett / Karima Francis – Leadmill, Sheffield 12.10.2014
The Leadmill is the heart of Sheffield’s music scene and Sunday night was Billy Lockett’s chance to win over the steel city. It was the second night of his Autumn tour, which promises to take him across the UK and Ireland in four short weeks. The Northampton lad was joined by Karima Francis, a singer-songwriter …
Live Review: The 1975 / Circa Waves – 02 Apollo, Manchester 26.09.2014
After missing the first band due to the perverse demeanour of the ticket office lady, second support band Circa Waves took to the stage at 8.30. Bringing their indie pop to the Manchester Apollo in a glare of green lights with a funky Spanish sounding intro, they blew away any lingering thoughts of the aforementioned …
Live: Human Hair. Bell Jar, Sheffield 1-6-14 + ‘View from the Pit’ Gallery
Like many people I know, I really do prefer the smaller gig. They’re a bit more intimate and personal. More importantly, the beer is usually a lot better than the over priced watered down chemical rich rubbish you have to endure at the more corporate venues. And of course, you quite often get to meet …
Live Review: The Heartbreaks at the Harley, Sheffield, 20th May 2014.
Do you remember The Heartbreaks? These four boys from Morecambe have been quiet in recent months, performing infrequent shows in London and Manchester but staying under the radar for quite some time. It was not their intention to stay so quiet – their second album was recorded over a year ago but it’s their label …
Live Review: Live at Leeds, Blood Red Shoes. The Cockpit. 2.5.2014
[Click here for main Backseat Mafia feature on the whole Live At Leeds Weekend] BLOOD RED SHOES: “…Laura-Mary Carter looks far too casual for the output from her guitar. Cool and collected, alongside drummer Steven Ansell, they are capable of bringing a noise that has you checking every so often to see where they have …
Psych Insight: Brown Brogues, Live at Detestival, Sheffield, 19/04/14
Brown Brogues aren’t really a psych band, but I’ve included them under the ‘Psych Insight’ banner because they are headlining the Bristol Psych Fest on May 10th. Brown Brogues are more of a garage band. They are a two piece, Mark Vernon (guitar/ vocals) and Ben Mather (drums/ vocals), who make one heck of a …
Live: Ben Watt/Bernard Butler. The Greystones, Sheffield 15.04.14, plus Gallery
A full three decades after the release of his first, and until now, only solo record, North Marine Drive, it’s been something of a renaissance of late for Ben Watt, better known as a DJ, producer, and, of course, the “other one” from Everything But The Girl.Following on from the critical acclaim heaped upon his …
Live Review: The Crookes and High Hazels at Bodega, Nottingham, 15th April 2014.
With the release of their third album only a day before, Sheffield heroes The Crookes immediately set out on a mammoth 6 week tour intending to showcase Soapbox across the UK and Europe. For the UK length of the trip, The Crookes are joined by High Hazels, another young Sheffield band that show serious promise with …