It's nice when you go out for a beer and happen on a band that you didn't know would be playing but that gave you a wonderful live music experience. Thus it was that I found myself sitting in front of a top notch band from Manchester who were playing some absolutely delightful music. Missed You at the Show have not been together all that long, as it happens, although the band members are experienced and highly talented musicians. What makes this delightful Manchester band stand out is the quality vocals of front man Mike Poplawski. A richly toned voice, beautifully used to turn out some enchanting songs, very ably backed by three classy musicians - Suthee, Sergio and Aaron. Not sure now which is which but I thought the drummer was patricularly good. Their set of alternative folk rock songs flowed along with passion and vitality and all in all it was a totally pleasing experience from a very fine band.
MYATS return on Leicester on 17th October to play at the Shed. If you want a musical treat, join me there.
A stunningly good post-hardcore band from Beccles in Suffolk put on a set that rocked the house, on one of the best nights I have been to at the Barley Mow. These four lads had a great sense of performance and a set of thrilling sounds and for half an hour I was spell bound. Engaging, exciting and tingling, they gave us a musical treat. They didn't just play their songs, they lived them, putting on a demonstration of what hard rock is all about. Without a doubt the best hardcore band I have seen since the legendary Our Dying Concept.
With three good front singers and a totally tight ensemble, their punchy, pulsating songs were delivered with electrifying dynamics. I wish some of our local bands could see these guys in action. They are inspirational. They had an amazing sense of drama, rhythm and even if hard core is not your cup of tea, you could not not fail to impressed by the captivating performance and thrilling music. Absolutely wonderful!
This rocking trio from Hull played at the Shed on 20th May and were absolutely crackin'. With superbly strong vocals and a star performance from lead vocalist and excellent guitar player Mark Williams, the three guys pumped out a huge sound and a captivating set of rock and roll songs that was quality stuff. All three played well and produced a lineup of funky rock songs that was full of substance and moody balladic music. A quality band that we so want to see back in Leicester again soon.
Manchester indie pop band StraightLaces played Leicester for the first time at the Squares on Thursday 13th May. The four piece electro-indie group were greeted with enthusiasm from fans, musicians and promoters and scored an immediate hit, unusual for totally new out of towners. With solidly good vocals from Tim Nike and some tantilising keyboard playing from Ste Ashdown, their set of creative, funky popular songs launched a long night on a high point. Engaging rhythms, interesting orchestration and ear-pleasing melodies marked them out as a band you would defintely want to hear again. So come back soon guys.
Drawing band members from Coalville, Wallsall and other parts of the Midlands, The Late Eighties played the O Bar at a Melting Pot show on Thursday 29th April. The lead singer is
Dave Hammersley, ex-vocalist from the Waits, with Thomas on Keyboards, James on Bass and Adam on Drums, the four guys put on a superb set of their modern indie songs. Although relatively new they have already clocked up gigs at the O2 Arena and the Flapper in Birmingham. They played a strong set but "Younger Ones" stood out as a real hit quality song. David's characteristic vocals are star quality just as they were when he was in the Waits, and James and Thomas provide vocal backings. The tunes are dynamic and carry forward with convincing momentum. Simply brilliant!
The four piece rock band from London played their first Leicester gig at the Shed on Saturday 24th April 2010. It was a smacking good set from a high octane hardcore electro band with a charismatic lead singer. The electro element was a backdrop to the live musicians, as discretely hidden away on stage as it was in the music. An ear-wrenchingly big sound with considerable drive and dynamism, the bands compulsive songs were completely thrilling, and the performance was raw and gutsy, flavoured with early Oasis and the young Paul Weller. Hard than the usual indie electro bands, they used sound effects and samples as a way of creating atmosphere, but not with keyboards or sythns. Expansive build ups to relentlessly compelling balladic songs, their sound was distinctly different. You couldn't easily put them into a slot, probably because what they do is original
When I discovered this Birmingham band back in November, I wrote to them straight away and said: "
What do I think of your tunes?
Ive already posted a commend on the dreams track and am now playing all of them.
Guys, this is one of the best set of tracks I have heard this year and I listen to 1000s of myspace tracks.
Just totally blows me away.
I grew up musically with Boy Hits Car, Staind and the early Linkin Park.
All the tracks do it for me big time. Some of the best vocals I have heard for a long time and the arrangements are top quality.
I just got to hear you guys play live"
Now I can see them live when they come to the Shed on 23rd June.
The Lower Bar at the Shed is probably not the most desirable venue for a gig. Even so, two bands came down from Newscastle Upon Tyne to play there. The occasion was a party organised by Leicester singer Dan White.
Abduction of Margaret brought their tour mates Toxic Melons. AOM have played Leicester several times before over the past three years; now they have a small but enthusiastic following.
Toxic Melons played a set of their multi-coloured rock songs. Featuring a variety of musical hues, their set was varied enough to keep the audience on their toes. Appealing vocals lines backed by tight guitars and the deft drumming of Jamie Johnson (who also drums for AOM) gave us a set that kept everyone engaged. A band with a lot of character and a set of enjoyable tunes, we hope they will be back in Leicester soon.
AOM never fail to please. Several of us have got to know their songs well: The B42s rock lobster song, for example. AOM are one of the most creative and original bands I know. Next year they plan to write and record a new set. What makes this band stand out is their sheer musical talent. Having given us their own songs and their fun cover, they swap round. Richard goes on to the drums, Jamie takes up the bass to become the lead singer, Dave drops the bass for the guitar and a mic and Tawsey leaves the sound deck to become a backing vocalist. They do a set of well good Police covers. When the four guys play its just hugely big fun all the way through. Four remarkable personalities making music you want to see again and again.
