Throwback Gig Series Part 6 : Tom Speight

So about 6 months ago I wrote a series of gig review blogs that were never published. So here's a little throwback series featuring Meadowlark, Rae Morris, Slowdive, Coasts, Joe Dolman and Tom Speight.

The Oporto bar in Leeds is a great venue for a laid back, chilled gig and discover new music….or not so new as the case may be as I have been following Tom Speight’s career for quite some time now actually, 

Roe Green was the first to the stage with a solo keyboard set which was very expressive interspersed with comedic anecdotes. Top tracks of the set included ‘Chicago ‘and ‘Lately’.

The second support came from Thomas Harvey. The alt-folk-pop singer evokes the darker and more emotive side of pop with an experimental  folk-tronica sound which is highlighted in debut single ‘Swimming In Mud’ as well as ‘Shadow Man.’

Tom Speight mixed old favourites with songs from his latest EP, including ‘My Side’ and was joined by Lydia for the stunningly beautiful duets ‘River’, ‘Green Eyes’ and the couples anthem and popular choice at weddings ‘Willow Tree.’

Tom will be recording his debut album in March and fans can look forward to, not one. not two but ten new songs!

Throwback Gig Reviews Part 5 : Joe Dolman

So about 6 months ago I wrote a series of gig review blogs that were never published. So here's a little throwback series featuring Meadowlark, Rae Morris, Slowdive, Coasts, Joe Dolman and Tom Speight.

Joe Dolman 

The Fox and Newt in Leeds, just opposite Park Lane College is a Burley Street Brewhouse pub with designated music venue upstairs, which on the the evening of the 15th November was host to Joe Dolman with support from /sunflower Thieves and Amy J.

You know that you are onto a winner when the artist opens her set with an Adele cover. Folk singer/songwriter Amy J mixed her set up with various covers and original songs with a country vibe. 

Highlights from the set included ‘Reply’ and melancholy, deep (as deep as the sea) ‘Rock The Boat.’

Derbyshire (and Nottingham) duo Sunflower Thieves blend beautiful close harmonies and heartfelt lyrics to create a calm, relaxing sound which was just what I needed on a Wednesday night. 

My top tracks of the set were ‘Oh Wait’ and the debut of ‘Two Halves.’ 

Sunflower Thieves are back live in Leeds on the 28th November at the Oporto and the debut EP ‘Hold The Storm’ is out now.

Last time I was Joe Dolman a year ago, he was ‘Learning To Fly’ and writing his dissertation at service stations on the way to tour dates. Now Joe has graduated and is back on the very stage where I last saw him. 

Playing a mixture of old, new and some unreleased material Joe had the audience hanging off his every word and opened the set with fan favourite ‘Addicted To You.’ 

I loved the gorgeously poignant ‘Close To Home’ inspired by the time Joe spent helping at a dementia home and latest track ‘Something Beautiful.’

Throwback Gig Reviews Part 4 : Coasts

So about 6 months ago I wrote a series of gig review blogs that were never published. So here's a little throwback series featuring Meadowlark, Rae Morris, Slowdive, Coasts, Joe Dolman and Tom Speight.

Coasts

Leeds residents may be familiar with the church on Woodhouse Lane, on the way up to the university, which used to be the nightclub, Halo. Today the old church has been converted into two venue spaces; one called Church an the other, The Chapel. The latter was to be the host of the Coasts Leeds date on the 23rd of October.

Fun fact, this was actually the 12th time that I was seeing Coasts live. Crazy fangirl in the house!

First to the stage were Misfires, a four-piece from Swindon, who got the party started on a Monday night.

The bouncy indie sound of Misfires was quick to attract the attention of BBC Introducing in the west and I would recommend going to check them out yourself. Top tracks of the night included ’22’ and “Do You Wanna”

Misfires returned to The Chapel’s stage on the 25th November.

Coasts aka. Chris Caines, James Gamage, Liam Willford, David Goulbourn and Ben Street have epic stage presence, effervescent energy and awesome dance moves.

They quite literally getting better and better every time that I see them, but don’t take my word for it, Coasts will be back touring around the UK in April. 

Coasts released their second album in the summer of 2017,  August the 18th to be precise, entitled ‘This Life, Vol. 1’ and have accompanied the release with a marathon 38 date tour throughout September and October around the UK.

The tour is now drawing to a close yet it wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Leeds. After all, Leeds is one of the band’s favourite places to play….or maybe Chris just said that at the time to keep the audience happy. 

Coasts brought the Chapel to life with a set peppered with songs from both the new album and their self-titled debut album, including crowd pleaser ‘Oceans’ and did I mention that there were balloons!

Although they assured us that they hadn't brought any balloons with them, there were nevertheless a number of them in the rafters, resulting in balloons being thrown all around the room. #banter

Coasts are very serious band though and the whole balloon business was very off-putting Chris joked. In reply, guitarist Liam bopped Chris on the back of the head ( with a balloon I should add) during ‘Paradise.”

My top tracks of the night included, from the new album, 'Take Me Back Home’ and ‘White Noise’ and debut album fave ‘Wolves.’

Coasts are back on tour in the UK in April and will be joined by Only Shadows

Throwback Gig Reviews Part 3 : Slowdive

So about 6 months ago I wrote a series of gig review blogs that were never published. So here's a little throwback series featuring Meadowlark, Rae Morris, Slowdive, Coasts, Joe Dolman and Tom Speight.

Slowdive 

When you think of the colourful and varied music scene in Leeds you might be forgiven for overlooking Leeds Town Hall as a venue. After all, it is perhaps better known for hosting classical music concerts and the odd comedian or two. 

On the evening of the 11th October, the Town Hall was transformed beyond recognition, I had to do a double take as I walked in,  to welcome Slowdive. 

Slowdive, formed in 1989 by high school friends Nick, Rachel, Neil, Christian and Adrian are a British rock band (from Reading, in case you were wondering) whose influences from genres such as folk-rock, dub, and ambient techno give their music a unique style. 

Slowdive returns 22 years after the release of their first record with a new self-titled album which had fans, both old and new flocking to the town hall. 

Blancmass brought the electro beats in his supporting DJ set. Complete with flashing strobe lights and vivid background graphics. 

Enter the synth sounds and even an electronic organ (quite fitting for the Town Hall setting) for a transcendent like experience....and then the bass dropped.

The amazing acoustics of the town hall meant that the sound travelled the length and breadth of the large space, giving everyone the same 'out of this world' explosive experience no matter where in the room they were standing.

Slowdive delivered a set that was peppered with old and new songs that had fans nodding along to the beat. 

I fell for Slowdive after first listening to stand out tracks 'Star Roving'  and was certainly not disappointed to hear it live with all its reverbing charm.

Notable mentions that you should go and listen to right now include oldie but goodie 'Souvlaki Space Station' and new hit 'Sugar  For The Pill.'

Throwback Gig Reviews Part 1 : Rae Morris

So about 6 months ago I wrote a series of gig review blogs that were never published. So here's a little throwback series featuring Meadowlark, Rae Morris, Slowdive, Coasts, Joe Dolman and Tom Speight.

Rae Morris

Blackpool born Rae Morris stunned with the debut album 'Unguarded' her ethereal voice and super catchy pop beats becoming an instant favourite and I kept coming back for more. 

More recent releases including 'Do It' and 'Reborn' have an effervescent, transcendent style and I was looking forward to hearing more of her new songs. 

Rae Morris's quirky and somewhat 'fairy-like' stage presence never fails to remind me of Kate Bush and it's always a pleasure to get lost in the music right alongside her. 

I headed on over the Belgrave Music Hall on Wed 29th for what was sure to be a fantastic night.

First to the stage was Leeds College Of Music superstar Lucy Whittaker. 

Lucy dropped her debut EP a few months ago and she is fast becoming the name on everyone's lips, recent release 'I'm not ever coming back again" featured as BBC Introducing's track of the week. 

Lucy's street style and tough girl attitude are often in stark contrast to her beautiful soprano voice. 

Some of my highlights from the set included the angst-ridden 'Alone'  and title track of the new EP 'Only One.'

Celeste was the second support of the night, her clear powerful voice shining through with simple guitar accompaniment. 

My top tracks included 'Daydreaming' and new song 'Coco Blood' which was actually only written two weeks previously and the crowd were privileged to be amongst some of the first to hear the song live. 

Finally, it was time for Rae Morris and boy were we in for a treat.

They say Dance like nobody is watching, yet they were, as the whole room at the Belgrave Music Hall were hanging onto Rae Morris' every word and interpretative dance move. 

New tracks 'Leave the light on' and the previous single 'Reborn ' were particular highlights for me as well as 'Can not wait for the rain' which came complete with sound effects. 

The headline set then took a stripped back tone, sans band, as Rae played 'For You', one of the first songs that she ever wrote, back in her writing shed in Blackpool and this captivating song beautifully showcases Rae's angelic voice. 

'Dancing with character' brought a tear to my eye and would be the perfect song to feature on Strictly. It tells the story of one of Rae Morris' friends' grandparents who would go dancing together at the workman's club in Blackpool every week. 

Rae Morris' second album 'Someone Out There" is out now and you can catch her on tour around the UK this month. did I mention that she's also going to be at Live At Leeds? #winning

Throwback Gig Reviews Part 2 : Meadowlark

So about 6 months ago I wrote a series of gig review blogs that were never published. So here's a little throwback series featuring Meadowlark, Rae Morris, Slowdive, Coasts, Joe Dolman and Tom Speight.

Meadowlark - 01.10.17

What could be better than a songwriter? Two songwriters, of course. Kate McGill and Dan Broadley, now known as Meadowlark met in Plymouth after many successful years in the music industry; Kate as a popular YouTuber best known for her covers, and Dan, playing in a number of rock bands and producing music videos. 

Their music has often been described as bridging the gap between folk and electronica with the idea that less is more. 

'Eyes Wide' was a prominent feature on the BBC Introducing track list back in 2015 and Meadowlark have since had songs appear on Made In Chelsea but I'm getting ahead of myself. 

First, to the stage at the Wardrobe on Sunday 1st October was Hollie Haines.

Hollie Haines opened her set with the acapella song 'Charlie' which beautifully captured her pure, rich voice. Before grabbing her guitar and captivating the early arrivers with tunes of storytelling charm. 

Hollie turned up the attitude from her usual silky smooth and cutesy tone with 'Let Me Go' and I particularly enjoyed 'Forever Alone.'

Less is more seemed to be a recurring theme this evening as was melancholy songs as Sam Brooke and his fedora took to the stage.

'Always Will' is a brand new single which Sam only released a few days previously and it's hard not tap your foot along.

Particularly memorable was 'Fools of Saturn' which was written in memory of Cassini. 

Cassini was the satellite sent into space to orbit Saturn and send pictures back to earth. The story has a sad ending, however, as at the end of its mission the satellite was disposed of by launching it at the rings of the planet and instantly destroying it. 

'Fools Of Saturn' captures the spirit of the story with haunting honesty.

The lights dimmed as Meadowlark arrived, lit only by a ring of flashing, rose-tinted light bulbs. Not failing to add a warm glow and somewhat mysterious aura. 

Meadowlark's unique sound is part folk, part 'sick beats' and has an experimental feel that defy the parameters of music genres.

Satellites was another recurring theme of the evening as this was the first song recorded for the new album and one of my faves from their set.

'Postcards' the title track of the debut album was another highlight as it beautifully melded together Kate's soprano voice with the experimental electronic beats. 

Meadowlark is on tour in Germany later this month