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

Eating Our Way Through Paris

Paris is known to many as le cité des amour yet to me it's more like le cité du manger and that's pretty much all we did.

The last time Coasts were on their European tour I packed my bags and my mother off to a quick sojourn to Berlin and then Hamburg. (How was that two years ago?) The only difference this time was that the venue/ country had changed and Coasts joined label mates The Hunna, oh yeah and there was a new album so I guess pretty much everything had changed really.

On Sunday night, after a delayed Eurostar trip, my mother and I checked in at the Saint Louis Pigalle hotel before heading out to explore the Pigalle neighbourhood, from the Moulin Rouge to the Sacre Coeur where the 10pm service was just about to start: cue the organ music.

Le Bon Bock was the venue for dinner/supper and was a great find. It is the oldest restaurant in Montmartre and used to be a popular haunt of artists like Toulouse La Trec. Here my journey through classic French dishes began with onion soup and confit de la canard.

On Mondays, many (if not all) of the museums and tourist attractions are closed which left us with no choice but to explore the cobbled streets of Paris, and, most importantly, the gastronomy.

When I had researched the foodie scene before we came out one of the places that had stood out to me was Soul Kitchen on the Rue Lamarck but I could not for the life of me find it. In its place, the Hardware Societé offered a very appetising alternative.

Fried brioche served with pannacotta, poached pear and lashings of chocolate sauce may not be your usual breakfast fare but omg you really need to try that like right now!

Hotel two of two for our Paris mini city break was the Best Western Saint Martin Bastille, just opposite the Bataclan and, as the name suggests, situated in the Bastille area of the city.

Dalloyau famously provided the Palace of Versaille with Pattiserie delights up until the French Revolution and they can now add me to their prestigious list of customers as we happily stumbled across one of their Salon de Thé(s). We sampled the gorgeously light Delice de Chef and the absolutely divine Tonka - brb in heaven right now.

The Little Café, in the Marais part of town, continued my foray into the world of classic French dishes with Boeuf Bourginon. For dessert, I opted for the Pain Perdu, made with croissants and served with a deliciously sweet caramel sauce.

Our final culinary stop or the day (Monday) was Jones, formerly known as Bones. Here diners can enjoy a four-course meal that is a delight to the senses or indeed for individual dishes. It would have been criminal to not at least try the exquisitely prepared food even if I had eaten a three-course meal only a few hours previously and those smoked carrots were simply stunning.

On our last full day in Paris, we visited the Pere Lachaise, the notorious graveyard where many famous faces are buried; Jim Morrison and Frederic Chopin included, as well as a memorial to Oscar Wilde. Alas, If I had only been there a few hours later I could have played everyone's favourite game 'spot The Hunna'

Frederic Chopin

Jim Morrison

Oscar Wilde - he's not actually in there though

The snowy stroll (read hike) left me feeling particularly hangry by the time we approached
Notre Dame. The aptly named Brasserie Esmerelda was as good a spot as any for a crepe and a chocolat chaud as it was getting pretty cold actually.

The plat du jour on the Rue Babylon was Côte du Boeuf, accompanied by dauphinoise potatoes and a bearnaise sauce. Our brasserie of choice just happened to be opposite Le Bon Marche, the Harrods of Paris which at the time of visiting housed the Sous La Ciel art installation by Leandro Erlich.

The Musee d' Orsay is not actually a museum at all but an art gallery housing five storeys of everything from impressionism to sculpture including work from Toulouse Le Trec who by the way I approve of your choice of restaurant/bar but dude what is that artwork?

On the way home to the hotel we stopped off at a patisserie for madeleines and a l'imperial - berry goodness encased in créme de pistache with a biscuit base.

Next stop: Le Maroquinerie.

P.S. We bought croissants for the journey home aka our super fun 7am Eurostar train.

Top 7 gigs of 2017

Top 7 gigs of 2017 

It's that time of the year again where I reflect on some of the best gigs* that I have been to in 2017. 

*like seriously THE best

Kovic

Kovic played support to Coasts when they came to Leeds earlier this year and I was instantly in love. Meeting Mark was a highlight for me because how lovely, is he! 

Tom Speight

I've been to see my mate Tom Speight twice this year and both times have absolutely phenomenal. 

These cute, and intimate gigs at the Louisiana in Bristol and the Oporto in Leeds have had a laid-back vibe and the banter kept on coming.

Dan Croll

No, I've never been to Tokyo but I hear that Dan Croll has. After ending the year on high with the release of his second album 'Emerging Adulthood' and a stellar U.K. Tour Dan ended the year with a holiday in Tokyo

Highlights included some beautiful tambourine playing by Dan Croll during 'Tokyo' and the classic 'From Nowhere' - which is actually my ring tone. 

Rae Morris 

Rae Morris is 'Reborn' with more pizazz and sparkle and she's absolutely fabulous! 

The Blackpool born singer with an ethereal voice and unforgettable stage presence lifted the roof off the Belgrave Music Hall with her latest hits  'Do It' and 'Reborn' as well As playing old favourites and treating our ears to some new tunes. 

Marsicans 

If anyone can, the Marsicans can. - I don't know why I said that, it just sounded cool.

The Marsicans opened the Stylus stage at this year's Live At Leeds festival with so much energy that they could have launched a rocket. And did I mention that they absolutely hilarious?

If you haven't yet, you really really need to go watch the Marsicans new music video.

Saint Motel

Saint Motel may not be an instantly recognisable household name....yet but 'My Type' and the saxophone intro in particular is sure to prick up your ears in recognition. You can hear it on the Now TV ad.

Whilst most swanned off to music festivals up and down the country I headed down to the Wardrobe on the 11th July for the most hilarious gig. 

A personal highlight has to be when a guy standing next to me asked AJ Jackson for a high five but got ignored and I got the high five instead. #winning

Coasts 

So you know how Coasts went on an epic 38 date UK tour during the Autumn, well guess who was at five of those dates in cities far and wide,. There was even a trip to Brighton.  

As readers of this blog may know, Coasts never fail to impress at their gigs but if pushed to choose my favourite date, it would have to be Bristol

The atmosphere at the was electric at the hometown gig and it was clear to see that the guys were really glad to be playing in the city, amongst so many recognisable faces. A very close second has to be Brighton, after all, there were balloons involved. 

Autumnal Favourites

I haven't done one of these lately, not since January actually, so in case anyone was interested here are a few of my favourite things from the last few months...girls in white dresses and blue satin sashes...not included.

First, let me tell you a little story about Neom Organics. I first came across the aromatic fragrance company when I was looking to buy my sister a leaving present when she moved to Australia (for a year...*updste* she's a permanent resident now), and I was taken in by the mix and match miniatures for the company that was 'scent to make you feel good.'

The problem was that it was actually a bit too good and I fell in love with their product range (so did my sister, and she has been requesting more of their, best-selling pillow mist because she has run out), and a trip to Neom Organics has become quite a regular item on my 'to do list'

My latest purchase (besides some Christmas presents) includes this candle for the Sensuous 'scent to calm and relax range.' The whole relaxing thing is not something that comes easily to me, I'm a bit of a worry monster and get stressed out very easily, so I love the calming scent of this candle, which includes 16 natural essential oils including ylang-ylang, patchouli and frankincense. 

The first musical item on my list, because you knew there was going to be at least one is 'Waiting' the latest EP from Tom Speight. Because I know that I've been 'Waiting' to have this EP by 'my side' and I'll be looking forward to hearing Tom's debut album next year.

#TBT to my review of Tom's Leeds date on his debut UK headline tour  latest review coming soon

When the weather turns that little bit colder a good hat is absolutely essential and this season I have not one but two faves!

The first, a little beanie from Leeds based company In Music We Trust

In Music We Trust, run by Aiden Hatfield donates 50% of their profits to Mind charity to support people who suffer from depression and other mental health problems, a very worthy cause and they have some rather cool clothes too!

Hat number two simply says ' bunnies over people' which, as a crazy bunny lady myself I can totally relate to. 

This surprise gift from my sister is from Worried Potato and Co the merch brand of Instagram famous Bunny Mama. Lily, Edgar and Beatrix Potter most certainly approve of this hat. 

My final current fave is also of the musical variety, this time in the form of an album, from...you guessed it...Coasts. 

This Life Vol. 1, Coasts' second album, was released in August of this year, and I have listened to little else ever since. The band accompanied the release with an epic 38-date UK tour, journeying to corners of the country, including places they had never been to before and reaching out to fans who flocked from far and wide. 

Before you ask, I didn't go to all 38 dates, only 5, including Bristol, Bath, Brighton (you can read the Brighton blog here if you want), Leeds and York.

Coasts are back touring in the UK in April and will be joining The Hunna on the European and Australian tours! 

Top gigs of 2016

It's that time of year again when I take a look back at some of my best gigs of the this year from near, wide and some abroad here's my top picks of the past twelve months:


8. Tiggs Da Author

I saw Tiggs at this year's Live At Leeds and his set was bursting with energy and was totally mesmerising. Read more here:

https://www.accentclothing.com/blog/accent-review-live-leeds/

7. Barns Courtney

This very intimate gig at the Oporto was way back in February. Barns has since gone onto being the support act for Tom Odell's U.S. tour.

https://www.accentclothing.com/blog/accent-review-barns-courtney/

6. Pixel Fix

I was very lucky to see Pixel Fix back in March as they have unfortunately since split *cries*

https://www.accentclothing.com/blog/accent-review-pixel-fix/

Fingers crossed that we'll hear the dreamy vocals of lead singer Marcus again soon.

5. Jake Isaac

It's been a 'long road' but I finally got to see Jake Isaac in March and it was everything that I had hoped for. Check out me review here:

https://www.accentclothing.com/blog/accent-review-jake-isaac/

4. Flawes

In September of this years Flawes signed a record deal with Red Bull and a month later guess who was at their first headline show!

3. King No One

Another act that I first stumbled across at LAL.

King No One are hugely popular both then and now as both times that I have been to see KNO the venues have been full to breaking point.

2. Tom Speight

Ok so I'll admit it I'm a sucker for folk music and Tom Speight is the perfect choice for no. 2 of my top gigs list.

https://adoremusicblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/04/tom-speight-gig-review/

1. Coasts

Top the leaderboard once again its the boys from Coasts. The question is which date to pick? I mean do I go for the Berlin or Hamburg gig when I followed them on part of their European tour (not stalkerish and weird at all...)

Or maybe I should for one closer to home like that time I took a hop, skip and jump down the M4 to Glasgow and we chanted 'Game Of Thrones' to the intro of 'Wolves'.

http://dinniethepooh.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/fangirling-hard.html

However my fave has to be the last date of their UK tour at the  Brudnell Social Club which amongst other highlights included a full on stage invasion. Mental

my gig top of choice is trending 

Fangirling hard

I may have mentioned Coasts once or twice on this blog before (by Coasts I mean the band not the geographical terrain) and that would probably be because I'm fangirling….hard.

To be honest I hopped on the bandwagon fairly late in the game  when I randomly decided to go and see this indie rock band at the Wardrobe in October 2015. It wasn't  'random' though was it, it was fate.

Coasts returned to Leeds only a week later to play a free gig at Trinity Kitchen and guess who was front and centre.

Most people who I talk to and say that I'm going to-yet another- Coasts gig don't actually know who I'm babbling on about so here's the scoop:

The band, now known as Coasts, formed in Bristol in 2011 after attending the same university; Bath Spa uni - the very same one that I attended. 

I found out, when I asked them in Hamburg, that the guys (well Chris and Jimmy at least) did Performing Arts and graduated the same year that I arrived. (2009)

Coasts may be most widely known for having had appeared on the second season of Made In Chelsea or maybe you heard them on FIFA16.  They released their debut album in January of this year and have been blowing things out of the water ever since.

Earlier this year, in March actually, I kind of went to Germany to go to the Berlin and Hamburg dates of Coasts European tour yet alas I didn't have enough dollar to get to the U.S. for the American leg. *cries*




Alas this was not the case... insert awkward dialogue from the merch table:

However when Chris, Jimmy, Ben, David and Liam returned to the U.K. I knew that it was a 'go hard or go home' situation.

The original plan was to go to the first and last nights of tour (which were Bristol and Leeds) yet unfortunately  for me Coasts are just so awesome that Bristol was soon sold out….closely followed by all the tickets for Oxford being snapped up.

Last Thursday I woke up early to make a large batch of chocolate chip cookies before hopping into the car. Glasgow here I come!

Except before that could happen I may have had a ever so slight breakdown.

When I bought my tickets for the Garage 2 at Glasgow which I would then be able to pick up at the venue the website told me to bring along my confirmation email but the problem was that there wasn't an email to be found….anywhere.

The clock was ticking and I still didn't know where this email was. The doors at the venue were set to open at seven but it was nearing five and we still hadn't left the house and it was going to take four hours to get to Glasgow.

Imagine the scene, you're cruising along the M8 and suddenly you desperately need to go to the toilet. You can't stop though because otherwise you'll miss the gig completely. Hence the need for the bum shuffle dance as we journeyed further into Scotland.

No sooner had we pulled up into Sauchiehall Road and walked through the doors (I didn't even need that bloody email) than Coasts came on stage with Wallow. I loved the feeling of walking into the club and being met by a wall of incredible sound.

The Glasgow crowd were hilarious and I especially loved the chanting of 'Game Of Thrones' before Wolves.  Somebody even even ended up splashing beer over my head which was actually quite welcome because it got very, very sweaty.

We were spending the weekend at our cottage (another couple of hours further on) so at the end of the set we weren't able to linger. There was just time to give Chris the box of cookies.

Fast forward a few days and we have a familiar situation yet in reverse as now we need to get back to Leeds.

My sister was supposed to be meeting me at the Brudnell Social Club yet as she was pulling out of the drive her car broke down.

Coasts were going to be on stage in approximately forty minutes time and neither of us were there yet.

If I thought that the Glasgow crowd were great then Leeds was totally insane! Forget Game Of Thrones this was more full on stage invasion. Completely epic!

You  know when you are about to a really famous person and/or someone you really admire and get super tongue tied and nervous - well you would have thought that I'd be over that by now as I had kind of met Coasts once or twice before *ahem*

Jimmy: hey we've seen you before.

Chris: yeah she came to Glasgow...and Germany

Me: *thinks* I wonder if they liked their cookies