There was a Liverpool invasion down at the Brudenell tonight – think Sledge and I were the only non-scoucers there – and why you may ask – well, the Vyrll Society were in town of course!

We got there just as The Astrids were finishing (sorry) and caught the Peach Fuzz set – by their merch we were hoping for something a bit more wild and ‘out there’ rather than the MOR set they provided….

I first saw The Vyrll Society at Reading Festival a couple of years ago and was impressed with their sound. They’ve built on that with wonderful bass lines and intricate guitar licks which makes you think of Pink Floyd, but over layed with low key, laid back vocals that make them sound like no one else. They’ve upped the ante with great visuals that reflect their album cover (and a well produced LP it is).

Thanks to Lloyd for getting us in x

Bob the Chiropodist

RUMBLE!!! An amazing amount of talent on show tonight at Wharf Chambers. Sledge and I went along mainly to see ‘Los Pecadores’ but were blown away by the whole night – just fantastic!

The evening had started with a very different musical style for me, as Commoners Choir sang some backing vocals on a beautiful song by Joe Solo about the 6,000 Hull fishermen lost at sea. I didn’t make the photo – as soon as the singing was over I had to dash…….

…….So glad I caught ‘Snakerattlers‘ set – a husband and wife duo celebrating their 2nd anniversary tonight – pulsating and blistering guitar with a rock steady beat – there were happy smiles all round watching these 2 do their thang. Got talking to Dan afterwards “we used to be in the Franceens” “I’ve got one of your cards stuck on my fridge!” (see below). I loved them when I saw them a few years back and can’t wait to see these two again. “We’ve done 150 gigs now and are close to being able to do it full time. If people buy something we can break even”  Snakerattlers T-Shirt? – Of course I want one….

Los Pacadores have abandoned the masks but everything else was the same – fast and ferocious surf music of the highest order – 3 musicians at the top of their game with a special mention to the drummer – how he kept that that pace up I’ll never know. Can’t believe it’s been Six Years since I last saw them!? All new stuff tonight and every tune hit the mark – means a new LP soon….? Let’s hope so.

This was Eugene Ripper‘s last UK date before heading home to Canada – he gets a great rockabilly sound out of his guitar…..

Another band and another set of virtuoso musicians – X-Ray Cat trio have a 50’s rockabilly sound that manages to mix old fashioned innocent Rock’n’Roll ditties with dirty guitar solos that you can’t stand still to. First time I’ve seen a double bass played with a tambourine – these guys know how to rock.

A fabulous night at a ridiculous price – Wharf Chambers – we salute you!

Bob the Chiropodist

 

It’s a Tuesday night in early October….you haven’t been to a gig for AGES….your fave indie popsters are playing in town….Support your local bands I say…..who cares you have work tomorrow….there’s some rocking to be had…..

Sledge and I have a soft spot for Leeds own Nervous Twitch – we’ve seen them live loads and they’ve never let us down. Short, sharp, punky-pop tunes that the Ramones would be proud of – what’s not to like. Every one’s a winner – Ace Guitar riffs, intricate bass lines, tight drumming…..get on board people!

Party Fears were billed as being a Berlin band who formed in Seoul….so it came as a bit of a suprise that lead singer Maggie had strong Northern Irish accent….they had a great sound and a great set of songs – upbeat and energetic they made us glad we’d ventured out. Catch them if you can.

Bob the Chiropodist

The Reading festival used to be a real Rock festival with loads of stuff you’d want to see. Now it’s an odd hotch-potch of stuff that seems to cater for the younger crowd….well let’s be honest – caters almost exclusively for the 16-18 year old group for whom this is now seen as an ‘entry level’ festival. I was working and so took my 15 year old Matty who LOVED it.

When in doubt – head for the comedy tent and the first highlight was Harry Hill who did a typically bonkers routine including singing TV shows along to the tune of Bob Marleys ‘No woman no cry’……..took ages before someone finally sang ‘Harry Hill’s TV burp’ and he could move on….

The only band I really wanted to see was The Blinders and they didn’t let me down. On the smallest stage they made the biggest racket. As the rain came down there was a Mosh-pit developing lead by this guy with a red flag who knew all the words and orchestrated the mayhem…

Matty got his first taste of the Mosh-pit thanks to ‘Bring me the horizon’. This then turned into Mosh-Pit fever with ‘Milk Tooth’ and ‘Yungblud’ and gave him the confidence to get up to the front of ‘Kendrick Lamar’ (his favourite), ‘Fall Out Boy’ and ‘Panic! at the disco’ – emerging sweaty, trampled and one happy camper…..that’s my boy!

I enjoyed ‘The Horrors’ ‘Slaves’ and ‘Hinds’…….and ‘The Vaccines’ were funny, but it was the last act on the Sunday who really impressed me – ‘Isaac Gracie‘. There were some doting females at the front who sang along with every song and screamed at everything he said and even that didn’t put me off. This boy has talent and his songs kind of sweep you along – Nick Drake? Bob Dylan? I think he’s his own man – give him a listen.

Bob the Chiropodist

With the rest of the family away in Paris I had to somehow entertain myself….what on earth was I going to do?? Well, the guys from Brid were out in York, as was ‘Beers Manchester‘ so that’s where I spent a pleasant afternoon, catching up over a few scoops, before heading back to Leeds to meet Sledge for a date with one of our favourites – Nervous Twitch.

The night was to launch the new LP by Klammer and turned out to be a great one. First up was Spess who played a great set with lots of banter from their lead singer/stand up comedian…..would happily see them again.

Our main reason for going along was to see Nervous Twitch who never let you down. Bursting with 2 minute punky/pop songs they are a delight to behold. Tarrantino Hangover sounded particularly good tonight. We shouted for an encore and got one “This is for those 2 there”

The new Klammer album sees the guys mean and moody and slightly pissed off with the world. They’ve got a powerful sound that has post-punk written through it. Previously saw them supporting Ruts DC but they make good headliners themselves.

We had to leave before the end of their set as we wanted to catch another favourite Cowtown who were playing in town. Short explosive songs that crackle with energy. A great way to end the evening – sat out the back of Wharf Chambers where members of Mush were hanging out as well as bumping into Beth from ‘Beth and Danny’ at the bar –  “We’ve been doing Fleetwood Mac covers” “I don’t like them” “WHAT!?!” “sorry….”

Bob the Chiropodist