Live at Leeds review

Happy bank holiday everyone not sure if bank holidays are a British thing if so basically it entails having monday off woo hoo!

Yesterday I went to live at Leeds and a jolly fun time was had by all, live at Leeds has been running since 2007 and basically entails buying at ticket, getting your wrist band and spending the day picking and choosing what bands/artists you want to see in venues scattered across Leeds city centre and a bit further out. Brilliant!

After queing for our wrist bands at Leeds city museum (us Brits are AMAZING at queuing!) we were off. Here is my review music taste is unique to each and everyone so this review is my opinion.

Swimming Lessons at Leeds uni stylus bar: I had never heard of this act but the lad is from a Leeds band called the Blood oranges; Not sure what I was expecting but it certainly wasnt what I thought.  One man, his guitar and his keyboard it was all very chill out/etheral and he had a very nice voice in retrospect probably a very good warm uo for the coming hours.  I couldnt warm to it unfortunately although he seemed to have a fan base, his songs seemed overly long and a bit drony with the keyboard/synth noise. Nuff said.

Blackeye at Leeds uni Mine bar: this was an extremely attractive band and a cynic might say on the basis of the female fronted band they would get signed on her looks alone.  However, this band impressed me maybe it was the nostalgic Brit pop fanatic of my teen years but the songs were catchy, the guitars catchier and the lass had a good voice that was sultry yet stuck two fingers up at people thinking yaawn ANOTHER pretty girl with a guitar. Good tempo, good beats and catchy songs I liked it a lot well done Blackeye.

Department M at Leeds uni stylus bar: I didnt like these at all sorry again I think it is my aversion to synth/keyboard based music the lead singer reminded me of the band Talking Heads (weird I know but he did) we moved swiftly on.

Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs at Leeds uni Refrectory: I only caught the tail end of this set but it looked good.  They had swagger good, music and were in my mind a bit Ramone (ish) I predict good things for these just a shame they werent on later they deserved a bigger crowd.

London Grammar at Leeds met uni main stage:I did enjoy this band and they got a raptorous reception. The lead siger had a fantastic voice very Florence Welch if I am honest husky, clear and angelic. They didnt quite float my boat as the backing drums over powered a voice that didnt need to be drowned out by synth drums.

We then proceeded back to the city centre to try and catch the 1975 at the Cockpit venue but the queue was ridiculous so that sort of put paid to that!  Apparently they are excellent I hear!

Those dancing days at Holy Trinity Church:  this may well be the wrong name of this band I wasnt too keen unfortunately. The setting in the church was amazing with the stained glass window in the background but was like we are in a church here! I digress, to me their music wasnt uplifting or anything else much really, it was depressing to me but as I said earlier this is only my opinion.

Pins at Leeds met stage 2: now these girls were right up my street, an all female band that were very very well out together.  They played their guitars brilliantly and got in with their set.  If you want to see this band and are expecting a Hole like band you will be mistaken. They songs whilst quite dark are catchy with brilliant drum beats and a rich sound.

Finally we wound up the night watching:

Darwin Deez at Leeds met main stage: what a lovely way to end a busy day these New York boys were great! Slightly surreal but by this point me the mr and friends had had a few lagers and been walking/standing about for nearly 12 hours. They were late on however, in their defence they were they perfecting the sound of their guitars/drums so were stood on stage.  Darwin their lead singer had a loveky all american voice and they slightly had a sound of Ben folds five which I liked a lot. They danced between songs (see pic) and involved the crowd. Very uplifting indie bubble gum pop to me but if you get a chance to see em, go!!

After this I was ready for bed it was a great day and to be able to see unlimited bands for £25 is pretty good going.  The sunshine underground were the late addition playing the Brudenell at 11pm which I bet was really good to see.

My advice if you go next year and want to see a specific band go a few bands prior to it or you may miss out.  My friend missed out on the Pigeon Detectives due to going too late and the venue being full.Luckily the bands we wanted to see were in two venues.

Another tip for the ladies defintely wear flat shoes heels are a big no no!