Future of the Left – Belgrave Music Hall (4/5)
Have you read any of the reviews of Future of the Left’s latest album? If you have, you will doubtless know that Future of the Left firmly believe that the music industry is lying to us. That it is evil. That it’s worth exorcising yourself from its tentacles and going it alone. While the sentiment is probably accurate in its utter righteousness it’s really worth noting that not all bands can mobilise the sort of support to self-fund an album like they have. They’ve got 9 years and 4 albums behind them, not to mention front man Andy Falkous’ past in Mclusky.
The point is, this lot are loved. They’ve a whole album to prove it. But more importantly when the band and fans meet face to face, this outpouring of adoration is so evident that it made me question why I don’t love Future of the Left.
Disregarding all their history though, Future of the Left are worth it if only for their live shows. Their songs formed of tight punchy guitar riffs and yelps is mighty impactful in a live setting and makes for an energetic gig (if you need proof ask the sweaty throbbing masses who took up the first couple of rows in the venue and keep in mind the Belgrave Music Hall is a bit of a staid place).
They’re also formed of sardonic lyrics about whatever Falkous deems worthy of denigration. It was tough to glean the wit from the mix meaning that live, this side of the band was much more clearly seen in Falkous’ comments between songs. Something he has a well deserved reputation for, he dispensed life advice via insults, introduced Metallica fans to keyboards and had a deliciously well delivered brand of dry comedy.
I may not love Future of the Left, but I’ve completely fallen for their lead singer.
Daoud Al-Janabi
Bears Den – Holy Trinity Church (3/5)
Bear’s Den have spent the last few months touring the US and Australia supporting the likes of Mumford and Sons, Matt Corby and Daughter. But now their back in the UK, and Leeds was the first stop on their new tour marking the release of the EP ‘Without/Within’.
Supported by the incredible Harry Ridgeway and The Mariner’s Children, the London trio did not fail to disappoint. If the awe-struck silence of the audience was anything to go by, everyone was yearning to hear every note of every song.
They opened with the first track of their last EP ‘Agape’, and throughout the set intertwined old and new songs to keep the audience on their toes. Armed with Andrew Davie’s soulful voice they have stayed true to their original folk-inspired sound. Although interestingly the banjo heard so frequently in ‘Agape’ has been largely replaced with an electric guitar, perhaps written in to help prepare the band for the larger venues that they will soon occupy. What hasn’t disappeared, however, is their expressive lyricism and the note-perfect harmonies, which managed to fill the church with spine-tingling effect. They ended their set by stepping away from the microphones and performing a beautifully raw version of ‘Bad Blood’. In this stripped back form each member of Bear’s Den clearly demonstrates their passion and natural talent, without a doubt their one to watch.
Louise Healey
Deparment M – Belgrave Music Hall (3/5)
Commandeering the unruly crowd at the new Belgrave Music Hall is upcoming new-age synth sensation Department M, brainchild of Leeds-based Owen Brinley. Despite a cautious entrance, the band’s lush electronic soundscapes flood the room from their opener, bringing a sceptical crowd to the dance floor. The drums are a true asset, endlessly offering powerful grooves without overpowering the whole. Brinley’s pure and occasionally falsetto vocals prove mesmerising throughout, and in this style feel reminiscent of Hot Chip. This vocal clarity combined with their rich layers of reverberating synth provides an awesome musical presence.
As a sonic experience the performance is flawless (even if the samples can get slightly Close Encounters of the Third Kind-ish), it’s just as a live one it sometimes appears to struggle. Their initial lack of stage presence might be nerves, or too many quiet numbers strung out. However, there was a definite need for crowd interaction to maintain the pace and prevent tracks like ‘Absentia’ sounding dismal as a Keane B-sides collection.
Sounding akin to recent Arctic Monkeys, ‘The Second Prize’ marks a turning point in the set, as the heavy bass line and driving drums seem to feed both band and crowd new energy. The mood heightens through penultimate track ‘Fax You An Apology’, and it seems Department M were simply keeping the real show for the end. As Brinley swaggers off in his anorak like an electro-junkie Gallagher, I think the crowd are glad they ditched their Belgrave pizzas to join the party.
Sam Corcoran