VITAMIN are quickly establishing themselves as a big name in both the local and national scene, and with their upcoming residency planned at the iconic Brudenell Social Club, they will have the opportunity to both cement this position and give more local talent a platform to showcase their own music. Situated in the more intimate setting of the social club’s Games Room, the residency will take place monthly and will be slightly more interactive than your average gig. The night will consist of guest DJs, cheap drinks, regular giveaways and free sweets – all in addition to the performances by local bands handpicked by VITAMIN themselves. Situated just around the corner from the streets that lent their names to music collectives Hessle Audio and Pearson Sound, Brudenell has recently facilitated the rise of Leeds-based bands such as Eagulls, Hookworms and Menace Beach right from their early gigs through to major EP and album releases. It is fair to say that the Leeds music scene is pretty fertile right now and the Brudenell Social Club often acts as its hub, so this VITAMIN residency can certainly be considered an important moment for the band and for the music of Leeds.

Since signing for National Anthem, the label which CHVRCHES and Haim started at, VITAMIN look set to continue on their upward trajectory. It’s highly likely that if you haven’t seen their name on a poster yet, then you will do soon, with the band scoring some major bookings including their Brudenell residency and headlining the Club NME Halloween Ball at KOKO, London. They were also, fittingly, featured on the ‘Welcome to Leeds’ stage on the Thursday of Leeds Festival, giving the festival-goers a taste of home-grown talent to start off their weekend. Some may even have been lucky enough to catch them perform at Leeds University Union’s very own Stylus during Live at Leeds.

All aged just 19 years old, the members of VITAMIN made the decision to drop out of college to focus on making music. Their age shows in the energy and freshness of their music, which steers well clear of the common pitfalls of messiness or naivety which young bands so often fall into. Their music manages to retain its sense of urgency and energy whilst effortlessly gliding through melodies and angsty lyrics in the way that only dreamy indie-pop can. The light and enthusiastic delivery keeps things fun and enables lead singer, Jared, to sing lyrics which are genuinely heartfelt without the songs ever losing their funkiness. The modern production techniques they use, which harness aspects of electronic music, give the band that extra edge and depth which sets them apart from others and ensures that their music manages to remain distinctive and relevant – two crucial criteria for up-and-coming bands.

The title track from VITAMIN’s debut EP Giving It Up was selected by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens as his single of the week and has also received airplay on XFM. The song’s glistening melodies and funky beat make it accessible and radio-friendly, but its stirring chorus hints that this band has a sound able to fill the biggest of venues. Only time will tell if this band truly are destined for the stadiums but for now they will be aiming to get plenty of gigs under their belt as fans eagerly await a debut album.

Sam Fennell