Wombats Leeds Met 9th March

Crouching on the stairs,solo, peering through the banister, singing along to the words, lost in translation when they speak but loving every single minute of it.....


In the past these three boys have danced to Joy Division, got lost in the fog, mused about killing a director, been slapped at the disco and relocated to New York. But now they are going to have to cross 'held a karaoke-type gig at Leeds Met University off their Bucket List.

Despite not always reaching the number one or even top five spot, the Wombats, have been hanging around the chars for the last couple of years. The trio has been making extremely infectious music; with clever lyrics, wit and inevitable oo-oo-oohs. These ingredients have always been a recipe for success, and they proved that they were worth their rightful place stuck in our heads, after a great performance in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

With an onslaught of five minute careers these days there is so much reliance of Auto-tune, and because of this commercially successful bands playing live could be unrecognisable. Because of this it was even more refreshig to hear the Wombats perform live. The Liverpudlians were pitch-perfect and sounded identical to their record oupit. The gig itself was like listening to the album but instead of being confined to a car or a house or a bus you were in a union surrounded by hundreds of strangers who appreciated your choice in music.

The Karaoke description is self-explanatory really; rarely is there a gig when more than three-quarters of the crowd know every singly word but in this instance they did. The volume level of the crowd frequently equaled the voice of frontman Matthew Murphy, and through most of the songs he was able to hold the mic to the crowd for the verses as well!

All the hits were played to the frantic crowd; 'Kill the Director', 'Jump into the Fog','Backfire at the Disco', 'Moving to New York and 'Tokyo(Vampires & Wolves)'. Most of the band's 2007 album A Guide to Love, Loss and Desperation were included in the set, and a even a few songs off the new album. Despite the newer songs being relatively unknown, the audience's enthusiasm didn't ebb.

The bassist, Tord Overland-Knudsen, seemed to enjoy the performance even more than the crowd, with a grin stuck in his face although he had slept with a coat hanger in his mouth. The Wombats cleverly left their biggest hit until last, which promoted the crowd to chant 'Joy Division' at them - were they doing covers? The band teased a little more before stomping straight into 'Let's Dance to Joy Division' much to the crowds delight. The warm reception they recieved may make them change their mind about New York and give moving to Yorkshire a try!

All Correct - OK

Welsh band OK, are an indie outfit who's newest song Lego has been described as, " a blast of harmonic sunshine upon a grey music scene". The band have had a series of line up changes since their debut album in 2009. Ahead of the release of their new album they have released Lego as the first song off the album.

OK, have created a gimmicky video to go alongside their new song, Lego, which features puppets playing their instruments and generally rocking out.

Joe Paine the lead singer from the band answered some of my questions, with a particularly interesting analysis of The Thunderbirds, enjoy!

OK, tell me who OK are?

OK are a pop band from Cardiff who like to play music that makes you feel good.

Story behind the single?

I came up with the 'fit together like Lego' thing years ago. I got the tune sang it into a tape recorder so I wouldn't forget it. Then, low and behold years later I dug it up and thought this could make a good little song.

Single out this week how are you feeling ?

It's a weird process making a single. What with practising, recording, playing the track live and hearing it over and over during the making of the video. It kind of gets to the point where you can't really hear it anymore. But, I still catch myself singing the tune to myself sometimes, so I guess it's a good sign.

You seem to have a fondness for Lego, but what were your favourite childhood toys?

Depends what age you're talking. I was MASSIVELY into Turtles. Going further back it was all about Postman Pat and Thomas the Tank!

Indie is a pretty popular genre, how do you think OK stand out ?

We see so many bands that seem miserable or pretentious. Whilst this can sometimes be really cool I think we all share the same feeling that we don't want to be like that. It's great to sing about miserable things, just have fun doing it.

What's the best thing about being musicians ?

The chicks and the dollars... ha ha, no, it's cheesy as fuck but being able to travel around with your best mates having a laugh whilst doing something that you really enjoy is the best.

You have used puppets in your video, which do you prefer Muppets or Thunderbirds?

I was never really into the Muppets, I found it hard to tell the different between them and Sesame Street. I was a BIG fan of the Thunderbirds though. I remember getting to the age where you think back to the Thunderbirds and realise how utterly in-practical it was (slides into the cockpits, taking off through a swimming pool, always having the fly from the same place wherever the disaster is). Seemed like perfect sense at the time.

Light bulb

Today I realised that I write the word ventured A LOT. Need a Thesaurus

Not So Tinie Anymore

This year it was my mission to broaden my musical horizons, and I feel I am well on the way to doing that. Last month I ventured to see man of the moment, Tinie Tempah aka Patrick Okogwu at the O2 Leeds Academy.

After scoring two gongs at this years Brit Awards, for best 'Best British Break Through Act' and 'Best British Single', it's no surprise that the audience crammed in to the O2 Leeds Academy, like Sardines.

The room was literally teaming with energy, Tinie's band shuffled onto stage, and as the man himself bounded in, the levels had gone from excitement to hysteria. Listening to the volume of screaming you were more likely to expect to see teen pop sensation, Justin Bieber up there.

Tinie Tempah aka Patrick Okogwu looked like a pop-star/paparazzi hybrid, wearing a fitted beige mack, shorts and sunglasses. The pint sized award winner jumped about the set, skipping from side to side of the platform ready to work the crowd.

Tinie Tempah and his band worked through his debut album Discovery, and surrounding that, was a well rehearsed and entertaining show. Over half way through the set, he decided to start a DJ-vs-band-athon. Asking the audience to decide who was better at covering tracks such as; Taio Cruz - Dynamite, Far East Movement - Like a G6 and Swedish House Mafia - One (know your name). Though predictably he couldn't idenify a winner, he was trying to ensure that his show could include everyone.

Tinie Tempah had the energy of a three year old,constantly bounding across the stage and spinning round, he was dedicated to make sure that everyone was on their feet and enjoying the gig as much as he was.

The man could command the audience to do what he wanted, he asked them to throw their hands up in the air, a sea of arms could be seen, and as soon as he asked the crowd to make a w, for 'Wonderman ' with their hands thousands of w's appeared in the crowd. Following the performance of 'Wonderman' Tinie gave a shout to his friend Ellie Goulding who features in the song, saying that it was shame she didn't win at the Brits.

The gig itself was full of inspirational words to the crowd, but it was clear that this 22 year old man just wanted to spread gratitude for the support from all his fans. He paused the songs for a minute spoke to the crowd, told them that whatever they wanted to achieve in life they could and used himself as an example, before dragging a fan up on stage.

The band began to play and the chorus of 'Invincible' echoed round the venue and Tinie sang the song to the giggling female fan. In the middle of the song he paused and the fan held up the two Brit awards Tnie had won, provoking yet more screams.

Other performances he got the crowd involved in were; Snap, this was set to a backdrop on a big screen of personal photographs from his childhood up until today. The song had an early 90s rap sound and this just added to the nostalgia of the lyrics. He encouraged everyone to take out their cameras and take a photo of him,that he could add and update to the slideslow. From the balcony all that could be seen were tiny lights off cameras and phones that looked liked thousands of stars in the sky.

The best reception was felt with two songs, 'Pass Out' and 'Frisky'. After taking his first break of the night he came out for an encore of this song. Everyone was on their feet during this point and Tinie pointed the mic to the crowd for the majority of the choruses confident that they would be able to sing the lyrics back to him.

Taking another break, the lights went down the band left the stage and a visual of a heart monitor flashed across the screen to the sound of a heartbeat. You could feel the energy in the crowd, this was the one song everyone had been anticipating and everyone around could sense it. Just before the atmosphere became hyperbolic he ran back onto stage and jumped straight into 'Pass Out'.

Tinie Tempah not only proved that he wasn't all hype but that he might want to consider a name change.

A Quick Chat With Your Demise

image myspace.com/yourdemise

Tonight I ventured to the Cockpit to brave uk metal/hardcore act Your Demise on their we used to be kids tour. A sweaty room, hard rock, inaudible lyrics and people throwing themselves off stage...my only regret I bought my handbag and couldn't join in!

I caught up with a very sweaty Ed Mcrae, the lead singer of the band.

How did you find tonight's show?

It was rad, it was so good. It was sold out for one and we haven't played Leeds properly in a while. I love playing Leeds it's always amazing.

You got a lot of stage crashers tonight, how often does that happen?

Yeah, we seem to be a lot recently, it always happens and tonight was no exception.

They music you guys play is pretty hardcore. Did you see the comment that journalist made about Rock being dead?

Rock is quite a general term for music, so no it's not dead. No music's dead really. When it first came out the attitudes have changed. But no, no music is dead. Music and art can't die.

What do you think of the British music scene at the moment?

Thriving, thriving. I guess the art and culture scene, there's so many bands coming up and in general there are so many artist and musicians coming out, that are really good and from the UK. A lot of the world are now seeing that the UK is back on the map as quite a hub of music.

Sum up tonight's show in three words?

Really fucking good.

Freelance Whales

This Friday I attended a gig, solo, not only was it the first of 2011 but the first one I had ever been to see on my own. Nervous I sat down expecting the band that would sound like a mix of Mae, Owl City and Hellogoodbye. After Initially getting over the feeling of being on my own, I started writing down notes in shorthand on a discarded bus ticket, partly for reviewing purposes partly so that if people saw me sitting on my own they would know what I was actually doing.

After the gig I approached Judah Dadone, to speak about the gig and also find out the story behind the interesting name. After the band had finished packing up their equipment and he came back to talk to me. He told me that as a kid he had almost drowned in the sea of Galilee, Israel. A lifeguard saw that he was struggling, jumped in and dragged him onto the beach to give him the kiss of life. As he came to, an elderly gentleman, who the lead singer believed had dementia, said something about 'Liberty Whale' and that was the reason for the word Whales is in the name.

This Friday, the Freelance Whales packed out the Brudenell Social Club, it's a place where the bands that play leave their egos at the door. The intimate venue welcome the Brooklyn based band like an old friend, clapping and politely cheering as they took to the stage.

Seeing the band live, you realise that each member is an integral part of the overall sound. The guitars, harmonium, synthesisers, bass, glockenspiel and drums aren't the only instruments in the bands repertoire, but their voices as well. Carefully planned harmonies build up and create the base of each song. The distinctively high lead vocal by front man Judah Dadone, stands out over the plethora of sounds, and is often softened by the gentle voice of Doris Cellar.

The texture of their music is more apparent when they play live, the music and organisation of the band, creates an electricity in this small venue. They didn't just know how to play the instruments, but how to experiment with them. At one point the guitarist took out a bow and started playing his guitar as a violin. The crowd weren't just listening to the music but were looking intently as to how it was created.

They opened their set with 'Rise and Shine', treading carefully as they begin, opening with an acoustic guitar and onto a quick build up of percussion and finally the vocals. The song a blend of pop and folk, with lyrics played to a nursery rhyme style tune, "Cutting all the corners, tearing down the borders, ignoring all the warnings, living out of focus". They aren't the run of the mill lyrics, but they received a positive response from the audience.

'Generator 1st floor', provoked the best response from the audience, the band did not command a raucous reaction from the crowd. Just the fact that people were moving to the music, seemed to mean everything to the band.

Though confident in their abilities, Freelance Whales were humble and sometimes bashful after addressing the audience, it made for a relaxed and enjoyable night. A band like Freelance Whales are definately one to be experienced live, it isn't until you see them perform you are able to see the complex formation of their music and how each member of the band is quintessential their trademark sound.

Whips N' Chains Excite Her.

This month I have read articles and teasers about Rihanna's new song, S&M, now initially naivety struck I thought, Ri Ri wouldn't be so bold as to release a song about S&M it's bound to stand for something else.

I saw teasers of Rihanna sporting bright red Side Show Bob style hair and another of her licking an ice cream with a patch on resembling a Pete Burns Dead or Alive Character, and thought nothing of this.

I have followed and been a fan of Rihanna since the beginning, 'Girl Like Me' and 'Good Girl Gone Bad' feature in my mp3 collection. My playlists also include the odd single off the other albums. Me and my friends like the girl so much we have a dance to Umbrella, and like to call Rihanna Ella, as if we know her. Totally normal for 22 year old girls I know.

In the last year Rihanna has seemed to really come into her stride leaving dated songs like 'Final Goodbye' and 'Unfaithful' in her wake. Post Umbrella Rihanna has released what seems like a thousand songs, sometimes having two songs in the chart at once. She is a hair icon, fashion icon and has made herself a household name.

But what's more apparent is her maturity in her songs, more recently, instead of flirting with the listener Rihanna has opted for in your face sexuality, which if Madonna's success in the eighties early nighties is anything to go by, with her open and honest sexuality being shared with the world, it's a smart career move. Rihanna has gone from the innoncent 16-year-old, pleading with the DJ to turn the music to asking a big boy to get it 'up'.

The starlet even managed to turn heads and rile up angry parents on her recent appearance of X-factor, where she danced on stage scantily clad. Now, Mr Cowel and Co over at the X factor empire are not stupid, they are familiar with Rihanna and how she portrays herself. Her outfit would have been Okayed by the team, dance routine run by producers and she would have been given the go ahead to perform. Plastering newspapers with endless headlines of her appearance is just more publicity for the X Factor machine.

The most outrageous stunt by Ri Ri, has to be her new video, clicking Perezhilton.com, I saw a link saying 'click here, click here, click here' and not one to turn down gossip I clicked it. The link led me onto Youtube and urged me to confirm I was over 18. What the Hell, had the celeb blogger led me to ?!

Then it began, Rihanna's most daring career move to date, S & M. Opening shots of Rihanna, encased in acetate and holding a press conference, to room full of journalists silenced by ball-gags and scribbling down insults such as slut on the reporter pads. Between these shorts you see a latex clad Rihanna, leading Perez Hilton around like a dog, which he plays maybe a little too eagerly. On top of this there are blow up dolls, journos gaffa taped up, Rihanna writhing in a rubber dress and one more thing, that is no way to eat a banana young lady! Narrating this song are lyrics such as ,"I may be bad but I'm perfectly good at it" , "chains and whips excite me" and the piece de resistent, "sex in the air I don't care I like the smell of it". After reducing my eyes to their normal size, forcing my jaw shut and hoping and praying it doesn't get played at school discos I tweeted it.

Then the backlash began, first on my twitter, then the blogs, the newspapers and finally the airwaves. The pop princess's video has now been banned in about eleven countries, received thousands of column inches and been subject of discussion. She has achieved exactly what she wanted and portrayed in her raunchy vid, the press in the palm of her hand. Rihanna's video will now be one of the most searched, read about and downloaded artist to see what all the fuss is about.

The girl has not only matured but succeeded, in being the name on everyone's lips!

Ri Ri joins press favourite Lady Gaga, in the award for shocking videos and daring lyrics. Despite my original shock I like the song, the only danger is, that it's so catchy I hope I don't end up singing it in the supermarket!