Reviewed on 12th December 2011.

AFNT

Live at The Library on Friday, 2nd December 2011

The one thing we all love about Leeds is the range of local talent and regular gigs meaning there's something on every night no matter what your taste. 360 Club is definitely becoming one on music lovers' lists as each week it seems to get bigger and better and last Friday was no exception with another diverse mix of bands from folky blues to indie rock.

Kicking off the night with a range of acoustic and full band songs were Ben Matravers & The Buskers. The local singer-songwriter performed a varied set that showed how his music has grown and developed from its humble acoustic beginnings to its current sophisticated blues. The Buskers brought a tight vibe to the songs helping them to build in the right places whilst the contrasting stripped back tracks made the audience stop and listen. Those of us there witnessed the first live show with a full band which gave us a glimpse into a promising future for Ben Matravers & The Buskers.

Next up were alt rockers Jonny Quits who looked a bit like they'd stepped straight out of the 70s; meant in the best way possible of course as these guys knew how to get a crowd jumping. Their sound was quite old Kings of Leon-esque and some songs were even a heavy Oasis style but really they were your typical guitar rock with a punk style vocal band. The bass was ridiculously loud which was cool at first but became a bit overpowering in such a small room but this was probably down to the sound guy rather than the band. The 3 of them were tight and obviously loving it on stage so all in all a great performance.

Getting us dancing next were indie band Happy Daggers with their Foals meets Kooks style. The songs were catchy and had some well rehearsed break downs where the band gave everything they had whilst the audience lapped it up and danced like noone was watching. The lead singer's soulful voice really helps Happy Daggers have an edge putting them out of the 'just-another-indie-band' category. So they didn't try to be Arctic Monkeys and were definitely more entertaining than Vampire Weekend. Music that makes you happy.

A bit of pop/punk/rock finished off the night with AFNT. Their most obvious soundalike had to be Lost Prophets which they probably get all the time but it's a big name to be compared to after all. They started their set with a cracking instrumental which the crowd loved and as a band they sounded as though they've been playing together for a long time to get such a tight vibe. Vocals maybe needed to be a bit edgier to give the band more grunge but it was a great, energetic set and AFNT could go far.

There's always a bit of everything at 360 and you come out each week with a new song stuck in your head. Arthur Rigby and The Baskervylles will be there on 16th December which is bound to be a good night so get your tickets now!