I've always liked The Primrose as one of Leeds' smaller music venues and I have always managed to catch some good bands there, tonight was no exception.Opening this evening is Jordan Senior. It's the first time I have seen him play, although I have heard many a good thing about him said. His style this evening was very Jack Johnson meets Stephen Lynch, and he mixes a beautiful soft vocal with real life rawness to his sound and lyrics.
His guitar playing is second to none and he seems very at ease with each song he performs and also manages to get a laugh. A particular favourite, was a song about how cats have a life of their own. Jordan Senior's style is unique, quirky, hilarious and soulful and I would definitely go see him again, maybe not on a line up like tonight though as he doesn't really fit into a category or genre and I think he would work better in his own one man show.
Isobel are next up, and these London boys are really putting themselves about a bit with a tour that would make even the most hardened gig player feel a little bit knackered, mind you they are only young whipper snappers.
I can only describe them as Radiohead for kindergarten. They have a nice little sound, some cracking harmonies and some lulling melodies. The lyrics are well thought out and executed and I have to admit pretty damn catchy, but I can't really seem to take them seriously as they look like they shouldn't even be allowed in a pub let alone play in one. Still, ageism aside I would definitely like to see how these guys grow and develop as they seem to be heading in the right direction, although they may want to employ a stage hand as during the first tune the singers guitar strap broke, but credit where credit is due, they soldiered on and belted out some excellent sounds like 'Pet Shop Trials' and 'Out Of Town' which are little musical masterpieces.
What to say about the third band on the line up this evening - Bipod.
Ok, dodgy name, I'm told it's a work in progress title as these guys have only been together for 10 weeks, and written six of the songs they played this evening in a very short period of time, and tonight was their first gig!
Lead singer Shariffe has a fantastic raw voice and his band of merry followers are funky as fuck, I would even go so far to say they could be an English Red Hot Chili Peppers, early days mind not the latest sell out stuff.
The opening tune 'All In Your Head' had clever lyrics and some generous guitar touches and some very special melodies that George Clinton or Arthur Love would have been very proud of.
'Like A Wave' and 'Rattle' have an almost revolutionary feeling to them with a musical drive that will have you bouncing with the best of them. I really cannot believe these guys haven't even been together long enough to sort out even a MySpace page.
They have a rhythm that ebbs and flows gracefully but, at the same time an excitement to each note they play. With tunes like 'Mantra' these guys will not go wrong, and anyone who is learning any sort of instrument could do a lot worse than going down to check these guys out, as the level of playing, especially from Zani [Drums] and John [Bass] is exceptional. Definitely one to watch with baited breath.
Last band, and sadly a long goodbye to the lead singer of Unexploded Shells, Mr Tom Goodhand.
What can be said about Mr Goodhand? Probably quite a lot, but I tell you something, the lad sure knows how to write a good tune.
Almost Billy Bragg esq. in their approach to music, they have a sound that is not only dark and intense, but also kooky and has a way of drawing you into the whole thing.
'End Of The Affair' pulls some brooding lyrics out of the bag and the guitar riffs are second to none. Tom's vocal isn't the best, but it appeals to me as I like the rough sound which makes it all the more real and honest, especially regarding the subject matter that he sings of.
'Brush Against My Arm' is very Kooks-like while 'Made In The Same City As You' switches musical direction a tad and produces a mod sound which threads in some excellent drum breaks from Andrew Dykes, which tighten the whole thing together quite nicely.
Unexploded Shells are simple and menacing and uncomplicated and don't try to be something they're not, which makes a pleasant change.
'A Room' had to be my favourite of the evening, with its increasing pace and sense of urgency, really sets it apart from all the other songs for me.
Whilst playing 'High Times' a older gentleman in the crowd seems to be helping out with percussion by bashing a tambourine, which amused me and my friends no end especially as the tune in question was rather Joy Division on Prozac.
'Art Of Stopping' and 'Lank' follow before an encore of 'LS6' probably the best postcode in Leeds and definitely one of the best bands in Leeds too.
I would like to thank Mr Tom for a fabulous evening's entertainment and lets just hope he doesn't hang up his guitar or his pen for good.
