Gig review of Bellatrix

I arrived at Leeds' latest venue, The Rocket bar, shortly before Icelandic outfit Bellatrix take to the stage. Its a little early - around 9pm - and a number of people miss the beginning as only around 50 are gathered to watch the opening of the set. The crowd almost doubles by the end, but the "feature" of this venue - in that it has to prepare for the Garage aftwards - means that you have to make sure you arrive in plenty of time.

Anyway, Bellatrix are up to their usual tricks and play through an hour or so of their glitzy, guitar pop, Eliza is her usual crazy self and the sound is good - its the first time I'd visited the Rocket Venue, and I was impressed at the changes, the cosy feel, and the fact that yes, this could be a replacement for the Duchess. The venue has a true "Live Music" feel to it, a handy bar alongside, decent accoustics and the ability for bands to move into the larger Cockpit venue if they attract too many fans...neat or what. Back to the band and Bellatrix play through all their hits, previous like "Jedi Wannabe", current "Girl With The Sparkling Eyes" and next, "Sweet Surrender" and of course their set is completed with their usual finale song "All Together Now". Bellatrix are a happy, energetic band who play in true Icelandic style, a couple of songs verge on the heavier grunge/rock, but in the main they are the band everyone cannot help to enjoy, the strange, catchy, guitar/keyboard driven pure pop, whilst maintaining their indie roots. And of course, they're from Iceland so they're completely mad.