{"id":9575,"date":"2016-05-04T09:20:40","date_gmt":"2016-05-04T08:20:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.musicinleicester.co.uk\/index.php\/?p=9575"},"modified":"2016-06-25T10:15:58","modified_gmt":"2016-06-25T09:15:58","slug":"may2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.musicinleicester.co.uk\/index.php\/may2016\/","title":{"rendered":"May2016"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n

May 2016<\/h1>\n

Our round-up of live music events in Leicester and Leicestershire.<\/h2>\n

Our team of reporters and photographers have been to gigs and filed their thoughts, comments and pictures.<\/p>\n

If a piece is not attributed to a named author, then it was written by the editor.<\/p>\n

Come back to this page regularly; it gets updated day by day.<\/p>\n

The latest dates get added at the top.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

We also have a page about bands and artists at national level<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So, here is May<\/h2>\n

May bank holiday weekend<\/p>\n

This year’s Glastonbudget Festival<\/h2>\n

Wymeswold, near Loughborough, was the setting for the 2016 Glastonbudget Music Festival.<\/p>\n

\"Oasish
Oasish at Glastonbudget 2016.
\u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

See the pictures, read the next in our report on Glastonbudget 2016<\/a>.<\/p>\n

27th May 2016<\/h2>\n

Summer Art Trail Fundraiser
\nThe Musician<\/h2>\n

by Keith Jobey<\/p>\n

Some of you may remember last year’s Summer Art Trail; <\/em>in particular the launch party at LCB Depot that featured a fine selection of Leicester bands. Well it’s coming back (20-29 August) and tonight, at the Musician there’s a fundraiser organised by Leila Houston of Silver Vine Arts<\/em> and Ian of Magic Teapot<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Summer Art Trail 2016<\/em> is a non-profit, ten-day, contemporary visual arts festival taking over the city of Leicester, with an accompanying programme of exhibitions, residencies, performances, live music, art stalls, family workshops and artist talks. Prior to the festival, Summer Art Trail<\/em> has implemented a training and internship programme for aspiring artists, equipping them with the tools to succeed their career goals. Last year Summer Art Trail<\/em> attracted an audience of 7,368, exhibited 78 regional artists and held events at 12 venues over 10 days.<\/p>\n

Here’s a link to the website for the Summer Art Trail<\/em>. You can also donate using this link, and the more money they can collect, the better the event will be, so it’s in your own interest to do so.\u00a0Summer Art Trail<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Adrian
Adrian Manning at The Musician – 27th May 2016.
Photo: Keith Jobey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The event begins with a poetry reading from Adrian Manning<\/strong>. Despite being a good friend of mine and one of my gig gang, I’ve never got to hear him do a reading. And I nearly didn’t tonight either. It was a sharp start, ahead of programme and we just got there in time. But we caught the full reading of his poem Wide Asleep Fast Awake<\/em>, which was excellent, and had the added bonus of Harvey<\/strong>\u00a0 from Echolocation<\/em> adding a nerve tingling guitar edge to it all.<\/p>\n

\"Meri
Meri Everitt at The Musician – 27th May 2016.
Photo: Keith Jobey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Next it’s an acoustic performance from Meri Everitt<\/strong>. Having just recorded some tracks in Nashville she’s returned with a touch of Country in her vocals, which sounds superb. Perhaps that why when asking for requests someone called for a Johnny Cash song. She obliged with a snippet of an Emmylou Harris version of a Cash song. She’s been absent from the local scene lately, and I for one have missed her.<\/p>\n

\"Luke
Luke Broughton at The Musician – 27th May 2016.
Photo: Keith Jobey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Luke Broughton<\/strong> brings his voice, guitar and talent to the stage next. The minimalism of his songs requires silence from the audience, and that’s what he gets from the appreciative crowd. Apart from at the end of each song when there would be an eruption of cheers, whistling and clapping. He ends his set with a song he claims is not easy for him to play and as such never plays it live. I’m not sure which part he struggles with because I didn’t hear any problems with it.<\/p>\n

\"Echolocation
Echolocation at The Musician – 27th May 2016.
Photo: Keith Jobey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Is this thing on? Can you hear me now? Yes it’s the brilliant Echolocation<\/strong> next. Watching this band is an indulgent pleasure. The anti-pop heroes can make you laugh and groove with such ease. I thought they would have played their song, Keep Off The Grass Kasabian Are Playing There<\/em>, and changed it to Keep Off The Pitch<\/em> considering the weekend’s events in the city. They didn’t, but that may just show how far removed from that event this gig is.<\/p>\n

\"Courtney
Courtney Askey at The Musician – 27th May 2016.
Photo: Keith Jobey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Courtney Askey<\/strong> brings the evening to a close, headlining for the first time since her single launch back in January. So it’s straight back on stage for Echolocation’s Dan and Andy. Courtney and band are really hitting a rich vein now. The sound of the band is really coming together, the songs are sounding polished and the set is brimming with great tunes. Slipping a cover of Nirvana’s Heart Shaped Box<\/em>, Courtney’s shows her grunge roots that tinge her own songs.<\/p>\n

It was a great evening, filled with great music and friends which hopefully raised some money for a worthy cause. With 10% of real ale sales on the evening being donated I did my best to help out!<\/p>\n

19th to 21st May 2016<\/p>\n

Leicester Artists at The Great Escape Festival
\nBrighton<\/h2>\n

by Keith Jobey<\/p>\n

In a break from the usual write-ups that Music In Leicester<\/em> publishes, here is a review about bands playing in Brighton. The link being that the acts covered in this article all have strong connections with Leicester, and they were performing at possibly the best festival in Europe to showcase new and emerging talent, The Great Escape Festival<\/em> in Brighton.<\/p>\n

The Great Escape Festival is massive. Held over three days it features over 400 acts in over 30 venues. And if that isn’t enough there is the Alternative Great Escape<\/em> running alongside it, providing about another 200 acts in another 20 or so venues. Covering every style of music, with artists from all over the world, if you can’t find enough to see to fill your days then you might has well give up liking music, put your slippers on and fall asleep watching the X Factor.<\/p>\n

One of the better small alternative venues turned out to be the East Street Tap<\/strong> (formerly the Fishbowl), a newly refurbished bar with stripped furnishings, decent beer and a capacity of no more than 50. I’d spotted the name White Giant<\/strong> on the programme for the venue.<\/p>\n

\"White
White Giant at the East Street Tap, Brighton.
The Great Escape Festival 2016.
Photo: Keith Jobey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Could it really be the White Giant I’d seen several times as a support act in Leicester? I’d not seen mention of them for a few years. Friday 8th November 2013, I reviewed them at the Soundhouse<\/a> supporting Big Deal<\/strong> and that was about the last time I’d heard of them. A little investigation confirmed it was the same band and their slot time fitted in rather nicely with my itinerary. They are a three-piece now (they were four-last time I saw them) but still have a similar sound, a melodic math rock groove. They drew in a decent crowd and got a few people dancing. Unfortunately, Steve Lamacq, who was in there watching the band before them had moved on. If only he’d stayed a little longer!<\/p>\n

At the heart of the Great Escape is the festival hub. And it is here that you will find the Spiegeltent<\/strong>, a marvellous, historic portable structure, constructed of wood and canvas and filled with stained glass and mirrors. We had come to see Mahalia<\/strong> perform here. I’m sure she needs no introduction to many of you, she used to host regular shows at the Cookie and featured on a track with Rudimental.<\/p>\n

\"Mahalia
Mahalia at the Spiegeltent, Brighton.
The Great Escape Festival 2016.
Photo: Keith Jobey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now signed to Asylum records, a subsidiary of Atlantic Records, she’s releasing some of her own music. Within minutes of starting to perform it was clear why she’s been signed. She was simply stunning, a feeling echoed by the suddenly silenced 300 or so people listening. A feeling emphasised by the gasp from the crowd when she informed them that she had just turned 18. Her lyrics are brilliant and she charmed the audience throughout with her inter-song banter. As she stood there singing latest release ‘Back-Up Plan<\/em>‘ acapella, I kicked myself for never getting to the Cookie for one of her shows. Anyway, she came with a suitcase full of CDs and she must have sold copies to at least half the audience judging by the queue afterwards. Looks like Leicester has another star in the making.<\/p>\n

See our article Mahalia at The Cookie from 2014<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Down at the end of the pier in Horatio’s Bar<\/strong>, well known Leicester brothers Andy and James Stone<\/strong> were playing. Yes, Lusts<\/strong> had an afternoon slot in the Alternative event as part of 1965 records showcase, the label they’re signed to. This was a gut wrenching decision for me but they were up against probably the toughest of competition in the form of Dream Wife and Crows<\/strong>, and as such I didn’t get to see them. So, so sorry guys. I know they’re regular Great Escapers and I’m sure they had a great time playing. They put a photo up on their Facebook page of the crowd and it looked pretty busy down there which I was pleased to see.<\/p>\n

Another one I missed was Anchoress<\/strong> headlining the BBC Introducing stage. Anchoress is a project of Catherine A. Davies, and for her live shows she brings along a band. And the violinist in the band is none other than Sophie Green from Her Name Is Calla<\/strong>. I had intended to catch her show but the show I was watching prior lasted longer than I expected. So by the time I passed the Paganini Ballroom where she was performing the set was over.<\/p>\n

Ironically, a Leicester artist I did get to see wasn’t actually performing. It was great to bump into Meri Everitt<\/strong> in the dying hours of the festival. The Flying Kangaroo Alliance frontwoman performed solo here last year but was here mainly as a punter this year. I say mainly because she was using the opportunity to do a bit of networking to promote the recordings she recently made in Nashville.<\/p>\n

\"Meri
Meri Everitt at Nordic Cafe, Brighton.
The Great Escape Festival 2015.
Photo: Keith Jobey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There were no doubt countless other connections to Leicester represented, but these were the ones I spotted. So Leicester singers\/bands\/artists, get your applications in for next year and hopefully I’ll see you there!<\/p>\n

You can find a link to register for 2017 here<\/a><\/p>\n

Sunday 22nd May
\nMetal semi-finals<\/h2>\n
\"Conjurer
Conjurer at Metal2 semi-inal, Firebug, 22nd May 2016.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kevin Gaughan was at Firebug tonight for the second of two semi-finals of Metal2 The Masses<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Kevin’s photos from the show are on our page More Metal from Leicester<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thursday 19th May
\nDreaming In Colour Productions at Natterjacks<\/h2>\n

A busy night for our photographer on the ground. Pascal Pereira went to see<\/p>\n

It was Dreaming in Colour Productions hosting the event at Natterjacks. There were four bands on:<\/p>\n

Lippy,\u00a0Yodaclub,\u00a0Ceauxfly and\u00a0Exile84.<\/p>\n

Exile 84<\/strong> is a blues\/rock band from the Midlands founded in 2012.
\nCeaux Fly<\/strong> is a funk and pop band from Leicester founded in 2014.
\nYodaclub<\/strong> is an indie, pop, rock band from Corby founded in 2012.
\nLippy<\/strong> is a five-piece band from Leicester that plays msuic from a variety of genres.<\/p>\n

\"Yoda
Yoda Club, 2016.
Photo: Pascal Pereira Photography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yodaclub<\/strong> was the second band on stage. They are originally from Northamptonshire. I could not associate them with any particular genre as all the songs performed were of a different unique genre and they were all beautifully performed.<\/p>\n

\"Yoda
Yoda Club, 2016.
Photo: Pascal Pereira Photography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The lead singer’s presence \u00a0could hardly be unnoticed as he was very energetic and dynamic on stage. They’ve thrown in a couple of their new compositions, which went pretty well and the addition of a keyboard to support the music was a plus.<\/p>\n

\"Yoda
Yoda Club, 2016.
Photo: Pascal Pereira Photography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the band members, Yodaclub’s heritage is diverse; indie, alternative and pop, and like all good evolution none of that completely describes Yodaclub.<\/p>\n

\"Ceaux
Ceaux Fly 2016.
\u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The other band on stage was Ceauxfly<\/strong> fronted by the talented Megan Astbury and supported by Alice Watson in the backing vocals.<\/p>\n

\"Ceaux
Ceaux Fly 2016. Meg Astbury.
\u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The band formed back in 2014 and have been influenced greatly by funk and soul materials. Ceauxfly started predominately with cover songs but are working on original material as well.<\/p>\n

\"Ceaux
Ceaux Fly 2016. Will Bryan.
\u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s good to know that Will Bryan, the keys player, is also the occasional trumpet player, giving the band this funk\\soul distinct brass sound.<\/p>\n

\"Ceaux
Ceaux Fly 2016.
\u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The night was headlined by Exile84<\/strong> which is a five-piece blues rock and roll band from the Midlands, formed early 2012.<\/p>\n

\"Exile84
Exile84 in 2016.
Photo: Pascal Pereira Photography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just what was needed to round off a night of good music. The rhythmic guitarist and the lead guitarist are the main singers of the band with a female keys player on the backing vocals, but all of them were singing in the choruses of each song.<\/p>\n

\"Exile84
Exile84 in 2016.
Photo: Pascal Pereira Photography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exile84 performed some of their old records but songs from their last EP Lies and Propaganda<\/em>. The band is currently working on their album.<\/p>\n

Apologies to the band Lippy, which I missed on this night.<\/p>\n

\"Ceaux
Ceaux Fly 2016. Christophe Genol.
\u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ceaux Fly have released their new EP called So Fly<\/em>\u00a0with Funk Yourself Records.<\/p>\n

Thursday 19th May
\nThe Illusive Trio<\/h2>\n

Pascal Pereira went to see The Illusive Trio<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Illusive
Illusive Trio 2016.
\u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sometimes also known as The Illusive Quartet, tonight there were three musicians:\u00a0Mike Sole (Keys),\u00a0Chris Lee (sax) and\u00a0David Anderson (Drums).<\/p>\n

\"Illusive
Illusive Trio 2016. Mike Sole.
\u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mike Sole is one of the finest jazz players in the county; his work on the keys is widely acclaimed.<\/p>\n

MIL mentioned Mike Sole in 2014 when he played with the Elastic Band [Msuic in Leicester]<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Illusive
Illusive Trio 2016. David Anderason.
\u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The group was playing at the West End Brewery in Baunstone Gate.<\/p>\n

\"Illusive
Illusive Trio 2016. Chris Lee.
\u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thanks to Pascal for taking the photos.<\/p>\n

See more photos by Pascal on Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tuesday 17th May
\nThe Shed<\/h2>\n

Keiran Marshall’s showcase night with James Cull, Kieran and Charlotte, The Lids, Albatross and The Harmonics.<\/p>\n

The evening began with the amazing voice of James Cull<\/strong> giving us a splendid session of singing. It is not just the power of his voice that impresses but the skillfull technique with which he employs it.<\/p>\n

\"James
James Cull at Catalyst Introducing at The shed in March 2016.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kieran Marshall came on stage with Charlotte; he played the guitar, she did the vocals. They opened with their own rendition of Jackson’s Billie Jean<\/em>. \u00a0Kieran’s guitar playing was amplified with loop pedals and Charlotte’s sang beautifully. Very enjoyable.<\/p>\n

The Lids<\/strong> is a good band. Now that might, to some, seem like an understatement. It is but then I have said much about this band before, much that might be tortuous to repeat over again. Each of the three musicians played their instruments well; tight musicianship and a really committed delivery, they tick many of the familiar boxes when it comes to ‘good.’ What makes them more than good is, I would argue, the songs that they perform.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Lids at The Shed 16th January 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s all about the music. At the end of the day it’s about the impact of the music and in this respect The Lids is a good band. This is a group that has the skill to put together listenable songs that have a contemporary feel and which resonate with passion and celebratory rhythms. Tonight their set was champion; but then it usually is.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Lids at The Shed in May 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keiran Marshall’s band – Albatross<\/strong> – gave us a chirpy set of songs which they delivered with energy and enthusiasm. Keiran played the guitar and sang the vocals. The set was appealing and they had selected a pleasing line-up of tunes for the audience.<\/p>\n

The night was headlined by a band from Nottingham called\u00a0The Harmonics<\/strong>. I felt sure I had seen them before. In fact, I was to discover later, they had been on a line-up with The Lids before, back in January. I also saw them in June last year when they were on stage with Aztec Temples.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Harmonics at The Shed in May 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This four-piece group is a proper rock and roll band. Just what you want to round off a night of good music with some real razmataz. All four of them sang. That ticks one of my<\/em> bigger boxes. They gave us a set that fizzed with energy, kick-ass guitar playing and sparkling stage presence. They played a cover of Twist and Shout<\/em>, which was without any doubt, the best live performance of that song I have encountered since I heard it for the first time in 1964. \u00a0Magnifico.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Harmonics at at The Shed May 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Monday 16th May<\/p>\n

Kasabian
\nat Victoria Park for LCFC<\/h2>\n

It seems hardly worth reporting on because most of you were there anyway, if Facebook is anything to go by.
\nBut, you know what historians we are here!<\/p>\n

Sunday 15th May<\/p>\n

Metal2 The Masses
\nSemi-final<\/h2>\n

Our report on the first semi-final of Leicester’s Metal bonanza is on its way.<\/p>\n

\"Blood
Blood Oath at Duffys, March 6th 2016
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tonight we saw The Mire Deep, The Midnight Dogs, BloodOath, Final Coil and special guest appearance from Collapse.<\/p>\n

It was all utterly awesome.<\/p>\n

\"Final
Final Coil at The Soundhouse in 2011.
Photo Kevin Gaughan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Saturday 14th May<\/p>\n

Bedder’s birthday bash
\nTake a walk on the wild side<\/em><\/h2>\n

Well known rock fan and music afficiando Ian Bedder held his birthday celebrations at The Donkey night with a little from his friends: Sam Bradshaw, IVMK, Seconds Apart and Lockjaw.<\/p>\n

\"Sam
Sam Bradshaw at The Donkey.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wow! What a party is was too! The stuff of legend…<\/p>\n

Here is what I have to say about it.<\/p>\n

Good music, good friends, a great atmosphere and some ridiculously cheap shots (“Tastes like Heaven. Burns like Hell.” Very true.) It all added up to one of the best birthday celebrations I have been to in a long time (well, since Fraine’s bash at Odd bar anyway.) Sam Bradshaw<\/strong> opened the evening by playing a selection of his instrumental numbers. Bloody marvelous. The way he plays that guitar is jaw-dropping. So many techniques. Dexterous finger-work. Ear-licking tunes and melodies. One of the very best guitar virtuosi around these parts, for sure. A superb set was delivered by IVMK<\/strong>. I remember seeing them in April at The Shed when played with The Vibrators.<\/p>\n

\"IVMK
IVMK at The Shed, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Back then I said ‘IVMK (pronounced Ivy Mike) opened the show and their first song thrust into the room at a frenetic pace. As a band, IVMK sparkled with energy; the two singers penetrated the audience with their staccato vocals. This trio of musicians delivered a volcanic performance that sizzled with heat and brilliance. Powerful vocals combined with feverish string-work and adrenaline-fueled drumming. It was a set that was thrilling..’<\/p>\n

Tonight IVMK was just thrilling<\/p>\n

\"IVMK
IVMK at The Donkey.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Back in Leicester again, another top band – from Rotherham – Seconds Apart<\/strong>. The star attraction earlier on this year at another birthday gig<\/p>\n

\"Seconds
Seconds Apart at Oddbar.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A very good band with an excellent set of tunes and a sparkling stage performance.<\/p>\n

\"Seconds
Seconds Apart at The Donkey.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No stage is big enough for them<\/p>\n

\"Seconds
Seconds Apart at The Donkey.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The evening reached its climax with Broken Jaw<\/strong>. As it states on the band’s Facebook page: \u00a0‘Too Punk to be Metal, too Metal to be Punk. Fireball swigging loons!.’ That aside, they were phenomenal. From Stroud, in Gloucestershire, they gave us something hard and heavy and kept Ian and his friends moshing like mad and even joining in with the singing at times.<\/p>\n

\"Broken
Broken Jaw at The Donkey.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

and in the audience a few ex-musicians from well-known Leicester bands<\/p>\n

\"Matt
Matt Fraine at The Donkey.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

and the party-goers helped out with the vocals<\/p>\n

\"Broken
Broken Jaw at The Donkey.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It wasn’t a particularly hot night but what is a gig without a bit of nudity?<\/p>\n

\"Broken
Broken Jaw at The Donkey.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was even a wizzened old music journalist in the room<\/p>\n

\"Trevor
Trevor Locke with Broken Jaw at The Donkey.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even the bar staff seemed to be enjoying the night<\/p>\n

\"Bar
Bar staff at The Donkey.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A really good night out.<\/p>\n

Find out more about Broken Jaw on Facebook<\/a>. (Gosh! That almost rhymes. )<\/p>\n

See more photos from this gig by Kevin Gaughan<\/p>\n

\"parental_advisory\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Broken Jaw at The Donkey, Leicester, 14\/05\/16<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Friday 13th May<\/p>\n

The Brandy Thieves
\nat The Music Cafe<\/h2>\n
\"Brandy
Brandy Thieves at The Music Cafe.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The show was billed as ‘A night of gypsy punk magic and blues! Leicester favourites The Brandy Thieves launch the debut album ‘Old Tattoos’. Featuring Paul-Ronney Angel (URBAN VOODOO MACHINE), Goldwater, The Siobhan Mazzei Band, Magician Colin Skinner, Forture Telling, Busking Sessions, Free Brandy and more! Friday 13th May, Music Cafe.’<\/p>\n

Some sensational acts were on the lineup, including one of Leicester’s greatest singer-songwriters.<\/p>\n

\"Siobhan
Siobhan Mazzei at The Music Cafe.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

and even our own local magician<\/p>\n

\"Colin
Colin Skinner (magician) at The Music Cafe.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Read about The Brandy Thieves in 2015<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See all of Kevin Gaughan’s photos from tonight’s show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The Brandy Theives at The Music Cafe, Leicester, 13\/05\/16<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Friday 13th May<\/p>\n

Biff, Bang, Pow present STAY
\nDuffy’s<\/h2>\n

by Trevor Cobbe<\/p>\n

If Saturday night is alright for fighting then surely a \u2018Biff Bang Pow\u2019 titled event should not be on a Friday but it is and there\u2019s an intriguing line-up in store at Duffy\u2019s.<\/p>\n

First on stage it\u2019s Escapade<\/strong>. I\u2019ve not seen or heard of them before, which maybe isn\u2019t too surprising as they only formed as a four piece last year. They self describe as Psychedelic\/Rock\/Britpop, which is very much the theme for the night. Escapade is a four piece from Leicester\/Loughborough and they played a confident set of catchy tunes.<\/p>\n

\"Escapade
Escapade at Duffy’s – 13th May 2016.
Photo: Trevor Cobbe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I would describe it as indie rock\/pop and impressively they had the fans of second support, Jimmy Amnesia, dancing almost continually throughout their set. They had a mid set pause for a claimed frequent occurrence of a broken string and this did somewhat interrupt the flow of their performance but once they had a replacement they continued with the foot tapping, dance-inducing songs. I picked up their CD after the set and it\u2019s very listenable too. Perversely my favourite song of theirs, which they intro’ed as “A Banger”, isn\u2019t on the CD but that will only ensure I keep following this band to hear it again because it had some superbly catchy riffs.<\/p>\n

You can find Escapade on FB here<\/a><\/p>\n

and on Soundcloud here<\/a><\/p>\n

and if you want to see them live you can catch them playing Glastonbudget on May 28th at 9.40pm headlining on the Icon stage.<\/p>\n

Next we have Jimmy Amnesia<\/strong> who seem to have become particularly active on the Leicester scene over the last six months. Responsible for the majority of the crowd tonight, it\u2019s no surprise to see a surge to the front by eager fans as they start their set.<\/p>\n

\"Jimmy
Jimmy Amnesia at Duffy’s – 13th May 2016.
Photo: Trevor Cobbe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another Leicester four-piece who deliver Britpop\/Indie Rock, there\u2019s a definite Oasis swagger to frontman Ryan as he leads the band through a fast-paced set of 90s influenced pop, punk, indie songs. The crowd are fully immersed in Jimmy Amnesia\u2019s music and banter and the song Beautiful seems to particularly resonate, perhaps their anthem song. With a midset swap of guitars between the Alexs and then back, the sounds kept pumping out. Another entertaining support to tonight\u2019s headliners, STAY.<\/p>\n

You can find Jimmy Amnesia on FB here<\/a><\/p>\n

and on Soundcloud here<\/a><\/p>\n

[Read more about Jimmy Amnesia in the entry below for the OBS final]<\/p>\n

STAY<\/strong> are a Catalonian five-piece who are over in England for a two gig flying visit before returning to Barcelona on the Saturday to play a local festival. They had played in London the night prior to their Leicester gig. I\u2019d done a bit of homework on YouTube prior to the gig and was really looking forward to STAY\u2019s mix of 60s influenced psychedelic rock.<\/p>\n

\"STAY
STAY at Duffy’s – 13th May 2016.
Photo: Trevor Cobbe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Encouragingly, nearly everyone stayed for the headline act, which isn\u2019t always the case for a band not known locally. It\u2019s a cosy fit on Duffy\u2019s stage for a five-piece but the band coped admirably and they were clearly very keen to introduce a new audience to their sound. STAY\u2019s set had a range of influences, dominated by a strong 60s\/70s synth\/keyboard sound improbably mixed with a melodic Madchester, which again had the crowd dancing along. The only real hint that this wasn\u2019t a UK based rock outfit, came in Jordi\u2019s accent as he conversed with the crowd.<\/p>\n

STAY played for over an hour, testament to the fact that they have been together long enough to put out four albums. I\u2019d absolutely love to be listening to this band in the sunshine at a Barcelona Festival, with a few crates of Estrella Damm, not all for me of course. The band very kindly gave me their latest album and I\u2019ve already had it on the platter, belting out it\u2019s psychedelic lushness. I hope they come back to the UK soon and big thanks to Biff Bang Pow for bringing them to Leicester.<\/p>\n

You can find STAY on FB here<\/a><\/p>\n

and there\u2019s a video clip from their Duffy\u2019s set here<\/a><\/p>\n

Meanwhile,<\/p>\n

Love music hate homophobia
\nat The Soundhose<\/h2>\n

A night of really good music featured at the show put on to raise money and awareness.<\/p>\n

There was this singer on stage tonight. He was good. He was very good. I put him down as Toby George Stevenson. Ill check that out on Facebook. \u00a0He is one artist I would like to hear again. He told me he is in a band called Violet Disguise.<\/p>\n

One of the bands that played were excellent: \u00a0Jukebox Heroes. They are not on Facebook (yet) but their lead singer Adam is.<\/p>\n

The headline of the night was Kermes<\/strong>. As good as they always are. I took many, many photos. These will appear here soon.<\/p>\n

This was supposed to be my night off. LOL. If you are a journalist and want to take a night off – don’t go to a live music event.<\/p>\n

11th May<\/p>\n

Poetry and metal
\nThe Shed<\/h2>\n

A night at The Shed that featured poetry and a metal band from the other side of the world.<\/p>\n

Upstairs Poetman (aka Will Horspool) was in full swing.<\/p>\n

Poetman<\/strong> appeared; opening tonight’s show the spoken word artist, poet and rapper was clearly enjoyed by the audience who listened appreciatively to his opening number about Jeremy Kyle before moving on to lampoon the X factor and Kayne West.<\/p>\n

\"Poet
Poet Man at Catalyst Introducing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

His performance is slick and he manages his foot pedals and visual aids with a busy dexterity. His fast-moving act is peppered with wit, wise cracks and cunning observations which keeps the audience chortling and spell-bound. Poetman performs at all sorts of gigs including lots of live music events; that’s why he is now widely known amongst music fans, comedy followers and the spoken word fraternity. Many of whom would never otherwise have seen him. Well done Horspool!<\/p>\n

Downstairs a band from Singapore was on the line-up with\u00a0Life Is Cheap (ex members of mangle) and\u00a0NunPuncher (lesta prettyboys) (I read on the Facebook events page).<\/p>\n

Losing End<\/strong> gave us a set of \u00a0highly fuelled vulcanism and got the dancers waving their arms furiously. This band had come half way round the world, as part of their tour of Europe and America) to treat us to their pounding, crashing sounds and bristling banging beats delivered with raw aggression. Brutal and relentless, it was hardcore in all its glory. It did not last long but while it did Leicester shook under its convulsions. Massive.<\/p>\n

Losing End (Singapore) on Bandcamp<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7th May<\/p>\n

OBS final
\nThe Musician<\/h2>\n

The line-up of bands at tonight final for the Original Bands Showcase was:<\/p>\n

Kermes, Dead Question, Stating The Obvious, Idle Empire, Jimmy Amnesia and James Cull and The Black Storm Nation.<\/p>\n

The winning band was Idle Empire.<\/p>\n

\"Idle
Idle Empire, OBS Final 2016.
Photo: \u00a9 Pascal Pereira Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our report on the bands that played at this year’s grand final is on our page for OBS 2016<\/a>.<\/p>\n

MIL has covered the final of the Original Bands Showcase in previous years:<\/p>\n

The final in 2015<\/a>\u00a0\\\u00a0The final in 2014<\/a>.<\/p>\n

6th May 2016<\/p>\n

Shonen Knife
\nThe Musician<\/h2>\n
\"Shonen
Shonen Knife at The Musician – 6th May.
Photo: HSD<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keith Jobey was at the Musician the see some international bands headlined by Shonen Knife.<\/p>\n

Read his report<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lacura
\nThe Cookie<\/h2>\n

by Keith Jobey<\/p>\n

I managed to squeeze in a quick visit to the Cookie last night. It had to be done, Lacura<\/strong> were playing a headline show and I was keen to see how it went. They were already playing when I arrived and there was no chance of getting through the tightly packed mosh to get a decent photo of the band.<\/p>\n

\"Lacura
Lacura at The Cookie – 6th May 2016.
Photo: Keith Jobey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No problem, bassist John Ives decided to come my way via the crowd. A photo opportunity if ever there was one, and an image that about sums up Lacura. Their band of followers is getting bigger and bigger, they are getting better and better, the crowd is getting moshier and moshier. I had to run for my bus just as they were playing Teenage Dirtbag<\/em> in honour of Wheatus, who had headlined the Cookie the night before them. Somebody please tell me they closed with Slurs<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Lacura have some new songs uploaded to Soundcloud which you should go and listen to<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Their first headline show at the Cookie was reviewed in MIL<\/a>.<\/p>\n

5th May<\/p>\n

Duffys Bar with Final Coil<\/h2>\n

Final Coil played a superb set at tonight’s gig, organised by Wakeup Promotions.<\/p>\n

1st May<\/p>\n

\"Entrance
Entrance to the O2 Academy Leicester. at Handmade 2016.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1st May<\/p>\n

The Handmade Festival<\/strong> finished on the first day of May; \u00a0We have done a huge report but the good news is it is all one one page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Fractions
Fractions at Firebug.
Photo: Kevin Gaughan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

May 1st. The quarter-finals of Metal2 The Masses<\/em> took place at Firebug. Not there yet, but when we get it, details will be on our page More metal in Leicester<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Leicester
Leicester Band Backline in 2008<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We had a bit of fun making a slideshow and writing notes about the acts we saw in 2008<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Krusher
Krusher in Leicester<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our page about the Glastonbudget Music Festival<\/strong> 2016 has already been started with a preview of what to expect<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/p>\n

Our full report on the Handmade Festival in April<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Leicester bands from 2008<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Our round-up of live music in April<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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