Red Light Company + Prego, Leeds Cockpit 15/03/2009

Two of the UK's most up and coming bands play a perfectly matched show together

We arrive at Leeds Cockpit in good time tonight, a precaution to prevent us from missing Prego, who I've brought Neil to see as a surprise birthday present. After a short queue to get into the venue, we are ushered through the bar where merch stalls are being set up and into tonight's main room. Reminiscent of a war time bomb shelter, with corrugated arched ceilings, the Cockpit is littered with a handful of people both old and surprisingly young, waiting for this evening's spectacle.

Tonight's bill is only two bands strong, so the wait for Prego is quite lengthy. We take up spots at the front left, right next to the huge speakers and in front of one of Prego's guitarists. Such a small gig doesn't warrant barriers between the band and the fans, nor is there a need for bouncers. As Prego take to the stage, there's not much initial stir from the crowd, and the five-piece begin their thirty minute set on the Cockpit's small stage. The opening couple of tracks include upcoming single The Longest Calm and another track I don't know the name of, and Prego proceed to build their post-rockery sound into peaks of pure musical bliss. Taking the meat and potato instruments of any band, Prego transforms the musical menu to five star cuisine with guitars fed through pedals (of which they had in droves on stage) and the presence of Edd Simpson's obscure omnichord, making Prego one of the most interesting bands around at the moment.

The band play through their set, losing themselves in the music. Each and every member introverting themselves into what they are doing, possibly even forgetting they are playing to anyone but themselves. The guitars change from brooding to intricate to epic, lifted by the melodic drums and bass, and throw each and every song into a giant wall of sound. From the pulsating guitars of Cause and Resolve to Edd Simpson's haunting vocals in Answers. Prego's penultimate track is new song Air Castles is a tease to fans eagerly awaiting the long-overdue debut album, and set closer Here's to You is five minutes and nine seconds I wanted to last forever. The band's passion is clear to see, and with music this epic its hard not to get swept up in it all. The crowd seem to lap it up, and no doubt Prego's six song set will have won them many new fans. And they deserve it. 9/10

Half an hour or so later, Red Light Company enter stage left, and I struggle to see having moved further back in the crowd to take up a spot near the bar. It's been nearly two weeks since I last saw three of the five members play a small acoustic set in Nottingham's Fopp record store, and its clear to see the band have all been to the barber's since then! Looking fresh faced and back to the full five-strong line-up, Red Light Company launch into set opener Words of Spectacular. It is great to see that Chris Edmonds and Shawn Day have returned to playing their usual instruments of choice. Always atmospheric, Red Light Company have built a big, indie-pop sound with bellowing guitars, pounding keyboards with a big vocal presence. And looking at the enthusiastic crowd packed in to this small venue, it is clear people are really beginning to cotton on. The reactions to songs such as Scheme Eugene, Arts & Crafts and With Lights Out is testament to this. The band even seem surprised at the reaction the Leeds crowd is giving them, which is great to see when Richard Frenneaux passes the vocal duties onto the fans during upbeat anthem Meccano for the line "for crying out loud, the weekend is over" which is the perfect sentiment for a Sunday night show. Looking genuinely humbled by the fans singing back their song, I would hedge a bet that they wished they had saved this number until last. Several songs later, the band finish up on When Everyone is Everybody Else and leave the stage. It's quite a shock, however to see them return for one song encore, as in my opinion their strongest songs had already been played. Yet they take to stage for the last time this evening and play album closer The Alamo, which is a drum pelting affair and not such a bad set-closer at all. And it dawns on me that perhaps I have just heard the whole album played in full, in order. A shame I don't have a set-list to confirm my suspicions, as I could be wrong!

So, a great - if not a little short - forty-five minute set which leaves me feeling positive for a band who are clearly on the brink of something big. This is the fourth time I've turned up to a Red Light Company show, and it really won't be the last. 8/10

Gaslight Anthem + Frank Turner + Polar Bear Club @ Rock City, 03/03/2009

Fast-rising American band arrive in Nottingham for penultimate night of their European tour

Arriving a little late to this gig, me, Neil and Dave enter the venue towards the end of Polar Bear Club’s set. After heading straight to the bar for a beer, not much attention was made to tonight’s opening band. Until they launch into a cover of the Get Up Kids, that is. A young band on the brink of earning themselves enough fans for a headline tour of their own, Polar Bear Club are nothing original but play with enough conviction to warrant further interest. A couple of songs later they leave the stage, and yet again I wish I had arrived in time for a promising support band. 6/10

Twenty or so minutes later, Frank Turner is on stage without his live band beginning a surprisingly lengthy set featuring songs old and new, with a Lemonheads cover thrown in for good measure. Full of praise for his touring buddies the Gaslight Anthem and Polar Bear Club, Frank found himself drinking whiskey straight from the bottle at the request of his newly found friends. This is the penultimate night of a lengthy European tour after all.

Always appreciative, Frank is bowled over by the voices singing his songs right back at him. From upbeat tracks such as I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous, and lyrically genius track Father’s Day to the tear-jerking tribute to his friend Lex on Long Live the Queen, Frank really grabs the crowd and they really give it back at the top of their lungs. Ever the story teller, Frank informs the crowd of his first gig at Rock City, where a Pitchshifter fan once heckled “Fuck-off and don’t come back!” – tonight there is no such feeling, as I’m almost certain the majority of the crowd would venture back to this very venue to see Mr Turner play a headline show of his own. A great time to announce such a show then – Sunday October 18th, Frank’s biggest Nottingham show yet. Frank’s preview of new material that is set to appear on third album proper is a great listen; two instantly identifiable, upbeat tracks approaching subjects such as friendship and actively following your dreams. Frank is truly an inspirational watch tonight (despite the limited view of the stage). 9/10

After Frank’s set, Dave decides to leave, so Neil and I head to the bar for a top-up. Upon stumbling across Phil, we all head to try and get a decent view of tonight’s headliners the Gaslight Anthem. Thinking back to six-months ago, the Gaslight Anthem made their first ever UK appearance at Leeds and Reading festivals, follwed by a short debut tour of the British Isles. I was lucky enough to catch the band playing a show in the basement of tonight’s venue. Just over half full, it was a rip-roaring show for long-time fans and new fans who were there off the back of a extremely complimentary article that appeared in Kerrang the week before. It was amazing to think that here the band were, about to play a near sell out show in Rock City’s main hall to an extremely receptive crowd.

Taking to the stage, the Gaslight Anthem appear as a thankful band, who genuinely appreciate the support from the fans that have showed up this evening. A band with old-fashioned ideals, and a sound that reflects this fact, the Gaslight Anthem play a set of crowd-pleasing tracks. Like true all-American men, they play tracks including breakthrough track The 59 Sound, Senor and the Queen’s Blue Jeans and White T-Shirts and ska-infused Boomboxes and Dictionaries with admirable conviction. Like the two bands before them, they also play a cover; Ben e King’s Stand By Me. The crowd lap it up, with chants of ‘Darling, Darling!’ and Brian Fallon spreads his millionth grin of the evening.

Full of praise for the bands they have shared the stage with the past five or six or so weeks, the Gaslight Anthem seemed happy to have shared many stages with the Polar Bear Club and Frank Tuner. It was very nice to see from my position in the crowd that the support bands had taken to the side of the stage to drink whiskey from the bottle and dance to their newly acquired friend’s set. Towards the end of Gaslight Anthem’s performance, I noticed that the dancing support bands clothing was starting to disappear. And lo-and-behold, during Gaslight’s final song, several men took to the stage in Y-fronts and began gay-dancing in a fashion that would make Mark Hoppus extremely jealous. What a show! What cheesy grins that spread across every crowd members face! 8/10

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After the show, I fled to the merch stand where I had earlier spotted limited edition tour posters, Being the second to last date of the tour, I knew they’d be in short supply. Printed onto thick black paper, the limited to one hundred posters looked awesome on the stand. Luckily, I managed to get my hands on one (despite the German sounding merch guy claiming I’d be lucky to get one after the show). Mine was hand numbered 13 of 100, and I managed to get Frank Turner to sign it close to his name on the bill, making it all the more valuable to me. It shall certainly be appearing in a frame in my flat very soon!

Marmaduke Duke @ Leeds Brudenell Social Club 05/03/2009

The finest men in rock unite for a short UK tour in support of new single

Marmaduke Duke have been surrounded in mystery until recently. Known only as The Dragon and The Atmosphere, with a plan to release a trilogy of concept albums, the mighty Duke have now been identified as JP Reid (Sucioperro) and Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro). Of course long time fans of Sucioperro and Biffy Clyro have always known the bands previously secret identity, but only now has the mainstream cottoned on. With articles on highly regarded online magazine Drownedinsound.com and (inaccurate) features in the NME, Reid and Neil have been revealed as the conspirators behind Marmaduke Duke.

Beginning their promotion for their long-anticipated second album Duke Pandemonium, the magnificent Duke have released their first ever single Kid Gloves. And in honour of this (and presumably to cash in on the recent media exposure), Marmaduke Duke has headed out on a small tour of underground venues across the UK. On the penultimate night of the tour, Marmaduke Duke play one of Leeds most legendary venues, the Brudenell Social Club.

The venue is rammed, and the crowd eagerly anticipate tonight’s headliners. And as always, The Dragon and the Atmosphere need a little help when playing live. Cue the remaining members of their respective bands, Sucioperro and Biffy Clyro. Six-men strong (if you include the mysterious Duke wandering the stage), Marmaduke Duke really cram themselves onto the Brudenell’s stage tonight. Adorned in mutli-coloured tights, shawls, feather boas and faux knee-high boots, the Duke take to the stage and launch into Fridge & Fromage and I am instantly launched from the middle of the crowd to the front, right in front of live bassist, James Johnston. There’s little security here tonight, so no barriers are in place to keep the crowd’s distance from the band. And I am there, at James’ feet with a perfect view of the band rocking out on the stage. I can already tell that tonight’s show is going to be a highlight of my gig-going year.

The Atmosphere (aka Simon Neil) is on top form tonight. His energy and passion is flourishing in ways they have lacked since his full-time band Biffy Clyro started touring Puzzle in 2007. In Marmaduke Duke, he is really able to let himself go, which is evident by the first of many stage dives into the crowd. The Duke really are back.

Playing a mix of favourites from debut full-length The Magnificent Duke, along with tracks from upcoming long-player Duke Pandemonium, the crowd lap up a rare live appearance from Marmaduke Duke. Music Show is an upbeat track, fulfilling the promise that Duke Pandemonium is the ‘party album’, and current single Kid Gloves is great despite being sans female vocals. My personal favourite track, The Red and the Number, is as good as it ever was, as Simon chants random configurations of numbers into his mic. The tempo is briefly brought down to an acoustic level, with the reminiscent A Conspiracy and a Devil, and the vocal tennis of An Impostor and a Magician, before the party atmosphere is back once again with Everybody Dance.

Their set is fast paced, and flies by so fast. The Atmosphere gives his all during The Kill and The Kure, pulled back onto stage by the ‘Duke’, and ends the song writhing on the floor. And in no time at all, set closer Blunder and Haggis is ringing through the sound system, hypnotic and grinding, then the band are gone.

After the show

A couple of pints of Fosters, and some lost games of table football later, me, Dan and Andy find ourselves hanging outside the venue. Minutes later we are joined by members of the Duke preparing to leave the venue, who were kind enough to pose for the following photos:

Red Light Company @ Fopp, Nottingham 04/03/2009

London band play Fopp instore to support the release of their debut album

I've been to instore signings before, but never an instore gig, so I didn't really know what to expect. Maybe a long queue to get in, perhaps having to peer over CD racks to see and certainly wishing I had been able to get there earlier in order to avoid the former.

How wrong I was. After racing down the M1 from work to Nottingham, I arrived pretty darn close to the scheduled 6pm instore gig. Despite posters advertising Red Light Company's appearance, Fopp music store looked pretty empty, bar a handful of people congregated in the far right hand corner of the store. I thought perhaps I had arrived on the wrong day, but the posters told me I hadn't. So I grabbed Fine Fascination, paid a humble £6 for it on CD (great value from Fopp as always) and headed to the corner of the store.

Minutes later, Richard Frenneaux, Chris Edmonds and Shawn Day appeared on the tiny square area which was raised 4' or so off the ground. Three members short, the Red Light Company trio began their set with With Lights Out, played on a small acoustic guitar, keyboards and backed up with some vocals from all three band members. As always, Frenneaux's voice is distinct, delicate and perfect for the band's sound. The keyboards assisted the acoustic guitar to make a big, big sound and Day's backing vocals helped make the performance sound warm and atmospheric. A faultless yet modest performance, the small crowd clapped along at the end before they shyly introduced the next song, their latest single Arts & Crafts. They followed this with set closer Scheme Eugene. It was nice to see people mouthing along the words and it was a great song to end with. Almost abruptly, they then left the 'stage' to a more enthusiastic round of clapping.

I looked around to see maybe 20 or 30 people in the store. Looking at them I could tell it felt as odd to them as it did to me, to be in a record store watching a band play a short acoustic set. Odd but satisfying, especially as there was such a low turn-out. It was as though we'd been let into a little secret.

Turning back to the area that was the stage minutes ago, the missing members of the band had appeared and lined up to sign albums for tonight's attendees. After congratulating Frenneaux and Edmonds on an enjoyable set, they revealed to me they don't play acoustically very often hence keeping it short yet sweet. I wouldn't have known if I hadn't been told. Next thing I knew, I was being ushered to the end of the line, passed members of the band who hadn't performed this evening, to collect my album inner which was kindly signed with gold and silver pens by the entire band.

I wouldn't have predicted it, but at half past six, I was back in my car heading home almost as if it hadn't have happened.

March is music month:

A preview of new releases and live shows expected in March

So far, 2009 has been an extremely disappointing year for me musically. After attending less than a handful of gigs worth mentioning in January and February (underground indie rockers The Themals at Sheffield’s Raynor Lounge and Brazilian metallers Soulfly at Nottingham’s Rock City), coupled with the fact that only a couple of new release albums and singles have so far whet my appetite (namely The Thermal’s debut 7” Now We Can See for the Kill Rock Stars label and Thursday’s fifth studio album Common Existence), I was beginning to think that I might struggle to hit 10 favourite albums in my end of year lists, and beat last years bench mark of attending gigs into their double figures (37 to be exact).

After this disappointing slow start to the musical year, March promises to make up for lost time; New Jersey punkers the Gaslight Anthem round up their European tour supported by UK hero Frank Turner and relative newcomers the Polar Bear Club with three last UK dates before they head back to the US for another lengthy jaunt. Their stop-off at Nottingham Rock City on the 3rd of the month promises to be an upbeat sing-a-long show, which I would not miss for the world.

The following day, London based band Red Light Company play one of three instores this week at Fopp records. This particular date brings them to Nottingham in support of their debut album Fine Fascination, which is released on March 2nd. Despite being much preferable on record (lead singer Richard Frenneaux has always come across as very arrogant at gigs I have attended in the past), I am very excited to be following up my purchase of Red Light Company’s first full length with an intimate set inside a record store. This is just the beginning of the band’s promotional schedule, with a string of proper dates planned in mid-march supported by a band I’m even more excited about – Prego. Fellow Londoner’s Prego will be playing on a few dates of Red Light Company’s tour, taking them out of London which is rare in itself. I hope to attend the date at the Cockpit in Leeds on March 15th, which is guaranteed to be an evening of both luscious and epic music from two up and coming UK bands.

The first week of March also sees Scottish duo Marmaduke Duke (featuring Sucioperro front man JP Reid and Biffy Clyro front man Simon Neil – aka The Dragon and the Atmosphere) release their first ever single Kid Gloves, which precedes their upcoming second album Duke Pandemonium, after finding a new home at 14th Floor Records on CD and 2 x 7”. With Duke Pandemonium being hailed as the ‘party album’, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Kid Gloves didn’t quite fit that claim. Laden in beats and synths, Kid Gloves is a very warm track which features guest vocals from Connie Mitchell - Marmaduke Duke really do sound like a British Postal Service. This 3-part release also promises to bring brand new b-sides to get fans in the mood for their short jaunt across the UK, playing six live dates which include a stop-off at Leeds Brudenell Social Club on March 5th. Marmaduke Duke’s shows are legendary, and I’m really looking forward to see what shenanigans they get up to at this date of the tour (plus, I hope to wrangle James or Ben Johnston for some gossip on Biffy’s Clyro’s forthcoming fifth album).

Rounding off this first week, I plan to stop by the Bodega Social Club in Nottingham on March 8th, where French band Underground Railroad are supporting Fight Like Apes. Having bought their second album Sticks and Stones off the back of a set at last years Leeds Festival, I’m really looking forward to being able to sing along to Underground Railroad in a small venue - plus, I’ll finally be able to pick up the EP they released earlier this year.

Brighton-based Scots The Xcerts release new single Crisis in the Slow Lane on March 9th. Having been more than impressed with the singles they have released thus far, I eagerly anticipate this release, which is followed on the 30th by their debut full-length In the Cold Wind We Smile. Akin to 90’s American bands Pop Unknown and Cap’n Jazz, the Xcerts are certainly high on my list of ones to watch in 2009.

The Xcerts touring buddies and fellow Scots Twin Atlantic head off on a short tour in March. Playing a few dates with Flood of Red, which sees them swing by the Bar Academy in Birmingham on March 11th. Having seen some brilliant gigs at this venue in the past (which includes Marmaduke Duke, Brigade and Blakfish), I hope Twin Atlantic will follow suit when previewing new tracks from their forthcoming debut album.

Another Scottish band, Sucioperro, release their download-only single Don’t Change (What You Can’t Understand) on March 16th, which previews their forthcoming Pain Agency album. And if you thought JP Reid and his fellow Sucioperro bandmates (who moonlight as extra players at Marmaduke Duke live shows) hadn’t been busy enough recently with Marmaduke Duke related activity, then you might like to know they head off on a tour of their own in April.

And whilst there’s a lot of talk of Scottish music, another band worth mentioning is Fat Cat Record’s Frightened Rabbit. They are set to release live album Quietly Now, featuring acoustic tracks from last years masterpiece Midnight Organ Fight on March 30th. Despite being available in America since 2008, I have yet to preview this album, but will make sure my copy is ordered in time to land in my post box on the release date. In celebration of this release, Frightened Rabbit play some acoustic shows which includes a date at Leicester’s Musician on March 29th – a gig I’d be a fool to miss!

Rounding the month off, Hundred Reasons return with a tour in support of the re-release of their 4th album Quick the Word, Sharp the Action. Having not been very impressed with Hundred Reasons on record over the years, I can’t deny that their live shows are a different story. Having seen them last in 2003, I’m really excited to be attending their show at Derby’s recently reopened Rockhouse, where Brummy indie-poppers Johnny Foreigner also share the bill.

So, March is set to be a corker of a month already, and I’m sure there will be a plethora of additional singles and albums being released and gigs played in the month of March that I have yet to learn about.