Band of Skulls

Band of Skulls
The Institute, Birmingham 06/11/2014

Southampton based garage rock group, Band of Skulls, are currently touring their third studio album, with great success. I had the opportunity to see the ‘scuzzy’ group at the Institute in Birmingham. The night would be impossible to review without even mentioning the support. Hairy Japanese four-piece acid punk band, ‘Bo Ningen’ certainly did their job as a warm up. The energetic group violently thrashed at their guitars for the entirety of their set before ending up in the audience and with their instruments being swung around their heads.

Once the audience were thoroughly warmed up, and maybe a little frightened, the Band of Skulls entered the stage with face melting riffs and bluesy choruses. The crowd started of timid yet the friendly vibes of the group and the intimacy of the old style venue, increased the entire atmosphere of the set.

The Band of Skulls put on a truly breath-taking and rather remarkable live performance. Lead guitarist and vocals, Russell Marsden, perfected every wining note, contrasting expertly with the low rhythmic bass of Emma Richardson and the rattling drums of Matt Hayward. I would defiantly recommend going to see this group, if the chance arises. 

Eagulls

Eagulls

The Cookie, Leicester 14/10/2014

‘Eagulls’ are an upcoming post-punk band from Leeds that’ve been greatly gaining in popularity since the release of their first album (self-titled) that was released early March this year. The seemingly irritated group’s uncomfortable lyrics and moaning sounds are making a real impact on the music world and are making quite a name for the band.

I saw Eagulls at the Cookie in Leicester, the venue is one of my favourites and was perfect for the ‘eerie’ tonnes that their music produces. The lack of barrier and height of stage allowed a full atmospheric experience that combined the band and the audience, leading to half of the crowd ending up on stage by the end of the performance.

The cookie was the second stop on their tour that had sold out completely. The crowd had large expectations and the group didn’t manage to disappoint. The entire set captivated the audience, even the steadier, or less well-known songs from the album allowed the audience at the front of the stage to take a breather from frantic dancing, and focus their view onto the stage and onto George Mitchell intensely moaning into the microphone. Eagulls ingenious noise fascinated many that did not join in with the mass of movement in front of the band.

People appeared to react to the music in different ways, many were happy to stand at the side and simply view the band’s performance and respect the talent, where as many others also appreciated their music by  losing the heads and taking part in the chaos. However people reacted it was clear Eagulls’ music managed to entice and entertain the entire audience for the entirety of the set. I believe the band have a bright future ahead if they are able to interest audiences with their music.  

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls

De-Monfort Hall Leicester 12/09/2014

Frank Turner is well known and notorious for his lively, vibrant and ecstatic performances and my god, he certainly beat my expectations, the night was exuberant, joyous and incredibly fun. The audience were drawn in and enthralled from the second Turner walked on stage till the second he left. His presence on stage created so many fantastic moments throughout the performance, such as, a member of the tour crew managing to make the entire audience star jump in sync to one of Frank’s more well-known songs, Recovery, or maybe when the whole crowd sat on the floor after being instructed to do so by Turner, and during this moment a man proposing to his now fiancé. The whole performance was special from start to end, his presence on stage, accompanied by that of the splendid ‘Sleeping Souls’ band, was phenomenal, every member of the audience, bar a few, were on their feet dancing, including much of the upper balcony. 
I’ve been to many concerts and gigs yet never have I been thrown and shoved around in such a happy manner, everyone viewing the event was contented and was having an cheerful time due to the liveliness and relatableness of Franks music. even the slower solo songs that Frank played alone on stage were captivating, impressive and were successful in fully grasping the audience's attention.
if you are a fan of good music and having a good time then anyone that doesn't snatch the chance to see Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls at a live show would really be missing out.