Leeds gig reviews

Bad Sneakers @ The Faversham featuring Bromheads Jacket + The Yell - Saturday 14th January 2006



This was first venture into music reviewing and to a gig at The Faversham. It was nice to be greeted by a Friendly face. Thanks to Ash for a polite greeting to a trendy venue, which is well suited to up and coming bands.

The first thing I noticed was the relatively small crowd inside the venue. I happily boosted the attendance with some friends who came down to check out a band, that I talked up (Bromheads Jacket), I was hoping that I wouldn’t be let down. I’d heard songs from both tonight’s performers and was looking forward to seeing if they could cut it live.

After a couple of visits to the bar the first band up were ready to hit the stage. I feared that the small stage may not fit all six members of the Yell on but they just about squeezed themselves onto it. Aside from their struggling to fit on the stage the immediate noticeable aspect about the Yell was their random clothing. No single style could typecast this band!

They opened up with Strange Kind Of Love, making use of every member of the band. Tom on Synth eased himself slowly into things with some delightful electronic sounds. Daniel Clayton’s voice was strong and clear (which was surprising considering he spent most of the day asleep with food poisoning). Overall a good start to proceedings. Without labelling them there was a hint of Clor in their sound, this can only be a good thing!

It was at the end of this number that they showed a lack of stage experience. Taking time to get set for the next number was a continual problem throughout their set. Clayton tried bravely to keep the crowd amused but seemed to lack in stature. This is something I feel that needs working on for their live act. In their defence the crowd would at best be described as ‘A bit giddy’, this may have contributed to the nerves shown.

The set contained tracks with varying levels of keyboards, synth and guitar. I felt this showed a range in their numbers. Pyramids and My Baby’s into Witchcraft were two nice little numbers, clever vocals and funked up backbeats running right through them.

Towers was a good track to end things on a high after a set which just lacked a bit of inspiration. I think the Yell have the potential to make a niche for themselves in the market but need to work on their organisation on stage. They looked young and inexperienced at times, but evenings like this can only improve no that.

I look forward to catching them on another occasion down the line with a slightly slicker stage act.

From what I had heard of Bromheads Jacket I was excited about hearing them live. I was expecting a raw, rough around the edges sound. Perhaps a bit of feedback and a stage invasion! I was slightly (but pleasantly) surprised by the performance they put on.

Immediately the crowd perked up when the band took to the stage. Tim showed how it was done, talking to his audience and drumming up the excitement. Upon request everyone moved closer to the stage and that was it, off they went.

Opening with Wooley Bridge the sound was fluent, not a screech of feedback to be heard. It felt like being sat in the studio as the track was being mixed. As I knew beforehand, witty, rhyming vocals were there from the start. I wouldn’t quite put them in the same league as their former touring partners Arctic Monkeys when it comes to lyrics but they are on the right tracks.

A little tune up with Tim chatting to the crowd and they’re off again. Pinch of Psalt, a new one for me is played. More clever lyrics, and the sound of a band who want their audience to be baying for more.

The fourth track of the evening gave Dan on drums his chance with a top drawer drum intro. The as yet unnamed track continued where the previous three had left off with a strong sound.

Various requests from Tim for stage invasions are as yet unrequited by the crowd, I get the feeling it won’t be long though.
It matters not though as Tim flings himself (not for the last time) into the crowd. You can feel the pure pleasure these lads get from playing music.

2006 could well be the year for regional rock, with the Arctic Monkeys starting the trend. Tim’s southern accent is noticeable, although there is a definite ‘New Yorkshire’ sound to Bromheads Jacket. Lions on the prowl is a definite crowd favourite with the excitement clearly on show as they bounce higher and higher towards the front.

A couple more new songs and their new single What ifs and maybes lead nicely into a great set closer Trip to the Golden Arches. Tim again addressing the audience asks if those new to Bromheads Jacket enjoyed the gig. He says he won’t be able to sleep tonight without knowing. Well sleep safe Tim, if this is a sign of things to come I look forward to seeing and hearing more of Bromhead Jacket.

Into the song and the token stage invasion occurs, with the crowd dying to get to the mic’s and sing along with their heroes. Despite the packed stage the lads play out a great track with Tim, guitar in hand throwing himself into the crowd. Jono and Dan continue playing and are unfazed by the lack of a lead vocalist.

Bromheads Jacket are part of the new wave in the British music scene and with performances like this its is easy to see why they are one of the ones to watch in 2006!

May I express my thanks to both the bands for supplying me with setlists of their performances.

Dom Chalk
www.thefaversham.com

www.bromheadsjacket.com

www.myspace.com/theyell