Moon & Back Music

Arriving in Leeds you would hardly have guessed that the city was the location of a festival overall over 100 bands are going to play today at 17 venues, the bands range from local upcoming bands to internationally recognised artists such as Lightspeed Champion, Johnny Foreigner and 65 days of static.

After getting a wristband and programme its time to head off to the first band; Stagecoach (http://www.myspace.com/stagecoachuk) at nation of shopkeepers. Appearances can be deceptive but this isn’t the case with stagecoach; the lead singer is sporting a woolly hat reminiscent of ‘where’s Wally’ and Tom’s (mandolin/ harmonies) headband look both give off ‘geek chic’ by the bucket load.  Pop with a twist is the bands forte and they do it undeniably well, it’s catchy and has the ‘feel good’ factor. Think aquabats but without the horns and more mellowed out. ‘everyone love monster trucks, so we put them on our t-shirts’ pretty much sums out the bands laid back attitude, which is infectiously fun.

Arriving at The Wardrobe early I’m told that the first 2 bands had cancelled so over to the nearest venue, Leeds College of Music, to check out what’s going on there. Catching the end of WorriedAboutSatan (http://www.myspace.com/worriedaboutsatan) highlights the diversity of music a available at live at Leeds, at one point playing guitars like violins, all the while producing their techno/ electronica music.

The Heebie Jeebies (http://www.myspace.com/theheebiefuckinjeebies) were the next band on with a tropical ‘vampire weekend’ feeling about their music. They’re crowd interaction was amusing, as they commandeered a pole which was passed up and down. If anything, a truly unique experience.

After getting lost in the Leeds university campus, Castrovalva are just finishing their set. Consisting of bassist, drummer and most notably vocalist Leemun, they produce breakcore music. As the first breakcore band I’ve ever heard they’re not too bad and vocalist Leemun ends the performance with a venture into the crowd. I’m surprised at what can be achieved with just a bass and drums but the sometimes explicit vocals of Leemun are the defining feature of this set. If you too are new to breakcore you can sample it here: http://www.myspace.com/castrovalvamusic

These monsters (http://www.myspace.com/thesemonsters) are next up, the band plays mainly instrumental songs, with few ‘vocals’, which are mainly screams or variations of. The real strength of these monsters is their sax, which works brilliantly to create a dark, chaotic music, which is in all of their songs. The problem is a lack of vocals and that there doesn’t really seem to be much differentiation between each song.  That said they deliver a reasonably energetic performance and are certainly different from most hardcore bands.

Next up is LA punk/ hardcore band The Bronx (http://www.thebronxxx.com/) Live at Leeds is their substitute for playing a show in Leeds. Having seen these guys before its fair to say that they put on a good show and that the lead singer is going to be in the crowd in the second half of the gig. Not to disappoint this is exactly what happens, this seems gimmicky having seen them do it 2 times before, but its still enjoyable and goes well with their music. The setlist itself is good, they play the expected ‘knifeman’, ‘inveigh’ and ‘sh*tty future’. However the setlist ends 10 minutes before they’re scheduled to end. As a fan who wanted to see these guys the most, it’s a disappointment.

At the cockpit Lunar Youth (http://www.myspace.com/lunaryouth) take to the stage after having difficulty with their setup. A up and coming band Lunar Youth play alternative pop very well, defiantly worth checking out. Theres not that much energy in the performance, but this isn’t the kind of music that needs it, all you need to do is sit back and listen to the vocals. A very enjoyable performance and a world away from The Bronx.

Overall Live at Leeds is an enjoyable day long festival, the schedule is well planned so you can catch 2 ‘headline’ acts if you want to, good value for £15. Being over an entire city is problematic and the map wasn’t enough to get to the venues out of the way, especially the college of music and the wardrobe. Still for £15 pounds it’s a cheap day out with a chance to listen to some established bands and new and upcoming bands. So if you’re looking for something to do on the mayday weekend, consider Live at Leeds next year, a bargain not to miss out on.