Manchester band Airship are a band on my radar since they opened Leeds festival in 2009, so when I found out they were playing in Leeds in the cockpit 3 it was too good to turn down.
Leeds rock band Sound Of Sirens were the first support act of the night, and with a audience of 10 it can’t have been the easiest show to play. After a few songs the band loosen up and attempt some rather desperate crowd interaction, however it’s an awkward atmosphere and the bands rather static stage presence doesn’t help. Not that the small stage doesn’t help, this is cockpit 3 after all and not known for its spacious qualities. Music wise it’s a very average feeling performance, there isn’t anything amazing about it, the lack of visible energy in the performance being very notable and a real hold back.
Then next band up are a sharp contrast to Sound of sirens, Soul circus (http://www.soulcircus.co.uk/) are an alternative pop group. The first very noticeable thing is the music, its catchy, infectious and its sung by an amazing vocalist, Lloyd. The performance has so much energy and goes suitably with the music, its difficult to not be amazed by these guys. Its difficult to overstate how much potential these guys have, and they’re still unsigned. Definitely a band I look forward to hearing more from.
Airship (http://www.myspace.com/airshiptheband) were the final act of the night. The start of the set has some sound problems but they’re soon cleared up. The most striking thing about the set is the unreleased material that is being played, its entirely unexpected from a band that has just released a Single/ EP but enjoyable. Algebra is well received and the best knowns of Airships songs but newer songs such as spirit party are also enjoyable. Airships are upstaged by their support Soul circus in the energy department but they have their moments. The most distinctive moment was when an extra drum was used in the final song, just a little touch, albeit very memorable.
Overall a very enjoyable night, Soul Circus were the highlight for me; I never expected such a strong performance and from a band I’ve never heard of before. But Airship proved they can perform live and were equally amazing in their own way. Airship and Soul Circus, 2 bands that have incredible potential and equally amazing music to go with it.
Hi, I’m not going to go crazy about that review but in all honesty it is fair! We did lack energy and it could’ve been a lot better but hey ho we all have our bad gigs!
To make up for that one I’d like to invite you to the Cockpit again this time in the main room on the 24th July (This Sat) as we will be supporting Audio Republic.
This will show how well we perform to an actual crowd!
Fair review, fair comments!