Gig notes diary 2010

Our diary of short reports, notes and reflections on gigs that took place in Leicester and the bands that played at them

Gig Notes 2009 | Reviews of visiting bands | Full gig reviews 2010

Tuesday 27th July, Walkabout

I have been to a few band debuts in my time. Some of them have been disappointing. Tonight's launch of Leicester band Us Wolves will stand out in my memory as being one of the most exciting discoveries of recent times.

Us Wolves are James Ferraby, Chris (Ceej) Harpham, Lawrence Bywater and Elliot Jenkins. James has been in bands before and Ceej was a member of ska band Mango Mafia. In fact in a previous band, James has played support slots with the likes of the Happy Mondays, Mystery Jets and Snow Patrol!

Ceej tipped me off about the band - I checked out their songs, was impressed and turned up tonight to see if they were as good live as they were in the recording studio.

They were!

Drawing on influences as diverse as RadioHead, Muse, Sigur Rós, Incubus and a few others I didn't recognise, the guys convinced me that they know their music. This was their first gig as Us Wolves! They self-produced their current tracks and have their own rehearsal rooms, they told me.

So I watched with eager anticipation as they took to the Walkabout stage. They launched into their first song Mirrors and then James came in on the vocals. Wow! What an amazing voice! He easily carried his vocals over the pounding back line. An unusually large crowd had gathered to see the maiden voyage of this band. By the end of the first song, everyone was caught.

Their second song Sleep continued with the punchy beats and engaging riffs layering swathes of music over Jame's booming voice that caught every word with sparkling articulation. Their sense of attack and commitment to the songs was inspiring.

It was an exhilarating experience. Despite the lack of backing vocals (which they are working on), Jame's voice makes this an exceptional band and they proved that they know a thing or two about song craft. Solid melodic lines and well balanced instrumentation, a few razor-edged breaks and a strong sense of rhythm carried the whole thing forward. Their big sound was also laced with moods and colours so what we got was not just ear-bashing but ear-pleasing. They captured their audience.

All their own songs, no covers and a last song that rose to a thrilling climax just confirmed to me that this was a band with a strong potential and a great addition to the local music scene.

Next time they play, I'll be down there to see them again! Magic.

Friday 23rd July, The Kasbah

Leicester's Ashdowne played a great set at Coventry's Kasbah night club. Also on the lineup were Russian Gun Dogs and The Sharks. A really good venue; nothing like it in Leicester.

Thursday 22nd July, the Lamb in Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Kevin Gaughan reports:

I've seen BKTB a few times now, notably in the campsite marquee at this year's Glastonbudget where they were very impressive - they sounded good, even though they were in a big tent and they keep you entertained with their on stage enthusiasm. Although they did look a bit dishevelled, but that was only because they'd been getting into the festival spirit!

Nearly a couple of months had passed and I was looking forward to seeing them again at the Lamb in Ashby.

The Lamb is a nice pub in the middle of town, certainly quite sizable and full of character. On entering  the pub, as is usual when I'm within sight of BKTB someone shouted KKKEEEVVV! - ah yes, that'll be Jon on drums! Even though they were setting up the lads still took the time to come over and have a chat.

They did spend a while setting up but only because BKTB and their sound engineer, Chris Jones, take so much pride in getting the sound just right, this showed through their performance.They looked much better coordinated, visually, than I had seen them before, unfortunately this was a small stage, so with five of them, they looked a little cramped.

The band started off enthusiastically, which is difficult to do when there's only a handful of people watching you, it only took a couple of songs, though, for passers-by to come in and see what all the fuss was about.

The band played  a number of covers plus a few of their own songs which was a good move as they were playing to a pub crowd who didn't know them. They played the covers really well, especially Lady Ga Ga's Poker Face, really getting into it and more than capturing the essence of the original but with the BKTB sound and their three guitars.

For me, though, this band really excelled when playing their own material. Written mostly by Elliot (vocals) and sometimes by Dale (guitar). Some of their own songs have ludicrously catchy melodies such as Chance and Coalville Pill and are very well executed. Elliot on vocals complimented the mix very well. He has a very good voice, although not particuiarly unique, it is nice to listen to and seemed to be hit all the right notes in the right places. I can't help thinking I would like to see them do an acoustic set so that we can really hear Elliots voice as I think he has so much to offer.

BKTB normally excel at stage presence with Josh putting everything into his performance while playing his bass guitar. At the lamb, however, the stage was tiny and Josh was tucked away at the back but you could see he was suppressed and just bursting to let rip with his usual on-stage antics!

Between songs Elliot provided some humerous chat and even enjoyed poking fun at himself, he's quite charismatic when on the stage and added to the evenings entertainment.

All in all it was a very enjoyable evening. Nice bunch of lads, wonderful sounds, with a an entertaining front man. The only down side would be the size of the stage, but the band couldn't do anything about that and coped well although did look a bit cramped.

Unfortunately, Elliott and Dale are off to university soon, so their gigs will be limited to uni holidays and the odd weekend, so I'll have to make the most of them when I can. I'm looking forward to seeing them at their Glastonbudget qualifying warm-up gig in the Barley Mow on August 6th and at the Glastonbudget qualifying gig at the Shed on August 22nd.

Beauty Killed the Beast

Friday 9th July, The Barley Mow

Few people are aware that city centre boozer The Barley Mow puts on bands on a Friday night. Even though this is not the first place people think of if they want to head out for some live music, I did find two exceptionally good bands playing there tonight, both of them from Birmingham as it happens.

Shiva playing at the Barley Mow

Playing their first live gig, Shiva gave us a really cool and pleasurable taste of the great things that are sure to come when this band really gets going. The five piece was fronted by a really top notch female vocalist whose fabulous voice carried over the atmospheric, ambient electronica. Moody, full of subtle and beguiling colours and imagery, this chance discovery was a real find. Slow, sultry and velvet-toned, it was just the kind of chilled sound you want on a hot June evening.

Cunningly orchestrated with echoes of Massive Attack and even the Afro-Celtic Sound System, they conjured uplifting, sweeping landscapes of musical visions that clearly captivated the small but highly appreciate audience. I loved it!

Birmingham band Awaiting Approval playing in Leicester

The band I had actually gone to see was the wonderful Awaiting Approval. In my view one of the best mainstream rock bands in the Midlands, they tick all the boxes. Fresh from their appearance at the Glastonbudget festival and returning to Leicester, this is a band that has never failed to be exciting. The fine vocals of front man Stewart Jackson bring out the lyrics, with backing from three gifted musicians, Phil Chater, Dave Blackburn and John Albrighton. Strong compulsive dynamics, fullsome backing vocals and a vibrant stage presence make this band an absolute joy to see and hear. Driving the songs along with engrossing riffs and beautifully balanced team work, this band ticks all the boxes for me. So even though they were playing in a tiny venue with a crap sound system, the irrepressible musicianship and performance of this great rock band was a real joy. Magic. Pure magic!

Monday 5th July, Sumo

A selection of young bands gather for a bash in Braunstone Gate. The 'Habits did an acoustic set without their drummer and that was pretty interesting. The three singing string players put on an entertaining set of mainly their own songs plus a bit of "Wonderwall" to pass the time. It's always good to hear an electric band play acoustically - it's reputed to be a good test of musical ability and I am pleased to say these three guys passed. Songs you normally hear belted out with ear blasting amps turned full up, take on a whole new meaning played acoustically. Michael showed off his vocal skills, ably supported by Adam and Briggsy and they worked well together. Raw talent.

Panda Youth have some delicious songs with convincing rhythms and melodies and a strong singer in the shape of CJ Pandit. The five piece from the Groby area has a strong following and are turning out new songs on a regular basis. A confident performance by all the band indicates they have loads of potential. Still playing covers, they plan to work on their own material and if they keep at it you can see them becoming something big in a couple of years time. Very enjoyable.

This Fallen Empire playing at Sumo with new bassist and drummer

The star act of the lineup was undoubtedly This Fallen Empire. I have been following them almost since they started in the Autumn of 2008 and was there when they won the Battle of the Bands in 2009. They have taken time out recently to re-work their material and tonight was a revelation. Armed with a new drummer (Adam Tozer) and bassist (Jake) they have come up with some ripping new material which is laden with raw and punchy sounds. They cut a stirling presence on the stage and can pump out some really pounding phrases to counterbalance their atmospheric, melodic passages. The old songs have been powered up and they demonstrated how a band can grow and develop if they take time to think through what they are doing and figure where they can go with their talent. Now they can produce some huge riffs and razor sharp breaks and master big sweeping statements. A stunning transformation.

Friday 2nd July, Seventh Empire at the Barley Mow

When young bands pick up guitars, the results can be less than exhilarating. Seventh Empire, however, are the exception to the rule. They are actually quite good at making listenable music. Their brand of lite metal is both well executed and engaging and whether playing their own songs or the odd cover, they never fail to please. Since they formed in October 2008, they have played a few gigs and have grown into their niche. Backed by some superb drumming from Sam Gent and dexterous finger work from Ashley Wheat they put out some half decent music. Well worth going to see.

Thursday 24th June, Ashdowne at The Old Horse, London Road

By Kevin Gaughan

The first time I saw these guys was a few weeks earlier opening Glastonbudget 2010 on the main stage. They played at 4 o'clock in the afternoon and still managed to pull a reasonable crowd, bearing in mind it was so early on. Ashdowne looked like they belong on the main stage and seemed fairly relaxed.

The Old Horse, however, was a completely different kettle of fish.

They were about to play an acoustic set in a decent size room in a nice, friendly pub. Having introduced myself to the band and chatted with them for a bit it became clear how passionate they are about their music and how professional they are. They're also a really nice, down to earth, bunch of lads.

I had heard the album a few times prior to the gig and so was curious to see what the songs would sound like acoustically.

I was NOT disappointed.

After a few adjustments from the pub's sound man, the catchy riffs and melodies of the guitars, Andy and Ben, started to shine through.

Ashdowne at the Old Horse

The sound man had done a good job. All the instruments were mixed just right and Lee's vocals twisted and turned between the guitars with absolute precision and nerve-tingling emotion. I have never been drawn into a voice quite so much - Lee was feeling the emotion in the songs and I could feel it too. It was all-absorbing, we could have had an earth quake and I wouldn't have noticed!

Although the Old Horse is a lovely pub just looking at the band and hearing how tight they were, they felt like a big band that wouldn't look out of place on the big stage in De Montfort Hall. My personal favourite Holy Ground, absolute classic, is about the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and shows their sensitivity and interest in local affairs in their birthplace here in Leicester.All in all, seeing Ashdowne was an amazing experience and an unforgettable evening. Really can't wait to see them at the Looking Glass on Sat 3rd July in Braunstone Gate

Check out Ashdowne on Myspace

Friday 18th June, The Shed

A band that is establishing itself on the local music scene is The Black Tears. With their vivacious lead singer, Lischana Lane, the band has enthralled audiences at local venues and at the Glastonbudget festival. Their musical style is indie rock but often with a harder edge and more robust sound than many of the bands that perform in the same genre. Always scintillating, this is a band that puts on a superb performance every time they play and has a star quality that makes them stand out from the rest.

You can see The Black Tears at the Shed on Wednesday 30th June.

Saturday 29th May, at the Shed

Autohype put on their big gig at the Shed and despite the rain and the fact that loads of people where away in Wymeswold, it went well and a lot of people turned out for it. Autohype told us "Billboard Beauties played very well, Deadwax were amazing." The new songs went down well, so it sounds like it was a massive event. Autohype just keeps going from strength to strength.

Saturday afternoon, 22nd May at the Shed

On the hottest day for eight months, I don my post-Gulf shorts and hat, find a t-shirt from my favourite band and put on my extra strength dark glasses. After the blazing sunshine of Yeoman Street, I wander into the Shed - all is complete blackness. Like a moth, I head towards the lights of the bar, blundering blindly into fans on the way. Without any words being uttered a glass of lager appears in front of me and I fumble in my purse for some coins.

I have come to see Panda Youth. I discovered them by accident a few weeks ago and was wow 'd into coming back a second time, by way of confirming that the first time wasn't just a fluke [see 24th April below.] On stage live, they are exhilarating. Lead vocalist CJ Pandit sings strongly and has a ear-pleasing voice. He is backed by two talented guitarists: Joe Phelan and Dan Balment, whose instrumentation is way above average. Live they are amazing. But please don't listen to their Myspace tracks - they have two songs up there that are badly recorded and make the band sound complete rubbish. Which they certainly aren't. I have joined the fan list for this band because they have real talent and are doing something original and different. Their large and enthusiastic following will hopefully carry them into some good gigs over the coming months. Hopefully they will be ready for next years OBS and perhaps even a stab at Summer Sundae. Artistically, no reason to think they will not be ready in time. Once they get their exams out of the way, they will hopefully spend the summer getting some much needed playing hours under their belts. That song with the celtic riffs - much more of that please! It's unusual and could well become a brand that will sell well.

Panda Youth is playing at Sumo on 5th July.

Thursday 20th May, the Shed

Leicester has a large contingent of young bands; some manage to stand out from the rest and one of these is Groby groovers Kicking Habits. Tonight the group was on top form with lead vocalist Michael Vickers in full swing and Jake Sterland doing dazzling things on the skins. Pouring out plentiful volumes of rock the vibrant foursome gave us a rip-roaring set of their vigorous indie songs, packed with lashings of panache. These guys have superb taste in music and they demonstrate that in the way they make up their songs. These guys have worked hard to polish their playing. They are very modest and when you talk to them, they are in denial about being one of the most talented bands in their age group. If you want to know how good these guys really are, just listen to them play.

Thursday 13th May, The Squares

Go Primitive appears to come from all over the place; at least one member comes from Leicester. This quintet of musicians certainly knows how to rock and put on a storming set of their hard-edged songs. Vocalist Jay Merry pushed things along with a strong clear voice and they opened their set with a commanding, thumping number that stopped everyone in their tracks. With backing vocals and interesting richly blended sounds, their musical style was difficult to place and seemed laced with a varity of influences. Big bold statements, virbant and sweeping phrases, they were punchy and spikey at times and cunningly atmospheric at others. The band is heading off on a European tour, pulling in Switzerland and Belgium and touring with progressive rockers Pure Soundart. My summary: yummy! I'll be looking out for them at the Glastonbudget festival later this month. That will be a must see on my list.

Thursday 29th April, O Bar

Playing at a Melting Pot night at Braunstone Gate's O Bar, Midlands band The Late Eighties put on a set of their vigorous and highly enjoyable indie songs. Featuring David Hammersley (who was lead vocalist for the late, lamented band The Waits), the band gave us a set of well-crafted, modern and enjoyable songs, backed with some beautifully blended guitar and keyboard sounds. Brilliant, we say.

Sunday 25th April, The Shed

The Dobsons gave a fine performance of their upbeat songs at the last of the Glastonbudget festival auditions, for 2010. Lead singer Callum Breen put on a super performance, pushing forward the set of strong and energetic songs. A top band for performance and music, the Leicester fivesome made an excellent start to the night.

You can see the Dobsons again at the GlastonBudget Festival in a couple of weeks time.

Sunday 25th April, The Squares

Combine Skavester

This eight member Ska band from Market Harborough presented a very enjoyable set of songs at the Squares Bar in Market Street, Leicester on Sunday afternoon.

Saturday 24th April, The Musician

In an intensely competitive night of the OBS callback, bands competed for a second chance to win a place in the two semi-finals. Third Time Lucky pulled out all the stops and gave the judges and the crowd, the best performance of their career. Even though they didn't get through, the Coalville band pulled off a magnificent performance. They really showed every one what they could do. They demonstrated their ability to get up on a stage and really rock, with total commitment. It was very impressive.

One of the two bans that did get through to the next round was the Boobytraps, with a storming set of their own songs and a top class performance. The other band that went through was Raptor Captor who impressed the judges with their contemporary set of original songs, very ably sung and performed with a bucket load of style and panache.

Saturday 24th April The Shed, Evening

Weekend Schemers were on the bill in the evening, with their selection of established and new songs. Speeding through set up, they rushed into their first song with Conor requesting Joe to 'take it away'. The crowd awkwardly surged closer to the front as the intro to the first song 10 more steps built up into the phenomenal song with catchy lyrics and quality guitar solos. The band continued with their set going into 8 ball and other songs before doing a cover of The Killers' Mr Brightside. The crowd loved every minute of it! They did another one of their own songs, Place to Stay, a chill emotional song with a chorus stronger than a mutated spartan! Then throwing in another cover, being Kings Of Leon's Sex On Fire, another loved song by the loyal crowd! With the covers out the way, they decided to slam into a new one, getting straight into the energetic melodic music, with a hugely powerful chorus, they could have performed the new song better, but after Joe saying they'd only rehearsed it four times, we were surprised and proud. Great performance by a top band. The Schemers have come a long way since they started and are growing all the time.

Formal Warning headlined the show with their exhilarating showmanship and set of solid pop rock songs, to which they have added some new material. Another band that has worked consistently to make a name for themselves and who have a loyal following, FW have toured in Europe and played several shows outside of Leicester. They always put on a first class performance and band members give it one hundred percent - always.

Saturday 24th April The Shed, Afternoon

Leicester's young bands took to the stage of the Shed this afternoon for a matinee and showed that there is no let up in the supply of new young bands.

First on was Dead Union a four piece thrash, grunge metal band. This tight and energetic quartet were only on their third gig and were clearly not satisfied with a lot of what they were doing. Which is good but they gave it their best and proved that they know how to pump out some big gutsy numbers. Probably now at the level of Azidify when they first started to play, if they can keep going then they are capable of catching them up. They threw out some good pounding riffs and show what can be done if you study Nirvana enough. A raw and fiery performance, indicating that more good stuff is on the way.

Second band on was the amazing The Black Tears. Usually a four piece, they were bereft of their bassist but the plucky trio of band members got up there and gave it their all. The band's lead singer, 17 year old Teeks is what makes this band stand out. Her outstanding talent for stage performance wow 'd the crowd and her fulsome voice carried over the vigorous backing of drummer Barney (15) and guitarist Rob (19). Their poppy songs were big on vitality and drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd, even though the room was dominated by fans of another band. Rich with commanding rhythms and engaging melodic content, they delivered a solid performance. Hailing from Swadlincote and Atherstone, they have already clocked up six gigs in their two months of being on the road. People in audience commented favourably on how confident these young musicians were and clearly enjoyed what they were doing. The Black tears are playing at the Glastonbudget festival in May and are appearing again at the Shed on 7th May and 30th June. Well worth booking.

The big draw of the afternoon was Panda Youth; I loved their opening song with its almost celtic-esq guitar lines. The five piece group was strong on creative songs and original orchestration. The vocals of CJ Pandit were impressive and backed by some excellent guitar work from lead guitarist Joe Phelan. They worked up some engaging atmosphere with their set of contemporary sounding songs. A band with a lot of talent, whilst they are as yet rather wet behind the ears, one can see them developing into one of the top bands locally in a short space of time. They have a style and character that will appeal to a wide audience and are set on breaking the mould. Great on attack and inventiveness, they took a Shakira hit and made it their own. Good stuff. A band to watch.

Sunday 18th April

The Glastonbudget auditions at the Shed and Leicester band The Hordes put on a fine set for the festival judges. Opening with a strong bouncy song laden with infectious beats and shouty vocals, the band got stuck into the set with passion and energy. Alex Oxley gave us some stomping vocals with backing from bassist Tom Mee. Punchy vigorous performances from all the band members, they drove the songs forward with zeal and fire. Taught instrumentation and contemporary sounds, balanced with an atmospheric slow number full of sweeping, balladic passages. A fine band at the top of its class.

Saturday 10th April

Sons of Beaches are from Birmingham but they have played in Leicester several times before. Tonight they arrived at the Shed in their tour bus - the one with their band name in lights on the front of the bus - always an inspiring sight. This is one awesomely strong rock band. Their set was over an hour long and we enjoyed every minute of it. SOBs playing in Leicester is always an occasion, out of the ordinary.

Their music attracts an all ages audience, from the very young to older people who also like to rock. They play their own songs and a couple of well known covers but what makes it such a great night is this band's extraordinary performance; they are a show. Its one superb package of live music - great vocals, magnificent musicianship and a set of songs that will please most people. they create mood and atmosphere, excitement and exhilaration and bring rock music alive. From the majestic monumental ballad, to the slow gripping song, they can do it all. One solidly good night.

Meanwhile ...

Kicking Habits played at a birthday party in the downstairs bar.

Another good live music experience. A band and its fans having fun and making a party out of rock and dancing. They played a great set - even in the cramped conditions of the downstairs bar with less than wonderful PA - they brought the music alive and that's what matters.

Friday 26th March

Overdrive IX, the club night organised by the Heroes, took place at Sumo with The Heroes, The Aromattics and The Hordes on the line-up. A good night with a strong 18+ turn out. "The Arommatics were brilliant" and "The Hordes were impressive", we were told.

IzIggy at the 'Mow by Thomas Spinks

On the 26th March IzIggy and some Weird Sinners, the Iggy pop tribute band, played The Barley Mow, a pub with a gallery-style performance area. Even though few gigs are played in the small venue this doesn't mean it can't hold a good show. The headliners, IzIggy were sublime. They played all the classic Iggy Pop songs, 'The Passenger', 'I wanna be your dog' and many others. The lead singer, Brian, was exceptionally brilliant and made every lyric sound like Iggy was actually rocking personally in the Barley Mow. If you are a fan of Punk, especially if you're a fan of Iggy Pop, then this is a must see band.

The opening band White Fix is a young Leicester band. At the moment they don't seem to hold much or have anything special in the set list they played. If I was made to describe their music I would have to say they are an average generic college band. Sadly in their set list they butchered a classic reggae song, Bob Marley's No Woman No Cry. I can't tell if it was the band or just their genre doesn't suit the cover but some people left for this one song they played. If you are a fan of college rock then check them out.

IzIggy and Some Weird Sinners are our band of the month.

White Fix are appearing at several Leicester gigs - check out their Myspace.

Thursday 25th March, Birmingham

Leicester band The Weekend Schemers won a place in the next round of the national band's competition Surface Unsigned. This means that the young indie band will play at the Custard Factory in Birmingham in June. Other Leicester bands that have already gone through the initial heats in Birmingham include Free Control, Silent Resistance, and Formal Warning. For more coverage of the festival, see our Surface Unsigned page.

Saturday 20th March, The Music Cafe

The Chairmen got into a bit of trouble when lead singer Jonny Gavin floored a member of the audience with a martial arts style drop kick. This led to the band's set being cut short by security guards. Gig Promoters Shadow Promotions told us: "As far as I know, a member of the public spilt a drink over Jonny and he retaliated with the kick ... everything was taken too far by everyone involved. We have spoken with The Chairmen and have had an apology."

Members of the audience commented to us about the sound quality during the Twisted Wheel set. The band's Agent, we are told, has not lodged any complaint with the venue about the sound and went on to say that the band and their stage crew gave good feedback about the show.

Our review of the gig is on the gig reviews page.

Wednesday 24th February, the Shed

A Silver Bullet night run along the lines of a competition with voting by the audience.

These were the bands that played

The Cuts The Arommatics Raptor Captor Silent Resistence The guest, headline band was IzIggy, the IggyPop tribute band.

The night was won by Silent Resistence, who polled 25 votes (as counted by Shed staff). The Aromattics came second (17 votes) and Raptor Captor secured 9 votes.

Thursday 21st January, the Shed

Shelly Soljaz

Headlining a good night at the Shed was Loughborough's hip hop/rap group Shelly Soljaz. I saw them first on 4th December when they played in a pub. It was great fun and I really enjoyed what they did. Now, seeing them again on a full sound stage at the Shed, I was amazed at how good this act is; they are now a top class group with an awesome set of songs and a top class stage performance. As they played through their set I thought 'this could be something big big - these guys are good enough to really get somewhere.'

Even though hip hop is not my first love, musically, I have to say I enjoyed what they did big time. I got that feeling that I was in the presence of a seriously worthy group of artists who feel like a professional act.

The night was this week's grand final of the Winner Takes All on-going band competition. It was actually won by Leicester band Wicked Messengers, who put on a stormingly good set of their own songs, led by intensly fine vocals of Mojo Robey. Here is a band that has forged ahead, created a fresh sound for itself and fizzingly good set that they performed with an admirable level of skill and commmitment. Having seen them a few times now, I have to say, these guys really rock.

I was so glad I didn't have to judge this night because I really would have struggled. The opening set by Nemasis - ultra fast rapping - shows what newbie acts can achieve in a relatively short space of time. Even the indie dudes were saying how much they liked it. Grimecore rap is an acquired taste but Nemasis have proved they have mastered the genre.

I also liked The Variables with their class act lead vocalist Bob Jones and their set of attractive and likeable Blink 182 Sum 41 happy dancy pop punk songs. Tightly played and exhuberantly performed, it was a well good set from the trio.

Saturday 3rd January, the Shed

Leicester's youngest band - My Kid Bother- kicked the show off to a great start with their amazing set of nu-punk songs.

Rising stars of the young indie scene, Kicking Habits played a tightly constructed set of their own songs and a couple of covers

This Fallen Empire pulled out the stops for a set of their melodic rock songs

The evening was brought to a resounding finale with Drive By Disco's set of infectious dance songs.