Kings of Leon Review

LOVE LOVE LOVE this band!

Kings of Leon are a four man American rock band from Tennessee. Although they first formed together in 1999 it was not until 2008 that they got their first big break. Their big break came from the two BRIT awards they won from the success of their platinum selling album "Only By Night." This album includes their three number one singles, Sex Is On Fire, Use Somebody, and Notion.

To date, this band has released five albums; "Youth & Young Manhood," "Aha Shake Heartbeat," "Because of the Times," "Only by the Night," and the most recent (back in 2010) "Come Around Sundown." Although this group have been on hiatus for the last couple of years, they are doing a series of gigs over the next upcoming months, and are also due to release a sixth album "Mechanical Bull," sometime this year.

I have seen Kings of Leon twice, once in Manchester and once in Hyde Park, London.  For me seeing them play in Manchester on their sold out UK tour two years ago was the most memorable experience. I was originally put off by the price of the ticket and the size of the venue (absolutely massive!) when I was buying the tickets. Shockingly, although I was quite far back from the stage, and the arena was filled with hundreds of fans, the atmosphere was not only electrifying but intimate as well.

I have to admit I have never a seen a crowd of such magnitude become so wild and excited during a gig before. The reception that the band received when they first stepped out onto the stage was so great that it was five minutes until the band could even begin singing.

Considering the gig was only an hour and a half the crowd was certainly spoiled by the number of great songs they got to hear. When I saw them in Manchester their set list was flavorless and included Crawl, Taper Jean Girl, Molly's Chamber, Red Morning Light, Fans, California Waiting, Milk, Closer, Four Kicks, Charmer, My Party, Sex is on Fire, The Bucket, On Call, Cold Desert, and Use Somebody.

What made their performance even more memorable for me was the amount of effort and passion they put into each of their songs.The band seemed in both shock and gratitude by the response the crowd gave them. When it came to the encore, Kings Of Leon ended their show with four more songs including Knocked Up and Manhattan. I was generally gutted when the gig came to an end because the time seemed to fly by.

The quality of the music and talent shown by Kings of Leon was so high that the lack of on stage props and extras did not matter. I would certainly say this is a gig not to be missed.

If you wish to read my review of their live peformance at Hyde Park, check out: http://musicgigsnfestivals.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/kings-of-leon-hyde-park-review.html

Tour dates: 
12th June. The 02 Arena - London
13th June. The O2 Arena - London
24th June. Manchester Arena - Manchester
25th June. Manchester Arena - Manchester
9th July. LG Arena - Birmingham
10th July. LG Arena - Birmingham
14th August. Boucher Playing Fields - Belfast
15th August. Bellahouston Park - Glasgow
17th August - V Festival

For more information about their European dates and to buy tickets check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/2847-kings-of-leon/calendar?page=1

Beth Orton

One word: Folktronica. No one mixes electronics with folk like this woman. 

Beth Orton is a british singer/songwriter from Norfolk. Although it wasn't until 1996 that Orton got noticed, she has been around since 1993. To date Beth has released six albums: Superpinkymandy, Trailer Park, Central Reservation, Daybreaker, Comfort of Strangers, and the recently released Sugaring Season.  

Beth songs are frequently played on hit american shows such as Greys Anatomy, Charmed, Dawson Creek, and Vanilla Sky. If music by Martha Wainwright, Cat Power and Natalie Merchant are your thing, than you should check out Beth Orton. 

As well as her folk/eletcontric songs, Beth Orton is instantly recognisable by her vocals. Her gravely/ husky vocals not only work on the more emotive, slow songs, but also on the meow upbeat dance orientated sounds. 

Her performances are pretty stripped: Beth doing her thing, with only the accompaniment of one of two guitarists behind her. This simple format however works perfectly for the type of music she writes. She has great rapport with her crowds and often leaves them pretty awe-inspired. 

Tour dates: 

6th April. The Junction - Cambridge
8th April. Newcastle Volvo Tyne Theatre - Newcastle Upon Tyne
9th April. The Liquid Room - Edinburgh
10th April. Leeds Irish Centre - Leeds
12th April. The Kazimier - Liverpool
13th April. O2 Academy - Oxford
15th April. St George's Bristol - Bristol
16th April. Wedgewood Rooms - Southsea
17th April. Royal Festival Hall - London

For more information regarding tour dates and live shows check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/308960-beth-orton/calendar?page=1

The Feeling

The Feeling are one of the first bands I ever saw live.

Although I may have initially only gone to this gig to see the support band The Fray, I was impressed with their performance.

The Feeling are an English pop band from London. To date, The Feeling have released three albums "Twelve Stops and Home," "Join With Us," and "Together We Were Made," and are currently working on material for a fourth album.

Although this band has been on the music scene for quite some time now, they have been pretty much off the radar. Having not released any new material since the release of "Set My World on Fire" on February 6th 2011, a fourth album is in high demand from fans!

When I saw them live, all those years ago I had a great night. Starting the show with a compilation of youtube videos made by bands, the audience were buzzing. After an hour and a half of bopping and singing along to their hit singles (including Sewn, Rose, and Fill My Little World) I and all the rest of the crowd were sad to see it end.

I would note however,  as mentioned earlier, this band has very little in terms of new material and so if you are looking for new and exciting this is probably a gig you should skip.

Tour dates: 
16th April. Varieties Music Hall - Leeds
17th April. O2 Academy - Birmingham
20th April. Manchester Academy - Manchester
21st April. Oran Mor - Glasgow
26th April. O2 Shepherds Bush Empire - London

For further information regarding tour dates and tickets check out: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/The-Feeling-tickets/artist/1035979

Biffy Clyro

One word to describe this scottish rock band: Phenomenal.

Biffy Clyro are a Scottish rock band from East Ayrshire. To date they have released five albums: Blackened Sky, The Vertigo of Bliss, Infinity Land, Puzzle, and Only Revolutions.

Their "Only Revolutions" album (my fav) did particularly well, reaching number 3 in the UK charts and earning them a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize. This album includes the hit singles "Many of Horror," "Mountains," and "That Golden Rule."

This band have recently announced they will be releasing their highly anticipated sixth album "Opposites" very soon. The first single to be released from their upcoming album is "Black Chandelier," which was played for the first time on Zane Lowes radio 1 show on 19th November. If you have yet to hear it, check it out: Black Chandelier

If you have not heard of this band, than shame on you. These boys are true performers and always put on a great show. Despite their success, Biffy Clyro always seem genuinely shocked by the fan base they have built over the years - it is because of this that I urge you to buy tickets asap, as their gigs frequently sell out.

Great talent shared with great personalities - Biffy Clyro always promise a fantastic night of live music. Buy tickets. I will be!

Tour dates:
20th March. Metro Radio Arena - Newcastle
21st March. LG Arena - Birmingham
22nd March. Motorpoint - Cardiff
23rd March. Motorpoint Arena - Sheffield
25th March. Manchester Arena - Manchester
26th March. BIC - Bournemouth
31st March. AECC - Aberdeen
1st April. SECC - Glasgow
3rd April. The O2 - London

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.biffyclyro.com/2013arenatour

Ed Sheeran

This is a pretty interesting guy...and talented too!

Ed Sheeran is a singer/songwriter from West Yorkshire. In 2009 Ed Sheeran played 312 gigs and had to resort to 'sofa surfing' due to having no money. However, Sheeran got his big break in February 2010 when he got noticed by rapper Example, who invited him to tour with him.

Things just kept getting better for Sheeran when in 2010 his already growing fan base rocketed in response to his self posted YouTube videos. Not only did his videos gain him attention, but the likes of Elton John, Rio Ferdinand and the Independant newspaper were all eager to sing his praises, putting Ed Sheeran firmly on the radar for someone to watch out for.

Ed Sheeran performed 5 times at this years Glastonbury and received great reviews. There is no question about it, this boy is on the road to stardom..and you should get tickets NOW!!!

His debut single "A team" reached number 3 in the UK charts after its first week of release and his debut album "+" which was released on 19th September 2011 topped the UK charts for a number of weeks.

In 2012 Sheeran continued his success by receiving Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist, and British Breakthrough of the year. He also recently supported Snow Patrol on their US tour, something that helped build his name and fan base drastically.

 Tour dates
18th - 19th Aug. V Festival - Weston Park, UK
13th Oct. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
14th Octt. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
15th Oct. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
16th Oct. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
17th Oct. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
19th Oct. Brighton Center - Brighton, UK
20th Oct. Newport Centre - Newport, UK
21st  Oct. BIC - Windsor Hall - Bournemouth, UK
22nd Oct. Pavilion - Plymouth, UK
24th Oct. Oasis Leisure Centre- Swindon, UK
26th Oct. Rivermead  - Reading, UK
28th Oct. The Ballroom - Birmingham, UK
29th Oct. The Ballroom - Birmingham, UK
31st Oct. Capital  FM Arena - Nottingham, UK
1st Nov. O2 Apollo - Manchester, UK
2nd Nov. 02 Apollo - Manchester, UK
3rd Nov. 02 Apollo - Manchester, UK
5th Nov. Doncaster Dome - Doncaster, UK
6th Nov. Doncaster Dome - Doncaster, UK
7th Nov. Hull Arena - Hull, UK
8th Nov. Empress Ballroom - Blackpool, UK
12th Nov. Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK
14th Nov. Barrowland - Glasgow, UK
15th Nov. Barrowland - Glasgow, UK
16th Nov. Barrowland - Glasgow, UK


To buy tickets or for more information regarding the rest of his European and UK tour check out: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Ed-Sheeran-tickets/artist/1560779#artist_table_focus

The Drums Music Review

One of my fiends offered me a spare ticket which she had to The Drums in NYC- of course I couldn't say no; so I would just like to say a huge thank you for giving me a ticket to their sold out show.

The Drums support was Mathew Dear and all I will say is: Dreadful!!

Despite the awful support act, The Drums were able to save the night with their great performance. The Drums are a four piece indie rock band from Brooklyn, NY. In June 2010, The Drums released their debut album "The Drums" which includes the songs Lets go Surfing, Forever and Ever Amen, Down By The Water, and Best Friend. Their long awaited second album is due to be released in June of this year.

I had never been to last nights venue (the Knitting Factory) but I really liked it. I enjoy intimate gigs, although the venue was a bit of a mission to get to, it was a great place to see the band up close. The main room is small, with a bar on one side and a merchandise table on the other side. What I like most about small venues is the small amount of  hustle and bustle you have to go through to get a good view of the stage.

Surprisingly last nights crowd was very diverse, there were young children, older people, rockers, businessmen, people on their own, couples and families. Despite the various ages and styles of the crowd, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and danced and sang along to the music.  

To say The Drums are enthusiastic/energetic performers would be an understatement. The lead singer, Johnathon Pierce certainly gets taken over by the music as he waves his arms and dances flamboyantly around the stage. The Drums look every inch a true indie band with their vintage sweaters and shirts, denim jackets and skinny jeans, so combine this with their great song and you have the perfect mix for a great show.

Tour dates:
22nd April. Webster Hall - NYC
3rd June. Dot To Dot Festival 2012 - Nottingham, UK
8-10th June. Rockness 2012 - Inverness, UK

For more information about tickets and other tour dates visit: http://www.songkick.com/artists/162568-drums/calendar

Lead singer, Johnathon Pierce

The Drums live @Knitting Factory