[GIG REVIEW] The Crookes w/ Misty Miller & Affairs, 10th February 2016

I've probably bored my acquaintances over the years stating that one of my favourite places to be is at a live 'The Crookes' gig, last night was no different in Hull's unique The New Adelphi Club.

Before I get to the Sheffield lads, there was the support acts which firstly came in the form of Hull's very own Affairs. I believe these lads will go far and I've have said this for agesss! Hard working and getting technically better with every release, they now have a great repertoire, strong branding and those key stand out attributes (mainly James' dancing but I genuinely mean every aspect of their set aswell)

I posted an interview with the lads on here the other day, ermm just let me find it... Interview. I still forgot to ask about the gravy story!

Catching up with the guys they mentioned some exciting things in the pipeline so if you're in the Manchester area, no doubt you'll be able to catch them sometime soon. You won't regret it:

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Misty Miller was up next and as a self confessed novice in terms of listening to her art, I was intrigued to see what was about to happen when she took to the stage wearing a 'Pixies' shirt, acoustic in hand, strong attitude and not alot else...oh and her boyfriend (i think) on another guitar.

What followed was her undeniable ability to hold not only her voice but the crowds attention with minimal effort. Cleverly constructed lyrics, dare I say, made my head think of 'Jagged Little Pill', whether she would be happy with that comparison i'm not sure but I mean it as a huge compliment.

Totally enjoyed her set though and this wouldn't be the last we would see of her for the evening. Like, follow etc below, you know the drill by now:

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'The Crookes'... well what can I say that I haven't already over the years. I don't think there are many more complimentary terms that I could spit out right now. As a fan, the chaps just have my buy in constantly. They cannot do any wrong in my eyes. **Fanboy Alert**

New Album 'Lucky Ones' has not moved from my playlist since its release a couple of weeks ago, even the morning of my dads wedding I woke up and played him it! He loved it aswell, he knows he did!

In the build up of this gig I managed to grab an informal interview with Daniel and Adam from the band (will be posted on IAI soon) which was a personal highlight for me as I so eloquently told them that they're "my second favourite band".

Anyway this is a gig review so let's do that! A great mixture of old tunes throughout the years and obviously new hits from 'Lucky Ones' kept a very diverse crowd happy throughout. Personally I loved the fact they played "When You're Fragile" which I don't recall hearing live before. I love the lyrics to that song despite being relatively dark.

'I Wanna Waste My Time On You', 'Lucky Ones', 'Roman Candle' and my personal new favourite 'The World Is Waiting' all went down a storm and the guys seemed to be having a good laugh on stage even though George's mic stand was twirling around more than I was with my dodgy dancing.

This new album has some more keyboard/synth sounds thrown in the mix and i'm sure Daniel used these within a couple of older tracks such as 'Afterglow', I may be totally wrong and just never noticed this previously but it gave those hits a new cheeky twist.

You know I said earlier we hadn't seen the last of Misty Miller for the evening? This is because she joined forces with The Crookes on stage to perform "Ex-Lovers" a B-Side of 'I Wanna Waste My Time On You'.



Recorded just using one microphone, George and Misty unintentionally ended up sharing one microphone again but it worked abit better in my opinion as a live spectacle. This was THAT moment mid-gig that the crowd get drawn in and soak up what's happening in front of them. Very special.

All in all a fantastic evening for me personally, especially spotting my face on the front of one of their single covers, no royalties coming my way despite my best efforts but it's safe to say I can't wait to see them live again asap.

If you're not a Bright Young Thing yet then their world is waiting for you here:

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Photo Credit: @JustBrumby87

Many thanks,

Jase Hare

[GIG REVIEW] Lisbon w/ King No-One, Victors & Indigo Velvet @ Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, Saturday 6th February 2016

Either i'm going mad or the Brudenell Social Club has venue has moved. Yet nobody i spoke too seemed to confirm this for me. Anyway despite my uncomfortable feeling that i was possibly at the wrong venue, i instantly heard the reassuring sounds of Indigo Velvet coming from the room behind the bar.

Their sound caught my ears instantly and even made me skip getting an early Guinness in for fear of missing another second of their set stood in a queue at the bar. A couple of people had said these lads were good (shout out to the Lisbon street team @LisbonFC) and for me they didn't disappoint. Technically great, young and enthusiastic, I thought they carried themselves really well. Keep it going boys!

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Victors were next on the bill and they for me personally didn't hit home as much. I can't slate them because they actually played a great little set, there was just that spark missing for some reason that even a couple days after the event i can't quite put my finger on. Maybe the tunes that had the familiar 'ooo's and ahh' sing along sections just made my brain switch off.

That said I genuinely loved the bassist! From the moment go he was just exuberant about being on stage. 1UP on everyone else's efforts.

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What can I say about King No-One that I haven't already. For anyone who has read my previous posts about them will know i love this band so this is going to read pretty samey.

The lads know how to deliver their tunes now with almost surgical precision and I always enjoy a good mic stand twizzle!

The guys played their newest tunes "Stay Close" and "Say My Name" which went down rather well with a Leeds crowd who no doubt will now try pop along to the single launch in the same city. Headrow House / 17/3/16.

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Headline Act - LISBON certainly showed their prowess in terms of headlining an evening of good music by treating the crowd to some sensual, almost seedy at time, proper good indie tunes. The lads know how to get the crowd involved whilst still singing about subjects to make you think.

New tune 'Vice' has a vibe that means your hips move even if you don't want them too! A natural progression from a tune like 'Good 2 Me'. You cannot stop this, nor should you want too. 'Khaleesi' and 'Blue Love' and had the crowd continuing to move and get involved.

In turns out the lads are really really nice guys from speaking to them afterwards and i hadn't realised that I am apparently a doppelganger for Matt Varty (Lead Singer)... see this link: PICTURE

@lisbonjoe was superb at the merch stand appreciating the fact i'd traveled a fair distance, told me to have a safe journey home and chucked a t-shirt at me! On stage he was a class act aswell, as were the rest of the lads.

Would recommend catching them at some point in the near future if you can. Apologies for the poor pictures btw, i'm no cameraman unfortunately so i let the iphone do it's best. Must try harder in that respect but when the bands had my attention all night i always forget to take good piccys.

Hit LISBON up here:

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Jase Hare

[GIG REVIEW] Neuland @ Theaterkeller, Neubiberg

The last 12 months have certainly been full of massive comebacks: with The Libertines reclaiming the stage last summer and The Last Shadow Puppets having just announced their second album, music fans are currently being spoiled by bands reforming. 

Music fans in Germany were equally lucky with German band Neuland taking to the stage for the first time in five years, as they played to Neubiberg's sold-out Theaterkeller. 

The band's reappearance on the German music scene had been awaited with extreme anticipation with tickets selling out within a couple of days. 

When Neuland finally came on stage after what had been a half-decade long wait for their fans the crowd was full of incredible joy and expectation at what was to come. It was obvious that Neuland were delighted to be back on stage with their good mood further infecting the - already partying - crowd. Their energetic, entertaining and exciting comeback showed those who were lucky enough to get a ticket what they had been missing all those years. 

This is a band with more to come - so stay tuned.