It's nearly that time again! More stellar acts will again flock to the spectacular Northern city of Leeds for a day of non-stop musical exhilaration. Plus, Live At Leeds 2015 will play host to some stunning new venues, and what better time to experience them?
Without further ado, then, we present to you your must-see schedule for Saturday (May 2nd 2015). It's been tricky to work out this year, however, as every year each line-up gets better and better and this year is honestly no exception. So there may be a few overlaps, but you certainly won't be bored.
The Riptide Movement - Oporto - 12:00
Getting the day off to a low key start is The Riptide Movement at the small but very quaint Oporto bar. The only problem here is that a set from these Dubliners is bound to leave you singing along for the rest of the day ('All Works Out', for example), but it will at least get you geared up for their upcoming debut album 'Getting Through' released on June 1st, which has already been critically acclaimed in Ireland.
Listen to 'All Works Out' (Acoustic) here:
Brawlers - The Key Club - 14.00
Over at the city's newest nightclub, The Key Club, then we have Leeds' own Brawlers who have just released their own debut album 'The Romantic Errors of Our Youth', so the venue will no doubt be packed to the brim with a host of new fans. Not to mention long-time fans of frontman Harry Johns, formerly of The Old Romantic Killer Band and Dinosaur Pile-Up, and bassist Anthony Wright of Castrovalva. If you're not particularly into that fast-paced punk aesthetic, however, you can always continue across the road from Oporto instead, as London singer-songwriter Alfie Connor takes to the Hifi Club with a set of tender indie pop tunes at 13.45.
Listen to 'Drink And Dial' here:
Dry the River - O2 Academy - 14.45
After a good half hour of Brawlers, you might want to cut things a little short and get over to the O2 for Dry The River; a band who performed at SXSW last month following the release of their folksy sophomore album 'Alarms In The Heart'. The atmospheric and powerful melodies from their 30 minute set will certainly set you up for what comes next.
Listen to 'No Rest' from Dry The River's debut album here:
Port Isla - Leeds Beckett 'The Stage 2' - 16.00
Port Isla hit the second stage at the Leeds Beckett union (formerly Leeds Met University) later in the afternoon, a band from Norwich whose forthcoming EP 'A.L.I.V.E' became Radio 1's Hottest Record - and it's easy to see why. Their mix of uplifting lyrics and restful guitars make for an appropriately summery vibe (at least we hope it's appropriate, though early weather forecasts indicate that we'll be lucky to get any sun this weekend).
Listen to 'A.L.I.V.E' here:
Whilk & Misky - Belgrave Music Hall - 17:00
Your next must-see band is duo Whilk & Misky over at the Belgrave. These guys are doing pretty well at the moment, recently announcing their debut headline show for July in London. With the success of their EP 'The First Sip' under their belts and their debut album well under way, there's no doubt they'll be very warmly welcomed in the North. You might even have time to pop over to Leeds College Of Music for a bit of the Bob Dylan-esque Fraser A Gorman at 17:30.
Listen to 'Burn With Me' here:
Honne - The HiFi Club - 18.45
Electronic duo Honne shake things up a bit with their set at the Hifi Club - which happens to have an excellent line-up throughout the day. These guys are being praised across the board and we can't tell you how excited about next week's release of their 4-track EP 'Coastal Love'. The London based musicians have everything; dance-worthy beats, soulful vocals, funky grooves and catchy as hell lyrics. Meanwhile, Raleigh Ritchie aka Jacob Anderson (who'll you'll recognise as Grey Worm from 'Game of Thrones') will be performing more soulful pop at the O2.
Listen to 'All In The Value' here:
Palace - The Wardrobe - 19.30
After their two sell-out shows at Red Gallery in Shoreditch, London, Palace are also floating up North to pack out The Wardrobe in Leeds. They've already been praised on Radio 1 for their newest single 'Kiloran', which comes ahead of their new EP' Chase The Light' out in June, and we can expect to see fans from all over coming up to see these guys this weekend. If not, JP Cooper will be bringing his impressive falsetto and band of instrumentalists to Leeds College Of Music at the same time.
Listen to 'Kiloran' here:
H. Hawkline - A Nation Of Shopkeepers - 20:00
As darkness falls, enjoy a fine ale at the popular Nation Of Shopkeepers bar where Wales singer H. Hawkline will be based. Live At Leeds marks the start of his UK tour with Foxygen, after which he will officially release his electric latest single 'Everybody's On The Line' through Heavenly Recordings. The Kings Of Leon-esque Sunset Sons will be at the O2 if you want something a bit more rock-based, however, and it's around this time the city really comes alive.
Listen to 'Everybody's On The Line' here:
Tobias Jesso Jr - Leeds College Of Music - 20:30
Tobias Jesso Jr leads a very strong line-up for Leeds College Of Music. The Canadian has just released his debut album 'Goon' and is making a splash in the US having appeared on 'Conan' to perform his single 'Without You' featuring Haim sister Danielle on drums. He's also selling out venues over here because no-one can get enough of his sensational piano skills and timeless singing style.
Listen to 'How Could You Babe?' here:
Jagaara - A Nation Of Shopkeepers - 21:00
Back at A Nation Of Shopkeepers, we have dreamy pop from all-female trio Jagaara, who recently unveiled a new single entitled 'In The Dark'. They also celebrated Record Store Day this year with a limited edition vinyl of the song. If you fancy something rock-heavy and lively, Spring King are also worth a look at Brudenell Social Club and Laura Doggett is playing a no doubt ethereal and unique set at the Holy Trinity Church.
Listen to 'In The Dark' here:
COMPNY - Brudenell Social Club Games Room - 21:30
London based 5-piece COMPNY will be playing at Brudenell Social Club's Games Room. They've just unveiled their first single of the year 'Lovers' and have been touring with the likes of The Wombats and Bipolar Sunshine. Also at 21:30 are synthpop Scots Prides who made quite the impact in the UK last year.
Listen to 'Lovers' here:
Thurston Moore - Leeds Beckett 'Dr Martens Stage' - 22:00
Finally, taking to the Dr Martens stage at Leeds Beckett is the legend that is Florida musician Thurston Moore. The Sonic Youth guitarist released his acclaimed fourth album 'The Best Day' last year and is certainly one of the highlights for Live At Leeds. And while we're on the subject of highly established artists, The Cribs will be performing at the same time over at the Town Hall following the release of their latest record 'For All My Sisters'.
Listen to 'Circulation' from Thurston Moore's previous album here:
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