Sylosis @ Rio's, Leeds.

Sylosis, once again, are on absolutely top form. Their thundering riffs and powerful vocals enchant the audience right from the off. The completmentary 'scene kids' were of course present on this night at Rio's and certainly did cause a stir in the pit, but fads and subcultures aside, the band are truely one of the greatest new metal bands to emerge from the UK in a long time. I think their perfect combination of pure brutality mixed with memorable, headbangable, hooky treats are sure to impress many a fan of the genre.

The metalcore influence of bands such as As I Lay Dying is present throughout the set, but alongside this, a clear impact on the guitarists' style can be found from bands such as Job for a Cowboy as well as others from the more extreme end of the metal spectrum. There is a staggering technical ability displayed from all musicians, particularly the lead guitarist, who fires out sweep-pick-packed solos with incredible ease, note for note perfect from the tracks on record. He is a truly mesmerising musician; it is certainly hard to take your eyes away from the neck of his guitar as his fingers cruise around all the frets at an astounding rate.

Rio's was absolutely buzzing as the packed out floor moved and grooved to the thunderous band. I'd definitely say it's safe to conclude that a great night was had by all involved; the band and the fans alike. I wholeheartedly recommend Sylosis to any fan of any sub-genre of metal. Mind-blowing.

Lisa Mitchell @ Cockpit, Leeds.

This is the second time I have seen Lisa Mitchell perform her lovely songs in Leeds, this time at the Cockpit. I must regretfully add however, that for me, this performance was overshadowed by that of her last gig. The songs were sung with beautiful charm as ever, but the lack of active engagement from the audience greatly affected the atmosphere of the night. Her voice was flawless, her guitar parts delightful and her band were incredibly tight, but an element of the passion I once witnessed was no longer apparent.

Her cover of the Dire Straits' classic Romeo and Juliet was show-stoppingly beautiful (I shed a tear!) and stand out numbers of her own shone out her musical brilliance through the set (Valium and Pirouette in particular). The gig in November of 2009 at the Brudenell Social Club was so incredibly intimate, with spectators sitting cross-legged on the floor surrounding the stage, that the motionless spectators at the Cockpit seemed to diminish a level of enjoyment for me.

Lisa Mitchell is a truly gifted nineteen year old. Wonder is an album I now listen to at least three times a week; the unique tones of her voice sending shivers down my spine every time. On her next tour I believe by any means possible everyone should definitely check her out, but buy the album first to ensure maximum engagement in the live experience (as the gig goers at this event clearly did not!).

Exit Ten

Here are a couple of photographs I took earlier this month at a gig at Joseph's Well in Leeds. It's the first gig I've managed to go to with my new camera... :)

I adore this band, and as much as I hate to say it (due to the enevitable inafordability of gig tickets and other disadvantages to the success story) they definitely deserve to be absolutely huge. The band are Exit Ten, a five piece from Reading, UK. With vocal sounds similar to hard rock bands Incubus and Alter Bridge, and guitar technicality similar to that of metalcore bands Killswitch and God Forbid, they're set to impress fans of multiple genres. Their anthemic choruses made for an epic night, with the entire audience of the tiny venue singing along with tracks such as 'Technically Alive' and 'Warriors'. For fans of rock and metal alike, Exit Ten are definitely worth a serious listen and bop about to. Fantastic stuff.

Lisa Mitchell

The new album, Wonder, from the ever-growing star that is Lisa Mitchell is (without meaning to be blunt) fantastic to say the least. The former contestant in television show Australian Idol has refined her style from the start of her career, and has produced a unique, jolly and just down-right good record in this new album.

Her folk inspired vocals and acoustic guitar playing define the sound; the sense of purity in her songs is truly enchanting. Songs such as 'Neopolitan Dreams' (recently featured on t.v. ad for Surf washing powder) and 'Stevie' are feel good to the max, with anthemic choruses and a jollity that is utterly contagious. The honesty of the lyrics makes any listener (in my experience- I've been parading her work all over the shop) instantly warm to her charms. Boldness of musical character is shown through her singing of a 'beatbox' inspired phrase at the start of 'Coin Laundry'. This is a record that instantly transports the listeners mind to a happy place, filled with sunflowers and summer time.

At the Brudnell Social Club in Leeds, Lisa Mitchell paid a stop in her tour of the country. The Clifford Village Band (in which I am the saxophonist) opened up the bill, after which she followed with an enchanting set. All gig goers swayed along, many sitting cross-legged on the floor gazing up at the stage in an enchanted wonder at her mesmerising dance moves and beautiful music making. The aestheticly pleasing element of the gig was enhanced by the Australian surfers that made up the majority of her tight accompanying band. A bit of eye candy is always a bonus.

With a sound similar to that of Feist and Regina Spektor, she is a sure fire hit for any pop folk fan. Her natural charm and charisma comes accross beautifully through her laid back tunes. And Wonder, although not a masterpiece, is a truly enjoyable listen from start to finish.

Definitely earns a hearty 4/5 from me.