Last night’s battle of the bands final not only showcased the diverse talent of our students, but also proved that £2 can buy you much more than a pack of Haribo and a Dairylea dunker.

The Graduate was the setting for the evening’s festivities and cheap tins of Tuborg the tipple favoured by many of the chequered-shirt sporting punters. Opening act Rag-Tags decided to kick things off with a folksy set of covers, including violin-soaked takes on well… Aha’s ‘take on me’, Britney Spears’s ‘toxic’ and Linkin Park’s ‘numb’ to name a few. Playing songs familiar enough to keep everyone singing along, but sufficiently tweaked to prevent them from sounding stale, Rag-Tags set the tone for the evening, which was interpreted by most as get pissed and have a great time. And who’s going to argue with that?

Follow-ups White County Line unleashed their visceral breed of two-piece rock fanfare, dryly jesting that their band would be bigger if they had more friends…aww! However, it soon became glaringly obvious that their small size didn’t restrict their sound, as the two quickly commenced hurling tornadoes of distorted guitar and crashing drums into the audiences’ faces. A beast comprised of grungey vocals, intricate riffage and pounding rhythms, White County Line didn’t so much warm up the crowd as smother it in hot sauce.

Other notable performances included that of the disturbingly named Joss, Owen and the Dirt Brown Cowboys. This cracking five-piece reminded everyone that blues isn’t just an old man’s game and provided a stellar performance consisting of both classic covers and original material. Impressively tight considering this was only their second performance, (the first being the previous heat) these ‘cowboys’ would be better described as shit-hot rather than dirt-brown. Delivering a toe-tapping set dripping with colourful licks and soulful kicks, …the Dirt Brown Cowboys ensured that spirits were high enough to graze that awful decor hanging from the ceiling.

It was from blues to jazz thereon with the talented ZSQ taking the stage, which from what my tattered notebook can tell me were ‘awesome’. Although, if memory serves it was not until the subsequent two bands brought on the funk that the student population really started pulling shapes. I am of course referring to TC’s Funky Nuts and previous winners Funk Regulators, both of which came, saw and slapped bass. After a climatic, albeit cheesy rendition of Will Smith’s Wild Wild West, some thought the …Regulators had done it again, but no! What’s this? The Rag-Tags have scooped first place, with the filthy-arse whadjamacallits a close second?! Crikey. Now where’s that last Tuborg…

Ashley Martin

Broadway Calls have had an exceptionally busy year. Supporting The Offspring at Brixton and playing both the Reading and Leeds festivals reflect a band on to something big. With new album Good Views, Bad News under their belt and string of dates supporting Set Your Goals over here in December, the punk rockers from Oregon are steadily becoming a band you’ll want to know more about.

Good Views, Bad News was produced by Bill Stevenson who has worked with the likes of NOFX, The Lemonheads and Rise Against. Stevenson was no doubt a positive influence on the record, Ty Vaughn (Vocals, Guitar) says ‘he helped me realize what I’m good at, what my strengths are, and what I need to work on as a songwriter’. The band describes this second album as ‘an intentionally shorter, more focused record’. Broadway Calls have no doubt progressed since their self-titled first album, jokingly announcing ‘we put every song we had on it’. This is not an approach the band sought to repeat on Good Views… a record they claim demands more than a few listens.

With a new album in tow the band took to our shores, to test out their material on fresh faces. If anything will open a band’s eyes it will be playing to a massive crowd of drunken Brits at the Reading and Leeds festivals, an experience they describe as ‘insane’. From the sound of it these were nothing short of dream performances for the American punk trio: ‘In the states you grow up hearing about Reading and Leeds and how it’s this huge, amazing festival, and it all true’. The band also seem slightly taken aback by the positive response and enthusiasm from the UK audiences. They put this down to the great support slots they’ve played with bands like The Offspring and Alkaline Trio, but this comes across as a modest answer from a band perhaps a little shocked by their own success.

When asked how Broadway Calls differs from others on the scene, they deliver a lot more confidence, pertaining that ‘There’s not a lot of three piece pop punk bands that can tour with All Time Low in the UK… do The Warped Tour, and then a small club tour with…Polar Bear Club’. This no doubt illustrates a band with lot of friends and a great deal of widespread appeal. ‘We’ve opened for huge bands, and played your biggest music festival. If after this next tour you still haven’t seen us, what’s your excuse going to be?’ Well…who can argue with that?

Broadway Calls will play the following UK dates:
December
Tuesday 8th Academy 2 Oxford
Wednesday 9th TJ’s Newport
Thursday 10th Rescue Rooms Nottingham
Friday 11th The Cockpit Leeds
Saturday 12th King Tuts Glasgow
Sunday 13th Academy 3 Manchester
Monday 14th Academy 2 Birmingham
Tuesday 15th Wedgewood Rooms Portsmouth
Wednesday 16th Islington Academy London

Flood of Red. Photo from www.nme.com

Flood of Red’s debut record ‘Leaving Everything Behind’ sees the band leave behind their post-punk/screamo roots and adopt a much more melodic style. Their website refers to their old sound as ‘primitive’, describing this new release as “an honest album reflecting on what life is like growing up in small towns in the central belt of Scotland”. With this in mind, you’d probably expect the opening act here in Leeds to compliment this newfound sound. Well you’d be wrong, as openers ‘Wolf I Am’ hit the stage, thrashing around all long hair and baggy t-shirts.

In a vain attempt to warm up a less than impressed crowd, members from the band jump down from the stage and prance about amongst the audience, swinging their instruments and grinning. They resemble attention-seeking children vying for their parent’s recognition, not rockstars. After a barrage of nonsensical screaming and sloppy thrash riffage we are greeted by a second support group, ‘Tonight We Fire’.

These guys are completely different in sound and appearance. They look much more like an organised outfit, although their breed of punk rock-meets-synth pop is almost too cute to stomach. It’s all very puke-inducing, but admittedly some of the tracks do get people interested- just too catchy to resist.

As ‘Tonight We Fire’ come to a close, we wait for another support band (yes three) before headliners Flood of Red. ‘Goodbye For Now’ almost kill the atmosphere off altogether, as people start filing out into the other room. I don’t think this is so much due to the fact that this band are bad (they’re not), but the audience are growing impatient. Goodbye For Now play the old melodic, heavy, melodic, heavy routine well, but no one is really interested.

Time for the headliners. ‘Flood of Red’ appear onstage and crack straight into new single ‘Home Run’ full of life and ready to let loose. The soaring chorus and ambient guitar playing, reinvigorate an audience grown tired, many are now even singing along (a feat which proved much too taxing for them earlier on).

Without pausing for breath, the band launch into the aptly named ‘Paper Lungs’, a track which contains a truly killer riff and keeps spirits raised high. Before addressing the crowd, vocalist Jordan Spiers gestures towards the sound technician, indicating that his mic is up too high (a problem which would continue throughout). This is perfectly understandable as his Glaswegian banshee wail does seem to have glass-shattering capabilities (we wouldn’t want to be knee-deep in Fosters now would we?). Once technical issues have been amended Spiers thanks the audience for coming and plays another chunk of songs, including golden oldie ‘Oh Yes There Will Be Blood’.

This seemed to be a fairly out-of-step selection, as Dale Gallacher (keyboards) unleashed his own brand of guttural screaming for the majority of it. Hardly a sound choice for a band wanting to demonstrate a toned-down, reflective direction. Nonetheless the audience dug it and were rewarded with a climatic performance of ‘Little Lovers’ (which saw almost every member on percussion) to close.

Bar 122, opposite Wilkinsons and next door to Home Bargains, on Huddersfield High Street

Bar 1:22

Bar 1:22 (not sure what the name means), located just opposite Wilkinsons, is a great place to go to immerse yourself in the local music scene. Every Tuesday the pub hosts an open mic night which is well-received by newcomers and regulars alike. Performers are always treated with upmost respect- the bar staff often ask customers to be quiet whilst they are playing, preventing potential talent from falling on deaf ears. The small size of the venue adds a sense of immediacy and warmth that helps put both the punters and the musicians at ease. Notable performers include: Enter Shikari, The Feeling and The Pigeon Detectives. If you’re a fan of acoustic music or think yourself the next Jack Johnson/Elliott Smith, then come on in and get involved.

The Parish

The Parish, on Kirkgate, is basically a gathering place for those of you who like your music heavy, hard and fast. Don’t let the tough exterior of your average parish-goer put you off though, the general vibe of the place is warm and inviting. Despite sporting tats, spiky belts and piercings, most of the people you meet here are just up for a laugh and share a common interest – music. The bar staff can often be caught laughing, joking or just singing along to the tunes being played, providing the bar with a relaxed, tongue-in-cheek atmosphere. The P2 venue situated behind the pub has put on the likes of OPM and Blaze Bayley whilst not turning a blind eye to up and coming local artists.

http://www.myspace.com/parishpub

The Grove

The Grove, located just north of the bus station, is what some might refer to as a classic British Pub. It offers a great selection of ales and plays hosts to all sorts of live music. The bar staff are friendly and always welcome local talent. They also have a handy little website with details about upcoming events and tipples. So sit back, browse the beer menu and prepare yourselves for an evening filled with friends, fine ales and folk.

http://www.groveinn.co.uk/

Sleepers Bar, opposite Tesco car park near the railway bridge, provides a little more sophistication

Sleepers

We students aren’t particularly renowned for our sophistication or wealth, but that’s not to say that we can’t enjoy the odd bit of jazz at a flash bar. Now you will be paying over £3 for a pint, but that blow is somewhat softened by the great live music you can go and see twice a week. Every Tuesday Sleepers holds the ‘Live Lounge’, inviting people to come and perform acoustic music, whilst Thursdays you can usually find some jazz. The bar is situated opposite Tesco’s car park, far from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. Okay, so you will have to walk a little way to get there, but on the plus side you won’t find yourself shoulder to shoulder with the next pisshead to fall out of the nearest club. Whilst Sleepers may attract a more mature audience, it’s certainly not unwelcoming. If you’re into jazz/acoustic music check this place out, if you’re not, well there’s no time like the present.

http://www.sleepersbar.co.uk

The Head of Steam

Now this place is definitely the easiest to find. The Head of Steam is positioned within the main buildings of the Huddersfield train station, making it a great stop-off point during your travels. Every Monday at 9pm the pub puts on live blues, with different acts performing each week. If blues isn’t your thing, pop down on a Wednesday (same time) to catch some brilliant jazz shows. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the four room layout means there is enough room to cater for a large party of friends. Makes for a great meet up spot and if it’s not your thing, you can always hop on the train to Manchester or Leeds. Handy that.

http://www.theheadofsteam.co.uk