In-store and Independent: Sea Girls and The Vaccines take The Wardrobe by storm

GryphonEditorAdm on 18 September 2021

Crash Records’ album release shows have always been some of the not-so-hidden gems in the Leeds live music scene. Illustrious artists in an intimate setting, with the ticket price seeming almost too good to be true. We visited The Wardrobe to catch two indie-rock staples: a rescheduled Sea Girls date as they rapidly approach their second album, and a release day party celebrating The Vaccines’ unique sixth installment. 

Sea Girls: Wednesday 8 September, The Wardrobe

By Seth Fowler

Sea Girls took to the stage with an emotional start. The gig was originally planned for November of 2020 as an announcement for the launch of their new album at the time Open Up Your Head. After a few heart-warming words about being back in business from the lead Henry Camamile, the band kicked off the night with an absolutely phenomenal rendition of ‘Transplant’ one of their new songs.

This was only the start of an incredible night of talent, as the band attempted to pack in as many songs as possible. A few stand out moments were of course the amazing opening ‘Transplant’, as well as a couple of classic and personal favourites ‘Ready For More’ and ‘Closer’. These heard an appropriate reaction from the crowd of Leeds, with plenty of singing along in the main centre area of the venue. Despite the small size of The Wardrobe, it offered a nice and friendly atmosphere in close proximity to the band that was perfect for the hardcore fans.

This was something which Sea Girls did not fail to take advantage of getting right up close and personal with all the front members; although not as close as they would have liked after a disappointing apology from the band that they were unable to join the fans after the gig, due to COVID-19 precautions.

Luckily they made up for it with an incredible final few songs, with the highlight being their newest song to date ‘Sick’, which saw the best reaction seen from the crowd all night; lightening up the atmosphere in a strong last effort. This was, as per the usual, helped along by Rory Young and his insane dance moves while playing, and being the heart of the movement in the band.

If you can’t wait to see Sea Girls then don’t fret because they will be hitting Leeds again very soon at the O2 Academy Leeds, on Wednesday 20 October 2021, with tickets on sale here.

The Vaccines: Friday 10 September, The Wardrobe

By Rishi Shah

As for The Vaccines, there was no time for a pandemic pun or small talk — it was full steam ahead with the tight, rapid live show that their fans love so dearly. Frontman Justin Young’s bulging eyeballs and relentless charisma captivated what has now become a slightly older crowd, as the band celebrated the release day of their sixth offering Back In Love City.

Only The Vaccines could cram sixteen songs into a one hour set, with the more daring setlist choices tailored perfectly to their hardcore fans. ‘Handsome’ and ‘Your Love Is My Favourite Band’ were notable sing-along highlights, and there were significant offerings from their debut record such as ‘Wetsuit’ and the immortal ‘If You Wanna’. Whilst the band showed no signs of ageing, the usually raucous Leeds crowd was a little lacklustre on this occasion, perhaps due to The Wardrobe’s relatively small standing pit within the constraints of its majestic balcony setup.

We were treated to a variety of new material, which sounded colossal in a live setting thanks to the thumping tones of guitarist Freddie Cowan, a pleasant surprise given the slightly vacant feel to the studio versions. An American, Josh Homme-esque swagger translated in the grooves of ‘Wanderlust’ and ‘El Paso.’ ‘Jump Off the Top’ — a track the band have showcased live many times already – proved an energetic modern replacement to former setlist stalwarts ‘Wreckin’ Bar’ and ‘Norgaard.’ 

Whilst the album is definitely a divisive split from their sound of old, this live show epitomised just why The Vaccines have stayed at the top of their game for so long.
You can see The Vaccines live at O2 Academy Leeds next Saturday 16 April 2022. Tickets go on sale here on Friday 17 September at 9am.

Co-written by @seth-fowler and @rishishah90

Header image credit: @sarahoglesby_creative on Instagram

The Warehouse Project Announces Phase Two for their 2021 Program

GryphonEditorAdm on 18 September 2021

The Warehouse Project, the mesmerising series of club nights in Manchester, returns with an announcement for even more new shows. Details for phase two of the WHP21 program have officially been revealed to the public. The line ups are looking absolutely amazing, and tickets are on sale from the 16 September, at 10am, here.

After Phase One showed us exciting announcements from the likes of Four Tet, Jamie xx, and Megan Thee Stallion, Phase Two sees even more huge names curating their own special events, with six hypnotising new shows added to the bill. With critically adored acts like The Chemical Brothers, Solomun, Bicep, The Blessed Madonna and many more…

It is an exciting announcement as it marks the first time The Chemical Brothers will DJ in Depot’s hallowed halls, despite being Manchester natives. The trippy genre benders will push boundaries, and you won’t want to miss out on the historic evening.

The event we’re anticipating the most is the Boiler Room, a name which already carries a lot of weight, headlined by garage legend DJ EZ, on the 19 November, and also features the insane soundscapes of Dr Banana and Interplanetary Criminal behind the decks. Bicep is also one you should not miss on the 5 December! We managed to catch their set at Parklife, as well as Jon Hopkins’, who is also on the bill. It is definitely one to look out for.

If you’re desperate to know more, and find out about the rest of the line-ups, check out the complete calendar here.

Header image credit: The Warehouse Project

Squid take you on a sonic journey through the Bright Green Field

Benjamin Forrest on 20 May 2021

Brighton-based quintet Squid have slowly been releasing tracks since back in 2016, with some notable highlights being the 2018 single ‘The Dial’ released on the cult label Speedy Wunderground – who would later release their incredible ‘Town Centre’ EP, and the 2019 single ‘Houseplants’ which received a lot of airplay on BBC 6 Music. More locally, Squid made waves playing a blistering good set at Hyde Park Book Club as part of Live at Leeds in 2019. With the amount of hype built up around the band, it was very possible that their long-awaited debut Bright Green Field(released via Warp Records) would feel somewhat underwhelming, but fortunately for us Squid delivered one of the most original and exciting albums we will see in 2021. 

Squid are one of the few bands around at the moment that never seem to sit still, constantly jumping from one sound to the next – just as you think you have gotten used to their sound, you are jolted in completely the opposite direction. This is perhaps why, with every new release, Squid seem more individualist and bohemian. Bright Green Fieldincorporates elements of jazz, punk, psychedelia, funk, post-punk, dub and everything in-between; it is a beautiful sonic menagerie and an excellent listening experience. 

The album kicks off with the atmospheric ‘Resolution Square’ which sets up the experimental tone of the album perfectly before blending seamlessly into the ‘G.S.K.’. The first track and its transition to ‘G.S.K.’ really signifies that Bright Green Field is not merely a collection of songs but a perfectly handcrafted album; a listening experience in which you are transported to this frantic and slightly weird world for just under an hour by the means of blaring horns and dystopian lyrics. ‘Narrator’ is a definite highlight within the album, the 8-and-a-half-minute epic encapsulating much of what is so brilliant about the band. The tempo can change on a sixpence, building to what seems like a climax before stopping dead in its tracks. The unpredictably chaotic nature of the track coupled with the contrast between the frantic vocals of Ollie Judge and the (initially) gentle tones of guest vocalist Martha Skye Murphy combine to form an exigently compelling track. Furthermore, the fact that ‘Narrator’ can exist on the same album as the experimental electronic track ‘Paddling’, the Krautrock influence of ‘Peel St.’ or the dream-like psychedelia of ‘2010’ and still have the album flow so seamlessly as though it were one continuous song is testament to the musical brilliance of Squid. That being said, Bright Green Field really works best as an album – none of the individual songs on the album would work particularly well as a single release, or at least they would not have the same impact as they do when listened to within the context of the full album.

Bright Green Field is a prime example of a genuinely exciting band at their very best. From the cover art to the mixing, there is seemingly nothing that could be improved on this album. The only worry is that it will be a difficult album to follow, but then again, if anybody can do it, Squid can! The band are set to play Brudenell Social Club on August 31st, it will be interesting to see how their new material is performed live but based on their Live at Leeds set from 2019, it will be a great show regardless.