Carl Barât at The Cockpit - 22nd Oct 2010

Carl Barât first blasted onto the musical radar as co-front man of The Libertines, a band who’s performances where as energetic and angst filled as their songs. When The Libertines spilt, Pete Doherty went on to incite fame through court appearances and rehab, leaving Carl Barât to enjoy critical acclaim with Dirty Pretty Things.  The group however dispersed after a few years and Barat declared he had ‘had it with bands’. A bout of severe depression and an operation to remove a benign tumour (which left him partially deaf) followed. For most people it might have been enough to have them turn their back on the music industry altogether but it seems Barât was determined to come back fighting.

Island Life Tour at The Venue - 7th Oct 2010

Students at Leeds College of Music got a real treat when Island Records latest signings came to the College to perform and answer some questions. Unfortunately Tinashe wasn’t able to make it due to a blown tire, which is a shame as having a quick listen on his Myspace he has seriously funky sound, part Plan B, part Arctic Monkeys.

The Joy Formidable at The Cockpit - 6th Oct 2010

The stage setting gives little indication of the auditory attack that is about to happen when The Joy Formidable start their eagerly awaited set. A huge banner covers the whole of the back wall of the Cockpit Room 2 leaving no one in doubt of the main event for this evening. The stage is decorated with glowing orbs inside birdcages and creeping up the lead singers’ microphone stand and the crowed are piled into full capacity.

Cherry Ghost at The Brudenell - 5th Oct 2010

The Brudenell was the perfect choice of venue for this gig, intimate, unassuming and with fantastic acoustics. With the band so close you get a sense of accessibility missing in larger gigs, even after the gig the band even comes outside for some air, happily chat away to fans and graciously accept the thanks of the audience.