I attended Live at Leeds 2018 last weekend and had one of
our busiest days yet. On top of going to photograph for Denim + Leather I was
also photographing for Festival Republic. This meant that I wasn’t able to catch
a lot of the bands I wanted to see as I was given a schedule, but none the less
I always enjoy watching bands I’ve never really listened to perform. Even if I
walk away having decided they weren’t for me it’s good to be in the moment and
pick out the things I do enjoy from their set.
(The Horrors)
Live at Leeds is by far my favourite inner city festival,
and this year the sun was beaming down and showing how beautiful Leeds is. Everyone
in the city was full of good vibes and music filled the air, whether it was walking
past a venue or just a busker on the street. It was the perfect day for LAL
2018.
For Festival Republic I was asked to photograph Easy Life,
Bloxx, The Magic Gang and The Horrors. On a personal note, where I had the time
I went to see The Shrives, Demob Happy, Peace, Rival Bones and Bad Sounds.
My highlights from the day:
I decided to go see Peace
in honour of my 17 year old self, the only time I had previously seen them was
at Leeds Festival 2014, way before I appreciated music in the same way I do
now. Though the lighting was terrible (from a photographer’s perspective) which
always puts a damper on a set. Peace kicked it off with loads of their old
bangers which was a pleasant surprise. I was singing along in the photo pit, it
was a good upbeat vibe and the entire room was loving the return of Peace.
I got down to Church in time to catch the last few songs of Bad Sounds whilst waiting to photograph
The Horrors. Admittedly I had never listened to them before, but they put in some
of the best on stage energy I had seen all day that they’ve gained a new fan.
The Magic Gang played
at the O2 Academy, it was probably my favourite set of the day, yet again I
have to admit I hadn’t listened to them before. But their set was so upbeat and
fun and had the entire room dancing, since then I’ve had them on repeat. They’re
a change of pace to the music I would normally listen to, but they’re jams are
perfect alongside the sunshine we’ve had the past few days!
Rival Bones are absolutely always spectacular, it doesn’t natter how many people are in the room
you will never see them give anything other than 110%. They played at Santiago’s
bar and they created a great atmosphere, had a lot of people dripping in sweat
by the end and over all were just the loud blues rock goodness you want!
The Shrives are a
band I have been waiting a long time to see, I wasn’t sure what to expect from
their performance but every song was diverse and their set was full of variety,
you were never bored. They played on the Briggate Dr Martens stage, kicking off
the day. They were really exceptional, they released their single ‘Crash Me’ a
few days ago and I highly recommend you check it out.
Last but not least, Demob Happy came on shortly after The
Shrives as a guest performance. I’d never heard of them before and they were my
favourite discovery of the day. I can’t wait to catch them at Liverpool
Calling, and I’ll be sure to head to any of their gigs near me in the future!
Review and photography by Holly Beson-Tams.
“Sunset Sons lit
up a dark and sweaty O2 academy with some great summer anthems. Had the crowd
singing and dancing along till the last note.
Local lads Fizzy
Blood sent The Key Club crowd into cahoots with their intense but groovy
alt-rock style. Tonnes of cowbell, even more riffs, and a fantastic mosh pit,
great fun.
Avalanche Party
put on another mesmerizing live set at The Lending Room, a set that deserved to
be watched by thousands, but the busy room in awe of their pulsating sounds.
Easily, one of the best underground garage bands in the country. How far can
they go?” -James Brown’s highlights.
Post a Comment