Out of Spite XII

So…I’m a bit slack at the moment but eh, what can you do?  I went to Out of Spite XII in August and saw some of the finest bands the UK has to offer (though the whole ‘undercurrent’ of showing how we don’t need big foreign bands to make a gig was lost when PAGE OF PUNK TORE THE GODDAMN ROOF OFF THE PLACE).  It was amazing to see a band like Bangers headline who I’ve seen go from their first Brighton gig where their ‘sound’ was a bit vague to the tight, confident band who had a packed out Brudenell singing along.

Anyway, there’s better reviews elsewhere but here’s some footage from the weekend:  First up we have a video of SOUTHLANDS on their first jant up North.  Comprised of former/current members of Circus Act, Chillerton, Jets Vs Sharks, Livers & Lungs and You Me & The Atom Bomb they had a lot to live up to but for me they exceeded all expectations and even as a big fan of their past bands I enjoyed Southlands much more than any previous outfits any of them had been in.  Looking forward to some more recordings soon.

Southlands

Well it wouldn’t be a Leeds punk gig without the Mag’s.  When I moved up two years ago I was looking forward to getting to see them more and I’m still not bored yet.  Just getting better and better and with the addition of Beefy on bass at OOS (and hopefully in future?) the band put in a great set (as you can see)

The Magnificent

Finally for this post, the icing on the cake, the best till last (you get the picture).  WOODERSON are a band I’ve always been aware of, Sam has also been around in the DIY scene as has helped out past bands of mind so I’ve always tried to keep up to date with his band.  I’ve always enjoyed them but never really made a massive effort to go and see them if they were playing a ‘bit too far away’ but after seeing them at OOS the game has changed.  As far as I’m concerned Wooderson are right there at the top of the DIY scene right now and they really are a band that can go as far as they want.  I have little in the way of comparison but to me they evoke Fugazi, Embrace and maybe even Husker Du, Big Black and Naked Raygun at times (tenuous but I think it’s in there!).  Basically make up your own mind, they have very kindly allowed me to give out a live recording of their set from OOS XII for free, so download HERE, enjoy and then go and buy their new album ‘Let The Man Speak’ from Bombed Out.

SPINES & Helen Chambers – OOSXI

SPINES & Helen Chambers – OOSXI

I went to Out of Spite 11 this weekend just gone – it was my first experience of this legendary Leeds festival and it met all expectations; I got to see the Car Bar (and evern Car Pub!), met up with a load of friends I haven’t seen for ages, meet some great new folk and see some incredible bands.  There were some cracking bands that I hadn’t seen before (JR and Coal Train especially) but I can honestly say I didn’t see a shit band all weekend, it was great to see the new Southport line up and Bangers, The Arteries and Protectors all played the best and most appreciated sets I’ve seen of them yet.  Pylon blew me away beyond all expectation and I’m just gutted I wasn’t able to record more of the weekend (damn you Duracell!).

I did get a video of Spines, which is Lloyd (Blocko/Southport/Ruin You!), Lee (Dauntless Elite/Joe 90/Homebrew) and Rob (sWord/Joe 90)’s new band, so take a look and see what you think.  Then below that is Helen Chambers playing ‘Sofa’ on the acoustic stage, finally starting to get the recognition that she deserves.  Enjoy!