Hamburg Demonstrations

Not content enough with bringing back the Libertines in 2016, enigmatic front man Pete Doherty is back yet again with a new solo LP, entitled Hamburg Demonstrations. The LP is not available until early December to the public but we grabbed an exclusive copy to give you an insight on what to expect.

For those not used to Pete’s music, this is the second solo album he has released. Like the first this record captures the heart and imagination of Pete and the world we currently live in. From the exciting opening track of ‘Kolly Kibber’ to third track ‘Birdcage’ the sound is iconic and fresh. The same can be said for next track, ‘Hell To Pay At The Gate Of Heaven’ but the lyrics are more hard hitting, reflecting the terrorist attacks currently effecting the world. This leads on to an emotional tribute to Amy Winehouse in ‘Flags From The Old Regime’. The middle part of the album could be the weakest of this body of work but will more than appeal to diehard fans. Current single ‘I Don’t Love Anyone (But You’re Not Anyone)’ is a brilliant representation of this album as a whole and would not look out of place in a Tom Petty or Adam Green compilation. The album closes on one of my favourite songs off the record, ‘She Is Far’, as the track highlights the romantic and beautiful side to Pete’s writing.

This is a record which reflects both on topical events and the classic signature sound of Nick Cave; however, it has been brought forward to the 21^st Century by Pete with his eclectic eye. Hamburg Demonstrations is just a taste of what Pete Doherty has to offer as a poetic lyricist and master of his age. Pre-order the record now to see what it is all about.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://twitter.com/petedoherty

A Grand Gig

After being around for just over a year the two piece of, Lets Eat Grandma have accomplished so much from Jools Holland to releasing their debut album to a flood of people, they will be the band on every ones lips come next year.

With that in mind and after picking up their album I decided I must see this spectacle in person. So I headed down to Leeds to see the band support Anna Meredith at Belgrave Music Hall. Not only was it my first time in the venue, a brilliant restaurant/venue similar to Headrow House, it was my first time seeing all three bands.

First band, XAM DUO are no stranger to Leeds venues and no stranger to a large crowd it seems as they demonstrate the ability to capture the audience’s attention by becoming one with their instruments. Think of the ambient sounds of Gold Panda to Apex Twin and you will not be far from their sound.

The second support and reason we are here is, Let’s Eat Grandma. From the enigmatic stage entrance they stun the audience jumping from instrument to instrument within a batter of an eye lid. They play a set far too short, with tracks from their debut album and a new one titled Believe (I think). They have little interaction with the audience but this is certainly forgiven in these early stages of their music, as they grow as stage performers.

Main performers, Anna Meredith and her band equally capture the audience’s attention with their unique and eclectic rhythms. This topped the night off with a bang and rapturous applause. This show was one of them, I was there moments and wouldn’t change it for the world.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://letseatgrandma.co.uk/

The Show Lies Skyward

Some new bands falter by wanting to replicate what has come before, however with new prog-rock band Foes, they are setting out their unique style by reaching skyward harnessing galactic melodies.

Three supports open the night up tonight, the first is a cool local band who’s name is all but a bitter at the moment and fail to grip me. The second is a band I have championed before with their impressively wild yet beautiful set they leave the audience stunned and wanting more. On to the equally talented touring band, Siamese all the way from Germany. There set is one for headline shows, as they fire on all cylinders gaining new fans each show. It could be there catchy tunes or the introduction of a violin to this metal environment. They came, saw and conquered tonight.

Foes maybe a new band on the scene but the members have a lot of mileage, having toured across the country in many a different bands they have both experience and practice at putting on a show. Tonight’s show demonstrates their professional yet talented musicianship as they take the show skywards, it might be a small show to them but to them it feels like it’s their biggest to date. Their supersonic songs are backed up by brilliant showmanship, bring the audience into their world. This is what live music was made for.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

https://www.facebook.com/foesuk/

More Than A Ullage

After jetting around the world the Eagulls are back promoting their new album, ‘Ullage’ on their home turf of Yorkshire.

Tonights show is a welcome return to Eagulls, selling out the Adelphi tonight was easy for this band, but it was the support acts that sealed the deal. First act tonight was a last minute addition of the Eagulls driver, a kind humble gent know as 99 Watts, who is simply enjoying playing with this keyboard and pedals. Second support should need know introduction, it is home grown lads, Life. With this being a warm up show for their Slaves UK and European tour they don’t hold back providing a raucous set from start to finish.

Touring support and arguably join headliners is Protomartyr from Detroit, their set was certainly unique as plough through a long list of tracks. Their show was not for me as it did little to excite me. As for actual headliners, the Eagulls provided a much better soundtrack for the night with their melodic sounds and captivating chords. Playing songs off both albums they capture and inspire the audience’s attention from start to finish. The Eagulls are a great representation of the quality music scene the UK has to offer at the moment, and this has been recognised further as Eagulls spread their wings again, touring Asia as part of culture showcases on behalf of British arts council.

This is one band who will flourish as their shows grow bigger and bolder.

https://www.mixcloud.com/thisishybrid/

http://www.eagulls.co.uk/eagulls/