Bank holidays are not to be sniffed at on any occasion, but a May Day weekend in Leeds has become an enviable proposition in recent years. Live at Leeds returns to stages across the city between May 2 and 5, with Albert Hammond Jr, he of the Strokes, among those sitting pretty at the top of the bill.
Elsewhere, acts from across the musical spectrum will rock up to venues including the Brudenell Social Club, Cockpit, the Town Hall and stages at Leeds Uni and Leeds Met, bringing an international flavour to a city that already boasts one of the most diverse, vibrant music scenes in the country.
Here, we take a look at just some of the delights to be found across the weekend, from the earth-shatteringly noisy to the cheerful and introspective.
Frank Turner
The location and time are a secret for now, but it’s important to note that one of the UK’s only arena draws will turn out solo over the course of the weekend. This will be a return to Turner’s roots and, as we all know, his rabble-rousing folk-punk works just fine in a stripped back format.
Pulled Apart By Horses
One of a number of Leeds exports on this year’s bill, Pulled Apart By Horses will play the Brudenell Social Club on Saturday night as part of the DIY Stage. Their stop forms part of a UK club tour as a warm up for the release of their third album. They expect it to get sweaty.
The Hold Steady
At around 11.30 on Saturday night, Craig Finn will lead the Hold Steady out at Leeds Uni’s Stylus. The band recently put out the excellent ‘Teeth Dreams’ and have in their locker the sort of songs perfectly suited to a cathartic singalong late in the day. Drunk and exhausted but critically acclaimed and respected, indeed.
The Amazing Snakeheads
The Amazing Snakeheads will tackle a slot at Brudenell Social Club just prior to Pulled Apart By Horses and promise a similarly intense experience. Having just released their excellent debut, this Glaswegian trio will turn in a performance that teeters on the edge throughout.
Tennis
This husband and wife duo offer something of a change of pace and deal almost exclusively in melodic pop nuggets. They’re on at the Wardrobe on Saturday night, armed with songs from their recent ‘Small Sound’ EP on Communion.
Fuck Buttons
Over at Leeds Met, things are set to finish in (incredibly loud) style. Fuck Buttons, Bristolian duo Andrew Hung and Benjamin John Power, will bring their intoxicating mix of electronics and post-rock stylings to the party on Saturday night, where you can expect experimentation and fearsome noise in equal measure.
Pup
One of the most gleefully exciting new punk bands around, this Canadian quartet will bring songs from their brilliant self-titled debut to Stage 2 at Leeds Met. Expect to sing along and fall in love with their massive melodies and four-part harmonies.
Rae Morris
One of the abiding joys of festival-going is seeing future stars before it all gets a bit stratospheric, and Rae Morris could be a pub story for you in future years. Listen to Skin and tell us we’re wrong. She’s set to play Leeds College of Music on Saturday evening.
DumDum Girls
Before you set off, it’s important to come to terms with the fact that DeeDee Penny and DumDum Girls are much, much cooler than you. Once you’re fine with that, head down and enjoy their goth-pop, which just can’t help itself when a tasty, romantic melody slinks by.
I Like Trains
Count on these local types to deliver something epic at Leeds Town Hall. With the venue itself both imposing and beautiful, their brooding sounds will complement the occasion perfectly.
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