Coming to The Musician in October 2024

Evangeline Gentle is a Scottish-Canadian internationally acclaimed folk-pop songwriter, performer and vocalist based in Ontario, Canada. Contemplative and affecting, Evangeline’s lyrics evoke lush emotional landscapes within the listener and seek to unite audiences with a sense of “sameness”. A celebration of queerness and queer culture is woven throughout Gentle’s upcoming release Where The Diamonds Are, best heard on singles “Gay Bar” and “Bad Girls”. On this she says “While many have never been to a gay bar, most know the euphoria of getting dressed up to go out dancing with friends. We are inextricably connected by our shared emotional, human experience. I love that songs remind us of this.”

Produced by Jim Bryson (Kathleen Edwards), and mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Philip Shaw Bova (Bahamas, Feist), her 2020 debut self-titled release earned international praise. Gentle was interviewed by legendary host Scott Simon on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday, appeared in Forbes, and received radio play on BBC, CBC, SiriusXM and more.

Evangeline supported headliner Donovan Woods at the 2021 Mariposa Folk Festival, with other standout performances including those at Maverick Festival (UK) and Static Roots Festival (Germany) in 2022. She has supported acts such as Kathleen Edwards, Whitehorse, Tim Baker, Begonia, Terra Lightfoot, Basia Bulat, Craig Cardiff, and Sarah MacDougall.

The Small Faces are without any shadow of doubt, one of the most sensational British bands of the 1960s, and are as much a part of the soundtrack to the fabbest decade ever as The Beatles, The Stones, The Kinks, The Who, or anyone else for that matter!

Hitting the charts as teenage mods with their very first disc, 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It', the four diminutive Cockneys went on to release numerous timeless classics including, ‘Sha-La-La-La-Lee’, ‘Here Come The Nice’, ‘Itchycoo Park’ and ‘Lazy Sunday’.

The Small Fakers were officially launched on a chilly night in February 2007 at a central London shindig attended by fans and associates of the East End's very own fab four, the seminal, sensational Small Faces. The buzz in the audience that night was intense. Could the SMALL FAKERS even hope to come close to replicating the sound, and the look, of the Small Faces.

In association with DreamCatcher Productions:

Last year's event was such a great night, we had to go and do it again! An evening of acoustic Springsteen music played by five of the top 'Bruce' performers in the UK. We are delighted to welcome back Kevin Jamieson (The Bootleg Boss), Darren Driver (The Boss & The Beeston St Band), Rico Richardson (The NE Street Band), Tom Brooksby (Glory Days) and making his debut this year, Jerry Brennan (Spirit of Springsteen).

Demand is expected to be even greater this time around, so if you're a fan of the boss and appreciate great musicianship, don't miss this trove of Springsteen hits, alongside some of his lesser known gems.

Leicester Womens Gospel Choir , Rothley Choir and The Curve Choir present an afternoon of family friendly gospel and popular songs raising funds for the charity KAINE.

All welcome

The Blackheart Orchestra are multi-award winning, multi-instrumentalists Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Plkington. They comprise a two person ‘orchestra’ playing up to 13 instruments in their unique live show. They have been described as a modern day Pink Floyd with influences from as far afield as Kate Bush, Portishead and Cocteau Twins to modern composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass. Their last two albums both achieved Top 20 positions with latest album Hotel Utopia charting at #13 in the UK and winning Best British Album, Best Song and best Female Vocalist in the USA Progressive Rock Awards. The Blackheart Orchestra currently sits on six Best Albums of the year lists in the UK.

“Epic” Uncut

“Ethereal” Daily Express

“Simply one of the most beautiful and powerful artists I have ever seen live” Lee Graham: The Rock Show

“A life-enhancing listening experience”
Louder Than War

“Reaches areas of your head and heart you never knew existed”
Metal Planet

The support on The Blackheart Orchestra Bloodlines Tour will be Dikajee.
Olga Dikajee is a Russian singer-songwriter from near Lake Ladoga in northwest Russia. Her music combines weavings of folk, neo-baroque, neoclassical, progressive rock and more with her new album Forget-Me-Nots.

The Pat McManus Band are a powerful three piece blues/rock trio, headed up by the former Mama's Boys and Celtus guitarist/violinist virtuoso Pat McManus (AKA The Professor) who is joined by long time PMB member Paul Faloon on drums and Plunkett McComb on bass. In recent years Pat has been named as one of the top five top Irish guitarists of all time.

In the very early eighties, Pat formed Mama's Boys with his brothers John and Tommy and within a few years were touring worldwide and playing along with some of the giants of rock. They are perhaps best known for their hits 'Needle in the Groove' and their cover of Slade’s ‘Mama Weer All Crazy Now'. After the passing of younger brother Tommy, Pat and John formed 'Celtus' and were quickly signed by Sony and their music went on to win many awards.

In 2001 Pat decided to take a rest from recording and touring and returned to Ireland, but quickly became involved with other projects and bands. Around 2006 Pat decided to take a more serious approach and form his own rock/blues band and up to today, 7 original albums and 3 DVDs have followed. The band have continually toured over the last 15 years and the story goes on....

COMA ROSSI - Driven by a constant yearning to stay true to its heart and words that look inward, Coma Rossi strives to achieve that contemplative silence and a familiar melancholy wrapped under the atmospheric, saturated guitars, reeking textures from imperfect synthesizers and explosive drum sounds, like when gearing up for a storm out at the sea. Their second album 'Void' (releasing 18th July 2024) meanders through the ebb and flow of egress and ingress. It takes one through the debilitating pain of detaching the self to caress the thick needles of loss. It saddles one with the discomforting grief that hits in waves. It catapults one into a gorge of charred distressing memories. ‘Void' brings in a new sonic atmosphere in the Coma Rossi chapter and impales the listener on the pyre of ruffled emotions.
Their debut eponymous album was released at the end of 2018 to substantial acclaim, and they are now visiting the UK for the first time.
“The most honest way to describe the album is one of the best prog rock albums ever produced… I’m not just saying the best of this year, I’m saying the best ever.” - Heavy Mag (Australia)
“Coma Rossi debut with tremendous melodic sensibility.“ - The Prog Mind (UK)
“Sophisticated, well-thought out, and with every note in the right place” Metal Temple (USA)
“One of my favourite albums of 2018” – The Progressive Aspect (UK)
Supports come from local Leicester based Final Coil who recently appeared in Prog magazine and from London The River,

Steve Tilston, the hugely talented award-winning performer presents an intimate evening of music, featuring unique arrangements of popular folksongs alongside his own critically acclaimed material.Perhaps best known for his song-writing prowess, Steve is also a blinding, dazzling guitarist with a style echoing the elaborate rhythmic “folk baroque” of Bert Jansch and Davy Graham, but also drawing from classical, roots and the tradition to create a stylethat is typicallyTilston.“
...great stuff...great fun, wonderful playing and top songs, what more do you want from an evening.” Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
“A great narrator on top form.” **** The Observer “
...a fine and thoughtful songwriter and singer and a remarkable guitarist.” **** the guardian
“...songs of great heart, delivered with authority and instrumental panache.” **** The Scotsman

Following the success of his tour in early this year, Gaz Brookfield takes to the road once more.

Celebrating 15 years of belligerently refusing to give in!

Since winning Acoustic magazine's 2010 Singer Songwriter of the year, he has spent his time on the road, touring the UK and Europe. In this time he has shared the stage with the likes of Levellers, Seth Lakeman, Frank Turner, New Model Army, Nick Harper, Newton Faulkner, Miles Hunt, and many more, racking up over 1000 gigs to date.

Gaz remains the only unsigned solo artist to sell out The Fleece, Bristol. A feat he as now achieved 5 times. The last three times selling out over 6 months in advance.

Often playing as many as 200 gigs a year, Gaz's relentless and never-ending tour schedule takes him to every corner of the country and beyond. The last few years have seen Brookfield play at over 100 UK festivals, including Glastonbury, Beautiful Days, Bearded Theory, and many more, firmly cementing him as a festival favourite.

A show not to be missed by Neil Young fans when Rust For Glory play Harvest Live in full plus a bonus set of classics & Favourites.

Internationally acclaimed Neil Young Tribute band Rust For Glory's repertoire includes songs from almost every era of Young’s 50-year career, delving deep into the archive, serving up the sounds, feel and spirit of Neil Young’s work, both solo and with his various bands and collaborators; Buffalo Springfield, CSN&Y, The Stray Gators and Crazy Horse.

Performing both acoustic and electric selections, their set list often incorporates Young’s more esoteric numbers alongside celebrated performances of Live Rust era standards. Expect to hear songs such as 'Powderfinger, 'Heart Of Gold', Like a Hurricane and 'Cortez The Killer' to rarer gems from the ‘Ditch Trilogy’ such as 'Walk on', 'On The Beach' and 'Tonight's The Night' and of course, timeless earlier material such as 'Cinnamon Girl', 'Down By The River' and 'The Losing End'.

Paul Walker & Karen Pfeiffer are an Anglo-German internationally touring duo based in Staffordshire and the merger of the Stuttgart and Stoke-on-Trent cultures clearly feeds like a red thread through their show of music, banter and fun. Paul and Karen are offering innovative acoustic folk & beyond, harmony singing accompanied by guitar and woodwind instrumentation, in short: enchanting, entertaining, uplifting, different.

Their show Auf Wiedersehen, Me Duck was presented with great success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the feedback, also to the accompanying album, was wonderful:

"Eclectic, performed with passion and with excellent musicianship" Folk Honey

"Charming, varied and fun" Irish Music Magazine

"An album of class, of enchantment and belief" Liverpool Sound & Vision

Ben Poole is an award winning blues, rock and soul guitarist, singer and songwriter hailing from the United Kingdom. Nominated as one of the best blues guitarists in the world just prior to the 2 year pandemic hiatus alongside names such as Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Joe Bonamassa & many more by the USA’s ‘Guitar World Magazine’ Ben Poole is very much at the forefront of the talent rich blues/rock scene on a worldwide scale.

A now internationally recognised touring and recording artist, Ben has also received critical acclaim from some of the most renowned blues and rock musicians in the world such as Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, John Mayall, Beth Hart, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Walter Trout, Richie Kotzen, Philip Sayce and many more. He has graced the covers of, as well as receiving awards and accolades from, some of the most respected publications and organisations, including being voted in the top 15 best blues guitar players in the world a few years ago by the biggest selling guitar magazine in Europe (Total Guitar Magazine/
Music Radar).

“Truly astonishing” – Classic Rock Magazine

“F***ing amazing!” – Jeff Beck

“Killer!” – Kenny Wayne Shepherd

“Exudes class & prowess” – Guitar Techniques Magazine

Jon Byrd is as old-school country crooner as it gets. Born in Alabama, lived in Georgia and residing in Nashville, he’s got the Southern accent, the hat, and the music chops that thrill audiences around the world - a honky tonk show thousands of miles East of Tennessee.

His duo partner is the legendary Paul Niehaus (Calexico, Iron + Wine, Justin Townes Earle) and is one of the most extraordinary pedal steel players you’ll ever see. Jon + Paul have a brand new record, All Your Mistakes, already drawing widespread critical acclaim.

Amelia White is known in American media as “Queen of the East Nashville Underground.” - No Depression

Critics on both sides of the pond rave about her, from Rolling Stone + NPR to Sir Bob Harris OBE + Ralph McLean of BBC. Amelia’s 2016 record was a Top 10 Country Record of the Year in Telegraph alongside Buddy Miller and Bonnie Raitt. Her new record, Love I Swore, is her career masterpiece, produced by the illustrious Kim Richey.

The critics on Jon Byrd: “Subtly refining the folk-country singer-songwriter template.” - Jewly Hight, NPR
No Depression picks Jon Byrd as their favorite country artist under the radar in 2023.

The critics on Amelia White:

“There’s some good songwriting on this. Check it out, you will NOT be disappointed.” - Ralph McLean, BBC Radio Ulster

“This is the real deal, full of juicy tunes - the woman just oozes cool. With an album as good as this, it’s truly an appointment not to be missed, a chance to see East Nashville’s finest at the top of her game. Take it.” - Americana UK

"The boys are back, Nick, Al and Jimmy return with their unique brand of stompin' North Mississippi Blues, Country and Hillbilly.

"Tonight the lads will be playing 3 sets. An acoustic set to start the evening will be followed by 2 electric sets. Each set will feature a special guest guitarist joining the lads onstage."

Stompin' Mississippi music from the Soar Delta!

Helpings of Blues, Country, Hillbilly and a large dollop of North Mississippi hill country blues have all combined to fuel this unique toe tappin' sound.


Plus Special Guests

Looking for a night of classic rock and heavy metal nostalgia? Look no further than the UK's longest running Ozzy Osbourne tribute band!
For over 20 years, this group of talented musicians has been bringing the music of the Prince of Darkness to audiences across the country. With a setlist that spans Ozzy's entire career - from his early days with Black Sabbath to his solo hits - this tribute band is guaranteed to take you on a trip down memory lane.

So if you're a fan of classic rock and heavy metal, don't miss your chance to see this legendary tribute band live. With their incredible musicianship, high-energy performances and authentic Ozzy vocals, you'll feel like you're front row at a real Ozzy Osbourne concert.

Perfect for those who grew up with Ozzy's music, this tribute band is a must-see for anyone who wants to relive the glory days of classic rock. So gather your friends, dust off your leather jackets, and get ready to rock out to the music of one of the greatest icons in rock history.

Join us for a enchanting afternoon of music and stories, as Jinder and his friends take the stage together. With veteran songsmith Kevin Hewick, and rising star Lucy Bremridge, there is something for everyone. Listen as Jinder weaves his songwriting mastery into his genre-bending music, Kevin offers his understated, absorbing musings, and Lucy delivers a powerful vocal with her frank lyrics.

For music lovers who appreciate the artistry of songwriting and a diverse performance, Jinder's Songwriters Circle is an afternoon not to be missed

Kent born songstress Sorrel Nation brings a soulful mix of folk rock, with powerful
vocals and haunting melodies. She engages audiences with emotive lyrics, 70’s inspired style and is known for impressive covers of Gillian Welch, Fleetwood Mac, Portishead. Sorrel has performed at well-known music venues across London and the South East, supporting folk legends such as Dave Swarbrick, Martin Carthy,Madison Violet, Gemma Hayes and rock legend Tom Hingley.

She has performed at Glastonbury Festival, Black Deer Festival and tours the festival circuit over summer with The Magic Teapot music venue.

2024 sees new music released by Sorrel, a single featuring Steve Balsamo (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Storys) in May, a live EP in July and a studio album in October supported by a trio/band tour with many more festival appearances too including Cambridge Folk Festival.

and yes… Sorrel Nation is her real name.

Virtue In Vain are a Metalcore band based in South Wales

Virtue In Vain have established themselves as one of the strongest upcoming bands following the release of their debut EP ‘For All You Know Is The Mask I Wore’

Having extensively toured the UK, they followed up with the release of their second EP 'Dusk // Dawn' and their latest releases 'The Whispers Of Sleep' & 'Preservation'

Virtue In Vain have made a name for themselves portraying the raw aggression in their music while putting on a highly energetic show that won’t be forgotten

Martha has constantly experimented with her writing and musical parameters. Her songs flow with the journey of her life and creativity. Most inspired by our interconnectedness with nature and with each other, her open-hearted questioning shines through the songs. From folk songs she has known since childhood to piano ballads and the odd cheeky bit of trip-hop, to see Martha live is to connect with longed-for parts of ourselves...

Martha and band have toured the globe, sharing their sparkling melodies, filmic movements, and earthy baselines. They opened Glastonbury festival acoustic stage, released 9 albums, and had an awful lot of magical adventures! Martha has also sung as a guest with artists including Zero 7 and has written/directed the award-winning feature film ‘The Tape’. She is currently working on her new album, writing the next feature film, and swimming in the Cornish Sea.

“It is an engrossing set.. (Martha) captures both the harshness and enchantment of life, with the salt of sea air almost palpable.” - The Guardian

“Sit down with a cup of chai tea and let her silky voice wash over you.” - The Independent

“She has probably the purest voice I have heard and at times it sent shivers up and down my spine” Lee Allen, BBC

This gig is at The International ( Home of The Musician 2) Garden Street Leicester LE1 3UA

Hands of the Heron is a dreamfolk trio from Bristol, UK. Their instantly recognisable vocal harmonies are delivered by three frontwomen - Bec Garthwaite, Beth Roberts & Claire Vine - each of whom brings a signature writing style to the band's mercurial sound. They move effortlessly between sparse choral folk and spellbinding chamber pop, richly layered with an assortment of strings, drones and reeds. Their long-awaited second album 13 Moons was released in February 2021 on their own DIY label Cuculi Records, and has been praised as "a wondrous collection of curious story-songs, choral singing and carefully layered instrumentation" (Joyzine) with "songwriting mastery that perfectly delivers reverberating folk-pop" (Tap The Feed). Esteemed jazz critic Ted Gioia recommended 13 Moons as one of his top recordings for 2021.

Wynona Bleach are an Alternative Rock band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Formed in January 2018.

Formed in January 2018, Wynona Bleach began after a 12-date Russian Headline Tour under their former name of R51.

Prior to this, they played BBC Introducing stages at Reading and Leeds festivals, supported Feeder, and performed on a televised anniversary of the BBC’s Introducing music show in Northern Ireland at a sold out show in the Ulster Hall alongside Therapy, SOAK Villagers and The Divine Comedy.

Don’t miss out and get your FREE tickets now for this unforgettable performance

This gig is at THE INTERNATIONAL Garden Street Leicester

Marisa And The Moths are turning heads with their unique alternative rock sound and powerhouse female vocals. Marisa's lyrics delve into heavy topics such as mental health, toxic relationships, trauma and sexuality, resonating deeply with her fellow misfits and anyone that has ever dealt with similar hardships.

Since the release of their self-titled debut in 2019, the band has gone from strength to strength, culminating in their second album “What Doesn’t Kill You”, released May 2024, reaching No. 1 in the Official UK Rock and Metal Charts. Their latest album has been described by fans as a deep therapy session you want to singalong with at the top of your lungs.

Both albums have received rave reviews from press outlets like Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, and Kerrang!, and radio plays from mainstream shows such as BBC Introducing Rock on Radio 1, BBC Radio 2's Rock Show, Kerrang! Fresh Blood, Planet Rock, Total Rock, and Primordial Radio. They have also recently recorded a live session consisting of songs from both albums at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, which will be released later in 2024.

Marisa also features on Sophie Lloyd's new album, “Imposter Syndrome”. The album was nominated for best Breakthrough album by Heavy Music Awards, 2024. Their collaboration single "Won't You Come" dropped in November '23, alongside other singles by the likes of Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Chris Robertson (Black Stone Cherry), Matt Heafy (Trivium), and Michael Starr (Steel Panther).

With previous headline tours under their belt, support slots for artists like Kris Barras Band, Von Hertzen Brothers, Those Damn Crows, As December Falls, and Elvana, as well as appearances at festivals like 2000 Trees, Planet Rockstock, and Primordial Radio's General Mayhem, Marisa And The Moths are ready to take the rock world by storm and redefine the genre with their electrifying performances.

"Marisa Rodriguez is a superstar"- Metal Hammer UK, Issue 387"

If she sings like that, then I want to be just like her too" - Nels Hylton - BBC Radio 1

"Marisa Rodriguez has the power of Lzzy Hale, the pitch and clarity of Christina Aguilera and the range of Amy Lee. You can’t help but be mesmerised by just how good she is"- Devolution Magazine.

"Marisa Rodriguez is my new found voice of 2024" - Metal Planet Music

"Sharp, chunky modern hard rock that makes you think of Halestorm, Foo Fighters and In This Moment, alongside touches of various classic rock heavyweights “ - Classic Rock Magazine, UK Issue 269

La Villa Strangiato is a originally Italian project born as a tribute to Rush, mainly to revive their music from the 70s and 80s, formed by Gabriele Ferrari in 2010. With the help of musician friends, they performed their first show in Rome in March 2011, dedicated to the album ‘Exit Stage Left’. After going from strength to strength playing around Europe and headlining Rush EuCon (the European Fan Convention) in the UK in 2014, and with Rush’s 40th anniversary being recorded in 2015, they toured Europe, the production titled “Rush 40”. LVS toured “Signals Under Pressure” and were invited to play at Rushest in Scotland, with original Rush producer Terry Brown in the audience. In 2017 the tour was a tribute to “2112” and at Rush EuCon they played with Terry Brown once again. 2018 was the “Stranger Spheres” (Hemispheres) tour and 2019 was “A Show Of Hands”. For 2020 they had prepared “Permanent Changes” but after only a few shows the tour was postponed due to the pandemic………..resuming from mid-2021 until the end of 2022.
During that season the band will make a big change in the Line Up and in addition to the founding member Gabriele, will be made up of top musicians from the United Kingdom. The band will subsequently return on the road in 2023 with the DIFFERENT Men on STAGES tour where they will enjoy a great success around all Europe…..and expect the unexpected with a fantastic collection of Rush material from the new 2024 Tour Crush Under Pressure!!

Why are we fundraising for Gaza?

Gaza was turned into a closed camp by Israel in 2007. Of 2.2 million people living there less than 30,000 had permits allowing them to pass out of Gaza. That made Gaza into a gigantic open prison.

The people lived for 16 years totally dependent on aid. Since last October Israel has laid siege to Gaza. Aid supplies of food, water, medicines and clothing have been ruthlessly restricted. In Gaza 42,000 people have died, most of them women and children. Almost 100,000 have been injured by indiscriminate bombing and shelling. The World Health Organisation has declared Gaza a victim of an artificially created famine, imposed by Israel, with malnutrition rife. Now Polio has become a threat to the children.

Supporting the charities that are working to make a difference for the trapped population of Gaza is a moral and human necessity.

Our charities, Medecins Sans Frontieres and UNICEF (The United Nations agency for children) are there on the ground. They provide vital on the spot medical and surgical support for victims, food, water and emergency aid for all and vaccinations for children. A brilliant collection of bands and speakers raising funds for Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and UNICEF.

Featuring :-
Gestalt
Code Switch Theory
Courtney Askey
Wonky Portraits
Caroline Mclavy
Bad Toaster
Supersonic
Damon Gibbons

Speakers
Shockat Adam (MP)
Sharmen Rahman (GreenParty)
Chris Willars (LoTUC)
Helen Lentell

Wishing Sammy Snail well and a speedy recovery! @Bad Toaster have unfortunately had to pull out of the day. We are all bitterly disappointed that they are unable to play as we love them!

Marquee Square Heroes perform the music of Fish era Marillion; including the song that starts with a G. Headed by legendary Neo prog rockers Mark Colton (Credo) and Andy Faulkner (Twelfth Night and Jump), as well as an additional crew of seasoned session musicians, who have performed on Billboard top ten records and US festivals. Marquee Square Heroes will revive the memories of grease paint masks and stilettos in the snow, with an additional homage to Marquee club in Wardour Street London.

This gig is taking place at The International Garden St Leicester

Naomi Bedford’s unique voice has long gathered support from all corners of the musical fraternity. Her emotive hybrid of plaintive British folk and high lonesome Americana has gained plaudits from such diverse artists as Peter Buck, Shirley Collins, Chris Difford, Linda Thompson, Iggy Pop and many others.

In a series of albums with musical partner Paul Simmonds (The Men They Couldn't Hang), Naomi has forged a clear modern identity as both an interpreter and creator of folk song. Her last album Singing It All Back Home was a Guardian Folk Album of the Month and she is a previous BBC Folk Award nominee in Best Original Song category.

Her latest project, The Ramshackle Band, brings all her influences into a larger ensemble setting; a mix of Transatlantic Session and Country Fair revue. In the Ramshackle style, a rolling cast of musicians come together to create a vibrant celebration of both Bedford’s voice and the folk and country styles that she inhabits so authentically.

"Amazing, Naomi pulls no punches" Iggy Pop

"Naomi is the best singer of Appalachian ballads that i know" Shirley Collins

Folk Album of the month - The Guardian June 2019

Town of Cats are an ever-mutating municipality of musical misfits, grown in Brighton’s grubby and fertile Petri dish. To hear them is to be transported by the transformative power of the best parties. The ones that set fire to your zero-hour contract and remind you that change, real change, can come from the most ordinary of places.

Wordplay careens between raised-brow punnage and righteous indignation at the state of the nation. Funk rhythms dare you not to dance, coloured by boiling blasts of brass and a guitar that warps from crystalline chicken-scratch to face-melting prog. Whether the keys belong to some sleazy lounge act or the Mothers of Invention is up for debate.

Town of Cats started as a winking, whimsical set of backstreet fables. They’ve coalesced into a battle-hardened groove and a well-worn but vital message: when we stand together, we break down walls.

Emerging from the same art/design cauldron that produced fellow Leeds legends Soft Cell, Scritti Politti, The Wedding Present and The Mekons, CUD were the pre-Britpop answer to doleful shoegazing bands – fun-loving, light-hearted, romantic and downright groovy.

CUD are indie rock gods for the unpretentious pleasure seeker, boasting as they do the rich deep-lunged voice of Carl Puttnam, edgy guitars of Mike Dunphy and tight, funky rhythm section of William Potter (bass) and Gogs Byrn (drums).

CUD were initially lauded for their quirky Peel session cover of ‘You Sexy Thing’ in 1987. They soon built up a huge live following and buffed up their repertoire with a string of unstraight pop beauties, best exemplified by the 1990 album ‘Leggy Mambo’. This led to a major-label deal with A&M in 1991, front-page NME coverage, massive sellout gigs and proper Top 30 hits, ‘Rich and Strange’ and ‘Purple Love Balloon’.

Misunderstood by record companies and press, CUD packed away their guitars and sticks in 1995 but, bolstered by a greatest hits anthology (‘Rich and Strange’) in 2006, they agreed to tread the boards again, with a further reunion following in 2012 (now with original guitarist and key songwriter Mike Dunphy) and continue to find an army of ‘Space CUDets’ still eager to sing along, dance like fruitcakes and invade their stage.