HL London: Six Girl Bands plus Venkman, The Winachi Tribe and Northern Uproar Drop New Tunes
- Details
- Category: UK A&E, Lifestyle, Culture
- Published on Monday, 26 October 2015 10:19
- Written by Andrea Lynch
Andrea Lynch of Blue Soap Music introduces a dozen new artists dropping tunes this fall including IIana J, following up the successful "England" with a dedication and charity fundraising tune, also, Angelina, The Sunday Reeds, Katie Mac and Irish Solo Artist Niamh Crowther.
A round up of our current roster includes six female singer/songwriters and the ideal time to introduce you to two more - the incredibly talented Irish solo artist Niamh Crowther and Australian band The Sunday Reeds fronted by the band's songwriterRomana Ashton.
Niamh Crowther's voice is memserising, there's really no other word for it. Her track 'Little by Little' has already taken Irish radio by storm and looks set to do the same outside of her home country.
The Sunday Reeds' Romanahas been described as channeling Jim Reid and Marianne Faithful. The band's new single 'Pretty People' follows the success of last year's critically acclaimed EP 'Amour Tragique'
Angeline's 'Black Butterflies' will be played byBlur's Dave Rowntree on his XFM show this Sunday evening. Her EP 'Back to Pike Place' is earning play listings across Europe and America, it's a unique journey from London to Havana taking in the sounds of the streets in both cities.
Katie Mac's songwriting prowess and stunning vocals are showcased by both 'Minutes Into Hours' and my personal favorite of the two 'No Change There' which has been going round in my head all week and I'm still not sick of it!
Hannah in the Wars' beautiful break up song 'Only Wanna Be' was produced by Roger O'Donnell ofThe Cure and details the loss of a relationship that prompted Hannah to leave her home in New Zealand for a new life in London.
IlanaJ'sdebut EP, produced by ex Meatloafkeys player Mark Alexander, continues to win fans through it's open and honest lyrics detailing tragic life events that are underpinned with a message of hope and positivity.
Angel
Ilana J Music
18 November 2015
Ilana J is a British singer songwriter whose critically acclaimed debut EP 'Free Falling From The Ground Up' was inspired by how she feels about her music, which is back in her following a long break; " I am letting the music and the lyrics 'free fall' out of me and am growing every day from the 'ground up' which is intensely fulfilling on a whole new level".
Ilana's new single 'Angel' is released to help her friend Kim who has a 12 year old son with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neuro-development condition which affects 1 in 15,000 live births.
Ilana says "I have known little Josh since he was a toddler and have watched him grow over the years. Josh is a joy to be around and he has a wonderful nature, but with no treatment currently available, he and his family face many challenges both now and in the years ahead.
The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics firmly believes that with the right research effective treatments and an eventual cure can be found. This strongly-held belief drives their fundraising efforts and they are FAST approaching a cure for Angelman Syndrome."
'Angel' is available for free download on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ilana-j/angel
It can be purchased from iTunes for $0.99 https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/angel-single/id1043285103
All proceeds are being donated to F.A.S.T.
The accompanying music video is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycdRMdCvNPU
Social Links:
Website - www.ilanaj.com
'England' video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91MD9R7GvwI
EP Tracks on SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/ilana-j
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ilanaj_sings
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IlanaJ.songwriter
Instagram - https://instagram.com/ilana.j.music/
Angéline
Back to Pike Place
18 September 2015
Lead track: Black Butterflies
Originally from Loire Atlantique in France, singer/songwriter Angéline is now based in London, the city in which she studied for her music degree. She describes her latest EP 'Back to Pike Place' as bold and raw, contrasting with the more traditional nature of her first EP 'Home', released in October 2014.
Writing the songs for 'Back to Pike Place', Angeline explored her ideas through the creation of demos with backing vocals and sounds made with whatever she could find in her room, tapping rhythms on her guitar or desk. Demos were sent to her collaborator Garry Cosgrove who arranged Angéline's tracks, striving to keep her organic sound. This is the key reason why she considers the EP to be particularly interesting. "It was made at home using whatever we had around us. The purpose was not to be limited by money that I don't have, finding a way of creating songs with whatever is around me."
Of the tracks on the EP, Angéline says "'Aama' is a very special song. I wrote it to pay tribute to Nepal using my Nepalese friend's testimony. Knowing how much suffering the earthquake caused I decided to give away the song in return for donations via justgiving.com. All funds go to the D.E.C charity for Nepal.
Inspiration for the EP has also come from Cuba. Angéline wrote these songs after visiting Havana recently to pursue her passion for Salsa dancing. The influence of Cuban beats can be heard clearly in the percussion on each of the tracks, but she also recorded the sounds of the streets, doing the same in London on her return. Those sounds link eack of the EP's tracks, taking the listener on a journey and highlighting the huge differences between her two favourite cities.
Live Dates:
EP Launch party: 13th September - The Floripa, 91-93 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3HZ (Old Street Tube)
Social Links:
Website: http://angeline-music.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/angelinemusicpage
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/angelinemusicpage
Twitter: @Angelinesings
youtube: http://youtube.com/angelinemusicpage
Instagram: angelinephotopage
All tracks written by Angéline Morand with Garry Cosgrove
PRS Details:
Angeline Morand - 730083574
Garry Cosgrove - 731628253
Mixed, produced and mastered by Garry Cosgrove
Photographer : Melissa K Parker
www.melissakharper.co.uk
Artwork : Tina Borkowski
http://www.tinaborkowski.com
IlanaJ
Free Falling From The Ground Up
IlanaJMusic
14 September 2015
Lead Track: Paper Planes, England
IlanaJis a British singer songwriter. Having turned down the opportunity to enter the prestigious London College of Music at thirteen in favour of a more traditional academic education, a successful healthcare career followed, but her soul has always craved a more creative outlet.
Following an extended visit to the US in 2008,Ilanamade the decision to devote her life to songwriting and recording, diving into intensive musical training on both the guitar and the piano, and immediately writing prolifically, as if the lyrics had always been there just waiting to find their way out.
IlanaJ's musical style has evolved naturally, influenced by the likes of Sting, Coldplay and Keane, and although her musical journey has been a solitary one, her passion has brought her to the attention of key people who have worked with her to nurture her talents. A chance meeting with Mark Alexander, ex-keyboard player with Meat Loaf, has resulted in him becoming her producer.
The resulting debut EP 'Free Falling From The Ground Up' is inspired by how she feels now that music is back in her life where it belongs; " I am letting the music and the lyrics 'free fall' out of me and am growing everyday from the 'ground up' which is intensely fulfilling on a whole new level".
The six track record has provided a single which will be released on September 14th 2015. Entitled 'Paper Planes', the track was inspired by her trauma as a teenager when her younger brother tragically died. With the passing of the years the pain has receded and this song is dedicated to his memory with a message of hope and peace. The accompanying video, filmed in New York City, will be released in the first week of September.
Ilana's songs express simple and heartfelt themes of love, joy and real life; influenced by her own life stories and her core values of love and appreciation for the beauty of the world we live in.
Social Links:
Website - www.ilanaj.com
'England' video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91MD9R7GvwI
EP Tracks on SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/ilana-j
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ilanaj_sings
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IlanaJ.songwriter
Instagram - https://instagram.com/ilana.j.music/
Hannah in the Wars
Only Wanna Be
99X/10
14 September 2015
Songwriter Hannah Curwood originates from the stark, remote region of Central Otago in New Zealand. Now based in London, Hannah in the Wars is the result of working alongside Roger O'Donnell of The Cure and a handpicked group of musicians.
Hannah in the Wars' eponymous debut album, released earlier this year, is a collection of beautifully written melodies and emotionally engaging narratives, taking inspiration from life's trials and triumphs and perfectly showcasing Curwood's distinctive and powerful vocals.
Both 'Only Wanna Be' and B-side 'Sweet Release', lifted from the critically acclaimed album, were written following the breakdown of a relationship and Curwood's decision to move half way around the world to start afresh. Of the songs, she says their creation came easily and, despite the subject matter, they have come to occupy a positive space in her mind, particularly after seeing them so well received by audiences on her recent two month tour across the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Berlin.
"'Sweet Release' is a thoughtful tune, beguiling in its simplicity. The smooth violins at the heart of the piece, gives a bizarre sense of unease, despite the lulling tempo. The song, lyrically and musically, gives a feeling of agelessness to Curwoods vocal quality. However, the halting, breathy nature of the chorus brings it right into the modern era. The violin solo has echoes of the style of Warren Ellis (of the Bad Seeds)."
Pure M Magazine
"Every song on the album could be considered a hit song and they all have their own personality and uniqueness with different and creative songwriting twists. Hannah In The Wars new album injects Hannah's heart and soul into each lyric of each song and surrounds her beautiful voice with perfectly organized arrangements that carry her emotional songs to heavenly heights."
Essentially Pop
"I could easily lay in bed listening to Hannah in the Wars on repeat for the whole of the holidays. Lush."
Subba-Cultcha
"The ten songs resulting from this work called Hannah In The Wars is a collection of stories and complex emotional stories told by the author with a powerful and delicate voice that accompanies a wide band including synths, piano and strings."
Poplacara
"The gorgeous "Sweet Release"echoes of the beauty of Laura Marling and Marissa Nadler"
The Revue, Canada
"Evocative melodies for that perfect come-down, chill-out experience after a long night of hearty partying."
Soundblab.com
Social Links:
facebook.com/hannahinthewars
soundcloud.com/hannah-in-the-wars
https://hannahinthewars.bandcamp.com
twitter @hannahinthewars
instagram @hannahinthewars
Katie Mac
Minutes Into Hours
9 October 2015
Katie Mac, a twenty year old singer song writer from Huyton, Liverpool, has been active on the city's music scene for just four months. In that time she and her band have played Liverpool's Sound City Festival, headlined a show for Dave Monks of BBC Merseyside's Introducing and will be opening Liverpool International Music Festival's bandstand stage in Sefton Park on Sunday 30th August.
Katie has also found time to get into the studio with her Producer Jon Withnall to create a timeless yet contemporary sound to suit her unique character voice perfectly.
Social Links:
Minutes Into Hours
https://soundcloud.com/katiemacmusic1/minutes-into-hours
No Change There
https://soundcloud.com/katiemacmusic1/no-change-there
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Mac/973746612644737?ref=bookmarks
The Sunday Reeds
Pretty People
Heartgun Records
12 October 2015
Melbourne based band The Sunday Reeds are Romana Ashton (vocals, bass) and Drew Jones (guitars).
Their debut LP 'Drowning in History, released through UK indie label Squirrel Records in 2009, led to an extensive European tour in 2010 which won the band a huge following but came at a cost. Then a couple, Romana and Drew split up in Paris, the City of Love, an experience that became the inspiration for their critically acclaimed EP 'Amour Tragique', a collection of five songs about love and loss.
Latest single 'Pretty People' written by Romana Ashton, produced by the band and mixed by James Aparicio (Spiritualized and Mute Records) offers an insight into the direction of the album that the duo are currently writing. On one level 'Pretty People' is about cliques and their sense of self-importance, and on another, is a caustic social commentary about our culture's fascination with 'the trivial', celebrity, gossip and fame by proxy.
A video for the single will be released on the 12th of October to coincide with the official release of the track to the public.
The Sunday Reeds will plan to tour Europe in 2016.
About 'Amour Tragique'
"The Sunday Reeds obviously have an innate understanding of the spontaneous and combustible nature of rock n roll as they produce music which exudes an effortless uncontrived cool and a dangerous seductive swagger."
Andy Von Pip, The Von Pip Musical Express, September 2014
"The Sunday Reeds skillfully combine the most exciting elements of rock 'n' roll to create lyrically rich, infectiously melodic songs with a sound distinctly their own. The obvious comparisons are to Debbie Harry, Cher and Chrissie Hynde but Romana Ashton is her own woman with an amazing voice."Bearly Rambling review, September 2014
"Amour Tragique is a sterling EP showcasing a band in full command of their strengths and paves the way for impressive future releases."
Matt Reiner of 'The Dunes', B-Side Magazine, Adelaide, September 2014
"The Sunday Reeds remind me of the Bands from The CBGB's days. Romana has that Blondie meets Nico meets Chrissie thing going on and just enough punk attitude to pull it off , not an easy feat, what a
cool voice! Drew plays the guitar like Thurston, a weapon to release some rock 'n' roll energy…"
50thirdandthird feature and interview, April 2015
About the single 'Jean-Luc' from 'Amour Tragique':
"Jean Luc is a superb piece of rock'n'roll pop noir from Melbourne's The Sunday….bristling blues scales and wholesome 60s pop. It's rich and lush, dark andpoised, ominously teetering on the edge of an emotional immersive collapse but allthe while musically tight."
And So She Thinks review, September 2014
"We've seen a lot of new artists trying to blur the lines between shoegaze and grunge, but they never produce anything that really stands out as signalling a return to Grunge. But if anything is going to give us that signal, it's 'Jean-Luc' by Australia's The Sunday Reeds. It's a total grunge powerhouse of a track, from a band who describe themselves as 'Shirley Manson fronting The Rolling Stones'. We couldn't have put it
better ourselves."
Freshbeats 365 review, September 2014
Social Links:
www.twitter.com/thesundayreeds
www.soundcloud.com/thesundayreeds
www.facebook.com/thesundayreeds
www.thesundayreeds.com
Live Dates:
20th November - The Grace Emily, Adelaide
21st November- The Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
Niamh Crowther
Little by Little
23 October 2015
Following 130,000 streams on Spotify and playlisting on national radio in Ireland, Niamh Crowther releases her single 'Little by Little' on October 23rd.
Niamh came to prominence in Ireland aged sixteen when she beat over 15,000 other young people to claim the prestigious Irish Youth Music Awards. The judging panel included Willie Kavanagh (then head of EMI), Jackie Hayden (founder of Hotpress magazine and the exec who signed U2 to their first record deal) and Will Ryan (Hozier). The accompanying rave reviews and talk about town earned her "one to watch" accolades from Hotpress, and on her eighteenth birthday Niamh found herself on stage with Richie Sambora.
Following the completion of her Leaving Certificate (A Levels), Niamh set about recording in Windmill Lane with some help from Tim Martin (The Corrs, The Commitments, Declan O'Rourke), resulting in the well-received 'Origins' and forthcoming single 'Little by Little' which has already been playlisted on both RTE Radio 1 and RTE 2XM, selected as single of the week by multiple media outlets and featured across 32 radio stations across Ireland.
She has pop sensibilities... a little bit of adventure in there as well. Plenty awaits."
BBC Ulster
"Undoubted Potential"
Song of the day, Joe.ie
9/10
U&I Magazine, Ireland
"The gentle and docile tones are truly chilling"
Pure M Zine
"Outstanding Vocals"
Ceol Collective
Social Links:
www.NiamhCrowther.com
www.facebook.com/NiamhCrowther
www.twitter.com/Niamh_Crowther
Soundcloud stream: https://soundcloud.com/top6/niamh-crowther-little-by-little/
Venkman produce syncopated funk with stunning harmonies - I cannot seem to listen to this EP once, as soon as it's finished I press play again because the music is absolutely mesmerising. I'm so looking forward to your feedback. As ever, please do get in touch if you'd like to arrange live sessions or interviews.
Venkman Kakkorhaphiophobia
16 November 2015
Lead Tracks: Tap Out, Andrew You're Horizontal Again
Venkman are Kate, James, Tom, Danny & Dave who create off-kilter funk from their hometown of Lichfield, UK, citing influences as diverse as Influenced by Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Prince and Thomas Dolby.
Having already been featured on 6 Music and BBC Radio in England and Scotland, Venkman were responsible for the most watched BBC Introducing session ever with their cover of Michael Jackson's 'Leave Me Alone'. They were also selected to feature in the Best New Music of 2015 on their local Introducing show.
The band, who have already played with the likes of Carina Round, Outfit, Turbowolf and Coasts, next play live on 11th November with Dutch Uncles at The Hare and Hounds in Birmingham.
The release of their EP 'Kakkorhaphiophobia' follows the success of their debut single 'Martial Law' and epitomises Venkman's quirky brand of melancholic funk with haunting male/female harmonies.
https://soundcloud.com/venkman-musics/sets/kakorrhaphiophobia
"It's not often an ambitious rock band can mix crazy with melody and pull it off with panache and wide appeal. A prime example is Everything Everything - the ultimate headache band one minute, and inspired melodists the next. Lichfield newbie's Venkman seem to have the secret formula that EE never quite concocted."
Give Pop a Chance
"What's with the British and their impeccable track record of forward thinking bands? From the recent emergence of Alt-J and the XX to the older mainstays of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, it makes me wonder if something's added to the water by Parliament to foster musical creativity. Whatever the cause Venkman, an upstart from the small town of Lichfield in the UK, has found it."
.etmusiquepourtous.com
If "a band named after the best rat on the planet named after a character played by the best man on the planet" doesn't sound appealing to you, then we're not sure how else to grab your attention. Venkman are a five-piece from Litchfield, who mix rocking percussion with melodic vocals to make funked up music you just have to dance to.
Counteract Magazine, Band of the Day
"A deliciously original 4 piece band from the Midlands combining melodic boy/girl Harmonies to a funky back beat with a hint of Jazz and a small dose of rock and pop. This is exactly what I'm talking about when I say in order to stand out from the rest bands need to push the boundaries and experiment with sounds, textures and genres to create and produce their own individual signature sound and Venkman do this just perfectly."
David Durant, Brooklands Radio
Social Links:
venkmanband.co.uk
soundcloud.com/venkman-musics
facebook.com/venkmanmusic
The Winachi Tribe have worked with celebrated producer, LA's Danny Saber, who has remixed their new single 'Plant the Seed'. Danny has worked with the likes of David Bowie, INXS, Black Grape and Happy Mondays. He brings a tribal feel to the track that works incredibly well with the original's funk and soul beats. Featuring percussion Legend Inder Goldfinger (Ian Brown) and Julie Gordon of Happy Mondays, 'Plant the Seed' is the perfect introduction to The Winachi Tribe if you're new to their unique brand of urban soul. The Winachi Tribe are attracting a lot of attention right now and it's very clear to see why.
The Winachi Tribe Plant the Seed
A1(M) Records
25 September 2015
The Winachi Tribe have lifted a second single from their 'Time for Love' EP. 'Plant the Seed' will be released on September 25th on A1M records. The track sees the band collaborating with Julie E Gordon of Happy Mondays.
The Winachi Tribe is a collection of exceptional musicians and producers who have performed and toured with artists as diverse as Ian Brown, Black Grape, Happy Mondays, Massive Attack and The Stereo MCs. They bring together urban swagger, soul and funk to create unique electro-funk grooves; a sonic soul collective who are unrestrained by boundaries or formulas, either musically or culturally.
New single 'Plant the Seed' is featured in a new documentary 'We Own the Dance Floor', which tells the story of the Hacienda and was premiered at this year's Glastonbury Festival. The band will be embarking on a UK tour in October and in the meantime are set to play to the Portsmouth's Victorious Festival on 29th August alongside Basement Jaxx, Tinie Tempah & The Flaming Lips. The 'Time For Love' EP will be launched at Manchester's Ruby Lounge on 27th August, with special guests, Tigerside, Ruby Tuesday & the Happy Fallen. Tickets available here.
A teaser for the video of The Winachi Tribe's performance of 'Plant the Seed' live in London's The Electric Carousel Club is available here:
http://goo.gl/h29vYE
The film captures the band giving a seminal performances in the nation's Capital. West End glamour meets northern swagger in a melting pot of funk and soul in 100 degree heat!
"I believe that we are on the edge of a hybrid soul/northern soul explosion. I think it will, for want of a better word, be the new punk. It's the perfect conduit to express feelings of frustration anger and passion. The Winachi Tribe's tune fits into the picture perfectly. Bring it on!"
Keith Allen
"They are such a great band, they blew my head off when I first heard their music. They have so many angles, sort of a funk revolving door, they are definitely special in their own inimitable style."
Danny Saber
"'Time for Love' brings funk and dance together for a cracking debut release."
Louder Than War
"The song's catchy chorus will become stuck in your head, your foot will more than likely be tapping and you'll be longing for the sun to shine, fun and breezy song that deserves to be enjoyed."
Pure M Magazine
"The Winachi Tribe have carefully handpicked their ingredients, heated the oil, sizzled it all up in the pan and it comes together in a great big pot of the best parts of all your favorite dinners. This is dance party music to throw some serious shapes to"
Subba Culture
"'Time For Love' is a superb first offering from The Winachi Tribe, fusing funk, soul, disco, electro and indie to create one massive groove. Its classy, cool and leaves you wanting more. Think somewhere in between the Happy Mondays and Chic and you are on the right track."
Gig Slutz
"'Time for Love is a magnetism of nostalgia and originality, unleashing a soulfully infectious vibe. Manna for those with a passion of funk 'n' soul and pleasing temptation for those maybe less inclined to swing a hip or two"
Ringmaster Review
"The Winachi Tribe are an Electro Funk Sonic Soul Collective whose influences come from such diverse sources as The Happy Mondays, Grand Master Flash and Daft Punk. A mix of musical styles and cultural backgrounds that keep the band lyrically explosive and musically diverse."
Essentially Pop
"It's like you took Maroon 5, pumped in some testosterone, let them chill in England and then slathered them in funk."
Golden Mixtape
Live Dates
27th August – Manchester: EP launch, The Ruby Lounge, Special Guests & DJ sets
29th August – Portsmouth: Victorious Festival, Portsmouth, opening for Tini Tempa, & The Flaming Lips
5th September – Manchester: Metropolitan University, 'The Second Coming' Charity Event with Aziz Ibrahim, The Clone Roses, Cressa (DJ Set)
7th November – Minehead Somerset: Shine On Weekender, Minehead Arena, Somerset with Happy Mondays, Stereo MCs, 808 State
Social Links:
'Time for Love' Soundcloud
https://soundcloud.com/fms-promotions/the-winachi-tribe-time-for-love-2
'Time for Love' Video Starring Keith Allen and Directed by Adele Myers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5ZPVcJ6auM
'Time for Love' on iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1006725913
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/thewinachitribe
A1M Records Ltd
www.a1mrecords.com
Photography © Karin Albinsson
Northern Uproar are establishing themselves as a band that should never be underestimated with their latest album 'Hey Samuari! The record boasts superb songwriting and incredibly accomplished musicianship. As I've said previously, this is one of my favourite albums of the year so far.
Northern Uproar Hey Samurai!
9 October 2015
Lead Tracks: Outlaws Robbing Trains, Keeps Getting Away, Last Call, Samurai
Northern Uproar release a new album on October 9th 2015. 'Hey Samurai!', the Mancunian band's fifth studio album, is set to impress fans and critics alike, challenging preconceptions through its unique blending of classic indie with Spanish influences, resulting in one of the most compelling and accomplished albums of this year.
Opening track 24 Hrs/24 Days combines laid back funk with the vocal harmonies that first set the band aside from their contemporaries. The Spanish guitar of 'Chasing Demons', 'Jackals', 'Everlasting Rain' and 'Start It All Again' is perfectly suited to Leon Meya's warm, smooth vocals. 'Keep Getting Away' sees the band drawing influences from American Country music and 'Last Call' goes back to Northern Uproar's Britpop roots to produce a tender, uptempo love song. 'Yesterday's Gone, Tomorrow's Not Promised' draws the album to a thoughtful and heartbreakingly beautiful close, juxtaposed with the fiesta-like secret track 'Rodriguez The Bull'.
Northern Uproar exploded onto the Britpop scene in 1995 when teenagers Leon Meya (vocals/bass) and Jeff Fletcher (guitar) began writing music together, recruiting their friends Paul Kelly (guitar) and Keith Chadwick (drums). The band became known for their energetic live shows, earning the attention of the UK music press and a deal from Heavenly Recordings. Barely out of school, they entered the studio with Manic Street Preachers' frontman James Dean Bradfield and producer Dave Eringa to record their eponymous debut album.
Mainstream success came quickly. A handful of Top 40 singles including 'From a Window' and 'Livin It Up' together with their acclaimed album resulted in regular appearances on national media. The release of a second album 'Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today' prompted critics to hail the record as a huge leap forward for Leon and Jeff's songwriting and lead single 'Any Way You Look' was another UK chart hit, but the album didn't fare well commercially and Northern Uproar parted ways with their label.
The band split up in 1999. Leon returned to his Spanish roots, immersing himself in the country's musical culture, however demand for a Northern Uproar reunion grew and fans finally got the news they'd been waiting for in 2004. Leon and Jeff reunited to play two Manchester gigs, delighting the crowd with classic tracks as well as debuting their new material.
By 2006 Leon and Jeff, along with Leon's cousin Noel on drums and friend of the band Chris Gorman on guitar, were ready to start work on a third album. The result was 'Stand And Fight'. Demonstrating a harder edge to their sound and highlighting the band's punk influences, the songs carried a strong air of defiance, capturing the sound of four friends making music they loved, unrestrained by commercial concerns.
A UK tour followed, together with festival appearances in Spain and a few shows with Liverpool band The Coral, at the invitation of vocalist James Skelly. By this point drummer Alex Stubbs had joined the ranks and the band were ready to go back into the studio to record new material, most of which has remained unreleased.
Leon explains: "We didn't really have an interest in pushing the stuff we'd recorded. The music industry is enough to make anyone sick after a while. But we wrote and played regardless because we love it".
Although Northern Uproar didn't split up, Leon's life in Spain meant the band wouldn't perform live again until May 2011 when they were asked to headline 'This Feeling', a Britpop night at The Vibe Bar in London. The overwhelming reaction of the huge crowd present that night led Leon to announce plans to release new material, teasing fans with the possibility of more live shows during an interview with Xfm.
Northern Uproar's fourth studio album ' All That Was Has Gone' was the last album Leon and guitarist Chris would write with Jeff Fletcher who was tragically killed in a road accident in 2014. Following Jeff's passing, Leon took control of songwriting duties assisted by Chris, resulting in latest album 'Hey Samurai!' This album marks a departure from the band's original sound as they embrace Spanish influences and explore Latin rhythms to create an utterly unique, beautiful and highly accomplished collection of songs, marking a new chapter for these hugely talented and versatile musicians.
"Northern Uproar have evolved into unlikely artisans."
Mick Middles
"Outlaws Robbing Trains is a hybrid Balearic tune which mixes all the best of music from the past thirty years"
Tom Hingley
"Northern Uproar have evolved without losing their sense of brotherhood and authencity along the way"
Manc Review
Social Links:
https://www.facebook.com/northernuproar
https://twitter.com/NorthernUproar1
http://www.northernuproar.com/