Live Review: Jonny Quits EP Launch

A few weeks ago I went to go and review Jonny Quits' EP launch gig with John. Sadly John's camera packed in and no photos were taken, all the ones on this post are from the bands' Facebook pages. I also did a short interview with the guys from Jonny Quits, the sound bite of which is available on Soundcloud now here (follow us on Soundcloud for new music from the bands we cover), the interview will also be typed up and sent to Leeds Music Scene and posted right here on Villainous Folk as well.

As always you can find Villainous Folk on Facebook and  Soundcloud

The night consisted of great music from AVACET, Test Transmission, Bad Names and of course Jonny Quits, as well as the DJ'ing and afterparty from Kaleidoscope:

AVACET:

Tight indie rock that felt genuinely professional. Seemed like the kind of band that could support a bigger band of its genre - akin again to Wild Nothing. Played songs that I hadn't heard which all sounded very good indeed. They also played a new track which soon after surfaced on their Facebook page called 'Play Your Cards' (listen below)

Facebook / Soundcloud / BandCamp

Test Transmission:

Very big sound, and in my opinion superior to the EP, by far saw the most energy on-stage of the night from the guitarists, the number of effects peddles were also dazzling. Played most of the EP as well as an sort of interlude which showed a new-found versatility possibly slightly hidden on the EP. A review of their EP by Villainous Folk can be found here and you can listen to the lead single 'With You' below:

Facebook / Soundcloud / BandCamp - Get their new EP here

Jonny Quits:

Next up were Jonny Quits, at the time I was confused why they weren't on last, not that it mattered, in my opinion the best band of the night. It was tight, expressive, professional and sounding close to an early Pink Floyd and if they keep up the way they're going then they will hopefully start to move towards that in terms of recognition. They definitely seemed like a band you would pay to see.

Facebook / Soundcloud / BandCamp - Buy their new EP here

Listen to the lead track from the EP 'Drive Around Him' here.

Bad Names:

Your classics rock band, of which there aren't enough getting recognition these days. A throwback to how rock music used to be, 4 guys having a good time on-stage  making loud, catchy music with as it seems a very devoted fan base, a perfect end to the night of bands.

Facebook / Soundcloud / Website

Kaleidoscope:

Unfortunately I didn't stay till the afterparty as getting back to skipton was a priority for the night, however enjoyed the choice of music between the bands including; Warpaint, St. Vincent, Jefferson Airplane and many other great tunes.

Kaleidoscope DJ monthly at the HiFi club in Leeds.

Facebook




All in all, it was a brilliant night and for me really highlighted how diverse the genre of 'Rock' can be, with four brilliant rock bands but all with distinctive and brilliant sounds in their own right.

9/10 This review can also be found at Leeds Music Scene - Here

EP Review: Jonny Quits and EP Launch Preview

Jonny Quits are an Alternative-Rock band formed in North London but the twin brothers in the band Jon and Chris Beagley soon migrated up North where their energetic live shows have given them another large fan base, rivalling that of their native London. The band now play live shows in both cities to great reception see here for a clip on NME's website of a show at the 360 Club in Leeds - a venue in which they played to Alan Raw from BBC Introducing, and have headlined venues in London such as The Buffalo Bar in Highbury and Islington.

They cite their influences as ranging from The Kinks to Tame Impala and Jack White, influences which certainly show in their eponymous EP, without seeming unoriginal in any way, giving a new twist to the sounds of the 60s, and incorporating genres from Blues and Psychedelic to Garage Rock and Folk. The band call the EP 'for the 21st century kids who wish they were born 50 years ago' and they certainly achieve that and when nostalgia is as good for bands as it is these days, you will be hearing a lot more of them.

Jonny Quits EP (Released 18th February 2013)

The EP starts with a great opening track 'Drive Around Him' which moves from a pleasantly jittery opening and shifts time to an up-tempo rock song with some great riffs and is catchy in all the right ways. The EP then moves into more psychedelic territory with 'I Don't Know' which has more fuzz than you can shake a stick at and towards the middle of the track takes a trip into some really surreal melodics before coming back down to earth. This psychedelic feel continues for the rest of the EP with the song 'Alice', reminiscent of the classic 'White Rabbit' by Jefferson Airplane and containing some lovely guitar tones. The EP closes with the song 'Oh You' which is very stripped down, laid back and almost eerie at times, drenched in reverb but a perfect end to the EP, rounding it off nicely.

The sound that this EP gives out is very accomplished, very faithful to its influences but still maintains a lot of originality and creative flare. This also is a nice change from the deluge of Indie-Rock bands (not all of which are bad by any means) that seem to be appearing all over Leeds and the rest of the UK. Another note is that the EP comes with a make-yourself origami boat, which is a really surreal, quirky touch that I enjoyed a lot.

8/10

The band can be found at:
Facebook
Bandcamp - Digital download of album

Contact: Jon Beagley - jonnyquits@hotmail.co.uk


Gig Preview: Jonny Quits EP Launch Party, Live at 360 Club Leeds + support and DJ set @ Kaleidoscope

The band are pre-releasing copies of their EP at a launch party on Friday 15th February (see address below) and will be joined by support from; ACACET, Bad Names and Test Transmission. I will be doing a live review of the gig and also will be having an interview with the band beforehand. It sounds like it will be a great night, get your tickets while their hot.

360 club is at:
The Library (upstairs venue)
Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 3AP
Doors 8pm - 11:15pm

Get tickets here -Jumbo Records

AVACET: Very melodic and atmospheric Indie-Rock that I'm looking forward to seeing live. They also remind me of one of my current favourite bands 'Wild Nothing'. This track is definitely worth a download.


Bad Names: Great Alt-Rock which is reminiscent of REM with elements of psychedelic rock, can't wait to hear more.


Test Transmission: Post-rock inspired music with a very effective two vocalist combination with very nice harmonies. They also have an EP out which you can listen to and buy here - which I will also be reviewing.


Mason