Richard Brabin comes up smiling after a joyous set by a local band with plenty of promise

The feel good factor of music, that thing which makes us tap our feet and nod our heads appreciatively, has become something of a sparse commodity. The diversity and easy accessibility of modern music now means that musicians seem adamant on exploring niche avenues and increasingly obscure practices to create their work. As a result, although we have an ever expanding gene pool of copious genres, the melodies of music, the strong narrative of tune and style, has become something of a forgotten art.

Leader attempt to re-establish this lost practice, writing music designed to bounce down the ear canals and bring a level of simplistic joy which is a pleasing rarity.

As the crowd whoop and caterwaul for the emergence of the local boys, it is clear that enjoyment of fun – and uncomplicated music – is on everyone’s agenda. The six-piece rock & rollers do not disappoint, working through an hour’s worth of catchy numbers which lean unapologetically to big choruses, lots of distortion and plenty of opportunity for audience participation.

The band are tight both in musicianship and performance and build close bonds with their audience throughout their generous set. Their enthusiasm is joyous, as is their appreciation of the audience, who greedily wolf down all that Leader has to offer.

There is perhaps the lack of a contemporary understanding of music and at times there is a naivety to it all which is palpable in the lack of dynamic or tempo manipulation, meaning the music, albeit very listenable, begins to plod and overly saturate as the performance progresses. But in a strange way, as well as being a weakness, it could also be seen as Leader’s greatest strength – their refusal to write anything other than feel-good, anthemic music showing their stubborn aptitude for upbeat, happy go lucky compositions.

As long as people want to go out, have a few drinks, bounce around and enjoy live music, there will always be room for bands of this ilk. Their desire for a fun and energetic live performance is an infectious disease, leading to smiling faces, clapping hands and flailing limbs. Now what in the world could be wrong with that?

Richard Brabin