LIVE REVIEW ::: This Many Boyfriends & The Wind-Up Birds at Brudenell Social Club Leeds

This Many Boyfriends chose Brudenell Social Club in Leeds to host their album launch. Much loved by the residents, Brudenell is the premier intimate indie venue in the city. They also chose local favourites The Wind-Up Birds as their support act.

The Wind-Up Birds started their set in a very upbeat manor kicking off with ‘Good Shop Shuts’. Lead singer Paul Ackroyd’s vocals seemed more powerful live. He walked about the stage as if he was delivering an impassioned speech. They then showcased some new material, first of which was ‘Some Gimmicks For You’. Judging by the live performance this track is something to look forward to when it is released as a B side to ‘The Mild Awards’ on the 12^th of November.

They then went onto play ‘Meet Me At The Depot’ which again felt more powerful when played live. With rumbling bass, prominent drums, and Paul’s vocal building into engaging shouting really grabbing the crowd’s attention. New single ‘The Mild Awards’ was next to come featuring heavy fast guitar work and the excellent backing vocals fans have become accustomed to.

Before the final two songs Paul explained how they were about what a mess the country is in. The first track was ‘Two Ambulance Day’, this ambient track with a high energy finish features on Sturdy Records ‘By Hook Or By Crook’ compilation album. The Wind Up- Birds closed their set with ‘Cross Country’. This was an impressive set and proof that nothing compares to seeing a great live performance. I love their latest album ‘The Land’ but hearing tracks from it live they seemed to be even more engaging.

This Many Boyfriends then took to the stage to launch their debut album. They started with ‘I Don’t Like You (‘Coz You Don’t Like The Pastels)’, typically lively and energetic. The vocals and lead guitar were impressive, especially when they played ‘Number One’. Lead singer Richard has quite a flamboyant on-stage persona which really came into view when they played fan’s favourite ‘Starling’. Richard strutted around the stage in a manner that was almost Morrissey Esq.

This was a very tight performance in the bands favourite venue. Throughout they seemed genuinely humbled by the strong turnout as it was their first time headlining in Leeds. They seemed to be truly enjoying their time on stage, drinking champagne at one point to celebrate the album launch.

This album was produced by The Cribs front man Ryan Jarman and his influence was evident with moments of guitar style and shouted backing vocals. The show ended with a flourish, the penultimate track was crowd pleaser ‘Young Lovers Go Pop’. They ended on ‘That’s What Diaries Are For’ complete with Richard running through the audience holding a placard and then collapsing near the mixing desk.

Be sure to catch them on the rest of their UK tour which they are currently embarked on.

This Many Boyfriends:::

The Wind-Up Birds :::