Across the border (Dros Y Ffin), a night of Yorkshire and Welsh musicians sharing electronic, punk and alternative music at a staple of the Leeds gig scene, Hyde Park Book Club.
I was drawn to this gig by Welsh four-piece Slate, being only familiar with their music when I stepped through the door. The evening utilised the venue’s two spaces, The Snug and The Basement, and I spent my evening hopping between the two. There in the snug, a room of electronic escapism, three acts featured – SHINOBii, Jessie Marcella and Kiosk.
I was enlightened by SHINOBii’s welcome to escape and feel the music.
The bedroom producer serenaded the audience with soft-sounding guitar and ambient synths.
Jessie Marcella had yet to start her set, but her cheery attitude as she welcomed people in made it almost feel like a family gathering. Like SHINOBii, Jessie was surrounded by cables and keyboards, which she danced across as she rocked through the music.
Her set featured tracks off her upcoming EP, with two ambient day tracks and two dance night tracks. Her first two tracks of swelling synths and rain sounds were cinematic in nature, offering a moment of calm release.
On the other hand, the two day tracks switched the atmosphere up; her energetic attitude got people moving, and though The Snug was cosy, it truly felt like I could have been in a club. The dance music scene is not a place I find myself in, but Jessie Marcella made me want to indulge.
The final act in the snug, electronic duo KIOSK, comprised of Isabella Alcock on synth and vocals and Rory Malsen on Bass.
Their song ‘Heaven Sent’ reminded me of New Order’s track ‘Blue Monday’. Their stoic persona boded well with their darkwave sound.
In the basement, my evening started with Yorkshire band Divorce Finance, a five-piece with a frontman known as Mr Discipline. He was notably adorned in a military garb, and the band performed a psychobilly set. Engaging the crowd with their cool country riffs and getting people moving was a great way to start the evening.
Next to hit the basement was Clitspit, a Leeds-based 3-piece.
Their set featured feminist punk-rock songs that you don’t have to dig far to understand what they’re talking about.
They’re clear with their messaging, so you know exactly where they stand, touching on themes such as rape and the Otley run attack.
Mellt, a Welsh four-piece originally formed in Aberystwyth and now based in Cardiff, were friendly and chatty, asking if anyone in the audience tonight was Welsh too.
Their sweet-sounding rock music was reminiscent of music you would find in a coming-of-age film, with songs sung in both Welsh and English. Both vocalist’ voices complemented each other, and their addition of a harmonica furthered their look.
Next, the act I had been waiting for, Slate.
Throughout their set, in the loud and quiet moments, they had command of the room.
Frontman, Jack Shephard, had complete hold on the audience as he spoke, which subsequently fell into their debut single Tabernacl.
The guitars are reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine, and you can clearly hear their influences, the likes of Cocteau Twins and other 90s rock bands, while they also bring something fresh to the table.
The final band of the night, the 113, were drenched in red light, which reflected well with their punchy melodies and racing, rhythmic guitars. They honestly blew me away. Their distinct post-punk sound of brooding bass and rapid rhythmic guitars had everyone rocking along with them.
Photography by Holly Hemingway. Main image – Jessie Marcella.
