These snippets of our reviews should tell you why we’re very much looking forward to seeing these artists again, with just three weeks to go.
Enter Shikari at First Direct Arena February 2024 – words by Daniel Tomlinson; photography by Emma Gibbon

“Confetti falling. Pyrotechnics sparking. Amplifiers blasting. LED screens flashing.

Never before have I seen such pageantry in the display I saw on this Friday night in February. Enter Shikari put on the show of a lifetime, making full use of the mass amounts of space and scenery provided in the First Direct Arena.

The main event saw Enter Shikari do what they do best, but with so many spicy and innovative techniques I’ve never seen before. When I say that a band “blew the roof off”, you can tell I’m being over dramatic – but it was close.

When I say that a band “had the crowd on their feet”, it could be perceived as hyperbolic, maybe even an exaggerated account. Not tonight. I’m certain every spectator who paid money to see Shikari on Friday was on their feet at one point or another.”
Matilda Mann at The Wardrobe April 2025 – Words by Daisy Shortt; photography by Jazz Jennings

“The connection between artist and audience felt effortless, with the setting enhancing the sense of closeness and sincerity that defines her music and the music of the supporting acts of the night.

…….the room became fully engaged in her performance. Her set was warm and naturally drew the audience in.

Between songs, she spoke openly with the crowd, sharing context and personal reflections that made her music feel even more relatable.”
Royel Otis at Leeds Stylus December 2024 – words by Charlotte Staunton Gill; photography by Emma Gibbon.

“Their tracks sound like driving on a long country road on a summer’s day. The fast drum beats, chant-like vocals and funky bass lines transcribe perfectly live. Even though it was freezing outside, Leeds Stylus was warm from the sheer energy of the people inside.

Royel Otis have a choke hold on the music scene – they sold out their entire UK/EU tour, with videos on social media of people lining the streets to be the first in the venues. Let’s put some emphasis here on how impressive that is, considering they’re based on the other side of the world.

The show held no small talk, no gushing over how grateful they were to be here. Royel Otis really personified the cool band by letting the music do the talking, and it felt like time flew by.

Fingers are crossed for lots of UK festival slots for Royel Otis in 2025, and when they are, be sure to catch them.”
The Royston Club, Live at Leeds in The City 2024 – words by Dan Tomlinson; photography by Emma Gibbon.

“With a powerful and punchy presentation, the energy was through the roof as the jovial and tipsy crowd ushered in the venue’s first “Yorkshire” chant of the day – at 8:06, no less! Very impressive.

There’s something about Leeds livers screaming “Yorkshire” at random intervals, at the soonest opportunity.

The Royston Club snapped the people back into a frenzy, providing the service of getting their fans to dance to their heart’s content.”