We were lucky enough to be invited along to Think Tank? Newcastle on Saturday 16th November 2024 to see The Skinner Brothers.
The doors opened at 7pm and we got ourselves in and to the bar for a well earned drink before the show. As the venue started filling up we managed to grab a word with one of the support acts and local lads LEAZES. You can read our interview with them below. They we buzzing for the gig and shared their thoughts on the upcoming gig before getting themselves off to get ready as the first act came on.
There had been an unfortunate unforeseeable change to the support line up and as the opening act Jam Tub had to pull out. Local lad George Bailey had stepped in to fill the gap left in the line up and was now the opening act.
An exciting independent indie-rock artist from Teesside, George and his energetic drummer got the gathering crowd going straight from the off! Upbeat but with heartfelt very authentic lyrics, you really would never have known about the late change to the line up as they put on a great performance. It was a good start to the night!
https://linktr.ee/georgebaileyofficial
Next up were local lads LEAZES. We previously covered LEAZES when they won Octobers Elevate 22 showcase at The Newgate Social.
Geordie band LEAZES are made up of Joe King, Sam Dellow, Brandon Campbell, Ben Sanyamg, and James Wake, are the new guys in Newcastle’s music scene. They bring a fun twist on life through their music, which is already catching on with tracks like ‘Little Miss Media’ and ‘Tuesday’ being played on BBC and Amazing Radio.
Photo Credit: Tony Nellis Photography
LEAZES wasted no time in getting the crowd going. They brought a great energy to the gig and had the venue jumping.
It was a really solid set from LEAZES. This is the second time we’ve seen them and they definitely did not disappoint! They all looked they were having a great time and their infectious tunes and energy were perfect for getting everyone in the party mood.
Photo Credit: Tony Nellis Photography
As their set came to an end the crowd were loving it, singing and dancing along. For anyone who hasn’t seen them yet we’d definitely recommend it if you get the chance, they bring an effortless energy and infectious enthusiasm. They are definitely ones to watch!
Photo Credit: Tony Nellis Photography
Next up was the main event, The Skinner Brothers. For those not familiar with the band they are named after a gang of ruthless killers and thieves, who are the antagonists in the epic video game Red Dead Redemption II. This combined with the covered faces and masks of the band members might lead you to worry you are about to be in fear for your life! But behind the masks and riff heavy incredibly addictive indie rock are some deep and thoughtful lyrics and some seriously catchy beats.
It’s hard to place exactly where the band sit in terms of genre as each song brought a little something different to keep you on your toes. The lead singer has a very unique, warm tone to his voice, which makes it distinct and easily recognisable. The heavy rifts, beats and deliberately raw style are complimented by the bands sense of humour. I think this is one of the reasons LEAZES was such a good fit as a support act for them. They both have a raw energy and cheeky nature to them. They complimented each other really well.
As the gig came to a close they had the crowd bouncing. They brought an infectious energy to the venue and were very well received by all. All in all a top night of music, and we’d definitely see them again!
The Skinner Brothers are currently in the middle of their month long November tour. For more information visit their website here.
You can also watch their new video the ALL OF THE ABOVE here on YouTube.
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Interview with LEAZES
Geordie band LEAZES are made up of Joe King, Sam Dellow, Brandon Campbell, Ben Sanyamg, and James Wake, are the new guys in Newcastle’s music scene. Read our brief pre-gig interview with them here…
Q ~ How did you come up with the name LEAZES?
Brandon Campbell ~ Sam, the guitarist, wanted to call the band “The Leazes” after discussing potential new band names, which we went on to stick with LEAZES.
Sam Dellow ~ We wanted something that would symbolise the stories we share through our music and Leazes is a word for meadowlands where we came from. It encapsulates the memories from growing up as a young lad from Newcastle.
Q ~ How long have you been together as a band?
Sam Dellow ~ We have only been together performing live for 8 months however we have been developing LEAZES for almost 1 year and a half.
Joe King ~ Our first gig together was March 2nd at HMV. We’ve had a nice busy schedule playing festivals such as b side in Surrey, party in the park Morpeth as well as ticking off notable venues with gigs throughout, It feels like a hell of a lot longer when you spend so much time together. But we wouldn’t change it for the world!
Q ~ What do you think sets you apart from other local bands?
Brandon Campbell ~ By focusing on what we’re doing now and not the future. It’s easy to get lost in what you want and not remember what you have!
Sam Dellow ~ Unlike a lot of other bands we are very passionate about the whole experience of our music. We want the show to entertain people and allow them to feel our journeys through the experience.
Joe King ~ What I would say sets us apart from other bands is our ability to be so introspective. A lot of bands tend to look through the “Pearly Gates” seeing other bands doing well and try to emulate them. We try to remain unique. We block up the gates, mirror them and look at ourselves for the answers.
Ben Sanyamg ~ I think what sets us apart is how very different we all are musically and in our tastes, and that really shows in the subtleties of our music. I don’t think it comes across as a compromise on anybody’s musicality but rather opens the door to some interesting ideas when we get together and write.
Q ~ What’s are the greatest challenges faced of being in the band?
Brandon Campbell ~ Not drinking too much before a gig! And finding inspiration in those times there aren’t any!
Sam Dellow ~ We are all so passionate and emotions can be difficult to manage sometimes.
Ben Sanyamg ~ I’d maybe say that being in a band requires the stripping away of one’s ego, so it really took some getting used to personally after being out of a band for a while not getting too self indulgent with my parts.
Joe King ~ The greatest difficulty is patience I would say. Imagine a 5 way relationship. We’re all different characters in our own right so it’s all about patience and understanding. It can get messy, but most of the time, it’s magic.
Q ~ So you are on a desert island and can only take 3 items, what are they?
Brandon Campbell ~ Bottle of JD, Guitar and Machete!
Sam Dellow ~ A guitar, a tent, dart board and darts!
Joe King ~ For me it would have to be my mam, a pencil and of course LEAZES. It wouldn’t be a great time without us now… could it?
Ben Sanyamg ~ For my 3 items I would say that I’d bring my phone (obviously, just in case I can get reception and call for rescue), a nice bass and a Swiss army knife.
James Wake ~ It would have to be a drum kit, 1000000 bottles of beer and some shades!
You find LEAZES of Facebook, Spotify and Instagram.
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