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It’s now the morning after the night before that was my first Mammal gig at Rio’s in Leeds and what a night it was!

Mammal are an  Australian rock band on their first tour in the UK and I’ve been a fan ever since seeing their video for SMASH THE PIÑATA on Scuzz TV. The gig last night was by far the best live gig I’ve been to! The one thing that most bands seem to lack and Mammal have in spades is showmanship, something that helps get the crowd involved and into the whole experience. Right from the start the whole band let everyone know just how into their music and their fans they are, with Ezekiel Ox giving a great performance both vocally and physically.

Ox was in the crowd early on, getting everyone to dance to the songs meant for just that, and getting everyone clapping and bouncing for the heavier rockier tracks. Rio’s is a small venue with a main floor in front of the stage and a raised area with a balcony in front at the back. Ox climbed up onto the balcony railings on numerous occasions making sure everyone in the place was feeling the music and felt involved in the night.

Every member of the band showed just how a rock band should put on a show and I salute each and every one of them. Mammal are back in December with another band called The Answer and I for one will be looking out for tickets to see the show once more.

When I see a band live who I’ve been listening to for some time I always hope that they sound as good in the flesh as they do on the record. Mammal surpassed all expectations and set a new high bar for live shows as far as I’m concerned. Even if your not a rock fan, I’d challenge you to go to a Mammal gig and not enjoy the show.

The crowd were asked to spread the word by word of mouth and here’s my effort to aid the cause. Watch the video on the link below and then watch a few more on You Tube, especially the live ones. Spread the word yourselves and maybe I’ll see you at a future Mammal gig, you won’t regret it.

Mammal – SMASH THE PIÑATA

Music Band, Leeds, Mammal, Performance, Rio's, Rock, Show, SMASH THE PIÑATA

Now you could say I’m a bit bias as my cousin’s in the band but I went along to the Cardigan Arms in Leeds on Friday night to see Soul Circus live. I’d listened to some of their music on their myspace page but I have to say they sounded better live than the recordings on the website. I woke up the following morning with a couple of their songs still going round in my head, which is always a good sign. I’d recommend having a look at their upcoming gigs on myspace as it’s definitely worth a look if your in the area.

A total of 4 bands played on the night, I’m afraid I can’t remember the name of the first band. The 2nd band on were Kid Champion who put on a good set, despite the problems the sound guy was having making the vocal’s heard. This is another band that is definitely worth a listen and along with Soul Circus is a band I’d happily have on my Ipod.

The last band of the night, well I can’t tell you their name lets just say we went downstairs after a while as our ears were bleeding. Don’t get me wrong I like heavy rock/metal as much as anyone, but this was more like a wall of noise.

Music cardigan arms, kid champion, soul circus