Drowned In Sound – live review
The Great Escape 2009, Brighton

iLiKETRAiNS: As with The Twilight Sad, iLiKETRAiNS are another of those bands who should be so much bigger than they actually are, so when I venture to Concorde 2 to find less than one hundred people waiting for their arrival I’m a little perplexed. Nevertheless, it takes literally thirty seconds – or rather the opening three chords of ‘Terra Nova’ – to make those of us present realise why they are held in such high esteem. As expected, they play two new songs, the second of which, ‘Sea Of Regrets’, is like a sprawling rock opera in three parts that may just be the most grandiose, exquisite piece of music they’ve written to date.

The Fly – live review
Live At Leeds 2009, Leeds

ILT are a sombre change to the pace of the LAL bill, but have drawn a decent mix of the fanatical and the curious, maybe it’s the name. “Do you like trains?” asks a man behind me of his mate, sounding genuinely nervous that he’ll need an anorak and a flask of weak lemon drink to enjoy what he’s about to see. But preparation is not necessary to appreciate the Trains, whose hymn-like laments send a tingle straight down the spine. I should be used to it by now, having seen a few gigs, but today, as always, they still knock me sideways… New tune ‘Sirens’ goes down well, being a bit of a synthy New Romantic departure, as does next single ‘Sea Of Regrets’ – a snappy number at about seven minutes long. And the new look – Captain Birdseye quartet – helps add to the drama. When they finish, I hear a girl say they gave her ‘the good shivers’. I think I know what she means.

Shortlist – Top Ten hot bands for 2009
Feature – May 2009

If you like Nick Cave, Interpol and all that’s mopey, this Leeds outfit should be top of your ‘check out’ list. Due a new album and, we think, a big break sometime soon, their epic tunes and significant swagger have made them an underground favourite.

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