Page 1 Us Wolves Launch! Tuesday 27th July 2010, Walkabout - Leicester
I have been to a few band debuts in my time. Some of them have been disappointing. Tonight's launch of Leicester band Us Wolves will stand out in my memory as being one of the most exciting discoveries of recent times.
Us Wolves are fronted by James Ferraby. James has been in bands before, and has played support slots with the likes of the Happy Mondays, Mystery Jets and Snow Patrol!
I checked out their songs, was impressed and turned up tonight to see if they were as good live as they were in the recording studio.
They were!
Drawing on influences as diverse as RadioHead, Muse, Sigur Rós, Incubus and a few others I didn't recognise, the guys convinced me that they know their music. This was their first gig as Us Wolves! They self-produced their current tracks and have their own rehearsal rooms, they told me.
So I watched with eager anticipation as they took to the Walkabout stage. They launched into their first song Mirrors and then James came in on the vocals. Wow! What an amazing voice! He easily carried his vocals over the pounding back line. An unusually large crowd had gathered to see the maiden voyage of this band. By the end of the first song, everyone was caught.......
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Page 2 ...Their second song Sleep continued with the punchy beats and engaging riffs layering swathes of music over Jame's booming voice that caught every word with sparkling articulation. Their sense of attack and commitment to the songs was inspiring.
It was an exhilarating experience. Despite the lack of backing vocals (which they are working on), Jame's voice makes this an exceptional band and they proved that they know a thing or two about song craft. Solid melodic lines and well balanced instrumentation, a few razor-edged breaks and a strong sense of rhythm carried the whole thing forward.
Their big sound was also laced with moods and colours so what we got was not just ear-bashing but ear-pleasing. They captured their audience.
All their own songs, no covers and a last song that rose to a thrilling climax just confirmed to me that this was a band with a strong potential and a great addition to the local music scene.
Next time they play, I'll be down there to see them again! Magic.
Trevor Locke - Arts in Leicestershire
Page 3 Saturday 6th November - Us Wolves play London
Leicester band Us Wolves took a large coach load of their fans to Camden tonight to play at the Monto Water Rats. This legendary theatre bar has become one of the top destinations for bands from all over the country. Bob Dylan played his first UK gig there in 1962. The stage has been graced by such bandsThe Pogues, Oasis, The Courteeners and Ra Ra Riot.
About fifty 'Wolves fans from Loughborough and Leicester piled on to the luxury cruiser for the trip down the M1. With tour guide Jonny Chuckles organising the trip, handing out chocolates to fans and putting on a thrillingly good movie for us to watch, we knew from the start it was going to a top excursion.
It's great that our local bands can fill a coach and give their fans a night out in the capital. Me, I love seeing venues in other parts of the country and comparing them with what we have here ... and Camden has a certain draw about it. I used to put on gigs in Camden once so I know how hard it is to get into these top, sought after venues.
On Saturday night, too! The live music haunts Camden are always full on a Saturday. Tonight, everyone said that this was the best set that Us Wolves has played and that's about a band that has always put on first class performances, no matter what the venue or what the size of audience. I saw the band play their first gig, at Walkabout, on 27th July this year. I was immediately blown away by them. This does not always happen with me, on seeing bands for the first time. Sometimes I have to see a band a few times before I get it. This was, however, an instant discovery. Having been to many of their subsequent appearances, I can honestly say that Us Wolves is one of the best rock bands in the Midlands. I can say this with confidence because I have seen hundreds of bands play live, this year alone. I know where the bar is set. This is a band that sails over it.
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Page 4 On stage at the Monto tonight, lead singer James Ferraby was on top form. One of the best band vocalists I have met, he fizzed his way through the nine song set. He didn't need to warm up and he didn't flag towards the end; from the first bar to the last, this impressive singer bubbled and sparkled. His fine voice, with a note worthy range, soared over the backing.
James is also an impressive performer. He is a delight to watch in action, living the music and often acting out certain aspects of the lyrics. A mark of true professionalism.
All the elements are in place for Us Wolves to become a successful full-time band.
Tonight, Us Wolves tore up the stage at the Monto, delivering a set of quality rock songs to a capacity audience.
Trevor Locke - Arts in Leicestershire
Full Review Click here ...
