Energy In Abundance... Great Cynics Deliver Superb Set In Leeds
Published
Since the release of their third LP ‘I Feel Weird’ back in May, Great Cynics have been busy with various tours throughout the UK and Europe. Most recently, the three-piece supported American bands, Tigers Jaw and Foxing, on a select number of their UK shows. Fortunately, I was able to catch the London-based band at the Leeds show on 21st August at Brudenell Social Club.
I emphasis my fortune; due to a mix up and some confusion, it was unclear whether or not Great Cynics would be opening to show until quite late in the day. Nevertheless, Great Cynics do play and brilliantly so.
Renowned Leeds venue, Brudenell’s main room is abuzz with excitement and anticipation for the evening ahead. The three bands playing tonight all have something unique and wonderful to offer in their different ways – but it must be said, Great Cynics steal the show. Whilst there is little doubt that many in attendance at the show tonight in Leeds are primarily here for the epic Tigers Jaw and Foxing, especially given the aforementioned confusion surrounding Great Cynics set, there is an engaging vibrancy with which the London band play.
Throughout the set, the lighting in the main room remains quite high, but it works – capturing the energy with which vocalist/guitarist Giles Bidder, vocalist/bassist Iona Cairns and drummer Bob Barrett play. Playing without a lull moment, the band also play exceptionally together for the duration of the set; besides from their musical capability, Bidder, Cairns and Barrett make for an exciting group to watch perform.
As the band power through their set, the venue gets ever busier. Though the crowd doesn’t interact with Great Cynics’s set with as much physical energy as the band, all eyes remain firmly focused on the action. Notably, too, at the end of their set, keen fans flock to the stage to meet the band.
Great Cynics play at a quick pace, with Barrett’s sharp yet sporadic drumming keeping all in check. Against a backdrop of a somewhat refined slather of sludgy reverb, Cairns and Bidder alternate with leading the vocals. Their different styles perfectly compliment one another. Pairing all this with the catchy nature of Great Cynics’s oeuvre, the band put on quite a show and make a lasting impression in Leeds.
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Words by Ellie Brown
