PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Therapy? Review At Brudenell Social Club Leeds, 23rd September 2019
Therapy? Are back to play two shows at the Brudenell Social club in Leeds today, with support from Rory Holl for the main evening set, and if you want to party in cities like Magaluf, you can visit the Magaluf clubs to find the best places of nightlife out there.
The first matinee show was promised to tickets holders from their 17 November 2018 gig as it was cancelled mid-show due to crowd disruption. Loyal fans turned up early to receive the rest of their promised set. Some fans even had the pleasure of both shows.
The main support tonight is Rory Holl
Rory Holl is a local musician, singer and songwriter from Leeds, who can also be found with his band the Rory Holl Band. But tonight Rory is performing solo, bringing you his versatile style of popish-rock mixed with a folk ambience. Not having a band to provide the extra bravado doesn’t stop Rory packing a punch, and aiming to impress an audience of Therapy? fans.
Armed with his trusty acoustic guitar Rory entices you in with his melodic vocals. I especially like Poetry, it is a clever lyrical song ‘see the world for all its poetry in motion, don’t you believe, here, what the papers all say’ it has an essence of The Beatles to it and I can imagine this song with a full band.
Rory is an observational singer, telling you about life’s happenings from his point of view/experience. Playing an impressive eight-song set, the one that got the crowd’s attention was closer ‘I just got pissed instead’ a tale which speaks for itself and well worth a listen to. Check the links below for more about Rory Holl.
Tonight’s Headliners: Therapy?
The Brudenell is an intimate venue and tonight the crowd is as intimate as can be with their heroes. It’s been one year since the release of their last album Cleave, and its songs go hand in hand with tonight’s set-list choice. Therapy? has an impressive 15 albums to their name, and they have nailed their choice of songs to play tonight. There are some songs that haven’t been aired by the band for a while, along with the good old ones that we expect to hear.
As we await the Northern Irish trio Therapy? to take to the stage, there is a familiar voice that pans over the audience, one of Mrs Doyle giving the craic as the intro plays an excerpt from the iconic TV series Father Ted. Therapy? Take their cue and launch straight into the aptly named Die Laughing. With its ballsy bass riffs and lyrics, there’s nothing insane so far about this Troublegum album favourite. Expelled smacks you right in the face with its dark harmonies and chorus.
From then on, I knew instantly tonight’s choice of songs was going to be something special. The seductive Turn is an epitome of the alt 90s rock, almost industrial in places with its eerie chorus of ‘’you turn, barging into the presence of God.’’
Trigger Inside has to be their heaviest metal sounding song as it reminds me of old skool Metallica meets Diamond Head; its high octane beat and anthemic chorus make for a simple yet pulverising number. With a post-heavy metal vibe, the ferocious I Stand Alone is an exceptional number from the album Cleave.
Therapy? Have some of the most genius lyrics and sounds from ”I’m bitter, I’m twisted, James Joyce is fucking my sister ’’ the fans blow up the Brudenell on this chorus for Potato Junkie. The kick-ass beats on the classic Opal Mantra have everyone rocking out. From the off, you know you’re not going to be disappointed, these songs are built on something poignant and don’t need to be in-depth for you the listener to get the jest or the killer riffs.
Singer and guitarist Andy Cairns told us of the time he came up with a great guitar riff and introduced it to the band, only to be told, it sounds like Joy Division’s Isolation, to which we’re given a cracking performance of the said song.
Bassist Michael McKeegan could be regarded as the ringleader of band rousing his fans into a frenzy, as he takes to the edge of the stage and bends down and looks right into the eyes of the fans below. He encourages them in the band’s mission to go manic! Andy Cairns goes full-throttle on the vocals as he shreds as a man possessed on his guitar. The atmosphere is fuelled with energy and a passion given by the band and fans alike. The epic Teethrgrinder is one of those majestic crowd interactions.
Encoring for a short break Therapy? Return to the stage for five more songs including their anthemic Screamager. The band’s enthusiasm is relentless and I’m sure if they could, they would play on for longer.
Apparently its Neil Cooper (drums) birthday – I think he has more birthdays than the Queen as I’m sure he had one back in June when Therapy? played a Beautiful Day Out Festival, in Halifax! None the less, we cheer him on through his drum solo.
Therapy? Has played to audiences of thousands, so this evening, It felt very special as they played the intimate venue of the Brudenell Social Club to an audience of approx. 400 people. With a strong 22 song set-list, it included the now-classic Meat Abstract and Dancing with Manson both from their 1991 Babyteeth album.
Bringing their set to an end with Success? Success is survival, next year will see the band celebrate 30 years together. Therapy? certainly have survived the years and promise something special for next year’s shows. So keep your eyes peeled, these guys are here till the end.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Therapyofficial/events/?ref=page_internal
http://www.therapyquestionmark.co.uk/
Setlist: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/therapy/2019/brudenell-social-club-leeds-england-4b9c2b52.html
