In the wake of their electric new single ‘Kimchi‘, Manchester jazz-punk band Leeroy Salmon took over AATMA, supported by Open Fly and Sans Jas Soundsystem. All acts were each an individual kick of brilliant musical flavour, straight to Manchester’s teeth.
The opening act, Sans Jas Soundsystem opened with some of Jude Sides’ fresh batch of slam poetry. From talking about petty culture disputes between Liverpool and Manchester (with a somewhat believable scouse accent) to scoring a bag at the club, he certainly kept the crowd entertained. Once the slam poetry had concluded, a peculiar yet enthralling mix of electro music filled with spring reverb snares and live DJ’ing ensued. The high octane dance-like music provided by Johnny P was accompanied by Jude’s vocals, creating a sound that is quite uncommon in Manchester’s already broad live music scene. In a post gig conversation, I asked Jude for his inspirations and influences. He replied with a story – about how he wished to perform at a house party, but had no music. So, him and Johnny P “sat in their cellar, smoked weed and made music”. That’s the origins behind Sans Jan Soundsystem’s ecstatic soundscape.
Following suite was Open Fly: a fuzz filled, wall of sound riot grrl band. Their set began with their own original high energy songs and earth shaking levels. Throughout the whole set, they didn’t let up this sound, one distorted crunchy riff after another. Their instrumentation was accompanied by their loud, shouty punk style vocals from their lead singer and bassist, elevating their already terrifically high decibel levels.
To wrap up the night, Leeroy Salmon opened up their setlist with their debut single ‘Kimchi‘, a beautiful jazz-punk melody soaked tune. Their stage presence from the get go was second to none, invading the crowd, falling over during solos and riffing with each other – energy that is incredibly hard to come by. The sound they have curated is unique to lots of music heard in the Mancunian hemisphere – seemingly taking influence from American bands such as The Garden or Julie, but bringing it back home with grand chord progressions from the likes of Geordie Greep and his debut album ‘The New Sound‘. All songs on their setlist were a delight to the ears and quite refreshing in terms of modern music. This band is one to keep your eyes peeled for, they have an intense sonic soundscape and lots of potential.
words and photos by Elliot Davies
