The brilliantly buoyant Alfie Templeman commanded the Brude in early March, and the review of his delightfully energetic gig marks the first from our guest contributor, Daniel Caddick…

As a fan of Alfie Templeman from a young age, I knew even before watching his set that he always captures his audience with a particular, oh-so exhilarating tone. It’s led him to where he is today.

Alfie has lived most of his teen years indulged in the alternative scene, as he began penning music at the tender age of 13. The EP he released at 14, named ‘Summer’s Last Dance’, is one that I actually asked him about after the show. To which, his response was a bundle of embarrassment yet appreciation — I’d really dug something out of the archives. Sadly, none of these tracks were played. Maybe one day, aye? But here we are. Two years in the making, this set was a highly-anticipated thrill ride, as the Brudenell crowd came together to support the 19-year-old star.

L’objectif, a Leeds-based outfit, got the ball rolling as bodies piled into the small yet intimate venue. They’re a band recently endorsed by NME and deservedly so, as they bring such a classy, grungy style to their music, which delivers The-Snuts-meets-Fontaines-D.C. vibes. They owned the stage on Friday night.

The band’s latest single, ‘Same Thing’, offers a great insight into their desired path. The quad are signed up to Chess Club Records; the same label as Pixey and Alfie, so this opportunity was one met with uncovering a revelation.

A Merseyside singer that dazzles fans with her care and attention towards her music and her fanbase is Pixey. She really was a joy to witness and I felt no faults were present while she splashed out a co-ordinated setlist. It really offered the audience a taster of the performance to come.

‘Free to Live In Colour’ is Pixey’s most eye-watering track; with blossoming taste and instrumental effort, it’s a real feel-good piece. She holds more than 90,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, which places a huge following on her shoulders, though supporting Alfie during his tour is just the extra promotion and exposure she needs.

Happiness in Alfie form was the way of communication that night. The atmosphere just kept livening up. It was an extraordinary event; one that was noteworthy for many.

The bassist for Alfie, Cameron Owden, believed coming to Yorkshire for a gig would forever offer a different breed of crowds. Leeds shows just lift the bar a notch higher and create a mosh pit fan’s dream. Alfie and Cameron were embracing the atmosphere so much throughout the setlist. I don’t exaggerate either.

Alfie’s performance was nothing short of valued and spectacular. ‘Film Scene Daydream’, ‘Stop Thinking’ and ‘Circles’ were my highlights. Sleek and smooth additions came in the form of the tiny
easter eggs of personailty and the general buzz from the main man; he showed he knew the Leeds crowd and even sang happy birthday for a fan. After all, he isn’t one to run a gig by a script.

The shock cover of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ was met with a huge uproar from the feisty Leeds bunch, too. And, as you can expect, not long after that first guitar riff, the crowd were moshing once more.

The headliner also played drifts and segments from mega tracks such as ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’ and L’objectif’s ‘Drive in Mind’, a moment that will no doubt be savoured by the growing Leeds titans.

Alfie has a long and rich history of successful EPs and singles that have curated the platform he
stands on today. He’s quite the stereotype-killer at just 19.

The recent release of ‘Broken’ signals the second single drop under the pre-album drop list. ‘Mellow Moon’ also features collabs from Thomas Headon and it’s due to bless the world’s ears on 27th May.

***

Guest gig review contributed by Daniel Caddick