I think I was the only one in the venue who had not heard the band before. Though I will be listening to them again, starting with my free single (even if the case is a bit cracked). The band in question were Leya, a local five-piece, the event; their debut album launch, entry fee £7!

I had heard these guys were good; by the size of the audience, they were apparently popular. Listening to their set I was reminded of Starsailor; they are certainly on the same wavelength. Vocalist and guitarist, Ciaran Gribbin, expressed many times between songs how pleased he was to have gotten this far and to have support from so many people. A genuine character with a towering presence. Leya made quite an impact on me, through their heavier numbers to slow love songs.

Supporting Leya were God Talking Soul. Half the members turned up for an accoustic set. Even without the others Nick still managed to sound as good as ever as he declared his lyrics to an audience of unknown faces who seemed to enjoy every minute.

Tagged: Belfast, Gigs, Music, Northern Ireland, Photography | no comments »