Junip

The journey

Now I don't want to start off by grumbling but if I was running a venue, I think I'd probably put some directions on our website and maybe even a map. Not so the (presumed) anarchists at Brudenell Social Club, however! But whilst I was bemoaning this bewildering situation, The Minx found their Facebook page and we set off for 33 Queens Road, Leeds.

And then we found out the hard way that there are two Queens Roads in Leeds, each with a number 33, but only one of which is a social club.

The bar

I have to say that, once we got there, I rather liked the bar, which made no concessions to the fact that there was a rather smart music venue on the premises. Indeed, until the Junip crowd began to arrive, it was populated by a set of characters who might have been sent up from casting to fill the brief of "northern working men's club".

I bought some drinks and found a table whilst The Minx was scouting around and the chap next to me struck up conversation. Long-haired, skinny, dressed in an old jumper and jeans, he was friendly and concerned that my picture taking might upset the other people in the bar. I thanked him for the caution and we fell into conversation, which focussed primarily on the spiritual benefits of soft drugs. I didn't have too much to contribute to this, but I enjoyed chatting to him, whilst politely declining the offer to pop outside for a smoke. (And if you are reading any criticism of him or his smoking into my words, then I've written them badly.)

But as one conversational door closes, another opens and at this point we were joined by the charming @invisigirl24, and I began to look forward to the gig in earnest.

The support

Due to some "technical issues", the gig started late, with Mariam The Believer taking the stage just after nine o'clock. It's long been my policy to give support bands at least one song before heading to the bar, occasionally - as in the case of Balthazar - remaining for the entire set.

Unfortunately, this was not the case with Mariam. In fact, I can't remember ever disliking a band so quickly and, in hindsight, I wonder if it's because the lead singer reminded me so much of David St Hubbins' girlfriend, Jeanine, from Spinal Tap. Whatever the reason, I quickly abandoned the moaning and melodramatics and headed for the bar.

The band

I first saw Junip earlier this year at The Minx's instigation. She'd sent me links to a couple of their songs, which were all right but when I saw them live, suddenly everything fell into place. You might know the lead singer, José González, from his cover of 'Heartbeats' (which was used in a Sony ad) and indeed, he brings his guitar style and relatively gentle vocal to Junip.

However, this folkiness is complemented, somewhat surprisingly, by a healthy dose of electronics and, occasionally, seventies-style 'Motorik'. Live, the songs are extended out to six, seven, eight minutes, grooving along with a powerful moodiness.

Having enjoyed Junip so much earlier in the year I had both high hopes for tonight and also a fear that I was trying to recapture a feeling that might not be as intense now that I knew what to expect.

I shouldn't have worried. After some early difficulties with the sound, Junip were every bit as good as they were a few months ago, in fact I enjoyed this gig even more now that I know the material. Stand out tracks for me were 'Line Of Fire', 'Without You' and 'After All Is Said And Done'.

Like Balthazar, whom I mentioned earlier, I'd see Junip every chance that I have. They are great on record but even better in motion, one of those bands whose songs seem to play them as much as being performed. Splendid venue, excellent band, wonderful evening.