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Live Review: Everything Everything with Clock Opera at Leeds Cockpit – 10th October 2010

It was a cold Sunday evening in Leeds and it was gradually getting darker. Not an ideal environment by anyone’s standards. But rescue was just around the corner at the Cockpit. Not the most interesting looking venue from outside, but it’s what’s inside that counts.

Inside were 400 music fans of all ages with eyes transfixed on the stage waiting for Manchester’s hottest property, Everything Everything. Before the poptastic quartet came on stage though came London’s Clock Opera.

Clock Opera have recently released a remix of the headliner’s ‘MY KZ UR BF’, but tonight wasn’t about remixes – it was about the band. Despite the crowd never really getting moving, Clock Opera still put on a great show. Some of the music they could produce was excellent, even utilising utensils such as a tea pot and mug as percussion instruments. Not exactly whipping the crowd into a frenzy but warming them up nonetheless, Clock Opera looked happy with their performance and the reception they received from the Leeds music community.

When the time rolled around for Everything Everything though, the atmosphere kicked up a notch. An almighty ovation for the men who started three years ago and now are touring the UK on the back of a top 20 album. Opening on ‘QWERTY Finger’ the band were fuelled with such energy that you could almost see the adrenaline flowing around their bodies. Lead vocalist and front man Jonathan Higgs’ vocal performance was nothing short of mesmerising. In a very Thom Yorke-esque fashion, Higgs’ voice soared across the venue and gave a new level to the music – so much more intense than the album.

Throwing themselves into a great set featuring the majestic ‘Leave The Engine Room and ‘Tin (The Manhole)’ as well as the poppier numbers. ‘Schoolin” and ‘MY KZ UR BF’ (video below, in case you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t seen it yet) were greeted by a cheer and dancing from the crowd. Not too much movement tonight though, instead the audience simply appreciated and respected the band for their music. Ending the set on upcoming single ‘Photoshop Handsome’ the room was full of life and smiles – both on stage and off. The whole band were having a great time, albeit slightly tired. The passion from Everything Everything was plenty and they didn’t let up for a second throughout the show, despite obviously feeling the effects of the tour.

After the gig though no-one was without a smile or something positive to say. The Manchester boys had come to Leeds with the intent of impressing the masses and it definitely worked. Everyone’s favourite hit from their album was performed with precision and perfection, how could you possibly want more?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di2U1UZ9J0I[/youtube]