Bombed Out Records 15th Birthday

Event information

Bombed Out Records was born, kicking and screaming, at 86 Royal Park Road, LS6 on a fairly unremarkable mid-September morning back in 1998.

37 releases from 22 bands and 15 years later it's time to take stock and celebrate all that has led us here. With a gig! And some bands! And Juvi Hall! And maybe cake. Hmm... Cake.

To help us mark the occasion we are proud to bring you some of the bands that have made the label what it is. Some you will be familiar with, some may be from "before your time" and some are new. They're all great.

To cut to the chase, we are exceedingly chuffed to be bringing you:

DUGONG
An integral part of the local music scene back in't day, Wakefield's Dugong played their last gig headlining Out of Spite Festival in 2005 before going on "indefinite hiatus". We never dared hope to see them take to the stage again but they will be reforming for what is likely to be a one off gig just for us. To say we're excited would be the understatement of the year. Taking elements from punk, indie-rock, emo and even some jazz and country, Dugong's sound has always been hard to pin down but comparisons to the likes of Ted Leo and Piebald are justified.

THE DAUNTLESS ELITE
One of the longest running bands on the label, The Dauntless Elite celebrated their 10th birthday last year. You can't even really mention Leeds punk rock without giving them a nod and we're proud to have them play. Given that their pedigree goes back to some of the first releases on Bombed Out (as members of Joe Ninety and Fig. 4.0) and their friendship even further they are one of THE defining bands on the label.

KELLY 8
Taking their cues from the likes of Jawbox, Engine Down and (fellow Swedes) Fireside, Kelly 8 were Bombed Out's token "international" artist. Formed in Uppsala in 2001 they gigged throughout Sweden and toured the UK a couple of times before formally calling it quits in 2010 but we're more than happy to announce their return, as a one off gig, for this birthday celebration. Swedish post-hardcore at its finest.

WOODERSON
It is with a heavy heart that we recently heard about Wooderson's imminent hiatus - essentially meaning this will be their last gig for a while. One of our favourite bands in the UK we sincerely hope they'll return in the future. Come and bid a fond farewell to these excellent post-punk sons!

CAVES
Bristol based pop-punk with releases on Bombed Out, Specialist Subject and Yo Yo Records. They'll have played about a million gigs already this year by the time they play here but don't worry, they'll still sound energetic and infectious as hell. Their new album just got 9/10 reviews in both Rock Sound and Big Cheese Magazine if that means much to you.

PEACHFUZZ
Since the release of last year's "We Are Solid State" album things have been a little quiet in the Peachfuzz camp - not least because of line-up changes within the band. Back on form now as a unstoppable four-piece we can't wait to see them back in Leeds. Think Social Distortion-styled blues-punk meets 90s power-pop with a penchant for guitar solos and 3 part harmonies.

HOMEBREW
Another band who've been quiet of late - this time largely because of drummer John's various incidents and accidents. He's OK now though so the band should be fighting fit come October. The only band playing to predate Bombed Out itself, Homebrew play straight-up, old-school punk rock with "Oi!"s and swearing and songs about drinking cider and all that good stuff.

THE AMISTAD
Fresh from touring with Finland's Cigarette Crossfire, The Amistad are on a roll and if the new songs are any indicator their next album is going to be fantastic. Melodic punk rock with gruff vocals and occasional musical nods to the likes of Braid or Spy Vs Spy to keep things interesting.

MIKRO SPITI
Paul Yeadon is a little bit of a legend having fronted UK alternative/grunge pioneers Bivouac in the 90s and tuneful indie-rockers The Wireless Stores in the 00s. Now with new band, Mikro Spiti, he's exploring more laid-back and folksy territory. This may be a solo set but the upside to this is that you may get to hear 1 or 2 songs from his previous bands - always a treat.

ZAPIAIN
Local lads playing Jawbreaker-styled punk rock. Zapiain have been playing gigs in and around Leeds for a good while now, self-released a couple of great little EPs, a debut album on Bombed Out and a new 7" split with Canadian Rifle on All In Vinyl Records.

THE BROWN HOUND JAMES BAND
Matty Dugong's "other band" - Americana tinged indie-rock for fans of The Mountain Goats, Son Volt and maybe a spot of The Weakerthans... Though Matt says their new stuff sounds more like a cross between Husker Du and Two Gallants. Will be great nonetheless.

BIG WOW
In Bombed Out all-dayer tradition, the first band on will be playing their first gig (I think) - Big Wow! are a new band featuring members of The Dauntless Elite and Get Human. Should be an ace start to the day.