Jools @ Boom, Leeds.
Published On: 16/09/2022
When it comes to considering who is up for the best up-and-coming band in the UK, I will always throw my hat in the ring to suggest the Leicester-based band, Jools. With a 7-member line-up of Mitchell Gordon, Kate Price, Ellis Crowson, Tom Selby, Pete McLeod, Ryan Chapman and Sam Shooter, there’s more than enough presence to watch on stage.
The first time I saw Jools was in Manchester when they supported Boston Manor, and they absolutely blew me away. Between the gripping poetic lyrics and the energetic stage presence, what’s not to love, so of course I had to see them when they came through Leeds on the same tour and again when they supported Static Dress. Easily one of my favourite bands at this current time.
On Saturday (September 10th), it was my 4th time seeing them live as they performed at the venue ‘BOOM’ in Leeds. Somewhere I’ve heard a lot about but never actually attended, and it was a really nice venue! Everything was well sign posted and the staff were incredibly friendly - joking with us at every moment.
Opening up for the night was Cammy - a Scottish solo artist who is also part of the Leeds based band, Dunes. I was absolutely blown away by Cammy’s voice.. It took me by surprise because I wasn’t expecting vocals like that. His stage presence and banter with the crowd was top level, it was as if he had years of experience with being on stage. My favourite part of the set would be the ‘Black Sheep’ by Metric cover, because who doesn’t love that song.. It’s iconic.
Jools took to the stage next and you could instantly tell they belonged on stage. For the people who are already well-acquainted with the Leicester based band, you’ll know that they have only released four songs onto streaming platforms, and those four songs are undeniably incredible pieces of artistry. Expressing their love for fashion, poetry and art whilst also addressing important societal topics such as women's rights and equality.
Every song played by Jools was received with passion and love, with fans joining in and even sharing the mic with singer Mitchell Gordon to embrace in the moment. My personal favourites to hear them perform live are ‘Spineless’ and the long titled ‘How Can Someone Experience What Pride Is Without Liberation For All’, as these songs have a gritty undertone that just do something fuzzy to my brain.
But in typical Jools style, we were also presented with new material that fans who have followed them on their last few tours have been patiently (and sometimes impatiently) waiting to drop.
One of these being 97%, a song that addresses the fact that 97% of women aged 18-24 have been sexually harassed, and ‘’is a middle finger to the culture of victim blaming that surrounds incidents of sexual assault and harassment’’ - something that Jools are dead-set on bringing awareness to. This is an incredibly important song with an incredibly important message, and is said to be released sometime this year.
Saturday was an amazing night, and I can really see Jools reaching incredibly big heights - so expect world-tours, because they have an important message that you need to hear. Add them to your playlists, buy merch, and keep an eye-out for upcoming tours because they deserve all the support.
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