PEAKES/ PARK FIRES/ NALA REVIEW

Live Review by Daisy Dunn
Photo credits - Emma Johnson

The Ladies of Leeds have sure been making some moves recently and Friday night at Hyde Park Bookclub showed not only how far we’ve come but also how much more we’ve got to give. With a full female fronted lineup put on by the wonderful Come Play with Me, love was in the air, and met with music from Nala, Park Fires and Peakes, some talented women made the night one to be remembered. 
Magical, Northern lass Nala started the night off, taking us on what can only be described as a journey into the electronic hemisphere. 
Full of harsh bass lines, waves of intensity met by moments of subtlety and quietness, and some seriously good moves, Nala grasps your attention like you’ve never seen a one woman band do before. Having only started her musical journey back in November 2017, her ownership of the stage is pretty spectacular; dancing her way through the set while keeping constant concentration on bringing us her next curve ball. It’s like for one moment you’ve been invited into what feels like her fantastic imagination, full of energy and at times sadness with subtle references to mental health and struggle, you can't help but love her for her unapologetically fierce but fun stage presence. 

Fancy seeing Nala live yourself ? Find her upcoming shows below:

https://www.facebook.com/nalamusics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcE2oz5wewlH-VNvkkdPKCQ/


Named by Yorkshire Evening Post on the ‘Ones to Watch’ list for 2018, Park Fires did nothing but justice to this title with their feel good and dynamic live performance of some of their most successful hits. Immediately transported into the 80s with their seriously catchy choruses and beautifully constructed harmonies, these girls are creating anthems and boy don't we love it. Their lyrics are personal and heartfelt, yet simultaneously coupled with positive and upbeat instrumentation making the overall experience of seeing them live thoroughly enjoyable. Park Fires seriously are what many would call duo goals, bringing an amazing depth to their performance through their obviously close relationship both on and off stage, and showing us why it’s definitely still cool to love pure, unadulterated pop music. Performing both their first ever release ‘Blurred Vision’ and their newest single, due to be released around April, ‘Wake me up’, its clear to see why they first burst onto the Leeds music scene the way they did and are definitely here to stay. 

https://www.facebook.com/parkfires/
https://soundcloud.com/parkfires


Headlining the night were the one and only Peakes, who truly ended the evening on an incredible high. Front woman Molly, held us in her arms and took us to a place of pure tranquility through her effortless and infatuating vocals, leaving us with absolutely no doubt in her talent. Accompanied beautifully by Maxwell (keyboards and backing vocals) and Peter (Percussion) you couldn't help but groove along to their intricately woven melodies and subtle conversation over human relationships, whatever form these may take. Their songs acted as a mode of escapism as you got lost in their highs and lows and the space (excuse the pun) they create within each, giving you a chance to truly appreciate the wonderful music they have composed. Performing their title track ‘Space’ along with other hits such as ‘Waves’ and ‘Pray for you’ it’s hard not to find yourself in a dreamlike state as you watch them work together on stage to bring you a totally immersive experience. 
Seeing Peakes live is really an experience you don't want to miss, so keep an eye on their social media channels for any upcoming gigs to make sure you aren’t disappointed. 


https://www.facebook.com/peakesmusic/
https://soundcloud.com/peakesmusic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4poYEOOc-Y