Reviewed by Steven Hellyar, Kevin Gaughan and Adam Piotrowski
Organised by Cushion Castle, Firebug and Duffy’s Bar
‘Pyjama Jam is a multi-stage all-day festival and celebration of alt music, focusing on emo, math rock and indie punk. It took place across three stages at Firebug and Duffy’s Bar and featured a mix of incredible talent from across the UK, plus the highlights of Leicester’s tight-knit music scene’.
One of the organisers, Ryan, told me it was an attempt to fill the gap left by Leicester’s legendary Handmade festival. Although, in contrast, Pyjama Jam was only meant to be a smaller, cosier affair with lesser-known bands and a much more intimate feel.
Music in Leicester were in attendance with three reviewers (Steve, Kevin & Adam), here’s our findings.
Steve was first on the scene.
Steve writes:
Spellgaze had great vibes, they were grateful to be there and the crowd loved them.
Not sure if the lead singer goes well with the tone of the band but then again he did say he had a chest infection from kissing the drummer!
Great Nirvana sounds which I loved coming from each guitar with a reasonable audience but not a lot of dancing. Too early perhaps…?
Saying that, there were a lot of cheers at the end of their performance.
Value of Nothing – their first song was loud but rather enjoyed the bass guitarist along with the singer blasting out at the top of her lungs “A man is a man and a woman is a woman” which sounded a little bit controversial but we’ll press on!
The songs almost sounded angry which I’ve been told is the vibe the band was aiming for.
Second song – I must admit this band was starting to show a bit of flare now. They all seem to have their own styles too, from haircuts to clothing.
Value of Nothing are an all-women band but I’m finding it hard to get settled in with the music on a whole because I’m not sure what to expect next!
The lead singer definitely likes to shout but I’m sure she’s lovely off-stage. It kind of felt like an episode from Britain’s got talent (Bizarre).
I have been assured by the lead singer “we might look serious but inside we’re buzzing”, phew!
The venue is still filling up nicely and the drinks are in full flow there’s a good atmosphere and everyone seems pleasantly happy.
I really enjoyed listening to Sunny Side Down. The lead singer was definitely trying to get the crowd involved and they loved it! Alec (bass guitarist) is leaving the band after the gig and played well for his last showdown.
It’s been great here at Firebug so far. One fan told me he’s been to see over a 100 bands this year already! I have to mention the beer here at this venue is great, I settled into a pint called “Fruitage” perfect for a summer drink.
Whisky Dick put on a great start, all 4 band members were in full swing and I felt every note. The sun outside was beaming in and the light was reflecting around the room, what a way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
The singer shared his sunglasses with fellow guitarist to his left. What a thoughtful guy haha.
All I could see were fluorescent wristbands bopping up and down like a music festival does when a killer band comes on.
Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Zack! One of the guitarists.
I’m not sure if it was the beer or if the band were getting better and better. I think both but I’m done caring now, let’s go!
Mouse Teeth – wow, very mellow and intuitive. Lots and talking about feelings and I was blown away a bit as I got comfy on my stall, so I decided not to write too much but rather just enjoy the moment here.
This artist had everyone’s attention with her sweet voice hitting all the right notes. She’s even been as thoughtful to her housemate Courtney who’s moving on in life which she sang beautifully.
Me Rex – over to Duffys Bar, good crowd, funny smell too in the air which is probably a mixture of love and sweat. I’ve also just been handed a sticker from my colleague Kevin which reads “Dusker” apparently another great band so I’ve stuck it on my notepad.
Nice beats, no worries here just more fun and festivities going on.
I had to go at this point, but I’d like to thanks to all the bands and organisers for a great day, I had lots of fun.
Kevin goes on:
Downstairs at Firebug, Leicester newcomers, Sun Dog, took to the stage. A new band on the scene, they impressed with their quirky tunes, the shouty male & female duo seemed quite angry. Their distorted guitars & vocals sounded pretty good to this reviewer.
Hear their demo of Wyvern Arms here.
Moving upstairs, I found some ‘Big trashy punk indie rock vibes’ from Leicester’s Peephole Pleaser. Enjoying the indie tunes and songs about ‘positive emotional experiences, they didn’t sound anywhere near as angry as Sun Dog. Infact, they sounded positively upbeat. Being a five-piece they had a good, well balanced bigger sound with their twinkly indie guitars.
Their single, Jill (listen on Spotify here) had accompanying lyric booklets for you to keep on the merch stand, which was a great touch, you could sing along with a reasonable amount of confidence your version of the lyrics was correct, as well as understand the meaning of the song.
Over at a packed, sweaty, Duffy’s were Toodles & the Hectic Pity, from Bristol. The crowd loved this band, reminding me of The Streets, their well-crafted tunes had oodles of energy. They were clearly a quality act and I for one, was very happy they made the trip over from Bristol.
Back downstairs at Firebug, I found Nottingham-based George Gadd + The Aftermath. I particularly enjoyed their song that was written about George’s friend’s imaginary girlfriend, it was a catchy little number.
George’s next gig is in Cincinatti in the good ole’ US of A! He told us he has got a record that should be released soon – having been recorded in Wales, they started it back in February – probably best not to hold your breath for that one!
Taking it upstairs at Firebug I met Cheap Dirty Horse, again, hailing up the road from Nottingham. Possibly with the exception of the drummer, they were all suitably dressed in their pyjamas and a dressing gown. The music, however, was definitely NOT for bed-time! – performing their ‘rowdy queer leftist trashy Uk-based Folk Punk’ – was high energy and performed like they meant it!
Next act, over at Duffy’s, from Leicester, were Dusker. Sharing half of their personnel with Sun Dog, Dusker had a much more polished sound, I don’t mean that in a bad way, as I’m sure Sun Dog’s sound was supposed to be more DIY & rough around the edges.
I entered Duffy’s during a nice extended instrumental section which was a beautiful thing. It served to remind me how much I loved this band – having not seen them for quite a while, I could tell the musicianship was maturing nicely and they felt like a tight unit. See our review of Dusker’s EP2 here.
Meanwhile, back at Firebug, Pillow Fort were doing their thing.
Their thing consisted of some great, contrasting, harmonies, which I really enjoyed. Writing songs about self-expression, finding yourself and not caring what people think, they were great to watch and were fronted by Ryan Crick, one of the organisers of Pyjama Jam.
At Duffy’s I found another band that I hadn’t seen for a while, Scumbag Lion.
Performing their Math-pop, they sounded like they were maturing nicely. With a generous smattering of reverb and guitar effects, the crowd singing along to some of their songs, Duffy’s bar was on fire!
Not being one to stay in a venue too long, back upstairs at Firebug I found Sorrell.
Slowing the pace down, they performed their indie dream pop tunes to an attentive audience.
Clearly a quality act, and enjoying their performance, I did feel as though the singer could have connected with the audience a little more.
Our other reviewer, Adam writes:
Really Big Really Clever are a tight knit 4 piece which combine choppy start stops with high-octane energy and grungy melodies. Their set was full of dramatic pauses, builds, breakdowns and triumphant releases.
At times screaming guitars made way for dream-pop explorations, but these sections didn’t last long with mathy driving rhythms returning quickly. In September they will be setting off on a 14 date UK tour supporting Gaffatape Sandy.
Kevin continues:
Cherym were refreshingly different. An all-female three-piece from Derry, N. Ireland, these girls oozed attitude and slapped you in the face with it.
Their music was fun, punky, and lovely with great harmonies, I was surprised to learn they had only released their debut album at the beginning of the year, I’m sure we’ll be hearing LOADS more from this trio.
Algae Bloom provided more sweaty armpits in Duffy’s and were the last band to do so in the day’s proceedings. Hailing from Norwich. Nice bit of screamy vocals which made a good contrast with the accompanying vocals.
With sweat dripping from the ceiling, weary feet and heavy heart, I left Duffy’s one last time & headed back to Firebug for today’s headliners. After 16000 steps,, my feet were starting to remind me of their existence and that they might quite like some R & R!
Adam concludes:
CLT DRP describe themselves as ‘electro-punk trio based in Brighton’ which shouldn’t work, but it actually does very well.
With only 3 members (vocals, guitar and drums), they produced a sound greater than the sum of their parts.
The drums were frenetic, loud and aggressive but well-timed and clever cymbal crashes. The hard, dark and deep grooves were juxtaposed with effects-laden guitar which produced a nuanced, loopy electronic sound. But the vocals really were the star attraction, with Annie vomiting her heart and soul with provocative and personal lyrics.
There was a distinct anger to the whole sound, but it was all very tightly assembled, chaotic, fun and loud. CLT DRP were more than a pleasant surprise, one of the new discoveries that makes you want to check out more local shows just in case you find someone with such a fresh and bold sound.
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