Kiran Leonard

Marc Riley has been raving about 19 year old (as of March '15) Kiran Leonard for around a year and only just recently did I pay attention. Kiran played with his excellent band members at The Harley in Sheffield and it was astonishingly good.

When buying a CD afterwards, their manager explained that the venue (similar to others they would be playing) meant that some of the more pastoral sounds from Kiran's album Bowler Hat Soup would not be heard.

From my experience this meant some heavy, complex rock. I personally heard Jeff Buckley, Mars Volta and Biffy Clyro but even that does not do justice to the empathetci, thoughtful and intelligent lyrics and arrangements put forward by Kiran and the band. The lyrics certainly defy his years but our years as well. You won't hear mention of smartphones or tablets, it will more likely be more traditional activities adapted to portray something humane.

There was so much energy, cohesion, expression and exrtion in the performance. The first song went on for almost 20 minutes and was constantly captivating. The guy is still at university and one has tto hope that he will continue writing, playing and projecting.

I saw Kiran at St Pancras Old Church 20 September 2017. All sorts of people turned up - a real mix. Got luck with a front row seat. It was amazing. He has such energy, creativity and is so authentic - he really feels his music. A real talent. He is capable of so much - so many different styles. His songs are based on some super experiences he has had - including poetry and written. His electric guitar playing and piano are superb and the songs limitless. Definitely recommended. I think he's just about to launch off!

Good. Slightly marred by a mad woman at the front wailing during songs and turning to face the entire audience and berate us for not getting into it enough. She got ejected though and normality returned. KL and band were excellent.