| Jude went to see Chris Leo at the Maze |
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Their heartfelt song writing was complemented by delicate cello subtleties and finger picked guitars. Fragile, unpredictable and at times brutally honest but after all that's why we love them. Next it was time to hold onto your hats, your wallets, your jingle jangle jewellery and especially your downstairs mix ups, because Dear Thief were about to bleed you dry. The full on guitar riffage, ball busting bass and relentless skin pounding was ruthless enough to steal the shoes from the bottom of a homeless person's sleeping bag. Think angular rock in six dimensions with as much wattage as Bilge Pump, all the lip curl of the Fall, but tighter than a pair of M & S stomach squashing pants. If you remember the 'Muskahound' cartoon adaptation of Dumas' Three Musketeers you'll recall the character of Dogtanian. This young pup was chirpy, earnest, energetic and had a shit sword. However, we could do nothing but admire him, because when it came down to it he could kick ass. If Dogtatian had grown up in New Jersey swapped his sword for a guitar and had a brother called Ted he would be Chris Leo. Quirky guitar riffs and lyrically driven tunes drip from Mr Leo like testosterone from a tom cat. The man's discography reads like a who's who of the some of the most influential band music to emerge over the past two decades and he even has a novel under his belt. If you enjoy intelligent college rock and you've never heard Native Nod, the Van Pelt or Vague Angels before check them out. He writes the kind of music that makes life worth living whilst wearing incredibly tight trousers. Chris Leo played at the Maze on March 7 2008. Comment (0)  Send to friend  Print  Add to Facebook  Socialise
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Provided your chickens are safely nestled in their barn for the night there is no need to fear Fabulous Foxes, Leicester's best kept musical secret.