Folks, The Cockpit, Leeds
- Written by Oliver Nugent
In the current climate of the northern music scene, making a name for yourself has become a task of Everest proportions – but a task which Folks have nevertheless achieved through the endless talents of their six members. Emerging from the prestigious but privy elevation of being ‘Manchester’s best kept secret’, Folks have ascended apace in the last couple of years, and now seem sure to taste the heights of the bands to which they assign their loyalties - none more so than Oasis. But unlike many victims of their genre, Folks have not tried to imitate, plagiarise or even mimic such a colossal band; they have simply embraced the work ethic of them and used it to their advantage. This puts them on a pedestal in the northern live music scene, which their performance at Leeds’ Cockpit certainly shows.
Touring to promote their debut album, they brought the audience to uproarious delight, delivering astonishing versions of their newest tracks ‘Say Something’ and another masterpiece ‘My Mother’. Folks typify the saying ‘it’s a completely different experience live’ because they bring a stage presence and a cold coolness that electrifies the audience into life. It was an event beyond expectation; a small venue that buzzed with satisfaction as the band left the stage. Had time been on the band’s side, the demands for an encore would certainly have been met with a final blitz of perfectly written, perfectly delivered, vocal and instrumental superiority.
Furthermore, the bands insistence to remain behind after the gig and speak to fans in the venue (answering their questions, taking pictures with them and signing posters) added a humble air to the six which is, given their new level of fame, a pleasure to witness. The Folks always arrive with an extremely impressive C.V. with references from none other than Noel Gallagher. Nevertheless, it remains the case that seeing is believing and this band’s musical and social performance is worth every penny spent on their gigs. The rest of the tour is sure to be a huge success and anyone with the chance to see them would be a fool to let it pass. Folks will give you a new outlook to the talent of Manchester and will leave you thirsty for more – and that’s a promise.