The Beat Surrender

After already seeing this band previously twice before, it was an absolute pleasure to hear they were playing locally again. Leeds/York band, The Hair have been trying to break through the indie music scene for almost 2 years now. After recent news that they have just been asked to support fellow Leeds band the Kaiser Chiefs on their next tour, it seems as though they are finally getting the credit and chances they deserve. Which is another reason why I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to see them, being as it may be one of the last times I get to in a small intimate venue.

I got together some of the girls and arranged to meet my other half and the lads in Bradford before the gig. We went for a few ritual drinks to start the night off… or day in some cases! Then headed up to The Beehive ten strong and looking forward to the gig. Dampeners were put on the night when arriving and witnessing a terrible crash outside the venue and numerous friends of ours ending up blood accessorised from helping the victim…. one to sober anyone up.

Once in the venue and a few more drinks The Hair appeared on stage to set up their equipment. This for me shows true commitment alone, it can’t be easy lugging all those instruments around. The venue (The Beehive) is a small cellar venue probably only able to hold 100 fans at the most. Perfect for the nights turn out. Another drink and finally they’d finished their sound check and staying true to form kept nobody waiting as they opened up with a bang.

The Hair played a selection of old and new tracks and each with amazing energy. Singles such as Disco / Retro , Blood and recent download giveaway Half Cut had the audience up and dancing till the last note. Not to mention all the freakishly strange dancing coming from some of our group, which safe to say must have had to be an experience in itself for The Hair.

Sam Robson (Vocals/Guitar), Vijay Mistry (Drums/Percussion), Lee Clark (Bass/Guitars/Vocals) and Neil Clark (Keys/Samples/Vocals) all have a great interaction with the crowd and even more importantly, each other. Each brings an upbeat different style to the music. Sam’s vocals dominant over the heavy bass, rifting guitar, quick drums and funked up percussions. All at the perfect pace, perfect beat and each very well spaced for so many different instruments.

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