WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
Tonight was my 3rd night of the incredible Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and tonight it was the brilliant Leeds Indie band Kaiser Chiefs supported by young up-and-coming Australian 2-piece Royel Otis.
But before that, a little bit about Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod – The Llangollen International Musical Festival, commonly known as the Llangollen Eisteddfod, is an annual celebration of music, dance, and cultural diversity held in the picturesque town of Llangollen, North Wales. Since its inception in 1947, the festival has brought together performers from around the globe, showcasing a rich tapestry of traditions and artistic expressions. Participants range from choirs and folk dancers to soloists and instrumental ensembles, and some of the biggest bands and artists, all competing in a spirit of friendship and cultural exchange. The event not only highlights the universal language of music but also fosters international goodwill and understanding. Each summer, the festival transforms Llangollen into a vibrant hub of creativity and international camaraderie, attracting thousands of visitors who come to experience its unique blend of competition and celebration.
The first band up tonight were Royel Otis and we were about to witness a brilliant set by the rising indie pop duo. Originating from Byron Bay, Australia. The band was formed in 2019 by Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic. They released three EPs, including Sofa Kings, before their debut studio album, Pratts & Pain, was released in February 2024.
Even though the band are made up of Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, tonight they had the addition of a drummer and keyboardist, and I tell you something they have a set full of catchy tunes. Plus a very cool cover of Sophie Ellis Bexter‘s “Murder On The Dancefloor” thrown in for good measure.
Their music is a blend of indie rock and guitar pop and all I can say is that they are very very good, I enjoyed their set immensely and I can’t wait to see them again.
Then it was time for Kaiser Chiefs formed in 2000 as Parva, to release one studio album, 22, in 2003, before renaming and establishing themselves in their current name that same year. Since their formation, the band has consisted of effervescent lead vocalist Ricky Wilson, guitarist Andrew “Whitey” White, bassist Simon Rix, keyboardist Nick “Peanut” Baines and since 2013 drummer Vijay Mistry, who replaced founding drummer Nick Hodgson following his departure from the band in late 2012.
The band have released eight original studio albums: Employment (2005), Yours Truly, Angry Mob (2007), Off with Their Heads (2008), The Future Is Medieval (2011), Education, Education, Education & War (2014), Stay Together (2016), Duck (2019) and “Easy Eighth album”, one EP: Lap of Honour (2005), one compilation album: Souvenir: The Singles 2004–2012 (2012).
The band has three Brit Awards, including the award for Best British Group, an NME award for Best Album, and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.
Their UK hit singles include 2004 and 2005 number 9 hit “I Predict a Riot”, 2007 UK number 1 hit “Ruby”, which has sold over 461,000 copies, from their platinum album “Yours Truly, Angry Mob” plus a further two Top 20 singles in 2007 with “The Angry Mob” and “Everything Is Average Nowadays”. Their singles “Ruby”, “I Predict a Riot”, “Everyday I Love You Less and Less”, “Never Miss a Beat” and “Oh My God”
But what Kaiser Chiefs would I get, I have friends who have been and seen them a few years back and left very disappointed and some that have come back from the show buzzing, I was hoping for the latter. Well, I needed not to worry, they were on point and brilliant from start to finish.
To a backdrop of a graffitied wall with lyrics referencing some of the Kaisers’ big hits, the band walked onto the stage and the cheers were deafening. Ricky Wilson entered last before launching into “Feeling Alright” I already knew that it was going to be a great gig.
Ricky was all over the stage, never standing still for a minute, constantly communicating with the adoring fans in front of him, he was bouncing off the crowd’s energy, and they were bouncing off his.
My two highlights of the set were “Ruby” the audience participation was breathtaking, the other track “I Predict A Riot” which just went off
Ultimately it will always be about the songs and The Kaiser Chiefs know how to write a banger with catchy as-hell choruses I think tonight proved The Kaiser Chiefs are going nowhere and are still totally relevant.
Tonight has been a brilliant evening of classic indie, delivered impeccably by The Kaiser Chiefs with a helping hand from the awesome Royel Otis
SET LIST
1. Feeling Alright
2. Never Miss a Beat
3. Heat Dies Down
4. The Factory Gates
5. Beautiful Girl
6. How 2 Dance
7. Modern Way
8. People Know How to Love One Another
9. Don’t Just Stand There, Do Something
10. Everyday I Love You Less and Less
11. Everything Is Average Nowadays
12. Ruby
13. Reasons to Stay Alive
14. I Predict a Riot
15. Hole in My Soul
16. The Angry Mob
Encore:
18. Coming Home
19. Oh My God
FOLLOW KAISER CHIEFS
FOLLOW ROYEL OTIS
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
