Daniel Leigh - My Little Eye EP

London born singer/songwriter Daniel Leigh has become quite a star in the music scene on the southern coast of England; as well as writing and performing his own songs in diverse genres of music, he also fronts hard rock band New Device and teaches at Newbury Rock School. Having heard of his solo material at various acoustic sets around Southampton I was excited when I heard he was to release a solo EP, that is available to pre-order now. Opening track We'll Be Lovers Tonight was a great choice to open this magical EP with; I am very familiar with that song since it was the first solo song I had heard by Dan. However it sounded different to how I have heard it in the past, previously the recording had a more electronic beat to it but here it sounds a lot softer that I think works incredibly well. The single on the album The End Of Hope (Is A Long Way To Go) surprised me the most on this EP; I have only heard Dan's voice and the acoustic guitar so hearing the string arrangements in the first verse took me by surprise entirely and it really adds a beautiful element to the track. Overall a wonderful debut EP;  it contains fantastic songs where Daniel Leigh's distinct voice and lyrical skills are heard throughout. 

Tuomaslotte rating:  TTTTT

Stand out tracks:  We'll Be Lovers Tonight, Free Flow and The End Of Hope (Is A Long Way To Go)

You can pre-order your copy of the EP today by clicking here

Top 10 Live Shows of 2011: 10-6

I did go and see a lot of bands this year all over the south of England (mainly Southampton). Here is my first part of the top ten; click the title to read the full gig review.

10. In Darklight EP launch @ The Clapham Grand; London 19/8/2011

This was possibly the biggest event for Andover three piece alternative/experimental rock band In Darklight; I remember them telling this was their biggest venue they have played at so far and they did a fantastic job. Their new EP was being released too so I think this was a fantastic way to promote it; it was my first time visiting The Clapham Grand so it was a very exciting experience for me. 

Find In Darklight on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

9. Open Mic night @ The Royal Oak; Southampton 30/10/2011

This was a fantastic opportunity to see just in store what Southampton had to offer in terms of new talent; this particular day was fantastic since it was the first time I got to see this in action. Seeing new talent from the likes of acoustic four piece Simon Says with their happy go lucky tunes that make the world want to join together in song to some hilarious antics from hosts Neil and Mario dressed as two very good looking ladies The Royal has it all. It is described as the ultimate student local and I can definitely see why.

Find The Royal Oak on Facebook and their official website
Find Simon Says on Facebook and Twitter

8. Die So Fluid @ The Talking Heads; Southampton 5/3/2011

I will definitely describe this show as a night of industrial metal madness; I also became a fan of two new bands that really just blew me away. Dreams Divide providing something original and fresh, Killing For Company giving us something that is easy on the ears and Die So Fluid giving a show stopping performance as the headlining act. That night enforced my love for industrial metal.

Find Die So Fluid on Facebook and their official website

7. Daniel Leigh Solo @ The Cellar; Southampton 28/1/2011

Daniel Leigh's beautiful acoustic set was part of an Angry Badger showcase along with other great acts featuring Kodiak Jack and We Caught The Castle. This was the first time me watching Dan without his band New Device and it really emphasised his unique voice. It was also fantastic to hear some new material from him too.

Find Daniel Leigh on Facebook, Twitter and his official website



6. Sonata Arctica @ Sub89; Reading 24/3/2011

Sonata Arctica have been in my musical heart for about two years now ever since I listened to Finnish power metal; I really love how their lyrics are very poetic and they add some guitars to the mix to make a fantastic show. Their live performance showed their passion for their music and I love how they interacted with their fans. Performing a selection of songs from Replica to Flag In The Ground the Finnish metallers really know how to get a crowd going. I do hope to see them perform live again very soon.

Find Sonata Arctica on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Well here is my first half of the top ten live shows; be sure to look out for the next half. 

Daniel Leigh - The End Of Hope (Is A Long Way To Go)

Daniel Leigh is usually well known for front London hard rock band New Device; he tends to take a break by performing solo stuff exploring all types of genres. There is a huge contrast between his solo stuff and his work with New Device; his brand new EP is due for a release soon and this song I'm reviewing today is his single from the EP. It's called The End Of Hope (Is A Long Way To Go); it's the song to get you through those dark moments in your life, it encourages the thought that hope is never ever lost and that's one of the most wonderful things about this song. I had heard this song performed live at his acoustic sets so was wondering what the studio recording sounded like, I was very happy it consisted of an acoustic guitar combined with one of the most amazing voices today. This is possibly about the fifth time I have listened to this song in the past day or so and I am still blown away; the title of the song is very very true.

If the rest of his brand new EP is as brilliant as this song, I have nothing to worry about. Cannot wait fot it; keep up the good work. To show you what a wonderful solo artist he is I leave with a video I found of him singing the song.

Find Daniel Leigh on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

You can also check out his band New Device by finding them on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LastFM and their official website.

Interview with New Device

After watching a soothing acoustic set from New Device frontman Daniel Leigh at Southampton's cosiest venue, The Cellar (Formerly The Soul Cellar), I managed to pull him and drummer Greg 'Rozzy' Ison aside for a quick chat in the chilly Southampton air. We chatted about their new upcoming album and generally life as musicians; I would love to thank the boys for boosting my confidence on the interviewing front.

Also I would like to say I re-recorded one of the questions in the radio studio since when I asked it in the interview, nerves got the better of me and the question didn't make sense. Anyways I hope you enjoy listening to the intriguing and some hilarious answers; being why you can hear me giggling in the background in some parts. Click the link below to listen to the interview.

Daniel Leigh and Greg 'Rozzy' Ison interview

Find New Device on their website, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and LastFM