Marmozets – Leeds Beckett University

BINGLEY’S favourite sons and daughter continued their frenetic rise to stardom this month with a national tour.

And watching from the balcony at Beckett’s Student Union it was clear why these young rockers – who started out with a Battle of the Bands win in Keighley –are so hotly-tipped.

This was as close to a home crowd as they’d get on the current tour, and I’ll bet there were a few Bingley guys down in the crowd, creating a mosh pit going from the opening song.

The Marmozets thrive on speed and power–a relentless rhythm, very heavy, very punky, but every song boasting a vocal hook, a singalong line or a chant for the fans to catch on to.

Some songs are simply vehicles for headbanging and pogoing, but a handful really stand out and at least one, I think called Captivate You, could easily become a stadium classic.

Becca Macintyre has a scream of a voice– in a good way – and while I couldn’t work out most of the words, it was clear from her face and gestures that she was angry about something!

Marmozets are certainly no stereotype ‘girl singer with backing band’ – they’re a tight unit, every member vital, singer and musicians performing to each other as much as the audience.

Their enviable rapport comes from family ties – two sets of siblings who have been playing together since barely out of primary school.

They’re clearly proud of their roots, and at one point Becca generates a chant of “Yorkshire Yorkshire!”.

Marmozets are the sort of band that should epitomise our county, the millstone grit of the West Riding rather than the gentleness of the Dales – loud, raw, raucous, uncompromising and a bit gobby.

And just like God’s own county, you know that underneath the stark landscapes and imposing structures something truly sparkles.

David Knights