MachineAfro-Funk Meets Soul: Ibibio Sound Machine with Kirklees Most Wanted’s Hannah Rowe at The Parish!

BySaving Grace MusicCategoriesInGigs, NewsPosted onOn

Get ready for an explosive night of music as London’s sensational electronic afro-funk collective, Ibibio Sound Machine, prepare to tear the roof off The Parish in Huddersfield on Friday, November 7, 2025. Adding a massive dose of local pride to the bill, they will be supported by Kirklees’ own rising star, Hannah Rowe. Having cultivated a powerful, soulful, and jazz-infused sound with her seven-piece band, Hannah is no stranger to the local scene—she’s a successful participant in the Kirklees Most Wanted project and recently thrilled crowds at the KMW Showcase and the WRXL After party at amped. Don’t miss this chance to see one of the region’s most exciting talents open for a global powerhouse!

The Headliners: Ibibio Sound Machine 💥
Ibibio Sound Machine is led by the magnetic Nigerian vocalist Eno Williams, whose lyrics are often drawn from her mother’s folk tales and told in the Ibibio language of Nigeria. Their sound is an irresistible mash-up: a clash of electronic elements with the golden era of West African funk and disco.

The eight-piece band has garnered international acclaim for their exhilarating live shows, building a reputation across major festivals like Glastonbury and WOMAD. Their latest material, following the success of albums like Electricity, promises a blend of raw energy and powerful synth-funk grooves that will transform The Parish into a sweat-soaked, all-night dance club. Prepare for an infectious performance that is as rhythmically complex as it is joyously danceable.

The Support: Hannah Rowe (Kirklees Most Wanted) 🎤
Opening the evening is the sensational Hannah Rowe, a local vocalist from the Leeds/Huddersfield area who has quickly become a standout on the UK’s independent music scene. Backed by her trio rather than her usual mighty 7-piece band, this is your change to catch Hannah delivering a more stripped down set of a sophisticated blend of R&B, Soul, and Jazz, drawing comparisons to artists like Raye and Cleo Sol.

Her recent appearances, including a knockout set at the Kirklees Most Wanted Showcase and the high-energy WRXL After party at amped, have firmly cemented her status as one-to-watch. Her voice is described as “timeless,” and her band’s captivating passion is palpable. This performance at The Parish is a fantastic opportunity to see a truly homegrown talent step up to a major support slot and showcase the powerful, authentic music she has been refining right here in Kirklees.

Event Details
What: Ibibio Sound Machine with special guest Hannah Rowe
Where: The Parish, Huddersfield
When: Friday, 7 November 2025
Time: Doors at 20:00

Tickets: General admission tickets are available for £27.50 (plus booking fee). Check The Parish website or major ticketing agents like See Tickets to secure your spot! (Note: This event is 14+ with an adult companion required for 14-17 year olds).

https://parishevents.seetickets.com/whitelabels/event/ibibio-sound-machine/parish/DF-3437755

Book Your Ticket

LOMENS

ByDaniel PackhamCategoriesInArtist InterviewsPosted onOn

What is your songwriting process?

We try to make this process as organic as possible, as we know we all have our own distinct individual styles that we like to nurture as much as we can, so that it shines through in each song and gives us a sound that is hopefully distinctly ‘Lomens’.

Generally speaking, one of us comes to rehearsal with a very loose idea, whether that be a vocal melody, a guitar riff, a chord progression on the synth or even just a groove with drums and bass

We then most of the time sit on that idea and jam it together as a band and see where it takes us. Sometimes it naturally forms itself into a song very quickly. Unplug the Earth was like this, for example! Sometimes we can spend weeks/months exploring lots of possibilities and really refine each section as much as we can.

The main thing is just trying to keep things as organic and fun as possible!

Who is your biggest influence?
Now this is always a tough one as we’re all pretty nerdy with music, ha! What we get compared to isn’t necessarily what we listen to, and we all listen to quite an eclectic mix of music!

Vocally, Chris (lead vocals) takes a lot of inspiration from bands like Everything, Everything and Kid Kapichi. Some of us are pretty big fans of Radiohead, and there’s some Muse thrown in there too, a little bit of Prog as well, Porcupine Tree, TOOL, Leprous, The Mars Volta, Deftones.

Jordan (Drums) tends to have a raw attitude towards the drums, where he can, early Nirvana and The Melvins spring to mind, but again, the eclectic taste comes into play, and there’s also some Latin and Samba influences, especially coming from Tom! (Synths & Percussion)

These are just some influences that spring to mind, but as we’re all just massive music fans in general, it tends to make for some interesting jams and songwriting; we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Do you have any pre-gig rituals?
We tend to try to run the set in our studio on the day, get ourselves nicely warmed up, a couple of pints and seeking out some cool food doesn’t go amiss! 

What’s the best gig you’ve ever played?
This is a difficult one; we’ve not played that many yet in the grand scheme of things, as we’ve only been active just over a year. There have been 16 gigs in that time, and we’ve played 3 headliners in that time (Parish, Huddersfield), Oporto, Leeds, Grass Fed 1 at Picturedrome, Holmfirth), so it would have to be one of those; they’ve all been equally fun and with some great supports! 

What’s next for you guys?
Write. Write. Write. We only have 4 singles out, and we just need to get more music out there! We’ll still be playing some shows in between, but the focus is definitely on increasing our repertoire and output. Expect an EP after our next single. We also have a Headline show at the new Parish space, Amped! on Mad Friday (December 19th) with support from Pageant Mum and Slipped Disco, that will be a big end-of-year party and a great way to see the year out! 

How would you describe your new single, ‘Kinetic Currency’?
Big! Our most out there song to date.

It’s got a punky edge to it with some proggy elements interspersed throughout. Also, a screamer of a riff at the end! We’ve recently been able to get our bassist, Josh, onto guitar as we’ve welcomed a new member on bass (Andrew Parkinson), so we’re now a 6-piece dual guitar assault on stage! 

Kinetic Currency is an observational anthem told through the lens of a working-class person in Britain in 2025. Through some vivid lyrics and striking imagery, the song captures the struggle to rise above the noise of modern life’s complexities, seeking simplicity whilst desperately trying to avoid unnecessary confrontation and stress.

We’ve kept it politically neutral, presenting observations without aligning with any cause. It’s simply what we see on a day-to-day basis, whilst most people are skint yet forever being bombarded with grandiose political movements and news cycles, whilst simultaneously struggling with the normality of everyday life. It’s not a commentary; it’s an observational piece about the everyday rat race of Modern Britain. We invite people to find their own meaning and use their own lens to establish their relationship with the song.

LOMENS is for everyone. 

Kinetic Currency, is out now on Spotify and many other major streaming platforms.

You can find out more about Lomans via their linktree: https://linktr.ee/lomens

The WRXL playlist

BySaving Grace MusicCategoriesInNewsPosted onOn

To celebrate 10 years of Wilson’s Republic special WRXL Routes event we’ve put together an exclusive playlist for the day which covers an epic selection or artists & bands from across the West Yorkshire region.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/47FJyb7zcCqTWh59H0JGTB?si=sBmXARlyQcm6rvLv-kl4dQ

Get ready to groove to an amazing selection of artists and bands from right across the West Yorkshire region! It’s the perfect soundtrack for a full day of inspiration, insight, and creativity.

Individual event tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wrxl-routes-tickets-1612148482509?aff=oddtdtcreator

WRXL: ROUTES

✨ A full day event packed with inspiration and insight
✨ A line-up of 6 stellar speakers from across creative disciplines like; Lisa Maltby, James Ravenhall, Laura Wellington, James Carbutt, Benaiah Matheson & Anthony Burrill
✨ A live panel for you to ask questions and hear more
✨ Onsite vendors, bar and merch stall
✨ A private afterparty at Amped, Huddersfield with an evening packed with live music and performers brought you to by Huddersfield-based Kirklees Most Wanted featuring the talents of; Good Good Blood, Hanna Rowe, Don Gonzo & Therealdemo.
✨ Social, drinks and community – because that’s what we do.

Clear that schedule or tell your boss to buy you a ticket and pop this full-day event in your diaries:  

📅 Thursday 23rd October 2025

Day Event;
📍 The Blending Shed, Bates Mill, Huddersfield ⏰ 11.00am – 6:00pm

Evening Event;
📍 Amped (formerly Brewdog), Zetland St, Huddersfield ⏰ 7.00pm – 11.00pm

Flowers – Mystic Mystery

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

The artist Flowers is obsessive about music uniting its listeners, which is made evident by their new song “Mystic Mystery”. This track harnesses music as a positive force to help people believe in themselves and always strive for greatness. Even before any lyrics, “Mystic Mystery” is immediately uplifting with an introduction of soulful brass over simple chords, at once the song is so complex but an easy listen. Next, smooth vocals explore defying a society which wants to question your worth, and how there is feminine community in inspiring and rising through apparent constraints. Whilst still maintaining a relaxing tone, Flowers then breaks into an interesting rap verse further cementing the message. It’s an unexpected alternative track, and a welcoming, self-soothing track to whoever presses play.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/fiestalaginger/

Hebble – With You

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Hebble are an electric world folk band with a unique set of instruments, set upon crafting rare and beautiful folk songs from around Europe and America. Their new song “with you” reflects on the butterfly effect, how every choice and even mistake has led Sam (the lead songwriter) to his current lifestyle. “With you” has an alternative folk sound, beginning with four simple and full acoustic guitar chords, which continue to blend into Bouzouki, Bodhran and Cello. Charming vocals then relay “I’ve made some mistakes in this life but haven’t we all” which leads on to the simple refrain “I’d make them again and again as long as I ended up in the end with you”. The track expresses a very human and familiar message about getting lost but always returning to the person you love. The second chorus then intertwines with string solos, three-part harmonies and the natural, earthly desire to “take me over the hills, I’ll follow you there”. Hebble often utilise the myth and landscape of the British Isles to inspire a lasting warm feeling with classic singer-songwriter feelings. 

Hebble are an electric world folk band with a unique set of instruments, set upon crafting rare and beautiful folk songs from around Europe and America. Their new song “with you” reflects on the butterfly effect, how every choice and even mistake has led Sam (the lead songwriter) to his current lifestyle. “With you” has an alternative folk sound, beginning with four simple and full acoustic guitar chords, which continue to blend into Bouzouki, Bodhran and Cello. Charming vocals then relay “I’ve made some mistakes in this life but haven’t we all” which leads on to the simple refrain “I’d make them again and again as long as I ended up in the end with you”. The track expresses a very human and familiar message about getting lost but always returning to the person you love. The second chorus then intertwines with string solos, three-part harmonies and the natural, earthly desire to “take me over the hills, I’ll follow you there”. Hebble often utilise the myth and landscape of the British Isles to inspire a lasting warm feeling with classic singer-songwriter feelings. 

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/hebble.band/

Don Gonzo – Quit Your Job

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Don Gonzo are back bigger than ever with their new punchy psychedelic rock song “Quit Your Job”. You can always depend on a danceable, spacey tune from the band and this one launches straight into rapid percussion with electrifying jazz chords. Their driving post-punk riff seamlessly blends into some tension building vocals. At its peak, there’s a sudden pause along with the ironic lyric “my mind’s so noisy”, then once more the radical rhythm changes and we feel like the instruments are chasing the vocalist in a more action packed second verse. The bridge of this song consists of some stripped-back guitar and the simple repeated line – “quit your job, it won’t do no harm”, further emphasising the band’s message.

A new switch into the second half of the song turns it into a totally different musical direction with funkier sounds and a new melody. Don Gonzo provides a unique and unpredictable listening experience at break neck speed.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/ohdongonzo/

Devon Salinas – Say It

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Devon Salinas is a singer-songwriter from Leeds who’s investing more into the city with his new single ‘Say It’ which he describes as “the biggest stepping stone in [his] whole music career”. ‘Say It’ opens with some romantic guitar layered over jazzy percussion, making way for intimate lyricism and a smooth bassline to re-enforce that atmosphere. There are uplifting vocals about experiences of love, brighter tones and some background brass. But just as we’re settling in, the chorus turns to minor chords and a shift in perspective tells us that Salinas in fact mourns the bliss of a past relationship. Although the sound remains restful and calm, verse 2 indicates the downhill trajectory of love and its gloomy consequence. Fluctuation is a key theme to this track, as the second chorus picks us up off the ground and quickly moves us towards an emotional, intense string section then final guitar solo. Devon Salinas is impeccable in demonstrating human feelings through his music. This performance of emotion lies even beneath his beautiful lyricism and into the skilled instrumentation of his song.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/devon_salinas/

The Kirklees Most Wanted project is being delivered by The Saving Grace Collective and is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 
© Saving Grace 2025