Leopard Rays - Times A Factor, Kid

Hartlepool’s Leopard Rays are a four piece alt rock band, they are Luke Dawkins (vocals), Sean McCloskey (guitar), Tom Pattison (bass) and David Wilcox (drums).

They take their influences from the likes of Pearl Jam, Oasis and Ride for fans of other local luminaries such as Plaza and The Yada Yada Yadas.

Leopard Rays have graced stages at Stockton Calling, and played the inaugural Heelapolooza and Gathering Sounds Festivals.

They have also been playlisted on BBC Music Introducing and supported the likes of Pulled Apart By Horses and Estrons and played their own dates in Manchester, London and Newcastle plus sold out shows in their hometown as they continue to grow musically.

Leopard Rays release their debut EP Times A Factor, Kid today, Friday 21 August.

The first song is Brother, Its a track that showcases that heavier indie rock still exists, it grabs your attention right from the off with its thundering guitar riff, and a chunky bass that combined drive the melody of the song.

It is delivered with an aggressive tone that adds a punky edge to the song which is perfect for the lyrics which describe a sibling rivalry that threatens to boil over as demonstrated by the lyrics “hey my brother, said enough is enough” or the more menacing “you had your hands wrapped around my throat”.

The next track is Daydream this is another kick ass rock’n’roll tune, featuring a heavy guitar riff with a strong vocal. It has a fantastic mid section where the lads really unleash the power of their playing, this will bring on a bit of involuntarily head banging.

Pass You By is next up and this starts off at blistering speed, high energy drums and a rollicking guitar riff, but it has a slower vocal which sits on top of the energetic melody, it has a nice singalong line of “time will pass you by, time will pass you by” so easy to get involved.

The final track is Times A Factor, Kid and this is a much more chilled track for the opening couple of minutes, allowing the vocal to be the highlight of the track, before again we have a bit of fun on the guitars as we hear the lads play some glorious swirling hooks and reverb as the fantastic final track fades out.

Overall Leopard Rays have given us a superb EP showcasing that there is still very much a place for heavier alternative rock in the UK scene, the collection of songs will all come to the fore when played live as they all deliver on energy and attitude and will have a crowd (when allowed!) rocking.

Tracklist