The Cindys

Support: Vehicle and Ringer

26th November 2025

Hyde Park Book Club

Another midweek gig in the Book Club basement courtesy of local Leeds label Esco Romanesco. Stacking a quality bill of bands for less cash than you’ll find down the back of the sofa. Follow ‘em on the socials and stick your head down the stairs next time one’s on – you won’t regret it!

Ringer were the evening’s opening act and to my surprise announced it was their debut gig – there were certainly no giveaways this was their first day on the job. Lots of boxes ticked for yours truly – who doesn’t love to see a female drummer especially when they’re turning out such deliciously loose and relaxed beats. Match that with a bit of Jon Squire when-he-was-good style guitar and a solid bit of bass and there’s not an awful lot to go wrong. Add to the mix some strong vocals from front-woman Harrie and Bob’s yer uncle. Last track (I think) “Bruised” was a belter – hopefully not long until gigs #2 #3 #4 et cetera.

Vehicle were second on the bill – “Best band in Leeds at the moment” not MY words Stubsters, those of Mel from Cellar Messiah and she makes a convincing argument. I can probably keep this “review” fairly succinct:

• Their sound – spot on. 
• They had some new songs – wonderful (Especially the last song with duetted vocals from Michael and Connal – superb).
• Harry Klaus played tambourine AND guitar at the same time – no one will ever be THAT cool.

Bristol band The Cindys were up last, fresh from releasing their seven-track debut LP the Friday before. On record they’re quite jangly; sort of C-86y, classic British pre-Madchester / pre-Britpop indie and that’s what I was expecting their live sound to be like; but instead they delivered a much bigger, harder-edged sound which gave the songs a completely different dynamic – an alternative take / accompaniment to the studio versions. Being able to switch it up and change the feel of the songs while maintaining the essence of them is a real skill.

As well as their own material there was a cover of Alex Chilton’s “All Of The Time” which drew a line through the Big Star tracks playing between the bands, those incredible Scottish indie bands like The Pastels, BMX Bandits & Teenage Fanclub, and The Cindys’ self-titled debut. Subtle influences circling around the songs rather than determined efforts to sound like someone else. Nice! The album has a bunch of great songs, they’re quality live what else is there to say? Oh yeah, next level knitwear and delightful merch. Recommended.

Words and Pictures by Rusty Li (first picture The Cindys, second picture Vehicle).