The Lounge Sessions #7

The Fenton

Featuring: Substandards, Clit Spit, Divorce Finance

Rumours are beginning to emerge about The Fenton’s rebrand. From student boozer to embracing a past richer than any Otley Runner’s trust fund. Known for its weekly jam nights on Mondays (previously Tuesday’s open mic), poker nights, and life drawing. The up-and-coming promoter who has been leading this campaign for change goes by the legal moniker of George Mead. 

His name literally translates to ‘English Saint of Beer’. What other free spirit would fit the glove of the hand responsible for such greatness? Like many Leeds students, Mead was captivated by the fluorescent adolescence in the local scene, beginning as a regular at the once famed grassroots pub. The desire to resurrect the Atlantis of punk music was passed along like the Olympic torch, holding the power in his hands to reintroduce The Fenton's “Lounge Sessions”. The night came to fruition this February, and boy was it memorable.

Long before novelty Minion costumes descended on its doors, it was a venue at the core of Rock Against Racism and is still to this day a diverse, inclusive space for creatives. Meeting ground for The Mekons, it’s hard to ignore its popularity with students; we’re only a stone's throw away from three major universities. So, while students may be integral to its economy, it’s also worth shedding light on its historically significant legacy that could be leveraged as another platform for artistic statements and movements. 

Substandards. CLITSPIT. Divorce Finance. Typical Leeds band names sucked out from the sludge of the grassroots pipeline. Its introductory night platformed a mixture of DIY punk, riott grrl, indie and noisy Americana guitar rock. Thrashing guitars, hollowed out screams and nonchalant jokes chime the bells of a new era, opening a pit in the lounge room to music heads proving gigs can and should happen in any corner of the city. Each band brought a certain je-ne-sais-quoi, in the sense that no-one could understand them from the loud intimacy of the room, but bodies were packed like sardines in anticipation for a sweaty night of live music. 

Substandards were pretty lame. The moment lead singer Callum Smith’s bank card declined was when I realised I was in for a treat. Moments like these are what connects us with these bands. Broke and desperate enough that their energy remains authentically unmatched. A not-so-cryptic quote overheard in the smoking area sums it up pretty well: “You can go to the smoking area, this band is mid.” Headliners Divorce Finance were not impressed. But why would they be? The once-5-piece now 4-piece is just a shadow of its former self. Change is a funny thing, yet they bravely face it head on. Newest guitarist Ben Whiteley brings a new flavour to the lineup; something foamy, hoppy and with a lot of head. As well as drinking beers, he also plays guitar. Drummer Evan Martin was so hyped, he picked up his floor tom and… Private Reg was there too, I think. Pretty recognisable in the scene but hard to pin down, in the words of guitarist Jamie Freedman, who studies law in London full time.

CLITSPIT keep cock rock erect. Head of the operation is Ashleigh Froud, who recruited drummer Lucas and bassist Lola as the pulse of this bloody fusion of riot grrl and DIY punk. The reformed 3-piece have been making waves and amassing a cult following with notable songs like ‘The Otley Run Massacre’, centring on issues that specifically affect our community. The name itself carries the weight of offended male tears. 

The final shootout was led by none other than Leeds rockabillys Divorce Finance. The Wild West was unleashed, and stoner rock was reborn. My beer account was emptied. It’s sleazy, it’s freaky and violently chill. I only know the name of Louisa on bass and she’s effortlessly cool. There’s also that guy from Brude on pots and pans in the back. The main
guy and my boyfriend don’t get along though. Singer Matt doesn’t like The Who. He only likes live performances of microwave music on KEXP. Don’t pass them the AUX at your afters. You’ve been warned.

 Last night was a fever dream. I mean four months ago. February 11th to be exact. It will go down in history as a night of success. And what’s a successful gig in Leeds if you don’t end up at Wax after? At least that’s what happened to me. The Fenton remains the beating heart of not just the student scene, but the cornerstone of our culture, community, and pride. We love the Fenton. The Fenton loves you.

Words by Eszter Vida (@esztervidamusic).

Poster: pilfered from the Fenton’s Insta. Pictures by Matt Auger (@mattgoesgigs).

Second picture: Substandards. Third picture: CLITSPIT. Fourth picture: Divorce Finance.