Indie pop always manages to put a smile on my face and the more I listen the more I like. Living in West Yorkshire puts me at a great advantage, as the diverse music scene here always has had a special place for the genre, with bands such as pop champions Blood Oranges leading the way.

The Coopers, my new favourite local band, are a fusion of folk and pop. They too, are making headway, soon to release their new EP in early 2011 which ‘promises to be an authentic reflection of their live performances – full of energy, unexpected arrangements and a healthy does of good ol’ fashioned gumption!’. The band certainly puts on a great live show; engaging and exciting with an interesting assortment of instruments and items, ranging from a polystyrene chipbox to a selection of ceramic bells (which the band abandons their instruments to ring), all for the audiences entertainment. Thematically the band covers all of the main aspects of Indie pop in their lyrics, form love lost to love worth chasing, having fun and keeping things simple.

The band was formed by two Australians, an Englishman and a Greek (no pun intended), and together perform their interpretation of entertaining and alleviating combination of folk and pop. Already a favourite amongst BBC introducing in West Yorkshire the band has also gained fame through the selection of their track ‘Ripples’ for the highly successful E4 hit comedy ‘The Inbetweeners’.

If you want to have a great time at gig, go see The Coopers who are still playing at smaller, more intimate venues and have recently played at the 360 Club at the Library and The Wardrobe, both in Leeds.
Fantastic folk, with a dash of pop for good measure. This is music with all the bells and whistles, literally.

EP preview – NEW EP COMING SOON by The Coopers

The Coopers – Ripples by The Coopers

4 April, The Verve, Leeds (Acoustic)
21 April, The Cockpit, Leeds (With Matt Berry)