If you haven’t yet been introduced to Lowertown - the enigmatic band comprised of Olivia Osby and Avsha Weinberg - now’s the perfect time.It’s taken a few years for the New York-based duo to catch their breath: after teetering on the brink of collapse for years due to label disputes, creative frustrations, and an unhealthy attachment to their artistic partnership, the band was due for a reset. Their new album Ugly Duckling Union - out May 22nd on Summer Shade - starts with a composed exhale from Osby, a symbolic moment that sets the scene for their most thoughtful, uninhibited, catchy, and eccentric collection of songs yet.
Lowertown are perhaps best known for their affecting musings on the melancholia of youth, always captured with biting honesty. But on Ugly Duckling Union, that anguish is funneled through a more mature, detached, and humorous lens. Weinberg describes their previous lyrics as “knee-jerk reactions,” compared to the more considered and self-aware writing of this LP. “Mice Protection” pokes fun at Osby’s tortured inability to make decisions, “Forgive Yourself” is a blunt yet compassionate meditation on shame, and “I Like You a Lot” is a rare Lowertown love song, detailing the physical sensations of infatuation.

Description

Located in Leeds’ vibrant Northern Quarter, Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen first opened its doors in 1934 as Leeds Children’s Palace; a 3-storey recreation hall and nursery school built to provide childcare support for the working families of Leeds.

After many years of neglect, the building has been restored to its former glory and reopened under the name Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen, with a hope that it will provide artists and performers with a unique new platform in one of the UK’s most creative cities.

Spread over three floors, the venue comprises of two bars, two kitchens, a 300 capacity event space and a spectacular roof terrace. We host live music, comedy, film and art exhibitions and serve fresh, canteen style food, amazing cask ales and premium craft beers as well as frozen cocktails and a wide range of teas and coffees. WIFI is, of course, free.

Dough Boys are our adventurous in-house pizza slingers, serving hand stretched pizza by the slice. Their ingredients are fresh and where possible sourced from local producers. You can always count on at least 6 delicious varieties with vegan options always available.

Please note – fancy dress, stag/hen parties and large groups will not be admitted.