The Route of the Middleton Railway

From 1758, horses pulled carts of coal into Leeds from Middleton Colliery. In 1812 a new age began – not just for this short stretch railway but also for Britain and the world. Engineer Matthew Murray, of the nearby Round Foundry in Holbeck, was commissioned to build a steam locomotive to pull the wagons into Leeds. With his successful first engine in service, the colliery owner could out-compete his rivals in supplying the fuel that powered the industrial age.

Brant Bjork Trio

Brant Bjork has spent over a quarter-century at the epicenter of Californian desert rock. From cutting his teeth drumming and composing on the legendary Kyuss’ landmark early albums, to propelling the seminal fuzz of Fu Manchu from 1994-2001 while producing other bands, putting together offshoot projects , and over the last 20 years embarking on his solo career as a singer, guitarist and bandleader, founding his own record label and more, his history is a winding narrative of relentless, unflinching creativity.

Horse Jumper Of Love

Horse Jumper of Love is a slowcore band from Boston, Massachusetts. With their introspective lyrics and dreamy soundscapes, they have carved out a unique space in the indie music scene. Their haunting melodies and melancholic vibes resonate with listeners, creating an emotional connection that lingers long after the last note fades away. Drawing inspiration from bands like Radiohead and Slowdive, Horse Jumper of Love has developed a signature sound that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Spectres

Spectres are a noise rock quartet combining elements of noise, drone, and, to some extent, post-punk. Made up of vocalist/guitarist Joe Hatt, guitarist Adrian Dutt, bassist Dominic Mitchison, and drummer Andy Came. The group's ascent to widespread critical acclaim both on record and on the stage began with the 2011 EP, Family. The release cemented their penchant for harsh noise and uncomfortable swathes of distortion, enveloping somewhat straightforward, albeit dark, melancholy pop songs.

Nearly Dan

Less tribute and more homage, Nearly Dan is saviour to the growing legions of Dan fans, desperate to hear the meticulously crafted grooves and allusive lyrical style of Donald Fagen & Walter Becker. Nearly Dan's approach is faithful, though not reverential, and relaxed but as tight as their namesakes. They bring their own unique spirit and spontaneous humour to every concert.

It’s been over 40 years since the release of the first Steely Dan album “Can’t buy a Thrill”, featuring the hits  “Do it Again” and “Reelin’ in the years.”

Chuck Prophet

Chuck Prophet is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has created a handful of impressive solo albums when he isn't busy collaborating with some of the most respected figures in roots rock. A songwriter with a naturalistic sense of storytelling and drawing characters, and a melodic sense that brings together the impact of rock with the nuance of country, blues, and folk, Prophet has been releasing worthwhile solo albums since 1990, when he brought out his first solo LP, Brother Aldo.

Scalarama Leeds & Leeds Cinema Crawl present: Lost In America (1985)

David and Linda Howard are successful yuppies from LA. When he gets a job disappointment, David convinces Linda that they should quit their jobs, liquidate their assets, and emulate the movie Easy Rider, spending the rest of their lives travelling around America…in a Winnebago.

A comedy classic from the great Albert Brooks (The Simpsons, Taxi Driver, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Drive).

This is part of Leeds Cinema Crawl, a 4 venue day of 4 films exploring life on the road:

Leeds Cinema Crawl: Reel Journeys