LIVE REVIEW: THOSE DAMN CROWS RETURN TO FILL THAT GOD SHAPED HOLE!

Support: James Bruner, Autumn Kings

Venue: Leeds University Stylus

Date: October 2025

Rating: ★★★★★

When Those Damn Crows roll into town, you can count on two things: thunderous riffs and an audience ready to roar right back at them. At Leeds University’s Stylus, the Welsh rock heavyweights proved once again why they’re one of the UK’s brightest live forces — delivering a set brimming with passion, grit, and that unmistakable Crows swagger.

Rolling in to the fair city of Leeds, Those Damn Crows are embarking on the second leg of their UK tour supporting the No.1 album 'God Shaped Hole'. Taking in larger venues and bigger cities!!

Before the main event, the night kicked off with James Bruner, who also supported Those Damn Crows on the first leg of dates. Walking on to 'That's Life' and really strutting his stuff in snakeskin pants, this set sees James and the gang really stepping it up from last time round! A short set full of hooks and kickass rock n roll grooves. 'Big Shot' with it's foot stompin groove really got the crowd going. My favourite is still the superb tempo shifting song Alibi, complete with monster riffing and some serious shred with a few Paul Gilbert style licks thrown in for good measure. A fine opening set from James and the announcement of a new album recieved a welcome cheer from the appreciative crowd

Then came Autumn Kings, injecting a serious dose of adrenaline. Even with the delayed start due to a medical emergency in the audience, the Canadian outfit didn’t just play — they owned the stage from the first chord. Blending slick, radio-ready hooks with muscular riffs, they sounded like a band built for big rooms and bigger crowds. Tracks like “Want You to Stay” and “Sleep When I'm Dead ”  and 'Hellbound'hit hard, while frontman Joe Coccimiglio’s boundless energy had the Stylus crowd bouncing before the lights even dimmed for the headliners. Kicking out a couple of banging covers including 'Living La Vida Loca' and of course with their Linkin Park musical style at the fore it was an obvious choice to blast out a cover and 'Bleed It Out' hit the spot with the crowd lapping it up.

By the time the Crows strode onstage to the roar of a packed room, anticipation had hit fever pitch. Shane Greenhall led the charge with trademark fire — a frontman who balances grit with grace, commanding the crowd without ever losing that everyman charm. Opener “Who Did It” set the place alight, followed by fan favourites “Send the Reaper” and “Man on Fire”, each landing with precision and heart. The Welsh five-piece owned every inch of the stage. Frontman Shane Greenhall commanded the crowd with the confidence of a born showman — equal parts ferocity and heart. His vocals were faultless, and his connection with the audience was genuine; you could tell this was a band that thrives on live energy.

Guitarists Ian “Shiner” Thomas and David Winchurch traded riffs like prizefighters, while the rhythm section of Lloyd Wood and Ronnie Huxford kept everything locked down tight. Together, they delivered a performance that was as slick as it was soulful — proof that hard rock can be both heavy and heartfelt.

With Shane's usual antics of climbing round the venue, it did result in a bit of a 'telling off' from the venue managr and the sound being cut, but he asked for forgiveness and the crowd roared with appreciation as the sound was restored and they brought their stunning set to an epic concluison.

The night’s emotional high came with “Blink of an Eye”, as the entire room sang every word back, arms aloft, voices cracking with feeling. It was one of those spine-tingling moments that remind you why live music still matters. By the encore, “See You Again” brought the night full circle — a closing salute to fans who’d given as much energy as they’d received.

Verdict:Leeds got the full Crow treatment: big songs, bigger hearts, and a band that feels destined for arenas. Those Damn Crows aren’t just flying high — they’re soaring.

5/5 – A storming performance from one of Britain’s best modern rock bands.