Kal Marks + Thank
2025-03-18 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Kal Marks (USA – Exploding In Sound)Heavy indie/noise rock from Boston like Trumans Water / Pissed Jeans / Pixieshttps://kalmarks.bandcamp.com/
Thank (Big Scary Monsters)Witty and danceable noise rock like Chinese Stars / The Fall / Joeyfat (ex-Nose).https://thankleeds.bandcamp.com/

FREE ENTRY with donations for bands gratefully accepted. Live music done in time for trains back to Leeds / Manc.
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Kal Marks
Formed out of the Boston music scene (now located in Providence & Brooklyn), Kal Marks has been pushing themselves and their sound for over a decade. Known for their explosive live show and cathartic aggression, Kal Marks has been met with critical acclaim from outlets like NPR, Pitchfork, Fader, and Stereogum. Their tireless work ethic keeps them out on the road, throughout the US and most recently their first tour of Europe and the UK. Known for being one of the loudest and heaviest “indie rock” bands out there, they’ve shared bills with Gilla Band, Meat Wave, Gouge Away, Black Midi, METZ and Cave In. The band released “My Name is Hell” in 2022 and “Wasteland Baby” in 2024 both recorded at Machines With Magnets with Seth Manchester (Battles, Model/Actriiz, Big Brave). “Wasteland Baby” is the bands master stroke and first attempt at a concept album, divulging Shane’s fears of parenthood in a decaying world. https://youtu.be/OQQ8hG8Ujp4?feature=shared
ThankThe Rock Band Thank From Leeds’ concoction of anxious disco grooves, harsh noise freakouts and inscrutable sprechgesang bluster was borne out of their hometown’s notorious – and now sadly defunct – DIY collective CHUNK. After the release of their debut full length ‘Thoughtless Cruelty’ in 2022 and a smattering of EPs and split releases, the band is back with their sophomore album ‘I Have A Physical Body That Can Be Harmed’, a volatile yet joyously cathartic post-punk record.
In 2024 Thank signed to independent record label Big Scary Monsters, armed with a new album on the horizon and a smattering of upcoming shows in the UK and Europe to boot. ‘I Have A Physical Body That Can Be Harmed’ is a brash, satirical and downright stomping full length that combines the raw ferocity of the band’s early work with the ambitious arrangements and electronic experimentation of their more recent output. The end result combines hardware techno squelch, jungle-inspired drumming, synth pop bombast and anarcho-punk spartan aggression, acid-fried and internet-poisoned with a shit-eating grin on its face, landing somewhere akin to The Cure’s ‘The Head On The Door’ if it was remixed by ‘Jenny Death’-era Death Grips.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM79cm4LeCQ

French Fridays
2025-03-21 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-03-28 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-04-04 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-04-11 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-04-18 17:30 - 18:30
An informal group to practice your conversational French – Everyone welcome!

Georgian + The Black Hills String Band
2025-03-21 20:00 - 22:00
Georgian is a spooky, psychedelic western artist based in Manchester. lead singer Georgia’s haunting vocals and gripping writing style is the perfect accompaniment to the soulful organ, driving drums, groovy bass, tasty sax, and trio of harmonic guitars which make up her band. With sold out shows and a recent spot at Manchester Psychfest it’ll be a treat to see them in such intimate surroundings
“Georgian create a distinctive sound that merges the psychedelic elements of the 1960s with a Western flair, creating a modern yet nostalgically rich auditory experience.” – Oculate
“Balancing vulnerability, longing and playfulness Georgian create a moody and haunting atmosphere.” – Broadway World
https://georgian.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/georgianbackstage
The Black Hills String Band are a new group from the lonesome hills of Calderdale made up of seasoned local players making their own unique twist on classic blues, folk and country

Featherteeth
2025-03-22 21:00 - 23:00
Featherteeth are sonic alchemists, blending the mind-expanding essence of psychedelia, the rhythmic pulse of electronica, the raw energy of post-punk, and countless other influences into a seamless, genre-defying experience. With hypnotic grooves, shimmering etherial vocals and electrifying live performances, the band crafts a soundscape that takes listeners on a journey through both space and time.
“There are many different featherteeth, everyone has their own……a creature that lives in your mind and puts your dreams together”.

Phil Tyler + Henry Parker
2025-03-23 16:00 - 18:00
Phil TylerSolo set of ‘folky stuff’ from Newcastle’s premier primitive banjoist, guitarist, sacred harp singer and collaborator with/of/in Cath Tyler, Sarah Hill, Yakka Doon, The Last Path, and Spraydog.https://cathandphiltyler.bandcamp.com/
Henry ParkerContemporary progressive folk guitar and songs from the Yorkshire valley’s ever rising star. https://henryparkermusic.co.uk/

Phil Tyler
Cath & Phil Tyler play Anglo-American folk music using guitar, banjo, voice and fiddle. Cath was a member of the band Cordelia’s Dad in the 1990s when she lived in Massachusetts, USA. Phil, from Newcastle upon Tyne has played in various folk, rock and ceilidh bands for many years. Coming together musically through a shared love of traditional narrative song, full voiced sacred harp singing and sparse mountain banjo, they have performed on stages as diverse as the Royal Opera House in London and a dank tower in the old city walls of Newcastle. Taking a more minimal approach to their material than some, they have been described as ‘one of the most compelling musical partnerships on the scene’, their music being ‘a highly concentrated and intimate musical experience that penetrates to the very rawest essence of folktradition’.
‘Exceptional in every sense of the word…certainly one of the best albums of 2022. The variety on offer.. is exceptional; the balance of pace makes it engaging, while the selection of songs makes it intriguing. Each song and tune is impeccably performed; I can’t recommend it enough.’Folk Radio on What We Thought Was A Lake Was A Field Of Flax by Phil Tyler & Sarah Hill
Henry ParkerHenry Parker’s contemporary take on folk, which he explores via thoughtful yet deeply accomplished guitar playing, unfurls and moves much like the landscape itself – mirroring the unpredictable, yet beautifully flowing, rolling hills and valleys of his native county of West Yorkshire.
Parker’s musical roots go back to a self appointed upbringing in prog-rock and metal. However, enthralled at the age of 20 by the ethereal playing of Bert Jansch and Nick Drake, finger-picking and open tunings rapidly became the essence of his sound. The result is a strain of informed, progressive folk music found nowhere else.
Henry has recorded 2 albums: the eco-conscious ‘Silent Spring’ (2019) and ‘Lammas Fair’ (2021), bringing him to the forefront of the progressive folk music world. In 2023 he curated and recorded for American label Tompkins Square Records, bringing together a tribute album to Michael Chapman, one of his most important musical influences.
“His relaxed vocals and songwriting are as warm and open as his tunings” 8/10 Uncut Magazine
“What Parker does so effectively is to blend ancient with early-70’s and modern styles” Mojo ★★★★
“Original material and traditional songs create an immersive and mellifluous world in which both the peace and isolation of nature are unfurled evoked through subtle arrangements” Prog Magazine
“Focussing on the seasons is an eternal feature of English folk music and the tradition is well tended here.” Shindig! ★★★★
“Channelling the ghosts of Jansch and Renbourn through his fingertips, the fluid playing and emotive singing of Yorkshire-born Henry Parker evokes the spirit of the early-60’s folk revival as if it were yesterday.” RnR Magazine ★★★★★
“We can look forward to more from this impressive young talent who is both steeped in and helping to continue the English Folk Revival” Folk London
“Precision guitar playing…effortless use of loop pedals, nice to see an unsigned folk musician playing to such a high level” FATEA
“A really excellent young guitarist/ songwriter” Steve Tilston

Chess Night
2025-03-24 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-31 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-04-07 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-04-14 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-04-21 20:00 - 23:00
All welcome for this casual but serious evening of chess.

Jazz Night with Ed Kainyek
2025-03-27 20:00 - 23:00
Kainyek, originally from Sierra Leone, has long been an established and respected figure on the UK jazz scene.
Kainyek is a highly skilled saxophonist with an earthy and expressive style, will be delivering a healthy chunk of mainstream, hard swinging jazz with a hint of the contemporary, but always with a good tune. He will be accompanied by the Puzzle Jazz House Band.

Tiger Island + Drella
2025-03-28 20:00 - 22:00
Tiger Island are a ferociously loud, punked-up garagey power-pop band from Leeds/Wakefield, fuelled by massive riffs, pounding drums, and tunes you can actually dance to. Think PJ Harvey Vs Hot Snakes via the B52s. But faster and catchier than measles.They’ve been sleazing their way around the basement venues of West Yorkshire since 2022 and their latest 5-track EP “Looka Looka Looka” is a right nice time.
“Tiger Island have an explosive sound built around blistering guitars, cool synth lines and an utterly riotous rhythm section. They create ragged garage-punk drenched in sweat and delivered straight from the heart” – Louder than war
“it’s punk, but at its core, it’s rock’n’roll. Super tight and catchy as all hell” Maximum Rock and roll
https://www.instagram.com/tigerislandband/
https://tigerisland.bandcamp.com/

Using both music and activism to fight against the economic struggles facing their hometown of Bradford, Drella combine politicised lyrics with gritty guitar riffs, catchy bass lines and thunderous drums to deliver their brand of politically charged alternative rock. In a short period, they’ve made a name for themselves across England through rapturous live shows and BBC spotlights.
“With energy, pace and angst Drella are a carnage-inducing live band” _ Telegraph & Argus
“With an uncompromising hellraiser attitude Drella fully embody the aggressive anarchist spirit of punk” – Grimy Goods
https://drellaband.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drellaband/

Owter Zeds
2025-03-29 21:00 - 23:00
Owter Zeds – Hebden Bridge’s ska legends! Come and see us…

Improv@The Puzzle
2025-03-30 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-13 13:30 - 16:00
Audience and players VERY WELCOME. These are open playing sessions where weird and wonderful pieces are improvised by the group using some light direction and guidance on the playing.
Donations welcomed: Bring Instruments and if needed little amplifiers and come down and join in with the improvisations. Arrive by 1.30pm to be ready to play at 2.00pm.
No previous experience needed. Any questions? Feel free to message.

Technical Difficulties
2025-04-02 19:00 - 23:00
Technical Difficulties is Sowerby Bridge’s original experimental music open mic night. Please note that from May Technical Difficulties will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
FREE ENTRY
Please send us a message if you want a slot!
We have a PA installed, two tables and somebody to plug you in…
Whether you’re into alternative hip hop, dark ambient, free jazz, freak folk, beat poetry or drone rock come on down, plug yourself in and let your freak flag fly!

Folk Night with Boba Swing
2025-04-03 20:00 - 23:00
This month we welcome – Boba Swing
‘Boba Swing (Bean Swing) are a trio made up of violin virtuoso,Susannah Simmons, jazz guitar maestro Vernon Bigsby and trad. singer and guitarist Gerard Paul Cavallari.Recently described by a fan as ‘a sublime three-way mixed marriage…..rising and falling in perfect symmetry’.Boba will lead you on a musical escapade influenced mostlyby the styles of Jazz manouche, Tango and Romani trad Think Bermuda, Rhubarb and the pyramids of Giza, sit backand lose yourself in the stringy, tangy, afterlife -like spectrum of the swinging beans !’
Free entry, donations toward events and artists always welcome.
For those who may be unsure of the public transport situations, here are some useful details…
Trains: If you’re travelling towards Halifax / Bradford / Leeds, the last train leaves Sowerby Bridge at 00:05If you’re travelling up the Calder Valley, and onwards to Manchester, the last train leaves Sowerby Bridge at 23:22
Please allow 15 minutes to walk from the pub to the station, and please check, on the day of travel that the times have not changed, or that strike actions are being planned.
Bus: There’s a 579 bus to Halifax that leaves Station Road at 23.48, just a few minutes’ walk from the Pub, however, give yourself plenty of time, as it’s the last bus, it can be pretty sharp in setting off.

DayRiders
2025-04-04 20:00 - 22:00
DayRiders are Dil, Sol & Ric. Front man, song-writer and guitar Lord, Sol has fronted some of Yorkshire’s best bands for over 25 years now; Bradford’s No1 band Water, solo as Sol Gravy, folk pop combo Galores, the two-piece power trio of Super Mofo, David Lynch inspired cowboy doom funk quintet TheRed Room, and now DayRiders.Dil & Ric, are the brothers who play bass and drums in the band. Legends of the Yorkshire dance music, reggae and ska scene, they and are the Sly and Robbie of the band. Sol has cherry-picked his favourite songs from his repertoire, and the guys have put in the hours getting tight, and we mean real t-i-g-h-t! Possibly only one of the only bands around who can confidently play to anyone. The guys don’t think twice about playing to crowds and venues best suited to cover bands. They always go down great! DayRiders are often compared to The Doors, and take that as a great compliment. However, the main inspiration in Sol’s style probably comes from his love of Ronnie Lane, Dr John, Van Morrison, Keith Floyd, Velvet Underground, Tony Wilson and John Lee Hooker. Dil & Ric simply love all things funky!!Of course, they might chuck in the odd cover, but in a set of 20-25 songs, you might get two or 3. Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” is a current fave, or the Stones’ “Midnight Rambler” maybe? Whatever they choose to do, they make it their own anyway. They say you only get real good at something once you’ve put in 10,000 hours practice. These guys combined have reached a solid one million hours plus, and that shows.You will enjoy the DayRiders, and where better to catch them than the Puzzle Hall!

Casino Rockets + Slab
2025-04-05 21:00 - 23:00
CASINO ROCKETS deliver an expansive sound, perfectly made for the live setting. Dynamic shifts in rhythm and structure, combine effortlessly with soaring melodies and memorable hook lines to deliver compelling live performances, that captivate and entertain audiences. The band self-released their debut album, REALITY DISTORTION FIELD in 2021. Produced by Steve Whitfield (The Cure, The Mission, Jane Weaver). Influenced by bands like Depeche Mode, Radiohead and British Sea Power, the album was described as “Mature, developed and thought out…” – and as “A work of sublime intelligence, consistently entertaining and constantly engaging”. The band took some time out in late 2021 but regrouped in summer 2023 with new music written and soon to be released.
“Imagine if Pink Floyd and Depeche Mode had a child and you may come close to capturing the sound of Casino Rockets.” – Aah! magazine
“The strength of Casino Rockets is that they use the many and varied sonic possibilities of electronics to create mood and depth whilst retaining the earthy passion and warmth of good old fashioned bass, drums and guitar” – Punk in focus
Mancunian Post Rock three piece Slab create rich sonic landscapes full of dynamic shifts and texture but aren’t afraid to rock out in a satisfying fashion either.
“Slab create thrilling post punk/ post hardcore full of dynamics” – Louder than war

Acoustic Singaround Session
2025-04-06 13:00 - 16:00
Join us at the Puzzle Hall Inn, the 1st Sunday of each month for an acoustic afternoon informal singaround. All persons of all ages and skill levels welcome.
Hosting, will be the incredible Dave Calvert.In his own words: “Everyone is welcome to come along and sing, play, join in or just listen, the beer is great, as is the atmosphere. Its a lovingly restored, community owned pub which is continuing it’s long history of music events.”
Entry is free, hope to see you there.

Open Mic Night with Maddy Brooks
2025-04-10 20:30 - 23:00
Open mic & Jam hosted by Maddy Brooks at the Puzzle Hall Inn – Sowerby Bridge 8.30pm onwards and upwards…
This night is an Open Mic with Jam session capabilities where everyone is pretty much guaranteed a chance to play & are peppered with moments of absolute joy & magic!
Everyone and anyone welcome, get yourselves down to play, sing, say and listen!
We have a PA installed, plus mics, stands and DI boxes available to use.

Hit The Decks
2025-04-11 20:00 - 23:00
An open decks night for any aspiring DJs who want to share their skills on the wheels of steel with the rest of us. Bring along your records and we’ll provide the decks.

Brigantes + The First Ones
2025-04-12 21:00 - 23:00
Brigantes are a five piece band from Halifax, West Yorkshire. Heavily influenced by ska, reggae, dub and punk – coming from the underground to play a new sound!

“I got to see them live tonight (29/11/24) and they are insane live! an awesome vibe and a great set. They are truly lovely down to earth peeps. i would 100% recommend them! and if you can see them live then i would 100% recommend that too!

please come to London again soon! “

Dorr + Untitled Woman
2025-04-18 20:00 - 22:00
Minimalist analogue electronics, warm waves of noisy shimmering drones and cold industrial clangs are meshed with skittering intricate microbeats, dense layers of bold expressive experimental guitar, performed with a variety of effects and implements (electric razors, vibrators, wooden bows). Forming a textural cocoon for the deep and intimate voice, framing the songs with a distinctive atmosphere that is simultaneously delicate and bombastic, full of glittering darkness and luminescent emotion.
Entry free – donations welcome

Des Horsfall's Kuschty Rye
2025-04-19 21:00 - 23:00
Working with various roots-rock band line-ups from his Yorkshire base since the late seventies – Des Horsfall has had, in his own words – “A few skirmishes with fame.” In the eighties he fronted the blues-rock band Raw Deal who were managed by the legendary Alexis Korner. During the nineteen nineties he could be seen in hit videos on CMT and as the opening act for Joe Ely and Steve Earle along with many others. He also released two studio albums; ‘Easy Road’ (Southbound Records 1996) and ‘Mixed Grill’ (Outback Music 1998). Des formed the four-piece country rock band Fallen Horses in 2000 who recorded a live album at Hebden Bridge Trades Club entitled, ‘Breathing The Same Air’.
In 2010, following a decade of studio work at his own analogue recording facility Valve Studios, Horsfall re-emerged with a brand new “Rustic Rock and Roll’ outfit; Des Horsfall’s Kuschty Rye.

Lewis Pugh + Serious Sam Barrett
2025-04-20 16:00 - 18:00
Leeds musician Lewis Pugh is one of UK music’s prime, and proud, proponents of Celtic punk. Brought up on bluegrass and folk music, he plays traditional music with a vibrant passion and uplifting force with his early influences filtered through his love of skiffle, rockabilly and punk.
“Tragically Beautiful Left of Centre Insurgent Folk From the Wild West of the People’s Republic of Yorkshire.” Rocking Magpie
“Pugh has an appreciation for the full breadth of American roots music, a talent for exorcising his personal demons through his craft, and a knack for a memorable melody” -On the radar
“the cowpunk Billy Bragg!” – At the Barrier
https://lewispugh.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.instagram.com/lewispugh777/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuce7TfmQkjEykVfwS0BPFA

Serious Sam Barrett is a hard touring, folk and country singer/songwriter from Otley, West Yorkshire. Playing honest, heartfelt self penned and traditional songs on 12 string guitar and banjo. Raised in the Dales village of Addingham, Serious Sam Barrett began performing in and around Leeds in 2004, with word spreading further afield with the release of his 2009 debut album Close To Home. Performing at SXSW in Austin, Texas in 2010, he has toured the US widely, usually in the company of friends and fellow skaters The Pine Hill Haints. Along the way, Sam has shared stages with the likes of Martin Carthy, Dave Burland, Katherine Tickell, Lucero, The Young Un’s, Frank Fairfield, Deer Tick and Karine Polwart, and received airplay and praise plaudits from the BBC’s Bob Harris, Marc Riley and Mark Radcliffe as well as Mike Harding.
“A skater boy, slide guitar whizz and fine solo singer” 4/5 MOJO
“With alluring vocals and instrumental prowess the continued health of the British folk tradition is safe in the hands of exponents such as Serious Sam Barrett.” – The Hobbledehoy
https://www.instagram.com/serioussam1980yadig/
https://www.serioussambarrett.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGKpMjCrfHcb4iqETCvnV5A
