In the cold, wintry halls of Leeds University, two first year undergraduates sat in their respective rooms strumming on their guitars, jamming to their favourite tunes, writing their own fresh ones. Eventually Ollie Mellotte (rhythm guitar and lead vocals) and Ben Ellis (lead guitar) found each other and discovered their similar musical taste and the desire to set up a band. And so, a song writing collaboration began and a few jamming sessions later and having hunted out a bass guitarist in Lewis Jenkins and a drummer, The Phoenix Fall were formed. As a young inexperienced student band, the prospect of delving into the competitive jungle that is the Leeds music scene could seem overwhelming, but what strikes home most about this exciting, electrifying pop quartet is their commitment to their music, each other and their willingness to learn. They are all second year students and all have other obligations, but they’re dedication to their music has seen The Phoenix Fall go from strength to strength, playing live all over Leeds and clearly getting a buzz from doing so. Their original drummer came and went, but in Charlie Dale they have a new member who has fitted seamlessly into the bands’ make up. Their mission was simple yet effective: write great music and get people listening to it and enjoying it. And it’s working. The band are gathering themselves a heaving crowd of loyal fans with their blend of imaginative, foot stomping music. The Phoenix Fall arrive in your ears as a band both influenced by, and in admiration of, artists such as Take That, The Killers and Coldplay and the eclectic mix of the music they create is both refreshing and entertaining to watch and absorb.Watch out 2009, The Phoenix is about to land.