The Leaking Machine
Album Launch,
Rock’n’Roll Brewhouse,
29th May 2025
In front of a packed house at the Rock’n’Roll Brewhouse in the Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham, a new label was launched along with a new album, Sound On Sound by Brummie indie rock veterans, The Leaking Machine. Perhaps Adrian Goldberg is determined to become the Second City’s riposte to the late great Tony Wilson. Over the years, Adrian has been a regular fixture in local media, presented on Watchdog, and even has his own podcast discussing West Bromwich Albion, whilst raising a family. Now, though, Adrian has stepped into the record industry and set up his own label: Jenny’s Feather Factory. In doing so, Adrian fulfils a promise he made to The Leaking Machine- that they would be the first act to have their work released on his label.
A pre-gig chat saw Adrian explain the origins of the unusual label name: his father had an aunt, Jenny, who owned a feather factory in Berlin, which supplied feathers for pillows, hats, and for other uses. Quite how Jenny procured the said feathers is perhaps best left to the mystery of history. Tragically, Jenny was a victim of the Holocaust, which continues to pervade. A case rumbled on until surviving relatives received a bequest- Adrian used his share to fund a lifelong dream.
Adrian feels that compared to other cities across the UK, citing particularly Bristol, Nottingham and Manchester, Birmingham doesn’t make as much as of its independent scene as it could, and should. Birmingham has pockets, such as Stirchley, Digbeth, and the Jewellery Quarter, but they can be quite disparate. Still, there is life- I met a guy who was promoting his first indie club night in 15 years. And, who knows, another label with the word Factory could spark an indie boom in the Second City.
We were, of course, here for the official launch of the first album on Jenny’s Feather Factory. Gig attendees got a free CD copy of Sound On Sound, or could upgrade to an exclusive vinyl for £10 (guilty). Having the vinyl copy really helped as you could, if you wished, sing the lyrics along with Pete Geoghegan - bassist Russell Burton pointed out that you’d need a magnifying glass to read the back of the CD version! Before launching into the album proper, The Leaking Machine played ‘Life Is In Colour’, a song apparently first recorded in 2004 in Rugeley, a town in southern Staffordshire. Much like the new album, this was a nice slice of indie psychedelic pop.
I’ll try not to duplicate John’s excellent review of ‘Sound On Sound’, but Pete has a real flair for painting lyrical pictures with genuine sing-along choruses, including of Saharan sand blowing on cars, laments about the long-lost industries of Birmingham and appeals for recognition that ‘Love Is The Word’. Russell joked that the chorus of ‘Lover’s Lawn’ is likely unique because it includes the phrase “frog spawn” - seriously, though, if you can find a song with that chorus (no, not even ‘The Frog Song’), you’ll win… something. Spencer Roberts drummed superbly and Geoghegan’s guitar shimmered around his emotive vocals. A fantastic evening was had by all.
I thoroughly recommend a visit to the Rock’n’Roll Brewhouse- when Lynne and Rob are not hosting bands, they have very entertaining vinyl and CD setlists, and their range of drinks, including Brew Springsteen and Instant Calmer, are very enjoyable. It would be also be remiss to miss out on The Leaking Machine and Jenny’s Feather Factory- Adrian Goldberg looks to set to ruffle some feathers on behalf of the real Second City’s independent scene.
Essential Information
Main image from the bands facebook page (if you'd like a photo credit or want to issue a takedown/cease and desist let us know, please accept our apologies in advance)
John Robinson's review of Sound on Sound is here
The Leaking Machine are on Bandcamp here
