The Sheffield Scenester

I turned up quite early for the start of this gig and when I saw the line up, I realised that Downslide (the band that were supposed to be on first) had pulled out. I actually thought I was going to be late for the start of this gig, but it turned out that I had to wait about half an hour for the second band to take to the stage.

By this time, a big crowd had already gathered around, eager to see the new opening band, The Last Standing. It was absolutely boiling in the venue and it just showed when members of the band were sweating after the first song. I suppose it did have something to do with the lights and the fact that the three guitarists were dancing and having a little jam session which I really enjoyed. Their second song No-one’s Home, made the guys sound like a well established band. There was a wonderful bit of guitar playing in this song and the resounding bass line made our ribs vibrate. Their track, Say Something, had a slow, gentle start, then it became really rocky as it kicked in; creeping up on us. Plus, it played host to some quality guitar playing from Casey Ward, which the crowd loved. Their penultimate track, 'I Want Never Gets', was probably one of the most popular songs of the set, considering (as they reiterated), it got played on the radio, and then the band got everyone clapping along to their final song, Japan. It was really nice to see that the band was enjoying it as much as we were.

The next band up was the mighty Ruberlaris who entered the stage to chants of “da da da da Ruberlaris!” from their adoring fans. Their first song Zipped up Dynamite got the crowd dancing and jumping around, definitely having a great night. By the time their second track, Tough Love was played, some guys started a mosh pit and I ended up getting dragged into it, which was...fun! Their third song, Monday Morning Blues got everyone really rowdy and young boys were jumping on the stage and crowd surfing. Some of them were sitting on each other’s shoulders and screaming out the words to the song. It was just a brilliant atmosphere. I loved the sound that the saxophonist gave to the song, giving it a unique feel, different from any other local bands. Everyone seemed to really enjoy Fun and Games, and, because the single was selling fast at the merchandise stall, they had to be on top form and I think everyone who was in that room would have to agree that they didn’t put a foot wrong tonight. This is what we were all waiting for and we were definitely impressed. They ended their set with (in my opinion) the best track of theirs I have ever heard, Holly’s Song. It is just one of the catchiest songs of theirs and we were all dancing and jumping around, enjoying the music and a really exciting atmosphere.

Alvarez Kings were up next and lead vocalist; Simon Thompson entered the stage looking like a real indie kid with a great style and his voice was intoxicating. I have seen this band twice before, but tonight I stood right at the front to hear their full potential and they were fantastic. It was a shame that the audience formed a semicircle around the stage and there was a big gap between the audience and the band, similar to a school disco where nobody dared to be different and go to the front. I am glad I did actually because their set was brilliant. Pounding drum beats from Richard Walker and the buzzy guitar sound worked so well tonight. Their second song, You Me Them Us, got some of the crowd singing along and tapping their feet. I enjoyed their performance of An Honest Dilemma, apart from knowing all the words, it always reminds me of when I watched them sound check at the Harley last Christmas while playing pool with Driftrun. Alvarez Kings’ songs never fail to get me in a good mood and they are so catchy that it’s impossible not to like this band. Tracks like Funeral Reunion and Two to Tango got practically everybody dancing even though they weren’t as rowdy as the Ruberlaris fans. The band finished off their set with The Sequel, which is one of my favourite one of their songs. What a fantastic way to end what was an exceptionally exciting gig?

Words by Shirley Bell
Photos by Liam Farrelly