The Sheffield Scenester

It was a quiet Soundclash tonight, mainly attended by the family and friends of the bands performing....but that wasn’t such a bad thing, because the crowd present provided a friendly and supportive atmosphere as the first band took to the stage.

Driven is a new four piece young band, who seem to be so new they don’t appear to have a Facebook or MySpace (well not that I could find anyway), which is very unusual in this day and age. I didn’t catch the title of their opening track, but it has to be said the band were obviously nervous and almost came across as stage struck at times, which I think made the vocals come across as quite unusual....but the crowd gave encouraging applause which helped the band to loosen up just a little. Their second track (yet again I never caught the title) gave a catchier beat and the vocals came across more earfriendly and melodic. The crowd gave the band more supportive applause, which yet again helped to inflate their confidence tenfold, and the band appeared to enjoy themselves a lot more after that. The set included a couple of covers also, which some of the crowd enjoyed and had a little dance to. Their set did seem to improve, song by song, but what I will say, is that their stage presence also needs a little work too, but I think the gig tonight will be very helpful for them, because with Cabfire headlining they have a good example to learn from; after all I couldn’t help but think Driven aren’t a million miles from the alternative electro style the headlining band portrays....give it another few months to gain experience, and I think Driven might have something interesting, however there are some tweaks that need..erm tweaking! I’ll definitely see this band again to see how they have progressed, after all their set tonight wasn’t the most brilliant opening for a Soundclash...but it has to be said, Soundclash is about discovering potential as well as established acts...and remember everyone has to start somewhere!

As the room became a little busier, it was now time for Lord Jester....a Soundclash favourite! In the anticipation of the split second as the DJ music faded and the stage lights dimmed...ready for their entrance, many people asked themselves “what are they gonna do this time..?” Well that question was soon answered as the lads came on and performed a Mexican Hat Dance. Their entrance and banter was hilarious as ever and instantly filled the room with humorous dancing and colour. Also what made it funnier was the fact the music seemed to go on forever and the boys just kept dancing and shaking their maracas... and you could see they were wondering when it was going to stop! I think the soundman teased them a little by turning the music off for a split second and then turning it back on again...their split second relief (when they thought the music was stopping) was soon replaced by their sudden urgency to carry on dancing! Just when you thought they couldn’t beat their last entrance they go and do it again! It was like one of those surreal moments they used to show on Trigger Happy TV....! Their first track ‘Branflakes’ (which is fast becoming a popular classic amongst the Lord Jester fans), was greeted with cheers and applause as the boys settled into their set and yet again played ‘a blinder’ with their funny enjoyable set. After agreeing that porridge is better than Branflakes, and being introduced as their Mexican alter ego’s....the band then moved onto ‘I’ve Got a Dog’, which yet again was received with applause and cheers. The highlight of the set for me though, was when the band told the crowd about a song they wrote for their friend. If you remember back in April, the boy (who has been on the stage with them previously as one of ‘The Brannettes’) was knocked down by a Skip lorry on his way to college....fortunately the boy wasn’t killed...but unfortunately he broke both legs....anyway because of this the lads wrote and played a song for him in hospital, obviously to help him feel better and they did it in a typical Lord Jester style...the song is called ‘Tube Up Your Willy’....the song obviously emphasises the boys...erm...lack of ability to get to the toilet..??? I have to say if Sheffield Scenester did a Harry Hill ‘Lyrics Of The Week’ style of award....this would definitely win! Their set continued to impress as they came to their usual closing track ‘Pikachu’. Another excellent achievement!

Unfortunately once Lord Jester had left the stage...so did most of the crowd. Although that didn’t stop me from dancing to a New Order track in a Mexican hat....yep the Lord Jester boys as a final gesture gave away their Mexican hats...and I was lucky enough to get one!

When The Embassy took to the stage...no one was at the front of the stage so Jake Sissons (Embassy’s vocalist) first words were “anyone still here..?” More people then gathered around the stage to support The Embassy’s set. Their kick off track ‘You Win Some You Lose Some’ had a brilliant guitar intro, which then enthused comfortably into a soft smooth vocal. I really enjoyed this track and it instantly won the crowd over too, especially with the catchy foot tappingly good tune which then ensued. Their next track ‘Out In The Open’ had a more of a contrasting start, with a solid drum and winding guitar sound which then transported us to an amazing singable chorus. However the most popular track seemed to be ‘Not Until The Daylight’ which received the loudest cheers! To be honest I wasn’t too keen on their 4th track ‘A Step Too Far’...because I felt the vocal and music didn’t meld well together. However I’m sure this track is one of those that grows on you, and when I see this band again (which I will!) I’ll have a different opinion. I loved the rolling drum beat on ‘Smash And Grab’, which really made this song for me one of the best tracks of the whole night. Another good one with excellently penned lyrics was ‘It’s Your Disguise’, this really finished the set off for me to a high standard...so much so I don’t think they needed the Oasis cover to end their set. I have to say it was a shame more people didn’t stay and see this band...they were an excellent contribution to the evening.

It was Cabfire’s turn to take to the stage, which also encouraged the crowd to return too. Their first track ‘Solid State’ started with a unique yet amazing keyboard resonance which seemed to travel around the walls...and when the racy guitars joined in with the solid drum beat it was just an amazing combination of sounds. The strong vocals, I suppose could be compared to a very juicy cherry on a very decadent dessert. Their second track ‘The Sights’ had a faster danceable pace with great lyrics; I suppose you could say their sound would be like blending together the likes of Muse with the Pet Shop Boys and if you added a smattering of Travis you might get a hint of their sound...just a little! I must admit I was quite mesmerised by this band, even their ‘stage look’ was brilliant too....the vocalist/keyboard player as the main focal point (as opposed to one side) was a refreshing change...usually that place is reserved for a vocalist with a guitar! The rest of their set pretty much carried on with the same wholehearted energy, even when the new track ‘Playing The Fool’ was played, it was received with so much enthusiasm from the crowd, it’s obviously going to be another winner! Their final track ‘Six’ is so catchy I keep playing it over and over again...especially now I’ve got their CD! I have to say, the chorus ticks all the right boxes....easy to learn, catchy and singable...this is one amazing track that will be going around your head for days....I can definitely vouch for that! Great set...I’m definitely seeing this band again, hopefully very soon!

A quiet yet brilliant Soundclash with some promising young bands!

Words & Photographs by Gail & Geoff Buckthorpe