The Sheffield Scenester

The kick off to this evening’s Soundclash was the quietest it’s been in a long time...The Generics took to the stage with only a small but supportive gathering. I must admit...initially I wasn’t sure what to make of this unique looking band, after all they had the appearance that they’d just been dragged off the street....but obviously it was their music I was interested in...So I kept an open mind. Their first song was a cover of Bill Withers ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, which unfortunately started off with some technical issues...but they were soon easily sorted...so they restarted the song. The sound was very tuneful with their unusual acoustic style set....and the vocal extremely clear. Their second song was a complete contrast in tempo to the first, with a cover of The Killers ‘Mr. Brightside’. I really enjoyed their representation of this song and it gave everyone an opportunity to sing along. Although with it being a small gathering when Rochelle pointed the mic at the crowd it had quite a mute effect. One lady (who I thought was a relative) said to me when she saw me taking notes “It’s great to see youngsters doing this quality music, isn’t it?” I then asked if she was a relative, which the lady replied no and said she’d just popped in. I agreed with the lady; their sound was pretty impressive...and even though their set was all covers, they didn’t just cover the songs as though they were doing karaoke...their interpretations were very delicately put together and made the songs into something of their own. Their style of music created a relaxing atmosphere, which in turn made this set an enjoyable one.

Next, it was DT’s turn to take to the stage...he stepped in at the last minute after another band had to pull out (I think because of the aeroplane/volcano issue). I have to say I was pleased to hear he’d been asked to perform because I love his acoustic sets and quite honestly could listen to him over and over again...especially with his twelve string acoustic guitar (that thing really makes for a richer/fuller sound). His opening song ‘True Love Spreads’ started off with an amazing crisp vocal which worked a treat with the resonance of the guitar. Also DT has this talent of making everyone in the crowd feel as if he is singing to them individually and not as part of a crowd...you know...as if you’re sat with him in his front room. DT’s second song was an “old new one” called ‘Leaving Town’ which again demonstrated his talent for vocally filling up the whole room. The third track is a song about chasing something you’re never going to get (which just so happens to be my favourite song) ‘Heart of Gold’...and I have to say, I was actually quite surprised when DT dedicated it to me :-D I must admit...I was really touched and quite taken back with the gesture, it’s not often that happens! DT did say however, that he was trying to phase the song out of his sets...and even though I don’t want to stop a musician from working on something new...I hope he doesn’t forget it altogether and brings the song back occasionally. I love hearing new material, it obviously keeps the set fresh, but it’s also nice to hear a familiar track too now and then. In fact DT and his fellow Cartels are always writing new material...and tonight we heard a new one called ‘Just an Illusion’, it’s catchy lyrics really puts this track on a promise, and I look forward to hearing it again to see how it develops. DT’s last song was another favourite of mine ‘All Sing Together’, this is an ultimate crowd pleaser and I think it would have worked better if the crowd was a lot fuller (after all I have witnessed this song when it’s been played to a larger crowd and when all the crowd sings it back – amazing!) but we didn’t have that tonight, the track still sounded good and finished the set well.

It was The Neons turn to take to the stage; who immediately encouraged the crowd to gather around the stage. Their first song was an excellent set opener called ‘Misled Youth’ its dancy drum beat really captured everyone’s attention instantly....the driving bass and ringing sound from the lead guitar truly made this an interesting cocktail of sound. Although, I have to say when the vocals kicked in...I wasn’t sure if it was nerves...but at times it sounded quite weak. Their next track was a cover of The Maccabees ‘Toothpaste Kisses’ which again started off well musically, however this time the whistling seemed to let this track down...because it wasn’t really together. The next track had a very interesting title...which said a lot about the song already – ‘You Like Him Because ?’ The beginning yet again was excellent, with its fast guitar and solid drum beat...it reminded me a little of The Housemartins/Fratellis rolled into one! I also enjoyed their cover of ‘Rape Me’ By Nirvana – this proved also a winner with the crowd and the applause just underlined that. I must admit...I am very half and half with this band, their instrumental sound is fantastic...but still I can’t seem to get my head around the vocals...I suppose it might be just an unusual style I’m not really familiar with...I suppose they could be an acquired taste...?! Therefore I think I’ll try and see these lads again soon...just to see if my liking for the overall sound developes.

The headlining act Elephant Keys were up next...to a slightly bigger crowd that seemed to come from nowhere! Their dramatic start with screeching guitars really grabbed the crowd’s attention yet again...as they opened with ‘The Truth’. It was also apparent that Phil has had a bit of a makeover since we last saw him, because he proudly showed off his ‘chopper beard’....I think I got the name right..even my husband said I had to mention his beard..(apparently it has some connection to a famous criminal...must be a man thing..?!) Anyway...their second track is an absolute favourite of mine and that’s ‘Nicole’, which had pretty much all the crowd who was there singing along to it. I have to say...even with the crowd not being as full as they are used to, their set was just as brilliant...and you could see that the lads enjoyed themselves just as much too, they even said (because it was St.Georges Day) as a joke that St.George must be having a party elsewhere! This caused some giggles across the small but appreciative crowd. Their song ‘Candlewax’ really stood out tonight...with the combination of delicate/bouncy keys that takes this song forward, joined by a melodic acoustic guitar and solid yet dancy drums...this song also has some amazing harmonies that makes me want to get on stage and sing along with them. Their final track of the night ‘Fashion Queen’ again showcased the bands joint skills and had the crowd singing along yet again to Tommy’s backing vocal. To be honest...and without making The Sheffield Scenester into ‘an Elephant Key appreciation society’ - I can never honestly find any fault with this band....their sets just make you want to see them again and again.

It was a quiet yet enjoyable Soundclash tonight, with some unique talents....another good night.

Words/Photos by Gail & Geoff Buckthorpe
Further Photography by Malcolm White