The Sheffield Scenester

With the website already attracting over 14000 hits since November, it was only a matter of course to throw in an amazing night’s entertainment with some of Sheffield best bands to ‘rubber stamp’ The Sheffield Scenester’s existence on the cities music scene. As soon as the doors opened...people streamed into The Boardwalk, which was adorned with Sheffield Scenester flyers/business cards/key rings/badges to make sure everyone knew exactly what the night was all about.

It was time for lift off...Lord Jester were on top form as they opened The Sheffield Scenester Launch night...with an extra ‘Brannette’ added to the mix the crowd were yet again treated to ‘muppet show-esque’ entertainment. Initially they were greeted with mixed thoughts...but the few sceptics were eventually won over with their funny songs and stage banter. So much so the applause increased in volume each time they finished a song...which then lead to cheers. As the sets changed over we were treated to some of the best local sounds thanks to Matt Bruce (from Playground Mafia) and Iain Hodgson (BBC Radio Sheffield/Raw Talent) strutting their DJing skills, which contributed to making the general atmosphere of The Boardwalk bouncy and cheery.

Next up were another young band Sleepwalker...who yet again displayed talent beyond their years. This time around with a pretty much perfect sound system they played a problem free set. The lads showcased their talent to a glowing and supportive crowd who enjoyed every minute of their set....Sheffield Scenester think this band is going places and is definitely one to watch out for.

Risky Heroes hit the stage to an enthusiastic welcome...their sound being as catchy as I remember it from previous gigs. If anything (and in hindsight)...maybe the crowd should have been encouraged nearer to the stage, because the Risky Heroes set usually works better with everyone nose to nose! Although their surprise of getting me on stage was a bit odd...I hope I didn’t ruin the set for anyone (and I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to any serious tambourine-ists who may have been in the Boardwalk that night – no animals was hurt in the process and I shalt not undertake anymore percussion instruments without the aid of a safety net) ... Just think yourselves lucky I had a sore throat...otherwise I would have sung along as well as played the tambourine! I must admit, I would have liked more people to join in with the tambourine jamboree...because that’s what makes Risky Heroes so enjoyable and memorable. But you’re not let off the hook that easily...Risky Heroes are playing the Plug on April 10th...get yourselves down and bring anything that makes a reasonable percussion sound and shake/bang/whack it along to their great tracks.

Next up was obviously a band everyone was waiting for...Elephant Keys...the front of the stage became packed with fans to witness Phil’s taming of the guitar...and tonight’s was definitely a wild one! As the sweat dripped from the energetic musicians’ hair, you could see the effort they go to - to ensure their music is spot on. Even as you watch the multi-talented Tommy joining in with his instruments and the animated drumming of Mike, you can’t help but be amazed at the precise collaboration of the band. It was also Phil who reminded the crowd of the reason why they were playing and thanked everyone for their efforts and participation to the evenings proceedings. It has to be said...The Elephant Keys did receive the best response from the crowd so far...and if you didn’t get enough of them at the launch...you can catch them at the Frog and Parrot on the 27th March and again at The Boardwalk on the 23rd April....I’m definitely going to be there...it would be rude not too!

Before the headlining band...Sheffield Scenester’s Geoff also thanked everyone for their contribution to the amazing evening, especially to Joolz who helped organise the special evening.

I was personally looking forward to Avangaad...because I must admit I’m not over familiar with the band. The reason we chose Avangaad to headline was because of their recommendations...and because I must admit I was curious. I resisted the temptation of listening to their stuff on MySpace...because I wanted to see the set totally fresh, I wanted to have a band who I didn’t know...I loved the fact Lord Jester/Sleepwalker/Risky Heroes/Elephant Keys agreed to play the launch because I think I know them well, I know I’d really enjoy their sets and I also know they’d put on the best show possible...but I also wanted something new to me (I even avoided writing the Jimi’s Parade demo review!)....selfish I know...but I’m glad I did...I was blown away by their sound. The singer Liam Burns was just pure inspiration, his impressive vocals especially enthralled me...and quite honestly he took my attention for most of the set. I was also impressed with how polished the lads were...apparently they very rarely get together these days because of Liam moving to London. But What I really loved about Avangaad was the way they surprised their regular fans (who have been waiting quite a while for a local gig apparently!) with previous Avangaad members making an appearance...one came all the way from Germany especially for tonight’s gig! The icing on the cake, I have to say...was the stage invasion...I’m not normally a fan of such shenanigans...but this wasn’t aggressive or people having an over large ego trip...no it was just fans being a part of the nights entertainment, some even grabbed Shane’s drumsticks and participated in the drum playing...which sounded good...some just mimed along as if they were Liam...some even air guitared to the music...this was a great finale to the night, and I’m just glad The Sheffield Scenester (along with Joolz, the DJ’s and all the bands)helped to provide the crowd with the music they really wanted.

It has to be said...it was one amazing night...and even if it wasn’t The Sheffield Scenester Launch Night it would have still been one of the best Soundclash nights ever.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the following (in no particular order!):
Joolz – without you it wouldn’t have happened.
Avangaad – Amazing, amazing, amazing!
Elephant Keys – Bloody brilliant as usual!
Risky Heroes – Loved it ;-)
Sleepwalker – keep going, you’re going to be brilliant!
Lord Jester – Keep it up A*’s all round!
Matt Bruce – Excellent!
Iain Hodgson – Excellent!
Nick – for just smiling and saying lots of supportive stuff ;-)
And everyone else for doing a good job!

Written by Gail Buckthorpe
Photos by Geoff Buckthorpe