The Sheffield Scenester

Tonight promised to be a stonker and if you’re going to put on five bands on a Friday night; then it’s going to have an early start. Due to work commitments it was impossible for me to get to the venue for 6.15 for when the doors opened. Unfortunately we only just arrived to see Red Scare’s last two songs. I’d hate to offer any substantial opinion on a band where I’d only seen them perform two songs, but I have to say the band had a fairly large supportive crowd and the atmosphere as I walked in was an impressive one.

What was noticeably different tonight was the quality of DJing in between the sets, this helped to keep the momentum up and the crowd was constantly on form all night....Which proved the case as Stripey Jack took to the stage to an extremely warm welcome. By now more people had arrived and the room was now just about over half full. Stripey Jack looked more confident from the off tonight, and as they kicked off with ‘Troubled Teen’ – the troubled teens in the crowd showed their anarchious side by pushing and shoving anyone in the crowd, causing the security to take on the role as ‘teacher on break duty’. Their second song ‘Gary’s Anthem’ sounded the best tonight, and I seemed to hear a lot more of the drums, which worked really well. The crowd was so supportive tonight; someone even created a banner especially for the band....which eventually turned into a giant paper aeroplane, which ended up being flown on to the stage! I have to say - this is the best I’ve seen Stripey Jack, although I still think the band as a whole need to ‘own their set’, maybe that would work by removing The Arctic Monkeys cover and having the same enthusiasm for all their songs as they do for their final track ‘Cat Out Of The Bag’.

Searching 4 Evidence only had to walk on stage to place their guitars during the change over and already there were screaming girls and cheers in anticipation for their set. In fact just before their set the room pretty much filled up....well really it’s no surprise is it..? After playing The City Hall with Eliot Kennedy and winning pretty much every competition they entered last year, a lot of people are expecting big things for these lads. Their entrance is one of the most professional I’ve seen in Sheffield; they acknowledge their adoring fans but keep focused on the task ahead...and even when a slight mistake hinders their ‘kick off’, no nerves just patience until it’s put right. Their track ‘Get Out’ caused the crowd to spontaneously clap to the beat...and what with the synchronised guitars and drum skill, Franz Ferdinand would’ve been jealous! It was mostly girls who were enthusiastically singing away to the catchy lyrics and constantly waving at the boys on stage...and think about it....even The Beatles never experienced that at such a young age. I know I’ve probably said this before....but the maturity in Lewis Hancock’s voice and playing in particular needs to be seen to be believed. They aren’t just a ‘flash in the pan’ either because they even played a song they’d written only last week which promises to be just as popular as their more established tracks. I have to say...and no disrespect intended...but Searching 4 Evidence did ‘mop the floor’ with the previous bands...it does make you realise why they’ve been winning the competitions...they are good, damn good.

It was time for Driftrun; easily one of my most favourite bands ever! Their set beginning was excellent....especially with search lights looking around the crowd and Gilly wearing a military style jacket just to determine the mood as the band kicks off with ‘Marching with the Enemy’. This catchy and singable track has now become a regular set beginning, and it really does the job of warming the crowd and the band. The energy is forcefully injected into the set which encourages Gilly to strut his stuff! The set then takes an unusual turn as their newer material is proudly played, like the next track called ‘Une fille Francais’ (which I think means ‘A French Girl’ – I never did French at school), this promises to be an amazing track and I can’t wait for their next EP...or even a Driftrun Album (hint hint). Their set came across as refreshing and brave this evening...it must have been a difficult decision to leave out their usual crowd pleasers in favour for this newer material. I must admit I did miss them a little...but then it’s great to hear and see how the band is evolving. Their last song brought the set full circle as the incredible air raid alarm sounding ‘Early Warning’ finished off their gig to an exemplary conclusion...with so many people singing the brilliantly penned lyrics it proves that Driftrun will be with us for a long time.

I’ve seen Playground Mafia loads of times....but I definitely weren’t ready for what they had in store for us tonight. My first reaction was “Wow” as the lasers hit the sides of the Plug wall. The only time I’d experienced anything like that was at the Arena with Muse. The amazement on everyone’s faces said it all, this is the Plug we are talking about....and we have Lasers..!? Playground Mafia entered the stage to Benny Benassi’s Satisfaction, which immediately got the crowd raring to go. The boys encapsulated the atmosphere by kicking off with ‘We Live To Party’, and during the dancy intro Matt asked the crowd “Are you feeling the vibe? We’re just warming up!” which was answered by the sound of Loud cheers. There was definitely a vibe in the Plug tonight, and Playground Mafia was the orchestrators of this amazing performance which was being played out with a confidence you’d associate with a band playing an arena to thousands of fans.

Another surprise the lads had up their sleeve was the introduction of their new band member, Elisha Jay, and yet again the crowd went wild as she confidently entered the stage. Now Playground Mafia took another sound turn, as well as the electro/house/dance music we have all grown used to...we now had soul. Elisha added a new ingredient to the Playground Mafia cocktail and it worked exceptionally well....in fact it was so good, it’s as if she’d always been there...and I have to say their new single ‘Lets Get On Down’ really underlines this new direction (and to sum it up in one sentence) - it’s an exciting track which combines the Playground Mafia ‘old school’ sound with their new counterpart Elisha who injects a vocal evocative of Sheffield’s own Whitney Houston.

This was a spectacular evening’s entertainment, which firmly places Playground Mafia back on the gig lists of many.

Words by Gail Buckthorpe & Photos by Geoff Buckthorpe