The Sheffield Scenester

More info on Risky Heroes - Click here

More info on Stray Echoes - click here

It’s been a while since the last time I popped into The Green Room; it’s an odd shaped bar which is in the need of repair in some places – but the ambiance was made electric by Mark the DJ who played a good mixture of local music and sounds from the 70’s.

Stray Echoes began their set with ‘Alive’ which is an excellent set opener because of its catchy dancy tune. However the first song was nearly overshadowed by a group of people collecting charity money (one was dressed as a tiger!) The ‘tiger’ danced around whilst she collected the money and the Stray Echoes carried on playing in the midst of people fumbling for loose change. The Stray Echoes music is a bit of a mix; you can hear a touch of their influences through their set (Kings Of Leon etc.), and at times the tunes were very heavy and anthemistic (like a Muse style)...but as I watched Dan Stevens dancing, and as I listened to the tempo, it also reminded me of the 80’s...! I have to say his dancing was very contagious and I found myself jigging along too. Their last song ‘18 Tomorrow’ was my favourite all in all, the blend of drum and guitar really finished off their set well.

Risky Heroes were the next band up, and I have to say I stood near the front on purpose...just so when the time comes, I’d have chance to play the tambourine...and of course get a good view to make notes for the review! Their set started brilliantly as usual with ‘The Sheriff Comes down’ and ‘Nature of the Beast’. The harmonies on these were impeccable which made both songs catchy and very singable. Because The Green Room is a more intimate venue - it’s the music that takes precedence over the setting; the set didn’t appear to be as colourful as their recent o2 gig, but their impressive use of percussion and guitar chords always makes their set very infectious. During the set I heard umpteen possible influences (including The Monkees)...but this band is very unique in sound and need to be seen to be heard. Another good one was Jungle fever, a really multi-layered song in itself. There was also a comical moment when some young ladies ‘stole’ his tambourine and played with it – Aiden obviously then encouraged the girls (only as any man would!). Then it was my chance to have a go with the tambourine, which apparently impressed Aiden so much, at the end of the gig, he promised to get me on stage next time!
Great night – great music.

Words & Photos by Gail & Geoff Buckthorpe