The Sheffield Scenester

Originally I was popping up to the Porter Brook to see Marmalade Sun...but unfortunately they had to pull out. So instead Ruinetti took their place. By all accounts...Ruinetti are friends with Dan Fields (EX Little Man Tate)...and Jon Windle (Also EX Little Man Tate) has been helping out at The Porter Brook recently by putting on bands on a Thursday night....so I was interested to see what the night would bring. We met up with Jon and Andy (new bass player in Jon’s band) and talked about various things e.g. how the recording of his album was going etc...while we chatted we ordered a lovely platter to nibble on too! It was quite funny too...because this was the same day Jon had put on his Facebook that he was wondering which Little Man Tate tracks to do at his October gigs...and he’d nearly had a hundred comments...he was so over whelmed by the response! He also told us about a recent visit to a record company where during the meeting he was constantly being referred to as Jon Hindle...! By this time Maz had managed to stagger down (he’s been having major issues with his back) as well...so an interesting night was about to unfold!

So as the band took their places in front of a big Union Jack...I noticed the drummer was hobbling about on crutches, so I admired his obvious determination to play. Their kick off track ‘Bang Bang’ (apparently about suicide bombers) had a steady drum beat which underpinned a melodic guitar and Brad’s (aka Bear) gravelly vocals really gave the crowd something exciting to listen to....It was definitely a good start to the evening’s entertainment! The band also threw in one or two cover versions too....first being The Pigeon Detectives ‘Take Her Back’ (although I’m sure he introduced it as ‘Tickle Me Back’?!) The second cover being the start of something quite interesting....Brad said, “I’m not just doing this because Jon and Maz are here, we tend to do Little Man Tate covers anyway.....I’m not really sure of the words, but I’ll sing the ones I know...” Then came the very distinctive intro to one of my favourite Little Man Tate tracks ‘Boy In The Anorak’. I have to say it was quite surreal standing next to Jon and Maz while someone else sang their song! It was an exceptional cover and the band really did it justice...so much so Maz recorded it on his phone! Jon sang quietly to himself enjoying the moment...apparently he’s never seen anyone do a Little Man Tate song live before. Although I’m not quite sure who the crowd was watching more...the band or Jon and Maz stood at the bar! When the song came to an end, the whole pub broke out into cheers and applause and Jon said, “The words were spot on mate!” By now the crowd were totally engrossed in the bands set; so the lads then hit the crowd with one of their own songs called ‘No Surrender’. This song had quite an Oasis feel to it, but with more metal...it also contained an impressive guitar solo too, which really showcased Dave Wilcox’s talent to the appreciative crowd. Their first set of the evening finished with an actual Oasis cover ‘Live Forever’, which was slightly altered to suit their style. Yet again the crowd applauded loudly and took advantage of the break to top up their drinks.

Their second set of the night began with ‘All My Life’, which had a slower speed and a softer vocal....however it has to be said, the crowd had stopped listening, pretty much everyone had caught sight of the TV....and as I glanced up to see what all the fuss was about, there was a news report of a bull running amok in a crowd of people in some stadium (I assume in Spain..?)Anyway once the news report had finished everyone turned their attention back to the music. The next song of their second set had a bit of an introduction to it.....Brad told the crowd how much Little Man Tate had influenced them, and how much the band wanted to write a LMT style song. So ‘Debbie’ was the result....the jaunty start and fast speed really gave the track that all important LMT sound...with a dash of Housemartin delivery! Yet again the crowd cheered and applauded loudly. Their next track was another cover...this time The Enemy’s ‘Away From Here’, which I’d go so far as to say, it was better than the original! The band was definitely on a roll now....however they had to do some serious re-tuning after a bout of ear piercing feedback came through and made everyone wince! Then came a distinct drum roll I hadn’t heard for nearly a year...it was another cover this time ‘House Party At Boothy’s’, and needless to say the crowd sang happily to the lyrics, as did Jon and Maz. However Jon couldn’t help himself and dragged Andy (his new bass player) up to the mic’s and helped to finish the epic song. It was quite a moment and as you looked around you could see everyone with their mobiles filming this moment. It was a shame Maz didn’t join in, but I think it wouldn’t have been a good idea with his dodgy back! Yet again the crowd cheered and applauded loudly....and you could see how gobsmacked the band was and they obviously really relished the moment. I think everyone assumed that was the end of the set...because...wow what a moment, but no, the band continued to play...this time another one of their own songs ‘One This Day’ which kept the energetic atmosphere alive. This catchy number truly underlined everything about the band who like to take their musical influences and give it a Ruinetti flavour. It does make a refreshing change to see a band genuinely enjoying every minute of the set. It was also great to see the crowd getting into the bands own material as well as the covers; people clapped to the beat, picked up the lyrics and sang along! The bands final track was another favourite of mine; Stereophonics ‘Dakota’, yet again everyone enjoyed singing along to this obvious crowd pleaser. I can quite easily say, even though Ruinetti did a mammoth 14 song set, I could have continued to watch and listen to them all night. Their set was an inspiring mix of their own songs as well as some sound chosen covers which highlight their influences impeccably. A great atmosphere and a great night.

Words & Photos Gail & Geoff Buckthorpe