The Sheffield Scenester

This was the third night in a row Soundclash was presenting live bands to the revellers of Sheffield. Tonight was a slightly different affair because it was Searching 4 Evidences turn to launch their ‘Silly Little Girl’ EP....much to the excitement of others!

First band up was The Panoramic.....who initially appeared to be a very solemn band as they took their places on stage, then kicked off well with the classic ‘Another Brick In The Wall’, which was performed in their particular alternative rock style, I suppose many might think that it wasn’t as good as the original...but let’s face it that is deemed a near impossible task! However ‘Shaking’ was a very catchy number indeed and definitely got everyone’s rock juices running....and that certainly continued through their cover of 'Super Massive Black Hole'! It has to be said they do a wide variety of music, which really impressed the crowd. When ‘Read your mind’ was played, which I must admit really struck accord with me as I hate love songs, but this does mean knowing someone on an intimate level. Ending on ‘Rock and Roll’ by Led Zeppelin, really showcased a great finish for the band. Even though they appeared to be very mellow on stage, my overall opinion of them is of course that they are good and I definitely can’t put them down, as they know good music and know how to play it.

The Panoramic are Jack Snell on guitar and vocals, Katy Blackham on bass and Joe Smith on drums, they’ve been a 3 seater for a year now and as only mere 16 yrs old’s, they definitely could surprise me yet!

Straight up, no messing around which is what I like to see, The Stand was next. Their first song was something which sounded familiar’ but I couldn’t put my finger on it. All their songs were good with ‘Last Throw’ being a sing along and lively. I really enjoyed this up beat band, because their music was very bassy, you could feel the rumble, which apparently is what many of us “young” people love nowa days. Certainly the best till last, ‘Raise a flag’ was a major hit with me and the crowed...in fact I would go so far as to say definitely my favourite song of the night! The song seemed to go on for a while, but it was anything but boring. I liked the way the chords seemed to keep going up, it was certainly very catchy and intricate to the ear.

The Stand are an indie rock band From Buxton, they’re not sure when they will be in Sheffield next, but if you want to look them up before then you can get them on MySpace. With Ged Potts singing and rhythm, Gareth Pritchard on lead, Mark on bass and Jon Stone on drums, this band has only been around for about 18 months, and they are definitely worth listening to. Oh yeah...their favourite drink is JD and they only want to be seen in a tank...which I think speaks volumes!

It was quite funny really....because I didn’t get the next bands name “Jacks Corner did they say?”So then asking the person next to me. I just wrote it down thinking it was after the nursery rhyme. Hey, there have been weirder things happen at sea! Seeing them on stage they were good to watch. They looked like they had been playing together for a while. Definitely putting on the best performance. They were comical and for first time ever, my prayers were answered, they invited the audience to approach the stage...and I’m so glad I did, they were amazing! Although I was disappointed they only did five songs, however ‘Just Another Day’ was my favourite.

I managed to chat to them back stage, and as it turns out they were actually called Jax Kolon “what, why?” I asked apparently it’s a referral to fight club just “tweaked” a little, yes very different guys! So we have singer Ross Green, Luke Wayne Stanley on lead, Scott Humkins on rhythm, Jordan Twynham on bass and James Longthorne on drums. I instantly find out they have only been together since August 5th 2010, with 8 hours band practice under their belt! Wow is that it? and they were so good too! Now I understand why they only did five songs...so now I want to retract my earlier judgement! Asking what their motivation was they replied, “crap bands” eh? “'cos if they can do it so can we” love it. James managed to break his sticks twice. Careful you’ll be breaking your drums next lol. If you want to catch them they will be playing at the Green Room on the 15th Oct, West Street Live on the 26th and The Grapes on November 7th get to see them every time and watch them “evolve”. Their EP “self titled” is released at some point in October with free hand outs at every gig and free down loads from MySpace. Later catching up with Ross Green I got double confirmation:

“Well, its early days yet and whichever way you look at it. We’ve got a hell of a lot of material still to finish, we’ve all got loads of ideas we simply haven’t had time to materialise as yet. As we were so impatient with wanting to play live! We are looking at carrying on gigging consistently until we’ve completed the Sheffield circuit and generated a proper fan base, then we’ll look at heading out to Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool and spreading the word....we are recording an EP in October and should have it finished by November. Self titled “Jax Kolon”. 3 tracks. Having it remixed for a re-release for next year by a few friends of ours HarleyLikeMusic. Which should be ace...and get people listening too, especially those who like dance or dubstep versions of our tunes. So it’s a win win situation for the remixers and ourselves ‘cos other demographics will be hearing about us. We’re giving all our tunes for free, be it at the gigs or on-line. If you fire enough bullets, your gonna eventually hit something!“
So guys and girls, if you see them at a gig, just ask! And don’t be scared to stand close to the stage!

Arkham Karvers were the next band up. Their first song, ‘Circles’, is a song I’d like to sing to many people. Instantly they sound similar to Rolling Stones, to me anyway...I might be wrong! With great songs all the way through the crowd was definitely pulled in. screaming, shouting. Having been compared to reggae and Foo Fighters I was surprised by the band, pleasantly mind you. The funkiest beat award goes to their last song ‘Observations And Wise Words From The Curious Alan Smithee’. What a title!

Their biggest influence being Fat Daddy and they self confessed to sounding like the Police (maybe that’s who I’m thinking of???). After chatting I found out once Searching 4 Evidence supported them at a gig so they were returning the favour. With singer Dave Gash sharing the lead and rhythm roles with Greg Smith (they were adamant it wasn’t a swap) they sound like the sweetest band yet, then there’s Thom Davison on Bass and Ash Juleff on drums they certainly don’t let the side down! When asked about any embarrassing moments on stage, after mentioning a bunch including pulling leads out, they said they were just a series of embarrassing moments. They got my vote lol. Playing at West Street Live on the 22nd and Penelope’s on the 30th get ‘thi sens’ down even if it is just catching them fall over! Sorry guys!

This is it, the grand finale. A great build up of bands that have all been thanking and showing their gratitude to Searching 4 Evidence. Bigging them up all the way for the release of ‘Silly Little Girl’ EP. This fresh-faced band from Ecclesfield Comp. are definitely the most well mannered young gents I’ve ever met. My favourite song has to be the one about wagging English and going down Chap (as in Chapeltown)....because that’s exactly what I used to do when I went to Ecclesfield! (Note from The Editor – tut tut bad influence...) It was obvious the young crowd just loved every minute, with co-ordinated swinging arms to a sneaky crowd surfer, it all happened tonight! Yet again it was great to see their family and friends supporting the lads and really enjoying the fact that these teenagers are doing so well for themselves...after all just look around you! And that’s not all....The Sheffield Scenester editor was so chuffed to be mentioned on their EP too...I think she’s actually framed it! Their final song was a triumph when everyone clambered on to the stage, definitely the ultimate moment of the night, this will so stay with them for years.

As I Chatted to them I really felt at ease. They seem so laid back in their attitude, they are almost horizontal! Together for 2 years now they were certainly young when they got together. They don’t have a manager but Kierran (drums) mom seems to be sorting everything out, so I don’t think there’s any point queuing up for the job, they seem happy. Their influences are Oasis and Little Man Tate (and tonight was also going to be in their minds, because none other than Jon Windle came and cheered them on!) When asked about any embarrassing moments on stage Lewis Hancock (singer and rhythm guitar) mentioned about his trousers falling down. Aw darls... that’s definitely not something that should happen to a front man. But I really enjoyed their music, just knowing at their age they’re out there making records. All best to you guys, even though they don’t need it!

Words Billie Turner
Photos By Malcolm White