The Sheffield Scenester

This Barnsley based band claim to be purveyors of alternative pop, but with this release, their double A sided single, they go way beyond such a simplistic self description. Recorded at Sheffield's 2fly studios with Dave Sanderson, who’s worked with Alvarez Kings, Dead Like Harry and Reverend And The Makers, this single is an absolute gem by any standards.

Starting with ‘The Crown’, it opens with a deceptively subdued but steady intro as vocalist Pete Dand narrates, in a lament that cries a depth of pain worthy of any Radiohead track, before leading into a rising choral effect only to be dragged back down into a world of woe once more. As the track progresses onwards and upwards, the subtle intro is dropped by the wayside in favour of militaristic drums driving the guitars harder and faster while Pete’s initial monologue has now risen to a virtual plea for life. Eventually breaking out of this shackled nightmare we are thrust into a maelstrom of swirling guitars battling against flailing drums, before crashing back to Earth as we end on the minimalistic chords that we started with!

Coupled with this we have the track ‘Coma’ which still retains the sweeping majestic’s of ‘The Crown’ but this time is structured around a stomping bassline courtesy of Andrew Murray. Pete’s voice takes on much more of an anthem themed approach as they formulate a rock inspired track, resplendent with guitars and drums powering through every chord, they even throw in a guitar solo to complete the set piece! Yet again we are left in no doubt as to its epic aspirations, recorded with pure emotion at its very core, hopefully this single will work for them, as I said before they go way beyond alternative pop – pop doesn’t even come into it!!