The Sheffield Scenester

To be honest I wasn’t going to do a review of tonight’s gig...I was just going to see some amazing bands with a pre-birthday drink. But as the night went on...my writing hand started reaching for the pen and notebook (which I seem to carry around with me everywhere I go). The reason being....I saw DT (from The Cartels), and I’ve seen him do a few acoustic sets before but I’ve never really written anything up...so here it is. I have to say acoustic sets aren’t my thing...but I like DT’s...his playing and vocal really makes for a full sound, so I don’t feel as though its missing anything. He’s got the most wonderful voice – which stimulates emotion from every angle...it’s very world weary blended with an Irishy folk style sound...and it’s so listenable...which really suits this genre of music (my favourites being ‘All sing Together’ and ‘Heart of Gold’). The Cartels as a full band have recently been evolving (and will be back with full vengeance very soon) which I can’t wait to see/hear...but in the meantime I seriously think DT should record his own acoustic EP....

Next up was The Pablos - a band I’ve never had the pleasure of before. Their opening tune ‘Lose Control’ really gave a 60’s feel to the Soyo...on entering you would have been forgiven for thinking someone had just slipped some money into a jukebox. Just watching as they play...the speed of their fingers moving at lightning speed across the strings was a sight in itself. Obviously their sound is 60’s Garage with a Psychedelic and Bluesy edge, and to be honest compared with some bands of today; they have a great stomping, acidic and groovy sound, which you don’t hear that often and is a breath of fresh air. This music makes you feel quite good and apart from me wanting to break into a natural Blue Beat Swing or The Hitch Hike...I just enjoyed the obvious talent of what these Leeds musicians had to offer. Their final song of the set was ‘Preacher’ which carried on the Psychedelic theme which now moved into more of a movie-soundtrack style of sound...this track reminded us of Steppenwolf ‘s ‘The Pusher’, which really brought a quality set to an exciting end.

The next band on the block was Cut Your Wings...whom we’d recently seen at The Boardwalk and thoroughly enjoyed. This time, like then, they extolled their heavily blues laden rock upon an appreciative audience. Opening with the track ‘Band Of Brothers’, they instantly grabbed your attention...and from that point onwards you’re hooked. The skill of the band is so obvious as you watch Mark Flaherty on drums literally going hell for leather and Matt Turner on guitar doing his utmost with a near hypnotic display of fret busting dexterity. On completion of a cover of The Black Keys song ‘Strange Times’ we were told to go and buy the album – as lead singer Rob pointed out “Its f***ing brilliant”...to be honest...all I could think of....when are they going to release some material? Finishing their set with their self titled song ‘Cut Your Wings’ seems to have become a permanent fixture, and rightly so, demonstrating as it does their skill and diversity in one fell swoop. One thing did sort of standout however....and that was Mark not using his own drum kit....and as a comparison...it was obvious that their overall sound did lack a little of the powerhouse depth at the back which Mark’s trademark skin-bashing leaves – (it’s all to do with size and construction of the kit, which I never understood until tonight). However to me it was still a good sound and brilliant set.

Driftrun took to the stage...seeing them twice in one weekend I must admit was a real treat. Their set was pretty much the same as the Soundclash one regarding songs, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying them a second time around. As I said in my last review they are far from boring and the band always manages to adapt to their surroundings. Gilly ‘s dancing encouraged many to join suit...particularly one girl...at one point I did wonder if there was going to be a dance off between the two of them! I did send in a couple of birthday requests beforehand hoping they would play them (‘Knifedge’ & ‘Waiting for Angelina’)...they didn’t...but Gilly did very publicly wish me a happy birthday . Finishing their set with the song ‘Early Warning’ is another masterstroke on their part, building up the tempo while the siren – courtesy of his recently acquired megaphone – blares incessantly. A great ending to another fantastic set, all I can do now is wait for their promised new material which is currently being recorded.

Finally we came to The Tivoli, a band to which I have to admit it took a couple of gigs before I actually got into them. Having hurdled that particular obstacle I’ve nothing but admiration for their brand of heavy anthem inspired musings. Opening with what they describe as ‘Intro’...which is obviously a showcase for their pounding militaristic rhythms before it went instantly into the crowd pleaser ‘Messenger’. On lead guitar Damian Baughan was doing his up most to gyrate every chord imaginable out of his guitar, whilst Lee McMahon on vocals/guitar held his ground at front. True to their military style delivering at the back you have Gareth Eaton on drums thumping out a classic tattoo during the final track of the night ‘Common Foot Soldiers’, without doubt their best track (and for me one of the best tracks of the night!) At some point though and for a reason only known by the band – Gareth took it upon himself to kick the drum kit around the stage and walk off, leaving the rest of the band with a rather bemused expression on their faces. Lee then sat on the drummers stool and tapped away at the one drum left standing and still sang...as they tried to finish their track to a good standard....they wrapped the whole thing up and waved good night, still it did make for an interesting finale!

Like I said at the beginning, the idea was to go down and listen to some of Sheffield’s finest play their hearts out, have a night off from reviewing...but it was that good I felt obliged to share. So to sum it all up...it was one good night with some unusual elements, varying styles and pure excellence.

Words/Photos by Gail & Geoff Buckthorpe