Live Music

Halestorm review

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Halestorm at O2 Academy Sheffield in April. Photo: Ollie Murton

Halestorm at O2 Academy Sheffield in April. Photo: Ollie Murton

The venue was packed, the atmosphere amazing, and as soon as lead singer Lzzy Hale opened her mouth to sing, I knew exactly why it was a sold out show, what a voice! (writes Natz Beard, presenter and producer of Sheffield Live!’s Local Talent Show).

Being only the second show of the tour, the band were full of energy and enthusiasm and by the time they were a few songs into the show this had the crowd buzzing too.

Perhaps the most memorable part of the show was Arejay’s drum solo, after wooing the crowd with a very impressive solo, he then went on to do another, playing with just his hands and another with giant drum sticks. Although impressive, this did seem to drag on just a little too long, he probably could have achieved the same ‘mouth wide open’ wow effect  if he were to shorten it down to one continuous solo instead of three, but then again if you have the ability why not stop the show and show it off?

A huge highlight for me was the band’s cover of  Daft Punk’s song Get Lucky, I am already a huge fan of the twist they have put on this track just from hearing it on Soundcloud previously. Fans of this cover will be happy to know that it is featured on their ReAniMate 2.0 EP, which is now available to buy.

Gig review: Cold Summer, Corporation

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Jade

Jade

Cold Summer – Corporation Nightclub 18/03/2014

It was an impromptu decision to go and watch my second favourite group from Wakefield (after The Cribs of course) play Sheffield’s wonderful Corporation nightclub, writes music-loving Sheffield Live listener, volunteer and gig correspondent Jade Knox.

The first thing that was in stark contrast to a lot of groups I’ve been watching lately was the showmanship of Dan Feast (lead vocals) who actually jumped off stage to interact directly with his audience and (at the risk of sounding unprofessional) ‘went mental’ dancing and pouring his soul into his performance. When an band or artist truly believes in the sound they are producing it provides a superior experience for everyone involved, just the occasional glance from drummer to bassist and smile from guitarist to singer can make a gig just that little bit more pleasurable to attend.

My one and only grumble about this show was the ever-so-slightly preachy feel that came over me when the lead vocalist gave a small speech on the topic of the music of today, expressing that he felt that none of it was really any good, which is something I completely disagree with.

There are plenty of hardworking non-manufactured DIY bands – not only in Sheffield but all over – that work incredibly hard and sound fantastic, however on the same note I also understand that you do often have to separate the wheat from the chaff.

I did agree with the message that artists and bands should be assessed and judged on a measurement of their talent and sound rather than how they look or decide to dress, but this is a bit of a utopian idea of the music industry – a business where how you look is makes a huge difference.

The band played in Corporation’s smaller room; excellent for a gig like this one which allowed Dan to get right up close and personal. It was an immensely engaging performance and musically the band were above and beyond what I was expecting. The genre they work with is post-hardcore/rock, a genre which I’ve not a lot of experience with, however, it doesn’t take an expert to see just how technically talented this group is.

The set felt a little short and it would have been nice to have heard one or more tracks as after twenty minutes I was quite immersed in the music.

Twitter: @ColdSummerUK

Steel Panther review: amazing sound; explicit banter

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Steel Panther are a spandex-clad American spoof glam metal band made up of excellent musicians who dress like, and perform like a combination of Van Halen, Bon Jovi, and Twisted Sister, writes Sheffield Live volunteer Graham Marshall.

This is combined with inter-song banter which was a cross between Beavis and Butthead, Jedwood and Chubby Brown.

The band have gone from strength to strength since supporting Def Leppard a couple of years ago on their European tour.

Graham and Natalie from our Local Talent Show went along to review their sold out show on 20th March 2014 at O2 Academy, Sheffield.

Here’s what Graham and Natalie had to say about the experience (click the play button to listen):

Our Big Gig – funding available to organise music events

Our Big Gig, a community music celebration which will take place across the UK from the 11 – 13 July 2014, has grants and support available for event organisers who wish to programme community events.

Funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, Our Big Gig will “see the country once again come together to celebrate local music at community events, showcase new and existing talent and give people the opportunity to have a go at making music.”

For 2014, all types of community organisations are being urged to apply to put on an event in their local area and bring together diverse groups of people through music. All successful applicants receive grant funding and event management training is provided.

Organised by music and arts organisation Superact, this annual event – which was formerly known as the Bandstand Marathon – “brings communities together to improve community cohesion and inspire more people to take part in music making opportunities in their local area.”

Superact is looking for 150 event organisers to run events across England. All successful applicants are given a £400 grant, support from Superact’s Project Managers and event management training.

Application details and criteria:

  • Applicants can apply to put on a new community event or an established event scheduled for a date between the 11th and 13th July
  • Superact can only provide funding to community organisations with a bank account
  • All events need to: be at least four hours long; be free to attend; present opportunities for people to participate in a range of musical activities.The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 4th April 2014
  • Read more at: http://www.superact.org.uk/ourbiggig/our-big-gig-2014

Gig review (and interview): Back to Verona

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Review: Back to Verona, West Street Live, 25/02/14 by Jade Knox

Back to Verona at West Street Live. Photo © Jade Knox

After meeting these lads while I sat in on the Local Talent Show on 28/02/14 (podcast of this show – featuring an interview with three of the band – is here), I wanted to see the band in action and showed my support at West Street Live last Tuesday, writes music-loving Sheffield Live listener, volunteer and gig correspondent Jade Knox.

I’d been intrigued by them initially by the range of different genres they appeared to move through, and in the Sheffield Live! studio I heard three tracks that all felt entirely different.  The vocals of one of the tracks played in the studio reminded me of one of my old favourite bands Avenged Sevenfold – a pretty big compliment.

Arriving the at the gig I managed to catch a couple of bands before Back To Verona played their headlining set. It became apparent very suddenly why the group took the top slot. Musically and vocally the band outshone any previous acts I saw that evening a thousand times over, it was a completely different ball game.  The entire group performed confidently and looked as if they were having an amazing time whilst doing so – which in turn made me have a wonderful time too! Stage presence and audience interaction is something I will always mention as I find it can truly make or break a gig but Back To Verona were very likeable and fun to watch.

Back to Verona. Photo © Jade Knox

Back to Verona – click to view at full size. Photos © Jade Knox

Although it is clear the band are still deciding on their sound, elements of every genre they have experimented with have been spot on. It was mentioned in the interview on the Local Talent Show that there had been a change in relation to band members and I must say if the group dynamics weren’t beautiful before – they certainly are now.  I look forward to seeing where these guys go because I’m certain it will be far.

Luckily West Street Live had no issues with me bringing my DSLR and I was able to take a few shots of the band at the gig.

What next?

Gig review: The Twang, Leadmill, 28/02/14

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Unfortunately due to work commitments I was unable to see the support acts, writes music-loving Sheffield Live listener, volunteer and gig correspondent Jade Knox, but I arrived promptly for 9:15 to see Birmingham six-piece The Twang.

I was a little concerned when I walked towards the venue to see five police vans, two horses and a handful of police cars but nothing terrible seemed to be occurring.

The atmosphere from the moment I walked in was like nothing I’d witnessed at a gig before, it had the air of a football match more than a music performance with a lot of testosterone and chanting. There were more windbreakers and track jackets than an Oasis fan club and I can imagine the venue took a good amount of money on just Red Stripe alone.

I was glad to see a great variance in the age of fans; this certainly just wasn’t a gig for just the young ‘uns. Despite being stood almost at the back the whole room was filled to the brim so I still got a taste for being amongst the crowds.

The band kicked off and so did the fans, with general rowdy excitement which I’m certain was harmless. This kind of hooligan, Britpop subculture is one that I’d never seen besides on television but it is very present and definitely didn’t die in the 90’s.

It was a little scary that vocalist and guitarist Phil Etheridge made an announcement during the gig to “keep the peace” which suggested to me there had been a couple of incidents at previous venues during the tour. From what I could tell the rowdiness was just alcohol induced enthusiasm and passion, boys lifted girls on to their shoulders and everybody got together to celebrate the music.

Martin Saunders looked like he was having the most amazing time of his life and was easily comparable to a modern day Bez, The Twang actually had a very Happy Mondays vibe in several ways.

Musically the group did not disappoint playing the most popular tracks mixed in with some new material; everybody seemed to adore the set. It was a great performance and I eagerly await the release of their new album N E O N T W A NG on the 10th of March.

Review: Little Comets / Catfish and the Bottlemen

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Jade Knox

Jade Knox

Despite treacherous conditions fans flooded from all directions and lined up patiently outside of one of Sheffields’ long established and loved venues, The Leadmill, writes music-loving Sheffield Live listener, volunteer and gig correspondent Jade Knox.

The bands we’d come to watch (on 12th February) were Catfish and the Bottlemen and Little Comets.  I was taken aback but totally chuffed by the fully loaded Leadmill – the venue can certainly pull in a crowd!

The first band to play were a band I’d not previously heard of called Catfish and the Bottlemen who had a massive fan base; I’d go as far as to argue that they had a bigger audience than the headliners. I was slightly shocked by the band’s sound, it was heavier than I was expecting but it was a welcome surprise. Despite clearly being very much loved by their fans, personally, I just wasn’t blown away, not through any lack of talent or enthusiasm I guess it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I think without the silence and announcements I wouldn’t have been able to differentiate between tracks and I wasn’t much fond of all the swearing between songs either. The group did have fantastic stage presence however and everybody got involved, the lead singer was charismatic and humorous which are both brilliant qualities for a frontman. Although it wasn’t something I think I could get into it was clear that a lot of people were very into Catfish and the Bottlemen and I’m certain they will go far.

This would be my second time seeing Little Comets play, my first at the BBC Introducing stage at Leeds Festival 2012 where I quickly fell in love with them.  The group were welcomed by a huge cheer when they arrived on stage and they by no means disappointed. Little Comets are one of those bands that are flawless when they play live, I’ve attended gigs in the past where I’ve barely recognised my favourite songs being performed because it’s sounded so different from the heavily tweaked studio recording. They made beautiful smooth transitions from slow gentle melodies into much more energetic lively songs such as “One Night in October” and “Joanna”. This group have a considerable amount going for them and it does not go against them that they are all absolutely adorable. Keep doing the north proud!

Interview with Jordan Fearnley of Kamara

Jade and Jordan

Jade and Jordan

Interview by Jade Knox

Kamara guitarist and vocalist Jordan Fearnley managed to find the time before his gig at the old Grindstone last Friday to give music-loving Sheffield Live listener, volunteer and gig correspondent Jade Knox an interview:

Jade: Which contemporary artists would you most compare yourself to?

Jordan: definitely Foals, just because we have a lot of melodic riffs – we haven’t got like a solid rhythm going with the guitars it’s all melody, that and a lot of atmospheric effects behind the guitars and we have been compared to Foals in the past!

Jade:  Would you say that you are “indie” or do you dip into more genres than that?

Jordan: We like to change things up, in between songs or even during the same one.

Jade: So your appeal stretches further than just the stereotypical indie fan?

Jordan: Definitely yeah! We often get put on stage with Arctic Monkeys copy-cats. Indie is such a generic term and we are a DIY band – that’s what I like to call it, we do everything ourselves, we write, record, produce all on our own.

Jade: If you were to get signed, which would be the record label you’d want to sign you?

Jordan: I personally, would love to be signed to Witchita. My all time favourite band The Cribs, Los Campesinos, FIDLAR and Those Dancing Days are all signed to Witchita. You can tell that the label gives the bands freedom within their music and if we were to be signed we’d still like to do a lot of the things ourselves.

Jade: For yourself, who are your main musical influences ?

Jordan: Like I say The Cribs are my all-time favourite, they’re only from Wakefield which isn’t far from me in Leeds. As a teen I did listen to a lot of Arctic Monkeys and as artists they have developed massively, they didn’t stick to the sound of their first album they changed it up every time which is what I want to do, it’s a new album, a new era, you can’t just keep reproducing the same sound you’ve already made. I’m also really into 50s rockabilly, motown, disco, synth-pop and new wave, I have a hugely broad musical taste.

Jade:  In terms of fashion, you change your style an awful lot, you were sporting a very 90’s bowl-cut at one point, do you get your influences from anyone in particular?

Jordan: If I see something and I like it, I’ll just do it, regardless of what’s in fashion at the present time. I do like to wear very classic never-go-out-of-fashion things, skinny jeans! I don’t think they’ll ever go out of fashion, plimsolls on my feet and denim jackets.

Jade: How did the band get together?

Jordan: Well Dale went to the Leeds College of Music where I graduated from and I actually posted on a forum saying that I wanted to make an indie band – but not a generic one – with some talented musicians. Dylan got in touch with Gav on there as well and Matty was just sorted of plonked together with us.

Jade: You seemed to have a bit of a hard time finding a drummer at first, what was happening?

Jordan: We seemed to have a bit of a curse with our drummers. Dylan was originally the drummer but he wanted to sing and play guitar as well, so we ended up changing him and having two drummers with us for about two weeks each and it was coming up to about a week before our first gig and we decided to get Gav’s mate Matty on it and he’s a phenomenal drummer.

Jade: What sort of position would you like yourself and the band to be in about three years from now?

Jordan:  Definitely on our second album, what we’re doing now is we want to release EPs until we get signed, we don’t want to make an album while we don’t have a label, I don’t think it’s a good idea to do that. A lot of labels look for bands that have got everything prepared and ready to release but I want to get our sound and songs perfect ready before this. In a few years’ time I’d like us to be playing decent slots in festivals. I think our band are a summery band and we want to play festivals.

Jade: It’d be ignorant to not notice that you are an attractive fella, would you say that you’re single at the moment?

Jordan: At the moment I would say that I’m seeing somebody – sorry!

Jade:  Your job as a music teacher means that both your work and play is consumed by music on a practical and theoretical level, does it ever get a ‘bit too much’?

Jordan: I’ve admitted to myself that I am addicted to music, for some people it’s drugs or drink but for me it’s music. I get a real buzz if I’m in a charity shop and I find a record that I really like. I wake up on a morning and I listen to the radio and then I teach music which I’m so passionate about and then when I get home I put one of my playlists on depending on my mood, I go to practice or write a song, it’s just something that fills my entire day. I can’t even imagine what I would do without it to be honest.

Jade: Who is your favourite up and coming artist at the moment? Who should I be looking out for?

Jordan: I’m still in love with Happy Daggers – I played their first gig with them in 2010 and they’ve got a real disco vibe but in an indie band – three of them are teachers as well and they absolutely love their music and have such a good stage presence, I completely recommend seeing them if they have a gig coming up. I heard that they were played on Hollyoaks lately – I’d love that, or an advert!

Jade: Are you looking forward to the gig at The Old Grindstone tonight?

Jordan: Yes I am! I know it’s not in the city centre but from what I’ve seen it’s a pub set up which seems absolutely buzzing. The music starts about half 8-9 and there’s five bands on I think, so it should go on quite late!

Jade: Do you like the steel city?

Jordan: I do indeed you’ve had some amazing artists come from your city and I expect more to arrive in future.

—

About Jade: “I am a tiny, twenty-two year old with a big love for music and radio. Fuelled on caffeine and forever changing the colour of my hair I’m going to be on the hunt for local gigs and talent in and around the steel city!”

What next?

The Happy Mondays – a Spiritual Experience

Sheffield Live listener Mel (of alternative folk rock project Braver than Fiction) was one of the lucky winners of Happy Mondays tickets in Sheffield Live’s recent competition, courtesy of O2 Academy Sheffield.

Mel sent us this review of the night: (we also have another review, from Jade Knox, here)

Let’s just step back in time a moment (cue wavy lines and swooshy sounds).

When the Happy Mondays disbanded in the early nineties, I wouldn’t say I was distraught but there was a definite sense of regret that they would be yet another great band I would probably never get the chance to see play live.

Naturally, when Shaun and Bez formed Black Grape I was somewhat comforted that a legendary legacy would not be forever lost but, at the same time almost fearful of listening to their debut album, It’s Great When You’re Straight… Yeah, in the event that I became bitterly disappointed.

Fortunately, this was not the case and so it came to pass that my hi-fi‘s alarm function was cued to rouse me (and my ever-tolerant neighbours) with “Reverend Black Grape” each morning at seven, for at least another eighteen months.

Thus encouraged, I kept abreast with the antics of all of the original Happy Mondays members over the years until, several reincarnations and thirty years later, I found I was finally going to see them perform at Sheffield’s O2 Academy – although to be honest, despite my exhilaration, I did not know what I might expect.

I should have known to expect the unexpected.

From the get-go, I was aware of the favourable thrum of conversation from the folks standing around me as they chattered excitedly about the first time they heard “Kinky Afro” or how they loved the original Happy Mondays but were too young, skint or wasted to go to a gig at the time. Everyone seemed to be revelling in a dreamy blend of balmy nostalgia and intense anticipation for the appearance of their idols (and I do not use that term loosely).

Bez was the expected, lanky personification of slightly sinister, crazed exuberance but with an air of maturity nowadays that, rather than dilute his outrageous character, affords him instead the grace of earnest authenticity. In a kaleidoscope of symbology and venerated by a dazed throng of dancing disciples, Bez lurched randomly in and out from his shadowy netherstage; transcending into light, he leered over the boiling audience, wielding his menacing crow-staff like a demented, maraca-shaking, Mancunian medicine man and, all the while, he is crowned with a riot protection helmet bearing the legend “PEACE”.

As Rowetta manifested in a swirl of glowing poi, her ethereal vocal heralded the beginning of a blistering set and, as the already throbbing atmosphere began to build, Shaun’s entrance all but put his congregation into a near-Evangelistic frenzy as he too materialized. As endearingly irascible as ever, he delivered every song with his beguilingly, nonchalant tone and demeanour; a rogue minister of funktastic rock.

I do not recall many gigs where I have danced the whole way through the set and was still good to go long after the encore but, this was one of them. The Happy Mondays were as chaotic as I imagined they would be but in a completely different dimension. They looked and sounded incredible and this was undoubtedly amongst the best gigs I have attended in 2013. The vibe was sociable, loving and tinted with just enough crazy to confirm that the Happy Mondays completely deserve their exaltation by their devoted fans; I strongly suspect that they will also have recruited a respectable quota of new devotees by the end of this tour.

Hallelujah!

What next?

  • Follow Mel / Braver than Fiction on twitter at @braverthan or checkout their website
  • We’re spoiling you! Read our other review of the night – including of the support acts Sulk and The Sunshine Underground, from Jade Knox

Happy Mondays, Sulk and Sunshine Underground review

Bez - Image c/o Jade Knox

Bez - Image c/o Jade Knox

O2 Academy 12th December 2013: Sulk, The Sunshine Underground, Happy Mondays – review by Jade Knox

Music-loving Sheffield Live listener, volunteer and gig correspondent Jade Knox went along to hear the Happy Mondays, Sulk and The Sunshine Underground at O2 Academy Sheffield. Here’s her review (also have a read of Mel’s review, here):

Sulk

The first band that played were a lovely bunch called Sulk. They had a particularly haunting sound in some of their songs, and I am completely aware of how drawing this comparison is bound to make the blood of adoring fans boil but I couldn’t help feeling a Stone Roses’ vibe when I heard this lot. Certainly a talented set of musicians who I would be more than happy to watch again. My only criticism (stay with me) would be that there could have been a teensy bit more audience engagement, I would happily listen to these in my spare time yet I was given no idea where to find them and so therefore left a little in the dark.

The Sunshine Underground

Another band I had not had the joy of listening to previous to the gig but I shall now be hearing on a regular basis as they now grace my Spotify playlist. I enjoyed absolutely everything about this performance, the band had fantastic stage presence and every single person on stage looked as if they were in love with the music that they were playing which as I’ve mentioned before just makes a gig so much more enjoyable for everyone concerned.

Happy Mondays

I feel as if I could sum up this entire gig with one word – BEZ! What a fantastic man he truly is. What an absolute legend, helmet on, maracas and something which could I can only describe as a MASSIVE staff in his hands, sending the crowd absolutely mental.

Musically the group were outstanding but I couldn’t help feeling slightly let down by the lack of audience interaction from the group, it felt a little disconnected at times, maybe perhaps down to my perception of the group being rowdy and rude – particularly Shaun who I had expected to perhaps say a couple of cheeky things to the audience – but hardly a peep.

I must at this point though, remember that the group, once renowned for being reckless, are not perpetually partying in a universe where time stands still but have of course become older and wiser and less likely to be flailing themselves around a stage, I guess they have truly left those hacienda nights behind.

Still, an exceptional performance which gave me the opportunity to imagine how it would have felt on one of those legendary Madchester nights.

What next?

  • Follow Jade Knox on twitter at @Morrisseyknox (& Sheffield Live’s Twitter address is @sheffieldlive)
  • We have ANOTHER review of this Happy Mondays gig from Sheffield Live listener Mel. Have a read.