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!