The Rifles @Leadmill, Sheffield 30/03/13

Gracing Leadmill stage later than announced Saturday night there was no love lost once Joel Stokers’ voice hit our ears. This ever so special acoustic set, with the boys Stokers and Lucas Crowther, were always set to give something extraordinary, and they did exactly that.

Hailing from Chingford, London, the boys put together an impressive set, singing the majority of old hits apart from one new one, which was more than well received. Not having released anything solid since 2011, and losing two band members of The Rifles, with only borrowed keyboard player Dean still performing with the band, it’s been a good while since we’ve heard the lads back to their old tricks.

Once on stage, Stokers and Crowther were greeted to a rowdy crowd in high spirits, something that they appear to thrive on. With chants asking where “Deeeeeeno” is, the boys laughed and began their set.

Despite having a loyal following still after a good 7 years, the lads appear still humble as ever. The atmosphere they create gives a sort of exclusive party feeling, you are all there for one reason only; the music, with the fans as excited now as when they first popped up on the scene those many years ago.

They truly are crowd pleasers and appeared to keep everybody happy. The 70 minute set consisted of a pretty even mix between their three albums, songs such as ‘Out In The Past’, ‘Spend a Lifetime’, and ‘The Great Escape’, with everyone there stretching their vocal chords to every single song, along with chanting between tracks.

The Rifles travel with a mod army, with fans like theirs being more than dedicated. The passion and ferocity leaving everyone’s mouths and inch of their bodies truly does show something.

The boys in the band, despite being left to it by the rest, are still very tight. It’s impressive and also quite endearing. Although appearing to fit in with the typical indie boy band at present at the moment, these aren’t quite the same. Maybe comparisons to the likes of The Jam make that so, despite the amount of mullets in the audience. However the band remind you of a past time, even with playing their most recent tracks. They really connect with the audience, whether that’s down to their working class lyrics or the way their dedication to the band despite being still underrated is shown through. Possibly the youngest in the audience, it was a pleasure to see an elder generation out and still up for a good old rowdy time.

Although it being an acoustic gig, The Rifles proved that a drum beat and heavy bass riffs are still there thing. Playing old favourites ‘Local Boy’ and ‘Peace & Quiet’, as well as showcasing their new talent, this songwriting pair still knows how to write a good tune, with much edgy guitar riffs and frustration going into it.

Proving how loyal a following they have, The Rifles launched their ‘PledgeMusic’ campaign in September of last year. This was in order to help fund their 4th studio album, which they are currently working on, ready for release sometime this year.

‘PledgeMusic’, unlike other platforms that provide a means for a purchase, takes a direct-to-fan approach, inviting fans behind the scenes and into the intimate process of making and releasing new music. It gives fans the opportunity to follow the making of the new Rifles album closely, from recording through to release. They are also intending to raise money to donate to the Make A Wish Foundation. Every pledger receives a digital download of an acoustic EP, and from donating in their numbers to keep their favorite band going, they can snap up exclusive band merchandise with the likes of handwritten lyric sheets, drum skins and possibly an acoustic guitar from the recording sessions of the album along with the chance to join them in the studio to contribute on the album. It’s a great idea, and really connects the fans to the band itself.

Seeing them last night made me realise if I am ever in the same city as them again, it isn’t something to pass up on. Don’t miss out. I am about to make my pledge now, I hope you are too.

http://www.pledgemusic.com/artists/therifles

[Photo: Grace Casson]

Bonobo: ‘The North Borders’ album review

Bonobo ‘The North Borders’ Ninja Tune, 1^st April 2013, £7.99 on iTunes.

Ready to return, Bonobo releases much anticipated fifth studio album ‘The North Borders’, following a three-year break between album ‘Black Sands’ released back in 2010.

A popular one in the Ninja Tune Label family, hailing from Brighton, Bonobo; real name Simon Green, is a British musician, producer and DJ. Previous work resides to a use of a variety of complex basslines and percussions. Known for being experimental with down-tempo electronic music, Bonobo has been at it for a good 15 years now, being considered as one of the greatest at the sound he delivers. Touring with a band, as many producers do nowadays, the live renditions consist of a singer, keyboardist, guitarist, saxophonist, string section, electronics, and drummer, in which Green usually plays bass guitar, leading the band.

The true success behind Bonobo is his ability to portray emotion entirely through music, with very little word spoken. The album consists of deeper layers than any album known to Bonobo. Not too dissimilar to ‘Black Sands’, seemingly feeling like a continuation, the featured album showcases a variety of garage and techno beats with a hazy production, allowing perfectly created textures to be unveiled through the warmth of sounds he entices the listeners to.

‘The North Borders’ continues to raise the bar and proves Bonobo’s talent as well as his knack for showcasing new talent featuring on the album, with the likes of Erykah Badu and Grey Raymond. They both provide Bonobo’s sound with distinctive vocals and style. The sound produced is completely organic; nothing sounds too overproduced or overworked, with each track naturally moving on to one another.

Favourites: ‘Emkay’, ‘Cirrus’, ‘Heaven For The Sinner’.

Kodaline 25/03/13 @Leadmill, Sheffield

Nominated for the ‘Sound Of 2013’ poll award by the BBC, I’d only heard of Kodaline last December. Kodaline are a Dublin-based alternative rock quartet. Set to release the album: ‘In A Perfect World’ in June, these four lads are touring throughout the UK, set to unveil themselves to the world.

Mid first song, as lead singer Steve Garrigan introduces the band: “How’s it going? We’re a band called Kodaline, thanks a lot for coming out” in his soft Irish accent, you instantly feel irresistible to fall in love with him and his voice.

Playing in the smaller back room of Leadmill, this intimate gig was truly that. With it being a smaller crowd and venue, it is without doubt no question that everybody in the room are grasping every moment as it comes, savouring every one of them, with the knowledge that soon enough you won’t get a gig like this one again.

The crowd were one of the best I’ve seen in a good while. As soon as Garrigan’s voice projected to the microphone, everyone was stood in just absolute awe. Everybody standing in this pensive moment, just showed what the power of love can have on people, and the ample amount of variety of holdings it does have. Kodaline’s words are ever so sincere and convincing, that you can’t help but listen word to word, thinking of lost loves and rekindled ones. Kodaline have, and will continue to have, a loyal following. In between songs, loyal fans up front who also sang along to every word also shouted out to lead singer Garrigan asking to play some of their favourites; which in no doubt they definitely did.

Throughout the set, it definitely became clear that Kodaline are a truly passionate band. For Kodaline, “Music should have a purpose, you know. Our purpose is honesty” says Garrigan. These lads have a lot of sincerity about them, from the moment they walked on stage. Thanking the audience repeatedly, and talking to the audience in an awkward shyness, the band just makes you fall deeper for them.

The passion comes across in every song performed, with lines that linger on first listen. Playing both the banjo and harmonica at the same time on ‘Love Like This’, Garrigan looked like someone caught up in a memory, something which made the gig even more so heartfelt and genuine. What Kodaline do best apart from singing, is the impact they can have on the crowd. They do everything in their power to bring the audience in, including getting us all to sing an A Capella version of Sam Cooke’s ‘Bring It On Home’. Finishing on ‘All I Want’, there was no holding back from the fans. The crowd did not lose one word or note as soon as Garrigan started singing.

These beautiful gentlemen have so much more in store, with songs of this quality and undeniable appeal; you are definitely set to hear them sometime soon. I suggest you do pronto.

SOYO Live; ‘Ends Not Near It’s Here’

[DATE STAMP: 25/02/2013]

From the Human League, Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker, and Def Leppard, to Arctic Monkeys, Reverend And The Makers, Little Man Tate, and Long Blondes; these past and present Sheffield musicians have all endured great success.

Sheffield prides itself on being one of the greatest places to obtain such vibes. As well as this, there’s many a venue to provide free live music, one being SOYO. For nearly four years ‘SOYO Live’ has possibly been the best place to be on a Monday evening providing many memorable gigs. Unfortunately, the night has now come to an end. To much dismay, SOYO Live announced last week it has sadly finished with Monday 3^rd February being it’s final evening. Matt Cottrill, the founder of SOYO Live should be proud of what it’s achieved over the past few years and I’m sure I can count for everyone when I say we look forward to seeing what he has next up his sleeve. Cottrill’s truly warmed by the reaction to the night: “After almost 4 amazing years of weekly live shows and special events at SOYO Live, it’s with great sadness we are saying a fond farewell to our much loved night! We would like to say a massive thank you to every single person who has been involved, performed, attended & supported us from the start. It’s been a joy & we have made some great friends.”

The night not only promoted Sheffield talents, but many acts from over the border. SOYO Live has hosted many upcoming successes including Hey Sholay, The Crookes, The Book Club, Pistola Kicks, You Animals, Charlotte Subways (DJ Set), The 1975, Renegade Brass Band, Thomas J Speight, Yellowire, and a whole lot more.

Evidently the night will truly be missed. Mike Cambell a dedicated ‘Monday nighter’ of SOYO Live said “I’ve had some great memories over the years, I’m thankful for being able to cling to my youth for far too long”. Along with Paul Tuffs, who said, “It’s a shame, there’s been some great bookings. Matt Cottrill’s hard work and dedication is well recognised in Sheffield and beyond.”

Small venues are important to our creative culture with Sheffield always being at the forefront of this. Many successful musicians started their music careers gigging in bars; I just hope there is more on the horizon for the steel city.

Toddla Tuesdays #bigupsouthyorks

[DATE STAMP: Written 08/02/2013]

University Of Sheffield’s student-union night ‘The Tuesday Club’, plays host to the return of Toddla T to his home city on Tuesday 19^th February this month. On tour with ‘The Toddla T Sound’, he joins forces with DRS, Serocee, and vocalist Shola Ama.

Now with a weekly BBC Radio 1 slot, and a monthly residency at Fabric, London, Toddla, real name Tom Bell has come a long way since playing his decks in his bedroom; “I’m the S2 crew” he says in a video from ‘The Guardian’.

Focusing on ‘The Toddla T Sound’ project, a brand is now formed with the other artists and visuals on stage helping to create a party vibe, playing everything between dancehall, raga and garage. Bell has a lot of charisma whilst DJ-ing; with an endless amount of enthusiasm that helps his sets. The sound that he creates has turned Bell into a global sensation; said to be playing music before his time.

Signed in 2010 to Ninja Tune, Bell has released an imprint label called ‘Girls Music’; another project Bell is now working on in 2013. Although running through the label, it’s Bell who picks the tracks. Alongside this, Bell is in the process of setting up a side label called ‘Crooked House’, creating house music soon to be released.

Bell was recently asked by DJ and producer Major Lazer to go to Jamaica to work alongside after touring with them last year. He has emerged as one of dance music’s hottest new talents in Britain with 4 years under his belt at BBC Radio 1. His credibility is no longer only known just around Sheffield nowadays.

Known to Fabric as “Sheffield’s wonder kid”, Bell no longer raves in his bedroom. Back in 2007, Bell worked in skater shop ‘SUMO’ on Division Street in Sheffield. Aged 19, he DJ’d at weekends and produced music from home. Working alongside older staff, hence given the name ‘Toddla’, they were keen in his interest for music and took him to underground parties run by Sheffield DJ’s Winston Hazel and Pipes; who after meeting Bell decided to take him under their wing. From this, Bell started playing ‘Kabel’; a night in Sheffield placed at different buildings and warehouses. Bell began to work as a duo named ‘Small Arms Fiya’ producing beats and DJ’ing parties. It was then that Ross Orton, drummer from the band ‘Pulp’, noticed Bell’s potential and recommended him into a studio in Sheffield called ‘Kenwood’. This had a huge impact on Bell; being able to create music as well as meeting people within the business, which is where Bell’s career began to pick up.

He said he believes his music is completely shaped by Sheffield, according to The Independent. In The Guardian’s video on Bell, he discusses the fact he returns to his home city as much as he can, with often hangouts including DQ, The Bowery, Bungalows and bears, and Dirty Little Secret. The Guardian also reveals as Bell walks through Sheffield, he is stopped every few feet after bumping into a mate or familiar face. This in mind, he does stay modest about his success most of the time, with exception to the odd line: “People do say I am the King of raga dancehall in the UK”, said with a smirk on his face in an NME interview video.

Now living in London, focusing on new music with ‘The Toddla T Sound’ and ‘Girls Music’ amongst touring, playing his residency at Fabric, and his radio show, Bell is also expecting his first child with long term girlfriend Annie Mac; a fellow BBC Radio 1 DJ. Expected in May this year, we still have a couple of months with him before he gets settled.

Toddla T Sound latest release: ‘Worst Enemy’. Available to purchase on 25/03/2013.

Jake Bugg @o2Academy Sheffield, 02/02/13

On arrival, with twenty minutes before Bugg’s expected start time, hearing 70 quid offers on my way in from touts, and seeing how packed out they let academy be, I really couldn’t believe the hype of Bugg, that of especially 70 English pounds.

Although I myself was subject to silly ebay prices of 30 quid, I wasn’t expecting anything more from him as previously seen. That wasn’t to say I wasn’t a bit pissed off though.

Sheffield was the first gig of his tour, something which usually would be considered as exciting and enthralling. It just so happened to be unfortunate that Bugg looked extensively miserable throughout the entire gig, again just unfortunate that I had spent double the face value price to see it.

Despite saying his please and thankyou’s, he didn’t seem to utter many other words to the audience. He kept his distance resulting in him hardly engaging with the crowd.

However, everybody beside me seemed to adore the young Nottingham 18 year old. The pace of the gig didn’t really seem to fit. It was all a bit of a mishmash. His lack of charisma is all I have to put down to it. I continually felt like the gig was yet to get going.

Everybody around me seemed just excited to see him. It’s shit but it seems like if he were to leave, putting a CD on as a replacement, the audience wouldn’t have noticed. Hearing theirs over Bugg’s voice proves they knew their stuff don’t worry I’m not doubting that, yet it wasn’t about that, and it just didn’t provide much room for Bugg to show his connection to his music.

Would I see him again? No. Would I have gone knowing what I know now? Yes. I saw Bugg do what he does best. He is a very talented guitarist and songwriter. He finished on an impressive two song encore including a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Killing Floor’, something which he did do effortlessly.

Bugg will be in Nottingham by now. Let’s hope he puts on a good show for his hometown. As much as it sounds like sarcasm, I actually do hope he doesn’t disappoint.

Liam Fray Acoustic Show @TheLeadmill Sheffield 06/02/13

Fray- “I fuckin’ love you Sheffield!”

The Leadmill seemed perfectly fitting for this kind of show. A special show. An intimate show. Yes, Liam Fray delighted us northerners with a solo acoustic show in honour of release of new album ‘ANNA’. Amongst us, he played twice in hometown Manchester, Leeds, Preston, and Liverpool.

For a measly tenner, you could get a ticket to one of these very special shows, the new release of third Courteeners album ‘ANNA’, and a signed lyric sheet by Fray. Liam himself revealing how much of a good deal it was saying about the ticket “It was only 6 quid, you can’t complain” after stuffing up on a line. From an honest slip up to start with, he began the show with ‘No You Didn’t, No You Don’t‘.

This sell out gig had one of the greatest atmospheres I’ve seen for a good while, and I mainly put that down to Liam Fray himself. His playful attitude and charisma makes everybody want to either be him, or be with him. He’s attentive to the audience and seems to love everyone of us… Well makes us all believe so, maybe that’s just me going weak at the knees for him.

With the crowd belting the lines back to him, during ‘Please Don’t’, Fray let the crowd hold the chorus themselves, with a slight smirk on his face, and rightly so.

Reading Fray’s piece on Britain’s small venues featured in Q Magazine, Fray really does love his music and sticks to his Mancunian roots. I sound surprised, I’m not, I’m just in awe. Not many do nowadays, and I think this is what’s down to his success. Many a time in the past I’ve been pissed off with Fray and his clan The Courteeners, but you can’t ever fault how musically and lyrically talented they all individually are.

After a few songs, Fray was joined by keyboardist Adam Payne, with them both including throughout the gig a few impressive bars of ‘Tomorrow’ by fellow Mancunians James, Fleet Foxes, and The Kills, with ‘impressive’ being an understatement.

Fray is a very humble man, by this point talking of his midweek Number One spot in the charts position. By the weekend it reached Number Six, something which he still proved to be grateful by, tweeting “Great chart position? YES. Best fans in the world? Abso-fuckin-lukely”.

For an acoustic gig the crowd were rowdy and lively as ever, but what else do you expect from the cavorting unsnorting type? Finishing on ‘Not Nineteen Forever‘, The Leadmill felt a very special place to be, and the night will remain in many hearts, until next time.

The Courteeners hit Sheffield o2 Academy on 15^th March of this year.

Joe Carnall & Friends @Queens Social Club, Sheffield 21/12/12

The time has once again come where the cult formed around the 2006 ‘indie’ era in Sheffield get together to see Joe Carnall present a very special set, with some friends of his. This sold out show set at the Queens Social was always going to be truly amazing, and high expectations were met as i’m sure everyone would agree.
    Recent weeks showed alot of rumour speculation of who his ‘friends’ were actually going to be. Arctic Monkeys and Revs, Reverend And The Makers, were always going to be the popular choice, and a good guess it was. Spotted was Matt Helders, the drummer from Arctic Monkeys, aswell as Nick O’Malley, the bassist. John McClure, named the Reverend from Reverend And The Makers also joined the audience, actually standing beside myself.
    Joe Carnall, former Milburn frontman came on stage to The Housemartin’s rendition of ‘Caravan Of Love’, with the whole audience singing along. Joe Carnall telling the audience it’s “now my turn”, he began to play the rest of the song. His entrance was something special, and so was the official beginning of his set, starting with Milburn forever classic ’17’.
    Inbetween songs the classic Milburn chant was made repeatedly. Milburn, who although split back in 2008, have made a huge impact on Sheffield. In the classics played, the singing quickly turned to dancing and a little mosh emerged in front of Carnall’s heels. We are such a devoted following, something you can tell Joe Carnall appreciates. There was a lot of excitement and tension in the air with the amount of rumours going round who was joining on stage. Carnall went on to perform a mixture of Milburn classics with ear-grabbing riffs and melodies such as ‘Well Well Well’ and ‘What Will You Do (When The Money Goes)’, as well as few of The Book Club tracks including ‘What Was Said On The Landing’ with help from Ed Cosens and
Ryan Jenkinson as well as a few others. The Reverend joined the stage mid set to perform his single ‘Heavyweight Champion Of The World’ with Carnall, and later to cover Human League ‘Together In Electric Dreams’ and Dolly Parton‘s ‘Jolene’ track. Another few covers by Carnall consisted of Talking Head’s ‘Psycho Killer’ and Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’. This was a perfect way to say Merry Christmas and a perfect way to end the night.
    If you ever hear of another show with Joe Carnall amongst the line up, it’s a must that you attend. The ever so reminiscent night reminds you of how musically talented and wise this young man is, with a band behind him or not. Thank you for making my Christmas. 

Squeeze, @o2 Academy Sheffield, 02/12/12.

It isn’t often you read a review where the main act and support are equally as good as one another. Sunday 2^nd December saw Squeeze and Paul Heaton arrive in Sheffield together playing at the o2 Academy, on an extensive UK ‘Pop Up Shop’ tour.

   Paul Heaton had an early, and in my opinion, short set of around 40 minutes. He performed a lot from his new solo album that is set to be out in the new year, as well as performing some old solo work. Paul, “bred in Sheffield, fed in Surrey” as been known to describe himself as, enjoyed interacting with the Sheffield crowd; telling them what songs he was to play, as well as just a general chitchat. I can vouch for every member stood in the audience that Paul finished his set as we all had hoped; performing a twist on the cover he had done with The Housemartins, ‘Caravan Of Love’. This A cappella version of the song fitted perfectly, which also brought the crowd together, ready for Squeeze. After introducing his band on stage with him, he thanked Squeeze for asking him to be their support act, and then went on to thank the audience.

   I only noticed once Squeeze came on to perform that this Sheffield crowd were definitely hard pleasers to say the least. Not a lot of people seemed open to the new hits they were playing. This somewhat did demonstrate how difficult it actually must be to match the quality and success of the songs they wrote a good thirty to forty years back. It took quite a few songs to be played before the opening lines of ‘Is That Love?’ to encourage the first dancers to start moving about. After a couple of new ones played, a section of a solid 6 classics from the band’s extensive back catalogue were performed in a row, including ‘Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)’, ‘Up the Junction’, ‘Black Coffee in Bed’, and ‘Tempted’.

   The band haven’t aged one bit, with their voices blending as well as ever. As much as Sheffield proving to be a difficult audience, it didn’t seem to phase them at all. The contrast in reaction from a new song to an old made me have faith that Squeeze could tour with just these old songs and would still do well, if not better, however musically and lyrically, Squeeze cannot be at fault at all, and this was proved throughout the entire set.

   After their encore, they came back to play ‘Cool For Cats’, ‘Another Nail in My Heart’, and ending on ‘Goodbye Girl’. If you hadn’t read the reviews from other shows you wouldn’t have guessed what was to happen next. Whilst performing their last song, they all got down off the stage playing each instrument, and continued to walk out to the side of the audience round to the back as they finished playing. Squeeze certainly proved they’ve still got it, something that in all respect, they don’t even need to do. As it appears, Deptford’s finest still seem to pull off the general effortless aura that they have about themselves.

UK Festival Season Not #Trending This Year?..

A few years back, many festivals including Latitude, Reading and Leeds, and Bestival, were all sellout festivals, actually selling out way before the tickets were even printed. It was the moment just before the credit crunch struck and its taken a while, but maybe it’s finally took a hit. It is estimated that last year overall, around 30 festivals went bankrupt. This year has seen Big Chill festival, which begun 18 years ago, being cancelled. Could this be the start of the end for our UK festivals?

It seems everyone is a lot more conservative in terms of their spending. I would agree that that’s not the only reason however. For a while, there has been an increasingly cool trend of going to a festival. You need the ‘look’, the clothes, and the haircut. The original idea of going to a festival seemed to offer an alternative reality. Now, it’s an industry. Festivals seem fashionable over recent years, high street chains have reveled in this notion of festival clothing, what to wear, what not to wear, in order to look cool and stand out of the crowd.

You find more and more people, despite there being a recession amongst our mitts, buying tickets to festivals without even seeing the lineup or having interest in the lineup. The idea of just going to a festival is seemingly worth it apparently. However when you look at it, is 200 quid for camping in a busy park really worth it? You could get it a lot cheaper and just take a speaker with you.

Festivals abroad are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. It seems that there are many accessible budget airlines offering cheap flights, as well as an experience that’s part-holiday, part-festival. Many of these festivals are now being promoted throughout the UK, costing as much, if not a little more than the UK scene, so why not?

The concept that the UK festival scene is ending I don’t believe is correct. People find the money somewhere. It’s more the question of whether who the headline acts are matter anymore…

I spoke with student Max Anderson about his Festival Season and Experience

http://soundcloud.com/gracecasson/festival-season-1

Photo: http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/62266